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Author's Notes: Chapter Seven!! This next one goes out to AnimeCrazyDC!!Thanks for still putting up with my laziness!! You guys rock! The reviews, everything! Thankies! Anyway, Brock is a big part of this, and we discover that Ash is actually a very, very determined, smart young man. (Who knew?) We also discover that Misty and Brock share a special bond. I am sooo tempted to write a BAM!! I probably will. Next to last one people! Anyone else think it'll be GAM at the end? Any people still hoping AAM? Maybe Misty'll suddenly realize there was Brock all along.. hehehe. Or Rudy! Just kidding! I am not cruel! Or am I? Well enjoy this!

To The Faithful Departed

Brock Slate looked at one of his best friends and sighed. Ash had told him about the fiasco at the movie theater. He felt pity for the younger boy. Apparently, Ash hadn't handled the situation very well. Brock had tried consoling him, but Ash would have none of that. It was ridiculous. This silly little game Ash was playing was crazy. Did he honestly expect her to come running back? The amount of naivete the boy possessed was through the roof. He knew even though Misty and he were arguing most of the time, they cared deeply about each other. Misty would come back eventually. Just as he had. This was her time.

Honestly, Brock didn't think that Ash was in love with Misty. He was in love with the idea of Misty. He liked having her around. He didn't want her to go. It was understandable. True, they had been flirting thw whole while, but they were kids. He was almost a man himself, and he thought it was cute. If Ash kept this charade up any longer, he would have to bring him back to reality. He had been out that day, looking for cute girls, and finding many. Of course they all thwacked him, but soon. Soon, when he was ready, they'd come to him.

Brock could relate to what Ash was going through. He was not in love with all the beautiful girls they came across. He was in love with the idea of them. He wanted to find that special girl that fit all those qualities. A smile like Nurse Joy, legs like Officer Jenny. Preferably, someone his own age. That was exactly what Ash wanted. He wouldn't find it in Misty though. Misty was a very pretty girl, but they were too much alike. Misty needed someone who could be her equal. Ash wasn't subpar, but he needed someone who was as into pokemon just as much as he was. Misty didn't care about all that. She was different.

Of course, if he told all this to Ash, the boy with scoff with anger. He say somwthing along the lines of, since when are you such an expert? What makes you a relationship expert? They didn't know, but he did read Psychology Now. It was interesting to read about behavior characteristics of people. Whenever Ash decided to get out of the bathroom, he'd try talking to him again. Then it hit him. He needed to talk to Misty. He hadn't had a chance to speak to her, and maybe she could explain what he was going through to him. Picking up the hotel phone, he dialed the outside code, then her phone number. Ash had said Casey, Gary, and she went to a movie. It was getting late, and he surmised she'd be back at the train by now, they had curfew soon.

The phone rang. Three more rings before a familar voice answered.

"Hello?" A soft voice called.

"Mist! It's me Brock!" He said emphatically.

"Oh... Hi.." Misty deadpanned.

"Listen, I need to talk to you."

"I'm listening..." She said quietly.

"It's about today. I didn't really want to come. Don't get me wrong, you and Ash, are my best friends, I just didn't want to come and ruin your journey. I'm sorry." He said sincerely.

"I understand. You were just going along with Ash.." Misty agreed. "By the way, where is he?" She said, as her voice heightened a little.

"Ash is here. He's down in the dumps you know?"

"Yea, well maybe it will teach him how to approah a situation."

"I heard about that.."

"Brock, you know how I felt about Ash, right?"

"Of course, I understand.. He's just jealous of Gary is all. He'll get over it..."

"Hopefully.."

"Misty, you know you can always talk to me, about anything.."

"I know.. Brock. I just don't want to lose a good friend, just because I gained a new one."

"Oh, I see."

"Brock, don't give me that voice! You of all people should now that I'm not in love with Gary!" She said sternly.

"I know Mist... Do you like him though?" He paused for a moment. "Not in a romantic way.." He added helpfully.

"I admit, when I first met him on the train, I thought he was what I always assumed, an egotisitcal jerk, kind of annoying, and a bit of a perv.." She said.

"But.."

"But- then after spending time with him, I realised that he was a genuinely nice person. he still hasn't explained the whole rivalry thing to me, but other than that, I'm finding that I enjoy his company. My point is, how can you falll in love with someone you barely know in a matter of days?"

"True, but it's happened before to greater people."

"Not to me!" She said enthusiastically.

"Are you attracted to him?" Brock said, changing the subject.

"What?! Why do you want to know?"

"I just do.."

"Brock, I don't have to answer that. Besides, even if I am, that isn't any of your business!"

"I'll take that as a yes!" Brock chuckled.

"Okay! Okay! I'll admit, there is some attraction.." Misty said shyly.

"I knew it! So, what do you like about him?" Brock asked.

"Brock.. This something you normally talk to the girls about." Misty said quickly.

"Misty, you have no female friends. At least not any in Euclid. I'm the closest thing you've got!" Brock explained.

"Are you sure that's a good thing?" Misty joked.

"Hey! I'm very comfortable with my sexuality. Besides, I'm a gift to the ladies..."

"Oy vey."

"Huh?"

"Nothing.."

"What do I like about him? I like that he listens to me.. I like that he's interested in what I have to say. I like that he is well read. I like that I that I enjoy hanging out with him. I like that he tells it like it is. He can give a compliment, but still manage to insult me. I like that he's funny. He's not a bad person. I'm sorry I didn't realize it earlier."

"So, you you like him in a relationship type way?" Brock asked.

" I didn't say that! I like him. In general. Look, I don't know what's going to happen to me. This all started as a regular trip, me leaving. Now everything's in disarray. I left because I wanted to be happy. I wanted to discover my inner qualities. I know it may seem corny, but I like the idea of being on my own. A girl in a big city. I don't know what I want to do yet. Why can't everyone understand that?"

"I'm sorry. I just assumed..."

"I know. You assumed that he's a replacement Ash right?" She said knowingly.

"Basically."

"I wish Ash would wisen up. This thing isn't even about me.. It's about Gary. He always wants what someone else has. Or what he can't have.A natural human trait."

"I guess.. Well, I gotta go Misty. Promise you'll call me in the morning?"

"You betcha!"

"Thanks. Oh and Misty.."

"Yea Brock?"

"I know you think that you have to choose, but you don't. I know in your heart that there is no need for a decision."

"Gee... Thanks Brock. How come you can never use your own words of wisdom?"

"Not practicing what I preach Ay? Why I oughta..." He laughed. "Touuche' Misty."

"Bye Brock.."

"Seeya Misty."

Misty hung up the phone, and smiled to herself. She could always count on Brock. He was her psuedo-sister. If she would have said that to anyone else, they'd think she was crazy, Brock was a girl, or that he was gay. It didn't matter. It always helped to talk to him. He didn't know it, but when she first met him, she had a tiny crush on him. He is cute. Turning her phone off, she frowned. When the bill arrived home, she'd hear about it. It was 9:00 now,and the dinners were already served. After seeing that movie, Casey had to go back to her hotel, which coincedentally, was the same hotel Ash and company were staying at.

Her stomach grumbled, alerting her that she was still hungry. Slipping on her flip flops, (those being the only article of clothing she changed since being back on the train,) she headed off to the dinner car. She wasn't shocked to find Gary there. He was talking to a girl that looked to be about the same age as herself. She was pretty, the same brunette he was talking to earlier that morning. Smirking, she crept up beside the two teens.

The car was empty save for a few other people. Most of whom were munching on the leftovers, drinking coffee, or enjoying a late night snack. Gary waved her over. Smiling at them, she maneuvered through the tables and chairs, arriving at the bar, within seconds. Gary motioned for her to take a stool. She sat in between the two.

"Hi.. Misty.. right?" The girl smiled.

"Yeah. Hi, um.."

"Cynthia." She said grinning. Misty blushed.

Gary interjected at this moment.

"Cynthia and I were just chatting about the city. Quite beautiful, wouldn't you agree?" He said, giving her his famous smile.

"Very." Misty turned to Cynthia. "We had a great time exploring. Maybe at the next stop, you could come with us." Misty said politely.

"Maybe I'll take you up on that offer. I get off at Savannah..."

"I've heard of that city. Really romantic." Misty replied.

"So it is.." Gary spoke.

"Well nice chatting with you. I'll see you later huh?" She said walking away.

"You can count on it!" Gary called out to her.

Misty shook her head.

"I should've known you'd be back for her. She is pretty." Misty commented.

"Don't worry, you're still in the game."

"Whatever." Misty said walking over to the buffet section. Gary did the same.

Misty choose a variety of different delicacies. They both picked their food, and sat in silence. Gary suggested that they eat at a table instead of the bar. She agreed. Stabbing, and nibbling at their food all was silent.

"Good huh?" Gary asked.

"Yea, it's great." Misty said, refusing to stop eating.

Silence.

"Here. Try some of this." He said, handing her a small cup. It appeared to be dark blueberries, but they smelled odd.

"What is it?"

"Try it?"

Misty raised an eyebrow, and sighed.

"If it's poisonous. I'll make sure that if I die, I'll haunt you for this!"

"Wow! You must really like me Misty. You're willing to stalk me in afterlife.."

"Gary.."

"The Great Beyond.."

"Gary.."

"The Pokemon Tourney in the sky.."

"GARY!!" Misty yelled out.

People began turning from their tables, and stared at them awkwardly. Misty 's face turned beet red.

"What?"

"I'm eating it!" She said, as she opened her mouth, and swallowed the first bite. Gulping it down, she patted her chest, to clear the passageways. Whatever it was, it was strong!

"What is it?" She asked again.

"Caviar!" Gary said smiling.

Misty paled.

"Caviar? As in fish eggs?! You let me eat fish eggs!"

"Misty what's a couple of hundred Magikarp eggs?" He said smiling.

"Gary! I'm a water pokemon trainer. This is like betraying my pokemon."She said.

Then she drank her water as fast as possible. Also forgetting her manners, she took his as well. She wanted to get the taste out of her mouth.

"I'm sorry, I thought you would like it." He said shrugging his shoulders. "Do you like it?"

(A/N: Sorry for the interjection, but why is it in the world of Pokkemon there are no real fish? No salmon? Smelt? What do they eat for meat? The Japanese created it, and we know they eat meat, so what do the kids on the show eat? Where do they get their protein? Eggs? Fearows? Okay I've said enough.. Back to the story..)

"I guess so." Sh e admitted. "I'd advise you not to do that again though."

"Agreed. Far be it for me to incur the wrath of Misty Waterflower."

"So, are you going to Savannah?" Gary asked her.

"Maybe.. It seems like it would be fun.. Why? Are you going?"

"I dunno. I mean I can get to school anytime I like. That's the beauty of it. Since we are pokemon trainers, they allow us to choose our times to schedule courses. We can have weeks, even months to relax. Although most of the time, I've been battling. I'm going to school for the fall semester. It's not long. Just a month and a half."

"Wow. Seems like you've got your life in the right direction."

"Yea, I think I do."

"Maybe you should consider enrolling. You're pretty smart. You would do well in English, even though I'd totally give you a run fot your money"

"Please. Gary, I would easily excel over you."

"You wish!"

"'Fraid not!"

"'Fraid so!" She said anxiously.

Gary grinned.

"Let's agree, if that ever did happen, we'd be equally well." He said. Then mutterred. "Even though I would totally stomp you."

"I heard that!"

"Don't you always?" He said. Misty gave him a lopsided grin.

"Gary, what do you think of me?" She said quietly.

"Why do you ask?" He paused. "Is this about Ash?" He frowned.

"Maybe. Answer the question."

"Well.. When I first saw you with Ash, I thought you were his girlfriend, and then that made me think you were a um.. loser.." He said looking at her. Misty sweatdropped. "Then after today, I think you're pretty swell. Kind of uptight, a little insecure, a bit flatchested, and-"

"Hey! I am not flatchested!" Misty said, her cheeks puffing out.

"Misty, we all physical flaws. Calm down!" He said.

"Hmmph!"

"Here we go again!" He said grinning.

"Keep going.."

"What I was goimg to also say was.. I think you're a kind person. I guess you are kind of cute. You're smart, witty, fun, and you think I'm funny.."

"I didn't say that!"

"I know. I can tell."

"You're an enigma. One minute you feel like you can take the world on, the next you just feel alone, and scared. It's okay though. I feel that way too sometimes. Now I don't know you very well, but from what I've seen and experienced with you today, I can tell you are a special person, and one day you'll make someone very happy."

Misty looked at him closely. No one had ever really said anything like that to her. Not a friend at least. It felt good. It was nice. A smile crept on her face.

"You know you really aren't that badlooking.." Misty said aloud.

"Thanks. I've always thought I was more of a Brad Pitt kind of attractive..."

That's not what I meant. I suppose you're cute, but not that cute!"

Misty checked her watch. It was already 9:45! She had to get to sleep, if she ever wanted to check out Savannah. She needed a good night's sleep. They pulled off at ten in the morning. She'd have to say her goodbyes then.

"I've got to get up in the morning. I need to say goodbye to-"

"Ash. I should probably talk to him in the morning too." Gary replied, as they walked off out of the dinner car. "We've had a talk that's been long overdue."

"That's a wise choice."

"So, are you going to Savannah, Misty?"

"Yea I think so. It's sounds fun."

"Me too." He said.

"What made you change your mind?"

"One word. Cynthia. She's hot!"

"What if she has a boyfriend?"

"Then there are other girls. Maybe I'll find one there."

"Makes sense."

"Come on, I'll walk you back to your cabin." Gary said.

"Since when are you gallant?" Misty asked suspiciously.

"What's gallantry between two friends?"

After a few minutes, they were at her cabin door. Misty unaware of what to do shook his hand.

"Well, we're here. Thanks for the walk, seeya tommorow." Misty said closing the door quickly behind herself.

"Misty, are you hiding your stuff in your room again?" He said shaking his head. "I thought we went over that."

"Like I said, I don't show my underclothes for anyone. Goodnight!" She said blushing, as she quickly locked the door.

"Goodnight Misty" Gary said walking.

"Maybe you do shine.." He said to himself. Smiling, his thoughts turned to Cynthia, as he headed towards his cabin.

Footnotes: Last Chapter coming up! What will happen?! Does Gary like this Cynthia girl more than Misty? Is Ash really in love with Misty? Does Brock have a girl talk fetish? Will Ash go through with his plans?! Is Brock a psychologist at heart?! Will Casey ever make a full return, or another lame cameo? Misty makes a decision in the last installment of To The Faithful Departed! All your questions awnswered and more! Thanks for reading, now go review! Quick!