Chapter Three

Delusions

The Pokémon were down to their last legs, having exhausted all energy into this battle, with its end drawing nigh. But who would finish as the victor was to be seen.

The arena had grown fiercely silent as the spectators waited what would happen next. Even the commentator watched, speechless, having exhausted his own stamina in reporting every detail of this never-ending battle.

Both trainers were down to their final Pokémon and despite how close to fainting they both were, a look of resolution resided in their stances. The same was said for the trainers, trepidation but willpower etched on their faces.

Ash Ketchum kept his eyes fixed on the opposing Pokémon, a Pyroar as his mind scrambled for some kind of strategy to claim victory. And when another moment's past, Ash quickly regretted not keeping his eye on his Hawlucha; his heart pounding in his chest as a flamethrower attack made its way towards the flying-fighting type.

"No!" he cried out, grasping the railing on his side, trying to see through the bright blast of fire.

The audience gasped and continued to stare, mouths agape as no trace of Hawlucha could be found amidst the embers.

"Hawlucha, where are you?!" Ash shouted desperately. Still no sign of his Pokémon, not even a silhouette, nor a feather. Gulping nervously, Ash cried out a command, hoping against all that Hawlucha would hear him.

"Use flying press!"

Quicker than the unexpected flamethrower attack, a winged shape burst from the flames, feathers slightly singed. Hawlucha had thankfully heard Ash's command and sprung into the air so high that it eclipsed the sun from where Pyroar stood.

The avian creature angled itself directly above the lion, dropping down upon it with such speed.

"Pyroar, fire blast, hurry!" the opposing trainer ordered, his voice practically breaking with distress.

And just as Hawlucha was about to slam on top of Pyroar, the lion tilted its head up, shooting a magnificent burst of fire. The close proximity of the attack scorched Hawlucha, sending it tumbling backwards and out of energy.

Ash had lost.

"Hawlucha is unable to battle, the winner is—"

Every bit of noise was drowned out as Ash rushed onto the battleground to his last fallen Pokémon. It was over for him and his team; he had lost the Kalos League.

As he drew closer to Hawlucha, everything became muted and his surrounding became engulfed in darkness. "Hawlu—?" Everything had disappeared and he found himself alone. As he tried to assess what was going on and panic struck his chest, he felt a startling nudge.

"Pikapi? Pikapi!"

Ash's eyes flew open, the blurry sight of his friend Pikachu before him, looking confused.

"Pikachu?" Ash groaned as his vision adjusted to his current surroundings. Looking past the yellow creature, Ash discovered the empty bunk beds across from where he lay. Soon he realized that it was all just a dream, or at least this time it was.

It was a relief though, knowing that he did not have to actually relive his loss at the Kalos League, but dreaming about it was not much better. Stretching out his limbs and releasing a yawn, he perked up, settling his concerned Pokémon's mind.

"Morning, buddy," he said, ruffling Pikachu's ears.

"Cha!" the rodent chirped, the confusion melting into a bright smile.

Ash grinned back, rising from his bed. As his mind finally cleared, he remembered that he was in Pewter City. He arrived back in the Kanto region from Kalos the night before, taking a late night flight out of Lumiose City. The last thing Ash recalled doing before falling asleep was dropping by the Pewter City Pokémon Center, exhausted and in need of some rest.

With another league under his belt, it was time for Ash to return home to Pallet Town, which was still a two-day journey away. He and Pikachu were relieved to arrive in Kanto, ready to take a short break from battling trainers and backpacking across some distant region.

Though, of course the aspiring Pokémon master did miss his new friends dearly, still weaning off their constant presence. But he still had the fresh memories they all created implanted clear in his mind.

After getting dressed and packing up his things, Ash and Pikachu left their dorm for the cafeteria for some breakfast.

"Good morning. Did you sleep well?" asked Nurse Joy at the front desk, once Ash finished his morning meal.

Ash nodded but a yawn burst from his throat, causing the nurse to giggle. Ash gave her a sheepish grin in response. "Thanks for letting me stay in the middle of the night."

"No problem," the nurse replied pleasantly, quickly checking over something on her computer. "It's actually quite a surprise to have a trainer wander in the in the middle of the night."

Ash cocked a brow. "What'd you mean?" It was an unusual thing to hear. Because of the business of being a Pokémon trainer, there was the chance of needing to find shelter at a center especially in the middle of the night.

Nurse Joy turned to Ash once more, her smile faltering slightly. "It's been quiet around here lately. I hardly see any trainers here at least when its dark out."

"Maybe they're all camping out," Ash suggested.

"Perhaps. But I have a feeling trainers are too scared to be out at night. Ever since—"

The sudden dinging stole Nurse Joy of the rest of her words. She swept her gaze back to the computer screen to notice that a trainer's team of Pokémon had been fully healed and was ready to be discharged.

"Pardon me," she told Ash and left after bowing curtly.

Ash's mind remained on Nurse Joy's explanation. Too scared to be out at night. Ever since… Ever since what? As he tried deducing what Nurse Joy was trying to say, his eyes paused at the community videophones in a corner.

Instantly, Ash remembered that he wanted to give Prof. Oak a call. The moment he sit himself down in front of the videophone, Ash quickly punched in the number to Prof. Oak's lab.

After a few rings, the aged researcher appeared on the screen with a look of excitement plastered on his face, amidst the lines of his old age.

"Well hello there, Ash," he said.

"Hi, Prof. Oak!"

"Good to hear from you. And you too Pikachu!" the researcher continued on.

"Pika pika!" the rodent trilled.

"Also good work at the Kalos League. You ought to be very proud of your Pokémon," praised Prof. Oak.

Ash released a small chuckle. "Yeah, even though we lost, I'm still happy to have gotten so far. Thanks to my Pokémon that is." He turned to look at Pikachu who had hopped onto the desk, getting into the screen itself.

"Say where are you, Ash?" Prof. Oak asked suddenly, his face getting closer to the screen trying to deduce where the trainer was.

"The Pokémon Center in Pewter City," replied Ash.

Prof. Oak took a sip from his cup of tea, sighing in relief after quenching his throat. "Pewter City, hm? I presume that you're on your way to Pallet Town then?"

"Yeah," Ash answered simply, no other explanation needing to happen.

"It'll be good to take a break after the Kalos League," Prof. Oak said. "After all you and your Pokémon deserve it. By the way, you did a great job. You're team is quite impressive. I'm actually quite eager to take a close look at your Pokémon, that is if you don't mind."

Ash looked down sheepishly, his recent dream replaying before him again. "Thanks," he murmured before beaming with pride. "I couldn't have gotten far without my team."

Prof. Oak nodded, admiring Ash's humility. "That's right. Any who it's been a while since you and I have had a chat. Tell me more about Kalos."

Ash burst into long, never-ending tales of his adventures in the foreign region. He got very animated when explaining the most exciting parts of his journey, rising from his seat occasionally, unable to contain the thrill of the memories he created with his friends.

"So tell me about Prof. Sycamore," Prof. Oak said once Ash finished telling his harrowing trek through Kalos. "He's renowned all over Kalos and among us researchers."

"He's great. He's the one who gave me Froakie, well, when it was a Froakie."

Prof. Oak nodded. "He's dedicated a lot of his studies on Mega Evolution hasn't he?"

"Yeah, his Garchomp has the ability and the Shalour Gym Leader's Lucario can Mega Evolve," explained Ash in exuberance, recounting the magnificent transformations occur before his very eyes.

A memory suddenly spiked his mind, forcing him to rummage inside an inner pocket on his short sleeved over shirt. Out he pulled a small, colorful marble-sized stone. "That reminds me," Ash began, holding the stone close to the screen. "I got this stone at Lumiose City."

Prof. Oak squinted, marveling at the stunning colors that glimmered in the light. "It's a keystone isn't it?" Despite not being in person to examine the stone, the researcher was in awe at how the stone flickered with an assortment of colors. He only imagined that the stone's beauty would be heightened if he had it in his hands.

"Yeah, but I haven't used it yet," Ash admitted a little sheepishly. It was a valuable object and he didn't have a Pokémon on hand during his travels that could Mega Evolve, however.

"Mega Evolution is still a pretty recent discovery," elucidated Prof. Oak, squinting at the object against the screen. "I bet there are still many mysteries surrounding its origin."

"Prof. Sycamore says that for Mega Evolution to work, the Pokémon has to be holding a Mega Stone," Ash said.

"Yes," Prof. Oak nodded, eyes still transfixed on the keystone. His brows knitted together as he, Ash and Pikachu sat in silence for a lingering moment. "Do you have a Mega Stone too?"

Ash shook his head. "No. Those are rare and hard to find."

"Fascinating," the Professor concluded, returning his gaze back at Ash and backing away from his screen. Ash promptly put the keystone back in its secure place in his pocket "Any who, where do you plan on going next?"

The trainer's shoulders suddenly squared as silence hung in the air between he and the screen for a couple of seconds. Where would he go next? Normally the boy would set off another journey en route to some other region he has yet to explore. But where was it?

He looked to see Prof. Oak watching him with his brows furrowed. Clearing his throat to avoid sounding unsure, Ash responded, "I…don't know…"

"No place you have in mind?" the Professor queried.

Ash released a huff, shaking his head. "None."

Prof. Oak couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that Ash was acting a little out of character. He always burst with determination, stars in his youthful eyes. But, at the present moment, Ash sat before him a little doleful. "Anything you'd like to talk about, Ash?" he asked, hoping to help in some way.

"I think I might just need a break," Ash admitted. He loved training and being on the road, but with his mind swirling with jumbled questions about what lay ahead of him, Ash figured he ought to take a little time off.

"I'll stay home for a bit and figure it out," Ash went on, a smile gracing his lips. He remained confident that he would hit the road again, hungry for discovery like always. But for the time being he was going to take it easy. He'd still train and maybe take some time to visit a few friends that were close by and help his mother around the house.

"I'm sure you'll figure it out soon," Prof. Oak said. "You always do," he mused, but his words seemed to cling to Ash as a reminder. Yeah my next adventure should come in no time, he thought to himself, hope filling his deflated heart.

"And in any case," the researcher carried on, not taking notice of Ash's sudden entry into a reverie. "Your mother will be more than pleased to see you. Does she know you're coming home?"

Ash shook his head in response, offering a sly smile. "No, I think I'll surprise her."

"Oh then she'll appreciate the visit even more," the researcher snickered.

"How are things going at the Lab?" Ash asked, making a segway into something regarding Prof. Oak, curious to know of anything interesting or new happening.

"Mostly the same," the aged professor said simply. "I've actually been getting prepared for the next coming weeks."

Ash tilted his head with a quizzical look. However, he didn't have to ask for an explanation as Prof. Oak went on.

"New trainers will be attaining their starters and I want to ensure that there are enough Pokédex to hand out. Not to mention looking after the starters themselves, and they all have their own personalities." He finished with a hearty laugh. "But anyways, let's just say that my assistants and I have our hands full."

"Where is Tracey anyways?" Ash asked upon hearing the mention of assistants.

"He's running an errand for me in town," replied Prof. Oak as he took another long sip of his tea. He released a sigh as the soothing liquid filled him with soothing warmth.

"Any new discoveries?" Ash asked.

"Not on my end, but—oh!" the professor exclaimed as something suddenly pricked his mind. "Ash! I hope you won't mind when I ask you this, but, since you are a day away from returning to Pallet, could you possibly send one of your Pokémon to me at the Lab?"

"Uh… my Pokémon? Oh, you mean the ones I caught in Kalos?"

"Yes, my boy."

"Sure," Ash replied simply. "Which one would you like me to send you?"

Prof. Oak ruminated on what Pokémon he was most eager to study. After seeing Ash's Kalos team in action at the Kalos League, the researcher had practically been frothing for the day he got to view the rare creatures up close.

"Well… I think I'd like to have a look at that Talonflame," the professor said. "From what I read, its feathers tend to crackle with heat when they molt. Plus after seeing its Flare Blitz attack, I'd like to see it performed up close."

Ash nodded, reaching for his belt. Once he grasped Talonflame's Pokéball, he held it to the screen.

"And I'll send you another Pokémon from here so that you have a full set of six," Prof. Oak explained. He disappeared off screen but his voice was still heard by Ash and Pikachu as he made a selection out of Ash's Pokémon in an unforeseen part of his lab. "I know, since you're sending me a fire type, why don't I send you one too?" His voice was slightly faint, but Ash heard him anyways.

"Sounds good, Professor," Ash responded.

Another moment of Ash staring at the screen, Prof. Oak reemerged, holding a Pokéball in his hand. "I think this one is very eager to see you."

Before Ash could ask which one he was sending, the researcher placed the Pokéball on his transporter. Ash mimicked him, setting down Talonflame's Pokéball on the transporter by the phone.

In a matter of seconds Talonflame's Pokéball sparked as it was transported to Pallet Town.

"See you later, Talonflame," Ash said. And after the Pokéball on his end disappeared, the replacement Pokéball arrived.

"Excellent!" Prof. Oak said. He received Talonflame and grasped the Pokéball excitedly. "Thanks Ash. I'll look after it."

"No problem, Prof. Oak," Ash said, holding onto the Pokéball in his hand.

With that, the professor bid Ash and Pikachu farewell for the time being, ending the call leaving the two friends.


Rousing at last, Misty's eyes hit a lonely dimness. Black spots gradually faded from her sight, allowing her eyes to finally adjust.

It was then that Misty realized that she had been asleep, still lying on her back on some sort of cot. She moved into a seated position, wincing as her body protested with stiffness.

Misty had never felt so sluggish before especially not after waking up. She felt the weight of gravity pulling her, tempting her to lie back down and to drift into sleep once more.

But she willed herself to remain upright, turning her head to take a look around. Upon looking down for a moment, her head thudded with an ache causing her to grasp her forehead in hopes of subduing the pain.

However the ache in her head was not enough to withhold her curiosity of discovering where she was. She tried to get a visual, eyes scanning the room until they paused at the sight of a tray of various tools; needles, syringes, bandage rolls, latex gloves, antiseptic, all resting on a propped stand a few inches away from her bed.

Her chest seized with apprehension at the sight of the tools but then she looked past the tray and discovered that her bed was one of many that filled the room. Hers was sequestered off to the corner near the window that still had the curtains drawn. It appeared to be an infirmary but Misty was apparently the only patient.

With each inch of movement Misty made her body flared with soreness as though her whole body was bruised.

Ignoring the pain all over her body, Misty tried to recall what led her here. What happened to me? she thought.

Yet, hardly any legible thought past through her head. All she got was a faint, blurry image before everything else faded into darkness.

Misty furrowed her brows, whilst trying to make sense of what was going on, she had failed to notice a looming figure a few feet away.

"Oh? You're awake," the voice belonging to the figure said, only to draw closer to where Misty sat.

The figure revealed itself to be a woman; her eyes framed with spectacles, black hair partially pulled back and a white coat with a fuchsia 'R' embroidered just above the breast pocket. Otherwise a total stranger to Misty.

The woman ghosted over to the window by Misty's bed, drawing the curtains apart. The sunlight poured into the room, polluting Misty's bleary eyes for a moment before they became accustomed to the daylight.

"How are you feeling?" the woman asked.

Misty's eyes widened, not knowing who this person was at all, but at the same time she did not feel threatened by her…yet.

"I'm okay…" she managed to respond although not able to mask her confusion.

The woman smiled; it was as though it was a sign of trust she was trying to offer to Misty. Yet there was something off about the woman's smile as though it was more mocking than kind. Still Misty remained a little weary, not sure what to think of this woman quite yet.

The black haired woman then pulled a chair that was by Misty's cot, suddenly occupying it with a clipboard and pen in her lap. "How did you sleep?" She leaned forward, causing Misty to recline a little due to the close invasion of her personal space.

"I, guess I slept fine," Misty said uncertain. If the stiffness in her body was any indicator, Misty presumed that she barely budged during her sleep.

The woman began scratching her pen at the clipboard; writing notes that Misty paid little attention to.

"You know who you are?" the person before the young trainer said, peering up past her lenses.

Misty blinked in confusion. What an odd question to ask and yet there was a very faint voice in the back of her mind, wondering the same thing. Do I? she mused for a moment.

However the woman stared at Misty intently, the writing implement frozen in her hand, waiting for a response.

"Yes," Misty murmured. "I'm Misty."

Once again the pen began to etch away at the surface of the clipboard. All the while Misty's eyes noticed the woman wearing a lanyard with what appeared to be an ID attached to it, but it was turned away from her.

As silence stretched between the two, save for the faint whispers of the pen, Misty felt bold enough to ask a question herself. "Excuse me, but who are you?"

The woman paused for a moment and then finished whatever she was writing before facing Misty. "I'm sorry, I never introduced myself. Dr. Reiko, I'm a medic here at this facility."

Dr. Reiko was met with a blank stare but answered Misty's next unspoken query. "You and I have never officially met before."

Misty simply nodded, not understanding if that name meant anything.

"Do you know where you are?" Dr. Reiko said, regaining Misty's attention.

Green eyes were fixed at the 'R' insignia on Dr. Reiko's lab coat and a flicker of familiarity clicked in Misty's mind. She had for sure seen that fuchsia colored 'R' before, if not several times in her past, or so she believed she has. "Team Rocket's Base."

"Correct," the medic said, impassively. "And do you know why you're here?"

This Misty knew the answer too. A part of her felt sure of herself of what she about to say yet there was another part of her that felt like a stranger to herself, but she abandoned that odd feeling and responded with certainty, albeit quietly. "I work here. Don't I?"

Dr. Reiko's lip curled upwards so faintly that Misty barely noticed a difference in her expression. But the woman seemed to have felt pleased with Misty's answer, nodding in confirmation.

Dr. Reiko's hand was working quickly as she continued to ask Misty more questions. "Do you know who Giovanni is?"

Misty stiffened at the mention of that name. For whatever reason it made her nervous, but that was a normal response surely. Of course she knew who he was, yet despite her sureness, Misty simply replied, "Mhm."

The woman before her raised a brow but did not press on the matter any further at least not for the time being.

Misty was beginning to wonder when the interrogation would end but tried her best to remain as patient as she could without bursting into a flurry of queries herself.

"Now, do you remember anything before falling asleep?" Dr. Reiko was already onto her next question.

Misty gulped, feeling uneasy all of a sudden. The fact of the matter was that she did not recall a thing, not even falling asleep. Straining her mind to recall memories as far back as she could, there seemed to be a huge gap, as though certain events were wiped away.

What happened to me? Misty asked herself, almost demanding herself to remember. It troubled her deeply to find herself in an infirmary, feeling stiff and lethargic despite having slept for hours without the slightest clue as to how she got there.

When nothing pricked her mind, Misty's head dipped low. "I don't…"

"Anything at all?" Dr. Reiko asked.

"No," whispered Misty almost inaudible. "Dr. Reiko? What exactly happened to me?"

The woman gave her reassuring smile, her eyes flashing deviously, though Misty paid no heed. Dr. Reiko set her clipboard on her lab, crossing her legs as Misty's eyes implored her for answer.

"Not to worry, Misty; allow me to explain."


Ash and Pikachu awaited Nurse Joy's arrival for his Pokémon. Sitting in the lounge, Ash lost himself in a reverie, reminiscing of his adventures in Kalos.

However, robbing Ash from his thoughts on his journey and the excitement of returning home was a voice that was too familiar to ignore.

"Thanks. Even though it's only a town away, I want to ensure my Pokémon will be—"

"Brock!"

Stopping mid-sentence at the front desk, and spinning to the source of the person calling his name, Brock's bewildered eyes locked onto Ash, who had sprung from his seat looking jovial.

His closest friend and the longest traveling companion he's had, Brock met Ash and Pikachu, halting right in front of them. He looked just the same as always, tall, tan and collected.

"Good to see you again, Ash, Pikachu," Brock said, turning his head to Ash to Pikachu and then back to Ash. "I watched your matches on TV. You've got a solid team in your hands."

"Thanks, Brock," Ash replied. "Funny seeing you here. Last I heard, you were studying in the Johto region."

The last time Ash and Brock traveled together was in the Sinnoh region.. During the last leg of their journey, Brock had made the decision to become a Pokémon doctor, changing his original goal of becoming a Pokémon breeder. And once he and Ash returned to Kanto, Brock headed home to Pewter City where he would study to achieve his latest goal. After taking a couple classes in town, Brock ventured back to Johto to learn among the doctors there.

"I've been home for a while now," he explained. "I was in Johto for a bit working as an apprentice."

"What're you doing back in Kanto, then?"

"Had some time off," Brock responded. "So I thought I'd come back and—"

"Oh, so are you going to help your brother with the gym?" Ash interjected.

Brock cleared his throat, remaining patient with his friend. "Not quite. I'm actually about to head to Cerulean City."

Ash gave his friend a puzzled look. "Huh? What'd you plan on doing there?"

Brock shrugged nonchalantly. "Thought I'd pay Misty a visit. She emailed me before I left Johto and mentioned that her sisters were out of town. Since I'm in the region I figured why not drop by the Gym? She might be lonely there…"

"Aw man, it's been a while since I've even talked to Misty," uttered Ash, scratching his temple sheepishly. His bad habit of keeping in touch was beginning to overwhelm him with guilt. But with one friend en route to see another, Ash instantly perked up again, chiming, "I'd like to see her again. Mind if I tag along?"

This proposition also made Pikachu happy. "Pikachu!" it trilled.

"Ha, of course!" Brock snickered. "It'll be nice to have someone to talk to on my way there. You and I can catch up."

Ash jumped in excitement. Despite his initial plan of surprising his mother for a visit, Ash couldn't pass the chance to travel to Cerulean City with an old friend to be reunited with another.

Deep down Ash missed both Brock and Misty along with his other friends. So naturally any opportunity he got to see them again was something he would not hesitate about. It was though another adventure had appeared right in front of him, involving his oldest friends.


"So the hypnosis worked then, yes?"

"Appears so, sir. I explained to her what happened and she doesn't seem to recall anything past the previous night."

"Hmph, perfect. I trust there is no sign of a relapse?"

"None. For now at least… Her cognition is still a little hazy but I hypothesize that when more time passes, she'll begin to remember what you told her."

Dr. Reiko had summoned Giovanni to the infirmary some time after Misty had woken up. The two remained a few feet away from Misty; Dr. Reiko informing the criminal of the "progress" that Misty has made, which only meant that the hypnosis was a success. Misty truly believed that she was part of Team Rocket.

And all the while Giovanni and the doctor were off having a private discussion, sitting in her bed and casting a glazed look out the window, Misty remained.

She remained completely oblivious to the other two in the room. In one hand was aspirin to aid the headache that had not ceased since waking. Dr. Reiko had explained to her what happened before coming to the infirmary.

According to the doctor's report, Misty sustained a non-life threatening head injury during a training exercise with their Pokémon, claiming that another agent's Pokémon had accidentally launched itself towards her, resulting with her hitting her head.

Blacking out as a result of the attack and brought to the infirmary where Dr. Reiko has since diagnosed her with amnesia. The amnesia certainly explains why Misty cannot, despite her straining to, remember the event ever happening. Nothing but a blank image came to mind whenever she tried.

In the end, Misty resigned to the explanation without pressing on further. Somehow she felt more comfortable not probing for too many details. And yet a sliver of uncertainty bristled her insides but she suppressed the feeling, wanting to return to her normal life.

And to her that consisted of working for none other than Team Rocket.

"Misty, everything alright?"

Misty tore her gaze from the window, locking eyes with Dr. Reiko, before glazing over to the tall, looming figure beside her. The redhead gave a simple nod, but her eyes remained transfixed on Giovanni, whose scowl caused her to shrink a little in her cot.

"Good morning, Misty," greeted Giovanni dryly, taking a seat in an empty chair by Misty's bed.

"Hello," Misty responded.

"How are you feeling?" Giovanni asked feigning concern.

Upon being asked, Misty's head felt a new wave of pain, much duller than before but a nuisance nonetheless. "Fine…I just have a headache."

Giovanni chuckled inwardly. Such a difference in personality from last night, he thought darkly to himself. His thoughts spoke the truth, though. When Misty was brought into his office, despite being disoriented from the spore attack, the girl, although frightened proved to have been lionhearted.

And now, sitting in a creaky bed, her memories wiped from her mind, Misty was a ghost of her former self; meek and pitiful.

Let this be your punishment for interfering with Team Rocket in the first place, brat, Giovanni seethed silently.

After mutely enjoying Misty's dolefulness, Giovanni spoke again. "You know who I am," he uttered it as a fact rather than asking it as a question.

Before responding, Misty couldn't help but stare at the man before her. She soaked in every detail about him, yet his voice was what seemed to overshadow his physical appearance.

Giovanni's voice managed to incite a very blurry, fleeting recollection. But just as quick as it had flashed through her damaged memory, it faded into darkness.

"I came by to see how you were doing," Giovanni said, his tone laced with thinly veiled boredom. "So do you remember me or what?" His dark eyes became even more penetrating.

That abrasiveness was something that Misty easily recognized of this man. "You're Giovanni," Misty replied, suddenly straightening her posture as though she were in the presence of a noble.

Giovanni raised his brows in response, his lips parted, beckoning Misty to finish.

"The leader of Team Rocket," she said and despite the composed and evenness in her voice, her stomach churned with untold trepidation.

Giovanni simply nodded, a pleased look on his face. He then turned to Dr. Reiko. "Doctor, could you give us a moment?" To which the medic nodded, turning a heel but paused when Giovanni added one more request. "Pull the curtain."

Dr. Reiko obliged, turning around and drawing the curtain between Misty's bed and the empty one beside hers, allowing a barrier for Giovanni and Misty to hide behind.

Misty tilted her head at Giovanni with a puzzled look, although her features gradually morphed into tension.

"Dr. Reiko has informed me that you don't have any recollection of what brought you to the infirmary. Is this true?"

Looking down at the creases on her blanket in embarrassment, Misty replied, "Yes. That's true. She told me of some sort of accident during training and that—I hit my head."

Chuckling inwardly, Giovanni elected to nod in comprehension instead. "Now, I know Dr. Reiko has already asked you several questions but I wanted to know more specifically if you know who and what you are?"

Giovanni's brow twitched, waiting for Misty to reply but was met with no answer. He forced himself to remain as calm as possible, ignoring the urge to grab her by the collar and rattle her until she said what he wanted to hear.

But when Misty remained silent, the man decided that he could not wait any longer to see whether or not she was truly brainwashed. He thought long and hard about what to ask her; something that would trigger greatly within her mind.

"I understand that you are in a precious state right now," Giovanni said through thinly veiled patience. "What with your amnesia…" The man resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "But we want to help you recover your memories. It would be a great benefit to you if you could try your best to give an answer. Trust us. You always have."

Misty looked back up to face Giovanni. What Giovanni was trying to imply struck a cord within her, not just her mind but her gut. Gradually she felt the nerves drift away, feeling a little more comfortable—little being the key word.

And after a moment of regaining her newly scattered thoughts, she spoke. "I—I'm a member of Team Rocket. A water type trainer."

"Very good…" purred Giovanni but he was not completely satisfied just yet. He wanted to truly test out whether the hypnosis worked. He chose his next words carefully, wanting them to really spur something in her. If she truly believed that she was part of Team Rocket then he wanted to be proven by her showing some conviction.

"But, Misty…does any of that mean anything to you?"

"Yes. Of course," her voice came out steady, which Misty was grateful for. She did not want to appear weak and vulnerable before her boss.

Giovanni reclined a little in his seat, arms crossed with a pleased yet warning look on his face. It better, he threatened silently.

After a moment's silence had past, Giovanni gave Misty a curt nod, hoping her to have a speedy recovery and then he stalked out from the curtain.

Dr. Reiko was looking over some notes when Giovanni approached her.

"Look after the brat," he whispered calmly. "Ensure her of her place here."

"Yes, sir," Dr. Reiko said as Giovanni turned a heel and left the infirmary.

As he sauntered through the halls of his facility, Giovanni mused deviously. It had worked. Despite Misty feeling disoriented and confused, she believed she was part of Team Rocket, believed that she worked for him. Thanks to Giovanni's scheme the Cerulean Gym Leader was now a Team Rocket agent, assuming her identity.

And unbeknownst to Misty it was a total fallacy, a horrific delusion that was only beginning.


Ring. Ring. Ring.

"Hello! Thank you for calling the Cerulean Gym. No one is present to answer at the moment, but please leave a message or call back. Goodbye!"

Ash and Brock both sighed, a little disappointed to have reached the answering machine at the Cerulean Gym. The two went back inside, using the video phone with the hopes of informing Misty that they were on their way there. But alas, not one person at the gym answered much to the confusion and disappointment of the two boys.

"Guess everyone's busy," Ash said, scratching the top of his head.

"Yeah," Brock agreed with another sigh. He rose from his seated position to turn to Ash. "We could try her Pokégear," the aspiring Pokémon doctor offered with a gesture of one hand. "But she might be busy with the gym at the moment…"

Ash shrugged, contemplating on something. Once his mind was pricked with an idea, his nonchalant demeanor melted, morphing into an excitable grin. "Or, instead of calling her, we just head over there. Kind of like a surprise."

"Pikachu!" Ash's electric pal affirmed.

Brock shrugged. "I suppose we can do that. I mean she already knows I'm going to visit, but…I'm sure she'll be both enthused and surprised to see you two. Alright then, let's hit the road!"

Ash nodded as Pikachu climbed on his shoulder. He, Pikachu and Brock all bid Nure Joy farewell, which took much longer thanks to Brock's impulse to sweet talk the lady.

Ash was elated to get to hit the road again, even if for a short trip. He missed his friends and deeply yearned spend more time with them. Especially those who deserve a long overdue visit from him.

"Maybe we'll get to see Misty in the middle of a battle!" Ash piped up. "And I can't wait to show her my Gr—"

"Excuse me?"

However just as they were about to exit the Pokémon Center at last, a young girl close to their age stopped them in their tracks.

Spinning on their heels, Brock and Ash turned to the girl with puzzled looks on their faces.

"Who us?" Ash said.

The girl nodded. "Sorry to keep you, but do you happen to be Pokémon trainers?"

Ash's face lit up with excitement. "I am! Are you one too? Are you looking for a battle—"

The girl put her hands up, shaking her head nervously. "I am, but I'm not asking for a battle."

"How can we help you?" Brock asked politely.

The girl gave a rueful smile, but it faded once she spoke again. "I just wanted to warn you two; be careful out on the road."

Ash and Brock exchanged baffled looks. Ash crossed his arms, eyeing the girl curiously. The girl, however didn't explain though. She simply gave them one fleeting glance and walked past them and out of the Pokémon Center.

Ash, Pikachu and Brock watched the girl leave.

"What's with her?" Ash asked, scratching his head.

"I don't know…" Brock whispered. "I guess she just wants us to be careful. Or wishing us happy trails?"

"I guess…"

However the tone of the girl's warning was laced with grimness that Ash couldn't help but feel irked by. He understood the dangers of being a wandering trainer but it was as if she meant something more dour.

But since Ash considered himself a seasoned traveler, he did not worry about journeying through long deserted roads, dark forests, murky caves. Especially since he was in the company of his Pokémon and old friend.

He, Brock and Pikachu swept the girl's words past their heads, sauntering out of the Pokémon Center, on their way to Cerulean City.

Yet…Ash and his friends couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss in Kanto.

TO BE CONTINUED…


A/N: A little bit of filler in this one.