Led by Chansey, Ash and Misty arrived at their assigned room in the Pokémon Center. It was simple but comfortable, two bunk beds with a narrow walkway in between, and a small bathroom equipped for showering, washing up, and other necessities.
In short, modest but complete.
"Thank you, Chansey. Sorry for troubling you so late at night," Misty said apologetically.
As soon as they entered into the room, Ash and Pikachu had already collapsed onto one of the beds, both letting out sighs of relief.
"You two, keep it down! You'll wake everyone else!" Misty turned with a pout, glaring at them.
"Sorry, sorry," Ash said quickly, sitting back up in a sheepish carp-jump. "It's just… it feels like forever since I last slept in a real bed. I know it's only been one day since I left home, but still, this is what traveling's all about!"
"Pika pika~" Pikachu echoed, scratching his head awkwardly, as if apologizing too.
Misty crossed her arms, shaking her head. "Honestly, what am I supposed to do with you two? Fine. You and Pikachu take that bed, and I'll sleep over here. But listen, don't get any funny ideas. Even if I am the cutest girl in the world, I know a little martial arts. If you try anything sneaky while I'm sleeping… my fist will be waiting for you!"
She raised her tiny fist in mock threat, her pretty face scrunched into what was meant to be a menacing glare.
"Funny ideas? What's that supposed to mean?" Ash asked innocently.
"You...!" Misty froze, pointing a trembling finger at him. Anyone else and she'd assume they were mocking her, but Ash… he really didn't know.
After just a single day together, Misty already understood his personality. When it came to boys and girls, Ash was completely clueless. That was the only reason she even agreed to share a room.
The real reason she felt safe, though, was something else entirely, Ash had been chosen by Ho-Oh. A Trainer acknowledged by the Rainbow Pokémon couldn't possibly be a bad person. That was more trustworthy than anything else in her eyes.
So the tough words she had just thrown out were nothing more than a reflex. Ash's confused reply nearly made her lose her temper, it was almost like she hadn't said anything at all!
"I'm going to sleep if that's all. I'll explain League registration tomorrow." Misty yawned, waving him off. Earlier, Ash had been pestering her with questions about how to sign up for the Kanto League Conference, but after a long day on the road, she was too exhausted to answer. That would have to wait.
But just as she flopped onto her bed, Misty suddenly shot upright, her tired face twisting in panic.
"Wait, I haven't showered yet… Aaaaah! This is the worst!"
As a self-proclaimed super beautiful girl, there was no way Misty could go to bed without showering. If there truly hadn't been the facilities, she might have endured it, but with the bathroom right there, she couldn't possibly tolerate sleeping with dust clinging to her skin.
"Ash, you wait outside. You can come back in after I finish." Her tone left no room for argument. Even though she knew Ash wasn't the type to peek, the thought of a boy she'd only known for a day being right outside while she bathed made her uneasy.
"Alright," Ash said with a shrug. Pikachu clambered onto his shoulder as he stepped out. Honestly, he wasn't even tired yet. His mind was buzzing with questions he'd been saving for the chat group. Now that Misty was showering, he finally had the chance to check in.
He opened the chat and quickly typed:
[Newbie Ash: Hey everyone, urgent question! Do you know what kind of Pokémon Ho-Oh is? Is she really a legendary Pokémon? What's special about her?]
Almost immediately, a reply came back.
[Rainbow Hero Ash: You met Ho-Oh? On the very first day of your journey?]
[Newbie Ash: Yeah, wait...your name… you also met Ho-Oh on your first day?]
Ash froze. Rainbow Hero? That was exactly the title Misty had mentioned earlier. Did that mean this other Ash had also been chosen by Ho-Oh?
[Rainbow Hero Ash: Actually, quite a few 'me's in this group have encountered Ho-Oh. But meeting her on the first day? That's rare. Did you get the Rainbow Feather?]
[Newbie Ash: I did! I did! I wanted to ask, what exactly is this thing for? When Misty held it, the colors faded, but when I held it, it shone bright again.]
[Rainbow Hero Ash: You actually obtained the Rainbow feather… Incredible. Plenty of us have seen Ho-Oh, but aside from me, you're the only other one to be given the Rainbow feather.]
Ash's eyes widened. Out of all the countless "Ashes" in the chat group, only this Rainbow Hero and himself had the feather. No wonder the guy wore the title proudly.
[Newbie Ash: What?! None of the others got it? Then what does this feather actually do? Is it really for Ho-Oh's trial, like Misty said?]
[Rainbow Hero Ash: Your Misty's sharp. Yes, the Rainbow feather is Ho-Oh's trial token. But that's only part of its power.]
[Rainbow Hero Ash: You've probably already noticed it, wherever the Rainbow Feather is present, life thrives. That's because it carries Ho-Oh's life force. If a human carries it long-term, it strengthens the body, boosts vitality, and even extends life. By my estimates, it can add at least fifty years.]
[Newbie Ash: !!!]
'Fifty years?! Just from a single feather? Was this for real?'
But Rainbow Hero Ash wasn't done.
[Rainbow Hero Ash: If a Pokémon carries it, the Rainbow Feather enhances stamina, helps push past natural limits, and even grants minor healing over time during battle. It also boosts the power of Fire-type and Flying-type moves. In short, it's a super support artifact.]
Ash stared at the chat window, speechless.
[Newbie Ash: …]
He hesitated, then muttered to himself: 'Is your Rainbow feather really just a feather… or is it basically a cheat code?'