Pokemon Fan Fiction / Pokemon Fan Fiction ❯ Consequences ❯ Reunions ( Chapter 2 )

Consequences

Part 2- Reunions

Misty sat alone whilst Pikachu wondered around the cafe keeping as far away from Misty but also making sure that she could still see it. Misty kept looking outside the window. Brock was late but she would understand why, with dismay she got up to go when the door opened and he walked in. His physical appearance didn't change that much other than the fact that he had grown taller and built up bit of muscle they last met. Instead of the green vest, orange T-shirt and brown trousers he wore a grey sweatshirt and black jeans. Excitedly she raised her hand to indicate where she was. He walked heavily towards her and sat down with serious intention.

"Ok... I'm here. Say what you have to say and then leave me alone" Misty took a deep breath.

"Nice sweat shirt..." she began meekly "The thing is..."

"Look if this is gonna turn into small talk I'm leaving"

"Wait..." she cried "I just want to make up to you and Ash by getting Rudy behind bars. I've joined the police force with Officer Jenny and... I know what I've done was wrong. I was stupid.. after all that's happened to Daisy I... I was too blind to see. I'm sorry"

"It's a bit late now isn't it" Brock said with no sympathy, though he softened a bit as tears began to overflow and down Misty's face.

"The guilt's been eating me up inside every second every day and then you told me Ash was giving custody of his Pokemon to me and... I just wondered if you should take back Ash's Pokemon. I don't deserve to have them. I promise you and Ash that I'll get Rudy in jail and..." she stopped for a moment to gather herself up a bit before continuing when Brock done something he hadn't done for a long time.

"...and you'll need help. Rudy's the new leader of Team Rocket and all. It'll be pretty hard to bring him down by yourself" he said with a smile. Misty stared at the smile, a genuine smile from someone that she knew... she thought she knew would hate her forever.

"People have to move on no matter what... and I can't move on if I have hate in my conscience. That and the fact that we've been friends for a long time. Ash must have known that too, otherwise why would he give you custody to his Pokemon?" Misty couldn't believe her ears of what she heard.

"Really?" she asked to assure herself. Brock nodded. Her tears of sorrow were replaced with joy. "Oh, thank you. I promise that I'll get him. You will tell Ash won't you?" Brock's expression changed.

"I don't know where he is..."

"What do you mean you don't know where he is? His living with you and your brothers and sisters isn't he?" her voice tensing up expecting something terrible.

"Ever since Mrs Ketchum... his been really distant. Not even Pikachu was able to get him to share his feelings, I got him to stay with us so he wouldn't be so lonely, he stayed for a couple of months then... he just left, leaving all his Pokemon and everything. He never contacted me or Professor Oak. The only thing there was of him was rolls of money that he sent 'cos he knew since we're a big family we have lots financial difficulties. The packages gave us some indication of where he was and his obviously earning a lot wherever he is because he kept sending more money than before. In fact now he directly invests it into our account. I just found out that I had just received a ten thousand dollar cheque" Misty found this really strange and pondered about it all when Brock continued.

"The only message he had ever sent to us was this letter. That was when I was informed that he gave custody of his Pokemon to you" He took out the letter and passed it to her to read.

#Dear Brock,

I'm sorry I had left so abruptly those years ago but you must know I appreciated your kindness and understanding. The only way I can repay it to you now is the money that I'm earning from this business I'm working in at the moment. I know I haven't kept in much contact with you but I feel that it is best. Please try not to find me and ask me why. I promise I'll give satisfactory answers when the time comes. I would like you to do me a favour and show this letter to Professor Oak and ask if I could give custody of Pikachu and all my other Pokemon to Misty. I know this is hard to accept but please understand that I feel it is important. It has been hard for me these days to not being able to talk to any of my friends but I assure you, you won't have to worry about me. I'll see you soon.

Ash #

Misty's heart sank as she read. Hearing from Brock and reading this letter she knew that she should be worried about him but how was she going to find him?

While Brock and Misty were talking Pikachu stared curiously at a young man sitting alone at the bar. The man had silky black hair and handsome dark brown eyes framed by the slashing black eyebrows, his athletic yet strong body was dressed in that a dark blue jacket with a white shirt that was unbuttoned at the top. His attention was paid to the television opposite the bar that showed some cartoon whilst eating what looked like a sandwich of some kind. Pikachu curiosity took him into further investigation. It knew this man and making sure it sniffed to recognise the scent. It smiled with joy for the first time for a long time and looked up at the supposed stranger, perking it's ears that had drooped low for so long and the colour of it's coat seemed to brighten up due to the stranger's presence. "Pikapi..." it whispered then jumped up onto the chair and then on the table to get the man's attention. The man ignored it keeping his attention on the screen opposite. Pikachu tried again. "Pikapi..." tears welled up in it's eyes pleading the man to look at it, placing it's paws on his arm nudging him to get his attention. The cartoon finally ended and the young man turned his attention to the little Pokemon. Pikachu was in tears as it's saw his trainer. The high spirited, headstrong boy it had been friends with for so long. "Pikapi... Pikachu...." it said rubbing his face onto Ash's arm, it then turned to stare at it's lifelong friend who smiled back and stroked it behind it's cheeks the way it had always liked. Pikachu wiped it's tears away and took a good look at Ash, he smiled at it. A peaceful deathly smile. The happiness then vanished on Pikachu's face as it stared into it's trainer's eyes. They were empty and dead. This was not the young boy it knew. As it stood confused Ash walked away. Pikachu realising this clung onto his arm begging him to stay and bring that fire he once had. Ash turned to it and stared at the pleading eyes then lowered himself to it's ear and whispered something. Pikachu after hearing the message Ash had given drooped it's ears down and reluctantly let go of it's trainer watching him walk slowly out and disappear behind the door of the cafe.

"There you are..." a voice said. Pikachu turned to see Misty and Brock both smiling. It turned away ashamed to even look at them. "What's wrong?" Misty asked worriedly. Pikachu turned it's head away, it didn't want to talk to her. Brock sighed solemnly.

"Give it time Misty" Misty stood back and gave a small smile. She got her purse out to pay for the bill. "I'll pay. Waitress..." Brock said. Misty hearing this smiled with happiness. At least someone was her friend again. "Can I have the bill please?"

"Thanks Brock..." Misty whispered. Brock merely smiled the goofy smile that always made Misty laugh. Brock was still there for her even after everything that had happened between them.

"No problem"

"Oh, there was a gentleman that already paid for your meal sir and he asked me to give you this" She held out the man's message and written on it was the number 29. Misty looked at it curiously.

"Um... Waitress, where is this man?"

"He just left a moment ago. He was really cute" she replied before getting back to work. Brock and Misty stared at the strange message. The number 29 was written in a blue ball point pen on the blank side of a round cup pad.

"Weird. Do you think it's Rudy?" Brock asked crudely.

"No... Rudy prefers to show off with bouquets of flowers. This guy whoever it is being quiet"

"Hmm. By the way ma'am do you think I'm cute?" Brock asked the waitress in his usual goofy attitude. Misty laughed shaking her head shamelessly at her friend who still retained his odd yet entertaining personality. However the strange message struck a chord. Misty knew that this ordinary number struck a chord in her but she wasn't too sure what, then something else caught her attention. Pikachu was staring out the door, it seemed to perk up a bit, it's ears didn't seem to droop as much and it looked like it was waiting for someone to come back. Misty stared in the direction that Pikachu was looking at but could not see the strange angel that had given Pikachu hope and life. She resorted to staring at the strange message to give her a clue but it eluded her. Frustrated she put the message in her bag.

Ash smiled as he reassured his friend as he left Pikachu in the café. He put on a pair of sunglasses before heading to a huge building with a package in his bag. Around him were the offices of people him were the offices of people busy typing out documents on their individual computers. A young woman with dark brown hair smiled to him. "Can I help you?"

"Yeah, I want to see your manager" he replied. The young woman led him the way to the manager who smiled for this particular customer. He was a chubby man with small round glasses that kept falling off and leading him to constantly pushing it back on his nose.

"Welcome sir. I'll need to see these some of your personal details before we get to business" the man replied in his usual tone. Ash passed him the brown envelope. He opened it to find a comic book inside, he gave a small chuckle. "Is this meant to be a joke?" Ash remained calm and serious under his sunglasses.

"Am I laughing?" He replied dangerously before pulling out a gun and pointing at the manager's face. The manager's light hearted humour was replaced by stricken fear. Ash led him to the other offices where everyone else could see. Someone screamed but Ash remained calm. "Everybody out!!!" The all obeyed and dashed out in a panic, soon the room was entirely empty. Ash made the manager open the safe then tied his hands with rope. "Sorry about this…" Ash said politely before casually scanning the contents of the safe. There he took out a couple rolls of money and stuffed them into the managers pockets. There was a small black velvet bag that he opened to reveal the contents to be diamonds. He placed them back in the bag and slipped them into his pocket before shutting the safe door. "Wait here…" He went to open a vent in the ceiling and climbed in.

Crowds gathered as the workers rushed out like bees blown at by smoke. People screamed in the chaos as the police force was called in. Ash peered down below the people running like little Spinaraks scuttling across the marble floor. Soon he returned tidied the desk he used to climb into the vent and half carried the terrified manager to the roof. A man stood before them as they went to the exit. He was a fairly good looking character with sharp beady eyes and would look the type that you could take to see your parents.

"My name is Officer Li, I'm a police negotiator. I've come to settle any matters with you" he spoke calmly in the same official tone. "Just let go of the man". Ash paused calmly behind his sunglasses.

"I'm sorry Officer Li but… I don't really like to talk to you. Find me someone else"

"Your not gonna get away you know…" Li replied losing his cool.

"Just find me someone more decent to talk to" Li backed out of the way and spoke to Officer Jenny.

"The arrogant bastard won't talk to me"

"Let me try" Officer Jenny replied whilst staring at the criminal with determination. She held her megaphone to her lips. "I'm Officer Jenny of the Pewter City police force. I'd like to tell you that your completely surrounded"

"FIND ME SOMEONE ELSE TO TALK TO!!!" was the answer from the stranger. Officer Jenny had no choice but to call in someone else. Before long Misty came in with Brock and Pikachu.

"Officer Jenny you're like a beautiful enchantress that…" Brock began with his love hysteria but was interrupted by Misty smacking her hand around his mouth whilst she listened to the situation.

"Some mystery man is holding the manager of the finance office hostage. They're up on the roof now. His the trickiest character we've ever had so we're counting on you" Misty nodded as she listened then to the building. Misty dashed into the elevator and it seemed as if time had slowed down as she felt dizzy from the escalation. Soon the lift was as far as it could go and she had to climb the stairs the rest of the way. The stairs echoed in the dark narrow alleyway. Soon she reached the door and a light flashed in her eyes as she found she was on the roof. Feeling a bit bewildered she pulled herself together and looked around. There in front of squatting at a pillar were two men. A chubby terrified man, who she guessed was the manager, with round little glasses rested on his stubby nose and behind him a slender man in a jacket and unbuttoned shirt with a gun to the manager's head. His neat jet black hair waved slightly in the breeze, his eyebrows decorating the dark sunglasses that rested upon a small petite nose. His lips curled in a slight grin as if he had been waiting for her. This unnerved Misty as the smile wasn't arrogant or obsessive as she recognised on Rudy. It seemed innocent and almost lifeless though she couldn't entirely tell because it wasn't a complete expression, his eyes had been covered up by his sunglasses which was difficult to know what he was thinking. What confused her most was the reason why he looked so calm. Misty had always had all sorts of criminal type but he didn't appear to be one that would do this kind of thing. However judging from his well hidden face he was unpredictable.

"I was beginning to get worried that you wouldn't come" the man with the sunglasses said. It sounded icy cool as if like water over rocks in a waterbed almost enchanting.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, the traffic's like hell" Misty replied casually in the queer conversation. "I'm Officer…"

"Misty Waterflower of the National Bureau of the Cerulean Police Department" the man interrupted the statement. Misty now started to feel nervous but refused to show it. "Well since you know my name would you like to give me yours?" she asked politely.

"Oh, now that will be telling. I took the trouble in finding out who you are so it's fair that you should too"

"Okay… so… what do you want?" Misty asked trying to keep her infamous temper cool.

"Well… some people want money. Others want a getaway car and occasionally you get those poor fools who just wants to see their family. But… I don't want any of that"

"So what do you want?"

"Just to play a seventy-two hour game with you" he replied with a innocent voice as if he were a child asking Father Christmas for his dream present. Misty though had had enough and edged away so that a hidden sniper man who was called in can aim at the stranger. "Don't move. Stay where you are" She had been found out. "Clever?"

"Yeah… very, so how do you expect to get away then?"

"I think as I go along"

"Your gonna have a hard time them aren't you. There is an entire fortress of police surrounding this building and their coming up right…" The man pulled the trigger just as she was going to say `now'. The manager fell and he dashed away followed by dozens of police officers. He then turned to face them holding something in his hand.

"Hold it. I'm holding a pressure activated bomb in my hand. If I let go we'll all get blown away by those bombs I've planted over there" They looked around and saw the metal boxes planted all around them. "If you don't believe me then I can just let go"

"Well I don't believe you" Misty replied with determination. The man smiled and started loosen his grip when he was stopped by Officer Jenny.

"I believe you" Officer Jenny cried. Misty looked with exasperation.

"They're fake Jenny"

"I can't risk it on a hunch Misty" Misty was annoyed but understood. No one wanted to die so it would be logical that this man wouldn't either but against all odds there was something unknown about him that she could really trust her decision either.

"Then I'll be going then" he said with his chilling smile towards Misty and jumped down a ventilator chute. Officer Jenny immediately called in the SWAT team whilst Misty rushed to vent and stared down the tunnel to where he was going to. She then wen to check the so called bombs. She picked it up and showed it to Officer Jenny. The bomb was covered in a metallic paint and on it's underside were the words Jessie and James Restaurant. Everyone sighed with relief and frustration when the manager stumbled clumsily with orange paint all over his face.

"I'M ALIVE. IS SOMEBODY THERE!?!?!?" he squealed. Officer Jenny and the team ordered a search on where the chute led to whilst Misty merely dashed downstairs, down the elevator and out in the open street. Looking when she noticed a taxi parked outside of the building. It was quite common to see them but something told her to try her luck as she hurried to the taxi.

Ash slid and made a halt to the side and climbed into a small white room. There in the corner was a big bin and he grabbed something inside and pulled out a suit. He then opened the door and casually strode by the passing police officers in his bullet proof vest. He took it off when he passed the emergency exit into an empty alley way. A taxi was waiting for him and he jogged to it and got in.

"Pewter City Train station please" The cab driver drove off. They sat in silence for a few minutes as Ash looked out of the window. The heist had been pulled off and Ash got himself noticed, which was a change to what people use to think of him. He had no regret of screwing the police this way. He didn't care. The only thing he needed to concentrate was for his plan to go smoothly and no one, not Pikachu, not Brock or… Misty were going to get in his way. They were once the most important things in his life but now… to him they were the pawns to what he must accomplish in the time he had left. Back in his mind he could hear a distant ticking as every second of his life seemed to pass away like the grains of sand on a beautiful salty sea. He reached into his pocket and drew out a 9mm from his pocket and twisted a silencer at the end.

"You made a wrong turn back there" he said expectantly. The cabbie took off her hat and let the red locks of silk burst into bloom and flow down like a waterfall. Misty turned to look at her `passenger' triumphantly with a grin on her face. Her deep watery aqua blue eyes stared at the stranger as if trying to penetrate through the sunglasses and into his eyes exposing his inner soul to her.

"Hi" she smiled unknowingly to her old friend she had once pulled out of the water of a lake near Viridian City.

"I'm impressed" Ash answered. "Not many people can manage to track me down so quickly"

"Flattered but I admit. I am good. It's only five minutes to the police station"

"I know. I never really told you the aim of the game"

"So tell me" Misty smirked.

"Get me to the police station. You win"

"Well this game's gonna be pretty short. I thought it suppose to last 72 hours" Misty laughed. Ash gave a handsome chuckle when he opened the windows and took aim. A shot was fired and ricocheted at a lamp post before hitting a stack of fruit. Misty tensed up as he done so.

"What are you doing?" she asked dangerously.

"Target practise" he said as he took another shot where it hit hot dog stall. "I'm not always this accurate though. I might hit somebody" he whispered in her ear as he prepared to aim at the pedestrians who crossed the road. Fear seemed to send a rush into Misty where every little cell in her body could sense the stranger. His hot humid breath against her skin excited every nerve with dangerous intensity. She had to do something right now. The taxi screeched to a halt as Misty put on the brakes in an attempt to throw the man off. She took in deep breaths and turned to see that he was gone leaving the door to the taxi ajar.

Ash's hair wavered slightly in the breeze as he walked alone against the tide of the unsuspecting crowd carrying a large shoulder strap bag. The sunglasses glinted in the light concealing the beautiful brown eyes, which were framed by the jet black eyebrows. Time seem to slow down around him as he entered once again into the little world. A parallel world of which the only difference is that he was alone on the street with no one and nothing else around him except the for the sound, a ticking sound. He went into this state quite frequently these days and perhaps someday he'll stay here permanently though it would probably be in silence. A deep sadness wanted to enter into his heart attempting to strike him down like an arrow however he knew he couldn't have emotions, they were too dangerous. Emotions would hinder him. There was too much to do to bother with emotions and complicate the matter at hand. Yes, emotions will destroy him more quickly. Especially… that emotion. Suddenly he was pulled away from the world and everything came back into view. Ash smiled at the recent events. Everything was going according to plan.

Rudy brushed back his vibrant brown hair which settled back down. His handsome face was ruined by the arrogance and pride which had increased even more now that he gotten rid of that pathetic excuse of a leader Giovanni. He had became head of the new and more violent Team Rocket where rather than stealing Pokemon from trainers his men would torture and gut their victims. It was more messy but oh yes gained much more publicity than the old coot ever had. Rudy though right now felt weary of the old man sitting before him. He was in his late 70's now a few strands of grey hung like a crop circle on his head. A neat moustache clung to his upper lip but what disturbed Rudy most were the eyes. They were like two bullet holes staring into a realms of space. Blank and lifeless. He would have expected malevolent hate from him considering that Rudy had totally ruined his life. It was really surprising that old Peter came to see him. Rudy tried not to think about it. The old man was useful to him right now so he would just make the most of it even though his instincts told him to be weary. He hid his fear with his arrogance. Why should he the powerful Team Rocket leader be afraid of feeble old man?

"I thought you were dead Peter. In fact you should be by now. How's life keeping ya?" Peter exposed his eyes to the light. They were brown framed with strong jet black eyebrows. He placed a voice magnifier to his throat.

"Cut the bullshit. I'm here to see the necklace Rudy" the magnifier buzzed with the clashing of electronic vibrations. Rudy put off the attempt to insult Peter any further, he was not a man to tamper with. They waited together for the delivery. Soon two men came one holding a briefcase. They both looked pretty stocky but inside they were just a pile of quivering blubber.

"Here's the necklace, now just hand us the money and we'll be on our way" he said placing the suitcase on the desk, Rudy took out his suitcase and the two made the exchange. The man snatched it and quickly went to count it. They came back with a rage.

"Don't fuck with us Rudy! There's only 25. The deal was for 50"

"Chill guys" Rudy said smoothly "just want to authenticate it with my expert. We don't want to receive any old shit now do we?" He pulled out his revolver and pointed it at Peter. "Is it real?" Peter inspected the strange necklace. It was a beautiful thing with a watery blue diamond decorated by a white gold chain that seemed to separate like a Spinarak's web, he rotated it slightly analysing any flaws to it's beauty.

"It's real" he buzzed with his artificial voice.

"You better make sure"

"Hey just give us the money and we'll be on our way!!" the stocky men shouted. Rudy sighed with exasperation and before they knew it two explosions shot at in the air. Bursts of powder flew from the barrel with a flash of the bullet that flew and pierced the flesh, bringing the heart to an abrupt stop. The men crumpled in a bloody heap to the floor as the echo of the explosion became silent. Puddles of red leaked from the corpses and stained the floor. Peter was undeterred by the horrific murder which unnerved Rudy a lot, he breathed heavily as his paranoia grew. He wanted to get rid of the man too and was prepared to execute another murder however as if he had smelled his fear Peter smiled and got up from the chair. Peter reached for his cane and hobbled out to the door. "Send me $5 million dollars then Rudy if your so afraid of an old man like me"

"We found this bullet proof vest in the dumpster nearby" a police officer announced "Apparently there are a load of them on sale in the shops"

"Check everyone of the and a list of the buyers. I want this guy's name" Misty said wearily as she rested her head in her hands. Brock after knowing her for so long knew the signs. She was majorly frustrated that the creep had dashed her dignity and reputation of the ultimate crime stopper.

"He really screwed with everyone didn't he?"

"Don't get me started" she hissed as the evidence of a tantrum fit was about to get hot. "Check the security tapes. See if we can get a clear picture of him without those damn shades!!"

"You seem really tense about him Mist. I guess he really knew how to push your buttons" Brock remarked into dangerous terrain. Her eyes flared with fury.

"Well I SWEAR he just messed with the wrong red head" She spat. Officer Jenny overheard and became a little nervous around Misty as she too knew what she was like these days. She normally avoided them but needed to check that nothing was missed out. When Brock noticed her he went into a frenzy.

"Officer Jenny. Oh how long it is to see my temptress. I long for your oh so gentle caress" Officer Jenny merely smiled politely which made Brock faint before she went to Misty.

"Check the tapes and where the suit came from?" Misty nodded as she brushed her red locks out of her face and seemed to prepare to go to sleep.

"Have you questioned the manager? See if he could identify this guy?" Jenny urged on. Misty opened her eyes suddenly from realisation. She slapped her head as if it was the most obvious thing to do.

"I'm so STUPID!!!!" Misty screamed before she rushed out grabbing a coat to go to the finance office. "THANKS A LOT JEN!!!" she called behind her before disappearing through the door. Officer Jenny shouted back.

"And when your done. This light needs changing. It's flickering!!!"

"I'm on to it my love!!!" Brock sang.

"Oh…" Officer Jenny mused then shouted to Misty "NEVER MIND!!! Phew… I need a vacation"

"I know loads of places we could go together. Hawaii. Vegas. Espania. Le France" Brock stated with his most suave tone. Officer Jenny sighed shaking her head humorously at the silly man"

Look th…the police already asked loads of questions about it" replied the manager as best he could. He was highly agitated by Misty's persistence.

"I know, I know but there could be something vital to the investigation you missed out, like his eyes, clues to his whereabouts etc… Here's my phone number if you remember anything. The names Misty and my phone is switched on 24/7. Just call me when you have something"

"Can I call for a date?"

"Don't push it…" she gritted her teeth.

"Look I'm really stressed here. I'm way off my schedule with my clients and I've got to get ready for Mr Ketchum's Welcome Boat Party tonight and…" On hearing the word `Ketchum' Misty forgot the investigation.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hang on… Did you just say `Ketchum'? As in Ash Ketchum?"

"Yeah…" the manager answered nervously. "His a billionaire who's come from England. I'm really honoured that I should be invited to it. Though I'm gonna be an absolute fool without a partner…"

"I'll be your partner" Misty interrupted. The manager's face lit up.

"Oh thank you so much Officer but right now I need to get to the bathroom and back to work"

"No problem…" Misty said whilst smiling to herself. For so long. She wondered. She skipped happily as she left the office knowing that she would see her old friend once again. The manager sighed with relief and took out the money from his pocket. He placed it back into his pocket and left the office.

Ash stared at the monitor whilst chewing slowly on his sandwich. His computer showed a face. Half. Two halves of a face. One side was his own elegant, flawless and perfect face with neat jet black hair and a dashing brown eye which were framed by his strong cheek bone and the black, dangerous, slashing eyebrow. The half of his nose was small and pointed and half his mouth stood out as the gateway where the sound of his handsome charming voice echoed. On the other side of the face was an old man with a thin grey hair on the one side of his bald head. His half upper lip was decorated by the straight neat half of a moustache yet his eye too were a handsome brown like Ash, which were framed by a slashing black eyebrow and a strong cheek bone. This was Peter. No. This was Ash too. Ash dressing as Peter. Ash wondered if he would look like this when he was old with age staring at his potential face of the future. Yet he knew he didn't have one. He'll never know what he'll look like. Ash sighed then stared at the velvet box he had intended to send to. It was ready. He smiled and got up from his work as the familiar pain thumped at his chest. The pain had developed over the months and was an annoying reminder of his time in this world. He coughed silently and popped a painkiller followed by water which was gulped down. Suddenly his lungs heaved as he retched and choked as the undrunk water splattered on the wall. It took him minutes to calm down which seemed like hours as it choked in every breath he took. The pain had struck full on at his lungs like Pikachu's Thundershock once did in his younger days but with violent heaves and convulsions following it in his sequence of a death spasm. He recovered slowly and took in deep breaths before looking up at the white wall opposite. Red. Blood. The droplets then seemed to gather and slide down heavily as Ash heard the ticking of time like that of his alarm clock beside his bed. He summoned his maid to deliver the parcel before collapsing on his four poster and fell into a dreamless sleep.

Misty had rushed home to get herself look glamorous however she realised that her choice of her wardrobe was not exactly appealing. All she found were sweatshirts, a few blouses, a summer skirt that she had never worn. In utter disgust she rushed out to shop for the clothes she needed. She decided that she would leave Pikachu with Brock to look after at the police station. A police officer then walked up to her and gave her a package. In her excitement of meeting Ash again she had forgotten totally about the investigation. She looked curiously at the strange velvet box, for a moment she thought it was from Rudy and prepared to throw it away. No. He would make a big announcement over it, the box was from someone anonymous. The `Mystery Guy' she had named him was probably a more better choice. A conflict of emotions developed in her. One side was to meet Ash again. To see his face and his smile once again. The other was the determination towards to `Mystery Man' and catch him, he had somehow struck a chord that no one had ever done. Not even Rudy, however someone helped settle the argument. She prepared to open it but then was interrupted by Brock.

"Looks like a clue from `Mystery Man'. I'd have figured you would be thrilled" Brock remarked "And what's with dumping Pikachu on my hands?" Misty looked up at him and then explained.

"Ash has come back. There's a ballroom party for him but…"

"Go…" a voice sounded behind her. It was Officer Jenny with a comforting smile. "I'm sure we can handle the finance office case. It's not that much of a big deal you know. Friends count more. We'll even help you shop for an outfit. I've seen your wardrobe. It's hideous" Misty then turned to Brock. He nodded in agreement. "Pikachu could come too you know". Misty smiled with gratitude and they left work early. The velvet box left in her purse and forgotten. For now.

Misty in the next hours had wonderful fun shopping with her friends, in fact it was the most happiest time for a long time mostly because she was expecting the best reunion in her life. After sometime looking around the shops they came into one where the shop assistant let her try a beautiful gold silk gown that clung to her slender features and trailed along the floor with silver lacing. The straps hung on the side of her shoulders that seemed to wrap around her like a man's embrace, Ash's embrace she thought, and locked at the centre of her curved chest with a crystal brooch. Her glorious flowing hair was twisted up on her head like a red crown entwined with white pearls decorated by dangling pearl earrings. Her beautiful porcelain face was lifted with the highlights of her blusher and the dark shade of her eye shadow emphasised her beautiful watery blue eyes. Her small thin lips were a luscious red that begged to be kissed. Misty then wrapped a lacy black scarf around her bare shoulders to complete the elegant creature that stood before her in the mirror. Officer Jenny stared with envy at her whilst Brock blushed with awe and swooned at the sight. Even Pikachu gave a smile to the beautiful dress. Misty was thrilled to see it. She guessed that Pikachu was so happy to see Ash again that it had totally forgotten how to hate her. Misty was indeed beautiful and was fit to be a supermodel had she not been so conservative with her baggy sweatshirts and uniform.

"Oh, I'll take it" Misty said with her eyes sparkling at her own beauty.

"It's over 50,000 dollars though Misty" Officer Jenny said bursting the bubble of dreams. Misty snapped out of her entranced look in shock and a dark cloud of misery hung above her head as she drooped. Clearly a police officer's wages couldn't get that kind of amount in a lifetime.

"Don't worry I'm sure there are a lot of dresses out there that we can afford" Brock assured her as she removed the beautiful silk dress and gave it back to the shop assistant. Pikachu nodded in agreement.

"I'll pack this in a box for you ma'am"

"Oh, no. I'm not buying. I can't afford it" Misty explained sadly.

"It's already been paid for by a young man this morning. He's says his a friend of yours" the shop assistant replied. Misty looked up with surprise. Who would pay such an expensive dress for her. The only one she could think in the top of her head was Rudy… but he wouldn't say he was… a friend.

"There must be some mistake"

"You are Miss Misty Waterflower aren't you?" the shop assistant asked. Misty was surprised again as the shop assistant knew her name. She nodded with shock. "Then there's no mistake" The shop assistant said then packing the dress and accessories into black shiny boxes.

"What's the man's name?"

"He never told me, he just paid and asked to make sure that you got it" the assistant answered. Misty still couldn't believe it as she stood holding the bag of the precious gown or as she walked out of the shop followed by her friends who were just as shocked. Time then seemed to speed pass because Misty was soon led to the huge ferry boat where the party was held with Pikachu following closely behind. It's coat glistening for the first time in a long time. It was huge, a towering white ship with lights dotted against it which shone like artificial stars that made the boat sparkle in the night. It was much bigger than the S.S.Anne she and her friends went on at the port of Vermillion City. Ash certainly made a life for himself, she avoided the manager as she could so that they don't look too much like a couple but they walked in to find themselves in a cabin where many well dressed men and women though none of them looked as glamorous as the dress she wore, many faces turned up towards her. Men watched awe-struck by her beauty and the gown wrapped around her perfect figure and flaring hips which pulled at the gold silk that trailed behind her. They were around huge green tables on the beautiful red carpet before them. It looked like the inside of a huge mansion rather than a boat. Misty noticed that the men and women were holding cards or piling huge rolls of money on tables and dumping them on the table like they were just they were ready for a camp fire. It was a casino. Misty stared in awe. The only way to get that kind of money in her current job was to work for a thousand years without paying for food, taxes and clothes. The manager then smiled up at her pleased that she was impressed. They walked pass the faces staring at them as if they were the main attraction or at least Misty was. Soon they both escaped the room of staring faces in the casino to find more faces in the next cabin which was the ballroom. The manager then made his chance.

"May I have…" he was going to say when he was pulled away and pushed to the floor violently. The manager was in a daze, his glasses hung down on one ear. Pikachu went down on all fours and growled at the threat. Misty turned to see who made the assault to find the handsome yet arrogant face of Rudy staring at her. His flaring hair waved in the sea breeze as he brushed it back that would make any other girl faint at the sight of him. His dark scheming eyes scanned every part of her with a lustful desire. Misty glared with hate though inside she was terrified of the way he looked at her. The dress she wore though made her glamorous and beautiful, it also made her feel more vulnerable and helpless to Rudy.

"Well what do we have here? You look ravishing tonight Misty" he said eating the words in his mouth. He was a hunter. He held her wrist and went to draw her close to him as if he could put her under his spell. She froze unable to fight back, not even scream. Though she didn't need to. Someone had snatched her away from Rudy.

"May I have this dance?" a sweet and soft voice asked politely even though he half dragged her away from Rudy which Misty sighed with relief. She looked up at the man who rescued her from Rudy's clutches and she almost fainted from the sight of him. He had neat jet black hair, beautiful brown eyes framed by slashing eyebrows. His pointed nose which was followed by a sweet smile that made her insides melt with a warm pleasure. Pikachu chased after them and off to the food table. There it saw the stranger and it's ears perked even more than ever. It wanted to tell Misty about him but decided to watch them whilst it ate. Soon Rudy was out of sight and she looked at him and a perfect curve of his lips to his mouth. She stared entranced.

"I don't think he'll trouble you anymore miss" he said before he turned to leave. Misty snapped out of her trance when he turned her back on her.

"Uh… wait" she called he turned and Misty felt the intense rush of her attraction to him. "That man… his dangerous" Misty mentally slapped herself in her habit of putting public safety above everything else.

"Well it's a good thing I got you out of there then"

"No… literally. Be careful of him" Misty shook her head at herself.

"Ok… I'll be careful of him" he turned to leave.

"Who are you?" Misty finally blurted out. The man turned again with a little chuckle.

"Sorry. I'm being rude my name is Andrew… Andrew Riley Johnson . Friends call me Andy" Misty giggled like a school girl and blushed slightly.

"My names Misty. Misty Waterflower" Andy flashed the smile that Misty had now been hooked on. Andy looked down at his feet and shuffled them about shyly.

"Um… when I asked about a dance. I really was wondering if you…" he cocked his head to the dance floor, his cheeks starting to show red. Misty blushed again and looked down to hide it away. She was about to say yes but then she remembered Ash. She snapped her head up again and panicked.

"Oh… I uh. I'm kind of looking for someone" she said guiltily.

"Oh, your partner. I believe his the manager of the finance office in Pewter City isn't he?"

"No… actually I'm waiting for someone else. His an old friend of mine" Andy looked at her curiously. "In fact his the owner of this boat. Ash Ketchum?" she queried in case he didn't know.

"Mr Ketchum? I don't actually see him attend these parties. He hates them. It is kinda boring usually but I think he'll regret not coming this time"

Misty sighed sadly of coming so glamorous for the one guy she so wanted to meet and he isn't here. But she smiled at her new friend. "You seem to know him well" Andy nodded.

"I am pretty closely associated with him and I'm sorry that he isn't around. Maybe I could tell him that you were here" Misty blushed of how kind this stranger was to her. Of course he could just be flirting with her but she didn't seem to care. "And don't worry about that jerk back there. I think his name's Rudy right?" She nodded.

"So… you want to dance or not" she blurted again though this time she mentally gave herself a pat on the back. They did so swaying side to side to the slow beats of the music in the soft sea breeze on the deck under the shining full moon. Pikachu stared at them as it crammed in the food being fed to it by the other guests who seemed to adore it. Particularly the girls.

"Jacques?" he asked as they danced. Misty stared with confusion when he explained it. "The dress. It should be well over 50,000 dollars I believe. You must come from a rich family" Misty laughed. There was no way that her family would be able to afford it. Though it did spark suspicion to how she was able to get it. The feeling had been bugging since she left the shop but somehow she had forgotten when she met Andy. It was perfect. He was perfect yet sadly it didn't last because the song had finished so quickly.

"That was… nice" Andy remarked with a sweet smile. Misty loved his smile and closed her eyes for the true finale. But it didn't come as there was a disruption. Figures of black cascaded down each of the men had a white letter R on their uniform. Misty then saw Rudy among the group of terrorists ordering them to kill then saw Misty. With a smile he went to march and whisk her away dragging her onto the helicopter that bellowed above the terrified party members. Andy ran with Misty along the deck avoiding Rudy and his Team Rocket but hearing the chilling orders of Rudy ordering his men to chase them. The onslaught started and the new malevolent Team Rocket had them surrounded. They grabbed Andy and presented him before the Rudy. He smiled at Andy with triumph. Andy didn't look up at him, he held his head down avoiding eye contact. He grunted when a kick landed into his stomach. Pikachu leaped in with an electric attack growling tensely. It's fur fluffed up to make it look bigger. Misty was surprised that Pikachu was protecting them after all it did hate her didn't it? However the poor thing had been kicked hard and was knocked unconscious.

"Pikachu!!!" Misty screamed as it picked the still little yellow mouse. Burying her face in it's fur for being so brave then she glared at Rudy with intense hate. Rudy ignored her and faced Andy.

"Think you can make off with my woman?" he sneered. "Kill him" Misty rushed to stop them but was grabbed by Rudy and struggled in his arms. A gun was pointed to Andy's head and an explosion echoed in the night air. A limp figure collapsed on the floor but it wasn't Andy. There had been security in the area and they had kept themselves hidden well. The shot had hit the Team Rocket member who was about to kill Andy.

"Drop your weapons right now!!!" the head bellowed. Suddenly he stared at Andy as if waiting for orders. Nobody saw it but Andy indicated with his head ordering them to attack Team Rocket while he and Misty escaped. They both dashed away as the security guards closed in on Team Rocket. Thankfully only a few civilians were hurt on the ship and they were evacuated whilst Team Rocket and Ash's security guards battled. Misty was half running and half carried by Andy with Pikachu in her arms before they reached the dock and safety. She hadn't realised how tightly she had held onto his hand that it made her hand go white. Soon the chaos of the ship was out of sight as they came upon a secluded area and walked together. Misty smiled for the fact that they were alone and hoped for the finish of the evening that was rudely interrupted. "I've just called for a taxi to take you home" Andy said. They sat alone in silence which seemed to unnerve Misty somehow. She rubbed at her arms in the cold when Andy took his coat and put it around her shoulders. She took in the warmth of the coat and where the warmth came from. They had just met yet Misty seemed to know Andy all her life. Talk about love at first sight yet it didn't feel like it. She had seen him before, he recognised the eyes, the smile. That sweet smile that she loved so much. She did know him a long time ago, she couldn't remember. The events had clouded her memories, she started to become depressed about it all again. The taxi came and Misty prepared to bid Andy goodnight.

"So you think we'll see each other again?" she asked with a grin on her face. Andy smiled back.

"Let fate decide" he said. There he hesitated as Misty heart landed in her throat and prepared of what was to come and what she saw so often in those romance movies. He glanced as if entranced by her and going into a world of his own as he gazed deep into her beautiful sapphire green eyes. He leaned closer drawing her in until barely millimetres away he stopped gasping a bit as if he had snapped out of it. She noticed him shiver but wasn't entirely sure if it was the cold or maybe something completely less innocent. He then just smiled looking away from her gaze and opened the door for her to get in. Misty was disappointed. How could stupid could she be? Obviously a guy that gorgeous would have already been taken maybe he just used her to get back at a girlfriend. Her heart was wrenched out torn into bits and then put back in. The movies were just fairytales. She got inside swallowing her pride from the near embarassment. She sighed at the disappointment and anger she had had tonight and tossed her purse onto the sofa where the velvet box fell out. Misty looked at it curiously and opened it to find it wasn't some expensive jewel she had thought but a plain metal bolt where the intricate twisted engravings had wrapped around three quarters of the way. Who would send her a bolt? The `Mystery Guy' she thought to herself. She got home and laid Pikachu to rest with a wet towel over it's head and got changed before she set off in her own car to search the origins of the mysterious bolt. She noticed the a little lump in one of the pockets of the coat given by Andy and fished inside it. A little bottle was pulled out with half a few pills left inside. It was a prescription medicine. But what kind of medicine was it?

To Be Continued…

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