I have so much to say about the amazing JN132 episode... I watched the English sub on YouTube four times last Friday. Incredible animation, beautiful nostalgia, wonderful symbolism, and SO MANY original series references. BUTTERFREE? PIDGEOT? LARVITAR? Oh my heart. I also loved seeing Misty and other past companions even if for just a few quick moments :) (I know Ash won't ever really fall in love but it's good too see her not forgotten!) If it is the end of Ash's story at least they did the end battle justice!
Well, anyway, I hope you enjoy the next chapter here.
Part 8
"It is being reported that Misty Waterflower of the Cerulean City gym is still unaccounted for after the fiasco at the water gym early yesterday morning. The three older Waterflower sisters, Daisy, Lily, and Violet, are under protection of the Cerulean Police Department. Investigators have spoken to witnesses who saw Misty near the Cerulean Cape with her known companion, Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town, just the evening before. It is believed that the pair argued before angrily parting ways. Witnesses speculate that it was a lover's quarrel that led to the destruction of the Cerulean City gym and abduction of the gym leader. Ash Ketchum is a highly accomplished Pokemon trainer who has not been seen in tournaments in over four years, but may be extremely dangerous. If spotted, do not engage. Call and report to the Kanto Police."
"Tauros shit!" Ash growls, accidentally sending his dinner plate clattering to the floor.
Raichu startles from his rest at the disruption.
As he reaches to clean up the food on the floor, he winces at the sharp pains radiating from his chest wounds.
"Gaaahhh," he groans, laying back on the couch, "c'mon!"
"Give it more time," Misty encourages, kneeling down next to him and cleaning up the spilled food.
"Thanks," Ash mumbles.
Misty draws herself back up onto the couch next to Ash and Raichu.
"We'll get everything cleared up when it's safe to go back." Misty tries to assure him.
"I know," he sighs, subconsciously tracing his cheek with his fingertips.
"What are we going to do?" Misty asks absently, stroking Raichu's fur.
"Mist, I know Brock said he would, but I think you should go to the police too." Ash suggests.
"I'm not leaving you injured and alone to protect the egg I found!" Misty argues fervently.
Ash is silent as he closes his eyes to think of their options. Suddenly, he feels a weight against his side.
"Misty?" Ash asks in surprise, feeling her warm body leaning against him.
"I don't know what to do," Misty mumbles, placing her head on his shoulder, "but we've always been a team, Ash."
Ash nods his head, rubbing his good cheek against her forehead.
"Misty," Brock interrupts, entering the room. He pauses at the sight of Misty pushing away from Ash quickly causing Ash to inhale sharply in pain.
"Oh no," Misty mutters, "I'm sorry, Ash."
"It's okay," he splutters, wincing painfully.
"Sorry," Brock says, "but I need Misty for a moment so I can show her how to change those wraps before I leave."
"Of course," Misty agrees, pushing off the couch. She smiles momentarily down at Ash before following Brock to the bathroom.
"Raichurai chu rairai?" the orange mouse pops up from his comfortable spot next to Ash.
"I don't know yet, buddy," Ash says, petting Raichu's head.
"Hey, Ash," Reggie enters from the kitchen, "can we talk?"
Ash is surprised as Reggie joins him on the chair next to the couch.
"Uh, sure," Ash agrees.
"I'm sorry," Reggie confesses, "for the way I acted at the league meeting."
"Oh," Ash is stunned, "no worries. You saved my life yesterday, man."
"Look, when I became the gym leader here, Misty took me under her wing." Reggie begins to explain. "She is a few years younger than me, but a hell of a better trainer. I was impressed."
Ash allows Reggie to continue without interruptions.
"To be honest, I have always really liked her, but she said no when I finally asked her out. I thought she just needed more time to like me back, so I asked her again later. I was surprised that she said no again. I don't think she really took me seriously. She said we were better off as friends." Reggie admits.
"Misty doesn't change her mind very often," Ash says, nodding in understanding.
Reggie shakes his head.
"She made her mind up about you a long time ago too," Reggie says, sighing in defeat.
"We've been friends since we were ten…" Ash tries to explain, but finds there is no better explanation to offer.
"I know…. Misty told me all about your travels together. And I really did know who you were when we met. I followed your league battles in Kalos and Alola before I even became a gym leader. You have an impressive record."
"Thanks," Ash mumbles.
"Look, all this business with Team Rocket is serious shit... Keep her safe out there." Reggie requests.
Ash stares in surprise at Reggie who holds out a hand to shake.
"On my life," Ash agrees seriously, grasping his hand.
"Let me know if there is anything I can do to help," Reggie says.
"I do have one idea."
--
"I packed some food in this backpack for you," Reggie says, handing Misty the bag.
It is much later in the evening - well into the hours of darkness. Brock had left hours ago and now it was time for Ash and Misty to be on their way.
"Thanks, Reggie," Misty says gratefully, taking the bag and handing it to Ash to carry.
Misty wraps her arms around Reggie's neck and hugs him tightly with gratitude.
"Be safe, Misty," he whispers into her orange hair.
Ash has to grind his teeth to resist the urge to push Reggie away from her, but ultimately refrains knowing it would be unnecessary.
"We should go," Ash insists.
"Yes," Misty agrees, pulling back from Reggie's embrace.
"Here is Dolly as you requested," Reggie says, handing Ash a blue Great ball.
"We'll take good care of it," Ash reassures him, "I promise."
Ash and Misty gather their bags. Misty makes sure the egg is packed safely in her red bag while Ash tosses the larger bag onto his back.
It is dark outside when they step into the brisk night air.
They slink through the city streets sticking to the shadows with Raichu on their heels. There are very few out and about at this hour, but it is best not to be seen by anyone.
They reach the edge of the city and continue on the pathway south of Viridian City towards Pallet Town.
"We'll walk to the edge of the woods and hopefully Dolly can help us out from there." Ash says.
Misty nods in agreement and they walk on. The trees sway with the wind. Pokemon chatter in the trees at the disruption of the trainers passing through in the dark.
"Stop," Misty says, grabbing onto his sleeve, "I think we're far enough."
She points out the line of the trees that stop at the edge of Pallet town.
"Dolly," Ash whispers to the Great Ball in his hands, "can you help us out?"
A brown Pokemon with a head shaped like a droplet appears before them. It has a row of red eyes that extend around its entire head.
"Clay?" it asks.
"Remember what Reggie said," Misty reminds, "we have to both think about the same place at the same time so that Dolly knows where to go."
"So what about the main laboratory? Next to the starter Pokemon table?" Ash suggests.
"Right," Misty agrees.
"Dolly," Ash turns to the brown Pokemon, "can you help us get into the lab without being seen?"
"Dol," it nods its head.
Ash and Misty join hands while Raichu jumps up on Ash's shoulder.
"Ready?" Ash asks.
"Always," Misty says, closing her eyes tightly.
"Now," Ash orders Dolly.
In a flash, they are no longer in the forest, but in a dark room with minimal light.
"Did we make it?" Misty asks, squinting her eyes to try to see around the room better.
"Dolly, flash," Ash says.
The Pokemon uses its inner power to illuminate the inside of the room.
"We're here," Ash confirms, looking around the lab.
"What's going on here?" a distressed new voice is heard from the doorway as the ceiling lights are switched on.
"Gary?" Misty asks as the younger Oak enters with a Pokeball drawn.
"You guys are alive." Gary states in clear surprise. He minimizes the Pokeball and puts it back into his pocket.
"Barely," Ash comments with a sigh of relief at the sight of his old friend.
"I see that," Gary says, looking the pair over and seeing their wounds. "What happened?"
"I don't know how much time we have before Team Rocket realizes we're here - I'm sure they're watching the compound." Ash explains quickly. "We need your help."
Ash and Misty explain what happened over the last two days from the attack at the gym up to the point of leaving Reggie's gym.
"What do you need from me?" Gary asks, knowing they came for a reason.
"I need you to take the gym Pokemon," Misty tells him, pulling out a small bag filled with Pokeballs from the backpack on Ash's back.
"Of course," Gary agrees, handling the Pokeballs with care.
"Tell my sisters I am keeping my regular team," she requests to which Gary nods.
"Gary, we also need to borrow some clothes," Ash says sheepishly.
"I'll say," Gary snickers at the white shirt and pajama shorts that Ash is wearing.
"I had to borrow this shirt from Reggie, but his pants didn't fit." Ash explains in irritation.
"I've got you, Ashy boy," Gary assures him. "Anything else?"
"Yeah, we need a Pokedex with communication functions." Misty requests.
"No problem," Gary says, walking to a desk and drawing out the latest Pokedex model.
Gary begins to program it, but Ash stops him.
"Can you make me an alias?" Ash asks quickly.
"You got a disguise?" Gary asks in response.
"A disguise?" Ash asks thoughtfully.
"That's a good idea, Gary," Misty says.
Gary snaps his fingers together and says, "I've got just the things."
An hour later, Ash stands in front of the mirror, not quite believing the sight. Somehow, Gary and Misty convinced him to cut his hair so short that it is almost a buzz cut. Gary had called it a crew cut. The hair on the nape of his neck is much shorter than the top of his head. He is not used to the cold hair on his neck.
A pair of cargo pants are drawn up to his waist and a leather jacket rests on his shoulders over a white shirt. It is a look and feel he is not sure he will get used to, but he has to admit he is unrecognizable. He wishes for a cap to cover his head. However, he realizes he is even more recognizable in a cap.
"You look good," Misty comments with a nod when he exits the bathroom.
She frowns thoughtfully and corrects, "but not like Ash Ketchum."
"That's the idea," Ash reassures her.
"Misty, it's your turn," Gary says, holding up a small box.
"Hair dye?" she cringes.
"You think you're going to be discreet with that carrot top of yours?" Gary asks snarkily.
"Why you little!" Misty screeches at him.
"I think he's right," Ash interrupts hesitantly. "Not about the carrot part - I know you hate carrots."
She looks hopelessly between the pair and caves.
"I also left some of my sister's clothes in the guest bedroom for you," Gary tells her, "unless you want to continue to wear that."
Gary's eyes wander up and down her camisole and short pajama shorts.
Misty growls as she grabs the box from Gary's hands.
"Slithering Seviper," she hisses at him as she leaves.
"Knock it off," Ash barks at Gary, jabbing him in the chest.
"I'm just flirting with a beautiful single lady, Ashy boy," Gary tosses his hands up in surrender, "unless that's no longer true."
"Well I- It's-" Ash fumbles, "It's complicated."
"Are you together or not?" Gary asks as if it is the simplest concept in the world.
"We're more together than not together, but I can't say either way yet," Ash tries to explain.
Gary smirks and says, "only you could make this complicated, Ash."
"Well maybe if the fucking leader of Team Rocket wasn't after us we would have a moment to figure it out," Ash argues sourly.
"Sounds like you're going to have a lot of time to figure it out when it's just you and her on the run." Gary reminds him.
Ash doesn't respond, but just sits on the living room couch to wait.
Ash is nearly asleep on the couch an hour later when Misty finally leaves the bathroom.
"Whoa-what?" he asks in confusion as he stares at her new hair color.
"It was a platinum blonde dye," she explains, "it's going to stay like this."
White locks fall across her shoulders and shine under the fluorescent lighting. The pure white causes her cerulean eyes to pop even more than usual. She is wearing a light purple shirt with a white lab coat type jacket over it. She also wears black capri pants and black trainers.
"It looks," Ash starts, but pauses to think, "you're beautiful, Mist."
Her red cheeks contrast her white hair way more than her orange hair ever did.
"Now you have secret identities," Gary smirks with approval as he looks both trainers over. "Let's get those Pokedexes programmed."
"Where are you going to go?" Gary asks later when they finally sit down for a meal in the early morning.
"I'm not sure," Ash admits.
"Once Brock and my sisters clear up the story we can go back to the authorities," Misty says hopefully.
"It might take some time," Gary tells them, "the media will run with their first story until they have more proof."
"Maybe once the egg hatches we'll know more about Team Rocket's plans," Ash guesses.
"Maybe you should take the egg to the breeding ranch near Saffron and see if they have any knowledge to share." Gary suggests to them.
"That's a good idea, Gary," Misty agrees, "maybe they've seen an egg like it before."
"It's settled then," Ash says, "we'll leave after dusk."
"You guys can get some rest in the guest bedroom." Gary offers. "I'm sure you've had a long night."
"Oh, thank you," Misty says gratefully.
"I have to start my rounds feeding the Pokemon," Gary tells them, "but I'll let gramps know not to bother you."
As Gary exits the living area, Ash glances hesitantly at Misty who beckons him to follow. They make their way to the guest bedroom and Raichu scampers after them.
Misty checks on the egg that sits on the chair in the corner. She removes her jacket and places it on one of the bedposts. Ash moves to grab a pillow and a blanket off the bed, but Misty stops him.
"Mist?" he whispers questioningly.
Misty doesn't say anything, but she takes his hand and pulls him towards the bed. His gaze never leaves her as she draws the covers and crawls underneath. Ash can see her eyelids drooping with exhaustion. He hesitates to join her, but decides to accept her invitation. He pulls off his leather jacket, laying it on top of Misty's, and lies down on his back under the covers. Misty slides into his arms, careful of both of their injuries. Raichu leaps up next to him on his other side and curls into the crook of his neck. Misty's blonde hair fans out over his arm. Although it still somehow smells like chlorine and sea salt, he misses her fiery orange locks.
A sharp knock on the door wakes them hours later.
"Ash, Misty," Gary says through the door, "it's starting to get dark."
"Okay!" Ash says loud enough for Gary to hear.
"Ash?" Misty asks groggily.
"It's time to go," Ash says softly.
Misty sighs and sits up in bed.
"Are you alright?" Ash asks, carefully sitting up next to her.
Ash places a hand on her lower back and leans in close to her.
"Yeah," she nods, "It's just that…"
Ash looks at her curiously and asks, "what?"
Misty's cheeks heat up and she smiles sadly.
"All of this," she says, "is a lot."
"I know what you mean," Ash agrees, nodding along.
"I suppose we should get ready." Misty says as she scoots off the side of the bed and finds her coat.
Ash follows her lead and grabs his own leather jacket off the post. He makes up the bed as she packs her old clothes in her red bag next to the egg. Then they leave the room down to the main living area.
"Ah," Professor Oak says when they enter, "Gary told me to expect you."
"Hi Professor," Misty greets.
"Sorry, I haven't been able to check in the last two days," Ash apologizes.
"Gary filled me in on the attack," Professor Oak says, "and I am so sorry that you went through that."
"We're alright, Professor," Ash assures him, "but we need to get going so we can travel by darkness."
"We're heading to the breeding center near Saffron like Gary suggested," Misty explains.
"Right so," Professor Oak nods in agreement, "I would guess a two day walk by the Diglett Tunnel."
"Yes, we have to walk," Ash says, "we can't risk being found in the air with Charizard."
"I'm sure they're watching around here for you." Gary says, entering the living area.
"That's why we need Claydol's help in and out of her." Misty shares.
"Make sure you keep us updated on your whereabouts and the status of that egg." Professor Oak requests.
"Can you let my mom know?" Ash asks, "I don't think it would be safe to go there."
"Yes, of course, Ash."
"Thank you."
"Are you ready?" Misty asks, placing a hand on Ash's shoulder.
"Rai!" Raichu says, climbing up Ash's other shoulder.
"Come on out, Dolly," Ash says, releasing the clay Pokemon.
"Stay safe, you guys," Gary tells them, being uncharacteristically caring for the snarky young researcher.
"We will," Misty assures them, "thanks again for your help."
"Dolly," Ash addresses Claydol, "will you help us teleport to the edge of the property again?"
"Dol," it nods in agreement.
Gary and Professor Oak are left waving to nothing as Ash and Misty teleport - disappearing from the inside of the laboratory.
Hope you enjoyed. I already started the next chapter. Have a great Thanksgiving week to my US readers. Also I am totally unashamed to plug my own stories so if you haven't read my story Heading Home you should - it is my creative pride and joy.
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