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The crunching of small rocks and pebbles being crushed under the weight of Ash's sneakers as he ran down the trail were the only indication to Misty and Brock where he was headed."Pikachuuu!!!", yelped the small golden yellow pokémon now left behind and seemingly forgotten behind the trio of humans ahead.
"Hmmm?", murmured Brock to himself as he turned to see Pikachu breathing heavily with some labored pants as he was trying desperatley to keep up with them all. Misty continued running after Ash as she held onto Togepi with a firm and loving grip never noticing that Brock and Pikachu ahd been left behind.
"Oh..Pikachu...are you allright?",he questioned picking up the pokémon securely into his arms as Brock raised his head up expecting to see Ash or at least Misty. His eyes darted around in all directions as he jogged back up the trail from which direction he had just come and stood still listening for any sounds that might indicate where everyone had gone. Pikachu's ears flickered in a few rapid bursts catching the sounds of a fight nearby.
"Pika Pika..Pika..pikachu!!!",he yelped as he sprung alive in Brock's arms pointing to the left of him where muffled talking could be barely heard. Taking gentle and slow steps in the direction Pikachu had been pointing, Brock slipped through the ankle length grass and peered just above a bush that concealed him for the most part as he shook his head at the sight before him.
"All you care about is that stupid Pokémon league and getting badges..you always act like the world is going to end if heaven forbid Gary beats you there..what's the big deal anyways Ash? Lately all you seem to care about is pokémon battles...it's like your friends and family don't matter to you anymore. What happeend to that Ash we've come to know?",asked Misty in a concerned tone feeling as if she was giving him the third degree but was worried she was losing her best friend. Ash's expression turned from one of amusement to one of anger and frustartion.
"I don't know what you're talking about Misty..I'm the same person I've always been. Just because I'm serious about becoming a Pokémon master and you aren't" started Ash leaning into Misty's face; "That's no reason to be jealous of me and accuse me of being some heartless person", finished Ash as he turned his back to her crossing his arms across his chest in an angered manner.
"Jealous??? Why would I be jealous of you..heck..if me and Brock hadn't given you you're first two badges out of pity you probably would have quit long ago. Admit it Ash..without your friends you wouldn't be where you are today.",stated Misty her tone a bit harsh but truthful. Ash turned around to face her still with his arms crossed tightly across hsi chest ruffling up his shirt underneath as he eyes met Misty's as he sighed gently.
"Look Misty...I...I'm..sorry..", softly spoke Ash as he lowered his gaze to the his feet not able to face the truth Misty had just delievered."It's just...all my life..nothing has ever been good enough it seems. Gary has always been the one everyone in Pallet Town looks up to..Just once I want to be the hero. I guess...soemtimes I forget the important things..like Brock..",replied Ash as she slowly lifted his head only to see Misty looking away, "And..you..",finished Ash as he smiled very lightly.
Misty glanced up in surprise to see Ash moving closer to her and reached out his hand to her direction. She looked to him and blinked a few times unsure what to think and reluctantly extended her hand as she clasped hers with his in a tight handshake. Her lips parted slowly to form a sweet smile to Ash. Trying not to blush he placed his hand at the back of his head as he spoke..
"Friends forever?",asked Ash.
"Forever", smiled Misty back to him happily.
"I don't believe it...they're actually being..nice to each other..", silently though Brock to himself as he watched the scene unfold before his eyes. Pikachu jumped down into the brush from Brock's shoulder and accidentially landed on a twig that snapped loudly under his weight.Simultaneously Ash and Misty turned their heads to the direction of the sound.
"What was that", asked Misty to Ash. "I'm not sure..maybe it's a pokémon!", exclaimed Ash as he reached down for one of his pokeballs in hand. Misty giggled softly and shook her head.
"Oh well..some things never change..",she explained.
"Pik---". Pikachu started but was muffled quickly by Brock's hand as he whispered into his ear.
"Pikachu...shhh....", he whispered and slowly retreated back to where they had come with a wide grin on his face as Pikachu looked puzzled and confused.
"Bulbasaur..I choose you!",yelled Ash as the pokéball flew open.
"Bulbasuar!", spoke the ground pokémon in a confident voice.
"Bulbasuar..Vine whip now!", ordered Ash as the obedient pokémon obeyed using his vine whip to slash at the bush scattering leaves everywhere into the air almost blinding their view. Ash coughed for a few moments as some of the dirt trickled up into his nose and mouth.
"Bulbasaur...*cough*, Return!", managed Ash as he coughed for a few minutes. The air soon settled leaving the ground litterend with leaves and nothign else."Awwww...I was sure I heard soemthing..", he frowned as he replaced the pokéball at his side.
"Relax Ash..I'm sure you'll catch some new pokémon soon..isn't that right Brock?", said Misty with a smile awaiting his response. "Um..Brock..hey Brock..where are you?" asked Misty as she turned around in a circle looking confused.
"I know Brock was right behind me as I was chasing after you Ash..and Pikachu was behind him..hey..come to think of it..where is Pikachu?" questioned Misty looking to Ash for some answer.
"I thought he was with you Misty...", replied Ash as he laughed to himself for a minute. Misty tilted her head puzzled.
"What is so funny?", questioned Misty. "If I know Brock..he's met some girl again and is trying to get her to give him her phone number or address."
"You're probably right.", laughed Misty in response. "And im sure Pikachu is with him..he wouldn't let anyhting happen to him." Ash nodded with a confident smile.
"Yeah..he's probably in Junaria City right now...without us..C'mon Misty..I'll race you there", he yelled as he sprinted for a few feet and stopped looking back with a smile.
"Just kidding..we'll walk together". Misty smiled as she hugged Togepi and started walking towards Ash side by side down the road that led To Junaria City as they joked about how funny it would have been had Brock seen them actually being kind to one another.