Ron the True Fan: Ash is not a happy Natu.

Littleroot Town, Hoenn Region - 1802 hours local time - Day 779 of Ash Ketchum's Pokemon Journey

Elm hated paperwork, but this was the only way to ensure his niece's safety.

While Norman and he were only related by a cousin, that still made him May and Max's uncle. And there was only one way to make sure May was safe. Which was ironic.

Because he was handing over tutorship of May Maple to Ash Ketchum, the man who conquered Orre, the most dangerous person on the planet.

For how else do you describe someone who took on an entire region, thwarted a coup and conquered Johto for Lance Wataru?

Getting in Ash's way was a bad idea. He was a bulldozer of destruction. Harming anyone with Ash was an even worse idea, as he apparently punched a legendary in the face, meaning people would be subject to more EXTREME measures of punishment.

Of course, he also had a healthy respect for free will and agency, so Elm was going to keep his head down and put ALL the blame on Norman.

"NORMAN!"

WISE option, as Ash was now MAD.

Norman knew this was a bad idea. In theory, yes, Ash Ketchum was somehow the only man not her immediate family she was not afraid of after the attempt to rape her from a member of Team Magma (Maxie himself apparently executed the idiot in disgust) and would likely help her grow out of her shell and turn into either a great trainer or a contest mistress, whatever she decided.

In theory, having him escort her through Hoenn would help her.

"NORMAN!"

In actuality, Ash Ketchum hated people being forced to do things against their will and he took his anger out on those who robbed people of their will to choose. Thus why Norman was running into the woods as Ash stalked after him with a gun in hand, looking ABSOLUTELY LIVID.

Normally, it was the father who had to scare boys away from their daughters. Ash had no romantic interest in May and even if he DID, he was obviously willing to let the girl make her own damn choices to be happy and was more than willing to leave her alone for the rest of his days if she asked.

He really WAS the best pick for her. The best pick for her that happened to be quite pissed off and wanting him dead.

A bullet zipped into a tree, making Norman stop. Ash marched up, fury in his eyes.

"Pika." said the boy's starter, Ash looking at him.

"No, obviously. But he stopped." he said to his electric mouse before the Pallet Town trainer levelled the aim with Norman's forehead. "You and I have a PROBLEM."

Norman chuckled nervously. "A problem?" he asked. "What problem?"

"I don't like people taking away another's right to make their own decisions, forcing them to do something against their will, locking them into something that they have no say to accept or refuse." Ash started. "And you just did all the things to me and May. Give me ONE good reason to not deprive May and Max of their father."

There was an unspoken 'please' at the end. Ash didn't want to kill him over THIS. But he was not HAPPY.

Norman sighed. "Do you have ANY idea how much I've wanted her to act like this? Like she was BEFORE some Team Magma bastard tried to force himself on her because she looked like a full-grown woman at her age?!" he demanded of Ash, who kept his face flat. "You are GOOD for her. She doesn't FEAR you! You can help her!"

Ash's glare deepened as he pondered Norman's comments. "Damn you." he said, safetying the gun and holstering it. "Damn you for your logic. And damn you all the more for having a point."

Norman relaxed. This was a mistake, as Ash rushed forward as fast as a Regielecki and punched him in the face.

"You deserved that." Ash said, looming over him before turning around.

Norman wasn't going to debate it with the one hope of his daughter having a normal life.

Zinnia was staring at all the things most people took for granted. This was understandable: a Draconid like her would never have seen these things, as they were the last remnants of a culture that once controlled an empire that stretched from Hoenn to the northern tip of Kanto that were more in tune with nature. Their empire fell long ago.

Now Zinnia was the last. Caroline felt pity and anger.

Ash Ketchum could have caught that Shadow Tyranitar. In the heat of the moment, he decided to drown it instead. That didn't work.

Zinnia, apparently, decided ignorance was his only damning quality and said he would repay the debt to her people in full. And Caroline knew DAMN well what she meant. It was going to SUCK to be Ash in 18 months or so.

May looked outside, then snapped her head back in. Ash Ketchum was her shield. Caroline was not an idiot. He was good for her, he LIKED her. But he would not even suggest doing anything of the sort that was nearly done to her.

Not until SHE decided she was ready and probably even after THAT.

The door opened and in came Ash himself, looking… annoyed. "One reason why I shouldn't punch you in the face, Mrs Maple." Ash all but demanded. "ONE. And if you say women's rights, you should know I believe in equal rights means equal fights."

"I am not dumb enough to suggest that, but I will say you are the only man May has opened up to in two years." Caroline retorted evenly.

"Your husband said the same thing and I STILL punched him in the face." Ash replied dryly.

"I didn't set it up, I just agree with him." Caroline said. "My duty as a mother demands nothing less then May being the best she can be at whatever she wants to be. If that means making you her tutor and guardian, so be it."

Ash glared at her. "I'm getting tired of people having a POINT today." he said with a sigh before looking at May and smiling.

Sitting in her lap was an orange bird. Her Starter, a Torchic.

The only man she didn't fear would never harm her.

Ron the True Fan: Norman kinda earned the punch to the face. Manipulating Ash like that?

Takeshi Yamato: Yeah. Also reminds me of a Code Geass fic where Kallen is brought into Lelouch's inner circle early. He tells her about Geass, tells her about how he learned the one-use limitation (her), explains WHY he used it on her… and while she understands, she still slaps him for it. Fic is "The Black Emperor" by Primordial Vortex, if you're interested.

Ron the True Fan: Short, yes, but the pauses are intentional. Remember that whole 'stop demanding or I cancel' warning? It's still in play and I AM STILL MAD. Short chapters like this are my way to show you it's not cancelled.

Takeshi Yamato: Let's… try not to anger Ron more than he already is. Before he goes from Kratos levels to ASURA levels. ASURA–level-rage Ron is never a good thing.

Ron the True Fan: If I had any idea what he was talking about.

Ja Ne!