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

Chapter Two - The Meeting

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

Ash pressed the doorbell, and, after hearing a few noises from within, the door opened, revealing their old friend Brock, wearing his pink apron and rubber gloves.

"What took you guys so long to get here?  I thought you'd be here yesterday."  Brock wrapped them both in a strong embrace, smothering his friends.

"That was the plan but idiot here got us lost again," Misty answered, trying to rescue herself from Brock's hug.

Ash gave her an upset look.  "Hey."  She just smiled back, causing him to blush lightly.

Brock looked at his younger friends, who stood staring at each other.  "Ah...Well, are you guys coming in?"

They both shook themselves out of the gaze.  "Ah, sure," Misty answered.


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

Brock threw the carrots and onions into the stew pot and stirred it before tasting the mixture. “Mmmm, a little more basil I think.” As he added the herb, he turned to his friends, skinning and chopping potatoes for the mash. “Thanks for helping me cook, guys. Although a couple of my brothers and sisters have left on their Pokémon journeys, it still takes a long time to cook.”

“No problem, Brock,” Misty began. “It’s the least we can do for you putting us up for a few nights.”

“Though,”Ash said, wondering what kind of punishment Misty would wrought upon him if he finished his sentence. Ah, what the hell. Teasing her was so fun, and he knew she always got a kick out of it too. “I don’t think Misty being involved in the preparation of food is such a good thing. She can’t boil water.”

“Hey!” she said, outraged. “I’m a better cook than you.”

“Oh, you are, are you? Misty, do you not remember when you cooked last Monday, how you-”

“Ah, yeah,” she interrupted, embarrassed. “Well, the less said about that the better,” she said through her giggles.

Pikachu, currently sitting on top of the kitchen counter, trying to figure out the blender, broke into hysterics, remembering the event. Ash gave it a slightly annoyed look. He despised being laughed at, but that didn’t stop his Pokémon. Exasperated, he turned back to Misty. “Exactly. It took me two days to stop throwing up,” Ash teased.

She turned away, noticeably embarrassed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realise the chicken was off.”

“Yeah, and it was lucky I noticed that it didn’t taste quite right before you ate any so you were absolutely fine,” he sarcastically noted.

“Yeah, but that’s because you guzzle down food. At least I eat politely.”

“And it’s the only polite thing about you,” he spoke under his breath.

“Oh, now you’re gonna get it,” Misty yelled, trying to sound angry, but her excitement was plainly evident. She jumped behind Ash, and started to tickle the sides of his stomach, the one place she knew he was most sensitive. The torture worked just as she had hoped.

“Hey, stop it,” he yelped, trying to stop her administrations.

“Say mercy, and I’ll stop,” she tormented.

Despite all he did, he couldn’t stop Misty. He had only one option - surrender. But that would just meant he could get revenge. “Okay, mercy. Mercy!”

“I win,” she bragged, turning away from him, not realising her mistake. As soon as her attention was off him, he grabbed her by the waist, lifting her high into the air.

“Now who’s winning?” he laughed.

“Ash, come on, please let me down!” Misty squealed, kicking her feet.

Brock watched the two fool around, shaking his head. He hadn’t seen them in a few months, and it seemed that even in that short time his friends’ relationship had altered greatly. They had always been so close, despite the constant arguments, but now they were more connected than ever. It made him a little envious, he sadly had to admit to himself. Well, at least it also presented him with the opportunity to have a little fun. He smiled mischievously to himself. “Guys, could ya please stop flirting and help me with the dinner?”

That did it. Instantly, Ash dropped Misty, and began awkwardly scratching the back of his head. Misty, meanwhile, turned beet red and attempted to regain her composure by starting to peel potatoes again, failing miserably.

Just as I suspected, Brock sniggered to himself. Aren’t they so cute?

Misty lay on one of the beds in Brock's family's spare room, contemplating the dream she had that morning.  The sense of strangeness that it had caused her to feel had dissipated, and now the memory of those few minutes in that beautiful forest, in Ash's embrace, filled her with warmth.

She looked over to the bed at the other side of the small room.  Ash, mere seconds after placing his sweet head upon the pillow, had passed out, Pikachu perched on his strong chest.  She looked deep into his handsome face and noticed his eyes moving.  He must be dreaming, she smiled.

She moved onto her side and continued to stare at him.  What was it that made her fall for him?  Was it his handsome face that seemed to grow in perfection as he aged?  Was it the way he seemed so mature one minute and contradicted himself the next by doing something infantile?  Or was it his unwavering concern for for every living creature, Pokémon or Human?  It was a part of everything she guessed.  It was those things, and many more, that made him who he was, the person whom she loved more than life itself.

She knew she couldn't go on for the rest of her life without him even knowing about her feelings.  She had to tell him, regardless of the consequences.  She knew that even if he didn't feel the same way, he wouldn't walk out on their friendship.  They were too close.

I will tell him.  I just have to wait for the right moment.

She felt her eyes droop and then close, a smile still resting upon her pink lips.

Just as before, Ash felt a force controlling his body, but this time it lead him through a small bustling market.  He looked at the people around him, then noticed his own clothes.  They were like something out of a history lesson, and the style seemed to be medieval.  He knew this couldn't be real.  I must be dreaming again.

Words began to filter into his brain, but they weren't his.  It was like he was a passenger in someone else's head, experiencing the same thoughts and emotions.  He concentrated upon the words, and the longer he listened, the clearer they came.  What did they say?  I'm?  Supposed?  Here?  They were still a little jumbled.  I'm not...to be...?  Some of the words were a whisper, barely audible.  He focused more.  I'm not supposed to be here?  Was that it?  I'm not supposed to be here? the thought was repeated.  That was it.  Why?  They are my enemies, he heard, almost as if this other mind was answering his question.  He heard the mind continue, debating with itself.  I'm not supposed to be here. They are my enemies.  If they find me, I'm dead.  My kind aren't allowed here.

Ash was confused.  His type?  He would be dead if he was found?  Who was this person?  But before the enquiry was answered, he realised his eyes were focused upon a young woman, her head almost obscured with a silk veil, only allowing a few bangs of strikingly beautiful red hair escape from it’s confines.  Her face was shadowed by the fabric but he was able to see her milky skin and...and eyes of the most amazing aquamarine.

Misty? Ash thought.  It was her, but she looked more sensational than he had ever saw her before.  Although her face was hard to make out, the deep blue kimono hung awesomely on her curvaceous frame, showing every glorious part of her shape, emphasising the colour of her eyes and hair.

He sensed the other person again, he in as much awe of her as Ash.  But there was something else.  He recognised her as well, but by another name.  Kasumi, the Imperial heir.

What?  Ash thought.  Kasumi?  But...but she looks like Misty.

The legs began to move again, starting in the direction of the girl.  Ash tried to stop them, but it seemed he had absolutely no control over this person.  He was just a passenger, there to observe.  It was like he was watching a memory.

Well, if I can't control anything, I might as well just sit back and enjoy the ride.

He came up from behind the young woman, who was fondly examining pieces of sumptuous fabric at one of the market stalls.  What are you doing, Satoshi? the other voice spoke to himself.  This is stupid.

Satoshi? Ash thought.

"Imperial Princess," he spoke softly, bowing at almost a 90 degree angle as she turned to him.  As he rose, he looked into her face.  She was indeed more beautiful than Ash had ever seen her.  This was the Misty of his fantasies, he guessed.  His perfect vision of her, created by his subconscious. His could feel his heart beat increase and his breathing pick up. Instantly, his desire for his friend increased ten-fold, and he could sense the same longing emanating from Satoshi.

Kasumi smiled at him.  "Good day, sir."  She bowed too.

Satoshi hesitated for a second. All he wanted was to see her face. He had not though of what to say to her. "I am a foreigner, visiting your land, and must express to you how impressed I am by what I have seen."

"Thank you, er..."

"Satoshi, Princess."

The princess looked deeper into his eyes, concentrating on those hazel orbs, and he, in return, could feel the intensity of those aqua irises as they searched deep into his soul. "Please, call me Kasumi." Her cheeks darkened to pink.

He tried to take his eyes from hers, but he could not help but to stare deeper. "Ah...miss...I feel I cannot.  You are of Imperial blood and I am but a lowly peasant.”

“When I am here, among my people, I do not consider myself their princess. I am one of them. Their equal. They do not call me by my title, and neither should you.”

He smiled. “The stories I’ve heard of you are true, then. You are humble. I did not believe so until now.” He thought for a moment. “If you believe you are an equal of the commoners, do you not consider yourself divine? It is said you family descends from the sun god himself.”

“I believe people are not superior to others due to the class their are born into but by the way the conduct themselves, and how much good they do.”

“You share my sentiments.”

“Unfortunately my family does not. They do not approve of me visiting the Imperial City and talking to the people.”

“But I take it you do not care whether they approve or not.”

Her smile widened even more. “Precisely.”

The two stood for a moment, unsure what to say. Kasumi looked down awkwardly at the ground, trying to disguise her reddening cheeks, but Satoshi couldn’t take his eyes from her intoxicating grin, her pert, little nose and expressive eyes.

“I like you, Satoshi. Despite my attempts, people still treat me as a princess, but you treat me as I wish.”

“I am glad I please you.”

Kasumi looked down upon the city from the lush green knoll. The scent of heather was heavy in the air, as if some unseen censer hung above them from a branch of the large cherry blossom tree. Bird chirps and insect buzzes mixed with the sweet sound of rushing water from the stream mere metres away. The bank was blanketed with hundreds of flowers of the most violent red, yellow and purple. Satoshi, however, was not distracted by sublime nature. His focus was upon her. She seemed to be perfectly in her element, surrounded by rich nature. He could now see her face fully, her silk veil now discarded upon the grass, her vibrant hair cascading down her back. She picked a delicate daisy from the bank, pulling each white petal tenderly off, throwing them into the stream. Some landed upon the lily pads, but others were carried off by the gentle waters.

“I love this spot. I always come here when I wish to relax. It’s so tranquil.” She sighed, a slight tone of melancholy creeping in. “Just the perfect place to forget about all your worries.”

“The view is beautiful,” he said, his gaze still focused upon her.

She turned to him and again reddened.

Satoshi moved closer to her, stroking her cheek fondly with the back of his fingers. “What’s this?” he joked, “You are blushing.”

“By your design.”

“I am happy I can affect you so.”

She playfully shook her head. “Flirting with a princess. That is not allowed.”

“Yes, but I can see you enjoy it.”

She shyly turned from him. “Perhaps.” She directed her eyes towards the stream, to where she could see bubbles popping upon the surface. “Watch,” she told him while indicating the area.

He turned and watched as she had told him. Seconds later, a small blue and white armless creature appeared, jumping up onto the bank.

“A Poliwag as far as I can remember. We have a number of Pokémon at the palace. My sister Hoshi has a pet Vulpix. It’s a cute little thing. She and one of her friends have friendly battles between each other, and I’ve heard that many people are taking up training Pokémon as a vocation.”

“I’ve heard that too, and have seen many battles, but...I’m not really that interested in it.”

Serene silence descended upon them for a few moments, the two young souls basking in each others presence. "Satoshi. Do you know the meaning of your name?"  She didn't wait for a response, however.  "Satoshi, 'Enlightened'."

"Mmm. I don’t think that suits me.”

“I would say you were enlightened. To begin with, you speak to me as an equal. You are not held back by the stereotypical views that hold most of our fellow country men captive.”

He paused for a moment. “Maybe. And Kasumi means 'Mist'."

"My parents could not choose more perfect a name.  I love the ocean.  It's so peaceful and romantic.  I would love to travel the seas of our world...but my father would never allow that.  He believes it is unladylike.  Sometimes...I wish I hadn't been born into a royal family."  She paused for a moment and lowered her head.  "I'm sorry. I shouldn’t speak so heavily."

He placed his hand gently upon her chin, raising her head to look at him.  He looked at her with affectionate eyes.  "Don't be.  I know how hard it can be being from such a family."

"You do?" she asked, confused as to his meaning.

He realised his slip up.  "Ah...it doesn't matter."  He became serious once more.  "You can talk to me about anything, you know that, don't you?"

She looked deeper into his eyes.  She had know him mere hours, but she felt that she could trust him with anything.  She didn't know why.  Despite the fact that her rational and dutiful self warned her against it, she couldn't help but be drawn in by this man.  "Yes," she spoke softly, unable to break the intimate gaze they shared.

She began to quake as he traced his fingers along her jawbone, then through her hair.  His touch felt so intoxicating to her, producing emotions she thought she would never experience.

Her skin was so soft and she had hair like silk.  He knew the possible consequences of this, but he didn’t care. He just wanted to give into his heart and forget reason.  He came closer to her, laying his hand at the back of her neck, rubbing it tenderly.  She began to move in as well, wallowing in his sensitive touch.  He placed his forehead against hers, closing his eyes.  "Kasumi," he whispered.

"Satoshi."

They touched lips, lightly at first before giving into their desires, deepening the kiss. Satoshi brought his hand from the back of her neck, and tenderly stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers.

After a moment, they withdrew from the kiss, placing their foreheads together again. Their eyes met, and a smile crossed each of their lips. All their troubles were forgotten, as if they had been swept away down the river along with the white petals.