Chapter 7: A Date With Destiny
The next morning at about 4:00, Misty got up and went into the kitchen to get something to drink. When she did she was surprised to find Angelica sitting outside on the patio in the frigid night air. Quietly, Misty walked out and approached her friend.
"Angelica? What are you doing outside? It's freezing out here." Misty whispered.
"Oh. Misty. I came outside trying to clear my mind but all I've managed to do was lose all feeling to my hands." Angelica said with a small smile.
"Well, why don't we go back inside and have some tea to warm ourselves up and we can talk about it. I think I might know what's on your mind and I'd like to try and help." Misty smiled as she and Angelica walked back into the warm kitchen.
Angelica went to sit at the table and put her head in her hands and Misty came and sat across from her and poured some tea for them. It was making Misty nervous to see Angelica so freaked out and she hoped that she could help her for the sake of both of them.
"Are you okay? What's got you so upset?" Misty asked as she placed a comforting hand on Angelica's arm.
"I just wish that none of this would have happened. I'm scared to death for both Ash and Brock. I know I really shouldn't tell you this but I have a very bad feeling about this thing. It probably sounds ridiculous but I had a dream about it. I've never been this scared before in my life." Angelica admitted.
"I know how you feel. I'm scared too. I think the reason that you have a bad feeling about it is because of what the situation is. I'm sure that everything is going to turn out all right. We have to believe that it will." Misty said reassuringly.
Just then Brock peeked his head into the kitchen and saw the two women sitting at the table talking. As soon as Angelica saw Brock she got up and went to him and put her arms around him.
"What were you ladies talking about? I was a little worried when I woke up and found that you were gone." Brock whispered.
"Misty and I were just keeping each other company and having some tea. When she came down here and found me here. Actually I was sitting out on the patio. I was thinking and trying to clear thousands of thoughts out of my mind. If she hadn't convinced me to come inside, I might have turned into a Popsicle." Angelica smirked cutely.
"I love you. That is the most important thing that I want you to promise me that you'll keep with you during all this. If you remember that I love you more than life then even when I'm not physically by your side, you'll be able to feel my arms around you." Brock smiled, trying to comfort Angelica.
"I promise I will never forget your love. I will keep it with me." Angelica promised.
"Hey, guys. I hate to destroy the moment but it's time to leave soon. I'm going to go and wake up Ash while you guys get ready." Misty interrupted.
* * * * *
In the bedroom, Misty had the hard task of awakening her sleeping husband. She hated to do it because he would be removed from his escape from reality but she knew she had to. Misty reached down and gently shook Ash's shoulder and bent over to give him a small kiss. Slowly, Ash's eyes opened and he looked into the loving face of his wife.
"Morning sweetheart." Ash yawned sleepily.
"Hey." Misty smiled.
"Are you ready for today?" Ash asked finally.
"I guess. I don't really have that much of a choice. Either swallow my fear or possibly lose my husband. If I have to face my worst fears then I will if it means getting you better." Misty whispered as Ash gathered her into his arms and held her close.
"We really need to get ready to head to the hospital. I know this is going to be hard on you but think of it this way, the sooner we get started the sooner it gets over with and things get back to normal." Ash tried to reassure Misty as he got dressed and they headed downstairs.
A few minutes later, the two couples were ready to leave for the hospital. The mood was one of extreme tension at the impending situation but also of gratitude for Brock's willingness to be a hero and come through for Ash.
* * * * *
At the same time at the Oak lab, Delia was sitting in the living room waiting for her husband to get ready. It still hadn't hit her fully what was going to be happening to her only child. Just then a soft voice jolted her from her thoughts.
"Hey. You look a little hungry, Delia. Here take this. Carla made these muffins earlier and I saved you one." Gary said quietly.
"Thank you dear. I suppose I am hungry." Delia smiled at her step grandson with appreciation.
"I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I know what's going on with Ash is hitting you hard and I promised Grandpa that I would help him look after you." Gary said as he gave Delia a hug.
"I appreciate it but I'm not the one who needs to be looked after. Ash is the one going through a life altering situation today. He and Brock are the ones who need our attention." Delia protested.
"That's wrong, Delia." Professor Oak insisted as he entered the room. "You are going through this as well seeing that Ash is your son. Misty and Angelica are going to need our support as well. I don't want you thinking that your feelings and emotions aren't a factor in this situation because they very much are." Gary decided that this was his cue to abandon the conversation so he left the room and went back into the kitchen to join Tracey and Carla.
"I know my feelings are important but all I can think of right now is Ash. I would do this entire thing for him if I could. He shouldn't be having to go through this." Delia sighed.
"I know you would, darling. But right now we really need to get going so we can meet them at the hospital."
* * * * *
The ride to the hospital was a relatively quiet one for Ash, Misty, Brock and Angelica. Even Pikachu wasn't as bright and cheerful as he usually was.
"I know I've said this at least a thousand times in the past twenty four hours but I really want to thank you for what you're doing, Brock. This is going to be a setback for you as well as me and I appreciate you being willing to make such a big sacrifice for me. I always said that I would trust you with my life and today that very comment is being put to the test and I still feel the same way." Ash said finally.
"It's no problem, Ash. I don't want you to worry about setting me back or anything like that. I talked to my dad this morning while you guys were getting ready and he's going to take over the gym for a while until I'm able to pick it up again. The only thing that matters right now is getting you back to 100%. You can trust me with your life because I would trust you with mine if the situation were reversed. I also know that if that happened you would do the same for me." Brock smiled at his friend.
"Pi pika pikachu ka Pikachupi pi pika, Pikapi. Pi pika pi pikachu." (I'll take care of Misty for you, Ash. You can count on me.) Pikachu promised as Ash gave the little Pokemon a big hug.
"Thanks, Pikachu." Ash said.
"Hey, we're here." Misty said nervously as she parked the car at the hospital.
* * * * *
On the way to meet the others at the hospital, Tracey and Carla were following Professor Oak and Delia. Gary was riding with Tracey to give his grandfather some time with Delia by himself so he could try to reassure her. Tracey was driving but it was obvious that his mind was on something other than the road.
"What's wrong, Tracey? You look distracted." Gary asked suddenly.
"He's right, hon. You seem thousands of miles away." Carla agreed.
"I'm fine. I was just thinking about Ash and Brock and what this means for both of them and about Misty and Angelica and how hard it must be for them to stand by during this whole thing. I was also thinking about something that Ash said to me last night." Tracey confessed.
"Oh. You mean when you two went and had a secret pow wow in the kitchen." Gary said.
"Yeah."
"I know what you mean about this being hard on Misty and Angelica. They probably feel helpless in this situation. I was awake for awhile last night thinking about them and I was thinking about how I would feel if I were in the same position. I would probably go out of my mind." Carla said quietly.
"They'll both need all of the support they can get. We're going to need to be there for them whatever they might need. Make it easy as possible for them." Gary pointed out. Then the group took the last few minutes of the drive in silence.
* * * * *
At the hospital, Ash and Brock were checked in and were getting ready to be taken to separate rooms where they would be prepared for the surgery that they would undergo. Before they were separated the two boys were given a few moments with the girls and to talk to each other.
"Well. This is it, I guess. This is actually happening." Ash said.
"Yeah. But like I said, I have absolutely no regrets about what I am about to do. I just hope it goes as well as the doctor is hoping." Brock agreed as he approached Ash and the two embraced for a moment. Soon after the nurse came in and took the two to separate rooms.
* * * * *
In the meantime, the others had gotten to the hospital and found out where Ash and Brock were. Tracey took a few minutes to calm his nerves before taking his leave of the others to be there for Misty as he had promised Ash the night before.
"Hey. I'm going to go and check on how Ash and Misty are holding up. I need to go alone though because it has something to do with what Ash and I talked about last night." Tracey said.
"Okay, sweetheart. I'll go see if Angelica needs anything and check how Brock is doing." Carla assured Tracey with a kiss.
"I'll come with Tracey just long enough to wish my son luck. I think I know what Ash asked of you so I won't stay long." Delia insisted.
"Gary and I will stay here and wait for all of you to come back." Professor Oak stated with a glance at his grandson who nodded in agreement.
* * * * *
In the room where he had been placed to await surgery, Ash was spending time with Misty and Pikachu. He had to make sure that they were going to be okay while he was out of commission. At the same time he was also wondering where Tracey was because time was running thin.
"Honey, what's the matter?" Misty asked quietly.
"Huh? Oh, sorry Mist. I was just thinking. I have a lot on my mind right now, that's all." Ash said.
"Pi pika pika pikachu, Pikapi. Pika chu pika ka pikachu." (It'll be all right, Ash. I have all faith in you.) Pikachu said as he hopped up onto the bed with Ash.
"Thanks Pikachu. Make sure you and Misty take care of each other. You have to protect her for me." Ash told Pikachu as he hugged him.
"Pi pikachu." (Of course.)
"Mind a little interruption?" Delia said as she poked her head in the door followed closely by Tracey.
"Of course not. I can use a little distraction right now."
"Hey, Ash. You holding up okay?" Tracey asked.
"I guess so. I'm just a little worried." Ash admitted.
"I understand that. But to put your mind at ease a little I promise that I will take care of the thing that we talked about last night."
"Thanks, Trace. That means a lot. I took care of my end of it as well so that's one less thing that I have to worry about. Where's Carla?" Ash changed the subject.
"Oh. She went to see if Angelica needed anything. She told me to give you her best wishes."
"Tell her that I appreciate it very much." Ash smiled.
"I just wanted to wish my baby good luck." Delia whispered as she walked over and took Ash's hand.
"Thanks. Everything is going to be okay. I want you to believe that. I love you, Mom." Ash said.
"I love you too, honey. I'm going to go back to the waiting room now. I hear the doctor coming." Delia gave Ash a kiss and then left the room, leaving Tracey with Ash and Misty.
The next morning at about 4:00, Misty got up and went into the kitchen to get something to drink. When she did she was surprised to find Angelica sitting outside on the patio in the frigid night air. Quietly, Misty walked out and approached her friend.
"Angelica? What are you doing outside? It's freezing out here." Misty whispered.
"Oh. Misty. I came outside trying to clear my mind but all I've managed to do was lose all feeling to my hands." Angelica said with a small smile.
"Well, why don't we go back inside and have some tea to warm ourselves up and we can talk about it. I think I might know what's on your mind and I'd like to try and help." Misty smiled as she and Angelica walked back into the warm kitchen.
Angelica went to sit at the table and put her head in her hands and Misty came and sat across from her and poured some tea for them. It was making Misty nervous to see Angelica so freaked out and she hoped that she could help her for the sake of both of them.
"Are you okay? What's got you so upset?" Misty asked as she placed a comforting hand on Angelica's arm.
"I just wish that none of this would have happened. I'm scared to death for both Ash and Brock. I know I really shouldn't tell you this but I have a very bad feeling about this thing. It probably sounds ridiculous but I had a dream about it. I've never been this scared before in my life." Angelica admitted.
"I know how you feel. I'm scared too. I think the reason that you have a bad feeling about it is because of what the situation is. I'm sure that everything is going to turn out all right. We have to believe that it will." Misty said reassuringly.
Just then Brock peeked his head into the kitchen and saw the two women sitting at the table talking. As soon as Angelica saw Brock she got up and went to him and put her arms around him.
"What were you ladies talking about? I was a little worried when I woke up and found that you were gone." Brock whispered.
"Misty and I were just keeping each other company and having some tea. When she came down here and found me here. Actually I was sitting out on the patio. I was thinking and trying to clear thousands of thoughts out of my mind. If she hadn't convinced me to come inside, I might have turned into a Popsicle." Angelica smirked cutely.
"I love you. That is the most important thing that I want you to promise me that you'll keep with you during all this. If you remember that I love you more than life then even when I'm not physically by your side, you'll be able to feel my arms around you." Brock smiled, trying to comfort Angelica.
"I promise I will never forget your love. I will keep it with me." Angelica promised.
"Hey, guys. I hate to destroy the moment but it's time to leave soon. I'm going to go and wake up Ash while you guys get ready." Misty interrupted.
* * * * *
In the bedroom, Misty had the hard task of awakening her sleeping husband. She hated to do it because he would be removed from his escape from reality but she knew she had to. Misty reached down and gently shook Ash's shoulder and bent over to give him a small kiss. Slowly, Ash's eyes opened and he looked into the loving face of his wife.
"Morning sweetheart." Ash yawned sleepily.
"Hey." Misty smiled.
"Are you ready for today?" Ash asked finally.
"I guess. I don't really have that much of a choice. Either swallow my fear or possibly lose my husband. If I have to face my worst fears then I will if it means getting you better." Misty whispered as Ash gathered her into his arms and held her close.
"We really need to get ready to head to the hospital. I know this is going to be hard on you but think of it this way, the sooner we get started the sooner it gets over with and things get back to normal." Ash tried to reassure Misty as he got dressed and they headed downstairs.
A few minutes later, the two couples were ready to leave for the hospital. The mood was one of extreme tension at the impending situation but also of gratitude for Brock's willingness to be a hero and come through for Ash.
* * * * *
At the same time at the Oak lab, Delia was sitting in the living room waiting for her husband to get ready. It still hadn't hit her fully what was going to be happening to her only child. Just then a soft voice jolted her from her thoughts.
"Hey. You look a little hungry, Delia. Here take this. Carla made these muffins earlier and I saved you one." Gary said quietly.
"Thank you dear. I suppose I am hungry." Delia smiled at her step grandson with appreciation.
"I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I know what's going on with Ash is hitting you hard and I promised Grandpa that I would help him look after you." Gary said as he gave Delia a hug.
"I appreciate it but I'm not the one who needs to be looked after. Ash is the one going through a life altering situation today. He and Brock are the ones who need our attention." Delia protested.
"That's wrong, Delia." Professor Oak insisted as he entered the room. "You are going through this as well seeing that Ash is your son. Misty and Angelica are going to need our support as well. I don't want you thinking that your feelings and emotions aren't a factor in this situation because they very much are." Gary decided that this was his cue to abandon the conversation so he left the room and went back into the kitchen to join Tracey and Carla.
"I know my feelings are important but all I can think of right now is Ash. I would do this entire thing for him if I could. He shouldn't be having to go through this." Delia sighed.
"I know you would, darling. But right now we really need to get going so we can meet them at the hospital."
* * * * *
The ride to the hospital was a relatively quiet one for Ash, Misty, Brock and Angelica. Even Pikachu wasn't as bright and cheerful as he usually was.
"I know I've said this at least a thousand times in the past twenty four hours but I really want to thank you for what you're doing, Brock. This is going to be a setback for you as well as me and I appreciate you being willing to make such a big sacrifice for me. I always said that I would trust you with my life and today that very comment is being put to the test and I still feel the same way." Ash said finally.
"It's no problem, Ash. I don't want you to worry about setting me back or anything like that. I talked to my dad this morning while you guys were getting ready and he's going to take over the gym for a while until I'm able to pick it up again. The only thing that matters right now is getting you back to 100%. You can trust me with your life because I would trust you with mine if the situation were reversed. I also know that if that happened you would do the same for me." Brock smiled at his friend.
"Pi pika pikachu ka Pikachupi pi pika, Pikapi. Pi pika pi pikachu." (I'll take care of Misty for you, Ash. You can count on me.) Pikachu promised as Ash gave the little Pokemon a big hug.
"Thanks, Pikachu." Ash said.
"Hey, we're here." Misty said nervously as she parked the car at the hospital.
* * * * *
On the way to meet the others at the hospital, Tracey and Carla were following Professor Oak and Delia. Gary was riding with Tracey to give his grandfather some time with Delia by himself so he could try to reassure her. Tracey was driving but it was obvious that his mind was on something other than the road.
"What's wrong, Tracey? You look distracted." Gary asked suddenly.
"He's right, hon. You seem thousands of miles away." Carla agreed.
"I'm fine. I was just thinking about Ash and Brock and what this means for both of them and about Misty and Angelica and how hard it must be for them to stand by during this whole thing. I was also thinking about something that Ash said to me last night." Tracey confessed.
"Oh. You mean when you two went and had a secret pow wow in the kitchen." Gary said.
"Yeah."
"I know what you mean about this being hard on Misty and Angelica. They probably feel helpless in this situation. I was awake for awhile last night thinking about them and I was thinking about how I would feel if I were in the same position. I would probably go out of my mind." Carla said quietly.
"They'll both need all of the support they can get. We're going to need to be there for them whatever they might need. Make it easy as possible for them." Gary pointed out. Then the group took the last few minutes of the drive in silence.
* * * * *
At the hospital, Ash and Brock were checked in and were getting ready to be taken to separate rooms where they would be prepared for the surgery that they would undergo. Before they were separated the two boys were given a few moments with the girls and to talk to each other.
"Well. This is it, I guess. This is actually happening." Ash said.
"Yeah. But like I said, I have absolutely no regrets about what I am about to do. I just hope it goes as well as the doctor is hoping." Brock agreed as he approached Ash and the two embraced for a moment. Soon after the nurse came in and took the two to separate rooms.
* * * * *
In the meantime, the others had gotten to the hospital and found out where Ash and Brock were. Tracey took a few minutes to calm his nerves before taking his leave of the others to be there for Misty as he had promised Ash the night before.
"Hey. I'm going to go and check on how Ash and Misty are holding up. I need to go alone though because it has something to do with what Ash and I talked about last night." Tracey said.
"Okay, sweetheart. I'll go see if Angelica needs anything and check how Brock is doing." Carla assured Tracey with a kiss.
"I'll come with Tracey just long enough to wish my son luck. I think I know what Ash asked of you so I won't stay long." Delia insisted.
"Gary and I will stay here and wait for all of you to come back." Professor Oak stated with a glance at his grandson who nodded in agreement.
* * * * *
In the room where he had been placed to await surgery, Ash was spending time with Misty and Pikachu. He had to make sure that they were going to be okay while he was out of commission. At the same time he was also wondering where Tracey was because time was running thin.
"Honey, what's the matter?" Misty asked quietly.
"Huh? Oh, sorry Mist. I was just thinking. I have a lot on my mind right now, that's all." Ash said.
"Pi pika pika pikachu, Pikapi. Pika chu pika ka pikachu." (It'll be all right, Ash. I have all faith in you.) Pikachu said as he hopped up onto the bed with Ash.
"Thanks Pikachu. Make sure you and Misty take care of each other. You have to protect her for me." Ash told Pikachu as he hugged him.
"Pi pikachu." (Of course.)
"Mind a little interruption?" Delia said as she poked her head in the door followed closely by Tracey.
"Of course not. I can use a little distraction right now."
"Hey, Ash. You holding up okay?" Tracey asked.
"I guess so. I'm just a little worried." Ash admitted.
"I understand that. But to put your mind at ease a little I promise that I will take care of the thing that we talked about last night."
"Thanks, Trace. That means a lot. I took care of my end of it as well so that's one less thing that I have to worry about. Where's Carla?" Ash changed the subject.
"Oh. She went to see if Angelica needed anything. She told me to give you her best wishes."
"Tell her that I appreciate it very much." Ash smiled.
"I just wanted to wish my baby good luck." Delia whispered as she walked over and took Ash's hand.
"Thanks. Everything is going to be okay. I want you to believe that. I love you, Mom." Ash said.
"I love you too, honey. I'm going to go back to the waiting room now. I hear the doctor coming." Delia gave Ash a kiss and then left the room, leaving Tracey with Ash and Misty.