One Love, One Heart

Chapter 40: Bad Blood

Ash quietly crunched on his cereal. He was the only one awake so early. "I probably won't get any training done today," Ash sighed, knowing that his mother nor Professor Oak would let him or his friends practice under rainy conditions.

As he ate his cereal, he thought about his nightmare. Why do I keep dreaming about that guy? Ash stirred his spoon in his milk. He didn't have much of an appetite. It was difficult to shake off because it felt so real, and the boy hadn't forgotten that Gary believed the man was behind whatever happened to Drew. There was also the sense that he was getting watched somehow. He couldn't shake that feeling either.

Sometime later, a certain brunette stretched as she sat up and yawned. The girl was ready to greet the day with new energy, but then she noticed the gloomy weather outside through the bedroom window. "Strange, I don't think I've ever seen it rain in Pallet Town," May blinked a couple of times to be sure she wasn't imagining things.

Her voice prompted Misty to wake up slowly. "Oh no, Misty, did I wake you?" May looked ashamed that she hadn't been more considerate when she woke up.

Misty smiled softly with heavy eyelids and sat up, "That's alright, May. I am used to getting woken up by sisters all the time."

"Do you want to go have breakfast?" May suggested.

"Sure," Misty agreed with a sleepy smile.

When they headed downstairs, they found Ash sitting alone in the kitchen. "Ash, what are you doing up all alone here?" Misty was the first to ask him.

"Couldn't sleep anymore," Ash smiled at them. He wanted to tell them about his dreams, but he wasn't sure if they would take him seriously.

"Would you like some breakfast?" May sweetly asked the boy. She could feel her heart flutter a little every time she saw into his brown eyes.

Ash nodded sideways, "No, thank you, May. I had breakfast."

"Just a bowl of cereal. That's pretty light for you, Ash," Misty eyed the empty bowl with a raised eyebrow.

"I still feel last night's dinner after we found Charizard," Ash lied as he leaned back on his chair while laughing.

May found it odd, but she wouldn't insist. "If you say so," the brunette acknowledged.

"Funny how the guest has to do the host's job," Misty side-eyed Ash.

"What's a host's job?" Ash appeared puzzled, prompting the gym leader to facepalm herself. Misty told him to forget about it. May got a laugh out of the exchange, but the coordinator didn't mind serving them.

"I'm surprised Pikachu didn't wake up with you," May placed some plates on the table while Misty helped her set up.

Ash responded to her comment. "Nah, Pikachu can be a heavy sleeper sometimes."

"Are you sure about that, Ash?" Drew entered the kitchen with Pikachu close behind him.

"Pikapi," Pikachu walked in and narrowed his vision on Ash.

Pikachu's trainer didn't expect the mouse to walk in with Drew and laughed nervously. "Good morning, Pikachu," he hoped he wouldn't get electrified later.

"Morning, Drew, have some breakfast," Misty urged the boy as they placed breads and cheeses with various spreads and juices.

"Thank you," Drew smiled as he grabbed a chair to sit. The breakfast table looked welcoming.

May kneeled to rub the top of Pikachu's head. "Pikachu, I already set your bowl near Ash," she informed the electric mouse.

"Pika!" the rodent cheered as he walked over to his food.