After the heartfelt reunion filled with worry and affection from his girls, Ash and his harem moved to the dining room for a much-needed dinner. The table was already set beautifully with Delia's home-cooked feast roasted meats, fresh salads, steaming bowls of soup, berry pies, and all of Ash's favorites.
The warm aroma filled the house, creating a cozy and loving atmosphere.
They were soon joined by two special guests. Tracey Sketchit and Professor Oak arrived, the latter carrying a small case. Professor Oak's eyes immediately softened with a gentle smile as he saw his granddaughter Daisy Oak sitting happily beside Ash, clearly overjoyed to have him back home safely.
"Well, well," Professor Oak chuckled warmly. "It looks like the hero has returned victorious once again. Congratulations on your latest achievement, Ash."
Tracey grinned beside him. "You never cease to amaze us, Ash!"
Ash smiled modestly. "Thanks, Professor. It was a tough challenge, but we pulled through."
During dinner, Professor Oak slid the case across the table toward Ash. "I brought something for you. Since you've finished the Kanto and Orange Islands challenges, it's time to officially begin your Johto journey. This is a brand-new Pokédex, upgraded with the latest features for the Johto region. You should head to New Bark Town to register for the Johto League."
Ash took the sleek device with gratitude. "Thank you, Professor. I'll head there soon. The Johto region is calling my name."
Professor Oak nodded approvingly. "Good, good. I'm looking forward to seeing what new discoveries you make."
Ash turned to Tracey with a curious smile. "What about you, Tracey? What are your plans now?"
Tracey scratched the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "I've decided to become Professor Oak's personal assistant full-time. There's still so much to learn and document. I think it's the best path for me right now."
Daisy couldn't resist teasing her grandfather and old acquaintance. "Oh? Taking care of Grandpa full-time? You'll need some serious pointers then. Make sure he doesn't skip meals when he's lost in research, and don't let him stay up all night studying Pokémon cries. He gets cranky when he's tired!"
Professor Oak nearly choked on his soup. "Daisy! Must you embarrass me in front of everyone?"
The entire table burst into laughter. Misty wiped tears from her eyes. "Poor Tracey, you've got your work cut out for you!"
Sabrina smiled softly. "It sounds like a perfect role for you, Tracey."
After the laughter died down, Ash looked around at his harem. "So… who's coming with me on the Johto journey?"
Misty raised her hand immediately. "I'm in! I want to see the new Water-type Pokémon there."
Sabrina nodded calmly. "I'll come too. Psychic-types in Johto should be fascinating."
Giselle smiled shyly and leaned closer to Ash. "Master, I would love to come with you as well. I'd love to travel by your side again."
Melody grinned excitedly. "Count me in! Johto sounds like a blast."
Erika spoke gently but firmly. "I'll join as well. My Gym can be managed for a while."
Daisy added with a warm smile, "I'll come too. It'll be nice to explore new places together."
Cynthia placed a hand on her swollen belly and smiled softly. "I'll stay here with Mom and Amber. Traveling in my condition wouldn't be safe, but I'll be cheering for all of you."
Delia nodded, reaching over to squeeze Cynthia's hand. "Don't worry, dear. I'll take good care of her and Amber while you're gone."
Professor Oak looked impressed but curious as he turned to Erika. "But Erika, what about your Gym and the flower shop in Celadon City? Can you really leave them for so long?"
All the girls exchanged knowing smiles. Erika answered gracefully, "We actually have a solution for that. Ash received a special Teleporter device from a brilliant scientist during one of his adventures. It lets us travel instantly between locations once the keyword is set."
The revelation stunned both Professor Oak and Tracey.
"A long-distance Teleporter?!" Professor Oak's eyes widened with scientific excitement.
"That's incredible! The technology for something like that is still theoretical in most circles. Where did you get such a device, Ash?"
Ash chuckled. "It's a secret for now, Professor. But I promise in the future, I'll try to get a lower-tier schematic of it and share it with you."
Professor Oak looked overjoyed. "That would be wonderful! The research possibilities alone…"
Delia's eyes filled with happy tears. "This means you girls can visit home whenever you have free time during the journey. I'm so relieved and delighted!"
The dinner continued with heartfelt conversations, laughter, and stories. They talked about potential Pokémon they might encounter in Johto, strategies for the league, and how the family would stay connected.
Amber excitedly asked if she could come visit them someday using the Teleporter, and everyone assured her she could.
After the wonderful meal, the group slowly dispersed for the night. Tonight, the harem sisters had decided that Ash should sleep beside his pregnant wife Cynthia. "She'll miss you the most while we're traveling,"
Misty had said kindly. "So tonight, she gets to enjoy your company."
Cynthia smiled gratefully as she lay beside Ash in the comfortable bed, her hand resting on her belly. "Thank you, everyone," she whispered softly to the other girls before they left the room.
Ash gently wrapped his arms around her, placing one hand over hers on her belly. "I'll miss all of you, but I'm especially going to miss moments like this," he murmured. "Take care of yourself and our twins while I'm gone, okay?"
Cynthia leaned into him, her voice full of love. "I will. And you stay safe out there. Come back to us stronger than ever."
The house grew quiet as everyone settled in for the night, hearts full and bonds stronger than ever. Tomorrow, the journey to the Johto region would officially begin.
Scene change:-
The next morning arrived bright and full of promise. Ash stood in front of his house in Pallet Town, dressed in his traveling gear a comfortable jacket, sturdy boots, and his signature cap. Beside him were his harem girls, all geared up for the journey: Misty in her classic outfit with a determined smile, Sabrina looking elegant yet ready, Giselle in practical yet cute attire, Melody full of energy, Erika graceful as always, and Daisy looking excited for new adventures.
Pikachu perched proudly on Ash's shoulder, Eevee trotted beside him, and Togepi sat happily in Misty's arms. The group was ready to begin their Johto journey.
In front of the house, Delia, little Amber, Clefairy, Mr. Mime, and the pregnant Cynthia had gathered to send them off. Professor Oak and Tracey had also come to wish them well.
Delia stepped forward first, her eyes misty but filled with pride. "Ash, my son… be safe out there. Take care of each other. And remember to eat properly!"
Amber ran up and hugged Ash tightly. "Big brother! Bring back lots of strong Pokémon and stories! I'll miss you!"
Ash knelt down and hugged her back warmly. "I'll miss you too, Amber. I'll call and visit as much as I can with the Teleporter. You take care of Mom and Cynthia, okay?"
Cynthia smiled softly, one hand on her belly. "We'll be waiting for all of you. Come back safely, everyone. The twins and I are counting on you."
Misty stepped forward and gave Cynthia a gentle hug. "We'll visit often. Don't worry about a thing."
Sabrina nodded. "We'll make sure Ash stays out of too much trouble."
Giselle bowed slightly with a shy smile. "Master, we will protect each other on this journey."
Melody grinned brightly. "Yeah! Johto won't know what hit it!"
Erika placed a hand on Cynthia's shoulder. "Rest well. We'll bring back souvenirs."
Daisy gave her grandfather a quick hug.
"Take care, Grandpa. Don't overwork Tracey too much!"
Professor Oak chuckled. "I wish you all the best of luck. The Johto League is tough, but I believe in you, Ash. Catch many new Pokémon and make wonderful memories."
Tracey gave a thumbs-up. "Show Johto what you're made of!"
Ash stood tall, looking at everyone with deep gratitude. "Thank you all. I promise we'll do our best. I'll definitely win the Johto League and catch many new Pokémon along the way. And with all of you supporting me, I know we can do anything."
He turned to his traveling companions. "Ready, everyone?"
Misty pumped her fist. "Ready!"
Sabrina smiled. "Let's go."
Giselle nodded. "Yes, Master."
Melody cheered. "Adventure time!"
Erika and Daisy nodded enthusiastically.
With one final round of hugs and goodbyes, Ash and his group waved to their family and began walking down the familiar path leading out of Pallet Town. Delia, Amber, Cynthia, Professor Oak, and Tracey stood watching until they disappeared around the bend.
Delia wiped her tears with a proud smile. "They'll be just fine."
Cynthia nodded. "Our family is growing stronger every day."
As Ash and the girls walked toward their first destination New Bark Town the excitement for the new region and new adventures filled the air. The Johto League journey had officially begun.