New Beginning (Pearlshipping-AshxDawn)

Chapter Twenty-five

Today was the day. Alex and Julia were finally being released from the hospital. They had finally regained their strength and were walking to the car with their parents.

"There's a surprise waiting for you at home." Dawn said.

"What is it?" the kids asked curiously.

You'll just have to wait and see. That's why it's called a surprise." Ash replied with a chuckle as he opened the doors for Alex and Julia.

As Ash pulled out of the parking spot, he spoke. "I have some news about your Pokemon journeys."

"What?"

"After the event with Team Rocket, the Pokemon Leagues for all regions have increased the starting age for trainers from ten years old...to twelve years old. All trainers must now be at least twelve and have finished the sixth grade."

"Seriously?! Why?" Alex cried.

"That's not fair! Why did it change?" Julia asked.

Ash could see their fallen expressions in the rear-view mirror.

"It's because they want children to have more of an education so that they'll be better prepared for what they'll face. The events with Team Rocket may have also had an effect on the decision."

"I guess that makes sense...but now we have to wait two more years." Alex muttered. "We were originally going to start our journeys at the end of next year."

"How's Grandma?" Julia asked, changing the subject.

"She's still mentally recovering from her head injury, so Salvia invited her to stay at the palace over the summer. It's a big place with lots of room and Salvia and Sarah are the only ones who live there, with the servants quietly going about their business, so it's calm, quiet, and relaxing, making it the perfect place for your Grandma's recovery and rehabilitation." Dawn explained.

"We heard that school ended for summer break yesterday. And since we were in comas for the last half of June, we never finished the third grade. So what happens now? Are we gonna have to go to summer school? Or will our friends move on and we'll be left behind in third grade next year?!" Julia anxiously asked.

"First, take a breath and calm down." Dawn instructed, seeing that her kids were panicking.

"We spoke to the school and they're aware of your near-death experience. They're letting you both complete your missed assignments and homework over the summer. Your friends were given your work to give to you and they've all agreed to help you both along the way." Dawn explained.

Alex and Julia sighed in relief. At least they weren't going to be left behind. Thankfully, they had a school that was understanding and such great friends who were willing to help them. Everything would work out!

Upon arriving at home and opening the front door, there was a loud collective scream of "SURPRISE!"

Alex and Julia saw that their friends were waiting inside as they came out from their hiding places. The house was fully decorated and a banner in the doorway read "Welcome Home, Alex and Julia!"

The two were surprised and realized that this was the surprise that their parents had mentioned earlier.

"Your friends wanted to throw you a welcome home party after you were released from the hospital and they helped us get everything ready." Dawn explained.

Alex and Julia were engulfed in hugs and smiles as the group happily reunited with one another after so long.

"Wait..." Julia said as she pulled out of Jake's hug.