-1Misty stared out distantly at the cay before them. The sky was blue and the sun shone brightly, but it wasn't hot. There was a gentle zephyr, too light to be called a wind, but too strong to be called a breeze. Such was the calm that she could relax without a care in the world. Looking behind her, Ash's younger sister had long ago discarded her jeans for a pair of denim shorts. Now she gave a sigh of content and flopped onto the ground beside her.
"We're here!" she announced chirpily.
Keya stared at her, miffed at having someone steal her line. Mia gave a small smile of satisfaction. Keya turned to Ash, pouting. Ash turned away, pretending not to have seen. Misty smirked and shared a high five with Mia.
"So where are we, exactly?"
Misty stared at Ash in disbelief.
"Weren't you the one leading us?"
"Well, yes…"
"And you don't know where we are?"
"I do so! Technically speaking…"
"I'll technically speaking you! Ash Ketchum, where have you lead us?" she demanded, standing up now.
"Uh… We're at this little cross thing with a picture of a picnic table next to it…"
Misty made as if to charge at Ash, only to be held back by Mia, laughing.
"It's alright, Misty. I know my way around here. I came here with a pretty good tour guide once," she remarked, smiling.
Misty turned to face the innocent, youthfully cheery face of Mia and felt her annoyance drain away. She wasn't that much younger than they, but she seemed so much more child-like. So much more naïve. Her demeanour made you want to protect her from all the bad things in the world.
"Who was your tour guide?" asked Ash with suspicion only an overly protective older brother could possess, "Do I know him?"
Mia gave him a slightly irritated glance.
"Did I say my guide was male?" she retorted.
"Oh…"
Mia rolled her eyes before moving over to help Brock set up camp. When Keya finally noticed this, she gave the slightest shriek of despair.
"Not again! You promised we'd get a hotel when we got to the city!" she wailed, pouting at Ash.
He ran a hand through his hair and hid a sigh.
"I know I did, Keya, but this isn't the city. We've still got a fair way to travel…"
"So what? We have enough money, don't we? We could get a hotel here as well!" she argued stubbornly.
"Well, I suppose so, but it would still be expensive…"
"… Or we could go to a Pokecentre like we did last time! Or… or…"
"Well I was hoping for a change of scenery considering we haven't spent as much time outside as we used to…"
"Not as much time! Excuse me? We're outside all day long and now you want me to sleep outside as well. No way!"
"Well, I know a lovely little hotel a few roads from here if you want to rent a room yourself, Keya," interrupted Mia sweetly; too sweetly.
Keya's glare seemed as though it could potentially burn a hole right through Mia's head. Mia's piercing stare, evident nowhere else to distort her lovely 'pure' features, returned the favour. An invisible war was waging between the two. To an outsider, it made a rather comical scene. Mia was still a whole head and a half shorter than Keya wearing platforms and their appearances differed in a ridiculous contrast. The fact that Mia's calm gaze was returning Keya's childish glare made it all the more humorous. At least, Brock, who was now smirking, seemed to think so. Ash, however, seemed anxious to evaporate any ill feelings between the females and was hovering like a worried mother hen.
"Oh relax, Ash," snapped Misty, mildly irritated at his behaviour.
Honestly, it wasn't as if they were going to launch into a catfight or anything. Or even a Pokemon battle, for that matter. She returned to the situation at hand. Keya was still battling for control over the girl, attempting to intimidate and dominate her. Misty gave a rather amused and, she had to admit, cynical smile. Mia was easily the victor as Keya forced herself to look away. Then, typically, she grabbed onto Ash's arm.
"Fine, I'll stay," she pouted.
Ash heaved a sigh of relief and smiled.
"Darn, that was unlucky," drawled Mia with a roll of her eyes.
Ash frowned.
"Mia…"
"Alright alright. My apologies," she replied airily, waving a hand and walking away.
Ash sighed, shaking his head. His sister had once been so warm towards everyone. He had never seen her act with such disapproving behaviour. His expression became cloudy. It was all the fault of that stupid Gary… He turned to glance at Brock, who was staring thoughtfully into nothingness. To Ash's surprise, his friend suddenly burst into chuckling over something or other. He safely assumed that Brock was probably just thinking about Nurse Joy or Officer Jenny and deemed it wise to question it no further.
What he hadn't realised was that once his bout of mirth had ended, Brock was staring intently at the three girls with yet another reflective gaze before returning to his cooking.
When the camp was set, Ash stared critically at the cay before them.
"We'll have to keep everything inside or it'll be covered in dew when morning comes," he remarked judiciously.
"And that's bad because?" demanded Misty, a half furious expression written on her face.
"Because you wouldn't want your clothes to get wet or anyone to catch pneumonia," he replied quickly.
He glanced over towards his sister who was unravelling a sleeping bag beside the lake. She only shared a tent when she travelled with a companion and even then it wasn't she who carried it.
"Oh no you don't… You, over there, now."
Mia turned blankly to stare at her brother, then to where he'd pointed.
"Don't you have to share that tent with Brock?" she asked somewhat sceptically.
"We'll sleep outside tonight," he replied roughly, ignoring Brock's sudden, short protest.
"Shouldn't the other member be allowed judgement in this decision before you kick him out?" she asked warily.
Ash shot Brock a look.
"Uh… No… It's fine… Whatever Ash says is fine…"
Mia gave him a withering look for siding with her brother.
"Coward," she mumbled before obediently moving her sleeping bag, shooting a wistful look at the cay in all its sparkling glory under the sun.
"I'll stay out here too, tonight," announced Misty.
Keya stared at Misty, mouth open as if ready to protest. Misty looked at Keya, almost daring her to offer to sleep outside as well. Keya sniffed disdainfully in return. She wasn't that desperate as of yet. The thought of sleeping in a tent was bad enough. Having to sleep outside…
Ash's eyes widened.
"But…"
"Are you going to try and stop me, Ash Ketchum?" she asked, her eyes shining with something unmistakeably dangerous.
"Uh… That is… No," he finally admitted reluctantly.
"Good," she returned, satisfied and smiling smugly.
"Okay, she gets to sleep outside and I don't? That's so unfair!" fumed his younger sister.
"She's not my sister," he retorted.
Mia glared disdainfully back at him. He sent her a very clear protective older brother look and, sighing in defeat, she retreated. Content, he smiled at his younger sibling.
"Don't be like that Mia. I promised Mum I'd look after you whenever I could, and I will, okay?"
She gave a sullen nod. He took out his Pokeballs.
"Come on, our Pokemon deserve their rest too."
At this, Mia cheered up a little, releasing her own.
"Espeon," she mumbled, cuddling the Pokemon to her face.
It nudged her gently in return. Keya sneered at such a pathetic display. Her own Pokeballs were lying around somewhere. She just didn't know where. Nor did she care, for that matter. Why should she? There was nothing to fear here. After all, even if they were attacked, which was rather improbable, the others would just take care of it anyway. She watched uncaringly as the others released the rest of their Pokemon.
"Hey Keya, why don't you have your Pokemon join us?" asked Ash, smiling.
Instantly her attitude changed. She was all happy smiles and glowing praises.
"Okay," she piped before bouncing off to find the tent. They were probably in there somewhere. On the way, she raised an eyebrow at Mia's Giraffarig standing before her. It looked back at her with those huge doe eyes. Rolling her eyes in annoyance, she pushed straight past it, knocking it to the ground.
"Giraffarig!"
Mia was by its side in an instant, checking it for any injures.
"It's alright, you're alright," she cooed with the Pokemon in her lap.
"That was unnecessary, Keya!" she snapped, her fury evident in her voice.
"Oh? Sorry," she replied carelessly, continuing on her way.
For a second, it seemed Mia would go after her, but the moment passed. She remained seated, Girrafarig on her lap, comforting her Pokemon with gentle words.
Misty came up to the surface, revelling in the sunlight as it gently caressed her face with warmth. The moment died when Psyduck bumped into her, the plastic floaties scratching her arm. Glaring at it for a moment, she pushed it underwater allowing it to thrash about for a few moments before letting go. It quickly swam away. Her glare followed its retreat.
Turning now, she saw Keya get up and storm away to sit somewhere else. Again. She gave an amused look as Keya finally let out an aggravated yell.
"Get your stupid ghost away from me, Mia!" she barked.
Mia raised an eyebrow.
"What ghost?"
"That one!"
Keya was pointing up at Misdreavus who was floating only inches above her head.
"Oh, Misdreavus. I'm sorry, Keya. She's never really listened to me and just enjoys hovering over sulky people, don't you, darling?"
The ghost Pokemon gave what could almost be considered a smirk. Keya glowered at her. Bayleef nudged Ash's shoulder reprovingly at being ignored. He glanced down to give it a smile and it settled down.
"Uh… How about a swim?" he asked nervously.
Keya's mood instantly vanished, flashing perfect white teeth at Ash.
"Sure!"
Misty made a face. Of all the suggestions… She glowered at Ash. Pervert. He, however, seemed too busy relaxing in his relief to notice. Mia, who had been lying stomach down in the shade of a large tree lifted herself up as Keya began to make her way towards the tent, Misdreavus in tow. She motioned it to come to her with her hands.
"Come on Sweetie. I don't want you to be scarred for life," she said out loud softly, but clearly.
Misdreavus floated diligently towards its owner. Keya glared daggers at the child and, for a moment, Misty imagined Mia being torn to shreds. She shook her head, trying to clear herself of such imagery and searched for Togepi. She spotted it playing beside near the water's edge with Pikachu. One minute it was on the shore, the next it had vanished. Her heart stopped as she dived forward in alarm. When she resurfaced, she could see a drenched and exhausted Pikachu beside her own bubbly Pokemon. She gave a sight of relief.
"Keya."
She stopped. What did that brat want now? She wanted to change into her new bikini set now. Turning, she saw not only the figure of Ash's sister, but something else as well. Something that demanded utmost respect and obedience. Her aura was potentially suffocating. It wasn't all that surprising really. Not after what happened to her poor little friend… Nevertheless, she retained her posture.
"Yes? Was there something you wanted?" she asked innocently.
"Cut the crap, Keya. What are you doing here?"
"What on earth do you mean, Young one?"
Keya saw Mia's whole body stiffen and inwardly gloated. She'd hit the right nerve.
"I mean, what are you doing travelling with my brother? You aren't wanted here," she replied stiffly.
"Oh, really? I'm sorry Darling, but unless Ash tells me that I should leave, I believe I'm free to remain here for as long as I wish. After all," she added, her voice dripping with malice, "It seems Ash is beginning to… shall we say… warm up to me?"
Mia automatically pulled back her fists and almost allowed herself that one hit when a nudge to her leg reminded her to stay calm. She looked down at Espeon, whose expression seemed to be reprimanding her for her actions. She let it drop.
"Stay away from Ash," she hissed.
"Only if he wants me to," she retorted, sneering at the younger child.
Mia stared after her as she sashayed her way towards the tent. Unable to help herself, she gestured her middle finger at the retreating figure and allowed herself to think up numerous names for the one before her. Another gentle nudge made her look down again. She could almost swear she could see a reproving look being sent at her. Espeon lead her further into the trees, then stopped, gazing up at her knowingly. Sighing mentally, she stood still waiting for any sign of movement.
Minutes later, she shook her head, picking up Espeon.
"Come on. You know he won't show himself until he feels like it. As long as he doesn't stay away for too long."
She added the last sentence in a voice loud enough for most of the surrounding trees and their inhabitants to hear. Walking away, she smirked as she hear a rustle of leaves behind her. Nevertheless, she said nothing and continued back to the campsite.
Sitting in a circle now, the group seemed relaxed as Brock served lunch. The others were all mostly drenched from their swim. Misty eyed Keya's clothing with distaste. From what she could see, they served no purpose. Having thought this, she averted her eyes quickly, staring down at the food before her with a sudden lack of appetite. When she looked up again, she saw only Keya lean backwards and wink suggestively at Ash, who pretended not to have noticed by looking away. Misty rolled her eyes.
Beside her, Mia sat eating heartily in her one piece with a skirt worn over it. All in all, she looked ten and acted like it too. Watching her out of the corner of her eye, Misty was convinced now that she was definitely Ash's younger sister. At times she did have her doubts, however. After all, how could such a sharp mind have an idiot for an older brother? It seemed only the eating abilities of their family were passed down to both children. A shame, really. Ash could have done with just that little more insightfulness.
"So Ash, have you seen your sister's Pokemon yet? They're in perfect condition, an excellent accomplishment for someone at her age who travels alone. Why, I remember when you used to…"
"Shut up, Brock," he warned.
"… need assistance with taking care of your Pokemon. Didn't you say you taught Mia everything she knows? That's interesting, considering her Pokemon are…"
Brock never finished that sentence as Ash had, quite reflexively, jammed the plate containing his remaining lunch, into Brock's open mouth. His cheeks were tinged pink when Mia responded with a laugh he'd heard so many times before.
"Shut up, kid," he mumbled.
"No," she responded, sticking out her tongue at him with a grin.
Misty gave an amused smile as the exchange continued. They were definitely related. She dared a sideways glance at Keya and gave a rather smug smile, having noticed her fury of being ignored.
"What are you looking at, you overweight cow?" she hissed.
Misty shrank back in alarm. Had she really put on that much weight?