Authors Note:

Well here is chapter 5 guys! I hope you all enjoy!

You get this chapter early today because I have work tonight! And I got a chance to work on it a lot today since my chemistry class was canceled! WOOO!

Another thanks to the reviews I've been getting and I can't wait to read more!

I love hearing the feedback and suggestions!

I think you are really going to enjoy this chapter so I'm just going to stop talking and let you guys get to it already!

Disclaimer: I do not take any credit Pokémon.

Chapter 5: Reluctance

A few days went by since Misty had begun her stay at the Ketchum residence. Even though Misty seemed to be opening up slightly at the first dinner she and Ash shared in her room, she seemed to be spending a lot of time alone now.

Misty had developed a system to getting up and down the stairs independently. She could get up and down by hopping up the steps on her good leg. Having such strong legs from all of her aquatic activities certainly helped.

Since Misty could now maneuver her way through the house on her own she began to depend less and less on Ash. He would try to help her but she would refuse. She was even starting to refuse his company.

"Are you sure you don't want to come watch some TV down stairs? I know your favorite show is coming on." Ash watched Misty standing in her doorway, her head tilted down. He could see that her cheeks were wet and red. She must have been crying again. Ash bit his bottom lip, hoping that Misty would finally come with him.

"No, it's okay. I just want to be alone right now." Misty looked away and closed the door.

Ash just stood there and let out a deep sigh. He wanted so badly to be there for his once best friend, but she wouldn't budge.

Ash was really starting to get worried about the redhead. She was pulling away from him again. He finally thought that he had broken through to her but by the looks of things, they weren't getting any better.

The Master turned and headed down the hall and down the steps with determination. Ash knew he had to do something fast if he had any hope on helping Misty recover. He decided to call the one person he always turned to for help.

Ash sat down at the video phone and dialed a number he knew like the back of his hand. On the other end of the line a spikey-haired breeder got up from his desk and walked over the screen to accept the call.

"Hey, Brocko. How's it going?" Ash looked through the screen at the older man. If anyone was going to help him get through to Misty, it was going to be him. Brock knew Misty almost as well as Ash.

"Just finishing up some paperwork. I've been doing some more research on the breeding of Pokémon depending on the habitat they are in verses the one they are accustomed to," Brock said plainly but upon realizing the concerned and distant expression in Ash's eyes he started to worry if something bad had happened. "What's wrong? You look a little anxious." Normally Ash would have been interested in the new information his friend discovered, but Brock noticed his mind seemed to be somewhere else.

"It's Misty. She's fine and everything, it's just… well, she seems to be pushing herself away from everyone. Even mom can't get her to spend time outside her room. The first night we had dinner together and things really started to be going back to normal but now…" Ash trailed off, biting his bottom lip again. He was so worried that Misty wasn't going to give him a second chance.

Observing the expression on the young master's face, Brock couldn't help but share the same concern. "Misty is just going through some things, Ash. She's gonna open up but you just need to give her time. She is the strongest person we've met. She wouldn't let anything break her. We don't know what exactly she went through but she will get through it."

"That's exactly it Brock. We don't even know what happened to her! How are we supposed to help her if she won't even talk to us? Every time I try to see if she'll talk to me she just shuts me out even more." Ash dropped his head in a defeated manner. He was trying so hard to help, but he felt so powerless.

"Just let her come to you. If she doesn't want to talk about it she will just push you away. She's still hurting and that is going to take some time to heal." Brock realized that he needed to make sure that Ash wouldn't bother her about her past. He was worried Ash would push too hard and Misty would go MIA again.

"Part of the reason she is going through this is because of what I did," Ash put his index finger on his chest in an accusing manner. "I just want to help her…" He put his head down, this time in shame.

"First of all Ash, it wasn't your fault. You have to stop blaming yourself." Ash looked up, ready to speak, but Brock cut him off. "And secondly, you will Ash. Just don't push her. Tell her that you're there for her if she needs someone and if she doesn't want to talk about what happened, don't make her. Just be there for her, Ash. All you have to do is show her that you care and she will believe you."

"Okay, I'll try. Thanks for the talk Brock. But it's getting late. I think I'm going to hit the hay now." Ash felt very tired after worrying about Misty all day and he just wanted to go to bed and clear his head.

"Alright. Tell Misty and your mom I said hi. Goodnight." And with that the screen faded to black and Ash got up from his seat.

Ash mindlessly walked up the stairs and into his room. He changed into his pajamas that consisted of a pair of blue, striped boxers and an old, black t-shirt. Sitting down on the edge of his bed he cupped his face in his hands and let out a frustrated moan.

Pikachu looked up at his trainer and gave him a concerned look. "Pika pi Pikapi?" Pikachu spoke in his own language but after years of traveling together Ash could understand him pretty well.

"Yeah I'm fine. I'm just so worried about her." Ash let out another sigh.

Walking over to Ash, Pikachu sat down next to him. "*Pika. Pi chu Pikachupi pichu. Pikachupi pik pikachu pi."

"Yeah that's what Brock said. She is a pretty stubborn person." Ash took his face out of his hands and looked down at his longtime companion. "But this is my fault. She's hurting because I wasn't there to protect her. I don't know what I'm going to do if she doesn't give me a second chance." Ash hung his head in shame again, tugging at the roots of his thick raven hair. "I really screwed up this time."

Pikachu jumped into Ash's lap and looked him straight in the eyes and said, "Pika pi chu Pikapi. Pipippika! Chu pika chu. Pikachupi pik kachu. Pika chu pichu pika pipi." Pikachu was trying to convince Ash that it wasn't his fault. What happened was because bad humans hurt her. Not Ash. And that he should make sure Misty knows that he isn't going to let them hurt her again.

"Like hell I'd let them. I swear if I ever find out who they are…" Ash let his sentence trail off. He had anger written all over his face and his fists were clenched.

"Pikachu pi pik pikachu pika." Pikachu reassured with small sparks coming from his cheeks to show that he was just as irate as Ash was. Pikachu loved Misty and would do anything to protect her.

Ash smiled at the reference to old enemies and laughed, referring to "blasting them off again". "Thanks Pikachu. Just promise you'll use an extra powerful electro ball."

"Pika ka pichu." Pikachu looked up at his master and gave him a wink. "Pik pi chu Pikachu chu."

Ash nodded and turned off the light. He and Pikachu crawled into bed. Ash let his mind go over the new advice he had received. Just let her come to you Ash. I'm going to have to show her that I'm there for her somehow. I just have no idea how. Ash tried to think of any way to show Misty that he was there for her until he couldn't stay awake any longer.

Ash woke up later that night. He glanced at the bright red lights of the digital clock on his nightstand to see that it was just past three o'clock. Glancing to his side, he saw that Pikachu was still sleeping soundly on the bed nearest the wall.

An unusual sound caught Ash's attention. He tried to listen closer but still couldn't make out what it was. Ash slid out of bed gently, as not to wake the little mouse, and silently exited his room.

When he was finally in the hallway, Ash listened for the sound once again. It was dark in the hall, but Ash knew this house perfectly. He crept down the hall toward the sound and finally found the source.

Ash stopped right outside of Misty's bedroom door. The sounds were no doubt coming from her room and he could hear them distinctly now. She sounded like she was in a struggle, moaning and whining.

Ash opened the door and crept inside Misty's room. He shut the door behind him; he didn't want to wake anyone else. The moon outside the window on the opposite side of the room cast a glow over the bed and its occupant.

Ash rushed over to the bed and saw that Misty was having a terrible nightmare. Her legs and arms were jerking and she was moaning various phrases: "Go away", "Stop", "Someone please help me". Ash could see Misty's face was very distraught. Her eyes were squeezed shut and her brow was furrowed.

Ash couldn't watch her go through this any longer. He sat down on the bed next to Misty and grabbed her by the shoulders trying to halt her flailing arms from hitting him.

"Misty wake up," Ash pleaded over and over while simultaneously avoiding her attacks. Ash looked like he was on the verge of a break down himself, watching Misty go through such a traumatic nightmare was heartbreaking to him.

Finally, Ash succeeded in waking Misty and she shot straight up. She was panting heavily and beads of sweat were running down her forehead and neck. Her hair, in a messy pony tail, clung to the back of her neck.

Ash reached over to Misty and put his hand on her shoulder but this only startled her more and she jerked away from his touch. When Misty realized that it was just Ash she dove at his chest. She clung to his shirt and sobbed. The soft material quickly became soaked with her tears.

Ash was a bit thrown by this but he wrapped his arms around Misty. He laid one hand on her back and put the other on the back of her head in a secure manner.

"It's okay Misty. It was just a dream," Ash cooed softly in her ear but this only seemed to upset her more. Ash realized that even though what Misty had just experienced was a dream, it must have been a reenactment of the trauma she had been put through. Ash tightened his grip on her and continued to whisper comforting phrases in her ear.

After about twenty-five minutes, Misty's sobs began to slow and she could finally speak. "I-I'm so s-scared Ash…." Misty let out another sob.

Ash was so concerned about Misty. He had rarely ever seen Misty shed a tear and seeing her bawl her eyes out was killing him. He gave Misty a comforting squeeze and reassuringly whispered, "You don't have to be Mist. I'm here now."

Misty looked up at Ash. Her hair was up but her bangs fell just in front of her eyes. In the faint glow he could see that her eyes were reddening from the intense crying. Instead of their usual bright cerulean, Misty's eyes resembled more of a dark, sadder navy. Her cheeks were red and he could see just how hurt she was. She was beginning shake. "I mean it Misty. I'm not going anywhere."

Misty stared into Ash's face. He looked so worried about her. She felt safer than ever before wrapped up in Ash's strong, comforting arms. As he spoke those words Misty felt even safer. She continued to stare into his warm, russet orbs and ceased her tears. She turned her face away from his. Even though she felt safe, there was still something holding her back. "I just don't want to get hurt anymore." Misty's voice was barely audible but Ash still heard the words.

It felt like a million beedrill stung Ash in the chest when he heard her whisper those words. Misty wasn't just hurting from the mysterious events she went through, she was still hurting from what Ash had said to her.

Ash knew that he had hurt Misty in that past and she was still feeling that. That's why she was so hesitant on letting him back in. Misty was pushing Ash away because she was afraid that Ash would hurt her again. This wasn't just Misty being hurt by someone she barely knew. This was getting hurt by Ash, her best friend. No. By the looks of it, he concluded that it was much deeper than that. He couldn't help but pull Misty back into another hug.

"I'm so sorry I hurt you Misty. But I promise that I won't hurt you again. And I won't let anyone else hurt you either. I'm going to keep you safe." Ash felt tears threatening his eyes now. "And I'm sorry for trying to push that information out of you. I was wrong to do that. If you never want to tell me then don't. I just want you to be happy again." A single tear escaped his eye and slid down his cheek and landed on Misty's.

Misty felt the tear and soaked in the words Ash had just said. Ash was saying that he wasn't going to hurt her again. He was promising to keep her safe. Misty always felt safest with Ash around but right now she felt like nothing would ever be able to touch her.

They stayed like this for a very long time before Misty pulled back slightly to look at Ash face again. Misty could see his eyes were red now and could see how distraught he was. I need to give him a second chance. I owe it to the both of us.

Ash looked down at Misty. She looked like she was thinking hard about what he just told her. The longer their stare held, the more Ash was beginning to worry that Misty would still push him away.

After what seemed like a century, Ash was shocked about what appeared on Misty's face. A small smile formed and it spread all the way to Ash's lips. The difference between this smile and the others Misty had given him over the past few days was that this one was sincere. It actually looked happy.

"I'm sorry I've been pushing you away. I was just so unsure of what to do. But I promise I won't do that anymore. I want to be happy again and I want my best friend back." Misty spoke with an honest tone and if her face wasn't already enflamed, she would be blushing. Misty decided that she wanted her best friend back, but she wasn't sure if she was ready or wanted to pursue anything more than that.

The smile on Ash's face grew ten-fold and he brought Misty back in for another embrace. "And I want mine back too." They shared this hold for a few minutes before Ash pulled away again. "You should get some sleep now though. We can talk more in the morning." Ash gave Misty one more squeeze and let her go completely. He got up from the bed and was about to walk to the door when something caught his wrist. He looked back to see that Misty had her hand wrapped tightly around his wrist. He looked into her eyes and could see she didn't want him to go.

"Please don't go, Ash. I'm still a little scared from that dream…" Misty looked away embarrassed. "Could you maybe stay, just for tonight?" Misty felt very vulnerable when Ash released his arms from around her. She knew it was just because of the dream she just had, but right now she just wanted to feel safe.

Ash looked into her pleading eyes. "Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere." He replied with a smile. Ash sat back down on the bed with his back against the head board. He took Misty in his arms again, both hands around her back, and she put her head on his strong chest.

She felt the vulnerability melt away with his presence and relaxed her muscles. Her eyes felt very heavy from all the crying and she couldn't keep them open. She listened to Ash's heartbeat and it all felt so calming. Misty drifted off into a sound sleep.

Ash looked down at the redhead in his arms. He couldn't help but smile. He had his best friend back and she was going to get through this, he had no doubt in his mind now. He felt her muscles relax and her breathing slow. Ash knew that Misty was now sleeping. He maneuvered his head to see her face and she looked so peaceful. He knew that she wouldn't have any nightmares tonight and she would finally get a goodnight sleep.

Ash kissed the top of Misty forehead and whispered, "Sweet dreams". He rested his head on top of hers and drifted off to sleep.

Ash was the first to wake up the next morning. He was awakened by the sun rays shining in through the window. He glanced down at the petite figure in his arms and couldn't help but smile. Misty had a tranquil look while she slumbered.

He took this moment to take in her new tranquil features. She looked like she was in a peaceful sleep.

Not wanted to wake her from her much needed rest, Ash slipped carefully out from under her and laid her head gently on the pillow. She began to stir but quickly settled back down.

Ash exited the room and began to make his way down the hall. Once he came to steps, he slid down them without a sound. He had a lot of practice doing this when he was younger and knew just where to step on each stair that would not make a squeak.

Ash peered into the kitchen to notice his mother was busy making breakfast. Damn. I was hoping to get up before her. She isn't going to be happy about this…

Delia usually woke her son up to help with breakfast. She knew that if she didn't wake Ash up in the morning, he would happily stay in bed until noon every day.

"I know you're standing there Ashton." Delia spoke in a mother-knows-all-and-you're-in-trouble tone.

Ash stiffened and wondered if he should make a run for it. He decided against it because he knew that his mother would just send Mr. Mime to use his Barrier attack and lock Ash up in an invisible box.

"Morning Mom! Mmmmm! Breakfast sure smells yummy!" Ash walked nervously into the room with an embellished grin on his face, praying his mother wouldn't be too mad.

Delia turned around from her spot at the stove. She crossed her arms angrily over her robbed torso and if looks could kill, Ash would have been dead ten times over. "So I went to wake my son up for breakfast this morning but he wasn't in his room. Little did I know that he was spending the night in Misty's room, wrapped up in each other's arms no less! I thought I taught you better than that Ashton! But then you go and take advantage of a hurting girl!" Delia's voice began to rise as she stepped closer and closer to Ash with every word and Ash shrunk under his mother's intimidating glare.

"Mom it's not what it looks like!" Ash spoke timidly, cutting Delia off from her rant.

"Well then Ash; please do share what exactly happened last night." Delia spoke in a cold tone still glaring at her son with her hands on her hips.

Ash gulped nervously before he began to speak. His mother may have been sweet 99% of the time, but she sure was scary the other 1 %.

"I woke up in the middle of the night and I heard these weird noises. I went to find out what they were and they were coming from Misty's room. When I went inside I found out that she was having a really bad nightmare!" Ash was examining his mother's facial expressions carefully as he spoke. When he saw that her face was going from anger to concern, he decided it was safe to continue. "I woke her up but she was really upset. She asked if I could stay with her and I just couldn't say no to her. She looked terrified."

Delia uncrossed her arms and placed both of her hands over her heart. Concern was written all over her face. "Oh, poor dear. Maybe I should go up and check on her."

As Delia was about to turn to head up stairs Ash stopped her and said, "It's okay mom. We talked about it and I think she is going to be just fine". Ash looked down at his mother with a very confident smile.

"And nothing else happened?" Delia looked up at her son with a suspicious eye.

"I promise nothing happened. I would never take advantage of someone like that, especially Misty. Like you said, you raised me better than that mom." Ash softened his expression.

"I'm sorry I jumped at you like that. I have to realize that someday you are going to grow up whether I want you to or not. But no matter how old you get you are always going to be my little boy." Delia's eyes were becoming glossy with her explanation. She knew that Ash was becoming a man and he had to make his own decisions in life. He wasn't an innocent boy anymore and she had to step back and let him grow up.

Ash took his mother in his arms for a heartfelt embrace and she generously returned the gesture. "I wouldn't have it any other way mom," Ash whispered in her ear before letting her go.

Delia turned to go back to the stove and hummed, "And I guess I need to let you grow up if I ever hope to get a grandchild out of you."

Ash could only shake his head at his mother's comment as he sat down at the video phone. He had an important phone call to make.

The slumbering redhead woke up and stretched her arms across the bed, unconsciously looking for the other occupant she fell asleep next to. When she didn't come in contact with anything she sat up and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. She felt more rested then she had in ages.

Misty glanced around the room and realized that she was completely alone. She frowned and began to recall what happened last night. She smiled when she remembered how Ash came to her aid once again. She felt like a huge load had been lifted from her shoulders.

Misty twisted her body around and swung her legs over the edge of the bed and tried to fix her disheveled locks. She grabbed her crutches and stood. Not bothering to change out of her pajama shorts and t-shirt she made her way to the door. She decided that Ash and his mother must be in the kitchen so she began to make her way there.

Clumsily, the redhead made her way down the stairs and stood at the entrance of the kitchen. She observed the occupants before she entered. Ash was now seated at the head of the table with his back to the door with Pikachu perched on his shoulder. Delia was just putting the finishing touches on the food she was preparing.

Delia turned around and noticed Misty standing in the doorway. "Oh! Good morning, Misty! I'm so glad you're awake! I thought that you were going to miss breakfast."

Ash tilted his head back and looked at Misty upside-down. He gave her his signature toothy grin and said "Morning sleepyhead."

Misty let out a small giggle at Ash's childish gesture and made her was over to the table and sat down adjacent to Ash. She looked over at the older woman and said, "I would never miss one of your delicious meals Mrs. Ketchum!" She ended her sentence with a genuine smile.

Delia was thrilled that her son was right about the young girl. She did seem to be looking a lot better. She made her way over to the table with two plates and sat them down in front of Ash and Misty. Looking over at Misty she said, "I'm so glad to see that you are looking better dear".

Misty smiled up at the motherly figure and said, "Me too". Misty looked over at Ash and gave him a smile as well.

Turning into the direction of her son, Delia asked, "Honey would you mind helping me run some errands later? I have some heavy soil to pick up and I need some help, along with a few other things."

Ash looked up at his mother and could only nod since his mouth was currently being stuffed with food.

"Thanks so much. Well I'm going to get ready for the day." Delia exited the room and left Ash and Misty alone.

They sat in silence as they started eating and Misty was the first to speak. "Thank you, Ash."

Ash looked up from his plate and swallowed the food that was in his mouth to reply. "It's no problem Mist. You were really upset last night and I just wanted to help."

"No I mean for everything. For being so kind to me this past week. For not leaving my side for anything." Misty looked down and whispered, "And for saving my life."

Ash looked over at his best friend and felt a warm sensation enter his chest again. He reached over and placed his hand over Misty's and replied, "Anything for you Mist. I'm just glad you gave our friendship another chance."

Misty looked up and locked her eyes with the russet ones gazing at her. She finally broke the contact and rolled her eyes saying, "Just don't blow it Ash Ketchum," in a playful tone.

Ash withdrew his hand and crossed his arms in a childish manner. With a playful pout on his face he turned his head away and replied, "I don't always blow everything you know."

While Ash had his head turned Misty saw it as the perfect opportunity to snatch the last piece of bacon off his plate. She quickly snatched it but Ash saw her hand out of the corner of his eye.

"Hey don't steal my bacon! That was my last piece!" Ash raised his hands in an annoyed manner.

Misty took a satisfying bite out of it and between bites replied, "I don't know what you are talking about. I didn't steal anything of your plate."

Ash pointed a finger at her and said, "You did to! I saw you!"

Finishing the last bite Misty leaned forward and said, "Did not!"

"Did too!"

"Did not!"

"DID TOO!"

"DID NOT!"

Even though Pikachu was pleased to see the two humans getting along in their "normal" fashion, it was far too early in the morning to hear their bickering. "Pikaaa…" Pikachu warned as he began to emit small sparks from his cheeks.

Ash and Misty were instantly broken from their argument and anxiously put both their hands in front of their bodies defensively. "It's okay Pikachu you don't have to shock us." Just because Ash got shocked by Pikachu often, didn't mean he ever got used to it.

"Yeah, see? We stopped fighting." Misty had also received the threat from the yellow mouse.

"Pika." Pikachu pronounced as if he was saying "Good".

Ash shot Misty a glare and she returned it by sticking her tongue out. He stood up and gathered the dishes from the table.

As Ash began to make his way over to the sink, Misty caught something out of the corner of her eye. She couldn't resist as a devilish grin spread across her face. "Hey, Ash?"

"Yeah?" Ash replied turning slightly to face her.

"If you're going to help your mom go shopping today, you might want to put some pants on."

Ash looked down and realized that he was indeed standing in his blue boxers. A blush spread across the bridge of his nose and he let out a cry as he dumped the dishes in the sink and dashed up the stairs with a snickering Pikachu on his shoulder.

So there you go guys! Misty forgave Ash!

I hope you enjoyed their sweet reunion as much as I did!

Don't forget to hit that review button!

See you again in two weeks! BYE!