Next chapter is here, and I have to say you guys had some very good guesses who the Hooded Man could possibly be! ^^ You can still leave your thoughts or change your mind. Enjoy! :D
~TheLightWolf16: Love the chapter as always... and tbh the hooded man is probably Ash's father considering things...btw, if someone does wanna take this story over make sure they give Ash a Charizard lol.
That's a good guess, TheLightWolf16! And whether or not Ash gets a Charizard after this story is done is not up to me, but to the author who continues it.
~Anon Omega: It's Ash's dad.
Very good guess! :) Thanks for your review!
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon! If I did, I would make Sinnoh remakes on the 3ds while gen 8 comes out on the Switch!
''Meloetta'' Speech
'Meloetta' Thoughts.
Ash's next opponent happened to be an old acquaintance of his, namely AJ. He was super excited to show the Hero kid of Kanto his evolved Sandshrew in battle. As it turned out, AJ was a well-seasoned trainer with a lot of other strong pokemon in his arsenal. The other two pokemon he used in this three on three battle were a Gyarados and a Magmar.
Needless to say, he actually was a challenge for Ash's Sylveon, Azumarill and Rapidash. In the end, only Azumarill was left on Ash's team who managed to win in a close batle and thereby make his trainer advance to the third round.
When the raven haired trainer had shook hands with AJ respectfully, praising him for an incredible fun and difficult match, he found himself back inside the pokemon center.
''Man, that was scary,'' Ash admitted to Pikachu and Meloetta, ''AJ really had me in a bind there. It's incredible how Azumarill pulled through in the end!''
''Pika, Pikachu!'' his electric-type protested, shaking his head and pointing at Ash. Meloetta nodded her head in agreement with what Pikachu was implying.
''I know it was because of me staying calm and finding a way to beat that Gyarados, but the fact remains that Azumarill put his trust in me completely and executed it perfectly.''
''I guess you're true in that regard,'' Pikachu muttered, ''But it's no surprise that the sprout has so much trust in you either.''
Meloetta giggled. ''You're his dad, after all,'' she added sweetly.
Ash grinned at his pokemon; here he was making his dream come true with his family. Honestly, there was no other place he'd rather be.
''Ashy-boy! Congrats, you did very well,'' Gary praised as he approached him, his everlasting smirk not present on his face for a change.
''Thanks, Gary, you too. I heard you had a flawless victory?''
''I did! I prepared myself very well for this event, after all. If I want to win, I need to bring my A-game when I eventually face you. Not to mention, against the Hooded Man too.''
Ash smiled kindly. ''I'm actually looking forward to facing you or the Hooded Man. AJ really had me on my toes, but when the full six on six battles start, I have no other option but to use my Dragonite and Meloetta in the battles too.''
''And I'll be ready for them!'' Gary replied confidently. He looked around for a moment and then muttered something. ''That's strange, I could swear that gramps promised to meet up with me here, but he's nowhere to be found.''
''That is indeed somewhat odd,'' Ash agreed. Considering professor Oak was a man who didn't like running late for whatever reason, it was pretty uncommon for him to miss an appointment with his own grandson.
''Well,'' Gary replied while he pointed at a very ecstatic woman waving her arms, ''your mom is here at least.''
''Ash, honey! I'm so proud of you!'' Delia said while hugging her son lovingly. ''I made so many cute pictures of you.''
Both Pikachu and Meloetta giggled at Delia's motherly affections. ''Oh, and hello to you too, Pikachu and Meloetta,'' she added, pulling them in her hug too.
''Thanks, mom,'' Ash managed to respond. ''I'm very happy with my victory as well.''
''Miss Ketchum,'' Gary replied politely, ''do you have any idea where my grandpa is?''
Delia let go of the hug with Ash and tapped her chin thoughtfully. ''I'm not sure. He said he was going to be back in a minute when we left the bleachers. Shall I go look for him?''
''I'd appreciate that, thank you.'' Gary bowed respectfully while Delia waved him off. ''It's no problem. When I find him I'll scold him thoroughly for letting you wait,'' she said jokingly. ''Ash, are we still going to eat dinner together tonight?''
''Of course, mom! It's been so long since I've talked to you face to face.''
''I'll be looking forward to it, honey.'' She gave him a kiss on his cheek before she left the two boys alone.
''Dinner with your mom?'' Gary questioned with a growing smirk.
''Shut up,'' he replied playfully, giving Gary a light push. ''Sometimes it's good to show your mom that you appreciate her.''
Gary just laughed, until the attention of the two boys was directed to the Hooded Man entering the pokemon center. Immediately, people started to murmur while he walked towards Ash and Gary.
''Well, hello again, Hooded Man,'' Ash replied, his curiosity growing once more. He really wondered who this possibly could be.
The Hooded Man nodded his head, making some gestures with his hands until Ash understood what he wanted.
''You want me to guess your identity?'' he questioned anyway.
A single nod was his answer, which made the murmurs in the pokemon center only grow in volume.
Pikachu nudged Meloetta gently. ''Hey, who do you think the Hooded Man is?''
She shrugged her shoulders. ''If I had to guess? Definitely somebody Ash has met before.''
''I agree with you. It seems he's taking a special liking to him.''
The Hooded Man held up one finger to Ash while elaborating with his other hand.
''So I get to ask you one question regarding your identity, huh?''
Another nod, which made the raven haired trainer ponder for a moment.
''Gary,'' he said finally, ''what pokemon does the Hooded Man use?''
''You mean you don't know?'' Gary asked incredulously, shaking his head. ''Sometimes, Ashy-boy, I question if you live under a rock. Anyway, the Hooded Man is well known for using a Gardevoir. In fact, it's the only pokemon he used so far to get to the third round.''
Ash continued to mutter to himself while eyeing the Hooded Man up and down. It was the first time he took a moment to look at his appearance. He was definitely older than Ash, about a head taller. The material he was wearing didn't give anything away about his body, but Ash could only guess he was in pretty good shape.
Scratching his head, he recalled what the Hooded Man had revealed to him the other day. 'I know him, apparently. But… does that mean he knows me?'
''All right,'' Ash finally said, ''Hooded Man, I know you, but do you know me? Personally, I mean.''
The Hooded man nodded his head, which made Ash's smile widen. 'That can only mean it's a good friend of mine somehow,' he thought. Even Gary's interest was piqued.
''Does that mean I know you personally as well?'' he asked. The Hooded Man didn't say anything and instead only wagged a finger in Gary's direction.
Ash laughed, as did Meloetta and Pikachu while Gary blushed. Bowing respectfully for the two boys, the Hooded Man made his leave.
''I like that guy,'' Pikachu remarked, ''he's like me: manly, mysterious and knows how to be funny.''
''You're nothing like that,'' Meloetta teased, ''You cry for Ash when he is away for more than a day, everybody can read you like an open book and your humor is as dry as a cracker.''
''Hey, some people like my dry humor!'' he shot back playfully, ''and besides, you cry for Ash when he is away for ten minutes.''
Meloetta pouted cutely, but couldn't respond to the smug grin Pikachu was giving her; she knew he was right.
''Well, look who finally showed up,'' Gary said to Ash. Professor Oak smiled and waved to the two boys as he saw them. ''Sorry I'm so late, Gary. I ran into an associate of mine and he had some questions regarding the updates we've been developing for the pokedex.''
''It's okay, gramps. Glad you're finally here.'' Gary gave a nod to Ash. ''I'll smell ya later, Ashy-boy.''
Ash waved them goodbye as Gary and Oak left together. ''All right then. Are you guys up to explore some of the Indigo Plateau with me?''
''Actually,'' Pikachu responded shyly. ''Mew visited me last night. I kinda promised to meet up with her under the giant pine tree on the outskirt of the forest. Sorry, Ash.''
''Oh really?'' Meloetta teased, ''On the outskirt of the forest?''
''Yeah on the outskirt of the forest!'' Pikachu responded with a little growl. ''It's the truth I swear! I really think I've got something going on with her. Come with me if you don't believe me!''
Meloetta humoured the idea just to tease Pikachu further before shaking her head. ''I think I'll stay with Ash. It'll give me some alone time with him since tonight he's going to eat with his mom.''
''Oh, come on! I'm really dating Mew!'' Pikachu added. Meloetta just giggled while she led Ash away from the frustrated electric-type.
''Have fun, Pikachu,'' he called back to him. ''We'll meet back in the pokemon center at six!''
''Sure thing, Ash! And keep your girlfriend in check!''
Meloetta blew him a playful raspberry until she'd dragged Ash out of the pokemon center.
The afternoon went by quickly. Not only was the weather great, but the little moments of privacy the duo got was used practically—practically in a sense that they couldn't keep their lips off from each other.
Meloetta loved these kinds of feverish kissing sessions with Ash. Not only did it distract, but it was fun too. Whenever they were in the company of other people they'd steal glances at each other instead of looking at the marvellous architecture of the old fashioned buildings. And whenever they came across an abandoned alleyway, Meloetta would drag Ash inside and make out with him for a good five minutes before they stopped and went on with their tour.
Now though, he was sitting across his mom in the restaurant he'd picked out while reminiscing about these happy moments, not even processing what she was saying.
''Ash, honey, you look like a boy who's hopelessly in love,'' she teased him while taking a bite out of her food. ''You need to stop thinking about Meloetta every once in a while.''
The raven haired trainer choked on his drink as he looked at his mom with wide eyes, coughing and gasping for breath while she giggled at his reaction. ''Mom! How did you—''
''I'm your mother, Ash,'' she interrupted him, giving him a wink. ''Do you really think I wouldn't notice? I've known for quite some time now,'' she revealed mischievously.
Ash's cheeks turned warm with embarrassment and he muttered something under his breath. ''So, you are okay with it?'' he asked unsurely.
''Why wouldn't I, honey? Meloetta is a charm of a girl! She's perfect for you. Besides, I know how it feels to be utterly in love.'' She paused for a moment with a big smile on her face. ''Your father had stolen my heart away when I was just fifteen. I met him on my travels in Hoenn. Quite the powerful trainer he was.''
''Really?'' Ash asked with a bright smile. ''What kind of pokemon did he use?''
''Your father was very fond of the psychic-type. Just like your Pikachu, he used to carry a Ralts around on his shoulder wherever he went, but he used other types of pokemon too.''
''A Ralts is a Pokémon from Hoenn, right?'' Ash questioned. ''Does that mean dad was from Hoenn too?''
''He wasn't,'' Delia revealed. ''He was from Kanto just like me. It was just pure coincidence we met there.'' Delia took another bite from her food. ''Speaking off people from Kanto, who's the girl that's stalking you?''
''Huh?'' Ash questioned, looking around. He grimaced a bit as he saw Sabrina sitting motionlessly in the corner of the restaurant. She stared at him without blinking her eyes, not trying to hide the fact she was stalking him in the slightest. 'Has she seriously been following me the entire day?' he thought flatly.
''Don't worry about her. She's the Saffron City gym leader and pretty much harmless… I think. She specializes in psychic pokemon,'' Ash informed his mom.
''Oh, how silly of me. Now I see the resemblance. I battled her dad for the Marsh badge when I was younger. Back then she was already pretty strong with her psychic powers. She used to cloak herself entirely and then let her dolls do the talking,'' Delia reminisced, a slight shudder travelling through her spine. ''I see she hasn't lost her touch.''
''She's definitely something,'' Ash agreed, giving her one last look before shaking his head and smiling at his mom. ''How's the food? Is it any good?''
''It's delicious, honey, thank you!''
It made Ash happy inside knowing how much his mom was enjoying the food. Although she teased him a lot, she was always supportive of him no matter what. Together, they enjoyed the rest of their dinner until it was time to go back to the pokemon center.
That's it, people! I hope you guys can appreciate the bonding time between Ash and his mom! ^^ So, did you guys like it, love it, hate it? Reviews are my addiction! Next chapter Ash vs Ritchie, as well as Meloetta cooking up a scheme to get Ash to keep on traveling. Until next time! :D
~Syrup-Waffle