Ash, Misty and Brock were together feet were tired from walking, but that wasn't going to deter the raven-haired trainer from going on. Pikachu supplied equal determination. Misty and Brock eyed each other with concern for their friend. Brock tilted his head in her direction, encouraging her to be the voice of reason.
"I think we should stop", Misty suggested.
"Just a bit more". Ash said, stubbornly.
They had to get to the mountain, for a new challenge awaited. It was hot out, and the ground wasn't particularly helpful, full as it was of pebbles and turning into a slope. At least there were rows of trees to sit under, which were looking more tempting by the minute to Misty, as important as it was to get to the next destination.
Brock preferred staying on the rear should any of his friends trip over anything.
But Ash kept pushing through despite physical exertion. His knees gave in, and Brock prevented him from falling just in time.
"Woah, time to wind down for a bit", Brock said.
As Ash regained composure, Brock put a cloth over the floor. Misty sat next to them and then switched positions to be in front of Ash.
"Are you okay?", she said. He blinked.
It seemed to Misty that Ash blushed for a split second because of the closeness, but the heat must be playing tricks on her. This was not the time to think about such things.
Ash nodded. "Don't worry about me", he flashed them both a toothy grin.
They opened their bags, and Misty served them cold water, while Brock had some ready snacks. It wasn't much, but after so much traveling, it looked like a banquet. In his excitement, Ash yelled.
"Let's eat!", he smiled.
"Pikaaa!", his starter seconded.
"We should have told you this from the beginning, since food is all you think about", Misty smirked.
"Hey!", Ash said.
"Oh, and Pokémon, of course", Misty kept her smug tone.
Brock chuckled.
"But I'm hungry…", Ash retorted.
Right now, none of them could argue with him on that point. So, they ate and drank to their contentment.
Ash dozed off immediately. Brock looked up, as the sunlight went through the trees' leaves, making them shine like jewels. His lids started to give in, his head went down peacefully, and he looked at his surroundings for one last time. Misty didn't resist, and soon she fell asleep as well.
Brock and Misty were next to Ash, he was to his friend's left, she was to his right. Her arm fell involuntarily and as she lost consciousness, she brushed his hand, then removed it, with a tinge of a blush across her cheeks.
They stayed like that for half an hour. A loud thud against the tree's trunk and then Ash yelping in pain, startled Misty, Brock and Pikachu. It turns out Ash had stretched his arms and accidentally knocked on wood.
"What was that?!" Misty demanded.
"Sorry", Ash looked down sheepishly. A buzz that started to get louder seemed to come from over their heads. Brock and Misty's countenances suddenly turned blue, but Ash remained oblivious until…
A Beedrill appeared out of nowhere.
"Aaaahhhh", Misty yelled as the four of them ran. The whole hive followed in their direction. They started running back as fast as they could.
"Since you got us into this, do something!", Misty said
"Oh, so now it's my fault?!", Ash said.
"Guys…I don't think this is the time for that", Brock panted.
Ash turned to face the threatening group, and Pikachu was on the front line.
"Pikachu, shock 'em!"
"Pika!"
The lightning was a sight to behold, and it froze the bees in place.
Ash whistled in relief as he slid his arm through his forehead, while Misty rolled her eyes.