Author's note: Ash may seem a little pushy at times and I'm sorry for that. I made him that way to show his concern for Misty. One more thing, I decided to split up the tournament fic cuz it was getting too long. This story just shows what happens before the tournament. Sorry to keep you waiting. The next one will come shortly.
With that said, On With The Show!


Pre-tournament Preparations!
Part 8


Narrator: Well, the big day is finally here, the day of the Pallet Town Tournament! Hmm...where's Ash anyway?

We see Brock and Mrs. Ketchum making breakfast and...Kris, Ash, and Misty still sleeping. Misty is imbedded in a cold sweat.

Narrator: Oh no. Not Misty too.

A mysterious cloaked figure is pulling Misty away from Ash.

Misty: No. Let me go! Ash!

Ash: (fading) Misty...

Misty: No!

She quickly sits up.

Misty: (waking up) Huh? It-it was just a dream. Thank goodness. Now I know how Ash felt.

Ash's head pops up at the sound of his name.

Ash: Huh? What about me?

Misty: Oh, uh Ash, your awake.

Ash: Yeah, did you call me?

Misty: Uh, no.

Ash: (eyeing her) Are you sure?

Misty: Yeah, it wasn't you.

Ash: Is everything okay? You seem nervous.

Misty: Yeah, I'm fine. (thinking) Knowing Ash, he'll probably worry about it. He doesn't need to know about this. Besides, he should be focused on the tournament today. (aloud) Don't worry. It was nothing.

Ash: (still not convinced) Well, okay. Hurry up and get dressed. I want breakfast.

Misty: Okay, okay.

Togepi: Choki prii! (I want breakfast too!)

Misty: Oh, Togepi. Your awake too?

Togepi: Prii! (Yup!)

Ash: Me and Togepi were playing, isn't that right?

Togepi: Prii, chok choki prii! Chok choki prii choki. (Yeah, I was playing with daddy! He kept staring at you while you were sleeping though.)

Misty: Oh really?

Ash: I, uh...

Misty shakes her head then goes into the bathroom.

Ash: Gee, thanks a lot.

Togepi just laughs. Ash looks at the bathroom door.

Ash: Hmm...something's definitely wrong with her.

Misty: (looking in a mirror) I look terrible.

Misty washes her face, combs her hair, and brushes her teeth. When she's finished, she wipes some of the remaining sweat from her forehead, still nervous about the dream.

Misty: Come on Misty. Snap out of it. You can't go out there looking like this, Ash will start to suspect something. Well, its not like he already does.

Misty takes a deep breath and returns to Ash's room to find that his door is closed. She thinks that he might be changing, so she waits. Ash talks to Pikachu about Misty.

Ash: What do you think is wrong with Misty, Pikachu?

Pikachu: Pikachu. (I dunno.)

Ash: She's acting really weird, like she's afraid to tell me something. What do you think Togepi?

Togepi: Choki prii prii. (I think mommy's just tired.)

Ash: Hmm...maybe.

Misty enters the room.

Misty: (sighing) Okay, I'm back. We can go eat breakfast now.

Ash: What's wrong with you?

Misty: I didn't get much sleep last night.

Ash: And why not?

Misty: Because...um, I just didn't, that's all.

Ash: (innocently) Oh, I see. Well, if nothing's wrong then let's go eat breakfast.

Misty: Okay. (thinking) I hate it when he does that.

They walk downstairs along with Pikachu and Togepi.

Brock: Good morning you two.

Mrs. K: Good morning dear, did you sleep well?

Ash: Yeah, the best sleep I've had in days!

Mrs. K: That's good. How about you Misty?

Misty: Um, yeah, I slept fine.

Ash eyes her suspiciously, Misty notices it but ignores it.

Brock: Well, today's the big day Ash. Are you nervous?

Ash: Nope. I think I'll do okay. So, what's for breakfast?

Brock: I made eggs and toast.

Ash: That sounds great.

Brock places their breakfast in front of them.

Brock: Dig in everybody.

He places 2 small bowls in front of Pikachu and Togepi.

Brock: There you go guys. Enjoy!

Pikachu: Pika pi pikachu. (Thanks Brock.)

Togepi: Choki prii! (Yummy food!)

Ash and Brock start to eat while Misty just kind of plays with her food.

Brock: Is something wrong with the food Misty?

Misty: Huh? Oh no, its great. Its just that I'm not very hungry.

Ash: Hmm... (thinking) Now I know something's wrong.

Misty: I guess I'm not feeling very well today.

Brock: (smiling) Well, you better get well before 4:30 so you can cheer on your man.

Misty: Oh, yeah.

Misty gets up and walks into the living room and plops down on the couch.

Brock: Uh, are you guys in a fight?

Ash: Not that I know of. She's been acting strange all morning. I'm starting to worry about her.

Brock: Hey, I know what will cheer her up.

Ash: What?

Brock: This.

He pulls a flyer out of his pocket.

Ash: What is it?

Brock: It says that they are having a dance tomorrow night. The tournament is sponsoring it. Its right next to the lake in Pallet Park.

Ash: This is perfect.

Brock: But it also says that you have to wear formal attire.

Ash: Ya mean I have to dress up?

Brock: Yup. By the way, when was the last time you two went out on a date alone?

Ash: Uh...

Brock: Never mind.

Ash: There's only one problem.

Brock: What?

Ash: I have nothing to wear.

Brock: I think I can fix that. We'll go out tomorrow morning. Besides, this thing doesn't start until 7:30.

Ash: Brock, do you know anything about style?

Brock: Of course I do! When I get done with you, Misty won't even recognize you. You do want to impress her, right?

Ash: (sighing) Yeah, I guess. (thinking) The things I go through to make you happy Misty.

Brock: Good, then its settled. Now go out there and tell her.

Ash: Okay.

Misty is still out stretched on the couch.

Misty: (thinking) I never knew this could be so stressful. What does it all mean? Are they really only mere dreams or is it something more? I'll never figure this out.

Misty is so caught up in her thoughts that she doesn't even see Ash approaching her.

Ash: Hey.

Misty: Huh? Oh, hi Ash.

Ash: (nervous) I was uh, kind of wondering if you'd um...like to go out on a date with me tomorrow night.

Misty: Really?

Ash: Yeah, it'll be just you and me.

Misty: Just the two of us?

Ash nods, more confident now.

Ash: I figured its been awhile since we've spent some time alone. So...what do you say?

Misty: (smiling) Sure, I'd love to. Where are we going?

Ash: The tournament is holding a dance in Pallet Park.

He shows her the flyer.

Misty: Hmm...formal attire, huh? I have some shopping to do.

Ash: Yeah, me too.

Misty looks up from the flyer and hugs Ash tightly.

Misty: (softly) Thanks Ash.

Ash: (softly) Anything for you.

Ash gives a thumbs-up to Brock, who's watching. Misty instantly cheers up. Kris is just walking down the stairs and catches a glimpse of what is happening.

Kris: (whispering) Aww, how cute. I guess I know what happens in the Ketchum residence if you sleep in.

They break away from the hug.

Ash: I have to get ready for my match. We'll talk more about this tomorrow, okay.

Misty: Okay.

Ash starts to walk towards the stairs.

Misty: Ash.

He turns around.

Misty: Thank you for cheering me up.

Ash: That's my job. You know I love you.

Misty: I love you too.

He smiles then proceeds upstairs. Kris quickly goes back to her room, unnoticed. Mrs. Ketchum walks into the living room.

Mrs. K: Oh Misty, I just heard that you and Ash are going on a date in the park.

Misty: Yeah.

Mrs. K: Brock told me all about it. I'll have to take you shopping then.

Misty: Oh okay.

Mrs. K: We'll go tomorrow morning okay.

Misty: Okay, thanks Mrs. Kechum.

Mrs. K: Your welcome.

Upstairs...

Kris follows Ash to his room. She sees him gathering his pokemon.

Kris: (smirking) It looks like someone scored big time.

Ash: Huh? Oh hey. So you finally decided to wake up.

Kris: Real funny. So, what was that all about downstairs?

Ash: We were just organizing our date for tomorrow night.

Kris: Really?! A date? Way to go!

Ash: And what's wrong with going on a date with my girlfriend?

Kris: Nothing, its weird, that's all.

Ash: Your still seeing me as that same seven year old kid, huh?

Kris: Yeah, I guess I am. It'll take me some time to get used to it, you just have to be patient with me. I think you guys are cute.

Ash: Thanks, we get that a lot.

Kris: I'm sure you do. Anyway, have you decided what pokemon you're going to use?

Ash: Yeah. I'm going with Pikachu, Cyndaquil, Totodile, Chikorita, Noctowl, and Bulbasaur.

Kris: That's quite an army ya have there. Do you know who your battling?

Ash: Nope, I find out when I get there.

Kris: Well, I wish you luck.

Ash: Wait, your going aren't you?

Kris: Of course I am. You think I'd miss out on this? Want some advice?

Ash: Sure.

Kris: Don't underestimate your opponent, no matter who it is.

Ash: Thanks, I won't.

Kris: Well, I'll leave now so you can get ready for your match.

Ash: Okay, see ya.

Kris: Bye.

She leaves his room. Ash starts to talk to his pokemon which are inside of their pokeballs, except for Pikachu.

Ash: Well guys, today's the day. I just want you to know that I'm proud of you, no matter what the outcome. We just have to work as a team and I know we'll do great.

Downstairs...

Misty is sitting alone talking to Togepi.

Misty: Ya know what Togepi?

Togepi: Choki? (What?)

Misty: I'm so lucky to have Ash with me. He's such a great guy, a little dense at times, but still a great guy.

Togepi: Choki choki prii! (I like daddy too!)

Misty: I know you do. I always have this feeling inside of me that says we'll always be together. Sounds mushy, huh?

Kris: Not at all.

Misty turns to see Kris.

Misty: Good morning.

Kris: Morning. Big day, huh?

Misty: Yeah, well for Ash it is.

Kris: I heard about your little date.

Misty: Oh yeah. Kris...can I ask you a question?

Kris: Sure, go ahead.

Misty: Well, you have a really close relationship with Nick, right?

Kris: Yeah.

Misty: Well, about what I was talking about before.

Kris nods.

Kris: I do believe in people staying together forever. Forever seems like a long time, and I'd have to agree with that, but if your with the person that you love the most, it'll seem never-ending. Love does that to people. It did that to me and Nick. He's saved me so many times in the past that I've lost count. I know that you and Ash are just as strong, I can see it. I know you love him and I know he loves you just as much. You just have to keep believing in your love.

Misty: Before, I heard from someone love is a strong word. I didn't believe it at first because I thought it was just a meaningless word...then I met Ash, and my whole philosophy on life changed.

Kris: He loves you, don't ever forget that.

Misty: I won't and thanks for talking to me.

Kris: No problem. You know you can always come to me if you need to talk woman to woman.

Misty: Thanks, I appreciate it.

Kris: Your welcome. Well, I better go eat my breakfast, I'll see you later.

Misty: Okay, bye.

Kris walks into the kitchen.

Misty: Hmm...

Misty looks over at the clock.

Misty: 11:30, huh?

Togepi: (yawning) Choki.

Misty: You tired Togepi?

Togepi: Prii!

Misty: Let's take a small nap then before daddy's match.

Misty places Togepi on the table as it pulls its head into its shell.

Misty: (thinking) Kris is right. Love does last forever. I just hope me and Ash will.

With that thought pushed to the back of her head, she slowly drifts off to sleep.
About an hour later, Ash walks downstairs to find Misty asleep. He takes a blanket and tucks her in. he then gives her a kiss on the forehead. She turns in her sleep as a smile curves over her lips. Ash sighs.

He walks into the kitchen.

Ash: Hey Brock.

Brock: Hey, what's up?

Ash: Nothing. What are you reading?

Brock: A magazine on pokemon breeding. Where's Misty and Pikachu?

Ash: Well, Pikachu's in my room playing with Kris's Pikachu and Misty taking a nap on the couch.

Brock: She must've been really tired, huh?

Ash: Yeah, I guess.

Brock: Did you find out what's wrong with her yet?

Ash: No, I'm just going to wait until she's ready to tell me. I'm not gonna force her. I just hope she trusts me enough to tell me.

Brock: She does trust you Ash, she's just scared that you might think she's weak. Look, we've both known her a pretty long time, she'll pull through.

Ash: Yeah, your right Brock.

Brock: Besides, you should be worrying about your big match today.

Ash: I know, its just that I can't stand to see Misty like this.

Brock: She'll eventually tell you the problem, but until then you should get ready for your match.

Ash: Yeah, your right. Well, I'm gonna get to my room now and take a little nap.

Brock: Okay, just remember that we're leaving at 3:30.

Ash: Okay.

Ash walks back to his room and Brock continues to read his magazine.

Ash: Pikachu, wake me up in an hour okay?

Pikachu: Pikachu! (You got it!)

Ash: Thanks buddy.

Ash gets comfortable and falls asleep.

Meanwhile...

Jessie: Yes, the big day has finally come.

James: That Pikachu is as good as ours.

Meowth: Along with hundreds of other pokemon. There is no way we can screw this one up.

James: But what if we do? We always seem to screw up anyway.

Jessie whacks him upside the head.

Jessie: Where's your Team Rocket spirit?

James: I lost it a long time ago.

Meowth: This time we can't fail.

Later...back at Ash's house...

An hour has already rolled by and Pikachu is attempting to wake Ash up.

Pikachu: Pikapi! Pikachu pikapi pika! (Ash! Come on Ash, get up!)

Ash turns in his sleep.

Pikachu: Pika, pi pikachu. (Okay, you asked for it.) Piiikaachuu!!!

Ash: (electrocuted) Ahhhh!!! Pikachu, quit it! What did you do that for?

Pikachu: Pika pi kachu. (You told me to wake you up.)

Ash: Oh yeah. Uh, thanks.

Pikachu: Pi pikachu. (No problem.)

Ash: (yawning) What time is it?

Pikachu: Pikachu. (2:00.)

Ash: Well, I better get ready.

Ash attaches all his pokeballs to his belt and packs his stuff in his backpack. He then walks downstairs to see what everyone else is doing. The first thing he sees are Misty and Togepi still sleeping. He smiles at the sight set before him. He kisses her on the cheek and starts to wake her up.

Ash: Hey Mist, come on get up. Hmm...hey Pikachu! Could you come down here for a second?

Pikachu: Pi! (Sure!)

Pikachu comes running down the stairs.

Ash: Do you think you could wake Misty up for me?

Pikachu: Pikachu pika? (Why can't you?)

Ash: Because I don't have a thundershock attack that could wake half of Pallet.

Pikachu: Pi...pika, pikachu. (Uh...sorry, can't do it.)

Ash: Why not? You do it to me all the time.

Pikachu: Pikachu pi pika, pikachupi pika. (Your one thing, Misty's something totally different.)

It runs back upstairs.

Ash: Thanks a lot. Come on Misty, wake up.

Misty: Okay okay. I'm up, I'm up. What time is it?

Ash: About 2:30. And I thought I had problems getting up.

Misty: Well, I was tired.

Ash: (taking a deep breath) Look, I know something's wrong. I was just pretending to let it go. You're really starting to worry me, but if you don't want to tell me, that's your decision. I'm not gonna force you.

Ash gets up and starts to walk away.

Ash: (back turned) I thought you trusted me.

Misty: Ash, I do. It's just...I was scared.

Ash: (turning back) Huh?

He remembers what Brock said to him earlier.

*Flashback*

Brock: She does trust you Ash, she's just scared that you might think she's weak.

*End*

Ash: (smiling) Why were you so scared? You know you can always tell me anything. What was it that scared you?

Misty: It was just a stupid dream I had.

Ash: I've been down that road. What happened?

Misty: Some...person was pulling me away from you.

Ash: Who was it?

Misty: I-I don't know. He was wearing a hooded cape.

Ash: A black cape?

Misty: Yeah, why?

Ash is in deep thought.

Misty: What's wrong?

Ash: That same person was in my dreams.

Misty: Well, what do you think it means?

Ash: (convincingly) I'm sure they're harmless dreams. Don't worry. (thinking) The last thing I need to do is worry her about all of this.

Misty looks up at him.

Misty: You can't fool me. Tell me what's on your mind.

Ash: (sighing) I dunno. It's just weird that the same person was in both of our dreams.

Misty: I don't mean to sound like a wimp, but this is starting to scare me. What if something terrible happens to one of us?

Ash gives her a loving hug.

Ash: Don't worry, it won't. I won't let anything happen to you. They'll have to get past me first.

Misty sighs and relaxes her head on Ash's chest.

Misty: (whispering) I just hope these dreams don't come true.

Ash: What was that?

Misty: Nothing.

Ash: We'll figure this out...somehow. I promise.

Misty: I hope your right.

Brock: Ash! Misty!

Brock walks into the room.

Brock: Hey you guys...oh, am I disturbing something?

Ash: No, its okay. We were just talking.

They release each other.

Brock: Oh okay. Well, I just came in here to remind you that we're leaving in an hour and a half.

Ash: Oh okay. Thanks Brock.

Brock: No problem. Um...you okay Misty?

Misty: Yeah, I'm fine. Don't worry.

Brock: Okay, well I'll leave you two to do your thing.

He walks into the kitchen.

Ash: See, he was worried about you too.

Misty: (smiling) Yeah, I know. I just-

Togepi: (yawning) Choki priii? (What's going on?)

Misty: Oh Togepi, your awake.

Togepi: Choki prii, choki choki prii? (Mommy, is it time to go to daddy's match yet?)

Misty: No, not yet. We're leaving soon though. Did you have a nice nap?

Togepi: Prii! (Yup!)

Misty: That's good. Uh, don't you have to get ready for your match?

Ash: I already did.

Misty: Um...Togepi, could you go upstairs with Pikachu while I talk to daddy alone?

Togepi: Prii! (Sure!)

Togepi starts up the stairs.

Ash: What is it?

Misty: Ash, listen to me. Today at your match, I don't want you to think about what's been happening lately. That's one of the reasons I didn't tell you about my dream, because I knew you'd worry about me. Just concentrate on your battle. Promise me?

Ash: I promise.

Misty smiles and gently kisses him on the lips.

Ash: (surprised) What was that for?

Misty: That was for being your caring self when I needed someone to talk to. And this is for luck in your match.

Misty kisses him once more. When they release, Misty looks up into Ash's warm and caring eyes. They then embrace in a hug.

Ash: With a kiss like that, I'm gonna have to win.

Misty laughs along with Ash. They break away from the hug. Ash looks at the clock.

Ash: Well, we have some time before we have to go. What do you want to do?

Misty: Let's see what's on the radio.

She flips on the radio and hears "Swear It Again" by Westlife.

Misty: Oh, I love this song! Its so romantic.

Ash: Really? This is one of my favorite songs too.

Misty: What a coincidence.

Ash: See, I knew we were meant to be together.

Misty: (skeptically) Well, if you knew that before then why didn't confess earlier?

Ash: I already told you. I was scared, besides you told me that you were scared too. I was afraid of rejection and the fact that if I said the wrong things, it might have ruined our friendship and I didn't want that to happen. You mean too much to me.

Misty: But Ash, you know our friendship is too strong for it just to be ruined.

Ash nods.

Ash: Misty, can I ask you a question?

Misty: Sure.

Ash: Well, um...when did you start to have feelings for me? I mean, I'm not the smartest, cutest, and most skilled person in the world, why me and not someone like, I dunno, Rudy?

Misty: You still think about that don't you?

He nods.

Misty: Well, do you remember when your Caterpie evolved?

Ash: Of course I do. It was my first pokemon I ever caught.

Misty: Well, when I saw how much you cared about your pokemon, it just clicked. I've never met anyone that loves pokemon as much as you. Before, I thought you were just some wanna be pokemon trainer, but I guess you proved me wrong. I kind of judged you by first impression.

Ash: Did you really like me for that long? I'm touched, but you barely knew me.

Misty: Don't you believe in love at first sight?

Ash: I guess I do.

Misty: Well, I do. And you were proof of that.

Ash: Then why did you get all those crushes on Danny and Rudy?

Misty: First of all, I never liked Rudy, he liked me. And Danny...well, I just did it to hopefully make you jealous.

Ash: Well, it worked.

Misty: (smiling) I knew it would.

Ash: Not that I mind, but why didn't you stay with Rudy?

Misty: Why? Did you want me to?

Ash: No, of course not. I mean, he could've given you anything but you stayed with me. I just always wondered about that.

Misty: He couldn't give me you.

Ash: Aww, Mist.

Misty: Its true. All I wanted was you.

Ash: Same with you. Ya think Brock knew we were going to get together?

Misty: I think he did. I kind of feel sorry for him though. He had to go through all of our arguing.

Ash: Yeah, I know. Hey, do you remember that time when TR kidnapped us on that blimp? After Brock left.

Misty: How could I forget that? That was so embarrassing. I didn't think that they'd ever stop making fun of us.

Ash: It was terrible.

Misty nods.

Misty: By the way, something has always bugged me. Remember when we were on Shamouti Island and that Melody kissed you? You looked a little too happy.

Ash: Oh, uh that. Heh heh. Well, I was just happy because it was my first real kiss.

Misty: If you thought that was a real kiss, check this out.

Misty gives Ash the best kiss he's ever received. When they release, Ash is stunned.

Ash: Well, your kiss definitely topped hers.

Misty: I thought it would.

Brock: Well, that was a cute picture.

Ash/Misty: Huh?

They turn to see Brock standing in the doorway.

Brock: Sorry if I'm disturbing anything, but its time to go.

Ash: Oh, uh right. Let's go Pikachu!

Pikachu: Pikachu! (Coming!)

Ash: Could you bring down my back pack too?

Pikachu: Pika! (Sure!)

Misty: You too Togepi! Come on down!

Togepi: Priii! (Okay mommy!)

Pikachu and Togepi rush downstairs.

Brock: So, what were you two doing?

Misty: Just reminiscing on the past.

Brock: I see.

Pikachu hands Ash his backpack.

Ash: Thanks buddy.

Pikachu: Chu! (No problem!)

Mrs. K: Crystal! Come on dear. Its time to go.

Kris: Coming!

She walks downstairs with her Pikachu on her shoulder.

Mrs. K: Okay, is everyone ready to go?

All: Yeah!

With that said, they start walking to the warehouse. The walk is a short one so they decide to check out Ash's locker room.

Brock: Hey, this isn't too bad.

Ash: Its a lot bigger than I expected it to be.

Misty: Its a lot better than the one at the pokemon league, that's for sure.

Mrs. K: Well, I guess we better leave so you can prepare. Good luck honey.

Kris: Yeah, good luck squirt.

Brock: We'll be cheering for you all the way.

Ash: Thanks you guys.

Brock, Mrs. Ketchum, and Kris leave, but Misty remains. She sits on the bench next to Ash. She softly caresses his face.

Misty: Remember what I said earlier okay.

Ash: (smiling/caught up in her touch) Uh-huh. I promise.

Misty: Good luck Ash.

Ash: I'll try and win this for you and me.

Misty smiles at this then kisses him. She gets up and leaves. Ash watches her as a smile plays over her lips. He sighs.

Ash: Well Pikachu, this is it. You ready?

Pikachu: Pika! (You bet!)

Inside the warehouse...

Misty: These are great seats.

Brock: Yeah, we'll be able to see everything from here.

Tracey: Hey Misty, Brock!

Misty: Huh? Oh, hey Tracey.

Brock: Come on over. There's more than enough room.

Tracey: Thanks.

Oak: Thank you.

Mrs. K: How are you Professor?

Oak: Oh, good. And you?

Mrs. K: Just fine. I can't wait to see Ash.

Oak: Me neither.

Kris: Hmm...I wonder who he's battling?

Oak: Huh? Oh my...the great Crystal Ketchum...is that you? Why I haven't seen you in years.

Kris: Hi Professor. Its nice to see you again.

Oak: And is this the same Pikachu I gave to you 8 years ago?

Kris: Yup.

K. Pika.: Pikachu! (Hi Professor!)

Misty: Oh yeah, I forgot. You haven't met yet, huh? Tracey, this is Ash's older sister, Kris. Kris, this is Tracey. He traveled around with me and Ash while we were in the Orange Islands.

Kris: Hi Tracey. Its nice to meet you.

Tracey: Nice to meet you too.

Oak: My how you've grown. You know what I see when I look at her?

Mrs. K: What?

Oak: I see that same Ketchum spirit.

Kris: That's what we're known for.

???: Oh really? I thought it was your stubbornness.

She turns around to see...

Kris: Nick!? What are you doing here?

Nick: What? Aren't you glad to see me?

Kris: Of course I am. I'm just a little surprised.

Nick: Shouldn't you be saying something like 'Hi Nick!' or 'I've missed you so much!'. But all I get is 'What are you doing here?'

Kris rolls her eyes.

Kris: Okay. (over-dramatizing) I'm so happy your here Nick. I don't know what I would do without you.

Nick: (smiling) That's right.

Mrs. K: I don't mean to interrupt, but-

Kris: Oh mom, I forgot. This is my boyfriend Nick.

Nick: (kissing her hand) It's a pleasure to finally meet you Mrs. Ketchum.

Mrs. K: Oh, I like him.

Kris: I knew you would. So, mind telling me who's running my gym?

Nick: Oh, you worry too much. Its all taken care of.

Kris: I worry enough when I leave you in charge.

Nick: And who's fault is that?

Kris: Oh, forget it.

Brock: Whoa, they fight more than you and Ash do.

Misty: Me and Ash do not fight.

Brock: Isn't that the understatement of the year.

Nick: Mind if I sit down?

Kris: (bowing) Oh, go right ahead my prince.

Nick: (sitting) Thank you.

They both sit down. Kris hugs Nick.

Kris: I missed you.

Nick: (returning her hug) That's more like it.

Kris just shakes her head.

Nick: I missed you too. It was so lonely back at the gym all by myself.

Kris: I'm sorry. You know I had to leave.

Nick: Yeah.

Just then the speaker starts to blare.

Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to thank all of you for coming to this special event today. We're just about to start the next match, so get set, because I can guarantee that it will be a great one. The red challenger is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town and the green trainer is...

Narrator: What a day and its not over yet. First there's a surprise visit from Nick then Ash's nightmares seem to be haunting Misty. And where is Team Rocket in all of this? Who will be Ash's opponent? And what is up with all the nightmares? All this and more will be revealed next time!

*Hope you like it! All comments and questions welcome. Thanks!*