Disclaimer WARNING: This chapter contains a bit more of an intense make-out scene than has been shown previously. I will never be doing lemons of any kind in my stories however. I'm mostly saying this because I am paranoid ;) and also because I know I liked to be warned about such things. Really it's a small paragraph anyways, but eh. Also I'm not necessarily good at this kinda thing, fluff yeah... this I don't know *shrugs*
Tada it's a REAL chapter everyone :D
Ages:
Ash: 18
Misty: 18
Brock: 23
Gary: 18
May: 18
Max: 13
Drew: 17
Dawn: 18
Paul: 19
Cilan: 22
Cress: 22
Chili: 22
Iris: 20
Ritchie: 18
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Clemont: 18
Serena: 18
Harley: 24
Solidad: 24
Zoey: 19
Barry: 19
Kenny: 18
Nando: 25
Stephan: 19
Bianca: 20
Cameron: 18
Trip: 18
Georgia: 19
Burgundy: 19
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Various others:
Delia: 37 (based off her age of the novelization according to bulbapedia [29] + 8 years from the start of Ash's journey.
Giovanni: (Unknown) but in this story: 58
Prof. Oak: 64
Redrick(Red Ketchum): 38
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Normal Talk
Thoughts
Lucario talking unless stated otherwise
Zoroark talking unless stated otherwise
Meinfoo talking unless stated otherwise
Let the journey continue...
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Misty was starting to calm down and turn to Brock to talk again until a scream split the air...
zzzzzzzzzzzzz-Together-zzzzzzzzzzz
"No! May!" Drew cried out in desperation, as a Rocket grunt held the unconscious girl in his arms and a whole troop of grunts surrounded them both. One grunt whistled at the fearful Karui in the crowd, surrounded by her men,
"Boy you sure you don't want to come along with us, darling?" He grinned wickedly.
She simply shook her head because she was so afraid.
"What a shame... Men let's go," The grunt said and half the group started to run away with May. Before the group could try and stop them they threw down a smoke screen. When it faded, only half of the grunts remained with pokeballs in hand. May was gone.
Everyone let out one of their pokemon and soon the grunts had to flee. Drew shouted at the top of his lungs in desperate fury and had to be held back by Gary and Ritchie,
"Where is May!? What have you done with her!? You no good lousy cowards!" Drew shouted. His shouting was in vain though and soon the grunts all vanished into the woods or elsewhere.
At that moment Ash ran out from the forrest and, using his aura, dashed after a grunt that was lagging behind and tackled him. Brock and Misty soon entered the fray and Brock ran forward to help Ash hold the grunt down.
"Where is May?" Ash asked with anger in his eyes.
"Like I'd tell you," The grunt responded.
"You better talk!" Ash said loudly. His pendant soon swung out from his shirt and caught the grunt's eye...
"The pendant..." He whispered.
"What?" Ash asked.
"Hmph!" The grunt started with a glint in his eye, "I'll never talk."
Ash then grabbed him with one hand and started to form an aura sphere in front of the crowd, the guards, and everyone else, "I promise one of these hurts a lot worse than a punch... I can vouch for that."
The grunt's eyes widened, "Okay okay! Up the Sprout tower! They were going to ask her some questions before they left! That's all I know I promise!"
Ash dropped the grunt as a group of policemen finally reached the scene. Ash turned to his group and nodded.
"We've got to go and help May," Drew said and everyone nodded.
"We never leave a friend behind," Ash agreed before turning his head up towards the tower...
They grouped themselves together and made their way towards the tower after telling Zackie they'd get rid of Team Rocket. Soon they got near the entrance and saw a couple of grunts standing guard.
"Now what?" Dawn asked.
"I think we can be a bit more straight forward this time..." Gary said and grinned.
"Sounds good to me," Paul nodded.
"Right," Ash said.
They then released their pokemon and started to battle...
zzzzzzzz-May-zzzzzzzz
May woke up and slowly realized that she was tied to a chair...
"Huh?" she asked.
"Good you're awake..."
May looked up and saw a Rocket standing over her, "What do you want!?" May shouted angrily.
"Easy... I'm just going to ask you a few questions... nothing else, for now," A cruel glint flashed through his eyes and made May pale a bit.
"Firstly I suppose I'll introduce myself... I am Admin Roman," Roman stood now out from the shadows; he had been elevated to admin. He had a white uniform on that was more streamlined, "My first question... how did you receive your gifts?"
"My gifts? I don't know what you mean," May said.
"Don't play dumb with me. Now talk, Aura Guardian!" Roman shouted.
May froze, "Aura Guardian? I'm not an Aura Guardian!"
"Lies! You were, according to a grunt, present at the Lavendar take over, wearing a pendant that glows blue... Aura Guardians were once known to wear such things," Roman said.
"Pendant...?" May said, "No wait... I'm not an aura guardian!"
Roman growled, "You are trying my patience, girl..." he then glanced down and noticed she had no pendant visible nor any sign that it was being worn under her shirt, "Wait... Your not wearing the pendant... where... Where is it!?" Roman shouted.
"It's not mine! I was borrowing it! I don't know where it is now!" May said, telling a partial lie since she didn't actually know where Ash or the others were at the moment
"You know and you're going to tell me..." Roman said and started to move forward until a grunt entered the room in a panic.
"Sir! Sir! The rest of those kids! They're storming the tower and their pokemon are very powerful! We can't hold them much longer!" The grunt spoke.
Roman turned and looked at May, "It's fine... she isn't the one we need... Let them come... perhaps with a little prompting... They'll tell us what they know," Roman said.
zzzzzzzz-Together-zzzzzzzzz
The group stormed into the top room and saw someone standing near the back of the room. Two grunts flanked him and he held May in his arms threateningly, "Let's all calm down... You wouldn't want this to become a deadly embrace, right?" Roman spoke calmly. One could see the glint of metal in the light.
"What do you want with May!?" Drew shouted and Max joined him.
"Yeah! Let my sister go!" Max shouted.
"We are searching for someone particular... Someone that wears a pendant of blue... This young girl was stated by one of ours to have been wearing a pendant that glowed blue at the Lavendar take over..." Roman said and he glanced around at all the kids before his eyes landed on Ash; he saw the pendant on his chest, "So... You're the one... Aura Guardian... and your the Ketchum kid."
Ash flinched and everyone looked at Roman in shock.
"Come this way... or the girl's in trouble," Roman said simply.
Ash clenched his fists and eyed Roman, suddenly Drew walked over to him and pulled the pendant off of Ash, "I'm the one you want... I was just trying to fool you by placing my pendant on my friend... Don't hurt them. They've been helping me because I asked them to. They have nothing to do with this... Release May... and I'll go quietly..."
Ash stared in shock with the rest of the group at Drew. Drew glanced back at Ash and Ash gave him a look in response. As Drew placed the pendant on himself, Ash made the pendant glow, brightly.
"Hmph... Nice try guardian but your weakness in caring so for your allies will cost you dearly," Roman grinned and nodded at the two grunts to walk forward.
The grunts approached Drew and held his arms as Roman then released an upset May.
"No! Drew! Don't do this!" May said and rushed forward. The grunts growled at her and she and Drew only had a moment to speak to one another,
"I can't let them hurt you, May... You mean too much to me," Drew said, breaking his normally cool-guy facade. May looked at him in understanding and awe before the grunts pushed her away. Ash rushed forward to her as they walked forward with Drew.
"Now... Touch the stone... here... and we'll then be on our way. I do believe with time you'll find Team Rocket to be quite the business to work for, Mr..." Roman said.
"Hayden..." Drew replied.
"Hayden yes... Anyways touch this stone," Roman said.
Drew looked at him in a bit of fear as a grunt reached forward and thrust Drew's hand onto the stone. Nothing happened.
"What?" Roman asked angrily.
Ash then took this time to rush forward. He opened one hand with an aura sphere and the other contained a pokeball. Pikachu leapt forward as well, while Ellie hung back.
"Lucario, battle!" Ash shouted.
The grunts and Roman turned around to see what was going on when one of the grunts was knocked out cold from the aura sphere that Ash had sent into his face. The other grunt holding Drew was then punched in the face by his supposed prisoner. Lucario rushed forward and leapt at Roman and pinned him to the ground. Brock looked over the banisters to see police men and women storming up.
"You! Gah! Of course you're the guardian!" Roman yelled at Ash as Drew gave Ash his pendant back, before running over and holding May close.
"Hmph," Ash said simply. He walked over to the stone and touched it and soon a bell-like noise, that sounded like a wind-chyme in spring, started to ring throughout the tower. Roman stared in awe at first before showing anger.
zzzzzzzz
Roman and the captured grunts were led away and the group went to the pokemon center to rest from their experience.
"We got rooms," Ash said as he approached the group in the lobby after talking to Nurse Joy. He noticed Misty look away and he soon looked away as well, "I'm going to the training area to um... help Cubone... I see you guys later," Ash said and walked away with Pikachu, Ellie, and a confused Cubone.
There was an odd silence before, "I'm going to go to bed... See you all in the morning," Misty spoke and then rose and left.
Everyone sat still for a moment, confused.
"What's wrong with Misty and Ash?" Iris asked.
Brock sighed and then told everyone what had happened between Ash and Karui and How angry Ash had gotten towards Misty and visa versa.
"Geez, Ashy-Boy keeps reeling them all in all of a sudden... Maybe I should go on a year long journey," Gary grinned.
"Gary! This is serious! Oh that Karui! How dare she mess Ash and Misty's relationship up!" Dawn shouted with anger.
"Ash is one of the nicest guys I know! For her to slap him like that just because he didn't like her, Grah!" May said in frustration and Drew placed a hand on her shoulder.
"How did Ash take it, when Misty reacted?" Paul asked.
Brock told them about how Ash had snapped at her and how he had talked about having to always prove himself to everyone. Gary, Paul, Drew, and Max frowned a bit when Brock further explained Ash's frustrations.
"I know and Ash knows you guys are his friends now... but he did have a point that I never had thought of before... Though he didn't actually have to fully prove anything to any of us... I can see how he would feel that he has had to," Brock spoke and everyone nodded.
"Does Misty know Ash essentially got slapped for her?" Cilan asked.
"No... She never gave Ash the chance to explain..." Brock sighed, "I told you all before that Misty hides her fear with a facade of toughness, right? Well... It's showing itself now. She felt insecure when Ash was approached by Karui... She is simply showing her anger to deal with her frustration."
Everyone nodded.
"Well... We have to do something for them," Cress said finally.
"Yeah, they care so much for each other," Chili smiled.
"So... what should we do?" Ritchie asked.
"I'm going to go and talk to Misty..." Dawn said and rose, "Maybe I can make her give Ash a chance to talk to her."
"Okay, I'll go talk to Ash..." Brock smiled.
The rest of the group gave their good luck to them both before they disappeared.
zzzzzzzzzzz-The rest of the group-zzzzzzzzzz
"I hope everything turns out..." Max said sadly.
"Yeah... Hey! You're actually caring about the two of them getting together again! Look at Max growing up and all!" Iris grinned.
"I'm not!" Max whined.
Most of the group were smiling or teasing Max but Drew and May were looking at each other... They nodded to each other and then turned to the group.
"Hey guys," Drew said, getting the rest of the group's attention.
"What's up?" Ritchie asked.
"Me and Drew wanted to tell you guys something," May said, as her and Drew's cheeks started to turn red.
"Oh yeah?" Gary said. A grin started to form on his face.
"Yeah... Me and May are a um... couple now," Drew said rubbing his neck, "I mean... we're well trying I suppose."
"That's great!" Iris smiled.
"Congratulations both of you," Cilan nodded.
"Yeah congrats," Paul nodded.
Everyone else congratulated them and teased them a bit with everyone's supposed knowledge of them ending up together, none so much as Max. After May threatened to destroy Max if he continued to tease them, he finally got quiet. May and Drew then walked off to tell their parents over the videophone about their relationship.
"This is cool having two couples in the group," Ritchie smiled.
"Well... Hopefully," Gary said, staring were Brock and Dawn had walked off to.
"Yeah..." Chili frowned.
"Right..." Cress nodded.
zzzzzzzzzz-Dawn and Misty-zzzzzzzzzz
Dawn knocked on the door, "Misty? Misty are you awake? I want to talk to you."
Dawn heard someone get up and come over to the door. The door opened up,
"What Dawn? I was almost asleep..." Misty said.
"I bet you weren't," Dawn replied.
"What do you mean?" Misty asked.
"You can't go to sleep so easy after fighting with Ash like that," Dawn said in return.
"...Go away," Misty said and tried to shut the door, but Dawn forced herself inside.
"We are going to talk about this. I will not have two of my best friends all sad and angry!" Dawn said.
"I don't want to talk right now," Misty said.
"Too bad," Dawn said and sat down, "Now why on earth did you not let Ash at least defend himself?"
"Oh so your listening to Brock's story, huh?" Misty asked.
"Okay... What's your story?" Dawn asked politely.
Misty told her story from her point of view...
"Hmmm... I see why you might be upset, but still you should let Ash try to tell you his perspective. Brock said that Karui had a hand in Ash's hair. Sure he is stronger than her, but he was also probably in shock. You're right when you say Ash is dense. He probably never let it cross his mind that she was flirting with him... but I'd say that is more like being naive. Let me ask you this... Did he close his eyes?" Dawn asked.
"Well..." Misty thought real hard, "No... they were wide open as far as I could see."
"There's your answer. Ash wasn't planning on it or accepting it... Let me ask you another question... Did Ash forgive you, trust you, when he walked up when Arthur was kissing you?" Dawn asked again.
"Well... Yes..." Misty said.
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"He kissed me without asking Ash. You believe me don't you?" Misty said, looking into his brown eyes. Ash smiled,
"Of course I do Mist," Ash said.
"By the way, you jerk, It was an awful kiss! Ash is much better at it than you," Misty said having a blush form on both their faces.
~zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz~
"Oh... no... I... I screwed up... He asked me if I believed him just like I did with Arthur and I shot him down..." Misty said, upset.
"Well... don't tell me this... Tell Ash you're sorry and I'm sure he'll find something to be sorry about too," Dawn smiled and winked.
"Right... Thanks Dawn," Misty said.
"No need to worry, my pleasure," Dawn nodded.
They both got up and walked outside to find Ash, Brock, and the others.
zzzzzzzzzz-Ash and Brock-zzzzzzzzzz
"Nice work, Cubone! One more time now and we'll stop for now. This move, no one will expect!" Ash cheered with Pikachu and Ellie as Cubone practiced a secret move. After Cubone finished, Ash petted him and praised him for his work. Ash then turned around and saw Brock walking into the training room.
"Hey there," Brock spoke as he approached.
"Oh hey Brock," Ash said a little sadly.
"Still thinking about Misty, huh?" Brock asked.
"How can I not be? I think I finally understand your plight so much, Brock... It must stink to be rejected so often," Ash said and Brock fell down anime-style, "Not that that makes you a failure or anything!" Ash said, trying to save face and Brock sulked, "No I mean...!" Ash started but was silenced by Brock.
"Let's try to stay on topic..." Brock said and placed a hand in front of Ash's face.
"Okay... Sorry," Ash said sheepishly.
"I think you should go talk to Misty again... I know she was kinda unfair with you, but Dawn's trying to talk to her," Brock said.
"Yeah... Wait! Why should I? I told Karui herself, why should I sacrifice my dignity or freedom for her if she doesn't actually care as much about me as I thought!?" Ash said angrily.
"Because, you're Ash and..." Brock tried to continue.
"So It's just a given that kind, caring, loyal Ash will just roll over for anyone who asks nicely? Is that really my importance? To just do everything or anything for everyone? Do you think I like feeling pain rack through my body when I heal a dying Torterra, or throw up a shield to prevent you guys from getting stun spored? Huh?" Ash said with a bit of anger.
"Of course not Ash... I'm truly sorry if you feel that way. Your one of my very closest friends... And I have always been a provider since I was young with my siblings... It kills me to see you or anyone of my friends hurting," Brock replied.
Ash sighed, "I'm sorry, Brock... I do want to protect my friends and I like the way I am... I guess I just got angry since Misty didn't seem to appreciate me."
"That's completely understandable, Ash. Just know that you are very much appreciated... Do you want to know the other reason why you should go talk to her?" Brock spoke.
"Yeah, What?" Ash asked.
"Because she's worth it to you... You love her more than yourself... I know it. I can feel it because you two are like family to me," Brock smiled.
Ash looked up fully at Brock now and gave a slowly forming lopsided smile, "Yeah... Okay. I'll talk to her."
Brock smiled and put a hand on Ash's shoulder. Pikachu and Ellie squeaked happily and Cubone waved his bone as he gleefully walked with them both towards the door and the lobby...
zzzzzzzzzzzzz-Together-zzzzzzzzzzzz
Misty and Dawn walked out and entered the lobby. The group talked with Misty and Dawn before, then Ash and Brock entered the lobby as well. Ash and Misty walked up to each other. At first there was only silence, then
"Mist/Ash..." They said at the same time.
"You go ahead..." Ash said and rubbed his neck.
"Okay... Ash, I'm sorry... You asked for me to trust you... just like you did with me when Arthur kissed me... I didn't give you a chance and I'm so sorry... I just got upset when I saw how Karui was acting and how she was a princess and you were escorting her..." Misty sighed.
"I'm sorry too..." Ash started and Misty looked up in surprise, "I should have explained more to you about my duties as a knight of Rota... Sadly I have to behave that way around people within the royal circles of the six regions... minus the kissing part, that was Karui's idea... I kept asking her to come back with me to the festival because I was feeling uncomfortable... But she acted before I could get her under control. And... I'm sorry about getting mad at you about the having to prove myself to you and stuff... I guess I just let some frustration and stress out... maybe you're right about talking about stuff like that instead of trying to bury it... It didn't work out in my favor this time. And I guess I'm sorry for being kinda unaware about the flirting... I just never really have had any experience with girls... I confided in you that you're the first person other than maybe Macy, that I've ever known to actually tell me that they were interested in me before now."
"Ash... It's okay... I'm very sorry for what I did and I hope you can forgive me... I most certainly forgive you," Misty said and held his hand. He had asked for forgiveness for so many other things that she didn't feel were necessary... then again that was her Ash, Why did I ever doubt him, Ash of all people to lie about something so important? Ash isn't exactly the best lier or deceiver... Geez Misty... She frowned a bit until Ash spoke.
Ash smiled and nodded, "Of course... Just remember Mist... unless I am out of my mind... I only have eyes for you, remember? And keep smiling, that's important too."
Misty's cheeks pinked, "Thanks Ash..." She leaned up and kissed him on the cheek, then she noticed his right cheek was slightly darker, "Ash... what happened to your cheek? Did that Roman guy hit you or something?"
Ash reached up to his cheek and touched it, confused before he remembered, "Oh... that."
"Misty... After you left... Karui got mad at Ash for rejecting her. She slapped him, pretty hard," Brock said simply.
Misty stared at Brock in shock at first, waiting... hoping... he was telling a story... but nothing came, she turned back to Ash with tears in her eyes, "She... she slapped you?"
"Yeah... It's no big deal though. I just hope that Lady Ilene won't be angry with me if she reports me or something stupid like that... That could get messy," Ash frowned.
Misty looked at him for a moment before leaning into his chest, "I'm so sorry, Ash... I had no idea."
"Hey, easy... I'm sure Ilene won't pay her any mind. After my first meeting with Karui at Rota, that's when Ilene and Riley started to tease me about finding a girlfriend. They understand that I didn't really like her," Ash said and rubbed her back.
"Well... That's good but that's not exactly what I meant..." Misty said.
"Oh, what?" Ash asked.
Misty reached up and touched his cheek again, "I told all of those girls at Rota who were almost drooling over you, that I wouldn't let someone like them hurt you. That as your friend and not just your girlfriend, I would protect you in a way I could, but I failed instead and accidentally messed everything up," Misty said still rubbing his cheek.
Ash grabbed her hand suddenly and pulled it from his face slowly, "I don't need protection, Misty... From anyone other than my closest friends... Everyone else doesn't matter when it comes to opinions... It hurts more to me for one of you guys to be angry at me than any slap to the face... Besides..." Ash started to grin crookedly, "My face isn't exactly one of my strong points, eh? I can afford to lose some points there."
Misty giggled at first before frowning again, "I... I think your face is wonderful."
"No comparison to yours though," Ash replied making Misty's face flush red.
"Ash... Well if yours did I would be concerned, cause I have a girl's face," Misty grinned mischievously and Ash sweatdropped.
Misty smiled and started to stare into Ash's eyes and soon he was frozen in the same trance. They started to lean in when someone coughed.
"You could get a room, ya know?" Gary huffed.
Ash and Misty went red in the face, then
"Well, maybe we will smart-aleck," Ash said stiffly before holding out a hand to a completely tomato-faced, Misty. Ash looked at her confused before looking back at the group before seeing everyone staring oddly, "What?"
Misty sighed and held his hand, "Nevermind them..."
Ash looked back at her and smiled before walking down the hallway with her and disappearing.
zzzzzzzzzzzzz-The rest of the group-zzzzzzzzzzzzz
"You... You don't think?" Dawn asked and looked at everyone.
"No way, didn't you see the look on Ashy-Boy's face? He didn't mean that..." Gary snorted.
"Well... I'm just glad they're together again," Cilan smiled.
"Yeah," Iris nodded.
Drew and May glanced at each other before blushing, they were holding hands.
"So I imagine they want some time alone... so... what are we supposed to do?" Max huffed.
"Us guys will just mash into one room until they're done," Brock nodded.
"But what if they fall asleep... Not necessarily with each other... but... just relaxing..." Chili asked.
"Give them this night then... It's not much to ask," Cress smiled.
"I guess so..." Paul nodded in agreement.
Everyone then started talking about the path they were going to take tomorrow to get to Azalea town...
zzzzzzzzzzz-Ash and Misty-zzzzzzzzzzzz
It started with a kiss... Ash and Misty soon found themselves trying to breathe more between each kiss as they laid on the bed in the room. Ash seemed to tend towards holding one of her shoulders and Misty kept running her fingers through his hair. Ash's face was turning red and Misty's wasn't too much better off. Misty then ran her hand up under Ash's shirt and felt his shoulder blades, he let out a soft moan at her touch. He then kissed her on the neck and she sighed happily. Then their lips met once again for more kissing.
"I'm sorry, so sorry," Misty breathed out after they finished kissing for a moment.
"It's all good. I'm happy that you're happy now," Ash smiled before laying down beside her, he could tell they were done... She wanted to talk. She reached out and held his hand now that they were a bit further away from each other.
"You know... you don't make it easy not to assume you like being so nice..." Misty smiled.
"I never said I didn't like it... I just like to feel vindicated for it sometimes," Ash nodded.
"Vindicated? Your vocabulary is surprising me more and more," Misty grinned.
At first Ash frowned a bit and then he smiled, "Eh, I don't think I could get used to you not making fun of me."
"Oh," Misty said and frowned, "I'm sorry..." she leaned forward and kissed him lovingly.
"No sweat," Ash smiled.
"Thanks... for being you," Misty said suddenly.
"Huh? Your welcome I guess?" Ash said confused.
"You said you wanted to be vindicated, well telling someone thanks for being them seemed like the best way to do that," Misty smiled and inched closer to Ash.
"Thanks Mist..." Ash said and then froze as he looked into her eyes.
"Ash?" Misty asked.
"I... I love you... Mist," Ash breathed out, "I think I really do..."
Misty was frozen, the couple hadn't ever actually directly told each other that they loved each other... but I guess they did...
"Me too... I love you, Ash..." Misty smiled, "You mean a lot to me... Hopefully our bond will continue to grow..."
Misty felt his hand under her chin. He lifted her head to gazed into his warm brown eyes.
"I'd like that... Another adventure, eh?" Ash smiled with a lopsided but genuine grin.
She nodded and then nestled into his chest as he put his arms around her and they laid on their sides facing each other. She felt his breathing and heart beat spike when she came close, but then it evened out and started to relax. She found herself growing sleepy. She became a bit concerned once she started to feel sleep take her over... Would Ash...? She didn't want to finish the sentence... She glanced down at his body with his clothes from the day still on and then finally his feet, he still wore his shoes... She suddenly remembered Ash's confused face when everyone looked at him when he said they would get a room... She smiled and soon let sleep overcome her... I love you, you dense, kind, loving boy... She then felt his chest against hers... No... he's a young man now... I keep forgetting that... We just had so much time apart that I haven't been able to see him grow... Well we'll just have to make up for lost time...
Misty then fell asleep.
He felt her breathing slow... He knew from experience, she was asleep again. He smiled and thought of waking her, because they were hogging one of the group's three rooms... He kept saying he was going to wake her up... Five more minutes... Five minutes came... Five more minutes... Again no movement... Soon silence ensued as Ash too succumbed to sleep, holding the young woman he loved... The angry and beautiful young woman he loved... in his arms.
zzzzzzzzzz-The rest of the group-zzzzzzzzzz
Brock and Dawn stood there frozen... They had come to check and see if Ash and Misty were done and had accidentally opened to door slightly to see them making out with each other. Both of their faces were red with embarrassment when they quietly shut the door and walked back to the group.
"Well?" Ritchie asked as they approached.
"Not for... for... tonight... They're staying there," Brock stammered.
"You okay, Brock?" Drew asked.
"Yeah, he's fine we just um... walked in on them that's all," Dawn said nervously.
"Huh?" Cress asked.
"They were um... making out," Dawn said.
"Then why on earth is Brock stammering?" Iris asked.
"Seriously? You swoon over every pretty girl you see and then you watch two people make out and that's when you loose your nerve?" Gary asked and raised his eyebrow.
"Hmph, Whatever," Brock pouted uncharacteristically.
Some of the group laughed at Brock's position before May asked a question,
"Dawn why are you spacing out?" May asked seeing Dawn staring off into the distance.
"Oh, me?" Dawn yelped.
"Yeah what's up?" Max asked.
"Heh... I guess I was just a tad impressed... Ash isn't too shabby. A classic, don't judge a book by it's cover scenario," Dawn said and rubbed the back of her head.
"Wait, seriously?" Gary asked leaning forward.
"Weirdo," May said glancing over at Gary.
"Excuse me?" Gary said.
"You're interested in letting Dawn describe what was going on?" May asked raising an eyebrow.
"Hmph. I'm his rival from birth... I've got to keep him on his game, I always have to be a step ahead," Gary replied.
"Well... You're kinda a few steps behind from my perspective," Max said as light reflected from his glasses. Gary hung his head. "He has a girlfriend," Max continued. Gary's head hung lower and he put his head in his hands. "And now he's making out with her," Max finished. Gary then squatted close to the ground with his hanging head still in his hands, sulking.
Iris spoke, "Seriously? You're upset because Ash one-upped you? What a little kid."
Gary then raised himself back to sitting position and smiled calmly, "Heh... I guess you're right... I'm supposed to be the mature one of the two of us... Even though it feels that maybe Ash might be closing in on that field as well... Me acting like this will only prove my theory wrong. I guess... I kinda can sympathize with Mikkel..."
"Hmmm. I can see that, but from my view you seem like a much more capable battler, not that Mikkel can't get better," Ritchie said and smiled.
"Thanks, Ritchie. That means a lot," Gary grinned.
"So Troublesome... You liked what you saw?" Paul asked with a kinda mischievous grin.
"Hey! Wait, what? Troublesome? Not that name again!" Dawn flushed.
"What? I felt nostalgic, is that a crime?" Paul said and leaned back.
"No, and no I didn't in that way your trying to insinuate. Ash is just my friend... Wait," Dawn said.
Paul was smiling until she had said wait.
"Why would you what to know?" Dawn asked leaning towards Paul. A flash of pink ran across Paul's cheeks so quickly most people wouldn't notice it... most. Dawn saw it and wasn't too sure what it meant.
"Eh, Just something to tease you about since we were messing with Gary and Brock I thought you shouldn't get off so easy," Paul said smoothly.
"Hmph. Okay then," Dawn said.
Everyone decided to go to bed. The rest of the guys all looked at each other and sighed. The girls then looked at each other and giggled, "Good night boys..." They said at the same time in a taunting manner. They then disappeared down the hall. The boys glanced at each other before Max screamed out, "I call one of the beds!" Soon all of the boys took of running towards the third room they would have to share, pushing and shoving each other the whole way. They all crowded into the door and started to struggle against each other to get through the door first. Max, being smaller, popped through and then ran to a bed and leapt on it. With a small gap now in the mash of boys they all fell forward onto the ground and started to groan in pain.
"Ha ha! I win! I get a bed!" Max said, sitting happily in the middle of the bed.
Drew squirmed out of the mass of boys on the ground and ran towards one of the four remaining beds.
"Yes!" Drew said and plopped onto the bed.
Gary and Paul glanced at each other and then as Gary tried to get up, Paul pushed down hard on Gary's head to strain his neck and stop him. He then dashed forward and sat on the bed.
"Hmph," Paul grinned and settled into his claimed bed.
"Grrr. cheap move, pal," Gary said.
"All's fair in love and war. This is definitely worth war," Paul smirked.
"Well you may have won the battle but the war is not over. Ash sure knows how to pick good rivals," Gary grinned before Chili and Cress's voices interrupted him.
"I had it first Chili!" Cress shouted showing his normally, well hidden temper.
"No way! I got to it a hundred times quicker than you!" Chili retorted.
Everyone's attention was diverted to the two Striation brother's fighting, almost everyone...
"Now, brothers... Can't you settle this civilly?" Cilan sweatdropped.
"NO!" Cress and Chili shouted.
"Civility has departed us for the time being, Cilan," Cress said staring at Chili.
"Yeah," Chili replied.
They then started wrestling with each other, taking turns head-locking each other and trying to make the other surrender. Chili finally trapped Cress, "Surrender! You've lost, Cress!"
"So very mature of you brother. Fine I'll be the better man and surrender," Cress huffed.
"Oh man," Cilan said and sweatdropped again.
"Maybe the last bed will be mine," Cress said and looked over with Gary, Brock, and Cilan as Chili claimed his prize.
"Sorry fellas. You snooze you lose," Ritchie smiled patting the bed he was firmly planted on.
"Of course... It's the person you least expect that sneaks behind your back," Gary deadpanned.
"Hey easy. I'm observant. I saw an opportunity so I took it. You can't say you wouldn't of done the same thing," Ritchie grinned.
"Burn..." Drew grinned as well.
"Shut-up," Gary said and hit Drew with a pillow.
"Uff!" Drew said.
The remaining boys found somewhat comfortable places on the floor and started to go to sleep. Pikachu, Ellie, and Cubone curled up together on the ground.
"Good Night Fellas," Paul said with sarcasm.
"Aren't you hilarious," Gary huffed.
A few chuckles are heard in the dark before silence and sleep come...
zzzzzzzz
The group woke up in the morning and got ready to leave. Ash said sorry profusely to the guys for hogging one of the rooms. The guys forgave him, with Gary begrudgingly forgiving him as well. Ash returned Cubone and Pikachu and Ellie jumped up on his shoulders. They said goodbye to Zackie and the people of Violet and left down the path that led to Azalea. Ash and Misty were hand in hand and so were May and Drew.
"Hmmm. So now Team Rocket is after us... We're all kinda accessories of Ash and they know he's alive. If the Lavender take over didn't do it, our barging into the Sprout tower to save May did," Paul spoke.
"Yeah... Sorry guys... I wonder what they want with an Aura Guardian though?" Ash asked rhetorically.
"Who knows... Can't be anything good that's for sure. And for the hundredth time Ash, you don't need to be sorry. We're all in this together now," Brock stated.
"Right," Everyone said in almost unison getting some laughs.
"Thanks guys. Greatest pals ever," Ash grinned.
"Such a little kid," Iris smirked.
"The good news is even if his boss breaks him out of jail somehow... That Roman guy won't be able to tell his boss much about where we are or that Ash is the real Aura Guardian for a while. We have some spare time, how much time is the real question," Gary said.
"Yeah... We'll just have to be alert and watch each other's backs now more than ever," Cilan smiled.
The conversation then turned to more light-hearted topics.
"I just realized something!" Misty smiled happily, "Now that May and Drew are a couple too. They need to go on a date like me and Ash did."
"Yeah! You guys should do it!" Ash grinned.
Drew and May blushed before May spoke, "We don't have time for that. We need to get to Altomare and then try and figure out where the second token might be!"
"Hey you guys could have a date in Altomare, then we could go handle the problem with Latias and the Soul Dew," Brock smiled.
"Sounds good to me," Ritchie nodded.
"Well..." Drew looked at May who smiled back, "Alright. Thanks guys, a first date should be fun in Altomare."
"No problemo!" Chili grinned.
"Right!" Cress nodded.
"You better watch yourself with my sister," Max glared.
Drew sweatdropped and looked at Max with a bit of fear mixed with irritation.
"Max!" May glared back at him.
"Hey don't glare at me! I'm your brother. It's my job to try and intimidate your boyfriend since dad isn't here," Max grinned.
"Whatever," May said, waving her hand.
The group continued to walk and talk as they got closer to Union cave and the route they were going to take to get to Azalea town. Brock told the rest of the group that the last time He, Misty, and Ash took a longer route around Union cave, but that this time they were taking a short cut.
"Pika?" Pikachu suddenly perked up.
"Chu?" Ellie copied.
"What's up guys?" Ash asked. Everyone then turned their attention to the road ahead where Pikachu and Ellie's attention was drawn. They saw a young man battling another boy with a Pinsir against his Noctowl. The Noctowl won not too long after they had noticed the battle. They congratulated each other and the younger boy ran down the road towards the pokemon center. The older boy returned his pokemon and then noticed the group. Ash, Misty, and Brock recognized him immediately.
"Shingo!?" Ash asked.
"Ash? Brock? Misty?" Shingo asked as he approached the group.
Everyone introduced themselves and Shingo soon smiled and turned to Ash,
"I want to battle you... After all this time, I can't resist. My Scizor wants to fight you again," Shingo spoke.
Ash nodded, "Okay, but only a one-on-one. We're trying to get through Union cave to Azalea town before nightfall."
Shingo understood and agreed. Both Ash and Shingo got into position to battle, the rest of the group sat or stood on the side of the road, and Brock refereed.
"This will be a one-on-one between Ash and Shingo. Trainers choose your pokemon." Brock spoke
"Go, Scizor!" Shingo cried out.
"Go, Meinfoo!" Ash replied.
"Interesting... a Unovan pokemon. This should be a fun battle, by the way I watched your tournament entrance for Sinnoh, Unova, and Kalos and I must say you have improved since we first met.
Ash grinned, "You haven't seen nothing yet. But thanks."
"Trainers... Begin!" Brock shouted.
"Scizor, Use X-scissor!" Shingo shouted.
"Calm-mind!" Ash yelled.
Yes master. Meinfoo spoke through mental aura, then started to meditate as Scizor approached rapidly.
"Try to dodge!" Ash shouted.
Meinfoo jumped up but was unable to get completely out of the way. Scizor slammed into Meinfoo with X-scissor.
"Okay, Drain punch, quick!" Ash cried out.
Meinfoo punched into Scizor's gut before it could get away and regained some health.
"Not a bad move, but it won't last. Scizor, use Agility!" Shingo shouted.
Scizor then became a fast moving blur.
"Meinfoo. Calm mind again, try to sense it's movements and then strike with Aura sphere," Ash spoke.
Understood. Meinfoo meditated again calming his mind. Time seemed to slow down for Meinfoo, as Scizor's presence became more defined.
"Scizor, Venoshock!"
Purple masses shot from almost nowhere since Scizor was moving so fast. Meinfoo dodged most of them but the last one.
"Nice work, Meinfoo. Now Aura sphere!" Ash shouted.
Meinfoo started firing Aura spheres at what seemed like nothing until Scizor cried out and fell.
"Scizor... Use Flashcannon! Let's finish this!" Shingo shouted.
Scizor started building up energy and shot the beam at Meinfoo.
"Quick, Meinfoo Focus blast!" Ash shouted, too late. The beam struck Meinfoo before he could finish charging. Meinfoo fell onto his back.
"Looks like I'm the winner," Shingo grinned.
"Nope," Ash said simply. One would have had to have been standing very close to notice the slight blue glow that danced in Ash's eyes as he spoke.
"What?" Shingo asked.
"Meinfoo won't give up that easily," Ash smiled.
I will fight even harder! Meinfoo shouted and leapt up.
"Meinfoo! Aura sphere barrage!" Ash cried out.
Aura spheres were flung at Scizor and he couldn't dodge them. Suddenly as Scizor worked to get up... Meinfoo started to glow... Meinfoo soon evolved into Meinshao.
Yes! I feel more strength! I am ready, master. Meinshao nodded.
"Grrr. Scizor! Use Flashcannon now!" Shingo shouted.
"Meinshao, Focus blast, full power!" Ash yelled.
The two attacks collided and fought in the middle for power before Meinshao's Focus blast started to eat away at Scizor's Flash cannon. The Focus blast soon hit Scizor.
"Scizor is unable to battle! Meinshao is the winner!" Brock shouted.
Shingo returned Scizor and Meinshao approached Ash's side. Meinshao bowed to Ash,
Thank you for the wonderful battle, Master. I enjoyed it greatly.
"No problem, Meinshao, but please you don't have to call me master," Ash said sheepishly and then bowed back to Meinshao.
Master? What are you doing?
"You bowed to me, so I'll bow to you," Ash grinned, "Thank you for battling with all your heart."
Meinshao stood confused for a moment and then smiled.
Alright I conceed for now.
Ash them turned to Shingo, "Great battle, Shingo."
"Yeah, you too. I still need to train harder though. I let you get off too many Calm minds, a fatal mistake on my part. Next time I will conquer you," Shingo smiled.
"We'll see," Ash grinned.
The group said goodbye to Shingo and Ash returned Meinshao. They started heading towards the pokemon center near Union cave. After they stopped to eat in the pokemon center and check up their pokemon, they all headed into the cave.
"Why do we have to travel through so many caves?" Max grumbled.
"It is quite unpleasant," Cress commented.
The group continued to walk through the cave. Brock managed to befriend and capture a Sandshrew who was a very curious young pokemon. The group talked every now and then about random things until they finally reached the end of the cave. They exited as a rainstorm started.
"Ah!" Max yelped as lightning started to flash over-head.
Everyone pulled out a jacket or something to hide from the rain. Brock pulled out his drying pan, causing some to laugh until thunder roared over-head. May was the only one that wasn't pulling out a jacket...
"May, where's your jacket?" Drew asked as they ran.
"I um... kinda forgot to pack one... I didn't think we would need one until maybe the colder region of Sinnoh and I was thinking that if we went to Mt. Silver or some other really cold place then I'd just buy one... I kinda honestly didn't think of rain," May sweatdropped as rain started to soak her head.
Drew looked at her with a bit of concern and then smiled, "Hey I know,"
He then took off his purple jacket and placed it over her head and shoulders.
"But, Drew! What about you?" May asked.
"I can manage a little rain, no problem," Drew nodded.
May frowned but continued to run with Drew and the rest of the group. They ran into the pokemon center and got rooms as night fell and the storm grew fiercer. They all dried off and retired for the night.
zzzzzzzzz
"Gary? Ash? Brock? Max? Paul? What are you guys doing out here in the lobby in your pajamas?" Misty asked as May, Iris, Cilan, Cress, and Ritchie walked up with her.
"Drew has a nasty cold. We're avoiding him like he has the plague," Max mumbled and rolled over, trying to sleep a little longer.
"Mmmmm," Gary mumbled and stared at the others with tired eyes, "I need my beauty sleep. I can't be smart and amazing without it."
"Yeah cause you're a real beauty, Gary," Ash said with sarcasm and rolled his eyes. He sat up and scratched his back.
"Hmph. I haven't had a goodnight's sleep in two nights. Two nights without a bed! The only person that can complain like me is Brock and somehow he's out cold sleeping so well there," Gary growled.
"Oh... Nurse Joy... Jenny... Of course you can both go on a date with me..." Brock mumbled and everyone sweatdropped.
"Wuss," Paul stated looking at Gary.
"Princess," Gary growled back.
Ash sighed, "Well since I'm up I guess I'll go and train some with Lucario... I haven't gotten the chance the last few days to practice aura... He'll probably whoop my butt as punishment," Ash grumbled and sauntered towards the quarantined room that contained Drew.
"Hey, Ash wait. I'm coming too. I want to check on Drew. Someone needs to bring him stuff and such if he's real sick," May said with a small smile, "He did give me his jacket last night in the rainstorm."
Ash nodded and May walked into Drew's room with him. Ash soon walked out and entered the bathroom to change. Once he came out, Pikachu and Ellie followed him outside.
"Well I'm going to go shopping for some ingredients with Cilan," Cress spoke and Cilan nodded to the group before heading out.
Everyone decided to have a day off or two for Drew to get better. Misty and Iris decided to go and try to wake Dawn up to see if she would like to go shopping. Even though Misty wasn't much of a shopper, she was bored. Ritchie decided to go train his pokemon and was soon joined by a grumpy Paul and Chili, who had woken up with his hair completely crazy. Brock, Max, and Gary stayed on the couch in the lobby to try and sleep more.
zzzzzzzzzzzz-Cilan and Cress-zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
"So what all do we need to buy, brother?" Cress asked.
Cilan nodded and finished looking over the list he had, "We need rice, eggs, tomato berries, curry, beef, cream, chocolate, cereal, and... water."
"Time to double team this?" Cress asked.
"Like the market in Striation?" Cilan.
"Yep," Cress grinned.
"Bring it on," Cilan said with a serious face.
Cilan dashed into the market stunning many people inside.
"I'll get the dairy, grains and water!" Cilan shouted and darted off a separate direction.
"Got it!" Cress said and darted off down a different isle.
Cilan strolled through the market and grabbed up everything he needed as he passed, gracefully. Cress did the same. They both then placed their items on the check out table.
"Good work brother!" Cress smiled.
"To you as well! We would've made record time if Chili were here," Cilan grinned.
"Absolutely!" Cress nodded.
They then paid and walked out of the market with their purchases and many people staring at them.
zzzzzzzzz-Brock, Gary, and Max-zzzzzzzzz
"Move."
"Hmph."
"I said scoot over."
"No. Go to bed."
"Okay that's enough!" Gary shouted and grabbed the young Hoenn native that was laying next to him on the couch. He started to shake him comically, "How did Ash stand you!? Move over!"
"Ahck! You're crazy!" Max shouted.
By this time everyone was staring at the odd sight of the three trainers. Brock suddenly leaned up and grabbed Gary and Max by the shirt collars.
"You two need to calm down. Gary you need more sleep and Max you do too. Go... To... Bed... You guys interrupted my sweet dreams of Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny!" Brock suddenly broke his serious tone and cried over dramatically. He dropped the two and then rolled over. Gary and Max were silent and glared at each other before laying back down.
"Whinner."
"Know-it-all."
zzzzzzzzzzzzz-Paul, Ritchie, and Chili-zzzzzzzzzzzz
"Good work, Gyarados! You too, Gliscor!" Paul shouted as the two practiced using attacks. It felt good... To work beside your pokemon. To really train them and not just go for strength... It actually took hard work and a lot of thought to find the hidden strengths in different pokemon. How did I miss all of this before?
"AHHH!"
Paul and Ritchie turned around to see a scorched Chili.
"Nice Flamethrower, Growlithe... Okay, Pansear, try a Flame burst!" Chili said excitedly.
Paul shook his head and turned back to his pokemon, smiling...
"Okay, Rose, Fly against Romeo! Romeo, try to heal your best with Ingrain!" Ritchie shouted encouragement to his pokemon, "Okay Sparky keep practicing your new Volt-tackle attack!"
The three trainers, different in many accounts, but the same in the most important ones... continued to train alongside their pokemon...
zzzzzzzzzzz-Misty, Iris, and Dawn-zzzzzzzzzzz
"Oh wow! Look at this!" Dawn said and ran over to a pretty Kimono.
"It's beautiful..." Iris said and felt the silk.
"Yeah it is pretty..." Misty smiled and looked over, "Oh!"
Misty walked away from the girls towards something.
"Misty?" Dawn asked and Iris followed her after Misty.
They then all saw them... a set of beautiful hair pins. Four different flowers of different colors.
"We have to get them."
"But they're so expensive."
"Yeah but we have to have them."
"We can't afford them."
The three girls sighed.
"Maybe we could pool our money together?" Dawn asked.
"Maybe but we need to think practically here, girls. We need to save enough money for us to last across four and a half more regions and for as long as slightly less than a year," Misty nodded.
"Yeah..." Iris sighed.
They started to walk away...
"Screw it. We need them," Dawn spoke and the other two girls nodded nervously with Dawn.
The girls soon walked out of the store with their hair done up with the flower pins and one saved for May...
zzzzzzzzzzzz-Ash-zzzzzzzzzzzz
"Uggff!" Ash grunted harshly when he landed on his back on the ground. He was right... Lucario had definitely kicked his butt.
I'm slightly disappointed, Master.
"Oh whatever. Sorry, okay? I haven't exactly had the chance to practice recently. Except on that one grunt's face," Ash grumbled. He too was a bit tired from the odd sleeping arrangements of last night.
No excuses. You need to work hard to master these new techniques.
"I'll get there, don't worry," Ash said.
I see then, if you are so confident... Lucario ran forward and used an Aura sphere at Ash who brought up a shield.
"Hey!" Ash shouted.
Zoroark, use Flamethrower now!
Zoroark looked a bit nervous, but blasted Ash's shield with the torrent of flame.
Meinshao, Focus blast!
Right. Meinshao fired the attack.
"Hey easy! I don't know how much more of this I can take, Lucario!" Ash shouted as his shield started to flicker and fade slightly.
The enemy will not relent! You must be ready to deal with this pressure! Imagine that enduring this pain and stress is the only way to protect those you hold dear! Because it very well may be the case! You are a Guardian of Aura you are meant to protect!
"I can't do this Lucario!" Ash shouted through the blaze and noise.
Pikachu and Ellie shifted uncomfortably on the side lines.
Zoroark glanced at Lucario and then stopped.
Do not stop!
You're pushing him to hard! He can't get stronger if you damage him! You're not showing any compassion, Lucario!
Meinshao stopped soon as well, I must agree with Zoroark... This seems to be going too far.
Lucario growled, I should have known that you two wouldn't understand... None of you are true aura partners.
"Lucario, that's not true!" Ash shouted.
Lucario then turned towards Ash and rushed forward before he had fully dropped his shield. Lucario then began to punch the shield rapidly with stronger and stronger blows.
Lucario!
Lucario!
"Pika!"
"Chu!"
You will fail. You're friends will suffer!
Ash was silent as images from his dream flashed through his mind. Lucario was about to break through Ash's shield when suddenly the shield strengthened and blew Lucario back. Ash's pupils were completely blue instead of his irises; aura flickered across his shoulders and down his arms. He growled at Lucario and frightened Pikachu and the others,
"Leave me alone. My friends are safe... I won't let anything happen to them."
You fool yourself. You're not strong enough.
Ash growled and rushed forward dispelling the aura shield and punched Lucario in the gut with a glowing fist of aura. Lucario landed with a thud. Ash then ran over and started to trade punches with Lucario. They jabbed and countered until finally Ash got the upper hand and thrust Lucario into the wall...
"You loose," Ash growled.
Ha. Ha ha ha ha ha... Lucario began to laugh, causing Pikachu and the others to become confused. One moment they were about to attack Lucario and ask him why he was trying to hurt their trainer and friend, the next he was laughing.
Congratulations Ash... You've finally unlocked your Strength... only three more aspects to go until you are a fully realized Aura Master.
The aura around Ash started to fade and Ash fell to his knees. His eyes returned to normal. The other pokemon came close.
Forgive me... I had to test you. This was the only way to unlock that part of you. I had to anger you any way I could.
I see... So it was all a test.
Master? Are you okay?
Pikachu and Ellie were sitting on either side of him and Pikachu was looking up trying to get his attention.
"I hated that... I felt so wrong... I... I almost didn't feel," Ash mumbled, "I could hurt someone that way. I had no idea my power was that strong."
Don't worry, Master. Strength is typically this way. Strength aspect is power, without restraint or control... It will become easier when you unlock Emotion, Wisdom, and Loyalty from your other three links... Besides... I promise I will not allow you to hurt anyone. I swear it.
Yeah I'll help Lucario to keep his promise.
As will I.
"Pika, PikaPi!" Pikachu nodded.
"Chu pika chu!" Ellie agreed.
Ash looked up and smiled at his pokemon... His friends.
"Thanks... I'm sorry if I hurt you Lucario. I didn't mean to," Ash frowned.
All is well Master.
Lucario and the other pokemon then made peace with each other as well since Lucario had surprised them by attacking Ash and pretending to shun them about being aura partners.
"That's enough training for today," Ash smiled a bit lop-sidedly.
Lucario, Zoroark, and Meinshao nodded and smiled as Ash thanked them and returned them. Ash got changed and Pikachu and Ellie jumped on his shoulders as he walked out of the center. After dropping Lucario, Zoroark, and Meinshao off to be healed, he headed into town. He wanted to go and see Kurt. He had wanted to see if he had some pokeballs for sale.
zzzzzzzzzz-May and Drew-zzzzzzzzzzz
"ACHOOO!" Drew sneezed loudly.
"You really did go and get a cold for me... Didn't you?" May said as she handed him another tissue.
"Heh, trust me. You should be very happy I took this one for you. It's a nasty one," Drew smirked and then sneezed again.
"I'm very grateful... but you shouldn't have. You've always been like this since we met it seems like... Taking the fall or somewhat fixing my mistakes," May sighed, "I just can't keep letting you do that."
Drew stared at her for a moment and then sighed, "Maybe, but you're stronger, smarter, and more talented than you give yourself credit for. You've been through a lot, and learned a lot, and even though Ash may have helped you a lot when you were starting out as a trainer, he can't draw blood from a stone."
"What do you mean, draw blood from a stone?" May asked and tilted her head.
"I mean he may have really helped but you had the talent in the beginning. He couldn't draw something out that simply wasn't there. It's like trying to draw out the wrong kind of strength in a pokemon. Like trying to make Jolteon be defensive based instead of speed based. You had the talent, it just had to be nurtured and nothing in the this world can stand alone... I know that now after meeting your friends... After meeting you... Everyone needs something to lean on, a pokemon, a person, in good ways or bad ways, but ultimately we need someone..." Drew stated.
"Wow... Thanks Drew... and that was really beautiful... I'm very happy you have found something in our little wacky group... It really is like becoming a family... I think Ash, Misty, and Brock started something amazing and it's just grown and grown," May smiled.
"Yeah... Thanks for letting me come. You know Solidad told me to come with you guys..." Drew said.
"Huh? Really? why?" May asked.
"Because..." Drew paused, "Because she told me not to let you slip away... She knew... I... had feelings for you May... I can't thank her enough... I'm happy I didn't let you slip away," Drew smiled a bit weakly. His face was red from the cold he had...
"Drew... I guess I owe her a thanks too... Since I guess... we both wanted this..." May said as she started to lean in closer and closer and Drew did as well. Finally... their lips met. There was bliss... His hands glided around to her lower back and her's rested on his shoulders. She could feel the warmth of his sick cheeks... She'd probably get sick from this... but it was worth the risk. They finally broke the kiss and looked at each other, then Drew started to cough. May held him until he was back in control.
"Well, leave it to a cold to be a mood breaker, eh?" Drew tried to joke, though he was disappointed in himself and worried May would get sick.
May giggled, "No doubt. You need to rest..." May then slid off the bed and covered him up some and kissed his forehead, "Get well, okay."
Drew smiled, "No problem..." He then slowly drifted to sleep. May smiled at her new boyfriend and then slipped out the door smiling like a little school girl. She couldn't wait till their date in Altomare.
zzzzzzzzzzzz-Ash-zzzzzzzzzzz
Ash should have known this would happen... It was Kurt after all.
Ash had come to visit Kurt to see if he was able to sell some pokeballs to him. Kurt had recognized Ash, but randomly set him to work. He said he never sold his pokeballs. Ash soon remembered his last visit here. Of course he was going to have to work for them...
"You holding out okay, Pikachu?" Ash grumbled as he continued to scrub the floor.
Pikachu and Ellie were sitting next to Kurt enjoying some sort of fresh drink, while Ash was toiling away. Pikachu of course took this opportunity to tease Ash.
"Pika! pika chu chu pika chu pi, PikaPi," Pikachu spoke and Ellie giggled.
"Traitors," Ash retorted.
"Hush! More scrubbing, less talking," Kurt spoke bluntly.
Ash couldn't help but remember some of the chores and training that Riley had made him complete when he had revisited Rota the first time and had been knighted.
After Ash finished washing Kurt's floor, he brought Ash back to make pokeballs with him.
"Wait you want me to make my pokeballs?" Ash asked.
"Yes... You see the pokeball changes some depending on the person who makes them... I want to see what kind of pokeballs a young man like yourself will make," Kurt spoke.
Kurt walked Ash through the process and then set three apricots down in front of him.
"The red will make a level ball that is powerful against low leveled opponents, the white is for a fast ball which captures fast pokemon easily, and last the green one will make a friend ball which increases the friendship between you and the pokemon you capture with it," Kurt explained. Ash nodded.
Kurt sat down as Ash worked. A few hours passed and Ash's work became more and more difficult. After another couple hours, he finally finished. Pikachu and Ellie got up on his shoulders as Ash stood waiting to hear what Kurt had to say about the pokeballs he had made. Kurt stared at the pokeballs then,
"I see... the pokeballs you made have a rawness to them, a wild nature that is somehow controlled and contained... Very interesting. Not bad for a first try at the full process," Kurt smiled slightly and gave Ash his new pokeballs.
"Thanks Mr. Kurt. I appreciate you giving me your time," Ash nodded. Kurt nodded as well and then stopped Ash from walking away.
"You're quite welcome. Here though take this as well," Kurt then placed the GS ball in Ash's hand.
"Huh? This old thing? You still haven't figured out what it does?" Ash asked. Kurt sweatdropped.
"It is a mystery beyond my expertise... I simply can't open the darn thing," Kurt mumbled.
He said goodbye to Kurt and left to return to the center.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzz-Together-zzzzzzzzzzzzz
"Wow guys, thanks for the flower pin! It's beautiful!" May smiled happily, as she placed it in her hair.
"Girls... You do realize that we needed that money. I know you like shopping but..." Brock sighed.
"Sorry Brock, even I couldn't resist them," Misty grinned.
"Girls," Ritchie mumbled.
"What was that, Ritchie?" Dawn asked a little threateningly.
"Nothing!" Ritchie said and waved his hands.
"Thought so," Iris smiled.
By this time everyone, but Drew and Ash were awake and present in the lobby.
"So Drew said he's feeling better?" Paul asked.
"Yeah. He still has the sniffles but he'll be fine tomorrow," May smiled.
"Good. We need to check on the Soul Dew and then figure out our next plans," Gary nodded.
"Where is Ash by the way?" Chili asked.
"Hmmm... This morning he said he was going to train with aura. I don't know where he went afterwards," Cilan spoke.
"Probably to Kurt's. He mentioned in Pallet that he wanted to get some pokeballs from him," Max nodded as he ate some ramen.
"Oh well then he may be a while. That guy is a bit strict, probably has Ash cleaning his whole house for one pokeball," Misty said and the group laughed.
Ash then came through the door, looking disheveled.
"Why didn't I remember that man was nuts?" Ash groaned and Misty laughed a bit.
"Did he give you a run for your money?" Misty grinned.
"Geez you have no idea! I would've rather paid! I have enough to afford it," Ash grumbled.
"What do you mean?" Cress asked.
Ash blinked a couple times before speaking, "Well... I'm a knight, I get a salary of some kind even when I was a minor. Otherwise that would be the worst case of child labor ever," Ash spoke.
Dawn then dashed over to Ash, "How much?"
Ash blinked a couple times again, "Well I'm not rich, that's for sure I send a lot home to mom."
Misty placed a hand on Dawn's head and sighed, "The reason she's asking is because me and the girls kinda splurged today on these flower pins here," Misty said and gestured to the pin.
"Pretty," Ash said.
"Exactly, someone understands!" Dawn shouted.
Misty continued to speak, "The others were giving us a hard time because we have a somewhat limited budget to keep on this trip due to the amount of food and board we need for the year."
Ash smiled, "I think I can handle those, how much were they?"
"Two-hundred poke for the four set," Iris stated.
Ash put a finger to his lips and then started to count in the air, "Well... hmmm. Yeah I think I can cover it. Just don't make it a habit, okay?" Ash asked and smiled.
Misty, Iris, and May turned to Dawn, "Dawn!"
"Hey! That's not fair, you guys are almost as bad as me!" Dawn huffed.
"Almost being the key word here," Misty nodded.
"Are you guys even going to thank, Ash?" Brock said politely, crossing his arms.
The girls all turned to Ash with an embarrassed blush for forgetting, "Thanks Ash."
"Well It's no problem. You girls seem so happy with those on so I guess in this case money did buy a bit of happiness," Ash said and rubbed his head.
Misty gave him a peck on the cheek, "So I'm curious. How much money does a knight get a month?"
"Yeah! I was wondering too!" Chili agreed.
"Well... Because I'm a page and not really a full knight on their payroll until I turn, 21... and I've only been with them for a year... that takes off loyalty bonus multiple... then minus the amounts I send to my mom... about one-hundred and fifty poke a month for now," Ash nodded.
"Wait! We took away almost two months of your salary!?" May shouted.
"We can't do that, Ash," Iris frowned.
Ash looked at all the girls and the shocked faces of the guys there, "Hey easy. I didn't even know I was going to get a salary when I joined, besides other than send some home, I hardly use it for anything other than new clothes whenever I need them or pokeballs or other things. It would just be sitting somewhere otherwise. Plus I have left over winnings from tournaments and stuff like some of you."
The others realized his logic and nodded in understanding. The girls hesitantly accepted Ash's gift and thanked him once more.
Ash then told everyone about his training experience and Lucario's test.
"It felt awful... I almost didn't feel in control and I hated it," Ash said as Misty hugged him.
"I'm sure it's not as bad as you make it out to be... Besides Pikachu, Ellie, Lucario, Meinshao, Zoroark, and us, we have your back. You can't lose with a team like that," Misty smiled.
"Hell yes!" Gary shouted.
Misty rolled her eyes.
"Yeah Lucario said about the same thing... Thanks Mist, guys," Ash nodded.
Everyone then talked about the plan. They decided that after they visited Altomare, they would finally check and see what the second clue was for their second token. They would also try to be aware of any other place they needed to go for Ash to heal the hearts of the lands. Ash tried to think of where else he saw in his dream but again he couldn't remember. He said that it seemed like someone had to say something or he had to see something in order for the memory to come back to him, like it did with Altomare and kinda Samiya. The good news was, whatever was going on with the hearts, nothing was in a critical state. No race against time, yet...
They all told each other goodnight after eating dinner together and Drew getting to join them. After a few more hours of random talk, they all went to bed.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
So I hope this long chapter kinda makes up for psyching you guys out with the Poll announcement. :D
Also thanks to everyone who helped with said poll. Since those particular pokemon, whatever they end up being are kinda spoiled... I'm going to try and give them awesome personalities to make them still kinda like surprises :)
Also Altomare is the next chapter for anyone who wanted to know! :3
Thanks for all your awesome support guys!
Review, Fav, Follow, and of course above all, Enjoy! :D
