A/N: Thank you everyone for the great reviews! I’m so happy that you like my story. I promise to finish this as fast as I can, though I probably won’t be able to work on it over the weekend. (my dad doesn’t have a computer. -_-) Anyway, in this chapter, Brock’s secret will be revealed, team rocket will make an appearance, (a kind of pointless one, but I wasn’t even planning to put them in in the first place!) and more stuff will happen.... sorry, didn’t want to give it all away! Reviews are always welcome!

As always, Ash and his friends continued walking down the path to their next destination. For some reason, Ash couldn’t get the earlier incident and Misty’s strange behavior out of his mind. He tried to push it away, but it just wasn’t working. I still don’t understand why Misty wouldn’t wanna go to that town. Grrr... It’s buggin’ me so much! How could I find out the answer? Maybe I should ask her. Yeah! That’s it! I’m a genius. But I don’t wanna do it when Brock’s around. Hmm... I’ll have to find a way to distract him or somethin’...

Ash-tachi entered a wooded area on the path. Pikachu, seeing how solemn its trainer looked, gave him a pat on the cheek to wake him up. Ash’s head perked up and he gave Pikachu a reassuring smile. Pikachu felt more relieved by Ash’s gesture, and returned its gaze to the road ahead.

Yes, the day certainly was normal. Normal as normal could be for Ash and co. There was just one thing missing to make it completely routine. That one thing was.....

“Hahahahahahaa!” laughter echoed through the trees of the forest. All-too-familiar laughter.

“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!”

“Jessie!”

“James!”

“Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!”

“Surrender now or prepare to fight, fight, fight!”

“Meeeowth! Dat’s right!”

Next came Ash, Misty and Brock’s stating-the-obvious line: “Team Rocket!” “Pipikachu!”

“What do you want now?” Ash demanded.

“By now, you shouldn’t even have to ask, twerp. We’re here for Pikachu!” Jessie proclaimed arrogantly, directing her pointed finger at the electric mouse. “James, prepare to attack!” But James was preoccupied.

“What are you talking about, Meowth?” James whined. “I did nothing to change the motto!”

“Ya did too, Jimmy-boy!” Meowth snapped angrily. “Where on oith did fight, fight, fight come from? It used ta be only one fight, and now dere’s tree. What’s up wit dat?”

“What’s wrong with fight, fight, fight?” James inquired.

“I’ll tell ya what’s wrong wit it, it makes ya sound like a cheeleadah, dat’s what’s wrong!”

James looked a bit clueless. “What’s wrong with sounding like a cheerleader?” Throughout this conversation, Jessie was getting more and more agitated. She ended their conversation with a quick smack for both of them from her paper fan. “Can we please get back to our plan to steal Pikachu from the brats?!?” she demanded in a voice so intimidating that Meowth and James cringed. “Yes Ma’am!” They replied in unison. Team Rocket then returned their attention to Ash, Misty and Brock, who had been stupidly standing there the entire time. “Prepare for battle, brat!” Jessie yelled.

“I’m prepared to battle you any day of the week!” Ash shot back. The battle ensued.

It was a typical battle, Team Rocket had brought out some retarded giant robot which temporarily grabbed Pikachu. Ash sent out Cyndaquil and Totodile, Brock sent out Vulpix, while Misty just sat on the sidelines, holding Togepi, not bothering to join the battle (even though her help would move things along). Vulpix fought off Arbok and Weezing while Cyndaquil and Totodile attacked the robot to make it drop Pikachu. Pikachu then sent all of Team Rocket flying away with a thunderbolt attack.

Once the dust had settled, Ash noticed that during the fight a strange looking book had fallen out of Brock’s backpack. He could see the writing clearly. It read: JOURNAL. TOP SECRET. Brock noticed the book on the floor and Ash glancing at it. He immediately snatched it up and covered it protectively, glaring at Ash. Ash just made a “what’s his problem?” face and looked away. Still, the idea of Brock having a secret journal certainly arose Ash’s curiosity. Brock wouldn’t mind if he just sneaked a tiny peek, while everyone was sleeping, right? Sleeping... that reminded Ash that he was getting tired. “Hey guys, how about we set up camp here?” he suggested. “I’m gettin’ kinda pooped.”

“Okay.” Misty said.

“That’s fine with me.” Brock replied.

“Okay, great!” Ash flashed a happy grin that Misty couldn’t help but sigh at.

Later, after camp had been set up, dinner had been eaten, and sleeping bags had been prepared, Ash decided it was time to put his “distract Brock” plan into action. He walked casually over to Brock. Upon approaching the breeder, Ash noticed that he was currently writing in the “secret journal” he’d noticed before. As soon as Brock was aware of Ash’s presence, however, he slammed the book shut and turned to the young trainer. “Hey Ash, what’s up?” He asked in a perfectly relaxed tone.

“Well, uhhh...” Oops. Guess I really didn’t plan what exactly I was gonna say to him, did I? Better think of somethin’ quick..... “Ummm.. have you seen my pokedex anywhere? I can’t seem to find it.”

“Ash, it’s right there, sticking out of your pocket.” Brock stated, giving Ash an amused look. Ash started to stammer.

“Oh, uh, right! Of course! In my pocket!” Oh great job, Mr. genius! Now what? “Did I say pokedex? Heheheh, silly me, I meant my lucky...umm... compass! Yeah! I uhh.. think I dropped it out in the woods! Could you... come help me look for it?” Ash gave Brock a sheepish grin.

“I didn’t know you had a compass, Ash. How come you never used it when we were lost in the woods all those times?” Brock asked.

Crap. He’s got me there. Come on... why is thinking so hard when I actually want to do it? “Well, duh. Why would I use it if it’s lucky? I wouldn’t want anything to happen to it, would I?” There. That oughtta do it. Brock just continued to stare at Ash with a puzzled expression until he finally decided to go. “Alright, Ash. I’ll help you look.” “Thanks Brock! I knew I could count on you!” Ash grinned once again. As the two prepared to leave camp, Ash told Misty they were going to look for something in the woods. “Okay.” She said to him. “But please be careful.” There was genuine concern in her voice, which caught Ash by surprise. “I will” He said in a gentle tone. For a moment, they stared into each others’ eyes, not saying a word.

“Hellooo! Earth to Ash! Let’s go now!” The moment was rudely interrupted by Brock. Misty shot an angry glare at Brock, while Ash just looked confused. “Go where?” he said. “Oh yeah! Right! See ya Misty, be back soon!” Pikachu, who had been playing by the fire with Togepi, got up to go with its trainer. “No Pikachu, you stay here and take care of Togepi and Misty, ok?”

“Chu.” The little mouse nodded its head and walked back to its spot near the fire. Ash turned back and waved. “We’ll be back soon!” And he and Brock walked off.

“Gee Ash, I don’t see that compass anywhere. And we’ve been out here for quite a while.” Brock said to his companion, still searching the dark forest floor with his flashlight.

This is so stupid. Of course he doesn’t see it, it never existed. Ash thought to himself.

Now might be a good time to ditch him. He’ll be okay on his own for a little. “Hey Brock, why don’t we split up? See that fork up ahead? You take the left and I’ll take the right. I can’t really remember which side we came from anyway.”

“Hmm.... alright. But let’s not stay separated for too long, got it Ash?”

“Loud and clear, Brocko. See ya in a few minutes!” Or a little longer than that. Once they had split and Brock was out of sight, Ash turned around and bolted in the direction of camp. Miraculously, he made it back without getting lost. There was Misty, sitting by the fire singing Togepi to sleep in her arms. Ash stopped in his tracks and listened to her sweet sounding voice. It soothed him, and made him feel all... warm inside. Wow, she sounds really nice when she sings.... such a beautiful voice, coming from a beautiful girl... WAH! I’m doing it again! I sound like Brock! I came here to talk, not listen to any dumb singin’. He finally decided to speak up. “Umm.. Hey Misty.” Misty suddenly looked up from her position, embarrassed that she had been caught singing. She blushed.

“Ash! Don’t ever sneak up on me like that again!” she hissed, trying to control herself and not wake Togepi up. “I thought that you and Brock were off looking for something!” “Well, uh, we were, but... I decided to wait till morning and Brock wanted to keep looking. So I came back and he stayed.” He explained. Misty’s face went from annoyed to concerned. “I hope he’s okay out there by himself.” she said.

Grrr... why’s she so worried about him? It’s not like I wasn’t in danger out there by myself running back here. Not that I’d want her to worry about me! Like she ever would anyway! Misty noticed the slightly upset look on Ash’s face.

Hm? I wonder what’s making him look so unhappy all of a sudden. I hope I didn’t hurt his feelings by yelling at him... poor Ash. I should at least ask what’s wrong. Just try not to sound too concerned. “Hey Ash, is something wrong?” Misty asked him half-casually, half-worried. Ash snapped himself out of it again and looked at Misty. Her face looked as if nothing was bothering her, but her eyes betrayed some great worry for him.

“Well, sorta.” he answered, sitting beside her. “Mind if I talk to ya?”

Misty blushed slightly, thanking heaven that the light of the campfire covered it up. “Not at all.” she said, giving him a quick smile.

Ash felt his heart leap a little when she smiled at him. Her smile gave him that warm, soothing feeling inside. Woah, that was weird. he thought. But kinda nice... “Um, well I was kinda thinkin’... ya know, about earlier today.” Ash felt himself starting to get nervous. He had no idea why.

“Hm? What do you mean Ash?” Misty inquired, not really knowing what he was talking about.

“Well, uh, when we stopped at the entrance to Rosethorn. It seemed like you really wanted to go, but then you suddenly changed your mind. You were talkin’ kinda weird too. I umm... just wanted to know... are you feelin’ alright? I mean, it’s not like you to act like that.” Ash finally exhaled. Why was this so hard to do? All he was doing was talking to his friend.

Misty looked at Ash, surprised. He sounded so sincere, so worried about her. She gave another small smile. “I’m fine Ash. I just... changed my mind, that’s all. It just seemed like all of a sudden, that’s what my mind was telling me to do. So I listened. It’s no big deal.”

“Are you sure?” He asked, still with the same tone of worry in his voice.

He sounds like he really cares. I never thought he would act this way.... “Yes, I’m sure Ash. Don’t worry, I’m fine.” She reassured him with a friendly smile. His heart skipped again. She looked down at the ground with a shy look on her face. “Thank you.” She said quietly. Ash looked puzzled.

“Thank you? For what?” he asked. She turned toward him.

“For caring. I never knew you did.” Misty replied, blushing slightly. Ash smiled at her.

“Of course I care, Mist. Why wouldn’t I? You’re my best friend.” Suddenly, Ash heard a muffled “Pika!” come from behind the log where Pikachu was sleeping. He chuckled. “Best human friend.” he corrected himself. Gee, Ash thought. I can’t believe I’m sayin’ this stuff. Even I didn’t know I cared that much about her. I’ve never noticed how pretty she looks in the firelight either.... This is all really weird... why am I gettin’ so nervous? I just want to... to... grr I don’t know! Ash’s thoughts were broken when Misty spoke up. “Well Ash, you’re my best human friend too. And I.... care... about you too.” He looked directly at her, his deep brown eyes meeting her aqua blue ones... neither of them spoke, just moved their faces closer to one another. Both their minds were racing, but their hearts just told them to keep moving closer.... They were millimeters apart.....

“Ash! There you are!” Brock shouted. Both teens jerked away from each other as quickly as possible. “Why’d you disappear on me like that and come back here?” Brock was obviously annoyed. Ash had to think of an excuse quick.

“I- um... we- I mean... I got lost and found my way back here, so I decided to wait for you!” he explained. Misty was confused as to why Ash told her and Brock different stories about how he wound up back in camp, but decided to keep quiet. Could he have planned all of that? She wondered. Brock didn’t look very convinced, but decided it would be better not to go into it. “Look, I didn’t find your compass, and I take it you didn’t have any luck either?” he asked.

“Nope.” Ash replied.

“Why don’t we all just get to sleep, then? I don’t know about you guys, but I’m exhausted.”

“Okay.” Ash and Misty answered in unison. Everyone got ready for bed. Ash tried his hardest to stay awake that night, which for once, wasn’t too difficult. He couldn’t stop thinking about what happened earlier. What were we about to do there? Why did I want to do it? Why did I suddenly feel like... I dunno, I was really close to her just then, and wanted to stay that way? ::Sigh:: Boy, things sure have gotten confusing lately. Just what I need, another thing that I can’t get out of my head. Misty was having equal trouble sleeping. What would’ve happened if Brock hadn’t come in? Grrrr... that idiot. That all felt so.... right. I wanted to keep moving in... and I think he did too.... no, that can’t be. Why would Ash ever want to do something like that with me? But, it sure seemed like he did, but then again, the Ash I know never would. Oh, I’m so confused.

Unlike Misty, Ash desperately wanted to stay awake. So when sleep finally came to the troubled girl, Ash made sure everyone was out for the count, then got out of his sleeping bag. The boy made his way over to where Brock slept. He quietly opened Brock’s green backpack. Sure enough, there was the journal. Brimming with curiosity, Ash plucked the book out of the bag, made a dash for his sleeping bag, flopped down and turned on his tiny reading light. He started to read.....

Master Plan: day 6

Ash was utterly confused at what he read. Did Brock write this? He definitely did stay with Professor Ivy for a while, but what’s this “Master Plan” he’s talking about? What’s an implant? (not that kind of implant for any pervs out there!) Ash decided to read on. He skipped a few pages, and continued.

Master Plan: day 29

What on earth was Brock talking about? Test subject? For what? Wasn’t he staying with Ivy to learn more about pokemon breeding? Ash turned a few more pages.

Master Plan: day 32

Ash froze after reading those sentences. Mom... he thought. He’s talking about mom... the entry wasn’t finished, so Ash read more.

By now, Ash was getting frightened. He still wasn’t totally clear on what Brock was talking about, but he knew it had something to do with waves being sent out from a device, and a female “test subject”. Was Brock nuts?

Master Plan: day 37

Ash was growing more and more afraid with every word. Was Brock still doing this now? Was he serious? Was this all a joke? Why did he want to come back with them? How is traveling with them “perfect” for his plan? Hey! Did he call me dumb? Ash then realized that he had never looked at the first page. He thought maybe that would provide him with some answers. Ash flipped to page one.

MASTER PLAN: OBJECTIVE

Ash gulped. He couldn’t believe what he was reading! Would Brock really do something as crazy as that? Why? Ash pinched himself. Ouch. I’m not dreaming, oh boy. The boy still wanted to read one more thing out of this journal.... the last entry. Hands trembling, Ash turned the pages until he came across it.

Master Plan: day 55

Ash shut the book, his eyes wide with fear. He clenched his hands into fists and looked down at the ground. He felt so helpless at that moment, helpless and frightened. But not for himself. “Misty.........”

To be continued.....

I left you hagin’ again! Sorry, but I also know that it encourages you to read the next chapter! ^_^ In chapter 3, Ash will try to decide on what to do with his newfound information. Will he tell Misty? Will Brock find out that Ash knows his secret? Will anyone believe Ash? You’ll just hafta wait to find out! ^-^ Grooooooowlithe!