I stared at Brock incredulously. Pikachu looked kind of stunned too. I suddenly burst into laughter. "You had me going there for a second. So

what are we doing here?" Brock turned to Misty and said "Tell him." Misty looked at me and told me how I traveled through all the regions,

met May and Dawn, and won badges through sympathy and luck. She then told me that about a year ago, archaeologists working in the

Johto region uncovered a tablet.

"On this tablet were some Unknown runes. The sole archaeologist that survived what happened next related a story of an evil Pokémon that

devoured the archaeologists when the words on the tablet were read aloud. He reported that it was black and had piercing blue eyes. The

Pokémon quickly used its immeasurable powers to take over the region. Many made it out in time, but more didn't." At this all four of my

visitors looked sad. Misty continued. "Eventually it spread, almost like a virus, to the Kanto region. Once it reached Lavender town, all ghost

and dark Pokémon in the world started changing. Their eyes became a deep dark red, their skin turned black and they started attacking

people and Pokémon. Eventually an entire continent was under the thing's control. Then it started to move towards Hoenn and Sinnoh. All

Pokémon trainers were called in to try and stop it. You were one of the first to go. We went with you. You and Pikachu fought it for a long

time. Eventually it knocked out Pikachu and attacked you directly. We weren't even sure you would make it."

I wasn't sure what to think. On one hand, the story sounded impossible, while on the other, it explained everything except the memory loss.

"I guess I believe you, but why don't I remember anything?" I asked them. "We're not quite sure. We thought you were fine until just now."

Brock said. "I have no clue what could make you lose your memory like that." "Maybe it was the move the Pokémon used." suggested May. "I

don't know of any Pokémon move like that." Brock said, "But I guess it's possible." A horrible thought struck me. "Is Pallet Town…..?" Nobody

spoke. I lowered my head. A tear rolled down my face. There was a long silence. Brock was the first to speak. "Professor Oak was able to get

most of the Pokémon out before the town was destroyed, but….several… people…. didn't make it out in time." "What people?!" I demanded.

"Ash, maybe you should get some rest, you've been through a lot today." Brock suggested. "What people?" I repeated. Brock hesitated.

"Your mother didn't make it out in time. I'm so sorry." I remained motionless. Brock turned to May, Misty, and Dawn and motioned for them to

leave. They filed out of the room. I hugged Pikachu and cried.