Presenting........A Fork in the Road, the prequel to I Never Thought I Would Cry and Don't Turn Back. This is the end of what is going to be called the saga, unless I write sequel, which is very unlikely. So please enjoy it, and if ya have the urge to cry, by gosh do it! Here ya go! BTW-The first part is like a mini sequel-
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Life. With every day, someone loses a person that has become a part of them. The stuff of romance movies. People falling in and out of love. The problem comes when you can't fall out.
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It's been a week now. I never knew how hard it would be to sleep. How my pillow is never dry, and I feel like the world has ended. In a way, it has.
I always liked sleeping under the stars. Misty always wanted to sleep in the place that was the least likely to be infested with bugs. I miss that. I would never sleep under the stars again if it meant her coming back.
When I do manage to sleep, I have these dreams. The worst part of them is waking up. I look for Ash, instinctively. But, it's like looking for a ghost. He's not there. So, again, I cry.
I used to always watch her sleep. She looked like an angel when she slept. She had
this way of breathing that made her look completely still, so peaceful. It was nice to think that maybe, every night, you were sleeping next to someone who was that special. An angel.
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The Fork in the Road
By Pikashan61
I had been thinking about it for awhile. It's been so long since I've been home. I
know we're getting closer to Cerulean. The air, it feels like home. But, I've been thinking,
maybe I shouldn't just visit. Maybe I should go home for good. The thought struck me a
few nights ago. The fact that I even have begun to consider it, scares me. I'm supposed to
be here until Ash pays me back for my bike, but I feel so homesick. I don't know what to
do.
Misty leaned against the massive bolder, quietly watching the sunset, drowning in
her thoughts. She really had no idea what to do. She knew, in the back of her mind, all she
really wanted was to stay on this journey, but the thought of going home, to a real home,
made her heartache. As much as she hated to admit it, she missed the gym, her sisters,
and Cerulean City. Yet, if she left, she would be desperately missing... Hey Misty! Her
thoughts were interrupted by a highly familiar voice. She turned to see Ash walking up the
hill toward her, carrying Togapi. Pikachu was perched on his head. Misty's face spread into a
smile. Well, if it isn't the whole crew. Hey guys. Ash strolled up the hill, and took his place
next to her. Pikachu quickly transferred himself from Ash's head to Misty's shoulder, finding
that it was much more comfortable there. We were wondering where you were, so we
decided to go for a walk and see if we could find you. She looked up at him. His eyes, his
smile, the caring tone in his voice. She couldn't help thinking to herself how lucky she was.
Not many people had an amazing best friend like Ash. Instantly, she felt guilty, her
previous thoughts returning in a rush. She turned back to the sunset. Ash sensed something
was wrong. She didn't have that carefree happiness. She looked as if she was carrying
something too heavy for her to bear, her eyes reflecting inner sadness. Mist, what's
wrong? His former affectionate joking tone had been replaced by a serious one. She
turned back to him, forcing herself to smile. I'm fine, Ash. He took a step toward her. No,
you're not. He looked at her with concerned eyes. Something's bothering you. She
looked at him for a moment, then turned away. Misty looked back at
Ash. How would you feel if I told you that you didn't have to pay me back for my bike,
ever? Ash looked at her, and saw a Misty he never had seen before. Misty, untouchable-
unbreakable-unshakable Misty, looked scared, and unthinkably sad. What do ya mean?
Ash said in a worried whisper. Misty turned away again. In a low voice, she said the one
thing that Ash had dreaded hearing more then anything else in the world. I'm thinking about
going home, She paused. for good.Ash's eyes widened. You're going home? he
choked out. She looked at him. Seeing his stricken face, she quickly added, I'm just thinking
about it. I'll decide tomorrow, I guess. But we'll reach Cerulean tomorrow.. said Ash,
feeling helpless.She nodded, looking up at him. He met her gaze. The two of them stared
at each other. Ash slowly smiled a bittersweet smile, as if to reassure himself and her that it
was just another cloudless night. Let's go back to camp, Mist. She nodded. They began
to walk back, bodies lightly touching at the sides. Nether of them failed to notice this. And
with the possibility of this being their last night together, neither of them moved away.
Night had taken possession of the camp long ago. Dinner had been silent, both of
them deeply in thought. Ash was so afraid. Afraid of this unexpected change in life. She
had always, always been there for him. He couldn't imagine it without her. Misty felt so
wrong. By telling Ash that she might leave, she had made it real for both of them, instead of
just the wandering thought that it had begun as. Loneliness was scary. The thought of it
frightened them both. It was when they were sitting side by side, staring into the fire, that
one of them spoke. Ash said, timidly breaking the cloud of tension. Misty looked
up at him. She sighed. I didn't say I was definitely going home... But you're thinking
about it. Tomorrow, you might choose the path to Cerulean... He fell silent, and lowered
his head. He suddenly felt ashamed at his tone of his voice. Misty was making a life altering
choice. He was her best friend. He should be supporting her, instead of being so selfish.
I'm sorry Misty. I didn't mean to sound so angry. It's just that... You're scared, too. Misty
interrupted, her voice a whisper. Their eyes met again. Ash nodded. Misty continued, I
don't want to leave you, Ash. I've been feeling kinda homesick lately, but... Misty paused.
Ash took up where she left off. Mist, listen. If you decide to go home tomorrow, you won't
be leaving me. I won't be leaving you, either. We'll be separating, taking a break. A tender
smile formed on his face. Whatever you do, I'm behind you, 110%. Finding Ash's smile
infectious, she smiled too. She stuck out her hand for handshake. Thanks Ash. He took it.
That's what friends are for. Now let's go to sleep. They both were in their sleeping bags
when Misty heard Ash say, Night Pikachu, Night Togapi. A pause. Goodnight Misty.
She smiled. Goodnight Ash.
Staring at the stars. A whole new world in the stars. Misty had always dreamed of
Ash and her, dancing, under those stars. She knew that this was one dream that would
never come true. The pain of that realization almost made Misty cry. She would miss him so
much. She rolled over, and watched him sleep. Not hardly knowing what she was doing,
she quietly got out of her sleeping bag, and made her way slowly over to him. She settled
next to him, smiling at down on Ash's sleeping face. So, Mr. Pokemon Master, she
breathed out, her voice barely a whisper, I guess this is it. She paused, and then
continued to carry on this heartfelt, one-sided conversation with his still form. I'm gonna miss
you, Ash. Again, she paused. Suddenly, in that moment, she knew exactly what she
wanted to say to him. She leaned over him, gently whispering in his ear, Thank you
Ash...for being my hero.
The liquid brown of his eyes pierced her aqua green ones. Memorizing each other.
Knowing that it was their last time together. Trying desperately to make this moment last
forever. It was Ash who spoke first, his voice choked, Bye Mist. She stared back at him,
valiantly holding back the dam of tears that threatened to overflow, although with very little
success. Bye Ash. Then, as if both of them couldn't stand it anymore, they were swept
into a mutual hug. Holding each other, never wanting to let go. You know, you aren't too
bad, Mr. Pokemon Master. Ash grinned. So glad I have your approval, Misty. They
were still locked in this never ending hug. Misty spoke again. I will miss you. Ash pulled
back. He gazed at her. I'll miss you too, Misty. He gave her a final smile, and with a last
hug from Pikachu, Ash was walking away from her. And Misty was standing, staring, crying
tears she never thought she would ever shed.
Final Notes
This has been a fun saga to write, for all of you who were lucky enough to be here
for all of it. Thank you, all of you, for your support and belief in me. Thank you to
Misty_AAML for putting up with my long fics, and thank you to Skye and Mystic for being
my #1 fans. I hope that someone was touched by my fic, and that you all enjoyed it.
Hopefully, soon, this and my other fics will be posted on various sites. If you missed any of
it, e-mail me, tell me, and I'll send it to you. Thanks for reading! Pokeshippers Rule!