The man rolled up his sleeves. Ash tried to surprise him with a swift kick but he dodged. Ash followed with a punch but he blocked it. The man punched towards Ash's face. Ash blocked it easily.
"That's good, kid. My job's usually boring."
"You can't beat me," Ash bluffed.
"As long as you feel..." The man feigned another punch to Ash's face with his left. Ash pushed it away. He surprised Ash with an uppercat to the stomach. "...pain, that's all I care about."
Ash bent over in pain, but righted himself up straightaway. He tried another punch, but the man blocked it and retaliated with a slap to the bruise on his face.
Ash screamed.
"That's what I want to hear."
Ash scolded himself for showing pain, but he couldn't help it. His face was now on fire.
Before he could fully recover, Ash felt another blow to his stomach. This time it winded him.
He felt ashamed. All that training in Pallet that had served him so well... and now to be humiliated by some Viridianite scum. His anger built up. The moment he caught his breath, he lashed out in a volley of punches, aiming at anything and everything.
One or two punches hit their mark, but most were blocked. His opponent blocked his last punch, a left hook, which left Ash's face open. The man closed in and swiped his elbow up under Ash's chin.
Ash flew back and hit the wall. He was knocked out momentarily and started sliding to the ground, but his opponent grabbed him by the hair and pulled him to his feet. He slapped the bruise on his face again.
"Stand like a man, Pallet weakling."
Ash came to in time to hear that remark. His blood boiled. Then he realized something. The soldier wasn't using his legs. If he could get away from the wall, draw him into the middle of the room...
"Lord Giovanni wants to see some bruises when he gets back," said the man, "Let's get started."
He punched Ash with a jab to the left ribs, then a hook to his right side. Ash's brain was still too dull from the elbow strike. Before he could think of what to do, he was struck again.
"It's a shame, good-looking kid like you. Why don't you take up Lord Giovanni's offer?"
"Never!"
"Have it your way."
The man punched again, but Ash blocked it with his arm and jumped to the side. The man followed, but not before Ash jumped away from the wall.
Now was his chance. He couldn't mess up. He couldn't take any more, and he felt that Pallet Kingdom's honour was at stake. He fired a side kick into the man's stomach. It seemed to stun him enough for another.
Ash threw a front kick towards the man's knee, aiming to cripple him, but his opponent dodged and came closer. Ash hadn't prepared for that. He tried kicking him in the head. It hit, but weakly, and left Ash's face open for a fraction of a second. All his opponent had to do was reach out and slap, and Ash reeled in pain again.
Ash tried pushing him away with a right front kick, but the man grabbed Ash's leg and pulled him off balance. Then with a push, Ash found himself flat on his back.
The man's legs were astride Ash's left leg. Ash thrust it up towards his groin. With lightning reflexes Ash's opponent let go of Ash's right leg, stopped Ash's left, gripped the latter and yanked it. Ash slid towards him. All the man had to do was raise his left foot and his heel smacked squarely into Ash's crotch.
The pain was unbearable. Ash shut his eyes and gritted his teeth, doing his best to keep silent.
"You can't try your fancy tricks on me, kid. If you're the best your town can do, Pallet's gonna be history."
He dropped Ash's leg to the floor. Ash tried to open his eyes, but they were watering so much, he couldn't see. He could sense his opponent step over. Ash didn't know what he would do to him, but all he could do now was ride it out, and hope the torture would end. If it didn't he trully feared he might crack.
"Pallet weakling. Pallet loser. Join us. It'll be worth your while, believe me."
Ash heard himself speak, but it felt as if someone else was speaking on his behalf.
"I'll never join you, you filthy scum!"
How his other self said it, he didn't know, but he wished he hadn't. He mentally prepared himself for copping it hard.
"I'll show you who's scum!"
A kick to the ribs. Please stop.
A stomp on his stomach. Please, no more.
He braced himself for the next blow.
Something was odd. He was expecting more, but nothing happened. He opened his eyes and wiped the tears.
The guy stood over him, eyes staring wildly, his mouth agape. His hands were clutching something on his chest.
No, they were covered in blood, clutching at something through his chest.
Ash used every last ounce of strength to roll out of the way. The man came crashing down, and did not move.
Gary stepped closer and pulled his sword out of the body. He wiped the blood off on the man's trousers and sheathed it. He helped Ash to his feet.
"Let's get out while the coast is clear," Gary whispered.
He helped Ash out the window and led him down the road, but Ash collapsed. Gary helped him up and put Ash's arm over his shoulder.
"I told you guys to get to safety."
"I don't take orders from peasants."
Ash turned to face him. "Thanks," he said.
"I also don't leave friends in trouble." Gary looked at Ash in the eyes. There was not a trace of malice or derision. "Can you walk any faster?"
"I'll try."
"Why were they bashing you? Revenge for freeing us?"
"They want me to help them train monsters. But I'm no traitor!"
Gary turned away. Ash could swear the guy was choked up.
Finally, Gary said, "You know, when we started on this journey, I was a real jerk, Ash. I... I had no idea what we'd be in for."
"Neither did I. Gary, can we stop for a minute?"
Gary looked around and said, "We're not being followed, but the Nidorino's not far. Hang in there pal."
Five minutes later, they reached the inn and were let inside. Once inside, the proprietor was alarmed to see Ash's condition.
"Your highness," he said to Gary, "I only just arrived. The princess told me of your abduction and of your rescue by your brave companion."
He helped Gary sit Ash on a seat.
"Thanks Charles. Where's Misty?" asked Gary.
"Her highness is at breakfast. I'll ask her to come. But first, how can we help your companion?"
"Can someone help me take him to his room?"
Charles signalled the nearest guard, who put Ash's arm around his shoulder and helped him up the stairs.
"Room 17," said the proprietor.
Soon Misty, Timmy and Pikachu came up to Ash's room, followed by Charles. Ash was lying on his bed. Pikachu jumped onto the bed, sniffed him, and licked the bruise on his face.
"Back to your post, please," the proprietor told the guard. He left.
Misty gasped as soon as she saw Ash. Timmy came closer.
"Ash," he said, "what've they done to you!"
Misty came up to Ash and looked him over.
"Are we safe here?" Gary asked Charles.
"Lord Giovanni has said that the inns shall be safe. He's a thief and a liar but he earns enough taxes from our inns to keep that promise."
"There are no open wounds," said Misty. She asked Charles, "Do you have any pain salve and bruising ointment?"
"I'll bring you some in a moment, your highness." He stepped to the door, looked around outside the room, then came back in. "I'm very sorry this has happened," he said in a hushed voice. "There are many in Viridian who long for the old ways, before Giovanni seized power.
"Can't you organize yourselves and defeat him?" asked Timmy.
Charles shook his head. "There are too many spies, too many who'd betray us out of greed." He raised his voice again. "I'll have someone bring up what you need."
"Gary, Timmy," said Misty, "you get something to eat. I'll stay here and do what I can. Oh, Timmy, can you bring Ash some water—no food yet."
They left and she began examining him, starting with his face. An attendant brought the medication and left.
"Ash," she asked as she prodded, "why did they do this to you?"
"They wanted me to help them train monsters. I refused. Ouch!"
"Sorry. I'd say that rib's broken."
She rubbed some ointment on it. Misty shook her head. "I've heard stories, but never knew how brutal Giovanni could be."
"It's Butch and Cassidy we were up against. You know, I was holding out until he got me in the—" He blushed.
"Want me check it out?"
"Misty!"
"I've treated lots of guys in Cerulean. I think I know what they look like. Anyway, it can't be that bad. Let's check your other ribs."
She prodded and poked. Ash occasionally reacted to a stab of pain as she touched an injury. Misty applied the ointments, massaging Ash's chest. He closed his eyes, feeling the relief. Misty's touch was awesome—gentle, soothing, comforting, carressing the pain into submission. She was now up to his abdomen. She went past his navel. He found himself starting to feel aroused.
No! He squeezed his eyes tighter. That was one place he had promised not to go.
He felt a drop on his abdomen. He opened his eyes. Misty was trying to hold back tears, without much success.
She lifted her hands to her face and tried to wipe the tears from their eyes.
"Misty?"
"I'm sorry, Ash. I... How can someone do this to you?"
"Your father did worse, Misty."
"Yes but... not... not to someone..."
"What's the matter?"
She turned away from him.
"Ash, I haven't told you how I feel about you. I didn't want to be unfair on you. And anyway, I have no idea how you feel about me."
"Do you have feelings for me?" Ash felt a hope rise within him. He knew he shouldn't, he knew he'd end up hurt, but he had to know.
Misty turned back to face him. She looked into his eyes.
"Ever since I first saw you, I've been amazed. Ash, I like everything about you." She lifted her head and shook her hair. "Why can't the world be simple?"
"Misty?"
"Yes, Ash."
"When I first heard about what happened to you, I figured the kind of person you were. And I know that you were the person I wanted to be with. But I know it can't happen, you being a princess and I'm just a nobody."
"Ash! You're no nobody. You're more noble than any royalty."
"Are you seriously thinking of marrying Gary?"
"It's probably what'll happen. I'm sorry... Ash?"
"What?"
"Can I at least have one kiss? I'd like to have something to remember about our love."
"I don't know, Misty. It might not be the right thing."
"Please?"
Ash did not have the heart to refuse what he himself wanted to do. He closed his eyes and waited.
He felt her breath on his cheek. Then a warm tenderness covered his lips. He responded, embracing her and holding her close. Yes, this was right. Even if they did not have a future together, he had at least done the impossible. He had stolen a kiss from a princess who had been locked in a castle in a far away kingdom. He could not escape the sweetness of the moment, her hair tickling his face, her warm hands on his shoulders, her chest pressing down on his.
He lost track of time. It might have been seconds they were joined, but it felt like minutes. But their moment came to an end abruptly.
"Hey Ash, Misty!" It was Gary's voice. "We just sent—"
They broke apart and turned to see Gary and Timmy at the door. What alarmed Ash most was the look on Gary's face. Whether it meant anger or hatred, hurt or betrayal, he couldn't be sure.
"Ash!" he burst out. "What are you doing?"
"It was my idea," said Misty.
"Doesn't mean he has to agree to it," shouted Gary. "Ash, I asked Misty to marry me!"
"I know," said Ash, "but—"
"You know? And you still—?"
Ash remembered something and replied indignantly, "You asked Misty to marry you, then you went and made out with Sally?"
"What?" Timmy exclaimed.
Now Misty was alarmed. "Who's Sally?"
"My father's cook," replied Timmy.
"So it's one rule for you," said Ash, "and another for Misty."
"I'm angry at you, Ash, not Misty."
"So what's this about Sally, then?" asked Misty indignantly.
"Oh come on," replied Gary. "You know us princes. We marry for business and have sex for pleasure."
Misty and Timmy looked shocked.
"That's the most horrid thing I've heard," said Misty. "There's no way I'll marry you!"
Gary's eyes opened wide, his nostrils flared. He pointed at Ash, lying on the bed.
"You! this is your fault! When we get back to Pallet, you better watch out."
Ash got onto his elbows.
"Yeah, you just try!" he yelled back.
Gary stormed out.
"Ash, settle down," said Misty.
"Settle down? With that madman threatening me like that?"
"And how do you propose to defend yourself?"
"I've got my fists!"
"Misty shook her head. "Maybe kissing you was a mistake after all," she said, and left the room.
"Misty, wait!" he called after her, but she ignored him.
Ash was left with Timmy and a silent Pikachu. He petted the little monster, who licked him back.
"What's up with her now?" Ash asked.
"Gary doesn't play fair, Ash. She doesn't want you getting even more hurt. By the way, we came to tell you that I sent a pidgey to father about what happened, and Gary sent one to Samuel. We've asked for an armed escort."
"How long will that take?"
"Hopefully we'll get a reply later today. If they agree, we'll be able to leave the day after tomorrow."
"Hey Timmy, you're a prince. What are the customs about marriage and stuff?"
"You're serious about Misty, aren't you?"
Ash nodded.
"There's two rules," replied Timmy.
"Go on."
"It's tricky, Ash. First, the throne passes to the oldest son, but if they can't or won't take it, it passes the next oldest and so on, and then the daughters. After that it goes to the oldest grandson and so on. If there's no descendant who'll take the throne, you go up a generation and start again."
"OK, but what about marrying someone who's not descended from royalty?"
"That's the second rule. Someone can't take the throne if they've married a commoner. However, one of their descendants can if they marry a royal."
"Who made up those dumb rules?"
"Ash, you can't change them now. If Misty marries you, she won't be able to rule Cerulean. Trouble is, my father wants me to rule Cerulean, and at the moment, he's got the most say."
"So what are you getting at, Timmy?"
"Misty's got nothing to lose by marrying you. If I get to be king, I'll even let you two stay in the palace, make you both my advisors or something. Trouble is, Misty's stubborn."
Ash scratched his head.
"Timmy, I really like Misty. I mean, I lover her. I've never felt this way about anyone before."
"She loves you too, Ash. You can't let go of her now. By the way, here's your water."
"Thanks," said Ash, taking the cup. "Hey, would you mind if you get me something to eat?"
"Wow, a commoner asking a prince to fetch him something."
"Fine, I'll go get it myself."
"No, no, I'm happy to do it. It's just.. odd how fate somehow has a way of twisting things around."
