At night
Pokémon Center Guest Rooms
The chaos of Team Rocket's failed heist had settled, and the Pokémon Center returned to peace. In their shared guest suite, Delia sat by the window brushing her hair under the moonlight, while Rena leaned against Akg's shoulder on the couch, eyes half-closed, comforted by the warmth of his presence.
Akg looked out the window toward the distant silhouette of Viridian Forest. His mind wasn't on sleep—it was on what came next. He knew the Viridian Gym was not a place he could afford to challenge—not yet.
"The strongest gym in Kanto…" he muttered. "But secretly run by the leader of Team Rocket. Even the Alliance is blind to it." He clenched his fist. "Better to avoid unnecessary eyes on us."
Rena looked up at him quietly, sensing his unease. Delia, hearing his thoughts aloud, walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"We'll travel smart," she said softly. "Just like you always do."
Next Morning - Pokémon Center Entrance
The group stood together under the morning sky. Ash, with his usual eager energy, had Pikachu perched on his shoulder. Misty, after freshening up, arrived with Officer Jenny who wheeled in a familiar, slightly scratched bicycle.
"Found your bike, Misty. Not in perfect shape, but repairable," Officer Jenny said with a grin.
"Thank you so much!" Misty cheered.
Ash scratched his head, laughing awkwardly. "Yeah… sorry about that."
Misty eyed him, then glanced over at Akg. She hesitated for a second before speaking.
"I've decided." She turned toward Akg's group. "I want to travel with you guys."
Akg raised an eyebrow. "What about your own journey?"
"I can still train and catch Pokémon," Misty said with a shrug. "But after what I saw yesterday—and how you handled everything—I feel like I can learn a lot more with you."
Delia smiled at her kindly. "You're always welcome, dear."
Rena didn't look too pleased but didn't object either—just crossed her arms and turned her head.
Ash stepped forward. "I think it's better if I go on my own. Pikachu and I need to train, explore, and grow strong—our way." He grinned with his usual determination. "We'll meet again. Count on it."
Akg extended a hand. "Good luck, Ash."
"Same to you, Akg." Ash bumped fists with him, then waved to the group before heading out solo down the trail.
Route Toward Pewter City – Late Morning
Akg, Delia, Misty, and Rena walked together through the forest path. Pidgeys chirped from trees overhead, and the sunlight dappled through the canopy.
Misty who send her repaired bike back to home was moving beside akg, occasionally glancing toward Akg with curiosity and admiration. Delia walked peacefully, enjoying the journey, while Rena—still a bit possessive—clung closer to Akg than usual.
As they neared the outer edge of Viridian Forest, Akg paused, looking back toward the city behind them.
"From here on out, it's a new phase," he said quietly. "No more distractions. We go forward… and get stronger."
Delia and Misty both nodded.
The road to Pewter City had begun.