A/N: Hi everyone, this is my first fanfic, and it is sort of a trial run, because I'm working on a long multi chapter story that involves everyone. Thanks, R&R

Disclaimer: Do I own pokemon? Nope, I wish…

Sickness of the Heart:

Chapter 1: Discovery

"That's it Pikachu, iron tail just one more time!" Ash shouted at his small, yellow, electric friend of five years.

"Pikachuuu, PIKAA!" It exclaimed as the targeted rock that had been used for training was blown to bits.

"Good work, what do you say we take a break and grab something to drink?"

Pikachu nodded his response, and the two headed into Delia Ketchum's house on the east side of Pallet Town. It was a nice and cozy house that looked like it could be used as a summer cottage. A peaceful house in a peaceful town, nothing could be better at the time. Ash had returned home with Brock, May, and Max right after Ash's final frontier battle had ended in victory against Brandon. They had stayed for a few weeks, but then May had decided to head to Johto with Max, and Brock had taken a boat to the Sinnoh region. Ash was staying and training until he could figure out what exactly to do next, but for now he was just enjoying being able to relax.

"Did you have a good training session, sweety?" She asked in her usual motherly voice.

"Yeah, it was great mom; Pikachu's iron tail got a lot stronger." He responded.

It was true, Pikachu had become very strong over the years, but its bond with Ash had become stronger too. His mother entered the room with a tray with a glass and a bowl of icy cold lemonade. Ash placed the bowl down for Pikachu and took a large gulp of his own drink.

"Thanks mom," he said. "Pika," added Pikachu.

Delia nodded and left the room leaving Ash to think.

"So buddy, where do you wanna go next, Sinnoh does sound like a good idea, do you think so?" "Pika!" "Then its settled, we'll head out first thing tomorrow, I'd better go get packed."

He was stopped in the hallway by his mother. To get to Sinnoh, you're going to need a boat ticket," she stated, and sure enough, she dipped her hand in her pocket and removed one first class ferry ticket to Sinnoh.

"Whoa, thanks a billion mom, but how did you know where we were going?" Ash asked with a confused look on his face.

"Call it motherly instinct," she responded with a warm smile as Ash took the ticket and headed upstairs to pack.

As soon as he was done, he slumped over onto his bed sleepily. His mind suddenly thought of back when he, Misty, and Brock were about to head to the new region of Johto. Misty. Just the thought of her made him blush. He had always had strong feelings for her, strong enough to call it love. If only he could see her again, he would do anything. At first she was just an annoying girl who wanted her bike, but it developed into something new. As much as they argued and bickered at each other, Ash had enjoyed every second of those five years, whether she was traveling with him or not, he thought about her all the time. But it wasn't like it mattered; she would never like a rough, ragged boy like himself. He drifted off to sleep with thoughts of his love and adventures with Misty in his head.

The next morning he woke up earlier than usual (if you consider 1 pm usual…) and grabbed his things and shot out the door with a quick good bye to his mother. It was a three hour walk to South Pallet Port but the time flew by as Ash thought about the new adventures that awaited him in Sinnoh. When he arrived, ticket in hand, Pikachu on shoulder, he headed to Port B4, where his ship, the S.S. Anne II would be leaving quite soon. There were many people, some busy trying to catch boats, and some relaxing by the ocean on the clear blue cloudless sky. As he made his way, he noticed many trainers waiting anxiously for the Anne II to leave, they were most likely nervous about the new region as well. He paced onto the walkway that lead onto the giant cruise liner. He approached the man who was clipping tickets.

"Hello, sir, may I please see your…." The man cut himself off. "What's going on over there?" he asked.

Ash spun around only to see his own Pikachu gulping down packs of ketchup in front of a group of people who found this quite amusing. Ash sweatdropped, but blushed furiously when he had to walk into the group of people and scoop up his best friend. As he walked away he scolded his Pikachu,

"Don't do that, you know it's embarrassing," he stated. Pikachu scratched behind his head and nodded nervously.

Just as he was almost on the ship, the loudspeaker came on and a male's voice interrupted his boarding, "Ash Kethcum, please report to the South Pallet Port front office, there is an urgent phone call for you, thank you," the loud speaker cut off.

"Huh, a phone call for me?" Ash thought nervously, "Everyone knows where I am, I bet it's just a phone call from my mom, saying I forgot something, like my… unmentionables." Ash blushed and smiled at the thought, but some of his nervousness had come back by the time he had made it inside the building labeled Front Office. He walked over to the front counter, and mentioned to the lady that he was Ash Ketchum.

"Video phone four," she said.

He stumbled over to the fourth booth and clicked the on button, half expecting to see his mother's cheery face. Instead it was exactly the opposite, for on the small screen was a teary eyed Daisy, one of Misty's three sensational sisters. She was not the usual glamorous sister that Ash had come to know. No. It was once again, exactly the opposite. Her hair was ruffled, and her eyes were red. She noticed Ash and in between sniffles she choked out, "A..Ash," "Daisy, Daisy! Wh…what's wrong," his eyes were beginning to well up as well. Daisy started to sob. "A…Ash, I…It's Misty…Sh..She's sick."

A/N: Ooohh. Cliffhanger! Please send me ideas and R&R!!! Thanks!