Author'

Author's Note: This is part one, of my possible GAML/AAML story.. I'd like to thank everyone for reviewing. Very kawaii of you.. ^_^ I honestly did not think anyone would read it. If you are expecting an immediate AAML it ain't gonna happen.. This is Misty's story.. Not Misty and Ash's story. Besides, I have officially declared myself a MistyXshipper..

What's a MistyXshipper? A person like myself of course.. I believe Misty could go well with Brock, Ash, or Gary. Basically Misty with anybody.. I'm not really Ash's biggest fan so I believe she could do better. This story however focuses on the possible relationships between Misty, and Ash, Gary, Brock, and Rudy. Truth be told, Misty is very compatible. Consider this fair warning, die-hard Pokeshippers!! Read, review, and enjoy. Please be aware that I do not use a spell check because my fics are written with an HTML editor. Woe is me huh?

Discaimer: Query: If cows could dance would they? Ridiculous question huh? Just like assuming I owned Pokemon is a ridiculous thought! I own this story. Pokemon belongs to someone else. Although you can make a contribution to my anime wannabe-conglomerate, by visiting my site. Well, go!

The Faithful Departed

Down to the last day. Even to the last hour. I'm ready. In fact I'm so prepared that I am exhilirated! This is the most defining point in my life. At least right now. After enjoying my morning constitutional, I finally recieved the awakening I had been hoping for. Its time for me to leave, and follow my own dreams. I know leaving won't make me the greatest at anything, but by leaving I'll know, that I can do things without Ash, or Brock.

Togepi alerts me by waving it's little squishy arms. I gave it a weak smile, and exit my bed. It's now a little late in the morning. Ten thirty precisely. I pack my things, and leave the room, Togepi eagerly sits in my arms. The stairs seem longer, and smaller than usual. No matter, that's just fear settling in. I will not be daunted. I'm leaving this trio, and going out on my own. It's my time now.

Of course I sound selfish. Sometimes selfishness is the only way to confront a situation. I've always put other's dreams ahead of mine. Now it's time to find my own. Togepi gurgles in my arms, as if it's expecting to stay here. Safely in my arms? In this house? I hold Togepi tighter, and descend the stairwell. I breathe in deeply. It's now or never.

When I reach the bottom , I am greeted by the smiles of Brock, and Mrs.Ketchum, I look for the object of my affections, and find that he is not present. I want to ask where he is, but I stop. That is probably what they are expecting. Waiting to hear me say in a cheerful voice. Where's Ash? Off pokemon training? They won't hear me say that. Not today. I sit down, and exchange pleasentries with them. Everything is discussed with them, except Ash of course. It's common knowledge that I love him. Well at least to everyone except him. How can someone be so dense?

After the meal, I go back into my usual mode. I do what I normally do around the house. Watch T.V. , take care of Togepi, and eagerly await Ash's return. The dutiful girl. Infatuated with a boy whose only concern is Pokemon. I can't help but smile. Even though today is to be very important. A vision of my own life, I still greet it with chagrin. I won't be his travelling buddy anymore. Gone are the days of arguing, yelling, and hitting.

Finally Ash arrives. Normally I say something sarcastic, and the arguing ensues. I almost did today, but I caught myself. I'll miss that routine. It was fight-flirting, and we both knew it. This is it. I have something important to tell them. After everyone is positioned comfortably on the couch, and I have their undivided attention, I begin my speech. A speech may seem kind of cheesy, but I've grown to love these people, and I want my lasting impression in them to be a loving, and caring one.

"Everyone, I have an announcement to make.." I say my voice shaky.

"What is it.. spit out Mist!" Ash says frustrated.

"I will Ash, I want to say this right." I say a bit annoyed.

"What is it?" He says smirking. "You finally realized that I am the greatest trainer you've ever met?" He continued jokingly. He elbowed Brock.

"Be quiet Ash. Misty has something to tell us." Mrs. Ketchum intervened.

Ash quieted down. I gave him my last look of disdain. I regained my compusre, and continued. I spoke quickly before I could be interrupted again.

"I'm leaving the group. I don't know where exactly I'll be going, but I am leaving today, and I thought I would tell you all."

I waited for their response. None came. Brock was the first to be interrupted from his reverie. He gave me a solemn look, and frowned. He obviously wasn't pleased with this turn of events.

"Are you sure Misty? Do you really want to leave?" He asked, standing.

I nodded. Brock, and I always got along well. He was a great friend to me. I would miss him. Even when I had to drag him away for making, catcalls to an Officer Jenny, or Nurse Joy depending on our location, of course.

He smiled at me. I returned the favor. I walked over to him, and gave hima bear hug. The tears were forming. I knew saying goodbye would be hard, but this was a bit more than I could take.

"Well if you are sure, then I'm sure." Brock said while still holding me.

We withdrew, and I looked at Mrs. Ketchum. She was always like a second mother to me. Warm, and caring. We had a bond that I would always cherish. I was glad when we returned from Pallet, that I had another female to talk to. She was glad that Ash had a woman's presence on his journey. A smile crept on my face, when I realized that she would no longer have someone to tell her son to brush his teeth, and wear clean underwear. Although I never volunteered. Ash and I were close, but not THAT close.

"Sweetheart, I'll miss you. Wherever you go you can always call me." She said with a grin.

I hugged her tightly. I really loved Mrs. Ketchum. She was my home-away-from-home mother. There were tears in our eyes. We made an interesting spectacle. It was picture perfect. Almost as if we both knew that this day would happen eventually.

I looked at Ash. He had been silent for the past few minutes. He looked dumbfounded. He gave me a grimace. He held his arns crossed, and glared at me. I really didn't expect him to cry me a river, but the angry look? That was uncalled for. At least he isn't making smart remarks. I should be glad he gave me that respect. I thought he'd be dancing on my tombstone.

"Is something wrong?"

I wish that I never said anything. Of course soemthing is wrong! I'm leaving! Way to go Misty. Open mouth insert foot. Here comes the tongue lashing.

"Whay are you leaving?" He asked me . He didn't evem look at me.

Both our eyes were glued to the floor. I was not going to leave with an awkward moment between us. Although it was a fair question. I couldn't just say you are keeping me from my aspirations could I? Yea that's nice. It's your fault I'm not a success! No, there is a better way to do this.

"I'm leaving because I'd like to travel on my own. I don't really know if I still want to be a gym leader, let alone train pokemon. I need time to get myself together. This your journey Ash, not mine. Who knows, maybe I have a hidden talent. Maybe I could be something else.. Y'know?"

Ash was still not convinced. We stared at each other, while Mrs. Ketchum, and Brock sat back down.

"Why can't you share my dream with me? We could shrae each others." He asked sincerely.

Then I felt geniunely sorry for him. Maybe he did truly care about me the way I did for him. It might not have been unrequited love. Maybe it was just unnoticed. They always say that you never really miss something until it was gone. I hadn't even left yet, and I had a feeling he really wanted me to stay. That could be a sign. Some sort if omen, or warning. I really couldn't tell.

"That's it Ash. It's yours. I want to discover new things on my own. We will see each other again. Maybe we might even battle one another. Remember?" I say enthusiastically.

Was I fooling myself? Could I be serious? Maybe I wasn't ready to leave. Maybe I shouldn't leave at all. But if I stayed, I would never know what I was missing. I wasn't sure if I was willing to risk it all. I never said I was leaving forever. Merely that I was leaving for an undisclosed time.

"You two'll be fine. You still have Brock.. Now you two can really let loose now that you don't have some bothersome girl around you all the time."

He sat up. He gave me a look that stopped me cold. The famous deer caught in headlights look. My heart melted. How could I leave them?

"You weren't bothersome. You aren't bothersome." He said as if he were about to cry.

"Ash, this is as awkward as it is." I said glancing at Brock, and Mrs.Ketchum "Why make it worse?"

Mrs. Ketchum, and Brock took the hint, and exited the room. The awkward depature I was avoiding had found its way here. I'm not staying. I'm leaving and that's that! I argued with myself. Then doubt came into play. What if he loves you? You heard what he's been saying. Stay! Be with him!! I made my decison. I was leaving.

"You are my friend Ash. We've argued, and fought, but you will always be special to me, but-"

"No Misty! You can't leave!! What about the bike? Don't you want your money?" He said desperately.

"Ash you dense fool! It was never about the bike! I followed you around at first because of that, then I realized what sweet, kind, caring person you are. That made me stay! Not because of a silly bike!"

"Really?" He asked sincerely.

I nodded.

He sighed. He looked down at the floor, and shuffled his foot.

"Okay Misty. I respect your decision, and I realize how leaving is important to you. But could you do me a favor?"

"Sure Ash, anything."

He grinned at me.

"Could I kiss you?!"

I was surprised by his request, but what the heck I'm leaving, anyway. Do it Mist! My mind was telling me. Why not leave with a kiss? He wanted to kiss me? It was probably on the cheek. Not on the lips. Why not I always wanted to anyway.

"Sure Ash. Why not?" I said cheerfully.

He tiptoed up, and I turned my face, expecting a kiss on my cheek. I closed my eyes. He leaned over, and kissed my lips.

"Goodbye Misty." He said smiling.

I blushed beet red. He hugged me, and we said our last goodbyes. Mrs. Ketchum, and Brock entered the room, and I said my last goodbye. Everyone pounded me with questions. Did I have all my clothes? Did I need any money? Would I keep my cell phone on at all times? I answered yes to all of their questions, and they escorted me to the local train station. I assured them I had enough money to go wherever I wanted. My family was well off.

I boarded the train, and looked at them for the last time. In the past few years I have grown to love all of them. Pikachu, my pika-pal, Brock, my good friend, and psuedo-older brother. Mrs. Ketchum, my female companion, and second mother, and lastly Ash, my love. Maybe what I was doing was crazy, but I didn't care. We would all meet again someday.

I waved at them, and pressed my face against the window. Togepi slept through the entire ordeal, and when it realized we had left the group, it would definitely be angry. It was consequence I would suffer, but it would be alright, all my pokemon would. So would I..

Why didn't Misty stay? What does Gary have to do with any of this? Doesn't she know Ash obviously loves her?? Why are you driving me insane with this fic?!

Footnotes: Okay I want to thank Vicki, for giving me the link to the story. (James + Misty) Weird I know. It was good. Thanks!! Also I'd like to let everyone know, that no matter how this story is recieved it will have twists and turns. So if I get GAML sucks, or AAML forever. I don't care. It's MY story. Like it or hate it , it's still mine. Also if you know of any BAM Brock and Misty sites/pages let me know. Drop me a line. Again I apologize for my errors in spelling. Thanks for reading it!!