Forgotten Love
Description: A Pokémon fanfic – Sequel to The Night Where It All Started
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon! There enough said.
Rating: T plus mature subject matter
Note: thoughts
Ages: Misty:26 Brock:30 Ash:28
Part 10 (A)
"And the winner is... the Vermilion City, Water Gym Leader, Misty!"
Inside the beautifully decorated Water Gym, surrounded by an endless sea of adoring fans, Misty called back her Pokémon. Her opponent, a raven haired teenage boy, walked over to her with an awkward grin, scratching the back of his head.
"That was an awesome match! They weren't kidding when they said you were strong!"
Misty just looked at him. "I guess." Then a little smile crossed her lips. "If you keep training, then maybe one day, you can take me on again."
The boy practically beamed. "You bet! I'll train harder than ever before!"
Misty semi smiled at him. "I'll look forward to it."
The raven haired teenager bowed towards her. "Thanks for the opportunity, miss!" And just like that he ran off, while waving at her with a big grin.
Misty just watched him go. When he left, she turned towards the showers, when she was suddenly swarmed by fans and reporters.
"Congratulations on your recent victory!"
"That last move was amazing!"
"You're so strong!"
"This is you're 999th win! One more until 1000 wins! How do you feel about that?"
Completely surrounded and a little overwhelmed, she looked over the mob, to see two of her security guards rushing to her aid.
"Alright! That's enough! Can't you see she's tired! Leave her be!"
"That's right! Now everyone leave the Gym at once!"
Some complaining and shoving later, the last of the mob left her Gym. When her Gym was completely empty, both of her guards came back inside, and bowed towards her.
"Everyone is gone, besides the trainers and everyone else who works here."
Misty smiled, gratefully. "Thank you. Great job as usual."
The other guard also bowed towards her. "If that's all, then we'll now take our leave, miss."
Misty slightly bowed her head towards them. "Both of you... thank you for all of your hard work, as always."
In unison, they both bowed and left her alone. With a sigh, Misty headed towards her locker. Taking out her professional swimsuit, it only took a handful of minutes to change into it. Tying her hair back, and putting a water-proof net over her hair, she stepped inside her empty Gym, once again. She stopped, and took a look around, as a feeling of melancholy came over her.
Looking out, the Gym had a very high ceiling, for at least 20ft. The ceiling was shaped as a dome, with marble patterned water droplets, decorating the roof. The walls were painted in cerulean blue. At the back of the Gym, there were steel bleachers enough for at least 200 people. But what took the most of the space in the Gym, was the huge pool. On the surface, the pool was at least 20ft or so wide on both ends. Wide enough for even a Gyarados to swim around comfortably. The pool stretched so long that it almost reached the entrance and the showers, leaving only a little path of beautiful brown marble to walk on. That brown marble surrounded the pool on both ends, leaving enough space for people to walk two at a time, to reach the bleachers. However, there was a small island of brown marble on each side of the middle edges of the pool, specifically for one trainer to stand on, facing their opponent across the pool.
Misty walked towards the edge of her pool, and looked down. Below the surface, the pool was connected by glass like tunnels, to various smaller pools, for all her Pokémon, that were hidden underneath the Gym. She didn't need Poke-balls in this Gym to call upon her friends. She would just shout their name, and whatever pool they were in, they would quickly find their way to the main pool. No matter how big they were.
Misty semi smiled, when she thought back to that boy's reaction, when one of her larger Pokémon seemed to pop out of the water, from out of nowhere.
It's strange. I fought many trainers before... not that they were a challenge or anything. But... today that boy... the way he reacted to that little surprise, and even the way he battled, not to mention that hair... he reminded me off...
Misty suddenly shook her head. Snap out of it! He's not coming back! Not ever!
Angrily, Misty dived into the pool. Coming up for air, she quickly began to swim laps around her Gym, as her mind was in chaos.
It's been four years since then! Four years! For all I know, he forgot about me! Hell, he probably did! I was doing so well until now! Hell, I even forgot about him! Misty couldn't finish a single lap, when feelings of melancholy returned. She rested against the edge of the pool, and began to cry.
It's not fair! It shouldn't have been like this! We were supposed to reunite and be happy! None of that crap shouldn't have happened! It's my entire fault that he's gone! And now he's... who knows where, saving the world from my mistake! She punched the marble wall of the pool, automatically wincing. That... didn't hurt. Not one bit. She climbed out of the pool, rubbing her hand in pain. Owowow. Ok that hurt.
Walking towards the changing rooms, one of her trainers called out to her.
"Misty! There you are!"
Misty looked up to see a pretty brunette, with big brown eyes running up towards her. Despite her appearance, Misty knew that she was a very capable trainer, one of the reasons why Misty hired her.
"Hey, Michelle. Is something wrong?"
Michelle stopped when she noticed Misty's hand.
"Misty... what happened? You're hurt."
Misty shrugged it off, trying to hide her hand behind her back. "It's nothing. What's wrong?"
Michelle looked a little puzzled, but she shook it off with a smile. "Just wanted to let you know that everyone went home for the night. Oh! And you're boyfriend is waiting for you."
Misty froze. After a brief moment she cautiously asked Michelle. "Boyfriend?"
Michelle seemed a little confused. "Well, yea. You guys always hang out together, so I just figured you guys were dating. And besides, the way he flirts with like every girl, always gives me the creeps."
Misty blinked at her trainer a couple of times, until she broke into laughter. "Haha! Michelle, you're something else. He's not my boyfriend, he's my roommate. His name is Brock. He's actually a great guy, if you get to know him."
Michelle scoffed. "With a flirt-boy like that, no thank you."
Misty laughed out loud again. When she calmed down, she told Michelle that she would close the Gym when she leaves, and thanked her for her work. When Michelle left, Misty walked back towards the locker and showers. Inside, she changed out of her swim suite, dried off, and changed into light blue shorts, and a whit tank top. She took out her hair from her net, as it fell well beyond her shoulders, completely soaked.
Misty scowled. C'mon! It was supposed to keep it dry. Great, now I have to go get a new one. Unconsciously, Misty looked herself over in the mirror. Her shorts covering the top half of her thighs; her tank top perfectly fit every one of her curves, and her athletically fit arms and legs complimented her look. Looking at her face, she saw that she had a few bags under her bright blue eyes. She ran through her hair with her fingers, and noticed how long it was. She let her long, soaked, wavy orange hair go, as it gracefully fell to meet her bellybutton.
Well, at least its summer. If it was any other season, I would have definitely caught a cold. Sighing, she put on her light blue jean jacket, and took a towel to dry her hair off, as she left towards the entrance to the Gym.
It was small enough area for about 50 people to fit in at once. On the left side, there was a lottery section for the trainers. On top of the lottery machine there was a simple sign: Choose five from fate. Win you're way to the Leader, defeat her, and win a badge of honor!
Misty shook her head still trying to figure out who the genius was responsible for the sign. Looking over to the right side, there was a large front desk with a phone and a desktop computer. Right beside it, was a waiting area with chairs and couches. On one of the couches, sat Brock and Pikachu.
"There you are, Misty."
"Pikachupi!"
They walked up to her, both smiling. "Another win huh? One more and it's a thousand wins. That alone is a milestone for any Gym Leader."
Misty towel dried her hair and semi smiled. "Yea, I guess."
Brock smiled awkwardly. "You went swimming again?" He shook his head and sighed. "We both know you go swimming when something is on your mind. Want to talk about it?"
Misty briefly stopped drying her hair. How can I tell him? He would never understand. Well at least, not completely. I still didn't tell him everything that happened between me and Ash. It's all for the best, I guess. She shook her head and continued to dry her hair. "It's nothing. I just... wanted to swim. That's all."
Brock of course, wasn't fooled. He sighed instead. "Well if you say so." Then he smiled widely. "Let's hurry. I made reservations at the restaurant tonight, to celebrate your win."
Misty laughed. "C'mon Brock, you do that every time I win a match. And besides, you only do that, so you could check out that waitress girl." She laughed at his embarrassed expression. "I know you too well, you can't hide, Brock. At least not when it comes to pretty girls."
Brock was practically as red as a tomato. "Whatever. Let's just get out of here, so we can change in time for dinner."
Misty sighed as she closed down her Gym. Ever since she won her very first match as the Gym Leader, Brock took her and Pikachu to a fancy restaurant out of curiosity. It didn't take long for Brock to fall head over heels for a regular waitress. Since then, Brock would drag them to that fancy restaurant, with any chance he could find, including her wins. It would be an understatement to say that, they were known regulars at that restaurant.
It only took them about half an hour to get back to their apartment, when Brock spoke up. "C'mon we got to hurry. It's already 5pm. We have to be there at 7."
Misty shook her head. "Brock, we have two hours. Relax, we have time."
Brock glared at her. "Not for you, we don't. It takes you forever to get ready. So go and get ready." He practically pushed her towards her room.
"Ok, ok. Geez, I'll go get ready."
She shook her head as she entered her room. She walked over to a large closet in her room, as she looked over her clothing, letting her mind wonder.
So much has happened these past four years; Telling Brock about my dream to build a Water Gym, Brock finding a sponsor for us to build the Gym, spending almost two years training while the building was under way, finding good trainers to join, even building a reputation. Heck, I even managed to open a Water Park! Well, it may not have been right beside the gym, but to think it was built on the same park where I bumped into... him. She took out a simple, blue dress from her closet, as she shook her head. No. He's not coming back. No matter how much I wish he could. He just won't, especially after all this time. I just have to accept that.
She sighed as she looked at the dress she was holding. Ugh. I really don't want to wear this. But I have to since it's the dress code, for the stupid restaurant.
"Ugh! Brock! Do I really have to wear a dress to that restaurant? You know I hate dresses!" She exclaimed out loud in annoyance, with her bedroom door closed.
"For the millionth time Misty, yes you do. That's the way it is. Deal with it." Brock yelled back from somewhere else in the apartment.
"Ugh. Friggin know-it-all bossy pants." Said Misty under her breath.
"I heard that!"
Misty scowled and yelled back to her best friend. "Good, you weirdo!"
"Just hurry up and get ready!" Brock yelled back in annoyance.
Misty giggled as she changed into her dress, and started to work on her hair. Ever since he left... Brock has always been there for her, more than anyone else. Not only did he let her stay here, but he really helped in manifesting her dreams into reality. If it wasn't for him, she wouldn't know where she would have ended up. She'd most likely be a pathetic failure. No wonder people always thought that they were dating. They were close, but not THAT close. To her, Brock was more like a big brother. And besides, her heart was for one person, and one person alone. And for all she knew, he could be on the other side of the planet doing who knows what.
She sighed. After almost two hours of day dreaming and fixing up her hair, she looked herself in the mirror. Her orange wavy hair was now curled up towards her shoulders, and her makeup looked like it was done by a professional. Eyelashes curled up, blended in cover-up, a little bit of light blue eye-shadow, and natural pink lipstick. Walking out of her bathroom, she took her silver high-heels in hand, and walked out to the living room. Brock, in a black suite and black tie, looked her over and smiled.
"Well, about time. You look good. Well, good enough for a respected Gym Leader, at least."
Misty slightly blushed. "Oh shush."
Brock laughed. Misty looked down at Pikachu, wearing a black bow-tie. "Pikachu, you look handsome, as always."
Pikachu smiled at her happily. "Pika Pikachu!"
Both Brock and Misty laughed as they left the apartment, towards the restaurant. Luckily for Misty, the restaurant was nearby. As they went inside, they were automatically greeted, and were led to their regular table. Little did Misty know, that there was a surprise waiting for her after dinner. When they finished eating their meals, the waiters gathered around their table, as a regular sized round birthday cake was presented to her.
"Happy Birthday, Misty." Brock said with a big smile.
Misty stared at Brock, completely shocked. "I thought you forgot!"
Brock shook his head and smiled. "You think I forgot my best friend's birthday? Tsk, tsk."
Misty laughed. "Haha. Thank you, Brock!"
"Pikachupi! Pika Pikachu!" Pikachu yelled out happily.
Misty laughed. "Haha. Thank you Pikachu."
At that moment, the waiters, along with Brock, sang her the generic Happy Birthday song. Looking at the numbers of 2 and 6, Misty closed her eyes and wished for only one thing. It may be an impossible thing, but it couldn't hurt for hope. When she opened her eyes, she blew out the candles, and the celebrations continued.
By the time they left the restaurant, it was nearly 10 in the evening. Mostly due to the fact, that Brock kept talking up every girl he could find, since his favorite waitress, conveniently had a day off. And Misty was surrounded by young men shooting her compliments and birthday wishes, while offering to buy her drinks.
Leaving the restaurant, Misty had to help Brock stand up straight.
"Geez Brock, how much did you drink?"
Brock cried on her shoulder. "Wah! She wasn't here tonight! How could she!? My heart is broken!"
Misty sighed in annoyance. "C'mon Brock, get a grip."
He cried even harder on her shoulder. "WAH! YOU'RE SO MEAN!"
She was even more annoyed with him. "Brock, I swear to-" She noticed that Pikachu was acting strangely. "Pikachu?"
At that moment, Brock got off her shoulder, and they both looked at Pikachu who was still sniffing the air.
Misty walked over to her little yellow friend. "Pikachu?"
Pikachu smelled the air a couple more times, and then ran towards the sidewalk, by the street sniffing the air again.
Misty followed him. "Pikachu, what's wro-" When she reached the sidewalk with Brock, Pikachu was frozen in his spot, staring off towards the dark sidewalk.
"Pikachu, what's going on?"
Misty followed Pikachu's gaze down the dark sidewalk, covered in shadows. After a moment, she could see a figure slowly coming out of the shadows.
"Pika..."
She quickly looked at Pikachu, who looked like he just saw a ghost. Misty quickly looked back towards the dark figure, but this time this figure was almost under a streetlight, about two yards away from them.
Hands on her Poke-balls, she confronted the stranger before they could get any closer.
"Stop right there!"
The figure froze, right before the light of the streetlight. Misty was just inches away from sending out her Pokémon.
"Who are you? And what do you want!"
Pikachu sniffed the air again, but this time she couldn't believe what he said.
"Pikapi?"
What!? No way!
The figure didn't move. Pikachu smelled the air again.
"Pikapi!" This time, he ran towards the figure and jumped in his arms.
It can't be...
"Ash?" Brock asked, who completely sobered up by now.
The figure stepped into the streetlight, with Pikachu ecstatic in his arms.
Misty couldn't believe what she saw. He was much taller than she remembered. Almost taller than Brock. His raven hair a dark mess, a scar over his right eye, biceps clearly visible through his black shirt, as well as his eight-pack abs. Ripped jeans and dirty black shoes. He looked like a completely different guy, if it weren't for his eyes. There may be a scar over one, but looking into them, she could tell it was the same guy she loved so long ago, despite his drastic change in appearance.
"Hey guys. Long time." Ash said, sporting a wide grin.
Misty's heart skipped a beat, but she couldn't say anything.
"Ash!? Is that you!?" Brock said in disbelief.
Ash laughed. "Yea it's me, Brock. And it's great to see you."
Brock smiled widely, and walked up to his old friend, giving him a brotherly hug. "Ash, it's great to have you back! Where have you been? And look at you! You definitely have been working out!"
Ash laughed. "Haha, I guess you could say that."
Just then, Ash looked over towards Misty, who was still in shock. He smiled sadly. "Hey, Mist. It's good to see you."
Both Ash and Brock walked over to Misty. Ash pulled something out of his jean pocket, and handed it to Misty. "Here, I got you a little something." Misty took the little package, but just stared at him, still in shock. Ash looked her over once again, and smiled a sad smile. "You look beautiful, Mist. Happy Birthday."
Misty couldn't take it anymore, she began to cry.
"Oh no. Ash! Look what you made her do!" Brock yelled towards Ash, not knowing what to do.
"I didn't do anything! I swear!" Ash yelled back, a little panicked.
Suddenly, Misty jumped into Ash's arms, crying out loud, making a mess of her mascara. At that moment, Pikachu jumped off of Ash.
"ASH! IT'S YOU! IT'S REALLY YOU!"
After a moment of shock, Ash smiled a warm smile, and wrapped his arms protectively around his best friend. "Yea, Mist. I missed you too."
Misty cried even harder into his sturdy shoulder. After all this time, he actually came back. Even after telling herself all these years, thinking that he'll never return, or worse that he was dead. She cried harder from guilt, thinking back to when she even dared to forget about him. To think he came back just in time for her birthday. She couldn't believe that her wish actually came true, all she had to do was hold on to hope long enough. Relief, sadness, heartbreak, and other emotions erupted from her, she just couldn't stop crying.
"Hey, Mist. It's ok. I'm here now. Everything is all right." Ash hugged her even tighter.
After for what seemed like forever, Misty stirred in his arms. "Can't... breathe."
He instantly released her. "Oops, sorry. Guess I don't know my own strength yet." He laughed awkwardly.
She looked down, her orange bangs covering her eyes. "You... you were gone."
Ash saddened. "I know. I'm so sorry, Mist. I didn't mean it to be like this."
She sharply looked up at him, super annoyed, with mascara running down her cheeks. Ash jumped back a little in surprise. "Didn't mean it!? You left me on that beach, Ash! How did you think that made me feel!? And then you had the nerve to call me, and made it seem like it was nothing!"
Ash looked towards Brock for help. Brock only shook his head. "Sorry, Ash. This is all you." Brock laughed awkwardly. Ash then looked over to Pikachu for help, but Pikachu also shook his head with an awkward smile. Ash could only shoot them a look that clearly said "traitors." Both Brock and Pikachu laughed at that look, but Misty continued.
"Not to mention that you finally told me how you felt, OVER THE PHONE! The next thing I knew, you tell me you were leaving for a few years. HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO ME, ASH!?"
Ash put his hands up in surrender. "I'm sorry, ok! You don't even know how sorry I am, Mist. Deep down, I really am sorry!"
She was about to hit him on the arm, but instead she scoffed and quickly turned away from him. "Well, I don't, and will not forgive you. Not like this. You have to do better than that, Ash." With that, she angrily walked back towards the apartment, leaving a confused Pikachu, a worried Brock, and a shocked Ash, in the dust.
Storming towards the apartment entrance, and towards the elevator, she angrily pushed the button multiple times. UGH! How could he do this! He thinks just by showing up on my birthday, that it'll make everything magically better!? I DON'T THINK SO!
The elevator opened, the moment she stepped inside, she heard Ash's voice.
"Misty, wait!"
She quickly pressed the button for the door to close.
Unfortunately for Misty, Ash stopped the elevator door from closing, as he, Pikachu and Brock stepped inside. The doors closed, Brock pressed his floor button, and the elevator began to rise.
"Mist, c'mon don't do this. I said I was so-"
"I. Don't. Care. You clearly like doing whatever you want, no matter who you hurt along the way."
Ash's eyes were full of hurt. "Ok. I deserved that."
Misty stepped in front of Ash, knowing that the elevator will stop soon. "Of course you did."
The elevator door opened, and Misty stepped out first. "Let's go, Pikachu."
After a few steps ahead, she turned around to see Pikachu looking between her and Ash.
"Pikachu!" Misty raised her voice, towards her little yellow friend.
Ash sighed, and nodded at his oldest friend. Confused, Pikachu went over to Misty and followed behind her. Ash waited in the hallway with Brock, until Misty and Pikachu were out of ear-shot.
"Now you did it, Ash. I get why she's pissed. But taking Pikachu away from you like that? That's a little harsh."
Ash shook his head. "I know, Brock. I messed up. And technically Pikachu is still hers, at least for now."
Brock shook his head and looked at Ash. "So what's your plan now? Assuming you do have a plan. Right?"
Ash nodded. "I do." Suddenly he smiled mischievously. "Even though I know I'll win."
Brock looked at him a little surprised. "Wait, you're going to battle her?"
Ash nodded. "Mhm. And this time, I'll win fair and square." After a moment, his mischievous smile turned into a sad one. "And hopefully, if I win the match, I'll win something else."
Brock raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"
Ash closed his eyes, but kept his sad smile. "The only thing I can win back... her heart."