Sorry for the delay in typing up this story. I was working on the music to DigiX's song, which I hope to submit soon too.

The Beautifly Effect

Chapter Nine -- Tears

"I hope you don't mind, Misty. It's a simple dinner tonight."

Misty looked at the small table in the kitchenette of Richie's dorm. Since trainers generally ate out, the facilities were minimal but clean and tidy. And being dinner time, the two were alone.

"I can't expect you to take me out every night."

Richie brought two plates to the table. Misty noticed the food was plain but it looked like a balanced meal. They both sat down.

"They rescheduled your match for tomorrow, I hear."

"Uh huh."

"Not surprised there's been a mix-up, with the number of entrants this year."

"Yeah."

"Something wrong? You feeling all right?"

"Sorry, Misty, something happened today. I didn't want to tell you 'cause it's to do with Ash."

"What!? Is he OK?"

"You wouldn't believe it. He guessed about last night, so he picked a fight with me..."

Misty's eyes opened wide.

"..."

Misty kept looking at Richie.

"...over you."

Misty's mouth opened wider than her eyes. She put her hands to her cheeks.

"You OK?" Richie asked.

A worried look fell on her face. "You didn't hurt him, did you?" She scanned Richie quickly, looking for any evidence of what might have happened.

"I, uh, tripped him. He hit the ground pretty hard, but some bruises'll do him some good."

Misty looked horrified. "How could you say something like that?"

"It's the truth, Misty. He was acting so immaturely. It was either that or he hurt both of us."

Misty was quiet for a moment. Then she said, "Did he say anything about me?"

"Not much. It's obvious he has feelings for you. I tried to explain that who you like is up to you, but he wouldn't listen."

"You're sure he still has feelings for me?"

"That's something you need to discuss with him--once he's come to senses."

Misty this time was starting to look confused.

"Don't worry, Misty, I'm here to help you." He reached across the table and took her hand in his. "You know, I know this is sudden, but I've, uh, fallen in love with you."

Misty froze, staring blankly. She pulled her hand back and covered her face with both her hands. She started to cry.

"What's the matter?" Richie asked.

She continued to cry. "I... I feel so confused."

"Misty, I love you. You can talk to me about it."

Suddenly, Misty burst into loud sobs. She stood up, turned around and ran out the door.

Richie got up and thought to follow her. But something told him that it would be better to first let her sort herself out.

Misty ran down the street, confused images and thoughts of Richie and Ash flooding her mind. Not looking where she was going, she hit a wall.

No. She looked up and saw it was a noticeboard. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she looked and saw it was a trainer directory. Frantically she searched up and down, tring to find Ash's name. After searching aimlessly and fighting back the tears that threatened to cloud her vision, she realized that it was alphabetical by home town. She found Ash's room number and set off.

She found Ash's dormitory with little trouble, but the door was locked. That's right, it was dinner time. In vain hope, she knocked and knocked. She gave up and sat down in despair, starting to cry again.

"Pikachu!" came a cry from inside.

Misty stood up and looked through the nearest window. Pikachu saw her. It dragged a chair across the room. Finally the door opened.

"Pikachupi," said the mouse sadly, and led her inside.

On one of the beds, Ash was lying on his side, facing the wall.

"Ash," she said softly.

He moved an arm slightly, but made no other response.

"Ash, I don't know what to say. I've been so confused lately."

"Just go back to your boyfriend." Ash's voice was different. Dark. Cold. No, not cold, hurt. But it made her feel cold.

"Ash, I... I didn't come here to tell you this, but... standing here next to you... I mean, I made a big mistake. A very big mistake."

Ash did not respond.

"Oh Ash, I'm sorry for what happened. I love you. I really love only you. Please forgive me."

"Go away."

Misty felt like she was strangled. She began to wrench in involuntary sobs. Finally, she burst into tears. She couldn't say anything. But maybe three was nothing more left to be said.

She left and slowly walked herself to her flat, unaware of the passage of time. She felt worse than she had ever felt in her entire life.