The Beautifly Effect

Chapter Eight -- A Loser

Richie took stock of the situation. In a very short time he had fallen head over heels for Misty. Misty gave every indication of sharing the same feelings. It was sudden, sure, but they had known each other for years. Evidently, Ash also had some feelings for her--by the look of it very strong feelings. Ash and Misty had had an argument of some sort. Over what? Maybe she told him she didn't like him? He couldn't say.

What were his options? He had arranged to meet Misty for lunch. He would have to be a few minutes late. He couldn't just ignore Ash, fighting his friend was out of the question, and Ash did not appear to be in a reasoning mood. Probably the best thing was to tell Ash that he'll talk it over the next day--might give Ash a chance to cool off.

Presumably Ash meant to meet in the secluded access lane behind the stadium. On the way, Richie released his Pikachu from its Poké ball.

"Sparky," he enjoined. "Listen, fella. Ash's mad with me about something. I need you to look out for me, just in case. But whatever happens, don't fight Ash's Pikachu."

"Pika..." Sparky replied solemnly, cocking its head in concerned perplexity.

Richie's mind was struggling to put together the facts into a meaningful whole. He had had no idea how strong the feelings could be that led to what happened last night. For goodness' sake, he didn't even believe in going that far before getting married. But it happened, and both of them would have to live with it. Richie could understand why Ash would be so angry. Trouble was, he also knew his friend was guaranteed to act rashly rather than reasonably.

Richie reached the lane. It was a concrete pathway, about four metres wide, running the length of the stadium between it and the edge of the Plateau. He stepped over a chain that barred access and looked down. About thirty metres away there was a dark figure with a small yellow thing next to him. In spite of the warm sunny day, the stadium cast a shadow over him. A current of wind blew unpleasantly along the path from behind, as if to drive him forward.

He didn't feel like going through with this, but he had to try. Misty had a right to choose who she liked, Ash had to grow up some time, and Richie wanted to salvage his friendship with Ash. Not an easy task to fit those three together.

Somberly, Richie walked up to Ash, Sparky at his heels. Sparky and Pikachu exchanged a worried look.

"Winner takes Misty." Ash looked Richie in the eyes. His fists were clenched, an angry determination set in his face.

"Ash, don't you think Misty--"

"Fight!" Ash yelled and lunged.

Richie jumped out of the way. Ash turned around and tried to punch him, but Richie jumped back out of the way again.

"What's the matter? Scared you'll lose her?"

"Ash, a fight like this won't prove anything."

"Pikapi!" called out Pikachu in agreement.

"Stay out of it, Pikachu," Ash scolded. Pikachu was taken aback. Sparky hopped over to offer some consolation.

"Ash, wait until tomorrow."

"I want to settle this now! Now put 'em up and fight!"

Richie put up his fists to pretend to fight until he could think of something to do. Ash went for him again, but Richie jumped out of the way again.

Now Ash was getting irate. He swung around, leapt for a waist-high tackle. Richie dodged it. Ash landed hard on the concrete ground. He breathed out a groan, but got up and swore at Richie.

Richie felt hurt. Never had a friend sworn at him before. This had to come to an end.

Ash was furious. He broke into a run straight at his opponent, intending to strike before he could dodge again. Richie stepped sideways on his right foot, and stuck out his left in Ash's way. Ash fell straight over it and landed on the hard ground with a thud.

For a moment Ash was silent. Richie feared he might have struck his head. But then Ash moved. He began to push himself up, but then fell limply, resting his face on his arms. Ash started to sob.

"Get away," came his muffled voice. "You won."

"We can talk tomorrow--"

"Get away I said," Ash shouted angrily, still face down.

Richie crouched down to Pikachu. "Look after him, won't you."

Pikachu turned towards Ash sadly. "Pikapi..." Then it turned back to Richie and nodded. "Pikachu."

Richie left the wreck of a youth and walked away. He was glad that his next battle had been rescheduled for tomorrow.