Hello everyone. Before I begin this chapter, I want to address an accusation that was made against me in a review after I posted Chapter 2.

The review criticized me for my title choice, Ashes of the Past, and stated that I was trying to capitalize off of another story's success and should change my title. I am well aware of the fact that there is another story with the same title as mine, and that it is one of the most popular Pokemon stories on this site. However, I am not trying to capitalize off of it by naming my story what it is. I simply named it Ashes of the Past because it reflects the awful event that set the story in motion. I would never, ever try to capitalize off of another story's success, and to be accused of doing such is hurtful. I understand why some might think I am, but please remember that I take pride in my stories, not someone else's. You also cannot copyright a title; there are likely many other stories out there that are called Ashes of the Past or something similar. That doesn't mean the author is plagiarizing or whatever. I sent a PM to this reviewer in an attempt to work things out, but never received a response.

Responses to reviews:

Red the Pokemon Master - I hope everyone's okay! And I really want to know what your idea is...

Alina 122 - Thank you! I plan on continuing to write for as long as possible :)

JordanMax - Thank you! I'm just as excited as you are! And I'm pretty sure both Misty and Ash are having a serious WTF moment.

Aaml mania - Yep!

Vaporean - Thanks a bunch!

Guest - Glad you're enjoying it!

Cyan Quartz - Thank you very much! Honestly, I've wanted to write an angst story for a while now. I wrote a brief one for the Danny Phantom fandom, but that was just a one-shot. You're welcome to read it if you like my darker side ;). Anyway, I have a lot of problems (non-abusive) with my own dad, so maybe that was a bit of inspiration? Honestly, it was probably just a shower idea.

Alina 122 - Yeah, I have a tendency to update either really frequently or really infrequently. My oldest fans are probably used to it by now lol

Guest - I'm tryin'.

This story currently has 18 reviews, 23 favorites, and 25 followers. Thank you!

The featured story for this chapter is The Complexity of a Ketchum Man by MilkywayScribbles. "Misty never had anyone fill in the role of her father once he passed away. But can her boyfriend's father somehow manage to do so by just giving some simple advice?" So this is a Misty-side PokeShipping one-shot that takes place in the same universe as the author's other stories. However, it can be read without having any familiarity with these other stories. I read it, and was impressed. Check it out!

~ "I have seen many storms in my life. Most storms have caught me by surprise, so I had to learn very quickly to look further and understand that I am not capable of controlling the weather, to exercise the art of patience and to respect the fury of nature." ~

- Paulo Coelho

I stared at the girl in complete, utter horror. She was the daughter? She was my new neighbor? What the hell?

I could feel my father's sharp gaze staring into my back, so I stood up. Extending my hand, I cleared my throat and said, "Good evening. My name is Ash Ketchum. It's a pleasure to meet you both." I gave the girl a hard stare, warning her not to get too dramatic or else.

The girl's father took my hand and shook it. "The pleasure's all mine, Ash. I'm Mr. Waterflower, but please, call me Dan. Misty has told me some about you. She says that the two of you go to school together, hm?"

I nodded. "That's right, sir."

At that moment, my father stepped up beside me. "Thank you for having us over to your wonderful house, Mr. Waterflower. I'm Ash's father."

I recoiled inwardly at the believably kind tone of my father's voice. If we were anywhere else, he'd be slapping me for giving Misty enough to tell her parents about.

Dan nodded. "Of course. How could we not? We thought it would be appropriate for our daughter and your son to get acquainted. She's in need of some, ahem- boy friends, if you know what I mean." The wink he gave my father made me want to puke.

"Dad!" Misty piped up. "Stop it! We talked about this!"

He rubbed her head. "Now, now, Misty, don't be so sensitive. I was only playing around."

Her cheeks were turning a faint hue of pink. "Yeah, well you don't have to be so embarrassing!"

At that moment, Mrs. Waterflower called that dinner was ready. As our fathers moved toward the kitchen, I excused myself to "wash up". As I walked toward the bathroom, I grabbed Misty's arm and dragged her along with me.

"Hey!" she protested as I shut the door. "What gives?"

I stuck a finger in her face. "You'd better not say a word about anything that's happened recently between you and me. Don't bring up the park. Don't bring up Chemistry, lunch, or what went on outside after school. And most certainly, don't call me your friend. Got it?"

She stared at me, bewildered. "Why not?"

"Because I said so." I turned toward the sink.

She took a step closer to me. "I'm not going to do what you told me to unless you give me a reason why."

"I'll give you a real good one." I held my fist up in the mirror.

"You can't hurt a girl."

"Oh really? Says who?"

"Says society."

I laughed. "That's the stupidest answer you could have possibly given. I don't give a crap about what society says."

"You seem to care about what I have to say."

I looked at her. "Because you're here. They are not."

In the mirror, I could see her shaking her head. "You make no sense, Ash Ketchum."

"Good. I don't want nor need to be understood."

Behind me, she let out a huge sigh. "I won't say anything. Now, can I go? I don't need my father getting any... ideas."

That makes two of us. "Whatever. But remember-" I finished my sentence with a show of my fist. She stuck her tongue out at me and walked out.

Drying my hands on the towel, I gave her a thirty second head start before I emerged from the bathroom. Finding my way to the kitchen by means of smell, I found everyone seated around a circular dinner table made of finely-polished wood. Several platters of food were scattered here and there, each looking equally delicious. Trying not to salivate, I took my seat in between my father and, of course, Misty.

"So," Mr. Waterflower said as I took a helping of turkey, "Misty told me that you and her have Chemistry together. Hopefully you'll be a better lab partner for her than they had picked out for her at her old school." The shudder that followed his words told me more about this person he spoke of than any word could.

I nodded, my fork hovering over my plate. "I'm going to try, sir." Setting my jaw, I leaned the plate of turkey toward him. "Would you like some more turkey, sir? Or ma'am?" I gestured briefly toward Mrs. Waterflower. Despite the fact that both of their plates were already piled high with the white meat, I knew my father would kill me for not asking and "being selfish".

Both adults shook their heads. "I think we're quite alright, young man," Mrs. Waterflower said, smiling. Mr. Waterflower nodded in agreement.

As much as it pained me to do so, I gestured toward Misty. "How about you?" She gave me a look of surprise, but said no. I gave her a small warning glare.

I ended up having to repeat the whole asking process for the remaining dishes. After the third time, Mr. Waterflower started laughing and told me that I didn't need to act so polite- unless, of course, I was trying to impress his daughter, which earned him a death stare from the little redheaded menace.

As we ate, the family and my father discussed various things, from jobs to the weather to concerns regarding the recent influx of crime in the area. According to Mr. Waterflower, if it weren't for his job they never would have considered moving to our town. They had left all of their family back home in Idaho, meaning that they were now quite far. Mr. Waterflower was a salesman for some big company, while Mrs. Waterflower had recently secured a job as a receptionist for the hospital. I stayed quiet during most of it, only making the occasional comment where and when it was needed.

By the time I was helping myself to some seconds, the conversation started turning in the direction of Misty and I, much to my chagrin. My fingers tightened around my fork as I stabbed at a chunk of turkey, hoping the questions wouldn't get too personal.

"Ash," Mr. Waterflower began. "Your father mentioned that you and him have been living here ever since you were born. That must mean that you have some pretty old friends around here, hm?"

Thankfully, that was a question I was prepared for. "My friends change around a lot. As soon as I started middle school, I started getting into a position where I was not in the same classes as my friends all of the time. So, that started leading to this transition where I got new friends and lost some old ones. That same thing has been happening ever since sixth grade."

Mr. Waterflower looked interested. "Fascinating. You see, Misty went to a small school back in Idaho. The total population of the school was maybe... four, five hundred students? She was in honors math, so of course she got in with some of the smarter kids, but I don't ever recall her complaining much of being separated from her friends too frequently."

"Well, Dan, you know how boys are," Mrs. Waterflower said. I tensed a bit as her knife scraped against her plate, making that awful nails-on-chalkboard sound. "They really don't have good friends as often as girls do. It takes a while for female relationships to dissolve, especially when tight bonds are formed."

He raised his eyebrows. "Is that why we're still married, then?" He snaked an arm around her waist and leaned closer to her.

She giggled. "Dan, not at the table!"

He kissed her cheek. "Later, then."

I glanced at Misty. Her face was redder than my fruit punch. I watched, amused, as she hid her face in her hands and let out an exasperated groan.

Dan Waterflower shot her a humorous look. "What's the matter, Misty? Afraid of a little flirtation?"

"I'm not afraid of it! You're just embarrassing me in front of our neighbors!"

Reaching over, he ruffled her fiery-orange hair with his hand. "Tsk, tsk, Misty, I'm only teasing. Calm down."

She folded her arms. "I go to school with this kid, Dad. I don't want any rumors getting around."

"Why not? I'd love to be the center of attention again." His eyes took on a mystifying quality. "When I was your age, everyone talked about me. Captain of the baseball and swim teams. Part of Student Council. Near perfect grades. Clean permanent record." He smiled. "Then I met your mom."

She huffed. "Well, for your information, I too was popular before I met you."

"Oh really? How so?"

"I was captain of the cheerleading squad. All of the guys wanted to date me."

"What happened?"

I couldn't help it- a small chuckle slipped out from between my lips. My spine tingled as I shot my dad a quick look. Thankfully, he hadn't seemed to have noticed. He too was laughing, a warm glow in his eyes. I felt a burn of jealousy between my ribs.

Why can't I ever get him to laugh like that? Not even my best accomplishments can crack a smile out of him. I get a 98% on a test, he asks why it wasn't a one hundred. My teacher compliments my work, he asks me why it doesn't reflect on my grades. I get a perfect attendance award and a personal thank-you from the principal, and all he says is that if it weren't for him, that award wouldn't be mine. I sing in a concert, and he doesn't even show up.

I let my senses focus back on the Waterflowers. They were still caught up in their family squabble. Mrs. Waterflower was trying to prove to her husband that she had once been a successful high school-er, while Mr. Waterflower kept on making jabs that made her face turn redder than Misty's. Speaking of her, the junior Waterflower was trying hard not to look at her parents. She looked thoroughly annoyed; that alone was enough to make me feel warm inside.

My father cleared his throat, interrupting the little exchange. "If you will excuse me, I'd like to take some time to specially thank you all for your hospitality. I haven't had a meal like this in years." He let out a hearty laugh. "With Ash's mother gone, most of the time it's either fast food or microwavables. Very rarely do we treat ourselves to something of this quality."

Yeah, when you actually feed me. Most of the time it's in my room with bread and an apple I go, and that's it.

I could tell by the delivery of my father's final word that he intended for me to speak after him. Before any of the Waterflowers could say anything, I piped up. "My dad's right, Mr and Mrs. Waterflower. You're being exceptionally good hosts tonight, and I can't express my gratitude for this meal and your hospitality." I glanced at Misty. "The same to you, Misty." I didn't miss the surprise in her eyes.

Trust me. I wouldn't be saying a single word to you if I didn't have to.

Both of the parents looked thoroughly pleased. Dan nodded, saying, "You're both very welcome. It is an honor to have two such fine gentlemen in our house."

Fine gentlemen my ass.

Mrs. Waterflower suddenly stood up. "If everyone is done, I'll take the dishes into the kitchen and get the dessert."

My father looked surprised. "Dessert? My, when I'm done you'll have to roll me out of here!"

Everyone laughed. I forced a titter, standing up as well. "Let me help you with the dishes, ma'am," I offered.

She smiled. "Of course. Right this way, Mr. Ketchum. Perhaps you can handle the bigger ones for me?"

"Of course."

I grabbed as many dishes as I could carry and followed Misty's mom into the kitchen. As she opened the dishwasher, I set the stack down on the counter.

"So," she began. "Do you have any siblings, Ash?"

The question surprised me a bit. "No," I replied. "My mom... passed when I was only five. My parents never had the opportunity to have more children, I guess. Or maybe they just didn't want any more; I'm not sure."

She nodded. "Misty has three older siblings. Triplets, they are. One of them is in college, and the other two are off somewhere, travelling the world. It's hard with them being five years older than their sister. She really doesn't feel close to them, which I understand. They're barely around, and when they are, they spend more time frolicking around the town than with their sister."

For the first time, I felt a small stab of sympathy for Misty. I knew more than anyone else what it was like to be pushed aside. "That's terrible. I know that if I had a younger sibling, I'd want to be around to watch them grow up."

She nodded, body tense. "Dan and I have tried talking to them. Tried to get them to see reason, you know? They just won't listen. They say that they don't have time to spend with their sister, that they'd rather be chasing men and shopping." She shook her head. "The only one who is moderately close to Misty is Daisy. She tries to spend time with her when she's home from college, but she often gets swept away by Lily and Violet for the entire time."

I passed her another dish. "If you don't mind me asking, what is Daisy studying?"

"She's aiming for a degree in Cosmetology. She wants to open her own hair styling shop some day."

I nodded. "That's a worthwhile career."

She looked straight at me then, pausing in her loading of the dishwasher. "What is it that you want to do, Ash?"

I was caught a bit off-guard by the question. In all honesty, I hadn't thought much about it. I was more concerned about living through each day of my father's hell than going off to college. I wasn't even sure if I'd be able to go. But, not wanting to get into too much of my story, I lied. "I've been thinking about becoming a doctor, miss."

Her eyes lit up. "A doctor!? What a marvelous choice! It's a lot of schooling, but it's worth it."

I nodded, feeling bad over the lie and trying to imprint it upon my mind to stick with it for the sake of avoiding a beating. "Yes, ma'am, it is." I forced a smile.

She lifted up the door of the dishwasher and waited to hear it click shut. She then pressed some buttons, and the thing roared to life. The smell of soap filled the air almost instantly. She wrinkled her nose.

"I've always hated that smell. It's much too strong for my liking."

I chuckled. "Yeah, it's too bad they can't liven it up a bit, yeah?"

She gave me a little push. "Go on back to the dining room, Ash. I'll be along with the pies in just a few."

I blinked. "Are you sure?"

She nodded. "Positive."

I shrugged. "Okay. Call if you need anything."

I turned and walked back to the table. Misty was talking, telling some story that sounded like it was from her childhood. Silently, I pulled out my chair and took a seat. I couldn't help but notice the odd look my father gave me when I sat down. I held back a shiver.

I held my tongue as Misty told her story, her father only ever occasionally interrupting to comment or correct. Apparently, at some point Misty and this boy had been playing together in the park when a rabid squirrel had appeared and come eat them. They both freaked out and started running away. The squirrel gave chase, only to be hit by a car when it ran into the street. Both kids went home crying, only for Dan to make some sort of joke that got everyone laughing except for me. I suddenly felt very isolated.

Fortunately, at that moment Mrs. Waterflower brought in the pies. Two of them- blackberry and apple. My father gave a loud shout of joy, picking up his fork with a rush of eagerness. I too picked mine up, trying to look as pleased as possible in the hopes of pleasing my father.

I cut myself a slice of apple pie and dug in. The pie itself was delicious, with just the right amount of spice and apple. I let the food slide around my mouth, savoring the taste that I knew I wouldn't experience again- at least not for a while.

The slice seemed to end all too soon, and I took another. As I helped myself to some seconds, Mr. Waterflower shot me with another question.

"So Ash, do you play any sports?"

I looked up from my plate and shook my head. "No, sir. I used to play modified basketball, but I never carried on with it. I guess sports just aren't for me."

He shook his head. "Shame. I love sports. Played a lot in high school and college. I still watch a lot of it to this day, especially baseball." He pumped his fist. "Go Yankees!"

Misty rolled her eyes.

I smiled. "The Yankees are actually my favorite team, sir."

"Really? Sweet!" He started asking me a flurry of questions, which I did my best to answer. My favorite player on the team at the time was Bryan Mitchell, but I honestly preferred Jeter over them all. I hated the Red Sox. If I could play baseball, I'd want to be the pitcher. If I had to pick one team to join that wasn't the Yankees, I'd join the Boston Orioles. If I could eliminate one team from the MLB besides the Sox, I'd eliminate the Dodgers. The conversation went from baseball to basketball to football. Everyone tried to make their own inputs, but it was rather hard with Dan focusing his entire realm of focus on me. By the time my dad announced the end of our stay, I was beginning to feel rather awkward.

My dad shouldered his coat and extended his hand. "Mr. Waterflower, Mrs. Waterflower. It's been a pleasure. I hope to have the three of you over to our own home sometime soon, to repay the debt you have created."

Dan Waterflower laughed. "No need to feel the need to repay us, Mr. Ketchum. We've always liked having neighbors over, without the need to repay us. Consider it a "hello" gift from the Waterflowers."

My dad smiled. "I'm still repaying you," he assured them. "Now, come along, son. We'd best be getting home."

I nodded. "Right. Good night, sir and ma'am's."

A few final goodbyes were shared, and my father and I were on our way. Much as I expected, no exchanges were made between the two of us as we walked next door to our own home. I could tell that my father was keeping his peaceful demeanor on, simply in case the family was still watching.

The tension in the air was as thick as a cake as we stepped up to our own front door. My father fumbled around with his keys for a few minutes before finding the right one. I sucked in a tiny breath as we entered, expecting shit to go down beyond the doormat.

I was right.

As soon as the door clicked shut, my father's fist connected with my jaw. I stumbled back, instinctively grabbing at it. I forced back the water that spontaneously built itself up in my eyes. I spluttered as my father grabbed the front of my shirt and hauled me up so that he and I were eye-to-eye.

"I thought I told you to never associate yourself with anyone from that school!" he screamed. "You shouldn't have even given that girl a look, let alone enough to convince her parents to invite us over!"

"I didn't mean to!" I cried. "She came on to me! I didn't want to talk to her! She just kept approaching me, and-"

He smacked me again, this time hard enough to send me to the floor. My fingers curled around the interior doormat as I waited for my ears to be imploded upon with more of his fucking yelling.

"No excuses! I don't care what the fuck happened! What matters is that something happened. I don't ever want to hear of anything like this happening again, am I understood? You are to never associate yourself with that girl, lest I bring upon you a punishment so severe you'll wish you were never born!"

Don't worry, Dad. I already wish that.

I felt my dad grab my shirt, and next thing I knew I was on my feet again. He stared me down, his eyes blazing with a psychotic anger. I recoiled, fearing once again for my own life.

Much to my surprise, he didn't do anything more. He simply threw me to the side and snarled, "Go to your room and stay there. I don't want to see or hear your ass for the rest of the night, understood?"

I nodded feebly. "Understood, sir."

I dragged my feet up the stairs, my back melting under my father's hot stare. I managed to hold my tears in until after I was in my room. I let the door shut behind me before falling against the wall, sobbing. Remembering my father's warning, I stuffed a shirt into my mouth to keep the sounds from reaching his ever-vigilant ears.

I don't know how long I sat there for, but eventually I mustered the courage to stand. My legs were shaking, my vision blurry, but I managed to stumble over to my bed. I collapsed, burying my face in my pillow.

My life was shit. At that point, I was 100% sure of it. People could complain all they wanted about how their lives sucked because they couldn't get the newest iPhone or they had too much homework. They didn't understand what it was really like to have a life so terrible it made living on the streets appealing. Every day I was subject to this torment. My father's nitpicking and over-the-top rules. His punching and yelling. And now, his taking away of the only person who seemed to minimally care about me.

As my pillowcase grew wet with my own tears, I thought of her. Of how she'd helped me, even though I told her I didn't want nor need it. How she kept on trying, over and over again, to get me to just crack a smile. To just be human for once. And I pushed her away. Shoved her back like she was just another piece of shit that didn't matter.

At least I know your name now, Misty.

Deep stuff right there. Thank you so much for sticking behind me during my (almost) three month absence. You guys are AWESOME. Love you all, my loyal and dedicated fans. Next is an update to TKJ, and then (maybe) a cute one-shot. Thank you again, and I'll see you all next time!

- Anonymous1O1