AFTERMATH OF THE AFTERLIFE
Chapter 1: Brock
This is the first official chapter of this very sad and dark fic. Again, warnings about various topics as said in the first chapter come here, the main focus is on loss of family, friends and death. This also suggests my version of what happened on Valencia Island.
* * * *
This isn't the first time.
I stand here, above the coffin of Ash Ketchum, my surrogate brother and son, all rolled into one.
The crowds, the clouds, the rain, the tears.
The people surrounding me, all know Ash, but very few knew him as well as I did.
Why does it happen to those I care about?
It seems to be cursed if you are a member of the Slate family. Whether by birth or by friendship…and in my case, love.
My beloved wife, Suzanne, by my side, is clinging on to me, as she seeks comfort, when in reality, you'd think it would be the other way round.
It's strange all those years ago, the amount of times I've flirted, to seek that perfection I've always wanted, Misty called me the real Jekyll & Hyde, one half Buddhist monk, one half Striptease extra.
Now, I guess the darkness of my heart and soul makes up for that quite well.
(Flashback)
When I first met Ash, it was a moment of conflict. Yes, you may say is it in the script for all gym leaders to terrorize their opponents. Heh, well in my case, it was simply about respect. I was the first hurdle to many trainers on their journey, and damned was I going to lose any respect to these young rookies.
But Ash was different. He saw his strategy fail and he went to improve on it, his never say die and never give up attitude showed the remarkable energy in this young boy. A reason why I joined him because I knew that my life would change for the better, not just in breeding, but life in general.
It was a happy and sad day when I left Ash. Happy because I knew and he knew how happy I would be in resurrecting my dream of the study of pokemon breeding. Sad, because after over a year of companionship with Ash and Misty, I would be leaving.
So, my life was about to take it's first bumpy road, and a chapter that not even Ash and Misty knew about until much later in my life.
(flashback)
"Brock, how's the Butterfree?" Thrush, one of the triplets said. Obviously, even with my girl-enhancement senses, I wasn't into them. Either the old, young, evil (i.e. Jessie) or just ugly didn't go into my senses. These three went into the last one.
But it was still work, and it was a family. Although at times, I felt I was being taken advantage of at times.
Still, at least I had Ivy.
"It's great, the poison berries melted in with the food have helped it cure that Beedril sting." I said.
"Hmmm…must have come from one of the neighbouring islands…" a heavenly deep voice called.
Falena Ivy. God, she was beautiful. A professor that young, not only was she gorgeous but she was a perfect model of how a woman should be physically and intellectually. And she didn't have any of that snappiness that other visions of perfection have bestowed on me.
Or at least, so I thought, but more on that in a minute.
"The element of bug pokemon on Valencia Island is high for Beedril's to spawn, but this poison is reminiscent of the bugs on Mandarin or even Pinkin Island to remain different to the ones here." Ivy said, reading off her board.
I felt myself go red, but held myself in. In this line of work, one has to be a professional.
"Professor Ivy, don't worry, a liquidised berry will heal it up fine." Brock said as my Zubat flew by perched on my shoulder as I fed it a treat. My pokemon now generally were out of their pokeballs most of the time…well, except for Onix for obvious reasons.
"That's good Brock." Ivy smiled and sniffed. "Is Dinner on the go?"
"Yes professor. It's will be a beautiful lunch…" (Just like you, I did not add) I said.
"As always. Brock, you have no idea how appreciative I am of this…" Ivy said.
This moment next I thought I would treasure for the rest of my life. The key word is thought, but I'll digress.
"….for payment for the work you've done in the last couple of months, how about I'll take you out for dinner this Friday?" she said.
My mouth went yes, whilst my brain went 'Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god!' Neither came out initially, but eventually a weak stutter from my mouth was confirmed as a yes.
Ivy smiled. The triplets moaned.
"Oh, does that mean…" Thrush said.
"…that we have to fend…" Maple continued.
"…for ourselves?" Clover finished.
Ivy nodded and giggled. "It's just for one night…" she said.
In my head, I was saying 'One night is all I'll need to work my charm with Professor Ivy.'
Unfortunately, how wrong I was…
* * * *
The evening started as I hoped, I gave her some flowers, in a gesture that I wouldn't make again until I found a really special girl, which would turn out to be a future wife in Suzie. The restaurant that Ivy had chosen was one of the 'in' places of Valencia, and as Ivy was one of the most respected figures in Pokemon physiology, it wasn't a problem for her getting a reservation.
Soon, we made general chit-chat. We both found out things about each other that we hadn't in two months of work. I finally found out her first name, Felina, which was appropriate with her wiles and claws, as I would soon find out. I talked about my journey, Ash and Misty…
…and then, for some reason, I began talking about my friendship with Suzie.
Believe it or not, I actually did keep up with Suzie via e-mail, and every chance I could, I used their computer to try and keep in touch. However, considering how busy that they were, it was hardly available. Even during that huge water storm last month, she and the good Professor Oak had to discuss the possibilities to stop it, saying things about Pokemon and how it's affect would cause.
I didn't learn until a few years later that Ash actually helped stop that.
As soon as I mentioned her name, Ivy seemed to change. Despite my over-loved ways (and as Misty once said, my not so over-looked eyesight), I did have a good perception on a person's feelings, and what is going on mind. And the slight scowl on Ivy's face made me wonder what was happening.
"Ivy, what's the matter?" I said.
"Huh? Oh nothing Brock, it's nothing." She said back.
Nothing my steely buttocks. It was obvious that some sort of unknown rivalry between them, which I wouldn't learn until I married Suzie 8 years later. My assumption was some sort of rivalry, but this comment about my idol immediately began my doom.
After the meal (and mostly pleasant conversation), we returned back to Ivy's lab. However, Ivy herself said this to me.
"Don't mention that name again in my presence Brock, O.K?" and walked in without another word.
I didn't have to ask who she was on about, but I still had to wonder what the heck was going on?
From then on, a slight change came between the relationship between Ivy and myself. On the outside, she was still her heart-warming self, especially with relationship with the sisters. However, I knew on the inside she was still watching me, making sure that I didn't make a wrong move.
Not only did she become significant radar, but also it seemed that little by little, she was increasing my workload. Now, for an experienced breeder that isn't too much of a problem, but the fact was that she and the triplets were doing less and less, and I was doing more. And every time I made the slightest slip-up, she got angry. I understand that a professor of her stature demands perfection, but the fact that I wasn't half as experienced as she was, and yet I was doing most of the workload began to anger me.
I was missing my family lots, but the computer was never near me again, and I couldn't write to my family…or Ash and Misty.
Finally, one night, I snapped.
* * * *
I was alone outside, feeding a selection of Vileplume….but that was after being bitten by a Raticate, treating my Onix and Vulpix after a cheeky Marril thought it would be fun to surf the shoreline, being smashed on the head by a fallen Pineco (a future pokemon of mine) and bashed by a tackling Eevee.
Truth, I was not in the best of moods, and it was past midnight. Even Ivy called it a night at that point.
Or so I thought. Turned out she had more plans for me.
"Brock…ah, there you are. Listen Brock, I know it's late but I think you're strong and capable. Up the cliff side, there is a damaged spearow, with a broken wing. If it drops, it's done for. Can you…."
I held in my hands the same Spearow. It's wing fixed.
Ivy was astonished. "How did you…"
"I had Onix scout the territory for possible pokemon injuries on the island. Or rather, specific ones…"
Here was my trump ones.
"….like ones you planted so you could force me to work more."
On the spearow's leg was a ring, one attached to all Ivy's patients when Nurse Joy has too much work to do. With Ivy around, my feelings for all the Joys became non-existent.
However, this moment in the move changed my feelings about her. Instead of the healthy intellectual female professor I thought I knew, I saw a slave-driving, seductress.
"Why Ivy? Do you think I am so much an idiot that I can't see what is going around me? You think that my work load had to be tripled because of some unknown rivalry you have from one of my friends? You think I like being a slave…I accepted my workload because it reminded me of my family, and yet you've kept me from seeing my family or hearing a single world since I've arrived here!"
Ivy looked shellshocked. I bet she didn't expect me to be this in tune with things.
"Brock…" she started, but I cut her off.
"I may be trying to become the worlds best pokemon breeder, and a lot of what I've done I've loved here." I turned my back on her and said what was soon to be some of my final words to her.
"But I didn't want to learn to be taken advantage of…and not receive any of those feelings back. Today, I learned that the hard way."
I walked away.
"Tonight, I'm packing my stuff and leaving on the first ship back to the mainland of Kanto. From there, I'll head over to Pallet Town, my second home as if it will, because it seems this will never be my home now."
With one last look at her, and a small tear in my eye, I finished my statement.
"Goodbye, Ivy."
And that chapter of my life had been completed.
* * * *
All attempts of communication from Ivy to me I had ignored. Almost everyone tried to get what had happened on Valencia off me, but no-one, not Samuel Oak, Delilah Ketchum, Tracey, Misty or Ash, could get it off my tongue. A few years later, in a drunk tale after my first wife Willamena died with Ash, was the first time I broke my silence.
I guess this is a good time in my tale to talk about the second sad chapter of my life.
I first met Willamena during the journey through the Johto league. We found a female Marril and of course, I noticed a beautiful girl before I noticed the pokemon, but hey, it's instinct. Amazingly though, when I introduced myself with what Misty calls my 'pathetic routine', she didn't shun me away immediately. What surprised me even more what that we did seem to be getting along quite cosily, heck even Ash noticed so it must have been more obvious than I thought.
When Misty returned Marril to her, she did invite us to stay at her country house, and although I really did want to, Ash, the poor deformed idiot…had to carry on. I thought I would never see her again, I put it quite well that it was a lose-lose situation for her and myself, even though I did feel close to her.
That changed about 2 years after I last saw her….
* * * *
(flashback)
I had returned to Pewter City. Now, at this point, Ash had very kindly given (not loaned, as other companies had pointed out when I tried any attempt at getting money) me a starting balance to get my breeding centre started. Ash' winnings over the Orange and Johto leagues, plus his job as being Lance' replacement in the Elite Four made him a very wealthy young man, but as he put it, apart from spending it on Misty, (poor fool) he didn't really have any need for wealth, and he considered it payment to me for all the times I fed him on the road.
As Pewter is quite an easily get to town, and the fact it is an early stop for trainers, I actually got quite a good start in business. My family helped out (it was great seeing them again, some had started their own journeys now, others actually wanted to follow in my footsteps, it was touching, and my father handled the gym with expertise as well) now and then, and supplies from a lot of my old friends, including Suzie, A.J and Lara Laramie (who are now married to the huge surprise of myself…), got me off to a good starting point.
I began to develop with my income, and wanted to expand. It was then when I met her again.
I was at the desk, going through the plans to my expansion. It turned out that the company I was asking to develop this were among the top highing ranked companies of redevelopment, and they were well trusted. However, as expected, they weren't cheap.
To compete with the Laramie Clan, and indeed the Su-Zane Breeding Centre (more on that later), I had to expand. I myself was getting a good reputation, but with my friendly rivals with much more experience, I had to keep up.
It was when the company, Rustate Industries, sent their reprehensive, I had to blink twice.
"Brock, someone from Rustate is here to see you!" my brother Timmy had called, taking care of my Pineco. (For some reason, he never self-destructed around other people, just me. Go figure.)
"Thanks, Timmy, can you bring him in please?" I said.
"Actually, it's a girl." Timmy said, I could almost hear his smile. Yep, my family had gotten round to my girl-loving ways, most likely from Misty, and I think I saw the look of fear in the Pewter's Nurse Joy eyes every time I went in for some supplies.
I hastily improved the way I looked, although my professional outlook remained the same. I still blushed every time a cute girl came in, but I knew that my old ways would scare off possible customers.
But when she came in, with an Azumarill by her side, I gasped.
And the strange thing was, she did as well.
"Will-a-men-na?" I stuttered, not able to take my eyes off her, dressed in a business suit which fitted her form incredibly well.
She too was surprised. I guess she knew about the breeding centre, but didn't know that I was the one running it. "Brock…is that you? Oh wow!"
I smiled from ear to ear. "Same here. I can't believe it." I stepped up and shook her hand. "You're the rep from Rustate?" I said, genuinely surprised.
She nodded. "Yep. It's my families business, I've kept in the family tradition. Hey, Azumarril, you remember Brock?"
"Zu!" the evolved Marill nodded.
"Well, er, well this is a surprise, but shall we talk business now?" I said, nervous, but as I said, I still had a job to do.
"Of course Brock, although seeing you now does make me want to know what you've been doing for the last few years since I last saw you…" she said.
"Of course." Brock said.
* * * *
The next few hours were very pleasant. First, we did have a serious conversation about the expansion of my breeding centre so that it was Pokemon centre length and dexterity. The price however, was quite high, but Willamena did suggest a discount for me, which surprised me, however there was a catch.
No, nothing like a huge interest rate or a loan, rather, buying her dinner later than night, where we could mix business with pleasure.
Now I was nervous.
So to prepare for tonight, I had to meet someone who knew how to deal with women, and could act mature and calm under pressure. Sadly, I had Ash.
In the Pallet home, Ash was 15 years old, and had basically declared his love for Misty a few months ago. It was amazingly to see Misty's face. Now Ash may be dense, but after finally realising this, his relationship was very strong, stronger than people twice his age could testify for.
So going for advice wasn't exactly the worst idea in the world I had.
"You're going out with Willamena? Wow, you haven't seen her in years!" Ash said.
"I know…it's just that ever since, well, I still can't talk about it, but I'm so nervous! What do I say? I mean, she could be my business partner, but what else can I talk about…"
"Relax, relax Brock-o!" Ash said, with that little nickname he came up with. Mind you, with all the nicknames Misty calls Ash, I guess 'Brock-o' isn't that bad.
"It's simple. Just be yourself. Be calm, breathe when your body demands air, set your mind to slightly above normal, and whatever you do, make sure you have a good time tonight, because I know you will." He said.
"Pikachu." Agreed his fave pokemon, still perched on his head.
I smiled. "Heh, me getting women advice from Ash. I thought it would be the other way round one of the years.
Ash blushed. "Well, I guess Misty has had more of an influence on me than I care to admit."
I nodded. "But you're right Ash. Now, I'd better go home and get myself ready." I got my helmet right and got on my motorcycle (which sadly, would also be the one where Ash…) to head back to Pewter.
"Tell Misty I said hi, and that her boyfriend is more intelligent that I expected him to be!" I said.
"BROCK!" he moaned, but also laughed. I laughed back, and headed back home, to prepare for the first night of heaven.
* * * *
My 'date' with Willamena was a plenty enough 'business date' as business and pleasure seemed to mix in. Whilst conversations of discount and expansion were fine from the business perspective, I kind of found the conversations of her life, her family and her background more enlightening.
"Willamena, you done?" I said, seeing the remains of a small garden salad, and some slices of pastrami devoured by the young lady before me. Her dress was one of traditional Chinese garment which looked stunning on her, as I found out when I first saw her, my mouth was in the shape of a perfect 'O', and she snapped me out of it, but not without a little giggle at my expense.
"Yes, thank you Brock." She smiled at me. The night was coming to an end, but the glittering smile on her face suggested that didn't mean the date had to end either.
"Did you call the company and tell them you were staying here a bit longer?" I asked.
"Yeah. I'm seeing if I can get to a hotel to spend the night, before I draw out the plans for the expansion, reduced of course." She said, then winked at me.
Winked? Oh, dear. This had nervous ideologies which I was surprised and a bit excited to explore. And didn't the last line she said remind me of Fight Club a bit? Well, in this case, the protagonist, i.e. me, was male, and the opposite was female, so the question was a bit more nervous, but…
"Um…" I started.
"Yes?" she said softly.
"Um…w-w-would you like to st-st-stay the night? I mean as a way of thanks, I mean there aren't any good hotels, I mean Azumarril is in the Centre close to where I live, I mean…"
She put a finger on my lips. "Shh."
If you can be paralysed by a woman's touch, that was as close as it was going to get.
"Of course Brock, that would be great, thank you." With that, she leaned in and kissed me on the cheek.
I tried, I really tried to hold in my blush, but I couldn't Willamena saw it, and merely smiled. She held out her hand, and despite some nervous twitching, I took it. We left the restaurant like a married couple, even though we only got reacquainted a few hours earlier.
The walk home hand in hand kept on, and Willamena looked like she was really thinking of something.
"Brock…I have missed you, you know, since we last meant. You seemed the perfect gentleman, I had such confidence that we'd meet again, that I told my family that I wanted to see him again." She said sadly.
I noticed the tone of voice. "What's wrong?"
She sighed. "My family is rich, but very old fashioned. They believed in potential suitors and fellow wealthy families to belong to me. It's like I'm just a version of inheritance for them."
This reminded me way too much of James' family, and I could see where it was going.
"Anyway, they tried to get myself engaged many times, but I refused simply because I wanted to marry a man that I loved. My parents though continued to search for suitable men, their clients usually for myself. Even though I'm part of their business here, I am also part of their business in other ways too." She said.
My heart went out to her and I wanted to tell her all my feelings right there, but I bit my tongue.
"The day I met you, it was like a walk in the wild side, and I mean that in a good way. A chance for some escapism, and although it was caused by my runaway Marril, it was by fortune that the two of us met, and in that lifestyle I enjoyed myself more than my enriched yet secluded life at home. That's why I wanted you and your friends to come back, to show my parents there is more to life than money and power." She said sadly.
"Will…" I started but I saw the tears.
"Brock…then, I cared for you. Now, 2 years later, I still do. Please tell me…you feel the same way…" she said.
I realised that we were standing outside our house. I looked at her cinnamon eyes, glazed with tears, but radiating beauty in the starlight sky.
The decision wasn't difficult.
Quickly, I kissed her…full, on the lips.
She pulled away quickly, a bit shocked, whether from the kiss, or from that I returned her compassion and care, but a few seconds later…
"Brock…" she moved in and kissed me. This made my eyes open (Misty would have said that's a first) but I went with the flow and kissed her deeply. I tightly wrapped my muscular arms around her, not too tight so I would hurt her, her softness of her body enveloping me with a warmth that I didn't want to let go.
After I broke off the kiss, I finally spoke to her.
"Willamena, when I met you, you were the one girl apart from one other I genuinely had a deep feeling and you returned them. Now, after this time apart, I meet you again, and I see a businesswoman with a dark past. However, the time to remove that from your mind is now. Willamena, I love you, and no matter what happens in your family, I will always love you, no matter what."
Her smile lit her face. "Brock, I love you too. I loved you since that day we met…oh…" She collapsed in my arms, her tears staining her beautiful dress, and I honestly thought I was in heaven.
I smiled and kissed her tears off her face. We finally got inside the house, but I was still a gentleman, and I let her go in my bed as I got the sleeping bag out. However, she instinted that I slept beside her, before giving me a goodnight kiss on the lips and went to the bathroom to change.
I prayed it wasn't a dream.
The next morning, as I woke up, I felt a soft, warm sensation in my hand.
The soft skin of Willamena's hand, clutching mine.
It was official, it wasn't a dream.
* * * *
My family was quite surprised that a young lady who I hadn't seen in 2 years and I had officially become a couple on the first time we re-met. However, it seemed that people accepted the bond that the breeder and the businesswoman had accepted.
The other side of this coin was that Willamena's parents didn't have a clue about this relationship. On the plus side, Willamena was offically my partner in my expansion to the breeding centre, and coupled with my own funds, and helping hands from Ash and my family, we began to develop more. I was officially a member of Rustate's business and thus, was basically on good terms of Willamena's family, although they weren't sure why their daughter was especially interested in this project when there was other, more seemingly major projects that they thought she should be more interested.
We kept our romance from them for around 6 months. It was around this time that completion of the breeding centre was nearing. People that did know about our romance were people who we kept in the highest regard in keeping secrets…and Ash and Misty. O.K, they aren't bad, but with their own romance in full bloom there were always counter-teasings between me and them. As well as Team Rocket.
A quick mention about Jessie & James. Not long after the Johto League finale, Team Rocket's leader made a grand theft attempt at taking all the prima league pokemon. Many Rocket officers threatened trainers and pokemon, including those two rogues Butch & Cassidy. However, of all people, it was Jessie & James who saved everyone in a way by blocking out their way with smoke. This allowed Ash, Gary and a few other trainers to beat the living crap out of them with their pokemon. Afterwards, Jessie & James had been pardoned from being with Team Rocket, turns out they were fed up with their treatment as well as the way TR treated pokemon, and now they live in Pallet Town. Of course, now it won't be the same…
Ash. It was because of him that me and Willamena managed to get married. As I said, it had been about 6 months since our own little romance bloomed. We had quite a lot in common, and our love was very genuine and beautiful, I never expected true love to be like this. Even though she had been wanted to join me in the confines of my bedroom for a while, I continued to remain strong and refuse her until we were wed. She gasped at this, as I realised I had given away my plans. I had changed the subject as best as I could, but yes, I was considering marriage.
Considering, hell, I wanted to marry the girl, but there was a problem. Brian and Linna Rustate, Willamena's parents. There was no way they were going to accept the marriage as I wasn't seen as a successful breeding centre yet, thus I had no capital to go on. (Despite Lara and Suzie's high acclaims for me so that they even put advertising on their stories for me) Her parents still didn't have a clue, so it was make or break time.
Now, don't get me wrong, we weren't stupid. Willamena didn't just go to her parents and say 'Hi mom, hi dad, had a nice day, oh and by the way, I want you to meet my soon-to-be husband Brock, well see ya!' We'd be hunted down to the ends of the earth.
I invited them down to the premiere of the opening of the Brock Bonanza, the Pewter City Megalopolis Breeding Centre. At first, they didn't want to, as they said whilst appreciate of my services, did have a lot more things to do. (That was a nice way of saying 'We couldn't be bothered.') However, Willamena called later on and insisted that they turn up because a special announcement was to be made, concerning them, and indeed, concerning her. I think that aroused their intrigue enough for them to get out of their asses and to bother turning up.
The premiere there, I remember seeing Suzie and Zane there, an engagement ring on Suzie's finger, it was obvious who gave it to her by Zane's arm around her. 2 years ago, I would have been insanely jealous, but I was more mature now. (And I meant it this time)
"I'm nervous Willa." I said my partner, with the shorter nickname I'd given her.
"I know sweetie, my parents are pretty scary, but this time, I'm not going to stand for this crap. You're the man I love, and I don't care about the money, I just care about you." She said, and quickly kissed me on the lips. Both of us at 21 years of age, were entering our physical peaks now, and I stood a head taller than her, but even with the two smaller figures awaiting my judgement, it seemed I was the smaller one.
I nervous stepped out and a huge array of applause came. I saw my family, I saw Suzie and Zane. I saw the Elite Four members (at this stage, the Elite four was Will, Karen, A.J and Richie, with Ash being the master Elite) and Ash & Mist y to the side…huh, was that Casey? With Richie? Well, she is a fine young woman now, and Richie looked as nervous by her, I guess old friends reuniting for me was a great sight.
There was a lot of resident from Pewter City turning up. I saw my new rival Lara just arriving on her Rapidash, as A.J sweatdropped as the neigh came. There was even some media coverage, I even recognised my old friend Todd Snap somewhere, but that was the least of my worries.
In this over 1,000 crowd, I spotted the two people at this point of time I feared the most. Brian was your typical upper-class look, sleek hair, dark black moustache, business suit. Looked in his early 40s. Linna had Jessie like red hair, with a pout nose and a smug 'I'm better than you' look.
I tapped my microphone as people applauded and cheered me, hey, by this time, I was kind of a local hero so why not milk it in?
"One two, one two…O.K. Thank you everyone, family, friends, residents, and future rivals, that means you…" I said, pointing to Suzie and Zane, as everyone laughed. "…and you…" I pointed to the Laramie heir as everyone clapped, they were celebrities there, but they knew about my friendship with them, and besides, one could never have too many breeding centres (despite the fact that all three are in different territories).
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Ash give me the thumbs up. He knew what I was planning.
"…I proud seen the official breeding centre of Pewter City, licensed by the Pokemon League, Brock's Bonanza!" I cut the ribbon as the people resumed their applause and cheering.
As it quietened down, however, I knew I had one more announcement to make. A glance at Ash & Misty, then to Linna & Brian, then one behind me to Willa, and I took a deep breath.
I guess it was time.
"But before I can resume business, I have an important announcement to make. An announcement which focuses upon two certain people that took myself, and their daughter, a while to negotiate, but I felt this is way too important to be said on the phone."
A look at the two saw them puzzled, perplexed, and probably pissing their pants as well.
"You see…for the last 6 months, these two people have been responsible for two good things in my life. The first was the reconstruction of this breeding centre, where I hoping all around Kanto, Johto and as far as the Orange Islands will witness the magic of my work. However, as much as that is great for me professionally, personally, another product of their work has given me far greater joy." I said.
These words came from both the head, and from the heart.
"You see, for the last 6 months, their daughter and myself…" I paused, just to see what their reactions were. They knew what was coming, and I saw the proverbial veins in their heads, but I carried on. "…have been very much in love, and today is the first time I announce it to their faces, whether they like it or not."
A gasp came as people searched around. Ash had his eye already pinpointed on the targets, probably the steam from their heads gave it away.
"And today, I hereby announce my intentions to wed this brilliant, wonderful, beautiful girl named Willamena Rustate. So, Willa, can you come out please to prove I mean it?"
Said beautiful girl came onto stage, with an elegant pink dress on, almost like the one I remember she was wearing when we first met. She too, had one eye on her parents, but one eye on me, full of pride, and a huge smile on her face.
The said couldn't be said about her parents however. They were simply furious. They began walking towards the stage, one purpose on their mind, to chew me out and spit me back to the boulder badges where I came from.
Brian spoke first. "Listen here sonny, we are her parents, and you say you have had this romance for 6 months? Ha, what a lie! Willamena is a girl of prestige and class, whilst you are nothing but a scruffy boy with a dream!"
"So how do you explain all the times she's been her to see me then?" I said, obviously intent to start an argument. All the times hanging around Ash and Misty gave me a sixth sense when to start, stop or get involved with one.
"She's said that she's been hear to oversee the development child." Linna spoke for the first time. "With you? This is just some wild fantasy…"
"Mother." Willa spoke.
"Yes, daughter? You going to confirm the lies he's been saying?" Brian said.
"If you want to call them lies, then fine. But me and Brock have been in love for a long time, perhaps longer than you may think…" She was referring to the day we first met, and another voice of reason spoke up.
"A…ZU!" Azumarill said by her side, obviously siding with her master.
Brian and Linna were obviously not expecting this. But Brian was a businessman with a business brain, and sadly, that all was seen to have mattered.
"Well, what can this scruffy man offer you than others can't? What about the English gentleman I introduced to you the other night Damien? Prestigious family, wealthy background, and a fine pokemon trainer as well so he is going places…" Brian said.
I'm sure I heard Ash laughing back there, but I wasn't sure so I carried on.
"Yes, but she is in LOVE with ME. Can you get those two words in your mind? She isn't one of your businesses that you can just sell off, she is a human being, a kind, exceptional, beautiful human being, and you have no right to treat her like this. She should be with the person she loves, not being paraded like something at an Ebay auction!" I screamed out.
That took them back. I don't think they were used to being on the wrong side of the argument.
"You…you…you little TRAITOR! HOW DARE YOU DO THIS? YOU ASK FOR OUR HELP IN CREATING YOUR STUPID LITTLE CENTRE, AND NOW, YOU TAKE OUR DAUGHTER FROM OUR HANDS? WELL, I CAN PERSONALLY MAKE YOUR LIFE A LIVING HELL…"
I must admit that I am sure that was possible, he had resources which would have been hard to beat, and his tyrade could have sunk our marriage…if it wasn't for once formerly dense pokemon master.
"That will be enough."
Ash, the leader of the Elite Four moved out as Misty came by his side. A.J and Richie quickly moved by him, and behind him, the intimidating force of Lt. Surge, Bruno and Koga moved behind him, the League officials despite now all in their 40s were still very intimidating forces.
Even ones of minds on only their next takeover knew who Ash was, and his equally famous girlfriend, the head of the Cerulean Aquanaut, gym and underwater ballet extraordinare.
"Ash Ketchum, listen, you may be a big figure in the Pokemon world, but in the business world, you are on my territory, so I suggest that you leave this business to us grown-ups." Brian said.
If Ash looked pissed, he didn't show it.
"Brian…Brian…I want to tell you three things now which will change your life forever if you don't let those two up there, one of them being a very good friend of mine, become the couple they wish to be." Ash said.
"Oh, and what's that? Hitting me with your diapers?" he said, as the two smiled, thinking they had victory.
Oh, if they only known how smart Ash had gotten in the last few years…
"The first one is that my friend over there, Todd, has a whirring camera which is being sent via digital satellite towards various presses as we speak. Won't exactly be looking good for your press and business now would it?" Ash said.
I noticed them pause in fear momentarily, as Todd smirked at them. It seemed Ash had whirred him into the plans as well.
"Point number two, although you may be a key player in the business world, Brock is a key player among many people in the real world. I'm sure quite a few people here could easily use their influence to start their own attempts to stop your life from getting any people. Or do you want me to start calling some troops in?" he said, pointing to his cell phone.
I wasn't sure how much Ash was bluffing, but with the Elite, two major breeding companies, and various media around, plus whatever other numbers Ash had, it could be very uncomfortable for Mr Rustate in the future.
"And the final, and most important thing…one which may shock you…" Ash said.
They prepared for the worst.
"THEY'RE IN LOVE! LIVE WITH IT! HE MAKES HER HAPPY, SO YOU SHOULD BE HAPPY, COMPRENDE?" he said.
A cheer from the crowd showed whose side they were on.
However, Brian and Linna obviously still had their doubts.
"Hmmph, all your mumbo jumbo may spook us for a bit, but if Willamena does want to marry him, then so be it. Let her life be wasted away. However, we refuse to let her claim any inheritance and any money she has in her account with us cannot be accessed from her from now on."
But a smile from Ash continued.
"Oh, thanks for reminding me, Brock thought you might pull something like this, so I asked a couple of friends of mine to hack into your account and claim all the money that Willamena has worked for over the last few years. It's not stealing because it's hers, and that it has been drafted into a secret account now." Ash said.
Jessie and James. Is there no end to your talents?
This seemed to be the final straw for them. They literally exploded…and went straight for me…
…and ran into Azumarril's water gun.
"Ah, you little furball, we're wet, we should…"
Onix' bind had shut them up. We waited as Misty called the local Officer Jenny, to see what verdict she would descend upon them. I don't think jail would happen, but hopefully some sort of reprimand on them interfering with our future life should be the verdict.
Ash, you saved the day and my love life. Thank you.
* * * *
"I now prenounce you man and wife."
6 months after that incident, and many court haggling, Willamena and I were married. It was seen that the law encountered the freedom to court whoever you want, and as Willamena wasn't under any sort of arranged marriaged conduct, her parents couldn't do anything about it.
Even more, they couldn't do anything about the money hacked out either. As the money was under Willamena's name, it belonged to the owner. Although the means of collecting it were illegal, they have no evidence on who did it, thus, no evidence, case closed.
This wedding was a lavish affair to say the least, I wanted to saviour it. Fortunately, the actual incidents had more or less helped me out more than anything as people had seen this in almost all the papers (Thank you Todd) and many wanted to see if my heart was into breeding as it was into romance.
6 months and a profit takings of $125,000 was a good enough start to say the least. This led to our wedding.
Ash and Misty were there, I was waiting for the day they would be in this position. Jessie and James, the real heroes that time in a way, were also there, and I spotted their engagement rings. Oh boy…I'm hoping there won't be any more of those two in the future.
Yes, we discussed children, but no, we felt now wasn't the time. Willamena was a businesswoman foremost, but not like her mother, she knew where to draw the line. She handled the resources, employment, profit and losses, whilst I focuses on materials we needs, bookings for pokemon, and of course, taking care of them, along with the many staff we are now starting to employ. With business booming, Pewter has now got monorail and metro systems, as well as mass transit to boot, all thanks to the increasing business our centre provides.
The wedding was a magical affair, and the kiss I gave her had to be the all-time record lip lock at a wedding. I scooped her up in my arms, warm with love. The limo was waiting, for a 3 day honeymoon at the Marvelloso hotel at Cinnabar. I drew the line at the Orange Islands…for obvious reasons.
My next stage of my life was complete. However, sadly, it ended way too soon for me…
* * * *
You wish that life has that Walt Disney ending. Forgive the pun, but it was never slated in stone for me. Not even close.
It had been 4 years since we got married, and since then, our business increased to the point that it was known as one of the big three in the Breeding world. I kept in touch with my two rivals as much, until Willa got me off pretending to be jealous that I was talking to two beautiful women. In that respect, she has got Misty written all over her.
Joking aside, I loved her beauty, her kindness, her determination and her spirit. Our wealth meant nothing compared to our happiness.
However, one fateful day changed that…
* * * *
The home phone rang. I struck that as odd as most people that call for appointment go through the switchboard. With business booming, more staff and technology had been employed, and we were getting extraordinarily busy.
As I bent to pick up the phone, I felt a chill. Something which told me that whatever was going to be said next would change my life.
I dismissed the thought as superstition, but as I picked up the phone, I realised that Willa wasn't here.
"Hello, Brock Slate speaking?"
"I am talking to Brock Takeshi Slater, 42. Stone Lane, owner of the Bonanza Breeding Centre of Pewter City?" said a cracked female voice.
"Yes?" I said, knowing that this official line obviously meant something was going on.
After what she said next, I wished it wasn't.
"You are married to Willamena Slate, formerly Willamena Rustate…" I really didn't like this conversation.
"Yes…what's going on?"
"Could you please come to Fuschia State hospital immediately. It's urgent." With that, I was hung up. I didn't ask any questions, just quickly got onto my driver to get me to Fuschia State as quickly as possible.
The drive was solemn, as expected. I hoped that something hadn't happened, but in my heart, the fear in it, told me otherwise.
Sadly, that fear came to be realised.
I entered the Hospital, and one of the nurses immediately recognised me, and came up to me.
"Brock Slate? We need to get you to Room 173, your wife is in critical condition…"
CRITICAL CONDITION.
My world already started to collapse on the phone. It was completely shattered when I got to the room.
Dr. James Proctor was there, ready to offer a small smile as I entered.
And saw her.
Lying on the bed, a small smile on her face, but grimacing in complete pain.
"Hello Brock." She said softly.
I went by and grabbed her hand softly, tears already starting to form.
"Willa, what happened?" I said, cracking up.
She tried her best to calm me. "Shh…sweet Brock, nothing you could have done. This is just what was going to happen."
I didn't know what she was on about, but I couldn't speak anyway. Fortunately (or unfortunately), Proctor spoke up.
"Mrs. Slate has been diagnosed with bone marrow cancer, meaning that her skeletal structure is in a very delicate state, and sadly, we haven't got any form of donor, or cure for this condition. All we can do sir, is make her comfortable."
My world collapsed. I heard a barely audience 'I'm sorry' from the doctor, and left us be, knowing that we needed to be alone.
Alone. Something I couldn't handle with. Still clutching her hand, and my face a waterfall, I spoke to her.
"Willa? Swe-sweet Willameana? Why…did this happen?" My voice was barely audible, and completely broken, but my sweet angel heard it.
"Shh...Brock, I'm sorry. I was diagonsed with this when I was 13. It happened because I wanted to transfer my marrow to my dying brother, just for another chance of life."
I never knew she had a brother, but my hunch after the whole parents fiasco was that she didn't like to talk about family.
"However, one generic cell had entered my bone structure and fused through my bloodstream. Whilst initially the damage was minimal, throughout the years it had grown through the body…"
She coughed and I was scared to see blood coming out of her lips. My hands were trembling in hers now.
"…now, it seems that life has gotten a turn for the worse. My family…they knew about this, but after seeing my brother and what happened, they didn't want to risk the illness too."
"They knew about it too?!" I asked, now angry.
She nodded. "I know. Even with my marrow, my brother, aged 11, still died…and now, I have been chosen to suffer…" She coughed again as I cuddled her close. I was crying my guts out.
"Please…don't…go…" I stuttered.
"Brock. I've hidden this from you because I knew there was nothing you could do about it. I knew I was going to die, which is why I say that I have loved every single minute since being with you. My last few years of my life has made me forget about my illness and enjoy my life with you. And don't worry, our late night 'sessions' won't make you catch my illness."
It was obviously an attempt to lighten the mood, but nothing could lighten this up.
"Brock, I love you. I've always loved you, and I always will in the afterlife. So, for my final wish…please…stay with me…"
I didn't need to be asked twice.
That Saturday, I clutched my dying angels hands, my eyes flooded and my heart broken, but I kissed her on the lips one more time before clasping her hand and watching her chest breathe in and out.
She got into hospital on that Saturday, and when she died on the Tuesday, I had not once moved. I heard that doctors had injected fluids into me to give me going, but I didn't care. Her last days on earth had to be repsected.
Ash came in at one point, he and Misty were visitors at the Imite House not far from the hospital. Even though he and Misty were married now, they enjoyed their travelling to say the least and were always welcome visitors with their old friends.
However, today, he was alone. He bent down and put my arm around me on the day before she died.
"Brock, she's strong. She sees death, please, don't push yourself too it."
He pushed a small basket of food in my lap, and a note. The note was from Willamena, from the front desk.
Obviously, her last words since her deep sleep.
I opened it, as I left the hospital. It said simply;
'You are Brock Slate.'
That simple statement was better than any poem or heartbreaking last words she could have written or told me.
She was she, and I was I. I am who I am, and she knew that I knew it.
I knew to remain strong.
My life had broken, but it wasn't the final chapter in my text.
I will be back.
* * * *
The funeral consisted of two points in my life. The first where I got on the criminal record, and the second, where I met my second wife.
Willamena wanted me to move on, but the first true love always rings in my heart, and certainly, Suzie will testify to that as well.
The funeral, well, as expected, the cold drab affair. I of course, was speaking the eulogy, and my words were unequaled in the speaking of the sweetness of the fair maiden known as Willamena.
It wasn't until I had just finished it when I spotted the limo coming up. And I cursed.
Brian and Linna Rustate. I was amazed they had turned up, but I had a hunch it wasn't to mourn their daughter.
More like, to take their wrath on me.
Bruno, a friend and mentor to me, was watching my back, as Ash and Misty was also there, as they saw them go up to me, as I was coming down from the euolgy.
And she slapped me in the fast.
This was an outdoor funeral, but it was still in the presence of God, and I saw the priest trying to look to stop this, but Linna and Brian were not finished.
"You killed our daughter! You took her away, and this little pest began feeding on her. And because of it, she's dead! If it wasn't for you, we could have saved her, but you took her AWAY! YOU BASTARD!" Brian said.
As Ash and Misty can testify, I am normally a very calm person, unless one of two things happen. 1) A pretty girl comes my way (that stopped after I married Willa) and 2) if a pokemon near my presence has been abused.
However, a number 3 was about to be added. When my life has been changed around by the death of a loved one, and two assholes of parents put the blame on me.
Linna badmouthed me a bit more, and slapped me again.
"Listen, Mr. And Mrs Rustate, if you please…" the priest began.
"Shut up!" Brian said, as my head was down, but the hand was clutching with rage.
Bruno sensed the signs and tried to cut in between us. Even in his late 40s, he was still a very imposing figure.
However, not even he could stand up to my rage. By this time, I was also very imposing at 6 foot 4, 224 pounds, and Brian was really beginning to be a rare person to feel my own wrath.
At the funeral of my first wife and love, in front of my family and friends, my mentor, and God, I snapped.
Brian, a respected businessman wasn't expecting what I had done. He probably expected be to stay silent or to sob.
When my hands grabs his shirt and I slammed him across a tree, partially lifting him up, a whole gasp came across.
Linna panicked, as she saw the brief glimpse of rage in my eyes. Brian himself was literally pissing himself.
"You bastards…you treated your daughter like a commodity, you watched her brother die, you did nothing. And you call me a pest…well, forgive me Willa, for what I'm about to do to your father is nothing short of bloody…"
Brian's eyes opened and true fear replaced the confident look in her eyes. My fist curled up to his stomach.
I was so focused on extracting vengence that I didn't hear Ash' cry of "Brock, don't do it! You'll get thrown in jail!" I forgot about the Officer Jenny on duty today.
However, I had snapped. No control. A second fist smashed into his face, slamming his head into the tree, and he was unconscious. I certainly wasn't finished with him.
Linna grabbed my hair and tried to stop me, and in my rage, I backhanded her to the ground, slamming her head and she fainted as well.
However, Bruno finally stopped me before I could have killed either of them. Sadly, it was going to be a long few months.
Officer Jenny looked at me, sadly it has to be said, but despite this, she had a job to do, and despite the reasons I had, it was basically a fit of rage.
"Brock Takeshi Slate, I am arresting you for disturbing the peace and excessive violence. You have the right to remain silent, anything you do say may be given in evidence. Understand?"
My calm forlorn face told the story as Jenny took me off. Ash immediately got on his motorcycle which I sold to him and began to follow me.
It wouldn't be the first time that Ash, motorcycle and funeral would be used in the same sentence sadly.
* * * *
I expected the worst in my jail cell. The first problem was of course that Jenny herself, an officer of the law had seen my crime, which in this day and age, made this an open & shut case. The second problem was that Linna and Brian had sued for damages, and basically in a nutshell, I could lose my breeding centre. They brought up that they fixed it up, so they could claim to have some right towards it. Finally, with phsyical violence and many witnesses, plus some very fancy lawyers, it seemed I was doomed on the get go.
My only hope was that Jenny herself also said that I was gawded into violent behaviour and that my mental state was non existent because of the death of Willa. Sadly, this meant that I could be treated in an asylum, whilst not jail, basically meant that everyone would think I was crazy.
Sitting in that lonely jail cell made me think about all that has gone in life. My days with Ash & Misty, Valencia Island, the Ivy incident, every girl I met, the one I eventually married and my subsequent reactions to her death.
God, she must think I'm the lowest piece of shit on this earth.
About 3 weeks later, the trial was prepared. I also had my lawter ready, but I knew that it probably wasn't going to matter.
And sadly, it didn't.
My dream had gone.
Despite glowing testimonies of me from Ash, Brock, Suzie and even Tracey, who I was surprised to see there, the evidence was clear and although Jenny said that I was gawded into violence combined with my mental state, it was obvious an intention to kill. However, the judge's sentence was that I wasn't to be sent to prison, but to be treated for mental injuries and depression at Ectrueak General Asylum.
But no, that wasn't all. As I wouldn't be able to continue my duties, my breeding centre would belong to the Rustates as compensation. It wasn't compensation they were taking, it was my f*cking livelihood, those bastards. They desreved it, and yet, they won in the end.
In my handcuffs, and Misty consolling me all the way out, I was put into an ambulance. I wasn't mental, I wasn't a nutcase, and I didn't need help.
But one moment of madness for the love of my deceased wife, had ended everything.
I was a fool.
* * * *
I had been there for 3 months. My depression hadn't gone but my strength had. Life was horrible if you were me. None of my family were allowed to see me, probably some sort of court trick by those bastards.
Put in this straightjacket, I felt like I was an extra from One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. But I didn't want to end like McMurphy, Jack Nicholson's character. I wasn't going to die. I was going to get stronger.
I remainded mostly on my own with copies of Breeder's Monthly, when one article made my eyes light up in horror.
'LEGENDARY CENTRE BROKEN DOWN TO MAKE ROOM FOR NEW RUSTATE INDUSTRY.'
They had offically taken down my dreams. The money I'd saved throughout the years meant nothing, my love for the business meant nothing, my pokemon under the care of Ash and Misty, meant nothing.
Reading the article, I grew angrier.
'…after their court battle win over Pewter City's Brock Slate, the legacy of the young man has been taken down to make way for the Rustate's future. Many people oppose this idea because of the popularity Mr. Slate brought with the centre, Pewter's tourism and expansion has become higher every year, and people say this is just another nail in the coffin for Brock. The Rustates are the parents of Brock's late wi…'
I didn't read anymore. I felt like breaking something.
I smashed my head across the wall…hard…
The last thing I remembered was what bastards they truly were…rage, the only thing on my mind.
* * * *
I woke up with a huge headache, on a hospital room. I saw a smiling face over me.
"Misty…" I groaned.
"Brock." She whispered back. I saw this beautiful woman in full bloom now, and had told Ash was a lucky guy he was now. However, why was she here? She knew that visitors for me had been banned from the asyl…
"You're in the hospital Brock. The general hospital." Misty said.
I saw that yes, I was somewhere different. I also saw that Ash was there too.
"Which one?" I asked.
Ash looked sad, handing me a cup of coffee. "Cherrygrove."
Cherrygrove? Why was I here?
"You were brought down here because we thought it would be a good chance for you to say goodbye…"
Goodbye? To who.
Ash answered. "Professor Oak. He's here. He's dying. We got special permission for you to come here, after we were called by someone from the asylum that you were hurt and had to be treated at an extensive hospital. As we were going to Cherrygrove, we asked them if you would come there too, I explained why, that a friend of his is dying, and they let you go."
Oak. One of the most respected figures in Pokemon authority, was now dying.
"Brock? How are you?" Misty said in the softest voice I could hear from her.
"O.K, except for my headache. Guys, my life is hell, I heard about what happened back home…" I said, before clutching my head in pain.
"Brock, we'll get you out of here. We promise." Misty said, clutching my hand.
She noticed that two wards had just come to see me, and probably ready to take me back now I was conscious. Dark-hearted bastards.
Misty and Ash left, and for a brief moment, I saw Delilah Ketchum sobbing, with a crying…was that…Molly Hale?
I couldn't see much more as I had been jabbed with anaesthesia and knew I was going back to sleep quicker than I expected.
Misty…I'll hold you to that pr..om…ise…
* * * *
Another 3 motnhs had passed, and more torture and pain. I still thought of Willa, but I was hardly consisted as violent now…unless I heard something about the Rustates.
Then, my miracle happened.
The door opened, and out game a ward. I was expected to be examined again, as I had for the last 180 or odd so days.
However, what he said was completely unexpected.
"Slate? We have conducted that you are stable enough to leave this vicinity. However, we cannot allow you to return to your former home, as you know."
I was stunned, yet saddened. I was outta here, just like that. There was a catch though coming, and not going back to Pewter was the least of my worries.
"So, we have found a source right here in Ecruteak who wishes to take care of you for the time being. Her name is…er, I think Suzzane Cowers.
Suzzane Cowers? Oh my god.
I remained calm, as I hadn't inticated I recognised the name. Maybe he thought that I had memory loss from everything that happened. My acting isn't on Duplica's level, but it was good enough to fool the ward.
But wait, did that mean Zane was there too? I suddenly had a weird feeling.
However, as they removed my jacket and led me out, the dream was a reality.
Suzie, despite now close to 30, was still a beautiful specimen. Her supermodel like figure with her height made her something close to untouchable.
However, her eyes were glazed with tears, as the ward watched me go towards her. I nodded, as she let me go into the car, still acting like I didn't know her.
As we moved from view of the asylum, Suzie stopped, and hugged me, crying her eyes out.
"Brock…" Her sobbing was uncontrollable.
"Suzie…" I said back. I had missed her, but I didn't expect this reaction. She was the one designated to take care of me…
It was then I realised that Zane wasn't here. My first thought was that he was in the cen..
Oh god.
I forgot about it.
Last month's Breeders Weekly. I completely forgot about the story.
'LEGENDARY BREEDER FOUND DEAD IN DITCH.'
I didn't check the article much, but apparently a legendary breeder had died whilst mixing grasses for remedies by a poacher's trap. The trap had snared his leg and it had been removed quickly. He had bled to death before he could even call to his home or family.
If I read it more, I would have realised that it was right here in Ecruteak, where Suzie and Zane held the 'Su-Zane' Centre. And I think if I had payed more attention, I would have been more shocked.
"Is he…" I asked.
Suzie nodded, and once again cried into me. I held her tight, unsure what to say. 6 months in an asylum had lessened by people's skills, but to Suzie, my idol, nothing needed to be said.
She had saved me, and now, she needed some companionship. Some comfort. A shoulder to cry on.
And for now, I was that.
I closed my eyes as Suzie recovered herself. We drove to her home, ready to begin a journey together that not even I was prepared for.
* * * *
The first few weeks of my life with Suzie, I was getting back into the groove of living a normal life. Willa would hopefully see that I finally getting back on track and living my life again. I had called Ash & Misty, and told them that I was back, and getting better, and hoped I could visit them soon, or more likely, vice versa.
The problem was Suzie. After being through it, I saw her depression was increasing, and despite my comfort, she obviously wasn't designated to take care of me, more like the other way round. Zane's horrific death was probably just as bad as my Willa's death, perhaps more as he died quickly and horribily. Willa died silently in her sleep, without pain, and her love by her side.
Suzie's breeding centre was starting to get back into shape, and thanks to friends and family, it still ran, despite the lack of leadership that Suzie & Zane had brought. However, I was determined that Suzie would break out of that, and be back. I had recovered, it was time she had to as well.
The breakthrough came about 3 months after I had arrived in her life.
* * * *
Suzie had seemed to finally break through that part of her life, and was finally settling down. Zane was still always on her mind, but now she could go to work. I, of course, helped her out as much as possible. Heck, I even got to see Vulpix again after all these years.
However, she seemed to glow less radiantly, as if her energy had been taken away. The poor girl had plenty to do, but it seemed like she worked half-heartingly from now on.
It was time to help her a bit more.
One night, about 11.00pm, I knew Suzie was working in the study. I had been preparing a supper for her, but she had been in there for 3 hours now, and she never worked that long before taking a break.
I took her food and knocked on the door.
"Brock?" she said.
"Yeah. Can I come in?" I said.
"Of course." She said.
I entered, and saw her, still in her breeders outfit from today, dirty and scruffy, her hair messed up, and a ton of papers in front of her.
"Suzie, you haven't been at all of these all day and night have you?" I asked.
"Brock, I'm busy." She said.
"I've brought you some food." I said.
"Thank you. Put it there." I asked.
Her cold tone reminded me too much of Ivy. For the first time, since my arrival, I began to speak out.
"Suzie, don't be like this. Please, don't draw yourself back into the abyss."
She glared at me. Suzie and glare don't mix in the same sentence. Misty maybe. Jessie definitely. Suzie never.
"Brock, my hell has brought me so much behind work. It's time I got myself back and I'm going to." She grabbed her pen, even though I could see her hand trembling.
"Suzie, no, don't go to the way I was…I won't let you, you saved me, so now I'm saving you…"
I grabbed her hand, intending to take her pen. Suzie struggled trying to stop me.
"Stop it Brock! STOP IT! YOU HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS, NOTHING AT ALL!"
Her reaction was unexpected. She slapped me.
She gasped. Her eyes glazed with tears. I looked at her, silently, and touched my cheek.
"Oh god, Brock I'm sor…" she started, but her look of fear as I came to her said everything. She had seen what had happened at Willa's funeral.
What she didn't expect was my hand touching her cheek…softly and caressing it.
The next thing she didn't expect was me leaning over and kissing her on the lips, holding it.
The last thing I expected however, was her returning the kiss and wrapping her arms around me.
Have I loved again? Had she? The answers were both yes, and I think Willa and Zane were both thankful that we had moved on with our lives.
Suzie slipped into peaceful oblivion as I felt her eyelids close, ready for bed. I was only happy to oblige. I grabbed her rear, and lifted her up gently before carrying her to bed, where we would share for the first time…but I was still a gentleman, and I felt that I may have taken advantage of her weak state.
As I covered her, I decided to go back and sleep down, but her hand stopped me.
"Please…Brock….stay…I want you to…" she whispered.
I'm not sure how much was consciousness and how much was dream, but I didn't argue. I climbed in and wrapped my arms around her close, afraid to let go.
True love had taken it's course again. As I told Willa, there were only two girls that I really felt a deep affection for. Willa was one, Suzie was the other.
Dreams were coming true that night.
* * * *
For the next 3 years, myself and Suzie had hardly remained apart, afraid of almost anyone else's company. Of course, there were exceptions, but it was hard to find us every apart. We were free once again, and loving it.
On the day I asked her for her hand in marriage, she told me the story about Ivy. It turned out that Suzie was Ivy's cousin, and Ivy was extremely afraid of Suzie surpassing her in the way of breeding. Suzie's reputation could give her a much bigger audience in Kanto than she could with the Orange Islands. Brock's friendship with both Professor Oak and Suzie was a threat to her, and the way she treated Brock was to make sure that he wouldn't be a huge factor in getting on either's side. However, Brock saw through that, and now he was truly happy.
She accepted the proposal, and we were married at a private affair, with a few family and friends, Ash & Misty of course among them.
Ash. The loving man who was always there when I needed him, who broke my spells, my demons, who helped my love life, who helped me created a dream with that journey.
With the Su-Zane centres now starting to work globally (the name was kept for Zane's memorial, however, with news that Brock Slate was now the co-owner, interest had perked up, particular in Pewter. More news that the Rustate Industries had actually dropped since the trial had left them in ruins was even more pleasing to here), life seemed to finally be on the up.
The last time I saw Ash alive was when he suggested a proposition for the Elite four to host a combined pokemon centre/breeding centre under their name. Business yes, but it was always great to see him, and we did have a laugh.
Sadly, that was the last time I saw him.
* * * *
For the moment when I heard the news 'Ash Satoshi Ketchum, head of the Elite 4, has been killed in a motorcycle accident', my life was threatened to end, not just in depression, just to end.
This time, I really contemplated suicide. How many more tragedies must my life suffer?
However, a loving wife, many friends, and an enraged redhead named Misty had stopped any thoughts. Misty, of all people, was more upset about the tragic events than anyone, and she saved my own mind from destruction.
So here I am. At the funeral. Holding an arm around Suzie and an umbrella, I felt that it was some way my fault, as it was the bike I had sold him all those years ago.
However, once again, a big company, as in the Silph truck which run him over, that ruins someone's life.
I stand over the coffin, my ears once again flowing with tears.
"Ash…" My eyes flowed.
"…words cannot express to me how much I cared about you. My surrogate son and brother, the person who allowed me to start my dreams and become reunited with my father. The one that during times of all destruction kept me going. You introduced me to my first love…but you Ash, your care and kindness have kept so many people happy, and now, you're gone from us…why?"
I left a rock on the coffin, with a boulder badge attached to it.
"This is all I can offer you, because I know that isn't your way. Like last time, you deserved this one. Not in a pokemon battle, but in a people battle. You won over every obstacle, adversary, and still cared about others before yourself."
I remembered the note Willa had given me.
"You are Ash Ketchum. The only and only. There will be never another. Goodbye…my friend…"
I collapsed on my knees. Vulpix and Zane's Ninetales wrapped around me even with the rain around them. Suzie wrapped herself around us as we sobbed together.
Ash, it was too soon. One with so much future yet, who had done some much, why did you have to go?
Ash…please…don't forget me…I won't.
Good…bye…
Next time
Chapter 2: Casey
Ash's surrogate sister, someone who loved Ash like a brother, reflects on the sadness of her friend and mentor dying so young.
Her life has been a struggle since the first day she became a trainer, however one man brought her through it. He introduced her to her husband, and seemed to have life on the right track.
What happens when the rails come to a screeching stop?
Well, that was long and depressing. I don't expect each chapter to be as long, just Brock's and Misty's. However, yeah, this was depressing, and things are only going to get worse.
I hoped you enjoyed it though, a lot of heart went into this, and will remain the same for my future chapters.
Thank you.