DISCLAIMER: I do not own Pokemon, or associate with anyone who does.
A/N: Oooh, the intrigue is killing me! Okay, this chapter was written by me, but the next two will be written by Graham, so I can have a break! Phew!
He was wearing his very first suit. It seemed strange to think he had worn a tuxedo before wearing a plain suit, but nonetheless, here he was. And as Ash stared at his reflection in the full length mirror, he sighed. The suit was dark and sombre, which seemed appropriate for a funeral yet so inappropriate for Ash. He couldn't believe this was happening - his father's funeral.
Ash desperatly wanted to punch out the mirror. He shouldn't be here and he needed to vent his anger out on something other than his wife.
He trudged downstairs with his head bowed, revealing unusually slick hair. He found everyone else sitting at the kitchen table, all in black, Delia with black trails of mascara already imprinted on her cheeks.
"Okay, are we ready?" Brock asked. He had made a full recovery, with his only complaint being a throbbing shoulder from time to time.
Everyone nodded, but silently said "no". No-one was ready, or wanted to be ready, but they had no choice.
Misty's black dress and hat were in sharp contrast to her bright red hair, and she gently squeezed Ash's hand as they approached the church. For a moment, Ash had a mad desire to run away, and Misty could sense it. She gripped his hand tighter, and got a weak squeeze back.
This was going to be the hardest thing in the world for Delia and Ash, and the whole congregation knew it as they walked up to the front pew.
The casket was beautifully decorated with roses and tulips, and a single photo of Michael taken a month before his death.
Ash noticed the song that the organist was playing was Michael's favourite, as it was also considered the Pokemon League anthem. He recalled the chorus to "Striving" as it played in the background:
"I'm gonna strive to be the best,
Won't give up or stop to rest,
Gotta catch 'em, gotta win,
And strive for glory to pass to my kin."
Ash knew the tears were coming. Michael had lived for Pokemon and the song fitted him perfectly. He was the best in Ash's eyes, and Ash wondered if the talent had been passed down to him.
The minister started while Ash kept his head low. Then for one fleeting moment Ash looked to his right, and saw the last person he expected to be there. Gary Oak.
Ash couldn't look at him as the first hymn started. He was too self-absorbed in his grief, which had really hit home with this service. It was too real now.
Delia cried through the whole service, and even Misty and Brock, who had hardly known Michael, shed a few tears.
The service ended 45 minutes after it had begun with a beautiful rendention of "Amazing Grace" by the church's choir, and Ash walked out holding on to his mother's arm, as they followed the pallbearers.
As he stood by the church with Delia, Misty and Brock, he caught a glimpse of two people he never wanted to see again. Anger pulsed through his veins when he saw Jesse and James from Team Rocket, who seemed to be looking on in confusion at their surroundings. His first instinct was to punch one of them out, even Jesse - even though Ash would never usually hit a lady.
He strode over and clenched his fists up, the severe anger in his eyes obvious. Jesse and James didn't take long to spot it either, and were instantly scared of the boy who seemed to have grown up overnight.
"What the hell are you doing here? You know you have no right to be here!" Ash's voice got louder and Misty immediatly walked over, not wanting a physical conflict to develop.
"What are you talking about? What's going on?" James asked.
"Don't play dumb with me!" Ash yelled. He noticed Misty approaching and suddenly felt concerned for her safety. "Misty, stay back" he whispered.
Misty shook her head and glared at the two confused villains.
"No, honestly, what's happened?" Jesse asked genuinly. Ash was steaming.
"Like you don't know. Your leader killed my father! And he probably sent you to shoot Misty." Ash pointed at James, who was quaking and shaking his head. "Had a bad aim though, huh Jimmy? You got Brock instead, but I'm sure you were just as satisfied with that!" Ash was sobbing hysterically by the end of the sentance, and Jesse and James knew they would have to explain.
"We're not on Team Rocket anymore, honest! We left after you shut the operation in the Orange Islands. Giovanni wanted us to kill both Pokemon and humans, and we couldn't do that. So we left before he became too obsessed" Jesse explained.
Ash sniffled as the tears continued to fall down his blotched cheeks. It was then he noticed that they weren't wearing their Halloween-type uniform. "Are...are you serious?"
"Of course! We had no idea your dad...passed away..." James mumbled the last part, feeling truly sorry for what had happened but not able to express himself.
Ash couldn't speak, he could only stand hopelessly as yet more tears cascaded from his eyes. He shook his head, unable to believe it, but willing to accept their honesty.
"Then why are you here?" Misty asked.
"We only just arrived. We had no idea what was going on" Jesse supplied, noticing the engagement and wedding rings on Misty's left hand. She raised an eyebrow. "How old are you again?"
"Eighteen" Misty replied warily, sick of answering this and the next question she knew was coming.
"How long you been married?" Jesse sneered, thinking it was a joke.
"Two wonderful years" Misty smiled. Jesse's smirk fell as she saw the wedding band on Ash's hand and realised what had happened.
"Oh. I see." It was all she could say. James filled in for her.
"Ash...we never knew. We're so sorry. We're staying in Viridian City if you ever want to, you know...stop by and visit" James said.
Ash was surprised by the words. He never expected to hear them from James. "Thanks. That means...a lot to me" he managed to get out.
The two of them smiled and discreetly backed off as Misty embraced Ash, yet again worried about him.
"They had nothing to do with it...then who did?" Misty asked in curiosity.
"I told you. Giovanni. Misty, I have to talk to you when we get back. Urgently." Ash said the words seriously and Misty felt the traces of nervousness mount inside her.
"Okay Ash. Sure thing." Misty smiled and walked back to the church arm-in-arm with him. She sensed his arm tensing up and wondered what on earth could be worrying him so bad, apart from his silly worries about Giovanni.
A reception was held at a function centre two blocks from Ash's house, but neither Ash nor Delia had the strength to stay more than a couple of minutes. They basically thanked everyone and left for home with Brock and Misty close behind.
As soon as they walked through the front door, Ash kissed his mother on the cheek and whispered into her ear: "I have to talk to Misty." It was all he needed to say, and Delia nodded with understanding.
Misty raised an eyerbrow as Ash grabbed her hand and pulled her into the guest bedroom. He immediatly shut and locked the door while Misty sat on the bed and watched in amused wonder.
"Okay Ash, what's sooo important that it couldn't wait and can't be said in front of anyone else." She rolled her eyes as she said it.
"Misty, this is serious. I can't have what happened to my dad happen to you" Ash said severly as he sat down next to her and grasped her hands tightly.
"It won't happen to me. Nobody is out to get me, or you, or your mother. You're just being silly" Misty said.
"And Brock getting shot? Was that silly? No, it wasn't silly Misty, it was intended for you. He pointed the gun at you and if Brock hadn't jumped out he would've got you. Don't you understand that?" Ash said desperatly. He loved her too much to lose her.
Misty sighed. "I do understand that. But Ash, these murderers come out of nowhere every day. It's disgusting, but they do it for kicks."
"IT WAS HIM, MISTY! IT WAS GIOVANNI!" Ash yelled, taking Misty by surprise. He sighed and collected himself. "I shouldn't yell at you, I'm sorry, but it's the only way to get through to you right now" he explained.
Misty shook her head. "I hear you. I just think you're wrong."
Ash sighed. "I'm going to do something that we're both gonna hate, but it's for your own good. I can't have you hanging around here knowing that Giovanni and his henchmen are out to get us."
Misty suddenly got scared. What was Ash talking about? "Ash...don't do anything stupid."
"You have to go back to Cerulean" Ash blurted out.
Misty gasped. "Cerulean?! I can't go back there! Ash, I REFUSE to go back there!" she protested.
"But you have to! If you don't, you'll get killed! Can't you see the pattern here? It was Dad, then Brock, then it'll be either you or Mom, and then he'll come after me. I can tackle him, but you can't" Ash explained.
Misty shook her head. "Ash Ketchum, if you send me back, I swear to God I'll divorce you. You can't send me back there against my own will."
"Then that's what I'm willing to do. If you divorce me, I'll be devestated...I can't live without you, Mist. But if you don't go, then I may be without you forever earlier than scheduled" Ash said.
Misty's eyes filled with tears. "You're willing to divorce me to save my life?"
"I don't want to, but if you really do...which I pray you don't, cos I love you too much..."
Misty smiled. "I would never want to divorce you, Ash. It was an empty threat." Two tears spilled over and she drooped her head. "I can't go back there without you" she whispered.
"Yes you can. You can. You must. Your life depends on it" Ash said.
"But what about YOUR life? How are you gonna take out Giovanni?" Misty panicked.
"My Pokemon have the ability to do whatever I command them to do. If I yell out blue murder, they will do it. I have no doubt in my mind about that." Ash lifted her face up to meet his eyes. "I can't have you stay here. Mom is going to Lavender to stay with her mother for a while anyway, but we'd have to sneak you off so Giovanni doesn't find out and come after you."
Misty closed her eyes and took a deep breath. This couldn't be happening. She had left Ash once before, and that was painful enough. She couldn't bear to leave him now knowing his life was at stake.
"Misty? You'll have to go tomorrow at midnight" Ash quietly announced.
Misty started trembling. "No..." she whispered.
"You're going. I'll call you every day, I promise. Violet won't mind if you stay a couple of weeks" Ash said.
"Weeks" Misty repeated dimly. "A couple of weeks."
"Yeah. Until I track him down and bring him down, you can't come back or let anyone but your sisters know where you are" Ash said seriously.
Misty hesitated, but finally nodded. "I'll go. But you've got to call me *every* day, no exceptions. If you don't call, I'll come back. I love you, you know." She playfully poked him and smiled.
Ash smiled back and hugged her tightly as her tears hit his jacket. "Don't worry about me. We'll just get you off safely and get this creep. And *then* we'll settle down" he promised.
Misty's mind travelled back to that conversation they had had in bed that night at Saffron, only a couple of hours before this whole thing had unravelled. She sighed and clutched onto Ash tightly. She hated to let him go, even for a couple of weeks, but that was only because her heart was only for him.
A/N: I liked that chapter! Hope you did too! Please review, can't wait to hear your comments. Should we keep going, or quit while we're ahead? Anyways, let us know!
A/N: Oooh, the intrigue is killing me! Okay, this chapter was written by me, but the next two will be written by Graham, so I can have a break! Phew!
He was wearing his very first suit. It seemed strange to think he had worn a tuxedo before wearing a plain suit, but nonetheless, here he was. And as Ash stared at his reflection in the full length mirror, he sighed. The suit was dark and sombre, which seemed appropriate for a funeral yet so inappropriate for Ash. He couldn't believe this was happening - his father's funeral.
Ash desperatly wanted to punch out the mirror. He shouldn't be here and he needed to vent his anger out on something other than his wife.
He trudged downstairs with his head bowed, revealing unusually slick hair. He found everyone else sitting at the kitchen table, all in black, Delia with black trails of mascara already imprinted on her cheeks.
"Okay, are we ready?" Brock asked. He had made a full recovery, with his only complaint being a throbbing shoulder from time to time.
Everyone nodded, but silently said "no". No-one was ready, or wanted to be ready, but they had no choice.
Misty's black dress and hat were in sharp contrast to her bright red hair, and she gently squeezed Ash's hand as they approached the church. For a moment, Ash had a mad desire to run away, and Misty could sense it. She gripped his hand tighter, and got a weak squeeze back.
This was going to be the hardest thing in the world for Delia and Ash, and the whole congregation knew it as they walked up to the front pew.
The casket was beautifully decorated with roses and tulips, and a single photo of Michael taken a month before his death.
Ash noticed the song that the organist was playing was Michael's favourite, as it was also considered the Pokemon League anthem. He recalled the chorus to "Striving" as it played in the background:
"I'm gonna strive to be the best,
Won't give up or stop to rest,
Gotta catch 'em, gotta win,
And strive for glory to pass to my kin."
Ash knew the tears were coming. Michael had lived for Pokemon and the song fitted him perfectly. He was the best in Ash's eyes, and Ash wondered if the talent had been passed down to him.
The minister started while Ash kept his head low. Then for one fleeting moment Ash looked to his right, and saw the last person he expected to be there. Gary Oak.
Ash couldn't look at him as the first hymn started. He was too self-absorbed in his grief, which had really hit home with this service. It was too real now.
Delia cried through the whole service, and even Misty and Brock, who had hardly known Michael, shed a few tears.
The service ended 45 minutes after it had begun with a beautiful rendention of "Amazing Grace" by the church's choir, and Ash walked out holding on to his mother's arm, as they followed the pallbearers.
As he stood by the church with Delia, Misty and Brock, he caught a glimpse of two people he never wanted to see again. Anger pulsed through his veins when he saw Jesse and James from Team Rocket, who seemed to be looking on in confusion at their surroundings. His first instinct was to punch one of them out, even Jesse - even though Ash would never usually hit a lady.
He strode over and clenched his fists up, the severe anger in his eyes obvious. Jesse and James didn't take long to spot it either, and were instantly scared of the boy who seemed to have grown up overnight.
"What the hell are you doing here? You know you have no right to be here!" Ash's voice got louder and Misty immediatly walked over, not wanting a physical conflict to develop.
"What are you talking about? What's going on?" James asked.
"Don't play dumb with me!" Ash yelled. He noticed Misty approaching and suddenly felt concerned for her safety. "Misty, stay back" he whispered.
Misty shook her head and glared at the two confused villains.
"No, honestly, what's happened?" Jesse asked genuinly. Ash was steaming.
"Like you don't know. Your leader killed my father! And he probably sent you to shoot Misty." Ash pointed at James, who was quaking and shaking his head. "Had a bad aim though, huh Jimmy? You got Brock instead, but I'm sure you were just as satisfied with that!" Ash was sobbing hysterically by the end of the sentance, and Jesse and James knew they would have to explain.
"We're not on Team Rocket anymore, honest! We left after you shut the operation in the Orange Islands. Giovanni wanted us to kill both Pokemon and humans, and we couldn't do that. So we left before he became too obsessed" Jesse explained.
Ash sniffled as the tears continued to fall down his blotched cheeks. It was then he noticed that they weren't wearing their Halloween-type uniform. "Are...are you serious?"
"Of course! We had no idea your dad...passed away..." James mumbled the last part, feeling truly sorry for what had happened but not able to express himself.
Ash couldn't speak, he could only stand hopelessly as yet more tears cascaded from his eyes. He shook his head, unable to believe it, but willing to accept their honesty.
"Then why are you here?" Misty asked.
"We only just arrived. We had no idea what was going on" Jesse supplied, noticing the engagement and wedding rings on Misty's left hand. She raised an eyebrow. "How old are you again?"
"Eighteen" Misty replied warily, sick of answering this and the next question she knew was coming.
"How long you been married?" Jesse sneered, thinking it was a joke.
"Two wonderful years" Misty smiled. Jesse's smirk fell as she saw the wedding band on Ash's hand and realised what had happened.
"Oh. I see." It was all she could say. James filled in for her.
"Ash...we never knew. We're so sorry. We're staying in Viridian City if you ever want to, you know...stop by and visit" James said.
Ash was surprised by the words. He never expected to hear them from James. "Thanks. That means...a lot to me" he managed to get out.
The two of them smiled and discreetly backed off as Misty embraced Ash, yet again worried about him.
"They had nothing to do with it...then who did?" Misty asked in curiosity.
"I told you. Giovanni. Misty, I have to talk to you when we get back. Urgently." Ash said the words seriously and Misty felt the traces of nervousness mount inside her.
"Okay Ash. Sure thing." Misty smiled and walked back to the church arm-in-arm with him. She sensed his arm tensing up and wondered what on earth could be worrying him so bad, apart from his silly worries about Giovanni.
A reception was held at a function centre two blocks from Ash's house, but neither Ash nor Delia had the strength to stay more than a couple of minutes. They basically thanked everyone and left for home with Brock and Misty close behind.
As soon as they walked through the front door, Ash kissed his mother on the cheek and whispered into her ear: "I have to talk to Misty." It was all he needed to say, and Delia nodded with understanding.
Misty raised an eyerbrow as Ash grabbed her hand and pulled her into the guest bedroom. He immediatly shut and locked the door while Misty sat on the bed and watched in amused wonder.
"Okay Ash, what's sooo important that it couldn't wait and can't be said in front of anyone else." She rolled her eyes as she said it.
"Misty, this is serious. I can't have what happened to my dad happen to you" Ash said severly as he sat down next to her and grasped her hands tightly.
"It won't happen to me. Nobody is out to get me, or you, or your mother. You're just being silly" Misty said.
"And Brock getting shot? Was that silly? No, it wasn't silly Misty, it was intended for you. He pointed the gun at you and if Brock hadn't jumped out he would've got you. Don't you understand that?" Ash said desperatly. He loved her too much to lose her.
Misty sighed. "I do understand that. But Ash, these murderers come out of nowhere every day. It's disgusting, but they do it for kicks."
"IT WAS HIM, MISTY! IT WAS GIOVANNI!" Ash yelled, taking Misty by surprise. He sighed and collected himself. "I shouldn't yell at you, I'm sorry, but it's the only way to get through to you right now" he explained.
Misty shook her head. "I hear you. I just think you're wrong."
Ash sighed. "I'm going to do something that we're both gonna hate, but it's for your own good. I can't have you hanging around here knowing that Giovanni and his henchmen are out to get us."
Misty suddenly got scared. What was Ash talking about? "Ash...don't do anything stupid."
"You have to go back to Cerulean" Ash blurted out.
Misty gasped. "Cerulean?! I can't go back there! Ash, I REFUSE to go back there!" she protested.
"But you have to! If you don't, you'll get killed! Can't you see the pattern here? It was Dad, then Brock, then it'll be either you or Mom, and then he'll come after me. I can tackle him, but you can't" Ash explained.
Misty shook her head. "Ash Ketchum, if you send me back, I swear to God I'll divorce you. You can't send me back there against my own will."
"Then that's what I'm willing to do. If you divorce me, I'll be devestated...I can't live without you, Mist. But if you don't go, then I may be without you forever earlier than scheduled" Ash said.
Misty's eyes filled with tears. "You're willing to divorce me to save my life?"
"I don't want to, but if you really do...which I pray you don't, cos I love you too much..."
Misty smiled. "I would never want to divorce you, Ash. It was an empty threat." Two tears spilled over and she drooped her head. "I can't go back there without you" she whispered.
"Yes you can. You can. You must. Your life depends on it" Ash said.
"But what about YOUR life? How are you gonna take out Giovanni?" Misty panicked.
"My Pokemon have the ability to do whatever I command them to do. If I yell out blue murder, they will do it. I have no doubt in my mind about that." Ash lifted her face up to meet his eyes. "I can't have you stay here. Mom is going to Lavender to stay with her mother for a while anyway, but we'd have to sneak you off so Giovanni doesn't find out and come after you."
Misty closed her eyes and took a deep breath. This couldn't be happening. She had left Ash once before, and that was painful enough. She couldn't bear to leave him now knowing his life was at stake.
"Misty? You'll have to go tomorrow at midnight" Ash quietly announced.
Misty started trembling. "No..." she whispered.
"You're going. I'll call you every day, I promise. Violet won't mind if you stay a couple of weeks" Ash said.
"Weeks" Misty repeated dimly. "A couple of weeks."
"Yeah. Until I track him down and bring him down, you can't come back or let anyone but your sisters know where you are" Ash said seriously.
Misty hesitated, but finally nodded. "I'll go. But you've got to call me *every* day, no exceptions. If you don't call, I'll come back. I love you, you know." She playfully poked him and smiled.
Ash smiled back and hugged her tightly as her tears hit his jacket. "Don't worry about me. We'll just get you off safely and get this creep. And *then* we'll settle down" he promised.
Misty's mind travelled back to that conversation they had had in bed that night at Saffron, only a couple of hours before this whole thing had unravelled. She sighed and clutched onto Ash tightly. She hated to let him go, even for a couple of weeks, but that was only because her heart was only for him.
A/N: I liked that chapter! Hope you did too! Please review, can't wait to hear your comments. Should we keep going, or quit while we're ahead? Anyways, let us know!