Chapter 6 Misty's redemption

It was one in the morning and everyone was asleep. Everyone except Misty. She laid there in bed in silence, feeling nothing but guilt and shame for her actions. She should have known better than to try and wreck May's hair so she could have Ash all to herself. She shouldn't have been so jealous. She sighed sadly and sat up. She approached her desk and sat by it and started writing a note. She scribbled on it for a while and folded it up. She then grabbed her bag and headed for May's room where the two slept. She gently opened the door and her heart cramped when she saw May asleep on Ash's lap with his arm around her and a hair brush nearby. She fought back the tears and placed the note on the desk. She then closed the door, grabbed her bike and left the Pokémon center. She paddled her bike and wandered the wilderness alone; wiping the tears away from her eyes. By the time she reached home it was dawn. She entered the dark gym and went straight to sleep, not wanting to go out ever again…

The next morning Ash opened his eyes to find May asleep on his lap. He blushed slightly and stroked her hair gently. She opened her eyes and lifted her head up.

"What?" she said softly and looked at him. She sat up.

"Morning", she said.

"Morning. How'd you sleep?"

"I slept okay. And you?"

"The same", he said. He then noticed the note on May's desk.

"What is that?" he asked and got up.

"What is what?" asked May and followed him. Ash picked up the letter and they both headed back for the bed and sat down so they could read it together. Ash opened the piece of paper and they read it.

"Dear Ash,

I know no amount off apologies would make up for what I did but I have to try. I know what I did was wrong and I'm sorry from the bottom of my heart. Not just to you but to May as well. I know I shouldn't have done that. All I wanted was you. Ever since we met four years ago I've had feelings towards you and never had the chance to tell you how I felt and I was afraid it wasn't mutual. When you invited me to be your traveling companion again I seized the chance. I realized I had competition and I didn't handle it properly. I was more worried about my own happiness than yours. But now I realize that you already are happy. I hope someday you two can find it within your hearts to forgive me. Just to show there are no hard feelings I wish you two the best of luck.

Love you forever,

Your friend,

Misty Waterflower",

When they were done reading they sat there in silence. After a while Ash just turned around to look at the girl beside him. She had a sad look on her face.

"May?"

The girl sighed.

"I'm still pretty upset with her but I guess I can forgive her. It's the right thing to do…"

"Yeah…"

They sat there in silence for a while until they decided to get ready to leave. Next up was Cerulean city. Misty's hometown. Which means they would have to visit her gym so running into her might be unavoidable. But on the other hand it would be a chance to make peace with her. The young couple walked on the road in a sad silence. That night they made camp and seemed rather depressed about the whole situation. The next morning they were in Cerulean city and made their way towards the gym. They went in through the doors and looked around. The place was empty.

"Hello?" called out Ash.

"Hello?!" he called out a little more loudly this time.

"Like sorry dude, but we're like closed…" came up a blue haired girl and stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Ash.

"I know you. You're one of Misty's friends aren't you?"

Ash seemed nervous. He decided not to lie.

"Umm… yes…"

The girl seemed relieved.

"I'm so glad you're here. We need your help. Misty came home from her journey the other day and refused to come out of her room or talk to anyone. We're very concerned. You think you might be able to help?"

Ash and May exchanged worried looks. Being so depressed was out of character for Misty. If her condition was this bad then she must be really hurt.

"Of course", said Ash and the girl sighed with relief.

"Good. Follow me", she said and they walked across the gym until they reached Misty's door.

"I'll leave it to you. If you need anything I'll be upfront", said Daisy and walked away. Ash cleared his throat and knocked gently on her door.

"Go away…" came a faint voice.

"Misty, it's me", Ash said softly.

"Leave me alone Ash. I don't deserve to be near you…"

"Come on Misty, don't talk like that",

"Well I don't, and I'm not in a mood for another fight",

"I'm not here to fight. Can I come in?"

She didn't answer. Ash gently gripped the door knob and turned it. Misty was lying on her bed face down and was looking very depressed.

"Misty?" he said gently. Misty sniffed and turned her back to them. Ash placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Come on Misty let's talk this out", he said kindly. Misty sniffed and turned around to face him. Her face was red and her eyes were bloodshot due to excessive crying.

"Misty what's wrong?"

"I'm depressed about what I did to you and May the other night. I know I shouldn't have done that. I was just jealous. All I wanted was for you to be happy and have the best. But I can see that you already have that…" she said. May smiled sweetly at her, touched by her kind words and felt sorry for her because of her immense guilt and regret she feels because of her actions. Misty sat up.

"I just wish you two could forgive me. I don't want to be enemies for the rest of our lives. I just want us to be friends again…"

"We are friends", said Ash and Misty looked at him weirdly, having trouble believing what she heard.

"Always were", he added and smiled kindly at her.

"Right May?" he turned to ask her.

"Always have been", she smiled at her. Misty's eyes sparkled with tears. She rubbed her eyes.

"Thanks guys. I am eternally grateful to you for your kindness",

The two smiled.

"You're welcome", the said warmly as Misty embraced them all into a group hug and wept as the two tried to sooth her and calm her down. Shen she did and they separated and Misty reached for her nightstand and pulled out a small piece of plastic. She handed it to Ash. It was the Cerulean City gym badge.

"I want you to have this", she said. Ash looked at her in surprise.

"But I didn't win",

"You did win. Not a Pokémon battle but something more… you won my heart and my appreciation and I won back your friendship and forgiveness. That's all I want",

Ash's eyes sparkled with emotion. Touched by what she said. He closed his hand over the badge.

"Thank you Misty…" he said happily and brought her into a hug. Once separated they all said their goodbyes and left Cerulean city on towards their next gym battle…

To be continued…

It was important to me to show Misty's regret and that her friends would forgive her. I wouldn't want them to be enemies for the rest of their lives so I felt this chapter was important. Anyway I hope you like it.

Reviews are most welcome…