Anything For Love
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or the characters from Pokemon in this story.
Warning: Minor swearwords and some violence
A/N: When talking and/or around the guys, I'll be using "Mickey/him" but reference of just herself, I'll be using "Misty/her"…hopefully not too confusing XD
A/N #2: I am in the process of revising each AFL's chapters for a better flow and improved grammar and writing style, so please bear with the current chapters. Also special thanks to all of ya on tips and suggestions on improving my writing, much lovies!
Main Characters Ages:
Misty/Mickey- 18
Gary- 18
Ash- 18
Richie- 18
"…" Talking
'Italic' Thinking
Chapter 1: Entering All-Boys Pokemon Academy
** Viridian Forest **
Lost in the middle of the forest, a little short haired redhead; age eight, in baby blue overalls and a yellow shirt, covered in dirt. Scared and helpless against a couple Caterpies and a few Weedles; that webbed her against a tree, Misty let out more cries and tears. Thinking that she's done for when she saw a Weedle raised his stinger for a Poison Sting attack, she shut her eyes tightly. But shot back open when she heard a boy commanded his Pikachu to use Thunder-Shock. With the flash bolts in front of her, taking out the bug pokemons, the Pikachu and the raven black haired boy; in a pair of blue jeans, a white t-shirt and a red-white baseball cap, as the two ran right up to her. The eight year old boy, managed to pull off all the webbing off of Misty in and helped her up.
"Are you alright? Are you lost? If you are, I'm Ash Ketchum, to your rescue!" Ash said in between his huffs and puffs, trying to catch his breath.
Misty nods her head to signal Ash that she was alright, as she wiped away her tears. "—Hic-I'm Mi—Ahhh!" Misty yelled due to suddenly being pulled by Ash.
"I'm sorry, but we have to run. I'm trying to avoid someone! But don't worry; we're heading towards the Ranger's cabin. They can contact or find the people you were with." Ash tightens his hold and picked up the pace.
Misty just replied with an 'ok' and kept up with Ash and Pikachu. Not caring who he is or from, she just wanted to get out of the forest away from the bugs she's terrified of. Running non-stop, the three saw the Ranger's cabin from afar. Still running with all their might, Ash didn't notice the rock that blended in with the dirt straight ahead of him, until he tripped on it. Bring Misty down with him but concerned of Misty's being, Ash didn't realize the little locked treasure box fell out from his pocket. After picking himself up and apologizing for his clumsiness, Ash went to help Misty up. The result of the fall left her with fresh scrapes on both of her arms and legs, causing sniffles to come out of her.
"Hey now, it's ok. It doesn't look too bad."
"But it hurts when thinking about it." Misty said wiping off the dirt off.
"It'll be ok. Hey, look at Pikachu, he's trying to cheer you up by dancing for you." Ash said with a smile, as he motions towards Pikachu, who had begun doing a little dance.
Misty let out a tiny smile at Pikachu before looking straight at Ash; who's the same height as her. "Thanks and how old are you Ash?"
"I'm eight years old!"
"Eight? Just like me, but how did you get a Pikachu? Most trainers can't get a pokemon until they are ten."
"Oh, I've got connection—Oh snap, sorry I got to run again!" Ash said in a hasty tone when he heard a faint voice calling out an Eevee to do a Dash attack. "I think you can make it to the Ranger's cabin from here!"
"Yeah I can and thank you for your help again, Ash! Will I ever see you again?" Misty asked with tears forming in her eyes again.
"Of course! I don't know when but we will someday! Now don't start crying, big boys like us don't cry," Ash said in a hasty tone again and ruffled Misty's hair.
Before she could correct Ash that she was a 'she' not a 'he', Ash and Pikachu had quickly disappeared by taking the side trails. She then headed towards the Ranger's cabin but she stopped when she saw the little treasure box on the ground. She knew it had to belong to Ash, as she vowed she'll make that 'someday' come true to meet Ash again and return the little treasure box. While staring at the treasure box, she developed her first crush for saving her from the bug Pokémon and getting out from the middle of Viridian's Forest.
** Ten Years Later – Cerulean City Gym **
Misty; age eighteen, entered into the main house with a pint of ice cream in hand and made her way towards the main living room. With the TV already turned on, Misty tossed her Spheal backpack and flopped down onto the couch in frustration; due to another unlucky day of search. She then pulled back her shoulder length hair; that covered her yellow spaghetti straps, into a ponytail before stretching out her long legs in a pair of blue shorts onto the coffee table. Before she could realize the TV program playing a live-event One on One Pokémon Battles of Viridian's All-Boys Academy, Daisy; eldest sister with blond hair, called out to her with a displeased expression.
"Like Misty, I love you and all but I have to say you'll never be a girly-girl. Even with those cute hairdos, girly clothing and make up of yours, it's your attitude and posture that, like, still makes you a tomboy." Daisy watched Misty shoved a spoonful of strawberry ice cream into her month like a salvage that had no food. A sigh escaped. "I totally like, see you more as a boy instead of a girl. I guess once a tomboy will always be a tomboy. And could you take your legs off the coffee table please?" Daisy asked in a sisterly way, but received a pair of rolled eyes from Misty before removing her legs off the coffee table. "Thank you. Sooo like how was your search today on that long lost childhood crush of yours? And what do you want for dinner tonight?"
Misty had stuffed another spoonful into her mouth when Daisy asked her the questions. With her index finger up in the air and she quickly shallow it. "Ahhh! Brain freeze! But ugggh, it sucked. No luck today and can you not add the lost part to my childhood crush? He is not lost, I just can't find him for the last decade. But for dinner wise, whatever you make is fiiiine Daisy! Can you just call me when it's ready? I'll just be here with my ice cream," Misty paused when she finally realized what was on TV, as she let out a disgusted look. She looked around for the remote but it was nowhere in sight and then looked back over at Daisy. "Daaaaisy, can you change the channel for me since you're closer?"
"Like, oh my god Misty! Look for the remote or change it yourself, geez," Daisy shook her head but had a tiny smile towards her baby sister. "To think you are finally a Sensational Sister of the Cerulean gym. How are you so different from us? Whatever, we still love you. But like anyways, if you need me I'll be in the kitchen. And like, if you need Violet or Lily, they're in the gym's pool training the Pokémon."
"Uggh fine, don't change the channel for me. I guess I'll see you for dinner!" Misty was still in her laid back posture against the couch, as she decided to just suck it up and watch the 'live-event' program. "Geez, if I wasn't so beat from my long day search, I would sooo not be watching you!" Misty said, as she stuck her tongue at the TV.
Not paying attention to the last final battle of the day on TV with an Umbreon verses a Pikachu, Misty was daydreaming of Ash again. Within seconds, the announcer on TV called out Ash Ketchum's name. Misty's eyes widen when she saw the same raven-haired boy from ten years ago on TV being interviewed. Instantly she became appalled at the fact Ash is currently attending to one of her most hated academies in Kanto. She couldn't stand the amount of conceitedness of the All-Boys Viridian's Academy reputations.
(TV) "—Now Ash, you and Pikachu put up another excellent battle. But I have to ask this once again, as a Third-Year upper classmen how does it feel coming in second place against your long-term rival?" Announcer asked, as he held his microphone in front of Ash; with Pikachu on his shoulder.
Ash petted Pikachu's head and let out a smile in his Academy uniform; black with white trim, buttoned up style collar. "Well, all I can say is that Pikachu and I gave it our best. And we'll be working harder to get the number one spot in the next Viridian's All-Boys Academy tournament."
"I see, even though you are second runner-up; I know you have a fan-club rooting for you. Which lead me to ask, is there a girl from your fan-club that you are interested in?"
"Haha Bob, you know very well that I don't have time or any interest in a girlfriend or even acknowledge any of them. Battling, Pokémon training, and friends here at this academy are my top priories. Well, I'm cutting it short; I'll give you a longer interview when I take the number one spot in the next battle royal. Until then, Pikachu and I bid you good day." Ash said with a smile and walked away.
Bob stood at his spot, clueless like a deer stuck in a headlight; but he quickly jumped to his next cue note. "Well, ladies and gentlemen that was Ash Ketchum, the second runner-up. Let's find our number one winner," Bob looked around for the winner of the Pokémon Battle Royal and found him by the entrance-exit gate. Bob and his camera crew managed to stop the spiked brunette winner. "Gary Oak! How does it feel taking first place again? It isn't a big surprise for you, since you're the grandson of the known Prof. Oak. You must get those extra and special training from him, huh?"
Gary turned around with a glare when Prof. Oak's name was mentioned, as he pulled out one of his hand out from the black uniform pants pocket and knocked Bob's microphone out of his hand. "Let's go, Umbreon."
Misty couldn't believe how rude that Gary was during his interview but what she couldn't believe is that her childhood crush went to the academy she hated. "Even though he goes there, I need to see him!" Misty said shouted and stood up with her empty pint-cup. "But wait, he just said that he doesn't knowledge others besides his classmates. What can I do to get to see him and get to know him better." Misty stood and ponders at the replay of Ash-Pikachu VS Gary-Umbreon Pokémon battle, with Bob's voice-over casting about joining the academy. And at that moment, Misty ran into the kitchen and yelled out Daisy's name.
"Like, oh my god, Misty! Don't scare me like that from behind!" Daisy yelled out loud, holding on tight to the frying pan handle. "What?"
"I foooooound him! I found Ash!"
"Like, no way! But like, how did you find him when you've been in the living room?" Daisy asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Well, he was on TV! And Daaaisy," Misty let out a big smile when she heard her oldest sister asked what she wanted. "Don't freak out or anything but, can you ask your fiancée to make some changes on my document and ID to male status so I can attend Viridian's All-Boys Academy?"
"WHAT?! Like, slow down Misty! And did I like, heard you right about you wanting my fiancée to change your personal documents so you can attend the Viridian's All-Boys Academy, which you despise with a hatred passion?" Daisy asked with a flabbergasted expression, as she saw Misty nodding her head. "Are you crazy?!"
"Daisy, I asked you not to freak out! But there's a good explanation. Ash goes there and during his interview he said he doesn't care or even knowledge girls. But he's all about his classmates. Pretty please, Daisy? I finally found him and really want return his lost belonging and I want to know him better. And finally get this long love-crush into an actual love. Much like yours and Duke's love, you can't deny me that, can you?"
Daisy, still a bit shocked at Misty's crazy idea of attending the All-Boys Academy, she let out a sigh. "Like, even if I did ask Duke, what are you going to do for your appearances and what about your week of the month on running the gym?"
"You know I can pull of being a boy. I'll cut my hair short, bandaged my chest flat and I can order my uniform a size bigger." Misty paused and thought of a fair solution. "As for the-gym-issue-wise, there's totally-like, a solution you guys will like. Since I'm attending for the last term, which is about five months, I'll do my owed weeks and for your guys' trouble, I'll add three more weeks to my gym duties. Sooo that's like, two months of summer vacation! So how about it?"
"That's actually a nice offer. But like, before we get ahead of ourselves, don't you need to take and pass the entrance exam? I heard their tests and standards are hard and high up there, next to impossible."
"Like Daisy, you of all people should know that my Pokémon knowledge is off the chaaarts! I bet you I'll even ace that test." Misty said with a confident smirk.
"That ego of yours, like, totally fits that academy's conceitedness. Fine, you win." Daisy said with a defeated tone and stared at her crazy baby sister. "I still, like, can't believe you're related to us, such a total odd-ball of the family. I'll see what I can do to convince Duke."
"Waaaah! Thank you so much Daisy! I got to call Duplica on the news! She'll totally rock my new look!" Misty yelled out loud while heading from the kitchen to the living room, to grab the phone.
** One Month Later – Viridian's All-Boys Academy **
Misty; now known as Mickey, was late on her first day of transferring to the all-boys academy. A sigh escaped when she realized 'being late' was more of an understatement; for class session for the day has ended. Ruffled her short hair in frustration, she walked through the academy's entrance with her black uniform zipped-up right underneath her chin. Eyeing all the students with their Pokémon partners walking around campus, she suddenly stopped in her track to gaze at the building. Within seconds, Misty got all giddy at the idea of finally meeting Ash, but was rudely interrupted by a hard shoulder bump. Turning around to see the student had walked away without apologizing, riled her up.
"Hey, you jerk! Don't walk off like you didn't realize you bumped into me!" Misty yelled at the back of a spiked brunette with an Umbreon next to him. The moment she saw the brunette's face, she knew who it was.
Gary let out a glare towards the loud mouth girly-face redhead. An annoyed scoff escaped and he continued walking. But within a second, he was forcefully spun around.
"I want an apology!" Misty yelled in Gary's face, not realizing the crowd of her future classmates looking upon them.
"Excuse me? An apology? Do you even know who you're messing with?!" Gary hissed at the daring redhead.
"I don't care who you really are but I want an apology! You bumped into me!" Misty yelled again, as she tightens her grip that was barely around Gary's arm.
Gary eyed the redhead's pathetic grip. "I don't have time to waste on a shrimp like you. So, consider it your lucky day that I'm going to give you a warning. Now, you better let go."
"Or else what? Do you think you can scare me because you happen to be the number top student of this academy? I'm not letting go until I get that apology you owe me!"
"So you do know about me, well you asked for it." Gary said in a raised tone, as he pulled his right hand out from his pants pocket and twisted Misty's grip off of him and landed a hard punch in the middle of Misty's stomach. About to walk away when he saw the redhead grabbed a hold of his abdomen, he did not expect a head butt to his chin. Holding his throbbing jaw, Gary lost his patience and control. "You're going to wish you didn't do that!"
Before Misty could react to Gary's comment, she was flat on her back by a hard leg swift and a set of brutal back-to-back punches to the face. Besides feeling pain throughout her body, Misty felt blood dripping down her lips. But that was her least concern when Gary gripped each side of her collar, lifting her upper-body off the ground.
"No one is going to help you. They all know better than to get involved with me. Let me return the favor five times worse and prepare for a broken jaw." Gary said in an intimidating tone that sent chills down Misty's aching body. He then raised his right hand in the air to send the finishing blow, but suddenly was tackled from the side to the ground. "The hell?!"
"Gary! If you want to get into a physical fist fight, I dare you to do it with me before any others!" Ash yelled at Gary, looking down at him. Not caring that half of the student body was watching.
Gary looked up at Ash with a glare, as he pushed him off of him. "Get the hell off of me!" Gary then quickly got up off the ground and looked over at the redhead who was helped up by a red-brownish haired guy. "You're lucky that those two are here to bail you out before a serious beating, twerp!" Gary, not wanting to deal with Ash or Richie, quickly called for Umbreon. Away from the group he left, Gary spitted out a bit of blood and then grabbed a hold of his jaw-line. 'I can't believe that girly-guy had the balls to strike me. He's the first in a long time to get me to bleed.'
Meanwhile, back at the center of attention, Misty was happy that Ash had come to her rescue; once again. She cursed at her luck for meeting him almost beaten to a bloody pulp. She got helped onto her feet by Richie; a Third-Year and got side support from Ash.
"From the looks of it, you got it worse than most others with Gary. He must have been in a bad mood today. Well, let's take you to the nurse room. I'm Ash Ketchum, by the way."
In painful discomfort, Misty hissed. "—I'm Mickey Waterflower."
"Whoa, careful and take it easy, Mickey," Ash said and realized that Mickey was the new transfer student that never showed up. "Hey, you're the new Third-Year transfer student that was supposed to show up today, right? What happen?"
"I woke up late and a lot of other stuff had happened." Misty said, as she looked over at Richie when he called out her male name.
"—Your last name, does it have any relation with the Sensational Sisters of the Cerulean City gym?"
"Um-Uhh—" Misty wasn't sure how to answer Richie without getting deep into the details.
"You are! I can tell by the uneasy expression on your face. Fess up, what's your relation?"
"I'm uhh, their cousi—" Misty couldn't finish her sentence, due to the sudden lack of energy. Still being supported by Richie and Ash; on each side, she felt Ash had pulled away.
"Mickey, it seems like Richie and I underestimated your condition. I'll give you a piggy-back ride the rest of the way," Ash kneel down in front of Mickey, as he heard him protest. "Mickey, please don't argue and just get on my back. Richie, 0please help him."
"You heard the guy, come on. Don't be shy; we all help each other out here. At least the most of us, Gary has his personal issues."
With no strength left to argue, Misty just climbed onto Ash's back and tightens her arms around his neck. The moment when she heard Ash telling Richie that he got things under control and meet him back in the dorm rooms, she closed her eyes.
What seemed like a five-minute nap was actually about an hour nap by the time Misty woke up. Staring upwards at a white ceiling, she then realized she was in one of the nurse's beds when Ash popped in her vision.
"Hey, the nurse and student-aid seem to have disappeared on us. I tried to clean and bandaged you up as much as I can. I didn't check underneath your uniform though, for personal space."
Misty then let out a sigh of relief at the fact that she wasn't discovered. "Thanks for all that you've done already and I think I can take it from here. But you don't need to worry, it's just mainly my face and leg that got hit the most."
Ash let out a smile when he saw Mickey's smirk; indicating he's alright. "That's good to hear. But by tonight or at least tomorrow morning, you're going to be bruising. So are you feeling better?"
"Yeah, a bit."
"Well then, are you up for a bit of a tour of your new academy life, Mickey?"
Misty nodded, as she slowly got out of the bed and onto her feet and before following Ash and his Pikachu. About close to an hour of the tour around the school's classrooms, library, cafeteria and location of each class year level dorm buildings. Ash then explained that each three dorm buildings have three levels, the top two floors are rooms. And the bottom floor with a big shared kitchen, dining room and living room with an entertainment system. Saving their dorm room building for last, Ash and Mickey spotted Richie in the living room. Richie quickly got off the couch and made his way over towards their direction.
"Hey Ash, I've been waiting for you! I got a note that we both need to see Mr. Lance in his classroom." Richie said, as he looked over at Mickey. "It seems that you look a lot better with the famous bandaged by Ash, I see. Sorry to interrupt your guys' tour, but we have to go now." Richie said in a hasty tone, as he then grabbed at Ash's opened uniform jacket collar.
"Whooa! Um Mickey, just look in that school bag of yours that you have received and you'll find a packet about the rules of our dormitory. Also, there should be the number of your assigned dorm room. Sorry, but Richie and I will look for you later! Or meet us here in the kitchen around six-ish for dinner preparations! Bye!" Ash yelled out and managed a wave before completely disappearing out the front dorm entrance with Richie.
Misty managed to wave back at Ash and Richie, as she looked around and noticed a few of the other students in the kitchen and dining room area. Grabbing her packet to look for her dorm room; number 320, was written at the top. Misty wasn't sure which floor it was, so she asked the nearest person. Hoping to get a good reaction, she got a raised eyebrow from one of the guys and he told her it's on the third floor at the end. Misty thanked the guy and headed for the stair case to the top floor.
Walking past each dorm room; Misty took notice of their numbers and also noticed some were open and some were closed. But her attention went straight ahead when she realized her room was completely at the end. The closer she got, she saw the door was slightly cracked open. Suddenly she heard a faint rage outburst. Not sure what's the deal is with her roommate; she took a deep breath and made her way in.
"Hi, I'm Mickey Wa—" Misty was left speechless when she saw her roommate.
"You got to be kidding me! Not only do I have to share my room now, it's you of all people?!" Gary yelled out while pointing at all Mickey's bags and extra furniture that sent by the dormitory leader sometime during class sessions.
"That should have been my line! I didn't think I would have such bad luck on my first day here!" Misty yelled back and threw her bag at Gary's head. But Misty's victorious smile disappeared when she was suddenly pushed up roughly against the closed door.
"You're really asking for another beating, aren't you?" Gary hissed and gripped at Misty's bruised chin line. "But at this very moment, consider yourself lucky again. I'm leaving to talk to the dormitory leader about this situation." Gary lets go of his hold on Mickey, but slightly shoved him to the side to open the door. "Don't even bother unpacking; you're going to be gone when I come back. Let's go, Umbreon.
With Gary and Umbreon out the door, Misty slid down against the wall. "What did I get myself into…"
** Dormitory Leader's Office **
Gary walked in without a knock, which got Laurie looking up from her pile of paperwork as she predicted his visit.
"So you're wondering about your room, I presume?" Laurie stated with a smile, when she saw Gary's glare.
"Do you care to explain? Everyone else knows that I'm not supposed to have a roommate. I won 'The Battle of the Suite Room' before school started this year."
"Sorry Gary, but things happen. We didn't expect to have a Third-Year student entering this late into our school year and we didn't feel right for Mickey to be place in with the First or Second year students. You were the only one without a roommate and it's a bigger room too. So to be fair to all the other Third-Year students, Mickey's now your roommate." Laurie said with a smirk and looked back down at her papers; which happens to be on Mickey. "Oh, and Mickey happens to have a sleeping condition, please look after him. Also, if there happen to be another incident like this afternoon with Mickey, there's going to be some issues by the principal. He's not going to be threatened by you leaving all thanks to Mickey's relatives. They worked out a nice monthly donation agreement for Mickey's safety and pampered life at this academy." Laurie caught Gary's annoyed look, as a sigh escaped. "Do whatever you please like you always do, I'm just giving you a fair warning. Besides, this Mickey person could enlighten that lone wolf lifestyle of yours."
Before walking out of Laurie's office annoyingly and headed back to his now shared room, he rolled his eyes. After walking by a few of the classmates; throughout the dormitory, he overheard mumbles about feeling sorry for Mickey. Opening the door, Gary didn't expect his packed stuff all cleared away and set up on the left side.
"What the hell? I thought I told you don't bother unpacking!"
"Like hell I'll listen to you! This is now my room too! Like it or not, we're roommates! So get over yourself." Misty said with a glare, as she crossed her arms. "Listen, I don't like you and obviously smart enough to realize you don't like me or anyone else in this world. But suck it up and quit bitching!" Misty yelled back at Gary, but hissed due to Gary roughly grabbing a hold of her collar. "And it's not like you can do anymore worse than you already have. Do you think I'll leave and go home crying if you beat me up again?"
Gary, with his hands itching to hit Mickey again, pushed his roommate away with a pissed-off look upon his face. "I want nothing to do with you. But thanks to the damn academy system, I have no choice but to deal with you as my roommate. And like it or not, you're going to listen to my rules since it's my room."
"Keyword, was, it was your room. Why should I follow them?" Misty asked in a feisty tone.
"Because if you don't, I don't mind making you my personal punching bag. A scrawny girly-guy like you must not really like to be in pain. I can see it on your face that you're still aching from earlier. I can rearrange my schedule to give you a daily black-eye if you don't." He threatened Mickey; not caring about Laurie's warning.
"You are a real asshole, you know that?!" Misty yelled out, cupping her cheeks. 'I can't have him ruin my face.' Misty glared deep into Gary's eyes. "Fine. What is it going to be?"
"Since I don't know how you are, it's going to be announced whenever I feel like it. So, if I don't like what you do or did, prepare for it being a rule." Gary said with a smirk.
"That is so not fai—" Misty paused when she heard a familiar voice calling out her name.
"—Mickey! Which room are you in? Richie and I are back!" Ash yelled out loud, making his way down the third-floor hallway. He noticed Gary from afar standing at his opened door. Before Ash could say or do anything, he received a glare and a door slammed.
After shutting the door, Gary looked over at Mickey with a stern expression and a tight grip at his collar once again. "Here's one of the rules: He or anyone else, cannot enter into this room, got it? Now get the hell out of here." Gary said in a stern tone, quickly opening the door and threw Mickey out.
"Waaah! You ass! You could have asked without throwing me out!" Misty yelled out, as she only received a glare and the door slammed shut in her face. But soon her attention was on Ash and Richie when they called her name in a dumbfounded kind of tone.
"No way, you're rooming it up with Gary?" Ash asked, making the rest of his way towards Mickey.
"No Ash, he just felt like getting to know Gary in his room after that nice beat-up session," Richie commented sarcastically out loud. "Who would have thought Gary and you being placed in the same room after the first run-in? He didn't do anything again to you, did he?"
"Uhh, no? He was too occupied with the whole issue of sharing his room and went to talk to the dormitory leader but when he came back, we got into a heated argument. He's something that I can't handle."
"Mickey, you better watch it. Hate to admit it, but you're pretty scrawny and we've known Gary over the years and he has put a few of the classmates in the nurse's office worse than you. Ash here, grew up with the guy in Pallet town. We're afraid that we won't be able to save you like we did earlier if things got out of hand with you and Gary." Richie said, as he placed his arm around Mickey's shoulder, leading him down the staircase.
"Ash, is true that you and Gary grew up in the same town? Were you guys always rivals?" Misty asked, following Richie's lead at the second-floor level.
A tiny smirk appeared on Ash's face, but was quickly followed by a sigh. "Heh, I guess we can put it like that. So Mickey!" Ash yelled out in a forceful cheery tone, as he pulled Mickey towards him out from Richie's hold. "Do you want to hang with us for the night? Our room is 310."
"Sure. I really don't know anyone else besides you two and that jerk-face upstairs. So if you don't mind, I wanna hang with ya bros."
"Haha, what's with the sudden slang Mickey?" Richie asked with a laugh.
"Whatever Richie, you don't need to pick on him. Anyways, let's do dinner and we can go over the main points of dormitory rules so you don't have to read it all." Ash said with a big smile.
** Later on that Night – Ash's and Richie's Dorm #310 **
"Dude, Mickey, you have the same skill level of Ash on cooking. Zero. No wonder you're so scrawny, I assume you don't make food for yourself? How did you manage all these years to have any meat on you?" Richie asked with a sneer across the room from his bed; finishing his sandwich.
"Well first off, my sis—cousins are the ones that cooks. And if they weren't around, I'm perfectly fine with instant ramen. But I can bake!" Mickey said in a proud tone from the floor, resting up against Ash's bed.
"That's something I don't know you should be proud of Mickey. Not that I'm dissing on the baking skill, but too much sweets is bad for your health. You really need to be fit for a few of our activities courses here."
"Richie, don't scare Mickey, he'll do fine. If not, I'll be able to help you if you want." Ash said with a thumbs-up, receiving a 'thanks' from Mickey. He then leaned back against his bed. "So anyways, going back to the rules before we get side-tracked by cough-cough-Richie, during the weekdays they close the gates early so we have to be back on school grounds by eight o' clock in the evening. Even though weekend is our free time, they close the gates by midnight. And umm, they are pretty strict on the idea of no girls here, unless they are your relatives, doctors or nurses, etc. But still they will need a pass to visit. Uhh, everyone takes turn cleaning the downstairs floor. Oh, and if your Pokémon is out of its Pokéball, you have to keep an eye on it so it doesn't damage the surroundings, etc."
"Hey, speaking of Pokémon, what's your main Pokémon partner, Mickey?" Richie interrupted, getting off side-tracked again.
"Oh right! I've decided to go with my Poliwhirl. What's your guys' story on your Pikachu?" Misty asked, as she pointed over to the corner where Pikachu and Sparky were sleeping on their personal made beds.
"I caught mine right after I turned ten in a wild forest." Richie answered first and then looked over at Ash.
"I got mine at age eight from Professor Oak."
"So that was your connection back then!" Misty said in an exciting tone.
"Uhh, yeah? How did you know?"
"Uh um, well you got it at age eight and usually Pokémon trainers don't get their Pokémon until they are ten. And you mention growing up in Pallet town, so yeeeah. You know putting two and two together." Misty let out a sigh of relief on being able to catch on her mistake.
"Oh right, huh? I guess not everyone had a friend whose grandfather is a Pro—" Ash suddenly stopped in mid-sentence to change the subject. But it was too late, especially when he saw the curious and surprised look upon Mickey's face.
"So you and Gary were friends at one point? What happen?"
"Sorry Mickey, that's something I and even Gary don't want to talk about, we left things as it is." Ash replied in a quiet tone with a forced smile. "Curious about Gary now?"
"Pfft! That guy, like Richie said earlier, has issues. But since we're roommates, it won't hurt to know a little bit about him and try to make the best of it."
Richie chuckled at Mickey. "Good luck on that!"
Misty rolled her eyes. "Geez, thanks…"
** A Little Pass 1 O' Clock in Morning **
Ash looks over at Mickey who had dozed off for the twentieth time in between their conversations before realizing it had passed one o' clock and they had class to attend at seven in the morning. Waking Mickey up to tell him it's best to call it a night, Misty; in zombie mode, just nodded and slowly made her way towards Ash and Richie's door. All bid 'good nights' and agreed to meet in the living room around six-thirty by the time she shut the door behind her. Sluggishly making her way up the stairs to her room with the spiked devil himself, she couldn't help but wondered how she was going to survive living with him. But that was the least on her mind when she quietly entered the dark room. So tired and out of it, she didn't bother changing out of her uniform and self-consciously thinking it's her room back home, she crawled into the bed on the right side of the room. On the verge of passing out, Misty nuzzled up to what she thought was her life-size Dewgong plushy.
A/N: (5/28/12) REVISED VERSION (7/23/08) Lili Neko