"So why did you leave, then?" asked Brock. They were sitting in a diner in Pewter city some time after their battle. Brock had sobbed for nearly a hour as Ash merely sat there, uncomfortable. Now they were eating dinner. Ash really wanted to get on the road, but he knew that Brock wouldn't just let this go. Sighing, he replied "There were a couple of reasons. You know how I lost, that was the biggest one." Brock sighed. "That's Tauros shit and you know it. You left because of her. You can't keep running away, Ash." Ash frowned. This was exactly what he had wanted to avoid. He didn't know if he could face his memories of that day quite yet. "I don't know what you're talking about" He replied. Now Brock looked mad. "Stop lying to yourself! Dammit Ash, you need to go back and face it! At least tell me what happened! I can't help you if you don't let me!"
"Help me?" Ash practically yelled. "How could you HELP ME!? My mother is dead, and it's all my fault! If I hadn't gotten involved, if I had looked the other way or minded my own business, she would still be alive! My MOTHER, Brock" Now he was crying. Great. He looked aside, ashamed of the tears that spilled from his cheeks. "Ash, my own parents were never truly around, so I can't, and won't, say that I understand. But no matter what happens I am here for you. I won't let you down. Do you think you can tell me what happened that day?" Brock replied, as gently as possible.
(Flashback)
After all the training and the traveling and the effort, Ash had lost. He had failed to predict Leon's Gmax Charizard's moves in time, and because of that Pikachu had suffered. Ash sighed, laying in bed at the Rose of Rhondelands, the hotel in Wyndon he had been staying in. He knew that he should get up. There was a lot that he had wanted to see in the city before the Master's tournament. And so very many of his friends and rivals were in town. They were here to cheer me on. How could I look them in the eyes? I failed them. I failed Alola. I failed my pokemon.
Bzzzt! Bzzt! Bzzzt! His rotom phone vibrated on the desktop next to his bed. He checked the caller ID to see who it was. It was his mom. Of course she was calling him; she had probably guessed that he was down in the dumps and was calling to cheer him up. Ash let it ring. The last thing I need right now is pity from Mom. He thought to himself, depressed. Eventually he got up and out of bed. Realizing that he hadn't showered after the match yesterday, he headed into the bathroom, completely missing the fact that his phone was vibrating again.
An hour later, Ash exited the bathroom completely refreshed. Sure he had lost, but he was still a member of the Masters Eight. He could challenge Leon again next year. Maybe I can see if Brock , or Misty, or maybe Cilan or even Serena are in town. He thought to himself, content to be among friends. He grabbed his phone from the charger, intending to call them, when he noticed something. You have 6 missed calls from: Mom Ash grimaced. Okay, maybe he didn't need pity right now, but his Mom had been there for him through thick and thin. The least he could do was to call her back and hear her out. He dialed her number and waited a few seconds, then frowned as he heard a tone implying that the house phone was off the hook. That's odd. Mom is usually pretty good about putting the phone back when she's done with it.
He called the house phone twice more, before trying her cell. Nothing. It just rang and rang and rang. Now Ash was worried. Like, really worried. He called Professor Oak. Maybe he can check and see if Mom is okay? He thought uneasily. Sure it was just a few missed calls, but his Mom was generally pretty attentive. There was just no way she would leave the house phone off the hook and misplace her cellphone. Plus, it wasn't that big of a house. It shouldn't take too long to find either. "Hey Ash! I heard about the tournament. It was a splendid battle, truly marvelous. You'll get em next time!" Professor Oak's voice spoke on the other side. "Thanks professor. Hey, could you do me a favor, please? Mom's not picking up the phone and I'm a little worried right now. Do you think you can check in on her for me?" Ash replied, relieved to here the professor's voice. "Oh, erh, I would Ash, but I'm not at the lab right now. As a matter of fact, I'm not even in Kanto right now. I'm currently in Lumiose City visiting professor Sycamore. I'm sure your mother is just fine." Professor Oak replied, sounding sheepish. Ash frowned, concern practically written in sharpy all over his face.
A flight to Kanto would take at least thirteen hours, but Dragonite could get him there in maybe half that time. He wavered momentarily, but eventually decided to go check on her. He was sure she'd be alright. Maybe she'd scold him for not picking up the phone. Maybe she was in the shower right now and would call him when she got out. Then there was the difference in time zones. It should have been pretty late in Kanto. Maybe she had fallen asleep? Still, he would have to check on her, if only to ease his concerns. Quickly packing his things, he grabbed Dragonite's pokeball and, running outside, tossed it in the air. There was a red flash, and then Ash was swept up in a Beartic hug by his pokemon. "Hey buddy. I know you're still a little tired from the fight, but do you think you can fly me home?"