T/N: Yes today a extra long chapter 3k words enjoy
and just so you know after a few chapters there will be a time skip.
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"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! GIBLE! GET OFF! OW OW OW OW OW!!!"
The shriek wasn't just loud; it was atomic. It ripped through the peaceful morning quiet of the Ketchum residence like a Hyper Beam through tissue paper.
Downstairs, the clatter of a dropped spatula echoed Delia Ketchum's exasperated sigh.
Upstairs, doors didn't just open; they exploded inwards, slamming against walls with reverberating bangs that suggested imminent structural collapse.
"What was THAT?!" Serena yelped from her room, momentarily forgetting the precise angle needed for her morning eyeliner flick.
"Ash! Did you finally lost it?!" Misty shouted, halfway through her aggressive morning stretches, momentarily regretting not having her mallet handy.
"Sounds like he stubbed his toe... on a Landorus!" May guessed, dropping a piece of half-buttered toast (butter-side down, naturally) onto her lap in her guest room.
"Is everyone okay?!" Dawn cried out, pausing her mental choreography for her future Pokémon Contest appeal, hands flying to her chest.
"Ketchum! If you broke my concentration on this research paper..." Green muttered darkly from the room she'd claimed as a temporary study, the delicate sound of a teacup rattling nervously against its saucer betraying her irritation.
A frantic symphony of pounding footsteps converged on the hallway outside Ash's room – a veritable Tauros stampede fueled by adrenaline and varying degrees of concern (and annoyance).
Thump-thump-thump-CRASH!
The door to Ash's room, already abused by Cynthia's earlier entrance, now flew open with the combined force of several worried (and one slightly peeved) young women, revealing the source of the inter-dimensional scream.
The scene was... anticlimactic? Utterly chaotic? Hilariously confusing? All of the above.
Ash was sitting bolt upright in bed, hair sticking out at even more impossible angles than usual, frantically clutching his head like he was trying to prevent his brain from escaping. A tiny, almost imperceptible trickle of blood beaded near his hairline.
On the bedside table, perched with the unsettling innocence only a Pokémon fresh off committing aggravated assault could muster, sat Gible, tilting its head and letting out a soft, questioning "Gib?"
Standing near the foot of the bed, half-hidden by the doorframe, was Cynthia Shirona, the impeccably composed Young lady of Shirona family.
Except she wasn't composed.
Her hand was clamped firmly over her mouth, her shoulders were shaking, and little snorting, choked sounds kept escaping – the unmistakable death rattle of suppressed laughter.
Her eyes, wide and shimmering with mirth, met the horrified gazes of the newcomers.
A beat of stunned silence hung in the air, thick with confusion.
Then, the dam broke.
"Ash! Oh my goodness, are you bleeding?! What happened?!" Serena was the first to find her voice, rushing forward, her earlier eyeliner forgotten, eyes scanning Ash, then Gible, then Cynthia with rapid-fire concern and maybe a flicker of suspicion.
Cynthia? In Ash's room? Laughing? What is going on?
"What in the name of Starmie's left point was that noise?!" Misty demanded, storming in behind Serena, hands on her hips, her 'big sister' mode fully engaged.
"Did that thing attack you?!" She jabbed a finger towards the bewildered-looking Gible.
"Ash, are you okay?! You look pale! Did you faint? Did Gible faint you?!"
May exclaimed, pushing past Misty, her brow furrowed with genuine worry, already mentally cataloging potential first-aid supplies she might have in her bag.
"Gosh, Ash, that scream! I thought a Legendary Pokémon crashed through the roof!" Dawn gasped, hovering nervously near the doorway, twisting her scarf between her hands.
"Is... is Gible okay?" She added, because she couldn't help worrying about the Pokémon too.
"Alright, spill it, Ketchum!" Green barked, elbowing her way through the crowd with surprising force for someone usually more focused on books than brawling.
Her usual smug confidence was completely absent, replaced by a wide-eyed, almost frantic look that was deeply unsettling on her face.
"What exploded? Did you try cooking again? Did a wild Pokémon break in? Is that blood?! Talk, you idiot!"
Ash blinked, looking from one concerned face to the next, his hand still protectively clamped to his head.
Gible chose that moment to let out another innocent "Gible?" and tried to nuzzle Ash's hand, which only made him flinch.
Cynthia finally lost her battle for composure.
A loud, undignified snort escaped, followed by a cascade of giggles she desperately tried to stifle behind her hand.
"I... hee hee... I'm so sorry... snort... it's just... Gible was... hee!... being enthusiastic..."
Ash shot her a look that clearly communicated betrayal. 'Enthusiastic'?! Cynthia, it tried to eat my brain! And you're laughing?! Some wife you are! Wait, did I think that out loud? No, okay. Phew.' He winced as a fresh throb pulsed under his hand.
"Enthusiastic?" he repeated incredulously, voice slightly muffled. "Cynthia, it bit me! Hard!"
"Bite?!" Serena, Misty, May, and Dawn gasped in unison.
Green just raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Gible? That tiny thing? Please. You probably just hit your head getting out of bed too fast."
"It DID bite me!" Ash insisted, removing his hand to reveal the small, but definite, bite mark near his hairline. "See! Teeth marks! Sharp ones!"
Cynthia, seeing the actual evidence and the genuinely pained look on Ash's face, managed to mostly cork her laughter, though her lips still twitched.
"Okay, okay, maybe a little too enthusiastic," she conceded, stepping forward, her expression shifting towards concern mixed with residual amusement. "He was just supposed to wake you up gently."
"Gently?!" Ash squawked. "That wasn't gentle! That was a targeted attack! Gible, what gives?!" He glared at the small Pokémon, who now had the good sense to look slightly less pleased with itself, its fin drooping a little.
"Gib..." Gible mumbled, shuffling its feet on the nightstand.
The procession down the stairs was a masterpiece of awkwardness. Ash led the way, grumbling under his breath about "mutinous Pokémon" and "laughing Champions," occasionally patting his head gingerly.
Cynthia hovered just behind him, murmuring apologies that Ash pointedly ignored for the moment. The gaggle of girls followed, whispering furiously amongst themselves.
"Did you see Cynthia's face? She was totally trying not to laugh!" May whispered to Dawn.
"And she was already in his room! Do you think...?" Dawn whispered back, eyes wide.
"Think what?" Misty interjected, overhearing. "That Ash finally overslept so badly it required Pokemon-level intervention? Probably."
"Still," Serena mused quietly, mostly to herself, adjusting her slightly askew collar, "it's... interesting."
"What's interesting is how Ketchum managed to get bitten by his own Pokémon before breakfast," Green sniffed, trailing slightly behind, looking thoroughly unimpressed by the entire drama.
'Honestly, the lack of discipline in this household is astounding.
They reached the bottom landing to find Delia Ketchum waiting, spatula in hand, an expression of profound maternal patience on her face.
Beside her stood another woman, instantly recognizable by her bright pink hair pulled back in a neat ponytail and the professional medical kit resting at her feet. Nurse Angelina Joy or just Lina, Another one of Ash's wife and Delia's daughter-in-law and Pallet Town's resident Pokémon health expert (and human first-aid provider, by necessity).
"Good morning, everyone," Delia chirped, her smile perhaps a fraction too bright. "I heard... some excitement? Ash, dear, what happened to your head?"
"Nothing mom Just a bity morning!" Ash had a sharp tone as he gave a side glare back up the stairs where Gible was presumably still contemplating its actions (or the potential Garchomp date).
"Oh, dear," Delia sighed, though her eyes held a twinkle of amusement. "Well, isn't it lucky Lina decided to drop by early this morning for coffee?" She gestured towards the nurse. "Lina, darling, looks like you have your first patient of the day already."
Lina smiled warmly, stepping forward. "Never a dull moment in this house, is there, Delia-san? Alright, Ash, let's head to the kitchen and get that looked at before you scare the Pidgeys out of the trees again."
May lowered the Rotom Phone she'd instinctively pulled out. "Oh! Good timing, Lina! I was just about to call the Center."
"No need, May-chan," Lina chuckled. "Consider me on house call duty. Kitchen, everyone? I think we could all use some coffee after that wake-up call."
The spacious Ketchum kitchen, usually filled with the comforting sounds of breakfast preparation, now buzzed with a slightly tense, anticipatory energy.
Ash slumped onto a kitchen chair, looking thoroughly put-upon. The girls dispersed around the table, finding seats, while Delia efficiently started pouring coffee and orange juice.
Cynthia hovered near Ash, looking genuinely remorseful. Gible, having somehow followed them down undetected, now sat meekly by Cynthia's feet, occasionally peeking up at Ash.
Lina stood beside Ash, opening her kit with practiced ease. "Alright, let's see the damage, champ." She gently tilted his head towards the light streaming through the window. "Hmm, definitely teeth marks. Small ones, though. Must be Gible's baby teeth."
"They felt pretty sharp to me!" Ash grumbled, wincing as Lina carefully cleaned the small wound with an antiseptic wipe.
"Drama queen," Green muttered from across the table, sipping orange juice. Misty elbowed her lightly.
"I have to say," Lina mused, selecting a small bandage, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she met Delia's equally amused gaze over Ash's head, "that was quite the... energetic way to wake someone up. Points for efficiency, I suppose, if not for subtlety." She chuckled softly.
Cynthia took that as her cue. She knelt beside Ash's chair, her expression deeply contrite.
Gible, apparently sensing the shift in mood and perhaps remembering the failed part of its mission (waking Ash gently), awkwardly shuffled forward and lowered its head in a clumsy imitation of a bow, its fin drooping sadly.
"Ash," Cynthia began, her voice soft and sincere, her blue eyes looking up at him filled with genuine remorse.
"I am so, truly, deeply sorry. Really. It's entirely my fault. I asked Gible to wake you... I might have... incentivized him slightly too much. I never expected him to actually bite you."
"Incentivized?" Serena murmured curiously.
"Yeah, umm, it's okay, Cynthia," Ash mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly, avoiding her earnest gaze. He felt a blush creeping up his neck.
He couldn't stay mad, especially when she looked so genuinely upset. "Really, it's fine. It's not like it's the first time..." He trailed off, the words hanging in the air as he realised exactly what he'd just said.
His eyes widened slightly in panic.
CRAP! IDIOT! MORON! I forgot! Past! This is the PAST! They don't know about the future waking up by thunder bolt incidents! Or the other random Pokémon attacks! Smooth, Ash, real smooth! Gotta backtrack! Think! Think!
A sudden, palpable silence fell over the kitchen. Everyone stared at Ash. Serena's brow furrowed in thought. Misty squinted suspiciously.
May and Dawn exchanged confused glances.
Green actually lowered her juice glass, an eyebrow arched high.
Lina paused, bandage hovering over Ash's head. Delia just smiled knowingly into her coffee mug.
"Uh... first time for...?" Misty prompted slowly, leaning forward slightly.
"Ah! I mean!" Ash corrected himself hastily, waving his hands dismissively, wincing as the movement jostled his head.
"I mean it's not like it truly hurts that much! Barely felt it! Like a little nibble! A playful... head-nuzzle... with teeth!" He tried a reassuring grin that probably looked more like a grimace.
Lina chose that exact moment to firmly press the bandage onto the bite mark.
"OWW! OW! Lina! Gentle! Don't bind it too tightly! My brain needs room to... to expand! With brilliant ideas!" Ash yelped, improvising wildly.
Lina suppressed a smirk, adjusting the bandage with mock seriousness.
"Ah, my apologies, Ash. Wouldn't want to stifle the genius, would we? Wouldn't want to squish those brilliant, Idiotic... I mean, timely ideas of yours." She patted the bandage firmly, giving him a wink he didn't miss.
"Even so, Ash," Cynthia cut back in, seemingly oblivious to the near time-paradox Ash had almost created, her focus still squarely on atonement.
She clasped her hands together pleadingly, her usual Young lady poise slightly ruffled, which Ash found incredibly endearing despite the circumstances.
"I feel dreadful! I can't forgive myself! Please, you must allow me to make amends. Give me a punishment! Anything!"
Ash sweatdropped again, his face flushing.
The idea of 'punishing' Cynthia felt fundamentally wrong, especially when she looked so earnestly sorry. Punish her? For Gible being overeager? No way.
Besides, what would I even ask her to do? Polish my badges? Do my laundry? That just feels weird. And she looks so... cute when she's flustered... Focus, Ash!
"Well then, kids," Delia intervened smoothly, clapping her hands together, her cheerful voice cutting through the slightly awkward tension.
"Punishments can wait! How about we discuss apologies over a mountain of my famous pancakes? All this excitement has made me terribly hungry! And I'm sure you all are too, after that early morning sprint!" She gestured towards the counter where stacks of golden pancakes, plates of sizzling bacon, and fruit bowls awaited.
The mood shifted instantly at the mention of food.
"Hungry? Okaasan, I'm starving!" May sighed dramatically, clutching her stomach.
"My beauty sleep was ruined, my toast was sacrificed, and my stomach has been rumbling like a Snorlax since that scream!"
"Tell me about it," Serena chimed in, pulling out a compact mirror to inspect her face critically. "I couldn't even finish my contouring! Honestly, Ash, the stress is going to give me wrinkles! And split ends!" She patted her hair worriedly.
"I lost my perfect Contest combination idea," Dawn lamented sadly. "It was flowing so beautifully, and then... AHHHHHH!"
"My morning practice was completely derailed," Misty grumbled, cracking her knuckles. "I need focus for proper Water-type synergy!"
"And I," Green stated flatly, "lost a crucial train of thought regarding the migratory patterns of Spearow in Route 1. Ketchum, your vocal cords are a menace to scientific progress."
"Well, I suppose I should head back to the Pokémon Center," Lina said, closing her medical kit. "Lots to do today."
"Nonsense!" Delia declared firmly, placing a hand on Lina's arm before she could escape.
"You rushed over here, you treated my son's 'grievous' injury," she winked at Ash, "the least we can do is feed you breakfast! You are staying, dear Lina. We hardly see you these days!" She lowered her voice slightly but audibly, "Besides, someone needs to keep an eye on all these... energetic young people."
She beamed at the group. "Ah, and speaking of energy," Delia continued, turning back to the girls with a twinkle in her eye, "I have some good news! the restaurant is closed today! Which means..."
"HOLIDAY!" May, Misty, and Dawn shrieked in delighted unison, previous grievances forgotten.
"Yes!" Serena pumped her fist, eyes sparkling. "Perfect! Girls, we have to go shopping! There's that big sale at the Celadon Department Store!"
"Ooh, shopping!" Dawn bounced excitedly. "Maybe I can find a new scarf!"
"I could use some new running shoes," Misty mused.
"Count me in!" May agreed readily.
"Ah, Cynthia-chan, how about you come with us?" Serena asked, turning to the Champion with an inviting smile. "It'll be fun!"
Cynthia hesitated. Shopping wasn't exactly her preferred way to spend a day. Crowds... noise... endless racks of frivolous items...
but the girls seem so excited... And Ash will be... wait, Ash isn't going... My Pokémon need training.
Garchomp needs her endurance runs... But maybe observing human social rituals outside of battle could be... enlightening? Research? Yes. Research.
"Ah, thank you for the invitation, Serena-san," Cynthia replied politely, offering a small, apologetic smile. "But I really should train my Pokémon today. Perhaps another time?"
Hearing Serena's suggestion and Cynthia's polite refusal sparked an idea in Ash's slightly throbbing head. A mischievous, slightly vengeful, perfectly Ash-like idea.
"Hey, Cynthia," he piped up, a sly grin spreading across his face, "you said you wanted a punishment, right?"
Cynthia looked at him, wary but intrigued. "Yes...?"
"Well," Ash continued, trying to sound serious but failing to hide the amusement in his eyes, "how about this: your punishment is... you have to accompany them on their shopping trip today. All day." He leaned back in his chair, looking immensely pleased with his own cleverness. "That sounds like... a lot of hard work. A real test of endurance."
Cynthia blinked. She looked at the excited faces of the other girls, then back at Ash's grinning face. Shopping... as a punishment? He thinks... it's difficult? For me? Intriguing. And... spending the day... with them... and indirectly, because of Ash's suggestion... hmm.
A tiny smile played on her lips. "Okay, Ash," she said with a small, decisive nod, accepting the challenge. "If that is your chosen punishment... I accept. That sounds... acceptable."
"Yay! Cynthia's coming!" May cheered.
"This is going to be epic!" Dawn added.
"Well, hold up just a second!" Green interjected, crossing her arms and pouting, looking genuinely put out.
"What about me? Are you all just going to abandon me here to drown in research papers?" She looked pointedly at Serena.
Serena winked playfully. "Well, Green-chan, you are Professor Oak's esteemed research assistant, aren't you? Wouldn't want you to neglect your very important duties studying Pidgey droppings, would we?"
Green scoffed, though the corner of her mouth twitched upwards. "Ugh, fine! Twist my arm! I suppose I could grace this... excursion... with my presence. Take a holiday. No problem." Someone has to provide intellectual commentary on their questionable fashion choices, anyway, she thought smugly.
"Umu, it's settled then!" Serena nodded decisively, already pulling out her phone. "This calls for reinforcements! I'll invite Daisy-chan as well!" She started tapping out a message furiously.
"Wonderful!" Delia beamed, clapping her hands together. "It sounds like you girls have a lovely day planned! Now, since you've made such a fun plan," she turned her gaze, sharp and knowing, directly onto her son, "how about taking your hubby along as well?"
Ash froze mid-reach for a pancake. Hubby? Did she just...? Oh no.
Before he could even formulate a protest – visions of endless clothing racks, fitting room queues, handbag debates, and the sheer overwhelming female energy of several companions flashing before his eyes – he saw it.
The Look. Serena's hopeful gaze. Misty's challenging smirk. May's pleading puppy eyes.
Dawn's encouraging nod. Cynthia's curious, slightly amused expression.
Even Green looked faintly entertained by his predicament. It was a united front of shopping-fueled determination. He swallowed hard, a bead of nervous sweat trickling down his temple.
There was absolutely no escape. He was doomed. Utterly, fashionably doomed.
Trapped! Surrounded by fashionistas! And Cynthia! And Mom set me up! This is worse than facing a legendary pokemon! Okay, maybe not worse, but definitely more exhausting!
"Well, well," Lina chimed in, snapping her kit shut with a decisive click, a playful glint dancing in her eyes.
"If Ash is going on this... grand expedition... then I simply must skip work today too. Professional obligation, you see."
"Obligation?" Ash asked warily.
"Of course," Lina replied smoothly, winking at Delia. "Someone needs to provide medical support in case of handbag-related trampling incidents. Or," she added, raising an eyebrow and letting her gaze drift pointedly between Ash and the blushing girls (and a surprisingly stoic Cynthia), "I can't seriously miss being a part of a... group date?"
A collective sputtering and blushing erupted around the table, Ash included.
"Alright, alright!" Delia laughed, rescuing them all.
"Enough scheming for one morning! Eat up, you guys! Breakfast is getting cold! And I made extra chocolate chip pancakes just for emergencies like this!" She gestured towards the steaming platters, the delicious aroma finally cutting through the chaos.
As everyone finally started reaching for food, Ash noticed X and Y, the two Charmanders, attempting a coordinated flanking maneuver towards the bacon plate near Delia.
He sighed. It was definitely going to be a long day.