Unforgivable Errors (Rewrite)

Talking About Our Past

"All right, so what is it you two wanted to talk to me about?" Professor Sycamore asked, once he, Ash, and Serena were in private. 

Ash exchanged a glance with Serena before replying, "Sir, we were hoping that we could have a place to stay." 

Professor Sycamore rose his eyebrows. Whatever he had been expecting the two children to ask, it certainly hadn't been that. Nevertheless, he did not outright refuse, which Ash could only take as a good sign. 

"I see," the older man replied. "And just why is this? Forgive me, but wouldn't your parents worry?" 

If Delia actually cared, I wouldn't have to come here asking you for a place to live, Ash thought to himself. Out loud, however, he replied, "Well, my mother isn't exactly...the most attentive towards me. I've basically taken care of myself ever since I was a toddler. I taught myself everything I know-how to read, how to cook, how to talk, everything. She's just too busy doting on Gary Oak to pay any attention to me at all." 

"And my mother is selfish and narcissistic," Serena added. "She doesn't care anything for what I want to do with my life and just tries to force me into becoming a professional Rhyhorn racer like her. Anytime I try to talk to her about it, she either ignores me or tells me to stop complaining so much." 

"Is that so?" Professor Sycamore asked, sounding stunned. Ash and Serena nodded. "Well, if that's the case, I would be happy to allow you two to stay here at the lab. We have plenty of spare rooms in the back." 

"Really? Thanks, Professor. That would be great," Ash said genuinely, feeling a surge of relief flow through him. Another thought suddenly crossed his mind, and he added, "Would it be okay if I worked as an assistant of sorts? I've studied a lot about Pokemon and I'm an aura user, so I can work as a translator. Plus I really want to learn more about training and raising Pokemon." 

Professor Sycamore looked thoughtful for a moment. While a nine-year-old working as an assistant to a regional professor was almost unheard of, he couldn't deny that having a Pokemon translator would be extremely useful. Of course, this was assuming that Ash was telling the truth about his abilities, but he had no reason to believe he wouldn't be. There weren't many people who were even aware that aura existed, and the few that knew about it were usually able to wield it. 

"I don't see why not," he said finally. "We'll start working tomorrow, and I can introduce you to some of the Pokemon in the lab." 

"Awesome! Thanks, Professor," Ash cheered. He glanced over at Serena, and asked, "Say, do you think Serena could join us too?" 

"Really?" Serena asked, turning to him in shock. "You want me to learn with you? I-I'm not exactly an expert, you know..." 

"That's okay. That's what learning is for," Ash replied encouragingly. "I'm not an expert either, you know. Besides, if we travel together, we should at least know a bit about what we're getting ourselves into." 

"In that case, sure. I'd love to," Serena agreed happily. Then, evidently remembering herself, she looked towards Professor Sycamore and added, "That is, if it's okay...?" 

"I don't see a problem with it," the Kalos researcher said kindly, and Ash and Serena cheered. Chuckling, he continued, "Now, you two go on. I'm sure you'll want to get yourselves settled." 

"All right, Professor. Thanks again," Ash called over his shoulder as he turned and ran out of the room, Serena hot on his heels. 

As soon as they had left the room, Ash made a beeline for the Pokemon reserve in the hopes of seeing Froakie and Hawlucha again. He didn't know why, but something about those two Pokemon drew him to them. Mostly Froakie-because of his aura, he could sense that the Bubble Frog Pokemon was...different, to say the least. To his delight, he found the two Pokemon still waiting beside the door when he arrived.