The Surprise Return
Part 7

Narrator: Well, it's the first night of Ash's return to Pallet. So much has happened since his return: he signed up for the Pallet Town Tournament and he also had an encounter with his rival, Gary. But right now, it looks as if everyone is asleep.

Ash: No, not this again.

All of a sudden the scene changes. Ash finds himself in the middle of a beautiful church. People are all around him, awaiting the groom and the bride.

Ash: Wha-what's going on?

Just then the wedding song starts to play. He sees the crowd of people standing as the bride approaches. He turns to look at her.

Ash: Oh no. Misty...

He sees her wearing a beautiful wedding dress. She walks right by Ash, as if he were invisible. She walks all the way to the alter, where her groom awaits her. Ash notices that the groom is none other than...

Ash: G-Gary!?

They approach the minister, Ash follows them. He listens intently to what the minister has to say. His ears perk up when he hears the minister saying...

Minister: Whoever objects to this marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace.

Ash: (yelling) I object! I object!

The minister looks around.

Minister: Now, with the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.

Ash: What?!

Misty and Gary share a long kiss right in front of Ash. He runs right up to them and takes a swing at Gary. His hand goes right through him.

Ash: W-What's going on here?

The crowd stands and cheers on the happy couple. Out of the corner of his eye, Ash can see the same dark, hooded figure from his last dream. He stands behind Misty.

Ash: Its him again. Who is he?

He hears more cheering and turns away. When he returns his attention back to the figure, he disappears.

Ash: Huh? He was just a here.

He turns back to Misty and Gary.

Misty: This is the happiest day of my life.

Gary: And it all worked out perfectly. Tell me, how'd you do it so easily?

Misty: That fool was head over heels for me. He would tell me each and every day that he loved me. I had him wrapped around my finger the whole time. He didn't suspect a thing. All it took was patience.

Ash listens more closely, wondering who they're talking about.

Gary: He was an idiot to begin with. Ash could never compare with your brains. (sarcastically) It's just so sad though.

Misty: Oh please. He was easy to deal with. He totally fell for the fake love thing. He fell right into my trap. How could he possibly think that I would ever love someone that weak? He's pathetic.

Ash: No, Misty...how could you?

Several tears drop from Ash's eyes. He watches them drive away in a limo. Ash's anger begins to build...

Misty: Hey Ash. Come on, get up. You have to start your training.

Ash jolts up, breathing heavily.

Misty: Hey, are you okay?

Ash turns to face her, not realizing that it was a dream he just experienced. (*Ya know when you have a dream, sometimes you can't really tell it was a dream. That's what he's experiencing.*)

Ash: (angry) You...how could you?

Misty: (confused) Ash, what are you talking about?

Misty is about to sit next to him, but Ash pushes her away and into the dresser.

Misty: (holding her arm) Ow! My arm. Ash, what's wrong with you?

Ash: Huh?

Ash just realizes what he's done and has finally awaken from his "dream."

Ash: Misty, I-I...

Just then Mrs. Ketchum walks in.

Mrs. K: Is everything all right up here? I heard a crash.

Misty: (smiling) Yeah, everything's fine. I just fell off the bed, Ash was helping me up.

Mrs. K: Are you okay dear?

Misty: Yes, I'm fine.

Mrs. K: Well, you should be more careful, you could've hurt yourself even more.

Misty: Yeah, I know. I'm just clumsy.

Mrs. K: Well, if you need any medical attention, Ash is right here.

Misty: Thank you.

She leaves. Misty turns to Ash, he has a scared look on his face.

Misty: What's wrong with you?

Ash: I-I don't know what came over me. (lightly crying) Misty, I'm so sorry.

Misty: You scared me. You've never done anything like that to me before.

Ash: I know...it was my dream.

Misty: Another one?

He nods.

Misty: What happened?

Ash: You left me and said that you were only faking your love for me. It felt so real. This feeling that I experienced...it felt like real pain.

Misty: (sighing) Well, then I guess I don't blame you for pushing me.

Ash: No...there was no excuse for what I did to you. I-I want you to stay away from me.

Misty: What?

Ash: Until these dreams leave, you have to stay away from me.

Misty: But why?

Ash: I don't want to hurt you again. It's as if these dreams are controlling me. I can't stop them and I'm not gonna risk your safety.

Misty: No, I won't let you distance yourself away from me. Its just not gonna happen, so you'll have to figure out another way to get rid of me.

Ash: Misty, I'm serious.

Misty: And so am I. How do you think I would feel if I had to stay away from my own boyfriend...the one person that I love most in my life?...I think I'll take my chances.

Ash: Why are you being so stubborn?

Misty: Its not being stubborn...its called a commitment. Besides, how am I supposed to help you if I stay away from you? Like I said before, we'll get through this together. I'm not gonna give up on you just because of these stupid dreams. (smiling) Your stuck with me whether you like it or not.

Ash: (smiling) Thanks and your right, we will get through this together.

Ash notices Misty grasping her arm.

Ash: Oh, uh how's your arm?

Misty: Its fine. Trust me, I've had worse.

Ash: (smiling) Oh really? Care to explain?

Misty: (serious) I really don't want to go into it.

Ash: What's wrong?

Misty: Nothing.

Ash: Well, come on. I'll fix your arm up.

They both walk into the bathroom.

Ash: Here.

Ha hands Misty an ice pack.

Misty: Thanks.

Ash: Oh, by the way, thanks for covering up for me before with my mom.

Misty: No problem. Your mom doesn't need to know everything that goes on between us.

Ash hugs her lightly.

Ash: Thanks and I'm sorry I hurt you.

Misty: Ash, its okay. Right now, I just want you to concentrate on that tournament tomorrow.

Ash: Yeah, but what if these nightmares get worse? First I hurt you, who's next? Brock? Pikachu?

Misty: Hey, this doesn't sound like my Ash at all. Your stronger than this, you'll be okay.

She kisses him lightly.

Misty: Now, come on. Let's get some breakfast.

Ash nods. They head downstairs to see that Brock, Mrs. Ketchum, Pikachu, and Togepi are all eating.

Brock: What took you two so long? You guys are usually the first ones down.

Misty: Oh, well...uh...

Ash: Enjoying your breakfast buddy?

Pikachu: Pika! (Yup!)

Misty: How about you Togepi?

Togepi: Choki! (Yeah!)

Mrs. K: Oh, Misty how's your arm?

Misty: Oh, its fine.

Brock: What happened?

Misty: I fell off the bed.

Brock: (mumbling) Ms. Graceful.

Misty: What did you say!?

Brock: Oh, uh...nothing.

Mrs. K: Okay, eat up you two. I'm sure you all have a lot to do today.

Ash: Yeah, I need to get in some last minute training.

Brock: Do ya need any help?

Ash: Yeah, that would be great. We're training in the backyard.

Misty: That was delicious Mrs. Ketchum.

Mrs. K: Why thank you dear.

Ash: Well, are you guys done?

Misty: I am.

Brock: Me too.

Ash: Well, then let's get training!

Meanwhile...

Girl: (on phone) Hello? Is this Professor Oak?

Oak: Yes it is. Who might you be?

Girl: Its me Professor...Crystal Ketchum.

Oak is speechless for a few seconds.

Kris: Yeah I know, its been a long time.

Oak: Oh my goodness, I'm sorry, I'm just so surprised to see you here.

Kris: Yeah, I know. So, how are you Professor?

Oak: I'm just great. Where are you?

Kris: I'm right here in Pallet.

Oak: You are? Does Ash know your here?

Kris: No, not yet. I was wondering if you could help me.

Oak: Sure.

Kris: Well, did Ash sign up for this tournament?

Oak: Yes he did, just yesterday. Are you planning on participating? That would make a great brother, sister match!

Kris: Oh no. Ash passed me up a long time ago. I was just thinking about going.

Oak: Oh really? That's wonderful!

Kris: Yeah, but don't tell Ash Professor.

Oak: Okay, I won't. I still don't believe this. Its been so long since I've heard from you last.

Kris: Yeah, I know. Well, I gotta go. Thanks for the info. Professor.

Oak: No problem. Take care now.

Kris: You too. Bye.

She hangs up.

Kris: I can't believe I'm home.

She starts walking towards her house.

Later...

TR is almost done with their trap.

Jessie: Are you two done yet?!

Meowth: Hey! I don't see you doing anything!

Jessie: Ha, a beautiful face like mine doesn't belong in an old, dirty hole like that.

James: (mumbling) Yeah right.

Jessie: What was that?!

James: Uh...nothing.

Jessie: Good, now keep digging.

James: But Jessie, I'm tired.

Meowth: So am I.

Jessie: Listen you two, we only have one more day to pull this thing off. If it works, we'll be on top of the boss's list for sure.

Meowth: Your right!

James: Let's get to work!

They all laugh evilly...

Meanwhile...

Kris: Well...I'm here.

She looks at her house. She starts to remember all the good and the bad memories she's had in that house.

Kris: Well, here goes.

She approaches the door and rings the doorbell.

Mrs. K: (from inside) Yes, I'm coming!

She opens the door.

Mrs. K: Hello, can I help you?

Kris takes in a deep breath.

Kris: (quietly) M-Mom?

Mrs. K: Excuse me?

Kris: Mom...its me.

Mrs. K: (gasping) C-Crystal...oh my goodness...

Kris: (lightly crying) Mom...I-I've missed you so much.

They hug.

Mrs. K: (crying) Me too honey, me too. Come on in.

They walk in and sit on the couch.

Mrs. K: (smiling) Look at you. My baby's actually back. I finally have my two kids back here with me. I couldn't be happier.

Kris: (looking down) Mom...I'm sorry I didn't come back.

Mrs. K: We'll talk about that later. Right now, all that matters is that your here. Come on.

They walk over to the screen door to see Ash and Misty battling.

Mrs. K: Ash told me all about your gym.

Kris: Yeah, he's quite a trainer.

Just then, Kris's Pikachu pops its head out of her backpack.

K. Pika: (yawning) Pika.

Kris: Have a nice nap Pikachu?

K. Pika: Pika! (Yup!)

Mrs. K: Hi Pikachu. Remember me?

K. Pika: Pikachu! (Yeah!)

Mrs. K: (looking at Ash) Look at him. He acts like he doesn't have a care in the world, just like his older sister.

Kris: Yeah, maybe he's a little too much like me.

She steps outside, unnoticed. Ash had just finished battling.

Ash: Good work Pikachu.

A. Pika: Pikachu. (Thanks.)

Just then, Kris's Pikachu jumps out onto the field.

K. Pika: Pika pika? (Remember me?)

Ash/A. Pika: Huh?/Pika?

Kris's Pikachu points as she emerges from the shadows.

Kris: Hey, long time no see.

Ash/Misty/Brock: Kris!?

Ash runs up to her and gives her a hug.

Ash: Hey, what are you doing here?

Kris: I came to see you compete in this tournament and to see mom. Hey Misty, hey Brock.

Misty: Hi Kris. How are you?

Kris: Great.

Brock: Uh, where's Nick?

Kris: Oh, he's the temporary gym leader.

Brock: I see.

Mrs. K: And who's Nick?

Kris: Oh, Nick's my boyfriend.

Mrs. K: Aww, how sweet.

Kris: I'll have to bring him next time. You have to meet him mom, he's a great guy.

Mrs. K: I'm sure he is. I only figured as much. When I first saw Misty, I instantly fell in love with her. I'm sure I'll love Nick too.

Brock: Hey Ash, are you gonna continue to train?

Ash: We can take a little break.

Mrs. K: Well, if your going to take a break, you might as well come inside and have something to drink.

Ash: That sounds great mom.

They all pile inside. Mrs. Ketchum starts to pour several glasses of lemonade. She hands one to Kris.

Kris: Thanks mom.

Mrs. K: Your welcome dear. So, how are you?

Kris: I'm great, even better now that I'm with my family.

Misty figures that its time the Ketchums have their family discussion.

Misty: Brock, wasn't there something you had to tell me outside?

Brock: Huh? No, I don't think so.

Misty: Remember, you had to tell me that special thing that couldn't wait til later.

Brock: What thing?

Misty: That very important thing.

Brock: Uh, Misty I don't know what your t-

Misty elbows him in the side.

Brock: Oh, uh that thing. Oh yeah! How could I forget?

Misty: (rolling her eyes) Right. Come on Pikachu. Come on Togepi. We'll be back.

Brock, Misty, Pikachu, and Togepi go outside.

Ash: (thinking) I guess that's twice I owe you Mist.

Kris: You've got some pretty weird friends Ash.

Ash: Uh, yeah. I guess your right.

There's a moment of silence.

Mrs. K: I still can't believe this. Both my baby's are back home with me. How long are you staying dear?

Kris: It depends on how Nick is doing at the gym.

Ash: How did you and Nick meet?

Kris: Well, I was the proclaimed new girl of Crescent City. I guess I looked a little lost because he came right up to me and started showing me around. We eventually became really close and all that lead to a new relationship and becoming the gym leader.

Ash: Imagine. My own sister, a gym leader.

Kris: Yeah. So, uh how did you meet Misty and Brock?

Ash: Well, Brock was the Pewter City gym leader. He gave me the boulder badge even though I didn't officially beat him. His dad came back to take care of the gym and so he joined me.

Kris: And Misty?

Ash: (laughing) Her story is a little more complicated.

Kris: I have time.

Mrs. Ketchum listens on, even though she already knows the story.

Ash: I'll never forget that day. It was the day I left Pallet. I was already off to a rough start because Pikachu wouldn't listen to me. Then, the next thing I knew, we were being chased by a flock of Spearow. I jumped into the local river to try and escape them. Luckily, I was "fished" out before we became Gyarados bait. The person that pulled me out was Misty. Pikachu was in pretty bad shape, so I rushed it to the pokemon center, while "borrowing" Misty's bike, in a manner of speaking. Pikachu saved us with its thunderbolt, which resulted in Misty's bike being totaled. She must have found her bike and followed me to Viridian City. She vowed to follow me around until I paid her back. Eventually, we confessed our feelings for each other and our fights have become less frequent. And now, everything's perfect.

Kris: Aww, that's a cute story.

Ash: Oh, did I tell you? She's also the gym leader of the Cerulean City gym.

Kris: She's one of the sensational sisters?

Ash: Uh...not quite and you'd better not say that she is if you know what's good for you. I've met all three of her sisters and they're nothing like her. When I first met them, they gave her such a hard time. They constantly made fun of her skills and her looks. It seemed like I was the only person who knew that she was beautiful inside and out.

He looks outside where Brock and Misty are talking.

Brock: Hmm...

Misty: What?

Brock motions for her to look inside. She does and sees Ash staring at her while smiling. He then turns his attention back to his mom and sister.

Misty: Hmm...

Mrs. K: Well, Crystal...I guess now is a good time to ask you...why? Why didn't you return to your brother and me?

Kris: (looking down) Mom...I was ashamed of myself. I mean, what kind of example would I be for Ash if I came back a failure?

Mrs. K: You have to understand, you are the highlight of his life and mine too.

Ash: Yeah, I could care less if you failed or not. All I wanted was you. You were the one person, besides mom and dad, that I looked up to.


Kris: I'm sorry you guys. I just felt like I couldn't come home.

Mrs. K: This will always be your home and we will always be your family.

Kris: (crying) I'm so sorry.

They all hug each other.

Kris: Could you guys ever forgive me?

Ash: I already have.

Mrs. K: Me too.

Kris: Thank you. I love the both of you very much.

Ash: We love you too.

Mrs. K: I'm so proud of both of you.

Kris: Thanks mom.

Ash: Yeah, thanks.

Mrs. K: Now, why don't you two go outside with Brock and Misty. Ash, I'm sure you have more training to do. Crystal, you can help him.

Ash: Okay mom.

They all walk outside.

Ash: Okay, you guys ready to continue training?

Brock: Yeah.

Misty: Sure.

Ash walks up to Misty and hugs her.

Ash: (whispering) Thanks.

Misty just smiles at him.

Misty: (smiling) Why were you staring at me?

Ash: I'll tell you later. Now let's get to work.

They train for several more hours. Ash's Totodile has just won against Brock's Onix.

Ash: Yeah! We won! Great job Totodile.

Brock: Nice try Onix. Return!

Ash: Okay, I think we're done for today.

Mrs. K: Dinner will be in a couple of hours.

Kris: Great. Hey Ash, do ya want to come take a walk with me?

Ash: Sounds great. We still have a lot of catching up to do.

Mrs. K: Be back in time for dinner you two.

Kris: Okay mom.

K. Pika: Pikachu pika? (What about me?)

Kris: You don't mind if you stay here do you Pikachu?

K. Pika: Pika pi. (Nope.)

Kris: Thanks buddy.

Ash: Pikachu, you can show your guest around the house.

A. Pika: Pikachu pika! (You got it!)

Ash: Hey, I'll see you at dinner time.

Misty: Have fun.

They kiss, then Ash and Kris leave, while both Pikachus walk inside. Misty remains and watches both of them, while a smile plays over her lips. Ash and Kris go to the peak of the city, which is a cliff overlooking Pallet.

Kris: Wow! What a view.

Ash: Yeah. I used to come up here all the time.

Kris: So...

Ash: So what?

Kris: How have you been the past uh, 8 years?

Ash: Okay.

Kris: Did you get to compete in the Indigo League like you wanted?

Ash: Yeah, I placed in the top 16.

Kris: Hey, that's great! Anyone else from Pallet compete?

Ash: Yeah, do you remember Gary Oak?

Kris: Hmm...is that the Professor's grandson?

Ash: Yeah. I had an encounter with him yesterday.

Kris: Uh-oh. What happened?

Ash: He was just being stupid.

Kris: Is he still that same snobby kid?

Ash: Yeah, he's even worse now. He'd do anything to try and prove how much better he is. He makes me so mad, he thinks he knows everything.

Kris: Don't let him get to you. I bet your a much stronger trainer. Don't worry about it.

Ash: Yeah, that's what Misty keeps telling me.

Kris: She's right.

Ash: I guess.

Kris: Did you compete in anything else?

Ash: Yeah, I won the championship in the Orange Islands.

Kris: Wow, I'm really impressed. How's the Orange Islands? I heard its beautiful there.

Ash: Yeah, I guess. I didn't really have much time to sight see. It was one gym after the other.

Kris: Did you happen to go to Trovita Island?

Ash: (quietly) Uh, yeah. Why?

Kris: Well, I know the gym leader, Rudy. He's a real uh...charmer, huh?

Ash: Whatever.

Kris: Hey, what's with the attitude? Did something go wrong there?

Ash: (sighs) Yeah, kind of.

Kris: What happened?

Ash: He got this huge crush on Misty and asked her to stay on the island with him forever.

Kris: That definitely sounds like Rudy.

Ash: Yeah. It scared me too. I thought she was actually going to stay with him.

Kris: But she obviously declined.

Ash: Yeah, he told me that I was a lucky guy. At that time I didn't know what he meant, but now I know. I'm glad she decided to stay with us. I don't know what I'd do if she left.

Kris: You really care about her, huh?

Ash: Of course I do, I would do anything for her.

Kris smiles at this.

Ash: What?

Kris: Nothing. I guess your no longer the little kid I left 8 years ago, huh?

Ash: Nope.

Kris: I'm very proud of the person that you've become. You know that mom's proud of you too, as well as Misty and Brock.

Ash: Thanks.

Kris: Well, come on. We better get home before mom kills us. (laughing) And don't count on me to make up the excuse.

Ash: (laughing) Hey, I can make up my own excuses.

Kris: Oh yeah! Maybe you are turning into me.

Ash: (sarcastically) Is that supposed to be a good thing?

Kris: Hey!

Ash: Ya know, mom always used to tell me how much I reminded her of you.

Kris: Ya mean our same stubbornness?

Ash: That's only a small part of it.

Kris: Yeah whatever. We'll talk more later okay.

Ash: Okay.

They start to head home.

Meanwhile...

TR is just finishing their trap.

James: (panting) We're finally done.

Jessie: You two took long enough.

Meowth: Its not like you were helping!

Jessie: Ha! I don't need to work. Now Meowth, do you have the blaster ball?

Meowth: Sure do.

James: Good now put it in place.

Meowth obeys.

Meowth: There, done.

Jessie: I think this is one of our best plans yet.

James: (laughing) This time tomorrow, their pokemon will belong to us...

Back at Ash's house...

Mrs. Ketchum is getting extremely worried because Ash and Kris haven't returned yet.

Mrs. K: Hmm...where could they be?

Misty: Don't worry Mrs. Ketchum. I'm sure they're fine.

Togepi: Choki! (Yeah!)

Just then Ash and Kris walk through the door laughing.

Mrs. K: And just where have you two been?

Ash and Kris look up to see their mother staring at them.

Kris: Oh, uh mom.

Mrs. K: You kept all of us waiting. I'm sure you have a very good explanation as to why your late.

Kris: Of course. Uh...Ash.

Ash: Huh?

Misty and Brock smile, wondering how Ash will get himself out of this one.

Kris: (whispering) Now's your chance to show me how good you are at making up excuses.

Ash: I'll show you.

Mrs. K: (smirking) Well? I'm waiting.

Misty: (smirking) So are we Ash.

Ash glares at her before continuing.

Ash: Well, um we were just uh...Kris...um, f-fell into a hole! Yeah! And so I had to help her out.

Mrs. K: Uh-huh. Well, dinner's ready. Come on.

Misty shakes her head and follows Brock and Mrs. Kethcum into the dining room.

Kris: Ya know, she's got you on check.

Ash: Mom's always been like that.

Kris: No, not mom! I mean Misty.

Ash: Oh please. You've got it the wrong way.

Kris: Sure Ash, sure. By the way, what kind of a stupid excuse was that?!

Ash: Hey! It was the only thing I could come up with on such short notice.

Kris: Yeah right. It needs work.

Ash: And I suppose you could've done better.

Kris: Yeah, I think so.

Ash: Whatever.

They all go into the dining room to eat. After they all finish eating, they head into the living room.

Kris: That was the best meal I've had in a long time.

Mrs. K: I'm glad you liked it.

Ash: (yawning) Well, I think I'm gonna head up.

Brock: Me too.

Togepi: (yawning) Choki.

Misty: You tired too Togepi?

Togepi: Prii. (Yeah.)

Ash: Here. I'll bring it up with me.

Misty gives Togepi to Ash.

Misty: Thanks.

Kris looks at the scene smiling.

Ash: Come on Togepi.

Kris: Oh, I see what's going on here. Your its daddy, right?

Ash: Yeah, so?

Kris: That's real cute.

Ash: Well, goodnight everyone.

Kris: Wait Ash.

Ash: What now?

Kris: (teasing) Aren't you supposed to give your girl a goodnight kiss?

Misty smiles innocently.

Ash: Okay, okay.

Ash goes back to where Misty is sitting. He leans over and whispers in her ear.

Ash: (whispering) I'll get you back.

She then kisses him.

Misty: Yeah right.

Ash: (smirking) You'll see.

He gets up and starts to walk upstairs.

Misty: (smiling/teasing) I love you honey.

Ash just nods smiling. He then proceeds upstairs.

Kris: You two are way too much.

Misty: Oh, that reminds me. Where did you two end up going?

Kris: Come on. I'll show you.

Misty: Okay.

Kris: We'll be back in a while mom.

Mrs. K: (smiling) Now, would that be a short while or a long while?

Kris: Very funny mom.

They leave.

Kris: So, how long have you known my brother?

Misty: I guess its been about 5 years.

Kris: You guys have a good relationship?

Misty: Yeah, why?

Kris: Just wondering. Well, we're here.

Misty: Wow! You can see the whole city from here. Its beautiful. So...what did you guys talk about?

Kris: You.

Misty: Me?!

Kris: He was telling me about how you almost left him when you went to Trovita.

Misty: Oh...yeah. I guess he still remembers that. He doesn't really like to talk about that too much.

Kris: Did you seriously consider it?

Misty: Yeah, I did. We both knew that Rudy could give me everything...but that wasn't enough for me. I wanted Ash. I wanted him to like me as much as Rudy did. I'm not one to quit easily. I guess I learned that from Ash. It was a hard decision to make, but in the end I knew I had made the right choice. The truth was...I loved him. I just couldn't find the words to tell him.

Kris just smiles, thinking to herself.

Kris: (thinking) Yup, she's definitely the one dad was talking about. Don't lose her Ash. If only you could hear what she's saying.

Misty: I really care about your brother and I wouldn't allow anything to happen to him.

Kris: I know you care about him. He cares about you too.

Misty: I know.

Kris: Well, come on. Its getting late. We better get back.

Misty: Okay.

They start to walk away when Kris says...

Kris: Oh, by the way, did Ash ever tell you why he was staring at you this morning?

Misty: No, he didn't. He said that he would tell me later.

Kris: Well, why wait? I'll tell you now.

Misty listens intently as Kris smiles.

Kris: He was telling me about how you first met and who your sisters are. He was comparing you and your sisters and how they thought that you were the runt of the group. He also told me about what a beautiful person you are, inside and out.

Misty: (sincerely) He said that?

Kris nods.

Kris: Yup. You really mean a lot to him.

Misty: He means a lot to me too. I love him so much.

Kris: Tell him that.

Misty: I do...every single day.

Kris smiles. They then head off for Ash's house.

Kris: Well, I'll see you in the morning. Goodnight.

Misty: Night.

Kris goes up to her room, while Misty slowly walks up the stairs, still thinking about what Kris told her. She opens the door to Ash's room to find that its pitch black. She figures he's sleeping and quietly walks to the other side of the room. All of a sudden, someone grabs her from behind. She tries to scream, but her mouth is covered.

Ash: (silently laughing) Shh, its just me.

Misty: Ash?

Ash: Yup.

She turns on the desk lamp and turns to see him smiling at her.

Ash: (laughing) I told you I would get you back.

Misty: Are you crazy!? What are you trying to do, give me a heart attack?!

Ash: Noooo, of course not.

She pushes him back.

Misty: (turning) Yeah whatever.

Ash: Aww, come on Mist. Your not mad at me now are ya?

Misty: (facing him/sighing) No. No matter what, I can't seem to stay mad at you.

Ash: Its just because I'm such a lovable guy.

Misty: Not quite. Actually, its about what you said this morning.

Ash: What did I say?

Misty: Kris told me that you think I'm pretty inside and out.

Ash: That's not what I said.

Misty looks down, disappointed. Ash lifts her face to look at her. He smiles.

Ash: I said you were beautiful.

She hugs him.

Misty: You know why I fell in love with you?

Ash: No, why?

Misty: I fell in love with you because you aren't like all those other guys who constantly try to impress girls. Brock would be a good example of that. I also loved your sense of humor. And who could forget your adorable features.

She caresses his cheek.

Misty: I thought you were special and I still think that.

Ash: Thanks.

Misty: Your welcome. Goodnight.

Ash: Night.

They share one last kiss before going to their respective beds.

Misty: (whispering from her bed) I love you Ash.

Ash: I love you too.

They both fall asleep.

Narrator: And yet another fun-filled day has passed for our heroes, which means that tomorrow Ash will be competing in the Pallet Town Tournament. Does Ash have what it takes to defeat his opponent? And what about Ash's mysterious nightmares? And don't forget about TR's scheme. It seems like our trio have their work cut out for them. How will they ever get through tomorrow? I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

To Be Continued...

*Sorry its kind of long. I just couldn't stop writing! Anywayz, you kno the routine. All comments and questions are welcome! Thanks!*