He'll Never Know


Part Three- Ash's Choice


Notes: Here's part three! This part is narrated by Ash, and it is quite different from the first two. It is happier, moves more quickly, and contains some dialogue. To be honest with you, though, this was rougher to write than the first two, and I'm not nearly as pleased with it. But, hopefully, you'll like it! Also, one other note: I have chosen to portray Pikachu as female in this piece. It just worked better for this scene. Don't be shocked.

Summary: Hmm, this one is hard not to give away in a summary. Basically, it features Ash, who must make a choice that could change what happens with Brock and Misty...

***

As the dawn breaks, I wake up.

The first thoughts that rush to me are ones of excitement. I did it! I really did it! Now, I am truly a Pokemon Master! Although I am not completely awake, a huge grin appears on my face. I instinctively grab my hat, put it on my head, and flash a victory sign. All the while, I'm still lying in my sleeping bag. I must look dorky, but I don't care.

I feel a small presence on me as I continue flashing my victory sign. I look up and see my cute little Pikachu, who so bravely stood by my side all these years. "Pika, pika!" she calls, flashing her tiny paws in a similar shape.

Laughing, I get out of my sleeping bag and take her into my arms. I take her paws into my hands, and I share a dance with her. "We did it! We did it!" I exclaim loudly, tossing her into the air and catching her.

"Pika," she says quietly, putting a finger to her mouth and pointing towards two silent forms. I look over and see Brock and Misty, still sound asleep. Actually, I was up rather early, probably because I had fallen asleep at some ridiculously early hour the previous night.

Nodding to my Pikachu, I say, "You're right Pikachu, we should probably be a little bit more quiet. "Would you like to go to the lake?" I ask her, pointing to a lake just a short distance away.

But Pikachu is frantically trying to get my attention. She runs over to Brock and Misty, standing over Brock's arm. Then, I notice it. Brock has his arm around...Misty?

Holy shit! Are the only two words that come to my mind. "Wow," I gasp. "Do you really think that he...likes her?"

She nodded her head vigorously, replying, "Pika!"

My body stops in pure shock. I could not believe it, he really did like her! My mind immediately flashed back to a conversation I'd had with Misty a few weeks ago. We sat under the stars together, and she revealed her feelings to me. Her long lasting love, her unrequited love, for Brock. I sat there, not knowing what to say, not sure what comfort to offer. It made me a bit frightened to see the normally confident Misty so upset. I assumed, just like her, that Brock had no feelings for her. But now...

I should have known that Brock liked her. The fact that she's the only girl he's never flirted with should have been an important clue. Besides, Misty is just plain irresistable. Even I had a crush on her many years ago, when we were just starting out. Now, though, I only feel friendship. She's like my older sister. Still, I'm not able to set out attempting to hook them up.

All this love matchmaker crap is hard for me to swallow. After all, I'm really just a kid compared to he two of them. "Pikachu, let's go talk by the water," I say quietly. She follows me without a word.

When we reach the lake, I sit down and look at my Pikachu. "Did you know that Brock liked Misty all along?" I ask casually.

"Chu," she says, nodding her head. I sigh a little, sad for the millionth time that my little girl can only speak in Pokemon language.

"Well, gee, I don't know what to do," I mutter, grimacing in frustration. "I'm Ash Ketchum the Pokemon Master, not the matchmaker. I'm sure if they really like each other, they'll both get together on their own."

Suddenly, Pikachu crosses her tiny arms and shockes me, hard. She then launches into a long string of "Pikas" and "Chus." While I can't understand each individual word, I know what Pikachu was telling me. She was telling me to stop being so optimistic, so idealistic. Love sometimes needs a little help. And if I wasn't willing to do the simple thing and help out, I wasn't worthy of the title "Pokemon Master."

And I know in my heart that Pikachu is right. My optimism is normally a good trait, but for this I needed to realize the reality of the situation. I realize from hearing her that I still have a lot to learn in life.

"You're right," I say to her, patting her on the head. "After all, they've done so much to help me get to where I am now. I ought to do something for them. I can't let them down."

A small presence jumps into my arms. Pikachu smiles at me. "Peeeeeeka!" It's odd how I indirectly learned yet another lesson from my friends. It makes me realize how I will miss them both, when we part ways tonight. A regretful sigh comes out of my lips. But I know our paths together are done; I must stay in Indigo Valley and defend my title, Brock will become a breeder, and Misty will continue the gym with her sisters or perhaps start her own gym.

Carefully, I stand up. "Let's go back, Pikachu," I tell her. "It looks like I have something important to do." She agrees, and we wordlessly walk back.

After we reach our camp, I take out a pen and paper from my knapsack, to write a letter to my still sleeping friend, Misty. I've never really had a way with words, but this time is different. My feelings pour out, as I tell my best friend perhaps the only thing she wants to hear right now. I smile as I tuck the letter into her sleeping bag, and I turn back to my Pikachu.

"Want to go visit the Pokemon Center, and invite some people to the party tonight?" I asked her, the youthful excitement returning to my voice. "We can call my mom, too."

She responds by bounding down the path to the Pokemon Center. "Hey, wait up!" I call to her, as I run to catch up. On our way their, I begin thinking of my victory again, and thoughts of Misty and Brock almost entirely leave my head.

But not quite.

For a moment, I think of how happy they will be, finally together, in each others' arms. Then I realize how happy I am, just having done a good deed. I know that I made the right choice by telling Misty.

Then, it slips my mind entirely. Now that that task is done, I have a more important one to begin. If I can play Cupid, I can make up with my childhood rival, too. Gary is the first person I'm calling when we reach the Pokemon Center.

Call me the eternal optimist, but I think we could be friends again.

***

Coming up, the grand finale!