I mentioned at the end of Chapter 16 how Delia can understand pokespeech. So, I'm not going to explain it again :D

Thank you all for the reviews. They mean a lot. And to answer a question I was asked; no I won't be abandoning this story but updates may not be every day due to the nature of my work. I'm writing the story after 13–14-hour shifts so I'm usually falling asleep while I write.

Chapter 27- Birthday Celebrations

Waking down the lane towards home Ash reminisced about how far he had come in eight months. He had gained six badges, gained many family members, ok he'd nearly died a few times, but he had come out tougher and more knowledgeable for it. He had grown in more than just height. There was something about being in the real world that helped you more than any book could. His interactions with people had helped hi immensely. He knew when he left Pallet Town that he would be forced to interact with people, something he was useless at outside Sam and his mum but being on the road has a way of forcing you to challenge your fears and face them head on. Meeting Bock was definitely the highlight of the first few months. He did love putting the Sensational Sisters in their place. Meeting every member of the Elite Four was something he didn't think he'd do until he was battling them either, but he did. He hadn't forgotten about his quest to find out about his dad. He just hadn't been around the places his dad visited but that would change on Cinnabar. He was determined to find out what his father had seen.

The cruise they had been on seemed such a long time ago when in reality it was only a few months. Had he really not seen his mum in all that time. Thinking of his mum made him tear up. She had suffered so much in such a short space of time, and he had been very lax about speaking to her since Fuchsia. Shaking his head, he vowed to be a better son. As he entered Pallet Town, he took a deep breath. He didn't realise how much he missed home until he breathed in the Pallet Town air. It felt amazing. Walking through the streets he observed how much busier it was now than when he left. Seeing a crowd gathered outside a place he walked up to them and was about to ask someone what was going on when the crowd parted, and Ash observed something he'd never seen. It was a restaurant. Now while that was strange in itself it was the name that caught Ash's attention. Delia's. Immediately Ash knew who owned this place.

"Hey Ash" someone said an angelic voice table outside "long time no see."

"Hello Miss Oak" Ash aid blushing.

Laughing at his predicament the lady stood up and hugged Ash. He noticed that he was the same height as her now "how many times do I have to say call me Daisy?"

"Hi Daisy" Ash said as he gently pushed her off him, his face beetroot red "how are you doing?"

"I'm good thanks Ash. I'm just visiting Gramps and thought I'd come and have some food here. Your mum is an amazing cook." Daisy said cheerfully "you blush so much still whenever I hug you."

Sitting down opposite her Ash looked around "she never even told me she'd had this place built" he said ignoring the last comment.

"I didn't know this was hers until Gramps told me yesterday. Having said that the name should have given it away" Daisy said laughing. Ash couldn't help but think about how beautiful it sounded. Pulling himself together ash shook his head.

"I'm glad she took my advice and had it built." Ash said smiling.

"Everyone is" Daisy said "we've been telling her for years her food is amazing. But she always said she didn't have the money to open a place like this. I guess she decided to bite the bullet and get a loan for it."

"I gave her the money" Ash said absentmindedly looking around astonished at his mums new place.

"You did?" Daisy asked surprised.

"Yeah" Ash said finally paying attention to her again "your gramps published all my scribblings I left at his over the years behind my back. He told me he used a pseudonym as I was underage but because I was about to start my journey my name had to be revealed for legal purposes. So, when he handed me and mum a folder with our new bank account from all the profits, we were very surprised. If I wanted, I wouldn't have had to work or even set out on my journey. When we got home that night, I told her to pursue her dream as she'd spent the last eleven years looking after me. I wasn't an easy child to raise, I'm very much aware of that and she deserved to live her life too."

"That's so sweet" a voice said from another table "what a kind boy you are."

"Thanks Mrs Hakiri" Ash said smiling at the old lady who lived just down the road from Ash "but it's true. Growing up with the difficulties I had with social interaction must have been difficult for her. Not to mention everything else that came with raising me. I am surprised she never told me about this place though."

"In her defence it's only been open about three weeks" Mrs Hakiri said "and she been very busy the last few months what with the wedding of Lance, the cruise, Porta Vista etc. I heard about that by the way Ash. You were incredibly brave but very foolish to take on a Pokémon like that on your own."

Smiling good naturedly at the old lady Ash just nodded as he stood up. "I couldn't let it harm the people in the city. Anyway, Daisy I need to be going. I haven't seen mum yet to let her know I'm back."

"Then don't let me hold you up Ash" Daisy said standing up and hugging Ash again making him go bright red "she should be at home by now. She only left about half an hour ago."

Leaving a laughing Daisy Ash started walking down the path towards home, trying his best to ignore Pikachu and his teasing.

"Maybe it will be her that you're destined to be with" Pikachu said.

Sighing Ash shook his head "no, I doubt it. She's extraordinarily beautiful and can get any guy she wants. Not only that but she's nineteen and I'm only twelve in three days."

"Wow" Pikachu said stopping laughing "it sounds like you have a big crush on her."

"I don't know if it's a crush Pi" Ash said simply as he sat down on a bench "Daisy was the first person I knew that wouldn't put up with me being a loner and would come and sit beside me during my playdates' as a child. She would actively tell me what she thought of my attitude. She has never been afraid to do so either. But she was also the first person I ever saw other than myself who had such an affinity with Pokémon. Oaks Charizard likes three people. Sam, me and Daisy. Sam because he was his trainer, me because I showed no fear of him growing up and would sit and talk for hours to him. But Daisy was and is different. Just her touch calms Pokémon and she doesn't have aura. She's an amazing breeder but an equally amazing person. Whoever she ends up with will be a very lucky person."

"Wow" Pikachu said, "I'm sorry for teasing you."

"It's ok" Ash said standing up "at times I hate having aura because I know I'd be good enough for her, but I have no choice in who I end up with. But I know she's too good for me. Anyway, let's get walking shall we. We've already wasted enough time chatting."

Standing up Ash carried on walking down the path listening to his own thoughts. Pikachu was doing the same. He had never once heard Ash talk about another person the way he talked about Daisy. It was clear from their interaction how smitten Ash was with her. It did seem to be one-sided though, which made Pikachu very sad. Pokémon and human romances could not be more different, and it often left Pikachu confused at the time humans spent during courtship. Shaking his head from his thoughts he decided he'd talk to Delia at some point during the week about Ash and Daisy. Maybe she had some insight into their relationship.

Stopping in front of the door Ash took a big breath and fished out his key from his backpack. It had made its way to the bottom of his bag over the last eight months but eventually he found it. Putting it into the lock he walked in and put his rucksack at the doorway, closed the door and walked into the house. He immediately knew where his mum was due to her singing. Looking at the clock he noticed it was 4pm, laundry time Ash mused. Walking into the kitchen Ash poured himself and Pikachu a glass of water and waited for his mum to appear. Several minutes later she did so.

"Hi Ash" his mum said absentmindedly as she walked into the kitchen, her arms full of laundry. Ash counted to three under his breath and sure enough at three Delia screamed "ASH!" dropping the clothes onto the table she swept her son up into a big hug. Ash only realised she was sobbing when the hug didn't end after ten seconds. Putting his arms around her he let her cry and just enjoyed the hug. He had missed his mother so much. The last time he had seen her had been Vermillion City three months ago just after his near-death experience. So, it wasn't a surprise that she kept the hug going for so long. Letting go she grabbed his face in her hands and just looked at him with tears still flowing down her face. Grabbing him back into a hug she said, "I've missed you so much Ashy."

"Missed you too mum" Ash replied kissing her on the side of the head.

"Come on" Delia said dragging him into the living room and making him sit on the chair "wait there a minute." Ash really had no choice he mused as he looked around the living room. He noticed a glass cabinet had been placed in the corner with several items Ash had sent to her. Standing up he looked closer at them. Several were trinkets he had picked up on his travels, some were from their cruise together and some were items he had found in various marts that he knew she'd love. Smiling he sat back down as he heard her come back into the room with two cups of teas and a plate of biscuits.

"So" Delia said with a happy smile on her face "tell me what you've been up to." the next several hours Ash and his mum talked about everything that had happened in the three months they had been apart. From meeting new partners, battling trainers, losing Pikachu outside Fuchsia, Grampa Canyon (he left out the near-death bit) and finally the Pokémon Institute.

"Yeah, your dad didn't like them either." Delia said looking at the clock "we'll continue this in a little while. I need to go lock up the restaurant. I'll pick up tea on the way back. I don't fancy cooking so will take out do?"

"Sounds perfect mum" Ash said smiling "I'm going to go have a bath while you're out. Do you need any money?"

Waving his offer away she replied "No, I have cash on me. Go and get a bath and we'll talk some more. We have a lot to catch up on." Grabbing him into a hug again Delia grabbed her purse and keys and left the house. Ash made his way upstairs and into his room. A new glass cabinet had been placed in here too only rather than trinkets it housed his evolution stones and his Old Amber. Ignoring this for now Ash stripped, grabbed a towel and had an amazing bath. They're so underrated Ash mused. An hour later Ash decided he'd been in here long enough and left to go to his room where he discovered an issue. His old clothes no longer fit him. Digging into his bag he pulled out his spare travelling clothes and walked downstairs to see his mum had laid the table on for them.

Sitting down he said "Mum, at some point this week we're going to have to go shopping. None of my clothes fit anymore."

Laughing she nodded "well you have grown a bit in the last eight months. You're nearly a foot taller than you were when you left so it's not a surprise. We'll go to Viridian tomorrow. How long do I have you for?"

"Well, as it's my birthday this week, and we always go to the beach for that I decided I'll be home for at least a week, maybe ten days depending on how I feel. I have four and a half months until the league starts and I want to get the last two badges and have at least two months of training under our belt before I head to the league."

"Having a Charizard to fly to Cinnabar and back should be very helpful" Delia said as she sat down and started dishing up.

"Ah" Ash said, "well I don't know if he'll stay around or not."

"Why?" Delia asked pausing in her actions.

Ash explained fully what had happened with Charizard, from what he did as a Charmeleon to evolving to rescue him from the Aerodactyl (he still played down the life-or-death part). "So, we've had a lot of issues lately. He still listens to me, but I told him that by the time we reach or leave Pallet Town to let me know what his decision is. I'll miss him mum should he leave."

"Have you told him that?" Delia asked concerned.

"I have yeah" Ash said "he was getting ready to rampage after he evolved but I calmed him down and explained what he meant to me. He calmed down instantly and since then he's been great. He goes flying every day, he trains more seriously but he also keeps an eye on us more. I don't think he thinks we notice but he does."

"It'll work out Ash" Delia said smiling "have faith."

That night after Ash had gone to bed Pikachu made his way downstairs. He told Ash that planned to have a look around his old home to see what had changed. Ash just smiled and nodded. But as Pikachu entered the kitchen, he noticed Delia was sat at the table clearly in thought. Pikachu wondered if he should do it another night when Delia spoke up.

"What didn't he tell me Pikachu?"

"I'm not sure what you mean Mrs Ketchum" Pikachu replied warily.

"Pikachu, what did he leave out" she said looking straight at him.

"I'm not sure I can tell you" Pikachu said hopping onto the counter "Ash obviously has reasons for keeping things from you, and it isn't my place to let you know."

"Pikachu" Delia said sighing "I won't confront him. This will stay between us, I assure you. but something else has him troubled, and I know when he's hiding something."

"He's been contemplating a lot of things lately" Pikachu said "some things I'm not going to tell you so don't ask. They're quite serious but Ash wants to figure things out for himself before he talks to anyone. Yesterday though we had a very serious conversation. For the first time since I've known him, he expressed his loathing of having Aura."

"Oh wow" Delia said "why?"

"We found your restaurant by sheer accident" Pikachu said, "and outside sitting down was a young woman named Daisy."

"Ah" Delia said nodding "things are starting to make more sense now. Daisy was the only person Ash interacted with growing up that was close to his age. I say close, she's seven years older than him, but you know what I mean. They would spend hours together chatting about Pokémon, or rather she'd talk at him while he would sit and listen. When he became an apprentice with Sam, Daisy began her own journey, so they lost touch. But I could always see how much he adored her. I take it he told you all this?"

"Not in as many words" Pikachu said "but I'm smart enough to be able to read between the lines. But something Ash said before we arrived here has stuck with me all evening. He said 'at times I hate having aura because I know I'd be good enough for her, but I have no choice in who I end up with. But I know she's too good for me.' That was the third time since I became his partner that he's talked about another woman."

"Oh?" Delia asked curiously "who were the other two?"

"The first was when he first met Lorelei in Cerulean" Pikachu said laughing "he was so tongue tied that she came and sat beside him and talked to him, all he could do was gargle incoherently for a good thirty seconds. The second time was when he met Lt Surges daughter the day before you arrived at Vermillion for the cruise. She was closer to his age, and both got on so well that Lt Surge drops her name into emails every now and then. I think he approves of Ash and would love nothing more than to see them get together. Ash however isn't like most boys. Aura dictates who he'll be with, and we have a running joke going in the group that it will end up being someone he's offended in the last eight months."

"Yes" Delia said laughing "that would be just like Ash. It is worrying though. He's starting to develop these feelings earlier in life than an aura wielder usually would. Usually when the wielder hits 16-year-old their body sends out the signal. It seems he's going to go through aura puberty much sooner. I'll have to look through some books, but I don't think there's any precedent for Ash."

"We don't think so either" Pikachu said "but I think it is becoming an issue for him that he has no say in a lot of aspects in his life. Over the last eight months all of us have developed a resentment for Arceus and her lack of help. Coupled with his near-death experiences that seemingly happen every month and now on top of that he's going through puberty sooner than normal… he's struggling. But he won't talk about it with anyone."

"That's because he can't" Delia said sadly "his father was the same. It's difficult to explain to someone who's not going through the same issues how you're feeling because the other person has no idea what is happening. It's heart-breaking knowing I can't help him."

"He has people who will listen, and he'll always have us" Pikachu said.

"Ah, but one of you is going to leave soon." Delia said, "which Ash won't handle well."

"No" Pikachu replied "he won't. He's putting on a brave face about it, but he has this kinship with Charizard that he doesn't have with any of the others, me included. He's very protective of him."

"He would be" Delia said smiling gently at Pikachu "Before he met you all he wanted was to emulate his dad. So, while it wasn't an easy choice, he would have taken a Charmander if you decided to stay wild. Plus, all of you have been abandoned at some point, and I'm sure he feels Red abandoned us even if he won't say it out loud."

"He has done" Pikachu said nodding "not often but he does talk about him from time to time and he's mentioned that he better have a good reason for not being around when he's found. I do have a question though."

"Go on" Delia said curiously.

"Why haven't you moved on?" he asked "From my understanding it's just Aura wielders that have the instinct, not their mates. So, you can be with someone else."

"Put simply, it's because of love Pikachu. I fell deeply in love with Red" she said looking out of the window "I knew from the moment I met him that he was it for me. Throughout our teenage years we would often spend hours just lying together watching the stars and talked about everything. When he told me about aura I was devastated, as was he. We thought we were destined to be together and then suddenly he told me that he didn't have a choice in who he could be with. I didn't speak to him for months afterwards as I thought he was leading me on. And then out of nowhere he turned up at my door not long after his sixteenth birthday and just kissed me. I still remember it like it was yesterday, Pikachu. There has never been another man that I've met that gave me the same feelings that Red did. And to this day whenever I look at his picture over the mantlepiece or think about him I suddenly become that teenager again."

"Oh wow" Pikachu said stunned "I'm sorry if you thought I was being rude. It was just something I wondered."

"Oh, don't worry about it Pikachu. I'm a woman in my early forties. I don't get as picky with these things anymore." Delia said laughing. "Now, what else is Ash worried about?"

"Apart from Charizard and Aura?" Pikachu said "not much really. He hasn't talked about his mission from Arceus in a while, that could be because of everything that's happened since Fuchsia."

"What happened at Grampa Canyon?" Delia asked looking at him. Pikachu immediately began to look wary "Pikachu, I know what happened. I just want to know why it was kept from me."

"I'm not the one to ask about that day" Pikachu said looking at her "you should ask Ash. I wasn't with him for any of it as we were separated, I was just there for the aftermath. How did you find out?"

"When living fossils are found in an undiscovered underground cavern in Kanto it's a pretty big deal, who do you think is told about it?" Delia asked.

"Well, I suppose the Elite Four, tv crews, the regional profess… ah damn. Sam was told, wasn't he?" Pikachu asked.

"Yes, he was" Delia said "while I was standing at the side of him. Brandon, I believe his name was came to Pallet Town a few days ago and spoke to Sam about the next dig at Pokemopolis. I just happened to be there at the time, and he didn't stop apologising for what happened to Ash but also raved at his discoveries. Needless to say, I was very angry that I was finding out that my only son nearly died, and I wouldn't have known about it. So why did Ash not tell me?"

"In his defence he hasn't spoken to anyone other than Charizard about that day" Pikachu said "And I don't think he ever will unless pushed to do so. Ivysaur was severely injured, Charizard forced himself to evolve to fight the Aerodactyl and Ash nearly died, again. That and he hasn't really spoken to you properly in the last few months. He said himself the other day that he has a lot of apologising to do to you. Maybe he will tell you."

"We both know he won't Pikachu" Delia said wryly finishing off her brew "he's far too much like his father in that regard. If it would anger or upset me Red wouldn't tell me either. It caused so many needless arguments because he was trying to protect me when all I wanted was the truth."

"Yup" Pikachu said "that's Ash. I'm sorry I couldn't be more help. But they're the three main issues that I know of. If you need anything just ask."

"Thanks Pikachu" Delia said standing up and washing her cup. She then left to go to bed leaving Pikachu to go over what they just talked about. Deciding he'd visit his home another day he went to bed.

The next few days were a flurry of activity as Ash and his mother as they made a trip to Viridian to get new clothes. They also bought a new bed while they were there as his old one was too small for him. Getting new clothes was a life-changing experience for Ash as he had never been clothes shopping before. His mum made him buy everything from underwear to beach clothes. It was a good job Delia could drive as they walked out of the store thousands of pokedollars poorer but with six huge bags full of clothes. Ash swore he would never do that again. Delia just laughed and said they were an early birthday present.

The next day Ash walked downstairs to start his training and found his mum there at the kitchen counter with a card for him. "Happy Birthday Ash" she said sweeping him into a hug. Opening the card, he read the greeting out loud.

"Ash, Happy Birthday. Your mother and I wondered what to get for your birthday. In the end we chose this. We hope you have a great day. Sam Oak"

Tilting the card, a key fell out. "A Key?"

"Yes, and we'll go visit the place where the key belongs to later on." Delia said smiling "I've arranged to meet Sam there around 11. So Happy Birthday Ash."

Training that morning was difficult for Ash as he was very curious about what the Key belonged to. He irritated his Pokémon that much that they gave up on training and retreated voluntarily into their pokeballs just to stop him talking.

At 10:30 Delia and a curious Ash hopped into her car and drove down the lane towards Route 1 when they reached the crossroads. Delia followed the road for a few minutes before turning off onto a dirt road. Ash was very puzzled as he knew the road they were on wasn't there when he began his journey. After a few minutes driving they came to a big black gate seated in between two massive trees. Getting out Ash followed his mum curiously. She retrieved her own key from her bag and opened the padlock before walking through the little path. Less than twenty seconds later though Ash stopped and gasped. He suddenly remembered where he was. In front of him was a huge expanse where quite clearly the foundations of a house was being built. Slowly Ash walked up to the house and knelt down and touched the timber that had been placed on a corner.

"Happy Birthday Ash" Delia said quietly from behind him.

"Is this my home?" he whispered back as he stood up.

"Yes, yes, it is" Delia said crying openly "we managed to push through the paperwork and started on our design about a month ago. Now there are a few caveats added onto the paperwork that we had no choice in following, but I don't think you'd be bothered about being responsible for maintaining the surrounding area and encouraging the natural wildlife to remain wild. So, we started building two weeks ago. They've done remarkable work laying the foundations and completing the road in such a short amount of time. But hopefully it will be finished by the years end."

Before Ash could say anything a huge Charizard landed not far away from them, and Sam got off its back. Walking over to them he greeted them and wished Ash happy birthday again.

"What do you think Ash?" Sam asked.

"I love it, thank you both." Ash said happily observing his property.

"Now, I have to tell you this" Sam said "I don't know how much Delia has been able to tell you so hopefully you'll forgive me if I repeat what she may have said. Once this property has been built it will become an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and will have to be maintained by you in whatever way you can. You will also have a conservationist building built not far from the property for endangered species and it will be your job to ensure their safety, again through whatever means necessary. This IS your property Ash, make no mistake about it but the government guidelines have been very strict about why they allowed this area to be sold off. It's only because you were endorsed by me, the president of Silph and the AONB board because of your work in setting up the Diglett Valley project that they agreed to sign off on this. It's going to be a lot of work to begin with Ash and were it anyone else I would have rejected the proposal until you were at least 16."

"Thank you" Ash said "it means a lot to me. I take it this cleaned out my savings" he finished laughing.

"Not quite" Delia said laughing back "but you may need to write more books."

"I'll be getting some prize money from winning the league in four and a half months so I should be fine" Ash said nervously scratching his head. "Plus, my book with Brock should be out now and when I become more known during the tournament, I should recoup whatever I lost with this. We're not broke, are we?"

"No" Delia said "you're not. We got a fantastic deal for this. All told it came to just under 5.5 million Pokedollars but that's for everything being built and the surrounding land. The conservationist aspect of your proposal helped immensely Ash."

"We need to preserve many species of Pokémon mum" Ash said nodding "and we should do everything we can to aid in their endangerment recovery. Thank you both."

That night Ash could barely sleep. Deciding to get himself some water he made his way downstairs to find his mum sitting facing the kitchen window. Gently placing his hand on her shoulder so as not to startle her he sat opposite her.

"Today made me realise how quickly you're growing up Ash" se said "and how quickly the time will come when you no longer need me as much. You bought your first house not even eight months into your journey. You're on first name terms with so many important figures in both the Pokémon and financial world. You're growing into such a fantastic human being Ash. It just hit me today that by the end of the year you'll be moving out."

"No, I won't" Ash said interrupting her "mum, I'm twelve. Not twenty. I have no idea how to run a household. I have no idea how I'm going to be able to do what is required of me to maintain the house and its surrounding lands. I'll be the first to admit I thought my house idea would just be a dream. Now it's a reality and I'm shitting myself."

"Language young man" Delia said reprovingly.

"Mum, you know what I mean. Leaving home on a journey at eleven doesn't mean you're now an adult. In fact, I feel far from it at times." Ash said sighing "you'll always be my mum. And I'll always need your guidance. I have a lot to plan for in the next few months it seems."

"I do wish your father was here to see this Ash" Delia said wiping away tears.

"Me too mum" Ash said walking around the counter and giving her a hug.

The next few days flew by as Ash spent most of his time flying on Charizard to his new home and showing his family where they'd be living. Ivysaur was overjoyed about the project and had big plans for the surrounding area. It seemed he was on board at least. Wartortle was disgruntled that there was no water, but Ash quickly told him he planned on building a huge lake to encourage other water Pokémon to come and live there. There was a river close by on Route 1 that Ash planned on feeding his pond from, and as he already owned part of the land that the river ran through, he planned on redirecting some of the water his way into what would be a huge lake.

"The land I now own is huge" Ash said "and part of what I need to do is establish various places on my land where I'm showing the desire to keep it wild. The river running through into my lake and then flowing back out to re-join the river is already a part of those plans." Wartortle was much happier after hearing that.

Machoke was happy that the house would have a gym, and that there were various trees he could train on daily. Pikachu was just happy that the land sat on where he had grown up. Charizard was the hardest one to try and gauge opinion wise as no ne knew what he was thinking. He spent most of his time flying over the area and scouting places out.

He had visited Sam too to see how he was getting on. Unfortunately, he was still suffering from a really bad cough, a 'souvenir' Sam said from when he was really ill a month ago. So, Ash mainly spent his time going over various plans and ideas they had come up with over the last few months.

"I had an email off a lad called Todd?" Sam said, "he said you know him."

"Know him is a very loose term" Ash said looking up from the proposal they had to put forward for the Diglett Valley project "I met him for exactly half an hour about a week and half ago. He's a photographer apparently for Pokémon Pal and he asked me if I knew of any places worth visiting. So, I showed him the pictures I have taken on my travels of the various places. I told him we are part of a group that will be discussing preserving certain areas of Kanto during the Autumn meeting. Why do you ask?"

"Oh, well he emailed me to ask if what the process was for becoming a member of the OANB panel or helping out with the Diglett Valley proposal in October." Sam said, "I thought I'd ask you considering he says you know him."

"Ah, well I don't. He seems ok though" Ash said shrugging his shoulders "I'll just send him some information on how to become qualified for the panels and leave him to it. Given his work for Pokemon Pal I don't know why he doesn't just ask them and work towards it through them."

"Thanks Ash" Sam said sighing as he leant back in his chair and closed his eyes.

"Have you thought about getting a permanent apprentice?" Ash asked "you need help Sam. And don't look at me like that. I'm aware of how much stress I have placed on you too in the last few months so, if need be, I'll pay their salary, but you really need help."

"I've said this" a voice said from behind him. Turning around he saw it was Blue "you're not a young man anymore dad. You're nearly sixty. It's about time you started to wind down and enjoy your life."

"I do enjoy my life thank you very much" Sam said frowning.

"You know what I mean dad" Blue said taking a seat beside Ash "we all know how much you enjoy your job. But should anything happen to you, touch wood it doesn't, Kanto will be up shit creek without a paddle. You need an apprentice dad."

"I'm aware" Sam said sighing "it's just difficult to admit certain things in life."

"Like getting old" Ash supplied unhelpfully causing Blue to laugh and Sam to glare at him.

"Yes, exactly like that" Sam said "I'll have a word with some fellow professors and see if they have anyone they'd recommend. Why are you here Blue?"

"What, can't a guy come and visit his old man?" Blue asked nonchalantly.

"Less of the old, and no, you always have a motive" Sam said.

"I'm worried about Gary" Blue said sighing.

"This is my cue to leave" Ash said standing up.

"No, please stay" Blue said, "I'll be interested in your take on my issue."

"I already know what the issue is" Ash said "and so do you if you're coming to ask Sam. What you're looking for is someone to blame that isn't you. No, this is best between you two to sort out as you really won't like my answers. I'll speak to you in a few days' professor. Try and take it easy, ok?"

"I will do Ash" Sam said looking at him "thank you for your help. I'll pass these forms along so we can set an agenda for October and have everything ready."

Making his way-out Ash stopped by the paddock to observe the Pokémon there. At times he envied Sams job, but while he was out on his journey, he knew it wouldn't be the job for him. There was far too much human interaction required in the job for him to be comfortable.

"He's far too observant for a twelve-year-old" Blue said looking at the door Ash had just left through.

"Yes, he is. And while he's stunted emotionally it helps him put things into perspective very quickly." Sam replied, "now what's this about Gary?"

"I'm concerned that he isn't taking things seriously enough" Blue said, "he's not spoken to Laura in over a month either and Daisy told me he was very rude to her when he passed on through here to head to Cinnabar."

"What do you want me to say Blue?" Sam said "you've ignored my advice for years where he's concerned. And I know you've ignored Laura's. Why don't you go and talk to her about Gary?"

"Because of the accusations and arguments that will happen" Blue said whining.

"Which would be fully deserved" Sam interrupted "you've spoiled Gary. And ignored his mother's advice when raising him. It's no surprise that Daisy has turned out the way she has because you had very little to do with raising her, compare that with Gary. You're bloody lucky that Daisy is the sweetheart she is, and that Laura is the incredibly tolerant woman she is. I would have thought your best friend dying would have made you realise how fragile life is. Evidently not. No, you need to grow up Blue, talk to Laura, apologise and then figure out a way to help Gary. Only when you have done that will I offer anymore advice where he is concerned. He's twelve so you have time but leave it too long and you'll always regret it. Now, go and see your wife."

Standing up Sam walked to the door and opened it, a clear indication that the conversation was over. Sighing heavily Blue bade his father goodbye and trudged on down the path to his home. He was dreading this conversation, but his father was right.

The day quickly arrived where Ash was setting off to leave home on the continuation of his journey. Ash had dreaded this day for several reasons. The main one being the upcoming conversation with Charizard. He knew he had to have it, and his mum had asked him several times over the last few days if he'd talked to him. She was getting less impressed with his procrastination each day. For the third day running Ash said no he hadn't talked to him, so Delia took matters into her own hands. Grabbing his pokeball belt off his nightstand she walked out into the garden and let everyone out. Ash leapt of his bed and followed her wondering what she was doing and nearly had a panic attack when he figured out what was going on.

"Guys" Delia said as they looked confused at being released "can everyone but Charizard go inside please." Still looking confused they did so casting wary glances behind them "Charizard, my son is being a coward. And as he leaves tomorrow you two need to have a much-needed conversation. So" she said turning to Ash "do what you should have done days ago and talk to him." With that she walked back into the house and sat down on the kitchen counter stool. Ash's Pokémon looked at her with a renewed feeling of pride.

"Good" Wartortle said "we were all getting sick of him moping and doing nothing about it."

Delia just nodded and continued reading her magazine and having a cup of tea. Several hours later she called Ash in for his tea. Sitting down she waited for Ash to start.

"He's agreed to stay. He was waiting for me to ask though." Ash said.

"His pride defines him Ash" Delia said wryly "and so does yours."

"I know" Ash said "it's difficult at times to put into words what I want to say. And I feared he'd leave."

"That's what was stopping you" Delia said nodding "it's understandable but putting it off only made you more temperamental, and I was done with your moping around."

Laughing Ash just nodded. That night he went to bed much happier than he'd been in such a long time. The next day he woke up and was sad again, he'd be leaving his mum today.

"I have other things to focus on now though Ash" Delia said "I have my restaurant to run, and also staff to find to run your house when it's completed. I also need to furnish the bloody place too so I'm not going to be bored."

"Thanks mum" Ash said hugging her tightly "I love you lots and lots like Jelly Tots."

"Keep in touch Ash" Delia said to him smiling as he hugged her.

"I will. When I get back, I'll hopefully have more information about dad from Cinnabar." Ash said.

"Be careful" Delia warned "we're very close to finding out what happened. And he was 'killed' because of whatever happened on Cinnabar."

"I will" Ash repeated as he hitched his backpack on his shoulders and set off down the path towards the harbour. They had decided to carry on their journey on foot rather than flying. Once he received his seventh badge though they were going to fly back. It was several hours journey to the harbour where the shuttle boat to Cinnabar was moored. Buying a ticket Ash boarded the boat and made his way to the front deck. It had been a while since he was on a boat and was a little nervous considering the last time he was on one he was recovering from the Porta Vista incident. The journey was only a day's journey, so he made his way to his cabin and placed his bag down before venturing to the canteen. As he was sitting down to eat, he was joined at his table by two people he had almost forgotten about.

"Well, well, well" Ash said "look what the cat dragged in."

"We could say the same for you" Jessie said smirking.

"Where are you guys off to?" Ash asked.

"We have a meeting in Cinnabar with a contact about an old acquaintance of the boss" James said. "You?"

"This acquaintance wouldn't happen to be a bald man in his early sixties, would it?" Ash asked smirking.

"Yeah, it would" Jessie said shocked "how did you know that?"

"He has information that I'm after too. And I suspect it's about the same thing" Ash said leaning forward "I'm assuming by you talking to me that you've agreed to our deal?" gaining nods he continued "the man you're after has information about the disappearance of my father. And if I have to break his knees to get it, I will do. So, my advice to you guys is, you better find him before I do. Because I will find him. Another piece of advice, don't get in my way because I will run through you two to get at him."

"Well," James said leaning back "we don't have any clues where we'd start to be honest. Our contact on Cinnabar has the information we need but we're only scheduled to meet him in three days' time."

"Which means I have two days to find him" Ash said nodding.

"We're not there to eliminate him" Jessie said, "we don't have the sadism that Domino or Petrel does."

"Don't count on that" Ash warned "I've encountered enough of you guys to know your boss always has a back-up plan. And a man with information about his past is exactly the person he usually gets rid of."

"How do you know this?" James asked to which Ash just smiled. "Alright, keep your secrets."

"I will" Ash said standing up and draining his drink "I'll see you guys around, no doubt. Oh, I have some information for you regarding the elusive third member of your party. I'll be staying at the Pokémon Centre in Cinnabar. Ask for me there tomorrow night."

Heading back to his cabin Ash emailed his mum with the information he had just acquired. Receiving a reply quite quickly Ash read it and nodded. He didn't really need the warning to be careful, but he wouldn't argue with his mum over being concerned about him. He went to bed a little earlier than usual. The next few days were going to be very enlightening.