To Know The Unknown
Part 3
Author: Chikorita_18
Category: General/AAML
Rating: G
Previously: Ash and Misty are both having visions of each other, but neither can remember who or why. Misty, convinced that the boy she is dreaming of is her soulmate, she sets off on a quest to find him. Meanwhile, Ash is being taunted by the same kind of dreams and visions that Misty has been, but he's trying to ignore them. Pikachu and Togepi still think that their masters have gone insane.
A/N: Oh, yeah, and any words between asterisks (*) means that the character is thinking.
*********************************************************************************
Togepi rested semi-comfortably in its master's arms, but couldn't help but notice that Misty's hands were shaking. They'd been like that for a long time now, ever since she'd started having 'The Dream', as she called it now. *Mommy's sure been acting strange lately,* Togepi thought. *I think she really believes in this dream...*
Misty sighed and sat down on a park bench. Her dreams had been telling her that the boy she was searching for was somewhere in Johto, so she and Togepi had been trekking to Vermillion City, so they could take the S.S. Aqua to a place she'd never heard of called Olivine City. But so far, the trek wasn't going as well as she thought. The entire route so far had been full of Pokémon and Pokémon trainers who wanted nothing but a good battle and to see a former Gym Leader fall. Of course, Misty's quick wit and even quicker mouth served well in getting her out of real jams, and Togepi's newly learned Metronome was enough to scare the fur or whatever off of any Pokémon that wandered into their path. But it was still hard and she was still having that dream.
"I can't even see what this guy looks like in the dream..." she said plaintively. "All I see is the colours on what he's wearing...like...red, blue, white, black...." She was trying to stay calm, because trainers sometimes took advantage of an emotional wreck, but she was failing miserably. "Am I just crazy, Togepi? Is this just another one of my senseless crusades that never leads anywhere? Like that one I went on when Daisy purposefully smashed my bike so I wouldn't go down to the Viridian River?"
Togepi looked up at its master. "You're not crazy, mommy," it said in Toge-language. "I think that you should go and find this guy if you think he's real."
"That's what I'm doing," Misty said, "But where's this gonna lead? Am I going to find him or am I just going to be miserable for the rest of my life?"
"It's what you make it," Togepi said with it's knack of sounding years older than it actually was.
Misty stood up and reslung her backpack over her shoulder. "You're right," she said. "Let's keep going. I want to get into town so I can change out of these stupid clothes that Violet gave me."
* * * * * *
Ash leaned over the desk in his room at the Pokémon Center, trying desperately to concentrate on the trainer's manual in front of him. His Drowzee-catching expedition had been a total bust, and it had cost him three fainted Pokémon. Chikorita, Noctowl, and Totodile were less than pleased with their master, since Ash had been a complete spacecase in battle. *I couldn't help it,* he thought miserably. *It's these visions I keep having...there's this one girl in all of them...it's like I knew her once but I can't remember her now...maybe she was, like, my girlfriend in a former life or something.*
Pikachu, who was snacking on some Pokémon food, looked up at Ash. "You know," it said in Poké-language, "you really should try to ignore these 'visions', as you call them. They've already put you on Noctowl's black list, and I'm willing to bet that Chikorita and Totodile aren't your best buddies right now."
Ash shook his head. "It's easy to say, but hard to do."
"Ash, you might as well face it. You just dreamed up this girl and made yourself believe that she actually exists just to think that you had some other thing to do than lose to Whitney again."
Ash frowned. "You think I just dreamed this up because Whitney's stupid pink cow beat me? Pikachu, you know I was thinking about this before I even met Whitney."
The TV caught both of their attentions when a newscaster's voice blasted out of the speaker. "And in Pokémon League news, Cerulean City has been shaken by their Gym Leader's sudden decision to leave the Gym and strike out on her own Pokémon journey."
Ash got up to turn it off, but a picture on the screen grabbed his attention.
"The remaining Cerulean sisters refused to comment on Misty's sudden departure, but say that the operation of the Gym will not be affected."
Pikachu noticed the expression on Ash's face. "Ash, what's wrong?"
Ash stared hard at the screen. "That girl...I...feel like I know her...like I've seen her before..."
Pikachu shook its head. "No, you haven't. You battled the older one for the Cascade Badge, remember?"
Ash kneeled in front of the screen. "Come to think of it, Pikachu, I don't remember anything before my Gym battle with Whitney." He flicked the screen off as the TV returned to it's normal programming, which consisted of soap operas until at least five o'clock.
"Maybe that cow gave you amnesia?" Pikachu suggested.
Ash sighed. "It wasn't a Psychic-type, Pikachu," he said. He suddenly felt like crying, which he didn't hold back on doing. Ash didn't like to be seen crying, since he was always putting across a 'tough' image, but around Pikachu and his other Pokémon, he didn't care. He sat down on the floor and buried his head in his hands. He wasn't exactly sure why he was crying, but he knew that some of it had to do with these visions. They were leading nowhere and now three of his best Pokémon were angry with him because of it. He was saddened, frustrated, and felt like the whole Pokémon League was against him. "What's wrong with me, Pikachu?!" he wailed. "Why is this happening? Why can't I remember anything?!"
Pikachu curled up in Ash's lap, something that always comforted its master. "It's not your fault," it said. "Maybe you're right about this, maybe not, but it'll all work out."
* * * * * *
Misty came out of the washroom, dressed in denim shorts and a yellow tank top, her outfit of choice. Her sisters had always been a little disapproving of the outfit, since the shirt didn't exactly cover her midriff, but she always felt a lot more comfortable in her own clothing. Her orangey hair was pulled up in a ponytail that rested to the left side of her head.
Togepi looked up at Misty. "Feel better?" it asked.
Misty let out a sigh. "Physically, maybe," she said.
"You're still thinking of this dream?"
Misty shrugged. "How can I not think about it, Togepi? I've had the exact same dream for days now! Don't you remember what happened the last time I had one of those dreams that just kept coming back?"
Togepi nodded. "You dreamed that your mom would get into an accident and that she'd die," it said sadly.
Misty nodded. "And, like, a week after I started having that dream, it happened! I could have saved my mom's life if someone had just believed me!"
"So what does that have to do with this dream?"
Misty rolled her eyes, her usual response when she wasn't sure of something. "I don't know," she said. "I'm just saying that this means something, no matter what anyone says."
"So, what's this boy's name, anyway? I hear you say his name sometimes."
Misty picked the little Pokémon up and walked out into the lobby of the Pokémon Center. "He tells me sometimes, but by the time morning comes, I've forgotten..."
"Do you remember when you wake up in the middle of the night?"
"Sometimes...but just for a second."
"Put a pen and paper beside your bed. Then you can write it down when you wake up."
Misty smiled. "Not a bad idea. Sometimes I think you just pretend to be a baby Pokémon."
"I could evolve if I wanted to," Togepi said, staring at its feet, "but I don't want to."
Misty patted Togepi on the head. "I love ya just the way you are. Take your time then."
* * * * * *
In the dream, Ash found himself in a dark forest. Pikachu had been taken from him and he was alone, with the exception of the creepy feeling crawling its way up his spine. A Noctowl suddenly grazed the air just above his head. He let out a yelp and took off running. "Pikachu, where are you, buddy?!" he called. "Please just let me know where you are!" There was no reply. Ash kept on running until his legs were jello and they refused to carry him any further. "Pikachu..." he said sadly. "I've lost you...I can't find you..."
"Well, if you just plan on giving up, then I guess it is," a female voice scolded.
Ash looked up to see a girl a little taller than he was, with hair that matched the shade of orange you sometimes see mixed in with a fire. "You...it's you...the girl that I've been seeing...who are you? Where can I find you?"
The girl slowly shook her head. "I can't tell you because I'm lost myself...maybe someday we'll meet for real..."
Ash got to his feet again as she began to fade away. "No, wait...you have to tell me who you are....please!" He bolted awake in his bed.
Pikachu looked up at Ash worriedly. "Ash, are you okay?"
Ash shook his head. "I saw her...she was there...she was in my dream...I saw her..." He turned on the light. He was breathing like he had really run the distance in his dream and he was bathed in a cold sweat. "Pikachu, I know I saw her..." He suddenly felt sick to his stomach and rushed to the washroom, just in case.
Pikachu followed him. "Ash, you need to calm down. Look at what this is doing to you!"
Ash had to literally crawl to the sink to wash his face. "All the more reason to follow through..." he said in a hoarse voice. "I won't rest until I meet her..."
Pikachu sighed heavily. This didn't seem to be even close to ending, and it knew that Ash's Pokémon weren't as understanding as Pikachu was. Things were getting complicated...
* * * * * *
Misty bolted awake and grabbed for the paper at her bedside. She quickly scribbled down something and then shook the egg-like Pokémon at her side. "Togepi, I know his name now!" she cried.
Togepi yawned. "Whose name?" it said sleepily.
"The boy in my dream! I know his name!"
"So? What is it?"
Misty tried to stop her hands from shaking so she could read the paper. "I had the exact same dream...and he told me that his name was Ash..." The name struck a chord with her, but she still wasn't sure why. "So much for the theory of remembering him as soon as I learned his name..." She sighed. "And without his last name, this isn't worth squat."
"But it's a start," Togepi encouraged. The name had struck a chord with it, too.
Before Misty could say anything else, the P.A system buzzed. "S.S. Aqua has docked in Olivine City. All passengers please disembark immediately."
Misty tried to ignore her frazzled nerves. She felt so nervous, not only because of who she was looking for, but because she was in a whole new place. She picked up her bags and followed the crowd out to the harbour. "This is going to be number one on my new and weird experience list. Traveling all the way to Johto to find a kid that's only in my dreams with no idea about him other than his first name that I'm not even sure IS his first name."
Togepi sighed. "Maybe someone here will give us a hint..."
No sooner had Togepi said that then the TV flashed with the daily Pokémon League news. A young woman that Misty saw on TV all the time appeared on the screen. "With the Johto League competition just months away, Johto's attention is beginning to focus on the trainers that, for the first time in about five years, have traveled here from Kanto. Leading the pack this year are a pair of rivals from Pallet Town, Gary Oak and Ash Ketchum."
Togepi pointed to the screen. "That kid's name is Ash," it reasoned, pointing to the picture.
Misty's heart skipped a few dozen beats. "Togepi, that's him!" she cried. "It's him...it's really him!"
Togepi blinked at the screen as memories began to flood back. "That's...I know him..."
Misty stared at the screen. "Now tell us where he is..."
"League officials have informed us that Oak has reached the Fog Gym in Ecruteak City, while Ketchum is slightly behind at the Plain Gym in Goldenrod City."
Misty took off running. "We have to get to Goldenrod, Togepi!"
* * * * * *
Ash stormed out of the Goldenrod Gym, his hat pulled low over his eyes and his fists clenched as if to warn everyone away. This time, he hadn't lost to Whitney, but to one of her junior trainers. Not to mention the fact that he had been physically ill from the dream for the last two days. Nurse Joy, who didn't specialize in people but knew a sick kid when she saw one, had ordered him to stay in bed and had only let him go outside that day. She had also recommended that he see a people-doctor, a piece of advice he had ignored so far. "If I go to the hospital, they'll lock me up in the psych ward," he said now to Pikachu.
"Ash, I think Joy's right," Pikachu said. "You are really sick, buddy."
Ash shook his head. "Maybe I just caught the 24-hour flu or something. I'll be fine. Now let's get you and Noctowl to the Pokémon Center before Noctowl pecks my eyes out."
* * * * * *
Misty jumped out of the back of the truck that she and Togepi had hitched a ride in and thanked the driver. She looked around. "Well, there's a Pokémon Center down the street," she said. Her eyes fell on the one person in the street, a boy walking with a Pikachu. She frowned. "That looks like..."
"The kid we saw on TV back in Olivine?"
Misty tried to focus. The boy was just a bit shorter than she was, and he was wearing jeans, a blue-and-white short-sleeved vest, and a red-and-white cap. She practically dropped Togepi. "Togepi, it's him!"
"Then what are you just standing here for?!"
"What if he doesn't remember me?" she said worriedly.
Togepi looked up at her. "Do you remember what my Metronome did to that Mareep back on the ship? I'll do that to you if you don't go over there!"
Misty took a deep breath and jogged a few steps. "Ash!" she called out.
* * * * * *
Ash froze when he heard the voice. So did Pikachu. The both of them slowly turned around. Before he knew anything more, she was in front of him. This time, he didn't even have to think to know her name. "Misty?" he said.
Misty's eyes were tearing up as she rested a hand on his cheek. "It's you...It's really you..." she said as she felt hundreds of memories flooding back. She smiled as she wrapped her arms around him.
Ash returned the hug, his memory returning, too. "I missed you..." he said. "But what happened? Why did we forget each other?"
Misty shook her head as she pulled away. "Some things are just meant to be. The point is, we're back together now."
Ash bit his lip, not sure if he should say what he wanted to. "Misty...I'm sorry...for not coming to find you... Brock made me let the police handle it..."
Misty raised an eyebrow. "Since when do you listen to Brock?" she said, her old self returning.
"Since I was too scared for you to do anything in my right mind," he replied. "I knew that it was just Team Rocket...and I thought that you could get out...but I was still scared..."
Misty shook her head. "They're probably wondering where I am right now. They thought they had me good there..." She laughed as she imagined Team Rocket's expressions when they opened the van to find her gone.
Ash smiled. "I'm just glad you're back...that we're back..."
Misty nodded and leaned forward, intending to kiss him on the cheek.
But before she could, the ground began to rumble. Huge spikes made of either ice or crystal began to shoot out of the asphalt. And from the bowels of the earth came the one sound that neither of them had ever wanted to hear again: Pokémon voices singing a melodious but deadly tune, "Un-own....un-own...un-own..."
END OF PART 3
A/N: So, Ash and Misty have gotten their memories back, but the Unown are PO'ed about it. And where's Brock? Stay tuned for the next (and final!) installment of "To Know The Unknown"!
Part 3
Author: Chikorita_18
Category: General/AAML
Rating: G
Previously: Ash and Misty are both having visions of each other, but neither can remember who or why. Misty, convinced that the boy she is dreaming of is her soulmate, she sets off on a quest to find him. Meanwhile, Ash is being taunted by the same kind of dreams and visions that Misty has been, but he's trying to ignore them. Pikachu and Togepi still think that their masters have gone insane.
A/N: Oh, yeah, and any words between asterisks (*) means that the character is thinking.
*********************************************************************************
Togepi rested semi-comfortably in its master's arms, but couldn't help but notice that Misty's hands were shaking. They'd been like that for a long time now, ever since she'd started having 'The Dream', as she called it now. *Mommy's sure been acting strange lately,* Togepi thought. *I think she really believes in this dream...*
Misty sighed and sat down on a park bench. Her dreams had been telling her that the boy she was searching for was somewhere in Johto, so she and Togepi had been trekking to Vermillion City, so they could take the S.S. Aqua to a place she'd never heard of called Olivine City. But so far, the trek wasn't going as well as she thought. The entire route so far had been full of Pokémon and Pokémon trainers who wanted nothing but a good battle and to see a former Gym Leader fall. Of course, Misty's quick wit and even quicker mouth served well in getting her out of real jams, and Togepi's newly learned Metronome was enough to scare the fur or whatever off of any Pokémon that wandered into their path. But it was still hard and she was still having that dream.
"I can't even see what this guy looks like in the dream..." she said plaintively. "All I see is the colours on what he's wearing...like...red, blue, white, black...." She was trying to stay calm, because trainers sometimes took advantage of an emotional wreck, but she was failing miserably. "Am I just crazy, Togepi? Is this just another one of my senseless crusades that never leads anywhere? Like that one I went on when Daisy purposefully smashed my bike so I wouldn't go down to the Viridian River?"
Togepi looked up at its master. "You're not crazy, mommy," it said in Toge-language. "I think that you should go and find this guy if you think he's real."
"That's what I'm doing," Misty said, "But where's this gonna lead? Am I going to find him or am I just going to be miserable for the rest of my life?"
"It's what you make it," Togepi said with it's knack of sounding years older than it actually was.
Misty stood up and reslung her backpack over her shoulder. "You're right," she said. "Let's keep going. I want to get into town so I can change out of these stupid clothes that Violet gave me."
* * * * * *
Ash leaned over the desk in his room at the Pokémon Center, trying desperately to concentrate on the trainer's manual in front of him. His Drowzee-catching expedition had been a total bust, and it had cost him three fainted Pokémon. Chikorita, Noctowl, and Totodile were less than pleased with their master, since Ash had been a complete spacecase in battle. *I couldn't help it,* he thought miserably. *It's these visions I keep having...there's this one girl in all of them...it's like I knew her once but I can't remember her now...maybe she was, like, my girlfriend in a former life or something.*
Pikachu, who was snacking on some Pokémon food, looked up at Ash. "You know," it said in Poké-language, "you really should try to ignore these 'visions', as you call them. They've already put you on Noctowl's black list, and I'm willing to bet that Chikorita and Totodile aren't your best buddies right now."
Ash shook his head. "It's easy to say, but hard to do."
"Ash, you might as well face it. You just dreamed up this girl and made yourself believe that she actually exists just to think that you had some other thing to do than lose to Whitney again."
Ash frowned. "You think I just dreamed this up because Whitney's stupid pink cow beat me? Pikachu, you know I was thinking about this before I even met Whitney."
The TV caught both of their attentions when a newscaster's voice blasted out of the speaker. "And in Pokémon League news, Cerulean City has been shaken by their Gym Leader's sudden decision to leave the Gym and strike out on her own Pokémon journey."
Ash got up to turn it off, but a picture on the screen grabbed his attention.
"The remaining Cerulean sisters refused to comment on Misty's sudden departure, but say that the operation of the Gym will not be affected."
Pikachu noticed the expression on Ash's face. "Ash, what's wrong?"
Ash stared hard at the screen. "That girl...I...feel like I know her...like I've seen her before..."
Pikachu shook its head. "No, you haven't. You battled the older one for the Cascade Badge, remember?"
Ash kneeled in front of the screen. "Come to think of it, Pikachu, I don't remember anything before my Gym battle with Whitney." He flicked the screen off as the TV returned to it's normal programming, which consisted of soap operas until at least five o'clock.
"Maybe that cow gave you amnesia?" Pikachu suggested.
Ash sighed. "It wasn't a Psychic-type, Pikachu," he said. He suddenly felt like crying, which he didn't hold back on doing. Ash didn't like to be seen crying, since he was always putting across a 'tough' image, but around Pikachu and his other Pokémon, he didn't care. He sat down on the floor and buried his head in his hands. He wasn't exactly sure why he was crying, but he knew that some of it had to do with these visions. They were leading nowhere and now three of his best Pokémon were angry with him because of it. He was saddened, frustrated, and felt like the whole Pokémon League was against him. "What's wrong with me, Pikachu?!" he wailed. "Why is this happening? Why can't I remember anything?!"
Pikachu curled up in Ash's lap, something that always comforted its master. "It's not your fault," it said. "Maybe you're right about this, maybe not, but it'll all work out."
* * * * * *
Misty came out of the washroom, dressed in denim shorts and a yellow tank top, her outfit of choice. Her sisters had always been a little disapproving of the outfit, since the shirt didn't exactly cover her midriff, but she always felt a lot more comfortable in her own clothing. Her orangey hair was pulled up in a ponytail that rested to the left side of her head.
Togepi looked up at Misty. "Feel better?" it asked.
Misty let out a sigh. "Physically, maybe," she said.
"You're still thinking of this dream?"
Misty shrugged. "How can I not think about it, Togepi? I've had the exact same dream for days now! Don't you remember what happened the last time I had one of those dreams that just kept coming back?"
Togepi nodded. "You dreamed that your mom would get into an accident and that she'd die," it said sadly.
Misty nodded. "And, like, a week after I started having that dream, it happened! I could have saved my mom's life if someone had just believed me!"
"So what does that have to do with this dream?"
Misty rolled her eyes, her usual response when she wasn't sure of something. "I don't know," she said. "I'm just saying that this means something, no matter what anyone says."
"So, what's this boy's name, anyway? I hear you say his name sometimes."
Misty picked the little Pokémon up and walked out into the lobby of the Pokémon Center. "He tells me sometimes, but by the time morning comes, I've forgotten..."
"Do you remember when you wake up in the middle of the night?"
"Sometimes...but just for a second."
"Put a pen and paper beside your bed. Then you can write it down when you wake up."
Misty smiled. "Not a bad idea. Sometimes I think you just pretend to be a baby Pokémon."
"I could evolve if I wanted to," Togepi said, staring at its feet, "but I don't want to."
Misty patted Togepi on the head. "I love ya just the way you are. Take your time then."
* * * * * *
In the dream, Ash found himself in a dark forest. Pikachu had been taken from him and he was alone, with the exception of the creepy feeling crawling its way up his spine. A Noctowl suddenly grazed the air just above his head. He let out a yelp and took off running. "Pikachu, where are you, buddy?!" he called. "Please just let me know where you are!" There was no reply. Ash kept on running until his legs were jello and they refused to carry him any further. "Pikachu..." he said sadly. "I've lost you...I can't find you..."
"Well, if you just plan on giving up, then I guess it is," a female voice scolded.
Ash looked up to see a girl a little taller than he was, with hair that matched the shade of orange you sometimes see mixed in with a fire. "You...it's you...the girl that I've been seeing...who are you? Where can I find you?"
The girl slowly shook her head. "I can't tell you because I'm lost myself...maybe someday we'll meet for real..."
Ash got to his feet again as she began to fade away. "No, wait...you have to tell me who you are....please!" He bolted awake in his bed.
Pikachu looked up at Ash worriedly. "Ash, are you okay?"
Ash shook his head. "I saw her...she was there...she was in my dream...I saw her..." He turned on the light. He was breathing like he had really run the distance in his dream and he was bathed in a cold sweat. "Pikachu, I know I saw her..." He suddenly felt sick to his stomach and rushed to the washroom, just in case.
Pikachu followed him. "Ash, you need to calm down. Look at what this is doing to you!"
Ash had to literally crawl to the sink to wash his face. "All the more reason to follow through..." he said in a hoarse voice. "I won't rest until I meet her..."
Pikachu sighed heavily. This didn't seem to be even close to ending, and it knew that Ash's Pokémon weren't as understanding as Pikachu was. Things were getting complicated...
* * * * * *
Misty bolted awake and grabbed for the paper at her bedside. She quickly scribbled down something and then shook the egg-like Pokémon at her side. "Togepi, I know his name now!" she cried.
Togepi yawned. "Whose name?" it said sleepily.
"The boy in my dream! I know his name!"
"So? What is it?"
Misty tried to stop her hands from shaking so she could read the paper. "I had the exact same dream...and he told me that his name was Ash..." The name struck a chord with her, but she still wasn't sure why. "So much for the theory of remembering him as soon as I learned his name..." She sighed. "And without his last name, this isn't worth squat."
"But it's a start," Togepi encouraged. The name had struck a chord with it, too.
Before Misty could say anything else, the P.A system buzzed. "S.S. Aqua has docked in Olivine City. All passengers please disembark immediately."
Misty tried to ignore her frazzled nerves. She felt so nervous, not only because of who she was looking for, but because she was in a whole new place. She picked up her bags and followed the crowd out to the harbour. "This is going to be number one on my new and weird experience list. Traveling all the way to Johto to find a kid that's only in my dreams with no idea about him other than his first name that I'm not even sure IS his first name."
Togepi sighed. "Maybe someone here will give us a hint..."
No sooner had Togepi said that then the TV flashed with the daily Pokémon League news. A young woman that Misty saw on TV all the time appeared on the screen. "With the Johto League competition just months away, Johto's attention is beginning to focus on the trainers that, for the first time in about five years, have traveled here from Kanto. Leading the pack this year are a pair of rivals from Pallet Town, Gary Oak and Ash Ketchum."
Togepi pointed to the screen. "That kid's name is Ash," it reasoned, pointing to the picture.
Misty's heart skipped a few dozen beats. "Togepi, that's him!" she cried. "It's him...it's really him!"
Togepi blinked at the screen as memories began to flood back. "That's...I know him..."
Misty stared at the screen. "Now tell us where he is..."
"League officials have informed us that Oak has reached the Fog Gym in Ecruteak City, while Ketchum is slightly behind at the Plain Gym in Goldenrod City."
Misty took off running. "We have to get to Goldenrod, Togepi!"
* * * * * *
Ash stormed out of the Goldenrod Gym, his hat pulled low over his eyes and his fists clenched as if to warn everyone away. This time, he hadn't lost to Whitney, but to one of her junior trainers. Not to mention the fact that he had been physically ill from the dream for the last two days. Nurse Joy, who didn't specialize in people but knew a sick kid when she saw one, had ordered him to stay in bed and had only let him go outside that day. She had also recommended that he see a people-doctor, a piece of advice he had ignored so far. "If I go to the hospital, they'll lock me up in the psych ward," he said now to Pikachu.
"Ash, I think Joy's right," Pikachu said. "You are really sick, buddy."
Ash shook his head. "Maybe I just caught the 24-hour flu or something. I'll be fine. Now let's get you and Noctowl to the Pokémon Center before Noctowl pecks my eyes out."
* * * * * *
Misty jumped out of the back of the truck that she and Togepi had hitched a ride in and thanked the driver. She looked around. "Well, there's a Pokémon Center down the street," she said. Her eyes fell on the one person in the street, a boy walking with a Pikachu. She frowned. "That looks like..."
"The kid we saw on TV back in Olivine?"
Misty tried to focus. The boy was just a bit shorter than she was, and he was wearing jeans, a blue-and-white short-sleeved vest, and a red-and-white cap. She practically dropped Togepi. "Togepi, it's him!"
"Then what are you just standing here for?!"
"What if he doesn't remember me?" she said worriedly.
Togepi looked up at her. "Do you remember what my Metronome did to that Mareep back on the ship? I'll do that to you if you don't go over there!"
Misty took a deep breath and jogged a few steps. "Ash!" she called out.
* * * * * *
Ash froze when he heard the voice. So did Pikachu. The both of them slowly turned around. Before he knew anything more, she was in front of him. This time, he didn't even have to think to know her name. "Misty?" he said.
Misty's eyes were tearing up as she rested a hand on his cheek. "It's you...It's really you..." she said as she felt hundreds of memories flooding back. She smiled as she wrapped her arms around him.
Ash returned the hug, his memory returning, too. "I missed you..." he said. "But what happened? Why did we forget each other?"
Misty shook her head as she pulled away. "Some things are just meant to be. The point is, we're back together now."
Ash bit his lip, not sure if he should say what he wanted to. "Misty...I'm sorry...for not coming to find you... Brock made me let the police handle it..."
Misty raised an eyebrow. "Since when do you listen to Brock?" she said, her old self returning.
"Since I was too scared for you to do anything in my right mind," he replied. "I knew that it was just Team Rocket...and I thought that you could get out...but I was still scared..."
Misty shook her head. "They're probably wondering where I am right now. They thought they had me good there..." She laughed as she imagined Team Rocket's expressions when they opened the van to find her gone.
Ash smiled. "I'm just glad you're back...that we're back..."
Misty nodded and leaned forward, intending to kiss him on the cheek.
But before she could, the ground began to rumble. Huge spikes made of either ice or crystal began to shoot out of the asphalt. And from the bowels of the earth came the one sound that neither of them had ever wanted to hear again: Pokémon voices singing a melodious but deadly tune, "Un-own....un-own...un-own..."
END OF PART 3
A/N: So, Ash and Misty have gotten their memories back, but the Unown are PO'ed about it. And where's Brock? Stay tuned for the next (and final!) installment of "To Know The Unknown"!