Chapter 52 Vanhanen Castle Reunion

After a long way from Route 1, Ash is now standing in front of the garden maze that leads to the castle. But before he steps in, Delia arrives with Charizard and jumps off so that she lands in front of Ash.

Delia: Ash! There you are. I see you made it.

Ash: Mom? What are you doing here...how are Noel and Anna if you're here?

Delia: Don't worry, they're fine. My clairvoyance that you're coming to this place, so I come as soon as possible.

Ash: You know this castle? Mom?

Delia: (Sighs) I know this castle because this place is called Vanhanen Castle. A place where your father gives me as a present.

Ash: (Surprised) Wait, what? Does that mean Dad is the next gym leader I'm going to face? And we're going to meet him right now?

Delia: That's why my clairvoyance told me to come here with you.

Ash can't believe that he's going to meet his father, and he is getting a little nervous. Before they go into the castle, Ash finds a Field Note and captures a Pokemon.

Ash's New Capture in Vanhanen's Castle: Girafarig (Grass)

Field Notes 5 Chess Board:

"Opening variation set." Pokemon are assigned as Pieces based on specific criteria, a Pokemon can only be one piece. Pawn - Sent out the first turn of battle overrides all other roles except Queen; gains Focus Sash effect. Rook - Highest stat is Defense or Special Defense, have both stat boosts. Bishop - Highest stat is Attack or Special Attack, have both stat boosts. Knight - Highest stat is Speed; Deals 3x damage to Queen and deals x1.25 damage when using a move in a double battle that targets both opponents. Queen - Final slot in party, overrides all roles, one per team; Defense, Special Defense, and damage boosts. King - Holds King's Rock or lowest HP, overrides Knight, Bishop, and Rook, one per team; all attacks + 1 priority. Certain moves like Ancient Power, Continental Crush, Psychic, Secret Power, Shattered Psyche, Strength + Chess attacks. Chess attacks become Rock Type + 1.5x damage. Chess attacks 2xdamage when the target has Oblivious, Simple, Unaware, Klutz, or is confused. Chess attacks 0.5xdamage when the target has Adaptability, Synchronize, Anticipation, or Telepathy. Trick Room lasts 8 turns. Queen Majesty damage boost x1.5. Certain attacks like Ancient Power, Continental Crush, Fake Out, Feint, Feint Attack, First Impression, Psychic, Secret Power, Shadow Sneak, Shattered Psyche, Smart Strike, Strength, Sucker Punch boosts x1.5. Certain stat moves like Calm Mind and Nasty Plot amplify. King's Shield additionally protects from non-damaging moves + lowers Special Attack. Destroyed by moves: Stomping Tantrum, and Tectonic Rage. Nature Power becomes Ancient Power. Camouflage becomes Psychic Type. Secret Power lowers Defense. The Synthetic Seed boosts Special Attack and applies Magic Coat to the user.

Ash: Isn't chess something that we often play when we are little? So I guess Dad really loves it?

Delia: That's right. Now let's go inside.

When they get inside, they are suddenly greeted by a blonde-haired girl in a black and white dress.

?: (Bows) Hello challenger, and welcome. Please, follow me.

Ash and Delia are confused at the sudden appearance of the girl, but they follow her until they get to the lobby.

?: My master will join us shortly. Please, make yourself comfortable if-

Just then, a man and a Gardevoir arrive and they flinch after seeing who is at the doorway, the man stares at Delia and he gasps.

?: My dear Zina...is that really you?

Delia: (Nods with a frown) I'm sorry, Adam. But I'm real for sure.

Both of them hug each other and Adam can't believe that his wife is alive, he also turns to Ash, who is also confused.

Radomus: And is this our little Satoshi? You've grown all up!

Ash: So you're my Dad...

They also share a hug, and Delia turns to Gardevoir with a smile.

Delia: It is nice to see you again, Gardevoir.

Gardevoir: (Smiles) One Miss Gossip Gardevoir, at your service! And don't worry, dear, autographs are always free of charge. (Notices Delia's expression) Just kidding. Welcome back, mistress!

Ash and Pikachu are shocked to see Gardevoir can talk, and Gardevoir notices it as she asks.

Gardevoir: Hm? Haven't you met a Pokémon that can communicate before?

Ash: Well, I have met some, but not a Gardevoir...

Radomus: Indeed, Gardevoir is unique among her kind to be able to psychically project her thoughts in English. (Turns to Ash and Zina) But why didn't you tell me that both of you are alive all this time? I have been worried and depressed since you two were gone...

Then they talk to Radomus about how they survived Team Meteor's attack, and how they have fled to Kanto until they come back recently, and Radomus also learns that they met Painter and Fantasia, or Noel and Anna, and he is relieved. While Ash notices the same blonde-haired girl, and he also thinks that she is cute for some reason.

Radomus: So you want me to call you Ash and Delia, I see. Well, this is my daughter, Luna.

Luna: (Bows) As the Castle's maid, I welcome you. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to make your stay more comfortable.

Delia: Wait, what? So she is Luna?

Ash is also surprised, but his eyes also turn to the Emerald Brooch on the girl's neck, and he realizes what Sirius meant by the Emerald Brooch was fake.

Gardevoir: As Reborn's very own Gossip Gardevoir, it IS my business to know things. I know all about your repeated raids on the Meteors, your involvement with the other Leaders...Even your little escapade from the Orphanage~ And how you apparently joined a street gang? That one caught me by surprise. Didn't think you were the type...Oh, but don't worry~ Your secrets are safe with me!

Radomus: Let us not overestimate the value of that statement.

Ash: Wait, so you know about this? And you didn't even bother to come to us?

Radomus: I had my theories, but my depression of you two being dead clouded my mind...

Delia: (Hugs Radomus) Don't worry, Adam. We're back for real. You're not going to lose us this time.

Radomus nods as he turns to Ash, noticing the seven badges with him.

Radomus: Nonetheless, Ash, I assume that you have come for your next Gym Battle. In that case, Gardevoir. Luna. Would you please excuse us?

Luna: (Bows) Yes, Master. (Leaves)

Gardevoir: Ooh, enjoying a private moment with the Master! How lucky for you~

Delia: (Sighs at how Gardevoir isn't changed from before) Gardevoir...

Gardevoir: Going~ (Leaves)

Radomus: Gardevoir is lively but mostly harmless. Feel free to pay her no mind. That is not why I dismissed them, however. I understand that you have met with Luna's father. That is El.

Ash: Yeah, Mom and I met him back at Serra's estate. So he is not my sister or something, right?

Radomus: Allow me to clarify one thing: Though I called Luna my daughter, she is most definitely not. The Emerald Brooch she wears around her neck is proof enough of that. She appeared one day and claimed me to be her father. Despite equal parts confusion and protest, she moved right in. Of course, since you two, Painter, and Fantasia were not here, and it was a bit empty in here... How could I say 'no' to her?

Delia: Well, I'm glad you have someone to accompany you when we're not here.

Radomus: Indeed, it seems that she is just playing a part in some greater fantasy. She fancies herself a maid and a princess at once and fills each role nicely. She is a strange girl and has been no small source of amusement and joy for both Gardevoir and me. Of course, the two of them were fast friends too. It's not as if I can just dismiss her now. But tell me, what is your impression of El?

Ash: He seems strange. I mean, he claimed to be a servant of Arceus, but Arceus has never told us anything about him. In fact, he doesn't even know him.

Radomus: He has come calling more than once to reclaim her, but I have refused him. I suspect there may have been some hint of abuse in her past, or else she would not have so fervently fled her birth-father. To that end, I am resolved to protect her from him. That is the long and the short of the affair.

Delia: I see...and she seems to be happy staying here as well.

Luna: (Walks in the room) Master? Pardon the interruption. We have another guest.

Radomus: By all means, please show them in. (Luna nods as she walks away, and Radomus turns to both of them) I don't suppose you were expecting anyone?

Ash: I don't know...

And when Luna brings the guest in, Ash realizes that the person is no other than Cain.

Cain: Ash! Hayy gurl, hayyyy.

Ash: Cain, it sure has been a while.

Radomus: Welcome. I suppose you, too, have come for a Gym Battle?

Cain: Yep. I've got some catching up to do, huh, Ash? Totally got sidetracked by that whole business with Heather.

Ash: (Nods) How is Heather doing right now?

Cain: I did manage to find her again... Not that she was happy about it. Apparently she was found by some guy in Ametrine City. I think his name was Blake? So that's good enough for me~ Long as she's happy.

Ash feels much worried for Heather because from what he knows, Blake is actually Cal's brother, and from how Cal reacted while Sigmund talked to him, he doesn't like his brother very much.

Radomus: Well now, there are lost girls all over the place, are there?

Luna: I beg your pardon?

Delia decides to explain the whole Heather business to Radomus, and Cain then realizes something just from the conversation.

Cain: Hold on, are you telling me that the man and the woman there are your parents?

Ash: (Sighs) Yeah, as well as Noel and Anna's. Speaking of them, they are now at Calcenon City to stay with Charlotte and her family.

Cain: I see...

Radomus: (Finishes the conversation with Delia) But we now have two challengers, and only one Gym.

Cain: Easy, Ash and I will take you on together and then we both get the Badge!

Radomus: If only, if only. But could you play any real strategy with two minds on one side of the board? When the king knows not what the queen is doing, the whole kingdom falls into disarray. Soon after, checkmate.

Delia: Ash, your father has amassed his fortune by winning chess tournaments all across the globe, and that is also how we met.

Luna: He is quite admirable, don't you think?

Cain: I was just kidding anyway~ How about this- Ash and I battle to see who challenges first, yeah?

Radomus: You may settle it however you wish.

Cain: A romp with Ash is always good fun~ Come on, let's do it!

Ash sighs as he decides to battle Cain to determine who gets to battle his father, but he doesn't mind, since it will be a good time to have a rival battle.


And here is a new chapter, as you can see, Ash and Delia finally reunite with Radomus, or Adam as the nickname Delia gave him. Not only that, Cain arrives and he asks for a battle with Ash. I hope you like this chapter.