Brock studied the scoreboard carefully "Misty has two pokemon left and everyone else has one. But it's not looking good for her team, now that the other two have Dragonite and Slowking against her" commented Brock, growing concerned.
Feeling nervous, Ash was starting to crack his knuckles impatiently, trying to think of a way to pull her out of this mess. "I can't let her lose" He looked at Misty's small distant figure with the spotlights on her and the other three trainers, being watched by everyone. "I can help her" and on an impulse, he jumped out of his seat and started running down the aisles "Hey! where are you going?" Brock called after him. But Ash didn't stop to answer and kept rushing to the front of the crowd so he could reach the sidelines and cheer for her "I don't care if she gets mad at me, I want her to know I'm always going to support her" Beads of sweat poured from him and he gasped for air as he frantically pushed his way down to the battle as near as possible. Pikachu followed closely behind.
Misty leaned back against the wall for support, feeling weak "What am I going to do now?" But time was running out and she needed to think fast.
"MISTY!"
Once again it shot through her, that familiar voice, piercing deeply into her heart and sending a shiver down her spine "don't tell me its him..."
She reluctantly craned her neck to look at the crowd and surely enough, there was Ash standing at the side of the gym flashing a winning smile at her. "You can do it, Misty!" But she wasn't too pleased. "Why are you here?!?" She yelled furiously. He formed his two hands into a cylinder around his mouth to amplify his voice over the roars of the crowd surrounding him. "You shouldn't be thinking of that right now! You need to stay focused and keep it up. BECAUSE I KNOW YOU CAN WIN THIS, I BELIEVE IN YOU!" he finished.
Misty's face softened and she suddenly felt a warm glow inside, but she didn't want Ash to know he made her feel better and sharply turned to her rivals.
"I'm not giving up!" She shouted, giving Rebecca and Karen a determined look to let them know she'll fight until the end.
Rebecca turned up her nose and laughed at her "You just don't know when to quit, do you? Dragonite, use hyperbeam on Starmie!"
Dragonite arched its back and a searing blast of light shot from its head, darting into Starmie and causing it to topple over. "Starmie, no!" Cried Misty rushing to her beloved friend and clutching it. She felt a lump forming in her throat knowing now that she had only one pokemon left to choose and Josh's last pokemon wasn't in a good shape after getting caught in the blast of the selfdestruct attack. Not only that, Ash would see her fail without him.
Josh was kneeling on the floor almost praying for mercy as he looked at his weakened Quilava and started getting anxious, knowing that Misty only had one pokemon left and they were bound to lose. He got to his feet and called his Quilava back "Ok, that's it!" He bellowed in disgust, turning to Misty "I refuse to keep fighting with you on my team because you're too distracted by your friend over there and now I'm going to lose because of you! My aunt said you were a tough gym leader but it looks like she was wrong" Ash fumed at Josh's attempt to make her look like a weakling while Josh was clearly the one being a coward and attempting to back out instead of accepting the fate of a graceful loser.
Misty didn't know whether to feel humiliated or enraged "What?!? How dare you try placing all the blame on me just because things aren't going the way you want and for your information I am a tough gym leader! If you want to be a sore loser then be my guest" she finished with a growl.
Rebecca and Karen watched them in amusement, enjoying every second of their argument.
"FINE! I don't need this" yelled Josh gathering his pokeballs and storming out of the gym. A chorus of astounded gasps rose from the audience and everyone felt pity for Misty as her mouth fell open in amazement at his immature decision
Misty wasn't expecting him to do that "What a sore loser, At least Ash could take his losses like a man, most of the time. I feel so stupid for bringing Josh here now"
She shook her head defiantly. "I'll fight both of you alone!" she declared
"Its your funeral." Smirked Karen. "Choose your last pokemon"
The referee blew a whistle and approached Misty. "I'm sorry, but its against the rules for one trainer to battle two. I'm afraid you'll have to forfeit" He told her sternly.
"after trying so hard" Tears welled in Misty's eyes "but-"
"WAIT!" interrupted a desperate cry from the audience. Everyone turned their heads to the corner of the gym, to see where the voice was breaking from. They watched as a boy ran out onto the battle floor towards the referee with a Pikachu on his shoulder
"I'll be her partner for it" he turned to Misty and took her hand while staring directly into her eyes to show how sincere he was, silently pleading that she wouldn't reject his offer this time
The referee turned to Misty "Is that ok with you, miss?" he asked
She took a pause and glanced around the room at the confused audience, the impatient referee, The two girls who were still bent over with laughter because of her misfortune and then she looked to Ash, still beaming at her, eyes wide with hope, clutching her hand and gently rubbing his fingers against her palm.
"I'm running out of options..."
"Yes. Its ok with me" she nodded.
Brock moved a few rows closer to the crowd to observe "well its about time"
The audience let out a small cheer, a few scattered people even stood out of their seats to applaud Misty's decision. They wanted the victory of this battle to be won fair and square, not through someone's forfeit.
"Ok. you can choose one pokemon, sir" said the referee
Ash didn't even need to think twice and faced his trustworthy Pikachu "you ready?"
"Pikaa!" it squealed, jumping down from his shoulder
Now Ash, Rebecca and Karen all had their last pokemon out. All eyes were on Misty, who was still deciding on hers.
"Oh take your time." said Rebecca. "sooner or later we're going to win this anyway." Karen put a hand on her hip "Yeah, its not as if you'll have much help with that... rodent" she cackled, while turning her nose up at Pikachu in disgust
Misty ignored their snide remarks but Ash wasn't going to put up with it "You take that back!" He yelled.
"Make us!" snarled Rebecca.
Misty ran forward and interrupted them "Hey guess what? I can save the best for last too!" she gloated and kissed her pokeball before launching it. "Go Gyarados!"
Karen and Rebecca were suddenly feeling intimidated at the sight of Mistys tough dragon pokemon. Her Gyarados was just as experienced as their Dragonite and Slowking.
Seeing that his rivals were distracted by Mistys Gyarados, Ash decided to get the battle started by taking the first shot.
"Ok pikachu, use a thunderbolt on Slowking now!"
Karen watched the Pikachu dashing towards her Slowking and let out a sigh "I figured you'd go for the type advantage, so predictable" then gave him a smirk "But I was prepared for this! Slowking, use reflect!" she commanded
A transparent shield of light surrounded Slowking as a burst of electricity flew from Pikachus body as he crouched with his eyes shut tightly, squeezing out as much energy as he could at Slowking, but his electric attack gave minimal damage.
"Pikachu, its no good! Stop the attack before you wear yourself out!" warned Ash
Pikachu obeyed and opened his eyes, halting the attack
"Ok slowking! ice beam attack!" shrieked Karen. Pikachu leapt back and tried to dodge it but the beam was too fast for him and he endured a powerful blow.
Ash's heart sank as Pikachu fell to the ground with a whimper. "Are you ok?"
Pikachu staggered to his feet and brushed the icicles off his yellow fur, static buzzing from his red cheeks, Then gave a weak "chuu..." before running back to Ash's arms to rest.
"You did great, Pikachu." Misty reassured him. "Let me handle Drangonite while you try to conserve some energy ok?" She turned away from Ash and Pikachu to face Rebecca
Misty brushed a curtain of vermilion locks out of her face, she was starting to feel beads of perspiration clinging to her forehead as she swept her hair back. "Gyarados! Use surf attack on Dragonite!"
Ash gazed at her every move from behind in admiration "She did such a great job at getting this far and all because she takes good care of her pokemon. I'll help her get finish this off"
Rebecca kept an eye on the gushing wave approaching her Dragonite and leaned forward, prepared to give the command. She had a trick up her sleeve. "You ready Dragonite?"
Dragonite watched the wave get closer with confidence, knowing that his trainer was going to get him out of this mess "Use fly, Dragonite!" ordered Rebecca, just as the wave was about to hit her pokemon, leaving Misty to burn with agitation as Dragonite soared to the ceiling, dodging the powerful attack.
Rebecca stuck out her tongue at Ash and Misty with contempt while her Dragonite shadowed over their pokemon
Misty tried not to show any fear but it was written all over her face. Slowking and Dragonite were still in good condition while Ash's Pikachu was sitting on the floor next to him, trying to rest and now Dragonite was about to finish off her Gyarados in one swift move.
Rebecca titled her head back to look up at Dragonite hovering close to the ceiling and everyone in the gym gazed up in awe, awaiting her retaliation.
Rebecca stretched her hand out and pointed to Gyarados "Dragonite! Use your Dragonbreath!"
Misty collapsed to her knees, knowing her fate was sealed. "That's it, I'm done for"
She felt sick with regret, watching helplessly as Dragonite spiralled downwards, breathing a wave of dragon breath onto her Gyarados for what felt like an eternity. Gyarados let out a roar of pain as the searing breath penetrated his scaly body.
"Those stupid girls were right. I should of quit a long time ago" she remained glued to the floor with her eyes down, unable to look at her dear friend going through all this, hanging her head in shame.
Ash ran to her side, kneeling down to be eye level with her. "Misty, look at me"
She ignored him.
He gently held her chin and raised it so she would meet his eyes. "I have a plan" he smiled.
She brushed a tear away and furrowed her eyebrows at him "It doesn't matter, its too late to do anything now" she choked, trying to hold back a sob.
"You can trust me! Just listen to what I have to say. What do you have to lose?"
Misty turned away from him and stared at her Gyarados, "No, I can't trust you anymore" she mumbled. But Seeing her Gyarados struggling to stay alert after the devastating attack inflicted on him was making her desperate. "I guess I don't have a choice..." she sighed reluctantly "Ok, What's the plan?"
He climbed to his feet, helping her stand up with him. "Just follow my lead. When I give you the signal, order Gyarados to shoot a hydro pump at both pokemon" Misty didn't know what he had in mind but she shrugged her shoulders and trailed behind him anyway. They approached Pikachu and Gyarados, who were both standing together, doing everything they possibly could to keep themselves from fainting
"Ok, Misty. Go!"
Ash's order almost made her jump out of her skin "Oh! Umm.. Gyarados use hydro pump on both pokemon!" she suddenly felt like an idiot after doing so, she never let Ash tell her what to do before and she wasn't in a hurry to start now.
And with the last of its strength, Gyarados slugged its way forward and opened its mouth, ready to gush a flood of water at them.
Ash looked to Pikachu and gave him a confident smile "Ok, now's your chance Pikachu! Jump onto Gyarados' back and send a thunder attack along the hydro pump!"
At that moment Misty realised what his plan was. "Water conducts electricity, Why didn't I think of that sooner?!?" she grumbled, feeling slightly jealous of his idea.
Pikachu jumped onto Gyarados' tail and ran up along its back, reaching the top of its forehead.
Rebecca and Karen exchanged nervous glances "uh oh."
Ash and Misty glowed with excitement, they knew this battle was theirs. Then took a step closer to their pokemon shouting "GO!" in unison.
Gyarados drenched Slowking and Dragonite thoroughly with his hydro pump as Pikachu leapt into the air, giving one last Bolt of thunder and sending it along the spiralling blasts of water, crashing into Dragonite and Slowking continuously. Misty crossed her fingers and leaned forward with anticipation. "Just a bit more..."
Dragonite and Slowking were still on their feet, desperately trying to withstand the repetitive combination of water and electricity engulfing them. Even people in the audience were shielding their eyes from the blinding attack. The whole gym was starting to buzz with static.
"Chuuu..." Pikachu's thunder was starting to weaken as he stumbled backwards, feeling light-headed. Ash made a dive and skidded along the gym floor, catching Pikachu as it fell. Realising he had no one to back him up, Gyarados let out a croak before giving its last spurt of water for the battle.
The raging attack on them came to an abrupt stop, the enthralled audience opened their eyes in horror to witness the last moments of the battle. Dragonite and Slowking stood still for a moment, then wavered slightly before dropping to the gym floor with a thud.
A silence fell over the gym and everyone stared at Rebecca and Karen's pokemon both lying face down in the centre of the room.
after a pause and build-up of suspense, the announcement Misty and Ash had been waiting to hear broke from the speakers.
"Rebecca and Karen's pokemon are both unable to battle. This years winners are Ash and Misty!" The audience erupted with cheers as Rebecca and Karen collected their pokemon with a "hmph" before storming out of the gym. Brock beamed with pride as he watched Misty return her Gyarados and timidly saunter behind Ash towards the referee to accept their trophy. It was a golden cup with a pair of trainers standing side by side holding two pokeballs engraved on it. Ash punched the air in triumph before passing the trophy to Misty. "I didn't do this for the reward. I only jumped in at the last minute to give you a hand. You truly earned this by working so hard, I'm proud of you Misty" She looked up from the trophy at him, her expression an overwhelming mix of confusion and despair. Now that the battle was over and her mind was clear, she could suddenly remember why she was so upset with him again, the battle made her forget about Melody for a brief moment and now the scarring sight she witnessed as she passed the ballroom flashed into her head again, taunting her "Why do you act like you care about me now when I'm clearly not important enough for you to keep your promises? Did Melody abandon you?" she wanted to blurt those words out so badly but they never came, so her tears fell instead. "I'm sorry!" she cried, shoving the trophy to Ash. "I have to go..." and she ran out the fire exit weeping, leaving the audience baffled and Ash standing between his Pikachu and the referee dumbfounded, wondering what he did wrong. The victory suddenly didn't feel so great for him anymore. It meant nothing to him if he couldn't share it with her. The whole reason he even took the risk of jumping into the battle was to make her happy and fix everything between them but it wasn't good enough. "What do I have to do for her to make things right again?" Everyone in the audience rose from their seats and hurriedly shoved their way out of the gym. They didn't see the point in hanging around anymore. Ash felt his face flush with embarrassment as he heard people talk about them on the way out.
"That was a good final battle, even if it did get confusing"
"I know what you mean, first that Josh trainer ran away and then this other guy with a Pikachu comes out!"
"So does anyone know what happened to that girl? Why was she so upset after winning?"
"Beats me. I suppose we'll never find out what really happened behind it all"
"Shh, we're passing him. Don't ask any questions about her, it would be rude"
Ash studied the waxed hardwood floor of the gym nervously, trying to block out every word he was forced to listen to as the crowd passed him
"Hey you put up a really good fight you know" said a voice Ash could finally recognise. He peered up at Brock standing right in front of him.
Ash didn't reply.
"Look I'll hold your trophy and keep an eye on Pikachu" he offered "Go find Misty. You two still didn't get a chance to talk things over yet."
Ash scratched the side of his neck "There's just no point, Brock. She made that clear when she wouldn't take the trophy and ran away from me. I don't even know what I did to upset her"
Brock slouched against a wall "you still don't see it do you?"
Ash was getting really tired of this "ok what are you talking about? Is there something I should know? Tell me!"
Brock knelt down to carry Ash's Pikachu "It's not my place to tell you. The only way you'll find out is if you catch up with Misty and hear it from her and no one else and if she can't bring herself to tell you, then it's just something you have to figure out by yourself"
Ash held his head in his hands with frustration "But I don't even know where she is right now! and how do I even get an answer from her when she won't talk?!?"
Brock walked towards the fire exit. "If I know Misty, she'll tell you eventually. But you have to be persistent. The reason you don't get a word out of her is because you don't try hard enough. You need to be more considerate."
Ash rolled his eyes "I've been doing that all day and it hasn't gotten me anywhere!"
Brock raised a finger "Ah! But didn't she allow you to battle with her? see, we're making some progress."
Ash gave him a shrug "I guess, but she didn't have much of a choice"
"Exactly. You came to her rescue when she needed you the most. She'll realise how much of an effort you're making and she'll appreciate it. Just have patience." advised Brock
But asking Ash to have patience was like asking Brock to go into just one pokemon centre without hitting on a nurse joy.
"Ok you win again Brock" he sighed. "Hold this trophy and take a cab to the hotel. I'll follow you there after I find her"
Brock gloated as Ash caved in to take his advice. "Its in good hands! and don't worry I'll keep Pikachu safe too" he promised as he cradled Pikachu, napping peacefully in his arms after a tiresome battle.
Ash opened the fire exit with a kick and looked over his shoulder at Brock "ok thanks... don't wait up"