(the disclaimer follows as the other parts)

A Dangerous Love Trial

(part 3)

(flashback)

Deep in the forest, he tried pushing open the jail-like wood trap, shoving and sweating. Clenching his teeth, he growled and shoved eve harder.

"We’re trapped in here forever! This trap is just too hard to break loose!" Ash cried.

Brock examined the trap and gave it a try of pushing. He soon stopped.

"It’s just no use; we’re done for!" declared Ash again, giving up.

Misty grabbed him by his black-tee and shouted, "Ash Ketchum, don’t you dare give up! If you do, we’ll all be rotting like bugs soon, and you KNOW how much I HATE bugs! GET, US, OUT OF HERE! KEEP ON TRYING, AND DON’T GIVE UP!"

Ash became just about deaf from all her yelling, but he opened his eyes and nodded. "You’re right; keep trying! I’m not gonna give up!"

(back to present)

Ash’s head bunted up. "I’m not gonna give up!" he repeated from his flashback. He struggled to think as time was running out. Maybe she’s just knocked out, and she’s not drugged anymore, he thought. "First aid!" he proclaimed. He dragged Misty and laid her evenly on the ground then edged his ear on her chest, feeling for a heartbeat. At first he felt a bit uncomfortable and perverted, but he placed a hand there and pressed down, trying to feel for a more sure heartbeat. None.

"No! I’m just not trying hard enough!" Ash cried, tears threatening to pour from his eyes. Once again, he felt for a heartbeat and felt none. Come on, come on, come on, just hang on! he begged.

Next, he popped Misty’s mouth opened and felt for any breathing. None. Quickly, he cupped his mouth on hers and breathed into it.

"I really hope I remember what I learned in swimming about rescue breathing," he wondered aloud. With more and more efforts, he kept breathing for her. "Come on Misty, come on! I know you’re stronger than this! This is no time for jokes!" he yelled.

"Ash! Hey Ash, where are ya’!" hollered Brock’s voice.

"Ash!" Tiffany shouted.

"Pika pi!" Pikachu yelped.

Ash looked up and waved his hand through the smog. "I’m over here! I found her!" he yelled.

Pretty soon, his friends were at his side helping. He turned to Brock, hopeful. "Brock, help me wake her up! She’s not breathing, and there’s no heartbeat!"

"You tried rescue breathing?" Tiffany asked, taking out a med kit.

"Yes, lots of times, but she won’t come to!" Ash wailed.

"Well, keep on trying! She needs CPR!" responded Brock. "I’ll do the heart compressing, and you do the breathing!"

Just for a picosecond, Ash had a wicked idea; maybe he could give a Misty a little kiss while he’s breathing for her. He smacked himself on the head. It’s not time to think about these things! he fumed.

"Start!" he ordered, then himself starting resuscitation.

Everyone set to work. Brock was expertly handling the chest compressions, while Ash was working with the breathing well. Tiffany started to mix her herbs together to make a medicine. But nothing worked; Misty just couldn’t be revived.

Ash mentally struggled: no, Misty....this can’t happen.... Then he suggested, "Let’s get her out of here! Maybe she needs some fresh air to breathe."

Everybody nodded and gathered their things. Brock had to help Tiffany clean up the medicine and tubes, but Ash gladly accepted the part to carry Misty. He put her back to the wall and tried scooping her up. After some more tries, he was off the ground, staggering and knees trembling. "Let’s go!" he grunted, moving as fast as he could possible.

All friends were about to make it out when another blast rumbled, shaking the ground. Brock and Tiffany were sent to the wall while Pikachu and Charmander fell to the ground, bouncing everywhere. Ash dropped Misty (who rolled out of his arms, out of arm’s length) and fell onto his back.

"Misty!" Ash yelled. Swiftly, he got to his crawling position and frantically searched. He patted the ground and swung his arms around.

"Go now..." an eerie voice replied.

BAAAOM! Once more, a blast sounded, this time successfully sending Ash to the wall. He groaned, "Another one?"

"Are you OK?" Tiffany asked, holding her head.

Before Ash could even take in another breath, a girl’s laugh was heard. Everyone turned, stunned. "That voice sure sounds familiar," Ash replied.

The voice kept on laughing, but eventually decreased. Ash leaped up and demanded, "Who’s there? Come on!"

Four shadows came into view---four? Who’s the fourth person?

"Well, it seems that that FOURTH shadow seemed to be getting a lot larger, slowly coming forward in what seemed no emotion at all.

Ash, Brock, Tiffany and the Pokémon backed up, shivering and teeth chattering. "Who’s that?" stuttered Ash.

Jesse stepped through the fog. "Hey brat, here’s someone that you’ll sure love."

Ash readied himself for battle. "Oh yeah, and who’s that?" he challenged.

Before the next heartbeat, a familiar figure showed its form. "I must..." the voice hazed. It stepped forward and completely revealed itself.

Ash choked and fell onto his bottom. Brock, Tiffany, and the Pokémon gasped. Ash muffled, "M—Misty? What happened?" His suspicions were direct.

Misty stood there, looking like a person who’s never felt any emotion at all. It’s her---but it wasn’t her. He usual shining red hair looked dull and gloomy, and her eyes looked like she just awoke, half open. There wasn’t any light at all in those eyes, and there wasn’t any blush of color on her face. Basically, she looked like she had just resurrected from the dead.

Ash staggered a bit but regained his posture. He examined her carefully and slowly replied, "Misty, are you OK? You look like---"

"No girlfriend that you remember," finished off Justin. Ash growled,

"Hey, what did you do to her! And she’s not my girlfriend!"

James next to Jesse shook his head and retorted, "Not your girlfriend? Then how come you’re so intent in getting her back? How come you almost started crying you heart out like a hurt Cubone when she wouldn’t wake up? Why do you stare at her out of the corner of your eye all the time? Don’t lie, love-sick boy; ever since I met you, I catch you staring her all the time."

"I—" Ash trailed, standing rigid. Was he right? he thought. How does HE know so much? Why AM I so caught up in getting her back? Well—she’s my friend! And I care! (not knowing what he’s thinking) I care for her more than any person in the world...I love her...

He was cut off by Justin’s striking voice. "OK sweetheart, you can go battle now. Call out your Pokémon and finish them off! Let’s show them how WE catch Pokémon."

"Kachu!" Pikachu yelled.

"Misty, don’t listen to him! He’s just using you!" Ash begged. He turned to Pikachu and ordered, "Pikachu, use your thundershock on Misty now!"

It nodded and closed its eyes, instructing, "Piiikaaaa CHUUUUUUUU!" Electricity flared everywhere, blaring its effects. Everyone shielded their eyes and tried to watch the outcomes. When Pikachu’s shock stopped, he and Ash were surprised; it didn’t affect Misty at all!"

Justin just laughed as those two continued to be surprised. "Ha, it’s no use. Even though Misty is a conductor of electricity, she won’t be affected. The drug I made is so powerful that she won’t be harmed by anything alone. The only way she’s gonna get freed is just like fairytale love stories, and no one would ever do that!"

"Fairytale love stories?" Ash asked, confused. He turned to Brock, who was still shielding Tiffany from Pikachu’s attacks at first. "Brock, what’s he talking about?"

"He means that---"

"Starmie; Staryu, go," Misty lamely bid.

Ash whirled around and was just in time to see the star Pokémon pop out.

"Starmie and Staryu, your most powerful watergun attacks," she dulled. "Use them against Ash now."

"Huh?" Ask questioned, then making a face. "Hey Misty, why me! Use them on Justin and Team Rocket, not me!"

Swwwsssssssh! The waterguns shot out and slammed Ash to the wall, pinning him with the sprays. He coughed and choked, hoping that he wouldn’t drown standing up.

"Hey (gurgles) Misty! Cut it out! (coughs and more spurting) Stop that!" he cried, blinking through all the confusion. His whole body surged in pain and numbness. As he choked continually, his lungs were trying to their best to prevent water from getting in. It was no use. They were being filled up by water slowly and agonizingly. He tried holding his breath, but the water pressure was too much for him to even do that.

"Misty, stop it!" shouted Brock. "You don’t want to hurt him!"

"Pika pikachu!" Pikachu yelled.

Jesse laughed from all the noise. "It’s no use; she won’t hear you at all," she retorted. "We’re the only ones whom she’ll choose to hear."

Ash gritted his teeth and forced his arms in front of him, trying to block the water to his face. That didn’t work; the waters only sprayed harder.

But there came hope.

"CHAAAAAARRRR!" Thank you Charmander! The waters automatically stopped, now turning into vapor. Ash fell front first onto the ground, out of strength and out of air. He kept disgorging out water, and that was painful, but certainly was painful as before. His friends knelt down besides him.

"Ash, are you OK?" asked Brock, unsure of his question.

"Are you all right?" Tiffany queried.

Ash got into a basic crawling position and looked up. "I’ll be OK," he gasped. "I just feel all washed up." He turned to Charmander. "Thanks Charmander; thanks."

"Char," it gratefully smiled.

Ash crawled to his feet and looked at Misty, then to the side. Justin said that the only way to get Misty back is like fairytale love stories, but what does he mean? He thought. He faced his archrivals and interrogated, "What do you mean fairytale love stories?"

"Fool, can’t you put two and two together?" Justin sneered. "In other words, Mr. Ketchum, ‘something as sweet and beautiful as affinity, but one wrong move and it’ll violate its divinity’."

(another face) "Say what?" Ash questioned, all mixed up.

"Forget it," Justin responded. He turned to Misty. "Come on Misty, finish that old boyfriend of yours off."

Still looking the same as before, Misty held her hand up like a zombie. The she started to walk aimlessly forward. Ash stood back and looked creeped out. "Hey NOW what’s she doing? Misty, snap out of it!"

She didn’t make any type of response. Instead, she replied, "Starmie; Staryu, tackle attacks now. Don’t stop until Ash is completely beaten."

"Huh? Whoa!" he cried, ducking from Starmie.

"Ash, be careful! Misty’s Pokémon won’t hear (duck from Staryu) anyone either! Watch out!" Brock warned, pulling Tiffany with him.

Ash ducked again and tried to counterattack it. "But Brock, I still can’t understand what Justin said to heal Misty? What does he mean?"

Everyone ducked from another attack. "He means that YOU have to get her back!" Brock yelled. "Only YOU can get her back!"

"Hey, I STILL don’t know how though! I don’t know much fairytale love stories!" Ash argued, shielding his face and body. He looked up and saw nothing coming at him...or so he thought. BAAAM!

"Ow!" he shouted, plunging to the ground. He painfully placed his hand on abdomen, trying to soothe the agony soaring within him.

"Ash!" Tiffany cried.

He lay on his back and stared at Misty. "Misty---how could you...that hurt.." he stammered, struggling to get up.

Misty snapped her fingers, and Starmie returned from the good hit. "Finish him off," she said.

Ash pulled himself up and commanded, "Charmander---burn it away!"

"CHAAAAARR!" it screamed, fire whipping everything. Starmie was slammed against the wall, then slid down. For once, Misty looked surprised, but she still looked really dull.

"Staryu, your turn," she acknowledged. "Get rid of ‘Ashy-Boy’ there."

"ASHY Boy?" Ash asked. "Hey, you’re not Duplica!" Although it did sound really cute, he added. He threw a pokeball and ordered, "Bulbasaur, I choose you! (it appeared) Razor-leaf at Team Rocket and Justin now! Then use you vine-whip to restrain Misty!"

It nodded and razor-leafed Team Rocket successfully, then strapped Misty from preventing her in doing anything. But this time, Team Rocket didn’t give up quite as easily. "We’re not going to give up that easy this time," Jesse assured, somewhat beaten up. She took out a pokeball and tossed it. "Arbok, go! Use your glare and poison-sting attacks!"

"Ch’arBOK!" it cried.

James smiled and threw his pokeball. "Weezing, go! Poison gas and smog attacks!"

"WeeEEzing!" it hazed, spraying its toxic fumes.

Ash, his Pokémon, Brock and Tiffany gagged through the smoke. Bulbasaur stopped its razor-leaf and released Misty from its vine-whip.

"Pigeotto, I choose you! Blow this gas away!" Ash ordered.

As soon as the confusion cleared, a strong force blew past everyone. A wave of blue-streaked energy shot directly at Ash. Everything for a split-second seemed to be going in slow motion, but it was over as soon as it began. The blue energy struck Ash powerfully and painfully, causing him to shrilly scream. He couldn’t move. His whole body was throbbing in torture. Blue forces were still running in and out of him.

"Ash!" Brock and Tiffany cried.

"Pika pi!" Pikachu yelled.

Ash forced open his eyes, trying to see a solution to this pain. Misty was repelling the blue streaks of energy from her hands, still expressionless. Even through all Ash’s yelling, screaming and energies, Justin was visibly seen smirking, just about laughing. "That’s it, Misty," he sneered, "kill him! Keep on going!"

Tiffany ran up and begged, "Please, STOP!"

Justin just shook his head. "Nope, not until he’s completely done for!"

By this time Ash was on the ground, on his knees still trying to resist anymore pain. "I can’t let them get me," he barely said. "Misty’s counting on me...this hurts, but it’s not her fault. It’s not her fault, it’s not, it’s not...I have to keep trying, keep resisting, keep going, keep going for her...." As he tried to look up, the shocks and energies stopped. He lowered his head to catch his breath. "I have to trust myself, and my Pokémon, (shakily took out a pokeball and grunted) Squirtle---go! Skullbash Misty now!"

The turtle bashed Misty, which knocked her back, but not unconscious. Ash took that time to get up and rest up. What now? he thought.

Well, his answer came instantly. A powerful wind was created in Misty’s hands and directed at him and his friends. All except Ash of the side of the jail were pinned to the wall. "Hey, now what’s going on? Who started this wind? Misty?" he asked, shielding his face. He squinted his eyes and looked ahead. The winds became increasingly stronger, forcing him sorely to fall face front to the floor. Giving up couldn’t and wouldn’t cross his mind. Ash forced himself to crawl on the floor to get closer to Misty, imploring, "Misty...stop it! Stop and just listen to me! Remember when we first met? You fished me out of the water! Ever since then, you journeyed along with me to become the world’s greatest Pokémon master, and then came Brock. Everything was going swell, but you and I were always fighting. You beat me up quite a few times, but you never left my side. You---WHAAAAOOOO!" He was swept off the ground and was pinned to the wall again, this time by Misty and her neck grip. The winds finally died down, but trouble was still in the air.

Brock looked over and tried to help, but it was no help. "Uh-oh," he uttered in amazement.

Ash intently stared into Misty’s ocean blue eyes while trying to grip her hands from choking him completely. "Misty...just try...just try to remember...about US...you and me... (tried to find the right courage) I care, Misty... I care about you a lot...."

"Misty! Don’t listen to him! He’s trying to take you away!" Justin blared from across the room. He turned to Jesse. "Jesse, use Arbok to get rid of Ash! He’s pinned against the wall now, so here’s your chance!"

"Right! Arbok, poison-sting attack! Use it on those twerps and finish them off!" she commanded.

No...I’ve got to do something....something to stop them, Ash thought desperately. Something...to at least save Misty...and Pikachu...Brock and Tiffany...not me... He looked down at Pikachu and cried, "Pikachu, electric attack on Arbok now!"

The snake was shocked in o time, but that didn’t even occur to Misty one bit. Jesse queried, "Arbok!?! Don’t give up now, we were just starting to win!"

Arbok on the ground was too dazed to move on. "You won’t do it? Then James, use your Weezing again!" Jesse cried.

"Right! Weezing smoke-screen and sludge attack!" James ordered.

"No..." Ash gagged.

Brock pulled out one of his pokeballs and frantically shouted, "Geodude, go! (appeared) Use your seismic toss!"

" ’Dude," it responded. He easily snatched Weezing and sent it crashing against the wall.

Brock them commanded, "Geodude, now beat up Justin, and make sure he gets beaten real good!"

Justin watched what was happing and immediately looked paled. No one cared about him; Geodude grabbed and tossed him right on top of Team Rocket, making them fall completely into a heap. As they were all dazed, Ash still his best to think up of a plan to do his part. He never was stronger than Misty, so he was loosing consciousness from her grip. His head hurt from being pinned against the wall so hard.

Pikachu’s thundershock won’t work on Misty, he concluded. "But what else can be done? He stared into Misty’s eyes again and pleaded, "Misty...before all of the that happened...remember the Colors of Passion? The Forever Love Festival? How about when we were at the ghost tower in Lavender Town? You were really worried about me when I ‘died’, and you were so happy when I came back. And the time of the festival at Maiden’s Peak? You totally shocked me because...I never noticed too much how pretty you looked until then...when you walked up to me in that gorgeous kimono, and I was just STARING at you."

These words seemed to have an effect on Misty as she started to blink her eyes, loosening her grip. Yes, it’s working...some on Misty...just remember a bit more! he begged. Her eyes started to refill with their natural color, but it stopped when Justin cried, "No! He’s lying!"

"No...Misty...HE’S lying...I care about you...(shifted his eyes to glance at everyone else, not sure that he should say this)...from when we first met...and forever...Misty, I...I love you...."

Instantly, Misty let go, and Ash fell plop to the ground, looking up. She looked down at him in a confused matter. Brock and Ash’s Pokémon couldn’t believe what they just heard. Ash loves Misty... Brock thought.

Justin had now recovered and stood up, clenching his fist. He swiftly pulled out a medical needle and sped up to Misty, aiming it.

"Stop!" Tiffany pleaded. "Don’t!"

Ash got up and cried, "Bulbasaur, vine-whip! Smack him on the ground and make sure that needle’s out of his hand!"

Bulbasaur easily stopped Justin and banged him up and down the ground. Brock indicated, "Ash, it’s working! I never knew you care THAT much about Misty, but what you said to Misty was working! Keep going and seal it up!"

"Huh? What are you talking about?" Ash asked. The answer immediately hit him. Exactly what Justin said! he thought. When I started to talk to Misty about only me and her, she started to remember. And in fairytale love stories, the story "seal" up with a KISS! Love can break the spell. A KISS is "something as sweet and beautiful and affinity, but one wrong move and it’ll violate its---whatcha-might-call-it." (realized what just crossed his mind) That means, I have to KISS her!? I guess I can do it. I have to weaken her down first, but shock won’t work..alone! Of course!

Misty just continued to stand there, having no clue what was going on. She didn’t know whether to attack Ash or not, because of what she just heard. Love...it crossed her mind, but she was still very confused.

"Bulbasaur, now use your vine-whip again and restrain all the bad guys!" Ash ordered. "Don’t let go until I tell you to!" As Team Rocket and Justin were taken care off, he added, "Squirtle, watergun on Misty now, and soak her completely! Psyduck, you—" He stopped short and looked around. "Where’s Psyduck?" he asked.

Brock and Tiffany looked around. "Hey, I don’t see it anywhere!" Brock reacted.

"Psyduck! You can come out now! I need you!" Ash hollered.

Still no sound, and all hope was lost for Ash. Man, that was a perfect plan! Psyduck where are you! he thought.

But suddenly, he heard a little muffled voice. "Psy’?" it mumbled. Yes! Way to go, Psyduck!" Ash cheered. It’s headache seemed to intensify with all the action and trauma going on. "Now, use your confusion and disable attacks on Team Rocket and Justin! Beat them with all you got and send them out of here faraway for good!" He was getting more excited as he was angry. I’m not stopping until they understand how they, especially Justin, hurt everyone! That’ll show them! he raged.

Psyduck with his little hands around his head sprung his attacks quickly. Team Rocket was easily beaten, and Justin was getting a beating of a lifetime. "Team Rocket’s blasting off again!" they cried (Justin too, for some odd reason) as they were sent away right through the roof of the building.

"All right Psyduck! Squirtle, thanks for soaking Misty up! (turned to see Misty walking a distance away) Pikachu, NOW use your thundershock! Shock Misty with almost all you got!" Ash instructed.

"Ash! Don’t you know what you’re doing! You’re gonna hurt Misty even more!" Brock cried.

Tiffany restrained Brock and defended, "Brock, it’s not gonna hurt her. Justin said that she couldn’t be a conductor electricity, but a helper like WATER from Squirtle can help break it. Ash, keep on going!"

Pikachu was about to attack, but he hesitated. He didn’t know if he should shock one of his closest friends, but under the circumstances, he had to. "PiiiikkaaaaaCCCHHUUUUUUUUUU!"

The whole place was filled with electricity as Misty was completely shocked. Flash, yellow, strike! Screams echoed as everyone watched, and Ash wasn’t sure if he done the right thing. What if I hurt her even more! he pondered. He ran up and cried, "Pikachu, STOOOPPPPP! That’s enough."

Pikachu halted and stared back at him, confused. Misty looked all burnt out as she just collapsed onto the ground. She’s free...I hope.

"WAAAH! Misty!" Ash screamed. He staggered and ran to her side, holding her close. He closed his eyes and didn’t think of anything else but her, tears dripping down. Brock and everyone else stayed back, fearing the worst. Finally, after what seemed forever, Ash let go and looked down at her. Misty still felt cold, and she looked as if she was really gone. He pressed down on her chest and placed his ear close. She’s okay, he concluded, happy. But one thing’s missing though; I have to finish up the job.

He gave Misty a final hug and laid her gently and evenly on the ground. Looking back at Brock, he was hoping for a sign of encouragement from him, but he didn’t get any. All he got was some reassuring stares, but that was it. Ash looked back down at Misty again and his temptations were piled up higher and higher. I don’t even know if I’m doing this right, but I’ve wanted to do this for such a long time, he thought, feeling heavenly. Slowly, he closed his eyes and bent down closer. Everyone watched in surprise and hope. Closer, closer, and then it happened. Ash’s lips gently locked onto Misty’s, and they kissed......long and passionately. Instantly, she felt warm again, and color was restored back to her body and face.

Finally, they departed, but Misty won’t wake up. Everyone was stunned at that fact, but Ash gave everyone a reassuring look. "My job’s done for her, and Misty’ll be fine," he replied, in a confidently positive mood. "But Tiffany, it’s your turn. You have to draw the out for her, to completely make sure she’s okay."

Tiffany nodded and went to his side, taking out her medicines and equipment. In no time, an antibiotic was made, and was injected into Misty’s bloodstream. With a look of reassurance from her, Ash knew that everything was going to be OK. "She’s going to be fine, hopefully with no side effects," Tiffany said. "We need to let her rest and wait until she wakes up to feed her this last medicine." With that as her last word, she stood up and stepped back. Brock and the Pokémon walked to Ash’s side and bent down, gently scooping Misty up into a comfortable position.

"Come on," he acknowledged, "let’s go back to camp. And Ash—(Ash turned to him) great job. You really saved her."

Ash nodded, "Thanks Brock. (held onto one of Misty’s dangling hands) I’m gonna make sure she’s ALWAYS safe from now on."

Finally, these two are hitting it, Brock thought. Finally....after so many times seeing how he stares at her and how much he cares for her...after so many times Misty trying not to blush when around him. They always cover up their feelings by fighting and denying it all the time. I swear, they both act like a married couple sometimes. Better bring out the popcorn!

Ash recalled his Pokémon, and Misty’s willingly went back into theirs easily. But, that whole walk back to the camp wasn’t as short. It was long, but no one really minded. He never let go of Misty’s hand while walking, and he constantly glanced at her, examined her, and just plain stare at her. Light or no light, she looks really stunning, he sighed. He then glanced up in the sky. Of all these days and nights spent together, I finally have the guts to say how much I care about her, he continued. (small chuckle) and she actually didn’t slap me of anything! Well, she did beat me up pretty badly with her attacks, but still, it wasn’t the usual mallet, kick or punch.

His thoughts were momentarily interrupted by Tiffany’s words. "Ash? We’re back at our campsite. You have to let go of Misty’s hand...we have to set her down and all of us have to catch some shut-eye."

"Huh? We’re back? Oh—okay," Ash stammered, still in his thoughts. He really didn’t want to let go, but it was all the same. Suddenly, he perked up with an idea. "Hey Brock? Tiffany?"

They turned to him and stared at him curiously. "What’s up Ash?" Brock responded.

"Can I sleep near Misty? Uh—I want to—watch her," Ash struggled.

Brock simply nodded as Tiffany moved Misty’s sleeping bag next to Ash’s. With Brock gently laying her down, Pikachu (in favor of himself) took out a little broom and cutely swept the ground. He brushed off any soot on the surroundings, and after a few more inspections, he a-okayed everything.

Ash chuckled, "Thanks, Pikachu."

"Pikachu!" it smiled.

Brock and Tiffany shifted their sleeping bags towards each other (closely) and were about to go to sleep. "Ash? Hey Ash, are you just going to stand there and stare at Misty all night or are you going to sleep? Come on; let’s catch some shut-eye, and tomorrow you can stare at her all you want. I’m sure she won’t mind," he teased, slyly.

Ash turned beet red as he turned. Gosh, Brock knows everything! he thought, uncomfortably. I’m gonna tell her tomorrow...and hopefully, she’ll at least hear me out THEN slap me. Maybe she’ll agree...

"Ash!"

"All right, all right, I’m going," he gave in. Ash crawled into his sleeping bag and inched himself to about one foot away from Misty. She was lying on her back, sleeping just as peacefully as the really Sleeping Beauty. He wanted to crawl up and nuzzle up with her, but he hesitated. I should wait, just in case she isn’t well, he thought, besides, I can’t be that rude and deviated! He edged himself closer, and slowly relaxed, falling asleep shortly. The first just continued to cackle and burn as everyone else slept.

It must have been several hours before dawn when the muffled noises, started, because Ash woke up in a startled matter. The wind was barely blowing, but that wasn’t the sound that woke him up. Somewhere, he heard human-like terrifying noise as suspicion arose.

After opening his eyes completely and looking ahead, he saw his answer. Misty was the one who was causing the noise. She was almost completely out of her sleeping bag, shivering and shaking. One of her arms were held closely together to her chest in effort to keep warm while the other was flailed on the ground. Ash crept out of his sleeping bag and crawled over to her. "Misty? Misty, are you OK?" he whispered, shaking her. Yeow! Right after he touched her, his hand sprang back as if just felt fire. Except this time, he felt icy cold. "She’s FREEZING!" he confided.

Quickly, Ash turned to see if anyone was awake. No one was, and the fire was reduced down to glowing coals. He tried again. "Misty, wake up," he whispered. No response, except more shivers. Peculiarly, he smiled. "Still as cute as ever, even in this condition! (shakes himself back into reality) That’s later, but let’s see...maybe I should tuck her back into her sleeping bag," he replied aloud. He tried, but it didn’t work too effectively. "Okay, that didn’t work...maybe she just needs more covers." He went over and took out an extra jacket from his backpack (without bothering to closing it back up), then covered her with it. It still solve the problem.

Ash sighed, "Maybe she’s scared of something? She won’t wake up...maybe I should get her some medicine, but she doesn’t seem to have anything wrong....I give up," he said. "Those ideas aren’t it, so maybe ‘myself’ should help...huh, it’s worth a try."

Since he was sleeping no more than a foot away, he gently tugged Misty to HIS sleeping bag, and set her in it (man, he’s pretty strong for a kid!). Next, he took Misty’s bag and opened it up to its biggest, then covered her with it. He DID kind of wrap parts of both bags around her, additionally. As a final touch, he crawled under the top cover and right behind Misty. Gently, she started to clam from her shivering as Ash slipped his arms around her waist, pulling her right against his body (no, you pre-Madonna perverts, it’s not what you think!). He flinched a bit when she unknowingly held onto his bruised arms, but settled down. Her hair tickled his chin as Ash shivered himself, this time in enjoyment. Slowly, Misty stopped shivering, and Ash thought he heard her say, "Thanks Ash...." He smiled and pulled her downwardly closer, then giving her a little kiss on the top of her head. His pain from his injuries seemed to fade away right when he nuzzled up, and the young couple heavenly dozed off, thinking pleasantly of their new future lives together ahead.

* * *

Mmmmmm, he sighed. I finally get a girl who actually is willing to be with me... and it feels so great. Brock squinted open his eyes in the early morning sun. He dreamily stared at Tiffany right next to him, who was sleeping softly like an angel. His attention was then drawn away from Tiffany to a strange clump on the opposite side of the campfire from him. To him, he thought he was just seeing things, so he partially sat up and examined it closer. "What the----" he started, remembering not to wake everyone. (especially Pikachu; he shocks when he’s irritated!)

Up ahead, a very oddly astonishing site was set before him. Misty wasn’t in her sleeping bag, but she was held and cuddled up by ASH, of all places and people. Ash’s backpack and stuff in it was all messed up, and his hat was peculiarly positioned on his head. The top cover sleeping bag was shifted almost halfway down them, and it’s very visible that Ash’s arms were still firmly around Misty’s waist. Furthermore, Misty was lying against Ash’s CHEST, and she seemed to hold onto him like a married couple. Her ponytail looked loose, and they overall looked a bit TOO COMFORTABLE.

Brock smirked and crawled back under his covers. I’ll leave those two alone, he decided. When we go back to the Pokémon Center to clean up, we’ll just leave them to do their own stuff. Just as he finished thinking this thought, he heard a soft murmur from the couple. Okay, time to see what’s up with them, he concluded, eavesdropping. He softly pulled out a bag of prepared kernels.

Misty groaned as she slowly opened her eyes and snapped them closed, due to all the sunshine, which seemed to suddenly pour into them. "Mmmmm...where am I?" she replied, softly. "And what happened?" She tried to wake up that instant, but her body urged her not to. "This feels heavenly....all warm and safe. (alert in what she just said) But...who has their arms around me?" She cautiously opened her eyes and tried turning. Her eyes fell on a peaceful but shocking picture. "Ash? What—" She was cut off by his condition. His front hair bangs were matted and messed up more than usual, and there were quite a few bruises on his face, along with dirt marks. There was hardly any blanket over him to keep him warm. Misty was about to cry. "What happened to him? Is he even...Oh my g---"

She didn’t get a chance to finish; Ash started to stir as his eyes slowly peeked. He moaned in exhaustion, but as soon as he opened his eyes completely, he smiled tenderly, tears of joy welling up and shimmering in his eyes. "Hi Misty...are you OK? How are ya’ feelin’?" he questioned, shakily.

Misty blushed, teary-eyed. "I’m fine, Ash. (tears almost spilling) But what happened to you? Why—are you holding me like this?" she asked, her voice cracking up. Not that I mind, she thought.

Ash just kept on smiling. "I—I’m okay, at least I will be," he responded. "Glad that you’re back---I really felt that I almost lost you."

She loosened from his hold turned to face him directly. "I---I can’t remember anything except dancing with you and before Just put me out twice. Wait – Justin!"

He held a finger up and explained, "He got defeated. Don’t worry, Misty, you’re okay now, and that’s what really counts. And about the jail—"

"Wait! I remember something else! (barely could hear her voice) I almost—killed you, but—you still said that you---(blushed her deepest) love me?" she said.

He nodded surely. "And I meant it too, but I know you won’t agree...(got really solemn and sad, avoiding Misty’s gaze) I always fight with you, so I know you hate me," he said. "I—I destroyed your bike, and...."

"Ash! All of that isn’t true," Misty reverted. "That bike thing was only lame excuse so I could stay with YOU. I never cared about that dumb old bike. YOU’RE the reason why I stay."

Ash was stunned. He was sure that Misty really hated him, after that has been done. Before they even got to the Forever Love Festival, they were almost at each other’s throats. Somehow, right he offered to be Misty’s "date" to the Colors of Passion, she seemed to act a lot nicer to him.

"I never hated you Ash, and I never will," Misty continued. "Sure, in the past you’ve done some really dense things, but they don’t matter at all now. (her turn to pull him close) All that matter at this moment is that we’re RIGHT HERE together, and as a little reward of gratitude for getting me back..." She yanked him close and avidly kissed him. Ash kissed back, and he was convinced that this was a dream...it was too good to be true; him and Misty TOGETHER as a COUPLE?

This is gotta be one of the best days of my life, both thought. Finally---

Flash!

Ash and Misty stopped and sat up, alarmed. "Hey!" they both cried, almost bumping heads together.

Brock laughed as he chewed on some more popcorn. "Mornin’ guys! Great way to start off the day, huh? A romantic right in front of you! I give you guys two thumbs up and five stars! Oh, don’t mind me--- pass the popcorn, Pikachu---just keep going! And I got a cool picture too!"

The couple blushed as red as a cherry. They each grabbed some of their things and tossed them at him. "Brock! Knock it off!" they cried.

Brock ducked, but got hit with Misty’s backpack. He stood up. "Okay, sorry, but you guys look so cute together. See, what did I tell you; both of you are---"

"We get the picture, Brock," Misty answered, annoyed. Ash stood up and tried not to laugh.

Tiffany was currently watching the couple with Brock, and so he giggled, "Well, you two ARE perfect for each other. Even Pikachu thinks so!"

Pikachu smiled and nodded. "Pika, pikachu!" it smiled.

Since everyone was awake now, everyone decided to get going with the day’s work. Ash carefully took Misty’s hand and helped her up. He smirked and playfully clenched his fists and replied, "Well, now you know. I never had the guts to admit it to myself, but I really do care about Misty, despite the differences."

Misty decided to get into the fake-serious attitude that Ash is in. "That’s right; even though I’m older, I still love Ashy Boy, and nothing can tear that away!"

They both looked at each other and giggled. Brock pretended to be hurt. "Oh, you guys didn’t have to be so mean like that. I’m hurt!"

Everyone laughed even more as Ash and Misty glanced at each other from the corners of their eyes. After all this time...they both thought.

* * *

While everyone was finishing packing up their stuff from the campsite, Brock stared at Tiffany gracefully putting things together with intense eyes. After viewing how Ash cared so much for Misty and how she responded, the thoughts started to jet in his mind.

Ash loves Misty -- Brock thought again -- from the time they met and on, and they’ve always been together. Even if Misty "claimed" that the only reason why she’s staying with him was to get her bike back, her reason seemed to disappear after some time. I had to stop a lot of their past arguments, but I’ve also seen that they ALWAYS stayed together, through thick and thin. And now that they’re a "couple", they’re even closer. Seems that they’re never going to leave each other, ever! But—Tiffany—she’s my first girlfriend...beautiful, smart, kind and loving to me. She’s the one who came to ME instead of me going to HER. Yet...she live and does everything HERE in Aqua City, while Ash, Misty, and I TRAVEL to different places. That means...I won’t probably see her again for a long time...my first "girlfriend"...

"Brock? Is something wrong?"

He turned, finding Tiffany staring at him with worried eyes. "Brock, you seem so sad," she continued. "What’s wrong?"

Brock glanced at the late morning sun and explained, "My friends and I always travel, Tiffany, and I know you’d like to stay here in Aqua City at home, but...I just can’t find the right courage to say good-bye."

Tiffany smiled and gave him a bear hug. "I don’t have to stay here in Aqua City, Brock. Of course I can come with you. In fact, I WANT to come with you, because I really like you Brock; you’re a great gentleman. Don’t worry, you don’t have to say good-bye, because I’m coming with you on your journey."

He looked down at her, hopeful. "Really? You are?"

She nodded. "I still love learning about Pokémon medicine and other things, so there are only things I can learn if I leave here. Since you’re traveling, it’ll give me a great deal of help. AND, I can be with you."

Brock was inwardly leaping for joy. She feels the same way! He rejoiced. "I’m so glad," he sputtered out. He held out his hand and offered, "Would you like to link on and continue our journey?"

Tiffany accepted gladly as they linked each other, feeling the joy of life.

* * *

Back at our main couple...

As all four people walked down the street to get to the forest and back to their journey, Ash sighed as he slid his arm around Misty’s waist and pulled her closer, making her gasp. Both of them looked at each other, affectionately.

Ash fumbled with his words. "So---where does this leave us now?" He didn’t even know why he even asked that.

Misty beamed at him and leaned her head on his. "Well Ash, what should we be considered, hmmm? Does it really matter?"

"Well---"

She gave him a peck on the cheek. "Does ‘a young couple’ seem all right with you?"

He blushed furiously. "Perfectly," he answered, smiling with relief. He stared at the late afternoon sun, remembering the Colors of Passion. Amazing in how much can happen in only almost two days, he thought.

Misty too stared at the sun. This is perfect, she sighed. How come I didn’t admit it before? I care about Ash too, but I never had the courage to say that to him. Probably because I was afraid that’ll mess up everything. Ashy Boy here sure has some CUTE brown eyes! But maybe I should...

"Hey Ash?’

He paused as he turned to her. "Yeah Misty?"

Now it was her turn to struggle with her words. "I meant to tell you this at the Colors of Passion before you told me, but...I guess I...I love you too."

Ash’s eyes glittered with happiness right after those three words were spoken. "Me too, from the start," he agreed. He joked, "You still want that bike back?"

Misty playfully punched him. "Of course not, Ashy Boy!"

Ash laughed as he spun her around directly into his arms, completely. He pulled her closer as he kissed her, tenderly and romantically. Misty kissed back too, feeling the same celestial feeling like the first time (and always). She didn’t want this moment to end anytime soon.

But it did.

"Whooohoooo! Cheer on for Ash and Misty!" Brock teased, holding hands with Tiffany. "You go guys!"

Ash and Misty let go, annoyed. "Brock!" they both cried again.

"Yeah, don’t interrupt us!" scolded Misty, smiling.

Brock just laughed more. "Hey, here’s an awesome idea! Why don’t you guys go and make out in a utility closet, or a janitor’s closet? We’re right in front of the Pokémon Center! Now, all you have to do is enter the doors, walk straight down the hallway and turn left. Have a great time!"

Misty landed her mallet on Brock’s head. "Brock, I told you to knock it off!"

Good thing Brock was only a bit dazed instead of knocked out than usual. Misty didn’t feel like hurting anyone today, so she let him go good. "But thanks for telling us where that closet is! Hey Ash, wanna come? We’ve been through quite a bit for our Pokémon journey, so what do you say? Like Brock said, the closet’s to our left and down the hallway when we get in."

Ash nodded. "Sure, why not! By the way, for how long?"

Misty blushed as she giggled. "How about until the moon comes out? Then we can both go to dinner as a COUPLE, first date."

Ash nodded again and offered his arm. "Shall we?"

Both of them hitched their arms together as they waltzed off (guess that Pikachu has to claim a spot right outside their door to wait for his trainer!), leaving Brock and Tiffany behind.

"How about us?" asked Tiffany.

Brock chuckled, smirking, "We should leave them alone and wait for them a while. We don’t want to ruin their romantic moments together. (squeezed Tiffany’s hand) I’ve heard that there’s a second closet in this center. Wanna go?"

"Why not?" Tiffany answered. "As long it has good enough utility space for us!"

The End!!!

Wow, I’m done! How do you like it? I don’t think it’s too shabby for my first AAMRN. If you have any questions and/or comments, please feel free to email me:

jeldoi@aol.com