One Love, One Heart

Chapter 41: World So Cold

The girl sat there quietly. After changing into dry clothing, the brunette never left Drew's side. She felt she was in a stranger's home now, in a world where she didn't feel welcomed. May couldn't wait to return to Hoenn. The first thing she'd do once the rain stopped was book the next ship to Hoenn. Her business in Pallet Town was over. However, she had something on her mind as she sat in a reflective state, "Drew, you still plan on battling Ash tomorrow?" May would prefer it if he didn't. She saw no need.

Drew flicked his hair and nodded. "Absolutely, he's not getting off the hook that easily."

"I see," May said with a disappointed tone. She saw no point in their battle but May didn't care anymore. The coordinator no longer allowed herself to get caught between Ash and Drew's feud. "After your battle, we're leaving. The only person I am going to tell is Ash's mother. It's the least I can do after all she's done for us. That's going to be it," May informed with a cold tone. Drew agreed. He imagined it was the decision May would come to under these circumstances.

The boy noticed May didn't seem pleased or interested in the idea of his battle with Ash, but he firmly believed Ash deserved to get humiliated in a battle against him for what he said. Drew had his strategy planned regardless of what Pokémon Ash went with. The wannabe Pokémon Master wouldn't be able to touch him at the level he planned on battling tomorrow. That's when Drew thought about what Ash must have been up to. If Drew knew anything, he felt sure that Ash was getting prepared for their showdown somewhere. The coordinators hid in the kitchen the whole evening, but they heard the sound of the front door opening and closing. They weren't sure if anyone was home. It didn't matter. I am going to win; Drew crossed his arms. He walked toward the kitchen window, staring at the rain and hills on the horizon. Victory would be his.

"Iron Tail again, Pikachu!" Ash commanded as he pointed at a boulder.

"Pika!" Pikachu leaped into the air. His tail turned into the color of iron, then smacked the boulder with great power.

"Again!" Ash ordered with fierce energy.

Pikachu bounced off the ground immediately after landing his first Iron Tail and destroyed the next boulder. The Electric-type had mastered the ability to perform Iron Tail in rapid succession against foes of all size and power. "Good job!" Ash smiled enthusiastically and pumped his fist in the air.

"Pika!" Pikachu made a peace sign, pleased with himself.

Misty crossed her arms. "You know when I said, 'let's go inside,' I didn't think you would take it as going inside to change into dry clothes and putting on a raincoat to come out again so you could train in the rain." The gym leader ensured her hot pink raincoat shielded her from the persistent drizzling while she observed Ash and Pikachu's training.

"I can't go to the ranch to get my other Pokémon, and I can't waste my only day to train before my battle with Drew. You said to battle and win, so that's what I'm doing, Misty," Ash reminded her with determination.

"I know, but don't you think your mom will be upset if she finds out we disobeyed her and we're out training," Misty recalled what Delia said at breakfast.

"If she says anything, I'll say I forced you to come. Don't sweat about it. As much as I hate disobeying my mom, I need to get this training done with Pikachu at least," Ash argued. Drew was one of the strongest trainers he knew. After all, Drew was second only to May in a Grand Festival. He couldn't afford to lose, especially since it was his only hope to make them listen to his side of the story.

The gym leader sighed over his stubbornness, but she couldn't argue against his reasoning. She also knew how formidable of a trainer Drew was, and Ash needed the practice if he wished to perform well against his foe tomorrow. "Fine," Misty relented.