Disclaimers:

Do I really have to go over this? Don't own Pokémon or Formula One. Yada, yada, yada. I do own, Keith Terrell, Riley Jenius, Francois Deletraz and Ronin Vertigo. And I don't have the rights to the Disturbed song, "The Game." I just put it there because I thought it goes good with the scene later in the chapter.

Notes from Mario:

If you read any of Chapter 18, you may have read about Riley Jenius having a daughter he doesn't even know. Plus, Bernie Ecclestone went into cardiac arrest after a little girl came out of nowhere and scared the shit out of everybody!! Just who is this girl? And where are her parents?!! Well... read on, fans!!!

Info About The Featured Song:

I decided to add a song for when the Qualifying session begins later in this chapter. I selected a song from the rock group, Disturbed called, "The Game." I thought this song would mix in well with F1 Qualifying, because everybody wants to be #1 in this giant game to be first. What do you think?

Ash Ketchum: Formula One Driver
Chapter 19: Riley's Secret And Belgium Qualifying

"You know, Riley. The day you have a kid of your own, it's the end of the world. Your kid will signal the apocalypse for all of us. We can barely stand your antics, but if that kid turns out to be just like you, I'm shooting myself right between the eyes."

"Yeah, right Olivier. You'll probably be worm food by the time I have a kid. So, you don't have anything to worry about."

A discussion between BAR teammates Olivier Panis and Riley Jenius about becoming a dad.

Formula One Supremo Bernie Ecclestone lay on the floor as he went into cardiac arrest thanks to being scared shitless by a little girl. Already, Jarno Trulli bolted for the FIA medical center to call Professor Sid Watkins and his medical team.

"Looks like that little girl gave Bernie a heart attack. You know what to do, Pikachu." Ash said as his trusty Pokémon leaped off her seat and headed for the almost dead Formula One supremo.

[One heart restart shock ready.] Pikachu said as she acted as a defibrillator and shocked the Formula One supremo's heart to restart beating. After a few tense seconds, Bernie Ecclestone breathed a sigh of relief and was helped up by Rubens and Keith.

"Gee. That one was way out of left field. We didn't see that one coming." Rubens said,

"I'm just glad I let Pikachu or any other Pokémon in the paddock and garages. If it wasn't for that mouse, I would be dead. Now, who was that little girl that almost killed me." The boss said as he looked around to find the culprit, but Rubens and Keith sat him down on a chair as Jarno returned with the medic crew.

"She's right here." Olivier called out from another room next to the driver's lounge. Everybody got up from their seats and walked to where Olivier and the little girl were. She looked to be around 6 years old and looked and acted very cute like. But, the real shocker was that she had Riley's eyes and messy hairstyle along with his brown hair color and a very cute face that reminded the drivers of the face Riley makes when he's totally embarrassed to the 10th level of hell.

"Hey, Riley. This kid has your hairstyle, hair color and eyes. This is weird." Francois said, but they all heard a chair falling to the floor and somebody running out of the lounge. Keith caught a glimpse of the person and saw that it was Riley. The Canadian had a scared look on his face as he darted around the corner and out of sight.

"Now what's up with that?" Keith asked, as Olivier was about to start asking the young girl questions.

"Now, what's your name, sweetie?" Panis asked in a kind tone of voice,

"Celia." The young girl answered meekly. She was a bit shy with all of these unknown people just looking at her. Olivier got the idea and said something in French to Francois and he then pushed everybody away.

"So, how old are you?" He asked again,

"Um... 6, mister." Celia answered as she held up 6 fingers to Olivier,

"And what are you doing here at a Grand Prix circuit?" Olivier asked again,

"Grandma and Grandpa told me that my Daddy is an F1 driver." Celia answered, but this time she sounded a bit more excited,

"But, how did they get you here anyway? A lot of people wouldn't send their own children around the world these days, let alone a cute 6 year old like you." Rubens said as he jumped into the interrogation,

"Grandma and Grandpa called this a team that my Daddy is on. This nice man sent a person from a team called BAR to pick me up, so I can meet my Daddy here." The young girl answered as she looked at the drivers around her,

"So, where were you born anyway, kiddo?" Rubens asked,

"Toronto, Canada." She answered once again,

"Isn't that Riley's hometown, Keith?" Olivier asked. Keith just nodded and he kneeled to Celia's level. As for Riley, he didn't run off. He stayed near the lounge and heard Panis and Keith ask this girl questions about what she's doing here and why.

It's true. I do have a daughter. But... I'm not a father!! How can I be a father?!! I only know how to race!! I can't do it!!! Why did they send her here?!!! Riley thought to himself as his emotions were all mixed up,

"So, Celia. Can you tell me who your Daddy is? I think we might know who he is." Keith asked,

"Um... Riley?" Celia answered quietly. Everybody, even Riley was shocked by this. Everybody was silent for a while, just trying to get this shock over with before drilling Riley with questions. He didn't even look at the little girl after her bombshell. He just wanted to get out of there... NOW!!! Riley took off out of the paddock area and headed for a place where nobody will find him. Hopefully.

"WOW!! This little girl is Riley's kid?!!! And I thought he's too crazy to have a girlfriend!! Let alone having a kid!!" Ash said surprised and his little outburst got him a whack to the back of the head from Sylvie,

"AHHH!!! NO!!! Riley has spawned a kid!! It's the end of the world!! The apocalypse is coming!! We're all gonna die!!" Kimi Raikkonen yelled out and then, he was down on the floor after one punch from Panis. Keith decided to find Riley and left the lounge to find his friend.

"Panis, keep her occupied. I'm going to pry a few answers out of Riley." Keith said as he left the others,

"Hey, Keith. We'll come too." Ronin said as he and Francois started to follow Keith, but the American stopped them.

"No, this is my job. I've known Riley a lot longer than both of you. And, he's my best friend since our F3000 days. If anybody can get answers out of him, I can. Just entertain her for a while." Keith yelled out as he started his search for the Canadian. Ash and Pikachu looked at Celia for a second and then looked at Michael as the German entered the lounge, after watching Keith head out. He saw the little girl and decided to ask the questions on why this girl is here later.

"How do we entertain a 6-year-old, guys? Should we break something over Massa's head and she if she laughs?" Ash asked. His dumb side was showing and this wasn't the time for it to make an appearance. All the drivers, managers and head mechanics face faulted to the floor at once. Michael had one of those giant sweat drops and let out a sigh. The German was appalled when Ash gets in his stupid mode.

"You're an idiot, Ash." Michael muttered in German. Sylvie decided not to get involved in another driver's affairs, so she decided to go back to the Toyota garage to see if she can get Ash more comfortable in his car.

"I'm not sticking around to see this end. I'm going to go fix Ash's car. See you later." Sylvie said as she made her exit and left the guys to figure out what to do with a cute 6-year-old girl who may start acting like Riley any minute now. And when that happens, there is going to be a mass suicide event soon.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It wasn't long before Keith found Riley sitting by a tree near Eau Rouge, sobbing a little bit. The young Canadian didn't hear Keith come up to him. The letter he got from his ex-girlfriend's parents was on the ground and Keith quietly picked it up and slowly backed away from Riley to read it. The letter was very long.

Dear Riley,

It has been a long time since we've written to you after you sent us those nice photos of you with your 2nd place trophy the day after the Canadian Grand Prix. Even though you didn't win, all of your family, your friends and even us thought you could have given Coulthard a run for his money! We were so happy watching you on the podium, you made all of us in Toronto proud with your run. Unfortunately, that is not the read reason I am writing to you. Back in October 1998, we were shocked to hear that our daughter dumped you for some popular guy in school, just 1 month after the new year started. You treated her like a princess when you two were dating. You didn't deserve what she did to you, nor deserve all the torment from everybody in the school. You sure as hell didn't deserve all the teasing and torment from the teachers and those sorry excuse for people that are your parents. The next thing she told us shocked us even more.

You two did it just 1 month after your 17th birthday!! She was already 2 months pregnant! And that you were the father!! To top that, she wanted her popular boyfriend to be the father instead of you! Sure, I may have wanted to kill you for making her pregnant, but after what you went through in school and at home and telling me your version of the story, I decided you didn't need my hatred, nor that of my wife's. Young people and love are a strange mix, Riley. We don't blame you for this anymore. My wife and I were almost like you back when we were 17. We were so disappointed at our daughter for putting you though all this. When 1999 started, we found out that you started racing in one of Canada's many racing divisions just to get away from your parents, school and everything that made your life hell. Then, you told us that after you get out of school, you wanted to become the next Jacques Villeneuve. We didn't know how to respond but we saw the determination to race in your eyes and let it slide. When you graduated, you just ran to your racecar and drove off, leaving everything and everyone behind in your pursuit of Formula One greatness.

When they all found out you were gone, trying to become the next Jacques Villeneuve, Our daughter gave birth to our granddaughter and named her Celia. Your family was pissed off that they thought you didn't want to take responsibility, but we knew you would if you would have seen her. Celia is a spitting image of you and our daughter was beginning to think that leaving you was the worst mistake in the world. Later, her popular boyfriend just up and left her, saying that he didn't want to be around a carbon copy of you. You kept in touch with us as you made your way through British F3, Formula 3000 and finally achieving your dream to race in Formula One with the BAR team. Your family was beside themselves when they saw you on TV, debuting the new BAR car with that nice Frenchman as your teammate in London. All of your ex-friends were so jealous of you and they still are to this day.

Now... this is the reason we are writing you. Ever since our daughter had Celia, she doesn't even want her anymore. Her new man in her life doesn't want to be near Celia. Hell, your shitty family doesn't want her as well. So, ever since she was born on June 2, 1999, we have been raising her as best we can. She has turned out to be a beautiful little girl who actually has her mother's bad swearing habits. Other than that, she's just like you. But be warned, Riley. She has the habit of popping out of nowhere and scaring the shit out of everybody. Celia has been asking us who her real Daddy is for a couple years now and we showed her pictures of you at the Canada GP in Montreal recently. Now she wants to meet you and can't wait to travel to Britain. She is also excited about seeing those F1 cars, traveling to the races and meeting the other drivers.

Riley, we are asking you to take your daughter Celia and raise her as best you can. Even though you're on the Formula One World Circuit and will be afraid to see her, don't. We know you can be a great father, Riley. And once the other drivers, especially your best friend from America, Keith Terrell and your other friends, Ronin and Francois find out, they will be glad to help you. Also, show her a lot of love that her own disgraceful mother wouldn't. And don't worry about her mother. Since she didn't want her anymore, we made sure she would lose 100% custody of her and placed your name as her parent. So, she's now Celia Jenius. She's your daughter, Riley. Please raise her with lots of love.

Keith finished reading the letter and didn't say a word. He too was shocked about this news. Keith has known Riley since they met in F3000 in 2002 and thought he knew everything about Riley. This only proves that Keith still has a lot to learn about his long time Canadian friend.

Well, I'll be damned. No wonder Riley is scared shitless. He was caught with his pants down around his ankles and his ass in the breeze. Hell, I would be in Riley's position if some whore left me without telling me that I had a kid. Keith thought to himself as Riley freaked out and spun around to face him. He searched Keith's face for answers on how to become a father. He didn't find any and just let all his bottled emotions spill out.

"DAMMIT, KEITH!! I DON'T KNOW HOW TO BE A FATHER!! I JUST DON'T KNOW!!! Why would they send her here to me?!!" Riley cried out as he clenched his fists and then, punched a tree so hard that he busted the wood on it and cut up his knuckles. Keith hasn't ever seen this side of Riley and he had to try to calm him down.

"Riley. None of us know how to be parents when a child of your own is brought into this world. Hell, if I have kids of my own, I wouldn't know jack shit about parenting." Keith said, "But, for some of us... finding out that you're a parent is a big shock. Especially if the mother of that child didn't even tell you about it." Keith said, trying to comfort the young Canadian but Riley's stubbornness was showing through again.

"HOW, Keith?!! How the hell am I going to be a father when I don't know jack shit about the subject!! Who can I turn to?!! She can't stay with me!! She has to go back!!! I can't take care of her!!" At that time, Keith took matters into his own hands and gave Riley the mother of all left hooks.

"Don't you ever say such a thing!! How would your daughter feel knowing her own father doesn't want her!! You'll end up like those deadbeat dads I see on the news!! Rubens, Montoya, Fisichella, Jarno. Hell, even Ralf and Michael, and Panis have kids of their own. So, talk to them about being a dad. I bet they'll be happy that you asked them. If it will get you to stop hanging out with us 24-7. Ronin, Francois and I aren't dads yet." Keith answered,

"I need time, Keith. I need time to let this settle into me. I can't face her yet."

"That's fine with me, Riley. And don't be afraid to ask the other guys for some advise. I'm sure they'll drop their little grudges against you to help you out. Us drivers have to stick together!!" Keith said. All of a sudden, the two young men heard Michael scream out in the paddock.

"WHAT?!! THAT LITTLE GIRL IS THE DAUGHTER OF RILEY JENIUS?!! THE APCOLYPSE IS HERE!!! Rubens, get my gun!! I'm blowing my head off!!!" Michael's voice bellowed from the paddock. He has found who who's the girl's father. Sure enough, Michael now wants to kill himself. One Riley Jenius is bad enough, two Rileys is the end of the world.

"Sounds like Michael found out. I got to get back and help Rubens stop him from killing himself." Keith said as he made a mad dash to the Paddock in hopes Michael actually doesn't go through with his suicide promise. Riley just watched Keith sprint back and actually started to take in what he said to him. Riley knew that Keith was right. For now, Olivier Panis will have to look after his daughter until he's gathered up enough courage to see his kid for the first time. Riley Jenius is about to grow up real fast at the Belgium Grand Prix weekend.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The next day, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone was taking a walk around the paddock and talking to some team members before Qualifying got underway in an hour. Despite nearly being killed by a 6-year old girl, he was perfectly fine thanks to Pikachu shocking him back to life, having a good night's sleep and being looked over by Sid Watkins. Bernie was a bit disappointed in Riley for running away from his own child, but really couldn't blame him for being traumatized like that. To close that subject, he talked to Olivier Panis and Riley asked him to look after Riley's daughter for now. As Mr. Ecclestone walked in pit lane, Team members were busy making last minute preparations to the cars, trying to get all the speed and cornering grip out of the cars. With the loss of fancy driver aids like fully automatic gearboxes, launch control and lack of computers, the drivers had to rely on their skill and guts to get the most out of their cars. The FIA let them keep the traction control, driver to driver radios and team to both driver radios all on a unscramble frequency that the FIA listens to in preventing team orders from happening. He passed the Minardi pits and saw Mark Webber and Alex Yoong holding the new F1 driver plush dolls.

"This is freaky. They have a plush doll of myself. Look at me. I have a big head." Alex Yoong said as he held up a plush doll of himself. The doll had a big head that had the same helmet design and the same racing suit that the drivers wear.

"They have one of me also. Why does this thing have to be so cute and with a small body and a big head that has my helmet design?" Mark Webber asked as he looked at the plush doll of himself,

"Those are the new Formula One Driver Plush Dolls. Since the F1 car plushies were so popular, we had to make driver plush dolls for the cars." Bernie said as the white haired man stepped between the Minardi drivers,

"Ecclestone!! Is this is your cruel idea?!! Look at this!!! It's deformed!!! I don't have a head that big!!!" Mark Webber said as he showed the doll of himself to Bernie,

"Well, some drivers like them." Bernie said as he pointed to Ralf Schumacher walk by with a plush doll of himself and an Ash Ketchum plushie. The Ash plush doll also came with a Pikachu doll and both Ralf and Ash dolls can talk.

"Name's Ralf, Ralf Schumacher. And I hate Ash Ketchum!!!" The Ralf plushie said as the real Ralf Schumacher attacked the Ash doll with his own doll,

"I'm Ash Ketchum. Pokémon trainer and Formula One driver at your service!" The Ash doll said as Ralf walked by with the plushies in hand, continuing the mock battle of he and Ash. Both Mark and Alex sweat dropped and hid back inside the Minardi garage.

"Whatever happened to the depressed side of Formula One?" Yoong asked,

"Are we the only sane ones here? We're surrounded by weirdos!! I knew I should have went to Jaguar when I had the chance." Webber added,

"Oh, come now boys. Formula One needed this kind of craziness to keep it interesting. Ash and Ralf's rivalry is just what we needed. And let's not forget Rubens and Juan's fight for the Driver's Title." Bernie said, trying to cheer up the two drivers, but to no avail.

"Along with Keith, our Chevrolet engines and all those American viewers who are 5 times worse than British Soccer Hooligans. Oh, yeah. Formula One is better than ever." Yoong said mockingly. Bernie left the two Minardi drivers to slouch in peace and headed down the pit lane. He passed the Arrows pits and something caught his eye. Both Arrows cars of Ronin Vertigo and Francois Deletraz were sporting a Domino's Pizza logo on the rear wing and front nose. Ecclestone entered the Arrows garage to see what was up.

"Excuse me, Nigel. I just noticed that your car has a new sponsor. What's that about?" Bernie asked the 1992 World Champion, now head boss of the Arrows team. Nigel was appointed the boss of Arrows Grand prix after the Tom Walkinshaw/Ronin Vertigo fistfight in London.

"Oh. Since everybody knows about Francois being around pizza for his whole life, he did a Domino's Pizza promo in Great Britain before we left. The Domino's Pizza guys in America found out that his family owned a pizza place, so they called me up and we agreed to do a one-race sponsor deal with them." Nigel Mansell answered,

"Seems like you made a good decision on hiring that young man. Even though he's a little FIA World Rally crazy." Bernie said and Nigel agreed with the Boss on that front. In the Toyota pits, the crew of Allan McNish's car were taking it easy, while Sylvie was looking over some new telemetry readings of Ash's run this morning. He still hasn't gotten up to speed so she's working her ass off with 45 minutes left to get Ash's car to the point where he could do a good lap. She and another member of Ash's crew were at work on his car.

"Not enough. This is not enough. Throttle response is only at 75% when Ash floors it. It should be always be 100% response. Shit." Sylvie muttered as she dropped her clipboard on the ground and looked at the pedals through the front of the car. Ash was complaining to her that the car isn't responsive when he floors it. The front nose was taken off for a better look at the pedals. Sylvie looks almost like Ash's mother Delia, but she has black hair and always wears it down instead of in a braid like her sister.

"I got it, Sylvie. The throttle linkage at the engine is too loose. I just tightened it back up. It should be fine now." A female voice called out from the rear of the car. Sylvie ran a diagnostic run on the throttle response and sure enough, the car's throttle response was now at 100%. Since computers were limited in F1 cars, the teams all decided to use a system that shows the performance of the car through less technical telemetry and also makes a lot of diagnostic checks on all the car's systems. The computers don't make changes to the cars themselves, so the teams have to work their asses off, making small tweaks and the drivers have to change their driving style or make changes on the steering wheel to help the car go faster.

"I don't know what I would have done without you, Miyamoto." Sylvie said as the person stood up from behind the engine. The woman was around her mid 40's, much older than Sylvie but she was still very attractive with a slim body, but the fire suit she's wearing doesn't show off the nice set of curves she has also. Her orchid colored hair was in a ponytail that went through the back of her Toyota team cap. If you would look closely at Miyamoto, she and Jessie of Team Rocket share some character traits. Sylvie and Miyamoto are the driving force behind Ash's 2005 success.

"You do most of the work, Sylvie. I just watch your ass." Miyamoto said as she ran another diagnostic on the rear of the car. Seconds later, the program shows that everything is green. Ash's car was ready. "That did it. Rear's ready, McCallister. Ash will be much happier with the car now. That new damn engine the R&D guys built made our old notes useless." Miyamoto said as he placed her wrench on a worktable and reached for a cold drink,

"I just hope this helps Ash get the missing speed he's searching for. But, I still think my sister Delia spoiled him with her good cooking." Sylvie suggested,

"So, you and Ash are related? Why didn't I know this?" Miyamoto asked,

"Duh, you never asked. I'm his aunt. That's why we get along so good." Sylvie said,

"Well, I'm starving. We got some time before Qualifying. Let's head down to the café, I'm buying." Miyamoto said as she made her exit, leaving Sylvie to clean up her mess.

"You're buying?!! Well, that's a first!! Get back here and help me clean up, bitch!!" Sylvie yelled out as she tried to pick up all the tools off the ground, but Ash's other crewmembers were already doing it for her. So, she ran after Miyamoto to see if she really intended on buying lunch this time around.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The time for qualifying for the Grand Prix of Belgium has arrived. This is the most intense 60 minutes of auto racing. The teams were making last minute adjustments to get all the speed they can out of the cars. Some teams were praying to god for more speed. Others were chomping at the bit to race for the pole. The drivers were jacked up. All except for Riley. The shock of learning he has a 6-year-old daughter hasn't worn off. Instead of being happy, the Canadian has become a nervous wreck. Riley has become worried about what he will do when he sees his kid for the first time. Olivier actually talked to some of the other drivers about Riley's situation and made them promise not to tell the young Canadian. It wasn't long before somebody went to set a fast lap.

"I'm ready. Let's go." Ralf Schumacher said to the Williams team and exited the pits to be the first driver to make a run for the pole. Minutes later, he set the pole time at 1:47:534. 10 minutes in, Mark Webber, Eddie Irvine and Allan McNish left to knock Ralf off the pole. Webber's 1:49:524, Irvine's 1:48:343 and Allan's 1:50:120 were not even close to Ralf's time. Riley's BAR was on the track and took the pole at 1:46:134, beating Ralf's time by over a second and a half!! Eddie went back out for his 2nd attempt and set the 2nd fastest time.

Tell me exactly what am I supposed to do
Now that I have allowed you to beat me
Do you think that we could play another game
Maybe I could win this time

"Man, what ever was up with Jenius has now lit a fire under his ass." Keith said as Jean Todt gave him the signal to go out and take pole. The European Minardi of Alex Yoong followed him down pit lane and onto the track. It wasn't long before Keith saw the black car with its Chevrolet Vortec horsepower closing in on him. "I got to give it up for the Chevrolet guys. They made one powerful engine for those Minardis." Keith said and Yoong backed off to give himself and Keith breathing room for their runs.

Only Eddie and his Jaguar was closest to Riley's time with a 1:46:243, but it wasn't enough. Giancarlo Fisichella's McLaren was next and knocked Riley off the top spot with a time of 1:45:746. Ash finally left at the 18th minute and set a time of 1:48:343, almost 3 seconds off the pace. After the run, the team knew he was not happy with the car.

I kind of like the misery you put me through
Darlin' you can trust me completely
If you even try to look the other way
I think that I could kill this time

"Dammit!!! I'm last!! I don't like this down force setup!! Switch it back to the one we had on Friday!" Ash radioed to his crew,

"Don't panic, Ash. Come back in and we'll take care of it." Sylvie said and Ash drove back to the pits as Keith took the pole from Fisichella with a time of 1:44:678 to put the Ferrari on the pole. Ash was in danger of having a time out of the 107% rule.

It doesn't really seem I'm getting through to you
Though I see you weeping so sweetly
I think that you might have to take another taste
A little bit of hell this time

Ralf Schumacher went out for his 2nd try and clocked in with a 1:44:968, just missing the pole from Keith. Alex Yoong went out again with some minor adjustments and set a time of 1:46:102. Olivier Panis, Ronin Vertigo and Tomas Scheckter went out also and set times one second lower than Keith's. Jarno Trulli went out in his Renault with no drivers ahead of him and set a time of 1:47:472. Jarno thought he could improve some more and dived back in the pits for some adjustments.

Lie to me
Is she not right?
Is she insane?
Will she now
Run for her life in the battle that ends this day

Ash got his adjustments made and drove on the track for another crack at the pole. His time now was 1:46:329, better than before but it put him in 14th place. Minutes later, Juan Pablo Montoya knocked Keith off the pole with a time of 1:44:353, over half a second faster than Keith. Rubens was out soon after that and got a 1:44:399, just missing the pole by .04 of a second.

Is she not right?
Is she insane?
Will she now
Run for her life now that she lied to me

Olivier and Riley went back out, along with Mark Webber and Francois Deletraz with 20 minutes left in the session. The track was clear and Olivier attacked Montoya's time by lapping the 4.2-mile track in 1:43:744, putting the Frenchman on pole. Riley set a time of 1:43:974, placing him in second. Webber too improved his spot on the grid to 6th place with a time of 1:44:532.

You always wanted people to remember you
To leave your little mark on society
Don't you know your wish is coming true today
Another victim dies tonight

In the final 10 minutes, a lot of the drivers headed out for their final shot to knock both BAR drivers off pole. Ash had two attempts left and was on the track, setting a time of 1:44:983, placing him in 9th place. Both Ferrari drivers left to attack the pole. Rubens clocked in with a 1:44:032, not good enough to take the pole or get into the front row. Keith wasn't so lucky as he had to miss one of the Arrows cars that was spinning in Pouhon, screwing up his final attempt. Keith was actually faster than Olivier in the first split.

Is she really telling lies again
Doesn't she realize she's in danger

Ash had one last shot to improve his spot on the starting grid. As he reached the top of Eau Rouge, one of the Jordan cars done blowed up the engine and some of the Kemmel Straight was covered in white engine smoke. That didn't stop Ash as he just kept the hammer down and blow right through the smoke, something that Kimi Raikkonen did in the 2002 Belgium race. Ash had the 2nd fastest speed in the speed trap and was looking good for a spot on the front row. Unfortunately, his Toyota engine blowed up as well and that was the end of Ash's Qualifying session. He pulled off the track at Rivage and the Qualifying session ended.

The little bitch she went and she told A LIE
And now she will never tell another A LIE
NEVER FUCKING LIE TO ME!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

A very action packed Qualifying session ended with the BAR team on the front row for the first time in the team's history. Olivier Panis and Riley Jenius will start side by side. Keith on the other hand, was mired in 7th place and was visibly upset with his performance didn't want to talk to the American press at all. Ash was more pissed off. The last good run he had was not to be because of the engine blowing. The teams now focused on getting the cars ship shape for the Grand Prix tomorrow. Michael Schumacher had other problems at the moment. All day Friday and Saturday morning, a stray Growlithe kept on following him through the pits.

"Why are you following me?" Michael asked as he kneeled down to see the Growlithe that was following him all day. "Do I look like a piece of meat?" Michael asked again. "Do I have a piece of meat on me?!!" All the Growlithe did was look at Michael with its cute puppy eyes. "Now, don't give me that. It won't work on me. It might work on Rubens, but not Michael Schumacher. The greatest Formula One driver ever!!" Michael said as he tried to get the Growlithe to stop following him. Rubens entered the garage after being in the post qualifying press conference for starting 3rd for the race tomorrow. He noticed the Growlithe Michael was talking to.

"Oh, hey there little guy. I take that you like my friend, Michael." Rubens said as he bent over to pick up the Pokémon,

"Rubens!! What are you doing holding that Pokémon? I don't want it following me!!" Michael said sternly,

"Oh, come off it, Michael. This cute, little puppy is probably homeless and is looking for somebody to take care of it. Somebody... like you." Rubens said, trying to coax Michael into taking in the Growlithe.

"Rubens. Corinna would not like it I brought home a Pokémon that I happen to find at the track. Well, maybe my kids would be pleased, but not her. I may make all the money, but my wife wears the pants in the household. Not me." Michael said, trying everything to get Rubens to stop showing that Pokémon.

"Come on, Michael. Let's keep it. Look how cute it is. This Pokémon could be our team Pokémon. I'm sure Jean and Ross won't mind having it around. And Mr. di Montezemolo would like having this cute Growlithe in the shop to help boost team morale." Rubens said as he showed the puppy Pokémon to Michael again. The Growlithe barked happily and licked Michael's face.

"Well, I mind. And where did that pet bowl come from?!!" Michael asked as he wiped his face clean and pointed to the pet bowl in the back of Keith's garage,

"I borrowed one from Keith. And we're keeping this Pokémon, Michael. You have no say in this matter." Ross Brawn said as he came out from Keith's side of the Ferrari garage. He was done calming Keith down and heard Michael's gripe about the Growlithe.

"I always have the last word, Ross. And that Pokémon has to go!!" Michael said as he pointed to the Growlithe. The puppy Pokémon looked very sad to try to get Michael to change his mind.

"Let me ask you this, Michael. Does the team seem more tense than usual this weekend?" Ross asked,

"Now that you mention it. Everybody has been calm as a spring breeze." Michael answered. The Ferrari team has been unusually calm. There hasn't been any of the usual urgency to find speed out of the cars this race.

"You see, Michael. Having a Pokémon in the garage does lighten up the mood. This Growlithe is so obedient, you tell him to stay in a spot and he stays. You tell him to move, he moves. Plus, he doesn't interfere when we are working. Look what Ash's Pikachu and Meowth has done to the Toyota boys. Those guys are not stressed out like they used to be." Ross answered as he took the Growlithe from Rubens and showed it to Michael. The Growlithe took the opportunity to lick Michael's face again.

"I give up. You guys can keep the Pokémon!! But I'm not taking care of it!!! Have fun with it when it burns your asses, guys! I'm going to my motorcoach!!" Michael said as he left the Ferrari garage, on route to the motorcoach area and wiping his face clean of Growlithe drool.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The drivers went to sleep, so they can be well rested for the Grand Prix of Belgium tomorrow. As the drivers slept peacefully, dreaming of winning the World Championship (Rubens, Juan, Ash and Keith), killing their rivals or teammates (Ralf and Kimi), catching a rare Pokémon (Ash and Eddie), being in a rock band (Mark Webber and Nick Heidfeld), dreaming about how to be a good dad (Riley) or robbing Michael Schumacher's place of all of his money (the whole Minardi team), it was around 11 A.M. in Blackthorn City in Johto region of Japan. Everything has been getting back to normal after Ash and Keith led the police in a giant chase and the battle at the Viridian City Airport.

"Morning, Officer. This package is addressed to you. I don't know who it's from." The mail guy said as he came into the police station,

"For me? I didn't order anything? I think my sister ordered something." The Blackthorn City Officer Jenny asked as she was handed the package. This is the Jenny with the scars that she got when Meowth slashed her face when Ash decided to go F1 and she's the same one that helped the guys get out of Kanto alive and has that crush on Riley Jenius.

"No, I don't think so. This was addressed to the Officer Jenny with the badass cuts on her face from Blackthorn City. So, this is your package." The mail guy said as he left the station to continue his route,

"Huh? I wondered what's inside it?" Officer Jenny asked herself and she opened the letter that was attached to the package. "What? This is from that American guy I helped Ash and him escape from Kanto just a few days ago. No, wait. This letter is from... NO WAY!!!" Jenny said excitedly as she read the letter.

To Miss Jenny,

I want to thank you personally for helping my driver, Keith Terrell and fellow Formula One driver Ash Ketchum, as well as the others, get out of that death trap you call Kanto alive and in one piece. As for the two of them, they are a bit beat up, as were Webber, Jenius, Button, Yoong and Ronin, but they are ready to race the Belgian Grand Prix by the time you get this.

I still can't understand that you helped the two. Plus, I still can't believe that you are a big Ferrari fan, as well as a big Formula One fan. Keith told me this and I was shocked. So, inside the package is some Ferrari collectibles and some merchandise from the other 10 teams as well. We even got some Riley Jenius stuff for you also, since you happen to like the poor guy. He's nuts most of the time, but we like him in his own stupid way. It's just our way of saying thank you for helping us.

The entire Formula One community is relieved to hear that at least they got some fans, despite what we did to you back in 2003. Maybe if you officers did your job and not cower when Team Rocket attacked, this wouldn't have happened and Frentzen, Bernoldi and Salo might still be with us. Other than that little quarrel some of us still have inside, the Ferrari and Toyota teams owe you real big for what you did. I just hope the other officers didn't give you a hard time for letting Keith and Ash get away.

Once again, thank you for your help and please continue watching Formula One and cheering for these brave men who put their lives on the line for your enjoyment.

Best wishes,
Mr. Luca di Montezemolo, Ferrari president.

After reading the letter, Jenny opened up the package. The box itself was as big as a 27" TV and Jenny saw that it was packed with a lot of Formula One team goodies. The one thing that stood out was a Formula One Driver plush doll. Namely, a Riley Jenius plushie, complete with his official helmet, BAR uniform and can say 16 phrases that Riley spoke during the season.

"OH!! It's a Riley Jenius plush doll!!! I've always wanted one of these!!! It's so adorable!!" Jenny said as she hugged the plushie for a second. As she looked at the doll, she inadvertently pressed a button in it.

"I'm not crazy!! I just act like it, that's all. I'm actually a nice guy." The Riley doll said, shocking Jenny a bit.

"This doll talks? Wow. I wonder what other stuff the Ferrari president sent me?" Jenny said as she started taking all the collectibles out of the box. There was some model cars of the Renault, Sauber and Williams, a giant Toyota flag, an autographed picture of Ash Ketchum, a lot of Riley Jenius/BAR stuff, more Ferrari stuff, a few Minardi cars, a Mark Webber doll and some Ronin Vertigo and Francois Deletraz things. When Ferrari wants to thank somebody for helping them, they mean it!! The only thing that was on Jenny's mind was how in the hell is she going to get this stuff to her place when her sisters arrive for their shift?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The morning of the Grand prix of Belgium has arrived. At 8 A.M. local time, the team members were already awake double checking the cars and getting them inspected by the race stewards. Ash was already wide-awake inside his room and he had the bottom part of his suit on as well. Ash was wearing his favorite black t-shirt that has the saying, "The power of the riff compels me." He got that at a rock concert when he drove for McLaren in mid 2004. Ash was nervous as hell at that time. This was his first race in a month. He was right to be nervous. Ash qualified his Toyota in 10th place. He hasn't been focused during the weekend. Ash wasn't the only one awake. Bayleef was also up and keeping Ash company before the pre race ceremonies began around noon. Pikachu and Meowth were still sleeping soundly in their little beds next to Ash's. As Ash prepared to put on a new load of tear away visors on his Pokémon League cap painted helmet, somebody was knocking on the door.

"What? That can't be Allan. He's not up until 9 A.M. on race days." Ash said as he placed his helmet down on the table, stepped over Bayleef and opened the door.

[Maybe he's sick today. Or... he's playing a trick on you.] Bayleef said,

"McNish is more of a practical joker, Bayleef. He just busts his way inside most of the time." Ash said as he got up to answer the door. Bernie Ecclestone was waiting to get some info out of Ash.

"Morning, Ash. Are you a bit nervous about racing today after your near death experiences?" Bernie asked as Ash let him inside his room,

You don't know the half of it, brother. I'm more nervous than a motherfucker, old man. I haven't been this nervous since my first ever appearance at the Pokémon League years ago. Ash thought as he sat down and continued to polish his helmet,

"Yeah. You could say that. But, I feel more better behind the wheel of my Toyota instead of going against Team Rocket. At least nobody in F1 shoots at you when you're racing." Ash answered as Bayleef handed Ash a new rag to finish the polishing job. Ash's Pokémon League helmet was spotless and shined more brightly than any podium trophy.

"I was just concerned about you, that's all. I mean you did struggle all through Friday and qualified near the middle of the grid for the race today." Mr. Ecclestone said,

"I think my Mom's cooking may have an effect on my driving. My Mom is a great cook and she always made a lot to eat, because I'm in F1 and that damn personal trainer only lets me eat that no taste healthy crap. I haven't been that full in years." Ash said,

"So, can you put on a good show today?" Bernie asked,

"Yeah. I was just longing for Mom's cooking, that's all. I should be back to my fast self for the race." Ash said. Bernie just nodded and excused himself from Ash's room. But, Ash stopped him. "Before you go, Mr. Ecclestone. What were you smoking when you made... THIS?!!! I do not have a head that big!!" Ash said as Bayleef tossed a talking Ash Ketchum plushie, complete with Ash's Pokémon League cap designed helmet, Toyota outfit and the cute big head.

[Yeah!! My Ash does not have a head that big!! Are you on crack?!!] Bayleef asked as Ash pressed a button to make his doll talk,

"Hi. I'm Ash Ketchum. I may be young, but I'll beat the pants off you!!" The Ash doll said. After looking at Ash and Bayleef's ready to kill faces, Bernie Ecclestone knew he was in deep shit. Everybody doesn't like the new F1 driver plush dolls. Bernie thought it was a good idea, but now he wished he didn't even think of them.

"Why do my ideas always fail in the end? I thought it was a good idea. The kids would loved them." Bernie said and Ash just laughed as Bayleef started to maul the Ash doll. It was plainly clear to Bernie that the drivers don't like plush dolls of themselves with cute, big heads. With everything that's happened this weekend, we still have the race to get through. And Ash was starting to think that the race is going to be real wild.

To be Continued...

The starting field is set for the race. And I can tell you, it's going to be good. And we now know that Riley Jenius actually has a 6-year old daughter that is just like him in some ways!!! Who will this revelation change the young Canadian for better or worse? Please read and review and send anything, even flames to my E-mail address, Hornet19us@Yahoo.com. Please send any questions that may pop into your heads and I will gladly get back to you. Also, any constructive criticism from you readers would be nice as well.

How will Ash do in the race? Will Panis and Riley hold off the charge of Rubens and Montoya for the win? Catch the Grand Prix of Belgium on the next chapter of Ash Ketchum: Formula One Driver. Oh, and if you want to know where Ash will start in the GP next chapter, here is the official starting grid. See you soon with Chapter 20, fans!

Mario Alvarado
1/28/2003

Grand Prix Of Belgium Starting Grid
1st: Olivier Panis, BAR (1:43:744)
2nd: Riley Jenius, BAR (1:43:974)
3rd: Rubens Barrichello, Ferrari (1:44:032)
4th: Juan Pablo Montoya, Williams (1:44:353)
5th: David Couthard, McLaren (1:44:490)
6th: Mark Webber, Minardi (1:44:532)
7th: Keith Terrell, Ferrari (1:44:678)
8th: Giancarlo Fisichella, McLaren (1:44:731)
9th: Ralf Schumacher, Williams (1:44:968)
10th: Ash Ketchum, Toyota (1:44:983)
11th: Francois Deletraz, Arrows (1:45:352)
12th: Jarno Trulli, Renault (1:45:633)
13th: Alex Yoong, Minardi (1:45:748)
14th: Eddie Irvine, Jaguar (1:45:836)
15th: Ronin Vertigo, Arrows (1:46:254)
16th: Jenson Button, Sauber (1:46:412)
17th: Takuma Sato, Jordan (1:46:637)
18th: Allan McNish, Toyota (1:46:788)
19th: Nick Heidfeld, Jaguar (1:47:211)
20th: Kimi Raikkonen, Jordan (1:47:454)
21st: Tomas Scheckter, Renault (1:47:658)
22nd: Felipe Massa, Sauber (1:47:972)