Author's note: There will some Easter eggs lines and quotes in each chapter from here on out. Can you spot them? I think those of us who have seen the anime from the beginning will recognize them.

There was only one person who could understand how She was feeling that morning, her mother in law Delia Ketchum so that is where Misty went straight towards once Ash was of sight. Her gym In Cerulean City wasn't far from pallet they had their home built since Ash needed to be near Oak's ranch to properly train his Pokemon and of course he was a momma's boy at heart. Not that Misty could blame him Delia had been like a mother to her for years before she and Ash married. Of course Red not being in Ash's life was also a factor.

"Oh Misty do come in." The sweet voice of Delia said when she saw her beloved daughter in law in front of her door. "Hello Delia do you mind if we talk?"

''Of course not dear let me make us some tea. It's about Ash facing his father isn't it." It was a statement not a question.

"Yes Ash was so hesitant and I just couldn't understand why." Misty said before taking a sip. Everything Delia Ketchum touched in terms of food and drink was perfection and this was no exception. "I hope there is nobody at the inn today."

"No it is the slow time of year." and slow in a town like Pallet means nobody was in. The Ketchum Home also functioned as Pallet's only inn and one of its few restaurants so Misty was never sure when Delia would be available especially since business in the sleepy boonie town had picked us since Ash become the Indigo champion. Journalists, agents, ad executives, aspiring trainers etc swarmed the place trying to learn more about him, gain his favor, get his advice for being a trainer and so forth. It was an act of kindness by Red that he sent this challenge to Ash only through the highest levels of the league and outside of them only Misty and Delia knew about.

"I don't think Ash hates Red as much as he might proclaim of the reason he wanted to become a trainer was to face him one day remember Ash is a young men and all boys look up to their fathers. Ash must be full of conflicting emotions now, wanting to beat Red to fulfill his dream but he also wants to impress him and make him proud".

"What about you Delia? Do you feel anything for Red after all legally you are still married." Delia sipped her tea before answering. "I would like to say I feel nothing Misty but the truth is complicated Red gave me my greatest joy and I don't regret marrying him even if we were only in our late teens and I understand his thinking but I am angry than he didn't trust me to be strong enough to help him or keep his secret. I'm torn myself Misty." she sighed before continuing. "But I know you will never have to worry about that with Ash he is determined not to make that mistake.

Misty nodded before asking another question. "If Ash wins how do you think our life will change?"

"Well Misty there is a lot more media attention to Champions then when Red become that overall interregional champion remember back than there was only Kanto and Johto with the Hoenn region becoming an official league a few years later so we did have more privacy but I was already on the cover of Pokegirls Magazine for winning the Porta Vista beauty contest." Yes Delia had won that contest numerous times along with other beauty conquest before Ash was born.

"Yes your life will change being the wife of such a famous and powerful trainer will change only more so being the wife of the Pokemon master and let's have no doubt about the outcome."

"Really." Misty was astounded by her mother in law's confidence.

''Yes Ash was born to be a winner look who his parents are.'' Delia winked. It's in Ash's blood after all I think Red expects to lose to Ash but I think he will also be proud of him for doing so. You are already a famous gym leader dear for you skills as a trainer and for your beauty in many ways you were training yourself to handle the moment."

"Thanks Delia." "No problem dear let's go get Professor Oak."

"For what?"

"So we can go to the league and watch the battle of course there is no way the league will refuse us after all I'm the wife of the champion and the mother of a potential one and you are Ash's wife and Samuel is the most famous Pokemon Researcher in the world in addiction to being Red and Ash's mentor. No way can the league refuse our request to watch."

Misty can only nod in agreement again finding herself at awe at the confidence and quiet will of her mother in law.

"Yes let's go and I'm sure we can get one of Ash's Flying Pokemon to take us to the Indigo headquarters.

"Of course my dear they know who his mother is and more importantly his wife."

The Golum fainted in defeat and Ash recalled his Pokemon."This is getting annoying." he to himself while the Pokemom of MT Silver were indeed very powerful none were a match for the team he brought with him but the numerous Machamps, Golums,Onixs' so on were slowing down his progress and since Red didn't give him a map through the mountain it would be very easy to get lost in the maze. He also had brought a ration of 3 days worth of food for himself and his Pikachu in addition to the potions and other such items his Pokemon would need if things got tough so far the food was not needed. He was staring to believe to Pokemon challenging him knew how powerful he was and were fighting him and or showing themselves of to him in hopes of being captured by such a a powerful trainer.

Ash personal thought that theory was at least plausible given he had captured a few Pokemon how would only accept him after he defeated them in battle. However he was in no mood to capture or befriend at this moment his mind and body had only one thought and purpose. To face the Pokemon master himself in a battle and defeat him. Ash was certain he was going the right way like a divining rod draw to water he could feel himself being pulled to the top of the mountain. This battle was his destiny and he would not be denied.

"To be a Pokemon master is my destiny." He said to himself in grim determination.

"Pika Pikachu" his loyal mouse shouted to him he could see something at the end of the tunnel?

Was it the light showing he had made? "Only one way to find out. "Ash said to himself as he raced towards were Pikachu was pointing with renewed strength and energy and sure enough there was indeed a light at the end pardon the phrase.

"But is this the top?" Ash thought when suddenly a chill hit his face like a sharp knife. "yes it is." He said to himself and there as he emerged to the outside world he saw the back of a figure looking silently at the plains below. He didn't turn to fact Ash he didn't say anything he just stood there. Finally he spoke " I see you made it Ash."

Ash nodded in return.

"My whole life has led to this it's time to test my skills." He said to himself and approached his last challenge.

Red