Hello everyone and welcome to Chapter 9 of this book. I hope you are enjoying it! One this I want to clear up before I begin.

'Master' means a Master in any type. Like Fire Master, Ghost Master etc. All members of Elite Four are Masters in at least two types. With that said, happy reading!

CALM BEFORE THE STORM!

I groan as I wake up, completely tired from the events of the previous night. However, just as I am about to get up, I feel a weight on my right arm. I rub my eyes with my left hand, and take in the view.

Aria was sleeping next to me, her head on my arm. I smile as memories of the previous night flood back into my head.

I shake her lightly, "Wake up, Aria." I call softly.

She groans and turns over, her head still resting on my arm, and mutters, "Five more minutes. Today's a rest day."

I smile at her antics. I know just the thing that will wake her up.

"Oh well, then I'll introduce you as my girlfriend tomorrow, then. I have to train today, you know."

She sits up like a spring, eyes wide open as if she had been awake for hours.

"What? No! I want them to know as fast as possible!" She says as she jumps off the bed and literally flies into the bathroom to get ready for the day ahead.

'Well, someone is eager to show off...' I smile as I make the bed, seeing as it was already 8 a.m.


After getting ready, we head to the joint dining room. One of the perks of being in the final, aside from the ridiculous prize money, was that you could stay in one of the best rooms in the Pokemon Center. And it was a great room, with two bedrooms, two bathroom, a kitchen-and-dining room, and a living room with a huge TV, along with a big balcony to enjoy the view.

I take in the smell of the food that's wafting around the room. The smell is sort of weird. I feel like I know it, yet I really don't.

I look at Aria, take her hand, and ask gently, "You ready?"

She looks up at me, smiles brightly and nods, "Absolutely."

I smile back and nod as we open the door to the dining room and walk in. The quiet murmur of conversation that could be heard stopped at once, and my eyes widened at the sight.

Pikachu's face was almost fully red as he was drinking ketchup from a dog-food bowl. It looked more like he had been trying to eat the bowl itself.

Brock and Bonnie were sitting in adjoining seats. Bonnie had stars in her eyes as she asked Brock question after question on their journey. I had to rub my eyes to believe that Bonnie actually blushed when Brock described Max as 'a cute, intelligent, handsome, clumsy boy of your age'.

No, what surprised, or rather shocked me the most were the other two people. Yes, two.

The first shock was Serena, back in her normal travelling clothes, sitting at the table and having breakfast as if she'd been with the group for years, not hours. She smiled brightly and nodded at him. The action took the attention of her partner.

Her eyes light up as she squeals out a "Ash" and runs forward towards me.

Knowing my fate, I release Aria's hand and get engulfed in an immense hug by my mother. Only that this isn't any normal hug. This one has so much power in it that I fear for the well-being of my rib cage.

I soon run out of oxygen and my face starts turning blue. Thankfully Serena interrupts her and gets her to leave me. I pant and try to get oxygen in my system again.

When I'm finally okay again, I look up at her, "What are you doing here, Mom?"

She smiles at me before answering, "What? A mother's got to take her child's permission to come watch his first ever League Final? I'm hurt."

I stare at her.

"You...came...here...from...Kanto...for...me?" I get out slowly.

"No, I came for Pikachu." She replies flatly.

I look at her, more confused than ever. Why can't she just answer me straightly without sarcasm and making fun of me?

Oh, stopping that hug would be a bonus.

"Of course I came for you. It was a nice benefit I got to meet Serena again. Speaking of, why don't you introduce me to her?" She asks, nodding at Aria.

I blush and scratch my head, realizing that I had completely forgotten about Aria with all the surprises since entering this room. I pull her back towards me and inhale deeply.

I had expected that Serena, Bonnie, Brock and Pikachu would be the first to hear this, but my mother is here too. She just made the whole process a lot harder, if I'm honest.

I gulp, finding that all the practice I did in the bathroom after waking up would not help me one bit.

"Aria, this is Delia Ketchum, my dear mother." I begin...

Mom decides to be helpful for once, thankfully. Although I don't know whether it is out of pity for me or Aria.

Knowing her, it's for Aria.

"And mom, this is Aria, former Kalos Queen, and my...girlfriend." I end up muttering out the last word.

Mom's eyes light up, but she doesn't spare me. "Your what?"

I blush and look down, more embarrassed than ever. I take a look and I see Brock, Bonnie and Serena laughing at my condition.

I must bring up Brock's countless failures this morning.

"Girlfriend."

Mom finally decides she's teased me enough and reaches her hand out to shake Aria's, "It's nice to meet you, Aria. I'm sure you're quite the girl, being able to break through Ash's famously dense shell."

Aria reaches out to shake her hand, but upon contact, mom pulls her in for a hug. I can see her face turning blue as I tell mom to stop crushing her.

Deciding to let Aria suffer for just a bit more, I say, "First of many for you."

Sighing, she smiles up, "All great things require sacrifices."

She looks towards mom and speaks, "I'm Aria. Nice to meet you, Mrs. Ketchum"

My mom waved it off, "Oh call me Delia, dear. Mrs. Ketchum makes me feel old."

After having breakfast (and after the teasing finally stopped), Aria suddenly spoke up.

"Hey Serena, what are you doing here?"

Hell, I forgot to tell her what happened to Serena.

Serena looked understandably uncomfortable as she eyed us. I try to speak up to prevent her from having to tell that again. But she held up her hand and stopped me,

"Stop, Ash. After what I did to you, I deserve this. And they deserve to know as well. The only reason Bonnie let me in last night was because of Pikachu."

One thing I hadn't forgotten was that you do not want to mess with a determined Serena. So, I did the only sensible thing I could and raised my hands in defeat, before placing them around Aria, pulling her close.

And so Serena began her story. I was quite nervous about her getting to that part. It looked as if she wanted to tell everyone what happened, no matter what.

And when she finally did, the reaction was unexpected.

I had expected some sort of 'Fate' comment after she finished, but the real life showed me a different side. Aria's hands flew up to her mouth, barely able to stop her tears. Bonnie was full-on crying into Serena's chest, while rushing out apology after apology for her brother.

My mother got up, walked over to Serena, placed her hand on her shoulder, and spoke up, "Don't worry about Grace, dear. I will speak to her about it. Till then, after Ash's journey is over, you can live with me in Kanto."

Serena looked shocked as she looked towards me, "Wait, I can stay with you guys for the remainder of the tournament?"

I shrug, having no problem and look towards Aria, waiting for her opinion. After all, it was Serena's win which destroyed her career completely.

"Of course you can. You are the Kalos Queen, aren't you? No one should have to go through what you did, no matter the reason. You're welcome in our group, Serena." She smiles.

Serena runs over and hugs us tightly. I stand there awkwardly, Serena's hands behind me, Aria's hands on my shoulder and my hands...are somewhere. Aria pats her back comfortingly, and her tears slow down.

I hear Brock crying, "Why does Ash get all the girls? First Aria, then Serena? Why me?"

I bite my lip to prevent a laugh as Pancham promptly pops out of his Pokeball, and smacks Brock across his face with his sunglasses, leaving a red mark, before going back into his Pokeball again.

Payback, Brock, Payback.


After chatting for a bit, I left the room with Aria and Serena to go to the shopping mall. The only reason I can shop with girls is that I know Serena and Aria are not the stereotypical girl friends, who load bag after bag on the boy's arms and empty his purse.

I trust them to be normal and buy only what they want. Me and Serena can easily get together to afford's Aria's items. Speaking of whom,

She gently tightens her grip on my arm and leans her head on my shoulder. I smile and tighten my grip around her, gently kissing her hair.

I see Serena smirk and I can do nothing to stop the inevitable, "You two are so cute. I never though Ash I knew would be this comfortable with two beautiful celebrities."

Aria sees the opportunity and pipes in, "Well, he was speechless upon seeing me for the first time. Like, proper mouth hanging speechless."

"Oh? I thought it was you who was checking me out, like, 60 times per minute."

Aria blushes a deep red and I smirk, sure of my victory in at least this tease-battle. Feeling on top of the world, I turn Aria around, and kiss her.

She stops, apparently still not used to the effect I have on her, before melting into the kiss. We slowly start getting more passionate as I...

"You two should seriously get a room, you know." Serena interrupts us with an innocent smile.

"As should we, dear." a voice comes out of nowhere.

We all stiffen up, particularly Serena. It was not a voice we had wanted to hear ever again.

I turn and spot the source walking over to us, hands in his pockets.

There is Clemont, in a green shirt with blue jeans. His hair is messy, and he has a maniacal smirk on his face. Nothing like the Clemont I knew...

Acting quickly, I and Aria rush over to Serena to offer her support and protection. Our actions only prompt more maniacal laughter from Clemont.

"What? Still so scared that you need to hide behind these losers for protection?"

"What do you want, Clemont?" I ask, my voice full of venom I did not know I possessed.

His eyes rest upon me, as he speaks in his newfound drawl, "I don't speak with losers like you, Ketchum. Serena is mine, and I will take her. This is my last warning Serena. You ignored my calls, and if you don't come to me right now, I will use force." He finishes with a sneer, hands resting on a Pokeball.

Serena shouts, "I'm not going back to you. You're an abusive jerk! I don't know why, or if, I even fell for you!"

Aria interrupts her rant, "You're not wanted here, Clemont. Leave. Now!"

I glance at her and hold her hand tighter. I can feel her shaking from rage. I've never seen her angrier before.

Clemont raises an eyebrow in mock surprise and says, "Oh, and what will you do against me?"

I step up now, "You said you'll use force. Well, I won't back off."

Clemont glares at me and releases Luxray in a flash.

"Discharge!" He screams, pointing at us.

Luxray looks surprised, then sad. But being loyal to Clemont, he carries out the order anyways. He gets covered in electricity and howls as he releases it, straight towards us. I can see the lightning bolts coming, and act in a flash.

I sweep a Pokeball off my belt, release the beast within and yell, "Air Lens!"

A bipedal Pokemon emerges and rushes straight at the electric discharge. He howls while raising up his right arm and fires himself up.

The air around us gets hotter as the electricity is stopped due to the superheated air around my Pokemon. I smirk and nod at him, happy with his work. The smirk grows wider at the dumbfounded expression on Clemont's face.

"But h-h-h-how?" He stutters out, and I laugh at how quickly the arrogant expression was swept off his face. Even Aria and Serena were scared at the display of raw power.

"Training under a Fire Master, that's all" I shrug.

He stiffens up, "But, you're still a loser! Luxray, Thunder Fang!"

"Infernape, Fire Punch. Keep it down." I nod to my loyal fire-type powerhouse.

Luxray rushes towards Infernape, fangs crackling with electricity. At the last moment, Infernape side-steps Luxray, lights up his right fist and slams it down on Luxray.

Luxray screams out in pain and flies into the wall of one of the shops, the extra momentum from the Thunder Fang not doing it any favours. He slips down onto the floor, unconscious.

A large crowd had formed by the time I recalled Infernape and soon enough, Officer Jenny burst through the crowd, Arcanine in tow.

"What's going on- Oh my Arceus!" She gasps at the burnt and blackened Luxray. "Who did that to that poor Pokemon?"

"I did.", I step up and say, "Luxray is going to be fine, unlike his trainer. He's strong."

Officer Jenny's eyes narrow as Aria runs from the crowd and hugs me tightly, "You didn't have to do that, stupid. I'm glad you're alright!"

I smile and pat her on the back, as Officer Jenny interrupts our moment, "You're Ash Ketchum. Finalist of the League. You do know that fighting Pokemon other than for self-defence while participating in the League can get you disqualified, right?"

I nod and hold her glare, "I know. Check the CCTVs. I did nothing wrong. On the other hand, I want a talk with you, Officer about him." I nod to Clemont, who looked absolutely defeated.


Two hours later

I shoot up and Serena and Aria emerge from the interrogation room, dejected.

"What happened? Tell me." I demand.

Aria glares at the innocent door and replies, "That piece-of-no-good Gym Leader has too much power above the law. He got off with 1 week community service only. Stupid rules."

"Wait a minute."I say as I rush towards my bag. I wake up Pikachu, who was sleeping comfortably, risking the Thunderbolt.

"Later, buddy, later. Get in and find the ID." Pikachu straightens up at that and starts sifting through all the small things in my front chain, like a blue ribbon, half-pokeball, half Contest ribbon, a lure...

"Pika!" He squeals as he shows off the ID. I smile as I pat him on the head, proud of his work now and back then.

I get up, set my cap and walk towards Aria and Serena. I hold Aria's hand, smile and beckon Serena to follow us. I barely resist a chuckle at their completely clueless expressions.

I knock loudly on the door where it was written Chief Police Officer, Kalos. The door soon opens into a large waiting room. I show the assistant my ID and smirk as his eyes widen. He rushes forward and opens the door to the main office.

I step inside, followed by Aria and Serena. The Officer, an old man with white flowing beard and a Moltres casually sitting near the window, looks up and his eyes light up. He springs up from his seat and invites us all to take a seat.

"Ah! Ash Ketchum. It's so good to finally see you. Believe me, Lance never stops boasting about you and how he finally found a successor." The Officer, named Albus Dumbledore, smiles at me through his moon-rimmed spectacles.

I blush and look at my lap. It was not everyday you heard that the most powerful Champion saw you as their successor.

"Is the great Ash Ketchum blushing?" Aria teases from beside me. Serena chuckles, drawing the attention of Mr. Dumbledore.

"Aria! Good to see you again." Aria nods back with a smile. He looks towards Serena, "You must be the new Kalos Queen, Ms. Serena. I'm sorry for what happened, but I believe Ash wants a word with me?"

I nod and stand up. "Lance gave me that card and told me to use it when I see fit. He said he trusted me to help keep the law in the regions and not misuse it." I see Dumbledore's attention on me, along with Aria and Serena's.

I cut to the main point, "I want Clemont jailed for life, on account of rape and abuse of a person, ordering a Pokemon to attack a human, and misusing Gym Leader powers to reduce the sentence."

Silence prevails in the room. I see Serena gasp and Aria's hand once again flies to her mouth, eyes wide with disbelief.

Mr. Dumbledore looks at me over his glasses, but I hold the stare. It feels as if he's reading my mind...

Finally, he smiles. "Very well. I approve." He turns to his Moltres, "Fawkes, please relay this to Head Officer of Lumiose, and issue an arrest warrant."

Fawkes the Moltres screeches as it gracefully flies up and flies through the glass window, and down towards its destination.

Dumbledore turns his attention to me, "I see why Lance sees you as a worthy successor, Ash. You have a wish to be Champion one day, correct?"

I nod, "Hopefully. I actually read it the previous night, rape warrants for 50 years jail, especially in such a strict region as Kalos. Human and power abuse can easily lift that to life term."

He nods back with a smile and sits down on his throne-like chair. He chuckles and speak up, "I think you should enlighten your pretty friends. They look like they've seen Mew playing with you."

I chuckle and take the ID from the table, before turning to them.

"You know who the Pokemon G-Men are, right?" Aria nods, while Serena shakes her head.

"Well, the Government Men, or G-Men for short, are detectives working for the Government of any region, i.e, the League Federation. They are the top guys, the ones the Leagues send in case of dire situations. Most of them are extremely accomplished trainers. There even are former members of Elite Four and Masters present, though few."

"Well, this" I shake the ID, "Is my most precious item. This signifies that I, Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town, am a member of the G-Men."

"Now, any normal G-Men get many benefits just by showing this ID and verifying it. The pay is excellent as well. But, the thing that allowed me to issue the jail warrant for Clemont is this." I point to the line below my name.

"Trainee Member under Lance Wataru" Aria reads out. "What about..." Her eyes widen as she looks up and points a finger at me.

"You...you...you...are a trainee under THE Lance Wataru? THE Dragon Master?" She rushes.

"I don't know if I should be happy or jealous."I tease.

She blushes and looks away. "Shut up."

Serena interrupts, "Why didn't you tell me?" She pouts.

"I was told by Lance not to unless I had to exercise my power. I was forbidden by my Trainer, so I can't possibly ignore it." I reply. She nods, while Dumbledore takes over.

"Anyways, what this means is that in terms of power, I'm third in any region. The only people who can overrule my decisions are the Champion and of course, the Head of Police of that region."

The girls stare at me wide eyed, "Wow." They mutter.

"Well, Ash, you should get some rest. The Final is tomorrow at 1 p.m., right?" I look at him and nod, a fierce smile on my face.

"Yeah. And this time, I will win and prove that I'm worthy of being a G-Man!" I pump my fist, while Pikachu flexes his muscles.

He chuckles and turns on the TV, moves to 'Recordings' and plays the last one. The voice of Diantha comes out,

"Respected finalists, this message is to inform you to kindly carry 8 Pokemon with you when you come to battle in the Finals tomorrow. This is the reason why you had to register 15 Pokemon for the League. The surprise format for the battle will be announced on the battlefield. Thank you."

I look at Mr. Dumbledore with wide eyes, "Eight on Eight? Seriously?"

His eyes twinkle as he replies, "Oh, you need eight Pokemon. It doesn't mention an Eight v Eight, does it? It could be Double Battles, Triple Battles, or even a normal Six v Six with two supporting Pokemon. This is a surprise, isn't it? It is made to test you. They checked the number of Pokemon you had, and organized this. Good luck, Ash."

I nod as I curtail my excitement to get out a reply, "Thank you, Sir!" I salute.

"Off you go now!" He nods towards the door, which his assistant kindly opens for us.

We walk towards our room, taking in everything that happened today.

Mom arriving. Clemont attacking us. Mr. Dumbledore and finally, the surprise requirement.

I look at Aria and Serena, who were walking in front, laughing, giggling and pretty much enjoying life.

I think over and organize my thoughts.

I have my girlfriend, my best friends, my family and all my Pokemon supporting me.

I smile at Pikachu, who was on my shoulder as usual,

"We will win this, Pikachu."

And that is Chapter 9 done and dusted. Sorry for the slightly shorter chapter. I hope you like it. A question...

Why do you think Dumbledore's Pokemon is a Moltres?

I have a notice so please continue reading the Author's Notes.

My holidays were from Monday to Friday (effectively previous Saturday to next Sunday). School reopens on 12th November. My exams are coming up in December, and I really want to be Top 15 this time. So, I have to study hard and devote the previously free time to do homework and what not.

The gist is that I will not be able to update the fanfiction frequently. I promise an update before the New Year, as I have Christmas holidays from 24th December. I'm sorry to say this, but anyone who lives in India will know the pressure on Class IX and X students.

I could have taken 10 minutes out everyday and update once per month, but in that way the book will be extremely disconnected. My chapters turn out best when I write atleast 1750 words at a go.

I apologize again, but exams come before everything. These two years are important.

Mischief Managed