A somewhat soppy one this time. Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you as often as you're able. It's important as you don't know how long you have left with each other.
Chapter 16- Chats
Ash woke up early the next day to get the bus back to Vermillion. Grumbling about long bus journeys he sat down for a ten-hour ride. Getting into Vermillion he headed straight to the Pokémon Centre where he spoke to Joy. Headed to his room he phoned his mother to let her know he was there and that their hotel was booked for the next week. She informed him that she had a few things she needed to do before she asked Sam for his Dragonite to give her a lift, but she'd be there for Sunday evening. As it was Friday evening Ash decided to go for a meal on the harbour.
Sitting down at a restaurant he was enjoying a nice relaxing evening when someone tapped him on the shoulder him making him look up in surprise. When he did, he did a double take. It was Lt Surge only he wasn't alone. Beside him was an extremely beautiful woman and a girl around his age. The woman was tall, blonde and had an air of refined elegance about her. The girl though was tall, around 5 foot 8, blonde hair and had bright blue eyes. Ash had to admit she was incredibly beautiful.
"Er" Ash said his mouth feeling suddenly dry.
Lt Surge just let out a big booming laugh. "On a battlefield he's assured and articulate, put him in front of a young lady and his shyness shows through. Who'd have thought, eh?" by this point the woman was laughing, the young girl had a smile on her face and Pikachu was on the floor crying.
"Hey!" Ash said looking at Pikachu "is there any need Pi?"
"Oh, there's every need" Pikachu said "this is the second time now. First Lorelei and then this young lady. Are you in love again?"
"I was not in love the first time Pikachu" Ash said grumpily "I just did not expect Lorelei to sit down and join me for breakfast like she'd known us for years. I seem to recall you trying to show me up that time too."
"What can I say?" Pikachu said climbing back onto the table "I'm the gift that keeps on giving."
"You can say that again" Ash mumbled "Hello Lt Surge. I'm afraid I don't know you lovely ladies though".
"Smooth" Pikachu said around an apple slice.
"I thought so too" Ash mumbled back causing Lt Surge and the young woman to laugh.
"Ash this beautiful woman is my wife Audrey, and the 'lovely young lady' is my daughter Elesa" Lt Surge said as proud as any father can be.
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you all." Ash said nodding at them "what can I do you for Lt Surge?"
"Oh, nothing really. We were just on our way out for a meal here, had a table booked for 8 and we just happened to see you. We have an hour to spare before we go to our table" Lt Surge said cheerfully.
"Try the Calamari" Ash said instantly "Even Pikachu liked it and he's very fussy about what he puts in his body. Something about it 'being a temple'."
"Funnily enough that's Elesa favourite" Lt Surge said laughing.
"She has good taste then" Ash said smoothly and smiling at her. "I'm very sorry, where are my manners? My name is Ash Ketchum, future Pokémon League Champion."
"Hi!" Elesa said exuberantly "I know who you are. I read everything I could about your thoughts and feelings about Electric Pokémon. Its kind of made me wish I could become an electric gym leader myself. They're just so unique."
"Why can't you?" Ash said confused "I mean you already have the best person to be able to teach you about the demands of being a gym leader."
"I know" Elesa replied "but I've just been signed by a model agency in Unova. Mum and I will be moving there for the next year, which is sad because we won't see dad as much, but I don't think I could combine being a model and a gym leader at the same time."
"Ah I see" Ash said nodding "well I'm sure once you've established yourself as a model, you'll be able to pick and choose what you'd like to do."
"I hope so" Elesa said.
"It's going to be incredibly difficult being away from Frank" Audrey said, "we've been together now about 30 years."
"Known each other 35" Lt Surge put in smiling at her. "Been together for 31."
"That's incredible" Ash said smiling "I hope for that one day" he finished looking away.
"What's wrong Ash?" Elesa asked.
Looking at her he wondered the best way to phrase what he was about to say. In the end the truth is all he had. First, he turned to Lt Surge and asked, "How old is Elesa and has she had the talk yet?" causing her to blush heavily. Roaring with laughter Lt Surge took a few moments to compose himself he nodded "she's 15 and yes".
Turning to a tomato red Elesa he said "I'm sorry about that but it was a necessary question. I'm an Aura Wielder. Now while everyone has access to Aura, very few can wield it and shape it to suit their needs. I'm one of those few. But being gifted comes at a price. We fall in love for life, with one person only. And we don't always find that person. Sometimes we do and they're already taken. When we reach the age of 16 our Aura sends out pings in our local area every few weeks hoping for a ping back. Think of it like sonar, where a blip is what you're looking for. So, the majority of us grow up mentally preparing to live a very solitary life. Casual affairs are not possible because when we have sex our Aura intertwines with our partner and strengthens our bond. It's just not possible with someone we aren't in love with. So, while I hope to have a relationship one day, I'm also very aware that I might never find my destined partner."
"Oh, that's so sad" Audrey said grabbing Lt Surge's hand "I don't know what I'd do without Frank."
"I don't know how my mother has done it either" Ash said "ever since my father disappeared, she often gets this lost look on her face. Our auras resonate with our chosen life-mates, theirs reciprocates. So, when that's no longer an option you feel like there's a part of you permanently missing and there's a hollow feeling you get. It's very sad."
"I can see why Frank likes you" Audrey suddenly said "for days after your battle he raved about how a kid was putting Electrical Pokémon back on the map. He also like your no-nonsense attitude when he asked about his treatment of other trainers that challenged him."
"To put it lightly they were cretins, Mrs Surge" Ash said frowning "they deliberately put their Pokémon in harm's way with their own foolishness and arrogance. Who the hell challenges an electric gym with a Pidgey or an unevolved Water Type. Even Lorelei told me that she wouldn't do that if she had the choice. The disrespect to Lt Surge in doing that was appalling. If I was a full professor, I'd have revoked their licenses on the spot. Your husband has his hands tied by the league on idiots like that. All he can do is make an example of them. Which I'm glad he did. I shouldn't really tell you this, but Professor Oak warned me before challenging you that you had complaints that Blue told him of about being 'brutal'. I spoke to Professor Oak about the complaints he received and told him to throw them all away after witnessing what I did over the week I was here before challenging your husband. I believe he has done."
"Wow" Audrey said, "they really complained?"
"Oh yes" Ash said "in fairness if Lt Surge had of told Nurse Joy what was happening, she'd have told Professor Oak the same. All she knew was that trainers were bringing their Pokémon into the centre in critical condition. I can't remember who I talked to about it, but I doubt your husband had Raichu use more than 20% of Raichu's power against them."
"I didn't" Lt Surge grunted "but you're right. The League has my nuts in a vice regarding who can and cannot challenge me. I have no choice but to accept all challengers. It's the downside of being a gym leader. I asked Raichu to send a statement every time but not to go overboard to show the trainers how serious a Pokémon battle could be. But thank you for your interference on my behalf. I was getting tired of ignoring those emails and I did wonder why they suddenly stopped."
After a few minutes silence Lt Surge asked him how he'd been and if Pikachu was stronger now.
"Much stronger" Ash said smiling rubbing his best friend on the head "he's very nearly mastered Thunder now. His Thunderbolt was near that level when we fought your Raichu but during the last month or so it's developed into Thunder. Our next move is Volt Tackle. It's just working out the mechanics of it that's the issue at the moment."
"What do you mean?" Elesa asked leaning forward clearly interested "and why?"
"Well Volt Tackle is the Pichu lines strongest move." Ash said having a drink "you're essentially combining Quick Attack, Thunderbolt/Thunder and Double Edge. So, the obvious draw back to that is the massive amount of recoil you would get. The Pichu line are known for being fast, so a fast move that combines with a recoil move can seriously hurt the user too. Now Pikachu is very tough, we targeted his defence as an area to work on and improve months ago and so far it has paid off as we have just had a very physical fight with the new Saffron Gym Leader. We deliberately didn't use a ranged move except to guarantee a finish to see how far we'd come in the four months we've been together. Pikachu here went toe-to-toe with a Hitmonchan and won. So, we know his defence is pretty good now. But as I said the mechanics of combing the three moves is taking some working out."
"Raichu tried to learn that move years ago" Lt Surge supplied helpfully "I know what you mean. I suggest you focus on combining the Quick Attack and Thunderbolt first. Get used to running around covering yourself in electricity and not attacking anything. Then learn Take Down before progressing onto Double Edge. Trust me on this. While it's not as powerful as the latter it still trains your Pokémon's body for recoil, making learning and coping with Double Edge easier. After that Pikachu should master Volt Tackle in no time."
"Thank you" Ash said happily "we've been stuck at an impasse for a week now wondering what we were doing wrong."
"You were trying too many things to think about at once" Elesa said chirping in "it's not surprising you were struggling."
"Why are you back in Vermillion anyway Ash?" Lt Surge asked.
"Well, you remember the tournament I won here. The first prize for that was two tickets for a cruise on the SS Anne." Ash said, "so I rang my mum up and asked her to join me for a few weeks. She's getting here Sunday afternoon; we're spending a week here at the Norbrek before three weeks on the SS Anne."
"Oh, that's so sweet" Audrey said making Ash blush again.
"She's the only family I have" Ash said "and I have really missed her the last few months. Going out on your own journey, leaving loved ones behind isn't easy. And chatting to her every few nights isn't the same. I'm looking forward to it. I've promised all my Pokémon that apart from light sessions in the onboard gym we will all be able to relax and not think about battles. Mum and I have a lot to catch up on. And after how rough the last ten years has been on her she deserves to be treated."
"You're just adorable" Audrey said "Elesa is the same with me. But she's very much daddy's little girl." Which earned a nod and a laugh from both Lt Surge and Elesa.
"Oh" Ash said suddenly "I was going to come and see you sometime this week Lt Surge. I have something I think you'd like. Hand it over Pi."
Giving Ash a small glare he concentrated and out of his left cheek sac an object materialised causing Lt Surge and Elesa to gasp as they immediately recognised what it was.
"A light ball?" Elesa breathed as Ash plucked it out of the air and placed it on the table "where did you get that? And you're just giving it up?"
"We got them at Power Plant" Ash said "Zapdos owed me a favour, and as Pikachu will never evolve, we turned the two Thunderstones we had into two Light Balls. Zapdos was very helpful with that. So, as we had a spare, I thought I'd give it to Lt Surge for Raichu. I got the impression he was a bit sad to learn Pikachu's potential electrical output is greater than his own, and I have a spare Light Ball just lying around in my bag. It's a no brainer to me."
"Zapdos owed you a favour?" Elesa shouted before lowering her voice at the attention it attracted "a Zapdos?"
Ash just nodded and said "we literally saved its life. It was probably half an hour away from death when we rescued him. Pikachu spent every bit of electricity he had to charge Zapdos up enough for it to be able to use its own electrical power again. It took us an hour of constant Thunderbolts to get to that point before we had a brainwave and used the storm outside to act as a conduit between that, Pikachu's lightningrod ability and Zapdos itself. After that it healed itself with the storm. But to thank us it shaped the Thunderstones I had into these."
Picking it up Lt Surge examined it "It's not a ball" he grunted making Ash laugh and say "I said the same thing. but then again given how they're formed they wouldn't be."
"How are they formed?" Elesa asked.
"Well, I don't know how they're normally formed but Elemental stones aren't round are they." Ash said looking at her "Zapdos used the biggest Thunder I have ever seen to melt the two stones I had into these shapes. He overloaded the evolution component in the gemstones, amplified the electrical one and warped it. I wish I could have recorded it, but we were in awe of the output we were witnessing. Sadly though they're not as great an addition as I thought."
"What do you mean?" Lt Surge asked curiously.
"Well, Pikachu's output is already in the top 2% of all recorded Pikachu. He mastered Thundershock as a Pichu with no recoil happening. And while a light Ball usually offers around 25% more electrical energy, we've found it only gives Pikachu around 10%. So, it's only slightly more useful to us than it should be. It comes into play in a pinch for us rather than all the way through a battle. Hopefully it helps Raichu out."
Nodding Lt Surge looked at his watch and saw it was time for them to go to their own table. Thanking him for the conversation Lt Surge slipped Ash a card with his personal number on it and said goodbye. Ash immediately stored the number. He could see himself keeping in touch with Lt Surge. Getting back to the room Pikachu rummaged around Ash's bag before pulling the spare Light Ball out and infusing it in his cheeks. Giving Ash a glare he jumped onto the bed and pretended to fall asleep. Chuckling Ash got ready for bed and was out like a light.
The next day Ash received a call while he was in the gym from Nurse Joy. He had a visitor at reception. After showering Ash trudged up to the reception and saw a woman there in a blue uniform. Recognizing her immediately he walked over and greeted her.
"Hi Jenny" Ash said shaking her hand "Thank you for this. How have they been?"
"They've been really good Ash" Jenny said "they've quickly become a great addition to the team. So, Ash, do you still want to go through with this?"
Nodding ash smiled "yeah I do, its only for a week so it's not going to be that long."
"Very well" Jenny said, "shall we inform them?"
"Outside?" Ash asked as he led the way. Sitting down on a bench outside Ash called out Squirtle. Jenny did the same with the four Ash caught many weeks earlier. Looking around Squirtle wondered what was happening when he noticed his friends and immediately threw himself at them forming a big group hug. After a few minutes of chatter between them Squirtle remembered Ash.
"What's going on Ash?" Squirtle asked confused.
"Well do you remember the conversation you had with us all the night before we entered Saffron?" Ash asked earning a confused nod "well the next day I phoned Jenny up to arrange something for you. So, we leave on the SS Anne next Saturday afternoon, until that time you will get to spend that week with Jenny and your friends. You will be required to attend their fire-fighting training sessions but apart from that you five have the week together."
Immediately Squirtle teared up and launched himself at Ash thanking him. "Have fun Squirtle." Ash said smiling and handing Jenny Squirtle's pokeball. "I shall see you in a week." Recalling him he gave Jenny the location of his hotel. "I'm aware some job may come up at the last minute, I checked the SS Anne, and it has a pokeball transporter. If for any reason you can't get Squirtle back to me on time don't worry about it. Just send him to Professor Oak and he'll transfer him to me at our next opportunity."
"Thank you, Ash," Jenny said standing up "this is a really nice thing you're doing for them."
"They lived a harsh life Jenny" Ash said "Squirtle's life-story hit me hard. Abandoned by their trainers, left to fend for themselves and resorted to stealing to survive. I'm not absolving any of them of what they did. Stealing food to survive is one thing, stealing a little girls medicine because they could do is another and crossed a line."
"The little girl survived" Jenny said happily "we found it immediately in their horde and she is fine now."
"That's good" Ash said nodding "I'll hopefully see you in a week."
The rest of the day passed by quite slowly. He didn't know what time his mother was getting into Vermillion yet, but their hotel rooms were booked for 10am. Explaining what he had done for Squirtle had made them all happy. It gave them yet another reason to believe Ash was worthy of them all. There's no doubt that an extra week of training before relaxing on the SS Anne could have benefited them but putting that aside for Squirtle's mental health was an incredible gesture and reiterated how lucky they all were to have Ash as their trainer.
The next day Ash packed his things and made his way to their new hotel. The Norbrek was situated literally on the doorstep of the harbour and gave them magnificent views of the boats and the sea. For that reason it wasn't cheap but as Ash could afford it and as he wanted to spoil his mum he thought why the hell not. Checking in he followed the bellhop to the rooms he had booked. His mother's room was next door to his but had a door on the inside that could be locked from either side for privacy. Walking in Ash was astounded at the opulence of the room. It had a big double bed, a TV on the wall, a fridge in the corner as well as a comfy chair next to a bookcase. Just off to the side was a bathroom with a shower and a huge bath. Dropping his bag, he walked to the window and gasped in amazement at how magnificent the view was. He could see why the rooms were expensive.
For the next few hours Ash unpacked and made himself comfy. He was very nervous, and he couldn't understand why. He had lived with his mum for eleven years after all. And he spoke to her all the time. Maybe it was because they had a lot to talk about, maybe it was because he missed her. Either way he was startled when his room phone rang. Picking it up he was informed by reception that he had a visitor. Excited Ash all but leapt out of the room and impatiently rode the elevator down. Walking into the reception area he immediately saw her and teared up. He had really missed his mum. Rushing to her and giving her a hug, he said hello.
"Hi sweetheart" Delia said happily "I've missed you too. Look how much you've grown! You're like a weed!"
Laughing Ash picked up her bag and showed her the way to her room. Opening the door for her Delia stopped as soon as she entered. "wow" she said after several seconds.
"I know" Ash said laughing "that was my reaction to my room. Which seems to be an exact mirror image to yours. However, I have something better for you. Now, close your eyes and hold out your hand and follow my lead." Looking at him curiously he led her to the balcony and told her to open her eyes where she immediately let out a gasp. "Look at that view!"
"I know right?" Ash said excitedly. "Just think Mum, in a weeks' time we'll be on that view sailing around Kanto for three weeks! Three weeks mum!"
"And you're still certain you want me around you for that amount of time?" Delia asked him looking a bit concerned.
"Of course, I do!" Ash said immediately cheering her up "I've missed you loads mum. It's been a rough four and a half months. And we have lots to catch up on. First however, let's get you unpacked."
"Ah, ah" Delia said "I will unpack my own things, Ash. For now, make yourself useful and put the kettle on."
"Mum" Ash said laughing "we don't have a kettle. For what I pay for the rooms we get free room delivery. I just pay the amount owed at the end of the week. Don't worry" he said quickly before she could say anything "I'm good for it mum. There are perks to being a junior professor and a semi-famous author that I'll tell you all about over lunch. Do you want it up here or at a café?"
"Give me an hour to unpack Ash" Delia said smiling "and we'll go out shall we while it's such a nice day."
"Will do mum." Ash said leaving "I'll leave the middle door open so just come through when you're ready." Before he exited the door he looked back and said "I'm really glad you're here mum. I've really missed you." Smiling Delia hummed to herself and unpacked. Letting Eevee and Cleffa out of their pokeballs she told them where they were and what they would be doing for the next four weeks earning cheers. Cleffa was still on edge, but as it was Ash who rescued her, she would give him a try. She hadn't wanted to leave Delia after the recovery period was up, and Delia was more than happy to keep her. Cleffa and Eevee got on very well together too which helped.
A few hours later they were sat at a small café on the harbour eating sandwiches and talking about their plans.
"So, tell me Ash, what's the plans for the cruise?" Delia asked.
"Well, it stops at a few places that I'm interested in." Ash replied "the first stop is about a week in at Porta Vista for a few days. Its marine life there is protected and has developed into a great reef, ideal for water types and other fishes. Then a few days later it stops at Seafoam Islands where they do a tour of the first two levels of the Ice Cave. The other levels are off limits as it's said Articuno has its lair there and is protected by the League so we may be able to meet her. Unlikely though as around this time of the year she's at Orange Islands for the ceremony that happens there. Sam told me about that, he goes whenever he can to that. The last stop after Seafoam is at Fuschia City. The Safari Zone is said to be there but I'm planning on visiting there at another time, so I won't be getting off there. I also know you'll likely want to talk about the information I sent you. We'll have to do that on there because there's nowhere secure here to do so. I'm sorry we have to wait that long but outside of our own home its too easy for people to listen in."
"That's fine Ash" Delia said smiling slightly "what I have pieced together left me angry, I won't lie to you."
"Me too mum" Ash said, "if as I suspect, we have the same thoughts on it then yeah, I'm very angry too."
"You were about to explain why you booked the Norbrek before and not a regular hotel" Delia said giving him a pointed look.
"Yes" Ash said finishing off his sandwich and taking out his Pokegear and Pokedex. Clicking on a few buttons they linked up and Dexter bleeped to life making a few others look over wondering what was going on.
"Trainer Ash Ketchum; Pokedex Number AK191298. Career Battles, 356, 355 wins, 1 unsanctioned loss. Trainer career earnings to date: $188,670. Junior Professor earnings to date; $7.600,000 Total money; $7,788,670 pokedollars."
Shutting them both off Ash looked at his mother's face and had to stop himself from laughing. "Since I started as a trainer, I haven't lost a single battle. The unsanctioned battles I had are unsanctioned because I refused to take prize money off the youngsters that I knew couldn't really afford it or just wanted a fun battle. Mainly bug catchers, and junior trainers. The gym leaders though give you a set amount of money dependent on the number of badges you have OR the challenge you face. As I have faced two Elite Challenges with Brock and Lt Surge the amount of money I would normally receive was tripled. The rest soon mounts up. Plus, as a junior professor I don't have to pay for any items that total under $10,000 at any mart. As I have only four Pokémon my needs aren't massive. And I make sure to re-stock every town or city I get to, so my bag is never out of items. It has helped me save up the entire time I've been travelling.
My biggest spending spree was at the beginning when I spent around $60,000 on weights, vitamins and food but you know about that. We'll likely only need to restock those in a few months. I may do it on SS Anne if they're selling them there. So, as you see Mum, I've been very good with money, I've not bought needless junk and not spent anything extortionate. The cruise is fully paid for by the League, so I thought I'd treat you to a nice stay overlooking the harbour. Apart from the occasional visit to Viridian to see Uncle Giovanni you've not left Pallet Town in over eleven years. You deserve to be treated mum. And until we find out what happened to dad, and he can take over I will do what I can to make sure you want for nothing. So, if you want anything for room service just ring and ask. You're not spending anything I will miss."
After his impassioned speech he noticed that the café around them was silent. Looking round he noticed a lot of crying happening, lots of tissues being used with the occasional "what a nice boy" being uttered and generally pride on peoples faces. Looking back at his mum he noticed she was crying too. Standing up he gave her a long hug before letting her compose herself.
"You know over the last four months" Delia began "there's been so many times where I've wanted to halt your journey because of the incidents that have happened because of your immaturity or naivety. But then when I actually see you and hear things like that it makes me happy that I've raised such a kind young man and I immediately regret those thoughts. I do love you Ashy. Thank you."
"You don't ever have to thank me for looking after you now that I can Mum" Ash said smiling "now, come on. I found a place that does amazing ice cream."
The rest of the week was a whirlwind of training, trips out in the harbour, good food and generally having a really nice time with his mum. The SS Anne had arrived at the harbour on the Tuesday to be outfitted for its next voyage. It was a beautiful piece of machinery Ash thought as they walked along the beach and saw it from afar. He was still stunned that in a few days' time he would be onboard it.
On the Thursday Ash received an email from Professor Oak about the incident in Saffron where after an official investigation he officially stated Ash did nothing wrong in the eyes of the League and would face no actions against him. Ringing Sam up it he talked to him about the email.
"I wasn't even aware there was an investigation that I was part of Sam" Ash said confused.
"Of course, there was Ash." Sam said perplexed "You had a gym leader fired and replaced. Now I know you didn't plan on it; the League officially recognises that too. But the reasons behind it, the people involved, and the outcome had to have an official investigation to legally tie it all up to prevent Sabrina from suing both you and the League. You're on record stating you gave them the option of leaving the city of their own free will to test out your theory. You never forced anyone to go through with it. That had to be recognised so you have no worries about what happened and no reprisals from the League. Mr Suzuki corroborated your report too which added significant weight. That's all the email was about."
"Oh" Ash said "that makes sense. So why didn't I get one about Cerulean?"
"You did" Sam said surprising him "I just never forwarded it on as Lorelei intervened and sorted it out. I informed your mother, but as it had been sorted out within the next few days there was no need to inform you."
"Oh" Ash said again "fair enough. Oh, before you go. You may get a call from Officer Jenny in Vermillion City. She has my Squirtle for the week, he's getting some training with the fire-brigade. I've told her that if a job comes up last minute for them to just send you his pokeball and I'll get him whenever I next have the chance as we're packing up tomorrow and the cruise starts the day after. I don't know where the pokeball transporter is located onboard either."
"No worries, Ash" Sam said, "look after your mum and have fun!"
"We will do" Ash said, "bye professor."
The next few days passed by quickly. Ash received a very big surprise though when Jenny turned up to the Norbrek to hand him back Squirtle.
"Something happened Ash." Jenny said sitting down on a chair in Ash's room with his mum and Pokémon listening in "we had a call the evening before last night to put out a fire just north of Vermillion. Some young lads had set fire to a patch of grass in the middle of the forest and soon the entire thing was up in flames. A young lady named Melanie has a house in those woods where she looks after sick and injured Pokémon" which immediately made Bulbasaur stand up and walk towards Jenny, concern and fear on his face "she's ok but she was very worried about the Pokémon in those woods. Squirtle just happened to be near me when he heard what she said and rushed off with his four friends in tow. They managed to find her little house and doused the fires that were about a mile away from her house. Now I don't know why but Squirtle took charge of everyone that day and managed to put out the fire in that area. When they returned to us though he wasn't the same anymore."
"What do you mean" Ash asked concerned "is he ok?"
"See for yourself" Jenny said handing Ash his pokeball. With trepidation he called out "come on out Squirtle" only what came out wasn't a Squirtle. It was a Wartortle.
"Oh wow" Ash said, "you evolved?"
"I sure did Ash" Wartortle said his voce much deeper. He was a beautiful deep purple; his shell had deepened from a light green to an emerald green and his ears and tail were a very pale green.
"Why?" Ash asked.
Turning to face Bulbasaur he replied "because Bulbasaur's Melanie was in danger."
"You evolved to protect Melanie?" Ash asked.
"Yeah, I know how devastated Bulbasaur would have been if he found out his home for the last few years had been burned down" Wartortle said "he's been a great friend to me over the last month or so. Never really judged me or condemned me for my past. So, I did what I could to help. Her place is safe, the Pokémon she looks after are too. I did my job."
"You certainly did" Jenny said after Ash translated it for them all. "And he did us all proud. We would be honoured to take him in anytime he wants."
"We'll likely take you up on that offer in a few months. Once I've gained all my badges, I should still have a few months between then and the league where we're going to train like crazy. I was going to ask you to take him again for about a month of that, to train him to see through smoke or fog or any other weather conditions more accurately. Plus, I know how much he missed his friends so that's just an added bonus for his mental wellbeing."
"We'll be honoured Ash" Jenny said standing up "I'm relieved you weren't mad at him evolving."
"My Pokémon and I have had this conversation many times. They evolve if and when they want to" Ash said simply "and if Wartortle didn't want to evolve then he wouldn't have done. It's always been his choice. I'm very proud of him for helping Melanie out."
Leaving Ash introduced Wartortle to his mother and they had a long conversation about what he'd done for the week with his friends.
"Mum" Ash said suddenly "how come you can understand Pokémon?"
Laughing she said "I was wondering when you would ask that Ash. I've been with you a week now you never thought of asking?"
"Well, no" Ash said scratching his head "it's normal to me now so I don't really notice it when others do it."
"Well, I'm not sure you're old enough for the real answer yet Ash" his mum said with a smirk on her face "the gist of it is that your fathers and my Aura mingled at certain times, and I developed a few traits when it entered my body. Over time I was able to understand Pokémon."
After giving it thought for thirty seconds, he immediately turned bright red and his eyes bugged out "there it is" Delia said laughing "now, that's the only explanation you're ever going to get."
Message received Ash walked off shaking his head, leaving Delia and his Pokémon laughing.
The next day Ash had placed that particular conversation with his mum placed in the furthest part of his brain possible. He knew what his mother was talking about as he had given Elesa the same information a week before. He had no idea that it helped develop traits in your partner though. That was interesting, or it would be if he didn't think of his mum and dad like that when the information re-entered his conscious thoughts. He could see why that would possibly be a guaranteed way of producing offspring who had Aura, if both parents had a particular trait, then the child is highly likely to have it too.
Leaving the hotel Ash paid the bill without even looking at it and walked with his mum to the SS Anne. His mother had the tickets and flashed them to the attendant and walked onto the boat. Following the signs Ash and Delia headed to where their rooms were. Their rooms were next door to each other, only there was no middle door that opened into either room like there was in the hotel. After dropping their bags off and unpacking Ash and his mum decided to walk onto the front deck, passing people heading to their rooms. Walking out on the deck made Ash and Delia smile when the sea breeze hit them. As they leaned over the barrier to look at the people on the streets, they turned to each other and laughed, excitement clearly visible on each other's faces. Their holiday had officially started.
