"How about it, Ash? How does it feel to suddenly find out you're a hero who saved the world?" Inside a Los Pollos Hermanos restaurant, the people Ash had called over to help were having a late-night snack, while Elesa smilingly asked Ash how he felt about being a hero.
"I don't really feel anything. It's not like I have the memories anyway. By the way, did Yellow go to sleep?"
"Yeah, Misty went to keep her company. She's still young, after all; it's not good for her to miss out on sleep."
"That's good."
After saying that, Ash hugged Elesa and said, "What do you think we should do about that girl? To be honest, I kind of dug a hole for myself here. I originally just wanted everyone to help keep an eye on things, but it ended up with everyone finding out, and now I have someone who's been waiting for me all this time."
"She's already waited a thousand years for you, so you should make it up to her properly." Elesa was actually quite moved by the maiden's wait, so she spoke up for her.
"It's great having such a capable and understanding partner to help come up with ideas. I understand." Since Elesa put it that way, Ash wouldn't be much of a man if he didn't do something about it.
"Thank you, Elesa."
"It's nothing. But still, the Aura Guardian... Ash, you were truly, blindingly radiant back then." Remembering the scene of Ash single-handedly ending the war with his Aura, Elesa felt a genuine sense of pride from the bottom of her heart. Her man had saved the world.
While Ash and Elesa were enjoying their warm, private time together, Officer Jenny was explaining everything to the Mayor of Maiden's Peak.
"So you're telling me there is an actual maiden inside the Maiden's Rock, and she's already been taken away for a medical examination?" The Mayor had a headache. This whole situation was simply too magical and absurd. Even though Pokémon themselves were magical enough.
"Exactly. The tricky part now is how we're going to explain this to the town's residents." Officer Jenny didn't hide anything and laid it all out. After all, with a group of authoritative professors acting as witnesses, there was no point in covering it up.
"Ah, what a headache. The Maiden's Rock is a legend that's been passed down forever. How am I supposed to explain this to the elders? Do I just tell them there was a real girl inside it?" The Mayor was actually quite pragmatic. The true income of Maiden's Peak came from the annual festival and the tourists; the Maiden's Rock was really just a legend left behind.
"Regarding that, I think we can use one of your local customs." Ash walked over at that moment, patting Gastly who was floating beside him.
*
On the night of the Ghost Festival, countless people witnessed a miraculous scene. The Maiden's Rock chipped away, and the maiden's soul, smiling, drifted into the embrace of a uniquely dressed person. Subsequently, the two departed on a small boat adorned with glowing lanterns.
"Did I see that right?"
"You did. I recorded the whole thing..."
"The maiden's ghost is real!!!" Multiplied across the crowd.
*
Meanwhile, on the other side, the maiden named Lady Rin woke up. When she saw Ash sitting beside her, she smiled and said, "You really did return, Lord Aaron."
"I'm sorry, I really don't have any memories of those events. If possible, I'd rather you tell me how you turned into a rock." To be honest, Ash still felt a bit awkward facing the girl in front of him. She was, after all, someone who had waited a thousand years for him.
The maiden seemed to see right through Ash's thoughts. She smiled and said, "There is no need to feel troubled. It was God who petrified me. He said I only needed to wait. Besides, you saved the world and ended the war back then; how could I possibly blame you?"
"I'm sorry, I really can't remember anything. The only thing I can recall is your name, Rin."
"That is more than enough. So this time, please do not leave again, Aaron... no, Ash."
"Don't worry, I'm not exactly a good guy anymore. But you still need to rest and recover right now, so you should head to my house first. My mom said she wants to meet you..." Saying this, Ash helplessly lowered his head and pulled out a phone.
"Mom, this is Rin..."
"What a lovely girl! Ash, you better not let her down, you hear me? Also, have Rin come stay at our house until she's fully recovered. Oh, and I have to teach her so many modern things..."
As Delia continued chattering away, Ash could only turn to Gastly and say, "I'll leave Rin's escort mission to you."
"Rest assured. Just call me if you need anything; I'm ready at all times." After saying that, Gastly took up a guard position beside Rin. Gastly was now officially Ash's Pokémon, having long wished to become a Pokémon of that hero.
"Gastly, you don't really need my training anymore, so just make sure to master the moves I teach you."
"Understood."
When everything wrapped up, Ash and the others had to set off on their journey again. Rin, on the other hand, would be escorted by Gastly, the Continental Hotel staff, and Officer Jenny to Pallet Town to meet her future mother-in-law.
Right now, Ash had to say his goodbyes to Rin. Facing this girl who had waited a millennium for him, Ash really didn't know what to say.
"Anyway... take good care of yourself. I will definitely come back this time. That's a promise."
"I will always be waiting for you, Ash. Only this time, I'll be waiting for you at your home."
"That sounds great. See you later then."
"See you later."
After sharing a brief hug with Rin, Ash and his group departed. Misty commented curiously, "It's so magical. Past and present lives... no, it's a millennium-spanning romance."
Hearing Misty's words, Ash paused for a moment before saying, "Past and present lives, huh? If we're talking about past lives, I might actually have one."
"Eh?" Echoed the four of them.
Seeing Elesa and the others' confused expressions, Ash laughed and said, "I actually do have so-called past life memories. But they're just a bunch of boring things. Let's go, the Marsh Badge in Saffron City is still waiting for me. I just hope Sabrina doesn't try to turn me into a doll."
However, what Ash didn't know was that a woman named Lusamine was currently heading straight for him, bringing along her two adopted children.
"Mother, are you sure that person is Father? He's only 15 years old..."
"Lillie, I'm not that old either, okay... But, do you believe in past and present lives?"
"Eh?" Lillie was completely stumped by Lusamine's question, while Gladion said speechlessly, "Mom, do you really think this kind of joke is funny...?"
However, the only response Gladion received was a terrifying glare from Lusamine.
"No. On this matter, I would never lie. I hope you can understand that, Gladion."
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