Chapter 22

“It was deliberate.” Paul said to Drew’s tense back. The coordinator had sought refuge in the gardens and had begun putting his Roserade through the paces when Paul stumbled across him.

Paul knew he did not need to guess too hard to why the coordinator had decided to hide here among all the rose bushes from May. It was one place she would not check, or had check already.

“I thought so.” Drew replied his back still to Paul. His Roserade remained frozen in place waiting on its next instruction. Paul shoved his hands into his pockets there was no way Drew would leave it at that. Drew was like him so many ways.

“Roserade, we’ll continue this later. For now thanks.” Drew said returning his flower Pokémon to its pokeball. He shoved his hands into his own pockets and turned to face Paul.

“Was it a joint effort or was it solo?” He asked a battle raging on his face.

Paul sighed his own irritation returning. “I got from Blue that it was their effort and they thought it was harmless, but Brendan was still the messenger.” Paul gave a half smirk when Drew whirled away with a curse.

“That tower king.” He snarled clenching his fists. “He is the cause for this. I wish I figure out what he’s thinking, what he wants with HER!” He finished punching a rose bush angrily.

Paul rolled his eyes and approached Drew so they were both looking down at the same rose bush. “He’s a King, she is the princess of Hoenn for the contest world. No way he isn’t thinking of making her a Queen somehow.” Paul noted Drew’s automatic flinch at his words.”

“Don’t tell me you hadn’t considered it.” Paul said disbelieving

“That doesn’t mean I’m ready to hear it. I can’t compete on a King level. Even in the contest world I’m a prince. How can I beat a King? You can’t just defeat a King Paul.”

“Ever played chess before?” Paul answered back his tone sounding contemplative. “Checkmate is there for a reason. Just that both of you would be the Queens trying to capture the King. It would be a three-way chess game. Against each other and May.”

“I don’t particularly like chess.” Drew said shaking his head.

“Better at least know how to play it. Would it not be shameful if Brendan got May because you wouldn’t play the game?”

“You can say that, you don’t have any competition.”

“Not true.” Paul said feeling his irritation rise higher. “I have to compete with her, her sense of romance and those that came before me, the boy she competed with and perhaps the one that saw me as his idol.”

“Him?” Drew said sounding disbelieving.

“Yes. Like Georgio it is one sided, but I don’t know about the other.”

“Paul.” Drew said looking at the other teen and rolling his eyes. “You have it easier than the rest of us. She knows you like her and you know she likes you.”

“Who said so?” Paul said turning back to walk away. He was not surprised when Drew fell into step beside him.

“You are saying otherwise? We all know you want her. You would ignore her otherwise.”

“Wanting isn’t enough.” Paul said feeling bitter. “She wants what Georgio did. She was impressed with what Georgio did; she likes the effort Ash went to. She would want me to fight for her.”

“You saying you wouldn’t?” Drew asked a smirk on his face. “What is yours stays yours.”

“I wouldn’t fight like Georgio. He is pathetic, but I’d leave a lasting impression. I wouldn’t go to the lengths of Ash without a reason. I don’t know what I would do.”

“I’d fight.” Drew spoke kicking a stone in their way.

“Really.” Paul responded feeling amusement.

“I will have to, maybe in front her, maybe alone.”

“But you and the King will come head to head right?”

“I’ll win. I have to.”

“Better be ready for it then.” Paul sighed. His body felt calm. This is more his style. Reading for battle than messing with emotions better left untouched.

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Ash lay panting on the riverbank with Misty slumped at his side. The Pokémon were still enjoying the water, splashing around and laughing. From Dratini to Psyduck the removal of their trainers was not interrupting their fun.

And the trainers were certainly removed. He felt so exhausted. From the diving that Misty wanted to do, to the random jumping Pikachu had started. He was fit, but even he needed a break.

“Am I the only one that feels really old?” Misty rasped next to him. Ash smiled, at least he was not alone.

“Don’t talk about age Mist. You know your birthday is coming up.” Misty’s eyes regained a spark of energy and she crept closer and rested her chin on his shoulder her eyes suddenly excited.

“Brock said he was going to meet up with us at the Pokémon centre for my birthday! And that he was organising another surprise!”

Ash felt startled. “Another surprise? But he just gave you a Pokémon egg. Is he trying to outdo everyone this year?”

“But the egg was mostly for my first time in a long while travelling again. Like a new start a brand new trainer. That’s what Brock said.” Misty sighed her eyes glazing.

“You really looking forward to this Misty?” Ash asked looking more surprised than he felt.

“Uh-huh. You already turned 18 remember? So this is really it for me. I want to be with you and Brock and video call my sisters since they won’t be here.”

“If we were back in pallet town, my mom could have held the party.” Ash mused looking away from Misty and gazing instead at the sky.

“I would have loved that.” Misty sighed. “Your mom’s cooking has to be one of the best I’ve ever had. And the parties she throws can really be fun.”

“Maybe next time then.” Ash threw out casually glancing down at her face for her reaction. He was greeted to a flush down her neck to the part where her swimsuit began.

“Yeah, maybe next time.” She whispered her gaze on his chest instead of his eyes. Ash could sense an uncomfortable silence so he frantically thought of something to keep her talking.

“I like the swimsuit Misty. Was it your pick?” It was the right question because the silence approaching evaporated as Misty’s gaze flew up to meet his with irritation in the depths of her eyes.

“This wasn’t my choice. Look how tight it is Ash! I know you don’t pay much attention to women fashion but you should at least know something like this could not have been my choice so easily.” Ash stifled a grin as in her ire Misty sat up gesturing to how the swimsuit clung.

“Just look at it! I wear bikinis and the like but this! It could as well be underwear! What were they thinking? This is way too mature even for someone like me. I mean I know this white has to be transparent sometimes. And the point of this bow? NO. I mean why this of all things?”

Ash lazily raised one hand as Misty carried on her tirade and pressed it just in the middle of the top of the swimsuit. Her breath caught as he toyed with the bow and tugged at the top of the swimsuit.

“It’s just a swimsuit Misty, it’s suppose to be something to go in the water in. Don’t see me fussing over if my pants are too tight or whatsnot. Relax its just me you are with. Maybe you just have to get accustomed to it and should just wear it in certain occasions. Like a hot springs with the other girls.”

Ash paused as his hand fell away. He was not too sure why, but having others see her in this ultra cute Misty mode made him feel irritated at just the thought of it. Maybe this should be a sight for him alone. But getting that point across to Misty without being attacked or even killed was going to be a tough one. Misty was one who attacked first at any sign of perversion. Just look at Brock for example. Ash never had that sort of treatment before and he certainly did not want to be starting.

“Um, maybe I should just keep this for Pokémon training.” Misty said drawing her knees to her chest. Ash sighed as he felt the uncomfortable silence approaching again. This time as he was searching his brain for some sort of ice breaker he heard an abnormal splash coming from the river.

Both his and Misty’s heads spun towards the river to see Psyduck being lightly shoved among  Pikachu, Dratini and Marill.

“Speaking of training.” Misty started her gaze narrowing on the Pokémon. “I should really get started on at least trying with Psyduck. The day is half over.”

Ash nodded his mind going blank. He really had nothing to say, even before Misty’s swimming plans were her stuff. He never got in it. The most he did was keep the duck from drowning.

“Any plan in place?” Ash had to ask.

“Well, not really.” Misty said slumping and hiding her eyes. “To tell the truth since nothing really helps I’m playing it by ear now. Psyduck likes the inner tube but get it off him.....”Misty trailed off.

“What about swimming in your arms?” Ash said looking up at the trees and peeks of clouds he could see. “He likes the inner tube so if you became a tube it might eventually get to a point you can release him.”

Ash rose his head to see Misty’s eyes dazzling in hope. It was shocking to him and he was unprepared for her throwing herself on his chest wrapping her arms around him.

“It’s so obvious but workable! Ash you are known for working outside the box but for once this really is perfect!” She squealed into his neck. Ash remained ridged although he let one arm of his wrap around her in support.

“You are welcome Mist, I think.” He said slowly as she began to drag herself from him. she grinned as she scrambled to her feet.

“It’s actually a compliment. Suck it up.” She finished as she started off for the river bank again.

“You are going to need some sort of help!” Ash yelled after her scrambling to his own feet. “You mention removing it and you are going to have one very panicked Pokémon on your hands.”

“Nonsense!” Misty laughed jumping back into the water and making her way towards their Pokémon.

“I warned her.” Ash sighed as he jumped in the river after her.

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Misty found herself in a rather familiar situation. Ash was right about needing help after all. As dense and stupid as the duck could be. The moment she had happily gushed out her plan the duck had made a run for the bank clutching onto the inner tube desperately.

Only to be cut off by a rather smug Ash. Now all of them were in a Mexican standoff with Psyduck being a frantic desperate villain.

Misty was trying to figure out whether or not she should call the whole idea off for the moment when she saw Dratini strike forward out of the corner of her eye. Dratini used its long body to lunge forward to Psyduck wrap around the duck and squeeze tightly. Keeping Psyduck immobilized.

“Ash?” Misty asked softly ignoring her Pokémon’s attempt of flailing and crying. “Is that what I think it is?”

“Dratini, just used Wrap.” Ash said his voice hushed. “Dratini just learned Wrap all by himself!”

“And at the perfect time too!” Misty grinned. “First let’s grab Psyduck, next congratulate Dratini.”

“Deal!” Ash said returning the grin. With wicked grins they approached the subdued Psyduck.

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It was not dark yet, but a chill had set in the air when Misty and Ash finally left the river. He had never been so thankful for the foresight he had in bring several towels because they had ended up needing them all!

Psyduck had thrashed away for a good while after the innertube had been removed. Then in going back into the water being held by Misty the duck had panicked, throwing Misty backwards to topple Ash.

Pikachu and Marill had retreated to the banks as the attempt at training had begun. Dratini had been really been a help with its new move as Psyduck kept moving and thrashing.

But, they made progress. Ash glanced down to Misty at his side. Psyduck had managed to keep its calm when securely wrapped in Misty’s arms and she floated on her back. Not that much progress, but it still was some.

Misty was tired, and sort of sleepy. Ash could see her from time to time waver and sway. Sighing in irritation he grabbed her hand and tugged her to him so she leaned into him as they walked. “Just admit that you are tired Misty, I won’t make fun of you neither will you right Pikachu?” Ash said addressing the mouse on his shoulder.

“Pika.” Was the reply as Pikachu did a small salute. Ash rolled his eyes and cradled Misty’s hands in his, they were small and slightly chilled.

“Misty, you are so cold.” He mumbled tugging her so that she was even closer. He felt her trying to struggle and tightened his grip. “Cilan or Iris would kill me if you caught a cold. They think im irresponsible enough already.”

Misty sighed before allowing him to half cuddle her as they walked. Ash smiled gleefully, the others mad at him was only part of the reason, he really did like snuggling Misty like this. He knew he should give her his jacket though.

“Thanks Ash.” Misty said as she struggled into Ash’s jacket. Rolling his eyes, Ash assisted her.

“You’re so tire you are all thumbs.” He told her. “I should carry you back to the Pokémon centre instead.

Misty flushed. “No you won’t  Ash!  I refuse to let you.”

“How you going to stop me?” Ash asked curiously. “I mean, all I have to do is sling you across my shoulders or give you a piggyback ride. You are so tired and weak like you can’t do much but argue.”

“I’ll do whatever I can to avoid such humiliation.” Misty said dryly turning away from him and swinging her bag in one hand.

Ash sighed before seizing her bag captive and slinging it over his shoulder. “Come here.” He told her gesturing to his side. “You can walk next to me and I’ll hold the bag.”

Misty hesitated for only a moment before she was pressing herself to Ash’s side. Ash’s hand once again claimed hers.

“You liked today right?” Ash asked her his gaze on the road ahead. He felt Misty looking at him but kept his gaze ahead.

“Today was wonderful. Much more fun than if we had gone shopping the whole day.” She responded.

“Good.” Ash smiled squeezing her hand gently.

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Cilan was sitting reading a trainer and Pokémon relationship book in his room feeling bored. Iris had ran off claiming she wanted him to study. Cilan glared at the book that was being boring. Everyone was doing their own thing.

Drew and Paul had disappeared with their Pokémon the aura of mystery hanging around them. May had been looking for Drew but gave up and went off with an uncharacteristically quite Dawn.

The situation with the others was proving to be far more interesting than the book that was recommended by so many.

Staring gloomily out the window Cilan blankly watched the path leading to the Pokémon centre doors. He was hoping that Iris would run up the path her hair bouncing and her face shining with that glow she usually had after exploring. But it was not to be.

Cilan sighed and was going to attempt reading when he saw something out of place. Frowning he leaned forward pressing his face against the glass.

His eyes flew open when the recognisable form of Ash appeared without his jacket, holding the hand of the smaller Misty. Who was wearing his jacket. The two were walking side by side their whole demeanour as those who had gotten soaked at some point.

“That’s where they went.” Cilan breathed in understanding. Earlier he had been just a bit curious as to where the two had disappeared to or if they had even disappeared together considering how Ash was. But there they were, returning looking flushed and just a bit chilled and their hair still slicked back.

“The sweet aroma of progress.” Cilan breathed as he watched Ash gentle tug Misty to move faster towards the doors.

Cilan quickly glanced at the room he was sharing with Ash, Drew and Paul. Ash had to come back here but would he bring Misty? Would he have the opportunity to hear? Pikachu could and would give it away if he spotted Cilan.

Cilan’s mind raced as he glanced around the room, hiding in the room was out of the question. The only solution would be to hide outside the room and listen in.

Leaping out the chair Cilan abandoned his book excitedly and wrenched the door open. Glancing up and down the corridor he stealthily moved into the storage closet. The chances were slim but if Ash’s thinking had changed any bit by the day’s event Misty would be going into their room first.

“You still look tired Mist.” A voice said drifting down the corridor. Cilan wanted to dance in the closet in glee. At least he thought he did, the brooms and mops everywhere around him discouraged the notion.

“Yeah, I really am. So I’ll just lie down.”

“Why not hang with me and Pikachu a bit? Then you can take a shower to get out the grass and stuff.” Ash’s voice said approaching closer.

Grass and Stuff? Cilan wondered biting down on his own hand to keep from protesting loudly. I thought they had snuck off for a swim somewhere; maybe this town had a pool. What would grass be doing in Misty’s hair and on her body? Ash could not have advanced that far!

“A hot bath too!” Misty sighed. “My legs and back are so sore and a bit of my stomach too” She finished her voice gone soft almost as if she was embarrassed. Cilan anxiously pressed his eye to the keyhole dying to see the duo and their faces.

Just what had gone on today with them? How had Misty gotten sore in those places? Just why would she be sore? Why the embarrassment? Cilan felt like he was watching an exciting romance drama just he could only hear it. Like the radio, dramas that came over that always cut off when the good part had been reached.

“I’m lucky I only have the grass to worry about. You need to warm up and get yourself really cleaned up. I mean not that I think you look wrong, but girls always freak out unnecessarily. Over hair when a hat would do, over clothes all sort of stuff.” Ash said moving into Cilan’s vision.

Ash had his arm around Misty as they stood in front the room door. Cilan held his breath in anticipation. This was it. They would go in, close the door and he would start with the eavesdropping. He had picked up quite a few tricks from Team Rocket; no way he would be discovered.

“Think everyone is back?” Misty asked shrugging out the jacket as Ash opened the door.

“Most likely, almost time for dinner.” Ash said stepping back to allow Misty to enter first. “If anything they are around and finding won’t be a problem once we go for food.”

The door clicked closed after his words and Cilan eagerly leapt out of the closet and raced for the door falling to his knees in front of it. Finally, he would be privy to the conversation. He would be the first to hear of their events, he would be able to access and evaluate it.

Come up with his own prediction on the things, figure out Ash’s feelings and maturity all without the others meddling. Cilan pressed his ears to the door as he held his breath. But alas! He could hear nothing! The door was too thick!

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Iris observed the almost sullen way everyone was gathered to eat dinner. She really had not seen the possibility of everyone eating together considering all the underlying tension, but there everyone was.

She was not too certain why Cilan was looking so quiet and dejected. Ever since she had got back he had been moping around close to some sort of tears. Iris frowned into her dinner. She had left him to study for a reason, but somehow he had gotten depressed, she should have taken him sightseeing with her after all.

Dawn and May were the most surprising, the two were almost invisible as they kept their eyes down and ate their food. They sat directly across from Drew and Paul but acted as if nothing was amiss.

It was like a personality. Drew and Paul were the ones with life in them, acting their usual selves but making jokes from time to time at the only people at the table that were not moody and quiet.

Misty and Ash had been cracking jokes and laughing every since they sat down. The duo had gone out swimming together during the day instead of shopping and sightseeing and seemed to be energized. Iris knew everyone was paying attention because when the two said where they had gone by themselves the collective table gave them a contemplative look that went over their heads.

A river not really gone to by locals, all alone just the two of them and the Pokémon. It sounded more like a lover assignation than something two close friends did.

Unless it was those two. Iris had to admit, watching them laughing and talking about their Pokémon’s achievements really brought out how good they were together. They were finishing sentences for each other, poking each other and smiling so happy.

They looked so good together that Iris felt her eyes itch with the need to cry. It seemed a shame that Ash was so dense, Misty was so perfect for him, she could connect to her and she did something she knew May, Dawn and herself was unable to do. Ash was growing up right in front them.

He made mature jokes with romantic meanings to them, he twirled Misty’s hair he kept her close he became an intentional knight protecting his maiden. All because of her. Iris smiled even though she missed the joke Ash was making about Misty’s Marill and Psyduck.

Those two had a bond she could not even manage to really understand, May had joked to her that all of them were in Team Rocket and even Ash’s eyes replacements for Misty but they could never measure up. They could not bring this Ash forward, they could not match up to this girl.

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It was late; everyone was supposed to be in bed or sleeping. Paul was in bed but his mind was too full of thoughts for him to sleep. He was wishing that for that moment he had switched with Drew when the teen had offered him the top bunk.

Nothing was wrong with the bottom bunk, but Paul really wished he was at that moment actually staring up at the ceiling and feeling above it all.

It had been really a long day. Dawn had avoided him not that that she had much to do. The remainder of his day had been spent training hard with Drew. Both of them had a lot of built up irritation and it had worked to their advantage.

The coordinator had come up with a new combination and he had come up with a new strategy. One he was planning to save. It would be an ace in his arsenal. One only good trainers would deserve to see.

A shifting in the bottom bunk across the room had Paul frowning and slightly turning his head to see Ash on the move. Paul knew the guy was sometimes plagued with a need to go for walks at the most ridiculous times of the night, but this seemed different. Almost like, he wanted to disturb as little people as possible.

“Come on Pikachu.” Ash whispered making Paul frown in confusion. “It’s time, we gotta go now.”

Paul was on the verge of sitting up and asking Ash where his head was. It definitely was not a walk because Ash never woke Pikachu fro that. Paul knew that he would end up  throwing something if it ended up that Ash was meeting Misty at this time.

The guy should know brining along Pikachu at that time for a moment like that was a no. Paul was new to the whole liking a girl thing and he knew that! Paul had never even kissed a girl and he knew that! Paul had never even been invited alone with a girl and he knew that!

But that was mostly because of his attitude from before. Not that it changed much, but Paul knew his faults.

“It won’t be long and I don’t want to bother Dratini for it. He’s still tired from earlier Pikachu.”

“Piika.” The mouse groaned as it tottered upwards. Ash rolled out of the bed and hurriedly began to dress.

“Let’s go, the sooner we get there we can get back take care of it and you can sleep again.

“Pikachu-pi pika.”

“Yeah, it is all for her.” Ash said as Pikachu jumped on his shoulder. Before Paul could breathe out properly the two snuck out the room.

“I don’t even want to know.” He sighed out quietly to the room.

“I do” Drew’s voice replied.

“It’s Ash, we’ll learn eventually.” Cilan’s voice added making Paul roll his eyes.

“Can’t anyone in this room go to sleep?”

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He had it. Ash felt ragged from all the running he had done. The flashlight he had been using was ready to die and the jacket he wore was no protection to the chill he was feeling.

It had been a long trip to the river. A very long while as he searched the river for what he was looking for. But it was all worth it. Pikachu had woken up properly just in time for the battle Ash had to do.

He had never been so relieved as when the pokeball had stopped moving. His legs had shook and he had fallen to his knees after he tucked the pokeball away securely.

Finally he had done it, after all that guess work and research. After all those pointed questions he had to ask the professor. After all those books he had to flip through to make sure he was on the right track. After trying so hard to keep it a secret. He had done it, and even though it was not for his benefit. It felt good.

Nurse Joy looked up at Ash in surprise as he stumbled into her office. She had been caught about to enjoy her late night coffee and Ash felt midly sorry for disturbing her.

“Ash, is something wrong?” She asked her face twisted in confusion and concern. “It’s late why are you now coming back in?”

“That’s what I came to talk to you about Nurse Joy.” Ash said as he sat uninvited in a seat across from Nurse Joy. “You see, I want to make sure this goes off perfectly. I know it’s late but I want to talk to you about trading and transferring Pokémon.”

“You sure this can’t wait until the morning Ash?” Nurse Joy said even as she gave him her full attention.

“Has to be now, you see. I caught this Pokémon.” Ash said as he withdrew the pokeball from his pocket. “Thing is I just caught it but I’m not going to be it’s owner. I want to make this purely another trainer’s Pokémon but I don’t want to walk around with it and have it get attached to me. I can’t let the person see it yet so you see I want to transfer it to the Pokémon centre we are going to be at in a few days.”

Nurse Joy nodded her understanding. “So in that case then you should give it to me and I would send it across with the instruction to the Nurse Joy in charge that you are neither the trainer nor owner of the Pokémon. The trainer is someone else. We would take it from there.”

Ash breathed a sigh of relief and slumped in the chair. Nurse Joy giggled at the sight he made.

“Would you happen to have a picture of the new trainer Ash? It can help newly caught Pokémon to bond with their trainers by seeing a picture of them constantly.

“Yeah I do have a picture.” Ash said digging into his pockets with one hand as he handed over the pokeball with the other.

“Pika Pikkaaa.” Pikachu squeaked leaping onto Ash’s jacket and fishing a photograph from the pocket.

“Um thanks Pikachu.” Ash said taking the picture from Pikachu who was waving it like a flag. “The person is this one.” He said pointing out the person in the photograph.

“We can copy the whole picture and take the piece we want. You sure you want to do it this way?”

“Yeah, it’s all I’ve thought about for a few days now. This is the way to do it. I want this Pokémon to have no attachments to me what so ever.”

“Then come with me and I’ll call the Pokémon centre you say you will be at in a few days time.” Nurse Joy said standing up the coffee long forgotten. “We’ll explain everything.”

“Almost everything.” Ash corrected as he stood up to follow Nurse Joy. “Come on buddy. We’ll be going back to bed real soon.”