As a writer, I think the most fulfilling thing is convincing people about what I'm writing. Seeing people say they've never shipped Gary and Misty (bc I was the same way) until they read this story makes my heart soar and really makes me more confident about my own writing, so thank you (:

Azurill hurries as fast as possible to the gym, Gary in tow. He had come to Cerulean yesterday to suck up his pride and apologize, but had chickened out last minute. He figured Misty needed more time to cool down, yet the more he thought about it, the more he felt that his absence would fuel even more tension and distance between the two of them when they finally did see one another again.

So, finally putting on his big boy pants, he had marched right over to the gym to convince Misty that they could get through this and be mature concerning their problems only to find Azurill running around frantically.

The duo finally make it to the gym. Gary walks inside, much to Azurill's dismay who wants him to hurry. Gary is immediately hit with the stench of alcohol and can't stop from gagging. He takes notice of all of the empty handles of alcohol dispersed throughout the area. A sinking feeling of deja vu has him nearly crumbling to his knees. "Misty?" he calls out, worry dripping from his words. Azurill pushes at his leg to get the man's attention.

The Pokemon leads Gary towards the training pool. The lights are dim but Gary can easily see the place is a disaster with alcohol bottles strewn all over the place and- blood? "What the fuck happened?" he murmurs to himself, seeing a small splatter of blood and broken glass near the ledge of the pool. The pool.

Gary slides over to the pool, trying to see past the darkness. Leave it to the Waterflower sisters to make the pool as deep as humanly possible. Before he can do anything else, Azurill is colliding with him, sending him tumbling into the water. He doesn't even have time to orient himself before Azurill is in the water too and dragging Gary down with him. Gary swims as fast as he can, trying to follow the water Pokemon and doing his best to keep his eyes open.

Fiery red hair seems to glow at the bottom of the pool. Even though Gary knew this is where he'd find her, that doesn't stop the spike of fear piercing his heart. When he finally reaches her, he wraps his arms round her body and swims as fast to the top as his body will allow. They make it to the surface and Azurill helps as best he can with lifting Misty up onto the tile. Gary hauls himself up, ignoring his exhaustion from all of the exertion and kneels next to Misty.

He pumps a closed fist down on her chest three times before gently opening her mouth and breathing for her three times. He repeats this over and over, his hope that she'll breathe beginning to dwindle. "Please, baby," he grunts, sweat mixing with his dripping hair. "Please don't do this to me. I can't go through something like this again." His voice cracks as he chokes out a sob. Azurill stands next to him, whimpering more as the minutes pass. Gary shakes his head. "I'm not giving up on you."

He nearly falls back in shock when water bubbles out of Misty's throat. He quickly turns her head to the side, ensuring she doesn't choke on the water she's spitting up. While doing so, he notices a gash along her temple. That probably happened when she fell in. "Head..." she grunts out once she finishes coughing up water, hand coming up to cradle the side of her face.

Her head lulls side to side until Gary steadies her. She lazily opens her eyes and does her best to focus on his face. He notices that her pupils are blown wide and instantly begins to worry that she has a concussion. "G-Gar-" she tries to get out only to cut herself off. She rolls away from him so she is on all fours. Before he can ask what she needs, she is heaving out throw up.

"I can't tell if you're just too drunk or if you have a concussion," Gary mumbles, more to himself, as he comfortingly rests his hand on her back. "I guess it doesn't matter. I need to get you to the hospital regardless." More throw up spills out of her mouth. Gary reaches for his belt, thanking his past self for even thinking to bring Alakazam from Pallet Town. He releases his Pokemon and smiles. It's been a while since he has been able to spend time with Alakazam, he just wishes it was at a better time.

"Gary," Misty groans, pain dripping in her voice. He is quick to act. He gently pulls her to him and holds his hand out to his Pokemon.

"The nearest hospital," he commands. Alakazam nods, eyes glowing purple. At the last second as their bodies de-materialize, Azurill latches on to Gary's shirt. A wave of dizziness rolls through Gary as they materialize in the middle of the hospital lobby. The teleportation takes a toll on Misty. She doubles over, crashing to her knees and dry heaving. Nurses are immediately by their side, asking what happened.

Gary explains the best he can as they load Misty on to a gurney and rush her away. Azurill and Alakazam stand on either side of Gary, sensing his distress. The realization that if he hadn't come to reconcile with her, she would have drowned. Alone. Depressed. He would have never forgiven himself for his stubbornness and pride. How long would she have been down there? Who would have found her? Her sisters?

"Crap, her sisters," he sighs. Gary makes his way to one of the many video phones. "How the hell do I even get in contact with them?" He contemplates what to do before just typing in Daisy Waterflower to the search bar. How many people go by that name anyway? Apparently quite a few.

Six awkward calls later, he finally rings the correct number. A beautiful blonde with green eyes appears on the other side of the screen. Gary vaguely recognizes her as Daisy, the eldest of the Waterflower sisters. "Gary Oak?" she questions, very shocked. "Why on earth would you be calling me after what you did to my sister-"

"It's Misty," he says, deciding not to beat around the bush. "I found her black out drunk and drowning in the training pool at the gym." Daisy sits quietly, mouth ajar and eyes tearing up. "She's at the hospital right now," he continues, waiting for her to say something. "I think she will be okay, though." Still nothing. Getting uncomfortable, Gary decides to ask where she is.

"I-I'm in Kalos right now. Shalour City. I was... was doing a pageant," she says distractedly.

He turns to Alakazam. "Can you travel that far?" The Pokemon nods. "Bring her here." Alakazam de-materializes and Gary turns to Daisy who is staring off into space. "Be on the lookout for my Alakazam, he'll bring you here so you can be by Misty's side." He ends the call, taking her silence as a hint. Azurill whines softly, tugging at Gary's still wet pant leg.

Gary lets out a long sigh and picks the small Pokemon up, cradling him against his chest. This is going to be a long night.