"MISTY" Ash yelled in pain.
Misty watched the flames lick his skin, singeing his hair. Ash tried to extend his hand out to her, but a large metal claw swung through the air, cutting Ash across the face.
"ASH" Misty shouted, trying to run to him.
A loud metal shriek filled her ears, and she was shoved to ground. Sharp talons digging into her back. Misty screamed in pain.
"Pikachu"!
Pikachu dove through the flames, sending an electric arc towards Misty's attacker. The weight lifted off of her back, and she started crawling towards Ash again. A loud, deep laugh echoed around them. Misty winced at the sound.
"Pika" the Pokemon shouted in agony.
Misty glanced back, seeing Pikachu flying through the air. Blood spilling from the little Pokemon.
"NOOOO" Ash yelled.
He tried to get up out of the flames, but their large attacker swooped down, scratching across Ash's back. He slammed into the flames again. His clothes melting to his skin.
"ASH! ASH" Misty shouted.
Ash reached out to her, but his hand fell to the ground. His fingernails burnt off.
She reached out to his hand, her fingertips touching his. Her attacker slammed into her back, talons sinking in again. Misty jumped awake, covered in a cold sweat again. She was breathing hard, her eyes jumping around the room. She had thrown the covers to the floor, and had a death grip on the sheets. She released her grip, and took a long, deep breath. Her muscles relaxed, and she wiped the sweat off her brow. She closed her eyes and shook her head slightly, trying to let the dream fade away. She could still hear that deep laughter, Mark's deep laughter, he had been enjoying killing them.
Misty quickly grabbed her crutch and got out of bed. Ash, she wanted to see Ash. She needed to make sure he was alright. It was silly, but she just had to see. She opened the door to his room, peering inside. He was sprawled out on his bed, on leg hanging out of the covers. Pikachu lay beside him, tucked under his arm. Ash's face was contorted, like he was having a bad dream. Misty sighed to herself. She thought about waking him, but stopped herself. Remembering the events of last night. The kiss flooded into her mind, shoving her nightmare aside. She couldn't wake him, what would she say? Hey Ash, I had a bad dream and I need you right now. But I'm not sure where things stand between us?
'Yea...that would work perfectly' Misty scolded herself.
She looked at him one last time, before closing the door, and heading down the hall.
A small rustling on his bed woke Ash up. He slowly opened his eyes, and blinked a few times. Pikachu's tail was poking out of the covers, hanging off of the bed. Pikachu was shifting around. The Pokemon crawled out from under the covers, looking frustrated.
"Couldn't sleep well either eh buddy" Ash asked groggily.
"Pikachu" the rodent said angrily.
Ash closed his eyes again, his mind already racing through last nights events. He moved his arm up to lay across his eyes. He tilted his head back and forth, knocking it against the headboard.
'It's too early for this' he thought.
Pikachu tilted his head at his masters behavior.
"Pikachu"?
Ash moved his arm to look at his Pokemon.
"I had a great afternoon yesterday Pikachu" Ash talked, "and then an even more amazing night...but I'm not so sure Misty did..."
"PikaPikachu"?
Ash sighed, "I kissed her last night Pikachu".
"PiPiPi"!
The Pokemon looked excited, his ears perking straight up.
"She ended up crying at the front door" Ash continued.
"Chuuuu" Pikachu's ears drooped down.
The Pokemon moved closer to Ash and rubbed his shoulder, doing his best to comfort his master. Ash closed his eyes tight. Ash opened his eyes and sat up. Pikachu watched him.
"Let's get something to eat buddy" Ash said, "some food will probably do me good right"?
"Pika"!
Ash got dressed and him and Pikachu headed downstairs. The smell of breakfast floated through the house. His mothers cooking always smelled good. Ash entered the kitchen. Delia was cooking away, but Misty wasn't there.
"Morning Mom" Ash said, "Misty still asleep"?
"Morning honey" Delia said, "No she's not. She just left no more than ten minutes ago. Said she had a few things to do, she didn't even want breakfast. Are you two ok"?
"Oh...yea, we're fine" Ash said unconvincingly.
Delia gave him a pressing look, but didn't pursue it.
"Well at the very least you should eat" she said, "can't let you go hungry now can I"?
Misty walked through town, not sure where she was headed, just wanting to go somewhere. She was trying to organize her thoughts, but her brain was having none of it. That nightmare didn't help. It had returned to the forefront of her mind, and the details were more vivid than the last one. Her knuckles turned white as she gripped her crutch tight. The smell of Ash's burning flesh had rushed through her nose. She swayed in place as her stomach churned. She turned her head in the other direction, hoping it would help. Over the trees, she caught sight of the rooftop to Professor Oaks lab.
'Tracy' she thought, 'I'll go see Tracy'.
Swinging her crutch around, she was off. Keeping her mind focused on this simple task. Visiting Tracy. She passed people out shopping, rushing around for their lunch break, or doing whatever it was people did on a Wednesday afternoon. A few people smiled at her, and she would smile back. Most, however, stared at her crutch, mumbling to their neighbor.
'Oh yea, stare at the cripple' Misty thought, 'come over here and I can make you a cripple'.
As she walked she wondered. Maybe her leg has already gotten a bit better? One way to find out. She lowered it to the ground, hesitating for a moment, then eased more pressure onto her leg. It didn't hurt very much, so she tried more weight. Doing good so far-OW! Pain jolted through her calf.
'Not quite there yet, guess I shouldn't push it'.
She lifted her leg back off the ground, and continued on her way.
Ash thumbed through the TV channels, mindlessly clicking the remote. Pikachu watched his trainer, concern on the Pokemon's face. Ash dropped the remote and leaned forward, resting his head in his hands.
"Pika"?
As looked at Pikachu. He reached out and rubbed his Pokemon between the ears.
"Come on Pikachu" he said, "let's get out of the house for a while".
"Pikachu" Pikachu said, jumping onto Ash's shoulders.
They strolled outside, making small talk to the folk of Pallet Town. Ash walked up to a small tourist site, a large hill overlooking the town. Ash could see for miles out. He could see the Pokemon running through the fields at Professor Oaks ranch.
"Chuuu!" the little Pokemon exclaimed at their view.
Ash thought of Misty, he hadn't brought her up here yesterday. He should have, she would have liked the view.
"What do you think Misty is going to decide Pikachu" Ash mumbled.
"PikachuPi" Pikachu shrugged.
Ash sat in silence, feeling the wind whip his hair around, until a familiar voice came from behind him.
"Is that you Ashy-Boy"?
Ash turned to see his visitor.
"Gary" he exclaimed, "what are you doing here"?
"I could ask you the same question" Gary said walking up beside Ash, "how you doing Pikachu"?
"Pikachu"!
"Good, I'd hate it for Ash to lose his touch as a trainer" Gary mocked him.
"I'd still be better than you" Ash remarked back.
"Whatever helps you sleep at night" Gary said, "so what are you doing up here anyway"?
Same old Gary.
"I just needed a quiet place to think for a bit" Ash said vaguely, "and you"?
"I've always stopped by here for a bit on my way back home" Gary answered.
"How long are you back for"?
"Not sure yet. Gramps called me a while back asking for my help at the lab. I guess it depends on what he needs".
Didn't Oak tell Ash he may have an errand for him in a few days? Was it related to what he needed Gary for?
"What brings you back home" Gary asked.
"Hm, Oh, I figured it was time to stay home for a while. Take a break from the Journey for a bit" Ash answered, not really wanting to give out the explanation again.
"Oh Ashy-Boy" Gary started, "you're as easy to read as an open book. Somethings bothering you, got any more to say"?
Ash hesitated, should he tell Gary? What harm could it do?
"It's Misty" Ash answered him, "me and her...well, I guess we're not really a thing, but I guess she's trying to decide if she wants us to be".
"Yikes, sorry I asked" Gary said, "if you want my advice, I'd tell you to let her be. Let her figure it out on her own terms".
"That's what I'm doing".
"Then there's nothing else you can do Ashy-Boy, except wait it out".
Ash didn't say anything. That was not the answer he was hoping for, even though he knew that's what he needed to do.
"At least she's considering it" Gary continued, "I thought you two would never get this far. I figured you'd never tell her how you felt".
"I told her all right" Ash said, "I kissed her".
Gary's mouth fell open in shock.
"Who'd have thought Ash would grow a pair of balls"!
Ash glared at him, making Gary laugh.
"I'm just pulling your leg Ashy-Boy, lighten up".
"Don't you have to help Professor Oak" Ash said in a joking mock.
"Yea, I probably should head over to the lab. Hey, about 8 I'll be checking out that new bar over on Marill Street. You should join me" Gary said
"You know, I may just do that" Ash told him, "I could use a fun night out".
"Smell ya then Ash".
Ash watched him go until he was out of eyesight.
"PikachuPi".
"Yea, I hear ya Pikachu" Ash said with a small smile, "somethings will never change".
"Hey Misty! No Ash today" Tracy asked as Misty came up to him.
He was out on the ranch once again, sketching some of the Pokemon playing in the pond.
"Not today" Misty answered him, "I kind of need some time away from him".
"Uh oh, what did you two argue about this time" Tracy asked.
"No we didn't argue about anything" Misty smiled, "I just need to figure a few things out is all".
Tracy narrowed his eyes.
"I knew it"!
"Knew what" Misty asked.
"You two do have a thing going" Tracy stated, "now you're trying to figure out if it's what you really want"!
Misty closed her eyes, she took a breath. There was no use lying about it.
"Yes" she replied, "it happened ok. Me and Ash were out by the lake, he kissed me, and now I'm trying to figure out exactly what I want to do about it. Happy"?
Tracy was taken back by her sudden honesty.
"I didn't expect you to tell me" he said, "wait, you kissed him, and you're not sure if it's what you want? Then why'd you do it"?
Misty didn't answer right away. That last question hit her like a rock. Then why'd she do it? Exactly Misty, why? You wanted that kiss, you didn't fight it, you leaned into it.
"I know you think that being around Ash right now will only confuse you more" Tracy continued, "but I think that, maybe being around Ash right now is exactly where you need to be".
"There's another thing" Misty said, "a nightmare. I keep having the same one. I watch Ash die in a fire, a fire caused by...somebody who wants us dead".
She wasn't sure if she should tell him the somebody was Mark, that would involve a lot more backstory.
"Oh" Tracy said twisting his face up, "they do say if you keep having the same dream then your mind is trying to tell you something".
"That doesn't help Tracy" Misty said slowly.
"Sorry, do you have any idea who the person who wants you dead is" Tracy asked, "in the dream I mean".
Misty swallowed, "Yea...His name is Mark".
She proceeded to fill in all the details. They spilled out of her before she could stop herself. It was nice to talk about it. She had been holding in quite a bit since the battle at the Gym, and the relief of letting it go felt good. She told him about her date with Mark, how she actually thought he would be a decent guy. She told him Ash had ran into them at the end of the date, and from then Mark's attitude did a one-eighty. She explained the fight at the Gym, and the way Ash defended her. Then she talked about their journey back to Pallet Town, and the day her and Ash had yesterday, ending with the kiss. She told more detail about her and Ash's day then the rest of the story. Explaining how her feelings had started to grow more frequent, and stronger. Tracy was a good listener, he didn't say a word her entire story. When she was finished, Tracy took a moment before speaking.
"I'm going to tell you exactly what I think ok" he asked carefully.
"Yea, ok. Go ahead" Misty said.
"Don't smack me with that crutch, but I think Mark has caused you to have some trust issues, and you keep dreaming of Ash dying because he is the one who saved you. You feel guilty that your inability to judge Mark correctly almost caused both you and Ash to get hurt. You want to redeem yourself somehow, so you keep trying to save Ash in your dream. But saving Ash is a double negative. You're putting saving him and being with him in the same boat. Saving him would redeem yourself, but saving him would also mean you want to be with him. And because of the trust issues Mark created, you keep getting stopped just before you can, and you keep having this dream because of the internal struggle your forcing yourself to go through".
Misty didn't know what to say, that was the most shocking revelation she had ever heard. She opened her mouth a few times, trying to say something, but nothing would come out.
Finally she said, "how on earth did you get all that out of my story"?
"I watch and read body language for a living" he laughed, "I read into living things and their emotions. It's really not that complicated".
Misty looked down, Tracy's logic resonating around in her mind.
"You're going to continue to have dreams, maybe not that one in particular, but they will continue unless you decide what you feel is the right thing to do" Tracy told her.
"Be with Ash or don't" Misty added on, trailing off.
"You need to make a choice" Tracy said, "but don't rush it! Sure the nightmares suck, but rushing a decision like this isn't a good move".
Misty nodded, "you know I never would've gathered you were this smart from our journey through the Orange Islands".
"Thanks...Wait a minute" Tracy said, narrowing his eyes at her.
Misty laughed, "I'm just playing Tracy. Thank you, you've been a big help".
"Anytime Misty, I do have one more question"?
Misty tilted her head to the side.
"Have you told Ash the entire story you just told me? I mean I'm glad to help, but I think he is the one you really need to be having this conversation with".
Misty looked down, "No I haven't. I've only brought Mark up once since the Gym".
Tracy gave her a hard look.
"I know" Misty said, "guess I should go find him then huh"?
Tracy nodded, "that would a be a wise thing to do. I can only imagine what he must be thinking right now".
Misty hadn't thought of that. He was probably worried sick about her, assuming all kinds of horrible things.
'Regardless of what you feel towards Ash he's still your friend, how could you just leave him to wonder like that' she scolded herself.
"You better go" Tracy told her.
"Yea, you're right" Misty said, "thank you again Tracy".
"No problem Misty" Tracy waved as Misty walked off.
Ash walked along Marill street as the sun was beginning to set. He had spent the day aimlessly wondering around. Part of him hoped he would bump into Misty . He passed Professor Oaks lab at one point, and debated about going in to see Tracy. He decided against it, he didn't feel like explaining the entire story, and he knew Tracy would ask. Pikachu wasn't with him, he had dropped his Pokemon off at home.
"Pikachu!" the Pokemon protested, not wanting to let his trainer be alone.
"I'm sorry buddy" Ash said, "but Pokemon aren't allowed into bars. It's a safety thing".
"Pika" Pikachu folded his arms.
"I'll be back later tonight ok? Plus I need you stay, and be here for Misty when she comes back" Ash said.
Pikachu sighed, and nodded.
"Thanks buddy".
Ash walked up to the bar, he could hear the music from outside. He checked the time on his PokeGear. Ten till eight, Gary should be showing up any minute.
'Guess I'll wait inside' Ash thought to himself.
The bouncer double checked his ID, but waived Ash in. His eardrums shook as the music flooded in. The bar was packed with people. Dancing, playing pool, lounging at the tables, or standing in a group having a good time. Ash looked around the bar, trying to decide the best path he could take. He caught a blonde girl staring at him. She winked, and he gave a weak smile back.
"Ash"!
He turned to the sound of his name. An arm was waiving above the crowd, Ash tilted his head up to get a better look. Gary was waving at him, motioning for him to join. Ash worked his way through the crowd, apologizing as he bumped into people.
"I wasn't sure you were going to make it" Gary said loudly, "I though you'd chicken out".
"You should know I never back down" Ash had to speak just as loudly as Gary.
"Anyway, this is Maria, and Terrence" Gary said, introducing the two people standing behind him.
Ash shook each of their hands.
"Guys this is Ash. He started his Pokemon Journey the same day we did, just a little later" Gary told them.
Wait what?! These were the other two Pallet Town trainers? Ash had never gotten to meet them before.
"You made it into the top 16 here in the Kanto League right" Maria asked him.
"Yea" Ash said, "I guess it wasn't too bad for my first League".
"You made it farther than the rest of us" Maria said, "I didn't get past the first round".
"Ok, we're not here to talk Pokemon" Gary interrupted, "I'm here to drink, and dance"!
"Here here" Terrence seconded, raising his glass.
"Speaking of" Gary continued, "Ash needs one, let's go"!
Before Ash could say anything, he was swept away to the bar.
Misty arrived back at Ash's home, letting herself through the front door. The sun had set, and she wasn't expecting Pikachu to be waiting on her.
"PikaPikachu"!
"Well hello Pikachu" Misty said, "where's Ash"?
"PikaPika PikachuPi".
"I really wish I could understand you sometimes" Misty sighed.
"Pika" Pikachu nodded in agreement.
"Mrs. Ketchum" Misty called out.
"Yes dear" Delia's voice called out from the kitchen.
Did that woman ever go to any other part of the house?
"Have you seen Ash today" Misty asked as she walked into the kitchen, Pikachu behind her.
"Yes" Delia said, "he came home earlier to drop his Pokemon off".
'Why would he need to drop his Pokemon off' Misty thought.
"He said something about going to a bar with Gary tonight" Delia continued, "you two are ok right? Ash seemed a little depressed this morning".
"We're fine" Misty answered her, "we just need to talk about a few things".
Delia's face was easy to read. She knew exactly what Misty ment, but she didn't say a word about it.
"Well I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you tagged along with them at the bar" Delia said, "I'd feel better knowing you were there with him".
"Oh no, I wouldn't want to intrude on his night" Misty started.
"PikachuPi" Pikachu said tugging at her pants.
He was pointing to the door. Misty looked at Delia, and her face was clear. Misty couldn't put off their talk, it needed to happen. She only hoped Ash wasn't drunk.
"Ok" Misty said, "I'll go find him".
Ash downed another shot, his throat burned as the liquid dove down. He coughed as Gary laughed.
"You haven't done this much have you"?
"Not really no" Ash laughed.
His body was getting lighter. A fuzzy feeling spreading through his muscles. His vision was a tad behind his eye movement, but he felt great! He needed this, he needed to get his mind off of Misty for a bit. He bobbed his head to the music, making conversation with Maria and Terrence. He asked about their Journeys, making Gary scoff. The three boys were soon pointing out girls, and rating them to each other. Maria shook her head, and pointed out a few guys. Terrence was having none of it, but Ash and Gary joined in.
"What about him" Maria asked.
"He's hot for a dude" Ash joked.
"Go get his number" Gary said elbowing Ash.
"Hold on" Ash said, "watch this"!
Ash stood up and walked straight to the guy.
"Is he seriously..."Gary said in shock.
"Ummmm, what's he doing" Maria asked.
Ash talked with the guy for a moment, then turned back to his group and pointed. The guy looked at Ash's friends and made an 'I approve face'.
"They're coming back, why is Ash bringing him back" Maria asked, panic in her voice.
"Hey guys" Ash said, "this is Steve, and I politely informed him that Maria would like to dance".
Maria's mouth fell open. Terrence and Gary doubled over in laughter.
"Um, I...what"? Maria stammered.
Steve extended his hand, a grin spread from ear to ear. Maria gave a joking glare to Ash, and took Steve's hand. He whisked her away to the dance floor.
"That was some of the best shit I've ever seen" Terrence remarked.
"She wasn't going to do it" Ash said, "so I helped".
Gary's eyes flicked behind Ash, as a finger tapped his shoulder. Ash turned to see the blonde girl that had winked at him.
"Hey there" she said, "would you like to dance"?
"Who, me" Ash asked perplexed.
"No, your chair, of course you silly" the girl giggled.
"Oh no" Ash started, "I can't...I mean, I've got...well..."
"Go Ash" Gary said, "don't chicken out now".
Ash gave Gary the same joking glare Maria had given him. He then took the girls hand, and off they went. She knew what she was doing more than Ash, but he spun her around nonetheless.
"I haven't seen you in here before" the girl said, "what's your name"?
"First time being in here. I'm Ash" he said, "you"?
"Kelly".
"I assume you come in here often then"?
"Only twice a week".
"I guess that's not too bad, twice a week is twice more than I've ever been in a bar" Ash joked.
Kelly giggled, and spun around, taking Ash with her. Ash did what he could to keep up with her dancing.
"You're not too bad for someone who doesn't get out and do this" she told him.
"I think the alcohol is helping me out" Ash chuckled.
"Ah, you may have a point there" she winked at him.
They finished up the song, and Ash spun her one last time. He noticed Gary waving frantically at him, trying to get his attention. Ash stopped in the middle of the dance floor. Gary, having caught Ash's attention, started pointing to the door. Ash followed his motion, and froze. There was Misty, staring at him. Kelly leaned up against Ash, and ran her hand through his hair.
"Want another dance" she purred.
Misty turned her back, and headed out the door. Ash snapped into action, he swam into crowd, maneuvering through them like a ghost. He burst outside, and looked up and down the street. His buzz was gone, replaced with adrenaline. There she was, walking swiftly up the road. He burst into a run.
"Misty" he said, as he got closer, but she didn't stop, "Misty"!
He ran in front of her, trying to look her in the eyes. She stopped walking, staring at the ground.
"Misty..." Ash trailed off.
She slowly looked up at him, her face hardened to hide her emotions.
"I think I need to go back to Cerulean" she said quietly.
"What?! Why"?
She didn't answer him.
"Misty...if this is because of that girl I was dancing with...it was just a dance. I'd rather of been dancing with you, but...".
"You we're grinding on her Ash" she stated, pain in her voice.
Was he? He didn't even realize it, damn alcohol! Ash hung his head. It was silly that she was upset about that, but given the fact that she was already unsure of them, Ash could understand why. He didn't say anything, he could only stare at the ground, and silently scold himself.
"Don't go" he finally whispered.
Misty's lip quivered, "Ash...you're a great guy. And I've enjoyed myself so much this past week. But I'm too unsure of everything at the moment. I thought I had started to make up my mind, but seeing you dancing with that girl...well...Mark caused a lot of problems up here".
She tapped her temple, then continued on, "I need to do some things for myself for a while. And then you can go out and do more of...this".
She motioned to the bar behind her.
"I'd rather do things like that with you" Ash said, "but I understand...".
Misty reached out and rubbed his face. He closed his eyes at her touch.
"I'm so sorry Ash" she said, "I really am".
Ash swallowed, he couldn't speak. He hadn't fully appreciated the feelings that he had grown for Misty, but he cared for her happiness more than his, and if she need to go...then who was he to try and stop her?
"I'm going to miss you...more so than I have before" he finally choked out.
"I know what you mean" she said back.
They locked eyes. Her eyes were watering up fast, and Ash felt his begin to burn. What he would do for one more kiss.
"What have I missed" a deep voice called out in disgust.
Ash spun around quickly, praying that was not the voice he thought it was. Ash's muscles felt light again, not from the alcohol, but rage. He heard Misty inhale quickly behind him. Mark was taking a few steps towards them, an evil grin spread across his face.
"Seems I've interrupted a moment between you two" Mark sneered.
Thanks for the support guys! It means a lot. I'm going to slow my writing way down for the next chapter, it's going to be an exciting one, and I'd like to do it justice. Stay tuned for more. Also if anyone has any story ideas at all, send me a PM. I'm always on the lookout for creative thoughts.