Here's the next chapter! Much kudos and thanx to everyone who left comments!
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Chapter 4: The Confession and the Scheme
"Rocky is your husband! But-but-but, YOU'RE FIFTEEN! No way he can be your husband!" Ash and Brock looked at her stunned. It seemed Kaya wasn't fazed by their astonishment.
"Henh, yes Ash, Rocky is supposedly my husband…" Kaya had an almost tired look.
"But Ash is right Kaya, how CAN Rocky be your husband? The betrothed way is so old fashioned." May was secretly hoping that Rocky WAS her spouse so she could have Ash to herself. Kaya, who could sense May's thoughts, just smiled. May just couldn't understand her; she hid so much pain behind her smile.
"Rocky and I were childhood friends. We wanted to become Gym Leaders when we grew up; together. Our parents lived with old fashioned traditions and customs, and they thought having the two of us betrothed would strengthen our families' bonds. They had us legally betrothed just when I turned ten and when he was twelve. I just started my journey as a Poke'mon trainer and we both grew strong. But while I flourished and grew in my training skills, Rocky constantly failed and lost battles. He was too stubborn to realize that his way of training was wrong, he was hardnosed and harsh. I on the other hand respected my Poke'mon and treated them like humans. On my 14 birthday, Rocky told me that he didn't want me with him anymore. He didn't want me to travel with him or have anything to do with him; I was just another rival. I was devastated. The next day, I woke up to find that he was gone. He left a note saying, 'You're on your own. When we achieve our dreams, I will challenge your gyms to prove that I'm the better trainer, if it's the last thing I do!'…After that, I just lived on my own and grew with my Poke'mon. I contacted my parents and told them to sever all bonds between me and Rocky. I attended many tournaments, but kept my identity hidden; I was usually enlisted as Shadow. I stayed undercover until I completed my gym six months ago. Ever since then, every month Rocky has come to challenge me and he always loses. Maybe now he'll listen to me…"
"So…this means you're free, Kaya?" Ash was secretly hoping for her to be single again. He pitied her for her horrible past. No wonder she was dark. He had to know more about her…
"Yes Ash, I'm free. And it seems I've found another interest besides Poke'mon…but I'll tell you about it later. Let's eat and talk of happier things before our food spoils. Afterwards you can either choose to rest or train your Poke'mon here. There's a workout gym behind the kitchen." Everyone resumed eating, curious about Kaya's past…
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Kaya trained her Blaziken and Altaria while Ash trained his Poke'mon. His Corphish was strong as always as it swam in the swimming pool. Grovyle was running through and obstacle course complete with a maze and targets. Swellow flew in a wind tunnel against a giant fan. Pikachu…well…"attempted" to lift weights. Kaya's Poke'mon worked hard as well. Her Blaziken was having target practice while dodging sprays of water. Her Altaria fought against hanging punching bands nonstop while flying in mid air. After nearly an hour of training, they were finally finished. When Ash and Kaya finally returned their Poke'mon and healed them, they had a walk through the back garden.
"How come you only trained your Blaziken and Altaria? What happened to the other Poke'mon?"
"Oh, my two stronger ones train in a different room. They need special training. After all, I'll be facing you tomorrow won't I? I'll need all the strength I can get." Kaya smiled. It was a while since she had a decent conversation.
"I see…Wow, the stars are beautiful tonight…" Unknown to Ash, May, wondering what was taking Ash so long, followed him and lay hidden in the bushes. She was listening in to their conversation the whole time. Unaware, Kaya could hear her mind racing; she knew May was there…
"Ash, how old are you now? 12? 13?"
"I'm thirteen already. So is May…"
"My my, you really have grown up haven't you?"
"Haha! Maybe, but I don't think May thinks so. She's been acting strange lately…And the time when she-" May held back a gasp…He wasn't going to-
"She did what," Kaya asked. Thanks to her telepathy, she learned about May's confession. She just played innocent for the time being…
"Umm…never mind…" Ash brushed off. May sighed with relief. "I just wish…I wish I could show her that I'm grown up now…that…I'm there for her, you know?…If something happens to her, I'm there…"
"Hmm…I know a way…" Kaya purred as she smiled. And with that she turned Ash's head and kissed him. Ash was taken by surprise, but then let it go as he closed his eyes…
"ASH KETCHUM! WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU DOING!" Despite herself, May popped out of the bushes, covered with leaves and twigs.
"May! I-um…I…It's not what it looks like!" Kaya just leered at May and gave an evil smirk.
"You take your hands off of Ash, Kaya…He's mine!"
"Well obviously not, May dearest…you saw what happened.." May just fumed, but she drew back. She didn't like Kaya's smug look. In fact, she feared her.
"But-but-…I love him. And you're fifteen, Kaya!"
"What does it matter? I have a thing for your little friend, too. And if you don't like it, you're gonna have to take him from me…"
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Quite a long chapter…hope you guys liked it!
Much luv and peace out!