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Confrontations

Well, I've finally made up my mind!...I think. I think I need to tell him about my past. He might be able to help me, right? Yes, definitely. Ash has helped so many people in the past, so why wouldn't he be able to help me, his best friend? Well, its now or never. I think it'll help the both of us.

So I nervously walked over to the door connecting my room with Ash's and knocked on it lightly. Several seconds passed and he had opened the door. I gave him a gentle smile.

"Hey, what's up?" He asked, looking at me confused.

"Hey...can we talk?" I asked him nervously.

His reaction was nothing what I expected. A broad smile lit up his face as he let me into his room. "Sure, come on in. Pikachu, could you watch Togepi for a little while?"

"Pikachu!"

I loved Pikachu to death, the way it always took care of Togepi for me. I owe it so much.

Ash had closed the door while I sat on his bed. I was incredibly nervous about what I was about to say. I had never told anyone about this before. But I felt that I was ready. So I took a deep breath and began to speak.

"I know that your probably wondering what the deal is with me and Derek, and I don't blame you. I'm sorry if you think that I've been distant lately, but I'm really not trying to be. This is just incredibly hard for me to tell, but I think that I'm ready." I said as calmly as I could.

"Okay, go ahead. Take your time." He said while putting a hand on my shoulder.

I took yet another deep breath and began to tell my painful story.

"When I was about ten, my sisters tried to set me up with their friends younger brother, Derek. I thought that it was a great opportunity to get close to a guy...an incredibly handsome guy. And I thought that if we kept it up, we would eventually become boyfriend, girlfriend. But, as time progressed, he started to get more and more violent with me." I finished as I could feel the tears invading my eyes. I held them back, knowing that I would never be able to continue if I started to cry now.

I finally got the courage to look up at Ash and saw that he was looking at me intently with a concerned look on his face. "Violent?" He asked a second later.

"Yeah. He started hitting me and slapping me whenever I did something wrong, or even if he just felt like it. I couldn't escape him. I was so scared. Every night I would pray for someone to come and rescue me, to take me away from Derek and all the pain he's caused me. I never told my sisters because I didn't want them to blame themselves." I stopped for a while to catch my breath, then continued. "When I was about 11 or 12, I found my opportunity to escape. I told my sisters that I was leaving to become a water pokemon master, but of course, that wasn't the only reason." I said as I looked down.

"Then what?" He asked concerned.

A light smile appeared on my face, thinking about what I was about to say next.

"Then, when I was fishing on the outskirts of Pallet Town, I caught a scrawny little kid with a Pikachu who later befriended me. At first, I was afraid and thought that maybe this guy was just like Derek, but I was wrong. He helped me to extinguish my pain without even knowing it. Then, right before my eyes, that little kid transformed into a handsome, young man. I owe that kid so much." I finished with tears in my eyes. When I looked up I could see that tears had also developed in Ash's eyes too. He wrapped his arms around me, comfortingly. I could feel the warmth in his hug, it helped me to forget about all the pain that's been inside of me this whole time.

"We'll get through this somehow." He reassured me.

"Ash, I'm scared. He-he's plotting some kind of plan to get rid of you, I just know it." I said trembling.

"What makes you say that?" He asked while staring at me.

"He hinted at something when we were out on the balcony talking." I said.

I looked at him again and he didn't look the least bit scared, he looked more confident then ever. He had that special glint in his eye that gave me all the comfort I needed.

"I'll be okay. Don't worry about me. What else did you talk about?" He asked as I looked out the window.

"He said that he wanted me back." I whispered while closing my eyes.

"Not gonna happen." I looked at him, hope filling my eyes. "Your not going back with him, do you hear me? Not if I have anything to do with it."

He did care about me, a great deal I might add. But I knew that it was extremely dangerous for Ash to stay here with me. I didn't want him to get caught up in my affairs.

"No, Ash. You have to leave now. It's not safe, especially for you. Take Brock and Pikachu with you in the morning. I'll be fine." I finished, taking in a deep breath.

"No, I'm not leaving you here with him and that's final!" He said in a firm, demanding voice.

"But Ash--" I tried to argue back, but he beat me to it.

"Mist, no...I can't do that. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I left you here. You mean...too much to me. We either leave together, or neither of us leave, okay?" He finished while a few silent tears rolled down his face.

I smiled at him, knowing that it was impossible to win. "Okay Ash."

He pulled me into a hug as I buried my face into his chest. To tell you the truth, I was scared. Scared of Derek's actions, scared of what might happen to Ash if he stayed, I was just plain scared. He then did something that I totally didn't expect. He gently kissed my cheek. I looked up to meet his gaze as he gave me a light smile.

"Why don't you get to bed, its getting late." He gently whispered.

"Yeah, your right." I said as I got up. I then turned back to him and gave him a light kiss on the cheek, which surprised him, as well as myself. I then whispered in his ear. "Thank you Ash."

He nodded at me as I reentered my room. I thanked Pikachu for watching Togepi and sat on my bed. I looked at Ash through my open door.

"Is it all right with you if I keep this door open?" I asked.

"Of course." He answered me.

"Goodnight Ash, night Pikachu." I said while settling into my bed.

"Pika."

"Night Mist." I heard him say as I got under the covers.

What had just happened? Was I hallucinating or did Ash really kiss me? Even if he did, it was probably just a sign of friendship, right? Oh, chill out Misty. One little kiss and I get all hysterical. I have bigger things to worry about right now...like Derek. I honestly didn't know what to do. Well, maybe a goodnight's sleep would help me to jump start my brain. So, with that in mind, I quickly drifted off to sleep.

The next morning...

I woke up to the first rays of sunlight hitting my eyes. I groaned sleepily and slowly got up. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining brightly, a light breeze was gently blowing through my window, and I could hear the birds chirping happily outside. I was in a much better mood than I had been the previous night.

I got up out of bed, changed my clothes, and walked over to my balcony. I looked out over the horizon and saw the ocean in all its splendor. It was quite a sight. I breathed in the ocean air as I rested my arms on the railing. It couldn't get much better than this...or maybe it could. Just then I saw a figure standing next to me also admiring the view.

"Its beautiful, isn't it?" Said Ash as he looked out at the ocean.

I smiled at him as I continued to look at the view.

"Good morning to you too." I told him.

"You sleep well?" He asked cautiously.

"Yeah, the best rest I've had in days." I said tearing my eyes away from the scenery.

Just then, I heard the door knock. It was then that I remembered the reason for my mood the previous day. Oh no, I thought.

"Who is it?" Asked Ash, as he eyed the door suspiciously.

"Its me, Brock. Just wanted to let you know that breakfast is ready." He shouted through the door.

I sighed in relief and I could hear Ash do the same.

"We'll be right down." I answered back. I reverted my attention back to Ash. "You ready to go?"

"Definitely. I'm starved!" He said while walking back inside. He called for Pikachu as I picked up Togepi. We then both walked down the stairs.

As we descended down the staircase, I thought about the night before. Ash seemed normal to me. He acted as if nothing had happened between us. Maybe that little kiss was just a sign of friendship. I guess I'll never know, not unless I tell him my true feelings for him. But that's not exactly an option right now.

We seated ourselves next to each other as we both looked around the table. I saw all three of sisters preparing the meal, but Derek was no where in sight, not that I wanted him there in the first place. No sooner had I thought this, I heard light footsteps coming down the stairs. Oh great, I thought to myself. There's one way to ruin my almost perfect day.

"Good morning all." He greeted cheerfully. He then sat himself down in the seat across from me. I knew he had done it on purpose, just so he could make me feel uncomfortable. I know it sounds crazy, but that's the kind of person he is.

I avoided eye contact as I had done so many times before. I just couldn't look at him. It brought back too many painful memories. Just then, my sisters dished out the food and we began to eat. Eating helped me to forget about Derek for a little while, but it all came back to me once we entered the living room. I needed to get out of here! I needed to be anywhere but here. Just then Ash and Brock stood up.

"We're gonna go head up and take showers. You gonna be okay?" He asked.

"Yeah, I'll be fine." I said smiling at him.

They both headed upstairs followed by Pikachu. As I watched Ash head up, I saw him whisper something to Pikachu. It nodded and soon disappeared from sight. Now was my chance to get some fresh air.

"Hey guys, I'm going out for a walk to clear my head. I'll be in the park." I said as I stood up. "Daisy, can you watch Togepi for me?"

"Sure." She said as she took it away from me.

"I'll be back in a little while." I said as I walked out the door.

I went to the park, a place where I knew I would get some peace and quiet. I walked over by the small lake and took in a deep breath. Now to get down to business. What was I gonna do about Derek? More importantly, what was I gonna do about Ash?

Just then, my thoughts were interrupted by a rustling in a nearby bush. I looked at it carefully just as a pile of rocks came flying at me. The rocks wrapped around me, pinning down my arms. Wait, it wasn't a pile of rocks. I looked at it more carefully and discovered that it was a Steelix. Oh great, how was I gonna get out of this one? I tried screaming for help but it was no use. Remember, I went to the park to get peace and quiet. Stupid me...I should have never left the house. Now I'm easy prey to some wild pokemon.

Just then, a bright flash of electricity surrounds the area around me. The Steelix falls to the floor, unconscious. I looked at it, confused as to what just happened. Just then I heard a familiar voice call out to me.

"Misty!" I saw Ash running towards me with a worried look on his face. I also saw Pikachu and I immediately figured that it was the cause for the electric attack on the Steelix.

"Ash?" I asked in confusion. How had he even found me in the first place?

"Come on. We've gotta get out of here now. Derek followed you out of the house and I bet that Steelix was his." He said in a hurry.

Before I could respond, I could see a Nidoking rush out of the bushes and tackle Ash into a tree. I ran over to him, terrified.

"Ash! Are you okay?" I asked him, while kneeling by his side.

"Yeah, I-I think. What was that?" He asked while looking around.

All of a sudden, I could hear laughing. That laugh was all too familiar to me.

"No..." I said under my breath. I knew exactly who it was and it scared me.

"Well, well, well...what do we have here?" Derek said while giving me that smirk of his.

"Derek..." I choked out, scared to death. So, this was his plan, to get us when no one else was watching.

"Leave us alone." Said Ash weakly as he tried to get up. I heard him groan in pain as he held his chest tightly.

"Ash, stay down." I told him while standing up.

"Oh, did you hurt yourself Ash? Now I wonder how that happened?" Laughed Derek as he returned his Steelix. "Steelix, return! You did a good job. Nice work, Nidoking."

I knew I had to do something before things got out of hand.

"Derek, please...leave Ash out of this. Its between you and me. Don't get him involved." I pleaded.

"Its too late for that Misty. You should have thought of that before you went to him for help." He said smirking at me.

I could see him motioning for his Nidoking. It grabbed me as I frantically tried to get away.

"No, let me go!" I yelled, but I knew it was hopeless. What was gonna happen? I didn't even wanna think about that. I could see Derek approaching me slowly.

"Get away from her!" Ash yelled trying to get up, but I guess the pain was too great for him.

Just then, Derek lunged at me and started kissing me, and since my hands were bound together, I couldn't do anything about it. Several seconds later, which seemed like hours to me, he released. From the corner of my eye, I could see Ash looking away in disgust. Derek then placed his hand on my chin.

"I'll fight you for her." He said calmly.

"What?" Asked Ash, not sure if he had heard him correctly.

"You heard me." He said coldly. "Now, I wonder who you want to win Misty."

I looked at him in disbelief. He knew...

Before I knew it, Derek had harshly slapped me.

"Misty!" Ash slowly stood up, ignoring the pain that was coursing through his body."You don't own her and she definitely doesn't belong to you. She deserves just as much respect as anyone else. She's her own person and should decide how to lead her own life. How dare you take that away from her." He finished.

"Wow Ash, that was deep. But my offer still stands. You want a chance to save her? Well, here's your chance." I could see Derek approaching me. He grasped my face tightly and held it up to his face. "Your beautiful..."

Now what? I was petrified. What would happen now?

"Remember Ketchum, there are no second chances in this game." He said as he kicked Ash in the chest. I could see him doubling over in pain. I couldn't stand to see him like that, but what else could I do? "And what about you Misty? What do you want?" He suddenly asked.

"I want for you to leave Ash alone and just take me. I don't care anymore. You can't possibly hurt me anymore than you already have." I said as tears formed in my eyes.

"That's where your wrong. Your suffering's only just begun." He said gravely. Derek then said something that caught me off guard. "You love him, don't you?"

Whoa! Where the heck did that come from?! I couldn't answer him, so I just stood there, speechless. I looked at Ash and he looked back, not in the least bit surprised or even confused.

"That's what I thought. I knew you had feelings for him, your just too afraid to express them. From the moment you walked through that door yesterday...I knew. You can't fool me Misty." He finished while glaring at Ash. Derek continued, "And that's why...in order to finally get you back...I have to fight him. You'll always be devoted to him...until the day he dies, which just so happens to be today."

"No..." I whispered, "You can't do that Derek...please." I could no longer hold back my tears.

"I can and I will! You've belonged to me ever since the beginning! Now, come on Ketchum! Get up and fight!" He demanded. And, as stubborn as Ash is, he slowly started to get up, despite the pain. I could see Derek kicking him and throwing Ash's already battered body to the ground.

"Derek, please stop!" I pleaded, but he only ignored me. Ash was strong but I wasn't sure if he could cope with this much pain.

All of a sudden, Nidoking loosened its grip on me. Without thinking twice, I ran over to Ash and shielded his body with my own just in time to receive Derek's kick.

"Misty? Get out of my way!" Derek demanded.

"No, I won't let you hurt him like you hurt me." I protested.

"Either you get out of my way or I'll make you move!" He yelled, but before he could make another move, a flash of electricity engulfed him. I shielded my eyes and continued to protect Ash. When the light had subsided, I could see Derek on the ground in incredible pain. Just then, I could see Pikachu leap out of the bushes followed by Brock, Officer Jenny, my sisters, and several other officers who were now hauling Derek away.

"Let me go! This isn't over Misty! I'll get you back and when I do, Ketchum is gonna pay!" Derek's voice rang in my ears, but I couldn't be bothered with that now. There were more important things to worry about, like Ash. I ran over to him, kneeling next to his body. He got hurt because of me...me...This is all my fault!

I tried to hold back my tears, but my emotions got the better of me.

"Ash, I'm so sorry. I never meant for this to happen." I wept as he looked into my eyes.

"Hey, don't worry about it. You know me, a little pain doesn't bother me anymore." He said as he tried to cheer me up. I just shook my head.

"This is all my fault..." I whimpered as I looked at the ground, but Ash lifted my face with his hand and gently wiped away my tears.

"Now come on, this doesn't sound like the Misty I know." He weakly smiled at me. I gave him a light smile back. He was right, this wasn't like me. I never cried or showed that I was weak, especially in front of Ash. I held his hand that was still holding my face and bit my lip to prevent any more tears.

"Ash! Misty! Are you guys okay!?" I could see Brock running towards us with several paramedics, as well as Officer Jenny, behind him.

"I'm okay, but Ash is hurt." I replied.

"Don't worry, the ambulance is here. We'll get him some help." He said as he knelt down next to Ash. "How ya doing, Ash?"

"It could be worse." He said as he was lifted onto the stretcher and put into the back of the ambulance.

Just then, I could see my three sisters running towards us.

"Like, what the hell happened?!" Asked Lily, confused by the whole situation.

"I'll explain it to you guys later." I said, exhausted.

"Pikapi!" Pikachu ran over to Ash and jumped into his open arms.

"Pikachu! Hey there buddy. Thanks for helping us out back there." Ash said as he gently petted Pikachu.

"Pikachu! Pika, pi chu pikachu?" It asked in a concerned tone of voice. Although Pikachu spoke in a different tongue, we've all been around it long enough to understand what it was saying.

"Yeah, I'll be just fine. Don't you worry about me." Ash reassured.

Just then, I could see Officer Jenny walking over to us with a notepad in her hands. Oh great, now I would have to explain this whole situation to her.

"Excuse me miss, but I'm gonna need a full report on what happened here tonight." She said sternly.

"I'll take care of this. You go on ahead with Ash." Said Brock as he placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Thank you Brock." I smiled as I hugged him tightly. I hopped in the back of the ambulance with Ash and Pikachu leaving Brock, my sisters, and Officer Jenny behind.

Once at the hospital, the doctors had rushed Ash into the emergency room. I was told to go to the waiting room, so that's exactly what I did. I sat there, with Pikachu, thinking out loud.

"Why did this have to happen? Its like bad luck follows us everywhere." I whispered as I held my head in my hands. It was then that I remembered what Derek had said. How did he know? And how would Ash react when I see him?

Just then, my thoughts were interrupted by someone's voice addressing me.

"Excuse me miss." I looked up to see a familiar doctor. It was the same one who had taken Ash into the emergency room.

"Yes?"

"Your Ash Ketchum's friend, right?" What kind of a question was that!? Of course I was! He saw me come in with him.

I tried to regain my sanity as I answered him calmly. "Yeah, is he gonna be all right?"

"He'll be just fine, although he bruised his ribs pretty badly. He'll have to stay here a day or two." The doctor said as he smiled at me.

"Can I see him?" I asked in a small voice.

"Of course. Right this way." He directed me down the long corridor to room number 135.

"Thank you Doctor." I said politely as he nodded at me and then walked away.

I slowly opened the door expecting to see him sleeping soundly, but what I saw was the exact opposite. He was sitting up in his bed watching a pokemon battle on tv. I also noticed that his chest was wrapped up with a clean white bandage and that his shirt, jacket, and hat were hanging on a nearby chair.

"Pikapi!"

"Hey." I said softly.

He turned to look at me and Pikachu and I saw that his face instantly lit up.

"Hey Mist, Pikachu. Come on over." He said while waving us inside.

Okay, so far so good. You can do this Misty.

I took a seat on the chair next to his bed, while Pikachu jumped up on Ash's lap.

"How are you feeling?" I asked, worried.

"I'm okay. How are you?" He asked, concerned.

"Me? I'm not the one that got attacked by the Nidoking, remember?" I said while smiling at him.

"Yeah, I know, but I was still worried about you." He looked at me with those eyes...his eyes. I just couldn't tear myself away from them. They were just so alluring.

"Thank you Ash." I suddenly said, breaking the silence.

"Hmm? For what?" He asked, confused.

"For everything...you got hurt trying to protect me from Derek...you stood up for me...you showed concern for me." I finished.

"Hey, that's what I'm here for." He reassured.

Then there was that moment of silence that I despised so much, but fortunately, Ash broke it.

"Mist, I-I have something to tell you." I could hear the nervousness in his voice. He was now looking down at his bed sheets and gripping onto them.

Was he gonna say what I longed to hear for the past 6 years?

"Yes Ash?" The suspense was killing me. I could see that his lower lip was trembling with fear and I could tell that he had to force himself not to look at me. He then shook his head.

"N-nevermind..." He whispered as he looked out the window.

What was he gonna say? I needed to know, but its not like I could force it out of him. Was he gonna say what I thought he was gonna say?

"Ash..."

"Ash! Hey bro, how are you doing?" Damn you Brock...

"I'm feeling a little better. Did you get everything cleared up?" He asked, probably glad to having the subject changed.

"Yup. It's all done. They hauled Derek off. He won't be bothering us again." I sure hope not. Just the sound of his name sent shivers up my spine. "Well, I'm off for the pokemon center. You guys need anything?" Brock asked.

"No, I think we're okay." Answered Ash.

"Okay. Pikachu, wanna come?" He asked as he headed for the door.

"Pika!" Pikachu jumped off of Ash's lap and onto Brock's vest.

"By the way Misty, I have Togepi at the pokemon center."

"Okay. Thank you Brock." I smiled at him.

"No problem." He smiled back.

"Pikachu...thank you." Ash suddenly said. "You really saved the day buddy, thanks."

"Pikachu pika." It smiled at us and waved its little paw in a 'no problem' gesture.

"I guess I owe you a lot too Pikachu. You too Brock." I announced.

"Pika pikachu."

"Pikachu's right, we really don't deserve all the credit. It was really Ash who came to the rescue. He told Pikachu to keep a close eye on you before we went upstairs."

I looked at Ash in surprise. He had actually done that for me? Well, I guess Violet was right. I am a lucky girl.

"Well, we'll see you guys later." Brock waved at us, then left along with Pikachu.

I turned my attention back to Ash, who was once again fidgeting with the blankets. What would make him so nervous? If only it was the reason I was thinking, but that could never happen to us, could it? Nah, I'm just going into my fantasy dream world again, fantasizing about the one thing...person I can't have. Oh well, maybe it was meant to be this way. There's nothing I can do to change fate, so why bother?

An uneasy silence followed as we both looked away from each other. I had never felt so close to Ash, but at the same time, so far away.

"Well, I guess you better get some rest so we can get you out of here as soon as possible." I said as I stood from my seat.

I started to exit the room, but Ash's voice stopped me.

"Wait. I don't want you to go. Please stay with me and keep me company." He asked timidly.

"Of course Ash." I said as I sat down once again.

From then on, we carried on a very nice conversation about where to go after Ash was out of the hospital. I could tell that he felt a lot more comfortable with me than he did a few minutes ago, and that made me happy. Even if Ash didn't return his feelings for me, I would still want him to be happy...even if it meant that I wasn't a part of that happiness. He still means everything to me, and he always will because of all the things he's done for me.

Just then, my thoughts drifted to that of Derek.

"Ash, do you think Derek will come back for me?" I suddenly asked.

"I won't let him. He can't take you away from me." His words helped to soothe the fear inside of me, but I still held my doubts.

I know that Ash and Brock have tried to reassure me that he's locked up, but I have this strange feeling inside of me that its not over...not yet anyways. Along with these many thoughts, my mind was plagued with the ultimate question...

Would he be back?


A/N: Well, hope ya liked it. A sequel is in the process and I'm even thinking about making this a trilogy. They're all written out, it all depends on my extreme laziness to get on the computer and type it. Neways, please review!