Alrighty then.next chapter! Thank you sooo much for your great reviews everyone! KEEP EM COMING! And a huge thanks to Nova S., who has shown much devotion to my stories.its nice to know that people keep up with 'em! Thanks! ^_~

As always, same ages, disclaimer, yada yada.

Discovered Love - Chapter 5 - "Bond Festival"

**Side Note: the "Bon Festival" which I refer to in this chapter is actually a real thing that goes on in Japan. Trust me, I've been to one myself. It takes place in the late summer and is a lot of fun. There is dancing, and booths, etc. If you ever go to Japan during this time of year, be sure to check one out yourself; its definently worth it!**

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Misty laughed happily, arm linked with Ash's, as the two made it out the door of the restaurant. It had sure been a memorable evening so far, and what amazed both Ash and Misty, was how long they could keep from fighting.

Ash breathed in the fresh cool night air, smiling over to Misty.

She smiled back.

Every since the 'ice cream happening' the two had becoming unusually comfy with each other, now walking arm and arm, frequently blushing.

[Oh my gosh,] Ash thought, [I can't believe how much fun I've had with Misty. Even though the dinner was a little awkward at first, when the ice cream was served, its like our differences didn't even matter. No bike mentions, no mallets, no threats by her all evening. I never knew how much I'd love spending time alone with her.] He immediately blushed at the word 'love.' That word had always made him uncomfortable.

He could still recall the day years ago in Pallet where he had told his mother how love was for sissies, and Ash Ketchum would never like girls. Of course, he was five then, and around that time of age is when the beginning of the 'girls have cooties' phase is kicking in.

He took several steps further, then stopped. [Wait,] he thought [Was he.was he.] he gulped [falling for Misty? Was he seeing her for more as a friend?]

Ash's thoughts were soon broken by a squeeze on his hand. He looked up, turning red. There was Misty, smiling sweetly up at him, her eyes shining. [Oh gosh, why does she have to look so beautiful.] he thought. No! There it was again! Those thoughts! What was happening to him? But the uncertainties were lost when she spoke, Ash lost in her eyes.

"Hey Ash, you know, we still have plenty of time before curfew at the Pokémon Center. I heard that the Bon Festival is taking place tonight downtown. Its supposed to be lots of fun. Want to check it out?" she said.

Ash pushed aside his earlier thoughts. The festival sounded fun. His mom had always told him of the summer Bon Festival. It had something to do with honoring your ancestors. Besides there was supposed to be food and dancing as well.

"Sure, Mist! Sounds like lots of fun! Lets go!" Ash grinned, taking Misty by the hand, as the two ran off down the street towards the distant lights and drum music.

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"Where do you think they're off to?" a certain young man asked his friend.

"None other than the yearly Bon Festival, I'm sure. It's great fun. When I was younger, my mother and father would always take me. I would dress in my kimono and there would be dancing and games. A great tradition in this town." The girl smiled.

"And another way to initiate the 'discovered love,' right?" he grinned.

"Brock! I told you! It's a silly legend. But believe what you want. I'm sure a great deal of bonding will come out of the event. If Ash is man enough to ask her to dance," Kiyone chuckled.

"Ash can be a little dense sometimes, but I'm sure he'll come through this time. We already know how obvious it is that he likes her, and eventually he'll break through and realize that for himself. It'all take time, but that's how all love works, right?" Brock responded.

"Right, Kiyone.Kiyo--?"

But before he could finish his sentence, he felt her lips on his, sealing his first real kiss. It was too short for Brock, and Kiyone finally parted from him, and smiled, saying, "And time is what we have, right Brock?"

He hugged her. "Of course Kiyone, of course."

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Meanwhile, Ash and Misty had made it to the festival, admiring all of the wonderful sights. There were large lanterns with kanji symbols neatly scribed on them adoring the area, and illuminating a large platform in the center. The platform had several drummers and singers playing a lively but steady beat, as men and women, young and old, in brightly patterned kimonos danced around it to the beat of the drums. Past the dancers, there were many booths selling anything from good luck charms to fresh-made dumplings, and even several games for children to play. It was truly a sight to see.

Ash gapped, "Wow.this is amazing. I've never been to one of these before."

"It is quite a sight, isn't it? My parents used to take me to one of these every year with my sisters. We would always dress up and dance," Misty giggled, "It was nice because it was one of the only times where we were allowed to stay up so late."

Ash looked over to the platform, admiring the dancers, and gulping back his fears, cleared his throat and said, "Hey Misty, would you, would you.. like to dance?"

Ash squeezed his eyes shut, not sure what she would say, and very nervous too.

He finally opened them.

"I'd love to Ash, but I'm not so sure I remember the dance steps. I'll probably mess up and make a fool out of myself." she trailed off, looking towards the ground.

Ash took her hands, holding them in front of her, "Of course not Misty, I'm sure you're a great dancer. And it's my first time, so you won't be the only one out there unsure of yourself. Lets go dance. Together."

Misty could not believe it. Since when had Ash become so caring of her? It was almost as if she was seeing a new side of him. A side that had been too afraid to come out before. A side that cared about her. Holding Ash's hand, the two made there way to the dancing area, and following the dancers ahead, slowly did the hand and feet movements to the steady beat of the drums.

Misty was starting to get the hang of it, when she suddenly tripped on her foot, and fell forward, expecting the feel of hard cement to break her fall. (And her arms at that matter! XD)

But she instead felt the shoulders of someone, as a rush of 'déjà vu" hit her. [Haven't I already done this once this evening??] she thought, looking up to see Ash smiling warmly at her, as he had caught her fall. She blushed, mumbling, "thank you." (author note: don't understand the déjà vu of it? See chapter 2 or 3, not sure which one, for explanation)

"No problem, Misty," he smiled.

Misty was about to smile back and stand up to continue the dance when she fell forward again in Ash's arms, letting out a groan of pain.

"Ow, my ankle," she yelped.

Ash's heart pounded. Uh oh, Misty was hurt! "Misty, can you walk??" Ash panicked.

She took a step forward, but collapsed in his arms again. "I'm not sure, but it really hurts, Ash.

Ash looked around, trying not to panic, trying to figure out what to do. He knew she couldn't walk by herself, so he would have to get her back himself to the Pokémon center for help.

"Here Misty," he said, "I'll carry you back to the center, okay? Just hold on."

Misty nodded.

Ash slowly moved his arms, and held her in his arms with his left hand supporting her back, and right, under her legs. He blushed at the way he was holding her. He had never thought this would happen before.

"There, Misty. You okay now?" he questioned.

"Ash, I feel really tired all of a sudden," she said.

It looked as if she was going to faint. Ash started to panic, but told himself to be strong, as he started to dash off towards the center, as fast as his legs could carry him, and with Misty curled up in his arms.

[Don't worry, Misty] he thought, [just hold on]

Reaching the center door, he swerved around, pushing it with his back, and ran up to a startled Nurse Joy. Fortunately, the center was also a clinic for humans and not just Pokémon.

"Oh dear," Nurse Joy said, seeing the girl in Ash's arms, "Can she walk?"

"I don't think so. She twisted her ankle at the Bon Dance, and looks like she's about to black out.you can help her right?? Please????" He panicked.

Nurse Joy nodded, "Of course. She'll be fine. Chansey! A stretcher please!"

"Chan Chansey CHAN!" Chansey called, running off to the back room.

Misty slowly looked up to Ash, smiling, "Ash, I just want you to know. I had a great time tonight. The ankle isn't your fault. And my pain, don't let it scare you. I have a low immune system, so just little things can affect me greatly. But I just want to take this opportunity right now to say, that I love spending time with you, and that I never knew how such a gentleman you could be. Thank you." She breathed softly, then slowly leaned forward, placing a small, but delicate kiss on his cheek. Then, she blacked out.

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OOooHHHHHhhhh! Cliffhanger! I've always wanted to do that! *laughs manically* I'm kinda low on ideas for the next chapter, etc, so I'd REALLY GREATLY TRULLY appreciate it if everyone could not only review, but post ideas too. For anyone's idea I use, I'll of course give you credit at the top of the chapter, and be forever grateful too, lol! Please please review! See ya next time! Ja ne!

This is. Uppa Masaki, digidestined Totoro of the Outlaw Star, *bows* .signing off 'til next time! ^___^