Bonus because I don't know where to put this in the next chapter.
Flashback
"Also, I advised you to follow Ash Ketchhum." Lusamine said to her son.
"I already did that, mother." He told her. "So far, I haven't saw anyone suspicious around the area that he is in, which isn't good since we now don't know what they are planning."
"I see." Lusamine thought it over, "Even so, according to the police records, this Team Rocket group have been after Ash and his Pokémon for years. They may be low lives, but they're resilient, a horrible combo to come by. So I'll be needing you, with the workers, to look after Ash Ketchum for tomorrow at least."
To the untrained eye, no one could have notice Gladion's everlasting glare sharpened the very slightest. It is taking every ounce of his willpower to hold back.
"Isn't tomorrow his date with..." He dare not to finish that sentence.
Lusamine sighed, "I have no time to argue with you right now, so I'll be willing to work out a compromise."
"Hmmm?" He hummed for her to continue.
"If you restrain yourself on your mission, for tomorrow at least, I'll give you permission to meet up with him without me getting in your way as you long don't let Lillie see you do your business with him."
"Deal." He agreed to that in a heart beat.
And with that, Gladion left her office without another spoken. What he did not know, Lusamine had a plan just in case her son went back on his promise. She pressed the button on her desk to call up her secretary.
"Gladice, call up my best battle-ready employees to my office and also get Hobbs here ASAP."
"Right away, ma'am."
Running a organization that is built specifically for healing and housing Pokémon, it is understandable that many of the Aether workers are not strong Pokémon trainers. It is true that they command a variety of Pokémon, but what they lack is in terms of individual strength. One is weak, but together they are a force to be reckoned with; even so, it is quite easy to overpower if their opponent last long enough since the Aether workers' Pokémon were not trained enough to last long.
Lusamine don't blame her worker for being so weak. She has hand picked her all of her workers and all every single one share her views. What they all have in common are their pacifist side and dislike for poaching and abusing Pokémon, but they all knew that they won't be much help if they don't toughen up.
She called up for her best team, who, like the rest of the Aether employees, are strong as a team, but no so when divided.
She told them their mission and they all agreed to partake and followed her words.
Once they all left, Hobbs came in.
Lusamine smiled at the old man who has a kind heart. Coming around from her desk, she went up to him and they both shared a hug.
"Hobbs." She greeted. "It's good to see you, I know I talked to you the other day, but it's nice to see someone you know in person."
The old butler chuckled, "I believe you should follow your words. The young miss has missed you, Mistress."
Lusamine's smile became a sad one, "I know, I know." She look back at him, now with a look that describes authority. "I got something important for you to do."
Hobbs put on a determined face, "What will it be, Lady Lusamine?"
"I need you to look after Gladion."
"I don't see what you mean." Said a confused Hobbs, "The young master can surely take care of himself."
"Does not what I mean, Hobbs." Lusamine told him. "Do you know about Team Rocket?"
"Ah yes, I have heard words about them and none were pleasant."
"Indeed." Lusamine agreed. "A Team Rocket group is currently in Melemele Island and they are targeting Ash."
"Ash Ketchum!" Hobbs exclaimed, "Oh no, that poor boy."
"You don't know the half of it," Lusamine said, leaving off of how long Team Rocket were after Ash, "I'm having Gladion spy on Ash to see if they are still targeting him."
"But young miss Lillie has a date with the boy to-!" He stopped when he figured out his mistress' order. "Oh, I see."
"Yes, I need you watch after Gladion and stop him if he tries interfere their date." Lusamine ordered him.
Hobbs bowed at her, accepting the mission.
"Then that will be all, you may go." Lusamine then turned her back to him to get back to her work on her desk.
"Lady Lusamine," Hobbs cleared his throat. "I would like to ask a question, one that has been eating at me since last night."
The Aether Foundation president gave him a look that practically says, 'What is it?'
"What exactly do you think of Ash Ketchum."
Lusamine closed her eyes and giggled, "I think he would be the perfect boy for my daughter."
Hobbs' eyebrow raised up high, startled. Coming from a rich family, there were many suitors, from other rich families, coming up to Lillie and asking for her hand in marriage. At least 50 came from the last year, but all failed at one obstacle, Lusamine Aether who rejected not only the male suitors, but also their families.
"Lady Lusamine, does that mean?"
"Yes, Hobbs. I have already considered giving him my blessing."
"What!?"
Lusamine chuckled at his shocked face. She held up her index and middle together, motioning him to shush up.
"That will be our a secret. You may go now."
