Miss Discovery!

By: Chibi-Suiko

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Ash: 15

Misty: 16

Brock: 19

Imuru: 17

Evette: 20

Mr. Gerou: 31

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Last Time on Miss discovery!: Ash and Rein were found alone (Actually, they weren't found alone... But they were alone...), discussing many of the happenings that had been taking place during the groups stay with the handsome star, Imuru. As the subject turned to Mr. Gerou, Ash found out that he'd been caught before, planning a conspiracy behind the couples' backs. This had lead up to the infamous disappearance of Rein, who now suspects that he's luring in Misty to replace her. This meaning that Misty is trapped without even knowing anything about it, Ash has decided that, out of respect, he'll stay and watch out for them all until the truth is revealed. Upon reaching the front door to Imuru's estate, Ash ran across Misty and they both stood still long enough to have a conversation over the developing relationship between her and her Co-Star. Misty has now promised not to let Imuru touch her in any romantic way (Meaning kissing, I'm not perverted). But she's all ready begun to find that a difficult promise to keep, especially since Imuru still knows nothing about it... And the matter just keeps eating at her... And Ash has some thinking of his own to do about his and Misty's friendship.

***

***

Something told them that things were going to be fine at the moment. But they were both breaking down, slowly, piece by piece, in order to find what they really wanted...

***

Later, Imuru was found knocking at Mr. Gerou's door. There was a scurrying inside and then the poorly rushed agent opened to let him in. The young Theatric pushed his way through and before shutting the door, was heard speaking in an ominous voice...

" I think that we have a problem..." He murmured.

Just at that moment, Ash was heading up the stairs in order to check up on his young friend, Pikachu, but halted when he heard the tone in the man's voice.

That sounded like Imuru... Ash thought and turned towards the managers door, What's he doing with Mr. Gerou..? Without even waiting for an answer to his own question, Ash hopped the last few steps and advanced on the hollow wooden door. If he was quiet enough, he'd be able to hear the conversation through it...

" What is it, Young Master?" Came the dried tone of the older being.

" It's Misty--"

At this, Ash drew his head away. What was wrong with his friend? What about her bothered him so much that he went to talk to Mr. Gerou about it above all other people? Quickly, he placed his head back to the edge of the door, being as he'd heard Imuru continue.

" --It's just that--She's so wonderful and talented and beautiful and... Perfect. She's everything I could ask for and yet..." He didn't continue.

Ash's expression saddened. He thought that she was perfect. Misty would've taken that as much more of a compliment than He'd ever given her. He remembered all of the stupid names now that he'd thought of her as, just before reaching town he'd denied her being a 'lady'. It was strange, really, because none of that seemed to fit her now. In fact, all that Imuru had said, had been true. Ash had just never noticed it until now.

Come on... What else--?! Don't just lose it like that..! What else..?! Ash pleaded into the wood and barely contained himself as he began to feel the urge to knock his head against it.

" --And yet... I keep thinking of--" Again, he was cut off. Or rather, Ash was, because next moment someone called out to him and he was forced to withdraw his head from its spot again.

" Ash? What're you doing there?" Came Misty's tired voice from down the hall. A few footsteps later, she was by his side and wearing a glowering and, at the same time, wondrous expression, "What're you up to?"

" Shhh--!" Ash said and waited, but nothing else was heard from inside, meaning that they were left unheard. Misty took a spot next to him in her pajama's and put her confused head next to his, against the door.

She'd been so exhausted from searching out in the horrible weather for him that she'd gone to bed and taken a nap. Ash hadn't had the heart, or the courage, to tell her that he'd been inside the entire time (She'd kill him!)...

Ash blushed. He didn't know why but being this close to her was making him extremely nervous. He was lucky that they were supposed to be silent because he'd have no idea what to say to her anyway. He was also rather apprehensive about the whole situation because inside, they were discussing her anyhow.

" --I can't stop thinking of... Rein--" It was Misty's turn to draw her head away and Ash was startled to see her eyes tearing up, "... I know I don't think of her romantically anymore, in fact, I don't know how I think of her and for her memory to be disrupting My and Misty's relationship... I don't know. I just wish that there were some way to convince Misty to stay so that I could make her realize that I do care for her, not who it is she looks like..." Misty got to her feet and began to walk down the hall. Ash wasn't sure if she was thankful of Imuru's words or rather hurt.

In any case, he stayed where he was for a moment longer, "...Oh, I think I can find a way..." Came the cold tone of Mr. Gerou's drawl.

Ash's mind reeling, he vowed not to let Misty near Mr. Gerou if he could help it. He jumped to his feet and headed into his room. Had he been there a moment longer, he'd have heard Imuru's complaints about the agents unsaid motives...

***

Two days later, Misty wasn't about to let up on her studies for the production. Quite the contrary, Ash had seen her working harder than ever to get her lines correct, heard her reading them to herself back in her room, and he would know because, true to his word, he'd not left her unattended when Gerou was inhabiting the same area.

It was actually quite terrifying because Misty would get so distracted by glancing into that pissed looking expression that he was sending on stage, just because the old man was near her. In the end, it had become so unnerving that Misty had sent him to the back of the theatre, after throwing her script at him, so that his face would be too hard to read and she wouldn't have to worry that he was giving somebody murder stares.

Ash was laying against the back of his seat, leaning so that his head faced the highest of the stands and he almost fell off, or shouted--Rein was standing there. She'd obviously wanted to be somewhere unnoticed and up in the back seemed to be the best position. She noticed him staring obscenely at her and waved. He couldn't tell if she was smiling or frowning, but nevertheless, he waved back as quickly as he could, so as not to be noticed.

It was then that he remembered, he was supposed to meet her again today to discuss the happenings over their stay. Trying to get that off his mind at the moment, he looked up onstage and saw Mr. Gerou muttering to Misty. Of course, being where he was, Ash couldn't make out what was being said.

He jumped to his feet just as Gerou announced, "All right, rehearsal's over..!" And he started towards the door, beckoning Misty forward.

Ash ran over to her, remembering what Rein had said about 'Worse coming to worst' and nothing seemed worse at the moment than Misty alone with that 'Creep'! He reached her just in time and began to pull her in another direction.

" Ash, what is up with you?! Let go of me!" She shouted but Ash didn't reply. No reason to get hit, right?

Unfortunately, Misty didn't feel the same way and so, two seconds later, he was found with a large lump on his head.

" Now what is up with you?! What's the big deal with dragging me away from the exit--?!"

" One of the exits... I don't feel comfortable with you being alone around that guy--!" He pointed at Mr. Gerou.

" What, do you think he's a pervert or something?" She laughed but Ash suddenly had a head full of horrible thoughts, "Don't worry! I mean we only--! Hey! How do you know I'm going with him?! Were you spying or something?!"

" No. All I'm saying is I know that guy can't be trusted!"

" That's exactly what you said about Imuru and now you have a sense of respect for him! Maybe you can learn to do the same thing for Gerou! He's only trying to help me!"

" Excuse me? What're you talking about, you don't need help!" Ash shouted at her (A/N: Or does she..?).

" Well, he thinks that there's something troubling me and it's holding back my true extent of talent. He just wants to talk to me so that we can get it cleared up and I won't have to worry about it during the production!"

He scoffed hot-headedly in reply. She turned on her heel and hurried off. Ash looked up into the highest of the stands but Rein had disappeared (A/N: She's pretty good at that, isn't she?). Glancing at his watch, Ash saw that it was nearly four o'clock. He was going to be late!

Stumbling towards the door, Ash didn't see Imuru until it was too late. He hit the ground and Imuru took the chance to ask him what had been going on moments before.

" What were you and Misty doing--?" He said politely, holding out a hand to help the kid up.

" --Look pal! Just 'cause I respect you for my friends sake and all, doesn't mean that we have to get all buddy-buddy--!" Taking a look at the unexpected help, he grinned embarrassedly, "Oh, eh, sorry 'bout that... I'm worried because she's going to talk to that manager of yours and--"

" --What?!" Imuru interjected seriously, "She went to talk with him? That's not good at all. I'll take care of it..." And he rushed off, leaving Ash on the floor.

" --Hey! I'm taking that apology back, you jerk!" And he came to his feet, taking another look at his watch.

It was after four. Now he was late.

***

Misty followed the older man back over to the estate and watched him enter the place before holding the door open for her like a gentleman. How many times did she get this on the road? As she walked by him, she gave him a criticizing expression which he caught sight of.

" Excuse me, is there something wrong Miss Waterflower?" He asked with a smile that seemed more like a twisted smirk to her.

" Oh, no... Just thinking how rare it is to be treated like this when I'm traveling with the guys..." And she headed up the stairs.

" You know... The road should be no place for a woman of your standards. I'd think that you'd be living a life of raw rewards, living in such a beautiful part of Kanto. I hear the sea in Cerulean is so breathless this time of year." And he smiled again, "It makes me wonder what a lovely person like yourself would want to give up so badly that you'd run away from all that?"

" Oh, well, there's really nothing given up. I happen to like traveling with the guys--! For the most part anyway..." And she drew a deep breath as they reached his office and entered, "...It is kind of hard on a girl but, if I'd met a place that was just right then I'd have taken it all ready..."

" What's wrong with right here? This town has some great benefits, as do the others that we travel too. I'm sure that you'd feel right at home with your bright future and the fans and Imuru..." Misty's heart seemed to stop at the sound of his name but she answered as if it didn't faze her.

" There really isn't anything wrong with this place. It's more about me, I guess. Ash and Brock have become so close that they're like brothers. And I wouldn't want to give that up unless I really had no choice. They're like family to me and so I try to be one of them."

" Ah, but the thing is with you, Madam, that I can tell you're not. You really are fooling yourself, trying to behave so very unlike what you are. If you were to stay here, that could easily change. If you stayed here, you could act how you want, when you want, wherever you want... And nobody would give a care."

" But, you see, I kind of want people to care. It's pretty cool when you blend in so perfectly with everyone. I've gotten so used to it that to be myself would mean I'm not being myself." It was then that a thought crossed her mind, "Tell me, are you trying to get me to stay here with you people?"

He shook his head with a snigger, "Yes, trying would be the word because I'm obviously not doing a very good job. But, in respect only, I think that your potential would reach its fullest only if you had the proper necessities. And Master Imuru would have no way of containing his enthusiasm on the matter... He really does love you, you see? And all he wants is for you to feel the same about him."

" But--What about Rein..?" This whole discussion was getting so confusing that her head was swimming.

" Ah, Rein. Yes, that is much of a challenge. But I have a feeling that we won't have anything to worry about. You see, on my desk is a contract. It's a breaching clause that states, by inscription, Rein will be permanently expelled from acting with this company. Fortunately, even if your handwriting is only partially similar, you will pass under her signature. It would be so entirely easy for you to ease your way into the world of stars after forging her--"

" --Whoa, hold it! You want me to what?!" Misty hollered, "Forge Reins signature?! I-I don't think so! I care for Imuru, yeah, but not nearly so much as to do that or anything like it! I don't know this girl, I don't know if I ever will, and I don't feel that I especially like her, but I still feel that it's wrong to be doing something this-this illegal! That's what it is! We could get in big trouble!"

" ...And..?"

" --With the law! Come on, Man! You're-like-forty years old! You should know what I'm getting into by doing this!"

" Well, I suppose that you’re right. But, in time, should you change your mind, you'll know where to find me. There is, after all, no need to rush things, now is there?" And he smirked as she forced herself to shake her head, "...Now, on to topic number two! I noticed that over the last couple days, your spirit for the art has dwindled. I'm here to listen so please tell me what the matter is. I feel that I've not truly known you till I've known your secrets..." He saw her giving him a dangerous look, "--Within reason, of course..!"

Misty hadn't wanted to tell him, she hadn't even found a way to tell Imuru yet...

She'd made sure that on no circumstances were there any problems with the script and she'd evaded any near-face contact with her-uh-boyfriend. But soon, she felt every worry over the matter slipping from her mouth like she'd placed butter in it in order to keep it moving. And it did the job well because she didn't stop talking until all was finished.

She'd sworn to keep this promise with her best friend, and since friendship was among one of the most important values in her life, she had to stay in order.

" ...And now I'm having so much trouble trying to keep my word..! I don't have any idea what to do!" She cried ten minutes later, placing her head in her hands and nearly sobbing right into them.

" Oh, so there's a problem in paradise is there?" Gerou commented and though Misty didn't quite understand what he meant, she only nodded, "Yes, well, these things happen and it is during these times that you find who your real friends are."

" W-what do you mean..?" Misty mumbled and looked into those deep steel gray eyes. She didn't like the look he was giving her. It was like he was sucking her in.

" If the fellow is truly your friend then should he not try and give you what makes you happy? And what makes you happy at the moment is being with Imuru, yes?" She nodded again, "Don't you think it unfair that he can't accept giving you what you want? Doesn't it make you think that he's only trying to keep you unhappy?"

" At first I though that... But it's my friend Ash that we're talking about... He can't stand to see anybody he knows or doesn't know unhappy. Believe me, I know this from personal experience..." And he saw her eyes light up in memory.

Clearing his throat, he got her attention back, "But still, maybe this is a deeper case than he's willing to admit... I'd confront him about it but if you'd rather not..." After seeing her shake her head formidably, he turned back to his desk, "Hmmm, well, if it suits you to be without--"

Suddenly the door burst open and Imuru hurled himself inside rather obstructingly, looking from Misty to Mr. Gerou, "--All right, Daz (A/N: I've decided that that'll be his first name, nickname)! What's the meaning of this?! Why did you call Misty in here? To discuss her future by trying to force her to stay here?!" He pulled Misty up from her seat and over to the door, "Listen--! I don't want any more trouble with any of my guests, therefore leave them all to themselves unless they ask for you!" And he left the room before even hearing the agent speak.

Daz laughed dryly, listening to Misty's consoling cry outside, the child was asking him if he'd be all right.

" That was so cute. Young love, how I lived for those days..." He growled, his hand curling well enough to crush the copy of the script in his hand, "...And how I despised them afterward... The little blossoms will be crushed no matter what it takes... Under my foot, they will die..." He looked to the crumpled papers, "However, there is one way they can ruin this for themselves... Let the production go on, let them continue to enjoy the days that pass... For when I'm done with them, they shall need so much more than an apology to get back on decent terms..." And he laughed again as he turned to his laptop, beginning to type what looked like a revised copy of the script.

***

Ash threw himself through the front door of the small Bistro he'd first talked to Rein in and clambered onto the seat at the table she sat at. His breath was strained, he'd had to rush in order not to feel foolish by being along the lines of 'fashionably late'.

She giggled a bit and got up to help him into his seat but then turned quite serious as she went back to her own. Something had obviously come up for him to be held back fifteen minutes, the crowds weren't that thick...

" So what happened?" She asked urgently.

" I believe that you were right about Gerou. He took Misty with him in order to 'talk'." She interrupted by slamming her hands on the table.

" I was right, he moved right on in during my absence... I'm sorry Kid--Ash--but I think your friend may be too sucked in by now. It may be too late..." She saw Ash with his watchful eye, "Be warned, expect anything now... How come you didn't bring her, I told you if worse came to worst..."

" She wouldn't just let me drag her here without a fight or a reason. She pounded me before I could even lead her out the door..."

" Shit... She's so much like me and yet at the same time I'd never be able to tell... I expect that Imuru did try to help her, though... He's just that way..."

" Yeah... Listen, about your man..." Ash began and he put on just as serious a face as the young woman, "Do you think that he might be in on this whole deal..?"

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A/N: Okay, not one of my best chapters but you can look forward to the next one soon. As long as I've got ideas and the time, you can probably expect at least one chapter per week. Now, that's not a promise but I'm going to try because I, just like you, know how authors may be with continuing these things. I'll start one and put-like-six chapters up within the first few weeks and then, suddenly I'm not interested anymore. And I apologize for that but I just have so many stories popping into my head and you can guess what the majority of them are for... ^_^!

That means that, no matter what, you can look forward to new hot surprises later on in my amateurish career! Keep in touch by e-mail or review so that I know that this story is a keeper, not only to myself but to the dedicated fan like you as well...

Thanx--!

That's all for now my friends/fans from the net! Feel free to review and expect more within a week!

--Chibi (.^_^.)

PS: Oh, yeah... There’s gonna be a treat for all you AAMRN fans in parts 11-12. It’s all ready typed up, just like chapters 10-13. Believe me, you’ll like it. Keep checking and look forward to Lingering Parts 1 and 2, AAMRN Interlude! Okay, no more hinting for now, just keep an eye out...