Early afternoon found the six people and three Pokèmon lazing about the
living room. Misty leaning against Ash, were sitting on one side of the
couch as the former members of Team Rocket sat on the opposite side. Togepi
played with Mr. Mime she took a short break from the endless chores she
did. Misty noticed Pikachu's absence and asked Ash about it. "Pikachu's
probably still in the trip schedule." He answered. "He, Vulpix, and
Clefairy were our night watchmen and stayed in my or Whitney's backpack
when we traveled."
The six humans were taking turns telling stories about the last nine months, Ash and Brock did most of the talking. Misty was leaning against Ash on one side of the couch while Jessie and James sat on the other with Brock and Delia squeezed in the middle. Togepi and Mr. Mime sat on a chair from the other room facing the six.
The pair that had stayed in Pallet during the period, stayed quiet mostly, especially about the dance Misty had attended and Delia had eventually found out about.
Misty and Delia laughed at Ash and Brock's motto while Jessie and James grumbled. "Why can't you think up your own motto to steal?" Jesse asked angrily.
"Sorry guys." Brock answered. "Ash and I had been planning that motto since he got the last badge to enter the indigo league."
The two sighed. "I guess we're losers in everything, even having our own things." They chorused.
Ash glanced at Misty and looked up at the team. "You know guys; I'm the top in the Pokèmon world. I'm sure I could convince some people to give you a copyright for your motto." He told them.
Everyone turned and stared at him, only Jessie and James complimentarily.
"What?" Ash asked. "Is there something on my face?" He added jokingly.
Delia was the first to recover and tried to hug Ash, calling out. "My boy has become a man!" Unfortunately for Brock and Misty, Delia had been sitting next to James. Thus, Misty and Brock were smashed together uncomfortably. Ash managed to convince her to release them before he was caught up in another hug.
When Delia had finished and everyone resumed their positions on the couch, Ash looked down at his girlfriend. "Now, what was your look for?" He asked with a grin.
Misty blushed and shook her head. "I just wasn't prepared to hear that uncommon a word come from you." She answered.
"I know big, uncommon words." He teased back, sounding like a three year old. "Besides, that trip wasn't all Pokèmon battles and campfire stories." He said more maturely.
"So what else did you learn?" Misty questioned.
"A lot of things I didn't need, and would rather not, know." He answered and looked over at Brock.
"Like?" Both Misty and Delia pressed.
"Things even I think only girls should know." Brock answered for him, also blushing. The women looked around at the men and giggled, as even James began blushing in remembrance.
"I certainly hope that wasn't a conversation over the campfire." Delia said once the giggling had died down.
"No. It was one that we couldn't stop from being overheard. Continually." James answered to more giggling.
Finally the women settled down and, as Misty settled back against Ash, Jessie spoke up. "Would you really do that for us?" She asked him.
"Of course." He answered. "I go out of my way for friends, and you're definitely friends now. Just no more trying to steal Pokèmon, especially Pikachu."
They laughed for a bit, and Jessie and James recalled some of their failed attempts to capture Pikachu, Eventually Misty stretched and yawned.
"Come on Misty, it's not that late. The sun…" He paused after a glance to the window. "Didn't set that…" He was stopped again with a glance at the clock. "Wow." He finally finished. "I didn't think it was that late."
"And crying myself to sleep for the past month or so hasn't exactly been restful." Misty added, smiling at Ash's guilty expression. She sat up just enough to give him a peck on the lips. "If you don't mind me falling asleep on you, I would like to listen to more stories." He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it in answer. She settled comfortably as he wrapped his arms around her and she closed her eyes.
"Mimie." Delia called softly. The Pokèmon looked up, careful not to disturb the other sleeping in its lap. "Could you go and get the camera? This is a perfect moment." She asked and the Pokèmon agreed. Misty flinched slightly as camera reminded her of the dance she had tried to purge from her memory.
"Delia smiled as the object was brought to her and she took a picture. "I'll have to put that one with the other." She muttered.
"Which 'other one'?" Ash asked.
Delia glanced at Brock guiltily. "I'll show you when I get this one developed. "She answered, hoping her son hadn't matured enough to remember later.
Ash happily pushed it aside and began to tell of another adventure they had had while gone.
Eventually, the others drifted off, leaving Brock, Ash and Misty on the couch. Brock yawned and stood. "I'm calling it a night Ash. I think Misty's been gone for a while." He said, smiling at the couple.
Ash grinned down at her then back up to Brock. "Can you hold her so I can get up and carry her to bed?" He asked.
Brock did and was soon following Ash up the stairs to join the others in dreamland.
Ash set Misty down carefully and tucked the covers around her. He finished and set his gaze on her face. He brushed a few strands of hair from her face and just watched her breathe for a few moments before kissing her forehead and climbing to his bunk for the night. From there he looked at her face again before turning out the light and falling asleep.
*********
A few hours later, Misty awoke screaming. She swallowed and tried to relax as she felt Ash's arms move against her back
She managed to calm down enough that she only jumped when the light came on suddenly. A look to the doorway found Delia, Jessie, James, and Brock standing there worriedly. She nodded to show everything was alright and Jessie stepped forward.
"What happened?" She asked, showing unJessie-like caring.
Misty, now leaning against Ash smiled and began with a sigh, explaining the dream. As she finished she looked to Ash. "I was scared worse than before because it hasn't returned since you left." She told him, her voice lowering to a whisper.
"Almost as if Ash is the one causing it." Brock whispered to Delia.
Misty turned to Ash as she heard this, despite the volume. She rested her chin on his shoulder and whispered in his ear. "Even if you are," She paused and kissed his cheek. "I'm not going to leave you." She felt him squeeze her in answer.
The others turned to leave, but Misty called to Brock. "When'd you become such a light sleeper? When you traveled with us, you were never woken by my nightmares."
"When a call for you could mean the difference between life and death, you learn." He answered tensely. He lightened the mood when he added. "Now though, I think I'll go back to the old Brock."
They laughed and Misty added, "Don't go to far back or I'll have to lend Suzy my mallet again." Causing the group to double over in laughter as Brock blushed brilliantly.
On that note, the four left to return to sleep as Ash and Misty settled back down. She smiled as Ash's arms pulled her close and she looked up to kiss him. "I'll live the rest of my life with these nightmares if it means I'll be with you." She said, resting her head on his chest.
*************
The next morning after breakfast, everyone was talking amiably around the table when the phone rang. Misty was the first to get up and pick up. She was surprised when her sisters appeared on the screen.
"Hey Misty." Daisy said. "We heard that everyone returned from that trip. Is Ash back yet?" Misty nodded and began to call him over when she noticed smiles growing on her sisters' faces and she felt arms slide around her waist. "You certainly look happy." Violet said to them and the couple blushed.
"I heard Ash had a fling there." Lilly said conspiratorially, chuckling at Ash's frantic signaling to cut it.
Misty stopped both of them though. "We've already discussed that topic." She answered.
Daisy smiled as Misty pulled Ash's hands back to her waist. "I heard that the Elite Six are holding a 'welcome home' party in a few days." Daisy told her little sister.
Misty turned to look at her boyfriend as a sheepish look took over his expression. "I completely forgot about that." He said. He smiled as another, longer forgotten, item returned to him. He turned back to see Misty starting back at him. "I would have remembered and told you both eventually." He said, backing up a step. Her frown softened and she turned back to talk with her sisters more.
Ash reentered the living room to see Brock, Jessie and James talking happily. "Did you three remember about the dance Lance set up?" He asked.
"Oh that's right." James said. "We need to start getting prepared." He turned and began to drag Jessie upstairs.
"Tell Misty we need to go shopping when she gets off the phone. I'll be up in the guest room." Jessie called as he dragged her up the stairwell.
"I will." Ash called. He turned back to Brock only to find his best friend gone.
After a minute of searching, he shrugged and turned to return to his girlfriend who, he hoped, wouldn't try to kill him during the next week. After which he was relatively sure that she wouldn't think of killing him again.
He was openly surprised to see Brock looking over Misty's shoulder, not at her sisters, whom even he admitted now were beautiful, but at the phone system.
Ash finally managed to pull Brock off Misty, letting her finish her conversation, and asked what he was doing.
"I need to call Suzy." He said urgently, tossing glances over his shoulder.
"Then I'll see you soon." Misty said. "Bye." She managed to touch the phone to its pad before being tackled by Brock trying to pick it back up.
A few minutes later found Brock holding the phone, desperately trying to remember the number of the breeding center. Ash had told Misty of Jessie's message and had smiled as she took off up the stairs.
Ash went back to see his friend and came in just as Brock typed in the last number. It rang for a while and Brock was about to give up when he heard the answer. "Hello?"
Brock turned back around and frowned at the face he saw. "Why so glum Suzy?" He asked, smiling when her face lit up.
"Brock!" She cried, nearly jumping into the screen.
"Whoa, calm down Suzy." Brock answered. "I wanted to let you know I came back."
"You called at just the right time. I had almost given up. I was headed out the door as you called." She told him.
"Good thing you decided to answer the phone." He laughed. "I'm coming home on Onix as soon as we finish."
"Bye then." She laughed. She blew him a kiss and hung up.
It took Brock a few seconds to recover. "Bye." He told the blank screen. "Thanks for having me." He said to Ash before running outside, releasing Onix and heading for Pewter.
Ash sighed as Brock raced off on his Onix, then turned back inside to see the others descending the stairs. "Where's Brock?" Jessie asked as they approached him.
"Halfway to Pewter City if he's kept his speed." Ash replied with a chuckle. As Misty placed her arms around his neck, he smiled and added. "I know how he feels."
She pulled herself up to him for a kiss. "Jessie, James, your mom and I are going to go shopping for dresses." She told him, casting a weird look at James.
"Alright then, "Ash said. "We'll all be out shopping." He answered, glancing at his mother.
She nodded and moved out of the room to tell Mimey to take care of the house. "You're coming to?" Misty asked disapprovingly.
He shook his head. "No, I've got my own thing to take care of." He answered. Delia returned from telling Mr. Mime he would be alone and the group left.
A few blocks from the mall, Ash broke from the group and after hearing him call that he'd see them back at the house, the four continued on their way, a knowing smile on Delia's face.
*******
Ash entered the jewelers shop more confidently than his previous visits. The attendant smiled as he approached. "You've returned from your trip."
Ash nodded and placed his arms on the desk. "Hopefully the last trip of that length." He said. "And definitely the last one without Misty." The man smiled and nodded towards the adjacent case, knowing what the young man wanted.
After a few moments Ash cried out, "That one!" and the man handed Ash the item he was pointing to. Ash smiled as he placed the case in his pocket. "Now I only need a tux and I can relax until the party." He said after paying. He thanked the storekeeper and exited.
****************************
Misty smiled when she entered the house and saw her boyfriend relaxing on the couch. Everyone stopped, stunned, when he set aside a book and sat up.
Delia recovered and walked up to look at the book he had set down. She gasped and he laughed nervously. "I needed something to keep me awake while I was waiting for you."
"But you would usually just watch TV." Misty protested.
"I needed to use my imagination for something." He answered. "And once night fell, I needed it completely busied." Misty and Jessie colored a little and Ash pulled Misty into a hug.
"That's all well and good." Delia said, looking at her son. "But how did you get to the fourth book?"
Misty pulled back from the kiss she was about to impart on Ash and spun out of his grasp. "Who are you and what did you do with my boyfriend!" She yelled. "I can understand reading, but not four books!"
He looked to the others for help and only got surprised looks from them all. He sighed and began to leave the room when Pikachu made his entrance. The mouse leapt onto Ash's shoulder with a 'Pika'
Misty groaned. "They got Pikachu too." Pikachu turned to Ash, confused, and saw Jessie and James. Not remembering the trip for a second, sparked before remembering and leaping off Ash's shoulder as he fell from the unexpected shock.
"Pikachu's normal." James decided.
"So is Ash." Misty said smiling as she knelt by her boyfriend and smiled to Pikachu who was looking over the edge of the table at his trainer.
______________________________
Nova, I kinda agree with you on the explanation but, while I'm not sure what you're looking for. Be assured that Misty accepts it now and the characters will talk with Misty(MT) and Todd. btw, I will be referring to both of them as 'Misty', but I will do my best to differentiate between them.
In the next chapter, Ash's plan, which I hope all of you can tell what it is. Also, the end of the 'evil chapters'.
About 6 chapters left. I'm actually happy to bring this to a close because I want to get started on 'Beginnings'. I still need more people willing to be characters. I need more female characters, I currently have 5. 5 out of 15/16 is not near an even splitting, and that's only for the good guys. For the 'rivals' it's 6.
I also need suggestions for the title of Gary/Duplica's view of this story. I am planning on writing that, but it will be much shorter than this one.
Disclaimer: See Author Profile
The six humans were taking turns telling stories about the last nine months, Ash and Brock did most of the talking. Misty was leaning against Ash on one side of the couch while Jessie and James sat on the other with Brock and Delia squeezed in the middle. Togepi and Mr. Mime sat on a chair from the other room facing the six.
The pair that had stayed in Pallet during the period, stayed quiet mostly, especially about the dance Misty had attended and Delia had eventually found out about.
Misty and Delia laughed at Ash and Brock's motto while Jessie and James grumbled. "Why can't you think up your own motto to steal?" Jesse asked angrily.
"Sorry guys." Brock answered. "Ash and I had been planning that motto since he got the last badge to enter the indigo league."
The two sighed. "I guess we're losers in everything, even having our own things." They chorused.
Ash glanced at Misty and looked up at the team. "You know guys; I'm the top in the Pokèmon world. I'm sure I could convince some people to give you a copyright for your motto." He told them.
Everyone turned and stared at him, only Jessie and James complimentarily.
"What?" Ash asked. "Is there something on my face?" He added jokingly.
Delia was the first to recover and tried to hug Ash, calling out. "My boy has become a man!" Unfortunately for Brock and Misty, Delia had been sitting next to James. Thus, Misty and Brock were smashed together uncomfortably. Ash managed to convince her to release them before he was caught up in another hug.
When Delia had finished and everyone resumed their positions on the couch, Ash looked down at his girlfriend. "Now, what was your look for?" He asked with a grin.
Misty blushed and shook her head. "I just wasn't prepared to hear that uncommon a word come from you." She answered.
"I know big, uncommon words." He teased back, sounding like a three year old. "Besides, that trip wasn't all Pokèmon battles and campfire stories." He said more maturely.
"So what else did you learn?" Misty questioned.
"A lot of things I didn't need, and would rather not, know." He answered and looked over at Brock.
"Like?" Both Misty and Delia pressed.
"Things even I think only girls should know." Brock answered for him, also blushing. The women looked around at the men and giggled, as even James began blushing in remembrance.
"I certainly hope that wasn't a conversation over the campfire." Delia said once the giggling had died down.
"No. It was one that we couldn't stop from being overheard. Continually." James answered to more giggling.
Finally the women settled down and, as Misty settled back against Ash, Jessie spoke up. "Would you really do that for us?" She asked him.
"Of course." He answered. "I go out of my way for friends, and you're definitely friends now. Just no more trying to steal Pokèmon, especially Pikachu."
They laughed for a bit, and Jessie and James recalled some of their failed attempts to capture Pikachu, Eventually Misty stretched and yawned.
"Come on Misty, it's not that late. The sun…" He paused after a glance to the window. "Didn't set that…" He was stopped again with a glance at the clock. "Wow." He finally finished. "I didn't think it was that late."
"And crying myself to sleep for the past month or so hasn't exactly been restful." Misty added, smiling at Ash's guilty expression. She sat up just enough to give him a peck on the lips. "If you don't mind me falling asleep on you, I would like to listen to more stories." He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it in answer. She settled comfortably as he wrapped his arms around her and she closed her eyes.
"Mimie." Delia called softly. The Pokèmon looked up, careful not to disturb the other sleeping in its lap. "Could you go and get the camera? This is a perfect moment." She asked and the Pokèmon agreed. Misty flinched slightly as camera reminded her of the dance she had tried to purge from her memory.
"Delia smiled as the object was brought to her and she took a picture. "I'll have to put that one with the other." She muttered.
"Which 'other one'?" Ash asked.
Delia glanced at Brock guiltily. "I'll show you when I get this one developed. "She answered, hoping her son hadn't matured enough to remember later.
Ash happily pushed it aside and began to tell of another adventure they had had while gone.
Eventually, the others drifted off, leaving Brock, Ash and Misty on the couch. Brock yawned and stood. "I'm calling it a night Ash. I think Misty's been gone for a while." He said, smiling at the couple.
Ash grinned down at her then back up to Brock. "Can you hold her so I can get up and carry her to bed?" He asked.
Brock did and was soon following Ash up the stairs to join the others in dreamland.
Ash set Misty down carefully and tucked the covers around her. He finished and set his gaze on her face. He brushed a few strands of hair from her face and just watched her breathe for a few moments before kissing her forehead and climbing to his bunk for the night. From there he looked at her face again before turning out the light and falling asleep.
*********
A few hours later, Misty awoke screaming. She swallowed and tried to relax as she felt Ash's arms move against her back
She managed to calm down enough that she only jumped when the light came on suddenly. A look to the doorway found Delia, Jessie, James, and Brock standing there worriedly. She nodded to show everything was alright and Jessie stepped forward.
"What happened?" She asked, showing unJessie-like caring.
Misty, now leaning against Ash smiled and began with a sigh, explaining the dream. As she finished she looked to Ash. "I was scared worse than before because it hasn't returned since you left." She told him, her voice lowering to a whisper.
"Almost as if Ash is the one causing it." Brock whispered to Delia.
Misty turned to Ash as she heard this, despite the volume. She rested her chin on his shoulder and whispered in his ear. "Even if you are," She paused and kissed his cheek. "I'm not going to leave you." She felt him squeeze her in answer.
The others turned to leave, but Misty called to Brock. "When'd you become such a light sleeper? When you traveled with us, you were never woken by my nightmares."
"When a call for you could mean the difference between life and death, you learn." He answered tensely. He lightened the mood when he added. "Now though, I think I'll go back to the old Brock."
They laughed and Misty added, "Don't go to far back or I'll have to lend Suzy my mallet again." Causing the group to double over in laughter as Brock blushed brilliantly.
On that note, the four left to return to sleep as Ash and Misty settled back down. She smiled as Ash's arms pulled her close and she looked up to kiss him. "I'll live the rest of my life with these nightmares if it means I'll be with you." She said, resting her head on his chest.
*************
The next morning after breakfast, everyone was talking amiably around the table when the phone rang. Misty was the first to get up and pick up. She was surprised when her sisters appeared on the screen.
"Hey Misty." Daisy said. "We heard that everyone returned from that trip. Is Ash back yet?" Misty nodded and began to call him over when she noticed smiles growing on her sisters' faces and she felt arms slide around her waist. "You certainly look happy." Violet said to them and the couple blushed.
"I heard Ash had a fling there." Lilly said conspiratorially, chuckling at Ash's frantic signaling to cut it.
Misty stopped both of them though. "We've already discussed that topic." She answered.
Daisy smiled as Misty pulled Ash's hands back to her waist. "I heard that the Elite Six are holding a 'welcome home' party in a few days." Daisy told her little sister.
Misty turned to look at her boyfriend as a sheepish look took over his expression. "I completely forgot about that." He said. He smiled as another, longer forgotten, item returned to him. He turned back to see Misty starting back at him. "I would have remembered and told you both eventually." He said, backing up a step. Her frown softened and she turned back to talk with her sisters more.
Ash reentered the living room to see Brock, Jessie and James talking happily. "Did you three remember about the dance Lance set up?" He asked.
"Oh that's right." James said. "We need to start getting prepared." He turned and began to drag Jessie upstairs.
"Tell Misty we need to go shopping when she gets off the phone. I'll be up in the guest room." Jessie called as he dragged her up the stairwell.
"I will." Ash called. He turned back to Brock only to find his best friend gone.
After a minute of searching, he shrugged and turned to return to his girlfriend who, he hoped, wouldn't try to kill him during the next week. After which he was relatively sure that she wouldn't think of killing him again.
He was openly surprised to see Brock looking over Misty's shoulder, not at her sisters, whom even he admitted now were beautiful, but at the phone system.
Ash finally managed to pull Brock off Misty, letting her finish her conversation, and asked what he was doing.
"I need to call Suzy." He said urgently, tossing glances over his shoulder.
"Then I'll see you soon." Misty said. "Bye." She managed to touch the phone to its pad before being tackled by Brock trying to pick it back up.
A few minutes later found Brock holding the phone, desperately trying to remember the number of the breeding center. Ash had told Misty of Jessie's message and had smiled as she took off up the stairs.
Ash went back to see his friend and came in just as Brock typed in the last number. It rang for a while and Brock was about to give up when he heard the answer. "Hello?"
Brock turned back around and frowned at the face he saw. "Why so glum Suzy?" He asked, smiling when her face lit up.
"Brock!" She cried, nearly jumping into the screen.
"Whoa, calm down Suzy." Brock answered. "I wanted to let you know I came back."
"You called at just the right time. I had almost given up. I was headed out the door as you called." She told him.
"Good thing you decided to answer the phone." He laughed. "I'm coming home on Onix as soon as we finish."
"Bye then." She laughed. She blew him a kiss and hung up.
It took Brock a few seconds to recover. "Bye." He told the blank screen. "Thanks for having me." He said to Ash before running outside, releasing Onix and heading for Pewter.
Ash sighed as Brock raced off on his Onix, then turned back inside to see the others descending the stairs. "Where's Brock?" Jessie asked as they approached him.
"Halfway to Pewter City if he's kept his speed." Ash replied with a chuckle. As Misty placed her arms around his neck, he smiled and added. "I know how he feels."
She pulled herself up to him for a kiss. "Jessie, James, your mom and I are going to go shopping for dresses." She told him, casting a weird look at James.
"Alright then, "Ash said. "We'll all be out shopping." He answered, glancing at his mother.
She nodded and moved out of the room to tell Mimey to take care of the house. "You're coming to?" Misty asked disapprovingly.
He shook his head. "No, I've got my own thing to take care of." He answered. Delia returned from telling Mr. Mime he would be alone and the group left.
A few blocks from the mall, Ash broke from the group and after hearing him call that he'd see them back at the house, the four continued on their way, a knowing smile on Delia's face.
*******
Ash entered the jewelers shop more confidently than his previous visits. The attendant smiled as he approached. "You've returned from your trip."
Ash nodded and placed his arms on the desk. "Hopefully the last trip of that length." He said. "And definitely the last one without Misty." The man smiled and nodded towards the adjacent case, knowing what the young man wanted.
After a few moments Ash cried out, "That one!" and the man handed Ash the item he was pointing to. Ash smiled as he placed the case in his pocket. "Now I only need a tux and I can relax until the party." He said after paying. He thanked the storekeeper and exited.
****************************
Misty smiled when she entered the house and saw her boyfriend relaxing on the couch. Everyone stopped, stunned, when he set aside a book and sat up.
Delia recovered and walked up to look at the book he had set down. She gasped and he laughed nervously. "I needed something to keep me awake while I was waiting for you."
"But you would usually just watch TV." Misty protested.
"I needed to use my imagination for something." He answered. "And once night fell, I needed it completely busied." Misty and Jessie colored a little and Ash pulled Misty into a hug.
"That's all well and good." Delia said, looking at her son. "But how did you get to the fourth book?"
Misty pulled back from the kiss she was about to impart on Ash and spun out of his grasp. "Who are you and what did you do with my boyfriend!" She yelled. "I can understand reading, but not four books!"
He looked to the others for help and only got surprised looks from them all. He sighed and began to leave the room when Pikachu made his entrance. The mouse leapt onto Ash's shoulder with a 'Pika'
Misty groaned. "They got Pikachu too." Pikachu turned to Ash, confused, and saw Jessie and James. Not remembering the trip for a second, sparked before remembering and leaping off Ash's shoulder as he fell from the unexpected shock.
"Pikachu's normal." James decided.
"So is Ash." Misty said smiling as she knelt by her boyfriend and smiled to Pikachu who was looking over the edge of the table at his trainer.
______________________________
Nova, I kinda agree with you on the explanation but, while I'm not sure what you're looking for. Be assured that Misty accepts it now and the characters will talk with Misty(MT) and Todd. btw, I will be referring to both of them as 'Misty', but I will do my best to differentiate between them.
In the next chapter, Ash's plan, which I hope all of you can tell what it is. Also, the end of the 'evil chapters'.
About 6 chapters left. I'm actually happy to bring this to a close because I want to get started on 'Beginnings'. I still need more people willing to be characters. I need more female characters, I currently have 5. 5 out of 15/16 is not near an even splitting, and that's only for the good guys. For the 'rivals' it's 6.
I also need suggestions for the title of Gary/Duplica's view of this story. I am planning on writing that, but it will be much shorter than this one.
Disclaimer: See Author Profile