Since that fateful morning, a week had passed in a blur of training and family meals. Every day, Ash enjoyed lunch with his mother, Delia, always making sure to tell her that her cooking was "out of this world."
Her warm smile and gentle laughter filled the house with a sense of comfort he had never experienced before.
Today, Ash found himself at his usual hiding spot near Route 1 Forest. It was a secluded area, rumored to be haunted by ghosts.
The local children often stayed away, terrified of the tales they spun. But Ash had been coming here every day for the past week, and he was convinced that the stories were just that—stories.
He could sense the presence of others within a five-meter radius, and so far, he hadn't felt anything unusual.
"Huh," he mused to himself, a smirk on his face. "No ghosts here. Just a bunch of fools."
Little did he know, he was being watched. A mysterious presence had been observing him for the past five days, intrigued by this odd child who came to the forest alone.
This watcher was none other than Mew, the mythical Pokémon, curious about Ash's training and his unusual aura.
After a long day of practice, Ash returned home, covered in dirt and sweat. As he approached the front door, he noticed his mother waiting, a worried expression etched on her face. Seeing the concern in her eyes made Ash feel guilty for not sharing the truth about his powers.
"Mom, I—" he began, but the look of worry on her face made him hesitate. She looked as if she thought he had been bullied.
"Sweetheart, what happened?" Delia asked, her voice laced with concern.
"Nothing! I'm fine!" he quickly reassured her, lowering his gaze. "I just, uh, was chasing some Rattata in the woods."
Delia's face softened as she processed his words. "Oh, Ash! You need to stand up for yourself. Don't let anyone bully you!"
Ash could see the misunderstanding in her eyes, and he felt a pang of guilt for lying to her. He wished he could tell her everything but knew he wasn't ready just yet.
"I promise, Mom. I'll be careful," he said, hoping to ease her mind.
Delia's frown transformed into a smile. "That's my boy!" She stepped forward and enveloped him in a tight hug, surprising Ash.
"Just remember, I believe in you, and I'm always here for you."
As he returned her embrace, Ash felt a warmth in his heart. He cherished these moments with her, even if they were built on half-truths.
Time flew by, and three months passed in the blink of an eye. Ash continued his training, honing his Psychic and Aura abilities, often practicing in the woods.
He occasionally sensed a presence nearby but could never catch a glimpse of the mysterious watcher. The rumors of ghosts faded in the backdrop of his everyday life, overshadowed by his growing bond with his mother and his journey to become a Pokémon Master.
With each passing day, Ash felt stronger and more confident. Yet, he knew deep down that he had yet to reveal his true self to Delia.
When the time was right, he promised himself, he would share everything with her. But for now, he continued to embrace his life in Pallet Town, knowing that greatness awaited him just beyond the horizon.
It had already been six months since Ash had become Ash Ketchum, and his life had changed in ways he never imagined. His training continued, and he had recently broken through to the intermediate level in Aura abilities.
Though he remained a beginner in Psychic abilities, his progress was notable. His range for sensing had increased by an impressive 30 meters, giving him greater awareness of his surroundings.
As a reward for reaching the intermediate level, Ash had received a Max Potion—an item that could heal Pokémon completely. It felt like a significant milestone, a tangible proof of his hard work and dedication.
Finally, it was time to share his experiences with Delia. As he sat down for lunch with her, a mix of excitement and anxiety swirled within him. After their meal, he took a deep breath and spoke up.
"Mom, I need to tell you something important about what I've been doing in the forest."
Delia paused, her fork hovering in the air. "What is it, Ash?"
He explained everything: the training, the abilities he was developing, and his secret hideout in Route 1 Forest. At first, she listened intently, but as he continued, her expression shifted from concern to horror.
"You've been alone in the woods, practicing your powers? What if something happened to you?"
Seeing the fear in her eyes tugged at Ash's heart. "Mom, I'm okay! I promise! I can sense things around me. I wouldn't be out there if it were dangerous."
Her expression softened slightly, but the concern still lingered. As Ash explained further, he could see her struggling to process it all.
There was a moment of helplessness in her gaze, as if she realized there was nothing she could do to protect him from this new world he was entering.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, acceptance washed over her face. "As long as you're not being bullied or hurt, I'm relieved,"
she said, her voice steadier. Through their bond, Ash could feel her happiness—she was truly glad he was safe.
"Really, Mom! I've been working hard, and I'm not alone. I have my powers to help me!" Ash reassured her, smiling brightly.
Delia smiled back, her worry slowly fading. "I'm so proud of you, Ash. Just remember to be careful out there."
With the truth finally out in the open, their bond grew even closer. Life felt almost too easy for Ash as he navigated this new world, the days flowing seamlessly together with training and laughter. Yet, in the back of his mind, he couldn't help but wonder what awaited him in the future.
As he gazed out the window, watching the clouds drift lazily across the sky, he felt a surge of anticipation. Adventure was calling, and he was ready to answer.