* The words inbetween ' ' are thoughts. They are also in italics. *



Losing Everything
Part 2


Once again, we see our three heroes getting some much needed rest after their snowy adventure. All seems to be going well tonight...Ash shakes around violently in his sleep. Oops...spoke too soon.

* Ash's Dream *

Ash and Mrs. Ketchum are standing around a hospital bed. Ash is around the age of 8. The man in the bed is hooked up to all kinds of machinery. A life machine beeps next to him. The person in the bed...Mr. Ketchum.
He begins to speak weakly to them.
"Hey guys. I'm glad you could visit me. Well...I just want to say something to the both of you before I go...I love both of you very much and where ever I go after this, I'll always keep you in my heart."
He glances at Mrs. K.
"Dear, I love you so much. There is no one in this world that I would rather be with. These past couple of years have been a real journey and I don't know how I would have gotten through it without you. You've made me so happy. We have a wonderful son that I know you'll take good care of."
Mrs. K begins to cry.
"I love you too honey. Ash is a wonderful child. He has your looks and a personality that fits."
Mr. K then looks to young Ash.
"Ash, your going to be the man of the house from now on. Keep a close eye on your mother for me while I'm gone. I know that it's a big responsibility, but I know you can do it. I love you son."
"I will daddy. I love you too."
"There's one more thing...good luck on your pokemon journey. If you listen to your heart, you will accomplish any goal in life."
Mr. K then looks at his wife and nods.
"Ash, listen to me. This is extremely important. I'm not quite sure when, but somewhere along your journey, you'll meet someone."
A confused Ash cocks his head to the side.
"Who?"
"A girl. I can only tell you that...you and this girl will become very close friends. You will be partners. Do not abuse the friendship Ash. You'll need her in order to do a certain something."
"Do what?"
"I'm sorry Ash, but that's all I can say for now."
He lays his head back on the bed.
"Good-bye. I love you..."
He flat-lines. Mrs. K starts crying.
"Daddy...I will fulfill my dream and make you happy. And when I go out on my journey, I'll find that girl you were talking about."
Crying is heard from the room as Mrs. k and Ash hold onto each other comfortingly. Ash picks up the paper at the end of his father's bed. The cause of his death...cancer.

Ash quickly opens his eyes and wipes the sweat from his face. He then looks around to see that his friends were still sleeping. He sighs and holds his head in his hands. He whispers to himself.
"I miss you dad. It's so hard."
"Pikapi?"
Ash looks up to see Pikachu sitting up next to him.
"Oh, hey Pikachu. What are you doing up?"
"Pika pikachu?"
"I was just thinking."
"Pika pika pikachu?"
"You heard what I said?"
"Pika."
"Well, my dad...he died, a long time ago."
Pikachu lowers its ears in sadness.
"Pi, pikapi..."
"Before he died, he told me that I would fulfill my dream if I listened to my heart."
He looks over to Misty.
"The one thing that I'll always remember will be what he said that night in the hospital...the night he died."
"Pikachu pika?"
"He said that along my journey I would find a girl that would become one of my closest friends. He told me not to abuse the friendship because I would eventually need her to help me with something."
"Pika pi pikachu chu."
"I know that I've met a lot of girls on my journey, but how many of them are actually with me?"
"Pikachupi!"
Ash smiles.
"Exactly. I'm not quite sure what he meant when he said that I would need her to help me do something."
Pikachu puts its paw to its chin and begins to think. It then gets an idea.
"Pika pikachu!"
"You have an idea? Why don't we take a little walk and you can tell me. I don't want to wake them up."
They get up and leave the room.

The sun had just peaked over the mountain tops and the view was spectacular. The first rays of light hit the dew on the grass in just the right spot, causing everything to shimmer.
"Wow. Check out that sunrise. I haven't looked at a sunrise this beautiful since I was back in Pallet."
Pikachu tugs on Ash's pant leg.
"Oh right. Your idea. Go ahead."
"PIka pikachu pi chu pi pika."
"That's crazy Pikachu. We're-we're just...friends."
Pikachu folds its arms and stares at its trainer.
"Pikachu?"
"Yes, I'm sure. We're best friends, we aren't like that."
Pikachu gives Ash a look saying 'Yeah right.'
"We are."
Pikachu just shakes its head. It was obvious that he would have to take matters into his own hands...er...paws.
They walk back to their room.

Meanwhile...

An unknown voice speaks to someone.
"You know what to do right?"
"Yes."
"Don't be too conspicuous. Aki and Marissa are out there and have already encountered Ash and his friends. They know that we are protecting them so be careful."
"I will. I will keep a close eye on them."
"Thank you. Now go."

...

When Ash and Pikachu return, they see that their friends are still sleeping. He sits down on his bed and begins to think. He sighs.
"I miss him Pikachu."
"Miss who?"
He turns his head to see Misty, sitting up in her bed. He then sees Pikachu snickering to itself. Ash rolls his eyes.
"Misty, what are you doing up?"
"I heard someone open the door, besides, I was already up. So, who do you miss?"
"Oh, uh...it's no one."
"Oh really? Come on Ash. You can tell me. We're best friends, right?"
"Yeah. Okay, I'll tell you."
"Great."
She gets up and makes her way to Ash's bed and then sits down. He tells her everything, except the part about her.
"Oh, I'm so sorry Ash."
"Don't worry about it. I've had way too many people feel sorry for me."
"You've really had it tough, haven't you?"
"Nope, I'm just thankful I have my mom, Pikachu, Brock...you. There are so many others out there who have it worse than me. At least I have a good home to go to and friends that care about me so much. I wish you guys could have met him."
"I wish I could've met him too, but from what you've told me...he's just like you. You have that certain spark in you that I admire. You never give up and you treat your friends and your pokemon with respect. I think he would be very proud of you, I know I am."
Ash smiles.
"Thanks Mist."
She returns the smile.
"Just remember, you'll never be alone, as long as you have Brock and me."
"Pika!"
"And Pikachu too. We all care about you."
"Yeah, I know."
Misty comes up and hugs him while Ash returns the hug.
"Pika..."
"Aww, how cute."
They both look up to see Brock with a good sized grin on his face.
"How long have you been there?"
"Long enough."
Both Ash and Misty roll their eyes.
"Well, who's up for some breakfast?"
"I am."
"Me too."
"Pika!"
"Choki!"

...

Marissa is seen talking, in a secluded area, to the same voice from before.
"Marissa, I want you to watch them. I want a full report on those three and remember what I said about my brother helping them."
"Yes, master. I won't fail you."
"Today's the day we carry out plan A. We'll just see our strong this chosen one really is..."

...

Brock, Misty, and Ash have just come back from their breakfast and are entering their rooms.
Brock throws some things in his backpack.
"So, what's on our schedule for today?"
"Well, I haven't battled in an actual gym for a while. Is there one in town?"
"I'll go ask Nurse joy." (of course Brock volunteers. hehe)
"Okay, thanks."
He leaves and sees Nurse Joy typing on her computer. He gets ready to impress her and approaches.
"Uh, excuse me Nurse Joy, I hope I'm not bothering you."
"Oh, not at all. It's quite all right."
"Well, I was wondering if you know of any gyms in town?"
"No, I'm sorry, there isn't. There should be one in the next town, which is about 2 miles away."
"Thanks. By the way, how about going out on a date with me when your done?"

Back in the room...

"I can't wait to win my next badge. I haven't battled in such a long time."
"I guess it has been awhile. We always seem to get sidetracked."
"I know. Oh well, it can't be helped."
They are sitting on Ash's bed as Ash lays back. He closes his eyes for a brief moment. He begins to doze off. In a flash, he sees 2 people running towards him. One has a sword and the other has a kind of staff. Then there's a bright flash and Ash awakens from his daydream. Misty feels him twitch.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. 'That was weird. Who were those people?'"
Just then, Brock walks in with a dejected look on his face. Ash, Misty, and Pikachu roll their eyes, knowing what happened.
"Let me guess, she rejected you."
He begins to cry.
"And I was doing so well too."
"Oh Brock."
Ash sits up in excitement.
"Well? Where's the nearest gym?"
"Huh? Oh right. Well, Joy said that there's no gym in town but there should be one about 2 miles away in the next town."
"All right! Let's go guys!"
They leave.
Just as they are approaching the exit to the town, Misty notices something.
"What's that?"
"What's what?"
They all look to where she is pointing and see a young teenage girl in front of a massive building. Her back is turned to them as they approach her.
"Excuse me, but do you know what this building is?"
In a very snotty attitude the girl answers them.
"Don't you know a pokemon gym when you see one."
Brock lifts an eyebrow.
"But we just asked Nurse Joy and she said that there was no gym in town."
"Well, I guess that stupid nurse was wrong."
Brock goes hysterical when he hears the girl tease Nurse Joy.
"What did you call my beloved Nurse Joy?!"
Misty elbows him in the gut. The girl ignores Brock's outburst.
"So, do you want to battle the gym leader or not?"
"Uh, yeah sure! I'll battle him!"
She smirks unbeknownst to Ash, Misty, and Brock.
"Right this way."
She walks into the building. Ash starts to follow her when he's pulled back by Misty.
"Ash, I don't like this."
"What are you talking about?"
"Pikachu."
"It does seem kind of strange that Nurse Joy didn't know about it."
Misty shakes her head.
"There's something about this place that I don't like."
"Come on Misty. There's nothing to worry about."
"I hope your right."
"Here we go again."
They all walk in the building. They go through a long corridor and finally reach the battle arena. They are overwhelmed with its size.
"Whoa! It's huge!"
The doors suddenly close behind them.
"I knew this was a bad idea."
They see the girl in the center of the arena.
"Please wait here. The gym leader will be with you shortly."
She disappears in a flash.
"Uh, see guys. No problem."
"Are you crazy?! What do you mean 'no problem?!'
"Pika pikachu pi."
"Huh? What do you mean you sense something evil?"
Togepi trills in fear and tucks itself in Misty's backpack. A voice speaks to them.
"Ah, I've been waiting for you."
Misty's eyes widen. She whispers to herself.
"That voice..."
"Are you the gym leader?"
"Ha! Gym leader? I wouldn't waste my time."
"Show yourself!"
"As you wish."
There is another flash. A black, cloaked figure appears. He has a black aura around him. Misty gasps.
"Your the one from my dream."
Ash looks at her, confused.
"What dream?"
"I had a dream yesterday when we were stuck in that snow storm after that girl Marissa--"
"Did someone mention my name?"
The same girl that had directed them into the gym appears.
The cloaked figure speaks again.
"My name is Aki and I'm sure your all familiar with my assistant."
Marissa transforms and turns into her true form.
"Marissa?!"
"So nice to see you all again."
Pikachu starts to growl.
"Hello again Pikachu. It's a real shame that you were too late to sense me before you fell into our trap."
"Pika..."
Ash steps up.
"What do you want with us?"
Marissa smirks.
"Oh not much, just your life, for starters."
"Your crazy!"
"The weaker ones always tend to see it that way."
Aki begins to levitate as he speaks.
"The chosen one...so young and innocent."
He looks at Misty.
"And his partner...the same way."
Ash remembers what his father said about Misty being his partner.
'My partner? Misty...'
Brock looks from Ash to Misty and back to Ash.
"What are you talking about?"
"The legend concerning the legendary pokemon Lugia, surely you know of it?"
"Of course we do. We were caught right in the middle of it."
Marissa also begins to levitate.
"That was only the first part of the legend, kind of like a test."
"A test?"
Aki lets out a laugh.
"You really are clueless. Let me fill you in. I am the guardian and the symbol for all that is evil in this world. You three disgust me! Always helping anyone in need, pathetic!"
Misty folds her arms.
"There's got to be some other reason for bringing us here other than giving us a lecture."
"Aren't you a feisty one."
Ash, who has had just about enough, runs up to them.
"Why are we here?"
"The second part of the test is to take place today."
"Huh?"
"My master is your test. You must defeat him in order to win, but that is virtually impossible."
Brock has a confused look.
"A pokemon battle?"
"Ha! Pokemon? Please...I fight with mere power. I would like to see what powers this so-called chosen one holds."
"Hmm...hey Ash, Misty. I remember reading in a book about the ancient people of the pokemon world who praised an almighty guardian of purity, but there were also many who worshiped an evil guardian."
Aki smiles.
"My ancestors."
"What about the other guardian?"
Aki scowls.
"My brother. With evil there must always be good...unfortunately. But I assure you that evil will rule over all and that my brother is not as half as strong as me. He's a fool. He isn't even a true guardian, he was chosen.
"By whom?"
Marissa speaks with a hint of annoyance in her voice.
"The royal court. He must have had a pure record on Earth in order to have held that position. Ha, the court! They are all fools! They prophesized about this years ago. They know nothing."
"It is said that he left a treasure on the Earth while he was still living, but I have yet to discover what it is. Now that we've told you everything, time for your test!"
Marissa and Aki advance on them. Just then, the doors swing open, revealing a blinding light.
"Hold it right there Aki!"
A young teenage girl is seen wearing a white cape. She has dark brown hair tied up in the back. Aki smirks at her arrival.
"Ah, Hikara. What a surprise.
"Yeah! I'll bet it is!"
Marissa walks up to her.
"Still as weak as ever."
"Save it Marissa."
"Now is that any way to talk to your beloved sister?"
"Please, your not my sister. She died a long time ago and turned into you."
Marissa scowls at her. Brock whispers to Misty.
"Geez, talk about family feud."
"Brock, now is not the time to be joking around."
"Calm down now Marissa. You'll have your revenge. Now Hikara, what have you come here for?"
"I was sent by my master to watch the chosen one and his friends. I've never failed him and I don't plan on starting now."
"I see. Where is my brother? It's been ages since I saw him last. He should know that he can only appear in a vortex. It's very seldom that I make one. If he wishes to show up, now's his chance."
"You'll see him soon enough."
All the while Ash, Misty, and Brock are listening intently to their conversation.
"What's going on here?"
"I don't know, but it sounds like it has something to do with the other guardian."
Misty shakes her head.
"And once again we're stuck in the middle of something we don't even understand."
Suddenly a strong gust of wind blows through the room followed by another blinding flash. Another white-cloaked man appears, his face covered.
"Geez, by the time this is over, we're all gonna be blind."
Hikara smiles.
"You think my master would pass up an opportunity to face you."
"I should hope not."
"It's been awhile brother. I'm so glad you decided to join us."
"I see your at it again Aki. When will you ever quit?"
"Not until I destroy you, but I will leave that for another time. I will dispose of these three first. Surely you've heard of the chosen one, this mere boy."
The man looks to face the trio, his face still hidden.
"Yes, I have heard of him. This boy has done great things and I have no doubt in his and his friend's abilities to defeat you."
"Oh really? You sound confident."
"I am. I know you have heard of the ancient prophecies from the royal court, is that correct?"
"Yes, it is. That treasure you claim you left on Earth..."
Marissa smiles confidently.
"They're probably all lies."
"That's where your wrong. They tell the truth. Before I died, I did leave a treasure, one that I was sure you would never be able to corrupt or defeat. I knew of his future, so I told him all he needed to know at that point in time. He was still very young so I didn't go into detail. He was to find a partner, a female partner, that would help him on his quest to defeat you!"
Ash looks at the cloaked man.
"No way..."
Aki and Marissa both look on in surprise.
"But if what you say is true, then..."
He glances at Ash.
"This boy!"
"Your a quick learner."
He takes off his hood to reveal a young man with wild, black hair and deep brown eyes.
"Your offspring! Impossible!"
Ash stares at him in total disbelief. Aki glares at the man in anger.
"Satoshi, you fool! You planned this!"
"I didn't plan anything. Everything happens for a reason, which is why my son was chosen."
"How can this be?!"
Satoshi turns to Ash and his friends.
"Pikapi?"
He focuses on Ash as Satoshi gets a good look at him.
"I-I can't believe it."
"Son..."
"D-Dad..."
Ash runs up to him and hugs him tightly.
"I'll explain later. I'm just glad to see you again Ash."
"Me too Dad."
They release each other.
"Son, I'm very proud of what you've become. You've made me very proud. You were chosen for this job because I believe in you. I'm not sure whether or not you remembered what I told you the day I died."
"Yeah Dad. I've met a lot of people, but I think Misty's the only one who fits the part."
"I see."
He glances at Misty.
"She is the one."
"I knew it."
Hikara smiles proudly at Marissa.
"So, it seems like the odds have just changed."
She just scowls at her.
Aki shakes his head.
"I hate to break up this little reunion, but the time has come to destroy you! Rise my warriors!"
About a dozen or more black-uniformed warriors rise from the floor.
"We'll see how strong you really are."
"Everyone, get ready."
"Ash, tell your friends to prepare their pokemon."
"Right. Misty, Brock get your pokemon ready."
They respond in unison.
"Right!"
"Pika!"
"Okay then, go Bulbasaur, Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile, Noctowl! I choose you!"
"Go Staryu, go Poliwhirl!"
"Psy yi yi!"
"Oh Psyduck!"
"Let's go Onix, Geodude, Golbat, Pineco!"
"Hmm...very interesting, but your pathetic pokemon don't stand a chance against me and my warriors."
"We'll just see about that!"
"They say that everyone has a weakness, don't be overconfident chosen one."
"Be careful. He's got something up his sleeve."
"Attack them!"
"All right. Onix, bind!"
It roars and obeys Brock's commands.
"Geodude, rock throw! Golbat, wing attack! Pineco, back them up!"
"Pineco!"
They all start attacking. Misty shrugs.
"Well, it looks like Brock can take care of himself."
Several warriors surround Ash and Misty.
"Let's do it Mist!"
"I'm with you!"
"Totodile..."
"Staryu..."
"Water gun attack!"
The combined water guns douse the warriors.
"Bulbasaur, tackle attack!"
"Bulba!"
It charges at the warrior, but ends up being kicked.
"Bulbasaur, look out!"
"Poli!"
Poliwhirl catches it in midair.
"Nice job Poliwhirl. Now use ice beam!"
The warriors dodge it with incredible speed and fight back.
"Poliwhirl, return! You tried your best."
"Bulbasaur, Chikorita use your double-edge!
They obey but are knocked away.
"No! Bulbasaur, Chikorita return! You guys did great. Totodile, Noctowl you two have to work together in order to win. Noctowl, psychic! Totodile, water gun!"
Aki raises his hands in anger.
"Enough!"
A blast hits Noctowl and Totodile. They fly back, fainted.
"Not again. Noctowl, Totodile return. This is our last chance. We'll have to work together on this one."
"Right."
"Psy?"
"Psyduck! Return!"
"Ready?"
"Yeah. Let's do it! Staryu, water gun!"
"Pikachu, thunder!"
Both attacks annihilate the warriors. Ash and Misty high five each other.
"All right!"
Marissa jumps up and holds her hand out, which is glowing.
"Not so fast."
Two very powerful beams shoot out of her hand and faint the two pokemon.
"No, Pikachu."
"Staryu...it's no use. They're just too strong."
Staryu returns to it's pokeball as Ash picks up Pikachu.
"Ash! Misty!"
Brock quickly runs up to them.
"They took out all my pokemon."
"Same here."
Just then, a warrior comes up from behind and grabs Misty. Ash and Brock see him, but it's too late.
"Hey, let me go!"
"Misty!"
Several warriors surround Ash and Brock. They restrain Brock but are having much difficulty pinning down Ash.
"Let me through!"
Misty tries to fight off the warrior but he is just too strong for her. Aki smiles.
"Hmm..."
He approaches Misty. She looks up at him, trying to hide her fear.
"What do you want from me?"
Aki just smiles approvingly. Misty starts to get angry and pushes away the warrior. Marissa joins in on the action and starts to fight against her. All the while, Ash is still trying to reach Misty.
"Let me go!"
"Get off!"
Hikara shows up and pounces on Marissa.
"Why don't you pick on someone your own size?"
"You can't possibly be talking about yourself."
They start fighting each other using beams of energy. This gives Misty a chance to recover from her attack with Marissa. Misty looks up to see Aki staring her down. She stands her ground.
"I'm not afraid of you."
"You should be."
The black aura around Aki gets darker and soon fills the entire room. Misty speaks under her breath.
"No..."
He aims a blast at Misty. A dark flash fills the room causing everyone to currently stop what they were doing.
"No!"
"Misty!"
The black flash disappears and Misty's body falls, lifelessly, to the floor.
"Misty!"
Ash fights off the rest of the warriors. Aki snaps his fingers and the warriors quickly line up behind him and Marissa. Satoshi looks on in disbelief.
"This can't happen."
Tears quickly fill Ash's eyes as he lays Misty's head on his lap. For Ash, time seemed to stand still and nothing was ever going to make it start again.
"Misty, I'm sorry."
She opens her eyes and begins to speak weakly.
"Th-there's nothing to be sorry for Ash."
"I couldn't get here in time. I couldn't..."
"Th-this isn't your fault Ash. Please take care of Togepi for me. Your-your my best friend. Th-thank y...o...u."
She smiles one last time to reassure Ash that nothing could have been done. And then she slowly closes her eyes.
"Misty? No...no!"
"Pikachupi?"
"Choki prii?"
Brock lowers his head in sadness.
"Misty..."
Slowly, her body starts to glow and fade away. Aki opens his hand and receives Misty's soul.
"Looks like round 1 goes to me."
Ash looks at him with pain and anguish in his eyes. The feeling he was experiencing could not be described in words. Tears continue to roll down his face.
"You..."
"It's a pity really. She wasn't even worth my energy."
As Ash's anger builds, he charges towards Aki. There is another flash and Ash, Brock, Pikachu, Togepi, and Hikara find themselves at the entrance to the pokemon center. Everyone is silent. Ash's crying is heard, along with Brock, Pikachu, and Togepi. Hikara just shakes her head and thinks to herself.
'How can this be? This wasn't supposed to happen?'
Ash slams his fist into the ground and whispers to himself.
"Misty..."
He walks inside.
"Pikapi."
They follow Ash into the pokemon center.

Once inside, Brock wipes the tears from his eyes.
"I can't believe she's gone."
Ash looks at Hikara with anger in his eyes.
"You...this is all your fault!"
"Excuse me?"
"If it weren't for this stupid legend, Misty would still be here...with me. Now she's gone because of that...she died in my arms."
Brock grasps Ash's shoulders, trying to comfort him.
"Ash, we're all hurting because of Misty, but it's not Hikara's fault and you know that."
"Your-your right Brock. This is all my fault. I just...I just couldn't get there in time to save her. I practically killed my best friend."
"No Ash. You tried and Misty knows that. There's nothing that could've been done. You did nothing wrong."
"Exactly. I did nothing."
Ash looks down.
"Brock...I never had a chance to tell her."
"Huh?"
"I was so scared...I couldn't tell her. I was afraid of what she might think."
"Ash, what are you talking about?"
Ash looks up at Brock with fresh tears invading his eyes.
"I never had the chance to tell her that I love her. And now I'll never get that chance."
Brock just looks at Ash, speechless. Hikara walks up to them.
"Ash, I know it's hard but you must listen to me. Your father wants you to stop Aki. He says that his rage and anger are building and if he's not stopped...it could mean total destruction. Ash, your the only one who can stop this."
"No...you have the wrong person. I'm not a hero."
"Come on Ash. Do it for Misty."
"I can't Brock. I couldn't even save my best friend, so how do you expect me to stop Aki? I'm no hero! Don't you understand? I've lost everything!"
He runs into his room.
"Ash..."
Hikara puts a hand on Brock's shoulder.
"Give him some time. I think we all need some."
Brock sits on the couch and puts his head in his hands while crying with Togepi. Pikachu looks at the door to the room Ash had entered.
"Pikapi..."

With the loss of Misty, Ash and Brock are left feeling broken. Aki is on the verge of destroying the world, unless someone can stop him. Will Ash summon the courage to overcome his fears and face Aki in battle? Find out next time!...

To Be Continued...


* Hey guys! Hope ya liked Part 2 of my oh so exciting fanfic. Okay, okay, you kno the drill. All questions and comments are welcome. *