Endings and New Beginnings
Ch.
1: Pokemon Master (The Passage of Time)
“Ash! Slow down! You’re walking too fast.”
Ash refrained from rolling his eyes (just barely), and sighed. He wanted to tell her that she was walking too slow, that he was excited about coming home after three years in the far east (the eastern continents were much larger than those in the west where he was from, it had taken much longer to travel from place to place). He wanted to tell her to shut her mouth and pick up the pace, but he knew what she would say. She would very sweetly remind him that she “used to have a bike”, but his Pikachu had blown it up, on accident. She didn’t seem mad about it, but she did know how to use it to her advantage. Why did she follow him anyway, he thought in exasperation. He mushroom sighed and slumped he shoulders, giving in.
“I guess we could stop now May.”
“Oh goody!” <Who ever heard of someone getting so excited over a pit stop?> Ash thought with mild irritation.
He sat on a rock to think.
“Hey Ash?” May sat across from him on the ground and stretched her legs in front of her. “Where are we going first?”
“Home. I,” Ash paused, “have to pick something up, and drop some things off.” He finished evasively.
“Okay.” May didn’t really care why as long as she was with Ash, and traveling. She stared into the forest contentedly.
Ash looked at the sun and then at their surroundings, trying to judge how far they would get before dark. He decided they should probably just stay here for the night. It was a nice clearing near a stream and there was plenty of wood for a fire, and he was kind of hungry anyway. He stood slowly and stretched. May looked up in surprise.
“Let’s set up camp, May.”
May stood and went over to where they had laid their packs. She took out their sleeping bags and unrolled them near a spot that seemed good for a camp fire. She knew this routine; they had been through it many times since she had rejoined Ash a year and a half ago. She would set up their things while Ash gathered wood for the fire and water for their meal. She smiled slightly as she thought about this familiar routine, it was comforting to know some things were the same anywhere.
She looked over at Ash, who was busily preparing the fire, and felt an uneasiness enter her. But things weren’t really the same. They were going to Ash’s home. His family, his friends, he had competed in this league before. Everything had changed – Ash had changed. He seemed more thoughtful, like he was in a world all his own.
***
Ash finished cleaning up their meal and sat watching his pokemon. On his way back to Pallet he had collected most of what he lovingly referred to as his “Indigo Team”, the pokemon he had carried with him the first time he had traveled through Indigo. It only seemed right that they should be the ones to help him now. Most he had let go over the years, each to help where they were needed. But now they were back with him, all but Butterfree, who was long gone- raising a family, and Bulbasaur, whom he would pick up from Professor Oak once he reached Pallet.
He smiled as he watched them play: Pikachu, Squirtle, Charizard, and Pidgeot. He had missed them all so much, well not Pikachu since the rodent had been his only constant companion through the years. He laughed softly as Pikachu noticed him and ran up rubbing its red cheek against Ash’ knee. Ash reached out to scratch its head.
“It’s gonna be great, huh, Pikachu. All of us together again, just like old times.”
“Pik pika pi.” Pikachu nodded enthusiastically.
Except it wasn’t going to be just like old times, Ash thought sadly. Misty and Brock wouldn’t be there, they had their own responsibilities at their gyms. He glanced at May who was reading a travel guide and absently stroking her Torchic. And now he was the older, more experienced trainer looking out for a younger trainer. It was funny though, May had never really seemed interested in battles like he was.
“
“This is it Pikachu, one more championship and I’ll be a Pokemon master. I’ve defeated the other five.”
“Pika, Pikachu.” The yellow creature squeaked happily. Maybe that was what Ash was so quiet about, he was finally going to achieve his dream. But somehow Pikachu doubted it. <Silly humans> it thought, amused. Then it ran off to play with the other pokemon. Ash continued his silent contemplation.
It had been hard, but it had been worth it. Finally his dream was within reach. Once he had defeated the Indigo league he could petition the Intercontinental League for the title of Pokemon Master. Then it was off to the Elite five, and he could reasonably call himself a great Pokemon Master. Not the greatest, but great. He would have to prove himself again and again, against strong trainers before he had truly reached that goal. And even if the rest of the world thought he was the greatest he knew that he would always need to grow, there were always greater challenges, new challengers, and more adventures to be had.
Ash recalled his pokemon then stood and went over to his sleeping bag. Pikachu ran after him and lay down on his chest. Ash closed his eyes with a smile, “Good night Pikachu old buddy. Tomorrow we tackle the world.”
“Pi, chu.” The last was a yawn. Happily the two fell asleep.
Ash sat admiring his gym badges. He never got over how beautiful they were, how great they made him feel.
“Ash! Slow down.” A silly statement considering he was sitting, but of course, he hadn’t been a few moments before, and May still hadn’t caught up to him. Ash smiled and hummed to himself, not even May was gonna get him down today. He had all eight badges and now he was going home. But first he was going to see his old friends. It had been almost four years! It felt like forever, and no time at all, all at once. He couldn’t wait.
When he had first returned to Indigo he had gone straight to Pallet. He picked up Bulbasuar at Prof. Oak’s, but his mom had told him that Professor Oak and Tracey were in the Orange islands for a few months helping professor Ivy study a pokemon phenomenon. After spending a few weeks in his mother’s care Ash and May had left to begin their journey. It had felt odd, walking those same routes again. So much was familiar and yet so much was different. No spunky red head fishing him out of the water, no crazy Samurai in the woods. He didn’t get lost nearly as much either. Brock and Misty had both been at league meetings when he had reached their respective gyms, but their families remembered him (and were a little shocked at the changes in him, none of them had seen him in nearly seven years) and promised to relay his hellos – he couldn’t afford to wait for them.
May had great fun catching “cute” pokemon, but she had opted, as usual, not to fight for gym badges. She had, however, insisted that they stop at every landmark and shop on the way. Ash had relived some memories, especially at Maiden’s peak and Lavender town. May had loved Celadon city (and Ash’s nose had known it for weeks. Why oh why did girls love perfume so much?!) And she’d gone crazy on Princess day, she thought it was the best holiday ever. Ash wondered if she would stay in Indigo just for that.
“Pikachu!” Pikachu exclaimed happily from Ash’s shoulder as the young man began walking again. It recognized this part of the forest.
“Yep, we’re almost to Pewter city.” Ash said smiling a goofy grin. “It’ll be great to see Brock again, huh? I feel like it’s been forever. I even feel like it’s been forever since I saw his brothers and sisters only eight months ago, not that that’s a bad thing.” He laughed when he thought about all those kids, well, mostly teenagers now. They were still a handful. Poor Brock, and poor Brock’s Dad! Ash shook his head, he didn’t know how they maintained their sanity. Then he thought about Brock’s behavior, especially concerning women. Hmm… maybe they didn’t maintain their sanity after all.
“Ash,” May panted, coming up beside him (maybe he was going a little fast), “I think you’re ignoring me. I asked if we were going to get there today.”
“Hmm?” Ash slowed his pace, just a little; he was trying, but he was just so excited, “Yeah, yeah May, we’ll get there before dinner. Just wait till you try one of Brock’s home cooked meals.” He licked his lips and rubbed his stomach making “mmm” noises, “almost as good as Mom’s.” He started walking faster in anticipation.
“Hey Ash?”
“Hmm?”
“I have tried his cooking remember.” She smiled.
“Oh yeah.”
“And Ash,”
“Yes.”
“How do you know he’ll be there this time?”
Ash looked at her, surprised. It had never occurred to him that Brock might not be there this time. Then again, he hadn’t thought about that last time either. Maybe he should have rung ahead. He shrugged.
“Well, if he’s not we’ll find him, or wait for him. Whatever.”
“Okay.” May smiled. Ash was so happy. She liked it when Ash was happy. She started humming too.
Pikachu looked over at her its tiny brow furrowed. It wasn’t sure, but it didn’t think this was a good thing. May seemed a little too attached to its trainer, and Pikachu knew, even if no one else did, that Ash’s heart was taken. It felt a little sorry for May.
“I’m sorry Ash, he’s not here.”
“What?” Ash said a little too loudly. “What do you mean? He never seems to be here! How does he run this gym?!”
Mr. Slate chuckled, “I know how you feel son, but he had some business in Cerulean. He left yesterday.”
“I told you we shoulda called first.” May muttered only slightly annoyed, “I never understood why we bypassed Cerulean on our way here anyway.” Ash ignored her, but Pikachu’s ears perked up and it looked at May in pity.
Ash sighed, “Well, when’s he gonna be back?”
“Not for at least a week. But, hey, don’t you have friends in Cerulean anyway? If you leave now you should be able to catch Brock there. Kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. That is, if you don’t get lost.” Mr. Slate winked. Brock had told him about all the times they had been lost on their journeys.
“I was really looking forward to Brock’s ‘No Chew Stew’.” Ash said disappointed.
Mr. Slate laughed, “Boys, you always
think with your stomachs don’t you?” He placed a hand on Ash’s shoulder.
“Tell you what, Brock’s taught me a thing or two over the last few
years, and that famous ‘No Chew Stew’ is one of them.
So I’ll make you some stew and then you can head on over to the
Ash brightened. “Thanks Mr. Slate, that’d be great. Then tomorrow I guess it’s off to Cerulean.”
“Great.” May muttered under her breath, but Ash heard anyway. He threw her a funny look.
“I though you liked travel.” He stated bluntly.
“I do, but I’ve already been there.” She defended.
“Yeah, but last time we hardly saw anything. You didn’t go to the beach or the shops or nothing.”
“That’s ‘cuz you were all mopey because that fourth gym leader girl who used to travel with you wasn’t there. Besides, didn’t we pass Cerulean on our way here?”
“Yeeees.” Ash said uncomfortably, he didn’t like where this was going.
“So why didn’t we stop there first?” She demanded, hands on hips.
Ash blushed, “Well, I, because…” he stammered helplessly.
“Pik, pika chu.” Pikachu muttered shaking its head down at the ground. Fortunately Ash was saved from having to answer by Mr. Slate.
“Well, let’s go get dinner shall we.” He could tell Ash wasn’t ready to tell his reasons to this girl yet, though Mr. Slate had some suspicions of his own. After all, his son Brock had told him a lot about their trio over the years, he almost felt as though he had traveled with them.
Ash sighed with relief and gave Mr. Slate a grateful look. Mr. Slate just smiled and led them toward the kitchen.
“Some help you were, Pikachu.” Ash muttered to the creature perched on the back of his head.
“Pi, pika?” The rodent demanded.
“Well, I don’t know!” Ash said in exasperation, “Maybe you coulda shocked her or something. You’ve always seemed to like doing that.”
Pikachu allowed some sparks to fly from its cheeks, reminding Ash that it wasn’t too late for him to get a taste of its thundershock.
“Oh, alright. Sheesh, I was just kidding.” Ash muttered grumpily, but he was smiling now. He could always count on Pikachu to cheer him up – even if that wasn’t its intention.
“This is it.” Ash spoke quietly, as if to himself.
“What’s it?” May inquired suddenly popping up next to him. Ash started.
“Don’t do that to me!”
“Sorry.” May didn’t sound very sorry; actually she loved getting a rise out of Ash. “So what is ‘it’?” she asked again, holding his arm.
“We’ll be there tomorrow.” Ash didn’t bother shrugging her away, he was too preoccupied to notice her.
May brightened, “Great! It’ll be nice to sleep in a bed.” She looked at Ash slyly, “Especially since someone didn’t want to stop at the Pewter city Pokecenter.” Ash didn’t react.
“Aash!”
Ash looked up startled, “Um, what? Oh uh, yeah.” He answered unconvincingly.
May rolled her eyes and gave up. What was wrong with him anyway? She looked toward the setting sun and squinted, it was getting kind of late, she wondered if she should say something to Ash about it.
“Guess we’d better set up camp.” Ash said absently. He set down his pack and began slowly gathering firewood.
“Yeah.” May looked at him puzzled, but couldn’t really think of anything to say. She was still puzzled (and thankfully still quiet) an hour later. Ash was sitting staring blankly into the fire and May was staring in confusion at Ash.
"I’ll be 18 tomorrow.” He said quietly, stirring the fire with a stick.
May looked up, shocked, “WHAT?! You never told me when your birthday was!”
“You never asked.”
“How was I supposed to know to ask?” she said dumbly.
He almost smiled, “Well, it’s not like you didn’t know I had a birthday.” There was a hint of mocking in his voice. May lowered her head and blushed, she couldn’t deny that.
“Besides,” Ash continued quietly, “I never told Brock or Misty, and I traveled with them longer than with you.”
This brought May’s head back up, eyes sparking, “SO!? What does that have to do with anything?”
“I don’t even know why I said anything, it was stupid, forget it.” Ash stirred the fire again, poking at it. May watched him in silence, he seemed so agitated. After a few minutes she moved closer to him, trying to look in his eyes.
“Ash, are you okay?” she asked timidly.
“Hmm? Oh, yeah.” He shrugged slightly and scooted back from her a little, “I guess I’m just a little nervous, but I suppose that’s to be expected after all these years.”
“Yeah. I guess.” May answered thoughtfully. She stood, “Well, good night.” She moved to her sleeping bag and lay down, turned away from him. What Ash said seemed reasonable, but she couldn’t help but think that he hadn’t been nearly as nervous when it was just Brock they were supposed to be seeing again. Who was this Misty girl anyway? From what Ash had said Misty was just an annoying girl who followed him because she wanted her bike back. But that couldn’t possibly explain his nervousness, could it? <Ugh, May you’re such a sappy dolt!> She thought angrily <This is so not worth losing sleep over>. But somehow she knew she would lose sleep over it.
Ash had spent a lot of time thinking about Misty since he had last seen her nearly four years before. Many things made sense now that hadn’t then. When they were kids she’d been annoying, and angry. He’d never understood why she followed him. But eventually she’d become a good friend. At some point though, that had changed and she had become more than that. He wasn’t sure when really, he just knew she had become a part of him, too bad it had taken him so long to realize that. He thought she must have known much earlier, girls were like that. Maybe tomorrow… maybe.
Ash looked over at the sleeping May. He knew she liked him, he wasn’t totally dense anymore – that must come with age. She had liked him from the beginning and had never made much of a secret about it. She was nice, but she wasn’t Misty. Maybe that had been what made him realize he loved Misty; traveling with this girl had never really – well…fit.
Resolving to put such thoughts out of his mind he lay down and closed his eyes. “Well, Pikachu,” he rubbed the creature’s ears, “tomorrow’s the big day.”
“Now’s our moment!” Jesse, and James had been watching the twerp and his friend most of the day, intent on stealing Pikachu. They were not in Team Rocket uniform however, and Meowth was nowhere to be seen. The truth was they were freelancing now. They had quit after the fiasco in Shanti and were now in hiding – for no one quit Team Rocket, (though to be honest it was quite probable no one was looking for them, they would have been fired soon anyway). Meowth had opted to stay with Team Rocket… for now.
“Prepare for trouble” Jesse began.
“And make it – Jesse? Do we have to do this?” James sounded very depressed.
“James!” Jesse squealed in anger.
“I just, well, we’re not even in Team Rocket anymore, so… I just thought…” James let his sentence trail off.
Jesse watched him curiously, his head was hung, “Alright James,” she said at length, “if that’s what you want.”
James head jerked up in shock. Jesse had never ever said anything like that before. “Jesse,” he ventured uncertainly.
“What James?” she still sounded irritated.
“Are you mad at me?”
She looked shocked, “no James. Why?”
“Well you sound mad at me. You always sound mad at me.”
“Well I, umm…I…” Jesse stammered, then she averted her eyes, “I guess I do, I’m sorry James.” She finished quietly.
Now James was worried. “S-sorry?” he asked incredulously.
“Yes,” she lifted her eyes to his shyly.
“Jesse,” he said softly.
“Yes,” she leaned closer to him, her eyes drifting shut.
“What kind of medication are you on!?” He exclaimed loudly.
*WHAP*
Jesse hit him solidly on the head with her fan.
“Ow!”
“James you dolt!” she fumed, “Can’t you see what I’m trying to say?”
“No,” James whimpered, “I can never see what people are saying, I only hear it.”
Jesse lifted her fan threateningly.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” James covered his head protectively. Jesse sighed and put down the fan. Then she did the last thing either of them expected…
She hugged him.
“Jesse!” he squeaked.
“Oh James.” She sounded almost weary, “I’m so tired of all this.”
Hesitantly James put his arms around her, afraid of how she would react. When she remained in his arms he relaxed and held her tighter, stroking her hair, “It’s alright Jesse, I promise.” They sat in silence a few moments.
“Jesse,” James whispered against her hair.
“Hmm?” she murmured against his chest.
“What do you say we forget about the Twerp and his Pikachu and go try something new?” he was unsure how she’d react.
She stirred in his arms and pulled back slightly to look at him, “I think I’d like that.” She said quietly.
“Jesse?”
“Yeah, James.”
James took a deep breath, it was likely now or never. “I – I-” he couldn’t seem to get the words out.
Jesse smiled, “I know James, I feel the same way.”
James smiled dumbly at her, then stood- careful not to dump her onto the ground. “Well then let’s go! There’s a whole world out there waiting for us!”
The two walked carelessly off into the night, for once simply happy to be together.
Ash had been dragging all morning. He just couldn’t shake this feeling of dread, the butterfree in his stomach had turned into a stampede of Tauros. For once May was rushing him! But as they neared the Cerulean gym he found himself moving faster and faster until he was almost running. Then he saw a familiar and welcome face running towards him.
“Tracey!” Ash exclaimed happily. “I didn’t expect to see you here.
Tracey smiled, “Yeah, I had to run an errand for Prof. Oak.”
Ash clapped him on the back, “It’s great to see you again! How’d you know I’d be here?”
“I didn’t, I was out looking for some Pokemon to sketch when I thought I saw you coming. I sent Venonat back to get the others and ran on ahead.”
Ash laughed, “Well, I’m still glad to see you.”
“Yeah, you too.” Tracey took a step back, “Wow, you’ve really, um, you’re a lot… taller than you were the last time I saw you.”
Ash nodded, “Six foot three.”
“Six foot three and Misty is Five foot eight, that’s seven inches. It’s perfect!” Tracey started muttering to himself under his breath.
“What are you muttering about Tracey?” Ash asked curiously.
Tracey sweatdropped and laughed nervously, “Err, um, nothing.” He suddenly noticed May and seized the opportunity to change the subject. “Hey, uh, who’s this?” He asked a little too brightly.
Ash suddenly remembered May and blushed in embarrassment. Where were his manners? “This is May, from Hoenn, I met her when I went there just after Johto, she was just starting her journey.”
“Wow! Hoenn huh? I hear there are some great pokemon over there. I’m Tracey.” He held out his hand.
May shook it, clearly bored, “Hello, yeah I guess – the pokemon I mean.”
Tracey turned to Ash, puzzled, “but Ash, if you met May in Hoenn, and have traveled with her since then why didn’t I meet her when you came to visit before?”
May smiled, “Oh, I went to Johto while Ash came home and then traveled through Behrin. We met up again in Shanti a couple years ago.”
“Oh.” Tracey looked at Ash strangely.
“Yeah, now we’re both back for the Indigo league.” Ash said, but his mind clearly wasn’t on the current conversation, “Hey Tracey, I really want to know what you were muttering about earli-"
Fortunately at that moment a familiar voice rang out, saving Tracey from having to answer, “Hey Ash!” Brock was running toward them waving.
“Hey!” Ash called, smiling and waving.
“Ash!” Cried Misty, running behind Brock. The two of them stopped before the other three.
Brock looked up at Ash in amazement, “It’s good to see you. Boy have you changed.”
Ash chuckled, “yeah, well, I’m eighteen Brock, isn’t that supposed to happen?”
“Your voice is deeper too.” Brock noted.
Ash rolled his eyes toward May in a ‘sorry my friends are strange' gesture. “Yep.” He agreed good-naturedly. Unfortunately his action had drawn Brock’s attention to May.
“And who is this?” Brock immediately fell into his ‘pretty girl’ mode. “Hello beautiful lady, my name is Brock and I-"
Tracey looked at Misty to see if she would react, but she was still staring at Ash, so he pulled Brock away by the ear before he could finish.
“Ow, ow, come on, that hurts!” Brock exclaimed.
“That’s enough Brock.” Tracey said sighing. May watched all this thinking that this had to be the strangest group she had ever seen, and Brock was still just plain weird. Funny, he didn’t seem to remember her, or maybe she had just changed. It had been a few years after all.
Ash watched, laughing, “Same old Brock, it’s good to know some things never change.”
“Ash-” Misty spoke softly, as though in a daze.
Ash turned and looked at Misty, really studying her for the first time. His eyes widened in surprised pleasure then returned to normal. His voice softened. “Hi Misty.”
“Ash, you’re so, so – gorgeous.” Misty blurted out. They both blushed and averted their eyes.
“Yeah, well, uh thanks,” Ash responded, nervously running a hand through his hair, he didn’t wear his hat anymore except in battles, “You look good too.” Good? Who was he kidding? He was having trouble keeping his jaw off the floor.
May was looking back and forth between Ash and Misty with narrowed eyes. She growled slightly. Tracey (who had been watching Ash and Misty with a knowing smile) suddenly looked over at May and his eyes went wide in comprehension, quickly followed by concern.
<Ash and Misty need to be alone> he thought <and that girl definitely needs to go>. He looked over at Brock.
“Hey Brock,” a little forced, “why don’t we take May for a tour of Cerulean while Ash and Misty, um, catch up?”
“Okay! Yeah!” Brock agreed a little too eagerly, clasping his hands and getting a dopey look on his face.
“For heavens sake man, you’re twenty two, get a grip,” Tracey muttered to himself, “Come on lover boy.” He pulled Brock over to May, placing their bodies between her and the other two, blocking her line of sight. “Hey May, how about a tour!?” he was moving with her, preventing her from looking around him to see Ash, “Cerulean has some great shops and an awesome beach.”
May’s eyes lit up for a second, but then she looked past Tracey toward Ash again. “Okay, I guess,” she didn’t sound too thrilled, “but what about them?”
“Them, oh they’ll be fine. They’ve seen all this a hundred times. Come on,” he grabbed her hand and pulled her down the road before she could protest. As she was pulled away May looked back at Ash and Misty her face clouded.
“Ah ha, hey Misty.” Ash said lamely, he gulped. He could feel his heart racing and the heat climbing his face; he hoped he wasn’t blushing.
“Hey Ash.” Misty smiled nervously.
“So…” He wanted to tell her how he felt, but suddenly all these doubts rushed in. It was amazing, a few days before he had been so sure that she liked him too, or at least that she had liked him. Now he just knew he had been all wrong, he had misunderstood. There was no way Misty liked him.
“So…?” It was only half a question.
“How’s gym life treatin’ you?” He asked suddenly, in a rushed and too bright tone.
“Oh,” Misty was disappointed, “Fine, I guess.” There was an awkward silence, “Hey, uh, thanks for the... um, the hat, I guess.” She finished lamely. Ash had sent her his Hoenn hat when he had started wearing his Pokemon League hat again.
“Your, uh… welcome.” Where was his brain? Or at least his mouth, he could always talk, even if he didn’t think things through first, sometimes that was bad, but right now anything would be better than this.
“Pika, pi.” Pikachu looked accusingly at Misty.
“Pikachu!” Misty dropped to her knees rubbing the electric rat’s ears. She picked it up as she stood, all tension was gone. “Oh Ash! I missed you two so much!”
“Yeah, I missed you too. Hey, how’s Togepi?”
“Togepi?” Misty looked puzzled, then quickly glanced around and blushed, “Oh, I guess I kinda forgot about him when Venonat brought Tracey’s message. He’s fine, but he probably wonders where I went.”
“Why don’t we go find him?” Ash suggested.
“Yeah, sure. We probably should.” The two walked toward the gym smiling and laughing.
Ash had finally recovered from his shock at seeing Misty. He now realized that he hadn’t noticed much else that afternoon. What had he missed? He knew he had to have missed something because May kept giving him funny looks, and Brock was following her around like a puppy dog.
Following May outside after dinner Ash couldn’t help bringing the subject up.
“What’s with Brock?” he came up beside her, leaning against a tree. “He’s acting so weird. It’s not as though he doesn’t know you.”
May looked back at him, surprised to see him there, but she forced herself to pay attention to his words, “I don’t think Brock recognizes me, Ash.”
Ash looked shocked. Not recognize May? They had traveled together for nearly a year. May chuckled.
“Well, I was only ten at the time Ash. I’ve changed, a lot.” She emphasized the last words.
Ash studied her a moment, trying to remember, “Yeah, I guess.” He looked toward Brock who was pretending to read a poster. “Guess I should go have a talk with him.”
“Please do.” May smiled. Sighing Ash walked over to Brock.
“Hey Brock, wanna take a walk with me?” Brock looked longingly toward May who noticed and turned to go inside. Brock looked crestfallen.
“I guess.”
When they were out toward the beach a ways Ash placed a hand on Brock’s arm to stop him. “So,” he smiled, “I take it you find May attractive.” It wasn’t a question.
“Attractive?” Brock looked stunned, “she’s gorgeous. I don’t know how you’ve traveled with her without seeing that.”
“Yeah Brock, whatever.” Ash laughed.
“I’m serious, she’s an angel, I love her eyes.”
Ash smiled wickedly, “Mm hmm. Those eyes. And the name. Great name, like that girl in Hoenn, remember?”
“Uh huh,” Brock nodded dopily. It was clear he didn’t remember.
“Brock,” Ash suddenly became serious, “I need you to focus.” Brock looked at Ash, who held his gaze until clarity returned. “You do realize this is the same May who traveled with us in Hoenn, don’t you?”
“Right.” Brock grinned as if he knew what game Ash was playing.
Ash placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder, “I’m serious man. It’s the same girl.”
“WHAT?!” Brock exclaimed, then shook his head, “Boy has she grown!”
Ash smiled, “Uh, yeah. That happens to people.”
Brock continued as though Ash hadn’t spoken, “But she’s way too young for me.” He looked slyly at Ash, “right now.”
“Brock!” Ash exclaimed.
Brock snickered, “Unless you have a claim on her.”
“NO! I don’t.” Ash said harshly, and a little too abruptly.
“Okay, sorry, I was just teasing.”
Ash stood in silence a moment, “Sorry, but you’ll be normal now right?”
“But she’s so cute.” Brock risked.
“Brock! I though you just said she was too young for you.”
“Yeah, well, I’m only admiring, she’s not too young for that.”
Ash rolled his eyes, “hopeless,” he muttered as he turned back toward the Cerulean Gym.
“I heard that!” Brock called after him.
The next few weeks were exciting. Ash spent them brushing up, preparing for the Pokemon League. Brock and Tracey had accompanied him home to help him with his final preparations. Misty had wanted to come, but couldn’t get away. She promised to come to all of Ash’s matches though. Ash missed her, but he knew she had obligations. Besides, he knew he would get more training done without her there.
The actual League matches were a blur to him. He knew he was advancing, he knew his friends were watching him, and he knew his pokemon were great, but he couldn’t remember any of the details. In fact, throughout the league competition it felt as though the years had never passed. One moment he was an overconfident, but incredibly nervous, kid, sweating over his first League battle, the next he was a man, standing on the winner’s platform.
It wasn’t until the party his mom threw him at the Oak lab that his thoughts became coherent again. He could remember each detail, each move he had made. How had his mind catalogued all that when he had felt like he was swimming in fog? Now that he thought about it, it was only between battles the haze had set in. And he certainly knew why! He had been on his way to achieving his life long goal. And now he had achieved it.
“Hey,” a familiar voice called, “Ash!” Ash turned toward the sound.
“Richie!” Ash shouted joyfully.
“Surprise dear,” his mother smiled.
“Hey, Ash,” Richie walked up with a grin, “looks like you beat both of us to it.”
“Both of you?” Ash tried to think who the other person could be.
Richie laughed warmly, “Yeah, me and Gary. You know, your rival? But don’t think you’ll get away with it for long. Gary and I will both be joining the ranks of Pokemon Master next year.”
“Next year?” Ash echoed dumbly.
“Sure.
I just returned from Hoenn, I’ve only got Indigo left.
And
Ash grinned mischievously, “It’s a good thing we all split up, otherwise you two would be years away from being Pokemon Masters.”
“Ha ha!” Richie said sarcastically, but still with warmth, “Don’t you wish!”
“I don’t wish, I know.
It would have been Johto all over again each time.”
Ash paused, thinking about something Richie had said earlier, “Wait a
minute,
Richie shrugged, “short phase I guess, but hasn’t he been writing you?”
Ash nodded, “sure, but he didn’t say anything about leagues or battles, though I did notice he was traveling an awful lot for a research student.”
Richie laughed.
Ash was still trying to piece it all together, “Hey Richie, when did
Richie shrugged, “While you were in Hoenn I guess.”
“Oh. Really short phase.” Like at most a couple months.
“That was the last championship before all that Team Rocket mess.” Richie continued.
“Yeah.” Ash said thoughtfully, “Hey, whatever happened anyway? I never did get the whole story.”
“I don’t know for sure, I wasn’t here, I was in Behrin. Maybe you could ask Misty though; I hear she had a front row seat.”
Ash looked over at Misty his brow lifted, “Really?”
“Yep,” Richie nodded decisively, “Guess it shook her up pretty bad too. But she seems fine now.”
“She never told me.” Ash said quietly.
“Aw come on man,” Richie put a hand on his shoulder, “you were out doing important things, maybe she didn’t want to burden you. Besides, what would you have done?”
“I would have come back to help her! She’s way more important than-”
Richie cut him off, “That’s just it Ash, she didn’t want you to put your dreams on hold for her.”
“It would have been worth it though.” Ash persisted.
Richie nodded in understanding, “Yeah, they always are.”
“Who?”
“Friends,” Richie answered then glanced at Ash slyly, “Women, and especially women friends- or shall I say girlfriends."
Ash blushed and nervously rubbed his neck. “She’s not my girlfriend Richie.”
“I know,” Richie responded, then muttered to himself, “And me and everybody else wonders why not.”
Ash looked at him sharply, “What did you say?” There was something threatening in the way he said it, but also something puzzled.
“Ahhahahahaha!” Richie laughed nervously and sweatdropped, “nothing… nothing important anyway. So how’s your mom.”
Ash face faulted, “You would know better than me Richie! After all, she invited you here.”
“Oh, yeah, that’s right… well, I’vegottago.” The last three words came out as one. Ash sweatdropped as Richie took off. <What’s gotten into him> he wondered. In fact, something seemed to have gotten into everyone, Brock and Tracey had been acting really strange, and he hadn’t seen much of May or Misty. Why was everyone avoiding him?
“So I hear you’re off to challenge the Elite Five,” Misty spoke coming up behind him.
“Yeah,” he scooted over and continued to stare out over the fields. Misty sat down beside him, turning slightly to face him.
“Excited?” She asked casually.
“I guess. Of course, I have to find them all first. It’ll take a while.”
“Is that what’s been bothering you?” she asked kindly.
Ash sighed, “Yeah, I… well, I feel like,”
“Like you’re abandoning everyone?” her tone was not accusing, and only half a question.
Ash sighed again and ran a hand through his hair. Misty suddenly realized that he wasn’t wearing his hat, it was on the ground next to him. “Yeah.” He sounded so weary and burdened. A wave of emotion washed over her and she clamped down on it, responding the only way she knew how.
“Well don’t!” Ash looked up, startled at the sudden change, “This world doesn’t revolve around YOU, Ash Ketchum,” she poked a finger at his chest angrily, “so just you stop being so NOBLE!!!”
Ash’s eyes flashed, “WELL EXCUUUSE ME! I didn’t realize I was so unwanted! But you know, you’re right. What do I care what happens to all of you while I’m gone? You’ve never needed me before, so why would you now?” Ash stood swiftly, grabbing his hat.
Misty suddenly realized what she had done and she was ashamed. Why did she always lash out at him like that? It wasn’t his fault that she loved him and he didn’t return the feeling. She stood hastily searching for a way to heal the breach she’d caused. “Ash, hey Ash wait!” She called running after him. She placed a hand lightly on his arm and he looked down at it in shock, confusion and pleasure warring within him. Why was she touching him? And why did it feel so good? He was mad at her wasn’t he? “Ash, please stop, I’m sorry.” She couldn’t meet his eyes.
Suddenly he felt the tension leave him and he laughed softly, “Me too.” He ducked his head to look into her downcast eyes. “Why do we always do this?”
“I don’t know.” Misty sighed, then, realizing she was still holding onto him, she dropped his arm and blushed. Ash felt a rush of disappointment as her warm hand left his skin.
“Hey Misty,” he was searching for something to make the moment last, “you, uh, you wanna come with me?” He finally asked, “I mean, you haven't really gotten to use that bike I bought you…” <Oh that was smooth Ketchum, like she’s not gonna see through that one> He cleared his throat, “I mean, it might be nice to get out and have an adventure again, you know.” Misty was looking at him with an expression he couldn’t decipher. <Great, now I’ve done it> he thought in self condemnation <now she thinks I’m a freak>.
“I can’t Ash, I’ve got to help at the gym.” Misty could think of nothing she wanted more than to go, but she couldn’t, not now, they’d just gotten the gym back up a year ago. She shuddered at the thought of the damage Team Rocket had caused in Cerulean. She glanced sideways at Ash, it was a good thing he didn’t know about it.
Ash sighed, at least she was letting him down easy, “Yeah, the gym.”
“Sorry Ash.”
“S’okay. It was probably a dumb idea anyway.” Misty was hurt, did that mean he hadn’t really wanted her to come? But he had seemed sincere.
“We should get back, it’s getting dark.” Ash pointed out.
“Yeah.” Misty agreed half heartedly. Life had been so much simpler when they were kids just starting out on their Pokemon journey. When had things become so complicated?
“Hey Misty, are you sure you won’t come with me?” Ash had his pack on his back. Today was the day he set off to challenge the Elite Five. “It’ll be a great adventure.” He gave her an adorable, lopsided grin. It was all Misty could do to remember why she had to stay.
She looked at him longingly, “I’d love to go Ash, you know I would, but I’ve got responsibilities now.”
Ash sighed, “I know.” He glanced over at May who was checking her bag one last time. He nodded in her direction, “wish she had that problem.”
Misty laughed lightly, then scowled in May’s direction. That little parasite was trying to steal her Ash (okay so maybe he wasn’t her Ash- yet- but he would be) she was sure of it. And Misty wasn’t going to let her get away with it. She might not be able to go, but she would just have to find a way to keep Ash’s mind on her and off a certain clingy brunette.
Misty smiled sweetly at Ash, “I’ll write you all the time, okay?”
Ash smiled brightly, “Really?” he hadn’t expected that. “That’d be great Misty, I’ll write you too.”
He was going to have to write a lot of letters, considering he’d promised Richie, Brock, and Tracey the same thing. <When am I gonna have time to track down the Elite Five, let alone train> he wondered. But looking at Misty he knew it’d be worth it.
Dear Misty,
Well,
I’m off! I hear Lance is still
in Johto with the G-men, and Bruno has been training somewhere near
Ash
***
Dear Ash,
Hey! I loved the picture you sent! It almost makes me feel like I’m out adventuring again. That Clefairy is so cute! (Too bad they're cleptos, huh?) Anyway, things are fine here. Brock and Tracey both have girlfriends (I never thought I’d live to see the day.) But they’re both being very secretive about it. (Never thought I’d see that either.) I'd bet my left shoe Brock's is a Joy though. Jennys don't have the patience! Maybe I want to know where you are!!! But as long as you promise to still tell me I’ll e-mail you. Good luck finding Bruno, I know you can beat him ;)
Misty
***
Dear Misty,
I finally found Bruno! He was happy to see me again and said he had been expecting me. Squirtle and Totodile squashed his rock pokemon, and Prime ape stomped his fighting types (did I tell you I got Prime ape back just after I left Pallet?) Bruno said he was proud of me, and he wanted me to send you something – it’s a chip of a rock pokemon that seems to have developed a resistance to water attacks. (Don’t worry, it fell off naturally.) I’m thinking maybe it’s like that crystal Onix. Tell me what you think.
Your friend,
Ash
PS May says hi, or something, A.K.
***
Dear Ash,
That scale is beautiful. I tested it by soaking it in one of our pools for a week! It is definitely waterproof! Let Bruno know okay? Maybe you could find out what pokemon it came from. Is it a new species, or a subspecies of a known pokemon? Richie is doing great in the Indigo league. He opted to avoid Pewter and Cerulean cities’ gyms due to his relationships with us. He went to the Dusken gym and the one in Hop Hop Hop town (can you believe they consolidated and got league approval!) instead. But I guess you knew that. He told me you’ve been writing him. When do you have time to train?
Misty
***
Dear Misty,
Hey! Kinda busy today, but wanted to drop you a note to tell you I ran into Koga, quite by accident actually. And I won! Glad to hear that you’re doing so well. I can hardly believe I’ve been gone two months! Hey, I hear all the other three are outside of Indigo, so I’ll probably be gone a while more. (Ha ha! Misty!) Hey! Sorry Misty, that was May. She’s driving me nuts, don’t have time to retype.
Ash
***
Dear Ash,
May is still following you?! What is her problem? Isn’t she bored yet? She never struck me as the woodsy type. Anyway, I’m proud of you, two down three to go!!! But I’m sorry to hear you’ll have to travel so far. We’ll throw a big party when you get back –k-! Although, you may have to share your moment in the spotlight from the looks of things.
Pokelove,
Misty
PS You like that? It’s my new term, it means the love a trainer has for his Pokemon and the love they return. I created new gym t-shirts with that on them and a picture of a heart shaped pokeball. MW
***
Dear Misty,
What did you mean by “share my
moment?” Tracey wrote me something weird like that too.
The shirts sound cool,
but I take it they’re for girls. Pikachu
says hi. Also, May is gone (dance
for joy) when she found out I was headed for Hoenn and Johto she decided to
check out the
Pokelove,
Ash
PS I like it, it has a nice ring to it. AK
***
Dear Ash,
The gym is doing well, and my shirts are selling well too. By this time I hope you’ve reached Johto. Is anyone besides Lance there? Out of the Elite 5 I mean, I know other people are there. Gotta run, duty calls.
Misty
***
Dear Misty,
You’ll never guess who I ran in to today. Hagatha and Agatha!!! Scary huh? They tried to loan me a Hoot Hoot, but I whipped out Pidgeot and flew right over that crazy forest (now that May is gone I can do that). I found Karen and battled her, but I hear Lance is on a mission, so I’m off to Hoenn where it’s rumored an amazing dark type trainer is lurking, I’m betting that’s Sarah, the new edition from the east. I think I’m gonna have to trade in some pokemon for this battle, of course, I’ve got a few months travel time to think it over and prepare.
Ash
***
Dear Ash,
Strange things are happening in Indigo – has Professor Oak told you anything? Someone has been sabotaging the league. And I mean everything: gyms, centers, labs. The pokemon storage and transportation system was down for two weeks! Professor Oak thinks someone has been interfering with his research too, but he can’t be sure. I would have written you sooner (this has been going on for months, since before you faced Sarah), but at first we thought these were random accidents. Now it’s clear they are not. Glad the system being down didn’t interfere with your battle in Hoenn. Only one left! Does that mean you’ll be home soon? We all miss you, and we could use some help tracking down these saboteurs.
Misty
PS I hear May has been writing your mom. Go figure. MW
***
Dear Misty,
Hey! I sent you something I know your gonna love. It’s a bike! And it’s low maintenance and no one can crash it! Okay so it’s pocket size, but hey, easy to carry, though it won’t get you far! Hee, hee! (Misty! Misty put the mallet down! Please don’t hurt me!) Okay, done talking to myself. I know that Viridian Joy fixed your old one, and you probably still have the one I gave you when we first split up, but I saw this in a shop and just had to get it for you. I thought it’d make you laugh, sounds like you could use one (a laugh that is). All this as a prelude to some bad news. It’ll be a few more months before I’m home, I’ve been chasing Lance, he’s a busy guy! Good news is he’s headed back toward Indigo, so it’s on my way home.
Pokelove,
Ash
***
Dear Ash,
I loved the bike, but don’t think this makes up for what you owe me! (Even if Joy did fix my old bike, and you bought me a new one. Think of all the emotional damage!) Any way, not that you shouldn’t find Lance (especially when you’re so close to your goal,) but you might want to hurry. Wedding bells are gonna be ringing in Pallet (for your Mom and Professor Oak!!!) I can’t believe none of us saw it coming! Poor Professor Oak has been devoting most of his time to finding what we’ve termed the “ILM” - that stands for Indigo League Menace. Have you heard from Richie or Gary? The leagues are coming up soon, (poor Richie, he was so worried ILM would do something to mess things up, but they haven’t yet).
Pokelove,
Misty
PS Togepi says Prrriiii!
***
Dear Misty,
I finally found Lance! I’ve only been chasing him for five months! (can you sense the sarcasm?) And that’s not counting the first time I came through looking for him. I can’t believe it’s been almost a year! By the time I get home I’ll be nineteen. I should be home in about one month. Tracey says that will put me back just in time to help with the pre wedding whirlwind. (I’m thinking, a two month whirlwind? Haven’t you people been doing anything while I’ve been gone? Oh sorry, forgot about the ILM for a second, is he still acting up?) Maybe I’ll stop by to pick you up, you are coming to help with the TMW (two month whirlwind) aren’t you? Mom says you’re maid of honor. That’s great! I’m best man (shivers) I’m dreading that speech, you’ve got the easy part – you just gotta wear a dress and look pretty.
Pokelove,
Ash
