Sorry for the long delay. I originally had the next chapter ready to be posted around the end of August but some events occurred and I had to delay it for a week. During this time, I read the final version of the chapter and something didn't feel right. To be honest, the chapter seemed a little too rushed so I wanted to rewrite the entire thing from scratch with the same core plot but with different writing and more effort put in.

Just some last things before I begin, I'm going to try and go back to the chapter per month rule (even though you have a feeling that I won't be able to follow that through) so don't expect the next chapter next week.

But anyway, since it's against the rules to post a chapter that is only Author's Note, I decided to make a little mini-chapter that takes place during Mount Moon. So I hope you enjoy this little chapter.


"Talking" = Speech

"(Pokéspeaking?)" = Pokéspeech

'Thinking' = Thoughts

'Telepathic speech' = Telepathy

Leaf inwardly groaned as she sat up from her sleeping bag with a bored expression. As she quietly got out of the sleeping bag, she made sure to take Bulbasaur's Pokéball as well as Jigglypuff's. The brunette couldn't help but form a small smile on her lips as she grabbed the Normal-type's Pokéball out of her bag. Over the course of their mountain adventure, Jigglypuff became a second Bulbasaur; the pink Pokémon was someone Leaf could relate to since both shared a mischievous, fighter's attitude that gave them an emotional connection.

Leaf got up relatively quietly, checking to make sure that she hadn't woken up Ash and Yellow. Both Pokémon trainers were deep asleep, both with some drool slipping out of their mouths. Leaf shook her head, she didn't want to wake them up whilst they were asleep so she decided to do a little reminiscing on her journey.

The brunette checked her PokéNav, it was October now, so it had been around a month since she had started her little journey. She checked the date just to see how close to a month it was and, to her surprise, she found out that she it was the day after the one month anniversary.

Also to her surprise, it appeared that she was close enough to one of the cellular towers so she could call her mother to inform them on this little milestone. A few buttons and a light press on the volume rocker later, she was able to see her mum's face after what... a week or so? It felt a lot longer when you didn't really have anything to tell you how much time has passed (as she usually keep her PokéNav in her bag.)

"Ah, Leaf. How are you doing, honey?" Mrs Green said with a knowing smirk, "Let me guess, you realised that it's been over a month since you've started your journey, correct?"

Leaf did an equally knowing smirk, "Yep, now what bet did you win. If it's about me, you have to split some of the money with me."

Leaf's mum scratched the back of her head, "Delia and I have made quite a few bets about you and Ash. One of them was about who would remember the one month anniversary. I bet that Ash would remember before you and I was right, he called his mother yesterday. And Delia thought that you would remember, a mother is never wrong about her child."

That left the brunette a little annoyed, "Alright, what were the other bets?"

"Well, I made a few bets: who was the stronger trainer, who had caught the most Pokémon and, of course, who would make the first move," Mrs Green gave a quick wink, "I said that Ash was the stronger trainer, you had the most Pokèmon and that you made the first move. Am I right?"

That made Leaf sigh, "How do you always win these bets? I don't think you've ever lost a bet in your life. And anyway, I haven't battled Ash in a while plus I only kissed him because it would leave him flustered."

"Sure... If you said the word 'breast' in front if that boy, he would collapse onto the floor," the elder woman said before quickly adding to it with, "And anyway, who said making a move meant getting physical. I can't believe you two moved to second base."

"Shut up, mum!" Leaf said, unable to stop the soft red blush on her cheeks.

"mmm... You shut up..." Yellow stirred behind Leaf, causing the brunette to sigh. The blonde rolled around in her sleeping bag a little before pulling herself out with a yawn.

"Go back to sleep, Yellow. My mum just said something that annoyed me. Nothing went wrong," Leaf said, trying fight the blush that threatened to expose itself.

The blonde paused, trying to figure out what Leaf's mum had said and had an ear-to-ear grin as she realised what it was, "So I see you ship them as well, Mrs Green. Don't worry, I'll get them together even if it's the last thing I do."

Leaf's mum had a small smile on her face, "You do that, Yellow. I don't doubt your matchmaking abilities. Just make sure that they don't do anything they might regret."

The last bit went over Yellow's head so she replied with an earnest smile, "Okay, Mrs Green. Enjoy the rest of your night."

As Yellow went back to her sleeping bag, Leaf's mother yawned a little, "Well honey, I hope you've been enjoying your journey, you're becoming mommy's little money maker again so keep letting Ash be the better trainer. I love you!"

Leaf rolled her eyes, "You too, mum. Can you tell Mrs Ketchum that I appreciate her supporting me more than my own mother."

"Will do, honey. Will do. Now, go back to bed. It's two in the morning!"

The PokéNav's screen went black and Leaf followed her mother's instruction, sleeping as soon as her head hit the sleeping bag. Her mind becoming full of dreams as she drifted into slumber.


Alright, I hope you enjoyed that. Since it's the holidays in the UK, I should be able to make some good progress on chapter 8. Until next time!