Pokemon Fan Fiction / Pokemon Fan Fiction ❯ You Little Mind Reader ❯ The Pika Problem ( Chapter 3 )

[ A - All Readers ]

The Pika Problem
by Babydawg

Babydawg says: I don't own pokemon... blah, blah, blah...

'Goodnight, Ash.'
'Goodnight Misty.'
The two settled down for a good night's sleep and what a day! Misty rolled over to her side to face Ash's blanket, all crumpled up on the floor with a giant lump laying on top, it was Ash. She felt sorry for him, making him have to sleep on the floor, even when he had been so considerate as in giving up his bed for her. Misty tried to shake off the feeling of regret, but failed. She had to do something.
'Ash?'
'Yeah?'
'You asleep yet?' she asked.
'Not anymore.'
'Well, do you like sleeping on the floor?'
'Does it look like it?' Ash was a little confused.
There was a long pause. The silence was beginning to get to Ash. He was about to speak up until she did.
'Do you wanna take the bed?' she asked.
'Of course not, Misty. I mean, the bed would be great, but I don't want you to have to sleep on the floor.' He answered.
'No, I mean, do you want to sleep in the bed... too...' Misty fumbled with her words, but barely had the courage to finished the sentence.
'WHAT?!' Ash had jumped out of his blanket by now, his skin pale.
'Do you want to sleep in the bed?' Misty repeated.
'Yeah, but not with someone else!' Ash was stunned.
'I'm not just 'someone else! I am your best friend! Can't you trust me?'
Ash wasn't going to say anything. He didn't even know what to say!
'Ash, come on... You even said that you wanted to grow up. You know, be more mature. This'll help.' Misty patted the other side of his bed.
Ash wasn't about to do anything. He wasn't about to move a single muscle.
'Ash, I'm tired. I'm not going to change my mind, so if you'd rather sleep in your bed, I'm leaving you some space. Goodnight.'
And with that, Misty rolled over to her side to where Ash couldn't see her face. Ash stared at the blank spot on his bed, then at the girl, no, his best friend laying on the other half, probably asleep. He just knew he was going to regret this, but he made up his mind and made his way towards his bed, squinting to see through the dim moonlight.

Misty lay on the bed with her eyes wide open, praying silently to herself that Ash would accept her offer. She shivered at the sudden cold breeze that swept the bare part of her backside, seeming to have drifted through the open window. The breeze continued to blow and Misty began to lose hope. Just as she was about to fall asleep, the breeze was suddenly blocked by something... or someone. She smiled at herself and allowed the covers to be pulled behind her. Her prayers were answered. Well... at least the one...


Ash woke up from the best sleep he's had in years with the shrieking alarm at his side, but remembered something else by his side a little more pleasant. He turned over on his right side to face Misty, her eyes still closed. Her shoulders moved with the rythm of her breathing. The corners of his lips led up to a smile as he gently shook her a bit, trying to wake her up.
"Misty. Wake up." he said out loud, yet quietly.
Misty groaned a bit and began to move a little. Ash's smile quickly disappered as her arm wrapped around him, gently pulling him closer to her and resting her head on his chest. He lay on his back, trying not to get too close.
"Just a little while longer..." he had heard her mumble.
Now, Ash was a little suprised by this, but that doesn't mean he wasn't enjoying it...he he he... Well, anyway, being as the scrawney, yet horribly strong girl Misty was, Ash was sure not to move a muscle to disturb her rest. Besides, she did look kinda comfy, all snuggling up to her friend like that. Ash looked over to the digital pokeball clock on his dresser.
'6:49, well, I guess I could stall a little while longer...' he concluded.
And, with that, Ash rolled to his side, leaning a bit on Misty, her head still pressed against his chest as she quietly slept. *Or was she sleeping? This does kinda sound a bit planned to me... What do you think? ^_~ * He finally decided to give in and hold her in a hugging sort of style, wrapping his arms around her very gently, as to make sure she doesn't wake. Ash closed his eyes as he felt the soft thudding of her heart against his. Ah, the Harmony. The sun began to rise, eliminating the stars and moon, shining all it's wonderous glory down to the livening Earth's crust. A beautiful morning, filled with delightful scenery including our favorite young couple; Ash Ketchum and Misty Waterflower, laying in eachother's arms. The sun seemed to smile warmly as it barely kissed Misty's cheek through a ray of sunlight, shooting through the window. Overwelmed by all of the excitement and pleasure had hastily tired Ash, as he soon falls asleep.
So there they lay as the sun rises into the sky, drying all the moon dew, filling the air with the fresh scent of blossoming daisies, carried by the eastern winds from far away meadows and feilds. Misty slowly opened her eyes to find a couple of familiar arms wrapped around her. She smiles a bit, knowing who's they were... and maybe even why they're there in the first place... She wanted to giggle childishly and laugh all of the happiness that flooded her body out into the rest of the world, but her mind quickly changed when she saw his eyes slowly open. She quickly closed hers and tried pretending she was asleep. Apparently it had worked. If she had looked like she was awake, Ash wouldn't have pulled her into a closer hug like he was right now. He gently stroked the bare part of her back with the tips of his fingers. She couldn't help but blush a bit, her jaw slightly ajar. Now, who would've predicted this! Ash was a little startled when he felt her heartbeat speed up rapidly within a second. He slowly pulled away. She was awake. Ash's throat went completely dry, a giant lump clouded his breathing, yet his face was expressionless. Misty blinked a few times, then smiled warmly and greeted him with her sweetest voice. Becomming her vicious self would only ruin the moment...
"Hi." she said a little above a whisper, noticing her arm still around his waist.
Ash tried to swallow the tough lump in his throat. He opened his mouth, but no sound came out. He was terrified. Finally, a stutter slipped through.
"... H-hi-hi....hi." he managed to say.
The moment to part was coming... this was just getting too weird.
"Umm.." Misty pull her arm away.
"Uh..." Ash let go also.
"I ...gotta go...."
"Yeah, I'll ...just...."
"Yeah."
"Yeah."
Ash slipped out of his bed and quickly walked over to his dresser in the corner, pulling up his baggy green boxers. He pulled open a drawer, but paused as he realized something for the first time.
'How am I going to get dressed?' he thought.
'I guess I can just wait outside your door.' she thought.
'Oh...oh, okay.' he answered.
With that, Misty walked out of his room, spotting Ms. Ketchum walking down the stairway, humming a cheery morning tune.
"Good morning Ms. Ketchum." Misty greeted.
"Oh, good morning, dear. Did you sleep well?" Delia asked.
"Uh... yeah, sure. Fine." Misty blushed a bit.
Delia walked up the remaining stairs towards Misty with a serious look on her face.
"Ash did behave himself, didn't he?" she asked gravely.
"Oh, yeah! Yeah! Of course he did." Misty responded, feeling a little awkward with Delia's cold stare stabbing into her eyes.
"Oh, good." Delia replied rather cheerfully and smiled. She turned to walked down towards the kitchen.
Misty sighed a breath of relief.
'Ash? Are you done yet? I gotta get dressed, too.' Misty asked softly knocking on his door.
'Yeah.' he anwered.
She slowly turned the doorknob and walked in. She was a bit suprised to see Ash dressed in... well, it just wasn't his usual attire. Brock walked up to the door, but wasn't seen by neither Ash nor Misty. He watched quietly.
'Where'd you get the shirt?' she asked, pointing to the grey, loose tanktop that hung over some baggy sweatpants.
Ash shrugged a bit.
'I've had 'em' he answered.
'Oh.' Misty said.
There was that silence again.
'Ash, I need to get dressed, too. Would you mind?' Misty thought, pointing towards the door.
'Oh, sure.' he said and walked out, bumping into Brock.
"Oh, Morning Brock." Ash greeted.
"Morning." he greeted back.
Brock had expected him to go downstairs for that Saturday morning breakfast he always loved, but he just stood there.
"What's wrong?" Brock asked.
"Nothing... why?" Ash asked.
"...How come you haven't been talking to Misty lately?" Brock's question sounded more blaming than out of curiousity.
"I have been!"
"Then, what was with all that... 'sign language'... stuff." Brock asked.
"What sign language stuff?" Ash's eyes narrowed.
"I saw you two... well, first Misty pointed, then silence. Then, you shrug, and more silence. Then Misty points again, and more silence!" Brock said stressfully.
Ash knew what this was. Ash knew Brock would know. Ash knew Brock knows. Or did he?
'I know that if Brock knows what I know, then Misty would hate Brock knowing what we know, I just know she would. I can only hope he doesn't know that we knew that he knows that he knew when... oh, screw it, I'd better answer.'
"Uh... Brock, can I tell you later?" Ash asked him.
Brock stared at him for a moment.
"I want to know now." he said.
"Well at least wait till Misty's done!" Ash threw his arms in the air.
"I'm done." Misty announced, opening the door.
'Great, just great. Couldn't you have waited a little longer?' Ash thought.
'What are you talking about?' Misty asked.
'Misty... I think Brock knows.'
'Knows what?' she asked him, looking at him questionably.
'Us! The... ESP stuff!'
'You told him?!'
'No! I think he just... found out!' Ash thought.
'How?!' Misty asked.
'I don't know!' Ash yelled in his mind.
Misty's eyes flared.
'Ash, of all the times I trust you! Why did you tell him?! You know he's got the biggest mouth in all of Kanto! He'll probably make money on us sending us off as test subjects, then use the money to take out all the bimbos in the neighborhood, who'll probably take his money and treat him like crap anyway!'
'What are you talking about?!' Ash stepped up to her, challenging her to a shout-off.
'You told on us!' Misty also stepped forward, accepting his invitation.
'They're doing it again...' Brock thought as he watched them have a mental fight.
'Did not!' Ash yelled; another step up.
'Did too!' Misty shouted; another step up.
The space between their bodies were shortening; Brock simply stood to the side and watched curiously, eager to see what happens next.
'Did not!'
'Did too!'
'Did not!'
'Did too!'
Their faces a foot apart.
'Did NOT!' another few inches...
'Did TOO!' another few inches...
Brock watched in astonishment as their faces silently closed in.
"Wait! Hold it right there, lemme get my camera!" Brock yelled excitedly and then ran down the stairs.
'Camera? What does h-...' Ash thought, but soon noticed Misty wasn't viciously glaring at him anymore.
She was staring at his lips, her jaw slightly open. Then, her vision switched into looking in his eyes, her expression softened a bit.... or, no, it was A LOT! Ash blinked a few times before starting to back up, having that keen sense of what all little boys know as a 'danger' sign. A hug was enough for one day! ...Or...at least he thought (and hoped) it was... Misty watched him back away. Her cheeks grew warm.
"All right, now wh-... Oh, no! Go back! Get back together!" Brock whined holding the camera in his hand.


~~~1 hour later~~~

"Misty c'mon, catch up! We gotta get to Professor Oaks before 9:00" Ash called out behind him.
"I'm running as fast as I can!" she yelled back.
"Ash! Slow down!" Brock shouted.
Ash felt a tiny raindrop on his arm.
"It's starting to rain guys, we need to hurry!" Ash said.
"No duh." Misty said, finally catching up to him.
Ash looked over at her when he noticed she was the one looking. She smiled sideways, a few raindrops sliding down her cheeks. He returned it.
"Guys! Where are you going?!" Brock shouted.
Ash looked behind him, where he had heard Brock. He was standing in front of Professor Oak's laboratory. Ash performed that embarrassed smile.
"I guess I wasn't really paying attention." he laughed dryly.
"So I see." Brock grinned.
"Brock, are you gonna ring the doorbell or what?" Misty asked, exhausted.
"Oh, sure." Brock answered.


"Now, lesse, the squirtle's shell is usefull for... hmm..."
The chiming of the doorbell rung throughout the laboratory in three low strikes, like an old church bell. The Professor wheeled his chair over to a seperate table, where he pushed an intercom... uh, button thingy.
"Hello?" he spoke into it.
Ash and co. looked over to the tiny intercom near the doorbell. Brock pushed the button.
"Yeah, Ash is here. He needs to pick up Pikachu."
"And Togepi!" Misty yelled from the backround.
"Oh, is that you Brock? Well, come on in, the door's unlocked." Oak said.
They looked over to the door as it made a sort of strange clicking noise. Misty reached for the handle, when the door opened automatically.
"I see that the Professor has made a lot of money lately." Brock stated matter-of-factly.
"No kidding." Misty agreed.
They stepped into a large room that looked somewhat like a lounge.
"Brock, are you sure this is the Professor Oak's lab?" Ash asked.
"Yeah... I think I'm sure."
"Can I help you?" a secretary to their right asked.
"Uh, I'm Ash Ketchum. I'm here to pick up my pikachu."
"Brock... you're sure." Misty asked.
"Um... I think so." he answered, looking around carelessly.
"Ah, yes, Ash Ketchum. The Professor is in room 172 on the 2nd floor." the secretary said looking at some sheet, then she put the sheet of paper down and continued to paint her fingernails with pursed lips.
"Second floor. Yep, must've gotten some money lately." Brock stated.

The three entered the elevator as a couple walked out with a psyduck, with a big blue ribbon around it's neck, waddling by their side. Just as the elevator doors began closing, Misty listened in on their conversation.
"So, Psyduck, how'd you like your appointment? Was the professor nice?" the man asked.
"Very! I liked him." the psyduck replied.
"Were so glad you did deary." the woman answered.
Misty gasped. Did the psyduck just... talk?!?
'What's wrong Misty?' Ash asked her.
'Uh... nothing... I must not of gotten enough sleep last night or something.'
Ash looked at Brock cautiously for a moment, then back at Misty, who's face was a bit pale.

They reached the second floor in a matter of seconds. There, as simple as it was, was Professor Oak, sitting at a large desk in front of a huge window on the far right side of the room. On the left, was a few bookcases, plants, etc., but one thing definately stuck out above the many cute little decorations: a large, steel door, with partially rusted hinges, an eerie greenish glow seeped underneath the crack as if to ward off all trespassers using still fear.
"Hey Professor!" Ash said, walking up to the Professor.
Professor Oak jumped a bit.
'I really need to put a bell on that door.' thought Oak'
"Hi Ash, here for your Pikachu I see." Oak said with a smile.
"Yes, and I'm here to get Togepi." Misty spoke up.
"Ah, yes, yes, yes." The Professor walked from his desk to that... door.
"Here, let me go get them. If you want to come in, that'd be fine, but as long as you stay away from all of the cages." and with that, Oak walked in.
Ash looked at Brock, then at Misty, and followed Oak, his friends *especially Misty ^-^* close behind him.
The stairs were long and in a curvy sort of style, you know, those spiral stairs that you always see in those movies. A few muffled growling and howling sent shivers up Misty's spine. Hearing this, she unknowledgably clung to Ash's arm. Brock didn't notice, he was busy looking at all of the freaky test tubes and pots with steam pouring out of it, looking like that dry ice that you'd only use in haunted houses and halloween parties. The room was extroadinarily dim; very unsuitable for a real or at least human scientist, especially an old one. *Well it is the truth! He's old! What else is there to say?!* A shriek broke the partial silence, making the group jump as they noticed it was only a few feet away. Brock looked closer and examined a very hurt nidoran, breathing very heavily, each breath a raspy wheeze. Ash looked down to see Misty's arms clung around his. He shook them off and gripped her hand tightly, smiling. She grinned warmely at him. Brock took his eyes off of the nidoran for a second and onto the two mind readers, holding eachother's hands. He softly hummed a random tune and walked behind the two, pushing them closer together. Suddenly, a strong humming sound filled the huge room, a light turned on... two... three... all blinking on in an order. Ninety-six... and ninety-seven. The room was brighter than ever. Oak chuckled when he looked over to Ash and his friends.
"Good thing I turned on these lights when I did!" Oak laughed.
Brock happily joined in the laughter. Ash and Misty only stood frozen, their faces as red as cherries.
"C'mon Ash, you're pikachu's over here." Oak said, leading down a hall, laughing a few laughs before he finally shut up.
Brock was the first one to follow, but it took a few minutes for Ash and Misty to finally realize that they were on Earth; one with lights.

They reached the smaller room at the end of the hall. There was a giant machine in the shape of a sphere in the middle of the room with many wires stretching from wall to wall into the seperate cages that lined up the sides of the room. Professor Oak walked over to one of the cages in the far right corner and unlocked the door. The metal door swung open with a few tight sqeaks, that was when the grin on Oaks face turned into a frown. He pulled the small yellow mouse out of it's cage. It was still asleep.
"Uh... Professor, why does it got that red ribbon around it's neck?" Ash asked pointing to the sparkly blue ribbon tied in a bow, with some sort of black marble in the middle.
Pikachu's ears instantly perked up at the sound of it's trainer.
"Pika! Pika-pi! Chu!" Pikachu cried happily as it jumped into it's trainer's arms.
"Hey Pikachu! So, Professor, how did the tests go?" Ash asked the old man in the white laboratory coat.
"Well, Ash, I'm afraid I have some bad news..."
"Huh? What do you mean?" Ash asked worriedly.
"I'm sorry Ash, but your Pikachu is..."
"Is what?" Misty asked concerned.
"Yes, tell us." Brock inquired.
Oak sighed.
"Ash, your Pikachu is a she." he said.
"Yeah, so... why is that such a big deal?" Ash asked.
"Oh, wait a minute! I thought it was a he! Oh no!" Ash yelled, dropping to his knees.
"What's the problem with pikachu being a girl Ash?" Misty asked him.
"I thought I could tell him... I mean her all my secrets and stuff! She was probably laughing at me the entire time!!" Ash complained.
"I can't beleive this..." Misty rubbed her forhead out of embarassment.
"A-actually, that isn't the bad news." the Professor said.
"What can be worse than this?" Misty replied sarcastically, pointing at Ash.
"Ash, your Pikachu's going to be a mother." Oak explained.
"Huh?" Ash asked looking up.
"Your Pikachu's going to have a litter." Oak repeated.
"You... you mean... babies?" Ash asked.
Ash looked at his pikachu. Sure enough, the belly was getting bigger.
"I'm sor-" Oak started, but was interupted by Ash.
"Professor, that's great news! Wow! An entire family of Pikachus! Awsome!" Ash said.
"Yes, but-" Oak began, but was interupted again.
"This is great! This'll also help me on my research as a great breeder!" Brock stood triumphantly.
"This also comes with a great responsiblity!" the Professor said loudly.
"Wha..."
"Ash, instead of having to care for one pikachu, you'll have to care for... um... well, who knows how many." Misty explained.
"Usually there are six pikachu in a litter." Oak said.
"I guess that means six times the ketchup packets, huh Ash." Misty shoved him teasingly.
"Yeah, guess so." Ash said.
"Uh, who's the father by the way?" Brock asked the professor.
"Oh, yes. Little Joey here escaped during the middle of the night and..."
"And... eh, yeah, we get it." Brock said waving a hand at the professor.
"...I don't..." Ash looked around to all the questionable stares.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"Did I say something wrong?" Ash asked.
The professor burst out laughing, as did Brock. Misty giggled slightly.
"What'd I say?!" Ash said getting offended.
"Nothing Ash, don't worry." Misty said.
The laughter calmed.
"Well, what was wrong with her before?" Ash asked Oak.
"Oh, well that was only a sickness all pokemon get when they are pregnant. Actually, pokemon are very similar to humans when it comes to pregnancy." Oak explained.
"Well, what's with this bow... uh thing?" Ash asked, pointing to the bow.
"Well, you have noticed all of the... new stuff I've added to the laboratory. Well, this is all from a new study in the speech of pokemon. Yes, I have invented a product called P.S.I.-pokemon speech interpretor. Suprised?"
"Does that mean you can understand what pokemon are saying now?" Misty asked.
"Yes, it does." Oak said.
"Well what does that have to do with this dumb bow?!" Ash asked agrivated.
"Ash, that bow is the P.S.I." Brock said.
"Oh." Ash looked down at the bow, then at Misty.
"I knew I heard that psyduck speak!" she shouted.
Everyone was silent.
"Psyduck? Your psyduck talks?" Ash asked her.
"No! That psyduck we passed on the way in the elevator, it talked! I knew it talked!" she said.
"Oh, yes, the psyduck. My last patient. Apparently the couple heard about the new invention of mine and bought one. They were so happy to hear their psyduck speak."
Something suddenly clicked in Ash's brain.
"Wait a minute! I don't want Pikachu to talk!" Ash yelled.
"What? What's wrong?" Oak was a little suprised.
"I told her all of my secrets and stuff! Remember!"
"Don't worry Ash. I would never tell your secrets. And I never did laugh at them." Pikachu swore.
Ash looked over to Pikachu.
"You've got the strangest voice I've ever heard..." Ash said.
Pikachu gasped, sparks sprung from her cheeks.
"But... very feminine!" he quickly complimented, holding his hands up in defeat.
Misty, Brock and Professor Oak laughed.
"Oh, wait... how much does it cost?" Ash asked.
"Oh, don't worry about it, Ash." Oak winked at him.
"Thanks Professor!" his face lit up.
"No problem."
"Um, where's my Togepi?" Misty asked.
"Oh, your Togepi." Oak said thoughtfully.
"If you don't mind, I also put a P.S.I. on her also."
"Her? It's a she?" Misty asked.
"Yes! Togepi is finally old enough to determine the sex of the pokemon. So, yes it is a she." Oak said happily.
"That's wonderful! I was hoping Togepi was a girl!" Misty excitedly laughed to herself.
Ash looked at her in jealousy.
'You must be happy yours is a girl. I just get informed that my long term buddy is a female when all along I was positive it was a male.' Ash thought.
'Hm, your just jealous.' Misty replied.
'Oh, and what kind of 'secrets' did you tell her?' she asked Ash.
'I'm not gonna tell you.' Ash thought.
'Fine, be that way.' Misty thought.
"Well, if you'll just follow me, I'll lead you to your togepi, Misty" the professor said, walking from the room.
They walked from the room of pikachus into the long hall that lead to the main laboratory. Walking through the dim hall, the group heard a few slow, quiet chuckles. The chuckles lead to laughter, the laughter lead to ridiculous, haunting, raspy giggles.
"What's that?" Brock asked.
"Uh oh. Wait here, one of my patients needs their medications. Wait here, don't move." Oak said sternly before running off.
"Uh, Professor, we can help!" Ash yelled after him.
"No, no. You stay there." Oak's voice echoed.
One of the many dim lights attached to the ceiling burnt out, then another, and another.
'I don't like this, Ash.' Misty thought.
'Me neither...' he replied.
"C'mon, let's help the Professor." Ash said.
"No, Ash!" Brock yelled grabbing his shoulder tightly.
"Why not? He might need help."
"Because, it just might be dangerous." Misty said.
"Hmmm... all right..." Ash gave in.
It wasn't long until Oak came back into the hall, holding a familiar egg in his hand.
"Togepi!" Misty greeted as she ran up to it.
"Hey mommy!" the egg pokemon said.
"Oh, Togepi, you've got the sweetest voice ever! Oh, your so cute!" Misty complimented as she hugged her pokemon.
"Oh, uh, Professor, what was wrong with Togepi? Why was she crying? Was she sick?" Misty aksed.
"Oh, no, it was nothing. Just allergies. She's probably just allergic to something that just came and went, but she's just fine now."
"Sees mommy? I'm all better!" Togepi said cheerfully.


"Bye Professor! See you soon!" Ash called out.
"Thanks for the P.S.I.'s!" Misty yelled.
"Bye guys!" Oak waved.
The three walked on towards Ash's houses. The rain had slowed to a quiet drizzle now: gentle and sweet. Misty watched Ash from the corner of her eye; something just didn't feel right anymore. This morning... hug... bed... hold... hand... ... love... The words seemed to echo throughout Misty's mind. There were so many questions within reach, yet the answers seemed miles away, and it was aggrivating to have to try reaching them with what seemed like a broken arm and a worthless spirit.
'Oh well. Guess I'll just have to let the answers come to me.' Misty thought.
'What answers?' Ash asked here silently.
'You.' she simply stated.
'Huh? What does that mean?'
'You'll see...'

~~~~~~End of Chapter 3 of "The Pika Problem"~~~~~~

Yay! Another chapter finished! Oops, the pizza's here, gotta go!

Sorry, no previews this time!