A/N: I know I know its been well after schedule the holidays and coaching and making sure to split time with family definitely takes me away from writing regularly. Have no fear though I did not forget this story in any shape or form. I hope and pray that the holidays were either relaxing or as drama free as they could be. Either way hope you enjoy this second to last chapter and I hope you enjoy please review or favorite if you feel so inclined.

Misty was in the process of completing the checkout formalities at the Moltres Hotel's front desk, waiting as the receptionist handed back her credit card. Beside her, Ash was engaged in similar activities, settling his own bill. There was an obvious distance between them, a stark contrast to the amicable dinner they had shared just the night before. Silence hung in the air until Ash broke it, feeling the need to address the unspoken tension, "I will send Marina to you for Christmas," he said, attempting to make plans for the future.

Misty, not wanting to leave things unresolved, quickly responded, "I will make sure Coral spends Thanksgiving with you." Her tone was even, suggesting a mutual agreement on sharing their time with Coral and Marina.

At that moment, Brock made his presence known, casually walking up to the pair with an easy question, "Almost ready to head to the airport?" His voice was light, trying to lift the mood.

"Yes, but have you seen Coral yet?" Misty asked, her concern for her whereabouts evident in her voice.

Brock replied with a reassuring smile, conveying a sense of calm, "I just spoke to her and she said she would be right down." His words seemed to ease Misty's worry.

"Thanks, Brock," Misty expressed her gratitude, offering him a warm hug as he excused himself to retrieve the car, signaling the near end of their stay at the hotel.

Upon turning around, Misty and Ash found themselves looking at Marina and Coral, who were almost mirror images of each other with their striking pink hair and vivid viridian eyes. However, something was amiss — neither sister had any travel bags with them. Instead, they stood there dressed in strikingly similar outfits of snug yoga pants paired with oversized, comfortable t-shirts. Noticing the lack of luggage, Misty's voice carried a mix of confusion and urgency as she addressed Coral, "Coral, sweetheart, where's your suitcase? We really should be leaving for the airport soon."

Marina was the first to break the silence, her voice carrying a tone of decisiveness as she addressed her mother, "Well, the thing is, Mom, after having a long discussion, we've come to a conclusion that we're not really getting the fair end of the deal here."

A visible twitch flickered across Misty's eye, betraying her inner disbelief at the unfolding scenario. Ash, observing his ex-wife's growing tension, adopted a stern paternal tone as he intervened, "Girls, this isn't the time for jokes. We can't have your mother miss her flight back home over this."

It was at this moment that Coral chimed in, countering with an unexpected argument, "But Dad, remember, you were the one who talked about taking us on our annual camping trip."

Ash's face went blank for a moment, as if searching his memory for any trace of the conversation, "Camping trip? What camping trip are you talking about?"

Marina confidently clarified, "You know, the one we embark on every year once summer comes to an end? The very same one we all look forward to, and we're insisting that we go on it again, all of us, together."

Exhaling a deep sigh, Misty tried to redirect the conversation towards the immediate concern and addressed Marina, though her words were meant for Coral, "Coral, darling, would you please go upstairs and bring your luggage down here?"

However, Marina playfully questioned her mother's certainty, "Are you absolutely certain I'm Coral?"

A sense of horror mixed with confusion swept over Misty's face as she insisted, "Of course, I'm sure. Why wouldn't I be?"

Coral provocatively added to the mix-up, "But it's quite challenging to tell us apart completely, isn't it?"

Misty took another deep, calming breath and with a firmer tone tried to regain control of the situation, "Coral!"

In unison, both girls replied with a simple, "Yes?"

At this point, Ash, seeing the growing frustration, decided to crouch down to be at eye level with his daughters. He studied their faces, searching for something that would help him differentiate them. A slow smile grew on his face as he pointed to Marina with newfound confidence, "This here is definitely Marina, I'm positive about that."

Marina responded with a playful smile, "I truly hope you're right, Dad. It would be quite the mix-up to send the wrong daughter all the way back to Paldea."

Coral joined in with a smirk, teasingly adding, "Wouldn't it?"

Now Ash, his certainty wavering, tilted his head towards Coral, his mind racing with doubt. In the moment it took for him to blink, he stood back up, now questioning his previous assurance about telling his daughters apart.

Marina raised her voice a little and broke the silence with a proposition "Listen up, here's what we're going to do. We'll head over to Dad's place first. We need to grab some stuff for our journey. After that, the four of us," as she said this, she motioned towards her parents and her identical twin, "will set out for the camping trip, just us."

With a hint of confusion in her voice, Misty echoed Marina's words, looking for confirmation, "Just the four of us, is that what you're saying?"

It was then Coral's turn to chime in. She added to the conversation with a bit of mystery, "Yes, and there's more. Once we're back from our little outdoor adventure, we promise to clear up the confusion once and for all. We'll reveal who is who – which one of us is Coral and which one is Marina."

Not satisfied and wanting clarity sooner rather than later, Misty made what she felt was a compelling ultimatum in a final attempt to coax a confession from the twins, "Or, we can do this my way. You both cooperate and follow my lead now, or I'll take just one of you with me to Paldea, regardless of your feelings on the matter."

Back at the household of Ash and Marina, the atmosphere was buzzing with the hustle and bustle of preparation for the anticipated camping excursion. The air was filled with a sense of eagerness as every nook and cranny of the house seemed to be in motion. Misty, despite her initial reluctance, found herself giving in to the persistent pleas of her daughters, Marina and Coral. The thought of going through another round of the twin exchange in the not-too-distant future was something she earnestly wished to avoid. Deep down, she didn't relish the idea of a repeat performance.

Marina and Coral, on the other hand, were over the moon with joy. In their hearts, they harbored the hope that this family outing might just be the pivotal moment they had been longing for. They were brimming with excitement at the prospect that their mother might finally let down her guard and truly acknowledge her feelings for their father, Ash. It was a moment they had imagined countless times, each time with bated breath and fingers crossed.

Meanwhile, Ash was outside, engrossed in the task of loading up their modest jeep-like vehicle. He moved with practiced ease, fitting in camping gear with a sort of Tetris-like precision. It was clear that this wasn't his first rodeo when it came to outdoor adventures.

Just then, the sound of a vehicle approaching broke his concentration. He looked up to see Naomi making her entrance, her arrival announced by the purr of her sleek red sports car. She pulled up with a flourish, the shiny car coming to a halt in a way that seemed to mirror the dramatic nature of its owner. Naomi emerged from the doorway, her expression one of utter bewilderment, as she inquired with a touch of surprise in her voice, "Where might you be heading off to at this hour?"

Ash, who was already somewhat irritated by the series of events that had unfolded, responded with a hint of exasperation, "Darling, it's the annual tradition, remember? I'm taking the girls out for our customary camping trip."

"Okay, I get that, but wasn't the plan to set off for the trip tomorrow?" Naomi queried, her brow furrowed in confusion.

With a deep exhalation that betrayed his frustration, Ash explained, "Well, you see, the situation with the trip has gotten a bit tangled up."

At that moment, Misty made her entrance, donning a pair of casual denim jeans coupled with a bright yellow flannel shirt that was neatly buttoned. She caught sight of the couple's intense conversation as she descended the steps toward the jeep, her pull string backpack slung over her shoulder. Naomi, noticing Misty's approach and the gear she was carrying, turned her attention to the newcomer and asked with a mix of curiosity and concern, "I'm sorry, but can you explain to me why she is coming along?"

He never thought his fiancee and his ex-wife would agree on something he wasn't too fond of. Ash, putting on a brave face, smiled and said, "That's the deal with the girls; they insist we all go together."

Naomi felt her patience wearing thin but managed to ask with restrained composure, "What, are we all one big happy family now?"

Misty, attempting to defuse the tension, greeted them politely, "Hello, is everything alright?"

"No, it's not," Naomi replied, locking eyes with Misty. "I didn't expect you to join this outing, and to be honest, I'm not sure I'm comfortable with it."

Misty, acknowledging Naomi's concern with a look of understanding, responded, "I agree. It would be odd for an ex-wife to be so close to your fiance. That's why I insist you should come with us."

Ash, leaning on the jeep, tried to speak, "Misty, you don't have to—"

But Misty cut him off with genuine emotion, "No, Ash, let me do this. I've already spoiled what should have been a fun and relaxing weekend. Please, let me make it right." Naomi could only smile, sensing that Misty was on her side as Ash looked on.

Marina and Coral were helping load in their gear to the Jeep with Ash. Naomi emerged, ready for the camping adventure with Ash, Coral, and Marina, dressed in an ensemble that was both functional for the outdoor activities and flattering to her figure.

She sported a snug, moisture-wicking athletic top in a bright orange hue, a color that echoed the vibrancy of her tangerine-colored hair, cascading in loose waves down to her mid-back. The top was designed to accentuate her curves tastefully, ensuring comfort and freedom of movement for the day's activities. It was paired with high-waisted, navy-blue hiking shorts made from a stretchy, resilient fabric. These shorts, ending just above the knees, highlighted her slender waist and were ideal for the varied movements required on a camping trip.

For footwear, Naomi chose sturdy, lightweight hiking boots, perfect for navigating different terrains. They were matched with thick, cushioned socks for added comfort during extended periods of walking.

Accessories were minimal but functional - a water-resistant wristwatch for keeping track of time in the wilderness, and a pair of stylish sunglasses with brown lenses, complementing her brown eyes. To keep her hair manageable during the outdoor activities, she wore a bandana that pulled back part of her hair, adding a practical yet fashionable touch.

Completing her look was a multi-pocketed fanny pack cinched around her waist, carrying essentials like a first aid kit, a compact flashlight, and a pocketknife, all critical for a safe and prepared camping experience.

Spotting Naomi with her mother Misty, Marina asked Ash, "Dad, why is Naomi here?"

Ash, loading another bag, replied, "Your mother invited her."

"What?" Coral exclaimed in surprise.

Ash reminded his daughters softly, "Be nice."

Marina and Coral exchanged meaningful glances. Meanwhile, Pikachu followed Misty out of the house. As the girls settled into their seats, Naomi joined Ash in the front. Misty approached the driver's side, and Ash, leaning over, asked, "Misty, what are you up to?"

With a smile, Misty answered, "You and Naomi could use some quality time together before the big day."

Coral protested, "But Mom, that's not the plan."

Misty looked at her daughter reassuringly, "Oh, you'll have much more fun without me."

Naomi, caught off guard, chimed in, "If you're not going, I don't have to... I'm not exactly the outdoorsy type."

Misty responded with confidence, "Naomi, this is your chance to really get to know about the girls: starting next week, they are half yours."

Ash smiled genuinely at the gesture, while Naomi, though hesitant, sat back down, realizing it would look bad to refuse in front of Ash. Marina and Coral took their seats, and Ash drove off towards Mt. Silver for their camping trip.

Misty, with Pikachu at her side, waved them off. Delia, beaming, quipped, "I'd pay big money to see that woman try camping." Misty and Pikachu shared a laugh and a hug before heading back into the mansion, looking forward to three carefree days.

Ash felt a wave of contentment as he trekked along the scenic paths surrounding Mt. Silver, each step bringing him closer to the glistening water he was so fond of. This route was like a second home to him, one he'd wandered countless times accompanied only by Marina. However, this time was different, and he noticed with a warm surprise that the presence of Coral added an extra layer of happiness to the journey. It wasn't just the usual duo anymore; it was a shared experience that brought a fresh dynamic to the well-worn trail.

The twins, always full of energy and chatter, were ahead, playfully bantering back and forth, their laughter echoing through the trees. Their father, a steady figure accustomed to their antics, followed close behind, a silent guardian watching over them with a smile.

A little ways back, Naomi had chosen a comfortable looking stump as her temporary resting place. She seemed content to pause and take in the surroundings, her gaze following the family ahead with a gentle fondness. The forest around them was alive with the sounds of nature, a peaceful backdrop to their family outing.

Naomi called out, "Ash, can we take a break?"

Ash looked back and said, "Hold up, girls. Naomi needs a break."

Marina responded with exasperation, "Again? Dad, at this rate, it will take us three days to reach our campsite."

Ash replied, "Marina, Naomi isn't used to this, so let's just relax a bit."

Secretly Coral was collecting rocks and placing them inside Naomi's backpack making the already decently heavy bag even more heavy. Ash meanwhile was looking quickly at his map on his phone.

As Marina was sitting there, she spotted a tiny Caterpie, a small creature with a bright green body, inching its way up the smooth surface of Naomi's metal water bottle. The bottle, which gleamed under the bright sunlight, served as a perfect backdrop for the little Caterpie's ascent. Marina watched quietly, her eyes following the Caterpie's journey, but she did not utter a single word. She remained silent as Naomi, oblivious to the tiny visitor on her bottle, reached out with an unsuspecting hand.

Naomi, unaware of the Caterpie's presence, casually picked up the bottle with the intention of quenching her thirst. She held the bottle to her lips, ready for a refreshing sip. Marina could see the Caterpie perched there, its innocent eyes wide and curious, almost as if it were making a face at Naomi. Yet, Marina said nothing, simply observing the scene unfold before her.

As Naomi tilted the bottle, her eyes finally caught sight of the Caterpie. Its small, but distinctly happy-go-lucky face was now staring directly at her. This unexpected encounter, the sudden realization that a bug was so close to her face, sent a shock through Naomi. It took her by surprise, disrupting the peaceful moment. The shock quickly turned into a sharp scream that pierced the air, as the startling discovery of her little spectator proved to be too much for her. Naomi's scream echoed, a reaction to the harmless Caterpie that had simply found an interesting spot to rest.

Upon hearing the scream, Ash quickly turned and asked, "What happened?"

Marina, unfazed, allowed the Caterpie to crawl up her arm and nuzzle her face as she explained, "This Caterpie was just on her water bottle." Coral approached to pet the Caterpie.

With a kind and empathetic smile, Ash reassured, "Naomi, it's okay, the Caterpie is perfectly harmless."

Trying to seem unfazed, Naomi replied, "Oh, no problem," but upon seeing Marina and Coral affectionately interacting with the Caterpie, she couldn't help but ask, "How can you hold that thing so close?"

Marina, slightly irritated by the question, simply responded, "My dad's first catch in the wild was a Caterpie." Meanwhile, Coral shook her head discreetly, realizing Naomi didn't know much about their father.

As Ash and his group continued their hike down the winding trails, there appeared to be a calm, unremarkable quality to their descent. Ash seemed oblivious to any strain in the relationships amongst the group—specifically between his daughters and Naomi. There could have been subtle undercurrents of discord, but if these existed, Ash seemed determined to pay them no mind. He appeared much more invested in the task ahead: arriving at their campsite which was nestled by the tranquil waters near the scenic locale of Mt. Silver Marina.

His daughters, Marina and Coral, were noticeably agile and enthusiastic as they arrived at the destination. They set to work on erecting their tent with a kind of eagerness that suggested they took great pleasure in this part of the camping experience. Their actions were swift and practiced, and it wasn't long before their tent stood firm and ready against the backdrop of the verdant wilderness.

Meanwhile, Ash himself seemed to manage quite well with his tent, assembling it with a swiftness that came from experience. However, during this bustling activity, he could not help but note Naomi's lack of participation. Unlike the others, she seemed disengaged from the usual camp setup activities. Instead, she was drawn to the water's edge, standing motionless as she gazed out over the surface that shimmered under the waning light.

Ash might have wondered what held Naomi's attention so completely as she stood apart from the rest, or why she chose solitude over the camaraderie of their group's collective effort. Yet, whether these questions arose in his mind or not, he didn't voice them. He chose instead to focus on the task at hand, perhaps believing that the serenity of nature would eventually bring everyone together in the same harmonious spirit that the encompassing wilderness always seemed to suggest was possible.

Late into the night by the campfire, as they enjoyed the fish Ash had caught earlier, Marina turned to Naomi, who had just sat down, and asked, "Do you want some fish, Mom? Is it okay if we start calling you Mom?"

Tired but contemplative, Naomi declined, "No, thank you, I think your own mother would prefer you to call me Naomi. And I'll pass on the fish; I'll wait for breakfast. What's on the menu?"

In unison, Coral, Marina, and Ash replied, "Fish."

Ash, attempting to ease the tension, said, "Naomi, it's just part of the experience."

A bit annoyed, Naomi responded, "What's the other part? Listening to flies buzz by your ear all night?"

Noticing the small bottle Naomi applied to her neck and hands, Ash asked, "Can I see that for a second?" Once she handed it to him, he smelled it, dabbed a little on his finger, chuckled, and said, "You know, if you keep using this, you'll attract every bug around—it's just sugar and water."

Coral focused intently on devouring her fish. Naomi, realizing she'd been fooled by Ash's twin daughters again, declared, "Well, then, I'm taking a large sleeping pill and heading to bed."

Initially moving toward the tent she shared with Ash, Naomi suddenly turned back to the campfire, caught Ash by surprise with a deep kiss. Marina and Coral struggled not to gag and rolled their viridian eyes. Despite his daughters' reactions, Ash had a smile on his face as Naomi headed back to the tent and said, "Girls, relax. I'm not marrying her for her adventuring skills."

Caught off guard by her father's frankness, Coral asked bluntly, "Then why are you marrying her?"

Ash could not help but smile wide and give a gentle nod signaling the kids to relax a bit. After they had eaten their evening meal he joined forces with his daughters to clear the dinner mess, extinguishing the campfire vigorously, and then they all hunkered down, ready to call it a night. In the quiet hours, when shadows danced and the campsite was enveloped in velvety darkness, Coral and Marina put on an act of slumber in their own canvas shelter, separate from where their father and Naomi lay. The plot they harbored was one of playful sabotage; they aimed to nip any sprouting romance between Naomi and their dad right in the bud, desiring to halt it on their sibling-defined terms. Banking on the strong effects of the sleeping medication they assumed Naomi had consumed — her extra-large inflatable bed being their clue — the girls saw the perfect opening to set their scheme in motion. With catlike quietness, they tugged at the zipper of their father's tent, reached for the valve on each side of Naomi's bed and commenced their mission to drag her outside.

Dragging Naomi was more of a struggle than Coral and Marina had predicted, as she was surprisingly more substantial than they had estimated, and there was an unexpected pause when she stirred, which caused them to mistake her movement for Ash's interference. However, after the brief stillness, they renewed their labors. With great toil, they maneuvered Naomi's air mattress ever so slowly towards the lake's edge, and with a final push, they sent her floating gently on the water's surface. Overhead the moon bathed the sneaky operation in a soft, forgiving light, as the sisters crept, hearts pounding with adrenaline, back to their own simple abode for the remainder of the night.

As the early morning sun began to peek over the horizon, a sense of serenity enveloped the surroundings. Naomi, who was still adrift in the gentle embrace of sleep, started to come to life with the faintest of movements. A subtle sensation, akin to the tender taps of affection, graced her neck, prompting her to utter in a voice undisturbed by the usual huskiness of a new day, That feels good she expressed her enjoyment, her mind cradling the thought that it was Ash displaying a token of love. But as clarity returned with her opening eyes, the expected sight of Ash was replaced by the image of a small Pidgey, its beak making contact with her skin in curious pecks.

The tranquility of the moment shattered with Naomi's piercing scream, a reflex born of the surprise that scattered the tiny bird Pokemon into the sky. The reality of her predicament came into sharp focus then, and she barely managed to gather her wits. There she was, positioned precariously in the center of a vast expanse of water, the coolness of the liquid beneath her air mattress penetrating her awareness. Her attire, mere sweat-soaked workout clothes clinging to her form—a sports bra and shorts—provided little comfort against the sprawling mystery of her location.

Fear laced with urgency fueled her next action as she shouted out into the void, her voice carrying over the water in desperate waves, "ASH!" Her call for assistance broke the silence of the morning, sending ripples through the stillness as she awaited a sign of her fiance, the confusion and surprise of her unique awakening settling heavily upon her shoulders.

Upon hearing Naomi's scream, Ash poked his head out of his tent, muttering, "Oh man." He witnessed Naomi's panicked form topple backwards off the air mattress and into the water. Turning, he saw his daughters, Coral and Marina, staring from their tent with looks of shock. Naomi had swum to shore, her red hair seemingly steaming as she strode towards the camp. Meeting her, Ash inquired, "What's the problem?"

Naomi, in disbelief, retorted, "Here's the problem, Ash. The day we get married is the day I send your daughters to Paldea. It's either me or them—make your choice."

Ash, smirking, then looked up to meet Naomi's gaze and said simply, "Them."

Both Marina and Coral's jaws dropped, just as Naomi's did. "Excuse me?" she asked, taken aback.

Ash, still smiling, reiterated confidently, "T-H-E-M. Them. Do you understand now?"

Naomi screamed in Ash's face, overwhelmed by emotion, then yanked off her engagement ring and hurled it at Ash, causing him to flinch. She stormed off up the trail, leaving Ash with Coral and Marina in her wake.

Having quietly and efficiently dismantled their camping setup, Ash resolved to return with the girls back to their residence at Indigo Plateau. The dismantling of the campsite was done with minimal fuss or bother, an indication of Ash's mood. Coral and Marina, his daughters, made several attempts to engage their father in conversation, inquiring about his plans once they were on their way home. Each time, they were met with a brief response from Ash, who advised them to focus on packing up their belongings. As for the matter of any repercussions for earlier actions, he suggested that he would contemplate and come to a decision on an appropriate punishment during the drive back to their house. The girls got the hint that this was not the time for discussion, and that they would have to wait to hear their fate.

When Misty saw Ash's Jeep pull up without Naomi, she was taken aback. They had only left for Mt. Silver a day earlier. "You're back already?" Misty exclaimed, then, noticing Naomi's absence, she asked with concern, "Where's Naomi?"

From the Jeep, Coral shouted while grabbing her backpack, "We've been grounded until the end of the year."

"Effective immediately," Ash added, handing Marina her backpack.

"It was just a couple of harmless pranks," Marina explained to her mother.

"Just a couple?" Ash retorted with a hint of gruffness as they made their way to Misty. He then presented Naomi's engagement ring, "She tossed this at my head ... thankfully, it's not as big as a wooden mallet."

Misty clapped a hand over her mouth, "Oh Ash, I'm so sorry. It was my mistake to push her into going on the trip."

Holding the ring out to Misty, Ash remarked, "Tricked, that's the word. And it seems the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." With a gesture towards his daughters Ash instructed, "Now, head to your rooms until dinner."

Marina and Coral sped off to their room, with Pikachu close behind up the stairs. Once alone with Misty, Ash's demeanor softened. "One day, I'll have to thank them," he said with a smile.

"Still, Ash... I didn't mean for this to jeopardize your engagement," Misty said, standing beside him.

Hearing the regret in her voice, Ash reassured her, "I know, Mist." Ash decided to shift away from the topic of his breakup with Naomi and asked, "Where's my mom? I'm famished after the rush to get back."

Misty responded with a smile, "She went on a quick trip to the Celadon game corner for a grandmother's weekend."

Ash grinned, "Ah, right... Looks like I'm on dinner duty then."

Misty glanced at him with a hint of surprise, "You're cooking now?"

"Yeah, Brock and my mom have been giving me lessons," Ash said, not wholly taken aback.

"What can you whip up?" Misty asked, now curious.

"I've got pasta... and more pasta on the menu," Ash claimed.

Misty paused before conceding, "Pasta sounds perfect."

"Pasta it is," Ash agreed cheerfully before heading into the kitchen to start cooking.

The evening meal turned out to be a delightful experience for Ash, Misty, and their identical twin girls, Coral and Marina. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and joy as the twins playfully shared some of Ash's homemade pasta with Pikachu, offering him bites now and then. Misty couldn't help but observe these tender exchanges, not only with Marina but also with Coral, which made her heart feel incredibly soft and warm inside.

After they were done eating, Marina and Coral took the initiative to clean up, handling the dishes with care. Even Pikachu pitched in, helping the girls by drying off the pots and pans, making for a perfect little team. As they worked together in the kitchen, the twins could see out the window, where their parents, who had gone their separate ways, walked through the yard. Ash made it a point to show Misty around, proudly presenting the developments and additions he had made to the space for himself, his mother Delia, and their daughter Marina. The whole scene painted a picture of familial love and collaborative spirit, despite the complexities of their personal histories.

Misty was pulling up pictures of her house with her sister's and Tracey in Port Marinada. Ash looked at them impressed and asked, "Why out of all places did you choose Paldea?"

Misty just shrugged and said, "I don't know just being somewhere totally different that didn't remind me of you…I guess."

"I am sorry I hurt you that badly Misty." Ash said.

"Hey don't be, its all in the past and I really have grown in new ways." Misty said, "Besides you really have raised Marina to be quite a strong young woman."

Ash a bit bashfully said, "Don't give me too much credit, she seemed to take to it naturally. Plus my mom never let her settle." Realization hit Ash, "Probably why she and Coral did what they did."

Misty let out a soft chuckle, the sound light and airy, while they made their way back towards the familiar structure of the house. Ash took the lead, a gentle hand at the small of Misty's back, ushering her through the hallways and down the stairs to the lower level where he had set up his personal office space in the basement. Oblivious to the scene unfolding around them, neither Ash nor Misty were aware that their twin daughters, with identical expressions of curiosity, were peeking from around a corner. The young girls' quiet whispers were almost inaudible as they observed their parents sharing a moment of closeness. All the while, Pikachu, their loyal companion, was alongside the twins, its bright eyes watching with a hint of amusement as its human friends showed affection for one another, unaware of their little audience.

Ash opened the door, and Misty entered to find a room that was a living timeline of his adventures. The walls were adorned with photos from each of his Pokemon League tournaments. "Really Ash, an office dedicated to your own glory?" Misty joked.

"It's more of a reminder to myself of what I've achieved, especially when times get tough," Ash replied, his tone tinged with melancholy.

"You didn't look like you needed any reminders when you faced Leon," Misty remarked, pointing to a photo of Ash with Pikachu and his team, the one that crowned him the world's top Pokemon trainer.

"I may have looked confident, but there was a moment when Pikachu fainted that I thought I'd lost it all," Ash confided. Then, he continued, "During that moment, I really wished you were there with me."

Misty snorted, "Ash, you've accomplished plenty on your own, just like I have without you."

"Maybe, but my biggest achievements wouldn't be the same without you," Ash retorted.

Avoiding his gaze, Misty watched Ash move to his desk and present her with a recent photo from Marina's birthday. Spotting the familiar image, Misty inquired, "Is that my half of our torn wedding photo?"

"Yes," Ash admitted, "Marina discovered it in my sock drawer and seemed fascinated by it, staring at it often. I ended up giving it to her, realizing you might inspire her in her own way."

Misty shook her head in disbelief. "Is this what you wanted to show me?"

"No, what I really wanted to show you is this." Ash's voice was tinged with excitement as he opened a drawer on his desk and produced a rainbow feather that seemed to glisten in an extraordinary way. "It's a feather from Ho-oh. It fell after Pikachu saved me from that Spearow attack, the same one that wrecked your bike."

Misty, who had only heard tales of Ho-oh, marveled at the feather. "Wow, are you trying to impress me, Mr. Pokémon Master?"

"It's just that not many people know about this," Ash explained, his tone modest.

Curiosity got the better of Misty, who peered into the drawer and noticed a pink handkerchief adorned with a yellow sun. Picking it up, she inquired, "You've kept this ever since we went our separate ways after Johto?"

"Well, yeah," Ash replied matter-of-factly, as though it were the most natural thing in the world.

As Misty's gaze fell on more items within the drawer, recognition dawned on her. "What are all of these?"

Circling around to see what she had found, Ash recognized the small, red-headed, orange figures. "They're all your Misty special lures," he revealed.

"How…?" Misty stammered, rifling through the drawer, uncovering myriad versions of her custom lures. "How did you get these?"

Ash shuffled closer to her, his voice softening. "Over the years, I'd stumble upon them in the places we'd journeyed to. A few I found in fishing shops. I just started collecting them, hoping to find each one. I thought about sending them to you, realizing they belong to you, but... I wasn't sure you'd want anything from me, so I held onto them."

"There's just one I can't let go of though," Ash admitted, as he presented a small box. Inside was a lure featuring Misty in a triumphant pose, a number one raised high and her signature wink.

Misty clutched it and murmured, "I thought this was gone for good." Memories washed over her, recalling the time they fished for Clauncher—the one that would become hers—shortly after Ash was crowned the world's greatest Pokémon trainer. He had used a fishing lure fashioned after Cilan's likeness.

"I nearly lost it in Sinnoh," Ash confessed. "After that close call, I've kept it safe at home and never took it out again."

A single tear escaped Misty's eye, prompting her to dab at it with her sleeve. Ash, concerned, placed his hand on her shoulder, leaning in, "What's wrong, Misty?"

"It's nothing, just something in my eye," she responded.

"Do you need a tissue?" Ash offered.

"I'm alright," Misty insisted, but as she raised her gaze, she realized how close Ash was, his lips inadvertently drawing her focus. As Ash began to lean in, a car's arrival interrupted the moment. "That must be your mom," Misty noted, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

Ash inched closer still, his voice a soft growl, "She has a key."

The sound of the door and Delia's voice from the entrance broke the spell, "Hello! Anyone still up?"

A mix of reluctance and respect in his voice, Ash replied, "We'll be right there."