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Disclaimer: You know the drill. We don't own Pokemon.

Chapter 10: It Gets Real

Misty's POV

I've been getting threats all week.

First the rock through my window, then an anonymous text message, then a chemistry lab explosion. I don't know if I should tell Gary or not.

After school on Friday, I rush over to Zoey's house. She'll understand.

I got to her house before her, so I let myself in and waited on her living room couch. The front door opens.

"AHHH!"

"Zoey, it's just me!"

"Don't scare me like that!"

"Sorry but I really have to talk to you."

"Fine, whatever."

She sat down and I told her the whole story.

"Misty, you HAVE to tell Gary!"

"But I thought you'd understand why I don't want to tell him!"

"I do understand, but this is a serious threat. Gary needs to know. He might be able to stop her from doing anything crazy."

As much as I hated to admit it, she was right.

"You're right. I'm going to tell him first thing tomorrow."

"Misty," she ordered.

"Fine. I'll tell him tonight," I groaned in defeat.

"Good," she said with a smile.

I walked out of her house and started the walk to my house when a car pulled up beside me. I started walking faster. Who was this person in the car? Definitely very creepy.

"Get in the car and we won't hurt you," said the driver with a deep voice.

"Who are you?" I spoke with a clear voice. I was taught to stand my ground.

"Just get in the car before I have to force you into it," he ordered.

I ran.

I only made it about a block before the man, who had gotten out of the car, caught up with me and knocked me to the ground.

"Get off of me!" I grunted as I struggled to be freed.

"Let her go or you're going to have to deal with me," said a male voice. I looked toward him and proved my assumption correct.

"Gary, get him off of me!"

The man stood up and ran back to his car. I guess he couldn't handle two people. So much for that 'tough guy' image. Gary held out a hand to pull me up.

"Can you believe-" my sentence got cut short when he pulled me into his arms.

"Misty, thank God you're alive," he said gratefully before kissing me passionately. "I went to your house to surprise you, but you weren't there, so I started walking to Zoey's to see if you were there, but apparently you were being attacked instead."

"Gary," I started, "we need to talk."

"About what?" I could hear the alarm in this voice. Oh, gosh, he thinks I'm gonna break up with him!

"Not about us, don't freak out, but about what just happened. I think I know why."

"Let's go to your place then?"

"No. I don't want my sisters to know about this. Do you think we could go to Zoey's?"

He laughed. "Whatever you want."

We walked back to his car and I called Zoey to let her know we were coming.

We got into his car and he drove straight to Zoey's house. He followed me inside.

"Zoey!" I called.

"Upstairs!" came her shout in reply.

We jogged upstairs and found Zoey in her room.

"Long time, no see?" smirked Zoey.

"Very funny," I replied. I put on a serious face. "She sent a guy to kidnap me."

"What?!" she exclaimed.

"Who is she?" asked Gary.

"Karen," Zoey and I said in unison, a little annoyed at how slow he was.

"I don't think Karen would do that," Gary said sceptically.

"Do you not know Karen?!" Zoey fumed, her fists clenched.

"Gary, I need to tell you something. I should've told you before, but I didn't want you to worry," I reasoned.

We sat down and I told him everything. All of the rude behaviour and threats. He was pissed.

"Why am I just hearing this now?!" he exclaimed, jumping off of the bed.

"I didn't want you to worry!" I explained.

"Fine," he grumbled. "I'll tell her off. Something like this will never happen again, I can promise that."

Zoey looked at me, winked, and whispered, "Protective much?"

"Gary?"

"What?"

"You're amazing," I complimented as I jumped up and hugged him.

"I just don't want anything bad to happen to you." He squeezed me tighter.

Zoey spoke up, "I'll be leaving now."

"Zoey, wait. We don't want to intrude," said Gary.

"Don't worry about it," she chirped.

"We should be going," I replied. I looked at Gary. "I think we should tell my sisters."

"I think that's a good idea," he replied, taking my hand.

"Bye, Zoey!"

"See ya, Misty! And Gary!"

He led me out of the house to his car.

We got in and he drove.

"Gary, where are we going? My house is the other way," I questioned.

"I know," he reassured. "I think we deserve a little treat after that brush with danger," he smiled.

Ten minutes later we arrived at my favourite ice cream shop, 'Cerulean Swirls'.

"Gary! How did you know this place is my favourite?"

"Well I might've asked Zoey about you in study hall once or twice. Or everyday," he admitted.

"You're so sweet," I beamed.

We walked into the ice cream shop to find none other than Karen sitting on one of the barstools. She didn't see us. Yet.

"Gary," I whispered. "Let's go."

"Why?" he said in a normal tone, obviously not taking notice of her.

I pointed in her direction, but it was too late.

"Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in," she said snidely.

"Karen," Gary said firmly. "You need to stop threatening Misty. She's the one I want to be with, not you. I will never want to be with you. Ever."

I was smiling with pride.

"What are you grinning about?" she asked with a Grinch face. "I'll find a way to get you back," she said, looking at Gary. "One way or another, you will be mine," she said on her way out of the ice cream shop.

"Bitch," I muttered under my breath. She whipped around.

"Excuse me?!" she raised her hand to slap me, but it was deflected by Gary.

"You will never lay a hand on her as long as I'm still breathing, is that clear?" He spoke dangerously.

She stomped her foot, crossed her arms, and walked out of the shop with a pout.

"Gary," I started.

"Misty, I want you to know you're always safe around me."

"I know, Gary," I smiled. "I know."

Now wasn't that sweet? I thought it was! Stupid Karen, I want to punch her!