"Growlithe, Charmander! Finish this with Flamethrower!"
Following Ash's command, the two Fire-types unleashed twin streams of fire, instantly knocking out a pair of wild Rattata. Ash waited until Chansey had finished feeding the fainted Pokémon some Oran Berries before turning to leave.
Watching the scorched, dizzy Rattata, Misty couldn't help but mutter, "That's... a bit brutal."
"It's showing them respect by not holding back," Ash replied casually. "Besides, Chansey already gave them berries."
Misty looked at the pink Pokémon. "Actually, I've been meaning to ask... Ash, do you have some kind of connection with the Joy family? Not only do you have a Chansey, but she seems to have actual medical training."
Ash didn't see a reason to hide it. "We have some ties, yeah. My Chansey actually went to nursing school, though she discovered she prefers battling more."
"Lucky!"
Chansey chirped happily and pulled Ash into a big hug. Ash laughed, patting her arm. "Alright, alright! I know you like me, and I like you too!"
"Lucky!"
Seeing Chansey hogging Ash, Meowth grumbled, "Tch, actin' like the rest of us don't like the Boss just as much, meow."
Smack!
Chansey's hand connected with the back of Meowth's head, leaving a cartoonish bump.
"Meow! That's a provocation, meow! Don't think just 'cause the Boss raised ya since you were an egg that I won't scrap with ya! You should be callin' me 'Daddy,' meow!"
"Lucky!" Chansey pointed toward a Miltank nearby.
"What?! You're sayin' Miltank is your wet nurse, meow?!"
Misty watched the bickering between the Pokémon with a look of pure amusement. It was certainly a lively group.
"Anyway, Ash, I need to check in with my family first," Misty said. "Can we meet up when you're ready to head out?"
"Sure. We'll coordinate a meeting spot via the Pokégear when the time comes."
The two agreed on their plan and continued toward Viridian City. However, as soon as they arrived at the city gates, an Officer Jenny pulled up on her motorcycle.
"Please show your identification—Wait, Ash?"
"Officer Jenny."
Seeing Ash, the Officer's professional intensity melted away instantly.
"Ash! Have you finally started your journey?"
"Yep. I'm officially of age now. Here's my Dex."
Ash handed over his Pokédex. Even though he had personal ties to the Jenny family, he never expected special treatment. He didn't believe in cutting corners when it came to official business, and Jenny respected that, checking his and Misty's IDs thoroughly.
Once the check was done, Misty excused herself to go contact her sisters. Ash, however, found himself blocked by the officer's motorcycle.
Once Misty was out of earshot, Jenny reached out and gave Ash's cheek a playful, painful tug. "Alright, spill it! Did you forget something important?"
Despite seeing their trainer being assaulted, Ash's Pokémon didn't move a muscle. Pikachu and Meowth were busy playing a hand-clapping game, Ralts watched with a confused tilt of her head, and Chansey was humming happily while polishing her egg.
"Wait—! What could I have forgotten?! Ow, ow, ow!"
"What could you have forgotten? I heard from Professor Oak that you already gave a ring to Daisy!"
"Daisy is my fiancée. It's only natural for me to do that, right?"
Finally releasing his face, the officer—Jenny—crossed her arms. "Hmph, you little smooth-talker. What about my family's side? Don't tell me you didn't prepare anything for us."
Rubbing his sore cheek, Ash exhaled. "Look, your family hasn't even picked out who my match is supposed to be yet. I can't exactly go around handing out rings blindly, can I?"
"Fair point. Fine, I'll let it slide for now. But tell me—was that Peace Treaty at the Continental Hotel your idea?"
The Peace Treaty was a strict rule established at the Continental Hotel: all non-official combat was banned on the premises. Any Pokémon Ranger, Police Officer, or even Elite Four member who took advantage of the free food and drinks there was obligated to beat the living daylights out of anyone who caused trouble. Conversely, some bounty hunters and shady groups also acted as security to earn extra cash. Ash's philosophy was simple: I have money; I buy peace.
"It was my suggestion," Ash admitted. "Why? Hasn't it made your jobs a lot easier lately?"
"It's easier, sure. But do you know how weird it feels to cooperate with people we've arrested before just because we're both on hotel grounds?"
It was an awkward reality for her. Many criminal organizations would simply pay the bail or fines to the hotel to keep things civil.
Ash shrugged helplessly. "Nothing I can do about that. Those organizations contribute a lot of 'donations' to the Continental. Why do you think the Joy and Jenny families get such massive dividends despite not owning shares? It's the cost of doing business."
"I know, I know," Jenny sighed. As a high-ranking officer, she saw the gray areas of the world more clearly than most. She was just venting. "Anyway... any other problems?"
"Nope."
"Then I'm heading out."
As Ash turned to leave, Jenny grabbed his shoulder. "Hold on. I wasted a bunch of your time. Where are you headed? I'll give you a lift."
Ash didn't hesitate. He hopped onto the back of the bike, signaling Meowth and the others to pile on. Chansey had to squeeze in a bit due to her size, but they made it work.
"Thanks! Take me to the Pokémon Center first."
Feeling Ash wrap his arms around her waist for balance, Jenny's face flushed a light shade of red before she kicked the engine into gear and roared off.