Pokemon : Rewind

"You really just left without saying goodbye! Do you even consider me a friend?"

Melody's voice rang with frustration through the phone screen as she glared at Ash, who was now traveling across the sea on Lapras. Ash sighed, feeling the weight of her gaze even through the device.

"There were too many people bothering me, so I slipped away when no one was looking," he explained helplessly.

"How sneaky!" Melody pouted, clearly displeased.

Though she stopped short of saying everything on her mind, Melody couldn't help but feel hurt. This wasn't the right time or place to express her feelings, and speaking through a screen didn't give her the courage to press further.

---

Sensing the tension, Misty quickly interjected, hoping to diffuse the situation.

"Alright, Melody, if you ever come to Kanto, we'll be happy to show you around."

She emphasized the word we, glancing pointedly at Ash, who remained blissfully oblivious to the undertones of her statement. Melody smiled knowingly, a hint of mischief in her eyes.

She could see the bond Misty and Ash shared, but as long as nothing was official, she wasn't ready to back down.

"I'll definitely visit Kanto one day," Melody said confidently before ending the call.

---

Ash, perplexed by Misty's sudden sulkiness, turned to her with a confused expression.

"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice tinged with genuine concern.

Misty huffed, crossing her arms but saying nothing. Watching the interaction, Tracey chuckled to himself.

He wasn't sure what was more entertaining—the dramatic events of the past few days or the silent war being waged between Misty and Melody.

---

Soon, they arrived at Kumquat Island, one of the largest and most renowned destinations in the Orange Archipelago.

Located on the northern edge, the island had been heavily affected by the recent wrath of the gods. Despite the lingering scars, Kumquat Island retained its reputation as a paradise for both tourists and Trainers.

The wide, saffron-colored beaches, luxurious hotels, and natural hot springs drew visitors from all over the world.

---

"The beach is so beautiful!" Misty exclaimed in awe as they stepped onto the soft sand.

Ash, still wary of the attention his fame had brought, quickly recalled Lapras into its Poké Ball, hoping to avoid being recognized.

---

Meanwhile, Tracey had already whipped out his sketchbook.

His hands moved rapidly as he captured the stunning landscape, his artistic talent turning the picturesque scene into a vibrant drawing.

"This place really is something special," he remarked, admiring the island's natural beauty.

---

"Let's head to the Pokémon Center before anyone recognizes us," Ash suggested, tugging his cap lower over his face.

However, he underestimated just how famous he had become. The sight of Pikachu, perched on Ash's shoulder, gave them away instantly.

Within moments, a group of tourists began gathering, their voices rising with excitement.

"Is that Ash Ketchum?"

"The guy who battled the Three Legendary Birds?"

"Can we get a picture?"

---

"Run!" Ash shouted, grabbing Misty's hand and breaking into a sprint toward the Pokémon Center.

Tracey, unbothered by the commotion, calmly put away his sketchbook before following at a leisurely pace.

---

Inside the Pokémon Center, the trio breathed a sigh of relief. However, a crowd of fans had already gathered outside, their enthusiasm undeterred.

Even inside, many Trainers began to approach Ash, their excitement palpable.

—

As Ash stood in line to register for a dormitory, he felt the weight of countless eyes on him.

The Pokémon Center staff did their best to maintain order, but Ash couldn't shake the feeling of being scrutinized from every angle.

"Your popularity is through the roof," Misty remarked, both impressed and amused. Ash groaned.

"I'm just an ordinary Trainer. I don't want all this attention," he said, turning to address the crowd directly.

"Please, can you all give me some space?"

---

One of the Trainers stepped forward, his expression earnest.

"Mr. Ash, we don't mean any harm. We just want to see your strength."

His gaze shifted to Pikachu, who had become a symbol of strength and resilience admired around the world.

---

Ash paused, considering the request. After a moment, he nodded.

"Alright, I'll accept three battle challenges at 2:30 this afternoon. Does that sound fair?"

---

The crowd erupted into cheers, their excitement electrifying the atmosphere. Ash smiled weakly, scratching the back of his neck.

"I also plan to challenge the Kumquat Gym, so if you want to see more of my battles, feel free to watch there too."

---

The announcement spread quickly, and soon the Pokémon Center was buzzing with anticipation.

News of the battles even began circulating online, drawing Trainers from across the island to the Pokémon Center battlefields.

To manage the overwhelming demand, the staff implemented a lottery system, distributing numbers to those who wished to challenge Ash.

---

As Ash returned to his dormitory to prepare, he felt the weight of the expectations placed on him.

The upcoming battles weren't just about proving his strength—they were an opportunity to inspire other Trainers and foster growth in the community.

"Trainer battles are how we all get stronger," he reminded himself quietly.

---

In the late afternoon, Ash stood in the Pokémon Center battle arena, the crowd gathered around him buzzing with excitement.

The first challenger stepped forward, their determination clear. Ash took a deep breath, his gaze steady as he prepared for battle.

The matches ahead would test not only his opponents but also himself, as he continued to prove why he was one of the most respected Trainers in the world.

---

Outside the Pokémon Center, the sun began to dip toward the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over Kumquat Island.

The battles that followed were not just a showcase of strength but a testament to the bonds between Trainers and their Pokémon.

For Ash, this was yet another step on his journey—a journey that would continue to shape the future of the Pokémon world.

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