Chapter Four

What Do You Feel?

Misty did not expect to return to the lagoon so soon. It wasn't exactly welcoming the first time she had visited. Not only that, but the appearance of a pirate ship only led to Ash getting himself, Misty and Pikachu entangled in some danger from none other than Team Rocket.

The lagoon had come to view, the water looking much darker than before as twilight was descending upon Neverland. The sky was dyed purple, splattered with orange clouds as the sun slowly sank into the ocean.

"We should get inside, before we run out of daylight," Ash suggested, lowering his body just above the lagoon's black water, staring straight into the low opening into the cavern.

Misty wasn't sure how they were going to see without the guidance of any sunlight, unless some sort of bioluminescent Pokemon lurked there. She followed Ash into the small opening, the high tide, grazing their knees, dampening them.

Once inside, Misty was able to make out some light, as there were torches lit and mounted on the inner walls. Inside the cavern, there was surprisingly more space than Misty would have expected. The cavern appeared to be shielding an old castle in ruins. There was no actual castle inside, but the there were stone remnants that had clearly belonged to some sort of underwater fortress.

At the very center of the cavern, there appeared to be skeletons chained to the stone, their lower halves moving among the current. Misty gasped at the gruesome sight, beginning to think they have entered a trap.

"What is this place?" Misty asked, continuing to fly behind Ash, who was headed to where the skeletons were.

"It's Team Rocket's worst kept secret," Ash answered, landing on the main stone island.

"Why is that?" Misty asked a little amused by the statement. "Does everyone on the island know about the cavern?"

Ash nodded, helping Misty avoid the skeletons whose skulls were knocking onto each other. "Well yeah. But no one ever really goes here, except Team Rocket and me."

"The mermaids?" Misty said, giving a very odd look.

Ash shook his head. "Nope, they have another place in the lagoon where they go."

Taking another glance over to the skeletons, Misty gulped. I can see why…she thought to herself. She then wandered over to the nearest torch, to warm herself a bit. It was too damp and cold in the cavern; Misty felt chills brisk across her skin.

"Where are they?" Misty said, hugging herself for warmth.

"They'll be here," Ash stated surely. He took a seat over the edge of the water, Pikachu seating itself next to him. "They always come here."

"What for?" implored Misty, taking a seat on Ash's other side.

"Usually to hide something," explained Ash, picking up a pebble and tossing it pathetically into the dark water, it dropping with a dull plop. "They've taken Pokemon here plenty of times."

"That's terrible. They're still stealing Pokemon."

"Don't worry," Ash said, leaning back a little, his hands supporting his weight. "Thanks to me, those Pokemon always get away." There came that charm again that self-assurance that Ash was known for.

Misty giggled at Ash's ego. He was always the same but he never reached the obnoxious level like Gary did. For some reason when Ash acted full of himself, it was charming. Misty blushed a little, admiring such a weird characteristic.

"Any second now," Ash whispered, staring out. His foot began to twitch a little, as if he were nervous or anxious. "Any second they'll be here."

Noticing her friend's jittery demeanor, Misty dared to ask him kindly, "You feeling okay?"

The twitching of his feet stopped and Ash turned to face Misty with a sheepish look. "Uh, yeah. I'm just you—know bored waiting."

"I'm not bored," Misty said pleasantly, sitting with total composure.

Ash eyed his friend curiously, almost looking at this as a challenge. He mimicked her crossed legged pose and tried his best not to bounce off the walls.

Misty couldn't help but tease. "You're not scared or anything, right?"

Ash gave Misty an "are-you-kidding-me" face. "Me? Of course not!" He grabbed another pebble, tossing it into the water, and once again it splashed upon the surface and sank. Then his expression changed. Ash's eyes looked sad.

Letting out a sigh, Ash opened up. "I'm just worried about them."

Pikachu hopped onto Ash's lap to comfort him, which Ash responded by rubbing its head gently. Misty felt concerned for his friends too; her friends. Especially when she thought of the anguish Clemont must be going through right now.

"Me too," Misty agreed, taking a pebble and tossing it into black, water, hearing a few skips.

"At least this time, Pikachu and I aren't alone."

Misty smiled at her friend warmly as he flashed her a sincere grin. Despite the circumstances of waiting in a dim, wet cavern, sitting above the skeletons that waded in the water, Misty cherished this quiet, lonesome moment with her best friend.

"I'm glad to be with you guys."

The reflection of the torch danced in the black water, creating a vivid glow. The sky behind the cavern glowed a bright orange briefly as the sun set, and once it sank completely, everything went much darker.

They had been waiting for what felt like an hour at least. Misty caught Ash up on her life at the Gym, dealing with her sisters and most importantly the tough challengers she faced. Ash and Pikachu listened intently, Ash's eyes brightening during certain details of Misty's most memorable Gym battles.

As another hour seemed to dawn on them, Ash and Misty were growing restless and hungry. Pikachu had fallen asleep between Ash and Misty, curled up on the stone ground.

"Do you think maybe they were found by the others by now?" Misty asked.

"I know Team Rocket has something to do with this," Ash answered as resolute as ever. Misty didn't even sense any stubbornness in Ash; he really believed they would be here.

Misty tried her best to remain patient, trusting Ash's judgment. After all he had more run-ins with Team Rocket to count. They continued to wait a little longer, Ash and Misty's stomachs growling for nourishment and their eyes drooping.

But suddenly came a sound of whispers that did not belong to Ash and Misty. Pikachu blearily perked up as its ears twitched to the faint sound.

The whispers were no longer whispers, as it drew closer, sounding much louder. It was so dark in the cavern by now that hardly anything could be seen from beyond the ruins Ash and Misty sat on. There was however a glow coming towards them.

Ash motioned to Misty and Pikachu to follow him to a lower part of the ruins, hiding behind a wall. The glow was coming from a torch that was being held by a Pokemon. Coming closer into view, Misty made out the shadow of a rowboat, carrying Meowth (the Pokemon holding the torch), James who was rowing, and Jessie at the front, and Bonnie, Max and Dedenne all tied up. The last person on the boat was a girl with thick purple hair. Misty assumed this was Iris.

Ash was right. Team Rocket had come at last and as suspected they held Ash and Misty's friends hostage. Misty saw this as an opportunity to ambush them, but only if she had one of her water Pokemon, preferably her Gyarados as it would get the job done much faster.

The rowboat reached the ruins, Jessie making no hesitation to climb off. She stood on the wall that the skeletons were chained against.

"Chain them," Jessie demanded, looking on.

James wheezing, trying to catch his breath as he likely rowed a considerable distance. "In a minute, Captain, my arms are sore."

Jessie returned James's defiance with a haunting glare like that of a Primeape. James flinched, shrugging off his initial complaint and went over to the stoned wall and unchained the skeletons. "Nothing personal, friends," he said as he released the boney remains.

"What? You're going to leave us there?" Max screamed, his glasses reflecting the torchlight.

"What'd you think, brat?" Meowth hissed, setting the torch down gently. Meowth then proceeded to assist James in untying the victims so that the chains could bind their arms. "How are we going to chain up the Dedenne?" Meowth examined the size of the electric fairy and knew it was too small to be properly bound.

"We don't," Jessie said, not helping out at all. "We're going to keep it."

"No, that's my big brother's!" Bonnie shouted defensively. She tried to wriggle out of James' s hold but her small body was no match against the tall man.

James ignored her futile attempts at escaping and was able to chain her arms up effortlessly, as the lower half of her body sank into the cold, dark water.

Max was next and he too tried to kick his way free, but he was just as weak as Bonnie unfortunately. In no time he joined Bonnie against the wall. "It's cold!" he cried out.

Lastly, it was Iris's turn to be chained. This time Jessie came over to her as James and Meowth held onto her. Iris had a fiery look in her eyes not cringing as Jessie held her chin up with her hooked hand.

Misty shook Ash's shoulder quickly, beginning to worry more about their friends' welfare. "Shouldn't we do something now?"

Ash held a finger to his lips, shaking his head. He must've had a plan steeping in his mind. Misty wasn't sure she could witness anything much longer, but she was going to wait.

Jessie beamed a vile smirk at Iris, trying to intimidate the Dragon Princess. Iris wasn't fazed, though.

"I'll make a compromise with you, all of you," Jessie said, looking down at Bonnie and Max briefly. "Tell me where the twerp and his Pikachu are. And, his redheaded girlfriend."

Misty felt her face get hot with both anger and embarrassment. She was too nervous to look at Ash, but he remained quiet listening on.

Iris was the first to speak up. "I'd never betray Ash!"

"Me neither!" Bonnie stated determinedly.

"We'll never help you!" Max shouted in defiance.

"De-den!" Dedenne chirped in agreement.

Jessie let out a huff in disdain. Her brow twitched in irritation. James and Meowth watched a little nervous, for the victims and for themselves. Jessie pursed her lips; trying to regain her composure, before grinning wickedly back the victims. "Then enjoy your stay here," she finished, then cupped her ear.

"Ah!" Jessie exclaimed devilishly. "Looks like you've got company!"

Ash and Misty shot each other a look of surprise thinking that Jessie was referring to them. But Pikachu pointed at something in the water.

There were ripples in the black water and from what Misty could see, spiky fins, slithering above the surface. Watching in fright, she saw the giant head of a Feraligatr peek out of the water.

Iris was finally chained up with the other two. Meowth and James stepped away from the water, standing by Jessie on either side of her. They all looked on in delight.

Ash finally took action, springing in the air with Pikachu on his shoulder. He didn't bother being sneaky as he yelled for Team Rocket's attention. "Oh, Captain Jessie," Ash sang.

Team Rocket's heads shot up where Ash was. Jessie's look of pleasure barely faltered, her smile growing even more, to Ash's surprise.

Taking advantage of Ash's distraction, Misty entered the water as quietly as possible, paddling over to the stoned wall where her friends were chained.

"Shh!" Misty ordered upon seeing that Max and Bonnie were about to shout in delight. Iris looked curiously at Misty before deciding that Misty was not a foe.

After each being unchained, Misty motioned for everyone to climb back on the rowboat. Misty helped Iris (after Bonnie and Max) onto the boat. Iris gave Misty a friendly and grateful grin. "Thanks," she murmured. "It's good to know Ash found a nice girlfriend." Misty sweat dropped, feeling a bit awkward just then.

"Nice to know that you came to us," Jessie said. Misty was still in the water, and tried to climb onto the steps of the ruins, to help Ash. She noticed that James and Meowth were gone, and felt panicked. Misty glanced over to the boat, relieved to see that her friends were still there, safe.

But where were James and Meowth? Misty tried to be as quiet as she could, flinching when the water made a sound as she emerged.

"Now why don't you surrender and your friends will be set free," Jessie reasoned with Ash who was still levitating in the air with his arms crossed.

"I'll set them free," Ash said. "But I won't surrender." He had a very relaxed look on his face.

Jessie on the other hand was also very relaxed. She didn't appear irritated with Ash, which was strange. Misty tried looking around for James and Meowth, worried about where they could be.

"How are you going to do that, boy?" Jessie asked with mock curiosity. "The Feraligatr will reach them soon and it's bye-bye to your fellow twerps."

"That's what you think, Captain," Ash challenged, lowering himself slightly.

"Very brave of you, not floating so high."

"It's not like there is anything to be afraid of here."

Misty snuck passed Jessie, staying close to the walls, crouched. Her eyes darted around the dim cavern to see where James and Meowth were lurking. She suspected they were off somewhere, planning something.

She finally spotted them, on a higher part of the ruins, closely behind Ash, who remained oblivious. Peering her eyes to better see what James and Meowth were doing, Misty's jaw dropped when she saw James point a pistol behind Ash, plugging one ear with his finger.

"Ash, get away!" Misty cried out, impulsively.

Ash spun around as James fired a shot, which missed. Jessie growled as Ash flew over to Misty. "Get him!" Jessie screamed, her relaxed expression washing away. Her eyes then followed Ash and Misty, making an escape to the boat where her now free victims were. "Don't let ANY of them get away!"

Jessie rushed over to the boat, only to find that the Feraligatr had now emerged more fully out of the water, lunging towards her. Jessie fell backwards scrambling to get to her feet, the Feraligatr chomping at her ankles.

"James! Meowth!" Jessie screamed for assistance. She swung her hooked hand at the Feraligatr's nose, barely scathing it.

Ash and Misty were now in the boat, Max and Bonnie taking a paddle and rowing away from the ruins. Ash and Misty turned to see that Jessie had reached James and Meowth halfway up the higher part of the ruins. The Feraligatr was now on land, but was much slower.

As the boat, headed towards the opening, Ash gave one final reminder. "Hey Team Rocket! Remember tonight's high tide!" And as the boat finally reached the outside of the cavern, they all heard a powerful Hyper Beam attack and the screams of Team Rocket, fading in the distance.

The crisp freshness of the night was exhilarating. After waiting inside the caverns for hours Misty let her lungs inhale the salty air. Surprisingly the breeze was subtle and was actually quite warm, despite it being night.

Bonnie and Max continued to row, both wanting to show their gratitude. But their strength was no match for the long boat ride back to the mainland.

"Here you guys relax with Pikachu and Dedenne," Ash suggested, taking both paddles in his hands, and moving the boat further. Max and Bonnie obliged, feeling tired and exhausted. Both looked like they were ready to sleep, though Dedenne was way ahead of them.

Misty and Iris were at the back of the boat, checking to see if Team Rocket were trailing them. Thankfully, there was no sign of them or the Feraligatr. Everything was much clearer out on the water and surrounded by the open sky, which was sprinkled with plenty of bright stars. The full moon cast a spotlight on the boat, making it all the easier to sail into the mainland.

"Iris," Misty said quietly after a while.

The Dragon Princess whirled her head to meet Misty's gaze with a friendly smile. "Yeah?"

"How did you get captured?"

Iris let out a nervous chuckle, scratching her brow awkwardly. "Well it's a little embarrassing, but I left the village to spend some time in the jungle. It's my favorite place to hang out."

"Why's that?" Misty asked, becoming intrigued.

Iris shrugged, giving her a simple answer. "I like it there. I have fun climbing trees and swinging on vines."

Misty giggled. Iris clearly had a lot of energy, judging by her favorite pastimes. Misty understood how Iris and Ash were able to become friends; both had boundless energy.

"But anyways," Iris went on. "I was climbing one particular tree branch, when I somehow got ensnared in a net." Iris blushed a little at the major detail. "And when that happened, Team Rocket appeared from below. Their Meowth used its claws to cut the net from the tree. And once I fell, they tied me up. I should've had Axew with me…" Iris looked out into the water with regret.

"Don't feel bad, Iris," Misty consoled. "Team Rocket can be crafty sometimes. We've fallen into their traps more times than I'd like to admit." Misty jerked her head towards Ash and smiled a little awkwardly, thinking about the countless pits she and her friends had fallen into. "But," Misty said, realizing something. "Then how did Max and Bonnie get caught?"

Misty looked over to the two youngest of the bunch, and saw that they were both huddled near Dedenne. They had fallen asleep.

"They wandered into the jungle at the wrong time, much like me," Iris whispered, not wanting to wake her sleeping friends. "After Team Rocket caught me, Bonnie, Max and Dedenne came along. But they didn't have a chance. Team Rocket seized them instantly and dragged us off to their ship."

"What did they want?" Misty couldn't help but ask.

"They wanted to know where Ash and Pikachu were," Iris murmured.

Misty figured, remembering Jessie demanding to know where they were in exchange for freedom.

"And Jessie went on about a girl with red hair. I take it she meant you Misty."

"Yeah… Sorry this happened to you."

"Oh don't worry," Iris reassured batting off Misty's pity. "Thanks to you and Ash, we're all safe."

Both girls looked over to Ash, who was obliviously rowing away Pikachu at his side.

"You and Ash make a great team," Iris complimented, causing Misty to shake her head modestly. "Plus…" Iris's eyes narrowed slyly. "You two look cute together."

"I-uh.." Misty stammered, glancing back Ash, hoping he didn't hear Iris's comment. Ash made no response or any motion that he overheard Iris.

Iris cocked a brow, beaming a suspicious look at Misty. Misty shook her head fiercely, her cheeks flushed in the same shade as her hair.

"We're here!" Ash exclaimed, turning to his female friends for the first time since sailing away. Bonnie and Max began to stir at Ash's boisterousness. Peeking over the edge of the boat, their eyes brightened, happy to back. Misty couldn't agree more.

Max and Bonnie were still a little sleepy, but managed to trek through the beach in the direction of the jungle. Dedenne was still limp, snoring softly while nestled in Bonnie's arms.

During the walk back to the campsite, Ash felt compelled to brag about his adventures for the day. He started from when he whisked Misty away from Cerulean City to the long flight from Kanto to Neverland, to the trek through Fairy Hollow to the lagoon, from taunting Team Rocket; he went on with exaggeration.

Misty rolled her eyes at Ash's exuberance. But, she bit her tongue when it came to certain details, not wanting to dampen the hero who saved the day.

They all reached the clearing that was created by the dragons from earlier. There was a new fire roaring in the center and no longer abandoned.

The boys had all returned to the campsite, but there was still a thick cloud of tension that hung over them. Clemont was pacing back and forth, his Chespin copying his motions. Cilan watched in concern as Tracey, Gary and Brock sat by the fire in silence.

"Where'd you suppose—?" Clemont began, but caught site of Ash and Iris. He paused waiting to see if Bonnie was with them.

Upon seeing a small blonde girl with Dedenne, Clemont ran to sister with open arms.

"Bonnie!"

Hearing her brother's call for her, Bonnie snapped out of her bleariness and ran to meet Clemont half way. "Clemont!"

Clemont picked Bonnie up, hugging her close, both with open-mouthed grins on their faces. The brother-sister duo didn't realize that Dedenne was squished between them until it let out an electrical nuzzle, causing them to break apart.

Clemont knelt down to Bonnie's eye level, holding onto his sister's shoulders. "Are you okay, Bonnie?" he asked with concern.

The young blonde nodded happily. "Mhm, Ash and Misty and Pikachu saved us all."

"Where were you guys?" Brock asked, rising from his seated position by the fire.

"Team Rocket brought us to that spooky cavern!" piped up Max. "They chained us to this wall in the water, then Misty freed us and a Feraligatr came. Ash almost got shot by a pistol! We escaped on a boat and the Feraligatr hyper beamed Team Rocket and—"

"Whoa, Max, slow down," Brock chuckled as Max paused, catching his breath.

"Sounds like you all had an adventure," Tracey said, trying to make light of the situation. "It's good to know you're all safe now."

"Yeah!" Max chirped. "If it wasn't for Ash, Misty and Pikachu, we'd all be underwater."

Gary rose from his spot, walking over, his arms folded. "Hmph, sounds like Misty did most of the work…"

Ash stomped forward, offended. "What'd you mean?"

"Max said Misty was the one who freed them," Gary explained with a sneer.

Ash's face was skimmed with blush marks, not wanting to discredit his friend. "Yeah, but I knew where they were! And I distracted Team Rocket."

"Face it Ash, without any help you would've been sunk," Gary bombarded. "No wonder you took Misty along with you."

It was now Misty's turn to feel her face warm up as she glared at Gary.

"I've been in that cavern plenty of times!" Ash continued to defend himself.

"Ash, forget it," Misty said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Don't let him get to you," she consoled, knowing that Gary was only trying to annoy Ash.

Ash tried his hardest to ignore Gary's pestering. Changing the subject, Ash asked, "What's for supper? I'm starved!"

"Well, we didn't make anything," Cilan said awkwardly.

If Ash's stomach could groan on command it would have. His head dipped down as his stomach growled greatly. It was not the only one. Like a chain reaction, everyone else's stomach moaned.

Iris turned towards the clearing, beckoning everyone to follow her. "C'mon, let's all go back to the village. I'm sure dinner's nearly prepared!"

Everyone else agreed, marching along the clearing together, making his or her way into the Dragon Village.

Reaching the village in no time, Iris was greeted by a swarm of villagers, huddling her. Ash, Misty and the rest looked on in wonder. Iris was definitely missed and it was nice to see the village give her a warm welcome.

Once all the details were relayed, the villagers were pleased to know that Iris was safe and that she has such nice friends to help her in a time of need. Lance was happy to know that Ash and Misty were successful in finding the princess as well as Ash's friends. Drayden even apologized sincerely to Ash and Misty for his behavior and to the boys for imprisoning them.

To celebrate Iris's safe return, the village threw a bash in the center of the village, with plenty of food for everyone. And after settling their stomachs with four servings of everything, Misty, Ash, their friends and the villagers mingled among each other.

Misty was in the middle checking out a Salamence whilst Tracey sketched the winged dragon, when she felt a hand reach for. Whirling around, Misty found that Ash appeared behind her with his hand outstretched to her shoulder.

"Misty," he said.

"Oh, Ash," Misty said a little surprised by his sudden appearance. She noticed that Pikachu wasn't with him. "Where's Pikachu?"

"It's playing with Bonnie, Max and the some of the kid villagers," Ash explained. "Listen, do you mind coming with me? I want to show you something?"

Taken aback by what Ash wanted to show her, she gave him a hesitant look. After all that happened today, she was worried it might be something dangerous.

"Pleeeeeease, Misty?" Ash whined, playfully.

Misty rolled her eyes, baring a smile. "Fine." And with that, she followed Ash through the crowd, Ash leading her with a hold on her hand. Misty just hoped it wasn't sweaty.

Misty and Ash reached the edge of the village, and when they were free from the horde, Ash kicked his feet off the ground, lifting Misty along with him.

The two glided passed the village, ascending higher into the sky. Misty couldn't help but stare at amazement at the view. It was different than when they were flying at night in Cerulean City. The sounds throughout the island were much quieter and tranquil. Instead of hearing the blaring honks of traffic and booming airplanes, Misty's ears were treated to a harmony of whistling leaves, the soft waves of the ocean and miscellaneous Pokemon cries.

The stars and moon were much brighter too, not overshadowed by streetlamps and lit buildings. Misty's nose picked up various, pleasant smells, from the salty sea air, to the fire wood burning, to the fauna scattering the island.

Ash led her over to the other side of the island; a side of the island that Misty had already visited. They were looming over the Fairy Hollow and from above looked like a green mass that illuminated with a light golden glow.

Ash lowered into the trees and Misty followed. There was barely an opening, so Misty slowly descended not wanting to get any scratches. Ash on the other hand, had no problem zooming downwards, not minding the branches and leaves that obscured his path.

Misty had to keep her eyes shut, in case of anything poking her. She squinted every so often to check where Ash was heading. He eventually stopped in midair once he and Misty had emerged from the leaves and encompassed by the trees around them.

They had returned to the Fairy Hollow. Because of the leaves that covered the sky, Misty expected this place to be pitch dark like the lagoon water. But it wasn't, as the glowing emitting from every crevice, cranny and nook made everything clear, but not too bright.

As they were floating, Misty realized what Ash wanted to show her this time. A flock of Togetic appeared around them, circling them, starting a dance. Their wings fluttered, glimmering as they moved. Misty didn't know that the twinkling of the Hollow had to do with the fairies that lived here.

Misty and Ash slowly spun in the air, dancing among the Togetic, which were then joined by a few Cottonee. Ash took her hand, smiling serenely at her guiding her in this fairy waltz in midair.

Misty was beaming at Ash, her eyes shining with affection. She felt her heart skip a beat when the Cottonee began to playfully tickle Ash. His laugh was infectious and made her spirits swell with adoration. It was hard to turn away as Misty wanted to remember this moment clearly. Her mind had a thought that had been marinated in her mind for a while now. She wanted to ask Ash something important, something meaningful.

"Ash?" Misty said softly, saving him from the delicate, ticklish touch of the Cottonee.

"Hm?" Ash replied, still grinning with joy. The Cottonee and Togetic gave their farewell and disappeared into the trees, leaving behind a trail of glimmering sparks that continued to hover around them.

Without even knowing it, Misty and Ash were lowering to the ground. Misty cleared her throat once she felt the leafy surface greet her bare feet.

"I—" Misty began, but paused. She had the question in her mind and when they were floating she thought she was ready to ask it. But now that they were on the ground and alone, Misty began to feel nervous.

"Huh?" Ash said again. "What's up Misty?"

Misty's heart was drumming with such force she thought it was going to burst right out of her chest. She couldn't keep her face from reddening but hoped because of the dim light, Ash wouldn't notice.

"I…wanted to ask you something," Misty mumbled faintly.

However, Misty's words were inaudible to Ash. "What?" he asked, raising a brow.

"I—I wanted to a—ask you something," Misty quavered hurriedly.

Ash didn't catch on to the shakiness in his friend's voice, but was able to hear her this time. "Sure, what is it?"

This was it. Misty was going to force herself to ask Ash something that she has always wondered since she and him stopped traveling.

Twiddling her thumbs with her head down Misty finally asked, "What do you feel, Ash?"

She looked up after a moment's silence. Ash had a puzzled look on his face. Misty was beginning to regret saying anything at all.

Noticing that his friend was waiting for an answer, Ash blurted out, "I don't know what you mean by that." Ash removed his hat, scratching the top of his head.

"I mean…" Misty uttered. She sighed, regaining the control of her voice. "What do you feel? Do you feel anything?"

"Uhh…yeah," Ash remarked, placing his hat back on. Misty just stared at him, waiting for more, but Ash just shrugged.

"Well what do you feel? Joy? Anger? Jealousy? Love…?" Misty whispered the last part, feeling a little awkward again. "What are your feelings…about me?" Her head dipped down to her thumbs, once more, not wanting to see Ash give another bewildered expression.

There was a long, pregnant pause. Misty was growing impatient, almost irritated. Why was this a hard question? Why was he so dense? Misty lifted her head up, staring at Ash with a determined gaze. She wanted to know and since she had already asked the question, there was no backpedaling.

"Love?" Ash asked.

Misty nodded slowly, trying not to let her nerves take over again.

"I…guess I do…love," Ash stammered, still looking confused.

That answer wasn't enough for Misty. She ached to know what Ash felt about her. But, he was just so dense and clueless. It was like he didn't really know what kind of feeling love is.

"Ash…" Misty took a step closer to Ash.

"Misty, why are you asking this?" Ash said, flinching away.

Misty froze, feeling her stomach drop and tears collect in her eyes. He doesn't understand. Will he ever? She was still determined though. "Because I want to know how you feel," Misty responded amidst a quivering voice.

"But…why? About what?" Ash was starting to become flustered. Misty could tell that her questions were overwhelming him, but she wasn't sure if he was holding back or if he really didn't understand what she meant.

"About me!" Misty said, fighting the tears that threatened to fall.

Ash took a deep breath, trying to stretch a friendly smile across his face, but it wasn't convincing to Misty. "You're my best friend, Misty," Ash said, taking a hold of her shoulders, delicately.

"Is that all?" Misty muttered, her lip quivering.

Ash's smile faded, his arms slowly dropped from Misty's shoulders. He blushed, backing away. "Why are you trying to spoil this?" he blurted out.

Misty's eyes widened. Did he imply that having mutual affection ruined their friendship, their relationship? Misty couldn't hold back the tears anymore, letting them fall without a care. Misty's heart shattered, she barely felt it beating anymore.

"How can you say I'm spoiling this?" Misty erupted. "You really don't get what I mean, do you Ash Ketchum?"

"Sure I do!" Ash pouted stubbornly.

"No. You don't get it."

"We have fun don't we?" Ash said, backing away almost cowardly. "I brought you here! I showed you the cavern and the lagoon! We got to meet pirates! What more is there than this? This is fun and this is adventure!"

Misty could only watch as Ash spoke. She didn't even bother interrupting him. There was no point trying to get him to reveal anything. Ash had given her an answer without ever actually saying it. Misty knew, or so she believed. Ash doesn't…love her.

Ash waited for his friend to make a response. "Misty?"

Misty let out a huff before saying quietly. "There is much more to life than all that. Adventure doesn't always have to be this. It can be something else."

"I'm happy doing what I've been doing," Ash told her softly. "If you're not happy then you'll be banished from Neverland."

"I will not!" Misty yelled, fiercely.

"Then go home," Ash said, glaring at her. "Take your feelings with you." Ash turned on his heel and took flight. Misty ran after him, yelling for him to stop.

"Ash! Ash! ASH!" her voice echoed throughout the Hollow. Even though Misty was now alone, tension fogged the area. Misty started to cry again and she took a seat on the ground, wishing she had never even bothered.

The beauty of the Hollow was now tainted with bitterness. This harmonious paradise was now eclipsed with such sorrow that Misty couldn't bring herself to remain mystified and amazed at the magic that this place once held. An icy shadow fell over Neverland and drained all the charm and appeal Misty saw in it. She wanted nothing more now than to go back home. And yet, she remained seated.

The argument between her and Ash replayed over and over in her head like a horrible movie. His words pierced her ears continuously like a bad song and her heart ached at the rejection of her supposed best friend.

Misty sat alone for a bit, watching the twinkling until her mind settled. She had stopped crying, but she still felt empty. A fairy Pokemon would emerge and Misty would be distracted with the cuteness of it, but once the Pokemon vanished, she then remembered why she was here alone.

A stirring of some sorts had appeared. Misty didn't bother looking over to where the noise was. Though, her heart gave a small lurch of excitement, knowing that another Pokemon would come and distract her for another moment.

Sitting idly, waiting for the Pokemon to introduce itself, Misty was had a weird feeling that it was not a Pokemon after all. She turned her head over her shoulder to see what was there. Behind her stood the figures of James and Meowth, coming out of the shadows with a look of pity on their usually impish faces.

Misty stood up, facing them entirely. She glowered at the unwelcome company, but then her eyes morphed into perplexity at how they were out of the cavern. "How did you—?"

"We're Team Rocket," James guffawed, as though that was a reasonable enough answer.

"Takes more than just one Feraligatr to do us in," Meowth concurred, crossing its arms.

Misty didn't really believe that it was easy for Team Rocket to escape a dark cavern with a vicious Feraligatr after them. After all that had just happened, they were the last people she wanted to see.

"Takes sheer dumb luck if you ask me," Misty told them. She backed away, hearing the rustling of the leaves beneath her and a few branches snap. "Get lost."

She spun around but was met with James who had appeared before her in a flash. She backed away slightly and turned to see Meowth. The two were closing in on her.

"Easy, twerp," James said in a bored tone. "We saw what happen between you and that brat."

Misty's head dipped down. Why did they have to know?

"Not really bright is he?" Meowth deduced.

James looked down at his feline friend, shaking his head. "It's amazing how some boys can't tell," James agreed. "Even when you told him, he didn't get it." He went on turning to face Misty once more.

Misty didn't buy the phony looks of sympathy. She had known Team Rocket too long by now to know that they were cooking up some sort of plan.

"I say you're better off without him anyways," Meowth suggested, trying to sound friendly. "You're a Gym Leader right?"

Misty nodded, her mind buzzing with regret.

"Then why hang around a half-pint like him?" James asked.

"Yeah, all he does it frolic around the place with his Pikachu," Meowth started to say.

"What's so great about him?" James asked. "He's nothing but—"

"He's my friend."

James and Meowth both gawked at Misty. By the looks of their faces, the duo thought they were convincing Misty.

"After what he said to you?" Meowth said a little addled by he and James's failure at getting Misty to side with them.

"It's none of your business," Misty said, shining baleful eyes at them. "He's my friend and he always will be."

James and Meowth turned to each other, exchanging annoyed looks. It was as though they were talking in code. They then nodded and started forward to Misty. They grabbed her with all their strength trying to subdue her.

"Hey!" Misty shouted, squirming their grasp. She struggled to fight them off, elbowing James hard in the ribs and kicking Meowth's charm on its head.

"Ouch, that hurts," grunted James, holding one hand to his side.

Misty continued to wriggle her way out of their grasp, managing to land a more powerful blow into James's ribs. She started at a run, attempting to leap into the air but was stopped when a string of sticky web wrapped around her.

"What's this?" she cried, not able to move as the thread continued to bind her arms to her sides.

Coming out of the trees was an Ariados, causing an icy chill slide down Misty's spine in fear. Following the arachnid, a few figures revealed themselves from the shadows: the pirates. Followed by the pirates was the Captain herself, Jessie.

The Ariados stopped its string shot attack and Misty's arms were bound tightly at her sides. James and Meowth grabbed onto her once more, preventing her from running.

Jessie's eyes gleamed devilishly with triumph. She stepped closer to Misty, her hooked hand out, using the rounded part of the hook to lift Misty's chin so that they could face each other.

Misty's body was raging with fury and fear. She had to warn Ash and the others. "Ash—mmph!" Misty barely got a word out when James clasped her mouth his hand to silence her.

Jessie chortled with pleasure. She scowled deeply into Misty's fiery eyes. "This time for sure, we will catch him. And you can't do anything to help your boyfriend."

The crew laughed along with Jessie and with a whip of her long pink hair, everyone began to move, making his or her way out of the Hollow.

Misty could barely struggle out of James's grasp this time. She began to panic but not for herself but for her friends, the villagers, Pikachu and…for Ash.

TO BE CONTINUED…

A/N: So a little bit of Pokéshipping, finally. Because this story is influenced by the 2003 Peter Pan, I wanted to include the scene between Peter and Wendy (Ash and Misty respectively) where Wendy confronts Peter about his feelings and her thoughts on growing up. Now since it is Pokémon and this is Ash, I chose to have his character respond with his usual denseness, but also confusion as to what Misty means.

Also more clarifications: Smee is portrayed by both James and Meowth. Captain Hook is none other than Jessie. I was considering having one of Ash's rivals as the villain but figured Team Rocket fit the bill, especially Jessie, as I think she is the only one nasty enough to play the role of the Captain. Iris is Tiger Lily and the villagers of the Dragon Village play the Native Americans. I thought it'd be cool to play around with some of the Dragon characters (Drayden, Iris, Lance, the elderly woman, etc.) Lastly, the alligator/crocodile is a Feralitgatr. I really wanted to write it in as a Krookodile instead, but remembered that Krookodile is a ground type, so it'd make no sense for it to be in the water.

Let me know what you think! Reviews are always appreciated!