Chapter 28

Breakfast could have been a solemn affair. If Misty had not been eating with Ash and Pikachu that was. After Ash’s strange mood the night before and this morning, she was happy to see him so animated.

Refusing to wait for the others, instead of telling them why he had been racing around in such a crazy manner Ash had insisted on eating food immediately.

“I’m gonna die Misty.” Ash had groaned. “My tummy is touching my back, I’m serious!”

So now they were in the cafeteria eating the early breakfast prepared by Chansey by themselves. Misty herself was just eating her chocolate chip pancakes while keeping an eye on Ash. Pikachu had Ash keeping an eye on his food and the other on the mouse.

Pikachu kept trying to sneak away Ash’s ketchup to spread on its own Pokémon food. But Ash was having none of that.

“No Pikachu, it’s fine just the way it is. I made it so you could enjoy it plain! There is no way you are getting ketchup so early!”

“Chaaaa!!!” Pikachu squeaked in complaint trying to reach for the ketchup bottle kept out of reach. Standing on its hind legs the mouse reached high overhead as it tottered around following Ash’s hand.

“No means no Pikachu. Don’t you think you have been having just a bit too much? A treat now and again is okay. But the way you keep going at it it’s at every meal. Don’t you think that maybe you should slow it down a bit buddy? For the best.”

Pikachu paused its arms stretched overhead. T looked like it was thinking over Ash’s words. Looking dejected, the mouse slumped onto the table with a sad sigh.

“I think someone just matured.” Misty laughed softly stroking the sulking mouse with one finger. Pikachu perked at her touch making her feel bubbly.

“More like someone realized that treats are better when they are had once in a while and not gorged on every day.” Ash responded tilting his hat back, just the little bit. “There was the time I gorged myself on hamburgers, remember that Misty?”

Thinking back Misty laughed recalling what he was talking about. “You got sick with a bad tummy ache when we were walking in the woods.”

“Then we met old man Shuckle.”

“Thought he was some sort of troll.”

“He gave me the medicine.”

“But I thought he had killed you!” Misty said no longer laughing. “When you collapsed I was ready to sock him one then kill him.”

“Lucky for me I was fine. I would hate to have you in jail Misty.” Ash smiled keeping an eye on Pikachu who had retreated to his food dish.

“I’m sure it would not have gone that far.” Misty responded her tone dry.

“Assault charges are some serious things these days Mist.” Ash said his tone still playful. “You could have had to spend a night or two behind bars. Now if I had known this back then, would I have suffered the amount of abuse I did back then?”

“No, you would have gotten worse.” Misty said fighting away her smile. “Much worse.” Ash snorted but before he could respond, Misty watched his gaze fall to Pikachu.

The mouse had dropped its food and its gaze had fallen to someone in glasses approaching. Looking at the figure Misty easily recognised the person.

“I should have known May would not be able to get up so early for breakfast.” Max sighed as he paused by their table. “I’m surprised to see you guys though. Ash usually doesn’t move unless something prods him.”

“Hi to you too Max.” Ash laughed leaning back in the booth. “Long time no see. Look who is on their journey.”

Puffing up a little Max beamed with pride. Misty stifled a laugh, she knew that Max’s two role models were his Dad and Ash. Both clueless but nice people in their own way.

“I just started out, but I came here for a break and training before I really go to gyms.” Max explained sliding in the booth and patting Pikachu.

That was news to Misty. “So you didn’t just come for me?” She teased slightly seeing a flush spread across Max’s face.

“No! I mean Misty I came to spend time with you! You know how much I love it at your gym, just it was logical to work hard with Ralts when I’m here.” Max rushed out.

“Ralts? That would not be who I’m thinking of would it Max?” Ash spoke up placing one hand on Pikachu who looked ready to bound off in excitement.

“Yeah, first thing I did. Took me a while.” Max paused and blushed. “But it was like we had some sort of connection or something. So I kept going and Ralts was just waiting on me.”

“I’m so happy for you Max.” Misty smiled. “I know just how much you wanted this.”

“I won’t be travelling with May again though.” Max shrugged. “Ash neither. I’m enjoying my time like this, because Gym Leaders are alone.”

“Nope not all are, really good ones have people.” Ash said speaking up before Misty herself could. “You have your Pokémon, your family and if you are lucky a really good friend will be with you forever.”

“Not at my side though, everyone separates.” Max said looking dim.

“Hey, I’ve said this before haven’t i?” Ash asked his tone changing to something more mature and responsible. “Sometimes friends have to leave us.”

“But we’ll always have them and the good times in our hearts. Guess if you are really really lucky.” Max said looking between Ash and Misty. “If you are so lucky, you get to be with that person again. Even for a little while. You meant Misty back then right.”

Ash flushed. Misty frowned what were they talking about? Max noticed her confusion. “Back in Hoenn Ash told me that there was a good friend who left him and that person he missed everyday, but that he will always have her with him. He trying to help me over losing .....” Max broke off and looked at the table. “It really helped.”

“I was not just sprouting word back then. I don’t like losing people but memories keep you going and you carry them in your heart forever.” Ash said flicking his eyes to Max. “Losing someone is something all trainers go through. You forge a bond that is so strong but won’t last forever. Sometimes it is for the best, it hurts but if you really cared you find the strength somewhere to leave and only let your tears fall when they can’t see.”

“Ash.” Misty gasped. The mood had gone so heavy so quickly. Not good for an early morning talk. “Max, losing someone on a journey is okay. But being a Gym Leader is not a solitary existence. It may look like I’m alone but I’m not. I have my sisters as annoying as they are sometimes, my friends past and present. Brock, Gary, Tracey, Casey, You and so much others coming in or calling. I have my town keeping me lively with their concern and adoration. A gym leader is a living monument. A leader to look up to. You will become a great one in your own right one day too.”

“I won’t doubt that.” Ash laughed brightening up. “You have your own trainer gear put together and you have set out on your own journey. You will make it big.”

“I want to become like you and my Dad, Misty.” Max responded staring up at Misty. When Misty just looked confused Max explained. “Even though you were so young, you have managed to get so far with your gym. You run programs and support the people and work so hard and the people love you.”

“Well, that just is part of being a gym leader. Not everyone will love you though but you do your best work hard and look towards the future.” Misty said thinking through all the things she had done as her time as a leader.

“And that is why she makes such a good role model.” Ash cut in brining Misty’s attention back to him. her gaze fell to his plate to only see it was totally empty. Ash had taken advantage of the talk between herself and Max to demolish the remains of his own food.

Sighing she shook her head at him. Something’s would never change. But she did not want them to.  Smiling softly she decided to change the topic yet again.

“Max, I thought if anything you would come with Brock.”

“I thought about it too, really I did. If only for saving the girls along the way but Brock was taking too long so I decided to go along first. He was trying to see if your sisters would come along or Tracy. I know that Professor Oak wanted to come here for a quick visit and Casey too. But I think Brock will be here soon.”

“It’s okay if they don’t make it you know Max.” Misty reassured him. “It’s the fact they wanted to come that makes me happy. And I know my sisters will call me. If they had come and left the gym closed I would have been more upset.”

“I agree with you there.” Max grinned. “For your older sisters it seems you were the only one to get sense.”

“Isn’t that the case with all younger siblings?” Misty laughed causing Max to break down in helpless giggles.

“I’m an only child so I won’t bother to understand.” Ash sighed exchanging a glance with Pikachu.

“It’s something you shouldn’t try to hard to understand.” Max piped up making Misty laugh.

“I think, that is mean.” Ash growled reaching across the booth to mess with Max’s hair.

A thump caused them all to look up. Paul had appeared sometime in their conversation. Eyeing Max a bit he shrugged before diving into his sandwiches he had brought to the table.

“Um.” Max faltered staring at Paul and his silent but overpowering moodiness.

“This is Paul, he was Ash’s rival in Sinnoh.” Misty offered watching how fascinated Max seemed.

“Who’s this one.” Paul grunted not looking up from his food. Misty rolled her eyes. Sometimes she was sure Paul fought to keep that barrier up between himself and others.

“This is Max, May’s brother.” Ash offered as he cast longing looks towards the kitchen.

“Pleased to meet you.” Max stammered. Paul flicked a glance towards Max for a bit before taking a book from his bag to read.

“Whatever.” Paul said before starting to read. Misty sighed she was going to cheer up Max when Max looked excited and blurted out happily.

“I’ve read that book ‘Hidden Strengths’. I find that it is useful towards Pokémon new to your team.” Paul glanced to Max again giving him more attention than before.

“How would you know if it is useful or not.”

“Because I’ve found that book only helpful towards Pokémon I am now developing a bond with. Actually depending on the special ability a Pokémon has if you want to bring it out I find you and the Pokémon have to go through a lot of training together. Then if it evolves and the ability changes...”

“You have to start all over again.” Paul finished. “So you know something at least.”

“I’ve been studying Pokémon all my life, now that I’ve begun my journey I’m putting into practice along with the things I learnt while travelling with Ash and Brock.”

Tilting his head Misty watched as a cool smile slid across Paul’s face. “Interesting.” He mused. In disbelief Misty watched as Paul fell into conversation with the energetic Max.

“I’m pretty sure the cosmos somewhere is ripping into tiny pieces.” Ash said sliding closer to Misty. “Hurry up and eat so we can escape.”

“Almost finished. Stop rushing.” Misty protested before Ash took the fork from her nerveless fingers.

“I have no time to watch this. It’s like an Arbok smiling at a Wurmple. Not pretty, very scary.” Pikachu nodded in agreement as Misty tried to feed Misty.

“I can do this myself Ash Ketchum!” She squeaked trying to get away from the fork. Ash sighed before he slid even close and trapped Misty with one hand while the other shoved the fork full of food in her mouth.

“You are taking too long.”

“Mmmppfff!”

“Manners Mist. Manners.”

Chewing angrily Misty cast a death glare towards Ash. It did not have the usual effect but she felt better. Swallowing the mouthful of food she snatched the fork from Ash’s grip and proceeded to gobble the remains on the plate. There was no way she was going to allow that to happen so casually again.

“Heyyy! Like helloooooo. Why are we like up and here so early? Like I said we could at least come around like noon where people would be like awake and stuff.” A voice familiar to Misty called out.

A voice that she could remember since she could think. A voice that was sometimes a source of her troubles but certainly not a voice she expected to hear while she was staying here. At least not without the help of the videophone. Small sparks of tears gathered in her eyes.

“Daisy.” She whispered shoving the plate aside.

“You sure?” Ash asked even as he was peering at the doorway to see who would come through. First a familiar blonde head walking backwards appeared accompanied by many other figures that Misty knew.

“Knowing Misty the way I do at least she should be up.” Brock said his eyes not glued to any girls but instead on the way ahead of him.

“If anything Daisy, it’s good to be early.” Tracey offered.

“If I know Ash.” Professor Oak chipped in. “Those two will be together talking about nothing in particular.  Ash turned back to grin at Misty.

“He seems to know us.”

“At least he knows you!” She responded  fighting back her tears. This was more than she expected to receive.

“Daisy!” Max called looking up from his conversation with Paul. Daisy with her group paused to look over searching for the source of the voice.

“Over here!” Ash laughed waving his hand in the air as Pikachu jumped onto his head. “Great to see you guys! Great for you to make it!”

“Hey Ash!” Tracy exclaimed making his way over to their table. “It’s been a while. You look good Misty!”

“Same to you Tracey, I just can’t believe you made it!”

“Finally.” Max stated sighing heavily. “I’ve been here since last night.”

“We caught the train so we could get here this morning.” Tracey laughed. “I’m surprised we actually made it on time.”

“Ash, Misty. It’s great to see you face to face after this time.” Professor Oak said coming to a stop at the table with Brock and Daisy just pausing behind him.

“Professor.” Misty smiled feeling just a few tears fall down. “It’s a surprise to see you here too.”

“A bit for business, a bit for my grandson, a check-up on Ash and I feel my presence may just be needed this year.” Professor Oak laughed causing her to smile back in response.

“Miss me?” Brock asked aiming a smile at the table. “I feel like I’ve been missed mostly by lovely ladies.” Misty rolled her eyes.

“Don’t ruin this happy occasion by making pull your ears Brock.”

“Or me.” Max put in dryly. Paul just sighed and cast a look towards the doorway.

“What like about me? No hug for your Sensational big sister? Like where is you love and like your manners Misty? I like can’t believe you!” Daisy pouted stretching out her hands pointing and stamping her feet.

“This is so embarrassing.” Misty groaned. Ash nudged her lightly and sighing a bit she stood up.

“Come hug me!” Daisy squealed. Squeezing past Max Misty sighed before lunging at Daisy and allowing herself to be swung around in a huge bear hug.

“As if I’d let my favourite baby sister celebrate this day all by herself!” Laughing Misty closed her eyes against the tears fighting to fall. It was almost more than she felt she could have asked for.

**********************************************************************************

There was apparently too many people for Paul to deal with. Ash noticed the silent Paul slipping away after everyone stood up to arrange themselves in the booth.

He himself was not too happy about the arrangement. Daisy had slipped between himself and Misty with Brock easily slipping between himself and Daisy. So now Misty sat on the end of the Booth and he was in the middle.

Professor Oak had claimed a seat next to Ash with Max hurriedly claiming the seat next to the Professor. Tracey had then claimed the last spot for himself.

Rolling his eyes Ash wished he could have disappeared himself. That easy moment with Misty had been shattered. Not that he was not happy to see everything. Just he had the suspicion Misty was going to say something.

“Ash, it’s good to see you doing so well.” Professor Oak began. “I hope that you have managed that little project of yours?”

Ash’s eyes flew open wide. “Don’t worry Professor it’s no problem now.” He said keeping an eye on Misty to make sure she had not heard anything. The Professor smiled brightly before casting a narrow gaze at Ash.

“Not a topic for the table eh?”

“Not for a while yet.” Ash said quietly .

“Well, I guess I’ll see how you handled it soon. I’ll be staying and going back with Daisy and Brock there. I’ve a need to speak to that grandson of mine.” Professor Oak’s voice hardened slightly. “I have to at least give him some sort of warning before he continues.”

Ash frowned in confusion. Legendary Pokémon, at least the ones he had met were not something to be warned about. At least the sane ones. Professor Oak glanced at Ash and his expression softened.

“Ash, even though these Pokémon mean no harm, the things surrounding them are dangerous. I know better than anyone as a researcher. Without meaning to the most childish Pokémon could cause harm to a human or their surroundings.”

Ash paused, it more seemed like the other way around to him. looking away from that his gaze fell on Daisy Misty and Tracey who were leaning over the vast table to continue a conversation.

“So he won’t be coming along? I haven’t seen him for a while!” Misty was saying sadly.

“Like I know! I said the same thing when Tracey came to pick me up! Like the last time we all saw him and that cute Pikachu was when we went to the festival on the shore for water Pokémon! Like it’s just sad he can’t make it but he’s really serious about what he’s doing I guess.”

Ash frowned. A Pikachu? It was not him they were talking about.

“Yeah but he said he would call if anything. You know how it is Misty.” Tracey said his tone apologetic.

“I haven’t seen Ritchie in a while but I did see him constantly when I was gym leader and he was training so that is to be expected. He did say he would call right?”

Ash froze, Ritchie, Ritchie! “Ritchie?” He exclaimed drawing Misty’s attention to him.

“Oh, yeah Ash! I forgot to tell you about Ritchie.”

“He is a good friend of Ash’s” Tracey whispered to Max.

“I think I heard about him before.” Max whispered back.

“He isn’t coming?” Ash asked ignoring the table.

“Things are holding him up so he won’t come to see me this week. I know I’ll see him after I go back to the gym.” Misty assured.

“I haven’t seen him in so long.” Ash said feeling sulky. Misty burst out laughing.

“He said the same thing about you Ash. You’ll see him again. Hopefully while Sparky is still is a Pikachu.” Misty said leaning over the table towards Ash.

“I want to meet him.” Max said excitedly.

“You might get the chance one day.” Professor Oak cut in. “He really is remarkable, he and his Pokémon are no pushovers when he chooses a path finally to walk down we will see many things bear fruit.”

“You say that about everyone Professor.” Misty laughed. “I remember when you told me that when I accept my burden I will really blossom.”

“Didn’t you?” The Professor laughed. “I’m rarely wrong. I see potential in all of you. Also that is wanted to talk to Gary about.”

Misty tensed. “I can imagine.” Ash frowned. That reaction made no sense.

“Misttayyyy. Like Seriously. What are we going to do? Tracey is going shopping with me later so be prepared for like a Birthday makeover!!” Daisy said hugging Misty.

“Did you even ask Tracey?!” Misty asked trying to wiggle away.

“Tracey you’ll like come right?”

“Um, sure Daisy, I’ll come along.” Tracey stammered. Misty slapped her own forehead.

“You fell into the trap again Tracey.” Misty groaned. Tracey offered a shy smile in return.

“It’s no real problem I’m not doing anything really important this evening anyway.”

“Afternoon, Tracey, like its gonna take a while to get Misty Like Sensational ready.”

“Yeah, I’m okay with that.” Tracey smiled. Misty groaned again.

“Daisy where is your shame?”

“I did nothing to be ashamed of, Like brighten up Misty. I have an escort you should be happy. Like weren’t you the one to tell me don’t go out by like myself so much?”

Ash snorted. She could be aware of the dangers for her sisters but remained so ignorant to herself. That was just not Misty. Unless she thought there was no danger.

The thought of Georgio rose it’s ugly head in Ash’s mind and he ruthlessly stomped it away. He needed to keep calm.

“Personally I don’t think Tracey minds all that much Daisy.” Professor Oak offered.

“Me neither.” Brock laughed.

“In fact, I’d go as far to say that he’s looking forward to being your escort for today Daisy.” Professor Oak said folding his arms and sitting back. “Yup I’m pretty sure that is what the situation is.”

“Professor!” Tracey exclaimed in dismay causing Misty to break down in giggles and Daisy to giggle happily.

“Like see? He wants to look out for me. Its no like trouble Misty.” Misty groaned again.

“No wonder you and Ash get along so well, both so dense.”

“Hey!” Ash snapped feeling insulted. “That isn’t very nice Misty.”

“She can be so mean like oh my gosh!” Daisy sulked sliding away from Misty. “It’s a wonder she has any fans with that kind of behaviour.

Ash paused stopping what he was originally going to say. Seemed like Daisy could offer a look into Misty’s activities. After all, had not Misty said Daisy was the one sister home the most?

Before Ash could speak up however Brock spoke up.

“My sensational Daisy. I could also offer my protective services on this venture.”

“Don’t try it.” Max said dryly. Or I will have to offer a reality ear pulling service on you immediately.”

Misty giggled. “Well done Max! You were right on the ball for that one. You got in before I could even try.”

Max flushed. “Well it became a habit you know. But still it’s nothing like what you are capable of.”

“That’s so sweet Max.” Misty beamed brightly.

“Never have I heard the torture Misty can inflict being described like some sort of art form.” Ash mumbled to Pikachu. A soft squeak he received in response.

“Max! Max!” May’s voice was heard calling. Max looked up along with everyone else to see the group making their way to them.

“You came! Why didn’t you say something?” May called happily her as she rushed over.

“If you had checked your messages.” Max said dryly. “You would have seen that I was here from last night.

“Same old Max.” May sighed stopping at the table.

“It’s the poetry man, I mean Professor Oak!” Dawn whispered.

Cilan, Iris, Paul, Drew and Dawn came to a stop at the booth but Gary narrowed his eyes at his grandfather.

“Gramps. “

“Gary.” The professor warmly smiled.

“I’m not falling for that one Gramps. I have a sneaking suspicion that you didn’t come here just to celebrate.”

“And you would be right Gary.” Professor Oak said unfolding his arms and putting them on the table. “I came because I found out something rather alarming.”

“You mean you snooped.” Gary accused. Folding his arms.

“As you being my only grandson when I came across some information that was rather alarming I came to talk to you about it.”

“You mean you came to shut me down and force me to make a decision about the whole other issues thing. I know what I want Gramps. Don’t get in my way for this. I’ll fight you if I have to.” Gary hissed angrily. Ash sat up slowly, this was a Gary he did not know. Looking at Misty he saw he flick her gaze away. He felt his mouth harden. He would not be in the dark for much longer!