Here’s another chapter…

I think Misty is perfectly IC, so don’t give me any comments.

Chapter 2:

Ash was faintly aware of someone shaking him when his eyesight and higher functions finally came back into play.

“Are you all right?” A voice asked.

“Don’t talk so loud…” Ash whispered, trying to get rid of the throbbing his head was feeling.

There was a feeling of something cool being laid on his forehead, while in the next minute, he felt a warm liquid going down his throat.

Ash jolted back into consciousness with a gasp. “What was that- Lance?!”

The Dragon Master was supporting him while one hand held a cup of greenish liquid to his lips.

“Don’t worry, I wouldn’t poison you. What I gave you is just some herbs to deal with the headache.”

Ash blinked, but decided that it wouldn’t hurt to trust him, so he nodded. As the pain _was_ slowly receding, it seemed to help.

“Now…” Lance said, after several moments had elapsed. “What were you doing unconscious outside the gym?”
“Hmm?”

It took another few minutes for Ash to orient himself with his surroundings, but he blushed. “Um… well… a lover’s spat.”

“Interesting.” Lance commented, as he helped Ash to his feet. “Well, if you want to challenge me again, I suggest you train a little more first, and caution is always safer when regarding dragons. I’ll see you around.”

He gave a backwards wave and went back into the gym.

You okay? Pikachu asked.

“Well… I think the medicine did help.” Ash told the little mouse. “But I deserved it.”

What?

“I mean, I still haven’t paid Misty back for her bike… and bikes are so expensive… it’ll take me forever to get a million dollars, and she has to follow me until its all paid back.”

Pikachu looked at Ash with slight worry.

Maybe you’re right…

But somehow, the mouse was not completely reassured.

If Misty loves him, why does she hit him?

Misty finished her impromptu date with Fred, and made plans for the next night. They could see movies together. Ash wouldn’t dare interfere. If he tried, she could bring up the bike again and yell at him to go train.

After years of being overlooked, now she was the master. And it was a great feeling.

Misty smirked, as Fred took her hand. Yes, she wasn’t weak anymore. Wouldn’t her sisters be surprised.

< I don’t think you should get involved in this, Chosen. >

< I’m not. > Lance said respectfully. < Lugia-san. >

< Are you? Perhaps your actions and words are at odds with each other. >

< You wanted me to leave him unconscious outside of my sister’s gym? >

< Well, no… >
< Then what’s wrong with helping a fellow trainer? >

Lugia sighed mentally. * Well, for one thing, I doubt my Chosen’s intentions are completely pure… *

But out loud, he said not a word, and Lance emerged the victor of that dialogue.

The next day found Ash furiously training his pokemon in the grassy plains outside of blackthorn, against the rock-types.

Bulbasaur and Squirtle worked extremely hard, but still adamantly refused to evolve.

How can you think of asking us this? You promised you wouldn’t force us!
Just because misty is! Bulbasaur growled. She had hated the water trainer ever since their meeting in Kanto, and this just reinforced it.

Squirtle shook his head as he walked over to Bulbasaur and whispered. I think the orange girl has something on master, have you noticed? He does everything for her without fail.

And she hits him all the time too!

Yes, it’s not nice like us.

You think maybe?

Well, it’s definitely not the mating process, I can tell you that. Squirtle growled. I think she’s trying to kill Master.

What?!

Well, its possible…

Why won’t he fight back?

I don’t know. Somehow, he seems scared…

Both pokemon looked at Ash worriedly.

He isn’t wounded, is he?

No, I can’t see anything, but we should keep an eye on him. Maybe Pikachu knows.

Okay!

“Still, a break is in order.” Ash said. “One hour, and then back to training.”

The pokemon nodded and healed them at the Center, before finding Pikachu for a serious questioning.

What is going on between Ash and that girl?!

It’s complicated. Pikachu explained. When he saved my life, he broke her bike.

So?

Bikes are very, very expensive… she’s following him until he pays her back.

Then why does she hit him and yell at him?

Pikachu blushed. I don’t know.

Liar!

I thought you had honor! You want master to get hurt?

What? N-no…

Then tell us! It can’t just be a stupid piece of equipment!

Pikachu sighed. Well, I think she wants to control him, so she uses the bike all the time to force him to listen to her. And master feels guilty for breaking her bike, so he won’t fight back.

What a coward!

We’ll knock some sense into him.

NO! pikachu said. He’s hurt enough already! Please don’t…

Fine. Squirtle said, after a long pause. But if she tries again… we won’t wait.

End Chapter