Cerulean City Gym, 6 years after Ash first showed up... Misty was sitting around, bored to death. It was summer all over the land, and a heat wave was sweltering all over the region (which covered Pallet, Viridian, Pewter and Cerulean). Everyone was at home, inside, enjoying the air conditioners. She picked up the morning edition of the Cerulean Times, and scanned through it. Then, it caught her. A seat sale to America! Just what I need, she thought to herself. Now, I can finally go on a vacation! She got her cell phone, and called up the local travel agency. After a few calls, she made her reservation, and went to get her stuff packed, and make arrangements for her replacement while she was gone. She had taken over the Cerulean Gym Leader position when she first returned home after her journey with Ash and Brock. Her sisters mysteriously quit, but Misty knew that they decided that making themselves beautiful was more important that anything. As she prepared to go, she remembered that final battle between Ash and Gary. Gary had defeated the Elite Four when they were still on Victory Road, and Ash, as hard-headed as always, jumped into the fray, and by dumb luck, won. In the final battle, Gary and Ash were both down to their final Pokemon. Gary had his Blastoise, and Ash had Pikachu. With her and the others looking on (Prof Oak, Brock, Erika and Lt. Surge), Blastoise fell with a "weak" Thunder Shock. The meadow was silent for a few seconds, and then, she rushed out to the arena, and hugged him. The others followed, and mobbed him as the president of the Pokemon League presented Ash with the trophy. Gary immediately left dejected, and now, he's some hot-shot film star. Although his acting sucks, and his attitude crude and detestable, everyone loves him, and would mob him at every appearance he attends. Brock returned to Pewter City after the final battle, and some people say that he returned to his old job at the Pewter Gym. Others say that he opened a Breeder Shop, which had been franchised off to many cities across the land. Ash (who she still had a crush on), she didn't see leave the Indigo Plateau. Last week, Erika told her that he returned to Pallet, where he defends his title there, while Lt. Surge told her last week that he was going to America. America? She thought to herself. Oh, no. What if I bump into Ash at the Celadon Airport? What if he was on the same flight? What if he was going the same places? What would he say? What can I do? She looked into the mirror. She had changed so much since she returned to Cerulean City. She was taller, slimmer, and her ponytail was gone, and her long red hair flowed down her back. But, her face was still the same. Finally, she was done packing. She was in the same outfit she wore during her travels, and she still had all the same Pokemon that she had back then, although some of them had evolved over all that time. Goldeen evolved into Seaking last week, Horsea evolved into Seadra two years ago, Staryu and Starmie were still the same, but Psyduck was a different story. On her way home from the Indigo Plateau, she encountered Team Rocket, with no Pokemon left. Except for Psyduck. Luckily for Misty, Psyduck's headache was bad enough that he sent Team Rocket blasting off again with his powerful Disable move. Then, suddenly, it evolved into Golduck, which was a wee bit too rough for Misty. She later traded it to a Pokemon Breeder who gave her a cute little Dratini, who she keeps as a pet. Although Dratini is a powerful Pokemon, she vowed never to use it unless it was a serious emergency. Finally, she was ready. She returned all her Pokemon to their Poke Balls, got Togepi from its cradle, and headed out the door. She got her bike, and pedaled off in the direction of Celadon City, where her flight was waiting. Celadon City International Airport, the next day... Misty entered the terminal building, and checked in. She sent her bike through the baggage check, and went around to explore the giant building. There was nothing back home in Cerulean City like it. She looked at the boarding pass, and saw that the flight was leaving in 2 hours from Gate 45. She found the area, and sat there. She bought a copy of the latest edition of Pokemon Friend, and flipped through it. Then, she realized that all three guys beside her was reading Pokemon Friend. But somehow, two of them looked familiar. When it was finally time to go, she walked into the restricted area, and saw the same three guys going to the same place. She got a bottle of lemonade from the Snack Shop near Gate 39, and sipped it while walking toward Gate 45. But there, sitting in the waiting area, were the same three guys again, all with drinks in their hands. One of them had a official Pokemon League Champ hat on, The second had a green vest that seemed really familiar, while the third didn't look too familiar, but he did have really nice sunglasses on. "United Airlines, Flight 863 to Los Angeles, is now boarding at Gate 45." The intercom shouted. "All passengers please report to Gate 45 now." Misty got up, and saw the same three guys in front of her in line. When she got on the plane, she showed her stub to the stewardess, and Misty was pointed to her seat in the first class area. (Misty always had something about traveling in style) When she got to her seat, she found the seat next to her taken by one of the three guys at the waiting area. She huffed, put her backpack in the overhead bin, and settled into her seat. The man stared at her, then resumed reading his magazine. Then, she saw the two other guys at the waiting area in the seats on the other end of the row. Can't they just bug off? She thought to herself. They must be following me. But why? Are they spies or something? Finally, the plane left the terminal, and taxied out to the runway. Misty turned the music up, and saw the guy next to her asleep. It was 6:30 PM Celadon Time, and she, too, was getting sleepy. But, dinner was waiting in the wings. She turned around, only to meet the guy next to her face-to- face. "What are you staring at?" She snapped. "Staring at you? You were staring at me like I'm some sort of an escaped convict or something!" He replied. "Who are you, anyway?" "I'm Scott. From Vancouver." "Oh, I'm Misty. From Cerulean City." "Ah, Cerulean City. I've been there. Even won the Pokemon League badge from the gym there, too." Scott took off his hat, and showed Misty his set of all 8 Pokemon League badges. Misty saw the Earth Badge, and exitedly pointed to it. "Hey, that's the Earth Badge! Let me see!" "OK, but be careful." The Earth badge shone in the colors of the earth under the reading light, and Misty admired its beauty. "So, how long did it take a huge, strong guy like you to earn all these?" She asked, feeling his muscular arms. "Uh, around three weeks." "So, what do you do in Vancouver, anyway?" "Uh...Hmm, I wonder what's for dinner." The smell of food filled the air, and Misty looked down the aisle. The carts were coming, and the two pulled down their tables in anticipation of dinner. Finally, the dinner cart came. "So, miss, what will it be?" The steward asked. "Um, what do you have?" Misty asked. "Chicken, fish, beef, seafood or pork?" The steward replied. "I'll take the Chicken!" Misty answered. "I'll take the chicken too." Scott added. The steward placed the trays on the tables, and the two dug in. Misty looked at the two other guys that was at the waiting area with her. They, too, were digging in their dinners, which both looked like beef from her point of view. Later... With dinner out of the way, and the first in-flight movie halfway through, many passengers were asleep. Scott was asleep, so there was no one to talk to. She got up, and walked around a bit, and stopping by at the rest rooms. But, when she went into the passageway, she bumped right into the green-vested guy at Celadon Airport. "Hey, watch where you're going, you big oaf!" She shouted, somehow miraculously waking no one. Then, suddenly, the guy started drooling all over Misty, and his faced turned bright red. So bright that his face could light up a dark mine shaft. "What are you staring at?" She snapped again. "You're pretty." He mumbled. Misty looked at the guy for a second, and then, she finally knew who he was. There was only one guy in the world who could be instantly smitten with ANY pretty girl he sees, and that was Brock. "Brock?" She asked. The guy snapped out of his trance, and stared Misty in the eye. "Hey, how'd you know my name?" He demanded. "It's me, Misty!" "Misty? Is it really you?" "Yes, Brock. It's me!" Brock hugged Misty. "Oh, you've grown so much!" "Aren't I pretty?" "Uh, yeah..." "You still look the same as you were 6 years ago, Brock." "I do?" "Yeah. You wear the same outfit, you still act the same...by the way, where's Ash? Haven't you heard from him?" "Ash? He's sitting in the seat next to me." "He's here? Oh, no, I've gotta hide!" "Oh, I wouldn't do that. He was just talking about how much he missed your screaming since you left..." "He did?" "Yeah. He loves ya, you know." "Hey, that gives me an idea, Brock. Wanna trade seats?" "Sure. By the way, is that guy your boyfriend?" Misty pounded Brock on the top of the head. "HE IS NOT MY BOYFRIEND!" She shouted. Brock fell onto the floor, and Misty went into the vacant rest room. When she exited, Brock was in her seat (holding an ice pack to his head), and she was now free to sit beside Ash all night. She settled in, and drifted off to sleep... The next morning... Misty woke up, with her arms around Ash. Ash was still fast asleep, and also have no clue what he was in for. Then, suddenly his eyes popped open, and Misty braced herself. Then, suddenly, Ash screamed. "Who are you?" He shouted. "And where's Brock?" "Ash, it's me!" Misty shouted. "Who are you? What did you do to Brock?" "Ash, don't you recognize me?" "What are you talking about? I've never met you before!" "ASH, IT'S ME, MISTY!" "Misty?" "Ash!" "Misty!" The two embraced. "You finally remembered me!" "So, what are you doing here? Brock said you were the Gym Leader at Cerulean City." "I'm on a North American vacation." "Where are you going?" "Los Angeles, Denver, St. Louis, Washington, New York, Toronto, Seattle and Vancouver." "Hey, that's where I'm going too! I'm going into the North American Pokemon League." "And I'll be with you all the way!" "Uh, maybe you should go to Vancouver first.." "ASH!" "Sorry! You can come along, and your boyfriend can too." "HE IS NOT MY BOYFRIEND!" Misty rearranged Ash's face, and sat down beside her as the smell of food filled the air. "Mmm, pancakes..." She mumbled. "All covered in syrup and butter..." "What can I get you, miss?" A stewardess asked, interrupting Misty's daydream. "Waffles, pancakes or omelets?" "Uh, what goes with the pancakes?" Misty asked. "Bacon." The stewardess replied. "I'll take it!" Misty shouted. "I'll take waffles." Ash added. The two started on their breakfasts, and continued to talk. But there was nothing too much to talk about anyway, so Misty decided to save it all until an another time. But for now, she continued shoveling. When the breakfast trays were cleared, Misty saw a little Pidgey flying after a sparrow. Must be its breakfast time, she thought to herself. And that means, we're coming in for a landing in North America! The plane started its descent, and soon, touched down on the runway with a loud thud. After what seemed like forever, the plane arrived at its gate, and the doors were opened for disembarking. Inside the terminal... In the arrivals area, two guys were scanning the entrance crowds. The first one looked at his watch, and pulled the other over. "Hey, knock head, they'll be here any second!" He shouted. "Who? Is it Gary Oak?" The second member replied. "No, you idiot! Ash Ketchum and his friends. The boss told us to rub them out, remember?" "Oh, yeah...It's time for the motto, right?" "Yep...Prepare for trouble..." "Make it double!" "To protect the world from devastation..." "To unite all peoples within our nation..." "To denounce the evils of truth and love..." "To extend our reach to the stars above..." "Megan..." "Shawn..." "Team Rocket North America blasts off at the speed of light..." "Surrender now, or prepare to fight!" Then, a parrot jumped onto Megan's shoulder. "Squawk! That's right!" The two waited for a while, and then, the doors opened, and Ash, Brock, Misty and Scott appeared. Megan and Shawn jumped out of the crowd, and confronted them. "Team Rocket!" Misty shouted. "Don't they ever give up?" "Quiet, you little brat!" Megan shouted. "We're here by the orders of James and Jesse to rub you out!" Shawn added. "Rub us out?" Scott asked. "If you wanna battle, you'll have to battle all of us first!" "Yeah! Let's go, team!" Ash shouted. "OK, then..." Megan replied, throwing her Poke Ball into the makeshift arena. "Go...Muk!" Then, it was Shawn's turn. "Go, Arbok!" He shouted, tossing his Poke Ball. Misty, Brock and Scott pulled out their Poke Balls, and tossed them into the ring. Ash sent out his trusty pal Pikachu, Brock used Graveler, Misty used Starmie, and Scott used Vileplume. The battle was about to begin... Hollywood Hotel... Ash was at the front desk, talking with the clerk, and after what seemed like hours, returned with three keycards. "So, how are we gonna determine who's gonna get which one?" Ash said, holding the keycards infront of everyone. Misty snatched one, and Brock and Scott followed. "OK then, that settles it." Ash mumbled. "Let's go, Brock." The four headed for the elevator, and pressed the button for the 11th floor. When the doors opened, all four of them rushed toward the exit, and they started to push and shove to get out. "Misty, get back!" "I need to get out first!" Brock shouted. "Shame on you, Brock. Ladies first!" Misty snapped. "Oh yeah?" "Yeah!" Then, suddenly, Ash squeezed his way out, and the other three fell onto the floor. "Next time, we determine who goes first INSIDE the elevator!" Brock mumbled, trying to get Misty and Scott off his back. Finally, the four arrived at their rooms. The four split, with Ash and Brock going one way, while Scott and Misty went their ways. Misty arrived at the door, and unlocked it. There, she found a majestic view of Los Angeles, and a king- size bed. She dumped her backpack down on the chair, put Togepi on the floor, and plopped onto the bed. It's been 2 day since they arrived in America, and it was already hell, especially with the so-called "welcome wagon" courtesy of Jesse and James. Megan and Shawn only lasted one round with Brock and her, as Graveler and Starmie knocked out Arbok and Muk with only three hits. Then, they just returned their Pokemon to their Poke Balls, and ran away. The first hotel they checked into had their air conditioner break down, so they packed up, and headed on the road to places like Disneyland, Universal Studios, and all the attractions. Finally, they checked into this new hotel. But, there was no time to worry about that. There was a Pokemon Gym Convention at Dodger Stadium in the morning, and Ash and Brock had begged her to go with them. Seeing a way to gain Ash's heart, she reluctantly agreed. Suddenly, there was a loud thumping sound outside. Misty rushed outside, and saw Scott, walking towards the elevator with his fedora and backpack on. "Hey, where are you going, Scott?" Misty asked, stopping him dead in his tracks. "Uh, I'm just going out for dinner." Scott replied. "Where? Planet Hollywood?" "Uh, no. Someplace near Union Station." "Can I come too?" "Uh, no. I'm meeting a few friends there." "Friends?" "Yeah, friends. Uh, look. I know I told you I'll come over and play Poker later, but can we do it an another time?" "Sure..." Scott rushed to the elevators, and Misty slammed the door. Scott was acting rather strangely when he saw me, she thought to herself. But, if he wanted a private dinner with friends, that's his matters, not mine. After a few hours, Scott didn't return. She didn't worry, due to the fact that he was a strong guy, so no one could hurt him. She waited for an another hour, and then, drifted off to sleep, with Togepi tight in her arms. Dodger Stadium, the next morning... Ash, Misty and Brock walked into the stadium, and saw row after row of tables from trainers from all around Los Angeles and Southern California, with Pokemon, and Pokemon stuff ready to trade, buy, or sell. Brock rushed over to a breeder's table, but immediately bumps into Koga, the Fuschia Gym Leader. "Brock, Misty, what are you doing out here? Everyone is waiting for the two of you. Better come with me." Koga said. "What is it, Koga?" Misty asked, a little bit surprised. "Why, the Inter-Pokemon League Challenge! Asia versus North America. Didn't you get the fax from Erika concerning the matter?" Koga asked. "Yeah, but I didn't know it was today!" Brock replied. "Well, it is. Let's go, you two." Koga replied. "OK...Ash, find a seat in the stands. Watch me beat the North American trainers..." Misty shouted, as she followed Koga and Brock into a private area. Ash looked around. Only Pikachu was with him now. And where was Scott? He wasn't at breakfast this morning, and when Brock and Misty knocked on his door, he wasn't there. Something was wrong... "Well, let's go, Pikachu." Ash declared, and went toward the exit to the stands. "Pikachu!" Pikachu replied, running after Ash. Meanwhile... "There it is, Megan!" Shawn shouted. "And there's the little twerp that little yellow rodent calls trainer!" Megan replied. "Let's get it!" Megan and Shawn tore off their disguises, and the parrot stood in his cage. "Prepare for trouble..." Megan shouted. "Make it double!" Shawn shouted. "To protect the world from devastation..." "To unite all peoples within our nation..." "To denounce the evils of truth and love..." "To extend our reach to the stars above..." "Megan..." "Shawn..." "TR North America blasts off at the speed of light..." "Surrender now, or prepare to FIGHT!" "Squawk! That's right!" "Now, to grab the Pikachu!" Megan and Shawn lunged toward Pikachu, but lands face first onto the floor. When they were finally able to pull themselves off the floor, Ash and Pikachu were gone, and they had failed the boss once again. In the stands... Ash was drinking from his 1.4 liter cup of Coke, and munching on his extra-large tub of popcorn with triple-butter, while Pikachu was munching on a giant cotton candy when the MC appeared in the center ring. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, welcome to the First Annual Inter-Pokemon League Challenge between Pokemon Leagues of North America and Asia! Tonight, we will have all 8 Gym Leaders from both Leagues to face off against each other. They will face off in a 4-on-4 style, with no time limit, and with the Golden KO rule in full effect! Earlier, they had been seeded according to evolutionary power using a percentage-style mathematical formula. The top of one league will face the bottom of the other, and vice versa. So, without further ado, we will now commence Battle #1 between the NAPL Volcano Badge Leader, Blake of Seattle versus the PL Rainbow Badge Leader, Erika of Celadon City!" Blake stepped into the red end of the arena, and Erika into the blue. The bell was rung, and both Erika and Blake toss their Poke Balls into the arena. Blake pulls out Charizard, and Erika pulls out her Gloom. The match was short, as Grass Pokemon is weak against Fire types. Erika's final Pokemon, Victreebel, was knocked out with Blake's second, Ninetales. The bell was rung, and Erika fell onto her knees. "And Blake is winner of Battle #1! North America takes a early 1-0 lead. And now, it's time to move on to Battle #2 between the NAPL Rainbow Badge Leader, Janine of Toronto versus PL Thunder Badge Leader, Lieutenant Surge of Vermilion City!" Lt. Surge stepped into the blue area of the arena, and tossed his Poke Ball into the ring, and Janine did the same in the red area. Janine pulls out her Exeggutor, and Lieutenant Surge pulls out his Magneton. Exeggutor knocks out Magneton, and Lt. Surge pulls out Electrode. Electrode self-destructs, and knocks it and Exeggutor out. Janine then pulls out her Venusaur, and the Lieutenant his Pikachu. Pikachu was outmatched, and finally, he was down to only one Pokemon. The Lieutenant pulls out his Raichu, and quickly fries Janine's Venusaur to a crunchy crisp with a Thunderbolt. Janine retreats Venusaur, and resorts to her Tangela. Tangela strangles Raichu with a choke hold with its vines, and the bell was rung. Lt. Surge's mouth dropped wide open as Raichu fell onto the mat amidst loud cheers from the crowd. Wow, Janine and Blake must be pretty powerful, Ash thought to himself. I'd better review their tactics before I visit them at their gyms... "And Janine is the winner of Battle #2! The score is now 2-0 North America. But will Asia come back in Battle #3, a Cascade vs. Cascade battle between the NAPL Leader, Scott of Vancouver versus the PL Leader, Misty of Cerulean City?" The ring automatically opened, and a circular tank of water was revealed. Scott stepped onto the red area of the ring, and Misty into the blue area. Ash stared as Misty's face changed as her eyes met Scott's face on the opposite end of the ring. In the ring... Scott stared at Misty, and Misty stared him back. So, Scott was a Cascade Badge Leader too, eh? Well, I've got to show those North Americans how it's REALLY done in Asia, she thought to herself with a grin on her face. He threw his Poke Ball into the tank, and Misty did the same. When both of them sank to the bottom, they popped open, and two Starmies came out of the water, and onto the pair of floating rubber mats. Scott ordered his Starmie to use Tackle, and caught Misty off guard. Her Starmie was knocked clear out of the ring as his Starmie landed back onto the red mat. Misty retreated her Starmie, and pulled out Seadra. Scott replaced his Starmie with Wartortle, and Seadra immediately tried to pierce Wartortle's skin with its spiked fins. After a while of dodging, Wartortle sent Seadra flying out of the ring with a powerful Hydro Pump. Misty replaced Seadra with Staryu, and Scott replaced Wartortle with his own Seadra. The two Pokemon fought for quite a while, with no clear cut winner between Seadra's spiked fins and Starmie's speed. But at the end, small things can pack a big punch, as Seadra finally was able to match Staryu's speed, and send it out of the water. Now, Misty was down to her final Pokemon. Seaking, it's all up to you now, she thought to herself. But then, Scott replaced Seadra, and what popped out next shocked everyone in Dodger Stadium. A Dragonair. Misty gasped, and hastily ordered Seaking to attack. But, alas, it was too small, as Dragonair defeated it with just one simple Pound attack. The bell was rung, and Misty replaced her Seaking. The crowds cheered, and Misty fell to her knees. A tear drop fell from her eye, and then, with tears flowing down her cheek, she ran into the passageway, with Scott chasing after her. Misty rushed into the Asian Locker Room, and slammed the door. Scott could only wait, and soon, leave as the next round commenced, with the score tied 4-4. This time, Scott gets to duel it out with Brock. The second round soon ends, with James (Yes, the head of Team Rocket!) defeating Sabrina, Blake defeating Koga, Janine defeating Gary (Not Gary Oak), and finally, it was time for Brock and Scott to duel it out on center stage. But, the match ended rather quickly, as Brock's rock and ground Pokemon were no match for Scott's high-level water Pokemon. The bell was rung, and Brock went back into the locker room, dejected. Round 3 came and gone, with James somehow defeating Janine's grass Pokemon (which was impossible, probably Megan, Shawn, Jesse and Meowth had something to do with that...), and Scott totally destroying Blake's fire Pokemon. The crowd held its breath, and both teams did the same. The championship was dangling on a line between North America and Asia. But Scott knew that TR will try anything to let James and the Asians win, so he decided to play his moves carefully. Under the mat... "Hey, get off me, Megan!" Meowth shouted. "Shut up, you yapping fur ball!" Megan snapped back. "How dare you insult Meowth!" Meowth screamed. "Shut up, the both of you, or I'll wring your necks!" Jesse snapped, putting the finishing touches on the device. "So, what's supposed to happen?" Shawn asked. "Well, when James presses the button, the ring will be electrified, and will fry Scott's Pokemon! Then, the device will explode, and send him to Kingdom Come!" Jesse replied. "An evil plan." Megan commented. Jesse put the final screw to the device, and the four made their way out under the ring. Meanwhile, on the upside, Scott was easily trouncing James's Pokemon. James was down to one Pokemon, while Scott still had all four. James's final Pokemon was knocked out, and Scott left the ring. Then, accidentally, James presses the button, and the device electrocutes Jesse, James, Meowth, Megan and Shawn. Then, it explodes. "Team Rocket's blasting off again!" They shouted, as they flew into the night sky and disappearing in a clear flash. The bell rings, and the 8 North American Gym Leaders come out and accept the golden trophy from the American President. They lifted it up, and the President of the PL handed Scott the tournament champion trophy. Inside, Misty and Erika were watching everything unfold on the TVs. Misty cried as James was defeated, and Erika lent her a shoulder to cry on. The Asian team bowed their heads, and dejectedly packed up. Later, back at the Hollywood Hotel... Misty was back in her room, sitting on the chair, and softly crying. How could Scott ever do this to her, beating her in front of all those people at Dodger Stadium? She thought to herself. Oh, how I wish I never even met him! Then, suddenly, there was a knock at the door. "Go away!" She shouted angrily. "I'm busy." "Misty, it's me, Scott." The voice shouted. "Scott? I'll be right there." Misty opened the door, and Scott came in. "Misty...I...I'm sorry about what happened tonight back there at Dodger Stadium..." He stuttered. "It...It's okay. I...I lost, that's all. What are you doing here, anyway?" Misty asked. "Well, I was bored. All my Pokemon are asleep, so I can't do anything with them." "Wanna play Pokemon TCG?" "Sure. I've got my deck." After a while of playing the TCG, the two got bored. Then, suddenly, Misty hugged Scott, and the two kissed. They soon fell onto the floor, and started to roll around. Then, Ash and Brock got back from getting a badge from Maxine, the local Gym Leader. Ash knocked on the door, and saw that it was unlocked. He went in and watched as the two (scantly-clad), continued to embrace each other. Ash fell (Anime-style, with a loud thud), and Brock made a stupid face. Then, suddenly, Scott and Misty noticed Ash and Brock in the doorway. They each grabbed a pillow, and chucked it at them. Ash and Brock ran, and slammed the door behind them. "I thought Misty loved you, Ash." Brock commented. "Well, I guess she doesn't now. But, if she loves Scott too..." Ash replied. "You love her, don't you?" "Yeah..." "Well, as they say, "All's fair in love and war". Believe me, that saying goes. If I ever had to write a book about it..." "And that book would be your autobiography?" "Shut up!" "Sorry..." The next morning... Scott and Misty were already at the breakfast table, when Brock arrived, and sat down in the chair beside Misty. He ordered the usual Gourmet Omelet, and a large cup of coffee. But when it came, Ash, neatly groomed, came in. "Wow, Ash, what's up with you?" Scott asked as he sat down on the remaining chair. Ash didn't respond, and handed Misty a bunch of roses he got from the Florist next door, with a neat little tag with "I love you, Ash." written on it. Then, he saw it. A second bunch of roses with "Love ya always, Scott." written on it. Ash was crushed. But he hid it, and headed to the train station with the others for the trip to Denver. But before Ash could pay for Misty's ticket with his credit card, Scott slammed down a bunch of 20s. The four settled into their comfortable First Class seats, and Ash looked out the window. He sighed, and wondered if he would ever hold Misty's hand ever again, or even have his dream of walking down the aisle with her come true. Union Station, Denver... The train screeched to a halt, and the platform crew cleared the area. Luggage was taken out of the baggage cart, and the steps were placed near the doors. Then, the doors opened, and the passengers were discharged. Misty, Scott, Ash and Brock stepped off of the first class car, and Misty yawned. It was only 8:30 AM local time, and on days like this, she usually doesn't get up until 11:30 or so. The four went up the stairs, and arrived at the station's concourse. The smell of pancakes, waffles, bacon and coffee filled the air, and Misty was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. The four went into a small restaurant, where it seems everything was self-service. The four grabbed some food, and sat down at one of the tables, and examined a road map of Denver that Scott had gotten when he got a copy of the day's Denver Post. They found the gym, and all the rest of the attractions. After much debate, the group agreed to head off to the local Pokemon Gym. With breakfast finished, and all plans figured out, Brock rented a car, and the second argument of the day ensued: Who will drive? An another tense argument unfolded, with Brock winning. But when they got to the car, yet a third argument (which was a record of some sort) ensued: Who gets the front seat? But, that, too was settled in a hurry. Once on the road, they immediately got lost. The route they were taking was blocked by a film crew, and when Brock tried a short cut, it took them to a bus depot instead of the intended destination, the Pokemon Gym. After returning to the blockade, the four got out of the car, and saw that film crew was on a break. The actor was sitting on the chair, and when Ash saw who it was, he collapsed onto the pavement. (Anime-style, with a loud thud) "Gary Oak?" Brock shouted. Gary turned around, and saw Misty, Brock, Scott and the unconscious Ash. "So, I see you three losers are with Ash here. So, what are you guys doing here in America?" He asked. "We're on a cross-America vacation, for your information." Misty snapped. "So take you act off the road, so we can go to the Pokemon Gym, loser boy!" Brock shouted. Gary, who was usually calm, lost his temper. He had been dissed by two of Ash's friends, a thing that he wasn't too fond of. (But don't forget: Gary's never heard of the saying, "What goes around, comes around".) "So, if it's a Pokemon battle you want, that's what you'll get from Gary Oak!" Gary declared. "And if you lose, you get your behind back to Pallet where the public will never see you again?" Misty asked. "Besides, you're old news, Gary Oak. The world don't love you anymore!" Brock added. "I'll show you!" Gary shouted. Gary tossed a Poke Ball into the area between them, and out came his Charizard, the one that he had evolved from the Charmander he got when he was 10. Misty countered with Starmie, and Brock with Onix. Then, a forth Poke Ball flew into the ring, and Scott's Vileplume appeared. Starmie launched off its Water Gun, Onix its Pound, and Vileplume launched off its Poison Powder (Scott had telepathic links to Vileplume and all his Pokemon) Gary, who was big-headed as always, jumped into the match (which didn't last 5 minutes), and lost. The crew scrambled to get off the road, and Gary watched as the four drove by, with Misty making a dumb face as they went by. "I'll get my revenge, I tell you!" Gary shouted, throwing his fists into the air. "I'll get my revenge, even if it's the last thing I do before I die!" Meanwhile, Ash woke up from his slumber, and Misty watched as Ash dragged himself up, and when he did, Misty gave him a kiss. Ash instantly woke up, and stared at Misty. "Oh, hey, Misty. What'd I miss?" He asked. "Oh, nothing." Misty replied. Then, suddenly, Brock pointed to a large building. "Well, here we are, the Denver Pokemon Gym!" He shouted. "The Denver Pokemon Gym?" Ash shouted back. "Come on, what are we waiting for, Brock, let me off!" After fighting through RVs, illegally parked cars, and kids playing on the road, Brock managed to pilot the car to the drop-off zone. He dropped off Ash at the gym, and then, drove off to the hotel, then off to Pikes' Peak. Pikes' Peak... Misty and Scott slowly fought through the crowd at the cable car station, and eventually made it out to the lookout area. Scott bought Misty an ice cream cone, and they walked along the boardwalk, fighting the crowds along the way. Finally, they made their way onto the railing. Misty pulled out her camera, and started to take in some of the scenery. Scott did the same, but with his lightweight camcorder. Then, suddenly, Misty put away her camera, and hugged Scott. They kissed, attracting many a curious glance, including Brock, who was ogling the local girls as he slowly caught up with Misty and Scott. He made an another stupid face, and collapsed (Anime-style, with a loud thud and lots of stars). The two rushed over, and quickly revived Brock with a large pail of cold water from the nearby glacial stream. Brock woke up, and shook off the water out of his hair. "Very funny, you guys." He mumbled. "Hey, we were only trying to help, Brock!" Scott replied. "Yeah. Now, let's get to the hotel. We'd better get settled in for the night." Misty added. The Colorado Hotel... Scott and Brock sat around in the lobby, waiting for Misty to finish getting all the registration done. When she returned, she had three card keys in her hands. Brock tried to snatch one, but Misty swatted him away. She handed one to Scott, and kept one for herself. Then, she handed the last one to Brock. The three went to their rooms, and settled in. Brock went out to pick up Ash, and Scott went out for a few things he forgot to get earlier. An hour passed, and in the middle of her second Poker game with her Dratini, she heard the footsteps of Brock and Ash. She rushed out, and saw Brock struggling to get the door open. Ash looked at her, and she motioned for him to come in. "Hey, Misty, see my Boulder Badge?" Ash asked, showing Misty the badge as she locked the door. "It's pretty, Ash, but I have something to tell you." Misty replied, slumping onto the bed. Ash sat down on the chair, and braced himself. Misty was about to say that she loves me, he thought. "What is it, Misty?" "I...I don't know. I think I'm in love." "In love with who?" "Scott." Ash's jaw dropped wide open. "HIM?" "Yes, him. Why, is there anything wrong, Mr. Ketchum?" "Yes, Misty Katsumi Waterflower. I LOVE YOU!" Misty was stunned. "Y...you what?" "I love you." "You do?" "Yes." Misty rushed over to Ash, and hugged him. "Oh, Ash, I never knew you'd ever say that! Ever since I screamed at you for breaking my bike when I was 10..." "It's okay, Misty. It was my fault." "You really mean it?" "Yes." Ash kissed Misty on the cheek, and then, exited the room. When she locked the door, she fell to her knees, and cried. She didn't expect Ash to ever say that, an now that she has two people who love her, what can she do? She can't dump Scott, his feelings would be hurt. But if he dumped Ash, he'd be crushed. She had known Ash for a longer time than Scott, and although Ash was a bit of a jerk at times, she still loved him from the bottom of her heart. Ever since they split, Misty had dreamed of walking down the aisle with Ash every night. But just before they could kiss, the alarm clock rang, waking her up. Everyday, she thought of him, at work, and times when she needed a shoulder to cry on. She flopped onto the bed, and softly cried. She just can't dump Ash, he would hate her for all eternity for hereon in, or Scott, who was a person unlike most guys, who had a soft side for a girl like her. She fell asleep, and when she awoke, the sun had gone down, and it was time for dinner. This was her chance to prove her love to either one of the two. There was no turning back, and no changing once she made her choice. She made her way into the restaurant, where Ash and Scott were already waiting. Ash was on one side, and Scott on the other. She hesitated, and quickly tried to make up her mind. Both had flowers, and both had put on cologne. "Misty, what are you doing?" Scott asked. "Yeah, aren't you gonna sit down?" Ash added. Misty made up her mind, and sat down beside Scott. Instantly, Ash's face turned gloomy, and silently, he handed her the flowers. Scott gave her his bunch, and the waiter soon arrived with the menus. "Hey, where's Brock?" Misty asked. "He's at some sort of Pokemon Breeder Convention nearby or something." Ash replied. The trio made their orders, and waited. The food came, and soon, disappeared. Soon after finishing, Ash paid the tab, and left the restaurant for his room. Misty and Scott soon followed, but he was too fast. Ash rushed into his room, and packed up his stuff. He rushed out the room, and entered the elevator. Just as the doors to the elevator car closed, the one containing Scott and Misty opened, but they were too late. Misty tore off the note from his room's door, and suddenly, started to cry. She dragged Scott off after him, but when she got to the lobby, he was long gone. Then, suddenly, they saw him boarding a bus across the street. But again, they were too late. The bus pulled away, and the two was left eating dust. Misty could only watch as the taillights of the bus rounded the bend, and disappeared. Then, she started to cry all over again. Later, at Union Station... Ash looked at the destination board, and saw a train bound for New York coming in an hour. He noticed that it stopped in St. Louis, so he hastily bought a ticket to St. Louis on that train, and impatiently waited. When it was finally okay to board, he rushed down the stairs, but someone was screaming after him. He rushed down the stairs faster, and reached the platform. Misty was coming after him, but it was too late: He had disappeared again. Brock and Scott followed, and they were given permission to take a look around the platform. They scanned the cars, but no sign of Ash. Then, just before the train left, Brock found Ash in the coach car. Misty tried in vain to stop Ash, but the train was already pulling out of the station. On board, Ash saw Misty rushing after him, and he, too, started to weep. But, he could only look away, as Scott, Brock and Misty rushed after the train. At the end of the platform, they disappeared. Ash looked out, and saw a little glimmer of Misty's tears falling from her cheek, reflecting the moonlight. He sighed, and started to cry as the lights of Denver passed by. Later, back at the hotel... Misty was in her room alone, on the bed, crying onto the pillow. She KNEW she shouldn't have sat down beside Scott at the dinner table. Now that Ash had run off, who knows where he could have gone, or what will he do. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. "Go away!" Misty shouted angrily. "Leave me alone, all of you! I never ever want to speak with anyone ever again!" "Misty, it's me, Brock." The voice on the other side shouted. Misty dried the tears from her eyes, and went over to unlock the door. Scott and Brock were there, both of them holding neatly wrapped boxes with red ribbon. Brock handed his first as he came in, followed by Scott. She untied the ribbons, and slowly removed the wrapping paper. She opened Brock's box, and found a bunch of silver Poke Balls with her name custom-engraved on it. "I thought it would cheer you up." Brock said. She opened the second box, and found a dozen of the new line of Super-Ultra Balls, shiny chrome yellow, and with her name engraved in blue letters. "See? I've got the same ones as you for my own Pokemon." Scott said. She put the boxes in her backpack, and started to cry again. Brock tried to comfort her, but to no avail. Misty just tossed his hand away, and continued to cry. Brock, left with no choice, left her there. He slowly closed the door, and Misty sank deeper into her pillow. Sure, the presents were great, but that won't bring Ash back to me. I loved him, and now, he's gone, and who knows where he's going to go. Meanwhile, on the train... Ash sank into his seat, and softly wept. By doing this, he must have hurt Misty a lot. But, it was necessary. Misty had someone else better than him, and she made her point at the dinner table earlier. Pikachu jumped out of Ash's backpack, and sat on his lap. Pikachu looked at his master, and slowly drifted off to sleep on Ash's lap. Ash ran his fingers through Pikachu's fur, and sighed. Then, he, too, fell asleep. When Ash was sound asleep, Pikachu's eyes popped open. He jumped off of Ash's lap, and ran toward the door. Then, he jumped off the train, and ran back toward Denver, and the rest of the gang. Back in Denver... Misty was still crying. Tears were still running down her face as they were getting ready to leave Denver for St. Louis, where Scott and Brock had figured that Ash would be, due to the fact that it had a gym there. Then, suddenly, a familiar "Pikachu!" was heard, and suddenly, Pikachu ran up to Misty, and flew into her arms. Then, Brock realized that Pikachu must have jumped off the train, and is trying to bring Misty and Ash back together. The three hurried to the train station, returned the car, and bought tickets for the next train to St. Louis. They settled into their seats, and Misty started to pace around in the car, hoping Ash would still be in St. Louis, waiting for her. With Togepi in her arms, she looked out the back, and saw the skyline of the Rockies and Denver disappear behind her. She dreamed that Ash would be at the station, waiting for her, with his arms open. She returned to her seat, and sighed. Scott was holding onto Pikachu inside one of his Super-Ultra Balls (That was the only kind of Ball that Pikachu would WANT to go into.), and Brock was combing Vulpix's fur for the seventeenth time today. The train rounded a bend, and sped toward St. Louis. Misty looked out the window, and started to fill up with determination. Ash would be there, she knew it. When she gets her hands on him, she'll hug him, and never, ever, let him go. St. Louis Station... Misty, Scott and Brock emerged from the platform exit, and looked around for any signs of Ash. So far, there was none. Brock tried Vulpix to locate Ash, but no luck. Then, suddenly, Misty realized that Ash was allergic to Vileplume's Poison Powder. Misty tried to coax Scott to launching the attack, but then, she realized that he, too, was allergic to it. Then, suddenly, she realized that they had Ash's Pikachu, and no matter what, Pikachu WILL find its way to Ash. Pikachu jumped out of Scott's backpack (Pikachu only sleeps inside the Ball, and stays out the rest of the time. Pikachu can also go in and out of the Ball as it pleases.), and walked around the station. After a few minutes, it returned, and shook its head. Misty started to cry, and Brock and Scott went over to try and comfort her, but she just pushed them both away. Pikachu jumped onto her lap, and gave her a kiss. Brock made a few calls, and everything was all set. Brock looked at the bus map, and traced a feasible route. The four went outside, and waited at the stop. The bus pulled up, and the group went on. Except Misty. "Misty, aren't you coming with us?" Scott asked. "No." Misty mumbled. "Misty, Ash isn't here. Come on, we'll take you out to that all- you-can-eat place that Mark told me about when I met him back in Los Angeles!" Brock added. "All-you-can-eat?" Misty asked. "Yep." Scott replied. "Well, let's go!" Misty shouted, instantly forgetting Ash. Scott and Brock smiled. Misty was back to her old self. They knew she loved Ash, but when it came down to food, it always does the trick. And maybe they'll find Ash there too, so they could be together again... Later... Misty settled into her room, flopped onto the king-sized bed, and sighed. All-you-can-eat, she thought to herself. Ooh, I can't wait...and if I see Ash there, it'll be a night I'll NEVER forget in a long time! Pikachu brought out a Pokemon TCG deck (which he had taken from Ash's backpack, and hid in his little backpack before he jumped the train and ran), and Misty decided to play a few games with him. Misty's cards were mostly Water Pokemon, and Pikachu's were of a mix of types. Although Pikachu had the upper hand, he didn't have a clear understanding of the game, so Misty won most of the games in the beginning. But just as Pikachu was about to win the 7th game, there was a knock at the door. Misty got up, and ended the game. Pikachu sighed, and moaned, "Pi pika pi pika chu...(So close, so close...)" At the door, was Brock. "Ready to go, Misty?" Brock asked. "Yeah. Let's go! Pikachu..." Misty replied. Pikachu rushed out into the hall, and rushed onto Scott's backpack. The trio made their way downstairs, and walked to the all- you-can-eat place. On the way, they passed by the Gym, which Misty rushed into. Scott followed her, and when they got inside, they saw a small crowd of trainers waiting to get the badge from the local leader. Scott motioned for Misty to follow Brock as he talked with the receptionist, but to no avail. The receptionist led the two into the arena, and when they entered, they saw the local gym leader inside the batting cage. "Hey, Scott, whatcha doing here in St. Louis, buddy?" The gym leader asked. "Oh, hey, Mark. I'm on vacation. My brother Cory's running the place while I'm gone." Scott replied. "Hey, you're Mark McGwire!" Misty asked. "Can I please have your autograph?" "Sure. What's your name, little lady?" Mark asked. "Misty. Misty Katsumi Waterflower, Cerulean City Gym Leader." Misty replied. "Cerulean City? Hey, you were at that Challenge at Dodger Stadium last week, weren't you?" Mark asked. "Yeah. You were great with your Electric Pokemon, Mark." Misty commented. "That Electrode of yours sure was good." "Thanks, Misty. Your Pokemon did a good job against Scott's Pokemon, by the way." Mark added. "So, Mark, have you battled a kid named Ash Ketchum for your Thunder Badge yet?" Scott asked. "Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town, the kid who said he was the PL champ?" Mark replied. "YES!" Misty shouted, breaking the eardrums of anyone within 100 feet. "Sure. I clobbered his Pokemon. He had no chance. PL champ, hah!" Mark commented. "DON'T YOU DARE TALK ABOUT ASH THAT WAY!" Misty screamed. "Okay, okay! He had a few good Pokemon..." Mark replied. "What did he use, Mark?" "Well, I used Magneton, and he used Ivysaur. When Magneton fried it, he used Pidgeot, and I fried it with my own Pikachu. Then, he called out to a Pikachu, which didn't appear." Mark explained. "Ash's Pikachu? It's right here...He must have jumped the train!" Scott shouted. "Then, he used his Charizard, which burned both Magneton and Pikachu. I pulled out Raichu, and the same thing happened. Now, all of them are at the Pokemon Centre, which leaves me time to practice hitting home runs!" Mark said, finishing the story. "Charizard actually listened to Ash?" Misty asked. "Yeah. Very obedient. Did the Fire Spin when his trainer asked him to." Mark commented. "Where is he now?" Scott asked. "Ash? After he left, some guys named Megan and Shawn from Team Rocket tried to steal my Pokemon, so he helped me defeat them. I gave him my Thunder Badge, and then, he disappeared." Mark replied. "What happened to Team Rocket?" Misty asked. "Team Rocket? See that hole up on the roof there? That's where they were blasted out." Mark replied. Then, suddenly, an evil cackle boomed over the PA system, and two very familiar voice came on it. "Prepare for trouble..." A female voice shouted. "Make it double!" A male voice shouted. Then, suddenly, a smoke bomb detonated, and two shadowy figures appeared in the smoke. The smoke soon disappeared, revealing Jesse and James, the co-presidents and CEOs of Team Rocket International. "To protect the world from devastation..." Jesse shouted, jumping off the ledge, and making a perfect 10-point landing. "To unite all peoples within our nation..." James added, following Jesse. "To denounce the evils of truth and love..." "To extend our reach to the stars above..." "Jesse..." "James..." "Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light..." "Surrender now, or prepare to FIGHT!" Then, Meowth jumped out from behind them. "Meeeeeeeeowth! That's right!" "Now, hand over the Pikachu!" James shouted. "Just give it to us, and we'll leave quietly." Jesse added. "Team Rocket! I never knew you'd ever follow us all the way to North America!" Misty shouted. "How did you know we had Pikachu?" "That little twerp didn't have it, so we knew he must have given it to you losers before he ran away!" Jesse replied. "Well, you're not going to get it, right, guys?" Misty shouted. "Right!" Mark and Scott replied. "Let's go, guys!" Scott added. Pikachu jumped off of Scott's backpack, and the trio sent out their Pokemon. "Go, Arbok!" Jesse shouted, tossing her Poke Ball into the ring. When Jesse had tossed her Poke Ball into the ring, James followed suit. "Go, Weezing!" The good guys weren't about to bend in, so they, too, decided to fight fire with fire. Mark was first, and tossed his first Poke Ball into the ring. "Electrode, go!" "Let's go, Vileplume!" Scott shouted, following Mark. "Misty chooses Starmie!" Misty added, tossing her hat into the ring. Then, Brock came in the door, and decided to join in on the fun. "Go, Golem!" Brock chimed in, tossing his Poke Ball. All the Poke Balls opened, and the Pokemon appeared. Pikachu jumped off of Scott's backpack, and joined in the battle. "Vileplume, Poison Powder attack!" Scott shouted. "Scott, don't! You're allergic to it!" Brock shouted. Too late. Vileplume had already filled the room with its Poison Powder, which made other Pokemon itch. While all the Pokemon were scratching, Scott and James fell onto the floor, unconscious. Brock panicked, and Misty rushed over to the fan switch, and turned it on. The Poison Powder was blown away, and Jesse was dragging an unconscious James and a Meowth scratching itself to death out the door. "Team Rocket's scratching off again!" Jesse shouted. Brock pulled out a First-Aid kit, and found a bottle of an anti- Vileplume Poison Powder serum. He grabbed a needle, and poured a bit in. He stabbed it into Scott's leg, and pressed the piston. Soon, the paramedics arrived, and took Scott away. (The story will now be switched to a diary mode, with the entries written by either Misty, Scott or Brock. PLEASE tell me what you think!) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------*** Tuesday *** *** Tuesday *** Dear Diary, Here we are, still in St. Louis. Yesterday, Scott forgot his own allergies, and ordered his Vileplume to launch Poison Powder. If Brock didn't have that serum, and I didn't call 911 as fast as I could, he would be dead. So far, still no signs of Ash. Brock and I had checked the station multiple times, but no sign. So Ash was still in St. Louis. But where would he go, now that he's got the Thunder Badge from Mark, other than to Miami, where the next gym was? We've checked the Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, and all the cafes, motels, hostels and hotels in St. Louis, but still no sign. There was a guy in the Intensive Care ward that looked a bit like Ash, but the nurses say he doesn't even know his own name. I'm still waiting for Ash to come back to me. Ash, where are you? I love you, and I need you. Can anyone tell me where Ash Ketchum has gone? Diary, I just can't go on too much longer without him. Signing off, Misty ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- *** Wednesday *** Dear Diary, Still laid up in bed. I can't believe I could have forgotten something as simple. How could I ever THINK of telling Vileplume to launch Poison Powder without remembering that I'm allergic to that stuff? Today, Misty's been blabbing on over and over about some guy who they recovered from the Mississippi River. Apparently, he looks a lot like Ash, and it seems he has no idea who he is, or where he's from. Brock's called ahead to the Miami gym, and it seems like he hasn't been there. But, in a few days, we'll find out, when I get out of here, and make our way to Miami, where Ash is probably waiting for us. Ash, I'm sorry. It's not my fault, honest. Ash, please, Misty loves you, even more than me. Please, where ever you are, Ash, show yourself. Signing off, Scott ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- *** Thursday *** Dear Diary, We've found Ash, all right. Where, you ask? Remember that guy that can't remember his own name in the Intensive Care ward? Well, that's him. He's regained most of his memory now, and he knows who we are... Pikachu jumped onto his lap, and they hugged each other as Pikachu gave Ash a little kiss. Those two are inseparable. There's some sort of bond between those two, I know it. But what? Never mind about that now. Then, suddenly, he grabbed me, and hugged me. It was just like in my daydream on the train from Denver. I grabbed him, hugged him, and didn't let go. And I never, ever intend to ever again. Well, tomorrow, we leave St. Louis, and head for Miami. A new gym awaits Ash, and what kind of things are in store for us? I guess I'll find out soon enough. Boy, it's been a long day. Time to hit the hay...AND I LOVE ASH KETCHUM! Love, Misty ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- *** Friday *** Dear Diary, Well, we've finally arrived in Miami. First things first, the beach. Yeah, I guess I WAS ogling some of the ladies...they're really pretty, especially in their bikinis...But, then, SOMEONE decided to pull out the alarm clock.... But anyways, we let out our Pokemon, let them play (Not mine, they're hydrophobic) in the water, while we all caught some rays. It felt good, but...I forgot to put on sunscreen, so now I look like a giant lobster. Ash seems pretty content on getting the Soul Badge from Leanne, the local gym leader (Koga told me she was going out with the Seattle gym leader.), and Scott and Ash are going there tomorrow with him. While they do that, I'll be at Biscayne Boulevard, checking out the latest in breeding stuff. Heard there was some new place called the Salon Rocket opening up there. Better take ol' Graveler there and check it out... Signing off, Brock St. Louis Station... Misty, Scott and Brock emerged from the platform exit, and looked around for any signs of Ash. So far, there was none. Brock tried Vulpix to locate Ash, but no luck. Then, suddenly, Misty realized that Ash was allergic to Vileplume's Poison Powder. Misty tried to coax Scott to launching the attack, but then, she realized that he, too, was allergic to it. Then, suddenly, she realized that they had Ash's Pikachu, and no matter what, Pikachu WILL find its way to Ash. Pikachu jumped out of Scott's backpack (Pikachu only sleeps inside the Ball, and stays out the rest of the time. Pikachu can also go in and out of the Ball as it pleases.), and walked around the station. After a few minutes, it returned, and shook its head. Misty started to cry, and Brock and Scott went over to try and comfort her, but she just pushed them both away. Pikachu jumped onto her lap, and gave her a kiss. Brock made a few calls, and everything was all set. Brock looked at the bus map, and traced a feasible route. The four went outside, and waited at the stop. The bus pulled up, and the group went on. Except Misty. "Misty, aren't you coming with us?" Scott asked. "No." Misty mumbled. "Misty, Ash isn't here. Come on, we'll take you out to that all- you-can-eat place that Mark told me about when I met him back in Los Angeles!" Brock added. "All-you-can-eat?" Misty asked. "Yep." Scott replied. "Well, let's go!" Misty shouted, instantly forgetting Ash. Scott and Brock smiled. Misty was back to her old self. They knew she loved Ash, but when it came down to food, it always does the trick. And maybe they'll find Ash there too, so they could be together again... Later... Misty settled into her room, flopped onto the king-sized bed, and sighed. All-you-can-eat, she thought to herself. Ooh, I can't wait...and if I see Ash there, it'll be a night I'll NEVER forget in a long time! Pikachu brought out a Pokemon TCG deck (which he had taken from Ash's backpack, and hid in his little backpack before he jumped the train and ran), and Misty decided to play a few games with him. Misty's cards were mostly Water Pokemon, and Pikachu's were of a mix of types. Although Pikachu had the upper hand, he didn't have a clear understanding of the game, so Misty won most of the games in the beginning. But just as Pikachu was about to win the 7th game, there was a knock at the door. Misty got up, and ended the game. Pikachu sighed, and moaned, "Pi pika pi pika chu...(So close, so close...)" At the door, was Brock. "Ready to go, Misty?" Brock asked. "Yeah. Let's go! Pikachu..." Misty replied. Pikachu rushed out into the hall, and rushed onto Scott's backpack. The trio made their way downstairs, and walked to the all- you-can-eat place. On the way, they passed by the Gym, which Misty rushed into. Scott followed her, and when they got inside, they saw a small crowd of trainers waiting to get the badge from the local leader. Scott motioned for Misty to follow Brock as he talked with the receptionist, but to no avail. The receptionist led the two into the arena, and when they entered, they saw the local gym leader inside the batting cage. "Hey, Scott, whatcha doing here in St. Louis, buddy?" The gym leader asked. "Oh, hey, Mark. I'm on vacation. My brother Cory's running the place while I'm gone." Scott replied. "Hey, you're Mark McGwire!" Misty asked. "Can I please have your autograph?" "Sure. What's your name, little lady?" Mark asked. "Misty. Misty Katsumi Waterflower, Cerulean City Gym Leader." Misty replied. "Cerulean City? Hey, you were at that Challenge at Dodger Stadium last week, weren't you?" Mark asked. "Yeah. You were great with your Electric Pokemon, Mark." Misty commented. "That Electrode of yours sure was good." "Thanks, Misty. Your Pokemon did a good job against Scott's Pokemon, by the way." Mark added. "So, Mark, have you battled a kid named Ash Ketchum for your Thunder Badge yet?" Scott asked. "Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town, the kid who said he was the PL champ?" Mark replied. "YES!" Misty shouted, breaking the eardrums of anyone within 100 feet. "Sure. I clobbered his Pokemon. He had no chance. PL champ, hah!" Mark commented. "DON'T YOU DARE TALK ABOUT ASH THAT WAY!" Misty screamed. "Okay, okay! He had a few good Pokemon..." Mark replied. "What did he use, Mark?" "Well, I used Magneton, and he used Ivysaur. When Magneton fried it, he used Pidgeot, and I fried it with my own Pikachu. Then, he called out to a Pikachu, which didn't appear." Mark explained. "Ash's Pikachu? It's right here...He must have jumped the train!" Scott shouted. "Then, he used his Charizard, which burned both Magneton and Pikachu. I pulled out Raichu, and the same thing happened. Now, all of them are at the Pokemon Centre, which leaves me time to practice hitting home runs!" Mark said, finishing the story. "Charizard actually listened to Ash?" Misty asked. "Yeah. Very obedient. Did the Fire Spin when his trainer asked him to." Mark commented. "Where is he now?" Scott asked. "Ash? After he left, some guys named Megan and Shawn from Team Rocket tried to steal my Pokemon, so he helped me defeat them. I gave him my Thunder Badge, and then, he disappeared." Mark replied. "What happened to Team Rocket?" Misty asked. "Team Rocket? See that hole up on the roof there? That's where they were blasted out." Mark replied. Then, suddenly, an evil cackle boomed over the PA system, and two very familiar voice came on it. "Prepare for trouble..." A female voice shouted. "Make it double!" A male voice shouted. Then, suddenly, a smoke bomb detonated, and two shadowy figures appeared in the smoke. The smoke soon disappeared, revealing Jesse and James, the co-presidents and CEOs of Team Rocket International. "To protect the world from devastation..." Jesse shouted, jumping off the ledge, and making a perfect 10-point landing. "To unite all peoples within our nation..." James added, following Jesse. "To denounce the evils of truth and love..." "To extend our reach to the stars above..." "Jesse..." "James..." "Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light..." "Surrender now, or prepare to FIGHT!" Then, Meowth jumped out from behind them. "Meeeeeeeeowth! That's right!" "Now, hand over the Pikachu!" James shouted. "Just give it to us, and we'll leave quietly." Jesse added. "Team Rocket! I never knew you'd ever follow us all the way to North America!" Misty shouted. "How did you know we had Pikachu?" "That little twerp didn't have it, so we knew he must have given it to you losers before he ran away!" Jesse replied. "Well, you're not going to get it, right, guys?" Misty shouted. "Right!" Mark and Scott replied. "Let's go, guys!" Scott added. Pikachu jumped off of Scott's backpack, and the trio sent out their Pokemon. "Go, Arbok!" Jesse shouted, tossing her Poke Ball into the ring. When Jesse had tossed her Poke Ball into the ring, James followed suit. "Go, Weezing!" The good guys weren't about to bend in, so they, too, decided to fight fire with fire. Mark was first, and tossed his first Poke Ball into the ring. "Electrode, go!" "Let's go, Vileplume!" Scott shouted, following Mark. "Misty chooses Starmie!" Misty added, tossing her hat into the ring. Then, Brock came in the door, and decided to join in on the fun. "Go, Golem!" Brock chimed in, tossing his Poke Ball. All the Poke Balls opened, and the Pokemon appeared. Pikachu jumped off of Scott's backpack, and joined in the battle. "Vileplume, Poison Powder attack!" Scott shouted. "Scott, don't! You're allergic to it!" Brock shouted. Too late. Vileplume had already filled the room with its Poison Powder, which made other Pokemon itch. While all the Pokemon were scratching, Scott and James fell onto the floor, unconscious. Brock panicked, and Misty rushed over to the fan switch, and turned it on. The Poison Powder was blown away, and Jesse was dragging an unconscious James and a Meowth scratching itself to death out the door. "Team Rocket's scratching off again!" Jesse shouted. Brock pulled out a First-Aid kit, and found a bottle of an anti- Vileplume Poison Powder serum. He grabbed a needle, and poured a bit in. He stabbed it into Scott's leg, and pressed the piston. Soon, the paramedics arrived, and took Scott away. (The story will now be switched to a diary mode, with the entries written by either Misty, Scott or Brock. PLEASE tell me what you think!) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------*** Tuesday *** *** Tuesday *** Dear Diary, Here we are, still in St. Louis. Yesterday, Scott forgot his own allergies, and ordered his Vileplume to launch Poison Powder. If Brock didn't have that serum, and I didn't call 911 as fast as I could, he would be dead. So far, still no signs of Ash. Brock and I had checked the station multiple times, but no sign. So Ash was still in St. Louis. But where would he go, now that he's got the Thunder Badge from Mark, other than to Miami, where the next gym was? We've checked the Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, and all the cafes, motels, hostels and hotels in St. Louis, but still no sign. There was a guy in the Intensive Care ward that looked a bit like Ash, but the nurses say he doesn't even know his own name. I'm still waiting for Ash to come back to me. Ash, where are you? I love you, and I need you. Can anyone tell me where Ash Ketchum has gone? Diary, I just can't go on too much longer without him. Signing off, Misty ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- *** Wednesday *** Dear Diary, Still laid up in bed. I can't believe I could have forgotten something as simple. How could I ever THINK of telling Vileplume to launch Poison Powder without remembering that I'm allergic to that stuff? Today, Misty's been blabbing on over and over about some guy who they recovered from the Mississippi River. Apparently, he looks a lot like Ash, and it seems he has no idea who he is, or where he's from. Brock's called ahead to the Miami gym, and it seems like he hasn't been there. But, in a few days, we'll find out, when I get out of here, and make our way to Miami, where Ash is probably waiting for us. Ash, I'm sorry. It's not my fault, honest. Ash, please, Misty loves you, even more than me. Please, where ever you are, Ash, show yourself. Signing off, Scott ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- *** Thursday *** Dear Diary, We've found Ash, all right. Where, you ask? Remember that guy that can't remember his own name in the Intensive Care ward? Well, that's him. He's regained most of his memory now, and he knows who we are... Pikachu jumped onto his lap, and they hugged each other as Pikachu gave Ash a little kiss. Those two are inseparable. There's some sort of bond between those two, I know it. But what? Never mind about that now. Then, suddenly, he grabbed me, and hugged me. It was just like in my daydream on the train from Denver. I grabbed him, hugged him, and didn't let go. And I never, ever intend to ever again. Well, tomorrow, we leave St. Louis, and head for Miami. A new gym awaits Ash, and what kind of things are in store for us? I guess I'll find out soon enough. Boy, it's been a long day. Time to hit the hay...AND I LOVE ASH KETCHUM! Love, Misty ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- *** Friday *** Dear Diary, Well, we've finally arrived in Miami. First things first, the beach. Yeah, I guess I WAS ogling some of the ladies...they're really pretty, especially in their bikinis...But, then, SOMEONE decided to pull out the alarm clock.... But anyways, we let out our Pokemon, let them play (Not mine, they're hydrophobic) in the water, while we all caught some rays. It felt good, but...I forgot to put on sunscreen, so now I look like a giant lobster. Ash seems pretty content on getting the Soul Badge from Leanne, the local gym leader (Koga told me she was going out with the Seattle gym leader.), and Scott and Ash are going there tomorrow with him. While they do that, I'll be at Biscayne Boulevard, checking out the latest in breeding stuff. Heard there was some new place called the Salon Rocket opening up there. Better take ol' Graveler there and check it out... Signing off, Brock Penn Station, New York... The train screeches to a halt, and the passengers slowly make their way off the train. Misty, Brock and Ash disembark, and follow the rest of the passengers up to the concourse, where more challenges await. First things first, was the Pokemon Centre at the World Trade Centre. All of their Pokemon took quite a lot of damage during the confrontation with Megan and Shawn back in Charlotte, so it was the most logical thing to do before Ash goes off to face Sir Julian. Brock grabbed a subway map from the information kiosk, scanned it over, and tried to find the quickest way to the World Trade Centre. Ash and Misty rushed over, and suddenly, a shouting match began. "We're taking the E!" Brock shouted. "No, the 2!" Ash protested. "The E!" Misty chimed in. "You're only saying that because your favorite color is blue, Misty." Ash shouted back. "Be quiet, Ash. Let's go, Brock." Misty replied. The trio went into the subway station, and caught a southbound E. The trip was uneventful, as Ash and Misty didn't argue with each other for one second. The train pulled into the terminal, and they disembarked. They went up to the concourse, and looked around. They found the exit to the Pokemon Centre, but the exit was blocked by Gary and his cheerleaders, who seemed to be lying in wait for Ash and his friends. Ash went up to Gary, and sighed. "Gary, what in the world are you doing here?" Ash asked. "I'm just getting me revenge on you!" Gary replied. "For what?" "You beat me in the PL championship match, but now, it's time for me to avenge that humiliating loss!" "You want to battle?" "Yeah!" But then, Misty rushed in, and stepped into the middle of both Ash and Gary. She dragged Ash by the collar into the Pokemon Centre, and Brock following closely behind. "I'll have my revenge!" Gary shouted behind them. "How?" Ash asked. "If I can't beat you back home, I'll beat you here!" "You, go into the NAPL?" "You just see, Ash Ketchum, I'll get my revenge!" Inside the Pokemon Centre... Misty, Ash and Brock entered the Pokemon Centre, and went up to the counter. They gave the Nurse their Poke Balls, and she, in turn, handed Misty a note, which she opened up, read, tossed it into Ash's hands. and rushed over to the phone. Misty inserted the phone card, pressed a few buttons, and dialed the number. She waited for someone to answer. Finally, just as she was about to hang up, the image of the receptionist at the Vancouver Pokemon Gym appeared. (This is experiment #2: Conversation mode. I'm only trying this out, so please tell me what you think! Thanks. We now return you to the regularly scheduled fan-fic.) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- (The image of the receptionist appears on screen.) Misty: I'd like to speak with the gym leader, please. Receptionist: Please hold. (Receptionist disappears, screen then changes to the image of Scott, on a crutch, apparently in pain.) Scott: Gym Leader speaking. Misty: Scott? What happened to you? Scott: Who are you, and what do you want? I'm in the middle of a battle here. Misty: Scott, it's me, Misty Scott: I've never seen you before, and how did you know my name? Misty: Scott, don't you recognize me? Scott: I've never seen you before, so how can I know you? Misty: (Teary-eyed) Scott, please, you've got to remember me! Scott: Sorry. Look, if you leave me your number, I'll get back to you as soon as this battle's over... (Misty angrily deactivates phone, screen goes black) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Misty went into the cafeteria, where Brock and Ash were already stuffing themselves full of spaghetti and meatballs. Misty sat down, and the two looked up from their plates, and noticed that there was something wrong. "Misty, what's wrong?" Brock asked. "Oh, nothing." Misty replied. "Want some spaghetti?" "No, thanks." "Misty, are you not feeling well?" "No." "What did Scott say?" "He can't remember us." "What?" Misty slowly told Ash and Brock what Pikachu had told her, and at the end, tears were rushing down her cheeks. Ash dropped his fork, and put his arm around Misty. "Pikachu had been in Vancouver all that time?" Ash asked. "Yes." Misty sobbed. "Well, let's go." "No!" "Why not?" "I just don't want to go yet." Ash, who usually didn't cry, finally had a tear roll down his cheek. Misty was only doing it for him. She loved him, and this was her way to prove to him that she was firmly true to one person, and that was Ash Ketchum. Later... Misty sat in the stands, and read the newest edition of Pokemon Friend that she had bought at a newsstand at the subways station. Brock was staring at Ash, who was facing off against Sir Julian for the Marsh Badge. The gym was in the Bronx, inside the Bronx Zoo and NY Botanical Gardens. It was a nice, quiet place to enjoy a nice sunny day, and it was also a good day to watch Sir Julian's Psychic Pokemon beat the stuffing out of Ash's Pokemon. Ash, who didn't expect Sir Julian to be so powerful, wondered how Gary had breezed by. The locals had told him volumes on Gary's skill as a trainer, but also his recklessness, snootiness, and cheeky attitude. But, somehow, Ash's Pokemon got the upper hand, and it was finally a two-sided battle again. But at the end, it came down to the wire, between Sir Julian's Alakazam and Ash's Gengar, which he befriended and took him in two years ago. Ash ordered Gengar to launch the Dream Eater attack, and in return, Sir Julian ordered Alakazam to pull the Psybeam. Both were knocked out cold at the same time, and in a battle like this, it was down to who can help their Pokemon up first. Gengar struggled to get up, but Alakazam was out cold. Sir Julian's jaw dropped open, and the bell was rung. Ash jumped up, and cheered. Misty and Brock rushed down to the arena, and as usual, mobbed him. Sir Julian went over, and gave him the Marsh Badge. "You did well, my son. You are indeed a very powerful trainer. Huh, maybe you'll one day beat that kid named Gary who cheated to get the Marsh Badge." Sir Julian commented. "Thanks, sir." Ash replied. "I'll do my best." "That's great. 'cause the last 3 gyms will be tough. Especially that Canadian pair, Scott and Janine." "Thanks for the advice, Sir Julian." "No problem." The next day, at La Guardia airport... Ash was huddled over the counter, hoping to try and get tickets for the next flight to Toronto. Janine was waiting, and by the looks of things, it seems like Gary's probably already out in Vancouver already. But, Scott will stop him. Scott has the toughest and most powerful Pokemon of any trainer or leader he's met so far, so he'll probably have no problem holding off Gary until at least Ash can catch up to him. The attendant huddled over the computer screen, and located three unsold seats on the next flight. Brock, Ash and Misty all scrambled to pay for it, but Ash was just too quick, and like the gentleman he is, paid for everyone's ticket. He's probably trying to get my mind off Scott, Misty thought. If I had never kissed Scott, he'd probably just walk away from the counter, forcing either Brock or me to pay. But, I should enjoy it while I can. A little later... The plane was about to come to a landing at Pearson International airport, and Misty was finishing the last details of the sheet for Customs clearance. Ash and Brock, one seat behind, were also scrambling to finish theirs. The plane landed, and slowly taxied to the gate. After a short wait, the hatch was opened, and the passengers disembarked. The three made their way out to the terminal, where they waited for their luggage. They caught a bus downtown, and located a hotel. There, they unloaded their bags, and went out to explore Toronto a bit before Ash goes off to challenge Janine for her Rainbow Badge. But first, a stop at the Pokemon Centre. They entered the Centre, which was in the Harbourfront area right beside the Air Canada Centre, the home of the famed Maple Leafs. The place was filled with trainers and breeders, which made the scene look like a convention. Misty, Ash and Brock went up to the Nurse, and gave her their Poke Balls. They went over to the crowd, and pushed through until they came up to the middle. It was a product demonstration of some sort. Then, suddenly, she appeared. Brock and Ash both started to drool, much to Misty's chagrin. She pulled out the anime-hammer, and hammered both Ash and Brock on the head repeatedly, until they had bumps the size of Prince Edward Island. But, as always, Ash gets up (a little dazed), and makes his way up to the woman, and started to drool just like Brock when he sees ANY pretty girl. Misty, still ticked, hammered Ash over and over again. But, it was too late. The woman had seduced both Ash and Brock, and it seemed to Misty that there was nothing in the world Misty can do to rescue them from her charm. Seeing this unfold in front of her, Misty would usually cry. But not this time. She just walked away, got her Poke Balls, and went out the door. She waved down a taxicab, and ordered it to head straight for the airport. But, Ash did see Misty leave, and followed her. The airport... Misty rushed up to the departures level, and found the first flight out of Toronto for Vancouver. But on her way to the gate, she bumped into Gary. "So, what are you doing here, loser-girl?" Gary asked, showing off his Rainbow Badge. "Out of the way, loser." Misty mumbled, pushing Gary aside. "Whoa, what's up? Broke up with loser?" "Yeah, so?" "Why don't you come with me to Vancouver, where I'll kick some gym leader butt?" "Yeah, right." "You just watch, loser-girl. I'll have my revenge!" "Blow it out your ear!" Misty huffed, and went to the designated wing. But before she went into the Restricted Area, Ash caught sight of her. He rushed over, but Misty just ignored him. She went into the RA, and Ash was stopped cold at the door. Once inside, she found the gate. The plane was already boarding, so she rushed over, and checked-in. She went down the tunnel, and onto the plane. The plane pulled away, and Ash could only stare as it took off into the wild blue yonder. Vancouver International Airport... The plane screeched to a halt on the runway, and slowly pulled into the terminal. Once at the gate, the crew got to work unloading the luggage. Finally, the door was swung open, and the passengers allowed to disembark. Misty grabbed her backpack from the overhead bin, got Togepi from the stewardess, and went into the terminal, which was jam packed with people coming and going. She found a phone, and reserved a room at a small, modest hotel. She made her way to the exit, and fought with dozens of other travelers for a cab. Finally, after many attempts, she got a cab (Beating out a bunch of businessmen who were already late for their meetings.) The cab arrived at the hotel, and Misty, worn out after a long day of travel, sluggishly made her way to counter, and slowly filled in all the required paperwork. Finally, with all that out of the way, the clerk handed her the keycard. The elevator slowly whisked her up to the floor, and Misty, even slower, got off the elevator, and with the last of her strength, opened the door, walked into the room, put Togepi and dumped her backpack on the floor, and flopped onto the bed. The sun was out, and Misty, still tired, decided that a day like this shouldn't go to waste, so she grabbed her smaller backpack, and stuffed her bathing suit, sunscreen and towel into it. She checked the transit map, and traced a route. She went down to the bus stop, and waited for the bus. The bus soon arrived, Misty got on, paid her fare, and held on as the bus sped through the city, and out toward the sea, where her destination, Wreck Beach, was. Wreck Beach... Misty hopped off the bus, and looked around. It seemed normal enough, when suddenly, she noticed that the beach was clothing-optional. She headed for the change room, and soon, reemerged in her bathing suit. She looked around. Half the people were naked, while there were still some people in their bathing suits. She looked around, and found an nice shady spot by the trees. She settled down, and suddenly, it caught her. Scott was sitting on his towel (naked) 50 yards away, and Misty's face turned bright red. Both his legs were in casts, and right beside him, soaking up the sun, was his loyal friend, Vileplume, and beside it, Ash's Pikachu. She took a sip from her bottle of bottled water, and took a few deep breaths. Then, suddenly, she caught yet an another familiar face very near her. Misty smelled perfume, and realized that it was Erika, the Celadon Gym Leader. "Hey, Erika!" Misty shouted. "Misty, what are you doing here?" Erika replied. "I'm just on vacation. Just got dumped my boy...er...my friends, Ash and Brock." "Ash? Where is he?" "He's still back in Toronto, ogling the gym leader there." "With Brock." "Yeah." "I thought as much." "So, what are you doing here in North America?" "I'm here to market my new line of perfumes that I make back at the Celadon Gym...(aside) I'm also here on a secret mission from the Celadon Police with Lt. Surge to capture Jesse and James, the heads of Team Rocket." "Jesse and James? They're here?" "Yes. And Interpol says that they are going to be here today." "Really?" "Yeah. Now you'd better get going." "Okay, Erika. Good luck." Misty went back over to her towel, and sat down. Scott's stuff was still there, but he wasn't there. (Pikachu was the only one there.) Misty went into the water, and waited until he returned, and then, she'll put her plans into action. Meanwhile, in the bushes... "There it is, James. That brat's Pikachu!" Jesse shouted, looking out into the beach with a pair of binoculars. "Jesse, how many times do I have to tell you that I'm hungry?" James replied. "And can't we put on some clothes?" "This is a clothing-optional beach, so we have to incognito, James, so be quiet!" "But it's cold, and I want to get a hot dog." "Not now! We have to get the troops ready." Meanwhile... Scott slowly sat down on the towel, with Vileplume and Pikachu slowly easing him down. Ever since the accident, life hasn't been the same. Even walking was a painful thing now, but that didn't stop Scott continuing his job as Gym Leader. A girl walked past him, whom he seemed to have seen somewhere before. Suddenly, she lost her balance, and fell into the sand. Scott slowly got up, and reached out his hand. "Need some help, Miss?" he asked. The girl took his hand, and he lifted her up. "Uh, thanks, Mister..." The girl replied. "McGwire. Scott McGwire." "You don't happen to be related to Mark McGwire, the St. Louis Gym Leader (and hunky Cardinals' 1st baseman)?" "No, but I know him. I'm the local Gym Leader here." "Ah, and a strong and muscular one at that." "You have an eye for these things, Miss..." "Waterflower. Misty Katsumi Waterflower." "Waterflower...Have we met before?" "Uh....no. By the way, you wear quite a large sandal there. What size is that?" "20. It's quite a bother, especially on a crowded SkyTrain in rush hour." "I see. So, I see you're all alone. Perchance you wouldn't be busy tonight?" "Uh, no, actually. Why?" "How about dinner?" "Sure...why not? How's about the Kyoto Garden at 7:30 tonight?" "Where is it?" "It's at the corner of Hastings and Granville. Serves really good Japanese food." "Really? That's great! I'll meet you then." But, suddenly, a bunch of people stood up, and then, a Team Rocket helicopter appeared from behind the beach, and Jesse and James appeared, with their voices booming over the chopper's PA system. (All you PokeFans should know the rest, I'm having serious doubts about should I even bother to type the TR motto over and over, every time TR makes an appearance.) "Prepare for trouble!" Jesse shouted. "Make it double!" James added. "To protect the world from devastation..." "To unite all peoples within our nation..." "To denounce the evils of truth and love..." "To extend our reach to the stars above..." "Jesse!" "James!" "Team Rocket International blasts off at the speed of light..." "Surrender now, or prepare to FIGHT!" Then, (you know what happens) Meowth jumps out of the bush, and lands right in front of the two. "Meeeeeeeeowth! That's right!" "Team Rocket! What are you doing here?" Scott shouted, holding onto Pikachu. "We're here for the Pikachu, now hand it over!" Jesse "I don't think so, you old hag!" Misty shouted. Jesse's jaw drops open (If you have watched the episode "The Battling Eevee Brothers", you've seen what Jesse does in return, and it just isn't pretty.) "Wh...wh...what did you call me?" Jesse shouted. "You puny little...Go, Muk!" "I'm not puny!" Misty shot back. "Starmie, go!" "Let's go, Vileplume!" Scott shouted, "Let's show them what we do to people who try to steal other's Pokemon!" James looked around, and when he saw Jesse launch off her Muk, he tossed his Poke Ball into the impromptu arena, and out came his Dugtrio, which he got from Giovanni just after he was arrested by the Viridian Police. Then, suddenly, Erika, Lt. Surge, Blaine and Sabrina jumped out from behind the concession stand, and also tossed their Poke Balls into the arena. Erika used her Gloom, Lt. Surge his Raichu, Blaine his Arcanine, and Sabrina her Alakazam. James ordered his Dugtrio to start an Earthquake, and instantly, the whole beach started to shake, and everyone was knocked off their feet. Dugtrio stopped, and immediately was hit with Poison Powder attacks from both Gloom and Vileplume. Then, it was a trip through the car wash, as Starmie hit Dugtrio with a Hydro Pump-Water Gun-Bubble Beam attack, followed by a Fire Spin attack from Arcanine, and then, a Thunder Wave from Raichu. The trip was then completed by with a Disable attack from Alakazam. Dugtrio collapsed, and James had no choice but to retreat it. He then sent out his Weezing, and with Jesse's Muk, they attacked our heroes. But Arcanine was there, and with an Ember attack, Weezing exploded, creating a giant dust cloud which sent Jesse, James and Meowth flying out toward the sea. "Team Rocket's blasting off again!" They shouted. Misty and Scott turned around, but Lt. Surge and his fellow PL Gym Leaders were gone. A helicopter flew above their heads, and Erika waved as the chopper took off in the direction of where Jesse, James and Meowth blasted off. Misty returned to her towel, and laid back. steps 1 and 2 of her plan was complete, and now, it was on to step 3. She looked at Scott once more, and then, drifted off to sleep, with the sea breeze blowing in her hair. Later, back at the hotel... Misty searched through her clothes, and finally found the outfit she wanted. It wasn't formal, but it was nice enough. She changed into it, combed her hair, put on some makeup, and went to look at the mirror. She wore a Blue "Cerulean Gym Leader" T-shirt and pair of cargo shorts. She looked at herself, and she looked okay. She put on some perfume, grabbed her designer purse, and went out the door. She walked down the street, and looked at the map. She was on Hastings Street, and now, to find Granville Street. She found it, and there, she located the Kyoto Garden, which had a banner reading, "All- you-can-eat Japanese buffet, $8.99" She happily walked across the street, and entered the restaurant. She looked around, and saw Scott already sitting there, waiting for her. She went over to the table, and pulled up the chair opposite of him. "Hello, Miss Waterflower. I see you're beautiful tonight." Scott commented. "Oh, Mr. McGwire, you're too kind, and please, call me Misty." Misty replied. The waiter came, and handed them the menu. Misty and Scott both ordered a Coke, and slowly looked at the menu. The waiter soon returned, and took their orders. "I'll have the all-you-can-eat, please." Misty said. "Excellent choice. How about you, sir?" The waiter asked. "Uh, I guess I'll have same thing." Scott replied. "Okay then, you cane start whenever you want. The plates are there." The waiter explained. "Thanks." Misty said. Scott and Misty got up, and went over to the buffet table. They filled up their plates, and went back to the table. Misty grabbed her fork, and immediately dug in. Scott slowly ate, watching Misty eat at a lighting-fast speed. Misty put a large piece of meat into her mouth, and suddenly, her hands shot right up to her throat, and made the Universal sign for choking. Scott rushed over, and did the Helimich Maneuver. The piece of meat flew out of her mouth, and onto the floor. "Whew, thanks, Scott. I was about to lose consciousness there...You wouldn't mind me calling you Scott, don't you?" Misty asked. "Oh, no. That's okay. Are you feeling okay?" Scott replied. "Uh, yeah." "Okay. Be careful next time." Misty soon finished her plate, and went back for more. Finally, after 11 heaping plates, Misty's stomach just couldn't take any more. "Whew! What are great dinner." She commented. "So, are you in a hurry?" "Uh, no. Why?" he replied. "How's about a little walk around Stanley Park?" "Sure. That's fine with me." The waiter placed a tray on the table with the bill, and the both of them lunged for it, with Scott winning. He placed a 20 dollar bill onto the tray, and Misty added a 10 dollar bill. The waiter took it away, and soon returned with the change. Misty left a toonie on the tray, and the two left the restaurant, walked toward the waterfront, past the SeaBus/SkyTrain/West Coast Express terminal, the railway yard, and finally, into the quiet Stanley Park. The two walked down the pathway, where Pidgeys were getting at their dinner consisting of grubs, worms and Caterpies. They walked by, and finally arrived at a little dock, where boaters were launching off their boats. Misty leaned against the far rail, and Scott stood right beside her. They looked out into the sunset, and inside, Misty was getting the urge to kiss Scott, but she was saving that for the end of the night. But, alas, she just couldn't hold on. She grabbed Scott, hugged him, and then, the two kissed. They kissed a while, attracting many a glance from the passers-by. But then, Misty had to spit out her gum. Scott let her go, and she spit the gum into the garbage can. "So, shall we go?" Scott asked. "Uh, yeah. My hotel's not far from here." Misty replied. "Should I take you there?" "Sure. By the way, how are you getting home?" "Uh, I'm taking the SkyTrain back to Surrey. I'll be okay." "Are you sure? I don't think you should take the SkyTrain alone in this condition." "I'll be okay. Ready to go?" "Sure." The hotel... The two arrived at the front doors of the hotel, and Scott let go of Misty's hand. They stared at each other, and then, they embraced once more, and kissed. Scott took off his cap, and placed it on Misty's head. Misty let go, and said good night to Scott. She went into the lobby, and Scott walked on to the entrance to the underground Granville SkyTrain station. He paid the fare, and went down to the King George- bound platform. The train arrived, and passengers got on. Scott found a seat, and slowly sat down. He placed his crutch beside him, and settled in for the rest of the trip. Station after station passed, and buildings sped by. The train pulled onto the Fraser River bridge, and quickly traversed it. Scott looked out the window, but he just couldn't take his mind of Misty. The train passed by Scott Road, then Gateway, Surrey Centre, and finally, King George. The train pulled into the station, and the passengers disembarked. Scott walked down the stairs, and walked the rest of the way home, which was approximately 5 and a half blocks away from the station. He arrived back at home, unlocked the door, and saw his 18 year-old brother Cory and his girlfriend Jenny (No, NOT Officer Jenny!) snuggling in front of the TV. "Hey, Scott, how are you feeling?" Jenny asked. "Not bad. It's not as painful now." Scott replied. "So, how was your date with that red-haired girl?" Cory asked. "Did you guys kiss?" "How'd you know about Misty?" "She called about 11 times, OK?" "Yeah, whatever. Just watch your TV, and don't stay up late, you two." "Good night, Scott." "'Night, Jenny." "Good night, Scott." "'Night, Cory." Scott went upstairs, kicked open the door to his room (which was all neat and tidy, unlike Cory's, which was a mess.), grabbed some clothes, and finally, grabbed the wireless phone, and dialed up Misty's number. "Hello, Misty here." The voice said. "Misty? It's Scott." Scott replied. "So, what did you want to talk about so much that you called 11 times?" "I just wanted to ask you if you wanted to go over to Victoria on the weekend." "Sure, a friend on mine is hosting a party at his cabin up near Nanaimo, so why not?" "Great! So I'll meet you at the ferry terminal at Tsawassen on Friday night. I'll get Bernadette to fill in my place instead of Cory the Horrible." "Okay, I'll see you then." "Good night, Misty." "You too, Scott. Take care." Scott deactivated the phone, and headed for the shower. He quickly went through the shower, and all that time, focused his thoughts on Misty. He just can't get his mind off her, even though Bernadette had admitted to a crush on him. He turns off the water, dries himself off, and put on a fresh pair of boxers. He went downstairs, and saw the TV vacant. Cory must have taken Jenny home, he thought, so it's time for me to kick back and watch something good. Two hours passes, and Scott had fallen asleep on the couch with the TV still on. Cory opens the door, and wakes him up. "Cory, what'd you do that for? You know never to wake me up when I'm asleep!" He snapped. "Dreaming about the red head again, eh?" Cory replied. "Mind your own business!" "Okay, fine. Turn off the TV, I'm going back upstairs." "Whatever." Cory disappeared, and soon, Scott fell back asleep again on the couch. The stars were shining above, and inside Scott's head, he knew he had finally found the girl of his dreams in Misty, and there was nothing that could come between them. That is, until Ash can finally break out of Janine's spell... Tsawassen Ferry Terminal... Misty looked around, and saw a giant crowd of people crushing onto the ferry to Victoria. The ferry soon departed, and Misty looked at her watch. It was 4:30 PM, Scott was late, but she did expect that he would. Finally, around 5:10 PM, Scott appeared, and the two bought their tickets. The ferry pulled into the dock, and the crush of people began to push their way on the ferry. After a lot of pushing and shoving, Misty and Scott got on the boat. A bell rings, and the sailors casted off the ropes. The ferry slowly pulls away from the dock, and out into the wide open ocean. On board, Misty and Scott were both scrambling for a seat on the crowded boat. After stomping on at least 3 dozen feet, and getting stomped on around 2 dozen times, Scott and Misty found no seats left, so they went outside, and stood around on the deck instead, but it, too, was crowded. After a little while, the ship finally arrived at the Victoria ferry docks. Passengers pushed and shoved to get off, but miraculously, no one was pushed into the water, or had their eyes gouged out, or any other unpleasant things. Misty and Scott finally emerged in the lobby of the ferry terminal, looked around, and sighed. "Hmm, not too much, I see." She commented. "And THIS is the provincial capital of British Columbia?" "Yeah, it's not much." Scott replied. "Hey, what did you expect? New York?" "No...so, where should we go first?" "We should find a place to stay for the night, then, I've got a function to attend tonight at the Empress Hotel. It was some sort of a charity Pokemon auction or something." "Oh, can I come too?" "Sure. But aren't you hungry or thirsty?" "Yeah, but we'll do that later." "OK then, let's go." The two walked a while, and finally, arrived at a small, modest hotel in the downtown core. Misty (who was turning 18 this day.) slammed down a bunch of bills, and the clerk handed them a keycard. They went up to the room, opened the door, and started to fight (like a married couple) over who gets which bed. Finally, Scott let her take the left side (away from the window), and the two began settling in. Misty dug out her best outfit from her backpack, but it was a bit too casual. She asked Scott, but he had no ideas. She sighed, and went into the shower as Scott was glued to the TV set, watching the baseball game from Toronto. Later, at the function... Misty looked around. The president of both the NAPL and the PL, The premier of BC, and mayor of Victoria and Vancouver, as well as sports stars from across BC were there. Scott was backstage, getting ready to host the auction. She grabbed more punch, and sampled some of the hors d'oevures from the trays, and grabbed some of more those tasty chicken pieces. She munched on them, and suddenly, bumped into a Charmander who's lost its master. "Hey, little Charmander. Where's your master?" Misty asked. "You're a cute one...wish I could keep you." "Char char charmander. (I don't have a master.)" It replied. "You don't? Well, would you like to come with me?" "Char char! (Yes, please!)" "Well, let me see if I still have any more Poke Balls....Ah, here it is. It's all yours." Misty activated her Poke Ball, and Charmander disappeared in a bright orange energy beam into the ball. The light went on, and soon, off. She replaced it into her pocket, with the feeling that she would need it later. The host pounded the gavel, and all the guests took their seats. A Porygon was placed on the pedestal, and Scott appeared from behind the curtain to cheers from the audience. "Well, let's begin, shall we?" He asked. "First up, we have a rare showpiece, a Porygon from Hawaii. Let's start the bidding at $2,000, shall we?" A man shot up their numbered placard. "All right, we have $2100 for the man in the back row." An another numbered placard shot up. "$2,200 from the lady in the seventh row." The bidding continued, and a war began between the mayors of Victoria and Vancouver. The price soared quickly, with both mayors trying to outbid each other for the Porygon. 20 minutes had passed, and the price was now at $9,700. The mayor of Vancouver raised his placard again, and after three calls, it was sold for $9,800. The auction continued on with other intriguing items and rare Pokemon, and at the end, there was a small banquet in the next room. But just as the final item, a hard-to-find Dratini, was to be put on the pedestal, a metallic arm grabbed the cage. The audience looked around, and saw Jesse, James, Megan, Shawn and Meowth on the roof, with Dratini. (Megan) "Prepare for trouble..." (James) "Make it double!" (Jesse) "To protect the world from devastation..." (Shawn) "To unite all peoples within our nation..." (Megan) "To denounce the evils of truth and love..." (James) "To extend our reach to the stars above..." "Jesse..." "James..." "Megan..." "Shawn..." (Jesse/Megan) "Team Rocket International blasts off at the speed of light...." (James/Shawn) "Surrender now, or prepare to FIGHT!" (Meowth) "Meeeeeeeeowth! That's right!" "Team Rocket! What are you doing here?" Misty shouted. "We're here to take all the rare Pokemon, of course!" Jesse replied. "And also, the Pikachu!" "We don't have it!" Scott shouted. "You're lying! Muk, let's go!" Jesse replied. "OK, let's show those guys who's boss around here!" The premier shouted. "I choose you, Tangela!" The rest of the audience tossed their Poke Balls, and Team Rocket replied with their own. A massive Pokemon battle ensued between the audience and Team Rocket, and no one has the upper hand (even though TR was outnumbered badly.) But, suddenly, a bunch of Pikachu and Charmander teamed up, and built up a massive Thunder Wave/Fire Spin attack that sent Team Rocket and their Pokemon flying. "Team Rocket's blasting off again!" They shouted. With most the rare Pokemon recovered (TR got away with the Dratini somehow.) and returned to their purchasers, the audience moved on to the banquet hall, where a sumptuous 11-course meal was waiting for them. Scott found Misty, and took her to the head table. "Oh, wow, a seat at a head table!" She shouted. "How did you manage to ever get a seat here for me?" "Well, I did tell them that you are the visiting Cerulean City gym leader, and I also found out that it was your birthday today." Scott replied. With tears running down her face, Misty hugged Scott. "Oh, Scott, I love you!" "I love you too, Misty." The two settled into their places, and when all the dishes cleared away, The waiter brought out a small chocolate cake with a candle on it. Misty made her wish, and blew it out. This was a night she will never forget in a while... Later, back at the hotel... Misty was in her pajamas, playing her Game Boy. Scott was in front of the TV, catching up on the news and scores. Misty turned off her Game Boy, and went over to Scott. "Scott, thanks for the wonderful evening." She said. "You're welcome." He replied. Then, in a sudden move, Misty grabbed Scott, embraced, and kissed. The phone rang, and Scott let go of Misty to pick up the receiver. Scott waited, and handed it to Misty. (Conversation Mode ON) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Misty: Hello, Misty Waterflower speaking. Ash: (remorseful) Misty, I'm sorry. Misty: (sarcastically) For what, Ash Ketchum? Ash: I know what I did wrong, and I'm sorry. Misty: Why should I believe that you won't go off and ogle an another girl again? Ash: She hates me now, and you know I've always loved you, no matter what. Misty: (angrily) Oh, so now that you're through with her, you're coming back to me! Ash: Misty, I'm truly sorry. Misty: Well, I don't know. I've got someone else myself... Ash: (enraged) WHO? Misty: Oh, I won't tell. Guess you're stuck with that girl. If you ever come to Vancouver, drop me a line. Ash: Misty, please listen... (Misty hangs up) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Conversation Mode OFF) "Who was that?" Scott asked. "My EX-boyfriend, that's all." Misty replied. "OK. So, let's hit the sack. I'm tired." "I'm with you." Misty climbed into bed, pulled the covers close, and sighed. Togepi climbed into his mothers' arms, and Misty gently cradled it. It soon fell asleep, and not long after that, she herself drifted off to sleep. The next evening, at a cabin outside Nanaimo... Scott and Misty went up to the door, and already, you can hear the music going on a full blast, and people having fun. Scott knocked on the door, and soon, a man with a bottle of beer in his hand appeared at the doorway. "Hey, Scott, long time no see!" The man shouted. "Oh, hey, Jake. How's life in the office?" Scott replied. "Who's the hot chick you've got there, Scott?" The man asked, pointing to Misty. "Oh, that's Misty. Misty, meet Jake. Jake, meet Misty." Scott replied. "Hi." Misty mumbled. "Well, come on in, and join the fun!" Jake replied. Jake went back to the party, and Scott and Misty entered. Misty sat down with some of the girls, while Scott went with the guys out in the patio. He opened up a beer, and saw old pals from high school all over the place. "Hey, Scott, what's up, buddy? Haven't seen you in a while." A burly man, a bit shorter than Scott, went up to him. "Hey, Tank, what's up with the wide load? Still haven't been able to dump it since high school?" Scott replied. "Ha ha, very funny. Hey, Chris, Scott's here!" Tank shouted to a tall, skinny man near the barbecue. "Hey, Scotty, what's up?" Chris shouted. "You're still that skinny hat rack I know, Chris." Scott commented. "And you've still got that giant foot that won us the city football championship back in '96." "Yeah, I did destroy their star quarterback's foot. Back then, I only wore 17, don't forget." "And what do you wear now?" "20." "Woah, you've got to stop growing there. You're taller, too." "Really?" "Yeah. Hey, have you seen Brett yet?" "No, why?" "Didn't you hear about him? He's like all muscle now. Now he's tossing everyone around." "Sounds like someone needs to be taught a little lesson..." "You tell 'em, Scotty!" Scott walked toward Brett, who was still throwing everyone around, especially the class geek, Mel. Everyone liked Mel back in high school, but Brett (who was popular with the ladies, to all the guys' dismay) was just a plain jerk. But then, Scott came along, and put him in his place. Although Brett could have crushed Scott (he weighed in at 250 pounds in grade 12.), Scott had the strength to toss Brett around like a bag of flour. Scott finished the rest of the can of the beer, grabbed a bite from the barbecue, and went up to Brett, who was now tossing around his old wrestling teammate, Jeremy, around. "Hey, Brett, who said you were the boss around here?" Scott shouted. Brett turned around, and everyone stared. It was '97 all over again. That was the year Scott mopped the floor with Brett at a Vancouver pub. It was now 2003, and time for the rematch between the two. Misty heard all the commotion outside, and walks out to the patio to take a look with Brenda, one of the girls she had met inside. Misty watched as Scott mopped the floor with Brett (who was approximately 100 pounds heavier). Scott's knees give out, and he drops Brett onto the lawn. Misty rushed out, and helped him up while the others help tend to Brett. "Are you all right, Scott?" Brenda asked. "It's like the good old days again, eh?" "Yeah. But it's a bit harder now. He's so much more heavier, and the old body can't take it too much these days." Scott replied. "He could have mopped the floor with you, you know. But, you ARE stronger than him." "Darn right." "So, I've met your girlfriend here." "Misty?" "Yeah. You've got a nice girl, Scotty. Don't lose her." "I won't." Meanwhile, nearby, in the tree, Gary was watching. So, that's the gym leader, he thought. Awfully strong, I have to say. But, is he good at Pokemon battling? We'll have to see about that! With that, Gary jumped out of the tree. "Gary Oak! What are you doing here?" Misty shouted. "I was invited by the host (Chris). He was working in the costumes department when I was shooting the movie All's Fair In Love And War, didn't you know?" Gary replied. "That movie was the worst movie I ever saw!" Brenda commented. "A bomb? How dare you insult my work!" Gary snapped. "It was." Misty replied. "Well, loser-girl, I see you've got a new boyfriend." Gary commented. "Where's your cheerleaders, Gary?" Misty asked. "Or are they transformed Dittos?" Gary's face turned bright red. "I'll show you! I'll have my revenge, on both your boyfriends, you hear?" "Blow it out your ear, Gary Oak!" "Ooh, that does it!" Gary lunged at Misty, but Scott stopped him. They wrestled around, until Scott pinned Gary to the lawn. But then, Gary broke free of his grip, and tossed Scott into the fence. Misty tried to get at Gary, but Brenda stopped her. Gary then runs out of the yard followed by his cheerleaders, and into the street. "This is only the beginning, loser-girl!" He shouted as his car sped away. "There's still a lot more to come, so I'll be back!" Misty rushed back over to Scott, who was unhurt by Gary's fury. He dusted himself off, and grabbed an another beer. The party continued long into the night (much to Chris's neighbors' chagrin), and into the light of day. Vancouver Pokemon Gym, Monday... Gary walked into the Gym, which was unusually quiet. By this time, the whole gym would be filled with people coming for a swim in the pool, or to face off against the local Gym Leader for the Cascade Badge. Seeing no one around, and the receptionists' station empty, Gary walked into the arena, and saw a man sitting on the lifeguard post, reading the Vancouver Province with the headline, "Conservatives Win Majority in House of Commons". Gary got his Pokemon ready, and regained his composure. "Excuse me, are you the gym leader?" He asked the man. The man tossed the newspaper aside, and takes off his hat, and jumps into the water. He reemerges on the opposite end of the pool, and got his Super-Ultra Balls. "So, Gary, you finally decided to come for the Cascade Badge, eh?" He asked. Gary was shocked. So the guy that loser-girl was with at Chris's party was the gym leader! No wonder his voice sounded so familiar. And now, it was time for Gary to get what his just desserts. "3-on-3 battle, no time limit. You win, I give you the Cascade Badge. Agreed?" Scott asked. "S...sure...I...I choose you, Venusaur!" Gary shouted. "Hah! Let's go, Starmie!" "Venusaur, Vine Whip!" "Starmie, Tackle attack!" Venusaur extends its vines, and immediately tries to hit Starmie multiple times. But it just went into the water, and after a few seconds, sends Venusaur flying by knocking the floating mat it was on sky high. Gary retreats Venusaur, and tries his luck with his Raichu. Scott sees the change, and retreats Starmie in favor of Dragonair. Raichu tries a Thunder attack, but Dragonair just absorbed it. It the returned with a Dragon Rage attack. Once the attack had run its course, Raichu was out cold. Gary retreated it, and pulled out his final Pokemon, an Alakazam. Dragonair launches an another Dragon Rage attack, and when that settled down, the bell was rung. Gary fell to his knees, and his jaw dropped wide open. He slowly retreated Alakazam, and walked out of the arena in shame. Scott retreated Dragonair, climbed onto the springboard, and returns to the newspaper. Vancouver International Airport... Ash walked off the plane, weary-eyed. This was the LAST time he let Brock ever book tickets for a flight. Every time he let Brock purchases plane/train tickets for everyone, he always goes for the red-eyed flights/trains. He went to the luggage carousel, found his luggage, and looked around. Brock was gone. Probably still ogling the flight attendants again, he thought. Then, Brock appeared, with a bump the size of Cinnabar Island on his head. "Love hurts..." Brock mumbled before he passed out. Ash grabbed Brock's luggage, pulled out the bottle of the spring water from his backpack, and sprayed it in Brock's face. Brock stood up, grabbed his luggage, and then walked out of the airport in search of a cab. Later that day in Surrey... Misty and Scott were sitting on the rocking couch on the front porch, enjoying the cool summer breeze with glasses of lemonade, while Pikachu, Togepi, Vileplume and Starmie were on the front lawn, relaxing. "So, when are you going back to Cerulean?" Scott asked. "Oh, in a few weeks. Say, does it still hurt when you walk?" Misty replied. "Yeah. Why?" "When are you going to get that cast off?" "In a week. Why?" "Just curious. So, what's been up lately at the gym?" "Oh, not much. Gary Oak came by this morning, and a Native shaman in the afternoon." "Wait a sec...Did you say Gary Oak?" "Yeah. He came into the arena all confident, and after Starmie and Dragonair destroyed all his Pokemon, he just left." "Wonder who the loser is now." "Hey, do you have the time?" "Yeah. It's around 7:30. Why?" "Well, seeing Cory is out with his friends tonight, how's about staying for dinner, and then I drive you back to your hotel?" "You can cook?" "Yeah, why not?" "Well, okay. What are you making anyways?" "You fancy chicken, don't you?" "Yes!" "All righty then...I'll call you when dinner's ready." "Sure." Scott went back into the house, and Misty was all alone on the porch. She sighed, and watched as her Pokemon played around the sprinkler. Little Togepi watched its mother sigh, and went over to see what was wrong. (Poke-talk ON) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Togepi: Briiiiii! (What's wrong, mommy?) Misty: I don't know. I love Scott, but I still love Ash. Pikachu: Pi pika pi pika chu. (You should love Ash.) Wartortle: War wartortle, war wartortle war! (No way! Scott is so much better.) Misty: I don't know, you guys. They're both really nice, but Ash seems to like Janine a lot better than me... Pikachu: Pika pika pika chu! (Ash told you that you were his one and only, remember?) Misty: But it seems Mr. Pokemon Master has someone else now... Vileplume: Vile vileplume. (Hey, it's your call.) Seadra: Seadra seadra! (Vileplume's right, you guys.) Pikachu: Pika pika pikachu! (I still say Misty loves Ash more!) Wartortle: War wartortle! (She loves Scott more!) Pikachu: PIKA! (ASH!) Wartortle: WAR! (SCOTT!) Togepi: BRIIIIII! (ASH!) Pidgeot: PIDGEOT! (SCOTT!) Vileplume: Vile vileplume plume vileplume! (Stop it! Fighting isn't gonna get us anywhere, besides, it's Misty's choice.) Dragonair: Dragonair dragon dragonair! (Hey, pipe down! I'm trying to get some sleep here.) Misty: That's enough! Vileplume's right. It's my choice. Pikachu: Pikachu. (She's right.) (All Pokemon nod in agreement.) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Poke-talk OFF) Soon, the smell of fried chicken filled the air. The aroma of hot gourmet Pokemon food followed, and then, Scott appeared at the door. "Okay, guys, chow time!" He shouted to all the Pokemon. "Hey, what about us?" Misty asked. "Our dinner will be ready soon." Scott replied. "Hang tight while I serve them first." All the Pokemon rush into the house, with Dragonair leading the way. Togepi was dead last, trying to run on its stubby little legs, and tripping many a time. Misty smiled, and helped Togepi into the house. She waited a while, and finally, Scott's voice boomed from inside the house. "Okay, Misty, it's time for us to eat. Hope you're hungry, 'cause I've cooked up a big batch!" Scott shouted. "Of what?" Misty asked. "Come inside and see!" Misty went inside, and entered the dining room. The plate was piled high with fried chicken and all the usual sides. Misty quickly settled down, and started to chow. "Uh, hope you don't mind me starting without you, Scott." She shouted. "Oh, not at all. Enjoy!" He replied. After a while, Scott entered the room, took off the apron, and sat down in his chair. By now, Misty had finished at least 8 pieces of chicken, and about half a bowl of salad and a quarter of a plate of fries. "Boy, you're fast. Hope you save enough room for dessert." "Oh? What is it?" "A secret. I'll bring it out later." "Mmm...this fried chicken's even better than the stuff that Brock makes..." "Who's Brock?" "Brock? Uh, he's a fellow gym leader in the PL." "I see. Well, don't forget to save room for dessert." "I won't, and you can take that to the bank." The next day, the hospital... Misty paced around outside the room, and anxiously waited for the door to open. Two cups of vending machine coffee later, the door swung open, and the doctor appeared, with Scott slowly hobbling behind him. "Miss Waterflower, I'm happy to inform you that Scott's regained all his old memory back. But unfortunately, he's forgotten all the things that has happened from after the accident to about 5 minutes ago." The doctor explained. "Thanks, doctor." Misty mumbled. It was great to have the old Scott back, but he's not going to remember the times they had with each other. The doctor walked away, and Misty rushed up and hugged Scott. "Scott, are you all right?" She asked. "Wh...where am I...Misty! What are you doing here in Vancouver? And where's Ash and Brock?" He asked. "Oh, Scott, you're back!" "What are you talking about, Misty?" "Never mind. It's good to see you back." "It's good to see you too." Misty helped Scott walk toward the elevator, but he shook her hand away. They went down the elevator, out the exit, and into the bright sunshine. A bus was pulling up, and the two rushed toward it. Later, at the gym... Scott sat down on the high springboard, and started to read the latest edition of National Geographic. But before he could start reading the first page, Ash appeared, and stormed into the challenger area of the ring. "All right, Scott. Let's get this over with. A battle for both the Cascade Badge and Misty." He snarled. "Ash, what's with the face?" Scott replied. "And what do you mean by both the Cascade Badge and Misty?" "You stole my girlfriend!" "I did not!" "You kissed Misty!" "Oh, Ash, don't be childish. It's...something that our hormones do." "Scott, don't be naďve. You love Misty." "OK, I admit it. So what if I do?" "Well then, let's battle. Like I said, winner keeps Misty." "Well, It's my job as Gym Leader to accept your challenge for the Cascade Badge, but if it's what you want, we'll throw in Misty. We'll both use 3 Pokemon, and the match will have no time limit. Do we have a deal, Ash?" "Fine with me. Let's go." Suddenly, in the stands, a voice boomed, "HOLD IT RIGHT THERE, ASH KETCHUM!" Ash and Scott both looked up, and there, in the entranceway, stood Misty. "Misty! I've finally found you!" Ash shouted. "Save your breath, Ash Ketchum." Misty snapped back. "I didn't say I wanted to be one of the prizes!" "But, Misty. This is the way we guys duke out our differences. Now, let's get on with the battle!" Scott replied. "All right, fine." Misty mumbled. "All right, Ivysaur, I choose you!" Ash shouted. "Hah! Let's go, Starmie!" Scott replied. Then, suddenly, Ash's Pikachu jumped out of his basket near the bench, and ran up to Scott. Then, he noticed that Ash was on the other side. "Pikachu! (Hey, Ash!)" He shouted. "That does it! You've even stole my Pikachu!" Ash snarled. "I never stole him! He followed me!" Scott replied. "Now, let's get on with the battle!" "All right, Ivysaur, Vine Whip!" "Starmie, Tackle attack!" Starmie, always deadly when agile, dodges all of Ivysaur's vines, and sends it flying out of the ring with its powerful Tackle attack. There was something about Scott's Starmie, Ash thought, but that's not going to stop me from getting Misty back! "Kingler, I choose you!" "Okay, Starmie, confuse that little seafood cocktail with your Light Screen!" "Hey, how dare you call my Kingler a little seafood cocktail? Kingler, Guillotine, now!" Starmie's Light Screen immediately covers the whole arena, and Kingler tried in vain to catch Starmie with its sharp claws. The light fades, and suddenly, Starmie blasted out of the water, and sent Kingler flying with an another powerful Tackle. Meanwhile, in the stands... Misty was sitting in the stands, tensely clutching her fist. Whoever wins the match, would take her. I wish I have never had agreed to put myself as the prize, she thought. But, they both do love her, so why not? Brock was combing Vulpix's fur, and Togepi was in her lap, catching up on the rest of its forty winks that it had missed when Misty accidentally woke her up this morning. Misty cradled the little egg, and it yawned as it slowly opened its eyes. Then, suddenly, Gary appeared. "Hey, loser-girl! Where's loser?" he asked. "I see he's challenging the local gym leader... Probably already begging for mercy." "Shove it, Gary." Misty snapped. "Take your act to some other place, will ya?" "Whoa, temper tantrum!" "And if you're smart, you'll leave, and take you fanny back to Pallet where no one will ever see you again!" "Babe, you know you like me, so stop denying it!" Misty ignored him, and Gary sat down in the seat beside her, much to her chagrin. He bumps into Misty's arm, which wakes up Togepi, who starts crying. "Hey, Ash, you stink!" Gary shouted. Ash, who was down to his final Pokemon, was getting very frustrated. Gary's taunts was all he needed. Now he will lose the Cascade Badge, and on top of that, Misty, and maybe even his very first Pokemon, Pikachu. Meanwhile, his Muk was taking a heavy beating from Starmie. Muk won't be able to take very much more of Starmie's attacks, so he threw the towel into the pool, retreated Muk, and at once, Gary started to cheer. Scott returned Starmie to its Super-Ultra Ball, and took off his hat. He took off one of the Cascade Badges, and motioned for Misty and Ash to come over. Brock and Gary followed, curious on what Scott was doing. Scott handed Ash the Cascade Badge, and placed Misty's hand onto Ash's. Brock was shocked. Even though he had won, Scott was gracious enough to grant Ash a Cascade Badge, as well as help him get Misty back. "Hey, that's not fair! You can't just GIVE the badge to him!" Gary shouted. Then, suddenly, two members of the Vancouver police burst into the arena, and took Gary away. Ash and Misty kissed, and Brock and Scott clapped. "I love you, Ash Ketchum." Misty whispered into Ash's ear. "I love you too, Misty Katsumi Waterflower." Ash replied. Seattle... Ash paced around in the room, waiting for Brock to finish using the shower. Misty was in the room on the right, quietly reading, and Scott was in the room on the left, playing with his Pikachu. The bathroom door opened, and Brock, with a towel wrapped around him, peeked out. "Hey Ash, can you get me my bottle of shampoo?" He asked. "Brock, when are you going to be done?" Ash replied, handing him the shampoo. "I'll be done in a minute." "Hurry up, Misty and Scott's waiting for us." "Fine." Then, Ash remembered that every time that Brock said that he would be finished in a minute, it would a least take him an another 20 minutes to be finished. He sighed, and went over to Scott's room to see if he can use the shower there. Ash knocked on the door, and Scott answered it. "Ash? What are you doing?" He asked. "Uh, can I use your shower? Brock's in ours, and he's gonna be a while." Ash replied. "Sure. Come on in." Ash walked into the shower room, and closed the door. He turned on the water, took off his clothes, and went in. A few minutes later, he stepped out of the shower, got a towel, and wrapped it around him. He got his bottle of cologne (He bought at the Eaton's in Toronto), and slapped some on. The whole gang was going out for dinner tonight, and it was also the first night that he and Misty were back together. He changed into a fresh set of clothes (he had washed them at the hotel Laundromat downstairs), adjusted his hat, and went back into his room. Brock was still in the shower, but was emerging from the bathroom just as Ash was about to leave. "Brock, let's go. Misty and Scott are already there." Ash moaned. "How much longer is it going to take you?" "Not long now." Brock replied. Ash groaned, grabbed his backpack and Poke Balls, and went downstairs to catch up with Misty and Scott. Alaska Way Café... Misty sat opposite of Scott, and looked at him. He was wearing his expensive shades, the official "Vancouver Gym Leader" shirt, cargo shorts, and his favorite hat, as well as expensive eau de toilette. Misty was in her usual outfit: denim short-shorts, Cerulean City Gym shirt, and her hair flowing down her back, as well as French perfume that she had bought at the duty-free shop at the Vancouver airport. "You look beautiful tonight, Misty." Scott commented, breaking the silence between them. "Thanks." Misty replied. "You don't look too bad yourself." "So, how's it been now that you're back with Ash?" "It's just peachy, and it's all thanks to you. "Ah, It's nothing. I've played matchmaker all my life." "Say, you got your casts off. How's your legs now?" "Not bad. They installed metal braces yesterday." "That's good. Now, you can finally take me power shopping!" "Uh, maybe an another time." "Oh, Scott..." "What?" Ash and Brock walked into the restaurant, and made their way to the table. Ash sat down to the left of Misty, and Brock took the remaining seat. The waiter arrived, and handed them their menus. Ash ordered lemonade, Brock and Scott pop, and Misty went with mineral water. They scanned the menu, and made up their minds just as the waiter returned with their drinks, and take their orders. She looked at Ash. "What would you like, sir?" She asked. "Uh, the sirloin steak dinner, please." Ash replied. "And I'll have the salad." "OK, how about you, sir?" She asked Scott. "Uh, I'll have the fried chicken basket, please, with the soup." Scott replied. "Excellent choice. How about you, sir?" She asked Brock, who was already drooling over her (this is getting a bit too familiar, isn't it?). "Uh, I'll have the seafood pasta special." Brock replied. "By the way, are you looking?" "No." She replied, then looking at Misty. "And how about you, miss?" "Uh, I think I'll have the Super American sandwich with the fries." Misty replied. "You'll have to ignore Brock over there, he drools over any girl he sees." "Oh, Love-At-First-Sight Syndrome. Well, your food will be here soon." The waiter replied. The gang sat around for a while, with Brock reading the Pokemon Friend PokeBreeders' Manual, Scott reading Sports Illustrated, and Ash and Misty arguing over who had invaded the other's private space. Brock sighed. The good old days were back, and there was no denying it. They were a match made in heaven, and it was about time that the two got married, even though Misty still pretends to hate Ash. The food arrived, and the four dug in. Meanwhile, at the other end of the restaurant, a bunch of VERY familiar faces were watching our heroes from a safe distance. Their plan was to ambush them as they leave and go into the washroom. Later... Scott stood up, and went into the bathroom, and Pikachu jumped onto his hat. Then, a bunch of dark trench-coatted people got up, and followed him. On a hot sunny day like this, who would be that stupid to be wearing dark trenchcoats? He thought. He entered the washroom, and the trench-coatted people threw away their hats and tore off their trenchcoats, revealing Jesse, James, Butch, Cassidy, Megan, Shawn and Meowth. (Here we go again...) (Jesse) "Prepare for trouble!" (James) "Make it seven times!" (Butch/Cassidy) "To protect the world from devastation..." (Megan/Shawn) "To unite all peoples within our nation..." (Meowth) "To denounce the evils of to truth and love..." (Jesse/James) "To extend our reach to the stars above..." "Jesse!" "James!" "Butch!" "Cassidy!" "Megan!" "Shawn!" "Meowth!" (Jesse/Cassidy/Megan) "Team Rocket International blasts off at the speed of light..." (James/Butch/Shawn) "Surrender now, or prepare to FIGHT!" "Now, hand over the Pikachu!" Butch demanded. "NOW!" "I don't have it, losers." Scott snapped. "Why don't you people get a life and try to catch a Pikachu instead of trying to steal mine!" "Yours? You're not that twerp..." James asked. "Never mind about that, James. Give us that Pikachu!" Jesse demanded. "I would never give it to you, you old hag!" Scott replied. "Wh...wh...what did you call me?" Jesse stammered. "You...you'll pay for that!" Jesse send out her Arbok, but suddenly, they were all hit by a powerful blast of water from the faucet. Then. Pikachu jumped off of Scott's head, and let a powerful Thunder Punch attack go, which fried TR to a crisp. Scott released Wartortle, and it used Hydro Pump to send TR on its way out the door, and into the wild blue yonder once out of the café. "Team Rocket is blasting off again!" They shouted, then disappearing in a clear flash. Ash, Brock and Misty rushed outside, but could only see a Seattle Police helicopter flying above them in the direction which Team Rocket took off. They went back inside, and continued with dinner. Later, at the mall... Misty slowly sipped on her iced coffee, scanned over her purchases, and smiled. She had bought a whole new wardrobe, Brock had gotten all the latest PokeBreeding stuff, Scott a lot of sports stuff, and Ash a new CD player with a bunch of new CDs. The two-hour power-shopping session was over, and now, it was time for Ash and Misty to spend some time to themselves. Brock and Scott returned to the hotel, and left the two "lovebirds" to their devices. Ash and Misty walked down Alaska Way, and went across the street to the docks, where fishermen were getting ready for the next day's catch. Then, suddenly, Misty accidentally drops her purse in the middle of the road. With two streetcars coming, as well as threatening oncoming traffic, Ash rushed out onto the street, grabbed the purse and ran back. But a speeding car came along, and hit Ash. "ASH!" Misty screamed, rushing over. She kneeled down beside Ash, who immediately got up. "Wh... what happened?" he mumbled, then handing Misty her purse. "Oh, here's your purse, Misty." "Thanks, Ash." Misty was shocked. Now she knew Ash really truly did care about her, and no one else. She smiled, and hugged him. The two continued down Alaska Way, and eventually arrived back at the hotel. Two hours later, at the hotel... "Hey, Ash." Brock said as Ash came in the door. "Hey, Brock. What are you watching?" Ash asked. "Oh, a baseball game, that's all." "So, what's the latest on Gary?" "Well, Scott called Bernadette, and she said that she's just beaten him again." "Oh, good. That should teach him a lesson or two." "Serves him right. So, how was your time with Misty?" "We walked, that's all." "That's all?" "OK, we kissed too. So what?" "When are you guys getting married?" "Ha ha, very funny." Ash climbed the bed, and caught up with his reading. But he just cannot take his mind off Misty. She had given him a little rub- down, and it felt good. He went down hard on his shoulder when he was getting Misty's purse. After a few pages, Ash fell asleep listening to his new CDs. Brock turned off the TV, and went to bed himself while Ash was dreaming of walking down the aisle at the Pewter City Cathedral with Misty. The next day, at the gym... "OK, Wartortle, give it your Water Gun attack!" Ash shouted, pointing to the Charizard on the other side of the arena. "Charizard, you're my last hope! Give it your Ember attack!" The gym leader ordered. Ash's Wartortle fires off its Water Gun attack, and Ember was snuffed out. Wartortle hits Charizard with a powerful Hydro Pump attack, and the bell was rung. The gym leader falls to his knees, and checks on the knocked out Charizard. "Well, Ash, I guess you really ARE the PL Champ. I guess this Volcano Badge is all yours." "Thanks, Blake." Ash took the Volcano Badge, and pinned it to his hat (like Scott does with his Cascade Badges, as well as the ones he had earned from all the PL Gym Leaders). Misty, Brock and Scott rushed down, and mobbed him. Gary stepped in, and Blake started his next battle. "Gary! How did you manage to beat Bernadette?" Misty shouted. "Why should I tell you, loser-girl?" Gary snapped. "Never mind about him, Misty, Let him lose." Ash said, holding Misty back. The four left the gym, and walked outside into the sunshine. There, they started to squabble over where to go next. "I say we go to Hawaii before Ash goes off to Alaska!" Misty shouted. "Let's go to Alaska first!" Ash replied. "But you should build up your Pokemon's levels at Leaders' Island first!" Scott suggested. "Leaders' Island?" Brock asked. "Yeah. It's a private island in Alaska that we NAPL Gym Leaders usually retreat to when they go on vacation." Scott explained. "Usually, you aren't allowed, but you can be my guests, so the NAPL probably wouldn't mind." "We have that back home, too." Misty replied. "Hey, where are we going?" Brock demanded. "We have to get tickets, you know." "I say Hawaii!" Misty shouted. "Alaska!" Ash shouted. "Leaders' Island!" Scott chimed in. "Oh, brother." Brock mumbled. After a while of squabbling, they decided to go to Hawaii first, then go to Alaska. If Ash gets totally dismembered by the North American Elite Four, then they'll go off to Leaders' Island to get Ash's Pokemon tuned up for a second try. Then, suddenly, Gary walked out of the gym, looking really down. "Hey, loser." He mumbled. "You lost to Blake, eh, Gary?" Ash asked. "Yep. But I'll beat him yet." "Ha ha! I beat him on my first try!" "Shut up, loser!" "Look who the loser is now, Gary Oak!" "Shut up, Ash!" "Gary Oak is a loser!" "ASH, SHUT UP!" The others continued to laugh at Gary, and with his anger boiling and his fists clenched tight, he ran away, but before he rounded the corner, he shouted, "I'll get my revenge, Ash Ketchum, you haven't seen the last of Gary Oak!" Misty laughed, and made a face at him as Ash, Brock and Scott all laughed themselves silly. Then, they walked off (still laughing to death) into the sunset, where more adventures await. Honolulu International Airport.... Our friends step off into the plane, all weary from the long trip from Seattle. Last chapter, Ash had defeated Blake for his Volcano Badge, and was now on a well-deserved vacation in Hawaii. Meanwhile, Gary was back in Seattle, struggling to overcome Blake. Last they heard, he was screaming down the halls of the gym, acting like an insane maniac over his latest loss to Blake. Rumors have it he was joining TR to obtain the badge. But, Ash didn't care too much about Gary anyway, so he just shook it off, and decided to fall on deaf ears, against the recommendations of Misty, Brock and Scott. But, they were on vacation, so who cares? The four arrived at the baggage carousel, got their stuff, and went outside into the warm tropical breeze. "Ah, this would be a perfect day to go out to the beach and tan." Misty commented. "Well, we're gonna be doing that, once we find a hotel and settle in." Brock replied. "Which one?" Ash asked. "How's about one that is near Waikiki?" Scott suggested. "That sounds good. Any objections?" Brock asked. No reply. "OK, that settles it." Ash declared. "Now, to get a cab." After half an hour or so of fruitless waving (and fighting, jumping, sighing, and blowing explosive temper tantrums) stopped, and our friends piled on after fighting off a gazillion other people rushing for the same cab. Waikiki Beach Hotel... Misty dumped her backpack onto the floor beside the desk, went out into the patio, and looked out into the wide Pacific and down to the world-famous Waikiki Beach. She went back inside, grabbed her stuff, and rushed out the door. She went into the hallway, where Scott, Ash and Brock were waiting for her. The elevator door opened, and all four of them scrambled into the car. (This is sorta familiar, eh?) Scott lets go, and Ash, Brock and Misty fall face first. Ash, Misty and Brock dragged themselves up, and Scott closed the door. The car rapidly descended, and soon, stopped at the main floor. They walked outside, across the street, and onto the sands of Waikiki. Ash found an empty spot, and everyone rushed over. They put down their towels, and suddenly, (Here we go again...) a pretty girl walks by, and Brock's face instantly becomes as red as a rose. Brock gets up, and walks over to her. "Hi, I'm Brock. You look pretty." Brock mumbled. "Well, thanks for your comment, Brock." The girl replied. "It's nothing, Miss..." "Burton. Jeanne Burton." "Well, Miss Burton, I don't suppose that you are looking for a guy like me." "As a matter of fact, I am." "Well, I guess it's your lucky day!" "You?" "That's right. How's about dinner tonight?" "Sure. That would be great. By the way, you're not from around here, aren't you?" "No, I'm from Pewter City." "Pewter City? I've been there. It's a really nice city." "Well, I guess we can talk more about that when we meet for dinner tonight." "OK. Where?" "How's about The Lorient at 7?" "I'd be delighted! Well, look at the time. I'd better go. I'll see you later, Brock." "Au revoir, my dear!" Jeanne walked away, and Brock, completely blinded by love, sat down on his towel, and flopped onto it. "Brock, you're not serious!" Ash shouted. "Going out with a complete stranger!" "Ash, be quiet!" Brock snapped. "Brock, wake up!" Misty shouted, waving her hand in his face. "You have just asked out a person you have met for less than 15 minutes." "So?" Brock asked. "Do you even have a faint idea who this person could be?" Scott asked. "No." Brock replied. "Aw, forget it." Misty moaned. But Brock didn't hear, as he was already asleep. Misty slapped some suntan lotion on Brock (as a goodwill gesture), and slapped some on herself. She didn't want to look like a cooked lobster, and neither did Brock. Ash and Scott were both asleep too. Misty was now all alone, with no one to talk to except for Ash's Pikachu and her own Togepi. Misty sighed, and instantly, Togepi knew something was wrong with mommy. (Poke-talk ON) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Togepi: Toge toge? (What's wrong, mommy?) Misty: I don't know. All this time, you've thought that I was your mommy. Togepi: Toge togepi? (Yeah, so what?) Misty: Well, I have to tell you that I'm not your mommy. Togepi: Togepi!? (What!?) Misty: Yep. Ash found you, so you should belong to him. Pikachu: Pika pika pi pika chu. (She's right, kid. Your mommy should be Ash, not Misty.) Misty: Thanks, Pikachu. By the way, have you made up your maid about who you're going with yet? Pikachu: Pikachu. (No, not yet.) Togepi: (Crying) Toge toge togepi! (No, it's not true!) Pikachu: Pika chu: (Believe it, kid.) Misty: When Ash gets up, I'll have to give you to him. Togepi: Toge! Toge! Toge! Toge togepi! (No! No! No! I want my mommy!) Pikachu: Pika pi pika pika pi. Pikachu pi chu. (It's not going to be that bad. Ash is a good trainer.) Togepi: (Sobbing) Toge? (Really?) Misty: Yep. I'll miss you, Togepi. Togepi: Toge togepi. (I'll miss you, mommy.) Misty: I'll miss you too, you little runt. (smiles) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Poke-talk OFF) Misty looked around. Scott and Ash were still asleep, and now, Pikachu was curling up into a ball in Scott's arms. She let Togepi get acquainted with its new father, and walked away. She broke into a run, and started sobbing. Then, suddenly, a group of TR members, led by Jesse and James, jumped out of the bushes, and shocked Misty. But what shocked her the most was one of the members. (I don't think I need to do the motto again, but for you TR fans, here goes...) (Jesse) "Prepare for trouble..." (James) "Make it 7 times!" (Butch) "To protect the world from devastation..." (Cassidy) "To unite all peoples within our nation..." (Megan) "To denounce the evils of truth and love..." (Shawn) "To extend our reach to the stars above..." "Jesse..." "James..." "Butch..." "Cassidy..." "Megan..." "Shawn..." "Gary..." (Jesse/Cassidy/Megan) "Team Rocket International blasts off at the speed of light..." (James/Butch/Shawn/Gary) "Surrender now, or prepare to FIGHT!" (Meowth, duh!) "Meeeeeeeeowth! That's right!" "Gary Oak! I had a feeling that you would join a bunch of scum buckets like Team Rocket." Misty shouted. "No one ever disses Team Rocket!" Shawn snapped. "Let's get her!" Cassidy shouted. Misty pulls out her Starmie, and all of TR pulls out their best. As we all know, 7 against 1 is not exactly fair, but what's this? A bunch of Poke Balls flying in the direction of TR, and into the makeshift arena? The Poke Balls open, and Erika, Lt. Surge, Blaine, Sabrina, Ash, Scott and Brock jump out from behind Misty. "OK, Team Rocket, if it's a fight you want, you'll get one!" Erika shouted. "Oh yeah?" Jesse snapped back. "Let's go, TR!" The TR members order their Pokemon to destroy our heroes, but they meet up with our heroes' Pokemon. An intense battle began, with no one winning. Suddenly, the tide turned, and our heroes finally gain the upper hand. With no other options left, TR chose to run away. Four of them got away, but Butch, Meowth, Megan and Shawn were arrested. Our heroes handed the captured TR members to the State Patrol, and continued to pursue the remaining TR members. After half an hour of chasing, The tracks ended in the water. Jesse, James, Cassidy and Gary had disappeared. Erika thanked our friends for their help, and they continued to search for clues to TR's escape. Misty, Ash (With Togepi on his shoulder), Scott (Pikachu on his head) and Brock went back to their spot, and Ash and Scott went back to their nap. Brock got up to get some drinks, and Misty decided to check out that surf shop not far away. She went over to the surf shop, and rented a surfboard. She ran out into the water, and paddled out to the waves. The waves came, and Misty nervously stood up on the board, with her knees shaking like a bowl of Jell-O. "Whoo-hoo! Look at me!" Misty shouted once she had gotten the hang of it. Suddenly, an another wave came along, and swamped her off her board. She screamed, and back on shore, Scott and Ash were rudely awakened by Misty's eardrum-piercing, glass-shattering and really, really, loud scream. Ash and Scott got up, ran into the water, and swam over to Misty. But when they got there, she wasn't there. Scott swam back, and realized that Ash was missing. He looked around, but there was no sign of him. Misty swam up to him, and tapped him on the shoulder. "Scott, you and Ash shouldn't have came out to save me." She commented. "I can swim!" "Oh, whoops. I forgot." Scott replied. "Where's Ash?" "I don't know." "Uh oh." "What?" "He doesn't know how to swim!" "Then how did he get out here?" "I don't know...by the way, how did YOU get out here? I thought your knees were hurting again." "Never mind about that. Ash must be underwater." "Let's go!" Misty and Scott dove down into the water, and looked around. Ash was on the seabed, unconscious. Misty lifted him up, and Scott desperately trying to rip the seaweed that was tying Ash down. With one last pull, the seaweed snapped, and Ash floated up to the surface. Misty placed the unconscious Ash onto the board, and Scott pushed it back to shore while Misty scanned Ash's body for any injuries. Once back on shore, Brock was there to meet them. Misty started first aid, and then, handed it off to Scott. After a few rotations between Misty, Scott and Brock, a lifeguard came, and took over from all of them. They waited, and suddenly, water came out of Ash's mouth, and his eyes opened. He got up, and Misty was there. Misty instantly gave Ash a hug, and after a few moments of blanking staring at each other, kissed. "Oh, Ash..." Misty whispered after letting go. "Thanks, Misty." Ash replied. "Don't thank me. Scott was there too." "Oh, really?" "Sure. Right, Scott?" No reply. "Are you gonna be okay, Ash?" "Yeah, I think I should lie down for a while." "Sure. Be careful, Ash." Ash went back to his towel, and Misty followed him. Once Ash was asleep, she flopped onto her towel, and after a while, She too, drifted off to sleep under the blazing hot sun. Later that day... Misty was in her room, watching TV with Ash, when suddenly, there was a knock at the door. It was Brock, his head bowed, and the bunch of flowers that he was about to give to Jeanne still in his hand. "Hey, Brock. Shot down?" Misty asked. "Yep." "Come on in." "Thanks." "So, what happened between you and Jeanne?" "She ditched me at the restaurant with the tab." "I told you not to trust her! Now she gets a free meal, courtesy of Brock the Gullible!" "Shut up!" "Hey, it's true." "You know, I think it's time." "Time for what?" "Time that I decided to become a monk." "Oh, Brock, don't be silly." "No, I'm serious." "Brock, snap out of it. There's lots of fish in the sea." "Really?" "Yeah. You just have to be patient, and have the right bait!" "You really think so?" "Yep." "Thanks, Misty!" "You're welcome, Brock." "Watch out, world, here comes Brock Slate!" Brock rushed out the door, and Misty opened the door. He rushed out, but then, suddenly tripped on the little edge between the tile and carpet. "Couldn't even step out the door without tripping. Tsk, tsk!" Misty giggled. "Ah, shut up." Brock moaned. Waikiki Beach Hotel... Misty paced around in her room, with the rain beating down on the glass window. The sky had poured buckets for the last three days non-stop, Brock, Ash and Scott were all down at the sauna and gym, and shopping's no fun alone (for Misty, it is.) She had been thinking about Togepi again. Ever since she let it go, she hadn't had a decent night's sleep. But then, Ash doesn't seem to have any trouble letting Pikachu go. She had wondered how he could ever do that. She picked up the day's edition of local newspaper, flipped through the whole thing, and then, suddenly, saw a one-page ad on the new Hawaii Safari Zone on Maui. She rushed out of her room, and ran downstairs. The fitness center... At the pool, Ash was learning how to swim. Brock was in the gym, working out (and ogling the ladies, again...), and Scott was sitting on one of the deck chairs, reading the newspaper, and once in a while, a quick glance at Ash's progress. "That's great, Ash!" Scott shouted as Ash finally touched the pool's end. "Whew! I never knew learning how to swim was this...exhausting." Ash replied, climbing out of the water. "Well, if you don't learn how to swim, one of these days, you'll go into the water, and there won't be me or Misty there to save you!" "Oh yeah? I could have saved her myself!" "You wouldn't even had made it that far without you copying what I did!" "Hmph. Talk all you want, you can teach yourself from now on. I'll be in the gym if you need me." "Scott, I was just kidding!" Too late. Scott had disappeared. Ash jumped back into the water. He slowly swam a few laps, until suddenly, Misty showed up, with something in her hand. Ash climbed out of the water, and went up to Misty. "What's up, Misty?" Ash asked. "Look at this, Ash." Misty replied. "You want to capture more Pokemon before going up to Alaska to challenge the Elite Four, right?" "Yeah, why?" "Well, there's this new theme park in Maui called the Hawaii Safari Zone." "Isn't it part of the Safari Zone chain?" "I don't know. You wanna go check it out?" "Sure." "We're going tomorrow, and then, off to the races." "The races?" "Didn't you remember that little thing that Brock found in that Pokemon Friend magazine last month?" "You mean the Pokemon F-1 World Championship, the race for Gym Leaders, champs and ex-champs of all the Pokemon Leagues of the world?" "Yep." "Ah, if we have time." Hawaii Safari Zone... Ash looked around. The lines were fairly short, and the four got in quite quickly. Once into the park, Brock looked around, while Ash and Misty took the train ride into the wild Pokemon area to catch some new Pokemon. Ash and Misty got on, and as the train pulled out of the station, Brock shouted, "Don't take too long, there's going to be an official grand opening ceremony back at the plaza with the new NAPL champ." "We won't!" Ash shouted back. The train pulled into the bushes, and after numerous stops, it stopped at a long wooden platform in the middle of tall grasses and a small passageway out into the capturing area. Ash and Misty got off, and followed the other passengers along the path. Once out of the passageway, there was a small wooden shed with a ranger waiting with a stack of boxes. Ash and Misty both got a box, and was ushered into the grasses, where new Pokemon await in hiding. Ash and Misty opened up their boxes, and found a bunch of Safari Balls and a small box of bait. They walked down the passageway, and then, ducked into a small forest of tropical trees. Then, suddenly, a Mankey appeared. Misty stood up, and tossed her first Safari Ball at it. She tried a few more times, and finally, on a very lucky shot, caught it. The ball fell onto the forest floor, jiggled a bit, and then, finally, the light went off. Misty placed her new Mankey in her pocket, and then, suddenly, she noticed a Caterpie crawling up her back. She screamed, but Ash was there to capture it with one of his Safari Balls. Then, suddenly, a whole horde of Caterpies emerged, and Misty screamed at the top of her lungs, and ran back to the entrance. Ash ran after her, but suddenly, a Dugtrio popped out of the ground in front of him. Ash made no mistakes, and captured it with one shot. He then continued to chase after Misty, who had already checked out, and was waiting for the train to come and take her away from all those squirmy bugs. Later, at the hotel... "I can't believe it!" Ash shouted. "What's wrong with you, Ash?" Brock snapped. "Gary! How could he have won the NAPL championship so fast? He couldn't even beat Blake, so how could he have destroyed the North American Elite Four?" "I don't know! Don't ask me." "That Gary...Always trying to one-up me...and now that I've given my Pikachu to Scott..." "Ash, have faith in Scott. He's come through for you so many times, and I'm sure he'll do it again." "How do you know?" "I know. I was at a bar with him back in Seattle when Gary and those TR crud buckets showed up..." "And?" "Scott beat up him up after he insulted you." "Scott, beat up Gary? No way!" "Yes way!" "Well, I guess maybe he CAN be trusted. Let's go to sleep, Brock. We've got a big day tomorrow." "I'm with you, Ash." The next day, at the Maui Pokemon Grand Prix Circuit... The sun was shining above, the stands were crowded, and the racers were all lined up at the start. Among the 45 racers entered, Ash was riding his Ponyta, Misty her Gyarados, Scott his Dragonair and Brock his Onix. But in the back row, was Cassidy on her own Pidgeot. Jesse, James and her had drawn lots earlier. Their plan was to wipe out the racers, win the gold medal, and claim the prize: A check for $2 million. With that cash, they could bust Giovanni out of jail, and restore him to his place as the head of TR. Then, once he's back, he would reward all three of them handsomely with lots and lots of perks and goodies. The light changed from red to green, and the racers take off, with loud cheers from the crowd. Down the first stretch they go, with Ash and Brock in the lead, with a man on a Electrode not far behind them. Cassidy ordered her Pidgeot to blast off, and it flew past all the racers, and into the lead. That move also does double-duty, as two racers riding Dodrios lose control, as both Pokemon's head start to fight each other. The racers come up to their first obstacle, which was a mud puddle. Many of the racers had no trouble, as they either went over the stepping stones, swam across (the mud was very runny), dug under the thing, or just simply fly across. With the pond out of the way, the next obstacle was a large minefield. Again, many of the racers had no problem, but some of the more careless ones got hit, and those who do were forced to drop out of the race. Meanwhile... "Ready with the trap, Jesse?" James shouted. "Yep." Jesse replied. "And there they come!" Back on the track... With Cassidy and her Pidgeot still in the lead, the racers now head into a narrow mountain pass. The lead pack goes through safely, but suddenly, an avalanche of rocks fell from above, shutting off the pass, and forcing the trapped racers to drop out. Now with the field down to 25, the racers continue on a long stretch of track. This was the perfect time for racers to overtake their opponents, and gain some ground on them too, as these straight- aways were rare. After three miles of straight track, the racers come up to a tunnel, which was an old abandoned mine shaft. Racers are to run the maze inside the mountain without getting falling into a trap, or getting lost in the numerous tunnels. The racers rush in, and with the help of her TR cohorts and a short-wave radio, Cassidy made her way through, and back out into the sunshine, while the others were still trapped inside, either lost, or have fallen into the traps. But, all our friends safely make their way out of the tunnel with the rest of the group, with Cassidy holding onto a commanding lead out in front. This was now time for some on-the-run strategy. "OK, are we all ready?" Misty asked. "Yeah." Ash replied. "Yep." Brock replied. "Sure." Scott added. "Okay, on the count of three, we all pull into hyper drive." Misty shouted. "One...two...three..." Suddenly, all four racers takes off in a flash, and soon, back in sight of Cassidy. In one move, they had closed the gap between them and her by 3 to 4 minutes, with three more obstacles to go before the finish. The next obstacle was a dark, dense rainforest. Many racers go into the forest, but do not come out, as if any racers are caught in one of the many hidden traps, they are immediately eliminated from the race. Cassidy goes in, and again, she blasts through the forest, and emerges back out into the sunshine. One down, two more to go. Now, TR was totally sure that they have the whole race (as well as that $2 million) in the bag. The next obstacle was a very sharp angled curve which racers had to have a lot of control over their Pokemon to prevent run away, or even falling over the sides. Cassidy, as usual, breezed by the whole thing. Our friends, meanwhile, also have no trouble with their Pokemon. The man with the Electrode was losing control, and suddenly, fell into a large pit. Electrode exploded, knocking out all the Pokemon. Our friends barely dodged the explosion, and continued to pursue Cassidy. There was now only one more way to stop her, and that was the feeding gates. Racers are to stop, and cannot continue until the dish with Pokemon Food is empty. Cassidy arrived their first, and our friends soon after. The Pokemon dig in, and quickly devoured the food. With one gulp, Scott's Dragonair swallowed the whole plate, and took off toward the finish. Cassidy's Pidgeot finished next, and seeing how far Scott had gone, she took off after him. Misty, Ash and Brock's Pokemon finished in that order after that, and they, too, continued their pursuit of Cassidy. With 2,500 meters to go, Cassidy had regained the lead. Our friends catch up, and now, it was a five-way race to the finish. It was deadlocked, and it was nose-to-nose. This was going to go down to the wire. Then, suddenly, Ash's Ponyta started to glow, and it instantly evolved into Rapidash. He blasted off, and took a slight lead. The others followed, and then, suddenly, the finish line came within sight. But then, Misty saw a bunch of people of the track. It was Erika, Lt. Surge, Blaine and Sabrina, waiting to apprehend Cassidy. They catch her and her Pidgeot, and now, it was down to between Ash, Scott, Brock and Misty. Our friends all trip the beam at the same time, and the crowd cheered as they did so. The race was going to be determined by a photo finish, and by the looks of it, it was going to be tough to determine the winner. A few minutes pass, and the judges' decision was handed down. The image of the finish line was shown on the Jumbotron, and the voice of the announcer came back onto the PA with the results. "Here's the results, folks: In third place, just 7/100edths of a seconds back of the leader, Brock Stone with Onix!" Brock stepped up to the third podium step, and received his bronze medal. One of the ladies kissed him, and his face immediately turned bright red. He shook himself, and waved to the crowd as they applauded. "Second place, 2/100edths of a second behind the winner...Oh, look at this...we have a tie...Ash Ketchum and his Ponyta and Scott McGwire and Dragonair!" Ash and Scott stepped up to the podium, and got their silver medals, as well as a kiss from the lady. They waved, and the crowds cheered again. "And we all know who will win the World Championship and that $2 million dollar check...The winner...Misty Katsumi Waterflower and her Gyarados!" Misty was stunned. She had single-handedly won the Pokemon F-1 championship with a Pokemon that three weeks ago, she had no control over. She stepped up to the podium, and received her gold medal and check. The crowds cheered, and the Cerulean Gym Leader waved, and smiled. Ash, Brock and Scott mobbed her, and then, the officials motioned to Misty for a speech. With her tears held back, Misty stepped up the front. She had next to nothing to say, and Ash, Brock and Scott mobbed her again. A siren was heard from the background, but nobody cared, as the day truly belonged to Misty and her Gyarados, and no one can take that from her, not even TR. Later, at the hotel... "That was so cool, Misty. What are you gonna do with that $2 million?" Ash asked. "I don't know, Ash. Probably remodel the gym back at Cerulean, travel around the world...I don't know." Misty replied. "You could split some of it with us." Brock suggested. "With you guys? No way!" Misty replied. "Aw, come on, Misty, we helped you win." Ash moaned. "Really, Ash?" "Yeah. Brock can vouch for that...Brock?" "Hmm...guess his all worn out. By the way, where's Scott?" "I don't know. Probably back in his room, I guess." "*Yawn* Boy, I'm tired. I'd better hit the sack." "Misty, wait!" "What?" "Where are we gonna go now?" "You want to go challenge the Elite Four, eh?" "Yep. I'm ready, my Pokemon's ready...I guess you can't get any readier than that..." "Maybe so, Ash, but you forget that Gary is the man to beat after you beat the Elite Four." "I'll get him, no matter what. If it's the last thing I do, I'll beat Gary!" "You talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?" "Very funny, Misty. I've beaten him once, and I'll do it again if it kills me." "Yeah, right. You tried three times before you beat him, Ash. Remember?" "Yeah, so?" "Don't be too sure about yourself, Ash. Remember AJ?" "Oh, can't you stop it about AJ? I destroyed his Sandshrew, and he's some deadbeat somewhere out there. End question." "Not that time. The first time you met him!" "Oh, yeah. That was the past. Look to the future, I always say." "Yeah, sure." "Good night, Misty." "Good night, Ash." Misty walked out of the room, and closed the door. She had a funny feeling that Ash was heading into disaster, but Ash does sound confident, why continue the hold onto the leash? She forgot about it, and went back into her room. That night, she had a weird dream about Ash and a disaster. But before it ended, she woke up in cold sweat. Maybe I was right, she thought. But who cares? Ash is mature enough. She fell back to sleep, with that feeling nagged on until the light of day. Anchorage, Alaska... Our friends arrive in Anchorage (on yet an another red-eye flight), where Ash's next challenge await: The NAPL crown. Gary had already defeated the North American Elite Four, and it was time for Ash to put him in his place. "Next time, Brock, don't book us on the red eye flight!" Misty shouted, stepping out of the passageway. "I need my beauty sleep, you know!" "Yeah, Brock, remind me NEVER to let you book anything again!" Ash added. "Hey, it was cheap, so why not?" Brock replied, shrugging. "Just because it's cheap doesn't mean you can sacrifice other people's health and sanity!" Scott shouted. "All right, fine. I won't book anything ever again." Brock sighed. "Thank goodness." Ash mumbled. "You got that right, Ash." Misty commented. Our friends exit the airport, and made their way to downtown Anchorage. There, they would catch the NAPL Express, which would take them right to the NAPL HQ just outside the Northern border of Denali National Park. The cab pulls up into the station, and Ash rushed into the station, only to see long lines at the ticket booths. Many of them were carrying "Go Gary Go" banners, much to Ash's chagrin. Gary must know that Ash was coming. After 3 quarrels between Ash and Misty, 11 cups of coffee, and two dozen donuts later, Ash was finally able to get tickets for the next train for the NAPL HQ. With tickets in hand, the four walked to the crowded platform. Outside, the train was pulling into the station on its southbound journey. Once all the southbound passengers have all gotten off, our friends, as well as all the other northbound passengers, scrambled onto the train. Once safely on board, Misty settled into her seat, while Ash was anxiously pacing around in the aisle, Brock was ogling some of the female passengers (Doesn't this sound familiar?), and Scott was asleep. The train ran through the majestic mountains, crossed tall trestles, and through the endless forests. Finally, after an uneasy few hours, the train slowed down, and pulled off of the main line, and into a branch track. Then, suddenly, there it was: The NAPL HQ. The train pulled into the building, and came to a complete halt at the station's platform. The passengers were discharged, and filed into the HQ. Once inside the HQ, Ash went straight to the Pokemon Centre. He gave his Poke Balls to the nurse, and went off to get himself registered for a showdown with the Elite Four, and if he beats them, Gary. "Do you have all 8 badges?" The receptionist asked. "Here they are." Ash replied, handing them all to her. "Well, let's put this through the machine, and let's see if it approves you." The receptionist puts in the registration card, as well as all 8 badges into the slots. The red light came on, and Ash crossed his fingers. Soon, the noises stopped, and the registration card came back out with a stamp on it. "Well, you've been approved, Ash." The receptionist said. "Here's your invoice, and your badges." "Thanks." Ash replied. "Good luck. You'll need it." Ash walked away, and met up with Brock, Misty and Scott at the café. "Hey, guys, what time is it right now?" He asked. "It's 3:30 PM local time. Why?" Misty replied. "I'm going to be on at 5:30." Ash replied. "Well Ash, this is your final challenge. Good luck with those Elite Four and Gary." Scott commented. "Yeah, I've been here before..." "You have, Scott?" Brock asked. "Sure. I've been the NAPL Champ once..." Scott mumbled. "Until Jenny came along..." "Jenny? Who's she?" Misty asked. "Never mind about that. Ash, all I can say is, don't give in to them. It's just going to get worse." Scott replied. "Thanks, Scott. Well, I'd better get ready." Ash declared. "You'll all be in the stands, right?" "Of course, Ash!" Brock replied. "We'll be there to cheer for you, Ash, all the way!" Misty added. "And we'll be there to drag your carcass off, too." "Misty!" Scott shouted. "Sorry." Misty mumbled. "Well, I'll see you later." Ash mumbled. "Later, Ash." The three mumble. Ash left the café, and disappears into the challengers' room. Then, suddenly, Scott finished his coffee, got up, and abruptly left. He went toward the station, with Misty and Brock chasing after him. He quickly purchased his ticket, headed out to the platform, and boarded the southbound train. (which was packed to the seams) When Misty and Brock got there, the train was already pulling out of the station. Misty tried to rush after it, but Brock stopped her. They went back into the building, and went into the Battle Stadium, to catch some of the challengers going against the Elite Four, and perhaps, Gary, the NAPL champ. Misty found a seat between a row of Gary supporters, and quietly watched everything unfold amongst the loud cheers and whistles when Gary appeared, waved to the crowd, and took his seat at the champions' seat. The first challenger stepped in, and did fairly well against the first two of the Elite Four. Then, when he got to the fourth one, it started to go downhill. There was nothing he could do, but to accept defeat. One down. The next person did really well, cleaning the clocks of all four of the Elites. It was time for Gary to defend, for the first time, his crown. He went down to the arena, and threw out his first Poke Ball amongst cheers from his supporters. The match went for a while, but Gary managed to come out on top. He went back to his seat, and waited for the next challenger. He came out of the shadows, and Gary gasped, as well as all his fans. "Ash Ketchum the loser." Gary shouted. "I'd never expect YOU to get so far!" "Shove it, Gary." Ash replied. "Let's get down to business." The first PokeElite, David, stepped into the arena. He had a fighting line, so that would mean an easy job for Pidgeot. Ash sent it out, and that match was quickly ended with a perfect KO. (All Pokemon knocked out.) The next PokeElite, Siu Ling, came in. She had a ghost line, and only one type of Pokemon was strong against ghosts. Ash sent out his Kadabra (Sabrina had given it to Ash as a gift), which cleaned out her line. Next, was the third PokeElite, Greg, who commanded a Ice/Water line. Pikachu would make short work of that, but then, Ash remembered that he had given Pikachu to Scott, and he was nowhere to be found. Ash went with Ivysaur, and easily wins, but not without Ivysaur getting frozen. Once Greg was out of the way, the final PokeElite, Edward, stepped into the arena, and sent out his Dragonair. Ash had no chance. All of Edward's Pokemon were just too powerful. They overwhelmed Ash's entire line, and when Ash's final Pokemon was knocked out, Gary smiled, and broke into a maniacal laugh. "I told you I'd have my revenge, Ash." Gary shouted. "And now, here it is!" "Save your breath, Gary. I'll be back, and you can be sure of it!" Ash snapped back. "Ooh, I'm SO scared!" "I'll beat you, Gary, if it's the last thing I do!" "Yeah, right!" "You just watch, Gary!" "Hah!" Ash walked out of the arena, and Gary laughed. Misty and Brock went with him, and they dejectedly make their way to the station, and back to Anchorage. The trip was silent, as Ash was totally mute along the way. Misty looked at Ash, and tried to cheer him up. "Ash, you did great! Not too many people make it as far as Edward, you know." She commented. No reply. "Ash, you did great! Let's go out to someplace nice when we get back to Anchorage, OK?" Brock added. Still no reply. "Ash, listen to me! You tried your hardest. You'll get Gary, I promise!" Misty shouted. "Yeah, right." Ash mumbled. "Ash!" Brock shouted. "Misty was only trying to help." "Well, I don't need it." Ash replied. "Fine, Mr. Pokemon Master, be that way." Misty huffed. The train finally arrived at Anchorage station, and Misty, Ash and Brock quietly get off. They found a small little hotel, where they settled in for the night. Then, suddenly, during her shower, Misty realized something. Scott had talked about an island for NAPL gym leaders somewhere south of Juneau that they were welcome to come to and train if Ash needed it. She dialed up the ferry company, and made arrangements. Leader's Island, the next day... Scott looked out into the wide open ocean, and pulled the line out of the water. The fish seem to be still asleep, so it's best to go back to the cabin, and fix up some breakfast before going back to drown a few more worms. Then, suddenly, a ferry boat (British Columbia or Alaska, it was hard to tell in the mist.) passed by the island, and sounded its horn. Must be the supplies, he thought. And maybe even someone he could actually talk to. A small raft was lowered, and large boxes were loaded onto it. The craft soon sailed toward the pier, and Scott and a weary- eyed Pikachu was there to greet them. "Hey there, what's new?" Scott shouted. "We've got a few people waiting to come onto the island." The sailor replied. "We need your permission first." "Sure. Send them over." "Righty-o, Scott They'll be here by around 6 to 7 this evening on the late ferry to Prince Rupert." "Thanks, Craig." "No prob. Have a nice day." With all the supplies unloaded, Scott dragged it all into the stores, and went back to get some breakfast for him and Pikachu. Usually, the island was quiet during this time, and it was the perfect place to think. Scott had thought about that year that he was NAPL Champ when he was 17. He had traveled up to Alaska to challenge the Elite Four, and defeated them and the champ. During that time, he was lonely, bored, and far from home. Then, came Jenny. She was fairly good, and got past all of the Elite Four with dumb luck. She narrowly defeated him for the crown, and today, she's working in Los Angeles, as a financial consultant and broker. Since then, he had traveled around the world, and finally settling down back in Vancouver and winning the job of Gym Leader at the new Gym when the NAPL had stripped Edmonton gym's official status and bestowing it on Vancouver's. Later, after dinner... Scott sat down on the edge of the dock, and looked out into the water. A ferry boat from Anchorage was coming, and if Craig wasn't playing an another prank to get onto the island, there was company coming. Pikachu was right beside him, fishing with his little rod. The ferry boat came within sight, and a dinghy was lowered into the water, with two people getting on. They paddled over, and when the raft got close enough, one of them started to wave. "Scott!" A female voice shouted. "Misty?" Scott mumbled, making Pikachu look the other way, and dropping his rod into the water. "Scott!" "Misty!" "Scott! What are you doing here?" "I knew we would find you here. Why did you run away?" "I needed a bit of time to think. And besides, I wanted to get ready for you guys to come!" "Oh?" "Hey, where's Ash?" "Over there. He's still pouting over his loss." "Oh. Okay, you guys go into my cabin over there." "Sure." Scott looked at Ash, who was still pouting on the raft. "Hey, Ash." He mumbled. "Yeah, whatever." Ash replied. "Ash, I know how you feel. I've been like this before." "Yeah, right. You're a gym leader. How are YOU supposed to know that?" "Because, I was NAPL champ once." "Yeah? Maybe you're also the PL champ once, too?" "Ash, I can help you." "How? You've stolen my girlfriend, and even my Pikachu." "Hey, I've told you before. Misty liked me, and besides, you said I could hang on to Pikachu." "Yeah, right." "Look, Ash. If I was any meaner, I would have let you lose. But I'm offering to help you." "So?" "Besides, have I ever failed you?" "No." "Well, what are you waiting for?" "Fine. I'll be coming." Scott went back into the cabin, and Ash slowly got up, gathered his stuff, and went onto shore. Inside, Misty had already unloaded her stuff in one of the guest rooms, and was playing with Pikachu. "Hey, Scott. How's Ash?" Misty asked. "Oh, he's coming." Scott replied. "Where's Brock?" "I don't know. I didn't see him get on the ferry." "You left Brock in Anchorage?" "He said that he would come ASAP." "Okay." "So, is there anything to eat? I'm starved." "Uh, check the fridge." "All right." Misty got up, and went into the kitchen. Pikachu trailed off after him, and then, Ash came in the door. Scott pointed him to the guest rooms, and he disappeared just as Misty reemerged with a defrosted sandwich. "So, how long are you gonna stay here?" Scott asked. "Well, once Ash thinks he's ready." Misty replied. "So, how's it been with you and Ash?" "Well, not bad." "Well, that's great." Scott sat down beside Misty, and she put down her sandwich on the table. Then, suddenly, they embraced, and kissed. They fell onto the floor, and started to roll around. "Pika pika pikachu. (Oh, no, not again!" Pikachu moaned. A few days later... "Well Ash, are you ready to go back?" Misty asked, as Ash came into the kitchen. "I haven't slept a wink last night." Ash mumbled back. "What happened?" "A Gastly woke me up sometime between 3 and 4 this morning, and kept on talking this strange stuff." "What?" "I have no idea. It just rambled on and on." "Well, okay..." After breakfast... "Ready, Ash?" Scott asked. "Yep. Thanks for all your help." Ash replied. "Hey, whoa, I'm coming too, you know." "Why?" "Me and Misty will be in your corner all the way." "Really?" "Yep." "Thanks." The ship was coming in, and was about to take them back to Anchorage and back to the NAPL HQ, where Gary and the Elite Four await him. And Brock...where is he? He hadn't shown up in a week. Once onto the ferry boat, Misty bid the island farewell. A week of training was over, the pieces have been picked up, and it was time for Ash to return to the NAPL champ and put Gary in his place once and for all. NAPL HQ... Misty looked at Ash. He was confident that this time, he will beat Gary. Last time, she was in the stands. This time, she and Scott will be right beside him all the way. On top of that, Scott had lent Ash his Dragonair for the battle with Edward. But where is Brock? Ever since they split up at the Anchorage ferry terminal, no one had seen him since. But there was no time to worry about that, as it was about time for the rematch to start. But before Ash could go into the challengers' entrance, a large contingent of Ash supporters appeared out of the station, with "Go Ash Go" banners. And among them, was Professor Oak and Mrs. Ketchum, who had traveled all the way to Alaska. "Professor Oak! Mom! What are you doing here in Alaska?" Ash asked. "We're here to watch you, son, with all your loyal fans and supporters!" Mrs. Ketchum replied. "Hey there, old chap!" Sir Julian shouted. "I say, I wish you all the best of luck with Gary!" "Yeah, Go Ash!" Janine added. "You can do it!" Misty chimed in. "Thanks." Ash mumbled. "I won't let you all down!" Misty, Ash and Scott went into the challengers' room, where they waited for their turn to face off against the Elite Four, and later, Gary. The odds were even, as Gary's fans are on one side of the arena, and Ash's on the other. Finally, it was Ash's turn. Gary looked, and huffed. "So, Ash, I guess you're back!" He shouted. "Save your breath, Gary!" Misty snapped. "Oh yeah? Well, I've got a surprise for all you losers!" Gary replied. "You just wait!" "What do you mean?" Scott demanded. "Let's see this surprise of yours right now!" Ash added. "All right...show them, Jesse and James!" Gary shouted. A smoke bomb was detonated, and then, three familiar shadows appeared in the thick cloud of smoke. When it dissipated, the images of Jesse, James and Cassidy appeared, with Jesse holding onto a remote control. (Jesse) "Prepare for trouble..." (James) "Make it double!" (Cassidy) "To protect the world from devastation..." "Yeah, yeah, they know the rest." Gary moaned. "Just open the door, will ya?" "But the motto..." Cassidy moaned. "They know it already, so just do it!" Gary snapped. "All right...Behold!" Jesse shouted, pressing the button. A door opened, and there was Brock, tied up, and dangling over a pot of boiling oil. Everyone's eyes widened, and an angry Professor Oak, as well as the gym leaders from both the PL and the NAPL stood up. "How dare you, Gary Oak?" Janine snapped. "Taking a gym leader prisoner so you can force Ash to lose?" "This is IT, Gary!" Scott added. "You are going DOWN, right NOW!" "You don't deserve to sit there, Gary." Mark chimed in. "You cheated to get my Thunder Badge, along with all the other badges!" A small murmur of agreement went up among the gym leaders. "Ash, show this little piece of s*** how Pokemon battling is REALLY done!" Koga shouted. "Ash, help me!" Brock shouted. "If you lose, I'll be Kentucky Fried Brock!" "Brock, hang in there!" Misty shouted. "Gary, don't EVER come back home EVER again!" Professor Oak shouted. "And you are NOT my grandson!" "Enough!" Siu Ling, one of the PokeElite, shouted. "Let's get on with the match!" David stepped into the ring, and Ash defeated him with Pidgeot. Then, he used Alakazam on Siu Ling, Pikachu on Greg, and finally, Scott's Dragonair on Edward. The match ended quickly, with a rare perfect KO. "Well, Ash, I guess you're the first person to perfectly KO all my Pokemon." Edward commented. "Good luck against Gary." "Thanks, Edward." Ash mumbled. "Now, let's get down to business, Gary Oak!" "It will be my pleasure to mop the floor with you, Ash Ketchum!" Gary replied. "Go, Pidgeot!" "I choose you, Pikachu!" Ash shouted. "Pika! (Yeah!)" Pikachu replied. Pidgeot popped out of Gary's Poke Ball, and opens the match with a Whirlwind attack. Pikachu held on, and when the wind stopped, he called down the Thunder, and quickly fried Pidgeot. One down, five to go. "Return, Pidgeot! Go, Alakazam!" Gary shouted. "Uh oh, what am I gonna do?" Ash mumbled to Misty and Scott, but they reply with a shrug. "Well, that's what I'M here for!" A voice shouted. "What the..." Ash mumbled. Then, suddenly, A Gastly appeared. "Come on, Ash. Call me out. I'm here to help!" "OK, Return, Pikachu! I choose you, Gastly!" Ash shouted. "Hey, that's not fair! Ash can't use that, Gastly's a wild Pokemon!" Gary demanded. "Shut up and fight, you whiner!" Maxine shouted. "OK, Gastly, Dream Eater!" Ash shouted. "Alakazam, Psybeam!" Gary replied. Gastly dodged Alakazam's Psybeam, and send off its Dream Eater attack. With one attack, Alakazam was knocked out. "Alakazam, return! Let's go, Rhydon!" "Gastly, return! I choose you, Blastoise!" "Come on, old chap! Capture me in your Poke Ball!" "All right..." Ash captured Gastly in his Poke Ball, and sent out Blastoise in his place. Blastoise used its Hydro Pump attack, and immediately, Rhydon fell to the floor with a giant thump. "Rhydon, return! Let's go, Exeggutor!" "Blastoise, give it the Hydro Pump now!" "Exeggutor, Hypnosis!" Too late. Blastoise had sent Exeggutor into the wall. Exeggutor fell, and no matter how much Gary shouted, coaxed, beat and pushed, Exeggutor would not get up. "So, Gary, give up yet?" Misty shouted. "Never! Exeggutor, return! Let's go, Charizard!" "Blastoise, give it the Hydro Pump again!" Too late again. Gary's Charizard (which evolved from this Charmander he got from Professor Oak when he was 10.) was all wet. It's flame was low, and he still had one Poke Ball, and that was his trump card. "Charizard, return! Let's go, Gyarados!" "Good job, Blastoise, return! Pikachu, I choose you!" "Pika pi pika chu! (Let's dance, Gyarados!)" "Gyarados, Dragon Rage!" "Pikachu, Thunder Shock!" As we all know, Dragon Rage take a little time to warm up before its launched. So, with that time, Pikachu (for once) disobeyed Ash, and called down the Thunder again. A thunderbolt fries Gyarados, and it fell. The arena was silent. No one spoke a word. Then, suddenly, the bell was rung, and sirens were heard outside the arena. The crowds cheered, and the door burst open, revealing Blaine, Erika, Lt. Surge and Sabrina, as well as the FBI, the RCMP, and the Indigo Island Police. "Hands up, Team Rocket!" Erika shouted. "You're all under arrest! Including you, Gary Oak!" "Not in THIS lifetime, you old hag!" Jesse shouted. "Let's get them!" Scott shouted. All the gym leaders rush toward TR and Gary, and a massive fistfight ensued. When the dust had settled, Gary, Jesse, James and Cassidy were all under arrest, and Brock freed from above the pot of hot oil. Now, it was time to give Ash what he truly deserves. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Friends, Gym Leaders, and Pokemon Trainers, it is my pleasure to award the NAPL championship to Ash Ketchum!" The NAPL president shouted. Ash stepped up to the throne that Gary once sat, and slowly descended onto it, flanked by Misty and Scott on both sides. The NAPL president placed the champ hat on Ash's head, and handed him the gold champions' scepter. The president then handed Ash a small box, which contained the ring that was given to all champs. Ash looked at it, and then, realized that Scott had one just like it. "So that means..." Ash stuttered, pointing to Scott's finger. "I wasn't lying to you." Scott replied. With that complete, the reporters and cameramen went over, and bombarded him with questions. Then, it was the gym leaders from both leagues' turn, with Professor Oak and Mrs. Ketchum watched with pride. The group lifted Ash up, and tossed him into the air. "Well, Ash, I guess I've doubted you too much." Misty shouted. "It's okay, Misty. I forgive you." Ash replied. Vancouver International Airport, a few weeks later... "Air Canada, flight 376, to Celadon City is now boarding at Gate 32." Misty looked at Scott, and he looked back at him. Misty was leaning over the railing that divided the passageway to the restricted area. "Well, I guess it's goodbye, then." He mumbled, holding onto her hand. "I guess so, but don't say "goodbye", Scott. Say "so long, we'll meet again"." Misty replied. "Misty, I'll miss ya." "I'll miss you too, you big lug." "Thanks." Misty stepped back, and let Ash talk with Scott. "Well, I guess it's goodbye for me, too." Ash mumbled. "Yeah." Scott replied. "Where's Pikachu?" "Oh, here he is." "Wait a sec...He doesn't usually go into Poke Balls." "Yeah, so?" "But that's a Poke Ball." "Well, somehow, he did. And here he is." "All right...come out, Pikachu!" But when the Super-Ultra Ball opened, nothing came out. "What the?" "Where's my Pikachu?" Then, suddenly, under Scott's hat, a faint "Pika!" was heard. Scott lifted up his hat, and there it was. The little yellow mouse. Ash reached for it, but it just wouldn't let go of Scott's hair. Ash tried to pull it off, but no luck. "Come on, Pikachu, we're going back home!" Ash coaxed. "Pika. (No.)" Pikachu replied. "Let's go home!" "Pi pika chu! (I don't wanna!)" "Pikachu!" "Pika pi pika chu. (I want to stay.)" "Well..." Then, Scott gently yanked Pikachu off his head, and carefully held onto him. "It's okay, Ash. I'll take good care of Pikachu for you." He said. "Won't I, Pikachu?" "Pika. (Yep.)" Pikachu added. "Good bye, Pikachu. I'll miss you." Ash mumbled. "Pika. (I'll miss you too.)" Then, they went into the restricted area, and disappeared. Once on the plane, Ash stared out the window, and saw Scott and Pikachu still there, waving. The plane pulled away, and Ash started to cry. Misty gently placed her arm around Ash, and tried to calm him down. The rest of the plane trip home was quiet, as Ash and Misty were asleep most of the time. Brock sighed in relief. They were finally going home. 2 years later... Misty sighed. It had been 2 years since she had seen either Brock or Ash. Gary was rotting away in a jail somewhere in North America with the rest of his scum bucket TR friends, and everything was just fine. It was summer again all over the land, and an another heat wave was sweltering the region. There was NO one coming to her gym (due to the fact they were all indoors), and life was quiet again, just like 2 years ago. She sorted through her mail, and then, saw a letter from the European Pokemon Association. She opened it up, and scanned through it. She got up, and went over to the phone. She dialed up a number, and impatiently waited for someone to pick up. (Conversation Mode ON) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Image of woman appears on screen.) Chrysta: Hello, Chrysta speaking. Misty: Chrysta, it's Misty. Chrysta: Hey, Misty, what's up? Misty: I need you to take my place here at the gym Chrysta: Why? Misty: I need to go away for a while. Chrysta: Stressed? Misty: Nah, just got something for the European Pokemon Association that invited me to some event of theirs. Chrysta: When are you going? Misty: Tomorrow. Chrysta: Tomorrow? I can't. I've got a hair appointment in Pewter City tomorrow. Misty: Aw, come on, please, Chrysta? Chrysta: Oh, all right. Misty: I'll see you later. Chrysta: Any time. (Misty hangs up, screen goes blank.) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Conversation Mode OFF) Misty ran home, and grabbed all her stuff. She packed it all into her backpack, and then, called up the travel agency. She got a ticket to Paris, rushed to the train station, and caught the 11:30 eastbound to Celadon. The end, but it's only the beginning...