Last Chapter
"Um, Mr. Blake, sir," she began tentatively. "I just wanted to speak with you about something important."
Ash realized that Misty did not recognize him and he spoke "Go on."
Misty continued "I used to have a companion called Ash Ketchum. The official story is that he died in a volcano. The truth is that a large number of Ashs so called friends ganged up on him and threw him in a volcano. What I know is that some of Ash's alleged friends drugged him, drove him to Mt. Molteau in Kalos, made up a story about saving Ho-oh when he awoke from his drugs, and then murdered him."
Ash said "There is no proof of your allegations." while he though that Misty somehow came across the truth but he needed proof.
Misty's eyes widened in shock at Ash's response. "No proof? How can you say that? I heard it with my own ears. One of his so-called friends was boasting about it in a bar. They were laughing about it as if it was some kind of sick joke. They didn't care that they had taken a life, that they had betrayed someone who trusted them." Her voice was shaking with emotion.
Ash was taken aback by Misty's words. He had always suspected that his friends had something to do with his supposed death, but he had never been able to prove it. Misty's story was the first concrete evidence he had heard.
"I had a feeling something was off about Ash's death," Ash said slowly. "But I never had any proof. If what you're saying is true, then his friends need to pay for what they've done."
Misty nodded in agreement. "That's why I came here, to find justice for Ash. I want to bring those responsible to justice, to make them pay for their crimes."
Ash thought about it for a moment. He knew that Misty was right, but he also knew that it wouldn't be easy to bring his friends to justice. They were powerful and well-connected, and they would do everything in their power to cover up what they had done.
"Okay," he said finally. "I'll help you find the truth. But we need to be careful. We can't let them know that we're onto them."
Misty nodded again. "I understand. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to bring Ash's killers to justice."
Ash smiled grimly. "Good. Because we're going to need all the help we can get."
Misty and Ash spent half an hour discussing their plan of action. They knew that they couldn't take down Ash's friends on their own, so they needed to gather evidence and build a strong case against them.
Ash knew that they needed someone who was skilled in gathering information and hacking into computer systems. "I know just the person we need," he said, pulling out his phone. He quickly dialed a number and waited for the person on the other end to pick up.
As Brock and Clemont greeted Domino, Clemont looked around nervously, then spoke up. "Um, where is As... Blake?"
Brock chuckled softly, at the mistake. Both Brock and Clemont knew Blake's true identity. To be honest, Clemont had given Sophocles some great invention ideas, and Sophocles had assisted Clemont in safely building inventions.
After about a year, Ash decided to inform Clemont that he was still alive. He only did so because he discovered a cold, hard person had reacted similarly to Ash: hugging for life and demanding to know everything. Clemont was taken aback by the traitors' actions. He was relieved because...
Lance had flown Ash to Brock when he was desperate for healing. When Lance told Brock that Ash didn't want anyone to know he was there, Brock insisted that Lance stay as well. Brock had mastered himself as a Pokémon doctor, and was called upon for the strangest of reasons. He only saw Ash every so often because they were both busier than ever before.
But now he and Clemont were both looking for their long-lost friend and ally. Both were overjoyed that he was champion and proud of his accomplishment. Clemont spoke inquisitively. "So you have no idea where Ash is?"
Domino shook his head. "He's probably around here somewhere. Besides, I'm more interested in you, Clemont; when are you going to tell us that you've got a nice babe of a girlfriend? No? You're not going to say anything about dating Korrina?" That piqued everyone's interest. "HUH!?" Everyone yelled at the same time. They all looked at Clemont, expecting to see a puzzled expression on his face.
Clemont blushed at Domino's sudden revelation, laughing nervously and was rubbing his finger under the bridge of his nose and had a small grin. "I-I...well, Korrina and I have been spending a lot of time together lately," he admitted. "But I didn't want to make a big deal out of it."
Brock grinned. "That's great news, Clemont! Korrina is a fantastic trainer and a wonderful person. You two make a great couple."
Clemont smiled, feeling a sense of relief that his friends were happy for him. "Thanks, Brock. I'm really lucky to have her."
"Big Brother? Oh My Gosh! Big Brother!" A loud voice was heard.
The entire group stopped what they were doing when a young blonde girl probably about fifteen years old ran up to him and hugged him tightly. However, as she did so, she slammed Domino out of the way and knocked her to the floor. The girl cooed. "Big Brother! You're here to cheer me on! That's so sweet of you! You should've said you were coming!" Clemont frowned at the girl, who was indeed his little sister, Bonnie.
At an early age, the two had become inseparable, growing very close. That all changed when Clemont met Korrina. The two grew close together and Clemont, who was a gym leader like her, began to develop feelings for her. He admired her strength and determination, and she appreciated his intelligence and kindness.
They had a lot in common, and soon they started dating. That was when Bonnie struck. No longer was she the little girl who tried to hook Clemont up with other girls, she wanted to keep them away from her elder brother!
She was jealous of Korrina, and felt that she was stealing Clemont from her. She drove Korrina away by feeding her false information. She told her that Clemont was cheating on her with another girl, and that he didn't really love her. When Clemont found out, he was utterly furious with his sister.
He confronted her about her lies, and told her that he loved Korrina a lot. He also said that he was disappointed in her for being so selfish and manipulative. He told her that he didn't want to see her again until she apologized to Korrina and changed her attitude.
He treated Bonnie like a trophy. He also tried to control her life, telling her what to wear, what to do, and who to hang out with. He even forbade her from seeing Clemont or any of their old friends. He declared that Bonnie should break up with him, and in retaliation, she left him for good.
She said that he didn't understand her feelings, and that he was just as bad as Korrina. She accused him of being a hypocrite and a traitor. She said that she hated him, and that he was no longer her brother. That was three years ago, around the same time as Ash became champion.
The next four months were the roughest. He had very little to hold him up, and no friends to support him either. He felt lonely and betrayed by his sister, who he still loved despite everything. He also missed Korrina terribly, who had moved away after their breakup. He tried to focus on his gym duties and his inventions, but nothing could fill the void in his heart.
Present
Ash walked down the dimly lit hallways of the Pokémon League headquarters, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of the upcoming tournament. He knew that this tournament was going to be huge, and he couldn't afford to let anything slip past him. As he searched for the private meeting room, he could feel the weight of the other champions' expectations bearing down on him.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of searching, he saw the room appear on his right. The door was slightly ajar, and he could hear the muffled voices of the other champions coming from within. Without a moment's hesitation, Ash burst open the doors and swept into the room, catching the attention of every other champion in the room as well as Mr. Goodshow, the president of the Pokémon League.
Mr. Goodshow's eyes lit up as soon as he saw Ash. "Ah! There you are Mr. Blake!" he exclaimed, beaming with delight. "Your region is simply gorgeous! How you got this region so perfect is beyond me!"
Ash couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness swell up within him at Mr. Goodshow's words. He had worked tirelessly to make sure that his region, Paldea, was one of the most beautiful and diverse regions in the Pokémon world. From the rugged mountain ranges to the sprawling deserts and lush forests, Paldea had something for everyone.
Lance, the Dragon-type specialist, spoke up next. "I was able to roam around this city called Glaseado City, and I was simply stunned! It was magnificent."
Ash nodded in agreement. Glaseado City was one of the jewels of Paldea, with its and stunning architecture. He was glad that Lance had appreciated its beauty.
The other champions murmured in agreement, including Leon, who had a cheeky grin on his face. He was looking forward to seeing how the new challengers would fare against him and his Charizard. Mr. Goodshow silenced the chatter with his hand. He was an elderly man with a white beard and a red suit, who had been organizing the Pokemon League for decades. "Now then, I believe it's time to talk about how we are going to open this fair tournament of ours. Obviously, the first battle shall take place in the PBS, the Paldea Battle Stadium. It's a magnificent arena that can accommodate any type of terrain and weather for the battles. Now, the catch of it is, who will be the first to go, how shall we announce it, and anything else we may need to execute this."
Blake spoke calmly. "Why not do what we always do and just randomly select two trainers to battle?" he suggested. He didn't care who he faced, he was confident in his bond with his Pokemon.
Mr. Goodshow shook his head. "Afraid not Blake. These years ratings are higher than ever, at least, those are the projections. We need to make a huge splash to meet the expectations of everyone watching out there. So, we need to come up with an idea to attract positive attention that isn't your traditional opening battle to a tournament. That's why I'm talking with you all, I'd like to hear your ideas." He looked around the room, hoping for some inspiration.
The room was silent for a moment before Lance said. He was the champion of Johto and a master of dragon-type Pokemon. He had long red hair and wore a cape that matched his Dragonite's wings. "How about just having two us champions in an opening battle?" he proposed. He thought it would be exciting to see two powerful trainers clash right from the start.
The room began muttering aloud but Mr. Goodshow shut it down. "Not happening. People from every region in the world will be watching this tournament. If their favorite champion gets knocked out early, we lose ratings and attention for now and in the future. What else do we have?" He was getting impatient and frustrated.
Again, silence reigned. No one had any idea how to make the opening ceremony of the World Tournament more exciting and memorable. Diantha was the next one to speak. She cleared her throat and suggested in a calm voice. "What if we chose to have the two top trainers that aren't affiliated with Pokémon League battle in an exhibition match to begin?"
Mr. Goodshow's response was quick. He shook his head and dismissed the idea with a wave of his hand. "Too simple. We need something special, something amazing, something that will launch us into the tournament. It doesn't necessarily have to be the battle itself, but maybe something that happens beforehand." He looked around the room, hoping for someone to come up with a brilliant plan.
Gladion grumbled something under his breath. He was not interested in any of this. He just wanted to battle and prove himself as the best trainer in the world. He did not care about ceremonies or spectacles. Steven questioned the blond champion with a curious glance. He leaned forward and asked in a friendly tone. "What was that Gladion?"
He spoke quietly, but loud enough for everyone to hear. "This sounds like you want this to be extravagant…" He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest. He did not like anything that was flashy or showy.
Suddenly, Cynthia let out a gasp of surprise. She clapped her hands and exclaimed in an excited voice. "T-that's it! We can have a Dance!" She smiled widely and looked at everyone with sparkling eyes. She loved dancing and thought it would be a fun way to start the tournament.
The male Champions groaned aloud. They did not share her enthusiasm for dancing at all. Ash commented aloud. He shook his head and frowned. "No chance I vote for that." He did not like dancing either. He thought it was boring and embarrassing. Lance muttered under his breath. He agreed with Ash completely. "I agree with you on that." He did not want to dance in front of a crowd of people.
The other champions voiced their opinions as well. Some were in favor of Cynthia's idea, while others were against it. The room became noisy and chaotic as everyone argued and debated. Mr. Goodshow yelled over the commotion. He raised his voice and tried to restore order. "That's enough! We'll take a vote right now. Champion Steven, your vote?"
Steven shrugged his shoulders and stroked his chin with his thumb and index finger with a pondering look. He weighed the pros and cons of Cynthia's idea in his mind. He thought it might be a good way to break the ice and show some personality to the audience. He also thought it might be fun to see how the other champions would react to dancing with each other. He decided to give it a chance and said in a neutral voice. "To be frank… I believe this may be the best idea we will come up with on such short notice. I vote yes." Lance double-taked. He looked at Steven with disbelief and shock. "Huh? Steven, you can't be serious!" He could not believe that Steven would agree to such a ridiculous idea.
Mr. Goodshow announced the result of Steven's vote with a smile. He hoped that more champions would follow his example and support Cynthia's idea. He said in an enthusiastic voice. "One in Favor, None against. Champion Gladion?"
Gladion spoke without hesitation or doubt. He said in a firm voice what everyone expected him to say. "I'd rather not, in all honesty." He did not want to waste his time dancing when he could be training or battling instead.
The room was filled with anticipation as Mr. Goodshow announced the results of the vote. "That's one for each now, Champion Cynthia?" he asked, looking at the elegant woman with long blonde hair and a confident smile. She was the champion of Sinnoh and one of the most respected trainers in the world. Her response was as expected. "Ooooohh I can't wait! What will I wear? I've always wanted to try my white dress out, but maybe my light blue one would work better? Ohhhh I don't know…" she gushed, clasping her hands together and twirling around. Her excitement was contagious and many of the other trainers cheered along with her.
Mr. Goodshow yelled over the noise. "Champion Cynthia!" She immediately blushed and noticed how many people were staring at her. She squeaked and covered her mouth with her hand. "I vote yes," she said quickly, hoping to end her embarrassment. Mr. Goodshow nodded and tallied up the second yes. He spoke again. "Next up, Champion Lance?" He turned to the man with spiky red hair and a cape that fluttered behind him. He was the champion of Johto and Kanto and one of the most feared trainers in the world. His response was as expected. "Not in a million years," he said flatly, crossing his arms and shaking his head. He had no interest in dancing or socializing with anyone. He was here to battle and nothing else.
Cynthia glared at him before 'humphing' loudly and turning away. She thought he was rude and boring. She wanted to have fun and make friends with the other champions. She didn't understand why he was so cold and distant. "Two apiece," Mr. Goodshow said, ignoring the tension between them. He moved on to the next champion. "Diantha?" He smiled at the woman with long dark hair and a graceful demeanor. She was the champion of Kalos and one of the most elegant trainers in the world. Her response was as expected. "I believe I'll vote in favor of this dance," she said politely, smiling back at Mr. Goodshow. She thought it would be a nice opportunity to relax and enjoy herself after a long day of battling.
Mr. Goodshow nodded and tallied up the fourth yes. He spoke again. "Blake?" He looked at the boy with black hair and a red cap. He was the champion of Paldea and one of the most mysterious trainers in the world. His response was as expected. "No," he said quietly, avoiding eye contact with anyone. He didn't like dancing or crowds or formal events. He preferred to be alone or with his Pokemon.
He smiled and said, "Well, it seems we have a tie. Four of you want to dance and four of you don't. Let's see if we can break it." He turned to Iris, "Iris, what do you say? Do you want to join the dance floor?"
Iris blushed and nodded shyly. "Yes," she said softly. "I think it would be fun to dance with my friends."
Mr. Goodshow clapped his hands. "That's wonderful! Four for three against!" He then looked at Misty. "How about you, Misty? Do you want to show off your moves?"
Misty shook her head firmly. "No way," she said firmly. "I'm not a fan of dancing. I'd rather watch from the sidelines."
Mr. Goodshow nodded. "I respect your choice, Misty. Four for four!" He then turned to Leon, who was standing next to Cynthia and Diantha. "And finally, Leon. The champion of Galar. What do you say? Do you want to join the dance floor?"
Leon scratched his head and looked around nervously. He saw Lance and Ash, giving him a thumbs down sign. They didn't want to dance either. He also saw Cynthia and Diantha, who were smiling and nodding at him encouragingly.
Leon felt torn. He didn't know what to do. He hesitated for a moment and then said, "Yes."
Mr. Goodshow cheered. "That's great! Five for four in favor of dancing!"
The room erupted into cheers and boos as Mr. Goodshow announced his final verdict.
Cynthia and Diantha were ecstatic; they couldn't wait to have a dance with all the other champions.
Lance and Ash were dismayed; they couldn't believe Mr. Goodshow had betrayed them.
And Mr. Goodshow was happy; he thought it would be fun to see how everyone would react to this unexpected twist.
The scene at the table was chaotic. A chorus of uproars came from the table as Mr. Goodshow revealed his plan. Cynthia and Diantha cheered with excitement, clapping their hands and exchanging glances. Ash and Lance fell out of their seats in shock, their eyes wide and their mouths agape. Gladion groaned aloud and buried his face in his hands, wondering how he got himself into this mess. Steven laughed at everyone's antics, finding the whole situation amusing. Lance sputtered, his face red with embarrassment. "B-b-but sir! You can't p-possibly expect us to dance for the public! Y-y-you can't d-do that!" He protested, hoping to change Mr. Goodshow's mind.
Ash took a sip of water to try and calm his nerves. He wished he could just disappear from this nightmare. How could this get any worse? He thought to himself. Mr. Goodshow announced with a cheerful tone. "Get the message out to all of your elites and gym leaders! The dance will be taking place in five days from today! I will notify every one of the location! And… you must bring a date to the dance!" He added with a huge grin, as if he had just given them the best news ever.
Ash spat out his water all over the table and began coughing as though his life depended on it. He felt everyone's eyes on him, some with pity, some with curiosity, some with amusement. He wished he could just crawl under the table and hide. "A-a-a Date?" He repeated in disbelief, his voice cracking. Mr. Goodshow chuckled at seeing the usually calm Blake so flustered. But now he wished he could just be himself and run away from this madness. "Yes Blake, a date." Mr. Goodshow confirmed, nodding his head. "You have five days to find someone who will accompany you to the dance. And don't worry, I'm sure you'll have plenty of options." He winked at Ash, making him blush even more.
They discussed the logistics and the plan for an hour and then the meeting came to an end. The Champions left the meeting room and that left Blake, Leon, and Misty. Misty knew that Ash betrayed her but still she loved him. Misty then felt that even if Ash betrayed her, he would still want her to move on and not to be sad. Misty then approached Blake, whom Misty did not know was Ash.
Meanwhile, Blake was surprised that she was not having any apprehension of going with him due to her loving Ash. He knew that Misty loved Ash and was betrayed by him but still loved him even after his supposed death of which Misty thought that Ash was dead but then he realized that he was a selfless individual who wanted good for Misty even if he cheated her and so since she understood that, she was turning a new page and approaching him.
Misty then reached Blake who nodded at her but inside felt that she would make him to be part of her life. Misty then asked Blake "You are a very kind person. Could we go together on the date?"
Ash was taken aback by Misty's sudden approach, and he felt a mix of emotions running through him. He was grateful for Misty's forgiveness, but he also felt guilty for deceiving her. As Blake, he had to put up a façade and pretend not to know her, which was a painful experience for him.
He looked at Misty with a sense of confusion and disbelief, wondering why she would ask him to go on a date. However, he quickly realized that Misty didn't know he was Ash, and he felt a sense of relief knowing that he could spend some time with her without revealing his true identity.
"Sure, Misty," Blake replied, trying to sound as calm and collected as possible. "I'd love to go with you to the dance."
Misty's face lit up with excitement, and Ash couldn't help but feel a sense of joy seeing her happy. He knew that he had hurt her deeply, and he was glad that she was able to move on and find happiness with someone else, even if it was just for one night.
Blake couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt gnawing at him. He knew that he was living a lie, and that he had to tell Misty the truth eventually. But for now, he was just happy to be with her, even if it was just for a short while.
Leon walked and reached Blake and Misty. Leon knew that Blake was Ash in disguise and he said "Blake, I hope you have a good time with Misty." and Blake nodded and said "Yes, thank you for that."
As Leon walked away, Blake breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that he had managed to keep his secret identity hidden. Blake could see the hope in her eyes, and he knew he couldn't disappoint her.
"Of course, Misty," he reiterated with a smile. "I'd be happy to go with you to the dance."
Misty's face lit up with joy, and Blake felt a twinge of guilt. He knew that he was not the person Misty thought he was, but he was determined to make it up to her. He had always been kind to Dawn and Serena, but he knew he needed to be even kinder to Misty, especially after what he had done to her.
He vowed to himself that he would not tease her or take her for granted. He would be a good listener, pay attention to her needs and feelings, and treat her with the respect and love she deserved. He hoped that by doing so, he could make up for the hurt he had caused her in the past.
As Blake and Misty walked out of the meeting room, he put his arm around her shoulder, and she leaned into him. Blake felt a warm feeling in his heart, knowing that he was doing the right thing by being there for her. He hoped that their date would be the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship, one built on trust, honesty, and mutual respect.
Misty couldn't help but feel a little guilty for feeling so attracted to Blake, especially when she was still in love with Ash. But there was something different about Blake that she couldn't quite put her finger on. Maybe it was the way he carried himself, or the way he always seemed to be there when someone needed help. He had a certain charm that was hard to resist.
As she finished getting ready for the date, she couldn't help but think about how different it would be from any date she had been on before. She had never gone on a date with someone who was so kind and considerate before. With Ash, it had always been a bit of a rollercoaster ride, full of ups and downs, fights and kind moments.
But with Blake, it was different. He didn't tease her or push her buttons like Ash did, but he also didn't shy away from being himself. He was confident and sure of himself, but never arrogant or overbearing.
Misty took a deep breath and looked at herself in the mirror. She was wearing a simple, yet elegant blue dress that flowed beautifully around her. She smiled to herself, feeling a little nervous but also excited to see where the night would take her.
As she left her room, she saw Blake waiting for her outside. He smiled warmly at her, and Misty felt her heart skip a beat. It was going to be an interesting night, that was for sure.
Blake led her outside where he called out his Charizard from its Pokeball. The massive dragon Pokemon roared as it emerged, its wings spreading wide and its fiery breath creating a gust of wind. Misty's eyes widened in awe at the sight of the majestic creature.
"Wow, your Charizard is amazing!" Misty exclaimed, unable to hide her excitement.
Blake grinned. "Thanks, he's my partner and one of my strongest Pokemon. Hop on, and we'll take off to the dance."
Misty nodded, still mesmerized by the sight of Charizard. She climbed onto the dragon's back, and Blake hopped on behind her, holding onto her waist to keep her steady. As they took off, Misty could feel the wind rushing past her and the thrill of flying on a Pokemon. She looked around at the scenery, the sun setting behind them, and the city of Glaseado sprawling out below them.
Blake was glad to see Misty enjoying the ride. He could feel her body leaning into him, and it made him feel warm inside. He tried to push the thought out of his head, knowing that it was Ash who Misty was in love with, but he couldn't help the feeling of wanting to be with her.
They arrived at the location of the dance, and as they landed, Misty couldn't help but feel grateful to be there with Blake. She turned to him, smiling brightly. "Thank you for bringing me here, Blake. I'm really glad we could come together."
Blake felt a wave of happiness wash over him at her words. "I'm glad too, Misty. You look beautiful tonight."
Misty blushed at his compliment, feeling her heart skip a beat. She smiled at him again, feeling grateful for this moment with Blake. Blake returned Charizard to its Pokeball.
When they walked in, they were greeted by two familiar faces to Ash, but not to Misty. When he saw the two, he laughed and exclaimed. "I was wondering if I'd run into you guys!" He hugged them both tightly and said. "Clemont, how are you doing? Giving your beautiful woman the respect she deserves?" Korrina said with a happy smile. "He is unrivalled. I'm glad he's mine, because I've noticed other girls at that party from before eyeing him up. They must understand the message." Her Pokémon companion agreed with a growl.
Clemont and Korrina were there together because they were both gym leaders. Ash spoke upbeatly. "I'm glad you're here; there's someone I'd like you to meet."
Ash had a serious conversation with Misty. "I don't have many ties to Kalos, but when I do go there, it's to talk to Clemont about an idea for Glaseado City or a Gym. He was instrumental in designing and building Glaseado City from the ground up. None of this would have been possible without him!" Clemont chuckled nervously as Korrina rested her head on her boyfriend's shoulder. "It wasn't all my fault, you know!"
Ash then exclaimed. "You are correct! He'll be here tonight!"
Misty blinked and turned to face her date. "Is anyone here?"
Clemont appeared to be a kid in a candy store. "Sophocles has arrived!? Are you kidding me? Sorry, Blake, but I need to find him right away!" Clemont grabbed Korrina's hand and bolted in an unknown direction. Misty asked, sweatdropped. "How are Clemont and Sophocles related?"
Ash laughed. "Sophocles was one of the first people I met when I moved to Alola. I enlisted his assistance when I became champion." Misty cocked her brow. "What do you mean?" Ash laughed once more. "With the establishment of Glaseado City. My lead designers were him and Clemont. When I first met Clemont, he was in a bad situation. I offered to assist him in getting back on track. All he needed were some friends and a job. Glaseado City and Sophocles were a natural fit. Without a doubt, those two complement each other perfectly. Their shared interests can keep them entertained for hours: Clemont comes up with invention ideas, and Sophocles makes them."
Misty nodded slowly as Ash took her hand and led her through the crowd. 'Blake clearly cares about some people... Others, on the other hand, appear to irritate him. Why is this the case? What makes the difference?'
It took some time to navigate the maze of people to the main dance floor. The entire building, though one floor, was more than titanic sized. It was like a giant warehouse filled with colorful lights, loud music and hundreds of partygoers. Blake and Misty had to squeeze through the crowd, holding hands to avoid getting separated. They passed by various booths and attractions, such as a karaoke stage, a photo booth, a snack bar and a mini arcade.
Finally, they reached the dance floor and the moment they did, the entire floor appeared to come alive. The music changed to a faster beat and the lights flashed in sync with the rhythm. Misty's eyes widened when the DJ and his Pokémon shined a headlight directly on Blake. He was wearing a black leather jacket, a red shirt and jeans. He had a confident smile on his face as he waved to the crowd. He grabbed a nearby stool and stood on top of it. He yelled. "How we doing tonight everyone!?" The crowd cheered and roared in response.
Blake felt a surge of adrenaline as he addressed the audience. He loved being in the spotlight and making people happy. He looked around and saw that everyone was having a blast. He decided to pump up the energy even more. "Heyyyy that's what I'm talking about! Tonight, I have one request from all of you: I want you to Party on! From tomorrow on, it's serious battle training and tournament talk for good! So let's chill out, have a good time, break it down and build it up! Kick it up DJ!" The crowd cheered loudly when he finished his tiny speech and Blake hopped down to a rather surprised looking Misty.
Misty was stunned by Blake's performance. She wondered if he was hiding anything else from her. She felt a mix of admiration and confusion as he approached her. He laughed at her reaction. "What? I can yell at people!" She giggled. "I guess I just didn't expect you to be able to raise you voice at all."
Blake smirked and playfully wrapped his arm around her waist, catching her off guard. He felt a spark of attraction as he pulled her closer to him. He liked her a lot. She was beautiful, smart and funny. She also loved Pokémon as much as he did. He wanted to impress her and make her happy. He also wanted to kiss her, but he wasn't sure if she felt the same way.
"Hey only I can be smart with people tonight." She whispered in his ear softly. "Mmm is that so?" He whispered back. "Very much." Both looked at one another for a good twenty seconds before they simultaneously burst out laughing at the same time. They felt a connection as they shared their laughter. They also felt a tension as they gazed into each other's eyes. She giggled. "Your sense of humor needs work."
He responded with a playful tone in his voice. "My dancing is better than my stockpile of jokes." He held out his hand to her and grinned. His eyes sparkled with mischief and charm. "Care to see?" She smiled and took his hand. She felt a surge of adrenaline as he led her to the dance floor. She really enjoyed this side of Blake. On one hand, you had the silent, mystic, and rather cunning version of Blake that the public knew.
He was a master of disguise and deception, always keeping his true identity hidden from his enemies. But, on the other, you had a lively, happy, and rather sexy version of him that got Misty a little excited. He was fun-loving and adventurous, always making her laugh and feel alive. He was also handsome and fit, with a muscular body that moved gracefully to the rhythm of the music. A solid two hours passed from the time they arrived. They were completely drained from the intense dancing, and were looking for a break.
They got one… in a way. Slow music came on, a song for couples. Ash and Misty, although they hadn't spent all of their time there together, found themselves staring at one another as the song began. It was a romantic ballad that spoke of love and devotion. He held out his hand to her and she took it with a soft smile. They felt a connection as their fingers intertwined. They began slowly dancing, Ash's hands on her waist and Misty's arms wrapped around his neck. They moved closer to each other until their bodies were touching softly. His smile was getting wider and wider as the dance went on.
He spoke quietly in her ear. "You really do look amazing tonight Misty." He complimented her sincerely. He admired how she looked in her elegant dress that hugged her curves perfectly. He noticed how her eyes shone with happiness and how her lips curved into a sweet smile.
Misty blushed at his words. "I'm sure I'm not that pretty." She said modestly. She didn't think she could compare to the other women at the party who wore expensive jewelry and designer clothes.
He nodded slightly and spoke aloud so she could hear him clearly over the music. "You're right." She looked at him in surprise and confusion. Did he just agree with her? Did he think she was ugly? "You're beautiful, not pretty." He clarified quickly before she could get upset or offended. "You shouldn't berate yourself." He added gently. He wanted her to see herself as he saw her: a gorgeous woman who radiated warmth and kindness. Her blush intensified at his words. She felt flattered and touched by his compliment.
He smiled warmly and removed a hand on her waist to gently stroke a strand of her hair away from her face that had slipped in front of the veil. He tucked it behind her ear with care. He gazed into her eyes with affection and admiration. Domino was MIA: she had left them alone to enjoy their moment without interruption or interference.
He spoke quietly. "Misty, I'd be lying if I said I felt this way about other girls… I don't. I honestly don't have too much experience in this department as well… but, I need to know. Are you having a good time tonight?" His voice was soft and sincere, his brown eyes gazing into hers with a hint of nervousness. He had been a perfect gentleman all night, making her laugh and feel comfortable. He was wearing a black jacket and jeans, and his spiky black hair was slightly tousled by the breeze.
Her eyes widened and she happily hugged him. "Blake, I've had an amazing time with you! And…" She looked down shyly. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thinking about you in the same way. I think you're a great guy Blake… maybe someone I want to get to know further. T-that is if you want to!" She added quickly. She had enjoyed every moment of their date. She felt a warm flutter in her chest whenever he smiled at her or touched her hand.
Ash laughed and held her close with a smile on his face. "I'd love that Misty. I know the battles are soon… but… I'd like for us to meet during the tournament, as in… more dates. Would you be interested?" He asked hopefully.
Misty, feeling very confident all of the sudden, leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. "As long as I'm with you Blake, I'd love to go with you." She said softly. She felt his arms tighten around her waist, and she snuggled closer to him. She didn't care about the tournament or anything else right now. She just wanted to be with him. She looked up at his face and saw him leaning down towards her. She felt a surge of excitement and anticipation.
Their lips inched closer together. Misty had totally forgotten about the kiss situation and everything else that had embarrassed her. Ash had forgotten about the fact that he hadn't revealed himself to her yet. Both were just hellbent on kissing the person opposite to them. Only mere inches separated them now. Misty's eyes were closed, and Ash's were drifting shut as well.
They could feel each other's breath on their skin, their hearts beating faster and louder in their ears. They could sense the electricity between them, the spark that ignited their feelings. They could almost taste each other's lips, sweet and inviting.
They were about to share their first kiss.
"CAN I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION! WE HAVE A SPECIAL ANNOUNCMENT TO MAKE!" The DJ roared over the loud music and flashing lights. The crowd of trainers and spectators turned their heads to the stage, curious and excited. Misty silently cursed her poor fortune. She had come to this party hoping to have some fun and relax before the tournament started, but now she felt like she was in a nightmare. She hated surprises, especially when they involved battles. She had no idea who she would face or what kind of challenge they would pose. She wished she could just go back to her hotel room and cuddle with Blake.
Ash noticed her dejected look and placed a hand on her shoulder with a smile. He leaned down and whispered in her ear. "Hey, don't worry. Whatever happens, I'll be right here with you. You're a great trainer, Misty. You can handle anything." He kissed her cheek softly and hugged her. She smiled and leaned up against him. She felt his warmth and his heartbeat. He always knew how to make her feel better. He was her rock, her partner, her lover. However, she lost her man shortly when the DJ continued.
"We have a special guest with an important announcement to make ladies and gentlemen! Tonight, the first match of this tournament will be revealed by none other than the champion of Paldea, Blake! Blake, can you please come up?" The DJ gestured to the side of the stage, where a tall figure emerged from the shadows. He looked cool and confident as he walked up to the microphone.
Ash navigated all the way to the front of the stage and he yelled out. "Who's ready for some battttttttttlllleeeeeessss?!" The crowd cheered in response. They loved him. They adored him. They respected him. He was their hero, their idol, their champion. He had won countless battles and tournaments in Paldea, a region known for its fierce and diverse Pokemon. He had a different persona, a different identity, a different life here.
"That's right! Tonight, I'll be revealing the tournament's first matchup! Here's the catch: It has to be two people here tonight that either leaders, elites, or champions! We're starting this league with a banger! Who knows? It could be Champion Gladion vs Champion Lance! It could be myself against one of my elites! I don't know, you don't know, and it will all happen before our very eyes!" In one motion, he pressed a button on his wristband and a wheel appeared on a large screen behind him.
The wheel was divided into several sections, each with a name and a picture of a trainer. She felt a surge of panic as she realized that she could be chosen to battle against Blake.
"Alright folks! Let's spin this wheel and see who will face off in the first match of this epic tournament! Are you ready?" Ash shouted as he spun the wheel with his other hand.
The wheel spun faster and faster until it became a blur of colors and names. Misty held her breath as she watched it slow down and stop at...
The announcer's voice echoed through the stadium as he introduced the rules of the tournament. "This wheel will select two trainers at random! Until the top 16, all battles are three on three battles with substitutions and items allowed as well. Rules are subject to change. And now, let's select our first challenger!" He snapped his fingers and turned to the wheel that was displayed on a giant screen behind him. The wheel had 32 slots, each with a picture of a trainer who had qualified for the tournament. The wheel started to spin rapidly, creating a blur of colors and faces. The crowd was cheering as they saw familiar faces on both sides of the wheel. Ash recognized some of them as well. He saw Domino's face whiz by on the left side, then Clemont's on the right. He wondered who he would face if he got picked.
As the wheel slowed down, Ash's eyes slightly widened. He saw his face approaching slowly on the left side of the screen. He felt a surge of adrenaline as he realized he might be chosen for the first round.
The crowd saw it happen. Misty saw it happen. And Ash most certainly saw it happen. On the left side of the screen, the wheel was stopping on him. He couldn't believe it; he was going in the first round?
Then, a loud noise was heard, almost sounding like a whooshing noise, and the crowd gasped in surprise. Ash saw what had happened, and the matchup that would follow. It would be an interesting opening battle to say the least.
On the screen, he saw Domino, the Dark-Ghost Elite Four member of Paldea, facing off against Volkner, the Gym Leader of Sunyshore City in Sinnoh. Domino had a sleek and mysterious appearance. She had long blonde hair and piercing violet eyes. Her Pokemon were equally dark and eerie: a Zoroark, a Chandelure, a Sableye, and a Hydreigon.
Volkner, on the other hand, had a bright and energetic look. He had spiky blond hair and blue eyes. He wore a yellow jacket and a blue scarf. His Pokemon were all electric-type: a Luxray, an Electivire, a Jolteon, and a Zeraora.
Ash made an announcement. "That's all there is to it, folks! Our first matchup, scheduled for 11 a.m. tomorrow, will pit Elite Domino of Paldea against Gym Leader Volkner of Sinnoh! This is a classic opening matchup between two of the best from their respective regions! Who will come out on top? Everyone needs to go see it tomorrow!"
Blake and Misty were in the midst of the party, surrounded by music and laughter. Misty was curious about one of the elites from Paldea, so she turned to Blake and asked, "Domino is one of your Elite from Paldea?"
Blake nodded in response and answered, "Yes, she is. Domino specializes in Dark and Ghost type Pokemons. She's one of the strongest trainers in Paldea and a formidable opponent."
Misty was impressed, "That sounds interesting. I can't wait to see her battle. Who is she going up against?"
"The opening match is between Domino and Volkner," Blake replied.
Misty nodded, "Oh, Volkner, the leader of the Sunyshore Gym. He's quite skilled himself."
Blake smiled, "Yes, he is. It should be a great battle."
Misty then turned to Blake, "You seem to know a lot about the trainers and their Pokemons. You're quite knowledgeable about the battles."
Blake shrugged, "I guess so. As the Paldea Champion, it's important to keep up with the latest strategies and techniques. I have to be prepared to face any challenger."
Misty was impressed by Blake's dedication and hard work. "You're an amazing Champion, Blake. It's an honor to know you," she said with a smile.
Blake returned her smile, "Thank you, Misty. You're pretty amazing yourself."
Iris and Cilan then went and saw Blake and Misty in the party and Misty was the date of Blake. Misty knew that Iris and Cilan betrayed Ash and along with May, Max, Bonnie, Dawn, and Trip were responsible for his supposed death.
Iris asked "Misty, why are you with the Champion of the trash region Paldea, Blake? Did you not find any better date? Any trainer from a region outside Paldea would be better than Blake."
Misty raised an eyebrow at Iris's words. "Excuse me? Blake is an excellent trainer and a good friend of mine. And I'm perfectly happy with my choice of date."
Blake gave a small smile and put a hand on Misty's shoulder. "Thank you, Misty. And as for you two," he turned to face Iris and Cilan, "I don't appreciate your disrespectful comments about my region or me. Paldea may not be as well-known as some other regions, but that doesn't mean it's any less important or valuable."
Iris crossed her arms and scoffed. "Please, Blake. You're just saying that because you're the Paldea Champion. But everyone knows that Paldea is a backwards region with no culture or class. And you're not even a worthy Champion."
Blake's expression hardened. "I'm not going to tolerate that kind of talk, Iris. You and your friends may have forgotten what it means to be a true trainer, but I haven't. And as for my worthiness as a Champion, that's not for you to decide."
Cilan spoke up, trying to calm the situation. "Look, we didn't mean any harm, Blake. We were just voicing our opinions."
Blake shook his head. "Opinions are one thing, disrespect is another. And your words were very disrespectful. If you can't show some basic courtesy and respect, then I suggest you leave."
Iris and Cilan exchanged a look before reluctantly nodding and leaving the party. As they walked away, Iris muttered under her breath. "Who does he think he is? Just because he's the Paldea Champion doesn't mean he's better than us."
Meanwhile, Blake turned back to Misty with a small smile. "Sorry about that. I didn't mean to ruin the party."
Misty shook her head. "Don't worry about it, Blake. You stood up for yourself and your region, and that's admirable. Besides, it's not like I wanted to spend the night with those two anyway."
Blake chuckled. "Fair enough. So, how about we enjoy the rest of the night and forget about those troublemakers?"
As they danced, Misty couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment with Blake. She had been feeling lost and uncertain ever since she found out about Ash's supposed death, but being here with Blake made her feel a little bit better.
"So, how are you finding Paldea so far?" Blake asked, breaking the comfortable silence between them.
Misty smiled. "It's amazing! I've never seen so many different kinds of Pokémon in one place before. And the people are so friendly and welcoming."
Blake chuckled. "That's good to hear. I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."
Being here with Blake, she couldn't help but feel a little bit of attraction towards him.
As they continued to dance, Misty found herself lost in thought. She couldn't stop thinking about Ash. But at the same time, she couldn't deny the feelings she was starting to have for Blake. It was all so confusing.
Finally, the song ended and Blake led Misty back to their table. "That was fun," he said with a smile.
Misty nodded, feeling a little bit breathless. "Yeah, it was. Thanks for asking me to dance."
Blake leaned in a little closer to her. "Anytime," he said softly.
Misty felt her heart skip a beat as she looked into his eyes. She wasn't sure what was happening, but she knew one thing for sure - being here with Blake was making her feel alive again.
As they sat down, Misty couldn't help but notice the way Blake looked at her. She could feel the tension between them, and it was both exciting and terrifying.
"Hey, can I ask you something?" Blake said, breaking the silence.
Misty looked at him curiously. "Sure, what is it?"
"Are you...okay? I mean, after everything that's happened with Ash."
Misty's heart sank at the mention of Ash. "I'm...trying to be," she said softly. "It's just hard, you know? He was my friend, and now he's gone."
Blake nodded, his expression sympathetic. "I know how you feel. Losing someone you care about is never easy."
Misty looked down at her hands, feeling a lump form in her throat. "I just...I wish I could have done something to help him. To save him."
Blake reached out and gently took her hand. "You did everything you could, Misty. You were his friend, and that meant more to him than anything else."
Misty looked up at him, feeling a warmth spread through her chest at his words. "Thank you, Blake. That means a lot."
Blake smiled, his hand still holding hers. "Anytime. And if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you."
Misty smiled back, feeling grateful for his offer. "I appreciate that. You're a good friend, Blake."
Blake's smile widened, but there was a flicker of something else in his eyes that Misty couldn't quite place. "Yeah, a good friend," he said softly.
Misty felt her heart race as she looked at him. Could it be possible that Blake felt the same way she did? She couldn't be sure, but she knew that being with him made her feel happier than she had in a long time.
As the night went on, Misty and Blake continued to dance and talk, enjoying each other's company. Misty wasn't sure where this was all heading, but for now, she was content to just be in the moment with Blake.
Misty turned to face Blake, feeling a little nervous. She knew that they had been getting closer throughout the night, but she wasn't sure what would happen now that they were alone.
"Thanks for walking me back," she said, trying to break the silence.
Blake smiled. "No problem. I wanted to make sure you got back safely."
Misty's heart fluttered at his words. "Um, would you like to come in for a bit?" she asked, gesturing towards her hotel room.
Blake hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Sure, why not?"
As they entered the room, Misty couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious. She had never brought a guy back to her hotel room before, especially not one as handsome and charming as Blake.
They sat down on the couch, both feeling a little bit awkward. "So, what do you want to do now?" Blake asked, breaking the silence.
Misty shrugged. "I don't know. We could watch TV or something."
Blake nodded and turned on the TV, flipping through the channels until he found a show that looked interesting. They sat in silence, watching the show and occasionally making small talk.
After a while, Misty yawned and stretched. "I think I'm going to head to bed. It's been a long day."
Blake nodded. "Yeah, I should probably go too. I have an early morning tomorrow."
As Misty walked him to the door, she couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. She had been hoping that something more would happen between them tonight.
But as Blake turned to leave, he paused and turned back to her. "Hey, Misty?" he said softly.
Misty's heart raced as she looked up at him. "Yes?"
Blake took a step closer to her, his eyes locked onto hers. "I had a really great time tonight. Would you like to go out again sometime?"
Misty felt a huge smile spread across her face. "I would love that," she said, feeling her heart skip a beat.
Blake leaned in and gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek. "Goodnight, Misty."
As he walked away, Misty couldn't help but feel a little giddy. Maybe things were finally starting to look up for her.