Author's Note: Welcome to the third installment. If you count the Prologue. Don't worry, I'll try to make these annoying notes few and far between so you can just enjoy the story. And to the ladies, if I get something wrong during the Misty section, such as any of her girlish complaints, feel free to correct me. I won't get mad. And feedback is nice. Did you particularly like or dislike something? Then tell me! I'll try to give you more of the same, or cut down on it. Don't be shy, I won't bite. Hard. Yeah, lame, I know. Without further adieu, here it is.
Chapter Two-The First Day of the Rest of Your Life Viridian Asylum9:25am
Ash
"So Ashes, I hear they're springin' ya. S'it true?" I glanced over my shoulder at the weasel-like man behind me. Or rather, stared down at him. Lenny, I believe his name is. Real short guy. Only about 5'4. His black (or really dark blue, I could never decide) eyes were recessed into his forehead, overshadowed by his enormous nose. Were talking huge. You could drive pickups through his nostrils. The wide kind. And to top it all off, mussed, greasy black hair that always had a particular odor to it, not to mention his own little snowstorm of dandruff. Most guys think it's his one-bath-a-week policy. "Yeah, I guess. N'less I start foamin' at the mouth within the next hour or so. The name's Ash by the way." I'm not sure why he could never get my name right. It's not a big name. Some people are just stupid, I guess. Or annoying. "Damn. There goes five bucks. I never win the bets. Those guys is cheatin' somehow. And when I find out how...heh heh heh." I rolled my eyes. No one has money here, so the boys keep up a tab they say they'll pay off when they get out. Yeah, right. I don't know why they even pretend they will. "Yeah, you do that. See ya." I picked up my tray and made my way down the food line. I showed up late today, so there wasn't much of a line. Then again, there wasn't much food left either. "I'll take whatever's left." The cafeteria lady plopped some breakfast-flavored goop on the plate and took a long drag on her cigarette. "Next." I held my breath until I was well away from her. "I am so not gonna miss this place."
I sat down and started picking at my 'food'. It tastes a little better than usual today. Of course, everything seems better today. I'm getting OUT of here! It's only a question of how fast I can scarf the slop and find the doc. I picked up the plate of...of...whatever this is and poured it into my mouth. You know, it's almost like really runny eggs if you don't look at it and eat it incredibly fast. "BBBBBUUUUURRRRRRPPPPPPP!" I slowly wiped my mouth with my hand. "S'cuse me." I apologized. "You know you gonna be feelin' that shit in a coupa hours." I don't even have to look up. "You know I hate it when you sneak up on me like that." There, the greeting is exchanged. "Pull up a chair-shaped pad and sit down." He pushed the back of a chair against the table and sat down, draping his arms over it. "S'up, big daddy?" He smirked. "From what Lenny says, it's you. They really lettin' ya off the hook?" I smiled up at him. WAY up. JC had always been huge. He once told me that he had been in construction before he was thrown in the pen. And he's the kind of guy who could stop a fight just with his presence, and win one just by lookin' at you. But underneath it all the giant black man has a heart of gold. He had helped me out in the beginning, when I was still 'the new guy' and convinced I was a psycho. Back then I'd get into fights if someone looked at me wrong. One day he broke up a fight between me and Lenny, and took me off to the side. "What the hell're you doin'?" He had asked. "Just showin' those guys I'm as tough as them." He just shook his head and said, "They don't care. They jus' tryin' to rough ya up a bit. For kicks. It's jus' about all ya can do here. For the unintelligent mind, anyway." That comment had aroused my curiosity. "What about for the intelligent mind?" He smiled down at me. "Why don't I show ya?"
From that day forward he had taken me under his wing, shown me the ropes, and taught me patience, self-control, and the power of the mind. Of patience, he said: "You're not always gonna get what you want or need when you want it. You haf'ta learn to be patient. It'll come. You just need ta be able to wait for it. Then when ya get it, you'll be able to appreciate it." On self-control: "It's important to be in control of yoself at all times. If you're brash, or act on your emotions, it'll get ya into trouble mo' times than not. Keeping yoself disciplined is the first step. That way you can act wit' a clear head." His lecture on the power of the mind was more extensive: "You're mind is the most important thing you have. You may have a large body, a small body, or even a middle size one. But ya mind is something you always have control of. If you can outwit or outthink the enemy, then you already won half da fight. To be able to think things through and use common sense in any given situation is an invaluable skill. It helps you make decisions, implement a strategy, or give an intelligent response. Keep your mind sharp lil' Ash, you'll need it someday."
He taught me to play chess, checkers, and the importance of meditation to concentrate and relieve stress. I was a fast learner, and pretty soon I could even defeat the master himself. I remember one day when we were playing and some punk came up and knocked the chessboard over. He proceeded to tell us to 'stop playing with our kiddie games or he'd bust my head'. He and his entourage had had a good laugh over that. I had just stood up, popped my knuckles, then hit him in the face. Dazed, he hesitated for a moment, giving me just enough time. I kneed him in the abdomen, then elbowed him into a wall. Knocked out three teeth. I got two days in solitary confinement, but it was well worth it. I had gone over strategies in my head, contemplating my next move. Then when I couldn't stand it anymore, I had just screamed until my throat was raw. I was one of the best-behaved patients in the building from that day on. But enough of that. I need to look forward. But I only saw his pecs that way. So I decided to look up again. "Yeah, and for once the sleaze is tellin' the truth. Anytime I 'm ready as I understand it."
"Heh. You lucky little shit. Well make sure you send me a postcard, ya here?" I smiled again. "You know I won't forget that, big daddy." I stood up to leave. "Yeah, well don't get all cocky just 'cuz you gettin' out. I'm s'posta be gettin' out pretty soon too." I dumped the rest of my 'breakfast' into the trash and started heading for the door. "Yeah, right. You know you got life. But make sure you don't get rusty, 'cuz I'll visit 'cha later. See ya, big daddy." He smiled back at me and leaned forward. "See ya little bro. You take care of yourself, hear?" I nodded, pushed the door open, and took my first step towards freedom.
And instantly ran into a Machoke. "Hold on buddy, I have permission. From Dr. Smith. I'm Ash Ketchum. Just ask him yourself. You see I'm getting out today..." The Pokémon didn't respond, just stared at me. This guy is obviously not the sharpest knife in the rack. Just speak slowly and clearly and hopefully he'll get the gist of it. "Yeah, Yeah. Just - - - with - - - me." What? How did I understand that thing? It didn't sound like human tongue, but I was able to translate bits and pieces. Almost like a reflex. A clue to my past? Maybe. Or maybe I am crazy. Whatever the case, it would probably be best to play dumb. "Yeah, can you take me to see Dr. Smith? I need to speak with him. It's urgent." The large Pokémon just rolled his eyes and motioned to follow him. Hmph, might as well. It's not like I can go anywhere on my own. "I'll say it once and I'll say it again: I am not going to miss this place."
Misty Waterflower's Residence10:15am
Misty
"Well what do you know? I guess you run into all sorts of people around these parts." I looked up into his eyes. "Shut up. You know you came all the way over here just to see me." I proceeded to plop down into his lap. "Just say it. You know you want to." A big sheepish grin spread across his face as he rubbed the back of his head. "Is it that obvious? Now you probably think I can't get another woman." It was my turn to smile. "Nah, I know you could." I leaned in close, so that our faces were inches apart. I could feel his hot breath on my face, waiting for what I was about to say. I could also feel something else (a little lower) that was also starting to anticipate my reply. Or something else. What a naughty boy. I put my lips inches from his ear and whispered, "It's just that you know I'm the only one that can give you what you want." I could feel the heat waves being emitted from his body, and the sweat starting to creep its way down his forehead. Not to mention the pressure from his lower half start to increase gradually. I giggled into his ear. "I know what you want." I saw him gulp. Still afraid to commit, huh? Well, I'll show you. "You want...SOMEONE TO ARGUE WITH!" He jerked so hard we almost fell off the bench! I burst out laughing. "Yeah, Yeah. Very funny." I felt tears roll down my cheeks as I rolled around on the cobblestone roaring with laughter. "Yeah...hah hah hah...I know." He stood up and brushed himself off as I started to simmer down. "And for the record, I didn't miss you one bit, Misty." I stood up. "Oh yeah?" I shot back. "Yeah." I smiled and pointed down. "Well someone disagrees with you." He looked down and turned beet red. "Well, maybe just a little." I smiled wider and leaned against his chest. "Told'ja so." He cocked his head the way he always did and put that big stupid grin on his face. Damn I miss that stupid gesture. "Misty?" I stared longingly into his eyes. "Yes?" He licked his lips and stared at the ground nervously. "Well I, uh...that is to say...I, er...kind of..." He sighed and looked into my eyes. "WELL, CHUCK, THERE'S SOME TRAFFIC THERE ON I95!"
I rolled over and swatted my stupid radio alarm clock against the wall. Stupid thing. Just at the best part too. I groggily sat up. "Just my luck that I'd forget to turn it off. Stupid alarm. Stupid murderer guy keepin' me out so late." I sighed and lay back down, pulling the covers up to my chin. "Stupid Ash."
"PHONE CALL! PHONE CALL! PICK UP! PICK UP!" I slowly opened my eyes and stared at the insistent telephone yelling into my face. Rudely awakened twice in one morning. It had better be real important. "Put it on speaker." I said weakly. "Yes ma'am." I let a small smile. I remembered installing that lower, less annoying voice for when it wasn't ringing. And how jealous everyone was when they thought of their ever-screeching phones. The small things can help make a rotten morning a little brighter. "Hello? Misty?" I was surprised when I saw the face. Dark, tanned skin; rough chin (probably hadn't shaved in days), squinty eyes, and spiky brown hair combed forward. "Brock?"
He smiled when he heard me confirm that I knew who he was. "Hey. I'm surprised you still remember me. It's been a while." Yeah, it has. Two or three years, in fact. "Yeah, I guess it has. I didn't expect to see your face at eleven thirty in the morning." He smiled and looked down. "I can see that." I looked down at my clothes. Sweat pants and an over-sized T-shirt. Not exactly sexy sleep wear, but it's a lot more comfortable than the skimpy see-through silk nightgowns my sisters wore to bed. I tried one of those once. I had once again given in to my sisters' attempts to make me more feminine. But it was like wearing nothing at all, and it got all scrunched up. I just preferred my sweatpants and T-shirt. "Sorry Brock, I slept in the nude last night. You just missed it." He let out a snort-laugh. "Well you'll be happy to know I didn't call for a free peep show. Do you have some free time on your hands?" Hmm? Is he trying to ask me out? If he is he must've become really desperate to ask out an old childhood friend. But what the hell. Why not? "I'm off today. Any particular reason?" I scanned his face for a blush or a smile. Nothing. If anything, his face was stiffening. "I need to talk to you about something. Something urgent. Can you meet me at Dontello's downtown in an hour?" Dontello's. New Italian place about fifteen minutes from the station. Pricey. Well, as long as he's buying. And it must be pretty important to come down to Cerulean from Goldenrod. "Yeah, okay. I'll be there in an hour then." He thanked me and hung up the phone. "Well, that was odd. I wonder what all this hush-hush secrecy is about." Is he in trouble with the cops? No, he wouldn't call me first. I was a cop. Did he have a drug addiction? No, with all his money he could just check into a rehabilitation center. Is he getting married? A possibility, but not too likely. He would have just have told me that over the phone. What then? "Oh, who cares. I'm trying to think and I haven't even had my coffee yet." Okay then. Breakfast first, then go see what he wants. I can do that.
Viridian Asylum12:00pm
Ash
"Hi. I'm - - - - - are you?" I looked down, staring into the little black eyes of the Pokémon addressing me. A Pichu. Haven't seen one of those in a long time. I don't remember one I could understand for even longer. I couldn't remember ever meeting one I could talk to. I used to have something similar to a Pichu, though. Yellow...brownish-blackish stripes...red cheeks...can't remember a face though. "Ex - - - - sir? Are - - - - ay?" I looked down at the little dude. "Yeah. Just nervous, I guess." He smiled and tried to hop up on the couch, but fell off and landed on his back. I smiled and helped the tiny Pokémon up onto the couch. "Tha- - - - - ster. What are - - - - rried - - out? Is he asking what I'm nervous about? Sounds like it. "I'm leaving here today. I just need to fill out some of these forms and stuff, then I can go. I guess I'm kinda nervous about that. I haven't been outside in a long time." The little Pichu tilted his head at me. He must not understand all of what I'm saying either. Of course, he's so young that he didn't find talking to a human weird. "It's nice - - side. It's - - - - arm. - - cle R- - - - ays I can't play. I - - - - play." I smiled at the cute little guy again. Even though I'm not totally sure what he said, It's pretty obvious what he's complaining about. "Well don't worry, I'm sure you'll get to play later." He smiled and wagged his little tail. "Hmm? Sam?" Huh? Did Pichu just develop a southern accent? "Oh, Sam! You little devul, you! Why'd ya go off like that?" I looked up. Dr. Smith's secretary. Must be her Pichu. "Sorry abou' that shuga, little Sam's a friendly tyke. Even had a cold-hearted murdera' makin' goo-goo noises at 'im once. Come 'ere, Sam!" He looked up at me with little puppy dog eyes. "Bye." He trotted over to...to...I looked up at her nametag. He trotted over to Nancy. "No apology necessary. He's a cute little guy. Judging by the length of his tail, the size of his electric sacs, and his apparent contentment, he should be ready to evolve into a Pikachu anytime now." She stared at me in disbelief. Booya. Didn't forget all of it after all. And I still know a few big words to impress civilized people. "W-well thanks, shuga. I didn't know he was gettin' ready to evolve." Of course you didn't. That's because you suck and I rule. "Yeah, I think the doctor is ready ta see ya now." And I just finished the paperwork. Perfect timing. "So I can go in?" She nodded and sat back down at her desk. I waved to Sam the Pichu and opened the door to the good doctor's office as Sam waved back. I faced forward and I felt my face stiffen. Alright. This is it. Time to get out of here.
"Come in Ashura. I was just about to come get you. Are you ready to rejoin society?" A smirk washed over my face like a tidal wave. "Been ready. I filled out the release forms and all that stuff. Can I go now?" He smiled. "Yes. We'll just go retrieve your belongings from the storage facility and you'll be off. Shall we go?" He said, slipping on his coat. I can't believe they still have my stuff. I hope I had had some good stuff with me. "Yeah."
"Okay. Ashura Ketchum. Yeah, I remember I had a memo about you. I got your stuff right here." I stared down at the assorted pile of stuff in the box. "Took a hell of a long time to find too. Your crap was all the way in back." The old grease monkey let his stogie hang over his grungy lips as he blew smoke out of his mouth. "Okay. Dat's one pair of combat boots; one stainless steel knife; a pair of baggy army-type pants; one white sleeveless shoit; some pocket change; some keys; deeds and ownership papers to some stuff; wallet; and some assorted personal belongings. They didn't let ya keep any of da guns ya had on ya. Had to sell 'em. Ya Pokémon were taken to da locations on dis sheet of paper. Thank you, and good night." He plopped down into his chair and pulled his hat over his eyes. Well, those clothes look pretty comfortable. And according to these ownership papers, I actually had a place right here in Viridian City. I wasn't homeless. If my place hadn't been auctioned off. "Hey, are these papers still valid? Or did you get rid of all my stuff?" I said as we walked back to the lobby. The doctor frowned. "Most everything. Nobody wanted your apartment though. So you still have a place to hang your hat if it didn't sell after the auction." Sweet. I have a place to live. "Oh, and here are some clothes and toiletries. The bathroom is over there." He pointed. Hmph. Time to get myself cleaned up.
"Let's see. Deodorant, comb, fingernail clippers, shaving cream, and a razor. It's a start." I applied the deodorant. "There. Now I won't sweat like a pig and smell like shit." I shook the shaving cream can and sprayed some onto my face. "Damn. I need a shave bad." I took the razor and made long, straight strokes down my face and chin, watching my short, tangled beard disappear. I then scrapped the blade under my chin, removing any coarse black hair. "OWW! Shit!" Sprung a leak. A tiny cut, no biggie. I clamped the small wound shut while washing off my face. "Damn, that stings. I'm gonna start cussing like a donkey if I don't watch it. Ow!" I looked up into the mirror, still mumbling. Was that ME? "Woah. I look good without the beard. Now for you, hair..." I wet my comb, then struggled to tame my wild mane. "I need a haircut too." But I have to deal with it for now. "There...no, that looks gay...no...a little more on the top...stick down, damn it...a little more spiky...OW...THERE!" I looked at my now cool-looking hair. Nice. Now to trim these fingernails. I grabbed the fingernail clippers and proceeded to trim my finger and toenails down to almost nubs, leaving just enough so I could still pick up stuff. There. I took a look at the finished product. Nice clothes they got. A little small, but they'll do. Not too dorky, not too weird. I am now clean-shaven, and lookin' good except for that little cut under my chin. My wild black mane's now back into the spiky, controlled wild look I like. My golden eyes once again gleam with pride. And the scar running down my left eye added to my macho, badass look. I was always asked how I got the scar, if my left eye still worked, and if it hurt. I honestly can't remember where I got it, my left eye was fine, and it didn't hurt except when I have my lapses. Then it burns. On the outside and the inside. I put my hand on it and run my index finger from a little over the eyebrow to about an inch below the eye socket, tracing it. "I'll remember. Don't you worry buddy, I'll remember." I look at my face again. "Time to hit the town."
"Ashura? I hardly recognize you!" I smiled. "Well you've never seen me cleaned up. And that's what I am, cleaned up." He nodded, getting my drift. "Well, this is goodbye. Here's a hundred dollars and a cab is waiting for you. Good luck, Ashura Ketchum. This is the first day of the rest of your life."
