Chapter 33

Misty sat at a computer terminal working but thinking. What she was doing was so automatic that she was allowing her thoughts to wonder. Not a bad thing but when she looked up to see what she was doing.

Doing just that Misty swore and erased what she had just typed. The next town they were supposed to be heading to was Rolkving town. Suppose to be a whole lot bigger but because of the people it was still called a town.

Supposed to be full of history and objects. Ruins and legends. Ash and the others would meet back up with them there but they would arrive after she and the others.

Blinking at the information Misty sighed at her lack of concentration. It was hard to think. Especially after the last few days. Her birthday, her new Togepi. That kiss and the weight of getting everything off her chest.

She also missed Pikachu already. She had grown accustomed to the little mouse being on her shoulder or sitting on her lap. Or next to her keeping Togepi occupied. As it was Togepi was playing in her room with Marill.

She was lucky Marill did not mind letting her baby Toki play with her tail. Misty sighed heavily and was about to close the page when something leaped out at her.

Ocean Bell origins. She had won that a while back in the tournament. Misty clicked on the link. She had always meant to look it up but it kept slipping her mind. Now it seemed that there were origins in Rolkving town?

Was this luck? Or some weird part of destiny. If she had not won the Ocean Bell would she have been so excited? Would her skin be prickling with the excitement?

Tucking some of her hair back behind her ear Misty smirked sadly. She tried not to dwell on the things that would be denied to her so she doubted she would be paying so much attention to this.

“Ocean Bell. An item from Medieval times believed to originate in Rolkving town. A bell small in stature and inscribed with the markings of the dominant religion of the town in a certain period of time. It was discovered in the prayer chamber in the Rolkving town Celestial ruins by the archaeologist team of Deckins and Rollings, suspected to be used as a symbol of prayer to connect humans and Water Pokémon’s hearts and create understanding. A lot is still not known.”

Misty frowned at the article. They gave this as a prize? Something so valuable? The people of this region had more than a few screws loose. They were certifiably stupid.

Now she felt obligated to research and look into her prize. How could they just give something to her that had so many question marks?

Looks like she had preparations for this Ocean Bell ahead of her. Misty closed the article as she thought some more. She had to prepare for Ross too. Thanks to Iris and Dawn she had bought her wet suit for the event but she needed to think some more.

She did not even know who she would be using just as yet. Misty snorted, no she had only one choice considering that it was a physical even and Psyduck could not swim and Toki was a baby and not even a water Pokémon.

Marill would be her partner for this event. Being curious Misty opened a new tab to research on the event Ross wanted to challenge her on.  Cycle fluidity race.

It was suppose to be a bit of a marathon requiring them to go through different obstacles and water changes to race to the goal.

“The Cycle Fluidity race is more popular in the Xentru region. A race requiring the use of only water Pokémon takes the racers on a course that changes rapidly forcing them to adapt like water to be able to reach the end of the course. Obstacles that must be frozen in order to climb, parts in which the trainer and Pokémon must dive deep in order to pass. This and more can be expected to test both trainer and Pokémon. This race is a high endurance and only those with good bonds and training can reach the goal to win.”

Misty grinned. This seemed like just her thing. It would clear the air between her and Ross too. After all if she won it would prove before was no near tie it was the best of her ability back then. If he won he would be able to soothe that poor ego of his.

Well or maybe not. She never thought about him winning before. Just like she rarely considered Ash losing.

Saving a few documents for printing Misty felt a deep blush cover her. It was not as hard as she thought it would be to pretend nothing had happened between herself and Ash but the memories of what had happened popped up at the worst times.

When she was hugging him goodbye the thought of how warm he was triggered her to remember how close he had held her to him. at breakfast she was reminded how she had to wipe away her lip colour from him and how it had looked.

Fighting back the wave of embarrassment Misty felt like groaning. She had to get through this somehow. It was no big deal. This was just Ash being dense and clueless. Nothing to get excited over.

Rising up and making her way to the printer to collect her files Misty absentmindedly pushed her hair back with her fist. She was making a big deal out of nothing. It did not even signify as a kiss. Even though hers did.

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May sat alone in her room feeling gloomy. She could go and eat but she did not want to move just as yet. She was still feeling sulky about Drew and his new achievement.

She was happy for him, a new Pokémon was something to be celebrated. But this Pokémon was ultra rare and really cute and cool. With Drew claiming something like that as his own she felt left behind again.

Even though the day before when he left she said he would never leave her behind. She felt so far behind she had no idea on how she could ever catch up.

Her Rapidash she was intensely proud of. She even came up with some ideas of how to use some combinations in the next little contest. She was working hard now she was serious.

But now Drew had a Pokémon that could change up everything, how could she counter that? How could she compete with that? What could she do to counter it?

May sighed and looked out the window the sunny day just seemed so wrong in light of her bleak mood. Glaring at the sun outside she was at a slight loss of what to do when she heard her Pokegear ring.

“Briing bring. Briing briiing. Important call coming important call coming. Briiing briiing briiing brriing Important call coming Important call coming.”

Sitting up in a hurry May seized her Pokegear from her bag and hurried to answer the vibrating phone. “Hello, this is May.”

“Hey MayMay.” A cheerful voice answered. Her eyes widened in surprise. Brendan!

“Brendan!” She squeaked. “How are you is everything fine?”

“Yeah everything is okay May.” Brendan reassured. “Just decided to call since I’ll be seeing you soon.” There was the sound of strong wind and static almost as if Brendan was on the move someplace way outdoors.

“Where are you?” May asked looking outside.

“Right now I’m on the outskirts of Phromage town. I was planning on stopping there but I want to push on. That way I’ll be in Rolkving Town in about four days if I keep up my pace.” Brendan’s voice held nothing but his excitement.

“Have you heard about the place yet MayMay?” He demanded.

“Just a little.” May giggled.

“It’s home to ruins that are still unexplored even after thousands of years. It is rumoured that there are caves underneath that have yet to be discovered and explored and that what is on top may just be the tip of the whole thing!”

“I didn’t know you were into history and archaeology too Brendan.” May said tugging at a lock of hair. “You keep surprising me.” She mused.

“Don’t be silly.” Brendan laughed. “I’m excited because there is a high possibility that because of its untouched state prehistoric Pokémon may have survived in these ruins. There could be countless Pokémon in them all in their previous states waiting to be examined and carefully observed. There is a big hunch that these ruins even hold the key to undiscovered water types because it’s suspected that the ruins lead to even under the sea!”

“Misty would love that.” May said smiling broadly.

“I know, that’s why ‘m hurrying.” Brendan huffed. “You guys are almost ready to leave right? Think you told me that Ash and his group are doing the long way there and you guys are going straight there. You really have managed to speed up faster than I thought. Ash really likes to keep moving.”

“It’s his personality, he has to keep moving. Hope he settles down someday.” May thought about Misty and winced. “He will have to people are waiting for him.”

“Heard from Georgio what went down.” Brendan sighed. “He won’t give up though, he really cares for her. I admire Ash but to leave Misty behind like that.” Brendan broke off on a disgusted sigh.

“It was something he could not have helped Brendan, it’s good that they managed to separate. If they had not, then everything would have occurred differently. Ash has had time to miss her, so now I think it is a matter of time. Georgio cares for Misty but she really likes Ash. They are in sync now. They fight, argue, annoy, berate, tease, defend each other because it’s part of their nature.” May whispered into the phone.

Brendan fell silent for a beat before speaking. “A guy who wastes time like this can’t blame others for trying May.”

“But he isn’t, Misty has told him everything now. The main reason he was mad at Georgio was because he was afraid for her safety and because he saw what Georgio was doing was wrong. Even I see it was wrong now.” May said. Thinking back to when Ash had the face off with Georgio who named himself a rival.

“Misty wanted to catch up, now she has so, she’s happy.” May continued. “That’s what matters, that she is happy and Georgio trying over and over won’t make her happy.”

“You sound a bit, different MayMay. Has something happened?” Brendan said his voice alarmed. May smiled sadly knowing the sadness would come through her voice.

“Actually I think I’ve finally had a light bulb moment. He would tease me terribly if he saw it.”

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The cafeteria was not too full when they sat down to dinner, but it still had a rather large amount of people. Misty sat with Toki on her lap as she, Dawn and May had their first meal together for the day.

Dawn had eaten breakfast first and disappeared so Misty had not seen her since she herself had woken up and May looked like she was sulking.

No matter now. Misty divided her attention between keeping Toki pacified, eating and seeing if she had to join Dawn and May’s fervent conversation.

“It seems no matter where you go people are just crazy about bonds and inner strength here.” Dawn was telling May as she waved her fork in a lazy circle.

“Piplup and I were doing a light bit of shopping when I heard this berry man talking about it. We just missed a bonding seminar it seemed where this man that’s popular in this town visited to talk about the bonds between trainer and Pokémon and how it helped bring out inner strength.”

“I think we know that stuff already.” May injected pointing her spoon from her soup at Dawn. “It’s fairly obvious and that’s what people work towards. Then you have people like Ash who just depend on just that.”

“No May.” Dawn giggled. “I don’t think there are people out there that crazy or close enough to Ash level of crazy. He’s a class on his own.” Misty smiled as the two girls broke down into giggles.

“Well, I’ve been hearing so much about inner strength but are they not a lot of theories anyway on how to bring it out? Not many of these are even a hundred percent certain because of the different things for Pokémon.” May said dipping her spoon back in her food.

“Yeah I was thinking that too, because Pokémon’s personalities are so different as well as the types are different.” Dawn continued.

“Not to mention how everyone interacts with their Pokémon and raises them are totally different.” May said.

“So hearing everywhere you turn people talking about bringing out special hidden talents like it is an everyday thing really confuses one.” Dawn finished as she waved her fork again.

“At least it confused me until now.” She stated and Misty hide a grin. “When we look at this county, this region. They do things differently to everyone else. You could say they are the most in touch with the land and the people I’ve seen interact with their Pokémon the most.”

May slurped quickly before protesting. “We’ve seen plenty of people using and living with their Pokémon day to day, why is this any different?”

“Because, these people rely on the Pokémon first and then technology.” Misty offered as she adjusted Toki. “Here we see Pokémon everywhere, training living assisting in developing the land and the cities. In fact this whole country is one large habitat. Any Pokémon can survive here. Each town has a preserve or somewhere that is supposed to be restricted to poachers. They try to keep it clean for Pokémon and themselves even if they have to be left behind when it comes to technology.”

“Exactly.” Dawn said pointing her fork at Misty. “They are so in touch with the land and Pokémon, even if it seems they are cut off from the rest of the world they will struggle on with their Pokémon. It won’t be easy but they will.”

“But what exactly does this have to do with inner strength?” May protested again. “How they live don’t help in understanding about bringing out a Pokémon’s inner strength.”

“You know how each Pokémon has their special ability.” Dawn said scrapping away at the remains on her plate. “By getting in touch with your Pokémon and understanding them a trainer is supposed to help their Pokémon bring that power out.”

“But sometimes it just manifests.” Misty broke in thinking back. “Like in a battle the ability is forced out by the Pokémon’s base instincts to survive or to defend itself.”

“These abilities are not the true strength though.” Dawn said. “Because every Pokémon has it. The true strength is the endurance to carry on, and the power that seems to come from deep inside them allowing them to turn the tables on their opponent. Discovering and being able to control how the Pokémon wields the hidden ability is supposed to be the way to reveal the strength.” She finished.

“That’s nice to know but how on earth, or even who could control the ability like that? These things really do appear. I won’t say it would not be nice to be able to use these sort of abilities at will for contests but with the thing like a time limit it’s gonna be hard. With abilities like Growth and Blaze that are suppose to come out when the Pokémon is at its limit not sure how to make it a strength last resort maybe.” May said finishing her soup.

Sighing loudly she continued. “It’s a nice thought but all abilities are different and the trigger is too. Didn’t Ash’s Infernape gain control of Blaze but only bring it out at the end? There is a reason for this stuff. There is a point that Pokémon can only go. We don’t want to damage them or anything. I personally think that we should just glean what we hear but remember that this sort of thing is not suited for Contests and Collections Dawn.”

“Well until we see a demonstration live and close, I’m going to keep hoping.” Dawn injected looking huffy.

“Do that.” May shot back even though a smile lurked at the corner of her lips. Misty adjusted Toki who was now dosing and pushed away her empty plate.

Even though they got so far they had much much further to go. Far to go in terms of the distance and the experience they needed. The sound of a television being tuned caught her attention and she along with those in the cafeteria adjusted their gaze to the huge flat screen on the side of the room.

“Welcome!” A fuzzy image of a host appear on the screen. “It’s time for 20 minute blast from the past in where we will be  showing some rather noteworthy battles from various regions. Of trainers that have risen in this world to be noteworthy and we hope to see in the future. Battles that touched our heart. Battles that dazzled uss.” The television oozed out at the last word and Chansey hustled forward to smack the screen twice setting it to rights.

“So let’s get started on these battles!” the host cut in again sounding much chipper than before. Misty turned back to face Dawn and May again. She was going to say something when Dawn gasped.

“That’s you! Misty!” She said and Misty’s eyes went back to the screen. Dawn was right. It was her in the outfit she wore when she first travelled with Ash. She was standing on some sort of platform. Which meant....the WhirlCup. This was that time.

“This is not something the really young ones would remember but who could forget these two squaring off once they saw it? Misty from Cerulean City now Gym Leader of said City and Ash Ketchum a regular in our shows.”

Misty wanted to close her eyes at the sigh but her eyes were wide as she saw herself smile at Ash determinedly and him doing the same.

“True friendship if I ever saw it!” The host boomed. “This was a battle to remember for the people who knew the circumstances, those that watched at home. Showing true rivalry and true understanding. Fighting someone you travel with day to day. How many people do you know like this? Our sparkling water flower was victorious in this battle but Ash cheered her on. Oh can you just feel the feelings? Friendship!” The host boomed.

Misty felt something in her stomach. The looks on their faces on the screen. The younger them, so determined. Filled with dreams. She blinked back tears as her throat felt itchy and hot. Some things had not changed at all.

The host on screen moved onto showing another battle but Misty still lingered on herself and Ash. She thought he was no longer the clueless boy claiming to be the next Pokémon Master but somewhere deep inside him he still was.

But for herself. What was she doing to further her dream? The odd bit of research and training when she had time. But the thing was. She never had the time anymore. The gym kept her so busy. She loved the gym she loved her work but was she going to give up on that dream? Could she even, attain such a thing?

There was a pause in her thoughts and during that moment Misty heard the host speak yet again. “A great battle from not too long ago by the Princess of Hoenn!” Misty’s eyes flew to the screen to see May.

She did not know when May had gotten the nickname or even where. But in suited her. And it was the way her fans thought and described her. On stage she really did look like a princess. The clip showed May with her Skitty battling an opponent that Misty herself did not know.

The opponents Surskit gave her goose bumps. After all she hated bug Pokémon but the talent was pretty good. Already those two were into overtime by the looks of the clock.

“Two fierce rivals!” The host boomed as Surskit launched attack after attack only to be thwarted by Skitty’s dazzling counter moves. “Everything done so gracefully. No wonder we keep showing her excessive battles, she is truly worthy of the title Princess of Hoenn!”

May flushed uncomfortably and Misty smiled. May did not talk a lot about the title. Almost like it still embarrassed her but she obviously took great pride in it.

“Another great battle from the past is our ever changing amazing Dawn! Her face off against the same Princess of Hoenn!” the host continued to grins from May and Dawn. The screen changed to show the last bits of battle between those two in their battle in the Wallace cup.

“I almost forgot how much fun that was.” Dawn laughed looking up at the screen.

“Me too! It really helped me a bit.” May laughed back smiling up at the screen. “I don’t watch this show, but if I’m a recurring theme then maybe I should.” She teased.

“Down before you get a big head.” Dawn laughed. Misty’s attention went back to the screen. Like May she never heard of this show either but if it showed like this often would it be so bad to watch it?

The time flew on by as May and Dawn continued eating and talking and she continued watching. The show was coming to a close when the host gave another announcement.

“Time for the all stars battles from the past. First up is our all time favourite coordinator Drew! Learning from his mistakes, keeping original and never failing to surprise and charm us. This boy is one guarantee to go straight to the top with his unique and amazing sense of Style!”

Misty saw May pale as she watched the clips of battles clips form around a smiling image of Drew. “He claims ladies hearts not on purpose, young or old this young man nicknamed King of Rose mainly because of his love for his mostly used Pokémon Roserade has risen to a level unreachable by many. He and one of his more popular rivals the Princess of Hoenn have had many clashes of their own in the contest circuit with the Princess only winning 3 of those battles! Amazing!”

The image of Drew changed to one of him posing with a bouquet of Roses that he offered to his Roserade. “This sweetheart brings home always what coordinating is all about and we wish him luck as he brings something special to the contest world each time!”

“The world is my stage, but the Pokémon are the performers. I’m just a trainer!” Drew’s voice came over as the image changed to Drew accepting a reward. “Don’t thank or praise me, praise the Pokémon who work so hard. That’s all.” The Drew on screen smiled before turning away from the mic.

Misty tuned out as she saw the agonised expression on May’s face. It must bother May so much to know Drew had gotten himself yet another great Pokémon. Misty looked at Dawn to see she was staring at the screen with an agonised expression of her own.

“-Personally I think we should end on a brooding note that’s why we are admiring Paul from Sinnoh. The silent strong type, famous for turning an opponent’s special move back against themselves. A tough guy to beat that’s sure. His methods can leave one wincing but he’s a sure out winner if a little moody and harsh.” The host laughed as the image flashed to Paul walking away from the stage without saying anything at an award ceremony.

Misty turned her eyes back to the now sullen pair. There was no more laughter among them. May was in deep thoughts and Dawn looked just the bit despairing.

“You know what?” May whispered.

“What?” Dawn asked.

“I really wanted Max to travel with us. Even if for a little bit. I’m his big sister you know? I just would like us together even if just as family a bit.”

“I understand.” Misty sympathized reaching across the table to clasp May’s hand. “I miss my sisters all the time, and sometimes I feel so happy knowing they are there and we run the gym all together but it’s good to let them mature and grow. Max knows that.”

“I just wanted him close to me for a bit.” May sighed. “This really is getting to me. I want to try harder. Much harder. I can’t let my little brother surpass me and I can’t let Drew leave me behind!”

“So what are you going to do?” Misty smiled.

“I’m going to work even harder. Seeing Drew up there. Seeing him work hard even though this is just a little side training. Seeing him get himself an ultra rare Pokémon. Hearing he plans to use it thourougly. I have to be thinking how to counter. Hearing how Max is taking this all so seriously. How could I not try harder?” May pushed her chair back and stood up with her fists clenched.

“I have to go all out from now. From right at this moment or I’ll never ever be able to catch up or keep ahead. I want to be the best not only to be the top but to let my Pokémon be at the top. It’s them on show!” May finshed.

“Me too.” Dawn said standing up. “I have to work harder, much harder. I want it to be like my name is a household name. I want that I’m the best even if it is not flashy. I want my style to improve along with my battle skills otherwise.” Dawn sucked in a deep breath before slamming her palms on the table.

“Otherwise I can’t feel pride in the small distance I’ve gotten so far!” She finished. May grinned at her. Before the two clasped hands.

“From now on. Even harder May.” Dawn said.

“Right back at ya!” May laughed.

“Me too.” Misty felt herself giggling as she stood cradling the napping Toki in one hand and joining them with the other. “From now on lets work even harder and blow this place away!”

“YEAH!” They all cheered.

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Cramming Ash’s hat, her hat on her head Misty looked into the mirror. It was time to leave. The look of determination was still on her face and she was glad. Baby Toki was in its pokeball so she grabbed her bag before heading outside of the room. Outside of the Pokémon Centre.

Outside Dawn and May were waiting with happy grins. They had to go to the bus stop to catch the direct bus straight to Rolkving town. Finally it was time.

As they set off May was humming a happy tune. Misty felt herself imprinting this city into her mind. After all. She shared a kiss here. She confessed here. She regained her hope here and this determination she now felt was revived here.

As a gym leader she should not have main rivals. But Ash was hers. When they clashed finally she would do everything to win. In the mean time she had training ahead of her with Feebas and Toki.

“This was a few fun days.” Dawn mused.

“Everyone together. The party.” May chimed in.

“Team Rocket, Gary.” Misty added

“This city, I’ll come back.” Dawn sighed. “So peaceful.”

“It’s like home to me.” Misty said as she spotted the bus stop ahead.

“The bus is not here yet, not due for another 10 minutes.” Dawn stated. “It’s time for us to really get ready for Rolkving town.”

“Can’t wait.” May laughed.

“Me either.” Misty sighed. The town of history, water Pokémon and secrets. But she was ready. Swinging the hat so it faced backwards she grinned. Rolkving town better watch out because they were coming to bring down chaos.