CHAPTER 2

Moments in Time

The past often haunts us in the best or worst ways; in this case both Ash and Dawn were pleasantly haunted by moments in their childhoods. Over the past month both would meet the other on the riverside in the forest area across the latter's home and just spend time together. Ash would sometimes take her with him riding in the other side of the river, the field of flowers they came upon one day took the girl's breath away, of course she found herself a blushing mess when he tucked one of the white lilies behind her ear. They still couldn't find out why they felt a sense of familiarity when in each other's presence, neither mentioned it when ever they met in fear of the other reacting negatively.

Ash was sat with his parent's in the common area of the castle; they were conversing about needless things. A memory of a certain azure-eyed girl came to his mind, his curiosity about her growing.

"Mother. Father." He says catching the attention of Delia and Fredric.

Delia asked, "Is something bothering you, my son."

"I've been wondering. What had happened to Lord Berlitz and his family?" Ash asked.

Both parents shared a glance knowing that this question would come sooner or later, the last time they had seen of Thomas and his family had been a little after Joanna's death poor Dawn had only been ten years old when the woman died and was distraught during the wake, it was only Ash who was able to calm her down. They hadn't seen the two since that time,

Fredric answered his son, "We haven't herd about them in so long, eh? Last I heard old Tom had remarried to some lass from Unova. After that I'm not exactly sure what has happened to them. I'm sure they are fine my boy, and I am sure that the step mother and her two daughters are being kind to Dawn."

"That poor girl. I miss Joanna as she was a close friend but young Dawn had never stopped being herself even after her mother's death. You miss her don't you Ash?" Delia says smiling at her son.

Both sets of parents were glad to see their children get along during their childhood; the Ketchums would often travel around the world to check on their allies. Fredric - or Red as he Is fondly known by those closest to him - had met Thomas as the man had been selling a shawl made from the finest Ariedos silk, Delia commended the merchant on the item when the humble man mentioned that his wife was the weaver of the shawl. Both families became fast friends, and once Ash and Dawn met both chilren got on like two Growlithe under the sun.

"Though, I do find it unsettling that we haven't heard a peep about both Dawn and Tom for so long Delia. Something does not seem right about this silence…" Says Fredric rubbing his breaded shin.

Ash nods, "It has been years since I've gotten a letter from Dawn, mother. The last one mentioned something about her father traveling to Jonto to attend a fair."

"That is unsettling news indeed son, five years seems like a long time to not get at least a letter from a close friend. Maybe we should ask Gareth to investigate this, Red. Something feels wrong here." Delia says shooting a worried glance at Ash.

Fredric nods firmly waving his hand towards a soldier, "We must get him at once. I'll contact King Shirona at once and try to find out what has happened to Thomas. Sir. Oak…"

The aburn haired knight stepped forward and bowed to the King, "Yes, your highness."

"Please tell Professor Oak that I need him and Mr. Gareth here post haste." Red ordered sternly.

Gary shared a glance with Ash who nods, "Of course my lord."

The young knight had heard the entire conversation and agreed with the family's assessment, something was really wrong with the sudden disappearance of Dawn and Thomas Berlitz. He had been there when the two families grew close, he had seen his black haired best friend grow ever closer to Dawn and he had been happy to see that closeness. The Berlitz family was one of the more genuine noble families across the world; he could count a handful of noble families that could go on this list. The Berlitz weren't after wealth or power, they weren't focused on climbing the social ladder at all, and they were just simple folk who wanted a better life for their daughter. Gary considered himself lucky in his betrothal to Leaf Green another noble heiress from Kanto who was close to the two boys. Serena Yvvone's father tried to set up a betrothal with the Ketchum but was stopped the Princess of Kalos who stated that she loved Ash like a brother, which the young Kanto Prince returned wholeheartedly.

A sandy haired man entered the throne room along with a ginger haired man wearing a trench coat and glasses. It was Professor Oak and Chief Inspector Lance Gareth. They greeted the Royals and sat on the armchairs.

Mr. Gareth spoke, "What may we do for you, Sire?"

"What do you think of the disappearance of the Berlitz family? Answer honestly." Red prompted sternly.

The two elder men shared a look. It was the philosopher who answered, "We suspected that there were nefarious means behind their disappearances, Your Highness. It is indeed curious as to why Thomas has not been in contact for years, and his daughter as well."

The inspector provided further insight, "I had been investigating the new Lady who resides by the outskirts of Pallet Village, mi'lord. And there are some very questionable things being said about her person, she had been widowed twice before marrying sir Tom, both her previous husbands died of unknown causes. Some say she married them only to swindle them of their fortune and title, others say she being hunted by dubious individuals."

"Oh my! What of young Dawn?" Asked Delia with a worried glance at her son.

Samuel stoked his beard in thought, "There has been no news of her my lady. It is rather suspicious, no noble of any land can stay underground this long. I am afraid that something has happened to her over the years. If I may lend my advice to the young Prince…"

"Of course you may Professor. I always endeavor to head the advice you give me." Ash responds with a smile.

The elder man returned the smile, "Young sire. I do hope you'll find it in your finer judgement to follow this one as well. I think writing to the young heiress might benefit you in some way, if our messenger Pidgies can find her they'll be able to send her the message. Our carriers are among the best in the land after all."

Ash's eyes lit up, "That might work. It is worth a try, but it is okay if I don't share what I know right away…"

"Only if you are ready to do so my son. We won't force you share any information that you want to keep yourself." Responds Delia with the agreement of everyone in the room.

Mr. Gareth nods smiling at the young man, "Any information you deem worthy of sharing will be much appreciated, young master Ketchum. Should I continue my investigation of Ms. Elesa?"

"I dare say you should Chief Inspector. If she is a nefarious character we should have her checked post haste." Says Red scratching his bearded face.

It was later that day the Ash began writing his missive, but he used the name 'RED' instead of his actual name. He needed to be sure that it was her, he already had a suspension that the blue haired girl he had met in the forest was the same girl he knew from years ago. And she was being mistreated by her step family then he'd have to do something about it.

"I hope it is you Dawn because I miss you." He thinks looking at the night sky from his balcony as he watched the messenger Pidgey fly towards the forest.

And that is chapter two! Oh, wow this grew intriguing very fast, didn't it? So now the Royal Family are looking into the mysterious circumstances of Dawn's disappearance and Tom's death. Ash will not rest until Elesa and her daughters are proven guilty for their transgressions against the Berlitz Family and several other Noble houses is other Regions. You could say the woman is on a Red Notice type of situation, an international criminal. And so... the mystery continues.

I do hope those reading will enjoy this fan fiction. This has been playing in my mind for awhile and my imagination ran wild of month on end. Thank you to those who have read, followed, and liked this story so far. Please comment your thought about it, I am willing to read your opinion on this and also read any helpful suggestions that will help me improve this story. If you are more private individual you may PM me through here or my Discord (which I will drop on this chapter). As for my other Poke fanfics, THANK YOU ALL for reading, commenting and so on! You are the best ever. You are welocme to send me suggestions for my other fanfics or for future works through PM here or my Discord as well. I am also on Wattpad if any of you use that site comment on my story or drop a message through my message board. I really need to start making these end notes shorter, hehe. Stay tuned for more.

Next update: September 20, 2024

Singing off,

WL_17