Well, here's another AAML. This has no connections to any of my other stories. Again, I don't have May or Max, and Misty still has Togepi. Please read, review and enjoy.

Ages:

Ash: 16

Misty: 17

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Ash and Misty walked through a shaded forest full of thin trees in Hoenn, trying to find their way to the next Pokemon Center so they could rest. It was just the two of them because Brock went home for a while to attend a party for his parents' anniversary. He said that Ash and Misty could come, but Ash, even though he appreciated the invitation, didn't want to get to far behind in his training. The trip to Kanto, the party, and the trip back would take too long. Misty said she wanted to stay to keep an eye on Ash; but she really just wanted to be alone with him.

Because Brock was always the peacekeeper when Ash and Misty started their usual arguments, his absence gave them a chance to fight almost nonstop. Misty would get frustrated, wishing that she could control her temper and stop fighting with him. She really just wanted to tell him how she really felt; she wanted to tell him she loved him.

Luckily, right now was one of the few times they were getting along. But with these two, it was only a matter of time until they started fighting again.

Misty held the map in one hand and her baby egg pokemon Togepi in her other arm. She turned the map upside down, then upright. The light that streamed down through the treetops gave enough light to read it.

Ugh, this map is so stupid, she thought, turning it again. There's no words, it's just a bunch of lines… Luckily, she did know where they were on the map, it was just hard to tell which way to go.

Misty stopped walking and looked at it. Her eyebrows knitted and she said, "Um… I think it's this way."

Ash was tagging behind her, with his electric mouse Pikachu walking next to him, looking through the trees to see if he could find a better route. At her words, Ash caught up with her and looked at the map in her hand.

"Where?" he asked. Pikachu bounded up next to him, cocking his head as he watched the two humans try to decide the way to go.

"Right there," Misty said, making a small head gesture toward a brown line on the map because she didn't have a free hand. "I think that line is the route that takes out of the forest."

Ash saw it, and followed it with his eyes. It looked like a long route, but from what he could tell, it would take them to the Pokemon Center, which was shaped like a little box on the map.

His eyes wandered back down the line, and a blue line caught his eye. It took a different direction through the forest, it was smaller, and looked like it lead to the Pokemon Center.

"What about that way?" Ash said, pointing at the line. "That looks a lot shorter."

Misty looked at the line and followed it. He was right; it was shorter. She frowned slightly, as if trying to decide if it was still the right way. She looked in the direction they were walking, toward the line that she pointed at. A lot of light streamed through the treetops, and the trees looked like they started to thin, making it seem like a road was about to start. She then turned her head in the direction of the line Ash pointed at. It looked darker, and the trees were just as thick as they were here.

"I don't know, Ash…" Misty said, looking at the dark trees doubtfully. "It's shorter, but… it doesn't look right."

"Aww, come on, Misty," Ash said. "You want to get to the Pokemon Center faster, don't you?" Misty sighed as she considered, then looked at him. He was almost frowning.

Uh-oh… she thought. He's got that stubborn look again…It was a long day, and she wasn't in the mood for fighting, so she tried to control her temper. If I keep arguing with him, I'll never be able to tell him how I feel… If I can even get the guts…

Trying to sound calm and convincing, Misty said, "Yes, Ash, I do, but that route looks dangerous." She gestured at the route she saw. "I think we should go this way."

Ash looked at the map, then glanced at the route. He frowned, then looked at her. Pikachu gulped, hoping there wasn't a fight in the making.

"What do you mean dangerous?" He looked through the trees in the direction he had pointed at. "It looks fine." He looked back at Misty. She still looked unsure.

Ash frowned again, trying to convince her that it would save them time. "How do you even know the way we're going is the right way?" he asked, but not offensively.

Ugh, here we go again… Misty thought. She knew that he didn't mean it offensively, so she said calmly, "Well, how do you know that way is the right way?" Without thinking, she continued. "I think I can probably read the map better than you."

Ash looked offended. He folded his arms and said, "What makes you think that? You've got us lost a million times!"

Misty's face scrunched up. That's it, you little twerp. She clenched her fist, crumpling part of the map, and anger began to rise in her chest. Pikachu put a paw on his head and sweatdropped, knowing all too well what was coming.

"What are you talking about!?" Misty shouted. "YOU were the one who always got us lost!"

Ash frowned further, unfolded his arms, and clenched his fists. "I was not! You just don't know how to read a map!"

"And you DO!?" Misty yelled, taking a step toward him. "YOU were always the one trying to read the map, or act like you knew where you were going when we got lost!" Pikachu put up both paws, and gestured in a calming way, trying to make them stop. Togepi whimpered as her mother yelled.

Ignoring his yellow friend, Ash took a step closer to Misty, making their faces inches apart. "I was not!"

"You were too!"

"Were not!"

"Were too!'

"Were not!"

"Were too!"

"Were not!"

"Were too!"

"Were no-"

The words were stopped as Pikachu released a powerful thunderbolt, engulfing Ash in yellow light. He screamed in agony as the attack coursed through his body. When it stopped, Ash lay on the ground, his clothes covered in scorch marks.

Misty winced as she saw him heaped on the ground. Guilt joined the anger in her chest because she had started the fight.

She sighed and shook her head. See what you're doing Misty? Instead of telling him you love him, you fight with him, and he gets hurt. Just learn to control your temper…The anger she was directing at him started to be directed at herself.

Just before she could ask him if he was ok, Ash jumped up onto his feet, clenched his fists and glared at the yellow mouse who shocked him.

"Pikachu! What did you do that for!?" he asked angrily.

Pikachu frowned, and wagged a finger at him. "Pikapi! Pika Pika Pikachu Pikachupi! Pikachu!"

Realizing that Ash was ok, Misty just stood there, listening to the conversation. She didn't know what Pikachu was saying, although she recognized Ash's name and her own.

Ash pointed at Misty without looking at her, making her slightly jump. "Then why didn't you shock Misty, too!?" he retorted. The comment made Misty gulp.

"Pika Pika Pikachupi Pika Pika Pipipi, Pikachu!" Pikachu said, now folding his own little arms.

Ash's anger left his face, and was replaced with a smirk. He lowered his pointing finger and chuckled.

Misty eyed him. She wasn't sure if she wanted to know, but asked, "What's so funny?"

Ash adjusted his hat and looked at her. "The only reason Pikachu didn't shock you too is because he didn't want to hurt Togepi," he said mockingly.

Misty gulped again. He's making that up, she thought. She looked at Pikachu. He nodded in affirmation, and gave her a warning look. Misty smiled nervously. Ash laughed at the look on her face, then turned around and started walking away.

Misty blinked as she watched him go. "Hey! Where are you going!?"

Ash turned around and looked at her. "I'm taking the shortcut to the Pokemon Center. Now come on!"

Misty sighed in frustration, then rolled her eyes. He drives me crazy… he has such a thick head and he's so stubborn.

Shaking her head, she put the map in her bag, decided to give in, and followed him as he walked through the woods. She knew she couldn't win against his stubbornness. Pikachu sighed, and bounded after them.

Ash walked ahead with Pikachu now on his shoulder. Misty stayed in the back, still having slight anger with him, but most of it at herself. They walked in silence, keeping to their own thoughts. Pikachu looked at Ash, then looked behind him at Misty, then back again. He sighed sadly, and shook his head.

I have to stop yelling at him…Misty told herself. She stared blankly at the ground next to her. I don't know why it's so hard to stop… She sighed. I guess it's because I automatically defend myself with anger because my sisters always made fun of me…

Ash turned his head briefly to look at Misty. She was looking aside, a thoughtful look on her face. Ash looked ahead of himself so she wouldn't catch him looking at her.

"Pikapi? Pika Pikachu? (Ash? Are you ok?)" Pikachu asked quietly.

"Hmmm? Oh, I'm ok, buddy," Ash said in a low voice so Misty wouldn't hear him. Pikachu folded his arms and frowned, not believing his trainer.

Ash noticed and chuckled. "Oh come on, you already know what the problem is." Pikachu cocked his head.

Ash sighed. "You know I'm sick of fighting with Misty. I just wish I could have the guts to tell her… you know…" Pikachu smirked, and stared at Ash. He stared him down, and wanted him to say it.

Ash rolled his eyes. "Ok…" his face went pink. "I wish I could tell her that I love her… Happy?" Pikachu smiled teasingly and nodded.

Ash looked ahead of himself. He briefly scratched the back of his head before saying, "Well, the only reason I fight with her is so she won't figure it out…" He frowned. "But now I think we're just fighting too much…"

Pikachu frowned sympathetically, then patted Ash's head with a paw. "Pika Pika Pikapi. (It'll be ok, Ash.)"

Ash smiled. "I hope so."

Pikachu nodded as Ash returned his attention to his destination.

The electric mouse looked back and forth at the trainers again, then sweatdropped with a sigh. He hated that the two couldn't just tell each other how they felt, and neither of them could figure out that the other felt the same. It frustrated him, and made him sad.

They continued to walk through the trees, the only sound the crunching of leaves under their feet, and the occasional chirp from Togepi.

Before long, the sound of rushing water reached their ears. The two young teens stopped and listened intently, squinting their eyes with confusion. Pikachu's ears twitched as he looked around for the source of the sound. After a few seconds, Misty ran up to Ash and stood next to him. They looked at each other, both seeming to forget their earlier argument, and walked forward, where the sound was coming from.

The sound got louder and louder until they could hear it over the leaves under their feet. Before long, they finally found its source. The ground they stood on ended abruptly, and dropped fifty feet until it hit a rushing river. The deep crevice stretched about twenty feet before reaching the other side.

Misty looked around the woods that surrounded them, then looked back down at the water. Her frustration began to build. I told him…she fumed. I told him this way was a bad idea. She took a breath. He just doesn't listen. He's so stubborn, I hate it when he doesn't listen… She couldn't contain herself any longer.

She abruptly turned to him and yelled, "You see!?" Ash jumped in surprise at the sudden outburst and looked at her with wide eyes. Pikachu hid his face behind Ash's head. "You didn't listen to me, and now look where we are!" She pointed at the river. "How are we supposed to get across this!?"

Ash gulped nervously under her stare and glanced at Pikachu. He looked back at her and asked questioningly, "What are you so worried about?" He turned to the river and looked to his left. His eyes followed the shore until they stopped on something. He saw a dead tree that stretched from their side to the other like a bridge.

Deciding that was the way, he walked the few yards down to it, turned to Misty and said, "We can cross it on this."

Misty's eyes widened. "Are you crazy!?" she said, thinking it was a terrible idea. "We can't cross that!" Her eyes wandered to the fast moving water, and she began to feel nauseous at the height. "It's dangerous!"

"It is not," Ash said confidently. "Watch." Before Misty could stop him, he set a foot on the log, pressed down to test it, then took a step across, now with both feet on it.

"Ash, no!" Misty said running to the log. She wanted to stop him, but when she got there, she was too scared to move and he was too far away to reach.

"It's too dangerous!" she said desperately, her heart beating quickly. "Come back, please!" she begged. "You'll fall!"

Ash didn't listen. He held his arms slightly at his sides for balance, trying to keep his eyes on the opposite shore. Pikachu held tightly onto Ash's hat, shaking as he eyed the water below. He was scared, but he trusted Ash, so he didn't try to stop him.

Misty just watched, her heart pounding as thoughts of something happening to him played in her head.

When Ash was about halfway across, he took another step and his shoe slipped as he stepped on a slimy part of the log. His stomach jumped into his throat as he started to lose his balance.

Misty gasped and her hand flew to her mouth. "Ash, be careful!" she called, knowing she couldn't help him and frantically hoping that he wouldn't fall.

Ash managed to bring his loose foot back onto the log and steady himself. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his heart as it beat quickly at the scare of the close call, and continued forward.

Misty continued to watch, her eyes never leaving him. Her heart felt like it would burst as she thought about what would happen if he fell.

Finally, Ash put one foot onto the other side, then took a small leap to get his other foot on it.

Misty sighed in relief. Why does he do that? she thought with exasperation. She closed her eyes and tried to force her heart to stop beating so fast. He always gets in trouble and almost gets himself killed… He's gonna give me a heart attack one of these days…

Ash glanced at the water below and smiled at his success. As Pikachu loosened his grip on his hat and sighed with relief, Ash looked at Misty on the other side.

"See? It's easy!" he called across the river. He beckoned her on with a hand. "Now come on!"

Misty's eyes shot up and looked at him. Easy!? You almost fell! she was about to yell; but she stopped herself. She knew yelling at him wouldn't do any good, and she needed to stop doing it all the time.

"Misty, come on! It'll be fine!" Ash called, using his hands to amplify his voice. His tone was encouraging.

Misty gulped. She didn't want to cross, but she knew she had to; Ash wouldn't come back, and she didn't want him to cross again, too afraid that he might fall this time.

Trying to calm her nauseous stomach, Misty paused long enough to put Togepi in her bag to keep her safe, then eyed the log. She took a breath and hesitantly put a foot on it.

She froze as she looked at the water below. Her heart sounded in her ears, and she didn't want to move.

"Just don't look down!' Ash called. Pikachu waved his small arms and joined Ash's encouragement.

At his words, Misty's eyes shot up, and looked into his. His russet eyes sparkled with support, a sweet smile spreading across his lips.

Misty's stomach burned as she saw his eyes. Well, he's being really supportive… she thought. …Maybe I can do it. Summoning some courage, she smiled and took another step.

Now that she was standing on the log, she realized it wasn't too bad; if she just kept her eyes on Ash's, she knew she could make it.

She took his advice and didn't look down; she just tried to watch him as he beckoned her on with support.

Finally, she was almost to the other side. When she was about a foot away, she was surprised as Ash took a step forward and reached a hand out to her. Misty stopped walking and looked at his hand, then back at him. He smiled sweetly, and she saw that he really wanted to help. She smiled back and took his hand.

As soon as they touched, her stomach burned hotter. She tried not to blush and looked at the log so she could hide her red face.

Ash led her the rest of the way, and Misty's feet were finally back on the ground.

Ash let go of her hand, and she bent down slightly and tried to catch her breath, her heart beating quickly.

"See? That wasn't so bad, was it?" Ash asked with a smile.

Misty looked at him. She still thought it was a dangerous thing to do, but with his support, it was easy.

She smiled. "No, it wasn't that bad."

Ash nodded. "Ok, let's go." He turned around and continued walking. Misty grinned and followed him.

Misty got the map back out of her bag after a few minutes. Togepi was taking a nap, so she left her in the bag. When she looked at the map, it was hard to tell if they were on the right path. She looked around at the surrounding trees, then back at the map to try and confirm where they were. She started to feel a bit panicky; it was almost impossible to know if they were going the right way.

Misty didn't know how long they were walking, but something wasn't right. When she looked at the map, she realized that, according to the length of the shortcut, they should have been out of the woods by now.

Finally, the trees began to thin. Misty noticed, and started to feel relieved. Hopefully, the Pokemon Center was up ahead and they could finally leave all these woods.

When they finally got out of the trees, they found themselves on a dirt road. It stretched about ten feet across, then more trees started on the other side. The two teens glanced up and down the road with confusion, trying to figure out why they couldn't see the Center.

Misty's head whipped back and forth, looking at the road. She looked back at the map; she looked at the line and followed it, trying to figure out why they hadn't reached their destination.

She froze as her eyes met the middle of the line. She stared at it and saw that it didn't lead there; it turned to the side and lead to another route that was farther away.

I can't believe this… she fumed, her face beginning to burn with anger. He just had to pick the route that takes us farther away from the Pokemon Center…She felt like she was going to lose it; she started to get so angry with him. Why couldn't he just listen? The map was hard to read, but she knew where to go; but instead, she let herself be dragged along on another one of his stupid 'shortcuts', and they didn't have any idea where they were.

Ash looked up and down the road, scratching his head with a dumbfounded look on his face. Pikachu jumped off his shoulder and looked up and down the road, confused at their location.

Ash turned around and looked at Misty. "Uh… where are we?" he asked. She just stood there, staring at the map.

Ash's eyebrows met in confusion at the look on her face. "Misty? Where are we?"

Misty looked up from the map and looked at him, her face red with anger. She was sick of it; she couldn't stand it anymore.

"You picked this route! Why don't you tell me where we are!?"

Ash stepped back quickly in fear. He was used to her yelling at him, but her voice seemed full of so much venom, it scared him. Even Pikachu seemed scared; he covered his ears and stared at Misty with fear in his eyes.

Ash gulped and stared at her, trying to decide if responding was a good idea. Not sure what else to say, he said, "You're the one with the map! You should know where we are!"

Misty formed her hand into a fist, crumpling the map again. She swiftly shoved the map back into her bag, luckily without disturbing Togepi. She slung it back on her shoulder and stared at him. "You were the one who acted like you knew where we were going!" she snapped. "You got us lost again!"

"I did not!" Ash retorted, some of his fear disappearing as he tried to defend himself. "And we're not lost!" He fumbled over his thoughts and tried to think of what to say. "We just took a wrong turn, or maybe we-"

"ASH, YOU'RE SO DENSE!!!"

Misty's outburst made Ash clamp his mouth shut instantly as his heart made an uncomfortable jump in his chest. Pikachu cringed.

Misty breathed heavily as she boiled with anger. She couldn't take it anymore.

"You're so helpless!" she said in an accusing voice. "You think you know everything, and we always get lost because of you!" She took a step toward him. He stepped back, fear building in his eyes and chest. She looked like she was going to kill him.

Misty continued to yell, not holding back any of the frustration he had caused her. "You're stubborn, you're thickheaded, and you never listen! I don't know why I even bother with you!" She waved her hand. "Why don't you just go off on your own if you're so smart, Mr. Pokemon Master!? See if anybody besides me cares, and will put up with your stupidity! You drive me nuts, Ash Ketchum!"

A deathly silence followed her words. Misty sighed heavily, trying to catch her breath. Her heart beat quickly as her anger still fumed, although the yelling made her feel better.

As Misty's words sunk in, Ash's face fell. His heart felt uncomfortable as it beat oddly in his chest, and a lump quickly formed in his throat. It hurt as he took a small breath, and his eyes felt hot as they began to moisten.

As soon as Misty noticed, all of her rage disappeared. She just stared at him, her only feelings pure guilt at how much she had just hurt him with her brutal words, and hate at herself for daring to hurt the one she loved so much.

No… she though desperately, wishing she hadn't said any of the things she had just yelled. I… I can't believe I just… Her heart sank. Why did I do that…?

She… she thinks I'm stupid? Ash thought, his hands starting to shake. I… I know sometimes I can be… but…He took a shuddering breath.

She… hates me… He closed his eyes, and a tear fell down his cheek. She hates me… she doesn't want me around…

A lump formed in Misty's throat, and her heart broke as she saw the tear fall down his cheek. She started to shake involuntarily, and her own eyes became wet.

She took a quivering breath and tried to force words past the painful lump. "Ash, I…"

Before she could continue, Ash turned around and ran away. Pikachu looked at Misty sadly, tears in his eyes, then ran after him.

"Ash! Wait!" Misty called. She started chasing after him. It was hard to run as the lump and the guilt made it hard to breathe. All she could think about was how much she hurt him, and how much she hated herself for doing it.

"Ash!" Misty yelled, trying desperately to make him listen. "Wait!" But the more she called, the faster he seemed to run.

Misty finally slowed. She gradually came to a stop as the difficulty to breathe worsened as she sobbed, tears beginning to spill out of her eyes. Her legs buckled and she fell to her knees, choking for air.

She hung her face over the ground, and closed her eyes tight, trying to control her shaking limbs.

"Ash…" she choked. "I'm sorry…"

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Second and last chapter will be up soon. Please review.