Click!
Ash opened his bedroom door, and standing there was his mother, Delia, her face still pale with worry.
"You've been locked up in your room all afternoon," she said, voice trembling between relief and scolding. "I thought something terrible had happened to you! You nearly scared your poor mother to death!"
Ash looked at her, warmth flickering in his chest. In his previous life, he'd grown up as an orphan, a child who never knew a mother's love.
And now—this gentle woman worried for him as though her entire world revolved around him.
He smiled softly. "Mom, don't worry. I'm fine."
Delia exhaled deeply, her tension finally melting away as she gave him a long, searching look.
"Good. You really had me frightened there…"
Then Ash straightened up, his expression suddenly serious. "Mom, there's something very important I need to tell you."
"Oh?" Delia tilted her head, smiling. "What a coincidence. I also have something important to tell you."
"But since you said it first," she said playfully, crouching down and giving his cheek a little pinch, "let's hear yours before mine."
Ash opened his mouth to speak—then frowned. "Mom, what happened to your hand?"
Her right index finger was wrapped in a small bandage.
"Oh, this?" Delia waved her hand casually. "I was pulling weeds in the garden earlier and accidentally cut myself on a blade of grass. It's nothing serious. I cleaned it with water, disinfected it with iodine, and put a bandage on—just like I always tell you to do."
She smiled, showing him the finger like a proud teacher giving a demonstration. "So if you ever get a scrape or cut, you must promise me you'll treat it properly, okay?"
Before Ash could reply, she reached out again, clearly tempted to pinch his now-more-mature face.
But this time, he caught her hand midair.
"Hold on, Mom."
Ash gently took her right hand and carefully peeled away the bandage, revealing the tiny cut. It wasn't serious, but it was enough to sting.
Then he smiled faintly. "Remember what I said earlier? About having something important to tell you?"
Delia blinked in confusion as Ash raised his right hand. His eyes gleamed with quiet confidence.
"Watch closely."
He took her hand again, and this time, focused his thoughts inward. The gentle green current of the Viridian Power, awakened within him during his earlier sleep, stirred in response.
"[Healing Grace]."
Soft emerald light began to glow from his palm, bathing her finger in warmth.
Delia gasped softly. She could feel it—the tingle of vitality, the gentle flow of warmth like sunlight through spring leaves. The pain vanished almost instantly.
And when the light faded, the cut was gone. Completely healed. Not even a scar remained.
Her eyes widened. "This is…!"
"Just like you're thinking," Ash said calmly, letting go of her hand. "I have psychic power now."
For a long moment, mother and son just stared at each other—the silence filled with wonder.
Then Delia's shock gave way to pure, overflowing joy.
She clutched his face, tears forming in her eyes. "Oh, my sweet boy! I knew you were special!"
She pulled him into a hug and kissed his cheek so hard it made a loud smooch.
…
Ash sighed helplessly, face slightly red.
He had expected this reaction.
He had chosen this moment deliberately—to reveal his power to her.
After all, it wasn't something he could hide forever, not unless he planned to never use it in front of others.
And unlike the reckless move of revealing Aura, which was rare and often misunderstood, showing the healing aspect of his Viridian Power was much safer.
Healing was pure. Harmless. Admirable, even.
Revealing it would draw the attention of the Pokémon League, but not its suspicion. It would place him in the light—acknowledged, protected, respected.
Not hunted.
If he played this right, it could become his greatest advantage.
And besides, he knew his mother. The woman who had once been willing to break League law just to help him get a Pokémon early would never betray him.
Delia still hadn't stopped smiling. "This is amazing, Ash… I'm so proud of you!"
Ash chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's not that big of a deal. Honestly, I'm not even sure how it happened. I just woke up after my accident, and… well, I could do this."
He gave her the most innocent look he could manage.
Delia nodded, her face glowing with happiness. "My little boy… a real psychic! Wait until I tell—oh!" She stopped suddenly, clapping a hand to her mouth.
"What is it?" Ash asked quickly, seizing the chance to change the subject.
"Oh, that's right!" she said, snapping her fingers. "I almost forgot because of how excited I was!"
"Remember how you wanted to get your own Pokémon early? I actually went to see Professor Oak this afternoon when I signed you up for his Pokémon Summer Camp."
Ash's eyes brightened immediately. "You did? What did he say? Is there really a way for someone under ten to legally have their own Pokémon?"
Delia smiled and nodded, clearly delighted by his excitement.
"There is," she said. "And the answer lies in the very Summer Camp he's hosting this weekend!"
Ash froze for a second, eyes widening. "Wait… the Summer Camp?"
Delia nodded again, her eyes sparkling. "Yes! Not only is it legal—but it might be the perfect opportunity for you to get your first Pokémon, Ash."
The words echoed in his mind, igniting a spark that made his heart race.
Could this be it? His first real step toward becoming a Trainer—years before his official journey even began?
The timing couldn't have been more perfect.
Ash clenched his fist, his eyes burning with determination.
"The path to my first Pokémon… starts this weekend."
…