RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL SON

"Lucario use Aura Sphere" yelled Cameron.

"Counter with Electro Ball Pikachu" shouted Ash.

A blinding explosion takes place with neither trainer able to see the outcome of the battle. After the smoke clears an injured Lucario is left standing with Pikachu on the ground with swirly eyes.

"The match goes to Cameron, who will now go on to join the semifinals of this year's Unovo League" yells the referee.

Ash sits in silence as he reminisces the match while sitting on his seat on an airplane back to Kanto.

"Damn. Why do I never make it to the finals? Despite all the training and experience and hardships. Maybe something is lacking. I need advice. Alexa & Pikachu have already fallen asleep so better get some shut eye myself."

(Meanwhile in another region)

"Serena. Wake up. It is almost 11:00. Don't make me send Fletchling up." Grace yells at the top of her voice.

Serena wakes up with a groan.

"Oh great. As if being Kalos Queen is not tiring enough now I am not even allowed to sleep late on a weekend." Serena says while coming down the stair for breakfast.

"Excuse me. Kalos Queen or not. You are first and foremost my daughter so you will wake up whenever I tell you to wake up. Besides in a few days you will join the Kalos Institute of Pokemon so you need to get used to waking up even earlier than this."

"Yeah right." Serena says with a touch of annoyance and sarcasm.

Grace gives her daughter a sharp look before smiling.

"Mom why are you smiling?" Serena inquires.

"Oh it's nothing. I am just so proud that you become Kalos Queen and managed to get into KIP. It is the first and foremost institute around the world."

"Mom I am the Kalos Queen. There was no way they were going to reject my application" Serena replies with a faint smirk."

Grace bends down and embraces her daughter in a hug.

"I am so proud at what you have achieved. I had my doubts in the beginning. Your father would have been proud."

"I hope so. I always remember him before every performance."

"As you should."

"Oh my god is that the time." Serena shouts with a start.

"Ok mom I have to go now now. Shauna, Trevor and Tierno told me to be present at Lumiose city for shopping at 12."

"Ok stay safe. Bye, have fun." Grace says while waving her goodbye.

"I will." Says Serena while jumping into the Limousine.

"Where to ma'am?" inquires the driver.

"Lumiose city and punch it Harry. I need to reach Valerie's store within 20 minutes"

"Don't worry Serena, I will get you there in no time" the driver says, giving her a wink, as the car speeds off.

(Back in Kanto)

"So Ash tell me do you always take this route back to Pallet town?" ask Alexa with her Helioptile perched on her right shoulder.

"Yup" he replies with a toothy grin.

"There it is. Pallet town." Ash shouts while pointing to the town just over the hill.

"Let's go. Hurry" he says bolting of at full speed.

"Eager as always I see" Alexa smiles, thinking to herself before starting to run as well.

(A little while later)

"Mom I am home. Hey Mister Mime." Yells Ash with a beaming smile.

"Ash! You are home sweetheart. I missed you so much." Says Delia while embracing her son in a bone crushing hug.

"Have you been changing your underwear regularly?" she asks with a mischievous smile.

Both Alexa and Delia erupt into laughter with a red faced Ash facing the floor with a snarl.

"Mom I have told you not to say that to me in front of my friends" Ash yells in embarrassment.

"Yeah. Yeah Whatever. Hi I am Delia Ash's mother. Don't mind my son he can be dense at times." Delia says with a smile.

"Not at all. Hello Delia. I am Alexa a journalist from the Kalos region. I wouldn't have travelled your son if I didn't know that." Alexa says while shaking Delia's hand.

"Why do I even try?" Ash says with a sigh.

"Ok mom. I am going to Professor Oak's lab to visit my other Pokemon." Ash says while bolting out of the door.

"Ok. Come back before sunset" Delia shouts.

"I will."