Change of Perspective Chapter One
When Ash meets his ex-girlfriend Misty on her birthday he ends up finding out much more than he ever expected about the woman he loved from a whole new change of perspective. AAML.
Genre: Romance/Comedy
Day Zero
As Ash looked out of the car window he sighed, it was that time of year again, the time when he would swallow his pride and see the woman who broke his heart, Misty Waterflower.
Usually Ash would do anything to avoid any contact with the woman, however today was a special day, the one day he'd push his feelings aside and wish her happiness after all they were still friends, he hoped.
"How much longer?" he asked impatiently as he spied a flock of low flying Pidgey from the window and smiled. Pokémon were amazing, he'd always thought that and he always would. They'd brought joy to his life despite his hardships, which included parental abandonment and heartbreak.
"Thirty-Minutes" his mother replied in a cheerful manner as she admired the scenery of the beachside town Porta Vista, which resided between Vermillion City and Maiden's Peak on the Kanto landscape.
Its geographic location made it a glorious resort town which rivalled some of the luxurious tourist islands on the Orange Archipelago, even being referred to as by some as the paradise of Kanto by some. This made it the perfect location for Tracey and Daisy's summer home which was where Misty would be celebrating her twentieth birthday.
"Isn't this amazing?" Delia sighed with delight as she took in the fresh ocean breeze.
"Yeah" Ash replied apathetically, usually he'd be excited to be in Porta Vista but the small fact that Misty was also there filled his heart with unease.
"Pika-Pika?" his long-term partner questioned in confusion made him smile almost bitterly.
"Its fine Pikachu, I'll keep calm around her" he assured his friend as he placed a soft hand on his head and stroked it carefully.
"Chaa!" Pikachu cried out in delight as he closed his eyes, just seeing this brought a real smile to the experienced trainer's face.
As Ash stroked the electric-mouse Pokémon Delia watched from the rear-view mirror, wondering how it all went wrong for her son. "I thought they would be the perfect couple" Delia thought as a small sigh escaped her lips.
"You okay Mum?" Ash asked in response making the older woman laugh.
"Just fine, I guess I'm just a little sleepy from the long trip" Delia lied expertly, well it wasn't that good but it was enough to trick someone as dense as Ash.
"Okay then" Ash said as he wound down the window and allowed the scintillating sun to warm his skin. "Feels good" Ash whispered with a smile as he closed his eyes and joined his long-time friend in the act of slumber.
"He's coming today right?" A blonde haired woman in her early thirties asked her youngest and most treasured sister.
"Yeah" the woman of the moment replied quietly, sounding less excited about the prospect than her sister did.
"Oh come on lil sis, enough of that wallowing" the woman sighed tiredly. "Smile a little more, you don't want to get wrinkles" she then added in her normal easy-going manner.
"Not all of us are obsessed with our looks Dais" the ginger haired woman replied harshly making the blonde laugh with what seemed to be relief, Misty didn't think so though. "What's so funny?" she asked defensively, amusing her eldest sister immensely.
"Oh nothing" she practically sung in reply as she observed the fiery look in her sisters gorgeous green eyes. "Isn't it nice to be here?" she then asked, changing the subject in the process.
"What's the point, if it was for a week then I'd understand but I'm going home later" Misty said in an unimpressed manner. "If I didn't know any better Dais I'd think you were just trying to show off your new summer home" Misty said dubiously which made the eldest Waterflower laugh nervously. "Hit the nail on the head didn't I?" Misty asked for confirmation.
"Ummm, sure you did lil sis" Daisy agreed, but the manner in which she said it made Misty very suspicious.
"What is it that you're not telling me Dais?" Misty then asked getting a quick shrug from the older lady.
"That's a se-cr-et" Daisy teased as she looked out the window and spied one of Misty's acquaintances. "Finally" Daisy cried as she hopped off her seat and made her way to the door, Misty on the other hand slouched down on the table.
"Why did she bring me all the way here... and why does Ash have to be coming" she thought in a depressed manner. "Why would the one who broke my heart come to see me, regardless of the day?" she wondered curiously as she let out a rather loud sigh.
"Hey Misty!" a familiar voice caught her ears which forced her to conjure up the energy to sit-up right and force a smile.
"Hey Brock" Misty replied with a small smile. "Thanks for coming" she said as her long-time friend grinned at her.
"Aw no problem" he replied bashfully as he handed her a relatively thin, rectangular shaped present which was wrapped up in blue bubble-themed wrapping paper. "It's not much but I hope you like it" he said in an embarrassed manner before turning around to look at the house.
The house itself was the size of a normal house, it had three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large living room which came with all that was expected of a house in this day of age such as a television a sofa and so on.
The kitchen was full of the best utilities that money could buy and everything was decorated way too much for it to be a simple summer home, though Misty did remember that it did belong to her sister and her husband so it was bound to be 'classy'.
"Wow this place is amazing" Brock commented as he walked over to the see through sliding doors to look at the sea view. "This place must of cost a rocket" he commented enviously which made Misty giggle quietly.
"Remember with Daisy's modelling and Tracey's art, money isn't really a problem" she said with a similar enviousness to Brock's.
"So... where's Ash?" Brock asked cautiously, flinching when Misty gave him a sharp stare.
"I couldn't care less" she told him with no real conviction which made Brock sigh. He didn't know what exactly went wrong between the two but he knew it was enough to cause a deep rift between his two best friends.
As Brock eyed his best female friend he put a hand over his face and let out a small sigh. "You don't really mean that do you?" he questioned, yet despite this it was also a statement since he knew she could never truly hate Ash.
Her silence was enough of a reply for Brock who felt as if he had some kind of obligation to mend the gap, even if it wasn't possible with his hands alone. "It wasn't the fault of any one person" Brock thought as his mind went over the little information he had.
"Let's not talk about this" Brock then said with a smile. "It is your birthday after all" he followed up with a small smile which was reciprocated by the ginger haired woman. "So where are your other sisters?" Brock then asked hopefully getting a small laugh from his friend.
"You have no chance Brock" she informed him, crushing his hopes in an instant. "Lily had a boyfriend and Violet... let's just say you aren't her type" Misty put it lightly.
"Why not?" Brock asked trying to take Misty's mind off what they had been talking about.
"You're a nice guy, you can cook, you have a job and aspirations" Misty listed out Brock's 'faults' comically which made Brock lower his head in a deflated manner.
"Why me" he moaned, amusing his friend in the process.
"It's okay Brock you'll find someone" Misty said with ninety-nine percent confidence, after all she believed there was someone for everyone, even Brock who had a notoriously unlucky love-life.
"I hope so, even Forrest has a girlfriend" he said in a self-depreciative manner.
"Oh! Really?" Misty asked with genuine surprise. "That's cute" she then commented, after all she was good friends with Brock's younger sibling.
"Yeah, though I bet when I get someone she'll be beautiful" Brock commented which brought a wry smile to Misty's face.
"If you say so Brock" she thought doubtfully as her good mood finally returned.
The moment the car stopped Ash felt like running away. He didn't know why but his gut told him that something terrible was going to happen if he entered the house. As he sat stationary his mother walked around to his side of the car and gave him a stern expression.
"Ash get out of the car, you're not a kid anymore" she ordered her son who turned to her and gave her a bored look.
"Doesn't that mean you can't order me around anymore?" Ash asked in a rare moment of cheekiness, well rare in regards to being directed at his mother that is.
"What was that?" she asked him with a strict tone that only a mother could deliver.
"Fine fine" Ash conceded to years of reinforced training under that tone, usually Delia let him do what he wanted but when she wanted to she could easily 'command' his attention.
As the young man stepped out of the car his faithful companion ran up his arm and perched himself loyally on his shoulder. "Pikaaa!" the electric-mouse cried in delight as he observed the beautiful scenery, filled with exotic blue flowers and large, towering pine trees.
"Pretty impressive place" Ash admitted with a sliver of excitement evident in his voice as he looked at the sea. "How much money does Daisy have to 'waste'" Ash mused making his mother laugh, even at times like these she noticed her son could revert to his childish manner, it was part of his 'charm' apparently.
As they walked up the drive Ash had thoughts of walking away but he knew it was too late to do so, besides even if it hurt him, he still enjoyed seeing Misty.
The second he reached the door it opened, revealing a smiling Daisy. "Hi Ash!" she said happily, taking the young man by surprise.
"Uh, hi Daisy" Ash replied, not meeting her eyes once in case it made him feel guilty, Misty and her sisters had that effect on him even if he wasn't the one at fault.
"Don't just stand there, come in" she said grabbing the young man by the arm and practically dragging him through the door. "You too of course Mrs. Ketchum" Delia said in a more reserved manner, showing respect for the still beautiful woman.
"Thank you" Delia said with a smile as she entered, mouth forming a 'O' when she saw the gorgeous interior. "This is amazing!" Delia said with the enthusiasm of an interior designer and homemaker.
"Well it was decorated by professionals" Daisy beamed before leaning over and whispering in the older woman's ear.
"Oh my, that's fantastic" Delia said in amazement however this was the final straw for Ash. So instead of standing around listening to interior design he walked further into the house, only to see the crux of problems sitting right in front of him.
As they stared into each other's eyes a familiar feeling of fullness filled both of them, yet they denied this feeling to blossom by breaking the contact. "Hi Mist" Ash said as calmly as he could, offering her a genuine smile even if it caused him pain.
"Hey" she replied softly, ignoring the burning gaze of Brock who was watching the two of them intently.
"Uh... how have you been?" Ash asked awkwardly, shown in how he fidgeted side to side.
"Good" was the reply, it was quick and to the point, yet it wasn't an attempt to break potential conversation, no it was just the only thing she could say, the only way she could respond.
"Cool... yeah" Ash said lamely as he looked to the side, it felt as if mere conversation was as draining as a twenty-four mile marathon, yet he persevered. "Uh Pikachu missed you" Ash said as he turned to his long term friend who on cue jumped off his shoulder and dived at Misty excitedly.
As Pikachu reached Misty a big smile reached her face. "Pika-Pika!" he squealed as Misty plucked him up and cuddled him.
"Hey Pikachu how have you been?" she asked getting an excited response from the electric-mouse, the smile on Misty's face made Ash unconsciously smile and approach the distracted woman.
"Here" Ash said, handing an expertly wrapped gift into her hand, when she looked up at him he nervously scratched under his nose and retreated.
"Thanks" Misty said appreciatively as the man retreated over to where Brock was sitting, unable to cope with being around her for fear of what might happen.
"Hey Brock" Ash said cheerfully, the difference in his tone of voice was astronomical compared to how he spoke with Misty and she could tell. There was no forced enthusiasm, no awkwardness, it was natural and she missed it slightly.
"Hey Ash how've you been?" he asked, disappointed that the two didn't continue with their small progress.
"Not bad, as you know I won the Indigo League a few months back so I can enter the Champions League" he told Brock with a grin and yet despite this his voice still sounded slightly haunted.
"Oh yeah, looking forward to it?" Brock asked awkwardly, even he felt the pressure and strain, it was as if the three were either completely united when together or completely dysfunctional when apart, as if the key link in a chain had broke, ruining everything.
"Of course, I'm sure to win!" Ash said with as much enthusiasm as he could muster before turning around to see Misty not sharing his excitement which seemed to smother his fiery attitude, reducing it to small embers.
It didn't take long before silence occurred, a quiet void which seemed impenetrable for two of the three present in the room. However Brock the most experienced at life wasn't going to let the awkwardness seep in, he knew it wasn't too late.
"So... Misty why are we here anyway?" Brock asked.
"Huh?" Misty mumbled incoherently before shaking her head. "Sorry what was that Brock?" she asked making him sigh.
"Why would we come to Porta Vista when it's not even an overnight thing?" Brock asked curiously making Misty put a hand on her lip and she stroked Pikachu with the other.
"I've been asking myself that actually" Misty said with some real interest which surprised Brock. "You know Daisy, perhaps she just wanted to show off" Misty said with an off-handed jibe which made Ash laugh surprising Brock.
"Yeah like the time she took us fishing just to show off her yacht?" Ash asked, laughing at the fond memory.
"Yeah and then she ended up getting dragged into the sea by a Wailord!" Misty struggled to say as she fought the laughter that was threatening to break out.
"And then she was like 'Oh no my fabulous hair, it's ruined!'" Ash said as he imitated Daisy's reaction which made Misty burst into laughter.
"Then you wouldn't let her back on the boat" Misty said as tears of laughter fell from her eyes.
"Hey that was your idea, not mine!" Ash protested weakly from his spot, joining in with the laughter so naturally that it confused Brock and gave him a glimmer of hope that the trio's friendship could be rekindled.
"Was not!" Misty playfully denied Ash's accusations as she got off her seat and stood in front of him defiantly.
"Was so" Ash said as he turned to the side and looked at her through just one eye.
"Was not!" she played back which made Brock remember a montage of all the times Ash and Misty had argued like that in the past, the memories brought a fond smile to his face.
"Uh-huh whatever" Misty said childishly as she turned around and went "hmph" to show her 'anger' which only amused Ash more.
"Well I know I'm right, so I'm going to stop there" Ash said and looked away, hoping to bait Misty but it only had the opposite effect, because by ending the argument their only means of communicating was broke which only served to invite the awkwardness back into the field of play.
"Uh... Mist?" Ash said once everything went quiet, but just as before Misty walked back to her seat and went quiet again. "Damn... can we only communicate when we're arguing?" Ash wondered as he looked at Misty sadly.
As silence completely enveloped them once more Ash got to his feet and walked to the backdoor. "I'm going to go get some fresh air" Ash told them and walked out, leaving Misty alone with Brock once more.
Once gone Brock turned to Misty and gave her a solid stare. "What was all that about?" Brock asked in reference to the temporary good mood.
"I don't know... this always happens, this is why I don't like to see him anymore" Misty admitted in a depressed manner as her head dropped against the table.
"Well I think it proves one thing though" Brock said as he leant back against the sofa.
"What is that?" Misty asked curiously.
"You don't hate each other" was all Brock could say, anything more would be denied furiously and it would dampen any minute progress that had been made between the pair.
"Maybe" Misty said as she looked out the window to see Ash lying against a tree with his eyes closed. "I just don't understand anymore" Misty commented, piquing Brock's interest.
"Understand what?" he asked gaining a small shrug of the shoulders.
"It's nothing" was all she could muster before she closed her eyes from boredom.
Hours passed and by the time Misty and Ash both opened their eyes the time was 7:00pm. "Uhh I can't believe I've slept my birthday away" Misty mumbled as she lifted her head to see a large banner which proclaimed "Happy Birthday Misty" which took her by surprise.
As she looked to her side she saw Ash also awakening from his nap. "That's strange" Misty whispered as she got to her feet walked into the kitchen to see Brock, Delia and Daisy talking about something.
"Wow that's an amazing present" Brock said to Daisy which made the older woman laugh.
"Thank you Brock" Daisy said with a smile, Misty seeing this felt as if she would be ruining a surprise so she pulled back and retreated back to the living room just as Ash re-entered.
"Where is everyone" Ash asked nobody in particular.
"Shh" Misty said instinctively silencing the slightly younger male.
"What's going on?" Ash whispered back curiously, ignoring the fact that it was Misty he was talking to.
"I don't know but they were talking about presents" Misty replied quickly as she stretched her arms out and yawned rather loudly on purpose, catching the attention of those in the kitchen.
"Oh you're awake" Daisy said as she left the kitchen and smiled at her sister. "Oh you too Ash" she said with a smile which was so bright that he had no choice but to reciprocate it. "Did you sleep well Misty?" she asked which made the birthday girl nod.
"This place is so relaxing" Misty said honestly, making her older sister beam happily.
"I'm glad you think so because" Daisy said as she approached her sister and handed her a key.
"What's this?" Misty asked as she stared at the key.
"Your key" Daisy stated the obvious which made Misty give her a look which practically spelt out 'are you being serious?'
"You don't get it do you sweetie?" Delia chimed from behind her, seizing Misty's attention in an instant.
"Not really?" Misty questioned as she looked at Brock who also seemed to know the big secret.
"This place is only used by Tracey and me in the summer, that key means you can use it whenever you want" Daisy informed her sister with a big smile "like your own little summer home!" she added as she grinned making Misty's lower jaw drop.
"W-wait I can use this place whenever I want?" Misty asked, blinking her eyes really quickly to make sure she was in the plane of existence known as reality.
"Wow that's awesome" Ash commented as he made his way over to the sofa and led down on it. "I'm jealous" he joked as he bounced a little, bringing a wry smile to Misty's lips.
"Hey Ash don't bounce on my sofa" Misty teased making Ash glare at the ceiling angrily.
"Actually it's still mine lil sis" Daisy burst Misty's bubble instantly.
"Haha" Ash mocked his ex-girlfriend childishly from his position.
"Shut up Ash" Misty growled, yet it wasn't antagonistic in nature.
"Oh and what are you going to do?" he challenged as he practically tread on the boundary line of tolerance.
"Kick you out of here" she said with joking intention, but for some reason Ash didn't take it that way, his way of viewing things in regards to Misty had become twisted since their break-up so he thought she meant it.
"Don't worry about that" Ash said as he got out of his seat and stared at Misty with an apathetic look which was scarier than any angry face that he could muster. "I'm off" Ash said venomously and walked to the back door, exiting swiftly taking everyone by surprise.
"What's gotten into him?" Misty asked out loud which earned her a disappointed gaze by everyone present.
"Misty... sweetie I know you didn't mean it but you sounded quite harsh just now" Delia said as she observed Ash's gift on the table, still unwrapped.
"What no I didn't" Misty protested, yet deep down she knew there was a possibility.
"Misty..." Brock said in a tone which practically made more sense to Misty than anything Delia or Daisy could say to her.
"Just stop ok" Misty asked which made the trio of people in front of her frown awkwardly at each other before leaving Misty alone without a word. "Where are they going?" she wondered as they disappeared from view. "Great their taking his side!" Misty thought angrily as she observed the gift in front of her.
As she stared at the unwrapped gift she felt a strange longing to open it. Truth be told it was the first time Ash had ever bought her a birthday present, mainly because he was never good at remembering dates, so the fact that there was a present from her ex in front of her filled her with a natural curiosity.
"I wonder what it is" Misty thought as she turned her head to notice that Ash had completely disappeared, which she assumed to be up the 'mountain path' which if followed unveiled a beautiful aerial view of the sea.
"It's not like I care" Misty said as she grabbed the gift and opened it savagely to reveal a small box which she opened instantly. "Huh what's this?" Misty whispered with hitched as she plucked up the item. "Oh wow" she gasped as she admired the present which was a silver necklace with a Luvdisc on it.
As Misty looked at it Delia came back into the room and gave Misty a firm look. "Ash spent days looking for that" she said with a determined voice which seemed to bring everything into perspective for Misty.
"R-really?" she asked making the older woman nod.
"I don't know what happened between you two... but I still see something there" Delia said with a small smile. "Well that's all, I have to help in the kitchen" Delia said as she walked off leaving Misty alone to her thoughts.
"Why does everyone keep saying that?" Misty wondered as she got to her feet and made her way out of the house on instinct.
As Misty made her way through the hilly region which was covered with pine trees and exotic flowers she growled, she didn't know why but she suddenly felt the urge to confront Ash about everything. "Perhaps it was Mrs. Ketchum's words" Misty thought as she continued to trudge uphill until she reached a small, lake like area.
"What is this place?" Misty gasped as she walked over to it, only to see Ash lying on the grass, cursing quietly under his breath.
"Ash?" Misty asked catching the man's attention.
"What is it Mist?" Ash asked with a tone which was far too rough to sound natural. "Come to break the peace again?" he asked as he got to his feet and looked at her with eyes which displayed how hurt he felt.
"What's all this about Ash?" Misty questioned with equal potency. "You're the one who messed everything up" she blamed. "Wait I didn't come out here to argue" Misty thought as Ash smirked at her.
"Oh really?" Ash asked as he turned away. "It's always my fault isn't it Misty" Ash asked in a hurt voice which took her back a little.
"Well it certainly wasn't mine, Mr. Never Called Me" Misty said defensively which made Ash grimace.
"Yeah only because whenever I did you'd just end up shouting at me" Ash said as he turned away immaturely. "Sorry for not being the perfect guy of your dreams Mist" Ash said which seemed to strike a chord.
"W-what?" Misty asked as her breathing hitched, she didn't know why but the words hurt. "You have no idea what I want or how I feel!" Misty shouted back which made Ash give her a cold stare.
"Like you could ever understand how I'm feeling either" Ash accused only serving to upset Misty more.
"You know what Ash YOU were the one who was wrong NOT me" Misty shouted as a few tears escaped her emerald green eyes.
"You always say that Mist, it's your fault Ash, your fault, your fault!" Ash shouted back, a rare anger that Misty didn't know he possessed taking over him. "You never admitted when you were wrong" Ash then said in a calmer voice which seemed to make the words sting more than before.
"You're the same" Misty argued back in futility but Ash looked away uninterested. "Great... after that present I thought you still cared... I guess I was wrong" Misty said, her tears evident in her voice which seemed to snap Ash out of his raging stupor.
"M-Mist?" Ash stuttered as he saw how upset he made her, it tore at his heart, he wanted to apologise but he couldn't since it would be admitting defeat. "..." Ash tried to speak but nothing came out.
"..." Misty also replied, unable to say anything, they just ended up staring into each other's eyes, wondering if they were truly angry or if they just wanted to get everything out into the open.
"I'm sorry" both thought in unison but they never voiced it.
As they continued to stare at each other the sound of water splashing was present and yet this didn't deter them from staring, this proved to be the start of their long week.
"Manaphy?" a blue aquatic Pokémon cried as it observed the two, it's bulbous head shaking side to side as it sensed the feelings inside the heart of the two 'combatants'. "Mana, Manaphy" it cried as it tried to capture their attention, to make them stop as it knew how they truly felt.
Yet they never turned to look at the creature, instead they continued staring at each other, not budging an inch. So out of the goodness of the creature's heart it decided to do something, something that would alter the lives of the two whose hearts should have been connected.
"Manaaa" it cried out as a pink glow flowed out of its antennae and seeped into both Misty and Ash, forming a thread between them.
"What is this?" Ash stuttered as he stared at it, Misty's reaction mirrored his. "I think I've seen this before it-"he began to explain but before he could finish he collapsed face first, directly in sync with the woman who stood opposite him.
As the two lay unconscious in front of the legendary prince of the sea the Pokémon smiled, thinking that it would all be for the best. "Mana" it cried as it retreated back into the water, unaware that it had inflicted upon them something even it didn't know it could do.
The Manaphy Curse... Seven Days remain.
(End Chapter)
Ok the chapter was way too serious for my liking, however it needed to be. Ok this is AU and also the Manaphy Curse that will be present is not Canon it's something I've made up, but I hope you enjoy it. Anyways this story will probably comprise of only 9 chapters, albeit some of them will be long.
I hope you review and tell me what you think, I have the entire story planned out so I'll be able to complete it quickly if I can find some added motivation.
Thanks for reading.
-Aquilon.