Everything Changes

Chapter 2

Gotta catch 'em all?

"That boy's got his head in the clouds! He's like his daddy. It was only a matter of time before he'd cause grief for ya Delia."

Delia found herself settled at her parent's house all afternoon, into the evening that Sunday. She had expressed great amount thankfulness when her folks agreed to have Ash over to lend a hand. She hoped a bit of good hard work would teach him something. As to what, she did not know, only for him to be aware that there are consequences to actions. The consequence being, dealing with is grandfather that day.

Ernest Parker conducted Pallet Town's main farm for nearly thirty years, the dominate supporter of natural food supply at the local grocery store. Helpful he had been to not just to the town, but his youngest daughter in difficult times, he could also be a pain in the neck when it came to his opinions and his simple-minded views. Delia only wished he'd have a change of heart when it came to specific things. One being her husband.

"Ernest, hush!" Leah spat sternly at her husband. "Don't say things like that. He's just going through a hard time right now."

Ernest remained leaning back in his chair on the porch, a half-drunken beer placed in his rough hand.

"That's no excuse for the boy to act out at school," he rebutted firmly. "He needs to get off his butt and work a little. You go too easy on him Delia."

Delia was leaning against the railing of the porch, gazing at her son who comfortably laid himself in the dewy grass, hands clasped behind head, staring up in the clouds. Her eyes hardened at her father's comment.

"He needs to realize things don't get handed to ya in life," the man went on, "Ya gotten work for them. Unlike his daddy..."

Delia was now standing next to him, glaring down at the old man as he took another sip of his alcoholic beverage.

"Dad, Ash is a good kid," she began agitated, "I think I know what I'm doing and I don't appreciate your advice. If I want it, I'll ask for it."

As Delia made her way down the steps, Leah refrained herself from draping the clothes on the line she had set up, but instead marched over to her husband, who seemed unfazed by his daughter's retaliation.

"Now look what you've done Ernest!" Leah exclaimed sharply. "You have no right to talk to your daughter that way!"

"I'm only trying to help her out," he replied, raising his arms up in the air. "Without a man in the house she..."

Delia was now a good distance from her feuding parents, settling herself down on the lawn next to Ash, who didn't even bother giving her a glance.

"Ash? Sweetie?"

Her pleasant voice made his eyes dart over to her.

"Hmm?"

"Wanna lend a hand?" She asked. "You're supposed to be doing extra chores."

"I don't like doing laundry," he mumbled looking back up at the sky. "Especially with Grandpa."

Delia's eyebrows lowered understanding where the boy was coming from. She then heard her father's voice boom across the property, knowing her mother must have said something to get him out of his seat hollering.

"What do ya mean I use my shot-gun as brute force!?" They heard faintly. "That boy deserved it every time he tried seducing our little girl..."

The last part of his rambling made Delia speak, garbling out his words so Ash wouldn't hear any of the nonsense.

"We could round the Mareep and Flaaffy instead." She offered, plainly.

This made Ash lift his upper body off the ground, his hands supporting his position.

"Can I give the commands to Rex and Fly?" He questioned eagerly.

Rex and Fly were Leah and Ernest's Jolteon who were used as herding animals to keep the Flaaffy and Mareep in order. They were awfully friendly Pokémon and Ash adored them to pieces.

"Only if you promise to make sure all of them get in their pen for the night." Delia negotiated.

A broad smile stretched across Ash's mouth as he was now standing up, ready to take off to the nearby field. "Okay, I will!"

"That's my boy," she said warmly as she rose from the ground too. "I'll be there in a sec."

Ash had now raced to the nearby fence line, calling the Jolteon to his side as they galloped along playfully. Delia then, cuffed her hands around her mouth, giving her son a reminder.

"Wait by the fence with Rex and Fly! And don't get electrocuted by the Mareep and Flaaffy! They can be skittish!"

"I know Mom, I know!"

As he went on happily, she shook her head now bearing a small grin, as she strolled back over to her bickering parents.

They were now going on another tangent, till Delia stood between them her arms crossed as she shot firm looks at the both of them. She wasn't in the mood for her father's absurdity, dragging her mom into it as well.

"Can you two talk any louder?" She asked sarcastically.

"Sorry dear," Leah replied, holding a damp towel in her hand as she gave her husband a disapproving look. "I was just teaching your father etiquette."

As Leah walked back to her clothes line, Delia let out a low sigh confronting her father, who had now sat himself back down in his precious chair.

She furrowed her eyebrows as she said sedately, "Dad if you wish to talking badly about my husband, would you mind not doing it in front of your grandson?"

Ernest wrinkled his nose in return, his mouth agape, slightly taken back.

"So I can't say what I want on my property?" He questioned, incredulously.

"Dad you need to understand what goes on between Ash's father and me is my business, not yours." His daughter explained, irritated. "Besides, Ash doesn't need to hear any more bad things about his dad."

Her father only returned her answer with a scoff, followed by deductive reasoning.

"What do you mean your business? There hasn't been anything going on between you two for the past four and half years-"

"As far as you know." She interrupted, immovably.

"I would know if he called," he replied, eying his wife in the distance. "You tell your mother everything."

"And does it ever wonder to you why I don't say much to you?" Delia asked astound, followed by another sigh. "Now if you excuse me," she went on hotly, before storming back down the porch steps, "I'm going to go give Ash a little lesson on worth ethic, seeing you're too busy drinking your beer, lounging."

Not giving her father a second glance, Delia adventured back out into the field flustered with aggravation. She knew her father made a point to an extent, but it really was none of his concern what went on between she and her husband or how she handled things with Ash.

The mix of her emotions however, did deny the anger she felt towards her lover. Deep down he was everything to her. First he was Delia's best friend, then her boy friend, then her husband, and then the father of her child, so leaving her with toddler was enough to break the poor woman's heart. So why in a subtle sense, did she defend the man who hurt her so deeply?

It was completely abstruse, not just to Delia, but to everyone who knew about their relationship. People in town felt it was rather strange that she said little to nothing about her husband and when he was brought up, not one ounce of bad mouthing occurred. Whether she could admit it or not, Delia did feel some form of loyalty to the one man she enjoyed spending every waking moment with. He was something special. Rare. Someone she thought who really understood her. Someone who was the perfect match. Someone she could spend the rest of her life with. Someone who could be a husband. A father.

Hardly any words were exchanged between Delia and Ernest. The scrapping against the dinner plates was the only significant sound made at the table. The adults were perfectly aware as to why, leaving Ash however, stumped by the silent atmosphere.

Ash though, tried giving a broad smile across the table as he licked the last bit of food off his fork.

"Dinner was really good Grandma!" He finally said, genuinely.

Leah lifted her head to meet her grandson's bright eyes. She couldn't help, but smile at his uplifting disposition.

"Thank you," she answered, "I'm glad you liked it and there's dessert too."

"Ooh what kind?" Ash inquired captivated, his mouth-watering as he leaned over the table a little.

"Chocolate cake." Leah responded, indulging in his excitement.

"Can I go cut it?" He asked readily.

"Yes, you may."

"Oh, yeah!" Ash then bounced out of his chair eagerly, racing to the kitchen in utter joy.

Delia slipped a small laugh from under her breath, rising from her seat as well.

"I'm going to go make sure he doesn't slice his finger," she stated. "Or lick off the knife."

Then in the kitchen, the couple faintly heard Delia's voice saying, "Ash, watch how you hold that knife..."

Leah remained having a small grin on her face due to the amusement Ash had sparked at the table. But once she glanced back in her husband's direction, she found him frowning, his chin resting on his clasped hands, focusing on the empty seat across from him. This made the mood turn sour again.

"What is it?" She couldn't help, but question a little muddled.

He wrinkled his nose in disgust, waving out his index finger towards the empty chair. Leah braced herself.

"I can't help but imagine," he said gravely, his voice intensifying, "that son of a bitch sitting right across from me asking for our blessing-"

Leah rolled her eyes, another exasperated sigh released from her mouth.

She was perfectly aware of her husband's dislike towards the boy who had grown quite found of their daughter, yet it baffled her as to why he hated him so much, even when the boy practically grovelled at his feet just to see Delia on a late Saturday night. And this was when the two love birds weren't even a couple.

"Ernest please-", she whimpered desperately, cutting him off.

He shook his head, breaking his gaze off the fixated item as he threw his crinkled napkin onto his empty plate.

"I only wish you had said no." Ernest said lowly.

Leah shot up a boggled look, her eyebrows arching.

"You realize in me saying no, there would be no Ash?" She informed, seriously.

He only responded with a great huff, shaking his head once more, a slight discomposure sensed in his voice. "Leah even if you did say no, there still would be Ash."

Her eyes widened. "Ernest!"

She was shocked to find her husband having little faith in their daughter's morals on premarital sex. Then again if that was the case, he probably would have blamed the whole predicament on Ash's dad.

"Well at least he wouldn't be married to our girl!" He argued, trying to reason. "She'd be able to settle down and meet a good man with a steady job and help raise her son. Not some wanna be Pokémon Master, who just decides to change his mind on what he wants to do in life one day."

"You're going too far Ernest," his wife responded sternly. "Besides, we don't even know exactly went down between them. Delia won't share all the details. This isn't your battle-"

"Like hell it is!" He hollered, slamming his hands indignantly on the table. "I knew he was trouble from the moment he tried serenading my daughter through her bedroom window!"

The mere image of Leah's once teenage daughter took over her mind. She saw Delia leaning out her bedroom window, her hand resting on her chin, her braids ever so perfectly entwined, beaming down at the handsome young man who longed for a single kiss.

She soon however, shook her head coming back to reality, gazing at Ernest's heated expression.

"Or more like when he shook your hand cordially and took all the insults you threw right at him, like a respectable young man would do." She refuted his claim, composedly.

"He was a stubborn thing to get rid of that boy," he grumbled ignoring her comment. "He was always afraid of my shot-gun though..."

His wife was now stacking the dirty plates together, piling the used napkins and silverware on top.

"I think your resentment towards your son-in-law has gotten a little out hand."

"There you go again, defending him!" Ernest exploded, though his wife quickly tried hushing him which only made his tone intensify. "You've always done that! I bet you'll still defend him even when I breathe my last breath." He carried on dramatically. "He always had Delia wrapped around his finger and you played along like it was no big deal."

"He may have made a choice I did not agree with," she barked back, finally having a back bone, "but he was not and is not a pig nor a conniving man. It's all about you not wanting to let your little girl go. He is a good person Ernest-"

"Oh for Christ's sake Leah," he shouted, galled, "I can't handle anymore of-"

"Dessert's ready!"

The uplifting voice, made the feuding grandparents snap back in line. They then found their grandson standing before them with two plates, holding nicely proportioned slices of cakes as well as forks.

Leah let out a low sigh, her muscles relaxing, while Ernest went back to keeping his grumpy attitude to himself.

"Oh, thank goodness," Ash's grandma said impulsively, yet outwardly, "I mean-" she corrected, "thank you sweetheart. Ernest, thank your grandson."

Ernest's dark brown eyes gleamed up at Ash who was bearing a half grin. He remained scowling however.

"Thank ya Ash," he murmured.

"You're welcome."

The boy had remained smiling at his grandparents, but became dumbfounded when he noticed them in such a frazzled state. Delia's constant talking in the kitchen made it hard to hear exactly what the older couple had been saying. At this point, Ash really didn't care to know all the details.

As the boy placed their dessert in front of them, Delia strolled back in carrying she and her son's.

"Uh, Delia!" Leah interjected nervously, hoping to break the cold atmosphere Ernest had drawn back in.

Delia gazed up at her mother as she seated herself down, staring at the two of them oddly.

"Yes?" She answered, a little put off by her father's expression.

Leah tried growing a smile from her lips, spreading some good news. "Your father and I meant to tell you that Ophelia is coming down for a few weeks to visit."

"She is?" She replied, joyfully. "Well that's great I can't wait to see her! Is she bringing Dani?"

Ophelia was Delia's older sister of about four years. She had taken after Leah's looks more the her father's, bearing her mom's lovely green eyes and her soft lavender hair. These looks were also passed down to Ophelia's daughter Danielle, who was a Pokémon trainer herself, having been one for almost three years.

This mother and daughter duo however, only had each other to lean on for Dani's father was out of the picture. She was sadly the bastard child of a Pokémon nurse and the infamous Viridian gym leader. Still, the extended family treated her as if she wasn't any different. But it didn't seem to make a difference to Dani, for she was pretty resistant of any foul talk about her parent's past.

"Yes," Delia's mom answered. "She's taking a break from her journey and wanted to come see us all. Said she was feeling a little homesick."

Ash raised his head, chocolate frosting swept across his upper lip.

His smile widened as he exclaimed enthusiastically, "really? Dani's coming with her Pokémon?!"

Leah nodded in return. "I believe so."

"All right!"

Now, this made Ash's day. Dani had always been like a big sister to him and he even admired her more, when he was able to check out her Pokémon team. Especially, when she'd show him a couple of attacks, not to mention her various badges. Every time he found that a new badge had once filled an empty spot in her collection, it only made Ash all the more eager to ask his mom the big question.

Ash turned to Delia buoyantly, so enthused he didn't even bother fussing as she took a napkin to face, removing the frosting smudge.

"Mom, do you think Dani will show me her Pokémon? And may even battle?"

"We'll see honey." Delia replied, plainly.

The fanaticism he had shown his mom about the arrival of his cousin, made her feel uneasy. She knew Ash genuinely enjoyed Dani's company, but the mention of her bringing her Pokémon, only made a shiver run down Delia's spine. Her head spinning, fearing the question he might try to ask and that she would have to answer.

"Don't get yourself too excited Ash." Ernest said. "Dani's not what we would call an expert."

"Yes, but she's awfully good for a girl her age," Leah said dazzled. "When she made it into the top twenty in the Indigo League I was impressed. She's got a heart of gold."

"Grandma," Ash began, his chocolate eyes glowing, "do you think if I became a trainer I'd do really well?"

"Of course, Ash!" She responded, heartily. "Your parents were excellent trainers. It's in your blood!"

"Really?"

Delia's sudden uncomfortable manner was read by her mother though, as she hastily cut into the conversation before more discussion of her past spiraled out of her control.

"I think that's enough talk about battling for tonight," she interrupted hurriedly. "Besides, by the time we get home it'll be past your bed time and you've got school tomorrow."

Ash pouted in his seat, giving his mom a desperate plea. "Aw, can't I just stay a little longer?"

"No." She said firmly. "Now finish your last few bites and say goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa."

He looked away from her, taking the last bite of his cake, mumbling while he chewed. "Fine..."

After clearing the table, Ash dragged himself over to the front door, slipping his coat on, still disappointed by his mother's orders. He waited by the door, his arms crossed, as Ernest reclined himself in front of the T.V., watching some show about the migration of Butterfree. The way the documentary was formatted however, made Ash almost fall asleep in complete boredom.

Delia on the other hand, was helping Leah finish loading the dishes in the dishwasher as well as cleaning off the kitchen counters. During this time, there was a silence that took over the room. Delia kept to herself as she finished loading the last bit of dishes, till her mom came by her side. Raising her head, she found Leah with a guilty look upon her face. Delia arched her eyebrows, concerned.

"I'm sorry Delia," Leah started, "I shouldn't have said anything-"

She could tell what this apology was all about and the last thing she wanted was to have her mother think she was angry with her over a small discussion.

"No Mom, you have nothing to be sorry for." She answered, sincerely. "Thank you for dinner, it was great. I'm going to go get my coat."

As she went to the front door, placing her coat over her shoulders, Delia and Ash said their last goodbyes to their relatives. Though as they stepped outside, the door still half way open, they froze from hearing Ernest holler something at Leah, mixed with the blaring noise from the T.V.

"So when you bring up battling and the husband you don't get yelled at but I do?" He shouted, flabbergasted.

Delia simply yelled back, rolling her eyes. "I can hear you Dad!"

Finally shutting the door, she swung an arm around her son's shoulder, pulling him close to keep him warm from the chilly air. Gliding down the porch steps however, Ash made light of the situation by letting out a sudden small giggle, which soon became infectious to Delia. Stirring up a little trouble with his grouchy grandfather could be fun for the both of them. Only in small douses though.

Back inside the house, Leah seated herself down in a chair, picking up a magazine from the coffee table as Ernest went on gazing at the T.V., still griping. Though after seeing her take a seat, Rex and Fly adventured over to lay by Leah's feet, wanting to cuddle with their kinder owner.

"I don't know where she gets her attitude from sometimes." He said, shaking his head again at both Delia and then at the startled Pokemon.

A small grin stretched across Leah's face as she brought the magazine up closer, hiding her expression.

"I think I do."

The brisk walk home was refreshing, but the cold air made both Ash and Delia run for the shower. Delia of course let her son go first, and as she finished her bathing session and changed into her silk white thin strapped nightgown, she went through the bedtime checklist that any mother would follow.

"Hey, you brushed your teeth?" She asked, knocking on the halfway opened door.

Delia then found Ash adjusting himself in his bunk bed, taking the top one of course, as he pulled the covers up to his chest.

"Yep." He answered.

Her smile broadened as she walked into the room, resting her arms and then her chin on the bed ladder. He looked so sweet all ready for bed, following the routine. And for once, his room was picked up and didn't smell like dirty socks or leftover forgotten pizza. That much made Delia happy.

"And you changed your-"

"Yes, Mom." He said, a little annoyed by his mother's over bearing tendencies. "Why do you always do that? I can take care of myself."

"I know." She responded, not surprised by his abashed behavior. "It's just a habit, I guess."

Then it abruptly went quiet for a few seconds. Delia stared at her son worriedly, as she sensed his sudden uneasy disposition. Something he was bottling up was troubling him. She speculated though, that this unexpected change in mood had to do with school. And when she thought school, she meant Gary Oak.

"I'm nervous Mom." He finally said, his eyebrows lowering.

Delia's gaze softened. "Nervous? About what sweetheart?"

Ash paused for a moment apprehensively, biting his lip. "About talking to Gary. I'm afraid about apologizing to him."

"I wouldn't be too concerned after the talk you both received from the principal, honey." Delia said calmly. "Everything will turn out just fine."

Taking her feet up on the steps of the ladder, she was now hovering over her son, pulling the covers closer to his chin, followed by a gentle kiss on his forehead.

"I love you." Delia said lovingly. "Goodnight and sweet dreams."

Stepping off the ladder, she made her way over to Ash's desk to turn off his lamp, before leaving him to fall into a peaceful slumber.

Maybe I should ask now, Ash thought to himself, still hesitant.

He had been contemplating for a while on this secret subject and since he had struggled to clean his bedroom, which seemed to put Delia good mood that evening, he figured he might as well try to ask the question he longed to have answer to.

"Hey, Mom?" He finally said meekly, peeping over his bed sheets.

Delia removed her hand off the doorknob, turning back to face Ash.

"Yes?"

Come on, you can do this...

This determination he tried to build up however, ended up crawling back into the corner of fear.

"I- I love you too."

His mom remained smiling, as she peaked behind the door. At least she didn't suspect anything.

"And I love you more than the stars."

Delia felt like all the energy she had that morning was sucked right out of her, after continuously persisting Ash to get ready for school, who was on the border line of being defiant. At least she got a good nights rest, or else she wouldn't have been able to motivate him as she did that day.

"Now listen to me," she ordered calmly, putting the truck into park as they sat outside the school's front doors, "everything is going to turn out just fine. You'll set a good example not just for Gary, but for your classmates and the teachers as well."

He didn't even bother to give his mom some kind of an indication that he was listening, having Delia feel like she was talking to a brick wall.

"Ash?"

"Can I go back home?" He asked, trying to form an ailing expression across his face. "I'm feeling kinda sick."

"Ash-"

"All right... I'll do it." He caved in, reaching for his backpack in the back seat. "But it's not my fault if I come back all beaten up again."

"I highly doubt that's going to happen this time." She responded, logically. "Now remember, be positive, stay focused, and be-"

"The bigger person, I know. We went over this like a hundred times."

She was going to let that sly remark slide for the time being.

"Have a good day. I love you."

He let out another huff, opening the car door. "You too, Mom."

Before slamming it however, Delia called out to him, hoping maybe some news would cheer him up.

"Ash if it makes you feel better, we'll be having steak tonight."

"Thanks Mom." He said, giving a small, yet faint grin.

"Bye, sweetie."

"Bye."

Closing the door behind him, Delia watched Ash stroll up to the school, feeling like it had hardly been twenty-four hours since the last time she did this routine . It was refreshing though, not to find Gary and his friends waiting by the railing for Ash to appear. She supposed that was a good sign for the both of them.

Ash was hesitant as he stood before his rival, who was busy exchanging his shoes at his shoe locker. He wanted to simply run away and lie to his mom just so they would both be satisfied with the outcome, but he knew one way or another she'd find out about the truth. He also knew that apologizing to Gary would be the proper thing to do, yet his dislike towards him was clouding his judgement. Gary didn't deserve an apology after all the ill-treatment Ash had received from his over the years. The constant jokes made behind his back during class, the whispering in the halls, and the vicious games of soccer they had in gym class, only left Ash feeling angry more than anything.

Still, he remained composed, taking deep slow breaths to relax his nerves. Ash did admit to himself that he'd rather apologize to Gary, had listen to him say some smart ass comment back, rather than face the wrath of his mother in the principal's office again.

He was ready to be the bigger person, but the lump in his throat made his voice quiver nervously.

"Gary?" He said meekly, trying to strengthen his tone.

Gary lifted his head after fixing his shoes, giving a surprised expression as he rose to his feet.

"Ash?"

"Listen Gary," Ash began sedately, "can I- can I talk to you for a second?"

"Aren't you doing that now?"

He ignored his comment, letting out another sigh. "I just wanted to apologize for- blowing up on you Friday. But you really had no right to trip me."

"Humph! And what gives you the right to tell me what I did was uncalled for?" He asked becoming crossed, placing his arms across his chest. "You practically mauled me and got me screwed over by the principal. Now the teachers are watching me like a bunch of Fearows! My parents are making me do extra work for my Grandpa too!"

"Well it's not my fault you made such a stupid decision!" Ash disputed, narrowing his eyebrows. "You were asking for it! You don't even have decency to apologize to me!"

"You know what decency means?" Gary asked sarcastically, acting astonished. "That's a new one."

Ash scoffed, his fist tightening. "You don't know when to quit do you? You're a real jerk Gary, and when you act this way people don't wanna be around you. I don't for sure."

He scoffed too, swinging his backpack over his shoulder. "That's because you started all of this."

"What? What did I ever do to you?!" Ash exclaimed bewildered. "You were the one who glued macaroni noodles and stuck gum in my hair in kindergarten, and presented me to the class as your art project! How do you think that made me feel?"

"You're still have a grudge on that one incident?" He asked, followed by a small chuckle. "You really don't get it, do you?"

Ash shot a glare back at him. "What's there to get? You're a bully Gary. You pick on me only because-"

"Only because you challenge me at everything." He stated, cutting him off. "Everything I wanna do, you tag along, falling behind every time. It's pathetic. Face it, Ash boy, we know this is really about you just wanting to become a trainer... Like me."

"Every kid in Pallet who's our age wants to become a trainer! How am I any different?" He asked, shrugging.

"Like I said," Gary went on, "everything between us is a competition, it always has been. And as always, I'm gonna come up on top! You won't be able to pass the exam before even earning your first Pokémon. I bet you haven't even asked your Mommy about it. I wouldn't be so forward about asking her either, especially after your father's disappearance act-"

Ash's blood was starting to boil as he spat back, "shut up! What makes you think I wouldn't pass the test? I can do it!"

"Because you actually have to study for one thing," he explained bluntly, "and your Mom wouldn't let you step out of the house without a winter coat on, let alone leave her to go on a journey like your dad did. You're too scared to ask for her permission anyway, so I might as well mark this one as a victory too."

"I'm gonna ask her." The black-haired boy stated determinedly. "I'm gonna ask her, and she's going to say yes. And then, I'll show you Gary Oak how great of a trainer I could be."

"Again, could be." His rival mocked in return, sneering.

It was then Ash decided he wasn't going to run away from this dream anymore. He was going to ask his mom and he was going to do everything in his power to prove to her he could do it. And he was going to show Gary that he was up for the challenge. That he could pass the test and earn his license. That he could train Pokémon. That he could win a badge or even the entire league! That he could be as great as his father.

"I will be." Ash replied, his eyes burning with utter passion.

On the way home, Ash's mom was thrilled to hear how well his day turned out and how he followed through with his apology to Gary ever so graciously. Well sort of. He left out most of the details, but by how he described it, the conversation seemed to calm Delia's nerves. He felt relieved he was off the hook for the time being, and to reward himself, he took a little time outside sitting on the front patio, soaking up the sun. It had been a while since there was a warm day in March, so Ash took advantage of that rare and beautiful day.

Delia though, was busy bustling in the kitchen. The house filled with the aroma of freshly cooked steak seeping out into the front lawn, making Ash's nose tingle with delight. But as he continued to bathe in the sun, something caught his eye. A small hole had been dug underneath the front fence, and Ash soon spotted the perpetrator of this demolition.

A small Rattata, most likely a baby, was frolicking about the front yard, sniffing the ground, not even noticing that a human was only a few feet away from it. Ash watched it attentively, seeing it crawl from place to place. Soon after the arrival of the rat like Pokémon however, a Pidgey flew in, picking at the ground for some form of nourishment. But as he gazed at this natural display, an idea popped into Ash's head. A brilliant idea in his opinion, given away by the huge smile on his face as well as his utter fascination.

Slipping his sweatshirt off his body, Ash crept across the lawn waiting for the two Pokémon to come close enough each other, to the point where he could scoop both of them up into his sweatshirt. That would sure show Gary who could catch Pokémon and without a poke ball too! He'll have two before he even gets his official license and pokedex!

Tip toeing closer and closer, Ash swooped his sweatshirt to the ground sweeping up the oblivious Pokémon, as he stumbled backwards on the grassy lawn, restraining the nibbling rat and squawking bird. His grip however loosened, thanks to his mother's voice startling him.

"Honey are you doing okay?" She called out from inside the house, the patio door slightly ajar. "Do you want to come in for a snack or something?"

"Uh, no thanks Mom!" He answered hurriedly, tightening his grip again. "I'm okay for now!"

"You sure you don't want anything?" She questioned again. "I just made some snack mix with the pretzels and-"

"Yeah I'm fine!"

His slightly bothered voice, did catch Delia's attention. But, she thought it was nothing.

"Well all right, I just wanted to make sure!"

Ash groaned, as he held the frightened Pokémon against his chest. "You always want to make sure..."

Sidetracked by Delia, it took him a few seconds to focus back on his plan. His plan being, to figure out where to exactly put the Pokémon. After analyzing his surroundings, Ash realized his room was the only option; the only problem being getting passed his mother. He assumed he'd figure that out, once he got into the door. If he could make it through the door with two squirming Pokémon that is.

Struggling to keep them still, Ash journeyed over to the patio door swinging it open, his stance wobbling as he tried to control the frantic creatures.

Please be quiet, he thought to himself, as he tried to sneak past his busy mom.

The sound of the sizzling steaks though, blocked out some of the noise the Pokémon made, leaving Delia ignorant as to what her child was up too. She did however, catch a glimpse of him going up the staircase.

"So you want your snack now?" Delia asked.

"Uh, yeah in a minute!" He replied, anxiously. "But I uh, need to- uh, wash my hands first!"

Delia stopped flipping the searing steaks, listening to her son's response.

"Okay. That's odd," she mumbled to herself, "I usually have to remind him..."

Glancing back at the staircase she soon heard one of the doors upstairs slam, simply giving a shrug as she went back to her work.

Ash frantically made his way up unscathed, panting heavily against the door, as the distressed creatures ran about not knowing where to go.

"Okay," he started breathlessly, "you guys are gonna have to stay in here till I get back."

Squeezing out his bedroom door, barley having it open for him to get by, the distraught Pidgey flew directly above Ash's head, crashing against the ceiling, soon taking off down into the living room.

"No wait!" He cried in a harsh whisper. "Stop! She'll turn you into a piece of fried chicken!"

"Ash who are you talking to?" Delia questioned, overhearing him.

"Uh, no one Mom!" He replied panicking, hoping the fluttering of the bird's wings wouldn't catch Delia's attention.

Ash then bit down on his nails, trying to stay calm as he contemplated in terror.

"Shoot, what am I going to do?" He said aloud to himself.

Then he felt a small nudge on his foot, seeing that the Rattata was trying to escape as well. This made Ash dive right for it, gently taking it into his arms.

"No! Not you too!" He said, firmly. "You're staying here with me."

"Ash, come down here please."

The sound of Delia's tone made him cringe in fear. Now he was in real trouble.

"Uh," he started cautiously, "coming Mom!"

Rushing down the staircase, Ash immediately hid the small creature behind his back, walking over to his confused mother as if everything was just peachy. He was not going to let this mission fail so easily.

"What is going on up there?" Delia demanded, placing her hands on her hips.

Ash gave a sheepish smile in return. "What do you mean Mom?"

"I heard a thud against the wall or something," she said, becoming a little suspicious by the sight of Ash squirming uncomfortably. "What are you doing?"

"I was uh- uh-," he began restlessly eying the Pidgey who perched itself on the living room T.V. , "getting a cobweb down off the wall with the broom!"

Delia lowered her eyebrows, looking at him strangely. "A cobweb?"

"Yeah!" Ash responded, giving a foolish grin.

"A cobweb you just happened to see and miraculously had the broom with you to take care of it?" She deduced, now folding her arms.

"Uh-yeah."

The ridiculous look upon his face only made his case worse. Delia watched him carefully, as he went on giving her that silly grin.

"Ash, we keep the broom down here in the supply closet by the laundry room." She stated. "How did you get it up there?"

"Well ya see before I went outside," he explained thinking of a story that was convincing enough for Delia, "I saw the cobweb by my bedroom door, and well I wanted to get it down, so I went and got the broom and set in my room, so when I came back in I could get it down for you."

Ash's strange behavior, his endless ranting, and his somewhat guilty disposition, made it clear to her that he was hiding something. Delia then narrowed her eyebrows as she lowered her body to his eye level, placing her hands on her knees at she gazed at him skeptically.

"What are you up to Mister?"

Her tone pierced through his guilty heart again as he went on pretending.

"What are you talking about?" He gulped, rubbing the back of his head, the other hand holding the fidgeting Pokémon.

"Ash don't do this to me." The auburn haired woman said, not a trace of warmth in her voice. "Now what is going on?"

"Uh, nothing Mom really!" He stuttered nervously, now having both his hands on the Rattata again. "Can't I just be able to help you keep the house clean? Free of- uh- dust bunnies?"

Still looking at him peculiarly, Delia tried getting a glimpse behind Ash's back, only to have him swiftly shield his little friend. She then released a sigh from her mouth, as she rose from her crouched position. Delia didn't have time for any of his shenanigans and after going through the list she had created in her head of all the mischievous things Ash had committed in the past, it was most likely nothing fret about.

Ash's chest pumped up and down nervously, waiting for an answer.

"Well all right." She said steadily, whipping her hands on her apron to remove any food residue.

Ash remained standing there hoping that she'd excuse him from the kitchen, so he could clean up a new mess he created without her noticing.

Letting out another sigh, Delia kept her gaze on her son saying, "honestly sometimes I- aaahhh! Ash!"

"Oh, no..." Ash mumbled, his grip slipping on the rat like Pokémon, his feet glued to floor in fright.

Now he knew he was caught red-handed. Behind him, Delia was astound to find a wild Pidgey flying through the house, especially in her spotless as well as sanitary kitchen. This antic of Ash's however, was not on the previous list she had developed over the years. Guess it was about time to add another addition.

She went on staring in disbelief, her expression crossed with pure anger as well as simply being stunned. A wild Pokémon in her house was one of the last things she expected to see. Delia didn't even think Ash would try to pull a stunt like that! Then again, he had recently been acting before ever thinking. First he had let his grades slip, then he got himself into a fight with Gary, and now he was bringing wild Pokémon into the house, being completely deceitful?

Unbelievable...

"Ashton!" Delia finally bellowed, after she had a moment of being at a loss for words.

Jumping from the sudden jolt of guilt and cowardice he acquired from fixating on his mother's displeased expression, Ash felt sweat trickling down his forehead.

"Get it out of here now!"

Delia's roaring voice made him agree instant.

"Okay!"

Though in the midst of all the commotion and racket, the Rattata slipped out of Ash's grasp racing below their feet having Delia squirm, leaning against the kitchen counter spooked.

"Ugh, a Rattata?" She growled again, only this time her voice lightened, feeling startled by the creature crawling near her feet. "Ash!"

"I'm on it, Mom!" He responded trying to stay calm as he lunged for the fast animal.

In the process however, he managed to land face first on the newly mopped floor thanks to its slippery surface against his socks. Delia then instinctively knelt to the ground, making sure he was unharmed, but then yelped as the Pidgey swooped down near them, knocking over a vase on the dinning table. From there, the vase earned a chip at the top rim as well as spilling out the water and the freshly picked flowers it held.

Ash winced in pain, but soon forgotten his discomfort as he gawked at the aghast Pidgey who rammed itself accidentally into a lamp shade, having it wobble back and forth on its surface. Delia instantly raced over to the lamp, stabilizing its stance, before it too became pulverized on the living room carpet. After that, Delia took off her apron, using it to shoo the bird to the patio door, but in the process it ended up colliding with a picture frame that rested on the nearby fireplace. As the frame crashed to the floor, the glass shattered holding a photo of a once eighteen year old Delia, cradling Ash as an infant.

Delia's distraught behavior only intensified, after seeing her precious photo's frame in pieces, having her bolt to the door opening it fully. This action made it clear to Ash that his task was to get the bird out, having Delia toss him the apron as he too tried flushing it out of the house. As for the Rattata, well, it simply hid behind the sofa huddling, traumatized by the experience itself. But after racing around the sofa for the hundredth and then through the kitchen, Ash got the Pidgey to fly to its destination, having Delia shut the door with great force, exhaling loudly.

"And as for that one," she yelled exasperated, as she began to catch her breath, "you can take it to Prof. Oak!"

Ash soon peered down at the petrified Rattata, taking it up into his arms again, following his aggravated mother back into the kitchen.

"But Mom, Prof. Oak probably has a bunch of Rattata! Can't we keep the little guy?" He begged, watching her adventure back over to the sink, reaching for a dishcloth.

"No!" Delia shouted slamming the towel on the floor, mopping up the water. "We're not having any Pokémon in the house. Now go take it to the lab! I'm sure the professor will be more than thrilled to have it."

"But Mom, can't I keep it?" Ash implored. "I promise I'll take care of it and everything-"

"Ash what have I just said?" She spat back becoming exacerbated, giving him a harsh look. "I said we are not having any Pokémon in this house."

Ash lowered his head feeling dispirited, looking down at the lively animal resting in his sweaty hands.

Catching a Pokémon just to make a point to Gary, was not his only intention. After seeing the creatures in the house (destroying the interior or not), it reminded Ash of a painful memory he carried immensely on his shoulders. Ever since he could walk, Ash had always recalled a playful and snugly fire-type Pokémon that kept him company on several occasions. Actually, it was his father's Pokémon. His dad's first Pokémon to be exact.

Ash's now cloudy eyes had gleamed back up at his mother. He supposed he should explain a reason for his actions.

"But I miss Vulpix..." He finally stated feeling glum. "It's not the same without her."

Delia gave a small gasp in response to her son's pitiful answer, followed by her eyes softening. She was aware that the circumstances they were under, affected the household in several ways. Vulpix was her husband's prized Pokémon and Ash's favorite playmate, a big role in the family. But Vulpix's memory was apart of her spouse's. The two were hand in hand and without the other, it could never be the same. No Pokemon, no husband.

Ash then sensed the sadness ridden in Delia's heart, making another negotiation. "Can't you at least bring over one of your old Pokémon you had Grandma keep-"

This made Delia twitch; another flashback she wanted to forget ever so much. The agonizing reminiscences of training with her love in their teenage years, made her heart skip a beat, her breathing shallow. Particularly the remembrance of how he had once helped her evolve her Eevee. The same Eevee who had formed a strong fondness for his Vulpix. The two Pokémon were a match made in heaven. Just like their trainers.

"No Ash." She said again, her voice not wavering. "My Pokémon are much happier there anyway. Besides, I can hardly afford to feed the two of us, let alone a Pokémon. Poke food is expensive and they are more work than you realize."

"Well, maybe I'm ready to have a Pokémon!" He bickered back strongly. "Can't I just have one? Pretty please, with a cherry on top?"

His mom paused for a moment, examining his ruffled hair and blue expression. The desperate eyes he gave her almost made her give into his request, yet Delia snapped herself out of his sadden trance.

"No, and that's final." She answered coldly. "Now do as I say, and take it to Prof. Oak's."

"But-"

"Ash please..." Delia begged weakly, darting her eyes away from him. "I mean it."

A deep frown formed in the lines on his face. "Okay..."

Delia only watched a depressed Ash from the corner of her eye, as he tread across the kitchen floor into the living room. His head was hung low, his shoulders hunched, as he walked on, sulking in his own misery. It only hurt her more to watch him effortlessly slip on his shoes and walk out the patio door in such a melancholy state. Yet she had to, for she knew it was for the best for them not to get involved with raising a Pokémon. It was something neither of them were prepared for nor could handle. At least, she thought so.

"Make sure you hold it carefully!" Delia soon hollered, making her way back into the living room. "It can bite you!"

Ash however, went on wandering out the front gate down the dusty road, as if she had said nothing to him.

She exhaled another deep sigh from her mouth, bending down to discard the broken pieces that laid lifelessly on the carpet. Her eyes began to water though, as she picked up the old photo, thinking hard on the old times that felt so out of her reach. Yet, they really weren't so long ago. Nine years were not a long time for such powerful and unforgettable memories; so why did everything feel like it had been forever since that earlier life in such a short amount of time?

"Vulpix..."