Pokemon Fan Fiction / Pokemon Fan Fiction ❯ Pokemon Trilogy part 1 - Buried Feelings ❯ Chapter 6

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

Buried Feelings part 6 - CONCLUSION
written by Djehuti aka Flamedramon_girl


Misty woke up with a start and looked around at her surroundings. Where am I? She
thought. Then the memories from the past couple of days came back to her. She was in the small
infirmary in Greenwood. She was in a bed in a sunny cheerful room. The window was open, and a
nice breeze was coming in. She looked to the other side of the room and saw Brock sleeping
soundly in another bed. Pikachu was sleeping at the foot of her bed.

Ash!

Misty quickly got out of bed and silently walked down the deserted hallway. She was
wearing clean clothes that she had changed into the night before. She saw the closed door to
the room that Team Rocket were sleeping in. As soon as they had arrived, Team Rocket kept
mostly to themselves. She had only seen them in the cafeteria when they had eaten supper.

Misty brought her mind to the present. She walked past the foyer and up to the double
doors they had took Ash through. She hesitated for a brief second, than pushed her way through.

She found herself in another small hallway. She peeked into the first room on her right
and saw Ash sleeping in a bed. The nurses had put him in his PJ's, and there was an IV in his
arm. Misty tip-toed in and saw Tajiri sleeping in a chair in the corner.

Suddenly, Tajiri stirred awake and looked at Misty. "Uh...Good morning", Misty said
quietly so as to not wake Ash.

"Morning", he whispered, standing into a stretch. He looked at Ash, his face
unreadable.

"Were you with him all night?" Misty asked. Tajiri nodded tiredly. Misty could tell
that he didn't get a lot of sleep. She couldn't help but notice that there was something
familiar about his face, his mannerisms, and the way he walked. Who is this guy? She wondered.

"How about I get us something to eat?" Tajiri asked. Misty smiled. "Sure".

Tajiri walked out and closed the door behind him.

Misty then turned her attention to Ash, who still slept soundly. He looked much better.
His fever had broken and his color was back. She sat on the side of his bed and reached for his
hand. Misty held it against her cheek, and her eyes filled with tears of relief. She had been
so worried. It had seemed like he wasn't going to make it.

Misty was so immersed in her thoughts, that she almost didn't notice Ash's hand move
slightly against her cheek. Her head jerked up, and she saw Ash looking up at her with a
concerned expression. "What's wrong Misty?" He asked softly. "I'm feeling better."

"Ash!" Misty exclaimed happily. Impulsively she bent down and hugged her friend. She
was rewarded with the sound of Ash lauphing softly as he hugged her back. Misty sat back and
Ash sat up. He looked around at his surroundings. "Where am I?" He asked.

"In Greenwood. It's near Viridian City", Misty answered. "We're in the infirmary". Ash
nodded. Misty then proceeded to tell him what had been going on and about Brock's adventures.
Ash was filled with joy to find out that Pikachu was all right.

"Where's Pikachu?", he asked, expecting the little Pokemon to pounce on him any second.
Misty giggled. "Pikachu's sleeping", she said. "It'll be happy to know you're all right. We
were so worried..." Her voice faltered into silence, her intense emotions taking her voice away.

Ash sidled closer to her and took her hand in his. "Hey, I'm all right now. You don't
need to be worried." He said gently.

Misty nodded. "You're right...it's just that you don't know how happy I am to see
you're all better." She said softly. Ash's heart skipped a beat as he looked at her face.
Her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. In that moment, as Ash looked into her eyes, he saw
just how much she cared for him. An indescribable feeling of joy filled him at this realization.

"Misty", he started shyly. "I remember a little of when we were in the cave. You kept
me warm, comforted me", Ash blushed, "gave me water." His eyes lowered and he had a small smile
on his lips.

Misty blushed. He remembers that!? Oh God! She thought, horrified.

Ash raised his eyes and gazed at Misty with a look that she would never forget. "I want
to thank you Misty." He said seriously. "I wouldn't have been able to get through the last few
days without you." Ash swallowed nervously and put his hands on her shoulders. Misty could feel
them trembling.

Misty didn't want this moment to end. She felt like she was in a dream with everything
going in slow motion. Ash's deep brown eyes were glued to hers as he leaned closer. When they
were almost nose to nose, his eyes practically glowed with love and gratitude. As their eyes
drifted shut, Ash whispered something that caused the unshed tears to fall down Misty's cheeks.

"Thank you."

Then misty felt Ash kiss her softly on the lips. Shyly at first, then more tenderly and
a little longer. Misty kissed him back. She could taste the salt from her tears mixed with his
own.

The two of them pulled away and sat back, giddy and light-headed. They sat looking at
each other for a few moments, blushing and smiling. Misty sniffled while Ash wiped the tears
off of his face. Then he grabbed a box of kleenex and held it out to her. Then they both burst
out laughing.

~~~

"Pipichu! Pika Pika!!.........Piiiiikaaaaaa-"

Brock slowly opened his eyes groggily to find Pikachu ready to give him a wake up shock.
"Woah! Hold your fire! I'm up, I'm up!" Brock said hurriedly. He sat up, and watched as Pikachu
powered down; the sparks swirling around it's body absorbing harmlessly back into it's cheek
pouches. Brock silently thanked Ash for training pikachu so well.

"Good morning, what's the hurry?" he asked the agitated Pokemon. Pikachu started
motioning for Brock to follow it. Brock got out of bed and limped out into the hallway after
Pikachu. Pikachu pointed at the door to the room that Team Rocket were sleeping in. Brock
noticed that the door was slightly ajar and he peeked inside.

The room was empty.

He went into the room and saw that Jessie and James' stuff was gone too. "Gee, I guess
the truce is off", Brock said, stating the obvious.

"Pipichu! Pikapika Pipi!" Pikachu said, jumping on top of a table. Brock went over to
the table and picked up the two Pokeballs that were on the table. "Hey! These are mine!" Brock
exclaimed. "They were with my...Pokemon!" He staggered out of the room and into his room. He
quickly examined his Pokeballs and saw all of his Pokemon were present and unharmed. Jessie and
James had just taken back their own Pokemon and left his spare Pokeballs.

"They didn't take my Pokemon! I guess this is their way of saying thank you", Brock
said to Pikachu, then he smiled. "Lets go get some breakfast and see Ash. I bet Misty's with
him all ready!"

~~~

Ash and Misty were chatting when Brock limped into the room, followed by Tajiri. Tajiri
had gotten everyone some breakfast from the cafeteria. Suddenly a yellow blur streaked into the
room and leaped into Ash's arms.

"Pikachu!" Ash cried out happily. He hugged the Pokemon and scratched it's ears
affectionately.

As Brock watched the happy scene, he couldn't help but notice the way Misty looked at
Ash. Ash glanced back at her and they shared a dreamy smile. Well! Brock thought. They finally
talked to each other about their feelings! He chuckled to himself. Maybe they'll stop fighting
about that bike!

"Jeez Brock! You really look beat up!" Ash exclaimed, looking at Brock in amazement.
"Misty told me what happened."

Misty nodded. "Thanks Brock, you went through a lot to get help for us."

Brock smiled and shrugged. "Aww Jeez! Its no big deal, it's what friends are for
right?"

The group sat and ate breakfast. They were just finishing when Lucille and Caitlin
poked their heads into the room. Brock's face lit up when he saw Caitlin. "Hi Caitlin!" he said
cheerfully.

Ash and Misty shared a knowing look. Here he goes again!

While Brock and Caitlin engaged into an animated conversation, Lucille went to Ash's
bedside. "I'm so glad you're better", she said with a smile. "For a while you didn't look to
good!"

"Thank you Mrs. uh...." Ash started.

"The last name is Sparks but you can call me Lucille," The friendly woman said. "Caitlin
and I were just dropping in to see how everyone was doing before heading to Viridian. We got
our car back from the shop this morning and I need to get some supplies for the centre."

"We're going to see how my Pokemon is doing at the new resort", Caitlin said.

"Pokemon? You have Pokemon?" Brock asked, surprised. "You did'nt tell me you had
Pokemon!"

Caitlin grinned and winked. "You never asked!"

"What's this Pokemon resort you're talking about?" Ash asked. "I've never heard about
one around here."

"It's new", answered Caitlin. "It just opened a few months ago. It's just outside of
Viridian City." She looked at her watch and her eyes widened. "Oh! We gotta get going Mom!
We're gonna be late!"

"I guess I'll be seeing you later!" Lucille said with a wave. Caitlin and her Mom left.

"Gee, I never got a chance to ask what kind of Pokemon she had." Brock said with a sigh.
"I'll find out when she gets back."

About two minutes after Lucille and Caitlin had left, a nurse came into the room. "Oh
good, you're awake Ash, you look much better than last night." she said cheerfully. "After
examining you, we discovered that you were just suffering from a nasty virus. The solution we
put in your IV seems to be doing the trick". She examined Ash's IV and made sure everything was
working properly.

Ash nodded and smiled. "I feel much better", he said. "I still feel tired though."

"The virus took a lot out of you. It'll be a little while before you get your strength
back. I'd take it easy for a couple of weeks." said the nurse.

After she was done checking things out, the nurse headed for the door. She paused before
walking out. "Oh, by the way Ash, we contacted your Mother to tell what happened, and she's on
her way from Pallet Town. She should be here any minute now."

~~~

"Mom is coming here?"

Ash almost jumped out of bed in his excitement, his tiredness momentarily forgotten.

"Yes she is. We decided to contact her after you arrived." The nurse said. Another nurse
came to the door and whispered something. "In fact, she just arrived", said the first nurse
with a smile. She moved aside and left as an auburn haired woman came into the room.

She ran over to Ash and hugged him fiercely. "Oh Ash! I was so worried about you when I
found out what happened!"

"Awww...Mom!" Ash said, hugging his Mother back.

When Ash broke out of the hug, Misty grabbed his hand and gave it a quick squeeze.
"We'll be in the cafeteria OK?" She said. Brock greeted Mrs. Ketchum politely and they walked
out of the room followed by Pikachu. Misty vaguely wondered why Tajiri didn't leave too. She
glanced at him on her way out and saw that he was backed up against the wall behind Mrs.
Ketchum with a strange look on his face. She figured it wasn't her business, and left, not
giving it another thought.

"Ash, I'm so happy that you're all right! I've missed you so much." Mrs. Ketchum said
with great relief.

Ash smiled. "I missed you too Mom."

"When I heard about your accident, I was scared I was going to lose you like your
Father when he died in that horrible accident...." Mrs. Ketchum wiped her eyes.

"Mom", Ash said, "It's OK. I'm all right." He glanced up, suddenly aware of a tall dark
figure behind his Mother.

"Delia?"

At the sound of that voice, Mrs. Ketchum's eyes widened, and she paled.

"Mom?" Ash asked, distressed at seeing his Mother so disturbed.

Mrs. Ketchum slowly stood up and turned around. When she saw Tajiri she uttered a small
cry of shock and sank shakily to the bed. "Satoshi?" She murmured, tears filling her eyes.

Ash watched in confusion as "Tajiri" now called "Satoshi" pulled up a chair in front of
his Mother. Satoshi's eyes filled up with tears as he reached for Mrs. Ketchum's shaking hands.
"It's been a long time hasn't it Delia," Satoshi said, his voice full of emotion.

At his touch, Mrs. Ketchum burst into tears.

Ash stared in silent shock as Satoshi embraced his sobbing Mother. "I thought you were
dead!" She cried over and over. It took a few moments, then it finally clicked in. Satoshi was
his Father's name.

"Dad?" Ash whispered.

Satoshi raised his head and looked at him. "My son...please forgive me." He murmured,
raising a hand to touch Ash's face. Ash backed away out of reach, and shook his head in
disbelief.

"This isn't right", he said softly. "My Father would have come back a long time ago if
he was alive. He wouldn't have hid from his family!"

This last phrase was said at a yell, and before anyone could move to stop him, Ash
grabbed his IV pole and half ran half stumbled out of the room.

"Ash!" His mother cried, standing to go after him.

"No, I should talk to him." Satoshi said. He left, leaving a worried Mrs. Ketchum in
the room.

~~~

This can't be happening! Ash thought as he rushed barefoot down the deserted hallway,
dragging his IV pole along with him. A mixture of feelings roiled within him. Anger, sadness,
confusion, and relief. He was starting to tire and he went outside on a verandah and sat on a
bench in the warm sunlight.

Ash sat, lost in his thoughts, not noticing his Father's presence as the man sat down
with him. No one said anything for a few minutes. Finally Satoshi broke the silence.

"I understand why you're mad at me", he said quietly. "I would've come home if I could."

Ash glanced at him but didn't say anything.

"After the avalanche, all I remember is waking up in a strange hospital surrounded
with people I did'nt know. At first I was disoriented and didn't know what happened or who I
was. By the time I remembered everything, I find out I had been in a coma for five years. I
wasn't expected to live. No one contacted you or your Mother because they didn't know who I
was. I was a typical 'John Doe'. At that time I wanted so much to go back but...I was afraid.
Afraid what your reactions would be to my miraculous return. Would you welcome me with open
arms or would you reject me with anger and unforgiveness. You and your Mother had accepted my
'death' and moved on with your lives. I didn't want to ruin your lives by coming back."

Satoshi fell silent.

Ash looked at him with a mixture of anger and sadness. "I grew up without a Father, and
you've been alive all this time." He murmured. "I understand now that you've explained it to me,
but that doesn't change the fact that I'm angry. All my life, I think you're dead, then all of a
sudden you appear out of nowhere!?" Ash wiped angry tears from his face.

"I wish I could make you understand how proud I am of you, and how much I care for you",
Satoshi said quietly. "I secretly followed you on your Pokemon journey. I celebrated and
rejoiced in your victories, and I felt your defeats, wanting so much to be there for you." He
paused for a moment. "I guess I was angry at myself for not being a good Father. In a way I was
too ashamed to return, knowing that I didn't come back because I was afraid." He looked at Ash,
who was looking at him, his face wet with tears.

"I know I wasn't there for you, but I'm here for you now, and I'll never leave you and
your Mother again. It will take a while, and it won't be easy, but I ask your forgiveness. I
want so much to be in your life again son. I love you so much." Satoshi looked at his son,
unable to say more.

Ash was crying now, and he did'nt move away when Satoshi wrapped his arms around him.

"Dad!" Ash sobbed as he threw his arms around his Father. The two of them held each
other and cried for a long time. Then Delia, who had been watching un-noticed from the door,
came over and joined them.

For what seemed like forever, they held each other, beginning the healing process that
would make them a family once more.

~~~

Later, everyone including Pikachu, had gathered in Ash's room. Ash had fallen asleep,
exhausted from the emotional reunion. His Mother and Father sat on either side of his bed.

Mrs. Ketchum quietly filled Misty and Brock in on the situation. Misty wiped happy
tears from her eyes. "This is so wonderful!" She said softly. Pikachu jumped onto Mr. Ketchum's
lap. "Pikachu, Pikapichu!"

Satoshi smiled. "Nice to meet you too little friend."

Pikachu curled up in his lap and made a sound of contentment as Satoshi scratched its
ears.

Brock watched over the scene. "I just love happy endings!"


THE END!

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