Disclaimer: Pokémon and all of its elements do not belong to me; they rightfully belong to the creators, and I do not take any credit for it.

Special Note: I purposely repeated some things, but it’s to make this sound a lot more like a real experience. There’s figurative language included, but please, don’t get too annoyed. And yes, I used the song "If Only Tears Could Bring You Back" from this movie soundtrack as part of the story too.

Short Preview: For anyone who knows what happens to Ash close to the end of the movie, what happens if MISTY takes the blast instead of ASH? (and no, there’s no "turning into stone" reaction!) Will everything ever be the same again? Read on and find out!

Mewtwo Strikes Back…at Misty!?!

Even the greatest pokémon master can get into the worst type of troubles, and Ash knows that all too well. Fighting with Misty, losing in some matches, almost losing his closest friends several times were only just a few things in his pokémon journey that has climbed into that category. I take that back – Ash thought – fighting with Misty and the thought of almost losing her and Pikachu are the worse type of things that have almost happened. Pikachu was pretty beaten after some battles, and Misty came to some close calls. But none of that was ever like this, to me. Why is Mewtwo doing this? Pikachu and all the pokémon are our friends. Why can’t he see that? "It’s not gonna end this way, Mewtwo! We won’t let it!" he cried. Flipping his hat around, he charged with his anger boiling within him, as he prepared a punch aiming at Mewtwo. "You’re mine!" he declared. He never imagined himself trying to hurt a pokémon, but to him, this was an exception. This pokémon has been doing so much pain and damage already. Still, it just doesn’t really feel right – he thought, releasing his punch. Just at his fist made contact with the pokémon, a blue light was reflected from Mewtwo, surrounding itself. Ash wasn’t allowed to go any farther; the shield reflected at him and sent backwards, making him land on his back several feet away.

Misty was watching Ash as she shouted, "Ash, don’t! It’s not gonna work!" Oh, Ashy Boy, that dense brain is so stubborn sometimes! she thought.

Ash didn’t give in to any of Misty’s cries, despite how painful and worried it sounded. Sorry Mist’ – he apologized – but this time I can’t listen to you. This is something I have to stop. He leaped up and aimed another punch again, but this time, he concentrated on how he was going to aim it. Once again, Mewtwo’s shield reflected the punch away, and Ash (this time) was thrown all the way up into the air, yelling. He braced for the impact; he knew he was going to hit a stone wall.

Misty watched in horror. "Ash, NOOO!! Watch out! Somebody help him!" This can’t be the end! she thought.

"Watch out!" Brock yelled.

Maybe I should’ve listened to Misty afterall, thought Ash, still flying through the air. At least...I tried, he thought. Misty won’t ever have anything to be mad at for me anymore. I’m better off dead than dreaming of ever being with her, ‘cuz I don’t even have the guts to tell her. Well, that time has come, so Mist’, g---

BOING!

Ash turned out to land on a pink, bouncy bubble instead of the stone wall. He opened his eyes and looked around, seeing a small figure floating through the air close to him. It looked a lot like a cute little cat, and it had eyes similar to a Jigglypuff’s.

Mewtwo stopped in what he was doing and interrogated, "What?"

The cat floated in the air close to Ash and popped his bubble, making his land on his bottom. "Oww!" he groaned, rubbing his backside.

It giggled, but Mewtwo was fuming. "Can it—be?" it testified.

The cat made a bubble for itself to play on, bouncing on it until it was popped by a blue blast....Mewtwo’s anger blasts. It sent the cat flying through the air, but it fought against the momentum of Mewtwo’s blast. Mewtwo fired another blast, which exploded a tower above. It kept firing more blasts, in effort to destroy the cat, but the cat pokémon continued to giggle.

Down below, Brock asked, "What is that?"

"I don’t know," Ash heard Misty reply.

Mewtwo, glaring at the cat, muttered, "Mew....so, finally we meet."

"Mew," it answered.

"Mew?" asked one of the other trainers.

"Mew?" Mew glanced at him.

But Mewtwo was yet to continue. "I may have been cloned from your DNA, but now I will prove that Mewtwo is better than the original....superior to Mew."

"Mew," its original just said.

One of the guy trainers finally came to the realization. "Mew AND Mewtwo," he acknowledged.

Miranda responded, "So Mewtwo was cloned from Mew."

"Pika?"

"’Saur."

Ash was realizing it too. "That’s why it wanted to prove itself," he realized. "But---it can’t! Misty and everyone’s gonna get hurt down there!"

Mewtwo’s blue fury raged, "This world isn’t big enough for the two of us." At that word, Mew flew away, with its clone following it. Up in the air they fought with their pink and blue shields, blasts, and more blasts. They flew all over the island, over and under, fighting. Mewtwo finally demanded (at a pause), "Why do you flee from me? Are you afraid to find out which of us is greater?"

Both of them flew back to arena, and Mewtwo sent a blast that surely sent Mew out of sight. Everyone gasped, and so did Ash. Please Mew, if you do fight back, don’t hit Misty or any of them, he pleaded.

A moment later, a pink blast was fired from the sky and crashed into Mewtwo, making it slam against the stadium. Mew flew back to where the battle was, unharmed. Mewtwo arose from the place it hit with its evil blue shield, and retorted, "So, you DO have some fight in you. (flew to his side of the cloned pokémon) But I have no time for games. Destiny is packed. Who will rule; my super pokémon, or your pathetic group of spineless inferiors?"

Mew tilted his head and responded, "Mew."

Mewtwo yet continued, "We were created with powers far stronger than the originals."

Seemingly not bothered at all, it floated around, answering, "Mew....mew mew mew....mew!"

Ash glanced down, seeing Misty shivering closer to Brock. He yelled out, "Stop this now! You’ve caused enough damage already, Mewtwo! Stop!"

His yells did no avail to Mewtwo; it didn’t even hear him.

Meanwhile, Misty was frantically looked around. "Ash? Ash!!!!"

"Misty, he’s okay! You saw for yourself; Mew saved him," Brock assured.

She drastically shook her head. "What’s the use; I can’t take it anymore! I can’t hold it anymore!" She looked at Brock and confessed, "Brock, I have a confession to make. I can’t hold it in any longer. (deep breath) I love him! I love Ash! I’ve always admired him, cared for him, and I only denied it by pretending! I—"

"Why are YOU telling ME this?" Brock inquired. "You should tell that to him!"

"I know, but---I just can’t!" she cried, moping while watching the battle.

Back with Mewtwo, it retorted, "My clones and I don’t need their powers to prove their worth!" He fired an electrifying blue blast a Mew, who dodged it. The blast ended up blasting right where Ash was, who yelled in surprise.

"Ash!" Misty cried, looking upward and freezing in place.

Mewtwo was still going on with his inferior words of power. "I will block all the pokémon special abilities using my psychic powers. Now we shall see who triumphs!" The cloned pokémon were cued to start attacking the originals, and the originals dashed to their own clones, ready to fight.

Pikachu was in shock. "Pika?!" it replied. Ash’s pokémon stayed back, but eventually went out to start fighting.

Back with Ash, he clumsily hung on to the ledge of the hole created by Mewtwo’s blast. He climbed up, gasping for breath. Alert, he jumped up and ran to the closest place to catch a glimpse of the arena below. He couldn’t believe his eyes of what he was seeing; all the pokémon, including his own, were fighting neck ‘n neck with each other. All my dreams – he thought—my love of pokémon........this isn’t right! There’s no point in fighting this battle!

It was ridiculous; the were Blastoise punching each other, his Charizard biting its clone, the Nidoqueens shoving and tearing at each other, and the Vaporeon chasing all around. The Golducks were punching, Venusaurs head-butting, Hitmonlees kicking, and so much more pain. All the pokémon seemed to have forgotten their true purpose of existence; all they have now are thoughts of fighting and a feeling of hopelessness deep down. Even the Psyducks were slapping each other.

But worse, Mewtwo has started to fight with Mew again. Their blue and pink blasts were shielded around their bodies, and started hitting each other with their shields. Up around the whole arena they flew, at some point almost crashing into Ash! He ducked, fortunately, but he still watched. He caught site of Pikachu and its clone, with the clone challenging it to fight. Slowly, Ash started to climb down, the battle spreading close to him as he went.

Alarmed, he noticed that the stadium was beginning to have a frightening silence. The clone pokémon really began to beat the originals, and everyone was getting tired and hurt. He faintly heard Nurse Joy sadly saying, "Pokémon aren’t meant to fight....not like this. It’s useless! What can come out of it?"

Miranda, dazed, answered, "Nothing....but pain."

Brock asked, "Why can’t Mewtwo understand it’s not right to force pokémon to battle this way?"

Misty said, "They’re all living creatures! This just proves that fighting is wrong!"

Misty’s right! Ash thought. I have to stop this! No more fighting.......no more! I have to get down there and stop it! And Misty......stay back! Stay there! I’m coming!

More and more pokémon started to fall, exhausted and pained. Mew and Mewtwo fought each other harder than ever, their shields as their only weapons. Countless times they’re hitting each other, and getting angrier each time. Ash continued crawling, stopping in the middle to find that Pikachu’s clone have just slapped it good. The clone challenged Pikachu to fight more, but Pikachu shook its head, "Pikachu." The clone didn’t listen; it continued to slap Pikachu, with Pikachu sadly doing nothing to stand up to it. "Pikachu!" he cried, beginning to climb down another ledge. He slipped and fell to the stairway below, yet he still didn’t care. This can’t be.....I’m gonna lose Pikachu AND Misty! How much more pain can Mewtwo cause! he raged. He watched the battle again, shaking his head in disbelief. "Pikachu!" he cried again.

His best friend took another blow, now struggling to keep up its will to stand up to his clone. Finally, the arena floor! Ash leaped down, begging, "Quit it! Please stop!"

He landed onto his front, where Brock and Misty came to his side. "Ash---" Brock started.

"....Are you OK?" Misty finished. Now’s that time – she thought – I’ll tell him now. "Ash--"

"We’ve gotta stop this!" Ash declared, unaware of interrupting her

Brock hopelessly responded, "But how? All Mewtwo cares about is proving how strong those super clones are!"

Nurse Joy glanced up, watching Mew and Mewtwo continuing to beat each other. She stated, "I’d rather risk my life out in Mewtwo’s storm than watch these pokémon destroy each other."

"Me too," Misty sighed, keeping hold of Ash. Man, I lost my chance to tell him! she fumed.

"I wish there were someway to stop them. I don’t know what to do!" Joy hoped.

Everyone looked at the fighting pokémon again, feeling even more hopeless than ever. Brock remarked, "I don’t think they’ll ever stop. Those pokémon look like they’re ready to fight to the death."

"That’s a fight....that nobody’s gonna win," Misty softly said, sad.

He pushed himself up. "Someone’s gotta to take a stand...someone’s gotta say ‘no’....just like Pikachu," Ash said, seeing that both Pikachu are exhausted.

Finally, Mew and Mewtwo’s battle took to the arena floor. Both pokémon backed up to opposite sides of the arena, starting their shields again, which put out the arena’s electricity. Pink and blue fire surrounded each of those two, preparing to fight. They fired their blasts, which contradicted each other and exploded, sending them back to their sides. The pink and blue fires started up again, preparing to blast each other. Ash lifted himself up and glanced around, seeing that all the pokémon have fought each other to the point to complete exhaustion. Then, he made his decision, and he knew his dreams of being a pokémon master would never come true if he didn’t do something. Sorry Misty.....I know I’ll never be with you, he thought. I’ll never make it back to you.....I’m sorry.

He started running to the middle of the arena, determined to stop everything, once and for all. "Ash wait!" he heard Brock yell.

Like a sixth sense, Misty saw him running to the middle, and her heart leaped. She knew what was going to happen, and she couldn’t let it. "Ash, no! Stop!" she panicked. She could already imagine what’d happen to him in her mind. Shoving Togepi into Brock’s arms, she jumped up and ran her fastest from where she was, heading in his direction. "Please Ash, no!" She saw that the blasts were being prepared to be fired by the two pokémon.

Ash saw her running towards him like the wind. But, he didn’t want to listen to her this time; he’s going to stop the battle and nothing she’ll do will stop him. Unless she gets caught...he thought. He turned his attention to Mew and Mewtwo, along to the other pokémon, begging, "You’ve gotta stop right now!"

The pink and blue blasts were expelled, powerfully.

Ash shouted, "STOOOOOPPPPPP!"

Everything started to happen, all in a split-second. On Misty’s face, tears streaked down her cheeks as she caught up to where he was. Mew and Mewtwo from their individual sides fired the last of their ultimate blasts across the middle to fight each other (or so they thought). The blasts were nearing too fast. Right when Ash saw Misty, he was grabbed by her, and she shoved him with her fastest and hardest push. Ash was so surprised that he didn’t get a chance to breathe nor react. White light from the blasts started to glow. He was thrown and then fell back, landing painfully on his left arm and back, then rolling a distance away. No, he thought. The realization came to him as he forced himself to look up at Misty’s direction, gasping in terror. His mouth dropped open, and his eyes were brimming with tears. And just as he looked up, he was just in time to see that Mew’s and Mewtwo’s blasts collided with each other, creating the finale white blast. The ground violently shook with gravel then exploding up, winds and pieces of rough gravel hitting him. They next thing he knew, or thought he did, he heard Misty scream...or did she just shriek? It was all over as soon as it began. The scream blanked out in an instant. Ash shrieked, "Misty!?!"

"Oh no!" shouted Brock, not believing what he just saw.

"Pi-ka-chu!" Pikachu cried.

After the blast and gravel cleared and settled, Misty was seen (for a while) floating in midair. Then, she let out a dull groan as her limp body fell to the ground, temporarily glowing a light shade of fuschia pink. "No," Ash stated, shaking his head, "no. No, no, NO!! MISTY!!!" Tears rushed and withheld themselves at the edge of his eyes, just about to plunder down at any time.

Mewtwo was taken aback. "Fools!" he muttered. "Trying to stop our battle!"

But for Misty, she was confused. In her mind, tiredly, she reviewed the events in her mind; she saw Ash rushing to the middle, knowing that he’d get caught in the crossfire. She jumped and ran over to him, pushed him out of the way, and she was sure that he was out of the way. But, what about me? she thought. What happened? I felt the blast slam me, and I screamed. It’s the worst pain I’ve ever felt! But, then what? I thought I heard Ash crying out to me, but what next? Now what?

Misty was feeling extremely light, even for lying down, and she freaked. She lifted herself into a sitting position and glanced ahead. It—can’t be, she thought. I’m—I’m over there! Next, she looked down at herself; she looked fine, but very pale and light. Barely any color was visible at all! "I won’t believe it yet," she said aloud. "I won’t! I didn’t get to do all the things I planned to do! Become the greatest pokémon everything, a star, get married, have kids......and I never told Ash........about everything. Oh, I should’ve told him when I got the chance. But if I do care or him......at least he’s safe. At least....he’ll fulfill his dream of becoming the best pokémon master in the world, and.....he can be Togepi’s new parent. Since it called him daddy before, it’s fine now.....but still I won’t believe this about me yet! Maybe Mew’s and Mewtwo’s blast made myself into a clone! (yelled at him) Ash!"

Meanwhile, Ash was still on the ground, replaying the action in reality’s speed. It has only been moments after Misty fell, so he knew he had a chance. He tried pushing himself up, but he fell back in agony. My arm.....oh gosh it hurts so much! I landed on it! he thought. But—Misty!

Ash ignored his other thoughts. Despite the intense pain, he forced himself up and staggered onto his feet, then his knees to Misty’s side. He collapsed in exhaustion to her side and used his right arm to shake her. "Misty? Mist’, are you all right? Talk to me! Get up!" he cried.

Right after he made contact with her, he sprung his hand away. No -- he refused -- not yet! Her skin...it’s so---it’s too cold! "Misty, it’s me! It’s Ash!" he continued. "Come on, get up! Please, don’t try getting back at me now! I’m serious!" His voice couldn’t be found, and hope started to fade fast. He tried gathering her whole form in one place and got closer to her. Shaking harder, Ash yelled even louder, "Misty! Get up! Please...(tried to think) if you just open eyes and wake up, I’ll do everything for you! I’ll take care of your pokémon, and we can go on the biggest shopping sprees ever! You can let me (smiling) carry all your stuff! Just like the Princess Festival! I’ll take care of Togepi for you, whenever you want!

Brock from the sidelines hopelessly shook his head. Ash is denying this, he thought. He won’t accept the truth. Brock held onto Togepi carefully, and tried to shield its eyes from seeing everything. Ash -- he continued -- I’m sorry. I should’ve told you what Misty told me earlier...before she—

"Mist’!" Ash suddenly yelled, trying to keep on smiling. "See, stop denying it; you’re moving! You’re just a bit shaken. I can take you to the hospital, and you’ll be fine in no time. Maybe I can catch all the pokémon you want for you! You want a Tentacruel, right? I’ll capture the best, most powerful one for you! And a Vaporeon with it!"

Misty still lay lifeless on the floor, not showing any sign of life on her. All of Ash’s cries, yells, and promises did no effect on her, and he unfortunately knew that.

Ash sniffled, but kept on smiling. He bit his lip to calm the pain down, and continued, "Hey, do you ever wonder what Togepi’s attacks will be? I’m sure of it’ll have some cool attacks, since you’re such a great mom to it. And remember the times when Togepi called me its dad? (blink back tears) Whoa, I never thought I’d see that coming! What a shock! (perked with an idea) Speaking of shock, (turned) hey Pikachu, why don’t you come over here for a sec’?"

Pikachu willingly went over to his trainer, examining him. It has never seen Ash like this; his mouth was quivering, and the tears in his eyes were about to be let out in any moment. His left arm was resting limp on his leg. "Pika pi," Pikachu trailed.

Ash broadened his grin and remarked, "Pikachu, thundershock!"

Pikachu rendered itself, and shocked Misty with an impressive bolt. Afterwards, it glanced down her, blinking in surprise. "Pika?" it questioned.

Its trainer shook his head in disapprovement. "No Pikachu," he said, "you know Misty can be a bit stubborn, and it probably takes a little more to wake her up. Come on, try again!"

Pikachu nodded, and gave Misty its thunderbolt attack. The sparks and waves of electricity were visibly going thought her, from head to toe. Pikachu paused after a while, exhausted; and Misty still didn’t move. Ash’s heart sank. If Pikachu’s electricity didn’t work, then that must mean she’s....he fearfully thought. Still shaking his head, he testified, "No....but Misty, wake--...it’s not working! Keep on trying, Pikachu!"

Despite it being totally tired, Pikachu went on shocking. Everytime it did, the shocks were harder, longer, and more powerful. Pikachu was getting increasingly worn-out at the same rate. Ash rubbed his injured arm and watched carefully, praying his heart out. Come on, Mist’, he begged. You’ve gotta wake up; no one can stand Pikachu’s thunder! Not even me! Or rock pokémon!

While Pikachu was doing his work, Ash reached his hand through and pinched Misty’s arm, hard and long enough to his account. When he let go, his response from her was only a red mark and nothing else.

Misty in her "view" (on the other hand) tried grabbing Ash’s shoulders, and cried, "Ash? Ash, I’m right here! What are you doing? Why are you having Pikachu doing this? And why....are you making promises that you can’t completely keep! Tentacruel and Vaporeon....but you still can’t.....oh, Ash just listen to me; stop acting so dense and talk to me!" She was hurt; why isn’t Ash listening to her? She still refused to believe what happened to her, so....still! When Ash was like this a while ago, she could partially hear and feel him, right? She knew that she had to calm him down, so she grabbed Ash and hugged him with all her might, or so she thought she would. Her arms went right through him! She shook her head in disagreement. "No...it’s too early----I still won’t believe it! I knew I should’ve told him sooner! Before all of this! (turned to Pikachu) Pikachu, stop! Come on, Pika-pal, stop!"

Pikachu didn’t stop, no matter how exhausted and weak it was getting. He knew that two lives were counting on it doing its job, and it couldn’t stop. "Pika pika! ’Kachu!" (I have to keep going! Come on!)" Pikachu cried. "CHUUUUU!"

Ash rubbed his injured arm again, watching Pikachu do its job. He suddenly felt the eeriest feeling pass through him, and that gave him the lowest feeling ever. "That feeling..." he paused, glancing around. He briefly thought back to what seemed like hours ago:

He was running to the middle of the arena, where he was right now. All the fighting was something he couldn’t take anymore, for his love of pokémon.

Next, he saw Misty rushing towards him, yelling for him to stop.

Red and blue blasts were expelled, from both sides.

The next thing Ash knew, Misty violently grabbed him and practically threw him aside to the ground. That’s when I hurt my arm, he thought.

He rolled off, then looked. The blasts already turned into a blinding white glow.

Misty screamed.

The blasts collided with each other, going right through her.

Gravel exploded, and dust flew everywhere.

She floated in midair, temporarily glowing a fuschia tint.

And she fell.

She never moved in his sight again.

(end)

Mew’s and Mewtwo’s blasts went right through her, he thought. But that feeling......it felt like a spirit.......no, I’m not making any sense. It couldn’t be.....! HER spirit.......(pictured it) I’ll never forget--- the way she looked into my eyes, right before she grabbed me...

Suddenly, the shocks from Pikachu stopped, and the arena fell silent even more. Other trainers and both the originals with the cloned pokémon looked at each other, then back to the center. Ash himself looked about, and then down at Pikachu. He gently shook his head in disbelief, choking, "Please....Pikachu---Misty’s still counting on you. I know you’re tired, but..." He didn’t finish his statement. I know it’s too late, he thought. But I’m not gonna believe it; not yet at least. And—well, this could’ve been prevented!

He paused and clenched his right fist with all the strength that was in him. Glancing around the arena, his vision became even more blurred by his fury of tears. Yet he continued with himself: All of this could’ve been prevented! Maybe with...if Bulbasaur or Venusaur stopped fighting, they could’ve seen what Misty was doing and use their vine-whip to pull her away! Was it their fault!? If she only just stayed where she was, she could’ve been safe! If Mew and Mewtwo didn’t fight, this wouldn’t have happened. Oh, who am I kidding...it’s all my fault! If...(sniffle) if I pushed her out of the way instead of her pushing me, then this wouldn’t have happened! It’s---it’s all my fault! "It’s all my fault! It’s mine!" he yelled, all of a sudden.

Everyone in the arena was stunned with Ash’s sudden statement. Brock didn’t how to react. Pikachu, despite it being totally tired, brutally shook his head. Ash didn’t agree with it. "No, it was! Think about it Pik’; Misty pushed me out of the way to save ME, but I didn’t do anything but let her. I didn’t even try, and I’m fine; but she tried, and she’s---gone." The last word echoed in his ears, his mind, and his heart. Gone, he thought, gone. In other words---(couldn’t bring himself to say it) in other words---dead. No; that word’s too unreal. She was---killed.

Pikachu was furious. "Pika pi!" it cried, then shocked Ash with all his thunder left. Ash didn’t even move; the shocks didn’t even hurt him as usual. He just sat there staring at his best friend, and at Misty.

After the shocks stopped, Ash tried shaking her one last time. "Misty, come on, we’re all getting tired. Come on Misty, please wake up. Pikachu’s tired out, my arm’s getting worse....Misty! Misty, wake up; please Misty, you’ve gotta wake up, WAKE UP!"

Hope was fading its last drop in everybody’s arms, and guilt started to take its place (especially Ash). In this instant, everything he worked for seemed worthless now. His badges seemed nothing more than just decorations in his jacket. All he wanted—at the moment—was Mist’ to come back, to him!

Misty was crushed, heart and soul. She desperately tried shaking Ash again, trying to snap him out of his crazed trance. She knew the futility of her trying, but she just had to try again. "Ash, what are you talking about?! I’m RIGHT HERE! Right here in front of you, next to you, trying to hug you! How can you say that I’m—" she paused. She looked at herself in detail for the first time. I am, she thought. I already know, but----I’m still not gonna believe it! But---that’s why Ash can’t hear or see me.....I’ve hurt him, physically and spiritually! Misty clenched her fists and yelled at the top of her lungs, "Ash! Please, stop this now!"

Just as she stated, he couldn’t hear her. Finally, he gave up shaking, but he slowly reached and softly lifted Misty into his arms. He shrieked from his arm, but fought the pain off. He cradled her, with her cold body pressed against him. He asked one more time, "Misty, just wake up...open your eyes! I don’t want---I CAN’T let you go....so please, wake up! Please Misty, please wake up......"

Ash couldn’t say or do anymore. He lowered his head, and his barrier of tears was broken. They were splashing down, rivers forming down his cheeks. His first one landed on Misty’s right cheek, then slid down the rest of her face.

But something else happened. The tear faintly glowed, yet Ash was too busy sobbing to notice. However, everyone else around the room has suddenly come to a pang of true realizations of what has happened. Miraculously and strangely, all the pokémon and the trainers, drop by drop, their tears fell from their eyes to the arena floor. Brock started crying, not only for Misty, but for Ash, too. Togepi saw everyone crying and its mom and Ash not moving, so it started to bawl. Miranda, another trainer, started crying. Nurse Joy started weeping. Pikachu’s eyes formed tears, and they dropped onto Misty’s shirt. It was sad to see that it lost one of its closest friends, and sad to see that his trainer will never be with her......a deferred dream. The clone pokémon too started sobbing, with the exception of Mewtwo, but even he was moved. All the tears gathered to the arena floor brightly. The tears formed swirls, and began to combine together.

Through all the sobbing, Ash was too busy crying to even notice what was going on. His mind individually concentrated on him and Misty, especially the most memorable times with each other.

(flashback)

He felt something pull him out of the water by his collar. As soon as he broke the surface, he yelled and kept hold on Pikachu, then landing with a thud. Coughing, he heard a girl’s voice retorting, "Naw, it’s just a kid. (jumped his side) Oh, and a pokémon! Oh, are you okay?"

Ash smiled, looking up straight at her and faintly blushed at the same time. Wow, what a cute girl.....and she’s asking me! he thought. Flattered, he quickly responded, "Yeah, I’m okay."

She glared at him. "Not you!" she cried, Ash’s spirit dropping down in an instant. "Look what you’ve done to that poor little thing. (worried clench to her heart) Is it breathing?"

Sadder than ever, he answered, "I—I think so." I wonder what this girl’s name is, he thought.

"Hey Ash, are you sure it’s okay I go with you on your pokémon journey?" Brock asked.

Ash reluctantly nodded, "Sure I’m sure; the more the merrier. AND (trying to hint Misty), it’s good to have someone to talk to."

Brock seemed a bit confused; he asked, "Well....what about that GIRL who keeps following you?"

Ash couldn’t say anything; he was caught in the trap. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Misty still following him, and she seemed to feel the same way. "Don’t forget about my bike Ash Ketchum! I’m gonna follow you until you pay me back!" she cried.

He sighed. "I know....I know!" he answered, blushing.

With all the strength he had, he pushed the rock over to the other side. Ash jumped through the hole presented, and looked around. Worry gripped onto him like a handle; where’s Pikachu! And Misty! "They’re gone!" he cried. "Pikachu!" Then he pictured it; Misty falling down a dark abyss. "Misty!" He caught sight of the Squirtle Squad outside, and he rushed to them, demanding, "What have you done! I told you I’d be back by noon, and I am! What did you do with my friends!"

"We’re right here," answered Misty’s voice.

Ash turned (embarrassed) and saw her with hand on her hips. A while later, while she sprayed the Super Potion on Pikachu, he leaned over and slowly asked, "So Misty......your hair isn’t purple."

She glanced up at him and beamed, "Nope, I’m still a redhead!"

That’s a relief, he thought.

He raised his head up from the wet sand, dazed. After spitting out a mouthful of damp sand, he looked around. "Huh? How did I get on the beach?"

Ash’s heart leaped with fear from what he saw next in front of him. "Ahhh! (rushed over) Misty! Misty get up!" he implored, shaking her.

After a moment, she stirred and looked up at him, confused, but okay. He felt relieved. That was too close, he thought.

The old woman retorted, "I was talking about an elegant young woman, not some scrawny little blabbermouth like you!"

Glaring at the old woman, Misty fumed, "SCRAWNY!?!"

Ash smiled and perked his head in the way, joking, "REAL scrawny!"

BAAAM! "YEEOOW!" he yelped in pain. Maybe I should’ve kept my mouth shut, he thought while lying on the floor.

"That’s it! I don’t have to stand around here and be insulted! (grabbed both Ash’s and Brock’s collars) Let’s get outta here!" She dragged them, and both boys yelped in surprise.

Yep--Ash thought-- I REALLY should’ve kept my mouth shut.

With his head down, Ash walked gloomily back to his friends. The first thing---surprisingly—he heard was from Misty. "You look kind of down, Ash," she replied in her sweetest voice. "Is something wrong?"

That voice nearly completely melted Ash’s heart away in comfort. But, his prior problems knocked him back into his gloomy again. Yet he slightly smiled and glanced up at her. Misty, sitting and eating her onigri, gorgeously and caringly beamed at him. That smile is enough to melt my problems away, Ash thought. Enough to keep me going on to beat Gary. Golly it’s the prettiest one ever...

He had a really great idea in mind as he tossed his clothes off (except his boxers), trying to hide the red on his face. Well aware that Misty was watching him, he quickly dove into the seawater. "I’ll take over from here," he announced. "I’ve gotta give it my best shot." And Mist’, don’t laugh at me! he begged.

Ash heard Misty mumble something, looking really nervous. He just had to butt in. "Misty!" he called out. He saw that she noticed him, freaking. Stepping forward, he continued probing, "What are you doing up there? Are you part of the show?"

Pikachu cheered, but Misty’s face turned cherry red. "What are YOU two doing here?"

He tried it to the farthest he allowed himself to say. "That’s a REAL CUTE outfit, Misty!" he commented, slyly.

The red curtain slowly raised itself, and there, aligned with the rest of the girls, stood Misty in her kimono, smiling. Ash pushed himself forward and stared at her. "Awwwww...." he uttered in daze. She’s so gorgeous....he thought.

Brock whispered to him, "It must be a girl thing."

Ash (stupidly) answered a bit too loudly, and that was a big mistake. "Maybe it isn’t a girl thing, maybe it’s a ‘Misty’ thing."

BOOOONK!

Good thing Brock restrained Misty from furthermore beating Ash; she was still aiming her fist and frothing! "Calm down, we’ll help you! You can borrow our pokémon; then you’ll have a good, strong, well-balanced team!"

Ash, seeing stars everywhere, on the ground stammered, "Yeah---we’ll help." That really hurt, he thought.

Misty covered her eyes and asked, "Where am I? (uncovered them, smiling) Hi!"

Togepi, who’s in her lap, cheered with joy. "Brii! Toge’ toge’ toge’!" Cutely, it flapped its little arms around, dancing around.

She rejoiced. "It’s so cute!" Misty exclaimed.

Ash was crouching right over behind her on the bench, watching everything and grinned. "It sure is, Misty," he commented, quickly thinking to himself: but not as cute as you. To redeem from the pause, he fumbled, "But what pokémon is it?"

Ash pounded on the door. "Mist’, come on! Open up! I won’t laugh! I want to see what you look like! Come on, you have to come out sometime!"

Brock yelled too, "Yeah Misty...don’t worry! We won’t laugh at you! (slyly) Besides, I’m SURE that Ash CAN’T WAIT to see you!"

Misty’s voice cried, "I’m not coming out! And Brock, I know you didn’t mean what you just last said about Ash! Say that again about Ash and me, and you’re gonna get it!"

Suddenly, Daisy, Misty’s oldest sister, opened Misty’s door and held opened it to herself, replying, "Don’t worry; she’ll be out in a sec’. (winked at Ash) Hey Ash, you’re gonna be, like, totally shocked at how Misty’s gonna look! She’s gonna look like a real hottie to you!"

Ash gulped and blushed, feeling completely embarrassed. He was about to "disagree", when Misty from her room cried, "I heard that! And I’m still not coming out!"

Daisy went back into the room and momentarily came out, pushing Misty. Mist’ stumbled out and retorted in disgust, "Thanks a lot, Daisy." She straightened herself and looked up, freezing in place. Shrieking, she realized that it was too late to cover herself up.

Ash and Brock silently gasped in surprise, never seeing their friend like this. Ash, the first to be dazed and say something, commented, "Hey Mist’...nice---(shook out of his trance and resumed his typical mischievous expression, crossing his arms) that’s a real cute outfit, Misty." Just like when she was in the magic business, he additionally thought.

Misty blushed. "Whatever--, thanks Ash," she answered. But, she suddenly looked a bit pissed. "But it wasn’t my idea to be the mermaid! Daisy and the others made me!"

Brock nodded, "Hey, but it’s totally worth it! By the way (peeked at Misty and her sister), I wonder if I could catch a date with Da—"

SMACK!

"I don’t think so, Brock," Misty retorted, bonking him on the head. She turned to Ash. "You’ll definitely be here for this Underwater Ballet, right?"

"Of course!" Ash quickly responded, realizing that he said that like an obsessed fool. Swiftly, he readjusted himself and answered, "I mean, sure. I’ll be there."

Misty giggled, "Wouldn’t want the show to go on without you, Ashy Boy. She unzipped the mermaid-outfit’s tail line, letting her stand in her boxer shorts. "Whew! That’s better! (turned to him again) You better be there."

Ash grinned, "Don’t worry; I’ll be there."

A light tapping was felt on his hair, and Ash smiled, complimenting, "Thank you; you’re the only one who always stands by me no matter what. (held it in his arms) Oh Pikachu! (surprised) Huh?"

Pikachu turned out to be standing a distance away, looking puzzled. "Pika?" it questioned.

Ash turned his attention to what was in his hands. Oops. "Toge’ toge’!" cheered Togepi (hello!).

In such alarm, Ash threw Togepi up into the air, where it bounced on a flagpole and into a Fearow’s mouth. Everyone shrieked, and the Fearow flew away with Togepi still in its mouth, Misty watched the bird and cried, "Togepi!" She (fuming) dashed over to Ash and choked him by the collar, demanding, "Why did you do that to my Togepi!?!"

He nervously smiled and held onto his hat, pleasantly joking, "Misty, it was an ‘egg-cident’!" Misty loosened up her grip and looked at him, puzzled. Ash continued, "Get it? ‘Egg’?"

Misty didn’t seem to think this was funny at all. "LET’S GO!" she yelled.

Ash fearfully ducked down and stared at her, but reluctantly joined to find Togepi. He reminded himself: next time, I’ll be sure who’s who before I set off Misty’s time bomb.

Misty handed a slip of paper to Ash and leaned on rail of the ship right next to him. Smiling, both trainers’ arms and shoulders made contact with each other. Ash faintly blushed, but he managed to keep himself straight as he took the paper. "What’s this?" he asked, reading it.

She smiled. "It’s part of a romanc--- song, I wrote, but I’m still working on revising it. How do you like it?"

After finishing reading it, he rubbed a tear from his eye. Looking into her eyes for a brief moment, he responded, "It’s really good. But—it’s so sad!"

Misty looked ahead at the night passing sea. "I know," she acknowledged. "But I wrote it on purpose. Something I like doing in my spare time, (looking at him) sometimes for someone special."

"What’s the title?" he asked, clueless from Misty’s last comment.

She hesitated, but answered, " ‘If Only Tears Could Bring You Back’."

(end)

Yeah, if only tears could REALLY bring you back, Ash thought. Painfully, he slightly opened his eyes and looked down at Misty. She’s warming up, isn’t she? He thought, feeling hopeful. But reality sunk in. No...she’s not, he thought again. Now, he (sniffling) struggled to utter and sing the words, "Is it too late....are you too far gone---to stay....this one’s forever....."

Pikachu, still crying, looked up at Ash. "Pika pi..." it sobbed. (you’re singing...)

Ash paid no attention to Pikachu, as he kept on singing, "She never had to---go away.....what will I do.....?"

During many of the pauses of the song, he sniffled loudly and cried even louder. The trainers in the arena faintly heard the song and were pretty surprised. This boy has just lost one of his closest friends, ad he’s singing? Has he lost it?

Misty tried holding onto to Ash once again, paler than before. She started to cry. "Ash, I’m right here! Please stop crying! I’m alive! Ash, stop crying and look at me!" she screamed. She glanced around the room. "Everybody, please stop crying! I’M HERE! (back to her attention) Ash, please.....please stop crying! I—I can’t stand it!"

All of that didn’t give into any avail. She cried even louder, and of course, no one could hear her. "I wish...." she sobbed, "I wish I could go back. Come on!" She bit her lip in effort to stop crying, then tried her best to lie back into her original form. It didn’t work. Instead, she realized something. "Ash.....you’re—singing my song! You got it! You got the message! You realize...that I care about you," she sniffled.

"...You know, I’m only half without you...." Ash continued.

Brock started to mouth the words along with him, to bring courage upon himself and hopefully everyone in the room. "The legend of pokémon tears..." he added.

"How will I....make it through.....?" Ash uttered, semi-conscious.

The tears of the pokémon and trainers sparkled closer, together, flowing closer to where Ash and Misty were.

"....If only tears could bring you back---to me...." Ash sung, with all the strength he had left. "...If only love could find a way.........."

And strangely, the tears glimmered all around, centering into Misty’s body. Ash momentarily paused from singing and glanced down. "What’s happening?" he asked, stunned.

Pikachu raised his head and questioned too, "Pika....?"

Misty suddenly stopped crying. Her body felt even lighter than now, but it suddenly heavier. Some force was pulling her, pulling her to her body. She rejoiced. "My wish.....it came true! I’m so tired, but I can go back.....to Ash..." she trailed. That was her last thought before sinking into a lovely, bright oblivion.

"The tears...." Ash sobbed, loosening his grip on Misty and lay her leaning against him. "They’re—they’re flowing right into her........through me..." The tears were fully absorbing into Misty’s body and forming a sky-blue glow. The glow grew brighter and brighter, until it stayed constant at one point. Pikachu stood back and watched carefully. Ash watched with watery eyes with amazement and confusion. It’s not enough, he thought. One last time, one last word, "Misty....." The last of his pure tears sparkled onto her face, seemingly onto her lips.

That was all it needed; Misty’s body glowed its brightest blue, and the glow faded out. The atmosphere brightened from its dark, evil gloominess, as if a storm has just passed by. Ash felt something warm between himself and Misty.

His eyes grew wide.

Misty slightly slid lower, and she stirred.

His eyes grew even wider.

She weakly pushed herself up, slowly.

Ash’s heart leaped with joy.

She raised her head and softly stared straight into his eyes, blinking. "Huh?" she asked.

Ash couldn’t take it any more. He smiled, crying again, "Misty! You’re okay! You’re back!"

Her mind replied: yes, I’m finally back with myself. No more of that light feeling. It’s good to be back......with Ash.....no more emptiness...

Misty didn’t care. She tenderly smiled at him, still weak. "Ash!" she remarked, well aware of herself within Ash’s embrace. She didn’t care; it was good to be back. She hugged him, and her heart was restored. The hug was full, not empty like when she did in her ghost form. Ash yelped, still from the pain of his arm, but he also didn’t care; this hug was the most important thing at the moment.

"Misty....." he sighed, happily. He was glad that she was pressed warmly against him, her hair nuzzling his face. He stroked her back, but he paused. "Ow!" he yelled.

Misty released him. "Ash, you OK? What’s wrong?" she asked.

He rubbed his arm. "Nothing that could compare from what happened to you; I guess when you pushed me out of the way, I fell, and I landed on this arm. (smiling) I probably twisted it." He didn’t let Misty respond; he just hugged her again, never wanting to let go.

Pikachu was rejoicing, so it decided to hug with the couple too. "Pikachu!" it cheered.

Brock wiped the last of his tears and smiled. "Yes...thank you," he replied.

Both types of pokémon, along with the trainers, smiled in relief. There wasn’t anymore pain, no more loss.

Mewtwo floated in the hair with Mew, realizing the true meaning of what just happened. "The human wanted to sacrifice himself to save the pokémon; yet, another human saved him sacrificed herself instead because she loved him AND the pokémon all together. I pitted the pokémon against each other, but not until they set aside their differences did I see the true power they all shared deep inside. (looked below in comfort) I see now that the circumstances of one’s birth are irrelevant; it is what you DO with the gift of life that determines who you are."

And right at that word, the clone pokémon started to float into the now brightened sky. They all seemed to be refreshed more positive now, realizing the good that Ash and the others have done. The cloned, Vaporeon, Charizard, Meowth, etc, floated into the air, and the sky grew in blue more splendid than ever. Everyone with their pokémon gathered together, watching the clones, Mew, and Mewtwo fly away in the sky. Ash gripped onto Misty and slowly helped her up, who was still very weak and shaky, but happy.

"Mewtwo," Ash asked, "where are you goin’?" He was so glad that this pokémon wasn’t evil after all.

While flying away, Mewtwo positively answered, "Where my heart can learn what yours and your friend’s knows so well. What transpired here I will always remember, but perhaps for you, these events are best forgotten."

At that cue, the ground beneath everyone glowed white, the same glow which the blasts occurred. The pokémon with the trainers floated into the air, surprised. "Waaaaaah...." Ash questioned.

"Ash, what’s happening?" Misty struggled, feeling nauseous and tingly.

The light grew brighter and covered the whole stadium and island, and everyone’s mind sank into a blank void.

(moments later)

The rain and winds pounded again the dock and harbor with great force. Miranda and the other trainers stood in front of Officer Jenny and the head of the dock. "This could be the worst storm ever," Jenny warned.

"You must listen to me," the head of the dock said. "You have got to find shelter."

But this time, the trainers looked at her blankly. Just before any of them could reply, a sweet voice sounded behind all of them, "Excuse me please! (everyone opened up to her) The pokémon treatment center will be opened as a shelter. Anyone who needs a place to stay should come with me."

Then she, Nurse Joy, turned and led the crowd away, still confused from what had just happened. Brock sitting down at one of the benches blushed, "Nurse Joy’s back, more beautiful than ever! And don’t forget Officer Jenny!"

Ash seemed confused himself. "That’s weird; how come everyone else doesn’t remember what happened with Mewtwo at New Island?"

Misty, sitting quietly at the bench, held her head in her hands, feeling suddenly tired. She looked up at Ash and smiled. "Probably because we’re the ones who made the difference, and he wants us to remember that and not anyone else."

He grinned at her and sat down at her side, placing an arm around her shoulders. "And we both finally found the difference keeping us apart," Ash replied.

She nodded. "Yep," she answered, feeling worse. That impact – she thought – from the blasts really hurt. But why.....why am I so sick?

Ash carefully glanced at her. "Hey Mist’," he asked, concerned, "you OK? What’s up with you?"

She turned to him and smiled, "Nothing; just a little tired. I’ll feel better when we start traveling again."

"Are you sure about that?" Brock asked, drawing his attention to her.

Togepi loosened itself from its mother’s arms and glanced up at her. "Toge’?"

Misty patted its head. "Don’t worry, Togepi, I’m fine," she replied. "We’ve had a long day, probably one that none of us will ever forget. I’m just a bit overwhelmed with everything that’s happened."

Ash leaned his head on her shoulder, gently hugging her. "Maybe we should call it a day," he suggested, yawning himself. He swung his left arm out, but screamed. "YEOOW!"

"Ash?" his friends asked.

He looked at them. "Guess my arm’s still twisted," he responded. "But don’t worry, I can get help after we start traveling again."

Even though in her condition, Misty grinned broader. What a feeling, she thought. I’ve never dreamed that Ash would hug me like this. Warm and secure....I know he’s never gonna lose his touch, even if his arm does hurt. Huh, that was my fault; I pushed him out of the way too hard..

Misty stood up, accidentally dragging Ash with her. "Well, let’s get going," she suggested. She turned to Ash and continued, "Ash, you said you couldn’t wait to get back home, so let’s go! We’re almost at Viridian City, and maybe we can find a room there for the night."

"Mom’s gonna be so surprised when I call her later!" Ash leaped with joy. "And Mist’, you and Brock can stay at my house as long as you want! It’s almost the Pokémon League games, anyhow!" He grabbed his backpack and slipped his hand to hold Misty’s. "Let’s go!"

Misty followed him outside and continued to link with him. After staggering a bit, she could finally stand and walk straight. Her mind, strangely, constantly switched from one scene of the battle with Mewtwo to another, especially the climax. Why am I still thinking about that? she thought. That’s passed, Ash is fine, and I’m alive, so why am I so sick? Was it side effects? (shaking her head) Naw, let’s ignore it. Ash’s arm still feels twisted, so.......

"Misty, you sure you’re okay?" Ash asked, slowing down in his walking. He set his arm in his jacket, still hurting.

"Yeah, yeah, just a bit dizzy from all that’s happened," she answered. "What about your arm? Maybe we should let Nurse Joy fix it."

"Oh, I can bear with it for a while," he said.

Hours and hours have passed, late enough to be considered dinnertime. Still, Misty trudged on, trying her best to resist the pain rushing in and out of her. It just wasn’t any use. While walking, she started to sway, and Ash froze dead in his tracks, grabbing her.

"Misty!? You’re lying! You’re not okay; you’re still hurt!" he yelped.

Misty shook her head. "No Ash, I’m just dizzy," she denied, looking at him. "Besides, I have my own girl troubles, if you know what I mean."

"Uh, what’s she talkin’ about Brock?" Ash asked.

Brock shook his head too. "Never mind," he answered. "You sure, Misty?"

"Yeah, yeah," she responded.

Halfway through the Viridian Forest, things started to stir. The night was like an abyss, with only a flashlight as any form of light. The stars were a bit of help, but this called for drastic measures, as it was about to begin.

Ash replied, "Let’s settle down for the night, and tomorrow, we can all go see a doctor if we need any help. (let go of her) Misty, you can stay here with Togepi and Pikachu, right? Brock and I are gonna get some firewood." He already started to walk forward as he was saying this.

Misty bit her lip to keep from feeling any worse and cracked a smile. "Sure, go on. I can wait. But don’t be long."

Ash blushed, "Sure. Later!"

Misty stepped forward, waving, "See ya’. Just don’t be----"

She couldn’t say anymore. In a slow heap, she let go of Togepi and started to fall to the ground. Ash’s eyes grew wide; he ran over and caught her just in time. "Misty!" he cried. Then, a cry of agony, "Yeow!"

"Misty!" Brock yelped, running over.

"Toge’!" Togepi reacted.

Ash kept on shaking her. "Misty! Misty, what’s wrong? Wake up!" He froze. "WHAT!?"

"What’s going on?" Brock implored.

Misty’s body started to glow again, but this time, in a white, hazy, ghostly glow. He glanced up at Brock. "She still haven’t fully recovered from the blasts." Despite his own condition, he tried holding Misty up, shouting, "I’m taking to her to the Viridian City Hospital! Come on!"

"Ash! Let me carry her! Here!" Brock cried, scooping Misty into his arms. "Your arm needs to be still; you’ll break it if you do anymore!"

"But---"

"Ash!"

He gave up. "Okay, but hurry!" Ash cried, holding onto her. "I’m not letting go!"

Wasting no time, they both started running, trying their best to not stop. The forest and its path never seemed to present a way into Viridian. Ash, with his good arm, would not let go of Misty in any way (with his other holding Togepi, amazingly). He held on to her arm and squeezed it for comfort.

After what seemed forever, Brock had to stop and put Misty down. "I can’t go any further," he gasped. "I’m too tired. I can’t carry her anymore."

Ash glared at him through the darkness and cried, "Brock, Misty’s gonna get more serious if you give up! Oh who gives; I’LL just carry her!"

As soon as he started to lift Misty up, he paused. "My arm can’t take any weight or movement. Brock, use your Onix! It’ll give us a ride to Viridian a lot faster!"

"Right! Go Onix!" Brock yelled through the darkness.

In a flash, Onix appeared, and everyone climbed on. In no time, everyone arrived at the entrance of Viridian City, where Brock recalled his pokémon and had to carry Misty the rest of the way to the hospital. As they dashed into the emergency entrance, Ash limped, shouting, "Help! We need help! Misty’s hurt! Somebody help her!"

An experienced-looking doctor with some of his nurses ran over. They all first took notice of the glow given off by Misty’s body. "What’s wrong with her? (looked at Ash) And your arm?" he asked.

"I don’t care about my arm! I just want you to help Misty!" Ash yelled.

The nurses brought a stretcher and placed Misty on it, automatically checking her pulse. They all froze. Ash asked, "What? What’s wrong?"

The doctor inquired, "What exactly happened to her, for her to glow like that?"

Both boys looked at each other, not knowing how to answer. I can’t tell them that it was from Mewtwo’s blasts, because there’s no such thing as Mewtwo to them, Ash thought. What can I say? Think, Ash! "She---she got caught in a middle of a pokémon battle, between......blasts from......(thinking: Mewtwo’s what type of pokémon...come on, I’ve gotta think!)....she got caught between the blasts from psychic types of pokémon. I—I was about to get caught, but she....pushed me out of the way, and----here we are."

"Okay, that’s logical," the doctor said. He turned to the nurses. "Take her to the main ER!"

"Please help her! Help her with the best you can! Hurry---" Ash trailed.

"We will," the doctor assured, gently.

Brock stepped forward. "What do you mean ‘we will’? You have to help her now!"

"First, let me see your arm," the doctor requested, taking hold of Ash’s arm.

"But Misty---" he struggled.

"You I can do something about," the doctor replied.

Everyone, especially Ash, froze in place. He dropped Togepi from his other arm with all the shock, and thankfully, Brock caught it just in time. "Wh—what do you mean? You’re saying that...."

"There’s only a very slight chance that she’ll pull through," the doctor explained. "But....let me, Doctor Med, help you first."

At the hearing of those words, Ash was about to cry. This can’t happen....—he thought---why---I thought Misty was fine! Everyone from New Island, even Pikachu, feels fine! How can this be! Were the blasts THAT strong?

The feeling felt back at New Island, right after Misty was slammed, crawled back into him. His eyes started to water again, but this time, he couldn’t hold it in. Bursting into a grieving wail, he rushed over and hugged Misty one last time. He tried to kiss her, but Brock and Pikachu gently nudged him away to Doctor Med. There, he was dragged to a room where, Ash’s arm was painfully examined, finding it was only a sprained elbow. He didn’t care; he didn’t even feel the pain when it was examined. All he could do was stare straight ahead, not blinking, and his tears were dropping down one by one.

Brock and Pikachu watched him from the window outside, worried. "I’ve never seen Ash like this," he muttered. "He looks........brain-dead. He doesn’t even feel the pain in his arm!"

Togepi leaped out of Brock’s arms and ran right into the room, hopping right into Ash’s other arm. "Toge’?" it asked, yanking on his shirt. He didn’t really see Togepi there, but he did bring it closer, hugging it.

After a few more minutes, Dr. Med announced, "There Mr. Ketchum, you’re all bandaged up. How are you feeling?"

He didn’t answer.

Dr. Med asked again, "Ash? Hello, you’re done! Would you like to move your arm a bit?"

Ash just unconsciously moved his arm with no facial expression change. "It’s fine," he said, no tone in his voice. The nightmare started again; the whole New Island incident, right when he thought he lost everything. In an instant, Ash jerked his head up and asked, "Misty’s done, right? I’m going to see her!" He jumped up and ran out of the room.

"Mr. Ketchum, wait! Be careful of your cast!" Dr. Med yelled out.

Ash ran right by Brock and dragged him and Pikachu with him. Dr. Med stopped them, and explained, "Misty’s not done yet. She’s in her room now, it’ll take several more minutes for the nurse to finish prompting her up. And Ash, I know she’s your girlfriend, but you have to wait. It’s for her best benefits."

The doctor walked away, and Ash was left amazed. He turned to Brock. "How did he know that she’s---"

"By the way you acted," Brock answered, before letting him finish.

Both boys waited outside their friend’s room, and after what seemed forever, they were allowed to go in. Now, Ash didn’t know how to react; he slowly trudged in and looked. Misty was peacefully sleeping there, and the glow disappeared. Ash didn’t know what to do; should he run away, or should he face up, to whatever he’s feeling so bad about? He edged closer to Misty’s bed, holding Togepi and supporting his cast and sling at the same time. Right when Togepi caught sight its mother, it leaped down touched her face. "Toge’? Briii, toge briii?" it cried (mommy? Why are you sleeping?).

Brock and Ash just stood at the bed, not moving nor talking. Ash lowered his head down and stared at the ground, not wanting to look at her. She’s lying here because of me, he thought, and---why didn’t I tell her everything yet? Sure, she told me, and I hinted it, but that’s not enough.

"Pika pi?" asked Pikachu, all of a sudden.

Its trainer looked down at it. "What’s up, Pikachu?"

As if it read Ash’s mind, it assured, "Pika pi.....pika pikachu (she’ll be fine......it’s not anybody’s fault)."

Time passed; it soon was time to go to bed. Everyone stayed; Brock slept in a chair, and Ash slept on the chair right next to Misty’s bed, using the bed as a pillow. He laid his sling on the bed too, and let Togepi use his hat as a crib. He kept his hand on Misty’s, and held it all night. Pikachu slept at the foot of the bed, and no one got a really comforting sleep that night.

At first, Ash couldn’t and wouldn’t sleep at all. He constantly watched Misty, and wouldn’t go anywhere, nor move. Tears took over again; he lay his head down and cried. His whole face was stained, as with the blankets. Nothing could calm him; he only cried himself to sleep.

Then came morning. Ash, of course, was the first to awake. He looked at Misty, and she was still in the same position as he saw her last. Events of yesterday rushed back to him, and his heart sank. Not again, he thought, rubbing his cast. It was big, but the plaster only surrounded his elbow and not his whole arm.

Then everyone else awoke, dazed. All of them walked over to where Ash was and started watching Misty again. Brock asked, "Is she any better?"

Ash didn’t move, but he answered, "I don’t know. I just woke up myself. (clenched his teeth) But, I don’t know how much longer can I stand this. This and all that’s happened. Even a pokémon trainer like me can only take this to a certain level."

Right on that word, he slowly stood up and bent over Misty’s face. Without realizing too much of it, he lowered his face down and kissed her gently, and shortly. Brock and everyone else just smiled, not knowing how else to react.

After a nice rest in her own world, Misty’s mind started to awaken. She didn’t open her eyes, but she felt someone kiss her, right on her lips. Thoughts raced through her mind, and she tiredly started to stir. She tried moving her hand, then her eyes.

Ash had just returned sitting down on his chair from his move, yet he moved again. He amazingly grabbed his hat with his left hand and sat forward. Please, let it be...he thought. "Misty...." he started.

That’s it; she was sure she heard her name by the right person. Misty’s eyes slowly opened, looking at the center of her attention; Ash. He jumped up and smiled, happy tears brimming in his eyes. "Misty!" he cried. "You’re back!" He turned. "Dr. Med! She’s awake! Misty’s awake!"

Misty fully awoke herself, and she struggled to sit up, with everyone else setting her back down. "What happened, Ash?" she softly asked.

He joyfully answered, "You collapsed back in the Viridian Forest, remember? Then Brock had to carry you, on Onix, to this hospital. We all got treated! Even me!"

Misty sat up. "I feel fine now, but your arm! Did I really hurt it that bad?"

"It’s just sprained, nothing more," Ash responded, rubbing it. "I feel a lot better now."

She sat back onto her pillows, relieved. "I feel 100% better myself! Just a bit tired, but I’ll be fine." She looked up at Brock and nodded at him. He took the signal.

"Uh, I should let you two alone," he replied, walking out the room with Pikachu.

Once outside, Ash sat back down. With his other arm, he placed Togepi onto the bed, which cheered happily. Now, now was the time to get his question off his chest. "Misty.....why?" he asked, tears forming again. He stared at her bed, but not directly at her.

Misty was puzzled as she edged herself closer to him. Taking Togepi onto her lap, she held his hand. "What do you mean?" she responded.

He stared at her and continued, "Why did you do it? Why did you run out there and stop me at New Island?"

She only smiled, answering, "At first, I didn’t understand what made me do it. I just had to, I guess. I knew what was gonna happen, I couldn’t let that happen to you. I--- (paused) that’s when I realized that I truly----love you."

Ash jumped, and his tears automatically stopped. "Y---you do? But I thought that you’ve always hated me---"

"No! Ashy Boy, I’ve always liked you, especially your determination, even if you messed up and did some dumb things," she explained. "You treat everyone well, especially your pokémon."

He stood up, rejoicingly happy. "Misty, I---I don’t know what to say, but----" Ash started, "....I love you too." He carefully nudged Misty by the neck and brought her closer and slowly closed his eyes. Both of them kissed, long and true. When they finally stopped, Togepi asked,

"Toge’, briii briii toge’ toge’ briiii (daddy, are you and mommy finally together)?"

Ash and Misty asked, "DADDY?!" They looked at each other, then giggled. "Well, I guess that’s now right," Ash replied.

Misty too Ash’s hand and replied, "Ash, there’s something I need to tell you, from New Island."

"Sure, shoot," he remarked.

She readied herself. "I remember that right when Mew’s and Mewtwo’s blasts crashed into me, I felt myself split up. It was so weird; right before you ran over to me, I---I saw myself....I WAS myself, in ghost-form. Now I know what you felt like when you were a ghost from Lavender Town. Except, I couldn’t hold on to you nor carry you like you did, no matter how hard I tried to hug you or grab you; I went right through you. Everything was so empty! But I’m glad my wish came true; I could go back. I heard everything."

Ash sat silent for a moment. THAT’S why I felt something go right through me, he thought. "You—you heard everything?" he asked.

She nodded. "And saw everything too," she finished. "But I’m glad that’s over with, and it didn’t happen for real; only temporary."

"Me too," he responded. "It won’t change anything; I still love you."

Misty beamed and was about to kiss him, but the door opened, with Dr. Med and Brock with Pikachu walking back in. "Hey guys, did you have a nice chat?" hinted Brock, grinning.

"Pika pi?" Pikachu asked.

Ash and Misty blushed. "Yes, we did," they both answered.

Dr. Med checked Misty for a while, then answered, "Well Misty, you’re an amazing person. You’re completely fine! Nothing I can see in the future will come up; you’re free to go."

"Whoooppeee!" she cried. The doctor said his last words and walked out. Misty dressed in a flash and practically dragged everyone out of the hospital, back to their traveling. Ash was happy for her; everything was back to normal. His cast could be taken off in two weeks by anyone, and yay; he could throw pokéballs again!

"Mom’s gonna be totally surprised when I call and come home!" he cried, holding onto Misty’s hand. He turned to her. "You’re staying at my house right?"

Misty majorly blushed, grinning, "Sure I am! As long as I get to sleep in YOUR room and on the top bunk!"

The End!!!

Well, how was it? I liked this idea a lot, for this story. Please don’t flame me for the ending, even though I know it’s not the best. If anyone has read my other fanfic, "A Dangerous Love Trial", you may very well know that the theme and style of both these stories are similar to each other, especially in the action and the ending. I’m currently writing ANOTHER one of these AAMRN’s, called, "A Magician’s Delusions." Hope to see ya’ there when THAT fanfic is done!

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to email me at:

jeldoi@aol.com