009: Mother's Apology!
The power of Viridian is exceedingly rare, and in the original manga and anime, there were no signs or clues that Ash possessed it. Unlike the wave-guiding aura, which Ash clearly exhibited in various arcs, including the Lucario and the Mystery of Mew film and the Pokémon Ranger episodes, the Viridian power remained absent from his canon traits.
While Ash from the original series did show moments of deep empathy and understanding toward Pokémon like when he calmed Charizard or bonded with wild Pokémon like Butterfree and Larvitar this was more attributable to his pure-hearted nature rather than any psychic power.
Pikachu's expressive behavior and their shared bond certainly contributed to this understanding, alongside the visible nonverbal cues and emotional intuition. However, his ability to communicate with Pokémon was not consistent or telepathic, unlike known Viridian power wielders like Green (aka Blue) from the Pokémon Adventures manga.
Thus, Ash could conclude with some confidence that the original version of himself did not possess the Viridian Power. And even if he did, it must have been dormant, just like in his current case where both the Power of Aura and the Power of Viridian lie in an inactive state.
Now aware that he possesses both the "Power of Aura" and the "Power of Viridian," Ash felt it would be wasteful not to find a method to activate these latent abilities.
"I have memories from my previous life and access to the Mega Trainer System. I know how to train Pokémon efficiently. But figuring out how to awaken Psychic powers... that's another story."
Resting his chin on one hand, pen twirling in the other, Ash stared absentmindedly out the white-framed window of his room in Pallet Town, lost in thought.
Two days prior, while hospitalized, he'd come up with the idea to obtain a Pokémon ahead of the usual schedule perhaps by rescuing injured Pokémon in the wild or earning favor with mischievous Ghost-types like Gengar or Gastly.
Earlier that day, Gary had visited to apologize for accidentally pushing him into the river. Their argument resolved, Ash casually asked Gary to help inquire with Professor Oak about early Pokémon ownership.
Regardless of whether Gary returned with useful information, Ash had already begun planning how to legally acquire a Pokémon ahead of schedule.
However, unlocking the "Power of Aura" and the "Power of Viridian" still left him stumped. He had pondered it extensively during his hospital stay, and no clear path had emerged.
It felt ironic: he had the Mega Trainer System yet no Pokémon; he possessed two of the rarest psychic abilities in the Pokémon world, yet couldn't access them.
The frustration weighed on him.
Even when called for lunch by his mother, Delia, he remained preoccupied.
"Ash, what are you thinking about? You look completely out of it. Mom made your favorite dish today."
At the table, Delia noticed Ash wasn't even serving himself. Instead, he stared vacantly while mechanically feeding the Bulbasaur-themed bowl.
Delia knew her son well—lively, sunny, always in motion. A boy who never showed this kind of pensive expression.
"This accident really did change him," she thought. "More thoughtful, more grown-up… I didn't expect Ash could reflect so deeply."
"Wow, my son's actually thinking independently. I'm so proud!" she beamed, cheeks cupped in both hands.
"Mom, don't exaggerate. It's not a big deal," Ash replied, flustered by her praise. "Are you saying I used to be dumb?"
"Of course not. You've always been the smartest and most adorable child in the world. I've always been proud to have you," Delia said with a loving smile.
"You're gonna embarrass me..." Ash scratched his head, red-faced.
"But seriously, what's bothering my clever Ash? You can tell Mom," she asked gently.
Ash hesitated.
"Well… it's nothing major. Gary and I were talking earlier, and he mentioned choosing our starter Pokémon soon. I was just wondering if there's a way to legally get a Pokémon before turning ten."
Not wanting to reveal that he was a transmigrator or that he had access to a mysterious system, Ash decided to keep his deeper secrets hidden for now. He didn't bring up the Powers of Aura and Viridian.
But Delia's reaction to the words "starter Pokémon" was unexpected.
She suddenly stopped smiling.
"Mom? What's wrong?" Ash asked, puzzled.
Delia lowered her head and began to cry.
"Ash, I'm so sorry—" she said, sobbing as she set down her chopsticks and buried her face in her hands.
Ash panicked.
"Mom?! What's going on? Why are you crying? You didn't do anything wrong!"
He rushed to her side, patting her shoulder with his small hand, clearly worried.
"Ash, Mom's sorry… I've been so selfish…" Delia choked out, hugging him tightly. "I know your dream has always been to become a great Pokémon Trainer like your father. But I was afraid. I was scared you'd leave me one day, just like he did…"
"Last year, when you turned five, the League sent a notice requiring families to begin paying the Starter Pokémon Tax annually. I didn't pay it. I thought… maybe if I didn't register, you wouldn't be able to go. You'd stay here with me…"
"Now… when you turn ten, you won't be able to receive a starter Pokémon from the League. I've ruined your dream… I'm so sorry…"
Delia cried harder, holding her son as if trying to shield him from a truth she had long hidden.
Ash didn't respond with anger or blame. Instead, he gently leaned into her arms, whispering quietly in his heart:
"So… my deadbeat dad really did leave. Figures."
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