Author's Notes: Well, this has gone on longer than I had at first thought
it would. I had originally planned on about four chapters, but now here's
chapter six. A little surprising to me at least. Anyway, I'll be finishing
this up in the next chapter, but that's if I don't put an epilogue on it.
Which is a possibility. And I'll say it again. If you've seen the movie
you'll be surprised at this ending. If not, well then I guess there's
nothing I can do, right? ^_^ Anyway, here's chapter six.
*
Jared slowly becomes aware of his surroundings as he wakes up. He feels like he's moving, but he knows that can't be because he's laying down and he's laying on something soft. A little prickly, but soft. Jared hears a fire crackling merrily nearby. Jared opens his eyes to see the mid- morning sun shining on him and Ash in the small clearing by a lake. Jared then realizes that Ash was moving what he was sleeping on while he was just waking up. Jared looks at the small cooking fire and sees a non-pokemon fish roasting over a spit.
Jared slowly stands up as Ash asks Jared, "Sleep well?"
Jared nods as he hears Misty the Spearow cry out announcing that she was nearby. Jared stretches his arms above his head as Ash raises his hand for Spearow to land on it. As Spearow flies into their camp, Spearow flies right by Ash and lands on Jared's arm. Jared is just as surprised at this as Ash is. Jared looks at Ash and sees that he has a light smile on. Jared's a little reassured by this while trying to get Spearow to fly over to Ash until Ash asks, "What happened last night?"
"Not much. We just ran into a little trouble on our way to a pokecenter," Jared replied.
Ash's smile vanished quickly as he asked, "You took Misty to an inn? What did you do there?"
"Well, we changed clothes," Jared replied, a little uneasy about going into details, but knew that he made a mistake on telling Ash that part. "Well not together of course."
"You left her alone?!" Ash asked.
"No! Never!" Jared replied quickly, trying harder to get Spearow to fly to Ash.
"So you did change," Ash accused.
Jared is finally able to get Spearow on Ash's wrist and answers, "All she really ever did was talk about you. And I'd be lying if I said that I haven't had my fantasies." Jared paused for a moment then continued, "Do you really think that you'll never be able to break the curse?"
Ash looked sharply at Jared. "I told you not to mention that again."
"What have you got to lose on trying?" Jared asked. "Even if Team Rocket were wrong on what Sabrina said, you could still kill Senzei afterwards. Then you still haven't lost anything more than you already have."
"I may lose my chance at killing Senzei. If he lives, then that means that I'll be the one who dies. When I next see him, one of us will die. No matter what." With that Ash turns and sees the remnants of Team Rocket. Jessie, James, and Meowth. "What do you want?" Ash demands.
"We know what we've done in the past would make you not want to trust us, but we know that we need to help you on this," Jessie answered.
"The curse can be broken. Sabrina told us how it can be done. But she also told us that you had to choose on your own to break it," James added. Meowth nodded.
"Then let me do this my way," Ash snapped. "If you're involved with them, Jared, you may stay. I have no need for you then."
Ash then mounted his Rapidash and rode off. Jessie moved over to Jared and said to him, "Thanks for sticking up for us. We know it's difficult to tell the truth. We're still getting used to it anyway."
"I should have known better," Jared replied, sounding discouraged. "Every moment of happiness I've ever experienced has come from a lie."
* * * * * * * * * * *
Ash looked at the sun. It was noon. He never really thought of it, but he wished that he could see the moon one last time before he went into the possibility of his own death. He could easily see Misty before he met him, but he'd rather not. It always brought up painful memories in the few moments before either she turned into a Spearow or he turned into an Arcanine. I wish there really was a way for us to be together, Ash thought to himself, not willing to believe in something that might not happen. He'd already experienced enough pain. He didn't want to get his hopes up only to have them dashed again like so many other times when he'd tried to break the curse. Nothing seemed to work. It was almost as if he was meant to just stay like this forever. Ash knew that Team Rocket meant well, but he couldn't let himself believe that what they said was possible. Ash just didn't want to feel the pain again like the last time he tried to break the curse that almost ended up in him nearly dying. The way was Ash going as near to death that he could in hopes that the curse would end and Ash could be with Misty. Now he knew that they would be like this until they were dead. Ash sighed as he moved his Rapidash into a trot.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Jared was depressed. Although he was with Team Rocket following Ash, he wasn't sure that he'd be able to convince Ash. They had taken so much time that they had also lost where Ash was. "Are you sure we'll be able to find him?" Jared asks, again.
"Yes," James replied. "We always seem to be able to run into him whether we want to or not. That's how it was when we first started trying to steal his Pikachu. It's almost like a special ability that we seem to have."
Jared thought about this again, but he didn't really believe it. He figured that they always were following Ash and Misty. Though, Jared didn't realize that often Team Rocket would run into Ash and Misty without realizing that they were around. Jared also didn't want to think about how he would try to convince Ash when they met up with him again. Suddenly Jared realized. If they spoke with Misty, she might be able to figure out a way that would get Ash to believe that the curse could be broken. Jared began to tell Team Rocket what his idea was as they kept on getting closer to where Ash camped for the night next to a frozen lake.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Misty was focusing on making certain that all her things were still around. As she started to look for her dagger that she'd often use as a last resort against any soldiers that saw her, Jared stepped out from behind a tree, startling her. Misty jumped and relaxed when she saw that it was just Jared.
"Oh it's you," Misty said, before going back to her search for her dagger.
"Miss, this may be the last night we'll be together," Jared said, causing Misty to freeze. Misty slowly turns to face Jared. "I didn't want to say anything until I was sure. I mean really sure."
"Sure about what?" Misty asked, a little annoyed.
"I think that we can break the curse."
"You and Ash?" Misty asked.
Jared shook his head and Team Rocket stepped behind Jared. "Someone named Sabrina told them how to break the curse and Ash hasn't been willing to really listen to it. If we're going to break it, though, we'll need your help."
Misty nods. She'd been hoping against all hope that there would be a way for them to break the curse and she knew that Sabrina would probably be knowledgeable about that.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Jared was tired. He never realized that digging a hole could be so exhausting. Even with James and Meowth helping, it was taking a while to dig it. Although it was evening, Ash hadn't made his appearance yet. Jared hoped that Ash would come around until they were done. As it was it was deeper than Jared was tall. I hope that we'll be done soon, Jared thought to himself as the end of his shovel rammed James' ribs again.
"Stop doing that!" James cried.
Jared didn't reply for a moment then said, with a wry smile, "This hole isn't big enough for the two of us."
"Then let's hope it's big enough for the Arcanine," James replied, tossing his shovel down.
In moments they were out of the pit and Jared had no idea of how to cover it, so he left that to James and Meowth. Jared then walked over to Misty who was watching for Ash. "Miss, we're just covering the trap now."
Misty turns and nods quickly and turns back, not wanting to miss seeing Ash when he makes his first appearance. Jared wasn't sure why, but his heart was racing. Jared knew his Diglett was fine and was enjoying it's time at the castle that Team Rocket had been in where he left it and that Jared couldn't think of what else could be causing this. Jared then ignored it and went back to watch James and Meowth cover the pit.
"He's coming across the ice!" Misty cried softly.
Jared quickly ran over to her side and watched Ash cross the frozen lake. When the Arcanine reached the center, Jared could only watch in horror as Ash fell straight through the ice. Jared had to hold Misty back from charging straight for Ash. "Miss! It's thin ice!" Jared cried to Misty.
Jared ran and picked up Ash's sword and some rope. Jared then ran out onto the ice for a short distance then began crawling quickly over the ice, not really caring if the wind made it colder than it already was. When Jared was halfway between Ash and the shore, Jared got on his knees and pushed the sword in the ice and tied the rope securely around the blade. Then Jared began to crawl as quickly as he could over the thinner part of the ice, hoping that he might be able to find a thicker part of ice to go over.
Misty had already reached Ash and was trying to pull the frantic Arcanine out of the freezing water by the time Jared reached the hole in the ice. Jessie and James also had reached the sword and were holding it so that it didn't break from the cold and pressure that could easily be put on it if Jared fell in the water. Misty and Jared had Ash half way out of the water when the ice beneath Jared broke and Jared fell in as well as Ash. Jared first didn't realize what happened because of the shock from the freezing water. Jared quickly regained his senses and began to help Misty the best he could. This time they found a more secure part of the ice to get Ash out on. They had begun to start pulling Ash out when Ash slipped and his claws began scratching up Jared's chest. Jared felt the scratches searing into his chest and Jared knew that the scratches were going to need to be treated when he got out of the freezing water.
Finally, with Misty pulling Ash and Jared pushing Ash, they were able to get Ash out of the ice far enough that he was able to pull himself the rest of the way out. Jared was exhausted by now. Jared would have sunk to the bottom of the lake if he didn't have the rope to hold onto. Jessie and James then began pulling on the rope helping Jared out. When Jared was halfway out of the water, he let go of the rope and just lay on the ice letting his strength return, while ignoring the searing pain caused by his cuts making contact with the ice. By the time Jared was rested enough to move, he knew that he needed to get warm, otherwise he would freeze to death before dawn came.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Jared was wearing only a blanket trying to stay warm when he realized that it was nearing false dawn. Jared then made his way over to where the pit was filled partway, so they could put Ash in there to get Ash out of the wind and to help get him dry, so that he could get warm as well. Misty was laying on the blanket next to him running her hand through his fur. Jared watched as Misty noticed the light of false dawn. Then Jared watched half in wonder, half in awe as the sun rose and Ash's features began to change. When Ash was fully human again, he turned and saw Misty. They both looked at each other in wonder. They slowly started to move their hands together, but before they could touch, the sun was fully up and Misty turned into a Spearow. As soon as Misty was completely a Spearow, she flew off. Ash lunged after her, missing her completely. Ash then let out a loud cry, full of pain and sorrow. Jared couldn't help but feel tears flow down his face. He had never seen such a scene in his entire life that he was glad to, but at the same time, wishing that he had never been around. Jared then turned and went back to the camp, wondering if Misty was feeling the same right now.
*
Author Notes: Well, how is this? I know that was a sad part and I felt that it was the best place to end it. Also, the next chapter will be the last. No matter how long it is, it will be the final chapter to this fic. Though, I know that this chapter is a little shorter than what I usually have it as, but at least it's getting somewhere, right? Anyway, please review and let me know what you think about it, okay? ^_- Also, if you want me to add an epilogue please let me know. That will help determine if I write one or not. ^_^
*
Jared slowly becomes aware of his surroundings as he wakes up. He feels like he's moving, but he knows that can't be because he's laying down and he's laying on something soft. A little prickly, but soft. Jared hears a fire crackling merrily nearby. Jared opens his eyes to see the mid- morning sun shining on him and Ash in the small clearing by a lake. Jared then realizes that Ash was moving what he was sleeping on while he was just waking up. Jared looks at the small cooking fire and sees a non-pokemon fish roasting over a spit.
Jared slowly stands up as Ash asks Jared, "Sleep well?"
Jared nods as he hears Misty the Spearow cry out announcing that she was nearby. Jared stretches his arms above his head as Ash raises his hand for Spearow to land on it. As Spearow flies into their camp, Spearow flies right by Ash and lands on Jared's arm. Jared is just as surprised at this as Ash is. Jared looks at Ash and sees that he has a light smile on. Jared's a little reassured by this while trying to get Spearow to fly over to Ash until Ash asks, "What happened last night?"
"Not much. We just ran into a little trouble on our way to a pokecenter," Jared replied.
Ash's smile vanished quickly as he asked, "You took Misty to an inn? What did you do there?"
"Well, we changed clothes," Jared replied, a little uneasy about going into details, but knew that he made a mistake on telling Ash that part. "Well not together of course."
"You left her alone?!" Ash asked.
"No! Never!" Jared replied quickly, trying harder to get Spearow to fly to Ash.
"So you did change," Ash accused.
Jared is finally able to get Spearow on Ash's wrist and answers, "All she really ever did was talk about you. And I'd be lying if I said that I haven't had my fantasies." Jared paused for a moment then continued, "Do you really think that you'll never be able to break the curse?"
Ash looked sharply at Jared. "I told you not to mention that again."
"What have you got to lose on trying?" Jared asked. "Even if Team Rocket were wrong on what Sabrina said, you could still kill Senzei afterwards. Then you still haven't lost anything more than you already have."
"I may lose my chance at killing Senzei. If he lives, then that means that I'll be the one who dies. When I next see him, one of us will die. No matter what." With that Ash turns and sees the remnants of Team Rocket. Jessie, James, and Meowth. "What do you want?" Ash demands.
"We know what we've done in the past would make you not want to trust us, but we know that we need to help you on this," Jessie answered.
"The curse can be broken. Sabrina told us how it can be done. But she also told us that you had to choose on your own to break it," James added. Meowth nodded.
"Then let me do this my way," Ash snapped. "If you're involved with them, Jared, you may stay. I have no need for you then."
Ash then mounted his Rapidash and rode off. Jessie moved over to Jared and said to him, "Thanks for sticking up for us. We know it's difficult to tell the truth. We're still getting used to it anyway."
"I should have known better," Jared replied, sounding discouraged. "Every moment of happiness I've ever experienced has come from a lie."
* * * * * * * * * * *
Ash looked at the sun. It was noon. He never really thought of it, but he wished that he could see the moon one last time before he went into the possibility of his own death. He could easily see Misty before he met him, but he'd rather not. It always brought up painful memories in the few moments before either she turned into a Spearow or he turned into an Arcanine. I wish there really was a way for us to be together, Ash thought to himself, not willing to believe in something that might not happen. He'd already experienced enough pain. He didn't want to get his hopes up only to have them dashed again like so many other times when he'd tried to break the curse. Nothing seemed to work. It was almost as if he was meant to just stay like this forever. Ash knew that Team Rocket meant well, but he couldn't let himself believe that what they said was possible. Ash just didn't want to feel the pain again like the last time he tried to break the curse that almost ended up in him nearly dying. The way was Ash going as near to death that he could in hopes that the curse would end and Ash could be with Misty. Now he knew that they would be like this until they were dead. Ash sighed as he moved his Rapidash into a trot.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Jared was depressed. Although he was with Team Rocket following Ash, he wasn't sure that he'd be able to convince Ash. They had taken so much time that they had also lost where Ash was. "Are you sure we'll be able to find him?" Jared asks, again.
"Yes," James replied. "We always seem to be able to run into him whether we want to or not. That's how it was when we first started trying to steal his Pikachu. It's almost like a special ability that we seem to have."
Jared thought about this again, but he didn't really believe it. He figured that they always were following Ash and Misty. Though, Jared didn't realize that often Team Rocket would run into Ash and Misty without realizing that they were around. Jared also didn't want to think about how he would try to convince Ash when they met up with him again. Suddenly Jared realized. If they spoke with Misty, she might be able to figure out a way that would get Ash to believe that the curse could be broken. Jared began to tell Team Rocket what his idea was as they kept on getting closer to where Ash camped for the night next to a frozen lake.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Misty was focusing on making certain that all her things were still around. As she started to look for her dagger that she'd often use as a last resort against any soldiers that saw her, Jared stepped out from behind a tree, startling her. Misty jumped and relaxed when she saw that it was just Jared.
"Oh it's you," Misty said, before going back to her search for her dagger.
"Miss, this may be the last night we'll be together," Jared said, causing Misty to freeze. Misty slowly turns to face Jared. "I didn't want to say anything until I was sure. I mean really sure."
"Sure about what?" Misty asked, a little annoyed.
"I think that we can break the curse."
"You and Ash?" Misty asked.
Jared shook his head and Team Rocket stepped behind Jared. "Someone named Sabrina told them how to break the curse and Ash hasn't been willing to really listen to it. If we're going to break it, though, we'll need your help."
Misty nods. She'd been hoping against all hope that there would be a way for them to break the curse and she knew that Sabrina would probably be knowledgeable about that.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Jared was tired. He never realized that digging a hole could be so exhausting. Even with James and Meowth helping, it was taking a while to dig it. Although it was evening, Ash hadn't made his appearance yet. Jared hoped that Ash would come around until they were done. As it was it was deeper than Jared was tall. I hope that we'll be done soon, Jared thought to himself as the end of his shovel rammed James' ribs again.
"Stop doing that!" James cried.
Jared didn't reply for a moment then said, with a wry smile, "This hole isn't big enough for the two of us."
"Then let's hope it's big enough for the Arcanine," James replied, tossing his shovel down.
In moments they were out of the pit and Jared had no idea of how to cover it, so he left that to James and Meowth. Jared then walked over to Misty who was watching for Ash. "Miss, we're just covering the trap now."
Misty turns and nods quickly and turns back, not wanting to miss seeing Ash when he makes his first appearance. Jared wasn't sure why, but his heart was racing. Jared knew his Diglett was fine and was enjoying it's time at the castle that Team Rocket had been in where he left it and that Jared couldn't think of what else could be causing this. Jared then ignored it and went back to watch James and Meowth cover the pit.
"He's coming across the ice!" Misty cried softly.
Jared quickly ran over to her side and watched Ash cross the frozen lake. When the Arcanine reached the center, Jared could only watch in horror as Ash fell straight through the ice. Jared had to hold Misty back from charging straight for Ash. "Miss! It's thin ice!" Jared cried to Misty.
Jared ran and picked up Ash's sword and some rope. Jared then ran out onto the ice for a short distance then began crawling quickly over the ice, not really caring if the wind made it colder than it already was. When Jared was halfway between Ash and the shore, Jared got on his knees and pushed the sword in the ice and tied the rope securely around the blade. Then Jared began to crawl as quickly as he could over the thinner part of the ice, hoping that he might be able to find a thicker part of ice to go over.
Misty had already reached Ash and was trying to pull the frantic Arcanine out of the freezing water by the time Jared reached the hole in the ice. Jessie and James also had reached the sword and were holding it so that it didn't break from the cold and pressure that could easily be put on it if Jared fell in the water. Misty and Jared had Ash half way out of the water when the ice beneath Jared broke and Jared fell in as well as Ash. Jared first didn't realize what happened because of the shock from the freezing water. Jared quickly regained his senses and began to help Misty the best he could. This time they found a more secure part of the ice to get Ash out on. They had begun to start pulling Ash out when Ash slipped and his claws began scratching up Jared's chest. Jared felt the scratches searing into his chest and Jared knew that the scratches were going to need to be treated when he got out of the freezing water.
Finally, with Misty pulling Ash and Jared pushing Ash, they were able to get Ash out of the ice far enough that he was able to pull himself the rest of the way out. Jared was exhausted by now. Jared would have sunk to the bottom of the lake if he didn't have the rope to hold onto. Jessie and James then began pulling on the rope helping Jared out. When Jared was halfway out of the water, he let go of the rope and just lay on the ice letting his strength return, while ignoring the searing pain caused by his cuts making contact with the ice. By the time Jared was rested enough to move, he knew that he needed to get warm, otherwise he would freeze to death before dawn came.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Jared was wearing only a blanket trying to stay warm when he realized that it was nearing false dawn. Jared then made his way over to where the pit was filled partway, so they could put Ash in there to get Ash out of the wind and to help get him dry, so that he could get warm as well. Misty was laying on the blanket next to him running her hand through his fur. Jared watched as Misty noticed the light of false dawn. Then Jared watched half in wonder, half in awe as the sun rose and Ash's features began to change. When Ash was fully human again, he turned and saw Misty. They both looked at each other in wonder. They slowly started to move their hands together, but before they could touch, the sun was fully up and Misty turned into a Spearow. As soon as Misty was completely a Spearow, she flew off. Ash lunged after her, missing her completely. Ash then let out a loud cry, full of pain and sorrow. Jared couldn't help but feel tears flow down his face. He had never seen such a scene in his entire life that he was glad to, but at the same time, wishing that he had never been around. Jared then turned and went back to the camp, wondering if Misty was feeling the same right now.
*
Author Notes: Well, how is this? I know that was a sad part and I felt that it was the best place to end it. Also, the next chapter will be the last. No matter how long it is, it will be the final chapter to this fic. Though, I know that this chapter is a little shorter than what I usually have it as, but at least it's getting somewhere, right? Anyway, please review and let me know what you think about it, okay? ^_- Also, if you want me to add an epilogue please let me know. That will help determine if I write one or not. ^_^