Disclaimer: Don't Own Pokemon!
A/N: Alrighty, here we go with another one of my Christmas fics! With finals finally over, most of my time has been devoted to writing this fic and getting it out in time for Christmas. I really hope you guys enjoy this first chapter and don't forget to review at the end! Thanks!
This Gift
Chapter 1
The day was a dreary mess of snow and dimness, the sun being cast away by the angry looking clouds up above. The thunder rumbled and the lightning flashed brightly, illuminating the bustling streets of Cerulean City. Snow was packed heavily onto the ground, a result of the past weeks snowfall, and light flakes of cold continued to fall upon the buildings and homes of the thriving metropolis with no indication of it stopping.
But, despite the harsh weather conditions, people were still out and about, shopping, conversing with one another, and getting in their last minute Christmas supplies before the dreaded holiday full of holly and gifts was upon them. Christmas was only a mere two weeks away and the simple thought of it all had sent holiday shoppers into a frenzy, killing their paychecks on any and everything on their Christmas lists. As a result, the city's shopping district was packed to capacity with people practically spilling out of the stores in a mad rush of excitement and frustration.
Amidst all the commotion, however, the city's pride and joy, the gym, stood proud and dark amidst the shadows of the bustling town, its lights off and its gates closed to the public. Ornaments and garland hung elegantly off of its gates and around the prestigious building, while Christmas lights, though they did not twinkle, were wrapped painstakingly around the posts and sides of the building, completing its Christmas-y look. The snow that continued to fall lay gently to rest on the décor, giving the gym an ambience of good will and cheer, however, the residents that stood, huddled, just behind the massive building, felt anything but joyous.
Twenty-five year old Misty Waterflower stood, shoulders hunched and shivering, though not from the cold, in front of a small marble tablet on the ground, a bouquet of various flowers adorning its surroundings. Her sisters, namely Daisy, Lily, and Violet, huddled around her, their heads bowed in respect and their eyes closed in silent prayer. Finally, twenty-five year old Ash Ketchum stood beside his shivering red haired girlfriend, hands in his pockets and a somber expression showing through his usually bright and cheery eyes.
The small marble tablet that decorated the ground in front of them bore the name of one of Misty's dearest friends and pokemon partners and looking at the painful reminder made her heart shatter into a million little pieces that she doubted she'd ever be able to put back together. She had never felt so broken, so helpless, before in her life and she knew she was experiencing the worst type of pain possible. The pain of losing a partner, a loved one…she wasn't sure if she could ever or would ever recover from it all. The pain was just too great and even with all of the support from her sisters and Ash, Misty never thought she'd see the day where she'd be burying and mourning over one of her closest pokemon friends.
Ash sighed, his eyes shifting over to Misty's distraught form. In all the years he had known her, he had never seen her in such a state. Her usually vibrant blue eyes were clouded over in grief and something else he couldn't discern – possibly guilt? – and her whole demeanor made him want to take her pain and make it his own, for he would do just about anything to see her beautiful smile again. Ash would do just about anything for this girl and he knew she would inevitably go to him for guidance and support. And he would be there for her, as he always was.
Taking a small step towards her still shivering form, Ash slipped out of his own jacket and draped it over Misty's shoulders. She flinched at the sudden warmth, but soon relaxed and turned to look into her boyfriend's eyes. She offered him a teary smile and leaned into his shoulder, pulling his coat tighter around her body. Ash wrapped his arm around her and lightly kissed her temple, leaving his head to rest on her head for a moment longer.
"You okay?" he asked softly, almost so gently that she almost missed it.
Misty regarded him with a numb nod and turned her head towards him, closing her eyes in the process, "I just…I feel like I could've prevented this, like I should have seen it coming or done something, anything..." she shivered again as a fresh batch of tears found their way to her eyes.
"Mist, there wasn't anything you could've done that you didn't already do," he whispered soothingly, rubbing her shoulder in an attempt to comfort her, "This isn't your fault."
Misty sniffled in response, "I know, I just…" unable to finish her sentence, she knelt down towards the snow and gently caressed the polished marble slab, it's black letters serving as a harsh reminder of what she had lost. Her tears soon fell once more, the salty drops dripping upon the white stone and mixing with the falling snow, "My sweet, innocent, little Corsola…I'm so sorry I couldn't do more. I should've been a better person, a better trainer then maybe you…"
She couldn't continue before more sobs racked her frame and it wasn't long before she was swept up in Ash's warm arms, his hands rubbing softly against her heaving back.
"Don't do this to yourself, Misty, please," he begged, holding her tight and feeling his heart break with each sob that escaped her lips, "None of this is your fault. Corsola died of circumstances that you couldn't possibly have prevented. There was nothing you could do."
"Ash is, like, right Mist," soothed Daisy, the eldest of the Waterflower sisters. The three sisters had all but remained silent throughout the course of the small ceremony they had arranged for their sister's departed pokemon and figured that the only thing that would mend Misty's broken heart would be time. But even in times like these, they were family and all each other had in terms of that, and the sisters knew they would do all they could to comfort their distraught sister in her moment of need.
"Corsola wouldn't have wanted you to blame yourself," added Violet, the second eldest, as she placed a gentle hand on Misty's shoulder.
Lily gave a soft-hearted smile in the direction of her youngest sister, "She's, like, in a better place now."
Lifting her head up to look at her older sisters in full, Misty gave them a tiny nod and wiped the tears away from her already tear streaked cheeks. Feeling a bit stronger, she released Ash and engulfed her sisters in a much needed family hug. The four sisters acted as a wall of strength for one another, though Daisy, Lily, and Violet hadn't always showed their caring side for their youngest sister in years past, times had changed and so had they. Now, they were as close as family could get and through thick and thin, they would get through this and come out of it better than ever.
Ash smiled to himself at the sight set before him. It was times like these where he knew Misty truly appreciated having sisters, as much as she used to gripe about them when they were younger. And it was times like these where even Ash himself was appreciative of their presence. As dimwitted and oblivious as they sometimes could be, Ash knew Misty relied on them as a source of strength and love, for they were the only true family she had and the only females she could depend on.
Looking around, Ash noted how the weather seemed to have eased up a bit since their ceremony had begun. Instead of the rumbling of the thunder and the flashing of the lightening overhead, all that was left were the darkened clouds and a snowfall that seemed relentless.
'A white Christmas,' Ash thought to himself, noting how pristine and beautiful the snow truly looked upon the surrounding trees and the gym that loomed just behind them.
A shuffling soon broke Ash out of his train of thought and he turned to be met with Daisy's eyes, which seemed to be telling him that they were bringing Misty inside. He nodded in response and the four sisters, all hanging off one another as a means of support, slowly walked away from the tiny shrine. Ash's eyes followed Misty's small frame all the way to the gym's backdoor and, though her back was towards him, he could tell that her crying hadn't ceased.
Sighing, Ash knelt down towards what was Corsola's final resting place and laid a single white rose upon its marble face. He stared back at the words carved into the tablet and ran a single finger across its cold surface.
"Sorry you couldn't live to see another Christmas, Corsola," breathed Ash, his hot breath coming out in clouds due to the cold, "You may never realize how much Misty truly loved you."
Standing, Ash brushed himself off of the excess snow and shoved his hands in his pockets. He gave Corsola's grave one last glance before turning towards the gym. He took a few steps towards the entrance before stopping, however, and giving the grave a sideways glance.
"See ya round Corsola, take care of yourself and watch over Misty for me."
With that said, Ash walked solemnly back to the gym.
***
"What? But can't it wait until after Christmas?"
Ash was trying his very best to keep his voice down, but was having a terrible time trying to convey his distaste and, quite frankly, felt like chucking his cellular phone out of the window. But, he figured, that probably wouldn't bode too well with the Waterflower family if he went breaking their windows and nothing could compare to the simultaneous wrath of four sisters scorned, something Ash had learned too little too late a few years back.
It had already been several days since the makeshift funeral for Misty's Corsola and Ash had made it his sworn duty to not leave her side. She had been left broken, utterly responsible for her pokemon's death – even though Ash knew otherwise – and he was not about to let her mourn alone. If anything, he knew she would need that shoulder to cry on, that extra person to talk to and, that soul to love her unconditionally, like he had for the past ten years or so. She needed to feel loved, to feel that it was no fault of hers that Corsola had died, and the feeling that Ash understood what she was going through, even though he couldn't possibly fathom what she was going through.
"But what if I…no, no of course not, I just thought we could reschedule it…" Ash was pacing in the living room of the gym and thanking his lucky stars no one was around to see. Finally, he stopped his pacing and, instead, took refuge in front of the window that led to the gym's front gates. Hand in his pocket, he sighed and rolled his neck back in frustration, "I understand where you're coming from but I've been dealing with a bit of a family emergency here…in Cerulean City…yes, I realize this isn't my hometown, but I…no, I'll just--I'll call you back later, okay? Yes, that's fine. Bye."
Ash, grateful that his conversation with his manager was over, slammed his phone shut and shoved it into his pocket, turning the ringer to silent in the process. Who knew being the youngest pokemon master in the history of Kanto could be so much work? It seemed his phone was constantly ringing – it was usually his manager or the President of the Pokemon League himself - and he couldn't quite afford to ignore them completely. He had certain obligations, after all, and his staff and those that looked up to him never let him forget it.
However, he'd be damned if that stupid phone rang again and, if it did, it would be all too soon. Then, he'd probably seriously have to consider buying the Waterflowers a new window…
Folding one arm across his chest and cupping his chin with his free hand, he stared out into the streets of Cerulean City. It was such a beautiful sight. The kids were out playing in the snow, making snow angels and starting snowball fights with one another while their pokemon pranced around in the white fluff that had seemingly overtaken the city. The adults had resorted to getting in their last minute Christmas shopping and were packing the streets of the water loving town, arms full of bags, boxes, and God knew what else.
He visibly sighed and realized how oddly strange their Christmas would be. Misty was still visibly upset over Corsola's loss and it showed, though she tried to hide it. And now, after his less than enthusiastic call from his manager, he had just been informed that he would be –
"Who was that on the phone?"
Suddenly, two warms arms snaked around Ash's waist and latched onto him in an embrace. He could feel a warm presence press up against his back and it made him smile to think that Misty was the only person who could ever douse his worries and make him smile, even in the worst of times.
He turned to face her, taking her into a proper embrace and kissing her forehead in the process. He noted how simply breathtaking she looked in a pair of dark jeans and a maroon colored turtleneck that seemed to accentuate her slim figure. Her hair was dangling in a loose ponytail down her back and she wore the silver pendant he had given her one year for her birthday around her neck.
He could only imagine how flustered and disheveled he must have looked to her, dressed in a pair of old blue jeans and a dark blue hooded sweater. But, nonetheless, she gave him a warm smile, though she still couldn't hide the pain in her eyes at the loss of her pokemon. Ash could see straight through her and knew that, with time, she would be okay, even though she would never admit that she wasn't.
"It was no one," he answered, rubbing the fabric at the small of her back.
Misty raised a brow and shook her head, "Ash Ketchum, you're a terrible liar."
Ash merely chuckled and pulled Misty over to the nearby couch where he brought her to sit upon his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck and awaited what, she assumed, would be the truth. In turn, Ash wrapped his arms around her waist and glanced to the side momentarily, trying to find some way to phrase what he didn't want to say.
Misty sighed, "Ash, just tell me already."
He relented at her simple request, "That was my manager and he wants me down in Johto for the opening ceremony of some tournament."
"Which tournament?"
Ash bit his lip. This was the part he was dreading the most. The last thing Ash wanted to do was to see Misty hurt again, but how was he supposed to wiggle his way out of this one? How was he supposed to tell her that they wanted him down in Johto, not just for any tournament, but for the Whirl Cup Tournament? The Whirl Islands had been where Misty had first met and caught her Corsola, how was he supposed to tell her he was going back to the place where she and her beloved pokemon had first become partners?
"Oh, well, you know, it's a new tournament and they wanted me down there to promote it," he lied, avoiding her gaze and staring out at the window he had been standing in front of only moments before.
"Ash…" Misty started, her tone serious, "I've known you for nearly fifteen years and we've been dating for about seven of those years, now, don't you think I'd know you well enough by now to know when you're aren't giving me the whole story?"
Ash inwardly groaned and cursed himself for being so damn transparent. Why could she always see through him?
He dragged his eyes back to her waiting ones and immediately regretted it. What lay before him were a set of dazzling azure eyes gazing back into his, a sort of daring look in the way she was staring at him, as if Misty were challenging Ash to lie to her again. And, Ash being Ash, just couldn't go through with it, especially knowing how much his confession would, inevitably, hurt her. He just hoped this wouldn't send her over the edge.
"I'm going to the Whirl Islands to open for the Whirl Cup," he muttered, watching as Misty's expression slowly changed from that of daring to complete blankness, "Mist, look, I already told him I didn't want to go, especially there of all places."
Ash could see the pain in Misty's eyes flooding back to her in one fell swoop and instantly chided himself for being so weak. All he had to do was lie to her, maybe even stretch the truth a bit, but no, he had to be the good guy and tell the truth. What was that famous saying, nice guys always finish last?
In any case, Misty was still seated in his lap looking blankly out the window, as if staring into perpetual space. She had started to grip the edge of Ash's sweater in her fists and Ash could almost feel the pain emanating from her. He felt completely helpless and suddenly, he caught a swift glimpse of what Misty must have been feeling in regards to Corsola.
She was too silent now, Ash decided, and it was starting to worry him. Slowly, he placed his hand against her cheek and watched as she flinched in surprise and, finally, looked his way, as if seeing him for the first time.
"You okay?" as soon as Ash had spoken those words, he realized the stupidity in them. Of course she wasn't 'okay!' He had just drawn her memories back to the one instance, the one place, where her heart wasn't ready to tread and yet, as always, he was compelled to ask about her state of mind.
She smiled gently at him, leaning into the warmth his hand emanated, "I'm fine," she said simply and then took a deep breath, as if to ready herself for what she would say next, "You need to be there."
"But Misty--"
"Ash, you're the pokemon master and you have certain obligations to the League and to the world. I know that. I'll be fine, don't worry about me," she reassured, taking the hand that was on her cheek and placing it in her own.
"But--" he tried again, but was abruptly cut off by Misty again.
"No buts. You've been attached to my hip for the past few days and you'll never know how truly grateful and appreciative I am of that, but you need to go. It's part of your job," she said soothingly. She brought her head down to touch his forehead with her own before continuing, "I promise I'll be okay, so you can just call that manager of yours back and get everything settled."
Ash sighed, knowing he would not win this time. Instead, he gave in, caressing both of Misty's cheeks with his hands before seizing her lips softly with his own.
Misty responded with just as much warmth, and wrapped her arms tighter around Ash's neck, almost afraid to let the man in her grasp go. She savored the taste of his lips against her own, his fresh scent of the elements all around them, and the softness of his skin against her touches. He was just too perfect for her and he'd probably never know how much he truly meant to her.
Releasing, the pair slowly opened their eyes and gave each other gentle smiles. Before Ash could say anything, however, Misty beat him to it.
"Go, make your phone calls," she whispered, getting off of his lap, though still keeping physical contact via his hand she kept within her own, "I need to get out of here anyway, get some fresh air, you know?"
Ash nodded and sighed yet again, "Misty, are you--"
"I'm sure," she nodded, finishing his sentence, "It'll be fine Ash. I'm a big girl, I can take care of myself," she teased, though the playfulness was lost in her eyes.
Ash stood to face her, sensing the lack of emotion within her. He would do just about anything to get his old Misty back, but knew that things like this took time. It was times like these where Ash truly wished he had inherited his mother's patience, but, unfortunately, he was as impatient as they came. But he would wait…he would wait to the ends of the Earth for Misty to change back to her normal, cheery, temper ridden self again. And, when she did break out of this emotional roller coaster she was now riding on, Ash knew she would only come out of it a stronger person, for it was the least he could expect from someone like Misty.
"I love you," he murmured suddenly, taking the extra step towards her and embracing her yet again. He kissed her forehead gently and felt Misty shudder under his embrace.
And then, she did something that caused the part in his heart – the part reserved only for her – to crack ever so slightly.
She cried into his chest, holding onto Ash like a lifeline and desperately wishing that her little Corsola had not passed on and that this was just some terrible nightmare caused by the darkest depths of her imagination. But it wasn't and so she continued to cry until her tears could fall no more and the couple fell into a subdued silence.
***
Ash walked the bustling streets of Cerulean City, his mind a flurry of emotions, confusion, and hurt. His hands were shoved into his pockets as he roamed the streets of the snow covered city, ignoring the occasional onlooker that happened to recognize him as the current reigning pokemon master. Instead, he trudged on, forgetting for a moment that he was, indeed, the reigning champ of the League and, instead, focusing his thoughts on Misty.
After the emotional display on Misty's part and after she had cried herself dry, Ash had taken her back to her room to rest. Clearly, she had not been getting enough sleep lately – her dreams being plagued by the images of her lost Corsola – and she could find no solace within the warmth of her bed. Over the past few days, Ash had awoken on more than a few occasions to a crying Misty, her strained voice calling out to her precious pokemon in teary apology, before Ash was forced to wake her up and console her, reassuring her that it had just been a dream.
But to Misty, it had been real. Her thoughts, her emotions, her tears, and her apologies had all been real. And try as he might, Ash couldn't convince her otherwise.
And, of course, Misty refused to sleep this time around too. She refused, that is, until Ash had made that phone call to his manager telling him that he'd be on his way over to the Whirl Islands to fulfill his duties. She wouldn't rest until she knew that Ash would remain faithful to the community of pokemon lovers and to the world, for, as much as he was embarrassed to admit it, he was the symbol for everything the League stood for.
So, with a heart as heavy as lead, Ash made the dreaded call back to his manager, informing him of the minor details – flight time, hotel arrangements, and length of stay – and ended the call swiftly, not wanting to waste anymore precious time with trivial details. But Misty had ushered him out anyway, claiming that she needed to rest, for she was worn out from the day's activities, and encouraged him to take a walk around the town.
And so he did.
He walked aimlessly, with no real destination and no idea of how far he had actually walked. Looking up occasionally and checking the position of the sun, he guessed it had to be around 3 o'clock or so. Perhaps it was best that he head back…
Suddenly, the sound of jingling bells caught Ash's attention.
Turning his head to the left, he immediately found the source of the noise. Bells had been attached to a door that belonged to one of the stores that lined the street, and a customer had just walked in, the bells jingling in their wake. Ash examined the store and instantly brightened at what he saw.
In the display cases positioned behind clear, shimmering glass and amidst shining bright lights, were the most beautiful diamond rings he had ever laid eyes on. Each ring had its own separate maroon colored holder, their diamonds glimmering brilliantly against the dark colored display.
Ash walked closer to the display, eyeing each of the rings closely until his eyes fell on an empty case. Smiling, he stuck his hand in his pocket and fiddled with the small velvet box that lay inside, imagining the shining diamond ring that sparkled within its confines.
With his hand firmly around the tiny box, Ash turned around and headed back to the gym.
***
Misty, meanwhile, was sitting poolside, her feet in the cool waters of her gym's pool, her pokemon surrounding her and a blanket wrapped snuggly over her shoulders. The pokemon were huddled around in a semi circle, surrounding their distraught trainer, trying to get some sort of reaction from her.
They knew it was useless though.
She had been like this ever since Corsola had died and they knew that it would take a miracle to pull her out of her slump. But, regardless of all that, Misty was their friend, their trainer and they would do whatever it took to make her herself again.
"Poli politoad!" Politoad exclaimed, clapping his wet hands together in happiness in an attempt to get his trainer to cheer up.
Misty gave a half-hearted smile, giving Politoad a light scratch on the head, "No thanks Politoad. I don't feel much like swimming right now."
Gyarados roared lightly, bringing his massive head down to Misty's level and nudging her shoulder in affection.
"I don't really feel like a ride around the pool either…sorry…" she explained, rubbing Gyarados lovingly along his spiked head.
Gyarados and Politoad looked to one another and shrugged, their demeanors mirroring that of their trainer. Eyes downcast, they dropped their heads and sighed, not being able to remember a time when Misty had looked this depressed or this unhappy. She missed her bubbly, pink and white, happy go lucky Corsola and nothing they said or did would be able to change that fact or the mood that it put her in.
And, if truth be told, they missed Corsola too.
She had been a part of the team; one of them. She had become an amazing battler over the years, her incredible combinations of rock and water making her an invaluable opponent. She had always battled with heart, battled to prove to Misty and to them that she belonged with them, that she was worthy of their trust. But Corsola never needed to prove anything. She was a model pokemon, with a good heart and a brave soul and she never backed down on a challenge.
Corsola was as tough as they came, despite her small size, and her love of the water only proved her allegiance to the Cerulean City gym. It was also these aspects, the pokemon noticed, that drew some similarities between the rock and water type and their own water master.
Misty and Corsola were one in the same. They both had tough exteriors, but were true softies on the inside. They simply adored the water and, despite everything else, they both had a heart of fire, especially for battle. More often than not, Corsola was always Misty's first choice in battle. The pokemon understood that no, it was not because she was the 'favorite' – they understood Misty well enough that she did not play favorites and that she loved her pokemon equally – but it was because of their incomparable ability to think on the same level. Corsola always knew exactly what their trainer was thinking and visa versa and the two never ceased to amaze some of the most prestigious of trainers. It was a connection the other pokemon understood and they knew that it made it all the more harder for Misty to accept that her friend was gone.
Psyduck, feeling a sudden surge of braveness, waddled up to his trainer, hands on his head with that ever present headache, and tilted his head to one side. He nudged their trainer with his beak and put on his best smile.
"Psyduck psy psy duck psy?" he had asked, pointing to the platforms that floated above the water in front of the two battling podiums, "Psyduck psy!"
Misty put on a smile for her dopey duck pokemon and giggled lightly, "You want to battle, to make me feel better?"
"Psyduck!" he nodded enthusiastically, happy that he had made his point without getting too much of a headache.
"Oh Psyduck…I just don't feel much like battling right now. Maybe some other time, okay? I promise," and, with that said, Misty turned her head back to the softly rippling waters of her gym's pool and sighed.
"Duck…" Psyduck frowned, eyes dropping in discouragement. Suddenly angry with himself for even suggesting such a stupid thing, the water type kicked a small pebble that was sitting near him in distaste. However, a puddle of water sitting haphazardly next to him forced the dopey duck to miss step and slip, causing him to go careening with a splash into the cool waters below, "Psy!"
"Psyduck!" Misty called, throwing the blanket off of her and jumping in after her drowning water type. Everything had happened so fast that the other pokemon hadn't had time to react, yet as their scared trainer and their poke-friend sunk to the depths of their pool, instinct kicked in and they went to work.
Misty kicked and paddled her way to the bottom of their twenty foot pool, where Psyduck was desperately trying to kick himself back to dry land. Swimming up next to him, she tried to calm him, waving her arms in a soothing manner and letting him know that she was there to help, but Psyduck wasn't even looking at her. His dark eyes were shut tight, his tiny arms and legs swishing back and forth in the churning waters, as he tried desperately to kick himself back to the surface. He was going nowhere fast, however, and every time Misty got close enough to touch the frantic water type, she would get kicked back by one of his flailing arms or webbed feet. A sudden fear of loss gripped Misty's heart as she watched Psyduck's drowning form and she felt an indescribably amount of helplessness consume her. She was frozen in her spot on the pool's floor, unable to help, for Psyduck would not allow her to get close enough to aid him. She felt helpless…it was the same feeling as with Corsola…it was all the same…
A sudden flash of purple, tan, blue, and orange zoomed past Misty and made a beeline for Psyduck's struggling form. Misty blinked several times, breaking out of her stupor, before realizing what had just happened. Starmie, Staryu, Horsea, Azurill, and Goldeen had come from the surface, zipping through the depths of the pool to help save their trainer and fearful pokemon friend; they had already lost one friend and would be damned if they lost another.
Ignoring the desperate kicks of the drowning duck, Staryu and Starmie got themselves underneath their friend, trying to float him to the surface using their shapes as a sort of barge in the hopes that Psyduck would calm down. He didn't.
Goldeen, Horsea, and Azurill, seeing that their star shaped friends were struggling, came to the rescue. They surrounded Psyduck on all sides, restraining him and making sure he didn't hurt himself or the others. Soon enough, all six pokemon broke the surface of the water, with Misty bringing up the rear, gasping for air. She frantically looked around and spotted Gyarados hoisting Psyduck out of the pool and all her other pokemon huddled around the gasping duck.
Sighing out of relief, Misty swam to the edge of the pool and jumped out, kneeling next to her panting pokemon.
"Psyduck, are you okay?" she asked, picking him up and placing him gently on her lap.
"Psy…duck…" he panted, giving her a weary thumbs-up.
"You could've been seriously hurt!" she snapped, "You need to be more careful around the pool. What would have happened if none of the pokemon were around?" she reprimanded, though her heart truly wasn't in it.
Psyduck cast his eyes downward in shame, feeling the full brunt of his trainer's disappointment. And Misty, feeling guilty, sighed.
Her heart hurt; her heart ached. She didn't want to think about what would have happened to Psyduck had they not been there. Misty didn't think she could bear losing another friend, especially if she could prevent it. In those tense moments at the bottom of her pool and as she remembered herself losing the battle against her flailing Psyduck, she couldn't help but be fearful. Corsola's death was still fresh in everybody's minds and, seeing Psyduck on the verge of drowning, only brought back those feelings of utter helplessness that Misty had felt when she had lost Corsola.
"Psyduck I…I'm sorry I yelled, I just…Corsola…and…I…" before Misty could finish, she could already feel the hot tears pooling at the sides of her eyes, "I'm so sorry…"
Misty engulfed Psyduck in a gentle hug, her tears finally getting the better of her. She cried, her heart still heavy with the loss of Corsola and still fearful of what could've happened to Psyduck. She cried for Corsola, for her friends, and for herself. She could feel her pokemon crowding around her, their comforting cries and roars filling the pool area. She felt their slick bodies against her wet skin and was instantly warmed by their affection and love.
Looking around her, her eyes still fresh with tears, she afforded them a light smile, "All of you…you're hurting too, aren't you?" They all nodded in response, heads low and eyes teary, "I'm sorry…I've been so selfish lately that I've completely forgotten about your feelings too," Misty shook her head in frustration, amazed that she could be so selfish, "I'm such a terrible trainer!"
"Horrrseaa!" Horsea shook her head frantically, trying to disprove the words that were coming out of her trainer's mouth.
"Hiya hiya!" Staryu agreed, spinning in the air in clear defiance.
"Gol goldeen!" Goldeen added, splashing about in the water in disagreement.
Misty looked around her at the pokemon that surrounded her – her friends – and couldn't help the teary smile that formed at the corners of her lips at their words of encouragement. They had told her that she was the best trainer around, that she was Kanto's top gym leader, and that, despite all that had happened over the past few days, they loved her more than ever. It truly brought tears to Misty's eyes to think that her pokemon thought so highly of her and, in that moment, she was proud to call them her pokemon.
"You guys…" she murmured, sniffling a bit, though it made no difference. Her tears dripped down her porcelain face, regardless.
Psyduck, feeling a bit stronger, sat up in Misty's arms and patted her gently on the arm as a means of comfort. Looking down at the yellow duck in her arms, Misty waited, sensing that he wanted to say something important.
"Psy yi psyduck. Psyduck duck psy psy yi psyduck. Psyduck duck."
Misty bit her lip at the conclusion of Psyduck's speech and faintly heard sounds of agreement from all around her. Psyduck, through all his typical confusion, looked extremely perceptive. Misty had never seen such confidence oozing out of the look that Psyduck was giving her and she couldn't believe that she had ever doubted it, even for a second.
For, Psyduck had said, 'We don't blame you. It's not your fault Corsola left us. We all love you.' And as simple as all that was, Misty broke down into tears for the second time that day.
***
"Pika pika, pikachupi?"
"She's still real torn up about it pal," sighed Ash, as he leaned his head against the palm of his hand while his other hand held the receiver to the gym's video phone. He had called home to tell Pikachu of his plans on heading up to the Whirl Islands for the week and, somehow, their conversation had taken an interesting turn in Misty's direction. As Ash continued to talk to his best pokemon friend, he found his once cheery disposition become steadily more depressed and sad.
Pikachu, being as perceptive as he was, caught on immediately to his trainer's mood change and could no longer stay quiet. Ash had told him a few weeks ago of Corsola's ailment and that he needed to take some time off to be with Misty, if only to be her shoulder to cry on. Pikachu and the others understood, of course – Misty was their trainer's girlfriend, after all – and so they opted to stay back in Pallet with Mrs. Ketchum, sending Ash along with messages of hope and love to Misty. They all simply adored Misty and, when they had heard that Corsola was sick, their hearts went out to her and her pokemon.
On a personal level, Pikachu had loved Corsola. She had always been a great pokemon, so upbeat and positive. She was also a top notch battler and had even given him a run for his money a few times in the past. She always had the ability to brighten the room with her joyous cries of happiness and she would not soon be forgotten.
"So, I'll be back in Pallet tomorrow to pick you and the others up and then we'll catch the next flight up to Johto," explained Ash, who had not even noticed that his pokemon had been spacing out.
"Pika," Pikachu nodded in understanding, "Pikachu pika chu pika pikachu?" he questioned, asking how Misty's other pokemon were fairing after the passing of their friend.
"They're holding each other up," Ash answered simply, not going into much more detail than that.
Pikachu nodded once again, understanding Ash's want to not delve too much into the details. He couldn't quite understand what his trainer was going through, but Pikachu knew that it was probably tearing Ash up inside to see Misty so broken. And, on top of that, he had to leave her for the League instead of staying in Cerulean to keep Misty company, especially when she probably needed him now more than ever.
And Misty's pokemon…Pikachu couldn't even begin to think how they were feeling. They had battled side by side for years, battling towards the same objective and giving it their all to please their master. They had been sparring partners, allies, friends and, most of all, they were a family. To have lost a member of their family as quickly as they had…Pikachu couldn't even fathom it. It would have been like losing Charizard or one of Ash's other pokemon.
"Alright pal, I guess I'll see you and the others tomorrow, okay?" Ash reiterated, preparing to end the call with his pokemon.
"Pikachu, pikapi," Pikachu gave a thumbs-up to show he understood, "Pi Pikachu pika pika pikachupi."
Ash smiled at this and nodded, for Pikachu had wanted to send Misty all of his love and sympathy, "I will pal, I will."
***
The next day, Ash stood beside Misty, her hand gingerly grasped within his own, a backpack slung leisurely over his shoulder, as he awaited the train that would take him back to his hometown. The two were engulfed in comfortable silence, the typical noises of the train depot surrounding them as they stood patiently on the platform. Soon enough though, the telltale signs of the metro filtered into the depot, its loud engines echoing throughout the Cerulean City train station.
Upon seeing its arrival, Ash turned to Misty and gave her a heartwarming smile, though Misty couldn't help but see the guilt in his chocolate brown eyes.
"Mist, you sure you'll be okay without me?" Ash had asked, taking both of her hands within his.
Misty couldn't help but smile at his sincerity and compassion, "Like I said before, I'll be fine. Just be sure you make it back in time for Christmas."
Ash nodded, "I will, I promise," he murmured, wrapping his arms around her and engulfing her in a tight hug, "I love you."
Misty reached up to give him a kiss on his warm lips, her own lips tingling with passion and love for the man in front of her. Ending the brief kiss, she smiled, "I love you too, Ash," she said, caressing his cheek before giggling, "Now get out of here, you don't want to miss your train," she teased, hitting him playfully on the arm.
"Yes, ma'am," saluted Ash. He bent over to give her one last kiss on the forehead before releasing her, "I'll probably be out and about most of the time so you can reach me on my cell if you need me. I'll call you when I get to Johto," he added, not wanting to mention the Whirl Islands in Misty's presence.
"Alright, be careful," she warned lightly.
"Always am," Ash winked before turning around and heading towards the waiting train.
Misty's eyes followed Ash's retreating form until he disappeared within the walls of the train. She sighed to herself, folding her arms across her chest as she watched the train slowly pull out of the station. Watching it move along to its next destination – Pallet Town – Misty turned around and headed back to her car.
Ash was watching Misty retreat back to the parking lot of the train station and sighed aloud. He pulled his cell phone out from his pocket and punched in an all too familiar number. Regardless of what Misty thought, Ash was not going to leave her alone by herself to mourn if he had anything to do with it.
A/N: And chapter 1 complete! I hope you all enjoyed it and I look forward to hearing from all of you! Like I stated before, I will try and get the next chapter – which is still in progress - up on Christmas, as sort of my Christmas gift to you guys. Anyway, thanks for reading and now would be an awesome time to review!