Broken Hearts

A Pokémon FanFic

By Destiny & Fate United

Disclaimer: I do not own or claim to own anything associated with the Pokémon Franchise.

Prologue

Chapter I: A Lasting Dream

Tired, sweating and in desperate need of a shower, Ash Ketchum, the fabled hero of Pallet Town, was strolling along the pavement, his gaze unfocussed and face absent of any emotion he may have shown only minutes ago. But the boy was determined; he had another reason to be alive tonight. Moving past the crowds surging in front of him, Ash headed into the familiar gym of Cerulean, considered by many as housing the strongest and toughest Gym leader to ever grace the gym arena.

But, the girl Ash knew was anything but tough; she was his Misty. Although they had vowed to remain committed to their goals, the two could not remain out of each other's reach for long. Smiling, if only to himself, Ash headed up the steps to the gym entrance, the sun finally setting on the end of what was to be a perfect day. Crystal glass doors slid open easily as he cautiously made his way in, admiring as he did the chandelier they had put in place only a week ago. Although people may not notice it, the lilac crystals were best set off when the sun hit them in the afternoon, awakening the true beauty that lay within.

A small yellow mouse Pokémon caught his eye as he saw a figure walking past the main hall entrance. Ducking to the side, Ash watched as the orange haired girl turned back, looking for any sign of an intruder. Laughing under his breath, he watched as she left, heading down the hall way towards the gym floor. Silently, he crept along the corridor, inching his way quickly to the spare room he now occupied. With a gasp, he opened the door and slid in, hiding himself against the door as footsteps moved past his door.

Checking his room, not a thing stirred, and everything remained in place. Sighing, he placed the small jade coloured box onto the bed, tucking it safely under his pillows. Tonight would be the night; he was not going to wait anymore. A small sigh escaped his lips as his body relaxed; had she caught him, the whole surprise would have been ruined. Still, he wouldn't have minded anyway.

Smelling himself, he nearly coughed as he realised the severity of his efforts this afternoon. Well, it had been worth it. Seating himself at a desk, made of mahogany, he picked up the album he had received a year ago from Misty. From front to back, Ash moved through the pictures, his eyes taking in every detail. Misty remained as beautiful as ever throughout the photos, each time setting Ash's heart racing. How she had ever fallen for a kid like him, he would probably never know. But he was thankful she had. No one could ever replace or give him the joy she gave him each and every single day.

One photo captured all he loved about her. Placed at the back, the two trainers were holding each other as they slept, Misty's head resting comfortably on Ash's chest, as his head rested on top of hers. No one would ever think it to be worth much, but to Ash it was priceless. The beautiful trainer lay in his arms, embracing him deeply for what was only their first time. He had asked her out; stupid as it may seem, he should have tried years ago.

Smirking, Ash left the album, determined to resume once he was cleansed of the smell. Opening the door to the bathroom, his heart stopped. Glaring at him with the emerald green eyes and burning red hair he always loved was Misty. Eyes now slits, her hand slapped him strongly across the face.

"Where have you been Ash Ketchum?" her voice icy as Ash regained his senses.

"Misty? What are you doing in my bathroom?"

Blushing, Misty held her stare, daring him to insinuate a probable reason.

"I was out, I thought I told you that," racking his brains, hoping he was indeed right about his statement.

"Yes," her voice now soft and gentle, "Why did you hide from me?"

Feeling a hotness creep over him, he refrained from checking the pillow on his bed.

"I...I did not want you to smell me like this Misty," he replied, hoping she would buy it.

Looking him up and down, she smiled pulling him in close. Smelling her, Ash suddenly realised her secret smile.

"That makes two of us."

BH

With grins barely conceivable, Ash and Misty walked through the fair grounds, their hands intertwined delicately as the night sky filled with stars. Not all the people here were here for the reason Ash was; he was going to ask her, and if the stars above perhaps aligned for just a minute, he may receive the confirmation only his dreams could give him. A tug from his shirt caught his attention as Misty directed him towards the closest ride, one which to Ash's dread was considered to be the fastest and therefore most likely to cause him to throw up.

Although Misty grinned, deep down she knew Ash would throw up from it. He could never handle the rides, but he loved flying with his Charizard all the time. A small tightening of the hands told Misty what she already knew, so with a sigh, she pulled him towards a rest area. Sitting down, her head spinning from their last ride, she ordered two drinks, and placed herself down next to Ash.

Ash smiled as the waiter brought over the drinks, the noise of the fair making it almost impossible to hear what he was saying. Sipping the drink, Ash's stomach gave a nervous churn, knowing the moment he was awaiting was only minutes away. He could only watch her, taking in every minute detail of her features. The red tank top, covered slightly by the yellow vest she wore could only keep Ash's imagination in one place for so long. Although she wore jeans, Misty had obviously decided against wearing her good pair and instead went for the pair she often wore on her travels. Still, no matter what she wore, she was still an angel to him. He had often wondered how she had chosen him, but he was glad no matter the reason that she had.

A pinch from Misty snapped him out of his daydream as he watched the wheels go round and round behind her head. Smiling, the only smile Ash had ever loved, Misty finally broke the silence.

"You've been quite today; is something on your mind Ash? You look nervous."

Was he that easy to read? Cursing himself inwards, he smiled, trying to not let the secret escape from his soul that yearned to be freed.

"Nervous? No, why would you say that?"

She sighed, knowing him too well to not take that for an answer.

"Well, you seemed to be hiding from me a lot recently," concern dripping in every syllable.

"And not to mention you have been sneaking off lately, but not to your usual spots. What are you planning Ash?"

Breathing deeply, Ash looked into her eyes; those emerald green eyes which seemed to hold his soul playfully in their grasp. Reaching into his pocket, he felt the box firmly placed into the palm of his hand. It was now or never.

"Misty, I want to ask you something," he said.

As he was about to go down onto one knee, her cell phone rang. Misty pulled it out and looked at the caller id.

"Hang on Ash, I'll be back in a minute," kissing him on the cheek as she made her way to the toilet block. Ash froze in time; his heart was dead still as he looked at the rides. He was so close to it, he could almost taste victory. But, as only time can do, he was being made to wait longer, forcing him to control his frustration. He had planned specifically for this day, for this one moment, and to think that the phone had to go off at this one moment.

Shaking his head, Ash's eyes fell upon a brown haired girl, whose face seemed to be too familiar. Before he could respond however, the girl saw him and made her way towards him. Of all the places in the world, May was here at the fair in Cerulean city. A wry smile crept over her lips as she sat down next to him.

"Long time no see Ashy," she said, planting kisses on both his cheeks.

"What are you doing here May?"

Shocked, May seemed to grab at her heart.

"This is the first time you see me in two years, and you immediately treat me like an enemy?"

"I'm sorry," replying through gritted teeth, "But it just seems strange that you should be here of all nights."

"Well, I did come here hoping to find you, but it was by sheer luck that I have now. Ash, there is something I need to tell you; the past is opened once more, and the fate of the world now hangs in the balance," she said softly, leaning in closer to take in his aroma.

"What are you talking about May? What fate?" he asked, concern creeping in as he tried to move away.

But May was not listening. Intoxicated by his aroma, she nearly fainted, but held on as Ash seemed to back away slightly. Smiling she leant forward, her eyes closed and lips awaiting the pleasure she so desperately craved.

But nothing touched her lips.

Ash watched as she opened her eyes. Feeling hot, Ash was about to move when May pointed out something. Looking around, he had fallen for it. Her lips were held firmly on his, holding on relentlessly. Before he could push her off, a red haired girl appeared, her face white and heart seemingly shattering before his very eyes. Without a word, Misty was running, running faster than she ever dared to dream, away from the one boy, whose heart now lay in two.