In a cozy Chinese restaurant, the group that Ash had called for help was enjoying a late-night meal. Elesa, sitting beside Ash, couldn't help but ask with a smile, "So, Ash, how does it feel to suddenly know you're a hero who saved the world?"
"I don't really feel anything special. After all, I don't have any memories of it. By the way, has Yellow gone to sleep?"
"Yes, Misty is with her now. She's still young, so she needs her rest."
"That's good."
After saying this, Ash hugged Elesa and said, "What should we do about that girl? Honestly, I kind of dug myself into a hole here. I wanted everyone to help figure things out, but now everyone knows, and I've got someone who's been waiting for me for a thousand years."
"She's waited for you for a millennium. You should make it up to her," Elesa replied, genuinely moved by the girl's devotion. Besides, she had already claimed Ash's firsts, so she wasn't worried.
"Having a great partner to help me figure things out is a blessing. I understand now." Since Elesa had given her approval, Ash knew he had to step up and be a man about it.
"Thank you, Elesa."
"No problem. But Ash, the Aura Guardian... You were truly radiant back then." Elesa couldn't help but feel proud as she recalled the vision of Ash using his Aura to end the war. Her man had saved the world.
While Ash and Elesa were enjoying their quiet moment, Officer Jenny was explaining everything to the mayor of Maiden's Cape.
"So, you're saying there was actually a girl inside the Maiden's Rock, and she's been taken for a medical checkup?" The mayor was understandably overwhelmed. This was all too surreal, even in a world filled with Pokémon.
"That's correct. The tricky part now is how to explain this to the townsfolk," Officer Jenny replied, being completely transparent. With so many authoritative professors as witnesses, there was no point in hiding the truth.
"Ah, this is giving me a headache. The Maiden's Rock has been a legend passed down for generations. How am I supposed to tell the elders that there was really a girl inside it?" The mayor sighed. After all, Maiden's Cape's real income came from its annual festivals and tourists, not the rock itself.
"About that, I think we can use one of your local customs," Ash chimed in, patting Gastly beside him.
On the night of the Ghost Festival, countless people witnessed a miraculous sight. The Maiden's Rock crumbled, and the soul of the girl inside floated into the arms of a uniquely dressed figure. The two then boarded a small boat adorned with lanterns and sailed away.
"Did I just see that?"
"Yes, I recorded it..."
"There really was a ghost girl in the Maiden's Rock!!!" *N
Meanwhile, the girl named Xiao Zi woke up. When she saw Ash sitting beside her, she smiled and said, "You really came back, Sir Aaron."
"I'm sorry, but I don't remember any of that. If possible, I'd like you to tell me how you ended up inside the rock." Ash felt a bit awkward facing the girl who had waited for him for a thousand years.
Xiao Zi seemed to understand Ash's feelings and smiled. "Don't feel troubled. It was the gods who turned me to stone. They said all I had to do was wait. And back then, you ended the war and saved the world. How could I blame you?"
"I'm sorry, I really can't remember anything. The only thing that comes to mind is your name, Xiao Zi."
"That's enough. This time, please don't leave again, Sir Aaron... no, Ash."
"Don't worry, I'm not the same person I was back then. But for now, you need to rest. You'll come to my house. My mom wants to meet you..." Ash sighed and pulled out a communicator.
"Mom, this is Xiao Zi..."
"She's such a lovely girl, Ash. Don't let her down, okay? And before she fully recovers, let her stay with us. I'll also teach her about modern life..."
As Delia went on, Ash turned to Gastly and said, "I'm counting on you to protect Xiao Zi."
"Don't worry, just call me if you need anything. I'm always ready." Gastly positioned itself beside Xiao Zi. It had already become Ash's Pokémon, as it had always wanted to serve the gentle hero.
"Gastly, you don't need my training anymore. Just master the moves I've taught you."
"Understood."
With everything settled, Ash and his friends prepared to continue their journey. Xiao Zi, accompanied by Gastly, the Continental Hotel staff, and Officer Jenny, would head to Pallet Town to meet her future mother-in-law.
Now, Ash had to bid farewell to Xiao Zi. Facing the girl who had waited for him for a thousand years, he was at a loss for words.
"Anyway... take care of yourself. I'll definitely come back this time. That's a promise."
"I'll be waiting for you, Ash. But this time, I'll be waiting at your home."
"That's good. See you later."
"See you later."
After sharing a hug with Xiao Zi, Ash and his group set off. Misty, walking beside him, couldn't help but marvel, "It's so magical... past lives and present lives. No, this is a love that spans a thousand years."
Ash paused for a moment after hearing Misty's comment, then said, "Past lives? Well, I might actually have some memories of a past life."
"Huh?" *4
Seeing the confused looks on Elesa and the others' faces, Ash chuckled and explained, "I do have some memories of what you might call a past life, but they're just boring stuff. Anyway, let's get moving. The Golden Badge in Saffron City is waiting for me. I just hope Sabrina doesn't try to turn me into a doll again."
Little did Ash know, a woman named Lusamine was already on her way to meet him, bringing along her two adopted children.
"Mom, are you sure that guy is Dad? He's only 15..." Lillie asked, clearly puzzled.
"Lillie, I'm not that old either... But tell me, do you believe in past lives?" Lusamine replied with a mysterious smile.
"Huh?" Lillie was completely thrown off by Lusamine's question, while Gladion rolled his eyes and said, "Mom, do you really think this kind of joke is funny?"
Gladion's response was met with a chilling glare from Lusamine.
"No, I'm not joking about this. I hope you understand, Gladion."