(Ash's POV)
What happened to me? My back stings… my head hurts… my mind is also fuzzy… why? Where am I? Why do I feel… odd? Something is moving… on me? Inside me? Where? I tried to open my eyes, but they felt so heavy. I tried to move my hand around but my body refused to cooperate and it stayed still. All of a sudden, I felt an agonizing pain. But where did it come from? Something else is moving… much faster than the other. More pain. I tried to scream, but my body still sat still.
"Wow, he's been asleep for a week and after all I have done to him, he hasn't woken up!" A voice said. It sounded a lot like Ghetsis. I heard a chuckle, but not his.
"Well, of course! My recipe is the best for that kind of thing. Have you been giving him two doses every hour?"
"Yes, I have. And it is working great. Gah…" Something wet entered me… wait a minute… he couldn't have… No… NO!
"N...No…" I muttered.
"Give him another dose. It should keep him down for another day or two." I then felt a prick in my arm. Now I understand. They drugged me.
"No…" I whispered once more, before the drugs took effect once more.
(Gary's POV)
The Unovans left Viridian. Finally! Now I can look for Ash! I grabbed all of my pokemon, and followed everyone out of the bunker. Everyone cheered in happiness. We are alive, safe and free. But I wasn't as ecstatic as they were. Ash has still been on my mind. Many questions cross my mind:
'Is he alive?'
'Is he safe?'
'Is he hurt?'
Many questions swarmed my mind, occupying it to the point that my head ached. I watched everyone, but Grandad leave to the Hotel to celebrate. How could the celebrate when our home was destroyed, people have been killed, and Ash has been taken away?
"Gary," I turned to look at Grandad, who smiled comfortingly, "Come on, lets go celebrate. It'll take your mind off of… things." Grandad said, as he placed a hand on my shoulder. My shoulders sulked.
"How can I? Ash… I need him here."
"Think about it this way, Gary." Grandad muttered, "Would Ash want you to sulk around? Or would he want you to be happy?" I sighed. Grandad has a point. Ash has a thing about making people smile.
*FLASHBACK*
Ash would always smile. No matter what the situation was. Ash and I- still hiding our relationship at the time- were walking through town. We just finished our lunch from the local restaurant in the town square, holding our leftovers which resided in foam packaging. When we passed the local candy store, we saw a little boy. Around five or six in age. Had short, unruly blonde hair and bright blue eyes. His skin was pale, his face held a disappointed expression as he stared at the Charmander plush toy. I noticed that Ash stopped, I looked back at him. He stared at the boy, his face showed the expression that he was thinking. He smiled, chuckled lightly, then walked up to the boy. I followed, and I heard him ask, "Hello, what is your name?" He squatted to let the boy talk to him face to face. The boy shrugged, "My name is John. But everyone calls me Johnny."
"Hello, Johnny. I'm Ash, and this," Ash pointed at me, "Is a great friend of mine named Gary. Are you feeling okay? I couldn't help but notice that you seemed sad."
Johnny nodded, "I want that Charmander. But Mommy and Daddy can't get it for me because they said that they don't have the money."
Ash smiled, "Hang here buddy." He stood up and walked into the store. I saw him talk with the clerk. From what Ash has told me, this clerk knew Ash since he was very young. Ash used to come here quite often to get candy and other such treasures. I saw them laugh, as the clerk gave Ash two bags of assorted candy and the Charmander plush toy. Ash gave the clerk some money, said his farewell, and walked out.
He walked up to Johnny, squatting once more. He gave a bag of candy and the Charmander toy to him. Johnny stared at him, disbelieving that a stranger that he had just met had just given him the best gift ever.
"Here, Johnny." Ash said, as Johnny took the offerings, and seeing his eyes sparkle with tears of joy. He jumped into Ash's arms, "Thankyou! Thankyou so much!" he cried, as he wrapped his small arms around Ash's neck. Ash hugged him back, "You're welcome, buddy. Now run along, before your parents get worried about you." Ash said, Johnny giggled and he ran off. I walked up to Ash, "What is up with you and giving things to people?"
"It isn't about the giving," Ash said, as he grabbed my hand, "It is about seeing the person smile afterward that is rewarding."
*FLASHBACK END*
I smiled at the memory. Grandad is right, Ash wouldn't want me to be sulking and throwing my life away. He would want me to be happy, and to be strong. I looked back at Grandad, and smiled, "Okay, lets go."
We arrived at the hotel, which was already booming with music, laughter, cheering… just pure chaos. Grandad opened the door, and let me in first. I saw people dancing, children running around with other children, yelling and screaming in delight. I sighed, allowing Ash to enter my mind once again. How much I want Ash to see this.
"Go have fun, Gary. I'll be upstairs." He said, as he walked up the stairs, leaving me in the first floor, with all the chaotic choices to choose from. I looked around, for someone familiar. But when I looked on the couch, surrounded with young females, sat an old friend of mine: Kevin. He is also a 'researcher-in-training' - what Ash likes to call it- and I met him in PokeTech. In fact, we were living in the same dorm room. We became friends quite quickly, due to that we also had similarity in majors.
I walked over, I saw him look up at me, his smile growing bigger, "Hey! Old sport, come hang out with us!" There he goes again. I chuckled at his nickname for me. At least it wasn't 'Gar-Bear'- which is only reserved for one person. I walked over, some of the girls scooted over, some of them swooning in my presence. I remember a time when I actually enjoyed the attention I got from females. But, Ash happened, and I couldn't have been any happier. I felt a girl rub her hand along my bicep, "You must be Gary Oak. Kevin was just talking about you." She muttered. I raised my eyebrows, "Really, now?" I asked, as I turned and stared at Kevin teasingly, "Missed me that much? I am so honored." I joked, as we laughed. I closed my eyes, and I saw Ash. I saw his smile that brightens the entire room, even my entire world. I saw his bright brown eyes, and how they sparkle and emphasize every single expression he gave. God… I cannot do this. Kevin stared at me, "Hey, Old sport… you okay?"
"I… Can we talk… alone?" Kevin nodded, he got up, telling the girls to stay put if they wished to, and we went outside. He stood in front of me, "Alright, Old sport. What's gotten into you?"
"Okay… well… just don't tell anyone what I am going to tell you. I mean nobody can know this." Kevin nodded, and I continued, "Did you know that… Ash was taken by them?"
"He was? But how?"
"I made a terrible mistake. I should have let him into the bunker first. He was already shaken up from the death of his mother, now this…" I breathed hard, trying to contain my sadness. I breathed for a few seconds, calming down, before continueing, "The day before, we told his mother and my Grandad about… about us."
"I'm sorry, Old sport, I don't follow." Kevin stared at me with a confused expression. I sighed, "You know… us… as in… an item?" Kevin stared at me for a few more seconds before I saw the confused look changed to shock, "You mean to tell me that… you're… you...and Ash…" I nodded. He stumbled on his words, as if he were trying to comprehend my 'coming out.' So I spoke for him, "Ash and I have been together for about two years now. And we have successfully hidden it until the day of Ash's mother's death,"
*FLASHBACK*
I just finished my work in Sinnoh. I was a 'licensed researcher' and can now do work that Grandad could do now. I got on a ship that had several stops. First it stopped by Unova, then to Kalos, then head to Kanto. When the ship arrived to the docks in Kalos, I found someone very familiar. It was a boy, around sixteen. He had black, unruly hair, wearing a red hat, a blue shirt with a white stripe down the middle, and slightly tight blue jeans. If I looked closer, I could see the 'z' marks that laid on each of his cheeks. Then I looked at his eyes, bright golden brown eyes. I only know of one person with those eyes.
Ash Ketchum.
He hugged three people that were next to him: A boy a little older than him, a little girl and an older girl. I guess he is saying goodbye to his newfound companions. If I knew him as much as I do, he will be pretty down. Maybe I could cheer him up. I saw him walk along the dock, reaching the stairs that lead to the main deck of the S.S. Anne. He looked back at his friends, them still waving. The older girl, who I guess has a love interest in him- like every other girl that Ash traveled with- was now crying, but I could tell she is trying to smile. Ash waved back, before finally climbing the stairs and reaching the main deck. The horn blew, and the ship took off a few minutes later.
Now that the ship left, and that Ash is probably alone, I went to go find him. I eventually found him, at the front of the main deck, looking out into the ocean's horizon. The wind blew in his face, the sun shining on his skin, making him look majestic like an angel. His eyes reflected the sun's rays, as it sparkled with emotion. I walked up to him, quietly, and when I was right behind him, I whispered, "How's it going, Ashy-boy?"
He shot his head around, his eyes showing that of startlement. But his look of shock turned to that of happiness, "Gary? What are you doing here? I thought you would still be in Sinnoh." I shrugged, "I finished my training there. Now I am heading home, and start working for Grandad. What about you?"
"I just finished traveling Kalos, and now I am heading home. Have you seen the Kalos tournament?"
"Unfortunately, no. I wish I would have known you were there. I would have watched. Why?"
"I won." I stared at him, astonished, "You what?"
"I won… It was tough, but my pokemon pulled through right at the very end. I also defeated the champion. Now I am on my way back to Kanto for a Champion's meeting, which is being held at the Indigo Plateau. Basically, we are going to find out which Champion I will replace. More than likely Lance."
"Why?" I asked him. Lance was and still is the Dragon Champion. He is one of the toughest champions out there. Not to offend Ash, but why would Lance have to step down for Ash?
"Lance has been saying that he had been wanting to retire. He said he was getting old. The last time I saw him, I told him that thirty was hardly old! But he didn't believe me. But anything goes as of right now." He said, looking back at the ocean. I heard a loud growl. His Pikachu, which is perched on the railing in front of him, sighed in defeat. I chuckled, "I see that someone's hungry." Ash smiled sheepishly, "Yeah… I haven't eaten anything since this morning. I have been thinking so much that I completely forgot to eat anything after."
"Well, how about I treat you to dinner?"
"Well… I don't want to be a burden-"
"You won't be. Count it as more time to catch up, since the last two times we saw each other something bad was going on-"
"Yeah, I guess you're right." He said, grabbing Pikachu. We headed to the food court, located on the floor below. Luckily, there was a diner there as well, called the Nido Burger. Never heard of such place, but once I entered, it reminded me of the small diner in the town square in Pallet Town. We got our table, ordered our drinks and food, and now here we are, eating. We both got a burger, although we do have different tastes. He likes everything on it… except for tomatoes. No idea why. But his mother doesn't like tomatoes either, maybe it just runs in the family. With me, just the patty and cheese will do. Maybe add lettuce, if I am in the mood.
"So," Ash started, as he nibbled on a french fry, "Have you discovered anything new?" That's odd, Ash isn't known for small talk, so why was he doing so?
"Unfortunately, no. How about you? Any good stories to tell me?" Maybe this would end his small talk. He shrugged, "Saved the world… yet again." Dang, something must be up.
"Is something wrong, Ash?" Ash shook his head quickly, stuffing a few fries into his mouth, as if he is preventing himself to speak.
"Ash?"
"Hm?" He asked, his mouth full of fries. I sighed, "Come on, Ash. You can tell me anything. You know that right?" His shoulders sagged, "I know. You're right." He said, as he then set his back completely on the back of the seat. He looked up at the ceiling light, placed directly above our table, almost as if it had caught his attention. He looked back at me, "I'll tell you a bit later. I… I don't want people listening in… you know?"
I nodded, and we continued eating in silence. Eventually, we finished, and we headed to the floor below, where the dorms are located.
"So, what dorm are you staying in?" I asked him. I saw him grimace, "I… I forgot to ask…" I chuckled lightly at his forgetfulness, "You can stay with me."
"Oh, no… I… I couldn't… I don't want to be a burden."
"You won't be. Come on, we can hang out, just like old times!"
Ash looked away from me for a moment, then looked back at me with a confident smile, "Alright, lets go."
About a minute later, we arrived to my dorm. I opened the door, allowing Ash through first. I closed the door behind me, locking it. Pikachu, ran up to me, pointing at my belt. Obviously, it wanted to be with a pokemon. But not just, any… but with Umbreon. Umbreon and Pikachu have been getting along super well the last few times Ash and I crossed paths. So I let loose my Umbreon, the two exchanged their greetings and then ran off.
I found Ash, sitting on my bed, staring at the wall. I walked over to him, sat down beside him, making the bed squeak. Ash's eyes looked down at the floor, then he started to talk, "So, you are wondering what is up with me lately?" It was more of a statement, but I nodded nonetheless. He looked at me, "Gary… how would you feel if… I am different?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, not like normal people… I am not normal… and I…"
"Ash, what I mean is, how are you different."
"I… I can't…" Ash muttered, his sentence trailing off as he then turned his head away from me. I could see, just barely, that his face was covered in a red glow. Is he trying to tell me, that he has feelings for me? But isn't that gay? I thought he has a crush on Misty.
I brought two fingers to his chin, turning his face towards mine, lifting it so that his eyes will meet mine. His face still as red as a tomato.
"Ash, do you like me… more than a friend?" I asked, as I felt my face slightly heat up. Ash's eyes shut, possibly out of embarrassment. I brought his face towards mine, and when our lips met, I felt a tingle of energy run down my spine. I quickly pulled away, I saw him bring his fingers to his lips. His face turned even redder. He then stared at me once more, our eyes met and what came next was unavoidable.
This time, he initiated the kiss. We tumbled back onto my bed, with Ash on top. Breaking apart to get air, then reconnecting. It almost turned into a pattern: break, connect, break, connect… Our grunts and groans only made my blood run south. God… If we don't stop, I'll know where this will be headed…
Ash broke the kiss once more, "Gary…" He said, as he buried his head into my neck. He muttered something softly, but just loud enough for me to hear, "I love you." My eyes widened in shock… Is this why he acted so strangely? Because he didn't want to admit that he had feelings for me?
I brought my hands up to the back of his head, digging my fingers into his hair. I then brought him down for another kiss. I opened my mouth, letting my tongue lick his lips. I normally don't ask for permission for things, but this is different… boundaries are being crossed, and our hands explored the other's body. He opened his mouth with a muffled groan. I then slicked my tongue into his mouth, exploring the wet cavern as if it had a secret treasure. His tongue slid against mine, although not fighting for dominance.
His lips were so soft, and how they fit with mine so perfectly drove me wild. But as the need for air rose, I broke the kiss, hearing Ash groan. He attempted to reconnect our lips, but I placed a finger on his lips. I panted, staring into his eyes, "I love you too."
