Professor Oak clapped his hands together with enthusiasm, his eyes twinkling behind his glasses. "Well then, Ash! Since you asked me about that private island earlier, how about we go take a look right now? I think you'll be quite pleased with what the League approved."
Ash's face lit up with genuine excitement. "Really? Right now?"
"Of course!" Oak replied, already heading toward the back of the lab. "I've been dying to show it to you. Come on, everyone!"
The group followed Professor Oak outside to where a sturdy, open-top jeep was parked. Pikachu and Eevee stayed behind at the lab to continue playing with the other Pokémon, promising to join later. Ash sat in the front passenger seat, while Misty, Sabrina, Daisy, and Giselle squeezed into the back with Tracey. Cynthia, who had joined them from the house with her noticeable four-month pregnant belly, sat comfortably beside Ash, holding his hand. Amber sat on Ash's lap, excited to join the adventure.
The drive to the nearby shore was filled with excited chatter and laughter. Misty leaned forward, resting her chin on the back of Ash's seat. "I still can't believe we're getting our own island. This feels like a dream."
Sabrina smiled softly, her hand resting on Ash's shoulder from behind. "After everything we've been through in the Orange Islands, it's a well-deserved reward."
Daisy gazed out at the passing scenery. "I wonder what it looks like. Grandpa, you've been so mysterious about it!"
Giselle, sitting beside Daisy, looked a little nervous but excited. "I hope there's enough space for all of Ash's Pokémon… and for all of us too."
Cynthia gently squeezed Ash's hand, her other hand resting on her belly. "It will be wonderful to have a place where everyone can be together. The little ones will love it when they arrive."
Amber bounced on Ash's lap. "I want to see the island! Can I have my own room there, big brother?"
Ash laughed and ruffled her hair. "Of course you can, Amber. We'll make sure everyone has a perfect spot."
Professor Oak chuckled as he drove. "You'll see soon enough. It's quite special."
They reached the shoreline after a pleasant drive. A sleek, professional speed boat was already waiting at the small dock, captained by a friendly league employee in uniform.
"Professor Oak, Champion Ash, and everyone welcome!" the captain greeted them warmly. "Everything is ready for you."
The group boarded the boat, and it sped off across the calm sea. The wind whipped through their hair as they cut through the waves, the excitement building with every passing minute. Cynthia leaned against Ash, enjoying the ride, while Amber pointed excitedly at the sea birds flying overhead.
Then, the islands came into view.
It was breathtaking.
A sprawling, interconnected archipelago of five major islands linked by natural land bridges and shallow, crystal-clear channels. The largest island featured a towering, snow-capped mountain range with a gently smoking volcano at its peak, rivers of lava glowing faintly against the white snow. Another island was a vast golden desert with towering dunes, rocky canyons, and scattered oases. The central island was a lush, dense green paradise ancient forests, winding rivers, and flower-filled meadows stretching as far as the eye could see. An icy, glacier-covered island sparkled like a jewel in the sunlight, while a stunning coastal island boasted pristine white-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and turquoise lagoons.
The entire landmass was enormous easily several times larger than Shamouti Island with perfectly diverse biomes that seemed tailor-made for every type of Pokémon. It looked like a miniature world of its own, floating peacefully in the sea near Pallet Town.
Ash's mouth fell open in awe. "Professor… this is incredible. It's massive. How in the world did you get access to buy something this big for me?"
Professor Oak smiled modestly as the boat approached the main beach. "I'm not just Professor Oak, Ash. I was a former Champion of Kanto, and I still have quite a bit of influence with the Pokémon League. After your achievements in the Kanto League defeating two Elite Four members and then winning the entire Orange League Championship the League has full confidence in you. They approved this entire archipelago as a personal sanctuary for you and your growing team. Consider it a well-earned reward for everything you've accomplished."
The girls were speechless, staring at the paradise before them.
Misty whispered in wonder, "We could actually live here… all of us together…"
Sabrina's eyes softened with quiet joy. "It's perfect. The variety of environments will suit every Pokémon you have."
Daisy clasped her hands together. "The beaches, the forests, the mountains… it's like a dream."
Giselle looked overwhelmed but happy. "There's so much space… it feels like a whole new beginning."
Cynthia smiled warmly, leaning her head on Ash's shoulder. "It's beautiful, Ash. Our family is going to be so happy here."
Amber bounced excitedly. "I want to explore everything! Can we build a big house with a playground?"
Ash turned to Professor Oak with deep gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you. Really. Can we start transferring my Pokémon here? And the girls too, eventually?"
Oak nodded. "Of course. I'll arrange for a Nurse Joy station and an Officer Jenny outpost right away. We'll also need to do full habitat restructuring customized areas for all your Pokémon. It will take about 5 to 6 months to make everything comfortable and safe, but we can begin moving them gradually as soon as you're ready."
Ash smiled. "That's more than enough time. Thank you again, Professor."
He then asked curiously, "By the way, how's Gary doing these days?"
Professor Oak chuckled. "After getting humbled by you in the league, he's been training more seriously than ever. He left for the Johto region to challenge the Silver Conference. He's determined to catch up to you."
Ash grinned. "Good. I'm really happy for him. We'll have a proper rematch someday."
At that moment, a System notification appeared in Ash's mind.
[Ding!]
New Mission: Johto League Championship
Task: Compete in the Johto League and become its Champion.
Rewards:Chance to battle and catch Kyurem from an alternate world.
All three Mega Stones for the Johto starter Pokémon.
Pokémon carrying slot limit increased by +3.
Chance to battle Dex Holder (Silver) in a full 6 vs 6 match.
Ash's eyes lit up with competitive fire. He also remembered the pending mission from defeating Giovanni the Hero Route battle against the Shiny Rayquaza from a parallel world.
Before heading to Johto, I need to settle that first, he thought.
Professor Oak also congratulated him warmly. "By the way, Agatha asked me to tell you she wants a battle with you in Lavender Town. She's looking forward to testing the new Champion."
Ash nodded. "I'll go see her after I rest for a few days."
The boat docked at the new island's main beach. The group spent some time exploring the beautiful shores walking along pristine beaches, admiring the lush forests, and marveling at the diverse landscapes. The girls were already imagining future homes and Pokémon habitats, chatting excitedly about where everyone might live.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in beautiful oranges and pinks, the group returned to Pallet Town, hearts full and minds buzzing with the promise of their new home.
The long journey through the Orange Archipelago had finally reached its triumphant end, but a bright new chapter was just beginning.
The walk back from Professor Oak's lab to the Ketchum residence was filled with light-hearted chatter and laughter. The golden evening light bathed Pallet Town in a warm glow, making everything feel even more like home. Pikachu and Eevee, who had finished playing with their friends at the lab, came running to join the group, jumping excitedly around Ash's legs.
The five girls Misty, Sabrina, Daisy, Giselle, and the pregnant Cynthia playfully surrounded Ash, acting like spoiled children.
Misty pouted dramatically, batting her eyelashes. "Ash~ We're so tired from the journey. Can you make us dinner? Pretty please?"
Sabrina joined in with a rare playful tone. "Yes, Ash. Your cooking is the best reward after such a long trip."
Daisy tilted her head cutely. "We've been dreaming about your food the whole way back!"
Giselle blushed but played along, giving him puppy eyes. "Master Ash… please?"
Even Amber copied her "sisters-in-law," puffing her cheeks and tugging Ash's sleeve. "Big brother, make us something yummy!"
Ash sweatdropped, laughing helplessly. "Alright, alright! You win. I'll cook for my favorite girls."
Delia, watching the scene from the doorway, burst into laughter. "Oh, Ash… you're completely surrounded. Go on, dear. I'll help set the table."
While Ash headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner, the girls gathered around Cynthia on the couch, sharing stories from their Orange Islands adventures. The conversation was lively and warm.
Misty animatedly described the Gym battles. "Cissy's water battles were so fun! And the way Ash used Lapras… it was amazing!"
Sabrina added softly, "The ghost ship on Moro Island was quite the experience. Ash handled everything so calmly."
Daisy talked about the ecosystems and rare Pokémon they saw. "The Grapefruit Islands were beautiful. And watching Ash catch Snorlax… it was so him."
Giselle, still shy but opening up, shared her favorite moments. "The battles against the Elite Four were intense. Ash never gave up."
Cynthia listened with shining eyes, one hand on her belly. "I'm so proud of all of you. And of Ash. He's grown so much."
Delia smiled as she brought drinks. "It sounds like you all had quite the adventure. I'm glad you took care of each other."
In the kitchen, Ash worked efficiently, preparing a feast. He made rich Bœuf Bourguignon with tender beef, mushrooms, and red wine sauce, fragrant Paella loaded with saffron rice, seafood, and vegetables, classic Neapolitan Pizza with fresh toppings, and creamy Tiramisu for dessert. The delicious aromas soon filled the entire house.
The girls' eyes lit up the moment Ash brought the food to the table. They ate with pure blissful expressions, moaning in delight at every bite.
Misty took a big spoonful of the Bœuf Bourguignon. "Mmm! This is heavenly, Ash!"
Sabrina savored the Paella gracefully. "The flavors are perfectly balanced. You've outdone yourself."
Daisy sighed happily. "The pizza crust is crispy and the toppings are fresh… I could eat this every day."
Giselle blushed as she tried the Tiramisu. "It's so creamy and sweet… thank you, Master Ash."
Cynthia, influenced by her pregnancy mood swings, suddenly looked at Ash with big, pleading eyes. "Ash… I'm craving Mochi right now. The sweet kind with red bean filling…"
The other girls immediately turned to Ash with matching puppy eyes. "Please, Ash~"
Ash, unable to resist their combined charm, laughed and went back to the kitchen to prepare fresh Mochi. He made a big batch, serving them warm with the perfect texture.
After the satisfying dinner, Misty, Sabrina, Daisy, and Giselle exchanged knowing looks. Misty spoke gently, "Cynthia… we know you've missed Ash the most these past two months. We'll give you two some alone time tonight."
Cynthia's eyes softened with gratitude. "Thank you, girls. I really appreciate it."
The four girls gave Cynthia warm hugs before heading to their rooms. Cynthia took Ash's hand and led him to their bedroom, closing the door softly behind them.
She hugged him tightly, resting her head on his chest. "I missed sleeping without you for two months, Ash. It felt so lonely…"
Ash wrapped his arms around her gently, kissing the top of her head. "I missed you too. Every single night. You've been so strong carrying our children."
They talked softly for a while romantic, intimate words about their future, the babies, and how much they loved each other. Eventually, they fell asleep in each other's arms, content and peaceful.
The house was finally full again, and the Ketchum family's next chapter was just beginning.