Thanks very much to everyone who reviewed my fic. They are all greatly
appreciated, and they really made writing this all the more worth it!
Thanks again, and here's the third part of the tale. Hope you enjoy!
"Thank god for bus stops."
"Yeah, maybe I didn't get you as lost as you thought."
"Wha?"
"An hour ago, you said I'd got us lost. But the whole time I was getting us here!" Ash nodded proudly, holding up the map. He grinned as he prodded it, looking at Misty's look of frustration.
"Ash, you're pointing at a river." Brock casually looked at the map. "A river 5 miles from here. Oh, and you're holding the map upside-down again." Misty stifled a giggle as Ash glared daggers at Brock. "Yeah, well, why doesn't someone else hold the map then?" Ash growled as he rolled the map back up.
"Well, I'm carrying the cooking stuff, and Misty's got Togapei." Brock reasoned.
"Well, I'm carrying Pikachu!"
"Ash, I think it's more Pikachu riding you than you carrying Pikachu." At this, Pikachu giggled, and Misty let out a snort of laughter. Ash glowered at them all. Suddenly, he turned to Pikachu, eyes blazing at the laughing Pokemon on his shoulder.
"If you think it's sooooo funny, why don't you walk for a change!" Pikachu stifled her laughter for just long enough to turn and face Ash before erupting into giggles again. "Right, if that's the case, you're walking!" With that, he grasped Pikachu suddenly, and put her down. Pikachu was immediately silent. Misty also stopped laughing and looked on in confusion. Ash turned to the three of them, and gave them a piercing glare. "If that's all I am to you, Pikachu, a joke and a passenger service, maybe we shouldn't be partners any more." At this, Pikachu's ears drooped, and she looked into Ash's eyes in worry. Ash then turned away. "And if all I am is a joke to you, Misty, I guess we should go our separate ways. Then you won't have to worry about me putting you in danger any more." Ash said coldly.
"But Ash.."
"I don't want to hear it. If you want to follow me around, fine. But I expected more from you, and from you, Brock. When I came to the crossroads after giving up training, to protect my Pokemon and you, all you have done is make me a joke, something to laugh at. I don't know what to do with my life, but maybe I should become a clown, just to make you happy." Ash finished, his stare and voice cold as steel. Suddenly, a red glow appeared from Ash's belt, and Chikorita emerged. Eyes aflame, she turned to face Misty and Pikachu.
"CHI-KOOOO!" (Look what you've done to my Ash!)
("We're sorry, Ash. We didn't mean to upset you.") Pikachu apologised, but saw no softening in his gaze. Brock, who had been silent throughout the rest of the exchange, stepped in.
"Ash, I'm sorry. I'm the one who pointed out the mistake."
"Aaah, don't worry yourself Brock. You weren't the one who laughed. Besides, you won't have to worry about my map reading any more." Ash's gaze dropped to Chikorita at his feet. He crouched down, and stroked Chikorita's head gently. There was a moment's silence before the inevitable happened.
"Why couldn't we laugh? You made a silly mistake, and we found it funny."
Ash straightened up, and turned to face at Misty, but again his eyes scoured the floor.
"But Misty, do you know how bad it feels?" Misty, in spite of herself, bit back.
"No, because I'm not an idiot!" Brock gaped at Misty. For the third time in less than 24 hours, she'd reacted blindly to an innocuous statement by Ash, without thinking of what she was saying could do. By the look on her face, she knew it too.
"Well, let me tell you. Do you remember your sisters?" Misty nodded. "And do you remember they used to call you a runt?" Misty again nodded, the painful memories flooding back. "And do you remember you felt worthless, like you were good for nothing?" Misty blinked back the pain, and nodded once again. Ash paused, then looked into her eyes. "Do you still need to be told how it feels?" Misty was silent, her Aquamarine eyed boring into Ash's brown eyes, seeing them glisten with sadness. Again, Ash turned his head away, and looked down at Chikorita. Chikorita, who had listened in compassionate silence to Ash, looked him in the eyes again, to see more pain. *That's it!* She sprang forwards, and faced up to Misty, who froze in shock.
"Chi-ko-chii-chiko!" ("That's enough! Don't come near him!") Slowly, Chikorita backed away to stand next to Ash, who was shaking silently, looking away from her. Brock sighed, and came up to Ash, placing a hand on his shoulder consoling him. Misty took a step towards him, but almost instantly they were stuck to the spot. Misty looked down, to see a vine whip wound around her leg. Looking up, she was astounded to see Chikorita let loose her other vine whip, which wrapped around the other one, holding her where she stood. Pikachu, who had run over to Ash, turned at Misty's squeak of surprise, and looked in confusion at Chikorita. Running over, she stopped a few feet away, and shouted at Chikorita.
("What are you doing?")
"Chi-ko-koo-chi-chi-ko!" (She makes my Ash unhappy. I won't let her do it again.)
"Pikachu, why is she doing this?"
("She thinks you'll make Ash unhappy again. Just let it be for now.")
Hearing this, Ash turned around. Through his cloudy vision he could just make out Misty standing stock still, being held back by...Chikorita? *Why is Chikorita holding back Misty?* Ash shook his head.
"Chikorita, let her go." Ash called, but Chikorita ignored him. "Chikorita, I said let GO!" Ash yelled, grasping Chikorita by the shoulder. Chikorita shot him a surprised, and slightly stung look, but retracted her vine whips. Misty sat down, and began to massage life back into her legs.
"Chikorita, why did you do that to Misty?" Ash asked her quietly. Chikorita started talking, and Pikachu came over to translate quietly.
("She says that she didn't want to see you hurt again. Everything she says hurts you, so she was stopping her from beating you any more. She wants you to know that she wouldn't hurt Misty, but just wants her to leave you alone.) Chikorita took up a watching guard again, as Pikachu ran up Ash's arm and dropped her voice. ("Ash, I think that if something else happens between you two, something more serious, Chikorita wouldn't hesitate to attack Misty if she thought you were threatened.") She paused, and leaned over to look Ash in the eyes. ("Ash, I'm really sorry if I insulted you earlier. I shouldn't have done that, you've had enough over the last day. Can we still go on together?") Ash turned his head to look at Pikachu, and gave his first true smile since the day before.
"Alright, Pikachu. I'm sorry I snapped at you. Let's go on as if it never happened okay?"
("Okay Ash.") *But that leaves one.* Ash looked across at Misty, who was being helped to her feet by Brock. *She hasn't apologised. She hasn't apologised for anything since the fight. How can I keep going like this if she doesn't care how I'm feeling?* An idea snapped for attention. *I can't travel if this keeps on happening. If we can't make up by the 12 midnight on the day of my birthday, it's over. I know I like her, but I need to know if she likes me too or if she just likes to jeer at my failures, and insult my pride. Let's plan how to do this..*
On the bus to the next town, Ash remained silent, staring out of the window, Pikachu perched atop his hat and Chikorita in his lap. Brock and Misty sat in the chairs opposite, shifting uncomfortably. Several times Misty had tried to spark up a conversation, only to receive little from Ash and warning looks from Brock. *Okay, let's see...Challenge Ash to a battle? Nah, he'd never accept, he thinks he's using his Pokemon as it is, without a petty battle with me. How about..admiring what he's already done? No, he'd find it suspicious. A birthday party? Well, it'd be nice, but he's not in the mood, and it'd do little to get him to train again. Hmmmmm...* Misty stared blankly out of the window at the passing trees, thoughts juggling in her mind. Unbeknownst to her, Ash was plotting on the other side. *Well, I can say it straight out, but she'd think I hated her big time. I could write a letter, telling her I'm going back to Pallet to find a job. Yeah, that'll make her move if she does feel for me, and even if she doesn't care, I need to find a job anyway so it's a good place to start.* A pang of guilt followed the thought, followed by a deep feeling of loss. *I wish that I could just come out and try and make up, but whenever I talk to her she lashes out at me. And what if she rejects me? Could I take the pain?* Tears again welled up in Ash's eyes, for seemingly the hundredth time since his world fell to pieces. He shook them away, and concentrated on what he would do coming to the next city.
Bright lights and crowds greeted the bus as it pulled into the main streets of Janerio City.
"Wha?" Ash's eyes grew to the size of saucers at the sight of the wild parties and huge stalls lining the pavements. Turning around, he called across the bus. "What's going on here?"
"It's the festival for the autumn solstice. They celebrate the solstice every year here in Janerio." Brock nodded and went back to looking at the party going on. "This place could challenge New Orleans in the party stakes. The big night is tomorrow night, which is the closing night." Looking back across at Ash, Brock saw his smile falter as Ash looked past him. Turning his head, he saw the local Pokemon gym slowly going past through the window. *Well that was bad timing.* Misty was sleeping, head leant against the window, seemingly impervious to the noise and bright lights flashing through into the bus. Gently, Brock nudged her.
"No Ash...I can't...don't go...no!" Misty sat bolt upright, her red-rimmed eyes slamming open. They rapidly closed again as the light hit her. Screwing them shut, she put a hand over them to try and dim the flashes. Gradually, she opened her hand and her eyes, which fluttered in uncertainty at the scene around her. Darkness had almost fallen, but this fact was made insignificant by the hues of red, orange, blue and a thousand other shades of colour which danced around the streets, like sprites in the twilight. Rubbing sleep out of her aquamarine eyes, she looked across the bus. "How long have I been asleep? It's almost dark out."
"Hours, Misty. We got here ages ago, but with the festival going on, we're hardly moving." Misty, who is not the greatest of risers, felt an unexplainable rage build in her. *They let me sleep all day? I'll never sleep tonight! Selfish, ignorant idiots!* Biting back her fury, fury not borne not only out of awaking, but of the confusion that surrounded her, the self-reproach she harboured, anger at the world, and Ash. She asked through gritted teeth:
"Why did you let me sleep? You know I have trouble at night if I sleep too much during the day."
"You did look completely shattered. I couldn't have kept you awake if I'd been screaming in you ear."
"You could've tried!" Misty snapped irritably. Brock stared silently to the front of the bus, arms folded. *No, don't let her drag you into a fight. We're almost there. Besides, you always could...* Brock whispered to Misty "There is something I could do to help you sleep."
"Yeah?"
"Well, I normally only have a little to help me sleep after you've gone to bed, but I suppose it couldn't do any harm.." With that, Brock reached into his bag in the manner of a magician about to pull a rabbit from a hat. Slowly, he half drew out a large bottle, filled with brownish liquid. Misty just had time to pick out the phrase "Vol. 40%" before Brock hid it once again.
"Brock, howd'you get that!?" Misty gasped.
"I have a connection. A little of this in your drink before you go to bed, goodnight Irene. Don't worry, it won't do you any harm, and you'll get to sleep better." Misty nodded in silence, as they finally pulled into the station.
"Not a bad little room. Nice TV, and oh! A courtesy shower cap!" Misty grinned, and made a bee-line for the shower. Ash followed, Chikorita in tow, and threw his rucksack on the bed. *Nice room, but little is the operative word.* Glancing around, he noted the 2 beds *Queen size? Not even duchess!* The TV *If only the bed was as big as that..probably only got 3 channels though.* The "Luxurious balcony" (Window box) and, most of all, the minibar (Which was locked, as all of the people staying in the room were underaged, and so the reception did not give them the key to open it.) Bending down, he murmured to Chikorita.
"D'you think you could pick the lock on that, Chick?" Chikorita nodded, barely unable to conceal her delight at Ash's pet name he gave her. *The only one he's done that to before it that Misty.* she threw a disgusted look to the door of the bathroom, from which sounds of running water and muffled singing emanated, and snorted in satisfaction. *Doesn't call her Mist now, does he? My Ash doesn't need her any more...* Turning back to the task in hand, she carefully eased her leaf through the lock and moved it until she heard a click. Nodding in satisfaction, she beamed up at Ash, who beamed right back down at her. "Okay, don't mention this to Brock or Pikachu. They'll be up in a couple of minutes once they finish paying. They'll go out to the festival with Misty, and I can have a night in watching sport. Oh, and perhaps have a dry martini or two.."
Water gently pummelled her skin, gently kneading the knots of stress away from her muscles. Misty sighed in pleasure, and turned around. *Okay, how's this? If I demonstrate to Ash that he should keep on training by taking on the local gym, and dedicating it to him...yes, then he'd see how much he needs to follow his dreams. Maybe he'd also see how much he means to me.* Misty nodded to herself in assent. It was as good a plan as any, and it didn't involve much complicated planning. Turning off the water, she got out of the shower, hair still in her shower cap, and threw a towel around herself. Unlocking the door, she stepped out at the same moment Brock entered the door. To her surprise, Brock instantly entered pretty-girl mode at the sight of her. Misty quailed in disgust as he grasped her by the shoulders. Pikachu sighed, and started to spark up a mini-shock. But before anyone could speak, a blur appeared from nowhere. The next thing Brock knew, he was sliding down the wall in the corridor 6 feet behind him. Then the pain hit him, and he doubled up, clutching his stomach. Through the blur of agony, he saw Misty standing completely stunned, and Ash glaring down at him, fist still raised. Ash seemed to then snap back into reality, and gaped at what he'd done. Scurrying over, he bent down to Brock.
"Hell, Brock, you okay?" Brock, who felt as if he'd had a vacuum pump stuck to his lips and turned on, could only nod.
"I'm so sorry! I don't know why I reacted like that! I was just standing there, and next thing I know, you're sprawled here!" Ash babbled, astonished that he'd hit someone so hard.
"Last time...someone got hit like that, the.the other guy ended up holding the..heavyweight belt aloft." Brock gasped, and took the hand Ash offered to help him to his feet. Slowly, he walked past the agape Misty and Pikachu, and slid down on the bed. As Ash stood upright, Pikachu made up her mind. *Just a little shock is fair punishment. I can't have Ash beating up on Brock like that.* Shaking her head, Pikachu aimed a small thunderbolt at Ash. Just as it was about to strike, a green thing flashed out of nowhere, absorbing the shock. Pikachu looked down just in time to see Chikorita shudder as the electricity ground through her.
"Chi-ko-chi-chi-chi-KO!" ("No-one is gonna hurt my Ash!")
Pikachu eyed Chikorita, weighing up whether or not she was going to attack her. Eventually, Chikorita dropped her stare, and backed off to Ash's side.
"Brock, Misty, why don't you go off and enjoy the festival? I've got a lot on my mind, I'm kinda tired.. Misty, who felt overjoyed that she could plan the next day with Brock in peace without Ash spoiling it, quickly tried to choke off the reaction, but failed. Ash noted a brief flicker of delight in Misty's eyes, and his heart disintegrated in the space of a heartbeat. Holding back the abyss of tears which threatened to engulf him, he nodded to Misty and Brock, and watched Misty as she grabbed some clothes and rushed off into the bathroom to change. Brock got to his feet, and nodded back to him. As Misty got back out, dressed in her characteristic clothes, she grabbed hold of her purse. Brock walked across to her, and opened the door without a word. Misty glided out, Togapei in her arms and Brock followed her, Pikachu at his feet, shutting the door quietly. Ash silently folded up in tears.
"Chisniffck?hic"
"Chi-ko." Chikorita curled up and nuzzled him as he sobbed silently into a pillow. Eventually, he straightened up, and rubbed his tears away. Reaching over to his bag, he pulled out a journal, and a pen. He sucked on it for a moment, staring into the middle distance, before deciding on what to write.
Brock, Misty, if you are reading this, I beg you to not look at anything else in my journal. I may not be able to stop you, but please respect my wishes. I am writing this to tell you that at midnight tomorrow, at the end of the festival, I will be getting the direct coach to Cerulean City, and then returning to Pallet town. To start again, and look for a new job. I can' t keep on going like this, living a lie, and so I will be returning home to make a fresh start. I am writing this now, because I may not be able to tell you again. You may not be here tomorrow, or I will be asleep when you return tonight, so it may all go unsaid.
Brock, thanks for all you have done for me. Thank you for your advice, and help. You've been the brother and father I never had. I'll always remember your cooking, your peacemaking between me and Misty, and your humour. I'm sure one day, one day soon, you'll get the girl of your dreams, stay with her, and have a great time as a Pokemon breeder. Have a wonderful life, and good luck. Come and visit me some time.
Pikachu, buddy, I'd love to take you with me, but I'm afraid that I'd have nothing for you to do and you have far more potential to use than to waste by sitting around with me in Pallet. Stay with the others, and keep Togapei company. Thanks for everything buddy. I'll really miss you.
Misty.
Ash stalled, filled by confusion. *What do I say? Do I tell her everything, or nothing at all? Hell, it's gone too far to keep secrets. By the time she reads this, I'll be gone or she'll know already.*
Misty, I'll miss you the most. If you read this once I've gone, just know that I truly love you. But love alone is not enough, and after we've hurt each other so much, it is best if we go our separate ways. I never meant to call you scrawny, or anything else, as you're the most beautiful person I've ever known. But to listen to you tell me I was useless, or hopeless, or a waster, or that I would so much as let anything scratch you in pursuit of my goals was enough to nail my hopes to the floor. I so wish this could happen another way, but I can see no silver lining to the stormclouds. Goodbye, sweet Misty, and good luck. Don't let anyone tell you that you're not the most sensational sister.
Ash marked the page with a piece of paper, scrawled "Read me" On the top, and put it into Misty's backpack. Then, walking across to the mini-bar, he grasped a handful of bottles, and walked back across to the bed. Turning on the TV, and putting on the sports channel, he steeled himself for his first taste of alcohol. He closed his eyes, and took a deep gulp from one of the bottles. Feeling a worm of fire pass through his body, he turned to Chikorita sat by him on the bed, and smiled.
"Looks like it's just me and you tonight then, Chikorita..."
"Ohhhh, go on then, owzabowtanuvver Chi-Chi-Chikorita?" Ash slurred, weaving around by the minibar, trying to stay upright.
"Ch-I-hic" Chikorita weaved over to Ash, nodded her assent, and fell off the bed. Ash collapsed back on the bed in paroxysms of laughter as Chikorita tried three times to get back to her feet, before stumbling head first into the chest of drawers. Ash wiped away tears of mirth, and started to sink another bottle. His face glowed as it worked its way down, and he hiccuped loudly.
"Aaaah, f-four in halfanowr, an' an' an' I'm shtill shober. It ha-hasn't affffected me what-whatso-whatso- at all." (Ash didn't realise three things - One, that he was drinking high quality whisky, which could get you tipsy by smelling it, Two - That he'd never drunk before and so he only needed a half of shandy to get him steaming, and Three - ANYONE who says the line "It hasn't affected me at all" should call a cab pronto, else in waking up in the morning will bring one of 4 sights ; a park bench, the floor, a prison cell or floor pizza.) Ash looked at the television, with about 50 little figures running around the screen. He felt sure there hadn't been that many at the start of the game. Come to think of it, he only remembered one TV at the start of the game.
"Chhicoh." Chikorita had forgotten three things as well - One, she'd never drunk, two - that she was drinking whisky, and three - it's never a good idea to drink at the same rate as someone five times bigger than you are. What started off as an act of companionship for Ash had rapidly become an alcoholic stupor strong enough to make you think you can fly. Well, at least until you hit the ground.
"Chiii." Chikorita bumped into Ash's leg, in an attempt to get him to pick her up onto the bed. Ash bent down slowly... and kept going until his forehead bounced off the floor. Lying on the bedroom floor with Chikorita at his side, they both started to giggle, and giggle, and giggle some more...
"Brock, can I ask you for a favour?" Misty glanced over her milkshake to Brock. Brock sat back, and placed his hands behind his back.
"Okay, shoot."
"Well, I-I think I can get Ash to see how much he needs to go on with his training." Misty glanced up only to see Brock's expression remain carefully neutral. "I'm gonna battle the gym leader tomorrow, using some of his Pokemon, and dedicate my match and badge to him. Maybe then he'll see how much we, and his Pokemon want him, need him to keep training. Maybe he'll also see that I didn't mean anything too." Misty finished speaking and looked back at Brock. He stayed silent for a moment, and then asked "Where do I fit in?"
"I'll need you to get him there for the right time, and stop him from leaving before I've finished. Oh, and I need you to help me get some of his Pokemon." Misty turned to Pikachu, sat next to Togapei. "Pika, I need you onside for this too. Will you help me and battle for me?"
"Pi-ka!" ("Of course!")
Misty resumed staring at Brock as he chewed the idea slowly. Eventually, he nodded, and returned her look.
"It's as good an idea as any. I'll help you, and hope that he takes it the right way." Misty breathed out in relief. *Well, at least I'll get my chance. It'll be up to him to listen.* "What Pokemon you gonna use Misty?" Misty started and brought her thoughts to the present.
"Well, Pikachu is one, and I guess Bulbasaur is two. I know Bulbasaur has been here too long to not listen. As for the other one..."
"Well, it's not gonna be a certain jealous grass-type is it?" Brock interrupted. "If you told Chikorita to breathe she'd probably choke herself out of spite. Anyway, you've already got a grass-type."
"Hmmmm, so it's Heracross, Totodile and Cyndaquil. Well, Totodile is only interested in dancing and hardly listens to anything anyway, so he'd out. Plus, he'd probably just drool if the Gym leader brought out a female Pokemon as it is."
"Pika-pi, pika pikachu." ("remember Heracross and Bulbasaur don't exactly see eye to eye too.") Pikachu chipped in.
"Yeah, and Cyndaquil is a really nice Pokemon to work with. She just likes to help people." Brock added.
"Looks like Pikachu, Cyndaquil and Bulbasaur then." Misty finished. The three of them finished their milkshakes, and ordered coffee (Pikachu also ordered a bottle of their finest Heinz Ketchup.)
"I wonder how Ash is doing?" Misty wondered aloud. Brock caught her eye and grinned.
"He's always on your mind. How sweet!" he sniggered, and braced himself for the incoming mallet. To his surprise, Misty just scraped the froth from her coffee, and murmured "Yeah.."
"Uuurgh, why is is the ceiling mooving? Ah, neverrr miiind, gis' ano'r bot'l o tha' w-w-w-stuff Chicky." Ash sprawled on the floor, half propped against the side of the bed, hiccuping constantly. Chikorita stretched out a bind whip, which went out of the window ten feet away from the half-empty minibar, instead bringing in a bottle of window cleaner left by a forgetful cleaner. Ash took hold of the bottle and, after a battle with the top, took a slug. "Urgh, wha's dis rubbish?" He heaved the bottle out of the window, and heard it crash onto the street below followed by a squeal of surprise. Shaking, he got onto all fours, and made for the minibar himself. After what seemed an eternity, but was in fact no more than about half an hour, he made it. Holding onto half a dozen bottles in each hand, he turned back the way he'd come, and promptly fell face-first forwards again. He rolled slowly back to his old spot, and propped himself up again, the world spinning kaleidoscope-like before his eyes. He put an arm around Chikorita and cracked open another bottle, taking a slug. Again a line of fire burned down his body, and he offered the bottle to Chikorita, who took a swig herself.
"Y'know Chicky, I loooove you. You've all-always been ereforme, an' an I love youforit."
"Hic" Was the only response Chikorita could make.
"I-I'll be back now, Chicky." Ash got up slowly, and weaved his way to the bathroom. Chikorita fell into a deep sleep, and didn't even hear the crash coming from the Ash's direction.
"We're baaack! Whew! Geez, it smells like a brewery in here!" Brock shook himself as the scent of drink hit him. Scurrying across the room, he almost tripped over Chikorita, who was laying with her legs in the air in front of the television which was still blaring. He opened the window, and looked out into the street.
"Um.Brock?" Misty's voice echoed from the bathroom.
"Yeah?" Brock's eye caught sight of a bottle on the floor. No, two bottles. No, four, eight, twelve, twenty..oh boy. *At least around eight of those bottles are unopened. So he hasn't killed himself or anything.*
"Um, Ash is in here, but he's kinda..comatose at the moment."
Brock turned to go and look, when Chikorita gave a sleepy "Hic" from the floor and rolled over. Brock blinked in surprise for a moment. *Looks like Ash has been sharing his sorrows.* and walked over to where Misty called him. Stopping short in the doorway, he took in the scene. Ash, laying in the bath fully clothed on his back, with his legs slung over the side and the contents of the bathroom cabinet strewn across his body.
"Looks like Ash found himself a bed for the night..."
"Do you think we should leave him there?" Misty looked at him in wide-eyed surprise.
"He won't notice until tomorrow. It'll be easier for him to sleep in here than me or you."
"But what if one of us.needs to use the bathroom tonight?"
"Heh, he'd probably sleep through an earthquake. Besides, there's always the one in the lobby downstairs." Brock turned to look at Misty. Besides, if you think we could carry him after god-knows how many drinks he's had, you've got another thing coming. Misty followed Brock from the bathroom, and gazed at the two-dozen or so empty bottles which were scattered across the room.
"He really did go nuts didn't he?"
"Yep. I think Chikorita had some as well you know." Brock prodded Chikorita who was as floppy as a rag doll. "You could throw her out of a window and she wouldn't know it."
"This is my fault isn't it?" Brock swivelled and watched Misty with a stunned silence. "I was the one who broke him up, and pushed him over the edge. It was me." Brock opened his mouth to deny it, but no sound emerged. "Perhaps he's better off without me.." At this, Misty fell backwards onto the bed, and tears streamed down her face. "I'm going to have to make it up to him tomorrow. I can't fail. I won't fail. I.I love him too much!" With that, Misty cried her heart out. Brock just sat rubbing her back, until she fell asleep. Brock then walked to Ash's backpack, took Bulbasaur and Cyndaquil, and put them in his bag. He then settled down on the other bed, and closed his eyes.
"At least she's asleep.ah well. G'night everyone, see you in the morning, whatever it may bring." As he gently slipped from consciousness, Brock wondered exactly what tomorrow would bring. If only he knew...
How was that? I hope you enjoyed it! If you did, please R&R to tell me so, and if not, R&R to tell me why! I don't mind criticism as long as it is constructive. So, again, please R&R! (Gives everyone big puppy eyes.) The next Chapter will be the last, so I'm starting work on it now. It should be around sometime this month!
"Thank god for bus stops."
"Yeah, maybe I didn't get you as lost as you thought."
"Wha?"
"An hour ago, you said I'd got us lost. But the whole time I was getting us here!" Ash nodded proudly, holding up the map. He grinned as he prodded it, looking at Misty's look of frustration.
"Ash, you're pointing at a river." Brock casually looked at the map. "A river 5 miles from here. Oh, and you're holding the map upside-down again." Misty stifled a giggle as Ash glared daggers at Brock. "Yeah, well, why doesn't someone else hold the map then?" Ash growled as he rolled the map back up.
"Well, I'm carrying the cooking stuff, and Misty's got Togapei." Brock reasoned.
"Well, I'm carrying Pikachu!"
"Ash, I think it's more Pikachu riding you than you carrying Pikachu." At this, Pikachu giggled, and Misty let out a snort of laughter. Ash glowered at them all. Suddenly, he turned to Pikachu, eyes blazing at the laughing Pokemon on his shoulder.
"If you think it's sooooo funny, why don't you walk for a change!" Pikachu stifled her laughter for just long enough to turn and face Ash before erupting into giggles again. "Right, if that's the case, you're walking!" With that, he grasped Pikachu suddenly, and put her down. Pikachu was immediately silent. Misty also stopped laughing and looked on in confusion. Ash turned to the three of them, and gave them a piercing glare. "If that's all I am to you, Pikachu, a joke and a passenger service, maybe we shouldn't be partners any more." At this, Pikachu's ears drooped, and she looked into Ash's eyes in worry. Ash then turned away. "And if all I am is a joke to you, Misty, I guess we should go our separate ways. Then you won't have to worry about me putting you in danger any more." Ash said coldly.
"But Ash.."
"I don't want to hear it. If you want to follow me around, fine. But I expected more from you, and from you, Brock. When I came to the crossroads after giving up training, to protect my Pokemon and you, all you have done is make me a joke, something to laugh at. I don't know what to do with my life, but maybe I should become a clown, just to make you happy." Ash finished, his stare and voice cold as steel. Suddenly, a red glow appeared from Ash's belt, and Chikorita emerged. Eyes aflame, she turned to face Misty and Pikachu.
"CHI-KOOOO!" (Look what you've done to my Ash!)
("We're sorry, Ash. We didn't mean to upset you.") Pikachu apologised, but saw no softening in his gaze. Brock, who had been silent throughout the rest of the exchange, stepped in.
"Ash, I'm sorry. I'm the one who pointed out the mistake."
"Aaah, don't worry yourself Brock. You weren't the one who laughed. Besides, you won't have to worry about my map reading any more." Ash's gaze dropped to Chikorita at his feet. He crouched down, and stroked Chikorita's head gently. There was a moment's silence before the inevitable happened.
"Why couldn't we laugh? You made a silly mistake, and we found it funny."
Ash straightened up, and turned to face at Misty, but again his eyes scoured the floor.
"But Misty, do you know how bad it feels?" Misty, in spite of herself, bit back.
"No, because I'm not an idiot!" Brock gaped at Misty. For the third time in less than 24 hours, she'd reacted blindly to an innocuous statement by Ash, without thinking of what she was saying could do. By the look on her face, she knew it too.
"Well, let me tell you. Do you remember your sisters?" Misty nodded. "And do you remember they used to call you a runt?" Misty again nodded, the painful memories flooding back. "And do you remember you felt worthless, like you were good for nothing?" Misty blinked back the pain, and nodded once again. Ash paused, then looked into her eyes. "Do you still need to be told how it feels?" Misty was silent, her Aquamarine eyed boring into Ash's brown eyes, seeing them glisten with sadness. Again, Ash turned his head away, and looked down at Chikorita. Chikorita, who had listened in compassionate silence to Ash, looked him in the eyes again, to see more pain. *That's it!* She sprang forwards, and faced up to Misty, who froze in shock.
"Chi-ko-chii-chiko!" ("That's enough! Don't come near him!") Slowly, Chikorita backed away to stand next to Ash, who was shaking silently, looking away from her. Brock sighed, and came up to Ash, placing a hand on his shoulder consoling him. Misty took a step towards him, but almost instantly they were stuck to the spot. Misty looked down, to see a vine whip wound around her leg. Looking up, she was astounded to see Chikorita let loose her other vine whip, which wrapped around the other one, holding her where she stood. Pikachu, who had run over to Ash, turned at Misty's squeak of surprise, and looked in confusion at Chikorita. Running over, she stopped a few feet away, and shouted at Chikorita.
("What are you doing?")
"Chi-ko-koo-chi-chi-ko!" (She makes my Ash unhappy. I won't let her do it again.)
"Pikachu, why is she doing this?"
("She thinks you'll make Ash unhappy again. Just let it be for now.")
Hearing this, Ash turned around. Through his cloudy vision he could just make out Misty standing stock still, being held back by...Chikorita? *Why is Chikorita holding back Misty?* Ash shook his head.
"Chikorita, let her go." Ash called, but Chikorita ignored him. "Chikorita, I said let GO!" Ash yelled, grasping Chikorita by the shoulder. Chikorita shot him a surprised, and slightly stung look, but retracted her vine whips. Misty sat down, and began to massage life back into her legs.
"Chikorita, why did you do that to Misty?" Ash asked her quietly. Chikorita started talking, and Pikachu came over to translate quietly.
("She says that she didn't want to see you hurt again. Everything she says hurts you, so she was stopping her from beating you any more. She wants you to know that she wouldn't hurt Misty, but just wants her to leave you alone.) Chikorita took up a watching guard again, as Pikachu ran up Ash's arm and dropped her voice. ("Ash, I think that if something else happens between you two, something more serious, Chikorita wouldn't hesitate to attack Misty if she thought you were threatened.") She paused, and leaned over to look Ash in the eyes. ("Ash, I'm really sorry if I insulted you earlier. I shouldn't have done that, you've had enough over the last day. Can we still go on together?") Ash turned his head to look at Pikachu, and gave his first true smile since the day before.
"Alright, Pikachu. I'm sorry I snapped at you. Let's go on as if it never happened okay?"
("Okay Ash.") *But that leaves one.* Ash looked across at Misty, who was being helped to her feet by Brock. *She hasn't apologised. She hasn't apologised for anything since the fight. How can I keep going like this if she doesn't care how I'm feeling?* An idea snapped for attention. *I can't travel if this keeps on happening. If we can't make up by the 12 midnight on the day of my birthday, it's over. I know I like her, but I need to know if she likes me too or if she just likes to jeer at my failures, and insult my pride. Let's plan how to do this..*
On the bus to the next town, Ash remained silent, staring out of the window, Pikachu perched atop his hat and Chikorita in his lap. Brock and Misty sat in the chairs opposite, shifting uncomfortably. Several times Misty had tried to spark up a conversation, only to receive little from Ash and warning looks from Brock. *Okay, let's see...Challenge Ash to a battle? Nah, he'd never accept, he thinks he's using his Pokemon as it is, without a petty battle with me. How about..admiring what he's already done? No, he'd find it suspicious. A birthday party? Well, it'd be nice, but he's not in the mood, and it'd do little to get him to train again. Hmmmmm...* Misty stared blankly out of the window at the passing trees, thoughts juggling in her mind. Unbeknownst to her, Ash was plotting on the other side. *Well, I can say it straight out, but she'd think I hated her big time. I could write a letter, telling her I'm going back to Pallet to find a job. Yeah, that'll make her move if she does feel for me, and even if she doesn't care, I need to find a job anyway so it's a good place to start.* A pang of guilt followed the thought, followed by a deep feeling of loss. *I wish that I could just come out and try and make up, but whenever I talk to her she lashes out at me. And what if she rejects me? Could I take the pain?* Tears again welled up in Ash's eyes, for seemingly the hundredth time since his world fell to pieces. He shook them away, and concentrated on what he would do coming to the next city.
Bright lights and crowds greeted the bus as it pulled into the main streets of Janerio City.
"Wha?" Ash's eyes grew to the size of saucers at the sight of the wild parties and huge stalls lining the pavements. Turning around, he called across the bus. "What's going on here?"
"It's the festival for the autumn solstice. They celebrate the solstice every year here in Janerio." Brock nodded and went back to looking at the party going on. "This place could challenge New Orleans in the party stakes. The big night is tomorrow night, which is the closing night." Looking back across at Ash, Brock saw his smile falter as Ash looked past him. Turning his head, he saw the local Pokemon gym slowly going past through the window. *Well that was bad timing.* Misty was sleeping, head leant against the window, seemingly impervious to the noise and bright lights flashing through into the bus. Gently, Brock nudged her.
"No Ash...I can't...don't go...no!" Misty sat bolt upright, her red-rimmed eyes slamming open. They rapidly closed again as the light hit her. Screwing them shut, she put a hand over them to try and dim the flashes. Gradually, she opened her hand and her eyes, which fluttered in uncertainty at the scene around her. Darkness had almost fallen, but this fact was made insignificant by the hues of red, orange, blue and a thousand other shades of colour which danced around the streets, like sprites in the twilight. Rubbing sleep out of her aquamarine eyes, she looked across the bus. "How long have I been asleep? It's almost dark out."
"Hours, Misty. We got here ages ago, but with the festival going on, we're hardly moving." Misty, who is not the greatest of risers, felt an unexplainable rage build in her. *They let me sleep all day? I'll never sleep tonight! Selfish, ignorant idiots!* Biting back her fury, fury not borne not only out of awaking, but of the confusion that surrounded her, the self-reproach she harboured, anger at the world, and Ash. She asked through gritted teeth:
"Why did you let me sleep? You know I have trouble at night if I sleep too much during the day."
"You did look completely shattered. I couldn't have kept you awake if I'd been screaming in you ear."
"You could've tried!" Misty snapped irritably. Brock stared silently to the front of the bus, arms folded. *No, don't let her drag you into a fight. We're almost there. Besides, you always could...* Brock whispered to Misty "There is something I could do to help you sleep."
"Yeah?"
"Well, I normally only have a little to help me sleep after you've gone to bed, but I suppose it couldn't do any harm.." With that, Brock reached into his bag in the manner of a magician about to pull a rabbit from a hat. Slowly, he half drew out a large bottle, filled with brownish liquid. Misty just had time to pick out the phrase "Vol. 40%" before Brock hid it once again.
"Brock, howd'you get that!?" Misty gasped.
"I have a connection. A little of this in your drink before you go to bed, goodnight Irene. Don't worry, it won't do you any harm, and you'll get to sleep better." Misty nodded in silence, as they finally pulled into the station.
"Not a bad little room. Nice TV, and oh! A courtesy shower cap!" Misty grinned, and made a bee-line for the shower. Ash followed, Chikorita in tow, and threw his rucksack on the bed. *Nice room, but little is the operative word.* Glancing around, he noted the 2 beds *Queen size? Not even duchess!* The TV *If only the bed was as big as that..probably only got 3 channels though.* The "Luxurious balcony" (Window box) and, most of all, the minibar (Which was locked, as all of the people staying in the room were underaged, and so the reception did not give them the key to open it.) Bending down, he murmured to Chikorita.
"D'you think you could pick the lock on that, Chick?" Chikorita nodded, barely unable to conceal her delight at Ash's pet name he gave her. *The only one he's done that to before it that Misty.* she threw a disgusted look to the door of the bathroom, from which sounds of running water and muffled singing emanated, and snorted in satisfaction. *Doesn't call her Mist now, does he? My Ash doesn't need her any more...* Turning back to the task in hand, she carefully eased her leaf through the lock and moved it until she heard a click. Nodding in satisfaction, she beamed up at Ash, who beamed right back down at her. "Okay, don't mention this to Brock or Pikachu. They'll be up in a couple of minutes once they finish paying. They'll go out to the festival with Misty, and I can have a night in watching sport. Oh, and perhaps have a dry martini or two.."
Water gently pummelled her skin, gently kneading the knots of stress away from her muscles. Misty sighed in pleasure, and turned around. *Okay, how's this? If I demonstrate to Ash that he should keep on training by taking on the local gym, and dedicating it to him...yes, then he'd see how much he needs to follow his dreams. Maybe he'd also see how much he means to me.* Misty nodded to herself in assent. It was as good a plan as any, and it didn't involve much complicated planning. Turning off the water, she got out of the shower, hair still in her shower cap, and threw a towel around herself. Unlocking the door, she stepped out at the same moment Brock entered the door. To her surprise, Brock instantly entered pretty-girl mode at the sight of her. Misty quailed in disgust as he grasped her by the shoulders. Pikachu sighed, and started to spark up a mini-shock. But before anyone could speak, a blur appeared from nowhere. The next thing Brock knew, he was sliding down the wall in the corridor 6 feet behind him. Then the pain hit him, and he doubled up, clutching his stomach. Through the blur of agony, he saw Misty standing completely stunned, and Ash glaring down at him, fist still raised. Ash seemed to then snap back into reality, and gaped at what he'd done. Scurrying over, he bent down to Brock.
"Hell, Brock, you okay?" Brock, who felt as if he'd had a vacuum pump stuck to his lips and turned on, could only nod.
"I'm so sorry! I don't know why I reacted like that! I was just standing there, and next thing I know, you're sprawled here!" Ash babbled, astonished that he'd hit someone so hard.
"Last time...someone got hit like that, the.the other guy ended up holding the..heavyweight belt aloft." Brock gasped, and took the hand Ash offered to help him to his feet. Slowly, he walked past the agape Misty and Pikachu, and slid down on the bed. As Ash stood upright, Pikachu made up her mind. *Just a little shock is fair punishment. I can't have Ash beating up on Brock like that.* Shaking her head, Pikachu aimed a small thunderbolt at Ash. Just as it was about to strike, a green thing flashed out of nowhere, absorbing the shock. Pikachu looked down just in time to see Chikorita shudder as the electricity ground through her.
"Chi-ko-chi-chi-chi-KO!" ("No-one is gonna hurt my Ash!")
Pikachu eyed Chikorita, weighing up whether or not she was going to attack her. Eventually, Chikorita dropped her stare, and backed off to Ash's side.
"Brock, Misty, why don't you go off and enjoy the festival? I've got a lot on my mind, I'm kinda tired.. Misty, who felt overjoyed that she could plan the next day with Brock in peace without Ash spoiling it, quickly tried to choke off the reaction, but failed. Ash noted a brief flicker of delight in Misty's eyes, and his heart disintegrated in the space of a heartbeat. Holding back the abyss of tears which threatened to engulf him, he nodded to Misty and Brock, and watched Misty as she grabbed some clothes and rushed off into the bathroom to change. Brock got to his feet, and nodded back to him. As Misty got back out, dressed in her characteristic clothes, she grabbed hold of her purse. Brock walked across to her, and opened the door without a word. Misty glided out, Togapei in her arms and Brock followed her, Pikachu at his feet, shutting the door quietly. Ash silently folded up in tears.
"Chisniffck?hic"
"Chi-ko." Chikorita curled up and nuzzled him as he sobbed silently into a pillow. Eventually, he straightened up, and rubbed his tears away. Reaching over to his bag, he pulled out a journal, and a pen. He sucked on it for a moment, staring into the middle distance, before deciding on what to write.
Brock, Misty, if you are reading this, I beg you to not look at anything else in my journal. I may not be able to stop you, but please respect my wishes. I am writing this to tell you that at midnight tomorrow, at the end of the festival, I will be getting the direct coach to Cerulean City, and then returning to Pallet town. To start again, and look for a new job. I can' t keep on going like this, living a lie, and so I will be returning home to make a fresh start. I am writing this now, because I may not be able to tell you again. You may not be here tomorrow, or I will be asleep when you return tonight, so it may all go unsaid.
Brock, thanks for all you have done for me. Thank you for your advice, and help. You've been the brother and father I never had. I'll always remember your cooking, your peacemaking between me and Misty, and your humour. I'm sure one day, one day soon, you'll get the girl of your dreams, stay with her, and have a great time as a Pokemon breeder. Have a wonderful life, and good luck. Come and visit me some time.
Pikachu, buddy, I'd love to take you with me, but I'm afraid that I'd have nothing for you to do and you have far more potential to use than to waste by sitting around with me in Pallet. Stay with the others, and keep Togapei company. Thanks for everything buddy. I'll really miss you.
Misty.
Ash stalled, filled by confusion. *What do I say? Do I tell her everything, or nothing at all? Hell, it's gone too far to keep secrets. By the time she reads this, I'll be gone or she'll know already.*
Misty, I'll miss you the most. If you read this once I've gone, just know that I truly love you. But love alone is not enough, and after we've hurt each other so much, it is best if we go our separate ways. I never meant to call you scrawny, or anything else, as you're the most beautiful person I've ever known. But to listen to you tell me I was useless, or hopeless, or a waster, or that I would so much as let anything scratch you in pursuit of my goals was enough to nail my hopes to the floor. I so wish this could happen another way, but I can see no silver lining to the stormclouds. Goodbye, sweet Misty, and good luck. Don't let anyone tell you that you're not the most sensational sister.
Ash marked the page with a piece of paper, scrawled "Read me" On the top, and put it into Misty's backpack. Then, walking across to the mini-bar, he grasped a handful of bottles, and walked back across to the bed. Turning on the TV, and putting on the sports channel, he steeled himself for his first taste of alcohol. He closed his eyes, and took a deep gulp from one of the bottles. Feeling a worm of fire pass through his body, he turned to Chikorita sat by him on the bed, and smiled.
"Looks like it's just me and you tonight then, Chikorita..."
"Ohhhh, go on then, owzabowtanuvver Chi-Chi-Chikorita?" Ash slurred, weaving around by the minibar, trying to stay upright.
"Ch-I-hic" Chikorita weaved over to Ash, nodded her assent, and fell off the bed. Ash collapsed back on the bed in paroxysms of laughter as Chikorita tried three times to get back to her feet, before stumbling head first into the chest of drawers. Ash wiped away tears of mirth, and started to sink another bottle. His face glowed as it worked its way down, and he hiccuped loudly.
"Aaaah, f-four in halfanowr, an' an' an' I'm shtill shober. It ha-hasn't affffected me what-whatso-whatso- at all." (Ash didn't realise three things - One, that he was drinking high quality whisky, which could get you tipsy by smelling it, Two - That he'd never drunk before and so he only needed a half of shandy to get him steaming, and Three - ANYONE who says the line "It hasn't affected me at all" should call a cab pronto, else in waking up in the morning will bring one of 4 sights ; a park bench, the floor, a prison cell or floor pizza.) Ash looked at the television, with about 50 little figures running around the screen. He felt sure there hadn't been that many at the start of the game. Come to think of it, he only remembered one TV at the start of the game.
"Chhicoh." Chikorita had forgotten three things as well - One, she'd never drunk, two - that she was drinking whisky, and three - it's never a good idea to drink at the same rate as someone five times bigger than you are. What started off as an act of companionship for Ash had rapidly become an alcoholic stupor strong enough to make you think you can fly. Well, at least until you hit the ground.
"Chiii." Chikorita bumped into Ash's leg, in an attempt to get him to pick her up onto the bed. Ash bent down slowly... and kept going until his forehead bounced off the floor. Lying on the bedroom floor with Chikorita at his side, they both started to giggle, and giggle, and giggle some more...
"Brock, can I ask you for a favour?" Misty glanced over her milkshake to Brock. Brock sat back, and placed his hands behind his back.
"Okay, shoot."
"Well, I-I think I can get Ash to see how much he needs to go on with his training." Misty glanced up only to see Brock's expression remain carefully neutral. "I'm gonna battle the gym leader tomorrow, using some of his Pokemon, and dedicate my match and badge to him. Maybe then he'll see how much we, and his Pokemon want him, need him to keep training. Maybe he'll also see that I didn't mean anything too." Misty finished speaking and looked back at Brock. He stayed silent for a moment, and then asked "Where do I fit in?"
"I'll need you to get him there for the right time, and stop him from leaving before I've finished. Oh, and I need you to help me get some of his Pokemon." Misty turned to Pikachu, sat next to Togapei. "Pika, I need you onside for this too. Will you help me and battle for me?"
"Pi-ka!" ("Of course!")
Misty resumed staring at Brock as he chewed the idea slowly. Eventually, he nodded, and returned her look.
"It's as good an idea as any. I'll help you, and hope that he takes it the right way." Misty breathed out in relief. *Well, at least I'll get my chance. It'll be up to him to listen.* "What Pokemon you gonna use Misty?" Misty started and brought her thoughts to the present.
"Well, Pikachu is one, and I guess Bulbasaur is two. I know Bulbasaur has been here too long to not listen. As for the other one..."
"Well, it's not gonna be a certain jealous grass-type is it?" Brock interrupted. "If you told Chikorita to breathe she'd probably choke herself out of spite. Anyway, you've already got a grass-type."
"Hmmmm, so it's Heracross, Totodile and Cyndaquil. Well, Totodile is only interested in dancing and hardly listens to anything anyway, so he'd out. Plus, he'd probably just drool if the Gym leader brought out a female Pokemon as it is."
"Pika-pi, pika pikachu." ("remember Heracross and Bulbasaur don't exactly see eye to eye too.") Pikachu chipped in.
"Yeah, and Cyndaquil is a really nice Pokemon to work with. She just likes to help people." Brock added.
"Looks like Pikachu, Cyndaquil and Bulbasaur then." Misty finished. The three of them finished their milkshakes, and ordered coffee (Pikachu also ordered a bottle of their finest Heinz Ketchup.)
"I wonder how Ash is doing?" Misty wondered aloud. Brock caught her eye and grinned.
"He's always on your mind. How sweet!" he sniggered, and braced himself for the incoming mallet. To his surprise, Misty just scraped the froth from her coffee, and murmured "Yeah.."
"Uuurgh, why is is the ceiling mooving? Ah, neverrr miiind, gis' ano'r bot'l o tha' w-w-w-stuff Chicky." Ash sprawled on the floor, half propped against the side of the bed, hiccuping constantly. Chikorita stretched out a bind whip, which went out of the window ten feet away from the half-empty minibar, instead bringing in a bottle of window cleaner left by a forgetful cleaner. Ash took hold of the bottle and, after a battle with the top, took a slug. "Urgh, wha's dis rubbish?" He heaved the bottle out of the window, and heard it crash onto the street below followed by a squeal of surprise. Shaking, he got onto all fours, and made for the minibar himself. After what seemed an eternity, but was in fact no more than about half an hour, he made it. Holding onto half a dozen bottles in each hand, he turned back the way he'd come, and promptly fell face-first forwards again. He rolled slowly back to his old spot, and propped himself up again, the world spinning kaleidoscope-like before his eyes. He put an arm around Chikorita and cracked open another bottle, taking a slug. Again a line of fire burned down his body, and he offered the bottle to Chikorita, who took a swig herself.
"Y'know Chicky, I loooove you. You've all-always been ereforme, an' an I love youforit."
"Hic" Was the only response Chikorita could make.
"I-I'll be back now, Chicky." Ash got up slowly, and weaved his way to the bathroom. Chikorita fell into a deep sleep, and didn't even hear the crash coming from the Ash's direction.
"We're baaack! Whew! Geez, it smells like a brewery in here!" Brock shook himself as the scent of drink hit him. Scurrying across the room, he almost tripped over Chikorita, who was laying with her legs in the air in front of the television which was still blaring. He opened the window, and looked out into the street.
"Um.Brock?" Misty's voice echoed from the bathroom.
"Yeah?" Brock's eye caught sight of a bottle on the floor. No, two bottles. No, four, eight, twelve, twenty..oh boy. *At least around eight of those bottles are unopened. So he hasn't killed himself or anything.*
"Um, Ash is in here, but he's kinda..comatose at the moment."
Brock turned to go and look, when Chikorita gave a sleepy "Hic" from the floor and rolled over. Brock blinked in surprise for a moment. *Looks like Ash has been sharing his sorrows.* and walked over to where Misty called him. Stopping short in the doorway, he took in the scene. Ash, laying in the bath fully clothed on his back, with his legs slung over the side and the contents of the bathroom cabinet strewn across his body.
"Looks like Ash found himself a bed for the night..."
"Do you think we should leave him there?" Misty looked at him in wide-eyed surprise.
"He won't notice until tomorrow. It'll be easier for him to sleep in here than me or you."
"But what if one of us.needs to use the bathroom tonight?"
"Heh, he'd probably sleep through an earthquake. Besides, there's always the one in the lobby downstairs." Brock turned to look at Misty. Besides, if you think we could carry him after god-knows how many drinks he's had, you've got another thing coming. Misty followed Brock from the bathroom, and gazed at the two-dozen or so empty bottles which were scattered across the room.
"He really did go nuts didn't he?"
"Yep. I think Chikorita had some as well you know." Brock prodded Chikorita who was as floppy as a rag doll. "You could throw her out of a window and she wouldn't know it."
"This is my fault isn't it?" Brock swivelled and watched Misty with a stunned silence. "I was the one who broke him up, and pushed him over the edge. It was me." Brock opened his mouth to deny it, but no sound emerged. "Perhaps he's better off without me.." At this, Misty fell backwards onto the bed, and tears streamed down her face. "I'm going to have to make it up to him tomorrow. I can't fail. I won't fail. I.I love him too much!" With that, Misty cried her heart out. Brock just sat rubbing her back, until she fell asleep. Brock then walked to Ash's backpack, took Bulbasaur and Cyndaquil, and put them in his bag. He then settled down on the other bed, and closed his eyes.
"At least she's asleep.ah well. G'night everyone, see you in the morning, whatever it may bring." As he gently slipped from consciousness, Brock wondered exactly what tomorrow would bring. If only he knew...
How was that? I hope you enjoyed it! If you did, please R&R to tell me so, and if not, R&R to tell me why! I don't mind criticism as long as it is constructive. So, again, please R&R! (Gives everyone big puppy eyes.) The next Chapter will be the last, so I'm starting work on it now. It should be around sometime this month!
