"What's up Venonat?" Bugsy asked when the bug began jumping wildly and
pointing behind them.
"Rockets behind us?" Ash said. "Stay here. Brock they've got a Hypno." He continued.
The two men made their way to the back of the group and attempted to take the group by surprise, but their Hypno had warned them and Ash and Brock found both Raticate and Primeape waiting for them.
"Well twerps, you found us." Cassidy sneered.
"But can you defeat us with your little Pikachu and Vulpix?" Butch added.
"Sure we can." Ash shouted back. He felt Pikachu climbing out of his backpack, angry that his rest had been interrupted by these two.
"Vul." The fox said and stepped in front of her master and was joined by Pikachu.
The fight that ensued could barely be called that as it only took one strike for Pikachu and Vulpix to work together and defeat Butch and Cassidy's Pokèmon.
The pairs called their Pokèmon back, Butch and Cassidy's to their Pokèballs, and the team turned to run. "You'll never take down all of Team Rocket." Cassidy called.
"Pikachu stop them." Ash commanded. The mouse ran forward before shooting a bolt of lightning towards the duo.
They only laughed as the bolt was reflected back and the champions were forced to dive out of the way. "Better luck next time." Butch called.
Ash groaned as he pulled himself from the bushes and picked up Pikachu. "They got away." He grumbled to Brock.
"They're wrong about us not being able to take them down." Brock said and pushed the brush away to head back to the group.
"How'd it go?" Lance asked when they arrived.
The look Ash gave him answered for him as he took up the front. "Come on, we have another defeat to hand them." He ordered.
The others fell in as Brock, Gary, Misty stepped beside him. "What's wrong?" Gary asked.
"We need to show them we mean business. We need to defeat them and show the world we won't put up with thieves and criminals." Ash answered.
The group hurried on and found another base. After Gary and Chuck's performance of the motto, Brock and Jasmine directed their Pokèmon to the destruction of the building and Bugsy pulled Ash aside.
"How did you know Venonat was warning us about the two behind us?" He asked. "I couldn't even understand her until you left to fight them."
"I'm not sure how I understood her. I would say Pikachu, but he didn't say anything either." He answered. "I don't know how I can understand them though. With my Pokèmon, I understand what they mean simply because I've spent so much time with them." He turned back to the group as a cloud of dust announced the collapse of the final wall. 'I can understand Steelix and Onix too. This is too weird' He thought.
"Interesting. I think you'd become more than a Pokèmon Master if you let this get out. You'll be an experiment for the most intelligent minds in the world." Bugsy answered and retreated when Ash glared at him.
*******
"Arrrrrg." Ash called as another base was taken down without finding their leader. He called to Bugsy to lead and stomped after, almost leaving the others behind. "Come on."
Brock ran to catch up to him. "Ash, you need to calm down." He called.
Ash shoved the hand that had been placed on his shoulder. "It's been three months since we left." He shouted as he turned and glared at his friend. "Those that haven't already given us up for dead are wondering what happened to us. We thought this would take a month. We took down the first base within a week. We never thought there was more than one."
Lance and Gary stepped up beside Brock. "How do you think it is for us?" Lance asked.
Ash sighed and turned back, nodding for Bugsy to lead more slowly. "I know you want to get back to Suzy, but she wouldn't worry about you like Rikka does." He said when Brock moved into step beside him.
"You two aren't the only ones with a girlfriend waiting for you." Gary added as the group moved to their normal formation.
"Huh." Ash answered, almost stopping in surprise. "What do you mean?"
"Brock and I have girls waiting just as patiently for us to return as Rikka is. I wouldn't be surprised if they talk every day to find if any of us have returned to the other." Gary said.
"So you fixed it up with Duplica?" Ash taunted.
Gary turned angrily. "Duplica still dislikes that I would like Rikka" He taunted back.
Ash regretted his words. "Sorry Gary, it's just that, I'm sure Duplica and Suzy worry about you two, but they wouldn't worry like Rikka would. We've been together almost continually since I was ten. This is the first extended period of time that we've been apart." He explained.
"I guess, but we vowed at the beginning of this journey to take down Team Rocket in anyway we could, no matter how long it takes." Gary answered with a grin.
"I know." Ash answered, the fire back in his eyes. "That's why I want to get done with this." He raced off to follow the rest of the group, who had left the three to argue.
*****
Misty sighed and looked down to where Togepi was resting in her lap. She looked back out the window and jumped when Meowth patted her leg in an attempt to comfort her. "Thanks Meowth." She sighed. "Brock's birthday has passed and they still haven't returned."
"I know. Don't worry though. Ash is the strongest Pokèmon trainer alive and Gary and the Elite Five are with him. I'm sure they all brought their strongest Pokèmon too." Meowth answered.
She smiled back to the cat. "I know, but I'm worried about them. What could have happened to them?"
"Yea." Meowth answered as he and Meowsie leapt to the windowsill to watch with Misty.
*****
Ash sighed at Pikachu, who had woken up and was currently chasing Rattatta from the clearing. "I wish I could tell you that we're close to finishing, Misty. But the truth is, I can't even tell if we're being led in circles. Surge's Magnemite tells us we aren't, but I can't be sure. This is such a big island if we aren't." He paused and looked to the ground. "And I'm not sure if I even should come home when we do defeat their leader. I don't know what's happening to me with this ability to understand Pokèmon. I don't know if I'm safe. Other than Bugsy, Sabrina, and Will, I don't think anyone knows about it, but it scares me." He stopped and turned to Pikachu, still laughing as he chased the Rattatta around. "I wish I could be as carefree as Pikachu, like I used to be, the boy you fell in love with." He said wistfully.
He jumped when Pikachu cried out and he saw Misty standing there. "What are you doing here?" He asked her as she approached.
"I've listened in on a few of your conversations with Rikka." She answered, sitting beside him on the rock, grinning when he blushed.
"I should go back to camp." Ash stuttered.
"Why do you always run when I show myself?" She asked, holding his hand to the rock.
Ash's blush grew further and he struggled against her grip. Pikachu came to the rescue with a thundershock, but Misty, even unconscious, kept a firm grip on his arm. He began pulling her towards camp until he thought again. Camp would be a very bad place to take her in this state and he couldn't exactly carry her back to the river. Either the other women would be there or they wouldn't, either situation would end up with him in the same boat, though one would render him unconscious too.
He returned to the rock, careful to move Misty where she wouldn't complain when she did get up.
"Pika. Pikachu cha." Pikachu asked from his other side. Ash was grateful for the distraction while he was forced to stay.
"I know it's not a bad thing I can understand you, but it's not just that. I've noticed my senses getting stronger, like my hearing is approaching yours. And I think that I'm using sweet scent somehow too. Everyone looks at me weird when I tell them I don't have cologne on whenever they ask. I can see in the dark even better than Falkner who spent lots of time with his Hoot-Hoot. I'm practically becoming my Pokèmon." He explained.
"Pika." His companion responded. "Pika, Pikachu?"
"What?" He exclaimed. He calmed down and answered. "No, I'm scared that others will think I'm a freak if I start conversing with Pokèmon." He paused as his Pokèmon collapsed to the ground in laughter. "I mean really converse." He yelled.
"What are you talking about?" Misty asked as she returned to the world.
"Huh?" Ash answered. "Great, now the whole team will know."
"Ash. What are you talking about?" Misty commanded again.
"My abilities. You said you listened to me talking to M, Rikka before." He yelled back.
"Stop shouting or everyone else will know." She ordered. "Now, I have heard you talking to Rikka about this before, do you think I've waited for so long for a reason. I know how worried you are about changing into a Pokèmon and it worrying her. But I know about it and I don't think you're a freak." She paused and moved closer to him. "I think it even makes you more desirable." She teased and surprised him as she placed her lips on his in a kiss.
He quickly pushed her away, then grabbing her back to prevent her from falling. "Sorry Misty, but I love Rikka, even if she rejects me for what I'm becoming, I will only love her. Not you."
Misty sat back, pulling her hand free from Ash's and turned away as if to cry. "Misty." Ash said.
"No, if you won't love me then that's the way it is." She cried and moved as if to run off. Ash grabbed her arm and she turned suddenly, surprising Ash and Pikachu when she tackled him to the ground. "Now you're really trapped." She teased.
Ash tensed and glanced about for any way to save himself when a voice entered. "Well, we didn't think this was what you two were doing."
Both teens looked around to see Karen looming over them. Ash hurriedly stood, pulling Misty beside him. "It's not what you think." He said quickly.
"Sure looked like it." Karen answered as Misty pulled the towel tighter around herself. "If it wasn't what I think, what was it?" She asked him.
"It. I." Ash said as he fumbled for words that seemed as elusive to him as the Pokèmon in the Safari Zone had been.
"Nothing happened." Misty answered for him. "I." She said before dropping her gaze to her feet. "I was trying to seduce him." She admitted.
Karen nodded after a moment of looking between the two and an occasional glance to Pikachu. "Alright, both of you get back to camp. It's not safe to be alone here. Team Rocket could be lurking anywhere. Take Umbreon since you don't seem to have your Pokèballs with you." She ordered, holding out the ball containing the fox. When Misty seemed hesitant she added. "It's female don't worry."
Misty nodded and took the offered Pokèball before turning back to the river. Karen turned back to Ash who had stayed silent since his inability to speak. "Is that what happened?"
Ash jerked as if just waking up and nodded. "Yea. I even told her I would only love Rikka before she did that." He answered. "Just ask Pikachu." He added and quickly covered his mouth. Karen didn't notice and led the way back to camp.
*****
Night had fallen and the group was gathered around the campfire. Except one. Ash. He sat sullenly away from the others, lost in thought until someone broke into his thoughts. 'It might help if you tell the others about it.' Sabrina told him.
Ash sighed and formed his answer in his thoughts. 'I know, but I don't really want to.'
Sabrina nodded and allowed him the privacy he wanted. He needed to think the situation on his own.
******
Dawn was a short way off when the champions broke camp and got ready to head out again for another base they had spotted in the distance.
Ash finished packing his things and called Pikachu and the other two in when Misty approached him.
"Could we talk?" She asked quietly. Ash looked at her for a moment and nodded, indicating for Pikachu to wait with the group.
"Alright." Ash asked when they entered a small clearing just a rock throw away from the other.
"I just wanted to say I'm sorry about yesterday. I know now that you won't be pulled away from Misty by anything." She said, carefully keeping from meeting his gaze. "I probably destroyed any chance of us even being friends. I." She faltered and began to cry. "I just want to touch your cheek one more time." She finished. When Ash didn't respond, she moved forward and tried to place a kiss on his cheek, but Ash moved away.
Misty turned back and began to cry openly, only bothering to hold in her sobs. She was surprised when Ash pulled her into his chest and allowed her to cry into his shirt. "We can be friends." He whispered as he stroked her hair.
When she pulled away he smiled down on her and she returned the expression. Then she was surprised again when Ash lifted her chin with his finger and pressed his lips to hers. She quickly took the kiss in and returned it, her mind working furiously at what changed.
Back at camp, Brock, Gary and Pikachu moved to follow the two, as they were ready to move on. They pushed through the brush and three jaws dropped as they saw Ash and Misty. They stayed for a few seconds, expecting the kiss to be broken. When it didn't, Brock indicated for Gary to turn and head back to camp. They would leave the two alone for the time being.
__________________________
MUHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA. I took an extra chapter to get it in, but I did. Is Ash leaving 'Rikka' for Misty?
Nova. I did find the author and read the story. I think the author posted another story and I picked up on the name.
I'm probably not pointing it out much right now, but Misty is attempting to win using only her water Pokèmon, that was the reason she didn't put Pidgeot into a Pokèball, I imagined that he would also want to spend time w/his family.
Just a comment about people commenting on how long this story is. If you think this is long, look at Panabelle's "Petrified Tears".
The title is reference to what's happening to Ash.
Disclaimer: See Author Profile
"Rockets behind us?" Ash said. "Stay here. Brock they've got a Hypno." He continued.
The two men made their way to the back of the group and attempted to take the group by surprise, but their Hypno had warned them and Ash and Brock found both Raticate and Primeape waiting for them.
"Well twerps, you found us." Cassidy sneered.
"But can you defeat us with your little Pikachu and Vulpix?" Butch added.
"Sure we can." Ash shouted back. He felt Pikachu climbing out of his backpack, angry that his rest had been interrupted by these two.
"Vul." The fox said and stepped in front of her master and was joined by Pikachu.
The fight that ensued could barely be called that as it only took one strike for Pikachu and Vulpix to work together and defeat Butch and Cassidy's Pokèmon.
The pairs called their Pokèmon back, Butch and Cassidy's to their Pokèballs, and the team turned to run. "You'll never take down all of Team Rocket." Cassidy called.
"Pikachu stop them." Ash commanded. The mouse ran forward before shooting a bolt of lightning towards the duo.
They only laughed as the bolt was reflected back and the champions were forced to dive out of the way. "Better luck next time." Butch called.
Ash groaned as he pulled himself from the bushes and picked up Pikachu. "They got away." He grumbled to Brock.
"They're wrong about us not being able to take them down." Brock said and pushed the brush away to head back to the group.
"How'd it go?" Lance asked when they arrived.
The look Ash gave him answered for him as he took up the front. "Come on, we have another defeat to hand them." He ordered.
The others fell in as Brock, Gary, Misty stepped beside him. "What's wrong?" Gary asked.
"We need to show them we mean business. We need to defeat them and show the world we won't put up with thieves and criminals." Ash answered.
The group hurried on and found another base. After Gary and Chuck's performance of the motto, Brock and Jasmine directed their Pokèmon to the destruction of the building and Bugsy pulled Ash aside.
"How did you know Venonat was warning us about the two behind us?" He asked. "I couldn't even understand her until you left to fight them."
"I'm not sure how I understood her. I would say Pikachu, but he didn't say anything either." He answered. "I don't know how I can understand them though. With my Pokèmon, I understand what they mean simply because I've spent so much time with them." He turned back to the group as a cloud of dust announced the collapse of the final wall. 'I can understand Steelix and Onix too. This is too weird' He thought.
"Interesting. I think you'd become more than a Pokèmon Master if you let this get out. You'll be an experiment for the most intelligent minds in the world." Bugsy answered and retreated when Ash glared at him.
*******
"Arrrrrg." Ash called as another base was taken down without finding their leader. He called to Bugsy to lead and stomped after, almost leaving the others behind. "Come on."
Brock ran to catch up to him. "Ash, you need to calm down." He called.
Ash shoved the hand that had been placed on his shoulder. "It's been three months since we left." He shouted as he turned and glared at his friend. "Those that haven't already given us up for dead are wondering what happened to us. We thought this would take a month. We took down the first base within a week. We never thought there was more than one."
Lance and Gary stepped up beside Brock. "How do you think it is for us?" Lance asked.
Ash sighed and turned back, nodding for Bugsy to lead more slowly. "I know you want to get back to Suzy, but she wouldn't worry about you like Rikka does." He said when Brock moved into step beside him.
"You two aren't the only ones with a girlfriend waiting for you." Gary added as the group moved to their normal formation.
"Huh." Ash answered, almost stopping in surprise. "What do you mean?"
"Brock and I have girls waiting just as patiently for us to return as Rikka is. I wouldn't be surprised if they talk every day to find if any of us have returned to the other." Gary said.
"So you fixed it up with Duplica?" Ash taunted.
Gary turned angrily. "Duplica still dislikes that I would like Rikka" He taunted back.
Ash regretted his words. "Sorry Gary, it's just that, I'm sure Duplica and Suzy worry about you two, but they wouldn't worry like Rikka would. We've been together almost continually since I was ten. This is the first extended period of time that we've been apart." He explained.
"I guess, but we vowed at the beginning of this journey to take down Team Rocket in anyway we could, no matter how long it takes." Gary answered with a grin.
"I know." Ash answered, the fire back in his eyes. "That's why I want to get done with this." He raced off to follow the rest of the group, who had left the three to argue.
*****
Misty sighed and looked down to where Togepi was resting in her lap. She looked back out the window and jumped when Meowth patted her leg in an attempt to comfort her. "Thanks Meowth." She sighed. "Brock's birthday has passed and they still haven't returned."
"I know. Don't worry though. Ash is the strongest Pokèmon trainer alive and Gary and the Elite Five are with him. I'm sure they all brought their strongest Pokèmon too." Meowth answered.
She smiled back to the cat. "I know, but I'm worried about them. What could have happened to them?"
"Yea." Meowth answered as he and Meowsie leapt to the windowsill to watch with Misty.
*****
Ash sighed at Pikachu, who had woken up and was currently chasing Rattatta from the clearing. "I wish I could tell you that we're close to finishing, Misty. But the truth is, I can't even tell if we're being led in circles. Surge's Magnemite tells us we aren't, but I can't be sure. This is such a big island if we aren't." He paused and looked to the ground. "And I'm not sure if I even should come home when we do defeat their leader. I don't know what's happening to me with this ability to understand Pokèmon. I don't know if I'm safe. Other than Bugsy, Sabrina, and Will, I don't think anyone knows about it, but it scares me." He stopped and turned to Pikachu, still laughing as he chased the Rattatta around. "I wish I could be as carefree as Pikachu, like I used to be, the boy you fell in love with." He said wistfully.
He jumped when Pikachu cried out and he saw Misty standing there. "What are you doing here?" He asked her as she approached.
"I've listened in on a few of your conversations with Rikka." She answered, sitting beside him on the rock, grinning when he blushed.
"I should go back to camp." Ash stuttered.
"Why do you always run when I show myself?" She asked, holding his hand to the rock.
Ash's blush grew further and he struggled against her grip. Pikachu came to the rescue with a thundershock, but Misty, even unconscious, kept a firm grip on his arm. He began pulling her towards camp until he thought again. Camp would be a very bad place to take her in this state and he couldn't exactly carry her back to the river. Either the other women would be there or they wouldn't, either situation would end up with him in the same boat, though one would render him unconscious too.
He returned to the rock, careful to move Misty where she wouldn't complain when she did get up.
"Pika. Pikachu cha." Pikachu asked from his other side. Ash was grateful for the distraction while he was forced to stay.
"I know it's not a bad thing I can understand you, but it's not just that. I've noticed my senses getting stronger, like my hearing is approaching yours. And I think that I'm using sweet scent somehow too. Everyone looks at me weird when I tell them I don't have cologne on whenever they ask. I can see in the dark even better than Falkner who spent lots of time with his Hoot-Hoot. I'm practically becoming my Pokèmon." He explained.
"Pika." His companion responded. "Pika, Pikachu?"
"What?" He exclaimed. He calmed down and answered. "No, I'm scared that others will think I'm a freak if I start conversing with Pokèmon." He paused as his Pokèmon collapsed to the ground in laughter. "I mean really converse." He yelled.
"What are you talking about?" Misty asked as she returned to the world.
"Huh?" Ash answered. "Great, now the whole team will know."
"Ash. What are you talking about?" Misty commanded again.
"My abilities. You said you listened to me talking to M, Rikka before." He yelled back.
"Stop shouting or everyone else will know." She ordered. "Now, I have heard you talking to Rikka about this before, do you think I've waited for so long for a reason. I know how worried you are about changing into a Pokèmon and it worrying her. But I know about it and I don't think you're a freak." She paused and moved closer to him. "I think it even makes you more desirable." She teased and surprised him as she placed her lips on his in a kiss.
He quickly pushed her away, then grabbing her back to prevent her from falling. "Sorry Misty, but I love Rikka, even if she rejects me for what I'm becoming, I will only love her. Not you."
Misty sat back, pulling her hand free from Ash's and turned away as if to cry. "Misty." Ash said.
"No, if you won't love me then that's the way it is." She cried and moved as if to run off. Ash grabbed her arm and she turned suddenly, surprising Ash and Pikachu when she tackled him to the ground. "Now you're really trapped." She teased.
Ash tensed and glanced about for any way to save himself when a voice entered. "Well, we didn't think this was what you two were doing."
Both teens looked around to see Karen looming over them. Ash hurriedly stood, pulling Misty beside him. "It's not what you think." He said quickly.
"Sure looked like it." Karen answered as Misty pulled the towel tighter around herself. "If it wasn't what I think, what was it?" She asked him.
"It. I." Ash said as he fumbled for words that seemed as elusive to him as the Pokèmon in the Safari Zone had been.
"Nothing happened." Misty answered for him. "I." She said before dropping her gaze to her feet. "I was trying to seduce him." She admitted.
Karen nodded after a moment of looking between the two and an occasional glance to Pikachu. "Alright, both of you get back to camp. It's not safe to be alone here. Team Rocket could be lurking anywhere. Take Umbreon since you don't seem to have your Pokèballs with you." She ordered, holding out the ball containing the fox. When Misty seemed hesitant she added. "It's female don't worry."
Misty nodded and took the offered Pokèball before turning back to the river. Karen turned back to Ash who had stayed silent since his inability to speak. "Is that what happened?"
Ash jerked as if just waking up and nodded. "Yea. I even told her I would only love Rikka before she did that." He answered. "Just ask Pikachu." He added and quickly covered his mouth. Karen didn't notice and led the way back to camp.
*****
Night had fallen and the group was gathered around the campfire. Except one. Ash. He sat sullenly away from the others, lost in thought until someone broke into his thoughts. 'It might help if you tell the others about it.' Sabrina told him.
Ash sighed and formed his answer in his thoughts. 'I know, but I don't really want to.'
Sabrina nodded and allowed him the privacy he wanted. He needed to think the situation on his own.
******
Dawn was a short way off when the champions broke camp and got ready to head out again for another base they had spotted in the distance.
Ash finished packing his things and called Pikachu and the other two in when Misty approached him.
"Could we talk?" She asked quietly. Ash looked at her for a moment and nodded, indicating for Pikachu to wait with the group.
"Alright." Ash asked when they entered a small clearing just a rock throw away from the other.
"I just wanted to say I'm sorry about yesterday. I know now that you won't be pulled away from Misty by anything." She said, carefully keeping from meeting his gaze. "I probably destroyed any chance of us even being friends. I." She faltered and began to cry. "I just want to touch your cheek one more time." She finished. When Ash didn't respond, she moved forward and tried to place a kiss on his cheek, but Ash moved away.
Misty turned back and began to cry openly, only bothering to hold in her sobs. She was surprised when Ash pulled her into his chest and allowed her to cry into his shirt. "We can be friends." He whispered as he stroked her hair.
When she pulled away he smiled down on her and she returned the expression. Then she was surprised again when Ash lifted her chin with his finger and pressed his lips to hers. She quickly took the kiss in and returned it, her mind working furiously at what changed.
Back at camp, Brock, Gary and Pikachu moved to follow the two, as they were ready to move on. They pushed through the brush and three jaws dropped as they saw Ash and Misty. They stayed for a few seconds, expecting the kiss to be broken. When it didn't, Brock indicated for Gary to turn and head back to camp. They would leave the two alone for the time being.
__________________________
MUHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA. I took an extra chapter to get it in, but I did. Is Ash leaving 'Rikka' for Misty?
Nova. I did find the author and read the story. I think the author posted another story and I picked up on the name.
I'm probably not pointing it out much right now, but Misty is attempting to win using only her water Pokèmon, that was the reason she didn't put Pidgeot into a Pokèball, I imagined that he would also want to spend time w/his family.
Just a comment about people commenting on how long this story is. If you think this is long, look at Panabelle's "Petrified Tears".
The title is reference to what's happening to Ash.
Disclaimer: See Author Profile