Betrayal By Lord Kadabra Part 4 Gambles *** *** "Psyduck, use Psychic!" Misty ordered. "Psy!" the duck confirmed. Its eyes glowed blue, and it tried to blast Drow-Two with a Psychic blast. It failed. Drow-Two grinned. "I'll counter with...Mind Warp!" The pressure on her mind was faint, so Misty knew Psyduck was protecting her. She turned to the others. "Come on, send out your own Pokemon!" she shouted. They hardly needed a second order. Sparky, a Pikachu, leapt from his Pokeball, glowing with the force of his electric charge. Vulpix dashed about with Agility, firing blasts of flame at Drow-Two. Kadabra and Alakazam fought together, Teleporting to avoid cross-fire, and confusing the enemy. Marril bounced around while shooting streams of water. Wheezing spat poison clouds at the enemy, who tried to avoid the choking air. Seven Pokemon against one, and Drow-Two was winning. They were beaten back, but Misty kept fighting. Psyduck was exhausted, but it kept fighting. Drow-Two wasn't tired at all. But Misty tried one last chance. "Psyduck, Metronome!" Psyduck turned to her and shrugged helplessly. It didn't know Metronome. But Togepi did. And Togepi was used to following his 'mother's' orders. The little egg waved its fingers, and it happened. The very air vibrated as psychic energy gathered around the Pokemon. And the attack was released. Drow-Two could not dodge it, could not deflect it, not even the gods could have moved the blast from its course. It was Psychic Beam, the equivalent of Solar Beam in Grass Pokemon. It was deadly, and Drow-Two didn't stand a chance. His body was crushed in the impact, and his mind was surely destroyed. Psyduck was panting, but it began to glow. Misty didn't see this. Her eyes were rivited on the motionless Pokemon embedded in the stadium wall. Four Pokeballs fell from the Pokebelt, and they opened. Three people emerged. She recognized the one called Thanatos, but the two women were unfamiliar. She had no chance to speak, for Drow-Two's body lifted from the wall. "What a foolish child. You though you could kill me. That...is impossible. For I was not created, I was not bred, I WAS NOT RAISED AND NURTURED IN LOVE!!!! I was a mistake, a fluke! A random blast from a battling Mew destroyed my hopes to be a carefree Ghastly. I mutated, I became a freak. And I swore revenge on the world that ran from my form, ran from my powers, not thinking that I wished to be nurtured and raised like any other Pokemon! For I am..." The skin of Drow-Two peeled away, like a cocoon. A thin mist, black as midnight, rose from the body. It was-avian? but not definate. It growled, and its thoughts and hatred were nearly visible. "I am...Missingno, the Forgotten Pokemon. And it is too late for the human race. I have four servants who will help me. Thanatos, draw out the souls of all you can lay hands upon. Minerva, kill them, destroy their minds and bodies. And Fate...weave me into your thread, weave me as the master of the universe!" Gary stared at the creature, the Cursed Pokemon, the Demonspawn, Missingno. "You're mad," he said plainly. But the captured man and women went to work, reluctantly but necessarily. The scythe flew, the sword flashed, and Lachesis began to weave. It was an unreal scene, with men and women fleeing from the warlike woman and the figure of Death, and a woman standing among it, weaving. But Misty turned to Missingno. "I will destroy you," she hissed, and turned to Psyduck. But Psyduck was changing. His battle won against Drow-Two, it had given him enough experience to-evolve. Now Golduck turned to her, and nodded. "Golduck, battle him with all your experience, all your power, and most of all, for me." Golduck saw the urgency in his mistresses' words, and turned. "Gollll-Duck!!" it cried as it released a torrent of water at Missingno. Missingno retaliated with a blast of lightening. Golduck flipped away, and turned rapidly, releasing a Confuse Ray. Missingno fell under the spell, but was still functional. "Die," he said simply as he threw a bolt of Thunder at the duck. Golduck fainted under the barrage, and Missingno gave the impression of being extremely self-satisfied. Misty stod defiantly. Missingno glared, or rather seemed to be doing so. "I will kill you first, Misty, and I will give you a death so painful that you will wish I had done the same to you that I had done to Ash." He smiled, and raised his hand. "Remember this, Misty, and ALL OF YOU REMEMBER THIS! You have tried to stop me, but you failed. You failed. And the human race will be forfeit. I was shunned by you, seen as a monster, a demon, a cursed creature. I was the same as any other Pokemon, maybe stronger, maybe more resistant to physical attacks, but JUST THE SAME! But, thousands of years of rejection, resentment, fear destroyed my hopes to be trained and raised, destroyed my hopes to become stronger. So I vowed revenge. And I sought it in the gullible Ash Ketchum. He believed my wish to better the Earth, to save the world and unite it perfectly. And then, it was the matter of a moment to control him, forge the link that controlled him, and to find a way to control him in my sleep. And then...Misty, I found you, seeing his greatest weakness, to find that which he hid even from himself. I used him, Misty, for evil hid in his denials. And now, I will kill you, as the precursor to the world." By now, Thanatos and Minerva had paused, and all people watched the scene with grim fascination. Misty stood up to him, and began to sing. The song had no words, just a melody, and it conveyed all she wished to say. The song transfixed even Missingno, who stared, listening. The music spoke of love, betrayal, longing, and loss. The melody spoke more than any words could, and its effect reached beyond that of giving peace to its listeners. SHE heard it, and knew it for what it was, the song of life itself. SHE rose from her seat, and traveled. SHE traveled in an instant over a thousand miles. SHE entered the stadium, and where She walked, flowers bloomed. But when She arrived, She saw the mist strike down the girl, and She knew it was too late. The girl lay bleeding, and Missingno raised his hand to strike. But something happened. A Pokeball arched through the air and collided with the mist. Missingno turned, and saw what had happened. His body glowed with red, and he was converted to energy. With a wordless scream, he was sucked inside. The ball did not tremble; all Pokemon who entered it would forever be trapped within. Giovanni walked to the ball, and picked it up. "I caught Missingno," he said, humor tinging his voice. He placed the Pokeball at his side, first marking it with a skull. He surveyed the stadium, seeing the countless thousands, and spoke to them. "Missingno is not a threat to you. He will never be released. The world is yours again, safe agains for the Pokemon League. There was a startled silence, and then the cheering began. Missingno was gone. But a man lay dead on the field, and his love unconscious beside him. *** Misty awoke in the hospital. She did not recognize her surroundings, but she saw Togepi. The litle egg trilled happily as it saw its 'mother' awaking. She hugged it warmly. Just then, a nurse entered. "Hello, Misty. You've suffered some minor head injuries, but you should be all right. You'll survive." Misty suddenly stared at her. "What about Ash?" she demanded. The nurse sobbed. Misty lowered her head. "He was dead before we even got him here," she cried. Misty sat silent, not feeling grief, only a feeling of the inevitable. But Ash...She looked out the window. "Will you please leave me alone?" she asked. The nurse bowed. "Of course." The woman walked out, and Misty sat on the bed, absently stroking Togepi. Ash was gone, and that was that. A knock came at the door. She turned to see Giovanni walking in, carrying the Masterball which contained...Missingno. "Hello Misty," he said, not cheerfully, but having a touch of happiness. She remained silent. "Misty, I hope you know that I understand how you feel, and wish there was something I could do. But Misty, even my scientists cannot raise the dead." Misty nodded. "But I came to discuss the matter of Missingno. You see, we have studied him, and learned several important things about his nature. First, he is indeed the mutation of a Ghastly, touched by an energy not unlike that of Mewtwo. Second, it is entirely your battling him that allowed me to capture him. In his normal state, Missingno could fight even the energies of the Masterball. But you and Golduck, and especially Togepi here weakened him terribly. And third is that he had much larger plans. He had planned to exterminate the human race, keeping those who amused him to battle in the arena. He had planned to bend the forces of the universe to his will, so he could rule it all, and he had palanned to enter to other worlds, to conquer all planets. We were lucky that we stopped him, and the number of people who died is...negligible compared to those who would have died if he had succeeded. Be glad, Misty." Misty sat coldly, a single tear running down her cheek. Giovanni continued. "We plan to have Lachesis help us. She agreed to weave the fate of Missingno, so that he will never again be discovered, and I will throw the Masterball into the volcano of Cinnabar Island." Misty sobbed uncontrollably, and Giovanni moved to her. "Please, don't cry. I-I didn't mean anything by it." Misty kept crying, so Giovanni left. She cried through the night, remembering the good times, the bad times, and all the times in between. But nothing could make her feel better. *** THEY had gathered, over two hundred and fifty gods and demigods, goddesses and demigodesses. The first one stood up to speak. "My brothers and sisters, this woman Misty Waterflower has saved us from a fate worse than death, no offense, Thanatos." "None taken," the skeleton replied. "She has saved the human race from utter extinction, and did it woth no thought to her own safety. I move that we grant her a single desire, with no strings attatched." The crowd murmured, but She stood up. "I second the motion," She said. This alone moved the assembly to pass the motion. She would be given a single gift, and no god would oppose it. *** Misty stared at the darkened blinds. She turned when a footfall indicated a visitor. A nurse entered, middle-aged, but beautful. The nurse looked at Misty. "Hello, my child," she said softly, "I greet you." Misty stared at her. The nurse smiled. "I wish to be left alone," Misty said, turning back to the window. "Yet you wished me to come earlier," the nurse protested. Misty turned to her. "You're-" "Yes. Please do not speak my name." She picked up a small flower from Misty's bedside. It bloomed in her hand, becoming more beautiful than any flower Misty had ever seen. The nurse turned to her. "Mother, I know you are very busy, and that you usually do not do so, but could you grant me a boon?" Misty inquired nervously. "Why do you wish a gift from Me?" she asked. Misty backed away, nearly involuntarily. "I-I truly love him, and-and if you do not grant me the boon, I will not have strength to live," Misty declared. "Whom do you love?" the nurse prodded. "A young man, about my age. He-died-recently. His name is Ash Ketchum, and I wish you to restore life to him. For I know that You can do so, if you wish." The nurse frowned. "I alone cannot do so, Misty. I can only give the body life, make him a zombie, soulless and evil. Only if his soul can be returned to his body could I return life to him." Misty looked doubtfully at the nurse. "And who could do that?" she demanded, becoming somewhat fed up. The nurse stood silently. "HE could do so," she said, barely daring to speak the name. "And He does not like to release souls. I will ask him." WIth those words, a fog entered the room, obscuring the nurse, who was gone when it cleared. Misty looked at it. Her heart surged with hope, and she got up to enter the morgue, where she knew Ash was laid out. *** The nurse knocked on the door, her wrinkled face frowning when Brock leaned over her to see in. "Misty?" he asked, hoping she would respond. "Be quiet!" the nurse hissed. "She's probably still asleep!" Brock winced. "But I need to see her," he demanded. The nurse opened the door, and led Brock inside. Misty's bed was empty. They both froze. Brock spoke first. "I'll go to check the morgue," he said, hurrying from the room. "The morgue?" the nurse asked, bewildered, "Why there?" "Because she hasn't had the chance to say good-bye to Ash." *** Misty opened the door, and walked in. It slammed behind her, and locked. She smiled. She knew she would be alone. For now. She walked to the freezer where she knew Ash to be. #25. There was something right about the fact that he was stored in the freezer of the number of Pikachu, his first Pokemon. She opened it, and recoiled at the sight of his mangled body. She had forgotten the damage Missingno's attack had done. Blood had leaked from brain injuries, and his face was terribly contorted. So intent was she on staring at the body that she did not hear two people enter. One was the nurse, and the other, a stony figure on emotionlessness. He carried a small transparent cloak, and held it gingerly, as if it would break if he did not hold it with the utmost care. Misty turned to them. The nurse spoke. "I am afraid I have not been entirely honest with you," she admitted. "We-I mean We, as a group, decided to grant you a single favor, and that none of Us would oppose it. So Misty, receive the reward for your good deed." She placed her hands on Ash's body, and two things happened. The injuries receded, and healed, giving Ash the appearance of a deep sleeper. And the man placed the cloak over Ash's body, and stepped back as it writhed and was absorbed into his body. The two turned and faded slowly when they left the room. The door unlocked, and Misty looked at the body. Ash's skin still retained an unhealthy pallor, but his face was composed, and his eyes twitched. In a moment of inspiration, Misty leaned over and kissed him on the lips, trying to force heat into his mouth. His right hand moved, and pulled her closer. Misty abruptly broke away. "Ash!" she cried. He sat up, and stared adoringly at her. "Misty," he suddenly said, bending his head in shame, "What I did, what I said, was...not my own. My actions the past several years have been controlled somewhat by Drow-Two." He looked into her eyes. "But one thing remained the same. I always loved you, and I loved you with all my heart, Misty. And I always will. Please accept my ap-" He broke off when she kissed him again. She murmured in his ear as she continued to kiss him passionately. "Fine, Ashy Boy. But you still owe me a bike." Ash sputtered, and burst out laughing, nearly knocking Misty out when his head collided with hers. He continued laughing, and she smiled. It was good to have him back. *** Brock approached the morgue, but stopped when he heard laughter. The nurse continued running though, so Brock followed her. He opened the door, and stepped inside. And the two stopped in shock. Ash Ketchum was sitting up from his compartment, and conversing with Misty. Or rather, Misty was huging him, and he was laughing. Brock froze, and the nurse fainted. "It's a miracle..." he began, and Ash turned to him. "It's very complicated, Brock, and I don't want to get into it. Yes, just accept that it's a miracle, and maybe you can get me something to eat?" Even Brock, in his state of shock, had to laugh at that. *** "No one could survive with that much blood lost and having been frozen for three days," the doctor insisted, watching the former leaders of Contra-Rock leave the hospital. The nurse grimaced. "Doctor, maybe we should just forget about it. The last week has been very strange, and this was just a part of it." "Yes," he agreed. "And maybe the world can go back to normal." "Oh no, I don't think it will ever be quite the same. Ash Ketchum was talking to someone, talking about forming a sect of Pokemon trainers to battle evil, something like Contra-Rock. He said he wanted to get the approval of the League, so I guess that's where they're going." The doctor nodded. "Well then, I wish them luck." In the distance, Misty placed her head on Ash's shoulder, and he put his arm around her. "You don't need to do that, Doctor," she said. "Those two have more luck than they know what to do with." *** "The Pokemon League has been reinstated, with the final tournament area of the Indigo Plateau cleared of its earlier use and prepared for the next Pokemon Games. All sub-Leagues will be honoring the new order of Pokemon trainers-the Protectors-by accepting one of the number into the Hall of Fame. Dedicated to the protection of the world from evil, the Protectors are led by the now-famous Ash and Misty Ketchum. In other-" Ash turned from the TV to the airport gate. "I guess I'll see you in a month, honey," he said, kissing his wife on the cheek. The ninteen-year-old Misty Ketchum smiled, and kissed Ash in return. "It's a shame we were asked to be at stadiums so far apart," she said. Ash frowned. "But I'll be O.K. I'll call every night and send a letter every week." Misty opened her mouth to reply when a stern voice interrupted her. "You won't have to, Ash; if you keep talking, she'll miss her flight." Giovanni stepped from the shadows. "And don't worry, Mrs. Ketchum, I'll make sure Ash stays out of trouble." Misty laughed as she walked to the gate. "You might as well promise me the three legendary birds for when I get back!" she answered, and then boarded the plane. Yes, she was happy. She sat in her seat, and buckled, waiting for the plane to take off. Yes, the world was returning to normal, guarding still against the presence of such creatures as Drow-Two. And it was thanks to her and Ash. Which really meant it was thanks to Her. Misty smiled, and mouthed her thanks to the deity. "Thank you, Gaia." END