The golden rays of the rising sun filtered gently through the curtains of Ash's room in Pallet Town. A soft breeze rustled the window, carrying the familiar scent of pine and early morning dew.
Ash stirred awake, blinking sleepily—only to realize he was still snugly sandwiched between Misty and Sabrina, both peacefully asleep with soft smiles on their faces. Pikachu, curled up with Eevee and Togepi in the miniature tent at the corner of the room, let out a lazy "Pika…" still dozing.
As Ash tried to sit up, Misty yawned and stretched beside him, blinking open her eyes. Before he could say anything, she leaned forward and gave him a gentle yet passionate kiss.
"Mmm, morning," she whispered.
Sabrina, not to be left out, raised an eyebrow and calmly pulled Ash back down with psychic ease, giving him her own deep kiss. "Balance," she said smoothly.
Ash's face was now as red as a Cheri Berry, caught off guard by his morning double-ambush. The girls giggled at his flustered expression.
After their affectionate wake-up, the trio headed into the shared bathroom for a casual morning wash. They were long past any awkwardness, already familiar with each other from many shared journeys, and the sound of teasing and playful splashes echoed lightly from the closed door.
Once dressed and ready for the day, the trio descended the stairs, smiles fresh on their faces, ready to greet the morning.
In the living room, however, chaos had already begun.
"That's MY broom!" Brock barked dramatically, one foot on a stepladder, the other on a bucket.
Mr. Mime stood across from him, arms crossed like a determined referee, holding a feather duster like a sword. He raised an invisible wall in front of Brock with a mocking salute.
"I said I'd clean the windows today!" Brock declared, eyes burning with passion. "You did them yesterday!"
"Mime mime!" the Pokémon shot back smugly, pointing to his chore chart taped to the fridge. It clearly read Monday: Mr. Mime's Territory.
Amber, seated on the couch and munching on cereal, cheered from the sidelines. "Go, Mr. Mime! Use Feather Duster Slash!"
Pikachu and Eevee had popcorn somehow. Togepi was refereeing with a wooden spoon.
Delia peeked out from the kitchen and sighed dramatically. "Boys... Why are you fighting over cleaning? If only they put this much energy into mopping after dinner."
Misty and Sabrina chuckled behind Ash, who facepalmed. "It's too early for a domestic rivalry."
Delia turned to her now-awake children and winked mischievously. "Oh good, lovebirds. Slept well?" She eyed the trio slyly. "Not too loud, I hope. There's a child in the house, you know."
Ash nearly tripped over his own feet, while Misty choked on air and Sabrina blushed just slightly before straightening her posture.
Amber blinked innocently. "What does she mean by loud—?"
"Cereal?" Ash interrupted quickly, thrusting a bowl at her. "Let's have another one! Extra milk!"
With breakfast in full swing, laughter in the air, and a Pokémon duel over house chores playing out in the background, the day had officially begun in Pallet Town.
Today, Ash would be heading to Professor Oak's lab—to reconnect with old partners and see just how far his journey had come.
As the morning bustle settled, the household split into its daily rhythm.
Delia, already in her apron, was preparing ingredients for the day's work at her bakery. Mixing batter with practiced grace, she hummed happily—especially with her new Pokémon, Mr. Mime, who gracefully used his psychic walls to hold up trays, stir bowls, and even balance measuring cups in midair like a seasoned sous-chef.
Ash watched with a smile. "Glad he's helping out, Mom."
Delia beamed. "Thanks to you and your friends, I've got extra help around the house and bakery. Mr. Mime is an absolute gentleman!"
Meanwhile, Amber, bouncing with excitement, tugged at Ash's sleeve. "Big bro! Big bro! Can I come with you to see your Pokémon at Professor Oak's? Please?"
Ash looked at her for a moment before grinning. "Of course. Hop on, squirt."
He crouched down and let Amber climb onto his back, piggyback-style. She giggled with glee, arms wrapped around his neck like a happy Pichu.
Misty chuckled at the sight. "You're getting soft, Ash."
"Been soft," Sabrina added teasingly, adjusting her coat.
Ash rolled his eyes with a small smirk. "You two love it."
Delia waved from the door, Mr. Mime mimicking the gesture with perfect comedic timing. "Take care, you three—and you better not bring back any new Pokémon until you check if we have space in the fridge!"
The gang laughed.
And just like that, with Pikachu and Eevee leading the way, Ash, Misty, Sabrina, and their precious tagalong Amber made their way down the sun-dappled path to Professor Oak's lab—ready to revisit old friends, share their progress, and maybe spark a few new surprises along the way.
As Ash and the gang finally reached Professor Oak's lab, the familiar white building came into view under the clear morning sky. Birds chirped in the distance, and the scent of blooming flowers filled the air.
But just outside the gates, Ash came to a stop.
Standing near the entrance with his arms crossed and a slightly brooding expression was none other than Gary Oak. His once-confident swagger was noticeably dulled, and the usual cocky grin was missing from his face.
Ash raised an eyebrow. "Gary?"
Gary looked up and forced a smirk. "Well, well, if it isn't Ashy-boy."
Amber tilted her head from Ash's back. "Who's that, big bro?"
Ash chuckled. "That's Gary. We kinda grew up together... and competed a lot."
Gary snorted but lacked his usual bite. "So, you here to cry about losing to the Viridian Gym Leader too? Don't worry, I already did my part. Got wrecked by some mystery Pokémon that guy used. Whole battle was over in seconds. It was humiliating."
Ash blinked for a second, then looked away with a small smile.
Gary narrowed his eyes. "Why are you smiling?"
Ash shrugged casually. "Oh, no reason. Just... I already beat the Viridian Gym Leader."
Gary's jaw dropped. "Wait... what?!"
Ash reached into his jacket and pulled out the Earth Badge, letting it gleam in the sunlight.
Gary took a step back. "You beat him? That monster of a Gym Leader and whatever Pokémon he used?"
Sabrina stepped forward, arms folded. "He didn't just beat him—he broke his ego."
Misty nodded, smiling proudly. "Ash earned that badge fair and square."
Gary looked stunned. For once, there were no insults or sarcastic quips. Just pure disbelief.
Amber giggled from her brother's back. "Told you my big bro's the best!"
Gary sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "Well... guess I still have a lot of catching up to do."
Ash extended a hand with a grin. "Then catch up, Gary. I'll be waiting."
Gary stared at the hand for a moment, then smirked and shook it. "You better not slow down, Ashy-boy. Next time, I'm not holding back."
They shared a brief but respectful moment as the past rivals acknowledged how far they'd both come.
Just then, the lab door opened, and Professor Oak peeked out. "Well, look at this! My two favorite troublemakers back in one place."
Ash smiled. "Hey, Professor. We've got a lot to catch up on."
"And some Pokémon to visit," Misty added.
Sabrina nodded. "And maybe a few surprises."
The group stepped into the lab, the mood light but filled with anticipation for the reunion ahead.
Professor Oak led Ash, Misty, Sabrina, Brock, and little Amber toward the wide, sunlit backyard behind his lab. The air was filled with the soft hum of nature and the distant chirping of wild Pokémon.
Ash smiled warmly, his trusted partners Pikachu and Eevee trailing closely beside him, both never once slipping back into their Poké Balls—they were always by his side, ready for adventure.
With a confident nod, Ash reached for four Poké Balls. He opened the first, releasing his female Dragonite, who soared up with a graceful and powerful flap of her wings. She circled above the yard, her golden scales shimmering in the sunlight before landing softly beside Ash.
Next, he released Aerodactyl, who burst out with a fierce cry, beating his prehistoric wings and performing a swift loop in the sky, his eyes sparkling with excitement to be free.
Ash then released Hisuan Zoroark—a mysterious Pokémon unfamiliar to Professor Oak, who blinked in surprise at its elegant, shadowy form prowling silently through the grass with bright, intelligent eyes.
Finally, Ash threw the last Poké Ball, and Annihilape exploded out with a roar, pounding his chest in a show of raw power, ready to impress.
Professor Oak's eyes gleamed with admiration. "Astounding! Your Dragonite is magnificent—strong and graceful. And Aerodactyl, just as fierce as ever! But... what is that? I've never seen a Pokémon like that before."
Ash grinned. "That's Hisuan Zoroark. It's a new form I encountered during my travels."
Oak looked intrigued but said nothing more, clearly captivated by the rest of Ash's team.
Amber's attention darted around the backyard, where many more of Ash's Pokémon roamed freely, each busy with their own activities:
Pidgeot soared overhead, performing aerial loops and sharp dives, calling out proudly.
Butterfree fluttered among the flowers, gently pollinating the blossoms alongside its female counterpart.
Gyarados lay by the small pond, occasionally flicking water with its massive tail, making playful splashes.
Bulbasaur basked in the sunlight, vines stretching lazily as it soaked up energy.
Blastoise was swimming in a large pool with his iconic dark glasses.
Charizard sat atop a rocky outcrop, wings partially spread, casting a watchful eye on the yard.
Krabby scuttled along the edge of a small creek, snapping its claws as if ready for a challenge.
Horsea hovered above the water surface, shooting small bubbles playfully.
Gastly twins floated near a tree, playfully spooking each other with their ghostly faces.
Several Wartortles swam in the pond, occasionally play-fighting and splashing.
Hunter prowled quietly near the bushes, alert and protective.
Gengar twins lurked in the shadows, their mischievous grins flashing briefly as they disappeared and reappeared.
Kadabra levitated books and small objects nearby, practicing telekinesis.
Annihilape growled softly but affectionately at Ash's side.
Nidoking, impressive and powerful, stood near a cluster of rocks, scanning the yard.
Muk oozed lazily near a flower bed, seemingly relaxed.
Tauros stamped its hooves and let out a thunderous roar.
Dragonair glided gracefully near the pond's edge, shimmering in the light.
Shellder clung to the rocks, snapping playfully at nearby Pokémon.
Jigglypuff floated by, occasionally singing a soft lullaby.
Aerodactyl, fresh from release, landed near his prehistoric brethren.
Lastly, Clefairy who was chasing some pokemons and laughing happily.
Amber's eyes sparkled with delight as she pointed at the bustling scene. "Wow! Look at all your Pokémon, Ash! They're all so amazing! Can I meet them all?"
Ash chuckled softly, lifting her onto his shoulder. "Of course, Amber. You'll get to know each one soon enough."
Pikachu rubbed against Amber's cheek while Eevee nuzzled her hand, and Togepi peeked shyly from its ball, eyes wide with curiosity.
Professor Oak beamed with pride. "Ash, you've come so far. These pokemon are strong and loyal to you and can you tell me how you encountered this bizzare pokemons like that muated pidgeot or the talking gastly or your dragonite by the way which is hugging me like muk."
Ash smiled warmly at Professor Oak. "Maybe it's luck... or destiny. Who knows? But let me call them first."
He closed his eyes briefly, focusing his energy and letting out a gentle wave of his aura. One by one, his Pokémon scattered across the yard perked up, their eyes locking on Ash. With excited cries and joyful calls, they bounded, flew, or glided toward him.
Dragonite swooped down gracefully, landing softly beside him. Aerodactyl screeched and circled overhead before settling near Ash's feet. Hisuan Zoroark padded silently but purposefully, and Annihilape gave a powerful roar, pounding the ground with his fists in greeting.
Around them, the rest of Ash's Pokémon—Pikachu, Eevee, Butterfree, Pidgeot, and all the others—followed, flooding the yard with energy and warmth.
Amber's laughter filled the air as she clapped her hands with delight. "Look at all of them! They all came to you! Your Pokémon really love you, Ash!"
Ash knelt down and ruffled Amber's hair gently. "They do. And they always will."
Professor Oak watched the heartwarming scene with a smile, marveling at the bond between Ash and his team.
The yard was alive with joyful Pokémon chatter and the happy giggles of a little girl, as Ash's family and friends gathered around, ready for whatever adventures lay ahead.