Disclaimer: Don’t own pokemon! 

A/N: Here’s Chapter 5! Enjoy!

Chapter 5

A gentle morning breeze swept through the open doors of the Cerulean City gym as 
Misty, a bit calmer from her conversation with Brock, laid poolside, thinking about Ash.

‘Maybe Brock’s right, maybe I am worrying too much about this whole thing,’ she 
thought to herself as she sighed aloud, ‘But then why do I keep having these dreams?’

She got up from her seat on the bleachers and removed her shirt and shorts to reveal a red 
halter top bikini while also removing the necklace Ash had given her. She walked to the 
water’s edge and looked at her reflection in the water. The reflection stared right back at 
her. That person in the water seemed so refined, so calm and collective, but, on the inside, 
she was hurting. Although her expressions didn’t show it, she was a mess because of 
what was happening. She wasn’t sure what to believe, whether Aki and Marissa had 
returned or if it was just a figment of her imagination. No one was sure. And that made it 
all the more frustrating.

“Maybe I just need to relax,” she told herself as she stepped into the cooling waters of her 
Olympic size pool.

She jumped in, hoping to wash away her fears, and swam several laps around the pool 
before coming to a stop in the middle and proceeding to float on her back. She stared up 
at the ceiling, trying to let the water’s effects take place…then, all of a sudden, she felt 
herself being dragged to the bottom of the pool. She struggled to resurface but her efforts 
were in vain. Just then, everything turned black. Misty looked up to see that she was no 
longer in the Cerulean City gym. 

“Is this proof enough that we still live?” asked a voice from within the darkness.

Misty swung her head in all directions but still saw nothing but the never ending darkness. 
She recognized the voice immediately and knew that they had returned for their revenge. 
She knew she wouldn’t make it out alive this time, they had her right where they wanted 
her and they weren’t letting go….not this time…

“It seems you’ve given up,” laughed Marissa, “Either that or you’re running out of air.”

Misty shook her head in response.

“You’re completely out of options this time around. The chosen one is already dead as far 
as we’re concerned,” smirked Marissa.

Misty’s eyes widened at her remark. He couldn’t be, he just couldn’t. She had just spoken 
to him a while ago. Was it possible that they reached him already?

Just then, a shiny object presented itself to Misty. She reached out and grabbed it, unsure 
of what it was. Looking at it, she realized that it was the locket Ash had given her, but 
something was different. It was covered in a thick red substance almost like…

‘Blood…Ash, no,’ thought Misty, feeling imminent tears welling up in her eyes, despite 
her wet surroundings. 

“You will get yours…soon my treasure…soon….” Aki’s voice faded as Misty let out her 
final breathe. 

“Misty!? Can you hear me?! Please Misty…”

Misty recognized the voice instantly and slowly opened her eyes. Wait, opened her eyes? 
That meant she was alive?

She looked around to see her three sisters bent over her, concerned looks etched on their 
faces.

“Thank goodness you’re okay,” breathed Daisy.

“W-What happened?” asked Misty, hearing the shakiness in her voice.

“You, like, almost drowned, that’s what happened,” explained Lily, “What the hell were 
you doing anyway?”

“I-I…” Misty hesitated for a moment. She was at a loss for words. What really did 
happen? She was almost sure Aki and Marissa would deal in the final blow, so why 
didn’t they? What were they waiting for? They had her, she was vulnerable to attack and 
yet, nothing. She couldn’t explain what had happened to her sisters, they’d completely 
lose it, “I-I don’t know. I must have passed out or something.”

“Well, the important thing is that you’re okay,” commented Violet as she helped her 
younger sister up. 

As she stood, Misty heard a metal object fall to the ground. She examined the floor and 
saw it. It was the locket that she had placed on the bleacher about ten minutes ago. How 
had it made it’s way to her? She gingerly picked it up and remembering what had 
happened in the water, started to get light headed. 

‘This is no coincidence,’ thought Misty, ‘Ash is in trouble.’

“That’s some storm out there, eh Pikachu?’ Ash asked as he looked out of the window of 
the pokemon center. They had made it to the next town just as the storm hit, they were 
lucky enough to receive shelter for the night, especially since there seemed to be about 
several dozen people in the center. 

“Pika pika,” it agreed, nodding it’s little head.

“Excuse me young man,” came a voice from behind. Ash whipped his head around, a bit 
startled, but soon straightened up when she saw Nurse Joy smiling at him, “I’m sorry if I 
startled you.”

“No, it’s no problem. Can I help you Nurse Joy?” Ash asked, a little curious as to what 
she wanted.

“Yes, maybe you can help me. I’m looking for a trainer named Ash Ketchum,” she said.

“Well, I believe I may be of assistance. I’m Ash,” he smiled, seeing the relieved look on 
the Nurse’s face.

“Oh, well, in that case, an urgent call came in from Cerulean City before you arrived,” 
she started.

“Did you say Ceruean City!?” interrupted Ash.

“Yes, I did,” she said as she handed him an envelope, “And this came for you as well.”

“Thanks Joy,” replied Ash as he headed to the nearest pay phone, Pikachu hot on his 
tracks. 

‘I hope Misty’s okay,’ thought Ash as he sat on the provided chair and proceeded to 
punch in the familiar numbers.

Back at the Cerulean City gym, Misty was resting comfortably on her bed, thinking about 
her near-death experience. She twirled her locket in her hands, still thinking about the 
blood that had once stained it’s beauty.

‘He had his chance, so why didn’t Aki just kill me? He had no problem trying to kill me 
the last time we met, why would he spare me now? What is he waiting for?’ Misty 
thought to herself, completely oblivious to the fact that her sister was standing right in 
front of her.

“Hello? Like, Earth to Misty, do you copy?” waved Violet, as she waved the phone in 
Misty’s direction.

“Huh? Oh, hey Violet, sorry about that. I kind of need some time to myself,” she started, 
not noticing the phone in Violet’s hands, “Do you mind leaving--”

“Fine, I suppose you’re not interested in talking to Ash then,” Violet interrupted.

“Ash!” exclaimed Misty, snatching the phone from her sister.

“Your welcome,” sighed Violet as she exited the room.

“Hello?” 

“Mist, are you okay? Violet just told me what happened,” he exclaimed in a panic.

“Ash, I’m fine. The person I’m worried about is you,” explained Misty.

“Me?” thought Ash, “You mean that storm that just hit? Don’t worry about--”

“Ash, you have to come back to Pallet!” cried Misty.

Ash examined her face and saw fear in her eyes. A fear unlike anything he had ever seen 
within her before. A fear so intense, it seemed almost deadly. 

“Misty…what’s the matter?” asked Ash seriously.

Misty bit her lower lip as she held the sobs that she had wanted to release earlier that day.

“Ash…it wasn’t my fault I almost drowned,” she tried to explain.

“But you’re sisters told me that you had passed out,” countered Ash, confused about 
where this was going.

“No, that wasn’t the reason…far from it,” she started, “It was Aki and Marissa.”

Ash held a breath for a moment, showing no signs of emotion. His greatest fears had been 
confirmed. Both him and Misty were separated, making them vulnerable. He should have 
known better than to run off to some tournament, especially after Misty’s first dream.

“I’m coming back Misty. If they hurt you--”

“No Ash! No! You don’t get it!” yelled Misty, “They aren’t after me…they’re after you. 
They’re going to kill you the first chance they get! Don’t give them that chance!”

Ash’s eyes widened as his heart started to race. He had never seen Misty this upset before. 
She seemed on the verge of tears and he was miles away, unable to do anything to 
console her.

“Misty, calm down. You don’t know they’re after me, but for right now, we need to stay 
calm about this,” soothed Ash.

“But I do know they’re after you Ash!” she started, “In all these dreams…they’ve been 
telling me that they’re going to kill you, I was just afraid to tell you. I’m sorry Ash, I’m 
so sorry.”

Ash’s mind started to reel. They were after him the entire time, but where would they 
strike next? Would they go after his friends and family in order to get to him? It seems 
they had already done that with Misty, but what about Brock and his mother?

“Ash, I’m sorry,” sobbed Misty.

“No Misty! Don’t you dare apologize for this! You couldn’t help it, you didn’t want me 
to worry. It’s okay,” sighed Ash.

“What are we going to do?” asked Misty.

“I’m coming home,” he said, “When I get back, we’ll think something, but, in the 
meantime, keep safe.”

Misty simply nodded her head as a response.

“I’ll try to be back in Cerulean in a few days, but I’ll notify you if something changes,” 
explained Ash, “We’ll try contacting Li and Sakura if nothing else works.”

“Okay, please be careful Ash,” nodded Misty.

“I will. Take care, I love you,” he smiled.

“I love you too.”

Before Ash knew it, he had ended the call with Misty, placing the receiver back on the 
cradle. He looked to Pikachu and then stood up once more.

“Let’s go Pikachu. We’re out of here, we have to make it back to Cerulean as soon as 
possible,” commented Ash.

He started to head for the door, the storm continuing to rage outside. 

“You’re not going anywhere in that storm, young man,” called Nurse Joy as she walked 
up to them.

“But I have to go,” explained Ash as he argued with Nurse Joy.

Loud thundering and flashes of lightening could be seen and heard from outside of the 
pokemon center as Ash spoke. He shuddered at the massive noise and covered his ears. 
The lightening he was used to, being with Pikachu for years took care of that fear, but the 
thunder was another story. Just when Ash was about to head for the door again, the lights 
start to flicker and then finally, die. 

“Now do you understand the severity of the storm,” scolded the nurse, “We were 
instructed to keep everyone indoors, emergency or not.”

“But I have to get to Cerulean City,” sighed Ash as he looked up at the now blackened 
sky. 

“I’m sorry sir, but all transportation has stopped due to the weather,” said Joy.

“Great, now what do I do?” complained Ash in frustration, “There’s no way to contact 
Misty either.”

“Here,” replied Joy, handing Ash a cell phone, “You should hurry and make your call 
before the phone company gets hit too.”

“Thanks Joy,” Ash smiled as he took the phone from her and quickly dialed the numbers.

“Hello?”

“Misty, it’s Ash,” he answered, “Listen, the storm is pretty bad out here. I’m going to be 
delayed about a day, okay?”

“Ash, the storm is Aki’s doing, I just know it,” replied Misty, “Please be careful.”

“Don’t worry, I will,” smiled Ash, “The main road from this city back to Cerulean has 
been blocked by a mudslide, so I’m going to have to take the shortcut through the rock 
tunnel.”

“Okay, then I guess I’ll be seeing you in a few days,” smiled Misty, “Bye.”

“Bye.”

Ash hung the phone up and handed it back to Nurse Joy, thanking her profusely. 

“Well, come one Pikachu. We’d better get to b—Pikachu? Where’d you go?” called Ash 
as he searched the dark pokemon center.

“Pika pi!” 

Ash followed the sound of his friend and came to a stop in front of one of the windows, 
where Pikachu was pointing to something off in the distance.

“What is it?” wondered Ash, looking out the window.

“Pika…” it growled as its cheeks sparked up.

Ash continued to look out the window for any signs of life, but saw none. Maybe Pikachu 
was just seeing things. Besides, it was dark outside and the sound of the lightening might 
have startled it, but then again, Pikachu was an electric pokemon. 

“It’s just the lightening Pikachu, nothing to worry about. Now, come on, let’s get to bed,” 
yawned Ash as he started to, tiredly, walk up the stairs.

Pikachu reluctantly followed its master, still believing that something was out there. It 
could sense something odd, different and it knew it wasn’t the storm. Pikachu could feel 
great power from outside the walls of the center, and that kind of power could only be 
linked to one person…

As Ash readied himself for bed, Pikachu continued to be on high alert. Confident that 
something was within the darkness of the storm, it stayed near the window, vowing to 
protect Ash at all costs. 

Shrugging off Pikachu’s peculiar behavior, Ash sat at the desk in the corner of the room 
and opened the envelope Nurse Joy had given him earlier. He had almost forgotten about 
it in all the excitement. He ripped open the seal and smiled as he recognized the neat 
handwriting of his significant other. 

Ash took hold of every word, almost as if Misty had been there herself to read it aloud to 
him. He read it several times, feeling the warmth from her comforting words and taking 
in the slight scent that still lingered on the envelope. He loved Misty with all his heart and 
he couldn’t wait until he would be able to hold her in his arms once again. Hopefully, all 
this talk of Aki and Marissa would pass in time and they’d be able to live normal, happy 
lives without the distractions of others. He wanted her to always be there for him when he 
needed her and he had vowed to do the same. 

He smiled as he folded the letter back into its envelope. Although Ash had never revealed 
anything to Misty about a possible future together, he constantly thought of their potential 
lives together as a married couple. He had wanted to have children with her, grow old 
with her, and die with her. All the things young men had wished from their significant 
others but twice the capacity. Ash had planned a possible proposal the following year. He 
even had a ring picked out and everything, but what held him back was the inevitable 
answer. He had hoped that his relationship with her wasn’t just a fling or something on 
the side, he knew it was real, he just hoped that she felt the same. 

Ash shook his head of the thoughts and tried to focus a little bit on Aki and Marissa, but 
all he could think of at the moment was Misty. He pulled out a paper and pen from the 
desk drawer and had decided to write a letter to Misty, in hopes of getting everything off 
of his chest. He dated the letter and then began to write.

‘Dear Misty,
Hey there, sweetie. How are you doing? By the time you receive this, I’ll probably be 
back in your arms again, holding you, and declaring bold declarations of love. Anyway, I 
couldn’t sleep much, so I decided to write to you. I know it probably could have waited 
until I got home, but I just needed to tell you how much you mean to me. Misty, you are 
my everything, I’m nothing without you by my side. I feel like I need you in order to 
continue living my life like I want it. Our future means everything to me and I hope you 
feel the same. Love makes you do strange things sometimes, but I’ve never regretted any 
of it. Women can make even the strongest of men kneel down on one knee…all this 
because of love. I guess what I’m trying to say is that…guys like me find it hard to take 
that extra step forward, no matter how hard they want to, they find they can’t. We’re 
afraid of rejection because it could mean eternal heartbreak forever. Listen to me ramble 
on and on about nothing. Well, I guess I’ll wrap this up. Remember that I will always be 
with you, even if I’m not physically there. I will never leave you, I promise. I love you 
with all my heart. 

Love, Ash’

Pleased with himself, Ash sealed the note in an envelope and threw it back on the desk in 
hopes of sending it the following morning. 

“Chosen one…”

Ash’s ears perked up as he heard the familiar voice. Pikachu, also hearing the voice, 
growled at the presence that seemed to be surrounding them. Ash stood up, looking in all 
directions for a sign of anything.

“Who’s there?” whispered Ash.

“Have you already forgotten, chosen one?” said the voice.

“Aki, Marisssa…” Ash growled.

“Pika…”

“What do you two want?” demanded Ash.

“You don’t sound too happy to hear from us Ash,” smiled Marissa, “By the way, we 
dropped in on that treasure of yours.”

“Pikachu pi!”

“Misty…what do you want with her? Whatever it is, you can settle things with me, but 
leave her out of it,” warned Ash.

“You are in no position to be telling me what to do, young one,” said Aki as he tensed up.

“Be warned chosen one, we have much bigger plans for her,” smirked Marissa, enjoying 
Ash’s frustration. 

“You will not go near her!” yelled Ash.

“We are not the ones that will cause her suffering,” replied Marissa coolly.

“What do you mean?” 

Ash was confused now. Who else would hurt Misty other than themselves, unless they 
had an ally, but Ash doubted that.

“Young chosen one, you will make her suffer an unparalleled amount of pain,” said Aki, 
“She will cry day after day, heartbroken. In her dreams, her mind will drift to the one 
person for whom she cries. She will not be able to move on, or live for that matter.”

“She’ll be lost, lonely, and afraid of the outside world. She will be able to trust no one. 
And she will have no one to lean on when a situation arises,” finished Marissa.

“You’re wrong! She’ll have me! I will not leave her!” screamed Ash. Through all his 
frustration with the two, his fears were continuing to grow. He was now immensely 
scared for Misty’s life, but, furthermore, he was scared about what Aki and Marissa were 
saying. He would never let Misty suffer, not alone anyway. He would never do anything 
to bring harm to her, so what exactly were they talking about?

“It seems you’ve just contradicted yourself, chosen one,” laughed Marissa.

Ash growled at them, furious. He clenched his fists, feeling helpless to do anything. 

“We shall go into hiding for the time being,” started Aki, “When we return, you will have 
already been out of the picture and there will be nothing to stop us from retrieving what is 
rightfully ours.”

Aki’s voice began to fade away little by little. As it seemed everything was back to 
normal, Ash slammed his fist into the nearby desk, causing the desk to crack under the 
immense force. He then sat down on the edge of his bed and held his head in his hands. 
Misty was in danger, he knew it, but he could do nothing to prevent it. Why had he left 
her by herself? Why didn’t he just stay in Pallet? He was putting Misty’s life on the line 
for some stupid tournament and, he knew, he would soon be regretting it. 

A/N: I hope that Chapter was at least a little more exciting than the last one. We are 
coming to the climax here, just wait and see! Anyway, please keep those reviews coming! 
AAML!