With the legendary birds calmed and the world saved, the atmosphere on Shamouti Island shifted from tension to pure celebration. The islanders, grateful for Ash's role as the Chosen One, decided to throw a massive farewell party before his departure. Colorful lanterns lit up the night, traditional music filled the air, and long tables overflowed with delicious local food. Dancers in vibrant costumes performed joyful routines, and laughter echoed everywhere.
Ash sat peacefully on the steps of the ancient shrine, the cool night breeze brushing against his face. Slowking sat beside him in quiet companionship, its crown glowing faintly under the moonlight. Baby Lugia nestled comfortably in Ash's lap, cooing softly as it enjoyed the gentle breeze.
Ash smiled warmly at his girls. "You all go ahead and enjoy the party. I'll relax here for a bit and join you soon."
Misty gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Don't take too long, okay?"
Sabrina squeezed his hand gently. "We'll be waiting for you."
Daisy and Giselle hugged him warmly before heading down with Tracey toward the lively festival grounds.
Left alone with Pikachu, Eevee, and the baby Lugia, Ash gazed out at the now-calm ocean. The stars reflected beautifully on the still water, creating a peaceful and breathtaking view. Pikachu and Eevee sat on either side of him, content after the long ordeal.
The quiet moment was interrupted when Melody appeared, wearing the beautiful traditional Festival Maiden dress. The white outfit with red trim suited her perfectly, and the flower crown in her pinkish-red hair made her look radiant under the moonlight. She walked up the shrine steps and sat beside Ash, a soft blush on her cheeks.
For a while, she just sat there, fidgeting slightly. Then the words started pouring out.
"You were… really amazing today, Ash," she began, her voice full of admiration. "The way you commanded your legendary birds, how you stayed calm even when everything was falling apart… and that Mega Evolution thing? I've never seen anything like it! You're so strong, and kind, and you saved everyone… I mean, you're basically a hero straight out of the old stories!"
She kept talking, praising him like a high school girl with a massive crush — her words tumbling over each other in excitement. Ash listened with an amused smile, eventually letting out a warm laugh.
Melody realized how she sounded and blushed deeper, covering her face. "I… I'm sorry, I got carried away…"
Ash chuckled softly and shook his head. "It's okay, Melody. It's actually really nice to hear. I'm glad you admire me. But I'm just a trainer who loves his Pokémon. We all worked together to make this happen."
Melody relaxed a little, smiling shyly. "So… what will you and your girls do next?"
Ash looked out at the sea with a calm, content smile. "We'll return to Kanto first. Then… we'll start our next big adventure. There's still so much of the world to see."
Melody's expression turned a bit disappointed, but she tried to hide it. "When… when will I meet you again?"
Ash pulled out his Poké Nav and gave her his number with a kind smile. "Whenever you miss me, or if you ever want to talk, just call. I'll always answer."
Melody took the number with slightly trembling hands. Then, with a sudden bold look, she turned Ash's face toward her and gave him a passionate kiss on the lips. It was quick but heartfelt — her first kiss. She pulled back with a mischievous yet shy smile.
"That… was my reward for my hero," she whispered, cheeks burning. Before Ash could respond, she stood up and ran down the shrine steps, disappearing into the festival lights.
Ash touched his lips, a bit stunned. A System notification appeared in his mind.
[Ding!]Melody Favorability: 60 (Crush) → 80 (Love)
Ash shook his head with a small, amused sigh. "That girl…"
He stood up, gently cradling baby Lugia, and joined his girls at the farewell party. The night was filled with laughter, dancing, and warm memories.
The next morning, Ash and his group gathered at the shoreline for their departure. The islanders, along with Maren, Carol, and Melody, had come to say goodbye. Ash released his Shiny Gyarados and Mutated Lapras (Ice Empress form), their majestic appearances once again shocking the crowd.
As the group boarded the boat, Melody suddenly ran toward the shrine. She climbed the steps, raised her flute, and played Lugia's calming song one last time. The beautiful melody carried across the waves, a heartfelt goodbye.
Then, with all her courage, Melody shouted at the top of her lungs:
"Ash! I love youuuuuu!"
The four girls turned to look at Ash with raised eyebrows. Ash rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Don't look at me like that…"
With smiles, laughter, and a few playful teases from the girls, the boat finally departed from Shamouti Island, carrying Ash and his loved ones toward their next destination home.
As the boat sailed smoothly away from Shamouti Island, the girls immediately turned their attention to Ash with mischievous, teasing smiles. Misty crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow.
"So… care to explain why Melody suddenly shouted 'Ash, I love you' at the top of her lungs?" she asked, her tone playful but with a hint of possessiveness.
Sabrina tilted her head, her violet eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Yes, Ash. We'd like to hear the full story."
Daisy and Giselle leaned in closer, clearly waiting for details.
Ash rubbed the back of his neck with a sheepish grin and recounted what happened at the shrine Melody's excited babbling, the bold kiss, and her quick escape. The four girls exchanged looks, then nodded in perfect sync.
Misty held out her hand. "Give us her number. We'll take care of the matter."
Ash chuckled but handed over Melody's contact info from his Poké Nav. "Just… don't be too hard on her, okay?"
The girls smiled sweetly perhaps a little too sweetly.
Lapras suddenly changed direction with an excited cry, veering toward a distant group of islands. The group looked ahead and spotted a large school of Lapras swimming gracefully through the waves.
Tracey's eyes lit up. "A whole school of them! This is perfect for sketching!"
Misty leaned forward excitedly. "Ash… do you think this could be the same school Lapras originally came from?"
Lapras approached the school with a hopeful call, but the other Lapras mostly ignored her. One teal-colored Lapras tried to respond, swimming closer with a happy cry, but the others pushed it away protectively.
The gang watched in stunned silence. Suddenly, one of the Lapras fired a Water Gun attack toward them, followed by a thick Mist that covered their escape. The school quickly vanished into the fog.
Misty looked heartbroken. "They're scared of humans…"
At a nearby Pokémon Center on Tarroco Island, Ash used the videophone to contact Professor Oak. The professor appeared on the screen, looking concerned about the recent weather anomalies.
Oak explained, "Those Lapras may have been attacked by poachers before. They've grown wary of humans."
Ash then asked about the private island he had requested for his Pokémon. Professor Oak smiled proudly.
"I've already purchased a large, beautiful island near Pallet Town. It has plenty of space, forests, beaches, and protected waters. Your Pokémon will have everything they need there."
Ash grinned. "Thank you so much, Professor. You're the best."
Oak waved it off humbly. "It's nothing. By the way, about that Mega Evolution you mentioned earlier"
Ash quickly cut the call with a nervous laugh. "I'll explain everything when I get back to Kanto, Professor! See you soon!"
Officer Jenny soon arrived at the Pokémon Center. She explained that several pirates led by Captain Crook had been sighted in the area, firing cannons at Lapras and trying to capture them in a protected no-capture zone.
Ash's expression darkened with fury. "Poachers… I'll take care of them myself when I see them."
Nearby, the school of Lapras continued swimming. The teal-colored one kept looking back sadly. Suddenly, a pirate ship appeared, manned by Captain Crook and his crew. They fired cannons loaded with Poké Balls, releasing multiple Tentacruel that surrounded the Lapras pod.
The Tentacruel attacked with Poison Sting, but the lead Lapras blocked with Water Gun. More Tentacruel were deployed to cut off their escape.
Ash and his group arrived just in time. Seeing the attack, Ash's eyes flashed with anger. He combined his psychic power with his newly acquired water manipulation ability, raising his hands and summoning a massive tidal wave that crashed into the pirate ship, trapping the pirates and their Tentacruel.
Ash's Ice Empress Lapras then fired a powerful Ice Beam, freezing several Tentacruel in place.
The school of Lapras approached cautiously. Ash's Lapras met with the teal-colored one, who turned out to be her mother. The emotional reunion was heartwarming as mother and daughter nuzzled each other happily.
Officer Jenny arrived in a patrol boat and arrested the pirates. Misty gently released the captured Tentacruel, who happily swam off into the ocean.
Ash spoke to the entire Lapras pod. "You don't have to live in fear anymore. You're welcome to relocate to my private island near Pallet Town. You'll be safe there, protected from poachers."
The Lapras discussed among themselves before nodding in agreement.
Ash took out 25 Poké Balls and caught the entire pod, then transferred them to Professor Oak for safekeeping.
At that moment, a System notification appeared.
[Ding!]
Mission Completed: Help Lapras Reunite with Her Mother and Save Her PodReward: Lapras Leader Crown(Increases Lapras's power by 50% when fighting opponent Pokémon.)
Ash smiled warmly as he stored the new item. "This is perfect."
With the Lapras pod safe, Ash and his gang resumed their peaceful journey toward Pallet Town, the sun shining brightly overhead.