It's the Simple Gifts

By GulpinGuru

Chapter 1

Where in the world could he be?

This was the present thought of a young man known simply as Brock, a pokémon Breeder in training who was currently dressed in a brilliant white tuxedo and shoes. He was not feeling out of place in this attire, however, as he scanned the stiff and pressed crowd yet again for a familiar face.

For one's attire must be formal while attending an official Pokémon League induction ceremony, especially when said event was in honor of a good friend.

That friend was the rather distressed looking young woman at the head of the crowd. She was dressed for the occasion as well, in a pale sea foam-colored dress and white gloves. She had grown her hair out since Brock had last seen her, the fiery locks whipping around her as she was inundated by a stream of onlookers and well-wishers.

Brock grimaced at the scene. Misty, as she was simply known to her close friends, was to receive her official placement by the League as the sole leader of the Cerulean City Gym this evening. And though she had always sought fame and fortune, the pokémon Breeder could clearly see that she did not stand for such formal quarters and publicity. The girl was a simple pokémon Trainer, through and through. But though Brock wished to help her escape all the unwanted attention, he had more pressing concerns at the moment.

Tearing his hidden eyes away from Misty, Brock continued his search for a particularly messy head of raven hair. For he knew as well as Misty did that their mutual friend, a boy known as Ash Ketchum, would never comb his hair even while attending an event such as this.

If he attended such an event.

A full fifteen minutes, and just as many lost opportunities for love from beautiful young ladies later, Brock sighed and gave up his search. Sitting himself down at the dining table reserved for him and Ash, Brock resigned himself to gawk at the sights and sounds around him.

To put it lightly, the Pokémon League's grand audience chamber here in Kanto was enormous. Resting on the northern tip of the Indigo Plateau, the building was a testament to centuries past. Essentially a squared-off hallway, it was supported by gilded pillars of marble and jasper on all sides. Statues of differing pokémon Masters, Gym Leaders, and even a few Top Coordinators were set in small alcoves along the walls, and far above were stained glass incarnations of pokémon battles and triumphs letting in the last of the early summer Sun's rays.

At the head of the hall was the Grand Stage of Champions, a raised platform that served to formalize all leadership positions under the League here in the Kanto region. Tonight, Misty was to stand there in but a few minutes to receive official recognition and the documentation that would outline her duties as Gym Leader. In fact, the only reason Brock was even able to see the stage at all was because his seat was so close to it. Being a friend and former travelling companion of the inductee had its benefits.

Brock pinched his nose, feeling a headache begin to form behind his eyes. All in all, this was a grand event, and one he knew Ash wouldn't miss for the world. Let alone the evening being set aside for one of his best friends; the Ketchum boy would never pass the opportunity to challenge each and every top Trainer in attendance. So why wasn't he here? It didn't make any sense…

Brock jumped in his chair, sending streaks of pain from his knees from hitting the table, when a finger began tapping his shoulder. Turning himself around, Brock was greeted by Misty's smiling visage.

"Hey," he said simply, standing up while wincing a little. Taking a brief glance at Misty's bemused expression, Brock concluded that she must have known what pain would be brought upon her friend for startling him like that. Well, that's typical Misty for you…

"Hey yourself, big guy. It's so nice to see you again," she said. The two exchanged a quick hug, and Brock could feel the tension in Misty's back. She was nervous. Pulling out her reserved chair at the table, the Breeder let Misty take her seat, with him following suit a moment later. Deciding to start things off by calming frayed nerves, he dove right in.

"So, how's gym life treating you? I'm sure you've got at least a few stories for me about all those hotshot young Trainers coming through the door expecting an easy win," he winked.

Misty smiled at him, her eyes sparkling from the overhead lighting. "Thanks, Brock. I know what you're trying to do. Thank you. But I'm fine," she said, and her eyes began to harden ever so slightly. "Now cut the crap, Brock. Where is he? And don't ask me 'who'," she whispered earnestly, forestalling Brock's open mouth. "I'll be on stage in just a few moments. Go and find him. If he's having a pokémon battle right now, I'm going to–,"

Brock quickly cut her off. "That's just the thing, Misty. I've checked everywhere. I swear!" he said, while waving his hands in front of him. "He's…he's not here."

Brock knew when it came to Misty that one had best come out and tell the truth, for to do otherwise was to put one's life at risk. That didn't keep him from beginning to sweat, however.

Misty didn't say anything. She just sat there at first, glaring at Brock. Finally, she turned her head away, staring at her plate and picking at the edge of the perfect linen napkin that was part of her place at table.

When she turned her eyes toward Brock again, the anger was gone. In its place was a look that to most would be described as expressionless. Brock knew better.

"Why?" she said quietly. "Why didn't he come?" Brock didn't have a ready answer for that, at least an answer that would quell the hurt that he could see behind the mask she brought up. It had been known to himself as well as any number of close friends and family that Misty had been harboring feelings for the Ketchum boy for quite some time. Ash not showing up at a time like this would cut her deeply.

Regardless, Brock was spared any further questioning by the timely arrival of Lance, the currently reigning League Champion here in Kanto. The man with spiky red hair bowed deeply towards Misty. Dressed in a shimmering grey tux, with a matching maroon hip cape flowing about him, the man fit in rather well with the surrounding décor.

Straightening himself up to his full height once again, he spared a quick and friendly glance toward Brock before announcing, "Young Mistress Misty, it is time for the ceremony to begin. I am here to escort you to the stage."

Though not in the mood for Lance's overly-theatrical entrance, Misty held firm. Smiling cordially towards the Champion, she allowed him to link his arm through hers. Before they could depart, however, Misty threw one more meaningful look at Brock.

"Could we talk later?" she asked.

"Of course, Misty," Brock replied, his face showing pride for his friend. "Now go on. Everything will turn out."

I hope.

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

The ceremony itself proceeded without a hitch. Misty, as the inductee, had been allowed to select much of the music for the evening, including those pieces to be used for the series of dances that were soon to follow. Brock, never one to allow a good opportunity to go to waste, was presently swooning from one beautiful girl to the next, hopelessly proclaiming his love to each one he met. But on his eighth try, he got a response that set his heart on fire.

"Well, young man, of course I'll dance with you!" The goddess in front of him replied. Brock was overjoyed, with tears of acceptance beginning to run down his face.

"Oh, thank you, my love. You will not regret this! Now, let your Brock take your hand and lead you onward toward a night you shall never forget. Let us…"

Brock, still on one knee and holding his true love's hand, trailed off. Then his face paled in recognition. "Uh, is that you, Mrs. Ketchum?"

"Of course, dear," The woman giggled lightly. "You know that I'll always dance with such a good friend of my little boy."

Brock stood up and brought himself to attention so fast that he thought he felt and heard his spine creak in protest. "Well, um…thank you, Mrs. Ketchum, for accepting this dance," he said stiffly, all the while beginning to pull on his collar with his free hand. Wow, has the air conditioning utterly failed in here, or is it just me?

Mrs. Ketchum gave him a knowing smile, and Brock realized she was trying very hard not to burst out laughing. Nevertheless, she said simply "Oh, don't be so formal. Just call me Delia."

They soon joined in on the present waltz, and Brock was finally beginning to relax. At least until Delia started talking again.

"Brock, do you happen to know where my son is? I know he'd be invited to the party, seeing as how he and Misty are such good friends, but I haven't seen him all evening."

For the second time that day, Brock began to sweat. "Oh, he's around," he said. That wasn't a lie, for Brock was sure Ash was still alive. Thus, he had to be around… somewhere on this planet, at least.

Fortunately, this was Delia Ketchum he was talking to. He knew she was quite intelligent – she had worked as an aide to the famous Professor Oak for some time – but the woman was never one to rest on details. So it was with great relief she seemed satisfied with Brock's answer.

"Oh, why am I concerned? He's probably just so excited at the prospect of meeting all these famous people that he simply forgot to say hi. If you see him, Brock, remind him to drop by home for awhile before he takes off on another adventure." She then cheerily disengaged herself from the young breeder as the current melody ended and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "I know he's been training in Johto for far too long. He and his pokémon need their rest once in awhile, you know." And with that, Mrs. Ketchum flowed back into the crowd.

It was only a moment later that Brock made a decision. He needed a drink. A stiff one. Hoping the usual fools to be found at any celebration had done their "job" and spiked the punch, Brock was making his way to a nearby table when he felt another tap on his shoulder. This time, however, he knew who it was.

Steeling himself for the inevitable, he turned himself around and was immediately jerked back towards the dance floor.

This time, the current tune was a little livelier, which made for the perfect excuse for Misty to drag and spin Brock across the hall toward the building's rear entrance which was located at the center of its northern wall. Somehow, the pair managed to make this all look natural, which meant they were able to exit outside into the surrounding gardens without anyone noticing.

The moon was out, shining down upon them along with its brethren the stars. It lit them both up due to their pale attire, casting its light through the dark vines that arched overhead, creating the central garden path that lead due north. The leaves were rustling softly in the evening breeze, the dappled path of black and white cascading downwards in terraces to the very brink of the Indigo Plateau.

Brock couldn't help but wonder that Ash should have been in his place right now, following behind the beautiful girl in front of him who was walking right up to the garden's safety railing.

Staring out together from the sharp drop directly in front of them, they gazed upon the large and wild plain that lay below, stretching off into the distance to meet the hazy Mishhou Mountains beyond. Not too far away, stretched out or grazing mutely was a herd of Tauros, their tails whipping up small clouds of dust as they fought off various pests even at this hour.

Sensing he wasn't going to say anything, it was Misty who finally broke the silence. "I heard what you said in there to Ash's mom. That answer won't work on me."

"I know."

Misty rested her elbows on the railing and twiddled her thumbs. Brock could tell that she was seething. "When we last talked, you'd said that you had known where he'd gone off to train. So where did he go?"

"He went back to the Johto region. It's the only place quiet enough for him now." It was true. As a trainer who kept placing ever higher in official League Tournaments around the world, Ash Ketchum was finding it increasingly difficult to stay out of the limelight. As a result, he'd gone off to the relative wilderness of Johto to train his mind, body, and pokémon in peace. He'd been gone for months.

More silence. Brock had a good idea what was coming. For, unlike most other regions around the world that hosted a Tournament, Johto was not far from Kanto. In fact, the two areas were part of the same continent. That meant –

"He had no excuse," Misty said in the softest of whispers. "Then he had no excuse not to come!" she repeated, this time practically yelling at the top of her lungs. Fortunately, the door to the garden was presently closed; Brock had made sure of that. Misty continued her rant.

"He could have come by bus. He could have even come by train, for Arceus's sake! Heck, he could have ridden here on a…bike," she finished lamely. Tears brimmed her eyes, and for once, Brock was at a loss as to what to do. Misty was completely right. Ketchum had no excuse this time.

"This was really important to me, Brock," she looked up at him again. The tears were finally streaking down her face, but she wiped them away angrily. She was angry at herself for letting anyone see her cry.

Brock finally made a move to embrace her, but she quickly turned away and headed out of the garden, hugging herself tightly as she followed the path that would take her around the building. Brock knew she'd call for the newly licensed vehicle and designated driver that she'd been given as part of her induction as sole Gym Leader.

Misty would be heading home, back to Cerulean City and her Gym. Brock would still follow her there, to privately celebrate amongst friends and family. But that look that she'd given him before she'd left had settled firmly on his mind. It was heartbreaking.

Misty was right, he repeated to himself. Ash Ketchum, you have no excuse. When I'm done in Cerulean, I'm going to find you, and when I do, we're going to have a little chat.