C. Cowboy: sorry for the wait, it's been kindda hectic around here, and I barely had time to even check my email. Anyway, on with story! R&R!
Chapter 4: the Hand Of Fate Returns
"What does it all mean?" Misty asked herself as she leaned against the rail of her second story balcony. Her mind never left that dream from the night before. It isn't the first time the dream came, but every time she had it, it became more and more clear. Almost like it was more of a memory then a dream. She was so into her thoughts she never noticed the person walking up behind her until she felt two arms go around her waist and a kiss on the side of her neck. "Ash! You scared me!" Misty said jumping slightly. "Sorry. Ya sleep ok?" Ash asked resting his chin on her shoulder. "Yup! Like a log! You?" She lied. "Never better." Ash said turning her to face him. "Listen, I'm gonna have to leave earlier then I thought." Ash said sadly. "Oh. How early?" Misty said disappointedly. "This afternoon." Misty looked even more down, "But we were…" she was cut off by Ash rubbing her cheek. "Trust me, Mist, what I'm doing will more then make up for it. If it works." Misty now looked at him curiously, "What exactly are you doing?" She asked with a smirk. Ash just gave her a peck on the lips, "I've already told you; you'll see if it works!" Misty then batted her eyes at him. Ash sweated a little, but shook it off, "Not gonna work this time, babe, I've gotta go pack." Ash then turned and headed toward his room. Misty gave him a dirty look and snapped her fingers.
Meanwhile in Star's room…
"I can't believe were in Elite Four!" Star said happily while stretching her arms and setting up from her bed. "Chu…" 'Yeah…' Kurai sighed sadly. "What's wrong, Kurai?" Star asked concerned. "Pika chu." 'It's nothing.' Star then gave her Pikachu a smirk, "Wouldn't have anything to do with a certain golden powerhouse, now would it?" Kurai blushed bright red and looked away, "K-ka! Pika kachu kapi kachu pipikachu!" 'N-no! Why would I be interested in that showoff!' Star petted Kurai on the head, "I don't know, maybe because he's one of the most powerful Pokemon in the world?" Kurai never said a word, just looked down trying to hide her blush.
Star never came down till around noon, there she saw Misty, Mrs. Ketchum, and Togetic watching TV. "Hi. Anyone seen Ash," she then looked down at Kurai with a smirk, "or his Pikachu?" Kurai quietly growled and called her master unkind names. "Ash said he had some things to take care of, so he and Pikachu went off. They said they'd meet you at Pallet at the arranged time. "Cool." Star said setting down, Kurai just pouted. "So go with me to the mall, Star?" Misty asked, "I have to get some super potions and some more supplies for the gym. Star hated shopping, but she didn't have anything better to do.
A few hours later, Misty had about all the supplies she needed and they were both on their way out when they heard a woman screaming. "HELP!!! SOMEONE!!! HE STOLD MY PURSE!!!" Star and Misty both spun around and saw the Rocket running with the pocket book, but before they could do anything, a black blur swung from the ceiling and the rocket was out cold with the Hand of Fate standing over him. Fate tied the thief up for the police and handed the woman her purse. She then looked over and spotted Misty and Star, "Well, if it isn't the man stealer! How ya doing Missy?" Crystal said smartly. "I'm doing just fine, Blondie, and the name's Misty, not Missy." Misty said with a fake smile. "I though Team Rocket was gone for good. what's with this guy?" Star asked curiously, "Just because Giovanni's gone, doesn't mean Team Rocket's gone. They're weaker then they were, but they're still around." She then gave Star an evil look, "But even the stupidest of people knew that!" Star glared at her, "What…did…you…just…say?" Crystal giggled, "I take it back. Misty didn't know about it either, so the stupidest of people didn't know about it!" Misty and Star looked at each other and nodded. In a flash they were both on Crystal beating the living crap out of her. The beating continued till they saw a flash. They immediately stop end looked up and saw Todd Snap taking pictures of the two on one catfight. "Hi, Misty! Long time no see!" Todd said happily, "Hi Todd!" Misty said forgetting about Crystal and Star just looked confused. Crystal crawled back and threw a spark ball at the ground, "You haven't heard the last of me, Missy!"
"What are you doing here Todd?" Misty asked, "Oh, I'm here with my girlfriend." "Who's the lucky lady?" before Todd could answer a female voice filled the mall, "MISTY!!! STAR!!!" Misty and Star both looked up and saw a girl running toward them, "Sayuri!" Misty yelled happily, "Skank! Long time no see!" Sayuri glared at Star, "How many times do I have to tale you I hate that name!!!" "What are you doing here?" Misty asked before Star and Sayuri's usual argument stared up. "Me and my boyfriend here, thought we'd come and visit you guys."
A few days later in Johto…
Ash and Pikachu walked up to Prof. Hail's lab. He knocked on the door, and it flew open and a strange girl jerked him inside. "Shush! They're all around us…" the girl said looking around. "Um… who?" Ash said unnerved "why, the Pink Bunnies of course!" Ash looked strangely at her, "Pink…bunnies…" then Prof. Hail walked in, "Why hello there Ash, I've been expecting you!" Ash smiled and walked over to him, "Hi, professor! Um… who's this?" Professor Hail looked at the girl and then back at Ash, "Oh, this is Zarrah, she's my lab assistant." The Prof. Then leaned over and whispered in Ash's ear, "She's a big help, but she's… just a little off." Ash narrowed his eyes and nodded, "I've know people like that." Hail then step toward his lab, "Come with me Ash, I think you'll want to see this."
TO BE CONTINUED…
C. Cowboy: Gotta love cliffhangers! Anyway, what's Prof. Hail going show Ash? What's Crystal up to? What's going to happen between Pikachu and Kurai? Find out next time!