List of oneshots part 4
chapter 63
We see Delia being part of Team Rocket and trying to disuade Ash from being a pokemon master.
Series: Pokemon
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It was a seemingly quiet night out above Saffron City, where the well known Silph Co. was located. Said large building where it was housed stood above all the other buildings. But the quiet serenity of the city was suddenly ruined by an explosion going off in the tower, causing any employees to panic and freak out as several figures in black clothing were running down a hallway. Each one of those figures were carrying large bags slung over their shoulders as the Alarm was blaring loudly.
"I thought I told you to disarm the alarm!" yelled the leader up front.
"We left that for the rookie to take care of!" One grunted Exclaimed as the Alarm went Quiet as a Foot kicked down a panel ceiling and said rookie dropped down.
"Sorry about that Guys, I cut the wrong wire." She chuckled nervously.
"No shit!" frowned the leader as they stopped. "You had one job, one!"
"I know, here let me make up for it." she offered before taking one of the heavy bags with a grunt. "The hall up ahead is open and clear, we shouldn't run into any guards."
"You made sure the ones down below were knocked out, didn't you?"
"Yeah." she nodded as they resumed running with her trying to keep up. "I even managed to snatch one of their pokemon just in case!"
"Excellent Rookie, there might be some hope for you yet!" The Leader said they made their way down the hall. Right as they spotted the elevator at the far end, several guards cut them off with guns drawn.
"Freeze! Put down the bags and hold your hands up!" Officer Jenny exclaimed as she and her sisters surrounded them.
"Dammit!" The Leader growled as the rookie giggled.
"Don't worry guys, I made a contingency plan for this!" She exclaimed as she tossed out a pokeball from her pocket, releasing out an Electrode.
"I said freeze!"
"Electrode, Self Destruct!"
"Electrode." the pokemon let out before closing its eyes and started glowing.
"Hit the deck!" ordered the leader as he and his grunts took cover, right as it exploded and the blast wave knocked Officer Jenny and her sisters back. "Hahaha! Nice one rookie! Lets book it!" the leader barked as the team of grunts all made their way outside.
From there it was a matter of taking the underground pathway out of Saffron City and over to their secret base they had housed right under the game corner in Celadon City.
"Well we got away, but all our loot was destroyed!' One of the grunts sighed as the rookie gave a chuckle.
'Don't be so sure!" she said as she reached into her hat and pulled out not one but Nine jewel encrusted Pokeballs. "There was no way I was gonna let us get out of there without something."
"Way to Go Rookie now let's get outta here before they Bring out a Golbat to Sniff us Out! Madame Boss is gonna Love this!"
With that the group rushed out, using an escape route that led them deeper underground away from the Game Corner and farther down into the base.
*Elsewhere*
The grunts made their way to their secret base and all gave a tired sigh.
"Alright you lackeys, go ahead and take a break. Rookie, you're coming with me." ordered the leader.
The others all nodded, heading off while the leader and girl looked at two double doors with their logo on them, both feeling nervous before pushing them open, entering a mostly dark office with the only light coming in from the large windows.
"Uhhhhhh Madame Boss?" The grunt spoke with a nervous gulp.
"What is it?" came a cold woman's voice from the chair at the desk, which was turned away from the two.
"W-W-W-We got the stuff you wanted." he said as their Boss turned around revealing a Persian in her lap.
"Show it then." she ordered, petting the normal type's head as the leader moved over, bringing out the pokeballs and putting them on her desk before stepping back quickly. "...Hmmmm, so which one of you stole these?" she asked as the rookie gulped and stepped up.
"I...I did ma'am." she spoke nervously.
"Tell me, what is your name?"
"My name is Delia ma'am, Delia Ketchum!"
"Well Delia, I'm impressed. These will fetch quite the penny on the market, and more funds for our organization makes things easier for our goals. Tell me, why did you join Team Rocket in the first place?" she asked while the Persian stared at the girl with a calculating look.
"Well if I'm being honest, I just wanted a better life. Ever since my father abandoned me when I was a kid I've just been on my own."
"So your whole goal was just to make enough and live a happily ever after ending, is that it?" asked the woman with a scoff, making Delia shake her head.
"No ma'am! It's just... I never really had many talents, so I had to do whatever it took just to survive, but when I heard about Team Rocket, I felt like here I'd at least have a place to call my own, and I haven't regretted it."
"Even though you're well aware of everything we do? Because this ISN'T a group that accepts weaklings. We only accept and make use of those who can bring in results without fail." she narrowed her eyes. "Which means once you join, you don't just up and leave. Does that sound like something you can do for the remainder of your life?"
"Yes ma'am!" Delia exclaimed with gusto, making her laugh.
"I like your spunk kid." she remarked. "Just make sure you keep bringing in results or else it'll be all you have left."
"I guarantee to make that happen as long as I'm here." she bowed her head.
"Good, you two are dismissed." she spoke as the two grunts left the office.
Delia let out a heavy sigh of relief with the leader shaking his head. "I thought I was a goner."
"We all do when the boss calls you into her office, just take this as a good sign you'll live to see another day, which means you don't let anything fail. If you get a mission, you do it and complete it, got it?"
"Yes sir Mr Proton!" Delia saluted.
"That's what I wanted to hear, now let's get back to work. There's a job the boss has been wanting done involving the Safari Zone in Fuschia City. Apparently she wants us to get a Dratini there to set up as some big prize for the Game Corner, suckers all over will spend all their cash just to get one for themselves."
*3 years later*
Delia was sitting on a rooftop watching people going in and out of Silph Co.
"Delia? Are you in position?" her com spoke as she answered it.
"I'm in position Ariana."
"Do you have eyes on the target?"
"Which one? Silph Co or the churro stand? You know how the boss's kid loves those."
"I mean the big boss in charge of the company itself. The boss wants us to track him down and help 'convince' him to work with us. The secrets on their latest project are something the boss has been dying to get her hands on."
"Yep, I see him now exiting his car!' she said seeing the Head of Silph Co entering the building.
"Good, tail him and make sure he doesn't spot you!"
"Understood!" Delia spoke as she snuck her way down into the alley and made her way into SilphCo. She made sure to keep an eye out for any employees, easily darting around the corners with ease, and making sure not to get spotted by any of the security cameras attached to the ceiling.
"Now to find the old coot!' she thought as she noticed him going into an elevator. She made a bolt for it, the doors almost shut before she stopped them with her foot, smirking with the ceo surprised. "Hello there sir, room for one more?"
"Oh, sure thing young lady." he smiled, only to lose it as soon as he saw the emblem on her shirt as she got on with the doors closing. "Y-Y-Y-You! I know that uniform! You're from that group Team Rocket!"
"Well, glad to see your eyes aren't completely bad." she chuckled, crossing her arms while hitting the top floor button as the elevator started going up. "I came by with a little message from our boss."
"Don't try to fool me, I'll tell you the same thing I told her in person, forget it! I won't let my company be affiliated with you crooks!"
"Hmmmmm fair enough, but allow me to offer you this counter offer." Delia spoke as the elevator reached the top floor, but before the door could open she opened a nearby panel and ripped out a wire causing the elevator to drop.
"AHHHHHHHHHHH!" The CEO screamed as he slammed against the top of the elevator ceiling, all while Delia simply crossed her legs and began to float in the air….somehow.
"Hmmm, now about that counter offer. You give me the Silph Scope and give the boss 95% share of the company and in exchange I save your life, deal?"
"AHHHHHHHHHHH! YES! YES! I AGREE TO IT!"
"Hmmm really? Maybe I was a bit too stern with my offer. I don't wanna seem greedy after all." she tapped her chin. "I mean, it's not like the boss wouldn't also like any OTHER products your company might be working on in the future. She does after all have a soft spot for secrets, got any that interest her?"
"YES! ANYTHING! I'LL GIVE YOU ANYTHING JUST SAVE ME!' He screamed as Delia simply pressed the emergency stop button and the elevator came to a slow, but screeching halt and landed safely on the first floor.
*DING!*
"Glad we could talk and you're so understanding." she smiled while the president crashed on the floor with a groan. "I'll let my boss know right away and you two can hammer out the finer details. Just keep in mind, we know where you and your employees live, where they go, and can easily track them if they try to leave the region, so I'd keep that in mind if you happened to get any ideas about telling the police, have a nice day! Oh and on the off chance you do get the smart idea of either going to the police in secret or even skipping out on my deal….just know you'll be taking a trip on the back of a Fearow millions of feat in the air and I'm sure you remember they love being high up in the planet's atmosphere…..kay Byesies!" she smiled while waving and walked out.
The president coughed, shuddering in fear and pain while Delia looked at her com.
"Good news, he agreed to our 'reasonable' deal, mission accomplished."
"Excellent work Rookie! I see big things in your future!" Madame Boss spoke, surprising her.
"Oh Madame Boss, I didn't think you heard that."
"You left your com on...again."
Delia blushed red and chuckled while rubbing the back of her head. "Ooops."
"Oops indeed, still though, you did an excellent job. Now if the old fool tries to back out, we can use much more 'persuasive' methods. When you come back to base, I've got something to give you."
*Viridian Gym*
Delia stood up straight, her boss standing in front of her with a cold expression.
"Now Delia, it's been quite some time since you've worked for this group, and have brought in success after success, but this latest one was a more crucial one. Which is why I've decided to give you something as a sign of your latest promotion." she reached into her pocket and pulled out a pokeball.
"A Promotion? Oh thank you ma'am!" she exclaimed happily.
"Please, call me Chiara." Madame Boss said. She handed Delia the ball and smiled. "Go ahead and say hello to your brand new partner."
Delia gave a calm sigh and opened the pokeball, a light coming out in front of her which revealed a Mr Mime.
"Mime." he let out, looking around confused before looking at Delia who smiled.
"Well Mr. Mime, looks like we'll be working together from here on out."
"Mr Mime!" he smiled happily.
*7 Years later*
A scientist was panicking as he ran down the stairs into his lab, blocking and boarding up the door. "They can't take it, I won't let them take it!" he ran over to his computer, a pink and blue looking creature on the screen. "I've worked too hard to let those crooks come and take you away. The only way to save you is to send you over the internet. I'm sorry Porygon, but you'll get a chance to find a better home." he said as he tried to send Porygon away only for a red arrow to appear and click on Porygon sending into a black file with a Giant red R in the middle.
"Oh No! I'm too late" he said. He heard a loud bang on the door, only for it to go crashing down, revealing Mr. Mime with its hands and eyes glowing before an older Delia, who had a baby strapped to her chest, walked in behind it with a smirk.
"Did you really think Team Rocket scientists wouldn't be able to hack into your system? Please, you underestimate us."
"You thieves! What are you gonna do to Porygon?" he asked while both angry, and scared.
"Oh don't worry, we'll make good use out of him. I've heard lots of people will pay top dollar at the slots to try and win rare pokemon prizes."
"...you'd go off and try to sell off a once in a lifetime pokemon like that, over gambling!? You people are mad!" he exclaimed, only to hear the baby she was carrying make a stir and start crying, making Delia sigh.
"Mimey, be a dear and take Ash and get him back to sleep. Momma's got something to do." she spoke, cracking her knuckles.
"Mime." he nodded, taking the baby in his arms and tried rocking him as Delia walked to the scientist who started sweating bullets and swore he saw a scary monster behind the woman.
*10 minutes later*
"Mime Mime mime mime mime mime mime mime." Mr. Mime said as he gently rocked baby Ash in his arms, Delia walking out with a small jar in her hands.
"Thank you Mimey, now lets go." she smiled as Mr. Mime was confused about the jar.
"Mime mime mr mime?" he said pointing to the jar.
"Oh this? Well he was a bad man...and now we have the jar." she spoke sweetly, making the psychic type shiver in fear a little. "Now come on, Ash needs some sleep and I need to let Chiara know we're done, but she probably already knew that."
*Rocket HQ*
"Another mission finished ma'am." Delia saluted with a smile.
"MUSH HORSEA, MUSH!" a small voice shouted as Delia looked over and son the Boss' 17 year old son Giovanni, having a miserable frown on his face as a little girl with long red hair rode on his shoulders and pulled his hair.
"Ouch! Will you stop telling me to mush!?"
"But Horsea needs to mush!" she squeaked, making Delia chuckle.
"I see Miyamoto has you watching Jessie again." she chuckled.
"Mother….please help me." he whimpered.
"Sorry son, but you need to learn responsibility, which means even doing things you'd rather drop off onto others. Don't worry, it helps build character." remarked the boss with her Persian letting out a low chuckle.
"Aunty Delia, can I go play with Mr. Mime and Ash now?" Jessie asked.
"Sorry sweetie, but right now Ash is taking his nap since a bad man woke him up, and Mimey has to watch over him until I get back."
"Awwwww."
"But don't worry, I'm sure Giovanni here would love to keep playing Horsea with you."
"I'm sorry, what?" the teen said in disbelief.
"Yay! Keep Mushing Horsea!"
"I hate this brat." he grumbled as she yanked his hair again. "Ow! Stop that or else I'll yank on your hair!" he whined as he was dragged out the room by the overly excited child making the two adults laugh at his misfortune.
*12 Years later*
Today was a dark and sad day for a particular teen. Said teen was on her knees, bawling her eyes out.
"Jessie?" A Small voice spoke as she looked at the source of a 5 year old Ash Ketchum. "What's wrong?"
"N-Nothing." she tried to wipe the tears away while keeping her face away. "Just got something in my eye, that's all." she said as he frowned and hugged her from behind.
"It'll be okay, so no crying."
"I-I'm not crying. It's just some dust." Jessie said as she smiled and wiped her eyes before hugging Ash tight. "Thanks Cutie, you really know how to make a girl feel better." Jessie smiled as Delia gave a small chuckle.
"Looks like my sweet baby has a girlfriend now." she giggled.
'AHHH! MAMA NO IT'S NOT LIKE THAT!" Ash exclaimed in a flustered tone. "I-I-I was just worried about Jessie that's all!"
Seeing her son babble like an idiot made Delia laugh out loud.
*Elsewhere*
Giovanni was in his mother's office sitting in front of her desk. "You called me mother?"
"Yes son." she looked Giovanni in the eye with a serious tone. "I've decided, the time has come for me to step down from Team Rocket, and leave it in new hands." she explained.
"What? But mother, this organization will fall apart without your leadership!" Giovanni exclaimed as his mother gave a sigh.
"No son, it will fall apart without YOUR leadership." Chiara spoke, surprising her son.
"But mother, you must understand, I'm not leadership material. I'm not a people person I'm hardly even a person!"
"Now now Giovanni, stop it with all the drama. You'll do fine as leader."
"But I-"
"That's an order." she cut him off with a firm glare that quickly shut him up. "Your whole life you've seen how we work, what we do, and what our goals are. Meaning you are perfect to lead this organization to the future and make it better than what it is now."
"I…..Yes Mother." he sighed as she kissed his forehead.
"Good boy." she said as she handed him a pokeball. "I caught this just for the occasion." she smiled.
"A pokemon?" he took it, looked it over before opening it as a light shot out and took form.
"Mreow?" a Meowth spoke as it looked around and gave a tired yawn.
"...A Meowth?"
"Yep! I figured you'd need your own partner for this endeavor." Chiara said. "What better pokemon than the one I started out with?"
"...Thank you mother." he spoke uneasily.
"No problem son, now go ahead and have a seat." she got up from her chair and swivel it to him, Giovanni slowly walking over and sat down. "How's it feel?"
"...I….I'm not sure how it feels honestly." he sighed as she placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry you'll do fine"
*10 years later*
Delia, Jessie, and James were sneaking into the police office.
"Alright Meowth are you sure you cut the security?" Delia asked, speaking through her ear piece.
"Of course I did, what kinda mook would I be if I didn't?" Meowth spoke from the rooftop.
"Good. Alright you two, you know the plan."
"Roger." they nodded before the group of three poked their heads in the doorway slightly and spotted offers all around before James rolled a pokeball inside, which opened and brought a Koffing up.
"Hey, what the-" one of the officers let out before the poison type started to release smoke, making the officers caught and panic in confusion.
"Jessie if you would?" Delia said as she tossed out her Ekans who froze the officers using Mean Look. "Excellent, now let's get those files!" Delia spoke as they ran under the smoke and past the police officers and headed for a deeper part of the station. They rushed down a straight hallway before having to duck into the door on the far left slide.
"Jackpot! I found it!" James spoke as Jesise and Delia ran over and saw the door to the place they were looking for.
"Spot on James now let's go! Meowth how's it looking?"
"Ehhh pretty good, the guards are still frozen in place, but ya better hurry I don't think Ekans Mean Look is gonna last much longer!"
"You heard him, you two, grab the files and let's get out of here."
"Oh relax, we'll be out of here before that guards know what hit them." Jessie waved off with a smirk….before it fell when the door was kicked open by an Officer Jenny with a Growlithe beside her.
"Halt in the name of the law!"
"Dang it Meowth what happened!?...Meowth?" Delia said as she heard some light snoring. "...stupid lazy cat! James, we need an exit NOW!"
"Right, Koffing Self-Destruct!"
"Wait what?"
"KOFFING!"
*EXPLODE!*
This lead to the roof to that room blowing up, along with part of the wall, which the trio bolted on through.
"James when I said exit I DIDN'T MEAN THAT!" Delia yelled as she slapped the back of his Head.
'OW!...well at least we got the files right?" he chuckled nervously as Delia and Jessie shook their heads as they heard a yawn.
"Man what I miss?" Meowth asked as Delia growled and kicked him away. "YEOW!"
"NO NAPPING WHEN WE'RE ON A JOB!"
*3 years later*
Delia was sitting at the kitchen table sipping coffee as Mr Mime swept the floor...until they heard a loud scream.
"AHHHHHHH MOM HELP!" 7 Year old Ash ketchum yelled in fear as he ran inside and hid under the table.
"Ash sweetie what's wrong?"
"There's a horrible monster chasing me and it's gonna eat me!"
"Oh No It AIN'T!" Delia growled as she and Mr. Mime walked outside (with Mimey brandishing the broom as a BO-staff) and looked around when they saw….a Pichu eating under the tree. "That's it? Ash, that's just a Pichu." Delia giggled.
"Not that, that's my friend! it's BEHIND that!" he said as a Hypno started to walk out from the forest making the Pichu growl in anger.
"Pichu." it let out, cheeks sparking in warning as the psychic pokemon looked unfazed before it spotted Delia and it's eyes turned up with a smirk.
"Ooooh, well sweetie that's a Hypno first of all, but I do get why you'd be scared." explained Delia who didn't look bothered, although Mr. Mime did stay on guard with a glare at it. "...Mimey go inside with the Pichu and stay with Ash, this won't be long." Delia ordered in a sweet tone as Mr Mime gave a shrug and did as he was told. He went over and picked up Pichu by the scruff of its neck and walked inside as Delia cracked her knuckles making the Hypno laugh as it thought it could easily take on this human woman.
*30 minutes later*
Ash, Mr. Mime, and Pichu were having a snack at the table when Delia walked in no worse for wear.
"Okay sweetie, the scary Hypno is gone now." she smiled as Mr. Mime looked out the window and saw the entire backyard was destroyed and everything in it had indents like something was slammed into it over and over. He also noticed that all of the indents were Hypno shaped.
"Yay! Thanks mom! You're the best!" cheered Ash with Pichu doing the same.
"Mr. Mime?" Mimey asked as he pointed outside.
"Oh don't worry about the Hypno, Mimey I took care of it." Delia said as she gently tossed a pokeball in her hands that he noticed were both bloody and covered in yellow fur.
"Mime…" he muttered, going pale with a gulp as she turned back to her son.
"So, who wants some pecha berry pie?"
"OOOH me!" Ash cheered happily.
*2 weeks later*
Ash was in the backyard playing in the sandbox with his new friend Pichu, after the Hypno ordeal Delia decided to let ash keep Pichu as his partner pokemon. It also helped that Pichu was so friendly and easy to get along with. She was honestly worried it would be a handful and just keep zapping Ash over and over for the first few days.
"Mr Mime!" Mimey said as he handed Delia her phone as she noticed it was on.
"Hello?"
"Delia! We need you for a mission now!" Giovanni said as she rolled her eyes.
"Giovanni, it's my day off, plus I have no one to watch Ash."
"Firstly you will refer to me as boss! And secondly this is just a simple recon mission so you won't be gone the whole day. Just get Jessie, James and Meowth to watch your kid." he told her.
"Hmmm, well...I suppose it wouldn't hurt to let Jessie watch over him again. It's been ages since she looked after him when he was a baby."
"Exactly, so I just let them know and you can get ready."
"Alright that works." she said as she hung up and headed for the backdoor. "Ash, Mommy has to go to work so your Aunt Jessie and her friends are gonna be watching you okay?"
"Yay! I haven't seen Aunt Jessie in forever!" Ash cheered as he picked up Pichu and happily ran inside.
*Later*
Knock knock knock
Delia walked over and opened the door revealing Jessie, James, and Meowth. "I'm so glad you three are here, thanks for watching Ash, I'll be back in a few hours."
"No problem, he'll be in bed before you get home." smiled Jessie.
"That's good to hear, but it might be a bit tricky, he and Pichu can stay up a bit late when they play."
"Don't worry boss lady, we'll be da best of friends by the time you come back." Meowth smiled.
"Ash honey! I'm heading out! Be good!" she called out before heading out with Jessie closing the door.
"Jessie? I've got some concerns about all this. I was trained to be a member of Team Rocket, and watching over a kid wasn't on the job description, I don't know the first thing."
"Relax James, how hard can it be?' Jessie smiled as she and the other two went into the living room were Ash and Pichu were watching Digimon. "Hey there Ash."
"Aunt Jessie!" he cheered, jumping up before launching himself at her and hugged her around the waist.
"Awww how's my favorite guy doing?" she giggled as Pichu waddled over and bit down on Meowth's tail, making Ash laugh.
"Awww Pichu Likes you Uncle Meowth!" he smiled.
"Ow!" he cried out, glaring at Pichu with an eye twitch. "I'm feelin' da love." he let out through gritted teeth.
Pichu let go and walked over to Ash and jumped on his shoulder.
"Okay who wants some lunch?" James smiled trying to clear the atmosphere.
"We do!" Ash exclaimed as Pichu gave a cheer.
"Well then get your taste buds ready, I happen to be a licensed chef." he smirked with pride.
"Which he got after 4 tries." interjected Meowth rolling his eyes.
"Well I guess you don't want my famous curry surprise in that case, don't worry, we should have plenty of that dry pokemon food." he glared.
"Don't ya even dink about it! That stuff is drier dan sand!" Meowth exclaimed as James rolled his eyes.
"Oh please! I didn't hear you complain than!"
"Quiet!" Jessie snapped, making them shut up. "Both of you can get to work making dinner if you're going to run your mouths!"
"Eh? Den what are you gonna be doing?" asked the normal type.
"I'm going to be keeping my eye on these two….wait where'd they go?" Jessie spoke having noticed they were now gone.
"Well dats just great!" Meowth sighed as he heard Ash giggling from upstairs.
"You two get them and I'll get started." spoke James heading to the kitchen while his pals went up the stairs. 'Yes! I get the easy job.'
When the two got to the second floor, they looked around, but didn't see Ash or Pichu.
"Oh Ash, come out wherever you are~"
"Don't go makin' us have to chase ya.'' Meowth grumbled as Ash jumped out from behind a corner and threw a pillow at him which sent the scratch cat pokemon tumbling down the stairs. "Ah! Ooh! Eeh! OW!"
"Got ya!" he cheered before running as Jessie followed. "Catch me if you can!" he shouted as jesse took off after him as Meowth landed on the floor.
"Ow…." he let out, getting up and bolting back up with a growl before spotting Pichu dart around, making him chase it as they ran into Delia's bedroom and saw it cornered. "Now I gots ya, ya rat!"
Pichu saw Meowth come closer with his paws out before the camera panned to outside, right before the sound of a huge thud was heard, along with loud cries of pain and horror.
Jessie gave a tired pant as she walked past Delia's room and saw Meowth walking out with singed and torn fur along with a black eye. "What the heck happened to you?"
"Pichu." he groaned. "Dat ding….ain't right in the head."
"But wait, I thought Pichu's weren't that strong anyway?"
"Don't you believe it!" Meowth groaned as he passed out.
Jessie facepalmed while Pichu walked out with an innocent expression before snatching it up. "Gotcha! Alright Ash come out! It's dinner time and I've got Pichu!"
"You gotta find me first!" came his voice, making her turn and narrowing it down to the bathroom, making her smirk and slowly tipping toe towards it.
"Hmmm I wonder where he could be?" she said as she saw his silhouette on the bathtub curtain. She gave an evil grin and reached out. "Got you!" before pulling it open, and saw just the tub was filled up, but no Ash. "Huh? What-"
"Ha!" Ash ran over from behind the toilet, pushing her right in and making a big splash while catching Pichu in his arms at the same time, both of them laughing. "Got you!"
The duo quickly ran out of the bathroom and headed downstairs to the kitchen where James was. Said male hummed as he stirred a pot, not noticing the two hide under the table as they looked up and spotted a bottle of hot sauce close by, giving each other a big grin.
Pichu crawled up onto the table and grabbed the bottle and placed it next to James who absentmindedly grabbed it and dumped its contents into the pot. He managed to duck down next to Ash as James kept stirring with a smile.
"Alright, looks good, now to make sure it tastes just right." he said as he brought the spoon up to his mouth and took a sip…..only to let out a loud painful scream as his entire mouth was set ablaze by the soup.
Pichu and Ash covered their mouths as they laughed, James running around the kitchen with flames spewing from his mouth.
(Later)
"Ow...ow...ow…" Meowth let out as James bandaged him up, said man having bandages around his own tongue with Jessie wringing water out of her hair and not looking pleased.
"Oh those two are gonna get it before Delia comes back." fumed the woman, looking at Ash and Pichu sitting on the couch and eating the curry, and somehow NOT burning their mouths like James. "If they think they can get away with this, they've got another thing coming."
"Buh how?" James got out with his tongue out.
"Trust me, they got the drop on us, but we're Team Rocket. It's time to show them that failure is not an option." she smirked with a glint. "For the rest of the night, we'll make it clear who's in charge."
(3 hours later)
Delia unlocked the front door and walked in with a happy smile on her face... Until she saw the entire living room was trashed and saw Ash and Pichu napping on the recliner. She blinked in surprise before frowning and looked around. "What in the world happened? Jessie! James!"
"Up here." groaned the voices, making Delia look up and saw the two and Meowth, tied up and dangling upside down.
"What happened here? And what are you three doing up there?"
"Even we don't know. One thing led to another, and now this." spoke James.
Delia gave a sigh as the three fell to the floor. She walked over their groaning pile and to Ash, gently nudging him. "Ash, wake up sweetie, mommy's home."
*YAWN!*
"...Huh?...Mommy!" Ash smiled happily as Delia scooped him up for a hug.
"Did you and Pichu have fun while I was gone?"
"Yep! We had loads of fun!" he cheered.
"Oh I'll bet." she set him down while Pichu woke up himself. "Is there something you'd like to say?"
"Uh huh! Can they babysit again?"
"Of course they can!" Delia smiled. The rocket trio each gave horrified looks. "But right now you two need to get to bed and get some sleep."
*Yawn!*
"Okay." he yawned tiredly.
Delia watched Ash carry Pichu with him up the stairs and looked back at the trio. "Well, ignoring the mess, I'm glad to see Ash is safe and happy."
"Can't say the same about us." grumbled James.
"I guess this means I'll talk to Giovanni into letting you be full time babysitters when I need you."
"...wait what?" Mewoth spoke.
*12 years later*
Ash was now ten years old and he was currently getting dressed. He slipped on a fresh shirt and pants, Pichu currently snoring away on his bed while he rushed to get his teeth brushed.
Downstairs Delia smiled as she got to work on breakfast, Mimey making sure the front sidewalk was nice and swept up right as Ash came rushing down the stairs.
"Mom!" he exclaimed happily.
"Morning Ash, sleep well?"
"I slept great! I'm gonna have to skip breakfast though, I need to go see Professor Oak!" he let out before running to the door.
"What for!?" she called out surprised.
"I wanna let him know I'm gonna be a pokemon trainer! I need him to save me a spot so I can go and get one of the starters later in the week!"
The moment he said this, Delia spit out her coffee in shock at this news. "Ash sweetie….uhhhh don't you think you're maybe a little too young?"
"But Mom, I'm 10! And Gary's already started his journey!" Ash exclaimed as Delia gave a sigh. "I need to get started if I'm gonna be a pokemon master."
'Oh sweet Arceus why!?' she thought while putting up a smile. "Ash honey, maybe that's not a good thing. I mean, why go and start right at the same time as everyone else? Why not just...wait a while? No reason to rush after all." she smiled nervously.
"Don't worry Mom I'll be fine I promise. Pleeeease!?" Ash practically Begged while on his knees.
"Well I don't know honey I just don't think you're ready yet." she replied while crossing her arms. "After all, you're still so young, and being a trainer isn't easy, or safe."
"But Mom, I'll be safe. I Promise I'll have Pichu with me and everything!" Ash exclaimed. "Bye!"
"Wait Ash!" Delia cried, but her son had headed out, making her bite her lip and groan. "I need to call Giovanni, now. Mimey, make sure I'm not interrupted."
"Mime mime!" He saluted.
She quickly headed up to her room, hitting the speed dial on the secret phone under the lamp before it started ringing.
*YAWN!*
"Hello?" Giovanni groaned.
"GIOVANNI!" Delia screeched, making him flinch.
"Ugh Is it time already for you to ruin my day?" he groaned with her frowning. "What is it?"
"Listen closely, something bad is happening. Ash wants to be a pokemon trainer!"
"...How Is that Bad? Why is it my Problem? And why should I care?"
"Think about it! If he becomes a trainer, he'll go off and get badges, maybe even reach the indigo plateau, but that means he'll hear about Team Rocket's reputation and chances are get involved. He can be a nice and caring boy after all, so of COURSE he'd want to help stop the 'evil' group taking pokemon and what do you think that means? He'll find out his own mother is part of it, and he'll end up labeled a target, and I am NOT going to have that!"
"Hmmmmm I see Your Point don't worry I know exactly how al with this issue"
"How?"
"Easy. Lets Just Kill him" he droned.
"NOT IN YOUR LIFE YOU BRAT!" she roared out loud enough to make Giovanni fall backwards and off his bed with a crash. "You so much as THINK about it, and so help me, you'll find out just how sick and twisted a Hypno can be without any restraint!"
"Ok Ok Ok Look How about this. You let him go on his little journey and just Tail him from the shadows and help him out here and there and when he's ready for it just recruit him" he remarked after getting up with a grumble. "You're his mother, maybe he'll listen if you try to leave some hints here and there that our organization can be trusted."
"Are you nuts!? That's a terrible Idea!...Hmmm I Know Maybe I should Follow Ash in secret and leave some hints about Joining team rocket! That idea is brilliant. I'm glad I thought of it!"
"..." Giovanni felt his eye twitch as Persian gave a snicker at his annoyance. "Yes...that is...a great one." He grumbled.
"I better go get my stuff together, talk later!"
*Later*
Ash slipped his hat on, getting his bag, and letting Pichu climb on his back. "This is it Pichu, the day we start our big journey."
"Pichu Pi!" He cheered as he climbed up Ash's shoulder in excitement.
"And with our new pal, we're already ahead of the game." Ash smiled.
With that they headed downstairs, Delia already having breakfast set up.
"Oh Hello you two! Are you excited?" She asked with a smile as they sat.
"You bet! We're all packed up and ready to start."
"Not on an empty stomach young man." Delia scolded lightly as Ash felt his stomach grumble.
"Heh, good call." he smiled bashfully before taking a spot and started chowing down like a starved Growlithe.
Delia chuckled as she watched the two of them Scarf down their food like crazy. "Now Now don't choke"
After some time, Ash and Pichu sighed in relief, feeling stuffed.
"So...full can't Move" Ash groaned softly.
"Pi...chu." groaned Pichu on the table Making Delia giggle at the two.
*Later*
Ash and Pichu headed down the road, Delia and Mimey waving them bye.
"...Mimey? Cloak mode" Delia spoke as Mr Mime created a special barrier around them making them invisible to the naked eye. "Alright, it's time for our own journey, in discretion." Delia smiled as she and Mr Mime quickly and Quietly followed ash.
(Pewter City)
"Alright, my first gym battle." spoke Ash, trying to pump himself up. He pushed open the doors and stepped inside, noting how dark it was. "Hello? Is anyone here?" He called out as A Light appeared above him.
"Challenger! Step forward!" called a male's voice, making him step forward as the lights turned on, revealing a rocky field layed out in front of him.
"Whoa" Ash said as he Marveled at the Massive Rocky field in front of him.
"Are you the one who thinks they can beat my gym?" A booming voice exclaimed as another shone across the field and revealed...no one. "Forrest a Little more to the right!" The voice spoke again as the light squeaked slowly as it was pushed over to the source of the voice. This shows a young man with spiky black hair and tanned skin. "Better."
"Are you the gym leader?" asked Ash.
"The name's Brock, and you are?"
"My Name is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town! And I'm here to challenge you!"
"Pallet Town? Most trainers who come from there hardly get past me. What makes you so special?"
"Because I have something the others don't have Determination!"
"Is that right? Well let's see how long it lasts. Go Geodude!" Brock exclaimed as he threw a pokeball and called out his Pokemon. "Geodude!"
"Alright, go Clefairy!" Ash exclaimed as a small pink Pokemon came out of the pokeball.
"Clefairy!"
"That's quite the surprise, most newbies have a Rattata or Caterpie."
"Well I'm not some normal newbie. Clefairy, Double Slap!" Ash exclaimed as Clefairy rushed forward and slapped Geodude twice, sending it flying.
"Geodude! Rock Throw!"
Geodude tumbled onto the ground and took a slab of stone and chucked it at Clefairy who jumped out the way.
"Clefairy use Meteor Mash!"
"Cle!" she let out, her fist glowing before lunging at Geodude and decking him from below, sending him flying back and crashing into the ground, kicking up dust and showing he had swirls in his eyes.
"Impressive, for a newbie." remarked Brock returning his pokemon before throwing out his next. "Go Onix!"
Out came the huge rock snake that loomed over Clefairy who looked nervous.
"Alright Clefairy, use Sing!"
"Clefairy!" she opened her mouth, but Onix lunged down, making her quickly run out of the way as it slammed where she stood.
"Onix, Bind!"
Onix gave a roar and wrapped himself around the smaller pokemon and squeezed tight.
"Clefairy no!"
"Use Heavy Slam Onix!" Onix raised up and slammed itself onto Clefairy. This made a huge crash as said normal type cried out.
"Clefairy! Metronome!" Ash exclaimed with a Little bit of struggling Clefairy poked its Arms out and began to wave them in a Rhythmic Motion as Soon the entire area was filled with a Loud charging noise as Brock noticed that the Air particles in the air were being converted into water as they began to swarm around Clefairy as Without Warning a Large Blast of water was shot out from the spot Onix was in which sent the rock snake Pokemon hurtling through the air. He slammed into the wall, knocked out in no time with Brock stunned as Clefairy got back up, barely, and flashed a peace sign.
"I...I lost." Spoke the gym leader who smiled and held his arm up. "The winner is Ash from Pallet Town!" He declared as he handed Ash his badge
"Yes! I got my first badge!" Ash cheered happily as he jumped around excitedly.
"Pichu Pi!" Pichu cheered happily as he climbed into Ash's Pocket.
"Cle!" let out Clefairy before promptly falling back and passed out with swirls in her eyes.
Ash took out his pokeball and used it to suck Clefairy back into it. "Good job Clefairy you deserve to Rest"
'He did it!' thought Delia, watching all this through a window with a smile. 'I knew he could do it!' Delia gushed happily as Ash and Pichu were seen heading out the Gym.
(Viridian Forest)
"Alright Pichu, we can't stop now. We've got our first badge, and with a map we'll get out of this forest in no time. I'm confident now we can take on the next gym no problem."
"Pichu Pi!" he cheered happily until he began to sniff the air.
'What is it Pichu?"
Pichu jumped out of Ash's pocket and ran off prompting Ash to follow him until he came across what Pichu was smelling, a Vulpix drinking from a nearby stream.
"Sweet, a Vulpix." he grinned, pulling out a pokeball before tossing it. "Come on out Clefairy!"
"Clefairy!"
Vulpix looked up, jumping at the ready seeing the normal type.
"Clefairy, sing!"
Clefairy opened her mouth and started to Sing as Vulpix dodged the move and shot out an Ember attack. It hit, making Clefairy jump up and down from the small flame on her butt, making her run around to try and put it out.
"Clefairy Meteor Mash!"
"Clef!" She exclaimed as she charged the fire fox with glowing fists and smacked it hard.
"Got you!" Ash reeled back and hurled a pokeball At the Vulpix and successfully captured it. "Yes! Way to go Clefairy!" Ash cheered happily as he ran over and grabbed the Pokeball. "Another new friend for our journey." Ash cheered happily.
"Pichu pi!" cheered Pichu as Ash turned to keep going, but stopped when he noticed a pamphlet on the ground.
"Huh?" he reached down and picked it up with confusion. "Team Rocket and how they can help you?" He muttered before shrugging and tossing the pamphlet away.
'Damn it! I thought that might work.' thought Delia, hiding behind a tree before following Ash. 'I need to come up with something else.'
(Cerulean City)
"Clefairy! Doubleslap!" Ash exclaimed as she attacked the Psyduck and knocked it out.
"Psy..." groaned the water type, landing on his back in the water with swirls in his eyes.
"Psyduck no!" cried out Misty with wide eyes before groaning. "I knew I should have trained you this morning..." She sighed before returning Psyduck and handing over her Badge.
*Vermillion Gym*
"Raichu! Thunderbolt!"
"Rai rai!"
"Quick Mankey! Jump!" Ash Exclaimed as his Manley dodged the attack. "Mankey use Mach Punch!"
Mankey let out a cry as his fist glowed before coming at Raichu.
"Use a direct Quick Attack!" called Lt. Surge.
Raichu attempted to use the move only to get decked hard in the face and sent flying into the wall. He crashed, making cracks form and his trainer going wide eyed before his pokemon dropped, swirls in his eyes.
"Raichu No!"
"Aw yeah! Good job Mankey!" Ash cheered as Surge gave him the Badge. As he made his way out, he saw a poster of a team rocket grunt pointing out that said 'Team Rocket wants you' under it. However Ash just gave a simple shrug and walked off to the next town.
"Darn it! I knew I should have made it bigger. Or maybe put up more." muttered Delia to Mimey, both hiding their faces behind newspapers as he walked away.
*Celadon City*
"Alright Vulpix, I heard this gym leader uses grass types, which means it's your big moment to shine. You ready buddy?"
"Vul!" Vulpix smiled.
"Pichu!" Pichu cheered
"Let's go! He cheered, leading the way to the gym and entered. "My name's Ash Ketchum, and I-" Ash was cut off when he saw the Gym Leader had a neck brace, a broken arm and a black eye.
Said girl groaned in pain and looked scared.
"Uh...are you alright?" He asked.
"Oh Uhhhhh Yes I Just...Fell is all" She spoke with a nervous smile as she could feel an Evil presence off in the distance watching her.
"Oh, well if you want I could come back later for a badge."
"No No! We can Battle!" She exclaimed in a Small Panic.
"Are you sure? I mean-"
"Of course! T-There's no need to wait, we can get started right away! The sooner the better." she chuckled nervously with a wince.
"Uhhhhhh Okay"
(Later)
"Vulpix! Ember!"
"Vul!" Vulpix shouted as he shot embers at Gloom knocking it out
"Way to go Vulpix!" Ash cheered happily.
"Vul!" Vulpix cheered happily as Erika hobbled over and gave Ash her Badge.
"Here, you earned it, now please leave." She spoke in a slight Panic.
"Oh...Well Alright" Ash said as he happily left on his way.
Erika shivered, spotting Delia looking in the gym with a dark grin and gave a nod before making her way after Ash discreetly, making the grass type break in a cold sweat as she just pissed herself.
*Saffron City*
"Hypno! Psychic attack!" Ash shouted as Hypno obliged. His eyes glowed before sending out a psychic wave.
"Kadraba, use your own Psychic." Sabrina spoke as Kadabra blasted Hypno with psychic energy
Both attacks hit, making the pokemon grunt as they tried to exert their power over the other. The smoke cleared as both Pokemon still stood up until Kadabra fell forward and was knocked out.
"YEAH!" Ash cheered excitedly as Sabrina gave a smile and floated the badge into his hands.
"Congratulations, you've earned this."
"Oh...thank you" Ash spoke with a small blush on his face He turned and made his way out of the gym, Delia watching with a pair of binoculars while in a tree.
"Ooooh Looks My baby has a crush!" Delia smiled. 'I wonder if I can help him land a date, after I get him to join Team Rocket.' She thought happily.
*Fuschia City*
"Venomoth Use Cross Poison!" Janine shouted
"Muk! Jump up and use Body Slam!" Ash commanded as Muk did so.
"Muk!" the poison type let out, narrowly missing the poison attack as he came down, slamming into the bug type and pinning it to the ground.
"Now Sludge Bomb!"
Muk charged up purple energy in his mouth and began to pelt the moth Pokemon until it exploded.
"Venomoth!" Janine shouted in shock.
Said bug type groaned with swirls in it's eyes.
"YES WE DID IT MUK!" Ash cheered as Muk Smothered him in a Big Hug. "AHHH MUK NO THAT TICKLES!"
"Muk Muk!" The large blob let out with a smile, pinning Ash down with Pichu struggling to pull himself out.
Janine giggled as she walked over and helped Ash up. "Here you earned it" she spoke with a blush as she handed him the badge.
"Wow thanks!" Ash smiled as Muk then decided to Hug them both pushing Ash and Janine together making them blush.
'Oh my baby boy is a ladies man!' thought Delia, Mimey having to cover her mouth to keep from making any noise as they were looking through the eye holes of a large green plushie stationed outside the entrance.
*Cinnabar Gym*
"Ok, I know this is my gym and I accepted your challenge, but that was before I saw that!"
"What? It's just my Tentacruel."
"Yeah, ONE THE SIZE OF A MOUNTAIN!" he cried out, pointing to the giant water and poison type that towered over the arena. "How do you find something like that?!"
"Honestly? It was about to terrorize a Nearby Resort town that was run by an Ugly 17 year Old girl" Ash spoke. "He's actually really gentle when you get to know him." He chuckled.
"Now let's battle!" Ash Exclaimed with a Smile on his face as he struck a Pose and Pichu who was on his head copied him
Blaine gave a sweatdrop before tossing his pokeball, bringing out his Ninetails. 'This can't end well.'
(10 seconds later)
"Magmar! Run away! Run for your life!" Blaine shouted as Magmar tried to run away only to be grabbed and thrown against the wall of the Gym.
"Mag!" it let out before Tentacruel easily slammed him into the space again and again while looking bored, propping his head with a few other tentacles, while Ash rubbed the back of his head.
"Uh...if you like we could go easy on you." He suggested
"Magmar! Flamethrower!" Blaine shouted as Magmar tried 5o use the move but failed due to being flung in the air and slamming into the ground.
"Mag..." he groaned out, eyes swirling around while small Pidgeys flew around his head.
"No Magmar!"
"We won!" Ash shouted as Tentacruel waved his tentacles in the air happily
'I need to talk to the league about adjusting the rules.' Blaine thought with a weary sigh.
*Elsewhere*
"You're sure the boss told us to focus on this town?" Butch asked his Partner.
"Of Course he did Bill"
"It's BUTCH! You know that Cassidy!"
"Yeah Yeah, is the dynamite in place?"
"Of course it is. I double checked."
"Good, On My Mark Futch! Blow the Dam!"
"Hey Cassidy, are you sure the guy we're looking for is down there?"
"Of course I Am. There's No Else there Important other than Gary Oak. Now Lets flood the Place!"
"Alright, not my head if we fuck up." he muttered before pulling back the plunger and pushed down, causing the dynamite to explode and breaking open the Dam.
*Town*
"Ah, it's a beautiful day out today." Ash sighed as he and Pichu relaxed on the roof of the Pokemon Center.
"Pichu pi." nodded his friend, who was sporting sunglasses.
The duo soon felt a Low rumble around them.
"...Pichu please tell me that was your stomach"
"Pichu." he shook his head. Pichu felt his ears twitch as he jumped on Ash's head and looked east. "PI! PICHU!" He shouted as Ash saw a huge wave of water rushing down the mountain side towards the town.
"Holy cow!" Ash exclaimed as he and Pichu quickly climbed down the ladder and ran into the Center. "NURSE JOY THE DAM BURST! THERE'S A FLOOD ON THE WAY!"
"What?! Oh no, this is serious!" she cried before running to the back and hit the emergency siren. Alerting the Trainers and Towns People in a frenzy. Which of course leads to them panicking and freaking out, the Officer Jennies quickly trying to get them to calm down and get to higher ground.
"Tentacruel help us Out!" Ash tossed the pokeball, releasing the giant pokemon. "Try and block the water before it hits the town!"
"Tenta!" He bellowed as he took a few steps forward and tried and Nearly failed to barricade the town from the water. Water was slipping around him, but his huge body was managing to hold back most of it, for now.
"Everyone lets Move!"
The citizens rushed to get to higher ground while Clefairy skipped over near the area.
"Clef!" she let out while raising up her hands and started moving them left to right, the fingers glowing And she created a Large Wall of earth.
"Way to go Clefairy!" Ash smiled
"Clefa!" She cheered as all was going well...Until
"TENTA!" A broken Tree had slammed into Tentacruel's tentacles causing him to trip as a huge surge of water flooded into the town.
"LOOK OUT!" Ash shouted as the people began to Panic.
That's when numerous Ice Beams flew out at the water and started freezing it.
"Nice Job Clefairy!" Ash smiled
"Clef?" the normal type looked confused before they noticed the attacks coming from a line up of Nidoqueens using the move set.
"Whoa!" Ash let out, amazed as the rushing water was frozen completely, the flood being stopped. Or at least stopped for the time being. "Where'd all those Nidoqueen come from?" Ash wondered before Giovanni stepped out beside the pokemon with an innocent and warming smile.
"Excellent!' Giovanni smirked as he watched from a distance.
The poison types let out calls of gratitude, but some of the ice near Ash started to crack, making Pichu wide eyed.
"Pichi pi!" he cried out, tugging on Ash's face.
"Huh? what is it Pic.." Ash was cut off by the ice breaking and being slammed by a massive rush of water. "WAAAAAH!" Ash cried as he threw Pichu off his shoulder and onto a nearby tree. He sputtered as some of it got in his mouth, washing him down the main street going through the town. "SOMEONE...HELP!" He shouted
That's when he turned and saw a glove hand reach out in his path, making him reach out and grab it as he kept going before stopping.
"Hang on and don't let go!" he heard as Ash was lifted into the air.
He blinked and turned before smiling. "Jessie!" he smiled as Ash was squeezed by all three of them.
"OH MY SWEET NEPHEW YOU'RE ALIVE!" James blubbered like a Wailord.
"You look like a waterlogged Meowth." joked the normal type.
Ash gave a small cough as Jessie patted his back.
"I just can't believe it. How could the dam have burst open that quick?" Jessie wondered as Meowth pulled out his Binoculars and surveyed the area and spotted the issue.
"Guys I see Cassidy and Bill!"
"IT'S BUTCH!" came the cry of the male, all the way in the distance.
*Later*
"Uncle Giovanni!" Ash cheered happily
"Ash my boy, it's so good to see you." Giovanni smiled as the two Shared a Hug. "I've heard some good things from your mother. How's your journey been treating you?"
"Good so far, all I need is one more Badge!"
"Well that's nice to hear, although..."
"Although what?"
"I feel like there's something much better than being a pokemon master."
"How so?"
"Well I happen to have connections with a group that helps pokemon and people all over. Have you heard of Team Rocket?"
"Yeah, but I thought they were a criminal organization"
"Oh come now, that's a load of rubbish." He waved his hand. "If that were true, I'd be considered a criminal." Giovanni chuckled.
"You're part of it!?" Ash went slack jawed.
"Well...Yeah"
"Wow...hey wait, how come you never told me?"
"You never asked." he gave a cheeky grin making Ash pout.
"No fair!"
"Well, what would be fair is if you gave it a shot. I guarantee with all the experience you've gained, you'd get even better and help many many people."
"Help people?...Yeah That sounds great!"
"Excellent. We can get the paperwork started right away."
*a Few weeks later*
We find ourselves in Govanni's office where said boss was dealing with Persian hacking up a hairball Just as Ash walked in. Who was now decked out in the official Team Rocket grunt uniform. Along with Pichu who was wearing a Small Grunt Hat.
"Good News Uncle, I successfully Saved the Safari Zone run by That warden who pointed a gun at sime people!"
"That's good news. How many pokemon were there?"
"Over 500,000"
"Very impressive." smirked Giovanni, a grunt pushing a cart full of pokemon by the open door, who were cramped together, with Ash not noticing. "Keep up work like that and you'll be climbing the ladder in no time flat."
"Wow Thanks"
"Of course that's assuming you and your partners keep it up without any flirting." he teased.
Hearing this Made Ash blush as Pichu snickered. "C-Come on, we're not flirting, we just work real close together is all..." Ash chuckled nervously
"Is that why your mother has been telling me ideas on how many grandkids to expect?"
Hearing this made Ash hide his face in his shirt as Pichu fell off his shoulder laughing
"Oh? Am I missing all the fun?" came Delia's voice as she walked in with a smile.
"Mom!"
"Aww don't worry Ash, I'm sure those two are open enough not to fight over you." Delia smiled
"Mom, you're not helping!"