Note: Now let's find out what happens shall we? Will Misty become a forgotten face? A bad memory? What about May? Will she become Ash's everything? Will she really say goodbye when they reach Pedalburg?
Thought
"Speaking"
Emphasis
(Me saying silly things)
A Forgotten Face
Ch. 9 What To Do
Misty woke up. From the lighting outside her window she figured it was only early evening. The sun was just setting leaving shades of pink, purple, and blue streaked across the sky. Misty lifted herself off her bed and into a sitting position. She remembered she was alone... and left Ash.
Ash...
Misty went back over to her dresser and picked up the photo. Now she knew why her pillow was all wet. She had cried over the picture. Pull it together Misty, don't cry over him.
But I can't just throw him out of my life…
It might be better that way.
Never, he was my best friend.
Was…
Tears were forming in the corners of her eyes. She had never been this dramatic before. Misty looked into the mirror. She was of course crying, her hair was a mess, and hanging from her neck was a beautiful tear shaped, sapphire necklace with a single diamond at its top. She couldn't keep it. It would be too hard.
Lily, Violet, and Daisy won't be back for a while. And I'm not staying here alone for another two weeks.
But Misty needed someone to talk to; she had to get this feeling off her chest. Misty thought for a moment. Talking about things always helped her. But none of her friends or family was there at the moment. God I wish mom was still here…
Misty thought of someone she could talk to; she was afraid of making this decision but she knew that Mrs. Ketchum was the only real mother figure left in her life. She knew Mrs. Ketchum approved of her, and she would probably be the easiest to talk to. Misty thought it over, Even if I couldn't talk with her about Ash, I could always just return the necklace.
There's always someone else you could see…
Misty dreaded the thought, Please tell me I'm not starting to think about Gary of all people.
He has been through what Ash has. And he has liked you. He would be just like Ash.
Misty shook her head, No he wouldn't… Ash was just… Ash.
Misty started to cry all over again. She really needed to talk to someone. Anyone. But a mother would be best right now. Mrs. Ketchum had always been a second mother to her. She needed to get out. Another journey wouldn't hurt. Professor Oak and Tracey would be there. It might actually be fun.
Misty stood up and looked around her room, "Togetic!?"
"Toge!"
"Oh there you are! We're going to leave tomorrow for Pallet Town. Is that okay with you?"
"Tic!"
Misty always loved Togetic's enthusiasm. He was always so positive and cheery, maybe that's why she liked Togetic so much. Misty started to pack again. She called her sisters and left a message saying she wouldn't be there and closed the gym. Misty would set out for Pallet Town tomorrow morning and see Mrs. Ketchum.
It was noon and was getting hot. Ash, Brock, Pikachu, Max, and May had been traveling since early that morning to get to Pedalburg.
"Max" huff, "How much further?" May was exhausted. She had stayed up late talking to Ash that night and woke up early without much sleep.
Max checked the PokeNav. "I think we're only 5 miles from home. Shouldn't be too far now."
The group trudged on. It was only a little farther. They would last.
"So, May, what are you going to do when you get home?" asked Brock as they hiked up the road.
"Go to sleep," answered May as she wiped the sweat from her forehead.
Brock laughed.
"Will Dad and Mom be home May?" asked Max.
"Most likely, why wouldn't they be home?"
"I dunno... just wondering."
"Let's stop for a break," suggested Brock, "I'll cook up some lunch for us."
The group stopped in a field. They laid down their packs, set up for lunch, and rested while waiting for Brock to be done cooking. Max and Pikachu were playing cards, Brock was of course cooking, and May and Ash were sitting and talking.
"Do you really want to be going home?" asked Ash hesitantly.
May looked at Ash, "Not one bit… I wanna stay with you." She leaned over and kissed Ash softly. "I love you, Ash."
"I love you too May."
The two snuggled closer and sat side by side on a rocky ledge. May's hand rested on top of Ash's. As May moved closer to Ash, she had cut her calf on some sharp gravel; the perfect moment was gone.
May cried out in pain, "Crap! Ow, ow, ow!" She held her calf, putting pressure on the small wound, "Ash, can you get me a Band-Aid? There are a few in my pack."
Ash stood up quickly, rushing to her pack, "Yeah sure!"
As May was trying to stop the bleeding, Ash ran over to her pack and searched through it for the Band-Aids. He wished he hadn't. The same picture May had been looking at the night before fluttered out of her pack and landed on the grassy floor. Curiously, Ash picked it up. Pain and heartache flooded through him as he recognized the precious photo. He saw himself and Misty sitting under a twilight sky. His arm wrapped around her waist, her head on his shoulder. He remembered that moment perfectly. Brock had been spying on them and took the picture. But how did May get this?
This is what May was looking at? Why? Why would she take this from Misty…?
Ash thought about last night. His gut was telling him something, but he had ignored it like a fool. He had made a huge mistake. May was probably just trying to get with him to get back at her. And she was gone. What had he done…?
"Ash!?" May called, "Are you getting the Band-Aids? I'm really bleeding here!"
"Yeah..." His voice showed no emotion. He swore that he wouldn't talk to her for the remainder of the trip. He would take the picture back and give it to its rightful owner... That is if he ever found her.
Ash stood up and walked over to May and gave her the Band-Aid. May tried thanking him, but Ash had turned around too quickly and walked towards Brock as he cooked lunch.
Brock looked up, "What's the matter?"
Brock didn't have to know. "Nothing... I'll help you with the lunch."
Lunch was ready in no time. Subs were made again. The group sat down, made their sandwiches, and ate. It was around 2 o' clock. After they had finished eating, cleaned up, and set their packs, Ash, Pikachu, Brock, May, and Max were on the road again.
"Only three more miles and we're home!" called Max excitedly.
After about an hour of walking, the group could see Pedalburg. They made their way into the main district and came to the Pedalburg Gym.
"Yay! We're home!" shouted Max. He bolted inside. May, on the other hand, stayed.
"Come on May, let's go inside!" Max wondered why she was standing outside.
They all went inside and greeted Norman and Molly (couldn't remember but I know it starts with an M!). The group sat down and talked with the two parents about their trips and tournament.
"Well, we're just glad that May and Max are back in one piece. We're so proud!"
"That we are! You did a good job Ash," congratulated May's father.
"Thanks..." Ash tried to smile respectfully, but he was still upset about the photo.
It was getting late and Brock and Ash still had to get back to their own homes.
"Well thank you for bringing our children back! Bye now!" called May's mother.
"Wait! Ash!"
"Yeah..." It was May.
"Can I call you?" asked May.
Ash sighed, "What's the point, May?"
May was confused, "What? Ash, what are you talking about?"
"I found this in your pack." He pulled out the picture.
Oh no… "Listen, Ash, I-" May began.
"Don't waste my time," interrupted Ash, "I thought you loved me, May."
"But I do!" pleaded May.
"If you had the nerve to steal this from M-M-her… then you don't... or at least I don't love you." With that Ash turned around and walked away without even saying good-bye.
Misty woke up that morning, took a shower, brushed her teeth, and got dressed. She was set. This trip would take half a day at the most now that she had her bike back. The one that was responsible for Misty meeting Ash... She would travel to Pallet Town, talk to Mrs. Ketchum, return the necklace, see Tracey and Professor Oak, and leave. It would be better when her sisters would return. She wouldn't be alone anymore.
"Come on Togetic!" called Misty.
"Tic!" Her small Pokemon scuttled towards her happily.
Misty mounted her bike with Togetic flying by her side. It was early morning. They would be there by maybe 3 o'clock. She set off leaving Cerulean City behind again. Misty and Togetic traveled for hours until finally the two were overlooking Pallet Town. Small houses were clustered everywhere, the sandy beaches were golden in the afternoon light, the ocean sparkled. It was just how she remembered. She started down towards the small town until she heard an all too familiar voice.
"Misty?!"
Oh God…Misty turned around and saw a boy with brown hair. It was spiked just the tiniest bit. He was her height and had dark, chocolate eyes.
"Gary!?" said Misty in disbelief, "Wow, you look so mature!"
"So do you!" laughed Gary, "So what brings you here? Ash isn't home is he?"
"Oh..." stammered Misty, "N-no… I came to see is mom." It was hard for her to speak.
"Ah..."
There was a pause in there conversation.
"So how are things going?" Gary tried breaking the awkward moment as best he could.
"It's good. My sisters are still gone." Misty smiled.
"Oh, I see."
"What about you?"
"Oh I came back with all new Pokemon and information. I wanted to stay and help Gramps and learn more."
"That sounds cool."
"Yeah I guess." Gary laughed as he scratched his head.
Misty looked around, then at her watch. "Okay well I gotta go. I can't be too late."
"See ya later!"
Misty and Gary parted. She made her way to Ash's house. A small white house with a cute garden came into view. A Mr. Mime was seen watering the various flowers and the name Ketchum was on the mailbox. Nothing had changed.
Misty walked up to the front door and took a deep breath, "Don't be afraid." She knocked on the door.
"Coooooming!" Mrs. Ketchum's sing-song voice could be heard within. The door opened and Mrs. Ketchum's face greeted Misty's.
"Why, if it isn't Ash's friend Misty! Come in come in!" Mrs. Ketchum greeted her and motioned her inside.
"Thank you."
They went inside and sat down on the couch. Mrs. Ketchum smoothed out her dress. "So what brings you here? Ash isn't home if you were wondering."
"Oh, no I know Ash isn't here. Actually Ash is the reason I'm here."
"I think I understand but please tell me. What you say here stays here."
"Thank you Mrs. Ketchum," said Misty with a sigh of relief, "You don't know how much that means to me."
Misty told Mrs. Ketchum about everything. How she went to the tournament and met up with Ash, how she stayed with them, the battle, and then how she left. She pulled the necklace out.
"Th-This is what A-Ash gave me..."
"Oh my!"
"I-I can't accept it..." Misty shoved the necklace towards Mrs. Ketchum.
"Oh no dear, please, keep it. He must have saved up for years to get you that."
"Th-That's why... please I can't keep it."
"Oh Misty, please you don't know how much that would hurt him."
"But it's hurting me..." Misty said softly.
"Oh come here."
Misty went over to Mrs. Ketchum and let her hold her while she cried. She really was a perfect mom. Ash was lucky to have her.
"Tell you what, how about you stay for some dinner and stay for the night. Tomorrow you can leave or do whatever you want."
"Thanks but I'm not really hungry. I think I need to just take a walk."
"You do whatever you wish." Mrs. Ketchum let Misty out of her embrace.
"Mrs. Ketchum?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
Misty left the house and started to walk down to the nearby beach. She had left Togetic back at the house with Mrs. Ketchum. Misty needed to be alone to think. Mrs. Ketchum had said that Ash was just a little stubborn about admitting when he was wrong and that he was very shy about his personal feelings.
Mrs. Ketchum had said that all he needed was time.
Time... he had been given four years. Wasn't that enough? But then wasn't it the same for Misty? She was just the same. She did eventually admit it when he had given her the necklace, but still. She needed to hear him say it... if he still did love her. Misty sat down on the sand and looked out onto the ocean. The moonlight was reflecting off of the clear water. The stars were twinkling. The warm, salty breeze of a seascape was blowing. And a girl was thinking.
Brock and Ash had split up when they arrived back on the mainland. They would probably call each other later that night just to talk or something. They were like brothers after all. Ash couldn't wait to get home. To get away.
He took out the small picture that May had taken. The twilight sky in the picture was the exact same in reality. Thoughts of Misty crept into his mind.
I wish I could give this back to her... to apologize... to just see her one more time.
Ash and Pikachu kept walking; soon, they came upon Pallet Town.
"I'm home..."
"Piiii..."
Ash and Pikachu made there way into their hometown. After a few minutes of walking they came to their home. Ash ran up to the door with Pikachu at his feet and opened the door. It was always unlocked.
"Mom!" called Ash, "I'm home!"
"Pi, Pikachu!"
"Ohhh Ash!" Mrs. Ketchum came into the room, "How are you?"
"I'm fine Mom. How about you?" Ash asked as he put his stuff down on the floor.
"Couldn't be better sweety!"
"That's good. So is Gary home?"
"Yes he is! Tracey, Professor Oak, and Gary are all down at the lab."
"Cool. I might go see them tomorrow." Ash started his way upstairs.
"Oh and Ash?"
"Yeah?"
"Misty is here."
Well this was probably a really bad chapter and really dragged out since my sound wasn't working when I wrote this. I was missing a big ingredient to my writing process, so I apologize if it was bad Smile. Please tell me what you think! Until next time!
Night Mare579