Pokemon : Rewind

"Why?" Ash asked, his curiosity piqued.

"You're asking why...? I'm not really sure..." Misty looked distressed, struggling to articulate why only trainers were allowed to stay and eat at the Pokémon Center.

"Maybe it's just for the welfare of trainers?"

Not wanting to press further, Ash let the topic drop.

Knowing wouldn't change anything, and sometimes ignorance was easier.

After dinner, Misty suggested taking Ash for a stroll outside. Given his earlier performance, it was clear he had never experienced a city as large as Viridian City.

"Okay!" Ash eagerly agreed. He was excited to explore Viking City, despite the fact that it was under Team Rocket's control, a detail that wasn't immediately apparent.

"But first, I need to make a phone call!"

Ash suddenly remembered that he hadn't informed his mother, Delia, that he had arrived safely. He hurriedly expressed his intention.

"The phones are in the lobby," Misty said, guiding him out of the restaurant.

They made their way to the northeastern corner of the lobby, where several phones were lined up, and many people waited to make calls.

After a few minutes of waiting, it was finally Ash's turn.

The phone resembled a traditional landline but featured a display screen that allowed for video calls.

He dialed his home number and waited as it rang. The screen didn't light up immediately, but Ash soon heard his mother's familiar voice.

"Hello? Hello, this is Delia."

"Mom, it's me, Ash!" he replied eagerly, and Pikachu on his shoulder chirped softly in greeting.

"Oh, it's Ash and Pikachu!" Delia's face lit up on the screen as it illuminated.

She beamed at her son and his electric companion. Then she noticed Misty standing behind Ash and paused, slightly taken aback.

"Um… hello, Auntie! My name is Misty, and I'm Ash's friend..." Misty stammered, feeling nervous and a bit surprised by Delia's appearance.

She hadn't expected Ash's mother to be so beautiful.

"Hello, hello…" Delia greeted warmly, glancing back and forth between Ash and Misty. She hadn't expected her son to find such a cute friend on his first day out.

"Mom, is everything okay at home?" Ash asked, unsure of what else to say, seeking to keep the conversation light.

"Of course! How about you? Since you called me, I take it you've arrived in Viridian City?" Delia smiled, her eyes shining with concern.

"Yes, thanks to Misty's help, I made it here quickly," Ash replied, omitting the more stressful details of his afternoon so as not to worry her.

"I remember it took your father four full days to reach Viridian City. You've done much better than he did," Delia mused, her tone filled with nostalgia.

"Mom... there's no need to compare us,"

Ash replied, a hint of exasperation in his voice.

"Okay, okay, I won't mention it again. But you have to promise to brush your teeth morning and night, and remember to go to bed early and rise early..."

Delia's motherly instincts kicked in as she began to lecture him.

Misty watched Ash from behind, a pang of envy tugging at her heart.

Her parents had disappeared years ago; although there was no news of their fate, she felt certain they were no longer alive.

Ash's mother's caring words made her long for that kind of familial warmth.

"By the way, Miss Misty..." Delia suddenly turned her attention to her son's companion. "I'll leave my son in your care."

"Eh? Oh! Yes, I... I will," Misty stuttered, taken off guard. She hadn't expected Delia to mention her, and after a moment's realization, her cheeks flushed bright red.

"And please don't call me 'Miss.' Just call me Misty..." Her voice softened, her shyness returning.

"Hmm..." Delia smiled approvingly, enjoying the reaction her words provoked in Misty, who shyly averted her gaze.

"Mom, Misty might not be traveling with me. You shouldn't say things like that." Ash interjected, bewildered by his mother's implications.

"You idiot! Why wouldn't you want to invite Misty? Of course you should!" Delia's voice took on a tone of playful exasperation.

"Is that how it is?" Ash pondered, still confused.

"Absolutely! You've inherited your father's cluelessness," Delia said, shaking her head.

After a few more exchanges, Delia ended the call. Ash, feeling a bit embarrassed, turned to Misty.

"I'm sorry. My mom can be like that. You really don't have to pay attention to what she said."

Upon hearing Ash's words, Misty's expression darkened, her earlier shyness evaporating.

She shot Ash a glare, crossing her arms defiantly. "I suddenly don't want to go outside anymore. You can go by yourself."

"Don't! I'll get lost without you!" Ash exclaimed, bewildered by her sudden mood shift.

He was indeed directionally challenged, and the thought of wandering the city alone was daunting.

Despite her words, Misty eventually relented, leaving the Pokémon Center with Ash. It was still early, and she had supplies to replenish.

Though Ash hadn't said it yet, Misty had already begun preparing for their journey.

Traveling required a lot of essentials, like food, water, and daily necessities. Since Delia had asked her to look after Ash, she felt a responsibility to ensure he was well-prepared.

"Pika..." Pikachu looked between them, sensing the tension.

He felt a bit helpless; even he could see that Misty harbored feelings for Ash, while his Trainer seemed utterly oblivious.

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Adios