Chapter Two: Unexpected Confessions
Ash and friends arrive in the Pokemon Center lobby, all of them completely out of breath except for Ash's mom, who was dragged out of the bar by the others.
Ash: (panting hard) That….was…a…close one.
Misty: (kneeling on the floor) It almost got us.
James: (collapses on a couch) Why does that thing keep following us everywhere?
Delia: (totally confused) What's going on? Do you guys know that Jigglypuff?
Brock: (catches his breath and stand up) You could say that. We met it back in Indigo on our way to Cinnabar Island for Ash's 7th badge battle. When we first met Jigglypuff it was trying to find someone who could listen to its song all he way through.
Misty: (stands up next to Brock) We tried to help it out but we were unsuccessful and ever since then it keeps showing up at the most unfortunate moments to put us to sleep with its song.
Ash: It also likes to draw on our faces when we are asleep. That's the really annoying part.
Delia: But why did you all act so scared of it back at the bar?
Jessie: You don't want to see that thing when it gets mad.
Ash: (dead serious) Yeah. I think I'd rather face Butch and Cassidy again, along with all the rest of Team Rocket, then have to face Jigglypuff when it's mad.
James: (laughs) Yeah. Jigglypuff is almost as destructive when it's mad as Jessie is.
Jessie: (eyes fill with fire) WHAT DOES THAT MEAN!? (grabs James by the neck and begins strangling him) WHERE YOU IMPLYING SOMETHING BY THAT LITTLE COMMENT, JAMES??!
James: (gasping for breath) No…nothing…at…all
Delia: I think I understand now.
Jessie: (drops James) HEY! Don't tell me you agree with him?
pop WOBBUFFET!!! That's right
Jessie: (evil glare) That's the last straw you blue blob. I'll get you this time.
Wobbuffet: WOBUFFET!! That's right!! (runs away)
Jessie: GET BACK HERE!!!
Everyone laughs as they watch Jessie chase Wobbuffet around the room with a mallet. The Nurse Joy of the center walks away from the counter, holding a sleeping Togepi, and interrupts the group.
Joy: Sorry to interrupt but can I ask that you keep it down a little? There are a few critically injured Pokemon in the back that just came in and they need their rest. (turns to Misty) and I believe this cutey belongs to you, miss.
Misty: Oh yes, thank you. (takes Togepi from Nurse Joy) It wasn't any trouble for you I hope?
Joy: (smiles) No it was a complete angel. It went to sleep soon after Pikachu left. (turns to the others) All of your Pokemon have now been rejuvenated.
Nurse Joy hands back Pokeballs to Ash, Misty, Brock, and Team Rocket. Joy looks at Jessie curiously as she recalls Wobbuffet back into its pokeball.
Joy: Here is your Arbok back (hands the pokeball to Jessie) Should I take your Wobbuffet now, miss Jessie?
pop WOBBUFFET! that's right! (hides behind Jessie)
Jessie: (sighs) No don't bother. It doesn't look like it wants to go with you anyway, like last time.
short flashback to earlier that night Jessie gives her two Pokeballs to Nurse Joy. Suddenly Wobbuffet pops out of its pokeball and runs back to Jessie
Jessie: What are you doing? You supposed to go with the Nurse Joy so she can restore your health.
Wobbuffet: (shakes its head no) Wobbuffet!! That's right!
Jessie: Don't embarrass me in front of strangers Wobbuffet!
Joy: (hands Jessie's pokeball back to her) I think it wants to go with you Jessie.
Jessie: (sighs) That's nice
Joy: Bring it by later after you guys get back. Maybe it will be ready then
end flashback
Joy: (looks at Wobbuffet, and smiles kindly) I think your Wobbuffet is really attached to you Jessie. It's sweet.
Wobbuffet: (salutes) Wobbu-wobbuffet. That's…that's right
Jessie: (looks away from Joy) Who would want a weird little Pokemon like this??
Misty: (angry) Hey! That's not very nice Jessie. You're going to hurt Wobbuffet's feelings. Don't you care about it at all?
Joy: Of course she does! (everyone looks at her in surprise, especially Jessie) When I saw the two of them together moments ago I knew that they shared a special bond. They care a lot about each other.
James: (skeptical) Are you sure you aren't just seeing things?
Joy: (smiles knowingly) Positive!
Jessie: (calls Wobuffet back) Well whatever. I'm going to go get a cup of coffee in the rec room. Thanks for rejuvenating my Arbok, Nurse Joy. See you later. (turns and walks away quickly)
James: Hey wait up Jessie; I'll come with you (runs to catch up with her)
Joy: (looks down at Meowth) Would you like me to rejuvenate you now, Meowth?
Meowth: No thanks lady. I think I'll hang out here in the lobby for awhile and then go join my partners in the rec room. But thanks for the oferAAAAAARGH!!!
Suddenly Brock steps in very quickly, and inadvertently kicks Meowth across the room. Meowth slams into the far wall and leaves an imprint. Ash, Misty, and Delia sweat drop.
Brock: (blushing) I'm so very sorry about all the noise earlier. Why don't the two of us have breakfast together tomorrow morning? It will be my special way of apologizing for the uncivilized actions of my companions. And thank you from the bottom of my heart for rejuvenating my Pokemon.
Joy: (serious sweatdrop) You're very welcome but I think I'm busy tomorrow morning. I have to go….um….wash my hair. Yeah, that's it. So I'll see you guys later. (zooms off into the back room)
Brock: (still hopefull) Wait Nurse Joy. We don't have to do it tomorrow. How about we go tomorrow night or this weekend?? (runs after her)
Misty: (sweatdrop) He's pathetic. (grabs Ash's arm) come on Ash, let's go back to our room.
Ash: Actually I think I'll do a little training with my Pokemon before I go to bed. I have to be ready for the third Johto gym that's coming in a few days.
Misty: (slightly disappointed) Ok then. I'll see you later. I've got to go put Togepi in its bed. (turns and heads off to their room)
Delia: I think I'll turn in too, son. I've got to get up bright and early to get back to Azalea Town with Tracey and Professor Oak tomorrow morning.
Ash: (sad) Aaaaah! I was hoping you could stay a little longer.
Delia: Sorry honey, but I can't be away from home for too long. I'll be sure to call you whenever I can. I'll see you in the morning. Good luck in advance on your training and your third gym badge
Ash: Thanks mom.
Ash hugs his mom tightly and she kisses him on the cheek before turning and walking away towards the rental rooms in the Pokemon center. Ash goes down the opposite hallway towards the Pokemon Center training gym, followed closely by Pikachu. The only person remaining in the lobby is Meowth, who has taken a place on the couch and is reading magazines. After a few minutes Meowth puts his magazine down and gets up to stretch.
Meowth: It sure is quit around here. I guess I'll go check on Jessie and James. I assume they haven't had a fight since the Pokemon center is still standing.
Meowth walks down the hallway towards the rec center and pushes open the door. The rec center is a room filled with ping pong tables, pool tables, video game machines, and a nice snack bar; the perfect place for Pokemon trainers to kill time while they wait for their Pokemon to be healed. Meowth walks into the room and instantly stops cold. Two cups of coffee lay overturned on the floor and Jessie and James lay prostrate on top of a table, snoring loudly. Their faces are covered with black marker. For a second Meowth cannot process what he is seeing but suddenly the truth dons on him. But the realization comes too late and as Meowth turns to run from the room to get help the door slams shut in his face, revealing the pink round form of Jigglypuff, who was standing behind the door the whole time waiting to spring its trap.
meanwhile Misty sets Togepi down in a miniature basket next to her bed and covers it with a blanket. She then begins making a pot of tea to share with Ash when he comes back. She sits down to watch TV while she waits for the water to boil and Ash to return. Suddenly there is a knock on the door. "Coming" Misty calls as she jumps up and runs to the door. "That was a fast training session" She says as she opens the door, but stops when she sees that it is not Ash outside but Brock.
Brock: Hi Misty. I guess Ash isn't back yet is he? Could you tell him when he gets back that I'd like to talk to him?
Misty: Sure Brock (opens the door wider) Why don't you come in? I was just making some tea. You can drink some and wait for him with me.
Brock: (hesitates briefly) Um…yeah ok. That would be nice.
Brock walks in and sits down in front of the TV while Misty pours the now boiling water into two cups and adds the tea bags. She places one cup in front of Brock and sits down in the chair across from him. For a few minutes the two of them sip their tea in silence and watch TV. Misty is the first one to speak.
Misty: That song you sang tonight was really cool
Brock: Thanks. It was originally sung from a girl to a guy, but I thought it still fit my situation, so I changed it a little.
Misty: (sips her tea) That's cool. (becomes a little nervous) look Brock…I think I might have gone a little too far tonight. I'm sorry I made fun of you.
Brock: (laughs) It's ok Misty. I'm used to it, and I know you're not trying to be mean. I would be more worried if you didn't tease Ash and me all the time.
Misty: Yeah I know, but this time I realized I was kind of out of line, after hearing you sing.
Brock: How so?
Misty: I could tell that you really put a lot of energy and feeling into singing that song, and that it's meaning was important to you. And I went and acted as if it was something trivial.
Brock: (sets his tea down) It's ok. I'm not mad at you, don't worry
Misty: (smiles and sips more of her tea) I'm glad you understand. And I'm sure if the girl you meant that song for heard it she would reciprocate your feelings.
Brock suddenly coughs violently, causing his cup to fall from his grasp and crash on the table. Misty looks at him with surprise and concern.
Misty: (reaches over and puts a hand on his shoulder) Brock, are you ok!?
Brock: (between coughs) Yeah…I'm fine…(catches his breath) I don't know what happened there.
Misty: It's ok. Just catch your breath a little while I clean up this mess.
Misty stands up, grabs the trashcan from the bathroom, and return to her seat. Brock watches as she begins sweeping the broken glass into the can
Misty: (not looking up) So who is the girl that song is meant for anyway? Must have been someone we met on our journey right?
Brock: (a little nervous) Yeah, it was someone we met.
Misty: (still working) Is it Susy from the breeder store? Or maybe the girl we met with the Marril, outside of Violet city? What was her name?
Brock: (ignoring her questions) Let me help you with that.
Without waiting for a reply Brock quickly reaches forward to pick up a piece of broken glass. "Not it's…" Misty begins to interject, but stops suddenly when her hand and Brock's collide on the way to the same piece of glass. Both of them freeze for a moment. Brock blushes and looks up at Misty. His heart begins to beat even harder than before. Suddenly he finds himself gently grabbing Misty's hand.
Misty: (looks at Brock, surprised) Brock…what…
Brock: (blushing, looking into Misty's eyes) Misty…I….I
Misty: (still a little surprised) Yes?
Brock's hand suddenly tightens a little around Misty's wrist and he leans forward slightly. Misty's surprise grows as he grabs her shoulder with his other hand. "Ouch…Brock you're hurting me. What's up with you?" Misty protests. "Misty…I" Brock responds, and without warning he suddenly pushes forward, knocking Misty out of her chair. The two of them sprawl out on the floor with Brock lying on top of Misty. "HEY!! What's your problem Brocmphhh". Misty's protest is suddenly cut off when Brock covers her mouth with his. Misty's eyes grow wider with surprise and she struggles even more, but Brock is too strong. He continues to passionately kiss Misty for several more long moments before finally breaking away. As soon as she feels him pulling back Misty shoves with all her might and pushes Brock, causing him to fall back on his butt.
Misty: (trying to catch her breath) Brock, what the HELL are you doing?!!!
Brock: (blushing madly) Misty…I. I couldn't control myself for a minute. Misty I'm….i'm so….
Voice: (sounded extremely calm) So I guess you finally told her, Brock?
Misty and Brock gasp and turn. The mood in the room drops through the floor as they see Ash framed in the open bedroom doorway, holding a sleeping Pikachu in his arms, and realize with sudden horror that he has been standing their for quit some time.
Meanwhile Meowth huddles in terror against the far wall and Jigglypuff slowly approaches him.
Meowth: (terrified) Please don't kill me Jigglypuff. Please. WE didn't mean any disrespect by running out on your performance, but it was late and we really had to get back here to um….catch the late show, yeah that's it!! Any other time we would all love to hear you sing so (cries like a baby) PLEASE DON'T KILL ME!
Jigglypuff: (a little irritated) Jiggly Jigglypuff! Jiggly.
Meowth: (a little less scared) You don't want to kill me? Well then why did you put my friends to sleep?
Jigglypuff: jig jig puff puff
Meowth: (curious) You wanted to talk to me alone? Why?
Jigglypuff: (turns away a little in embarrassment) Puff Puff Jiggly
Meowth: Ok, so what do you want to tell me?
Jigglypuff turns back and faces Meowth. It summons all its courage, takes a big breath, and then says what it needs to say
Jigglypuff: Jiglypuff, puff puff jigpuff
Silence passes between the two Pokemon for several seconds
Meowth: (eyes bugging out to a huge size) W….WHAT??? You're…in…love with me!?!?!?!?!
"Jiggly!!" cries the pink Pokemon enthusiastically before it glomps onto Meowth and proceeds to huggle him.
Meowth: (a little nervous) Um…this is a little sudden (pushes Jigglypuff off of him) since when have you had a thing for me?
Jigglypuff: lypuff, puff puff
Meowth: (starts blushing) Yeah, I remember that day
Jigglypuff begin to explain everything to Meowth of how it came to have feeling for him Flashback Meowth is sitting all by himself on a rock near the Onix Tunnel. This day has not been a good day for him. Earlier he had had a fight with his partners over Wobbuffet's new tendency to steal Meowth's line in the motto and he had run off. Now he was sitting down to contemplate how they would get over this latest fight. Suddenly Jigglypuff walks out of the bushes and stands next to Meowth.
Meowth: (turns and looks at Jigglypuff) What's wrong Jig?
Jigglypuff: Puf (sighs loudly and plops down next to Meowth)
Meowth: Down in the dumps huh? What got you feeling blue?
Jigglypuff: Jiggly Jiggly Puff
Meowth: You say someone swiped your microphone. Nothings sacred anymore! I guess nobody cares about our feelings no more. (long sigh) Well I say the only shelter we've got against the disappointment in life is our dreams. You've got a dream don't you Jigglypuff?
Jigglypuff: Jiggly! (sings under its breath) Jiggalypuff, Jigalyyyyy puff
Meowth: I hear ya. Your dream is for an audience to listen to your song all the way through. Is that it? That's a beautiful dream, jig
Jigglypuff: (jumps up and down) Jiggly Jigglypuff!
Meowth: (gazing blissfully) I've never noticed it before but you look a lot like the full moon I love so much
Jigglypuff: (taken by the complement)Ji-Jiggly..
Meowth: (sigh) I wish the Pokemon that liked me was nice and well rounded like you instead of rough on me and my tail
Jigglypuff: (places its arm on Meowth's shoulder) Jiggly, Jiggaly jiggalypuff.
Meowth: Hey, you're treating me lots nicer than my friends were
Suddenly Meowth and Jigglypuff embrace and begin to cry.
Meowth: (breaking away) You know what? Me and you are joining forces to start a team that's even better than Team Rocket. We'll call ourselves the dream team, because we aren't going to rest till our dreams come true!
Jigglypuff: (enthusiastic) Jiggly Jiggly!
Meowth: From now on the world is our apple and we're going to take a big juicy bite
It is that exact moment that the snubble that is in love with Meowth, and also happened to have stolen Jigglypuff's microphone, happens along and bites Meowth's tale. end flashback Jigglypuff finishes its story and waits for Meowth to respond.
Meowth: (blushing bright red) So you fell in love with me for what I said that day, and you've come back so that you can join my team and fulfill your dreams?
Jigglypuff: Jigglypuff puff!
Meowth: (sweatdrops) Um yeah…Well I'm sorry but I'm back on Team Rocket now and we don't really have any room for new members and besides, I think you might have jumped to conclusions over what was said then.
Jigglypuff: (suddenly angry) Jiggly Jiggly!!!
Meowth: What do you mean, I'm taking it back??
Jigglypuff: (starts crying waterfall tears) JIIIIIIGGGGLYYYYPUFFFF!!!!
Jigglypuff turns and runs from the room leaving a stunned Meowth standing behind.
Meowth: (confused) I took it back?? Took what back? (sweatdrops) This is turning into some sort of sitcom. (looks up at the table) I guess I'd better go get Nurse Joy and ask her to help me carry Jessie and James back to their rooms.
Meowth walks out of the room and down the hall to the lobby to try and find Nurse Joy, still contemplating his strange encounter with Jigglypuff and wondering what he should do if it returns.
meanwhile Ash's fist slams into the side of Brock's chin, rattling his teeth and causing him to reel back. Brock crashes against the far wall of the hallway outside the room and slides down to the floor, momentarily stunned. Ash stands over him, his hands clenched tightly into fists. Misty stands behind him in the doorway to the room, watching the scene unfold. Brock staggers to his feet and rubs his chin as e looks back at Ash. But he doesn't raise his hands to fight back, but instead smiles at Ash
Brock: Thanks. I deserved that
Ash: (unclenching his fists, smiles) Yeah, you did!
Brock: (totally serious. looks down at the floor) Ash…I'm sorry. I lost control and did something horrible that I regret now. I'm sorry I broke your trust like that, I…
Ash: (interrupting) The one you should apologize to is Misty.
Brock: (nods) Yeah, your right….(turns to Misty, tries not to cry) Misty. I…I…nothing can excuse what I did!! I had no right at all, I just gave into my urges and I hurt you in the process. I never wanted to do something like that to you. Your one of my best friends (looks down at the ground) I would understand completely if you hate me now. But I'm so sorry!
Misty: (trying not to cry too) I…I don't hate your Brock. I don't think I could ever hate you.
Brock: (tries to smile) Thank you Misty. (looks down again) I…(suddenly yells, holding his head) I CAN'T BELIEVE I DID THAT! (calms down, looks up again) I can't believe I did it…to the person I love.
Misty: (gasps, totally caught of guard) Wha…? You…?
Misty glances quickly at Ash to see his reaction but is almost as surprised to see that Ash has not reacted at all. In fact he seems to have a look of recognition on his face.
Misty: (surprised, looking at Ash) Wait! You knew??
Ash hesitates and then nods guiltily. Brock laughs weakly and rubs his throbbing jaw some more.
Brock: I asked him not to tell you. I was afraid that knowing would make things even harder for you. And I guess I was right. (looks Misty straight in the eye) The girl in the song was you
Misty lets out an even more surprised gasp. Tears begin to form in her eyes
Misty: (about to cry) Oh Brock. I…I'm…
Brock: (forcefully) Now don't you start saying your sorry. You did nothing wrong.
Misty: (crying) But…I never knew…I was so insensitive…I made Ash sing that duet, and right after you had…
Ash: (feeling guilty) Don't blame yourself Misty. I should have said something, since I was the one who knew.
Brock: Neither of you are at fault! It was my feelings that caused this, you two were just doing what came natural. You're in love, after all.
Ash and Misty look at Brock and then at each other and for the briefest of moments a feeling of guilt passes through both of them. But they immediately push it away, too afraid to let it take hold.
Brock: (turns away to leave) I guess I'll go back to my room now. I don't want to trouble you two anymore today. Your probably tired of it already, but…I'm sorry (begins to walk away but stops) Ash, one more thing.
Ash: What?
Brock: I think I already told you most of this but…when you and Misty were having your dispute, it hurt me too. I couldn't bear to see Misty sad. Having to listen to her tell me what had happened, to have to watch her cry over you, it was one of the most painful moments of my life. Ash, don't make Misty cry again. If you ever hurt her again like you did then I'll…I…
Ash: (steps towards Misty protectively) Brock you know the answer to that already (looks him straight in the eye) I will NEVER hurt Misty again like that. You don't have to worry.
Misty: (wipes her tears and steps up next to Ash) And I'll never hurt Ash the way I did before. (lightly brushes her hand against Ash's) Guaranteed
Brock: That's good. Just make sure you keep your word. (smiles, turns, and begins to walk away) You two really make a great couple. Goodnight.
Brock walks around the corner, heading back to his room. Ash and Misty solemnly watch him go and then turn and re-enter their room. Ash glances at Pikachu, who is lying on the bed, snoring softly. Ash smiles and pulls the covers up higher over him.
Misty: (pets Pikachu's head) I'm glad the yelling didn't wake him up.
Ash: We did some strenuous training. He was dead asleep in my arms almost the second we walked back into the building. (pets Pikachu's head) I'll tell him what happened in the morning.
Ash and Misty sit down and Misty splits what's left of the tea into two cups and hands one to Ash. For the moment neither of them can think of what to say, so they sit in silence and sip the now cold tea. Finally Misty breaks the unbearable silence.
Misty: So, he told you before?
Ash: Yup, he did. I was totally surprised. I hadn't suspected at all.
Misty: (Bluntly) That doesn't surprise me one bit (Ash falls over) So when did he tell you?
Ash: (picks himself up) Actually it was the night you left to go back to Cerulean City.
Flashback begins Ash, Brock and Pikachu are sitting around a table in a Pokemon Center on the road to Violet City. Across the room Melody converses with her sister.
Brock: (thinking out loud) So, it looks like this whole incident was a set up. But why?
Pikachu: My guess is that they didn't want Misty to interfere with their attempt on Ash's life.
Brock: But still? Why would Team Rocket want to kill Ash? They must want Pikachu REALLY bad.
Ash: I don't know what's going on. But I'm worried about Misty. She could be in danger. (grabs his backpack, stands up) Come on Pikachu. We are going to find her.
Brock: Wait Ash. You don't even know where she went. She could be anywhere. We should call Officer Jenny and ask her to keep an eye out for Misty; you can't go looking for her by yourself.
Ash: Yes I can. I will find her and protect her from Team Rocket. I have to make up for the past few months.
Pikachu: Don't worry Brock. We'll be fine.
Ash: We'll go check out the train and bus stops to see if she has left town. If we don't come up with anything, then we will call Officer Jenny.
Brock: But...
Ash: (slyly) Are you sure you not just trying to find an excuse to see Officer Jenny?
Brock: (suddenly angry) NO!!!!!!
Ash and Pikachu both recoil back from Brock's sudden outburst. They have never heard him this mad before. A shocked expression crosses Brock's face.
Brock: I'm sorry guys. But it's not like that at all. I just...
Ash: (suddenly angry as well) Just what? Whatever it is, it can wait. Misty's out there and I'm going to her. I'm going to find her and protect her. You can do what you want but I'm going.
Brock: Ok. I understand. I won't stand in your way then. But before you go, I have to tell you something. Just hear me out please. (grabs Ash's arm)
Ash begins to pull away but then notices the dead serious look on Brock's face. And something else too. Sadness. And as soon as he notices it he knows that what Brock has to say is very important.
Ash: Ok Brock. I'm listening.
Brock: Ash I…(looks away) I…love Misty
Ash and Pikachu both let out shocked gasps. Ash sits back down in his seat hard and Brock reclaims his chair across from him
Ash: (very surprised) But….But…. I thought…
Brock: That I only liked older women? (laughs) I guess my usual behavior kind of gives off that impression? But I know Misty is different from the others
Ash: (suddenly angry) How! How do you know that Misty isn't just like any other beautiful girl you drool all over??
Brock: Because I KNOW her
Ash: (confused) Huh? What do you mean?
Brock: I ogle beautiful girls because that's what they are, beautiful. Sure I like them, but I've never really had the opportunity to know any of them, so I can't really say I've loved any of them. I've known Misty for almost two years now, the same amount of time I've known you. At first I admit I did kind of pass her off, thinking she was too young for me, but because of that my vision was unclouded by my usual craziness and I was able to form a close friendship with her. I came to love Misty because of the person she is and not because of her body. But I realized my feelings too late.
Ash: Yeah?
Brock: I kind of had a feeling the day you two officially became a couple, but I still wasn't completely aware. It wasn't until I left you guys and stayed with Professor Ivy for awhile that I realized it.
Ash: (more curious) Brock, what happened to you at Ivy's that freaked you out so much? Does it have anything to do with this?
Brock: (smiling tiredly) It has everything to do with this. For the longest time I thought I was in love with Ivy. After all, she was a really nice person, a great Pokemon researcher, and she had big breasts. But I felt like there was something missing. I eventually confessed my feelings to Ivy and she did the thing I had expected least. She told me I was in love with someone else. She said she could tell from the way I acted all the time that my true heart wasn't dedicated to her. That's why I left and returned to Pallet Town. I was acting depressed for a while because I was in denial, first of the fact that I could love someone other than Ivy, and then for the fact that…I had fallen in love with my best friend's girl.
Ash: (beginning to cry) Brock, I'm sorry…
Brock: Ash, don't apologize. You love her and she reciprocated those feelings. There is nothing for you to feel sorry about. I realized my feelings too late.
Ash: (becoming serious again) She may not reciprocate anymore.
Tears begin to roll down Ash's face and suddenly he stands up and glares at Brock, anger and sadness filling him.
Ash: Brock, why did you stop me? You could have told me this later. Misty is out there and she could be in danger. We are wasting time.
Brock: (standing up too) I stopped you because…(looks away from Ash)
Ash: Because what?!
Brock: Because... (suddenly forceful) I don't want to see her hurt anymore!!
Ash: (surprised again) Huh?
Brock: (almost crying) Misty has been suffering, from everything. She can't stop hating herself for what she said about you on that island. She doesn't know if you still love her, and then she walks out to see you and Melody…
Ash: (angry) HEY! You know why that happened! It wasn't my fault.
Brock: (yelling) I KNOW!! But…(calming down a little) but she doesn't. If you go after her now, so soon after what happened, will you be able to fix things? Or will you just end up hurting her more? I…(sits down with his head in his hands) I don't want to see her cry anymore. I won't be able to take it.
And suddenly Brock begins to cry softly, something which startles Ash more than anything else. Seeing Brock, the one guy he thought was the most mature, unmovable, and calm person, break down like anyone else affects him. Ash's anger melts away. He walks over and puts his hand on Brock's shoulder. Brock looks up at Ash
Ash: (smiling) Have a little faith in the power of love, buddy. I know things will work out alright. No matter what happens, my feelings for Misty will never change. I love her, and even if by some chance her feelings have changed I still have to go to her and protect her, to show her that I'm for real.
Pikachu: (giving a peace sign) Don't worry Brock. I'll keep Ash in line if he does anything else stupid
Ash: Hey, whose side are you on??
Brock wipes his eyes and stands up, putting his hand on Ash's shoulder.
Brock: (serious) You better mean every word you've said Ash Ketchum or I swear…
Ash: (serious) Of course I mean what I said.
Brock: (smiles again) Ok then. You and Pikachu go and check all the bus and train stations to see if you can find out where she went, and I'll call Officer Jenny and report Team Rocket's activities.
Ash: (enthusiastically) OK, let's go Pikachu! (begins running towards the door, but stops and turns around) Thanks Brock, for being concerned for Misty and being honest.
Brock: You're Welcome! But one more thing, Ash. (Ash hesitates) Don't tell Misty about this. I don't want to make things more complicated than they are already.
Ash: I think its too late for that now but…(considers for a second) ok, I won't tell her
Brock: Thanks.
End Flashback Ash finishes recounting his story and Misty sits for a moment in stunned silence. As she thinks of what has happened tears begin to well up in her eyes once again.
Misty: I can't believe I never noticed. I should have noticed…(clenching her fists) I was stupid!
Ash: Don't be so hard on yourself. He hid it well, I never noticed either
Misty: (eyes narrow) Well that's what we all expect from you (Ash falls over again) But I should have seen something, noticed some sign. I'm supposed to be the mature one after all.
Ash: (slightly irritated) Hey you don't have to put it that way. (gets back in his seat) Don't act like you're the only one going through this. I was hard for me when I found out too.
Misty: (a little angry) But you found out a long time ago. You had plenty of time to think about it. But it's different for me now!
Ash: (suddenly very serious) Yeah, it is different now. When I found out I couldn't tell you anything. I had to deal with it all myself. Do you think it was easy for me!
Misty is taken aback by Ash's forcefulness, and begins to cry a little harder. Ash's stern look softens and he gets up out of his seat to kneel in front of Misty, placing his hand on her shoulder gently.
Ash: I'm sorry I yelled…but it's true. I had to bear it alone and that's the big difference between then and now, because this time, you have me. You won't have to deal with it all alone like I did, this time we can support each other and share the problem. (brushes his hand against Misty's cheek) I'm here for you.
Misty: Ash…(holds his hand against her cheek, closes her eyes) Thank you. I'm sorry for being selfish.
Ash: It's ok. So, think we should go to bed now? (glances at the clock and sweat drops) It's kind of late.
Misty: (nods her head) Yeah we should. I'm exhausted.
Ash: Ok then. I'll change out here, you take the bathroom.
Misty nods again as she stands up and heads into the small bathroom, closing the door behind her. Ash quickly changes into his trademark yellow and green pajamas and turns back the covers of the bed. Just as he lies down on his side the bathroom door opens and Misty walks out in her pajamas, her hair no longer tied back in its usual ponytail. She lies down on her side of the bed, pulls he covers over her, and turns away from Ash. Ash switches the light off and turns over, facing away from Misty. Instead of trying to go to sleep he lays awake and listens to Misty breathing, waiting for her to fall asleep first. Soon though he hears the thing he had hoped not to, the sound of Misty crying softly. "Misty, are you ok?" he asks as he turns over and gently grips her shoulder. She slowly turns to face him and the moonlight filtering through the window illuminates her tear stained face. "Yeah I guess so. But I still can't stop thinking…" she responds slowly. Ash smiles and reaches over to wipe a tear away from her cheek. "Just remember what I said ok?" he asks. "Yeah, ok." She responds sadly. After a moment of hesitation Misty reaches out and draws Ash towards her, pressing herself close against his comforting warmth, and burying her face in his shoulder to cry. Ash takes Misty in his arms and holds her close, wrapping his arms around her, allowing her to let out all of the pent up emotion she has accumulated over this night. Soon the exhaustion of the day overtakes them both and they peacefully drift off to sleep in each other's arms.
scene switch Giovanni sits in a dark room surrounded by dozens of monitors, each showing a different area of his large headquarters building. His faithful Persian sits by the side of his chair, licking its paws. After a moment of contemplating, Giovanni looks up from the document he is reading, a sinister smile stretching across his face as he does. "It's time" he thinks to himself and he presses a button on the console in front of him. The camera changes and a young blonde haired girl appears on the screen.
Girl: Yes, Boss?
Giovanni: Agent 009, we are moving out. It is time to put the final phase of Project GS into motion.
009: I'm glad; I've really been looking forward to this assignment sir. So, what's the plan?
Giovanni: Its simple, we will move to steal the Dimensional keys and then bring them both to the designated place, where the final stage will begin.
009: Sir, may I ask? What IS the final stage of this Project?
Giovanni: (smiling sinisterly) That is classified information. You will just have to wait and find out.
009: Ok then, I'll look forward to it. When do we leave?
Giovanni: In 2 hours
009: (salutes) Check. I'll get everything ready for you. See you in two hours sir. 009 out
The screen goes blank and Giovanni swivels away. He looks up at the ceiling and laughs evilly
Giovanni: Hey, are you out there listening? You've failed. The final stage is almost ready to begin, and you're pathetic attempts to keep them alive have been for nothing. You've grown weak but we are still the same, and once this is complete neither you nor your allies will be able to stop our power. I've won!! (looks down at his hand, and whispers to himself) …ANGELUS ERRARE…(clenches his fist)…it's almost within my grasp…