Disclaimer: Don't own pokemon! A/N: Here's Chapter 7. Enjoy! School Days Chapter 7 Misty looked over his rich features as he slept and gently caressed his cheek. All of a sudden, his eyes slowly opened. "Hey..." He whispered, still weak from the attack. "Hey..." She whispered back. "Are you okay?" "I'm fine." He replied. "Nothing I can't handle." "Ash, this isn't a joke anymore. This has to stop." She commented. "I told you, I'm fine." He reassured. "Well, from where I'm standing, you don't look fine." She said, giving him a weak smile. Her face then turned serious. "Jared's gone too far this time." "Don't do anything drastic." He warned. "Drastic? Ash, look at yourself. You can't tell me what he did to you wasn't drastic." Misty said. Ash sighed and shifted in his bed. "I never said what he did wasn't drastic. I'm just saying that I don't want you doing anything you'll regret later on." "I won't, but I'll tell you what I will do." She hesitated before continuing. "I'm gonna confront him about this. He can't be allowed to do this and get away with it." "I guess I can't stop you." Ash smiled. "No, you can't." She smiled back. "What are you gonna do?" He asked. "Just leave that to me." She replied. "How's Chris doing?" Ash asked. "He's just fine. We're all just worried about you." She told him. "Oh no!" Ash panicked, catching Misty off guard. "What? What is it?" She asked, concerned. "My Mom! I told her I'd be back soon and that was over two hours ago!" He exclaimed. "Ash, calm down. I already told your mother what happened." Misty explained. "You told her that Jared attacked me?" He asked, skeptical. "Um, well, not exactly. I told her that you got attacked by a wild pokemon and that you were sleeping peacefully at my house. So, she sent over Pikachu. It should be here any--" "Pika pi!" (Ash!) The little electric mouse cried as it ran over to its trainer. "Pikachu!" Ash exclaimed, hugging his best friend. "Pika pikachu?" (What happened to you?) It asked, looking at all of the Ash's wounds. "I got attacked in the park." He explained. "Pi pikachu chu, pika pika pikachu." (I should've gone with you, then none of this would've happened.) It said, hanging its head low. "Don't worry about it buddy. There was nothing you could've done about it. Besides, it was a rock pokemon." Ash reassured. "Pika pikachu chu pika." (I still should've been there.) It sighed. Ash stroked Pikachu's fur reassuringly, knowing that it was probably feeling pretty down. "Don't blame yourself Pikachu. It wasn't your fault. Besides, Ash is gonna be okay and that's all that really matters." Misty explained, also stroking Pikachu's fur. "Pikachu..." (I guess...) It sighed. "Well, I'll leave you two alone." Said Misty, getting up out of her seat. "Mist..." Whispered Ash. "Yes, Ash?" She asked, turning back around. "Thanks." He said. "For what? I didn't do anything." She smiled. "Yeah...you did." He replied, smiling. Misty looked at him strangely, trying to figure out what he was hiding. "Is...there something you need to tell me Ash?" Misty asked slowly. Ash thought for a second about her question and then shook his head. 'Now's not the time to tell her.' He thought to himself. "No, everything's fine." He replied. "Okay. Well, if you need anything, just call out." She smiled. He nodded as he watched her figure leave the room. "Pika?" (Well?) Asked the pokemon. "Well what?" Questioned Ash. "Pi pikachu chu pi pika?" (Have you told her yet?) It inquired. "Of course not. Don't worry, I will." He sighed. "Pi pika pikachu." (I don't think you should.) Whispered Pikachu, drooping its ears to the floor. "What are you talking about? You know how I feel about her." Replied a very shocked Ash. "Pika, chu pikachu pika, pika pi chu. (Well, if your gonna end up like you are now, you shouldn't do it.) It insisted. Ash looked at Pikachu and smiled, knowing that it was only looking out for the well-being of its master. "Look pal, I know you mean well, but I have to. Its eating me up inside. She has a right to know, although, a certain someone might not agree with me." Ash sighed, referring to Jared. "Pika, pikachu." (Well, okay.) Sighed Pikachu. "Thanks for the concern buddy." Ash smiled. "Pikachu!" (No problem!) It squealed, jumping into Ash's open arms. Downstairs... "How's he doing?" Asked Chris, who was stretched out on the couch. "He'll be fine." She sighed. "Hey, what's wrong?" Asked Melissa, concerned for her best friend. "Mel, this has to stop before someone gets seriously injured." She stated. "Hello? Does anyone see me here!? I'm injured ya know." Announced Chris dramatically. "Oh, your fine." Replied Sarah, rolling her eyes at his antics. "This is serious. Stop fooling around." "Sorry." He apologized. "What are you gonna do?" Lauren inquired. "I'm gonna confront him at school tomorrow." She replied. "I'll go with you." Smiled Melissa. "But--" "No buts, if he has his little gang with him, I don't see why you can't have us with you, right guys?" She concluded as everyone nodded in agreement. "Thanks guys." Misty smiled, knowing that she wasn't alone on this one. Misty then spotted Chris and noticed the forlorn look on his face. "Chris, you've already done enough and I know that your friendship with Jared will never be the same. You don't have to--" "No, I'm going too." He interrupted. "But Chris--" Started Sarah. "No, I told you already. I'm going. Misty's right, Jared can't be aloud to do this again. I've just been standing alongside him for so long that I didn't even realize what he was doing was wrong." He sighed. "Then what made you save Ash?" Asked Anna. "Sarah called me last night and told me all the info...about Misty and Ash. She was afraid that Jared might try and interfere...and she was right, although I didn't want to believe it. She told me to watch over him just in case something happened." He finished. "I was worried about Ash and I didn't want this dance to be ruined for you, Misty." Sarah explained. "Thanks you guys. It means a lot to me to know how concerned you guys are about us. Thanks...to all of you." Misty thanked. "No problem Misty. You know that we're behind you every step of the way on this one." Commented Melissa. "Yeah, I know." Smiled Misty gratefully. "Thanks." They all nodded, smiling at her, knowing that the next day would be tougher than anyone ever expected. The next day... Misty was on her way to class, accompanied by Melissa. Misty had been unusually quiet, thinking about her confrontation. "You okay?" Asked Melissa, shaking Misty from her thoughts. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking." She replied. "Everything's gonna work out. I know they will." Melissa reassured as she opened the door to the classroom. "Yeah, your right. I have nothing to worry about." She smiled. As soon as Misty had walked into the classroom, she instantly regretted her words. 'What am I talking about? I have so much to worry about.' She thought to herself as she saw Jared approach Ash. "Hey there, Ash. What happened to your arm?" Smirked Jared, pointing to Ash's arm, which was wrapped up in tape. Ash just glared at him angrily. "Don't give me that look Ash. You deserved what you got." Smiled Jared. "Now you'll know to stay away from Misty." "Well, guess what Jared? That's not gonna happen." Announced Ash. "We'll just see about that!" Countered Jared, pushing Ash aside. "Oh yeah!" Ash yelled back, pushing Jared. "Stop it!" Scolded Misty, standing in-between the two fighting boys. "Hey there Mist." Jared greeted, ignoring what had just happened. Misty just glared at him and gave out a sigh. "What?" Asked Jared, smiling at her. "Don't give me that, Jared. I'm really not in the mood for you today." She exclaimed. "Now why's that?" He smiled. "You know exactly why. Stay away from him." She whispered. "W-What are you talking about?" He stammered, finally getting serious. "I've lost all trust in you." She said, shaking her head. "Huh? B-But Misty--" "Okay class, take your seats." Announced Mr. B, walking into the classroom. "We'll talk after school." Misty said, walking to her seat. Jared watched her, anger and confusion filling him, but not for Misty...for Ash. Ash saw this and glared at Jared dangerously. Both boys took their seats and class soon began without another word being said, but it would be after class where the real words would be dealt. At lunch time, Misty approached Jared and his gang at one of the lunch tables. Seeing Misty, Jared smiled, but his smile soon faded into a scowl when he saw who she was with. 'Ketchum...' He thought menacingly. "Jared, meet me at the South gate after school. We need to talk." She told him seriously. "About what?" He asked. "I think you know what I mean." She replied. "Misty, what ever he said, its not true! This guy's a liar and he's just taking advantage of you!" He screamed. "What!?" Yelled Ash. "Ash, stop." Misty ordered, not wanting another fight to break out. "After school Jared, not here. You wanna talk to me...then come." With that said, she turned around and walked back to her table with Ash and her other friends. The rest of the day seemed to fly by without any glitches, and before they knew it, school was over. Misty met with her friends in the main hallway and then they made their way to the South gate. Once there, they saw Jared and his gang sitting on some benches, talking amongst themselves. Jared stopped what he was doing when he saw Misty and he motioned for his gang to do the same. "What's all this?" Jared asked, motioning to Misty's friends behind her. "This is serious. We need to talk." She said. "Fine, but...hey! What the hell are you doing here?!" Jared yelled, noticing Chris. "I'm siding with Misty on this one. I'm sorry Jared. You went too far that time." Chris commented. 'It was him. He told Misty about our confrontation. And to think, I used to call him my best friend.' Jared thought, scowling at them. "You guys stay here, we'll be back." Stated Misty, motioning for Jared to follow her. "But Misty--" "Don't worry, Mel. I'm gonna sort this thing out." She smiled. "Okay." Melissa sighed. "You stay here too." She said, directing her attention towards Ash. Seeing the worried look on his face, she smiled. "I'll be just fine." He nodded and then smiled back at her. "What is up with you guys? You act like I'm gonna hurt her or something." Jared said, shaking his head and folding his arms. Upon hearing this, Ash and Melissa glared at him, knowing the severity of his words...knowing that he could hurt her. "Don't you two give me those looks!" Jared spat out. "Jared, come on." Sighed Misty, walking off. Jared obeyed, keeping his eyes on Ash all the while. They walked to the side of the school so that they could still be seen by their friends, but far enough to not be heard. "Okay, what's going on?" He asked, irritated. "Jared, you can't do this anymore." Misty announced. "Do what?" He asked, looking away. "You could've killed Ash yesterday. Do you know that?" Misty sighed. "So what? I don't care what happens to him." He said, rolling his eyes. "Well, I do. Now, I know you may hate this, but I do care about him." She said. "I don't see why. He 's not special or anything." He said. "He is to me. Why can't you understand that?" She asked, her voice getting shaky. "You know what, this conversation is pointless!" He yelled in frustration. "No, its not." She said calmly. "If I don't talk to you now, I'm afraid your gonna go after Ash again." "So what if I do?" He asked, leaning up against the side of the building. "You don't get it, do you? Jared, please, I lo--" She stopped herself before she could finish. "You what?" Asked Jared, raising an eyebrow. "Never mind." She whispered. "The point is that I don't want you going near him, okay? Please..." "I don't see what the big deal is! Why are so worried about him?! If he's such a man then he can handle me and my gang himself!" He yelled, enraged. "Jared, stop it!" Misty yelled, letting some of her tears fall. "No! I won't! This is ridiculous! How can you have feelings for that...that guy!?" He screamed, grabbing her arm. "Jared, let me go." Misty said, trying to get out of his grasp. "No, you listen to me. I told you already. He's not right for you." He tried explaining in a calmer tone. "Who are you to say who's right for me and who's not!?" She cried. "I am!" He retaliated, slapping her face. Shocked by the force of the slap, Misty fell to her knees. Jared, realizing what he had just done, started to calm down. "Misty!" Yelled a distant voice. In a matter of seconds, Misty felt herself being pulled into a hug. When she looked up, she saw Ash's concerned face. "Are you okay?" He asked. "I-I'm fine." She sniffed, looking to Jared. "No..." He whispered, looking down at his own hands. He was consumed with so much anger and confusion that he couldn't think straight. He had just done it again. The one thing that he promised to never do to her...and he did it. He clenched his fists in frustration and backed away from the group. "Misty, I--" Misty pressed her herself into Ash's chest, afraid of what Jared's next move would be. Ash felt this and pulled Misty in closer. Upon seeing the scared look in Misty's eyes, Jared backed away. "Are you afraid of me...?" Jared whispered. "How can I not be?" She whispered back. Jared shook his head, consumed with confusion and fear. Then, all of a sudden, he bolted down the street. Misty watched as he ran and silently cried for him, secretly praying that he would be okay. A/N: There it is! Hope ya liked it! Thanks! AAML forever!