Hey, sorry this chapter took so long. I've been busy with music, and my partner and I have been running into writer's blocks lately, but we managed to build this one, so here you go!

I don't own Pokemon

Chapter two.

Ash sat on the the stone steps in front of Iris's house, his breath catching in his throat. What just happened?... he thought, staring at his open palms in front of him as he tried to control his breathing. I was telling the truth!.. But apparently she doesn't believe me. Ash quickly called a taxi, and it screeched to the driveway, the window rolling down.

"Get in." A gruff voice said, and Ash raced inside, slamming the door. "Where to, kid?"

"Black City. Get a move on with it." Ash said angrily, making another call. "Misty? You better be ready."

The taxi screeched to a halt, jerking Ash forward, but he brushed it off.

"Keep the change." Ash said, tossing a ten, and the taxi driver grunted.

"''preciate it kid."

"Whatever…" Ash muttered under his breath, storming up to the hotel's front door, where he was greeted by a concierge.

"Good afternoon sir! How can I-"

"Piss off. I know where I'm going." Ash said coldly, leaving the concierge gaping in shock. His long strides brought him quickly to the elevators, as he jabbed the "up" elevator button and waited in cold silence. Stares were exchanged, before the doors, opened, and he walked in, the few people in the elevator car giving him plenty of space. Ash huffed quietly, and looked up at the increasing numbers, as the car slowly rode up. Finally, the doors parted once more, and he turned sharply to the first door, rapping on the wood forcefully.

"MISTY!"

"Yeah yeah, hold on." a voice said behind the door, and it eventually creaked forward, Misty stifling a yawn. "What do you want…."

"I want those gold bands back." Ash half shouted, shoving his hand out. But Misty simply stared at his hand slyly, then back at Ash.

"No."

"No?!"

"Yeah. Nope."

"Bu-but I need them back!"

"Not until you finish your part of the deal." Misty said evilly, slamming the door. Ash stared dumbfounded, trying to come up with words to scream back. But his tongue felt like lead as he racked his brain for words. Finally, he punched the door in anger, then slumped against the wall, his will fading away. Not until you finish your part of the deal….

*flashback*

Ash laughed as the man fell into a cleverly concealed manhole, covered with leaves and sticks. Iris roared in laughter beside him.

"Oh my gosh… why are people so stupid!" she laughed, wiping away tears as she doubled over.

"I wish I knew!" Ash agreed, stifling another laugh as another man fell into the same hole. "You… you doing okay?"

"Yeah… I… still miss Elder." Iris said, sombering instantly, leaning her head on his shoulder and smiling. It was only two days after the funeral, but they could both feel the aftereffects. "But… this makes up for it. I know Elder is in a better place." she exhaled a shaky breath, before closing her eyes, enjoying his warmth, despite the brutal cold piercing the air. The TV continued to echo in the room, but it seemed muted compared to the pulsing loudness of the couple's heart, just pounding through their skulls, neither one of them hearing the other, but feeling it through just the touch of their skin. Eventually, the air got a little too thick with awkwardness, and Iris cleared her throat.
"So how are things between you and Misty?" Iris tried to ask nonchalantly, her voice cracking just slightly.

"Wha-What? There's nothing going on between me and Misty!" Ash defended, clearing his throat guiltily, and Iris simply shook his head.

"Ash, you've been on the phone with someone for three hours straight almost everyday for the past week. Your mom would never do that." Iris pointed out, and Ash looked away, trying to hide his red face. "Come on Ash, just admit it."

"-Fine. I am going out with Misty. Happy?"
"Yes. So how are things between you two?"

"... strained."

"Really? How so?" Iris asked, a hint of amusement in her eyes as Ash shifted uncomfortably. Just then, the phone rang, shifting their attention, and Ash sighed, almost with relief.

"Sorry, it's Misty, I need to answer it. Maybe… later?" Ash chuckled nervously, not even waiting for an answer as he sped out of the room, and into the driveway.

"ASH KETCHUM. WHERE ARE YOU?" Misty demanded over the phone, her fury clearly heard from at least a few blocks down. A runner gave him a look of pity as he ran by.

"I… at Iris's house?" he answered meekly, bracing himself for the onslaught of derailment from Misty, but all was quiet on the other end. "Misty?"

"Sorry, was just thinking." Misty said slyly, and Ash gulped.

"About what?"

"That little snob Iris," Misty said, distaste in her voice, "has been nominated as a gym leader. I don't want that happening. Now Ashy, could you do me a favor and make sure she doesn't make it?" she finished sweetly, and Ash froze.

"But Misty-"

"NO buts. You wanna date me, you gotta listen to me. Screw up her official ceremony along with the surprise test that occurs later this week. If she officially makes it as Gym leader, she could be nominated as the next champion what with that crazy nutbag of a champion growing white hair in his nose now. I am getting that position, and you are gonna make sure Iris does not."

"Iris has worked so hard! It's not fair that-

"Uh uh uh. I don't want to hear it. Or else Iris will hate you for more than your stupid attitude." Misty said, before hanging up, leaving Ash gaping at the phone.

-The next day-

Ash walked side by side, Iris in tow. Opelucid City glowed with new technology, it's bright blue ambiance giving a cool, techno feel. The buildings rose up to the skies, kissing the clouds as they passed by, the sun shining occasionally before hiding behind the buildings. The Opelucid Gym towered above them, a banner that said 'Welcome Iris!' in bold letters. In the doorway, the champion stood, tall and proud, hints of grey hair sprouting up just as Misty predicted. He grinned at them as they approached, and he wrapped them both easily in a big hug.

"Welcome you two! Iris, Ash, welcome to Opelucid City! Iris, thank you for bringing in a friend like the letter suggested. Most people don't read that part for some reason, which makes the process a lot harder." He said, leading them inside. A burst of cold air conditioning hit them, and Iris shivered.

"Why is it so cold in here?"

"For reasons…" The champion said mysteriously, before opening a door on the side. "Ash, come with me. We're gonna monitor her progress in here, while she commences with the challenge. This'll be something you'll wanna see." he grinned enthusiastically, gesturing him in, and Ash followed reluctantly.

"Okay, so what are the challenges that makes this sooooo hard?" Ash said, rolling his eyes, and the champion grinned. The screen in front of him glowed to life as Iris filled the screen, her face exuding confidence. "You know the list of weaknesses that you sent me?" he winked, turning a knob, and pulling levers. "I've added a few of the into the challenges." Suddenly, the room fell dark, and a small whimper filled the speakers. But her footsteps continued down the hall regardless.

"How long do these challenges last?"

"As long as it takes her. For all we know, it could takes weeks. Or days. In fact, I'm gonna go home now. Gimme a call when she finishes." he said casually, slinging on his coat, and Ash's mouth gaped open.

"Wh-what?! Aren't you supposed to watch her and make sure she is good enough to be a gym leader?!"

"Well, as long as she finishes the course, she passes. It's that simple." he said, racing out the door. "See you later."

"Wha-... But…." Ash stammered, staring incredulously at the open door. He can just walk off like that? Was it really that easy to become a gym leader? The screen behind him flashed, answering his question, as Iris commenced to battle a trainer's pokemon. In the dark. A panel below the screen showed numbers, and type pictures next to it. Curious, Ash pressed a button that said fire, and the number depleted from ten to nine, and a burst of fire erupted on the screen. Iris screamed in surprise, and her pokemon responded, quickly disposing of the enemy. This controls how many pokemon are released…. that could change a lot, he thought, glancing at the ice type button. it showed 12 unlike the rest, which only showed 10 or 8. Suddenly, his phone went off, and he quickly picked it up, eyes glancing over the caller id, when he groaned inwardly.

"Is she failing her test?" Misty's cold voice cut through the phone, and Ash gulped nervously.

"Uh… sort of."

"WELL IS SHE?!", her voice somehow changing rapidly from an icy tone to a shrill shriek. Ash ripped the phone away from his ear, too late. His eardrum began throbbing

"N-n-not really"

"THEN FAIL HER." Misty screeched, then the phone went dead, leaving the sounds of Iris's battle. Ash glanced at the screen, only to see the exact opposite of what Misty wanted.

What am I doing? Ash thought, finger inches from the button that could ruin Iris's future. I... Will I really do this?...

But no, it's... It's for her own good right? It'll make her stronger. Ash thought, destroying his own argument. All he had to do was release the powerful ice pokemon, have them defeat Iris, she would fail, and after all her hard work, all for Misty. Was this really a good idea? Was this what the Ash Ketchum would do to one of his best friends? He had watched Iris train for this for hours on end, and... He's just gonna destroy it.

But this could help Iris. If she fails, she can try again next year, and she'd be stronger right? Everything would turn out fine. Iris would get stronger, and Misty could get what she wanted, so Ash could get his girl, so they could ride off into sunset... With Iris behind him, holding him tight...

H-h-holdup, what?

He was supposed to be in love with Misty…right? Well, Iris is a really good person too... I mean, she's sweet, loyal, funny... I can...I can have fun with her, something that I can't get with Misty. Iris... She... She's what really makes me happy isn't she... Every time I see her, I can't help smiling. Every time she says something, I can't help but laughing. All I wanna do when she cries, is hold her and wipe her tears away... And... Wow... She... She makes my skin tingle with every glance...my heart flutter with every word... That's it. I can't...I can't do this to Iris. I want her to get this job, and be gym leader. I know how much this means to her, and if she gets it, I know she'll be so happy. Screw Misty and her-

CLICK. The button had stopped blinking red, as it was depressed deeper by his finger.

It was too late. The ice types were out. And Ash was sure he had made a fatal mistake.

Ash had released every one of the ice pokemon

... whaddya think? This is yet another one of my stories, and as always, I would love to hear your thoughts on what you just read. So I would love reviews and tips pleeeease! If you don't like it, or decide you wanna hate, my complaints bin is over there *points at trash bin* no hating please. Just nice helpful advice and tips. Thank you!