Chance (for love)

Ash couldn’t believe himself. He had all the time in the world but now he is out of time. Cursing himself for his own stupidity he knew this was his last chance and probably his only chance left. No matter how fast he ran he knew he would probably reach the train station too late. But he wanted to try; he wanted to see if there was some miracle of a chance. Ash ran as if his own life depended on it, perhaps his “life” did depend on it.

Ash: Misty . . . don’t go . . .

How did this happen, how could he have waited this long. A memory flashed in his mind to a previous period, the day before.

*****

Ash and Misty were sitting at the pokemon center together resting from their afternoon of activities. Their pokemon were tired too and needed to be recharged. As they waited for Nurse Joy to call on them they sat in the lounge area watching TV.

Ash: Anything good on?

Misty: Hang on.

Misty flipped through the channels trying to find an interesting program to watch. Maybe something cheerful like anime or a sitcom. She stopped at the food channel watching over a chef place the finishing touches on a fancy chicken katsu dish.

Misty: I could go for one of those right now. Wish Brock was here.

Ash could feel his own stomach start to complain, since Brock left them their meals had been becoming very boring.

Ash: But he left a few months ago with that breeder girl, what’s her name.

Misty: Do you have any spare cash on you; let’s go get something to eat.

Ash: Not really sorry.

Disappointed Misty changed the channel and hoped to forget about food for awhile, not long after she received a phone call.

Nurse Joy: Would Misty please report to the front desk, you have a telephone call.

Misty: Phone call? That’s odd.

Ash quietly waited for Misty to return. He flipped through the channels looking for a show he’d like. A few channels down the line he heard the phone crashing to the ground, he turned around to see a pale and shocked Misty.

Misty: I’m sorry, it slipped.

Nurse Joy: That’s okay.

Ash carefully watched Misty return to her seat. That phone call must be important, maybe something dreadful.

Ash: Okay what was that phone call about?

Misty: Huh? Oh um it’s nothing, really.

Ash: It is something. You look like you just saw a ghost.

Misty: A ghost? What’s that suppose to mean?

Ash: I mean you look frightened.

Ash was right Misty was frightened. Perhaps it was the phone call.

Misty: I . . . I’m gonna have to go home tomorrow.

Ash: Oh? Guess I wouldn’t mind staying in Cerulean City for awhile.

Misty looked down to the floor, a bit saddened and mumbled as if she didn’t want Ash to hear.

Misty: You can’t come. Cause I’m just going to Cerulean City to . . . to see my parents.

That was surprising, when did Misty ever talk about her parents, it almost seemed like they were non-existent.

Misty: My sisters and I are moving.

The news struck Ash hard, like a solid punch right to the gut but far more painful emotionally.

Misty: We’re moving to our parents place on another continent. The Gym will be taken over by my younger relatives who have proven themselves. Ash . . . they’ve arranged for me to go back so soon. But I don’t want to leave.

*****

Ash: I don’t want you to leave too! I should have said that!!

Ash yelled to the sky as he continued to run as fast as he could. It seemed unfair, why did she have to leave and all before he could tell her what he wanted to tell her for a very long time. Time was against him, he couldn’t make it there in time but he tried.

Ash: Don’t leave . . . I had one more night but nothing. NOTHING!!

He remember last night . . .

*****

That night the two spent a quiet evening in their rooms at the pokemon center. Normally they’d be chatting over little things or watching TV together but it was different this evening. Misty was sorting her things, packing and getting ready to be back home. She looked at every little thing and remised over them. In her hand was a small case where she kept the earrings that Ash gave her. During a wild adventure hunting for diamonds Ash managed to dig up only two small pieces that was of hardly any value. He had them made into earrings for Misty and gave it to her for a birthday present. She was so happy to receive it but Ash was so reluctant to accept any return appreciation. He smiled and just said it was nothing. Every little thing that Misty packed away had a memory and each one she treasured deeply. She looked at Ash who was starring at the ceiling while lying on his bed with his arms cradling his head. He hardly said anything that evening, probably thinking about Misty’s departure.

Misty: Ash . . . I was wondering . . .

Ash turned towards Misty but Misty had trouble saying what she was saying. She fumbled with her hands and tried to spit out what she wanted to say but couldn’t.

Misty: Its nothing. Sorry.

Ash turned back to the ceiling and continued to stare at it. He did that the entire evening till he fell asleep.

That evening he dreamt something sweet. He couldn’t see an image or anything but just a sweet feeling on his lips. A warm sweet feeling that he didn’t want to let go. Thinking that it was his last morning with Misty he’d be dreaming of something more frustrating but no he was dreaming of a sweet feeling on his lips. Then he realized it, the feeling was probably a kiss. But why a kiss? He woke up immediately, looking around he saw the bed next made with a note on it.

Ash: Misty?

He got out of bed and walked towards the note, it read: “I know how hard this might be on you but I know how you feel about good byes so I’ll just leave before you wake up. It’d be less painful that way. You looked so sweet when were asleep I couldn’t help but kiss you before I left. I’m sorry if I did it without your permission but it was the least I could give you for all our time together. Ash, if I could only tell you in person but, I really did have feelings for you. I do love you. But this is good-bye. I’ll keep in contact and maybe some day we’ll meet again. Good-bye Ash, take care of yourself. Love Misty.

Ash: Misty . . . Misty!!

Frantically Ash picked up the phone and dialed for hotel information. He asked where and when is the next available train heading towards Cerulean City. It was in an hour. An hour seemed so little, he had to hurry or he’d miss his chance.

*****

Ash: If only I had said something that night.

Looking at his watch an hour had just passed since he read that letter. He could see the station but it was still a good distance away. Praying for some miracle Ash pushed himself harder to get there quicker.

When he arrived he demanded to know where the train to Cerulean City was departing. Rushing to that area he closed his eyes and hoped to see a train still there. He got to the automatic doors leading right to the train tracks; he opened his eyes and saw, an empty area. He looked around, panicking at where the train went, he saw from a distance a train departing the station.

Ash: I’m too late.

Feeling damned for his ignorance and his slowness he cursed himself. He sat down on a near bench and just repeatedly blamed himself for not doing anything to stop Misty or even just talk to her to tell her how he felt about her. Now it was too late, he may never be with her again.

Stranger: I’ve seen that face before. You were late in catching that train.

The voice came from Ash’s side, it was the voice of a beggar who probably lived where he sat.

Stranger: I bet you wanted to see someone one last time before they left.

Ash: . . .

Stranger: I’ve seen your kind before; in fact I’ve seen everything here. Its always the same story, getting here too late. Thinking they lost their chance.

Ash: Chalk one more for that story old man.

Ash got up and headed for the door but the old beggar spoke again before he left.

Stranger: What if you were given another chance.

Ash stopped for a moment. He looked at the old beggar interested in what he said.

Ash: If I had one more chance I’d take the opportunity and try to be with Misty anyway I can.

Stranger: I see. Its been awhile since I’ve seen someone with your strong will, I can feel it. I can see within your heart that you will try any way you can to have your chance. You are extraordinary.

Ash: Thanks for the complement pops. Here’s something for your trouble.

Ash reached into his pocket and tossed the beggar a small case. Ash felt like he didn’t have any use for it anymore.

Stranger: Hang on yung’un, there’s something I’m gonna give you.

Ash: I really appreciate it but . . .

Stranger: I’m going to give you another chance.

Ash: Chance?

The beggar reached into his sleeves and pulled out a golden stone. It appeared to be like gold but more of a yellow shade.

Stranger: This is your chance. Use it as many times as you want. I have but one request, give it to someone who needs it after you have gotten your chance.

Ash: . . . sure thing pops.

Stranger: And keep this . . . what’s a beggar like me gonna do with it.

The beggar tossed back the case to Ash. Ash looked at both objects and placed them in his pocket, he didn’t know what to make of it and he didn’t know what to do now, but he felt like walking till he knew the answer.

*****

In the next chapter: Ash finds out what the old beggar meant by giving him another chance.

Authors Note: Well hope everyone likes this fic. Please put a review if you want. Oh and come visit my site which I’m doing major reconstruction to it. It should be done soon so hang tight.

http://www.angelfire.com/pokemon2/pkmnromance/