Short description: Ash, Misty and Brock go to the Forever Love Festival in Aqua City, to celebrate the event, and Misty finds an older guy to be with. But to Ash, Misty’s "guy" doesn’t seem to be who she claims him to be. Will Ash rescue her in time?

A Dangerous Love Trial

"Pi, ka, pi, ka, pika," hummed Pikachu. He happily strolled along side with his trainer from Pallet Town, Ash Ketchum, and his trainer’s friends, Misty Waterflower from Cerulean City and Brock Boulder from Pewter City. As of now, Ash has a great career as a Pokemon trainer, with Pikachu, Squirtle, Chamander, Pigeotto, and Bulbasaur. (his other Pokemon are with Professor Oak) He freed Butterfree to the mating season, so he only has five Pokemon.

"Wow, what a beautiful say!" exclaimed Misty, flinging her arms out. It’s so perfect; walking on a road in a lush green forest with the reputation of the best water Pokemon trainer in the world!"

Brock smiled, but Ash next to Misty made an annoyed face and sweatdropped. "The ‘best’ water Pokemon water trainer in the world? Your Starmie and Staryu are like sea stars who just been in a cold bath!"

Misty turned to him, angered. Ash and Brock stopped, facing her. She grabbed hold of Ash’s jacket and fiercely shook him, yelling, "Don’t you dare talk like that to my Starmie and Staryu! Like your Pokemon are any better than mine!"

THIS time, BROCK sweatdropped, and Ash smiled, embarrassed. "On the other hand, I could be wrong," he corrected.

"That’s better," said Misty, letting her friend go. They all continued walking. "Wow, I can’t believe it! The Forever Love Festival is TODAY! (got dreamy and starry as she clamped her hands together) I can’t wait until I meet some really cute Pokemon! (placed her hands on her hips) And, maybe I can get to find an incredibly cute guy to be my love, just for the festival!"

Ash frowned in irritation. "Who would want to be YOUR love during the festival?" he mumbled. He couldn’t help being a little jealous.

Misty turned to him, suspicious. "Did you say something, Ash?"

He quickly redeemed himself and laughed, first with his hand behind his head. "Uh, me? Nope!" Pikachu next to him sighed.

Brock started blushing. "Man, imagine all of those beautiful girls there! Maybe I can be THEIR love for the festival. By the way, are we almost at Aqua City yet? That’s where they’re holding the event."

"We’re almost there," answered Ash. He glanced over at Misty and silently sighed, she looks so pretty in the sunlight; lights and sun constantly a make her glow.

The three neared a clearing of the forest where everything was absolutely beautiful. Trees were edged on the sides, flowers were swaying with the breeze. It was a beautiful.

"Whoa! Now this is what I call a setting!" exclaimed Ash.

"Pika!" agreed Pikachu.

"Oh, wow! All these flowers! This place must be the Sunny Meadow, with all of those yellow daffodils!" cried Misty, eyes shimmering with delight. She turned to her friends. "Come on guys, let’s go pick some flowers!" All of them dashed off in delight.

* * *

"Hmm, those twerps are certainly getting close to our trap!" Jesse replied, spying through the bushes.

James held up a red rose in his hand. "Yes, this time, those three will go to town to celebrate the festival, and we’ll get them along with other people’s Pokemon!"

Meowth smiled. "And this time, Meowth will know this will work!"

"Success!"

* * *

Seems that Misty has a thing for flowers, because she was first to them. Brock was right behind her, but Ash was last. He turned to Pikachu.

"Hey Pikachu, you can go with Misty and Brock; I’ll catch up with you," he reacted.

" ’Kachu!" Pikachu chirped, dashing off.

In the distance, Misty giggled at each flower she picked, sniffing each of them. She collected a fully varied bouquet and sniffed them all. Suddenly stopping, something caught her attention. "Hey, where’s Ash? I thought he was right by us/"

"Huh?" asked Brock, glancing around. He waved. "Hey Ash, come on! You’re missin’ out here! Come on!"

Ash perked up, suddenly feeling a spark of excitement, strangely. That was weird, he thought. "Comin’!" he yelled.

Misty giggled even more as she held up a goldenrod yellow rose and stuck in her hair. "Doesn’t it make me look beautiful?" she sighed.

Brock nodded. "Sure does," he answered.

"What about you Ash?" she then questioned. Secretly, she hoped for a response from him like: "You look gorgeous! I never noticed how beautiful you are!" Quietly, she hopes as Ash started to respond.

"Huh? Uh, it looks great on you," he answered quickly. He turned around and pretended to look at something else, trying not to blush. Misty was disappointed, but she let it go. Well at least he DID say that it looked "great" on me, she thought.

After a while longer, Brock stood up. "Well, come on! It’s almost 11 a.m., so the festival should start soon. Let’s get going!" he suggested.

"Yeah!" screeched Misty and Ash. She cheerfully linked her arms with Ash’s and ran ahead.

As they neared Aqua City, music was heard everywhere. Sparkling confetti were all around in the parade. Salon girls danced and smiled at everyone first, particularly the guys.

Luckily, Misty and friends were in the front of the crowd.

"Oh...look at all those beautiful girls!" chimed Brock, spaced out more than ever. "More and more...wow..." One of the girls with silky, shiny brunette hair marched by Brock, touched his cheek, and blew him a kiss, causing him to collapse in happiness.

Ash yanked him up. "Aw, Brock, knock it off!" Brock stood up in an instant.

After the females walked by, the guys started to march by, throwing roses to the ladies in the crowd. Misty fixed her attention in an instant. Never has she ever been so fixated on guys before. (gosh, I feel sorry for Ash; he’s standing in the middle of his two dazed off friends!) She waved at the coming guys, who were no older than nineteen. "Wow, those are a bunch of CUTE guys! Now, which one of the would to go out with an amazingly beautiful, smart and talented girl like me?" She blushed and placed her hands around her face and sighed. Ash and Pikachu stared at her, annoyed and a bit jealous.

Wish she should give that kind of attention to me, Ash thought. He immediately inwardly smacked himself. What am I thinking? I don’t like that scrawny Misty! He fumed. Or do I? He went back to watching the parade, hearing more of Misty’s bragging and Brock’s daydreaming.

Suddenly, he jumped as he heard Misty scream. "What’s wrong Misty? What is it?" he asked in a rush, grasping her arm.

"Ash, look! That guy in the parade is smiling and looking at me!" she yelped.

Ash let go and stared ahead, then crossed his arms. "Yeah right, he’s probably just looking at the crowd like everyone in the parade is. He’s not especially looking at YOU."

Misty threw him a glare and interrogated, "What’s that suppose to mean!? How would you know!" her anger melted back into her positive mood.

But she was right. The guy WAS staring at her. He was about Brock’s age, but only several inches taller than Misty. He had wavery black and brown hair smoothed into spikes, shining in the sun like glass. His dark exotic eyes glitter within his sockets. Funny, he looks a lot like Gary!

Th guys carried a rose to his chest and edged himself closer to Misty, and again, Ash looked up. He IS coming and looking at Misty, he thought. Guess he does have the hots for her, but why would a guy like him like MISTY?

Misty made her look more approachable and smiled her best. They guys strutted over to her, grinning. "Good afternoon miss," he greeted. "How about a rose for the most beautiful girl of this crowd?" He handed the flower to her, and she took it happily.

"Thank you," she replied, sniffing the flower. He started to get back with the parade, and she blew a kiss back at him.

Brock and Ash were watching the whole time, and both were totally stunned. Misty turned to them dreamily. "He’s so great," she sighed. Heck, if you look close enough, you’re probably gonna see stars and hearts for Misty’s eyes.

Even an hour after the parade, she was till jabbering. "He’s so handsome. I’m never gonna throw away this rose!" she kept on saying. The boys followed, tired. Brock turned to Ash and replied,

"Hey, that guy was pretty hooked on Misty. He IS good-looking, and Misty’s gonna be hooked on him for a while."

Ash grew really surprised and negative. "Yeah, but Misty---who does that guy think he is, strutting back there and showing off himself to Misty! He’s not her type, and he’s so shallow!" he raged.

Good thing Misty was a distance away, so she couldn’t have heard that. Brock chuckled. "Uh on, looks like SOMEONE here is jealous. You wished that Misty paid attention to you instead of that guy, huh?" he taunted.

Ash blushed and clenched his fists up at his friend. "Me, jealous?!? No way! Why would I be jealous of that guy who looks like---like—like a huge fake!"

Before Brock could react, Misty ahead stopped and walked back. "Uh, Ash, are you OK? What are you so hyper about? You’re jealous of some guy?"

Brock quickly responded, "Actually, ash was jealous of the gu--"

Ash clamped his hand over Brock’s mouth and pushed his head down, quickly smiling. "Uh, nothing. I wasn’t---jealous of anything. Don’t worry."

Misty stared at him with cute eyes, confused. "O—kay."

Ash’s foot with his reaction was squashing Pikachu at the same time. "Pika! Pika! Chu!" he complained.

"You sure?" asked Misty again.

"Yeah, yeah," Ash answered.

Pikachu under him was getting impatient. Finally, Ash let Brock go, but Pikachu shocked him.

"AWAAH!" screeched Ash. He lifted up his foot. "There—you—go, Pikachu."

Pikachu slid out from under the burnt out Ash, and dusted himself.

Brock adjusted his backpack and asked, "Hey guys, where and when are we stopping? We need to rest before I collapse of exhaustion."

Misty smiled. "How about the Pokemon Center nearby? It’s a nice, clean place."

Everyone nodded and went off. When they arrived, a pretty redhead nurse greeted them.

"Hi, we’re here to get a resting place and to revitalize our Pokemon," greeted Misty.

Nurse Joy looked up, and three friends blinked. She giggled. "I know why you’re looking at me like that," Joy replied. "I look just like all the other Joys. My cousins and sisters all have the same family resemblance as me. I think I’m the prettiest one, don’t you?"

Brock blushed and agreed energetically. "Yeah," he nodded. Misty pinched him. "Ow!" he cried, snapping back into reality.

"Come on, let’s go!" she remarked, aggravated.

As soon as everyone settled, Ash took out his journal and started to write:

Right now, I’m at the Pokemon Center at Aqua City, putting my things down for a little rest. Earlier, Misty, Brock and I went to the Forever Love Festival Parade, and BOTH of them were spaced out. Brock as usual look for girls. But this is strange; this was the first time that I saw Misty getting hooked on some guy. Speaking of which, he was completely showing off for her. He came over and said something about her being the "most beautiful girl in the crowd," then gave her a rose. He’s obviously really shallow, and he’s not Misty’s type! I REALLY hate to admit it, but I was jealous of that incident. I mean, I was the only one that wasn’t spacing out over someone, and no one (especially Misty) paid any attention to me. Misty, well... I said it before, but she always looks really cute in the sun. Well—why would I like Misty? She’s sometimes so mean, and she’s really picky. What’s with her and bugs? Plus, she keeps ragging on me about that old bike of her’s that I destroyed "accidentally." I hope I don’t see that guy from the parade again. Something about him doesn’t feel right...

"Ash!" hollered Misty. "You ready to go? Do need to wash up before going to lunch?"

He placed his journal down and capped his pen. "Coming!" he answered. "Where are we going for lunch?"

Misty didn’t answer him as she went off. He went to one of the rooms and washed up, then he went to other parts of the center to look at other Pokemon,. Misty was out in no time. She potted something one of the seats as she neared it.

"Hey Ash! You left your things out here!" she called out. Curious, she looked around to see if any of her friends are nearby. Then she picked up Ash’s journal and read, her mouth dropping as wide as a cave. When she was done, she closed it.

She started to think aloud. "I’m not THAT mean, am I? I know I hate bugs, but I’m not that cruel! And Ash....is jealous of ME paying attention to that guys instead of HIM? That’s what Brock was talking about. Well, he’s right about the part of me being pretty—afterall, I AM the most beautiful trainer of Cerulean City. But—Ash has no right to think that the guy was shallow! How would he know that he’s not my type!?!--"

She was cut off when she heard Brock’s and Ash’s voices in the distance. Uh-oh, she thought. She glanced around, thinking of what to do, Panicking she tried her best to place his journal at the same position as before.

"That girl’s Charmander in there is in pretty bad shape," Ash said. "I hope Nurse Joy could heal it up fast."

"Yeah," sighed Brock, blushy faced again. "Boy she was beautiful. She’s the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen."

His friend next to him sweatdropped and looked up. Misty was gliding her way towards them, smiling innocently.

"Hi, guys, ready to go back to the festival? (back to nonchalant expression) I want to see if I can see that guy again," she remarked.

It seems that steam was coming out of his ears like a bull, because Ash roared, "Oh, WOULD YOU STOP ABOUT THAT GUY ALREADY! He probably just said that just to be nice to you!"

Misty’s eyes radiated with intense conflagration. She cried, "YOU’RE JUST JEALOUS THAT I PAID ATTENTION AND I GOT SOMEONE TO LOOK AT ME AND NOT YOU!"

Both Brock and Ash shrunk down, smiling sweatdropping afterward. "Hehe, jealous?" Ash asked.

Misty calmed down and apologized, "Sorry for yelling like that, but it’s true; you ARE jealous of me and that guy."

Ash grew mischievous. "How would you know?" he asked, teasing. Then he realized the answer. She read my journal!?! He thought.

:Because—I could tell by the look on your face and I heard you and Brock outside at first before Pikachu shocked you," she answered, hoping that will cut it.

Pikachu pounced onto Ash’s shoulder. "Pikachu!" the little Pokemon said.

She turned around and slung her backpack onto her shoulder. "Come on! The festival is going to host the Colors of Passion part of the festival! Let’s go!" she cheered, skipping off.

Brock lurched forward and grabbed hold of her arm. "Hold it!" he ordered. Misty froze and turned back around.

"We have to get lunch first," Brock replied. "And besides, you don’t have a date with you."

Misty’s world turned blue. "Oh," she groaned. She slumped her shoulders and started towards the exit. "Well, at least there’s lunch," she said. Ash sighed and said to Brock, "You know, I kind of feel sorry for Misty, ‘cuz it looks like this festival means a lot to her. Maybe—maybe I should take her to the Colors of Passion."

Brock was shocked. "What? You REALLY are going to take Misty to the festival? Why would you do a thing like that?" He crossed his arms and smiled slyly. "Oh, I get it. You REALLY DO like Misty, don’t you?"

Ash blushed again. "No! Well, she’s one of my best friends, so I want her to feel happy."

Brock nodded in understanding. "Good point," he just responded. Ash just nodded and slowly strolled over to her.

"Hey Misty," he replied, looking directly at her. She looked up, with worry taking over the lively brilliance of her eyes.

"What Ash?" she asked, sad.

He tried to put his words correctly as he pointed to the Colors of Passion flyer. "If you want, I can take you to the Colors of Passion. How about that?" he suggested, cracking a small nervous smile.

"She instantly lit up. "Would you really do that? (grabbed his elbows) Would you? (short hug) Oh, thank you, Ash! Thank you so much! (she placed him at a distance) But why are you being so nice to me?"

He just smiled. "I—I guess I want to make you happy. Are you all right with it?"

She Giggled and gave him another quick hug. "Oh, thank you Ash! Thank you so much!" Ash was too surprised to do anything except blush. Brock from behind his friends smiled happily.

I knew Ash and Misty were an item waiting to happen, he thought. Good for you, guys, even though Misty IS almost two years older than Ash.

Misty called over from her shoulder. "Well, come on Brock! Let’s get back to the festival! Let’s get lunch and start the Colors of Passion!" Brock smiled and ran after his friends.

In no time, they were back at the festival, enjoying all of the festivities. Lunch was over in no time, and the Colors of Passion started. There was dancing, food, and drinks, music, and much more.

Ash shyly offered his hand. "So Misty...you wanna dance?"

She blushed and agreed, "Sure."

Both friends smiled and walked to the dance floor. They started to dance together; rock, rap, oriental, and slow dance. Of course, they weren’t too comfortable throughout the two hours. When Brock was about watch Misty and Ash "work," he heard a sweet, kind voice right next to him on the bench. "Hi, nice to see you again," she replied.

Brock looked up and got spaced out again, but this time wasn’t as much. "Oh, you’re the girl from the parade!" he exclaimed happily. "How are you?"

I’m having a lot of fun," the girl replied. "I’m sorry, I didn’t introduce myself. My name’s Tiffany Aura."

"Hi, my name’s Brock Boulder," he remarked, eyes glittering. "You’re from around here? Aqua City?"

"Yeah, I’ve been here all my life, and I ‘m especially trained with Pokemon medicine and fire Pokemon," Tiffany explained. "I’m not a gym leader, though."

Brock blushed. Well, I’m not from around here. I was the gym leader of Pewter City, so I specialize in rock Pokemon."

Tiffany grew excited. "You’re a gym leader! Wow, that’s impressive! Are you traveling around?"

"Yep, with some friends of mine," Brock explained. "we have tons of adventures."

With both of them entertaining themselves, time seemed to pass by really fast. After a while, Ash and Misty returned to the bench from the snack bar with some lollipops, hungry from the dancing.

Misty smiled. "So Brock, is this your ‘friend’?"

Brock blushed and answered, "Yeah, she’s the girl from the parade. Tiffany, these are my two greatest friends I travel with: Ash and Misty."

"Hi!" greeted Misty.

"Nice to meet you!" responded Ash, with the lollipop stuffed in his mouth.

"You too!" chirped Tiffany.

Suddenly, someone tapped Misty on her shoulder. She spun around, startled, but she was incredibly relieved afterwards.

It was the guy from the parade. "Hello," he greeted. "I’m glad I found you. My name’s Justin."

"Hi, I’m Misty," she saluted, flushed. Ash next to her glared at Justin and gripped onto Misty’s arms impatiently. Justin saw and only smiled.

"Is this guy who’s grippin’ onto you your boyfriend?" he asked. "I’m not gonna be surprised with such a beautiful girl like you."

Ash loosened up his hand and let go, embarrassed and filled with envy.

Misty said, "No, he’s just one of my good friends."

Misty stared at Ash, Brock, even Tiffany. Ash looked jealous, but uncertainly nodded. "It’s all right Ash, don’t be jealous," she assured. She took Justin’s arm and waltzed to the dance floor.

Brock was busy talking (more likely flirting) with Tiffany, but ash couldn’t and wouldn’t take his eyes off of Misty and Justin. Misty because he was jealous, and Justin because he was very suspicious and uncertain about him, especially how he dances. He actually felt a bit lonely; Brock and Tiffany later went to dance, so he was left all alone on the bench. They only danced one song, and Tiffany had to go help with the festival again. Brock returned to his friend’s side.

"What’s wrong Ash?" he asked. "You look kind of—negative."

Ash didn’t turn. "Look at Justin; he’s dancing too close to her! He’s such a jerk! And not only, I’m kind of suspicious of him. Everytime I’m around him, something doesn’t feel right, like he’s not what Misty thinks he is."

"I agree with you on that," replied Brock. "Something about him doesn’t feel right, too. He looks like my age, but he’s not THAT much taller than Misty. Maybe we should both a close on him."

"You bet," Ash acknowledged. "I don’t like admitting it, but Misty’s my friend and I always want my friends safe and happy. I don’t want her to be in any trouble." He crossed his arms, nodded, and then went back to watching his targeted couple.

After several songs, Misty and Justin walked back to the bench, arm in arm and close together,

Brock asked as friendly as possible, "So, how was it?"

Misty answered, "It was OK, I guess. (voice got softer) It wasn’t as much fun as when I danced with Ash."

Ash heard that really clear and felt extremely happy. She does care about me, he thought. Or maybe just for the time being.

Pikachu on his shoulder smiled. "Pika, pikachu!" Pikachu replied. (I knew it!, was what it said)

Ash stood up and placed his arm behind his head, smiling, "So, uh, Misty, would you like to dance? Again?"

She nodded. "Sure, I guess," she responded.

Ash offered his hand, but Justin just blocked him.

"Hey, what’s the big idea!" exclaimed Ash. "I’m dancing with her!"

Justin just ridiculed, "Let me show you how a REAL man escorts a lady."

Ash clenched his fists and growled, but followed Justin and Misty back to the dance place. There, Justin finally let go and Ash too over. He looked at Brock, giving him the gesture to look and watch Justin. Brock nodded.

Justin replied, "I’ll be going now." He headed off to the punch table, looking around and taking out a think package.

Misty slid her slim self into Ash’s arms and asked, "What was that all about? Why were you so aggressive against Justin? He’ nice."

"No offense Misty, but I think he’s up to something," he explained. "I don’t want you to be mad, but I don’t like him. And by the way, what did you guys talk about when dancing?"

"I told him I was a water Pokemon trainer, and stuff like that," she answered. "Are you jealous Ash? Are you jealous that I danced with him and not you?"

Ash turned his head and answered, "OK, I was a bit jealous, But, it’s all right if you danced with him, I guess."

She nodded, then danced some more. Internal sparks seemed to start to fly as both of them gradually grew fluttery towards each other.

I never knew that Ash was such a great dancer, Misty thought. He’s so nice to me, but what’s with the attitude change? He’s not as boasting as before. And I don’t know, but even he sometimes has no fashion sense, he looks pretty cute today. Yet, for some reason, he looks---just as tall as I am.

Ash pondered, Misty is actually not mean to me. She’s letting me get this close to her? Wow, I never thought I’d start liking girls this early. She looks amazing!

* * *

Justin whispered, "Team Rocket, you can come out now."

Jesse and James, who were dressed in disguises of policemen, came out beside Justin. "Team Rocket’s here," announced Jesse.

Justin smiled, darkly. "Good," he replied. "Now, I hope you’re ready, ‘cuz I sweetened the deal. I softened that chick Misty a lot, so it should be no problem with her. Since she’s so perfect, we can take her and her Pokemon and make her work against her boyfriend and that big dude. Throughout the little scenario, I’ll take her, and those two boys would be too busy watching and helping her to watch over their Pokemon, or anyone else for that matter. THAT’S when you can snatch Pikachu and other Pokemon. Got that?"

"Perfectly," answered Jesse and James together.

"And Meowth knows just how to be ready," sneered the feline.

"And I’ve got to ‘drink’ before something goes bad," Justin replied, gulping down a cup of punch.

* * *

I wonder when those two will really hit it, wondered Brock. They’d make such a great couple together, despite the differences. And this time, I actually got a girl to stay for that long! Usually, they’d reject me and that’s that. I never talked with a girl for THIS long before. Maybe I can go ask her to dance again. He left the bench to find Tiffany.

After one more swing, Ash and Misty stopped dancing; laughing, giggling, and panting, They applauded and smiled at each other.

"That was fun!" screeched Misty. She then coughed. "Oh man, I’m getting thirsty. After listening for what’s comin’ up, let’s go get some punch."

"Sure," answered Has, They both stood still and listened to the rockers announce their next song.

But meanwhile, Justin was still over at the punch table. With the package, he tore the top off and glanced around. He then went to one of the cups of punch on the table and dumped the powder into the punch, stirring it around pretty fast. He then placed the empty package into his loose jacket pocket and walked off.

Misty grabbed Ash’s hand and dragged him to the punch table. "Finally, some punch!" she emphasized, coughing.

Ash held up the cup of punch. "Here," he offered. Drink to the festival!"

She took it happily. "Thanks! But aren’t you gonna have some?" Misty questioned.

He shook his head. "No thanks," he answered.

"Oh well!" she chirped. She showed the cup and gulped all the punch down in a flash, then tossed it into a nearby garbage can.

Ash smiled. "Ready to dance again?" he asked, eagerly.

"Sure!" Misty answered, taking his hand. Bang! A flash of wavy blue and purple hit her mental eye. She paused and grasped her head. "Hold on, Ash, I suddenly I don’t feel so good," she replied. She leaned against the table.

Ash looked confused. "Misty, you OK? Maybe you should stop dancing for a while."

"Yeah, maybe," she responded.

He took her arm and looped it around his shoulders. "Come on."

They slowly walked to the bench and sat down.

Meanwhile....

Justin from the dark distance watched and laughed. "Perfect, it’s working! It won’t be long now until I get her Pokemon!"

Back with Ash and Misty...

"You feeling better now?" Ash asked.

"No, I feel worse," Misty muttered. She looked at her friend and squinted her eyes, "Ash, stop moving; seems that you’re moving round and round so fast."

He looked confused again. "I’m not moving, Misty," he replied. "I’m just sitting here with you. You just seeing things...."

"Huh? It looks so real," she replied. She swayed around, and Ash jumped.

"Misty...you---"

"Can I lean on you just for a minute? I’m feeling really tired and dizzy," she said. Without another word, she fell to a lean on Ash’s shoulder, unmoving.

Ash grew really anxious. He tried to push her off him, but she wasn’t cooperating. "Misty? Misty, come on, wake up," he replied in a worried tone of voice. Pikachu looked at her, wondering what the heck was going on. "Maybe I should let her rest for a while. What’s wrong with her? She was OK at first, only after--" He gasped, having a flashback. "---after she drank her punch! Somebody spiked it! But who? I should go get Brock. But--" He stared at Misty. "I can’t leave her," he resumed. He suddenly had an idea. "Of course! (turned to Pikachu) Pikachu, go find Brock for me, will you? Tell him to come here fast!"

"Pika!" Pikachu nodded and sprinted off. Ash liked the feeling of a pretty girl like Misty leaning on him, but this time, it was giving him the creeps. He shoved Misty off him as hard as possible and laid her gently down on the bench, shaking her.

"Misty! Misty! Come on!" Ash yelled, shaking his friend harder and harder. Another idea hit him. "Hey, duh! (reached behind his belt and took out a Pokeball), throwing it gently on the bench) Squirtle, I choose you!"

With a flash of white light, Squirtle appeared, all cute and obedient. "Squirtle, Squirtle!" it said.

Ash nodded at it. "Squirtle, use your watergun on Misty now! But be more gentler than usual."

Squirtle nodded and directed his mouth. "Squirtle!" it yelped, spraying water out onto Misty’s face and neck. It stopped after a short try.

Ash got down at Misty and shook her again. "Misty, wake up! Misty!" he begged, on the verge of tears. He glanced at Squirtle and took out the empty Pokeball and aimed it. "Squirtle, return!" It disappeared with a red flash.

"Ash!" called out Brock’s voice. He was seen running with Tiffany.

"Pika!" Pikachu hollered.

Ash looked up on his knees and worriedly explained, "Brock, something’s really wrong..."

"What? What’s wrong with Misty?" he asked.

"She collapsed," Ash responded. "Something’s wrong. We were about to dance again, but she said she wasn’t feeling well, so we went to this bench. That’s when she fainted on me.

Tiffany bent down and felt the redhead’s forehead and gasped, "She’s really cold! (turning) Ash, did she drink anything, or was around anything strange?"

"I know she had some punch, and I think somebody spiked it," he answered. "I was with her, and she was fine until she drank it. )scowled in anger, with flames or fire burning within him) I’ll find out who did this, and I’ll make sure that person pays!" he swore.

Brock clenched his fist. "Yeah, me too!" he yelled.

Tiffany now crouched down and felt Misty’s forehead again. Turning to Ash, she explained, "We have to do something quick, or she’ll (voice got really soft) she’ll die."

Everyone was devastated. Pikachu screamed, Brock gasped, and Ash was deathly scared...the first girl he cared about was his best friend (even though they do fight), and now she might...

"Tiffany, are you sure!?! We can’t let that happen to her!" Ash screamed.

Brock stood there thinking. He snapped his fingers. "I’ve got it!" he remarked. He turned to Tiffany. "Tiffany, you k now something about medicine, right? Do you know much about medicine for people in these type of conditions?"

She answered, "I don’t know. I’ve really studied mostly medicine for Pokemon, but I DO know some about medicine for people. There is a medicine that can help her, but I need to find the right herb. I’ll have to inject it with a needle into her blood stream and draw the drug out, it she HAS been drugged."

"I’m sure she has," Ash remarked. "How else could this happen?"

Brock bent down to Misty and looked at her. "Let me try something," he suggested. He reached his cleanly washed hand and used his index finger to touch Misty’s mouth. He gently smoothed his finger over it and stared at his sample. It was a bit of pinkish, dirty white powder. He bent his nose down and smelled it, then shot his head up like ice. "She HAS been drugged! This powder must have been put in her drink and is very and dangerous but dangerous, plus it’s a tranquilizer!"

"But WHO!?!" Ash yelled. "Someone’s gotta help her! (realizing) Maybe Nurse Joy can help! Come on Brock, help me carry her!"

Just as the two boys came in contact with a sedated Misty, a blast on the rock band stage sounded. Smog was released everywhere, and all people stopped whatever they’re doing, covering their mouths. Ash bent down and covered Misty’s mouth and nose while he covered his.

On the stage and through the mist, two familiar figures stood there; one female and one male.

"Prepare for trouble!" announced the female voice.

"And make it double!" acclaimed the male voice.

"To protect the world from devastation!"

"To unite all peoples within out nation!"

"To denounce the evils of truth and love!’

"To extend out reach to the stars above!"

"Jesse!"

"James!"

The dust cleared, showing Jesse and James standing there with giant vacuums strapped onto their backs.

"It’s Team Rocket!" yelled Ash.

"Pika!" rejoined Pikachu.

Jesse finished off her speech. "Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light!"

James did his pose. "Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"

Meowth jumped in front of the two stooges and ended, "Meowth! That’s right!"

Jesse smirked. "Looks like that girl had a ‘drink’ of fate."

Ash clenched his fist harder and harder. "Team Rocket! YOU were the ones who drugged Misty!" he screamed. He started to dash to the stage as fast and angered as ever. Brock grabbed him. "I’m gonna teach you a real lesson! How could you! Why did you do that to her! She’s not the one you want, nor her Pokemon!"

"Wrong!" called out an evil voice. Everyone, including the crowd turned to a shadow behind a telephone pole. It stepped into the light. "I’M the one who wants her, AND her Pokemon! I’M the one who spiked her drink."

"JUSTIN! It was YOU!" marveled Ash, with Brock still trying to hold onto him. "I should’ve known! I’ve felt it ever since I saw you! You were just using Misty! You...you sorry low-life jerk! You’ve hurt my best friend and you’re gonna pay! (tears started to barely form at the corner of his eyes) You probably killed her!"

"Aw, isn’t that cute," Justin sneered. "Don’t worry; I’m not gonna KILL her with that .drug. I’m just gonna make her do my dirty work. She IS really beautiful and strong."

"ERRRR!" Brock and Ash growled, not gripping anymore.

James stepped forward on the stage. "Quiet, twerps! We just want your Pikachu, and EVERYONE’S Pokemon here." He turned on the vacuum.

Tiffany took out a Pokeball and tossed it. "Vulpix, GO!" Vulpix appeared. "Vulpix, burn those vacuums and run them out with your extreme fire-spin!"

Vulpix jumped into the air and breathed out a whole collage of fire at Team Rocket. Their vacuums were destroyed immediately.

"Good job, Vulpix! Return!" commanded Tiffany.

Ash took out his Pokemon and cried, "Charmander; Pigeotto; I choose you!" (appeared) Pigeotto, sand-attack, now! (turned to crowd) Everyone get out of here before they take your Pokemon!" Everyone didn’t wait to be told a second time. They dashed off in an instant.

Pigeotto hurled its power and "stunned" Team Rocket. Ash then commanded, "All right!" Pikachu, ultimate thundershock now! Charmander, flame-thrower, now!" Ash ordered. His Pokemon flamed Team Rocket into black and gray, blasting them off sky high.

"Looks like Team Rocket’s blasting off again!" the gang yelled as they disappeared.

Ash was only half satisfied. "Yes, we got them! Charmander and Pigeotto, return!" he charged, panting. But something him. "Misty!" he yelled. He turned around, but he only found that Misty wasn’t there. Tiffany and Brock hand in hand came running.

"MISTY!" the couple called out.

Ash turned to his left, into the sunset. He saw Misty being dragged off by Justin and some other wicked lookin’ guys.

"STOOOOPPPPP!" he pleaded. He and his friends ran after the captivators. "Misty! Misty, wake up!" But he suddenly tripped and fell onto his face. "AHH!"

Pika!" Pikachu yelled after Misty.

"Come back!" Brock yelled.

Ash from the ground grunted in pain, but forced himself back up. He started running to catch up with the kidnappers.

"Hang in there, Misty!" he cried.

Misty was being dragged with heels on the floor and her arms being pulled. Ash dove and barely grabbed onto Misty’s waist and left hand. She then slightly opened her eyes. "Ash..." she whispered, her lips almost unmoving at all.

:Misty, just grip my hand and push away from those guys!" Ash begged. "Come on!"

Misty tried moving and doing as Ash begged her to do, but she was too weak. His eyes were so full of pleading and tender, and that made her heart grow even more painful. "I can’t..." she muttered.

One of the guys dragging her looked down at Ash. "Hey, who’s this kid!"
he demanded. He used his foot and kicked Ash in the face, making him let go and slide on the ground. But he wasn’t bound to give up. He took out a Pokeball and threw it.

"Bulbasaur, I choose you!" he commanded. It appeared. "Bulbasaur, vine-whip, now!"

"Bulba!" it obeyed. The whips extended from its back and aimed for the two criminals. Everyone thought it would work, but a Raichu jumped out of one of the guy’s backpacks and started to send a shock through Bulbasaur’s whips.

"Bulbasaur!" cried Ash. Before the shock could reach his Pokemon, he aimed, "Bulbasaur return!"

It did, but by this time, Raichu’s shock blasted the ground, and smoke clouded the atmosphere. Brock, Tiffany, Pikachu and Ash gagged on the smoke and tried getting rid of it.

"Let’s go!" one of the criminals cried. Through the smog, the two guys jumped onto their motorcycle (carrying Misty) and sped off.

Pikachu and Ash dashed after them. "Hey, come back! Misty!" he shouted. "Pigeotto, go! Whirlwind and gust attack this dust!" The dust cleared momentarily, but it had no effect on what already has happened.

"Misty!" called Brock.

"Stop!" hollered Tiffany.

Ash was too sad to do anymore. He just stood there, hanging his head down. Tears were leaking out from the corners of his eyes as Pikachu tried to comfort his trainer, with him also sad. Brock clenched his teeth and fought back his tears as Tiffany wrapped her arms around him to provide comfort.

But now, tars were indeed splashing down Ash’s face like rivers. "Misty..." he sniveled, remembering her smile and dance.

Out on the road, Misty was unconscious again, but in heart, she sighed, "Ash...."

...to be continued.....

What will happen to Misty and Ash now? Was Ash too late? Find out in the next chapter of "A Dangerous Love Trial"!