The days of special training always flew by, and the day Dawn had promised to visit Pallet Town drew steadily closer.
The sun was setting.
"Ash! Have you tidied your room yet? Dawn will be here the day after tomorrow! Are you going to show her that filthy mess?" Delia shouted angrily at Ash.
"Charizard, Flame Whirlwind!" Ash was so focused on his training that he never heard his mother calling.
Charizard used Flame Impact while unleashing a whirlwind of fire, and the powerful combination slammed into the ground.
Boom! A huge hole opened in the ground, a testament to the terrifying power of Ash's new move.
"Great work, Charizard! I'll be counting on you for the Hoenn and Sinnoh Leagues!"
"Roar!" Charizard answered Ash enthusiastically.
"Return! Get some rest!" Ash took out a Poké Ball and recalled Charizard.
"Mom, is dinner ready?" Ash called to Delia.
"Yes! Remember to clean your room! Dawn will be here the day after tomorrow, so don't embarrass yourself in front of her!" Delia reminded him.
"Got it!" Ash was already wolfing down his food at the table, barely listening to Delia.
"Oh! Right! Dawn also wanted me to pick her up the day after tomorrow. I might have to skip training that day."
Oh well, it's been ages since I last saw Dawn. I should spend some more time with her! Ash thought, the corners of his mouth lifting without his realizing it.
Meanwhile, aboard a ship bound for Kanto...
"Sigh... I'll reach Pallet Town tomorrow. I wonder how Ash is doing..." Dawn felt a little melancholy.
"Maybe he's already forgotten I promised to visit his house..." At that thought, tears began to glimmer in Dawn's eyes.
"Pip..." Piplup stood beside her, worried about her too.
"Yeah, I'm fine, Piplup. I was just