Part XV: Important Decisions
Misty and Ash lay cuddling in his bed as the sun shone through the window on his birthday, something that Ash had clearly forgotten about. That wouldn't be the case for much longer but Misty could use Ash's forgetfulness to help ensure that the surprise went off without a hitch. Right now, however, Misty was enjoying being in her boyfriend's arms with her head on his chest.
They had both woken up already but neither wanted to get out of bed just yet. It was too comfortable and besides, now was as good a time as ever for Misty to talk to Ash about what they should do next seeing as they would likely head out on an adventure shortly after his birthday. Ash was getting restless and Misty didn't want to prevent her boyfriend's nature a moment longer than she had to.
They hadn't been able to talk about what to do next until now because they had been busy all week. Mainly it had been Misty working with Delia, Professor Oak and Tracy to set up the surprise while Ash spent time with all his Pokémon and helped integrate the Unova lot to his growing ranks. That had helped keep Ash busy and not aware of what was going on around him.
Misty had been worried that Ash would have found out what they were doing. However, she needn't have worried as this was Ash, he was oblivious to many things and with his Pokémon around him Ash was thoroughly distracted to the point that Ash even missed the odd meal. The distractions had been good because it allowed Misty to help with the preparations.
Those preparations were nearing an end as they were in the endgame and today Misty's role was to distract Ash and keep him away from the ranch while the final touches were added. Gary had arrived a few days ago and had been coordinating the setup so all was going according to plan. Meanwhile, Dawn, Brock, and Iris had all arrived the day before and camped out to stay hidden and be on hand today to coordinate everything.
They were all now on point for setting up at the ranch. Professor Oak and Tracey were on collection duty for those arriving to the nearby airport and picking up those who had decided to stay in Viridian City so that they could all get there on time.
The only hiccup had been the fact that May, Max and Cilan had been expected the day before but the siblings from Hoenn had been held up by a last-minute issue back in Hoenn and were running late. Cilan, on the other hand, had been held up because he was apparently fishing with an intent on catching a Kanto Pokémon to go with his new Sunflora from Johto. They were all scheduled to arrive in a few hours to help out before the rest arrived.
Almost all who had been contacted had agreed to come, dropping everything for Ash. It was a touching sight to Misty that so many people had been impacted enough by their exposure to Ash that they would come all the way to Pallet Town at a week's notice. It showed just how special he was and reinforced just how lucky she had been to land him.
While Misty knew of one rival, though Dawn had not hit on her during their brief meeting the day before, which was not a good sign as Misty was certain the dark haired girl would do something to annoy her later, Misty was certain that a few of the girls coming would also become rivals to her. That was why she had to make it clear who was with Ash from the start.
However, despite their success in planning, it hadn't been an easy week at times for Misty. That was mainly due to one thing or to be precise one Pokémon. Bayleef. The Leaf Pokémon clearly like Ash, a lot, and had some jealousy issues of her own. Ash said that it stemmed back to when they met and she was a Chikorita but he didn't seem to realize just how much the Pokémon cared for him.
Bayleef really liked Ash and didn't like anyone else being near him when she was around though she had never shown it against a human. Misty had a feeling it was more to do with her being Ash's girlfriend though she couldn't confirm it and Ash wouldn't believe it anyway, he was too oblivious to get it. Whatever the case, Misty was now in a pseudo war with a damned Pokémon for Ash's time and it annoyed her.
Of course, she was the one in bed with Ash now and that was what mattered. She had her own plans for his birthday and what was going to happen afterwards but those could wait. Right now, she had to begin her distracting of Ash for the day and what better way to start it then to deal with the issue of where they were to go on their next adventure.
"Ash?" Misty asked as she finally fully woke up but didn't leave her spot in his arms. "There is something we need to decide on."
"Huh oh yeah." Ash mumbled before he fully heard what Misty had said and woke up. "Wait what?"
"Ash baby, we need to decide on where we are going to go when the call to travel hits again." Misty said kindly, reassuring any worries Ash might have. "We both know that we aren't going to stay here for much longer so where should we go? What will be our first adventure together as a couple?"
"Oh that, yeah I have been thinking a little on that." Ash admitted which didn't surprise Misty as Ash was constantly thinking of his next adventure. "And for once I don't know."
"You don't?" Misty asked surprised raising her head to look in amazement at her boyfriend. "That is not like the Ash I know."
"Yeah I know." Ash said with a rueful smile. "Thing is, I can't just think about myself anymore. I have you with me now and we are traveling together so I have to consider what you want as much as I have to consider what I want. I know you are a coordinator and that you dream is to become a Top Coordinator. Also, as far as I know, only the 4 local regions here have contests right now and I don't want drag you off to another region that has a Pokémon league but where you can't compete for a Ribbon Cup and have to put your own dreams on hold for me to pursue mine."
Misty's jaw fell open at Ash's words. She had never expected Ash to be so deep, thoughtful or selfless when it came to his goals. He was thinking of them ] and what she needed instead of focusing just on himself. It made her love him even more than she already did.
"Who are you and what have you done with Ash Ketchum?" Misty asked when she had recovered for her shock. "I want to know where my boyfriend is?"
"I am here, I have just grown up a little now that I have a girlfriend to think about as well." Ash said as if it was the simplest thing to him. "So, let's decide on what to do as a couple. There are definitely other regions out there to see but I want you to do your contests as well."
"Well that leaves Kanto and Hoenn for me." Misty admitted. "I haven't competed in contests here or May's home region so I figured I may as well try for the Grand Festival in one of them. The issue is that I know you want to challenge gyms and leagues and you've already done that in those regions so that is the problem we have."
"That I have but perhaps I could do with a break." Ash said causing another surprise from Misty. "It might be good for me."
"Seriously where is Ash?" Misty asked looking around theatrically and Ash chuckled. "Because I don't see him."
"I'm still here but I guess I have been thinking a bit about this." Ash said. "I want to be a Pokémon Master and I want to be the best but so far it has been the same thing over and over again. It is the same pattern almost all the time. I go to a new region or area, with the exception of Johto I travel with just Pikachu."
"You came to Sinnoh with Aipom." Misty pointed out, interrupting him. "Otherwise she wouldn't have fallen in love with contests and we wouldn't have traded Pokémon."
"I came to Sinnoh with Pikachu." Ash corrected her. "Aipom followed me to Sinnoh and showed up on the boat. I didn't even have her Poke Ball, I had to have it sent over as soon as I could. It was for the best in the end but it wasn't planned."
"Oh yeah I forgot that." Misty admitted, it was hard to think that she wouldn't have gotten Ambipom, back when she was an Aipom, had she not followed Ash to Sinnoh.
"Yeah." Ash said before getting back to his original thought. "So, I basically just rinse and repeat the same thing over and over again. I hit a new region, make great new friends, catch new Pokémon, get badges, have adventures, meet legendary Pokémon and challenge the leagues. But I keep coming up short and I even regressed when I went to Unova. So, I was thinking of taking a year off to train with you while we travelled Kanto or Hoenn so that you could compete."
"What brought this on?" Misty asked, she understood where Ash was coming from but she was still a little confused as to why Ash would want to do this. "This is not usual for you."
"I dunno, I have just thinking recently of how I reached the semis in Sinnoh." Ash said with a shrug. "And part of why I did get that far, at least in my opinion, was because I spent the year before challenging the Kanto Battle Frontier and not a brand new region. I took that year beating the Battle Frontier. After that I felt like I was even better when I hit Sinnoh. So, I think another break after 2 years in new regions could be beneficial. Besides, had I not taken the year out I would have likely gone straight to Sinnoh and I wouldn't have met you."
"Oh." Misty said realizing the truth in what Ash had said and how Arceus must have blessed her to allow her to meet Ash. Now he was taking a break again, this time for her. "I see. Well I think it is great because I can go for contests and you can train but I have a vested interest in that."
"Well I want to do more than just train." Ash admitted. "I want to compete in a league and if I am being honest not just any league but the Indigo League, the one here. I was top 16 last time, my worst finish, but I feel a year of training will help. I just don't know if I can still enter it. I think Professor Oak might be able to help answer that."
"I am pretty sure that he can and we can ask him later." Misty said with a nod. "But we should at least have a plan in place first. If I am getting it, we are going to travel Kanto this time, I compete and you train, right?"
"Well we also catch more Pokémon, see old friends, and I will rotate my team this time." Ash added. "I want to keep everyone fresh and in peak shape for the league if I can compete in it. One thing that really helped in the Battle Frontier was that I kept changing my team. Phanpy, later Donphan when it evolved, Torkoal, Charizard, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Tauros, Snorlax, they all rotated in and out during that time and it really helped me."
"So why don't you do this?" Misty asked thinking of an idea. "Regardless of whether you need the badges or not, how about you challenge all the gyms here to full 6-on-6 battles as we travel. That way you get some experience against at least the 8 types that make up the gyms and have that full battle experience that you will need for the league. Then you have more to do while we are traveling."
"I like that." Ash said with a smile as he thought on the idea. "I can get a lot of experience facing types and combinations I usually don't get from standard gym battles."
"Plus, I get the pleasure of watching you wipe the floor with Dawn." Misty purred and Ash laughed, the rivalry between Misty and Dawn clearly wasn't over nor would it end anytime soon. "And I so want to see that. the mere thought gives me tingles."
"Dawn will certainly accept that challenge." Ash said with a nod. "Though maybe I will compete in a few contests, especially with any new captures I have, to keep things interesting."
"Really, why?" Misty asked once again surprised at Ash's decision. "You have the skills to at least advance past the appeals round but we both know that you are no coordinator."
"It is true that I have realized that contest battles are different from gym battles but after incorporating the styles from them into my own battling it has helped." Ash admitted. "So why not do a few contests here and there to try it. I had a lot of fun in the Wallace Cup and I would like the practice. I won't win but it will be good experience for me and my Pokémon."
"Oh, we are so going to the Wallace Cup this year by the way." Misty said inconstantly. "I think it is in Hoenn so we will need to take a break for it but we are going to compete in it."
"Of course, you are the two-time defending champion." Ash said. "You need to keep that title streak up."
"So, it is settled then." Misty said looking into Ash's eyes. "So long as you get to compete in the Indigo League, we travel Kanto for the contests and some practice at the gyms, head to Hoenn for the Wallace Cup, then we both win."
"And ride off to a new region afterwards as a Top Coordinator and Pokémon Master." Ash said smiling back at her. "Hand in hand until then the very end."
"I love you so much." Misty said.
"Me too." Ash said.
Misty couldn't resist anymore. Between Ash willing to put her needs first because she was more limited as to where she could go and the fact that he was just being himself, she was so into him in that moment. Swinging a leg over him, Misty straddled her boyfriend and pinned him to his bed.
"Misty?" Ash asked a little surprised at Misty's boldness.
"Shut up and kiss me Ketchum." Misty ordered, she preferred to be the submissive one but right now she needed Ash so much that she had to take control.
"Yes ma'am." Ash said with a smirk. "Come and get it."
Misty smiled; Ash could be so playful at times. Naturally, she didn't hold back. Instantly Misty bent down and they were making out harder than they ever had before. Misty could feel Ash's enjoyment and her own was rising as the kiss intensified. She couldn't go further as his mother was probably still asleep but that didn't stop her from kissing her boyfriend as ferociously as possible. It was a perfect moment for them.
Of course, they had forgotten about Piplup and Pikachu in the heat of their passion. The still upset Penguin Pokémon did not let them forget it. He was not going to let Misty have her fun for too long, especially because he woke of to the sight of her on top of Ash their lips touching the way humans did. The room was getting too hot and Piplup intended to cool it down, instantly.
"Piplup!" Piplup yelled as he opened his beak and attacked.
Misty didn't see it coming, she wasn't looking at anything and was too engrossed with Ash at the moment to notice. One second she was making out with Ash. The next an Ice Beam hit her squarely in the back and froze her and Ash together. It was not the best way for their moment to be ruined though it did cool things down considerably.
"I think Piplup thought it was too hot in here." Ash grunted out from their ice block while Misty just grumbled.
"Pikachu." Pikachu called out using Iron Tail to break up the ice and join the party.
The steel type move broke the ice apart and freed the young couple. Of course, they were still cold and the mood was completely ruined thanks to Piplup. Misty glared back to a very proud and smug looking Piplup who couldn't be more thrilled with himself for what he had done.
"I am going to shower." Misty said with a sigh. "First though, what do you say to a nice romantic walk in the woods with a picknick lunch Ash. Just us, no Pokémon, nothing. A quiet day to ourselves, we haven't had that yet."
"Sounds lovely." Ash said and Misty smiled as she went to the bathroom.
Thanks to Piplup Ash was more than happy to avoid Pokémon for the day. It was the best thing her starter could have done, even if it had joined a great make out session. It would make keeping Ash away from the surprise even easier.
She just needed to let Professor Oak know that she would be bringing Ash a little early to have a chat before the surprise, something she could do while he was in the shower. Yes, everything was falling into place for a special night for her special love.
-break-
"Ash, Misty thanks for stopping by." Professor Oak said letting them into the lab moments after they had knocked. "I hope your day was nice."
It was early evening and Ash and Misty had headed to Professor Oak's lab before dinner to talk to him about their plan for the next year. The day had been relaxing and needed. They were able to walk the area, making sure that they stayed clear of the ranch and the roads to keep Ash clueless, and enjoy one another's presence.
Delia had packed a picknick lunch for them which they had under a tree in a field before napping together there. By the time they woke it was almost time to see Professor Oak, who Ash had told he would come visit with a question later, so they packed up and began heading there. Misty had done her job; it was almost time.
"It was." Ash said with a smile as he and Misty walked into the familiar lab. "We had a nice day to ourselves which was needed, I haven't had a chance to show Misty the area until now and I didn't realize how much I needed a break from my Pokémon until now."
"As much as I love being with Ash's Pokémon it is nice to spend time just by ourselves." Misty agreed. "I haven't had a relaxing moment with Ash until now. We really needed it"
"That is what is needed in young love." Professor Oak said with a twinkle in his eye. "Well it is getting late, what did you want to ask me?"
"Oh that." Ash said having almost forgotten after such a lazy day. "Professor, I was wondering, am I still eligible for the Indigo League?"
"Yes, my boy you are." Professor Oak said with a nod. "Any trainer who has earned 8 official Kanto Gym Badges, providing that the gym was official at the time you earned the badge, is eligible to enter the league. The restriction is that past winners or winners of other leagues cannot enter, or reenter if that is the case."
"So, I don't need to get the badges again?" Ash asked for confirmation.
"No, you don't." Professor Oak said. "All you need to do is register at the nearest Pokémon Center for this year's Indigo League by giving in your trainer card which will still show that you earned the badges and you are all set. Once you register you cannot compete in any other league this year though, that is the only other restriction."
"I see." Ash said nodding. "Very well then I will do that. I never really thought of challenging a league again but then again I never expected to fall in love with a coordinator so I am still adapting."
"Many trainers make multiple challenges." Professor Oak said. "Usually after a few years in other regions like you are doing now so this is not unheard of. I take it you and Misty have decided on your next adventure. Clearly you have grown Ash as you are considering her as well as yourself."
"We have." Misty said with a smile. "I want to compete in contests so that means Kanto or Hoenn for me. Ash is from Kanto so it makes more sense to be here then to go all the way to Hoenn. Plus I can see all of his home region now."
"We just needed to know if I could enter the Indigo League again to confirm our plans." Ash said. "And if I needed to officially challenge the gyms or not."
"You are already set." Professor Oak confirmed. "You can now compete in 5 leagues whenever you want, though only one a year, because you have the required badges. I think this is a good idea Ash."
"You do?" Ash asked his mentor.
"I do." Oak said with a single nod. "You have spent 4 of the last 5 years away from Kanto and grown immensely in that period. I think that it is time that you gave Kanto another go around."
"That's the plan." Ash said with a grin. "Can I challenge the gyms though? The leaders I mean. So, like if I wanted to challenge all 8 to personal 6 on 6 matches could I?"
"To do that you will have to send a formal challenge to each leader individually." Professor Oak said rubbing his chin in thought. "And they are free to decline your challenge but few do, they are all competitive enough to accept the challenge. I can help you draft the challenge letters if you want."
"Thanks." Ash said when his stomach growled. "Though I think tomorrow will be better, I need to get some food first."
"Well on that note, how about we head out to the ranch." Misty said with a glance at Professor Oak. "Pikachu and Piplup came up here after we left for our walk. We can go get them and then get some food."
"Sounds great!" Ash said as he began to head off to the ranch, so focused on food that he forgot Misty.
Misty blanched, she had to be by his side for this. Quickly she ran to him and took his hand while Professor Oak chuckled behind them as they headed out .Misty was both nervous and excited but she couldn't wait for the surprise.
Ash was only thinking of getting Pikachu and then food. He was hungry, all he wanted to do was eat, cuddle with Misty and then sleep. He was not expecting what greeted him when he went into the ranch and floodlights that had been set up out back suddenly turned on.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASH!" A large number of people yelled as Ash entered the area.
Ash was floored by the sound, literally. He hit the ground hard in surprise. He had completely forgotten that it was his birthday. He often did as he was often so focused on what he was doing that it slipped his mind. No one had reminded him though and it was clear why. They had been planning this behind his back.
"Happy birthday dear." Delia said coming over as Misty helped Ash up. "We thought we would do something special for you this year. Sorry for the surprise but it had to be kept a secret."
Ash just gawked as everything came into focus. In the ranch, in the open area out back of the lab, a large marquee was set up with food, balloons, tables, and most importantly people. A lot of people. As Ash looked his jaw fell open at who had come all the way to Pallet Town for his birthday. It was a veritable who's who of the many friends and rivals he had made over the years.
There were the ones he would have expected had he known about the event. Gary, Dawn, Brock, Tracey, May and Max, Iris and Cilan were all present. They weren't the only surprises though. In addition, there were the many friends he had made and had either competed against, spent time with and/or traveled with a little over the time.
Ash saw Ritchie, Harrison, Morrison, Tyson, Nando, Zoey, Kenny, Conway, Bianca, Burgundy, Stephan, Cameron, Georgia, and even Trip had shown up. There was also friends they had made on the road over the years. Casey, Angie, Lyra, Khoury, and Macy had all shown up. Even Professors Birch and Juniper were present for the event.
Ash had no idea what to think. He hadn't expected this. He was touched. Not only had this been planned but that so many had shown up for him. He hadn't expected to see many of them again given how much they all traveled. This was better than he could have ever asked for.
"You, you did all of this?" Ash asked his mom as Misty took his hand again, feeling a few jealous gazes as she did.
"Well Misty, Samuel and Tracey helped me." Delia said with a smile. "It was my idea but we all planned this during the week."
"You too." Ash turned to Misty who was beaming at him, his eyes still wide. "How did I not know?"
"Because you wouldn't be my Ash if you realized." Misty said lovingly. "Now it is time to celebrate your birthday my love."
With that Misty put her arms around Ash's neck and pulled him in for a kiss. Part of it was because of his birthday, part of it was to show all the women present who Ash belonged to. The waves of jealousy and anger Misty felt aimed at her felt good. Let them come, she would take on any who dared challenge her.
Ash didn't mind one bit. He just put his arms around Misty and pulled her in close in front of everyone as cheers and awes, and glass breaking, sounded from the gathered guests. Ash didn't care. It was his birthday; he had his love and his friends. Life couldn't be better. It was time to celebrate.
