Ash walked slowly back toward Professor Oak's lab where he left Gary, the soft evening breeze ruffling his hair as the sky glowed with shades of orange and purple. Pikachu perched quietly on his shoulder, tail swaying gently with every step. The letter from Serena was still clutched in his hand, folded carefully, as if he were afraid, it might vanish if he loosened his grip.

He could still feel the warmth of her words lingering in his chest, as though they'd seeped into him like sunlight. His mind replayed her handwriting, the way she thanked him, the gentle hope she'd written into every line.