Okay, this chapter, in my opinion, is one of my sloppiest. It was really difficult, but I hope you still enjoy.

Ash looked around nervously. Ash was in shock. One moment he had been helping Giselle, and the next he had found himself pulled through multiple streets. Now he was sitting in the back of the fanciest car he had ever seen, and Giselle was next to him with that crazy butler driving.

Ash looked at before saying emotionlessly, "I think I finally got the situation. Please confirm. You come from a rich family, and your family wishes you to get married to secure your position, but you have refused and told your father that you didn't have anyone special. This butler came to pick you up for something, and heard us say that we were dating. Since this contradicts what you told your father, I am being forced to go meet your father, and from your expression, I can deduce that your father is not someone I want to meet. Am I right?"

Giselle still looked like she had seen a ghost. Slowly she turned to look at Ash and stated, "Basically. My dad is…not cruel, but difficult. He doesn't view some things like normal people. Most likely you will be forced to do things that sound completely irrelevent and unnecessary."

Ash nodded and he looked ahead. Finally he exclaimed, "Am I cursed or something? I can't do anything without having some complex and ridiculous problem arising."

Giselle swiveled in her seat to fix him with an intense glare before she stated forcefully, "I don't like this, but we are stuck. I can't tell my dad that I was lying on such a thing, so you have to do anything necessary. I don't care whether you have to jump in a volcano, you have to become the perfect boyfriend in front of my father. You have to convince him we are dating, okay. There is no other option."

Ash leaned back with a sigh before exclaiming, "Fine. I won't abandon you, but this has to stay reasonable. Make sure it isn't too excessive."

The door of the car was opened and Giselle stated quietly, "Impossible. You don't know my father."

Ash stepped outside only to freeze. He was standing in front of a long lane with multiple servants lining the sides. The wide lane led to probably the largest and fanciest house Ash had ever seen. This must have been equal to James' largest house. Multiple fountains and gardens spread around the mansion. A large wall enclosed the several square miles of the house.

Ash stated, "Yeah, my request is impossible." He then felt himself ushered by several of the servants. Pikachu and Eevee let out several cries of protest as they were plucked from his shoulders. Ash couldn't get a word out as he was moved. He resigned himself to the treatment with a sigh.

Several minutes later, he found himself entering the house. Once again he found himself `stunned by just how rich this house seemed. He had guessed Giselle was rich, but this was ridiculous. You could buy a city for the same amount as this house would cost. She must be the daughter of some major business owner to have a house like this.

Ash was directed into a room, and ordered to stay there until he was summoned. After the door closed, Ash looked at the room. It looked like a V.P. suite at a five star hotel. Ash sat on one of the beds. They hadn't even brought in Eevee and Pikachu. Ash pulled out a poke ball and released Gible and Gardevoir. Gible looked around curiously, but Gardevoir looked completely calm before asking telepathically, What is your will, master?

Ash raised his eyebrows and commented, "Since when am I called 'master?' Never mind. Gardevoir, I assume you were able to figure out the situation from your poke ball." Gardevoir nodded in confirmation, and Ash continued, "So I need your help to prepare. I left your brother in the treatment of Nurse Joy before this. I might need a pokemon that can Teleport, but I wouldn't want to reveal you. Please go and get your brother's poke ball. Nurse Joy should be done treating him by now. Gible, I just called you out cause this house is kind of creepy to be alone in."

Gible laughed and nodded, and Gardevoir disappeared in a flash. Gible jumped onto the bed, and Ash laid back as he thought. Did he have any experience with rich people? How would he convince Giselle's father that he and Giselle were dating? They had only even been friends for several days. What did he even know about Giselle to begin with? She was spoiled, cocky, a skilled trainer, and extremely beautiful. That was basically all. He had a challenge ahead.

Gardevoir appeared holding a poke ball with her psychic abilities. Ash grabbed it and said, "Okay, we should inform Gallade on the situation. I have no idea what will happen, but I have a feeling that I'll need his help."

Ash released Gallade who quickly bowed before saying, My sister has already informed me on the situation, master. I understand the situation.

Ash leaned back, Really, so that means you can communicate while inside your poke balls. That is interesting. I knew that pokemon had some awareness in their poke balls, but I had no idea it was that complete.

Gardevoir now explained, This isn't always the case. Naturally, both of us being psychic types, and our close relation ship has influenced our level of connection. I doubt I could communicate easily with any other of your pokemon in such a state.

Ash nodded and continued, Okay, and I notice that Gallade referred to me as master also. I would prefer it if you both stopped that. I definitely do not consider this a master-slave relationship.

Gallade now claimed, We are unable to do that. For us, you are now our master.

Ash sighed before continuing, We need to discuss this more later, but now we have a more urgent consideration. I need to help Giselle. I might not have much experience with lying or convincing people I'm dating their daughter, but I still need to succeed.

Gallade tipped his head before asking, Master, please correct me if I am incorrect, but 'dating' is a human mating ritual, correct? So wouldn't it make sense to skip the 'dating' and simply mate? That would accomplish the same thing.

Ash blushed as he stuttered before saying, Not really. It is difficult to explain, but that will definitely not work. He now looked to see Gardevoir chuckling. Ash had a feeling she knew the problem here. Ash sighed and put his face in his hands before saying, You'll realize soon enough why that doesn't work, Gallade. Now however, we can't talk about that. Gible, you will stay out of your poke ball. They took Eevee and Pikachu away for now, and I feel more comfortable with a pokemon around. So, please behave yourself and don't bite anyone on the head.

Ash frowned when he didn't hear a grunt of reply. Ash looked beside himself to see Gible looking both bored and confused. Ash scratched his head. It seemed like Gible hadn't even heard any of the conversation. Ash's eyes widened and he exclaimed out loud, "Was I just talking with you guys in my head?"

Gardevoir chuckled again before stating in an amused voice, Of course. I hadn't realized that you were doing it without realizing.

Ash looked at her before asking exasperatedly, "What? How?"

Gardevoir now explained, I see. I thought you had realized it, but it seems not. See, a powerful and skilled psychic pokemon can communicate with humans to varying levels. It also depends on the bond of the human and pokemon. Gallade and I are both far more skilled than needed to communicate sufficiently with a human, even without familiarity with said human. However, humans also become more receptive to psychic abilities the more exposure they get. It seems that the repeated meeting we had, you grew more.. Accessible by psychic abilities, and our bonds naturally grew stronger after you captured us. This has resulted in your ability to communicate telepathically with us. You might actually find that you will be subconsciously able to understand your other pokemon. It is possible, although unlikely, that you could eventually be able to sense both the emotions and thought of pokemon that aren't even yours.

Ash quickly processed the information. He remembered Anabel and how she had been able to talk with pokemon. Now that he thought about it, she was also a psychic type trainer. If he presumed that Gardevoir was correct, that could be the reason for Anabel's ability. Even Sabrina, another psychic type trainer was able to establish a mental link with her pokemon. Does that mean that he might soon be able to do that?

Ash shook his head and stated out loud, "That will be interesting, but not an immediate concern. Gardevoir, can you please tell me when the servants are coming. For now, I'm going to sleep for a while till they come, but I don't want to be caught napping."

Ash laid down on the comfortable bed. After training this morning, and all the events, he was feeling pretty tired. Definitely not in any condition to act like he was Giselle's boyfriend. Ash looked at the side table, and saw a picture. He looked at it closer. There were three people. A man, women, and a daughter. He recognized Giselle as a child, no more than six or seven, and so he figured the others must be her parents. Her father had a stern and business look, but Ash could almost feel the happiness coming from the man. Giselle's mother is obviously where she got her looks. The two looked to be mirror images with only the smallest of differences, except Giselle had longer hair. Her mother only had shoulder length, while Giselle had her hair to her waist. If Ash had to judge, Giselle might be slightly more beautiful, but it was close, and that was considering a lot since he was talking about Giselle. Although, unlike the father, the women looked to be more stoic. Nothing of the raw happiness that Ash felt from the other man. Ash thought about what that meant before falling into a light sleep.

An hour and a half later(about six o'clock)

Ash rushed to make it look like he hadn't been sleeping. Gallade had prodded him awake just moments before. Ash had immediately returned Gallade, Gible, and Gardevoir. Ash had looked in the mirror to see his hair was in worse condition than it usually was, and it wasn't in great condition in the first place. He tried to pat it down with his hands, but gave up with a sigh. He put on his trusty hat and waited. A second later, a knock came from the door.

Ash stood and opened the door. A pretty brunette with a nice purple hair color opened the door. She bowed and stated, "Mr. Ketchum, I'm here to lead you to the master of this house."

Ash nodded and stated, "Lead the way." The maid nodded and walked away. Ash followed, but started to feel uncomfortable with the silence. Since the maid wasn't going to speak, Ash said, "I see that you know my name, but I don't know your. Would you mind telling me?"

The maid seemed like she would faint from surprise, but finally managed to say, "Mina Isa. My name is Mina Isa."

Ash gave her a smile before asking, "So how about I call you Mina, and you can drop the Mr. Ketchum and call me Ash?"

Mina seemed shocked again, but gave a meek little nod. Apparently she didn't get talked to a lot in this job. Ash continued, "So, how long have you been working here? I am curious. You can't be much older than me, but you seem to have worked here quite a bit."

Mina stuttered again, but managed to explain, "For the past two years I've helped when special preparations have been happening. I am not a full time maid, I just do this to get some money when needed."

Ash nodded and said, "It must be interesting working in a huge mansion like this. I really can't imagine all the work that goes into a place like this."

Mina now looked confused and asked, "But didn't you grow up in a mansion like this? All the guests that come here are from rich families also. I assumed the same thing for you."

Ash laughed. He kept laughing till he had to put his hands on his knees to catch his breath. Finally he exclaimed, "Do I really look like someone who grew up in a rich family? I wear worn out clothes and have a hat on that is years old." He finally stood and informed her, "I grew up in Pallet Town in Kanto. There can't be more than fifteen families there. Really a small, quiet, and peaceful town. This mansion is as foreign to me as possible. I guess that's why I can't stop talking. I'm just nervous. Sorry." Ash scratched his head with a grin.

Mina chuckled before claiming, "It's fine. Usually the guests don't even say anything to us, so it's nice to have a chat."

Ash smiled before frowning as he remembered what she had said. He now asked, "What do you mean 'special preparation?'"

Mina smiled and teased, "Can't tell you. That was one order, don't tell you anything about the mansion or the family who owns it. Anyways, we're here."

She had stopped in front of a large double door. She smiled before walking away. Ash took a breath before knocking on the door. The sound reverberated through the hallways, and Ash heard a strong voice say, "Come in Mr. Ketchum."

Ash opened the doors and walked inside. He found himself in what was either a conference room or a dining room. There was a long table with seats along the entire length. Ash looked at the other end of the table to see the butler standing next to another man in a seat. The man looked to be in his late fifties. His hair was pure gray, and he had a handlebar mustache. His eyes were a cold black, and he was dressed in a crisp business suit. The perfect image of a business man. Quite intimidating, in Ash's opinion.

The man signaled with his hand for Ash to sit down. Ash took the seat on the opposite end of the table so he could look at the man. Giselle's father was examining Ash with a critical eye. Finally the man stated, "I am Giselle's father, Edward Kalien. You may refer to me as Mr. Kalien."

Ash nodded and waited for him to continue, but the man stayed silent as he continued to scrutinize Ash. Ash grinned awkwardly. He turned his head to see that Jeeves was glaring at him with clear venom. Ash lowered his head and looked at Mr. Kalien again.

Finally deciding that he should say something, Ash opened his mouth only to have Giselle's father suddenly interject, "Imagine my surprise. I am coming home from a week long business trip in Hoenn, and I receive a call from our family's head butler. He tells me that my little girl, Giselle, has a secret boyfriend. Honestly, I didn't believe it at first. In all my experiences, never once have I received even the slightest hint that Giselle was interested in romance. She's always been beautiful, smart, and talented, a truly amazing girl, but never has she shown interest in a male. I just couldn't see how this could happen."

"I'm not so sure now. I mean, you are a good looking lad. Slightly ruffled and sloppy, but still a handsome young man. Not to mention everything else about you." He now slapped a folder down on the desk. He opened it and flipped through the pages within as he explained, "Sometimes it amazes me how much information my sources can come up with. In under an hour, they had all this ready. I haven't looked through it, but they've summarized it for me. You grew up in Pallet Town, mainly known as the headquarters for Professor Samuel Oak. You were mainly raised by your single mother after your father died when you were seven. Currently traveling as a pokemon trainer. Just from looking in an instant, I can see that you have competed in the Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn pokemon leagues. Did exceptionally well, and you have also won the Orange League Challenge and the Kanto Battle Frontier. The first for the former, and one of three on the latter. You also seemed to have formed friendships with almost every gym leader, and plenty of other notable trainers." He now looked at Ash as he continued, "All this is from a simple glance. If I took my time, I could find out more about you than your mother knows."

Ash raised an eyebrow as he asked calmly, "Your point?"

Mr. Kalien closed the folder and leaned forward with his chin in his hands before stating, "Just informing you of the situation. Now, let me ask you. Knowing the amount of power I have, why should I let you have a relationship with my daughter."

Ash leaned back as he asked, "Why is that even relevant?" Mr. Kalian frowned and Jeeves actually stepped forward angrily, but Ash continued in a calm voice, "Yes, you have power. As you proved, you can invade one's privacy without retribution. Yet, I don't see what you are trying to imply. Are you threatening me?"

Mr. Kelian closed his eyes as he stated explained, "Of course not. I am simply showing you the simple facts. Giselle is my only daughter, and shall inherit all that I own. Naturally, that places her in a place of power as well. You, however, have no power. I may have little knowledge on the pokemon world, but it can't give someone actual power. That is for those who have no other ambitions. So, no matter how successful a trainer you are, there will always be a barrier between you two. Giselle belongs with another person on her level. You two are incompatible, so I repeat, why should I let you have a relationship with my daughter?"

Ash paused and leaned back. He now understood what Giselle had said. Her father doesn't see things like most people. He views things from a logical perspective. The black and white of things. He doesn't consider feelings and other things that can't be calculated. It was a complicated way of thinking. Ash knew how he would have to reason with this man. He would obtain nothing unless he first shocked this man. He had to make this man's way of thinking be thrown into question.

Ash now opened his eyes as he announced, "You're right." Mr. Kalian smiled and prepared to stand, but Ash continued, "You know nothing about the world of pokemon, and I also believe that you know even less than about Giselle."

Mr. Kalian stuttered in shock and fury before he finally managed to say, "Nonsense. Giselle is the most important person in my life."

Ash now stated coldly, "Did I ever say she wasn't? I'm saying you don't know her. You state that pokemon battling is for those who don't have any other ambitions, then explain why your own daughter wishes to be a part of that world."

He quickly mumbled, "Giselle has shown some interest in becoming a trainer for a brief period. Nothing serious."

Ash now lifted his hands up as he exclaimed, "See, you don't know anything about her. If you did, then you would realize that she loves pokemon. She cares more for pokemon than anything else. Anyone who talks with her realizes that her dearest wish is to become a trainer."

Giselle's father quickly claimed, "No, she wishes for this company to continue to succeed. She works for that. Not to become a pokemon trainer."

Ash smiled and commented, "I'm amazed how much some people can delude themselves despite all evidence against them. Think about it. She begged you to get into pokemon tech, catches and personally trains her own pokemon, and arranged it so that she attends every major pokemon event by becoming a model. Think about it." Ash had guessed on some things, but he figured those would all fit the truth pretty well. Considering what he could guess on the personality of the man in front of him, Giselle would have needed to push for all those things to happen.

He obviously guessed correctly as Mr. Kalian looked unsure. Ash pressed the attack, "You ask why I should be allowed to be with Giselle, because we understand one another. I actually listen to what she wants. You only bother to hear from her what you want to hear. She works to improve this company because she doesn't want to disappoint you. You hope to cement your company's future by marrying her to another rich family, so she has tried to stay away from developing relationships of her own. She has done everything she could to follow your expectations."

Mr. Kalien now asked, "So you mean that I am the reason she never had any romantic relationships."

Ash sighed and said, "Probably. I mean, look what's happening now. I'm being interrogated because she views me in a romantic light. I think anyone could understand why she would avoid any relationships."

Mr. Kalian looked at Ash and tried to counter, "So why would she stop this? If she has spent her entire life like this, why would she change?"

Ash stayed silent for several seconds before saying, "You'll have to ask her, but if I had to guess, she wanted someone to listen to her. You don't do that, she travels too much to make friends, and everyone has expectations from her. She was able to live up to those expectations when that was all she has known, but when someone actually took the time to know about her, she's pretty defenseless. No offense, but you've set her up for this. It seems to me like she hasn't seen much kindness in her life." Ash held up a hand to stop the denial before continuing, "Yes, you love her, and want what's best. However, you always decided what's best for her, and pushed for what you think. You didn't take into consideration what she wanted. True, you may know what is best for her, but to force someone into something they don't want, for many people that is unhappiness. I probably provide the only outlet she has for free will."

Ash leaned back anxiously. He had been pushing it there. Truthfully, he didn't like to be around Giselle too much. The past few days, he seemed to be more of an acquaintance of Giselle's acquaintance. He didn't talk to her enough to really understand her, but Ash had a feeling what he said was true. Giselle did seem slightly unhappy.

Ash's eyes widened when Mr. Kalian started clapping. Ash watched warily as the man started to laugh. Did he drive Giselle's father insane? Finally the man slapped his hand down on the table as he stopped laughing and gave Ash an amused look. He finally stated, "Very convincing. You actually had me going there. If I hadn't learned a single fact before this meeting, I would have fallen for it. Luckily, I know better." He now gave Ash a mocking smile before continuing, "I don't believe that you are dating my daughter."

Ash eyes widened in shock. He finally managed to exclaim, "What do you mean?"

"I mean, you aren't in a relationship with my daughter. You have been traveling for the Sinnoh League before this, and Giselle has been constantly traveling. I just can't believe that Giselle would start to date someone after only a few days. It just doesn't fit her personality. I do know that she is smarter than that. I think that Jeeves, misunderstood something. An honest mistake, and before you try to deny, my sources already talked to the Nurse Joy in town. There is nothing to support the possibility that you two are in a relationship."

Ash sighed. Looks like there had been no chance of succeeding. Ash now shrugged and asked, "So why am I still here?"

Mr. Kalian held up three fingers and claimed, "I have three reasons. One, I was interested. For Giselle to have even gone along with the thought that you were her boyfriend, means that you are unique. I wanted to see how. I clearly see the reason now. My second reason could help explain that." Mr. Kalian stopped. He finally looked up with a smile and a glint in his eyes that made Ash nervous. He then explained, "One thing my men found out interested me. They found that Delia Ketchum, your mother, kept her maiden name. You also took the Ketchum name. I had first thought that your father had been a Ketchum, but it seems not. So I had my men research your father. They finally came up with a name. Charles Volton."

Ash whispered, "Stop it."

Mr. Kalian simply smiled before continuing, "Imagine my shock. I recognized the name. In fact, I knew the man. Possibly the most brilliant man I ever met. It was unfortunate though…I mean his illness."

Ash spat venomously, "Shut up."

Mr. Kalian seemed to be enjoying this as he continued to speak, "I wouldn't have guessed it from your looks though. Besides his hair color, you seem to have inherited mainly your mother's traits. However, I clearly see he taught you several of his tricks before he died."

Ash stood up and yelled, "Quiet."

Mr. Kalian looked slightly shocked and stated, "What seems to be wrong? I'm simply commenting on an old friend. Nothing to be angry about."

Ash took several deep breaths. Even the mention of his father brought a rush of emotions. He finally managed to sit down.

Mr. Kalian now continued, "I guess I can understand why you might be angry. You were raised by your mother, and I'm sure you understand why there might be hard feelings there. However, I still stand by the fact that your father was a magnificent man. I've never met someone as adept at reading and manipulating people. The fact that you managed to come up with such a response on the spot, implies that he taught you some of what he knew before he died. You were able to figure out some very intimate details concerning my daughter with only the bare facts that you know and my reactions. I'm sure that you could take over this entire mansion within hours if I let you."

Ash now announced, "Enough. I get it. You were curious on how I turned out. Now, what is your third reason for bringing me here?"

Mr. Kalian smiled and commented, "Taking control. You must really want to avoid talking about your father. I will accept that for now. As for my third reason for bringing you here, I need your help on something."

Ash quickly questioned, "And what do you need my help on?"

Mr. Kalian raised a hand and claimed, "I can't tell you. For my plan to work, you just need to act naturally. Also, you can't tell Giselle that i know you two aren't dating. My plan requires that she still needs to think she is under observation."

Ash now asked, "So you want me to become a pawn of your plans? Do you really think that is wise? You think that you can manipulate me?"

Mr. Kalian now grew serious as he claimed, "Yes, because I need you to take control. I need you to use what your father taught you, and refuse to follow any of my orders."

Ash sighed. He now asked, "So your orders are to not follow any of your orders, and by doing that, I shall accomplish your goal."

"A perfect plan. By simply being present, you shall hopefully help me. Something your father would have loved."

Ash frowned and announced, "And I assume I don't get the choice to not attend."

Mr. Kalian claimed, "Not really."

Ash stood and announced, "Okay, I'll do it. I'll follow whatever you have planned. However…" Ash now gave a cold look to Mr. Kalian before explaining, "You shouldn't underestimate me. My father might not have been able to play with me outside or show me pokemon, but he contributed a different way. He taught me how to think. How to plan, and how to solve puzzles. Mainly though, he taught me how to protect myself from people like you. Who make their living from controlling people. You may think I'm a pawn for your own plans, but I won't finish that way. I'll come out on top. Till I figure out how to do this, good day."

Ash walked away from the pair to walk back to the room he'd been in earlier. This might actually be fun. It had been a long time since he had been forced to deal with such complicated situations. Hopefully he wasn't too rusty. It was time to bring out a new Ash Ketchum.

Okay, several things.

This chapter really goes with the next one, some things will become clearer next time i update. I just had to split them up to keep it from being like 15,000 words.

Ash's father is mentioned. This is actually really important. I have a whole thing planned from that.

Please give your opinion on the whole, Ash Ketchum was taught to do mind games. I really thought it would be an interesting new aspect to Ash.

Also, some people have commented that this story is going in an undesirable direction. Please offer your opinion so I can tell what I need to change. Thank You.