c164: Farewell, Sad Serena! !
The students were brought back to the camp after several Pokémon were snatched away, and the joyful mood that had followed the completion of summer camp vanished instantly.
Although these Pokémon weren't their permanent partners they had only been distributed for temporary use during the camp they had still spent two meaningful weeks together. The sudden farewell, without any warning or closure, left everyone disheartened.
Fortunately, Ash and his friends had returned to the camp hut immediately after the graduation ceremony to gather their belongings. Because of this quick action, their Pokémon were not taken by Team Rocket during the attack.
Even though the group was only a bunch of young trainers, too inexperienced to confront Team Rocket directly, the concern for the lost Pokémon was heavy in everyone's heart. Still, with the support and comfort of Professor Sycamore and Sophie, the students managed to proceed with the final activities some registering their Trainer IDs and social accounts at the Pokémon Center to keep in touch, others capturing farewell moments with their cabin mates using the drone-controlled Rotom Camera.
Though everyone tried to keep spirits high, the strained smiles and lingering sadness in their eyes revealed their true emotions.
Ash, Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie continued with the original plan and made Pokémon food for Clefairy, Fletchling, Poliwag, Sandshrew, and Butterfree in the camp cafeteria.
After saying goodbye to their temporary Pokémon partner, No. 330, they too began capturing farewell memories with photos, just like the other students.
All in all, despite the mishap with Team Rocket, this summer camp had brought happiness and meaningful experiences.
For Ash in particular, this camp had been momentous. Not only did he win first place, but he also earned the privilege of receiving his first Pokémon earlier than the usual age an honor granted by the Pokémon League. Moreover, he was given Froakie, a Kalos Region Water-type starter Pokémon with top-tier potential, as his first official partner.
This Froakie, as shown in later Kalos saga chapters, would evolve into Greninja and become Ash's strongest ally.demonstrating extraordinary power and forming the unique Ash-Greninja bond.
Ash also revealed signs of possessing latent aura sensitivity and displayed natural Trainer instincts, drawing the attention of the Kanto Pokémon League officials. These early signs of his potential had already impressed Professor Oak and even caught the eye of Elite-level trainers.
In addition, Ash's mother, Delia, had secretly launched an online shop called "Ash's Skills Meow Meow House" on the Pokémon League's official trainer marketplace on his first night at camp. The next day, she arranged for a design studio to begin customizing the online shop's look and functionality.
Now, thanks to Professor Oak's support, Ash had access to a portable Poké Ball transfer machine something normally restricted by the League. Oak personally covered the cost for the machine, allowing Ash to manage trades and Pokémon rotation effortlessly, without spending a dime.
Another major highlight of this year's summer camp was the presence of Saffron TV, invited by Goh and his family. The media team had broadcasted the camp's activities 24/7, and Ash's online store received free promotion as a result.
With Goh frequently mentioning the shop during broadcasts, Ash's store already had over 90,000 followers even before its official launch. It was expected to break 100,000 followers soon, so Ash had no concerns about its future.
Now, as the students registered their accounts and shared farewell photos with their summer Pokémon companions, the reality of departure began to sink in. Though Team Rocket's attack disrupted some, Ash and his group were fortunate to have avoided it but in respect for those less lucky, they did not express excessive joy.
Still, parting was bittersweet.
The moments of taking photos with their Pokémon and friends stirred deep emotions. Although Ash lived in Kanto and Serena in Kalos regions separated by nearly a full day's journey by plane the bond they built over this brief summer camp was irreplaceable.
Their connection, forged across two distant regions, felt stronger than friendships made with local peers. For Tierno, Trevor, and Shauna, the thought of never seeing their new friends again made the farewell feel like a permanent goodbye.
This emotional tension thickened the air around them.
"By the way," Shauna suddenly said, standing from her chair, "I almost forgot I stayed at Serena's house before camp started. Her parents were so kind to me."
"We're leaving tomorrow morning, and I'm not sure if the bus is heading straight to Viridian City or stopping in Pallet Town first."
"I want to call them and say goodbye properly and thank them for everything. I also noticed an oven in the cafeteria. I'm going to bake a cake for them."
"Hey! I almost forgot too!" Trevor exclaimed.
"Shauna, can you teach me and Tierno? We want to bake a cake for Delia."
"Count me in!" Serena chimed in.
"I'll help too!" Bonnie added.
With a new task to focus on, the heavy mood lightened slightly, as everyone became immersed in preparations and baking.
But even amidst the noise, Serena gently tugged on Ash's sleeve, cheeks flushed and voice timid.
"Ash… c-can I take a few photos with you? As a souvenir?" Serena's voice was soft, just like it was when she first arrived at camp.
"Of course," Ash replied without hesitation. Behind them, the others giggled and whispered teasing comments as Ash took Serena's hand, and the two headed outside.
They visited every familiar spot—the cafeteria, the auditorium, the Pokémon Center, the student cabins, even the quiet edge of the surrounding forest and took pictures together in each.
But as they finished photo after photo, Serena still didn't seem content. Her smile grew forced again. And then, without warning, she threw herself into Ash's arms and began to sob.
"Waaaaaah… (6ò﹏ó)?"
"It's okay. Let it out you'll feel better once you cry," Ash whispered gently, wrapping his arms around her and patting her back.
After a while, when Serena's tears had slowed and her emotions began to settle, Ash softly cupped her cheeks and lifted her gaze to meet his.
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