Chapter 48

“You are so pretty.” Misty whispered to Feebas as she coated the fish Pokémon with special coating she had bought just for it. It was extremely late and she was in the Pokémon centre underground pool attending to her Pokémon. This sort of attention was good for Feebas. It’s rock like scales were shiny like diamonds.

She was aiming for at least four hours sleep this night. That should be enough for her before they again set off in the morning. Her Pokémon was ready. Using Marill had its disadvantages but she had no other choice.

Besides she was fairly confident that they would win. Their heart was in the right place and she was training hard. But not neglecting the others. She got Psyduck to put his head underwater without panicking.

That in itself was progress. Just a bit more. She could push herself right up to the event. Then from there she would figure it out.

“Of all the cute fish I get you.” She cooed.

“Only someone like you would get this Misty.” Ash said from across the room. Pikachu was napping on his backpack. Riolu sitting against the wall and Dratini wrapped around his waist coming up to rest its head on Ash’s shoulders.

He looked so one with Pokémon. Every time she snuck a look at him she glanced away. How was he able to have such an aura around him?

“I love water Pokémon.” She said gently easing up on the coating on Feebas. “They are all different and unique. I do not think like others do. I take water Pokémon as they are because they are all different and to compare them is wrong.”

“I know.” Ash sighed. “Pokémon are all amazing. They don’t stay the same. That is the amazing thing.”

“Not just that.” Misty said as she stroked Feebas’s scales. “They may seem weak to people or useless but they always come back to prove you wrong. If anything Pokémon tell us not to judge abilities or appearance.”

“Feebas, and Magikarp.” Ash whistled. “The two water Pokémon people have mix up opinions about. They don’t care about them but when they evolve they become the most admired and feared.”

“Showing others not to underestimate water Pokémon.” She smiled.

“Or people.” Ash said getting up. Dratini slid off him to the ground. “Riolu.” Ash said his tone serious.

“So we are going to do this now then.” Misty sighed removing her legs and hand from the pool to stand.

“Yeah, you are finished there. So who will you be using?” Ash said as Riolu stood in front of him crossing its hands.”

“Feebas.” She decided. “You know Ash that is one serious Pokémon you landed yourself with, I wonder if it will become like you later on.”

Ash laughed. “This will do its own thing attitude wise. Besides it seems more cool like this.”

“Your definition of cool and my definition of thug seems to be pretty similar Ash Ketchum.” She laughed. “So we doing this then.” She continued as she went to where the floatables were at the edge of the pool.

“Yeah, this will be fine.” Ash said. “Not exactly how I pictured our first battle would be, but we can go all out another time, right Misty?”

“Ummhmm.” She said as she heaved the floatable pads into the pool. They would make good for Riolu. Since swimming might be a problem it would be a good foothold for him.

“Let’s go then.” Ash said as he crossed to one end of the pool. Riolu followed right behind him every step serious.

“Ready when you are.” Misty answered standing at her end. Feebas jumped up to splash water everywhere. She smiled. Even Feebas was psyched. They had done a lot of training and battling so far but this battle was going to be better.

There was something about battling friends. Even better, in an atmosphere like this. Battles that everything was being watched every second and every angle just made it more of a display than a battle.

But alone like this with just trainers and Pokémon. It seems more primitive. Like how it really was back then. It seemed more real and personal. It was almost like the stakes were being risen. She liked this.

“Who will start?” Ash asked as Riolu stepped forward to look into the pool.

“We will.” Misty offered. “Riolu.” She called out and Riolu looked cautiously at her. “This will be just fine. Don’t worry about the water, just try your hardest okay?”

Riolu’s eyes widened and it blushed. Misty chuckled, Ash could say what he want but this was really just a baby.

“We going to have to talk about your affect on my Pokémon Misty.” Ash jokingly complained as he stooped next to Riolu. “Look buddy, it’s just like training okay? This is to let you see if you have a love for battling. I think you do but it’s best for you to feel it for yourself.”

Riolu gazed up at Ash and Ash ruffled its head and ears. “You will be just fine trust me. I’m right here alright? Now do your best! That’s all I can ask from you.” Ash looked up at her. “We are ready here Misty.

“All right!” Misty cheered pumping her fist up in the air. It was really time to get going. “Feebas use tackle!”

Feebas went from the leisurely swimming movements to quickly speeding through the water as if the water had been sliced for it to move through. Going directly for Riolu who was waiting on the other side.

“Looking gorgeous Feebas!” Misty cheered. The scales with the speed Feebas was going at made it look as if it were encased in a diamond shell. Ash stood on the other side watching Feebas approach calmly.

“Wait for it Riolu.” He muttered. “Wait, don’t tense up.” Ash warned as Riolu tensed as Feebas got closer. Feebas began swimming up in preparation of the attack when Ash gave him order finally.

“Riolu! Use Quick Attack now!” Misty was left in awe as the moment Feebas moved out of the water to crash into Riolu. Riolu seemed to have disappeared in a blue flash.

The blue flash reappeared right behind Feebas who was out of the water and appeared to be at disadvantage but Misty was already prepared for that.

“Use Flail!” She shouted.

“Quick Attack!” Ash yelled.

Both Pokémon in midair. Feebas did a fast pace flailing motion striking the approaching Riolu several times. It would not hurt or knock it out but it caused damage that was what counted.

Riolu also got in his move. Coming in quick like a blue blur and lunging in to get a hard attack. The impact sent both Feebas and Riolu hurtling towards the water.

“Get your balance Feebas!” Misty cried out.

“Get your footing Riolu! I know you can do it!” Ash cheered.

“Pika!” Also came from the sidelines.

“You got one fast strong Feebas.” Ash said in admiration.

“Same to your Riolu. It has some power.” She responded.

“This won’t be easy Misty.” Ash declared. “We are pushing you out of the game.”

Waving her arm back Misty laughed. “I think you are predicting your own downfall Ketchum.”

“We’ll see about that.” Ash said glaring.

“Yes we will.” Misty gritted

“Feint Riolu!” Ash said and Riolu led a headlong charge towards the spot where Feebas was submerged. Misty already knew that it was already trouble. Feint was a move to strike always at one’s back. It would hit.

She would have no choice but to plan her counter move. But she had to be careful with it. If it was to miss. Ash certainly would get in. Her blood heated. She loved this.

“Dive deeper Feebas!” She called out. Riolu would be stranded at the surface. Ash would assume that she would have to resurface to do her next move.

He would anticipate that Riolu would be stranded and nervous waiting for Feebas to come back up. But he would be unable to tell Riolu to go in the water considering that water was Feebas’s element and playground at the same time.

“Just stay there.” Ash instructed Riolu who halted, standing on top of one of the floating platforms. Just like she had planned. Because she had just gotten Feebas she knew Ash thought she would not have gone full out on teaching Feebas moves.

But that was where he was wrong. She learned a cute trick that Feebas could do. It was not technically a move but as this was Riolu’s first battle and all. It would be nice to show him always expect a good surprise.

“Feebas! Splash!” She called out catching Ash’s confusion. Feebas was rather adept at using the smallest moves to its advantage. She knew this much from research but Feebas was also a living proof of the butterfly effect.

Something so small. “Hey! What gives!” Ash yelped as the water in the pool began to surge causing the water to splash. On the sides of the pool.

Something so small could turn into the largest of problems. Like the move many thought was useless. Funny how water worked. Misty looked at the pool calmly as Riolu stood on its platform watching as all around it the water moved unpredictably.

Water could be so harmless, even be your friend as it moved carefully in one direction at one speed. All it took is a little shifting in the wrong place and the calmest river could become a raging flood.

And the great thing about using Splash in the right place. Is that you could turn water’s around a certain stationary area into a stormy sea. If you had a stationary object. Like the floating platform of course.

It was both a help to Riolu and a hinder. She smiled as Riolu clutched onto the platform that waved and dipped with the water.

“This is unexpected.” Ash said grimly. “Really Misty. Only you I feel would find out something like this.”

“I am a water Pokémon trainer. Water is their element but the sea will always be the best battleground. But pools are dead water. You have to know how to make them come alive.”

“I know.” Ash grinned. “But with moves like this. You always have to have something to start it right? Riolu use Quick Attack!”

“But Feebas is in the water!” Misty yelled. He was famous for thinking out of the box but this was just crazy.

“Use it on the platform. Flip it!”

“What?” Misty demanded as she watched Riolu without hesitation lunge into the air and then hurtle back down onto the platform carrying it way down into the water. Right where Feebas was!

“Feebas!” Misty cried out but it was too late. The platform with the weight Riolu had brought down along with the help of the waves brought it down too heavy and too fast. Misty winced, there was no way it could be over like this.

Riolu bobbed up and Misty scanned the pool in worry. Then a flash of scales shot to the surface and she sighed in relief. He was okay.

“Nice going Feebas!” She cheered.

“Damn, looks like he managed to slip away.” Ash sighed from the other end of the pool.

“I think it is time we went and finished this.” Misty glared. After all this first battle was a little harder than she anticipated. Dealing with Ash was difficult enough. There was no real planning you had to think on your feet. Then the baby, the smartest battle ready baby she had ever met.

“You finish us? Can’t you see we are on a roll?” Ash demanded. “Riolu. Your fastest Quick Attack!”

“Feebas wait until I tell you!” Misty called out her eye on the quick blue blur covering the water. Riolu was moving so fast, and not even using the platforms most of the time. It looked as if he was running across the water, talk about amazing.

Riolu reared up to lunge at Feebas and strike it. That was the moment she was waiting for. “Scald!” She cried.

Riolu’s hand was speeding towards Feebas just under the surface when Feebas used its move. Hot water blasted out from the water striking Riolu full on. Still Riolu was fighting to go through the hot water to reach Feebas.

If anything Riolu already had Ash’s stubborn nature. But this was her win. “Feebas follow on with Tackle!”

“Push through!” Ash yelled.

Riolu pushed through the Scald and tried to hit Feebas but Feebas was already coming forward to hit with tackle. Both Pokémon collided before Riolu was blasted backwards from the combined attack.

“Riolu!” Ash called out as he caught Riolu who was being blasted towards the wall.

“Good job Feebas!” Misty exclaimed as her Pokémon safely landed into the water once again. They had not been going full out but they had not been taking it easy on Riolu either.

“Great job little buddy.” She heard Ash saying.

“You are so beautiful.” Misty laughed as she leaned forward into the pool. She kissed Feebas on the head as she laughed.

“I can’t say it enough. You are so pretty especially when you are battling! I just wish I had a camera.” She chuckled. Feebas was just staring at her in shock when she pulled back so she paused and frowned. Then Feebas lit up in a harsh white light.

Misty yelped and scrambled back. This light. Seriously already?

“Hey! What gives!” She heard Ash call out but she could not answer him.

As she squinted to watch she could see a shadow in the light. She was seeing the shadow extend as the light grew bigger. She knew what was happening. She was not expecting it to happen so soon. She looked away from the harsh light.

Blinking to get the dancing lights in her eyes to fade away Misty tried calming her excited heart. This was just great! from the corner of her eye she saw the light slowly fade down.

Looking back to where Feebas had sat in the water she was greeted by a cream serpentine body. Red eyes, red coloured hair, fins on the head. The lower body she could see without the water obstructing showed blue and pink scales.

Milotic. Feebas’s evolution. To think it had evolved already. How lucky could she get? Milotic was known to be the breath taking Pokémon.

“You went from unthinkingly cute to being stunningly beautiful.” Misty whispered her throat tight. She leaned forward wrapping her arms around Milotic’s neck.

“How can I take you out to see people now?” She sobbed feeling Milotic lower its neck to nuzzle her. “They won’t leave you alone! I will have a supermodel Pokémon.” She laughed.

Behind her she could hear Marill and Psyduck playing with her bag and she sniffled into Milotic’s neck. To have such a beauty as a Pokémon. She really and truly was blessed.

“Isn’t it wrong to call a guy beautiful?” She laughingly frowned as she pulled back. “I mean that is what you are, beautiful, gorgeous. A lot bigger. There goes the baths together I guess.”

Ash skidded to a stop behind them. “Congrats Misty! He’s wow! Looks even more strong.”

Ash had Riolu wrapped up in a blanket in his arms. Pikachu on his shoulder and Dratini was nowhere to be seen. She guessed for the time being Dratini had been returned.

Riolu turned huge curious eyes on her and she chuckled. It looked like he was just fine just a lot out of gas. In fact he seemed more to be analyzing everything as he sat quietly in the blanket.

“Look at Milotic Ash!” Misty said.

“He looks incredible and really strong.” Ash responded as he propped up Riolu. “Your clothes though Misty.”

“Yeah. I’m all soaked now.” She laughed feeling the water and the wetness in her shoes, shirt and pants. “I was so excited I didn’t even think.”

Stroking Milotic’s neck she cooed in his ear. “So cute, so gorgeous I couldn’t help myself.” She laughed. Milotic blushed and she laughed harder.

“Well for the time being. I think we should clean up and get some sleep.” Ash said. “We leave in the morning don’t forget.”

“Sure.” Misty said as she struggled back up. Shaking off some of the water she frowned at the pool area. “Oh this is a mess.” She remarked.

“Mess, is taking it a bit light I think.” Ash sighed. He was right. The floatable platforms were in the pool and some out. Water was everywhere, Nurse Joy was going to have a fit if they left it how it was.

“Marill get me a mop. Milotic you straighten up the floatables for me please.” She sighed. “And Psyduck? Just keep out of the way for now.”

“Clean up time.” Ash said as he took off his jacket and tossed it into the corner with their bags. Pikachu get me some things to dry off the platforms and Riolu you can help with the clean up too!” Ash finished as he rolled up his pants.

“This certainly is familiar to me.” Misty mused as she took the pool mop from Marill.

“Me too. Don’t forget about the time your sisters got free labour from me and Brock.” Ash laughed as Riolu and Pikachu set about cleaning up the platforms at Milotic gathered them up.

“Oh yes, I almost forgot that. And the times we helped the Nurse Joy with the pool for pocket money.” She smiled as she began pushing the mass of water towards the drains.

“So many different times we had to do a cleanup.” Ash grunted as he did his own mopping up.

“Mostly may I remind you because of the trouble your hot headedness got us into.” She pointed out.

“Yeah, but it still always worked out. We had fun, we learned from the punishments or making up we had to do. I can say we have almost every skill a kid could pick up.” Ash laughed.

“Yeah.” She contemplated as behind them Marill mopped up the excess leaving the floor dry.

“This was good.” Ash said as they reached the other side of the pool.

“How so?”

“We have a battle, just us. It was awesome. You got something amazing. Incredible and I get something too.”

“Yeah.” Misty said propping both hands on the mop handle. “We did have a good time. Even though we turned the pool into a mess.”

“That was your special splash that caused all this.” Ash pointed out as only small little dabs of water was left behind.

“It was a battle. I had to go in hard.” She shrugged off. “Milotic return!” She said returning Milotic. “That’s enough. This little bit time will dry.”

“You guys are finished over there huh?” Ash said. “Return Riolu.” He ordered.

“Time to rest up. Return Marill. Return Psyduck!”

“Pikachu could you quietly get Misty and I a drink?” Ash asked Pikachu. “I’m feeling a little tired out so please buddy?” Pikachu nodded before giving a little salute and scampering off.

“Really.” Misty chuckled as she collapsed on a bench. “I hope he gets something I like.”

“He will.” Ash said “This really was something. I wasn’t expecting something like that.”

“I know.” Misty moaned her legs trembling with her excitement. “I thought Feebas was cute as he was but to now go and evolve? He is just amazing! I’ve been thinking what this will all mean now!”

Misty felt her thoughts derail as Ash smiled leaned closer and pressed his lips against hers. Her thoughts stopped. She was still coming off the excitement from before.

Ash lightly nipped at her lips causing her to jump a bit. While she had her moment of shock Ash used that time to grasp her closer. One arm wrapped around her chest brining her close. The other supporting her head.

Misty’s fists clenched along with her heart. Slowly her hands slid up his chest before wrapping around his neck. She tilted her head just the little and the kiss deepened.

Wrapping her arms around his neck she pulled back the slightest to gather her thoughts and wished she had not. The way they were so close together she had not pulled back far. Seeing Ash’s eyes that close as he opened them.

Her heart sped up and her mouth dried. He had a drowsy look in his eyes but she could see his brown eyes were warm. Cursing herself for doing this now. So late where anything could happen she used her arms to pull him again towards her.

Unlocking her right arm from his neck Misty trailed it so it cupped his face. He was so sweet. Doing this and he had gotten better. It was hard to think while kissing him now.

Ash started to pull back so ignoring the rising embarrassment deep in her gut Misty allowed him to do so struggling to keep looking at him.

“Why?” Her voice came out faintly. His eyes flicked to hers and she was struck at the fact she was unable to read the emotion that glowed in them.

“You ask something.” Ash began as he took her free hand in both of his. “That you already know.”

She paused as he cradled her hand. What was that to mean? He was king of the dense here. How was she to know what he felt?

“I don’t get it.” she whispered.

“I did it, because.” Ash said. His hand was feeling warmer. In fact her body was feeling warm. Her head snapped up to look at him but Ash was already looking away. She was sensing inside him and she saw.

Well she was not too sure what she was seeing. She saw that he was happy with her. She felt images of them together. She could feel his happiness with her. That he admired her. She smiled.

“You did it because you like me.” She giggled a little.

“You could see it like that.” Ash said his face still turned away.

“Ash?” She whispered.

“Yeah?”

“Look here.”

“No.”

“Come on scaredy Meowth.”

“Don’t care, no.”

“Please?”

“No.”

Misty leaned until she was over his lap looking up at the turned away Ash. Touching him on the cheek she coaxed a blushing Ash to look at her.

“Now what?” He asked.

Smiling she leaned over and captured his lips with hers. He only missed a beat before his hands released hers and he tugged her into him.

One hand of hers cradled his head and again they kissed. Breaking apart she leaned her forehead against his as he panted.

“Is this okay with you?” She asked him. she barely asked the question before he lightly bumped their foreheads together.

He was just fine with it.

“Pikachu should be coming back soon.” He whispered.

“Right.” She giggled feeling light headed now. They should try and look less guilty.

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Morning came almost too soon. There was no outward change in their behaviour if it had not been from the smiles he gave her when no one was looking directly looking at them and for Milotic Misty would have thought the whole thing was an exhaustion caused dream.

They were finally ready to leave to head to the next destination. There were no direct ways there so she had about four days left.

Pikachu had come back just a few moments after they collected their bags. She had still felt a bit light headed but all they did was drink their sodas and he sent her to her room.

To think all of this had happened. She was glad to be Riolu’s first battle she hoped she ended up being a great influence for it but still.

Ash’s new behaviour. It was not obvious It was not practiced. It seemed so natural and real. She was cautious over how things would proceed. But still. She knew she could not let it get to her head.

She had a show down ahead of her. She had planned on using Marill and giving the crowd, Ross and Ash the taste of a water gym leader but plans had changed. The battle with Ash shook things up for her but all in a good way.

Milotic and Ash had ended up psyching her up. The original plan for her had changed but she knew she would be fine. Finally she was ready to race Ross. He better watch out because she was coming at him full out.