Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon.
"I'm going to go confirm your living arrangements, Misty." Brock approached Misty as the rest of the directors left the conference room. She sat on the lone chair, rubbing her temples. Brock felt sympathetic to her. Her life has suddenly taken a turn for the dangerous side. But he knew the fiery redhead will survive. "Why don't I give you a tour of the base?"
Misty stood up. "Thanks, Brock."
He gave her a smile. "No problem, Misty. What are friends for?" He led Misty out into the hallway.
The hallway was well lit. The floor is checkered with black and gray tiles while the walls are snow white. Very professional, Misty thought. And cold.
"The base stretches half a mile within the mountain with countless floors going both up and underground. This floor is designated for offices and conference rooms. Floors towards the top are the dormitories. The research labs are underground."
Brock and Misty entered an elevator. Brock pressed a button numbered 34. While they wait for the elevator to descend, Brock explained where the main facilities are found.
"Obviously, the garage will be on the ground floor along with some of the open ground training areas. On level 28, you can find the cafeteria. Level 30 has the computer labs and libraries…"
Misty's head started overheating from trying to remember all of these floors. But there was one floor that she was sure to remember: Indoor pool on level 19.
She grinned, which, in turn made Brock crack a smile.
The elevator dinged with their arrival to level 34.
"On this floor, you can find recreation rooms to relieve stress." Brock checked his wristwatch. "I have to get going for another meeting now."
"No worries. I can entertain myself."
Brock smiled, "Someone will come by later to lead you to your room. Careful not to get lost here."
That line earned him a swift punch in the arm. Brock just laughed and gave her a bear hug.
"While you're here, try not to kill Ash," he whispered.
"No promises." Misty mumbled against his chest.
Brock chuckled. He broke the hug and walked down the hallway. Misty turned and decided to check out the rec room.
Brock wandered through the halls in search for his friend. Passerby Trainers said they have seen Ash walking towards the indoor shooting range. Brock worried what seeing Misty again will do to him.
Ten years ago, Misty, Ash, Brock, and May were journeying through the Sinnoh region. Misty rejoined their group after Ash's time in Hoenn. Misty and Ash clashed over every issue, big and small. Pokemon, directions, and even food. Misty won most of the battles but Brock knew Ash had let her win. The tension was clear but neither of them wanted to make the first move.
On the day of Ash's tournament, Misty disappeared. Ash, May, and Brock returned to the Pokemon Center with the championship cup in hand, only to find her gone. Nurse Joy informed the party that Misty left abruptly, leaving only a single card with one word written on it: Goodbye.
Ash became a wreck. He repeatedly tried to call Misty but she wouldn't pick up the phone. Her sisters would give him a lame excuse like 'She went out' or the famous 'She's PMSing. Don't disturb her!' It was funny when Violet tried to use that alibi twice a month. Eventually, Ash gave up. It took years before Ash began to pick up the pieces. Even now, Brock knows there is still some wounds left.
Brock grimaced. He didn't know what happened between the two of them but it couldn't have been pretty. He kept in touch with Misty, calling her whenever Ash's back was turned. Whenever he tries to ask what happened, Misty clams up and avoids the question.
Brock grabbed a pair of silencing earmuffs and walked into the shooting range. Ash was the lone shooter. He was handling a sniper rifle, each one of his shots landed on the target. There was a big, gaping hole where the forehead of the silhouette should be. Brock leaned against the wall as he waited for Ash to finish.
After he used up his magazine, Ash finally turned to his friend. He pulled out his ear plugs while Brock did the same with his ear muffs. Still silent, Ash walked out into the hallway with Brock tailing him.
"I want you to be Misty's bodyguard."
"No." Ash didn't hesitate.
"Ash, the both of you are familiar with each other. It'll make protecting her a lot easier if we stick her with someone she knows."
"Brock, I don't think you notice, but Misty and I don't have the best relationship right now." Sarcasm dripped from Ash's words.
Brock rounded him and halted Ash's pace with a hand on his chest. Ash took one look at his partner's face and sighed.
"Do you remember what it was like when Misty disappeared? You were a miserable wreck, buddy. You ate and walked like a zombie. You neglected your Pokémon! I had to deal with your shit for months. Don't tell me you've gotten over her. Because you haven't. I don't know what happened between you two, but I can see it in your eyes. You still care about her."
Brock stared straight into Ash's eyes. Ash realized the truth of his words. He was defeated.
"Fine, I'll be her bodyguard."
"… And let her room with you."
"Wait, what? Now you're asking for the impossible."
"No choice. All our other rooms are occupied, so we'll just stick her with you for now." Brock clapped him on the back. In a low voice he added, "Take this time to work out your differences: Tie up loose ends. I miss my old buddy."
Brock walked down the hallway to his office. "Until then, do try to not tear down the base." Brock waved farewell.
Ash groaned and walked to his room like a prisoner sentenced to death.
Misty took a look around the rec room. On one side there is a bar with numerous bottles of alcoholic drinks and spirits lined up behind the counter. A pool table and Foosball table occupy the area near the bar. An entertainment center was on the other side of the room, complete with sofas, a giant plasma TV, and state-of-the-art sound system.
Misty walked over to sit on a barstool. She let out a huge sigh. The oncoming days will be hard for her. Being stuck inside a mountain was not one of the things she planned to do this week. Neither was getting ambushed by Team Rocket. Neither was meeting Ash again.
She continued to brood over her predicament until she felt something furry nudge her arm resting on the counter.
"Eek!" Misty jumped out of the barstool, thinking it was a bug that touched her. A Pikachu was staring at her. Recognition shown in its eyes as the Pikachu leaped into Misty's arms.
"Chaaaa..." Pikachu nuzzled its face into Misty's neck.
"Aww, Pikachu! I missed you too." Misty hugged the yellow furball. "How have you been, buddy?"
Pikachu gave an annoyed expression and pouted. Electricity sparked from her cheek pouches. "Chu..."
Misty gave a nervous laugh. "Sorry, I left so suddenly. I should have said goodbye to you at least." Pikachu lets it go and just nuzzles against Misty. Tears began to form in Misty's eyes as she recalled the friendship she and Pikachu had, in doing so, also recalling memories of the Pokémon's trainer...
"Hiya, Misty!"
Misty turned to where the voice came from. A man with auburn hair grinned at her. He wore dark clothing, the color of choice among Trainers. Misty didn't have a clue to who he was until a Pikachu with a tuff of fur on its head appeared on the trainer's shoulders.
"Ritchie!" Misty gasped. Sparky gave a sound of joy and went over to greet Misty. Misty bent down to rub the Pokémon's head. Pikachu jumped down to greet Sparky also. The two of them lock tails and shook. They bounded off down the hallway.
"Wow, how many years has it been?"
Misty stood. "Too long, of course."
Ritchie grinned. "I couldn't believe it when Brock told me that you were in the base. So what made you want to join Trainers?"
"I'm not a Trainer." Ritchie gave her a quizzical look. Misty explains, "Team Rocket is after me so I'll be spending some quality time here."
"Oh," Ritchie gave it some thought. "Well that sucks! I thought we could go on missions together." He gave a pout. Misty giggled at his expression. "Anyway, Brock asked me to lead you to your room." He extended his left arm. "Shall we?"
"Lead the way." Misty looped her arm through and they strolled down the hallway. The pair take numerous turns on their way. Misty wonders how anyone will find their way around this maze but she guesses after spending days down here, one will eventually get the hang of it. Left, Right, Left, Left, Right, Straight. Eventually they reach an elevator. They walk inside the car. Ritchie presses a button for floor '100.'
"You live on the top floor, Ritchie?"
"No, I wish. The view is amazing. But it's not me you're bunking with." Ritchie pursed his lips and refused to say any more. Misty is bemused. Ritchie told her they didn't have any empty rooms to lend her so she was going to share it with someone. If it's not Ritchie, then it couldn't be...
The elevator dinged and came to a stop. Even though the elevator was at a standstill, she could feel her stomach drop. No, Brock wouldn't do this to me.
The doors open into a foyer-like room. A set of black wooden double doors lay at the other side. Ritchie walked towards it and Misty followed behind slowly. Ritchie pressed a doorbell and waits. Misty felt nauseous as a raven-haired man answered and appeared in the doorway. He was half-naked. His chest was bare and a pair of dark washed jeans hung from his hips. Water dripped down from the side of his face.
Both Ash and Ritchie look at her expectantly. Misty realized a second later that they were waiting for her reaction.
"No." Misty shook her head. Ash raised one of his eyebrows again. "I am not staying with you. C'mon, Ritchie. Let's go take a walk." Misty tries to tug Ritchie back into the elevator. Ash's eyes zeroed in at their joined arms. A look flashed in his eyes but it quickly disappeared. His eyes harden into black stones.
"Hm. Didn't know you two were together."
"Excuse me," Misty's voice grew in volume.
"Ash, we're just friends." Ritchie gave a sheepish grin.
"Hm. Could have fooled me." Ash crossed his arms and leaned on the doorway. He raised one of his eyebrows again.
Misty fumed at the way he looked at her. Like she was a brainless girl who didn't deserve one ounce of his respect. It made her feel inferior to him and that angered her.
Misty unhooked her arm from Ritchie and marched right up to Ash. Ash stood his ground and met her eyes, she was a foot shorter than him so it amused him to see her so angry. It was like angering a kitten. He took care to keep his expression stoic though.
"What is your deal, Ash? You've been so rude ever since I stepped foot in the base."
"My deal? You know damn well what my deal is."
"No, I don't. So please help me because I'm not a freaking mind reader!"
"Don't play dumb! I think you know exactly what I'm talking about."
The two got into a heated argument while Ritchie stood off to the side. Brock had warned him that this was going to happen but he didn't expect the intensity of it. He tried to discreetly edge towards the waiting elevator when Misty turned to look at him.
"Whatever, Ash! I'm going to stay with Ritchie." Misty spun around and walked the few steps to the elevator.
"Even if you want to, you can't. He's already got a roommate."
Misty looked over to Ritchie for confirmation, who nodded in response. "Well, I'll go tell Brock to reassign me to someone else."
Ritchie leaned over to Misty and whispered, "Um, your belongings are already sent to Ash's room, Misty. It would take some time to find you another roommate and with limited space..."
Misty looked up in horror. Ash stared back with a blank expression. She was trapped. Brock, that meddling match-maker. The older man must have planned this out. Misty sighed in resignation.
Ritchie squeezed her shoulder. "I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" He walked to the elevator. The door closed and started its descent, leaving Misty alone with Ash.
Ash turned and walked back into his room, leaving the door open as a silent invitation for Misty. Misty walked through the doorway, feeling as if she's just been sentenced to hell.
AN: Reviews are welcome! How am I doing so far? I never thought writing a story would take so much work. I appreciate every writer out there who make an effort to put their thoughts and wonderful imagination to print. Huzzah!
FlowerInDarkness
