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The bustling atmosphere of the Ketchum’'s house was filled with the joyful commotion of final party preparations. Serena, known for her meticulous nature, was in the midst of ensuring every detail was perfect for Elysia's special day. Alongside her were a dedicated team of helpers, a combination of hired staff, friends who willingly volunteered, and the Pokémon companions of the Ketchum family.
Incineroar and Heracross, showcasing their immense strength, worked together to rearrange furniture and create additional space for the celebration. The warm glow of Delphox's mystic fire danced around the room, casting an enchanting ambiance as it illuminated carefully arranged candles. Meanwhile, Sylveon took charge, leading a group of Pokémon who were poised to deliver a captivating singing performance in honor of Elysia.
Serena, focused and intent on ensuring every detail of the party's arrangements was flawless, gave precise commands to her team of helpers in the garden. The typically serene outdoor space, usually reserved for family relaxation, was being transformed into the venue for Elysia's special celebration.
Grace approached from behind, a playful grin on her face. "My, my, Serena. You seem a bit more serious than usual. Should I be concerned that something's amiss in the perfect world of party planning?" she teased.
Serena glanced at her mother, a brief smile touching her lips. "Oh, Mom, you know me too well. I just want everything to be absolutely perfect for Elysia. It's her special day, after all."
Grace chuckled, her eyes reflecting both understanding and admiration. "Well, dear, I'm sure everything will be splendid. But don't forget, the joy is in the imperfections too."
Serena nodded appreciatively. "I know, Mom. I just want it to be a celebration that Elysia and everyone else will remember forever."
The lively scene continued as Bulbasaur, acting as the unofficial party coordinator, gathered the Pokémon to give them specific instructions about their roles during the celebration. Rowlet, still contentedly unevolved despite the passage of time, perched peacefully on Meltan's metallic surface, while Hawlucha, Buizel, and Infernape attentively listened and nodded in acknowledgment.
Just as Bulbasaur was orchestrating the perfect setup, a group of small children arrived in a burst of excitement. Their gleeful shouts and infectious energy disrupted the organized gathering, as they rushed forward, grabbing and hugging Bulbasaur, Rowlet, and the other Pokémon with unabashed enthusiasm.
The disruption brought an unexpected, joyous chaos to the garden, creating an atmosphere of pure excitement and celebration. Bulbasaur, despite the initial interruption, couldn't help but join in the cheerful atmosphere, as the Pokémon and children mingled, forging new bonds in the shared anticipation of Elysia's birthday party.
Serena and Grace shared a hearty laugh as they watched the joyful chaos unfold in the garden. Brock, emerging from the kitchen, wore a slightly apologetic expression as he approached.
“Kids! Be quiet or I’ll tell your mother!” he warned his six children.
“It’s ok, Brock. Don’t worry,” Serena reassured him with a warm smile and expressing her delight. ”The kids playing and interacting with Ash’s Pokémon was deliberate after all”.
Brock, relieved by Serena's understanding, thanked her and promised that he was cooking up something special in the kitchen. Just as he was about to return to his culinary duties, Cilan's voice rang out, calling for Brock's assistance. With a nod of acknowledgment, Brock headed back to the kitchen, leaving Serena and Grace to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the approaching celebration.
As mother and daughter continued with their talk, the entrance of Delia into the garden drew the attention of Serena and Grace. Delia, with a warm smile and the always faithful Mr. Mime by her side, greeted both women. Her graceful aging mirrored Grace's, and as Serena hugged her mother-in-law, she expressed gratitude for Delia's early arrival.
“Oh, my, Serena. This is such a beautiful and meticulous decoration,” Delia expressed. “This will definitely be a day worth remembering it”.
“Thanks, Delia. I appreciate the compliment,” Serena responded. “And hello you too, Mr. Mime! Seems that Delia is not the only one whose years don’t seem to pass!”
As the trio exchanged pleasantries and Mr. Mime rushed to help Brock and Cilan with the kitchen’s chores, Grace turned to Delia with a mischievous glint in her eye.
“So, Delia. Do you have ‘it’?” Grace asked.
“Just as we ordered it from that Paldean store in Alfornada that we visited on our last trip,” Delia reassured.
Intrigued, Serena couldn't resist asking her mother what the mysterious "it" was that they were discussing. Grace, playing coy, simply responded with a secretive smile, leaving Serena curious and eager to uncover the surprise.
As Delia looked around, she couldn't help but inquire, "So, where is Ash?"
Serena let out a small sigh, her expression a mix of concern and amusement. "That's what I wonder. He left early and hasn't arrived yet. He probably had to stop to do what he always does."
"Helping someone?" Delia guessed.
"Making me anxious," Serena replied with a playful smirk.
Delia chuckled, enjoying the banter. "Is Elysia getting ready in her room?"
"No, she hasn't come back from visiting Professor Oak," Serena explained. "I swear, that girl likes to get on my nerves."
Grace joined the conversation with a teasing smile. "Does that make me remember someone else when she was younger?" The reminiscence of Serena's own mischievous childhood antics brought a collective laugh from the trio, creating a warm and lighthearted atmosphere in the garden.
Suddenly, the sound of a flying creature caused a small breeze, capturing Serena's attention. From the sky, a silhouette descended on a Pokémon. Serena, thinking it was Ash finally arriving, remarked, "Must be him."
Upon closer inspection, the feminine figure calling back her Hydreigon dispelled Serena's suspicion. As the girl turned, Serena's face lit up with joy. "Bonnie, welcome!" she exclaimed, rushing to greet her.
"Serena, it's so good to see you!" Bonnie reciprocated with equal excitement as both old friends shared a warm hug.
"My, look at you," Serena remarked, taking in the transformation Bonnie had undergone. Gone were her childish features, replaced by a strong, blonde beauty whose practical yet fashionable attire accentuated her high regarded status in her region’s league. Despite the changes, Bonnie still had her trustful Dedenne by her side, which playfully greeted Serena with a friendly growl.
"Come on, we just met recently," Bonnie assured. "You, on the other hand... Wow!"
Serena appreciated her friend's compliment and led her to meet the rest of the guests. "Clemont apologizes for not coming. But you know him, always inventing stuff and making sure we don't run out of energy," Bonnie explained as she presented a small gift box wrapped with care. "He also sends this for Elysia. He says it will be useful for her journey."
Examining the gift box, Serena raised an eyebrow. "This will not explode, right?"
Bonnie chuckled. "It... doesn't happen that often anymore. He promised!"
As the preparations were completed, more guests arrived, piling their gifts on the table Serena had prepared with that purpose in mind. The scene brightened as Professor Oak made his appearance, descending from a car with the assistance of the young explorer and Ash’s old friend accompanying him, Chloe. Her maroon hair still neatly arranged in a long braid just like the old days.
"Delia, it's such a pleasure to see you!" Professor Oak greeted as he entered the house.
Delia beamed. "So glad to see you coming here, Samuel." She then turned her attention to Chloe. "Thank you so much for assisting him, Chloe."
"It's a pleasure, Miss Ketchum," Chloe responded, her Eevee following along and joining the rest of the Pokémon in greeting them.
Serena approached Professor Oak and exchanged warm greetings. However, a trace of concern crossed her face as she looked past him, as if searching for someone.
"Professor Oak, didn't Elysia go with you this morning?" Serena asked, a hint of worry in her voice.
"Ah, yes! She left quickly after our meeting, eager to embark on an adventure and hatch her egg. Don't worry, though; Ash also came by, and I directed him to where she headed. They must be arriving soon," Professor Oak reassured her.
Serena sighed, her expectations for Elysia's timely arrival fading. With most of the guests already present and inquiring about the guest of honor, she decided to initiate her backup plan.
"Soren, sweetie, can you please come with mommy?" Serena called.
Soren promptly appeared, dressed in the elegant and adorable outfit Serena had carefully prepared for the occasion. He wore a miniature black suit with a crisp white shirt underneath, complete with a tiny bow tie that mirrored the color of his suit. The tailored suit pants were proportioned perfectly for his small frame, and his little black shoes added a touch of formality. The ensemble was subtly adorned with delicate embroidery, enhancing the overall charm of the outfit. The careful attention to detail showcased Serena's thoughtful preparation and highlighted Soren's adorable presence at the party.
Soren's attire, coupled with his natural cuteness, caused everyone's hearts to melt almost instantly, diverting their focus from Elysia's absence as they eagerly snapped pictures of the little one.
As the spotlight shifted to Soren, Serena whispered to herself, "This will keep them occupied."
"That's what I call creativity," the wisdom feminine voice responded from behind.
Serena turned to find Cynthia, her mature tone and well-timed arrival appreciated.
"Cynthia! I'm so glad you could make it," Serena exclaimed.
"And miss the 10th birthday party of my favorite girl? That's like skipping my favorite ice cream flavor," Cynthia chuckled. "Besides, I'd love to witness the egg I gave her hatching right before my eyes."
"She's approached that quest with such precision and care," Serena added. "To the point where it seems like she has no other thought besides the start of her journey."
"Guilty," Cynthia declared with amusement.
"And she still needs to take a shower and get ready for the party. And I swear, I won't care if the water is cold," Serena issued a playful ultimatum, eliciting laughter from Cynthia.
"Knowing Elysia, she'll probably show up with leaves in her hair and dirt on her face," Cynthia teased, adding a playful touch to the conversation.
Serena smiled, grateful for Cynthia's presence and lighthearted banter. "You're right. But as long as she's happy, I can overlook a bit of mess."
The vibrant party atmosphere filled the air, but suddenly, the doors of the house swung open with determination, drawing everyone's attention.
"Now who has leaves on her hair and dirt on her face?" Elysia announced with a confident grin, making a dramatic entrance. Her eyes gleamed with assurance, her hair and appearance impeccably tidy and clean. "Elysia Ketchum has entered the scene! Thank you very much for being here, everyone!"
Following closely behind, Ash entered with Pikachu perched on his shoulder. He echoed his daughter's gratitude and extended his thanks to the guests. The room erupted with applause and surprise as the guest of honor finally made her grand entrance. Serena followed, her initial confusion giving way to relief, shaking her head at Elysia's theatrical flair.
As the closer guests approached Elysia to congratulate her, they also had the chance to admire her attire. Elysia's ensemble, carefully chosen and gifted by her mother for the special occasion, perfectly captured her fashion sense and youthful spirit. The stylish skirt, adorned with subtle patterns, complemented her look, while fashionable boots added a touch of edge to her outfit. Over her top, she wore a swing coat that gracefully swayed with her movements, showcasing her distinctive flair.
The thoughtful selection of each piece reflected not only the celebration of Elysia's birthday but also the bond between mother and daughter. The ensemble allowed Elysia to stand out at her own celebration, showcasing her unique style without being overly girly—a testament to her individuality and the special touch of Serena's love and care.
The garden buzzed with excitement as Delia and Grace approached their granddaughter with beaming smiles. Elysia, in her stylish birthday ensemble, greeted her grandmothers with joyous hugs.
"There she is: the most beautiful girl in the entire world," Delia declared with grandmotherly pride.
"Grandma Delia, Grandma Grace!" Elysia cheered, her eyes sparkling with happiness as she embraced both of them.
"You look just astonishing," Grace complimented, exchanging a knowing look with Delia as they both felt the significance of the moment. "Here, my girl. From me and grandma Delia. Open it."
Delia retrieved a small black box from her purse and handed it to Elysia. With care and curiosity, Elysia opened the box to reveal a mesmerizing piece of silver jewelry nestled inside.
Elysia was stunned by such beautiful artcraft. The necklace carried a delicate and intricately designed charm. Crafted with care and love, the charm was a testament to the unity and family bonds that defined Elysia's family. Subtle engravings captured the essence of two Pokémon, each representing a grandmother's unique spirit. A lightning-like tail hinted at Pikachu, embodying the electrifying warmth and companionship of Elysia's paternal grandmother, Delia. Beside it, the graceful curves of a Gardevoir, with a tiny floral accent, symbolized the elegant strength and nurturing spirit of her maternal grandmother, Grace.
As Elysia admired the silver charm, Ash approached Serena, who was equally captivated by the thoughtful gift from the grandmothers.
"How was our entrance?" Ash inquired.
"When did you two even get here without being noticed?" Serena asked, genuinely curious.
"We sneaked into the house like half an hour ago. It was Elysia's idea to surprise everyone. It surely worked, didn't it?" Ash asked with delight.
Serena chuckled in response. "That girl will never stop surprising me," she proudly said, a mix of amusement and admiration in her voice.
As Elysia admired the beautiful gift, she took the silver charm from the box to appreciate the details a bit more, both grandmothers winking at each other for the success of their choice.
"I suggested engraving a Rhyhorn, but... pretty sure it wouldn't have been too aesthetic," Grace chuckled.
"Here, let me put it," Delia suggested.
However, as Elysia attempted to hand the necklace to Grandma Delia, an intrusive hand appeared and snatched the gift instead.
"My, my. Ain't this a beautiful piece of jewelry?" a juvenile and teasing male voice expressed.
Elysia turned to face the culprit. Wearing his tropical and distinctive alolan style, the cocky young man greeted them with a mischievous smile, holding the jewel.
"Big Brother Lei! Take that back!" Elysia commanded, a playful scowl on her face.
Lei continued teasing her.
"I don't know. Pretty sure it looks better on me, don't you agree?" Lei declared, putting the silver necklace on his chest as if he was trying the jewel.
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Elysia insisted and tried to recover her gift, but Lei continued to tease her, raising his arm and challenging Elysia to reach it, which she attempted to do without success.
"I'm serious! I'll get mad at you!" she continued, a mixture of frustration and amusement in her voice.
"Ok, here you have it," Lei finally said, placing a wristband on her wrist and returning her silver jewel at the same time.
After Lei’s prank, Elysia admired his gift. The wristband was a beautiful and stylish accessory adorned with precious and shiny stones that exuded the unique Alolan tropical style, a symbol of the bonds that her family reaches beyond the Kanto region.
"It's beautiful," Elysia declared, then gave Lei a warm hug. "Thank you very much, Big Brother Lei!"
"Happy birthday, little sister," he responded, returning the gesture with a heartfelt smile.
As Grandma Delia clasped the silver necklace around Elysia's neck, Lei made his way over to Ash.
"Big Brother Ash! Big Sister Serena!" Lei cheerfully declared as he greeted the couple.
"Lei! So good to see you!" Ash declared, giving him a hand shake and embracing him.
"Lei, you look as handsome as always," Serena complimented him.
"Nah. You're still the sexiest couple in the world. More than my parents, I really mean it. And I never said that, ok?" Lei chuckled.
"How is Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet?" Ash inquired.
"More than fine. They send their greetings and congratulations, by the way, as well as the rest of the gang. They lament not being able to come here, but with me is more than enough, don't you think?" Lei laughed with his contagious chuckle. "Now... did Bonnie come?"
Serena responded, "Still trying to make moves on her?"
Lei smiled again. "What is a seven-year gap but a chance to match with a lucky number? Catch you later, guys!" he declared as he left the spot for his personal quest.
"There will be a time when Bonnie is finally fed up with his insistence," Serena was sure.
"Or she will finally give him a chance," Ash suggested, and Serena gave him a puzzled look as if he really meant what he said. "Ok, I just hope his battle skills are enough. He's the Alolan Champion after all."
As the couple was left with their discussion, Elysia continued greeting the rest of her guests: Chloe, Professor Oak, and many others came to congratulate her and shower her with gifts.
"Happy birthday, brave princess," Cynthia declared when it was her turn.
"Auntie Cynthia!" Elysia expressed. "Oh, wait a moment!"
Elysia left the spot and came back inside the house. She returned with her egg, carrying it in her backpack.
"Look! I've been taking care of it as much as I can! Today we even shared our first adventure!"
"Now, that is interesting. And how's the little one behaving?"
"Still doesn't want to hatch, but I'm pretty sure it will soon. Maybe the warmth of the party will encourage it," Elysia declared.
"That's an excellent idea. Let's put it in the center along with the rest of your gifts and wait.".
Elysia carefully placed the egg in the center of the table, making sure it was surrounded by the warmth and good wishes of the party. She then continued her rounds, gracefully greeting the rest of the guests and engaging in conversations with numerous family friends.
At the table, a collection of birthday cards and gifts adorned the space, each one signed by those who couldn't make it but sent their heartfelt regards. The names of Misty, May, Goh, and the entire Alolan gang were among those offering their best wishes to the aspiring Pokémon trainer.
Brock and Cilan emerged from the kitchen, their faces beaming with satisfaction at the successful preparation of the main banquet. A lavish spread of numerous delicious dishes awaited the guests, with special treats also laid out for the Pokémon attendees.
As Ash continued strolling through the lively scene, he stumbled upon Chloe, his old friend and fellow explorer.
"Chloe! How's the exploration and research going?" Ash greeted her with genuine enthusiasm.
"Good, but taking a break just for a while. I wouldn't miss this for anything," she replied with a warm smile.
"How are you and Goh holding up?" he inquired.
"More than fine, considering he is still doing his usual business. Catching Pokémon and helping the team of Project Legends," Chloe explained. "A shame he couldn't be here, but oh, well. You know how he is."
Ash chuckled, appreciating Chloe's dedication to her partner's endeavors. Both then turned their gaze towards Elysia as she greeted and received gifts from her school friends. The considerable number of young kids, many of them from other classrooms, was a testament of the young girl’s charming personality.
“Not gonna lie. I’ll miss her cheerful presence at school,” Chloe admitted as a warm smile was drawn all over her face.
“I thought teachers had to make sure to not have any favorites,” Ash amusingly accused.
“Well, then it’s a relief for me that I just teach once in a while,” she declared as both shared a laugh.
Ash wished Chloe a good time at the party, and he continued his stroll through the warm and familial atmosphere. Laughter, conversation, and the aroma of delicious food surrounded him, filling him with both joy and nostalgia. Pikachu mirrored his feelings, expressing its delight by nuzzling its cheeks against Ash's.
As he continued to navigate through the lively scene of the party, his attention was drawn to Soren, who stood alone on the outskirts of the celebration where the illumination barely reached the green field. The little boy appeared to be waiting for someone.
Emerging from the forest, a girl not much older than Lei approached Soren. Her short red hair and peculiar hairstyle that reminded him of two small wings lifting on her head, created a vivid contrast against her casual clothes. Without exchanging words, she crouched down to greet the young boy, who responded with a warm hug.
Observing this tender interaction, the girl then turned her gaze toward Ash, nodding as if acknowledging an unspoken connection between two old friends.
"I'm happy you're here," Ash expressed warmly as he approached the duo. "Do you want to come in?"
The girl's eyes lit up with excitement as she nodded, lifting Soren into her arms. The little boy's excitement bubbled over.
"See, dad? I told you Latias was going to come!" Soren exclaimed triumphantly. In that moment, Latias, taking the form of the red-haired girl, seamlessly merged into the festivities, enhancing the joyous atmosphere of the celebration.
Rejoining the lively celebration, Ash patiently waited for Serena to finish greeting her friends. Pikachu, sensing his partner's intentions, hopped off Ash's shoulder and joined the gathering of Pokémon friends. When Serena finally had a moment, Ash approached her from behind and enveloped her in a tender embrace. Serena welcomed the gesture, reciprocating it by embracing his arms, squeezing her even tighter.
"You look incredibly beautiful today," Ash complimented his wife.
"You don’t look so bad either,” Serena playfully retorted, her eyes still focused on their daughter gracefully interacting with the guests. “We've done a wonderful job, my love."
Ash smiled, appreciating the shared effort that had gone not only into making the celebration special, but the way they raised their daughter.
"Can't believe it's been 10 years since we embarked on this adventure," Ash mused, his gaze fixed on their daughter. "As each day passes, she becomes more beautiful and charming. Just like her mom."
"And stronger and kinder, just like her dad," Serena added with a smile. "And a bit more stubborn."
As the couple stood embraced, Lei approached his Big Brother, an expression of defeat evident on his face despite his attempts to conceal it. Serena observed Lei with a teasing smile.
"Let me guess: Bonnie turned you down again."
Lei, with an air of mock despair, replied, "That girl's just brutal. Like a Bouffalant's kick in the butt. No wonder why she’s considered the scariest of the Kalos Elite Four… I like her even more."
Ash, catching wind of the conversation, joined in. "By the way, Lei. Weren't you dating one of Lana's sisters?"
"Yup. Been dating Harper for a while," Lei responded, taking a sip of his drink. "Or was it Sarah? I often don't know who's who, honestly. But that's the issue with twins, don’t you agree?"
Ash and Serena exchanged disapproving glances, prompting Lei to backtrack hastily. "It's a joke! Guys, please. I'm not a jerk, ok? Our relationship is nothing too serious, and we've agreed to manage it like this, I swear."
"You better mean it, or your 'Big Sister' will be very disappointed," Serena warned Lei with a playful seriousness. Then, Lei approached Ash and her with a reflective expression.
"Believe it or not, ‘Big Sis’, I also like the idea of starting a family. Just like my parents and you guys did," Lei confessed, his tone genuine and devoid of his usual banter. "I mean, I'm a bit more than two years away from having my little ones just like you did and..."
"DON'T!" Ash and Serena said in unison, their synchronized response drawing brief attention from some of the guests. Serena quickly dispelled any awkwardness with a warm smile.
"Don't get us wrong, Lei," Ash began after the commotion settled, and the three found a moment of relative privacy amidst the celebration. "We are more than fulfilled and happy with our lives, but we don't recommend anyone to marry and start a family that young."
"Exactly," Serena chimed in. "We honestly didn't know what we were getting into when we got married. Hadn’t been for our mothers and friends' support, and with the tons of responsibilities piling up in our careers, I don't know if we would have survived the first year of marriage."
"It got even more difficult shortly after Elysia was born," Ash shared with a thoughtful expression. "So, Lei, just take it easy, enjoy your youth, make more friends, date as many as you want."
"But be responsible and an absolute gentleman, okay?" Serena added, her gaze fixed on Lei.
Lei stood there for a moment, seemingly incredulous at the unexpected advice. Then, he chuckled, lifting his drink in a mock toast. "And here I was, believing you were the perfect couple of the entire world from the beginning. Okay, I won't precipitate things. Who knows, maybe Bonnie will finally give me a chance."
Serena and Ash appreciated the opportunity to have this conversation with Lei, recognizing the importance of preparing for the future when it would be Elysia and Soren's turn to navigate the complexities of life.
The lively atmosphere of the party was momentarily interrupted by the cheerful entrance of a familiar face. A woman with short vibrant blue hair strode into the celebration, her Piplup by her side, adding to the jubilant energy with its own enthusiastic growl. She carried a sizable, black-paper-wrapped object.
"Good night, Ketchum family! How's everyone?" she called out with infectious energy.
Elysia, always polite, stepped forward to welcome the guest. "Aunt Dawn! I knew you wouldn't disappoint me," she declared.
Dawn looked around with an air of curiosity, seemingly trying to decipher the reason for the festive gathering.
"My, is it a special occasion or why are so many people and Pokémon gathered here?"
Elysia chuckled. "You're always a funny one, aunt Dawn. Is that thing for me?" she asked, pointing at the mysterious object Dawn was carrying.
Initially puzzled, Dawn didn't grasp Elysia's question. However, as her eyes landed on the numerous "Happy Birthday Elysia" signs, the birthday cake, and the table adorned with gifts, realization dawned on her.
"Hey, Dawn. We're glad you decided to come," Chloe announced. "It's Elysia's birthday, remember?"
Dawn laughed awkwardly, trying to mask her momentary forgetfulness.
"Oh, yeah! Happy birthday, Elysia! Just wait for me a second."
Dawn, seizing the moment, swiftly grabbed a marker and scrawled something on the giant object she had brought.
"There you go! Happy birthday, Elysia!" she declared, handing the ridiculously large object to the birthday girl. In her haste, Dawn even misspelled Elysia's name, but the oversight went unnoticed amid the excitement.
"It's for your journey!" Dawn added with a mischievous grin, fabricating a purpose for the oversized item. "You know, in case you need a big decoration piece with a Sylveon theme in the middle of the road."
Elysia appreciated the gesture, completely oblivious to the misspelling, while Piplup grumbled in disappointment at its partner's cluelessness.
"I can't believe it," Ash muttered to Serena in a private aside. "I told her like twenty times about this day. How could she even forget it?"
Serena couldn't help but laugh at Dawn's unintentional blunder.
"But at least she's here, and that's what counts, right?" Serena said with a reassuring smile. "Remember, she's now a busy choreographer and Contest judge. Sometimes we just forget things”.
“Poor Kenny,” Ash complied as he sipped his drink.
Having passed some time, and with the lively party reaching its climax, Ash and Serena decided it was time for a special toast to commemorate the occasion. The couple moved to the center, and Serena tapped her drinking glass to capture everybody's attention.
Serena raised her glass and began, "To our dearest family, friends, and Pokémon, thank you all for gathering here to celebrate Elysia's 10th birthday. Your presence has made this day even more special, and we're grateful for each and every one of you."
As Pikachu perched on Ash’s shoulder once more, he took the cue and continued, "As many of you know, a 10th birthday marks the beginning of a journey that often exceeds everyone's expectations. It's the first significant step in the adventure of growing up. We've all been eagerly anticipating this day ever since Elysia had the ability to say her first words, which, by the way, were 'Iron Tail!'" The revelation prompted laughter and smiles throughout the gathered crowd.
Amidst the laughter and teasing by Lei, who kept his little sister under his embrace, Ash took a moment to address Elysia directly.
"Elysia, you've grown into a beautiful, strong, kind, and trustworthy person – all the qualities that make an excellent Pokémon Trainer. Your journey is about to begin, and we couldn't be prouder of the person you've become. Remember to enjoy every moment, learn from every experience, and make the most of your adventure."
Serena, her emotions evident, joined in, "Pikacharm, we are so proud of the incredible person you've become. As you embark on this journey, we want you to cherish every moment, learn from every challenge, and embrace the joy of discovery. While we may not have you with us as often, know that our hearts are always with you." Serena's words touched the hearts of those present, and a few tears were shared among the guests.
Little did anyone know, a miraculous event was unfolding on the gift table. The egg, carefully placed there earlier, started to shake with increasing intensity. A gentle light emanated from within, pulsating in rhythm with the creature's imminent arrival.
Serena graciously invited Elysia to share her thoughts, and with a deep breath, Elysia prepared to express her gratitude and excitement.
“G-Good night, everyone!” she began. “Today…”
However, her words were cut short as her attention was drawn to the gifts table. The egg, now vibrating wildly, commanded all eyes in the garden.
“Oh, my gosh! It’s finally here!”
Breaking from her speech, Elysia rushed toward the source of the commotion, and the guests followed suit, forming a circle around the young trainer. The pulsating light grew more frequent, and the collective excitement peaked as everyone eagerly anticipated the hatching of Elysia's first Pokémon partner. The air buzzed with the shared thrill of witnessing the beginning of a new journey.
Gradually, the radiance emitted by the egg intensified, drawing more and more curious glances from the gathered crowd. Soren, tightly holding Latias's hand, eagerly joined the onlookers, while Cynthia, though composed, couldn't hide her excitement. Ash and Serena stood proudly beside their daughter, and a multitude of family Pokémon assembled, creating an expectant circle around the unfolding spectacle.
As the brilliance reached its zenith, a dazzling burst of light illuminated the surroundings, akin to the liberation of sunshine from a confined vessel. Subtle stars danced in the aftermath, imprinting the newborn's arrival with an enchanting uniqueness.
As the luminosity dimmed, a small creature emerged with a vibrant and spirited growl. The newborn Gible, radiant in its vivid blue, displayed hues that set it apart from the regular ones.
Elysia's jaw dropped, her eyes gleaming with an intensity never seen before. Triumphant, she raised the small, vivid blue Gible above her head.
"I got a Gible! I got a Gible!" Elysia exclaimed repeatedly, the newborn energetically growling with each cheer. "Look, Auntie Cynthia! It was a Gible all this time! Thank you very much!"
Cynthia nodded and blushed, appreciating Elysia's words, and proudly clapped. The rest of the guests joined in a thunderous applause as the Pokémon gathered around growled in unison, adding their own unique chorus to the celebratory moment.
Elysia took a moment to appreciate her new partner in more detail, noticing that there was something different about the Gible she was familiar with.
"Congratulations, my brave princess," Cynthia declared as she approached the new duo. "Even I didn't expect that you would have hatched a shiny Gible. That's extremely rare."
Elysia's eyes glimmered even more than before upon realizing the unique feature of her new partner. She then stared at the shiny Gible, its eyes and yellow jaw making her blush with excitement as she declared it was so cute, tightly embracing it. The newborn, however, didn't seem too happy at its new partner’s gesture.
"Easy there!" Cynthia instructed. "Remember that it is still a baby, and it may not like being treated that roughly."
"Oh, I'm sorry, Gible," Elysia said, slipping her tongue.
"And with your first partner, now you have everything you need to begin your journey," Cynthia continued. "The question is: which region have you decided to start with? Kanto seems like the perfect place for a newcomer."
Elysia shook off the idea, declaring that she had already decided where she wanted to start. She then took the central spot so everyone could hear her choice:
"I want to begin in the region where Dad fought and won the World Monarch title," she adamantly declared, Gible growling as if it accompanied her enthusiasm. "I'm going to Galar! One of the toughest ones out there!"
"Galar..." Cynthia repeated. "Talking about starting with a high bar. I'm pretty sure you will be successful there, though."
Elysia nodded, appreciating her auntie's words. The rest clapped at the determined new trainer's decision.
"What? Galar? Are you sure, little sister?" Lei's words echoed all over the place as he approached her. "Come on. Don't you prefer your Big Brother's enchanting homeland? We could spend the entire day lazing around, setting up pranks, and even doing some skiing!"
"That's precisely why I don't want to go there yet. You'd just spoil me, Lei!" Elysia expressed.
"The thing is, Galar is just too difficult for a rookie like you, little sister. Pretty sure you will want to go back to mommy and daddy after failing the first gym."
"Take that back, Lei!"
The rest of the guests laughed at another one of their usual fights.
"You know what I say is true, and the more you deny it, the more I'll tease you," Lei said while pointing at her with his finger over and over again, as if he was making fun of her short size.
But then, as Lei moved his finger as if it was some kind of bait, Gible opened its mouth and engulfed Lei's entire hand, trapping it in its powerful jaws.
Lei's scream echoed through the celebration grounds, an exaggerated display of pain as Gible adamantly refused to release his hand. Gible's jaws seemed surprisingly potent for such a newborn.
"What the heck?! How is this one so strong?" Lei yelled, his voice a mixture of surprise and agony, as he grappled with Gible using his other hand in an attempt to force it to release its powerful bite.
"Lei, be careful! It's still a baby!" Elysia exclaimed with a mix of concern and anger.
"You worry about this beast but not for me? Cynthia was right; both of you have such a bad temper that you match each other!"
As the unexpected battle for Lei's hand unfolded, the guests erupted in thunderous laughter. The party's success had transcended everyone's expectations, and the creation of a new bond between Elysia and her shiny Gible marked the beginning of an intense and rich journey. The air buzzed with excitement and joy as the celebration continued in full swing.
Under the moonlit sky, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends, the celebration continued, a harmonious blend of love, friendship, and the promise of adventures yet to come. Laughter and joy filled the air, echoing the bonds that had been forged over the years. The sight of Elysia, Lei, Ash, Serena, the guests and their Pokémon engaging in lively banter and laughter painted a picture of a close-knit family, strengthened by love and shared experiences.
As the night deepened, a small, slender figure flitted through the sky, dancing under the moonlight. As the guests reveled in the festivities below, the small figure of Mew continued its playful dance, casting a magical aura over the gathering. The moonlit night embraced the warmth of the celebration, leaving behind a sense of unity and shared joy—a prelude to the extraordinary journey awaiting Elysia and her companions.
Unbeknownst to the revelry and jubilation, far away from the joyous celebration and concealed from the awareness of the attendees and the rest of the world, a cloud of impending darkness loomed on the horizon, casting an ominous shadow over the land.