Hi there!
This, unlike planned, will not be the last chapter, as there is more that needs to be done and said which I couldn't fit into one chapter. So expect another one! (Listens to chorus of groans.) Errr, yes. Anyway, big thanks to all reviewers, they really do make me happy! I'd be the first to admit I'm easily broken by criticism, but so far they have all been positive. So, comments, response, criticism, all readily accepted! (Well, maybe not criticism, but as long as it is constructive, and tells me the problem, it's good.) So, PLEASE R&R! (Tries the big anime puppy eyes again.)
Here is chapter 4.
Darkness. Ash wished it could dull sensation as well as sight. He had been asleep, but in what definitely wasn't a bed. Wincing, he turned his head slightly, only to be rewarded with a twinge in his neck and a blizzard of torturous pain from within his skull. He looked at his watch, and through the gloom, barely penetrated by the diffuse light glinting beneath the bathroom door, could just make out the numbers 12.30. He slowly raised himself up on his elbows, and peered around groggily. The peach coloured bathroom swirled around him, the enamel glinting eerily with the little light which faintly illuminated the room. Groaning, he pulled himself up to sit on the side of the bath, toothbrushes, soap and packets falling off him and pattering onto the tiled floor, and was greeted by a sudden swirling of the surroundings. Feeling reminiscent of a leaf in a whirlwind, Ash tried to stand up. As he did so, the world flashed and he staggered forwards blindly, grasping the sink with a flailing hand in an attempt to steady himself. Slowly, he fell down to the floor again, before feeling his stomach churn wildly. Groaning in pain, he franticly crawled over to the toilet, and lifted the lid.
Misty had woken up less than an hour after she'd fallen asleep. The blankets, which had started off so appealing and comforting, now chafed at her like sandpaper. Irritably, she tossed and turned, while Pikachu, Togapei and Brock slept silently, trying to find a spot that would allow her mind to rest as well as her body. *This is futile. I'm not going to get any sleep tonight. I never should have slept so long on the coach. Or maybe this is my punishment..* Sitting up, she eased herself to the edge of the bed, only to be startled by a soft noise coming form the bathroom. *It's only Ash.* She breathed with relief. *I hope he's okay..It's far too familiar to come home to find someone you love in that state, it brings back memories...* This hope was somewhat dampened by the sound of someone falling to the floor. *Ash?* Misty got up, and nearly tripped into the wall. Looking down, she saw Chikorita unmoving on the floor. *Even when you don't know it, you still manage to get between me and Ash!* Misty felt a sudden, uncontrollable urge to get her revenge on Chikorita. She bent down, and was about to vent her frustrations with a barrage of words when she heard frantic movements. Picking her way past the bottles strewn on the carpet, shining in the pale silvery moonlight, she came to the door of the bathroom. As she put her hand on the door handle, the only noise which greeted her was that of someone being violently sick.
"Ash?!"
"Ash?!" Ash slowly lifted his head, and gazed through haunted eyes at Misty.
"Are you okay Ash?"
"Uuuh, yeah Mist, I'm o..urk!" Ash retched again, and then closed his eyes, head in his hands. "God, I think I'm gonna die here." Misty came over and felt his head. Her features paled in surprise.
"You're burning up! I don't know how much you've drunk, but I've got to get you to a hospital!"
"Honestly, Misty, there's no need." With that, Ash paused, and was sick again.
"Ash, you're coming with me! Now!" Misty shouted at Ash as he rested his head in his hands again.
"I told you Mist, there's no nee.." Ash slumped over, and slid down against the wall.
"Ash!" Misty ran some water, and splashed Ash's face. His eyes fluttered open, and he looked up with a glazed expression. "I'm calling an ambulance!" Misty turned to get a phone, but was tugged back. Ash, holding onto he pyjama leg, shook his head.
"Mist, it's only a block away. I can walk."
"But Ash, you passed out!"
"And I came back." Misty looked at Ash staring back at her, with some of his old determination. "Let's leave the ambulances for those who really need them." Ash got to his feet with Misty's help, and was rewarded with another chasm of darkness threatening to engulf him. Gritting his teeth, he managed to lean against the wall, and fight it off. "Get us out coats, Mist. We just need them, and something to put on our feet." Misty ran out, re-appearing with two coats, two pairs of shoes and her bag almost instantly. Ash, with her help, managed to get into them, and they moved towards the door. But Ash stopped short.
"Chikorita!!"
"Huh?" Misty spun to see Ash stagger back into the room, bend down like an old man, and scoop Chikorita gingerly into his arms. For an awful moment, Misty thought Ash would lose his balance, but he stood upright again slowly.
"She won't wake up!" Ash franticly tried to wake her, but Chikorita didn't respond. Ash dropped down to one knee, crumpled by shock. Misty hurried over to him, and gazed cautiously down. Chikorita was still breathing, but looked in bad shape. As uncertain as she was with Chikorita, Misty felt a stab of guilt at seeing her limp, comatose form.
"C'mon, let's take her to a Pokemon centre." Ash rose quickly, and was overcome by a wave of dizziness and nausea. *I haven't got time to worry about myself! Chikorita needs to get help, quick.* Shoving away his feelings of weakness, Ash straightened up and moved more quickly to the door, leaving Brock, Pikachu and Togapei still sleeping in their beds. Misty followed him, shutting the door behind her, and they moved quickly to the elevator at the end of the corridor. As the elevator started descending, Misty watched Ash, barely able to stay on his feet, tenderly stroking Chikorita's face and whispering to her.
"Ash?"
".Yes?"
"What are you saying?" Misty asked, unable to conceal her curiosity any longer.
"I'm just telling her, if she can hear me, that everything will be alright, and we'll be at the Pokemon centre soon." The lift stopped, and the three of them stepped out into the deserted lobby, heading for the front doors. As they opened, a gust of wind caught them, and Ash shuddered. Misty opened her arms towards him, only to see his eyes widen in surprise.
"Give me Chikorita. I'll take her, you go to the hospital, and get sorted out." Ash stared at her for a moment, then shook his head.
"No."
"Ash, don't be stupid! It's five blocks to the Pokemon centre, so you'll have to go all the way back to get to hospital!" Misty looked on in disbelief as Ash shook his head again.
"Chikorita needs me. My Pokemon is ill, and it's my fault. So it's my responsibility to make sure she gets what she needs." With that, Ash turned towards the Pokemon centre and started walking along the litter-strewn, deserted street. Misty glared at his back for a second, with a mixture of frustration and respect, with a little admiration and love. *This is how much he cares for his Pokemon. I just have to show him that it works both ways.* Misty shook her head, a rueful smile on her lips. *He reminds me so much of her. I just hope he cares that much for me..someday.*
"Nearly there Ash, nearly there." Misty helped Ash down the street, her words of encouragement drowning the rustle of paper bags and cardboard dancing in the night-time breeze. The once busy main street was now empty, the people gone to bed in preparation for the big party the next night, but the street still bore effects of the evening's carousing. Ash stumbled again, but was caught by Misty's supporting arm and regained his balance. *I can hardly see the floor. I don't know how much further I can go..* Biting back the nausea threatening to envelop him, he paced blindly on, each step a mountain to climb, still resolutely holding Chikorita limp in his arms.
"We're here." Misty rang the attention bell, and seconds later, a Chansey popped her head out. Ash held Chikorita out towards Chansey, and tried to tell her what was wrong, but all that emerged was a groan. Chansey took a quick look at the unmoving Pokemon in Ash's hands and beckoned them inside. She took Chikorita out of Ash's now unresisting arms and put her onto a bed, before wheeling her through the double doors of the treatment room. A tired-looking nurse Joy appeared, and walked over to Ash and Misty.
"Do you know what the problem is?" She asked as kindly as anyone with two hours sleep can.
"....." Ash stared fixedly at the floor, and then put his face in his hands.
"Nurse, I can tell you." Misty piped up.
"Well, come on through, and we can work out what to do." Joy turned, and walked towards the treatment room.
"Ash, will you be okay?" Misty asked gently. Ash, still silent with his face in his hands, nodded once. Misty turned and quickly followed Joy through the double doors.
"So what happened young lady?" Joy turned her friendly eyes to Misty.
"Well, myself and a friend, not him, but another friend went out this evening, to discuss something. He, that is Ash outside, had seemed depressed since we'd had an...argument a day or so ago." Here Misty paused, her anxiety and emotions curling into a knot inside her. She took a deep breath and continued. "He said he wanted to stay in and relax, and Chikorita was staying with him. I was pleased, , as he was who I wanted to discuss and he thought it meant that I wanted to be away from him. Anyway, we went out for a while, and when we came back..." Misty's emotions balled themselves into a fist and hit her from inside. A single teardrop rolled down her cheek, and splashed to the floor. ".he'd gone through half of the minibar with Chikorita, and made himself sick and Chikorita passed out and it's all my fault." Joy turned, and looked at Chansey.
"Chansey, get a fluid drip into her straight away! And give her a diuretic, to get the Alcohol out of her."
"Chansey!" Chansey quickly set to work. Joy turned back to Misty, and gave her a reassuring smile.
"I'm sure it's not your fault. Everyone has arguments." She began, but cut off as Misty looked her in the eye.
"That boy out there is Ash Ketchum." Joy blinked, recognition dawning. That young man was Ash Ketchum? Ash had been getting a reputation in the Johto region as being the best young trainer around, after his victory in the Orange islands. "He came in the top sixteen in the Indigo league aged eleven, won the Orange league and became a hall of famer before he was thirteen, the youngest ever, he owns three Johto badges now before he'd turned fourteen, and I made him give it all up." Misty's eyes blurred with tears once again. Joy looked on compassionately as she took a steadying breath and continued. "I accused him of using everyone to get his way, of abusing his Pokemon for his own pride. He believed me, and now he's drunk himself almost into oblivion just because I started an argument to hide the fact I blushed when he looked at me!" Misty collapsed into sobs as the frustrations of the last day took hold, and washed over her as a wave breaking on the shore. Joy patted her on the cheek.
"Couples fight. It'll happen time and time again."
"B-but we're n-not a c-couple, and now, I-I don't think he'll e-ever w-w- want to be.." Misty sniffed, her long red hair sticking to her face where the tears had left their mark. Joy waited until Misty had calmed down, and handed her a tissue.
"All you need to know is that in his time of need, you were there to help him here." Joy glanced at Chikorita. "I don't know about Chikorita.. If she'd been out for another hour, she would have been dehydrated and the alcohol poisoning would have time to take effect and she wouldn't have stood a chance, but she's still in there as long as we get fluids into her and wash away the unabsorbed alcohol. Oh, and tell Ash to drink lots of water, eat something, and take one of these." Joy handed Misty a tablet. "It'll help flush the alcohol out of his system, like for her. But make sure he drinks lots of water or it'll make him even more dehydrated." Misty agreed, brushed the hair from her face, and walked over to Ash. As she sat by him, Joy came over with a jug of water, two glasses, a blanket and a pillow. Winking at Misty, who smiled feebly back, she turned around and went back into the treatment room.
"I-Is Chikorita gonna be okay Mist?" Ash stuttered.
"Uuuuum.." Misty began, which was not the right way to start. With startling venom, Ash clenched his hand and slammed it into the padded arm of the sofa.
"Dammit, this all my fault! I've killed her! I've." Ash's face cracked, and he fell silent.
"No! Nurse Joy doesn't know yet, they're doing tests now." Misty paused, and swivelled to face him. "Ash, don't blame yourself! She chose to drink, you didn't make her.." Ash still sat statue-esque, and didn't respond when Misty rested a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Don't beat yourself up, Ash. You did nothing wrong."
"But if I wasn't trying to drown my sorrows, then this wouldn't be happening.." Ash muttered, unmoving.
"Ash, she'll be fine." Misty jumped as Ash smashed the sofa again.
"What if she isn't? She did it just to make me happy, why? Why should she risk her life for something as unworthy as me?" With that, Ash's resolve snapped. The agonies of the last day, uncertainty at the future, anger at the past, fear for his friend and confusion at the world, fuelled by exhaustion and the effects of drink lingering, whipped itself up into a blazing wall of fire, broke through the dam of self-restraint, and engulfed him. Closing his hazel eyes to the world, he let free a scream of fury. Burying his head in his arms, he let his fears flow from him freely, without restraint. Misty silent slid against him, and rested his head on her chest. Stroking his matted hair, she let him let his anger vent itself until his sobs became whimpers, and finally stopped. Misty reached over to the jug, and poured two glasses of water. She drank one herself, and gave the other to Ash with the tablet she'd been given, and he slowly drank the glass. He then got up slowly, and slumped forward onto the cold pink floor. Misty helped him up, and was about to sit him down again when Ash shakily spoke.
"I-I'm feeling kinda sick again, so could you help me to the toilet Mist?" In response, Misty helped him to his feet and slowly guided him towards the door, which she opened, and helped him inside. Shutting the door again on her way out, she promised herself. *Ten minutes, and then I'm coming in to check if you are alright or not, whatever you're doing!* She sat back down on the seat, and paused for a moment to gather her thoughts. *Looks like we'll be okay here. Besides, Ash couldn't make it to a hospital now. And he won't let me call an ambulance for him. He's just too stubborn, too idiotic, too selfless, too brave. But that's why I love him...* Misty dug into her bag, fingers searching for her diary. Feeling a leather-bound book, she drew it out, only to feel numb in surprise. Ash's diary? She'd only seen it a handful of times, and each time he'd shut it as soon as he sensed her presence. But what was it doing here? A piece of paper stuck out of the top, saying "Read Me!" Mouth suddenly inexplicably dry, she opened it to the page. There she read:
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.
Ash was going to leave? Go back to pallet? Misty read on.
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.
Misty shook her head. Ash is planning to go home. *This is all because of me..* She wiped her eyes and continued.
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.
He was even letting Pikachu go?! Misty knew that whatever was left, it had something to do with.her. Steeling herself for the worst, she turned over the page and, taking a deep breath, continued.
Misty, I'll miss you the most. If you read this once I've gone, just know that I truly love you.
Misty swooned in shock. Suddenly, she felt like she wanted to laugh and cry at the same time, to dance and sing in joy, to cringe and weep in sorrow. *It's true. Ash loves me! Oh, Ash...* Misty continued to scan the words.
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.
"Oh, Ash..." Misty could say no more as her tears swelled up inside her and ran in tiny rivulets down her cheeks. *He loves me, but thinks I hate him, how can I do that to him? I love him too much to let him slip away!* Misty read the last line again, and felt a fresh gust of emotions hit her. *No- one has ever said that to me, or anything like it, ever.* She looked up, to the room where Ash still hid. *Ash, you're not going back to Pallet. I won't let you! Even if I have to sell my soul to the devil himself, I'm not going to let you leave!* Misty noticed a small notice on the bottom of the page - Look in the back part of your backpack. Misty unzipped the pocket, and almost fainted. Hundreds of banknotes, rolled up and bound by a paper strip. She pulled it out, and read its message.
Here is $5,000. This is for you Misty, to buy the best bike in Celadon city. It's correct, I've counted it ten times. (This is why I wouldn't pay for an extra room - it's taken me two years to save.) All my love, Ash. Misty's heart melted, and she stared in disbelief at the swathe of notes in her palm.
"Ash, how can I ever say thank you enough for all this.." Misty murmured, running her hands through the pile of money. A toilet flushed, and Ash staggered out as Misty frantically stuffed the money and diary back into her bag. She got up and crossed over to Ash, who gladly took her arm. Slowly, they returned to the settee, and sat down.
"Ash, have another drink." Misty offered another glass of water to Ash, who slowly drained it.
"Mist, I-I'm really ti..." Ash's words were drowned out by an enormous yawn.
"Don't worry Ash, sleep here." Misty patted the settee.
"B-but where will you..(yawn)."
"I'll stay here with you." Misty smiled as Ash's head slid down to rest in her lap. Reaching out, she took the blanket off the tray and spread it over Ash as his eyelids drooped.
"Sweet dreams.." Ash looked up into her aquamarine eyes, and for the first time, let himself drown in them. He gazed up at her until drowsiness crept up on him and gently wrapped him in a web of sleep. Moments before he dropped into the web, he craned up to Misty, and gently touched her cheek with his lips.
"Thank you Mist. Thank you for everything." With that, his eyes closed and his face visibly relaxed, lines of worry replaced by the supple face of peace. Misty leaned forward, and kissed him on the forehead. *Sleep well, my Pokemon master.*
The diary opened, landing on Ash's last entry. Misty took a moment to think, before continuing. *Should I look into Ash's mind? Is it really right to do this, when he asked me not to?* The brief inward struggle was won by curiosity and desire to know, know if Ash felt for her. Bracing herself, Misty closed the diary, and let it fall open at random. June second, 2001. Misty again glanced down at Ash's sleeping form before returning to her reading.
Today, I nearly caught a Gyarados. Shame Misty and Brock weren't there to see it, they were off setting up camp. I nearly had it beaten before it sent up a wall of water as a screen, and when it fell, it had gone. I really wanted that Pokemon. It would've been perfect to give to Misty for her birthday.
*He tried to catch a Gyarados, for me?* Misty glanced down at Ash again, in disbelief. A Gyarados, for her? Misty continued reading.
It was really nice around the campfire that night. No one believed that I'd actually done what I did, but I had a good night anyway. Brock's wonderful supper, talking about everything and nothing, Pikachu dancing while we made a little improvised tune and beat, (and Brock played the spoons!).. And Misty looked gorgeous. I love her with her hair down, it seems to cascade, a flaring waterfall along her face, splashing onto her shoulders. Misty sighed to herself. *I didn't know you could be so poetic Ash.*
I'd almost summoned up the courage to ask her to be my girl, but the conversation just moved away as I was about to tell her. Maybe tomorrow. But one day, I hope, I'll ask her. What if she says no? Is it better to live as friends than to take the plunge? Day by day, it gets harder as I care more and more. I'm afraid one day I'll reach a point that I'll love her too much to risk losing her, and never be able to ask. Well, I guess I've gotta go to bed, else I'll spend the night emptying my soul and never get to sleep.
Goodnight my diary.
Ash.
Misty nodded. There was no doubt in her mind now, Ash felt the same way for her. She felt him stirring in her lap, and shut the diary, dropping it back into the backpack. His eyes flicked open, and stared into hers.
"How long have I been sleeping?"
"Not long, Ash. Only about an hour or so." Misty noticed that Ash had realised he was sleeping with his head in her lap. To her surprise (and delight) Ash didn't pull away as he always had. Instead, he relaxed, and just gazed at her for a long moment. Misty returned the gaze, heart fluttering, a nervous but cute smile perched on her lips. A thousand words seemed to pass between them without being spoken, a conversation to last a lifetime in the twinkling of an eye. But all too soon, Ash remembered why they were sat in a Pokemon centre, and shades of fear and guilt crept into his eyes.
"Any news on Chikorita?" The merest quaver in his voice belied the front of confidence which he was hastily trying to erect. *I can't let the world think I'm weak. I gotta be strong, for Chikorita and myself.*
"No, there isn't any news Ash. It's still about fifty-fifty..."
"C'mon Chikorita, you can't die. You've got so much to live for." Ash growled, an expression of anxiety flashing onto his face, which was chased away as soon as it arrived. Misty took a long look, and then made up her mind. *Mist, you have to do this. You've got to be cruel to be kind, and he needs to realise what he's chosen to do is the wrong thing.* Misty steeled herself and spoke.
"Ash, what does she have to live for?" Ash frowned slightly.
"She's got the rest of her life ahead of her. Why do you need to ask that question?"
"For the last few months, she's lived as a trained Pokemon. Now, you're gonna let her go!" Ash sat up slowly, and shook his head.
"She deserves better. Without me, she can go on and live a full life, without being made to fight." Misty gritted her teeth in anger at Ash's back. *Well Mist, you got him into this with your anger, now use it to dig him out. If you don't want to lose another one who you love, use the anger brought from the loss of another loved one!*
"She loves battling, and she loves you! You are her world! Without you and her battling side by side, she hasn't got anything to live for!" Misty's rage built at every syllable, as Ash's shoulders sagged.
"But Mist.."
"No buts! If you give up on training, you give up on her, and yourself! You want to stop because you're being selfish? What is more selfish that stopping!" Misty paused and drew breath. Ash could feel her glare on his back.
"What do you mean?" Ash mumbled, fighting off tears.
"If you give up training you leave your Pokemon without a life! With a bit of selfish self-pity and wounded pride, you're ruining the lives of dozens of Pokemon, and most of all, me!" Misty felt her anger leave her as the real reason for it broke free. *There, I've said it. He knows now, why I'm so angry. If he leaves, I lose a friend, a brother, and my love. It's up to him to decide now.* Ash felt his mind glaze over as Misty's words hit home. *She is afraid of losing me? That's why she's so angry?* Tears again welled up in his eyes, borne out of confusion. *If she wants me that much, why can't she just come out and say it?* The answer smacked him right between the eyes. *The same reason I haven't said anything.* Ash took a choking breath, and gathered his composure. He lay back into Misty's lap, and sighed deeply.
"Mist, I need to think this through. Just gimmie a little time okay?" Misty felt relief well up inside her. She'd got him to think about it, and maybe enough time to get him to stay.
"Okay, Ash." She got herself comfortable, with Ash's head in her lap, and relaxed again. "After all, we've got all night.."
The first hint of dawn began to filter into the still dark street, creating strange hues and shadows, casting images to mystify the eyes and seduce the mind. Inside the Pokemon centre, all was silent. Misty sat, Ash on her lap, gazing at nothing while Ash brooded, a look of deep concentration on his face. This had been the case for about an hour, when Joy had come into the room to say that Chikorita's fate was still uncertain. Since then Ash clamped up, putting on a hard front. Misty wondered why. *I'm the only one here, and I'm supposed to be his friend. Why can't he confide in me? Perhaps it's cause he doesn't feel he can, or he's afraid of appearing weak. Doesn't he understand I want to share that with him? I want to share his joy, sadness, fear, delight, anger, hate..I want to be his shoulder to cry on, the sharer of his laughter. I just want to be his...* Unbeknownst to her, Ash was thinking of her. *Why does Misty lose it so easily with me? Hmm, she usually does when I'm reckless, or if the conversation turns personal. And why would she never answer questions about her family? Every time I talk about my mother, she always looks kinda sad, and she always changes the subject if I ask about her past. Maybe it's time I broach the subject. I need to know, so here goes nothing..*
"Mist?" Ash broke out of his internal struggles and looked up at her.
"Yeah?" She answered distantly.
"Erm..this is kinda hard to ask, but..what happened to your parents?" Ash watched closely for her response. Misty's gaze seemed to focus for a moment before it faded away again.
"Well...My father, he, he died when I was about six. I miss him, he used to stand up for me when I got hen-pecked by my sisters." A wistful smile appeared on her lips. "He always cracked jokes, and kept our warring to a minimum. He could break us up when we were at each other's throats, get us to apologise, and we'd end up playing together again. I always can remember him with a smile." Misty looked down at Ash. "What about your dad?" *Ah, now I see. Changing the line of questioning to me. That means what I want to know is about her mother. I need to know why she gets so angry, and I think I've pinned it down.*
"Well, my dad, he was, well, not present. I never knew him, and he left when he found my mother was pregnant. I've often wondered who he was, but I thought it was never worth the trouble of finding out. If he wasn't interested then, he won't be now. Besides, he'd just be a stranger to me. That's why I love my mom so much. She was my father too." *Nice turn there Ash, now you can ask.* "What about your mother?" Ash studied Misty carefully. Her expression changed to something Ash had never seen before framed on her face - hate.
"Ash, you don't want to know about my mother." She replied in leaden tones, her look stony.
"Mist, c'mon, something is eating at you, and I want to know why." He cajoled gently.
"Ash, I don't want to talk about it!" Misty snapped, her temper again flaring.
"Misty, when I look at you, I see an angel. But an angel with her wings clipped by anger." Misty's eyelids fluttered at the words. Ash paused, then continued. "You can be free, if only you could let it go." He took her hands in his, and gazed up into her eyes. "Mist, you can confide in me. I'll help you through it. Just please tell me what it is. I'm here for you to cry to." Misty's bottom lip trembled, her defences crumbling under Ash's gentle tone. Seeing this, Ash squeezed her hands. "It's about your mother isn't it?" Misty could only nod. "C'mon Mist, let it out." Ash intoned gently. Misty took a shuddering breath and looked down at her feet.
"Yes. It's about her, and - and you." Ash didn't respond, he just stroked her hand and let her continue. "My mother was...a bit of a tomboy, like me. But she was a real hot-head. She'd do stupid things, like drive her boat like a lunatic, pull stunts, do crazy things. She'd gamble with our money, abuse alcohol, always looking for the next high in any way she could." Eyes glistening, she looked at Ash. "She never thought of the risks. She loved me, but never had time for me, she was too busy with another idiotic scheme. Eventually, she died...she took her risk too far and died in a speedboat accident. Before she ever let me know her. That's why I love the water, in some strange way it makes me feel like I somehow share a bond. We both love the water, so in a way it makes me feel like we share something." Misty shook her head, and bit her lip. "You see, the reason I get so angry with you is that you remind me so much of.her. You take such risks, you do things on impulse, and you never consider consequences. Also, you never seem to have enough time for..me." Misty's bottom lip trembled. Ash still stroked her hands gently, sensing she wasn't finished. "But-but you see, I still love her. But you, you do things on impulse because you want to help people, unlike her. You risk your life for other people, not your own thrill. So, much as I love her, it means I love you more. But I hate it that you risk things like her! I want to be with you forever, but it tears me in two every day!" Misty finished, and clenched her jaw, trying to bite back her bitterness. Ash moved a hand up to her face, and ran fingers through her hair.
"C'mon Mist, let your wings free. Let go of the anger. Don't bottle it up." Ash slowly craned up, and kissed her tenderly. Misty froze as their lips met, but then returned the kiss with a passion gained through years of hidden desire. As their lips parted, a sea of emotion, a maelstrom of contrasting feelings clamouring to be expressed overwhelmed Misty. Ash sat up and turned, and cradled Misty's head as she cried, tears of anger, joy, fear, relief blended into one. Eventually, she stopped, and sat back, looking out of red-rimmed eyes at Ash. Ash stared back, hazel eyes wading deeply into Misty's aquamarine eyes, and smiled. Misty returned the smile.
"Thanks Ash. This has been burning me up since the day we met.." Misty whispered.
"Mist, I knew that whatever was wrong had something to do with me. I needed to know it was. I love you too much to have your temper separate us, so I had to get through whatever held you back..." Again they gazed at each other's face in silence, wearing smiles which felt too big for their faces. Slowly, they inched closer to each other again, until they held each other in a warm embrace. For what seemed like hours they just sat there, passions burning and lips aflame, until the sound of a buzzer brought them apart. Again they separated, just speaking to each other through their eyes, until the door to the treatment room opened, and Joy entered. Noting the close position of the two, and the Misty's hand clamped in Ash's, she smiled. *Looks like these two have made up..* She walked over to Ash, and smiled.
"Ash, Chikorita will be fine. She's out of danger, and will be able to leave today." Ash sighed with relief, before turning to Misty.
"Looks like it's okay. Guess she'll be ready to train again soon."
"So, you're gonna keep going then?" Misty responded, a coy smile on her face.
"How can I argue with these?" Ash joked, laying a finger on her lips. Joy giggled, and winked at Misty. Misty grinned, and turned back to Ash.
"There is one problem, Ash." Ash's expression changed to that of confusion.
"And what would that be?"
"How are we gonna break this to Chikorita?"
Chapter 5 May be up before Christmas, but I'm sure you can't wait!
C'ya all soon.
Dan.
This, unlike planned, will not be the last chapter, as there is more that needs to be done and said which I couldn't fit into one chapter. So expect another one! (Listens to chorus of groans.) Errr, yes. Anyway, big thanks to all reviewers, they really do make me happy! I'd be the first to admit I'm easily broken by criticism, but so far they have all been positive. So, comments, response, criticism, all readily accepted! (Well, maybe not criticism, but as long as it is constructive, and tells me the problem, it's good.) So, PLEASE R&R! (Tries the big anime puppy eyes again.)
Here is chapter 4.
Darkness. Ash wished it could dull sensation as well as sight. He had been asleep, but in what definitely wasn't a bed. Wincing, he turned his head slightly, only to be rewarded with a twinge in his neck and a blizzard of torturous pain from within his skull. He looked at his watch, and through the gloom, barely penetrated by the diffuse light glinting beneath the bathroom door, could just make out the numbers 12.30. He slowly raised himself up on his elbows, and peered around groggily. The peach coloured bathroom swirled around him, the enamel glinting eerily with the little light which faintly illuminated the room. Groaning, he pulled himself up to sit on the side of the bath, toothbrushes, soap and packets falling off him and pattering onto the tiled floor, and was greeted by a sudden swirling of the surroundings. Feeling reminiscent of a leaf in a whirlwind, Ash tried to stand up. As he did so, the world flashed and he staggered forwards blindly, grasping the sink with a flailing hand in an attempt to steady himself. Slowly, he fell down to the floor again, before feeling his stomach churn wildly. Groaning in pain, he franticly crawled over to the toilet, and lifted the lid.
Misty had woken up less than an hour after she'd fallen asleep. The blankets, which had started off so appealing and comforting, now chafed at her like sandpaper. Irritably, she tossed and turned, while Pikachu, Togapei and Brock slept silently, trying to find a spot that would allow her mind to rest as well as her body. *This is futile. I'm not going to get any sleep tonight. I never should have slept so long on the coach. Or maybe this is my punishment..* Sitting up, she eased herself to the edge of the bed, only to be startled by a soft noise coming form the bathroom. *It's only Ash.* She breathed with relief. *I hope he's okay..It's far too familiar to come home to find someone you love in that state, it brings back memories...* This hope was somewhat dampened by the sound of someone falling to the floor. *Ash?* Misty got up, and nearly tripped into the wall. Looking down, she saw Chikorita unmoving on the floor. *Even when you don't know it, you still manage to get between me and Ash!* Misty felt a sudden, uncontrollable urge to get her revenge on Chikorita. She bent down, and was about to vent her frustrations with a barrage of words when she heard frantic movements. Picking her way past the bottles strewn on the carpet, shining in the pale silvery moonlight, she came to the door of the bathroom. As she put her hand on the door handle, the only noise which greeted her was that of someone being violently sick.
"Ash?!"
"Ash?!" Ash slowly lifted his head, and gazed through haunted eyes at Misty.
"Are you okay Ash?"
"Uuuh, yeah Mist, I'm o..urk!" Ash retched again, and then closed his eyes, head in his hands. "God, I think I'm gonna die here." Misty came over and felt his head. Her features paled in surprise.
"You're burning up! I don't know how much you've drunk, but I've got to get you to a hospital!"
"Honestly, Misty, there's no need." With that, Ash paused, and was sick again.
"Ash, you're coming with me! Now!" Misty shouted at Ash as he rested his head in his hands again.
"I told you Mist, there's no nee.." Ash slumped over, and slid down against the wall.
"Ash!" Misty ran some water, and splashed Ash's face. His eyes fluttered open, and he looked up with a glazed expression. "I'm calling an ambulance!" Misty turned to get a phone, but was tugged back. Ash, holding onto he pyjama leg, shook his head.
"Mist, it's only a block away. I can walk."
"But Ash, you passed out!"
"And I came back." Misty looked at Ash staring back at her, with some of his old determination. "Let's leave the ambulances for those who really need them." Ash got to his feet with Misty's help, and was rewarded with another chasm of darkness threatening to engulf him. Gritting his teeth, he managed to lean against the wall, and fight it off. "Get us out coats, Mist. We just need them, and something to put on our feet." Misty ran out, re-appearing with two coats, two pairs of shoes and her bag almost instantly. Ash, with her help, managed to get into them, and they moved towards the door. But Ash stopped short.
"Chikorita!!"
"Huh?" Misty spun to see Ash stagger back into the room, bend down like an old man, and scoop Chikorita gingerly into his arms. For an awful moment, Misty thought Ash would lose his balance, but he stood upright again slowly.
"She won't wake up!" Ash franticly tried to wake her, but Chikorita didn't respond. Ash dropped down to one knee, crumpled by shock. Misty hurried over to him, and gazed cautiously down. Chikorita was still breathing, but looked in bad shape. As uncertain as she was with Chikorita, Misty felt a stab of guilt at seeing her limp, comatose form.
"C'mon, let's take her to a Pokemon centre." Ash rose quickly, and was overcome by a wave of dizziness and nausea. *I haven't got time to worry about myself! Chikorita needs to get help, quick.* Shoving away his feelings of weakness, Ash straightened up and moved more quickly to the door, leaving Brock, Pikachu and Togapei still sleeping in their beds. Misty followed him, shutting the door behind her, and they moved quickly to the elevator at the end of the corridor. As the elevator started descending, Misty watched Ash, barely able to stay on his feet, tenderly stroking Chikorita's face and whispering to her.
"Ash?"
".Yes?"
"What are you saying?" Misty asked, unable to conceal her curiosity any longer.
"I'm just telling her, if she can hear me, that everything will be alright, and we'll be at the Pokemon centre soon." The lift stopped, and the three of them stepped out into the deserted lobby, heading for the front doors. As they opened, a gust of wind caught them, and Ash shuddered. Misty opened her arms towards him, only to see his eyes widen in surprise.
"Give me Chikorita. I'll take her, you go to the hospital, and get sorted out." Ash stared at her for a moment, then shook his head.
"No."
"Ash, don't be stupid! It's five blocks to the Pokemon centre, so you'll have to go all the way back to get to hospital!" Misty looked on in disbelief as Ash shook his head again.
"Chikorita needs me. My Pokemon is ill, and it's my fault. So it's my responsibility to make sure she gets what she needs." With that, Ash turned towards the Pokemon centre and started walking along the litter-strewn, deserted street. Misty glared at his back for a second, with a mixture of frustration and respect, with a little admiration and love. *This is how much he cares for his Pokemon. I just have to show him that it works both ways.* Misty shook her head, a rueful smile on her lips. *He reminds me so much of her. I just hope he cares that much for me..someday.*
"Nearly there Ash, nearly there." Misty helped Ash down the street, her words of encouragement drowning the rustle of paper bags and cardboard dancing in the night-time breeze. The once busy main street was now empty, the people gone to bed in preparation for the big party the next night, but the street still bore effects of the evening's carousing. Ash stumbled again, but was caught by Misty's supporting arm and regained his balance. *I can hardly see the floor. I don't know how much further I can go..* Biting back the nausea threatening to envelop him, he paced blindly on, each step a mountain to climb, still resolutely holding Chikorita limp in his arms.
"We're here." Misty rang the attention bell, and seconds later, a Chansey popped her head out. Ash held Chikorita out towards Chansey, and tried to tell her what was wrong, but all that emerged was a groan. Chansey took a quick look at the unmoving Pokemon in Ash's hands and beckoned them inside. She took Chikorita out of Ash's now unresisting arms and put her onto a bed, before wheeling her through the double doors of the treatment room. A tired-looking nurse Joy appeared, and walked over to Ash and Misty.
"Do you know what the problem is?" She asked as kindly as anyone with two hours sleep can.
"....." Ash stared fixedly at the floor, and then put his face in his hands.
"Nurse, I can tell you." Misty piped up.
"Well, come on through, and we can work out what to do." Joy turned, and walked towards the treatment room.
"Ash, will you be okay?" Misty asked gently. Ash, still silent with his face in his hands, nodded once. Misty turned and quickly followed Joy through the double doors.
"So what happened young lady?" Joy turned her friendly eyes to Misty.
"Well, myself and a friend, not him, but another friend went out this evening, to discuss something. He, that is Ash outside, had seemed depressed since we'd had an...argument a day or so ago." Here Misty paused, her anxiety and emotions curling into a knot inside her. She took a deep breath and continued. "He said he wanted to stay in and relax, and Chikorita was staying with him. I was pleased, , as he was who I wanted to discuss and he thought it meant that I wanted to be away from him. Anyway, we went out for a while, and when we came back..." Misty's emotions balled themselves into a fist and hit her from inside. A single teardrop rolled down her cheek, and splashed to the floor. ".he'd gone through half of the minibar with Chikorita, and made himself sick and Chikorita passed out and it's all my fault." Joy turned, and looked at Chansey.
"Chansey, get a fluid drip into her straight away! And give her a diuretic, to get the Alcohol out of her."
"Chansey!" Chansey quickly set to work. Joy turned back to Misty, and gave her a reassuring smile.
"I'm sure it's not your fault. Everyone has arguments." She began, but cut off as Misty looked her in the eye.
"That boy out there is Ash Ketchum." Joy blinked, recognition dawning. That young man was Ash Ketchum? Ash had been getting a reputation in the Johto region as being the best young trainer around, after his victory in the Orange islands. "He came in the top sixteen in the Indigo league aged eleven, won the Orange league and became a hall of famer before he was thirteen, the youngest ever, he owns three Johto badges now before he'd turned fourteen, and I made him give it all up." Misty's eyes blurred with tears once again. Joy looked on compassionately as she took a steadying breath and continued. "I accused him of using everyone to get his way, of abusing his Pokemon for his own pride. He believed me, and now he's drunk himself almost into oblivion just because I started an argument to hide the fact I blushed when he looked at me!" Misty collapsed into sobs as the frustrations of the last day took hold, and washed over her as a wave breaking on the shore. Joy patted her on the cheek.
"Couples fight. It'll happen time and time again."
"B-but we're n-not a c-couple, and now, I-I don't think he'll e-ever w-w- want to be.." Misty sniffed, her long red hair sticking to her face where the tears had left their mark. Joy waited until Misty had calmed down, and handed her a tissue.
"All you need to know is that in his time of need, you were there to help him here." Joy glanced at Chikorita. "I don't know about Chikorita.. If she'd been out for another hour, she would have been dehydrated and the alcohol poisoning would have time to take effect and she wouldn't have stood a chance, but she's still in there as long as we get fluids into her and wash away the unabsorbed alcohol. Oh, and tell Ash to drink lots of water, eat something, and take one of these." Joy handed Misty a tablet. "It'll help flush the alcohol out of his system, like for her. But make sure he drinks lots of water or it'll make him even more dehydrated." Misty agreed, brushed the hair from her face, and walked over to Ash. As she sat by him, Joy came over with a jug of water, two glasses, a blanket and a pillow. Winking at Misty, who smiled feebly back, she turned around and went back into the treatment room.
"I-Is Chikorita gonna be okay Mist?" Ash stuttered.
"Uuuuum.." Misty began, which was not the right way to start. With startling venom, Ash clenched his hand and slammed it into the padded arm of the sofa.
"Dammit, this all my fault! I've killed her! I've." Ash's face cracked, and he fell silent.
"No! Nurse Joy doesn't know yet, they're doing tests now." Misty paused, and swivelled to face him. "Ash, don't blame yourself! She chose to drink, you didn't make her.." Ash still sat statue-esque, and didn't respond when Misty rested a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Don't beat yourself up, Ash. You did nothing wrong."
"But if I wasn't trying to drown my sorrows, then this wouldn't be happening.." Ash muttered, unmoving.
"Ash, she'll be fine." Misty jumped as Ash smashed the sofa again.
"What if she isn't? She did it just to make me happy, why? Why should she risk her life for something as unworthy as me?" With that, Ash's resolve snapped. The agonies of the last day, uncertainty at the future, anger at the past, fear for his friend and confusion at the world, fuelled by exhaustion and the effects of drink lingering, whipped itself up into a blazing wall of fire, broke through the dam of self-restraint, and engulfed him. Closing his hazel eyes to the world, he let free a scream of fury. Burying his head in his arms, he let his fears flow from him freely, without restraint. Misty silent slid against him, and rested his head on her chest. Stroking his matted hair, she let him let his anger vent itself until his sobs became whimpers, and finally stopped. Misty reached over to the jug, and poured two glasses of water. She drank one herself, and gave the other to Ash with the tablet she'd been given, and he slowly drank the glass. He then got up slowly, and slumped forward onto the cold pink floor. Misty helped him up, and was about to sit him down again when Ash shakily spoke.
"I-I'm feeling kinda sick again, so could you help me to the toilet Mist?" In response, Misty helped him to his feet and slowly guided him towards the door, which she opened, and helped him inside. Shutting the door again on her way out, she promised herself. *Ten minutes, and then I'm coming in to check if you are alright or not, whatever you're doing!* She sat back down on the seat, and paused for a moment to gather her thoughts. *Looks like we'll be okay here. Besides, Ash couldn't make it to a hospital now. And he won't let me call an ambulance for him. He's just too stubborn, too idiotic, too selfless, too brave. But that's why I love him...* Misty dug into her bag, fingers searching for her diary. Feeling a leather-bound book, she drew it out, only to feel numb in surprise. Ash's diary? She'd only seen it a handful of times, and each time he'd shut it as soon as he sensed her presence. But what was it doing here? A piece of paper stuck out of the top, saying "Read Me!" Mouth suddenly inexplicably dry, she opened it to the page. There she read:
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.
Ash was going to leave? Go back to pallet? Misty read on.
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.
Misty shook her head. Ash is planning to go home. *This is all because of me..* She wiped her eyes and continued.
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.
He was even letting Pikachu go?! Misty knew that whatever was left, it had something to do with.her. Steeling herself for the worst, she turned over the page and, taking a deep breath, continued.
Misty, I'll miss you the most. If you read this once I've gone, just know that I truly love you.
Misty swooned in shock. Suddenly, she felt like she wanted to laugh and cry at the same time, to dance and sing in joy, to cringe and weep in sorrow. *It's true. Ash loves me! Oh, Ash...* Misty continued to scan the words.
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.
"Oh, Ash..." Misty could say no more as her tears swelled up inside her and ran in tiny rivulets down her cheeks. *He loves me, but thinks I hate him, how can I do that to him? I love him too much to let him slip away!* Misty read the last line again, and felt a fresh gust of emotions hit her. *No- one has ever said that to me, or anything like it, ever.* She looked up, to the room where Ash still hid. *Ash, you're not going back to Pallet. I won't let you! Even if I have to sell my soul to the devil himself, I'm not going to let you leave!* Misty noticed a small notice on the bottom of the page - Look in the back part of your backpack. Misty unzipped the pocket, and almost fainted. Hundreds of banknotes, rolled up and bound by a paper strip. She pulled it out, and read its message.
Here is $5,000. This is for you Misty, to buy the best bike in Celadon city. It's correct, I've counted it ten times. (This is why I wouldn't pay for an extra room - it's taken me two years to save.) All my love, Ash. Misty's heart melted, and she stared in disbelief at the swathe of notes in her palm.
"Ash, how can I ever say thank you enough for all this.." Misty murmured, running her hands through the pile of money. A toilet flushed, and Ash staggered out as Misty frantically stuffed the money and diary back into her bag. She got up and crossed over to Ash, who gladly took her arm. Slowly, they returned to the settee, and sat down.
"Ash, have another drink." Misty offered another glass of water to Ash, who slowly drained it.
"Mist, I-I'm really ti..." Ash's words were drowned out by an enormous yawn.
"Don't worry Ash, sleep here." Misty patted the settee.
"B-but where will you..(yawn)."
"I'll stay here with you." Misty smiled as Ash's head slid down to rest in her lap. Reaching out, she took the blanket off the tray and spread it over Ash as his eyelids drooped.
"Sweet dreams.." Ash looked up into her aquamarine eyes, and for the first time, let himself drown in them. He gazed up at her until drowsiness crept up on him and gently wrapped him in a web of sleep. Moments before he dropped into the web, he craned up to Misty, and gently touched her cheek with his lips.
"Thank you Mist. Thank you for everything." With that, his eyes closed and his face visibly relaxed, lines of worry replaced by the supple face of peace. Misty leaned forward, and kissed him on the forehead. *Sleep well, my Pokemon master.*
The diary opened, landing on Ash's last entry. Misty took a moment to think, before continuing. *Should I look into Ash's mind? Is it really right to do this, when he asked me not to?* The brief inward struggle was won by curiosity and desire to know, know if Ash felt for her. Bracing herself, Misty closed the diary, and let it fall open at random. June second, 2001. Misty again glanced down at Ash's sleeping form before returning to her reading.
Today, I nearly caught a Gyarados. Shame Misty and Brock weren't there to see it, they were off setting up camp. I nearly had it beaten before it sent up a wall of water as a screen, and when it fell, it had gone. I really wanted that Pokemon. It would've been perfect to give to Misty for her birthday.
*He tried to catch a Gyarados, for me?* Misty glanced down at Ash again, in disbelief. A Gyarados, for her? Misty continued reading.
It was really nice around the campfire that night. No one believed that I'd actually done what I did, but I had a good night anyway. Brock's wonderful supper, talking about everything and nothing, Pikachu dancing while we made a little improvised tune and beat, (and Brock played the spoons!).. And Misty looked gorgeous. I love her with her hair down, it seems to cascade, a flaring waterfall along her face, splashing onto her shoulders. Misty sighed to herself. *I didn't know you could be so poetic Ash.*
I'd almost summoned up the courage to ask her to be my girl, but the conversation just moved away as I was about to tell her. Maybe tomorrow. But one day, I hope, I'll ask her. What if she says no? Is it better to live as friends than to take the plunge? Day by day, it gets harder as I care more and more. I'm afraid one day I'll reach a point that I'll love her too much to risk losing her, and never be able to ask. Well, I guess I've gotta go to bed, else I'll spend the night emptying my soul and never get to sleep.
Goodnight my diary.
Ash.
Misty nodded. There was no doubt in her mind now, Ash felt the same way for her. She felt him stirring in her lap, and shut the diary, dropping it back into the backpack. His eyes flicked open, and stared into hers.
"How long have I been sleeping?"
"Not long, Ash. Only about an hour or so." Misty noticed that Ash had realised he was sleeping with his head in her lap. To her surprise (and delight) Ash didn't pull away as he always had. Instead, he relaxed, and just gazed at her for a long moment. Misty returned the gaze, heart fluttering, a nervous but cute smile perched on her lips. A thousand words seemed to pass between them without being spoken, a conversation to last a lifetime in the twinkling of an eye. But all too soon, Ash remembered why they were sat in a Pokemon centre, and shades of fear and guilt crept into his eyes.
"Any news on Chikorita?" The merest quaver in his voice belied the front of confidence which he was hastily trying to erect. *I can't let the world think I'm weak. I gotta be strong, for Chikorita and myself.*
"No, there isn't any news Ash. It's still about fifty-fifty..."
"C'mon Chikorita, you can't die. You've got so much to live for." Ash growled, an expression of anxiety flashing onto his face, which was chased away as soon as it arrived. Misty took a long look, and then made up her mind. *Mist, you have to do this. You've got to be cruel to be kind, and he needs to realise what he's chosen to do is the wrong thing.* Misty steeled herself and spoke.
"Ash, what does she have to live for?" Ash frowned slightly.
"She's got the rest of her life ahead of her. Why do you need to ask that question?"
"For the last few months, she's lived as a trained Pokemon. Now, you're gonna let her go!" Ash sat up slowly, and shook his head.
"She deserves better. Without me, she can go on and live a full life, without being made to fight." Misty gritted her teeth in anger at Ash's back. *Well Mist, you got him into this with your anger, now use it to dig him out. If you don't want to lose another one who you love, use the anger brought from the loss of another loved one!*
"She loves battling, and she loves you! You are her world! Without you and her battling side by side, she hasn't got anything to live for!" Misty's rage built at every syllable, as Ash's shoulders sagged.
"But Mist.."
"No buts! If you give up on training, you give up on her, and yourself! You want to stop because you're being selfish? What is more selfish that stopping!" Misty paused and drew breath. Ash could feel her glare on his back.
"What do you mean?" Ash mumbled, fighting off tears.
"If you give up training you leave your Pokemon without a life! With a bit of selfish self-pity and wounded pride, you're ruining the lives of dozens of Pokemon, and most of all, me!" Misty felt her anger leave her as the real reason for it broke free. *There, I've said it. He knows now, why I'm so angry. If he leaves, I lose a friend, a brother, and my love. It's up to him to decide now.* Ash felt his mind glaze over as Misty's words hit home. *She is afraid of losing me? That's why she's so angry?* Tears again welled up in his eyes, borne out of confusion. *If she wants me that much, why can't she just come out and say it?* The answer smacked him right between the eyes. *The same reason I haven't said anything.* Ash took a choking breath, and gathered his composure. He lay back into Misty's lap, and sighed deeply.
"Mist, I need to think this through. Just gimmie a little time okay?" Misty felt relief well up inside her. She'd got him to think about it, and maybe enough time to get him to stay.
"Okay, Ash." She got herself comfortable, with Ash's head in her lap, and relaxed again. "After all, we've got all night.."
The first hint of dawn began to filter into the still dark street, creating strange hues and shadows, casting images to mystify the eyes and seduce the mind. Inside the Pokemon centre, all was silent. Misty sat, Ash on her lap, gazing at nothing while Ash brooded, a look of deep concentration on his face. This had been the case for about an hour, when Joy had come into the room to say that Chikorita's fate was still uncertain. Since then Ash clamped up, putting on a hard front. Misty wondered why. *I'm the only one here, and I'm supposed to be his friend. Why can't he confide in me? Perhaps it's cause he doesn't feel he can, or he's afraid of appearing weak. Doesn't he understand I want to share that with him? I want to share his joy, sadness, fear, delight, anger, hate..I want to be his shoulder to cry on, the sharer of his laughter. I just want to be his...* Unbeknownst to her, Ash was thinking of her. *Why does Misty lose it so easily with me? Hmm, she usually does when I'm reckless, or if the conversation turns personal. And why would she never answer questions about her family? Every time I talk about my mother, she always looks kinda sad, and she always changes the subject if I ask about her past. Maybe it's time I broach the subject. I need to know, so here goes nothing..*
"Mist?" Ash broke out of his internal struggles and looked up at her.
"Yeah?" She answered distantly.
"Erm..this is kinda hard to ask, but..what happened to your parents?" Ash watched closely for her response. Misty's gaze seemed to focus for a moment before it faded away again.
"Well...My father, he, he died when I was about six. I miss him, he used to stand up for me when I got hen-pecked by my sisters." A wistful smile appeared on her lips. "He always cracked jokes, and kept our warring to a minimum. He could break us up when we were at each other's throats, get us to apologise, and we'd end up playing together again. I always can remember him with a smile." Misty looked down at Ash. "What about your dad?" *Ah, now I see. Changing the line of questioning to me. That means what I want to know is about her mother. I need to know why she gets so angry, and I think I've pinned it down.*
"Well, my dad, he was, well, not present. I never knew him, and he left when he found my mother was pregnant. I've often wondered who he was, but I thought it was never worth the trouble of finding out. If he wasn't interested then, he won't be now. Besides, he'd just be a stranger to me. That's why I love my mom so much. She was my father too." *Nice turn there Ash, now you can ask.* "What about your mother?" Ash studied Misty carefully. Her expression changed to something Ash had never seen before framed on her face - hate.
"Ash, you don't want to know about my mother." She replied in leaden tones, her look stony.
"Mist, c'mon, something is eating at you, and I want to know why." He cajoled gently.
"Ash, I don't want to talk about it!" Misty snapped, her temper again flaring.
"Misty, when I look at you, I see an angel. But an angel with her wings clipped by anger." Misty's eyelids fluttered at the words. Ash paused, then continued. "You can be free, if only you could let it go." He took her hands in his, and gazed up into her eyes. "Mist, you can confide in me. I'll help you through it. Just please tell me what it is. I'm here for you to cry to." Misty's bottom lip trembled, her defences crumbling under Ash's gentle tone. Seeing this, Ash squeezed her hands. "It's about your mother isn't it?" Misty could only nod. "C'mon Mist, let it out." Ash intoned gently. Misty took a shuddering breath and looked down at her feet.
"Yes. It's about her, and - and you." Ash didn't respond, he just stroked her hand and let her continue. "My mother was...a bit of a tomboy, like me. But she was a real hot-head. She'd do stupid things, like drive her boat like a lunatic, pull stunts, do crazy things. She'd gamble with our money, abuse alcohol, always looking for the next high in any way she could." Eyes glistening, she looked at Ash. "She never thought of the risks. She loved me, but never had time for me, she was too busy with another idiotic scheme. Eventually, she died...she took her risk too far and died in a speedboat accident. Before she ever let me know her. That's why I love the water, in some strange way it makes me feel like I somehow share a bond. We both love the water, so in a way it makes me feel like we share something." Misty shook her head, and bit her lip. "You see, the reason I get so angry with you is that you remind me so much of.her. You take such risks, you do things on impulse, and you never consider consequences. Also, you never seem to have enough time for..me." Misty's bottom lip trembled. Ash still stroked her hands gently, sensing she wasn't finished. "But-but you see, I still love her. But you, you do things on impulse because you want to help people, unlike her. You risk your life for other people, not your own thrill. So, much as I love her, it means I love you more. But I hate it that you risk things like her! I want to be with you forever, but it tears me in two every day!" Misty finished, and clenched her jaw, trying to bite back her bitterness. Ash moved a hand up to her face, and ran fingers through her hair.
"C'mon Mist, let your wings free. Let go of the anger. Don't bottle it up." Ash slowly craned up, and kissed her tenderly. Misty froze as their lips met, but then returned the kiss with a passion gained through years of hidden desire. As their lips parted, a sea of emotion, a maelstrom of contrasting feelings clamouring to be expressed overwhelmed Misty. Ash sat up and turned, and cradled Misty's head as she cried, tears of anger, joy, fear, relief blended into one. Eventually, she stopped, and sat back, looking out of red-rimmed eyes at Ash. Ash stared back, hazel eyes wading deeply into Misty's aquamarine eyes, and smiled. Misty returned the smile.
"Thanks Ash. This has been burning me up since the day we met.." Misty whispered.
"Mist, I knew that whatever was wrong had something to do with me. I needed to know it was. I love you too much to have your temper separate us, so I had to get through whatever held you back..." Again they gazed at each other's face in silence, wearing smiles which felt too big for their faces. Slowly, they inched closer to each other again, until they held each other in a warm embrace. For what seemed like hours they just sat there, passions burning and lips aflame, until the sound of a buzzer brought them apart. Again they separated, just speaking to each other through their eyes, until the door to the treatment room opened, and Joy entered. Noting the close position of the two, and the Misty's hand clamped in Ash's, she smiled. *Looks like these two have made up..* She walked over to Ash, and smiled.
"Ash, Chikorita will be fine. She's out of danger, and will be able to leave today." Ash sighed with relief, before turning to Misty.
"Looks like it's okay. Guess she'll be ready to train again soon."
"So, you're gonna keep going then?" Misty responded, a coy smile on her face.
"How can I argue with these?" Ash joked, laying a finger on her lips. Joy giggled, and winked at Misty. Misty grinned, and turned back to Ash.
"There is one problem, Ash." Ash's expression changed to that of confusion.
"And what would that be?"
"How are we gonna break this to Chikorita?"
Chapter 5 May be up before Christmas, but I'm sure you can't wait!
C'ya all soon.
Dan.
