By Jaxxon
Chapter Twenty-One - Never Alone
The waves crashed on the rocky shoreline as Ash walked down the beach. For over eighteen years, he had considered Pallet Town as his home, but now that had ended. His house had been sold, and his parents had moved to a new town in Houen. Now he had to make a new home.
"We better get back to campus," Ash told his companion. "I promised Misty I would help her move into her dorm."
"Pika," Pikachu nodded. He had been enjoying the salty air from Ash's shoulder.
The walk back to campus was fairly short. The University of Cinnabar Island main attraction was its location to a beach, which earned it a poor reputation among some academics. It was, however, a leading center of research among fire, rock, and water pokémon. This combination of studies had attracted his interest, and he had another incentive to coming this school.
Pikachu leapt of Ash's shoulder once they neared the campus pokémon center. Knowing Ash would rather be alone with his childhood crush, Pikachu was not in the mood to watch the two skate around the issue. It nearly brought the poor mouse to tears watching his two best friends so miserable because of their shyness.
Several cars filled the parking lots of the campus since freshmen were required to arrive that day. Looking around the congested lot, he found the group he was searching for. Wearing her typical denim shorts and yellow shirt, Misty was pulling a box out of her parents' car. Smiling Ash quietly snuck behind her.
"Need a hand, Misty?" Ash greeted.
A bit startled, Misty nearly dropped her box. Getting a better grip on its bottom, she turned around to face her friend. A bit red in the face, she glared back at Ash.
"Very funny," she replied as she walked toward the dorm. "Now grab a box. My room is on the third floor."
"Yes, ma'am," Ash laughed as he picked up two boxes from the top. His added strength training would have allowed him to take much more, but he did not think about showing off to Misty.
Following closely behind Misty, Ash noticed all the different girls living in her dormitory. Staying in an off-campus apartment, Ash barely saw his neighbors. Most were upperclassmen, but he did know at least a few freshmen were living in the building.
Climbing the stairs, Ash began to watch Misty. Spending nearly half his life with her, he was had memorized the rhythm of steps. Together, they had traveled across Kanto and the Orange Islands, and after five years of separation, they were together again.
Upon opening the door to her room, Ash saw Misty's mother making the bed. Covered in a light blue sheet with goldeen prints, it was what Ash had come to expect from a family that trained water pokémon. Rose Waterflower smiled warmly at him as she finished tucking in the sheets.
"Hello, Ash," she greeted. "I trust your mother is doing well."
"She's fine," Ash replied as he set the box on the ground. "She just moved to Littleroot Town in Houen."
"My, that's quite a distance from Pallet Town," Mrs. Waterflower commented. "Are you going there during the summer break?"
"No, I'll probably just stay here," Ash replied. "Maybe go visit some friends nearby."
"I'm sure Misty wouldn't mind you coming to Cerulean," Mrs. Waterflower suggested. "We can make a spare room for you."
"I think there's still some boxes in the car," Misty interrupted. Her mother laughed at her slight blush and laughed harder when Misty dragged Ash out of the room. As they walked back down the stairs, Ash asked about her father.
"Dad went to pay some of the bills," Misty replied. "He left about an hour ago, and I've been wondering what has been taking so long."
The two managed to grab the rest of the boxes in the next the trip. After they arrived back at her room, Misty and her mother began to unpack the boxes while Ash began to look at her class schedule. They were both taking some of the same introduction classes and even had a two-hour break during the afternoon.
Ash soon grew bored waiting on the two to finish unpacking Misty's boxes. Most had been stuffed with clothes. Misty's wardrobe had increased considerably since their pokémon journey. Ash had noted that one box had contained nothing but shoes and sandals.
After thirty minutes, they had successfully transported the remaining boxes up the flight of stairs. Ash plopped down on her bed while Misty and her mother began unpacking the boxes. Her father eventually returned and invited Ash to lunch with them. Receiving the opportunity to get a free meal, Ash happily agreed.
Having already lived on the island for two weeks, Ash had learned of an Italian restaurant near the campus. Don Giovanni's was a moderately priced restaurant that had become a favorite of many students since it opened the previous semester. The students that lived on Cinnabar Island during the semester break had noted two of its newest employees.
"Hello, I'm Jessie," the young woman greeted the party. "If you'll follow me, I'll show you...YOU!"
"YOU!" Ash and Misty shouted back. "What are you doing here?"
"Staying out of trouble," she sighed with a defeated look on her face.
"And make it double," a voice from the kitchen. The sound of a frying pan hitting a dense object was soon followed.
"Do you know this lady?" Mr. Waterflower asked.
"She's from Team Rocket," Misty hissed. "Now, why are you here?"
"Watch it, twerp," Jessie snapped back as she clinched her fist. "We ran into some financial problems after you two ruined our shop in Lavender Town."
"But why here?" Ash asked. "Are trying to steal Pikachu again?"
"It's very tempting, but we have to many bills to even try," Jessie replied. Looking at the seating chart, she led them to a table in a back corner. After giving them menus, she retreated back to her hostess station.
"It's a bit unnerving with them here," Misty whispered to Ash. "I bet they're up to something."
"She seemed pretty honest to me," Ash replied. His recent stay with Sabrina had heightened his telepathy skills to sense deception, especially from the simple-minded. "Besides, we can handle them."
Misty stared blankly at Ash. In the years she had know him, she had seen him grow into a respectable trainer, but now she was watching him grow into a respectable man. He was constantly appearing older and more mature with each meeting.
"Are you okay dear?" her mother asked. "You seem a bit red."
"Whaa?" Misty replied as she felt her check had heated. Raising her menu to cover her blush, she tried to decide what to order.
After a moment a waiter took their orders, freeing Misty from her protective screen. Glancing over at Ash, she saw him talking to her father about some of his classes. Her mother smiled at her daughter. Misty had never been a very shy girl among some of the other boys she had brought to meet them, but now she looked like she was walking on pins and needles. She wanted their approval of him, and it looked like she would let nothing stop her.
"Take care, honey," Mrs. Waterflower said as she kissed the head of her youngest daughter. "Try not to over do it this first semester."
"Stop it, Mom," Misty said as she gave Ash a sideways glance, "you're embarrassing me."
"Hope you do well, Ash," her mother said as she waved to them. "I hope you can join us in June during the break."
"We'll see," Ash called back.
Misty gave a sigh of relief once her parents' car was nearly out of sight. Nervously, she took Ash's hand.
"Would you mind if I saw your apartment?" she asked.
"Su-sure," Ash stammered. He was surprised that Misty was willing to hold his hand as they walked across campus. Anyone who saw would get the impression they were a couple.
'Is that what she wants?' Ash thought as he took her as the campus. 'Maybe I should tell her how I really feel?'
Misty gave a happy sigh as they left the campus. It had been too long since the last time they had time alone, and she wanted to make the most of it. Her heart beat heavily as she thought of what might happen in his apartment.
'Perhaps now is the time to be honest with him,' Misty thought. 'I don't think I could stand to lose him again.'
Misty tried to sneak a few glances at her companion's face but was surprised when he tried the same. Both hurriedly looked away as they began to blush deep red. In a nearby tree, the sound of laughter could be heard.
"Those two are so precious," an eighteen-year-old Puck laughed. "I bet they would make an excellent game."
Puck jumped down from the tree and followed a few feet behind the two. Sneaking was what he was best at, and he knew his older brother was not trained well enough to detect him. At least, he could not just yet. Unbeknownst to the young Magian, some one was following him. A much older version of himself watched his younger self following his quarry.
"I'm getting to old for this," the older Puck sighed. "It's bad enough trying to help Angel out, but now I have to baby-sit that whelp."
Ash pulled out the key to his apartment and slipped it into the door. Inside, the sparse room seemed almost empty. The apartment had a small kitchenette with only a single electric range, microwave, icebox, and rice cooker. The sink was filled with the dishes from the morning breakfast.
The main room was furnished with a small table, bookcase, and dresser. A mirror hung on the wall along with some pictures of Ash's family. She noted one of her and Ash that had been taken during their stay in Pallet before his first tournament. The two eleven-year-olds looked so happy in that picture.
One thing Misty had noted when they entered was the lack of bath in the building. She had saw that a public bath was on the same the street as the apartment building.
"It's not much," Ash told her as he opened the window shade, "but the rent's low, and it's close to campus."
"It's nice," Misty commented. "I bet you don't mind not having a roommate to bug you."
"Maybe, but it can get kinda lonely," Ash admitted. "I don't see many of the other people in the building, and they're mostly upperclassmen."
"Then I'll have to visit as often as possible," Misty said with a smile. "I would hate for you to get depressed because you can't handle being alone."
Ash gave Misty a weak smile at her comment. With her by his side, he had always had the company of the girl he loved. Now, he wanted to let her know.
"Misty, I kinda have a confession to make," Ash said as he nervously rubbed the back of his neck. This was harder than he thought. He was about to back down when he saw the look in her face. The hopeful gleam in her eyes built his courage to finally say what was in his heart. "I love you."
His statement dumbfounded Misty. She had always hoped that his feelings were the same as hers, and now he had just told her as much. Tears formed in her eyes as she hugged the boy tightly.
"Did I upset you?" Ash asked.
"No, you idiot," Misty said. "I'm just so happy to hear you say that."
"Then I'll say it again," Ash smiled at the girl. "I love you, Misty."
Misty felt her heart was about to burst from its beating. The boy that had led her around for almost three years had admitted that he loved her.
"I have something else to tell you," Ash reluctantly continued. "It's something about that new pokémon I told you about two years ago."
This new statement puzzled Misty. She knew that the boy had pokémon on the brains ever since they first met, but surely he was smart enough to ruin their moment with talk about one.
"It's probably best if I just show you," Ash sighed. Letting go of her, Ash took one step back.
Outside the window, the younger Puck heard the soft sound of a body collapsing to the floor. Looking inside, he saw a pikachu fanning a girl lying on the floor.
"Idiot," he laughed. "At times I can't believe he's actually Angel."
Beneath him, the older Puck shook his head. He had hoped just for once he could change his own past, but he knew that it was impossible. Now he would just have to go through with his plans and hope nothing went wrong.
Misty awoke to the sound of running water from the kitchen. Looking around, she noticed Ash had placed her in his futon and laid a wet washcloth across her brow. Sitting up, Ash quickly came to her side.
"Are you okay, Misty?" he asked as he helped her to sit up.
"I guess the heat just got to me," Misty replied as she smiled at the boy. His concern touched her. "I just had the weirdest dream.
Ash sighed as he laid back on the floor. Staring up at the ceiling, he replied, "It wasn't a dream. I really did turn into a pokémon."
Misty was speechless. It was simply impossible, but she had seen it with her own eyes. Ash Ketchum, the boy she had known for over eight years, could turn into a pikachu.
"How?"
Ash sighed. He had not really planned how he was going to explain this to Misty, but he knew she had to know before she decided if she loved him. It was her right to know.
"Two years ago, there was an accident at Prof. Oak's lab," he explained, "and I was turned into a pokémon. For the past two years, I've been learning more about what happened to me that day, and a year and a half ago I found out. I was a Magian."
Misty rolled her eyes at Ash's tale. He had come up with some imaginative stories in the past, but this took the cake.
"Next you're going to be saying there are more of these Magians around?" Misty sneered. "I guess expecting the truth from you was too much. Just admit you were pulling a prank with Pikachu."
"Perhaps I should have used another form," Ash sighed. "I can turn into a Jinx, Scyther, Ninetails, Haunter, or Tentacruel besides Pikachu. Just pick one."
"How do I know you haven't caught one of those before," Misty replied. "Look, this is a stupid joke, so just quit it. It's not even that funny."
"But it's not a joke, Misty," Ash explained. "Look, how about this."
Ash picked up one of his textbooks and ran his hand through it. He did it a number of times then handed it to Misty. Misty checked to see if it was solid but only thought it was just another cheap trick.
"I'll grant you may be a magician," she said as she tossed the book to the ground, "but not one of those Magians."
Growling in frustration, Ash grabbed her hand and led her to the window. Their sudden opening started the younger Puck who had fallen asleep on the ground. Looking up, he saw his brother and Misty fly off into the night.
"Great, another clean up job," Puck sighed. "That brother of mine can be such a pain."
On the roof, the older Puck smiled as he saw the two fly off. His memories from this time were a bit hazy, but it was nice to see his brother showing off. Angel rarely did it once he was born.
"Good luck, big brother," Puck said to the shrinking figures. "You're going to need it tonight."
Misty held tightly to Ash's arm as they flew over the ocean waves. Whatever doubts she had about his story had now become doubts about her sanity. Normal people could not fly.
"But I'm not normal," Ash said as if finishing her thought. "Like I said, I'm a Magian."
Misty still tried to find a more rational explanation. She was still asleep.
"Nope, you're wide awake," Ash laughed as he started to dive toward the ocean. "Would you care to test this theory?"
"No, please don't!" Misty screamed. "I believe you!"
Smiling, Ash leveled off and started heading back toward the apartment building. Misty silently reflected on the events of the evening. Once they landed, Misty just glared at him.
"Is there anything else?" Ash asked.
"Just one thing," Misty growled back. Pulling back her hand slowly, she quickly replied with a slap across his face.
Ash was stunned by her reaction. Hold his hand to his stinging cheek, Misty saw the question within his eyes.
"You've been lying to me!" she shouted. "How can I trust you after something like that?!"
Ash hung his head down. He had only wanted to have a normal life, but it never seemed to work out. Now he was about to lose his only chance at happiness. In his despair, he did not notice that Misty was stomping to the door.
"I never want to see you again!" Misty continued to scream as she slammed the door.
"But I love you," Ash said as he hand moved to reveal a single tear.
Misty watched the sun sink beneath the waves on the horizon. Closing her eyes, she allowed the gentle spray of seawater to cover her face. She had known Ash was different from anyone she had ever met, but she had never expected that. Tears began to form in her eyes as the feeling of betrayal swelled within her. He had kept that change hidden from her.
Misty heard the soft footsteps of another behind. Not wanting company, she rose to leave.
"Please, I think we should talk," the newcomer greeted. "My brother has really made a mess of things again."
Misty stared at the older man trying to recognize him. While he had green hair and deep blue eyes, he did resemble Ash.
"Who are you?" she asked.
"Ash's little brother," the man replied. "You can call me Puck."
"Another one of his stupid secrets!" Misty shouted as the tears ran down her cheeks. "I bet you Magians get your fill of laughs from us puny mortals."
"At time," Puck said with a gentle smile, "but do you really think Ash is capable of that?"
Puck pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and handed it to Misty. She hesitantly accepted the cloth and dried her tears. As she wiped her cheeks, memories began to flood her mind. The past unfolded to reveal how a boy that she had saved won her heart."
"Ash has been trying to become normal ever since the transformation," she heard Puck say. "While others have been trying to make him accept the change, he stubbornly refused to be separated from his humanity. It has isolated him from both humans and Magians. It's quite lonely for him, I imagine."
"But he's not alone," Misty said as an old memory resurfaced, "because he has me."
"Then why not tell him," Puck said as he pointed past her.
Looking over her shoulder, Misty saw Ash slowly walking along the shore. Her smile brightened as she ran to meet him. Ash continued his slow pace, not noticing Misty running toward him. He had not only confessed his feelings for her but also his new abilities, and she ran away.
"Ash!" he heard her voice. Thinking it was only his imagination, he continued his walk along the beach.
"Please Ash, I'm sorry!" she called again. "Just listen to me!"
Ash awaked from his contemplation and saw Misty running to join him. He blankly stared as Misty approached him and threw her arms around his neck. When she laid her head on his shoulder, He felt her tears and breathe against his skin. Not knowing how to comfort her, Ash simply wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Please forgive me," he apologized. "I never meant to hurt you."
"No, no, I'm sorry," Misty replied through her tears. "I should have listened to you instead of running away."
Ash hugged her tightly as he closed as he closed his eyes. His heightened senses began to memorize every detail of this girl. His heart was racing as he felt Misty move her head. Opening his eyes, he saw Misty staring up at his face.
"I love you," Misty said as tears trailed down her cheeks. "Ever since we parted ways, I have been so alone."
"You've never alone," Ash comforted her, "because you have always had my heart."
Misty buried her head into his chest. Wrapped in his arms, she felt warm and protected. Whether he could become a pikachu or not, he would always be her Ash Ketchum.
"Misty, are you okay?" Ash asked.
Lifting her head quickly, she brought her lips to Ash's. Surprised by her sudden action, Ash slowly closed his eyes and began to kiss her back.
"How about getting a room you two?" a voice laughed.
Breaking apart, both faces were burning bright red. Ash looked around and saw Puck rolling on the sand laughing.
"Why you..." Ash growled. "THUNDERBOLT!"
Puck looked up and saw the thunderbolt coming toward him. Unable to dodge in time, the attack sent him back a few feet on the ground. Puck looked up at his older brother. From the glow of his hands, it was apparent Ash had learned fire punch.
"Let's talk about this, bro," Puck squeamishly replied as he crawled away. "After all, I'm sure you wouldn't want your girlfriend to see your violent side just yet."
"I think he'll let you off easier than me," Misty said as she stomped toward the younger brother. Balling her fist, she was readying herself to launch Puck toward the mainland.
"I think it's time for me to go home," Puck said as he quickly formed a portal beneath him. As he slowly sunk into the swirling purple light, he grinned up at his brother.
"Just to let you know, I'm not an uncle yet," he laughed as he disappeared. Ash stopped in his tracks at his brother's leaving comment. He looked over at Misty, who was again glowing bright red.
"And I thought my sisters were bad," Misty commented as she regained her composure. "Do you have anything else to tell me?"
"I have a 900-year-old sister," Ash replied, "and spent about ten in ancient Pokémopolis and another in an alternate dimension."
Misty started rubbing her temples. This was getting more complicated than any relationship she had ever heard over outside of an anime.
In the distance, an older Puck was watching the couple walk back toward Misty's dorm. He was a bit annoyed a younger self had shown up after he had worked so hard to comfort Misty. He really could be such a pain.
"I was wondering when you show up," he said as a dark shadow formed behind him. "I see the council still has Angel under tight observation."
"The boy has too frequently revealed our existence to the world," the newcomer said. Looking at the two on the beach, he frowned.
"Perhaps it would be best if she did not remember about us," the newcomer said. "After all, as demons, we are supposed to contain our presence. It is a simple matter to remove any memories of us while leaving her feeling for Angel intact."
"You don't have to fear her, Baku," Puck replied. "She would never jeopardize her love for Ash."
"I still say you're taking a big risk here," Baku replied. "If she were to let it slip for even a moment..."
"She will not," Puck interrupted. "Remember, I know more about those two than any seer among us."
"If you say so," Baku shrugged.
"I must be returning to my own time as well," Puck said he began to fade away. "Please inform the hunters about the girl."
Baku gave the transparent Puck a questioning glance. He had never had much dealings with the hunters since his own transformation, but he knew a little of their purpose. The girl did not show any signs that they would be needed.
"Don't let her commonplace appearance fool you," Puck said as he nearly vanished. "Her potential is about to show."
To be continued...