The bus ride bit was because I remembered when I had to do it on a trip to Ephesus my ex made me go on. The city itself was lovely. But travelling for hours on a narrow road overlooking sheer cliff drops was not a particularly fond memory.

I'm also worried about making Ash too OP. But at his level and location there's not many trainers who can beat him so far. Do any of you have any ideas?

Chapter 10- Cerulean…Again

Pikachu was still a bit iffy the day after so Ash decided it would be a day of rest for them all. So, he did what any sensible person would do when in a port and go and watch the boats come in and out of the harbour. He was stopped various times by people who had seen his battles the day before to either congratulate him or rebuke him for being too harsh. Ash shrugged the latter off, he knew how hard to push his Pokémon, he also knew how much Pikachu's electric attacks could damage a Pokémon which is why he limited it to half power. Of course, the idiots that don't train Pokémon would never know that.

The main problem Ash now had was that he was on a time schedule. He had less than three months to get back to Cerulean, go to the power plant (on the off chance he'd find a Light Ball) and get back to Vermillion before the SS Anne left Port. It had taken him a month to get here to start with. Walking around the shopping area of Vermillion he noticed a few items that would come in handy for his mum and shipped them off to her. It was only when talking to Nurse Joy about his issue that he realised how daft he had been

"Well, why don't you take the bus?" Joy asked perplexed causing Ash to just gape.

"There's a bus?" he asked incredulously.

"Well yes" Joy said "this is a massive port; do you think people just walk to and from here? There are shuttles to around four or five cities in Kanto from here."

"Well, I'll be" Ash said shaking his head. "Can you direct me to the bus station then?"

Joy simply pulled out a flyer on one of the stands and handed it to him before walking off laughing. Ash decided to go and get a ticket. This would solve a lot of problems Ash decided. Getting a ticket was relatively easy. It was just the amount of time it took to get to Cerulean that bothered him.

"18 hours?" he asked the attendant in shock "it takes 18 hours to get to Cerulean?"

"Well yeah" she replied perplexed. "It's not a short journey sir."

"Damn right it's not. I'm gonna be knackered when I get there after 18 hours on a bus." Ash said shaking his head in disbelief.

"Well, you could always get off in Saffron City but that would mean you buy a new ticket to Cerulean from there, which would make it take longer to get there" she said.

"I'll just buy the ticket to Cerulean" Ash said still shaking his head. Buying it he looked at it and nearly dropped it in shock. "3 o clock tomorrow? In the AM?"

Shaking her head at the very strange customer she asked for the next person leaving Ash to walk away muttering under his breath. Walking back to the Pokémon Centre in shock he told Joy he would be leaving tomorrow "at an ungodly hour". Phoning his mum, he let her know what was happening and that he'd be sending Professor Oak Eevee in the next half an hour and to let him know when she received her. Transferring Eevee to Oak was old hat by now. Oak explained that Eevee would still have his trainer ID as his mum didn't have one therefore, he legally still owned her. Ash was fine with that. Saying goodbye to Eevee was emotional but it was all part of Ash's plan to make sure his mum was protected.

The talk with Squirtle was more straightforward. Squirtle decided he was willing to give Ash a chance as nothing he'd seen so far indicated he was just as bad as his old trainer. He had also seen how strong his Pokémon were becoming and never wanted to be weak again. He was looking forward to the training sessions. It was nice to be wanted Squirtle decided. The others were still a little wary of him, which was understandable but they would soon settled into a routine. Scanning him Ash saw how far he had to go to get close "Squirtle, Pokedex Number 7, The Tiny Turtle Pokémon, This Pokémon is Male, it has a Serious Nature, and its unusual colouring suggests it's a shiny variant. It has the Ability Torrent. After birth, its back swells and hardens into a shell. Powerfully sprays foam from its mouth. It knows the moves Tackle, Water Gun, Growl, Bubble and Bite. It has the egg move Focus Punch, but it has yet to be unlocked."

"That's a good start actually." Ash said "there's lots of room for improvement. Your nature is Speed neutral, so you don't really have any weaknesses there. We'll start off by perfecting those moves that you already know before moving on to variants. Your water gun is pretty powerful from what I remember when it was used on Officer Jenny. So it stands to reason that you can learn others easier. The next move we'll learn when I'm satisfied with what you have is Withdraw and Ice Beam so that grass moves are less of a threat and electric moves can bounce off your shell. We'll start training when we get to Cerulean as were all having a day off today. Plus, we're up stupidly early tomorrow".

The rest of the day meandered by where not a lot was done. Packing up the night before Ash prepared so that he could leave early the next morning. Hearing his alarm go off made Ash and his Pokémon very irritable. Who the hell gets up at 3am to go on an 18-hour bus ride? Walking bleary eyed downstairs he handed in his key to the Night Nurse Joy and trudged to the bus station. Looking around him he noticed that everyone looked the same as him; knackered. Sitting down he mentally prepared for what he was about to do. What followed was hell. Ash had never been so bored in his life. The brief stop in Saffron to stretch their legs halfway was welcoming but then climbing back on half an hour later left Ash annoyed. "Halfway there, Pi. And we have to do this again coming back." Getting off the bus at 10:30 in the evening, after a long travel was not a nice thing either. How he loathed the Sensational Sisters. If they had just battled him he wouldn't have had to do this. He really hoped he wouldn't see them ever again. Blearily getting his key off Joy he walked into his room, put his backpack down, face-planted on the bed and fell asleep.

The next day he got up and made his way downstairs to have breakfast. He was halfway through when someone sat next to him. Looking up he was surprised to find it was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She was around 5 foot 7, Red hair tied back in a ponytail, gorgeous red eyes, wearing a black jacket and a black skirt, long legs, and short heels. Ash knew instantly who she was. "erm" was all he managed to get out before she started laughing. It was the most tinkling beautiful laugh he had ever heard. Pikachu fell off the table laughing.

"My my" she said, "if only everyone was articulate as you Mr Ketchum."

"You know who I am?" he squeaked.

"Of course, I do" she answered laughter still in her eyes "you're the spitting image of your father. Except for your eyes. His was brown while yours are an astonishing shade of blue. But apart from that all my fellow Elites know who you are. We use your papers in our classes from time to time after all. I'm Lorelei"

"Oh. I knew that" Ash said simply. Looking for a distraction he said "Pikachu, get up off the floor."

"Oh Ash" Pikachu said still laughing climbing back onto the table and using a menu to hold himself up "that was great. You're still blushing."

"I am not blushing" he said as quietly as possible to Pikachu "I have no idea what you're talking about"

"Yes, you do" Pikachu said "you luuurve her."

"I'm not talking to you anymore" Ash said a bright red determinedly looking away from Pikachu. All the while the woman was watching on with interest. She never believed she was beautiful, her husband Bruno told her every day, and while she had self-confidence issues, she did believe him. She just wished she could believe her own brain at times when it told her to stop being silly. But seeing this trainer blush made her smile.

"So, it's true then" she said. Seeing his confused red face she continued "you actually can communicate with Pokémon and not make educated guesses?"

"Oh" Ash said focusing on a topic instead of his embarrassment "yeah I can. I have been able to do so since I was six when the Aura Guardians attacked me."

"They attacked you?" she asked concerned leaning forward forcing Ash to avert his gaze again "why would they do that?"

"Uh-oh" Pikachu said, "prepare for a rant."

"I am not going to rant Pikachu" Ash said turning to him "and even if I was its justified" facing Lorelei again "I'm a direct descendant of Aura Guardian Sir Aaron Ketchum and Queen Rin. They had an affair and my ancestor was hidden away in secret to prevent both a scandal and confirmation of their affair. Rin went on to marry and have her own legitimate family, the latest descendant being Ilene while Aaron disappeared. Ever since then the royal family have seen it as a personal insult that a Ketchum is around, not only wielding aura but also being angry that aura doesn't flow through their own family. So for the past seven hundred years they have tried to enslave every Ketchum and use them for their own purposes under the guise of being Aura Guardians. My father was the last one. Ilene tried to break my mum and dad up to be with him and at last infuse her bloodline with aura through any offspring they had but Aura Guardians only ever have one mate for life, some never find that person.

When she realised that wouldn't work, she sent him on random missions to try and keep my parents apart. Again, that didn't work. But when my dad disappeared, she knew I was born so she kept an eye on me. If she couldn't have my father, then she'd use me. So she had her First Knight Riley pretend to show me aura when I was six to test if I had the gift. I had never seen aura before so I was clueless. Anyway when he attacked me with his aura it unlocked mine. My mother was furious and sued the Kingdom of Rota. Ilene and Riley tried to pass it off as pure coincidence him being near me but my mother knew better. So as reparations I was trained by one of the kingdoms Lucario and until I gained my trainers license, they couldn't be within a mile of me in person.

Gaining my licence though made me free game again and since then they have followed me everywhere trying to get me to swear fealty to Ilene. Ilene and Riley themselves accosted me outside Mt Moon where I told them to bugger off. They also forget I have superb Aura senses, I can feel when another aura user is within half a mile of me now and I've frequently felt a Lucario watching me from a distance. Even now I know there is one just outside the city waiting for me to leave. Ilene has stationed them everywhere in Kanto, waiting for me to slip up so she can blackmail me into her service. She'll be waiting for her lifetime."

"Wow" Lorelei said leaning back "I can certainly see why you'd be angry. I would be furious with anyone that tried to steal my husband from me or tried to keep us apart, so I commend your mum. I would genuinely cause bodily harm at anyone that did that to me."

"At last," Ash said relieved "people just don't seem to get it. They think that because she's a Queen then she can do whatever she wants to whomever she wants. I grew up without my dad, so my mum and my Pokémon are the only thing I care about. I'm lucky that mum has the protection of Professor Oak and his Pokémon or they'd target her to get to me. Its why I'm training Pokémon to send to her in case something happens to Sam."

"That's very commendable Ash" Lorelei said smiling "I hope my child will be just as protective when they grow up."

"Oh yeah" Ash said "I heard you'd not long since had a child. A daughter, right? I remember the media had a field day about her mysterious father. It sent Oak and my mum into a rage at your treatment. The masses seem to have this unending need to know everyone's business. Who your husband and daughter's father are, is nobody's business but your own. I know I'm only eleven but I'm right behind you in keeping your family life private."

"Thank you Ash" Lorelei said "it means a lot to hear a member of the public actually say it. Now, the reason I sat down. It wasn't just a social visit. I heard off my husband that you recently beat him in a battle?"

"Er" Ash said confused "we've beaten a lot of people in a battle. In fact, we've never lost a battle yet. I don't count facing Brocks Golem as Pikachu and I had only been together a few weeks. Could you narrow it down?"

"You've never lost a battle?" she asked astonished "in three months of being a trainer?"

"No" Ash said sighing "I mean we've tried to lose; we entered a tournament in Vermillion to try and lose but we ended up winning."

"Why would you try and lose?" she asked confused.

"Well, it's only through losing that you can see what truly needs improving on" Ash said seriously "we've never tried to throw a battle if that's what you're thinking. But every battle we've been in hasn't really shown us what we need to improve on aside from what we're already training to achieve. So we're at a bit of a loss on how to proceed. All we're doing at the moment is learning new moves and training. I know we're strong and I know we have a long way to go before were Champion level but we're a bit bored."

"Ah" Lorelei said "yes, I can see why. I was once like you Ash. When I received Lapras as my starter we blitzed our way through opponents, won a few leagues and eventually became an Elite four member. The other three are very bored because challengers who win the Indigo League have to go through me before they reach them, and I've not lost in a long time. Bruno asks me every day if I can lose just this once. So, we have a lot of free time. It's why we all became teachers, joined the Police etc. The only ones to beat us in the last ten years all failed when they reached Agatha. It's why Goodshow and Blue gave you the task of finding out about the gyms in secret. Yes, all the Elite four know, we had to in order to see why no one is getting past us. We are not unbeatable. But we're failing somewhere, and the gym challenges are the only thing we can think of. I'm looking forward to your report at the end of the year."

"That makes sense now" Ash said nodding "I have wondered why none of the Elite Four have been beaten lately. Well so far two out of the three gyms I've been to have been good. Brock knew his stuff and taught his lessons during our battle. Lt Surge was outstanding. I know there have been concerns about him being harsh on trainers but I observed his gym and the challengers for a week before battling him and his reasons for being harsh were perfectly acceptable to me." Seeing her confused face, he asked her "let's say you were a rookie trainer, and you have aspirations of being a water/ice type specialist. Would you send out a Staryu against a Raichu?"

"No, I wouldn't." she said horrified "that's criminal to do so. You need to have months of training and counter measures in place to be able to pull that off. I would still have reservations about doing so even now and I'm an Elite Four member."

"Well, that's what's been happening" Ash said "people have been challenging him with Pidgeys, Rattatas, Staryu's, Seels etc to the point he'd had enough. And considering what my challenge with him was he never once used Raichus full electric power against them. They would be dead if he did. I doubt he used even a quarter power. I'm back here to challenge Cerulean Gym. Last time I was here wasn't good.

"I'm aware" Lorelei said "it's why I'm here. Professor Oak and Blue told me about your issues with the Waterflower sisters. We debated for a few days on what to do with them as their family has run the gym for the past one-hundred years. So, I was sent to talk to them about what's going on. After doing so we at the league decided to give them a second chance with a few provisors and compromises. You don't need to know what they are as they're personal. The main one that you need to know is that all gym battles now take place during the week. Their shows have been moved to weekends only."

"Oh great" Ash said, "so I'm going to have to battle them, eh?"

"Yes you are" Lorelei said seriously "and I expect you to treat them as you would anyone else Ash. They've been through more than you know."

"Look" Ash said interrupting her "I'm not really bothered about facing them, I know we'll win. But that doesn't mean that a random stranger gets to tell me how to act to people who have been very rude to me Lorelei. I respect your position, I really do. But you're not my mother. Only she gets to tell me off."

"I might not be your mother Ash" she replied leaning forward "but they're human beings with feelings just like you are."

"Then they should have realised that from the start too" Ash said just as seriously "look, I don't want to argue with you. We're likely never going to agree when it comes to those women. So how about we leave it? I'll treat them the way they treat me. That's all I can offer."

"I suppose that will have to do" Lorelei said standing up "I shall see you at the gym then?"

"Yeah" Ash said "when we've finished our training we'll head on over. It was really nice seeing you Mrs Lorelei. You never did say who your husband was when you told me I'd beaten him."

"Did I not?" she said smiling as she left.

"Did she?" Ash asked Pikachu "I don't remember her saying anything."

"Well she mentioned it was the last time we were here. And we'd beaten a few trainers up to then, but not many were her age." Pikachu said "so we could probably narrow it down"

"We beat a few hikers up on the cape, I can't see Lorelei being married to just anyone. Maybe that's me being disingenuous though." Ash said thinking. A few minutes later Pikachu said "There was the guy with the Sandslash that we beat"

"Oh yeah" Ash said remembering him "yeah I could see him being married to her. He didn't seem like the run-of-the-mill trainer. Plus, he seemed very knowledgeable about Pokémon in general. It was him after all that suggested looking in the power plant for your Light Ball."

"That's right!" Pikachu exclaimed. "It's the main reason why we considered even coming back here, along with getting the badge that is."

"I seem to recall talk of Bruno being around here last time too. Did we battle Bruno?" Ash asked "hang on, let's look him up" walking to the computer he booted it up and typed Bruno's name in and there he was. The very same trainer they beat.

"We beat an Elite Four member" Ash whispered shocked "and we only had one badge"

"He did say he'd only recently caught the Sandslash though Ash" Pikachu reminded him "but yeah, we beat him. The question is though is Bruno Lorelei's husband?"

"That's something we may never know. I mean we can ask her but like I said she's kept it private for a reason." Ash replied "She did mention she talks to him every day about losing on purpose so he can get to battle people. I can see them chatting about that over breakfast." Standing up Ash and the rest had a light training session and then made their way to the gym. Knocking on he walked in and saw a different receptionist who logged his Pokedex and waved him through. Walking to the pool area he noticed the same three girls from last time standing with Lorelei. Whispering to Pikachu "it's them again. I don't really want to be here any longer than we have to Pikachu so I'm likely just going to use you. Hopefully that's allowed." Louder he shouted, "I'm here for my badge."

"So, it's you again" the Pinkette said.

"It is, now I've promised Lorelei I'd be somewhat courteous to you. I'll treat you how you treat me. If that changes so will my attitude. So, can we get on with the battle?" Ash asked standing as tall as he could.

"Very well. Miss Lorelei could you be referee?" the Blonde asked

"Yeah, sure Daisy" she replied walking over to the box. Looking at Ash she decided on a last-minute change of plans "this will be a three-on-three, one-on-one Pokémon battle between Ash Ketchum and the Three Sensational Sisters. Each time a sister loses one of the three will replace her until the battle is over. Each time a switch happens the challenger also must switch. The trainer with the last Pokémon remaining wins"

"Damn" Ash said "there goes our plans of sweeping with you Pi" shouting over to Lorelei he said "I know what you're doing Lorelei, you're trying to stop me sweeping with just Pikachu which you know I will do"

"Hey! Lily shouted, "you don't know that mister. Our Pokémon are strong".

"Yes, I do" Ash shouted back. "Pikachu has just won a contest of volt power against Lt Surges Raichu. What do you think he'd do to a water type Pokémon in a gym that's a pool?" turning round to Lorelei he shouted "you're trying to place the odds in their favour. I have to wonder why?"

"Well you did say that you wanted to lose a battle Ash. This is the best way of doing that" Lorelei said "Now, trainers release your first Pokémon"

Grumbling Ash released Charmander while Violet released a Seel while he scanned it with Dexter "Seel, Pokedex Number 86, the Sea Lion Pokémon, This Pokémon is female. The protruding horn on its head is very hard. It is used for bashing through thick ice. Loves freezing cold conditions. Relishes swimming in frigid climates."

"They're trying to cheat us here Charmander. No holding back" Ash said.

"You sent out a fire type? Against my water type?" Violet asked incredulously. "Are you taking the piss?"

"Lorelei has tried to cheat me out of a badge by changing the set league rules at the last minute. Any form of courtesy has gone out of the window as far as I'm concerned. Charmander will win. So, let's battle" Ash said angrily. If they thought changing the rules was ok, then so would he "Charmander Smokescreen on the battlefield. Then hop to the next platform."

Doing so Violet ordered Seel to jump into the pool and wait for an opportunity.

"Be careful Seel" Violet said "when you can use Water Gun"

"Watch out Charmander. I'll let you know where it is" Ash said mystifying the others. How would he know? Immediately that was answered when Ash's eyes glowed blue and he gave Charmander a running commentary of exactly where Seel was "she's going to come up on your 4, Metal Claw to split the water and then close in and use Slash" Charmander set itself and waited. Seel did exactly what Ash predicted and was left crying in pain as it went flying across the pool and onto the other platform ending up in the water. "she's still conscious Charmander" Ash said "she has limited mobility now though because you ripped her right fin slightly"

"He's right" Daisy said quietly to Lily in awe "look at her fin."

"Yeah, Violet has lost this one" Lily said "I'm up next it seems. I don't know what he's going to send out though. I don't think my Horsea can beat him. And I don't know what he's doing to figure out where Seel is."

"My Starmie wont either, but it's our job. You know our rules now" Daisy said.

"I know. I know" Lily said watching Seel crawl up on to the platform and faint after taking another slash.

"Seel is unable to battle. Charmander wins. Lily to the battlefield" Lorelei said sighing. She knew she was at fault for this. But she was also hoping the change in rules would let Ash see this for what it was. Unpredictability on a battlefield was the most common way a trainer loses. For Ash however it seems to focus him. She would have to warn her Elite Four members about this, in just over a years' time she knew he would be facing them.

"Well done, Charmander. You were fantastic." Ash said recalling him and sending out Bulbasaur.

"It seems I'm up now Ash" Lily said walking forward looking very nervous.

"So, it seems" Ash said, "shall we?"

Sighing she sent out Horsea. "Let's do our best Horsea." Pointing Dexter, he scanned it "Horsea, Pokedex 116, Number, The Sea Dragon Pokémon, this Pokémon is Male. Known to shoot down flying bugs with precision blasts of ink from the surface of the water. If attacked by a larger enemy, it quickly swims to safety by adeptly controlling its dorsal fin."

"This will be a bit trickier Bulbasaur" Ash said as his eyes glowed blue again "they can be pretty fast and prefers hit and run tactics so I'll be letting you know where it is"

"Isn't that like, cheating?" Lily asked Lorelei. Before she could answer though Ash shouted over "She was quite happy to cheat to ensure you had a chance against us and you didn't complain then. You don't get to complain now. Bulbasaur use Stun Spore on the pool. Let's bring it up to the surface."

"Quickly Horsea" Lily said getting her head back into the battle "come on up and use Smokescreen". It did just that carpeting the battlefield with smoke before diving back into the pool giving Lily some time to think of a strategy to beat Ash. She was a gym leader dammit, she should be able to beat a rookie trainer.

"Keep Calm Bulbasaur" Ash said "listen to my voice and breathe very slowly to try and avoid inhaling too much smoke. It's directly below you at the minute. When I tell you to, use Vine Whip in the direction that I tell you." A few minutes later when the smoke began to clear Horsea burst out of the water "6 o'clock now!" and before Lily or Horsea could react Bulbasaur grabbed the helpless seahorse and threw it up into the air "Target practice Bulbasaur. Razor Leaf" Bulbasaur looked up and saw it falling back into the pool and lined up its trajectory and sent out three wicked looking spiked leaves. All three hit their target and sent Horsea flying onto Lilys side of the pool where it bounced off the surface and hit the far wall clearly out cold.

"Horsea is unable to battle. Ash and Bulbasaur win" Lorelei said calmly. On the inside though she felt so guilty. She had caused this. She had forgotten who his father was, when angered he was just as focused, just as driven and just as brutal.

"Daisy. You're up" Lorelei said coming back to herself "the last battle."

With that Daisy nervously walked onto the platform "I know we'll likely lose. But let's go Starmie" she said releasing a blue starfish like Pokémon. "Starmie, Pokedex Number 121, The Mysterious Pokémon and the evolved form of Staryu, Genderless. Its central core glows with the seven colours of the rainbow. Some people value the core as a gem. Regardless of the environment it lives in, its body grows to form a symmetrical geometric shape."

Thinking about his opponent Ash said quietly "Pi, no electricity. I want to see how we'll fare if you should have your electric powers nullified for any reason. This is a good opportunity to see. We know we'd win if just one Thunderbolt hits so let's give it a go. Don't let them know though" Louder though "Let's Go Pikachu" and he jumped off Ash's shoulder and onto the platform.

"You're either very brave or very stupid to still battle Daisy" Ash called over "either way we both know how this battle is going to go. Pikachu Quick Attack, half speed" and Pikachu set off running.

"Spin Starmie and try and avoid being hit." Daisy said trying to ignore Ash's words "When you see a chance use Water Gun" the next few minutes would not be called a great show by anyone. It was basically a chance to see who could avoid each other's moves. "Ok Pikachu, that's enough of warming up. Let the next Water Gun hit you, charge into it using Quick Attack into an Iron Tail."

"You're willing to let your Pokémon to take a hit?" Lily asked from the side.

"I trust my Pokémon implicitly just as they trust me." Ash said looking at her "They trust me to not let them get seriously hurt in battle which I gauge throughout a battle. Starmies Water Guns have got progressively weaker over the last few minutes due to not being able to regenerate in the pool while Pikachu has been doing half speed sprints. It's not even close to how fast we go in training. Starmies water move is basically just a shower at the minute. Daisy knows that she can't let Starmie touch the water to regenerate because Pikachu's electric moves would be an OHKO. And for some reason none of you have taught it a psychic move which baffles me. This battle was over before it began, but it's been a nice training session for us." Turning back to the field he saw Pikachu swing his tail and send Starmie flying with a crack in its core which started flashing. "well done Pi" Ash said as Pikachu joined him not even winded.

"Starmie is unable to battle. Ash and Pikachu win" Lorelei said stepping down from the platform. "Well done, Ash."

Shaking his head at her he addressed the sisters "you actually did pretty well. But you need to come up with strategies that don't involve just staying in the pool. You ladies seem at a loss when you're forced to the surface and it's very easy to exploit that given how unstable your Pokémon are on land. As for Daisy, teach Starmie a psychic move. It will cover most weaknesses you have because you can use Confusion or Psychic to deflect attacks while you come up with a way to counter-attack. Now, can I have my badge please. I have somewhere I need to be."

"Erm, like, sure" Daisy said mystified at how nice he was being handing over the Cascadebadge.

"If you're wondering why I'm being nice it's because this wasn't your fault. It was hers" he said nodding to Lorelei who had the grace to look ashamed "I would have been in and out of here in ten minutes with Pikachu if it wasn't for Lorelei's actions. At least it wasn't all bad though. My Pokémon got a run out and a chance to show off a little." Shaking his head Ash went to leave before turning back "You're not bad trainers, you clearly care for your Pokémon. But I think you should ask yourself if battling is what you truly want to do because quite frankly you have a lot to learn about them."

With that Ash left to go to the Pokémon centre where he handed off Pikachu and the rest to Nurse Joy where he then phoned his mother to give her his good news. He did not expect to be shouted at though.

"Ash Satoshi Ketchum!" Delia said looking angry "I thought I raised you better than to act like that in front of people! I do not care if Lorelei changed the rules, your actions were deplorable young man. You cannot go around treating people like that Ash. You're just as impulsive and hot-headed as your father. Now you are going to write a letter of apology to Lorelei, you will send it to me so I can check it and I will then ask Sam to forward it on. I expect it done by tonight, Ash. No excuses" she said hanging up leaving Ash bewildered. He really didn't know what he did wrong. Walking back to the nurse he picked up his Pokémon. Seeing he looked troubled and upset she asked him what was wrong and he talked it through with her.

"Well, it's clear that your mum was right Ash" Joy said "I know you are young and at times that is a reasonable excuse but this time you crossed a line with how you behaved. You deliberately showed up an Elite Four member. Now, what she did was just as wrong. But you humiliated the gym leaders just to get back at her when they had done nothing wrong to you. A lot of trainers forget that they don't just represent themselves when traveling, but also their families. What you did today was tell people that your mother didn't raise a respectable young man which reflects poorly on her. Now, I suggest you get that letter written. While you're at it I suggest you write one for the Waterflower sisters too to show your mum you realise what you did wrong. When you're champion Ash you will have to work closely with these people. Having good working relationships are a must in any business." With that she stood up and left Ash sat at the table contemplating his actions. His mum and Joy were right. He had let his anger take over and been a jerk. He needed to fix this. Walking up to his room he typed up an email to his mother with both apology letters attached. He ended it saying he was very sorry that he had disappointed her and that he would hand deliver the Waterflower one while he was still in the city. He received a very short reply off his mum saying "acceptable. Your actions have consequences Ash. We literally talked about this not long ago. Mum"

Well now he really felt like crap. Deciding to call it a day he went to lie on his bed and watched TV. Sleep eluded him for a long time that night.

Elsewhere Lorelei was lying in bed in her husbands' arms still awake, thinking over the day. She was very upset.

"What's wrong sweetheart" came the gravelly voice behind her.

"I was just thinking over today" she said turning over facing him "and what happened at the gym." She explained as best she could about the changes she made to the match and the reasons behind it "I can't help but feel responsible and ashamed that I put not only Ash in that position but those girls in the same position too."

"Well, you were at fault love" Bruno said sitting up "did you explain to Ash why you'd made the changes?" seeing her shake her head he sighed "well maybe you should have done it as a suggestion before you did so. All this would have been avoided then. The Ash I met was very singularly minded, exceptional at battling but it was clear that his emotional being is stunted. Now I can only speculate why, probably losing his dad and having no solid male influence his entire life to teach him how to be a man. His mum has done a terrific job raising him. It was clear to see he adored her, but life lessons taught to young men by grown men are critical to how they grow up."

"What can I do?" she asked tearing up. While being direct and blunt was one of the things she loved about Bruno it was still difficult to hear him say it. Before he could answer though an email popped up on her phone, flashing as urgent from Professor Oak. Reading it she teared up. Concerned Bruno gently took the phone off her and read it.

Mrs Lorelei

I am writing to you on behalf of my son Ash Ketchum who had an interaction with you today. I am deeply appalled at his behaviour towards both you and The Waterflower sisters. That isn't the young man I raised. I am aware that the circumstances were unusual but that gave him no right to speak to you or act the way he did. Attached is a letter of apology from my son.

Wishing you and your family well

Delia Ketchum

Reading the apology deeply impressed Bruno. It was clear someone had spoken to him other than his mother to explain how he was in the wrong and why.

"Well, there you are" he said quietly "looks like it wasn't just on your mind. Someone other than his mother has talked to him regarding his behaviour. I suggest you write a letter back apologising for your side and then let the matter lie. You were both in the wrong. If I were there at the time I would have said so" hearing their newborn daughter start crying he stood up, kissed her on the forehead and said "I'll go see to her. You write a reply explaining why he reacted the way he did and that you were both at fault." Doing just that Lorelei felt much better. She still felt bad. This whole situation could have been avoided if she had thought before she acted. From now on she would endeavour to do just that.

The next day Ash walked to the gym and hand delivered the letter to the receptionist. Leaving he restocked at the Mart and made his way down Route 9 towards Rock Tunnel. The Power Plant was just south of that along a little path. Battling the trainers along there briefly took his mind off what happened but he was still deeply troubled. So much so he nearly lost a battle with an opponent he should have easily beat.

"Ash" Bulbasaur said "you need to speak to your mum. This needs sorting out very quickly because you're making mistakes you normally wouldn't do."

"You're right" Ash said "the next Pokémon centre is just outside Rock Tunnel. I'll video call her. I'd rather do it face to face than on my pokegear. In the meantime, Squirtle needs more training. We'll start with moves" and with that Ash threw himself into focusing on training Squirtle. He had a long way to go to catch up with the others due to his initial reluctance but he would get there. Ash had faith.

Hours later Ash arrived at the centre. Walking in he was surprised to see it fairly full. He was lucky he got a room to himself really. Setting everything down he prepared himself for the upcoming conversation. Breathing in he dialled his mum's number and waited. This was not going to be an easy conversation.

"Hi Mum."