A Jewel in Water
Part 21
AN: Back from a hiatus, don't expect much though! I read through this story the other day and gosh how embarrassing…. The story was all over the place and so many plot holes! But it's all memories I guess. Can't guarantee that a few years on I'll be any better at writing either. If you've come this far with me, that's so much and sorry for all the pain I put you through!
"Elliot?" called everyone in unison.
"What's going on?" asked May, "What did you do?" Elliot looked bashfully around at the looks of confusion around him. What was he really trying to achieve with this makeover. He had dyed his hair to brown and was now sporting a couple of extra layers of makeup, purple eye shadow included. A couple of extra golden teeth had appeared in his mouth. He swapped his casual attire for a more flamboyant purple jumpsuit. If he was going to come across as undesirable to a conservative Princess, he was going to go all out. But after looking at May he wondered if this was really going to help him out with her. Never mind. He needed to cross one bridge at a time. And the Misty bridge was first.
"The world is a wonderfully modern place." Stated Iris plainly. There was a distinct stifling of giggles but after a few seconds laughter exploded from all sides.
"I dont know... You look as if you're trying to put someone off you! Or trying to make sure someone doesn't recognise you or something!" Kenny said through laughs. The maid then came over, with a towel and a first aid kit and tried to get to Elliot.
"Maybe it's a bit of both," Ash grinned. He took the towel off of the maid and replaced the bloody handkerchief with it. "Are you going to explain this to us at any point?"
Elliot sighed and looked at them all. He might as well try out the plan before it all falls to ruins. "I made a decision that I wasn't going to hide myself anymore. Misty needs to see who I really am before she accepts a unions from me. I would rather get this out of the way before things got serious." He said whilst absently patting the cut on his head. Everyone was slightly taken aback by the serious turn that this had taken. There was an awkward pause for a few moments. Elliot tried to not make eye contact with either Ash or May, fearing what his face might give away. "Look guys, its okay you know. I'm the same person as I was before. I just look a bit different. You don't need to treat me any different, although it might be hard I guess."
Kenny and Dawn exchanged glances, whilst May just looked at Elliot. Her lips were thin and eyes were fixed on his face. Was this makeover so ground breaking? Why had everyone taken this so seriously?
"I guess…" Dawn started to ease the awkwardness "I guess I'm glad you can share this with us." The rest of the group murmured in agreement before she then said "Anyway I think I overstayed my welcome today, I'll be going back home." Kenny quickly agreed.
"Yeah, I think I'll be going too. Misty has enough to handle today it seems." Kenny winked over at Elliot and he couldn't help but laugh.
"But I thought you were going to stay here tonight?" asked Dawn.
"Nah, I only pretend to, to tease Misty," Kenny confessed "I got some jobs to do anyway. I'll take you back home!". So Kenny and Dawn both left to go home. Iris sighed.
"When you're a child I suppose it's hard to react to these types of situations. I shall be off too. Ash I return your Charizard with many thanks. If you ever need a favour don't hesitate to ask."
"I would be careful when owing favours to Ash," piped up May finally. "He takes a lot more than he deserves I've heard." Ash looked disdainfully at May whilst Elliot tried hard not to laugh out loud. Iris decided it was too childish to ask May to clarify what she meant and took her leave.
"So Elliot," started May "You've got to tell me where you get your make up from. Looks really natural on you."
"Haha." Elliot said sarcastically. "Just pop by anytime and I'd be happy to help out." May laughed and excused herself also. Her laugh somehow made Elliot feel like everything till now was worth the effort. Then he got back to reality. He was going to have to handle Ash now. Before Ash could say a word, Elliot cut in:
"Right Ash. Time for that talk now I think?" he asked. Ash, completely forgetting what he had come in to do in the first place replied,
"Lead the way Elliot,".
After Elliot reached his room with Ash in tow, he found out that a maid had been sent to sort out his head. The trio sat in silence as the maid attended to his head, and as soon as the last plaster was pasted over his forehead and the maid had taken her leave, Ash shut the door and faced him. Let the interrogation commence.
"Are you that desperate to become my Trick Misty lover El?" Ash joked. Elliot sighed and smiled.
"Unfortunately, you are not my type and I don't think I owe you any big enough favours to help you out here. Although I feel like I might do after this conversation.
"Well, first things first. Long time no see Drew. Its good to see you again buddy!" Ash smiled as he leant against the door and crossed his arms. Drew leant back on his bed and closed his eyes.
"You do not know how good it feels to hear that name again. Makes me feel so free. But please, just between us okay?"
"Sure, cant say I know how you feel but I'll let you keep a few secrets." No matter how much Ash wanted to know he couldn't force the information out of Drew. "I'm guessing May is clueless?"
"As ever. Gosh, I was so sick of that timid guy act, you know? Who knew my acting classes would come in so handy? One thing to thank my parents for."
"Your voice manipulation was pretty good also, suppose it doesn't hurt your contest career either."
"Exactly, if only my parents knew how much they helped me in my escape."
"I can't say its not frustrating listening to you. I don't want to be demanding but hearing broken pieces of the story isn't satisfying me as much as you think it would."
"Haha sorry, I know how much in suspense you must be. But if I tell you my story, you have to tell me yours." Ash grew serious.
"Is that a way of telling me that you aren't going to tell me?"
"Nope, not at all. But apparently for you it is. Is what happened between you and Misty that serious? I thought the Trick Misty plan was going to be for fun, but I can sense some hidden anger in you." Ash looked at Drew. They were both as curious about the other. Was one of them going to crack at any point? They weren't exactly close but jokes aside it felt like they both needed a serious comrade to help them through the times ahead. It was match point and the final serve was up. Just who the server was going to be, however, was a mystery.