Author's Notes: Well, I have to admit I was surprised that no one really
has noticed that I had put in a two year planning time in chapter 8. When
Misty first realized she was pregnant and that was just the few weeks after
Ash returned from the nine-year absence. Also, Ash did notice it, but I
only realized about the two-year gap when I was writing the tenth chapter.
Yet, for those who think that that night after the welcoming party was
after the plans were made, why would anyone want to have a WELCOMING party
AFTER TWO YEARS of that person being back? Also, I noticed one of my
reviewers commented that I killed another character. I didn't kill that
character. It was a still birth and so therefore it would not be anything
other than chances of life. (that and I couldn't think of how to explain
why Misty would leave a two- or one-year old with someone in Pallet while
she's off with Ash on the journey for so long.) But also because there was
no character as it was still unborn, but if it had been because of an
abortion then I would have considered me killing a character, but still
births can happen no matter what precautions are taken. Anyway, to the
question of why the votes are currently 7 ½ to 1 ½ is because one reviewer
told me that they didn't care what order the endings were so I just divided
their vote among the options. Plus, Ash and Misty are still in the lead to
Ash and Marin. Also, I have it in third person even though it's alternating
P. O. V.'s. Anyway, I think I've worked too much on this part of notes and
so, here's Chapter 11.
*
Misty was looking out the window of the train, feeling forlorn. She really was feeling lost without Ash and she didn't want to lose him again. She would feel comforted with Brock watching over him, but he was there when Ash disappeared right in front of their eyes, as he was unable to fight the rapid current and then went under. Misty would not have started to go back to Pallet except Ash had talked her into going. Misty knew that Ash's concern was for their child as they had lost their first child two years ago due to circumstances that were out of their control. Misty knew that Ash was just as devastated by the loss of the child as much as she had. Not that Ash knew that Misty knew he was devastated by it.
Misty began to relax as she realized how much Ash really cared for her. Sure she knew that he loved her but she hadn't given much thought to how far that love really went. Misty wasn't certain about if Ash had thought about this, but she realized that there was no end to it. It was completely unconditional. Misty then realized that her love for Ash went to the same extent. No matter what happens, Misty thought smiling, we will always love each other.
Misty began to fell drowsy with the soft humming sound the train was making as it made it's way effortlessly towards her destination. Soon she was sleeping peacefully, with her mind and heart at ease.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Gary cursed under his breath. With Misty now returning to Pallet and Ash deciding to move much more quickly, Gary was going to have to do the same. This wreaked his plans for taking a break in Mahogany town and Ecruteak City. Now he needed to begin to move twice as fast as he had been. At least we found out about that microphone gramps has, Gary thought to himself, as he began to continue traveling as he knew that he would need to be further along tonight if he didn't want to have to make up the distance on the next day. Yet, at least he would still be able to get back to Pallet before Ash did. As their plan was for Gary to reach Pallet before they did.
Gary didn't want to travel late into the night, but he knew he had no choice if he wanted to have any breaks the next day, which would anyway be cut down to a short lunch break. Gary didn't like the change of events, but he knew that he should just take it as he might have tried pushing himself more if this hadn't come up just so he could try to get a longer break sometime. Yet, now if he really pushed it, he still could get a brief respite at Ecruteak City. Gary smiled, as he knew how easily he could do that with the help of his Pokemon.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Ash and Brock were exhausted. They had been traveling from Goldenrod City and had made it about halfway through Ilex forest that day. They hadn't met any trainers, but they were more focused on making it to Azalea town. So they could meet up with friends who were in the area and all the other plans they had. Brock noticed that Ash had been silent for most of the journey, even at times when he would be talking, he was still sullen and silent. Even though, Brock figured that it was because he was thinking about Misty, Brock knew that he would need to talk with Ash.
When they were setting up camp, Ash still didn't say anything. He just began to gather up firewood so that they would have a fire going to cook and boil some water clean with. Brock had to admit it wasn't really the same without Misty. Even though it was nice to have the silence, it still was dull without someone to be getting into fights with Ash no matter how close they became. Brock smiled to himself as he remembers the latest fight they had over something so stupid Brock couldn't even remember what had happened for them to have concluded that fight.
"Ash, you know you can't keep it bottled up forever," Brock said, when they were almost done with their dinner, but neither had spoken.
Ash just looked at Brock and returned to his stew. Brock sighed. He didn't think that it was this serious, but with Ash acting this way, he realized that he needed to talk with Ash from before Misty left them. There was some unresolved issue that had happened that even Brock hadn't been aware of.
After a few more moments of silence Brock continued, "I don't know why you're like this, but you need to let someone in." Brock paused again to give time for Ash to reply and when Ash stayed silent, Brock continued again, "I can tell that you've been holding something in since before Misty left. I want to know what that was about. I can't help you if you don't help yourself first and open up to someone you trust."
Ash didn't reply, but Brock did notice a change in Ash's demeanor. Brock saw the edges of his mouth begin to twitch into a frown. Brock was completely surprised. Out of all the possible reactions, Brock expected this reaction the least. This meant that whatever was troubling Ash was very serious. Brock had thought that it would be something minor, but this meant that it was really something that Misty wouldn't know about. Brock waited patiently for Ash to say something, even though it took hours and Pikachu was already asleep and the fire had grown cold before Ash finally did speak.
"I don't know what to do," Ash stated simply.
"What?" Brock asked, caught off guard by what Ash said.
"I don't know what to do," Ash repeated. "I mean, I know what I want to do, but I don't really know what to do."
Brock was now utterly confused. "What do you mean?"
Ash looked at Brock, and Brock barely suppressed a gasp when he saw Ash's face streaked with tears. "I mean that I do not know what to do. I know that I love Misty with all my heart, but I still don't know what I should do. I realized that in the nine years that I was gone, there was another girl that I loved."
Brock could barely believe what he was hearing. Ash loved another girl other than Misty? How could that happen? Brock couldn't even bring himself to really find his voice, but just kept on sputtering in complete confusion. Ash then continued in a bare whisper, "I doubt that it would have happened if I remembered something, but I know that when I woke up out of a year-long coma, I felt that Misty was still waiting for me, but I couldn't help but wonder why she wasn't there. I never realized that it could be that she had no idea where I was. I just thought that she had left me."
Brock had to strain to hear what Ash said and was shocked at what he was hearing. Of course Brock understood it, but he couldn't help but wonder what really had all gone on. Who was the other girl that Ash was talking about? Brock finally found his voice and barely managed to ask, "Who was it?"
Ash shook his head. "I don't know. I remember bits and pieces of it, but nothing concrete. I wish that I knew more about what it was." Ash finished wistfully, hugging his knees.
"Well, why don't you try to find out who it is?" Brock asked, not sure why Ash was like this. If Brock didn't know any better, he would have been certain that Ash was afraid of something. But what could he be afraid of?
When Ash looked at Brock, Brock nearly swore under his breath. Ash WAS afraid of something. "I don't know what to do. I don't want to hurt Misty, but I still want to know about my past," Ash answered in a whisper. "I want to find out what went on during the nine years that I was gone, but I'm afraid of what I'll find. Will I live with this other girl or will I live with Misty?"
Brock sighed, glad that Ash had put it in a way that he could help. "Well, I don't know what you should do, but you have to think. This other girl; do you think that she's hurting with not knowing where you are or what's happened to you? Have you ever thought of that?"
Ash shook his head slowly. Brock then continued, "Then what about how Misty would react if you told her your fears? I can see that you both love each other very much. What I think that you don't see is that there isn't anything that Misty wouldn't do for you. If it meant that you being happy with another girl, then I'm certain that she would not try to pressure you into staying with her. If anything, she would wish you well in being happy. I'm quite certain that you would react the same way if your situations were reversed."
Ash stared at Brock. Brock saw that Ash was amazed at how perceptive he was. Brock knew that it was probably something that Ash would never allow himself to even think about. As it often is a double-edged sword. Ash could have found that he didn't love Misty as much as he thought he did, but then again, he could have found that his love for Misty knew no depths. It could just as easily have been one way as the other.
They continued talking late into the night, barely getting enough sleep before they woke up to continue the rest of the way to Azalea town. Both were still tired from the lack of sleep they had the night before. Pikachu had at least ten times the amount of energy they had and seemed to be annoyed by the fact that they were already tired. After the tenth time Brock and Ash were electrocuted, they finally made their way into Azalea town. At last they could rest!
* * * * * * * * * * *
Misty was working on feeding the pokemon at the orphanage while wondering what was going on with her mother. She seemed to be acting different than she usually was. Although Marin was recently depressed again over Yellow, Misty was certain that her mother wasn't usually like this. She expected her mother to act the way she had two years before when Yellow first disappeared from their lives. Misty had to admit that Ash looked like her father, but had a completely different attitude. He actually would watch the cute Caterpies and didn't seem to like the Tentacool. Misty agreed with Ash on not liking the Tentacool, but she had to admit, they were cute in their own way.
Misty just didn't know what to do, she didn't want to leave when her mother was ready to have a nervous breakdown, but she didn't know if that was going to happen. Misty felt completely alone in her thoughts. Even her brother Tarin didn't see things the way Misty did, but they seldom saw anything the same way. Tarin detested the bugs, where Misty saw the potential for strength the bugs had. Misty thought the bugs were creepy, but still liked them all the same. Not that she would train one, but she did admire quite a few of the bugs. Nor would she admit that she actually liked any of the bugs. She would only confide that to her grandfather, who shared her opinion of the bugs, but also with her father, when he had been with them. Misty had long decided that Yellow was dead and would not be returning.
She did not want to react the way her mother was reacting, but she did feel sorry for her mother. Misty didn't know all that Marin was going through or why it was so hard for her to accept the fact about Yellow, but maybe she finally has, Misty thought to herself. She wanted the next two years to already be over so she could go on the league challenge and so she could do what she could to become the best that she was inside. She saw herself currently as weak, but she felt that everything started off weak only to grow strong. When she would be strong would be when she had finally made it to the point where she could not get any better. However, she often found herself crying for no apparent reason and would feel a great emptiness inside of her when that happened. She had no clue to why that happened, nor did she know what to do about it. No one knew about those times, as Misty made certain that if one happened while she was around, she would find an excuse to leave and if one didn't present itself, she would either make one up verbally or physically make one. Often, it was more physically making it up, which her mother didn't really seem to like.
At least she doesn't know, Misty thought to herself, content that her mother still had no idea that something was troubling her. Misty didn't want anyone to know until at least she knew what it was about. She wanted to know why she felt that way, but she couldn't even begin to wonder what it was about. She desperately wanted to know, but the answer kept one eluding her.
*
Author's notes: I'm fairly certain that no one will like the way this fic is heading with the dialogue that is in this chapter, but I needed it in case of the actual event that Marin gets Ash. The votes could easily go either way, but who knows what they will end up as. I know that it's not likely to have the votes go for Marin, but it still is possible. Yet, I do find several of the reviews expressing why Ash should be with Misty quite humorous. Though, I still had to put this chapter in. If anyone doesn't like it, then flame me. At least I'll know that this was read. That's all I'm wanting; plus I can get better ideas from knowing what is wanted from my writing. Though, I wonder about double endings sometimes. I wonder what the reaction would be. Anyway, please look forward to chapter 12.
*
Misty was looking out the window of the train, feeling forlorn. She really was feeling lost without Ash and she didn't want to lose him again. She would feel comforted with Brock watching over him, but he was there when Ash disappeared right in front of their eyes, as he was unable to fight the rapid current and then went under. Misty would not have started to go back to Pallet except Ash had talked her into going. Misty knew that Ash's concern was for their child as they had lost their first child two years ago due to circumstances that were out of their control. Misty knew that Ash was just as devastated by the loss of the child as much as she had. Not that Ash knew that Misty knew he was devastated by it.
Misty began to relax as she realized how much Ash really cared for her. Sure she knew that he loved her but she hadn't given much thought to how far that love really went. Misty wasn't certain about if Ash had thought about this, but she realized that there was no end to it. It was completely unconditional. Misty then realized that her love for Ash went to the same extent. No matter what happens, Misty thought smiling, we will always love each other.
Misty began to fell drowsy with the soft humming sound the train was making as it made it's way effortlessly towards her destination. Soon she was sleeping peacefully, with her mind and heart at ease.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Gary cursed under his breath. With Misty now returning to Pallet and Ash deciding to move much more quickly, Gary was going to have to do the same. This wreaked his plans for taking a break in Mahogany town and Ecruteak City. Now he needed to begin to move twice as fast as he had been. At least we found out about that microphone gramps has, Gary thought to himself, as he began to continue traveling as he knew that he would need to be further along tonight if he didn't want to have to make up the distance on the next day. Yet, at least he would still be able to get back to Pallet before Ash did. As their plan was for Gary to reach Pallet before they did.
Gary didn't want to travel late into the night, but he knew he had no choice if he wanted to have any breaks the next day, which would anyway be cut down to a short lunch break. Gary didn't like the change of events, but he knew that he should just take it as he might have tried pushing himself more if this hadn't come up just so he could try to get a longer break sometime. Yet, now if he really pushed it, he still could get a brief respite at Ecruteak City. Gary smiled, as he knew how easily he could do that with the help of his Pokemon.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Ash and Brock were exhausted. They had been traveling from Goldenrod City and had made it about halfway through Ilex forest that day. They hadn't met any trainers, but they were more focused on making it to Azalea town. So they could meet up with friends who were in the area and all the other plans they had. Brock noticed that Ash had been silent for most of the journey, even at times when he would be talking, he was still sullen and silent. Even though, Brock figured that it was because he was thinking about Misty, Brock knew that he would need to talk with Ash.
When they were setting up camp, Ash still didn't say anything. He just began to gather up firewood so that they would have a fire going to cook and boil some water clean with. Brock had to admit it wasn't really the same without Misty. Even though it was nice to have the silence, it still was dull without someone to be getting into fights with Ash no matter how close they became. Brock smiled to himself as he remembers the latest fight they had over something so stupid Brock couldn't even remember what had happened for them to have concluded that fight.
"Ash, you know you can't keep it bottled up forever," Brock said, when they were almost done with their dinner, but neither had spoken.
Ash just looked at Brock and returned to his stew. Brock sighed. He didn't think that it was this serious, but with Ash acting this way, he realized that he needed to talk with Ash from before Misty left them. There was some unresolved issue that had happened that even Brock hadn't been aware of.
After a few more moments of silence Brock continued, "I don't know why you're like this, but you need to let someone in." Brock paused again to give time for Ash to reply and when Ash stayed silent, Brock continued again, "I can tell that you've been holding something in since before Misty left. I want to know what that was about. I can't help you if you don't help yourself first and open up to someone you trust."
Ash didn't reply, but Brock did notice a change in Ash's demeanor. Brock saw the edges of his mouth begin to twitch into a frown. Brock was completely surprised. Out of all the possible reactions, Brock expected this reaction the least. This meant that whatever was troubling Ash was very serious. Brock had thought that it would be something minor, but this meant that it was really something that Misty wouldn't know about. Brock waited patiently for Ash to say something, even though it took hours and Pikachu was already asleep and the fire had grown cold before Ash finally did speak.
"I don't know what to do," Ash stated simply.
"What?" Brock asked, caught off guard by what Ash said.
"I don't know what to do," Ash repeated. "I mean, I know what I want to do, but I don't really know what to do."
Brock was now utterly confused. "What do you mean?"
Ash looked at Brock, and Brock barely suppressed a gasp when he saw Ash's face streaked with tears. "I mean that I do not know what to do. I know that I love Misty with all my heart, but I still don't know what I should do. I realized that in the nine years that I was gone, there was another girl that I loved."
Brock could barely believe what he was hearing. Ash loved another girl other than Misty? How could that happen? Brock couldn't even bring himself to really find his voice, but just kept on sputtering in complete confusion. Ash then continued in a bare whisper, "I doubt that it would have happened if I remembered something, but I know that when I woke up out of a year-long coma, I felt that Misty was still waiting for me, but I couldn't help but wonder why she wasn't there. I never realized that it could be that she had no idea where I was. I just thought that she had left me."
Brock had to strain to hear what Ash said and was shocked at what he was hearing. Of course Brock understood it, but he couldn't help but wonder what really had all gone on. Who was the other girl that Ash was talking about? Brock finally found his voice and barely managed to ask, "Who was it?"
Ash shook his head. "I don't know. I remember bits and pieces of it, but nothing concrete. I wish that I knew more about what it was." Ash finished wistfully, hugging his knees.
"Well, why don't you try to find out who it is?" Brock asked, not sure why Ash was like this. If Brock didn't know any better, he would have been certain that Ash was afraid of something. But what could he be afraid of?
When Ash looked at Brock, Brock nearly swore under his breath. Ash WAS afraid of something. "I don't know what to do. I don't want to hurt Misty, but I still want to know about my past," Ash answered in a whisper. "I want to find out what went on during the nine years that I was gone, but I'm afraid of what I'll find. Will I live with this other girl or will I live with Misty?"
Brock sighed, glad that Ash had put it in a way that he could help. "Well, I don't know what you should do, but you have to think. This other girl; do you think that she's hurting with not knowing where you are or what's happened to you? Have you ever thought of that?"
Ash shook his head slowly. Brock then continued, "Then what about how Misty would react if you told her your fears? I can see that you both love each other very much. What I think that you don't see is that there isn't anything that Misty wouldn't do for you. If it meant that you being happy with another girl, then I'm certain that she would not try to pressure you into staying with her. If anything, she would wish you well in being happy. I'm quite certain that you would react the same way if your situations were reversed."
Ash stared at Brock. Brock saw that Ash was amazed at how perceptive he was. Brock knew that it was probably something that Ash would never allow himself to even think about. As it often is a double-edged sword. Ash could have found that he didn't love Misty as much as he thought he did, but then again, he could have found that his love for Misty knew no depths. It could just as easily have been one way as the other.
They continued talking late into the night, barely getting enough sleep before they woke up to continue the rest of the way to Azalea town. Both were still tired from the lack of sleep they had the night before. Pikachu had at least ten times the amount of energy they had and seemed to be annoyed by the fact that they were already tired. After the tenth time Brock and Ash were electrocuted, they finally made their way into Azalea town. At last they could rest!
* * * * * * * * * * *
Misty was working on feeding the pokemon at the orphanage while wondering what was going on with her mother. She seemed to be acting different than she usually was. Although Marin was recently depressed again over Yellow, Misty was certain that her mother wasn't usually like this. She expected her mother to act the way she had two years before when Yellow first disappeared from their lives. Misty had to admit that Ash looked like her father, but had a completely different attitude. He actually would watch the cute Caterpies and didn't seem to like the Tentacool. Misty agreed with Ash on not liking the Tentacool, but she had to admit, they were cute in their own way.
Misty just didn't know what to do, she didn't want to leave when her mother was ready to have a nervous breakdown, but she didn't know if that was going to happen. Misty felt completely alone in her thoughts. Even her brother Tarin didn't see things the way Misty did, but they seldom saw anything the same way. Tarin detested the bugs, where Misty saw the potential for strength the bugs had. Misty thought the bugs were creepy, but still liked them all the same. Not that she would train one, but she did admire quite a few of the bugs. Nor would she admit that she actually liked any of the bugs. She would only confide that to her grandfather, who shared her opinion of the bugs, but also with her father, when he had been with them. Misty had long decided that Yellow was dead and would not be returning.
She did not want to react the way her mother was reacting, but she did feel sorry for her mother. Misty didn't know all that Marin was going through or why it was so hard for her to accept the fact about Yellow, but maybe she finally has, Misty thought to herself. She wanted the next two years to already be over so she could go on the league challenge and so she could do what she could to become the best that she was inside. She saw herself currently as weak, but she felt that everything started off weak only to grow strong. When she would be strong would be when she had finally made it to the point where she could not get any better. However, she often found herself crying for no apparent reason and would feel a great emptiness inside of her when that happened. She had no clue to why that happened, nor did she know what to do about it. No one knew about those times, as Misty made certain that if one happened while she was around, she would find an excuse to leave and if one didn't present itself, she would either make one up verbally or physically make one. Often, it was more physically making it up, which her mother didn't really seem to like.
At least she doesn't know, Misty thought to herself, content that her mother still had no idea that something was troubling her. Misty didn't want anyone to know until at least she knew what it was about. She wanted to know why she felt that way, but she couldn't even begin to wonder what it was about. She desperately wanted to know, but the answer kept one eluding her.
*
Author's notes: I'm fairly certain that no one will like the way this fic is heading with the dialogue that is in this chapter, but I needed it in case of the actual event that Marin gets Ash. The votes could easily go either way, but who knows what they will end up as. I know that it's not likely to have the votes go for Marin, but it still is possible. Yet, I do find several of the reviews expressing why Ash should be with Misty quite humorous. Though, I still had to put this chapter in. If anyone doesn't like it, then flame me. At least I'll know that this was read. That's all I'm wanting; plus I can get better ideas from knowing what is wanted from my writing. Though, I wonder about double endings sometimes. I wonder what the reaction would be. Anyway, please look forward to chapter 12.
