Ketchum vs. Ketchum! Showdown in Cerulean City!
Woo! Finale time! I wanted to make this final battle feel special and give it more substance than I could do with just a comic. So! I got the help of @cyberwulf to write out this ending in fanfic form! Check it out here on AO3 if you prefer! If not, the journey continues below the cut~
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James Sidestory / Meowth Sidestory
A lot has happened since our PokĂ© Moms began their journey. After a rocky startâŠ
â*SQUAWK*â
âŠtheyâve managed to catch some new PokĂ©monâŠ
âRun! Run! Run!â
âŠin their own way.
âWhat a cute baby! You know, I have a son, too!â
With their month on the road almost up, Delia had just one more thing she wanted to doâŠ
âI want to beat the Cerulean City Gym!â
But little did Delia know, there was a surprise waiting for her in Cerulean City!
âMOM??? JESSIE???â
âLetâs have a double battle! You and Ash versus Jessie and I!â
âYouâre on! But Iâm not going easy on you just cuz youâre family!â
ââŠWhatâs going on?â
Poké Mom Adventures
EP009
Ketchum vs Ketchum! Showdown in Cerulean City!
The water of the Cerulean gym battlefield glistened in the sunshine streaming through its crystal glass roof. Both teams gazed at each other with steely determination (and some lingering confusion, in Mistyâs case) as above them, the Drone Rotom announced the rules.
âThis will be a double battle between Gym Leader Misty and Champion Ash, and the challengers Delia and Jessie.â It projected a holographic image of both teams. âFor todayâs battle, each trainer may use two PokĂ©mon. The battle is over when all of one teamâs PokĂ©mon can no longer battle.â
âAll right!â Misty declared. âThis is an official League battle for the Cascade badge!â
âAnd bragging rights!â Jessie added with a smirk.
âWeâll see about that!â Ash retorted. Misty glanced at him, taking in his clenched fists and gritted teeth. Sheâd seen Ash determined before, but⊠there was something here that she was missing. However, with the Drone Rotom hovering expectantly overhead, finding out what that something was would have to wait.
âCome out â Corsola!â
The Coral Pokémon landed on the rock in front of her, eagerly crying its name.
âThis is a water-themed gym, so Iâll go with a Water-Type,â Ash remarked. âOshawott, I choose you!â
âThatâs the spirit, Ash!â Misty exclaimed. âItâs the job of a Gym Leader to help trainers learn type advantage and weaknesses by specialising in one kind of PokĂ©mon, and around here thatâs Water-Types!â
âWater, huh?â Jessie frowned as she considered the three PokĂ©mon she had on hand. âWell, I donât want my delicate little Ziggy to get her fur wet.â With a flourish, she tossed a PokĂ©ball high in the air. âGo, Venomoth!â
The Poison Moth Pokémon emerged, hovering over the water.
âItâs a shame we donât have any Grass or Electric-types,â Delia mused. âI guess weâll just have to do our best with what we have.â Pushing her bangs out of her face, she called, âI choose you!â
Ash and Mistyâs jaws dropped as the light from Deliaâs PokĂ©ball coalesced into a very large, very stern-looking Kangaskhan.
âI didnât know your mom had such a strong PokĂ©mon,â Misty whispered.
âNeither did I,â Ash whispered back. Movement at the corner of his eye caught his attention and he looked down at his starter PokĂ©mon. âSomething wrong, Pikachu?â
âPikaâŠâ
Pikachu gazed across the water at Kangaskhan, ears and tail up, alert to⊠something. But before anyone could figure out what had caught his attention, there was a small cry.
âKangaskhan!â
The baby squirmed, spooked by the glistening water lapping all around the rock. She buried her face in her motherâs belly and cried again. Cradling her young protectively, Kangaskhan gave Delia an apologetic look.
âOh, of course!â Delia exclaimed. âIâm so sorry. Kangaskhan, return.â Cupping her hands around her mouth, she called across the battlefield. âThat doesnât count as one of my PokĂ©mon, does it?â
âOf course not, Ms. Ketchum!â Misty shouted back. âPlease choose another PokĂ©mon!â
âIf sheâs got one,â Ash said with a confident smirk. âIâm betting sheâll send out Mimey.â
âI choose you⊠Clefairy!â
âLooks like you bet wrong, Ash,â Misty laughed as Ash stared in surprise at the Fairy PokĂ©mon.
Above them, the Drone Rotom moved into position.
âBegin!â
âAll right, Oshawott!â Ash called out. âOpen up with an Aqua Jet!â
With a determined cry, Oshawott blasted a jet of water across the field, hitting Clefairy square in the belly and knocking the Fairy Pokémon off the rock and into the water.
âAsh Ketchum!â Delia exclaimed reproachfully. âThat wasnât very nice!â
Thrown off-guard, Ash gulped. âS-sorry!â (Oh man - I canât believe Iâm actually battling my mom!)
On the opposite side of the battlefield, a wet and bedraggled Clefairy clambered back up on the rock ridge, scowling at her attacker.
âShake it off, Clefairy!â Delia urged as her PokĂ©mon did just that, sending a fine shower of water droplets flying from her pink fur. âUse Disarming Voice!â
With a deep breath, Clefairy shot a vortex of pink hearts towards Oshawott, taking the Sea Otter Pokémon by surprise and knocking him into the water.
âGood work, Deerling!â Jessie shouted triumphantly. âNow itâs my turn!â She pointed at Corsola. âVenomoth, use Poison Sting!â
Venomoth hovered uncertainly for a few moments, then looked back at her.
âIt doesnât look like Venomoth knows that move, honey,â Delia remarked.
âWell, Dustox knew that move!â Jessie protested. âVenomoth should know it too, arenât they both Bug-types?â
Venomoth just blinked at her.
âYou really donât know what moves your PokĂ©mon knows?â Misty asked incredulously.
âOf course I do, just â just let me think!â Jessie spluttered, clenching her fists. âAll right, Venomoth â use Gust!â
Venomoth didnât move.
âWhirlwind!â Jessie tried. âPsybeam! âŠTackle?â
Venomoth looked back and forth between Jessie and the battlefield as it fluttered about agitatedly, utterly confused by the barrage of unfamiliar orders.
âThis is just sad,â Misty muttered, getting a nod of agreement from Ash. Raising her voice, she called out, âCorsola! Use Spike Cannon!â
Corsola glowed, and a split second later a shower of glowing white spikes slammed into Venomoth, driving it backwards towards the trainer box.
âOh, no!â Delia groaned in dismay, wringing her hands. âMaybe we shouldâve practiced with our new PokĂ©mon before coming here!â
âWeâre not giving up!â Jessie snarled, clenching her fists. âVenomoth! Get back out there!â
With a trill, Venomoth shook off the spikes, and floated towards its opponents again.
âCorsola!â Misty called. âHit it with another Spike Cannon!â
Corsola began to glow.
âWell donât just hover there!â Jessie barked out. âItâs about to attack again!â Venomoth looked back at her, and Jessie gestured angrily towards the battlefield. âJust do something! Anything!â
Once more, glowing white spikes shot towards Venomoth. This time, however, Venomoth dove towards the attack, sweeping its wings in front of itself at the last minute. Blue blades of light cut through the barrage of spikes, one hitting Corsola and driving it back.
âThatâs Air Slash!â Ash exclaimed.
âAir Slash, eh?â Jessie shot her opponents a triumphant smirk. âVenomoth! Use Air Slash on that pitiful pink PokĂ©mon again!â
âHang in there, Corsola!â Misty called as her PokĂ©mon was driven back for a second time. âUse Recover!â
âDonât let it recover, Venomoth!â Jessie yelled. âAir Slash again!â
As her Pokémon geared up for another attack, she noticed Delia gazing at her in rapture.
âYouâre so ferocious when you battle, Smoochum,â Delia remarked dreamily. She lowered her voice, waggling her eyebrows. âItâs kinda hot.â
Jessie blushed and giggled. âBaaabe, not in front of the twerps.â
Misty wrinkled her nose in disgust. ââŠSmoochum?â
âFreak out later, Misty!â Ash yelled. Venomoth was bearing down on Corsola, and the Coral PokĂ©mon didnât have much left. âOshawott! Use Hydro Pump on Venomoth to protect Corsola!â
Leaping high into the air, Oshawott sent a powerful jet of water directly at Jessieâs Venomoth. With a cry, the Poison Moth hit the floor between Jessie and Delia, bounced once, and fainted.
âHey, no fair!â Jessie bellowed, stamping her foot. âI was distracted!â She recalled Venomoth with a scowl. âI ought to ground you for making me look bad!â
âThis is really weird,â Misty mumbled.
âYou have no idea,â Ash sighed wearily.
âAll right, you big blue blob,â Jessie growled to her faithful Patient PokĂ©mon, âget out there and letâs win this thing!â
Saluting, Wobbuffet waddled forward, straight into the water. Jessie pinched the bridge of her nose as Wobbuffet awkwardly clambered up onto the protruding rock.
âWobbles canât attack unless heâs attacked first,â Delia murmured to herself. âOshawott is strong, and Corsola can use Recover to gain back health. That means Iâve got to make this next move count!â She looked to Clefairy, wet and winded but not out of the battle. It was risky, butâŠ
âClefairy! Use Metronome!â
âMetronome?!â Misty exclaimed as Clefairy began to move her fingers hypnotically back and forth. âNow anything can happen!â
âHold tight, everybody!â Ash called, just as the Fairy PokĂ©monâs fingers turned white.
Razor-sharp leaves whipped through the air, striking Oshawott and Corsola. The Grass-Type move was too much for the dual Rock/Water Type, and Corsola collapsed into the water, fainted. Oshawott was driven back against the rock ridge, and Ash held his breath, but the Drone Rotom only counted Corsola out.
âOshawott! You hanging in there, buddy?â
With a grimace, the Sea Otter PokĂ©mon gave him a determined nod. âOsha!â
âHa!â Jessie cried triumphantly. âNow weâre even!â She clenched her fists, calling tauntingly across the battlefield. âWhoâs next, twerpette? Togepi? Psyduck?â
âShe sure is cocky for being down to just Wobbuffet,â Ash muttered.
âNot for long,â Misty replied with a smirk. She plucked her second PokĂ©ball from her hip.
âGo â Gyarados!â
Deliaâs eyes widened and Jessie took several steps back as the gigantic PokĂ©mon appeared in the water. It glowered down at both trainers, making Delia swallow hard.
(Nowâs not the time to lose my nerve! Gyarados is just a PokĂ©mon like any other. All I have to do is-)
âHey!â Jessie exclaimed angrily. âNo fair using such a powerful PokĂ©mon! What, are Staryu and Starmie at the PokĂ©mon Centre or something?!â
Taken aback, Misty gaped at the former Team Rocket member in disbelief. âSince when do you care about playing fair?â
âSince you decided to use that monstrosity on a first-time trainer!â Jessie retorted with a shake of her fist. âThatâs cheating!â
Misty paused, almost second-guessing her choice of PokĂ©mon, when she remembered who she was dealing with. Squaring her shoulders, she shot back, âYouâre not a first-time trainer!â
âCouldâve fooled me,â Ash muttered.
âI heard that!â Jessie bawled.
âItâs okay, honey,â Delia murmured, placing her hand on Jessieâs shoulder. âWe can beat them. We just need to use strategy!â
âGyarados!â Misty called out. Jessie may not have been the best trainer, and her track record with him was hit or miss, but Wobbuffet could reflect almost any attack. It might just have been luck, but Clefairyâs Metronome had taken out Corsola and left Oshawott just barely hanging on. There was only one choice of target.
âUse Hurricane on Clefairy, now!â
Rearing back, Gyarados shot a powerful blast of air directly at the Fairy Pokémon, sending her flying back to the trainer box.
âOh no!â Delia cried. She knelt by her stricken PokĂ©monâs side, but it was obvious even without Drone Rotom saying so that Clefairy couldnât continue. âYou did a wonderful job, Clefairy.â Recalling her PokĂ©mon, she rose, pushed her bangs out of her eyes, and called her second PokĂ©mon.
âMimey, I choose you!â
Ash clenched his fists. No more surprises â he knew what Mimey was capable of. Oshawott was tough, but heâd taken a lot of damage. If the Sea Otter PokĂ©mon only had one move left, then Ash had to make it count.
âOshawott! Hit Mimey with Aqua Jet!â
âMimey, dodge it!â Delia cried out.
The Barrier PokĂ©mon leapt high in the air, leaving Ash to watch, powerless, as Aqua Jet splashed harmlessly on the ground between his mother and Jessie. But before he could call out another attack â
âNow, Mimey, Focus Punch on Oshawott!â
There was no time for Oshawott to get out of the way. Mimey dove straight down, fist outstretched, and scored a direct hit. Both Pokémon vanished underwater. All four trainers held their breath. After a few seconds, Mimey burst out of the water, effortlessly leaping onto the rock. A moment later Oshawott floated to the surface, fainted.
âGood work, Oshawott,â Ash murmured as he recalled his PokĂ©mon. He turned to Pikachu. âLooks like my momâs a tougher trainer than I thought. You ready, Pikachu?â
The yellow mouse nodded, one tiny fist raised. âPika!â
âYou be nice to us now, Pikachu!â Delia cheered brightly.
Jessie was less optimistic.
âBabe, this isnât looking good,â she murmured urgently. âIâve been beaten by that Pikachu a zillion times! And that Gyarados looks strong. And mean! I donât know ifâŠâ
She trailed off as the other woman took her hands.
âNow you listen to me, Jessie Ketchum.â Delia gazed into her eyes, a look of fierce determination on her face. âA zillion battles. A zillion losses. Against that very Pikachu. And you never gave up. So youâre not gonna give up now! Okay?â
Jessie stared back at her. Time seemed to stand still. Deliaâs fingers were warm on her own as her words of encouragement hung in the air.
âJessie⊠Ketchum?â
With the briefest of nods, Delia turned to face their opponents.
âAsh honey, donât you hold back just because Iâm your mom!â she called. âWeâre going to give it our all, even if we lose!â
âSheâs a lot like you, Ash,â Misty laughed. As Ash tugged the brim of his hat down to hide his blush, she raised her voice and called to the challengers. âYouâre doing great, Ms. Ketchum! Iâm really impressed by your abilities as a trainer. Now show me youâre worthy of the Cascade badge!â
âHey!â Jessie yelled indignantly. âWhat am I, chopped liver?! My Venomoth pushed your Corsola to the brink!â
Misty grimaced. This was all still too strange â Jessie was a good guy? Jessie and Ashâs mom were⊠partners? She struggled for something positive to say about Jessieâs performance so far.
âUh â yeah!â she managed. âIt was, uh, really great how you figured out that one move.â
Jessie put her hands on her hips. âUgh, could you sound any more insincere?!â
With a growl of impatience, Ash cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled across the battlefield. âHey! Are we gonna battle or what?â
âOh, weâre battling, twerp,â Jessie shot back. âAnd weâre gonna win!â
Ash grinned. âYou ready, Pikachu?â The yellow PokĂ©mon turned to look at his trainer. Ash pointed. âQuick attack!â
âHa!â Jessie scoffed as Pikachu zigzagged along the rock ridge. âWobbuffet, use Counter!â
Pikachu leaped forwardâŠ
âOn Mimey!â
Delia and Jessie gasped as Pikachu pivoted and went straight for the Barrier Pokémon. Taken by surprise, he took the full brunt of the attack, losing his balance and hitting the water.
âA fake out!â Delia exclaimed. She beamed at her son with pride. âThat was so smart of you, honey! You had us completely fooled!â
âBaaabe!â Jessie hissed. âI get that you care about him â I do too â but right now heâs the enemy!â
Delia tapped her fist against her head, grinning nervously. âOh, right!â
âThis is hurting my brain,â Misty groaned.
âHow do you think I feel?â Ash grumbled.
Delia took a moment to centre herself and assess the situation. Pikachu didnât have a Type advantage, but his Electric attacks were powerful â not to mention that Mimey was still wet. Of course, using them ran the risk of electrifying the entire battlefield, including Gyarados, but only one PokĂ©mon needed to be left standing in order for that PokĂ©monâs team to win.
âMimey!â she commanded. âUse Psychic on Pikachu!â
âMr Mime!â
Mimey fixed Pikachu with an intense stare, his eyes and hands glowing blue. Blue light enveloped the yellow mouse as he was lifted into the air. Pikachu strained and struggled, but couldnât break free.
Ash groaned in exasperation.
âMisty, go for Mimey!â he called. âIf you weaken him, maybe Pikachu can break free. Plus, heâs a lot stronger than Wobbuffet!â
Misty nodded. âRight!â
âHey!â Jessie objected. âJust because itâs true doesnât mean you have to say it!â She shook her fist at them. âI raised you better than that, Ash Ketchum!â
âWha â â Ash took a step back, flabbergasted. âYou didnât raise me at all!â
âThe heck I didnât!â Jessie retorted. âWho kept an eye on you while you twerped your way through eight regions, huh?!â
Misty rubbed her temples. The whole situation was giving her a headache.
âGyarados!â
The Atrocious Pokémon stirred itself and looked her way.
âUse Crunch on Mr. Mime, now!â
âOh no, not Crunch!â Delia fretted, as Gyarados reared back, a sinister purple aura swirling around its fangs. âThatâs a Dark-Type move!â
âWobbuffet!â Jessie barked. âGet between Mimey and Gyarados and use Counter!â
Saluting, Wobbuffet leaped in front of Mimey, his body outlined in orange light. Crunch hit, hard, and bounced back twice as hard. Both Gyarados and Wobbuffet recoiled from the damage.
âWobbles!â Delia cried out, as Mimey caught Wobbuffet in his arms.
âDonât you quit on me now, Wobbuffet!â Jessie shouted.
Wobbuffet saluted weakly as Mimey pushed him back onto his paws. The distraction worked, and Pikachu dropped back to the rock, freed from Psychic.
âKeep the pressure on, Pikachu!â Ash yelled. âUse Iron Tail on Mimey, now!â
âQuick, Mimey!â Delia shouted as Pikachu somersaulted through the air, tail glowing white. âUse Reflect!â
Pikachu hit the invisible barrier and flew backwards, landing in the water.
âGyarados!â Misty commanded. âUse Crunch again!â
âMimey, keep using Reflect!â Delia shouted. âDonât let them in!â She had to think. Poor Wobbles, he didnât have much left â one more shot from that big Gyarados and that would be it. Not to mention that if Crunch hit Mimey, the battle would be over! Sheâd completely forgotten Gyarados could learn that move! Oh, maybe she shouldâve used Zaggy insteadâŠ
Mimey obediently continued to use Reflect as Gyarados and Pikachu attacked from either side. Slowly the invisible barriers began to box them in, till Mimey and Wobbuffet were crowded together on the rock.
âBabe!â Jessie urged. âWe have to do something or weâre gonna lose!â
âI know!â Delia groaned. âI justâŠâ She cupped her face in her hands, pulling down on her cheeks. ââŠI donât know!â
âMs Ketchum!â
Delia lifted her head.
âYou canât let us back you into a corner!â Misty called. âUse your environment to find a way out!â
Ash shot her a glare. âHey, whose side are you on?!â
âItâs my job as a Gym leader to help trainers to learn,â Misty explained with a smile. âDid you forget?â
âYou didnât help me when I battled you for the first time!â Ash replied indignantly, poking his thumb into his chest.
Misty glowered at him.
âThatâs because you still owed me a new bike, Ash Ketchum!â
âAaagh!â Ash placed both hands on his head, tugging his hat down. âCanât you let that go already? It got repaired, didnât it?â
While their opponents bickered, Delia had taken Mistyâs words to heart.
âUse the environmentâŠâ she mused. There was only one place Mimey and Wobbles could go â but first they had to do something about the double attacks coming their way.
âJessie!â she hissed, beckoning her partner to come closer. âCan you have Wobbles use Counter?â
Jessie looked at Wobbuffet, sweating nervously as he stood behind Mimey. She nodded.
âOkay,â Delia replied. She whispered quickly in the other womanâs ear. Jessie grinned, then straightened up.
âWobbuffet! Use Counter on both those attacks!â
Without any hesitation, Wobbuffet moved in front of Mimey, body once more enveloped in an orange glow. Crunch and Iron Tail came back double on Gyarados and Pikachu, sending the two flying backwards. Both Pokémon landed hard on the rock, Gyarados almost wrapping around it with the force of the blow.
âOn your feet, Pikachu!â Ash called. âItâs not over yet! âŠHuh?â
He blinked at the empty battlefield. Mimey and Wobbuffet had both disappeared. Ash tensed as he scoured the water for any sign of the enemy PokĂ©mon, but the surface was still settling from the last bout of attacks. The sunlight streaming through the roof didnât help either â it made the rippling water glitter.
Misty spotted movement a second too late.
âLook out-â
In tandem, Mimey and Wobbuffet burst through the surface, taking up positions either side of Gyarados and Pikachu, trapping their opponents between them.
âGood work, you two!â Delia cheered. She pointed dramatically. âNow, Mimey â use Psychic on both of them!â
Once more, Mimeyâs eyes and hands glowed. Both Gyarados and Pikachu rose into the air, enveloped in blue light.
âGreat strategy, Ms. Ketchum!â Misty called, earning a dirty look from Ash which she ignored. âThereâs no point going for Wobbuffet â heâll just Counter our attacks again.â
âRight,â Ash agreed. âWeâve gotta take out Mimey!â He raised his voice. âPikachu!â
Misty did likewise. âGyarados!â
Delia grinned. âJust as I thought.â She looked at her partner. âGet ready with Mirror Coat!â
Jessie blinked in confusion. ââŠHuh?â
âThunderbolt ââ
âHydro Pump ââ
âOn Mimey!â both young trainers yelled in unison.
âMimey!â Delia called, just as both PokĂ©mon charged their attacks. âDrop them, use Light Screen and aim at Wobbles!â
âAim at WHO?!â Jessie exclaimed.
There was no time to explain. Everything turned on a split second. Pikachu and Gyarados began to fall through the air. Several volts of electricity and a powerful torrent of water hit Mimeyâs Light Screen and barrelled towards Wobbuffet.
The diabolical beauty of Deliaâs devious plan suddenly caught up with Jessie. That pair of pathetic PokĂ©mon were in for a â
âNow, honey!â
Jessie almost fumbled the command.
âM-Mirror Coat!â
Wobbuffet glowed, shrouded in a reflective aura. Everything seemed to slow down. The attacks hit. They bounced back at Mimey. Pikachu and Gyarados fell. Ashâs mouth opened in a silent noooo.
The timing was perfect.
Gyarados and Pikachu fell in front of Mimey, taking the full brunt of Thunderbolt and Hydro Pump, doubled by Mirror Coat. The sheer force of the attacks drove them along the surface of the water, causing huge plumes of water to rise into the air either side of them. The battlefield disappeared in a shroud of surf and spray.
âPikachu!â Ash cried out.
All four trainers held their breath as the mist began to clear.
Jessie cried out in dismay on seeing Wobbuffet floating belly-up in the water. Ash groaned on spotting Pikachu doing likewise. Draped over the rock, Gyarados lifted its head weakly, then dropped it again.
Delia scanned the water, a smile spreading across her face as Mimey swam to the rock and clambered up, standing tall with a cry of, âMr. Mime!â
âWobbuffet, Pikachu, and Gyarados are unable to battle,â the Drone Rotom declared, as Ash sank to his knees. âThe winners are the challengers, Delia and Jessie!â
âI⊠I canât believe thisâŠâ Ash moaned.
âWeâŠâ Jessie couldnât stop staring at the battlefield, Drone Rotomâs words ringing in her ears. ââŠwe won?â She looked to Delia, and the joyful look on her face confirmed it. âWe WON!!!â
Delia shrieked as Jessie caught hold of her and lifted her high in the air, doing a twirl before setting her back on her feet and peppering her face with kisses. âHahahaha!â She turned to their opponents, pulling down on one eyelid while sticking her tongue out. âSuck it, twe â I mean, Ash and Misty! I knew this day would come sooner or later!â
âJessica, I know youâre happy, but donât be a bad winner,â Delia chided gently. âMagnanimity in victory goes a long way.â
âBut baaaabe!â Jessie whined. âIâve never had a victory this magnificent before!â
Delia just smiled and gave her a peck on the lips. âI think poor Wobbles wants you,â she remarked, nodding to the battlefield. âWeâll need to get him to a PokĂ©mon Centre with Venomoth and Clefairy.â
Jessie nodded and went to haul Wobbuffet out of the water.
âCome on, you,â she grunted as she dragged the Patient PokĂ©mon back onto dry land. Briefly she removed her cap and wiped the sweat from her brow. Fine, so she couldnât taunt the twerps any more. Victory still tasted pretty sweet.
In her arms, Wobbuffet stirred and smiled weakly up at her. Jessie couldnât help but smile back.
âHow about that?â she murmured to him. âYouâre a winner, Wobbuffet. I bet you canât wait to tell the others.â
He managed a salute and a quiet âWobbaâŠâ before Jessie recalled him to his PokĂ©ball.
Ash, meanwhile, remained on his knees in the trainer box. âI canât believe we lost to my mom.â
âYou gotta admit, that last strategy was a thing of beauty,â Misty replied with a smile. Sheâd made her way out to the rock and was cradling Gyaradosâs head, absently rubbing its crest. The big PokĂ©mon opened its eyes and let out a quiet rumble. âI guess now we know where you get your battling skills from, champ!â
Stepping out of her sneakers, Delia carefully negotiated the slippery rock and fished Pikachu out of the water. A couple of vigorous rubs from his head to his tail, and the Electric Mouse Pokémon opened his eyes.
âYou were great, Pikachu,â Delia murmured. She tickled him under his chin, getting a weak âChaaaâ in response. She made her way back to the side of the battlefield to find Ash, Misty and Jessie waiting. âYou were great too, honey.â
Ash managed a smile as she handed Pikachu to him. âThanks, Mom.â He gasped as he was pulled into a hug.
âThat was such a fun battle!â Delia exclaimed. She loosened her hold just enough to look at him. âI can see why you like this so much.â
âWatch out, Ash,â Misty teased. âYou might just have a new rival on your hands!â
Ash let out a distressed yelp.
âOh no, I donât have time for that,â Delia assured him with a wave of her hand. As Ash sighed with relief, she cupped his cheek and tilted his head up to look at him. âBut travelling around this past month and battling with you today⊠itâs made me feel a little bit closer to you.â
Ash blushed, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
âAw, Mom,â he mumbled with a grin.
âAhem.â
Ash and Delia turned to see Misty holding out a Cascade badge.
âThis is yours, Ms. Ketchum,â the Gym Leader declared. âYou made the battlefield, your PokĂ©mon and their moves work to your advantage. Iâm impressed!â
âOh, youâre too kind, really,â Delia replied, blushing as she accepted the badge. Its blue surface seemed to glitter in the sunlight streaming in from the roof. âIâll treasure this, always. Thank you.â
âThatâs how you win a badge fair and square,â Misty teased, shooting a wink Ashâs way.
The Champion rolled his eyes. âYeah, yeah, whatever.â
âArenât you forgetting something?â
All three turned to see Jessie holding out her hand.
âWhat about me?â she demanded. âThe perfect PokĂ©mon battle partner? Trainer of vicious Venomoth and wild Wobbuffet? Whereâs my badge?â
Misty sighed. Jessie had been on the winning team, and she had won a badge fair and square, but the whole situation was still bizarre.
âIâll give you a badge if you explain what allâŠâ She waved her hand between Jessie and Delia. ââŠthis is about.â
âDelia and I dating,â Jessie scoffed with a shrug. âItâs not that complicated.â
âI got that part,â Misty shot back irritatedly, âI justâŠâ She looked from Jessie, standing with her arms crossed, to Ms. Ketchum, who had one hand on Jessieâs hip, to Ash, who looked like he was hoping the floor would open up and swallow him. ââŠyou know what, never mind.â Reaching into her pocket, she took out a second Cascade badge.
âI canât believe this is happening, but⊠you earned this!â
Jessie let out a little cry of joy as Misty put the badge into her hand.
âOh, Deerling, look how pretty it is!â she gushed. âDo you think maybe we could just get the prettiest Gym badges?â
âI donât see why not,â Delia replied. âWith James to run the restaurant, I can take vacations more often!â
âJames is ââ Misty glared at Ash, who pulled the brim of his cap down and giggled nervously. âWeâre going to the PokĂ©mon Centre and then youâre telling me whatâs been going on, Ash Ketchum!â
âLetâs all go to the PokĂ©mon Centre,â Delia suggested. âOur PokĂ©mon battled hard today, they deserve a good rest.â
It wasnât long before Nurse Joyâs tender care had Venomoth, Corsola, Oshawott, Clefairy, Wobbuffet, Gyarados and Pikachu feeling like their old selves again. Delia squeezed Jessieâs hand, murmuring âthatâll be you one day, Smoochumâ as they watched Joy work.
âWell, we should get going,â Delia declared once they had their PokĂ©mon back.
âWe were going to stay and have dinner, Ms. Ketchum,â Misty said. She eyed Jessie reluctantly, but made the offer anyway. ââŠYouâre welcome to join us.â
âThatâs sweet of you, Misty, but weâve been away long enough,â Delia replied, to both kidsâ relief. âItâs time we headed home. Thank you both so much for such an amazing battle.â She hugged Ash tightly. âDonât stay away too long, honey.â
âYou know I wonât, Mom,â Ash replied, blushing. He shot Misty a grin. âIâll be home right after I kick Mistyâs butt in our rematch!â
âThen Iâll see you soon,â Delia murmured. She let go of her son and gave Misty a quick hug and a wink. âTry not to beat him too badly!â
âHey!â Ash exclaimed indignantly.
Delia stepped back, joining her girlfriend near the door of the Pokémon Centre. She gave her a look and nodded to both kids. With a sigh, Jessie trudged up to Ash and gave him a stiff hug.
âSee you at home, kid,â she mumbled. Letting go, she turned to Misty. âThanks for the battle and the badge, I guess...?â
The two gazed at each other for a few awkward moments, then Jessie took a step closer, slowly lifting her arms.
âAah!â Misty hurriedly moved back, holding her hands up in front of her. âI donât think Iâm there yet.â
Jessie dropped her arms with a huge sigh of relief. âGreat! Me neither.â She offered her hand instead, and the Gym Leader shook it.
Ash and Misty stepped outside the PokĂ©mon Centre to see them off, their goodbyes ringing in the air as Delia and Jessie got on the road. Jessie slung her arm around her girlfriendâs shoulder.
âHappy, babe?â
âYes and no,â Delia sighed. âIâm sad my journeyâs over, but I couldnât be happier about how it went. I made three wonderful new friends, foiled a nasty poacher, and that battle today ââ She clenched her fists in front of her. â â I never felt so alive! I canât wait to tell Professor Oak and James and Meowth all about it!â She slipped an arm around Jessieâs waist. âIâm so glad you talked me into this.â
Jessie preened. âOh it was nothing, babe, I ââ
She broke off as Delia took hold of her hands.
âThank you for making my dreams come true,â the other woman whispered. Jessieâs heart caught in her throat as she saw tears shining in Deliaâs eyes. âNot just today, but every day weâre together.â
Jessie smiled, warmth blooming in her chest.
âItâs the least I could do,â she replied. Delia deserved more, so much more, for putting up with her, believing in her, loving her. Not to mention all sheâd done for James and Meowth too. Maybe one day â
- but before Jessie could continue the thought, Delia leaned up and pulled her into a tender kiss.
THE END
âOh, I canât wait to get home to our nice comfy bed!â
âUgh, me too. I hate sleeping on the ground.â
ââŠwho said anything about sleeping?â
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