"Why?" Ash asked, puzzled.

"You're asking me why... I'm not really sure either," Misty appeared somewhat distressed. She also wasn't clear on why only trainers were allowed to stay and dine at the Pokémon Center, "Maybe because it's a benefit specifically for trainers?"

Seeing this, Ash didn't press further. He was just curious and knowing or not knowing wouldn't make much difference.

After dinner, Misty suggested they take a walk outside. From Ash's earlier reactions, it seemed he hadn't been to a big city like this before.

"Sure!" Ash was eager to agree. He had planned to explore Viridian City, even though it was covertly controlled by Team Rocket, which wasn't obvious on the surface.

"But before that, I need to make a phone call!" Ash suddenly remembered he hadn't yet checked in with his mom, Delia, since his arrival, so he hurriedly mentioned it.

"There are phones over in the lobby," Misty led Ash out of the cafeteria to the lobby, where they found the phones in the northeast corner. There were several phones available, but there was also a queue of people waiting to use them.

After a few minutes, it was finally Ash's turn. He approached the phone, which resembled a landline but featured a screen for video calls, although it wasn't mandatory to use.

He dialed home, and after a few rings, the call connected. The screen didn't light up immediately; instead, Ash heard a familiar voice, "Hello? This is Delia."

"Mom, it's me, Ash." Hearing Delia's voice, Ash responded immediately, while Pikachu on his shoulder chirped softly, greeting Delia as well.

"Oh, Ash and Pikachu!" Upon hearing the familiar voices, the screen lit up immediately, revealing Delia's face. She looked joyously at Ash and Pikachu, and of course, she noticed Misty standing behind Ash and looked slightly surprised.

"Um... Hello, ma'am, I'm Misty, Ash's friend..." Seeing Delia, Misty introduced herself somewhat stutteringly, feeling nervous and also surprised by Delia's beauty, not expecting Ash's mother to be so pretty.

"Hello, hello..." Delia responded with a smile, looking at the girl. She glanced from Misty back to Ash, amused that her son had already made friend on his first day out.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

"Mom, is everything okay at home?" Ash didn't quite know what else to say, so he started with some small talk.

"Of course, everything's fine. How about you? Since you called, have you arrived in Viridian City?" Delia asked with a light chuckle and nod.

"Yes, I made it here much faster thanks to Misty's help," Ash said, choosing not to mention the afternoon's events; he didn't want to worry his mother.

"Back in the day, it took your father a whole four days to get to Viridian City. You're doing much better than he did..." Delia remarked nostalgically. She wasn't very familiar with these journeys, so she thought Ash's one-day arrival was impressive.

"Mom... let's not talk about that..." Ash replied, somewhat helplessly.

"Alright, alright, I'll stop. But remember to brush your teeth twice a day and get plenty of sleep," Delia began her gentle nagging again. Ash didn't show any impatience, though. Instead, he listened quietly, occasionally responding to show he was paying attention.

Misty, standing behind Ash, watched enviously. Her parents had disappeared years ago, and though they were not confirmed dead, Misty knew it was likely they were no longer alive. She felt envious of Ash having a mother who cared so much about him.

"By the way, Miss Misty... I'm counting on you to take care of my boy..." After chatting with Ash, Delia turned her attention to Misty, implying something with her words.

"Eh? Oh! Yes, I... I will," Misty was caught off guard, not expecting Delia to suddenly address her. She was slow to respond, but once she did, she realized what she had agreed to, and her cheeks flushed red.

"And... there's no need to be so formal with me, just call me... call me Misty," she added, her voice dropping slightly.

"Mm..." Delia showed a pleased smile and nodded, causing Misty to shyly turn her head away.

"Mom, Misty might not always travel with me, saying that might make her uncomfortable," Ash said helplessly to Delia, not catching on to his mother's hints.

"You blockhead, do you expect a girl to bring that up? You should be the one to invite her!" Delia seemed a bit annoyed by Ash's obliviousness.

"Is that how it works?" Ash was still confused.

"Of course, you're just like your father, both of you are clueless..." Delia sighed resignedly.

After a few more exchanges, Delia ended the call, seeing that it was still early. She urged Misty to take Ash out, hoping to create an opportunity for them to spend time alone together.

"Um..." After hanging up, Ash looked awkwardly at Misty, "I'm sorry about my mom, you don't have to take everything she says seriously."

Hearing Ash's words, Misty's expression soured. Any previous shyness faded as she stared at Ash, then huffed, "I suddenly don't feel like going out anymore. You can go by yourself."

"Don't say that, I'm terrible with directions. I might get lost without you," Ash didn't understand why Misty was upset, but he certainly couldn't go alone since he was indeed directionally challenged.

Despite her words, Misty still ended up leading Ash out of the Pokémon Center. It wasn't just because it was still early; she also needed to buy some supplies.

Although Ash hadn't asked for it, she was already preparing. For a trip, there were many things to plan for like food, drinking water, and everyday necessities. Since she had promised Delia, of course, she would take care of Ash.

"Pika..." Pikachu, watching Ash's clueless demeanor, also felt a bit helpless.