How to Act as a Pokémon Champion

Chapter 16: A Mother's Warmth and an Uninvited Guest

(Pikachu’s POV)

Pika, pika! I bounded ahead as Ash pushed open the door to his mom's house. The familiar smell of pancakes filled the air, making my nose twitch in delight. It was good to be home.

"Ashy!" Mrs. Ketchum's voice rang out as she wrapped Ash in one of her big hugs. "What a surprise! And so grown up, with your fancy Champion duties…”

I chirped a happy greeting and ran circles around Ash's legs. It had been too long since we felt this kind of warmth. 

"Mimey, Mime Mime," Mr. Mime chimed in, offering Ash a tray stacked high with pancakes. I hopped onto the counter, eagerly eyeing the syrup dripping from the sides. 

Ash devoured the stack with his usual enthusiasm, and I nibbled on a small piece, savoring every bite. Just when everything seemed perfect, the doorbell rang. My ears perked up as Mrs. Ketchum went to answer it.

I tensed when I saw who it was. Anabel. Her smile was bright, but there was that glint in her eyes that made me wary.

"Anabel? But…" Ash sounded as surprised as I felt. How did she find us here?

"Chairman Goodshow mentioned your imminent trip to Hoenn," she said smoothly, stepping inside. "As your official League advisor, I thought it prudent to accompany you. Familiarize myself with other regional practices, of course."

Mrs. Ketchum looked flustered but quickly composed herself. "Of course, dear! Ashy, let me get another room ready."

Ash cornered Anabel as soon as Mrs. Ketchum was out of earshot. "Anabel, what are you doing here? You know I can handle myself."

Her expression was calm, almost too calm. "Ash," she chided, "It's the duty of a true advisor to be at their Champion's side…” She paused, then added with a mischievous glint, "Besides, wouldn't you miss me if I wasn't there to cheer you on?"

Before Ash could respond, Mrs. Ketchum returned. "Anabel, dear, you must be Ash's girlfriend! He never mentioned you before."

Anabel's grin grew wider. "Why yes, Mrs. Ketchum, I am." She winked at Ash, who looked completely stunned.

"Mom! She's not–" Ash started, but was interrupted by his Rotom Phone buzzing—a video call from Marnie.

"Ash! Quick, I need your help!" Marnie’s voice rang out through the phone.

"Hey, Marnie! What's wrong?" Ash asked, momentarily distracted.

"It's Bede, that jerk! He's using Fairy-types now, totally messing with my strategy. Remember that time you…" She launched into a rant about her latest Gym battle.

"Bede's a boy???" Ash blurted out, looking genuinely surprised.

I watched as something shifted in Anabel. The possessiveness faded, replaced by a keen interest in the conversation.

"It doesn't sound like he's focusing on raw power," Ash offered. "That Gigantamax move of his, right? Bet he's timing it for maximum disruption."

Marnie's eyes widened. "You're right! Hold on, gotta try something." She ended the call abruptly.

I looked back at Anabel, who was smiling in a way I hadn't seen before—appreciative, almost.

"You're an excellent teacher, Ash," she said. It wasn’t an accusation, but a statement. A grudging compliment from Anabel felt like a small victory.

Mrs. Ketchum insisted on making dinner despite Mr. Mime’s attempts to take over the kitchen. Anabel surprised us all by helping out.

“How will you manage your duties back in Alola?” Ash asked, clearly skeptical.

“I can handle it myself,” she replied simply, a quiet determination in her voice.

The rest of the day was filled with catching up, a pleasant evening walk along the beach, and Mrs. Ketchum fussing over both of us. As Ash drifted off to sleep, I curled up beside him, feeling the warmth of home. 

Alola and the PWC seemed far away. In this cozy room, we were simply Ash and Pikachu, ready to take on the world together. And maybe, just maybe, our journey wouldn't be so lonely with Anabel—the obsessive, brilliant, strangely supportive Anabel—along for the ride.