Of a Dragon's Bond
Chapter V
"What about my speech?"

"Red waters… Odd." Ash bluntly said, shining his flashlight across the waters in front of him. The tunnel that stretched beyond him emanated a rather foul aroma, though less than a minute was spent adjusting to the new environment. Walking on the right side of the walkway, he inspected the well-planned architecture for the structure. "It's a wonder why I haven't taken the time to explore the sewers, really. I should really explore more often."

"You really should." Cynthia agreed, making her way on the opposite side of the path. Similarly, she flashed her light on the red waters that separated them. "I do wonder why the water is red. It was completely fine back at the entrance."

The Knight chuckled, "How fine can sewer water be, Miss Shirona?"

"You know what I mean, Ash." the Champion replied lightly with a smile. "Do you think you can go back to calling me Cynthia? It feels very awkward to have you call me by my last name. And with a miss in front, to add."

"That would be very disrespectful of me, Miss. How could I address an honorable guest with such familiarity? And do remember the difference of our ages."

Cynthia looked at Ash, perplexed. "Did you just call me old? We're only four years apart! And not to say I'm a couple of months younger than Clair!"

"I did not say that you're old, Miss Shi-" the young man tried to explain, before noticing the glare he was getting from the lady across from him. "Miss… Cynthia?"

Head shook. Bad sign. Never argue with a woman who had just pulled the age card, he was told.

Ash sighed. "Alright then… Cynthia."

"There, that's better!" the lady said as she happily made her way deeper into the sewers.

"Only when we're not on Castle grounds and Order tasks, Cynthia." The young man followed up.

"Aren't we on Castle grounds right now?" Cynthia playfully asked.

"No, I'd have to say we're on Castle… Undergrounds." Ash replied with a smile. "And I believe the answer to your earlier question would be… Here."

"What question?"

"Why the water in this sewer is blood red, Cynthia," the Knight said as he pointed to an object on the ground, appearance similar to a flower that was made out of pure crystal. "It seems to have been active for a very long time."

Cynthia hopped over to the right side of the walkway and leaned over the flower. "This is… A Time Flower?"

"No, though it does look like one," Ash knelt, inspecting the flower further. "While the Time Flower has a more rounded and spherical look, this flower has more sharper edges… I think the best way to describe it is that this flower is surrounded by materials akin to Lance's hair for petals, Cynthia."

Both trainers laughed to the remark, though the merry atmosphere was short when their thoughts landed back on Lance.

Ash sighed, "I can only hope Lance and his family copes well with the passing of his father."

"I hope so too…" Cynthia added, voice trailing. After a brief moment in silence, she decided to continue the conversation they were having before. "Right, what was it about this flower and the red water? I do remember roaming around these sewers as a kid, and they were already red by then, too."

"Right, the flower." The young man went closer to the flower and stretched out his palm, causing the object to shine brighter briefly before letting its light that it was emanating die out. "It's called the 'Taradiddle', Cynthia. Quite a simple and fitting name, if I may say so myself. It creates an illusion desired by the user, and it emanates it. Now that it has been deactivated, I believe the red water should have disappeared, Cynthia."

Standing up, Ash saw that the water had indeed turned back to normal. Noticing that his companion for the trip had gone silent, he shone his light at her. "Is something the matter, Cynthia? You have a bit of a flush tinting your face."

"Ah, no, everything's okay," the woman said, a bit startled. "It's just… A bit weird, having you call my name repeatedly like that. Which is very strange, seeing as I had no problems with that back when we were younger."

The young General raised one eyebrow, his trademark expression when confused. "Is it the… Good or bad 'weird'?"

"It's certainly not the bad one…" Cynthia answered, pondering upon the matter. "Actually, it's rather pleasant." The blonde said, her gaze meeting Ash's.

The two spent some time in a rather awkward silent staring activity.

"O-of course, it's nothing, it's nothing! We should get moving!" Cynthia hurriedly said, moving along the narrow pathway.

"Quite certainly," Ash added, coughing to clear his throat. "So I trust you are aware of what lies at the end of this long corridor?"

"Of course, I played a lot all around the Castle when I was small."

"Mind revealing the secret, then? Or is it all just a big, spooky surprise?" he said with a chuckle.

"Well, I wouldn't call it spooky," Cynthia replied after a short laugh. "But I believe, from the historical documents that I've read from the Castle Library, the room that's at the end of this sewers should be Ser Dalmatian's office."

The pair finally arrived at the presence of a wooden door, decorated by an iron handle. The coat of arms of the Three Knights of Cameran Palace was proudly embedded on it – three Knights standing side-by-side. The Knight at the center carried a sword, the left a staff and the right a great axe.

Cynthia came closer and inspected it further. "I've always found this weird," she said, cleaning the dust off the heraldry. "It's different on every of the Three Knights' coat of arms I've seen in the books – not to mention the ones the current Three Knights have now."

"The weapons, you mean?" Ash said as he flashed his coat of arms embedded on his coat's backside.

"Yes, every variation I've seen has different weapons."

The Knight fixed his attire and pointed at the heraldry on the door. "The coat of arms is altered whenever a new Knight is appointed, quite simply. This would be Dalma- Ser Dalmatian's – but you might have derived it from the fact that we're aware that this is his office. However, if it weren't for that, we can see that this displays the sword-wielding Knight at its center. That means the owner of this coat of arms is a sword user, and the sword user of this Knight generation was Ser Dalmatian."

"I see," the blonde nodded. "So it displays the weapons the Knight uses, and the owner will always be at the center."

"Indeed." Ash similarly nodded.

"But what makes yours – the Knight Commander's – special, if each of the Three Knights will always be at the center of their own coat of arms?"

"The Knight General's has a different motto – we choose our own. Zen and Riley's motto is Dum Spiramus Tuebimur. "While we breathe, we shall defend." That has never changed since the first generation of the Three Knights." Ash explained.

"Ah, I see. And what is the Knight General's motto?" the lady asked, taking a peek at the heraldry imprinted on the back of Ash's coat. "Qui Totum Vult Totum Perdit? What does that mean?"

Ash took a moment, taking a deep breath. "…He who wants everything loses everything. I felt it was in accordance with the Order's existence."

"How so?"

"The Order has always been somewhat secretive, for the most part. As a separate city-state on our own, we do not publicly announce our capabilities. We merely assist other enforcement agencies when needed. We have no need for power nor fame." Explained the young man briefly, his gaze locked with the trainer's. "The public seem to think the Order is merely a decoration for the Kingdom, which we take full advantage of."

Cynthia pondered for a moment. "You have no qualms about the G-Men and the Interregional Police getting all the credits? You guys play a big part in some of the most high-profile cases, too."

"It's nothing, really. The three groups work together and produces results. At the end of the day, that is all that matters." Ash shrugged, turning back to the door. "Now, shall we proceed?"

"Of course!" Cynthia, excited, grabbed the handle. "See, the door is locked shut. I've looked all over – and even asked my sister for it – and still have no clue how to open this door. But it seems it reacts to aura powers, kind of why I called you here."

"Riley was not able to do this?"

"At the time Riley was still in his pilgrimage to wherever it was that he went. And shortly after that I had to resume my Pokémon journey. This would be the first time I actually had some time off to explore the castle."

"Is it not time to attend the Ball right now?" Ash asked as he looked at his watch. "It starts in about ninety minutes."

"Unscheduled time to explore." The blonde answered easily. "Now off you go, open the door! An order from the Queen's sister – the Princess – if you will!"

"Now this… Is just unfair." The Knight sighed, letting out a little laugh. "Onwards to unlocking this door, then."

As he came closer to the door, Ash could feel a force of aura set to resist any force that intended to release the lock. With slight manipulations, the aura user successfully dismantled the contraption.

"Door is now open, my Princess," He said as he playfully bowed. "After you."

"You have my thanks, Knight General. This princess is very pleased."

Ash chuckled. "Cheeky."

"And so are you, Ash." Replied the champion as she scurried off into the room, satiating her curiosity.

Aged and dusty, the room was filled to the brim with books. Spanning just shy of six meters in length and width, two bookshelves stood against one side of the wall. Opposite them was a desk and a chair, presumably the workstation of whomever occupied this room.

"Not much ventilation down here," Ash muttered. "Seems like no one has been here for decad-"

"Ooh! What could be in these books?" screamed Cynthia, interrupting. "I can't wait to get started on these!"

The young man smiled, amused by the blonde's antics. He continued scanning through the room, hoping to find something of interest. While Cynthia foraged through the bookshelves, Ash took out his X-Trans to light the books on the desk. He skimmed through the first few books on the desk, grabbing one that caught his eye.

This book has no title. Ash pondered, comparing it with the others. And there's a faint residue of aura.

"Bleep bloop."

"What was that?" Cynthia turned.

Ash laughed nervously. "That is my… Ringtone."

"That's your ringtone? That's not a normal beep. That's a person saying, "Bleep bloop"."

"I lost a bet with Zen," mumbled the young man, grabbing the book as he exited the room. "And there is something that needs my attention, so I'll be taking my leave, princess. I trust you'll be okay down here?"

"Are you kidding? I'll stay down here until I read every one of these books!" Cynthia said as she turned back to the bookshelves. "I'm going to need you to explain the ringtone later, though."

"As you wish, your Highness." Ash said playfully while bowing.

"Cheeky." The Sinnoh Champion gave a soft chuckle as she watched Ash make his way out of the sewers. "Qui Totum Vult Totum Perdit, huh?"

"Say, Zen." Ashton Ketchum, in his whole life, has never been more perturbed. "What on earth are you doing?"

"Can't you see?" his sworn brother answered, still pacing around Dousan Sanzou's office. Riley was sitting on the couch across from the desk, arms folded. "I'm panicking."

"I can see that," Ash replied shaking his head. "But why is your mouth – no, your face – black? And what is the emergency that requires my immediate presence?"

Zen grabbed a bag of berries from the desk and threw it at Ash. "Brother! Eat this and help us!"

Ash raised an eyebrow. "And these are…?"

"Bluk Berries, brother." Riley chimed in. "They're supposed to help you clear your head, resulting in great concentration."

"I still can't understand," the young general said as he sat on Sanzou's chair. "What is it that needs to be done? And for the love of all things good and pure – Zen, cleanse your face. How were you so messy?"

"Ah, right. My bad." Zen took some tissues and wiped his mouth and face. "You see, Sanzou-jii was supposed to give the welcoming speech for the Royal Ball, but he's been called for some last-minute works with the G-Men. With the passing of Vance Blackthorn and all, he's been appointed to represent the order."

"That role should have been mine to shoulder, I am the Knight General." Ash replied, slightly confused. "Who made the decision?"

Riley stood up and ate a little more Bluk Berries. "Sanzou-jii himself, actually. And think of the Royal Ball, please. What would the Ball be without the Knight General? Sanzou-jii is the Advisor now, it's perfectly okay to leave it to him."

"Which brings us to the problem at hand." Zen claimed, with extreme urgency. "One of us here have to give the opening speech. So now you see why we're panicking. Quick, eat the berries."

Ash sighed, rejecting the berries. "Wait, calm down. Can't we just use the old man's speech? I'm positive he has a draft lying around somewhere in his office."

"You want to use his draft? Don't you remember what he said at the last Royal Ball?" Riley said, handing over a piece of paper to the young general. "You think we can use this?"

Ash took the paper and glossed over the contents, cringing at times. "You're right, we can't possibly use this. This is really inappropriate; how did he manage to get away with this?"

"This isn't the time, brother." Riley snatched and crumpled the piece of paper into a ball, throwing it away. "First, we need to decide who gets to give the speech."

Zen snapped his finger and ate another berry in his excitement. "Actually, didn't I take up that job that you guys really didn't want? You know, the, the, the, job with the presentation for the Interregional Police!"

"Zen, you're shaking. I think you ate too much of the Bluk Berries." Ash took away the bowl of berries from his sworn brother and gave it to Riley. I'll keep some and give it to Pikachu, he thought.

"Y-you're right, I think I need to go to the restroom…" Zen said weakly as he exited the office. "Please take care of it for me, dependable Knights!"

"H-hey, you can't just leave! What about the speech?" the youngest of the three asked, getting no answer. "Well, I suppose I still have you, Riley."

"Actually…" the other exited similarly, clutching his stomach.

"Oh, this is just fantastic." The young man grumbled, starting work on his speech.

Unpredictable. That was the word Ash had on his mind when he opened his eyes. The world of white had consumed him once more, leaving him imprisoned by an endless sea of nothingness. While he can certainly control his Separation technique now, he could not predict when he would be pulled into the Ethereal against his will by other entities.

Ash relaxed his body, attempting to find the being that summoned him to the Ethereal. Finding none, he sighed and closed his eyes. He could not comprehend the reason he was brought to this space.

He opened his eyes to witness the faceless man's black silhouette standing before him. It's different than Dalmatian, he thought. Ash did not know what this entity was. The longer he stared at it, the more he felt his soul was being taken in. The more he felt his life was being absorbed. An overabundance of thoughts began to stream into his mind at rapidly increasing speeds. Then the faceless man would appear in his mind, bringing him back to the figure standing in front of him.

The moment he sets his eyes on the being, the thoughts raced once more. This time deeper, far greater. Ones that explored the very core of his own being. Before long, however, his eyes would be fixated on the being once more – through no voluntary action of his own. Then the thoughts raced again, as he stared into the abyss of the faceless man's silhouette.

It was then that Ash Ketchum started to notice his body.

Covered in cold sweat, his body was violently shivering. His hands trembled; his legs weak. He was terrified.

Of what? He thought. He has far surpassed the limits of man, he has beaten Dousan Sanzou in battle! It was a feat no mortal has done since Sanzou was appointed Knight General. He had trained his mental fortitude endlessly, not to mention his time being trapped for three years in the Ethereal – it was something no ordinary person could achieve. So why am I trembling?

Ash tried to shake his head – failing to properly move. He eyed the unknown entity once more, only to be pulled into his own thoughts once more. Far deeper, much more complex. Far greater, much more profound.

He then saw a vision. Of a man, lying motionless on the ground, engulfed by endless fire. Of that same man, shot and beaten. Of that same man, drowned in the ocean, where not even the slightest bit of sunlight can reach him.

"What do I fear?!" Ash screamed at the top of his lungs, forcefully ending the visions. He hesitated to look back at the entity. "Is it you I fear? Do you represent the chaos in my mind – or are you the unknown itself?"

The figure simply stood still, unwavering.

"Tell me what I fear, demon." the young man said with his voice shaking, ready to crack.

"Be courageous, Guardian," A voice echoed inside Ash's head. "And do not forcefully assert your virtue upon others unwilling."

"Wha-"

"-aaah!" Ash yelled involuntarily from being shocked with Pikachu's Thunderbolt.

The yellow rodent rubbed his cheek on Ash', glad that his trainer sprung back to life. "Pika-pika!"

"Why are your cheeks wet, Pikachu?" the young man asked, pinching Pikachu's cheeks, much to the Pokémon's annoyance. He then realized that his cheeks were wet. "Oh… I was crying."

"Pika?" the rodent asked softly, tail lowered,

"I'm just fine, Pikachu. I'm back, I suppose." Ash groaned and looked around the room, realizing he was still at Sanzou-jii's office. He glanced at the piece of paper on the desk, recognizing his own handwriting. "And I finished my speech!"

"Pika-pi, pika?"

"I am fine, really. Sorry for making you worry," The young man stood up, grabbing his speech. He glanced at the clock in the office before making his way back to his quarters. "We need to get ready! We only have thirty minutes before we have to be at the Ball." I'll need to think about what happened in the Ethereal later. He thought as he went on to fix himself for the Royal Ball.

After a rather lengthy hair related preparations, Ash arrived at the meeting point before entering the main hall.

"I thought you were going to bail on us, brother!" Zen said playfully, putting one arm around Ash. "There's only two minutes before we need to make our entrances."

"You know I would never do that, brother," Ash laughed. "Not in my nature."

"Did you manage to finish the speech?" asked Riley in the midst of fixing his own attire.

Ash grabbed his speech and waved it around. "Of course – who do you think I am, brother? I cannot fail a task of such importance."

"Actually, no one really listens to the speech." Zen commented. "And you only have a one minute time limit."

"What?!" the young general shoved his speech on Zen's face. "How am I supposed to read all this in one minute?! You could have mentioned that bit before I started writing!"

Zen grabbed Ash's speech and started laughing uncontrollably. "Oh, wow, Ash! It looks like you wrote a speech enough for ten Royal Balls!"

"Gentlemen, it's time. The VIPs have all been announced, it's time for you three to go in – followed by Queen Ilene, of course." A man behind them said, in formal Rota attire and sunglasses.

"The usual announcer is absent again, Mr. G?" Riley asked, still having trouble with his clothes. "I think my pants are too short."

"He is, Ser Riley," Mr. G said, signaling the guards to open the Main Hall's doors. "Ser Zen, you're up first!"

The Second Knight stepped up with a confident grin and tapped Mr. G's shoulder. "Let's get this over with. I want to dance with my wife."

"Now, isn't that sweet?" the announcer replied before entering the main hall followed by fanfare. "Zen Igarashi! Knight Guardian of the Kingdom of Rota, a member of the Three Knights, leader of the Third Company of the Kingdom of Rota's Order, and Champion of the famed Igarashi line of martial arts!"

Zen entered the main hall greeted with a thunderous applause, heading straight to the decorated seats next to the Queen's throne. The Knight gave a bow to the Hall before sitting down at the far-most left seat. "Don't drink too much tonight, fellas! We had a lot to deal with during the last Royal Ball when His Lordship Bannest threw up on the dance floor!"

"That might happen again if the wine is as good as it was during the last Royal Ball, Ser Zen!" a man responded from the crowd, seemingly the Noble called Bannest. The crowd laughed in return.

Another phrase of fanfare roared along with Mr. G taking posture. "Riley Gen! Thirteenth cousin to the Queen of the Kingdom of Rota, eight times removed! Knight Guardian of the Kingdom of Rota, a member of the Three Knights, leader of the Second Company, and Noble Hero and Healer during the events Starfall!"

Riley entered the Main Hall with similarly booming applause, heading straight for the reserved seats in the front of the hall. "Now, many of you might not know this, but Ser Zen threw up after the lastRoyal Ball. Please drink responsibly, ladies and gentlemen!" He then proceeded to sit at the far-most right seat.

"Oh! Look dear, I wasn't the only one who threw up during the last Ball!" Bannest replied joyfully, shaking his wife back and forth. The crowd, seemingly enjoying the spectacle, cheered on the rather overweight noble.

The fanfare roared once more, silencing the mass in the hall almost immediately. Mr. G stepped forward and took a deep breath.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Ashton Satoshi Ketchum! The youngest Knight General of the Kingdom of Rota, the second youngest Aura Guardian, leader of the First Company, the strongest Knight of the Kingdom of Rota, and Kanto's Indigo League's most recent undisputed Cha-"

"That's enough, Mr. G," the young general sternly said, interrupting the announcer. "Don't forget to announce my best friend." Ash then made his way to the seats, leaving a bewildered Mr. G behind. Pikachu stood happily on his shoulder while waving at the announcer.

Mr. G fumbled and fixed his sunglasses. "A-and the Knight General's ever-faithful partner, Pikachu!"

"Pika-pika!"

The crowd let out an expected deafening applause, with most residents and nobles of Rota in favor of their current Knight General. The rest of the invited guests who were unaware of the new general simply clapped in the moment, simply wondering who this young Knight General was.

Ash stopped in front of the seat next to Zen's. He nodded at Pikachu, which in turn excitedly jumped on Ash's head. The yellow rodent then turned to face the people in the hall.

"Pika-pika, pika-pi! Pi-pika-pika! Pika-pika-chuu!" Pikachu sternly cried, gesturing an 'X' with his arms.

The crowd wondered in silence.

"Ah, forgive me." Ash said, clearing his throat. "Pikachu wishes for us to enjoy the Royal Ball, have our utmost fun." The young man continued, glaring at his partner.

The hall continued its confused silence.

"I don't think that's what he said, Knight General." Zen chimed in, crossing his arms. "I think he's concerned about you."

Ash glared at the Second Knight. "No, he's not."

"I think he is," Riley answered in turn, a smirk creeping up. "It might have to do with your alcohol tolerance, Knight General. He's trying to stop people from giving you drinks!"

Ash turned his head to glare at the other Knight. "No, he's not."

"Wait, so can the Knight General not hold his liquor?" Bannest shouted, revealing a bottle of whiskey from inside his tux. "Is it not tradition for the Knight General to match the drinking of every noble in this hall?"

"Lord Bannest, please stop heckling, and no - where on earth did that tradition come from? You only do that to get absolutely smashed with the former Knight General!" Ash retorted; visibly shaken. "And what is happening to the proper procedures to this Ball? Why are we even discussing this?"

Zen and Riley stood up at the same time. "You hear that, ladies and gents?" The two said. "We're getting the Knight General smashed!"

The hall responded with a deafening cry; the nobles eager to start drinking. The young Knight General sat dejectedly, his little partner sympathizing.

"What about my speech?"

Hic.

"Are you drunk already, brother?" Zen nudged Ash's elbow as he eyed his face. "Your cheeks are really red. I'll get you some water!"

Hic.

"I'm f-fine." Ash replied in vain. Zen had scurried off to request water from one of the maids in the hall. "D-damn these nobles and their… Drinking." He muttered, slurring.

Riley stood next to him and patted his back. "I'm impressed, you must've kept up with at least fifty nobles so far. However, I must warn you now, Knight General, that dinner will end really soon."

"Soon? W-where's the Queen?"

"She's preparing for the opening dance. Didn't she tell you? I'm pretty sure I saw her saying something to you."

"Did she? Why can't I remember?"

Riley laughed. "You know you're dancing with her for the opening dance, right? You know, the waltz thing you've been preparing?"

"Of course, right. The dance. The damn dance." Ash shook his head. He looked around to try and make sense of his surroundings. "Where's Pikachu?"

"Behind your seat," the First Knight pointed, "He tried to take some your alcohol to lighten your burden."

Ash looked behind his seat, discovering his partner out cold on the floor. "Rough night."

"Here's your water, brother!" Zen arrived with three maids, each with a pitcher of water.

"That's a bit of an overkill, Zen." The oldest Knight said with a laugh. "Will you be alright, Ash? I think the Queen will be coming soon."

The young Knight General stood up and grabbed a pitcher, finishing it in a matter of seconds.

"I'm not the Knight General for nothing."

Hic.

Ash Ketchum had had his fair share of difficult times. More than a normal person, one might reasonably argue. But all his achievements and heroic feats culminate to this very night, where he had to lean on the cold, stone railing on the balcony outside the main hall, desperately fighting the urge to throw up everything he consumed.

"Ugh," He groaned.

Hic.

"Glad you're here with me, Pikachu."

Chu.

"Pika-chu…" The yellow rodent replied, laying face down on the railing. "Chu."

"I appreciate it, buddy," Ash stood up straight, finishing yet another glass of water. "At least I got through the dance. Somehow."

"Yes, you somehow got through the dance, Knight General." A voice came from behind Ash. "I'm impressed, to be perfectly honest. Though maybe you could've been a bit more graceful. It could've been more… Aesthetically pleasant."

Ash felt his lips curl up to form a smile. "That's a shame, Miss Clair," The young man turned around to see the Dragon Trainer closing the door to the main hall. Donning an indigo long-sleeved column dress, Ash somehow couldn't take his eyes away from the blue-haired beauty. "…You might be the most aesthetically pleasant figure in the castle, Miss Clair."

"…What?"

"What?" The young general blinked furiously, just now realizing what he had said.

Clair laughed softly, shaking her head. "I think somebody's had a little too much to drink. I can barely move in this dress! The skirt goes all the way down to my ankles, I'm definitely not used to it."

"Well, you definitely look great in it," Ash said, clearing his throat. "Not participating in the dance?"

"Why, thank you I guess," Clair stood next to Ash, sipping her drink. "And no, I would like to avoid making a fool out of myself, thank you very much."

Ash looked at Clair curiously. "Did you not take lessons daily when you were younger?"

"…It was in the files, wasn't it?" Clair playfully pouted. "I really have to take that away from you."

"What if I won't let you have it back?" the young man asked.

A strong gust of wind suddenly blew past the two trainers. Clair lightly brushed her hair off her lightly rose-tinted cheeks and smiled. "Then I guess I better start reading yours, huh?"

The two smiled at each other, time seemingly flowing slower as the two basked in the moment.

If this is the alcohol speaking, then so be it. Ash thought as he offered his hand to Clair. "May I have this dance, Lady Blackthorn?"

The young woman placed her drink on the railing, cheeks flushed a bit more than before. "Just this once, I suppose."

The two danced to the faint music coming from the Royal Hall, accompanied by the gentle autumn breeze. Pikachu, recovering from the alcohol, sat up and quietly watched his partner.

"You're not bad at this at all." Ash commented.

"Those lessons paid off, I guess-" she replied, accidentally stepping on Ash's foot as she moved forward, causing Ash to fall backwards. Somehow pulled in, Claire fell on top of Ash, faces only inches apart.

"Somebody's been drinking a lot too, I'm guessing?" Ash asked, feeling his face heating up.

Claire smiled, unmoving. "How'd you guess?"

"I can smell the alcohol." He answered playfully.

"Well, so can I."

Pikachu watched in great anticipation as the two stayed still, their gazes locked on each other's.

"Ash Ketchum, are you here!?" a person shouted, abruptly opening the door.

Ash jolted up and looked at the person with disbelief.

"M-mom?"