Chapter 49

The city of Laechyba was  prosperous city. Lying at the foot of two mountains it was supposed to be a visited place from all over.

At least that was what the guide book said. Ash personally thought the place looked like nothing too new. It had water coming down from the mountains and plenty of space. What exactly made it so popular?

“When we get a chance we are going up to the sacred mountains Cilan.” Ash heard Iris tell Cilan in the seat ahead of him.

That at least answered the question of what made it so popular. People got so fussy over something like the past and prayers. For Iris to still be like that even after meeting the Crystalife group, showed that not much had changed.

He looked next to him in the bus seat where Misty was absently patting Pikachu in her lap that was curled around a sleeping Toki.

Misty had been thinking since they left. He wanted to talk to her but he never managed it. Tomorrow was her challenge with the Ross guy.

It was not a requirement for Misty to win but he so badly wanted her to. Even though at the moment all she did was ignore him and make plans for herself and frequently disappear to train whenever they were not on the move.

Being cut off like this. He expected it to bother him at least a bit but it did not. He hid his smile and looked over her head to the outside.

Everything had progressed nicely if he said so. After Misty’s Milotic had evolved they had not once stopped the fast pace they set.

Riolu had been in battle after battle. Riolu was a great learn. He did not hate the pokeballs like Pikachu just preferred to be able to walk around so Ash let him.

He was not the only one doing things like that. Every time he looked around Drew had his Zorua out dozing on his lap. Ash hoped Drew did not forget he was going to battle with Zorua not keep her as a pet.

Those two were always going off playing or sleeping now. It made Ash uneasy. This laid back Drew was weird. Ash knew they had a plan, they always had a plan but it did not look like it.

Just seemed that Drew was happily bonding with his Pokémon not a care in the world but was that so right?

Ash looked across the bus where Drew and May were sitting together. May leaned her head against Drew’s shoulder as they stared out the window in silence. If it had not been for the clenched hands Ash would have dismissed it all.

It looked like they made it somewhere but their thoughts looked to be elsewhere. It was not his business but they looked close but not exactly. He knew Brendan was Drew’s biggest problem but May looked troubled too.

The only ones as easy going as the two in front him just had to be Dawn and Paul. Those two were behind Drew and May fast asleep resting on each other.

Ash knew that Paul had left the group a few times to attend events a little far away then come back after it was over. He did not think the others noticed it though. Unless one was watching Paul intensely or he told you. You would never know what he was up to.

Bianca squealed in the seat in front of Iris and Cilan and Ash smiled. It was nice having this. This whole journey. Being with Misty and his Pokémon. Sadly he could only see and react to what was happening right that moment. When Misty challenged Ross and beat him or not. He would concentrate from there.

*************************************************************************************

Misty stretched a bit as she tried drying her clammy hands. This was it finally. The day of the event. After all the planning. Preparing and travelling. She was going to do the showdown at last.

She did not fully understand why she was feeling like this. She had this in the bag. Even if she did not. The goal was to go out have a good time and work with her Pokémon. Why should she be nervous?

Could it be because she got a good look at the course? Or that she heard about the amount of spectators?

So many people were here to see this. To think she and Ross they were two out of a good hundred. Her reputation was going to be put on the line.

This was no longer a case of see who won by mistake. A country was watching her. She was to go out and do her best?

What a joke. She sighed heavily. Her original plan had been to use Marill and get through by their combined attacks.

Now she was changing her plan. They only had a few days to practice but she knew they were good. She wanted to put on a good display and a gym leader, as someone who loved Pokémon and someone who wanted Ash to see her strength.

She sighed again before picking up her training bag she had been supplied with for the event. It was finally time to go to the changing room. Her hands trembled slightly and she winced at that small action.

“Misty.” A voice called out to her and she looked ahead and saw Ash all alone waiting for her just before the changing room doors.

“Ash?” She questioned. “Why? Everyone wished me luck at breakfast. You did too.”

“Yeah but this is different.” Ash said drawing her to him. she swallowed as he cradled her face in one hand and the other wrapped around her waist.

She caught her breath in anticipation but he just tugged her into his arms and squeezed her close.

“You’ll be fine Misty.” He whispered.

“That’s it?” She laughed. “I know I’ll be just fine.” Ash lightly bumped her forehead with his.

“Yeah. I know you will be but I wanted to send you out with a little something.” Misty felt startled as she felt calming warmth seep into her.

He was settling her nerves with his feelings through the Aura! She did not even know it was possible. Glaring into his eyes she was going to protest went he leaned forward and lightly kissed her.

Her eyes closed and she accepted the warmth flowing into her. She could feel his belief she would win. The others belief she was strong. She even felt her resolve return.

“Better?” He asked pulling back.

“One for the road.” She winked before pulling him down for a swift kiss. “See you when I win Ketchum.” She laughed as she pulled back and rushed for the changing room doors.

When they swung closed behind her she closed her eyes and willed down her pumped up heart. He really and truly did know her. Right now she had been so scared but she was better now. She could feel her friends belief in her.

It was what she needed. Opening her eyes she rested her bag down and prepared to change. She was going out to win. After everything she had been through she knew she had the ability, the resolve and the purpose to see it through.

It was who she was after all.

*************************************************************************************

Ash smiled as the changing room for the girls swung closed. He knew that the stress of the day would have been somehow getting to her so he decided on a whim to go and see her. He was glad he did.

She had looked defeated and she had not even entered the race. She would have killed him if he had told her that however.

All she needed was a little reminder who she was fighting for. And it worked. Mission accomplished. Well that and Ash wanted to draw her attention to him if only a little bit.

She had been working so hard and going full out. It was being selfish but he had to somehow make sure she had not forgotten him. Shaking his head to relieve himself of the thoughts trying to cloud his mind he made his way to the stadium.

He just like everyone else how this would be done. This course was in a circle though he did not fully understand how that worked out.

All he knew is that they left the stadium and came back to the stadium. They would watch the progress on the large screen. There were obstacles each had to face and get over.

The first one back would be declared winner. Was supposed to be simple but these kind of races never were. First off with such a large crowd people got nervous and desperate.

He had taken care of Misty’s anxiety however so he had no worries. Entering the stadium Ash looked up at the directions to remember where he had to go and sit with the others.

That was the other problem. Misty had not seen them but the spectators had some unwanted guests in his opinion. Barry was okay. He guessed Gary was too but Gary was sitting with them.

However Georgio had come back. Ash gritted his teeth. Kenny and Brendan too. Was it too much to ask to have people do what they originally came to do in the first place?

Train? He was tired of this guy always turning up. Ash hoped Misty’s performance once and for all helped the guy understand he could not handle Misty. It was like trying to hold water. It slipped out of your hands.

If one, was to stop water from flowing it became stagnated and not exactly a good thing to have around. The guy could not understand he was the guy trying to stop water from flowing. Ash himself. Well he was the path for the water to flow over or something.

Ash was starting to head up the stadium steps when something crashed into him sending him flying back. After catching himself he looked up to see it was a someone.

She had been going at a fast speed and what it was she had in her hands had scattered everywhere but Ash doubted she cared because he did not. It was the first time he was seeing this person so near to tears.

“Jessie!” He blurted at the tears in her eyes.

“T-Twerp.” She sniffled. “This is just great. just my day I guess.” She tried laughing.

Kneeling at her side Ash was at lost how to comfort her. This was strong Jessie after all. He bit his lip before he leaned over and patted her shoulder.

“Are you alright? Was it the fall?”

“I know you are not that dense Twerp.” She muttered wiping away at her eyes. “I was upset from before I feel obviously.”

“Yeah.” Ash winced.

“Don’t worry about it.” Jessie muttered as she struggled to stand up. “I don’t even know why I'm so upset. I mean I knew but still. It really hurts what you think you know and when you hear it.”

“Did something happen?” Ash asked alarmed. “Where’s Meowth and James?”

“Meowth is working the shop upstairs with the new workers.” Jessie sniffed. “James and I were supposed to have the day off together watch this event but things didn’t go the way I planned out.” She fell silent and to Ash’s horror tears began falling from her eyes.

“Um, Jessie.” He said his voice trembling.

“Go along Twerp.” Jessie said her voice calm and cold even as the tears fell harder. “You have to watch the main Twerpette win at least. Don’t worry about someone like me.”

Frowning Ash slowly stood up. “I can’t.” He said simply.

“GO!” She screamed at him. “I can’t stand it having someone see me like this.  Go away and pretend this never happened!”

Jolted back by her words Ash ran for the stair and vaulted up them. Looking back he saw Jessie kneeled over her back shaking her head in her hands.

*************************************************************************************

Misty sat with the large number of competitors as she waited for the event to start. It was not that she was nervous. She felt sort of frustrated. Changing into her wetsuit so early then having to wait for this thing to begin. She was not very patient to begin with.

A flash of brown hair entered her vision and she looked up to glimpse Ross coming towards her already in his own wet suit grinning broadly.

“So you did make it after all, I’m glad.” He smiled stopping in front her. Misty stood up to face him.

“I wasn’t going to miss this. And a challenge is a challenge after all. I can’t ignore one of those.” She reminded him.

“Surprised that guy isn’t here competing too.” Ross laughed scratching the back of his head. “I guess you must have pounded in some common sense into him.”

“I didn’t have to.” She smiled thinking about their run-in in front of the changing room’s. Ash understood without her having to say something. It was her fight here.

“I guess that is good.” Ross said his head tilted to the side as he watching her a confused look on his face. He was looking as though he was going to say something but a harsh screech from the PA system stopped him as well as all the noise in the stadium.

“Welcome one and All!” A voice boomed over the PA system. “We are now ready to begin the Cycle Fluidity Race!” The crowd in the stadium cheered and Misty winced.

“Got your number?” Ross asked her.

“Yes, I’m twenty- seven.” She said

“I’m forty.” Ross shrugged. “Guess I’ll see you at the finish line.”

“I’ll be waiting for you.” She winked causing him to laugh as he walked toward his section of the starting line.

“The Cycle Fluidity race is 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.” The voice boomed over the PA.

“We are certainly lucky this time. We have 50 racers!” The voice laughed to gain cheers from the crowd. “May the racers line up and release their Pokémon into the pool!” The voice continued.

Misty stepped into the floatie marked 27 and released her Milotic. All around her others were doing the same. She knew what would happen. Milotic would pull herself and the floatie she was standing in from now to the end of the race just like that time against Ross when she used Corsola.

“This pool is their starting as well as finishing line! At the go they will race from this pool to meet up on the altered river made just for this purpose! They will follow the flags go up the mountain and race back down using the real river before crossing over to come back here the first back is the winner!”

The crowd cheered and Misty sighed. Refraining from looking up at the huge crowd she concentrated on making sure her hold on connection to the floatie stayed firm. It connect the floatie to her as well as to Milotic.

The slightest mistake and she would topple over. Tugging it just the lightest she gave it more room on Milotic’s side. Milotic would need more breathing room and manoeuvring room.

“All set!” The voice called and Misty readied herself.

“Ready!”

“We will be just fine Milotic.” Misty whispered. “It’s going to be all right.”

“Go!” The voice called out and echoed into the stadium.

“Forward!” She called out as Milotic and all the other Pokémon surged forward. This was a big change since their mini practice sessions.

Milotic easily snaked ahead of the various competitors without putting too much energy into it. Just like they had planned. An easy pace.

“And by the looks of number 27, 34, 40 and 48 have taken a good lead!” Misty heard as they left the stadium into the river heading for the mountain.

Fighting the current was not hard, it was an easy going one. Misty looked ahead of her grimly. A guy she assumed was number 34 was bouncing along quickly with his Marill. Lucky for her she knew Marill’s limitations.

She had been trying to overcome them herself. Nudging the cord to have Milotic do a large curve and then so pass out 34 Misty was surprised from large splashing behind her. Refusing to look around she was amazed when at the corner of her eye she saw a Floatzel. Even more when she saw who owned it.

Ross grinned at her as his Pokémon pulled ahead. Misty just smiled, she would let the two of them get ahead for now. The race had only begun. As the three of them took the next curve Misty delighted in the water splashing her face. Ross at the curve tried passing out number 34 but he blocked him with such a big move that water splashed everywhere.

Misty winced at the display it was a good thing she had not gone ahead. Ross was forced to drop back to behind her and she grinned. 34 looked behind him and that was his downfall. Misty stared in shock as a small gap appeared in the river. One big hole leading to somewhere and the water dripped down it peacefully.

34 tried to evade but it was no use. His Pokémon and him fell down. Misty winced, this course was serious.

“Jump Milotic!” She called and Milotic surged into the air taking her with it up into the air and over the hole. As they skidded over the water surface when they landed Misty risked a quick look backward. Ross had safely jumped as well.

They were approaching the mountain. Giving Milotic slack Misty risked looking back again. When she looked forward she stifled a yelp only barely. There were geysers almost everywhere.

There was no time to guess the safest path. They were sprouting up high. Some with what looked to be cold water and some with normal.

“Ice Beam the path ahead and jump up on the ice!” Misty called ahead. As Milotic lept into action she concentrated on steering them ahead. She wanted Ross to do his own work. If he was just to follow her he would save his own strength.

But also if he was to follow onto her path without using his own. Misty heard a yelp a bit back and grinned. Because the path was small it dissolved quickly.

Misty stifled shock when she saw Floatzel and Ross cruise onward ahead. It looked like he had not taken the bait so the yelp belonged to someone far behind. Winking at her Ross gave his Floatzel more rope and she grinned in response.

Wrapping the cord more and more around her own hand Misty braced herself. Having the pull tight like this upped the speed but made control harder. It would help her now that they were starting the climb upwards.

Skidding around the first bend Misty winced at the amount of water that splashed up from it. She was taking the lead again but this would only last to the top of the mountain.

Curves were her advantages with this method. She was not hindering Milotic who was swimming underwater. Instead she would be forced to take the brunt of it all herself.

However going down the mountain the situation would be reversed so she had to be ready to release the moment they got close to the top.

They skidded around another long bend and Misty caught her breath. She could see the peak, just two more curves and she had to let it all go. She could see Ross just a curve behind her and she felt nervous.

She was going all out at the moment. He was just a little bit behind. Meaning the moment the downward  slide came she would have a real contender to deal with.

They went around the last bend and Misty shrugged off the rope wrapped around her hands giving lead to Milotic again. It was just in time because Milotic launched himself out the water over the peak making her heart jump.

The jolt and slide they did when they landed scared her and made her even more excited. It was downhill from here and their full strength had not even been used as yet.

“Milotic! Let’s do it!” She cheered as they began the dash down the mountain. She could sense Ross behind her. A good distance, she knew he was fighting to catch up but she was not giving him the chance to.

“Use Ice Beam on those rocks ahead!” She yelled gathering the rope again around her hands. She had done a lot of crazy thing back in those days.

There was the time she went travelling from island to island one picked up loads of ideas. Just like she was about to try now.

Angling herself so that she would just lightly be swept up the rock she jumped in the air as the floatie was tossed upward. Weight dragged Milotic behind. She was doing what she could to minimize it.

Behind her she could hear Ross doing the same, even hear the  splashes as he skidded and went around the corners. At the last bend Misty saw Floatzel start to creep into the corner of her vision and grimaced.

There was no way that was going to happen. If she let him gain lead here of all places she was not too sure who would have the advantage.

“Ice Beam the path ahead!” She called out. If anything she would be able to save Milotic some energy for the time being as they skidded on the slippery surface.

She was not too sure what made her do it but she jerked harshly to the right. Just barely missing a spout of hot water from below.

The course was not over yet. “Ice Beam and plough on!” She called forgetting Ross and everything else. Looking ahead she found herself confused. She could see the stadium but the river stopped at a patch and that was not where they were supposed to end.

Sure the water was shiny below and all but that could not be it. Gritting her teeth as they approached that dead in Misty mentally paused.

Shiny? It could not be could it? They were a few seconds to go before they hit the dead end at full speed. This would be their only chance. There was no other way that she could see to make it back to the stadium.

“Scald!” She called out and the shiny beneath the water disappeared and she and Milotic were pulled under water.

Because she was slightly prepared for it she had already taken a deep breath. So when they went down Misty grabbed the Floatie with her free hand and Milotic with the cord wrapped hand. They would have to swim from here.

She could see the patch of light just a little distance away and she climbed on Milotic to urge him towards the light.

The water was cold, it felt like it was dragging her down but she had dealt with worse. She had actually swam in storms and dove into murky waters trying to drag trainers down. As she and Milotic breeched the surface Misty did not hear the roar of the crowd.

She could not hear the cheers, all she could hear was her heartbeat, the gasps she was taking the panting of Milotic and the cheer of victory that was coming from her chest. Tapping Milotic to move forward she held the floatie under one arm as they sailed forward to the finish line.

As they glided across she felt like something deep inside her had been electrocuted, this feeling. What had she been so worried about? Winning or losing. Once the person went all out and put on a good display it did not even matter.

Looking behind her she saw Ross emerge from where she had a few seconds ago. Maybe it was minutes. As she stumbled out of the water tossing the floatie onto the ground it was like if every sound in the world had just been turned back on.

Sitting down her legs dangling in the water she gave Milotic a thumbs up and she finally heard the crowd’s roar of approval.

“I can’t believe it! I just can’t believe it!” The announcer was saying. “One of the youngest competitors has managed to not only break the time record she has managed to correctly steer through every obstacles. I don’t know if it is luck or skill but we surely had a good sight today!”

The crowd cheered and Misty grinned as she wiped away the water in her hair. She was not about getting up right then. She saw Ross climb out and grin at her.

“It wasn’t a fluke.” He laughed and she grinned.

“Told you.” She laughed as she slipped back in the water to hug Milotic.

“Can we get a round of applause from this amazing gym leader?” The announcer demanded causing the crowd to erupt into cheers and applause.

The noise made Misty stop and think. Climbing out of the water and facing the crowd she looked knowing she would not really see. Fighting her exhaustion she gave a thumbs up to the section of the stadium facing her.

Just in case he was there. She knew he was with the rest watching but she wanted him to see this. They thought she was celebrating her victory.

She sort of was. But she was also letting him know it was not going to be easy from now on. Flat out running hard for her dream. She was not waiting doing her own thing was okay too.