Kate: Hey guys, sorry for the wait but welcome to the latest chapter of 'Mewmans: Story of the Dark Ice Maiden'!

Keith: By the way, why did it take so long to update?

Kate: Well...

Fro: *Drags a half dead author* Come on! We got a chapter to start and I am NOT letting you go to the afterlife yet! I have too much money invested on you for the Kate x Keith photos!

IMN: *Pale and half dead* Uhhhhhhhhhhhh...

Keith: What the hell happened to her?

Rhythmi: Didn't you hear? IMN is back at school and this year has taken a bit of a toll on her so far.

IMN: *Twitching on the ground* Meeeeeeeeercy!

Kate: So how are we supposed to start the chapter if our author is out of commission?

Keith: Easy. Like this. *Stands behind IMN, holds her up by the arms and speaks in a high pitch voice* Hi, I'm IMN! I'm a weirdo who can't tell the difference between cute and ugly. Keith is super awesome and I'm sooooooooo dumb compared to him. I don't own Pokémon or the characters but I wish I owned Keith's amazing brains and aura! Tehehe!

Rhythmi: Okay, IMN does not sound like that and-

Keith: *Behind IMN in a high pitch voice* Rhythmi is being a pain in the butt so ON WITH THE SHOW~!

Rhythmi: HEY-!


Chapter 28: Top Rangers and Nightmares

Kate's Pov

I was standing in a field on a sunny day. The sun was shining and I could see people and pokémon playing together. I started to form a smile when I felt the feeling of deja vu. That is, until everything was covered in darkness and I stood my ground, glaring at the being I knew was nearby.

"Well, well. If it isn't Kate. When was the last time we met like this? It's been so long," the shadow greeted, appearing out of nowhere. I just glared at the shadow in pure rage. I was getting sick of this thing.

"What do you want with me now?" I sneered, getting right to the point. The shadow was silent for a beat before it started to float around me.

"You know, for some reason, I couldn't get into your dreams lately. It was so annoying because I miss our little chats. Any way I'm just here to tell you that time is running out. You better hurry if you want to stop the 'Day of Darkness' from happening, as you proclaimed," the shadow said as it continued to float around me. I may not see it's face but I could feel it's eyes inspecting me like I was a piece of meat on display.

"Don't worry about the time left. I will stop it and there is nothing anyone can do to stop me," I growled glaring at the shadow as it levitated in front of me.

"Oh ho ho! Confident, are we? Let me put it to you bluntly, my dear. Your pendant didn't show any signs of the Three Gems or where the key is and let's not forget about the new feature coming out of that Birthmark of yours. You don't want any of your friends to see it now do we?" mocked the shadow as I felt pain surging from my Birthmark.

I felt like my mark was on fire and stabbed by a thousand daggers. The pain spread out of my mark. While I was suffering I saw that the black veins created a sinister glow from my body, revealing how far they spread. Right now the entire left side of my back and stomach was in pain. I could also feel it hurting me from the top half of my thigh and below my rib. I clenched my Birthmark, praying to Arceus or any other Legendary Pokémon to make the pain stop. I tried taking deep breaths but nothing seemed to dull the burning I felt.

"I wonder what your friends will say when they see you like this? To know what you are and your destiny? Let's not forget about your past and that twin of yours. He left quite a mark on you before he disappeared. Does it still hurt, Kate? The pain you felt that day when your own twin brother, the one that was always by your side, betrayed you and almost left you for dead. I wonder if history will repeat itself with those Ranger friends of yours. It would be wonderful to see your face twisting in despair as your friends abandon and hate you for what you are."

"STOP IT! STOP IT!" I screamed when the combined burning from my Birthmark and the shadows words were too much for me. I heard the shadow laughing at my suffering as the pain intensified. It was too much. It hurts! Someone, anyone... MAKE IT STOP!

"...ate...K..te... Ka... KATE, WAKE UP!" yelled a voice as I felt something shaking me. I opened eyes and gasped for breath. The pain subsided and I'm on the family beach just as I was before I fell asleep last night. When I got my breathing back to normal I looked up to see Fro, Crawford and Dad around me with worried looks on their faces.

"KATE! OH MY ARCEUS! YOU SCARED THE HELL OUT OF ME! DON'T EVER DO THAT TO ME AGAIN!" Fro wailed as she hugged me for dear life. I returned the hug and looked up at my big brother and Dad.

"Katherine, what were you thinking sleeping out here?! Why didn't you tell any of us where you were? If we had come any later than-"

"I'm sorry, Dad. I couldn't sleep so I went for a walk and rested on the beach. I didn't mean to fall asleep here. I'm sorry." I apologised rubbing Fro's head gently to comfort both her and myself. Dad just sighed and patted my shoulder.

"I'm just glad you're safe. It was a good thing Crawford woke up early and noticed that you weren't in your room. I'm relieved that thing didn't drag you in too deep like last time. Being by yourself is dangerous with those nightmares of yours. Be sure to be near someone next time it happens," Dad told me as Crawford helped me up.

"I don't get it. Your nightmares or that shadow in your dreams didn't bother you for a while. Why would it act up now?" Crawford asked as we walked back to the house. Fro released me from her hugs but she was close by me, making sure that she's there to protect me.

"I don't know. Not even the shadow has any idea how this happens," I replied. Just then Dad stopped the both of us and turned to us with a serious look on his face.

"Now remember, not a word or a thought about this. The last thing we need is your little sister to know about the Prophecy or your mother to go full psycho. Hopefully your mother doesn't start poking around in our minds again. I love her but she can get a bit too nosey," Dad explained to as before we entered the house. No need to tell us twice.

When we stepped into the house I saw that all of my stuff from the Vientown Ranger Base was in the living room along with other bags. Is that Rhythmi's laptop and Keith's boxers? ... Wait a minute!

"MUUUUUUUUMMMMMM! WHY ARE MY FRIENDS' STUFF IN OUR LIVING ROOM?!" I yelled as I saw Mum humming away as she, Dad's Abomasnow and Crawford's Budew packed the suitcases. Meanwhile her Gardevoir, Lily, was using her 'Psychic' move to bring over the dishes she made to the table. Remi and her Kirlia sat on the table eating breakfast as if nothing odd was happening.

"Morning honey! Just packing a few things. Get changed and have your breakfast. It's going to be a very busy day. Zero, would you be a dear and hold down the lid for me please? Thank you!" Mum said as she continued packing the bags.

"How long was she at this?"

"All. Morning. Since 6 am, she's been like this for over two hours. On the bright side you could say she was packed with spirit today," Crawford said as he and Dad burst out laughing at Crawford's joke. Oh Arceus, it's too early for this.

"Please tell me I can freeze his mouth shut, Kate. I can't take this all morning," Fro begged as I made my way up to my room to change into my uniform. The morning got on as normal; as I ate my breakfast, groaning at Crawford's awful jokes and then we headed off to Vientown with Fro, Crawford and his Partner Pokémon. Mum used 'Teleport' on the suitcases. What she has planned, I don't want to know. It usually never ends well... for us.

"Kate, why do you think those nightmares returned? I mean, you didn't have those nightmares when you slept over at the house after Graduation or at the Base. So what's so different about this and last time?" Crawford questioned, being concerned about me.

"I really don't know. Plus this wasn't the first time it happened. During the forest fire the shadow messed with me when..." I said and immediately froze (pun not intended) with realisation.

"What? 'The shadow messed with you when' what?" Crawford asked as he petted his Budew. Could the reason that the shadow haunted my dreams was when I was-

"Kate! Crawford! Hey!" I heard a familiar voice calling us. Crawford and I turned our heads to see a smiling Rhythmi and a tired looking Keith with his Pokémon.

"So how was the night with the family?" Rhythmi asked as we hugged.

"It was fine. Just woke up late because of a bad nightmare," I replied. Rhythmi just blinked in confusion and glanced at Keith.

"You too? First Keith had a nightmare and now you too, Kate? Well they do say great minds think alike, although this is Keith we're talking about. -"

"HEY!"

"Don't worry about it, guys. It's just a nightmare. Let's head to the base," Rhythmi said as Keith glared at her. Yeah, if only my nightmares were just a nightmare. I walked over to Keith and MK immediately tackled me with a hug. I hugged her back as I looked at Keith and Jet. They seemed to be off in their own world and that is so unlike them, mostly Keith.

"So Keith, do you want to tease Rhythmi about her date with Isaac. Together we can drive her mad and finally get those two crazy love-birds to be a couple. What do you say?" Oh my Arceus, I'm turning into my mother, but it was good for cheering up Keith.

"Yeah... Sounds fun..." Keith mumbled. Okay, this is worrying. Keith always loves to pull pranks or tease people (Mostly Kincaid before we became Rangers and he was a crazy, evil, fashion reject), so something must be really bothering him if the sound of teasing Rhythmi doesn't give that childish bemused shine in his eyes.

"Come on, guys. Have to get to my newspaper routine and have some of Big Bertha's milk pudding! I can practically smell it!" Crawford yelled from the base entrance. We sped up and opened the door. When we entered everything was dark. My instincts told me to attack but I knew it was because of that stupid shadow in my nightmare. Suddenly the lights switched on and everyone jumped out.

"SURPRISE! CONGRATULATIONS!" Everyone cheered and confetti fell down. The room was covered with streamers, balloons and cartoon drawings of a smiling Rhythmi, Keith and I along with our Partner Pokémon. Over Operator counter was a huge banner that said 'You did it! Congrats, Rookies!'. Everyone was here; the Vientown Ranger crew, Ollie, Big Bertha, Little Tim and my family.

"What is all this?" Rhythmi asked. Big Bertha let out a huge belly laugh before she hugged us. Can't... breathe...

"Ha ha! To think that our three rookies would come so far in such short time!" Elaine praised as Bertha let us go. Luana whispered something to Crawford and he suddenly grinned spreading from ear to ear.

"Tell us what's going on," Keith said as he petted Jet's head. MK looked jealous so Keith used both hands to pet both his Partner Pokémon heads.

"Okay, okay, I'll tell you three. This morning I got a message from the Union. They told me that Rhythmi is officially a Top Operator. Also Kate and Keith are the new eleventh and twelfth Top Rangers!" Barlow announced. There was silence in the room to let it sink in before all three of us started cheering. Rhythmi was jumping around and I hugged Keith as he spun me around, both of us laughing in pure joy.

When Keith stopped spinning me, we looked in each other's eyes. It felt like Dialga stopped time and it was just the two of us. My heart was beating so loud in my ears and I didn't want Keith to hear it. Keith just gave me a gently smile and I couldn't help but mirror it back to him. Suddenly a hand grabbed Keith's shoulder, Keith flinched and my eyes followed the hand up the arm to see my dad's 'smiling' face. Uh oh.

"Well done, Keith. Your parents must be so proud of you," My dad praised but I can tell the act was forced as I saw the hand on Keith's shoulder starting to form ice. Was he actually trying to freeze Keith by using his powers in public?!

"Albert honey, I think Barlow wants to make a speech so let. Go. Now." My mother said in a sweet voice but everybody in our family knew that she was dangerous to mess with when she is mad. Dad glared at Keith before letting go of him and both of us stepped away from each other, not daring to look at each other. That was so embarrassing! What is wrong with me.

"Ahem! As the Leader, I'd like to say a few words. I always knew this day was coming. When I first handed these rookies, I mean Rangers and Operator their stylers and laptop, I knew that the three of you wouldn't be in a place like this for long. I saw in all of you something amazing. A kind of shine that was a sign for greatness. I knew that deep down that these three would be great Rangers and an Operator in the future. I'm just sad that our time together was shorter than I expected. However this isn't a sad occasion but a happy one. I think of everyone here as a family and now I know how it feels to let your own go off into the world. Keith, Kate and Rhythmi, you three may have been here for a short time but I believe that everyone in this base thinks of you as family. We wish you three the best of luck in your new adventure as Top Rangers and Top Operators. We're so proud of all of you, thanks for making life at this base exciting. To Kate, Keith and Rhythmi!" Barlow cheered as the others applauded after the speech.

The send-off party was fun. We all laughed as we talked about our time at the base and ate some milk pudding. I'm going to miss Vientown so much when we leave. I love this town and the people in it. I never wanted to leave this place and my friends. Hopefully my time at the Ranger Union will be as amazing as my time in the Vientown Ranger Base.

"Enjoy your time while it lasts, Icecia. It won't last forever, well for you that is," I heard the shadow whispering to me in a mocking tone.

"Shut up," I growled. I looked into the reflection of the window and saw that my eyes were turning black. I quickly shut my eyes and counted to ten before opening my eyes to see my normal icy blue eyes again. Damn it. I have to control this. I gripped my silver pendant to get rid of the nerves.

"Hey Kate, you alright? We got a call from the Union saying that there is something for you guys at Lookout Ridge. You look pale, are you feeling sick?" Luana asked me as she walked up to me. I put on a fake smile and pretended that I wasn't shaken up.

"I'm fine, Luana. I'm just a bit nervous about being a Top Ranger. I hope I'll do a good job," I lied but thankfully Luana didn't suspect a thing.

"Don't worry; I know you'll do a great job. Just promise you'll visit old Vientown sometime, okay?" Luana replied as she gave me a hug. I hugged back but I felt guilty. I might never see the people of Vientown again after the Prophecy is completed. After a quick goodbye to everyone and a bit of panic from Keith and Rhythmi when they found out their stuff was missing (turned out Mum knew about the promotion and packed our stuff and left it at the Union) we left for the Ranger Union.

The Pokemon were playing with each other as we walked to the Ridge and by 'playing' I mean that Jet was being chased by MK while Fro was laughing at the sight. Sometimes I feel sorry for that Buizel.

"Can you guys actually believe that we're going to live at the Union? Both of you guys deserve to be Top Rangers," Rhythmi said as we continued walking.

"You deserve to be a Top Operator. Without you we wouldn't have saved the Pokémon on the ship," I complemented.

"You and Keith were the heroes of that mission. The way you captured Kincaid's Drapion and plugged in the Kingston Valve was amazing!" Rhythmi praised. I smiled at Keith and he looked at me in confusion.

"What?"

"I was just thinking that I got myself a pretty awesome Ranger Partner. The Union was right to make you Top Ranger," I said to Keith. He blushed a little and scratched the back of his head.

"Thanks, you too. I mean I would never have gotten this far without you by my side. You're the best Ranger Partner anyone could have. Thank you for sticking by me this whole time," Keith said. I felt my cheeks heat up and my heart beating so loud. What is wrong with me?!

"Guys, quit flirting and look at this!" Rhythmi interrupted and pointed out in the distance. We jogged up to Lookout Ridge and turned to see what Rhythmi was pointing at. It was the view of Pueltown in the morning sun. It was as beautiful and lively as the last time we've been here except for the Altru Tower. The building process must be fast because the tower doubled in size.

The longer I stared at that tower, the more uneasy I felt. Something about that building is off, I just didn't know what it is. Suddenly we felt a huge gust of wind in our faces. All of us looked to see Wendy on her Staraptor.

"Hey everyone! Long time, no see!" greeted Wendy.

"Wen? What are you doing here?" asked Keith in surprise as Wendy's Staraptor landed next to us.

"I'm here to pick you guys up, Chairperson Erma's orders. Also I just want to congratulate my favourite cousin and friends on being Top Rangers and Top Operator. Good on you three," Wendy replied as she messed up Keith's hair.

After everyone caught up on what happened we all went on Staraptor's back but there was one problem. There wasn't enough room for the four people.

"Sorry I couldn't find any other Rangers that were free to fly you guys. I'll have to make two trips," Wendy apologised. Keith looked a bit disappointed by that but then I had an idea.

"It's fine. I'm a Mewman after all I'll just fly by your side. I hadn't flown for a while so this is good exercise for me," I said as I started stretching my legs. Just then MK picked Jet and plonked him on her back. Looks like someone also wants to have practice flying.

"Are you sure Kate? I mean, what would happen if people see you?" Keith asked with concern. I just waved at him and smiled. I got into a starting position facing the cliff.

"We'll be flying high so people will think I'm a Pokémon flying in the sky. I'll be fine now let's GO!" I said before I ran at the cliff and jumped off the ledge. I heard the others scream with worry but I kinda found it funny. As I felt the wind rushing to my face, I did several flips in the air as I transformed into my Mewman form and flew upwards.

I couldn't help but let out a laugh and did some air tricks. It's been so long! I forgot how good it feels like to fly around. Then I saw MK flying on my left with Jet and Fro on her back, clutching for dear life. I saw Wendy with her Staraptor on my right with a pouting Keith and a scared Rhythmi.

"Next time you do that, warn us first! I nearly had a heart-attack!" Keith complained. I let out a giggle, it's hard to take Keith seriously when he pouts.

"Sorry, I just can't help it. It's been a while since I flew around in my Mewman form. I feel so alive when I'm like this!" I told Keith before I did a back flip and used my 'Mist' move to create a big star shape in the clouds. Keith shook his head in annoyance but I saw that smile while Wendy and Rhythmi laughed at my behaviour.

"Alright Miss Mewman, let's see who's fastest; you or my Staraptor. Loser has to pay for ice cream," Wendy challenged me. I gave her a smirk and a thumbs up. Before I knew it, I was having a race with the famous Wendy Skyknight. Wait till I tell Crawford. I just wish that moments like these would last forever.


Keith's Pov

"Okay, next time you guys race, DON'T get me involved!" Rhythmi complained as she shakily got off Staraptor. The race ended in a tie and thank Arceus for that. Wendy takes her races too seriously, she even forgot that we were on board while she was showing off with her flying tricks! Good thing I've got a strong stomach.

We were in front of the Ranger Union when we got off. Kate changed into her human form while Jet changed colour. He looked shaken up from the ride so I let him rest in my hair. We were on our way to the Conference Room and we heard something about a 'monster' floating around but I didn't pay too much attention. I mean, I'm a Top Ranger! This is huge! I hope Mum and Dad are proud of me.

"Greetings to our new Top Rangers and Top Operator. I would like to welcome you to the Union. I am very happy that you could make it," Chairperson Erma greeted us as we entered the Conference Room.

"Hello Chairperson Erma," we all greeted. Chairperson Erma giggled at our stiffness and came to pat us on the shoulders.

"Now, now. No need to be so strict. I would like you to feel at home because everyone here is like family," Chairperson Erma reassured us. Just then Grandpa Hastings came in, being impatient as usual.

"Erma, are we ready to get the meeting started?" Grandpa asked. Chairperson Erma rolled her eyes and looked at Grandpa.

"Not yet, Hastings. We still have to wait for the other new Top Rangers. Would it kill you to be patient?" 'Other new Top Rangers'? Who are they-

*SLAM*

We all turned to see Murph with his clothes in shreds and he was panting. Was he attacked by a wild Pokémon or something?

"She's crazy!" Murph exclaimed as he blocked the closed door. What is going on here? Who's 'she'?

"Who are you talking about-"

"Chairperson Erma, one of the new Top Rangers is destroying the Union as we speak! I don't know what happened but she has the strength of an Ursaring and she is super scary! Right now she-" Just then the lights went out and Murph was thrown across the room (along with the door) as a shadowed figure came through.

"DIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEE!" The figure cried as she tackled Murph. I couldn't see anything in the dust cloud but I knew it was a one sided fight from Murph's screams. Just then another figure ran in, picked up the smaller person and tossed her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

"Damn it! How many times do I have to tell you not attack people?!" The male figure yelled as the other figure struggled in his arms.

"He ate my candy! That is a sin itself! He must pay!" yelled the female figure. Why do these voices sound familiar?

"He didn't eat your candy and I told you not to eat any on the flight! You know how you get more violent when you have sugar in your system! So calm down!"

"Let go! I need to punch something! Ke-Ke!" That was when the lights were back on and we saw who the figures were.

"Kellyn? Mace? What are you doing here?!"


Kate: Wow. That is some chapter. So Mace and Kellyn are back.

Mace: Yep! We're back baby and no one is getting rid of us that easily! HA HA!

Rhythmi: How much candy did she eat, Kellyn?

Kellyn: Don't ask. Anyway where is IMN?

Keith: *Holding IMN up talking in a high voice* Over here Kellyn. Tehehe! Wasn't this chapter awesome? I just wish that I added more Keith scenes in this so it would be even more awesome! Tehehe!

Kellyn: What happened to IMN?

Rhythmi: Don't ask. I got this. Hey IMN, I just saw on the internet that there is a new Digimon series coming up with the original 'Digimon Adventure' characters in high school. They might even do some Tai x Sora moments.

IMN: *Snaps out of trace* THE TAORA SHIP LIVES! GRAB A CAMERA! GET THE SACK AND ROPE! I NEED TO GET PICTURES OF THIS COUPLE STAT! THE PAST MUST BE CORRECTED!

Kate: Well, that did it but 'Digimon'? Really?

IMN: It was a phase in my childhood. Anyway, school is mad at the moment so it was a miracle that I got this chapter done. Please bear with me guys, this school year is crazy hard for me so the updates will be really slow. Especially since school is sucking up all my creative juices. Until then I'll try my best to update, so from all the cast members and myself-

Cast and IMN: HAPPY HALLOWEEN AND SEE YOU NEXT TIME! BYE!