Chapter 6: An Evening With Friends
Once Ash had been discharged from the hospital, they all left to go back to Pallet Town. Since they didn't have a car considering the circumstances, Ash and Misty were riding back with Tracey and Carla. Gary was coming back with them and had caught a ride with his grandfather and Delia and Brock and Angelica were following on their own.
There was quite a bit of conversation in Tracey's car on the ride back to try to lighten the mood of the situation and what was to come. After a few minutes Ash realized that Tracey was awkwardly quiet and this finally concerned him enough that he decided to say something about it.
"Tracey, are you okay? You've hardly said a word since we left the hospital and it's not like you at all to be so quiet. Is something on your mind?" Ash asked, with concern in his voice.
"Not really. I guess I just don't have a lot to say." Tracey began. When he got a look that said Ash didn't believe him, he decided to continue. "Well, maybe this whole thing is creeping me out a little because I was with you when you collapsed and were brought to the hospital. I don't know. It just feels weird I guess."
"I don't understand why you feel like that. If it hadn't been for you things wouldn't have turned out as good as they did. I had no idea that I had any health problems at all until yesterday. When we battled and I collapsed I figured out that I have a weak liver. If that hadn't happened I would never have known. I owe that to you and I am very grateful to you for it." Ash smiled.
"I guess." Tracey sighed.
"Ash's absolutely right, Tracey. If it hadn't been for you we might not have found out about any of this until it was too late. Brock isn't the only hero in this story. You're a hero as well." Misty said.
"Pi pika pikachu, Pipichupipika." (That's right, Tracey.) Pikachu agreed.
"Thanks. I feel a little better now. You never stop amazing me, Ash. Here you are in the situation you're in, and you are more worried about making me stop feeling worried or guilty or whatever it is I felt." Tracey smiled as Carla took his free hand.
"The thing that means the most to me is to be able to spend time with all of you guys tonight. I have one night before all of this starts and I'm just glad to get to spend it with the people who mean the world to me." Ash said quietly as Pikachu climbed into his lap.
"We're glad to get to spend time with you. I haven't known you as long as Tracey has but in the time I have known you I understand why Tracey admires you so much. I hope this whole thing turns out perfectly for everyone involved." Carla said.
"Nobody hopes for that more than I do." Misty whispered to herself as they pulled into their driveway.
* * * * *
A little while later they were all sitting in the living room just enjoying each other's company. Professor Oak had taken the liberty of ordering a pizza for them and they were waiting for their dinner to arrive.
"Thanks for paying for dinner, Professor." Ash said. He had never gotten used to calling Professor Oak dad and the older man didn't really mind.
"It's the least I can do, Ash. I just want to make sure you know that your mother and I will stand by you through this whole situation."
"I know all of you will. That's why it means so much to me to have everyone here. I can't think of any other way to spend this evening." Ash announced as he and Brock exchanged a quick glance.
"Hey, I hear the door. The food's here." Angelica announced as Delia got up and went to answer the door.
"I want to make a toast." Ash said as soon as they were ready to eat.
"Go ahead, sweetheart. We're listening." Misty urged.
"Okay. I want to toast my two closest friends, Brock and Tracey, both of whom are responsible for saving my life. You're both always going to be heroes in my eyes. Also I want to toast my beautiful wife, Misty. You will always be my pillar of strength no matter what I happen to be facing. Marrying you was the smartest thing I ever did. Thanks for always staying by my side even when I made stupid mistakes."
By the time Ash was finished there wasn't a dry eye in the room because of the touching things that he had said. After a few moments it was time for another member of the group to speak up.
"Okay. Now its my turn." Brock said.
"Go on, Brocko. What have you got to say?" Ash whispered.
"A toast to Ash. One of the strongest people I've ever known." Brock cleared his throat before continuing. "In all the time that I've known you, you've never failed to inspire me. No matter what adversities you were facing or whatever was standing in the way of what you were after, you never gave up. You kept going even when things seemed hopeless. I have a lot of siblings but when you and I met not only did I gain a best friend, I gained an extra brother. If I had the whole thing to do over again, I wouldn't do anything different. I hope that this works out so you can have the long life that you deserve to inspire many more people who need it."
"Whoa. That was pretty powerful." Misty gasped.
"She's right. Thanks Brock." Ash smiled.
"Okay. Let's eat now." Gary said, getting a laugh from everyone at the table.
After they had finished eating the pizza, they were in the living room playing Twister. This was Tracey's idea to get everyone's mind off of everything. Since Professor Oak had opted not to actually play, he was acting as official spinner.
"Okay. Ash, you go first." Professor Oak whirled the spinner. "Left foot, red."
"I'm next." Brock called out.
"Here we go. Brock, left hand on green." Professor Oak said.
"My turn." Misty said.
"Let's see if we can get a good one for Misty. Okay. Right hand, yellow."
"Spin one for me, Grandpa!" Gary exclaimed.
"Sure. Gary, this one's yours. Right foot, blue."
"Cool. I want to go next." Tracey called.
"Sounds good. Okay, Tracey. Let's see if you can handle this. Right hand, green."
"Ha! My turn." Carla laughed.
"All right. Carla, left hand goes to yellow."
"Last but not least, me!" Angelica shouted.
"Angelica, right foot on red."
Delia had decided not to play Twister either but she had gotten the camcorder out of the closet that she had given to Ash and Misty not long after they got married and was videoing the game.
"Round two coming up." Professor Oak said.
"Let's get to it. I'm ready." Ash proclaimed.
"Okay. Here it comes. Right hand, green."
"Uh, oh." Misty said.
"Hmm. Let's see how I do. Lay it on me." Brock joked.
"If I were you I wouldn't joke Brock. Right foot, red."
"Give me one." Misty smiled.
"Misty, what have we got for you. Oh this is good. Left hand, green."
"Try to stump me!" Gary laughed.
"It looks like luck is with you, Gary. Left foot, red."
"Send one my way, Professor." Tracey said.
"I can do that. Tracey, left hand on red."
"Oh, no!" Tracey exclaimed. When he had gone for the red dot he had gotten tangled up with Ash and they both fell into Brock which in turn created a domino effect that sent all seven of them tumbling to the mat laughing.
"Sorry." Tracey said.
"It's okay. That was fun." Ash laughed.
"This was a very good idea. We should get together and do these kind of things more often." Brock said.
"That's right." Angelica smiled.
"Hey, what do you guys want to do now?" Carla asked.
"I'm not sure. I guess we can play a card game or something." Misty suggested.
"Sounds like a good idea to me. We can play one or two games of cards and then we have to run. We're going to have to be back at the hospital early tomorrow." Brock said.
"You don't need to drive all the way back to Pewter and then come all the way back in the morning. We have a guest room so you can stay here with us. That way you guys don't have to waste the gas and the energy. Besides, it'll be nice having you and Angelica stay with us. It'd be just like old times plus one." Ash laughed.
"We don't want to inconvenience you. You guys have enough to deal with right now without worrying about having us in your hair." Angelica protested.
"You aren't an inconvenience at all. We have plenty of space here and our friends are always welcome here at any time, no matter what. It's totally ridiculous to think that you and Brock would be a worry." Misty corrected her.
"Okay. That's enough. Brock, you and Angelica will stay here with us. It would be better that way for both of us. Besides, this is the least I can do for you after what you're doing for me." Ash insisted.
"All right. We'll stay here tonight." Brock agreed.
"Hey. Are we going to play cards of sit here and listen to you guys argue all night about who's going to stay where?" Gary asked.
"You've got a point. So what game do you guys want to play?" Tracey cut in to keep another argument from breaking out.
"Hey, I've got a good idea. I haven't played this one in a long time but it was always one of my favorites. Why don't we play Old Maid." Delia suggested.
"Sure." The others said in unison.
"Okay. I kept some cards in the closet of my old bedroom. Can you go get them, Ash?" Delia asked.
"Sure can." Ash announced and disappeared up the stairs. A moment later he returned with the cards in hand.
The crazy card games continued until about 10:30, at which time the Oaks and their party decided it was time to take their leave.
"We're going to have to run now. Thanks for letting us come over this evening. It was fun and a good way to distract ourselves from everything." Professor Oak said.
"You don't have to leave." Ash protested.
"Yes we do honey. It's late and you guys need to rest up for tomorrow." Delia reasoned with a smile.
"Okay. If you have to go." Ash agreed as he walked his mother and stepfather to the front door, followed by the others.
"We'll see you tomorrow morning, mom." Misty smiled as she gave her mother-in-law a quick hug.
"You can bet on it." Professor Oak said as he helped his wife with her coat. "Gary, Tracey, Carla are you guys coming back with us now?"
"Take Delia and go ahead back to the lab, Grandpa. We'll be right there. I'll catch a ride with Tracey." Gary shook his head.
"Yeah. Give us a few minutes, Professor. We won't be long." Tracey agreed.
"Okay. We'll meet you back at the lab in a little bit." Professor Oak smiled, understanding why they wanted to stay a few extra minutes. Then, after saying goodbye to Ash and Misty, he helped his wife into their car and drove back to the lab.
Once the couple had disappeared from view, the others walked back in the house to talk where they could be out of the cold. It was the middle of October and it was very chilly outside. After a moment, Ash thought of something that he needed to ask Tracey.
"Tracey, will you come with me for a minute? I need to ask you about something privately." Ash asked quietly.
"Sure." Tracey said as he followed Ash into the kitchen while the other five looking at each other in confusion.
* * * * *
"What's on your mind, Ash?" Tracey asked as he sat at the kitchen table across from his friend.
"I wanted to ask you if you would mind doing a favor for me tomorrow." Ash explained.
"Of course I will. I'll do anything to make this as easy for you as possible. Just name it." Tracey replied without having to consider.
"I was hoping you'd say that because this is very important to me. What I'm going to need you to do for me is this one thing. Tomorrow when they start to prep me I really need you to be in the room too so you can be there for Misty. I'll talk to Dr. Adams to make sure they don't try to throw you out. Can you do that?" Ash asked.
"I'll do it. But there's one thing that I don't understand, Ash. Why do I need to be there for Misty? She's a strong woman." Tracey said.
"Well, it's kind of a complicated thing. Misty has what I guess you might call a phobia in that she is deathly afraid of needles. The reason I want you to be a support is that her fear is so intense that if she even sees a needle she nearly freaks out. It doesn't even have to have anything to do with her." Ash explained as Tracey nodded in understanding. "But I need you to promise me that you won't tell Misty that I told you about this. It is a hard thing for her and if she knew she would get very upset with me. That's why I wanted to talk to you privately instead of in the living room with the others. I'll get around this by telling Misty that I wanted you around for moral support so she won't be as afraid."
"I see. You have my word that I won't tell Misty what we've just talked about. Also, you can count on me to take care of Misty and Pikachu while they're fixing you up." Tracey smiled.
"Thanks, Tracey. I really appreciate it. Let's get back in the living room. Everyone's probably wondering where we went." Ash said with a breath of relief as he clapped Tracey on the back.
* * * * *
When Ash and Tracey emerged back into the living room to join the others it was obvious that they had been having their private conference a little too long as they were met with questions of their whereabouts.
"You sure took a long time." Misty said.
"What were you guys talking about?" Carla asked.
"Yeah. We were about to send a search party after you two." Brock joked good naturedly.
"It's really nothing major. I just needed to talk to Tracey about something regarding tomorrow." Ash explained and was relieved when his wife and friends all seemed to accept his reasoning.
"Hey, I really hate to say this but we're going to have to run. It's getting pretty late and you guys need to rest up for tomorrow and so do we. Exhausted friends don't make for much of a support beam." Gary said.
"I really appreciate you sticking around for this long and all of your support, Gary. I know that you and I haven't always gotten along but we were close when we were younger and it means a lot to me that we seem to be getting that back. Your friendship has always been important." Ash smiled at his former rival.
"I can't very well turn my back on you when it's the most vital. You've always been like a brother to me no matter how hard we fought. I think that even though we were rivals before we both became Pokemon masters we kept each other going. We were always trying to outdo each other and in always comparing to each other we both got better. We guided each other to our common dream so I'm not turning a cold shoulder now when you need help again to keep your spirits up." Gary said quietly.
"That really means a lot to me. Thanks, Gary." Ash stepped forward and hugged Gary. The two boys stood there embracing each other for a long moment and then broke and shook hands firmly.
"I hate to break the mood but Gary's right. We do need to go. You guys take it easy and we'll see you tomorrow morning early." Tracey pointed out as he took Carla's hand and they began gathering their coats.
"Okay. We'll walk you out." Misty smiled.
* * * * *
After the others were gone, Ash, Misty, Brock and Angelica went into the living room and sat around the fireplace talking and enjoy the warmth of the fire's glow.
"Is anyone else thirsty?" Misty asked.
"Yeah. I am." Ash said.
"Me too." Brock smiled.
"So am I." Angelica agreed.
"Good because I was just thinking that some hot chocolate would be perfect for a cold night around the fireplace. I have some in the kitchen so I'll go make some." Misty announced.
"That is perfect. I'd really love that because we only have two hours left where we can eat or drink anything." Ash countered enthusiastically and Brock and Angelica both nodded.
A few minutes later Misty returned with four cups of hot chocolate and when she came in from the kitchen Ash immediately got up and went to help her. Ash smiled as he realized why Misty had made this. She knew that hot chocolate was Ash's favorite thing to drink and thought that it would be a good thing to make for him.
The friends sat around the fire talking for another hour and then they all decided that it was time to turn in for the night. Misty had also been right that having something to drink and the warm fire would be very relaxing.
"I think it's time for us to get some sleep. We have a really early day tomorrow." Ash yawned as he stood up.
"Yeah. Let's go up and we can get you guys settled into the guest room and try to find you something to sleep in." Misty agreed as Ash helped her to her feet.
Once Misty had found something for their guests to sleep in, she made sure that the guest room was set up good for them which it of course was. Then she and Ash said goodnight to Brock and Angelica, making sure that they were comfortable before turning in for the night themselves.
* * * * *
In their bedroom, Ash and Misty were lying in bed talking about everything that had happened. They were also looking back on things in their relationship.
"I can't believe that this is happening to you. I always thought that when you and I got married things would be perfect for life with no flaws whatsoever." Misty whispered, laying her head on Ash's shoulder.
"Well I did too but you know as well as I do that there's really no such thing as permanent perfection. We all have some hurdles that we have to get over at some point in our lives. That's what makes us stronger. But I can promise you this. I am going to come through this situation all right and things will be fine." Ash was trying to reassure his wife of something that he wasn't entirely sure of himself.
"I hope you're right. But right now you need to try to get some sleep. You have a very long day tomorrow." Misty whispered.
"That's a very good idea. I'm very tired. It's been a very long day." Ash said as he closed his eyes and allowed himself to relax. A few minutes later he was sound asleep with Pikachu on the pillow near his head and Misty lying next to him.
For several minutes, Misty lay by her husband's side in a way keeping watch over him. This entire situation tore her heart out because she had loved Ash ever since they were kids traveling together with Brock on an exciting Pokemon journey and she still loved him more than anything.
"You have to come out on top of this thing, Ash. I refuse to let anything happen to you. I'm not going to lose my entire world. I love you so much sweetheart." Misty said very quietly.
Then a small smile broke across Misty's face as she noticed Ash's peaceful expression. It occurred to her that right now was a time that he could have some peace and not have to worry about the risky scenario that was coming up in the morning. She then laid her head on Ash's chest and fell asleep to the rhythm of her husband's heartbeat.
* * * * *
Angelica had so much on her mind that she couldn't sleep. She was still very worried about Brock. She was also concerned about Ash and Misty. In less than twelve hours they were going to be facing a serious situation that was going to change all of their lives in dramatic ways. No matter how hard she tried Angelica just could not get it out of her head.
"Hey. You okay? You look a world away." Brock's voice cut into her thoughts and caused her to smile in spite of fear.
"I guess. I was thinking about Ash and Misty and what they must be going through. Also I was thinking about you. You are a hero for what you're doing and I am extremely proud of you. I want to make sure you know that you aren't going to be in this alone. You have a family that adores you and friends that think the world of you. Not to mention that I'm going to stand by you through all of this. I'm not going to leave your side." Angelica whispered.
"I know you'll be there. You don't know what that means to hear that, though. I don't want you to worry, hon. Everything is going to be just fine. You need to remember that you have a pretty strong support beam too. If things seem to be weighing to heavy on you, simply remember how much I love you and even though I won't be able to, my love will lift the burden off of you." Brock told her sleepily. Then he pulled her into his arms and Angelica rested her head on his shoulder, allowing his strength to comfort her fears.
As Brock held Angelica in his arms comforting her, he was also allowing her calming presence to comfort him. She had calmed down considerably and her initial trembling had stopped. Brock certainly understood how Angelica felt because the fears that she had were ones that he had himself though he hadn't been willing to speak them.
Brock was snapped out of his thoughts as he felt Angelica's soft breath on his neck. He very carefully turned his head to see that she had fallen asleep in his embrace. He kissed his girlfriend on the head and then settled into a comfortable position and rested his head on the pillow. Brock adjusted the blanket over himself and Angelica and then closed his eyes and drifted into an uneasy sleep.
* * * * *
Four hours later, Angelica woke terrified and shaking. She'd had a terrible nightmare that something had happened in the process of the partial transplant and Brock hadn't survived. Angelica tried to sit up but stopped when she felt a strong arm around her. She turned on her side and watched Brock sleeping beside her and lay there listening to the steady rhythm of his deep breathing. Then she reached over and rested her hand on Brock's chest and was comforted by the feel of his strong heartbeat under her palm. In spite of her slight calm, Angelica still had a very bad feeling about the next day's events that she couldn't shake no matter how hard she tried. As she reached up and gently smoothed Brock's spiky dark hair, she hoped with all of her being that she was wrong.
Once Ash had been discharged from the hospital, they all left to go back to Pallet Town. Since they didn't have a car considering the circumstances, Ash and Misty were riding back with Tracey and Carla. Gary was coming back with them and had caught a ride with his grandfather and Delia and Brock and Angelica were following on their own.
There was quite a bit of conversation in Tracey's car on the ride back to try to lighten the mood of the situation and what was to come. After a few minutes Ash realized that Tracey was awkwardly quiet and this finally concerned him enough that he decided to say something about it.
"Tracey, are you okay? You've hardly said a word since we left the hospital and it's not like you at all to be so quiet. Is something on your mind?" Ash asked, with concern in his voice.
"Not really. I guess I just don't have a lot to say." Tracey began. When he got a look that said Ash didn't believe him, he decided to continue. "Well, maybe this whole thing is creeping me out a little because I was with you when you collapsed and were brought to the hospital. I don't know. It just feels weird I guess."
"I don't understand why you feel like that. If it hadn't been for you things wouldn't have turned out as good as they did. I had no idea that I had any health problems at all until yesterday. When we battled and I collapsed I figured out that I have a weak liver. If that hadn't happened I would never have known. I owe that to you and I am very grateful to you for it." Ash smiled.
"I guess." Tracey sighed.
"Ash's absolutely right, Tracey. If it hadn't been for you we might not have found out about any of this until it was too late. Brock isn't the only hero in this story. You're a hero as well." Misty said.
"Pi pika pikachu, Pipichupipika." (That's right, Tracey.) Pikachu agreed.
"Thanks. I feel a little better now. You never stop amazing me, Ash. Here you are in the situation you're in, and you are more worried about making me stop feeling worried or guilty or whatever it is I felt." Tracey smiled as Carla took his free hand.
"The thing that means the most to me is to be able to spend time with all of you guys tonight. I have one night before all of this starts and I'm just glad to get to spend it with the people who mean the world to me." Ash said quietly as Pikachu climbed into his lap.
"We're glad to get to spend time with you. I haven't known you as long as Tracey has but in the time I have known you I understand why Tracey admires you so much. I hope this whole thing turns out perfectly for everyone involved." Carla said.
"Nobody hopes for that more than I do." Misty whispered to herself as they pulled into their driveway.
* * * * *
A little while later they were all sitting in the living room just enjoying each other's company. Professor Oak had taken the liberty of ordering a pizza for them and they were waiting for their dinner to arrive.
"Thanks for paying for dinner, Professor." Ash said. He had never gotten used to calling Professor Oak dad and the older man didn't really mind.
"It's the least I can do, Ash. I just want to make sure you know that your mother and I will stand by you through this whole situation."
"I know all of you will. That's why it means so much to me to have everyone here. I can't think of any other way to spend this evening." Ash announced as he and Brock exchanged a quick glance.
"Hey, I hear the door. The food's here." Angelica announced as Delia got up and went to answer the door.
"I want to make a toast." Ash said as soon as they were ready to eat.
"Go ahead, sweetheart. We're listening." Misty urged.
"Okay. I want to toast my two closest friends, Brock and Tracey, both of whom are responsible for saving my life. You're both always going to be heroes in my eyes. Also I want to toast my beautiful wife, Misty. You will always be my pillar of strength no matter what I happen to be facing. Marrying you was the smartest thing I ever did. Thanks for always staying by my side even when I made stupid mistakes."
By the time Ash was finished there wasn't a dry eye in the room because of the touching things that he had said. After a few moments it was time for another member of the group to speak up.
"Okay. Now its my turn." Brock said.
"Go on, Brocko. What have you got to say?" Ash whispered.
"A toast to Ash. One of the strongest people I've ever known." Brock cleared his throat before continuing. "In all the time that I've known you, you've never failed to inspire me. No matter what adversities you were facing or whatever was standing in the way of what you were after, you never gave up. You kept going even when things seemed hopeless. I have a lot of siblings but when you and I met not only did I gain a best friend, I gained an extra brother. If I had the whole thing to do over again, I wouldn't do anything different. I hope that this works out so you can have the long life that you deserve to inspire many more people who need it."
"Whoa. That was pretty powerful." Misty gasped.
"She's right. Thanks Brock." Ash smiled.
"Okay. Let's eat now." Gary said, getting a laugh from everyone at the table.
After they had finished eating the pizza, they were in the living room playing Twister. This was Tracey's idea to get everyone's mind off of everything. Since Professor Oak had opted not to actually play, he was acting as official spinner.
"Okay. Ash, you go first." Professor Oak whirled the spinner. "Left foot, red."
"I'm next." Brock called out.
"Here we go. Brock, left hand on green." Professor Oak said.
"My turn." Misty said.
"Let's see if we can get a good one for Misty. Okay. Right hand, yellow."
"Spin one for me, Grandpa!" Gary exclaimed.
"Sure. Gary, this one's yours. Right foot, blue."
"Cool. I want to go next." Tracey called.
"Sounds good. Okay, Tracey. Let's see if you can handle this. Right hand, green."
"Ha! My turn." Carla laughed.
"All right. Carla, left hand goes to yellow."
"Last but not least, me!" Angelica shouted.
"Angelica, right foot on red."
Delia had decided not to play Twister either but she had gotten the camcorder out of the closet that she had given to Ash and Misty not long after they got married and was videoing the game.
"Round two coming up." Professor Oak said.
"Let's get to it. I'm ready." Ash proclaimed.
"Okay. Here it comes. Right hand, green."
"Uh, oh." Misty said.
"Hmm. Let's see how I do. Lay it on me." Brock joked.
"If I were you I wouldn't joke Brock. Right foot, red."
"Give me one." Misty smiled.
"Misty, what have we got for you. Oh this is good. Left hand, green."
"Try to stump me!" Gary laughed.
"It looks like luck is with you, Gary. Left foot, red."
"Send one my way, Professor." Tracey said.
"I can do that. Tracey, left hand on red."
"Oh, no!" Tracey exclaimed. When he had gone for the red dot he had gotten tangled up with Ash and they both fell into Brock which in turn created a domino effect that sent all seven of them tumbling to the mat laughing.
"Sorry." Tracey said.
"It's okay. That was fun." Ash laughed.
"This was a very good idea. We should get together and do these kind of things more often." Brock said.
"That's right." Angelica smiled.
"Hey, what do you guys want to do now?" Carla asked.
"I'm not sure. I guess we can play a card game or something." Misty suggested.
"Sounds like a good idea to me. We can play one or two games of cards and then we have to run. We're going to have to be back at the hospital early tomorrow." Brock said.
"You don't need to drive all the way back to Pewter and then come all the way back in the morning. We have a guest room so you can stay here with us. That way you guys don't have to waste the gas and the energy. Besides, it'll be nice having you and Angelica stay with us. It'd be just like old times plus one." Ash laughed.
"We don't want to inconvenience you. You guys have enough to deal with right now without worrying about having us in your hair." Angelica protested.
"You aren't an inconvenience at all. We have plenty of space here and our friends are always welcome here at any time, no matter what. It's totally ridiculous to think that you and Brock would be a worry." Misty corrected her.
"Okay. That's enough. Brock, you and Angelica will stay here with us. It would be better that way for both of us. Besides, this is the least I can do for you after what you're doing for me." Ash insisted.
"All right. We'll stay here tonight." Brock agreed.
"Hey. Are we going to play cards of sit here and listen to you guys argue all night about who's going to stay where?" Gary asked.
"You've got a point. So what game do you guys want to play?" Tracey cut in to keep another argument from breaking out.
"Hey, I've got a good idea. I haven't played this one in a long time but it was always one of my favorites. Why don't we play Old Maid." Delia suggested.
"Sure." The others said in unison.
"Okay. I kept some cards in the closet of my old bedroom. Can you go get them, Ash?" Delia asked.
"Sure can." Ash announced and disappeared up the stairs. A moment later he returned with the cards in hand.
The crazy card games continued until about 10:30, at which time the Oaks and their party decided it was time to take their leave.
"We're going to have to run now. Thanks for letting us come over this evening. It was fun and a good way to distract ourselves from everything." Professor Oak said.
"You don't have to leave." Ash protested.
"Yes we do honey. It's late and you guys need to rest up for tomorrow." Delia reasoned with a smile.
"Okay. If you have to go." Ash agreed as he walked his mother and stepfather to the front door, followed by the others.
"We'll see you tomorrow morning, mom." Misty smiled as she gave her mother-in-law a quick hug.
"You can bet on it." Professor Oak said as he helped his wife with her coat. "Gary, Tracey, Carla are you guys coming back with us now?"
"Take Delia and go ahead back to the lab, Grandpa. We'll be right there. I'll catch a ride with Tracey." Gary shook his head.
"Yeah. Give us a few minutes, Professor. We won't be long." Tracey agreed.
"Okay. We'll meet you back at the lab in a little bit." Professor Oak smiled, understanding why they wanted to stay a few extra minutes. Then, after saying goodbye to Ash and Misty, he helped his wife into their car and drove back to the lab.
Once the couple had disappeared from view, the others walked back in the house to talk where they could be out of the cold. It was the middle of October and it was very chilly outside. After a moment, Ash thought of something that he needed to ask Tracey.
"Tracey, will you come with me for a minute? I need to ask you about something privately." Ash asked quietly.
"Sure." Tracey said as he followed Ash into the kitchen while the other five looking at each other in confusion.
* * * * *
"What's on your mind, Ash?" Tracey asked as he sat at the kitchen table across from his friend.
"I wanted to ask you if you would mind doing a favor for me tomorrow." Ash explained.
"Of course I will. I'll do anything to make this as easy for you as possible. Just name it." Tracey replied without having to consider.
"I was hoping you'd say that because this is very important to me. What I'm going to need you to do for me is this one thing. Tomorrow when they start to prep me I really need you to be in the room too so you can be there for Misty. I'll talk to Dr. Adams to make sure they don't try to throw you out. Can you do that?" Ash asked.
"I'll do it. But there's one thing that I don't understand, Ash. Why do I need to be there for Misty? She's a strong woman." Tracey said.
"Well, it's kind of a complicated thing. Misty has what I guess you might call a phobia in that she is deathly afraid of needles. The reason I want you to be a support is that her fear is so intense that if she even sees a needle she nearly freaks out. It doesn't even have to have anything to do with her." Ash explained as Tracey nodded in understanding. "But I need you to promise me that you won't tell Misty that I told you about this. It is a hard thing for her and if she knew she would get very upset with me. That's why I wanted to talk to you privately instead of in the living room with the others. I'll get around this by telling Misty that I wanted you around for moral support so she won't be as afraid."
"I see. You have my word that I won't tell Misty what we've just talked about. Also, you can count on me to take care of Misty and Pikachu while they're fixing you up." Tracey smiled.
"Thanks, Tracey. I really appreciate it. Let's get back in the living room. Everyone's probably wondering where we went." Ash said with a breath of relief as he clapped Tracey on the back.
* * * * *
When Ash and Tracey emerged back into the living room to join the others it was obvious that they had been having their private conference a little too long as they were met with questions of their whereabouts.
"You sure took a long time." Misty said.
"What were you guys talking about?" Carla asked.
"Yeah. We were about to send a search party after you two." Brock joked good naturedly.
"It's really nothing major. I just needed to talk to Tracey about something regarding tomorrow." Ash explained and was relieved when his wife and friends all seemed to accept his reasoning.
"Hey, I really hate to say this but we're going to have to run. It's getting pretty late and you guys need to rest up for tomorrow and so do we. Exhausted friends don't make for much of a support beam." Gary said.
"I really appreciate you sticking around for this long and all of your support, Gary. I know that you and I haven't always gotten along but we were close when we were younger and it means a lot to me that we seem to be getting that back. Your friendship has always been important." Ash smiled at his former rival.
"I can't very well turn my back on you when it's the most vital. You've always been like a brother to me no matter how hard we fought. I think that even though we were rivals before we both became Pokemon masters we kept each other going. We were always trying to outdo each other and in always comparing to each other we both got better. We guided each other to our common dream so I'm not turning a cold shoulder now when you need help again to keep your spirits up." Gary said quietly.
"That really means a lot to me. Thanks, Gary." Ash stepped forward and hugged Gary. The two boys stood there embracing each other for a long moment and then broke and shook hands firmly.
"I hate to break the mood but Gary's right. We do need to go. You guys take it easy and we'll see you tomorrow morning early." Tracey pointed out as he took Carla's hand and they began gathering their coats.
"Okay. We'll walk you out." Misty smiled.
* * * * *
After the others were gone, Ash, Misty, Brock and Angelica went into the living room and sat around the fireplace talking and enjoy the warmth of the fire's glow.
"Is anyone else thirsty?" Misty asked.
"Yeah. I am." Ash said.
"Me too." Brock smiled.
"So am I." Angelica agreed.
"Good because I was just thinking that some hot chocolate would be perfect for a cold night around the fireplace. I have some in the kitchen so I'll go make some." Misty announced.
"That is perfect. I'd really love that because we only have two hours left where we can eat or drink anything." Ash countered enthusiastically and Brock and Angelica both nodded.
A few minutes later Misty returned with four cups of hot chocolate and when she came in from the kitchen Ash immediately got up and went to help her. Ash smiled as he realized why Misty had made this. She knew that hot chocolate was Ash's favorite thing to drink and thought that it would be a good thing to make for him.
The friends sat around the fire talking for another hour and then they all decided that it was time to turn in for the night. Misty had also been right that having something to drink and the warm fire would be very relaxing.
"I think it's time for us to get some sleep. We have a really early day tomorrow." Ash yawned as he stood up.
"Yeah. Let's go up and we can get you guys settled into the guest room and try to find you something to sleep in." Misty agreed as Ash helped her to her feet.
Once Misty had found something for their guests to sleep in, she made sure that the guest room was set up good for them which it of course was. Then she and Ash said goodnight to Brock and Angelica, making sure that they were comfortable before turning in for the night themselves.
* * * * *
In their bedroom, Ash and Misty were lying in bed talking about everything that had happened. They were also looking back on things in their relationship.
"I can't believe that this is happening to you. I always thought that when you and I got married things would be perfect for life with no flaws whatsoever." Misty whispered, laying her head on Ash's shoulder.
"Well I did too but you know as well as I do that there's really no such thing as permanent perfection. We all have some hurdles that we have to get over at some point in our lives. That's what makes us stronger. But I can promise you this. I am going to come through this situation all right and things will be fine." Ash was trying to reassure his wife of something that he wasn't entirely sure of himself.
"I hope you're right. But right now you need to try to get some sleep. You have a very long day tomorrow." Misty whispered.
"That's a very good idea. I'm very tired. It's been a very long day." Ash said as he closed his eyes and allowed himself to relax. A few minutes later he was sound asleep with Pikachu on the pillow near his head and Misty lying next to him.
For several minutes, Misty lay by her husband's side in a way keeping watch over him. This entire situation tore her heart out because she had loved Ash ever since they were kids traveling together with Brock on an exciting Pokemon journey and she still loved him more than anything.
"You have to come out on top of this thing, Ash. I refuse to let anything happen to you. I'm not going to lose my entire world. I love you so much sweetheart." Misty said very quietly.
Then a small smile broke across Misty's face as she noticed Ash's peaceful expression. It occurred to her that right now was a time that he could have some peace and not have to worry about the risky scenario that was coming up in the morning. She then laid her head on Ash's chest and fell asleep to the rhythm of her husband's heartbeat.
* * * * *
Angelica had so much on her mind that she couldn't sleep. She was still very worried about Brock. She was also concerned about Ash and Misty. In less than twelve hours they were going to be facing a serious situation that was going to change all of their lives in dramatic ways. No matter how hard she tried Angelica just could not get it out of her head.
"Hey. You okay? You look a world away." Brock's voice cut into her thoughts and caused her to smile in spite of fear.
"I guess. I was thinking about Ash and Misty and what they must be going through. Also I was thinking about you. You are a hero for what you're doing and I am extremely proud of you. I want to make sure you know that you aren't going to be in this alone. You have a family that adores you and friends that think the world of you. Not to mention that I'm going to stand by you through all of this. I'm not going to leave your side." Angelica whispered.
"I know you'll be there. You don't know what that means to hear that, though. I don't want you to worry, hon. Everything is going to be just fine. You need to remember that you have a pretty strong support beam too. If things seem to be weighing to heavy on you, simply remember how much I love you and even though I won't be able to, my love will lift the burden off of you." Brock told her sleepily. Then he pulled her into his arms and Angelica rested her head on his shoulder, allowing his strength to comfort her fears.
As Brock held Angelica in his arms comforting her, he was also allowing her calming presence to comfort him. She had calmed down considerably and her initial trembling had stopped. Brock certainly understood how Angelica felt because the fears that she had were ones that he had himself though he hadn't been willing to speak them.
Brock was snapped out of his thoughts as he felt Angelica's soft breath on his neck. He very carefully turned his head to see that she had fallen asleep in his embrace. He kissed his girlfriend on the head and then settled into a comfortable position and rested his head on the pillow. Brock adjusted the blanket over himself and Angelica and then closed his eyes and drifted into an uneasy sleep.
* * * * *
Four hours later, Angelica woke terrified and shaking. She'd had a terrible nightmare that something had happened in the process of the partial transplant and Brock hadn't survived. Angelica tried to sit up but stopped when she felt a strong arm around her. She turned on her side and watched Brock sleeping beside her and lay there listening to the steady rhythm of his deep breathing. Then she reached over and rested her hand on Brock's chest and was comforted by the feel of his strong heartbeat under her palm. In spite of her slight calm, Angelica still had a very bad feeling about the next day's events that she couldn't shake no matter how hard she tried. As she reached up and gently smoothed Brock's spiky dark hair, she hoped with all of her being that she was wrong.