This is my second AAML. I hope you like it, as it took a lot of time to figure out how I wanted it to go. This has no connection to my other AAML "Remember Where We Are Now" Please review.
When You're Gone
The pieces of my heart are missing you
When you're gone
The face I came to know is missing, too
When You're Gone, the words I need to hear, to always get me through the day
And make it okI miss you
Ages:
Ash: 16
Misty: 17
Brock: 18
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We see our three heroes on their way to the next town in Hoenn for Ash to get his next badge. The day is settling into late afternoon as they walk through the woods.
"Ok," Brock said, looking at the map, "The next town isn't for quite a few miles. We should find a place to camp tonight."
"Sounds good," Ash said stretching, Pikachu sitting on his shoulder.
"Yeah," Misty said, Togepi chirping in her arms. "I'm tired." They kept walking, pushing branches out of the way. The trees finally began to thin, until they found a small clearing.
"Here's a good spot," Brock said, taking his backpack off as he looked around. Ash and Misty did the same.
They all helped to get everything ready. Ash and Misty collected firewood, and Brock cooked dinner while they set up their sleeping bags.
After they ate, the light faded from the forest, revealing night. The only light was the light from the fire, and the soft glow of the moonlight.
They all agreed it was late, and they were all tired, so they decided to go to bed. Misty cuddled into her sleeping bag with an already dozing Togepi. Brock got in his after setting it up on the opposite side of the fire. Ash took off his jacket, pokeball belt and hat before getting into his own. Pikachu arched his back in a stretch, and joined his trainer.
The only sound in the camp was the sound of the crackling fire, as Misty lay awake.
She stared at Ash, who was lying in his sleeping bag a few feet away from her, his back facing her. She didn't know how long she was lying there, but it had to be a while. Sleep just wouldn't come to her, as it hadn't for a few nights.
Why can't I just tell him…? she thought, watching the steady motion of Ash's breathing. ….I don't know how much longer I can hold this in….. An uneasy pain began to fill her chest and her face became hot.
I have to tell him I love him. Her eyes began to fill with tears.
But how could he love me back? He couldn't… He hates me…
Misty tried to blink the tears away, but to no avail.
She needed some time by herself, so she started to slip out of her sleeping bag, making sure she didn't wake Togepi. She made sure the baby egg pokemon was still tucked in and fast asleep before standing up.
Misty just stood there, watching Ash. The feeling in her chest got worse, and she looked down as the tears threatened to fall. She sighed quietly, then headed through the trees.
Ash lay awake in his sleeping bag. He couldn't sleep, no matter how hard he tried. He couldn't stop thinking about Misty.
How am I supposed to tell her? Ash thought, sighing deeply. He had found that lately, his usual determination and excitement to collect badges began to fade as he thought about Misty more and more. His heart ached to tell her how he felt, and it worsened the longer he kept it inside. But he couldn't tell her. He feared that she didn't feel the same.
There's no way she could love me back… she'd just laugh at me… or she might even leave… I couldn't stand that…
His thoughts were interrupted as he heard movement behind him. He didn't think anything of it, guessing Misty was turning in her sleep. But the noise stopped and was replaced by the sound of footsteps.
Puzzled, he turned around to see what was happening. He found Misty's sleeping bag empty. He shifted his eyes toward the woods as he heard a small rustle of leaves. He was just in time to see Misty walking into the woods, wiping her eyes.
Where's she going? Ash thought worriedly. His eyes brows knitted together. …Was she crying…?
Ash became too worried, and decided to go see what was wrong. He carefully got out of his sleeping bag, trying not to wake Pikachu. But as he stood up, the electric mouse stirred and opened his eyes, looking up hazily at his trainer.
"Pikapi..?" he questioned softly.
"Shh," Ash said. "Don't worry, I'll be right back." He smiled, and headed in the direction Misty went. Pikachu watched him go, puzzled.
- - - - - -
Now that Misty was alone, she let her tears fall freely. She wiped them away when they made her vision too blurry to see.
She kept walking until she felt like she was far away enough from the camp to be alone. She found a dead log, and sat on it, burying her face in her hands.
She had started going off by herself every once in a while when the others were sleeping. She only did it when she felt upset, and couldn't hold her tears in anymore. She knew if she cried at the camp, someone might wake up and ask her what was wrong.
But she didn't want to tell anyone why she had been crying lately: it was because of Ash. Keeping her love for him inside was starting to make her sick. She felt worse each day she didn't tell him. But she thought it would be more painful to tell him, because he wouldn't return the feelings, and might even get mad. She couldn't stand to lose him.
Instead, she would just leave and let herself cry. Even though it did make her feel a little better, the sickness in her heart would just get worse.
What she really wanted was Ash to be there with her.
- - - - - - -
Ash walked though the trees, the moon his only light, which was little. He wasn't sure which way Misty went, or how far. He just tried to walk straight, pushing away a few branches.
He slowed as he thought he heard something. He then stopped and listened. It was quiet, then he heard a sob. He looked in that direction and followed it.
- - - - - - -
Misty's head shot up as she heard noises coming from the side. Her eyes became wide as she saw someone coming. She squinted as the figure got closer, and her heart jumped as she realized it was Ash.
"Ash…" she said through a sob. She was surprised to see him, and the feeling of longing built up in her chest as she looked at the one she loved.
"Misty…?" Ash said as he slowly approached her. "…What's wrong…?"
Misty looked away. Her heart pained as she heard his sweet voice, making more tears fall.
Ash rushed over to her, and hesitantly put a hand on her shoulder.
"Misty…?" he asked, his voice full of concern. "Come on… What's wrong?"
His touch made her shiver. Her heart pounded in her ears as she heard his soft voice, full of concern for her.
She avoided his eyes. "Nothing… I'm fine."
A look of hurt spread across Ash's face. Why couldn't she tell him? Did she not trust him?
He sat down next to her and tried to look at her face. "Misty… If you just walk away from camp in the middle of the night crying, something is wrong."
She closed her eyes. "I… can't tell you…" Fresh tears fell down her cheeks.
A lump formed in Ash's throat. He couldn't stand to see her so upset, especially when he couldn't do anything about it.
"Why not...?" he asked, pushing the words past the lump.
She wanted to tell him. She tried, but her fear held her back.
"I…. just can't…" Misty said helplessly. She began to sob uncontrollably.
Ash pulled her close to him, letting her lay her head on his chest. She buried her face into his shirt, letting the tears fall.
"It's ok, Misty…" Ash said softly, wrapping his arms around her. He lightly rocked her, talking to her softly. "It's ok…."
Ash wished she would tell him what was wrong. He felt so helpless when she was upset. So, he just held her, knowing that was the only thing he could do.
He held her for a few minutes until her sobs began to fade. She finally looked up at him, staring into his beautiful russet eyes. He looked back, a sweet smile spreading across his lips.
"You ok?" he asked. She nodded slightly.
Ash rubbed her arm a bit. He was still worried about her, but knew she didn't want to talk about it, and he didn't want to force her.
"We should get back," Ash said. She nodded again and he gently helped her stand. She looked up at him and into his eyes. Ash felt his lock as they made contact with hers. Misty's heart pounded painfully. She wanted nothing more than to tell him how much she loved him.
Lost in each other's eyes and not fully aware of themselves, they began to move their faces closer…
- - - - - -
Pikachu continued to stare in the direction Ash went. He frowned, trying to figure out why his trainer left like that.
His ear twitched, and he got up. He wasn't sure why, but he knew something was wrong.
- - - - - - -
Ash and Misty were interrupted as they heard a twig snap. They jerked their heads in the direction of the sound and froze.
A few feet away from them stood a Donphan. Even though it was dark, they could see it's eyes filled with anger. It stared menacingly, and scraped one of its feet on the ground.
Ash's heart jumped into his throat. He used one of his hands to gently push Misty behind him. He gently, but firmly held her arm to make sure she didn't try to leave his protection.
Misty gulped as she watched the angry pokemon from behind Ash. She grabbed the back of Ash's shirt as the pokemon huffed and dug its nails into the earth.
"Don't move…" Ash whispered to her, keeping his wide eyes on the Donphan. He wasn't normally afraid of wild pokemon, but he could tell this one was very angry.
Misty looked at Ash, then back at the Donphan, trying to calm the butterflies in her stomach.
The pokemon stopped putting cuts in the earth and stared at them. It watched for any movements.
Then it roared, and charged at them.
There wasn't enough time to react. It was running too fast, and they were too close to it. Ash just held Misty firmly behind him, determined not to let the angry pokemon hurt her.
Just before it could hit them, a small body slammed itself into the charging pokemon's side, sending rolling onto it's back.
Ash stared at the dazed pokemon, then tried to make out their rescuer. He became wide-eyed as he saw Pikachu.
"Pikachu!" Ash said in shock. Misty looked up, surprised to see the yellow mouse.
"Pikapi! Pika Pika Pikachu!" (Ash! Get out of here!)
Ash was about to argue, when the Donphan rolled over and back to its feet. His heart quickened, and he looked at Pikachu.
"Pika!" (Now!) Pikachu yelled, a look of determination on his face.
Ash's stomach twisted. Because Donphan was a ground type, Pikachu's electricity wouldn't hurt it. But he knew Pikachu was strong, and would be able to fight the Donphan. He knew that he couldn't protect Misty if they stayed there.
I have to make sure Misty is safe, he firmly told himself.
Ash looked at his pokemon one more time, then nodded and grabbed Misty's hand, running in the opposite direction.
The Donphan's eyes flashed as he saw the two trespassers get away. Enraged, he tried to chase them.
Pikachu charged and ran into the pokemon again. The Donphan was ready this time, and didn't fall over. Instead, he roared, and sent Pikachu into a tree with a swift motion of his trunk. The injured mouse fell to the ground, struggling to get up.
The Donphan returned its attention to the fleeing humans, and chased after them.
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Ash and Misty ran through the trees, hand in hand. They didn't know where they were going, or how far. They just knew they had to get away.
Ash whipped his head back as he heard a roar from behind. He watched in terror as the Donphan burst through the trees, gradually gaining on them.
Ash thought frantically. I can't let it get Misty! He thought, trying to figure out what to do. An idea finally came to him.
"Misty!" he called while she ran next to him. "We have to split up. Maybe we can confuse it!" He hoped she would agree, not telling her that as soon as they separated, he would make sure the Donphan chased him so she could get away.
Misty was too scared to argue. She nodded, and they reluctantly let go of each other. Ash continued to run forward while Misty turned to the left.
The Donphan came to an abrupt halt as the two ran in different directions. Ash came to a stop quickly and watched it.
It looked back and forth, it's eyes flashing with frustration. How was he supposed to get both of them now?
He huffed angrily, and ran after Misty.
Oh no you don't! Ash thought as he quickly picked up a rock about the size if his fist. He threw it as hard as he could and watched as it hit the Donphan on the back of the head. It whirled around with fury, spraying dirt everywhere.
"Hey Donphan!" Ash called in a challenging way. "Come and get me!"
Misty looked over her shoulder as she heard his voice. She came to a halt and turned around when she realized that Ash was standing still, calling the Donphan.
The angry pokemon scraped its foot on the ground, a glare in its eyes. Ash turned around and ran, the Donphan charging after him.
"NO!" Misty screamed. She frantically chased them, fear building in her chest.
Ash ran as fast as he could, trying to make sure the Donphan didn't decide to go after Misty. He didn't care what it took to keep her safe. He would do it.
His breath started becoming short and he gasped for air, but didn't slow. He continued to run until he suddenly ran through some trees and found himself in a clearing. He whipped his head back to see if it was still following him.
But just as he did, his foot caught in a hole, and he flew forward, his ankle twisting sharply.
He landed on his side and yelled, reaching for his ankle. He held it as his eyes teared up, the pain making his head swim.
He took a few deep breaths, and forced his eyes open, his vision blurry as his eyes continued to water. He looked at the woods he came from, and saw nothing coming.
He felt a strange emptiness behind him, almost like he was floating in the air. He turned his head around, and was shocked to see that he was right at the edge of a jagged cliff that dropped one hundred feet until it hit a rushing river.
He breathed deeply, half from fear and half from pain. He tried to clear his head so he could get away from his dangerous position.
He jerked his head around as he heard a great rush behind him. He was in time to see the Donphan jump out of the trees and land heavily into the clearing, glaring at him.
Ash's heart jumped as he stared into the furious eyes of his pursuer. His head still swimming, he tried to get up, but couldn't support his weight on his badly injured ankle. He just held it again and watched as the Donphan left gashes in the earth and charged him.
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Misty managed too keep up with the Donphan. She was far enough back that it didn't know she was following it, and close enough that she never lost sight of it.
Her heart was pounding, and a hard lump of fear formed in her throat, making it hard to breath. She couldn't see Ash. He was too far ahead to see. She just hoped he would get away safely.
She came to a halt right behind some trees as she saw the Donphan leap forward and land in a small clearing with a great thud. It was standing there looking at something. She gasped for air, and quietly moved to the side too see what it was looking at.
Her breath caught when she saw Ash on the ground by a cliff, holding his ankle.
Before she could do anything, she saw the Donphan charge at Ash. Without thinking, she leapt out of the trees.
"ASH!" she screamed. He only had a second to look at her as the Donphan collided with him and sent him over the cliff. The Donphan was running too fast, and fell after him.
"NOOOO!!!!!" Misty cried. She ran to the cliff and fell to her knees when she reached the edge.
She barely noticed the Donphan as she saw Ash's body repeatedly collide with the jagged wall before he hit the water below.
Her vision was completely blurred as tears poured out of her eyes, falling into the grass in front of her. She was in too much shock to move, her heart threatening to beat out of her chest.
She managed to lift her hand up and wipe the tears away and look down the river. Even though it was dark, the moonlight reflected off the water, making the river somewhat visible.
She searched and searched, hoping to see Ash emerge from the water.
A movement on the side caught her eye, and she looked. She watched as the Donphan pulled itself out of the river a few yards down, shake itself off, and run back into the woods.
Her entire body felt numb. Her arms, which were supporting her, trembled and threatened to give under her weight. The tears fell from her eyes, and she did nothing to stop them. She wasn't aware that she stopped breathing.
…Ash… he's gone…
She didn't hear as Pikachu bounded out of the woods and ran to her. She barely felt it as he shook her. Her breath returned, but she still felt numb.
"Pikachupi! Pikachu Pika Pika Pikapi!?" (Misty! What happened to Ash!?) She didn't hear him, his little voice too distant in her head.
When Misty didn't answer him, Pikachu followed her eyes as they stared at the river. He looked back at her and watched as tears rolled down her cheeks. With all this information, he realized what happened.
His ears drooped and his eyes began to tear as he shook Misty, trying to make her respond.
"Pikachupi… Pika Pikapi?" (Misty… Where's Ash?)
She heard him this time, and turned her head to look at him. She blinked and said, "A…Ash… went over the… cliff."
Pikachu felt his own tears fall as this was said. The confirmation of what happened made him more upset. He began speaking, hoping Misty would listen.
Misty was still in shock, but could hear what Pikachu said.
"Pika Pika Pi, Pikachu! Pikachu Pi, Pika Pikachu!" (We have to find him! Let's go tell Brock what happened!)
Misty finally forced most of her senses to return, but the shock remained in her chest. She managed a nod, then shakily got up and ran through the woods, Pikachu following.
She wasn't sure which way she came from, but she ran as fast as she could, trying to remember where the camp was. With Pikachu's help, it didn't take long before they found themselves standing in it.
"Brock!" she ran over to her sleeping friend. She fell to her knees and started shaking him, her voice frantic. "Brock! Wake up!"
Brock stirred slightly, then sat up abruptly. He looked at Misty's face, and his own fell.
"What happened!?" He knew something was wrong because she looked terrified, and tears fell from her eyes.
Misty took a shaky breath. "A-Ash f-fell over a cliff, and into a r-river," she sobbed. Brock's face showed shock.
"Where!? When!?" he said as he jumped out of his sleeping bag and stood up.
"A f-few minutes ago, p-pretty far back in the w-woods."
"Show me!"
Misty stood up shakily. She turned as she heard Togepi chirping, the baby pokemon running over to her. She picked her up, then re-entered the woods with Pikachu and Brock.
Because it was so dark and Misty's shock still hadn't left her, she was glad that Pikachu knew the way, sniffing it out when he wasn't sure.
It didn't take long for them to emerge into the clearing. Misty pointed at the cliff, and they all ran up to it.
They looked down and saw the water race below. Misty looked at Brock, waiting for him to say something. He just stood there, staring.
He gulped nervously. "He fell down there..?" Misty nodded, feeling sick.
"Did…. Did he hit the cliff's wall…?"
A lump formed in Misty's throat as she nodded.
Brock's hand went to his face. He covered his eyes and took a deep breath as he tried to calm himself.
"Ok…" he said. "Let's get back to the camp and pack up. Maybe if we follow the river, we can find him."
Misty nodded and followed him as he ran back through the woods.
When they reached the clearing, they picked up everything as fast as they could. Brock got a flashlight out of his bag, rolled up his sleeping bag, and put out the fire. Misty rolled up her own sleeping bag, then Ash's, and put his jacket and pokeball belt into his bag.
Brock hoisted his backpack onto his shoulders, then put Ash's over it. He focused the flashlight on the map and planned their route while Misty picked up her own bag, and held Togepi in both arms.
Brock moved his mouth silently as he planned their route. He turned to Misty and said, "Let's go." She and Pikachu followed him as he went through the woods.
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The first thing Ash noticed when he regained consciousness was pain.
He didn't open his eyes, only slightly groaned as he felt his body hurt everywhere. He could feel cold water running over his legs. His head swam, and it was hard to think.
He tried to take a deep breath, then stopped as pain inflamed his side. He winced, waiting for it to stop. It only softened, his heart beating quickly.
He finally forced his eyes open. Even after he focused them, he could barely tell where he was. It was too dark.
He worked his mind to try to figure out what happened. He finally remembered that it was night, and that's why he couldn't see. Then he remembered being pushed off the cliff by the Donphan, and everything going black before he hit the water.
He kept his breaths shallow. He didn't know what was wrong with him, but he knew it hurt to breath.
He gingerly lifted his head. It swam and he almost fainted, so he laid it back down. He slowly moved a hand up and touched his wet forehead. He was slightly puzzled when he noticed that the wetness was warm. It didn't feel like water; it was sticky.
He removed his hand from his head and moved it close to his eyes. He squinted, trying to make out what it was. Even though it was dark he could see what it was: blood.
His heart raced. I'm bleeding… He thought about the pain in his side. How bad am I hurt…?
Trying to keep his head clear, he attempted to get up again. He did it slowly, trying to make sure he didn't faint. It hurt his head, but he was able to sit up.
He regretted it.
His side burned with pain, almost making him fall back to the ground. But he forced himself to stay up, wanting to see if he could stand.
He looked behind him and saw a tree a few inches away. He rolled onto his knees and crawled to it, pulling his legs out of the water. His side burned painfully. When he got to it, he put a hand on it and tried to lift himself up. As if it wasn't painful enough, his weight gave under his left ankle as it swarmed with pain, sending him back to the ground.
The collision made him yell, his entire body throbbing. He lay there, trying his best to catch his breath without breathing too deeply. He closed his eyes, waiting for the pain to subside.
After regaining his breath, he laid there, trying to figure out what to do.
…I'm hurt so bad I can't even get up… he thought. What am I supposed to do….? He breathed as deeply as he could without hurting his side.
…I guess I have to stay here tonight…
He tried his best to calm his mind and fall asleep, thinking some sleep might make him feel better. It was easier than he thought, as he felt very tired.
Just before he drifted into sleep, his last thought was:
…I hope Misty's ok…
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The second, and probably last chapter, will hopefully be posted soon. Please Review.
Chorus from the song "When You're Gone" by Avril Lavigne
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or any of the characters. I do not own Avril Lavigne, or the song "When You're Gone."