Love Sick

Love Sick
by Blaziken-AAML


The scene opens with Misty standing in a small clearing of a forest. She has a look on her face that says that something is on her mind. She takes a deep breath and then exhales.

Misty: Ash…there’s something I want to tell you. I was thinking of waiting a little longer before telling you this. But because you and I have been friends for a long time, I feel now is as good a time as any to do so. Despite all of the dangerous situations we’ve been put through and all of Team Rocket’s annoying attempts to capture Pikachu, I’ve followed you all this way for a reason. And you probably think it’s because of my bike you destroyed. But that’s not the reason. (pauses) The truth is…I’ve followed you because…(blushing) I love you, Ash. I love you very much.

She reaches out and picks up Togepi, who is sitting on a tree stump nearby.

Misty: How does that sound, Togepi?

Togepi: (nodding) Togi priii!

Misty: (giggling) Thanks. (sighing) Now if only I can work up the courage to actually say it to Ash.

Togepi: Togi?

Misty: You see… I really want to tell him how I feel, but I can’t help but feel scared…scared of what he might think…what he might say. But most of all, (her eyes are filling with tears) I’m afraid he might not love me.

Togepi, sensing its trainer’s sadness, pats her arm to try and comfort her.

Togepi: Priii! Togi togi!

Misty then smiles and wipes her eyes of the tears that were forming.

Misty: Thank you, Togepi. You’re right. I’ll never know unless I try. Then it’s settled. I’ll go tell him right now.

Ash’s voice: (introducing title) Love Sick!

The scene now opens to an open area by a flowing creek just outside the forest. Brock is fixing lunch, and Ash and Pikachu are by the creek washing up.

Narrator: Still continuing their journey to the Johto League, our heroes have decided to stop for a little lunch break.

Ash: Hey, Brock, how’s the soup coming?

Brock: (samples a spoonful) It’s almost ready, Ash. It’ll just be a few more minutes.

Ash: Great. I’m starving. How about you, Pikachu?

Pikachu: (nodding) Pika pika!

Just then, Misty walks out of the forest and looks to where Ash and Pikachu are. She then looks at Togepi in her arms. It responds by smiling at her and letting out a few happy little chirps. She smiles back and nods, then sets Togepi by their backpacks. She now builds up her courage and walks toward Ash. Pikachu is the first to notice her.

Pikachu: Pikachu pi!

Ash: (noticing her) Hi, Misty. Where’ve you been?

Misty: Oh…just went for a walk with Togepi.

Ash: That’s nice. I was starting to worry about you.

Misty: (blushing) You were?

Ash: Yeah. (laughing) I thought that a bunch of Bug-Pokémon had come, captured you with their webs, and then dragged you deep into the forest. Hahahahaha!

A second later, Ash is flat on his back with a big imprint of Misty’s fist in the middle of his face. Misty stands in front of him with a ticked-off mark on her forehead, and Pikachu stands beside its trainer with a sweatdrop.

Pikachu: (sighing) Pika pi.

Misty: (irritated and sarcastic) Very funny, Prince Charming!

Brock looks toward them and sweatdrops.

Brock: (thinking) Looks like they’re at it again.

Ash slowly stands up, still dazed by the impact, and rubs the red spot still on his face.

Ash: C’mon, Misty. I was just kidding.

Misty: Even so, it wasn’t funny. You know I don’t like bugs, Ash.

Ash: (puts his hand behind his head anime style and smiles) Yeah…I know. Sorry.

Misty: (sighs a white anime cloud; thinking) Well, Misty, it’s now or never. (out loud) Ash…

Ash: Yes?

Misty: (hesitant) There’s something I want to tell you.

Ash: What is it?

Misty: Well…

She stops and notices Pikachu. Pikachu sees Misty looking towards it and somehow gets the message that this is sort of a personal matter. Pikachu then smiles at her and goes over to where Togepi is. Misty smiles at this, relieved that it understands. Ash is confused by Pikachu’s action, but continues to listen to what Misty has to say.

Misty: (continues)…I was thinking of waiting a little longer before telling you this. But because-

Brock: Hey, Ash!

Misty falls slightly over in stupidity at this interruption.

Ash: (turns toward Brock) Yeah?

Brock: The fire’s dying down a little bit. Could you go find some more firewood?

Ash: Sure, in a minute. (turns toward Misty again) You were saying, Misty?

Misty: Right. (thinking) Okay, one little interruption, but everything is still going all right. Just keep going. (out loud) Anyway, because you and I have been friends for a long time, I feel now is-

At that moment, Ash’s stomach growls loudly.

Misty: (falls completely over in stupidity) AHHH!

Ash puts a hand over his stomach and blushes in embarrassment.

Brock: (laughing) Wow, Ash. Was that your stomach or is there a Snorlax nearby?

Ash chuckles for a moment until he looks back at Misty, who has regained herself. She has a small look of aggravation on her face that causes him to sweatdrop.

Ash: I’m really sorry, Misty, but you know how my stomach is.

Misty: (annoyed) Yes. Unfortunately, I do. As I was SAYING! (takes a deep breath; thinking) All right, calm down, Misty. They say that third time’s the charm. I better hurry before Ash’s stomach reacts again or before something else happens. I know what I’ll do! I’ll skip right to the point! (out loud in a calmer tone and forcing a smile) The truth is, Ash…I-

Just when she’s about to get the words out, the sound of a Pokéball opening is heard as a bright light jumps from Misty’s backpack and lands between her and Ash. The light fades and shows Psyduck standing there, holding its head in its webbed hands.

Psyduck: Psyiyiyiii duck!

Both Ash and Misty fall over in stupidity, Pikachu and Togepi sigh white anime clouds, and Brock just shakes his head.

Brock: Psyduck sure shows up at the most unexpected and most inopportune of times. (looks again and sweatdrops) Uh-oh!

“Uh-oh” is right. While Psyduck stands there, the background becomes fire, as Misty slowly comes up from behind, her eyes glowing bright red.

Misty: (yelling with fangs bearing) PSYDUCK!!! IF YOU DON’T WANT TO END UP IN A WORLD FULL OF HURT, GET BACK INSIDE YOUR BALL RIGHT NOW!!!

Psyduck: (scared) Psyyyyyyyy!

Frightened, Psyduck turns into red light and zips straight back into the backpack.

Misty is now breathing heavily after releasing so much rage. Ash and Brock are scared stiff with sweatdrops galore, and Pikachu and Togepi cling to each other, shaking with twice as many sweatdrops. Ash then slowly approaches her.

Ash: (sweatdrop) Okay, Misty, let’s try to calm down.

Still panting, Misty shoots Ash one of her “death glares” that causes his spine to stiffen and his hair to stand straight up. It looks like she might take her remaining wrath out on him.

After a moment, she falls to her knees, exhausted.

Misty: (whining) I give up.

Everyone else lets out a sigh of relief. It seems that the danger has past…for now.

Another moment later, Brock finally breaks the silence.

Brock: Hey, Ash. How ‘bout getting that fire wood now? Otherwise, we’ll be eating this soup cold.

Ash: Sure thing, Brock.

Misty: (getting up which startles Ash for a second) That’s okay, Ash. I’ll get the firewood.

Ash: Are you sure?

Misty: Yeah. Besides, a walk may help relieve this tension I’ve developed.

Ash: Okay. (she turns and walks toward the forest) Wait, Misty. (he holds his hand out) Wasn’t there something you wanted to tell me?

Misty stops upon hearing this, her eyes shaking. Even after all that has just happened, he still wants to hear what she has to say? In her heart, she wants to turn around right away and say to him what she’s wanted to say to him for a long time. But, in her head, she thinks it would be a bad time to tell him after her little outburst. She has lost the courage to express her love.

Misty: (with her back still to Ash; her eyes still shaking) It’s nothing, Ash. (she then tilts her head down to where her hair shades her eyes) It’s…(voice breaking) not important.

With that, Misty walks off into the forest, while Ash still stands there, watching her. Togepi looks toward the ground, sad for its trainer.

Togepi: (sad) Togi.

Pikachu: (lightly pats Togepi on the back) Pi pi pi.

Ash: (silently) Misty…

Brock: Hey. Don’t worry, Ash. Once she’s had the chance to blow off some steam, everything will be fine again.

Ash: I hope you’re right. (he sits down) Brock, have you noticed that Misty has been acting a little strange lately?

Brock: (laughing) Are you kidding? I’ve noticed it since I first joined you guys on your journey to the Indigo League.

Ash: (serious) I’m serious Brock! (Brock stops laughing) The past week she hasn’t been quite herself. Aside from her losing temper every once in awhile, which is normal, she’s acted as though something’s troubling her. I’m really worried about her.

Brock: I’m sorry, Ash. I didn’t know you felt so strongly about it. (pauses) You know, now that you mention it, I have noticed that she’s been acting a little different. Maybe it has to do with what she wanted to say to you.

Ash: You could be right. I wish I knew what was on her mind.

Brock: Cheer up, Ash. As soon as we have lunch and things settle down a bit, I’m sure she’ll come around.

Ash: Maybe.

Meanwhile, Misty continues to walk through the forest. Her eyes are still shaded by her hair.

Misty: I can’t believe it. I was so close to telling him. But when I finally get the chance, what do I do? I chicken out! (she stops by a tree) If there hadn’t been so many interruptions. Brock…Psyduck…Ash’s stomach!

She growls in frustration as impales her fist into the tree. A minute later, realizing what she just did, she winces in pain as she rubs her reddened fist.

Misty: (sighs) Who am I kidding? They’re not the ones to blame. It’s my own fault. I am just too much of a coward to admit my true feelings.

As Misty stands there, she begins to think about Ash and all the fun things they have done together on their travels. Tears begin to trickle down her cheeks.

Misty: (sobbing) Why…Why do bother to keep trying? (she quickly pulls her head back, causing a few tears to fly off) At the rate I’m going, I’ll never be able to tell Ash how I feel!

She kicks a small rock into nearby bushes. Just then, a tiny cry is heard coming from behind the bushes.

Misty: (shocked and confused) Huh? What was that?

She dries her eyes and walks toward the bushes. As she looks behind them, she sees a baby Arbok with round shaped tears in the corners of its eyes. She also sees a huge red bump on its head and notices the rock she just kicked nearby.

Misty: Oh no. What have I done? The poor thing must have been there when I kicked the rock.

Misty starts walking towards it to see if she can help. When it sees her, the baby Arbok backs away, shaking in fear. When it’s unable to go any further, it starts letting out squeals.

Baby Arbok: Chaaa! Chaaa!

Misty: (kneels on the ground) I’m sorry, little one. I didn’t know you were back here. (she sees its still shaking, moves closer and holds her hands out) Come here. It’s okay. There’s no need to be scared. I’m not going to hurt you. Come on.

Suddenly, Misty gasps in horror. She sees a pair of glowing blue eyes appear in the bush behind the baby Arbok. Terrified, Misty looks from left to right as more pairs of eyes gave her menacing glares. She slowly gets up and starts to back away, but then quickly turns to find a dark figure looming over her. The bottom half of it is thin and slender, while the top half is rounded like an oval. Since the sun is behind it, its face is shadowed and can’t be seen, but it also has the same glowing eyes as the rest. Misty stands frozen as rows of sharp, pearly white teeth, with large fangs in front, appear right below the eyes. Without any warning, it lunges toward her with an ear-piercing screech.

Shadowed figure: CHAAAAAAAAAAA!

Misty: (screams) AHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Back at the campsite, Ash and Brock jump up from where they are sitting upon hearing Misty’s scream. Pikachu and Togepi are also startled by this and all four of them look towards the forest in the direction the sound came from.

Ash: Did you hear that, Brock?

Brock: Yeah. It sounded like…(realizing) Misty!

Pikachu: Pikachu pi!

Togepi: Togi!

Brock: She’s in trouble!

At this, Ash’s eyes become shaky.

Ash: (worried) Misty…

Ash then clenches his fists and starts running to help her.

Brock: Ash!

Ash: (determined) C’mon, Pikachu! We have to save Misty!

Pikachu: (without hesitation, Pikachu obeys and follows in pursuit) Pika!

Brock: Wait up, Ash! (Picks up Togepi and follows) Let’s go, Togepi!

Togi: Prii!

They continue to run deeper into the forest, following the sounds of Misty’s cries. When they finally get to where she is, they gasp in horror at what they see. The shadowed figure turns out to be a huge Arbok, which now has its coils wrapped around Misty, one especially wrapped dangerously around her neck. Around it are several other Arbok, smaller than the one wrapped around Misty. They see Ash and Brock approach and get positioned, getting ready to strike if they get too close.

Brock: It’s a group of Arbok!

Ash instinctively takes out his Pokédex and scans them.

Voice of Pokédex: Arbok, the Poison Cobra Pokémon, the evolved form of Ekans. Arbok tend to keep to themselves and become very aggressive when intruders come into their territory. Please exercise caution when approaching, for their bite is extremely venomous and can be fatal.

Brock: We must be close to the Arbok’s nesting grounds and that’s why they’re attacking! The one that has Misty must be the leader!

Brock is right. Unlike the other Arbok, which are light purple, the leader is more of a dark violet color. Misty, now opening her eyes, sees Ash and tries to call out to him, but has difficulty with the Arbok’s coils around her neck.

Misty: Ash…

Ash: Misty!

Misty: (reaching her hand out toward him) Ash…please…help me…

The leader sees this and, with lightning speed, bites her on her arm, causing her to cry out again. Tears of pain begin rolling down Misty’s cheeks.

Pikachu: (angry) PIKA- (electric sparks begin flashing from its cheeks)

Ash: (worried) Stop, Pikachu! You’ll shock Misty too!

Realizing this, Pikachu stops from using the attack. It sadly looks to its trainer, hoping he has another idea to help Misty. Meanwhile the leader tightens its coils, causing Misty to wince. Her face is starting to turn pale blue because of the lack of oxygen.

Ash: (thinking) I gotta do something fast! There must be a way to distract Arbok so it will loosen its grip on her! (out loud; realizing) That’s it! (brings out a Pokéball and throws it) Noctowl, I choose you!

Noctowl pops out of the Pokéball with a loud coo and sparkles shooting all around it.

Ash: Noctowl, use Hypnosis!

Noctowl obeys as its eyes glow red and shoot out red hypnotic beams toward the Arbok. Fortunately, the leader, as well as the others, had looked towards Noctowl when it first appeared, so the attack begins to take effect. Their eyes close half way and they begin to sway back and forth. This causes the leader’s coils to loosen off of Misty. Being able to breathe again, Misty gasps deeply and takes in a big gulp of air.

Brock: It’s working!

Ash: (takes out another Pokéball) Now’s our chance! (throws Pokéball) Go Bayleef, use Vine Whip to get Misty!

Baleef: (appears) Bay! BAY-EEEE (shoots out its vines)

With lightning speed, Bayleef’s vines wrap around Misty, and almost just as quick, she is pulled out of the leader’s clutches, back to where Ash and Brock are standing. Ash reaches out and catches Misty in his arms, and then they both fall to their knees. Misty is now breathing heavily and coughing, trying to get air back into her lungs. Ash continues to hold her, concerned about her condition. He then looks toward the group of Arbok, who are still dazed by Noctowl’s attack, and he becomes enraged.

Ash: (angry) GRRRR! PIKACHU, GIVE ‘EM YOUR THUNDER ATTACK!

Pikachu: (cheeks spark wildly) PIIIIIIIIKAAAAAAAA-

Misty: No! Stop!

Pikachu falls slightly over in stupidity for being stopped. It looks at Misty confusedly, as does Ash.

Ash: (confused) Misty…why did you stop Pikachu?

Misty: It isn’t the Arbok’s fault, Ash. They’re just protecting the baby Arbok.

Ash: Baby Arbok?

Brock: She’s right, Ash. It’s over there.

They all look and spot the baby Arbok off to the side of where there the adult Arbok are.

Brock: From what I’ve studied about adult Arbok, they are very protective of their young. And until the infants are strong enough to fend for themselves, the parents will stay close to them and attack anyone or anything that may pose a threat.

Just then, the Arbok shake off the remaining effects of the hypnosis. The leader sees that its prey has eluded it and becomes angry.

Leader: (to the other Arbok) CHABOK! CHAAA! BOK!

At that moment, the other Arbok launch Acid and Poison Sting attacks toward Ash and the group. Acting fast, Brock brings out a Pokéball.

Brock: (throws Pokéball) Go Onix! Block those attacks!

Onix appears with a roar and moves itself in front Brock and his friends just before the attacks hit and they just bounce off of its hard rock skin. Noctowl flies down toward the group, just missing being hit by acid. The Arbok continue their assault while the group hides behind Onix.

Ash: But I don’t understand, Brock. Why would they attack Misty? She’s not a threat. She would never hurt anyone or anything on purpose. (looks at Misty) Right?

Misty: (looks up at him) I didn’t mean to hurt it. I was frustrated from what happened earlier. I kicked a rock and it hit the baby Arbok. It was an accident. I didn’t even see it.

Ash: (looks into her eyes) I believe you, Misty.

Misty: You do?

Ash: (nods; smiles at her) Yeah. You’re a kind person, Misty. I know you wouldn’t even hurt a Bug-type Pokémon…(sweatdrops) well…maybe.

Misty: (eyes shimmer and she smiles) Ash…

Brock looks at them and smiles. He is still holding on to Togepi, who chirps happily. Pikachu, Bayleef, and Noctowl also smile. However, the happy moment is interrupted when the Arbok leader lets out a barrage of Poison Sting attacks straight into Onix’s face, which causes the giant rock snake to let out a roar of agony.

Brock: (sweatdrops) Oh no! Onix! (he looks at his Pokémon, which has a few sweatdrops forming on its head, and he becomes worried.) This is bad! Arbok’s Acid is weakening Onix’s defense and the Poison Sting attacks are starting to take their toll. It can’t hold out much longer!

Ash: Misty, can you stand up? We gotta make a run for it!

Misty: I’ll try.

She struggles to get up with Ash’s help, but she falls back on her knees.

Ash: No good. You’re still weakened. Hang on, Misty! I’ll carry you!

Brock: Wait, Ash! Even if I call back Onix and we make a break for it, we still might get hit by the attacks!

Ash: Can’t the Arbok just go away? They have their baby!

Brock: No! Arbok won’t back down from a fight when their family may still be at risk!

Ash: Isn’t there some way we can scare them off?

Brock: (thinks for a moment) Yes! There is! (he pulls out his Fast Ball, the special Pokéball he got from Kurt, and throws it) Pineco, Explosion!

As Pineco appears in mid-air, the Arbok stop attacking to see it. Pineco then glows bright-yellow, and – KABOOOOOM! The explosion causes a lot of dust to fly up, causing the Arbok to choke. Sensing danger, the leader turns to its group and gives a command.

Leader: CHAAAAAAABOOOOOOOK!

In response, the Arbok begin to retreat into the forest. The leader then goes over to the baby Arbok, gently picks it up in its mouth, and slithers off with the rest. After the dust settles, Ash and co. look from behind Onix to see that the Arbok are finally gone. They come out from behind the Rock Pokémon in relief.

Ash: Ahahaha! All right! It worked!

Pikachu: (agrees) Pika!

Misty: (she’s finally standing) Thank goodness.

Brock: (he looks at Pineco, who is charred from using Explosion) You did a good job, Pineco. Thanks.

Pineco: (its eyes make a happy expression) Pineco!

Brock then looks at Onix, who is breathing heavily and has a few sweatdrops on its head.

Brock: You okay, Onix? (Onix gives a roar and a nod, reassuring its trainer that it’s fine) That’s great. You did a good job as well. I’m very proud of you both. (takes out both Pokéballs) You two deserve a good rest. (he calls them back and puts them on his belt)

Ash: (to Bayleef and Noctowl) You guys did a great job too. (holds out the Pokéballs) You deserve a break also. Bayleef, Noctowl, return! (they smile as they get called back)

Brock then hands Togepi to Misty, who holds it happily.

Misty: (sweetly) Togepi. I’m so glad you weren’t involved in that situation.

Togepi: (happily) Togi togi!

Misty chuckles and then looks up to Ash and Brock, who are looking back at her.

Misty: (smiles) Thanks for saving me, guys.

Brock: (smiles) No problem.

Ash: (smiles) I can’t imagine what life would be like if anything happened to you, Misty.

Misty: Oh, Ash. That’s very sweet of you to say that. I- (suddenly stops) I-

Misty starts wobbling, having difficulty standing up. Her face begins to turn red. All of a sudden, she loses her grip and drops Togepi. Fortunately, Pikachu is able to catch it.

Pikachu: (looks up at Misty) Pikachu pi?

Togepi: (looks up at Misty) Togi?

Ash: (worried) Misty? What’s wrong?

Brock: (looks at her carefully then realizes) Oh no. She’s been bitten… several times!

Ash: Uhh!

Ash notices now. Misty has huge bite marks all over her body. On her legs, on her arms, and a few around her neck! Tiny amounts of blood trickle from each wound. With all that has happened, they didn’t notice this until now. Misty is now on the verge of falling over. Ash comes closer and grabs her by the shoulders to help prop her up.

Ash: (worried) Misty? Misty, can you hear me? Misty!

However, her condition becomes worse as Ash’s voice becomes muffled to her and her eyes begin to blur.

Misty: (voice is breaking) Ash…I don’t feel so good.

She than blacks out and collapses into Ash’s arms. He blushes for a moment, but then snaps out of it when he realizes the situation.

Ash: (shakes her) Misty! Wake up! Please! (tears begin to form in his eyes) MISTY!!! (turns to Brock) Brock, what’s wrong with her?

Brock: (sweatdrop) It must be the venom from Arbok’s bites. She’s been poisoned!

Ash: (looks back at Misty; tears rolling down his cheek) No…Misty.

Both Pikachu and Togepi look sadly at Misty, tears running down there cheeks as well.

Pikachu: (sad) Pikachu pi.

Togepi: (sad) Priiiii.

The group then heads back to the campsite, gather up all of their things, and begin walking to find signs of civilization, in hopes they will be able to help Misty get back on the road to recovery. Ash carries all of the backpacks, Brock carries Misty on his back, and Pikachu carries Togepi. As they continue walking, they keep their eyes open to make sure they don’t run into the Arbok again. Every now and then, Ash looks over at Misty to see how she’s doing. However, she is still out cold.

After awhile, the group finally comes across an empty log cabin and head inside. A few minutes later, Misty, still unconscious, is in her sleeping bag, and her wounds have been cleaned and patched. She is red in the face due to the high fever, and covered in sweat. Ash takes a wet washcloth and places it on Misty’s forehead. He sits there looking at her, hoping that she will wake up soon. Off to the side, Pikachu holds Togepi close, trying to comfort it. Brock, meanwhile, searches for something in his backpack.

Ash: (turns to Brock) Brock, don’t you have anything that can help Misty?

Brock: (brings out a bag from his pack and opens it) I wish I did, Ash, but I’m out of antidotes and the medicine bag is totally empty (he turns the bag upside-down and shakes it – nothing falls out).

Ash: We could run to the Poké Mart and get some.

Brock: (looks at the map) Ash, the nearest Poké Mart is miles from here and I…I don’t think Misty will last much longer.

Ash: (angry) Don’t say that!

Brock: Ash, listen. Unlike Arbok that are caught and raised by trainers, the poison of wild Arbok is much more potent and much more deadly. As the poison travels through the bloodstream, it causes the victim who is bitten to develop a high fever. Once the poison runs its course, the result could be fatal. One bite is usually enough to do the job. (looks at Misty) But Misty was bitten more than once. The poison is working its way through her system much faster. She’s already burning up with high fever. Unless she regains consciousness soon, the poison will overcome her and…she’ll die.

As he finishes the sentence, Ash angrily gets up, grabs Brock by his vest, and forcefully shoves him against the wall.

Ash: (yelling) DON’T SAY THAT!!!

Brock: (shocked) Ash!

Ash: (continues yelling) You know as well as I do that Misty is a strong girl! She can pull through this! She’s not going to DIE! (he closes his eyes tight and lowers his head to where his hat shades his eyes; tears begin to trickle down his cheek, which surprises Brock; Ash then speaks with a little calmness this time, but still yelling) She’s not going to die!

Brock: (puts his hands on Ash’s shoulders) Ash, take it easy. I know you’re upset. Believe me, I’m upset too. But you need to try and calm down.

After a brief pause, Ash finally releases Brock from his grip. He turns away and uses his arm to wipe the tears from his face.

Ash: (calm tone) I’m sorry, Brock. I didn’t mean to jump at you like that. I’m just scared. I don’t want to lose her. I wish I knew what to do.

Pikachu: Pika pi…

Brock looks at his saddened friend. He understands what he’s going through. With the exception of Pikachu, Misty is the first friend that Ash made when he first started his Pokémon journey. Brock doesn’t want Misty to die either, because she is his friend too.

Suddenly, Brock thinks of something.

Brock: (realizing) Ash, there IS still a way to save Misty!

Ash: (quickly turns to Brock; anxious) How?!

Brock: Poison-cure berries.

Ash: Poison-cure berries?

Brock: (nods) Yes. They are said to grow right here in the Johto Region. And, as the name says, they are used to heal Pokémon who have been poisoned in battle. It’s also said that the berries work for humans too.

Just to be sure, Ash opens his Pokédex and looks up the berry.

Pokédex: The Poison-cure berry. When consumed, the juice of this berry quickly neutralizes the poison and the victim is healed in a matter of minutes.

Ash: (anxious) Are there any of those berries around here, Brock?

Brock: There should be. They usually grow in areas where Poison-type Pokémon live. And I remember seeing bushes of berries close around this area before this whole thing happened.

Ash: (clenches fists) All right! All we have to do is find some Poison-cure berries, and Misty will as good as new!

Brock: Yeah!

Just then, Misty’s eyes begin to twitch. Pikachu and Togepi notice this and rush over to her side.

Togepi: Togi priii!

Pikachu: Pikachu pi! (turns to Ash and Brock) Pika pi! Pikachu!

Ash: Huh? What is it, Pikachu? (sees Misty’s eyes twitch) Ohh! (rushes to her side) Hey, Brock, I think she’s waking up!

Brock joins Ash, Pikachu, and Togepi at Misty’s side. Finally, her eyes slowly open and she looks up at everyone gathered by her.

Misty: (speaks softly) Hey, guys.

Togepi: Togi togi.

Pikachu: Pikachu pi.

Ash: Misty…I’m so glad you’re awake.

Brock: How do you feel, Misty?

Misty: (bluntly) Like I’m back inside the volcano on Cinnabar Island. It’s so hot.

Ash takes the washcloth off of her forehead and dips it into a small bowl of water. He then rings it out and replaces it back on her head.

Ash: (sweatdrops) Aside from that, how do you feel? Hahahaha.

Ash’s attempt to release some of the tension in the room causes everyone except Misty to sweatdrop. Misty gives a small chuckle at this, but then starts coughing, which causes Ash to worry. After she settles down, she speaks up again.

Misty: Well, my head feels light and a little fuzzy, and it kind of hurts when I breathe.

Brock: Arbok’s venom is starting to take its toll on you, Misty. But now you should have it a little easier now that you’ve regained consciousness.

Misty: I guess so. But I’m scared you guys. I’m scared of what’s going to happen to me.

Ash: (determined) Don’t you worry, Misty. I’m gonna find you some Poison-cure berries that should help get you back on track. (turns to Brock) Brock, watch over Misty for me, okay?

Brock: (nods) You can count on me, Ash!

Ash: (turns to Pikachu) Pikachu, let’s go!

Pikachu: (nods) Pika!

As Ash begins to get up, he feels himself being pulled back by something. He looks and sees that Misty has grabbed his arm.

Misty: No, Ash. Don’t go.

Ash: (confused) What? Why?

Misty: Those Arbok are still out there. I know it. I…I don’t want you to get hurt.

Ash: I have to go, Misty. I…I can’t stand seeing you in this condition. I have to try and help you.

Misty: Ash-

She struggles to sit up, but because of her current condition, she collapses. Ash, worried, places one of his hands behind her head, trying to gently prop her up, and then takes his free hand and gently touches her face.

Ash: You need to rest, Misty.

Misty: (eyes watering) Please, Ash. Don’t Leave. (she takes his hand that is holding her face and holds it in hers) Stay here with me.

Ash: (blushing) Misty…(thinking) What do I do? I need to find those berries to help Misty get better. But I don’t want to make her upset.

Ash then feels a hand on his shoulder. He looks and sees Brock.

Brock: (smiles) Ash, you stay here and take care of Misty. I’ll get the Poison-cure berries.

Ash: Brock, you sure?

Brock: You bet.

Ash: But what about the Arbok. If they’re still around here, you might-

Brock: There’s no need to worry, Ash. (proudly) Don’t forget. I was once the leader of the Pewter City Gym, and I’ve battled against Poison-type Pokémon before. And through experience, I know that Poison-types are weak against Rock-types. With Onix and Geodude by my side, the Arbok shouldn’t give me too much trouble. Also, since I’ve been studying to become the world’s best Pokémon Breeder, I have some knowledge about wild Arbok, which should be able to help me steer clear of them.

Ash is silent for a moment. He then smiles at Brock.

Ash: Okay, Brock. Thanks. Just be careful. And try to get back as quick as you can.

Brock grabs his backpack and heads for the door. He then turns back to Ash.

Brock: I will. (he gives a thumbs-up) See ya.

Ash: (he responds by giving a thumbs-up) Good luck.

Pikachu: Pika pika chu!

Togepi: Priiiii!

Brock smiles and then walks out the door, closing it behind him. Ash then turns back to Misty, who looks gently at him, smiling and still holding onto his hand. Ash slightly blushes, but doesn’t try to take his hand away. He just sits there and smiles back.

Meanwhile, Brock continues walking through the forest, searching for the Poison-cure berries and keeping a lookout for any Arbok that might be close by. At the same time, he is thinking about something that Tracey had talked with him about before they left for Johto.

{FLASHBACK}

The scene now opens showing Pallet Town. Ash and his friends are on their way back to his house from Professor Oak’s lab. Ash, Pikachu, Misty, and Togepi are up front, while Brock and Tracey are walking a few steps behind them.

Ash: (excited) I can’t wait to get to the Johto Region and start winning gym badges! Right, Pikachu?

Pikachu: (does Ash’s victory pose) Pi pikachu!

Ash: Yeah!

Misty: (sighing) The journey hasn’t even started yet and you’re already getting overconfident.

Ash: (annoyed) What?!

Misty: Didn’t you hear what Professor Oak said, Ash? He said that the Johto League is really tough. It won’t be that easy.

Ash: There’s nothing to worry about Misty. (proudly) Don’t forget that I won in the Orange League and I made the Top 16 in the Indigo League.

Misty: (teasingly) And don’t YOU forget that you just lost your battle against Gary and you only won those victories by dumb luck.

Ash and Pikachu fall over in stupidity. Togepi just giggles joyfully in Misty’s arms. While Ash and Misty begin to argue as they walk, Brock and Tracey sweatdrop as they follow. Brock then gives out a small chuckle.

Brock: (chuckling) Hah. Those two really haven’t changed at all.

Tracey: Hey, Brock?

Brock: Yeah?

Tracey: You’ve traveled with Ash and Misty before, right?

Brock: (nods) Sure have.

Tracey: Then tell me something. What do you think of the two of them?

Brock: (confused) Huh? How do you mean?

Tracey: Well…the two of them…together…as a…couple.

Brock: (shocked) WHAT?!?!?!

Tracey quickly covers Brock’s mouth to quiet him. He then looks toward Ash and Misty, who are still arguing. Apparently, they didn’t notice Brock’s outburst. Tracey gives a sigh of relief and then takes his hand away from Brock’s mouth.

Brock: (in a more quiet tone) Are you crazy?! Those TWO…as a COUPLE?! You must be joking!

Tracey: I’m serious, Brock.

Brock: Come on, Tracey. You’ve had your shares of traveling with Ash and Misty as well as I did to know well enough that they argue a lot. In fact, they argue so much, I seriously doubt that they could even have a relationship.

Tracey: (sweatdrops) True. They do argue so much that it’s a wonder that they’re even friends. But in their case, I think that’s what is called a “lover’s quarrel.”

Brock: No, I think that’s just a quarrel. I should know. As you may have heard from Ash and Misty, (proudly) I’m an expert when it comes to love.

Tracey: (eyes squinting) That’s not what I heard.

Brock falls over in stupidity, but quickly regains himself and crosses his arms in annoyance.

Brock: (ticked off) Hmph. Those guys always talk negative about me.

Tracey: (pats Brock’s shoulder) That’s not true, Brock. They say plenty of good things about you.

Brock: Really?

Tracey: Yeah. (silent for a moment) Anyway, just keep your eyes on them and you’ll see that they really care deeply for each other.

Brock is silent as they both look at Ash and Misty, who have finally stopped arguing and are now laughing, and continue walking.

{FLASHBACK ENDS}

The scene returns to Brock walking through the forest.

Brock: (smiles) Heh. At first, I thought what Tracey said was crazy and impossible. (silent for a moment) But now…I think that maybe…just maybe…he was right.

Just then, his Crobat, who he sent to scout ahead, flies down in front of him.

Crobat: Crooo!

Brock: Did you find somehting, Crobat?

Crobat gives a nod and then turns around and flies back the way it came. Brock follows after it. After a few minutes, they come out of the forest and come to a huge, rocky hill. After quickly looking around, Brock finds what he’s looking for. On a ledge of the hill, he spots a bush filled with light-green berries.

Brock: All right! The Poison-cure berries!

Brock starts running up the hill, when something bursts out of the ground in front of him, causing him to fall backwards and hit the ground. He quickly recovers, and as the dust settles, he looks to see the Arbok leader now standing between him and the berries.

Brock: (gasps) It’s you again!

Leader: (screeches) CHAAAAAAAAAAA!

At that moment, the Arbok group from before appear from the bushes and begin surrounding Brock. He looks around and realizes that the Arbok have cut off any means of escape. He is trapped.

Brock: (sweatdrops) This is bad!

Narrator: Though Brock has found the cure for Misty’s illness, he now finds himself in the middle of the Arbok’s nesting grounds. Will he be able to get out in one piece?

The scene returns to inside the cabin. Ash continues to watch over Misty, who is now sleeping.

Narrator: And what of Misty? Will she be able to hold on until Brock returns with the Poison-cure berries? Tune in next time to find out.



TO BE CONTINUED…