Moondance

Disclaimer: I do not own pokemon, any of the characters or anything else that has been 
included in this fanfiction. I am making no money what-so-ever with this story, as it is purely 
fan made. No copyright infringement intended! :)

Summary: Delia Ketchum had always been a sweet, collected girl, though one night a man 
sweeps her off her feet and changes her life forever. (set 9 months before Ash is born)


Prologue . A sheltered life

      Delia grew up very well protected by her parents as she was an only child and a girl 
at that. Delia was never allowed a pokemon of her own either. Her parents disagreed with 
the idea of ‘pokemon training’ and wouldn’t even allow her a pet. The closest she got to 
having a pokemon was when she walked the neighbour’s vulpix every Tuesday afternoon. 
      Now 18 years old, not much had changed. When Delia was let out of the house of a 
weekend, she was ordered to be back home by 11pm or she’d be grounded for a month. 
Only once had she ever been grounded. When she was 15 years old, she went to her friend, 
Spencer’s house for dinner. After dinner, Delia and Spencer fell asleep while watching a 
movie so of course her parents assumed the worst. No matter how many times she pleaded 
with her parents that her and Spencer were only friends, her parents would hear nothing of 
it. Even now the harmless event was a touchy subject, though once Spencer started dating 
Kasey, Delia was allowed to visit him again.
      Delia knew she lived a very sheltered life, which made her almost afraid of stepping 
out into the real world alone one day. Despite her sweet personality and cleverness, she 
knew that once her parents let her embrace her independence, she wouldn’t be ready. Her 
best friend, Eloise (who was better known as Lewi) was almost opposite to Delia in every 
way. She was obnoxious, rash and outgoing; however she was the most genuine person Delia 
knew. 
      Delia never knew how (and was afraid to ask), but for her 18th birthday, her parents 
allowed Lewi to ‘organise’ a birthday party for their daughter. The only catch was they had 
to wait until the summer holidays, as Delia’s parents wanted no interruptions during the 
final months of her schooling.
      The night of her party however, changed her life forever.
      And Delia could not have been happier.

Chapter one. Change of character.

“Come on Deals! We need to get there sometime tonight.”

Delia smiled a little at her best friend’s impatience, though did not hurry as she finished 
getting ready. She had decided to wear a dark skirt that dropped to her knees, a pink floral 
blouse and a maroon cardigan. She has tied her auburn hair back the way she usually did 
and ignored the makeup all together.

“Come on Deals!”

“I’m coming Lewi, just let me finish” She laughed softly.

“Can I see?”

As Delia smoothed the front of her skirt down, she nodded, despite the fact Lewi couldn’t 
see her. “Mmhmm. Come in” She invited in her soft, sweet voice.

As the door to Lewi’s bedroom opened, Delia turned around to face her friend, seeking her 
approval.
As Lewi came in, she frowned.
“Deals, you’re kidding me right?” She asked as she placed her hands on her slim waist, her 
silver/blonde hair bouncing on her shoulders.
Delia frowned slightly. “What’s wrong?”
Lewi smiled weakly. “Nothing Deals... i mean you pull that off and all, but you’re 18 now and 
going to a club. You don’t need to dress like an 80 year old.” She commented.
Delia frowned and looked down at herself before looking back up at Eloise.
“Well what do you suggest I wear then?” She asked, silently agreeing with Lewi. 
Lewi grinned. “You’re about the same size as me, give or take a bit of boob and height! Let 
me see what I can find you” She babbled as she waltzed over to her wardrobe and started 
tearing through each bit of clothing she owned.

“Jeans or a skirt?” Lewi asked as she slung items of clothing over her shoulder.

“Um... a skirt please” Delia replied as she sat on Lewi’s bed.

After a long moment of Lewi throwing clothes everywhere, she finally emerged with a 
satisfied smile.
“If you don’t look good in this, then shoot me five times over” Lewi insisted as she dropped 
the bundle of clothes on Delia’s lap.

After Lewi left the room, Delia awkwardly changed into her friend’s clothes. She wasn’t 
surprised to find a low cut shirt and a ridiculously short skirt, though she felt a tingle inside 
her as she realised she actually wanted to dress like Lewi for once. Delia had never been 
oblivious to how Lewi showcased her near perfect body to all that would care to look. 
	Once Delia finished changing, she paused to look at herself in the mirror. She felt a 
little subconscious about the amount of skin showing, though did her best to ignore it.

“Can I come in yet?”

“Yes... I don’t know Lewi... I think this only works on you.” Delia called as she moved over to 
the door.
As she opened the door, Delia rolled her eyes as Lewi grinned.
“You look great Deals! Though you need to lose the bra straps”
Delia frowned.
“What? No Lewi!” She exclaimed.

Lewi laughed and moved past her friend to get to her cupboard.
Delia cringed as Lewi pulled out a black, strapless bra.
“Put this on... You look about a C cup anyway.” Lewi said without a second thought as she 
threw the bra to Delia.
Startled, Delia caught the bra, though was blushing all the while.
Again Lewi left the room, and again Delia changed her clothes. Now without the bra strap 
blatantly standing out, Delia took her time in looking at herself. She wore a pink and purple, 
low cut shirt that outlined her slim though womanly upper torso as well as a dark pleated 
mini skirt. Not comfortable with showing so much skin, Delia had borrowed a black pair of 
stockings and Lewi’s second favourite high heels.
	When Lewi returned, she requested doing Delia’s hair. Once Lewi was finished, Delia 
couldn’t help but like the way Lewi had tied her bangs back though left the back part of her 
hair down in a half ponytail sort of fashion, though her fringe still framed her face.
	Once the girls were ready, Lewi’s father drove the girls to Celedon city. Despite the 
long drive, the girls chattered enthusiastically. Delia again felt nervous though strangely 
anxious to live life a little.

Chapter two. Party time.

Once at the club, the girls headed inside. Delia wasn’t surprised to see Lewi’s boyfriend 
waiting for them, though he was a friend of hers too, so she was pleasantly surprised all the 
same. She was more surprised to see Spencer Hale and his girlfriend there. She hadn’t 
expected him to come as he had moved to the Johto region to study mysterious pokemon.
	Delia again found herself blushing as Spencer invited her to dance with him. She 
obliged, but made sure that his girlfriend didn’t mind. After two dances though, Delia 
decided to sit out. After finding a free table, Delia sipped on a coke and bourbon as she 
watched her friends dance together. She was having fun, though thought it was best to take 
a breather.
      She hadn’t been sitting for alone for long before her gaze fell on a man. She looked 
away as he turned around, though she couldn’t help but let her gaze travel back to him. 
Having almost forgotten about her friends, Delia watched as the man moved to the bar and 
sat at the stool. She had never dated before, nor did she even speak about boys much, but 
she could appreciate a handsome man when she saw one, and she was looking at one right 
now. She took in as much of his appearance as she could, from his unruly black hair to his 
toned build.
      
      “Whatcha staring at?”
      
      Delia jumped and whipped her gaze around to Lewi. 
      “Oh, nothing, just daydreaming” She replied coolly, though a slight blush formed on 
her cheeks. Lewi wasn’t silly though. Her gaze followed where Delia’s had been. As Lewi set 
her gaze on the man that had captured delia’s attention, she grinned.
      “Ohhh, checking out the meat hey? Why don’t you talk to him?” She suggested 
enthusiastically. Delia laughed Lewi’s comment off, though her face went a brighter red.
      “What? No Lewi, I wasn’t looking at him... I was thinking of getting another drink” 
She answered quickly.
      “But you still have over half of that one left”
      “i know... i was wondering which one to get next.”
      Lewi giggled.
       “Alright... fair enough... you gunna dance again birthday girl?”
      Delia nodded. “Yeah soon... I’ll just finish this then i’ll join you again” She promised. 
Lewi smirked. 
      “Alright... I’ll give you a pidgey if you find out his name” She teased with a wink, 
before disappearing back into the dancing crowd. Delia rolled her eyes as she watched Lewi 
move away. 
      Despite her attempts, Delia found that she couldn’t prevent her gaze from returning 
to the bar where the man had been, but to her dismay, he was gone. A slight panic ran 
through her as she scouted for him. She hadn’t realised she was standing up until she turned 
to find the man standing behind her. Gasping involuntarily, Delia stepped back against her 
seat.
      “Um.. sorry... I didn’t realise you were behind me”
      The man’s surprise faded from his face as a handsome smile took place.
      “No harm done miss. I shouldn’t have snuck up behind you. My apologies”
      Delia blinked, a slight blush colouring her cheeks again. His voice was low yet 
charming, and his dark eyes.... she had never seen such intensity in one’s eyes before.
      “What’s your name?” The man asked. It seemed whatever he was doing before Delia 
turned around had been forgotten.
      ‘Delia” She answered softly. Delia swallowed then flicked her hair back over her 
shoulder. ‘and your name?” She asked boldly.
      The man smiled, allowing her to notice that he had one dimple. A very cute dimple. 
She liked dimples...
      “Asher... and it’s a pleasure to meet you Delia, though I must admit, I haven’t met 
anyone by your name, yet I have heard it before”
      Delia nodded. “Yes... it is a rather old fashioned name...” She agreed, trying to settle 
her racing heart. She couldn’t believe how worked up she was getting by just talking to 
Asher. ‘It must be the bourbon... that’s it..’ she told herself silently.
      Asher chuckled. “Old fashioned is better than overused... So why would a pretty 
young lass like yourself be here alone?”
      Delia blushed again and averted her gaze for a moment.
      “Oh i’m not alone. Some friends and I are here for my birthday... They’re all 
dancing” She told him honestly.
      “Dancing ay? And why aren’t you dancing with them?” Asher asked in the voice Delia 
was becoming very fond of.
      “I was dancing before... but I’m no dancer, and I am in desperate need of a 
breather” She told him with a hint of amusement.
      Asher cast her a charming smile as he chuckled.
      “Well... please excuse my boldness, but would you like to dance with me? Not fair for 
you to miss out on all the fun.” He offered, trying not to let his eagerness show on his face. 
Taken aback by his offer Delia turned her gaze down again for a moment.
      “It’ll be fun, but please don’t feel obliged. I have been told I am far to forthcoming 
than what is necessary” He admitted in a joking manner. Deciding to take a chance, Delia 
looked up, her face a sweet pink.
      “I’d love to dance” She agreed softly, her chocolate brown eyes locking on his 
intense, dark eyes.
      “Great..” He murmured as he slid his hand into hers before leading her out into the 
crowd. As he started to dance, she tried to follow him, but to her dismay, dancing was not 
one of her strong points. She stumbled a few times in her heels and lost the beat of the song 
more often than she held it. Amused by her, Asher chuckled, tough frowned when someone 
bumped into her.
      “Don’t worry, you’re doing fine... but I think we need to be a little closer” He 
suggested as he pulled her closer gently, so that her front was lightly pressed against his 
chest. “Club dancing is best done drunk, but you know... it’s just as fun being able to 
remember everything that you’ve done too” He commented, his charming, single dimpled 
smile mesmerizing her.
      “Yes... I haven’t been clubbing before... so this whole arms and legs flailing about 
business isn’t familiar to me” She mused, trying to hold a playful tone, though she found it 
hard to met his gaze while she was so close to him due to her shyness. Asher picked up on 
her nervousness too.
      “Am I intimidating you? Please tell me if I am... By no means do I want to make you 
uncomfortable.” He told her in a smooth voice that made her tingle slightly. Gazing back up 
at him, Delia shook her head.
      “No I’m fine... I’ve always been shy. Quite a burden really.” She admitted. Before 
Asher could respond he was cut off by another voice.
      
      “Who’s your friend Deals??”
      Delia knew instantly who it was. Blushing yet again, Delia turned around and met 
Lewi’s excited grin.
      “Oh, sorry. Uh, Asher, this is my best friend Eloise-“
      “Please call me Lewi... I hate the name Eloise” Lewi cut in. Delia smiled weakly.
      “Yes, this is Lewi... and Lew, this is Asher... he’s been kind enough to put up with my 
terrible dancing” 
      “A pleasure to meet you Lewi” Asher greeted with a nod.
      Lewi cast him a wink as her boyfriend, Aaron wrapped his arms around her waist 
from behind.
      “Take good care of my girl... she’s the sweetest thing you ever will meet” She told 
him simply, her famous smirk appearing on her face. Delia scowled at Lewi as she and 
Aaron disappeared again.
      “Um... she’s not always so bold” Delia murmured sheepishly. Asher laughed. 
      “Don’t stress. It’s great to have friends like her.” He replied. Delia nodded.
      “She’s the best. I wouldn’t be here if she hadn’t talked my parents into letting me out 
of the house.” Delia told him, growing used to being so close to him.
      “Ah... strict parents?” He asked. He wasn’t dancing as such anymore, but was moving 
enough to keep the both of them in time to the music. Delia nodded.
      “Yes... I’m an only child and I swear the shelter me more than what should be 
considered legal... but they love me.... and I know they’re only doing their best for me” She 
told him. 
      “I don’t think I could live like that. I left home when I was 10 to become a pokemon 
trainer, though I drop in to see my folks whenever I can” he told her.
      “Wow so you’re a pokemon trainer? I’ve never been allowed to have a pokemon 
before” Delia commented reluctantly. Asher nodded, before reaching down to his belt to 
pluck off a minimised pokeball.
      “I started with an Eevee.. He’s been my best friend ever since, though he’s not an 
Eevee anymore.” Asher told her before stowing the ball away.
      Delia smiled. “I’d love to see it some time.” She murmured.
      Asher grinned. “If you’d like... I can show you now... though it’d have to be outside... 
This place is too loud and crowded for my pokemon..” 
      Delia grinned and nodded.
      “I’d love to, but I’d need to tell Lewi... She’ll worry otherwise” She told him. Asher 
grinned.
      “Do what you need to do... I’ll wait for you at the door?” He suggested.
      Delia nodded. 
      “I won’t be long” And with that, she hurried away to find Lewi.

Chapter three. Moondance.

	After ignoring her friends playful teasing, Delia met Asher at the door and further 
followed him out of the club all together. She realised she wasn’t so nervous anymore. She 
had come to enjoy Asher’s company. He was everything she was not, and she had always 
believed that ‘opposites attract’. 
Since Asher insisted on taking her somewhere quiet (and since she trusted him to do so), he 
insisted they ride his Charizard there. Upon seeing Delia’s hesitation Asher grinned.
“I’d suggest we ride Rapidash, but she’s not good with strangers... she tents to burn..” He 
told her sheepishly. With that, Asher helped Delia onto his Charizard then slotted in front of 
her.
“Hold on tight” He said with a chuckle as Charizard sprang from the ground. Delia gasped 
and clutched onto Asher tightly, her eyes clamped shut. After about five minutes however, 
she got used to the steady rhythm of Charizard’s wings and came to enjoy the ride. She 
wasn’t too sure what she enjoyed more though, holding onto Asher so tightly, or the ride 
itself. Only ten minutes after their departure, the trainer and Delia touched back down. 
After Asher recalled Charizard, the two found themselves in an elegant park fringed by a 
sparkling lake. The scenery was breath taking.
	“You like it here?” Asher asked softly.
	Delia nodded. “It’s beautiful.”
	“It is... Whenever I’m in Kanto... I make sure I come here... this park is where Eevee 
agreed to evolve for me... He’s a Jolteon now” Asher told her. Delia noticed the fondness in 
his voice and could only smile. He obviously cared for his pokemon. Something she found 
very appealing.
	“I call him Sparky... He’s a good pokemon. I could not have asked for a better 
starter” He finished as he pulled his pokeball out once more. With a careless click of the 
button, the majestic Jolteon was released from the ball.
	“Wow, he’s beautiful” Delia commented as the electric pokemon stretched his 
powerful legs, his black eyes containing the same intensity as his trainer’s.
	“Sparky... Meet Delia...” Asher murmured to the Jolteon as he rubbed under Sparky’s 
chin.
“Hello Sparky” Delia greeted warmly as she pet the pokemon’s stunning, yellow fur. As 
Sparky leaned the top of his head into her hand, she was surprised to feel the light tingle of 
static under her fingers. Asher chuckled.
	“He loves attention. Always has” Asher commented as Sparky lay down in the grass, 
his keen eyes flicking from Delia to Asher in turn.
	“So where are you from?” Delia asked the pokemon trainer as he sat down under a 
tree, jolteon only inches from his feet. Following suit, Delia sat down too, though awkwardly. 
She was now wishing she chose to wear jeans.
	“Well I came from Goldenrod city in the Johto region. I couldn’t get to New Bark 
town in time to get a starter from Professor Elm, so bill kindly gave me an Eevee when I was 
ten to start my journey.” He told her as he leaned again the tree trunk to look up at the sky.
	“Wow... I’ve never been outside Kanto before.” She murmured as she tentatively 
leaned against the tree trunk as well, her arm against his. Asher smiled and turned his head 
to the side to gaze at her.
	“It’s great... Goldenrod city has just about everything. We have the famous radio 
tower, a mall that’s maybe even a little bigger than the mall here. There’s a pokemon day-
care centre just out of the main township and the park is stunning, especially at night” He 
told her. “And every Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays there is a bug catching competition 
at the park.” He finished. Delia listened to him, trying to imagine this place that was home 
to him.
	“I’d love to go there one day” She murmured quietly. Asher smiled at her, that one 
dimpled smile she was growing fond of, before he turned his gaze up to the stars. Delia 
watched him for a moment. She assessed the cool, blue tone the moonlight cast on him, yet 
how his eyes never lost any intensity. Finally her gaze followed his and she found herself 
staring out at the stars, imagining a life with Asher.

“Well it’s a marvellous night for a moon dance...”

The sound of Asher’s soft singing sent a tingle down Delia’s back. Once he’d stopped, she 
yearned to hear more. His voice was as soft as velvet, yet as warm as his very embrace. She 
watched him silently, hoping he’d sing again. Although he didn’t shift his gaze, she was sure 
he knew she was waiting for him to continue.

“With the stars up above in your eyes...”

Delia swallowed. “You can sing as well?” she breathed. Asher chuckled then looked back 
down at her.
“Not really... Well I can hold a tune, but I can’t exactly dance” He admitted.
“Your voice is so beautiful though...” she told him before she’d even thought about what 
she’d said. Asher chuckled, and then shook his head a little.
“Nah... I just really like that song” He told her as his gaze settled on Delia’s soft face. 
However he frowned slightly.
“You’re cold” He stated. Before she could protest, Asher removed his jacket and wrapped it 
around Delia’s shoulders.
“Thank you...” Delia breathed as her eyes travelled over Asher once more. Now without the 
jacket, she was able to see his toned chest and arms. 
       “So... what about you... can you sing? Or dance? ... What do you do with your time if 
you’re not a trainer?” Asher asked Delia softly as he casually slid his arm around her 
shoulders. Delia’s skin tingled as his arm wrapped around her. She had never felt so warm.
      “No.. I can’t sing... or dance really... Well my parents have tried to get me to dance, 
but I’m too clumsy.” She told him before giving a soft giggle.
      “I suppose I’ve been busy with school, but now my parents want me to go to college 
after the summer...” She added as she leaded her head against him without realising. Asher 
smiled at her soft notion.
      “Do you want to go to college?” He asked her, content with having her in his arm.
      Delia thought for a moment, then sighed. “I... don’t know... I’m so used to study, it’s 
daunting to think that if I don’t go, I will need to find something to fill it’s space... but I don’t 
know what yet” She told him quietly.
      “well.... I think it’s time we changed at least one of those things..” He suggested 
brightly. Delia gave him a playfully suspicious look.
      “What do you mean?” She asked, though within an instant, he was on his feet and 
helping her up.
      “We’re going to dance...” he told her as he drew her closer to him.
      “But I don’t-“
      “Just follow me... I promise this isn’t club dancing” He assured her as he took her 
waist with one hand, while his other hand held one of her hands gently. Delia exhaled as she 
pressed against him tentatively, though she soon relaxed in his hold, and found that her free 
arm had wrapped around his back. With her chin resting on his shoulder, Delia let him lead 
as they slow danced.
      
“Well, it's a marvellous night for a moondance 
With the stars up above in your eyes...”

Delia smiled and continued to dance enjoying being in his embrace and his voice in her ear.

	“A fantabulous night to make romance
	‘Neath the cover of October skies”

Delia smiled a little more, a slight blush on her cheeks. As she felt him pull back slightly, 
Delia did too, though caught his gaze immediately. Without any more of a warning but a 
sheepish smile, Asher tilted Delia’s chin up before leaning down to kiss her.

++

The next morning, Delia woke up slowly; her eyes squinted against the morning sun.
	“Morning..” Asher murmured as he leaned over to kiss Delia on the side of her neck.
Delia gave a content moan as she tilted her head back to instinctively to give him better 
access.
      “Morning..” She replied, glad that he still had his arm around her waist.
      “Were you cold last night?” He asked softly as he gently pulled the sleeping bag over 
her bare back and shoulders. Delia shook her head.
      “No, of course not” She murmured with a slight giggle before she curled up to him 
further,  her hand and head resting on his strong chest. Asher smiled and kissed the top of 
her head, content with the situation.
      “Delia... If I was to ask you to come with me... back to Johto... and to be with me 
while I travel around... what would you say?” Asher asked after a moment. He cast his gaze 
onto her for a moment, then looked away as if distracted, however he was only scared of 
rejection.
      Delia gazed at Asher in surprise. She hadn’t really thought past what she was doing 
now, but the thought of travelling with him both excited and scared her. No matter what her 
insecurities were though, she couldn’t turn down an offer she knew wouldn’t come up again. 
She had always been taught to grasp proper opportunities when they were within reach.
      “I’d say yes...” She told him, a flush of red glazing her cheeks. Asher grinned and 
kissed her passionately.
      “I need to finish a few things... but I would assume that you’d need time to tell your 
parents and get yourself ready yeah?” He asked. Delia nodded, though remained silent, 
wanting him to continue.
      “So I will be returning to Johto in a few days to see Professor Elm, but I’ll be back in a 
month... and I’ll get you then.” He promised her, his eyes burning into hers to ensure that 
she knew he was serious.
      “In a month? .. I have to wait a month before I can see you again?” She asked as she 
grabbed his hands with hers, wishing she could leave with him sooner, though the sensible 
voice in the back of her mind told her that she’d need every day of that month to prepare. 
Asher flashed her a charming smile before chuckling.
      “I’ll try to hurry.... but I was thinking, I’ll catch the bullet train back, and then we can 
take the cruise ship back to Johto together... I’ll need to scratch up some money of course... 
but I promise the month will go quickly.” He murmured.
      “But when I return, I’ll send you my Noctowl with a letter telling you the date and 
time to meet me in Viridian.” He added.
      Delia nodded, then smiled.
      “You’ve really thought this through haven’t you?”
      Asher laughed. “Of course...”
      
      ++
      
      After the pair dressed, Asher took Delia out for breakfast, before flying her back to 
the motel room she was supposed to be sharing with Lewi.
	Delia had barely knocked on the door, before Lewi wrenched it open.
“Oh my god! Don’t you ever do that again!” She breathed as relief flowed over her face. 
“I had no idea where you two were! No wonder your parents don’t let you out of the house 
Deals” Lewi added, though there was humour in her voice now. Once she’d calmed down, 
Lewi gave Asher and Delia their space again.
	“Can’t you drop by before you go home again?” Delia asked him as she curled into 
his strong embrace. Asher chuckled.
	“Believe me I want to, but what I’m doing for Proffesor Elm can’t be delayed... 
However, the sooner, I leave... the sooner I’ll be back for you” He murmured reassuringly 
into her ear while he ran his fingers through her auburn hair.
	After a sweet farewell kiss, Asher set off out of the motel. Once he was out of sight 
from the window Delia was peering through, she sighed and sat back down on the window 
sill, her mind on how happy she will be in a month’s time.

“So... tell me all about it!” Lewi interrupted as she scooted in next to Delia.
	“Tell you about what?” Delia asked distractedly.
	“About last night Silly! Did you....”
	“...yes...”
	“Oh my god! Deals!!!”
	“We’re leaving for Johto in a month..”
	The silence that followed Delia’s statement both surprised and un-nerved her. Very 
rarely was Lewi speechless.
	“What? Deals have you really thought about this? I mean... you two just met... It’s 
one thing to sleep with him, but to practically elope with him after a single night is crazy!” 
She argued, a fretful frown setting on her face. Delia shook her head.
	“Lewi... I want to go... and I’ll be fine... I have a month to change my mind as well... 
but I’ll need your help... promise you won’t tell my parents...”
	Lewi frowned and sighed, before nodding, silently agreeing to help her best friend 
run away in only a month’s time.

Epilogue – Change of circumstances.

As promised, Lewi didn’t reveal Delia’s secret to her parents; though she did her best to 
convince Delia to stay. 
When Delia had only a week before she was to expect Asher’s message, she realised she 
was pregnant.
The realisation hit her like a ton of bricks. She didn’t tell Lewi about her pregnancy until her 
mind was made up.

“I’m not going.”
“What??”

Delia blinked back tears as she did her best to go about brushing her hair.
“I’m not going” She repeated.

“Are you sure? You’ve had your heart set on it for the last three weeks! Why the sudden 
change of heart?”

“Because I’m pregnant Lewi.” She blurted as she unintentionally wrenched the brush 
through her hair. Lewi Gaped at Delia.
“..Are you sure?”
Delia nodded, though didn’t speak as she feared her voice would betray her.

“Well... Okay then... but I still don’t understand why you’re not going with him... I would 
have thought this would have been an incentive, not a deterrent.”

“Lewi, he’s a pokemon trainer. Soon I won’t be able to travel and once the baby is born, 
we’ll be stuck in a town for a long while. I can’t expect him to settle down now, and I don’t 
want him to have to choose between me and his journey. I’d rather loose contact with him 
now... and not hold him back” Delia explained slowly, while trying her hardest not to let her 
voice waver.

Lewi frowned.
“Deals, don’t be so negative. If he cares, he’ll want to start a family with you... And he has a 
right to know about his child”

Delia winced.
“I can’t do it. I can’t hold him back and I can’t take being rejected. Staying here and never 
seeing him again is all I can do now.” She told Lewi.

--

As promised, four weeks after the encounter between Delia and Asher, a large Noctowl 
arrived in Pallet Town, looking for Delia. Knowing that Asher was back in Kanto was almost 
too much for Delia to bare, but she hoped what she was doing was for the best. Luckily for 
her, when Noctowl arrived, Delia was spending the night at Lewi’s.
Taking the letter from the Noctowl, Delia read it out to Lewi.

Dear Delia.
A month! Just as I promised!
I hope you are well. I must admit i’m not one for writing romantic letters, but I can always 
try.
I’ll be arriving in Viridian in three days. I was hoping to be there tomorrow morning, but 
Charizard injured his wing in a battle yesterday, and I don’t want to make him fly.
If you like, I could even pick you up from Pallet Town, but that will take another day, maybe 
two.
Please send Noctowl back with your reply. I can’t wait to see you. I’ve missed you immensely 
this past month.
See you in three or so days Delia.
I love you.
-Asher.

Asher’s words on the paper hurt her even more. She wanted so desperately to run away with 
him, but she knew she couldn’t allow herself to do so.

Finally, Delia wrote a letter back.

Asher.
I don’t know how you know of Delia, but it disgusts us to think that you are romantically 
interested in our daughter. She has been sent away and I can see that it wasn’t a moment 
too soon! How dare you try to elope with our daughter.
For your protection Asher, I would advise you to stay away from Pallet town, and my 
daughter.
Writing as her parents was hard, but she thought it would hurt him less if he thought the 
letter didn’t come from her personally.
With relief, Delia did not receive a letter back, though four days later, a certain, dark haired 
male arrived in Pallet town. Fortunately for Delia, he knocked on Lewi’s front door.
As her big sister was in town, Lewi convinced her sister to send Asher away.
From her room upstairs, Delia felt the hot tears run down her face as she watched Asher 
from out her window. She wanted to throw herself onto him. She wanted to leave with him.
As she watched his face shine with hurt and disappointment, Delia almost changed her 
mind. As he turned away and leapt onto his Rappidash, Delia remembered why she decided 
not to go in the first place.
“I love you” She sobbed, as Asher galloped out of Pallet Town.

*nine months later*

When the time came to give birth, Delia was more ready that she had expected.
A month before her nineteenth birthday, she gave birth to a healthy young boy. Even as a 
baby, she could see the striking resemblance between father and son.
“Ash..” She called him.
Father Like Son.