Ash responded, "Fine, I don't have a problem with a pretty girl following me."
Misty, initially shocked, then shouted, "Don't you dare think that you can date me or anything!" But instead, her cheeks turned red as she blushed. 'He called me pretty while my sisters call me ugly. I bet he's just playing with me,' she thought.
Ash replied, "Such a shame! I can't date a gorgeous girl who is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. But don't get the wrong idea; I'm also a trainer and don't have time to date."
Misty's cheeks flushed even more, now completely red. She didn't respond at all and just stared back, but inside her mind, she was literally screaming.
Ash handed her a key and said, "This is my room key. It has two beds; you can stay there." She just nodded, still blushing and lost in her thoughts, without realising anything.
While Misty was still sitting on the couch, Ash walked over to the telephone and video-called Professor Oak.
Professor Oak picked up the call, but the camera was positioned behind his head. Upon seeing an Egyptian mummy on the call, he froze.
Ash said, "Professor, your camera…"
Professor Oak replied, "Oh, sorry…," adjusting his camera. "Ash, my dear, what happened to you?"
Ash responded, "I'll give you hints: Route 1, a rebellious Pikachu, a gang of Spearows…"
Professor Oak replied, "I get it! Thank goodness you're safe. I hope Pikachu is doing well."
Ash frowned, but since his face was hidden, the Professor couldn't see his expression.
Ash replied, "Yeah, he's fine. Nurse Joy is treating his injuries."
Professor Oak realised how mature and serious Ash had become and acknowledged that he was finally growing up. "How many Pokémon did you catch? Gary caught so many Pokémon, and he must be reaching Pewter City soon," he said.
Ash interrupted, "I would have caught more if I didn't have a rebellious starter. By the way, I defeated over 100 Spearows and one Fearow, but I didn't want to catch them. I wanted to strengthen my bond with Pikachu. I will only catch a very limited number of Pokémon, the ones I really need. I don't want to compete in the pointless game of 'who caught how many Pokémon."
Professor Oak sighed, "Of course, what you're saying makes sense. After all, you're not on a mission to catch them all. You want to become a Pokémon Master. I get it; you have truly changed."
Changing the subject, Ash said, "By the way, I just sent you a video, and I want to make money from it, so I request that you buy it from me so that you can publish it."
Professor Oak watched the video, his expression turning to shock. "I cannot believe you filmed Ho-Oh! You are really lucky, my boy. As for selling this, this is the first video or image of Ho-Oh ever taken. It will make millions!"
Professor Oak continued, "I will publish it. As for your contribution, what should I write?"
Ash replied, "You can say I'm Professor Oak's field researcher."
Professor Oak smiled and chuckled, "Hehe, you think you can easily promote yourself."
Ash responded, "You gave me a rebellious Pikachu as a starter and put my life at risk; at least you can do this. It's not like I'm asking for a salary or something."
Professor Oak sighed, "Fine. Ash, the field researcher of Professor Oak."
Ash added, "I would like my name to be 'Purple' instead of Ash as a pen name, you know."
Professor Oak replied, "Oh, this is a new development. Done! Purple, the field researcher of Professor Oak." Professor Oak thought, 'Just like Red and Blue, this boy decided to use a pen name. Wow… though, there's nothing wrong with it.'
Professor Oak said, "I will transfer 10 million dollars into your bank account tomorrow for the video."
Ash's expression changed completely. For a second, he felt like he was having a heart attack. He still couldn't believe it. His facial expression said it all, but again, his face was covered with bandages, so the professor couldn't see his reaction.
Ash replied, "Thanks! You're the best, Professor. Now I'm going to have dinner. Bye-bye!"
He cut the call and still couldn't believe what just happened.
As Ash walked back to the couch, he noticed Misty sitting there, visibly shocked. It was clear she had overheard everything but was remaining silent.
Ash ordered food for both himself and Misty, taking advantage of the complimentary service. When the food arrived, Misty began eating as if she hadn't had a meal in months. After all, the Pokémon Center was like a four-star hotel, and she had been camping for ages. This made Ash chuckle, although Misty was too focused on her food to notice.
However, just as Ash was about to eat, he suddenly remembered Pikachu and stopped short. He lost his appetite and felt a wave of sadness wash over him.
Misty noticed something was wrong and finally spoke up, "Why aren't you eating?"
Ash replied, "I still feel bad for Pikachu. I just can't eat."
Misty frowned, understanding how painful that feeling could be. She felt awkward continuing to eat in front of him, so Ash decided to take a small bite and only eat half a sandwich. Misty resumed eating as well.
Suddenly, Ash extended his hand for a handshake and said, "By the way, I'm Purple. Nice to meet you."
Misty shook his hand and responded, "I'm Misty, and I'm not at all pleased to meet you."
Ash grinned and replied, "Whatever. I'll call you Gorgeous from now on."
Misty shot back, "Don't think you can win me over with silly names."
Just then, alarms began to ring.