I own nothing
Chapter 23
"Could you two be anymore obvious?" Zoe said as they walked outside.
"What do you mean?" Nia asked confused.
"You two, you're obsessed with touching each other" Zoe said chuckling.
"We are not!" she countered hotly "and besides so what if we are, we both know nothing is ever going to happen between us."
"Why?" Zoe asked confused.
"You heard his talk Zoe" Nia said sighing "his aura still sends out the signal."
"You can be really thick sometimes you know?" Zoe said shaking her head.
"What?" Nia said stopping "why?"
"Oh Nia" Zoe said placing her hand on her cheek "he was lying."
"Why would he do that?" Nia asked "and why would he lie about it to me?"
"Because he's obviously scared about something." Zoe said as she carried on walking "but I know he cares about you. Haven't you noticed that you can understand his Pikachu? Like his mum can? You've read his book, that only happens when you're an aura user or you're compatible with one."
"How do you know that?" Nia asked.
"Ah, that's not really something I can talk about" Zoe said wincing "I shouldn't know this but I kind of overheard him talking with Pikachu one day. Obviously, I couldn't understand what Pikachu was saying but Pikachu pretty much called him out for not saying anything to you."
"So, me and Ash?" Nia said wonderingly with a slight smile on her face.
"Yes" Zoe said "but don't tell anyone I said anything. He's obviously working through something, and you know Ash, he'll tell you when he works it out."
"So, what can I do?" Nia asked.
"Let's plot" Zoe said cackling as they walked into the restaurant.
Ash
Ash shuddered as he exited the lift making Pikachu wondered what happened.
"I'm not sure, it's as if someone was talking about me and I got a feeling of dread." Ash said shuddering again before the elevator doors opened up and he walked out to the reception, handing the receptionist the fob and taking a seat. For her part the receptionist picked up the phone and had a quiet conversation before hanging up. Less than thirty seconds later Blue walked out and greeted Ash shaking his hand.
"Come on, we're just finishing up the annual reviews for the Gym Leaders. Just be as quiet as you can and take a seat at the end of the table next to Giovanni." He finished whispering as they walked in and heard Charles talking.
"This year the standard has dramatically improved over all" Charles said nodding to Ash who remained quiet as he took his seat ignoring the looks he was getting "so well done all of you. Unfortunately though Cerulean Gym has not been up to standard for the reasons discussed. However we have watched your sister battle and will offer her the position of Gym Leader and give her a year before we decide any further. To that end we will be demoting Cerulean Gym from one of the main eight for this year to help take the pressure from her and we will be promoting Lavender Towns new gym to the final remaining spot but only for this year. I am very mindful of what the main building in Lavender is about and I am aware of how gym battles will affect the nature of the town. To that end Agatha has offered to be its gym leader as she has taken up residence there but she will not be using her Elite team unless it's an Elite challenge. Do you have the required six Pokémon to be able to give an eight-badge challenge?"
"I do" Agatha said nodding "over the last year I've collected a few new ghosties so I should be fine."
"Very well" Charles said "well that is everything really, does anyone have any questions?"
"Yes" Misty said looking at Ash "why is he here?"
"He is here at my request" Agatha said surprising Ash "he is here to be Torch Runner as the winner of last years Indigo Tournament but I also have a request of him."
"Which is what?" Ash asked curiously "and why am I being blindsided with this?"
"I asked for secrecy" Charles said taking over "when you won last year Agatha was still the third member of the Elite Four, a position which Bruno has now taken with Lorelei being promoted to second and Koga first. However Agatha has told me that she wishes to be part of your Elite Challenge too."
"So I now need to battle five people before I face Blue?" Ash asked leaning forwards shaking his head "less than two months until I'm due to battle them the game is being changed? How is that fair?"
"It isn't" Brock piped up looking concerned "why is the challenge different for Ash than others who challenged them?"
"It's not" Charles said "I refused Agathas request."
"So why bring it up?" Ash asked looking irritated.
"I brought it up because it presented an opportunity" Charles said "I would like you and Agatha to open up the tournament with an exhibition fight immediately after the torch is lit."
"No" Ash said shaking his head shocking Charles "my fight is with the Elite Four. Not anyone else."
"You scared your Pokémon will get battered Ketchum?" Misty asked ignoring the looks she was given from the others.
"Misty, the last time I fought you I beat you with two Pokémon who had never battled before and I had only had them a few weeks." Ash said staring at her "You don't even deserve to be here let alone comment on the strength of my Pokémon." Turning back to Charles he said "It's too short notice. You should have asked me a lot earlier than this."
"That's a shame" Agatha said "it would have been nice to whip you."
"I know what you're trying to do" Ash said "and it's not going to work."
"Ash" Giovanni whispered to him "can I have a word?" getting a strange look and a nod Giovanni stood up and Ash followed him outside leaving the others to wonder what was happening. Five minutes later an irritated Ash walked in with an equally exasperated Giovanni and sat down.
"Ok" Ash said "but I have terms."
"Go on" Charles said.
"It's not going to be a full six on six" Ash began "According to Giovanni this battle could raise my profile even more and I need to take advantage of it. So, it'll be three on three, no Megas, No substitutions, no nonsense. Oh, and you get to tell Silph why I'm breaching their contract."
"What do you mean?" Blue asked.
"According to my contract Silph are required a weeks notice before I have a major battle in front of TV screens so they can arrange things on their end" Ash said "the penalty for not warning them is a fine of $1m Pokédollars."
"That's harsh isn't it?" Charles asked frowning as others expressed disbelief at the sum.
"They've financed nearly the last two years of my life and have helped out with my home." Ash said "and given how much I've earned from them and as I never intended on reneging on any deal I didn't think I'd ever be fined by them. So far I've kept up my end of the bargain and so have they. Now I'm being asked to breach my contract for an exhibition match."
"I shall speak to Hatori" Charles said "and explain the situation. We have two days before the opening ceremony so hopefully he'll be fine with it."
"If he's not then it won't happen" Ash said "I won't be the one to cost me $1 million Pokédollars. Is that everything?"
"Yes" Charles said standing up "I shall be in touch in the next few hours. Other than that please be at the exit of Victory Road at 2pm in two days to run the torch. Thank you everyone, and don't forget to pick up your hotel keys from Daisy at reception should you wish to stay and enjoy the tournament." Sweeping away small bits of chatter started as everyone began to leave with Ash and Giovanni bringing up the rear.
"I would still like to gauge your abilities Ash" Agatha said waiting by the lift on the ground floor "regardless of what Hatori says."
"It's not a no Agatha" Ash said "when I first challenged the League I knew I'd have to battle you at some point eventually. Your retirement did leave me wondering if I'd have gotten past you and faced Lance though." Taking out his Pokégear he scrolled through his calendar and winced "I'm afraid I have no free dates available either before I face Koga as I'm due to be on Mt Silver in four days time."
"That is a shame" Agatha said "should you ever want to test your musings I shall be in Lavender Town for the next year. After that I will be fully retired and I plan to travel the world for my remaining years." Nodding to him she left everyone standing by the elevator.
"Ash" Frank Surge said walking forwards "what's your plans for after you've ran the torch?"
"Nothing really" Ash said "I planned to go home and then go to Mt Silver, why?"
"Well my wife is throwing a party for Elesa who's back in Kanto to celebrate two years of being a model" he said as they walked out of the building "it's taking place in Vermillion on Saturday."
"I did miss the last one through training" Ash mused "Ok, I'll go, but no trying to set me up with Elesa!"
"Why would I want to do that?" Frank asked confused.
"Not you" Ash said "Your wife seems to try every time I see her. I'm not interested in anything like that Frank, as lovely as your daughter is."
Laughing Frank clapped him on the shoulder and handed him a ticket with the time and date on it. Ash for his part just shook his head and headed home.
The next day he received a phone call from Silph.
"Hello Ash" Hatori said sounding weary.
"Hello Mr Suzuki" Ash said "you sound either tired, ill or both."
"It's both" he replied "anyway I spoke to Charles last night and I would like your side of this."
"It's quite simple from my end" Ash replied "I was under the impression I was there to get instructions for being the torch bearer for this years tournament. Instead I was blindsided with a request from Charles and Agatha to battle her in an exhibition match to open the tournament. I originally said no but my uncle Giovanni asked for a private word where he told me this could do wonders for proving I deserve to battle the Elite Four after the way the Orange Islands ended. I told him of my commitments to you guys and he said he was sure both he and Charles could come up with an alternative. When I went back into the meeting I laid it out for them, including what the cost of breaching our contract would do and told him he would need your permission before I said yes to anything. And that's it really. We left about five minutes later."
"Hmm" Hatori said "Charles made it sound like you agreed and then remembered what could happen."
"No" Ash said immediately "I laid out what kind of match it would be if I was given the go ahead but made it clear that if you guys said no then it's a no and that would be the end of it. I told them how you guys had helped me out both financially and with my home and that I would not be the one to breach our contract."
"Thank you for that" Hatori said "at times you come across as being ungrateful Ash so to hear you say that makes me happy."
"I have never been ungrateful Mr Suzuki" Ash said "I am very stubborn on certain things and I'm aware I can come across as being a dick but I've never been ungrateful for anything you guys have done for me. It's why I didn't say yes to Charles."
After a few moments silence Hatori said "Should we give you the go ahead do you have your battle outfit with you?"
"Yes" Ash said "however I don't have it to battle in. I was planning on wearing my Orange League final outfit to be the torch bearer as it's perfect for running in."
"And it has our logo on it too" Hatori said musing aloud "what would you want to do Ash?"
"Honestly I don't care either way Mr Suzuki" Ash said "will I wonder if I could have beaten her? Possibly. Will I lose sleep over it? No. I'm far too focused on my challenge in a few months to care to be honest."
"But if we gave you permission?" Hatori asked persisted "would you do it?"
"Yes" Ash said "but only with written permission. I don't want to suddenly get hit with a fine should it not be processed properly."
"Very well" Hatori said "I will send through the waiver form to you. If you want to battle her then get it signed and sent to me within the hour and you can battle Agatha but please wear the uniform."
"No worries" Ash said "I'll sign it anyway but I'm still undecided on if I want to tip my hand to the other Elite Four members this early."
"Very well" Hatori said "good luck either way and we'll speak to you soon."
"I'll be on Mt Silver by next week" Ash said "so I'll be out of contact for at least five weeks. I'll send you the emergency number for the guard station at Mt Silver should you urgently need to contact me. I should be home for the final though. I'll keep you informed."
"No problem Ash" Hatori said before he hung up. Letting out a big breath Ash turned on his laptop and waited for the form to come through. Signing it he sent it back and then decided to go for a walk to clear his head and have a chat with his Pokémon. Strangely not all of them were up for the challenge.
"I want the first time for people to see how strong we've become to be when we face Koga" Charizard said "at the minute we have the advantage because only we know how good we are. That goes out of the window if we battle Agatha. So, it's a no from me."
"And me" Pikachu said "It's not worth it, not when we play for keeps in a few months' time."
"I'll battle her" Salamence said staring straight at Ash before he could respond.
"Ok" Ash said, "who else?"
"I will" Blastoise said stepping forward.
"Last spot" Ash said looking around only to get a bump from above. Looking up he gazed into Gyarados' maw and took a step back "you want to battle?" getting a nod Ash nodded back "very well. Now it's an exhibition match which means I don't really care if we lose but we are aiming to win. So thank you all, including those who gave their reasons for not battling. Believe me the same thoughts have been in my head too."
Sending Charles a message he carried on with his day and slept slightly fretfully that night. The next day he changed into his outfit and made his way to Victory Road where he met up with the Head Officer Jenny from Indigo Plateau who handed him the flame.
"Ok" Jenny said looking at her watch "we leave here in ten minutes and will make our way to the main stadium where we will go in through the back way and come out through the middle entrance directly opposite the dish that the flame will go in. When you reach the steps, you need to stop and turn to face the crowd. Mr Goodshow will then ask you to come and light the torch so that's when you walk up the stairs. When you reach the plateau follow the cones Ash and head right. Ok?"
Nodding he waited for the signal and soon enough they started the procession towards the stadium keeping up a steady chat with Pikachu and Machamp who was running with him. As they turned onto the main plaza Ash followed Jenny and her bike towards where the cones were and ran around the side of the stadium and into the side entrance which led straight to the field.
"Man, I can't believe it was a year ago that we were out there Pi waiting for the matches to begin" Ash said "How quickly time has flown."
"...and so without further ado, carrying the flame of Moltres herself I give you last years Champion Ash Ketchum."
Getting the nod from Jenny Ash walked out onto the field and through the middle of the competitors that parted as he strode forwards. As he reached the steps he stopped and turned around and got his first glimpse of the people who were coming to take his crown. In five weeks time he would no longer be the current Indigo League Champion, a thought which made him a bit sad.
"Every single trainer here today is here on merit. Every single one of you would be a worthy winner of this tournament. Sadly, there will only be one, but I expect the greatness of that winner to shine through and burn as fiercely as the flame of Moltres herself. I'm certain we are all going to witness some spectacular battles and maybe history itself being created. To that end, Mr Ketchum if you would?"
Smiling Ash turned around, musing how it was exactly the same speech as last year and walked up the steps and faced the huge bowl that was hanging over the Champions box and looked in. Strangely there was no wood, no coal, no anything that would be useful in making a fire but as soon as he threw the torch in the whole bowl ignited and it was only then that Ash saw the little holes with tubes feeding off it, painted to look the same colour as the dish. As tubes, Ash mused figuring out the secret of why Moltres' flame burned for so long.
"Now" Charles said after the applause died down "I'm sure many of you are wondering why the ceremony was moved forwards a few hours. Well, that's because of a rather special event that's due to take place here this evening at 6pm. I won't say what it is but I encourage everyone to make their way back to the stadium, all competitors for this years League will have reserved places in this stadium for it. For those who can't get inside this stadium please make your way to Stadium two where the event will be shown free of charge on a big screen. Trust me, you don't want to miss it."
As soon as he finished Ash was ushered into the tunnel with Charles and taken to a room to rest until it was time for him to make an appearance. As soon as he sat down his Pokégear started ringing and seeing it was Nia he ignored it. He felt bad but he couldn't let anyone know what was going on. Hours later and many missed calls later he heard the stadium begin to fill up and made his way down the tunnel towards the middle entrance where he stood waiting, listening to Charles talk about what the event was. Hearing a cane tap the ground he looked around and saw Agatha walking up to him wincing with nearly every step.
"Should you be walking?" Ash asked seriously.
"No" she said "But I'll be damned if my final appearance at this League venue is people seeing me being wheeled onto the field to battle."
"Hmm" Ash said looking forwards again "luckily there's mini elevators attached to the podiums then isn't it."
"Indeed" Agatha said as she looked at him "I hope you brought your best Ash because I won't be holding back."
"No I haven't" Ash said "I put it to a vote and three said they didn't want to battle and I won't force then to do so. Pikachu and Charizard refuse to give the rest of the Elite Four any advantage by seeing them in action, Machamp doesn't really have any moves to hurt a Ghost type but my team though is more than capable of challenging you. Hopefully I win."
"I suppose that will have to do" Agatha mused "any news on your father?"
"Yes" Ash said nodding "I have an idea where he is being hidden. Even if it's just his body now, I'll get him back."
"If you need help just ask" Agatha said before she listened out of the entrance "he's taking his bloody time to say Agatha vs Ash isn't he?"
"I thought it was just me" Ash said laughing before he heard "please welcome former Elite Four member Agatha and current Indigo Champion Ash Ketchum" laughing Ash held out his arm to Agatha who smirked as she looped him and they both walked out to rapturous applause. As they got to the centre Ash whispered good luck before they both separated and walked to their podiums.
"Did you know about this?" Laura asked Delia at her restaurant as they watched the ceremony and then event.
"No" Delia said "I did wonder why Ash wasn't back already though as he told me he was heading to Mt Silver tomorrow. I suppose your husband knew though?"
"If he did he didn't tell me" Laura said clucking her tongue. "what is that?" she exclaimed as Ash released his first Pokémon.
"Oh" Delia said smiling "That's his Gyarados. He caught her in the Orange Islands. She's an absolute sweetheart you know? She's mute as far as I'm aware but is steadfastly loyal to Ash and is so pretty."
"Did you know he was doing this?" Zoe asked Nia who sat on the other side of Ava and her.
"No" she said looking unhappy "he's ignored my calls all day and kept this a secret."
"Mummy" Ava said pointing at Gyarados "who's that?"
"That's Gyarados sweetie" she replied "isn't she pretty?"
"Do you think Ash will let me ride on her?" Ava asked.
"Only if it's safe" Zoe said "we'll ask him later ok?"
Receiving a nod she looked at Nia who looked very unhappy "Hey, maybe he didn't know until he had that meeting. I'm sure he would have told you otherwise."
"Hmmm maybe" Nia said leaning forwards as Gyarados used a well placed Thunder to take out Agatha's Crobat but not before being poisoned by Toxic. Releasing her Haunter she went on the offensive and made short work of an injured Gyarados who only managed to hit with a Dragon Rage.
"And Agatha strikes back to even the odds. Who will Ash send out next?"
"Let's go Blastoise" Ash shouted releasing his shiny turtle.
"And Ash selects another shiny Pokémon in his Blastoise. We've seen this Pokémon before at the last League, so we know how strong it is."
"He's doing rather well" Laura commented after his Blastoise hit Haunter with a Blizzard and tanking several Shadow Balls. "He could win this."
"I don't think he's too bothered by winning this one" Delia said observing the battle as Blastoise took down the ghost with a Surf that encompassed the entire field flushing it out to be hit by another Blizzard.
"What makes you say that?" Laura asked.
"The order of his Pokémon" Delia said pouring them both another glass of wine "Blastoise is his third strongest and he hasn't tried to Protect or stall the opposition once yet, which shows me he's not really taking this seriously."
"But she's Agatha" Laura said confused "she's only a year removed from being one of the five best trainers in Kanto, surely she deserves respect."
"Oh, I have no doubt if she was part of the Elite Four still Ash would be much more concerned about his Pokémon taking hits, see like that one." Delia said as they watched him return his turtle "Ash would never have let her Gengar hit with a Thunderbolt like that normally. No, he's having fun with this battle. I suspect it's to not give the others any indication of his true strength."
"And we come down to the final Pokémon. Who will Ash choose?"
"Salamence, I choose you!" Ash shouted releasing his big blue dragon.
"Salamence?" Nia asked "when did he get her back?"
"February" Zoe said concerned "Nia have you two actually talked at all this year? Salamence was the Pokémon who saved his life at Shamouti."
"Oh yeah" Nia said shaking her head "sorry, I'm just irritated and moody. It's good she's listening to him now at least."
Ignoring her friend Zoe watched on as Salamence charged forward in a blue blur and hit Gengar flush in the body sending it flying backwards.
"Gengar takes a Dragon Rush head on and looks to be on its last legs. Can Ash win the match from here?"
"Draco Meteor" Ash shouted as Salamence opened her maw and shot an orange light up into the sky which burst like a firework and started peppering the stadium field with small meteors. In the noise Ash never heard Agatha call out a move and was puzzled when suddenly Salamence plummeted to the ground and hit hard creating a cloud of dust. The crowd watched on amazed at what just happened as they never saw her get hit by a move and as the dust settled the crowd rose to their feet as Salamence and Gengar were both shown to be knocked out twenty meters apart.
"Gengar and Salamence are unable to battle. This match is a draw" the referee said as both Pokémon were recalled and both trainers made their way down from the podium. No one heard what was said as they met as they had left their microphones on the podiums but it was clear Ash was looking a bit irritated while Agatha looked gleeful. Suddenly Ash started laughing and applauded her and faced the crowd doing the same. Bowing to Agatha he left the pitch for Agatha to receive her applause before she too hobbled after him. An hour later Ash was heading outside and was about to release Charizard before he heard his name being called. Turning around he saw Nia, Zoe and Ava walking towards them.
"Hi guys" he said crouching down to hug Ava "how are you both doing?"
"We're fine" Nia said shortly confusing Ash making Zoe roll her eyes.
"We're good Ash" Zoe said "how come you didn't tell us about battling Agatha?"
"I didn't know until that meeting with Goodshow" Ash said standing back up "I was asked then but due to legal reasons I couldn't say yes until Silph gave the go ahead which they did last night. I would have been heavily fined for breaching their contract with me if I'd have just said yes. After that I was far too busy thinking about not messing up the torch run before battling Agatha. I think I did ok"
"You did" Nia said looking less annoyed "it was a good match. What happened at the end there?"
"Destiny Bond" Ash said frowning "the witch cheated to make sure she didn't lose her last match in that venue. I can't be too mad though, as much as she annoys me and has tormented me in the past my three 'weakest' stood toe to toe with her three weakest Elites too."
"Isn't Gengar her strongest?" Nia asked confused.
"She has two" Ash said earning an 'ah' "anyway I need to get going home. I'm due to travel to Mt Silver but I have to nip to Viridian City first to buy a suit. Apparently I'm expected to be at Lt Surges daughters party tomorrow evening in Vermillion City and I need an outfit. So, I need to speak to mum first."
"Oh right" Zoe said glancing at Nia who tried not to look annoyed "when did he ask you and why?"
"He asked after the meeting" Ash said "and I've turned down two events in the past because I've been training but Frank has been very good to me and a great help in helping me train Pikachu so I feel like I owe him to turn up to one at least."
"You know it never clicked that she was his daughter" Zoe said thoughtfully "I've seen a few of her magazines she's released, she's very pretty."
"She is but as I keep telling Elesa's mum Audrey I'm not interested in her. It doesn't stop her trying to set us up though and it also doesn't stop this menace from making comments about her" Ash said pointing to Pikachu "It's very annoying"
"I've not made any comments like that for a long time now Ash" Pikachu commented seriously "especially after our conversation about your aura finding someone and me being annoyed we both couldn't be with who we wanted to be."
"That's true" Ash said before looking at a curious Zoe not seeing Nia go into shock "Oh, he said he's not made those kinds of comments for a while now ever since we had a serious chat many months ago."
"Ah ok" Zoe said "well, have fun at your party Ash. Try to keep away from pretty models won't you?"
"I'll give it my best shot" Ash said laughing before remembering something "Oh yeah, Zoe, speak to Matilda tomorrow, there's two new Pokémon in the lake that very few know about and I'd like to keep it that way as long as possible. Only you, Matilda, Sam and I have clearance to know who they are for now. Nia, good luck in the tournament, I'll try and make it back from Mt Silver for the semis but if I don't I expect you to win. Bye guys."
Giving them all a hug, Nia a slightly longer one he released Charizard and was soon out of sight as they went back to Nias hotel, Zoe very concerned about how quiet she was.
Landing at his mums four hours later he told her about his last few days and how the battle ended before telling her about his plans. She nodded and expressed her concern before he said goodnight and went to bed.
Saturday rolled around and Ash woke up in Vermillion City knackered after travelling all night. The day dragged on as the party got closer and closer and Ash began to get more nervous about what he was letting himself in for. Ironically the event was to take place in the hotel he and his mum had stayed at before their cruise on the SS Anne and walking into the lobby he caught many an eye with his outfit as he handed his ticket over to the lady who was behind the counter. Getting directions he and Pikachu walked through to the big ballroom and saw the party already in full swing. All around him there were various blown-up cardboard cut outs of Elesa in various outfits dotted around the place. Grabbing a bottle of water he decided to mingle, nodding at various people as he walked past. Seeing Frank he wandered over and said hello.
"Ash" he boomed clapping him on the back "glad you could make it!"
"Glad to be here Frank" Ash said looking around.
"No you're not" he said laughing before whispering "truth be told this isn't my kind of scene either but as Elesa's my kid..."
"Yeah," Ash said laughing "you're kind of obliged to be here, aren't you?"
"Yup" he said tugging at his collar of his suit.
"Frank" a ladys voice said from a few feet away "stop playing with your collar. Oh, hello Ash, glad you could make it. And look how handsome you are! You look very well!"
Ash was dressed in a smart suit grey with no blazer and an open collar white shirt
"Thank you, Mrs Surge," Ash said nodding. "you look very nice as well."
"Audrey please" she said before turning to Frank "leave your collar alone Frank. Oh, there's Marjorie!" she finished before she wandered off to greet someone else.
"What a bloody nightmare" Frank said as he led Ash over to a table and they sat down and started chatting. Half an hour later Elesa joined them greeting them exuberantly and eying Ash up. She had only grown more beautiful, but Ash found himself comparing her to Nia and found it wasn't even a fair comparison. There was no-one like Nia to him.
"You've certainly grown up in the last few years" she said laughing touching his arm "what have you been up to?"
Gently extricating his arm he replied "Oh I've been busy at home. It's turning into a full time job to be honest as we've just found eight of the Lapras pod are pregnant."
"Oh that's wonderful" she gushed "I've been just as busy too doing my modelling."
"I've seen" he said smiling "You've done very well. Your dad tells me how well you've been doing every now and then."
"Oh daddy" she said hugging him and kissing him on the cheek "Oh there's Sandra. I'll be right back."
Breathing out a sigh of relief he heard Frank chuckle at his demeanour "still no good with women eh?"
"Not when it's the wrong woman" Pikachu commented making Frank look at him shrewdly.
"I think I understood that" Frank said "you've found someone?"
Nodding Ash took a swig of his water but didn't say anything else. Frank for his part looked at Elesa and then back to Ash.
"No" Ash said to his unanswered question shaking his head.
"I won't lie Ash" Frank said grabbing a bottle of beer from a passing waiter "I don't believe anyone is good enough for my daughter but I would not have been unhappy if she'd have turned up with you on her arm."
For his part Frank had no idea that his conversation, or at least a part of his comment had been heard by one of Elesa's friends who spent very little time in telling her much to the delight of the girl in question.
The rest of the night was spent fending off comments from random people who were interested in what he did for a living, awkward comments from drunken strangers and even random women trying to pair him off with their daughters, or in one womans case herself. Four hours after arriving Ash made his way back over to Frank and a very drunk Audrey to make his excuses to leave.
"Oh not before we all get a picture" Audrey said much to Ash's displeasure "Elesa honey, Ash is going. We need a picture."
Elesa walked over very unsteady on her feet as she was pretty drunk by this point and had to steady herself on Ash as she nearly fell over. Audrey had called over the photographer and several of Elesas friends were waiting to take pictures of them all too.
"Say cheese" the man said as he snapped a few pictures and much to Ash's horror and the cheering of Elesa friends, Elesa planted a kiss on his cheek. His aura had started flaring as soon as she kissed him and everyone in the vicinity felt the pressure build before Ash centred himself and reigned it in. Ash for his part couldn't leave quick enough, very irritated at what just happened. Saying goodbye as civilly as he could he walked out, people eager to get out of his way and he made his way to the harbour breathing heavily in anger. He knew it was a mistake coming here tonight and he would be sure to tell Frank the next time he was asked.
"She was drunk Ash" he mumbled to himself "she didn't know what she was doing."
Hearing a noise behind him he turned around to see a very angry looking Frank walking over to him. Bracing himself Ash unconsciously set his feet to take on Frank.
"I'm not here to fight you Ash" Frank said seeing Ash get defensive and ignoring it. Standing at his side he looked out over the harbour and continued "I'm here to apologise for the deplorable behaviour my daughter has just exhibited."
"Don't apologise for someone else's actions Frank" Ash said relaxing slightly "I knew it was a mistake coming here tonight but I felt like I owed you because of all the help you have given me the past two years."
"You owe me nothing Ash" Frank said looking sharply at him "I'm glad you came though, and I know how awkward tonight must have been for you and you have my apologies. Hopefully we can still converse as we have been, but I'll understand if you don't want to anymore."
"My issue is not with you Frank" Ash said sighing "my issue is with my own cowardice in not telling the woman I love that I love her. I'm thirteen Frank, I thought I had at least three more years before this happened to me but this has left me feeling very angry. Irrationally angry at that. My aura was ready to hurt Elesa then for her actions, my own aura knew that she wasn't my soulmate and was ready to lash out at her in order to protect the bond I already have. Elesa is lucky that N...I mean that my soulmate wasn't around or it would have likely killed her for trying to come between us."
"I'll be sure to tell her how lucky she is" Frank said clapping Ash on his shoulder "go home Ash, get some sleep. You're a good man."
Frank walked away leaving Ash slightly calmer than he was. Walking back to his room he picked up his gear and left. Charizard was a little irritated that they were leaving to go back home so soon but once Pikachu explained he strangely understood. Ash for his part was so preoccupied he never asked Charizard how he understood. Landing home at 5am he went to bed and didn't wake up until gone mid-day, sending his mum a message he let her know what had happened before he flew to Victory Road again only this time it was the entrance. Showing the guards his ID he was let through the route that headed towards Mt Silver and checked in at the Pokémon centre, saying hello to Nurse Joy before making his way to the cave he stayed at last time.
For his part Ash missed the fallout at the pictures being sent to every newspaper and media outlet in Kanto. Elesa Surge had to release a statement saying they were just friends and there was nothing between them but the damage was already done. The story was already out there and it took a few weeks to die down. Only for a few people it didn't die down as Ash was nowhere to provide his own comment and explain what happened from his side.
The next four weeks were gruelling for every one of his Pokémon as they trained until they dropped. Sneasel had been worn out after the first week but quickly got into the swing of things and began striving to match Pikachu's speed which eventually he would surpass. He was quick and deadly with those claws but was something of a glass cannon when hit with a super-effective move. The inhabitants of Mt Silver had been a great challenge for many of his Pokémon, Ash was convinced he had seen Ho-oH at the summit one day but passed it off as fanciful thinking due to there being a heavy blizzard raging at the time.
Saying goodbye to Nurse Joy he told her he would be back in ten days for another month, he was just going to watch the final of the Indigo League to see who would take his crown. Landing at home he called in to his mothers restaurant much to her delight and sat next to Aunt Laura as they had the second semi-final on. Ash was astounded to see John Dickson there; he had completely forgotten about him. As his Dragonite finished off his opponents Alakazam he heard the announcer say "and there we have it folks. For the third year running John Dickson makes it to the Indigo League final where he will face off against Nia Morgan for the title."
"Oh she made it then" Ash said happily as he dug into his linguini "mum this is amazing."
"Thanks sweetie" Delia said before answering his question "yes, she beat Tina, one of Kogas apprentices earlier on today. She's done well."
"I knew Tina would go far" Ash said "when I met her that day we cleared out the spider nest, just the way she was attentive with everything that was said and the number of questions she asked, I knew she'd go far. I'll have to send Koga and Janine a congratulatory message. As for Nia I'll phone her at some point and wish her luck for the final."
"You're not going to go and watch her compete?" Delia asked concerned "she came out to watch you Ash in the Orange Islands."
"I know" Ash said "I just don't want to cloud her mind and for the focus to be on me for her big day. If she wins life is going to get messy for her, I don't want to add to that."
"You're being an idiot Ash" Laura said earnestly "you need to go and see her compete."
"We'll see" Ash said noncommittally "anyway I need to go see Sam about something important. I'll be home tonight mum. By aunt Laura."
Not seeing them both shake their heads Ash left to go and see Sam who was due to set out for Indigo Plateau tomorrow.
"Does he not know what's happened while he's been away?" Laura asked.
"Evidently not" Delia said sighing "I'll let him know later on."
"Hi Ash, what can I do for you?" Sam asked.
"I've come to deliver the report on Mt Silver to you" he said digging out a file "I didn't know if I'd make it on time to be honest as I know you're due at the League for the final."
"I set out tomorrow" Sam said taking the report and scanning it "wow, so many new inhabitants. I wonder why?"
"I'm not sure" Ash said "but I'm heading back there next week so hopefully I can find out then."
The next week flew by for Ash as he was busy at home sorting out issues that had sprung up in his absence. He was furious with what the media had been saying about him and Elesa and he had messaged her to tell her as much. He didn't get a reply from her but Frank extended his apologies again making Ash more irritable. He knew he wasn't great company that week but when he told his mum about the reaction from his aura she understood.
"That explains why your dad punched the psychic" Delia said musing "I thought it was just because he was training to be a psychic."
"It also explains your reaction to Ilene" Ash commented earning a surprised nod.
"So you've found someone then" Delia said arching her eyebrow at him. "when?"
"Yes, not too long ago" Ash said "I don't want to talk about it though mum."
"Well, you need to talk about it with someone" Delia said before continuing quickly "not Pikachu either. A human Ash, someone who can understand human emotions and reactions."
"I know" Ash said sighing "I'll try and find someone."
Delia for her part just shook her head at how stubborn Ash was being.
Watching the Indigo League interview before the final made Ash very happy. He had taken his mums advice and bought a ticket but was still unsure of going. Making his way to the plateau he stopped in front of the huge stadium and looked around, thankful at how empty the plaza was. This time last year he was inside waiting to be called out onto the field. Should he go in or not? His mind was very confused over the whole thing with Nia but he knew she deserved his support. He heard the stadium roar as he heard over the tannoy the two finalists names being called out and turning around he called out Charizard and whispered a heading for him.
Nia was irritated. It had been five weeks now since Ash last got in contact with her and she wasn't too proud to admit she missed him, of course she would never say it out loud but she was very vocal to Zoe about Ash not even bothering to congratulate her for getting to the final. Zoe had told her he had been home for the last few days so as far as she was concerned he had no excuses that would fly with her. The whole Elesa business had had her in an absolutely foul mood all tournament, strangely though it focused her and she had made her way to the final. Oh how she wanted to slap the shit out of the prissy bitch. She still remembered Pikachu's words before he left for the party so that slightly mollified her but the lack of contact made her angry every time she thought about it.
Walking out for the final she realised just how big a thing this was and how good she actually was at battling. It reiterated the fact that if she hadn't faced Ash last year she'd have made the final two years in a row now. And now she was facing the very guy that Ash beat last year too. It's funny how fate works she mused. Taking her place in the same podium Ash was in last year she grimaced, she really needed to stop thinking about Ash and concentrate on her match.
Ash had decided to listen to the match on his Pokégear near Victory Road and was quite worried. Many times the commentator had said that Nia seemed to have moments where she made silly mistakes, mistakes she hadn't made all tournament. When she released her third Pokémon Ash decided he had to go and watch her but he doubted they were still letting people in. It was as he was flying on Charizard that he saw something odd, the way the roof was constructed made it possible to sit on a slope looking over the entire field and still have a barrier to stop you falling forwards over it. He alighted off Charizard and quickly recalled him so hopefully no one saw him. Creeping to the edge Ash sat down, feet outstretched against the barrier and watched the match. He could see why the Legendary birds enjoyed this perch last year.
"Something is wrong with her" Pikachu said from sitting on the barrier.
"I can see that" Ash said grimacing as her Kabutops took a hit from Johns Electabuzz and was sent sprawling and struggled to his feet.
"I wonder what's wrong with her" Pi said turning to Ash.
"She looks angry, and she sounds it too" Ash said listening to her commands "I think the moment is getting to her you know."
"And there we have it folks, after a pulsating first half John leads Nia three Pokémon to one but has three Pokémon shown. Can Nia make a come-back or will John win his first championship in three years of being in this final?"
Taking out an apple and small knife from his pocket he cut some slices and handed Pikachu one and started munching and talking about what they'd seen. Soon enough Nia and John came back out and resumed their match but nothing seemed to have changed. Losing her fourth Pokémon Ash made a decision and brought out his Pokégear and messaged her. Hopefully she hadn't left her Pokégear in her locker room and would get it.
NIa was losing, badly. She just couldn't concentrate on the match and it was showing with how many mistakes she had made. As she recalled her Vaporeon she hesitated to send out her fifth Pokémon and as she was going to grab her next Pokémon she felt her Pokégear buzz. She had genuinely forgot she still had it on her. Confused she brought it out, tuning out the referee and read the message.
"Get your head in the game Nia! You are better than this, throughout this tournament you've not made one mistake and now you're being sloppy. You may be 4-1 down but he has two Pokémon that are injured and one that I know you can beat to even the odds. I believe in you Nia, and I'm watching you from on high. Win!"
Reading it twice Nia looked around wildly for Ash. He intimated in his message that he was here in person but she couldn't see him. That was until out of the corner of her eye she saw a flash of yellow from up on the rafters and she looked up.
"Ash" she breathed out staring up at where he was forgetting that she was micced up. "you're actually here."
The crowd began to murmur wondering what was going on until the cameras panned to where Nia was looking and they saw Ash and his Pikachu watching on. Ash for his part ignored the swell of the crowd and instead messaged Nia again.
"Remember the golden rule, Nia. Either way make your Pokémon proud of you the way I am of you."
"Right" she murmured grabbing hold of her fifth Pokémon "the Golden Rule. Let's go Clefable!"
"It seems like she's rallied" Pikachu said as they saw her Clefable beat Johns Tauros and Electabuzz "it doesn't seem like it'll be enough though."
"Probably not" Ash said "but at least it's now a more respectable scoreline and she's showing that self-belief in herself and her Pokémon."
"Do you think she'll win?" Pi asked taking another apple slice from Ash.
"No" Ash said "her Clefable is on her last legs, but she's done well. I think I know what her last Pokémon will be but Johns Dragonite is a beast. I hope I'm wrong though."
He wasn't. Sadly Nia had rallied too late and her Clefable was beaten by Johns Blastoise. Her last Pokémon was her Togetic which did very well and eventually beat Blastoise only to be too tired to combat Dragonite on an even keel.
"Togetic is unable to battle, Dragonite wins. As Nia is out of Pokémon, I give you your new Indigo League Champion John Dickson!"
Slumping in her box Nia was devastated. She had let her Pokémon down badly by not being focused on the task at hand and had let the occasion and Ash not getting in touch get to her. Putting on a brave face she made her way slowly down the steps and met John in the centre.
"Good match John" Nia said smiling and shaking his hand.
"It really was" John said as he looked up at the rafters to see Ash gone "what happened to you?"
"I let outside thoughts cloud my mind and it cost me today" Nia said seeing where he was looking "It won't ever happen again." she finished determinedly.
"Good" John said "you deserve to be here Nia, I'm sure if you try again next year you'll win."
"You're not competing to back-to-back?" Nia asked confused.
"No" John said "I finally achieved my dream after three years of getting to this stage. I'm going to challenge my home League this year I think."
"Why not the Elite Four of Kanto?" Nia asked.
"With Ash as Champion?" John asked laughing "It would be pointless. Plus Hoenn is my home League so I would never be eligible as Champion for Kanto. I just wanted to prove to myself I could do this."
"Ash hasn't won the Championship yet" Nia pointed out "and he did draw against Agatha."
"In a match you could clearly see he wasn't trying in." John interrupted "I watched his match a few months after our appearance here in the Indigo league at the Orange League final. We all know he would have won that match had he not walked away and he was much stronger after just those few months."
"Maybe" Nia said "anyway enough about Ash. Congratulations on winning the tournament John. It's fully deserved."
"Thank you" John said shaking her hand before they walked over to Nurse Joy and handed over their Pokémon.
As soon as the match was over Ash stood up and released Charizard. Waiting for Pikachu to clamber on his shoulder he looked one last time at Nia in her box and nodded. She did well. Flying back home he landed at the restaurant and said hello to his mum before continuing on to his house. Sending Nia a message he sat down heavily and flicked on the TV to watch a re-run of the victory tournament. Nia looked really good in the second half and did well to come back to lose 6-5.
Sighing he stood up and walked out to his porch and looked out at his home. He was incredibly grateful to have all he had and it was a real shame he got to spend so little time here as he was out training or travelling. And a few days later he was back out on the road again to Mt Silver for another seven weeks of training.