Mellanie looked up as the door to her office swung open. Stood in front of her was her political advisor. He had introduced himself to her shortly after she claimed her title, but she had barely seen him since.

"You wanted to see me, Pokémon Master?"

"Yes," Mellanie said. "Please, sit."

He took a chair in front of her desk and waited. Mellanie reached over and handed him a folder that he opened and skimmed the top page.

"Ah."

"You know then."

"Yes. It is my job to know. It did arrive last week."

"I need to know my options."

There was a long pause as the man in front of her considered what to say. Eventually, he seemed to come to a decision and looked back up.

"Why do you need to do anything?"

He knew instantly that it was the wrong thing to say. He wasn't sure how, but the temperature in the room seemed to have plummeted.

"The Chief of Police for an entire region knew about a miscarriage of justice," Mellanie said icily. "She not only decided not to report it, she actively covered it up. Given that it was her who led the falsified investigation into the former Pokémon Master, I think it is fair to say that she should be charged."

Her advisor looked down at the folder in his hand again. "But this is very clear. Whilst the police accept that the case is strong against her, the report also says that in the interests of political stability, and after consultation with the victim, to pursue the case would be ill-advised."

Mellanie slammed her fist on her desk, causing her advisor to jump. "That cannot be true. Ash wouldn't…" She took a deep breath. "Fine. Cynthia. I want her impeached."

"I believe you have already started the process…"

"And now I'm speeding it up." Mellanie glared across the desk. "Thank you for your assistance. You may go."

Her advisor scurried out of her office, grateful to escape her fury. Mellanie reached for the telephone on her desk and dialled a number she had memorised. She felt a surge of triumph as it rang. No matter what, this could not be blocked.

"This is the Pokémon Master. Cynthia is to be impeached. She is suspended, effective immediately. She will stand trial."

Cynthia knew it was coming. Mellanie had at least given her the courtesy of a warning. So when the doors to her office opened and there were two members of security stood there with Lucian, she didn't complain.

"She has done it?"

"Yes," Lucian said sadly. "These two gentlemen are to escort you from the premises. You are suspended, pending a trial."

"Well, that should be interesting," Cynthia said lightly as she rose from her chair and moved around her desk. "There hasn't been an impeachment trial in a very long time."

"Eighty-nine years Ma'am," one of the security officers said.

"Well then, lucky me." Cynthia swept past them, leaving the officers to follow her away from her office. She glanced over her shoulder exactly once to see Lucian stood, watching her with regret etched on his face. Then she was gone.

Steven felt a certain twinge of apprehension as he strode into Indigo Plateau. To be summoned by the Pokémon Master hadn't ever happened to him. He was usually sufficiently on top of events that he could predict what was coming, but the depth of anger from Mellanie had surprised even him. He wanted time to confirm what he suspected had happened to Cynthia, but he knew he wasn't going to get it. Everything was moving fast, far more quickly than he wanted. An impulsive Pokémon Master was not good. And now to be summoned, just after he had given his support to the decision of the police not to press charges against Officer Jenny. It did not bode well.

"Mr Stone, you are expected." The receptionist's expression was neutral as she greeted him. "They are waiting for you in conference room four."

"Thank you," Steven said, hiding his surprise. He had expected a meeting with the Pokémon Master, not a summons to a conference.

When Steven walked into conference room four, he smiled slightly. Lance and Sam were waiting for him, both seated and chatting quietly.

"Steven!" Lance said exuberantly, rising to greet his colleague. "How are you?"

"I'm still in one piece," Steven said. "Which I suspect is more than can be said for Cynthia at this point."

"Oh?" Lance asked.

"I'm pretty sure that she is in the process of being impeached."

Lance shook his head. "Where do you get your information…"

"I listen, Lance," Steven said impatiently. "I always have. People talk. Those parties that you complain so ceaselessly about, the private dinners with businesses, the visits to gyms, it all adds up. People will talk if you give them the chance."

"I suspect he is right," Sam said wistfully. "I've never seen Mellanie so determined, and that is saying something. She will be looking for revenge on those who she blames for Ash's exile."

"Does that include us?" Steven asked.

"I'm unsure," Sam said. "I'm sure that even Mellanie wouldn't try to remove all the regional leaders, even if she is becoming more dictatorial than I ever expected."

Before Steven could say anything else, the door behind him swung open and Mellanie strode in. Sam looked up and felt his breath catch in his throat. Gone was her aura of humility, her ability to look small. Despite her small frame, she now projected raw power. Her presence dominated the room in a way Sam hadn't seen since Ash.

"Good, you're all here," Mellanie said, sweeping past them towards a chair at the head of the table. "Please, sit. This shouldn't take long."

As they obliged, Mellanie launched into her speech.

"This is to formally inform you of the impeachment of Cynthia Shirona. As of this morning, she has been suspended. There will be a trial as soon as we can convene the Gym Leaders, I anticipate in the next week. Should she be convicted, Lucian will become the leader of Sinnoh. Any questions?"

"Just one," Lance said stiffly. "What will you do if she is not convicted?"

"You know what she is accused of." Mellanie snapped. "Do you think it likely?"

"You will need twenty votes," Lance warned. "It is not guaranteed."

"I have faith that justice will be done," Mellanie said. "But if not, I'll deal with it then."

"Comforting," Steven said under his breath. Mellanie glared at him but didn't say anything.

"What will we tell the world?" Sam asked, dragging Mellanie's attention away from Steven.

"I'm to hold a press conference this afternoon," Mellanie said, rising from her chair. "I'll handle the media. If you could all remain at Indigo until this is resolved, it would be beneficial. A united front is important."

The three regional leaders exchanged a look, but none of them commented.

"Good, then that will be all," Mellanie said in dismissal. "Steven, a quick word in private."

Sam and Lance filed out, leaving Steven facing the Pokémon Master alone.

"I am sure that you have seen the report from the police with regards to your former chief of police," Mellanie said. "They have effectively decided that to pursue the case would be a poor use of resources under the circumstances."

"Yes, that is my understanding of it," Steven said. "They believe that a severe demotion is a sufficient punishment."

"You agree?" Mellanie asked.

"I believe that resurrecting a case three years old to prosecute when a simpler punishment offers itself is unwise," Steven said cautiously. "Under the circumstances, I can see why they have made the decision they did."

"And it helps that they had the leader of Hoenn telling them what to do."

For a split second, Steven froze, before he met the eye of the one person in the world who he had to answer to. "I'm sorry, I don't follow."

"Cut the crap." Mellanie snapped. "I know that you were asked for your opinion and that you recommended that they accept her resignation. I want to know why you went against me."

"I didn't," Steven said. "Not intentionally. I gave the advice that was best for my region. I'm sorry that you cannot see that."

Mellanie took a deep breath. "If that is how you want to lay this. After Cynthia is dealt with, I shall be conducting an investigation into your part in Ash's exile."

"You'll look to impeach me as well?"

"If that is what it takes."

"To achieve what?"

Mellanie gave him a scathing look. "Justice."

Ash ambled down the street at the centre of Pallet Town, a bland smile on his face. It had been so long since he had been able to walk through his own hometown, he was determined to enjoy himself. He nodded to a couple of people going the other way, before turning into a newsagent that he had been to many times in his youth. He selected a newspaper, taking it to the counter and handing it over.

"Good morning," the man behind the counter said as he pressed a few buttons on the till. "How…"

He broke off as he looked up to see who he was talking to. Ash smiled as the man did a double take. "It's you…"

"Yes."

"I… I'm sorry sir, I did not know you were back in town."

Ash shrugged. "I thought I'd come home for a while."

"How is your mother?" the man asked as he leaned on the counter to chat. "I haven't seen her in here for years."

"She is as well as she can be," Ash said. "Frail, but ever strong."

"Well tell her we miss her in Pallet. It would be good to have her around again."

"I'll be sure to pass it on." Ash held out some money which was accepted. A moment later his change was handed to him along with the newspaper. Ash said his goodbye before turning and heading out, fighting to hold in his laughter. Everybody knew who he was, but nobody knew him.

"Still, we have to start somewhere." Ash murmured. "And having a home again would be nice."

It was sometime later that Ash strode into the laboratory at the edge of Pallet Town. Gary was somewhere in the depths of the building, working on something. Ash knew he should tell Gary that he was coming, but he wanted a few minutes to himself first. He moved into the lounge, selecting a chair and opening the paper. As he started to read, he heard a Pokéball open at his waist. Without looking up from his paper, Ash spoke.

"Espeon."

"So, this is the famous laboratory."

Ash sighed. "You really are impossible."

"I try. Where is the researcher?"

"You mean Gary? Somewhere in the depths."

"May I?"

"Go and help him? Of course. I don't know what he is working on at the moment, but I'm sure he'll appreciate having you there."

Espeon padded away, leaving Ash alone, reading. The newspaper was leading with the impeachment of Cynthia, although a secondary story was reporting protests in Sinnoh. Ash wasn't surprised, Mellanie truly didn't understand the power she now wielded. As he continued to read, a third story caught his attention.

Police Cover-Up in Hoenn?

In the story that looks to dominate the early premiership of the new Pokémon Master, Mellanie Rigger, the Hoenn Chief of Police was investigated for the way the investigation into former Pokémon Master, Ash Ketchum was conducted. Fraudulent prosecution of a public figure is a crime that can carry a prison sentence and given the speed that Mr Ketchum's name was cleared, it was expected that further inquiries into how he was ever arrested would take place. The Pokémon Master herself pushed for the enquiries, but in a blatant challenge to her authority, the police have failed to announce the conclusion of any such inquiry. This continues a difficult period for Ms Rigger, whose authority has been diminished following her brutal defeat against Mr Ketchum.

Ash paused. How did they find that out? It should have been impossible. Unless somebody had deliberately leaked it. But Ash could only think of one person who would do so.

Ms Rigger's position is further complicated by the rumours that such an inquiry was underway, only to be ended by evidence submitted by Mr Ketchum himself. Mr Ketchum, who has only recently returned to public life after a warrant for his arrest was revoked, famously tutored Ms Rigger before he abdicated his title, but has now challenged her directly on two occasions in the last three weeks.

Ash folded the newspaper and placed it down, ignoring the rest of the story as it rambled on, listing some of the old history between Ash and Mellanie from when he trained her.

"They don't understand how much Mellanie has changed."

"No, nobody does," Gary said as he walked in, Espeon at his side. "You know, it is polite to let somebody know that you are coming to visit. Or even that you are in their house."

Ash chuckled. "I sent Espeon."

"You did not. I wanted to explore."

Gary chose a chair across the room from Ash, settling into it as he looked down at the Pokémon. "She gave me quite a shock when she appeared at my side wanting to know what I was doing."

"He shrieked," Espeon said calmly, looking up from where she was cleaning her paw.

Gary reddened but didn't deny it. Ash was chuckling from his own seat as he watched his Pokémon tease his friend. A moment later he leaned forwards.

"Enough Espeon."

His Pokémon nodded and padded over to Ash, settling at his feet. Gary watched with an eyebrow raised.

"Is this where you tell me the real reason you are here?"

Ash chuckled. "In a sense. I wanted to know how you are doing."

There was a hesitation as Gary's cool façade cracked before he regained control.

"It hasn't been easy," he admitted. "Being the only Oak is an odd feeling."

"There is Misty." Ash pointed out.

"You know what I mean," Gary said. "I'm Gramps final legacy. It is a lot of pressure and I can't ask him for advice anymore."

"You aren't his final legacy," Ash said softly. "Whilst your grandfather was a legendary researcher, his work on sending trainers into the world was just as successful. We are all his legacy."

Gary sniffed, wiping at his eye. "You have certainly learned how to say the right things."

Ash shrugged. "It is a skill, just like any other. You learn a lot of skills when you are in the Wilds without anybody to watch your back."

"Can I…" Gary started, but Ash cut him off with a head shake.

"One day I'll talk to you about what it is like out there," Ash said. "But not today."

"I'll hold you to that," Gary said, fighting to hide the slight frustration in his voice.

There was a slight silence between them before Ash rose from his chair.

"You're leaving?" Gary asked in surprise.

"In a moment," Ash said. "But you should know that my mother will be moving back to Pallet Town."

"She… why?" Gary asked, flummoxed.

"She knows where I am," Ash said. "She doesn't fear that I will be leaving her again." He paused for a moment before he continued. "And because you need her more than I do."

"I don't," Gary said sharply.

Ash sighed. "Gary, you lost your grandfather, your father figure and your surviving family all at once. There is nothing wrong with needing somebody at the moment." Ash seemed to pause. "And maybe she needs you as well."

The two men stared at each other for a long moment before Ash spoke again.

"Do you miss him?"

Gary felt his eyes fill with tears once again. "More than anything," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Mum loved Samuel Oak," Ash said. "And he loved you. She will want to help you get through it. And you can help her get through it."

Ash crossed the room and drew Gary into a brief hug, surprising the researcher.

"Look after yourself, Gary," Ash said as he released him. "And I shall see you again soon."

Zane Zito sat slumped in his chair behind his desk. He had never known a week like it, and it wasn't even lunchtime on Monday. His phone had barely stopped ringing all morning as he had fended off questions whilst sending requests for information out himself. Cynthia, arrested and impeached. It was something that hadn't happened in a long time. And yet, Zane couldn't shake something from his mind. Ash Ketchum had known.

There was no other explanation. Ketchum had warned him that he would want to discuss political topics. It hadn't made sense. There was nothing massive expected, so Zane had put it to one side. He could always ask a few political questions, that wasn't hard for him. But this… This was something completely different. And it left Zane with another question. If Ash Ketchum knew, what was his opinion?

Zane flipped through the file on his desk, for the third time that day. He had known exactly what he wanted to be brought to him when the news broke, and it had been on his desk within thirty minutes. It was a report of Ash Ketchum, eight years ago, after he had dismissed Cynthia from her role with the Pokémon League. A role she had been reinstated to a few months later. It hadn't made sense at the time, firing somebody only to rehire them. In truth, it still didn't make sense. But if it was any kind of indicator, Ash Ketchum would not be favourable towards Cynthia. He had not only once fired her, she had clearly had some kind of influence in the decision-making process that had caused him to not only lose his title as Pokémon Master but to be exiled. The police would not have acted without the kind of political coverage that she could provide. And the interview with Ketchum would give him the perfect platform to voice his opinion.

Zane's phone started to ring again and he pushed the folder away, reaching for it. He had only to wait until the following evening, and he would be able to get answers to his questions. The interview with Ash Ketchum promised to be an exciting one.

Ash looked around as he appeared outside Professor Rose's laboratory in New Bark Town. He smiled slightly as he strode in through the door. He hadn't been here for quite some time. As the door swung shut behind him he heard footsteps approaching. He waited a few moments until Professor Rose appeared around the corner.

"Champion," she said, coming to a halt.

Ash reached up and pulled the hat from his head. "I prefer Ash these days."

"I.. Of course." She said, uncertainly. "What brings you to New Bark Town?"

"May I come in properly?" Ash asked, not answering yet.

"Of course. Please, follow me."

A few minutes later Ash found himself in a chair, not unlike the one he had left in Pallet Town. Sat opposite him was Professor Rose, looking nervous.

"So," Ash started. "I'm here because I need to find out something about the past of our young Pokémon Master."

"I…" Rose stammered. "Sorry, what?"

Ash smiled slightly. "I apologise. I know that this is coming out of the blue."

"Yes," Rose said, trying to compose herself. "But I'm afraid I do not know much about Mellanie. And I can't tell you anything about her Pokémon that isn't already on public record."

"It isn't what you know about Mellanie that I need to know though," Ash said patiently. "It is what she has done, or rather what I suspect she has not done."

Rose took a deep breath. "Ask. I'll tell you if I can't answer."

"Don't worry," Ash said reassuringly. "I wouldn't ask anything that could bring Mellanie's wrath down on you. She has plenty of it to go around these days and you don't deserve to be subjected to it. But want I need to know is the last time Mellanie was in New Bark Town."

Rose froze for a moment, Ash's expert eye not missing it.

"Why do you need to know that?"

"I'm piecing things together," Ash said. "And I'm afraid that I know you know. Your reaction gave you away."

Rose didn't even try to deny it. Instead, she looked Ash straight in the eye. "You could have found this out from anybody in the town. Why did you come to me?"

"Because you are an extremely attentive regional Professor," Ash said. "Cynthia knew what she was doing when she put your name on a list of people who could do the job. You care about the Pokémon, and you care about the trainers. You would have noticed the hardness in Mellanie, more than many others would have."

Rose flushed slightly at the compliment but didn't say anything.

"I could ask anybody in this town," Ash said. "But I haven't yet. I came to ask you, as a favour to me. And I'm not a bad person to have owe you a favour."

Rose couldn't help herself as she chuckled. "That is true. Very well. As you say, anybody could answer this question. She was last here two years ago."

"Did she see her parents?"

Rose gave Ash a hard look. "I'm not going to ask how you know about that. But yes, Mellanie came to her parents. She came to me first though. She was upset. She felt lonely. And I pushed her towards her parents, saying that they were the only ones who would never abandon her."

Ash felt his stomach sink. "You didn't know."

"Didn't know that the way they treated her as a child practically amounted to abuse?" Rose asked, her voice hard. "No, I did not. And after she left her parents house, she came back here. She shouted at me, before throwing a piece of paper at me. It was a legal document, estranging her from her parents. She then stormed out and left the town. It was the last time she was here."

Ash shut his eyes for a long moment before sighing. "Thank you," he said softly. "That is useful. Has she contacted you since?"

"No," Rose said. "She took her Pokémon with her that day as well."

"Well, this certainly helps to explain a few things," Ash said. "Everything is starting to fall into place."

"May I ask what is?" Rose said, slightly sarcastically.

"Mellanie is… in a difficult place." Ash admitted. "She has been alone for so long, she struggles to realise that she doesn't have to be. And she spent so long focusing on a goal, in the belief that it would solve her problems that when it didn't, she didn't know what to do. She…"

Ash broke off, eyes glazing over for a moment. "I'm sorry Professor Rose, I need to go. I will remember that I owe you a favour. If you ever need anything from me, you have to just ask."

And before Rose could say anything else, Ash vanished.

It had been a minor note at the bottom of her daily review. An afterthought. Almost beneath the attention of the Pokémon Master, just something for her to note. Had it been known what it meant, it would have almost certainly been higher, possibly even at the very top. But it had been enough for Mellanie to leave her office, with orders for her diary to be cleared. She had taken a car and gone straight to the gates. She had almost refused to believe it until she saw the gates for herself. Mystery Island was back.

Now that she was stood in front of the gates, close enough to touch them, Mellanie didn't want to. The last time she had seen Ash, she had told him to get out of her office. The time before, he had destroyed her team in the most publicly humiliating way possible. She didn't know if she was welcome on his island anymore. If she touched the gates, she would know. They would either swing open as they always did, granting her entry. Or they would stay shut, locking her out forever. And Ash as a mentor and a friend would truly be lost to her.

Tentatively, Mellanie raised her hand, her arm slowly extending. Heart in her mouth, she touched the gate.

Silently, the black gates swung open to reveal the road beyond. A car was waiting for her, just beyond the gates. A feeling of relief spread through her as she walked up to it and climbed in. As soon as she shut the door behind her, the car accelerated away, onto the bridge that led her to Mystery Island.

It was a few minutes but it felt like hours to Mellanie until the car came to a slow stop outside the house at the centre of the island. Waiting for her patiently was Ash, arms folded. Espeon waited at his feet and Pikachu rode on his shoulder.

"Mellanie," Ash said calmly as she climbed out of the car. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"

"The island came back," Mellanie said. "You brought it back."

"Evidently."

She faltered, her hope fading in her chest. "Why did you let me on?"

"Because you are welcome here. You are always welcome here."

"Even after I threw you out?"

Ash laughed, a sound far richer than she could ever remember hearing from her former mentor.

"It will take far more than that for you to be banned from the island," Ash said. "The Guardian is the forgiving type."

"Guardian…" Mellanie asked, before looking down as realisation struck. "Espeon."

"Indeed," Ash said, before half-turning. "Now, would you like to come in?"

Ash led her inside, leaving her inside the living room for a moment. He returned and handed his guest a glass of water before selecting a seat and sitting. Mellanie took a sip before doing the same, sitting slightly further away from Ash than she might have otherwise.

"Is Delia here?" Mellanie asked.

Ash shook his head. "I'm afraid she is in Pallet Town. She is moving back there."

"What about you?"

Ash shrugged. "I'll spend more time there. And I can always get back here quickly."

There was a moments silence as Mellanie processed. "You weren't just waiting for me here, were you?"

"No Mellanie," Ash said. "I was actually meeting somebody. Espeon told me you were coming and I made sure that I got back quickly."

The silence grew between the two of them, with Mellanie fidgeting as Ash waited. He knew she would talk eventually.

"Why did you do it?" Mellanie asked.

Ash looked at her. "Will you let me answer?"

"Yes."

"Very well. It was because the best way to get to know an elite battler, and how much their personality has changed is to see what they are like when battling. And I needed to see how much you had changed."

"Changed?" Mellanie snapped. "Of course I…" she felt the words die in her throat as she saw Ash raise an eyebrow.

"You said you'd let me answer," Ash said softly. Mellanie felt her face flush as she fell back into her chair.

"I saw you win your title," Ash said. "But the way you fought, I never taught you to fight like that. I taught you to respect your Pokémon, to win through skill and determination. Not to win at any cost."

"I had to win," Mellanie said.

"No," Ash said. "You were desperate to win. There is a difference. And your use of Misdreavus…"

"She took out Cynthia's strongest Pokémon without any difficulty!" Mellanie exclaimed. "It has been held up as a great use of strategy…"

"The fact that Misdreavus even knows how to use Destiny Bond is testament to the lengths you were willing to go." Ash snapped. Mellanie froze. Ash almost never raised his voice.

"Destiny Bond is a move that when used, yes, is a wonderful strategy," Ash said, his voice slightly calmer. "I accept that. And from a lesser trainer, I'd understand it. But what does it cost your Pokémon when you order them to be beaten?"

"Misdreavus wanted it!" Mellanie said.

"I'm sure she did. Misdreavus loves you. But think about what using that move actually means for her. She knows she has to go through the pain of being knocked out. Using such a move is incredibly painful for Pokémon."

Mellanie didn't say anything as Ash leaned back in his chair, his arms tapping the armrests as he looked at her.

"It was good strategy Mellanie, but it is a move that only a certain type of trainer would use. And I never thought you would be that type."

Mellanie's face was pink as she met the gaze of her mentor and her voice was tetchy when she spoke.

"I didn't come here to be criticised by you."

"No," Ash said. "You didn't."

The silence grew once again. Ash allowed it to stretch for minutes, watching Mellanie squirm under his gaze.

"Why have you looked to have Cynthia impeached?" Ash asked eventually.

"Because she broke the law." Mellanie snapped instantly.

"Yes, she did," Ash said, his voice stern. "But you have a lot to learn if you think that this will go the way that you want without trouble."

"Like the investigation into Officer Jenny?" Mellanie sneered. "You blocked me on that one."

"I did," Ash said. "I went to the police and explained exactly what happened. They had an open and shut case against her. Then I gave them an out if they wanted to use it. They did. You should consider the same with regards to Cynthia."

"No," Mellanie said, grinding out the words. "Cynthia broke the law and she will face the fury of the justice system. Unlike you, I intend to let the law resolve all."

"And what of Sinnoh?" Ash asked softly. "Cynthia is very popular there, and you are coming across heavy-handed. What will they do?"

"They will accept the legally binding decision."

Ash shook his head sadly. "You need to broaden your horizons Mellanie. Learn how to play the political game. Or you will continue to be frustrated."

Before she could say anything else, Ash rose from his chair. "You are welcome to stay here Mellanie, but I am unsure how often I will be home."

And he turned and strode out of the room, leaving the Pokémon Master behind him.

The camera swung around to see Zane who looked like he couldn't quite believe this was happening as the opening chords of the shows tune played in the studio. As the tune faded, Zane turned and looked at the camera.

"Despite never speaking out in public, I'm sure my guest this evening will not need any introduction," Zane said as his opening lines, still looking slightly disbelieving. "He remains the only man to ever win the World League using a single Pokémon, where after which he reigned as Pokémon Master for six years before being forced into exile. He is back, and in his first public appearance, he thrashed the new Pokémon Master six-nil in a match. He is the man who was at the Clash of Legends, once named Champion, but now known as Ash Ketchum."

Zane turned towards Ash.

"So, Ash. Good to have you here. Let's start with what I'm sure everybody will want to hear. To what do we owe the pleasure?

Ash smiled slightly, twirling his hat between his fingers. "It's a long story, Zane. Suffice it to say, when I first became Pokémon Master, my name was hidden to protect people. The privacy that I became known for was a logical extension of that."

"But not anymore?"

"When my name was revealed, on your show I might add," Ash gave Zane a piercing look. "there was nothing left to gain by protecting those who I had kept my return hidden from. Put simply, I have no reason to hide."

"Interesting," Zane said. "But to move on, let us focus on your battling. Your Pokémon is stronger than any the world has ever seen, capable of defeating legendary opponents. What is your secret?"

"Dedication, at a level that nobody else would want to match," Ash answered. "Even before I spent time away before becoming Pokémon Master I was known to use some unusual strategies, but my Pokémon lacked the power and endurance to truly challenge elite trainers. But we started training, pushing ourselves harder and harder, searching for anything that could give us the slightest physical advantage. Years of pushing ourselves has left my Pokémon stronger, faster and fitter than any others."

"But surely if it was just training, somebody else would have matched it?"

Ash's lip curled. "I disagree. Every trainer has a limit, a line that they won't cross. Every Pokémon has a point past which they will not be pushed. The Pokémon in my team were chosen carefully over the course of years, selected to be willing to go beyond these barriers. We don't let those limits stop us. Take Sceptile for an example. His warm-up for a standard training session when away from home is to fight flocks of Flying- Pokémon. He would consider anything below thirty opponents to be a waste of time."

Zane felt his mouth open slightly, and he tried to interject, but Ash kept talking.

"It has taken him more than a decade to reach that level, and every time he looked like he might plateau in his development, we found something to push him further. All of my Pokémon are like that, and that is why they are unique.

"Incredible," Zane said and he meant it. "But in battle, you seem to be able to handle them better than almost any other trainer as well?"

"I've already said that I was known for some unusual strategies when I was a young trainer," Ash admitted. "But the difference now is that my Pokémon can move faster, hit harder and take more than almost any other Pokémon. It enables us to be permanently on the front foot in a fight, which is an advantage over so many opponents."

"But you aren't a bad trainer, a bad strategist. I've covered your battles on this show in the past and we often talk about perfect victories."

Ash chuckled. "Thank you. But when you have a Pokémon that is virtually impossible to take the initiative against, you are able to predict what your opponent is likely to do."

"So it is all a myth?"

"Well," Ash said, a grin spreading across his face. "Not entirely."

Zane laughed. "Well I'm sure my listeners would like me to keep questioning you about your training regimes, but something tells me that we are reaching the end of what you would discuss."

"Indeed," Ash said drily. "I can't give away all my advantages."

Another laugh came from his interviewer, before Zane leaned forwards, slightly conspiratorially.

"But there is more to life than just battling. So tell me, Ash, from the perspective of a former Pokémon Master, what are your thoughts on the recent political development with regard to Cynthia Shirona?"

"I think it is a shame," Ash said. He turned slightly towards the camera, his expression challenging. "Cynthia being impeached is a tremendous shame for her because she has been a wonderful leader of Sinnoh."

"But the rumours coming from Indigo Plateau is that your exile was the reason she is being impeached? There is a suggestion of her burying the evidence that would exonerate you?"

"I'll not deny that," Ash said. "It is true, Cynthia made the decision to not reveal evidence that would have enabled me to return as Pokémon Master. And her doing so meant that she would reclaim the title."

"So she is guilty?"

"Cynthia was guilty of doing everything she could to help maintain peace across the four regions," Ash said slightly darkly. "The Pokémon Master must have the unanimous support of all, and by the end of my reign support was tarnished. Yes, I could have reclaimed it, but it would have been a long hard fight. For the stability and prosperity of the four regions, Cynthia did the right thing."

"Morally right, legally wrong?"

"Yes, I guess you could say that," Ash said. "But in my opinion, she does not deserve to be impeached for it. She loves her region and is beloved by her region. She is Sinnoh's chosen leader, and I hope in future she can continue to be so."

Zane nodded. "Well thank you very much, Ash. A fascinating insight. Now we're going to go on a short break, but when we come back we'll continue. There is still plenty to talk about with Ash Ketchum."

A/N

Firstly, apologies for this being a day late. I had a week that was beyond hectic and I couldn't face proofing the chapter last night. Hopefully, I've caught the errors (especially as there were more, due to the aforementioned week!)

As a quick answer to FrostyGirl who asked about the ages of major characters. I have long spent ages trying to work out the most logical way to fit it in, so hopefully, I've managed to get some semblance of accuracy between the main Pokémon world and the series.

Delia - 50

Brock - 36

Ash, Misty, Gary - 31

May - 27

Dawn - 26

Max -24

Sam, Mellanie - 19

I should have a calmer week coming up, so I will endeavour to get the next chapter out on Friday next week. Hopefully I'll be able to proof and release it on Friday, but it not it will definitely be out by Saturday.

Iama2p