Hello again everyone. I hope you liked the previous chapter. The group is now in Cerulean and about to have a quick dinner. I hope you don't mind this slight delay before the group officially heads off to the island, which will occur in chapter 4. This chapter have the sisters curious over Misty's condition.
Oh, something else that I didn't mention last chapter, is that I do sometimes slip in some Japanese phrases here and there, and I definitely will as far as names go, so expect to see "Satoshi", "Kasumi", "Takeshi", "Toru", etc., from time to time.
Now, as always, I do not own anything dealing with the Pokémon franchise. Nintendo, 4Kids, Gamefreak, etc., have those rights, and here are the age reminders once again...
Ash: 13
Misty/Todd: 14
Kenji: 17 going on 18
Brock: 19
Lily: 21
Violet: 22
Daisy: 23
Part 02: "How's it my fault?" Ash's Interrogation!
The group had finally arrived in Cerulean and are now on their way to a nice restaurant in town. Despite her recent symptoms, Misty didn't complain and insisted on having dinner. Let's hope all goes well for them.
Daisy, Lily, Violet Title: Ash's Interrogation!
During the carriage ride, Misty started to feel slightly queasy as they passed by many different waterfronts, which the city was known for. The color started to slightly leave her face, but no one seemed to notice except for Pikachu and Togepi, as everyone else was engaged in conversation.
":Are you all right, Misty?:" Pikachu asked the girl, as the redhead could also understand Pikachu pretty well.
":Mommy okay?:" Togepi chirped out in concern.
"Oh, don't worry about me, guys," Misty told the two Pokémon confidently. I guess this bumpy ride isn't too good for my stomach."
Right at that moment, the oldest of the sisters took notice of Misty's frail look. She pushed some of her shiny blonde-hair behind her ear. "Like, Misty, are you okay?"
The bright, pink-haired sister spoke up next, also now taking notice of the redhead's complexion. "Yeah, you look totally atrocious. You know, like, more than usual."
Misty glared at Lily in annoyance.
The dark-haired sister of them pulled her white jacket tighter around her, due to the sudden breeziness. "You look really pale too," Violet added on earnestly.
"Misty, if you're sick again, may-"
"I'm fine," Misty interrupted Ash in a huff impatiently. "Riding in a bumpy carriage causes me to have a little motion sickness." Everyone stared at her in slight perplexity, as neither fully believed her. Noticing the accusatory stares, Misty stuttered out, "I'm hungry, so let's hurry up!"
The three sisters exchanged worried glances, the same thought coming to mind, and hoping that it was the opposite of what they feared.
'It can't be," the blonde thought as the carriage continued on, passing by a fountain with an assortment of water Pokémon. 'Are those two even together now? I've never asked and she's never said.'
'Whoa, not Misty,' Violet thought in disbelief. 'I wonder if those two are together…'
Lily stared from Ash to Misty, studying them. 'I wonder if they're a couple now. It's weird because she's never gotten sick before just from a carriage ride. Carriage rides are, like, one of her favorite ways to travel around because it's so 'romantic'.
'She doesn't even get seasick when sailing or surfing with our Pokémon! How can a carriage ride cause her to feel like this?'
The carriage finally came to a halt, the majestic fiery horse-like Pokémon neighing.
"Okay, everybody out," Violet announced. "We're here! The Pokémon Inn Café! It's one of the best casual style restaurants in Cerulean, so our baby sister says." She flashed Misty a smile. "It has a great dessert bar, which Misty absolutely loves."
"That's one impressive Rapidash," Kenji commented after stepping out of the carriage. "You didn't even need a driver to lead him here and I don't recall either of you telling him where to go."
"He's really smart," Lily said while petting him. Rapidash snorted affectionately. "He's been a part of our family for years and seeing Misty, he knew to come here. Misty always comes here when she visits."
The group finally entered the restaurant, which had a giant fountain in the middle and a Dewgong statue. A host walked up to them and led them to a currently secluded section.
"Wow," Ash whistled, taking notice of the nicely decorated facility, "this place looks cool!"
After being seated, they chose the "all you can eat and drink" option. "Buffet" or *"Viking" style".
"I've never been to a place like this before," Brock said. "So, we get our own food and drink, instead of having it served?"
Daisy nodded. "You have the choice of ordering something from the menu or just get the buffet set."
Todd turned partially red in embarrassment, as he hadn't even looked over the menu. Daisy had just ordered for everyone. "Um…how much does the set cost?"
"Oh, don't worry everyone. This is our treat," Lily told them. "We're glad to have you here."
"Yeah, but if you really want to know," Daisy added, "it's about *¥850."
Misty was glad of this, as she was ready for the dessert bar, all the ice cream and cake she could eat. They all rose from their seats and headed to the buffet area. Brock and Kenji were impressed with the amounts of teas they had and how one could brew their own in their own individual ceramic pot. Each pot had its own tea strainer inside and all you had to do was sprinkle the tea in, run hot water over it, and seep it for a minute and to help with that, you could pick up a miniature hourglass.
Todd and Ash went for the soft drinks, as well as Misty. The sisters were more interested in the tea variety.
Once seated with their meals and drinks, they all started to engage in conversation. Misty started to chow down, but soon realized she couldn't eat as much as she thought she could. She pushed her multiple plates aside.
Daisy looked up from her meal. "What's wrong?"
"Oh nothing, I guess I just ate too much."
"Something must be wrong if our kid-sister isn't finishing her ice cream," Lily pointed out. "That's like, your most favorite food ever!"
Ash, who was seated right next to Misty, Daisy on her other side, looked a bit hesitant, as there were people around, but gave in and put his arm around her, pulling her into a slight hug. "I'm a little worried about you. Are you sure you're okay?"
She snuggled up closer to him. "Thanks for the concern, Ash, but really, I'm okay."
Kenji and Brock were surprised that Ash had openly, and affectionately, tried to comfort Misty. Todd inwardly groaned over the mushiness of the display.
The three sisters stared wide-eyed as Ash let go of Misty. They couldn't believe that the two had gotten close in such a way publicly, but it also confirmed the suspicions they'd had earlier.
Kenji gave Misty a sly look as he'd taken notice of Daisy, Lily, and Violet's expressions. "I see someone forgot to mention that you and Ash are a couple now."
Todd, who was seated between Brock and Kenji, and across from Daisy, Misty, Ash, and Violet (who was seated beside Ash) laughed half-heartedly. "It took them forever just to tell us."
At this point, Brock's expression became sullen. "Everyone's getting a girlfriend except me!" He then turned to his left where a certain pink-haired sister sat. "Hey Lily, how about we-"
"Um," she interrupted with a sweat drop, "I'm kinda, like, looking for someone closer to my age."
"How much closer can I get to you?" a love-struck Brock asked in a total dream world.
Everyone sighed over the way Brock was acting. Misty was about to take out her mallet, but decided against it, as she just didn't feel like it at the moment.
"So," Lily began, ignoring the breeder completely, "how long have you two been a couple?"
"Since Ash got his Earth badge and before that terrible trial dealing with Giovanni," Misty shuddered.
"Yeah, but considering how long they've known each other, I'd say their entire journey," a calmed down Brock joked. "The longer we traveled, the more couple-like they became, like an old stubborn married couple."
Ash and Misty slightly blushed, as Brock was right. They did act foolishly around one another as a way to hide their true feelings. Pikachu and Togepi laughed while Mewtwo, who was seated next to Kenji, was consuming a slice of Pokéberry Pie.
Lily stared down at her half-eaten meal and sighed painfully. "I can't believe that horrible man killed our parents, and that you, like, went through so much."
"We're sorry for ever blaming you, Misty!" Violet wanted to make absolutely clear. "We were just really upset at the time because you couldn't remember anything."
"Yeah, like please forgive us!" Daisy pleaded.
The youngest Cerulean sister felt like crying, not out of sadness or grief, but out of appreciation and love for her sisters. She felt truly accepted by them, even if they hadn't come right and said it as of yet, but their more recent actions was more than enough. "It's okay. I knew that you didn't really hate me or anything like that."
"No, of course we didn't hate you and we never will," Daisy resolutely insisted. "You know we love you," she then lightheartedly haughtily added, "even if you aren't as pretty as we are."
"Thanks for the apology, I think," Misty muttered. She picked up her drink and gulped some of it down. She felt slightly repulsed as she felt overly full and nauseated. "I'll be right back," she announced. She rose from her seat and rushed off in the direction of the restroom.
Todd stared after her, shaking his head. "I don't think she's better, even though she insisted that she was." He turned his attention back to the others. "What's wrong with her anyway?"
"It's strange," Daisy said. "She's always been the healthiest of us. When she was younger and had lessons and school, she, like, never missed a day."
"She never caught those typical childhood illnesses either," Violet added, thinking back to their younger days.
"She hardly ever catches a cold and I don't think she's ever had the flu, either."
"Wow, Lily, I think you're right," Kenji nodded. "I've never seen Misty with a cold, even though I haven't been traveling with her as long as Brock or Ash."
"No, she hasn't," Brock concurred. Ash too nodded.
"I guess she's pretty healthy then," Kenji concluded.
"I think Misty said that she started feeling sick a couple of days ago," Ash explained. "I didn't really notice it though because she always eats a lot, but she has been eating more, and now that I think about it, she has been kinda running off to the bathroom," he turned red in embarrassment, "but I don't think that's any of our business."
"And yet, she's so thin," a starry-eyed Lily uttered enviously. "Why can't I eat all the ice cream I want and not gain any weight!"
The others ignored Lily.
"The redheaded one has been in a terrible condition this entire day, but she's been complex about the entire situation. First, she claims to be in perfect health, and then she becomes ill once again." He looked down at his now empty plate and looked towards Ash. "May I be excused to go back to the dessert bar?"
"Oh, yeah, sure, go right ahead Mewtwo."
He stood and stalked off towards the dessert bar for more Pokéberry Pie, which was one of the best tasting foods he'd ever had the honor of consuming.
"Mewtwo sure does have good manners," Ash said in slight amusement, "even though Giovanni used to have complete control over him."
Violet set her napkin down and stood up. "I'm going to check up on Misty."
"Good idea," Brock said, as the dark-haired woman walked off.
"While she goes check on Misty, we can try to figure something out." Kenji leaned back in his chair. "We ought to get her to a doctor."
"Here we go again," Todd groaned. "It just hasn't been her year. First she was *poisoned and now she keeps getting sick."
"So you guys didn't notice the way she was acting?" Daisy asked, although she was most focused on Ash.
"Well, she has been a bit quiet for the past couple of days, and she didn't complain once about bugs or anything when camping out in the Viridian Forest the past couple of nights. I also noticed that she didn't sleep much the night before we left Pallet. She kept slipping out of the room."
Daisy, after hearing that, had her full attention on Ash now. "You two shared a room together?"
"Yeah, what's wrong with us sharing a room together?"
Lily's attention was now also on Ash. It was like the rest of them weren't even there and didn't even notice Mewtwo's return to the table with an ample amount of pie. "Did she share a bed with you?"
Still clueless, the boy answered, "Yeah. She hated the top bunk, so she sometimes slept on mine with me."
Daisy and Lily both looked distressed. "The same bed?!"
Brock, Kenji, and Todd had a million beads of sweat all over their faces. They all got the gist of what the older girls were insinuating about the couple. Even Pikachu picked up on it. Mewtwo wasn't listening at all, as he was too busy consuming pie and Togepi was confused.
Right at that particular moment, Violet returned with Misty.
"So, what's the diagnosis," Violet asked brightly while retaking her seat. The two remaining sisters gave her a look before answering. Violet scratched her head curiously. "What?"
Lily cleared her throat, continuing with the interrogation of the young Pokémon trainer. "Was this a daily occurrence, Ash? You guys sharing?"
"Yeah, all the time; almost every night," Ash answered, still not fully getting it. "Sometimes we didn't sleep, though," he finished up casually. This statement caused Misty to lightly blush.
Violet now looked incredibly distraught over this revelation, but not as much as Todd, who now wore a frown.
'They're only kids,' Kenji thought, trying to convince himself that Misty's current condition wasn't in connection to being with Ash or associated with their closeness.
'What in the world happened after I left?' Brock inwardly fumed. 'Kenji is supposed to be the one in charge!'
Ridding herself of her small blush, Misty asked, "What's wrong with you all? Why are you all so quiet all of a sudden?"
"Erm…Misty, we want you to stay with us tonight," Lily gestured towards Ash, "away from him for a while."
"What? Why?!"
Daisy put a hand on Misty's shoulder. "We totally know what's best for you," she assured her sympathetically.
"Why can't I be with Misty?"
Lily glared at Ash. "You know why!"
"Wait….I do?"
Violet pointed an accusatory finger at the boy. "You're the reason she's so sick!"
"Ash," Todd began awkwardly, which he really wanted to refuse to believe, "please say it isn't true. You always have Pokémon on the brain; I didn't think you of all people would know this route…"
"Wait…what?"
"You two are just kids," Kenji argued. "I can't believe you did this Ash, but I also know that it takes two for this happen, so it's not entirely your fault." He stared at Ash, as if studying him. "I kind of figured that he would've been too young…sort of…"
"Too young?! I'm going to be 14 soon!"
Misty's eyes were now wide, her face beet red, as she looked over at Ash, finally catching on to what the others had been implying about the pair of them…
Author's Notes
Note 1: Buffet-style restaurants do exist in Japan, but at the time, I didn't know that. They are called "Viking" restaurants.
x x x
Note 2: In the Pokémon world, the currency is yen, not Poke dollars or whatever. Same goes for the original Japanese games. The currency is Japanese yen.
x x x
Note 3: In the last story, Misty had a reaction to Jessie's Lickitung's "Lick" attack, thus her being mildly poisoned.
Fic Chapter Changes
One thing I have been changing is "fourth wall" stuff. The part where Todd inwardly groans over the display was originally written to be Todd complaining to RP to cut it out with the mushy stuff and RP saying that she had to toss it in somewhere and that she's never too mushy because she doesn't like mushy stuff much either.
Another fourth wall change came at the very beginning. Ash and Misty were complaining about the title and wondering what RP meant by it. It was originally called, "It's all Ash's Fault" or something like that. My mind went blank here. Lol
Other change dealt with Brock. After everyone started thinking in the way that they were, Brock started going on about how it wasn't fair that Ash was getting "experience" before him. Well, it was more so implied that's where he was going, but he didn't get much out because he was cut off by a slam with a mallet. RP temporarily stepped in to take Misty's place due to how flabbergasted and shocked she was over what her sisters were insinuating.