Note: Haha, seriously Clueless97, you rock! And so does everyone else! I don't have much to say except I love all of you guys for actually reading my craptacular fic and reviewing it! And I mean it when there would be no chapters if it wasn't for you guys! Okay anyways...now that I'm done crying over you guys. Misty is gone! Why did Misty leave? Find out in this chapter!

Thought
"Speaking"
Emphasis
(little irrelevant notes by me!)
A Forgotten Face
Ch. 6 A Second Chance?
Misty was gone.

The only trace of her was the tear-stained note left behind saying her goodbyes and apologies. Ash had a chance and wasn't going to waste it. He was going to find Misty and tell her how he truly feels about her. Everything would work out.

All he had to do was find her.

Flashback

"Well, I-I know about your bet...um uh... and how...Misty wouldn't have lost that easily..."

"What are you talking about!? I won fair and square!"

Misty just stood in silence. How did he know I lost on purpose? I didn't tell anyone.

"That's enough Max."

Shortly after Max had left May and Misty just glared at each other.

"So you purposely lost?" asked May.

"I did." Misty tried responding as calmly as she could. But their eyes never left each other's gaze.

"Why?"

"You wanted Ash, he wanted you and doesn't want me. Does that explain things?"

"But you wanted Ash?"

"This isn't about me."

"Did I hit a soft spot there?"

"Shut it."

Misty's rage was building ever so gradually. Yes, that is a 'soft spot' you insensitive cow.

A coy smile spread across May's face. "Classic. So you lost because you didn't want to be rejected I'm guessing."

The 16 year old would not allow a measly 14 year old to toy with her.

"Wook at me! I puwposely lost a battle because I wove Ash but he doesn't wove me!" continued May, "Oh boo freakity hoo! I can't take the pain! It's too much for wittle old me! Puh-lease! That's barely painful."

'You want pain? I'll show you pain...gladly,' thought Misty. Misty leaned towards May's face and looked from side to side as if she was making sure no one was around.

"Can you keep a secret?" she whispered.

"Yeah... why?" answered May, somewhat frightened.

"Because I don't want people to know I did this," With that Misty punched May's eye. A black eye was sure to follow. May stumbled back, recuperating from the hard blow.

"Bitch!" shrieked May.

Misty simple smirked and readied herself for an attack. May swung at Misty but the older girl dodged the attack with ease. Misty then completed a roundhouse kick that connected right with May's stomach knocking the wind out of her causing May to fall back onto the floor, gasping for air.

"Remember that thing you said about how that's hardly pain?" asked Misty as she knelt down besides May, cracking her knuckles.

May shakily stood up and glared at her attacker, "I'm not done yet."

May lunged at Misty and shoved her into a wall. Misty was trapped.

This is my chance! May threw one punch after another at Misty's face. Even though she was at close range, Misty was able to dodge quite a few. Some managed to break through and make contact with Misty's face. Luckily there wasn't that much power behind them to cause much pain, but there would be bruises.

Tired of being pinned, Misty was able to trip May. Right after making contact with the floor, May felt her feet being picked up. Suddenly she was spinning in the air above ground – Until her feet were let go. May flew across the room. The girl rolled on the floor while Misty walked towards her. The redhead pulled the brunette's hair up so she would drag behind. When May wouldn't get up, Misty just let her head drop.

Misty thought the fight was over. However, after seeing a chair shatter after hitting the wall only a few feet ahead, Misty turned to see May on her feet and panting heavily. The fight ensued for only a short time until both girls were worn out. May was on the floor again from one of Misty's throws.

I gotta finish this... Misty wouldn't have enough strength to carry on. She took the remote control to the T.V. and hit May on the back of the head. May immediately fell unconscious. Once sure that May would not get up again, Misty collapsed onto the couch. Breathing heavily she took in her surroundings. Chairs were broken, tables were smashed, the T.V got hit pretty hard by a chair, glass was everywhere, and May was face down on the floor with a black eye and many more scratches and bruises.

During the fight Misty had been sure that someone was about to come into the room but when no one entered May and Misty just kept fighting. She knew she had to get out of here. What May had said was true.

I love him...but he doesn't love me.

She pushed herself to her feet once more and went over to the kitchen counter. A pad of paper and a pen were nearby. Misty started writing.

Everyone,

I'm sorry but I couldn't stay. I can't explain but I just had to leave. When May wakes up tell her I'm sorry. Say goodbye to Max, Pikachu, and Brock for me. You probably won't ever see me again but please don't worry. I can take care of myself. I wish things could have been better. And please, tell Ash that I'm deeply sorry and goodbye from me.
Misty

As she wrote, she felt the hot tears fall from her eyes to the paper. This was the hardest thing to do. Leaving everyone...leaving Ash... But she knew she couldn't stay. Sure she wanted to, but this little visit had turned out to be too emotional. Too painful.

She placed the note on the door with some tape. Someone was sure to notice it. Misty gathered her things and left the hotel. Misty then remembered she was missing Togetic. She had left him with Max.

Can't leave Togetic behind.

She found Max at the arcade and quickly took Togetic without Max noticing. Misty dragged a whining Togetic out of the arcade and down to the main road where they had met Ash and the others only a few days ago. She put her cloak on and put the hood over her head. Misty turned around for one last look.

"Goodbye..."

End Flashback

A lone 16 year old girl was walking through the Hoenn Region back to Cerulean City with a Togetic by her side. They were only a few miles out of the city and had a long way to go.

Tears streamed down the face of the girl. She tried her best not to cry over this.

It's not worth it Misty. So he didn't love you, there are more fish in the sea.

Misty mentally fought with herself, But I didn't get to say goodbye...but I don't even think I could have said bye.

Misty tried to think of what could have happened, At least I would have been able to see him one last time... to know that he's happy.

But isn't that why you left? Because he's 'happy'?

Isn't he?

Is he?

Misty stopped walking at this point. The question of Ash's happiness still lingered. She only wanted him to be happy. Knowing that he was happy was enough to make her happy.

"Toge?" Her small Pokemon companion looked up with caring eyes.

"I'm fine Togetic," Misty said, trying to smile, "Let's go home."

They kept walking. Once home everything would be fine.

But it won't be the same...

Ever since Misty had left Ash and Brock to take care of the gym her life had been so boring. Every trainer that challenged her lost and it was never different. She always expected Team Rocket to burst in and capture their Pokemon but it never happened. After all, the trainers weren't Ash. Everyday was the same, she would get up, take care of the Pokemon, battle the trainers, eat alone, and then go to sleep, already dreading the same routine for the next day. But when she was with Ash and Brock everyday was an adventure. Everyday she got closer to Ash. Now, she was leaving. And she wouldn't be back.

Everyone in the suite was silent. They were all still in disbelief that Misty was truly gone, especially Ash.

She left me?

Now certain of his emotions for Misty he thought this would be his chance. But as soon as he realized Misty was gone, his chance flew out the door. He had never gotten to tell her how he felt and never would. But that could be changed if he hurried.

"I've gotta go..."

"Ash, no, wait!" Brock groaned after realizing nothing would change Ash's mind.

The yelling had wakened May. She found herself in the arms of Brock. It hurt to move a muscle. Bruises had left most of her skin a purple-blue hue. Most of all, it hurt to blink; She had a black eye.

Damn it... thought May as she brought her palm to her forehead.

"Oh! You're awake. How are you feeling?" asked Brock.

"I think I'll be okay."

"What happened?"

"Misty happened."

Brock started chuckling.

"Hey!"

"Sorry! It's just -" Again he laughed. "It's just I can't believe Misty would have the...power... to do this! Or even allow herself to do it!"

"Well she did."

"I can see that." 'And you're probably the reason why she did this,' thought Brock with a sigh.

Brock got May some ice for her eye and other swollen areas. Band-aids were put over her cuts from the glass, and an ace bandage was put on her wrist. May looked terrible but would be okay. After May was cleaned up, Brock sat her down to talk.

"So how did it start?"

"Well... I found out she purposely lost. Then she just blew up!"

Brock looked at May frankly, "I don't think you're telling everything."

"I just said something about Ash," responded May innocently.

"And that was...?"

"What does it matter? She started the whole thing anyway!"

Brock sighed, "Actually, you did. You should have known better than to say something about Ash around Misty."

May just mumbled something about men. Brock ignored her. He knew that she started the fight. She should have known that Misty was very sensitive about Ash. Just like Ash was about her.

Ash bolted out of the suite, down the stairs and out the door. He looked left and right trying to figure out which was the way to Cerulean City. Ash remembered that she was heading down the main road when they first met up with her. He decided to try that direction.

He had with him a possession that was meant for the girl he loved a long time ago. He had actually saved up money not for her bike, which he destroyed. But, Ash had decided that this would mean something more, a token of his love if you will. He just hoped that this would be the same girl, and not someone different…

Ash ran for what seemed forever. He hadn't seen any signs of Misty anywhere. It had been two miles before he found any signs of her. Footprints and miniature ones right next to it could be seen in the trail.

Misty…

Ash was about ready to give up when he saw two figures sitting by a river's edge. It was them. He had made it!

"Misty!" Ash called out.

The figure looked up with shock and disbelief in her eyes.

Ash? She was thrilled. Ash had come for her! Wait, Ash had come for her? What was wrong?

So much for being safe…Misty curled her knees up into her chest and rested her chin on her knees.

"Why did you leave like that?" asked Ash, panting.

"I-I..." Misty was trying her hardest not to cry in front of Ash. She soon was forcing herself to speak. "I had to."

"No you didn't! What made you think that?" Ash sat down besides Misty.

"Don't you understand?"

"Misty, I've never understood women," chuckled Ash.

Misty wasn't laughing. "Not even me?" Her eyes glistened with sadness and confusion.

"What?!"

"Ash, I couldn't stay there...I just wanted you to be happy. If I stayed I would have just interfered..." I would have tried to take you back...

"Misty, what are you talking about?"

"Don't you get it!?" Misty had buried her head into her knees, afraid to look at the boy sitting besides her. "Ash I lost the battle for y-...you..."

"Me? But why?"

"Because...be-because..." I can't say it!

Ash could tell Misty was trying to say something important. But he couldn't tell what. Misty was being too vague for him.

"Because...I love you..." Misty had barely spoken. Her voice was a mere whisper. She had finally said it, admitted it. She loved Ash and there was no doubt about it.

I wish you could just love me...

Ash was dazed. His head spinning in a whirlpool of emotions, She had said she loved me... now's my chance!

"Actually... that's kinda why I'm here." This was going to take all he had. Finally admitting his feelings for the one girl he loved was the hardest thing for him to do. But now that he knew she loved him in return he hoped he would be okay.

Misty, on the other hand, took it the wrong way. So he is in love with May… I'm happy for them. Misty looked up and tried her best to smile, "I understand Ash, you don't have to say it," I couldn't take hearing it "I hope you two will be happy. It's why I left anyways."

"Wait, what?! Misty, who am I with?" Ash was genuinely confused.

"Ash, you don't have to play games…" answered Misty, somewhat agitated. Don't play games with me now, my heart is already in pain.

"Misty, I wouldn't play games with this subject."

"Then why did you do it at the forest?" snapped Misty. She was on the verge of yet another breakdown. Pain, confusion, and hatred were flowing through her. Misty looked deeply into Ash's eyes waiting for an answer. Why did his eyes have to be so mesmerizing?

Ash stared back into her sapphire eyes but he was lost for words. I wasn't playing games Misty... "B-But I wa-wasn't playing g-g-games." He was so nervous he was stuttering like mad. Can't she see?

"Please, don't lie Ash. It'll just get us nowhere."

"Listen! I wasn't playing games!" barked Ash, now angered.

"Then why were you flirting with May? Am I just a toy? Or am I a backup?" Misty had teary eyes doused with misery.

Ash was almost sad now. Did I really make it look like that? Misty would never allow herself to drop to this level. Ash had fallen for the strong hearted, cute, tom-boyish redhead that pulled him out of that river almost four years ago. But now, Misty was so vulnerable...it was pitiful.

"Misty... you're none of those." Ash spoke softly, turning his gaze to the ground.

"Then what am I Ash?"

"I-I-...Misty...you're my best friend...you've always been there. What makes you think different?"

"Is that what I am Ash Ketchum? Just a friend?"

Misty fumed with fury. How could he toy with her like this? Spit it out, Ash. Misty was glaring at Ash now with cold, icy eyes that glowed with disgust.

"I-I...but you're Misty! That's what I like about you...You're just...Misty..." trailed off Ash.

Their eyes locked. It was just them.

Misty was the first to speak, "But what about May?" The gaze was broken. Misty turned her head away from Ash so he couldn't see the tear that rolled down her cheek.

"What about her?"

"Just answer me." Stop avoiding the truth…

"Listen... nothing, nothing was going on between me and her. Okay?"

"Don't be a hypocrite Ash," spat Misty.

"Fine..." started Ash, "If you want to think something's going on between me and May, FINE." He was unable to stop himself, his rage was flowing out of him, "I was going to give this to you, but I guess it doesn't even matter anymore. You don't even believe me!"

Ash pulled out a small, midnight-blue, velvet box and tossed it at Misty's feet. He had been waiting for the right moment to give it to her but now that she was leaving he might as well give it to her. If wants to be so stubborn, fine.

"Keep it as a memento. Do what you want with it, I don't care. Since I won't ever see you again I guess it won't matter." He turned around but before he left he had to say a final goodbye, even if it was in a harsh tone.

"Good-bye Misty."

Misty watched as her one love walked into the distance, his figure getting fuzzier by the second as he disappeared into the horizon. He was gone, and would never be back. The broken hearted girl dropped to her knees. A river of tears was flowing down her face. What had she done? He was about to say something important but her notorious attitude took over. The difference was that instead of being annoyed, she was hurt. Her voice would become as cold as ice and she would have a look of pure hatred in her eyes. It would only happen if someone had hit a tender spot in her heart... and someone did.

Only when the feel of soft velvet reached her leg, Misty remembered the box Ash had given to her. She picked it up and opened it. Inside was a necklace. Two thin chains of silver twisted to meet a pendant. The pendant was a tear shaped with a sapphire center. At the top was a diamond. It was absolutely stunning.

Ash was going to give this… to me? God, what have I done?

She fell onto the grassy floor and wept. Wept because of her pain, her sadness, wept for her love.

They would never see each other again.

Well... this was a very sad chapter! Ash left and Misty is going home. Never to see each other again. Tell me what you think! Until next time!

Night Mare579