I own nothing
Chapter 18
Pummelo was a beautiful place that housed a large percentage of the population of the Orange Islands. There was a large department store in the centre of the city but even that was dwarfed by one thing, the Championship stadium. It sat in the very centre of the city itself with the citizens houses surrounding it and seated around 10,000 people. Ash looked up at it briefly before walking into the reception of the building and heading to the counter.
"Hello" the receptionist said smiling brightly at Ash "how can I help you?"
Opening up his coat he unclipped the four badges from his lapel and placed them on the counter "I'm here to register for the Championship match" he said.
"Oh splendid" she said taking the badges and scanning them before handing them back "congratulations on beating the four Oange Island Gym Leaders. Let's see when we can fit you in."
"I'm afraid it will have to be at the weekend" Ash said taking out his pokegear "I have contractual obligations with any final I reach to inform Silph so they can send a representative and organise everything that comes with them. I informed them as soon as I beat Luana and they sent me this email. Do you have an email I can forward it on to?"
"Certainly" she said giving Ash the information for her to look over. "Ok, this seems to be in order. We can schedule you in for Sunday the 6th of February at 12pm. Is that ok?"
"That's perfect" Ash said "that gives them six days to get here and sort out their own things. Thank you very much."
The next few days passed by in a whirlwind of activity. He had booked a room in the hotel on the seafront that was just outside the stadium so that every time he woke up he would see where he was going to be at the weekend. His mum had phoned saying she would only be able to make it there on Thursday morning at the earliest due to the restaurant only being open for a month after Christmas so he booked the room opposite him.
Wednesday morning arrived and Ash was still in a quandary. He only had five slots filled up for his battle and he had eight Pokémon to pick from. He eliminated Kabuto and Lapras so he was now down to his last slot between Gyarados and Salamence. Walking along the beach he explained the situation to Pikachu.
"What do I do?" Ash asked as he sat down "Salamence has really put in the effort since she returned to get better and I didn't anticipate getting her back. But Gyarados has done nothing but try and deserves her opportunity to shine. This is why I only wanted six Pokémon because I just can't choose."
"It's a tough one Ash" Pikachu said eating an apple looking unconcerned "I'm sure you'll figure it out."
"Gee, thanks for your help Pi" Ash said shaking his head.
"Talk to them about it" Pikachu said looking up at him before taking another bite "get their opinion."
"I already know what their opinion will be" Ash said "Salamence will demand to be in as she missed the last one and as Gyarados doesn't talk it will be hard for her to retort. No, it's something I'll have to decide."
"Which you knew already" Pikachu said "so this conversation was pointless."
Shaking his head Ash carried on walking in silence mulling over what would be a big decision and by the time Thursday rolled around he still hadn't made a decision and was annoying Pikachu. Thankfully for the little yellow mouse his mum was coming today and hopefully she would get to take over listening to him whinge.
"What time does she get here again?" Pikachu asked as innocently as he could. Ash though saw right through it but still answered him "around 1. She messaged me before saying that she had a surprise for me too but was quite hush hush about it. Silph will also be sending their representative with them too to go over my outfit for the event."
"Gavin?" Pikachu asked.
"I bloody well hope not." Ash replied remembering the travesty he had to wear to his group match against Pete Pebbleman at the Indigo League.
Two hours later Ash was sitting at the airport waiting for his mums flight to land when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Looking around he gaped in shock as standing there with his mum and Joanne was Nia and Sarah.
"Hi" he said standing up hugging Nia before moving onto his mum, Joanne and Sarah "how did you get through the gate without me seeing you guys?" Ash missed the huge blush that spread across Nias face as she was pressed into his chest but thankfully he moved on quickly enough for her to regain her composure. Her mum however noticed and smirked.
"Silph have their own private jet that they've lent to us for the next few days." Joanne said "so I rang your mum up and gave her a lift so she wouldn't need to take the commercial flight. That and Gavin refuses to travel anywhere that doesn't have an en-suite bathroom with a jacuzzi."
Ash had been listening intently and smiling but as soon as Gavin was mentioned his face dropped and became stony.
Sighing Joanne reached into her purse and handed over twenty Pokedollars to Nia while Ash looked on confused. "I bet her that you would react like that if she mentioned Gavin" Nia said happily holding her money up to the light to check it was real "and I won."
"It's real you cheeky sod" Joanne said before turning back to Ash "Sorry, it was a little prank. Your outfit is on the plane. It's where I'll be sleeping as the hotel you're staying at is fully booked. I need to head back to the plane now, so I'll see you tomorrow Ash at 11 for the outfit fitting. Bye guys."
"What about you two?" Ash asked Sarah and Nia as they left the airport and headed for the hotel "I didn't know you guys were coming or I'd have booked you a room too."
"Oh, we got a place on the outskirts of the city" Sarah said "It's a little out of the way but given how many people are going to be here I'd say we were quite lucky."
"Nope" Ash said striding forwards into the hotel he was staying at and heading to the reception counter "that's completely unacceptable. Wait here a minute. Hello, are there any rooms available for the next few days. My best friend and her mum just turned up as a surprise to see me battle and they need a room."
"I'm sorry Mr Ketchum but all our double rooms are booked" the receptionist replied as she looked on the computer "we only have a single room left."
"I'll take it" Ash immediately said taking out his Pokegear "how much is it?"
"It's $350 a night but you do get bed and breakfast with the option of another daily meal too" she said looking at him.
"Done" Ash said paying for it and getting the key. Thanking the receptionist he took the key and walked back over to them "sorted. You two can have my room and I'll take this room."
"Ash" Sarah said "we were fine with the hotel we had."
"Nope" Ash said shaking his head as he picked up his mums and Sarahs case and led them over to the elevator. "This is my treat. My room has a huge bed and a sofa bed in it so you won't be squashed. I'm perfectly fine with a single room, I've been sleeping on beaches for months now and the bed here is too soft for me anyway. Here we go." Unlocking his now old room he led them inside and didn't even stop to hear their gasps at the view. Putting down Sarahs case he picked his bag, which he hadn't even bothered to unpack and put it on his shoulder before handing them the key "Enjoy, we'll likely be down for dinner at six so we'll meet you two at the foyer at quarter to. Come on mum, I'll show you your room. It's just opposite this one."
Walking across the hallway he opened the door and led him mum inside and dropped her case before he turned around and hugged her. "Thank you for coming mum. I know it was difficult to get here on such short notice."
"Did you really think I was going to miss my baby boy's big day?" she asked rhetorically "that was a very nice thing you just did but apologise to Sarah when you see her."
"Why?" Ash asked looking puzzled.
"Ash, I love you dearly" Delia said "but you didn't give her the chance to refuse and while it was a very thoughtful gift she didn't have a choice but to accept. She's a very proud woman and she doesn't want to be seen as a charity case. She already booked a hotel that she said she was fine with and this could have easily come across as you throwing your money around."
"Oh" he said looking down "I was just trying to do a nice thing for them."
"I know sweetie" Delia said taking his hand "but next time ask people before assuming your way is correct. Just explain to her at dinner your thought process and apologise."
"Ok" Ash said "I suppose that's one of the downsides of being a lone traveller with money. I don't really have anyone to answer to and can pretty much do and buy what I want."
"Exactly" Delia said "now make yourself useful and put the kettle on."
"Mum" Ash said shaking his head "it's room service here. There is no kettle." Picking up the phone Ash ordered two cups of tea, much to Delias disapproval and chatted about what had happened since they last saw each other.
"So you're likely needing surgery on your leg?" Delia asked concerned when Ash brought it up.
"Yeah" he replied sighing heavily "whenever Machamp and I spar we can only do it for so long before I start to limp and he always calls off the training. It's getting quite frustrating to be honest but I've booked in a scan at Saffron City Hospital for the 3rd March to try and find out what the issue is. Hopefully tablets will be all I will need but I suspect it's going to be more problematic than that."
"March?" Delia said humming "that means should surgery be required you'll likely miss this years Johto League won't you?"
"Yeah" Ash said "but it's not that big a loss. I can always try next year, and I have the Elite Four Challenge this year so maybe it'll be a good thing to stay home this year."
"Now I know you don't mean that" Delia said laughing "you can't fool me young man."
Laughing along with her Ash washed his cup and put it on the sideboard "I'm going to take my bag to my room mum. I'll meet you in the foyer soon."
Walking to his room was a trek as it was on the other side of the hotel but when he walked in he wasn't too disappointed as it still had a view of the sea and while it was nowhere near the size of his other room it was still quite a decent sized room. Putting down his bag he decided to have a nap before dinner. He met up with his mum, Sarah and Nia at the foyer five minutes later than he said he would get there.
"Sorry," he said "I underestimated how far a walk away I was. I hope you guys weren't waiting too long."
Dinner that evening was a little stilted after Ash apologised like his mum said to do but the conversation soon flowed.
"How is Kabuto doing?" Ash asked while they were walking back to their seats with food from the buffet "is he behaving?"
"He's great thanks" Nia said smiling as they sat down "he's a great Pokémon to have so thank you for getting for me. He's very mischievous though, all he seems to want to do is nibble my hair."
Ash roared with laughter causing the others to look at him in concern as tears streamed down his face.
"Did I say something funny?" Nia asked the others while Ash tried to gather himself.
"Not that funny" Delia said before she cuffed Ash on the shoulder.
"Sorry, sorry" he said as he wiped his face "I once asked Charizard and Pikachu what my Kabuto talked about because she constantly chatters away to Gyarados. He replied with "rocks, water and how comfy my head looks.' She's always trying to get the others to convince me to let her sit on my head as we travel in place of my cap because 'it looks comfy.' So, I'm glad to find out it's not just me that has a weird Pokémon."
"Do you think that's what he wants?" Sarah asked "to ride on Nia's head?"
"Yes" Ash said nodding, joy still evident on his face "I guarantee it. I suspect it's a species trait but I've not been able to confirm it as I don't know anyone else with a Kabuto."
"Does Brock not have one?" Delia asked "you did say he had a few fossils."
"I know he has an Omastar and a Tyrunt" Ash said thinking about it "actually yeah, I think he does. I'll message him now and ask him for advice." Taking his pokegear out he sent Brock a quick message and then concentrated on the conversation going on.
"So, what's your plans Nia?" Delia asked "what are you doing this year?"
"I'm thinking about doing the Elite challenge in Kanto" Nia replied "either that or Johto for the League. With Ash not competing in the Indigo League this year I may have a shot at winning it."
"I think you'll do really well" Ash said "I think John is competing again though so you'll likely have to face him at some point."
"I have a plan for dealing with his Dragonite" she replied "I'm not too worried about him. I don't know though, I'm still undecided on where I want to go or what I want to do. I'm 16 now so I need to start thinking about what I want to do with my life other than being a trainer."
"Well, what are you good at?" Ash asked.
"Honestly, other than Pokémon and battling I love writing" she said shyly "particularly poetry. After what happened in Saffron it took me a long time to recover and I didn't feel like I could say things out loud for fear of admitting them so I started writing. It was very cathartic. But there's no money in writing poetry unless you're discovered and promoted."
The conversation continued but Ash remained silent for the most part as he tried to process something he was having trouble with.
"You're awfully quiet there" Sarah said to Ash causing him to look up at her. "what's going on in that noggin?"
"I'm trying to phrase something in my head, but the words keep changing and I'm afraid it will come out wrong" he said as he looked at Nia "why haven't you asked me for help getting published?"
"Ash" Delia said "we talked about this upstairs. Not everything has to go through you."
"And I'm not saying it does mum" Ash said "but out of everyone here who is best positioned to help Nia? I have contacts at Silph who have published not only my books but Brocks too and look how well he is doing now. All I did was give Brock the opportunity, it was then down to him to sort things out, which he has done, and I can do the same for Nia should she want it."
"I don't even know if I want it though" Nia said trying to stem off an argument "but if and that's a big if I decide to go ahead I'll ask you for help."
"That's all I'm asking" Ash replied "All I'll do is put you in touch with my publisher and the rest will be down to you. I said to Brock when I talked to him about our first book that I had help getting my big break publishing via Professor Oak and I'm more than happy to do the same with you so take the opportunity. There are no strings attached from my end so don't ever be too proud to ask for advice or help. I've never stopped asking mum, Sam, Zoe, Joanne, you etc for help and advice."
"You're quite the motivational speaker, aren't you?" Sarah asked smiling at their interaction before looking at the clock and saw it was 8:45. "well I don't know about you, but I'm knackered. It's been a long day and tomorrow is shaping up to be the same."
"You're not wrong" Delia said standing up with the rest of them and walking with them to the foyer "goodnight, all."
"Night mum" Ash said giving her a hug "I'll see you around noon tomorrow, I have a last-minute training session tomorrow morning and then the fitting around 10 so hopefully I'll be free after noon. I'll message you letting you know how it went."
"Well from what I've seen of the outfits they won't cause you many problems." Delia said "they're the same outfit you wore at the Indigo League just in different colours. You've grown since then though which is why you'll need a fitting. You're huge Ash" she finished laughing.
"Yeah" Nia said giving him a hug and looking up at him "can you stop growing please. You hurt my neck."
"Aww diddums" Ash said laughing and letting her go "I'll do my best just for you princess."
"Good boy" Nia said as they left each other at the elevator leaving Ash to shake his head.
As soon as Sarah closed the door, she looked at her daughter who was pottering around the room and smiled "So, what was that about?"
"What was what about?" Nia asked confused.
"You and Ash" she replied "you two seemed awfully touchy tonight. Is there anything I should know?"
"No mum" Nia said sighing as she sat on the edge of her sofa bed "and I doubt there ever will be. He told me a few weeks ago that he's hit the stage for Aural Puberty and all that comes with being an aura user. He sent me a book that he grew up with about what aura users go through during that time too and after cross-referencing it with his own book I realised what it meant. He's still not found his person and after today it's pretty clear that I'm not them either. So, I'll settle for being his friend and put this down to having a crush."
"Oh Nia" Sarah said hugging her "I'm sorry about this. When Delia told me what may happen I was afraid, not for myself but for you. I'm sorry sweetheart."
"You knew about it?" Nia asked confused "since when?"
"Since the day Delia knocked on our door at the league" Sarah said "she wondered just what kind of person had got her son acting the way he did after a loss. And she sent me a book the day after explaining what Ash will go through."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Nia asked crying.
"The same reason Delia never told Ash" Sarah said grabbing some tissues "Delia and Red broke up before he turned 16 because they feared that Delia wouldn't be the one he was destined to be with and it nearly broke her heart. He was an aura guardian too and had only one destined person to be with and it was pure luck that when he turned 16 his 'aural radar' received a response from her and they got back together. You and Ash needed to realise on your own that you were either meant to be together or you weren't, just like a normal relationship starts. Neither of you are at fault, it just wasn't meant to be Nia."
"Oh" she said in a small voice "so what do I do?"
"You move on Nia" Sarah said "and if the pain is too much then ease away from him. If you think you can still be friends then do so, but you're under no obligation to stay friends with him."
"I'd like to be friends" Nia said "he's been really good to me since we met and he's a very nice person. I mean just look at what he did for Zoe mum. No horrible person would do that for a stranger."
"Good girl" Sarah said kissing her head "he is the most genuine person I've ever met, if a little clueless. I don't think he has many people he trusts so I'm glad he has you. I do think you two need to have that particular chat though, that way you can both move on with your lives."
"I'll do it Sunday night" Nia said "that way he doesn't have to worry before his big match."
"Ok" Sarah said going to the bathroom to get ready for bed leaving a very sullen Nia contemplating the next few days.
The next day Ash gathered all his Pokémon together after their training and told them the line-up for the day after tomorrow. "Now this was really difficult as everyone of you could easily claim a spot for tomorrow however I've come to a decision. My team for Sunday is going to be Pikachu, Venusaur, Blastoise, Machamp, Charizard and Salamence. Lapras, you're just too young to be placed in such a high profile battle, Kabuto you're not experienced enough in battles yet for me to throw you into such a big on but you've been very impressive in how well you've picked up moves. Gyarados, honestly it was a flip of the coin between you and Salamence as I couldn't choose between you both. What swung it was Salamence missed the last final we were in and I believe she deserves the opportunity to be in one. I assure you though you'll get your chance to shine when we do the Elite Four challenge later on this year. So, I want to wish you all the best of luck and just to try your best. I have no fear of his Pokémon and neither should you."
A few hours later Ash was seated on the plane while he was measured for his outfit for Sunday.
"Luckily" Joanne said "your mother gave me your measurements so the fitting shouldn't take long. Have you decided on a colour?"
"Yeah" Ash said looking over the assembled outfits. "I quite like the yellow and blue one with the green lining. That looks pretty cool."
"Let's try it on then, shall we?" Joanne said as Ash walked over to the rack and pulled off the outfit. Without thinking he took his shirt and jacket off and pulled the top on, ignoring the gasps from Joanne and the two seamstresses that were watching.
"I like this" Ash said "it's a little tight across the chest though as I have a 40-inch chest not a 34. And these pants won't fit as I'm a 36-inch waist not a 32. I think we could do with losing the sleeves too so it's more of a vest jacket. It's too warm to wear full sleeves and I think they'd be a bit restrictive."
"We can work with that" Maria said as she picked out another piece of fabric." When's your match again?"
"Day after tomorrow" Ash said "so that gives you all of today and tomorrow to finish it. If you can't then please don't feel bad, I'm aware of how busy you're going to have to be to finish this."
"Ash" Daisy said pinching his cheeks "we're very good at what we do but thank you all the same."
"Is that an old people thing?" Ash asked rubbing his face as he descended the steps of the plane with Joanne half an hour later "pinching your cheeks I mean. Mine still hurt."
"Well given the number of times they pinched your cheeks I'm not surprised" Joanne said laughing "and yes, I suspect it is an old people thing."
"Damn" Ash muttered "I'll have to stay away from the elderly then" Joanne just laughed and said goodbye as Ash made his way back to the city centre to do some shopping. Walking back to the hotel he noticed there was a throng of people blocking the doorway obviously trying to get in which left Ash puzzled. Picking his way through the crowd he went to walk through the door when the bellhop stopped him.
"I'm sorry sir, you can't come in. This is for customers only."
"I am" Ash said puzzled as he brought out his key with a tag on it signifying he had a room here.
"Oh, sorry sir," the bellhop said apologetically "I was afraid you were here to see Drake too."
"No" Ash said smiling "but I will see him Sunday when I face off against him."
"I knew you looked familiar!" the man said "please, go inside Mr Ketchum and for what it's worth, good luck Sunday."
"Thank you" Ash said walking in ignoring the crowd who suddenly swelled in noise. Ignoring the reception area Ash walked into the elevator and made his way to his room. No sooner as he had placed his bags down than the room phone rang.
"Hello?" Ash said picking up the receiver "Speaking. In the lobby? Can you give me fifteen minutes to get changed? Thank you, see you then." Puzzled he placed the phone down and said to Pikachu "we have a guest at reception who wants to see us. and they didn't tell me who it was."
"Very strange" Pikachu said as he stretched out on the bed and flopped over to go to sleep. Chuckling Ash got changed and made his way back to the lobby wondering who was here to see him. Speaking to the receptionist he was pointed towards the ballroom and made his way there.
"Hello" Ash said to the young lady guarding the doors. Looking around he saw that there was some kind of convention going on "I was told to come see someone here. My name's Ash Ketchum."
Looking at her notepad she saw his name and crossed it out "go on inside. They're waiting for you."
Giving her a wary look he walked through the door and made his way onto the ballroom which was in pitch darkness. Ash however could see through his aura vision that there were several people hiding behind a curtain on the stage at the far end of the ballroom. His aura immediately picked up on who they were, so he decided to have a little fun himself and looked around. As his eyes quickly adjusted he could see that there was a screen just in the corner, likely blocking the P.A system so he hid behind the screen and waited. Eventually the lights rose and the people behind the curtain walked out looking confused. They had clearly heard the door go but Ash was nowhere to be seen. Carefully looking around Ash saw that the curtains surrounded three sides of the ballroom and couldn't believe his luck. Taking off his shoes he padded around the curtained area so he was where the five had originally been hiding. Peeking through the curtains he saw one of them open the door and talk to the lady on the other side leaving the other four bunched up.
Ash noticed that the light switch they had used was hidden in a little recess and moved over to it, quickly flicking it and the room plunged into darkness again which caused the four people to shout in surprise. Ash's vision was damn near perfect in the dark and he saw that the stage had been set up with several long tables and chairs so he sat down on one and put his feet up on the table and waited.
"Keep in contact, the lights are on the stage so be careful you don't bang into it" a voice Ash recognised said.
"Do you think it's Ash?" a female said sounding scared.
"Could be, but anyone could say they're Ash out front." A third voice said. "anyway, we know where the light is so we all stick to the left hand side and edge our way there."
What followed for Ash was very funny as they all held hands and placed their backs to the side railing as they walked slowly around the edge, muttering to each other whenever one bumped into another or stepped on a toe. Eventually though they made it to the stage and clambered on one by one. Sneaking over to the nearest person he griped their hand and pulled them up before quickly going back to take his seat.
"Thank you for helping me up Danny" Luana said gratefully.
"Lu" Danny said uncertainly "I've not helped anyone up. I'm still on the floor."
"Then who helped me up onto the stage?" she asked "was it you Drake?"
"No, I'm still over by the door" Drakes voice came from across the hallway "I'm making sure no one sneaks out."
"This is intolerable" Lu said trying to peer through the absolute darkness "Let's just get to the light switch shall we" without waiting for an answer Luana began to crawl in the direction she thought the switch was and soon bumped into the back wall. She was joined by two of the others who followed her voice "Ok, I think I'm at the back wall now, if I remember correctly it's just behind the tables." The next five minutes were just as amusing to Ash as they all kept falling over each other.
"I've found it" Danny said triumphantly as he pressed a button "why didn't that work?" he asked jabbing it twice more causing a shout and a slap of a hand.
"Danny" Cissy said calmly "the next time you touch my nipple I will rip your balls off!"
"Sorry" Danny shouted hastily before muttering "I wondered why the button was nice and soft."
"Stop talking about my nipples!" Cissy shouted "has anyone found that bloody button yet?"
Shaking his head Ash quietly made his way past them and clicked on the button and immediately began laughing. Cissy was standing with her arms covering her chest, bring red in the face. Danny was looking sheepish but had a slight grin on his face, Luana was on all fours near the table and Rudy was just sat cross legged at the edge of the stage.
"Hi guys" Ash said laughing "fancy seeing you here."
"Ash Ketchum!" Cissy said furious "that was not funny!"
"It really was" he said as he made his way over to the table and sat down "you should have seen you four trying to make your way across the ballroom. It was highly amusing."
"Well at least one of us had fun" Cissy said angrily sitting down and glaring at Danny.
"I couldn't see!" he yelped defensively "and in the dark it felt like I was pressing a button."
"In fairness it was a button" Luana said giving Danny a wink which received an eyebrow wiggle in response and a gasp of outrage from Cissy. "Oh stop it, you two have been dancing around each other for years now. At least now one of you has made it past second base."
"And that is as far as he will get" Cissy said giving Danny a challenging look.
Ash in the meantime had pulled out a chair for Rudy who sat down beside him as Drake made his way across the room and heard the argument that was ging on.
"Are they always like this?" Ash asked quietly.
"Yup" Drake and Rudy said in concert before Rudy continued "Lu has been trying to set those two up for a few years now. They're both from the same island and left on their journey a year apart so they've known each other their entire lives. They just refuse to admit they are in love with each other."
"It's funny and also sad at the same time" Drake said shaking Ash's hand as they watched the other three bicker between themselves "they're going to waste their lives away at this point or Danny is going to move on because of her stubbornness to accept what's in her face."
"I can get it" Ash said surprising them "I now Danny fairly well having done his course a few times and talked to him about life. I can't imagine his daredevil ways sit well with her. She'd be in constant fear that his next challenge may be the end of his life. It's sad but I get it."
"You raise a valid point" Drake said frowning at the thought "maybe we should think about changing his final challenge as I doubt he'd give up the mountaineering section of his challenge."
"True" Rudy said nodding watching as the argument petered out.
"Hello Ash" Luana said turning to him "How have you been?"
"I've been good" he said looking confused "I mean I only saw you last week so not much has changed."
"It's been three months since I last saw you" Cissy said "a lot seems to have happened in that time."
"It has" Ash said nodding "and we've come a long way in that time. We're ready for you Drake" he said smiling at the man.
"Glad to hear it" Drake said "anyway I'm sure you're wondering why we called you here? Well tomorrow there's going to be a press conference for the match on Sunday and we're just here to make sure you knew."
"I did" Ash said nodding "my PA Joanne informed me today about it. It's set for 3pm tomorrow isn't it. What kind of numbers are we expecting for the match?"
"It's sold out" Danny said "and it sold out by Wednesday afternoon Ash. It's not often we get the kind of match that will be taking part on Sunday. I don't think the stadium has ever had a match between two current Champions."
"Really?" Ash asked surprised "I wonder why?"
"Probably because of how low on the totem we are" Luana said "The Orange Islands aren't one of the major leagues and if you had a flying Pokémon you could probably finish the gym challenges inside a week or two so there's no real challenge to us. Plus, only two of us have a battle so there's that too. All in all we're not a place that you'll gain significant recognition, especially outside the Archipelago."
"Ah right" Ash said nodding "that makes sense I suppose. For what it's worth though I think the challenges here have been more fun and friendship orientated than the challenges I had in Kanto which I've really enjoyed. Anyone can come up with strategy and because the gyms in Kanto are type locked you can counter pretty easily."
"Yup" Drake said "which is why our match has gained such a big audience. You're very popular right now, especially after winning the Indigo League so it adds an extra dimension to our match which I'm looking forward too."
"About that" Ash said "what happens when I win and become champion? Do I have to remain here, do I have to keep returning to battle challengers etc?"
"If you win" Drake said giving him a look "then that's up to you. The only reason we have the set up we do is because the finals are no longer a tournament. It used to be similar to the other leagues as in you beat the leaders to make it to the tournament and then the winner would become champion. It changed about twenty years ago after we saw a significant drop in challengers to become what we are now."
"Oh right" Ash said thoughtfully "I wonder why that was. Anyway, I won't be staying on as Champion as my home will take up far too much time, my commitments to Silph may get in the way of taking on challengers and I want to travel while I still can. Not only that but you seem to be a very good champion anyway so it's up to you if you want to stay on."
"Well, you haven't beaten me yet" Drake said "and if I have anything to say about it you won't beat me."
"We'll see" Ash said smiling "so shall we go over what's going to be said tomorrow?"
The next hour they hashed out what would be said in the press conference as they had no league official like Charles Goodshow to direct them. Standing up with the rest of them as they made their way to the door Ash said "I'll see you all tomorrow then. Have a good evening."
Walking out Ash made his way to the lobby and found to his surprise Sarah and his mum were just walking out of the dining area together.
"Hi mum, hi Sarah" he said wandering over "how are you both doing? What are you both up to?"
"Hi sweetie" Delia said giving him a hug "we were just about to go to the department store to see what we could find. Would you like to join us?"
"Actually yeah" Ash said as they walked out of the doors "I was going to talk to you both tonight anyway but now seems like a good time as any. I want to buy the two seamstresses a present to say thank you for the work they're putting in making my outfit but I don't know what to get them. And I thought just giving them money wouldn't be personable enough."
"Well let's go see what we can find then shall we" she said looping an arm in his arm. Ash being the chivalrous person he was offered his other to Sarah who gamely took it and the three made their way down the street laughing.
The next day Ash made his way to the plane to see how they were getting on.
"Hi" he said after he climbed up the steps with two bags in his hands and into the plane "how are we all doing? How are you getting on?"
"We're good Mr Ketchum" Maria said.
"Yes," Daisy said looking up from her machine "we should be done by tonight. We're just stitching everything together now so hopefully you'll have an outfit by tomorrow."
"Well, I've bought you both something" Ash said holding up the two bags "I wanted to show you both my appreciation for what you're doing. I've seen my mum sew at home so I know it's a challenging task to make a complete outfit in just under two days. Before you open them though I want you to know that I would have got you these regardless of whether you completed the tasks on time or not simply because you tried your best. So, here" he finished handing over the bags.
Maria and Daisy smiled as they came over and took the bags from Ash and looked inside pulling out a box and what looked like a card. Daisy was the first to open the gift card and had to steady herself on the chair as she nearly lost power in her legs. "Mr Ketchum, I can't accept this."
"It's Ash" Ash said smiling taking her hand "and it's tough luck because I'm not taking it back. That goes for you too Maria, you deserve it. Now, I have a press conference I need to go and prepare for so I'll see you ladies tomorrow. Don't push yourselves or stress if it's not finished, you've done your best and that's the best you can do."
Leaving them Ash whistled as he made his way out of the airport and headed back towards the hotel feeling very happy with what he'd just done. The press conference went very smoothly that afternoon. It mainly consisted of Ash describing the gym battles and how he felt about each challenge. His mum breathed a sigh of relief when he mentioned he was glad he'd passed the first two tests of Dannys challenge and wouldn't have to do the toboggan slide down a mountain, Ash doubted he would ever tell her he'd done it once he was healed.
"So yeah" Ash finished "tomorrow is going to be a fantastic day for those who love Pokémon battles. And I can't wait to battle Drake. It should be spectacular."
Later that evening Ash was sat having dinner with his mum, Sarah and Nia when the topic of the gifts came up.
"Oh, they seemed to love them" Ash said "I'm not certain though as I was cutting it a bit fine getting back to the hotel in time for the conference so I gave them the gifts and then had to leave. I'll ask them properly tomorrow though when I see them. They told me they had the pieces cut and were ready to stitch it together when I arrived."
"What did you get them?" Nia asked "and when?"
"Oh, I gate-crashed our mums shopping expedition yesterday" Ash said "and they helped me pick out the gifts. Your mum was the one who mainly came up with ideas on what to get them as they have a shop in Saffron that she goes to a lot to get knitting gear so she knows them both. Sarah noticed that Maria often wears a turquoise necklace, so I got her some turquoise earrings and Daisy wears black Opal, so I got her some black Opal earrings."
"Oh yeah" Nia said laughing "all flight I was wondering where I'd seen them before."
"Yeah" Ash said laughing "so I got them some jewellery and a gift card with a cheque inside."
"Whatever happened to 'I don't want to just give them money'" Delia asked.
"And I didn't" Ash said cheekily "I gave them a gift AND money."
"How much?" Nia asked to which Ash mumbled back an amount "funnily enough I don't think Zubats could have heard that reply Ash."
"Ten thousand" Ash said sighing looking up to see his friend gasp in shock "they're doing a great job and are on a very difficult schedule with an almost impossible timeframe, so they deserve to be rewarded."
"Ash" Delia said pinching her nose "that's too much. A thousand would have got the point across that you appreciated their efforts. But ten thousand is a lot of money for them."
"I know" Ash said "which is why I gave it to them. It's done now, they deserve it and I'm not taking it back."
"Ash" Delia began to say before he stood up and shook his head "why is it every time I try and do something nice for someone I get nothing but grief back?" Ash threw down his napkin on the table and walked away leaving the other three to sit in silence at Ash's outburst.
"I think that's the first time he's ever raised his voice at me like that" Delia said looking confused at the place her son had just vacated "I'm not sure how to take it."
"He's growing up" Sarah said gently "he's become his own person over the last eighteen months Delia. He'll apologise, you know he will but you need to trust that he knows what he's doing with his money."
"He's not stupid" Nia said "he's told me in the past how frugal he actually is with money and despite spending a lot on his home and the equipment there he's not bought anything for himself that he doesn't need. The holiday for you Zoe and Ava was a treat because he had nothing else to spend money on, just like the room mum and I are in. They're his only extravagant purchases when you think about it."
"I know" Delia said looking at the door her son left through "I'm just worried that all this could end at any point and he'll be left with a house he can no longer afford and bills he can't pay."
"Delia" Sarah said making her look at her "Trust him and trust in him. He's never come across as a naïve kid and as Nia says he's not stupid with money."
The next day Ash awoke after having a very restless night. The conversation with his mum played over and over again in his mind creating a restless feeling. Deciding that the best course of action would be to run it off that's exactly what he did. A few hours later he exited the gym feeling much calmer and went back to his room. Around 12pm he received a call from Joanne saying she was in the lobby so he made his way down and saw at the counter Joanne was stood with Maria, Daisy and his mum. Ignoring Joanne he immediately swept his mum up in a hug and muttered that he was sorry and that he loved her. Getting a squeeze back was all he needed so he turned to Joanne and waited.
"Well, the ladies have pulled off a miracle" Joanne said holding up the bag "shall we go and see if it fits?"
"Sure" Ash said "can we use you room mum?" receiving a nod he led them up to her room and grabbing the zipped up bag he went into the bathroom and changed. Looking at himself in the mirror Ash had to double take. He didn't often look at himself properly in the mirror other than when he was washing his face so he was astounded by how he looked. The sleeveless jacket fit absolutely perfect over his chest and his arms looked huge. Was he really only 12? He looked more like an eighteen year old at this point. The only thing that was missing was a beard which he was desperate to grow, sadly though all he had at this point was a little bumfluff. The pants were a bit tight around his thighs as they were three-quarter pants but they still gave him a bit of freedom movement wise. Putting the cap back on gave Ash an odd feeling though which puzzled him. Shaking his head he walked out to the room and stopped in front of the ladies and held his arms out. "Well? What do you think?"
"I think it looks perfect!" Delia said coming over to him and tugging on his jacket to see the fit. "you'll need to wear a shirt underneath it though or you'll freeze to death."
"I will mum" he said laughing "ladies?"
"Maria and Daisy have done a fabulous job" Joanne said delighted clasping her hands in front of her face before turning t the two ladies "thank you so much, you've done so well."
"It's our pleasure" Maria said smiling before she looked at Daisy who nodded and she turned to Ash.
"Don't even bother" Ash said before she could start making her close her mouth "you deserve the gifts I gave you and I will not take them back. Take them with the intention they were given, please."
"Fine" Daisy said coming over to him and hugging him "thank you."
"Hey" Maria said coming over and doing the same "I'm not being left out of this!"
Ash just looked deadpanned over their heads at his giggling mother and Joanne before holding his arms out at them. Joanne immediately shook her head making his mum laugh out loud.
After Joanne, Maria and Daisy had gone his mum immediately rounded on him "Whats wrong? And don't say nothing, I knew as soon as you came out of the bathroom that something was wrong."
Sighing Ash stood up and went over to the vanity and picked up his cap before walking back and handing it to his mother.
"Your dads cap?" she asked puzzled "what's wrong with it?"
"Exactly that" he said sighing "it's dads. I don't feel right wearing it anymore. I haven't for a while actually, it just keeps this mop of mine in check and it's become a habit. But I just don't feel the same as I did when I left home."
"Hmm" she said looking at her husbands signature cap "how long have you felt like this?"
"Since New Island" Ash replied.
"So since you found out your father may still be alive then" she said nodding "you know he wouldn't mind you wearing it right?"
"I do" Ash said "but I mind which makes it a difficult thing to contend with. I love my dad, but I never knew him. I only have stories about what a fantastic person and trainer he was, sorry is and for the longest time I felt like I had to live up to his name and compete with him to make you proud but I realised when I won the Kanto League that I can't live like that anymore. I'm my own person, and I'm a really good trainer in my own right."
"You're right" Delia said tearing up and leaning into him for a hug "he'd be so proud of you, you know? And he'd be so excited to challenge you for the spot as Champion. Don't get me wrong Blue is a good Champion but your dad was levels above him ability wise. He had this gift for thinking outside the box and came up with the wildest strategies, something you seem to be gifted at too."
"Thanks mum" Ash said taking the hat back and taking out the Rainbow and Silver wings.
"What are those?" Delia asked looking at the two beautiful feathers.
"They're relics of two of the most important meetings in my life." Ash said holding up the Rainbow Wing "a few days after we left Pallet Town we were attacked by the Spearow that used to plague Route 1 and we nearly died. After Pikachu got rid of them we were lying down on the ground when the storm we were in passed and we looked up and saw Ho-oH flying on a rainbow. She must have heard us talking about seeing her and she briefly talked to us. Evidently, she liked what we said and she dropped this onto my shoulder. It's called a Rainbow Wing and has been in the brim of dads cap ever since and it has helped me focus my aura and calm my mind. The other is called a Silver Wing and is a feather from Lugia after the event in Shamouti. Now they don't really do anything in general however I've found that they seem to be attracted to the GS Ball. Whenever I take them all out at the same time the wings wrap around the ball on their own as if magnetised to it. The ball still remains useless but it feels like they're part of the puzzle that Sam wants me to find out and it feels like I'm getting closer to finding out what the full picture is."
"Oh right" Delia said "so if I'm understanding right they help you mentally and they're part of whatever Sam has you doing? If you give up your dads cap where are you going to put them?"
"I have no idea" Ash said placing them back into the cap "but I think I'll try and figure that out once I'm home. It feels right that I end this particular adventure wearing dads cap. After that, who knows." Looking at the time he saw it was nearing 6:30 and said "dinner will be soon. I'll meet you in the lobby at 7:30?" receiving a nod Ash left, his mind still full of what had happened that day. Going to bed that night he struggled to drift off. Strangely he wasn't worried about the match the next day, he was more worried about what the future held and what he would do without the comfort the cap had brought him for the last eighteen months.