Ash was shocked the altercation. His mom and Misty had gotten along so well in the past when they’d first met each other. He couldn’t understand how such a huge rift could form between them. Perhaps his mothers concern for him was the cause of it. He knew his mother was a bit on the over protective side and with Ash now only an inch tall it was understandable why she might feel she was endangering him by letting him out of her sight……. But why couldn’t she understand he was safe with Misty? That she’d look after him? She had even started washing his underwear for him (though that probably wasn’t something he’d confess to his mom anytime soon)! Why didn’t she understand? And why did she have to make him feel guilty for wanting to leave again. He knew she was lonely but there was Daisy and Professor Oak. She’d be all right without him………. wouldn’t she?

Misty opened the door, “Oh, hello Misty!” Daisy smiled at her, Misty frowned slightly.

Misty took a step back as Ash’s mom brushed past her. “Daisy, why don’t you come on in? I see you’ve already know…. Misty.” Delia gazed at the orange haired girl warily before turning back to her newest guest, “Ash just got home not more than half an hour ago, isn’t that wonderful?”

Daisy smiled, “Yeah, I bumped into them earlier today. I’m so happy he’s come back safe and sound. Now if only Gary would show up.”

“I’m sure he will with time.” Delia patted Daisy on the shoulder sympathetically; neither of them saw Ash and Misty cringe.

Misty never liked Gary, mostly because of the way he treated Ash, and had quickly disposed of him when she found out he’d shrunk. Of course that wasn’t what Ash wanted but before he could protest it was too late. It seemed as if Diasy and his mom had really bonded since he’d last seen them. He knew Daisy and Gary squabbled a lot, but he also knew she’d be heart broken to learn he was little more than heart burn. He could see Misty start to say something then stop. That was good. They couldn’t tell her the truth, especially not in front of his mom! She’d just see it as a sign of things to come. Ash would be stuck under his mother initiated house arrest for sure. He’d hate to be a prisoner in his old home.

“Ashley will be staying with me from now on. His travels are over and he’ll finally be able to catch up with his mother.”

“That’s great news Mrs. Ketchum!” Daisy said heartily.

“Wh-? No!” Ash was ignored.

“Yes, its been so long since I last had someone living under the same roof with me. Ash’s father…….. left us so long ago. And Ash went on his pokemon journey leaving me here.” Delia sniffed, of course she wasn’t completely alone but like many other women she didn’t view shrinkees as people.

“Come on mom, don’t cry, when you’re sad I’m sad.”

“Then stay home with me! It’s nice and safe here. I haven’t touched your old room at all, it’ll be as if you never left! We can bake together, and work out in my garden, and watch tv in the evenings, I’ll even try to make your favorite meals on a regular basis from now on! You can help with the cooking! Oh Ash, it’ll be so much fun, just me and you again….”

“B- but mom, that sounds great and all, but I love traveling and I’ll miss my friends.” Ash looked down at the table he was standing on sheepishly.

Misty nodded and reached out. She patted him on the back with her index finger for encouragement. Delia got tense but didn’t do anything. That Misty girl wouldn’t dare abuse Ash right in front of her…… would she?

“Well Ash, I’m your friend aren’t I?”

“Yeah mom but-”

“And Daisy and Professor Oak are here too! And I’m sure soon enough Gary will come back as well. Won’t that be great?”

“I don’t know if………. It does sound like fun mom. It’s just not what I want. I want to be with Misty.”

“Stay around her too long and you won’t wind up with her but IN her.” Delia blurted out, unable to control herself.

Misty gasped and Delia suddenly looked slightly embarrassed, but she never tried to retract her words.

“You really think I’d…… eat him?”

“…… Well that’s one way he might wind up inside of you.” Delia said after a long time.

Misty just stared at Delia, mouth open, as did Ash and even Daisy. This little outburst and unfounded accusation were…. Surprising. Ash never knew his mother to be so suspicious of people. It hurt him that she could think so little of his closest and truest friend.

“Mom…… you’re way off.” Ash shouted so that everyone could hear him Misty looked down at him shocked.

He had decided to stand up for his girlfriend. He had to set his mom straight here and now.”

“Ashley I know you THINK you know her but-“

“But I do KNOW her and YOU don’t.” His mother took a step back shocked.

Daisy looked away, she didn’t want to intrude in another family’s problems.

“I l-… I lov-……. I, Misty is my best friend and my girlfriend. I trust her with my life and then some. I know you’re worried about me. I know I’ve been gone a long time but mom, traveling makes me happy. Being with my friends makes me happy. I know you’re worried and….. lonely, but this is what makes me happy. Can’t you understand that?”

“Ashley I want you to be happy, I really do, I just want you to be safe.” Tears were rolling down Delia’s cheeks, not even the little Ash wiggling in her cooch could slow them down.

Ash suddenly felt insanely guilty, “Mom I just……..”

“Ash, I just want you to be safe. So many people have disappeared.”

“It’s true Ash, I don’t know if I’ll ever see my little brother again.” Daisy cut in sadly.

This was almost too much for Misty, she too was feeling extremely guilty.