Chapter 12

For all of her calm, when Misty managed to get back to the waiting room her legs felt like abused jello. She had done it! Won a spectacular water Pokémon contest in front of a humungous crowd, in front of Ash. She had won the contest and one a...

Wait what was the prize for today? Misty frowned, it was something that she had liked the sound of now what was it? Not a bell, but something she could have used and was not just a token gift. What was the name?

Wait Ocean Bell! That was it! Misty was not too sure what it did but Nurse Joy had mention it was a rare item and especially good for bonding with Water Pokémon.

“And I just won it!” Misty squealed pumping her fist.

“Yeah Mist. You sure did.” Ash’s voice came from the doorway. Looking up Misty saw him framed in the space hat down over his eyes. She hesitated, what was wrong with him? Suddenly his head flashed up and she saw the pride in his brown eyes.

“You really did it Misty.” Pikachu was on his shoulder looking excited as Ash stepped forward. “Um, Misty I know this is weird coming from me.” He began. “But do you want to hug or something? You look like you are ready to cry.”

“Yes you idiot!” Misty laughed rushing forward. Before she could, crash into his chest Ash had caught and cradled her. It felt weird to her to feel his chin on the top of her head. Pressed this close to him she could feel his heartbeat and his warmth.

It had been so long since he held her like this and she had been the taller stronger one, now she felt the muscles that had developed and very little of the child she had travelled with. Trying to hold back a shiver Misty realized that Ash was slowly becoming an adult, physically that was. She snuggled closer risking a grin, she could grope him all she wanted and he would be clueless.

The Ash she knew never had eyes for anything beyond Pokémon and food. His arms tightened and she shivered, it felt so adult to be like this, just when she was going to press herself even closer she felt Ash sigh and he pulled back.

“You never did like staying still after you lost. The adrenaline is just jumping in you. I know I do it but Misty, can’t you stay still and bask in it?” Misty sighed inwardly as he set her back and began straightening his clothes. It was good while it lasted.

Pikachu evidently guessing it was time to make his presence known jumped from Ash’s shoulder’s to Misty’s hands. She did not mind though. She and Pikachu could carry on a conversation as Ash did whatever. Sitting down on a bench she cradled Pikachu to her.

“What did you think of the battle Pikachu?” Misty asked trying to keep her voice from shaking.

“Pika!” The mouse squeaked before snuggling up to Misty.

“I kicked butt huh?” Misty continued. “Marill and Psyduck looked so good out there. I know no one expected Psyduck right?”

“That is for certain.” Drew’s voice came from the door. Looking up Misty saw the rest behind him with Paul at his side.

“I’ve seen a lot of battles, trainer and co-ordinator. Nevertheless, you really have something special, and your Psyduck is really strong one move and it took down its opponent especially when it was under stress. That is something you have to marvel at.” Dew continued taking a seat next to Misty.

“If that is your show of skill and you aren’t using your powerful maybe you should try co-ordinating a bit.”

“Thank you Drew.” Misty said leaning a little away in shock, for Drew that was as high a compliment she would get.

“You are nothing like your sisters.” Paul said taking Misty’s other side. “I would like it if somehow we could have a battle.” Paul flashed her a smile that had her blinking in shock. He really is cute when he smiles, no wonder she likes him, she thought.

“No problem for that Paul, I would love to battle you. It is the requirement for a gym leader.” Misty responded. “You may have to wait; I feel Ash is going to want to battle me first.”

“I can wait Mist.” Ash said looking up from his conversation he was having with Cilan and Iris. “First Cilan wants a turn.”

“Oh Boy.” Iris sighed. “Prepare yourself for it; hope everybody got a good rest.”

“All I want to say.” Cilan said stepping forward looking as if some bright fire had been lit in him. He straightened his tie and struck his pose causing sighs from Ash and Iris.

“This isn’t what I think it is, is it?” Dawn groaned slumping on a bench.

“Sorry.” Iris responded.

“It’s evaluating time!” Cilan announced to Dawn’s groan.

“This is what you were talking about right?” Misty asked to receive Dawn’s confirmation. “It’s okay this is going to be interesting.” She continued to Dawn’s uncertain look.

“First I will evaluate the obvious bond between you and Marill.” Cilan started only to be stopped by Misty.

“Wait Cilan I want Marill to hear this too.” Misty said releasing Marill from its pokeball, Paul narrowed his eyes from the display.

“Okay, continuing. Your Marill is a water type; its fur is in the best condition.”

“Thanks to professor Oak’s special diets.” Misty hurriedly put in while Marill happily bounced its tail.

“Marill’s only known move to us is Water Gun, but you proved that you know how to fully use that move in ways that compliment Marill’s nature and body. Marill is hardworking and loyal as well as affectionate. Just like a good gym leader, you brought out all its talents. You and Marill showed trust, love and total synchronization in your battles today proving to be a perfect match!” Cilan finished to the relieved sigh from Iris.

“That’s wonderful! Thank you Cilan!” Misty said before hugging Marill. “See we are perfect!” laughing Misty returned Marill.

“That’s great I guess.” Ash said looking confused. “But Misty wants to be a water Pokémon master, so she is going to be great with any water type she gets them better than most people do.”

“Ahh but Ash I look for more than the trainer’s talents I look for the Pokémon’s as well.” Ash looked like he was ready to argue with Cilan on that when the screen behind them flashed showing the Master of ceremonies on the field with a stage set up.

“Thank you for waiting everyone!” He boomed into the microphone. Ash found himself wondering if these entire MC’s had such round stomachs. Was it a trend for tournaments?

“We are ready to go for our prize giving where the beautiful victorious Misty from Kanto people!” the crowd was loud with their causing Misty to flush Ash noted from the corner of his eyes. “Yes Misty will receive the Ocean Bell. A very prize that is said to help link the heart and mind of human and water Pokémon.” The MC lifted his hand to show the beautiful blue bell that was carved with many images.

May inhaled. “So pretty.” Iris nodded in agreement.

“So with no delay we will call out Misty to receive her well deserved prize! Can we have some applause?” there was no need to ask for it because the crowd were cheering and calling for Misty long before he had finished..

Rising to her feet, Misty flashed the room a smile. “I’ll be right back you guys.”

“Meet us outside.” Ash found himself saying

Misty flashed him a quick look that he could not read. Reminding him that there were things about Misty he did not know, and things she was hiding from him. Pushing that irritation back, he smiled and winked at her.

“Just don’t take too long, or let it go to your head Misty.”

“Oh Ash.” She said rolling her eyes. “I’m not like SOME people we know am I?” she flounced off to the door before turning and winking at them all. “See you in a bit huh?” she said before turning the corner.

“Ash sat down feeling himself smiling peacefully as he waited for her to show up on the screen.

“I can’t wait to evaluate her Psyduck.” Cilan said sitting on a bench with a bemused May.

“Once I’m in hearing distance that is fine with me.” Drew said Paul nodded in agreement.

“Wait you didn’t mind?” Dawn said in shock. Narrowing her eyes at Paul, she continued. “You neither? I thought you would be the first to get bored.”

“To get better you have to know where you went wrong, your strong point you have to know well and also know just what others deem your strong points to be. Only that way can you get even stronger.” Paul said turning to watch the screen.

“An evaluation can show you the path you need to take to get their so all the advice should be valued.”

“Right.” Drew took up from Paul. “Lots of people value connoisseurs, those looking to brush up on knowledge and class and those who are looking to shake things up a bit. Deep down all Co-ordinators in my opinion, have a little connoisseur in them, just as trainers are a base for co-ordinators. It’s all a circle anyway you look at it.” Drew finished flicking his hair back a small smirk on his face.

“Wow.” May said looking stunned. “I never saw it as that. I know it is important to not let one style one way of things be your only way of Pokémon or battling.” A small smile crossed her face. “I learned that lesson in the Orange Islands.  Things are certainly done different there.”

“Tell me about it.” Ash grinned. “Good gyms, new skills, good times and travels.”

“Look it’s Misty!” Iris pointed out. “She looks really happy, and her Marill and Psyduck are out too!” on the screen Misty was standing on the podium with her Marill and Psyduck at her side as the MC talked. Psyduck looked confused as ever and Marill looked exhilarated. There was no guessing why Marill was so excited. This was probably the first time it was in front such of a large crowd this arena was much bigger than the cerulean gym for sure.

“Misty I give you this Ocean Bell. Take it and take care and keep up the bond with your Water Pokémon just like you are doing now.” The MC finished as he handed Misty her prize.

The smile that lit up Misty’s face stunned Ash, she was just so happy. Not only was it infectious but it really made her look prettier. The mischief that lurked in her eyes when you looked closer only made Misty look more captivating in his opinion.

He turned to see the other’s were ready to go to the front to meet Misty and he felt if possible even more excited. He was sure Pikachu felt it too. There was something about being with Misty again, and he might get to be with her for a lot longer this time.

“Let’s go buddy.” He said to Pikachu as he headed for the door. Their Mist might take a while but he wanted her to see them waiting for her. See him waiting to congratulate her again; also he wanted a peak at her prize. It sounded like an adventure was right around the corner.

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 Misty was ready to skip down the arena steps. Her prize had a rich history and the moment she got back to the Pokémon centre, she was going to research it. Ahead she could see Ash with Pikachu along with the rest waiting on her.

Waving she started to head over when she heard Zachary calling her name. Turning she missed the flash of annoyance on Ash’s face as she turned to talk to Zachary and greet his friends.

“Congrats again Misty, you really know how to show a guy that he was being just a little too cocky, all the best.” Zachary grinned. The girl with red braids next to him merely sniffed at Misty causing the guy next to her to roll his eyes and step forward.

Instantly Misty could tell that his features were familiar. Maybe he had battled her and lost. The numbers who had lost had really reached to some high levels.

“Moment I knew he was going to be battling you, I knew we were going to have a fierce battle on our hands.” The guy commented grinning at her. “I didn’t even mind not getting to register in time, been a long time Misty.”

By this time, Ash and the others had walked forward and had caught the end of the conversation.

“You know him Misty?” May asked giving the guy an appraising look.

“Um, sort of, excuse me.” Misty began getting a hush from Zachary’s group. “Could you tell me where I know you from? Maybe a gym battle?”

“When I met you, you weren’t a gym leader yet.” The guy laughed. “We competed and you won but it wasn’t a Pokémon battle of sorts. He competed too.” He finished indicating Ash with a lazy wave of a hand.

“Then that means, you’re...”

“Ross.” The guy grinned at Misty. “The Tour de Altomare former champion. You beat me a few years ago back in Altomare town.”

“And then you showed me around in the gondola.” Misty said in amazement. Ross looked pleased.

“So you do remember.”

“I won with Corsola but it was such a close thing, it’s good to see you again.” Reaching out Misty laughingly shook hands with Ross.

“What are you doing here now?”

“Building up my skills. There are some cool type racecourses coming up. You know I never lost again after you left, making me think it was a fluke, and how do you feel about taking a race again?”

“Once you are not too scared.” The rude girl said clinging to Zachary. “Ross is the best.”

“I’ll do it once we can arrange the time and place.” Misty said ignoring the girl. “If it is anything like what we did I certainly want to do it again.”

“Sounds good to me. Once everyone gets that this is between you and me. No one else.” Sounds of agreement echoed from the two groups and Ross stepped back apparently satisfied.

“See you around Misty!” he said as the group he was with continued down the stairs.

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In the Pokémon Centre, the group had huddled in a booth and were letting conversation and food flow freely. Misty was regaling May, Dawn and Iris with tales of the race and adventure back in Altomare. Meanwhile Paul, Drew, Ash and Cilan were having a heated discussion about the need for varying from their schedule to participate in things that had nothing to do with their goals.

Pikachu and Axew sat on the table eating ignoring everyone while passing people would pause at the sight of Misty before continuing along.

News really seemed to travel fast in this town Misty noted after a mother laughingly dragged her sons back after they had a made a dash for her upon entering the Pokémon Centre. She noted that May seemed in love with the idea of competing in such a race and quickly she had taken control of the conversation.

Honestly, Misty felt relieved to her for that. Thinking about Altomare brought up many memories. Of Latios, Latias and Bianca. And that damn kiss!

She snuck a look at the oblivious Ash; she had never been certain who had kissed him that time. She had her suspicions but she had never pumped Ash for information, even though she had been jealous. She always held the sneaking suspicion that Ash had known exactly who it was.

Her jealously aside Ross brought back the memories of her medallion, and he had hit on her. She remembered that clearly but at the time, there was no time for a date. Maybe this time could be different.

There was no way he would remember her just because of one loss. He had obviously kept track of her, and even held faith in her abilities. He was making this race personal, and he had slipped her his PokeGear number. Misty had to admit that he was good.

Looking up she met Ash’s gaze. It was contemplative, even as her conversed with the other boys, his gaze rested on hers and Misty had the feeling he was waiting on something. In confusion, he gazed back until Dawn poked her. Obviously, they thought she was dozing off.

Exchanging a laugh with Iris when she turned back to look at Ash he was back in furious discussion with the other boys focusing purely on them. Shrugging Misty turned back to her group. She must have been imagining it. Last time she checked Ash was not one for deep thoughts when it came to deep normal, people on people emotions. That was her job. A smile on her lips she joined back her discussion, which had somehow turned to outfits to wear in a water race.