Chapter 41

May knew where to find him. even though he had snarled about training and being left alone. Drew was on a bench under a tree relaxing.

Staying just a little ways back May took him in. One leg propped up on the bench and the other flat resting on the seat. The sun shone down on his whole body. That aura about him seemed even stronger.

Drew, he really was amazing. There had been no time for them to talk seriously. But even then she could sense something was wrong. Taking in a deep breath May gathered her courage and approached with a soft smile.

“So who is it that’s awake?” Drew asked her without even looking once in her direction.

“Misty.” May stammered.

Drew sighed and slowly sat up. Zorua who had been sprawled on his chest slowly slid down until she fell into his lap. May guessed the little Zorua was reluctant to move one bit. One could hardly blame her.

“Even though he said he wanted her to be the first thing he saw. He lets he wake first. Maybe it is for the best.” Drew yawned. “She with Pikachu?”

“Yeah. He’s on her shoulder exempt for when she tells him to stick with Ash while she goes for food and the like.” May murmured.

“Then it’s good she woke first. If he had we would have to wait extra longer. I can see that idiot driving himself insane over small things like waiting.” Drew absently patted Zorua as she lay slumped in his lap.

“Are you coming Drew?” May asked feeling something wrong with their conversation not being able to place it.

“With you? Haven’t you gone up already?”

“N-No I just sneaked a peak when I heard the nurses but I came to you straight away.” May frowned. What was Drew getting at? “Didn’t you want to know?”

“Somehow I was left with the impression you wanted the whole big crew to come along. Knowing you and your lack of tact I thought you wanted to drag in people like Georgio and Kenny maybe Barry along. You know people who just make situations like this so awkward.” Drew smirked as he flicked back his hair.

“Maybe you could invite Georgio to hold Misty’s hand as she weeps over Ash’s bedside. Not too sure how Ash would take that when he wakes up but I’m sure that won’t bother you.” Drew continued.

“Stop.” May whispered one hand flying to her chest to clench into a tight fist.

“I know, then maybe you and Dawn could hang in the background watching the two of them! Wouldn’t that be nice May? You can even stand with Kenny and that friend of yours. That might lend some appropriateness to the situation.” Drew laughed as he returned Zorua to her pokeball.

“Stop this Drew.” May said stepping backwards her fist clenching tighter. Drew stood slowly swaying as he righted himself. His laughter was bright but his gaze when it landed on her chilled her.

“Who knows? Maybe I should stop. This is annoying. It surprises me how far you can grow yet remain the same clueless idiot May.” Drew sighed.

“Don’t you think that’s too harsh.” A voice came from behind her. Brendan! “She came to tell you good news yet you attack her. Drew.”

May whirled around with relief. Drew was acting so strangely. Maybe it was too early to come to him. Gary had been melancholy too. She had been so rash.

“When it comes to May. You would be safer to stay out of what business I have with her or what I tell her.” Drew drawled as he shoved his hands into his pockets.

“Why should that be? You are deliberately hurting her.” Brendan snapped stepping up to her side.

“If the truth hurts her then somebody should toughen her up shouldn’t they?” Drew demanded. “Your friends are a frequent eyesore. No style, no class. Just rushing in heart on sleeve. It’s amazing how quick you can sour a mood.”

“What about you?” Brendan hissed stepping past May. She tried to grasp his sleeve but he easily brushed her off. “You act like you are all clean and heavenly.”

“You got something to say, you are welcomed to say it. Once you can back up your words.” Drew smiled. “I’ll be happy to show you just how different our worlds are. And exactly why I’m so pissed.”

“Drew!” May shouted. This had gotten way out of control. “Why do you insist on looking at this in a bad way? Can’t we just be happy Misty is awake?”

“Sorry May. But as someone who didn’t go down to that place. Your words won’t reach me. As usual you keep missing important facts. I could have dealt with one. We could have dealt with those two. But as blatant disrespect to two people who just fought to stay together. I can’t deal with this.” Drew sighed even though his voice was stone cold.

Reaching into his pocket again, Drew released Zorua again. Zorua looked confused and looked up to Drew for instructions.

“Sorry Zorua.” Drew whispered. “We’ll see the others later okay? For now let’s walk around some more and find someplace where you can soak in clean air.”

“Drew. Don’t ignore me!” May shrieked surging past Brendan who yelped in surprise. Grabbing his arm she was surprised at his eyes. They were calm but irritation was buried deep.

“Stay out of Misty’s and Ash’s way for now.” Drew instructed. “She has no time to be confused by people who have not a clue how she is feeling. Give her a break for a bit and let her breathe. When she looks stable. Then you can go annoy her with your relief and emotions.”

“Annoy her with my emotions?” May whispered in horror.

“When she was knocked out all she felt was fear for herself and for you guys. Now she’s awake she knows you are okay but Ash isn’t. Just how do you think she feels?” Drew demanded grabbing her arms in a fierce grip.

“Drew.” May whispered feeling her thoughts whirling.

“Think May THINK. That’s why I’m so angry! You, Ash, Dawn you don’t THINK. Even when you are mad, scared, alone. Try to THINK for once!” Drew sighed and released her.

“You are right.” May realized.

“MayMay.” Brendan frowned reaching for her but she absently waved him away.

“Drew’s right. I was so determined to do better but at the first sign of something unexpected I stopped thinking. We went for help but after that. I was just reacting on emotions. I need to toughen up.” May said slowly.

“Today would be a fine time to start. I give Ash another night before he wakes. See ya.” Drew smirked as he turned away heading off Zorua trotting at his heels.

“They look so comfortable together. I should take a leaf from his book and hang with Rapidash too.” May mused.

“But May.” Brendan protested.

“Drew’s right Brendan. We may be relieved but Misty needs some space so she can get a grip on herself. She must be so worried about Ash right now.”

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Misty in almost a daze got up from where she sat next to Ash’s bedside. She felt Pikachu start to get up but she placed a calming hand on the mouse’s head to stop it.

“Don’t worry Pikachu I’m going for some drinks and a snack. Just rest here until I get back. Alright Pikapal?”

Pikachu eyed her before relaxing on Ash’s bed and curling up into a ball next to his trainer’s side. Misty’s heart clenched and she made her way to the door before Pikachu could see her eyes that sparkled with unshed tears.

Getting some water from the drink machine took no time but Misty ended up at a window gazing outside. She had a lot to think about. Those strange memories. They had to be memories.

Implanted ones. Since she heard about how Brock had gotten Toki’s egg she had been intrigued. Implanted shared memories. Misty shuddered as she clutched at the water bottle. This whole ordeal.

Was she not even allowed a moment to catch her breath? Even now. She felt strange. The impressions from the dreams had not faded. She could feel things. She could feel the friend out there. Whatever it was.

It was close by. Calm but waiting. She could feel it’s patience, a tiny bit of loneliness but she could also feel it’s pain though it was buried deep inside. If it was the same from the dream. She could understand just why it would feel that way.

Still. As much as she wanted to rush out. Misty turned away from the window to gaze down the corridor to Ash’s room. The idiot wanted to see her when he first woke up. She badly wanted to make that come through for him.

That was the reason she stayed here. Even though she had to look ragged. The most she did was accept the clean clothes and use the shower. In the meantime she just watched him sleep with Pikachu.

His calmness while he slept irritated and calmed her. Just how could he sleep so peacefully after everything? She had gotten from the nurses Ash had done something that risked his health.

Until the reckless idiot woke up she would be unable to understand what fully happened. She knew that the others knew she was awake. The first time she went out she saw Cilan talking to Iris who fell on him in relief.

The second time she came out she looked out the window and saw Drew with his Zorua. He had smiled at her before moving on. She was thankful. He would keep May under wraps. Misty knew she could trust Paul to do the same to Dawn.

All she needed was for that idiot to wake up and she could get over this. It was almost like this whole thing would not be over until she could feel Ash hold her and tell her everything was okay and that he would take care of things.

In some ways. Misty guessed she was like a kid too. Taking a deep breath Misty inhaled shakily. The waiting game. It really was a terrible thing. The sound of running feet approaching her quickly made her frown and spin around.

However it was a helpful nurse. It was a blond boy. Shaky on his feet and apparently she was his target. Misty felt uncomfortable. She did not even know he was here.

Not that she hated him it was just that the excitement and relief on his face made her feel wary. She did not want to feel really happy at this moment. She wanted to go back by Ash and wait.

“Misty! You are okay. I was so worried. But when I rushed over here you had been found.” Georgio panted out as he rested his hands on his knees. Misty took a step back from him as he caught his breath.

“Georgio.” She said keeping her eyes veiled. The news of her disappearance had spread far and wide apparently. She was going to have a talk with whoever had blurted out the news. She was an important gym leader.

No matter she was on vacation now. Only people close to her should have any information on anything about her.

“I’m so happy you are awake.” Georgio smiled. “I wanted to see you but nobody was allowed inside except for that Oak guy. I wanted to make sure you are okay but you are walking around!”

“Thank you for worrying.” Misty managed to smile out. “But you see I was going back to the room.”

“Why?” Georgio frowned. “You are fine. You should come back to the centre. You are fine. There is a whole bunch of stuff to explain you know.”

“Well not yet.” Misty said as she eased past him. “I’m waiting for Ash to wake up.” She said softly.

“Excuse me.” A voice interrupted. “Am I by any chance interrupting something?” The voice belonged to a small green haired girl. Small to Misty because she looked younger. Around Dawn’s age or May’s.

Her hair was short and ragged and she wore comfortable clothes in colours that were set to soothe. Misty bit back a small smile. This brought back memories. This girl was a training breeder. Just like Brock had wanted to be.

“No. I was just leaving.” Misty assured. “I just left my room for some water. I’ll be going.”

“Oh.” The girl paused. “Are you two a couple by any chance?” She asked causing Georgio to blush and Misty to frown at her. What a question.

“No, we live in the same town. I’m the gym leader of Cerulean City, Misty” Misty introduced herself.

“I’m from Sinnoh. My name is Angie. You are the one Ash came here to rescue right?” Angie said flicking a quick look over Misty.

Misty felt a bit of unease bit brightened the dulling mood with a smile. “That does sound terrible doesn’t it? But yes. I’m Misty Ash’s friend.”

“Oh, well you two look like a couple.” Angie shrugged.

“Well we aren’t.” Misty frowned. “Look we can we talk another time? I need to get back to Ash.”

“So Ash has not woken up yet?” Angie asked and Misty saw the worry in her gaze.

“No.” Misty sighed feeling a weight on her chest. “He turns, he mumbles and he groans but that is not anything different from how he usually sleeps.”

“I guess so.” Angie sighed. “He really goes far out to rescue people important to him. when I met him in Sinnoh he saved me from getting dragged to the other world. Even though he was nearly dragged too.”

“That is Ash isn’t it?” Misty smiled. “I travelled with him for a number of years. In fact. I was his first travel partner after Pikachu.” She laughed.

“We didn’t get off on exactly a good start you know. Like him and Pikachu. But over time we became rivals and friends then best of friends. Ash is a little dense but a really good loyal friend.” Misty sniffed wiping her eyes with her spare hand.

“Oh, first travel partner?” Angie whispered.

“Yes! Before I became Gym Leader. I used to travel with Ash all around Kanto, the Orange Islands and Johto. In fact after Johto that is when I remained behind while Ash went on to Hoenn then Sinnoh.” Misty laughed.

There was no warning but Misty laughed when Pikachu leapt onto her shoulder from seemingly nowhere.

“Got tired of waiting hmm? Pikapal.” Misty laughed as she stroked Pikachu. Pikachu gave her a happy squeak before rubbing it’s cheek against hers.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen Pikachu do that.” Angie said looking shocked.

“Well Pikachu and I got along way before Ash and I did you know.” Misty shrugged. “In fact I thought Pikachu was the cutest thing ever when I saw it. We just seemed to click. We’ve been friends ever since.”

“Oh but still. To be on your shoulder like that. Don’t you think it’s a bit weird?” Georgio asked.

“Well not exactly. Pikachu is sorta friendly you know.” Misty pointed out. Well the only person he hangs out with like this is usually someone with food. Ash’s mom or me I guess. Or kids if he likes them. But I’m here so he hangs with me.”

Misty nuzzled Pikachu’s cheek to the delight of the mouse. “After all there is only so much of Ash’s stupidity you can put up with at one time you know? Need a break from time to time.”

“Isn’t that a bit harsh?” Angie insisted. “But you are a water Pokémon trainer.”

“You have never travelled everywhere with a cocky know it all Ash. Trust me. I know what I mean. I have a normal type Pokémon. That doesn’t stop me from loving my Pokémon any less. Or thinking that Pikachu is not sweet.” Misty pointed out.

“Early on in my journey with Ash I learnt that you can’t be specific. Everyone has strength and weaknesses. I may think that water Pokémon are dreamy but doesn’t mean I value other Pokémon any less.” Misty laughed.

“Well. I thought you were strong.” Angie accused. “But Ash got himself banged up trying to rescue you and here you are fine and dandy. I panicked when I realized he’d disappeared the morning before our match.”

“I am strong.” Misty said gently. “But under the circumstances I was unable to rescue myself. I mean. It’s hard to fight a Lugia in the first place. Even harder to escape when you are unconscious.” Misty said dryly.

“But still.” Angie insisted.

“Yes. Ash got hurt.” Misty said cutting her off. “Yes he was the reckless fool he always is when a friend of his was in danger. Trust me I’m so hurt over that you can’t imagine. Ash means a lot to me. Just like Pikachu does just like I mean a lot to him.”

“We have had so many memories together travelling and everything we were enjoying getting to be together if only for a while.” Misty sighed before hardening her gaze onto Georgio and Angie.

“However, he had to try his hardest, do his best. Over exert himself because that is who Ash is! And if it had been him.” Misty smiled sadly.

“If it had been him I would have acted the same way. We are both hot headed and don’t think straight sometimes especially when our friends and loved ones are in any danger. But if the worst ever was to happen. I know we would rather that we tried everything possible to prevent it.”

“I know you want to say Ash is like this because of me.” Misty said gently while Georgio glared at Angie. “But the thing is Ash is like that because he pushed himself to a point that he could live with himself in trying to rescue me.”

“The same thing.” Angie bit out.

“No.” Misty said as she pushed herself past Angie and Georgio on her way back to the room. “It’s not the same thing at all. We would rather push to our limits and lose our lives trying to save who we care about. Than hold back and end up regretting and living with a bunch of What ifs.”

There was no response so Misty made her way back into Ash’s room and closed the door. Casting her gaze onto the still form onto the bed she felt a wry grin form.

Retaking her seat. She absently patted Pikachu on her shoulder as she considered Ash. Leaning forward she allowed teasing to enter her tone.

“Looks to me Mr. Ketchum I ran into an old friend of yours. And as usual.” Misty sighed. “You left her with a big impression huh? Saving her life. Of course you would leave a big impression.”

Misty sat back slowly and watched Ash feeling her smile spread. “I’ve got something over all of them don’t I? I’ve saved you too Ash. Just like you are always trying to save me.” She sighed in the clinic room.

“Wake up soon Ash.”

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The feeling of sensing everything was fading away. Ash felt so relieved. Even though he was swimming in darkness. He couldn’t find Pikachu. Or Misty.

Walking along the dark road Ash felt only a sense of urgency. He knew he had to get back. He just knew it. But he couldn’t find a way.

He knew Misty was safe, Pikachu too but. He could not find his way back.

Walking the dark road Ash angrily started to run. These sort of things picked the wrong time to happen. He had to get back.

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Misty had just returned a sleepy Toki to her Pokeball when she felt something different. It was hard to explain. It was like something awakening.

Crossing to the window the slow sunset greeted her but that was not what was interesting her. She could feel the friend in the water. He was waking up. Restless. Bored. Still in pain but he was staying still.

Misty shuddered and turned away from the window. These feelings. She wished they could go away. Sitting on the edge of Ash’s bed at his side she held his limp hand.

All of a sudden a flash of pain flashed through her head making her release his hand. She could feel more all of a sudden. Water lots of it. All around them but she was not breathing it then.

“Leave her......parting gift.”

The words. Misty could not place the voice. She did not know who the voice was. What was the gift? Who was it? When was it?

It was not like she could say with any certainty that it was during her ordeal. The past memories of Lugia tossed aside that claim. Holding Ash’s hand in her own Misty felt tears itch her eyes again.

He needed to wake up. This frail looking Ash. This pale Ash. She understood why he would rather this for her than the other way around, but hurting like this waiting for the other to wake up was torture.

“Piika.” Pikachu sniffed on her shoulder and Misty smiled before patting it. She was about to sigh again when she felt a surge throughout the room and heard something.

“Mmm miirsty.” Came from the bed. Misty froze along with Pikachu.

“Ash?” She whispered. Could he be sleep talking? It was better than the little bits from before.

“Misty.” Came the sigh and the hand in her grip tightened. Misty held her breath unable to believe it.

“Pikapi!” Pikachu squeaked jumping on Ash’s chest causing Ash to choke for a moment and his eyes flew open.

Misty was looking into those brown eyes again. Those warm chocolate eyes. After so long. Those confused dense eyes were staring into hers.

“Ash.” She whispered again. He was up. He was awake. He was awake. Ash had woken up. His image began to blur in front of her eyes and she realized she was crying.

“Wait. Is that you Misty?” Ash asked. With one hand he was pulling out the many wires. The other was tightly holding hers.

“Ash.” She cried.

“I wanted you be the first thing I saw when I woke up. Pikachu, Misty.” Ash said as he brought them both into a hug.

“You cocky fool!” Misty snapped trying to hit him with her free hand.

“Shh.” Ash grinned as he brought her closer.

“Pikapi. Pikapi.” Pikachu cried on Ash’s chest.

“Sorry buddy. I over did it.” Ash apologized as with one arm he hugged Pikachu and the other he hugged Misty.

“You aren’t getting out of this Ash Ketchum.” Misty threatened.

“Didn’t expect to.” Ash admitted. “But you did.” He said his tone serious.

“Thank you.” She said into his neck. “I don’t know if I would have gotten away.”

“I only helped my best friend in this whole world. Apart from Pikachu and sometimes Gary. I only helped my best friend get back home to me. To us. You may not know it but you already had pretty much smoothed the way for me to get you back.”

“How?” Misty asked pulling back to look into his serious eyes. “I was knocked out from the scent of those deep sea water weeds on Lugia’s back. How could I have done anything? Was it my looks?”

Ash got a faraway look as he looked at her. But seemed to be looking through her. “Crystala.” He said softly.

“Sorry?” Misty asked confused but Ash did not seem to hear her.

“So she went after all. It wasn’t all a dream.”

Misty felt another surge from outside. It was the friend again. She turned her head to look outside. She could feel it’s pain it’s agony. She even felt the stupid idea to go and soothe it.

Ash was now awake. Misty knew that the stupid idea might end up being her next action. She could feel so much. She had to soothe it. If only to keep herself sane.

Turning back around Misty found Ash watching her his expression serious. The hand holding Pikachu to him slackened and the mouse fell to the bed in surprise. Misty got the surprise of her life when Ash used his arms to imprison her to him as he searched her gaze.

“Are you really Misty?” He breathed.

“Who else could I be Ash.” She asked as he watched her suspiciously.

“Ash’s gaze roamed over her face, her arms, her neck until it stopped at her chest. He gaze widened and she flushed in embarrassment but it seemed that was not needed.

“I see.” Ash mused. “A parting gift.”

Misty froze. Those words. Ash was using those words too. But he had not been the one to say them. Looking into his gaze she saw a flash of sympathy.

Could it be. Ash knew? These things she was feeling. Misty watched as Ash’s gaze went to the open window to the direction she knew that Lugia was waiting.

Could Ash feel it too? Ash’s gaze went back to hers and Misty forgot about the feelings. Pain was in his eyes as he dragged her closer to him.

“I’m so happy I have you back Misty. I’m so glad you are okay.”

In her happiness in returning the hug. Misty never noticed those annoying feelings. That deep sense of knowing even the memories and dreams that had been nagging and clouding her. All fell away.

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Ash kept his face buried in Misty’s hair. She was here in his arms. Warm safe. His hands tightened and his fingers lightly touched her chest. She did not panic this time but Ash.

Ash closed his eyes sensing Crystala. She was with Misty. She had left some part of her spirit with Misty. He could sense it. Because though they looked similar they felt different. Although it was Misty he held now. Ash could only pray it really was a gift Crystala was interested in giving and this was not some curse waiting to explode on them all.