Dian knew that face well—so well he could practically draw it from memory. Only, only, the skin seemed a little paler, and...
A little cute?
Dian's expression changed instantly. He stared at the other person in disbelief. "Ash?!"
"Huh?"
The figure raised her head, looked around, and blinked in confusion. Then her breathing quickened, and she burst into tears. "May, Brock, where are you?"
"I've been kidnapped by a bad guy! Pikachu, come save me!"
"Mr. Dian, is something wrong?"
The pink-haired girl came out holding a dozing Vulpix, then froze... Since when had there been someone else at the door?
"It's nothing. This is Ash, one of the Trainers I know..."
Dian's thoughts raced as he prepared to laugh it off.
"A-Ash?"
The figure on the ground looked over through tear-filled eyes. "Does that mean... does that mean you know my big brother Ash?"
Big brother Ash?!
Since when did Ash have a twin brother? How come I didn't know?!
No, no, Delia wouldn't exactly notify me if she had another child... Dian's face cycled through a whole spectrum of expressions. "What's your name?"
"Tomoko..."
Tomoko rose in a very ladylike manner, then said in a soft, delicate voice, "My name is Tomoko."
She clasped her hands fearfully in front of her chest and looked around. "Could you please tell me... where am I?"
"Lavender Town in the Kanto Region. It's not far from Pallet Town, but I never imagined Ash had a younger brother..."
The corner of Dian's mouth twitched. Tomoko. Incredible. Absolutely incredible.
One Ash, one Tomoko. That was some profound love for that name.
"Vul..."
Vulpix gave a sleepy cry.
The pink-haired girl smiled and stroked the Vulpix in her arms. "I'll take you back to bed now."
After speaking, she gave Tomoko another puzzled look