Chapter 12:II. Setting the stage: Grief
Two weeks. That's how long it has been since the Helicopter crash that killed one of the most beloved trainers. It was unexpected. All of it. First, this boy became a walking legend as he took down 4 legendary Pokemon in one match. Everybody loved him. A newspaper articles were preparing their headlines with words „Boy who changed Pokemon battles", „Legendary beater" and many more. But not even a day after his win, the newspapers were having another matter to deal with, his death. This all happened in a span of 24 hours. So Ash Ketchum, Pride of the Pallet Town was in basically every page of the newspapers, news, TV, radio and everything you could think of. After all of this happened, Tobias's and Greg's match began with a minute of silence before Tobias decimated Greg with his Darkrai earning the Lily of the Valley trophy. And right now the whole bunch of people were heading to the Indigo Plateau in Kanto region to pay respect to Ash Ketchum. The Pokemon League decided to honor the fallen trainer because of how much he helped the league in the past and because of his feats in the last Pokemon League conference.
One of those people who was headed in a plane into the Indigo Plateau was Sinnoh Champion herself, Cynthia Shirona. Cynthia was absolutely devasted by the news. She was at the airport monitoring the situation with the professionals when it happened. When the unthinkable happened. Out of nowhere, a radar caught, a gigantic storm heading towards the helicopter. Next thing she remembers was a mayday call from her pilot and that they are going to jump with parachute's into the water.
Search party was sent immediately, but only the pilot was found. He told them that a lighting bolt stroke helicopters engine and that he and Ash got the parachute's and were ready to jump. Lucas jumped first. But Ash didn't jumped out. Then an explosion happened. Ash was still there when the explosion happened, with no chance of survival.
Those whole 2 weeks she hadn't sleep, eat or even drink properly. Her grandmother, professor Carolina, was so worried, that she stopped her research and went to Lily of the Valley when she heard from Charles, how Cynthia is. And indeed, she wasn't herself at all.
The reason? It was because of the guilt she was feeling. Guilt that it was her fault. If she would just shut up about that necklace, than none of this would have happened. Ash would still be here. But no, she just had to let him go, because she wanted to research some stupid tusk. Her mood was all over the place. One minute she feels like she would cry all the water in her body out and the other she would destroy everything in her path out of anger. Shame that she can't destroy anything on a plane. The Indigo ceremonial will be very painful to watch for her. But she has to watch. She doesn't want to, but something in her pushed her to the funeral.
There was only one person who was in a worse state than Cynthia.
Delia Ketchum. When those two officer Jenny's showed at her door and told her the horrifying news she froze for a few moments. And after few minutes tears started rolling down her cheeks as she replied simple and weak „no." to the officers. „No, no, no, NO!" were Delia's next frantic words. She sat on a couch crying. Jenny's went to her and tried to soothe her but it was for nothing. And after such news, they weren't surprised it did not work. Jenny's left in the morning, sad that they couldn't do anything to help the poor woman.
Ash was the only one Delia had left. Her husband died several years ago. Delia remembers when she met him at Professor Oak's lab when she was just eight. They were inseparable from that day and they eventually became a couple. And 10 years later Ash was born. Richard was a great man and father. Honorable. Brave. Friendly. A natural born Pokemon Ranger. But when Ash was 5 he had to move to their new Pokemon Ranger HQ in Johto region, to do the missions. He tried to call them when he had time. But he didn't got much of that. He died when someone shot him in the head on a dangerous mission. Delia was devasted by the news. But she still tried to stay strong for Ash. And she eventually dealt with his death. But never forgot him. Richard Ketchum, written on a little tombstone in her backyards reminds her of the great times they had.
But this? Her baby boy? That's too much for her. He was the last thing that remained her from Richard. He was the exact replica of him. Not just in looks but in personality too. If she didn't give birth to Ash, she would doubt that she was his mother. And he's gone now too. She's all alone now. A widow, with her husband and son dead.
Two weeks went by and it was time for Ash's ceremony in Indigo Plateau. She won't even go there. She would be crying all over them again. And she cried too many times already during these few days. Ash's body won't there to say last goodbye. So why would she go there? She will make her own small tombstone in a backyard just like she did with Richard. That'll do for her.
But as she was sitting in a living room, thinking about everything what had transpired over those 2 weeks, a doorbell rang. She slowly got up and opened the door.
„Delia, you ready?" asked Oak in a sad tone. It was rare to see Oak in anything else than a lab coat. But this day was one of those days. He wore a common black tuxedo, black shirt underneath and a black bowtie.
„As I said earlier, I am not going, Samuel. Sorry." answered Delia sadly.
„Delia... Please. He still is for your son. You should be there." said professor Oak. Poor woman.
„I can't... It's too much... I cried a lot these past two weeks. I don't need to go there and do it all over again. In front of so many people. I'll do him a small tombstone next to Richard's and that will be it." said Delia in a shaky voice as she was on verge of tears again.
„Delia, do you think that Ash would approve this? Or Richard? This ceremony is for all of us to relieve our grief and remember what a great boy Ash was. Both of them would want you to be there. And we want you there too." said sadly the professor, pleading Delia to go.
„Samuel... please... I... I can't.." said Delia in a shaky voice as tears started rolling down her cheeks.
„Charles Goodsnow. President of the Pokemon League has something big to honor him according to a letter he sent me. Out of all the people that will be there. As his mother, you have to see this. Just this one time Delia. I, Gary, Tracey, and Daisy will be there with you whole time." pleaded once again professor Oak.
„Samuel. Why? Why him? He w-was kind, ca-caring, friendly. I-I wanted t-to see him be-became Pok-Pokemon Master as he w-was al-always sa-saying. Watch him grow, fi-find a sw-sweet girlfriend. Start a fa-family and live a happy li-life. Why? Why is fate so cruel." said Delia in a defeated tone as she broke down yet again and started crying.
„I don't know Delia. I don't know." answered professor Oak as he hugged Delia and let the devasted mother grief. Oak himself was on a verge of tears. The kid was hard not to love. He had that warm aura around him that pulled people closer. Although he griefs his death, he is staying strong for Delia. Delia is in much worse state and she needs someone to help her with this, and since she is alone now, professor will be the one the shoulder Delia can cry on. After all, she always was kind of a daughter to him.
After about 5 minutes of crying Delia finally let go of the professor. Professor then began speaking again.
„Delia. I can't even imagine how hard this is for you. But you need to go there. For Ash. Give him last goodbye. He deserves that." said professor in a sad tone trying to convince Delia. He would not leave until Delia would come with him.
She knows professor is right, but it is so hard to go there. To cry all over again. Then again, Richard would never forgive her for missing Ash's funeral.
„Fine... I'll come. But I'm leaving the ceremony as soon as it's over. Not a second later." said Delia sadly.
„That's all I ask for."
Indigo Plateau was slowly filling with black-dressed people. Soon the stadium with capacity 100 000 people was filled till the last seat. There were few seats in the VIP stands that were nearly filled too. Seven rows with 5 seats. Every regional Elite Four with their champion was seated there. One seat was empty since Lance is a champion of Kanto and Johto simultaneously. This seat was reserved for May's younger brother Max since there was not a single seat free in the VIP box. The other 10 seats were for Ash's closest's friends. Misty, May, Dawn, Brock, and Paul in one row. And the other was for Professor Oak, Tracey, Gary Oak, Daisy Oak and Delia Ketchum. Champions and Elites were in their seats already. Only Cynthia and Ash's closest were missing. Nearly everyone in the VIP seats had a special relation to Ash and all of the famous Pokemon trainers wore black clothes.
Brock, May, Max, Misty, Dawn, and Paul showed up and sat in their places. Quiet. No words were said. All of them were unusually quiet since that fateful day. Their talkative happy friend wasn't with them to lighten up a mood, so no one dared to talk.
Then Ash's Pallet Town friends and his mother came. They sat in their respective places and stared at the stadium, quietly, not uttering a word.
That left only Cynthia's seat empty. She was with her grandmother in the stadium already. But instead of going in, she stared at the filled stadium. She is scared to go there. Ash's mother will be there. And Cynthia was the reason why Ash was in that helicopter. Even when she is terrified, whatever beating she'll receive from her, she will accept it. Cynthia knows she earns whatever beating Ash's mother has for her. „Selfish, stupid, stupid Cynthia!" thought Cynthia about what happened as she was getting ready to go into the stands, without her grandmother.
„You should go now. It'll start in a moment." said her grandmother
„I'll be here. Whatever will happen I will be here, waiting for you." said her grandmother, trying to soothe her a little bit.
„Thank you, grandma." said Cynthia back as she finally walked to the VIP stands.
As soon as she appeared nearly every single eye in the stands was eyeing her. Elite's and Champions were looking at her with sad looks. But what terrified her were the looks of Ash's friends. Well, those she knew nothing about. Brock, Dawn, and Paul looked at her sadly too. But the orange-haired girl and the bandana girl. Those were death glares. But the very first row didn't pay attention to her at all. They were looking at the stadium or they were looking at the brown-haired woman. She knew who that must be. She then just sat next to Flint and waited for this to be over. And soon, Charles Goodsnow went to the microphone in the middle of the stadium.
„I welcome you all in this stadium. I'm glad that so many people are here to pay respect to one of the most honorable, brave, happy boys that the league has seen. And as all of you know his name is Ash Ketchum. I'm sure you knew about him because of his feats in the latest Pokemon league. And I'm telling you that we aren't here because of that. I want to tell you that if it weren't for him the world as we know it would cease to exist. Is that a bold statement? Yes. But it's a true one. And to prove my point I invited a few people who saw Ash's heroic actions in front of their own eyes." stated Charles dressed in black. He wanted the whole new world to know what this kid accomplished in such a short life.
„Most of you will not believe any of it at first. Because they are trule incredible stories. One could consider them a fairy tales. But my very last guest should convince you that all you hear here is true. First, I would like you o meet Melody. Girl from Shamouti Island in the Orange Island archipelago." Charles then invited Melody to the stage.
When Melody heard what happened to Ash she was very sad. But when she heard that Charles Goodsnow was looking for people with incredible stories about Ash she quickly came to him offering her story about Lugia and the legendary bird trio.
Similiar thing happened with Sheena and Kevin. Those two were present when Arceus himself unleashed his wrath upon the human race. Sad about Ash sudden departure, they came to Charles Goodsnow too, to share their story about the Michina incident.
Another similar thing happened to a lovely couple of Tonio and Alice in Alamos Town. A story containing Darkrai trying to calm down Dialga and Palkia interested Charles too.
As these three stories were read one by one to the stadium Charles couldn't help but smile a little. The disbelief in crowds face was priceless. This is what world needs to know. Not the amazing battle that he performed in Sinnoh league. They need to know that they are alive because of the 13-year old boy with guts to never giving up till it's over. There was much more. But he just wanted to convince the audience, that they lost the savior of the world who saved this world numerous times. When Tonio was finished with their incredible story about Darkrai's fight against Palkia and Dialga with Ash and friends in the mix, Charles took the mic again.
„Thank you, Tonio and Alice that you stopped by and told us what Ash and his friends did for you. But now we have a very special guest waiting in the backstage. I would like all of the crowd to stand up as I invite her into the stage. Please welcome the Queen of Rota. Queen Illene!" said Charles as the whole crowd quietly stood up paying respect to the Queen.
Queen herself wore her classic pink queen dress but in a black color this time. And with a crown on top of her head, she made her way to Charles. She took the microphone. Then she spoke.
„I greet all the people that came here to pay respect to one of the bravest people that lived on this planet. As you are all aware now, Ash Ketchum saved us all numerous times. And I have one more story about his heroic acts to share. A year and a half ago Ash came to our Kingdom to participate in the tournament that was held there. The winner is awarded with a „Hero of the year" title. Ash won. We gave him the legendary staff of Sir Aaron and sat him on the throne for the rest of the night as this was a tradition of the tournament. But. Sir Aaron's staff suddenly reacted to Ash's presence and out of nowhere Lucario appeared. After this happened, we looked into the distance and saw that the Tree of beginning in the kingdom was withering. If that would happen our kingdom would be a wasteland. Ash with his friends" said, Queen, as she stopped for a moment to look at the VIP stand before continuing. „went into the Tree from their own will and saved the Tree and the kingdom. I don't know the details but Ash and Lucario used their aura and Lucario sacrificed himself as his previous master, Sir Aaron. To save the kingdom" said the queen as she finished her story. Queen had a very pleasent voice for ears, so everyone was hooked up on the story. But she then resumed talking.
„In our kingdom, it never happened, that the staff would react like this and released Lucario from it. This tournament was held there numerous times and it never happened. We found out that it happened because Ash and Sir Aaron had the same aura. And if you know anything about aura, you realize that having two same aura's is possible only if the two are related. Ash was the descendant of Sir Aaron. And we have think we know how it all happened. Queen Rin. Queen of Rota in the age of Sir Aaron wrote a letter saying that she fell in love and had an affair with Sir Aaron before the wedding. In our kingdom having an affair before the wedding is something unthinkable. Especially for the Queen. So Queen Rin kept her affair in secret. But when Sir Aaron sacrificed himself and ended the war, Queen Rin found out she was pregnant with his child. She then locked herself in her chambers allowing only 3 maids to visit her during the next months. When the Queen gave birth, she gave her newborn son to some family who couldn't have kids of their own in the nearby village. And I believe that this newborn was continuing the heritage of Sir Aaron unknowingly for thousands of years. Until it came to Ash Ketchum who used his aura to help Sir Aaron's Lucario in the Tree of beggining. He was natural Aura Guardian. Last of it's kind most likely." said the Queen to the audience.
Everybody was shocked yet again today to hear such an incredible story. But to state that Ash was descendant of Sir Aaron? That's whole different level. Outside kingdom of Rota Sir Aaron is a legend. A myth. But now Queen of Rota said that he was real. Not only that but that he left a son behind, that continued his legacy. And that somehow Ash was the latest piece of this family tree. It was unbelievable. But it was a Queen herself talking. From kingdom where honor and truth is a serious thing. They value honor and loyalty much more than jewels, gold or any kind of richness. With queen backing this up, it must be true. Queen than thanked them for attention, gave the microphone back to Charles and went back to the backstage.
„Now. You might think why I want everyone to know this. It's quite simple. Never forget who saved you. If it weren't for Ash, we wouldn't be here. There is a reason why Melody said that Ash, according to the prophecy, was the Chosen One. And I believe that he was one. The Chosen One to keep saving us without our realization or without excepting any sign of gratitude. He did all of this from his own will. Nearly died numerous times risking his life for this world. So if you didn't pay him attention then, then you should at least now. That includes me. And that's why I redesigned the place where Moltres's flame was lighting up this stadium during Pokemon league matches. From now on, the bowl containing Molter's flame will be holding none other than Ash Ketchum!" said Charles as the two men on top of the stadium near the bowl for Moltres's flame pulled down the blanket uncovering it.
It revealed the big marble statue of straightening up Ash Ketchum holding up the bowl. No special pose was needed. Just Ash with two hands in the air under the bowl, with Ash overlooking the stadium. And Pikachu on his shoulder. To remind everyone, that Ash wasn't the only one to lose his life in the crash. His Pokemon at his hand weren't spared from Ash's fate too. The whole stadium got on its feet and started clapping. When it ended Charles spoke again.
„From now on Ash Ketchum will be looking over the Indigo Plateau Conference. To remind us his battling spirit and love for Pokemon and Pokemon battles alike. This is all for today's ceremony. We established a place where you can honor the monument of Ash Ketchum. If you want you can light a candle, give there some flowers, or say a silent prayer for him. Thank you for being here. And I hope that whole world will realize, what it lost two weeks ago. Goodbye, and see you at the next conference." said, Charles, as he gave his goodbye and made his way back to the backstage.
In the stands, everyone listened to the stories with their trained ears. Everyone was surprised what Ash Ketchum did for the whole world. Even Brock didn't know about the incident with Lugia. But biggest shock received Delia. Her baby boy was not a baby. He was a man who saved the world numerous times. Her included. And he never bragged about it. He was probably worried that she would scold him. She would no doubt about that. But the fact that no one knew about all of his adventures was interesting to say at least. Loud-mouthed, but humble one. Exactly like his father. Delia was crying the whole time. She would definitely go, get the biggest bouquet of flowers, candles and go to the place where all the others are remembering him. She got up with her Pallet crew right beside them and went to the exit. But she was stopped by someone.
„Mrs. Ketchum..." said a soft weak voice of someone from behind her. She looked that way and saw the Sinnoh champion she had red puffy eyes just like her. Cynthia cried a lot during a ceremony too.
„Yes, lady Shirona." she said weakly.
„I... I want to apologize. This... all of this is my fault. I... I don't know what to do to make it right. But if you'll ever need anything. And really I mean anything. Money, company, place to stay or just punch me in the face. I'll be there." said Cynthia in a defeated tone.
„I WOULD LOVE TO PUNCH YOU IN THE FACE!" said the furious orange-haired girl from behind. You could see traces of tears on her face too.
„Misty. Calm down." said Brock to his fellow gym leader. He knew Misty is very hot-headed. But this is not the time.
„WHY SHOULD I? SHE SENT HIM TO THE GRAVE! AND I AM NOT GOING SIT AROUND LIKE NOTHING IS HAPPENING!" said furious Misty again. Nobody from our black dressed group was stopping her right now in her rant. Brock is trying but to no avail. May was just wishing to see that punch. Max and Dawn were sad what is happening right now. This isn't what Ash would have wanted. Paul, on the other hand, was thinking who she is anyway. They weren't introduced yet. But one thing is certain. He doesn't want to get on the bad end with this girl. Pallet gang was just watching this all. Delia included.
„Go for it. I deserve it anyway." said Cynthia calmly as she closed her eyes and was waiting for the impact. As strange as it sounds, she was eager to receive that punch.
Misty threw a punch in Cynthia's direction and was stopped by someone.
„That would be enough Misty." said Delia as she stopped the punch before it could reach Cynthia's face.
„BUT. But Mrs. Ketchum she is the reason Ash is dead" said slightly less angry Misty. She calmed down a little. After all. Delia is Ash's mother. So if she wants the first punch. Go for it, Delia.
„Nobody is punching anyone." said Delia with sadness in her voice.
„But why?" asked May. She really wished that someone would give her a powerful punch in the face.
„Because I said so. It's that simple." said Delia calmly.
„Cynthia. Come to my house after this, please. I would like to talk to you about something." said Delia. She then with Oak's and Tracey made their way out of the stadium to pay respect to Ash.
„Misty you can't just punch Cynthia like that. Are you insane? I get it. You are angry. But you just can't do that! Don't you see how red her eyes are?! Cynthia suffers from this too. Not only you. We ALL do!" yelled Brock angrily.
„And you May. Don't think that I haven't noticed that smug smile on your face when Misty nearly hit Cynthia. I can't believe you. I told you that Cynthia never wanted this too. And you still wanted her to be hurt just for your own pleasure. Cynthia, Paul, Dawn, and Max. Come with me. We'll give them time to cool of." said angry Brock to the gang as they made their way from the stadium. Max hesitated for a minute because of his sister, but he eventually joined Brock and the others.
„But Brock. I truly deserved it." said sad Cynthia as they were walking through the corridors.
„Why exactly? It was Ash who forced himself into it. You wouldn't stop him even if you would want to. That's who Ash was. Giving others needs before his own. So stop with this Cynthia and let's pay respect to our fallen friend." said angry Brock. He himself was holding his emotions back. He would gladly cry for his friend, but right now, in this madness, there has to be at least one sane individual to keep it together.
After that, the gang went to the memorial for Ash in front of the Indigo Plateau. It was in the grass field few meters from the road. There was a tombstone with pokeball made from the rock on top of the tombstone. There it is. „Ash Ketchum" written on the tombstone and right under it. „Never forget who saved you." They put the flowers down, lit a candle and prayed for a minute silently. There was already a large number of flowers and candles. But one bouquet of flowers was just enormous. As they paid their respect to Ash they all went to the Pokemon center to sleep for the night. Max met his sister and Misty there. Misty was upset and didn't bother to apologize. May, on the other hand, apologized for how she behaved. But they they weren't the ones she should ask for forgivness. Cynthia was. And she wasn't with them at the Pokemon Center.
Cynthia went to her grandmother after she visited Ash's grave in the Plateau.
„Are you sure you want to go right now? I'll be approximately 9 pm when you get there." asked her grandmother. Why now. Can't she wait until morning? She could just visit Mrs. Ketchum in the morning to whatever she wanted with Cynthia.
„Yes. She wanted me to stop by as soon as possible." said Cynthia. Whatever Delia needed. She'll do it. She turned around and walked to the field and released her Garchomp.
„Cynthia..." thought as Caroline's granddaughter sat on her Garchomp and flew to the direction of Pallet Town.
In a few minutes, Cynthia was in front of Ketchum's household in Pallet Town. It was a pretty small house compared to her's and grandmothers. But it makes sense. Ash's mother doesn't work and only two of them lived there. Now. Only one.
„Thank you Garchomp. Return." said Cynthia hopped of and recalled Garchomp. She was so damn nervous. What could she want? It's scary. She heard from the others how mothers could act when there is something going on with their child. And it was terrifying. With this in mind she rang the bell and hoped.
„Lady Shirona. Welcome. Come in." said Delia. But her usual happy attitude was gone. She lead Cynthia her to the kitchen.
„Thank you, Mrs. Ketchum." said Cynthia back. This will be awkward.
„You drink tea or something miss Shirona?" asked Delia politely.
„Y...Yes. Thank you Mrs. Ketchum." answered Cynthia nervously.
Then uncomfortable silence followed. Delia was just making her tea and Cynthia was just sitting in the kitchen awkwardly. When the tea was finally done, both females sat opposite of each other. Then Delia spoke.
„How did you meet him?" asked Delia in the neutral voice as she took a sip from her cup.
„Huh... Is this really what you want to know Mrs. Ketchum." asked surprised Sinnoh Champion. This was unexpected.
„Yes. And call me Delia from now on." replied Delia in her neutral tone. It was so weird hearing Delia talk like this.
Fulfilling Delia's request she told her how they met. How they met at the Amity square. How she had a battle with Paul. How she saw the difference between those two. Like Ash was just a great person. The story took a while. She nearly drank all the tea from her cup. But she eventually finished.
„And that's it." said Cynthia as she told her everything she could remember.
However, Delia wasn't really interested how they met. Yes, it was an interesting story. But she wanted to know how this girl saw Ash. Brock told her to not give her a hard time, that she is devasted by this too. And that she was the reason why Ash made it that far in the battle against Tobias. Now she could see why. Cynthia truly liked her son. Just by the tone of which she was telling the story was telling her that she is indeed a good person. But there was something... not quite right as she would describe it.
„I think there was something more between you two. Were you his girlfriend?" asked Delia in her standard voice as she took another sip from the team.
„Pfrrrrr... (cough), (cough)...Whaaaaat. N... No. There wasn't a... anything like that between us." said Cynthia as she nearly choked on her last sip. What was that question? It caught her completely off guard. Stuttering. Blushing. Nervous. Those words described her as she was now questioned by Ash's mother.
„Hmmm... Not buying it" said Delia. There was definitely something. No girl from his previous travels was this nervous when she asked this question. Not even remotely close. And how she was telling the story how she met him was different too.
„I... I swear. We... We were just... friends." said Cynthia. Definitely uncomfortable conversation this is.
„Maybe but there was definitely something between you two. Am I right?" said Delia. From what could she gathered from Brock, Dawn and now from what she was telling him. More importantly how she was telling it. There was something. 100%.
„I... no th... may... maybe." said Cynthia. She wanted to deny it so badly. So so badly. But She realized that happy giddy feeling that she felt when he called her beautiful must've been something else. Might as well come clean with Delia. Delia knew it even before her. What a remarkable woman.
„OK. I won't torture you with this any longer. I just want to see who exactly are. You are sweet young girl lady Shirona. It wasn't your fault. And don't worry. You won't receive a punch from me. I'm not that kind of person. Just... if you could come here from time to time I would be happy. I don't know what I'll do here all alone." said Delia. Delia checked Cynthia and, besides being one of the strongest Pokemon trainers in the world, she was a just sweet innocent young lady who dumped all the guilt of Ash's death on herself. If she could come here from time to time it would be great too. Yes, she has professor Oak, Gary, Daisy and Tracey, but they don't have much time with all the Pokemons at the lab. Brock promised he'll come from time to time, but other than that. Noone. Not even Ash's calls. And Mimey is... Mimey.
„I wish I would see it that way too, Delia. But I can't help it. If I would let that tusk rot in a lab than Ash would've been here. But if you want me to come here I'll stop whenever I have time. That's a promise I intend to keep. And please call me Cynthia. I'm just a fifteen-year-old girl after all." said relieved Cynthia. Even though the guilt over Ash's death will always be there. At least she can help Ash's mother somehow.
„OK. Cynthia. Thank you and don't beat yourself over with it. Live a happy life. I'm sure Ash would want that."
„Ok.." said Cynthia. But she knew that getting over this isn't going to happen. Especially now that Delia brought her feelings up.
„Do you want to stay here? Or are you going to a Pokemon center for the night?" asked Delia. Letting the conversation about Ash die there. Delia got what she wanted.
„I'll go to a Pokemon Center to my grandmother. I'll stop by tomorrow if you want Delia. I'll stay here in Kanto for some time." said Cynthia. She has a lot of free time now that league is over. Until Tobias'll beat Elite Four, and he certainly will, she's got a vacation. So why not spend the vacation here.
„Thank you. I would appreciate it" said Delia. And with that, they wished each other good night.
Unknown to them, certain black-haired boy just awakened in a cave in the biggest mountain in the world.