~*Wins and Losses*~

Ash, Misty, and Brock were about to begin their journey to the Orange Archepelago, where Ash was to begin his quest to defeat the Orange Island gym leaders and gain entrance to the Pokemon League. It was a beautiful day. As they waited to catch a ferry to the first island, the sun was shining brightly in the sky, making the water glisten and gleam. There was a warm, gentle breeze and all three were excited to see what was going to happen first on this new adventure.

"Ash, are you sure this is where the ferry leaves from?"

"Yeah Misty, it says so right here in the guidebook: ferries depart every Saturday at 4:00 pm."

"Brock, what day of the week is it?"

"It's Friday."

"Oh okay – FRIDAY! ASH YOU READ THE TIME FOR SATURDAY!"

"Oh (sweatdrops) – well on Friday the ferry leaves at 3:30. Brock, what time is it?"

"3:30."

"AAAAAHHHHH!!!!!"

"Pika pi!!!!!"

"Togie togie prrrrriiiii!!!!!"

They quickly gathered their things and ran to a different dock. Misty tripped over a loose board, and Ash automatically stopped to help her up. When she was back on her feet, they both realized Ash hadn't yet let go of her hand. She looked at him in surprise. Ash looked back at her, quickly dropped her hand, and ran ahead of her.

"Come on Misty, hurry up!" 'I really didn't want to let go of her hand,' he thought. 'I don't know how or when it happened but…I love her…I want to be around her all the time. I think I've loved her since the first time I saw her. When I was holding her hand I was so happy…I wanted to just grab her and kiss her…I hate being so mean to her. But does she feel the same way about me? I can't tell her I love her without knowing how she feels…I'll look like an idiot…she can't love me, that would be too good to be true. I can't keep this inside anymore…but I can't tell her…what do I do?'

"I'm trying Ash!" 'Oh, why did he have to let go?,' she thought. 'I know he doesn't love me but I can't help loving him…I think about him all the time. I want to tell him so badly…but he can't feel the same way about me…I can't keep it a secret anymore, but I don't know how to tell him. I loved holding his hand…just feeling him touch me was so wonderful. I need him…I want him…but he doesn't want me…or does he? Why didn't he let go at first? Could it be…'

"Well try harder!" 'I love you…,' he thought.

"If I could try as hard as your head I'd be on the boat already!" 'I love you…,' she thought.

"Togie prrrrriiiii!"

Just then, unbenownst to Ash and Misty, a shadowy figure appeared on the very top deck of the ferryboat. Brock, who was already on the boat, felt a chill go up his spine. He turned around quickly, but saw nothing. As he turned back around, the figure spoke, but spoke so quietly that his words were inaudible to everyone except himself.

"Enjoy her while you can, Ash…"

Throughout the ferry ride, both Ash and Misty were abnormally quiet. Brock could sense that something was wrong, but decided not to ask about it. He knew only too well. He had seen the way they had both been looking at each other lately, and he knew their relationship would take its course without his interference. 'They're perfect for each other,' he thought. 'Just like me and Nurse Joy.' He grabbed a granola bar from his backpack and munched on it while he imagined what the Orange Island Nurse Joys must look like.

Misty stood at the edge of the boat, letting the breeze blow gently through her hair. 'When am I going to tell Ash?,' she thought. 'He has to know. I can't pretend that I don't love him anymore. How am I going to tell him? Even if Ash doesn't love me the way I love him, he's the best friend I'll ever have. I can't lose him…it would break my heart.' She looked over at him, standing just a few feet away from her and staring out over the ocean. 'I have to tell him…and I have to do it tonight.'

Ash pretended to be looking at the islands as they passed, but he barely saw them. His mind was clouded with thoughts of Misty. 'I have to tell her how I feel soon,' he thought. 'I can't keep this up. But how do I tell her? I can't just go up to her and tell her. I have to make it special…I have to make it so no matter how she feels, she'll still be my friend…I couldn't live without her.' He glanced over at Misty, so close to him, and yet so far away. 'I have to do it tonight.'

"Pika pika?" Pikachu could tell there was something wrong with Ash.

"Oh…I'm alright Pikachu." Ash didn't want Pikachu to worry about him. "Look, there's the island, we're almost there! This is gonna be fun!"

"Pika chu…" (Yeah, uh huh, okay Ash.)

The ferry docked at the island, and everyone got off the boat. They explored the island for a while, and Brock noticed that Ash and Misty found every possible excuse to be near each other, touch each other, be together…'Oh boy, have they ever got it bad,' he thought. When a Caterpie appeared, Misty grabbed Ash's hand, but he didn't shake her off like he usually did.

"Don't worry Misty, I already had one Caterpie, I don't need another one."

Misty smiled gratefully at Ash. He smiled back, but dropped her hand, and they continued walking.

"Good idea Brock."

"Hey…do you guys feel like we're being followed? Or watched?"

"Why Misty?"

"Pikachu pi?"

"You know, come to think of it, before you guys got on the boat today I got this really strange feeling, like somebody was watching me from the top of the ferry. I thought it was nothing, but if you think someone's watching us too…"

"No, you're right Brock, it was probably nothing…"

They continued walking, but Misty felt the eyes again. She turned around more quickly this time, but still saw nothing.

"What's wrong Misty?"

"Ash…I'm scared…"

Misty grabbed Ash's hand and wouldn't let go. He looked surprised and opened his mouth to say something, but then closed it. Instead, he squeezed Misty's hand.

"It's okay Misty. You're safe with me."

Brock raised an eyebrow. Ash and Misty looked at each other and smiled. Ash decided he had to tell Misty how he felt, then and now, whether or not they were alone.

"Misty –"

They heard a rustling in the bushes.

"Prepare for trouble!"

"Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation!"

"To unite all people within our nation!"

"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"

"To extend our reach to the stars above!"

"Jessie!"

"James!

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light!"

"Surrender now or prepare to fight fight fight!"

"Meowth that's right!"

Ash held Misty's hand tighter.

"It's Team Rocket!"

Jessie and James grinned.

"Let's skip what we normally do and just run off with Pikachu."

Ash knew what to do.

"Pikachu – take care of 'em!"

Jessie sneered.

"Arbok, I choose you! Use poison sting!"

"Charbokka…"

The poison sting missed its target.

"Pikachu, use thunderbolt!"

"Pikaaaaa…chuuuuu!"

The thunderbolt hit Team Rocket with a loud bang.

"Team Rocket's blasting off again!" *ding*

Ash, Misty, and Brock looked at each other and smiled.

"Looks like our troubles are over!"

They headed for the Pokemon Center once again, laughing and talking on the way. Ash still hadn't let go of Misty's hand and she was in no hurry to let go of his.

Misty was very excited. 'I can't believe he's still holding my hand!,' she thought. 'Maybe he really does feel the same way I do! Or maybe he's just being nice…I'm not that lucky. He feels so warm…so sweet…I love him so much. If I could only love one person my whole life I would love Ash. I can't wait for tonight…I have to find out how he really feels…'

'I hope she doesn't think it's strange that I'm holding her hand,' Ash thought. 'I just can't let go. I love her too much. I want to kiss her so badly right now…but I can't…not with Brock here. Tonight I'm going to try…if she wants me to…'

Brock noticed the two of them walking along, holding onto each other but staring at the ground. He knew they were going to need some privacy tonight, and that didn't bother him one bit. He was gonna be able to justify staying at the Pokemon Center with Nurse Joy.

"Well, here we are at the Pokemon Center!"

Ash and Misty looked up suddenly, and let go of each other.

"Oh…yeah."

"Are you guys okay?"

"Yeah, we're fine."

They walked in, handed their Pokemon to Nurse Joy, and sat down to dinner. After dinner, Misty headed to the bathroom, leaving Brock and Ash alone.

"Hey Brock, can I talk to you about something?"

"Sure Ash, what is it?"

"Brock, I need some alone time with Misty tonight, but I don't want her to know I need it until tonight…so…could you maybe stay here tonight but pretend to decide to do it later? There's something important I need to do tonight."

"Tell Misty you love her?"

"Yeah…how did you know?"

"It's obvious to everyone except you and Misty that you two are crazy about each other. Sure, I'll get lost later."

"Thanks Brock."

"You're welcome."

The bill for the food came, and Ash paid for both himself and Misty. Brock just laughed.

"That's nice of you Ash."

"I hope Misty thinks so."

At that moment, Misty came back from the bathroom and found Ash smiling strangely and Brock laughing.

"Where's the bill for the food?"

"Oh…I took care of yours, Misty."

Misty smiled.

"You're welcome."

They left the Pokemon Center and looked for a place to set up camp. The sun was just about to set, and the sky was a beautiful pink color. It had gotten a little chillier, but they knew it was going to be a beautiful night.

'Misty is as beautiful as the sky is right now,' thought Ash.

"Ash?"

"Yeah?"

"It was really nice of you to pay for dinner tonight."

Ash blushed.

"Oh…sure, Misty."

Brock could tell that now would be a good time for him to leave. He decided not to leave for the night just yet, though. He wanted to make sure they were gonna be okay.

"Hey guys, I'm gonna go get some firewood."

"Need any help, Brock?"

"Nope, I'll be fine."

Brock left to collect some firewood, leaving Ash and Misty alone. They were both very fidgety and a little uncomfortable. Ash knew it was now or never. He opened his mouth to say something, but Misty spoke first.

"Ash, we need to talk."

"About what Misty?"

"Sit down Ash…please?"

They sat down to talk. Pikachu came running over, sensing that something important was about to happen to Ash.

"Pika pi?"

"Uh…Pikachu, I think Misty wants some privacy."

"Pika pi pikachu pi?"

"Yes I do, Pikachu – can you do me a favor and watch Togepi for me?"

"PikaCHU!!!!! Pi pi pi!!!!!"

"Togie togie prrrrriiiii!!!!!"

Pikachu and Togepi run off together to play. Ash looked at Misty and saw she was trembling.

"What is it, Misty?"

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She looked at Ash and tried to talk, but no words came out. She started to tremble even more. Ash instinctively reached out and gave her a hug. When he let go, she smiled at him gratefully and somehow found her words.

"Well…Ash…how long have we been friends?"

"A long time, Misty."

"Ash…in that time my feelings for you have changed…a lot. I used to think of you as an annoying little creep, but I've watched you become such a successful, kind, determined, sweet, considerate, good person that I couldn't help it…I fell in love with you Ash Ketchum. I think I've loved you since I first saw you."

Ash was dumbfounded. This was all he had ever wanted, and so much more. She loved him…she loved him…SHE LOVED HIM! He couldn't believe it. He knew he had to answer her…he had to tell her how much he loved her.

"M-M-Misty…I…I love you too…I always have…even if I didn't show you…"

A tear slid down his cheek as he realized just how much he loved her. The dream he had secretly wished would come true for so long had just done so.

"Oh Ash…"

Misty reached up to wipe the tear away. She looked into his eyes and was overwhelmed by the love she saw in them. She knew she needed to kiss him, right there and right then. She leaned in toward him slowly. Her heart was racing. 'Will he want to do this?,' she thought. All she knew was how much she loved him and how much she wanted to kiss him.

Ash saw her leaning in toward him and inhaled sharply. His heart was pounding nervously, and he leaned in to her. When their lips met in a gentle kiss, they both fluttered their eyes shut and fumbled for each other's hands. When they found them, they held onto each other as they kissed sweetly. They were startled by a loud noise, and looked up to see Brock standing open-mouthed, surrounded by firewood.

"Was that…was that what I think it was?"

"A kiss? Yeah…and that's not all…I've wanted this for so long…Misty, will you be my girlfriend?"

"Oh Ash…of course…"

They kissed again. Brock smiled and shook his head. Now he KNEW they were going to be okay.

"You know what, I think I'm gonna give you two some privacy tonight. I'll stay at the Pokemon Center. I'll meet you guys back here tomorrow. Come on Pikachu and Togepi, I think you two should stay with me tonight."

"Pika pikachu."

"Togie togie!"

Brock, Pikachu, and Togepi left for the Pokemon Center. Misty climbed into Ash's lap, and he held her close while they kissed. They explored each other's mouths with their tongues and enjoyed every second of every kiss. Hours passed before Misty stopped the kissing to rest her head on Ash's shoulder so they could both catch their breath. Only then did they both feel a chill wind blow through them, and Misty snuggled in closer to Ash.

"Misty, it's getting dark and cold…let's start a fire and get some rest. I'll get the sleeping bags."

Misty had an idea.

"Ash, just get one bag…let's sleep together and cuddle close all night."

Ash smiled.

"Okay. One sleeping bag."

Hours later, Ash and Misty were asleep in each other's arms, tired from hours of kissing. The shadowy figure ran out from the bushes, unzipped the sleeping bag, and grabbed Misty. She screamed loudly, and Ash woke up immediately.

"Ash! Ash!"

"Shut up bitch!"

The shadowy figure slapped Misty in the face harshly.

"Misty!!!!!"

"Ash help me!!!!!"

The figure was revealed by the moonlight as Gary Oak. He slammed Misty's head against a tree and her limp, unconscious body fell to the ground.

"What are you doing????? Don't hurt Misty!!!!! She never did anything to you!!!!!"

"Shut up and take your punishment!"

Ash lunged at Gary just as Gary lunged at him. Gary kneed Ash between the legs and brought him to his knees, then grabbed him and tied him tightly to a tree, leaving what he hoped would be no chance of escape.

"Wha-"

"Shut up you loser from Pallet! You're know nothing about Pokemon but you still manage to defeat me! The last time you beat me you took away my chance to enter the Pokemon League, you stole everything I cared about, and now I'm going to do the same thing to you! I'm gonna rape and kill Misty right in front of you, just out of your reach, and there's nothing you can do to stop me. Ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!"

"NO!!!!! Oh god oh please do whatever you want to me but don't hurt Misty…please…"

Gary hit Ash across the face with a sharp stick and he began to bleed from a deep cut on his cheek.

"I'm taking what I want!"

Misty woke up just then and looked very afraid.

"Ash? OH ASH WHAT'S GOING ON WHAT DID HE DO TO YOU?"

Gary grabbed her, flipped her onto her back and roughly tied her hands to a tree. She was just out of Ash's reach, right in front of him.

'Oh my god…he's gonna rape me…,' she thought. 'He might even kill me…and Ash…oh my Ash…he can't hurt him…oh my god he's gonna take my virginity…no…NO…I wanted my first time to be with Ash…I wanted to give it to Ash…and he's gonna watch Gary take it away from me…from him…oh god…please don't let him hurt Ash…let him kill me…don't let him hurt Ash…'

Gary pulled a pair of scissors out of his back pocket and, laughing, cut off Misty's shirt, revealing her barely developed chest. She began to sob.

"Please don't hurt her…please…I love her…she's all I have…all I care about…"

"Exactly…ha ha ha…"

Misty began to sob harder.

"Please don't…"

Gary smiled evilly and cut off her shorts, leaving her wearing only her underwear, kicking and screaming.

"Nice view huh Ash? You didn't fuck her yet did you…you loser…you're still a virgin aren't you Misty…well, not for long…and this might hurt…"

He sliced off her underwear, making her completely naked and helpless in front of Ash, who could do nothing to help her. His wrists were rubbed raw from trying to escape the ropes. Gary pulled out his cock and put it against her small, hairless pussy. Misty could do nothing to fight back except tighten her muscles to try to reject the cock. Ash had no choice but to look at Misty and cry. He desperately fought to get free from the ropes. Misty was enduring punches, slaps, kicks, and even jabs with the scissors. She no longer had the strength to fight.

"I LOVE YOU ASH!!!!!!!!!!"

She screamed as Gary pushed into her and sobbed in pain as Gary roughly fucked her, showing no mercy. She knew she was bleeding.

When Ash saw Misty's blood on Gary's cock, a fury ran through him that made his blood run cold. He somehow found the strength to break the ropes. He quietly advanced, then leapt on Gary's back and grabbed the knife. He stabbed Gary and watched him fall. He then went to Misty, who was bleeding on the ground. Her legs were splayed open and she hurt so badly she couldn't close them, and she was crying in fear. Ash was crying for her, but grabbed a blanket and wrapped her in it, then lifted her into his arms. He knew she wasn't going to be able to walk.

"I love you Misty…"

"I love…you…too…Ash…"

Ash ran to the Pokemon Center, carrying a crying, bleeding Misty in his arms.

"Nurse Joy! Nurse Joy!!!!! Please! Please help Misty!!!!!"

Brock ran to the door.

"Oh my god!!!!! What happened?????"

"Gary Oak raped her…was gonna kill us both…I couldn't stop him…she's bleeding…I'm scared…"

Nurse Joy ran out with two Chanseys.

"We usually only treat Pokemon here, but there's not enough time to take her to a real hospital. I'll call my sister who knows how to practice medicine on people and have her come out here, and we can start treating her now. Ash, I promise we'll do all we can. Just lay her down on this stretcher."

Ash laid her down gently.

"Please…can I go with her?"

"Please let me have Ash with me…please…"

"Okay Misty…Ash can go with you if you're sure you're gonna be okay with that."

"Yes I'm sure…I love him…I need him with me…"

"Then he will be. Brock, keep a lookout for my sister. Come on Ash, we have to hurry!"

Nurse Joy and the Chanseys wheeled Misty to the back of the Pokemon Center. Ash held her hand as she cried and walked beside the stretcher. When they came to a stop, a Chansey brough Ash a chair, and he sat beside Misty, crying with her, holding her hand, and stroking her hair back. Nurse Joy gave Misty the only pain medicine she had and gently unfolded the blanket. Misty had already bled through the blanket and showed no signs of stopping. Just as Nurse Joy was about to search for some kind of medicine to stop the bleeding, another Nurse Joy burst into the room.

"I came as soon as I could…is she still bleeding?"

"Yes, and I don't know how to stop it…"

Ash's eyes filled with tears as he looked at the other Nurse Joy.

"Please…please help Misty…I'll do anything…I don't want her to hurt anymore…please do whatever you can…"

Nurse Joy looked at Ash in pity.

"I promise, I'll do everything I can."

The new Nurse Joy sent her sister to get some ice, and walked over to Misty's side. The pain medication seemed to be taking effect, but had done nothing to stop the bleeding.

"Misty, I have to take off the blanket to help you…maybe Ash should go now…"

"No…no…please let him stay with me…there's nothing you can do that I wouldn't want him here for…please let my Ash stay…"

Nurse Joy nodded sympathetically and gently removed Misty's blanket. Ash laid his head down on her chest.

"I love you Misty…I won't look…I just wanna be here with you…"

"I love you too Ash…"

Nurse Joy's sister came back with an ice pack, and placed it low on Misty's stomach.

"This should help to stop the bleeding."

Nurse Joy gently washed Misty out and saw the source of the bleeding…not only had the force of the rape torn her, it had caused cuts all over the inside of her, and one of them was quite deep.

"Misty, I think this one is going to need stitches…this will hurt a little but the bleeding will stop."

Misty nodded and put her head on top of Ash's. She could withstand any pain…she just wanted to be with Ash. No one was going to take that away from her. Nurse Joy quickly finished Misty's stitches, and the rest of the bleeding slowly tapered off.

"There…I think you're going to be okay…"

Ash was so grateful he could barely speak.

"Thank you Nurse Joy…"

He looked down at Misty, and she looked back up at him with tired, but loving eyes.

"Thank you for saving me Nurse Joy…and you too Ash…"

Ash gave her the best hug he could manage from his awkward angle. Nurse Joy walked over to Misty.

"You'll be okay tomorrow…but you can't do a lot of walking or anything that might cause stress to that area. I want you to stay here tonight so that we can check up on you in the morning."

"Okay, Nurse Joy."

"Good night, you two…I'll see you tomorrow morning."

"Wait…Nurse Joy?"

"What is it, Ash?"

"Can I sleep in Misty's bed tonight…just to hold her…"

"Alright Ash…but be careful."

"I will, I promise."

Nurse Joy smiled at him and left the room. Ash climbed into Misty's bed and pulled her into his arms, and gave her a sweet kiss on the forehead.

"I love you Misty."

"I love…you…too…A-Ash…"

Ash noticed Misty was crying and was deeply concerned.

"Misty…are you okay…do you need medicine…"

"No Ash…no…it's….Ash do you still want me to be your girlfriend?"

"Of course Misty…I love you…why would you ask that?"

"I'm ruined now Ash…he took my virginity…he took it away from you…I wanted to give it to you…it was yours but he stole it…I'm ruined and dirty…I'm sorry Ash…"

Ash felt his heart breaking when Misty said this. Of course he wanted her…of course he loved her…

"Misty, I love you with everything I am…you are not ruined, you are not dirty…you're my Misty…and I love you…"

He leaned in to kiss her…he didn't know if it was the right thing to do, but he loved her so much…he had to show her…

Misty was so happy that she felt as if she could cry all over again. His words and his kiss were just what she needed. She had never tasted anything so sweet as this boy that was kissing her…she loved him more than life itself. If he could love her after something as horrible as this…he would love her forever.

Ash wanted nothing more than to just *be* with her and help her through this awful time. As he kissed her, he sent all the love he could into her body. When they broke the kiss, they looked into each other's eyes and Misty laid down her head on Ash's shoulder. Ash held her close and rubbed her back until she fell asleep on him. He couldn't believe he was holding the girl he loved so deeply at last. He thought of the pain she had been through that night and felt as if he could cry again. He held her closer and felt her sigh against his chest. He rested his head on hers and fell into a deep, dreamless sleep while holding her close.

~*the next morning*~

Ash opened his eyes to see a Chansey by Misty's bedside, holding two glasses of orange juice. He gave Misty a kiss on the forehead and she fluttered her eyes open.

"A-Ash?"

"I'm right here Misty…look Mist…Chansey brought us orange juice…I want you to drink it okay?"

"Chansey Chansey!"

"Okay Ash. Thanks Chansey."

"Chansey!"

Ash and Misty took their glasses and slowly drank. Brock came into the room holding a plate of pancakes.

"Hi Ash…hi Misty…how are you feeling?"

"A lot better Brock, thanks…as long as I have Ash I'll be okay."

Brock smiled.

"That's good. I don't know how hungry you are, but I brought you guys some breakfast…I'll leave you alone to eat it. Nurse Joy is gonna bring you some clothes, Misty. I think we should just hang out here today so you can heal…we'll leave tomorrow if you're ready."

"Okay Brock. Thanks for the breakfast. You don't have to stay by yourself all day…we'll be out there soon."

Brock smiled and left the room. Ash and Misty gave each other a good morning kiss and fed each other some breakfast. Soon, Nurse Joy came in with clothes for Misty, and Ash gently helped her get dressed. She was still in pain, but it had been greatly reduced since yesterday. Ash helped her walk a little, but couldn't bear to watch her limp around. He lifted her up and gave her a kiss, then carried her outside to the lounge. They sat down sideways on the couch, Misty leaning against Ash's stomach, and talked with Brock. They watched movies, had lunch, and played some games before Misty's painkillers began to make her drowsy. She leaned back on Ash and went to sleep, leaving Ash and Brock some time to talk.

"Officer Jenny found Gary last night. He was too injured to move. She arrested him for Misty's rape and he's in prison as we speak."

Ash hugged Misty close.

"That's great Brock…I want him to pay for what he did to Misty."

"He will Ash, he will…you really love her, don't you?"

"Yeah I do…more than I've ever loved anyone."

As night fell, Misty stayed asleep, and Ash and Brock grew tired. Brock decided to stay in the bedroom of the Pokemon Center, leaving Ash and Misty the couch. Ash looked down at his sleeping girlfriend and hugged her closer as he drifted off into a peaceful sleep, wondering what new adventures the next day would bring.