THROUGH MINE EYE
 By Rashad Scorpio
 
This is my first AAML fanfic so you know the deal.
I don’t own pokemon or any of the characters, so don’t sue cuz if you
did you would get *opens his wallet* hmm 50 cents. If I did I would be
in a ten story gold plated mansion eating ice cream all day.
 
There are some changes in the normal timeline. First off you have to be 
13
to get a pokémon license so the age is as follows:
Ash: 13
Misty: 14
Brock: 17
Jessie: 18
James: 18
 The reasons behind the age changes is because I don't think that a 10 
year
old has enough stamina, courage (a few do), or skill to handle wild 
beast
and a 2 or 3 year journey. just think about it.. would you feel safe 
around
a 10 year old boy who is pissed off at you and has 6 deadly beast 
around
his belt? I wouldn't. (if you are 10 years old and think you could do 
it,
MORE POWER TO YOU! otherwise think about it.) Also this is different 
from
other Pokémon fics. This is a fic and that hassome mild cussing and
serious situations So I say this fic is probably rated pg-13 or so. Its
nothing you wouldn't see in anepisode of Japanese pokémon. Now that 
that's
over with, here's the story.
 
 Prelude
 
"Yes! Now that I finally have my Pokémon license I can begin my quest!" 
Ash
ketchum is an thirteen year old boy from the Town of pallet. Ever since 
he
can remember he always wanted to be a Pokémon Master. Beginner Pokémon
trainers can receive an inexperienced tamed pokémon at the nearest 
Pokémon
research center. In return for this Pokémon the trainer mustpromise to 
try
to fill up a pokédex, a special machine that records Pokémon data for 
the
researchers to study. Usually thePokémon given away are the following:
Bulbasaur, Squirrel, or a Charmander. Ash has his sights set on the 
fire
Pokémon,
Charmander.
 
"Now," said Ash. "Lets see here." He grabbed his backpack from his bed. 
"
Cloths.... Money.... and my Pokémon license.
Guess I'm all ready now." He shouldered his backpack. " I'm off, Mom."
 
Mrs. Ketchum stood proudly in front of her son. Tears welled up in her
sparkling green eyes. " Oh, Ash.... i'm so very proud of
you. Promise me," She sniffed and wiped some of her tears away, 
"Promise me
you'll be very careful. please, please don't end
up like your Father."
 
Ash's father had left his family some years ago in search of becoming a
great master. He steadily sent his winnings to his family with letters
describing how wonderful life was. soon, all to soon, his letters 
stopped
and they received an envelope that they hadnever dreamed of getting. 
the
letter told of his Father's death. The letter nearly shattered Ash's 
dreams
of a Pokémon trainer butsomehow he found the courage to live on.
 
"I promise mom. I love you, I have to get going now. I need to get my
Pokémon from the professor..." Ash faced his Mother. " My dreams await 
me,
Mom. I'll miss you."
 
Mrs. Ketchum hugged her son tightly and cried. "Please come back to me
someday."
 
Ash returned the hug. and closed his eyes tightly to block out the 
tears.
His Mother did not need to see him cry before he left. "I promise, mom. 
I
promise." they separated and Ash walked out the open door into the 
afternoon
sky. It was time for him to become a master, To become a ledgon...... 
to
make his father proud.
 
 
 Chapter one
 "A bonding with the Pokémon!"
 
 
Ash walked up the long driveway to Professor Oak's laboratory. He 
swallowed
a lump in his throughout when he reached the
door. " this is it," he thought " all I need to do is knock and begin 
my
pokémon journey. " He raised his hand and knocked. A
large man soon opened the door and looked at him.
 
"What do you need?" the man asked. his voice was raspy and deep.
 
" I'm Ash Ketchum and I'm here to get a Pokémon."
 
" Your Pokémon license?"
 
Ash reached into his billfold and took out a small plastic card and 
handed
it to the man. The man proceeded to study it. "all
right," he stated after what seemed like an eternity. "Follow me."
 
Ash followed the man through the lab. there were machines of all sorts
surrounding them. they rounded three corners and walked up a flight of
stairs before coming to the room. the room that Ash had waited so long 
to
see. Behind those doors lied Ash's dreams, his hopes, and his whole 
reason
of living. Behind those doors lied the legendary Professor Oak and 
ash's
first pokémon.
 
the doors slid open to reveal an old man sitting at a table talking to
someone. Someone Ash had known very well. Sitting in front of the old 
man
was none other than gary oak, his best friend turned rival. Ash wasn't
really sure how it had happened. they were born in the same hospital 
and
both raised as neighbors. Everything was shared between them. then Gary 
got
mixed up with the wrong group. He started to steal and cheat. Ash was 
the
only one besides Gary's group that knew He was the one behind the 
robberies.
Because of this Gary was somewhat civil to Ash in front of People but 
both
knew that he had a hatred for
 
Ash deep inside. Ash knew his secrets and Gary constantly threatened to 
hurt
him if ash ever told.
 
"professor. You have a visitor."
 
the Old Man stood and walked toward Ash and stretched out his hand. 
"Nice to
see you, Ketchum. I understand you want a Pokémon?' Ash nodded. "well 
then,"
he continued. " Here is your pokédex." He handed Ash a small red flip 
top
devise. "Use the black arrows to scroll through your data and the 
yellow
button to select and the green to cancel. It holds all of the data and
attacks of over 100 Pokémon. the rest is up to you." he turned to the 
man
who had brought Ash to see him, "please set thisyoung man's pokédex to
double as his I.D., please, Robert."
 
Robert nodded and Ash handed him the Pokédex. " I'll give it to you on 
your
way out, ash." robert stated and left.
 
"Please," the professor told Ash, "follow me." they walked over to the
Table. "I'm sure you've met Gary." His hand waved over to where to boy 
sat.
 
Gary nodded at Ash and turned back to professor Oak. Gary had light 
brown
hair worn is spikes over his head. Most seemed to fall around his face 
but
oddly enough never really got in his line of vision. He stood about 
five
foot eight, only taller than Ash by two inches. He was fine toned and 
wore a
Pokémon Jacket that had a flared collar and was navy blue in color. At 
his
waist he had a Pokémon belt with six shrunken Pokéballs on it. three 
were
red and three were green.
 
"Now then, " he handed Ash a Pokémon belt as well. "the red Pokéballs 
are
the normal type. Use them to capture weakened Pokémon. the green balls 
are
Superballs. they can capture a Pokémon that's a little tougher. As you 
both
well know you get paid money for capturing Pokémon and letting us study
them, as well as by betting on opponents when you battle. I trust you 
can
and will use this wisely." He received two nods. "good. Now each of you 
will
receive a starting Pokémon. they won't be very strong at first but as 
you
train them they will learn outstandingly fast. Remember though, your 
first
pokémon is going to from a bond with you. Never, ever break this bond.
always treat them with the respect they deserve. Pokémon can be pets 
but
they are also deadly." his face grew outstandingly serious. "Never 
forget
that. one slip and it could cost you your lives."
 
Ash gulped as Gary seemed to shrug it off.
 
" Regretfully out Pokémon have been recently teleported to another 
city.
Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander are not here.
Instead I have an eevee and a Pikachu." He faced Gary. "Gary, since you 
was
here first, you get to choose. But be forewarned,
your decision is final."
 
Gary stood up and walked over to the professor. He held a grim look on 
his
face. A look of determination, a look of
fearlessness, a look that Ash didn't trust. " I choose Eevee. " he 
stated
confidently.
 
the professor nodded and whistled. From somewhere in the room a small 
fox
came to him. Gary got on one knee to inspect the creature. It had light
brown fur and a fluffy tail. It didn't at all look threatening but Gary 
knew
the truth. this small animal, no bigger than his knee, could very 
easily
hurt or even kill someone who wasn't careful. "hello, Eevee," Gary 
greeted.
" I'm going to be your master for now on." the small fox looked up at 
him
eagerly, wanting to be petted. Instead Gary clasped on of his pokéballs 
and
took it off his belt, expanding it. He held it out. Dejectedly the 
Eevee
touched the button with his nose and a red flash emitted from the small 
ball
as the animal was transformed into a crimson red ball of energy and 
sucked
into the ball. Gary stood and thanked the professor. "I'll take care of 
it,
uncle."
 
professor Oak nodded. "I'm sure you will, Gary." He checked his watch. 
"Your
pokédex should be completed now. good luck.
 
Gary nodded and walked out of the room, his shoes making loud clicking
noises as he stepped. He paused at the door to turn back at ash and 
sneer at
him. Ash chose to ignore him, rather than to acknowledge it. Gary 
walked out
the door and it slid shut behind him with a hiss.
 
"So, Ash. "the professor started. " It seems you have been left 
Pikachu."
ash nodded. "Well, it seems to have a problem.....
You see... this Pokémon, well, doesn't really trust anyone." He held 
out a
Pokéball and it opened in his hand. red seemed to fill
the room for a split second before an animal appeared.
 
"Pi-ka-chu." It stated.
 
Ash smiled to himself. Gary got the fox while he got the mouse. Life 
was
Ironic.
 
"cute, huh?" the Professor asked.
 
"Very." ash replied as he walked over to it, kneeling. "hey, there 
buddy.
I'm Ash. looks like were going to be partners." He held out his hand to 
pet
the small electric mouse, but it moved away.
 
"Pi." Pikachu said as he turned his back on Ash.
 
"See what I mean?" the Professor sighed. "I'm sorry but its all we have
left. I'm sure you'll become friends over time."
 
"No need to apologize." Ash said, standing. "Pikachu's the best of 
all." he
looked down at the mouse. "Come on Pikachu, Lets get going. We have a 
long
way ahead of us." Ash unclipped one of his pokéballs and turned it in 
his
hand slightly, making it grow bigger. "Into the Pokéball now." He 
tossed it
lightly to Pikachu, who Promptly knocked it away.
 
"PI!"
 
"huh? that's odd. Pikachu. get inside the ball." he again tossed it, 
only to
have it thrown back into his face.
 
"Cha!"
 
Ash rubbed his face sorely. "fine then, you don't have to get in the 
ball."
He picked Pikachu up and hugged him. "Your so cute
I'm sure everyone would like to see you."
 
Pikachu's eyes narrowed and it lowered it's voice. "Pi-kkkaaaa." 
Pikachu's
cheeks shot off sparks and shocked Ash, who fell
to his knees. "ka-chu." it said thretenly.
 
Ash frowned. It wasn't starting out to be a good journey so far. "fine 
then.
Pikachu, follow me." Ash walked forward to the
door. "Thanks professor. "
 
"Be careful Ash. and get your pokédex from Robert on your way out."
 
Ash nodded as he left the room, with Pikachu behind him.
 
The Professor sighed. there was no hope for that kid.
 
 ~**~
Ash laid behind a bush as he looked through some binoculars. A Pidgey 
sat no
more than twenty feet from him. "All right!" he
cried, "Today is my lucky day! Flying pokémon are weak against electric
types! Pikachu! Go get it!" he pointed......... Nothing
was happening. "Pikachu?" He looked back. Pikachu stood with his arms
crossed and looking the other way. Ash growled.
"Fine then! I don't want your help, nor need it! I can do this all by
myself!"
 
Pikachu laughed. "Pi Pikachu?" he ran up a tree and stood on a brach to
watch this. It should be mildly amusing.
 
Ash gritted his teeth. He was right. things weren't starting out good. 
He
pondered on how to capture the Pidgey without battling
it first. He looked at the tree with Pikachu on it. It seemed to be
anxiously watching. Fine then. If he wanted to watch that was
fine by him. He was about to turn his attention back to the Pidgey when 
he
spotted his backpack. Ash grinned as an idea came
to mind. He quickly darted over to his bag and took out an extra 
jacket.
Pikachu watched egerly.
 
"One step at a time, that's it... Take it easy now."
 
"pidgey?" the bird Pokémon looked up.
 
"hi." Ash stated simply. "YOUR MINE!" the jacket swooped down and 
engulfed
the Pidgey. "YES!"
 
"gggeeeeeyyyyy!!!!!"
 
"huh? wha?" the jacket started to lift, and soon Ash was in the air, 
thrown
straight into a tree. "ock!" Ash slid down the tree and
landed with a soft thump. Ash let his head fall as the Pokémon targeted 
flew
away. "Great, I just start off and already I'm a
failure."
 
"chu chu?" Pikachu jumped down the tree and landed on ash's leg. "cha?"
 
"It's all right Pikachu. you don't have to feel sorry for me." Ash 
stood up
and sat Pikachu on the ground. "Come on, lets go. the
forest is up ahead. I'm sure I'll catch something there." Ash walked 
on.
 
"pppiii...." He followed.
 
 ~**~
 
"are you sure you don't want in the pokéball?" Ash held up the red 
ball.
"Researchers say its nice and warm and cozy in there."
 
"PI!" Pikachu turned away.
 
Ash sighed. "great, just great." Not only does his Pokémon not like him 
but
it refuses to obey!
 
Scrtch!
 
Ash looked up at the sound who would be out here in the middle of the
forest?
 
"OH! A Pokémon!" three thumps were heard as finally a female about 
Ash's
size skidded on her knees and had Pikachu in her
arms "Your so Cyyyuuute!"
 
Ash frowned "who are you?
 
the girl looked up and addressed him while scratching Pikachu's head.
"Misty. Misty Waterflower."
 
"cchhhhaaa..." Pikachu cooed as he enjoyed his head being scratched.
 
"Are you it's trainer?" Misty asked. "Oh well, Water Pokémon don't get 
along
real well with the electric type. I don't want it
anyway."
 
"who said I was going to give it to you?" Ash fumed and muttered under 
his
breath.
 
" Well I'd like to stay but I have to get going. I have some stuff to 
do."
she stood up and Ash fully took in her looks. She wasn't
very tall, five six or so. Ash was an inch taller. She had on a tight 
black
shirt tucked in with a pokémon trainer jacket over it.
she also had on denim shorts and sneakers. Probly about 14 or so, but 
what
mostly caught Ash's eye was the belt she wore.
 
"wait! Are you a pokémon trainer to?"
 
Misty set Pikachu down, who promptly hugged her leg. "yeah, so what?"
 
" How about a battle?"
 
" no thanks, I only have one pokéball with me and I need it to help me 
catch
some more water Pokémon. Sorry, But I really
need to get going." The younger girl detached Pikachu and walked toward 
her
bike.
 
Ash looked down at his feet rejected. He heard her ride off as he 
sighed.
After a moment he spoke. "oh well. Come on
Pikachu. Lets go." He took a few steps. "Pikachu?" He looked behind 
him.
Pikachu was gone! "PIKACHU!"
 
 
 ~**~
 
Pikachu ran through an open field, his small head looking from side to 
side
in search of Misty. It looked like rain. He wasn't to
thrilled about being by himself in the wild. Wild Spearows and Fearows 
were
said to hang around places like this.
 
rustle.
 
Pikachu froze. What was that?
 
Rustle rustle.
 
Pikachu laid low to the ground making his ears stand back on his head.
Whatever it was it was about to get a good does of
electro therapy.
 
"KAW KAW!"
 
Pikachu let loose with all his might. A blinding flash lit up the area 
that
had grown dark form the clouds and the smell of charred
feathers arose.
 
"Spearow! Spearrrooooowww!" the bird fainted after his call.
 
Pikachu sighed. that was to close. Way to close. If there had been 
other
Spearows or such they would of certainly helped out
their--....
 
"Fearow! Fearroow!!!"
 
Pikachu gulped. As he turned he saw a tree spring to life with hundreds 
of
Spearow and Fearow. if he didn't run now he'd die
for sure. "KA!" He let loose one more thunder shock before high tailing 
it
out of there. He had to fin Ash, but which way did he
come from?
 
"PPPPIIIIIIIKKKKAAAAACCCCHHHUUU!" A voice!
 
"PPPIIIKKKKAAACHU!" No, not just a voice! It was Ash's voice! Pikachu 
cut a
90 degree turn and ran toward the sound.
 
"PI-PI-PIKACHU!"
 
" Huh? Pikachu?!" Ash was greeted from his call with a face full of 
fury
Pikachu. they fell over. "hey! pikachu! I thought I lost
you!" He hugged his Pokémon but it squirmed out of his grasp. "Hey, 
what's
the matter?"
 
"Pi Pika pi, Pikachu!" he motioned frantically to the sky.
 
Ash looked up and immediately wished he hadn't. "Shit! run!" Dust 
kicked up
behind Ash's feet as he sprinted through the
forest. Soon they were back on the open field pikachu was on earlier 
and
another moment of running led them to a river back.
Ash looked back. the Fearow were only a couple of feet behind him and 
were
already beginning to make dives for him.
 
"Pikachu, stay close! I'll protect you!"
 
"Ka-Chu!" he ran ahead.
 
"hey! wait! I said i'll--OW!" 'Oh no! they caught up to us! ' Ash's 
mind
though fast, he didn't want to die on his first day!
 
"cha! pika cha pi!" The Fearow pecked wildly at the pokémon
 
' Pikachu! I got to save it! ' Ash redoubled his steps and swooped down 
and
lifted the fallen Pokémon as he ran. His mind
began anew to find away out. ' I can't jump in the water, Pikachu will
surely drown, he doesn't even look like he can stand, let
alone swim..... WAIT! Isn't that Misty? ' Ash soon confirmed his sight 
when
he saw the trainer he just met along the riverside. '
This is an emergency! I'm sure she won't mind!'
 
Ash jumped to his left as a Fearow swooped down to bite him. ' Almost
there..'
 
"hn?" Misty looked behind her when she heard her bike kick stand flip 
up. "
Hey! that's my bike!"
 
Ash set Pikachu down in the basket. "I'll give it back someday!" He 
hopped
on the seat and began petteling. " Misty, jump in
the water," He cried behind him. "Or the Fearow will chase you two!"
 
Misty fumed. "FEAROW! I don't see any..."
 
"FEAROW!!!!!"
 
The color drained from her face. "NO!" ignoring her fishing rod she 
dived
into the water and swam as far under as she could before looking back 
up.
Under the clear blue water she could see the dark sky and about a 
hundred
birds fly over the sky. No wonder the boy stole her bike.....
 
"huff...huff.." Ash's breath was short and harsh as he peddled on the 
grassy
area. He had a small advantage of speed but it was wearing him down 
faster
than he expected.
 
"Pi...?" Pikachu cried from his spot in the basket. Ash looked down.
 
"It'll be all right, Pikachu. I promise. I'll get us out of this. I 
swear
it."
 
"kkkaaa.."
 
the rain started to fall hard on the boy on the bike. Each drop felt 
like an
icy needle surge through him. The ground became muddy and the speed
advantage quickly dropped. The Fearow quickly caught up to them and 
pecked
relentlessly on the younger man's neck and shoulders.
 
A drop of blood dripped on Pikachu's fur. "chu?" The animal softly 
opened
his eyes and saw his trainer. His hair was matted to his face with rain 
and
blood. His gasp of air were short and rasp. It was obvious he was in 
great
pain. "cha!?"
 
Ash looked down and chuckled regardless of the situation. "heya, 
Pikachu.
Looks like this could be the end huh? I'm sorry I didn't get to know 
you
better. I'm sure we would of made a great team..." Ash's eyes started 
to
droop and the bike crashed. Ash and Pikachu were thrown into the mud as 
the
kaws of the Fearow and Spearow grew louder.
 
Ash lifted his face from the mud and smiled at Pikachu. "If only I was 
a
better trainer.... uhh." ash lost conciseness........
 
Pikachu slowly stood up and looked into the sky. A flash of lightning 
lit up
the area and he could see a hounded birds flying
around them. he knew he couldn't possibly take them all. there wasn't
anything he could do.
 
One of the Fearow took a dive at them.
 
There wasn't anything he could do but strike back. Pikachu sighed as he
prepared himself. Slowly an electrical current ran through him and he 
jumped
in the air and met the Fearow halfway, letting out a fearsome blast.
 
"FFFEEEEEE...." The bird fell, as did Pikachu. The other birds circled 
them
once before departing. Pikachu must have hit their leader.
 
"pppiiiii...kkkaaa.." he passed out.
 
 ~**~
 
Blackness.
 
"uuugghhhhnnn..." Ash slowly moved his hands to the push up position 
and
grunted under the strain of his tired muscles and opened his eyes. His 
right
eye was tinted red and a small trickle of blood seeped into it. he 
coughed.
His mouth was dry and parched. Ash rubbed his eye softly till he 
regained
full sight in it and fell over on his back so he was facing the sky. It
wasn't raining as hard now. It had settled down to a dull drizzle. why 
was
he here? Ash's mind was hazy as he tried to think. The forest.... The
girl... The Fearow.. PIKACHU!
 
Ash bolted upright and immediately wished he hadn't. Ever muscle in his
torso and chest screamed in pain as it felt like fire shot through his
muscles. "aaaggg... damn it." He looked to his side and didn't see 
anything
but a fallen Fearow. He tried the other side and was rewarded with the 
sight
of a small yellow Pokémon. "Pikachu... you saved me, didn't you?"
 
The Pokémon didn't move.
 
"Pikachu?" Ash leaned forward and pushed himself up with his right hand 
and
bit back a scream of pain. He glanced at his arm and found it Gashed. 
Biting
back a curse he used his left arm to regain his balance and managed to 
get
to his knees and finally stand. He felt dizziness sweep through him as 
he
took a step and stumbled. ' man..... What's going on? I fell so 
weak...' Ash
took another step and blinked rapidly to clear his vision. Turning his 
head
to the side he saw his Pokémon and slowly walked over to it, keeping 
his
head down as he did. "Pikachu.... are you okay, little buddy?" Ash 
kneeled
by his fallen ally and put a hand on him.
 
"chuu?" He looked up and blinked against the rain? "Pika?"
 
"Yeah, Pikachu. It's me."
 
"cha?"
 
Ash turned his head to saw the fallen Fearow. Unclasping one of the 
small
Pokéballs from his belt he lightly threw it at the bird. The ball 
enlarged
it its flight and unclasped when it hit the fallen Bird and sucked it 
into
the ball, not moving.
 
"how about that Pikachu?" Ash asked softly. "We did it. Our first 
Pokémon
capture."
 
"Chuu, chu."
 
Ash smiled softly. "I'm sorry for all of this. When we get fixed up I
promise It'll be better."
 
"ka." Pikachu closed his eyes and fell asleep.
 
Ash closed his eyes for a moment and let a single tear fall from his 
eye. '
Thank you Pikachu. I owe you so much....' Ash let his
backpack fall from his back and reached back with his good hand and 
pulled
it in front of him, unzipping it and moving his gear
around to make room for Pikachu and placed him gently in it and put it 
on
backwards so he could support him.
 
Gritting his teeth in agony as he pushed up on his soar muscles he 
stood
shakily and walked over to the single pokéball and clipped it on his 
belt,
the number one appearing on its button. Ash started walking. The rain 
was
finally stopping. He wasn't to far from viridian. He could make it in 
an
hour at the pace he was going now. Ash looked down at Pikachu one last 
time.
His eyes were lightly open and looked back up at Ash, lifting its head 
up
enough to lick Ash's chin.
 
fighting back tears Ash forced himself to quicken his pace, if not a 
little.
He just started his quest and he knew things could only go up. This 
wasn't
the way he wanted to start but he didn't have a choice. The road ahead 
lead
great challenges and even greater trials. Ash knew it was going to be 
hard
but he continued on anyway. this was his dream, no matter how shaky it
started off, he was going to finish it. This was what it takes to 
become a
Pokémon master.... So be it.
 
End part one.
 
 
Part 2
 
The glass doors slid open in front of a wounded young boy as he stepped
inside the Viridian Pokécenter. A nurse with red hair
turned his way and her eyes got wide as she took in the picture. There 
stood
Ash, holding a Pikachu in his arms and a fallen
backpack by his foot.
 
"H..Help." Ash hit the floor with a thud.
 
The nurse gaped in shock and tapped madly at her computer while 
speaking
into a microphone on the side of the monitor. "I
need a stretcher for a wounded electric Pokémon and a larger one for 
it's
trainer. Booking rooms 246 and 247 for them. code
red, stat!" the nurse pressed the last key and ran to the fallen boy 
and put
her hands on his neck to check the pulse, Finding one
she moved to the Pikachu and put her ear to it's mouth and frowned when 
she
heard irregular breathing.
 
"Chansey!" Four Chansey came into the room with the stretchers and 
seemed
to smile infinitely regardless of the grim situation.
 
"Lucky, sally, Take the trainer to room 246 and hurry. Have doctor 
Charles
Simpson look at him immediately I'll take care of
the Pikachu."
 
"Chansey!" The pink Pokémon replied as they lifted the boy and put him 
on
the stretcher and rolled him out, with the nurse not
far behind with the Pikachu.
 
~**~ Several hours pass as Ash goes through a thoughal exam and 
medication
for his wounds. Pikachu was given Medication
and hooked up to a small battery checker to recharge his Vital 
electricity
until he could recharge on his own. this took place
around one o'clock P.M. and we now go se how they are doing. the time 
is now
around nine P.M. ~**~
 
The glass doors slid open as a a young girl stepped through them, 
Taking a
look around she noticed that only a few Pokémon
trainers where there. The girl sighed and went to the front desk, to 
address
the nurse, the same one who had helped Ash earlier
today...
 
"Nurse Joy?" the girl asked. The nurse in question looked up from her
computer and smiled.
 
"Why hello Misty, Its been a while. Are you going to be staying with us
tonight?"
 
Misty nodded. "Yeah, and I caught a new Pokémon! Its a Staru. I need 
them
checked in please."
 
The nurse nodded. "All right, it'll be morning until they are fully 
healed.
We had a very serious injury earlier today."
 
"oh really?" Misty asked as she removed her Pokéballs. " I had a 
strange day
to. Some kid was being chased by a flock of
Fearows and--"
 
the nurse cut her off. "did you say Fearow?"
 
Misty nodded, wondering why she was cut off.
 
"thank goodness! do you know his name?"
 
Misty shook her head. "No...why? is he here or something?"
 
Nurse joy nodded. "He's in room 246. He came in earlier today, barley 
alive!
We haven't found any identification in his
backpack."
 
Misty stared. "What about his Pokédex?"
 
"Pokédex?"
 
"Yeah, he's a trainer from pallet so he should have one. all though 
there
really expensive I heard that Professor Oak of Pallet
was giving them to this year's trainers, since there was only four or 
so."
 
The nurse nodded her head. "He has just woken up recently, but freaked 
out
when people got near him. Why don't you go in
and try to get some information?"
 
Misty nodded. "All right! I needed to talk to him anyway! he stole my 
bike
trying to get away from the Fearow!"
 
the nurse chose to ignore the last statement and handed her a card key.
"Just don't hurt him or anything."
 Misty frowned and nodded. " Take the elevator to the second floor and 
it
should be the third room on the right."
 
" 'k." Misty said as she walked to the elevator.
 
 ~**~
 
Ash stared at the ceiling of his small white room. He had a bandage 
over his
head on some around his ribs where he wash
gashed by the fall, even though he couldn't remember his side hurting 
that
much. He didn't know where he was and snapped at
the first person who came in his room, asking where his Pikachu was. A
doctor told him that he didn't know and then checked
a tablet at the end of the table and left. No one else came.
 
the door squeaked as it opened. Ash blinked as his view switched to the
door, watching it open up all the way, revealing a
strangely familiar red head.
 
"So, this is where you are." the girl stated.
 
Ash blinked, once, twice. then something hit him. "Hey, your Misty, 
right?
when did you get here?"
 
Misty frowned. " what, scared to see me again after you stole my bike? 
Just
where is it anyway?"
 
Ash cringed at the harsh voice. "Somewhere in the woods," By the look 
on
Misty's face he was sure he needed to expand his
explanation so he quickly added, "It was broke by A fall and was 
probably
fried By Pikachu's thunder attack.
 
"WHAT?!"
 
Ash closed his eyes tightly. He was dead for sure. " sorry..." He said
weakly, then brightened up. "Hey! don't worry about it!
I'm going to be a Pokémon Master so I'll make a TON of money!"
 
Misty got in his face "yeah, RIGHT! do you know how much it COSt to go 
on a
Pokémon journey!?"
 
Ash meekly shook his head.
 
Misty groaned in frusta ion. " A LOT! that's how we circle our money! 
One
trainer makes a stupid bet on a battle and makes
alot of money then looses it to the next who buys some stuff then 
looses the
same money he got and builds it back up! Plus with
supplies and food and stuff you won't have a DIME left to buy me a 
bike!"
 
Ash snapped. "Then STOP yelling at me! I'm right FRIGGEN here!" He sat 
up in
his bed and glared at her.
 
"Well if you didn't break my bike then I WOULDN'T be here right now!"
 
"And neither would I! I'd be DEAD now! Would you rather have that?! 
Listen
i'll pay you back for the stupid bike all right?!"
 
Misty was taken aback. No one had ever yelled back at her. she knew 
then
that this boy was different from the rest. Maybe a
little arrogant and stupid, and self centered, and... Misty cut her 
train of
thought off and sighed. "Listen, I'm just pissed right now
cause I lost my bike. You should be out of here soon so what's say that 
I
just follow you around for a little bit until you can pay
me back?"
 
Ash thought about it. It WOULd be better than being alone..... "All 
right. "
ash stated finally. "what do ya say we start over.....
as friends?" he held out his hand.
 
Misty smiled slightly. "All right... Sure." He shook his hand ' his 
hand's
so warm..' Misty quickly dismissed the thought.
 
' her hand's so small ...' Ash blinked as the thought crossed his mind.
 
"By the way, what's your name?" Misty inquired.
 
"um.. Ash.... Ash ketchum."
 
"Ash? Just Ash?"
 
Ash looked away. "I don't like my full name."
 
Misty hopped up on the foot of his bed and sat there, swinging her legs 
off
the side. "why not? what is it?"
 
"like I would tell you." Ash joked.
 
Misty grinned and thumped his foot through the covers. "Oh, come on. 
Its not
like I would laugh.. Lets see... Ashley?"
 
Ash laughed. "Isn't that a girl's name?"
 
"It can be used for both," Misty explained. "uumm... Sebastian?"
 
Ash shook his head.
 
"Ashura?"
 
Ash thought about it. "I like the name, but nope."
 
"Ashton?"
 
"bingo."
 
Misty giggled. "That's a cute name."
 
Ash scoffed and looked away. "Yeah, cute for some preppy rich guy with 
blond
hair, not a scruffy Pokémon trainer in the
making."
 
Misty frowned and hopped off the bed. "Whatever, Ashton. Hey, look, I 
gotta
run some errands before I turn in for the night."
 
Ash nodded and Misty walked through the door, and closed it with a 
click.
Ash fell back on his bed. He let out a small breath
and breathed heavily. Just the small act of talking made his head rush. 
The
doctor had told him he lost alot of blood and
shouldn't move around alot, now he knew why. With Misty gone he let his
'tough guy' appearance down and tightly closed his
eyes. he was hurt more than he liked to admit, but didn't want to show 
it,
especially to a girl.
 
 ~**~
 
Misty walked up to the counter for the second time that day and rang 
the
small silver bell. Within moments the nurse came to aid her.
 
"Hello, Misty." Nurse Joy greeted sweetly. "Did you talk to our new 
friend?"
 
Misty nodded. "Yeah, his Name is Ash Ketchum. He's from Pallet from 
what I
gather."
 
Nurse Joy nodded. "All right then. You didn't talk to him for to long 
did
you?"
 
Misty's face was masked in confusion. "Why?"
 
"Oh my!" Joy covered her mouth, "Did I forget to tell you?"
 
"Tell me what?"
 
 "That he lost alot of blood and can't use to much energy. I did tell 
you
that, right?"
 
Misty shook her head. "No, but he seemed fine. A little pale, but fine 
none
the less."
 
Joy nodded. "All right. I'll go check up on him and give him his
medication."
 
"Medication?"
 
"Yeah, he could of gotten a disease from the Fearow, we need to 
vaccinate
him."
 
"Oh. Well I'm going to my room, Will he be able to leave tomorrow?"
 
Joy nodded. "We'll release him and his Pikachu first thing in the 
morning.
The medicine should help him regain some energy and as long as he keeps 
the
bandages on the wounds will heal up fine."
 
Misty thought for a second "But if he's hurt why are you releasing him 
so
early?"
 
Joy sighed. "Well, we have been getting many hurt Pokémon and trainers
lately. I'm afraid Team Rocket is in our town."
 
A small gasp escaped Misty's lips. "you mean THE Team Rocket? The 
Pokémon
thieves?"
 
" ' Fraid so, well I really need to be going." Joy turned to leave.
 
"One more thing!" Misty called out.
 
The nurse turned her head sideways "yes?"
 
"Can I see his Pikachu? I'm sure Ash wouldn't mind."
 
Joy turned and started walking on her way, calling over her shoulder. 
"He's
in the room 247, on the second floor. Be quiet, he's tired."
 
Misty nodded to herself and went to check up on Pikachu.
 
 ~**~
"Chu! Chhhhuuuu!!! KACHU!" lighting arched from the small glass 
container
that contained an incredibly scared Pikachu.
 
"AAAGGH!" Another Doctor was hit by a stray lighting bolt and fell to 
his
hands and knees. "get that gosh darned thing put to sleep already! Its 
using
to much of its energy!"
 
Misty chose then to make her appearance. "Hello?"
 
"CHU!" Pikachu's eyes lit up at the sight of Misty. "Pika-Pika-Pika!"
 
Misty walked over to the small electric mouse. "hey, Pikachu. You sure 
are
using alot of energy to be just recovering."
 
"Ka-chu!" Pikachu did a peace sign.
 
"Oh how CUTE!" Misty squealed as she lifted up the glass covering to 
his bed
and lifted him up and hugged it. "Ash'll be so
relieved you recovered so fast!" Everyone in the room stared at Misty, 
who
was suddenly feeling very uncomfortable. "What?"
 
" H.... How did you control that thing so fast? You aren't it's 
trainer....
Are you?" A doctor asked, after helping his fellow college off the 
floor.
 
Misty scratched Pikachu's ears, making sure not to touch any cuts " Oh, 
no.
I'm just his friend." Misty inspects Pikachu closer. "He seems mighty 
fine
to be here."
 
One more Doctor stepped through the doors into the room. "Hello, I'm 
Dr.
Simpson. I must speak to this Pikachu's trainer."
 
Misty looked skeptical "Why?"
 
The Doctor smiled at Misty. "This Pikachu has incredible healing 
attributes!
It has already regained almost eighty percent of its power in only a 
couple
of hours! A normal Pikachu would take days to do that at the condition 
this
one was in! Its cuts have also mostly healed over already, although 
they It
is still weak it wants to see His Trainer really badly. I need to ask 
the
Trainer if we can study Pikachu."
 
Misty laughed. "I doubt it seriously but you can try. I bet Pikachu 
here
would like to see his trainer anyway." Misty switched to
a cute squickish girlie voice "Isn't that right, Pikachu?"
 
"KA-CHU!" Pikachu chirped happily.
 
 
 ~**~
 
The door slowly creeped open and light invaded the dark room. Ash 
stirred
slowly and turned his head so it was pushed deeper in his pillow.
 
"Ash? are you awake?" Ash's mind groggily picked out the voice from 
those he
knew.
 
"Misty.." Ash said lightly, his voice muffled by his pillow. " 'm 
tired.
Come back later, please." Ash yawned.
 
Misty whaped Ash on the back of his head. "Wake up dimwit! Someone's 
here to
see you!"
 
The doctor frowned. "You shouldn't have done that. This boy needs his 
rest.
He lost alot of--"
 
Misty nodded and cut him off. " Yeah, Yeah, alot of Blood, I know." She
faced Ash, who was slowly sitting up an rubbing his eyes. For the 
first
time Misty noticed he wasn't wearing a shirt. Turning deep crimson she
looked away and found the foot of Ash's bed very interesting.
 
"Chu?"
 
Ash instantly became awake. "Pikachu!?" Pikachu leapt from Misty's arms 
into
Ash's, who hugged him tightly. "Hey, buddy! Are you okay?"
 
"Chaaa!" Pikachu cooed as Ash rubbed his fur and hugged him. "Chu Chu,
Pikachu." Pikachu did a small peace sign to ash, who laughed.
 
Ash hugged his pokémon one more time "Thanks, Pikachu." A tear fell 
from
Ash's eye. "thanks alot.... If it weren't for you I'd be dead now."
 
"ka?"
 
"Yeah. thanks, pal." Ash smiled at him.
 
"ka, CHU!" Pikachu leapt up at Ash's throught and hugged him.
"chu-ka-pikachu! ca ca chu!"
 
Ash laughed and regripped Pikachu. "Slow down, buddy! I can't 
understand
what your saying!"
 
Misty couldn't help but smile to herself a the pair in front of her. 
When
She first met the boy she had hated him and by Pikachu's condition she
thought that he didn't even take care of his Pokémon. She was wrong. 
Ash
cared deeply for his Pokémon, Misty saw that now.
 
"i hate to break up such an emotional moment, " the doctor stated "But 
I
would like to study this Pokémon for a while. may I
have your permission?"
 
Ash scratched Pikachu's ears and thought about it no more than three
seconds. " Sorry, no can do."
 
" But why not?"
 
" well, " Ash started. " First off I promised Professor Oak in Pallet 
that
he could study all of My Pokémon. Plus Pikachu was my first Pokémon and 
my
friend. It wouldn't be right to make him a lab animal, huh Pikachu?"
 
Pikachu purred lightly as ash continued to rub his ears. "Ka-chu." It
confirmed.
 
The Doctor nodded. "As you wish. Well we must be going now. you need 
rest.
You can meet up with your girlfriend tomorrow morning around breakfast. 
you
can leave after that...."
 
" Edscuse me..." Misty spoke up, reminding them that she was there. 
"Did you
just say girlfriend?" Misty moved her finger in a 'no-no' kind of 
manner "
Oh no, no, no, NO my friend. It don't work that way. " she moved to 
stand
next to ash, who was looking at her, amused. "This little boy," she put 
a
hand on his head and ruffled his hair, hard.
 
"oww..." Ash wined under his breath as Misty continued to explain.
 
" This little boy owes me a bike, and I'm not going to leave him until 
he
repays it. He is not, I repeat is not my boyfriend!"
 
Ash nodded by the force of Misty's hand pushing on his head. "Um.. what 
she
said."
 
The doctor nodded slowly. "Ummm... sure. Whatever. Anyway, We need to 
let
him get some rest. The Pikachu to."
 
"Ka-CHU!" Pikachu said definitely as it snuggled closer to Ash, who 
laughed.
 
"Looks like Pikachu's going to be staying with me tonight."
 
Misty caught herself smiling once more and reminder herself that she 
was
supposed to be mad at the cute boy laying next to where she stood.
"Whatever, I'm going to my room. " Mist proceeded to walk out the door,
catching herself wondering if Ash was looking at her. Mad at herself 
for
getting a crush on such a kid, she ran the rest of the way to her room.
 
The doctor smiled lightly to himself. They made such a cute couple. "I 
tell
you what, Ash. Since you just started your Pokémon journey, I'll let 
Pikachu
stay with you. I'll be here first thing tomorrow morning, to wake you 
up.
Remember, you need to get a head start each day of your journey to get 
to
where your going. Most trainers sleep in till noon and never accomplish
anything. Keep that in mind." The doctor left with a click of the door.
 
Ash looked down at Pikachu, who looked right back up at him. "Well,
buddy...... Looks like we have a long road ahead of us.... you up to 
it?"
 
"Chu!"
 
Ash nodded. " Then lets get some sleep. Our first full day is ahead of 
us."
They settled in, got comfortable, and went to sleep.
 
 ~**~
 
Ash slowly opened his eyes. ' what time is it?' he asked himself 
lightly.
Ash closed his eyes again and tried to reopen them but the strain was 
to
great. He felt his body involuntary slip into a more comfortable 
position
and sleep pushed back toward him. ' oh well,' Ash thought to himself
groggily ' They can wait another fifteen minuets....' Ash let sleep 
overtake
him
 
 ~**~
 
"ASH! WHAT are you still doing in bed?!" Ash jerked upright and saw a 
very
angry Misty through barely open eyes. the light tormented his eyes and 
his
senses were still dull from just have waken up.
 
"ughnn...." Ash tried again, "what... what time is it?" he goggly 
rubbed his
eyes. He felt surprisingly better. A tad on the soar side but better 
none
the less. He stretched and bit back a grimace as his soar muscles 
stretched.
 
"It's already nine thirty! Get up already!" Misty exclaimed as she 
walked to
the side of his bed.
 
"I'm up! I'm up! Geeeze, haven't you ever heard of knocking?"
 
"I DID knock, Ash! like twenty times!" Misty threw a bag at Ash and 
turned
around. " There are your cloths, meet me in the
lobby in a couple of minuets, and hurry, were wasting precise 
daylight!"
With that Misty stalked out of the room.
 
Ash looked down at his bag, up at the now closing door and then to his
Pikachu, who was rubbing it's eyes, and got dressed.
 
 ~**~
 
Ash, now fully dressed, walked into the main lobby of the Pokécenter 
and
went to the desk. "umm..? edscuse me?"
 
Nurse joy turned to face him. "yes? What can I do for you?"
 
"I'm ash Ketchum from the town of Pallet. I need to sign out."
 
the nurse smiled and nodded. "okay, here you go. " she handed him a 
piece of
paper and a pen. "Just sign by the three X's and you'll be all set!"
 
"Thanks!" Ash did just that and soon was meeting Misty, who was sitting 
at a
table.
 
"Hey Misty, sorry about over sleeping. So what are you gonna do now?"
 
Misty scoffed. "well, a certain someone owes me a bike so I'm going to
follow him until he pays me back for it!"
 
Ash sighed. "All right, all right. you'll get your stupid bike back, 
just
give me some time. all right?"
 
Misty nodded, then noticed something. "What's in your bag? It wasn't 
that
full a minuet ago."
 
"Chu?" Pikachu popped his head out of the bag when it heard it's name 
and
jumped onto Ash's head.
 
Misty laughed. "you haven't even trainer it to stay in it's Pokéball? 
how
pathetic!"
 
Ash growled. "Well I don't see YOU training any Pokémon! AnyWAY, this 
is
where were going first." Ash pulled out a map from his pocket and 
unfolded
it. " Lets see.. where right ....," he skimmed the map with his finger.
"here." He pointed to a small town above Pallet. "If we can cut through 
the
forest, we should make it in a few days."
 
Misty nodded. "So were headed toward Pewter then?" ash nodded. "okay 
then,
lets go." Ash again nodded and the pair got up and left the Pokécenter.
 
 ~**~
 
The sky was bright when the pair entered the forest and everything 
around
them was covered by the trees. Bits and pieces of light brock through 
the
occasional gap in the trees, casting an eerie glow over the entire 
forest.
 
"This place creeps me out." Mist called over to Ash, who was walking a
couple of paces ahead of her.
 
"I know what you mean. Feels like were being watched." Ash commented as 
they
continued to walk around. "How far is this forest anyway?"
 
Misty took out her map and read it as they walked. "well, if we don't 
stop
very much we can make it out around nine tonight."she began to fold the 
map.
"Just enough time to make it to the next Pokémon center."
 
" Why do you want to get there?" Ash asked, his eyes roaming the 
foliage for
any sighns of Pokémon. Pikachu sat merrily on his backpack, faceing the
opposite direction Ash was, enjoying a red apple they had found 
earlier.
 
" I don't like to sleep in the forest, gives me the creeps." Misty
shuddered. "Besides, I want to--" Ash cut her off by quickly placing a 
hand
around her mouth motioning with his head to a shaking bush.
 
" Wish me luck." Ash whispered as he unclipped a Pokéball from his 
belt,
waiting for the Pokémon to show itself. After a few more shakes of the 
bush
a Pidgeotto appeared, looked at Ash, and tried to fly away. "Oh no you
don't! " Ash yelled as he chunked the Pokéball into the air, releasing
Fearow. "Get'm Fearow!"
 
The two bird pokémon clashed in the air, clawing and pecking. Ash made 
a
fist with his hand, his eyes showing a promise of Victory.
 
"Don't just stand there, Ash! Order your Pokémon!" Misty yelled at him.
 
"huh?" Ash snapped out oh his daze and looked up again, to See 
Pidgeotto
trying to get away from the larger bird. "oh sheese! Fearow! Use your 
Drill
Peck! Hit it to the ground and Pikachu can get it there! If he fly's 
back up
you take him again!"
 
Misty's face showed surprise. She never edscepted him to use such good
statigy.... ever.
 
"Fearow!" the Pidgeotto fell to the ground after receiving the hit but
managed to stop himself five feet from the ground.
 
"Pikachu! GO!" Ash pointed at Pidgeotto and Pikachu quickly dropped his
apple and ran along Ash's arm and leaped off his hand and tackled 
Pidgeotto.
"Shock it into submission!" Ash commanded and Pikachu quickly obeyed.
 
Ash gripped an empty ball from his belt and prepared to throw it.
"Pidgeotto,..... your... MINE!" He threw the ball and it his the bird
squarely in the chest and zapped it into the ball, which shook 
vigorously.
 
"Ash! It's gonna break out!" Misty warned.
 
Fearow landed next to the ball and Pikachu prepared to blast it again. 
The
ball continued to shake.
 
Ash held his breath.
 
"ping..." the ball hissed and became still.
 
Ash could only stare at the now unmoving Pokéball. His seances told him 
he
should do something but what was it? Oh yeah! that's it! "YES!" ash 
leapt
into the air. " I GOT IT! I GOT IT!" he ran over and picked up the 
Pokéball.
"I caught a Pidgeotto!" He held the ball in front of him and did a 
peace
sign to Misty, who shrugged it off.
 
"you act like it was one of your first.." Misty said calmly.
 
Ash stopped what he was doing and looked at her. "huh? What do you 
mean?"
 
Misty sighed. "If your from Pallet I would guess you would have at 
least ten
by now." Ash flushed. "How many do you have anyway?"
 
Ash hung his head low and looked at the Pokéball, saying nothing.
 
Misty crossed her arms. "Well?"
 
"..... three." Ash said lamely.
 
"that's it?!" Misty hollered, walking over to him "Mr. Pokémon MASTER! 
Mr.
PRO! Mr. "I'm going to get you a bike in no time at all." well, HOW are 
you
going to if you only have three Pokémon?!"
 
Ash didn't respond.
 
" WELL?!" Misty yelled again. Once more, no response. She stalked over 
to
Ash and grabbed his shoulder, making him face her. "Don't just stand 
there!
answer m--" Misty stopped in mid sentence. Tears were streaming down 
ash's
face. " oh... Ash. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."
 
"Just.. Just leave me alone!" Ash forcefully jerked out of Misty's grip 
and
started walking ahead, not looking back edsept to recall Fearow and 
make
sure Pikachu was with him.
 
Misty didn't move, didn't want to. She could only look at the back of 
the
boy who she just hurt. ' he didn't deserve that.' she thought to 
herself. '
I was to harsh.... damn it! Why does this always happen? ' she finally
started walking, staying behind Ash. ' I should apologize. He's new to 
all
of this and his first day didn't go to well.... Oh Ash! I'm sorry! I 
know
that must of hurt you.....'
 
Ash walked forward, angrily wiping the tears from his eyes, sniffing. ' 
Why
did she say that?' Ash thought ' she knows I just started. I thought I 
was
doing pretty good.... I feel awful.... The one thing My father wanted 
me to
be good at and I suck from the very beginning. How can I do this? 
Maybe I'm
not ready after all...'
 
A hand fell on his shoulder and Ash stopped walking. He slowly turned 
his
head to see Misty's caring eyes. Ash looked away.
 
"Pi?" Pikachu cried softly as he tugged on Ash's jeans. Ash looked down 
at
it and smiled weakly.
 
"Ash... I'm sorry. I just let the anger of my bike get to me. I didn't 
mean
it. your going to be good, I can tell."
 
Ash finally looked at her again. "R-realy?" He asked, cursing himself
mentally for stuttering on his tears.
 
Misty nodded. "yeah. I'm sorry."
 
Ash gave her a small smile and sniffed. "thanks, Misty. I needed some
encouragement."
 
Misty nodded and bent down to pick Pikachu up. They continued walking, 
now
side by side.
 
 ~**~
 
The crickets chirps sounded around the pair as they walked through the 
cold
darkness. Misty hugged herself as the wind blew. "Ash, its getting 
cold."
 
Ash nodded and slipped his backpack to the ground and took his jacket 
off
and handed it to a very surprised Misty.
 
"What's this for?" She asked softly.
 
"Its cold right?" Ash asked. "Doesn't a guy supposed to offer his 
jacket
when a girl says that?" His eyes looked confused and Misty blushed,
slightly.
 
" that's only at formal stuff, I really don't need--"
 
" Just take it." ash said as he looked around. "This is a nice 
clearing. We
should set camp here. I'll go get some firewood and you can set up out 
bags,
mine's in my bag. Pikachu.."
 
"ka?"
 
"stay with Misty and I'll be right back." Ash walked out into the dark 
woods
in search of firewood.
 
Misty smiled to herself. "And I thought chivalry was dead..."
 
"Chu!"
 
 ~**~
 
Ash sat by the warm fireplace as he ate his dinner. " Ya know, I still 
say
that I didn't get us lost."
 
Misty frowned. "What?! Just what do you mean you didn't?! You was the 
one in
the lead!"
 
"But you had the map!" Ash retorted.
 
"And you said to take a shortcut!"
 
" But at least I caught a Caterpie!"
 
Misty scoffed. "Yah, and put us a day behind!
 
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu yelled as he finally grew tired of the endless
arguments. "Pika, Pika. chu chu, Pikachu!"
 
Ash looked deep into the fire, forgetting the fight. " We should wake 
up
early tomorrow I guess."
 
Misty nodded and they finished the rest of their dinner in silence.
 
 ~**~
 
Ash lay awake in his sleeping bag and looked up at the stars in the 
sky. His
second day didn't go that bad. He caught two Pokémon and now has a 
friend
with him. Ash looked at his side to see a red sleeping bag with the 
friend
he just thought about in it. Misty. she was a different story all 
together.
Ash looked at her face, glowing by the dimness of the fire that was
beginning to go out. Her eyes were lightly closed and he lips were 
slightly
parted, breathing steadily.
 
' she doesn't look half bad.' Ash decided after a while. Her hair was 
let
down from her usual Ponytail and a strand was in front of her face. 
Reaching
slowly, almost carefully, He pushed the hair around her ears. Misty 
stirred
slightly and shifted her position, getting more comfortable.
 
Ash let out the breath that he was holding and put his hand back into 
his
bag.
 
"Pi?" Pikachu asked quietly from his mini sleeping bag next to him.
 
Ash looked up at his little friend who was sleeping at the head of 
Ash's
bag. " Yeah?" He whispered.
 
"ka-chu?"
 
Ash thought about what he just said and shook his head slightly, 
whispering
back to his friend. "I can't understand you. Sorry."
 
Pikachu nodded understandingly and turned over on his other side and 
went
back to sleep. Ash took another look at Misty and soon he to fell 
asleep.
 
 ~**~
 
Ash yawned and sat up in his blanket. Rubbing his eyes sleepily he 
stretched
and looked around. His back was stiff from sleeping on the ground and 
his
hair was messed up more than usual. Yawning again he kicked off his 
sleeping
bag and looked at the sky. He guessed it was somewhere between seven 
and
eight o'clock.
 
"Yo, Misty, you awake?"
 
no answer.
 
Ash glanced at where the sleeping girl lay and smiled. ' now who's the 
lazy
one? ' He walked over to her and knelt down, to shake her shoulder 
lightly.
"Hey... Hey, Mist. wake up."
 
Misty mumered something ineligible and snuggled up tighter in her 
sleeping
bag. Ash sighed and looked over at his Pokémon, who was waking up.
 
"Heya, Pika-pal. How about some breakfast?"
 
"Chu!" the mouse said as it got up and sparked the extra set of wood,
making it catch fire.
 
"all right then, I think I'll try the recipe my mother gave me." ASh 
rooted
though his backpack and took out a small hard box and opened it. "Tell 
me
Pikachu. you ever had an omelet before?"
 
 ~**~
 
sniff.
 
sniff..... Something was cooking.
 
Misty slowly opened her eyes and saw a blurry image in front of her. 
She re
closed her eyes to go back to sleep but the smell awoke her again. 
Giving
up, she brought her hand to her eyes and rubbed the sleep out of them.
Blinking a few times she sat up and took a big sniff of the air. 
"What's
that smell?" she wondered aloud.
 
Ash turned and looked at her. "Its an omelet. Ever had one? My mother 
made
them for me when she came back from her trip to America." Ash handed 
her a
plate.
 
Misty looked at it skeptically. "Is it safe?"
 
Ash instantly took offense. "hey! Its rather good!" Ash pointed to a 
very
happy Pikachu, who was licking its tiny plate. "ask him."
 
"Pi-ka-chu!" It chirped as it held out the plate for more. Ash grinned 
and
scraped off a little off his plate. "eat hardy!" He took in a big 
mouthful.
 
Misty smiled and slowly picked up a piece with some chopsticks Ash just
handed her. muncha muncha
 ( corny eating sound effects, huh? ;-) "hey! Its not that bad."
 
" Thanks for your ever dying confidence." Ash said sarcastically as he
finished his meal and started to pack while She eat.
 
 ~**~
 
"Almost there...." Ash repeated for the twentieth time that day. They 
had
been walking non stop ever since they got moving.
 
"you said that an hour ago.." Misty stated, angrily. "I can't even 
find us
on the map and your just getting us deeper in the woods!"
 
Ash chose not to reply, instead he just kept walking straight ahead.
 
 ~**~
 
Ash stood tiredly on a hillside as he looked over Pewter City. The sun 
was
already setting, casting an errie glow of red and orange over the city.
"told ya we'd make it." He puffed as he started walking again.
 
"Took us long enough." Misty growled as she followed him. "I can't wait 
to
take a shower. I feel grimy from walking all day."
 
Ash looked at her. "where you going to take a shower at?"
 
Misty looked at him as though he had just asked 'what's a Pokémon?' 
"well,
DUH, Ashton. the Pokécenter of course."
 
"Don't call me 'Ashton' , and what do you mean at the Pokécenter?"
 
Misty sighed. "and your going to become a master?"
 
Ash glared at her.
 
"okay.. okay... " she shrugged her shoulders. " For your information, 
ASH,
trainers can stay at the Pokécenter for free. The rooms aren't that 
great
and you can hardly get them since there are usually a ton of people 
there
anyway, but still, they have showers and such. You can even get a small 
free
meal there. Its a trainers heaven.
 
Ash took out his wallet and counted through his money. "good, I don't 
have
enough for a hotel room anyway. I barely have enough for my dinner."
 
Misty smirked as they entered the town. "And if you loose to Brock, the 
gym
leader you won't have anything left."
 
Ash's eyes became determined. "I'll beat him all right." He clenched 
his
fist. "Ready, Pikachu?"
 
"Cha." Pikachu shook his head from his usual spot on Ash's backpack.
 
Ash felt the shake rather than saw it. "aw.. but.. how come?"
 
Misty again sighed. This kid was hopeless. "It's to tired, Ash. you 
need to
let the nurse at the Pokémon center rejuvenate them." Misty held up her 
hand
as Ash was about to say something. "Before you ask, I'll tell you.
Rejuvenation is when the Pokémon get special energy through there 
Pokéballs.
I'm not positive how it works but I know it works wonders for the 
Pokémon.
If they need to be treated further, then they are taken out of the
Pokéballs."
 
(authors note: I'm sure you all knew what it was but I stated it just 
in
case some kid reading this didn't....)
 
Ash nodded and they made their way to the center.
 
 ~**~
 
The doors slid open at the Pokémon center and two trainers stepped 
though.
 
Ash looked around. This was alot better than the one at Viridian. 
"wow....
this place is nice."
 
Misty nodded. "All Pokémon centers that have a gym in the town are big 
and
well kept. they get so much business they can afford it."
 
Ash nodded and went up to the front desk. "umm.. educes me?" Soon his 
call
was answered by a Nurse Joy. "Can I have my Pokémon rejuvenated, 
please?"
 
"You sure can, Ash." Nurse joy said, pleasantly as she took the 
Pokéballs
and Pikachu hopped next to her.
 
"wha? How did you know my name?"
 
"My sister told me about you. she told me what a fast healer you was 
and to
tell you to have a safe trip."
 
Ash nodded, dumbfounded. This nurse looked alot like the one in 
Viridian,
but ash wasn't going to say anything. ' hm... must be twin sisters.' 
Ash
thought as he walked over to the couch ,where Misty was.
"Hey." Ash sat down next to her.
 
Misty nodded at him and they sat in silence for a little while.
 
"Hey, Ash?" Misty called to him after about five minuets. "I'm going to 
take
a bath, I'll meet you later okay?" she stood.
 
Ash nodded and laid down on the couch were Misty was seconds before. He
pulled his cap over his eyes and sighed. Misty pulled his cap down 
further,
just to spite him. Ash grinned and swatted after her, but Misty jumped 
away
just in time. Ash thumped his cap back up to make it more comfortable 
and
closed his eyes, ignoring the people who commented on their 'flirting' 
.
 
 ~**~
 
"Ash? Ash Ketchum? Your Pokémon are ready."
 
Ash groggily sat up and walked over to the counter. ' must've fallen
asleep.' he thought merrily to himself as he approached the desk and 
was
greeted by a very happy Pikachu.
 
"Pikapi!" It greeted and jumped onto Ash, using it's claws to run from 
the
front of his jacket around to his backpack he just shouldered and 
rested
there, gripping ash's hat to stay on.
 
Ash looked up at Pikachu as best he could. "Heya Pika-pal. Have fun?"
 
"Chu!" He nodded.
 
"That's great!" He got the rest of his Pokéballs and nodded at the 
nurse.
"thanks, Joy."
 
Nurse joy nodded. "Your welcome, Ash. Be careful if your going to fight
Brock. He's really good. OH! and by the way.."
 
Ash turned around from his departure. "Yes?"
 
Joy tossed him a key card. "Your Girlfriend came by about thirty 
minuets ago
and got a room. your very lucky. You got the last one."
 
Ash caught the key card and nodded. "Thanks, but she's not my 
girlfriend."
Joy nodded, apologetically and Ash left to face the gym leader.
 
 ~**~
 
Ash opened the doors to the gym and stepped in, disappointed that it 
was
dark. "Hello?!" he called out into the darkness. "Is anyone here?! I 
wish to
battle!"
 
Lights snapped on in the Gym and ash looked around. "Hello?"
 
"Hey." a masculine voice called from the left.
 
Ash turned to were the voice came from. He saw a young man who looked 
about
eight teen or so. He wore a leopard sleveless shirt and dark drown 
kakis.
His hair seemed to stick up in all directions at once. He seemed about 
six
feet, towering over Ash greatly. "Umm... Can I battle the gym leader 
here?
Or is the gym closed for the day?"
 
the man walked over to Ash and put his hands on his hips. "We close at 
nine
here." He saw the disappointment on the young man's face and on his
Pikachu." .......But I tell you what. I'll battle you just this once, 
All
right?"
 
Ash's face lit up. "really?!"
 
"Pika?!"
 
"yep. and call me Brock. i'm the leader of this gym. You'll have to 
beat me
to earn the bolder badge!"
 
Ash nodded. "All right! thanks!"
 
Brock waved his hand. "aw, forget about it. I've been in a good mood 
today.
I've had several challenges but one one beat me. I believe his name was
Gary... or something."
 
"what?! Gary's already here?!" Ash yelled in horror.
 
brock nodded. "yeah, he had an outstanding Eevee! a great trainer, but
relied to much on Power. I almost had him. It also looked like he 
didn't
care for his Pokémon." Brock shook his head. "Al though he beat me, he 
won't
last long. He's to cocky."
 
Ash gulped. How far behind was he? ' best not to think about that now. 
' He
told himself, then asked aloud. "where will we battle?"
 
Brock reached behind him and flipped another switch on a control panel 
that
Ash just saw and lights came on to their right. "there." Brock pointed.
"We'll fight there. This'll be a full match, All right?"
 
Ash gulped again. "I only have four Pokémon."
 
Brock looked at him oddly. "oh.. All right then... a four on four. 
how's
that sound?"
 
Ash nodded gratefully. "thanks!"
 
again a wave of the hand. "don't mention it. Now," his face got 
serious.
"Lets begin. "
 
 ~**~
 
Ash stood in front of a giant Onix. the score wasn't in his favor. He 
had
taken out two Geodude's and a Gravler but this Onix alone has smashed 
two of
his best Pokémon. He didn't want to use Pikachu again. the poor guy had 
to
take out both Geodudes on his own after Pidgeotto and Fearow were 
knocked
out like they were nothing. Ash gritted his teeth and clasped a red 
ball on
his belt and closed his eyes. His choice was going to hate im for this.
"GO!....CATERPIE!"
 
"Caterpie?!" Brock yelled from across the stadium. "A Caterpie doesn't 
stand
a chance against an Onix!"
 
the newly called Caterpie looked up at the towering Onix and had a set
determination in his eyes.
 
"Caterpie!" ash called. "I'm sorry to put you up against an Onix but 
your my
last hope! can you do it?!"
 
"bree!" It confirmed.
 
Brock sighed. This challenger had showed great skill in maneuvering his
Pikachu. It alone beat his Geodudes, which was almost impossible to do 
with
a Raichu. It had amazing agility and stamina. He hoped he was going to 
be
surprised at the Pokémon he held for last, but was only disappointed.
 
"Onix! this won't take long at all! Tackle it!" Brock roared in
commandment.
 
The giant rock snake roared once and lunged at Caterpie, who awaited an
order fro his trainer, to scared to move on its own.
 
Ash grit his teeth, then looked surprised. A wicked grin brock out on 
his
face. "Caterpie! dodge it and then string shoot it from the air, make 
it
stuck to the ground!"
 
"What?!" Brock cried in horror. That move will technically impossibly.
 
the Onix smashed into the area where Caterpie was seconds before and 
before
it could get up, he found a sticky substance covering his head. A 
second
went on as the rock pokémon thought of a way out of it, deciding on 
just
using its force.
 
ash grinned as Onix's head brock free from the small amount of sticky 
silk
the Caterpie sent. Most of it was only on the top of its head. "NOw
Caterpie! while it has the momentum of breaking free, tackle it and 
make it
fall backwards!"
 
Caterpie didn't waist a second as it fulfilled the command, using 
incredible
power for such a small bug it lunged at Onix's head and combined with 
the
momentum of the lash that Onix used to break away, was able to make the 
rock
snake fall back on it's head, sticking it to the ground.
 
"what the heck?!" Brock gasped as the snake tried to break the threads
holding the top of its head on the ground, but couldn't get enough 
power
because it was upside down.
 
"pika! Pikapi Pikachu!" Pikachu tugged at Ash's jeans.
 
"huh? you think you can get one last thunder shock in?"
 
Pikachu nodded.
 
Ash held out Caterpie's Pokéball. "Exilent work caterpie! return now!" 
a
thin red beam shot from the pokéball and engulfed a very happy bug.
 
"what are you doing?!" Brock yelled at Ash.
 
Ash flung his arm out to the Arena "Pikachu! Zap that thing until it
faints!"
 
"cha CHU!!" Pikachu ran out into the arena and jumped on the rock 
snake's
chest on all fours and let loose a giant thunderbolt.
 
"niixxxxxx...." the snake fainted from the jolt.
 
"I.......I....I-I-I....." Brock's eyes were wide with astonishment. 
That
tactic was the last thing he edspected. "I...lost?"
 
Ash's grin threatened to break his face in half. He jumped into the 
air,
raising a fist. "YES! I DID IT! MY FIRST GYM VICTORY!" He continued to 
jump
and yell, opening all his Pokéballs to reveal worn out and beaten 
Pokémon.
He congratulated them one by one, getting more and more enthusiastic 
after
he hugged each one. Pikachu came over and joined din the little 
celebration.
Both birds were awake now and were happy to see their trainer so
enthusiastic.
 
Brock slowly recalled his Onix. and stepped over to Ash. "Ash, right?"
 
Ash nodded and put down his Pikachu, whom he was hugging. "Yes." he 
walked
over to brock and looked up at him.
 
Brock reached inside a pouch and pulled out a small gray badge that 
seemed
to shine despite it's color. " I proudly present to you.... the boulder
badge." He handed it to ash and they shook hands. " I have high 
expirations
of you, Ash. I think you'll go far in this world. your strategy is
outstanding. I hope to see you in the future."
 
Ash nodded. "Thanks, Brock. I'll make you proud." Ash smiled and the 
two
made eye contact, then nodded to each other and went their separate 
ways out
the gym.
 
 ~**~
 
"So, you say that a Pikachu beat an onix and two geodudes on its on?"
 
A nod. "Yeah. This Pikachu has teh power even greater than a Raichu."
 
A smirk. "A perfect catch. We'll stike tonight."
 
"Right."
 
 ~**~
 
Ash opened the door to his hotel room via the key card. "Hey Misty, I 
--"
Ash closed his mouth as he was greeted by the fresh scent of 
strawberries.
He stepped in the room and saw Misty, hair slightly damp and in an 
oversized
Tee-shirt. "uumm.." Ash's head spun. The smell was driving him crazy.
 
Misty looked up from combing her hair. "oh, your back. you might want 
to
wait before taking a shower. I had a nice long hot bath, and the water 
may
still be cold."
 
Ash inhaled deeply. "yeah," he said dreamily. "I'll.. be right back." 
he
turn and walked back out the door. Misty blinked.
 
Ash lay heavily on the door to his room. ' what the heck was that all
about?! ' he demanded mentally to himself. ' what was that smell 
anyway?!
Strawberries? why did it have to be strawberries!? great, I just met 
her and
I'm already starting to go crazy for her. ' Ash took a deep breath of 
the
stale air of the Pokécenter. ' all right, ' he stated calmly. ' i'll 
walk
back in there, ignore the sweet smell of whatever shampoo she used and 
tell
her I won, rub it in a little bit and go to sleep. Show her I'm a man! 
Show
her I'm not going to let her control me with her feminen ways! Show her 
I
can take whatever seductive thing she can through at me! here I go! '
 
Ash opened the door, stepped in, and his heart melted.
 
 ~**~
 
"So you won, then?" Misty asked after Ash had gotten out of the shower.
 
"yeah." Ash grabbed his jacket off a chair and opened up the right side 
of
it to reveal a gray badge. "The gym leader there was great. A real nice
guy."
 
Misty nodded. "Brock, yeah. He's a cool guy, a little girl crazy, but 
cool."
 
Ash looked surprised. "you know him?"
 
Misty nodded. "yeah. Us gym lead-- err-- I mean trainers know alot of 
gym
leaders, yeah."
' I can't let him know I'm a leader to. No tellen what he might do.... 
'
 
Ash slightly nodded his head and he town dried his hair. He had on a 
loose
black tee shirt with matching black sweat pants. "So, only one bed?" he
inquired.
 
Misty smiled. "and you being the gentleman you are and such, I can have
it... right?"
 
Ash froze. ' uh-oh this could get ugly' " Ummmm...... I'm really tired 
from
battling the gym leader, I think I should get it."
 
"but just WHO got the LAST room, huh Ashy boy."
 
Ash grit his teeth. "Well ,its my journey! Your just tagging along!"
 
Misty looked offended. "So your saying you'd rather go on your on?"
 
Ash suddenly lost all anger at her when he say the hurt look in her 
eyes.
"um... no, NO! Nothing at all like that!"
 
Misty's sad eyes instantly turned to that of triumph. "So then you 
won't
mind me having the bed then!" She clicked off the light. " 'g night!"
 
Ash frowned. ' well at least she didn't bring up the bike thing again '
Ash's mind told him.
 
"Oh, and Ash?"
 
" Yeah Misty?"
 
" You still owe me my bike."
 
Ash cringed, then he laid on the floor and stared at the ceiling. His
Pokémon wouldn't be ready until the next morning, so their wasn't 
anything
else to do. He turned his head to look out the window, seeing the dark 
night
sky. It looked like rain. ' well, maybe it'll help me sleep.'
 
 ~**~
 
"All right, he's in this window." A Man pointed to a window below him.
 
"Right." A female with long red hair responded.
 
The two were dressed completely in black, including face mask. They 
were
hanging from a rope tied to the top of the Pokécenter. Currently they 
were
above the third story window.
 
"Meowth. can you hear me?" the man whispered in a small microphone.
 
"Yeah, loud and clear." A figure stated from the top of the roof.
 
"Lower us down a tad more." The female commanded.
 
"Right."
 
They lowered down until they were directly above Ash's window.
 
"Ready?" The male asked his partner.
 
"Always." She answered.
 
" All right. I'll go in first. you come in after if necessary." The 
male
pulled on night vision goggles and repelled until he was 'standing' on 
the
small glass window. Taking out a tiny blade from his pocket, he began 
to cut
the side of the window, making no sound at all. When the cutting was 
almost
complete he put a suction cuff on the window and cut the last bit, 
pulling
the window out and handing it up to his partner, who grabbed it and was
pulled to the top of the building.
 
The male grinned to himself. It had been a little over a week since he 
last
brought in some rare pokémon. The boss would be pleased. Shifting his 
weight
he made an acrobatic landing ,not an inch from Ash's sleeping face. 
Taking
a sweep around the room he noticed a trainers belt hanging over a 
chair.
Pressing a few buttons his goggles glowed red and he saw inside the
Pokéballs. ' a Staru and Starmie... and an..SEADRA?! ' The male 
growled. His
sources were wrong.... unless.... He looked down a the sleeping boy and 
the
girl in the bed. A smile grew over his face. ' The boy fought, not the
girl.. that means that the boy's Pokémon should be in the recovery 
room..'
 
"James." The short simple command in the male's headset made the boy 
pale.
Time was short. He knew it was risky to try this when it could rain. 
Cursing
under his breath he jumped out the window and let the rope swing him 
next to
the open gap and reached his hand upwards, not even looking. A piece of
glass met his hand and the small window was replaced in its proper 
place and
glass putty was placed around it, drying almost instantly. James patted
softly on the window, pleased at the sturdiness.
 
"Up." Was all he stated as he and his team mate were lifted skyward. 
They
would have to take the boy out in a battle.
 
"Did ya get it?" A Meowth asked as it quickly folded the complex
contractible equipment as the first drops of rain hit.
 
"No." James stated. "They are healing. the rain will make it harder for 
out
communicators to work, we'll have to take him on tomorrow and steal the
Pokémon."
 
The girl sighed. "So close to."
 
"Don't worry, Jessie. " James smiled as he pulled off his mask, 
revealing
Lavender hair, cut short in the back and kinda long in the front. A 
peace
feline his face and he blew it away, smiling. "No one will ever tell 
we've
been here. another flawless get away.
 
"Don't get to cocky." the cat said, putting the last of the equipment 
in
the bag. "Remember a couple of days ago Alex almost got caught because 
of a
loose wire in the system. They found out we were in the town. He had to 
run
all the way into the woods and take on four officers on his own."
 
The trio stood to their full height and looked around. "We'll go that 
way."
Jessie pointed to the east. "I have a feeling it'll rain hard. we need 
to
get away as fast as we can."
 
Two nods and they leaped bravely off the building, landing with a roll 
on
the smaller one next to them and continued to roof hop until they 
reached
their base in that town.
 
 ~**~
 
Ash stirred lightly from his sleep. a feeling had awakened him. He set 
up
and looked around. Rain was hitting the window to his left and Misty 
was
soundly sleeping on the bed. He laid down and dismissed the feeling. ' 
must
of been the rain. ' He went back to sleep.
 
 ~**~
 
Misty slowly opened her eyes. She blinked a few times to clear her 
blurry
vision. The steady pour of the rain lulled her back to sleep. It was 
still
to early to get up.
 
A yawn.
 
"Misty? You awake?" A groggy voice called to her.
 
"nnnnnggghhhnnn?" She answered it, still asleep.
 
"Never mind."
 
Misty yawned again and slightly stretched, enjoying the sleepy feeling.
"mmghnn.. Ash."
 
" Yes, Misty?"
 
"......." Misty hugged her pillow close. " mwould you pwlease get mwy 
some
water?" She asked, her voice muffled by the Pillow.
 
Ash yawned but got up to do what the girl asked anyway. He returned a 
minuet
later with a glass of Water in a small plastic cup. "here ya go, Mist." 
He
called to her gently. "drink up."
 
Misty gathered he strength and slowly sat up and took a sip. "mmm...
thanks, Ash." She laid back down. "My thought was dry."
 
"Okay." Ash said, barely above a whisper. " G' night."
 
"Ash?" Misty was almost asleep again.
 
"Yes Misty?"
 
"I'm cold."
 
Ash sighed, getting more awake. "I don't have any cover to give you. I 
took
the sheet remember?"
 
Misty pushed her head deeper in the pillow, her mind already sleep, but 
her
mouth seemed to move on its own. " 'Jus sleep with me, the bed's big
enough." Again her voice was muffled.
 
Ash's face blushed a deep crimson red. "h...huh?"
 
Misty patted the place next to her. " 'm cold, hunry up." She yawned 
and
stretched.
 
Ash slowly picked up his sheet and drug it over Misty. ' What could it
hurt?' he asked himself. ' I'm a good kid, always have been. nothing 
big...
just sleeping, that's all.' He repeated theses words over in his head 
as
slipped in the bed.
 
( authors note: Nothing's going to happen you sick hentai! ;-)
 
Misty's body instantly turned over and sought out the new heat source 
and
wrapped her arm's around Ash, hugging him close.
 
Ash's body was tense. His breathing was short and startled. He felt 
Misty's
steady breath against his chest and slowly, carefully, he reached his 
arm
around her and got comfortable. ' Mom's NOT going to believe this...'
 
With the steady sound of rain hitting the window and Misty's breath on 
his
Chest, Ash dozed off to sleep once more.
 
 ~*that was for all you AAMRN lovers ;-)*~
 
' what time is it? ' Misty's mind slowly came awake. she felt warm, 
like
something was around her. She opened one eye and saw a blurry shape in 
front
of her. She close d her eye again and decided to wait to see if she 
woke up
or went back to sleep.
 
Ash stirred. He moved slightly and stretched, his mind groggy.
 
Mist opened her eyes again when she felt him move. She saw the 
awakening
figure of Ash, who was just opening his eyes.
 
Ash blinked. "Misty?"
 
Misty's face turned deep red. "Ash?"
 
"AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!" They both tried to push away from each other,
which -mind you- wasn't that easy to do in a queen size bed without 
getting
tangled in the sheets. Needless to say, they got tangled.
 
"What are you doing in my bed you pervert?!" Misty squealed as she 
calmed
herself down.
 
" I don't know." Ash retorted. " All I can remember is getting you some
water last night and you complained about it being cold...."
 
Misty paled, remembering. "oh... sorry." She looked away and they began 
to
untangle themselves. "Sorry... I usually mumble when I only half wake 
up.
i-I didn't know what I was saying." She finally pushed the covers off 
of
her, turning to face the window, suddenly finding it very interesting. 
The
right sleeve of her tee shirt fell to reveal her shoulder.
 
Ash nodded slowly. "Obviously I didn't ether. I'm not like that, you 
know."
 
Misty giggled softly. "I wouldn't think you would be. Anyway, sorry 
again.
Just ignore me if I do that. Must of been really tired."
 
Ash agreed, nodding his head. "I gotta go get Pikachu in a little bit. 
Want
anything to eat?"
 
Mist smiled, glad to change the subject. "Yeah, get me a bagel. There 
really
good."
 
Ash gave her a short "mh-hmm." and went into the bathroom to change 
into his
cloths. A few minuets late he reappeared wearing a black long sleeve 
shirt
and jeans. "I'll be right back."
 
Misty heard the door open and close then fell back onto the bed, taking 
a
big breath of Ash's spicy scent that was on the pillow and smiled. ' 
Well he
may not be very bright but at least he's humble.... and cute.' Misty 
blushed
as she thought that. ' And I just met him! Must just be a stupid crush. 
'
Satisfied with her own answer she got up and took a shower, washing 
away the
spicy scent of Ash's cologne.
 
 ~**~
 
Ash jumped over yet another mud puddle as He, Pikachu, and Misty 
walked on
the 'dirt' road that had turned to mostly mud. "Man, this is getting 
lame."
He stated as he started to walk beside the road, on the grass.
 
" Yeah." Misty agreed, joining him. At least the side of the roads were
flat. And the path though the woods was fairly wide.
 
After about what seemed like hours of walking they finally decided to 
take a
break.
 
Ash jumped on a rather large rock and laid back on it. "Aah.... We've 
been
walking for such a long time. It feels good to stretch.
 
Misty sat next to the rock and leaned against it. " Yeah, and the sun 
has
already dried up most of the water." Ash nodded from his place high on 
the
rock.
 
"I wouldn't get to comfortable if I were you."
 
Ash sat up. "Huh? who's there!?"
 
"To cover the world in devastation!"
 
"To control all people within this nation!"
 
"To announce the evils of truth and love!"
 
"To rule everything under the stars above."
 
"Jessie!
 
"James!"
 
"Team rocket moves at the speed of light!"
 
"Surrender now or die in the fight!"
 
"Meowth! that's right!"
 
A Jiggly puff heard the commotion and decided to see what was going on.
 
Ash jumped off the rock and landed next to a now standing Misty. "Who 
are
you?! what do you want?"
 
"Were Team Rocket." James said, smiling. "We want you Pokémon."
 
" Well ya can't have them!"
 
"Wanna bet?" Jessie snarled and grasped some Pokéballs from her belt.
 
"No." James waved his hand in front of her. " I want to battle him, you 
take
the girl."
 
Jessie growled but soon followed his order, throwing out an Ekans, a
Sandslash, and an Porygon.
 
Misty frowned and grasped three of her own Pokéballs. "Misty calls... 
Staru,
Stamie, and Horse sea!"
 
"Ekans, take the Seadra with an bite attack! Sandslash, use Fury swipes 
on
the Starmie, Porygon Tri attack!"
 
"Staru, counter with tackle! Starmie Hydro Pump, Horsea agility!"
 
The attacks clashed and the battle contined, each trainer calling out 
their
attacks.
 
 ~**~
 
James smirked at Ash. "One on one. I can take you, any day." He grabbed 
a
Pokéball and threw it "Go..... MAROWAK!"
 
Ash looked sideways at Pikachu, who was on his backpack. " Can you take
that?"
 
"Chu, Chu." It shook its head.
 
"All right then," Ash glared at James. "I choose you, CATERPIE!"
 
Jame's face fell. "A CATERPIE!?"
 
"Caterpie, string shot!"
 
"pprreee!" white sticky silk shot from its mouth.
 
James regained himself. "Marowak, catch it with your bone and slam it 
into
the ground!"
 
"Wak!" The Marowak did just that. A flip of the wrist and the sticky 
silk
was wrapped around it's bone and it leaped into the air, taking a very
surprised Caterpie with it.
 
"Caterpie, cut the silk!" Ash barked, but it was to late. The Marowak 
reared
back and slung the Caterpie into the ground. "Shit!"
 
James glared. "Form the sky boomerang! Hit it while its down!"
 
"HEY!" Ash glared. "That's low! Caterpie move!"
 
The bone smashed into the ground were The bug had been seconds before.
 
"Caterpie, Tackle it!" The small bug complied and hit the Marowak just 
as it
came down, making it double over. "Tackle again!"
 
"pre!" it replied and pushed forward, knocking the Marowak back in 
front of
Jame's feet.
 
" Dammit!" James cursed. "Return Marowak." The beam his the injured 
Pokémon
and it was recalled.
 
"HA!" Ash yelled in triumph. "I won!"
 
"Not so fast, brat!" James yelled as he grasped another Pokéball "Go
Hitmonchan!" The red flashed and the Pokémon appeared.
 
"Huh?" Ash took out his Pokédex and pointed it.
 
"Hitmonchan," The Pokédex stated in a mechanic voice. " A fighting 
Pokémon.
When apparently doing nothing, it is actually punching faster that the 
eye
can see."
 
"Crap!" Ash yelled. "Return Caterpie!" the beam hit the tired bug and 
it was
recalled. "Go Pikachu!" Ash pointed at the Hitmonchan and Pikachu ran 
out
along his arm and jumped off the end. "Shock it!"
 
"Ka-CHU!"
 
"Hitmonchan, mega punch!"
 
"mon chan!"
 
The fighting Pokémon glowed, then lunged at the electric mouse, ready 
to
knock it out.
 
Ash got an idea. "Hey, Pikachu! Make the electricity around your body
instead of shooting it! Thunder shield!"
 
"Chu!" Pikachu replied, smiling as he charged up a second before 
getting hit
by Hitmonchan.
 
FLASH! a large electric explosion followed the two hitting and blinded
everyone for a second. When they could see again Pikachu was knocked 
back a
few feet, face down, While Hitmonchan was laying on it's back, still
sparking with electricity.
 
James' mouth hung open as he saw what happened. "U...Unbelievable! It 
can
make moves up.... just like that?"His face scowled and he angrily 
recalled
his Hitmonchan. "Jessie! We can't beat it like this! Get ready!"
 
 ~**~
 
Misty yelled as Horse hit the ground. Staru was already out and 
Starmie was
hanging on by a thread. On the other hand Sandslash was taken out 
rather
quickly and Porygon fell soon after that. the Ekans glared meanly at 
the
water Pokémon until it heard a voice.
 
"Return Ekans!" Jessie shouted as she heard James.
 
"Wha..?" Misty asked unbelievably. She was about to loose......
 
 ~**~
 
James' face grew red with anger. "If we can't beat you.. then we'll get 
rid
of you.!" He grasped a red Pokéball from his belt. "GO KOFFING! Sludge
attack!...." Ash was about to tell his Pikachu to dodge it when James
pointed at him. "On the trainer!"
 
"WHAT?!" Ash cried right before being his in the face by a dark 
substance,
then..... everything went black.
 
"Ash!" Misty cried and ran over to Ash's side, who was now on the 
ground,
covering his eyes.
 
" I can't see!" Ash yelled, still holding his eyes. "I can't see 
anything!"
He started yelling frantically, rubbing his eyes.
 
Misty grabbed his hands. "Don't rub! You'll make it worse!
 
Jessie ran over to James and pointed to the trainers. "Koffing, smoke
screen!"
 
James pointed out into the battle field. "Meowth, grab Pikachu in the 
rubber
bag!"
 
"Meowth!"
 
"Pikachu return!" Misty cried when she heard what was happening.
 
Pikachu's ears perked up and the smoke hit them, making them cough and
blinding Misty temporarily.
 
"Gotcha!" Meowth exclaimed happily.
 
"Team rocket wins again!" James yelled triumphantly as the trio ran off 
into
some nearby woods.
 
 ~**~
 
The smoke finally cleared and Misty and Ash stopped their coughing 
fits.
"Did they get Pikachu?" Misty asked, coughing one last time, opening 
her
eyes to see the smoke thinning.
 
Ash coughed again and shook his head roughly. "He's right here." He 
pushed u
p from the ground to reveal Pikachu, who had ran over to them when it
heard Misty call it back and saw the smoke.
 
A black tear hit the ground. "I can't see." Ash cried. another black 
tear
fell.
 
Misty's face turned sympathetic. "Come on, lets wash it out." she said
gently, helping ash to his feet and putting an arm around him. " I 
think I
heard a stream nearby."
 
Ash nodded and shut his eyes tighter, letting more tears fall to the 
ground.
"hurry." his voice caught in his thought. "It hurts so bad.... It 
burns."
 
"chu...." Pikachu tugged at Ash's jeans softly, Ash looked down at it 
and
Pikachu cringed. Ash's face was covered by a dark liquid and it was 
dripping
onto his shirt. "ka..."
 
They made their way though the forest in search of some water, Misty 
lead
the way with her arm around Ash's waist and his around her shoulder. 
She
encouraged his gently as they walked with Pikachu by their sides.
 
  ~**~
 
James took a deep breath as he jumped i n their hot air balloon,
followed By Jessie and Meowth. " We made it." he gasped and shot Jessie 
a
winning look.
 
"Yeah." She agreed, equally as tired. They had been running for a 
little
over ten minuet at top speed, dodging branches and whatever got in 
their
way.
 
"and now... the prize." Meowth dropped the bag onto the floor.
 
"jiggly!"
 
"huh?"
 
"what?"
 
"Meowth?"
 
 Jessie opened the bag and dumped it out. A Jiggly puff fell. " Jiggly
puff?"
 
James hit Meowth. "You grabbed the wrong freaken Pokémon you dumb cat!"
 
Meowth glared at James and slashed his face. "you did the smokescreen!"
 
James held his cut cheek and glared daggers a the cat when he felt 
blood run
though his hands.
 
"jiggly puff puff puff!" The Jiggly puff jumped out of the balloon and 
ran.
 
Jessie sighed. "The boss isn't going to be pleased." She pulled a cord 
and
they lifted up into the air.
 
 ~**~
"Just bend down a little more." Misty couched gently.
 
"pi, Pikachu." Pikachu offered from the sidelines.
 
They were all kneeling in front of a small creek letting Ash wash his 
eyes
out. Ash gingerly scooped u pa handful of water and brought it to his 
face
and rubbed it. Misty's face showed sorrow when all she saw was black 
murky
water fall. Ash repeated this process many times until the water was 
clear
once again.
 
Ash slowly opened his eyes and saw the creek in front of him. He 
blinked and
dipped his face into the pond and blinked repeatedly, resisting the 
urge to
rub his eyes. After he couldn't hold his breath any longer he pulled 
his
head back out and wipe his eyes and face dry.
 
"Well.....?" Misty asked.
 
Ash grinned. " I can see."
 
Misty smiled. "Good! Now you can continue your journey. I was worried 
for a
while there."
 
Ash smirked and petted Pikachu, who was hugging his leg. "I had to go 
on. I
still owe you a bike remember?" He winked.
 
"That's right!" Misty said, almost forgetting what he was talking 
about.
"M-my bike yeah! I'll follow you till you pay it back.
 
Pikachu smiled.
 
 ~**~
 
"Who were those guys anyway?" Ash asked as they walked back down the 
path
were they originally were.
 
"Pikachu."
 
"Team Rocket. That's what they said.
 
"Hey," Ash's brain remembered something. "I heard about them in 
viridian!
They're Pokémon thieves."
 
Misty nodded. "That sounds familiar. I think I heard the same thing."
 
"Ka chu!" Pikachu hopped down from Ash's head and began to take the 
lead.
 
"Huh? where we going Pikachu?" Ash asked his first Pokémon turned best
friend.
 
"Chu Chu Pikachu!" The small electric mouse ran off the road and 
stopped at
the tree line, pointing at the bushes.
 
"hm? What's going on Pikachu?" Misty walked over to where he was and 
knelt
down. "hmmmm."
 
Ash knelt down on the other side of Pikachu and raced his hand into the 
bush
and plucked something. "Hey! Blueberries!" Ash eat the small berry he 
picked
and munched it thoughtfully. "And ripe to! I didn't think they could 
still
be up when it gets this cold."
 
Misty nodded and picked some for herself.
 
"Pi! CHA! Pi Pi Pi!!!" Pikachu cried and he took a lower branch and 
shook
it, makeing most of them fall. He sat down and picked up a berry and 
munched
on it happily.
 
"Good move pikachu. " Ash praised. " he shook some more branches and 
sat
next to him, petting his head twice before taking a handful and popping 
them
in his mouth.
 
Misty took a seat for herself and the trio had a small break and eat 
their
snack.
 
 ~*a few minuets later*~
 
"That was good!" Ash smiled. "So. what time is it?" He looked up at the 
sun.
"Seems about five or so. We've been walking that long?"
 
" No, its just you. " Misty answered him sarcastically. "Of course 
we've
been walking that long!"
 
Ash chose not to answer and stood up. There was a mountain region not 
that
far away that he wanted to get to before dark. "Lets go." he stated and
lifted Pikachu up and sat him on his back. Pikachu made himself 
comfortable.
 
Misty pushed herself to her feet. "All right." she nodded and they 
walked
toward the mountain that was just at the horizon.
 
 ~*an hour or so later*~
 
The trio stood in front of the mountain. It was twilight and they saw 
no way
into the mountain. "Guess we'll have to camp."
 
Misty nodded and Pikachu hopped down
 
"Your turn to get firewood." Ash stated as he unlatched his sleeping 
bag
from his backpack. "I got it last time."
 
Misty walked a few feet into the forest, muttering under her breath 
about
how the man should do it, but went into the woods regardless.
 
"So, Pikachu, how are you feeling? you took a pretty bad punch a back
there." Ash started a conversation as he set up camp for the night.
 
"Pika Pika Pika."
 
Ash nodded and laughed. It would be a while before he could understand 
him.
"Show me again how you beat him." Ash asked smugly.
 
Pikachu went though a routine of playing both Hitmonchan and himself, 
ending
it off with a small thunder shock. Ash laughed most of the way though,
mainly at Pikachu's silly expressions.
 
Pikachu smiled and scampered around the camp, sniffing random things to 
get
a feel for their home for the night.
 
Misty came back a couple of minuets later with a handful of twigs and a 
few
logs. "Here." She dumped them on the ground. "Enjoy." She walked back 
out
into the woods.
 
Pikachu looked at Ash, who looked back at him. "What's eating her?"
 
"Chu."
 
 ~**~
 
Ash eat his canned food slowly, starring into the fire.
 
"Ka?"
 
"Pikachu's right," Misty said as she looked over the fire at Ash. 
"you've
been quiet a long time. Something wrong?"
 
Ash sighed. "I'm worried that Team Rocket might try to capture Pikachu
again."
 
Misty nodded. " They might.... but I doubt they will try again today."
 
Ash nodded. "All right." He went back to eating.
 
Pikachu munched on his Pokéchow thoughtfully. No one would take him he
decided. Pikachu nodded to himself and finished his meal and turned in 
for
the night, letting the two trainers talk about random things.
 
 ~**~
 
Chapter 2
"Clefairy's tale"
 
It was already Ten o' clock before Ash and Misty had woken up. 
Surpriseingly
they hadn't said much to each other in the
morning. Just woke up, packed their things and left. They began walking
about Ten thirty and already it was past noon. All day
they had been walking around the mountain, trying to find a way in. 
Many
rummers came from this place and both wanted to
find out what was true and what wasn't. One of the rummers that Ash 
wanted
to find out about was the Clefairy. It was said
that the Clefairy were only seen around this part of Japan.
 
"Were never going to find a way in." Ash sighed. " We've been walking 
for
hours, and still no sigh of the--"
 
"Clefairy."
 
Ash turned his head to were he heard the noise. There, standing no more 
than
than twelve paces from him stood the object of
his desire. "Clefairy." Ash stated calmly. Pikachu jumped from Ash's 
pack
and stared at the Pokémon not far from them. Ash
never took his eyes off of it. He memorized every detail about it. He 
knew
they were rare, and to think! he saw one. He sighed
easily and slowly made his way to his Pokébelt to grab a green ball.
Superballs are what the professor called them. They were
ment to capture stronger or more valuable Pokémon. The ball made a 
clicking
sound as it was unclasped and the Clefairy
looked right at them. "Just..... stay there." Ash prayed to himself as 
he
gave the ball a slight twist. The ball grew to the size of his
hand and he gripped it readily.
 
"Clef?"
 
"GO!" Ash threw the ball and zapped the clefairy into it. It shook
violently. A standard Pokéball would of broken in half by
now. But this was normal ball. It was a super ball. It continued to 
shake.
Ash held his breath and felt Pikachu do the same. The
ball stopped, but shook again after a second. It seemed to rest and 
wait for
something, but what? The ball stopped again. Ash
was about to claim his prize but the Super ball broke open and shot 
back at
Ash, who caught it. "Dangit! and I was so close
to!"
 
The Clefairy ran.
 
"After it!" Ash yelled. He, Pikachu, and Misty leapt after it, jumping 
logs
and dodging branches from any tree that was near.
The Clefairy seemed to favor the open area by the mountain. Ash grinned 
to
himself. It looked like he would get into the
mountain after all. He continued to run, jumping a root every now and 
then
until the Clefairy took a sharp right turn, into the
mountain. Ash grit his teeth and skidded, dust flying from his sudden 
stop.
A second later Misty appeared next to him
,breathing heavily.
 
"There." Ash pointed. It was a cave. Darkness emitted from it, daring 
anyone
to try and enter.
 
Misty looked at Ash. He was determined. She saw it in his eyes. She 
silently
nodded and they made their way into the cave.
Ash led them with Pikachu by his side. Misty chose to stay behind them, 
just
in case something came up. Ash would protect
her. She knew it.
 
The cave got darker as they walked further in. "Pikachu," Ash began 
"Can you
use flash?"
 
"Pi." Pikachu began to glow a dull yellow. It wasn't very much but it 
still
helped. They traveled slowly, observing every passage
the Clefairy could go through. Silence hung over them as they walked. 
The
only sounds that they heard were unsteady drops of
water and the clicking of their shoes on the ground. Already they found 
many
passages and paths they could go through but
Pikachu led on, following a scent.
 
"Nniiiixxxxxxxx....."
 
Misty walked closer to Ash. " What was that?"
 
"I don't know." He answered, looking around. They had stopped. 
Pikachu's
glow was steadily getting brighter as he learned
more about how the Flash ability was used. The strange sound repeated
itself, sounding closer. "I have a bad feeling about this."
Ash called calmly. "I think we better run.... now." He grabbed Misty's 
hand
and ran as fast as he could go, Pikachu already
ahead of them.
 
Misty blushed when she felt Ash grab her hand, but quickly put it aside 
as
an Onix crashed into the rock next to them. She
screamed and felt Ash pull her. He began to run. Misty tripped a few 
times
but quickly found the pace and ran by Ash, still
grasping his hand, tighter now. Her breath became ridged and her legs
started to feel heavier but they continued to run. the
Onix was chasing them.
 
"Pikachu! Which way?!" Ash cried desperately. His fear had doubled 
since
they began running. The narrow tunnels did nothing
to slow the Onix down.
 
"Pika, Pi-Chu!" Pikachu took a left and Ash followed. The ground shook 
as
the Onix slammed into the wall that separated the
tunnels, breaking it. They continued to run. Ash's legs felt like they 
were
on fire as pain ripped through them. Looking down he
saw blood seeping through his jeans. A shard of rock cut him.
 
They continued to run as the Onix continued to chase. Ash's eyes grew 
tired
and he knew he'd die if he passed out now. "We
have to fight it." He said as they rounded another tunnel, this time 
running
into a dead end. The Onix slid once more and
crashed into the stone wall, breaking it. This time however, not only 
the
wall broke...... but the roof as well. Without thinking
twice Ash grabbed Misty, tripped her, and fell on top of her, gripping
Pikachu. The rocks fell and Blissful blackness came.
 
 ~**~
 
"Ash? Its time to get up."
 
Ash opened his eyes. He saw May, Gary's sister. "Hello May... how's 
your
brother?"
 
May giggled. "Forget Gary. Your my new brother now. So you have to wake 
up
when I tell you to." She pinched his cheek.
 
Blackness came again
 
 ~**~
 
Ash felt someone Pinch his cheek. He felt dead. He had a migraine that 
could
only mean he was hit in the head. His legs hurt
and he could feel blood running through his eyes. He slowly came 
concise.
".......huh.?" Even talking hurt him. Ash slowly
opened his eyes and Saw a Clefairy. The same Clefairy that he had tried 
to
capture not to long ago. " Clefairy? how....? My
head..." The Clefairy let go of Ash's cheek and he sat up, putting his 
hands
to his head. He realized he was surrounded by
Clefairy. "What's....... going on?" His head spun.
 
"So, your finally awake." Ash turned to the sound of the voice, and saw 
a
huge Clefairy with a man's face.
 
"AAH!!! A Killer Cannibal Clefairy!" Ash yelled as he pointed.
 
"Pi-CHU!" Pikachu cried from beside him.
 
The Clefairy's surrounding them looked at each other oddly. "I'm 
human!! I'm
human!!" The giant Clefairy yelled, pulling off a
mask, revealing a guy with white hair, spiked, and a scar on his right
cheek. The other Clefairy smiled and rings of 'Clefairy'
sounded.
 
Ash shook his head very slowly. "I'm sorry.... I can't see straight." 
He
looked around slowly. He was in a fairly large room. By
the way the walls were he could tell that he was still in the mountain.
"What's going on? I should be dead." He ran he back of
his arm above his eyes to wipe away the blood that was running into his 
eye.
He blinked a few times then looked at his body.
His right arm had bandages on it, slightly red. His right leg was 
tightly
bound and he could tell it was still bleeding, despite the
bandage. From the feel of his hair he could guess he had more bandages
there. Pikachu was at his side, a little beaten up but
otherwise unhurt.
 
"The clefairy saved you." The man told him. "Your lucky I happen to be 
here.
Otherwise you'd be dead." The man helped Ash
to stay sitting up. "Call me Leon. I'm a scientist here. Me and the 
Clefairy
have become quite good friends. We saved you"
 
"H-how am I alive? I remember rocks..... Rocks hit me." Ash coughed,
disappointed he tasted blood. ' must of bit my tongue
or something... maybe internal bleeding'
 
"The Clefairy used a special technique called the Metronome. Watch." 
Leon
pointed in front of them and saw one of the
Clefairy lift it's finger and a huge boulder raised in the air.
 
Ash nodded slowly. "Okay.... After the rocks... Pikachu.. Misty." Ash's 
eyes
widened as he remembered the girl. "Misty!
Where's Misty?"
 
Strong hands held him still by his shoulders. Ash felt a twinge of pain 
and
held his breath. He felt like he was going to pass out.
"hey.. Stay calm. your in no condition to get worked up. The girl is 
safe.
She came out rather unhurt, edsept he leg got
scratched pretty bad. I sent her to a town not far away. She should be 
back
soon with more medical supplies. You know, "He
leaned closer. "After you protected her like that she wasn't to eager 
to
leave. You her boyfriend or something?"
 
Ash blushed and looked away. "I don't feel good. I think I need to lie 
back
down."
 
"Of course Of course." Leon replied, moving so he could lie down. "You 
rest
up ,you hear? I'll be back around later to see if
you can hold down some dinner."
 
"Dinner?" Ash laid back down and realized he was actually in a 
makeshift bed
of some sort. "Was I out that long?" A nod. Ash
rest his head on the pillow and the dull aching of his wounds seemed to 
fade
as he came ever closer to peaceful slumber. The
last sound he head was that of Pikachu playing with the Clefairy, 
asking
them if they knew if It's trainer would be okay.
 
 ~**~
 
"Ash?............. Ash, are you okay?"
 
Ash slowly came back to the world of the living. His leg and arm still 
hurt
but the pain in his head had subsided somewhat. He
was vaguely aware of someone holding his left hand. He tried to open 
his
eyes but failed miserably. Instead he let out a groan.
 
"Ash.... Can you hear me?"
 
The voice again. It sounded familiar. Misty? Yes it was Misty. She had 
come
back for him. Where did she go? He racket his
mind to remember. ' That's right. The rocks. The rocks hit us.  ' Ash 
opened
his eyes. "...Misty?"
 
Misty smiled as he opened his eyes. "Oh, Ash.... I was afraid you 
wouldn't
wake up again. Your really hurt... Why did you do
that?" Misty gripped his hand a little harder as a tear came to her 
eye.
 
" Do what?" He asked in a tired voice. "I can't remember much... its 
all a
fog..."
 
Misty chuckled softly. "Oh, Ash..." She ran her hand though his matted 
hair.
"You saved my life. Thank you."
 
A nod. ' that's right,' he thought to himself ' I pushed her out of the
way.... the rocks hit me instead of her. Why did I do that? It
just felt... right somehow. ' He coughed lightly and Misty put a small 
cup
of water in front of him.
 
"Here. Drink." Ash did as he was told and sipped a small amount of the
offered water. She was rewarded with a smile.
 
 Ash's eyes began to close again. "Misty, I'm going back to sleep." He
squeezed her hand lightly when he saw the look in her
eyes. " I'll be okay," he voice was still raspy and tired. " Just take 
care
of Pikachu until I'm back." Misty nodded and Ash fell
back asleep.
 
 ~**~
' Where am I? ' Ash asked himself. All around was blackness. A small 
bluish
white light was far ahead of him. Ash was clad in
a solid Black shirt and pants, with a dark very dark red belt around 
his
waist. A black cloak was around him, clasped in the
front with a golden locket. His hair was a little past his shoulders 
and He
felt a familiar weight of Pikachu on his shoulder.
 
"So, Your awake." A voice called from no where and everywhere at once.
 
"Who are you?" Ash automatically asked. His voice sounded differnt.....
older. "What do you want from me!?" the voice
echoed around him as he yelled.
 
"You'll find out soon enough, Shadow Master."
 
Somehow Ash knew what the voice was saying. "Who are you!?"
 
"Good-bye."
 
The world faded out.
 ~**~
 
Ash sat straight up in his bed, gasping. ' what's going on? ' his mind 
asked
him. ' what WAS that? '
He looked around in the darkness. The cave he was in seemed to glow a 
dull
green. He never knew how the light got there, but
he didn't complain.
 
Misty was sleeping next to his bed in her sleeping bag. Pikachu was 
right
next to him, sleeping on his pillow. He shivered, his
body was covered in sweat. Ash slowly slid out of the 'bed' he was in 
and
stood up, grimacing at the pain in his sore leg. He
realized he no longer was wearing a shirt. Now bandages were wrapped 
around
his chest and stomic.
 
Ash gengerly unwrapped them. He saw small cuts all along his sides and 
could
guess there were more on his back. The
bandage was fairly new, it wasn't coated in blood as the other had. He
stretched and felt the cuts almost re-open. "Ack...." Ash
bit his lip to keep from yelling. 'smooth move, moron. ' He scolded 
himself.
 
He made his way over to his backpack and rooted through it for a clean
shirt. Finding a towel, he wiped the sweat off his face
but he couldn't find the shirt he usually slept in. Shrugging, he 
pulled out
another one, makeing sure not to hurt himself anymore
by moving his muscles more than necessary. ' I should heal by 
morning......
at least enough to move around freely. ' Ash slid on
his sweat pants, making not about how cold it gets in the night. 
Although
trying to be quiet the inevible happed..... Misty woke
up.
 
" HM? Ash?" Misty sat up and looked at him. "What are you doing?" She 
asked,
her voice a whisper.
 
Ash kneeled next to her. "Just go to sleep." He whispered to her. "I 
feel
alot better. Tomorrow we'll be able to go on."
 
"Ash?"
 
"Yes?"
 
"I took one of your shirts, mine were all dirty, hope you don't mind."
 
Ash smiled in the dark. "No... Not at all. Goodnight, Misty."
 
"Good night, Ash..... Sweet dreams."
 
' I hope.' Ash's mind told him. "You to, Misty... you to...."
 
 ~**~
 
Ash woke up around seven by his internal clock. He sat up slowly, 
making
sure not to hurt himself. Surprised by the lack of
pain he looked down at his arm and leg, seeing the cuts scabbed over- 
mostly
forgotten. He grinned and got out of bed,
stepping on the cold hard floor. He saw Leon on another bed with two or
three Clefairy next to him.
 
Ash looked around, seeing the cave was brighter than last night. ' 
There
must be a place where sunlight can get through. ' he
thought. Seeing Misty next to his bag made him stop. He kneeled down to
inspect her closer. Her lips were a soft pink and were slightly
parted for her breathing. Her hair seemed to highlight her face. It was
hanging over her eyes, slightly around her cheeks. She
smiled and brushed it out of her face.
 
He thought about what had happened to him the last week or so. He had 
been
chased by Fearows, Caught four Pokémon,
gotten a badge, made a friend..... and met Misty. He knew that there 
were
feelings for her, he just hadn't figured out what it
was yet. Ash sat down and observed her. He took in every detail. The 
redness
of her hair. The softness of her skin. The way
she laid, almost like she wanted something there with her. Like she 
needed
something. Ash wasn't sure how long he sat there. It
didn't matter to him. Something he had to figure out. Did he have a 
crush on
her? Ash looked deep within himself. He had just
met her no more than a week ago. How could he have feelings for her?
 
" Ash....?"
 
She wasn't awake. Was that his name she just said? Ash blinked. 
Maybe...
just maybe he did care for her. Maybe later it could
bloom into something more, maybe love. Ash closed his eyes and made a 
vow
that he would always protect her, from anything
that could hurt her. Until he died. And he didn't plan on dieng anytime
soon.
 
(Authors not: Yeah, I also think that "PikaPi" stands for "Ash")
 
"PikaPi?" Ash looked up and saw his Pikachu standing on his bed, 
looking at
him. "Chu? Pikachu, Pi?" It hopped down from
the bed and walked over to Ash, walking all the way around him. "PI!" 
It
shouted and hugged Ash's leg. "PikaPi, Chu
chu,Pika!"
 
Ash smiled and picked his best friend up and scratched his ears. "Wanna 
know
a secret, Pikachu?" Ash whispered.
 
"Pi?"
 
"I think I'm starting to like her more than just a friend...."
 
"Cha?"
 
"Yeah, don't tell her though, all right?"
 
"PikaPika."
 
 ~**~
 
"So, your up and about, huh?" The voice belonged to Leon.
 
Ash nodded. "Yes." He stood up. "Thanks for helping me."
 
"Don't mention it."
 
Ash looked back down at Misty.
 
"You really like her don't you?" Leon quired.
 
Ash nodded. "I think I do."
 
"Does she know?"
 
"No."
 
"Pi." Pikachu pointed towards Misty. She was waking up.
 
"hhhnnnmmm?" Misty sat up and rubbed her eyes. "Ash? Your up?" She saw 
Leon.
"Hello, Leon. Good morning."
 
Leon nodded at her.
 
"So," Ash asked no one in particular. "What now?"
 
" I have someone who is coming to visit." Leon said, tending to the 
waking
Clefairys. "Were going to have a special ceremony
tonight. Why don't you join us? "
 
Ash looked at Misty and shrugged. "Sure, Its probably best that I stay 
in
one place for another day. Might help me heal a little
faster.
 
Misty nodded. "Who's this 'friend' ?"
 
 ~**~
 
"BILL!!? BILL WERE OVER HERE!" Leon yelled outside the cave. Ash had 
just
found out they were just a turn from
another opening of the Mountain. That's why it had been lighter in the
morning.
 
"Leon? That you? you've changed." Bill climbed up the side of the 
mountain
and stood in front of Leon. He was about five foot
nine and had dark blue hair and emerald green eyes. He only came to 
Leon's
chin though. " Long time no see, pal."
 
Leon nodded. "There are some friends I want you to meet."
 
"Oh?" They walked back into the cave. No sooner than Bill walked in 
then all
the Clefairy around jumped onto him and gave
him a hug. "Hello. Clefairy," He addressed them "You all look happy 
today."
 
Shouts of 'clefairy' rang through the cave.
 
"Hey."
 
Leon looked up after he sat down the Last Clefairy. He saw a man in his
teens who was wearing a short sleeve tee shirt and
dirty jeans. A Pokémon league hat was on his head. Standing next to him 
was
a girl who also looked in her teens. Red hair fell
a little past her shoulders. She was wearing a cut off red shirt and 
baggy
jeans. They looked almost comical standing next to
each other. "Hello. Who might you be?"
 
"This," Leon pointed to Ash. "Is Ash. He had an accident here a couple 
days
ago and has stayed with me until he recoved from
it.
 
"Nice to meet you." Leon extended his hand and found the boy had a nice
grip, especially if he was hurt.
 
"And the lovely lady next to him is Misty, his girlfriend."
 
"I'm not his girlfriend." Misty stated but held out her hand anyway.
 
Leon kissed her hand and bowed, waving his hand in front of him
dramatically. " 'Tiss a pleasure, mam."
 
"Ooohh," Misty cooed. "So romantic." She looked over at Ash. "Why don't 
you
ever do anything like that?"
 
Ash looked confused. "What? Kiss you?" The remark got him a hard but 
playful
slap on his head.
 
"Are the Clefairy ready?" Bill asked, ignoring the two.
 
"Yeah. We'll start tonight at six. In the mean time, lets eat Lunch, 
shall
we?"
 
 ~* that night.... *~
 
Ash stepped over another branch and ducked under a tree. His legs ached 
but
they were ignored. He had feathers attached to
his hat by a band and three feathers were attached to his jeans. A 
stone
necklace hung from his neck with a strange blue gem
hanging from it. Red marks were across his face. He almost looked like 
an
indian.
 
Misty was behind him, wearing feathers attached to the right side of 
her
jeans, opposed of Ash's left. Two blue marks were
under each of her eyes. Pikachu was in between the two. he had a red 
band
across his head that had two feathers sticking out
of the back of it. Bill and Leon led the way with the clefairy not to 
far in
front of them. Each having the same feathers and marks
of the rest.
 
boom boom boom.
 
Drums were heard as they approached an open field. Ash was amazed at 
what he
saw. At least sixty Clefairy were there. Four
of which were sitting by a fire, talking.
 
Bill led them to a large flat stone sitting vertical on the ground. The
group leaned against it and watched the small festival before
them. "Every year." Bill began. "The Clefairy gather here to evolve. 
Only
the bravest Clefairy choose to evolve. Unlike other
Pokémon the Clefairy don't get and significantly stronger. They leave 
the
safety of the mountain to explore the world."
 
"Wow." Ash watched amazed as many of the Clefairy did a dance around 
the
fire to the beat of the drums.
 
One of the four Clefairy stood and walked over to Bill.
 
"Its time. My blessing." He picked up a smooth clear rock beside him 
and
dropped it on The Pokémon's head.
 
"Clefable!" The Pokémon cried as it evolved. Ash was speechless. This 
was
the first evolution he had ever seen.
 
"It is very rare to see the Clefairy evolve. Almost no one has ever 
seen
what you are witnessing. A great honor." Leon picked
up a stone next to him and placed it on the Clefairy in front of him. 
"My
blessing."
 
A white flash appeared and the Pokémon grew. "Clefabllllllleeeee."
 
The third Clefairy walked over to Ash and Pikachu. "Your the Clefairy 
who
saved me, arn't you?" Ash asked it. It nodded. Ash
smiled. "This is a great honor. " He took the stone offered by Bill. " 
This
is my blessing to you." Ash placed the stone onto its
head, watching it evolve at his touch.
 
"Clefable!"
 
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said, smiling.
 
The last of the four walked over to Misty.
 
" This means alot to me. I wish you luck on your journey." She took a 
stone
from Ash and placed it on the Clefairy's head. "My
blessing." Again another flash and another Clefable appeared.
 
The four flew into the air above the fire and waved to everyone. Then 
they
preceded on with their lives.
 
boom boom boom...... The drums got slower as they flew away. It would 
be
another year before they would do this again. The
ceremony had touched each of their hearts.
 
 ~**~
 
" You can drop us off here." Ash said as he jumped out of the back of a
truck. Misty landed next to him and Pikachu jumped
on his shoulder. "Thanks for the ride."
 
Bill waved him off. "Don't mention it. I enjoyed meeting you, Ash, 
Misty,
Pikachu. I was glad we could share last night with
you."They all nodded and Leon waved. "C-ya kids, take care of 
yourselfs."
The truck pulled away and went down the road. "You
know, Leon?"
 
"Yeah, Bill?
 
"That kid looks different somehow, ever since the Evolution ceremony."
 
"Maybe a great weight was lifted off his shoulder, just like the
Clefairy's..."
 
"Yeah... maybe.. Just maybe....."
 
End chapter 2
Chapter 3
"Play Misty for me."
 
" Where are We, Ash?" Misty wined. It had been a week since the 
ceremony.
Ash had won battles, Caterpie evolved into
Metapod, and Team rocket hasn't been heard from since last attack 
before
Mount moon. All in all its been very relaxing, other
than the fact that they were lost again.
 
"Shut up." Ash growled. "Were not lost, and I know were were going. 
Cerulean
City should be around here somewhere..."
 
"C.... Cerulean!? Why are we going there?!" Misty panicked. She didn't 
want
to fight Ash yet.... She didn't even want him to
know she was a water master!
 
" Well the Pewter badge was fairly easy to get... Pikachu should be 
able to
fry and Water Pokémon through at at! Right
Pikachu?"
 
"CHA!" Pikachu put his tiny fist up in a fighting position and rabbit
punched the air.
 
Misty's face grew red, rather from anger of dissing her water Pokémon 
or
from the fact he was probably right, she couldn't tell.
"Fine then, we'll see." She sniffed.
 
Ash didn't know why she got upset all of a sudden. ' must be that 
time..' he
thought o himself. Pikachu seemed to read his mind
and nodded.
 
They walked for what seemed like hours before the came to an 
intersection. a
sign told them Cerulean was to the right, and
Celedon to the left.
 
"Ash, lets go to Celedon, all rihgt? I don't want to go to Cerulean."
 
"Why not?
 
Misty looked down. "I just don't."
 
Ash put his arm around her and led her down the Path to Cerulean. 
"Ahhh, it
won't be that bad! RElax. We'll be out of there
before you know it! I'll just step in, fry the 'master' there and we'll 
be
on our way!"
 
Misty shoved his hand away from her and stomped on ahead.
 
"Yup." ASh stated to Pikachu as he watched Misty's retreating figure.
"Definitely that time of Month."
 
"Pika." Pikachu nodded. They ran after her, staying behind Misty all 
the
way.
 
 ~**~
 
It was dark before Ash and his gang made it to Celedon. Spotlights 
roamed
the sky and lights lit up the area around it.
Misty, Ash, and Pikachu were standing on a hill, no more than a half 
mile
from the place. Misty hesitated as Ash walked
toward the town. ' I never wanted to come back to this place.... ' 
Misty
sobbed quietly.
 
Ash stood in front of the gym. The clear blue doors beckoned to him. 
Ash
swallowed a lump in his thought. This would be his
second badge if he won. He was slightly depressed because Misty had 
decided
to wait for him at The Pokécenter. Dismissing
it, her looked at the doors and prepared himself. "You ready, Pikachu?"
 
"Pikachu."
 
"Then lets go." He marched bravely to the door and opened it. The place 
was
an aquarium! Most of the walls were actually fish
tanks! Ash took in a breath in awe.
 
"Chhhuuuu...."
 
Ash smiled. this was going to be a good match after all if the gym 
leaders
could pull this off. "HELLO?! IS THERE ANYONE
HERE?!"
 
"May I help you?"
 
"Ugh? Oops." Ash bashfully walked over to the reception desk. "Uum.. 
sorry
'bout that. Got carried away I guess."
Ash put his hand behind his head and laughed nervously.
 
"Its quite all right young man. How may I help you?
 
Ash looked at the girl who was talking to him. She had long blond hair 
that
seemed to fall down to her waist like a waterfall.
Bright blue eyes seemed to sparkle in the lights. Ash blushed. 
"Um...... I
would like to battle the gym leader, please."
 
"Well aren't you the hunky little challenger?" Ash blushed deeper. 
"Violet,
Lilly, does either one of you have a moment to
spare?"
 
"Yes, Daisy?" Two girls walking by stopped to look at whoever addressed
them. "What can we do?"
 
Daisy looked at Ash. "I assume you'll want to battle at Cascade level?" 
Ash
nodded dumbly and Pikachu gave him a slight
shock.
"Would one of you battle this young trainer?"
 
"I could do it I guess." Violet shrugged.
 
"Can I? Let me, big sister! I haven't battled in a long time!" Lilly 
asked
enthusiastically.
 
"Please follow me, .....Ash." Daisy said as she looked at the clipboard 
Ash
had been filling out. "Right this way." She turned to
lead him to the battle arena.
 
"Hold it right there, Sis!"
 
Ash spun on his heels, hopping the voice didn't belong to who he 
thought it
did. He was wrong..... It did. Misty was calmly
walking toward him, her shoes making clicking noises as she walked. " 
You're
there sister?! Your kidding, right?"
 
"Hey, Misty!"
 
" Did ya actually capture a Pokémon or two?"
 
"We missed you!"
 
The three sisters hugged their younger sister.
 
"Your not kidding......" Ash looked down a this feet, not knowing to be
surprised at his or mad she never told him.
 
"Ash," Misty began, facing him. "You'll never forget.... The four 
sisters of
Cerulean!"
 
Ash looked at them. "You mean the three sisters, and the runt!
HAhahaha--OUCH!" Misty had slapped him.
 
Misty spun on her heels and walked toward the arena. Daisy, Lilly, and
Violet all looked at Ash, edspecting an answer. The
boy in question rubbed his cheek thoughtfully and followed her, 
choosing not
to look at the other sisters.
 
 ~**~
 
Ash stood on what seemed to be an iceberg in the middle of a swimming 
pool.
They had agreed to fight here erlier, after the
slapping incident. Misty was in front of him, on an adjacent iceberg 
now
clad in a solid black wet suit with the emblem of a
Pokémon master on the right side of her breast. Ash watched as she 
smoothed
out any air pockets i her suit while he thought. '
this isn't good. I don't have a single water Pokémon. What'll I do? 
Pikachu
can't handle four Pokémon on his own and I can't
even use Metapod now....' Ash watched as Misty stood and stretched. His 
eyes
glanced over her body, the skin tight suit she
was wearing didn't help much for his concentration. She bent over and 
leaped
on an Lapras and seemed to talk to the water.
Bringing her eyes back to Ash she found out he was still looking at 
her.
 
"Stop Starring!" She yelled and Ash blushed. Pikachu tugged at his 
jeans
playfully.
 
Splash! A huge Gyarados appeared before them, mean inches from where he 
was
standing. The beast's mouth closed way to
close to Ash's head for his comfort. The sudden surprise of the 
Gyarados and
the attacking made both Ash and Pikachu fall
back and get splashed by the water that arose when the Pokémon went 
back
into the water.
 
"Tha.. That was a dirty trick, Misty!" Ash lashed out angrily.
 
"Cchhhhuuuu..." Pikachu cowered inside of Ash's backpack that was now 
on the
ice.
 
"Listen, Ash." Misty called casually from the other side of the pool 
now.
"It was your decision to challenge us at our gym. You
should of thought things threw first." She put on Ash's cap.
 
"Huh? My hat?! when did you.....?" He put his hand on his head to find 
his
cap gone.
 
The Gyarados appeared next to Misty. "This was the first Pokémon I ever 
had.
Evolved from a Magicarp I caught. It'll follow
instructions as specific as 'Go get that guy's hat.' But you all you do 
is
pet and play with your Pokémon! How do edsept to gain
their respect like that?!' I tell you what, Ashy-boy, If you can get 
your
cap back.... The Cascade badge is yours."
 
"This'll be a snap!" Ash declared.
 
Misty's eyes narrowed. "Maybe if your Pokémon will do as there told!"
 
"Go FEAROW!" Ash ripped the ball from his belt and held it out in a way 
that
it could open from his hand. The Fearow
emerged a second afterwards...... sleeping. "Fearow! Wake up!" Ash 
yelled at
it, scared Misty was right. The Fearow on the
other hand flapped it's wings and perched up on a higher part of the
Iceberg, as if not to get wet.
 
"See?!" Misty taught. "They don't even obey you!"
 
"Fine!" Ash yelled at Fearow. "I can do this the ground way!" Ash 
turned and
pointed at Misty. "Pikachu! Get my hat back!"
.......................... "Pikachu?"
 
"Chu, Chu..." Pikachu was now half in, half out of Ash's backpack, 
shaking.
"Pikachu, Pikapi."
 
"Pikachu? What is there to be scared of? " Ash knelt down and drug out 
the
freighted Pokémon and hugged it.
 
"Pikapika." Pikachu's voice showed fear as it pointed to the water. 
Ash
looked and saw the glowing eyes of a Gyarados.
 
"Oh." Ash put Pikachu down and the scared mouse ran back into Ash's
backpack, turned around and stuck his head out to
make sure it didn't get him while he wasn't looking.
 
Ash gripped another Pokéball from his belt and held it out, releasing
Pidgeotto, only to have it come out empty. "huh?
Pidgeotto?!"
 
"Pikapi, Pika, ChuPi, Cha! Pikachu!"
 
Ash growled. "What do you mean Pidgeotto wanted to eat lunch?! I'm 
facing a
gym leader for crying out loud!"
 
"Chaaaaaaa." Pikachu covered his head with his tiny paws.
 
Ash looked at the ground in defeat. "Gosh..... All I got left is 
Metapod."
He released the cacooned Pokémon. "And leaving the
battle u pto it.... Won't do me any good."
 
"Chu,chu Pikachu." Pikachu offered.
 
"No." ASh Picked up Pikachu and hugged him. "I won't force you to 
fight,
Pikachu. Its all right. I guess I got a little full of
myself."
 
Misty hopped off her Lapras and onto an iceberg a couple of feet from 
Ash.
"Your finally getting it. You should thank me for
teaching you such a valuable lesson!"
 
"Geese, you don't have to rub it in, Misty. "Daisy called from the
sidelines.
 
"Oh, Gawd, Misty's started another one of her lectures... she'll go on 
for
hours!" Violet chimed in.
 
Lilly gasped. "Look at Metapod!"
 
"Huh?" Ash gasped as he saw the Metapod crack. "What's going on?"
 
"Its evolving!" Daisy gasped. " You are one lucky boy!
 
"Free, Twee!" The new Pokémon announced its presents.
 
"I got a Butterfree!" Ash leapt into the air in triumph. "Lets see...." 
He
pulled out his Pokédex and pressed a few buttons.
"What's ButterFree's best attack?" beep beep bleep! "That's it! 
Butterfree!
SLEEP POWDER! Spread is all over the pool!"
 
"Free!" The bug Pokémon flew around the arena, spraying everything with 
the
fine Powder.
 
"gwagg...gggnnggmmmmzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...." The Gyarados floated stomic
first to the top of the water, asleep.
 
"AAAAWWW!!! Gyarados!" Misty screamed, looking at her Pokémon.
 
"Go Pikachu!" Ash pointed and Pikachu climbed up Ash's pants, scrambled
around his jacket, and ran along his arm and
jumped off his hand.
 
"Pikachu!" He jumped toward Misty.
 
" I anticipated this!" Misty hollered, reaching back behind her. "Look
Pikachu!" She help out a rice ball. "Your favorite treat!"
She threw it away on another iceberg. Pikachu's eyes turned to hearts 
when
he saw this and he diverted his path to grab the
rice ball before it hit the water.
 
"A snack attack, huh?" Ash looked around and grabbed his backpack! 
"FEAROW!"
he threw something at Misty.
 
Something smacked Misty in the head. It was thick and squishy. She 
tenderly
lifted her hand to her head and felt what it was
and pulled her hand away to see what it was. Pokéchow. the kind Ash fed 
to
his--
 
"FEAROW!" The bird dived down and bit the food, taking the hat with it,
dropping it at Ash's feet as it was recalled.
 
"And the cap is mine!" Ash gave Misty a peace sign as he put it on. 
"Butter
free, you are one smooth bug!" He hugged the
Butterfree and got a face full of sleep powder. He hit the floor in a 
deep
peaceful sleep.
 
 ~**~
 
"I'm proud to present you the Cascade badge, Ash. " Daisy held out a 
small
blue badge that looked like a water droplet.
 
"No way!" Misty protested. "He won that by accident! If he becomes a 
master
this way..."
 
"He deserved it, Misty." Lilly told her gently. "And a part of becoming 
a
great trainer is to take advantage of good luck."
 
"Yeah. I guess....."
 
"Besides," Violet appeared behind Misty. "Aren't you being a little to 
hard
on him?"
 
"Wha.? What do you mean?" Misty turned red.
 
Daisy smiled. "You just might give your older sisters, "
 
"The Idea that a certain baby sister has a thing for younger men!"
 
"Oooooooohhhhhh.... I'm so scared!" ASh pretended to cower in fear.
 
"Are you out of your tiny little mind?!" She began shake him furiously,
while Ash hummed merrily to himself.
 
"Cha."
 
"They make a cute couple." Daisy commented as they three sisters left
 
"Yeah." violet agreed.
 ~**~
 
"Pi?" Pikachu held up a rice ball to a very surprised Gyarados, 
offering it
to him.
 
 ~**~
 ~**~
 
"Your sure you have to stay?" Ash asked softly. It was the next day and
Misty had decided to stay with her sisters.
 
"Yeah..... I need to go a little more in school. I left sooner that you 
did
and I need to go at least two weeks before I can get any
more days put on my 'trainers leave' . "
 
Ash and Misty stood at the edge of Town. Neither wanting to go. 
"Misty....
I'm sorry about being mean to you yesterday."
 
"I'm sorry for slapping you, to." Misty looked down a their feet.
 
"Misty?"
 
She looked up. "Yeah, Ash."
 
He held up a crystal blue Pokéball with her name is a matching gold 
across
the button of the ball. "I want you to have this. I
bought it with the money I won from the match."
 
Misty blushed as she reached out and took it from him. She let her hand 
stay
on his longer than necessary. "th.. thanks Ash."
She twisted the ball slightly and it opened up, revealing a Vaporion.
 
"Vee!" the fish dog looked up at Misty and rubbed between her legs.
 
"Ash.... I don't know what to say."
 
Ash took her hand and squeezed it. "Just say we'll meet up in the 
future."
 
Misty nodded. "All right. I'll see you later. I promise."
 
Ash nodded and dropped her hand. "Take good care of her. I'll see you
later."
 
"Cha." Pikachu waved his small paw at her, a small sad frown was on his
face.
 
Ash turned and walked away from her. The friend he had spent the last 
month
with. The friend that helped him through all the
hard times..... The friend he thought he was in love with.
 
 ~**~
Chapter 4
"Haunting My Dreams"
 
It has been well over three weeks since ash and Misty separated. Ash 
was now
walking through the woods, heading toward
Saffron to battle Sabrina. With his Pokémon by his side and Pikachu on 
his
hat he's ready for anything, edsept.......
 
"Well if it isn't the loser!" Ash froze. That voice.... no, It couldn't 
be.
Not here. Not now. Not here in the middle of nowhere.
"Well, aren't you gonna say something?"
 
Ash turned around and came face to face with none other than Gary Oak. 
"What
do you want?"
 
Gary smirked. "A match of course! Unless your chicken?"
 
" You take that back!" Ash clenched his fist, his black gloves making a
scrunching sound, making Ash sound threatening.
The gloves. Ash let himself think about how he got them. The night Ash 
left
Misty he found a box in his backpack with a letter
attached. It read : 'To Ash, Hey. It's Misty. I saw these in a store 
and
thought they would look good on you. Take care of
yourself and We'll meet up later, You still owe me a bike. Yours,
Misty.'
 
Ash had put the fingerless gloves on without delay, likeing how they 
felt. A
gold emblem of a Pokémon maser was printed on
the back of each glove. It was a little smaller than an inch. Ash had 
worn
the same gloves his his nightmare back at Mount
moon.
 
"Make me! Eevee, GO!" A small fox ran through Gary's legs and got in 
the
ready position.
 
"Pikachu, I choose you buddy!" Pikachu leapt from Ash's hat and 
rebounded
off of His outstretched hand and landed a foot
From Eevee. Each Pokémon were striated low to the ground and claws were
bearing in the dirt. Sparks flew From Pikachu's
cheeks, trying to intimidate the smaller fox in front of Him. Eevee
,however, only growled in response.
 
"Eevee, Tackle!"
 
"Pikachu, Thunder Shield!"
 
The Pokémon collided. Pikachu was sent flying a few feet back but 
managed to
do a back flip in midair and land on his feet.
Eevee too the shock in stride and got back in its ready position.
Electricity arched off it's back.
 
"Eevee tail whip!"
 
"Pikachu, Thunder Bash!"
 
Eevee jumped over Pikachu and smashed it with its Tail. Pikachu, 
however,
caught the tail and pulled the fox to it and charged
electricity in its tiny paw and delivered a mighty uppercut to Eevee.
 
"What?! That's impossible! No Pikachu could do that!" Gary's mind 
reeled.
There was no way a Pikachu could make a move
that
powerful. His Eevee was still laying on the ground, trying to get up.
 
"Mine can! That's not all either! I still have a move that would put 
out
even ground Pokémon!" Ash taunted.
 
Gary smiled. Even though Ash was clearly winning the battle the 
talking had
given Eevee time to regain its bearings and get in
a
good shot. This would Be Eevee's last shot before it fainted. He would 
have
to make it a good one. "Eevee Pin needle!"
 
"Huh?!" Ash turned to his side and saw in slow-motion as Eevee's tail 
became
sharp pointed Needles. He tried to Warn
Pikachu
but the needles shot before he could open his mouth. Three needles shot 
into
Pikachu's side and two missed, heading straight
for Ash.
 
'oh shit!' Gary's mind reeled.
 
Ash could only stare at the incoming projectiles. Something in his 
brain
told him to move but for some reason his feet wouldn't
let
him.
 
Plesh. Plesh
 
Ash's vision grey hazy. One of the spikes hit just below his left 
shoulder.
The other made direct contact with his chest. His eyes
rolled back in his head and he fell forward, landing on his right side.
 
Gary stared, not believing what had just happened. He had killed Ash. 
His
mind warned his to run. Another half told him to
make sure he wasn't dead, to try and save him, to try and get him out 
of the
trouble he was in.
 
Pikachu shook his body, slinging the spikes off of him. His tougher 
skin and
training had let him get out of the move with
relatively short damage. Looking around he saw his Master laying on 
the
ground. A small pool of blood was spreading around
him already his green shirt was turning red from the blood pouring from 
the
severe gash in his chest.
 
Gary turned to run. "Eevee, lets get out of here!"
 
"Vee." The fox shook his head wearily and walked over to ash and nudged 
him.
Pikachu was soon by his side as well,
deciding
to give him a shock to wake him up or if he shouldn't move him.
 
GAry's face went pale. " I ..I can't just leave him. " He spoke aloud 
to no
one. "He'll die for sure." He jogged over to when
Ash was laying and took his pulse. "Still alive." he sighed. "Eevee, 
return.
We've gotta get him to Saffron and fast." Eevee
jumped on Gary's shoulder and curled around his neck, resting its head 
on
Gary's shoulder. "Pikachu , keep up." GAry lifted
Ash's body and ran through the woods. ' hang on man,' Gary's mind 
mentally
told Ash ' If you die My license will be revoked
and I'll be put in jail for murder!'
 
The bleeding had stopped by the time they Reached saffron. The first
building they saw was the Gym. Gary kicked open the
doors and called for help. A second later a young woman in her late 
teens
literally appeared in front of them
 
"What's going on here?" She asked. Gary held up Ash a little more so 
the
girl could see. She gasped and grabbed Ash from
Gary and literally disappeared, taking Pikachu with her since he had 
been
touching the girl a the time.
 
Gary turned and ran back out the door, he had to get the shirt he was
wearing off as soon as possible. It was covered in Ash's
blood.
 
 ~* a day later.... *~
 
"Hhhuuuu? Where am I?" Ash opened one of his eyes and re closed it, not
bearing the strong light.
 
"Ash? Your awake?"
 
"How do you know my name?" Ash slowly sat up and took a deep breath. 
His
chest burned. "What happened? I was fighting
Gary... and then.. I woke up here. Where's Pikachu?"
 
"Pikapi!" Pikachu jumped on the bed Ash was laying on.
 
"Hey, Pikachu. You all right?" He scratched Pikachu's ears.
 
"Its good to see you recover so fast, Ash."
 
"How do you know my name?"
 
"I know alot of things, Ash."
 
"Hey! Your Sabrina aren't you? What am I doing here?"
 
" Gary brought you here after you had an accident in a battle. How are 
you
feeling?"
 
"Surpriseingly good." Ash looked a this body. A small patch was on his 
left
shoulder and another on his chest. "I would of
thought I wouldn't be able to breath right now.
 
"I used my powers to help heal you."
 
"Hey, thanks!" ASh looked at the girl he was talking to. She had long 
green
hair that went to her waist and wore a loose
yellow
shirt and black traditional tie up pants. She had a cute smile on her 
face.
Ash guessed she was about nineteen or so.
 
"Before you came," Sabrina began. "I had a vision that a strong, 
handsome
trainer would be coming here shortly."
 
"I guess that would be me, then." A new voice was heard though out the
house. "Sabrina, where are you?"
 
"I'm in here.." SAbrina answered confused. A second later Brock emerged 
into
the room.
 
"Hey, Sabrina! how you been?" He asked, smiling.
 
Sabrina's eyes lit up. "Brock!" She hugged him. "How are you? Its been
ages!"
 
Brock instantly blushed. "I'm good, you? It has been a while, huh?"
 
SAbrina nodded. "I'll go make some rice and such for us! you make 
yourself
at home. I think you know our visitor." Sabrina
left the room.
 
"Visitor?" Brock looked down at the injured Ash. "Hey! Its me, the 
leader
from Pewter, Brock. Your Ash right?"
 
Ash nodded. "Hey Brock-O. How ya been? How do you know SAbrina?"
 
"Well, Ash. " Brock sat on the bed. " Me and Sabrina grew up together. 
We
were old friends..."
'and I just happen to be in the neighborhood.... ' Brock thought, 
smileing.
 
"JUST friends?" Ash asked, smirking.
 
"Please don't rub it in like that. "Brock looked ready to cry. " I get
depressed easily."
 
Ash sighed. 'grown ups sure have weird problems'
 
"How about you? What are you doing here? what happened?" Brock asked,
changing the subject.
 
"Well, I was fighting Gary, my rival from Pallet, and a stray needle 
from a
pin attack hit me. I guess GAry Freaked and ran off
after dropping me off here."
 
" That's a nice rival for ya. How ya feelen? I take it Sabrina numbed 
your
Pain?" Ash nodded. "Good. I guess we'll go to the
dining room then. follow me. We have some catching up to do."
 
Ash nodded and got out of the bed, grabbed his a new shirt from his 
backpack
and He, Pikachu, and Brock went to catch up
on things.
 
 ~**~
 
". . . And then She decided since she was already in her home ton she 
would
go to school for a while to get some more on her
Trainers leave." Ash finished as he stuffed some more ramen in his 
mouth. "
After that the thing with Gary happened so... I'd
saw
about a month and a half since I've seen her. "
 
Brock nodded and eat some rice, like a decent human being, unlike Ash, 
who
was slurping and talking with his mouth full. "
Are
you and Misty ONLY friends?" Brock teased and leaned in close for the
answer.
 
"Yes, ONLY friends!" Ash blushed.
 
" When you left did you just say good-bye?" Sabrina asked good 
naturally.
 
Ash nodded.
 
Brock nodded his head as well. "Good then. If you two gave each other
something or promised to meet in the future, that's a
dead give away that you like each other."
 
"Ka-CHU!" Pikachu laughed. Ash turned even redder and wished he had his 
cap
to cover up his face. Pikachu looked up at
Sabrina, who's lap he was sitting in. "Pikachu?"
 
"Oh dear," Sabrina gasped. "I forgot the Soy sauce." She held her hand 
up
and a popping sound flashed through the room and
a bottle of Soy sauce appeared. "Oh dear. " Sabrina covered her mouth. 
"You
must think i'm a total flake!"
 
"Pi-chu!" Pikachu smiled cutely up at her.
 
"Hey, Sabrina, " Ash asked timidly. "I know its rude to ask this since 
your
letting me and Brock stay here and after everything
you've done,..... but... Could I have a match, please? I need a marsh
badge."
 
Sabrina laughed. "Think nothing of It, Ash. We can battle right after 
dinner
if you'd like." Ash smiled.
 
"Thanks! I've always wanted to fight a psychic Pokémon!"
 
Brock chuckled to himself. Ash had no idea what he was getting into.
 
 ~**~
 
"The battle will begin shortly," An announcer stated to the two 
combatants.
"This will be a one on one match for the March
badge! Trainers, send out your Pokémon!"
 
Ash looked down at his best friend. "Can you handle it, Pikachu?"
 
Pikachu clenched his tiny fist "Pika!"
 
"Then I choose you!" Ash pointed out to the arena and Pikachu climbed 
up
Ash's leg, around his waist, and off his hand,
pulling
three flips and landed on his feet.
 
Brock's eyes went wide. ' Since when could a Pikachu cut flips?! '
 
"GO! ABRA!" Sabrina tossed a Pokéball out into the arena.
 
"Zzzzzzzzzzz.........."
 
"Ummmm.... Sabrina?" Ash asked through the control panel on the podium 
he
was standing at. Sabrina's image appeared on
the small screen.
 
"Yes, Ash?"
 
"I think Abra's still asleep. Maybe you should wake him up before the 
match,
I won't mind."
 
Sabrina giggled. "No,No, its okay. Abras can attack even while their 
asleep.
Please, continue the match."
 
Ash nodded. "All right." He returned his attention to his Pokémon. 
"Pikachu!
try a Thunder shock!"
 
"Ppiiii......" Pikachu curled over as it gathered electricity. "
...Kkkkkaaaaaaaa......" Electricity sparked all over his body
"CCCCCHUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!" A massive ball of crackling energy shot out of
Pikachu toward the still sleeping Abra.
 
Sabrina's eyes lit up a light blue. "Abra, CONFUSION! Double the 
power!"
 
Abra slowly opened it's eyes, and began to glow the same light blue 
that
covered Sabrina's eyes. "Abra!" The electricity
stopped
in front of Abra, seeming to think if it wanted to attack or not. A 
seconds
worth of silence passed before the huge ball of
crackling electricity shot into the air and began heading toward 
Pikachu,
seeming to take on the shape of a dragon in the
process. Needless to say, Pikachu got fried extra crispy.
 
 ~**~
 
"Wow! those psychic Pokémon are really something else!" ASh commented 
as he
drank some water. A fully healed Pikachu
was
sitting next to him ,talking with Sabrina's Abra.
 
"tee,hee. Why Thank you Ash! your Pikachu is great as well. My powers
actually had to work on deflecting the spell! a normal
Pokémon attack wouldn't last a split second against it! ..... Not that 
I'm
bragging or anything." Sabrina's face turned red when
she realized that that came out wrong.
 
Brock and Ash laughed. Pikachu and Abra looked up from their 
conversation to
see what they missed.
 
"Mrs. Sabrina?" A woman came in the room.
 
"Yes? What is it?" SAbrina giggled when she turned her attention.
 
"There's a phone call for you, Mrs. Sabrina."
 
"Oh! Why thank you." Sabrina stood up and walked out the room ,calling 
to
the boys. "You two keep talking, I'll be right
back." She waved as she exited the door, her long hair railing behind 
her."
 
"Okay!... byebye." Ash waved with a small blush across his face.
 
"ASH!" Brock clenched his fist. "Methinks thou hast a weakness for cute
girls!"
 
"Sure do!" Ash clenched his fist as well.
 
"DUDE!" Brock Gripped Ash's hand and they continued the night talking 
about
the different types of girls they liked.
 
 ~**~
 
"Hello? Sabrina here."
 
The person on the other line talked.
 
"Are you sure? IT happened again?"
 
More talking .
 
"Dang... ITS Back!"
 
 ~**~
"Brock, I'm getting worried.... Sabrina's been gone a week and we still
haven't heard from her..."
 
Brock nodded. "Something's up. We better go find out what." Brock got 
up and
grabbed his Pokébelt from a hanged by the
door. Ash was right behind him.
 
"Right!" Ash reached for the doorknob.
 
Clash! A stretcher busted through the door, knocking Ash and Brock out 
of
the way.
 
"What the hell?" Ash yelled as he was pushed down.
 
"Ash! I think I saw Sabrina on the stretcher! There heading toward the
infantry, follow me! Its on the west wing of her house!"
 
"Right!" Ash and Brock jumped and took off running after them.
 
Brock's mind searched his memory. Left, Left, right, straight. "Should 
be
right around here somewhere! Her house is like a
friggen MANSON!"
 
Ash nodded ran ran next to Brock. He had only known Sabrina for a day 
but he
already felt like she was an older sister to
him.
"There!" Ash saw the medical room where he was a week ago.
 
Brock nodded and they went through the door. "What's going on here?!" 
He
demanded. A doctor ran past him and Brock
grabbed his shoulder,pulling hi mto his face. "Listen up, Doc. I'm 
SAbrina's
best friend! I demand to know what happend to
her!"
 
The Docter wriggled out of his grasp. " No time to explain. Ask the 
other
guys." He ran into the room where Sabrina was and
closed the door.
 
"What other guys?!" Brock yelled.
 
"I think He's refering to us."
 
Brock turned to see two guys and a girl. "Who are you guys?"
 
The first guy who talked stepped forward. He had long purplish blue 
hair and
blue eyes. He wore a strange blue jean jacet that
had 'Capsul Corp.' Printed on the right chest and the CC sighn on the 
right
shoulder. "My name is Trunks, this is Michael,"
Michael nodded. "and Mollie." Mollie waved.
 
(Authors notes: No this IS NOT GOING TO BE A CROSSOVER! I mearly 
decided to
use 'Trunk's' name, As I figured the
stature would fit him, he's not incredibly strong or has anything else 
to do
with DBZ.)
 
Brock walked over to them "And just who are you guys?" He demanded. 
"And
what the heck happend to Sabrina?"
 
Ash nodded and stood Next to Brock, trying to look tough but failing
miserably since he was a good five inches shorter than
everyone there."Yeah! What happend!?"
 
Trunks stepped forward. " She has fallen victum to a dream eater 
attack!"
 
"WHAT?!" They screamed
 
Michael nodded. "Its true. There is a really high level Haunter that 
plauges
a city north of here, called the Black Fog. It comes
suddenly, takes people's souls and Leaves just as fast. Most people 
have
given up fighting it.... Adsepting it as some sort of
natural desater. Like a huricane. But we haven't given up yet. We all 
took a
vow to kill that thing. Sabrina took the same vow."
 
Ash looked up at Brock "Brock, a dream eater attack sucks out the 
victom's
sould, dosen't it?"
 
Brock nodded.
 
"So," ash continued. "Does that Mean SAbrina's......dead?"
 
Trunks shook his head. "No, not neccasarly."
 
Brock rubbed his shin in thought. "That's right... a man was once 
attacked
and hit by the dream eater and was brought back
three days afterwards... of course they had to kill the Pokémon first. 
But
Sabrina's Psycic so we have an even better chance to
bring her back!"
 
"But we don't know where to start looking for the Black Fog." Ash said,
dejected.
 
Pikachu tugged at Ash's jeans "Pi-CHU!"
 
Ash nodded. "your right Pikachu. WE can't give up.
 
POP!
 
Brock turned around "Its Sabrina's Abra!"
 
The abra glew blue and a pencil and a sheet of paper apeared. The 
Pencil
began to move.
 
"Its Sabrina!" Brock realised. "She's talking to us Telepathically 
through
Abra!
 
The note read: "Lavender Town."
 
"LAvender town!" Mollie asked. "That's got to be where the Black Fog 
is!
Lets go!"
 
"All right!" Ash yelled, takeing out an yellow Pokéball. "I'm gonna 
catch me
a Haunter!"
 
The room broke out in laughter. "Wha....What makes you th-think you can
ca-catch that thing!?" Trunks asked, laughing while
he talked.
 
Ash blushed and suddenly found the floor very interesting. "Well...... 
Its a
Pokémon, right?"
 
the room became quiet.
 
"Well..." Michael began, "It IS a Pokémon.. so we chould be able to 
capture
it, more or less."
 
"But the thing's HUGE! You'v seen it, Michael! There no way it could be
caught."
 
"So?" Ash asked. "We'll just make a really big Pokéball!"
 
The group nodded. "Its so stupid it just might work! Good job Ash!"
 
Ash blushed and pulled his cap downward to make sure no one saw it.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Ash, Brock, Pikachu, Michael, Mollie, and Trunks all stood outside of 
the
Pokémon tower. The sky was covered in unnatural
grey clouds. The air was thick and heavy. Ash had a hard time 
breathing. To
his left there was a giant pokéball, at least a story
high. It was in a clasp that held it together. It had been made as an 
one
time use only Pokéball. Ash had always hated them.
The one timers had a clasp on it and brock when you threw it. If it 
didn't
catch anything, you were out of luck. Although
cheaper they surely weren't more efficient.
 
"Are you sure this will work?" Trunks asked Michael. He seemed to be 
the
smartest of the group, Michael. Although Trunks
was clearly the leader, Michael had wisdom beyond his years. Ash even 
though
he was smarter than Professor Oak, the guy
who made the Pokédex. Trunks walked over to his friend and put a hand 
on his
shoulder. Michael seemed to be shaking his
head.
 
"A normal Pokémon wouldn't stand a chance against this thing." Michael
stated. "It has a capture field at least a hundred times
stronger than the standard Pokéball."
 
"Then what's the problem?" Trunks raised an eyebrow. Everything seemed 
to be
in perfect working order. Trunks turned his
head to look at Ash and Brock. They had agreed to go into the tower 
with
Mollie and him to lure out the Black Fog. they were
talking about something. Ash was nodding his head as Brock seemed to 
explain
something. Trunks smiled. Ash seemed to
reflect him at an earlier age. Young and hopeless.
 
"Well," Michael answered. "No matter how strong we make this, The 
Haunter
will still need to be weakened. I don't want to
under estimate this thing. If this fails Sabrina won't have enough time 
to
last while we make another one of these." He patted the
huge Pokéball.
 
Trunks nodded. "We'll do out best." He turned and walked slowly to 
Brock and
Ash who were now preparing them selfs to
take on the invincible Black Fog. "Are you ready?"
 
Ash nodded. There wasn't a trace of fear on his face. Brock clenched 
his
fist and looked down at it, determined to help
Sabrina no matter the cost. Together the three met up with Mollie at 
the
entrance. They had already gone over then plan. It was
rather simple. Mollie and Trunks would lure the Gastly and Haunters 
away
from the Black fog and Ash and Brock would fight
it. If the rummers were true there would be a huge amount of gost 
Pokémon
ready to protect the Black fog at any sign of
danger. Pikachu hopped up on Ash's shoulder and Brock made sure his 
Pokébelt
was securely fastened around his waist.
 
Everyone on the attack squad nodded at each other and ran to the door 
of the
tower. It seemed to open up to them before as
they ran in. Keeping his breath even as he ran Ash's eyes looked around 
him.
They were running through a tunnel. Brock was
on his right and Trunks and Mollie to hid left.
 
"Here they come." Trunks stated and reached for a ball on his belt. 
"Take
this!" Three Pokéballs emerged from his hand,
followed by five more thrown by Mollie. Ash noticed she was left 
handed.
Several Gastly flew by them with Haunters not far
behind them.
 
Ash kept running even after the second part of his team stopped to 
fight. He
round a left turn and the sounds of battle were left
behind him. The hallway he ran through was almost completely black. The 
only
sounds were his and Brock's breath and
footsteps. Brock was keeping up with Ash stride for stride, Each 
running
without looking back. If they had, they would of
noticed that nothing was following them. Everything had gone to fight 
Trunks
and Mollie.
 
"Ash! Wait!" Ash stopped running, his sneakers making a skidding noise 
on
the smooth tile as he did so. He turned to look at
Brock, only to see his back as he began to run down a different 
corridor.
Ash leapt after him, jumping his first few steps, then
running a little behind him. Ash was about to ask when Brock read his 
mind.
"I don't know, Ash. I just feel that this is the right
way." Ash nodded.
 
Clench.
 
Brock froze and Ash skidded to a stop beside him. "what is it?" He 
asked.
 
Brock put a finger to his mouth as to tell Ash to be quiet . He nodded 
his
head and listened, but Nothing came to him. He was
about to ask again when he heard it. A kind of scratching noise. It 
wasn't
very loud but it served its purpose. Brock saw a door
to his right and tried to open it, although It wouldn't budge. Brock 
took a
step back and side kicked the door, sending it flying
across the room. Ash made a mental note not to get on his bad side.
 
The duo stepped into the room, looking around. It was a fairly large 
room.
About five stories high and very long and wide, but
what caught there attention was the Haunter... the so called Black Fog. 
Ash
felt his jaw go slack. Pikachu clung tighter to Ash's
head from his perch on his left shoulder.
 
Brock clenched his fist and grabbed a rock and threw it. Surpriseingly 
it
bounced off the sleeping Haunter. Ash gasped and
Brock's eyes went wide. " I-Impossable," Brock stammered. "It is said 
that
there is no way for a gost Pokémon to take on a
solid form, but this one seems to be as hard as a rock!"
 
Ash stepped in front of Brock and picked up a larger stone, threw it 
into
the air and caught it. Rearing back he hurled it at the
Haunter. The impact woke it up. Seeing the two trainers seemed it 
infuriate
it. Defying gravity it fly into the air, hovering a good
thirty feet from the floor.
 
"This is going to take everything we've got! " Brock yelled, grasping 
three
of his Pokéballs. "GO! Zubat, Onix, Geodude!"
 
Ash grasped his Pokéballs and threw them. "GO! Butterfree, Pidgeotto,
Fearow!" He pointed at the Haunter. "And Pikachu!"
Pikachu did his routine jump of Ash's hand hand joined the other six
Pokémon.
 
"Everyone, ATTACK!" Brock yelled. The Pokémon all leapt in the air for 
a
group tackle, but the Haunter merely looked a the
Pokémon jumping at it and they all flew into the wall.
 
"What tha hell!?" Ash screamed. "This things <i> Psychic </i> to!? No
friggen way!"
 
Brock grit his teeth. "There all gonna be crushed!"
 
"ABRA!"
 
"What the?" Ash gasped.
 
Brock turned to see what had grabbed Ash's attention. "Its Sabrina's 
Abra!"
 
"Chu?" Pikachu fell from the wall that he was being crushed into.
 
"Its Sabrina!" Brock yelled. "She's combining her power with Abra's!"
 
The Haunter look confused, then angry. "Haaaaauuuuunnnntttt." A black 
streak
erupted from it, heading toward Brock.
 
"Its the Night Shade!" Brock screamed as he covered his face with his 
hands.
He knew nothing would matter in the end. He
would see Sabrina very soon.
 
"Fearow, MIRROR WAVE!" Ash commanded.
 
The Fearow flew in front of Brock and flapped its wings hard, casting a
transparent glow in front of them, getting larger. The
black streak stopped when it hit the invisible barrier and seemed to 
turn
back at the Haunter. The Black Fog was surprised at
seeing this. It had no idea that the small bird had such power. Without
stopping the night shade it used its Dream EAter attack
to suck up the mirror wave.
 
"H-how?!" Brock yelled to Ash. "It CAN'T use two moves at once! That's
impossible!"
 
Clench. The mirror wave was completely gone now and the black fog still
hovered unhurt.
 
"Nix!" Brock's Onix wrapped itself around the Haunter.
 
"Now's our chance, Pikachu! Do the move you did on Abra! Make the 
thunder
dragon, just like we practiced!"
 
"Pika!!!" Pikachu glowed yellow, energy crackled off of him and in 
every
direction. The Haunter's eyes grew wide as it saw
what was happening. Yellow electricity gathered and sparked above the 
small
mouse. Pikachu's fur stood on end with all the
power. Above of the mouse a mighty roar was heard. Everyone's eyes 
looked up
in surprise to see a dragon made completely
of electricity. "PPPiiii.......kkkkaaaaa......ccccchhhhhhuuuuuu!!!!"
Pikachu's eyes seemed to glow yellow as the dragon
attacked. Onix released its hold on the Haunter, having bought Pikachu
enough time to strike.
 
The Haunter didn't move. Its eyes were wide in shock. The dragon paused 
in
front of it, daring the Black Fog to attack. When
it didn't the dragon tackled into the Haunter making it glow yellow 
before a
loud explosion erupted. Dust flew everywhere and
the whole tower shook.
 
Brock closed his eyes and re-shileded his face after hearing the 
explosion.
When the dust cleared The Haunter was now only
floating a few feet from the ground and looked severely injured, and 
VERY
Pissed. With a roar it turned to the tired electric
mouse and lashed out with its claws. Pikachu however wasn't there 
anymore.
with a yellow streak it fly under the Haunter, and
out the door to the room, crashing into the wall, and redashing through 
the
hallway. The pissed off Haunter followed suit.
 
"Pikachu just used Agility!" Brock commented, happily.
 
"Pikachu!" Ash called after it, hoping it could still hear him. "Lead 
it out
to the Pokéball!"
 
Pikachu did just that. rounding a few turns it flew past the earlier 
battle
scene and out the door. The Black fog followed just a
second afterwards and right above the Pokéball.
 
"NOW!" Michael screamed and hit the bottom on the clasp. The button of 
the
Pokéball shot off and it opened, sucking the
injured Haunter inside it. "YES! It worked!" Michael jumped up in the 
air in
triumph.
 
Rumble Rumble Rumble.....
 
"What the hell?!"
 
KABOOM! The enormous Pokéball shattered, blowing Michael at least five 
feet
away.
 
"Wha the hell?!" Trunks demanded as it saw the Haunter Reappear.
 
"It used Explosion while inside the Pokéball!" Mollie yelled out, 
worried.
 
"Hyper ball, GO!" A yellow ball shot from the inside of the tower, 
followed
by a very tired looking Ash. The Haunter seemed
to turn in slow motion as the Hyper ball smacked into it. It let out a
shriek of rage as the Black fog was caught inside One of the
best Pokéballs made. It shoot three times before laying still.
 
Brock chose that time to run out. "ASH! Did you... catch it?"
 
Time stood still.
 
KATRASH! The Hyper ball exploded and what was known as the Black Fog, 
the
strongest Pokémon known, was reduced to
gas and debree of the exploded Pokéball.
 
"Self.... destruck?" Brock Asked to the air.
 
Trunks nodded slowly. "Its is said that the Pokémon here were used to 
be
treated as gods.... Maybe that's why he killed
himself instead of being captured?"
 
Mollie nodded. "Must be..... What a sad turn of events... I never knew.
 
SSHHOOMM! SAbrina teleported to them, looking as if nothing had 
happened. "I
had no idea....." she said sadly. "If I would
of known... I wouldn't of sent you here to battle it...."
 
Brock smiled warmly at her. "Hey, Its okay. I guess you heard us after 
you
woke up, right?"
 
Sabrina nodded softly and hugged Brock, crying on his shoulder. "A-All 
this
time I hated it. Not one day after I lost all my
Pokémon to it! but now... Somehow...I just can't...." She broke into 
harder
crying on Brock's shoulder.
 
Ash's eyes began to water. "WWWAAA!!!!!" Tears erupted from his eyes as
well.
 
Brock looked up from his hug with Sabrina and stared at Ash. "Ash, 
What's
wrong? Sympathy crying?"
 
"N-no," Ash's voice broke. "Its just that.. I-I spent almost all od my
M-money on buying that Hyper ball! Why does this always
happen to me?!"
 
"Pika....." Pikachu sighed.
 
Sabrina sniffed and She, Brock, and the rest all stared at Ash, 
wondering if
the young boy had a brain after all......
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 5
The Pokémon race and the human race
"So, Why are you traveling, Brock?" Ash asked as they walked through 
the
woods. Its been three days since the Haunter
fiasco. They had agreed to travel together until they came to the next 
town,
Fuchsia. Surpriseingly they had gotten along great
and Ash was thinking of asking him if he could tag along with Brock. 
Things
got lonely with only him and Pikachu.
 
"Well," Brock answered good naturally. " I could never really stay in 
the
same place for to long. You see ever since I was a
little kid I always wanted to travel. I could never stay in one place 
to
long. And ever since I became a rock master I would
close down the gym every now and then to travel. My younger brother 
usually
takes control of it when a challenger comes.
He's not very good, but, you know. Take what you can get."
 
"Pikachu." Pikachu agreed.
 
"Wow," Ash grinned. " The life of an wondered. Sounds great! ....... 
But how
can you travel all by yourself? I get lonely even
with pikachu here." Ash scratched Pikachu's chin, earning a 'cha' from 
him.
 
Brock sighed. "Yeah, it does get lonely. Hey, ash, I was thinken ,maybe 
I
could go along with you a while. you know, hang out,
catch some Pokémon..... That kind of stuff."
 
Ash nodded vigorously. "All right!" He clenched his fist. "Just the 
three of
us, taking on everyone who gets in our way! We'll be
unstoppable!"
 
Brock sweat dropped. "UUuuummmm... Ash, there's always someone better."
 
Ash quieted down and began to walk normally again, by his side. "Yeah, 
guess
your right." He looked up at Brock. "But if I try
hard enough things'll work out, right?"
 
Brock nodded. "Anything's possible if you try!" He stopped and pointed,
"HEY! There's Fuchsia! We made it ahead of
schedule!" His stomic growled. "And just in time for lunch!"
 
"Pika!" Pikachu raised his paw in triumph of getting a meal.
 
"Haha," Ash rubbed the back of his head and laughed. " I'm kinda hungry 
to!
Lets go snag us a meal!"
 
"Yeah!" They ran to the town.
 
 ~**~
 
"Man, Brock, There sure are alot of People here today." Ash looked 
around
him. The town was full of People of all ages.
Some where gathered around a small race track watching Rattatas race,
betting money on which one will win. Others were
eating there lunch on their lunch breaks while some still worked hard 
on
putting up flyers.
 
Brock grabbed a flyer while he walked and skimmed over it. "Hey, Ash!
there's going to be a Pokémon race here soon! Lets
enter it! There's a prize of five hundred dollars! That would help us 
out
majority! " he skimmed down to the bottom. "And it
says here if your a trainer the admittance fee is half off! What do you
say?"
 
Ash checked his Pokéballs. "I don't have anything I could ride." He 
looked
crestfallen.
 
Brock laughed. "Don't get down, man! Look here!" He put the flyer in 
his
face. "They are renting out Ponytas to anyone who
wants to enter. Lets go for it!"
 
Ash nodded and Pikachu 'pika-ed' "All right! Lets go get me a ponyta!"
 
"Right, and after that we can enter the race." Brock held a look of 
triumph.
 
"Pika!?!?" Pikachu looked around frantically from Ash's shoulder, 
sniffing
the air.
 
"What's wrong with your Pikachu, Ash?" Brock asked.
 
"Dunno..." Ash answered him. "What's up, Pikachu?"
 
"Pikapichu!" Pikachu leapt from Ash's shoulder and ran off.
 
"HEY! Pikachu! Wait up!" he turned to Brock. "Lets go." Brock nodded.
 
 ~**~
 
"Pikapichu!" Pikachu yelled as he jumped up at somebody. Misty turned 
around
just in time to get a handful of Pikachu, who
had jumped on her. "Pikachu!" He nuzzled her neck.
 
"Heeeeeyyyyyyyy?" Misty smiled at it. "Your Ash's Pikachu aren't you?"
 
"Pikapi!" He nodded.
 
"Misty? Who ya got there?" Lilly walked over to her and petted the 
Pikachu.
"I didn't think electric types got along with water
trainers?" Daisy and Violet walked beside her and nodded.
 
"Pikachu! Where are ya buddy!?" Ash called as he walked through the 
crowd.
Catching eye of the Cerulean gym trainers he
broke out in a run to greet them, running right past Misty. "All right! 
The
three sisters of Cerulean!"
 
Misty's eyes narrowed and she tripped Ash. "Weren't you even going to 
say HI
to me!?" She schemed in his face.
 
"Pikapi......." Pikachu sighed at his trainers ignorance.
 
"umm....." Ash thought. "Your Misty, right?"
 
Misty's race grew red from anger. "What do you mean RIGHT!? don't tell 
me
you forgot a certain BIKE incident, did you!?"
 
Ash meekly shook his head. "Uummm.... no?"
 
Brock grasped Ash from Misty's grip and pulled him to his face. "ASH! 
Who
are these three visions of loveliness!?"
 
Ash gasped for air. "The three Cerulean gym leaders....." he choked 
out.
 
Brock dropped Ash and looked at them.
 
"Yo." Lilly greeted.
 
"Hiiiiiii." Violet smiled.
 
Daisy smiled at him.
 
Brock instantly zoomed over in there direction and held out a bunch of 
roses
that he seemed to grab out of nowhere. "Hello,
your countnance has brightened my day, young ladies."
 
Lilly backed away. 'what's this guys damage? ' She asked herself.
 
Daisy slowly took the roses. "Um.. Thank you. We'v... gotta be going 
now.
come on Misty."
 
Misty looked down at Pikachu, then at Ash. "I-I'm going to stay here 
for a
while, i'll beet you late, okay?"
 
violet smiled. "Okay, have fun love birds." they walked away.
 
Ash put his head in his hand. ' man. not this again.'
 
"Love birds!?" Misty yelled after their retreating figures. "Were not 
in
love!"
 
Brock blinked a few times and pointed at them/ "Love?" He looked at 
Ash, who
was blushing. "Ash, why didn't you tell me you
was going with Misty?"
 
"Were not--" Misty paused. "Brock? That you?" Brock nodded and Misty 
ran up
to him. "Wow! You've grown!"
 
"You two know each other?" Ash asked, scratching his head.
 
"Yeah!" Brock nodded. "I used to take care of Misty when she was 
younger.
Not exactly a baby-sitter but you get the idea."
 
Ash nodded slowly and they all three walked over to watch the races. 
Pikachu
decided to Stay in Misty's arms, fond of her
always petting him. After a few minuets of watching Rattatas racing Ash
looked over at Misty sideways, as if he didn't want her
to see him staring. She had really grown up the past few months. Her 
hair
was now a little further down her neck, almost falling
six inches from her collar. Although she still wore it in a ponytail. 
She
had on a long sleeve tight fitting yellow shirt with a jacket
over it zipped up. It even had a Polywag on the right part that had the
Pokémon's name under it. Her hair was now a little
darker to, no longer a bright orange red but had a more reddish tint to 
it.
Her eyes were a clear crystal blue, it was definite she
had matured. She had even grown a little taller than Ash.
 
Misty saw Ash staring at her but didn't let him know. She felt a slight
blush comeing to her cheeks. Without letting him know
she let her eyes take a sideways glance at him. He had become more 
muscular
than last time she saw him. He still wore that red
cap with the Pokémon symbol on it, but now wore a jacket that had 
sleeves on
it. It was still a light jacket, as He had once
explained to her that he seldom got cold. Ragged and rough jeans were 
on him
and wore out sneakers, poorly tied. Misty
smiled to herself. Same old Ash.
 
"Misty." Ash said calmly. "Sorry about not seeing you earlier. Its just 
that
when I saw how beautiful you've become I was
stunned."
 
Misty blushed deep red. "Ash!" She responded playfully. "Your making me
blush."
 
 Brock smiled to himself ' ahhh... Young love.' He turned his attention 
back
to the race tracks. If he knew Ash he would
definitely screw this one up, big time.
 
"Its like you had plastic surgery."
 
'yup.' Brock thought to himself. And in record time to.
 
Misty's red face suddenly became redder in anger and she dropped 
Pikachu to
the ground and grabbed Ash's shirt, pulling him
to her face. "You should of quit while you was ahead." Ash nodded 
dumbly.
"All right, hotshot. I want to see how good you've
become. I challenge you to a Pokémon battle, my rules." Ash nodded 
dumbly
again, thinking of how he was going to get out of
this one. An idea hit him.
 
"Misty...." He took in a breath. "How about if I treat you to dinner,
instead?" His plan worked. Misty let go of his shirt and
Brock and Pikachu stared at him unbelievingly.
 
"I-I .... Um.... Okay." Misty's face blushed again.
 
Ash grinned wickedly. He could always get out of stuff like this. Then
something hit him, he just got in something else he
couldn't get out of.
 
"Well I have to go." Misty looked a her watch. "What time should we 
meet?"
 
"S-seven?" Ash asked timidly, regretting he asked her.
 
Misty nodded and bounced off, calling over her shoulder. "I'll meet you 
at
the Pokémon center at seven then!" She disappeared
in the crowd.
 
Brock turned around and leaned against the fence that they had been 
watching
the race from. "Good job Ash! I must admit I
didn't think you had it in you!"
 
"Pikachu." Pikachu nodded from his place beside Ash's feet.
 
"Brock?"
 
"Yeah?"
 
"What have I just got myself into?"
 
"Well," Brock grinned. "By the way you said that I'm pretty sure this 
is
your first date, huh?" Ash nodded numbly. "Well in that
case I'll share with you all my secrets to getting women!"
 
'That CAN'T be good.' Pikachu thought.
 
 ~**~
 
"Step one." Brock advised as they walked though a small shopping 
center.
"Always bring the girl flowers. Trust me, They'll
edsept it."
 
"You sure about that?"
 
"Sure I'm sure!" Brock exclaimed, slapping him on the back. "Next, " He
turned Ash around and held him at arm's length. "We
need to work on the cloths. Where are you taking her? Dinner and a 
movie?"
Ash nodded. "All right then. Lets get you fixed
up." Brock led him into a clothing store and started looking though 
some
cloths. "Your out of luck though."
 
Ash looked up from his shoes that he was starring at all the time. "Why 
is
that?"
 
"Pi?"
 
Brock tossed him a green sweater. "Its to cold for her to wear a mini
skirt." He winked and threw Ash a pain of Kakis. "Try
these on." He pushed him in a dressing room.
 
Brock leaned against the wall with Pikachu doing the same. Both were
whistling to themselves. It was actually a very comical
sight. A few minuets later Ash emerged.
 
"Pikkkkaaaaaa!" Pikachu gave him a thumbs up.
 
"Hey, Thanks Pikachu!" Ash said, his confidence returning.
 
"wait, Ash....." Brock put his hand to his chin. "Your missing 
something....
Ah ha!" He ran to another part of the store and
returned with a light brown jacket. Ash took it and tied it around his
waist. "Perfect! edsept..." Brock grabbed Ash's hat.
 
"Hey! My hat!" Ash protested, but didn't make a move to stop him. 
Without
his hat Ash's hair stood up in spikes. Four larger
ones on the right side of his head with three smaller ones on the left 
side,
just above his ear. All in all he looked like the spitting
image on a dressed up Goku.
 
Brock and Pikachu looked at each other and nodded. "Haircut." They both 
said
at the same time, although Pikachu's was more
of a 'Chupika.'
 
Ash held up his hands in a warding manner "Oh, no... Not my hair.... 
I'm NOT
cutting my hair. Not For you, Not for Misty,
Not for ANYBODY!"
 
 ~**~
 
Twenty minuets later Ash emerged from a barber shop with a new haircut. 
He
was now close shaven in the back and three
spikes flew out in front of his face, a little to the right.
 
"Pika, pika, pika.. Cchhuuuuchuuuu. " Pikachu covered his mouth to keep 
from
laughing. Ash glared down at his Pokémon and
the glare made him be quiet.
 
Brock again scratched his chin and observed him. "Well, its the best we 
can
do for now."
 
"HEY! What do you mean by that?! Brock!" He ran after Brock who was 
heading
toward a flower shop. "Brock! Wait up!"
 
 ~**~
 
"So, you think I should go for roses or maybe something else?"
 
Brock looked at the selection. "I think roses would be the best choice 
until
you find out what kind of flower she likes the best.."
 
Ash nodded. This was getting rather expensive.
 
 ~**~
 
"And THAT my friend. Is all there is to a date!" Brock flopped back on 
the
bed in the hotel room they had gotten for the night.
It turns out that the Cerulean sisters were next door to them, right 
across
the hall.
 
Ash looked himself over in the mirror and smiled. He actually looked 
rather
nice, if he did saw so himself. And he did.
Turning around for Pikachu and Brock he smiled, receiving two thumbs 
up.
"What time is it?" he asked, suddenly nervous.
 
Brock checked the time on the clock by their beds. "About ten till 
seven,
don't worry. Misty probably isn't even ready yet
anyway."
 
"What makes you say that?" Ash asked curiously as he sprayed some 
cologne
on. He heard from Pikachu a while back that
That kind of cologne he wore drove Misty crazy.
 
Brock shrugged. "Trust me, get four women together and one going on a 
date
and they could prepare all. Day. Long." He
enthisised the last three words.
 
 ~* Mean while, with Misty........*~
 
"Do I, I look okay?" Misty asked, nervous. She was dressed in an black
tight fitting top that showed off her curves nicely. Blue
jeans striated down her legs, tight fitting. Her nails were painted to 
bring
out her eyes and her hair was let down and slightly
curled, making her look even more beautiful than she already was. A 
light
touch of lipstick highlighted her face, along with light
eye shadow and mascara.
 
Daisy smiled at her. "Girl, if he doesn't get a nose bleed from just 
looking
at you then he's dumber than I thought."
 
Misty blushed. "I don't even know if he likes me like that! We only 
stayed
together for like a month and a half. I mean, what if
he's just doing this as a friend? What if its a pity date?" Misty 
continued
to spout out question after question. Most of which
were ignored by her sisters.
 
~*A little while later*~
 
"There!" Lilly exclaimed. "All done!"
 
Misty walked over to a full length mirror. and gasped softly to 
herself.
Everything was perfect. The way she looked just just on
the borderline of casual and formal. She had even given in to her 
sisters
and put on some makeup. She didn't regret it. Her hair
smelt of Strawberries, a hint she picked up from Pikachu and intended 
to
use.
 
A knock on the door made her jump. Her sisters laughed softly to 
themselves
and wished their youngest sister good luck on her
first date. Misty thanked them silently and answered the door. she 
gaped
silently at what she saw. Ash had his hair cut and was
actually dressed nice. She had edspecting him to be his usual rugged 
self.
After she got over the initial shock he pulled out a
bouquet of roses. Misty blushed deep crimson as she timidly reached for
them.
 
Misty smelled the flowers and sighed. They were perfect. She would have 
to
keep one pressed in a book to remember this
moment. Violet came up behind her and Misty handed her the flowers. 
Lilly
told them she'd get some water to put them in and
wished them a good time.
 
Ash was speechless when he saw her. It made his head spin. He never 
thought
that she could look that good. While he was
trying to find the words to say he decided to give her the flowers 
brock had
told him to buy. They had worked just as he
edspected, her face turned slightly red and she smelled them, then 
handed
them to Violet. After the door closed behind Misty
he smiled at her. Misty smiled back and half looked a the floor and 
half at
him.
 
"Well." Ash said after a moment of silence. "You ready?"
 
Misty nodded slowly, wanting to savor the moment. Together they walked 
side
by side out the building.
 
 ~**~
 
Ash treated Misty to a nice dinner at the best casual restaurant in 
town. He
and Brock had picked it out earlier, since neither
could drive and it was close to the hotel.
 
"So." Ash said after swallowing a bit of his food. "What did you do 
after we
split up?"
 
Misty smiled at him. "Well I went to school for about a month and a 
half,"
she started. " Then after that I started taking on
challengers at the gym. Me and Vaporion won every fight but two, I 
think."
 
Ash grinned. "So She's doing okay?"
 
"Vaporion? Yeah, she's the greatest. Thanks alot."
 
"No need to thank me, just being helpful."
 
They continued the meal talking happily when Misty sprang the question.
 
"So, Ash, You and Brock are traveling together now?" Ash nodded, 
wondering
where she was getting at. "Well, I was just
wondering if I could go with you again? You know, since were friends 
and
all....?"
 
Ash had to swallow hard not to sprew the drink he had just gulped down. 
That
was the last thing he had edspecting. He was
planning on asking her the next morning. They still had to watch the 
race
and all. It was only four days away. Misty had told
Brock and him earlier that they were staying for it. "Well,.... You 
WANT
to?"
 
Misty nodded. "Yeah...." her voice grew soft. "Its gets lonely 
traveling by
yourself." She looked at her plate, waiting for him to
answer.
 
"Yeah, if you want." Ash tried to hide his excitement. He had waited 
for
this day ever since they had split up to begin with.
Misty looked at him and smiled. A smile that melted Ash's heart, and
suddenly He remembered all the feelings he had for her.
Every conversation around a campfire, every day they were together. The
times she stayed next to him when he was hurt and
encouraged him when he wanted to give up.
 
Misty's eyes lit up when he heard the answer. She could tell by his 
voice he
wanted this just as much, if not more, than she did.
Misty began to eat and let her mind wander on all the things her and 
Ash
used to go through, and Misty felt that same strange
feeling in her gut that she felt two months ago. 'absence makes the 
heart
grow fonder ' she thought silently. She stole a glance at
Ash, who was eating like a proper gentleman - something she thought he 
could
never do. She really liked his new haircut. The
spikes made him look really handsome. Ash looked at her and gave a 
heart
warming smile. Misty couldn't help but smile back.
Maybe she could find love in her life after all.......
 
 ~**~
 
Misty and Ash walked down the street. It was now a little past eight 
and
already the Sun was down, making it even colder than
ever. They were walking to the movie theater, no farther than one 
hundred
yards in front of them. They could see their breath
as they walked, closer than they ever have before, Each wanting to take 
the
other's hand but afraid to do so. Ash bought them
tickets to horror/romance film, Misty's choice. They sat in the back 
for no
other reason than they wanted to.
 
The movie was rather boring to Ash but he could tell Misty was enjoying 
it.
She sighed at the romantic moments and jumped at
the scenes that were supposed to scare. 'the hopeless romantic type' 
would
definitely fit her. Midway through she settled down
and laid her head on Ash's shoulder. Ash even put his arm around her. 
Misty
didn't mind though. It just seemed.... right. Like it
was supposed to be.
 
 ~**~
 
Ash now stood in front of the door to Misty's room. Bother were 
fidgeting,
knowing what was supposed to happen. Brock and
Pikachu were looking through the key hole and peep hole, silently 
cheering
them on. And since Misty's room was such in a
perfect place, both had a clear view.
 
"Well, " Misty began "I had a great time, Ash. I'm glad you asked."
 
"Really?" Ash asked her. "I would of thought I'd bore you to death.
 
"No, Ash." She assured him "It was magical." Misty knew she would have 
to
make the first move. Ash was just to shy for it.
Leaning her head down slightly there faces grew closer together. Ash 
caught
on to what was about to happen and unconcesly
licked his lips, tilting his head to hers, feeling her soft breath on 
his
mouth. Their lips met and both felt a warm rush through their
bodies. It was a soft kiss, one that only happens to people who loved 
each
other dearly. They both held the kiss longer than
necessary, not wanting to go. They pulled apart at the same time and 
looked
at each other's eyes, smiling.
 
"Good night, Ash." Misty sighed. "Sweet dreams."
 
"You to, Misty. You to."
 
Misty opened her door and disappeared. Ash walked silently to his room 
and
opened his door. Brock and Pikachu were
watching T.V., Whistling as if they did something wrong. Pikachu seemed
totally interested in the weather channel for another
section of the world and Brock seemed to be reading an upside down T.V.
guide.
 
"Hey, Pikachu, there's a good Jacky Chan movie on HBO." Brock said, 
hoping
Ash wouldn't suspect he was watching them.
 
"Chu." Pikachu changed the channel.
 
"I'm going to take a shower." Ash stated as he walked i n the bathroom 
and
closed the door.
 
Brock sighed. "Our little Ash....." he wiped a tear from his eye. "They 
grow
up so fast!"
 
"Pikaaachu." Pikachu nodded, also wiping a tear from his own eye.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Ash sat up in his bed and let out an face splitting yawn. Pikachu 
rolled
into the middle of Ash's pillow, being he slept right above
him and slid when he moved his head. He rubbed his eyes sleepily and 
glanced
around. He wondered where he was for a
minuet before his mind clicked in. He was in a hotel with Brock and 
Misty
across the hall. ' why did my mind go to her? ' He
asked himself. Then her remembered. The date! Ash smiled dreamily as he
remembered it. The way she smiled, the way she
looked at him, and the way her hair smelt of strawberries while she was
leaning against him. Ash sighed dreamily flopped
back on his pillow, receiving a very powerful shock from a very 
surprised
Pikachu.
 
 ~**~
 
Misty met Ash and Brock for breakfast at the local Waffle house. They 
had
already ordered and waved her over to join them,
Ash even said he'd pay for her check. Misty thanked him and sat down 
next to
Ash. Pikachu had gotten a booster seat, much
to his disliking.
 
"So, Misty, " Brock started up an subject of conversation. "I hope you 
had
and electrifying morning today?" Pikachu laughed.
 
"Huh? I miss something?" Misty asked confused. Ash grumbled something 
under
his breath. "What was that Ash?"
 
"I SAID," Ash half yelled half whispered "That Pikachu woke me up to 
one
thousand jolts on raw electricity this morning."
 
Misty looked at Pikachu, who smiled cutely up at her. "Why'd ya do 
that?"
She asked it
 
Pikachu began to tell her how he had fallen on it in Pika Talk, even 
making
arm and hand motions to stress points. All in all he
looked rather comical. Even waitresses stopped and commented on how 
cute he
was. When he was done Misty looked at him
stupidly. He let out an exasperated 'Cha' and turned to wait on his 
meal.
 
"He said Ash fell on it accidentally while thinking about you." Brock 
said,
grinning. Misty blushed.
 
"You can't even understand him!" Ash yelled, frustrated.
 
Brock laughed, grinning
 
The gang eat their meal, discussing the days plans. Ash paid for it and 
they
left to catch some more Pokémon.
 
 ~**~
 
"Sshh, I hear something." Ash whispered. He motioned for everyone to 
get
down. They crawled through the grass, with silent
objections from Misty, who was wearing a rather expensive pair of Brand 
name
sweat pants and shirt. Brock and Ash chose to
ignore her and kept crawling.
 
"Wonder what it'll be...?" Brock asked to himself.
 
"Dunno, but I bet it'll be a racing pokémon." Ash smiled to himself. 
Maybe
he could enter the race without renting a ponyta
after all.
 
"Prepare for trouble!
 
"Yes, make it double.
 
"To cover the world in devastation!"
 
"To control all people within this nation!"
 
"To announce the evils of truth and love!"
 
"To rule everything under the stars above."
 
"Jessie!
 
"James!"
 
"Team rocket moves at the speed of light!"
 
"Sounder now or die in the fight!"
 
" Oh man, Its team Rocket!" Ash and co stood up.
 
"Ash! you know these guys?" Brock asked, amazed. "Never knew you hung 
out
with criminals!"
 
"I don't you moron!" Ash yelled at him. "There gonna try and steal our
Pokémon!"
 
"Your not getting my Pokémon!" Brock threatened Team rocket. "Try it 
and
you'll pay!" Brock clenched his fist.
 
"Relax. " James stated calmly. "I'm after him." He pointed at Ash. "Ash
Ketchum of the town of Pallet, I challenge you to a
Trainers battle! The Circle of Power!"
 
"What's that?" Ash asked Misty.
 
Misty gasped. "Ash! Don't adept! Its where the trainers fight each 
other!
You won't last a second against him!"
 
Ash looked doughbt full, but Brock stepped in. "Hey, Challenge me if 
your
looken for a fight. I can take yas!" He cracked his
knuckles for emphasis.
 
James grinned and pulled out a gun. "Fight or die, its your call, Ash."
 
Ash grit his teeth. " You wouldn't dare!"
 
James smiled and pulled the trigger, narrowly missing Misty. Ash 
freaked and
leapt in front of her, putting his arms out to
protect her. "OKAY I'LL FIGHT! Just don't hurt her!"
 
Jessie smiled to herself. "It looks like the twerp has a soft spot for 
the
girl. My my how touching."
 
Ash growled at them and James took off his coat, leaving him only in a 
black
skintight undershirt. He seemed perfectly fine,
despite the cold wind. Ash took off his jacket and threw it to Misty, 
who
caught it worriedly. She knew he wouldn't last.
 
While they were talking Meowth was drawing a circle around them. When 
he
finished up he addressed the two groups.
"All right, here's the deal. The first one to give up, Pass out, or 
leave
the circle looses. No Pokémon or weapons allowed, got
it?"
 
James and Ash nodded and walked in the circle. "And when you loose, 
Your
Pikachu is mine." James stated, smirking smugly.
 
Ash's eyes narrowed. "And if I win?"
 
James laughed. "well...haha.... If you win then I'll give you three 
hundred
dollars." From the sidelines Jessie snarled. James had
better not loose this one.
 
"Aaannnnndddd....." Meowth held up his paw. "FIGHT!"
 
James leapt at Ash, fist extended. Surprisingly Ash didn't move. When 
James
was no more than an inch in front of his he side
stepped and punched him in the gut, makeing a very surprised James 
double
over. Ash grabbed his hair, twisted his body, and
delivered a jumping knee kick to James nose, making blood erupt from 
it.
James reeled back and grabbed his nose. Ash stood
where he was, letting the wind blow his hair for dramatic effect.
 
 ~**~
 
"Wow...." Misty breathed. " When could Ash do that?"
 
Brock nodded approvingly at him. "Ash once told me his Father taught 
him to
fight when Ash was still young. Since GAry
always picked on him ash had to learn to take care of himself."
 
Misty only nodded numbly. She had a new found respect for him.
 
 ~**~
 
James moved his hand from his nose and saw blood. He could taste it 
running
into is mouth. He smiled. It had been way to long
before he had a decent fight. James righted himself and wiped away the 
blood
from his nose with his sleeve and smirked at
Ash, who now took on a battle stance. He had underestimated him, giving 
him
the perfect chance to score a blow. He wouldn't
make the same mistake twice. James inspected the stance Ash was in. A 
basic
defensive stance. He had obviously been taught
to fight. He smiled despite the situation. "I seem to have 
underestimated
you." James declared. "I won't do it again. Prepare
your self."
 
James lashed out with a small hop and a vicious roundhouse, catching 
ash in
the side, making him fly to the edge of the circle,
skidding. Dust flew from the cold ground and Ash leapt to his feet and
turned around, only to catch a one-two combo From
James' fist. Ash beard the pain and punched him in the stomic and then
kicked his chest, makeing James stagger back for a
second. Ash pressed his attack with a jump kick that was easily grabbed 
by
james and he was tossed into the ground.
 
Both contenders hopped back a few steps to catch their breath. Eyeing 
each
other for breaks in their defenses. Ash found none
and James saw plenty. It wasn't that Ash's offensive stance wasn't 
good,
quite the opposite, From what James could tell he was
no stranger to fighting. Someone must have taught him before. Without
warning Ash leapt forward for a flying round house,
missing James head by millimeters. While Ash was still airborne James
uppercuted, catching him and the waist and went all the
way to his chin before his fist left his body. Ash flew back a few feet 
and
hit the ground with a sickening thud.
 
James stood still, watching him, knowing he could go on if he had the
stamina. Just Like He had hoped Ash had pushed himself
back up and stood before James. His lip was bleeding and he spat out 
blood,
taking a different stance. James frowned at this,
wondering what he was planning. Not deciding to wait he sprang into the 
air,
impossibly high, reading a kick to finish ash off.
 
Ash stood his ground even as he saw James leap in the air, something 
Gary
had always done, took to the air. The rocket
member's foot flew toward his face, yet still he didn't move. When he 
was
about to be hit he jumped. The move seemed to go
by in shots of still motion pictures. Ash leapt, caught James by his
shoulders with his feet, twisted in mid air, drove James into
the ground, and fell onto of him, delivering a massive punch to the 
gut,
sending blood rushing from Jame's mouth.
 
Misty gasped and Brock smiled to himself.
 
Ash stood up slowly, letting James cough up more blood. It was over. 
Ash
started walking back to his friends while Jessie and
Meowth ran over to James and helped him up.
 
click.
 
Ash turned around to see Jessie holding a gun, pointed right at his 
face,
the hammer cocked and ready to fire.
 
"No." Everyone's eyes went to James, who was sitting up and wiping his
mouth. "Don't shoot him. He won."
 
"What!?" Jessie protested. "You mean your going to let him... just 
GO!?"
 
James nodded.
 
"WHY!?"
 
"He won." James stated calmly, standing straight. " There was no way I 
could
of blocked the next move after that. If he struck I
probably would of been hospitalized." James took the gun from Jessies 
hand
and put in in her holster. "Lets go." He turned and
walked a few steps before turning back, looking at Ash. "Your a good
fighter, better than I thought. But next time I won't hold
back on you. Count on it, we'll meet again." He threw a rose at Ash and 
it
landed just below his feet, sticking into the cold hard
ground. Jessie and Meowth soon followed James and they departed.
 
Ash grinned at James. He was an okay guy, even if he was evil.
 
"ASH!" Misty hugged him tightly and almost cried. "Ash! I was so 
worried."
 
"Misty, please..." Misty let him go and Ash breathed heavily. "oh....." 
Ash
smiled at her as he put his hands on his knees and
panted. "But, thanks. I needed that." He chuckled to himself.
 
Brock walked over to them and patted Ash on the back. "Good job, 
although
James was holding back. I could tell."
 
Ash nodded. "Yeah, I know. For some reason he didn't want to win."
 
Misty sighed and looked at them. "What are you talking about!? Ash 
totally
whipped that guy!" She received to head shakes.
"What do you mean no?"
 
Brock grinned. "Girls have no sense of fighting spirit." Ash chuckled.
 
"but, Ash....?"
 
"Yeah, Misy.?"
 
She briefly kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks for risking yourself for 
me
back there." Ash blushed and smiled, leaning on Brock
for support. Misty blushed a little herself, not believing she just did
that.
 
" I knew you two liked each other!" Brock declared.
 
"Kachu!" Pikachu agree.
 
Ash pulled his cap down to cover the view the taller boy had on his red
cheeks. "Don't read anything into it all right?"
 
"Wait, what's that!?" Brock pointed to a small leather pouch on the 
ground.
They walked over to it and ash knelt down to
inspect it. "Be carefull, Ash. It could be a trick."
 
Ash nodded and opened the pounch..... and pulled out a wad of bills. 
Both of
the boys and the girl stared at the money, not
believing it was there.
 
 ~**~
 
Later that night about six o'clock to be exact, Misty And Ash were 
taking a
stroll through the forest of the out skirts of town.
Misty had already donned Ash's jacket and small white puffs of air 
could be
seen as they breathed. "Christmas will be here
soon." Ash noted, looking a the sky.
 
Misty nodded, "Yeah, only a few weeks to go." They kept walking, their 
feet
making crunching noises on the cold ground. " I
wonder where we will be when its Christmas?"
 
Ash shrugged. "I hope its in a nice warm hotel room, that's all that I 
care
about. I hate camping out at seven below weather. Me
and Brock got stuck in the rain last week. We had to stay in a cave 
since we
don't have a tent."
 
"Why didn't you get one?" Misty asked him. "If your cold, you can have 
your
coat back..?" She began to take it off.
 
"No, no." Ash put his arm around her shoulders to keep her from taking 
it
off.
 
"oh, okay...." They both blushed when they realized that Ash still had 
his
arm around her. He began to move it. "No, its okay. I
don't mind." Misty stammered. Ash smiled at her and they continued to 
walk,
eventually finding a bench and sat down. Misty
snuggled closer to Ash to keep warm. "It gets really cold now." She 
noticed.
 
Ash nodded and smiled as Misty laid her head on his shoulder, which was
pretty awkward since she was almost an inch taller
than him. But with her leaning over and Ash having his arm around her 
Ash
noticed just how well they fit together. He closed his
eyes and smelt her hair. ' How come Women's hair always smells so good? 
' He
asked himself.
 
"Whatcha doen?" Misty asked him, knowing.
 
"Your hair smells good." Ash said non-chalantly. " uh, I mean..." He 
blushed
when he realized he said that out louad.
 
Misty giggled and snuggled up closer to him and looked at the stars. 
"The
sky's so pretty. This is why I like it this time of year."
 
"Why?"
 
"Because it gets night so soon and I love to star gaze." Misty sighed
dreamily. They both watched the sky for an hour but only
seemed like a few moments.
 
"Brock and Pikachu will get worried." Ash said slowly. He didn't want 
to
leave yet, just wanted to stay there with her. To make
her happy.
 
"Just a little longer?" Misty asked him softly. She felt Ash nod and 
they
continued to watch the sky.
 
"Look." Ash pointed with his other hand. "A shooting star. They saw if 
you
make a wish it'll come true."
 
Misty closed her eyes. "I wish..........." she trailed off and finished 
it
mentally ' That I had the courage to tell Ash how I really
felt.....'
 
"Misty........." Ash began unsurely. "There's something I wanted to 
tell
you...."
 
"What's that?" Misty asked, turning her head to look at him. He was 
blushing
slightly.
 
"Well..... I've kept this inside for a while now and I just wanted to 
tell
you that.... Well...."
 
"Yes Ash?" Misty looked into his eyes, and blushed a little.
 
"That...... That....." Ash trailed off as their faces grew closer 
together.
They could feel the warmth of each other's breath as they
neared for the kiss.
 
CRASH!
 
 The trainers jerked apart and jumped away from each other as a wild 
Tauros
smashed into the bench they were sitting in just
seconds before. Ash instenticly reached for his Pokébelt. "GO! 
PIDGEOTTO!"
 
The small bird looked down at the bull and coward.
 
"ASH! There's no way Pidgeotto can beat that thing!"
 
"Your right! Pidgeotto, RETURN!"
 
The Pissed off Tauros eyed both of them maniacally. By now Ash and 
Misty had
regrouped and were standing in front of it,
worried. It leapt.
 
"Go Ponyta!"
 
Ash felt himself being ripped up from the ground and up into the air. 
From
Misty's yelp he could tell that she had gotten the
same treatment. He lurched to the side and heard the Taurus yelp and 
run
off. Ash was dropped to the ground, Misty fell ontop
of him.
 
"What the....?" Ash sat up slowly and got to his feet, helping Misty up 
as
well. "What happened?" He looked around and found
a young women to his right, along with a Ponyta.
 
"Why hello thar. Are yous okay?" The girl asked polightly. She had on a
green horse rider's outfit and had short green hair
along with a thick country accent.
 
"Hey. Did you just save us?" Misty asked, glad she was still alive.
 
"Sure did. Me 'an my Ponyta here, sure did. Ya'll all right arn'cha?"
 
"Ummm, Yeah." Ash said, grimacing as he had landed on his bruised side 
when
he fell. "U"m all right. Thanks for saving us."
 
" 'Don cha worry your cute little self over it." the girl responded.
 
Misty stepped up to her. "What do you mean by cute?"
 
The girl looked confused. "Are you two a couple or something?
 
"Umm.... no." Ash was about to say when misty cut him off.
 
" What if we are?"
 
the new girl giggled slightly. "Don't cha worry about it! I have a
boyfriend. I wasn't comen onta your man here. 'is just how we
talk 'own here."
 
Misty thought about it and laughed. "hehe, sorry. Thanks for saving us
again."
 
" No problem, how about yous two come and join me for dinner? I'd be 
pleased
ta have yas."
 
Misty and ASh looked at each other and nodded. "You have a phone? We'll 
need
to call out friend to tell him we'll be late."
 
The girl nodded and they began to walk. Ash noted that the girl wasn't
ridding her horse. "Hey, If you don't mind me asken why
don't you ride the horse? OH! and where are my manners? I'm Ash," he 
pointed
to Misty. "And that's Misty."
 
The girl laughed. "I'm Laura, and as for the reason that I'm not
riding....." She stepped closer to the Ponyta, who's fiery mane lit
up the area around it. Ash and Misty both had to keep gasp down as they
realized her arm was broke."
 
"Oh! i'm sorry, I didn't know!" Ash apologized."
 
Laura waved him off. "don't worry about it. My home should be right 
over
that thar hill." She pointed and Misty and Ash
nodded.
 
 ~**~
 
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
 
"And that's the story." Ash finished telling his tail of how he and 
Misty
winded up so far from the town.
 
Laura nodded and eat some more noodles. "Interesting. So you two really 
like
each other, huh? Sounds to me like your a real
close couple."
 
Ash blushed and reached for his cap to cover it up but remembered he 
took it
off a while ago. Misty kind of coughed and
scratched her head. "Uumm, I really appreciate you taking us in for the
night." Ash said, changing the subject.
 
"Oh no, its no trouble at all." Laura insisted, waving him off. "I 
really
don't get that much company over here." She eat another
bite. "Say, are you two going to be in the race on Friday?"
 
Ash nodded slowly. "Yeah, but I haven't found a Pokémon to ride. I 
really
don't want to pay the money to rent one for the
race."
 
Laura perked up. "How about you ride my Ponyta?"
 
Ash smiled "Really!? You'd let me?"
 
Laura nodded her head. "Yeah! Besides, that creep Damio is responsible 
for
me breaking my arm. He is scared of how fast
My Ponyta can run. But with you I bet she could still win the race and 
put
Damio in his place!"
 
"All riiigghhtt!" Ash clenched his fist. "I'm gonna win for sure!" Ash
yawned. "Hm, that's weird, I'm tired. What time is it?"
 
Misty glanced at the Clock behind Ash. "About eleven." Ash almost 
jumped at
her speaking. He had almost forgotten she was
there.
 
"I guess its time to turn in." Laura said, standing up. "I need to get 
a
fresh start on tomorrow's schedule."
 
"Would you like some help?" Misty offered, "You've been so nice to us, 
let
us do something."
 
Laura laughed. "No,no, heaven forbid! Now you two hurry up and go to 
bed,
I'll see you tomorrow. Its this way 'ight over
here." She led them upstairs to a spare bedroom. "Sleep tight you two."
 
"Yeah, you two." Ash called as she was closing the door, clicking off 
the
light. The room was only lit by a tiny bit of moonlight.
 
They turned around, and only saw one bed.
 
"Ooooohhhhhh no. I am NOT sleeping with you, Ash."
 
Ash shrugged and flopped on the bed. "Then sleep on the floor, I don't
care." He kicked off his shoes and pulled off his shirt,
then wiggled out of his jeans and hopped back on the bed, clad only in 
his
boxers.
 
"And WHAT do you think your doing!?" Misty demanded.
 
Ash flipped under the covers. "Ain't like you've never seen me like 
this
before. I always slept this way when we camped." He
turned over to face a wall. "Get ready for bed, I won't look. I 
promise."
 
"I bet you won't." Misty muttered, receiving an amused chuckle from 
Ash.
Mist sighed and grabbed her favorite sleeping shirt,
the solid black worn out XXL shirt she claimed from Ash so long ago. 
She
slipped it on, then took off her shirt underneath the
one she had just put on, making sure Ash wasn't looking. In fact, he 
almost
looked like he as already asleep. Misty sighed again
and took off her jeans and slid into the bed.
 
Ash rolled over and looked into Misty's eyes. "Since when were we a 
couple?"
he asked, amused.
 
Misty gulped. "Well.... errr....."
 
Ash laughed quietly. "Come'er sweet heart." He reached out and pulled 
her
close to him.
 
"Wha What?" She stammered. "Sw-Sweat H-Heart?"
 
A grin. "Can't you take a joke? Hey.... Isn't that my shirt?"
 
"Was." Misty corrected him, patting his chest. "Mine now, honey." She
wrapped her arms around him and rested her head
against his chest. "Go to sleep, Sweet dreams."
 
Ash slowly put his arm around her. "Yeah....... you two." He closed his 
eyes
and breathed in her scent. Before he knew it he
was asleep.
 
 ~**~
 
Ash ran as fast as he could go but the figure chasing him seemed to
effortlessly fly next to him, hovering on something. "Ash,
you have to stop!"
 
"Stop what!? Who ARE you!?" Ash panted hard as he tried to get away.
 
"I'll kill her." Ash stooped and looked. He was know in the scene where
James almost shot Misty.
 
"NO! It can't be! What the hell is going on!?" the world became encased 
in
slow motion
 
James pulled the trigger and blood erupted from her chest.
 
"I told you to stop." the voice told him, calmly , emotionlessly.
 
Ash's eyes went wide and he caught the falling Misty in his arms. Tears
welled up in her eyes. "Assssshh...... I just...." Blood
crept from her chest like running water. "....I just... had to 
let..you
know.......that...that.....I Lo....." Her eyes closed and her
head and body went limp in Ash's arms.
 
"No...." Ash whispered. "NO!!!! NO! NO! NO!" He laid the body down and
turned to look at James, His hair was longer
now, dressed in black with a knife in his hand. "You killed her. I 
won't
forgive you!"
 
"then you die to!" James threw the knife but Ash caught it..... By the
blade. James' eyes bulged out as Ash flipped it in his hand
and threw it back. It pierced his chest and James hit the ground, but 
no
blood came. time stood still as He stood back up and
pulled it from his chest. "I can't die." He told Ash.
 
and for the first time in his life, Ash knew pure terror. James leapt 
at
him, eyes glowing red.
"NNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOO!"
 
 
 ~**~
 
"Ash! ASH Wake up!" Misty shook him harder.
 
Ash's eyes bolted open and he shot in to a sitting position in the bed. 
He
frantically patted his body, making sure he was still
there. He was hot and panting heavily.
 
".....Ash?"
 
He turned to see Misty looking concerned at him. Her eyes showed him 
that
she was worried. Ash's breath settled down and
he felt a cold shiver come over him. He laid back on the bed and 
sighed,
panting. "Nothing.. Just.. Just a bad dream."
 
Misty, still sitting up, looked down at him. "Wanna talk about it?"
 
"No. Your alive, that's what matters."
 
Misty gasped and Ash grimaced when he realized he said that aloud. "You
mean," She began "I died?"
 
Ash pulled her down and used his other hand to pull up the covers that 
had
been knocked back. "It was a dream, don't worry
about it." He reached for her but was surprised when she pushed herself
close to him, sighing.
 
"Ash, I'm here. As long as your with me I feel safe." She slid her arms
around him.
 
Ash closed his eyes and kissed her forehead, remembering the vow he 
made to
protect her. "I won't let anything happen to
you."
 
Misty's breath was already even. She was asleep. Ash, however, found it
difficult to resume sleeping. He absentmindedly
stroked her hair while he looked out the window. His dream ment 
something.
Maybe either he or Misty would die soon, or
maybe he was just imagining to much.... Sleep tugged at his eyes and 
soon he
two was in dreamland, this time his dreams were
of Misty, the girl he had completely fallen for...... If he could only 
admit
it to himself.
 
 ~**~
knock knock knock.
 
"I'm comeing I'm coming!" Laura walked cheerfully over to the door and
opened it, revealing a young man and a Pikachu.
"Well, yous must be Brock and Pikachu, Ash's friends.
 
"Yeah." Brock confirmed
"Pika." Pikachu added a the same time.
 
"Well your friends told me you'd becoming. Right this way, I'll sho you 
to
there room. I'm sures they be up be now."
 
"All right." Brock nodded. 'hhhhmmmm...' he thought 'If she was a few 
years
older then she would be a perfect woman to earn
the please to be my girlfriend...' Brock continued his useless day 
dreaming
as he was lead through the house.
 
"Here we are. there in here." Laura smiled. "I have to feed the Ponyta,
Please, make yourself at home." She walked back down
the stairs as Brock opened the door, to see Ash and Mist VERY close and
sleeping together.
 
"Oh. My. God." He made sure to emphasize each word.
"Pi. Ka. Chu." Pikachu said at the exact same time, roughly 
translated it
ment the same as what Brock had just said.
 
Ash groggily opened his eyes when he heard someone say something. He 
sat up
in his bed and yawned loudly, stretching. then
he froze. Brock and Pikachu were staring at him with their mouths 
almost on
the floor. Ash's mind slowly began to function
from the sleepiness in it and he put two and two together. "Uummm..." 
He
pointed to a still sleeping Misty. "this, um, isn't what
it seems."
 
"So, your NOT sleeping with Misty?" Brock asked, still amazed.
 
"Yes, er, no. Well..... you see....umm..."
 
"Pikachu? Pi pi, ka chu pi?"
 
"No, Pikachu! Me and Misty ARN'T intament! Its like this..."
 
 Ash was about to explain when Misty wrapped her arms around Ash's 
waist,
still asleep. "Be quiet, Ashy-boy, I'm still tired."
Misty yawned to herself, not even waking up half way.
 
Ash blushed.
 
Brock looked at Pikachu, who looked back up. Both nodded and 
congratulated
Ash. "ASH! I never knew you had it in you!"
Brock turned to Pikachu "Ya see, Pikachu? Being with me for only a few 
weeks
has already gotten him to be a man!"
 
"NO!" ash protested. "Nothing like that!"
 
Brock smiled as he made himself at home i the room ,sitting in a chair 
and
leaning back in it. "No need to be modest Ash!
Everyone does it in their lifetime!"
 
Ash snapped. In one fluid motion he was out of Misty's arms, off the 
bed,
and had his hands around Brock's throught. " I DID
NOT DO ANYTHING WITH MISTY!" He yelled in his face.
 
Pikachu, who was frightened by this whole ordeal of Ash suddenly 
yelling,
let out a small electric charge, getting both Ash as
well as Brock. Misty chose this time to wake up.
 
"Hhmm...?" She sat up in her bed and saw Ash strangling Brock, Pikachu
trying to break them up, and a towel left by Laura.
Without even acknowoging the situation she got out of the bed, grabbed 
the
towel, and informed them she was going to take a
shower.
 
 ~**~
 
By the time Misty had gotten out of the shower Ash had informed Brock 
and
Pikachu in on the details about why they were in
the same bed. After several questions and answers he had the whole 
thing
straitened up. Although Brock was quite depressed
that Ash hadn't gotten a girl yet.
 
"Oh well," Brock sighed. "I thought you had finally admitted your 
feelings
for her."
 
Ash yelled at him. "What do you MEAN feelings!? I DON'T like her! Never
have, never will!"
 
"Yeah, Yeah, whatever." Brock said nonchalantly.
 
"Pikapi?"
 
"Yes, Pikachu?" Ash asked tiredly.
 
"Chu chu Pika?"
 
"No, Pikachu. I don't have anything to eat. Go ask Laura, she's 
outside.
She's also a breeder."
 
"A Breeder!?" Brock exclaimed. Ash nodded a tired affirmative and Brock 
took
out the bedroom door in search of the fellow
breeder, Pikachu hot at his heels looking for a promise of a meal.
 
Ash sat on the bed and sighed. Things like this always happened to him.
 
 ~**~
 
By the time Ash had taken his shower Misty had already gotten dressed 
and
was lieng on their bed, writhing in the book. Yes,
THE book. The bright red sparkly one. The one that held all her 
secrets. Her
Diary. Ash would stop at nothing to get a hold of
it for just one second, to see what went on in the mind of his fellow
trainer, to see if she liked him as he did her. But one thing
held Ash back, actually two. The first was his honor, the honor of 
respect
for other people's personal things. The second was
fear. The ever lasting fear that she might not like him back. Or maybe 
she
did but didn't want a relationship.
 
Ash sighed and sat down on the other end of the bed. His mother had 
once
told him girls always flirted with guy if they liked
them or not. She told him they did it for the fun of driving them 
crazy. Was
Misty doing the same to him? Was she just playing
with him? Ash didn't know and wasn't sure if he wanted to find out. 
Letting
out another sigh he reached for the comb while
Misty continued to wright, suddenly remembering his dream.
 
Misty closed her book a minuet after Ash had come in. She fastened a 
lock on
it and tossed the book in her bag. Seeing Ash
combing his hair, she walked over to him and sat down behind him, 
taking the
comb from his hand and pulled him to lay in her
lap. She ran the comb through his thick hair, surprised that he didn't
protest. Misty looked into his hazel eyes, searching for an
answer. His eyes were glazed over. It looked as if was in deep thought. 
She
smiled at her reflection in his eye and continued to
comb the thick hair, amazed at how it instantly went back to the many 
spikes
no matter how she combed it.
 
Ash sighed and lifted his head. He half heartedly thanked Misty and 
walked
downstairs and out the door, leaving a very
surprised Misty wondering what was wrong with him. Ash walked over to 
the
pin where the Ponyta were kept. Laura and
Brock greeted him and showed him the difference between a regular 
Ponyta and
a thoroughbred one. Ash didn't pay much
attention to them though. His mind was still at work trying to figure 
out
his dream.
 
After being burned a few times Ash decided to pay more attention to 
what was
being said to him. He found out that the Ponyta
had to trust him in order to let him ride bareback along the main of 
fire.
Brock and Laura had been very supportive while Ash
tried. At Lunch Misty and Laura cooked while Ash, Brock and Pikachu 
talked
about racing. Brock had given Ash pointer on
how to lean while he rode to get max speed while Pikachu tried to talk 
the
Ponyta to let Ash ride it. With only a few more days
to go they had to pick up the pace. Ash had gained Ponyta's trust on 
the
third day and no longer was burned by the fire on The
back of the pony.
 
Brock had once explained about the fire to Ash. Although he didn't 
really
understand it at first, Ash had gotten to understand
more about the Ponyta in the past few days. When the Ponyta was scared 
or
didn't trust someone It would make its fur and
main as hot as it could to keep them away, but when they felt safe or 
calm
around people the fire would only be there as a
normal main would, only hot when it needed to be. Such was the magic of 
the
world of Pokémon.
 
The day of the face grew faster and faster approaching as Ash trained 
day by
day. Although it was only a short amount of time
He was a relatively fast learner. Ponyta trusted him enough to let him 
ride
bare-back, something few Ponyta did. The local
track time was shattered by a full two seconds with Ash riding Ponyta. 
With
Brock's expert advise and Laura's knowledge Ash
and Ponyta became a great team. Misty spent more time with Laura 
because Ash
spent his time with Pikachu and Brock.
Regretfully the only time Misty and Ash spent together was when they 
slept,
which now was in sleeping bags because they
didn't feel comfortable in the same bed with Brock there, as well as
Pikachu. But unbeknownst to either of the later The two
young trainers had moved their sleeping bags closer together every 
night and
both had almost told their feelings on more than
one occasion. With all the training the day finally came. The day of 
the
race.
 
 ~**~
 
Ash awoke as he always did, sitting up and stretching. He looked around 
the
room and blinked a few times. It was still dark.
By the way he felt it was about three A.M. or sometime around then. 
Letting
his eyes adjust to the dark he looked to his left
and sw Pikachu curled up in his own sleeping bag. On his right slept 
Misty
and Brock was in the bed at his head. Ash thought
about why he woke up. Something about a dream? That's right, a dream. A
dream that he was being chased again, a dream of
warning. Ash breathed in through his nose and sighed. It would be 
another
one of those nights where he couldn't get back to
sleep.
 
He got out of his sleeping bag and sat on it, ignoring the cold chill 
that
ran through him. Laura's home wasn't very well insulated.
' How long until christmas? ' Ash asked himself mentally. ' Another 
month or
so? What will I get Misty and Brock? ' his thought
turned to the red headed girl that captured his heart, Misty. She 
yawned and
stretched in her sleep and rolled on her back.
 
Ash smiled. He would win tomorrow's race. And with the prize money he 
would
buy her something nice. Really nice..... And
you never know..... Maybe he could confess his feelings to...Just mabe.
 
"..Ash?" Misty slowly opend her eyes and yawned again. "Why are you 
up?" She
whispered to him.
 
Ash smiled in the dark. " I'm just excited about tomarow." he lied, not
wanting to worry her with another of his dreams. "Go back to sleep. 
I'll see
you in the morning."
 
"all right," Misty agreed. "Good night,Ash......Sweet dreams......" ' I 
love
you.' she never had the courage to say the last part aloud.
 
Ash nodded and he to layed on his sleeping bag, not bothering to get in 
it.
"You two Misty." he wispered. "....You two...."
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
It was the day of the race. Ash walked steadily to the gate that held
Laura's Ponyta. It's white hair gleamed in the light as the
sun reflected off of it. Ash was determined to win this for his new 
friend.
She had taken them in and taken care of them. Her
pride rest on his shoulders. He jumped on Ponyta's back and petted the 
fire
horse's neck, getting an approving sound from it.
With confidence and determination he proudly rode it calmly to the 
starting
ling. Misty, Brock, and Laura cheered him on from
the sidelines. Pikachu was sitting in front of Ash, wanting to be with 
it's
trainer when he won. Ash grinned, maybe this wouldn't
be so hard after all.
 
Damio got in the place next to Ash at the starting line. He took a 
sidelong
glance at Ash and frowned at him, Ash returned it.
Laura had told him a few days ago what Damio had done to break her arm. 
When
she was practicing her jumps Damio had
gotten a Meowth to use his charm to frighten the horse, bucking her 
off.
 
Ash spat at the ground in front of Damio, who growled at the act of
disrespect.
 
"Listen, twerp." Damio threatened. "I don't know how the hell you got
Laura's Ponyta but I want you to know you arn't going
to win." His voice was harsh and heavy with contempt.
 
Ash grimaced and retorted. " I'll kick your ass and prove how low you 
really
are, Damio. Your pathetic Doduo can't match the
speed of Ponyta."
 
They both glared angrily at each other as other contestants lined up 
next to
them. Most were on Rapadashes, the fastest
sprinters in the world of Pokémon. Others were on Tauros and 
Kangaskans. A
very few rode on Onix's and Arcanine's.
The light in front of them lit up and blinked. Once, twice, and the 
third
time, turning green.
 
Damio leapt in the lead right off and left a trail of dust behind it, 
going
at least eighty miles per hour. Many people passed Ash
as he rode the Ponyta at only half of its speed, letting the others 
make the
mistakes. ' The Doduo is fast on the flat lands but the
mountains will slow it down beyond belief, so the REAL race begins at 
the
mountains. ' Ash grinned a this strategy.
 
 ~**~
 
"AAAAAaaaaaahhhhhhh....."
 
"And it looks like yet another trainer has fallen off his Pokémon!" And
announcer yelled over the intercom.
 
"Rapadashes can go up to an astonishing one houndred and fifty Miles 
per
hour!" Another announcer chimed in. " Its a prime
example of a trainer not knowing it's Pokémon."
 
"OH! and look at this!" the first announcer said excitedly. "It appears 
a
fight has broken out between and Arcanine and an
Tauros! I imagine other trainers will be pulled into this as well. What 
a
shame, look's like they need more disclipen!"
 
 ~**~
 
' right on! ' Ash's mind thought as he leapt over the fight that had 
caught
more than half the racers in a massive free for all. '
now's my chance to show 'em what were made of! '
 
"Pika?"
 
" Yeah, Pikachu! Were gonna do it now!" He bent to address Ponyta. 
"Lets do
it! Show 'em your speed!"
 
 The Ponyta nodded and lowered it's head, flattening its ears on its 
head.
Ash gripped the reins tighter and Pikachu held on as
best he could. A cloud of dust appeared behind the hoarse as they shot 
ahead
of the rest. Ash could already see Damio slowly
climbing the foot hills. He couldn't help but smirk. This victory was 
going
to be grand.
 
As Ash approached the bottom of the foot hills Damio was seen no 
farther
than halfway up, and taking his pace slowly. Ash's
Ponyta jumped from ledge to ledge, ignoring the main path. In under 
five
minuets he had already caught up with Damio and
confronted him.
 
"Well, It seems like your in second now." Ash called as he leapt above 
the
Doduo.
 
Damio grit his teeth and slung a knife he had on his belt loop, 
narrowly
missing Ash. "Go to hell, kid!"
 
Ash narrowed his eyes. ' So that's the way he wants to play it, huh? ' 
he
asked himself. ' So be it. ' Ash directed Ponyta to jump
on a ledge that was sure to crumble, making the path for Damio even 
harder
to tread on the snow Mountain climbing Doduo.
Although Ash was sure that it would slow him down enough for Ash to 
grab the
flag on top of the mountain to show he won, he
was sadly mistaken.
 
Damio sharply whistled and several Blastoise riding trainers came out 
of the
rocks, ready to fight. "Give it up, loser! You can't
win with only a Ponyta!"
 
Ash stopped his accent and looked around him, cursing under his breath.
Things weren't looking to good. One hit and he was
out of it.
 
"PI!"
 
Ash smirked. "Pikachu! Thunder barrier! Make sure you expand it to hit 
all
of the Blastoise!"
 
"PiiiKaaaaaaChhhhuuuuu!" Pikachu hunched over and concentrated his 
attack. A
circle of electricity completely sounded him
and expanded outwards in an three houndred and sixty degree radius,
completely surrounding Ash and his Ponyta. The attack
also took out the Blastoise around them, if not by the attack then by 
the
ruble that was knocked loose.
 
Damio cursed again. Things weren't looking up for him. "Doduo! Tri 
attack!"
The heads of the bird spat out small triangles of
energy at Ash and his team.
 
Ash, seeing this, planned his counter attack. "Pikachu! Use swift now! 
Make
sure you hit as many triangles as you can!"
 
Pikachu nodded and bit himself on the arm, pulling some of his hairs 
out and
spitting them at the incoming attack. The hairs
soon turned to stars and collided with the triangles, making them 
disappear.
 
"YES!" Ash cried.
 
"Not yet, loser!" Damio yelled as a Blastoise got up from the earlier 
attack
and shot a stream of water on Ash and his Ponyta,
knocking it over and skidding on the ground in a trail of mud.
 
"NO!" Ash was underneath the Ponyta, who seemed to be in great pain. 
Steam
flew around it as most of its flames were
extinguished. In its panic the Ponyta tried to make its flames as hot 
as
possible, to heat up its body. Thus in the process of this,
Ash was severely burned.
 
Ash pushed up on the Ponyta, glad that his gloves were element proof.
"Ponyta! Stop! Think about Laura! you gotta get up and
win this! PLEASE!" The flames were to intense. Ash felt himself being 
burned
to death by the panicked Ponyta. ' How ironic. '
Ash thought. ' I wanted to be a Pokémon Master and I end up being 
killed by
domestic Ponyta... ' He chuckled to himself
though it wasn't funny. ' I only wish I could of told Misty how I
felt....... '
 
Ash felt the flames double in force and saw through squinted eyes that
Ponyta had now opened its eyes and was growing,
standing up. Ash picked himself off the ground and realized that he 
wasn't,
in fact, being burned , however it was Ponyta's
flames that were growing and because It trusted Ash the flames didn't 
burn
him but only felt the heat from them. Ash's eye
widened as the Ponyta evolved. A bright red light emerged from deep 
within
its body, illuminating the entire area. Even Damio
and his gang stopped in awe to see it.
 
When the evolution was complete Ash stood in front of an Rapadash, the
fastest sprinter on earth. Although Ash was the one
closest to the horse, Damio was the one who reacted faster. " 
Blastoise!" He
called to any of his gang that were still conscious.
"Hydro Pump! Hit it for all its worth!"
 
Three streams of water shot from Ash's left side. Without even thinking 
Ash
called out his move. "Rapadash, Fire spin!"
 
the horse nodded and kicked up its hind legs, the flames extending into 
a
tornado and hitting the blast of water, extinguishing the
water into steam in less than a second. The tornado continued to fly 
toward
the stunned Blastoise and fried them to a crisp,
putting them in critical condition.
 
Ash jumped on The Rapadashes back and pointed to the flag on the top of 
the
mountain. "We still have a race to win!" He
called. "Lets go!" He snapped the reins and the horse reared up on its 
hind
legs and got a jumping start, making sure to keep
the Doduo in eye sight. Damio had started for the flag just before Ash 
did
and was already on the straight away to the flag.
Rapadash came into view just seconds after Damio did, catching up
effortlessly.
 
They ran neck and neck to the flag they had to grab. A crowd was 
gathered
around it already, including Misty, Brock, and
Laura.
Damio took he lead for a second only to have it taken back form Ash. 
The
flag was put in the ground and wasn't held up by
much. Ash knew he probably wouldn't have the speed advantage because
Rapadash had only just evolved. Giving the reins to
Pikachu Ash steadied himself and stood up on Rapadash back. Damio and 
the
rest looked at him oddly but Ash showed what
he was planning just as they approached the flag. Damio practically had 
his
hands on it when Ash jumped off Rapadash and
grabbed the flag right As Damio touched it.
 
Cheers erupted for Ash as he stood up and shook his head to clear it.
Looking in his hand and seeing the flag he raised it above
his head and waved it for all to see.
 
"You cheated!" Damio yelled, jumping off his Doduo. "I should of won 
this
race!" He ran toward Ash intent on pounding him in.
 
"On the contrary, young man!" A woman called, grabbing Damio's left arm 
and
snapping a handcuff on it.
 
"What tha....?" Damio turned around only to have his other hand 
fastened in
the handcuffs as well. He looked u to see what
was going on. He sw Officer Jenny, one of the few Policemen who had a
reputation for catching everyone she was after.
 
" I saw what you did from my helicopter, young man, and I'm taking you 
in
for using Pokémon to attack unfairly! You have the
right to remain silent. You have the right to a lawyer, but if you call
Johnny cockeran I'll personal rip your arms off, now come
along!" She roughly pulled him into a police van, with much protest 
from the
boy.
 
Misty ran up to Ash and leapt at him, embracing him in a hug. "You did 
it
Ash!" Ash cried.
 
Ash blushed and hugged her back. "yeah, guess I did, huh?"
 
"Ain't that sweet?" Brock asked smugly, patting Ash on the back rather 
hard,
making him fall close to Misty. Of course this also
made Ash's head dangerously close to Misty's. Both closed their eyes 
and a
flash came and went as they bumped heads.
 
"Brock!" Ash called, rubbing his head. "Warn me before you do that!"
 
"yeah!" Misty agreed, also rubbing her head.
 
Ash was once more hugged by a girl, although this time it was Laura. 
"Thank
yous Ash! Yous made mine ranch Famous now!"
the country girl thanked him.
 
Ash grinned and put his hand behind his head and gave a peace sign to a
Camera man. Pikachu joined Ash on his head, also
giving a peace sign. A camera man took a picture.
 
 ~**~
 
Ash slowly opened his eyes and yawned. He sat up and stretched. The 
smell of
folders coffee filled the air and he walked down
to the kitchen in Laura's home. At the table Misty was sitting in her 
chair
with her head laying on the table. Shrugging it off he
sat down next to Brock, who handed him the paper.
 
Ash glanced down at it as he took a sip from the coffee Laura placed in
front of him. Ash nearly spit out the drink he just too
when he read the headlines.
 
"Ash Ketchum from the town of Pallet wins the Free-for-all Pokémon race 
and
celebrates with his Girlfriend"
 
under the title was a picture of Ash and Misty who looked like they 
were
about to kiss. Ash's mind thought back to the day and
realized the picture must of been taken when brock slapped him on the 
back!
Ash groaned and put his head on the table two.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Chapter 6
To evolve or not to evolve!
 
Ash walked steadily down the dirt path. Pikachu was at his side and the
setting sun at his back. Brock and Misty were
somewhere behind him, Ash didn't mind though. He wanted to walk by 
himself
for a while, to sort things out. Pikachu wanted
to come along with him but stayed quiet. How long he had been walking 
like
this he didn't know. His mind was ahead of him,
planning on what was to come. Brock had informed him that they would 
come to
a town called "stone town." soon. The place
specialized in evolution stones and even gave them away for free when 
they
had extras.
 
Ash sighed and closed his eyes. The town was in view, Which ment Brock 
and
Misty would catch up to him soon. Looking to
his sidekick slash best friend Ash finally asked what was on his mind. 
"You
don't want to evolve, do you Pikachu?"
 
"Pi?"
 
Ash smiled slightly. "You know, turn into a Raichu."
 
"cha....... Chu chu." Pikachu shook his head no vigorously.
 
Ash's smile broke out into an even bigger one. "All right then! Come on
Pikachu, lets wait for the others." He kneeled and let
Pikachu jump on his shoulder, smiling. Pikachu didn't disappoint him 
and
promptly leapt onto Ash's head and laid on it, cluting
the sides so it wouldn't fall off.
 
Misty and Brock soon came into view to see a smiling Ash with Pikachu 
on his
shoulders. Brock smirked. "I knew it wasn't like
Ash to get depressed. Whatever it was it seems to of gone away."
 
"hmm." Misty nodded and jogged ahead to meet Ash.
 
Ash greeted her with a smile and sparkling eyes. "Come on guy! Lets get 
an
hotel room ,my treat!"
 
"Pika!"
 
"All right Ash!" Brock yelled, jumping in the air. "I'm all for it and 
I
know just the place! The well known Pokémotel! It has
special beds for Pokémon and even has a heated swimming pool!"
 
" YES!" Misty exclaimed. "I haven't been swimming since we left the gym 
in
cerulean!"
 
"umm..."
 
The two looked at Ash. "What's wrong?"
 
"I.. uumm... Don't feel much like swimming." Ash tried pathetically.
 
Brock put his arm around Ash and turned away from Misty. "you CAN swim,
can't cha buddy?" He asked quietly.
 
"......no...."
 
Brock stifled a laugh but quickly recovered. "All right then, maybe you 
can
get around it without Water maken Misty over
there."
 
"What are you two talking about?" the person in quire asked them.
 
"Oh, nothing." Brock said nonchalantly as he began o walk. "Lets go!"
 
Ash ran after him, along with Misty not far behind him.
 
 ~**~
 
"Two rooms." Ash stated to the person behind the desk. "Preferably 
joining."
 
The woman behind the desk tapped away a the computer rapidly and smiled 
at
the young boy. "If your a breeder you get a ten
percent discount."
 
"I'm a breeder." Brock said, pulling out his billfold and showing the 
woman
his breeders ID.
 
"all right then." a few more taps the woman handed Ash two cards. " 
Second
floor, take that elevator and it should be right
there." She pointed and Ash thanked her as the trio, plus Pikachu, 
headed
for the elevators.
 
"The first thing I'm gonna do is swim." Misty exclaimed as the elevator
doors closed.
 
Ash started to sweat, as Pikachu hung his head upside down inches away 
from
ash's. "Pika pika." It said menially, eyes
narrowing at Ash.
 
"Shut up, Pikachu." Ash muttered under his breath.
 
"What was that?"
 
"Nothing."
 
The doors opened and Ash got out before Misty could press the subject
farther. Tossing one key card to Misty and he using
the other they got into their rooms. Ash unlocked his side of the 
joining
doors in the room and waited for Misty to do the same.
 
"I'm gonna change first, guys." Misty called to them from the other 
side.
 
Ash shrugged and jumped on the bed and grabbed the remote, flipping 
through
the channels.
 
"So, What are you going to tell your water born goddess, Ash?" Brock 
asked,
laying on the other bed and putting his hands
behind his head.
 
"Well, I was thinking i woul...... HEY! What do you mean 'goddess!?' "
 
"pika cu chu chu.." Pikachu rolled off the bed laughing.
 
Brock chuckled. "Come off it man, its so obvious, anyway, What are you 
going
to say mr. ' I can't swim."
 
"Shut up."
 
"all right." Brock answered airily as he snatched the remote from Ash 
and
flipped it to the breeders channel. "On second
thought, I'll go two." Brock jumped up and ran into the bathroom to 
change.
 
Ash sighed and layed his head on the pillows. "So what? I'll just go 
and lay
out in the hot tub..... Sound good Pikachu?"
 
"Pikachu!"
 
Ash opened his eyes when he felt a thump on his chest. He saw a very 
happy
Pikachu with light teal green swimming trunks
holding a peace sign at him.
 
 ~**~
 
"Yeah!" Misty jumped off the high dive to perform a perfect dive, 
making
almost no splash. Ash sighed comfortably in the hot
tub as he slid down farther in it. Pikachu let out a soft 'cha' as he 
two
slid down, accidentally sliding off the small 'step' they
were sitting on and slid completely in. Ash laughed and fished the 
small
mouse out with his foot. The water logged Pikachu
clutched tightly to Ash's foot and shook itself, slinging water 
everywhere.
 
Brock chuckled lightly as he lay in the tub, only his head above the 
water.
"Looks like even Pikachu's a better swimmer."
 
Ash sighed. "You better be happy this feels good on my muscles or you'd 
be
hurting right now, Brock." another chuckle and
two collective sighs of contentment.
 
Ash was almost asleep when Misty decided to join them. Sliding back 
behind
Ash and moving her hands over his shoulders,
massaging them. Ash moaned a thanks and enjoyed it. "Your so tense, 
Ash."
She whispered in his ear. Ash could only nod in
response. Brock had already went to sleep. Since they were the only 
ones
there Ash thought He'd let him stay asleep, although
he kept a close eye on him to make sure he didn't go under.
 
Ash's eyes slowly closed as he nodded off. Misty continued to rub out 
the
knots on his back while Pikachu snored softly on the
side of the hot tub- curled in a little ball. Ash leaned back on Misty 
and
rest his head on her shoulder. " should be the other way
around." ash mumbled.
 
Misty nodded. "Yeah, I always though the guy was supposed to do this." 
Ash
bobbed his head and slowly sat up again,
standing up.
 
"I gotta get awake before I go to sleep to. Its only seven o'clock! 
time
fly's when your having fun huh?"
 
Misty stood up as well, waking Brock in he process. The breeder yawned 
and
informed them he was going back to the room
to get some sleep. Pikachu decided to go along, saying his good bye 
with a
simple tired. 'chu pikapi.'
 
Ash stretched to wake himself more. " Lets go get changed and get some 
grub,
I'm starving."
 
 ~**~
 
Ash sat back against the wall next to Misty's room. He wore a casual 
green
long sleeve turtle neck sweatshirt and matching
kaki pants. Brock had gotta Ash an early christmas present of 
Timberline
shoes. They were a dark brown and made Ash
almost an Inch taller. With his hands in his pockets and his hair 
neatly
combed in the usual five spikes, all in all at first glance you
would think he was a very well behaved and intellectual boy. Ash sighed 
and
looked down the empty hall, no one was in sight.
How long did it take to change cloths anyway? It wasn't like they were 
going
to a formal dinner, just a casual one.
 
The door next to him made a clicking sound as Misty emerged from it. 
She was
wearing a whitish grey tight fitting knit sweater
and matching pants. Her green eyes sparkled at him as he smiled. Ash 
offered
his hand, which she took blushing. They made
their way down the hall and to the elevator, Misty's long red hair 
flowed
behind her gracefully.
 
 ~**~
 
"Why does Ash always get a girl when ever he wants to," Brock yawned. 
"But
Iv yet to get one? Its not fair I tell you."
 
"Pika."
 
 ~**~
 
"So, Misty, " Ash began as he stared into the eyes of the person he 
secretly
loved. They were in a restaurant and just finished
their meal. " What was it like at Cerulean before we met?"
 
Misty blushed a little before answering. "Well, I only stayed there for 
a
little while. I moved out when I was thirteen to become
a Pokémon water master. It was nice though. My sisters took real good 
care
of me. My Mother and Father were gone most of
the time, off on adventures. They were sad to see me go." Misty 
chuckled.
"Almost as if they'd miss me."
 
Ash raised an eyebrow. "Who wouldn't miss you?" He blushed when he 
realized
what he said. "I mean, um, that you are good
company.... yeah, that's it."
 
Misty covered her mouth with the back of her hand and giggled 
playfully.
"Your to sweet to me, Ash."
 
Ash turned even redder. "Um, Misty...?"
 
"yes, Ash?"
 
"I was wondering..... If maybe.... Well, its like this.... Ever since 
you
first started with me I didn't like you to much, but.... I
guess it was a week before you left I started to lik--"
 
Crash!
 
The pair's head jerked to the side, looking for the cause of the noise.
There was a man at the table not to far from them holding
the waiter by the shirt. "Why, for that I should.... "the man clenched 
his
fist at the waiter, threatenly .Then Realizing he was
causing a scene the man put a wad of money on the table and left 
quietly.
 
"Sorry, for the disturbance, people." The waiter apologized. "I do 
believe
that man was drunk."
 
Ash turned back to Misty. "that was weird."
 
"yeah..... What was you saying?"
 
Ash's voice caught in hs throughout. "um.. nothing, nothing at all."
 
"oh..... okay."
 
Ash received the bill from a waiter and paid it. "Ready to go?" he 
asked.
Misty nodded and they left together. Ash, who was
still jumpy about almost telling his feelings, did not take Misty's 
hand
this time- A fact that made Misty more than a little
disappointed.
 
 ~**~
 
a man in a trench coat walked angrily from a restaurant and into an 
ally.
 
"What did they say?" A female voice asked.
 
James took off the heavy coat and threw it onto the street. "They won't 
pay
Team rocket what they owe."
 
"So now what?" Meowth asked from his place a few steps behind Jessie.
 
"simple." James answered, lighting a match.
 
 ~**~
 
Misty and Ash walked side by side down threw the deserted street. "No 
one's
out tonight." Ash noticed.
 
"Its really cold, maybe that's why." Misty said as she shivered.
 
Ash was about to offer his coat when he remembered he didn't bring it 
with
him this time. Instead he shrugged. "its not that cold
really."
 
Misty shivered again and exhaled deeply, showing him her breath in the 
cold
night air. "I can see my breath, that's cold in my
book." she stated. Ash shrugged again and looked ahead of him. The 
night sky
started to glow orange suddenly. Not a
noticeable one but Ash caught it none the less.
 
"The nights brighter than usual." He stated.
 
misty nodded. "yeah. Like its glowing orange."
 
A fire truck whizzed by them, sirens blaring. Ash and Misty turned to 
see
where it was going and were stunned. The restaurant
that they were in no longer than three minuets ago was ablaze. Looking 
at
each other and giving slight nods they ran after the
truck.
 
 ~**~
 
People were gathered around the burning building, commenting on how 
fast it
went up in flames. Firemen tried there best to
keep the flames from spreading and by the way it seemed weren't doing a 
very
good job.
 
"HEY!" One of the fireman yelled. "If anyone has any water Pokémon 
please
help to keep the fire under control, but don't get
to close!"
 
"Looks like my kind of job." Misty stated, walking forward, getting a 
few
steps behind the firemen. She was amazed that he
could withstand the heat being so close. Reaching for her belt she 
clicked
off three balls, two red and one crystal blue. She
threw them and called out their names. "GO! Starmi, Staru, and 
Vaporion!"
 
Ash grinned at the last one.
 
"Help put out the fire!" Misty ordered. "But stay back so you won't get
hurt!"
 
The water from the pokémon flew towards the building, causing steam to 
roar
from the place. The firemen looked at her in
appreciation and soon the fire was down to a dull roar and would soon 
burn
out on its own. Misty recalled her Pokémon as
two or three firemen ran into the building to exterminate any fire that 
was
left.
 
The chief walked over to Misty and Ash, who was congratulating her on 
her
helping out so well. "Edscuse me, miss?"
 
Misty turned from Ash and looked up at the man. "yes?"
 
"thank you for your help. We really appreciate it and I'm sure the town 
does
to." He waved his hand over to the crowd and
they cheered for them all. "I would be proud to present you with a 
special
badge of courage. Would you please come by the
fire station later on tonight?"
 
"sure will!" she exclaimed, takeing Ash's hand in joy.
 
"Hey, I knew i've seen you two before!" the chief realized. "Your the 
boy
that won the Pokémon race a while back arn't you?"
 
Ash blushed. " Yeah, how did you know about it?"
 
the chief smiled at the boy. "The Pokémon race is put in every news 
paper
around! and was broadcaster everywhere! anyone
who's into news at ALL knows about it!"
 
ash sighed and put his head in his hand. ' this means Mom knows about 
it.
Great, That means she thinks me and Misty are a
couple to....... ' He looked at Misty 'well, there's nothing wrong with
that! '
 
"I have a few things to take care of, like how the fire started and 
stuff.
I'll see you later tonight, Miss?" Misty nodded. "Al right
then. Bye."
 
 ~**~
 
Ash lay awake in his bed, clad in his boxers and a loose T-shirt. Brock
snored on the bed next to him and Pikachu soft
breathing ontop of him made Ash in no mood to sleep. He thought about 
what
had happened that day, the time he spent with
Misty and the fire that had happened so suddenly. The chief said it was
intended, but the only clue what ever was a single red
rose laying not far from the place. Ash knew instantly Tam rocket was 
behind
it but didn't say anything for lack of proof.
 
A soft knocking at the open door that joined the rooms made Ash turn 
his
head. He saw Misty. she was wearing the shirt she
had taken from him a long time ago. Ash couldn't help but smile.
 
"...Ash?" she whispered. "Are you awake?"
 
"yes." He answered, his voice low and she barely heard it.
 
"I'm going to go swimming, I can't sleep. Would you like to come?"
 
Ash thought about it for a second. "sure, why not." He figured the hot 
tub
would help him sleep. "I'll be over three in one
second, okay?"
 
Misty nodded, forgetting he couldn't see her. "Oh, okay. I'll be 
waiting."
 
Ash slowly got out of his bed so he wouldn't wake Pikachu, who had 
decided
to take his usual spot above Ash's head on the
pillow instead of the small Pokébed by the wall. Making his way over to 
the
bathroom Ash smiled lightly to himself. Maybe
tonight was the night he would tell her how he felt. He changed his 
cloths
quickly and walked over to Misty's room.
 
".....Misty?"
 
Misty sat up from her place on the bed. "Ash..... ready? They have a 
special
pool for night swimming. Lets go." Ash nodded.
 
 ~**~
 
Ash stood in the shallow end of the small heated pool. The whole pool 
wasn't
but six feet deep, which made Ash feel amazingly
better. They had found out when they opened the door that the pool was
heated and also nobody was there.
 
Misty had been coaching him to go to the deep end and swim with her but 
Ash
said he liked the shallow end better. When she
asked him why he answered with a stuttered "Just cause I do."
 
"You can't swim, can you Ash?" She asked quietly.
 
Ash thought about denying it but hung his head instead. "......no.... I
can't."
 
Mist swam quietly over to him and wrapped her arms around him and 
gently
swept his feet from under him, using the water to
help hold the almost weightless Ash afloat.
 
"What are you doing?" Ash asked surprised.
 
"I'm going to teach you to swim, silly." She responded. Ash smiled at 
her
and Misty blushed. "now... the first thing is to..."
 
 
 ~**~
 
Ash and Misty sat in hot tub, only their heads were above the water. 
They
had been practicing swimming for a little over an
hour. Mist steadily complimented him on his ability to pick up things 
really
fast and Ash believed he could keep himself afloat if
need be.
 
Right now Misty was sitting in front of Ash, who had his arms around 
her.
Misty was leaning back against his chest, resting her
head on his shoulder. Their hair was damp from the water and partly dry 
from
sitting there so long. Neither had said a word
yet, both just enjoyed each others being there.
 
Ash was amazed at how slim she was. Her skin was soft to the touch and 
her
hair still looked pretty even though it was messed
up. Neither one of them said anything about sitting together. Ash had 
gotten
out of the pool and Misty followed. When he sat
down in the hot tub Misty sat right in front of him, Ash had almost
instantly put his hands around her waist- holding her close to
him.
 
"...........Misty?" Ash whispered.
 
"yes, Ash?"
 
"thanks."
 
"for what."
 
"For everything. Thanks for everything."
 
Mist sighed and looked up at him, turning her head so she could see 
him. "
Oh, Ash...." She tilted her head up and gently kissed him. " I should 
thank
you.... for helping me feel like I was wanted."
 
Ash gently smiled at her and softly squeezed her in a hug, letting her 
know
that he always wanted her...... Always.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Brock yawned and sat up in his bed, rubbing his eyes. The sun was 
directly
on his face, making him wake up earlier than he
wanted to. Looking around he noticed Ash's bed was empty, save Pikachu.
Getting out of bed he walked to the bathroom to
take a shower, stopping when he saw a note on the T.V. Plucking it up 
and
rating it as he continued his way.
 
Brock,
 Me and Misty are going to head on down for breakfast, see you later.
 
 Ash
 Note: the time is 8:45
 
Brock crumbled it up and chuncked it into the waste basket. By the time 
on
the clock next to his bed it was now nine o'clock.
'They can wait a little while longer.' Brock turned on the water and 
took a
shower.
 
 ~**~
 
Ash bit into his Bagel and chewed thoughtfully. "Is there a gym here?" 
He
asked after he swallowed his food.
 
"Nope, sorry." Misty responded, drinking her water.
 
Ash took a sip of his capichino "hm... to bad, I need another badge. Oh
well, what do you want to do today? We can leave out
tomorrow, its been a while since we has fun."
 
Misty smiled. "I want to go shopping."
 
Ash raised an eyebrow thoughtfully. " since when did you have.... money
to..... spend?" Ash trailed off when he saw the wicked
smile in Misty's eyes. "Ohhhh nnnoooo.. no way..... uh uh, not 
me......."
Misty gave him the puppy dog eyes and Ash sighed.
"Fine...."
 
Misty squealed. "Thanks Ashy-boy! I'll go get ready now!" Misty jumped 
up
and ran to her room.
 
Ash sighed and put his head down on the table. "Why me?" he asked to no 
one.
 
"Pika?"
 
Ash looked down at the small electric mouse. "Hey there little buddy, 
when
did you get here?"
 
"Chu chu Pikachu."
 
"oh, I see. Well anyway Do you want something to eat?"
 
"Pika!" He hopped into the now empty chair in front of Ash and began to 
eat
a bagel in small Pika sized bites.
 
 ~**~
 
Ash yawned and absently petted Pikachu as he waited for Misty to come 
out of
the dressing room for the hundredth time that
day. Already she had spent up at least three hundred dollars on cloths
alone. Ash lazily figured up how much more money he
had on his trainers card. His guess was roughly two hounded dollars 
left.
Just enough to get him some serious cash if he bet
enough on his next match.
 
Misty opened the door and stepped out in front of Ash and twirled. "How 
do I
look?" She was wearing a loose long leave
T-shirt and light blue jeans.
 
"Lovely, as usual." Ash yawned loudly.
 
Misty fumed at Ash's lack of attention. "I'm planning to buy all of 
these."
She informed him
 
"that's nice." Ash said lazily, not paying attention.
 
"I'm gonna spend all your money."
 
"whatever you say."
 
"Were going to Victoria Secret and you can watch me try things on."
 
"okay... HUH!?" Ash instantly sat up straight in his chair.
 
"Pika!?"
 
"Just kidding." Mist told him in a sing-song voice as she walked back 
into
the changing room.
 
"Cha Pika cha chu pi ka cha, pikapi."
 
"Pervert."
 
"cha..." Pikachu scratched the back of his head in embarrassment.
 
Misty came back out a few minuets later and once more They set out in 
the
mall. Ash, of course, was carrying about ten bags
not counting the ones he put inside others to make the load easier.
 
"OOOOhhhhh..." Misty ran up to a window and looked in.
 
"What now?" Ash groaned.
 
"Ppppiiiikkkkkaaaa....." Pikachu had long given up walking in favor of
laying on Ash's head.
 
"A water stone."
 
"What!? No way! there WAY to expensive!"
 
"I know.." Misty sighed. " I always wanted to evolve my Polywhire back 
home.
My Sisters would need it to..."
 
"educes me.. Miss?" a boy asked Misty.
 
"Yes, what is it little boy?" Misty answered him good natuedly. The boy
looked to be about seven and had an eevee sitting on
his head.
 
"you can have this, if you'd like." He handed her a small red box. and 
left.
 
"Hey, wait!" Misty called, but the boy kept on walking away.
 
Ash sat down the bags and collapsed on a bench. Misty sat down next to 
him
and unclasped the clip on the box.
"What is it?" Ash asked her.
 
Misty gasped when she saw what was inside. "Its a three piece evolution
set!"
 
Ash gawked. "Really!?"
 
Misty nodded and picked up the water stone, which was really think and
crystal blue. "wow..... that little kid gave it to me....?"
 
Ash picked up the thunder stone. "wow.... so cool."
 
"Pi ka chu chu!" Pikachu slid of Ash's hat and hid behind his back.
 
"I'm not going to evolve you, Pikachu."
 
"cha?"
 
"nope."
 
Pikachu jumped back on Ash's hat and then jumped onto Misty's shoulder.
"Pika pika?"
 
"what did he say?" Misty asked Ash.
 
"He wants to know if he can touch one of the stone without being 
effected."
 
"Yeah, here." Misty held out the water stone. "see?"
 
Pikachu touched the blue stone and ran his paw over it. "Pika!" he 
exclaimed
happily.
 
"Doing a little evolution?" Misty and Ash turned their heads to see 
Brock
leaning over the bench on the other side, a smug look
on his face. "Ain't this cute? Ashy-washy is taking his water goddess 
on a
shopping spree! How nice of you..." Brock pinched
Ash's cheek and laughed.
 
"Don't read anything into it, okay?" Misty growled as Brock leapt over 
the
bench and sat next to Ash, thus in the process
making Ash and Misty exceedingly close.
 
"So what are you going to evolve?" Brock asked them. "I didn't think 
you
could even afford one of the stones, let alone a three
piece set."
 
"Some kid gave it to us." Ash said, uneasy of himself being so close to
Misty. Pikachu, however, was enjoying being able to sit
in both their laps a the same time. Pokémon sure were easy to please 
;-)
 
"Ash, if you name all of the evolution stones, lunch is on me." Misty 
said,
smiling.
 
"your on! Lets see...." He pointed to the ones in the case. "We got the 
fire
stone, water stone, and thunder stone.... Also the
moo stone... and the... uh.... Rolling stone?"
 
"wrongo! Looks like lunch is on you, Ash!"
 
"Bbrrrrroooooooccckk..... Make Misty stop! I'll go broke!"
 
"Actually, Ash. "Brock answered. "I was about to comment on your 
flirtation
technique. I know as well as you that we were
talking about them last night, and you knew them al- OMPH!" Ash cut him 
off
with an elbow to the ribs.
 
"Shut up already!" Ash whispered harshly at him.
 
Misty only grinned.
 
Brock rubbed his side. "Looks like YOU need to evolve to, Ash."
 
"hey!" Misty went to his defense. "he's fine the way he is!"
 
Brock smiled. "women- like wine- don't evolve, they mature over 
time.... a
hundred years outa do it!" Brock leapt from the
seat just in time to avoid a hard slap from Misty, who reached over 
Ash's
head. "ehehehe.... How about I buy lunch?" He
picked up a few of Misty's bags and Ash grabbed the rest. Pikachu 
jumped on
Misty's right shoulder as they followed Brock.
 
 ~**~
 
"So," Ash said, taking a bite from his hamburger. "this kid just gave 
Misty
the set and took off! Looks like he had an Eevee, to.
He took another bite and sipped his Coke.
 
"Interesting." Brock examined the box. "This seems to be a box from the
knights of E-stone."
 
Misty swallowed a drink. "How do you know that, Brock?" She took 
another sip
and eat some french fries.
 
"Says, so right here." Brock flipped the case upside down and showed 
them
the bottom of the box. "the address is printed o
the bottom, see?"
 
"and I messed that?" Ash asked to no one in particular.
 
"You miss alot of things, Ash." Misty stated as Pikachu stole yet 
another
french fry from Ash's plate.
 
"Do not." Ash stated, missing the entire robbery.
 
Brock chucked and Misty covered her mouth As Pikachu eat the fry in a 
couple
of bites and grabbed another that Ash just had
his hand on.
 
"huh?" Ash turned his attention back to his plate to notice half his 
fries
gone. "All right, whose the one?"
 
two fingers pointed at Pikachu ,who was nibbling on the fry. "cha?"
 
"Pikachu!" Ash scolded.
 
"ccchhhhhuuuuUUUUuuuuu....." He tried to offer the fry back.
 
The guesture made Ash instantly forget the the thieving Pokémon." Ahh.. 
Its
okay, but here..." Ash dipped a fry in some
ketchup. "Eat it like this." he pope the fry in his mouth.
 
"pika?" Pikachu picked up another fry and dipped it in the ketchup, 
sniffing
it before tasting it. "PIKACHU!" he drowned the
rest of the fry and licked the ketchup off it.
 
"Guess he likes ketchup, huh Ash?" Misty asked.
 
"amazing!" Brock exclaimed. "Maybe I can add a ketchup flavor to my
recipes!" he took out a small notepad from his pocket
and unclipped a pen from his shirt, making notes.
 
"Leave it to a breeder........" Ash trailed off, watching Pikachu lick 
away
happily.
 
 ~**~
 
"This is the place?" Ash asked, looking around.
 
"Yep. one-o- three fair dale place, stone town. E-stone territory." 
Brock
answered, looking around a large room from a
balcony. "Hey! check that out!" He pointed to a small boy presenting 
his
Eevee to a guy with a funky hat.
 
"that's the boy!" Misty exclaimed.
 
 ~**~
 
"What's wrong with you, Mikey!? Your Eevee hasn't evolved one bit!"
 
Mikey looked down. "I-I just couldn't. I don't want to force Eevee into
evolving. I can't."
 
The man in front of the boy frowned. "If you don't stone your Pokémon, 
YOU
should be stoned!" (great pun, huh!?;-)
 
Mikey flinched. "sorry...."
 
"that's okay, just evolve it now!" A boy with red hair spiked up 
called,
walking to the podium. "I have a fire stone." he pulled
out a red rock from his pocket.
 
"No WAY!" another called, jumping up. This man had long blue hair. " 
Use the
water stone!"
 
"Your all wrong!" a man with spiked blond hair accused. "Use a thunder
stone!
 
"E-Volve! E-VOLVE! E-VOLVE!" The people chanted.
 
 ~**~
 
"That poor kid's under alot of pressure." Brock commented, looking down 
at
them.
 
"I'll settle this." Ash declared, running down the stairs.
 
"ASH! Don't get involved!" Misty called out after him
 
 ~**~
 
"HEY!"
 
Everyone in the room turned to see a young man and a Pikachu. 
"Evolution
isn't the only way to go! My Pikachu can beat a
RAichu hands down!"
 
"This, young BOY, is a special group that can only be joined by 
evolving you
Pokémon with a stone! you are not welcome
here!
 
"I have an idea!" a new voice called down to everyone. Ash looked up to 
see
it was Brock. "If Eevee battles it evolved states
and wins he should be emitted into the club.
 
"Yeah!" Ash agreed.
 
The man in charge thought about it. "So be it. If Mikey and the twerp 
beat
Eevee's evolved states then he can join. The match
will be held tomorrow afternoon.
 
Mikey looked at the boy who had helped him as everyone left. "Hey.. 
thanks."
 
"No sweat, kid." Misty and Brock walked up behind Ash.
 
"Sorry to get you involved, though." Mikey bowed his head.
 
"Aw.. Ashy-boy here always loves a good fight, don'cha?" Mist wrapped 
her
arms around ash' neck and leaned on him from
behind.
 
"Yeah!" Ash declared, blushing furiously. "You up to it Pikachu?"
 
"chu-Pika!" Pikachu called from under Ash's legs.
 
"thanks again.... would you like to stay at my house tonight? Your 
welcome
for dinner to, if you want.
 
'Free food and shelter! All right!' Brock smiled. "Yes! thanks!
 
"Follow me." Mikey turned and started walking.
 
Misty released Ash, but caught his hand as they followed behind Brock.
Neither of the two trainers could look each other in the
face, scared they'd reveal the blush each wore.
 
 ~**~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Thanks again for Dinner." Ash said as he took another gulp form his 
drink,
finishing it off. "Are you ready to start training?"
 
"Yeah."
 
"No, not 'yeah' be more enthusiastic! Try "All right!"
 
"All right!" Mikey smiled.
 
"That's more like it, come on kid we gotta lot of work to do."
 
 ~**~
 
Misty watched as Ash and Mikey walked off the train, their Pokémon 
following
them.
 
"You really like him, huh?" Brock asked her, startling her in the 
process.
 
"Um... yeah. I guess I do."
 
Brock smiled to himself. "Does he know?"
 
"I think so."
 
"Think?"
 
"Yeah."
 
" Oh. "
 
Time passed slowly as they eat. " Brock....?"
 
"Yes, Misty?"
 
" What will it take to get him to understand how much I feel for him?"
 
"I may not know him as well as you do," Brock answered her. " but he's
really dense at stuff like this. He probably doesn't
even
realize how much he likes you."
 
"You know he likes me?"
 
"I can't say for sure."
 
"Possibility?"
 
"sure."
 
"okay."
 
Another pause.......
 
"can I show you to your rooms?" A man asked them.
 
"Yeah." Misty quietly said as she got up. "You can."
 
 ~**~
 
"What moves does he know?" Ash asked as he released Misty's Vaporion he 
had
borrowed earlier.
 
"Tackle...."
 
" And?"
 
"I think he knows reflect as a defenses move." Mikey finished lamely.
 
( Reflect: a move that allows the Pokémon to take half of the damage
received. )
 
"That's ALL!?" Ash screamed.
 
"Pikachu-Pika!?"
 
"Uum... yeah."
 
"Vveee...."
 
Ash sighed. This was going to be harder than he thought. " All right 
then!
lets battle it to see what it can do!"
 
"Eevee, Tackle!" Mikey yelled as he pointed.
 
"Vee!" the fox soared at the Vaporion, missing it completely.
 
"Eevee, Tail whip!" Ash commanded.
 
"But he doesn't...." Mikey trailed off As his Eevee flared out his tail 
and
rammed it against the Vaporion's side, getting more
skilled at it as he continued.
 
"Vaporion, counter!" Misty yelled as she walked into the arena, now 
wearing
different cloths.
 
The vaporion jumped into the air and landed on the Eevee, biting it.
 
"Hey! uumm...." Mikey tried to think of something.
 
"Don't think, Mikey!" Ash commanded. "Just act! the faster you command 
the
more you win! Eevee, reflect!"
 
Eevee glowed red and a small barrier in front of him formed, making 
Vaporion
back off.
 
"Glad you could join us, Misty." Ash commented. "I was afraid I would 
have
to command it as Mikey battled.
 
"No such luck, Ashy-boy." Misty grinned. "Vaporion, water gun!"
 
"Eevee, dodge it and tackle!" Mikey commanded. the maneuver was 
successful
as the Vaporion was his in the side.
 
"Good job!" Misty praised, holding out a Tm. "Give Eevee this."
 
( TM 34: Technical Machine #34, contains mimic- a maneuver that allows 
the
Pokémon to copy an enime attack, regardless of
its element. )
 
Mikey took it and opened the small grey box above Eevee, sparkling dust 
fell
on the Pokémon and it sneezed.
 
"Vaporion, water gun!"
 
"Eevee, Mimic!"
 
Eevee spit out a gush of water from its mouth and the two blast 
contacted.
Misty's seemed to have the advantage but that was
edspecting, a copy can't be as strong as the original.
 
"Use strategy, Mikey!" Ash coached from the sidelines. "Look for an
opening!"
 
Mikey thought hard. He had never really been in a battle before, not 
one
this intense. Most were just goofing with his friends.
"Uumm....."
 
"hurry Mikey!" ash yelled. "Eevee can't keep that up for long!"
 
"Eevee, see if you can use Agility!"
 
The fox nodded as best tit could while spitting water and leapt to the 
side
and disappeared with speed. The Vaporion caught
the move and jumped back just in time to avoid it.
 
"Nice!" Misty smiled.
 
"Pikachu, I choose you!"
 
"Chu, Pikapi!"
 
"Mikey," Ash began. "I want to do a combination move. This shouldn't 
hurt
Eevee."
 
Mikey nodded as Misty returned her tired Vaporion, talking to it.
 
"Pikachu, Eevee, listen up. I want you, Eevee, to use agility. Run to 
the
other side of the court as fast as you can. Pikachu."
 
"Chu!"
 
"I want you to put a thunder shield around Eevee, make sure not to 
shock it.
It Eevee uses the agility in a tackle with an
electrical current around it we should cause massive damage!"
 
"Cool!"
 
"Vee."
 
"Pika."
 
"......." Misty sat on the sidelines, watching.
 
"Lets do it!" Ash yelled as Eevee and Pikachu got ready.
 
 ~**~
 
Brock yawned. He had gone to help ash and Mikey practice a few hours 
ago and
was tired. They had been training for about
five hours now and Ash and Misty had just came into the room they were
staying in. He had to admit that Mikey had improved
alot. Ash always did have rather useful tactics and the knack for 
creating
new moves that only his Pikachu could pull off.
Although that eevee of Mikey's seemed to be a natural fighter, learning
moves almost instantly after performing them only once.
 
Ash sighed, tired from yelling so much. His Pikachu was already asleep 
in
his Arms and misty was beside him, yawning every
few minuets. "What time IS it any way?" Ash asked, stifling yet another
yawn.
 
"About midnight or so." Brock answered him.
 
"Good thing we get to sleep in." Misty commented as she came out of the
bathroom, now wearing an oversized White T-shirt.
 
"Hey...... Isn't that....?" Ash trailed off...
 
"Yep." Misty confirmed.
 
"I spend over three hundred dollars on you and you steal one of MY 
shirts to
sleep in!?" Ash yelled, acting angry."
 
Brock laughed and fell back on to the bed. " You two are pathetic! She 
wears
Ash's stuff like it was hers!"
 
"Do not!" Misty sniffed, pulling the shirt back onto her shoulder. "I 
just
like these shirts to sleep in , that's all."
 
Ash walked up to her and smirked. "Your half an inch taller than me and 
the
shirt STILL does to your knees?"
 
"Shut up." She pouted. "Your alot broader than me, it makes it hang 
down
alot more. Me being small doesn't help much either."
 
Ash smiled at her and turned back to Brock. "So ,who gets the other 
bed.....
Brock?"
 
"ZZZzzzzzZZZZzz....gghn.....Zz...."
 
"Guess he's asleep." Ash whispered, cutting the light off and setting
Pikachu down an one of the pillows.
 
Misty climbed into the bed, trying not to make a sound to wake Brock. 
Ash
raised an eyebrow at her and she smiled in the
dark. "Ain't like we've never done it before." She whispered, moving
Pikachu's pillow he was on to the other side of the super
single bed.
 
Ash slipped in, receiving a slight snore from Pikachu who was being 
moved
so much. He laid next to Misty, glad she couldn't
see him blush in the dark. Misty turned over and got close to him, her 
back
to his stomic. Her head fit right under Ash's chin as
they shared the same pillow. REaching his hand around her waist, Misty 
took
his hand and intertwined it in hers, resisting the
urge to bring it to her lips and kiss it.
 
"Misty.... there's something I want to tell you...." Ash whispered to 
her.
 
"What is it, honey?" Misty answered softly.
 
' Honey........' Ash took a deep Breath. Misty smiled as she felt him
breath. "Its just.... WEll..... I don't know how to say it..."
 
Misty squeezed his hands lightly. " Just say whatever comes to your 
mind."
she couched, hoping he was going to say what she
thought.
 
"well.... Its just that, that I- I lo--"
 
"Will you two PLEASE quiet down!?" Brock scolded them sleepily. "SOME 
of us
are trying to sleep instead of playing
Love-dovey."
 
Ash bit his lip and closed his eyes. ' So close.....' He thought. 'So
close.....'
 
Misty closed her eyes slowly. "Sweet Dreams, Ash...." She hugged his 
had
close to he stomic as if saying that she knew what
he ws going to say.
 
"Sweet Dreams..... My angel..." And he to closed his eyes, smiling now 
that
he and Misty were so close, realizing again how
much he loved her.....
 
 
 ~**~
 
"So, there are alot of evolved Pokémon?" James asked, lazily.
 
"Yes." a man with a gruff voice answered him, a Persian was sitting 
next to
his desk, which was almost in the shadows because
of the poorly lit room. "I want you to steal them."
 
"What ever." James answered airily as he turned to walk out of the 
room.
 
"You will address me with respect! Or I'll--"
 
In less than a second James had his gun out and was a few feet from The
man's head. "Or you'll what? Fire me? You know as
well as I do that your precious 'Team Rocket' Can't function without 
the
elite."
 
The man sweated under pressure. " Just LEave, James. You'll receive 
your pay
on time. Don't disappoint me." His voice was
firm, despite the fear he felt.
 
James smiled and uncocked the gun, making a clicking noise in the 
silent
room. "I'll do it, but I want a vacation soon. You've
been sending me and Jessie out on to many missions lately."
 
"You'll get a break when I say you do." The man yelled. "Now leave, 
before I
get mad."
 
James snorted at him and left the room. ' If only you could make a 
living by
stealing Pokémon by yourself....' he thought. After
all, the only reason he was in Team rocket was to get paid for doing 
what he
loved best.... Being on the border line of death
and life while running from the cops.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Ash slowly opened his eyes as he felt something move close to him. 
Light
invaded his eyes as the sun sun shown down on him.
Squinting, he willed it to go away but with no luck. Finally giving 
into the
fact that he had to wake up, he tried to sit up, but
found something holding him back.... Or maybe it was someone?
 
"Mmmhh..." Misty moaned as she got closer to Ash.
 
Ash sighed and tried his best to get away from her without waking her 
up.
REaching up carefully he took her arm off from
around him and slid away slowly, making sure to jerk the bed any. When 
he
was finally free from Misty's death grip he
stretched and let out an ear splitting yawn and scratched the back of 
his
neck. Misty moved over to where Ash was sleeping
and curled the blanket up around her, mad at the lack of warmth she 
just
lost.
 
"Ccchhhhaaaa..." Pikachu yawned as he got up from his curled position 
on one
of the pillows. He stretched his front paws and
moved his body back to stretch it as well- Much like a cat does. When 
he
finally became aware of where he was, he walked
over to the edge of the bed and jumped off of it, making his way over 
to
Ash's legs on all fours. When he got to his master's
feet he stood up and tapped Ash's leg. "Pika pika?" He asked sleepily.
 
"Hey Pikachu." Ash whispered, kneeling down and petting him. "Sleep 
good?"
 
"Chu chu pikachu." He nodded.
 
"That's good. " Ash picked up his Pokémon and carried him into the 
bathroom,
where he got dressed and brushed Pikachu's
and his teeth. After a quick shower and a scrubbing of Pikachu, with 
Brock's
very own Pokémon hair cleaner, Ash and
Pikachu were ready for the day.
 
WAlking back i not the bedroom He found that Brock was already up and
rummaging around through their stuff. "Hey,
Brock-O. Sleep good?" Ash asked him in a soft voice.
 
"Yeah, What were you and Misty doing all night, talking like that?" He 
asked
the young trainer.
 
Ash blushed and Pikachu nudged him from his place on the shoulder. "ka,
Pikapi." He said slyly.
 
"Nothing, really." Ash told him. " Sorry to keep you up by talking. " 
After
getting a certain look from Brock as continued his
answer. "And we did NOT do anything!" He declared as loud as he dared
without Waking the still sleeping Misty.
 
"Oh well, there's always tomorrow, right Ash?"
 
"I thought you were the mature one."
 
"chu." Pikachu nodded.
 
"Not you, Brock." Ash told his furry friend.
 
"ka?"
 
"yeah."
 
" I hate to break a conversation with a trainer and his Pokémon, "Brock
began. "But I'm going to see if I can help make
breakfast as a way of saying thanks for letting us sleep here. By the 
way,
you need to Wake Misty up to. Its almost eleven."
 
Brock left the room humming the tune to the song da, da, da.
 
Ash smiled lopsidedly.
 
Turning his attention to the sleeping figure in the bed he asked 
Pikachu the
familiar question. " So, Pikachu.... How should we
wake her up?"
 
"Pppiiii..." Pikachu scratched his chin thoughtfully.
 
"A shock perhaps?"
 
"Chu." Pikachu shook his head.
 
"The water trick usually works."
 
" Pikapi, Chu cha Picha ka chu." Pikachu hit the back of Ash's head.
 
"Oh, sorry.. forgot that it was a guest bed..... how about the original
shake her till she stirs?"
 
"Ka." Pikachu nodded.
 
Ash padded over to the bed softly and shook her gently. "Misty? Misty, 
its
time to wake up.... Misty?"
 
"mmghnn.." She pulled the covers closer and swatter at him lazily. "go 
'way,
Pikachu...." She curled up with the covers and
buried her head i n the pillows.
 
Ash looked a t Pikachu, puzzled. the mouse just shrugged.
 
Trying again Ash pulled the covers back to reveal her head head. 
"Misty." He
stated a little firmer, but still gently. "Get up. We
need to get ready."
 
"Mmnn?"
 
"come on. Up."
 
Misty yawned and sleepily opened her eyes. "...gn....Ash?"
 
"The one and only."
 
Misty grinned and stretched, curling her toes out, yawning once more.
"mkay.. 'm up." she close her eyes again.
 
"Misty!"
 
She sat up slowly. "okay.. okay... I'm up, I'm up...." She moved her 
legs
out of the warmth of the bed and stood up, wearily at
first then regaining her balance. She patted Ash on the cheek. "'m 
going to
take a shower." Her voice was still half asleep as she
made her way into the bathroom just outside their door, almost hitting 
the
frame.
 
"That girl's NOT a morning person. " ash sighed.
 
"Pika." he nodded.
 
 ~**~
 
By the time Misty was out of the shower and dressed Ash, Brock, Mikey, 
and
his parents were eating Breakfast. "hey, sorry
I'm late." Misty said sheepishly as she sat down.
 
"No problem." Mikey stated. " We have enough time to eat and get to the
arena with a few minuets to spare."
 
Misty nodded and began to eat. Pikachu and Eevee, who had finished 
their
meal, were outside playing around with each other.
Each were jumping around and rolling with each other.
 
" I think Eevee has taken a licking to Pikachu." Mikey said, smiling.
 
"Yeah. I'll hate it when we have to leave." Ash commented
 
"yeah.. I know what you mean..." Mikey said sadly. "Eevee doesn't make 
to
many friends."
 
"that's to bad."
 
"yeah..... Any ways," Mikey changed the subject. "About the battle
today........"
 
 ~**~
 
Click. A Pokébelt snapped into place.
 
"Its time."
 
"Yes."
 
Click. Another belt snapped.
 
Two figures stood in a dimly lit room, both wearing matching grey and 
red
sweat cloths. A Meowth stood next to them, waiting
their departure.
 
"Lets go."
 
"Right."
 
"Double trouble time."
 
 ~**~
 
"Here are the rules!" The headmaster of the knights of E-stone raised 
his
hand. "The Eevee and Pikachu will do battle against
two of each of Eevee's evolved forms. After each battle there will be 
no
healing or rejuvenation. I will allow potions for the
sake of the Pokémon's injury's. Are the contestants ready?"
 
"Yeah!"
 
"Are the challengers ready!?"
 
"YES!"
"Right on!"
 
" then let the first match begin!" the headmaster shot a gun and Eevee 
and
Pikachu leapt into battle against two Flareons
 
 ~**~
 
"Pikachu! Thunder shock!" Ash commanded.
 
"Eevee, tail whip!" Mikey continued.
 
The two Pokémon's attacks were successful and they jumped back to avoid 
a
counter attack from the Flareons.
 
"Flareon Flame thrower!" Pyro yelled.
 
Eevee was clipped by the tail end of the flame but Pikachu ,being more
skilled, avoided it fairly easily.
 
"Pikachu! Thunder dragon!"
 
"PPPPPpppppppiii......KKKKKkkkkkaaaaa.....CCCCCcchhhhhhuuuuuuu!!!!!" A 
large
dragon made of lighting erupted from
Pikachu's body and roared, arching its 'back'. Seeing its enemies, the
dragon lunged forward, frying both of the Flareons.
 
"Good job Pikachu!" Ash commented.
 
"Eevee, finish them off! Double tackle!" Mikey pointed at the weak Fire
Pokémon, who were trying to get up.
 
"Vvveeee.....!!!!" The small Eevee gained incredible speed as it bashed 
into
one of the Flareon, receiving a yelping sound.
Eevee braced itself and twisted his body and sprang off the Fainting 
Pokémon
and used the force to skull bash the other,
knocking it out.
 
"Round one goes to us!" Ash declared, running past a furious Pyro with 
Mikey
by his side.
 
"On to level two!" Mikey smirked. He had gained much confidence from 
being
with ash so much lately.
 
 ~**~
 
"Your going against me now, kids." Sparky stated, behind two Jolteon. 
The
glare in their eyes showed their thirst for battle.
 
"Save it." Ash commented as he pointed. "Pikachu ,GO!
 
"Eevee, GO!"
 
"Jolteon GO!"
 
The four Pokémon met in the center of the battle field and glared.
 
"Pikachu, LEER!"
 
"Eevee, Glare!"
 
The combination of the two Smaller Pokémon made the opposing over 
confident
Jolteon realize that they were going against
some special Stuff. No ordinary Pokémon could successfully pull off a 
leer
or glare and do psychological harm.
 
"Jolteon, group shock!"
 
"DODGE!" Mikey yelled.
 
"Absorb!" Ash smirked.
 
A huge blast of crackling electricity lit up the battle field but was
quickly dimmed by a now glowing Pikachu, who had seemed
to take the blast head on but absorbed the power.
 
Mikey grinned. "Eevee.." he began.
 
"Pikachu...." Ash continued.
 
"Roaring Lightning bullet!" they both finished at the same time.
 
"PPPiii......"
 
"VVeee...."
 
Eevee started running around the field at incredible rates as Pikachu 
kept
an eye on it. After closing in the circle and making the
Jolteon get together the small fox ran in for a tackle, glowing red 
with the
agility ability. Seeing the opening Pikachu let off the
blast and hit Eevee dead on, giving it an glowing, hissing, crackling 
shield
of raw power in front of him. the fox collided with the
Jolteon and delivered an astonishing blow, knocking both back against a
wall, KOing them both as they hit their heads against
the stone.
 
"Level three!" they yelled, running past Sparky and onto the last 
battle
field.
 
"Pi....Pi.....Pi..."
 
"What is it Pikachu?" Ash asked worriedly.
 
"chu....cha...chu.." It shook his head while pointing at the Two 
Vaporion at
the field.
 
"huh!? You can't battle?"
 
Pikachu tried to make a spark on his cheek but couldn't. "cha!"
 
"You used all your power to knock them off in one good hit, huh?" Ash 
asked
it.
 
Pikachu nodded.
 
"All right then... " ash turned his attention to an astonished head 
master.
"CAn Mikey battle on his own? I can't risk the health of
Pikachu."
 
The headmaster nodded his head in understanding. Although he wanted 
them to
loose, he knew that risking a Pokémon's well
being for a battle was cruel. "Okay. Eevee will face one Vaporion."
 
'All right!' Hydro thought. ' The Pikachu's out of it! I can win this 
for
sure!'
 
"Bring it on!" Mikey yelled. "Eevee can take you!"
 
" Get over it, kid! Vaporion GO!"
 
"I can't let you do that." A voice called.
 
"Prepare for trouble!"
 
"Yes, make it double."
 
"To cover the world in devastation!"
 
"To control all people within this nation!"
 
"To announce the evils of truth and love!"
 
"To rule everything under the stars above."
 
"Jessie!
 
"James!"
 
"Team rocket moves at the speed of light!"
 
"Surrender now or die in the fight!"
 
"Who the hell are you?" Hydro commanded.
 
"Why, were Team Rocket." Jessie answered as they jumped down from the 
room,
both landing on their feet, unhurt by the
three story drop. "Give us your Evolved Pokémon now or die!" she took 
out a
gun.
 
"Shit! Its them!" Ash cursed. "What are you doing here?"
 
"Its the kid again." Meowth noticed. "Did you guys know he would be 
here?"
 
"No." James answered honestly. "I didn't...."
 
"Its only a chance to nab that supped up Pikachu." Jessie told them "It
looks weak from battling. We'll get it this time around."
 
"Yeah!" James clenched his fist. Reaching to his side he unclipped a
Pokéball. "Go Weezing!"
 
"Go Arbok!" Jessie added.
 
"Go Staru, Starmie, Vaporion" Misty yelled, running onto the field.
 
"Onix, zubat, Geodude, Vulpix GO!" Brock exclaimed as he unclipped the 
balls
on his belt.
 
"Vaporion, GO! Don't let them steal our Pokémon!"
 
Ash grimaced as he unclipped some off his belt. "ButterFree, Fearow,
Pidgeotto GO!"
 
Jessie and James looked at all the Pokémon in front of them.
 
"Is that all?" James asked calmly.
 
Several People gasped. They were out numbered greatly.
 
"James, would you?" Jessie asked him
 
"It'd be my honor." James assured her. "Weezing, give us some privacy."
 
"Weez.. Weez!" The floating Pokémon let out a rush of thick fog. 
Everyone
was temporarily put into a coughing spell and
blinded by the thickness of it. Several screams od random Pokémon 
roared
through the arena and when the smoke cleared
Arbok and Weezing were slightly covered in blood and the bodies of 
random
Pokémon scattered the ground, badly injured but
none, thankfully, were killed.
 
" Its...... impossable...." Ash gaped.
 
" No...way?" Mikey asked the air.
 
" This place isn't very good for being evolved." James noted.
 
" Just shut up and start throwing." Meowth ordered them. "If we get 
enough
we'll get a bonus."
 
"Money, here we come. "Jessie smirked, grabbing a Pokéball from her 
belt and
throwing it. James followed suit and before
anyone could react more than half of the injured Pokémon were in 
Pokéballs.
 
"crap! We gota do something!" Ash told himself.
 
"Pikapi!"
 
Ash looked down At Pikachu. "Pikachu, your to weak. I can't send you. 
in."
 
"cha! Pika pi cha chu!"
 
"a recharge"
 
"chu!"
 
Ash thought about it. "Maybe.. just maby......Hydro!"
 
"what!?" The annoyed water trainer yelled as he protected his Vaporion.
 
"Give my Pikachu a shot of water!"
 
"Why!?"
 
"JUST DO IT!" Ash screamed.
 
Hydro, taken aback from the outburst, nodded and pointed to the 
Pikachu. "
Vaporion! hit the Pikachu with a water gun!"
 
"Vee!" Vaporion spit a weak water gun at the Pikachu and fainted from 
lack
of energy.
 
"Get ready, Pikachu...." Ash said quietly. "Sparky!?"
 
"What?" The lighting trainer asked as he sprayed some more Super Potion 
on
his Jolteon he had recalled into battle.
 
"Give Pikachu a shock! Maybe we can blast them!"
 
"Good Idea!" Sparky agreed. "Jolteon, shock that Pikachu with whatever 
you
have left! I'll recall you after that!"
 
"...vvvee..." The Jolteon nodded and shot an electrical blast at the 
Pikachu
,the water magnified it.
 
"Fuck!" James swore. "The Pikachu's going to attack!"
 
"damn, that thing's to powerful for its own good. Arbok!"
 
"Chhhhaaaarrrbok!"
 
"Weezing!"
 
"Weez!"
 
"GROUP ATTACK!" The rockets called in unison.
 
"Mikey, NOW!" Ash yelled. "Pikachu! Eevee Roaring Lightning bullet!!"
 
"Do It Eevee!" Mikey commanded, pointing a the incoming attack.
 
Pikachu hunched over with strain and used the energy circulating around 
him
to magnify what he was doing by him self and
unconcesly let out a thunder dragon, who seemed to bite into the small 
fox.
 
"EEVEE!" Mikey screamed, worried.
 
The dragon seemed to take the shape of a fox as it hit the snake and
floating gas ball, knocking them back.
 
"wow...." Ash said breathless.
 
The electric attack recoiled back and hit Jessie and James to, throwing 
them
against a wall. Both of their cloths were now
ripped and burned as if they had caught fire during the short flight 
from
their feet into the wall. A small arch of electricity went
from them in to the floor.
 
Wearily James sat up and tried to stand, falling again. His skin was 
black
and smelt of burnt flesh. His hair was dark now and
stained red. Jessie slowly crawled over to him . "James?" She asked, 
her
voice rasp from pain. "James....?" He eyes began to
water. "Please, James... can you hear me?"
 
James managed a cough and a small push up so he laid on his elbows. 
"Th..."
He coughed again. "Pikachu... packs... a
.....Whallop.... Eh...Jess?"
 
Jessie smiled as more tears came to her eyes. " We'll be..." She 
winced.
"okay..."
 
Ash slowly stepped forward and stood in front of them.
 
Jessie looked up. "Please..... Ash?"
 
Ash nodded.
 
"Please... If we...... Get Seperated... Please... Make sure... he's 
all....
allright..." Jessie passed out.
 
Ash stood there for a moment, his head low... He never ment to hurt 
them
like that. He didn't even know they were in love.
Ash clenched his fist as everyone recalled their injured and captured
Pokémon.
 
James coughed. "Ash...?"
 
Ash faced the fallen rocket. "James?"
 
James grinned at him. "You owe me... help us..."
 
"I can't." Ash told him as he kneeled down to talk.
 
James pulled out a small silver ball as Meowth came to. "Just... step 
on
this... we'll get away... I promise..." he took a deep pain
filled breath. "I promise We won't try to hurt you again.... I need..." 
He
caught up some blood. "...Got to.. Protect Jessie..."
 
Ash took the ball and looked back to his friends, who were coming over 
to
him. His mind involuntary went back to were he
and JAmes fought. He could tell James lost on purpose, although he 
couldn't
tell why. With one last thought Ash put the ball on
the ground and stood up. He took a step toward the gang and stepped o n
the ball.
 
Smoke insanely covered them. Ash felt himself pushed down by who he 
thought
was Meowth and heard James limp away, out
the door. He heard his friend's foot steps come to him as the smoke 
cleared.
Ash picked himself up, turned around, and gasped
when he saw that they were gone, a trail of blood leading to the door.
 
 ~*after math*~
 
The next few hours weren't to good for Ash. He had to answer questions 
about
the crime and details about how they got away.
Ash didn't tell them how, only that smoke came up and he was knocked 
down.
 
Mikey ended up being able to join the club because his Eevee and 
Pikachu had
beaten the Rockets. Ash had been invited to
join but he turned them down polightly. Another night was spent at 
Mikey's
house and Ash and his friends left the next day after
saying their good-byes and heading onward to new adventures.
 
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Chapter 7
Pikachu's Excellent Adventure!
 
Ash sighed as he sat up camp. It was only a few days till Christmas and 
he
still hasn't gotten Brock or Misty anything, heck not
even Pikachu had a gift yet.
 
"I wish I could wash my hair...." Misty sighed. It had been over a week 
from
when they last stayed in a hotel and they could
only stay in the water for about 2 minuets without catching pneumonia. 
A
fact they quickly realized when Ash turned blue and
had to sit about half a foot from the fire with Blankets around him for
almost an hour before he could feel his limbs again.
 
"If you want to have a popsicle for a head, have at it." Ash grinned as 
he
kicked some snow away from the place where he was
going to build a fire. Surpriseingly they had found a spot that had 
very
little snow on the ground. tree's hung over them and there
was a small gap in the Trees about ten feet from their sight where they
could see the night sky. Ash had decided that if he
couldn't sleep then he would go back to his favorite past time, star 
gazing.
 
Brock chuckled as he put a load of Firewood down. "That's all the dry 
wood I
could find... there's snow everywhere. I
recommend that the next town we come to we should stay their till after
Christmas... After all, who wants to spend it on the
road?"
 
Misty nodded and wrapped herself up snugger in her Jacket that she had
bought. "Just light the fire. I'm Freezing!"
 
Pikachu popped his head out of Misty's Jacket and chaed at them.
 
"And having a mouse in my jacket doesn't help much, either." Misty 
joked,
petting Pikachu, receiving a purr from him.
 
Brock smiled to himself as he took out a pack of matches from his back 
pack
and lit ti. "We gotta get more matches to. We've
been using to many."
 
Ash put a second load of firewood down ." I found these by that 
opening.
More matches? Its figure a box of five houndred
would last a long time.
 
"Not when we use one for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Not to mention a 
fire
every night and whatever snacks we make on the
way. Don't forget we gave some kid a houndred of them. The poor guy was
freezing out there in his tent!"
 
Ash thought back to the young trainer he had met earlier. A rather well
mannered kid if he did say so himself. Although he had
a tent it turns out his supply bag had fallen into the water. "Yeah. 
Maybe
I'll pick up that lighter thing instead of matches next
time. Iv won a couple of battles so we have some more money to spend."
 
"Yes!" Brock yelled, ignoring Ash. "Lady's and Gentleman, we have 
heat!" He
put more logs on the growing flame, smirking to
himself.
 
Ash chuckled and sat down by the fire, Misty sitting at her usual spot 
to
the right of him.
 
Brock smiled inwardly at the couple in front of him. He knew full well 
that
they had a thing going but for some reason it
remained 'unofficial' . Neither of them had admitted it to the other 
that
they were in love and frankly Brock was amazed that
they hadn't. Each practically drooled over each other. Misty was 
clearly
making all the moves on him but Ash was to dense to
pick them up. If it had been Brock that a cute girl was making passes 
on him
he was sure he'd have a girlfriend in a few
hours..... Ash o the other hand missed obvious pick up lines like 'my 
hands
are freezing.' and ' I'm cold, mind if I walk a little
closer?' Ash had totally missed them!
 
Ash wondered why Brock was looking at him like he was. He had been 
doing
that for a few minuets now. "What's up
Brock-O?" He asked. "Something wrong?"
 
"Huh?" The Rock trainer asked. "Sorry, I was spazed out for a moment."
 
"Oh nothing." Ash assured him.
 
Misty sighed and scooted closer to Ash. "Ash, I'm cold."
 
Ash put his arm around her and Brock nodded approvingly. Of course Ash
missed it.
 
Misty was happy that Ash had final done that. It had been way to long 
since
She had been this close to him. Closing her eyes
she took a deep breath and inhaled his scent, sighing. She laid her 
head on
his shoulder and felt sleepy all of a sudden. " What
time is it?" She asked airily.
 
"About nine or so by the way its gotten dark so suddenly." Brock 
answered
her. "Its not to long till the next town. We can
make it in about.... five hours from when we wake up. Its been a hard 
day
for us. I think we walked non-stop. Maybe we
should sleep in tomorrow. How about it? We need a break. Personally I 
say we
goof off till christmas. It'll also give Ash some
time to catch some more Pokémon."
 
"I agree." Ash agreed. "Its been a while since I caught my Squirtle..."
 
Misty though back to the time she was fishing and pulled up a Squirtle. 
It
took out her Staru and Ash had beaten it for her with
a few attacks from his Fearow. In the end she decided to let him 
capture it.
"Yeah..." She closed her eyes and felt herself slip
off into the comfortable state of unconcesness.
 
"Misty?" Ash asked quietly. "Misty?"
 
"She's asleep." Brock noted. Ash nodded to him in agreement. Silently 
they
got out Misty's sleeping bag from her stuff and
unrolled in on the cold hard ground. Brock opened it and Ash laid her
inside, zipping it up around her. When Brock turned
away her gave her a quick kiss on her forehead. He had been doing that 
ever
since they left Mikey's house a while back.
Sometimes When she though Ash was asleep she would kiss him goodnight. 
As h
smiled at the memories and hoped one day
he would get over his stubbornness and just tell her.
 
Ash stood and walked back over to the fire and sat in front of Brock on 
the
other side. Each trainer looked at the other as to
ask 'What now?' Pikachu had gone to sleep with Misty that night so he 
wasn't
open for their nightly entertainment of Pikachu
acting crazy and messing around like he usually did.
 
"Ash, how long have you been on your quest anyway?" Brock asked him,
breaking the ice.
 
" I don't know..... Ash said honestly. "At least half a year now... It 
only
seems like yesterday when I first got Pikachu..... I've
enjoyed it greatly. Especially when both you and Misty joined me."
 
Brock nodded thoughtfully. "your pretty good. Your strategy impressed 
me
greatly. I bet you'll place high in the Pokémon
games."
 
Ash shook his head. "I'm no where near ready. There's still to much I 
don't
know. You know... Sometimes I feel like I can't go
on, but then I look at you and Misty and I feel like its my destiny to 
be a
master."
 
Brock smiled. "It may be, Ash. It may be. Destiny holds many things for 
us
and one of these days we'll find out just what it is.
I'm really glad We travel together, Ash. It feel like I have a family 
now."
 
"What about your parents?"
 
Brock sighed. "My Dad is away alot..... My Mother raised me and my 
sister by
herself. My Father once told me I was going to
be a great breeder. I was about six then I think.... I remember it
clearly..... Ever since then I've been studying to be the world's
best breeder. I still have a long way to go though..." He looked deep 
within
the fire.
 
"Brock.... I know this sounds sappy, but I want you to know that I 
truly
appreciate what all you do for me. No telling what I
would be doing without you. I mean you practically do everything for 
me.
Cook, clean, encourage.... I'm sorry If lately I've
been ignoring you..... Its just that....." Ash trailed off, thinking 
about
what he would say.
 
"Its Misty ain't it?" He asked, quietly.
 
"...Yeah." Ash answered.
 
Brock sighed. "Listen, Ash.... You and Misty have a thing that I really
can't comprehend. I know how you two feel about each
other so don't try to denied it.." Ash shut his mouth when he was about 
to
protest. " Ash... All I can say is that you need to do it
or one day you'll wake up and wonder why you let your life crumble the 
way
it did. Trust me..." A tear came to Brock's eyes
and his voice caught i n his throughout. " Mary.... The one girl 
that I
loved... She died in my arms after being shot by a group
of bank robbers.." He wiped a few tears away and took a broken breath. 
"I
loved her ever since I met her.... Not like the
stupid crushes I get.. We stayed together for such a long time..... I 
could
tell now that she loved me to... but.. but... each one of
us were to proud to admit it..... Untill she died...."
 
Ash listened quietly to the older trainer before him... no... not 
trainer..
His new brother... The person he owed everything to.
 
"Brock took another ragged breath and wiped more tears away from his 
eyes. "
When she was in my arms dying I remember
her smiling at me and telling me that she loved me..." His hand was how 
wet
from all the tears he shed and he could no longer
look at Ash in the face. " I told her how I felt to and right after 
that...
she.. she.. she died." His voice cracked. "I-I always think
about how things were different if only I told her sooner.. Maybe it 
could
of been avoided somehow.... Ash, don't let it end up
like mine. Please. You gotta tell her."
 
Ash stood up and walked over to the older man, putting a hand on his
shoulder. Brock looked up at him and smiled weakly.
Ash nodded to him and Brock wiped the rest of his tears off. " I'll do 
it
,Brock. Thanks for telling me. It ment alot that you
could tell me something like that."
 
"Thanks for listening, Ash." Brock stood. " It feels so much better to 
have
talked about it after all these years.... Thanks alot...
Little brother."
 
Ash smiled up at the man in front of him. Some how he seemed different. 
Like
a great weight was lifted off of him. " Thank
YOU... Big brother."
 
The two smiled at each other and looked at their sleeping bags. "Its a 
long
way tomorrow. "Brock said, tired from having cried
and talking about a painful memory. " I think we should go to sleep."
 
Ash only nodded.
 
 ~**~
Ash slowly opened his eyes. The heat from the fire was almost gone and 
left
Ash cold, waking him up. Turning to his left he
saw that Misty's sleeping bag was now empty and that a small bit of 
snow had
fallen on it. Sitting up Ash looked around the
camp sight and spotted her a few feet away, in the clearing, looking up 
at
the stars. She wasn't wearing hardly anything. A long
shirt and a pair of sweat pants. Sighing He got out of his bag and 
pulled
out a blanket that he usually kept inside his sleeping
bag.
 
Ash walked up behind Misty, the snow softened his steps so they were 
almost
inaudiable. He carried the blanket like a cape
around him. When he got behind her he slid the blanket around her, 
startling
her. "Your going to freeze." Ash told her softly.
"What are you doing up this early?"
 
Misty sighed and leaned back onto him, noticing how cold she really was
against his warm body. She closed her hands over his
before answering. "When I can't sleep I look at the stars." She said 
softly,
" My mother said that they watch over us. I was just
thinking about what all we have been through."
 
"Misty..."
 
She cut him off softly. "Its not that I don't like traveling... quite 
the
opposite really. Its just that I've enjoyed it so much I wanted
to recall it. We've known each other for almost a year now haven't we?"
 
Ash nodded. "I met you almost April. Its December now... Time sure does 
fly,
huh Misty?"
 
"....Yeah... Ash?"
 
"Hm?" He slid his hands down to her waist and hugged her slightly. 
Misty
kept the blanket around them by holding it just below
her neck. "What is it, Misty?"
 
"...... Nothing.... forget it." she sighed.
 
Ash felt her shiver slightly. "You need to get warmed up." He told her
quietly, his voice just running past her ear.
 
" ...Yes. I think I do." She turned around and pressed against his 
body,
making the blanket tight around them. Without another
word she brought her lips to his and kissed his passionately. Ash was
surprised at first but soon returned the kiss, forgetting that
Brock could see them if he woke up. Soon ,all to soon, Misty broke the 
kiss
and blushed, putting her head on his shoulder and
looking down. "......Sorry. I don't know what came over me."
 
Ash only nodded, the taste of her lips were still on his. ".......Come
on...." he whispered so softly that she barley heard him.
"Lets make a fire." He felt, rather than saw her nod.
 
The fire was reborn and The pair of trainers in love sat on Ash's 
sleeping
bag, staring into the infiniteness of the fire. Misty was
sitting in front of Ash, leaning back on him. Aah had his arms around 
her
waist with hers clasped onto his. Neither have spoken
for a while now, and neither felt the need to. It felt right just to be 
with
each other, as if it was destined.
 
 ~**~
 
Brock opened his eyes and stretched. He instantly felt that the fire 
was out
again. Sitting up he kicked off his sleeping bag and
stood. By the time of the sun it was probably already eleven. ' Wow, ' 
Brock
thought ' that's the latest we've ever slept in while
outside. '
 
He made his way over to wake Ash up to help him cook but stopped when 
he saw
him ..... or rather them.
 
Misty and Ash were curled up together inside Ash's Sleeping bag, with
Pikachu in Misty's. By the layout of the folds he could
tell that each were hugging each other close. Brock smiled and turned 
back
to the now dead fire and then looked for some
firewood.
 
Later, when the fire was started and Brock had a well cooked brunch on 
its
way, Ash and Misty woke up from their sleep. At
first they looked at each other like they were going to yell, then
remembered what had happened to make them sleep together.
"Guess its becoming a habit, huh Misty?" Ash asked. Misty nodded at him
slowly as she became more aware of what was
going on.
 
"Well arn't you to chippy this morning?" Brock asked as he gave a now 
awake
Pikachu a rice ball. He held out a few more on
a paper plate. "Hungry?"
 
They nodded.
 
 ~**~
 
"YES! Were here!" Ash exclaimed happily. It had been a slow walk for 
them
and in the end they were eagerly awaiting to see
what this town had in store for them. "How long did it take us?"
 
Brock looked at the darkening sky. "Well since we ate Lunch and took it 
easy
I'd say about five to six hours. We could of
made it in four if we went our usual pace... but it feels good just to 
take
the day off, huh?"
 
Misty nodded. "And I got a chance to battle my Vaporion!"
 
"Thanks again for the Charmander!" Ash praised. " Your Vaporion sure 
came in
handy."
 
Misty waved him off. "No need for thanks, you gave it to me in the 
first
place so its only fair for you to get a Pokémon in
return... Besides fire doesn't mix to well with water types, if you 
know
what I mean?"
 
Ash and Brock nodded. Together the trio made their way to the Pokémon 
center
to let their Pokémon heal and have some fun.
By the looks of It Pikachu wanted to play with his new friend 
(Charmander).
 
As the group opened the doors to the Center several applauds and cheers
could be heard. "Wonder what's going on?" Brock
asked his travel mates as they walked in.
 
"And now for my next trip.. Will the Machop in the front row please 
come
up?" A girl with Blue hair asked excitedly. The
Machop pointed to itself as to ask 'Who? Me?' Duplica nodded and he 
made his
way to the front, holding up his hands in
triumph. The Audience laughed.
 
Ash and co. dropped off their Pokéballs with the local nurse and sat 
down in
the back row of the semi stage in the middle of
the center.
 
"Ditto! Morph!" The girl commanded and to everyone's amazement the 
small
purple blob of Pokémon grew into an exact copy
of the Machop. The ditto / Machop raised its hands in victory and 
mimicked
Machop's voice.
 
The crowd went wild and Duplica bowed. "That's all for now! I have to 
get
some dinner!" She called cheerfully. Several moans
were heard as people slowly parted, leaving Brock, Mist, and Ash to 
meet the
strange girl and her Ditto.
 
"Did you get that joke, Joe?" a girl with green hair asked a smaller 
boy
beside her. Ash just barley caught the reply.
 
"Well." the boy began "Machop is MIGHTY and ditto can MORPH.. Its a
Mighty-Morphen Ditto ranger..." The conversation
faded out as Ash approached the blue haired girl.
 
"That was really amazing." Misty praised.
 
The girl blushed and laughed. "Thanks." She held out her hand. "My 
name's
Duplica. Nice you meet you....?"
 
Misty took her hand and shook it. "Misty. Misty Waterflower. And these 
are
my friends..... Brock slate...." Brock waved good
naturally. "...And Ash Ketchum." Ash grinned and gave her the casual 
two
finger wave as he waited for his Pikachu to come
back from the nurse.
 
Duplica blushed as she saw Ash. "Hey.. Ash... " She said a little to 
good
naturally. "Nice to meet you."
 
Ash nodded at her and let his eyes take in her appearance. She was 
about his
height and looked to be about thirteen or
fourteen. She wore a casual red sweater with a yellow star on the 
middle of
it. Blue jeans covered her legs and finished with a
pair of casual Trainer Shoes. Duplica recalled her ditto and clipped 
it on
the small female's trainer belt around her waist.
 
Brock's stomic growled at him. " Hey, Its going to be a while before 
our
Pokémon are healed so how about Dinner? Its own
me." Ash and Misty nodded. "You can come to, if you'd like to Duplica." 
He
offered friendly.
 
Duplica waved her hand shyly. "I wouldn't want to impose...." Her 
stomic
growled.
 
Misty laughed. "Come on girl. I need another Woman to talk to. " She 
grabbed
her wrist and pulled her to them.
 
"Women?" Ash asked. "Brock, since when did a woman travel with us? All 
we
have is Misty."
 
Brock grinned, taking to the joke. "Yeah.. No WOMEN here. Just us two 
guys a
girl, and a Pikachu."
 
"Say that again?" Misty glared at them. The two boys instantly shrank 
and
waved their hands frantically in front of them.
 
"Nothing, Nothing!" They both said in unison.
 
Duplica laughed and nodded her head. "All right then. Its gets kinda 
lonely
traveling by yourself anyway."
 
 ~* At a local Pizza join *~
 
(Authors note: Yeah, I know they have Okimare or what ever in japan 
instead
of Pizza but this isn't Ranma soooo.....)
 
Duplica bit into another slice of cheese pizza before she continued her
story. "....... So me and Ditto entertain at the
Pokécenters that we come to." She finished.
 
"Wow." Brock said amazed. "I hated traveling alone and you've been at 
it for
over seven months?"
 
"Yep!" She exclaimed. "Just me and Ditto!"
 
"Was ditto the first Pokémon you ever caught?" Ash asked her while 
taking a
drink of his coke.
 
"Yep! The only one I keep with me to." She smiled cutely at Ash, who
wondered if he should blush or shrug it off.
 
Misty thought about it for a second. "But isn't that dangerous?" She 
asked
the blue haired girl. "I mean, if Ditto faints then its all
over for you."
 
Duplica shrugged. "I have a Pokédex." She took out a clear purple 
Pokédex
from her pocket. "I can just transport them to me
if the time comes. Besides, Ditto's really strong. It can take about 
four on
its on!"
 
Ash was amazed at this. BOth the Pokédex and the fact ditto was that 
strong.
"FOUR! Wow you gotta be kidding!?"
 
"Nope!"
 
"Oh, By the way." Ash began. " Where'd you get that case for your 
Pokédex? I
thought they were all red.
 
Duplica smiled at Ash. " I found it in this town.... I could show you 
if you
want?"
 
Ash grinned triumphantly. Even though he barley used his Pokédex he 
sure
could use an upgrade so he could study more. "All
right!"
 
Brock leaned back in his seat, having eaten his fourth and final slice. 
"
I'm stuffed.... Hey, I'd like to go to, if that's okay?"
 
"Sure thing Brock-O." Ash told his best human friend before Duplica 
could
object.
 
' Drat! ' Duplica told herself. ' I wanted to get to know Ash 
more.......'
 
Misty looked at the far off look on Duplica's face. "Duplica? hey you 
still
with us?"
 
Duplica snapped out of it. "Oh. sorry. Snooze cruise."
 
Misty nodded. " I'd like to see if this place has any custom 
Pokéballs." She
unclipped the clear crystal blue Pokéball that Ash
gave her. "This ball clashed with my belt, although its so cool.
 
Duplica sighed silently. Scratch that idea...
 
 ~**~
Pikachu, Charmander, and Squirlte sat outside the check up room talking 
away
about random adventures while waiting to be
examined and to be picked up when Squirtle got into the subject of how 
he
was caught and telling the newly captured
Charmander how great Ash was.......
 
"Pika pi chu ka chu ka?"
 
"Char. Charmander char char."
 
"KKKkaaaa...."
 
"Squir... squirtle squirt."
 
"Chu?"
 
"Man?"
 
(authors notes: Since we have no clue what their talking about I'm 
going to
dub it into english for you..... Believe my
Pokélanguage is hard to decipher. I recommend taking it for your second
language if your school offers it... ;-)
 
" That's right." Squirlte finished his tail about his life in the wild.
"After that Ash caught me. Still not sure if I like it or not but he
seems to be a nice guy."
 
"I think so to." Charmander added in his comment. " How about you, 
Pikachu?
Ash treat you okay? I just met him so I really
don't have any stories to tell."
 
"You kidding?" Pikachu asked amazed. "Ash is the best thing that's ever
happened to me! I thought I was going to be stuck
with a stupid trainer but Ash treats me really nice!"
 
"Even lets you stay out of your Pokéball huh?" Charmander asked 
surprised.
"I thought all humans kept them in their
regardless."
 
"Not Ash." Squirlte told it. " He even let me out to talk to me when I 
was
first caught. His lady friend pulled me out of the water
actually. Had a good fight with a Staru."
 
" Her name's Misty." Pikachu told him helpfully. "I think he's in love 
with
her!"
 
"Humans and love... Never understand them." Charmander sighed.
 
 ~* with Ash and Co. ...... *~
 
"Here we are!" Duplica stated happily. "Told ya I knew were it was!"
 
Brock nodded. "Yeah. My map of the town is off.... I better by a new
atlas...."
 
Misty and Ash walked into the store and were soon followed by the Ditto 
and
rock trainers.
 
" Nice place." Ash commented as he picked up a holographic Pikachu 
attack
list card, moving it into the light so he could read
it better. "I wonder if Pikachu could combine these two moves..." He
muttered to himself.
 
Duplica, the one nearest to Ash, overheard and walked over to him. 
"Huh?
What's that?"
 
Ash put the card down and smiled. "Nothing, just thinking of an new 
attack
for Pikachu."
 
Duplica's face held that of amazement. "You can teach you Pikachu 
attack out
of the blue!?"
 
"Yep!" Ash claimed as he walked through the store, leaving a very 
impressed
Duplica.
 
' Not only is he cute but he's a talented Trainer to! ' She told 
herself.
 
 ~**~
 
After buying a few new items and upgrading Ash's Pokédex to a new clear
casing Brock, Ash, Misty, and Duplica were
walking back to the Pokécenter to reclaim their Pokémon and to get some
sleep.
 
When they arrived Pikachu, Charmander, and Squirtle greeted Ash 
cheerfully.
Cheerfully, that is, edsept for Pikachu who had
walked up to Ash and tugged on his jean leg, looking like he was about 
to
cry.
 
"AAawww....." Ash said as he picked up Pikachu. "What's wrong little 
buddy?"
He hugged his Pikachu as the nurse came out.
 
"chu pi cha..." Pikachu said sacredly as it pointed to the nurse, who 
looked
a them.
 
"I gave you Pikachu his booster shot." She told him, smiling weakly.
 
Ash nodded his thanks to the nurse before she left. "Its okay Pikachu." 
He
told it soothingly. "The shot will help you. I bet you
won't even feel the nasty thing by tomorrow morning..."
 
Hearing this, Pikachu seemed to brighten up a little bit. "Cha?"
 
"yep!" Ash told it.
 
"Aaaaawwwwww.......... How Cyute!" Duplica came over to the pair and 
bent
over, looking at the Pikachu in Ash's arms.
"What's your name, little friend?" She asked it like a little school 
girl.
 
Pikachu looked at Duplica and then to Ash, giving him an 'What's this 
girls
damage? ' look. Ash blinked, then address Duplica.
 
"His name is Jun Luke Pikachu." He told her. "He's about four."
 
Duplica nodded and winked At Pikachu. "How 'engaging' . " She 
commented.
 
' Funny...' Misty thought to herself. ' I said the same thing......'
 
Meanwhile Brock was over at the desk, talking to the local Pokécenter
receptions, getting a room. Brock nodded and said his
thanks before walking over to his friends. "Good news!" he said 
proudly. "I
talked the receptioness into giving us two, two bed
rooms! We all get a bed tonight!"
 
Cheers rang from the small group.
 
"Char?"
 
Ash looked down at his charmander and Squirlte. "Hey guys, you have 
fun?" He
asked them. Receiving a nod he recalled them
into their Pokéballs.
 
"Lets go then!" Misty declared. "I want a shower!"
 
 ~**~
 
"So..... What's up with you and Ash?" Duplica asked her roommate for 
the
night, Misty.
 
"Huh?" Misty blushed. "Whatever do you mean?"
 
The two girls were now clad in their night cloths. Duplica was wearing 
a
long Purple shirt that fit her nicely but went down way
past her knees. Misty, for once, was wearing one of her own shirts and 
loose
sweat pants. Both of them had taken a nice long
hot bath and talked about many things. Now Duplica had asked the 
question
that she's been wanting to all day.
 
"You know...." She began again. "You stay with his twenty four hours a 
DAY!
Surely something is up between you?"
 
Misty turned an even deeper red. "Well..... uummm..... Its like......"
 
"Yyyeeeesss??" Duplica prompted her in a sing-song voice.
 
" Were.. Just really close friends..... that's all." Misty told herself 
more
than Duplica. She held a downcast look on her face.
 
"Huh? I say something wrong?" Duplica asked her new friend.
 
"Huh?" Misty asked. "No... NO! Not at all." She forced a smile. "I'm 
just
tired that's all. Lets get some sleep." She clicked off
the light between their beds.
 
"...Okay...." Duplica reluctantly agreed, wondering why the cheerful 
girl
suddenly became so downcast. All she asked was a
simple question.... 'Oh my!' She thought regretfully. ' What if they 
were a
couple and broke up or something! ' She looked over
to the red head in the bed next to her through the dark room. 
".....Misty?"
 
"Yes?" Her voice sounded tired, as though something was troubling her.
 
"I-I'm sorry if that question upset you.... I'm sorry."
 
Misty smiled lightly to herself. "Its okay, Duplica. You didn't 
know....
Don't tell Ash, okay?"
 
".....Okay..."
 
Misty buried her face in the pillow. ' Am all I am to his is a friend? 
' She
asked herself. ' But her has to like me like I do him.. he
HAS to..... All of the things we do together.... ' the image of her and 
Ash
kissing came back into her mind. ' ........he has to.....'
She found herself falling into blissful sleep, her mind kept repeating 
that
Ash had to love her....
 
 ~**~
 
"So." Ash said, leaning against this pillows, staring at the ceiling to 
the
dark room. "What do you think about Duplica?"
 
Brock shrugged, then remembered his friend couldn't see him. "She's a 
nice
girl I think. I haven't seen her fight but if she can
fight like she can perform then She'll be a great trainer as well."
 
Ash nodded. "I agree. " He turned to look at Brock. "She said she 
didn't
like traveling alone.... maybe we should ask her to
join us?"
 
Brock turned to his side and faced Ash. " I don't see why not. Misty
probably would like another girl to talk to."
 
Ash smirked. "yeah. It'll do her good to talk to someone besides us 
guys, eh
Pikachu?"
 
"PikaZZZzzzzz..... PikaZZZZzzzz..." Pikachu snored in response from his
usual place on Ash's pillow.
 
"I'll take that as a yes." Ash declaimed laughing softly.
 
Brock chuckled. "We better get some sleep. We have a long day of fun 
ahead
of us!"
 
Ash agreed promptly and rested his head deeper in the unusually soft 
Pillow.
He could get used to this town...
 
 ~**~
 
"And for my next trick...." Duplica looked around the small audience 
around
here. " I'd like to call up my friend, Ash."
 
Ash almost choked on his drink he was slurping down. "Wha!? Me?" He 
pointed
to himself.
 
"yeah!" Duplica winked a t him.
 
"Well.... Okay...." Ash walked through the audience and onto the small 
stage
Duplica had set up for that days performance.
 
" Ditto! Transform!" Duplica commanded. The small purple Pokémon nodded 
and
stared at Ash, slowly growing. Ash took on
an look of amazement as it transformed into a perfect copy of him.
 
"Wow..." Ash said speechless as the crown cheered for her.
 
" Ha! I'm Ash Ketchum from the town of Pallet!" Ditto cried in a 
perfect
copy of Ash's voice.
 
Ash stared at the ditto. " Don't ever do it."
 
"dits?"
 
"Ditto! Un transform!" Duplica said, smiling.
 
Her Ditto shrank back to its original size and claps rang throughout 
the
Pokécenter. "That's all for now!" she cried cheerfully.
Moans rang out again through the center as Duplica waved at them. 
"Maybe
you'll see me at the next town!" several people
agreed to it and left. The rest of the gang came up to greet them as 
Duplica
recalled Ditto. "Thanks, Ash." Duplica smiled a
them. " My Ditto can probably only transform into you."
 
"Why is that?" he asked curious.
 
" ' Cause your so much shorter than everyone else." She answered him
playfully.
 
"Doh! Hey! I'm only about half an inch shorter than Misty now!" Ash
protested.
 
Duplica came and stood in front of Ash, she was a good inch taller.
"Shortly."
 
"Hey, that's enough." Brock told them. " You two can play some other 
time.
Right now I saw lets get going!"
 
"To where?" Misty asked him, raising an eyebrow.
 
" I heard this great rummer of a Pokémon village! They say you can find 
some
extremely powerful Pokémon there!"
 
A figure walking past them stopped when they heard what was going on. 
"You
mean you guys are going for tha Village?" He
asked them. His voice was thickly southern and held a certain amount of
cockiness to it.
 
"Who are you?" Ash inquired. "And yeah, were going to. I guess." He 
looked a
the two girls, who shrugged.
 
"I'd be carefully if I were you." The man advised them. "I went looken 
for
it for about a month now and I couldn't even get
close to it without being rode off by some Powerful Pokémon. And 
believe
me.... I ain't no slacker when it comes ta trainer."
 
"Thanks for the advise. " Duplica told him kindly. "But with the four 
of us
I'm sure we can take it easily. What's your name,
anyway?"
 
"Tha name's A.J." A.J. Told them as he gave a thumbs up. He had dark 
pants
with a red sweatshirt on with a black zig-zag
pattern going across it. HIs hair was dark green, almost black, with 
three
light green spikes going in front of his head. "I gotta
be going now. Good luck to ya." He walked away, followed by a 
sandslash.
 
"Nice guy." Ash muttered to himself, half serious, half joking. 
"Anyway..
What do you say? Anyone up for the hidden Village?"
 
"Yeah!"
"Right on!"
"lets do it!"
 
"Okay!" Ash clenched his fist, his gloves making a sketching noise, and
smirked. "Pokémon beware! Were comen ta get ya!"
 
"Pikachu!"
 
 ~**~
 
"Sheese.. How much farther?" Ash complained as he walked along with 
Brock,
Misty, and duplica. Pikachu had long stopped
walking an rode on Ash's hat.
 
"Chill out, Ash. "Misty scolded. "We've only been out for a couple of 
hours.
Its only just now three." She shivered as a cold
wind blew. Luckily there wasn't any snow there. The ground was cold and 
dry
though, making their feet hurt, even through their
shoes made for walking long distances.
 
"Oh I'm chillen all right." Ash said, zipping up his jacket. " Believe 
me.
I'm chillen.
 
Brock rubbed his arms through his orange long sleeve shirt. "Should of
brought my jacket with me." He told himself.
 
Duplica grinned as she snuggled up deeper in her thick coat. " Not to 
cold
to me!"
 
" 'Cause <i> your </i> wearing that heavy thing!" Ash yelled at her.
 
"Hm... That bridge isn't on my map..." Brock examined the old ragged 
rope
bridge. " I wonder if its safe to cross..."
 
"A.J. crossed it didn't he?" Ash asked no one in particular. "Then we 
should
be able to.." He walked forward proudly. "I'll go
first." He stepped on the bridge and tested its strength. Pikachu 
jumped off
his hat and landed next to Misty, worried if his
trainer would be okay.
 
"Careful Ash...." Brock warned.
 
Ash walked out onto the bridge, only swaying a little bit. The wood 
seemed
to hold his weight though. " Its safe." He turned to
address his friends. He was now half way across. "Sturdy as an--" He 
was cut
off as he fell straight through the bottom of the
bridge, screaming.
 
"ASH!" his friends ran up to the side of the cliff where the bridge was 
just
in time to see Ash crash into the water below.
 
" Oh shit, we gotta save him!" Brock announced, jumping off the side 
onto a
ledge not to far down. From the looks of it there
was a bank by the side. "You guys look for an easier way down!" Brock 
yelled
up to them as he expertly climbed down the
steep slope of the drop off. "I'm used to scaling walls!"
 
The girls nodded and scampered off After Ash, following his pleading 
figure.
 
 ~**~
 
"HHHHEellpp!" Ash cried as he tried to stay afloat, not doing a very 
good
job. "gakkk.." His head went under the surface and
popped back out, spitting water.
 
A hand clasped onto Ash's out stretched one and jerked him. "Gotcha! 
Hang
on!"
 
Ash struggled to keep his grip on the hand that grabbed him while 
staying
afloat. He knew how to swim..... barley..... and the
rushing water didn't help to much.
 
"Just hang on!" The man cried, pulling Ash onto the bank. He was almost
completely on when the man grabbed his other hand
and pulled harder, making him fall back and successfully getting him 
out of
the water. "Whew....." the man panted. "That was
close... you okay?"
 
Ash spit up some water but nodded his head. " Just cold and a little 
shaken
up, that's all.... thanks." He took a big breath and
looked up at the person who had saved him. He looked to be about 
thirteen
and wore a white long sleeve shirt na blue jeans.
Dark brown hair rang from his head with soft blue eyes. "What's you 
name?"
Ash took off his soaked jacket and tossed it to
the ground.
 
"Todd. What's yours?"
 
"Ash... Ash ketchum. "Ash answered shivering.
 
Todd looked around. " Help me gather some some wood and we can make a 
fire."
Ash nodded and they scampered around
finding several small branches and some larger logs. All in all they 
had
enough wood for a fire to last a few hours. Luckily Todd
had a cigarette lighter. Although he told hi m he didn't smoke.
 
Todd and Ash sat around the fire, warming up. When Todd decided to 
break the
ice "What happened?" Todd asked his new
friend. " I was taking some pictures of wild Pokémon when you suddenly 
came
by yelling like a manic......"
 
Ash grimaced a the memory. "I was crossing a bridge and it fell apart." 
He
stated simply.
 
' He's probably in shock.' Todd thought. ' Best not let him keep 
thinking
about it...' "SO your a trainer?"
 
Ash nodded. "Yeah. Been at it for about six or seven months now. How 
about
you?"
 
Todd shook his head. "I'm a photographer. I take pictures of Wild 
Pokémon.
You travel alone?"
 
Ash shook his head. "No, I have friend-- Oh man! There probably worried
sick!" He stood up. "I gotta find them!"
 
Todd stood up as well. "Hey, HEY! Chill out man! If you go now you'll 
catch
phenomena! WAit till you dry off, then we can
look. Besides. They might see the smoke."
 
Ash settled down. "yeah... your right.... Smoke..." He sighed and shook 
his
head. "Man... this is turned out to be on e bad
day...."
 
Todd nodded silently and started another conversation to get his mind 
off of
what had happened.
 
 ~**~
 
"Ya find him?" Brock asked when he saw Misty and Duplica.
 
"...no..." Misty sobbed, crying.
 
Brock walked over to her and hugged her. "hey.. " he began softly. " 
Its
okay.. I'm sure he's fine...."
 
Misty sobbed on Brock's chest, holding his shirt in her hand with a 
fierce
grip. "But.. But what if he was hurt? ..or killed?"
 
Brock softly spoke to her. "He's fine... We both know Ash can take a 
heavy
amount of damage. I'm sure he's only cold right
now.. and he even has charmander..."
 
"Pikapi?" Pikachu called out to the forest. He was on the brim of 
breaking
down like Misty was. "Pikapiiii? Chu ka Pikapi?"
 
Duplica picked up the scared Pikachu and hugged it. "Ash is all right,
Pikachu. We'll find him before you know it."
 
"pichu?"
 
Duplica blinked. "um... yeah."
 
Misty sniffed and backed away from Brock. "Sorry, Brock...."
 
Brock waved her off. "Its okay, I understand. But we need to start 
searching
again."
 
"right." Duplica nodded.
 
Brock sighed. ' Hang on Ash.... We'll find ya.'
 
~* Hours past as Brock, Misty, and Duplica searched for Ash as he and 
Todd
talked, warming up before heading off to find
them. They kept a fire going in hopes of them seeing the smoke, but 
sadly
the wind blew it away before it could even turn
black
enough to see. It was getting dark now and Ash and Todd were on the 
move. *~
 
" I wonder what time it is?" Ash asked Todd after climbing over a large 
rock
to look around.
 
"Don't know." Todd answered. "See anything?"
 
Ash slid down the rock. "Only more trees." He looked around. "Where <i> 
are
</i> we anyway?"
 
Todd sighed. "I don't know.... Everything looks the same from what I 
can
tell. I don't have a map for this area and my
compass is useless unless we know which way to go."
 
"I thought you always went north." Ash said confused.
 
Todd shook his head. "That's only when you travel south. I think I was
headed west when I found you.. not sure though. I
wasn't paying attention n to where I was going... only to the Pokémon 
I
saw."
 
"...oh..." They traveled for another hour without seeing any sighs of
civilization. Neither knew where they were going or if they
would find the town before nightfall. The situation seemed grim for the 
two
lost boys until Ash got an idea.
 
"HEY!" Ash said suddenly, surprising Todd.
 
"What is it?" He asked.
 
"I'll just send my Pidgeotto to look for a town!" Ash declared. " I 
wonder
why I didn't think about that sooner!?"
 
"Hey, yeah!" Todd agreed, glad they found a way out of this.
 
Ash froze when his hand only met his belt loop. "Huh?" He looked down 
to see
that he didn't have his belt on. "My.. My belt!
Its gone!"
 
"What!?"
 
Ash panicked. "My Pokébelt is gone! Oh man.. What am I going to do?" He
started looking around for it in the dark.
 
"This won't get us anywhere." Todd informed him. Its to dark anyway. It 
must
of fallen off when you went into the river."
 
"Maybe......" Ash thought for a second. "No wait! I left it back with 
Misty
because she was going to need a place to keep her
old Pokéballs when she got the new ones! Fuck! So stupid! I should of 
gotten
them back!" Ash felt like pounding his head
against a nearby tree.
 
Todd sighed. "Oh well......." he looked around. "I guess we'll have to 
set
up camp here then... We can continue in the
morning.." Ash reluctantly agreed.
 
 ~**~
 
"We'll have to stop here." Brock said finally as they approached an
clearing. It was getting really dark out now and there was
no way that they could continue to travel without light. "Knowing Ash 
he's
probably already settled down..."
 
"Without anything." Misty finished. "All his stuff is soaked, and 
that's <i>
if </i> he still has his back pack with him...
 
Duplica sighed. " I'm sure he's all right." She offered.
 
"Lets drop the subject. He's fine, I'm sure of it." Brock said, trying 
to
cheer the depressed girl up. Reaching in his bag he pulled
out some matches and looked around. "I'll get the firewood for the 
night."
He stated as he left the area.
 
"Pichu? Ka ka pikachu, cha pi. Chu ka pichu ka ka!"
 
Misty and Duplica looked at the sad Pokémon and shook their heads. "I 
don't
understand, Pikachu." Misty said sadly. She felt
sorry for the poor Pokémon. The only person that could understand him 
was
gone and no sighs of his survival was known at
the time. The only thing that kept Misty from completely breaking down 
was
her knowledge of Ash never giving up. Sighing
she
unzipped her back pack and gasped.
 
"What's wrong?" Duplica asked. "What's the matter?"
 
Misty slowly reached in her back pack and pulled out Ash's Pokébelt. 
Things
just got a whole lot more complicated.
 
 ~**~
 
Ash unrolled his sleeping bag and felt of it. Still damp. He un zipped 
it
and laid it next to the fire. It would be a while before
they
actual slept. Most of his stuff was dry from the fire earlier and only 
few
were still damp. The cold weather also helped a part in
making them cold and less wet. Ash was actually grateful for the cold. 
If he
stayed close enough to the fire the dampness
would
be more of a chill and that would let Ash sleep easier.
 
Todd sat on a rock that was by the fire and set up some metal pots and 
pans
above it and prepared some sort of soup. Ash
was amazed that the boy was so equipped. He mixed several containment's 
and
some water they got from a nearby creek that
they heated earlier. When the smell hit Ash's nose it was heavenly. 
Almost
comparable to Brock's gourmet dinners that he
cooked so well.
 
"What's cooking?" Ash asked as he rechecked all his items. The only 
thing he
was missing was his belt and cap, but then again
he didn't wear it much since he changed his hairstyle into the spikes. 
Misty
seemed to like him without it anyway. The only time
he wore it was when Pikachu was on his head, and that was to give him a
place to sit (the bill of the cap.)
 
" My special dinner." Todd answered him. "I usually only make it when
something good happens. Its kind of a good luck stew.
Fresh vegetables, tender meat, and a broth you just won't believe!" He
stirred some contents in the pot and the smell got a
whole lot better. Ash was almost drooling to get some.
 
"How long till its ready?" Ash asked eagerly. Maybe this <i> was </i> 
better
than Brock's cooking? Hard to believe but he
hadn't eaten anything besides his cooking for a while now. No telling 
what
he was missing. Ash added another log into the fire
to intensify it as he waited for the answer.
 
"It depends." Todd informed him as he added some pepper and other 
various
spices. The sky was dark now and the only light
they had was from the crackling fire.
 
Ash raised an confused eyebrow. "What do you mean ' It depends' ? Isn't 
soup
done when its done? Or is that what makes
yours special?" Ash pulled over a large log by the fire and watched as 
Todd
continued to cook the stew.
 
"The longer it simmers, the better it taste." Todd told him. Ash nodded
slowly and continued to watch him add ingredient after
ingredient. He lost count after twenty something. Either this was going 
to
be a great mix or something really terrible. Hours
passed as the two people talked. It turns out that Todd only had two 
Pokémon
with him, and they were caught on accident.
Ash told him stories of what he went through, including the adventures 
at
Mount Moon and with Team Rocket. For some
reason Ash felt like he could tell him everything.
 
Todd, in turn, told Ash about what he did for a living. It turns out 
that he
actually worked for a couple of big time Magazine
company's, such as Poké Friends and Poké lives. He had adventures such 
as
Taking the legendary picture of Articuno, the
legendary bird. Ash gaped at this when he heard it. When he asked why 
he
didn't capture it, Todd answered him simply with
an: ' I prefer to observe and not interfere with their lives.' Ash 
nodded
and said that he understood.
 
Ash took a big whiff of the air as Todd opened the lid to stir it. The 
stew
was thick now and made both the kids mouths water.
"I can't take it anymore." Todd exclaimed. "I'm to hungry!" Ash nodded
vigorously and the Photographer whipped out some
metal bowls and served Ash then himself. Taking out two spoons the boys 
dug
in, complimenting the food after every other
bite
it seemed like.
 
"This is the best stuff I've ever tasted." Ash said in between 
mouthfuls.
Already they were both on second helpings and came to
a point where they only cooled it with one blow before eating it. Both 
their
mouths were burned but neither cared. More
stories
were exchanged as they formed a good friendship between the boys.
 
"Aaahh..." Todd sighed. "That was good. Makes me wonder why I don't 
cook it
more often..." He slid down the rock he was
sitting on and leaned up against it, enjoying the warmth from the fire. 
"How
long you think we'll be lost?"
 
Ash turned his sleeping bag around to heat up the other side and laid a 
few
more cloths out and put the rest in his now dry
sleeping bag. "Oh, I dunno. Maybe two more days, depending on if we 
find my
fiends or make it to town. Knowing Brock I
bet he'll turn back to town and form a search party if were not found
tomorrow." He leaned on the left side of the Rock Todd
was on, facing the fire. "I just hope there not to worried."
 
Todd nodded. "It must be great to have friends to travel with." He 
sighed.
"It gets kinda lonely traveling by yourself..." Ash
thought about asking him to join their group but stopped when Todd
continued. " But traveling in groups makes it hard to take
pictures so I don't have a choice. To bad though." He put his hands 
behind
his head and yawned. " Things like that happen in
the world."
 
Ash nodded. "Yeah, I know. Things happen. I've almost been killed more 
times
then I'd like to admit." He confessed. "Once at
Mount Moon, once fighting Team rocket, falling off that bridge.... Man. 
Life
seems to have it for me." Todd nodded. " But at
least I have Brock and Misty.... and Duplica now to I guess, if she 
decided
to join us." Ash yawned. " and Pikachu is the
greatest. Its gotten to the point where I can understand him now. 
Almost
every word I can understand... But the weird thing is
I
can't understand any other Pokémon... not even other Pikachu. Weird 
huh?"
 
" Well I heard once that when a certain bond is formed between a 
trainer and
his Pokémon certain things are shared." Todd
answered lazily. "I read that in Poké Friends. Seemed interesting."
 
"Wow.... so maybe that's why...." Ash considered. "Hey, you said that
certain things happen, are there any other side effects of
this so called 'Bond' between the trainer and his Pokémon?"
 
Todd though back to the article ." UUUuummmm..... Not that I can 
remember...
Oh yeah!" He snapped. " ITs said that one
can feel what the other does, kind of like a telepathic bond."
 
"Cool!"
 
"Very."
 
"What time do you think it is?"
 
Todd looked at his watch., turning it so the light from the fire hit 
it.
"About midnight. Think we should turn in?"
 
Ash nodded. "Yeah, if we sleep in till about eight that'll give us 
plenty of
sleep to get a good start back to town... wherever that
is." The boys laughed as they got up. "Hey, Todd?"
 
"Yeah, man?"
 
Ash smiled at him. "Thanks again for pulled me out."
 
Todd winked and gave him the 'thumbs up' "Don't mention it, Ash."
 
Ash nodded to him gratefully and went to his sleeping bag, pleased it 
was
dry, and changed into one of his few night shirts
Misty hadn't stolen from him. The name received a sigh from Ash. He 
hoped
dearly that she wasn't to worried. It troubled him
to think that he was causing trouble like this... Ash looked up at the 
stars
that shone brightly down on them ' <i> God... If
there's any way that you could give my friends a way to know I'm 
okay....
will you please do it? </i> ' A star twinkled in
response and Ash smiled. Turning over, he found sleep come rather easy 
now.
Sweet dreams of his friends and adventures
went through his mind.
 
 ~**~
 
Misty blinked to keep the tears from comeing to her face. the fact that 
Ash
could be dead kept running through her head.
' <i> I never told him..... </i> ' she thought to herself. ' <i> I 
never
told him how I felt.... and now he may be dead. .. He
doesn't even know how to swim.... Oh God.... Why did this have to 
happen?
</i> ' She turned to look at Brock, who was in
an uneasy sleep. Smiling softly Misty thought back to when her and 
Brock
were little kid. Fond memories came of when she
had seen Ash and Brock walking in that town with the free-for-all race. 
And
times of adventures following the trio and he
Pikachu. Turning over left she Saw Duplica, who had just recently 
joined
them. She didn't know to much about the girl, only
that she was curious and carefree. Misty smiled at her to as she slept
soundly. She really didn't even know Ash that well and
she was helping him just because he befriended her. What a nice girl.
 
She turned back to look up at the stars and the night not to long ago 
came
unbidden into her head. The gentle breath comeing
from Ash as he hugged her from behind with the blanket wrapped around 
them.
' <i> Ash... </i> ' She looked up at the ever
shining stars. ' <i> Please..... Let me know Ash is okay..... </i> As 
to
answer he plea she saw one of the stars twinkle to her.
Although it could of ment anything Misty smiled. It was as if Ash 
himself
had sent that star to encourage her.......
 
  ~**~
 
Pikachu tugged at the Pokébelt in Misty's backpack. It was now light 
outside
and the humans still weren't up So the small
mouse took matters into his own hands. When the belt was free he tugged 
on
two of the balls, pulling them off and expanding
them as they rolled on the ground. Flipping up the button cover and 
pressing
the now exposed button Pikachu released
Squirtle
and Charmander.
 
(authors notes: Poké speech translator activated ;-)
 
"Huh?" Charmander asked when it saw that Pikachu had taken him out of 
the
warm ball. "What's up?"
 
Squirtle yawned. "What's the big idea waking me up so early?" the 
turtle
asked.
 
"Guys, We can't find Ash anywhere! He fell off a bridge yesterday and 
he
might be in trouble!" Pikachu told them frantically.
"Brock and Misty and Duplica are still asleep so I wanted to go on 
ahead."
 
Charmander nodded. "From what you guys tell me He's a nice guy so I'll
help."
 
"Sure, why not?" Squirlte joined in. "I owe that kid any ways."
 
"Lets do it!" Pikachu cried, holding his paw up high... well as high as 
you
can being about a foot tall...
 
 ~**~
 
Click.
 
"Gotcha." Todd whispered as he took another picture of the wild Sand 
shrew
through the bushes. " Just one more...." click.
Todd smiled as he crept away back to the camp where Ash was waiting. 
"Hey,
Ash." He greeted. "Sorry it took so long. I had
to be extra quiet with its mother there beside it."
 
Ash nodded. "Its cool. Anyway we better get going." He grabbed his 
backpack.
"We need to get back to the town."
 
 Todd nodded at him and picked up his back pack, making sure all his 
stuff
was already packed. " Lets do it then." Todd gave
Ash a thumb sup. "We'll make it to town for sure today."
 
Ash returned the gustier. " Right on!"
 
The two boys walked along through the thick forest around them, glad it 
was
cold instead of hot. Both were sure they'd have to
stop twice as much if the air was to humid. And if they kept a good 
pace
then they could keep warm by staying moving.
 
 ~**~
 
"I'm getting tired." Squirtle complained. "How much farther?"
 
"I don't know." Pikachu replied. "We've only been going for about an 
hour
now. If Ash is moving on his own then it'll be a little
harder to spot him...."
 
"I'm not exactly what you call a sprinter. " The tiny turtle sighed. " 
Its
hard to keep going on for so long.. Don't see how you do
it."
 
"You must get used to it after a while." Charmander offered. "Anyway 
I'm
sure We'll find him soon.
 
 ~**~
 
"Pikachu's gone!" Misty yelled to Brock and Duplica, who were looking 
for
Ash's other Pokémon.
 
"Man." Brock cursed to himself. "Why'd Pikachu have to go and search on 
his
own? And taking Charmander with him? He
could be hurt by the cold!"
 
"Hey, settle down." Duplica told him casually. "I'm sure he was just
worried. Anyway we need to find Ash. He's probably
scared by now. Pikachu will find us or him which ever comes first."
 
"I guess your right." Brock sighed.
 
"AAAAaaaaasssshhhh!!!!" Misty called into the forest. "Where ARE you!?"
 
' <i> Misty sure is taking this hard. </i> ' Brock thought as he packet 
up
his stuff. ' <i>I hope she'll be okay. I'm sure Ash is
fine. From what I know he'll be in perfect condition when We see him 
again.'
</i>
 
Misty sighed. " Lets get going..."
 
Brock nodded.
 
 ~**~
 
"AAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSHHHHHH!!!!!" Pikachu cried into the cold woods. 
"Where are
you!?"
 
"Can he even understand you?" Charmander asked thoughtfully. "I didn't 
think
that humans understood Poké talk?"
 
"Ash can." Squirtle told his reptilian friend. " For some reason.
 
Pikachu sighed as his stomic grumbled. " Lets get something to eat."
 
"Yeah!" Charmander agreed. "We skipped breakfast. Man I miss being fed 
every
morning and night!"
 
"Spoiled." Squirtle picked.
 
Pikachu laughed and looked around. Seeing an apple tree he went to the 
trunk
and pointed up. " Up there!"
 
His friends went to the tree also. "But how we going to get them down?"
Squirlte asked.
 
"Leave it to me." Pikachu stated proudly. with a jump Pikachu scrounged 
up
the tree and tossed a few apples down. When all
had hit the floor Pikachu jumped down also, landing on Charmander's 
back.
 
"Ouch."
 
"sorry." Pikachu grinned as he sat down and picked up one of the now
reachable apples and bit into it.
 
"So, how long have we been traveling now?" Charmander asked, brining up 
a
lunch topic."
 
"Don't know." Pikachu admitted. "It seems to be about half way through 
the
day. I think Ash called it Noon."
 
Squirtle figured it up i n his head. "About a couple of hours 
then." He
received some nods and once more the talking died
down.
 
"How about them Dogs?" Pikachu asked, rembering the latest football 
score
 
 ~**~
 
Todd laughed at the joke he was told as he took another bite out of his
canned food. "That was a good one!" He chuckled.
"Where did ya get that one?"
 
Ash was still smiling. "Brock told it to me a little while after we 
met." He
took another bite. "Hey, Thanks again for helping me
out and everything."
 
Todd shrugged it off. " I bet you would of done tha same for me."
 
Ash nodded and picked up his bag. " We better be off then."
 
todd also nodded and picked up his bag and threw some dirt on the small 
fire
they had.
 
Together they walked through the forest, looking for any sign of
civilization or Ash's friends.
 
 ~**~
 
"Where are we?" Charmander wearily asked as he took another slow step.
"We've been searching none stop since our break..
I'm tired."
 
Pikachu nodded. His fur was muffled from the vines and underbrush he 
had to
go through. " Its getting late...."
 
"Educes me?" Pikachu and his gang turned around to see a small boy, no 
older
than ten. "Are you guys lost?"
 
"I could of sworn that guy just spoke Poké talk." Squirlte said amazed.
 
" Hello there." A Kangaskon emerged behind the boy. "Are you three 
looking
for the hidden village? I know where it is."
 
Something in Pikachu's mind clicked. The village was were they were
originally going to. Chances are that Ash would end up
there to! " Yeah! Actually were looking for our trainer, but he said he 
was
going there."
 
"Are you abandoned?" the boy asked them.
 
Squirtle shook his head. "Our trainer was in an accident. We were
separated."
 
The Kangaskon nodded understandingly. " Its not to far from here. We 
can
make it by dark."
 
The three smaller Pokémon nodded gratefully.
 
 ~**~
 
" Were almost there.. I can feel it." Ash said as he made his way down 
a
dirt path they had found not to long ago. "This path
<i> has </i> to lead somewhere. A house at least. If were lucky we can 
score
some food and a place to sleep for the night.
Maybe we could even call my friends to meet up with us."
 
Todd grinned. "All right. I need to restock my supplies anyway. 
Hopefully
it'll be a town with cheap stuff. I could go for a bed
to sleep in to. Its been a while." He stopped dead in his tracks when 
a
razor leaf embedded itself in the ground, not a foot from
his shoe. "What the.....?"
 
"Duck!" Ash tackled Todd to the ground as another leaf flew right where 
he
had been standing. Ash kicked off the ground in
his roll and did two hand springs to avoid more razor sharp leaves 
slung at
him. "Were not armed! Stop!"
 
A Bulbasaur cam into view. "Bulbaa....." It growled at them.
 
Todd whipped out his camera without thinking and shot a couple of 
pictures.
 
"SAUR!" Three more leaves shot at them and again they had to dodge.
 
"Bulbasaur! That's enough!" A female voice yelled. The bulbasaur 
reluctantly
backed off and walked back into the forest. "Are
you two okay? Your not hurt are you?"
 
Ash dusted off his jeans and Todd checked to make sue his camera wasn't
broken. "Were fine." They stated.
 
"Good. What are you two doing out here in the middle of nowhere? Your 
not
going to steal the Pokémon at the village are
you?"
 
Ash shook his head. "Couldn't if I wanted to. I don't have any 
Pokémon."
 
"I only take pictures of them." Todd said, holding up his camera so she
could see.
 
"Oh.... Well in that case, I'm Melanie. Nice to meet you. I take care 
of the
'hidden' Village of Pokémon."
 
Ash took her hand and shook it. "Tha Name's Ash. "He jerked his thumb 
back
over at Todd, who waved. "And that's Todd.
Were looking for the town around here and stumbled apon this place."
 
"Without any Pokémon to protect you? Not very smart."
 
"I have some." Ash confessed. "But my friend had them in her backpack 
and I
fell off a bridge. Almost drowned."
 
Melanie gasped. "Oh! Are you hurt or anything?"
 
Ash shook his head. "Nope. It happened a while ago. Just got a bruise 
from
where I hit the water going so fast."
 
Todd nodded. "He's a fast healer."
 
The girl nodded. "Well If you promise not to pull anything I can take 
you to
the village. Just recently we had some other
visitors."
 
Ash's eyes lit up. "Human?"
 
Melanie shook her head no. " No. Pokémon. A Kangaskon and A..."
 
Ash sighed. "oh well... Anyway, Can we stay there for the night?"
 
"Oh course you can. Follow me. Its right over here..."
 
Todd clipped a focusing lens on his Camera and readied himself to take
pictures like never before.
 
 ~**~
 
"Pika pikachu, chu chu." Pikachu took a drink from the cup in front of 
him
via a straw and continued the story.
 
Melanie opened the door to the log cabin where Pikachu and the gang 
were.
"This is the place you can sleep. The Pokémon
we found earlier are here to."
 
Pikachu turned to see who came in. Todd walked through the door and 
looked
around. "Nice place." he commented. Pikachu
sighed.
 
Ash walked in past Todd. "thanks, Melanie." Pikachu's ears perked up at 
the
familiar voice.
 
"Pikapi?" he asked.
 
Ash turned around. "....PIKACHU!?"
 
"PIKAPI!" Pikachu jumped from his chair and tackled onto Ash's chest,
hugging him. "Chu Chu Chuuu!!!!"
 
Ash hugged his Pikachu. "I'm glad to see you to!" Ash said through 
tears of
happiness.
 
"Aaaaawwwwww...... how sweet." Todd moaned. " didn't know you had a 
soft
spot, Ash."
 
"oh shut up." Ash said as he petted his other Pokémon, Pikachu still
clutched to his chest.
 
 ~**~
 
"ALLO!?" a voice rang out through the noise of laughter as a young man
walked into the cabin. "Anyone here?"
 
Ash looked up from his cup of hot chocolate. "hmn? Who's there!?"
 
A.J. came into view and gave them a thumbs up. " Looks like I found 
this
place after all." A smile spread on everyone's faces.
 
 ~**~
 
The dirt stirred from ash's foot as he stepped into the town. A.J. had 
said
his good bye after leading them back to the place
they were before heading off to the hidden village. Todd had gone to a
store, promising to visit him later on. Pikachu was at his
feet and the other Pokémon were in their balls that Ash had gotten from 
the
village. A smile came to his face as he made his
way to the hotel.
 
 ~**~
 
Click.....
 
Misty's eyes turned toward her door and she wiped away the tears of 
sadness
and worry. Ash stepped into the dark room and
smiled weakly. At first Misty didn't know what to do, but soon found 
herself
in Ash's arms, hugging him tightly. "Stupid, Stupid,
Stupid!" She cried. "Don't you, " her voice caught. "EVER do that to me
again!" She hugged him tighter as Ash gently held her
against him. The only sounds were of Misty's sobbing on his chest.
 
 ~**~
 
Brock paused in the hallway when he heard Ash and Misty talking softly.
First he wanted to run and hug his best friend and
welcome him back but something held him back.... The way they were 
talking,
the atmosphere changed suddenly and Brock
slowed his pace completely and stood by the door. Pikachu looked up at 
him
and Brock smiled as he shut the door and
walked to his room across the hall. It looks like Duplica would be 
staying
in his room tonight, along with Todd, who he had met
at the breeder's store. He was the one that told him Ash was back in 
the
first place......
 
"Pika..." Pikachu followed him.
 
 ~**~
 
"....Ash?"
 
"..Misty......"
 
"I love you, Ash..."
 
"I Love you to......Misty..."
 
 ~**~
 
Brock yawned and sat up. Looking around the room he saw that Todd and
Duplica were still asleep, as well as Pikachu.
Glancing at the clock he saw that it was already ten in the morning.
Figuring they would be up, he walked over to the door and
entered the hallway, then used his key card to open Misty's room.
 
Brock halted when he stepped in. The room felt differnt, somehow, but 
he
couldn't place it. He stepped in further and saw the
bed. Ash and Misty were huddled close together and from what he could 
see,
it looks like they finally confessed their feelings.
Brock smiled and turned around. He was about to leave the room when he
caught something on his foot. Looking down, his
eyes widened. He jerked his head back to the couple to see smiles of 
both
their faces. ' <i>They DIDN'T!!!!!!!!' </i>
 
 ~**~
 
* 2 B A Master plays as the credits roll, so play it now if you have 
the CD
or MP3.*
 
 Cast
 
 Ash Ketchum: recieved the title of "Pokémon Master". He married Misty 
and
has two lovely kids. He and Misty share a house
on the mountains.
 
 Misty WaterFlower: Married Ash and has two kids. Later earned the 
Title of
"Best Water Master" She now lives with Ash
and they are getting along rather well.....
 
 Brock Slate: Still Singel and looking for a date. Became the world's 
best
Breeder and owns a store a few miles away from
where Ash and Misty live. He lives with Ash and Misty. All have stayed
friends their entire life.
 
 Todd Snap: Left Ash and co. To marry Duplica. Both are living in 
Safari
town and Todd has a high paying Job as the best
photographer to ever walk the earth. Both have kept in touch with Ash 
and
are still friends.
 
 Sabrine: Her Gym earned the title of "Hardest Gym " and she is living 
an
easy lif with her family.
 
 Jessie and James: Left Team rocket and work on their own, stealing 
and
killing. They have been onthe top ten most wanted in
the enitre world and are rumered to be in America currently....... 
Although
a certain few know that the Visit Ash and Co. Every
now and then and were even their for them when Misty had her baby.
 
 Team Rocket: Brought down by none other thatn Ash, Brock, Misty, Todd,
Duplica, Jessie, James, and all their Pokémon.
Jessie and James left before being arrested.
 
 The end?