TDBigJ's message: Well, here we are again. Another week, another update. Man what a hectic week it's been. Did a little more Christmas shopping plus decorated my house for the holidays. Let's just say my family and I did a little bit of an overload on the decorations, but who cares? It's holiday season and there is no time of the year I feel more relaxed. Yeah, who in the hell is relaxed during Christmas time? Well, that's just who I am. It's just the time of the year that calms me down because I know what's around the corner. It's the time where not only Christmas but my birthday comes around (Don't say happy birthday to me, it's not here yet, But it's soon). This Monday, I'm going to be watching the new Pokemon movie (Well, at least new in English) Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel plus the two sneak peeks of the first two episodes of the Sun and Moon series on Disney XD. Yes you heard that right. Disney, not Cartoon Network, owns the broadcasting rights to the Pokemon series now. And not just the Sun and Moon series, all five previous series and nineteen seasons included. Oh boy, am I excited for that. I'm going to be watching a whole lot of Pokemon here in the coming months. But don't get confused. The remainder of the XY/Z series will air on Cartoon Network (I think. I will notify you if I'm wrong) here in America. Man, hard to believe we are already at chapter 10. It's been two months since this story came out. Only feels like I started it last week but nope, it's been way longer than that. At this point, this story has 50+ followers, 40+ favorites, 110+ reviews, and over 6,200 views! Are you frickin' kidding me? Thanks for the support guys! But you know me, I'm not going to gloat and gloat about how popular this story has become. That's not who I am. I write because it's my passion, that's the main reason. But anyway, let's get past that. Since it is chapter 10, that means there are only five chapters left after this one. I know, it's saddening, but you guys know me. Fifteen chapters is my limit (Except for the crossover fic I'm doing, which will be twenty). I didn't think ten weeks would fly by this quickly. Only a little more than a month left for this story, but like I said a couple of times before, there's still a few big moments to be had in this one, so find some adhesive and apply yourselves to your seats. I'm sorry, was that corny? I had planned that after this story, I will be taking an extended break, and by "extended" I mean more than my usual seven week break. I haven't really thought what my next story would be once this is all over. For the rest of this story and after it, I will be thinking over what my next project will be for some time. So you guys might not see me for a while after this story is done, but I promise you it won't be long. I don't plan on taking a whole year off. Nah. That would be too long. Maybe two to three months will be it. Maybe more, I don't know. I will let you guys know by the end of the story. That means I got a whole month to think about it. But I most likely will be posting a one-shot here and there and updating my crossover fic during that time, but no new multi-chapter fics for a while after this is done. I hate to break that to you guys, because I love the support you guys give me throughout each chapter, but even a writer has got to take a long break once in a while. I don't really have much else to say, so let's get to the responding of the reviews before I depress you guys any more if I haven't already.
Espeon44: I do believe she will come back. In Sun and Moon, I'm unsure but it's a possibility. I mean like I said last chapter, we've seen most of Ash's former female companions meet up with him in the series after the one they travelled with him in. We saw Misty in the Advanced series, we saw May in the Diamond and Pearl series, and we saw Dawn in the Black and White series. They've got a trend going on, so I believe there's a chance we'll see Serena in the Sun and Moon series, even if it's for just a few episodes. Thanks for the review!
Wolves22 (Guest #1): I'm not sure I can do that, but I appreciate the suggestion. Thanks for the review!
Pinkrangerfan: I'm thinking everyone will be happy they're dating. Glad that you are. Thanks for the review!
ManleyTogekiss: So you don't really care about long previews, huh? I'm sorry about that. The previews vary in length but I like to make them at least a two hundred fifty word minimum. Thanks for the review!
Roger0326: Next chapter, well, here you go.
Oliverqueen01: Yeah, only the men winning was bullcrap. I didn't see the spear from Roman to Shane, but I did see a picture of it. Goldberg beating Lesnar that quick? I bet no one saw that coming. So the next episode (Already aired) is Lana focused, huh? I'll give it a look. I think I had to add Ash having an inner struggle. Shows that even he has some nervousness when asking a close friend on a date. Dawn talking to him was needed, because as you said, he needed the kick in the butt to get up the courage to ask her. I thought Dawn was the best person to do so. Thanks for the review!
Fred the FHRITP Guy: I know, a month and a half seems long, but I feel as if they needed time.
TheAztecKing: You're happy? Well then, I'm happy. Yeah I know, only five chapters left after this one. But there's still a lot more to happen. Thanks for the review!
Shadic4566: Looks like someone else liked it. You'll see Delia's reaction this chapter, even though you already know. Tristan and Bellamy's reaction will be seen as well. You got Pokemon Sun? That's awesome! Glad you're enjoying it. I asked for Pokemon Moon for Christmas so fingers crossed in hoping I get it. I haven't played a Pokemon game in ages. It's been almost nine years since I played one, which was the original FireRed version, so I think it's about time I start playing them again. Thanks for the review!
Brignodrm2347: Yes, this chapter will be a month and a half after the date from the last chapter. Yeah, I thought that Tristan calling Serena mom was a good starting point to where Ash would start considering asking Serena out. A glimpse of the date you will probably see in the next chapter because there isn't one in this chapter (Sorry if that disappoints you). They will have kissed within the last month and a half because you're right, it would be awkward if they had been dating that long and not do that once. Your first prediction with Delia's upcoming reaction is pretty close but I'm not going to spoil anything. So in your opinion, Sun and Moon is better than Black and White but worse than XY. I'm pretty sure a lot of people would agree with you. I know the XY/Z series was pretty darn awesome, but I just want to know what was wrong with Black and White. I watched it and it didn't bother me any, although I would agree with most people and say it's at the bottom of the five series. Yeah, I think they made Ash 11 in the new series. I remember reading that somewhere. Thanks for the review!
Guest #2: Yeah, don't worry. I promise you the updates for the crossover fic won't be monthly (Although it's been a month since I posted it). I'll update it soon, don't worry. I hope you had a good Thanksgiving as well. Thanks for the review!
Mad Ass Dragon: Whoa man, that's a lot of PMs. Oh well, it doesn't bother me. If the site wouldn't let you post your review, I understand. Yeah, you will see Delia's reaction this chapter as stated above. I didn't really want to be elaborate her reaction. I just wanted her to celebrate without Ash's knowledge as in this story, he still doesn't know she has a crush on him. Yeah, you're right, that really isn't something that I would write. Uh, are you okay man? You seem… crazy… or mad. Oh wait, you're a mad ass dragon for crying out loud. Now that makes sense. I need to think things over for once. Thanks for the reviews!
Darkaura808: Glad that I'm keeping Serena in character and keeping her canon to the anime. Seems like everybody is responding positively to Ash asking Serena out. Glad to know I did a good job at it. I hope you'll find this chapter entertaining. I feel as if this is one of my best written chapters to date, and it's also the longest of this story as a matter of fact. Thanks for the review!
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon or it's characters, they are owned by Nintendo, Game Freak, and… whoever else.
A month and a half had passed, and a lot had transpired between our hero and heroine. They had told all their friends that they had started dating. They didn't make it official until after the third date. They needed to make sure it would work first before making any major decision that they were going out. Every one of their friends had applauded at the idea of them becoming a couple. But little did our couple know that after they hung up or turned off their side of the line, their friends were saying many things about what could be next for the both of them, such as: "Next step, marriage." Or "Just give them some time and they'll eventually be married and possibly having a kid together."
But they had told Tristan and Bellamy the big news just yesterday, and let's just say, they were beyond ecstatic. What they said without the couple's knowledge was basically the same as their friends. Even for kids their age, they were hoping that their father and new girlfriend would end up being married in the future. Everyone but our couple knew that it was only a matter of time.
The kids went up to their room that day after being told what the news was and closed the door and silently celebrated, grabbing each other's arms and spinning around the room. Their goal was one step closer to becoming official. Just going back to that moment was a thing to behold.
Yesterday
"Tristan, Bellamy, could you two come down here for a minute?" Ash called from the bottom of the stairs. He went over to the couch where Serena was sitting and sat down himself. He put his hand in his pockets and looked down at the floor. Serena knew this was going to be a little difficult to tell his kids, and put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Are you sure you want to go through with this? Are you one hundred percent comfortable with it?"
Ash slowly nodded his head to let her know he heard her. "I think now is the perfect time. They're bound to know at some time anyway so I feel as if they should be the first ones we tell."
"You're probably right. They've probably wanted us to date for a while now, so I feel as though they'll take it better than anybody, despite their age." Serena stated.
They heard the footsteps of the two younglings coming down the granite staircase. Serena looked at Ash one more time before the kids were within earshot.
"Are you absolutely, completely sure about this?"
"I'm sure."
The kids then appeared in front of the couple. "What did you want to tell us, daddy?" Bellamy asked.
"Kids, you might want to sit down for this. It's pretty big news." Ash stated.
Tristan and Bellamy, seeing as their father had been going out with Serena for a few weeks now, were silently expecting and hoping that what their dad was going to say. They put their attention back on their dad to let him continue what he was saying.
"To your knowledge, Serena and I have gone on a few dates in the last couple of weeks, and I think we are ready to say…" Ash cleared his throat before continuing. His kids were very eager to hear the big news, but were annoyed that he had to do what he just did to pause. Was he nervous to say it? "Oh please, not now. Don't chicken out." They both thought.
"We wanted to tell you that we officially started dating. So… Serena and I are a couple now. We just wanted to run that by you." Ash finished.
Tristan and Bellamy's eyes widened. On the outside, they were surprised, but on the inside, they were ecstatic, screaming for joy. It had finally happened. Their dad had started putting himself out there again, and it was with the one person they had hoped he would hook up with. It's like everything they have been wanting for the past few months had finally come true. Now, her becoming their stepmother was their next hope, and those were pretty high.
"YAY!" They both cheered and went up to Ash and hugged his legs. Ash was a little stunned when they did so, but it was no big deal. It was nice to see them taking this so well.
"Heh, looks like they are happy with it." Ash stated.
Serena giggled. "I honestly wouldn't expect anything less."
End of Flashback
Ash liked the fact that he had started dating again. Ash himself thought that it was the best time to do so. If you thought that the moment of Tristan calling Serena "mommy" was a big factor, you could be right or wrong. Yes, he knew the kids in fact wanted a new mom but at the same time, it had been almost ten months since his divorce and he was starting to think that he had waited long enough. Plus at the same time, he was starting to feel lonely.
Yes, Ash in fact was feeling lonely. If you thought him having such a feeling was not possible, you'd be dead wrong. Besides his kids, Pikachu, and a few of his Pokemon, he had no one else to be there for him. He didn't have a woman in his life anymore and ten months was plenty of time to say "the wait is over". Ash needed to think of himself once in a while, and now was the time to do it.
Besides the kids and his friends, Pikachu and his other Pokemon were beyond happy that he had started dating someone again. Just like their trainer, they thought it had been long enough as well. If you thought Pokemon never felt that either, you'd again be dead wrong.
Bayleef was probably the one that was the happiest for him. You could easily tell Bayleef was the most emotional of Ash's Pokemon. Like for instance, when Ash was young, Bayleef would always panic when Ash traded her for another Pokemon, and was overjoyed when he got her back. Heh, you could say Bayleef hated being alone as well.
Once Ash told everyone that he was dating again, they all felt happy for him. They had a feeling that sooner or later he was going to date again, but with Serena? Many of them questioned "What are the odds"? Clemont and Bonnie were the ones mostly surprised, considering the fact that they used to travel with the two of them.
Ash then thought about everything. This was the first time he had felt sure about something in a while. After being divorced for nearly a whole year, don't you think it would be time to put yourself out there again? Ash had a feeling that Denise had started dating again as well, but sooner than he did. But he wasn't completely sure about that. He hadn't seen Denise more than six times since their divorce and didn't even bother to ask her if she was seeing anyone else. The question popped up as a possibility the next time he saw her, but at the same time, it wasn't really a question that was his business. Sure, Denise probably didn't care if he DID ask that question, but Ash wanted to be smart and considerate and not even bother bringing that up the next time the two of them met up.
Ash looked at his watch. It was 2:12 in the afternoon. He thought that now would be a good time to take a nap, as he had been thinking about this whole thing all day up to this point, and he needed a break from it. So he started making his way upstairs, but not before petting the top of his best pal's head. He rubbed the front of his face with his left hand as he trekked up the stairs. He did in fact feel a little tired. Who knew that thinking so much about one thing would make you drowsy? He got in his room and slammed down on the bed and was out as soon as his head, or in this case, face, hit the pillow.
Meanwhile, a certain honey blonde had been thinking about the same thing for the past few hours, although she was going about it differently than Ash was. She had Pancham, who was asleep in her lap, stroking his little black and white head as he snoozed. She had a small smile on her face, looking out the window and staring at the clear blue sky. Ever since her and Ash became a couple, it had been on her mind a lot that she had been dating the man of her dreams. Her happiness couldn't even be measured. She had long waited for this to happen. She sometimes had doubts that they would be a thing, but she never gave up hope, and now, it was official. Her and Ash had told everyone they knew that they were dating, positive things coming out of their mouths as soon as they told them. But there was one person they hadn't told yet: Ash's mother Delia. They had already told her mother, but not Ash's. Serena felt as though she should tell Ash that they should tell her. She knew that she wanted everyone they knew to know about them, not to leave anyone out, and Delia was the only person (At least to Serena's knowledge) that they had not informed yet of their relationship. She was going to run that by Ash probably tomorrow when she would go back over to his place.
"I almost forgot that we haven't told Ash's mom yet. Boy, my mind wanders to places sometimes." Serena said to herself. Braixen looked up from her spot of the room and peered over at her trainer. She was wondering what she was up to. She had been laying in her spot for a while but had not once even taken a thought of thinking what her trainer might be up to. She brushed it off as something she would leave alone. She knew it involved Ash, so she just let it go and went back to her previous resting position, her movements not even catching the attention of her trainer.
Serena put her arms around Pancham's stomach and straightened herself on the couch to the point she was laying down directly where her position would give her a good view of the outside world, all the while keeping one of her arms having a good grip on Pancham as she continued to stroke his head with her other hand.
"Oh Pancham, do you think I'm thinking about this too much?" She asked.
"Pancham, Pan." Pancham replied, while shaking his head.
"Hm, I might be just thinking that." She said to herself. Pancham shrugged it off and went back to sleep. He had been with her for years. He knew when she thought too much about anything and everything, it was something he could just sense.
The last month and a half had been admirable for her. They had gone on a date once or maybe twice a week ever since they became a couple. Ash had gone outside the box when it came to what they did on their dates. It wasn't just the stuff you would usually go on a date: dinner, movie, watching the stars, etc. Ash was more elaborate when it came to planning the outline for a date. Serena had to admit, he had gotten so smart at the subject of relationships he could be considered a genius at it, even though she knew Ash would never call himself that ever. Just to think, the guy who was so dense to the idea of romance as a kid became such a clever person at it as an adult.
There was something that came to Serena's mind though. Although she and Ash told every one of their friends that they were together, they didn't really want it to be shown to the rest of the world. They did want every one of their friends to know, but that didn't mean they wanted EVERYBODY to know about it. Why would you think that everybody would know about them? Well the answer was obvious. If you were dating the World Champion, bloggers and the media would definitely make it newsworthy. It wouldn't be a rumor, since it was true, people would make the news spread more than a Greninja doing a double team. Serena didn't want that to happen. Sure, she loved the guy and wanted the whole world to know it, but not in that way. It would be too embarrassing and it would probably mentally scar both Ash and Serena for time to come, and she didn't want either of them to go through that.
But even though there was a possibility that could happen, there was a chance that it couldn't. She never saw or hear this happening when Ash married Denise or when they got divorced. No news on the tv, no articles on the internet, nada. But at the same time, if you were the World Champion dating someone new after one marriage, people who found out were sure to tell everyone they knew, and that definitely meant EVERYONE.
But that was the least of Serena's worries. Just focusing on dating Ash alone was more than enough for her to handle at once. She would just let it be that for now and if a situation like that ever popped up, her and Ash would surely find a way to deal with it.
"Maybe I am over thinking this. Thoughts that I shouldn't even be thinking about I am thinking about. I am thinking too much, too soon. I should stop and cool down before I hurt myself thinking." She said to herself, chuckling after that last line. She thought that tomorrow she would tell Ash about telling his mom that he was dating again. It was important that he let his mom know because his mom knew how vital his happiness was, and him letting her know about his new relationship would be good news to his mother so she knew that he didn't want to be lonely anymore.
She looked back out the window. She just wondered how his mom would react to them, especially her because his mom knew her and she wanted to know what she was going to think about that.
Oh boy, when that day came soon, it was going to be something to look back on.
The next day
Ash had just finished up making a call the Oak's lab. Apparently Bulbasaur had felt a little queasy that morning and Ash felt concerned when he felt his forehead and it was burning up, so he got Bulbasaur back in his Pokeball and transferred him to the Oak's lab to have him examined to see what the problem was. Pikachu and the kids were a little worried as well. They loved Bulbasaur to pieces and seeing him sick was something they never expected, seeing as how Bulbasaur was perfectly fine the previous night.
"I hope Bulbasaur will be all right. He was fine last night. Something probably happened while he was sleeping." Ash said out loud. It was unknown if he was either saying that to everybody or just to himself. Maybe you could say it was both. He looked at the expressions on his kids' faces. He bent down on the floor on one knee.
"Oh don't worry kids, Bulbasaur will be fine. It's not like… he's going anywhere." Ash kind of stumbled before that last part. He didn't want to say the word "die" to his kids. It wasn't a word (Even if was just a simple one) that he felt comfortable saying to his kids, especially when it came to a Pokemon. They weren't at the age where saying that word about any living thing was the correct thing to say.
The kids took a deep breath and walked back up the stairs. Pikachu hopped up onto the counter with the look on his face having unchanged. Ash stroked his buddy's right ear to ease his tension.
"Bulbasaur will be okay, Pikachu. He's gone through this before. He's a tough one."
Pikachu looked slightly downward, and smiled small. "Pika."
Ash walked towards the family room and went to sit down on the couch and think about something. Not about Bulbasaur, but about his dating life. Serena had called him this morning and told him that when she came over today, she wanted to talk to him about something about their relationship, and deemed it was very important. Ash had no clue what, but he was going to find out later when she came over.
"Wow! Can't believe we've already been dating for a month and a half. I've felt great putting myself on the dating scene again. But what could Serena want to talk to me about it? Is there something I did wrong? I hope not. That would leave a bad taste in our mouths wouldn't it?"
A little later, Serena had arrived and Ash let her in. Ash thought that right now would be a good time to talk about what Serena had brought up earlier regarding their relationship.
"It's good that you came over today. The kids are still upstairs."
"Yeah. But before we do anything, can I talk to you for a few minutes? You saw my text this morning, right?"
Ash nodded his head. "Yeah, I saw it."
The two of them went over to the couch and sat down. Ash was the first to speak up.
"So, what did you want to talk about?"
"You know that we've told every one of our friends that we're dating, right?" She started.
"Yeah, I know."
"There was something I realized. I've told my mom…"
"Yeah?"
"But… we haven't told your mom yet." She finished.
That got Ash for a moment. He did just find out that he really hadn't told his mom yet about his and Serena's relationship. It was apparent that she was the only person out of everybody that they haven't told yet.
"Oh, I see. Whoops." Ash commented, rubbing the back of his neck. "I guess we should set a date when we should go tell her. I think we should tell her in person, because this is something I want us to tell her face to face."
"That sounds like a good idea. Perhaps we should tell her tomorrow. Is that okay with you?" Serena asked. "I have nothing planned."
"That's perfectly fine. I have nothing planned either." He replied.
"Okay, I'm going to go see the kids for a minute. Make them know I'm here."
She went to go upstairs, leaving Ash alone on the couch. They were going to tell his mom that they were dating. Ash was wondering how his mom was going to react to this. A few different scenarios played in his mind.
Ash hoped she wouldn't take it hard.
The following day, Ash and Serena were making their way over to the house that Ash grew up in. They were without the kids and their Pokemon, as they felt this was something they wanted to do alone without anyone else's presence. They had approached the house
As they were walking up the steps to Ash's mom's house, Serena went through a few thoughts. It had been a while since she saw Ash's mom. Not since she was a kid had she seen her, so Delia might not recognize her. But at the same time, what would she say when she met up with her for the first time in almost twenty years? So many thoughts rang in her mind. Ash looked at her and saw the look on her face and seemed concerned.
"What's wrong Serena? Are you nervous or something?" Ash asked.
"Maybe a little. I haven't seen your mom in ages. What do you think she is going to say when we tell her we are dating?"
"Look, my mom is not the critical type. She's not going to judge you just because we are going out. She's not one of those mothers that's overprotective of her son due to the girl he is going out with. She wasn't even that way with Denise, so I don't think she will be that way with you." Ash explained.
"I hope you are right. But… what will she think that you are now dating again?"
"My mom is not worried about me dating again. She knows that I am a grown man and that I can make my own decisions. I know it's been almost ten months since my divorce but I do feel like I am ready again."
He knocked on the front door. Ash's mother still lived in the same house that she raised Ash in. Serena closed her eyes and mentally calmed herself down and straightened herself out. This was an important meeting, so she couldn't appear or act nervous in front of Delia. But Ash did say she wasn't the critical type, so that eased her nerves a bit. A few seconds later Delia opened the door.
"Oh hey honey. You're here." Delia said and hugged her son. "Ash, who is this with you?"
"Mom, do you remember Serena? My childhood friend that I travelled in Kalos with when I was young?"
Delia's face lightened up. "Oh yeah, I remember you. You went to Professor Oak's Summer Camp with Ash a long time ago." She went up and hugged Serena. "It's so good to see you after so long."
Serena returned the hug. "You too, Mrs. Ketchum."
"Why don't you two come in. It must have been a long walk. I have to go in the kitchen and do something first before I join you."
Ash and Serena came in. It also appeared that the inside of the house hadn't changed either. Even after sixteen years Delia (and Mr. Mime) had kept the house in top form. The two of them went over and sat down on the couch while Delia dealt with something in the kitchen. Serena looked over at Ash, who was looking at a picture on a nearby wall, and tapped his shoulder. Ash turned his head so that he was now facing her.
"So how do you think we are going to tell her?" Serena asked.
"Well, I thought that once she asked how I've been and why you came here with me, I figured that would be the best time." Ash answered. Delia came back into the room and sat down on the chair next to the couch. Delia looked very good into her age, she had hardly changed in so long.
"So, why did you want to come here today, honey?" Delia asked.
"I just wanted to tell you that I just recently got home from Johto after taking a few challengers on. I wanted to show you that I'm all right." He explained.
"I know you're always all right honey. I believe you take good care of yourself."
"Well, I just wanted to let you know anyway."
"So, how come Serena is with you?"
Ash and Serena looked at each other. Now was the time to tell her.
"Well, mom, there is another reason I came here. There was something I wanted to tell you." He started.
"Okay, I'm listening."
"I hope you don't think it's too early…"
"What do you mean?"
"Mom, about a month and a half ago… Serena and I started dating."
And right when that was said, it sent a shock up Delia's spine, but left her motionless. Now that was something she wasn't expecting. She knew that her son was dating again, but more or less his childhood friend. She didn't know how to react, so she just simply got up from her seat and went started walking away, towards the stairs.
"Excuse me, I… uh… I need to… um… go… think… for a moment." She said and started walking up the stairs. This left Ash and Serena both confused. Now they were a little worried. Was this too much for her? Was it too early? Was it a little late for her liking? What made her react this way?
"This must be pretty big news to your mom." Serena stated. "From what I saw just now, I'm not sure if it's good or bad."
Ash sighed. "I'll go talk to her."
Serena didn't try to stop him. She knew Ash wanted to talk to his mom about dating again, and thought it was the best option for him to talk to her first. Ash got up from his seat and went up the stairs to his mom's room. She had apparently shut the door, so he gave it a few light knocks.
"Mom… you okay?" He said from outside the door. She didn't respond right away, but after about twenty seconds of silence, he heard her speak up.
"You can come on in honey. I'm fine." Delia responded. Ash turned the knob and walked inside and sat down next to her on her bed.
"I'm sorry mom. I didn't think that news might have be a little too much for you." Ash stated, concerned for her.
"It wasn't too much honey. I'm happy that you're dating again. It's just… I'm a little surprised that it's Serena." She replied.
"Why are you surprised it's her?" He asked.
"The reason is because you and Serena have a history. You two have known each other since you were six or seven, so seeing as you two are now in a relationship is kind of… it's kind of sweet to see something like that." Delia explained.
"Sweet how?"
"Just imagine that you two have known each other since you were little and now are dating each other, it's like… you're childhood sweethearts. And I like that idea." Delia stated.
"You do, huh?"
"One hundred percent honey."
Now that was something Ash had never heard before: "Childhood sweethearts." The idea of that concept was new to him. He never thought he would hear it, especially if it was about him and his relationship.
"Ash…"
"Yeah mom?"
"I know it may be early in your relationship with her, but I already think that she would be perfect as your next wife."
Ash raised his eyebrows. "Really? How?"
Delia chuckled. "What can I say that I haven't said already?"
Ash had to admit, his mom was right. Scratch that, he knew she was right. He and Serena had known each other for two decades, so why couldn't they possibly get married someday? But they had only been dating for a month and a half, so that idea was still a little ways down the road, but it was something Ash had to consider if he ever wanted to make his family whole again.
"Okay mom, while we're not quite there yet, I'll give it some thought for a while." Ash stated.
"All right, honey. I don't want to rush you. I mean, she is your girlfriend after all." Delia commented.
She reached out and gave her son a hug. He smiled and returned the hug. He liked how his mother had supported him all through the twenty six years he had been her son. She may have been overbearing at times, but all in all, she was there for him, and he didn't want it any other way.
"Come on downstairs. I'll make you guys some tea. Besides, Serena's probably wondering where we are." Delia stated and the two made their way down the stairs. Once they got back in the family room, Delia went over and hugged Serena before she had a chance to speak.
"I'm sorry I walked away like that. I hope I didn't startle you." Delia said, and Serena returned the hug.
"It's okay, Mrs. Ketchum. It's no big deal." She replied.
Delia released from the hug and looked Serena in the eyes. "Please, call me Delia." And after that, she walked into the kitchen. Ash looked over at Serena with a big smile on his face. Serena looked back at him and noticed his expression.
"What?"
"We've only been dating a month and a half and my mom is already letting you call her by her first name. She must like you." Ash remarked. Serena smiled and playfully hit him in the stomach.
Now it looks like everyone approves of them. Music to their ears.
Author's note: That went well, didn't it? I sure hope so. I hope it didn't seem too sappy. But you know, mom's have to support their sons no matter what because, well, they're their sons. They have to make sure they're happy by whatever means necessary. I just have to hope my mom (and dad, he's here too) support my decision with whatever girl I get in the future. What did you guys think? Was it good? Was it homely? You guys are entitled to your own opinion, just like you guys are entitled to know what the next chapter is going to be, so… here is the preview.
"What did you think of dad's last battle?" Tristan asked his sister.
"Daddy whooped that guys' behind. He didn't know what hit him." Bellamy exclaimed.
"I wonder why dad's battles always end up with him ultimately defeating his opponent." Tristan questioned.
"Oh come on, Tristan. You know why. Dad is the World Champion. Would you expect anything less from him?"
"You have a good point." Tristan replied, realizing that wasn't really a question he should've asked.
"Daddy is such an awesome battler, he makes the champions of each region seem like novice trainers." Bellamy commented.
Tristan tilted his head a little bit. "You're right. That's one way to put it. It's just that-"
"Hey!"
Tristan and Bellamy turned their heads to look to the left where the voice came from. When they saw who it was, they looked up and sighed.
"Oh no. Not these guys again." Bellamy stated, annoyed. The kid who called them out, plus a few other kids, started walking towards them, and they didn't look too happy.
"What do you want Ronald?" Tristan asked, not even bothering to make eye contact.
"Word is, your dad just beat the living daylights out of Lance of the Kanto Elite Four in a Pokemon battle."
"Yeah, he did. What about it?" Tristan asked, still avoiding eye contact.
"Well, you know what I think? I don't think your dad is all that great of a World Champion. As a matter of fact, he kind of sucks." Ronald commented. But unfortunately, that struck Tristan and Bellamy really hard, prompting them to give Ronald an angry expression. Not a glare, but just an angry expression.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Bellamy asked.
"Lance has been a member of the Kanto Elite Four for more than two decades. Your dad has only been World Champion for one. The math doesn't add up."
"What are you trying to say?" Tristan asked.
"It's obvious. More experience means better. Get my drift?" Ronald stated.
Tristan and Bellamy had to admit, he had a good point. More experience did kind of factor in these days, but that didn't do anything to brighten their mood, since this was their dad he was talking about.
"That's true, but our dad is the best battler in the world. He totally dominates every battle he has." Tristan commented.
"And you know why that is? Luck. Just pure luck." Ronald responded.
"I don't think it's luck. Our dad learned a lot from battling growing up, and he uses everything he's gained in his battling and his strategies. I believe he is the greatest battler ever, hands down." Tristan explained.
"You're probably the only two who think that."
"Excuse me?"
"I doubt anyone else thinks he's that great either. The only reason people cheer in his battles is because they feel compelled to, not because he's dominant." Ronald stated.
Now Tristan and Bellamy were starting to seethe with anger. They didn't like anyone who mocked their dad's building legacy, it enraged them. They weren't going to just let this guy get away with what he was saying.
"You take that back." Bellamy retorted.
"Why would I take back something that is true?" Ronald arrogantly stated with a smirk.
The two of them had enough. "Come on, Bellamy. Let's not waste our time on this guy." Tristan said and the two of them started walking away. But before they could get far, a pair of hands grabbed the each of them, stopping their progress.
"What are you trying to say, little one?" Ronald asked with a growl.
"Let go of me." Tristan said while shoving Ronald off of him, only to be grabbed again.
"You have lunch yet? Because I've got a knuckle sandwich ready for you." Ronald growled once again, raising a fist to prove his anger.
"Just let me go." Tristan said, almost in a panicked tone.
"Looks like we'll have to do this my way then." Ronald remarked.
"Help!" Bellamy yelled, loud enough for everyone within earshot to hear her plea for help. Luckily, Ash and Serena, who were sitting on a nearby bench, heard this and recognized the voice easily, and looked over at the scene of the scuffle.
Author's note: Looks like Tristan and Bellamy are in a bit of a sticky wicket. Okay, when did I become British all of a sudden? I hope I didn't offend those of you who are British. I sincerely apologize. What will occur? What will Ash and Serena do to resolve this situation? Will my boxers ever stop riding up my ass? Find out in the next chapter to see how it unfolds. I will see all you good people in about… about… Hold on… (Checks calendar) Three… Four… Five… Six… (Puts calendar away) Seven days. Man, I swear, I have the mind of a Kindergartner sometimes. So seven days. I hope I don't forget. I will see all you good people in seven days. Until then…
TDBigJ out!
"THAT WENT SOUTH SO FAST!"
-Albert Stark, A Million Ways to Die in the West