Vanish

Chapter 17

"You're kidding. I know you're kidding," Caroline said in disbelief, the next day.

Ash shook his head. "No, I'm not. I'm leaving this afternoon."

"You can barely walk, much less travel!" Caroline protested, indicating the couch that Ash had laid back on silently for over twenty-four hours. "Your injuries aren't even close to getting healed, and if you do leave, you'll be in constant pain. I'm not just going to let an injured child leave this house just like that!"

"I know, and I'm really sorry. I really appreciate you letting me stay here, and you've been extremely nice. But I've got to leave, I've got to..."

"What's the rush?"

Ash sighed. "It's part of that long story I keep telling you about."

Caroline sighed herself. Every time she would talk to him, it all ended back at that 'long story'. She had asked him why he was in Petalburg City, and he didn't even bother answering.

"And why can't you tell us that long story again?" she inquired.

Ash looked away. "Because...because it hurts to tell..."

Caroline was silent. Over the two days Ash was there, he was acting like a completely different person than who Caroline saw last. She knew that this situation must be serious. "Well, if you ever feel like talking..."

"I know, and thanks." And Ash tried to get up off the couch.

But Caroline stepped in front of him. "You aren't leaving, Ash."

"Ummmm..."

"Not until you're better."

"But-"

"No buts. Lunch is in a half an hour. Call if you need any help." And with that, Caroline walked away.

Ash swore under his breath. He could just feel the Pikachu trail getting colder and colder. By the time Caroline let him out of the house, sure, he'd feel better, but the trail would be so cold, it'd be ancient. He had a feeling that even if he did tell Norman and Caroline about what happened, they would still make him stay until he felt better.

Then I better learn how to walk better..., Ash thought bitterly, annoyed with the unsteadiness in his step. Annoyed that Norman or Caroline had to help him anytime he tried to do something. Annoyed with the pain that followed him like crazy.

Ash glared and slammed a fist into the couch angrily, ignoring the pain in his arm. He couldn't just sit by like this. He had to get Pikachu back, and he had to get him back now. Who knows what kind of bad things Team Rocket were doing with him? They even could have decided to finally give Pikachu to their boss...
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May's hair whipped around her like crazy as she stood about twenty feet away from the helicopter. They had just landed a few minutes ago, just a few miles from May's home, and Misty was just saying a few words to the pilot.

When Misty finally left the helicopter, it took off, and May began to lead the others to her and Max's home.

"It was really cool that you could get us that helicopter, Misty," Max commented, smiling.

"Yeah, it's amazing what a small town Gym Leader can get these days, huh?" Misty responded, returning the boy's smile.

"I bet being so good had a play in it," Brock said.

Max nodded. "Well of course she had to be good. If she wasn't, she wouldn't be a Gym Leader, now would she?"

Misty sweat dropped slightly, but didn't say anything.