A/N: I never expected that I’d have so many readers into my story, thanks a lot to all who reviewed. I got this out as quick as I could just for you. You’re all rushing me so much, don’t worry, it’s almost over. It takes me quite a while to write these ya know, I’m making up most of the chapter as I go along. Oops.. wasn’t supposed to tell ya that. ^_^

That night, after carefully putting Brock’s journal back in his bag, Ash tried as hard as he could to get to sleep. But with this new frightening revelation about Brock fresh in his mind, he found it impossible. Needless to say, Ash did not sleep a wink that night. Just as the sun was starting to rise, Ash finally felt his eyelids getting heavy. He dozed off into a peaceful slumber.

However, Ash’s peace was very short lived. Not long after, he was immediately brought back to consciousness by a very loud “WAKE UP!!!!” screaming in his ear.

“WAH!” Ash shouted in surprise as he bolted upright in his sleeping bag. There was a look of great surprise and fear on his face. After Ash calmed down a bit, he shifted his gaze to Misty, who was on the ground, laughing her head off. Ash crossed his arms and looked annoyed. “Not funny.” He said, turning his head away from her.

“Yes it is!” shouted Misty, between giggles. “You should’ve seen the look on your face when you sat up! I wish Todd was here to take a picture!” She burst out into laughter again. “That’s payback for the time you put that caterpie in my sleeping bag!” Misty shouted at him triumphantly.

“Now that was funny.” Ash laughed at the memory. Misty couldn’t help but laugh with him, and soon the two of them were laughing together. But their brief moment of happiness was broken by a voice.

“Hey Misty! I’m finished making breakfast, come over here and help me clean off the pots and pans!” It was Brock. Suddenly Ash remembered all that had happened the night before. The journal... the things Brock had said.... Misty.... Maybe it was all a dream. Ash stated to himself. Everything seems perfectly normal. Maybe I just cooked it all up in my head and none of it’s real....

“Yes, Brock.” Misty answered to Brock’s command in the same monotone she had used the day before. Ash’s eyes grew wide. That was a chore Misty would never do so willingly, she hated washing dishes. And yet there she was, getting up and doing them, just has Brock had asked.. no.. ordered her to do. And she’s usin’ that same creepy voice that she used before... was that whole Master Plan thing really real? Ash felt something under his hand. He lifted his hand up and looked down. It was his little reading light. He had taken it out last night. He had read that journal. Brock really was forming some sort of plot. Misty really was in danger.

“Hey Ash, come on, get up! Your breakfast’s getting cold!” Brock shouted to Ash. Ash shot an untrusting look at Brock, which he hoped he didn’t notice.

“I’ve gotta get ready first!” Ash shouted back. He walked off behind a tree to put on his jacket and change his you-know-what. A scowl was on his face the entire time. How can he act so normal, like he’s my friend when he’s really not? I can’t believe that he’d do this... I trusted him! Trusted him with my life! Well, not anymore. I’m gonna tell everybody about what he did! Waitaminue... who will believe me? Not even I would believe me! What did he mean when he said that Misty won’t be useful to him anymore? Will he get rid of her or somethin’? He’s gonna hurt Misty! He already is hurting her! Takin’ away her personality! I’ve gotta save her! But what can I do? She won’t believe me... I don’t care! I won’t give up! I’ll do whatever it takes to save Misty, she’s way too important to me for me to just let him do that to her! She is? Of course she is, she’s my best human friend! I’d rather die than let something that bad happen to her! I would? Oh, not this again...

“Pikapi?” Pikachu had come to see what was taking Ash so long. Pikachu! He thought happily. Pikachu will definitely believe me. We share everything!

“Pikachu, am I glad to see you!” Ash said happily to his pokemon.

“Pika?” Pikachu only looked confused at Ash’s behavior.

“I’ve got somethin’ to tell ya, buddy, but you have to promise not to overreact or anything, kay?”

Pikachu nodded its little head. “Chu.” It agreed. Ash was about to start telling Pikachu his story when Brock’s voice again interrupted.

“Hey Ash, what’s taking you so long back there?” Brock shouted in the direction of the tree Ash was behind. Ash poked his head out from behind the tree.

“I’m almost done here, Brock! Ummm... nature calls! Gotta go!” And with that, Ash dashed deeper into the forest, Pikachu hot on his heels.

“Ash sure has been acting strangely lately.” Misty commented while she fed Togepi a few morsels of pokemon food. Brock, who had noticed the contents of his backpack were a bit ruffled, gazed suspiciously in the direction Ash had taken off in.

“Yes, he has.”

Once Ash was positive that he and Pikachu were out of earshot, he stopped to catch his breath. “Just a minute... Pikachu....” Once Ash caught his breath, he told Pikachu to sit down. He then related the entire story to the little electric mouse, telling him everything that he read in Brock’s journal, and how it fit in with Misty’s strange behavior. After hearing everything, Pikachu looked a little perplexed. It all seemed very hard to believe. But, Pikapi would never lie to Pikachu, would he? He never had before. And Pikapi seemed dead serious as he told the details of what happened. In fact, he looked more worried than Pikachu could ever remember seeing him before. Pikapi must be telling the truth. It’s just not like him to drag Pikachu all the way out here just to tell him some made-up story. And he seemed deeply concerned for Pikachupi (Misty).

“So do you believe me, Pikachu?” Ash asked with pleading eyes. Pikachu smiled and nodded its head. “Pi! Pikachu!”

“Great! Thank you so much Pikachu, it feels so much better to know that I’m not alone in this anymore. You’re the greatest!” Pikachu put its paw behind its head and blushed. “Pi.”

“There’s still somethin’ else bothering me about this, Pikachu.” Ash said solemnly. “Pika?” The little rodent inquired. “Well, what are we gonna do about all this? I feel like I should tell Misty, but I don’t think she’d believe me. I also wanna do a few things to Brock, too. I wish I still had Charizard. Then I’d flame his lying ass.”

“Pikapi! Pika, pikachu!” The pokemon scolded.

“You’re right, Pikachu. I shouldn’t use such bad language. But all this make me so mad! He has no right to do this stuff to Misty!”

“Pika!” Pikachu agreed.

“So.... do you have any idea what our plan of action should be? Should I tell Misty about this?” Ash asked his friend.

“Pi.... chu. Pipikachu pikachu, pika pika, pikachu. Pika pikachu chu pi pika chu pi pika pika.” It answered.

Ash took a moment to translate. “You’re saying that we shouldn’t tell Misty right away, or she might not believe us or get scared?” He said.

“Pi.” Pikachu answered.

“And that we should keep quiet about what we know, but keep our eye on Brock for a while?”

“Pi.”

“But what’ll we do if that machine keeps melting away her personality? We can’t let that happen!” Ash said, his voice growing more worried. Pikachu sat down, looking very deep in thought, and concentrated on what to do about this problem. After a while, its head perked up. “Pikapi,” It said. “Pika, pikachu chu Pikachupi chu?”

“Does the machine only control Misty’s mind?” Ash translated. “I dunno. I guess so. Brock never mentioned anything about controlling any other part of her. Why? What’s that gotta do with this?”

“Pika, pikachu pika pika, pi pikachu. Pika, pikachu pika pika chu pi pika pika chu chu.”

Ash looked a little confused at first. “We’ve gotta find a feeling inside of her that’s stronger than the waves from Brock’s machine? What would that be?”

“Pika, pikachu chu pi.”

“What do you mean it’s like listening to your heart instead of your head? I don’t get it.”

“Pi pikachu.”

“What do you mean of course I don’t?!? It’s not like I’m stupid or anything, I just don’t get what you’re talkin’ about.”

“Pika, Pikapi. Pi chu Pikapika pika chu Pikachupi, pika chu pi pikachu.”

“Whenever it looks like Brock’s startin’ to control Misty again, you want me to interrupt? How?” Ash looked very puzzled. How would that help?

“Pika, pi pikachu pika. Pi pika pikachu.” Pikachu answered.

“Just suggest against whatever he says, and remember to be really nice to Misty when I do it?”

“Pi.”

“Pikachu, how on earth will that help anything? How can I stop those hypno-waves? I thought you said it had to be a strong feeling inside her.” Ash was looking more and more confused by the minute.

“Pikapi, pi pika.”

“Just trust you?” Ash asked.

“Pi.”

“::sigh:: I hope you know what you’re doing, Pikachu.”

Pikachu still wasn’t totally sure if its theory was correct. But it seemed that there was no better alternative at the moment.

As Ash and Pikachu headed back to camp, Ash’s mind became clouded with thoughts once again. Boy, I never knew Pikachu was so smart. I never woulda thought of a plan just like that. But still, I don’t really get what it meant when it said that I had to interfere. I mean, what can I do? I thought it was supposed to be a feeling or somethin’. Oh well, Pikachu’s the one with the plan, not me. Might as well give it a shot.

Once they arrived, Ash saw that everything was all packed up. Most importantly, so was the food. Nooooooo! I missed breakfast! Now I’m gonna be hungry all day!

“Ash, what took you so long?” Brock asked.

“Yeah, we were starting to get worried.” Misty said half-jokingly.

“Well, uh- it was hard to find just the right bush, ya know? I mean some of them were too small, some were too prickly...”

“Okay, we don’t need to hear it!” Misty interrupted. She picked up Togepi and stood up, ready to leave. Ash packed up his remaining stuff and also got ready to leave. He knew that he was supposed to stay low-key about all of this, but he couldn’t help shooting a few dirty looks in Brock’s direction, some of which Brock noticed. The trio/quintet headed out again, their destination being the unreachable Goldenrod city. After walking nonstop for quite a while, Misty could feel herself starting to get tired. “Ash, could we stop for a little, my legs are killing me!”

“Yeah, sure thing.” Ash responded in a friendly tone. Misty gratefully sat down on a nearby rock. Ash sat down beside her, not taking his eyes off of Brock. He wanted to protect her, even if it was in the smallest way possible. Brock didn’t look too tired at all.

“Misty, I think it would be a better idea if we just kept on moving, don’t you?” Brock asked. Tryin’ to sound all innocent. Ash thought. I’m on to you. He glanced over at Misty, who looked like she was about to agree with Brock, her face losing all of its emotion as it had before. Before she could speak, Ash put his hand on her shoulder.

“Misty, you’re tired.” he said in as caring a voice as he could muster. “It would be much better for you if we just stayed here and rested for a little bit.” he slightly but gently rubbed her shoulder. The emotion suddenly returned to Misty’s face, and she gazed at him with a dreamy expression. She felt like she was melting at his touch.

“Okay...” she said, still in a dazed tone. Only this time the tone was emotionally dazed, not mindless. Ash gave her a comforting smile, and she smiled back at him. Ash then gave Brock a short look of triumph. Brock looked very agitated. Wow. That actually worked. I can’t believe that Pikachu was right. Maybe there is hope for this little plan of ours. Ash beamed.

As the day progressed, Ash made more and more success with his “anti-master plan”. He had successfully stopped her from agreeing with Brock on many stupid topics and from going over and yanking his ear multiple times. Every time Ash sneaked a peek at Brock, he saw him becoming more and more furious. Ash snickered to himself. He certainly was enjoying this. Meanwhile, Misty was enjoying all the attention she was getting from Ash. He had been so nice to her lately. Wanting her to spend more time with him, caring more about her needs, he was being wonderful. He’s so sweet, I must be dreaming. I wish he’d treat me like this every day.... I wonder if he’s sick or something. Oh well, I don’t care. All I care about is that Ash Ketchum cares about me. Maybe he does like me as more than a friend, maybe....

Ash also enjoyed giving Misty more attention. Gee, maybe I should treat her like this more often. He thought to himself. It makes me feel all.... happy inside to be like this with her. Don’t worry Misty, I’ll protect you from his evil machine. That night, Ash scooted his sleeping bag closer to Misty’s, wanting to be as close to her as possible, protect her from any harm. She fell asleep seeing his face warmly smile at her, feeling totally at peace. As soon as she was asleep, Ash felt a sudden impulse come over him. Without thinking, he acted on it, and carefully leaned over and kissed her lightly on the cheek. Why did I just do that?!? Why did I just want to do that?!? Maybe it’s cause she looks so cute when she’s sleeping... or cause she’s been so sweet lately... maybe it’s cause she’s my really good friend... or maybe, it’s cause I...I....better get to sleep. With that, Ash shut his eyes and fell asleep beside his friend. Pikachu looked at how close the two had become, and how well its plan was working. It smiled at its trainer, then cuddled up beside Togepi and slept. While the other members of the camp were sleeping, however, Brock remained awake, scribbling in his journal:

The next morning, Ash awoke to the smell of breakfast being prepared. Not long after, Misty woke up too. “Morning.” He gently whispered to her.

“G’morning.” she answered back cheerfully.

“Misty, I’m glad you’re awake.” Brock said. “Could you get over here and pack up some of my stuff?” Misty looked as if she were about to comply. She started to get up, but felt Ash’s hand slip into hers. She froze. Her heart started beating faster.

“Stay here with me, Misty.” Ash nearly pleaded. “I just wanna sit here and talk with you. I think that Brock will be just fine doing his own chores.” During the last part of that sentence, Ash glared angrily at Brock. Brock scowled. Misty gladly sat down beside Ash again, her heart fluttering. He held my hand... it was just for a second, but.... he held my hand....

Over the next few days, Ash continued his “anti-master plan”. It was working very nicely, and both were very happy to be acting like this around each other. After a while it appeared that Misty was gaining her personality back as well. Ash was, for the first time, glad when she finally lost her temper at something such as Psyduck or himself. He was even more pleased when he managed to slip out calling her scrawny in one of their conversations, and she immediately walloped him with her mallet. Ahh... I missed that... Owwww.....

As the days past, Ash and Misty became considerably closer to one another, quite often leaving Brock out. Whenever he mindlessly flirted with a random girl, Misty acted as if she wouldn’t notice even if he had been hitting on a Gyrados. He had become more angry with this whole situation by the minute. There was no way he was going to let someone with Ash’s intelligence stand between him and his Master Plan.

One evening, Misty had fallen asleep with her head on Ash’s lap, while he gently stroked her hair. Mmmm... it’s so soft... this is so nice. I never had any idea that being close to Misty would feel this good...

“Ash?” Brock came up to the teens, his hands in his pockets, looking totally innocent. “Mind if I talk to you for a minute?” he asked casually.

As a matter of fact, I do. Ash thought. “What is it, Brock?” Ash asked, just as casually.

“Well, it’s kind of personal, so I was wondering if we could talk about it away from camp?” he said, indicating the surrounding trees in the area. Ash was in a jam. If he refused, then Brock would know that he didn’t trust him. But why did Brock want him to go into the woods with him anyway? Ash quickly made a decision.

“Okay, Brock. You go on ahead, I’ll catch up.” Brock nodded and walked off into the woods. Once he was gone, Ash carefully set Misty’s head down on his rolled up sleeping bag, and silently released Totodile. “Totodile, I want ya to stay here, and protect Misty from Brock, okay? I already told you guys that I think he’s up to no good.” Totodile nodded its head in agreement. “Toto!” It said enthusiastically in its raspy donald duck voice. It then started dancing around Misty’s sleeping form. “Totototototototo!”

“Shhh!” Ash hushed. We don’t wanna wake Misty up, or let Brock know that I let you out.”

“Dile.” The little crocodile pokemon whispered.

“Okay, see ya soon.” Ash said to his pokemon. Suddenly, he realized that Pikachu wasn’t by his side. In fact, he couldn’t see it anywhere. Oh well, he thought. It’s probably off chasing Togepi on another wild egg chase. Ash left the campsite to find Brock.

As he was walking through the thick growth of trees, Ash tried to keep his guard up. He had no idea where Brock was. Where on earth could he have gone? “Hey Brock! Brock!” Ash was considerably far from camp now. Hmm... maybe I should turn around. The trainer turned around and prepared to go back to camp. But before he could take another step, a massive force shot out from the trees and wrapped itself tightly around Ash’s body, squeezing him. Ash cried out in pain and surprise. He looked down at what was holding him. It was a huge rope, that looked as if it were made of boulders... wait... this isn’t a rope... it’s... GROOOOOAAR!! Onix! That must mean... “Brock!” He shouted, as the no-eyed trainer revealed himself from the bush where he had been hiding.

“Well, Ash. I was starting to believe that you were gaining some intelligence. But I guess I was wrong, since you were stupid enough to fall into my trap!”

“Shut up, you lying asshole!” Ash shouted. “Let me go now!” He struggled as much as he could, but it was no use. Onix held him tight. He couldn’t even reach his poke balls.

“I’m sorry Ash, but I can’t do that. There’s no way I could ever allow you to return to that camp, or to Misty. You and I both know that you know.... too much.” A twisted grin spread across Brock’s face.

“You’re crazy!” Ash spat. Brock simply laughed a sinister laugh.

“Maybe I am Ash, but soon, I shall have all I want. And there is no way that you or your precious electric rat are going to stand in my way!” Ash’s ears perked up at the mention of Pikachu.

“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH PIKACHU??” he demanded. Brock laughed again.

“Oh, don’t worry Ash, he’s right here.” He held up a cage containing the unconscious little yellow pokemon, bruised and beaten.

“You MONSTER!!” Ash yelled. Onix started to move, still holding Ash tightly in its coils. It didn’t stop until it reached a nearby cliff. It was an incredibly steep, rocky fall. Onix held Ash over the edge. Brock did the same with Pikachu.

“I’m so sorry that I have to bring our friendship to an end like this, Ash. I deeply regret it, really I do. Then again, I never really liked you all too much.” He moved closer to Ash putting his face in front of him. Ash stared at him, a look of hate and defiance plastered on his face. “Don’t worry.” Brock said menacingly. “I’ll take ‘good care’ of Misty for you.” Ash went into a rage. He struggled harder and harder against Onix’s grip, but to no avail. He shouted furiously in Brock’s face.

“YOU LEAVE HER ALONE, YOU HEAR ME?!? I SWEAR, IF YOU DO ONE THING TO HURT HER I’LL...”

“You’ll what, Ash? Hehehehe... I’m afraid you won’t be around to do anything...” Brock snapped his fingers, and Onix released his grip on Ash, dropping him off the cliff’s edge. Brock tossed Pikachu’s cage over the edge as well. “Goodbye Ash......”

To be continued.....

Yes, I know I’m evil and I’m driving you insane with cliffhangers (literally, in this case!) Well I promise that I’ll get the next (and hopefully last) chapter out ASAP. In the next chapter: Did Ash survive? What will happen to Misty with no one left to protect her mind from being taken over? How will Brock be stopped? Will he be stopped at all? Find out next time in the conclusion to... Master Plan. Hehe I did that dramatic thing pretty good didn’t I?