Disclaimer: Again I own nothing, Nada, Zip, Zilch, Nunca, Bubkis…
AN: This chapter was inspired by song written by Billy Joel, "Always a Woman to Me". Incidentally that IS the name of the chapter… once again, PLEASE don't sue.
AN2: I'm trying to slow down the plot, don't worry I'll rewrite. Also, hopefully I've finished the reformatting by next week.
Dedication: I'd like to dedicate this chapter to…
Virgo Writer- for understanding my predicament
Sensational Sista – for being a dedicated reader
Babie A – for giving me some helpful advice, and flattering me about my flattery
…And to…
bluejolteon – for apologizing, and understanding my authors note from last chapter
(Actually that was meant to warn my readers, I saw a few reviews about a really good story, but people were bad mouthing it, I wrote it to protect the authors of with the story…
Chapter 5 - "Always a Woman to Me"
Ash arrived at the Viridian Pokémon Center early that evening, expecting to get a good rest before he left for Johto. He was flabbergasted when he saw Jessie, Meowth, and James waiting for him at the doors.
"Hello Ash, good to see you well."
"James, Jessie, Meowth? How did you know I was coming here?"
"We had someone tail you to make sure you didn't do anything rash before or after you got to Cerulean."
"And we were sent over to give you this…"
He reached into his bag and pulled out a new Pokédex and handed it to Ash.
"We also know you're going traveling a lot, and we wanted to make sure you get to where ever you want to go safely, so we've also added a special passport."
She pressed a few buttons bringing up an I.D.
"It allows you to travel on any of our transport services for free, in first class of course." Meowth explained.
"Thanks guys, this'll help me a lot."
"I'm sorry we have to leave right away but we have business to attend to. Just be careful." Jessie said sadly.
"Bon voyage"
"Bye!"
"And god's speed." Added James silently
Ash continued through the automatic doors and checked in.
Later that night, Ash woke up suddenly. He looked out the window expecting to see the sun shining in. To his surprise he found it was still dark out. He decided to just lay back and wait for sleep to over come him. Just then he heard music coming from the hallway.
She can kill with a smile, she can wound with her eyes
She can ruin your faith with her casual lies
And she only reveals what she wants you to see
She hides like a child, but she's always a woman to me
Curious to find out who would be up at this hour, he continued to listen to the somewhat familiar song.
She can lead you to love, she can take you or leave you
She can ask for the truth, but she'll never believe
And she'll take what you give her as long it's free
Yeah, She steals like a thief, but she's always a woman to me
Ash felt a sharp pang in his heart at those words. Still he continued to listen.
Ohhh... she takes care of herself
She can wait if she wants, she's ahead of her time
Ohhh... and she never gives out
And she never gives in, she just changes her mind
His thoughts suddenly came to Misty. It was pain to remember the girl he loved.
And she'll promise you more than the Garden of Eden
Then she'll carelessly cut you and laugh while you're bleeding
But she'll bring out the best and the worst you can be
Blame it all on yourself 'cause she's always a woman to me
All the happy times they have spent together. The memory of their last moments started flooding in, as well as fresh tears.
Ohhh... she takes care of herself
She can wait if she wants, she's ahead of her time
The first tears started slowly rolling down his cheek.
Ohhh... and she never gives out
And she never gives in, she just changes her mind
At this point Ash had already placed his hands up to his face, trying to fight the tears back. Just then Nurse Joy stepped into the room, surprised to find Ash sobbing on his bed.
"Ash are you okay? What's wrong?"
Ash didn't answer but Nurse Joy had already figured it out.
"You really miss her don't you?"
She had seen the pair before and instantly thought that they would be with each other forever. Pikachu patted his hand gently on Ash's back, trying to calm him down.
"There is never a time where she leaves my thoughts Nurse Joy, I really miss her, more than you can ever imagine. It feels like a part of me is gone. I feel so alone."
"Ash you're never alone. Misty will always be with you. Either here, sitting right next to you, or off in the heavens, her love for you is stronger than anything."
"Thanks Nurse Joy"
"You're welcome Ash," she said getting up, "I'll just leave you then, I still have duties to attend to."
She left the room and shut the door carefully behind her, The music continuing from the room down the hall.
She's frequently kind and she's suddenly cruel
She can do as she pleases, she's nobody's fool
And she can't be convicted, she's earned her degree
And the most she will do is throw shadows at you,
But she's always a woman to me
Ash lay back on his bed, still thinking of Misty. But fond thoughts flooded his mind this time, calming him, for the first time in many months, he smiled.
Mm…
Mm…
Mm… Mm… Mm… Mm…
("Always a Woman to Me" – Billy Joel)
Nurse Joy sat back down at the front desk finishing up some paperwork. Another voice inturupted her thoughts.
"Thank you so much Nurse Joy."
"No need for 'thanks' Misty..."
Write from the Heart