Love’s Path Disclaimer: well for those who still check for this…no I don’t own PKMN…yet ^_^ Oh and by the way, if you do read and like (or dislike) the story. I ask that you please leave a quick review…TY His feet dragged through the ground with no sign of any happiness. Ash Ketchum, now 19, was a solitary man. His depression due to the lost of his greatest love. Now his life is dedicated to nothing… Ash touched his neck as a small water drop rolled down “rain…” as if to be called, it began to pour. Ash looked around and hid under a tree “I should set up camp under here. Even though its not really safe” he chuckled to himself but seconds later, silent surrounded him except for the rain. Once inside, he took out a small journal “my journal…my only company” thunder ruled the sky “I…just don’t feel like writing today” he opened his bag and covered himself “better get some rest…” he’s eyes began to drift when he heard a noise. Surprised, he decided to investigate his environment “whoever is there, come out” no answer. Once more, he called “hello?” His sight wasn’t completely clear “oh well…” he turned around when he felt a hand on his shoulder “h-help me…please…” the person fainted and he turned around. Ash felt speechless and quickly picked up the body to carry to his humble tent “don’t worry, kid. You’ll be up in no time” he searched his bag and took out some water contained in an old bottle “I’ll fix you something up” as if he knew this person for years, he left her and searched the forest “aha! He picked up some fruits lying on the floor. When he returned, the water he was boiling was ready “are you up yet?” he asked but she didn’t reply “help…” was all that came out. Her eyes blinked as she recovered conciseness of herself “where am I” she crossed her arms as a breeze slowly entered the small tent “that man…he helped me” she crawled into the outside and stood up “hey there. Feeling better?” she smiled and walked over to him “thanks…for helping me” Ash smiled uncomfortable still not knowing what her problem had been the previous day. He stood up and offered her some fruit “here” she shyly reached for it then sat down in front of him “I’m Karen Sash. I was on my way to the next town when the storm caught me” Ash picked up an apple and sat “suddenly out of nowhere, this two punks grab my vest with my Poke balls (PB) in it” Ash nodded as he tried to imagine the scene. The girl touched her face and felt the tears rolling down “did you happen to see their faces?” he asked more curiously as he took a bite out of his breakfast “I really couldn’t. one of them pushed me…” she turned around not really wanting to continue “…and they tried to hurt you, huh?” she nodded as more tears rolled down “my mother told me not to go through this route…and I didn’t listen” Ash threw the leftovers into a bag “well. If you want to catch those thieves, we better get to the next city” she smiled “by the way. You didn’t tell me your name” Ash picked up his bag “Ash…Ash Ketchum” he smiled. The girl looked extremely surprised “well. Let’s go…” she nodded “I-I’m sorry. Its just…you were so famous!” Ash smiled sheepishly at her “yes…but that is gone” she frowned “everyone still ask themselves why it was you quit the league” Ash wasn’t really in the mood to tell his long life, so he made it simpler “I lost my…spark as to say” Karen didn’t really want to ask anymore after hearing his sad response. They arrived at the big city and stopped in a small park “well…I guess this is good-bye” Karen looked some depressed “don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll get your PKMN back” she shook her head “its not my PKMN bothering me. it’s the gyms…I’m new to PKMN” Ash looked surprised “oh…well don’t worry. That’s how I also started nine years ago” she giggled “I know. Duplica told me how she met you” Ash had a puzzle look “you know Duplica?” he scratched his head “yes. She’s…a friend” she released her blue hair from her cap and Ash saw it for the first time. They sat in a small bench and she began to tell him her complete tale “…and that’s why I’m on this journey” Ash was still in deep thought “wow…I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you” she nodded “and even for my age, I’m still no better than a 14 year old kid” Ash didn’t say anything “I guess…I shouldn’t have made that bet” she lowered her head “cheer up now. You’ll be a great trainer, you’ll see” she chuckled softly “I wish I could believe you, Ash. I wish I would. But I’m just not the right one for this job” she stood up and placed her bag on her shoulder. Ash stayed sit while she looked at the small fountain “at least I got to see some nice places…and meet a wonderful man…” she blushed and so did Ash “I’ll see you around, Ash. Take care…” she waved as she walked away “good-bye…” he finally stood up “for a girl…she isn’t like that tomboy” Misty came over his head once more “get over it, Ash!” he shook his head and started walking. The small balcony occupied several flowers “Karen…” he looked over at the busy yet streets “it’s a big world…what are the chances to se her again” Ash didn’t have the smallest clue. Karen sat down in the grass as she played with a baby PKMN that had came out of the tall grass “hey there, little guy” the small creature slowly came to her “I wont hurt you…” he finally gave his trust to this human. Karen stood up “well…got to leave. Good luck” the little thing waved then walked back into the grass. Karen saw two persons sitting under a tree “hello” they welcomed her as she came over “hi. You guys trainers?” they both looked up at her “um…retired actually” they answered. The two of them stood up “I’m Misty and this is Brock…” she stopped as she saw Brock with his gaga look on. Karen giggled at him “I’m Karen Sash” Misty gave her a funny look “Sash you say?” she nodded “hmm…um never mind” she said as Karen began to stare at her questioning. The three were walking “so how old are you Karen?” asked Misty “well, I know it must be funny for a girl my age to be on a PKMN journey, but I’m only 19” Misty blinked twice “wow same as Ash” Karen turned to her surprise for thus comment “Ash?” Misty shook her head “um…no one” she blushed “oh…so where are you guys headed towards” Brock answered this question “actually we’re looking for a man named Ash Ketchum” Misty didn’t have the time to stop him. Karen stopped and so did they “what’s wrong” asked Misty expecting a certain answer “Ash Ketchum did you say?” Brock nodded “well I met him. I could take you to him if you want” Misty smiled for the moment “well that would be great” so it was decided, they would find Ash once more. Thus while they meet, Ash was busy remembering old times “why do this flashes keep coming?!” a near by man looked at him weirdly and shook his head “I need some peace and quite” he got up from his bench and began to walk. Minutes later, a room’s door was being knocked. Ash opened his eyes “Huh?…thought I heard knock--” once more it happened “I did” he stood up and rubbed his slumbered eyes “who…who is it?” he asked as he tried to focus his eyes for the light “its me, Karen” he eyes shot opened “Karen!” he unlocked the door as if to be followed “Hi, what are…you…doing” he finally stopped as he recognized the two faces “them” it was not the proper welcoming they were expecting. Ash wasn’t a bad person, but they, especially her, had done something “so what are you doing back, Karen?” he asked trying to ignore Misty and Brock “they…are looking for you” she pointed out “I see…so you found me. Now what do you want?” he asked with a harsh tone. Misty felt bad and she knew perfectly why “we just…wanted to see you again, Ash” answered Brock seeing Misty wasn’t any close to. Ash stared at him “want something to drink?” he asked now a bit politely Yes please…” said Karen as she took off her jacket. Once Ash was gone, Karen didn’t wait to ask why “what you do to him?” she asked in a whisper to Misty who didn’t feel quite comfortable answering “its…personal” Karen didn’t say anything after that, she felt she quite understood the situation. Ash came with three drinks “here…” he placed them on the table “thanks…” it was the first word she had spoken that night. Ash just half smiled forcefully “so…how’ve you…been” he asked thinking up the words “ok…we been doing great back at our gyms” Ash just nodded as if not really caring much. Karen stood up “its real late” Ash looked at his watch “I guess…you could spend the night here” Misty smiled “thank you, Ash” she stood up and went into the restroom. Brock walked over to the balcony “hey Ash” he twitched his lips guessing what he wanted to say to him. Ash stood up and walked to him. They both stood in silence expecting one to talk, ash was the first “I know what you’re thinking…and your right partly. I’m acting like this for something that happened between me and…Misty” Brock smiled “I know what happened, Ash. I know exactly what you felt and still feel for her. I know she deserted you…without any letter left behind” Ash was almost speechless as he heard those secrets he thought only he and Misty knew “I wont ask how you found out. I wont ask why it is you came her. But I will ask…why she left me?” Brock turned to his friend. Ash looked at the night sky “you must ask her yourself. But I think you already know the answer” Ash didn’t say anything. Misty and Karen slept on the bed while Brock and Ash on the floor “Ash…” he opened his eyes and looked up to see Misty looking down at him “Ash…I’m sorry” he felt her sadness “I…just didn’t want to interfere with your destiny” a small tear dropped onto his face “Misty…” she shook her head softly “I knew…if I stayed, I would interfere with your training” Ash didn’t find an explanation to tell her “that’s why I came…to see you and apologize” Misty disappeared under the sheets and Ash didn’t sleep the rest of the remaining night. Karen woke up and saw she was alone in the bed “where is everyone?” Brock sat up and she felt relieved “I think they went out” Karen searched around and saw that Misty and Ash were gone which didn’t exactly gave her a good sensation. Ash was sitting by the fountain and Misty next to him “remember all those times you got us lost?” Ash smiled “I remember” Misty looked at the at the water “remember how we used to fight all the time?” Ash nodded “but…do you remember all the wonderful moments we had” she smiled and blushed lightly “yes…that was the best part of it all” Ash looked at her making her turn around “Ash…I need to ask you something” Ash felt something in his heart “sure…” she looked up at the sky as if searching for courage “do you…like that girl…Karen?” Misty asked with a sad face coming on her “Misty…why do you ask me this?” she shook her head “its just…it seems you two get along so well” Ash knew she was right, they did have a good time together “she’s a good friend…but not as close to mea s you” he said trying to hide his face. Misty didn’t say anything, she knew what he meant. Knew it well, but he felt she just wasn’t worthy for him. Ash looked at her “Ash…I think we both know what we feel. At least hope so. Yet, I feel as if I have betrayed your feelings. I know what I did all those years ago was wrong. Now I must suffer without you…” Ash saw her stand up making about her bag “I want you to have this…” she gave him a small photo of them when they took pictures before he entered the PKMN league…which he never did. Misty saw him stare at the picture and sadness crawl on his face “please Ash…I want you to please forgive me for what I have done to you…” he stood up and embraced her “there’s nothing to forgive…” Karen walked through the parks entrance and quickly noticed Ash and Misty…as well as the moment “that witch!” she said to herself. He feelings for Ash were very strong, perhaps as much as Mist’s “Misty…I wont let you have Ash” she walked out the same way she came in “I promise you…” were her words to declare. Ash looked around thinking he had just heard Karen’s voice “Misty…I want you to tell me something” Misty wiped her tears before he noticed “sure Ash…” he looked down at their feet “tell me…the truth” his demand was very clear but also very difficult to accomplish “I…don’t have the courage…” he got close to her “tell me…” Misty stared into his eyes as they searched hers “Ash…I….” she need speak no more, he took her close and placed a passionate kiss on those tender lips he always had desired “Ash!” she parted as he blushed “um…sorry” she smiled as she brought him closer for yet another wonderful experience. The two of them walked out the park holding hands “I wonder what they’ll say once they know” Misty asked as Ash shrugged “who knows…but I don’t really care. As long as I have you” he placed his arm around her and they continued their walk not knowing that near by, a sinister woman was watching their every move “Ash…you will be mine…” Ash and Misty came home late that night “let’s get some sleep” yawned Ash as he came into the door “that’s strange” Misty looked at him as she closed the door “what is?” he pointed to the ground then the bed “they are not here” Ash shrugged then smiled “guess we have the place to ourselves…” minutes later, they were both living the moment under the sheets (no!…not that that kind of moment!) Ash stopped kissing Misty as he sat up “what’s wrong “I heard a noise” she sat up and placed his arms around him “are you sure” he relaxed “its nothing…now, where were we” the sheets flew over them once more. The morning arrived and with it, the missing people “were were you two?” asked Misty as she looked from the TV to the new intruders “I was out with Suzie” answered Brock immediately “oh…well I was with a friend near by” Misty looked at them confused by let it go “whatever…hungry?” she asked as she turned once more to her program “very” answered Brock. Misty stood up from her chair Ash!, hurry up” the bathroom door opened and Ash came wrapped around in a towel “sorry sweetie, just…” he stopped as he saw Karen and Brock “hi you guys…” he said trying to sound typical “Ash…did you just call Misty…sweetie?” Ash gave a low sigh and walked over to his beloved “maybe this will help” he pulled her over and gave her a kiss. Brock was very happy and Karen faked it as well though deep down her heart filled with hatred. The small group decided to go out for a small picnic “since when did you guys hide this?” asked Brock as he took a bite from his sandwich “um…last night” Brock smiled “well, I’m happy for you two” Karen just smiled “hey Karen” she looked up at Misty who glared at her wickedly “want to play some catch while the boys finish?” Karen looked surprised but agreed with a sinister smile forming over her face. The two girls arrived at a small, clear spot near the fountain where Ash had declared himself to her “I know your secret, Karen Sash. I know that you want to take Ash from me” Karen grinned evilly “yes, and I just don’t want to take him. I am going to take him from you!” Misty laughed at her “I saw you yesterday when Ash embraced me in his arms. I saw how angry you were at the park’s entrance. I concluded this this morning when you were very silent” Karen clapped softly “great work, detective. Yet no solution” Misty laughed “I’m just going to tell you this once, Karen sash. If you ever look for me…you will find me” she walked away as Karen stared at her evilly “I think its different…I’ll find you and make you wish you never said those words to me” she turned around and left. Ash and Brock saw as Misty arrived “where’s--” she sat down “Karen…she had to…leave” they both shrugged not noticing her last two words “for good…” They arrived latte at night “I’m so tired” yawned Misty as Ash opened the door “you and Misty take the bed…*Yawn*…I’ll take the floor” Ash flicked the lights on and found a very unexpected surprise “hello…Misty” as if to be called out for a challenge, she stepped into the front “I thought we had a little…agreement” Karen shook her head hastily “I’m afraid…I just couldn’t accept it” Ash finally stepped in “what is going on, Misty?” he asked “Karen…thinks you’re better off with her” he turned to her confused “its true, Ash. I love you. I loved you since I saw you on TV for the first time…and nothing will stand between you and me” Misty gave a low laugh “that’s where you’re wrong” out of her pocket, a platinum weapon appeared “if you wont handle Ash over the easy way…then I’ll take him” Misty stepped in front of Ash “let’s see you try…” it was enough for Karen to pull the trigger…twice. Yet a surprised had occurred, instead of Misty on the floor. It was Ash” Misty quickly dropped besides him “Ash!” Karen looked at him terrified “I…didn’t mean…to” Misty stood up “you little Bitch!” Brock stopped her before she could get her hands on Karen “we need to call an ambulance here pronto” Misty relaxed partly and went back to Ash. Minutes later the paramedics were taking Ash into the ambulance “I’m sure Ash will be ok” Misty nodded as she stared at the ambulance “by the way, where that bit…Karen go” a shot was heard in the distance and only one words came to mind, suicide… Misty and Brock arrived at the hospital hours later “how’s he, doc?” asked Prof. Oak” the doctor smiled “he will be perfectly ok in a few days” they all cheered “may we see him” he nodded “but one at a time” Misty was the first to go in “hi Ash…feeling better?” Ash smiled “yes. Now that you’re here” Misty giggled “Misty…” she came closer to him “what’s wrong?” she asked a little worried “noting… I just want to know that I love you” she smiled “I love you too, Ash” he raised his hand and caressed her face “you know…I still thank Karen” Misty looked confused for what?” she asked hastily “because if not for her…I would probably never have found you” they both kissed to once more, prove the love and devotion they had to each other… Afterword… Ash has lived his life one step at a time. Through good and bad. Through life and death. Now he and Misty live in Pallet town where soon…someone will become a mother “Ash…I think the time has arrived…” Author, Writer EX Dated: March 29th- April 11th, 2004 If love is what sustains us, then what is life… …Laterz