[10]

~~~~~~~~~The Bursting of the Dam~~~~~~~~~

Well, well, well, look who we have here" Kim said.

Misty turned to see three boys standing together with their arms crossed over their chests. They were dressed in some lame blue kimonos and though it took her a second to place their faces she eventually recognized them as the Invincible Pokemon Brothers.

'Oh great' she groaned in her head.

"What are you three doing here?" she snapped.

"Oh, what terrible manners. Is that any way to treat old acquaintances?" Kim replied.

"You guys are jerks that I'd like to forget I know" Misty said.

"Is that so? Well maybe we'll just have to make sure you'll never be able to forget us" Kim threatened pulling a pokeball off his belt.

"So you want a battle huh? Well prepare to…"

"Oh we don't want to battle, no we're just going to steal all of your pokemon and laugh at the look on your face when there's nothing you can do about it" Kim sneered.

"Hah! You three couldn't steal a Snorlax if it was asleep and tied up in front of you!" Misty countered.

"Let's just see about that!" Kim spat as the brothers send out their pokemon.

'If only I had Gyarados on me' she thought as she sent out Starmie, Staryu, and Maril, "Ok guys be careful, they're dangerous and they cheat, but I know you guys can beat them".

Kim sent his pokemon charging forward and Misty's pokemon did the same. The battle raged on for awhile before the brothers sent out three more pokemon, six to three didn't sit well with Misty in the least. She was about to dig Golduck out of her bag when the ground began to shake.

"Hey Misty!" Ash called jogging to her with Onix by his side, "Look what I taught…" he stopped and took in the scene. "Oh you guys battling?" he asked excitedly.

"I'd battle them if they weren't trying to steal my Pokemon" Misty replied.

"What? They're trying to steal your Pokemon!" Ash exclaimed.

"That's what I just said!" Misty yelled.

The Invincible brothers just stood, consumed by Onix's enormous shadow, mouths agape. Onix looked at the three and gave an ear shattering roar.

"You know what? Never mind, let's get out of here!" Kim yelled and they all took off running.

"Wow they weren't even brave enough to stay and get blown away like Team Rocket" Misty remarked.

Misty looked at Ash, "I could've done that myself, I didn't need your help" she said defensively, hands on her hips.

"I know" Ash replied smiling, a slight flush on his face, "But I wanted to".

Misty's frown slid from her face, and she looked down quickly blushing, "Thanks" she mumbled.

"Anytime" he replied putting his hand on her shoulder.

In the warm summer air Misty began to break out in a cold sweat, something was different between them now. It was a feeling that coursed through the air, that touch was different than a million other touches that had occurred between her and Ash. In her heart and mind an urge burst from its prison and seeped from the seams of her psyche. She just wanted to push him against the nearby wall and tell him how she felt.

'Am I really going to do this?'

She looked up into his eyes; in that moment his gaze gave her the courage she needed.

"Ash…I" but she was cut off by a deep annoying voice.

"Hey you guys! I was looking all over for you both" Brock scolded like they were children. Misty gave him the "you're interrupting" look and balled her fists at her sides.

"Sorry" Brock mouthed silently as Ash returned Onix to his pokeball.

"Here you go" he said handing it back to Brock, who nodded in response.

"So what should we do now?" Ash questioned.

"Well it's getting pretty late in the afternoon, we should find someplace nice for dinner" Brock said.

Misty smiled, "It doesn't have to be nice" she said happy anywhere she could be with Ash.

"No, you're our best friend and it's your birthday, you deserve it" Brock insisted.

"Thanks, you guys" Misty said her eyes slightly teared.

With all the commotion she just noticed that Ash was holding a bag that was closed with gift paper. Her breath caught and she silently jumped up and down in her head. They followed the alley back out onto the street and stood searching for the shoreline downtown area. In the distance were some spot lights with a number of large buildings with fancy foreign names.

They stopped at the hotel quickly to change into some dress clothes in an attempt to get into a fancy restaurant. Misty slipped into her off brand satin dress and redid her hair with some sparkling jeweled clips. She finished up and took an appraising look in the mirror. She really felt beautiful in the dress, "like a million bucks" as the expression goes. They met up in the hall and Misty smiled as she saw how handsome Ash looked in his dress shirt and slacks.

Finally the group made their way towards the downtown shoreline gazing up at the expansive city skyline.

"It's so beautiful!" Misty said in awe.

The closer and closer they got the more the town came to life, it was still very early in the evening so the lights weren't as astounding but it hardly mattered. People were bouncing from place to place excitedly, taking pictures and carrying tons of shopping bags.

"Whoa, this place is even busier than Main Street!" Ash exclaimed.

Misty was having so much fun, this was one the best days she could remember having in a long time. Being under the Vermillion City skyline with Ash was heaven. They decided to go to the fanciest restaurant in sight and see if they could get in. Ash had gotten a big paycheck from Professor Oak for bringing him a new pokemon so they were confident they could get a table. They spotted the perfect place, it towered over all the other restaurants and had twice as many spotlights, and it was fittingly called "El Cielo Eléctrico" or "The Electric Sky". As they walked in Misty gazed up at the high ceilings that seemed to stretch upward forever, they were crafted in arches of gold and white with red cascading curtains flowing down the walls. The soft pulse of dance music floated towards them in-between the crowed of discussions and clattering of dishes and glasses. A balding man with a rather large hooked nose peered over a podium at them near the enormous entrance.

"May I help you?" he inquired, but his tone implied he was assuming they were lost.

"Yes, we need a table for three" Misty replied as airily as she could muster.

The man seemed impassive and remained skeptical of the trio.

"We are full till tomorrow" he answered quickly, not even bothering to glance down at the guestbook, "You may wait if you wish, though in those generic heels I wouldn't risk it" he said with a slight sneer on his face.

Misty immediately felt cheap and foolish in her knock off dress and zirconia clips, she could feel the sting of tears threaten their presence but held them back, her face burning red with ill repute.

"Maybe we should just go" she said quietly to Brock and Ash.

"Nah, we'll get in" Brock replied determined, now more than ever.

"Well if we're going to wait around I'm going to go outside and enjoy the city sight, at least it's better than whatever hack decorated this place, just yell if we get in" Misty said strolling quickly out the doors to keep from crying in her embarrassment. The place was gorgeous, she knew that, but she had to say something in retaliation. Who did that guy think he was! Inside Brock thought hard, and after long while Ash could see a dawning on his face.

"I have an idea, just go with it ok?" he told Ash.

Ash nodded as Brock faced in the direction of the maître d'.

"Huh, so I guess Matthias was wrong about this place" he said to Ash somewhat louder than a normal conversational tone. Ash noticed the waiters head look up quickly.

"Yeah, maybe Matthias meant another restaurant" he added.

Brock hid his smile as the maître d' came out from behind his podium.

"Pardon me, but are you speaking of Senor Volt?" he inquired.

"Yes, why?" Brock asked.

"Oh, no reason in particular, we just had table open up if you will follow me" he said.

Ash leant out the door and yelled to Misty. They were led through the huge winding room full of tables with masses of people laughing and chattering away till they reached a table to the right of a massive fountain. Dinner was amazing, even though they couldn't order some things on the menu it didn't matter. They laughed softly at the attentive service they got, it was so surreal, the second they took a sip of water a waiter came by and refilled their glass. It was like being royalty, or famous.

"I could really get used to this" Misty sighed.

"Oh yeah" Ash said leaning back in his chair.

"Too bad it costs us half of our money" Brock said being the voice of reason.

Then the food came, it all looked perfect and delicious. Everything was cooked just right. Misty gazed at Ash as they ate; in the soft glowing light of the restaurant he looked so handsome. Her heart felt as if it were about to burst from her chest. The warm and carefree mood gave her more courage than she had ever had in the past. She could feel the words in her throat once more, yearning to break free. They pressed eagerly at her lips, as if they could will them to finally move into the words.

"Hey Ash?" she said.

This was it; could she really be starting this sentence? Could she actually be speaking what she had been thinking for the longest time?

"What's up Mist?" he replied leaning close across the table to hear.

Misty looked at his lips, and her lips burned to be on his, to feel his warmth against her. Her arms ached to grasp him and to never let go.

"…Thanks Ash" she replied, cursing herself for chickening out.

"No problem, what are friends for right?" he said shoving more food into his mouth.

"After dinner we should change into our bathing suits and got to the shore" Brock suggested after giving Misty a quick glance.

"Yeah, that sounds great" Ash replied.

Misty's heart leaped at Ash's words, 'I really think he's finally changed' she thought.

Dinner was even better than she imagined it would be, in fact the last few days had been so perfect, things were really looking up for Misty.

They paid the check, thought only after a friendly argument about Misty cutting something in.

Misty, Ash, and Brock exited the enormous restaurant and stepped onto the enormous street.

There was still quite a bit of sun left, as the sun had just started to set, so they decided to walk the food off and made their way to the shore on foot.

"I can't wait to get into my new suit!" Misty exclaimed.

"Neither can I" Brock replied.

"Brock you didn't buy a new bathing suit" Misty said, a puzzled look on her face.

"I know" Brock said looking her up and down.

"Oh my god, Brock!" Misty fumed and punched him on the head.

Ash and Brock cracked up laughing for a good minute as they walked along the street watching the reflections off the buildings and the groups of people as they passed. Vermillion was such a great city. The soft light glow of the sidewalk as the sun overhead reflected from it illuminated their way to the shore. The group went to the changing rooms and changed out of their nice clothes and into their swim suits.

The shore was breathtaking. The changing rooms stood at the top of a sloping cliff that surrounded the beach. A winding pathway that was carved into the cliff side led to the waterfront. As you stood on the beach the seemingly endless expanse of crystal blue water led on forever in front of you as the high rising cliff enveloped the entire shore at your back. The sound of the waves lapping up congealed with the soft sound of the cascading waterfall that wound its way down the cliff in thousands of shimmering rivulets running into the small river that flowed into the ocean. The lush green trees further encompassed the area in glorious beauty. To make it perfect there was no one else there that evening, everyone was in town for some event. Misty stood just trying to take it all in.

"We should set up our tents before we're too tired" Brock said.

Ash and Misty groaned but set up their tents none the less. As they all started Brock looked over at his two companions and couldn't help but get lost in thought. Brock had always known about Misty's "Ash dilemma" and throughout the years, whether she noticed or not, he had always tried to push Ash in the right direction. He would always try dropping a few hints here and there, but Ash was so dense even Brock found himself frustrated from time to time. Lately though Brock had seen Misty becoming increasingly desperate for Ash's affection, and with the new developments things were becoming so complicated. He knew what the breaking point of love felt like, "the edge of the cliff", and he could see the dirt scattering through the air as Misty's feet edged slowly over the precipice. He wondered to himself, probably more often than he should, what would become of things if Ash's ineptitude were to break her already fragile heart. Misty had her back to them and was bent over tying a rope for her tent when Brock walked over to Ash.

"Yo, Ash" Brock murmured, nudging Ash in the ribs and gesturing with his head towards Misty.

"Huh?" Brock asked smirking.

Ash broke a small smirk and nodded nonchalantly. He had to admit to himself that over the years Misty had become…different, and he was surprised to notice just how perfectly Misty's suit fit her.

"So you guys ready for a swim?" Misty said her back still turned.

There was no answer, "Guys?" she said turning around.

Misty looked around but Ash and Brock were gone, only their tents staked into the sand were there.

"Ash, Brock?" she called looking into Brock's tent next to hers, though it was empty. Misty slowly tiptoed over to Ash's tent wanting to sneak up on them. She took the final step in the sand and slowly reached her arm out to pull the flap on the tent back.

"Got ya!" she yelled to an empty tent.

She took a step back, "Ok, where are you guys?" she called out, looking around once more and sighing deeply.

"Aha!" Ash yelled as he sprinted toward Misty from behind his tent.

She turned just in time to be scooped up by Ash and tossed over his shoulder as he ran full out to the water. Misty played along yelling and kicking as Ash barreled into the water, though her heart was screaming out with joy. They laughed and splashed each other until Brock and Maril leapt on them. They horsed around laughing and splashing, Misty was having the best time of her entire life. Her stomach fluttered as she watched Ash immersed in the glittering water, the waning sun shining in rays all around them. She smiled to herself in elation, she could imagine their life together so clearly; though her thoughts were cut abruptly short when Ash's eyes met hers. Misty gasped silently, but for once she didn't look away, she didn't blush, she just met his gaze and smiled at him. Even though Ash was probably confused and wondering why she was looking at him Misty didn't care. The feeling of his touch as they wrestled around in the water was heaven, the waves rolling and pushing past them, pushing them closer. This is what she had longed for, all those little moments finally coming together. Six years of waiting, six years of an emotional rollercoaster and now, on her eighteenth birthday, Ash was finally going to be hers.

The sun was lowering in the sky and they gang made their way back to the beach. The soft sand cushioning her feet Misty laid out the Starmie towel that was bought for her back at the hotel gift shop. She settled in lying with her hands behind her head, her Ash lying a short foot away next to her. Brock went further up to his tent to get some pokefood. Ash and Misty laid there in silence, listening to the soft rhythmic and slow crash of the waves as they climbed the shore. Over and over like the steady beat of her heart.

"…Misty?" Ash spoke softly after awhile.

Misty's heart skipped and picked up its pace, breaking its sync with the rolling waves.

"Huh?" she replied opening her eyes and slowly turning towards him. Ash was sitting up on his elbows and looking determined, he was staring out at the infinite sea.

"I've realized something. I was thinking about all of the battles I've won, all those championships, and all the obstacles I've conquered and it's finally hit me" he said turning to look at her, the look in his eyes sent her mind adrift in a sea of bliss. He moved closer to her and took her hands in his.

Misty's breath was coming in short gasps, "What?" she squeaked.

Ash came even closer, "I would have never been able to do any of it without you Misty" he answered; he pulled her to him and kissed her. He started out soft but became more passionate pulling her to him harder. Misty wrapped her arms around him and kissed him eagerly holding as tightly as she could. Her body and mind were soaring, and her heart stopped and nearly exploded when Ash completely left his towel and laid his leg over her, he was nearly on top of her though he never broke the kiss. His warmth caressed her as he mouth wanted desperately against hers. Finally though, he pulled back and gazed into her eyes, "I love you Misty".

"I love you too" she said, finally the words broke from her and sky rocketed into the universe.