章 12: 12. Saying Goodbye
Later, the police arrived. After Professor Oak explained the situation to them, Officer Jenny assured him that the police would help monitor the surrounding area for safety.
With this assurance, the summer camp proceeded smoothly. Thanks to Ash defeating Fearow, the flock of Spearow did not return, ensuring a safer environment for everyone involved.
Professor Oak continued the summer camp activities as planned, leading the children in exploring the wild and teaching them about Pokémon and about Pokémon Trainers. Although Professor Oak was with a group of children, Ash felt a deep sense of fulfillment. This world was completely different from his old one. There was less pressure on him, and as a Trainer, he could pursue his dreams with confidence, unlike the 9-to-5 grind of his previous life. During the summer camp, Ash forgot his past life and slowly integrated into this new world.
The week of summer camp passed quickly. All of the children learnt and experienced a lot. Though they came from different places and didn't know each other initially, they eventually formed friendships, creating bonds that would last beyond the camp and forever.
Eventually, it was time to say goodbye. On the last evening, Professor Oak led everyone back to the gate of Pallet Town Laboratory. Many parents were already waiting. After greeting Professor Oak, they left with their children, who excitedly shared their camp experiences and what they had learnt with their families.
However, one girl named Serena wasn't very happy. Her long golden hair, tied with a cute pink bow, hung down, hiding her reluctance. Serena had initially resisted participating. But after experiencing the thrilling events with Ash and bonding with Pokémon over a few days, she was no longer afraid of them. She had become especially close to Ash. For Serena, who had never traveled far and had very few friends, Ash was her first true friend. He had protected her during the attack, and now she had strong feelings for him. She didn't expect them to get separated so soon.
"Hey!"
Serena, who was looking down, suddenly felt something on her head. Startled, she quickly looked up. She saw Ash's bright smile. He was gently placing a delicate straw hat on her head.
"This is yours!"
Serena recognized it immediately. It was the hat she had dropped during the attack. The situation had been too dangerous at the time to retrieve it. She had forgotten about it, not wanting to trouble anyone.
"Ash!" Seeing Ash with her hat, Serena burst into tears.
"I found it when I went into the jungle the day before yesterday. It looks great on you!"
"Woo-hoo!" Hearing Ash's words, Serena couldn't hold back anymore and threw herself into Ash's arms, crying loudly.
"In the future... will I not see you anymore?" she sobbed.
"Hmm..." Ash paused slightly, uncertain about how to respond. Had he accidentally gotten involved in a more emotional situation than he anticipated? Despite his usual bravado, he found himself at a loss. Although he wasn't as emotionally clueless as some might think, the situation was still tricky. Despite their similar physical ages, Serena was still a seven-year-old girl, while his soul was that of an adult. If he were in his adult body, this situation would be highly inappropriate. But seeing Serena crying, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy.
Serena, oblivious to Ash's inner turmoil, continued to cry. Seeing Ash's hesitation, she tried to control her emotions, fearing she had caused him trouble and was about to let go.
"Serena, your hometown is the Kalos Region, right?" Just as she was about to release him, Ash spoke gently.
Serena trembled slightly and responded in a low voice through her sobs, "Hmm..."
"When I become a Trainer in the future, I will visit the Kalos Region, so... we will definitely meet again," Ash said, placing his hands on Serena's shoulders and gently pushing her away to look into her eyes. This promise was genuine. The Kalos region was a place he hadn't explored, and he was very eager to visit.
"Really? Will you really come?" Serena asked, her tears mingling with a hopeful smile as she wiped her eyes.
"Certainly!"
"Then if you come to the Kalos region, you must visit me in Vaniville Town. It's a deal! A pinky promise," Serena said, extending her pinky finger.
"Well! It's a deal," Ash replied with a smile. To him, an agreement was sacred. Breaking it was not an option. In the setting sun, the two children's pinkies linked in a solemn promise.
"Then... I'll go first!" Ash said, breaking the moment.
"Take care, Ash. I'm sure you'll be a great Trainer."
"Thank you, take care of yourself too." As Ash walked away, he waved back at Serena. She waved in return, unsure if he could see her.
"Hmmmm! Is that little boy your boyfriend?" A voice suddenly broke the moment, making Serena jump. A woman with short hair, shielding her eyes to look at Ash, then looked down at Serena and teased her.
"Mom?! What are you talking about? No, he's not!" Serena's face turned red as her heart raced.
"Haha! It seems this summer camp was quite eventful! Let's go home," said Serena's mother, Grace. Grace had sent Serena to the summer camp hoping she would overcome her fear of Pokémon and make new friends. It seemed her hopes had been fulfilled.
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