AFTERMATH OF THE AFTERLIFE
FEMME FATALES
Time for something a little different. (Something good?)
This chapter is not one POV, but three. In essence, it's three stories into one chapter. All of them are short in comparison to the others, making one 30+ page chapter, so it's O.K.
And so, what's Chris going to add new this chapter?
How about something a little sexy? J
O.K, it's not going to go NC-17 on us, and trust me, I suck at writing hentai so no danger here. However, there will be certainly…interesting dialogue during the scene I'm putting in…and to help you either avoid it (or rush straight to it)…it's in the Sabrina chapter.
And now, let's see how three EVIL women in Giselle Dexter, Sabrina Saffron and Molly Hale handle Ash' demise…
* * * *
GISELLE
I never knew him as well as most people here. However, he was my husband's greatest rival, and he is simply a legend around here to say the least.
You could call me a real workaholic, as a model, a dancer, and a teacher, it's quite a schedule, but if there is anyone who could accomplish this, it's Giselle Dexter.
And this is my story.
I'm careful to avoid Misty's gaze as a pain in my heart slightly attacks me. I guess I may miss Ash a tiny bit more than I let on…
* * * *
I guess I was born with the old proverbial silver spoon in my mouth. My parents Solomon and Rena Dexter were business entrepeniurs in the doctor trade for Pokemon. No, not Nurse Joy's and the rest, they were into the business of vitamins and health.
My parents were part of the creations of the legal pills which increase a pokemon's strength, speed, special and defensive stats. They went into research and came into how to seperately increase special attack and special defence (O.K, it was a way to earn more money…) and considering how much trainers wanted an advantage, they were massive hits.
So when I was born, it was into a millionaire's family.
This wasn't one of those 'too much happiness caused me to be unhappy' or one of those 'poor little rich girl' tales. I enjoyed the feeling of wealth and power as a Dexter. I was shown respect, people feared me even at a young age.
It was a feeling that I would grow to use…and in some cases, abuse…
…starting with Pokemon Tech.
I was 14 when I started. Thanks to advanced tutors I had already been quite intelligent in the ways of the world, and in the ways of Pokemon. My parents had bought be a team of six as a birthday present the year I went. (Graveller, Cubone, Gloom, Ponyta, Jigglypuff and Nidorina) I was going to be so prepared.
Of course, it didn't help that I grew up to be beautiful either. O.K, conceited yes, but it was a fact, and one that I needed to remind myself of at times. Especially considering the lechers at Tech.
About 75% of the pupils were male. This quickly pointed me out to a sexist attitude in the Pokemon area, that most of the trainers were male. And someone like me would stand out even in an area where millionaire's children were common.
So how does one combat this?
Simple.
Take charge.
* * * *
My first day there in the Tech Uniform…I felt like I was ready for a hentai flick. The skirt was a bit too short for my liking and it certainly made me feel stand out. However, my parents had taught me not to take any abuse, in any way or form.
I had to stand out.
And stand out I sure did.
I walked into the grounds with my school bag. I looked around and just walked in. Within 5 seconds, I saw out of the corner of my eyes I saw a group of 5 quickly eyein me up. Disgusting…
…at this point, I was a rookie beginner at Tech, but my advanced knowledge via my parents had made me at least an equal with half the students here, and I wasn't going to let any guy boss me round.
On the contrary…
"Well, well, it's not often we get new blood here this pretty…" one guy tried putting the charm on. Emphasis on tried…I was feeling sick.
"Get lost." I simply said and went to walk up to register.
The guys were confused. Persistent roaches that they were, they continued to follow.
"Hey, you can't speak to us like that…I think for that you should apologise, at the coffee shop in a half ho.."
Karate chop to skull. Did I mention I had taken basic karate and judo during my tutoring? Yes, I may be beautiful, but I didn't want to be underestimated.
That shut them up.
"Now, if you're quite finished…" I said and turned on my heel and skuttled out of there to register my application with the Tech schools.
I smiled for the first time. Once again, I had power…
* * * *
My early incident had put what was known as 'the fear of Giselle' in many people. No-body got away with anything around me, otherwise they get hurt. I soon got a 'fanboy' convection as Misty called it, in otherwords, I was their boss and they did what I said. It was almost like being at home.
With my advanced knowledge, I was way ahead of many of the others and quickly ascended to top beginner in the class. I knew I was on my way to intermediate and that nothing was bothering me. All the boys were like my servants and nothing was bothering me.
Except for one boy.
No matter what I did, he refused to actually be put down by my movements. I could tell that he was attracted to me, like almost everyone else was, but he refused to join my lot…and that incurred the wrath of my 'army' many times.
Joe Trica. To be honest, he was really my first real friend. And probably my own true friend until May came along.
He was a sweet, honest boy, whose parents had saved a lot of money for him to get the chance to enrol here. He was certainly not the type that should actually belong in an environment like this, but he was here…and was a bit of an outcast.
I usually got angry at him for his weaknesses in battle, when in reality, (I didn't know this) he was holding back a lot of the times, so that they wouldn't make the questions harder. He was much smarter than I first thought, and I did feel a little bad at insulting him, but I thought I was trying to make him better.
After his match with Misty, and then mine, I was hoping what I would say would get into his head.
But it was someone else no-where near as smart who taught both him and me a true lesson.
Ash Ketchum.
A trainer who at the time only had 3 pokemon with him, and unlike my match with Misty, I had the type advantage with Cubone against his Pikachu. I knew every move Pikachu had, every stat (a thing which I rubbed in the face with Ash…trying to rile him up…it worked, but as you know, it also backfired) and every counter.
And I still lost.
That was the first match I saw a Pikachu win with moves other than electricity…both Misty and Joe agreed it was a fluke, but I knew that sometimes luck and heart are just as important skills as skill and talent.
After that match (and a subsequent Team Rocket beating), I realised the importance of the outside world…as did Joe. So much that he decided to leave Pokemon Tech and try to learn things on his own.
The hard way…but he was determined. And I liked that.
It was nice to patch things up with him before he left. He was actually very cute at time, and in a few years he may have been someone I would have considered to be a boyfriend. Today, the two of us are too close to be that, we are best friends through and through, and he's current married to a young lady named Cherie…who is in fact an apprentice of Sabrina Saffron.
So, my first real friend (I called others friends, but most of them were either fanboys or acquaintances) was gone…so what do I do now?
I had to concerntrate. Ash taught me (how's that for an oxymoron?) that there is more to battles than textbooks. If I was going to be a Pokemon Master, I had to look at everything a pokemon uses.
I begin to rely more on my own skills than the textbooks. Levels didn't matter as Pikachu proved if you had the guts to take a few chances.
Now, I was feeling the true path of a Pokemon Master.
* * * *
"So, I'm getting to share a dorm now?"
Moving into the intermediate class wasn't a big thing (It took me only 1 year) but the fact that I was sharing a dorm surprised me.
Especially as who I was sharing with actually bypassed the beginner stage and went straight into the intermediate.
"Well, she is a young scholar supplied by the famous Oak family. I hope you two will get along." Dana said as she headed me into the new room with my schedule for the semester.
I sighed. I enjoyed my privacy…but on the other hand, a female…and the chance to have a true friend.
I had to hold back my aristocratical roots…but then again, this girl was probably the same if she was a member of the Oak family.
The late great Professor Samuel Oak. I had always wanted to meet him, and when I started dating Gary, I got my wish. A legend in the field of pokemon ingenuity and discovery, he had a lot of influence around almost every major Pokemon event.
So if this girl was a relative, maybe I could 'suck up' a bit…hey, I had to couldn't I?
I entered the room…
"Knock knock!"
The girl was very pretty I had to say with cropped red hair, slightly freckled face and a pretty Chinese red dress on her. I noticed immediately she came across as the shy type, but hey, that was fine with me.
"Hi, I'm Giselle Dexter, your new roommate." I said smiling, looking to test the fresh meat.
"Um…hi. I'm May Oak. I hope we can be friends…I'm…a little nervous…" May said.
An innocent. Just like Joe. In a place like this, that can be a problem.
However, I think after Joe left, I had a soft spot for the innocents, and May would have no problems if she had someone like me as her friend.
Besides, her looks could perhaps keep about a third of the fanboys of me maybe…
"Of course, don't worry…I'm new to this class as well, let's get lost together…"
I think that lightened the mood. For the first night, we simply talked almost like a girl's night out. It was pretty nice.
I knew instantly that this would be my first true friend…and one that would last me.
And because of her, I also got a wonderful husband out of it as well.
* * * *
May and I were quickly becoming friends no problem. It was interesting that I had become friends with an 'innocent' maybe I just simply had a thing for them. (O.K Gary is the obvious exception…) However, it certainly was nice to talk with someone that whilst had the rich background, didn't have the snobby attitude that seemed part and package with it.
I guess I was looking in the mirror and disagreeing with the bits I didn't like. As from that moment, I changed.
I was no longer a girl, I was a woman.
I became Giselle the student, the true student, rather than being the fanboy flirt who got her way because of her looks. No, I wanted to do it the way May did it. By hard work and no distractions.
In something very similar with Gary with his cheerleaders, I got rid of my ego boost (the fanboys) and concerntrated on my intermediate studies, along with May.
After taking this away, more and more people started to notice us…and it became much easier to make friends.
I understood now. The reason why friendship was hard to come by was intimidation. My 'control' over the guys was making people afraid of me. As soon as I cast both them and my attitude away, I was free and clear.
O.K, I still had that little devil inside me, but it only emerged appropriately…and I still got in trouble if any of the little lechers even got the briefist touch in the leg…go figure, the aristocratically reincarnation of a tomboy. I guess that was me in a nutshell.
Go figure.
Anyway, May and I were keeping up to speed with our studies, as we came to the end of our 2nd year, and we were both on course for our expert year. And no, unlike Jessie and James, we didn't get drunk on our exam day. We were too strong and mature for that.
Plus both of us were underage, hey, some of us kids actually respect the law!
At this time, May had told me almost everything about the famous Oak heritage, especially her famous grandpa Samuel Oak, and also her brother, who she hadn't seen in nearly 3 years.
Now at first, just from hearing about him, I thought Gary Oak sounds like a real jerk, and I just didn't understand why she was defending him. It wasn't until much later that I realised the problem.
She saw Gary as a role model almost as much as her grandpa for protecting her from her father's attacks. Another victim to the idiotic creation known as alcohol. The saviour and creator of all lives problems…
However, I still wanted to meet him…to judge him for myself…
* * * *
After May and I passed our courses (of course), I know that a few of my former fanboys had started a rumor about May and I…being shall we say…more than friends.
I once told Misty that 'jealously isn't pretty.' Revenge isn't either, especially when it's coming from a rejected pervert who thinks that every girl who doesn't like him automatically means that they are gay.
The confrontation resulted like this.
"Urrrggghhh…."
His Onix and himself lying in a heap thank to my Marowak. I think that stopped the few problems I had with those hormone-driven idiots.
"May, honestly, maybe I am really fed up with men…who needs them, all they seem to be is idiotic lechers…" Giselle said.
"That's not true, you met Ash didn't you?" May said.
I chuckled. Ash. Now that was a subject and a half. May obviously had some sort of affection for him, and to be honest, I did think Ash was quite cute. In a few years, as Misty will agree with me, he would become a handsome young man. But I think I knew I had lost before I had begun with him.
"O.K…he's just idiotic." The two of us giggled, but I was half-serious. Most of the good guys seemed to either have their own paths or were taken.
And then….
* * * *
"Question number 79, name all 5 Eevees in order of speed." May said.
"Let's see…Jolteon, Espeon…Flareon…Umbreon…Vaporeon?" I thought, the night was coming and I was quite tired to say the least. "Oh wait…it's a trick question, three eevees share the same or similar stats don't they in one area…and as Jolteon and Espeon are the speed demons, the other three are the similar speedos?"
"Correct…damn Giselle, we've been studying all night. I know that make-up test is tomorrow but still…"
Suddenly the videophone went.
"Excuse me, there is a call for Miss May Oak. It's a gentleman, and he states that it is very urgent."
"Oh, a guy May! Now we can hound off those rumors…" I said as May threw a pillow at me as she took it.
As the sneaky eavedropper I am, I listened.
"Er…hello…May Oak speaking…" I heard her say, tired but hey that was to be expected.
"Er…hi…sis…" I heard quietly.
That made her open her eyes. Sis? Then was that her…
"G…G…Gary? Is that you?" she said, eyes filled with shock, and a few tears, but a hint of joy there. After all these years…he calls her out of the blue…either he wanted something…or…
"Yeah, hey May. Looking good…"
Those tears definitely looked genuine to me.
"Gary….you….selfish…little…"
As did that temper.
"…wonderful….brother…I can't believe it, I thought I'd lost you forever you idiot!"
I nearly collapsed, but her joy was too much, I couldn't make her look bad, even if it was just over the phone.
She missed her big brother, and I guess the feeling was mutual.
"May, it's been hell, but we've lived through it, my courage is back, as is my humanity. And it will stay like that now…" I nearly cried as well, she was so happy. Looked like this wasn't just a one time thing….
"Oh Gary…you fool…" she said. I decided to smile and pretend I wasn't the evil little girl I was.
"Hey May, who is that?"
"Oh Giselle, it's my brother…I haven't heard from him in ages…" She stiffled back a sob, as my smile was so wide it could have split canyons.
"Aw….that's sweet…" I left brother and sister alone, I had a feeling that the bill would be worked out for a bit.
For half an hour, the two were reuniting, as May released her two favourite pokemon, her Clefable and Electabuzz, as Gary was said to be quite a decent pokemon trainer as well. I heard that he got to the final 32 in the Indigo Tournament, a disappointment for him, especially when his rival Ash got to the last 16.
No matter I guess. However, it was going to be long before he actually visited, because it was difficult as the train wasn't going to be working for another 3 months in the Johto area.
Patience is a virtue…and it's seldom found in a woman. I think after waiting 3 years for the phone call, 3 months could wait…
* * * *
3 months did come and go, and May was waiting in the school gates. She was killing recreation time to meet her brother. Considering how much recreation time we get, that is surprisingly more admirable than you think.
Almost like a cowboy, a boy emerged from the mist. And May reacted the best way I could think.
"Big brother!"
A glomp attack on a brother. Be afraid.
*CRASH*
Be very afraid.
However, it was certainly the reuniting of a family, and I was very happy for my roommate, as I could see the tears coming again
"O.K, O.K May, it's great to see you too, just let me breathe…please?"
That ruined it, but still…
"Aww…you're no fun!" she said, but it was obvious she didn't mean it. The two were obviously ready to tear a new one in getting to talk to each other…but that didn't mean I didn't want to be left out.
Fortunately May didn't leave me out. I watched her from the window from my dorm as the conversation Mai was screeching out could be heard from Canada. I couldn't make out the boys features too well though…
"…so me and my roomate are just relaxing in the canteen. Let's just get you a visitor's pass, and we'll go."
"We?" He said.
"Sure, she wanted to meet you as well, she said and I quote 'I want to meet the charming boy who hasn't spoken to his sister in over 3 years…so I can beat his head in.' I'm sure those were her words, so you looking forward to meeting her?'
"Ecstatic." The sarcasm was dripping off his voice, although it certainly was funny.
"Come on…"
* * * *
"Well, here we are…and here's my roomie, Giselle." She said.
And that's where it started.
A spikey like hair style, with those blue crystal eyes, and his extremely lanky, yet fairly muscular frame. And a smile which seemed to be from the Oak family trait, cocky, yet charming at the same time.
"Giselle, this is Gary Oak, my brother." She said.
I smiled and stood up, and stretched out my hand. "Pleased to meet you Gary, I hope you heard my warning from May, so to make sure we don't get to see that side of me, let's get off the right foot."
Otherwise I would have stomped on it. I think Gary realised this (if the sigh of relief was any indication)
May smiled. "Okay, dokay! Let's see what manners of embarrassing thoughts I can bring out from my esteemed brother, shall we?"
We did seem to get on like a house of fire, similar interests between the three of us and May heard about my first attempt to be a pokemon master. It was at that point that May and I noticed Gary's favourite pokemon.
"Wow, an evolved eevee without a stone! It's so cute!" May said.
"I must admit, getting a pokemon like that is hard going, you must be a very good trainer." I was being truthful, Espeon and Umbreon are only got by the happiest pokemon, so at least I knew Gary was a kind trainer.
We talked for a bit more, and Marowak and Clefable seemed to join in the conversation. However, after the period was over, it seemed to over.
Or did it?
* * * *
"I'm sorry Gary, I've got a lecture now 'How to deal with Steel pokemon.' I better get going…"
"Hey, I'll stay in town, I'll go to a hotel, don't worry." Gary said.
For some reason I wanted to keep the conversation going. I seem to have felt drawn to the guy that was May's brother. And I wanted to at least talk to a boy who not since Joe actually did seem to be interested in my mind more than my body.
"Hey Gary."
I think he was as surprised as I was. A bit of bravery definitely, but I continued.
"I'm free now, and I'm wondering if you would like to have an exhibition pokemon battle in the training room now? It would be great experience for an expert student to battle…well, I wouldn't say an expert trainer but…"
"Hey!" May laughed…hey, at least she was still on my side against her wicked brother.
However, he at least replied in the affirmitive. "Sure, why not? I'll show you just what I've learned, and certainly not from any school!"
"Umbre!" Agreed Umbereon. (NOTE: I am a big eevee fan, especially in the game, I've used Jolteon, Espeon and Umbreon in tournaments so usually when I describe the eevee based battles, I go all out.)
"Hmm…you talk the talk, but can you walk the walk? Sorry May, but it looks like I'll have to cream your brother…" I said. Confident yes, but he was talking to the ice queen of confidence.
"Maro!" agreed a bonekeeper pokemon.
O.K, I could think of better ways of reunited with a sister…but this was still Pokemon Tech, and it was still study, study, study.
But that didn't mean having a bit of fun with it either…
* * * *
"Maro…"
"Umber…"
O.K, so in the end, for our star pokemon, it wasn't much fun as treating their wounds was never a pleasant experience, but after 2 years of having this drilled in our heads, I had gotten used to it.
"Oh come on, guys, cheers up, neither of you lost…" Gary said, as both pokemon fell after the double blows came in. A draw, and an impressive one I must admit.
"Yeah, I must say, you impressed me Gary. It showed the Oak blood runs through all the family." I said, impressed with the battle (and certainly not our first, both in the stadium…and well…I'll leave your imaginations to the other place…)
"You were…really good as well Giselle, your performance made me change my idea of Tech students, if you graduate this year, you could be a huge threat in the League."
I had to smile. Time for cocky Giselle to shut this guy up. "Hey, what do you mean COULD? Of course I'll be a threat! And don't you forget it!"
His smile seemed contagious, as he saw right through me. I suddenly felt something…my heart…slightly beating faster…was it…no, this was different that Joe, this felt…
"Very well miss Giselle, I have a feeling that the two of us may meet in the Pokemon League one day soon. But for now, I'm glad that my sister has someone to look up to, to care for…because I sure as hell didn't."
I paused. This was genuine emotion. This wasn't the cocky Gary Oak that Ash told me about, this was the real Gary Oak.
"Gary…" I felt like needing to say something, but he stopped me.
"…I am such a selfish bastard. All these years, May hasn't heard from her brother, her parents are history, I dunno how Grandpa Oak could stand me at times, never mind Ash."
"Ash?" Of course I knew who he was on about, via May. I should have known that Gary would have known him as childhood friends/rivals…until the unpleasantness of course.
"…oh, that cute kid. I remember him, he was a beginner trainer when I met him, but he beat my then Cubone with his Pikachu. It made me look about trainers much different, and my studies a lot more different. He taught me that there are some things you just can't learn in school." That was true, and to his dying day, which came way too soon, it's a lesson I still held in the highest regard.
"You knew him? He was my bitter rival…until…well, I straightened out."
"I'm sorry."
Words of regret? Sorrow…from me? Guess I have changed.
He shook his head. "There is no need to be sorry for me, I'm trying to pull my life together now, as I now know the right way to getting there, I've patched up things now with Grandpa, Ash and now May, and my pokemon of course…"
He patted his Umbreon. That part was true at least.
"…I guess this is what it must be like to grow up."
I knew the same feeling that Gary did. I had grown up as well. This made us have a lot more in common. Not just Ash, but our battling…and now our revelations in life.
I touched his shoulder, a bright smile on my face.
"We all need to grow up Gary, it just takes some people longer to do so. But as long as you do it, it's fine with everyone, especially with yourself."
I stared into his eyes. Something came over me….my eyes were closing…my heart was pounding…
"Gary, Giselle, have you done beating each other to a bloody pulp yet?"
…and I'll have to kill May for that. Typical.
"Hey May, school's out?" I said, quickly returning into normal mode…or at least what constituted for normal for me…
"Yep, but you know a Tech student's life is never over. I'm afraid Gary that you'll have to go, no guys in the girl's dorm, no exceptions, even brothers who I haven't seen in…"
"Yeah, don't worry May…"
Seeing the two embrace made me feel the burden of being an only child, it was truly heartwarming. Gary's eyes held the tears, the tears of happiness…the wall had broken, and Gary had found his maturity.
As he stepped out into the fog, I kept my eyes on him until the bitter end.
"See you tomorrow…"
Both May and I said that, her out loud…me under my breath.
* * * *
After he left, it felt kind of lonely. Although I had more friends now, there must have been something between the Oak and Dexter blood which made them so close. As the final year was ended, May had some startling news.
She was accepted to continue her studying…at university. I never once considered the prospect and was just as surprised to hear she wanted to continue. However, I guess one Oak going for Pokemon Master was good enough.
The final few days as she left for her new life was heartbreaking. I remember staying up all night with May. She remembered the first day we spent together, and I was very embarrassed by her praised with me.
Then she started crying.
"Why…why the tears?" I asked.
"It's just….after all…after everything…we're going to be seperated….first my brother, now you! It's not fair…"
I didn't realise she cared so much. Again, the feeling for the Oak family…it seemed inevitable.
I hugged her quickly, as May cried.
"Remember, we'll never be apart…as long as we remember each other…and I won't forget you…your brother didn't, I sure as hell won't."
I bent closer as May looked up.
"Gis…elle…"
I quickly kissed her on the lips.
"That was a kiss of friendship Mai. Now you'll never be away from me…" I felt my own tears come. I knew it seemed spontaneous, but it seemed…appropriate.
*NOTE – Above scene is a tribute to the very heart-warming scene between Akari Kanzaki and Kris Kristopher in the Battle Athletes OVA…yes, they kissed…and whilst there are definitely suspicions of the two girls in love, I dunno…I thought it was really sweet..*
I didn't feel shame for kissing the girl. It was a friendship kiss, and whatever anyone says, no I didn't swing for the same fence.
It was actually my last step to adulthood.
* * * *
Seeing May leave as very hard to take, and I didn't think I could survive without a true friend in these last few weeks. However, she promised to call and give her number ASAP, so we would keep in contact.
The day before graduation, and I was as nervous as heck. I was graduated with a first, a top honours degree from Pokemon Tech, and I was ready to get stronger in the outside world.
I wasn't nervous, I was ready.
And then the phone rang.
It was Gary.
I never actually told him about what happened with May, and had a half decent conversation. He had been calling a lot, but now that May had left, he was a bit upset…but at least it got me a chance to talk to him on my own.
The conversation eventually went in the direction of the graduation…and that I could be facing him in the Pokemon League.
However, it was just us two now…
…just us two…
I plucked up the courage.
"Unless…well…apart from May, and one other guy, I haven't really had too many people get close to me…and with May gone, after graduation I'll be alone for a while, so…do you mind…if we can…get together tomorrow in Goldenrod, after graduation?"
It was a bit of bravery, and the redness in my cheeks was genuine, as Gary had to stammer back. I quickly added; "Not like it's a date or anything, I just want to find a familiar face into his new world."
Yeah, keeping telling yourself that girl.
Fortunately, he was just as nervous and surprised. "Er….sure, just tell me a time and I'll be there." The two of us were certainly friends, and a 'friendship' date maybe, but I would be lying if it wasn't trying to insinuate that there good be something more.
I smiled. "Great, meet me outside Goldenrod Department Store at 4pm sharp, I've got my train tickets so don't be late, I very rarely let a guy wait for me, so be sharp or else…"
That was my 'paralyser'. A look which scared the crap out of any wannabe suitors. For Gary, he said to me when I used it that it only made me look cuter.
"No problem miss Giselle. I'll be there."
"Great, oh and Gary, May told me to give you this…"
I gave him the number of where his sister would be staying during her apprentenship, so he could still hear from her.
"Thank you, and good luck tomorrow…" he said, and I fumed. This was kind of our signature argument.
"Ha, Gary…"
'I/She doesn't need luck!' before we burst out laughing. Laughing out of genuine feelings rather than conceitedness.
"Very well Gary, I'll see you tomorrow, don't be late otherwise…" I slit my throat metaphorically, trying to scare him of course.
For whatever reason before I put the phone down, I blew him a kiss. Blew him a kiss?
Now that definitely insinuated something.
"Crap…crap…crap…." I said a few times to say the least before my last sleep in this old dorm…tomorrow, no long a student, but a graduate.
Giselle Dexter, top honour student from Pokemon Technical. Valedictorian.
But I was more worried now about getting to Goldenrod in time…
* * * *
The graduation was fine, I received the top honours as Valedictorian as many expected. As soon as it was over though, I was in a rush…much to the disappointment of the boys who had hoped that I'd stay for a drink…or more.
I had changed quickly in a formal uniform, I admit, that I hadn't really put much effort into my looks, it was almost a rush job.
If Erika or Misty had seen me here they would have laughed. Giselle…not worrying about her looks? Alert the media.
However, the last step to my life was here.
Love.
The fanboys only saw the outside. Inside was a heart wanting to be cured. Joe started it, May enveloped it and Gary released it.
I was outside, buttoning my white chequered blouse, and straightened out my jeans…yep jeans, what, a girl can't wear casual clothing? I waited for Gary…who came about 5 minutes after. I had to smile, he obviously had a rush job with his outfit, a green shirt and beige trousers/pants on. I add to make a quick jibe, just for fun.
"You're late." I said.
"Hey, I'm bang on time."
Oh, how I loved to torture him…even now, but the less said about that the better. "I said for you to meet at 4. I never said what time I was coming…luckily for you, I was 5 minutes early, so I'll let you off a humiliating death just this once, because I'm in a good mood."
"Very Giselle…but it's still great to see you, I guess you changed…that is not the look I expected, but it makes you look…well….great.."
I blushed. Yes, I had been told about my looks many times, but it was different when it was a guy that you genuinely liked. Gary was a fine specimen himself, his looks were of a handsome nature, a cocky smile at times but could be quite smile when he wanted. A combo of being humble, and then being arrogant…but then again, the same had been said about me as well.
He complimented me a few times, and handed me a couple of traditional first date gifts of chocolate and some flowers. One of my weak spots is a nice block of chocolate, sadly, it was also one of May's weaknesses as well…trust me, the fights over a block of chocolate were legendary in the May/Giselle part of the dorm.
Of course, when I dragged him for a shopping spree, I don't think even he realised what he was getting into. But it was my graduation, I wanted to remember it, enjoying myself, with a boy…
…a boy I was…
* * * *
Gary had called me a stunner during where I tried on a few clothes. Actually, a few people had wondered if I was a model on the catwalk or something.
We talked like the friends we were…and the lovers I wanted us to be. I guess it me then when we were talking about our pokemon battles, and perhaps our common bond that we wanted to defeat Ash in the Pokemon League. Of course, I added that I would have to beat him as well…
I booked a hotel and asked Gary to stay the night. I made a pact that I would remove myself for the next two months from human comfort to focus on the Pokemon League. I had come with top honours from Tech, I wanted to win it. For this night, I wanted to remember everything I did, just like the last day I did with May…
However, the kiss this time was more than friendship…
* * * *
"Well, Giselle, thanks to you, I can speak to my sister any time, and my bank manager is going to hate me with all the money I drew out…" The reference to me giving him May's number and the other reference about me spending most…O.K, all his money, not so subtle, but I had to giggle….and begin to make my move.
"Heh, maybe it won't be just a one time thing either…"
I said it as quietly as I could, but Gary had super-hearing applied.
"What do you mean?"
I smiled, those eyes again mesmerising. I breathed in…and spoke.
"You're a remarkable person Gary Oak, I found that out on the first day we met, and since then, we've developed a bond stronger than any friendship, and more than a brother/sister relationship either, trust me, I know when I've found a true self."
Gary said my scent of perfume and pure Giselle was driving him insane. I felt like a cavewoman…not wanting to get rid of him, to keep him for myself.
"You…are…mine…Whether…you…like…it…or…not…" I stroked his cheek, my heart pounded, our eyes locking…
…our lips touching.
It was just a soft kiss, nothing more, nothing less. It was a true one…one shared by me and May in friendship, and by Gary and I in…
"I…like…it…boy, I like it." he said softly, and as thoughts went through my head.
…love.
He returned the kiss with full emotion. True love at my teenage years…it seemed a trend for Pokemon trainers by the locks. Everyone here at Ash' funeral had some sort of love story before 20.
And I didn't want to let go.
I clocked it at 1 minute and 56 seconds. The kiss of course…
"I'm sorry Gary, I wanted to tell you sooner, but if I told your sister, I'd.." I wouldn't let go.
"…I know, but I felt the same as well, I wanted to tell you too. It's just a shame.."
I nodded. "I'm sorry Gary, but I need to do this. I love you, but I want to win just as much as anyone."
And then he said it.
"I love you too."
He kissed me again, my life had changed…
…it was complete.
Thank you Joe.
Thank you May.
Thank you Ash.
Thank you…Gary.
* * * *
Gary has already told you about our battle and our reuniting with Ash. Gary had left his final match with Ash in the capable words of Misty. I know she can tell you the tale of two cities.
It's true that me and Misty never saw eye to eye but here I think Ash touched me as much as anyone. I'm crying damn it…I'm crying my tears, I'm a human being, I didn't want to see him die…
I had no interest as an Elite. With Gary already working as an Elite/Viridan leader, I been working as a teacher at Tech. I was learning teaching credentials, whilst taking advice of becoming a model. Gary has a picture of me for nearly every day.
Our marriage was where myself and Misty shook hands for the first and one time…until today. I clasped Misty's hand and held her in my arms.
And poor May…her husband Rudi by her side…everything seemed to have gone so wrong.
And all because of one person…
…Gary has resigned from his work now. I suppose I'll become the Viridian gym leader…I have no idea who will take over the head of the Elite. Richie or A.J maybe…many of the old-school aren't good enough, with the exception of Lance but…well, there is a reason why he can't…
I'm crying…I'm still crying…
"Ash….you fool…don't you know what you did to all of us? We're all here…idiot…"
I turned away.
"Little idiot…"
And the tears wouldn't go away…
* * * *
SABRINA
Who am I?
I am I…this person of being is myself. I learnt that from Ash.
People have seen me as cold, calculating…afraid. They see me as power. They see me as danger.
Ash saw me…as a friend.
I loved him like that, you know…during the times where gym leaders and Elite members would work out in meetings and talk, Ash would always work with me when no-one else would.
It was because of him that I discovered my humanity.
A 15 year old psychic at the time, I had discarded everything. Emotions, friendship, family…all gone for the sake of my psychic powers. The family gym became one with me as me and Abra took on the world.
As a psychic trainer, it was hard to beat me…and I was the highest gym percentage at 72% of victories. (even overshadowing Team Rocket's Giovanni) A lot of people liked to face me last on their journey, as they had heard rumors of what I did to people who lost.
However, after Ash and his Haunter, still with me, ironic that the ghost pokemon is still with me whilst the ghost of Ash Ketchum is nowhere in sight, managed to break the fourth wall, I had discovered the meaning to be happy.
I slowly began to recover thanks to my wonderful parents, who forgave me for all the things I had done, I couldn't even begin to apologise…
I was learning things anew. Although I was still a psychic, learning to do things normally was as tough a challenge for me. However, slowly but surely I was learning.
Until Ash became an Elite though, too many people were still wary of me. Current Elite A.J was one of the first to actually talk to me, and honestly did see me as someone other than the 'freak' that others had dubbed me.
It was my first real talk with someone other than my family. Of the gym leaders, Erika was the nicest towards me, and began to help me enjoying a true schoolgirl lifestyle, she took me out shopping many times, allowing me to enjoy the true outside world. And in the meetings, I managed to finally begin the art of conversation to Erika.
However, the barriers in my heart still remained…until I turned 18…
* * * *
People were accepting my ways now, and the Elite and the leaders were at least starting to talk to me. On my 18th birthday, Erika gave me a friendship broach in the shape of a rose…a true gift from a true friend.
However, now they were discussing new members to the Elite. Lorelei had decided to take to a school and teaching in the way of water mastery, whilst Agatha had finally retired after nearly 50 years in the business. Many were calling for me to replace Agatha, although the other psychic Will obviously had other ideas.
I didn't get along with Will. His meaning of being a psychic was domination in battle and the ability to read minds. That wasn't a psychic, that was abuse. Whilst Will was a young elite, the powers that be that other ideas.
Then the emergence of new blood came.
And there he was.
Ash Ketchum…
He was only 13 at the time, but his smile said everything else. I say the Waterflower sisters in shock, especially as behind him was Misty and Brock, who I unfortunately turned into dolls in my not so stable state.
The fact though of him being a Elite…intrigued me. He'd be the youngest here that's for sure…but the fact was that Lance had said that the talented young generation would be the current and future Elite.
Lance…well, I'll get to him a bit later…
…he did have a point at the time. Aside from a few notable exceptions, those being myself, Blaine, Clair, Whitney, Karen and Lance himself, most of the gym leaders and Elite were getting beat without too much problem. I liked the fact that Will was seen as the weakest leader and many wanted to replace him with me, but there was no way I was getting him in my family gym.
Not too soon after, Gary, A.J and Richie would also join, and a few years later, Casey, but for now, it was just Ash, Agatha's replacement, the one that people would have to beat before getting to Lance.
For Ash, this was just a temporary job. He wasn't a stayer, he was a traveller, and Lance informed us that he would only be working like the rest of us when they were needed. Many of us had other jobs of course, myself still working in the psychic school, Erika with her perfume shop, the Waterflowers with their shows, Whitney and her farm, etc.
However, Ash smiled at the familiar faces around him…and he stopped at me.
I felt like 'Oh no…', but he smiled at me that warm cheeky boy smile. I felt instant relaxed. I realised at that point that I never actually thanked him for bringing me back to the sane world.
And he was growing up so handsome…Misty was a lucky girl. For me, he was too young, but I could see that he had that hearthrob potential.
I guess that was the one area I was still unsure about…love.
The main thing is that in the psychic code, there is a rule that the channelers seemed to expect. Purity.
It's like the true psychics only control on their energies, and to harness their energies, no distractions are needed. Love was definitely a distraction and many had seen me as a leader.
One rule as well as a psychic lead was that I was to be as pure as the driven snow. In other words, to remain a virgin.
I wasn't a priest, but it seemed like some holy escapade. The vow on most people was very tough…but I felt like it was one I could handle.
The reason…I didn't think there was anyone who could love me.
A lot of people comment on my goth like look, a doll like pretty face and as some not so subtle people said, 'a body to die for'. I could have been flattered, because they knew not to mess with me and my powers.
However, it still felt like loneliness had claimed me even so many years of being the closest thing to a normal girl had come…
* * * *
Ash had made a habit of being the left to Erika's right. I'm surprised Misty didn't give me the 'witch' tag that she had given three others (including Elite Casey) for being close to Ash. But I think she knew that I couldn't get close to Ash anyway.
As I approached my 20th year, Ash was 15 and finally showing us the potential of a true Elite, a head of the Elite. However, it was going to be hard to oust Lance, a man of 29 years whose pride and strength was almost as legendary as his dragons he used. Whilst Drake, the Orange representive was legendary for his Dragonite, Lance had three at his disposal, and all as strong or stronger than Drake's.
I remember a practice match between Ash and Lance once. I admired them from afar, as it was Lance's power vs. Ash' heart. To say it was close was an understatement, but on that day Lance won.
Admire them? What was I thinking? I meant…I was watching them from afar, and certainly was interested in their pokemon skills and strategies.
Weakness…no I didn't have that.
And then…
"Sabrina-san?"
Lance called me with the Japanese suffix, Lance had a lot of respect for me and asides from Ash, he was the only guy around here who wasn't afraid of me. No matter what I did, it seemed all the other Elite (A.J, Gary and Richie excluded) of the male chromosome seemed afraid of me. Maybe it was like I had the plague as people knew I couldn't be touched.
However, Lance' respect for me was incredible. He recognised my strength and how tough life was for me. He himself had a reputation as well for simply being a businessman and pokemon master. Lance was supposedly all business, yet for those he respected and cared for, he was a perfect gentleman.
He had problems immediately after Lorelei had left the Elite. It appears the two were in a relationship, however, splitting away meant that the two were seeing less of each other. It seemed to tear away at Lance, although he did his best to shadow it. As a psychic though, I knew better.
That's why he respected me. He saw me as a person, someone strong…and someone who knew how hard it was to be seen as someone else.
"Yes Lance?"
"You seem troubled young lady…" Lance probed.
"I'm the psychic, I'm the only one who senses trouble…" I smiled. A smile that had first been seen by Ash via his Haunter. It was Ash who found my smile.
"Point taken…and that was the closest attempt to a joke I think you've tried." The maturity of him was legendary, but to me, his friendly attitude always surprised me, considering that even today both here and in the gym, many tried to avoid getting close to me.
"Hey Sabby!" Ash said, wiping his head on a towel. I had to chuckle. Ash was the only one who could give me a nickname. I saw Lance chuckle as well, as I blushed.
"Ash, never call me that in front of anyone again otherwise…" I said.
"Yeah, I know. Migraines for a year, I got it." Ash said. It was almost a running gag between us. Ash and I were like brother and sister, and I know he was close to so many people (all of them here at the funeral) but asides from Misty at the time, I felt like he solely was brought along to bring me happiness.
Ash, Lance and I began to head out for a bite to eat, as Ash told that he was heading off to Fuschia Mountains for a training session. He asked if either of us would like to come as well, but both of us were too busy at the time. I did join him once on his mountain trips…and I regretted that I never did it again, because it was not long after that he…
* * * *
With Ash gone, Lance became my big brother. It was nice that a male was actually trying to be close to me without getting too close. Everyone including Lance knew about my 'vows' although unofficial, it seemed sacred in the world of psychics, and as I was seen as a leader to them, I stayed with my morals.
That changed a lot a few months later…
It was late night at the Indigo Plateau. The tournament was going to start and I decided to have a walk around. I usually did this back at peaceful Saffron, but I forgot about the hustle and bustle of the Plateau.
And the muggings and violence that occur here as well.
As a psychic, I literally have a sixth sense. The presence of danger, the hunt for blood…or worse…
"Hey, what have we got here?"
A gang of three with smirks on their face emerged from the darkness. I think my pale features were like a beacon of light for scum like this. I didn't give them a second thought.
"Well…the gothic look is not exactly the way I pictured, but what a body…" I saw one of them look me up and down.
I knew instantly what they were up to, but again, I wasn't afraid.
"Go away." I said with a voice that was so silent, it was deadly. Of course, these men of no morals going to hell couldn't care less.
The third man paused, I sensed recogniton. "Hey, isn't that Sabrina…that psychic chick?"
The others stopped. "Oh…she's famous is she…that makes the prize more valuable…how about we take her, decide who gets her first before offering a ransom reward…"
"I heard she hasn't actually been laid before…whoever gets her first will literally be HER first…"
I had enough. It was like all women were tools for them. I had enough.
"I gave a warning. You failed to heed it. You will pay." I simply said.
Their laugh as they approached was the straw that broke the camels' back. My energies flared, my psychic powers up.
My pokemon were at the centre, but I didn't need them. A shriek of fear as the white aura enveloped my body as the pure energy aura was enough to send them flying into the tree.
I stopped powering up to observe their movements. Hardly a challenge as I turned to walk away.
Stubborn bastards didn't give up though.
"Urggghhh…why…"
One of them whistled.
Suddenly, it wasn't three of them, it was five…and then eight.
And these guys were armed…knifes…and guns.
"So bitch, what is it to be…your body or your life that we take?"
My psychic aura twinged a bit, as I felt the emotion fear for the first time. I built up my energy to create a shield around me.
"She's a freak, just blast her!" One of them called.
And one fired.
My psychic powers however had strengthened far enough to penetrate bullets from my skin, but holding the shield would take power. I had to hold on….
…a mental flash to someone in Indigo….
…anything…
Suddenly, I heard a moan and a thud. Two more found their way as I looked up…
Lance had been checking on the facilities and immediately recognised my psychic flash. A dan master in Taekwando, and hands like wraiths that made Koga jealous, he nailed the vital spots without them even seeing.
And his prized Dragonite was by his side, with a reflect in case anything else got out of hand.
"Holy…what the heck?" One of the remaining standing said.
"A league official and gym leader…that is a crime you know of the worst order…" In speed too fast even for a psychic to register, he slammed a palm into two more of the guy's vital spots, putting them down. 4 remained and Dragonite was out for blood…
I realised that the ones taken down were all the armed ones, and Lance was literally scaring the shit out of the remaining guys.
"Dragonite…no mercy…"
(5 minutes later)
Officer Jenny had rounded up them as my energy was finally dispelled…but the fear and the amount of energy had taken it's toll on me. I practically collapsed but Lance caught me before I fell.
"Should we call the League Doctor?" Jenny asked.
"I'll…be fine. I just haven't used this amount of energy…in a while…" I tried standing up, but it was obvious that I couldn't as Lance had to hold me up.
"I'll take her back to the quarters, she'll be fine by morning Officer…" Lance said as he saluted the Jenny in charge, as a squadron came and collected a few people who wouldn't be getting out of jail any time soon.
I felt something hold me from my legs as Lance picked me up and put me on his Dragonite. Lance hopped on.
"Quick route, just hold on tight and don't fall O.K?" Lance said.
I nodded, still strong enough to listen. I gripped his literally no fat waist as tears of emotions fell over me.
Lance had saved me…why? I didn't think there would be anyone out there to care for a 'freak' like me?
But as we headed to the quarters, the start of one of the biggest stories of the League came…and it wasn't the battles either.
* * * *
I staggered down…outside Lance's personal quarters. I was wondering why here….I was nervous…
Lance picked me up again, my red blouse and black skirt ruffled as Dragonite went to it's den. Lance was very slow in taking me in and even slower putting me down on the couch.
I felt his hand touch my cheek.
"Lance….why…" I said.
"Are you a cold woman Sabrina?" he asked.
The touch was trembling, scared, nervous. Lance…this legendary trainer…scared? Of me…of himself?
"No…."
"I didn't think so, you're cheek is warm. The last time I did this was a touch of Lorelei…her cheek was cold as the ice she was born. I felt that I could never love again…and I know you never thought that period…" Lance said.
His mysterious eyes matched my own, his story telling skills were almost as legendary as he was, he was drawing me in…
"Sabrina, why you? A woman who is the example of womanhood to not any man come close to yourself…for your sake and for the sake of your peers?"
WARNING, SEMI-LEMONY SCENE STARTS HERE-ISH…
His hand was completely on my cheek, stroking my pale skin, as smooth as velvet before it went to my neck.
He bent down and kissed me on the forehead. I made no reaction…trying not to succumb to his man, a man who in the eyes of many women was the ideal man, a pure fantasy to all…
"…you are a woman who has perfected an ideal through almost everyone, and yet broken the barrier of your emotionless state. So can you let a man as pathetic as me…to fall in love with you?"
9 years difference…yet he had fallen in love with me. His lips dove down onto my throat…and I felt the reaction there. I twitched.
"Lance…I….can't…yet…"
It was becoming overpowering. The musky scent of the man was overpowering my need to fight. For me it was worse than getting raped…
…because this was something I wanted, despite everything I said.
Lance stopped and took his shirt off.
"Please let this humble man to love you."
And I did.
His kiss on the lips set and broke new walls I never dreamed off. The flames and passion struggled deep within me, and I'd never be the same again. I struggled against him, but this time I closed my eyes in wonder…as I explored this feeling of lust, of passion…of love.
I felt his grasping me and picking me up, hands on my thighs. I didn't struggle as he put me down on the bed, and I wrapped my hands round his neck. My skirt was really torn off as I dug my nails into his first muscular posterior.
His touch on my legs was making me want to explode. His touch became more feverous, as his kisses on the lips, the neck, his feeling me on the legs, on the breasts…
The last outside wall went as my bra went…the cool air of the naked body as I was truly myself. He looked at me with a questionable look.
"Last chance…"
And with perhaps the most human emotion I ever mentioned, I smiled.
"No way…"
And with that, my final wall was broken…and the pain was nothing compared to the warmth of human comfort…at last…
…I was truly born.
* * * *
I woke up, thinking last night was a dream, but the warm feeling inside me hadn't gone. And warmth by my side…
I felt around…nothing. No clothes…I turned as a sleeping man lay beside me. I gulped.
I had gone against my vow. I had been broken. And by the head of the Elite of all people.
20 year old Sabrina Saffron's virgin vow had been taken by Lance Powers, an Elite legend 9 years older than she was. I was scared, I panicked, I was…
…calmed and silenced by his embrace…and his kiss.
"Lance…I…er…" he silenced me with another kiss. I didn't back down.
"Shhh…don't say anything my love. Nothing…"
I didn't. I felt safe…secure…needing…wanting…
I thought about not using protection. I thought about the possibility of pregnancy…I thought about giving birth…would my child be an esper?
I immediately realised that these thoughts were very panicky…and also things that I had never thought about before.
How did I end in this situation? Fear…from men, brought safe by a man. A sudden spur of the moment…or feelings held back within my mind because of my vow.
Lance got up. "We'd better get out of here. If anyone sees us, we're as good as toasted."
I nodded, and quickly searched for all my clothing. I was really freaked that some of it was partly ripped, I never realised I became that…emotional? Passionate?
"Come on…" Lance said, gripping my hand and looking outside. His people usually came by to discuss the tournaments and what to sort by this time…
"I don't suppose you can teleport can you?" Lance asked. I shook my head. My psychic powers were the last thing from my mind now.
"Nuts…are you decent…well, you always have been beautiful…I guess that's why I felt so much for you. You were different, yet uncaring about the ways people thought about you…"
A love confession?
"…I guess that's what attracted me to you. You were something beautiful, a real creation, moulded from God. One that deserved to be put on this planet no matter what anyone else says. I fell in love you because of you, the person on the inside, the wanting to be free…like myself."
I blushed. Probably for the first time as well.
"Both of us are restricted because of our personas. People only see Lance, the head guy and dragon elite and Sabrina, the silent, deadly esper. Last night was a night which could have been in disaster…"
He cupped my cheek.
"…but it was time that my feelings for you came. Please forgive me for putting you in such a situation…"
I cried. Tears came down as I hugged him.
"You…freed me…you freed me…Lance…only Ash could do that…but you did it…."
I sobbed as Lance cuddled me…
…as a knock on the door came.
"Lance-sir, are you ready yet?"
Aw shit.
"Back window…escape and get to your room ASAP. Otherwise god knows what will happen…"
I nodded, gave him a quick kiss (I stopped before anything more passionate could come out) before escaping. My deshelved blouse and skirt may attract a bit of attention, but I hoped that with my stealth I could escape.
Unfortunately, as I left…I forgot about one thing.
Lance was a head official…and almost all areas around his 'base' was covered…by surveillance cameras.
Aw shit…again.
* * * *
"Can you explain this Mr Powers?"
Officials were everywhere after that to say the least. The fact that I had left in full view, less than subtle, was info enough for the Pokemon League to warrant an investigation…
"She was being attacked for god sake…I simply let her rest…" Lance said.
"But one thing came to another didn't it…do you realise the problems that could involve you two…"
Lance couldn't get out of this one. I had been summoned and was listening outside the door as I sighed.
"Caught already huh?" I heard a voice behind me.
I saw Ash smiling at me, that sweet smile that I adored him for, the smile that I had inadvertently copied.
"Ash…but…how…"
"Peon!"
I forgot he also had a psychic pokemon, and the closeness of his bond with it almost made him a psychic as well. It must have relied by thoughts and brought them to Ash. Ash didn't use that technique much, but…
He fussed his Espeon a bit before looking at me.
"This may be weird considering I'm 5 years younger, but the fact of the matter is yes, we've all heard. And to stay that we are a bit surprised is a bit of an understatement…but that doesn't mean we disagree."
I was stunned.
"You see, if it's genuine, it's genuine. And considering how Erika's matchmaking experiences for you have been, it might be the thing that you may need the most…" he chuckled and I had to agree. Erika had tried to get me out of his vow and out with some of her local 'boyfriends' but nothing worked. I found it weird that this did…
"…the Pokemon League is always under some scandal or something, you just happened to be unlucky. My advice is this Sabrina."
Ash then gave me the most important advice I ever had.
"Forget everything. Forget your vows, forget what people will say, and forget what people see you as. You made a decision, and you can either accept or regret it. Regret it, and it may haunt it. Accept it, and you may find out what the truth can hold you."
I realised what he was speaking about. His relationship with Misty had been accepted by the public, Misty as the high ranking water master hadn't come under scrunity for being in love with a head official. And now that I thought about it, weren't the situations the same?
A gym leader…with a high ranking offical…O.K, Ash was 2 years younger compared to my 9 years, but still…
Ash clutches my shoulder. "You are your own person Sabrina, you can't change it…so don't try…"
I looked at him, those kind eyes, the first person whose kindness broke my barrier of solitude.
I hugged him, a tear in my eye. "Thank you Ash…thank you." I kissed him on the cheek, saw his own flushing look before releasing.
"You're welcome…" Ash said as I turned. With one last look, I paused…and entered the abyss…
* * * *
The result of the meeting was as expected, Lance as a high ranking official was now under the constant eye of the media, as was I…and I was forced to leave the Saffron Gym after my school found out about my own breakage.
After 2 years, Lance had enough. People had accepted our love, and yet people still ridiculed us. Lance at that point decided to retire. He had enough. In his place came Gary Oak, and also Casey Ruki. He retired to his own near the Lake of Rage, where we held almost a celestial protection over the many poachers around trying to snag the Gyarados families that breed there.
As for us, we're still here, still together. I'm an old mad at 30 and he's approaching his 40th year, but we're still together. We shortly married after leaving the League whilst my father takes care of the gym…with help from Cherie.
Cherie…my adopted daughter. An esper of her own, a talented trainer in her own right, now 23…her Giraffarig and her link with it was exceptional at such a young age that I took her on as my pupil. Now, I love her like my daughter. She's all grown up, married to a young Pokemon Technical Advisor Joe, and of course, he's scared shitless of my powers so he knows he'd better take care of her….
But those words Ash told me…
…that advice…
…and it comes down to this. The only thanks available are to his ashes.
I bowed my head in silent prayer, my psychic energies letting off a slight glow.
"Let's your ashes fly to the heavens Ash. I'll never forget you…and thank you."
* * * *
MOLLY HALE
I knew him before practically anyone else did here. Aside from his mother, and also the Oaks, I think that people underestimate the memories of a young child towards their youth.
Like Gary and May Oak, I remembered the times that I played with Ash Ketchum. I was only 4 compared to his 8 or 9 years of age, but it was still comforting that I had an 'older brother' to take care of me.
My mother had been 'gone' for a long time according to my dad. I thought she was dead, missing on a plane expedition in the ice mountains (the same ones where the legendary field agent Miyamoto had been killed…) via avalanche. For the longest time, it was just papa and me. And at times, Delia and Ash.
My father was a college friend of Ash' mother, Delia Ketchum. We visited many times as I called out 'Ashton one-chan!' everytime time I visited. He truly seemed like my brother, as both Arthur and Delia said many times.
No, the two weren't in love, they were close than that, they were best friends…a bond of friendship that couldn't be spoilt by love was a special thing indeed. I know that Arthur blames himself at times for the break-up of the Ketchums, but he needn't be. It was an innocent moment caused by Delia's despair of her husband…and I know he believes that in heaven now.
Over the years, my father became one of the top fields in Pokemon archeology and an expert in the field of legendary pokemon. He told me stories about the legendary birds, of Lugia, and of course, the dogs, in particular Entei.
Entei was like a vision to me, firey red…a red that burns with passion and strength. Strong, loyal and protective, Entei was like the pokemon representative of my own father.
One night however it almost became that true….
* * * *
Greenfield, my home town had been taken by a crystal catastrophe thanks to my releasing the power of the Unown. I was too young then to realise or even remember it. However, stories from my father, Delia and Ash helped me recover the memory that I still wept to, the fact that I could have destroyed the world.
The once beautiful town of Greenfield now a crystal abyss.
It all happened when I was told that my father was 'missing.' Like my mother, I presumed the worse…and I went into a bit of denial, playing alphabet with tile pieces of my father's research.
Little did I realise what a simple child's game would bring.
The power of the Unown, the mysterious ghost pokemon who had taken my father, had the abilitie to control visions and mind, to believe in what you want to believe. To make one's dream world become a fanatical reality.
And at the time, I was thinking that my father was Entei.
So when the legendary pokemon emerged, I didn't have too many second thoughts.
My papa had returned to me, and me alone. I just didn't release what powers I had unleashed…I was a scared young girl with the powers to finally have my life right.
I had my papa…but I wanted more, my mama.
Today, Delia is my step-mother, she adopted me after…well…anyway, I've apologised to her so many times now I think she was getting sick of it. However, I still have no excuse for my selfish needs, even at my young age.
My papa abducted Delia, and put her in the control, believing her to be my mother. The alternative world was one where I could be the ruler if you will, a power so unbelievably scary, if someone more unscrupulous had control of this power, you wonder what would have happened.
I was just an innocent and scared child.
So when Ash and his two friends Misty and Brock tried to come after me, I was surprised, I didn't want them interrupting 'my' family reunion. But seeing their pokemon made me want to become like them…
…except being the best.
I grew up fast thanks to the Entei's powers, and my pokemon created from my fantasy world were ones that could beat anything. Brock fell fast, but it was just a diversion to Ash so he could try and save Delia.
The match against Misty however was where things changed. I realised that I could do things on my own if I wanted, and the prospects of new challenges thrilled me. However, that changed when Ash tried to take 'my' mother back.
Entei nearly killed him…but the loyalty and friendship of his other family, his pokemon, tore at me bit by bit. When his Charizard flew in to save him, and then the vicious fight between Charizard and Entei….
…no more. No more fighting. No more losses…I didn't want this.
Entei had almost delivered the final blow, but I stopped it. At that point, reality or not, the true Molly Hale had spoken.
The escape and the resurrection of the real world took a lot of power from Entei, but the spell of the unown was broken. My father had been trapped in there, but with the spell broken, Greenfield's resurrection was under way.
Thank you Entei. Entei's strength was like my father's, protecting me to the very end.
* * * *
Things started to return to normal. My father as a welcome back gift came me my first pokemon, a cute cuddly Teddiusa. It was more of my pet/friend than to me used for pokemon battle…although it would prove to me a very formidable friend in the future…as the paparazzi would find out.
And then…as I was playing on the stepping stones…
My father had returned from his latest excursion from what I saw…but then someone was there as well…
I was shocked…and I spoke the word I never thought I would speak.
"Mama!"
It turned out she had survived the avalanche, but had been presumed dead within the snowstorm. She had found a cabin out of no-where, but couldn't get anywhere near communications. It was a survival team that finally found her…but she had amnesia.
No-one informed the family because there was no records on her. It was only through DNA testing that people found her as Lucretia Hale. After the incident of the unown, it was obvious that my father hadn't been going out to work…he'd been informed of the finding and was going to the hospital to help her.
He didn't tell me…because he didn't want to get my hopes out.
After 2 long months though, the snow and fog had all gone from her head. The miracle workers at the hospital were very well thanked, her mind was mostly fixed whilst her body was still fairly weak.
However, she desperately wanted to see her daughter's face again.
The warmth of my hug was not to be understated.
I had my family again.
* * * *
My mother had not been given too long to live. Her condition was an advance case of Onucitra Syndrome, a chilling disease which slows down the body's cells into an eternal sleep, caused by excessive exposure to the cold…and being under how much snow for how long was probably the worst exposure you could have.
She wasn't suppose to last longer than 6 months. Again my father decided not to tell me, he didn't want to see me so sad after finally recovering from everything. However, my mother's spirit with my family was strong, and she never stopped fighting.
Frequent visits from Mrs. Ketchum, and phone calls from Samuel Oak, as well as Ash as well to see how we were was something we looked forward to all the time. Despite my mother's condition, we still visited their house for a lovely supper occasionally.
My mother lasted above all doctor's conditions, and survived for 3 more years, 3 years of happiness despite constant pain. Despite her death and the sadness that at 11 years old, I was without a mother for good this time, I was proud of her when my father and Delia told me the story.
By this time, I could have gone out and become a pokemon trainer. At 10 I didn't because I wanted to remain with my family. My mother was at her weakest stage, but still came up to tell me stories every night and kiss me on the cheek.
When it was just my father and I, it was time for me to have a good think on what to do…
* * * *
I was surprised when the feeling of becoming a Pokemon trainer didn't appeal to me. I was so into it when I was inside the dream world, and yet in the real one, battling didn't appeal to me.
I guess the thought of violent battles after seeing Entei and Charizard was still in the memory of my mind, and I didn't want to see it…I knew there were some trainers who would go into that depths of violence, they weren't all as kind-hearted as Ash, Misty and Brock I knew that.
So what do I do?
Study.
I decided to go into my father's footsteps. And learn what I can about pokemon research…it seemed that the memories of my dream world had still been in my memory at the back of my mind, and the memories of the pokemon and their attacks still itched there, ready for me to take advantage.
Options? Pokemon Technical? My dad certainly could afford it, but I felt that it wasn't my style. Whilst I know this was a view not true, being with what I thought were millionaires spoilt children wasn't good for me, my family were true down to earth despite our earnings?
Apprentice gym leader? I thought about it, the test scores were difficult to get in, but people could start at 11…but there wasn't anywhere I really wanted to go into.
My Teddiusa poked at my leg as I looked on.
Then I thought of something. I had bypassed the flyers in Greenfield many times but ignored them for whatever reason.
But now I had an idea.
* * * *
"Phan!"
I cuddled the baby Phanpy as it drank the warm milk in the adoption agency. I was working as a volunteer for sick and abused pokemon where not even the Pokemon Centres could cater for.
These 'Pokepal' Centres were kind of like the animal hospital of the generation in the Pokemon world. People as young as 8 were in there taking care of the pokemon, usually the baby ones, whilst the more experienced people took care of the older, more dangerous and less trusting of humans.
This was a world that I think children could be scared off definitely, but that meant that volunteers were taking seriously, and questionnaires were important. These included vaccinations against infected pokemon for example, these places were approved by the Pokemon League as a kind of off-beat Pokemon Centre.
I travelled many times to see what Nurse Joy had to say about certain pokemon before putting them into the adoption category. Many times, I considered whether being a nurse whether for pokemon or humans was what I was truly made for. My papa always said that I had a magic touch…
….why couldn't it save mother then?
I work as a volunteer for half my time for the best part for 2 years, focusing on pokemon research as well, trying to get into work with my father. A couple of times I went on with his digs, and whilst he was definitely concerned about me, he seemed to have realised that his daughter had grown up throughout her ordeals and didn't object.
I knew I'd have to think about my true future. Seeing Ash and everyone grow up into the people they are now inspired me to go truly into my work.
And a chance comment from Ash started on a surprising career for me.
* * * *
"Your mother's fine Ash." I told him. Since everything, Arthur and Delia had certainly rekindled their old college friendship, and many times when Ash phoned home from his busy job, I was there as well, helping Mrs. Ketchum prepare dinner.
I was 15 at this point, and was still into research, and I wanted to go transfer into Pokemopolis, Eve Jacqouilde was a legendary female archeologist, and quickly becoming my father's biggest 'rival' in that field. My dad joked that I wanted to go there just to spite him.
However, a chance comment from Ash changed me. I had always been judged by my father's intelligence and had often been called 'daddy's girl' especially by some of the nastier people in the agencies.
Ash said something surprising as unlikely say Giselle or Erika, no-one judged me by my looks.
"How's your work going?" Ash said.
"O.K, I don't think my dad is too happy with me perhaps trying to get into work with Eve…but she's the only other major archaeologist around the Kanto area, plus she's the only female one I know…"
"Molly, are you sure this is what you want?" Ash asked.
I pondered about that. Did I really consider myself going into my father's footsteps? I paused…
"Ash…I'm not sure what I want. I want to be recognised for myself, I'm always seen as my dad's daughter. I want to escape the shadow…following his footsteps isn't exactly the smartest thing to do."
Twenty years of age Ash Ketchum smiled at me.
"Personally, I think you'd stand out in a crowd. You're smart AND cute."
Cute?
Cute?
I can't remember anyone using that word around me, except for one occasion…
"Brock told me that you looked cute back in…well…back then, and you were all grown up. I agree, you look more like that every day…you're just not trying to control anything anymore…"
I smiled. Ash had said that I had brains and beauty. To hell with being a famous daughter, to hell with controlling power…
I was Molly Hale, and I had my own destiny.
"Ash…thank you."
With that, I ended my conversation with Ash, and began to think as I helped cut the carrots for one of Delia Ketchum's famous dinners.
Maybe the future had a few more bumps and turns than I expected…
* * * *
At 16, I began a new path…one hidden even from my father.
Misty began to help me. She was helping designing my look…sadly, she decided to go a bit overboard, and enlisted a bit of help…
So, add a bit of Erika's perfume and kimono lessons, a fashion tip or two from Giselle Dexter, fitness lessons from Casey Ruky, tai chi and costume design from Duplica Imite and a bit of a snip snip from Misty herself…
…and we have Molly Hale, catwalk girl.
Giselle had been an inspiration of being a young model. Succesful as a quarter-finalist in the pokemon tournaments in Johto, she had began working on a number of careers, including modelling. Although she and Misty didn't get on that well, Giselle was actually a fair help in the modelling trade…and I suppose all those other things helped a bit as well.
At 16, I made my modelling debut.
Now this was a surprise as people saw me as the new girl on the block. If people recognised the name Molly Hale, they didn't care. I was nervous going down there and becoming the new fashion icon, but it seemed that instead of Molly Hale, they saw me by my stage name.
Unown. Sounds appropriate.
A lot of my designs were of black which helped, but it got me into the spotlight…and into talking to people about what you did rather than what your father did.
However, I still liked to research…and to prove that not all models were airheads (of course, Giselle shut that theory up…and with this intelligent breed now, people were starting to second guess every next big thing…)
Being a model was hard work, but when you've lived through and created a possible destruction of the world, I guess this was easy.
* * * *
My father died suddenly when I was 18. It was a shock on me to say the least, but the death had been caused my too many digs…
…seeing the X-rays and his lungs full of dust, burning coal like dust, I had to keep my tears in and not be sick.
However, as soon as I was alone…I cried and cried so much.
My family was gone…everything seemed to end into nothingness. My work, my life, the past, the present, the future…reduced to ashes.
At the funeral, I stood by as Delia made the eulogy about my father. She seemed to be in worse pain that I did, not too surprising considering their closeness. They weren't in love, they had the friendship that no lovers could have.
At the end of it…Delia was sitting alone, crying. Today, she is still crying, but she has someone still with her.
And that someone…was me, starting on the day of my father's funeral.
I walked up to her.
"Delia?"
The mature yet still very beautiful woman looked up in tears. Ash had just left (I didn't realise he was watching from afar, today he's still doing that, except in the heavens where he so deserves) and I held her hand. It was like the mother I wanted to be with me forever.
I realised my decision before she did.
"May I call you my mother?"
Delia's tears matched my own….looking into my eyes…
…and we embraced.
Our tears were more than our words that day, but somehow, through each other, we would get through this…
* * * *
Today our tears are for another family member lost, not my original family, but he was as close as to a family as possible.
I looked at my husband talking with Giselle. Yep, I got married last year to Joe Igashi, a Tech teacher who Giselle introduced to me. Apparently, they were very good friends and it was almost like a blind date for me because I was too busy for boys despite the amount of mail I received. Joe however, captured my heart for his honestly, determination, hard work ethics and true morals.
I was 21 when I met him, 2 years later, we got married, and 6 months after that, Ash Ketchum, a legend, gets killed.
The Hale/Ketchum blood line seemed to run on tragedy. However, somehow, I would have to break out of my world and continue…
I looked to the skies.
"Father…mother….Ash….we'll continue to be here, watch us over as always…"
A cold tear hit my hand.
I think Entei is watching me as well…
* * * *
And that's it for another lot. I hope you enjoyed it as always.
Why Sabrina for that semi-lemon scene? Well, call me nuts, but I've felt Sabrina was like the most devil like sexy girl in the anime…forget Prima and Ivy, Sabrina had a dark like sexuality which made her attractive, and I felt that if someone could get through to her, she could be more passionate than any other character. Disagree with me? Yep…thought so. ^_^
Next chapter;
She is known through the island regions as a saviour, a goddess…a woman to be strong in all occassions. Her connections with the legendary Lugia are stories to be told on their own. However, it was bringing her and one boy together which created that legend. Next time, Melody Furura speaks about the world and what has changed…