As swiftly as they were called, Ash and Misty waved goodbye as Lance ushered the pair out of his office. Though, that wasnt until after Lance had recited every plan under the Alolan sun intended for the festival, leaving no details questioned or mistakes probable as he further updated Misty on her expected duties. The unlikely pair were then back in the Loby without so much as another word in.
However, thats when Misty pivoted towards Ash once the door was promptly closed, pulling both a physical and mental 180 once she had deduced no one else was within ear shot.
"Listen Ome-Ash, this sports festival is the last chance I have to be scouted for a full scholarship and I cannot let that opportunity slip through my fingers simply because Master Lance has lost his mind."
Misty's rehearsed, polite front for the headmaster dissipated in a flash, taking Ash aback with surprise.
"Hey, look I'm not here to get in your way, but you heard the Head Master. This isn't exactly in my control. Besides, I would never dream of disobeying the headmaster, or crossing the Alpha Queen herself. Thats not exactly an agenda I would win, but Lance directly requested that Serena and I have to contribute."
At this Misty had to laugh, "Yeah, sure right. Well I'm sure I can figure out something for you two to do, and as much as I'm loathing to be interacting with Gary-"
"Makes us two," Ash mumbled under his breath.
Misty sighed, realizing antagonizing both the headmaster and Ash was going to land her no where but scholarshipless. Misty figured, at this point she had to roll with the punches thrown her way, just as she always had. It was time to approach the situation in the most Misty was possible: overly controlling, compulsively planning, and completely dominating.
"-I really do need this festival to go without a hitch." Misty finished as she dug into her pocket and pulled out a crumpled pieace of paper while grabbing the nearest pen off the loby desk where Brock had previously been.
"Here, I'm giving you my number-"
Ash's expression shifted into shock.
"- I'll keep you updated about the coordination but since the festival starts next month we have a lot of planning to do."
With an embarrassingly accelerating heart rate, Ash graciously took the paper, concealing the nerves he felt as Misty handed him her number. Even under the immense amount of pressure just loaded on him, Ash could still feel the begrudging, inkling of attraction he had for the Amber haired Alpha before him.
With a quick plug into his phone, Ash texted Misty's number and watched as the Alpha's own phone chimed to confirm she had received it.
"Thanks, uh, Misty. I guess I'll be seeing you around?" Ash finished lamely.
Though, just as Ash was about to high tail it out of the Loby and was reaching the exit, Misty hollard after him, "by the way, get ready to train! We need both you and your Omega friend ready to represent Woodland!"
Ash quickly nodded, closing the Loby's door behind him, not realizing the extreme torture he'd be put through very soon.
The rest of the weekend went by reasonably quickly as Ash relayed everything Head Master Lance had dumped on him once he returned to his dorm, finding May and Drew bickering on May's couch just as he had left them. The fact that he was now included in the sports festival promptly shut the inseparable teens up.
"WHAT?" May cried as Drew shot her a glare of annoyance, her outburst made him drop the bag of chips the two had been tearing through. But Ash merely shrugged with a newfound indifference. Although the news was a punch to the gut, Ash decided he may as well take the advantage. Misty couldnt be the only one reaping the rewards in the deal, that would defeat the point. An Omega couldn't even so much as share a lunch line with an Alpha, let alone partake in their most cherished and beloved festival. Not that it served Omega's any benefit.
"So, what? Now you have to train with Misty AND Gary?" Drew asked as he plucked off the chips clinging to what used to be his neatly ironed shirt.
"Yeah, pretty much."
"That sounds like a nightmare"
"Thanks for pointing out the obvious, May."
"Shut up Drew"
"Seriously-"
Ash rolled his eyes as his friends continued back to their bickering.
And all of that led Ash right back to the present. Sitting on the bleaches on a frigid Monday afternoon waiting for the girl who had blown up his phone all of Sunday night emphasizing the importance of practice.
So much for being excited to get an Alpha's number. Ash had been freezing his butt off for the past 10 minutes questioning what could have possibly compelled him to find even the slightest interest in a girl- no - Alpha, with such glaring personality flaws. Misty was demanding, bossy, and unhealthy obsessed with sports. And yet, she was the first girl, besides May, who really seemed interested in who he was. Inviting him to events, treating him with kindness, and going beyond what any Alpha would even attempt to do for an Omega.
Unfortunately, Ash's internal battle over how he really felt about the Alpha was shattered by the most repulsive Alpha Ash ever had the displeasure of getting to know just as well.
"Well, well, well... look who the mut dragged in," a familiar voice sneared behind him.
Ash whipped around and locked eyes with none other, but Gary Oak.
"The only thing dragged up that I can see is an arrogant jerk" Ash hissed, already regretting responding to Misty at all, no matter how compelling her cerulean eyes were.
"Behave," Misty intercepted before Gary could escalate the situation more than he already had. The last thing Misty needed was to report back to Lance that she had failed as a result of Gary being politely inept and Ash having the pride the size of Kanto.
Meanwhile, Serena couldn't help but shyly sneak glances Ash's way, completely oblivious to the burning animosity between him and Gary. Serena knew she could alter to Alpha status if she ever desired, but that didn't mean much if that meant she couldn't be around Ash.
Ever since arriving at Woodland Creek, Serena was shown nothing but kindness among both Alphas a Omegas. Alphas appreciated her wealthy, and exotically French background, while the Omegas appreciated her sincerity, and kind nature. From day one Serena was showered with admiration by everyone. Except Ash.
Ash had barely given her a glance.
Of course, he was courteous and charismatic, but he didn't shower her in fake compliments as the Omega guys did, nor did he attempt to overly impress her like the obnoxiously wealthy Alphas. He treated her like anyone should, and when he casually offered assistance to help her find her class, with no obvious hidden agenda, Serena knew he was a guy worth her time. The irony wasn't lost on her, but that didn't mean she couldn't crush on him from afar. Serena was far from shy, but she knew she had to approach Ash subtly. So, when Misty came knocking on her door to spend several weeks with the Ravenhead, she leapt at the opportunity without hesitancy.
"Now then," Misty began swiftly, drawing the attention of the mismatched group, "it's time to see what you all are really capable of"
Misty breathed in the crisp morning air, exhaling steadily as she stretched along the track. She figured she would take the first training slow to allow Ash and Serena to get better adjusted to everything. Of course, Gary wasted no time showing off, obnoxiously exaggerating his warm up while swapping death glares with Ash. Misty rolled her eyes, already exhausted by Gary's micro aggressions. The Alpha was fast, but his personality certainly lagged behind. Walking toward Ash, Misty places a comforting hand on his shoulder, much to the Omega's surprise.
"Listen, Gary is practically praying for your downfall."
Ash laughed darkly, "what else is new."
"Don't let him rile you, that's what he wants. He wants to watch you humiliate yourself, but Lance chose you for a reason, and I'm not letting the school's reputation drop. Run like you never have before. Keep your breaths steady and your strides long. Don't exert more energy than you must."
Ash nodded slowly, soaking in Misty's words. "Yeah... I think I can manage that."
Misty grinned, making Ash's stomach twist. He mentally wanted to chastise himself for being so easily swayed by something as simple as her smile.
"Perfect, you'll do great."
Misty stepped off the track, joining Gary back at the starting line.
"Okay, if you're both ready, I'd like to time each of your mile times today. We need to track progress."
She jogged to her duffle back, pulling out two stop watches and handing the other to Gary.
"Gary and I will time the two of you first since you both have never established a mile time."
When entering Woodland Creek high, incoming Alpha students are categorized into their respective sports, meaning those who run track like Gary and Misty were expected to submit their official mile times to the school often, ensuring progress. Since most Omegas simply need to take entrance exams, they aren't held to the same standards. Not to mention, most of them are raffled into the school as the academy symbolized elite status, making acceptance even more competitive unless the student is wealthy or supremely athletic.
"Yeah Omega," Gary taunted, "we can't allow you to utterly ruin the Academy's reputation during the festival."
Ash took a deep breath, not sparing Gary another look as he dragged himself to the starting line, Serena trailing only a few feet behind. He promised himself and Misty that he wouldn't fall for Gary's bait. He knew Gary wanted a fight. If Gary was lucky, any physical altercation could have him permanently removed from the academy all together. He would not let that happen.
Misty whistled for their attention, holding the stop watch up for them to see. "When I say go, you run. Four laps, no stopping."
Ash inhaled steadily, rolling his shoulders back while resisting the urge to sneak another glance at Misty. Despite everything the Alpha had put him through so far, Ash couldn't help but admire her. Even at the crack of dawn on a Sunday, Misty looked great as always. The track suit she chose was extremely fitting, and Ash couldn't deny that he liked the look of her hair up, twisting neatly to the side and down her chest.
"Hey, goodluck Ash!"
He turned his head to see Serena waving from the line behind his. Ash smiled and returned the gesture.
"On your marks!" Misty shouted. Ash spun his head back around, a determined fire settling within him. The snickering coming from Gary further fueling his desire to exceed their expectations.
"Get set!" Ash lifted his legs, arching into the traditional running stance he had seen Alphas perform during the festival.
"Go!"
On the command, Ash teared down the track, effortlessly pounding his feet against hard rubber. He kept his strides wide and frequent, just as Misty advised. His breaths came in short, erratic bursts, and he could feel his strides quickening as he rounded another bend and completed a lap. The only encouragement he needed came from a swift glare cemented on Gary's face as he looped past.
"Come on guys! Just a little more!"
Misty pumped her fists from the sidelines, her eyes darting from the stopwatch to Ash and Serena. The little chant pushed Ash slightly faster. He knew the odds were slim, practically impossible, but something deep inside him desired to wipe the smirk from Gary's face. Prove that Omegas like him were no different, and certainly not inferior as Gary believed.
Another stretch of track went by, and Ash felt the fatigue starting to settle in on the final turn. His chest burned with a lack of oxygen, and his throat went dry. Allowing himself to peer up more, Ash could make out Serena a little ways ahead of him, meaning he almost completely lapped her. A stitch threatened to cramp his side, and Ash knew he had to run faster before his muscles gave out on him completely. Never before had he run like today. He became so hyperfixiated by the finish line, that he barreled straight through it.
A gleeful shout echoed over the field, and a swell of pride enveloped Ash as he collapsed to the floor in a heap of sweat and exhaustion. A few minutes later, and he vaguely made out a second chant as he assumed Serena had finally finished her mile.
A shuffle in the grass forced Ash to crack an eye open, where he was met with beautiful sea-green eyes.
"Need a hand?" Misty laughed, extending her arm to him. Ash hesitated before allowing the Alpha to haul him back to his feet.
"You did amazing out there."
Misty squatted beside him and proudly flashed the stopwatch face toward Ash, its number reading 6:58.
"This is a really impressive time, especially considering you didn't even train for it yet."
Ash instinctively rubbed the back of his neck, a sheepish grin of pride appearing on his face. "Well, guess you're as surprised as I am then."
Misty laughed, sliding her hand over to his shoulder before admiting, "I mean it Ash. You did good."
The sincerity of her words threw him off guard, but just as he was about to thank her, Gary peered above him with a sickening smirk.
"Well well well, who knew the mut had it in him. You exceeded the very low bar of expectations I had."
Ash hauled himself up from the grass and twisted to glare at the Alpha, a wave of loathing flooding his thoughts. He knew he shouldn't be all that surprised, especially since he realized Gary wanted nothing more than to see him utterly humiliate himself.
"Gary, that's enough"
Misty stood to her full height, hands placed defensively on both hips as she stared her partner down. The last thing she needed was for this to escalate into a full brawl.
"If you're feeling so confident, why don't you busy yourself with a few laps. You could use the extra practice considering your time dropped a few seconds down since the last competition."
At Misty's dismissal Gary's expression became murderous, but as Misty's resolved firm, Gary finally took the hint and retreated back to the starting line. His hardened gaze didn't leave Ash until he was yards away. A breath of release came from Misty as she shook her head in disappointment.
"I swear if that boy wasn't so fast I would've punched him myself by now."
The remark made Ash crack a smile, amused. Misty caught on and couldn't help but return it.
"Well, I'll be right back. I have to debrief Serena on her time. Grab a drink and rest up for a bit."
And with that Misty turned to speak with the other Omega, leaving Ash alone with his thoughts. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever think he would have talked to an Alpha. Let alone the queen one herself during a sports festival no less. The idea made his mind reel in both excitement and dread. Running may not have ever been his thing, but after today, Ash began to see the appeal. In spite of Gary's attempts to make him completely miserable, he couldn't help but feel a bit more at ease.