Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
The once lively Pokémon Camp gradually grew quieter as the children packed their belongings, exchanged addresses, and took one last look around the reserve that had become their home for the past several days. Laughter still echoed through the grounds, but mixed within it was a trace of reluctance. None of them wanted the camp to end so soon.
Alex stood outside the cabin with his small backpack resting over one shoulder while Victini, once again invisible, lazily lay on top of his head, playing with a few strands of his hair.
"It really is over..." Alex muttered quietly.
Victini gave a sleepy little hum in response before rolling over comfortably.
A loud whistle suddenly echoed across the camp.
"Everyone, please gather in front of the main building."
Professor Oak's familiar voice carried throughout the reserve.
The children quickly gathered into neat rows, chatting excitedly among themselves while wondering what the professor had planned before they all returned home.
Professor Oak stepped onto the small wooden platform, smiling warmly as he looked over every child.
"I want to thank all of you for making this year's camp another wonderful success."
The chatter gradually quieted.
"You played together, learned together, helped one another, and most importantly..." his smile widened, "...you all treated Pokémon with kindness."
Several children straightened proudly.
"I hope that when the day comes for each of you to begin your own journey, you'll remember everything you've learned here."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Whether you become Trainers, Researchers, Breeders, Doctors, Rangers, or choose any other path, never forget that Pokémon are partners, not tools."
The children nodded earnestly.
Professor Oak clapped his hands once.
"And before everyone leaves..."
Several assistants rolled out a large cart covered with neatly wrapped boxes.
"...I have a small gift for each of you."
The children immediately erupted into excited whispers.
"Really?!"
"We get presents?"
"I wonder what mine is!"
One by one, the assistants called each child's name.
Every present was slightly different.
Some received books about Pokémon habitats, others received commemorative medals, beautifully crafted Poké Ball keychains, or collections of photographs taken throughout the camp.
Finally—
"Alex Hasse."
Alex walked forward politely.
Professor Oak smiled as he picked up a long wooden box from the cart.
"I remembered seeing you spend quite a while observing one particular Pokémon."
Alex blinked curiously.
Oak opened the box.
Resting on a bed of soft velvet was a beautifully polished crimson scale nearly the length of Alex's palm. The surface shimmered under the sunlight like a gemstone, while the back had been carefully engraved with the official emblem of Oak Pokémon Laboratory alongside the words:
Pokémon Summer Camp – Kanto
"This is one of Charizard's naturally shed scales," Professor Oak explained. "Don't worry, it wasn't taken from the Pokémon. Charizard sheds a few old scales every year, much like other reptiles."
Alex's eyes widened slightly.
"It isn't particularly valuable," Oak continued with a gentle smile, "but I thought it would serve as a nice reminder of your time here."
Alex accepted the box with both hands before giving a respectful bow.
"Thank you very much, Professor Oak."
"I'll treasure it."
Oak nodded approvingly.
"I'm glad."
The ceremony ended with one final group photograph. The children stood together while several Pokémon gathered behind them, and the camera flashed brightly.
The moment the photograph was finished, the orderly atmosphere disappeared.
Children immediately began running in every direction to say their goodbyes.
"Alex!"
Ash came sprinting over at full speed before nearly crashing into him.
"I won't lose next time!"
Alex tilted his head.
"We were competing?"
Ash paused.
"...Not yet!"
Then he laughed loudly.
"When we become Trainers, let's have lots of battles!"
Alex smiled.
"I'll be waiting."
Gary walked over with his hands tucked into his pockets.
"Don't let Ash fool you."
Ash immediately puffed up his cheeks.
"Hey!"
Gary ignored him completely.
"When we meet again, I'll already be Professor Oak's greatest assistant."
Professor Oak, who happened to be walking past, chuckled.
"I appreciate the confidence, Gary."
Gary grinned proudly.
Charles also walked over carrying his backpack.
"It was nice meeting you."
Alex nodded.
"It was nice meeting all of you too."
For several moments, none of them spoke.
Children rarely understood the feeling of parting.
They simply knew that tomorrow everyone would be somewhere else.
Ash suddenly scratched his head with an awkward laugh.
"...We'll meet again, right?"
Alex looked at each of them before smiling.
"The Pokémon world isn't that small."
"I'm sure we'll meet again."
Ash immediately grinned.
"Then it's a promise!"
The four children bumped fists before finally separating.
Just then, a familiar voice called from behind.
"Looks like I wasn't late."
Alex turned around immediately.
"Aunt Cynthia!"
Cynthia walked toward him wearing simple travel clothes instead of her usual elegant Champion attire. Even dressed casually, she drew curious glances from many of the parents nearby.
Professor Oak smiled warmly as she approached.
"Champion Cynthia."
Cynthia shook her head with a small laugh.
"Professor, I've already told you. There's no need to call me that outside League meetings."
Oak smiled apologetically.
"Old habits are difficult to break."
She laughed softly before glancing toward Alex.
"So..."
She crossed her arms.
"Were you a good boy?"
Alex answered without hesitation.
"Of course."
Professor Oak couldn't help smiling.
"He certainly was. Alex was calm, polite, and very observant throughout the camp."
Cynthia looked down at Alex with a teasing smile.
"Oh?"
"You didn't secretly cause trouble?"
Alex sighed dramatically.
"You make me sound like some little troublemaker."
She leaned forward and pinched one of his cheeks.
"You said it, not me."
Alex gently pulled her hand away while trying to hide his embarrassed expression.
Professor Oak laughed heartily at the interaction.
"I can see the two of you are very close."
Cynthia's expression softened.
"He may not admit it..."
She gently rubbed Alex's head.
"...but he's family."
Alex pretended to look annoyed, though the slight smile on his face completely betrayed him.
The three chatted for another few minutes before it was finally time to leave.
Alex turned back toward the camp one last time.
Ash was already waving both arms wildly.
"Don't forget!"
"I'll become Champion!"
Gary folded his arms.
"Just don't cry when you lose."
Charles smiled and waved quietly.
Alex raised his hand.
"Goodbye, everyone."
Then, together with Cynthia, he walked toward the airport.