The Beautifly Effect

Chapter Three -- Richie

She felt confused. She felt depressed. Things weren't the way she needed them to be. If Ash wasn't the right guy for her, then that left a void in her life, not to mention years of emotional investment that could never be redeemed.

At least while the Pokémon League was on, she could keep herself occupied. Maybe after a few days, she'd be better able to sort out her life. Misty remembered that Richie's first battle would be on soon in the adjoining stadium. If she went before the crowds left Ash's match, she could get a front row seat.

Richie studied his first opponent at the other end of the arena. She was a tall, dark haired girl of about sixteen, and had a haughty air about her. At the referee's signal, she and Richie advanced to the centre of the grassy field and shook hands.

"After my Pokémon have had yours for lunch," she said, looking him up and down, "I'm gonna have you for dinner, hon."

Richie hated it when a girl eyed him like that. To assess people in terms of one's own gratification was nothing but abhorrent to him. "Don't be too sure of the menu, Mel," he replied. But he didn't speak his mind completely lest it upset the spectators. They wanted a Pokémon battle, and he was quite prepared to give them what they wanted and teach her a lesson at the same time.

On the way back to his stand, he noticed one of the spectators wave to him. It was Misty. He hadn't seen her for two years. He waved back and made a mental note to catch up with her afterwards.

"Begin the match," announced the referee.

The match started without delay. Pokémon appeared and attacks were ordered:

"Seismic Toss," Mel commanded.

"Fire Spin," said Richie. Time to try out his new technique.

Zippo spread its wings and flew towards Mel's Golem. Tilting its wings the Charizard flew around it, faster and faster, whie spewing forth a cyclone of flame. On and on the blaze poured out until a self-sustaining whirlwind encased its boulder-like opponent. Satisfied, the Charizard returned to its place.

Golem was trapped inside walls of flame. The intense heat was weakening it moment by moment. It made a last-ditched effort to break through, but found itself caught in the force of the spinning gas and began to spin around with it. By the time the fire and heat dissipated, Golem was out cold.

Mel replaced Golem with a Feraligator. Richie wasn't fazed, but so far, neither was Mel. The crowd started yelling, "We want Sparky!" but Richie didn't give in. It would be more effective to win without relying on a type advantage.

"Zippo, Take Down!"

"Hydro Pump!"

Zippo took off, bound after bound, trying unsuccessfully to dodge the sustained blast of water. The water was painful and Zippo had to struggle to maintain momentum.

"Use your wings," Richie called out.

Zippo flapped his wings as it advanced, picking up speed. The Feraligator tried harder to shoot out water more forcefully, but it was tiring.

The impact came, and both Pokémon were knocked back off their feet.

The crowds waited in suspense. The referee was about to make a pronouncement when both Pokémon got back up.

"Wing attack!" Richie cried out instantly.

"Hydro Pump!"

The fiery flier took off immediately, climbing high off the field. Its opponent shot out more water, but aiming was harder this time. Zippo came down, falling like a brick but zigzagging like a feather. Feraligator tried desperately to aim, but found it impossible. Zippo levelled its descent just clear of the ground, then, inches away from its opponent swung its wings down vertically. They struck Feraligator squarely in the chest while buoying Zippo back up. As Feraligator flew backwards, Zippo arced back towards Richie. Both Pokémon struck the ground simultaneously, only Zippo did so on its feet.

The spectators roared without waiting for official pronouncement of victory. Richie glanced at Misty, who gave him a victory sign. Richie beamed as he praised Zippo for a job well done.

Under the spectator stands after the match, Misty waded through Richie's crowd of mostly female fans. When she finally caught glimpse of him, she noticed how much he'd grown over the last two years. His cute boyish features were maturing into a handsome face, he was taller and had developed a more solid appearance.

Then she saw him. Ash and Richie shook hands warmly. They looked glad to see each other and appeared to be congratulating each other on their wins. Neither of them noticed her in the crowd. She kept herself hidden from view until Ash left, and then went up to greet Richie.

"Misty! How's my old friend?" he said. She brightened up in spite of herself. Richie was certainly good at doing that.

"Hi Richie, nice to see you again."

He took her hands in his for a moment to greet her. "I missed you last year. You look well."

"Thanks," she said bashfully. "So do you."

"Listen, Ash and I are going to lunch. You're joining us?"

She looked hesitant. "Uh..."

"Oh, is something wrong?"

She glanced downwards.

"Well, tell you what," said Richie, "how about I treat you to dinner? You can talk about it then, or, if you want, we can just have a good time."

Misty's face lit up. "That'd be lovely, Richie. Thanks."

"Great. I'll meet you at the Dragonair fountain at six. OK?"

Misty nodded. As Richie started to leave, she said, "I'd prefer if you didn't tell Ash... about..."

Richie looked puzzled for a moment. "Sure."

As he left, Misty felt glad she had spoken to him.