NOVEL NEXT Chapter 12: 12
Later, the police arrived. After Professor Oak explained the situation, Officer Jenny assured him that the police would monitor the area to ensure safety.
Thanks to Ash defeating Fearow, there were no further appearances of the Spearow flock in the area.
With the safety concerns resolved, Professor Oak continued the summer camp as planned. He led the children in exploring the wild, teaching them about Pokémon and Trainer skills.
Even though Ash was with a group of children, he found the experience fulfilling.
This world is completely different from the one I left behind, Ash thought. There's no relentless pressure. Becoming a Trainer here means being able to chase your dreams with confidence, unlike my old world, where it was all about working a 9-to-5 grind.
During the week-long summer camp, Ash found himself letting go of the burdens of his past life and slowly integrating into this new world.
---
The Last Day
The week passed quickly. In just seven days, the children learned and experienced a great deal. Although many of them were strangers from different places at the start, they formed strong friendships by the end.
But goodbyes were inevitable. On the evening of the last day, Professor Oak led everyone back to the gates of the Pallet Town Laboratory.
Parents had already gathered there to pick up their children. After exchanging greetings with Professor Oak, the parents left with their children. As they departed, the children excitedly recounted their adventures from the camp.
Among them, however, one child wasn't as cheerful.
A little girl with golden hair tied with a pink bow hung her head low, her reluctance plain to see. This girl was none other than Ser Lena.
At first, Ser Lena hadn't wanted to participate in the camp. But after overcoming a harrowing experience and spending time with the other children, she had warmed up to Pokémon.
She had bonded with Ash the most during these days. For someone like Ser Lena, who hadn't traveled far or had many friends, Ash was her very first friend.
He had been there when she was in danger, protecting her from harm. She felt a special connection to him, and now, she wasn't ready to say goodbye.
---
A Heartfelt Gift
As Ser Lena stood with her head lowered, she suddenly felt something being placed on her head. Startled, she looked up to see Ash's bright, sunny smile.
With one hand, Ash gently adjusted a delicate straw hat on her head.
"This is yours," Ash said.
Ser Lena recognized the hat immediately—it was the one she had dropped when they were attacked in the jungle. The situation had been too dangerous at the time to go back for it. She had assumed it was lost and forgotten about it.
"Ash..." Ser Lena's voice cracked as tears welled up in her eyes.
"I found it when I went back into the jungle the day before yesterday," Ash explained. "I thought it would look great on you."
Hearing his words, Ser Lena couldn't hold back her emotions anymore. She threw her arms around Ash and started sobbing.
"In the future... will I ever see you again?" she asked through her tears.
Ash paused, caught off guard. His soul might have belonged to an adult, but he was still in the body of a child.
Did I just accidentally pick up a girl? he wondered, unsure how to handle the situation. Despite his hesitation, he couldn't bring himself to dismiss her feelings.
Noticing Ser Lena beginning to pull away, he spoke gently, "Ser Lena, your hometown is in the Kalos Region, right?"
Ser Lena, still sniffling, nodded. "Yes."
"If I become a Trainer, I want to visit the Kalos Region someday. So... we'll definitely meet again," Ash said with a reassuring smile. He placed his hands on her shoulders and gently pushed her back to look her in the eyes.
"Really? You promise?" Ser Lena asked, wiping her tears away as hope filled her voice.
"Of course!"
"Then, if you ever come to Kalos, you have to visit me in Vaniville Town. It's a promise!" she exclaimed, holding out her pinky finger.
"Deal!" Ash replied, locking pinkies with her. To him, a promise was a sacred thing—not to be made lightly.
As the evening sun cast a warm glow over them, the two children made their pact.
---
Parting Ways
"Then... I'll go now," Ash said as he stepped back.
"Take care, Ash. I know you'll become a great Trainer," Ser Lena said, her voice filled with sincerity.
"Thank you. You take care too."
Ash turned and walked away, waving as he went. Ser Lena waved back, even though she wasn't sure if he could see her.
---
A Mother's Tease
"Hmm... is that little boy your boyfriend?" a voice teased from behind.
Startled, Ser Lena turned to see her mother, Saki, standing there with a playful smile.
"Mom! What are you talking about? No, he's not!" Ser Lena protested, her cheeks turning bright red as her heart raced.
"Haha! It seems like this summer camp was very productive," Saki laughed. "Alright, let's head home."
Saki had sent Ser Lena to the camp in hopes that she would overcome her fear of Pokémon and make new friends. Judging by her daughter's reaction, she felt the camp had been a great success.