I'll always be there
Characters: Ash Ketchum, Misty, Pikachu (mentioned)
Pairing: [Ash/Misty]
Genre: Romantic flashfic (word count 292)
Ash clenched his fists, barely containing his tears.
The previous battle lost against Paul burnt more than the middle August sun and the mocking expression of his rival gnawed at him more than scalding lava.
Ash had always been able to hide the pain after a defeat: he'd tell himself it was good, that he'd become a Pokémon Master, that every time he'd get up after a defeat he was a step away from his greatest dream, winning against the Super Four.
He'd always been able to hide his pain... to everyone, but one person.
"You've stopped at the final battle this time, Ash" said Misty from behind him, with a voice that tried sounding acid but failed very hard in disguising its worry. "You've let yourself be beaten up."
Ash frowned at Misty, hearing that scolding that sounded so familiar.
"A future League leader needs to be strong, even when he loses." he sighed, while Misty rolled her eyes exasperated.
"If you really want me to stay and watch your encounters and to travel around the world until you become a Pokémon Master" she said, sitting down near him "you have to put your heart in it and win some Leagues or in fifty years I'll find myself still following you around."
Ash felt a burts of adrenaline, hearing those words coming from his friend, companion, girlfriend. He didn't know what to refer to her as anymore.
"I'll make it" he told her smiling, getting up from the bed and running out the door. "Pikachou, let's go train!" he called, ignoring the "Men" mumbled by Misty, while she sighed thinking how for how long she was going to follow Ash in his journey.
Because Misty will always be there for Ash.
A.N.: First flashfic I'm writing, I hope you like it. As you've probably understood it's inspired by the first series when Ash loses his first League, if someone remembers this episode, the first part comes exactly from it! I hope you like and please REVIEW! :)
Disclaimer Translator: "Hi guys, GazzaLinus here. I wanted to thank you for reading and also remind you that the author of the works is EmaBixx, I'm a mere translator. If you want to contact me, here you go. I translate from English to Italian and vice versa."