As Ash walked toward Professor Oak's lab, Cynthia still coiled protectively around his arm, their footsteps slow, intimate, and unbothered by the world, a gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming Pallet flowers. The emotional weight of their reunion still lingered in the air.
Inside, the lab's familiar hum of machines provided a quiet backdrop. Cynthia leaned slightly against Ash, her hand not leaving his as though afraid he'd vanish again.
Before they could even cross the threshold—"ASH!!"
The sharp, maternal voice cut through the air like a Thunderbolt.
Delia Ketchum, apron on and a tray of homemade snacks balanced effortlessly in one hand, stood at the doorway. Mr. Mime hovered beside her, holding a stack of plates and juice glasses. Her eyes were bright, motherly joy sparkling in them—until they dropped to see a gorgeous blonde woman wrapped around her son's arm like a living silk ribbon.
Delia's cheerful expression faltered into surprise. She blinked once, then again, her lips parting slightly.
"...Ash," she said softly. "What have you done now?"
Ash gulped.
Cynthia, ever composed, didn't pull away. Instead, she gave Delia a graceful smile, bowing slightly despite still holding onto Ash. "You must be Mrs. Ketchum. I'm Cynthia… your future daughter-in-law."
Mr. Mime's eyes widened comically as he dropped the cups, shattering glass echoing in the background.
Delia slowly placed the tray on the nearest table, still stunned. "Daughter-in-law?" she repeated, blinking rapidly. "I leave you alone for ten mintues, and I get a new daughter-in-law?"
Ash stammered under his mother's piercing gaze, the weight of her stunned silence far more intimidating than any battle he'd ever faced.
"I-It's not what it looks like—well, I mean—it kind of is—but not like—uh—Mom, I can explain!"
From behind them, soft giggles bubbled up.
Misty and Sabrina stood just outside the doorway, both clearly enjoying the scene. Misty covered her mouth, trying (and failing) to stifle her laughter, while Sabrina—cool and enigmatic as ever—let out a rare chuckle, her eyes twinkling with quiet amusement.
"Well, well," Misty teased, arms crossed and a smirk playing on her lips. "Ash Ketchum, nervous around girls and his mom? This is a new record."
Sabrina nodded slightly, a ghost of a smile on her lips. "Fascinating. I've never seen him short-circuit like this—not even in the middle of a psychic battle."
Ash flushed scarlet, his voice cracking as he turned toward them. "Y-You're not helping!"
Cynthia, still calm and regal, gave the girls a polite nod, then gently squeezed Ash's hand in reassurance. "It's alright, Ash. There's nothing to hide. Your mother deserves to know."
Delia, now slowly regaining composure, folded her arms and raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, I will be hearing everything. Starting with how you went from my little Pokémon Trainer… to engaged without a phone call."
Mr. Mime, now crouched down picking up shards of glass, muttered something under his breath. Probably something along the lines of I should've stayed in bed.
Ash took a deep breath, rubbing the back of his neck nervously as all eyes fell on him.
"Okay… So, after I finished my Viridian City Gym challenge and started heading home, something… weird happened."
Delia's brow furrowed. "Weird how?"
"A space-time rift opened right in front of me," Ash explained, his voice steadying as the memory came flooding back. "I got pulled inside and ended up in the past—specifically, the ancient Sinnoh region."
Delia simply stared, clearly unsure whether to be horrified or intrigued.
Ash continued, "That's where I met Cynthia. She was a teenager back then—strong, sharp, a natural leader. We got caught up in this huge crisis involving Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina. Time and space were unraveling, and we had to work together to restore balance."
Cynthia nodded softly, her eyes never leaving Delia's.
"During that journey," Ash said with a quiet smile, "we grew close. We fought side by side, protected each other… One thing led to another, and, well… we became a couple."
Delia's hand slowly rose to her mouth.
"I had to return to my own time eventually," Ash said, his tone dipping with emotion. "Before I left, I gave her my aura-imbued necklace… a part of me, so she could always feel me. And she waited—ten years. The moment she felt my aura again, she came. Right away."
The room was silent for a beat.
Then Delia's expression softened into a gentle smile. She walked up to Cynthia and took her hands in hers.
"So that's it, huh?" she said warmly. "Not only did you save her… you won her heart."
She turned her gaze to Cynthia, voice filled with tenderness. "Cynthia, dear… You must have felt so distressed during those ten long years without seeing Ash. But don't worry. You're one of us now."
Cynthia's composure finally gave way. She smiled through shimmering tears. "Thank you… so much."
Misty and Sabrina stepped forward, each placing a hand on Cynthia's shoulder.
"Welcome to the chaos," Misty grinned.
Sabrina gave a rare, genuine smile. "You belong here."