Legal Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon. Pokemon is the property of Nintendo Entertainment.

This is the second 'Book' of a total of six in this series.

Chapter 3

Home Again

"Hey, mom, I'm home!" I said loudly upon opening the door of my house, so that she would hear me.

"Mime! Mr. Mime!" a cheerful Pokémon responded as he came to the door to greet us.

"Hey, Mr. Mime!" both me and Misty smiled.

"Pika!"

"Marill!" Pikachu and Marill dashed over to Mr. Mime, receiving a hug from him.

"Hi guys, what's up?" Brock said as he came out of the living room. He had kindly decided to stay a few days after the wedding, helping Mom to clean up the house after the huge wedding party last night, as well as helping her sort the enormous amount of letters we had gotten after the ceremony.

"Hey, Brock. Everything's been wonderful so far! The hotel we're staying at is really beautiful," Misty smiled, holding onto my arm.

"That's great to hear! Glad to see that the two of you are really happy together!" Brock replied.

"By the way, Brock. Have you seen my mom around?" I asked.

"Oh, right. Umm…she was taking care of some things in the garden. Why don't I go and get her-" he said in realization, turning around to head outside before stopping in shock, as Mom came into the doorway in front of him.

"Oh honey, you're finally here!" she cried with joy the moment she saw us, as she ran forward and gave me a big hug.

"Hi, mom! It's good to see you!" I smiled. She then looked at Misty, before walking up to her and hugging her as well.

"How are you, Misty? You both must be so tired after such a big day!" she said.

"I'm fine, Delia. Thanks!" Misty beamed as they greeted each other by kissing one another on the cheek.

"Oh, I'm just so happy to have such a great son, and a wonderful daughter-in-law!" Mom smiled again, hugging the both of us tightly. "I remember my wedding day, all those years ago!" she said, looking at me, "Your father was so handsome in his pure-white wedding suit, and it was one of the happiest moments of my life! He'd be so proud if he saw you yesterday!"

She then stopped briefly, breaking apart from the two of us as her smiley expression slowly shifted into a more sullen state – she was obviously remembering her days with Dad.

"Mom…are you…alright?" I asked, looking at her eyes with concern. A cheerful smile then returned to her lips, as she changed her thoughts.

"Oh, yes, honey, I'm fine! Well, why don't you all head on upstairs to Ash's room? I gathered all the letters we got from people yesterday, and I'm sure that you'd love to read some of them! Meanwhile, Mimey and I will prepare some biscuits and tea."

"That sounds great, mom!" I smiled, heading to the staircase while holding Misty's hand, as Mom and Mr. Mime went together into the kitchen.

"As always, your stomach comes first in your mind…" Misty sniggered at me, squeezing my hand.

Arriving at my room, I opened the door to be met with a shocking sight. These were not just 'letters'…there was an entire mountain of them, so high that it easily measured up to the length of half my arm, from the elbow down.

"Well, why don't we get started?" Brock said, "Better now than later."

"Yeah…" I choked, intimidated by the humongous pile of letters before me, as we moved towards them.

"Hey, look! There's one from my sisters in here!" Misty smiled, tearing the ends of the envelope and pulling out a red card. Brock and I looked over her shoulder to see it. Misty then read to us the contents of the letter, as she was the most comfortable out of the three of us when reading the handwriting of her sisters.

Dearest sis,

Hope you had a great day yesterday! We couldn't stick around, cos the gym needed us back and all, so we thought we'd write you this card.

How lucky are you? You're the youngest out of all of us, and yet you're the first one to get married! I'm turning thirty in a couple of months' time, and I'm still not engaged, let alone in an actual relationship! :( . Yeah, I know, you always think that the three of us pretty much only ever have boyfriends who last us a couple of months, but believe me when I say that all three of us wanna be in your shoes right now and settle into a committed relationship…cept actually being with Ash, of course – we're not that desperate, that we'd go for guys who are so much younger than us!…lol ^^ .

Well, I guess this is it for this congrats card. I'm beginning to run out of space, here :S .

Love you!

Daisy

…and Violet!

…and Lily!

"…that was weird," I murmured, my eyes still fixed upon the awkward part where Daisy mentioned me in her card. Brock was sniggering from behind me, doing his best to keep quiet, albeit failing miserably as I looked at him from the corner of my eye, a tired expression on my face.

"Well, let's look through some more!" Misty smiled as we rummaged through more letters.

My eyes flickered. "Hey look! There's some letters here, from Professors Oak, Elm, Birch, Rowan, and Iv-"

"Don't say that name!" Brock wailed.

"Oh…hehe…sorry, Brock," I chuckled.

"Let's look here…" Misty flicked through her pile, "there's one from Duplica, one from Flannery, one from Lily, the magician we met in Johto…you remember the time you were turned into a Pikachu, don't you?" she smiled at me, causing me to grin at the memory, "another from Erika, and…Oh! There's one from the Maples!"

"Really? Let's see!" I said as Brock and I leaned over her shoulders again, to look at the letter from May, Max, Norman and Caroline. There were notably three different sets of writing.

Dear Ash and Misty,

Congratulations! All of us hope that you'll have the most wonderful days together in your new life. Unfortunately, Norman couldn't get the chance to write on this card, as he has a gym leaders' conference at Ever Grande City which he had to attend right away after coming back to Hoenn. However, he has asked me to extend you his good wishes on his behalf.

I hope that your lives are filled with joy and happiness.

Yours sincerely,

Caroline

###

Hi guys!

The wedding was wonderful yesterday! Congratulations! It makes me dream on about the day that Drew will…oh, never mind – it's too embarrassing for me to say it! ^^ . Oh yeah – Drew says congratulations as well!

Anyway, I hope you guys had a great honeymoon, and that you're happy with each other forever.

Love you both,

May

###

Dear Ash and Misty,

Firstly, I'd like to give you my sincere congratulations on your wedding yesterday, and that…nah, who am I kidding – let's forget all the formalities! The wedding was absolutely great, and it was really nice to meet Professor Elm again, as well as Professor Ivy for the first time.

"Not that name! Again!" Brock wailed as Misty read the fateful word.

"Oops…Sorry, Brock," Misty grinned as she continued to read.

Again, I hope the two of you have a great life together, and I wish you all the best!

Max

"It's so sweet of them to send us a letter like this! We've got to pay them a visit sometime after we've moved to the Seafoam Islands!" Misty smiled after putting the card back into its envelope and placing it gently upon my desk.

"Huh? The Seafoam Islands?" Brock questioned.

"Yeah. We're thinking about moving there, cos' Misty loves the seaside and all," I said.

"That sounds great! I've got good memories of that place!" he replied cheerfully.

"Let's see some more…" I said, flicking through another pile, "Hey, there's one from Melody! And Bianca and Lorenzo!"

Misty then pinched my cheek, out of jealousy. "Hand them here. Let me read them myself at some other point in time."

"Owowow..ok, ok!" I frowned, handing her the pair.

"Hey! There's five here – one from each of the Orange Islands gym leaders!" Misty cried. I extended my arm out, stretching my fingers outwards at her. "Hey, what's the big deal, Ash?"

"Rudy and Danny's letters. Gimme. It's only fair, Mist," I said.

"Fine," she sighed, handing them to me before murmuring to herself quietly, "Ass Ketchum..."

"What did you just call me?" I raised my voice slightly.

"Nothing! I just called you by your name, honey. Is there a problem with that?" she replied teasingly, while smiling delicately as if she was some kind of angel.

"You called me something! I wanna know what you said just now-mmphff!" I exclaimed, before my voice was cut off as she kissed me deeply.

"There. That better now?" she winked.

"…" I closed my eyes, sighing before turning around to look at another pile. I always hated it when she suddenly decides to shut me up like that in an argument, but damn! Those kinda times were when she'd give me the best kisses ever, and it always succeeded in stopping any argument we'd have.

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot," Brock said, taking out an envelope from his inner jacket pocket and holding it towards us, "This one's from my parents. Why don't you guys read it later on?"

"Thanks, Brock! It's been a long time since we last visited your parents, and it was a shame they couldn't come because of all your siblings," Misty smiled, receiving the letter from him.

"Hey look! There's one from Dawn!" I said, picking the letter out of the pile after it caught my eye.

Dear Ash,

How are you? I can't believe that it's already been several years since our journeys together through Sinnoh! I heard about your wedding, and I felt so bad not being able to come for it, because of the great distance and all… ;( .

Oh, I almost forgot – I've got something to tell you, and it's a real surprise! I've had a boyfriend for a couple of months now, and you'll never guess who it is. Ready?

It's Paul! He's been really nice to me ever since we became a couple – losing to you in the Suzuran Conference changed him entirely, both as a trainer and a person. At first, when I saw him again, he was still fairly stiff with his feelings, but definitely not as cold as he used to be. And he smiles often now, as well! He's the cutest when he does!

Once more, I hope you have a wonderful married life. I've never met Misty before, but I'm sure she'll be a great partner to you, and that you'll both be happy. Who knows? Maybe we'll see each other again soon!

Yours truly,

Dawn

"Wow. Dawn's with Paul now? Fancy that!" Brock said.

"Yeah. Surprised me, as well," I replied.

"Huh? Who's Paul, anyway?" Misty asked.

"Oh, right. Paul was my main rival while I traveled through Sinnoh with Brock and Dawn. His personality used to be…well…how should I put it…" I said, scratching the back of my head, "Gary times two, in terms of him showing no love for his Pokémon, constantly pushing them to win. He used to release some Pokémon immediately after catching them, if he deemed them as anything but strong. But I think all that's changed now, as he's with Dawn."

"That's a relief," Misty replied, "I can't imagine a world filled with Garys!"

"That's cos you didn't grow up with him around!" I grinned. "Well, let's keep looking!"

"Over here! This one's from Sabrina!" Misty cried after a few seconds of searching.

"Sa…Sabrina?" Brock murmured, looking at it.

"Well? Go on- read it, Mist!" I said.

Dear Ash and Misty,

How are you? Congratulations again on such a lovely wedding – and thank you so much for the bouquet, Misty! The flowers are beautiful .

I told my dad about how the wedding went yesterday. He says hi, and that he hopes that the two of you spend a wonderful time together. Oh, and Haunter says hi, too! …well, to be honest, when I asked him whether he had anything to say, he responded only by licking me clean across my face...so I took that as a 'yes', and 'congratulations' message. (I've still got saliva on the side of my face! Yuck! )

Anyway, I know that the two of you will end up being a great couple – it doesn't take a psychic to tell things such as that! ^^ .

Oh, and one more thing – if Brock just happens to be with you, or the next time you see him, please tell him that I love him very much.

See ya~

Sabrina

"That's so sweet of Sabrina!" Misty smiled, "It's a pity she's so busy with her gym and all. I'd really love to spend more time with her."

I looked over my shoulder, to see Brock holding his fingers to his eyes. "Huh? What's the matter, Brock?" I asked.

"It must be the onions…that I chopped while helping your mom with breakfast in the morning…making my eyes water!" he uttered between sniffs.

I grinned. "You miss her, don't you?"

Brock sniffed some more, before painfully exhaling. "…yeah…"

"There, there, buddy," I said, patting his back to comfort him as Misty did the same, "Who knows what might happen in the future? Someday, in a few years, the two of you might click on again, and have all the time in the world for each other!"

"…you really think so?" he sobbed.

"Of course, Brock!" Misty comforted, "I'm sure everything will turn out for the best!"

"You know what?" he replied, bringing his head up with newly-found enthusiasm, "I think you guys just might be right!"

"Pi~ka," Pikachu smiled from on top of a pile of letters.

"Tea is ready!" came Mom's voice from downstairs, causing my ears to jolt.

"Come on, Pikachu, let's go eat!" I jumped off the bed.

"Pipi!" he responded, running after me.

"…some things about him will never change," Misty chuckled.

"So, honey, have the two of you decided where you're going to live?" Mom asked as we each took a sip of tea.

"Yeah, mom, we have," I said "We're thinking about heading off to live in the Seafoam Islands. There was a house advertised in the real estate brochure at our hotel, and Misty loves the seaside."

"That's great, sweetie! I'm so happy for the both of you!" Mom smiled broadly.

"Although, Ash didn't really want to go there at first," Misty said.

"Why's that, Ash?" Mom asked.

"It's just that…I wanted to stay close to you, mom. In case you needed me for anything. I left you alone for such a long time in between my journeys throughout each of the different regions, and I just thought that…it might be better if I keep you close company, now that I'm gonna settle down and live with Misty," I explained.

"Ohh, that's so thoughtful of you, dear! But don't worry – I'll be just fine!" she responded.

"…really?" I said, looking at her.

"Mhm," she nodded, "and besides, Mimey's around to help me! I want you to be happy in your new life, honey, without constantly worrying about me all the time."

I closed my eyes, letting out small breaths of relief and reassurance. "…thanks, mom."

Minutes later, after having finished with tea, I prepared to go and visit Professor Oak at his lab, with Misty. Brock, deciding that it was time for him to return to Pewter, came out of the door with us with his bag strapped onto his back.

"Well, we're going off to Professor Oak's lab now. Take care, mom!" I looked at her over my shoulder, waving my right hand.

"Bye, Delia!" Misty waved.

"Bye, Mrs. Ketchum!" Brock called out.

"Have a nice day, all of you!" Mom said brightly, waving back from the doorway. After a few seconds, she went back inside, closing the door behind her.

"Hey Brock, do you want a ride to Pewter? How about I get Charizard or Pidgeot to give you a lift?" I asked.

"Nah, that's alright, Ash," he insisted, shaking his palm in front of him.

"You sure? Don't worry – it's no problem!"

"I'm not really the flying-kind-of-person, to be honest. I prefer to stay on the ground. Why else do you think I'm the Pewter City gym leader?" he laughed.

"OK then," I smiled, clasping hands with him, "We'll see you again sometime."

"Sure thing," he replied.

"Bye, Brock. I'll miss you!" Misty said, wrapping her arms around him.

"Same to you, Misty."

We then split up, Brock heading off to Pewter on foot while Misty and I headed to Professor Oak's, holding hands. While walking, I turned my head sideways to look at Misty. Her long, untied hair fluttered and flowed gracefully as she walked. Although she usually had it done up in her trademark ponytail, her hair was very beautiful whenever she had it down; particularly during her mermaid shows.

"Hey, Mist," I said.

"What is it, Ash?" she turned to me.

"Has anyone ever told you how incredibly sexy you look when you have your hair down? You should do it like that more often," I grinned sheepishly.

"Oh, stop it," she giggled, smiling as she kissed me on the cheek.

(Delia's POV)

"He's gone again…" I sighed, leaning my back against the door as a teardrop rolled down my cheek. I reached down into my skirt pocket, pulling out another envelope which I had intentionally removed from the pile upon seeing it, keeping its existence a secret, even from Brock while he was staying here. After reopening the envelope, I unfolded the letter which caused me grievous emotional pain to read, as it brought back memories of the past which I always tried to forget. Atop of the page lay a crimson-red "R" in bold font, followed by a personal message from an individual whom I thought I'd never hear from again…

Dear Delia,

It is hard to believe that it has been close to twenty years since last we met. I trust you've been well, my dear? You may be wondering how, after all these years, that I have finally reached you once more. I'm sure that should you ask your son about it, he would immediately point out to two of my agents who have been following him for quite a long time, albeit failing miserably to achieve their main objective.

But first of all, I must extend my own congratulations to your son, Ash Ketchum. Although he may have meddled with my plans on a number of occasions, it can be accepted that he has acquired that tendency from his father. After all, the two are so alike one another; they had both acquired the title of Pokémon Master, but chose to relinquish it for love - a foolish thing to do, indeed.

He once had the choice to join me. Just like you and our old friend Chris, who unfortunately is not present in this world, today. If you had done so, I would have given you everything in the world which your heart could ever possibly desire. But you said no – No to a life of comfort. No to a life of luxury… No to a life with me. Instead, you chose him, and thus a life of simplicity and anonymity. Why, Delia? I offered you the world, and yet you left me for him. Although I did lie to you in an attempt to win your heart away from him, can't you see that it was for love? My love for you was just as powerful as his, if not stronger. And young Ash would be the next successor to my grand organization, with his wife by his side, of course, if that is what he'd have wished for. But you denied that golden future for him. Even though he is Chris' son, I would have treated him as if he were my own, should you have returned to me. I would have even placed him before my own son, to be my heir in Team Rocket, due to his wondrous skill with Pokémon, and his potential for greatness, which was rivaled by almost none.

But let us not dwell on such miserable past events. The past is the past, and that is how it should be kept – no more than a memory, yes? I've written you this letter simply to represent my good will, both to you and your son, as well as his newly-wedded wife. There are no such 'strings' attached, as you would imagine.

Take care, my dear Delia, until we meet again.

Yours sincerely,

Giovanni

(End of Chapter 3)

A/N: That's Chapter 3 finished. I'm going to write a story focused on Delia, Ash's dad and Giovanni after I finish this series (and then another on Professor Oak's adventures after that. My story list and their lengths are gonna end up being so massive… _ ), so Delia taking out Giovanni's letter in this chapter is kinda foreshadowing that eventual story, I guess. I've basically finished the plot for every single book, from Book II-VI in this series, so after my exams finish in November, I'm gonna be writing far more as I have more time available.

Yeah, I added Ikarishipping to my story. Paul and Dawn's relationship will become a pretty major theme for Book V, but again, I don't wanna give away spoilers beyond that. I didn't want to write the contents of ALL the letters, as that would take forever, and I'll run out of ideas.

Reading this over after I had finished editing it, I can see that there's CRAPLOADS of horizontal ruler lines because of the letters from each of the characters...is it too annoying to read? Please comment about it if it is, and give me your suggestions as to how to improve it if it is annoying.

I was wondering, but at what time do you guys normally get onto to read stories? Whenever I upload a new chapter, I do it at approximately 11pm-midnight over here in Melbourne, Australia, which is about 9am-ish in New York, according to a world time site I use. From the site, I thought that the most appropriate time for me to upload is when it's 10am here (and 7pm-ish in New York), but I seriously can't get up at 10am on weekends/holidays cos I'm not a morning-person :S . I've been getting a modest number of hits/visitors to my stories, as a result of the timing, so I was wondering if I could get some tips for that.

Also, because this story is rated M, I'm gonna get far fewer hits/visitors/views than in my previous book, due to 's M-rated story filtering. So please leave your reviews, as seeing more reviews gives me greater enthusiasm to write on. Thank you!