The Aftermath of the Afterlife

by CHROMUS

This is it, a short and sweet ending to this fic. Enjoy the tears as Ash and Misty are reunited many years later, and see what our favourite people did with their lives after Ash' passing...

9. Chapter 9: Duplica

AFTERMATH OF THE AFTERLIFE

DUPLICA

And coming in at a much faster pace, after all the university work has finished, is another chapter of Aftermath. And for the bets today, how many boxes of tissues will be used by the general public today?

Now, it's Imite-chan's turn. Veterans of my pokemon stories since I started them 3 years ago will know that Duplica is my favourite minor character, mainly because of her comic value, and of course, being ultra-kawaii didn't help much either. (Since then, Casey has come a close second for similar reasons) This chapter is a focus of the girl behind the mask of cheerfulness and personality, how a life stemmed from her early memories, and how it culiminated in a blood-thirsty battle at Team Rocket HQ.

So get a cup of cocoa, put the kiddies to bed, and enjoy!

WARNING: Early scenes involve child abuse, so if you are squeamish, I suggest you turn back now. This is a very sad chapter, and also, there are hints of both FantasyShipping and Imiteshipping, but nothing for AAM fans to be in danger of.

And also, the second special cameo at the end, thanks to Freedom Fighter and Survivor Globie for allowing me to use their fics for the basis of the character I'm using…you'll see what I mean those who have read Roomies 1, AS2 and AS3…

* * * *

I'm sorry…I don't know if I'll even put a single sentence together…I'm crying so much…

After the song that Mel-chan and I did, it was like my heart, not my voice was breaking.

The fact that singing at his funeral just made me get down to the depths of despair.

Despair. If you asked that word with me to any of my friends, they would all say the same thing. 'She doesn't know the meaning of the word!' before giving out a laugh. Well, I know despair. I know it very well, I just hide it very well.

I saw everyone, my husband was mingling with a few old friends, as out of the corner of my eye, I saw Sabrina and Melody trying to comfort Misty in a corner. Amazing how much Sabrina has come so far since Ash…

I can't say his name without scrunching up my eyes, as my tears tend to try and overflow my body. I know I can't take much more of this, I'll open them up and this will be a bad dream…

…the only thing I saw was depression. The last 'bad dream' I had was 20 years ago, close to when I was born…

* * * *

The only thing you are supposed to fear is fear itself. For me, fear came in the form of my father.

Yes, I said father. When people ask me about my family, I usually change the subject, and most people usually just feel that it's a touchy subject for me, and they leave it at that. Some speculated I was an orphan. Other felt I was adopted.

Nope, I was born from my mother's womb, and I knew as hell who my father was.

I was born in Celadon General Hospital, the city where Team Rocket foundations began so many years ago. My father was the son of a legendary Rocket Agent, which I'm sure you are familiar with if you've heard from Jessie.

My father was Mondo Maxwell II, the second of the Maxwell generation to become a top field agent in Team Rocket.

A true bastard unlike his father. So who would marry a bastard like him?

A bitch what else? My mother, and I use the term loosely, was Mai Honda, a woman who had made a reputation of making a mint of supplying and creating a special drugs syndicate on strengthening pokemon's abilities. The scary thing about this was that it was also designed to work on humans….but no regard for the after effects. I remember many pokemon-related deaths from these drugs, and a few human ones.

In such a loveless environment, it's a wonder that I was conceived. Well, of the first things I understood from them was that I was a mistake. They never wanted to have children, but let's just say a slight 'hole' came upon their forms of protection and well…here I am.

The first time I remember being struck was when I was three. My mother had a bit of a whip fetish…for their own sick games…but I guess it came in handy when they wanted to torture their mistake of a daughter who did absolutely everything wrong to mess up their life just for existing. I'm amazed they didn't abort me…but I think it was some sort of TR policy, maybe to mold me into a TR agent. Hey, it happened with Jessie.

The pain was unbearable. A scar like what happened with Jessie will always be there for life, no matter how many years has gone and the memories have healed. However, each blow was like another needle in my mind, to never be removed. Trust me, for 4 years, I would receive plenty of punishment.

I only had one real resource of comfort. The Celadon Library.

When Mondo and Mai (I refuse to call them mom and dad, I would call them other things, but that would be disrespectful to Ash) left for their usually hours of theft and torture, I hobbled down to the local library. Yes, at 3 years old, walking down by myself to the large library was odd, but trust me, this was normal compared to some of the events in my life.

Because of my parents, I feared adults at times. When I walked into the library, I found it hard to understand, because I couldn't read. However, a nice old lady named Mary became the first adult I learnt to trust.

"Excuse me young lady, do you want some help?"

I nodded, and I asked that I wanted to try and learn to read. I think she was a bit surprised by the fact that I was 3 years old and wanted to read on my own, when she asked about my parents, I simply said they were 'out.' If I mentioned anything about my parents, trust me, torture would be too good for me, they had made that out clear.

At 3 years old, it was where I first learned how to read…and about Pokemon.

I got interested about pokemon from that age, because as a lot of children my age, they liked to look at the pictures because they were so cute. (Well, most of them anyway.) I made a few friends here as well as a few children began talking with me, even though I didn't really have much to say.

However, it took me off the horror that was my home, and I enjoyed every moment.

Throughout the next year and a bit, I remember learning how to read as a number of the librarians really took a shine to me. I was nicked 'Matilda' because of my wanting to read at such a young age, and wanting to read 'harder' books. I remember reading a book which took me a few months called Wild Swans, about a three generation family from the authors point of view, an autobiographical piece about their lives from Communist China to the present day. I felt that if Jung Chang, the author, could get her life on track, somewhere, someday, somehow, I could too.

As much as I would have liked to borrow books, I didn't. I feared my parents wrath if I did anything asides from sit in my room, eating the bread, drinking my water, and just being totally miserable in life. If I looked even remotely happy, they would strike me. I think it was their own form of pleasure, they did enough torture at work, but they couldn't get enough, so felt that their daughter was a prime target.

Until my 5th birthday, it was a daily routine, I always checked the time by the inch, waiting until I knew when they would come home. I was learning so much about pokemon from the books, reading and learning their attacks. I had memorised them by now, so much that it almost became my bible.

However, one day, I had enough of my parents.

Birthdays? Forget it, it was just an ordinary day for me. However, on my 5th birthday, I couldn't take it anymore.

They didn't beat me everyday, just when they felt like it. The house we lived in was a decent estate of the inner city, but my room made it look like it was a slum from ancient China. All that was in was a ricketty bed and one sheet. No allowance, no toys, just one miserable little girl wishing for salvation.

On this day, I realised you got to look for salvation.

I had got back from the library, and was busy trying to sleep. It was pointless, because they would wake me up anyway, because they occasionally got me to cook as well. They didn't bother, they ordered fancy takeaways, but when they wanted me to suffer, they would have me cook. If it was bad, they hurt me. If it was good, they hurt me. I couldn't win.

Today was one of those days.

I remember them acting like blood-thirsty sadists kissing each other saying who did the better that day, was it the screaming Sandshrew or the howling Hypno who was tortured better? They couldn't decide. It just made me shudder…

"Hey, you girl, make us something now! We're in a good mood and we don't need a mistake like you to ruin it!"

I was never called a name. I wasn't born Duplica Imite. My real name is still a mystery. My family name was Maxwell, although if they filled out a certificate for my birth I'll be very surprised. Thanks to Jessie and James, I eventually looked through my records, and in the TR base records under Maxwell, they had my details. Anna Maxwell. So I had a birthname, but it was a name that I would loathe. At least my family name.

Reading cookery books was one thing I practically had to do because I knew if I didn't brush up on my cooking skills, I was as good as hurt. Mind you, to be honest, I was going to be hurt anyway.

Today, I just didn't realise how much.

They were being their usual sick selves, as I was stirring the stir-fry I was making. My mind was wondering about my life, even at 5 years old, I wanted to be something. Something important.

Pokemon trainer? Master? I already knew a lot about them, it seemed though a wasted opportunity. Besides, I needed to be 10 before I could get a licence. I wanted to be out of this hell before then…

I was so busy daydreaming that I didn't realise that the rice was overflowing. Unfortunately, my parents noticed it. It seemed they always notice when I screwed up, it was like a radar.

I wished the radar had been turned off.

"WHAT? YOU LITTLE BITCH!"

Is it a wonder that I couldn't remember my own name. No-one asked my name at the library, I was known as Matilda and for me, it stuck, and it was nice like that. Here, it was another story.

"YOU RUINED DINNER, WHY YOU LITTLE SCREW-UP?"

Every name at me was like another thousand memories to soon become another thousand blows. At that point, I knew what was coming, and then I wished that I wouldn't become so defenceless.

"GET ME THE WHIP! I NEED TO TEACH HER A LESSON…"

My mind froze. This voice wasn't the usual lust for pain, this was true anger. I think he just wanted one reason to explode before unleashing his Team Rocket like wrath.

I screamed as my tears were coming out, but that just turned him on even more. Mai had grabbed me and held me as my father with that weapon, slashed at me with more venom than ever.

My back is one giant scar, even today, the marks are there, it's no wonder why Todd…well, that will be told later.

I felt blood coming out, and trust me it was a feeling I didn't like. My mother however thrived in it.

"This is good…she's never bled before…" My mother was like a whore on smack, which technically, she was.

My dad leashed blow after blow as I screamed…but noticed something.

"Hey, she hasn't said stop…" he said.

One of the pleasure my father had from this was hearing me scream and saying 'stop' repeatedly. This time, even though the pain was 10 times as intense, I refused to give in to his sick pleasure. Blood was showing, tears were flowing, my body felt inflamed and I though at age 5, I was going to die. At least my suffering would end.

However, I wouldn't let this sick bastard get to me.

Not this time.

After what seemed like hours, but was just very agonizing minutes, my father was wore out, sweat covered his body, and obviously felt a bit woozy. Mai was a bit white as well, from what I don't know, but I felt like passing out…

As bitch and bastard went to their quarters, I left mine…

…for good.

I had learnt the basics of medicine again thanks to my extensive reading, and I spent an hour getting a makeshift bandage from toilet roll and cellotape. It hurt like hell, but I decided that I was either going to die here…or get the heck out of there, and probably just die on the streets.

I knew where the hidden key was, and I unlocked the door. I had little belongings, so I just went out, the world ready to claim me.

The pain was too much for me. It was 8 at night, and the sunset was just coming down. I admired it for the first time in my short life, but knew I had to get out of here.

I felt like I needed a crutch or something because it was obvious that it was near impossible for me to walk.

I headed simply for the direction that I was used to, Celadon Library. I tried and tried, but my eyes became more blurry from the pain. Still I carried on, pure adreline flowed through me as I knew that I wouldn't be able to last much longer.

When I collapsed, I knew that God would have at least a small place for me…

* * * *

When I woke up, the first thought I had was 'God doesn't have walls does he?' Unless Heaven had a redecorator in recently, I wasn't dead.

I felt the warmth of a fire burning, and I felt at ease. I felt that maybe I was back home, but my house never had a fire going. Anything that felt like warmth was practically banned, so….

"Are you alright sweetheart?"

I recognised the voice. It was the kindly old lady, Mary, the librarian who had given me the name 'Matilda' because of my reading habit, just like the classic Roald Dahl text. I felt pain still, my back area…but it was a different pain…

"Miss…Mary?" I had a timid voice.

The lady, Mary Aoitze, was close to her 70s from when I was just 5, however, her warm spirit and her kindly face set me at ease whenever I went to the library. Now, she was here, her gaze guiding me again.

"Ah, you can see me. I was worried, the way you were collapsed when I found you I thought you were dead…"

I think that was the original plan.

"You…saved…me…"

"It was just chance young one. I was driving from the library, and saw you collapsed on the outskirts. I managed to get you in and got you to my cottage here…"

She handed me a small cup of tea. I wasn't going to think twice. This was a true act of kindness, I again wondered if I was actually in heaven, but I felt that heaven wouldn't have held any pain in me.

"You went through a lot didn't you? Your back was covered in blood, what happened?" she said.

I almost dropped the drink as memories rebounded to me in a hurry, the sadistic bastards that I had the shame to call parents. The many years on Mary's face reflected in the amount of wisdom and her ability to judge and view people gave her an obvious conclusion.

"I guess it's something you don't want to say, but I also have a feeling that something is stopping you from telling me…"

She stopped because a 5 year old girl had collapsed into her 65 year old self as I was sobbing my heart out.

"Miss Mary…please….make them stop…I don't want to go back there…please…"

For the first time in my childhood, I felt something warm round me as Mary gave me a hug, like a grandmother to her granddaughter. It felt nice. I never felt this feeling before in my life. Fortunately for me, it would get better for me throughout the years…

"There there child. You're safe."

I had dried up my tears and I believed her. The first tale of the girl only known as 'the mistake' would be told, as it would be the first time I would stand up for my parents.

I told Mary there and then about the scars on my back, and the scars in my heart. She learnt easily why I was at the library for so much…a life for anyone must have been terrible, but for a 5 year old girl…

She stood up and smiled.

"Little one, we are going to make sure that doesn't happen again…"

* * * *

Although she didn't have a spare bed, sleeping on her couch was the equivilent of the gods compared to my last few years of life. Every morning, she would wake me up, we'd have breakfast, and then head off for her shift to the library.

I would stay there until her shift was over, and then we'd head on home for a little tea and then just enjoy each other's company.

In the library section, she showed me a section that you wouldn't dream of showing 5 year old girls normally. But for one who had proven herself to be tough, but wanted to not be a pushover, it was a section that would be perfect.

So, before I became a pokemon trainer, or even an actress, I was learning the martial arts.

People wonder how I can imitate styles so well. When you've trained in forms on martial arts and interpretative dance, it does answer a lot of questions. I was only 5, but it was a way to get my body into working shape.

It was also where I got my love for acting, well, the starting point. I began reading on costumes, and famous actors and actresses. Top actors like Brad Van Dam and Fiorenno Capuchino or whatever his name is, they were starting to break in and I wanted to follow in that kind of footsteps. Learning became an obsession for me.

Learning martial arts, dance, costume making, actors postures and pokemon attacks would be too much, but I loved it. It was a challenge for me, and at least it got me away from Mai and Mondo.

They obviously couldn't care less because they never made any effort to approach me. A thing that scared me was the fact that Mary could have reported them to the police, and Team Rocket could have killed me from then, but Mary kept quiet whilst taking care of me.

I now had the comfort of taking books home, and I remembered Mary smiling at me as I practiced my tai chi exercises and kempo, or trying to re-inact a Shakespeare play. I did smash a couple of china pots when trying to dance, but Mary just laughed. I laughed too, it was that kind of environment. A happy one.

Learning the pokemon attacks was easy. It was just simple drilling. If I wanted to become a pokemon master, I knew what tricks could come up out of the Diglet's hole, and I was ready for them.

For 3 years until I was 8, I kept this up. Despite Mary coming up to 70, she kept watching her adopted 'granddaughter'. When I came out to help shopping or just for a friendly skip in Celadon Park, I remember watching people seeing that is a proper bond between grandparent and granddaughter.

Going past Celadon Gym once, I smiled and said to Mary. "I'll beat that gym one day and I'll make you proud of me. I'll become a Pokemon master!"

She replied. "But what about becoming an actress?"

I said, "I'll do that too…I've got two hands! You gave me the belief that I can do anything grandma!"

I remember the look of pride she gave me when I said that. I was an innocent 6 at the time, but I think she took those words to heart. She had succeeded where my parents had failed.

However, tragedy was always around for me…but from my greatest tragedy started the journey for me in more ways than one…

* * * *

At her age, I guess death wouldn't have been as surprising.

How it happened was another story.

Mary had told me she was hoping to enrol me into the Fantasy House Productions, a theatre arts company that specialised in young actors and actresses, and she was hoping to put me in.

She had saved a bit of money for me, and she was a true family to me. And I was so happy.

Happiness however seemed a foreign word to me…

I saw the newspaper reading of the house being burned. Not destroyed…it was burned down via 'suspicious circumstances.' In other words, my bastard-parents burned it.

Why would they do that? Because they knew where I lived, and knew my dreams as well…

…I knew that because they told me.

The night after it burned down, I tried to cry myself to sleep, as another dream had ended. I didn't have much time to mourn though….as I felt a clamped glove around my mouth as I smelt chloroform.

I blacked out, knowing that for some reason, my life would never be the same again.

* * * *

I woke up in the rain, an evil snicker outside, as two familiar figures were celebrating like they had won the lottery.

"Well, well, our pretty little daughter is still around…" Mai snickered.

"I would take you to see your grandfather, but hey, life sucks doesn't it?" Mondo echoed.

"I guess that's why we burned down buildings, your life, your dreams…your home…" Mai added.

No….they wouldn't.

"I don't know if they'll find her old bones amongst all the ash…I mean, it's not like they'll miss her, when you've seen one old fogey, you've seen them all…"

Bastards.

"You…killed…."

"We could have killed you there as well, but we felt it was much more torture to watch you cry through it before we killed you…you a daughter of ours? Ha…you were too cute and sweet to be anything around Team Rocket…especially field agents as strong as we are…"

I saw the flame thrower. The weapon used to burn Mary down. The weapon which would take my life.

"And seeing you scream as your life ends will be so delicious…" Mai said.

I was only 8 at this time, and even if all my training, I would die before I reached them. I closed my eyes…not scared, not giving them anything in compensation to make their victory feel sweeter…maybe the rain would be enough to stop it…

…or maybe a certain pokemon would….

"Huh…what's that?" Mondo said, before tripping over something.

I saw up and a pink blob of jelly moulded into the weapon…and making it blow up! Mai and Mondo fell back a few feet, as I saw the cute face of my salvation.

Ditto. My first pokemon…and not my last ditto either. But the one I held my closest bond throughout all these years.

"Huh…a ditto?" I said.

The two agents formerly known as my parents struggled. I saw Mondo clutch his ribs and Mai have a cut above her right eye. Suddenly, Ditto morphed…into the flame thrower that it had just destroyed!

I knew this pokemon was special…it was defending against me….it wasn't afraid…

I shouldn't be afraid either.

I realised it then, that their methods were brutal to me, but it was because they feared not being in control. Now on the receiving end, I struggled but managed to pick up the ditto/flamethrower.

"Now….leave me alone!" I screamed out, not sure if the weapon would work, but I was so focused and upset, that if it did…and it killed them, I don't know what I'd have thought. The guys that had abused me, tortured me, both in mind and body, killed my only real person I thought was a parent, destroyed my dreams…it can be a bit much for an 8 year old girl.

However, an 8 year old girl with a flamethrower, wasn't something that Mai and Mondo wanted to risk. They took off, hurt and defeated. I had my victory against my parents.

But at what cost? I fell down, knowing that once again, I was all alone…

…or was I?

"Dit?" said a cute little voice.

I looked over as the ditto had returned back to it's original form, and was coming up to my side. I still had all my pokemon knowledge…and of all the pokemon in the world, what would be the best pokemon to use it for?

Easy. A pokemon that can turn into any other pokemon.

"Ditto…" Suddenly I felt something else.

It was a twig, in the ditto's mouth. It had a few red berries on them. I recognised that they weren't poisonous…and I smiled.

I picked up the cute little thing and hugged it.

"Thank you…little friend…" I cried.

It was the beginning of a friendship that would last to this present day.

* * * *

I can't stressed the fact how important a relationship with your first pokemon can be so unbreakable. Ash and his Pikachu were a perfect example…damn, I hate using the past tense with him…I still refuse to believe it, even when I'm standing outside his coffin.

Ditto was my saviour. We connected like we were meant for each other. Ditto helped me survive by forging wild berries and fruit as I was living…

….in the burned mansion where I was hoping to attend as an actress. Burnt down and now condemned, it was practically a ghost house and no-one bothered outside it. Weird, outside Sunnytown, it was the darkest place you could warrant.

I knew I couldn't survive long, even with Ditto's help…so I decided to make a decision.

I am going to make something of my life.

Mary would be proud.

I looked at Ditto who smiled back. I picked it up (no pokeball, I wanted it to have the freedom that it deserved, just like I deserved) and headed to Celadon capital.

There was a tournament there commencing in three days. And a prize of the equivalent of $5000.

Ditto had plenty of wild experience, and it was time for what Ashy called the 'Dream Team' to take it to the world.

As I applied to take part, I got to name. I panicked slightly, I never had my name from my parents, and although Mary had called me Matilda, I felt that it was time for a new life.

I looked at my partner. The changing pokemon, I think I needed a change, a change that would reflect my new life.

I wrote my new name down.

Duplica Imite.

A true change, fitting now because I'm an actress, but then, it was to represent that I was a new person, a changed person, one with resolve.

17 years later, it is my name by right now, and I've kept it. Even after marriage, Toddy-poo can attest to that.

Pokemon of choice: Ditto.

It was a one-on-one tournament. I didn't care. They could have used 6 and I still had the confidence that I could win.

When I went back 'home', I looked at myself in a broken mirror. My hair had been kept long because my parents did want anything that resulted in improving their daughter.

"Ditto, do you mind if you changed into a knife?"

Not surprisingly, Ditto was a bit panicking, but I reassured Ditto that I wasn't planning…well, you can guess.

Ditto (reluctantly) changed into the weapon. I smiled and used the knife to cut part of my long hair.

Using a makeshift headband, I changed my long hair to a pony-tailed look which changed my look completely.

The cycle was finished. I hugged my Ditto and despite the hunger and tiredness in me, I felt more alive that I ever did.

3 days couldn't come fast enough.

* * * *

My first ditto was different to many others, I knew that after it changed into the flame thrower, it had the ability to imitate any pokemon on command, not just the opposite number. I practised the night before with many imitations, until it was tired and I let it rest.

My beloved Mary had in fact held an account for me, which didn't have much money in (because she was saving for the school), however, I could deposit it into the account if I won.

No, when I would win. I needed to.

So, the tournament day had come.

I saw Celadon Square packed with trainers, talking with their pokemon. I saw people return them to their pokeballs, something that I never used, even when I got a team of 6 dittos.

I registered into the tournament, seeing the competition. I was only 8 years old remember, and this was for trainers of all ages. Most were 10 or over obviously, there were a few people close to my age, but it seemed that I would be seen as an outsider, especially considering that every other young person had someone with them.

I was certainly missing human companionship after Mary died. I didn't return to the library to talk with old friends there, it seemed pointless after Mary's death. Seeing everyone here did make me feel lonely…

No. Ditto was here. I felt a compulsary nature that I didn't trust people. That's bullshit because I knew there were a lot of good people. It was my parents that were screwed up. You know, thinking about this…I surprisingly have a lot in common with Jessie…that's a scary thought.

I smiled as Ditto hopped to my shoulder.

"Ready Ditto?"

"Dit!"

I took that as a yes.

* * * *

A number of these trainers were on journeys and had won badges. Some of them had just come from winning the rainbow badge from the gym in Celadon and were considered favourites.

One of those was up against me in the first round.

"Aww…a cute little girl. I'll go easy on you if you want, I just won a rainbow badge, and my Growlithe is ready for more…" he said with a smirk, about 13 years old.

"Whatever, you're pokemon is the same as you, full of hot air…" I chuckled, and so did some of the crowd. An 8 year old girl getting the psychological advantage against a 13 year old boy? This would be good…

"Huh….whatever. Growlithe go!"

"Ditto, I choose you!"

I think the guy nearly had a heart attack laughing. "A pink blob of jelly against my growlithe….you are joking right?"

This was how much I was joking. "Ditto, transform!"

Now there were two growlithes in the ring. The ditto-lithe's face made it distinguished from the others because it still looked like a ditto. Although people were snickering, including my opponent, I didn't let that deter me.

"Growlithe, finish it quickly, di…"

Before he finished the command, my super quick ditto smashed the dog's nose with a powerful take down, sending it out of the ring, out of commission.

"Huh? What?" the guy said.

"Growlithe has been defeated, Ditto is the winner!"

His look was speechless. And I got some warm applause as well.

I smiled as Ditto changed back, leapt into my arms and gave it a squishy hug, as the crowd awwed. My look on my face said more than words though.

Bring on the next.

* * * *

The next few rounds were of people getting stunned as my Ditto's counter attacks of their pokemon took them out in one move. People started to see that someone and something was special with this girl. She knew the moves like that, an 8 year old like this?

In the semi-finals, it was obvious I was the crowd favourite now. Even against a guy who was supposedly running a 'gym', I beat his electabuzz in two moves by paralysing it with thunder wave and managed to quick attack it's butt back to hell.

The final was up against a highly trained Raticate. The man was supposedly a famous gentleman who had a stake in the St. Anne ship.

"Well little miss, you have done mighty fine to get this far, I applaud you, you and your ditto are quite extraordinary!"

I smiled and bowed. "Thank you very much sir."

And lo and behold, my first thrill of an enjoyable battle.

"Raticate, a jump kick!"

"Ditto, underground!"

Raticate vs. Ditto-cate as Ditto dug under to avoid the martial arts kick from the rat. It appeared on the other side.

"Quick attack!" we said in unison.

Both pokemon were stunned as the crowd sensed we were on to something special.

"As I expected, this is a good pokemon. Let's see if it can handle hyper fang!" Raticate sped to attack.

"Then I'll try double team!" I said.

Ditto-cate suddenly became 5 of them. Raticate launched to bite one of them…

…and landed on the other side, a bit more embarrassed.

"Ditto, super fang!"

The slash like attack sent Raticate down to half energy and the guy was looking worried.

"Your turn Raticate, super fang!"

Now we were even.

"Ditto, quick attack!"

"Raticate, underground!"

Damn. Raticate just avoided the attack as I hate to be careful when…

…hey, I remember the guy battling a Sandshrew. And he had a technique he taught it…I smiled.

"Get ready Ditto…"

"Raticate, come out now!"

And as he did, I smiled.

"Ditto, BLIZZARD!"

"Huh?" went the crowd.

But from my Ditto-cate's fangs, a sharp array of ice smashed into Raticate and sent it flung back into the wall.

It was over. The gentleman was stunned for a second, then clapped me.

"Nice work young lady, I can honestly say you deserved this!"

I blushed, not used to being complimented. "It was a good match…"

I think the world could have taken notice of an 8 year old winning the competition. I had a base now to at least survive. (Although people wondered where my folks were I certainly heard…)

But now I was going to take it one step further.

For Mary, I would continue my dream.

* * * *

Although my skills as a pokemon trainer were unquestioned, continuing to enter mini-tournaments and winning…well…all of them, helped me get my finances in a stretch. As the theatre was abandoned, I didn't have to pay any rent or anything, I just managed to spruce it up.

I also learned that my ditto had actually been abandoned…like me. It's face wouldn't transform properly, and it's previous owner had been laughed at because of it. However, although it was scared of humans (almost like I was), it recognised my desperation and hoped that this human would be a bit more compassionate.

I hopefully lived up to it's expectations.

Yes, I admit when I first realised that it's face remained the same, I was a bit surprised. However, love between human and pokemon is stronger than looks, I loved my ditto more than anything.

Because of my name change, my pokemon, and my finance, I guess it was time to live out my dream.

Despite everything, I decided not to try and become a pokemon master…although I continued to train and battle, hey, I may not become a pokemon master, but a ditto master…that was a real challenge.

For the moment though, I wanted to follow my other dream. Me becoming an actress, a true star, through my own work.

Sprucing up the theatre and renaming it the Imitehouse, I knew that it would be a lot of hard work, but thanks to Ditto, and a few late nights, we managed to get the theatre sorted out.

I think there was a lot of surprise after I put the page ad in the press about the abandoned theatre back in business, and I was determined to put on the best show I could.

I had been training with Ditto for a long time, as it imitated other pokemon. I had bought and designed some of my own costumes to help with my performances (let's face it, it's pretty much impossible to get a Nurse Joy or Officer Jenny costume without getting arrested), and me and Ditto were going to be an unbeatable team. I remember thinking that it's face would not be an issue, it would actually be a help, seeing it's uniqueness.

However, it just goes to show how shallow the human emotion is, after my first few shows.

The last one I put on, despite an energetic performance, cries of 'It's still got that dumb face' and nothing I said mattered. Because my ditto wasn't perfect, it couldn't get accepted.

I remember crying a number of nights, wondering if everything I did was all for nought. Ditto took it the wrong way, thinking I was upset at the little guy, and almost ran away, feeling betrayed again by a human.

I stopped it in time, and I was sad of me, of my life, it wasn't my friend's fault. Hugging it always seemed to comfort both of us, it was that close of a bond.

I closed down the house for the moment, wondering what to do. Things weren't going well, and despite the money I earned from the tournaments, it was getting harder and harder to support myself.

And then…he came.

* * * *

Ashton Satoshi Ketchum. Along with his two friends Misty Waterflower and Brock Slate, they entered the house from the rain. I saw him coming through the window of my room…and smiled. It was the first time I would have company in quite a while.

So I did what came naturally…(well, it would in the future)…tease the situation.

I carefully assessed his clothing, and when I came out from my dressing room (Misty insists that I have a costume space or something, I guess her drawing out that mallet of hers was a similar skill…), I was a replica of him, even with the official hat (one of Mary's old items…god bless her), well…except I was darn site cuter than he was in the get up.

Nah, don't worry, I'm not going Giselle on you, it was kind of a running gag that Misty and me kept up whenever I dressed like Ash. It always got a reaction from him when I did it, and always ended with the same gag (which Ashy would always cover his ears up, a bit like the old 'And don't forget to change your you-know-what…) 'At least I look cuter in this than you do!'

Of course, Ditto wanted a piece of the action, and seeing the Pikachu on his shoulder, decided to have a little fun of it's own. Dittochu was in the house!

In an adorable little scene, I remember Pikachu and Ditto doing a little mirror dance, which understandably Misty fell for in the most kawaii of actions. However, seeing Ditto's face made her panic a little bit, Brock think…and Ash, well, doing what I could describe as…being Ash.

Two countering thundershocks and the baka trying to capture Ditto.

As all good actresses know, making your cue for a dramatic entry is always important. I fingered my one pokeball, and threw it with accuracy which my bud Casey would love for her baseball team.

Two pokeballs collide, a dramatic entry…and Brock the only one realising I was a girl in Ashy's get up. Go figure.

After finally revealing myself, and my pokemon, words kinda went the wrong way with Brock reminding me about Ditto's face, and with Ash, saying that training a ditto was 'boring'.

One battle done and one lesson taught, and it was me with the smug look.

However decided early problems, it was clear we were going to get along. Misty and Pikachu loved my imitations, whilst Brock enjoyed them (I guess he would have preferred it if I was just a tad older…^_^). However, Brock was explaining to Ash about my skills and how I won.

His compliments to me were a bit surprising because I wasn't used to them. I remember blushing at what he said and Ash finally starting to come round. I remember then having a teensy bit of affection for Brock for that, however at that time, there were 5 or 6 years of age difference, and I decided not to pursue the matter.

Now Ash on the other hand…

It was really sweet of him and the others comforting me after Ditto got poke-napped by Team Rocket. However, to turn a bad situation into a good one, it was time for grand imitation.

I suggested the idea of dressing up as Team Rocket, as Ash and Misty taught me the motto (they had apparently heard it a few times so they remembered it…of course, I didn't realise a few times was actually a few HUNDRED times). I got the costumes…and it was the first time I really felt like I had friends.

And just seeing the reactions of Team Rocket was hilarious.

However…they had also done a great debt to me (even though they didn't realise it…although I get my tearful cutesy act brought a tear to their eye…as well as Team Ashy…), but that didn't mean they weren't criminals.

A failed attempt to switch Meowth and Ditto round, and one combo attack from me and Ash later…and they are blasting off again.

It was perfect. Ditto was perfect…life can go on. And I met three of the best friends I could ever meet.

As they left, I remember saying to them to come visit any time…and then…Ashy winked at me as I left.

I felt my heart leave my body, and catch into the throat. I nearly fell of my ladder. Was this a first crush?

Ash was dense, stubborn and at times, a bad loser and a lousy winner. However, he was cute, determined and helpful.

I looked on as they left, wondering if I would ever see them again.

For now, I kept my attention on getting everyone back.

It was time for D&D to take the stage one more time.

* * * *

Again, I made my first few shows free. However, because of my past problems, crowds at first, didn't pick up.

However, I got a saving grace from improved performances, and definitely people telling their friends to see it.

And also from both the Laramie Ranch, the Safari Zone, and Fuschia Gym.

Their representatives (Lara Laramie, Ranger Johnson and Aya) had all been to the show, and thoroughly enjoyed it. They put out some sort of signals and fliers to be recommended to come to the Imitehouse to watch a bit of D&D.

Soon, the shows were picking up by the bucketful. I had a captive audience, and I enjoyed what I was doing.

It was a shock that people actually said they didn't mind paying to watch me. I was stunned, I didn't mind doing it for free because I got money from training to be a ditto master, on my off days I would challenge people and go into tournaments. However, this suggestion caught me off guard.

I didn't charge much, and the audiences only thinned by a minute margin. I actually got asked my autograph a few times. My autograph? Well…

It turned out that the Safari Zone owners were becoming big fans of mine, and were spreading the word about a young child star staring to become a rave. I was starting to get offers to star in other shows and plays…and were offering me top dollar for my services! I didn't know what to say….had I finally made it?

The shows around Kanto took their toll on Ditto and I…sleep was always a problem. People seemed to forget that I was just turning 11 years old…they treated me like an adult, which was both good and bad I suppose. I guess at times I did want to be a normal girl, although this was a dream come true.

On one of these shows, a reinactment of the Poke-wars, a civil war rip-off between the battle of the Croconaws and the Round Raichus, it was there where I met my future husband Todd.

Now, this wasn't one of these 'love at first sight' things. It was a chance meeting as he was a cameraman intending to watch the pokemon performance. However, a few years later, he said 'He remember my performance, and said, it was the first time he was watching something carefully that wasn't a pokemon…'

Our first meeting was a simple 'Hello' and 'Good work' before I headed to my dressing room, wiping off a sweat, and upset at how tired he was.

Mind you, that cameraman guy was kinda cute…

* * * *

Now, ditto number two. A similar story to ditto number one really, that it was abandoned because of how it could only transform into small versions of pokemon size. However, it was more horrible because I saw it for myself.

However, I was a big girl now, and could defend myself and others. I had kept up my training because it helps when doing some of the stunts I do.

I was walking through a meadow, just for a friendly walk with Ditto (we were in Cinnabar) when a boy was chasing after his ditto.

"That's what you get for not being up to scratch!" he growled.

My ditto was already pissed, and I soon followed suit.

"Hey, what are you doing?" I said.

I saw him grin at me. "What do you think…showing how useless this pokemon is! All it can do is transform into smaller versions of other pokemon, do you know how embarrassing that is when you want to face a Snorlax? Well, this pathetic loser has lost for the last time…"

I ran up and scooped up the little guy, pissed as a raticate.

"Hey, you asshole! If you're going to hurt someone, why not battle someone your own size?" I said.

"My, my, such foul language from such a pretty face…very well, you can keep the little critter if you beat me…I choose Scyther…"

But I was in no mood for mercy. Flashbacks of my parents came to mind.

"Ditto…crush him."

Ditto didn't need asking twice. Turning into an Arcanine, the boy nearly pissed his pants.

"Huh…how…why?"

If anyone could compare me to Rika from that Tamers program, I would have laughed. But I think the term 'walk all over him' was appropriate here, as Ditto-cane destroyed Scyther, and came close to biting the bastard's head off.

I cuddle mini-dit as the guy was running away, amok his own fluids, I smiled at the ditto.

"Shh…don't worry…it's O.K…I'll take care of you…"

I think that comfort was enough for me to win this little guy's heart.

I began to realise it's transformation abilities, as it's small size as it transformed was obvious. However, I felt it was a benefit rather than a curse. It was cute beyond belief, and it was a surprise and a half (enough of a surprise for TR to see how rare it was)

I remember doing a show and Minidit coming up and doing the same transformations as my Ditto. It was a hit and a half…and it soon became part of my regular act. It was such a lovable little guy…

However, every centre I came to, they couldn't understand Minidit's unusual ability. I later learnt that I didn't need to understand it.

It was just being itself. Like I was.

And that was fine with me.

* * * *

As I was coming up to 13 years of age, I was broadening my horizons. I was being booked in places across the continent now, now entering Johto territory. I had been booked in exotic places in Cinnabar and also in the Orange Islands once, but Johto was a whole new ball game.

Whitney was a big fan of mine. I remembered performance at her farm with about 500 children watching me and Ditto do a reinactment of Whitney's last battle (which I must say, was good) with Ditto as a Kadabra and me as a Miltank. I rolled into Kadabra, and 'knocked myself out' from the knocking of heads, and I heard a delighted roar of laughter as Whitney had to stiffle a laugh.

I remember seeing all those smiling faces, with happy homes and parents to go to, dreams to come true. I refused to think about my past now that my future was in full swing.

But tiny thoughts of revenge simply because I made it by myself (and Ditto of course) always crept into my head every now and again.

Not long after my performance with Whitney, I remember getting a phone call from someone, who was the head of the 'Pokemon Talent Prodcution of Theatre Arts'. Apparently, Whitney had a lot of pull and called them, asking about me. He explained that her resume of me was impressive, and they decided to put me into the Pokemon Acting Contest.

I was ecstatic. This was like winning the lottery. Just being asked to enter could be a dream for wannabe actors and actresses…I know that Brad got in from winning the competition…I had to chuckle though, thinking that this would be a good place to get noticed…but if Cleavon Spielbunk was in the crowd, then I may have to just try and lose on purpose…

…I was busy having a drink as this latest pokemon centre was having a check-up on Mini-dit and talking to Ditto when…

"Dit! Ditto!" Ditto tugged on my arm.

"Huh, what is it ditto?" I asked, before my first pokemon pointed outside the window.

And in their glory, were Brock, Misty and Ash.

My smile couldn't have been surgically removed, I was ecstatic to see them. However, like last time, I had to make an entrance.

I saw Nurse Joy in the room looking at Mini-dit. I hoped she wouldn't mind…

I giggled as I changed into a Nurse Joy costume (portable wardrobe NOT costume space Misty!) as Ditto got along with the act and transformed into a Chansey, as I heard them call out to an empty centre.

When 'Chansey' and 'Nurse Joy' came along, Misty and Ash obviously didn't have a clue. Brock however, seemed to have a Nurse Joy detector on him (although having him in close proximity with me did make me blush a tad). As soon as Ditto reverted back to my normal form, they knew who it was…and I loved seeing them smile as they saw who I was.

It was great to have friends.

* * * *

The day that Ash and company came the second time consisted of a number of moments in my life that I won't forget. The first is of course Team Rocket trying to steal Mini-dit. Despite an addition of a pretty impressive Wobbufet, they obviously didn't use it as much as they should…

However, there was another moment that happened which basically confirmed the fact of my crush on Ash.

When TR stole Mini-dit, we split up to try and look for it. Ash had sent Noctowl out and Ditto transformed into the owl pokemon to help us out. However, the surprise was that Ash wanted to go with me. I remember Misty once telling me that there wasn't too many girls she could call rivals for her. Giselle had an outside shot, but I was one of three she thought would steal Ash from her. (The others being Casey and Melody, she called us the three witches because of that because we would cackle and plot to steal him away…O.K, we wouldn't, it was just a little tag-line she gave us.)

However, I certainly really felt close to him then.

We were walking through the forest and I couldn't find my beloved mini-dit anywhere. I started to cry…

"What if I don't find him again?" I said as Ash and Pikachu looked on. I remember this moment for the rest of my life.

Ash put a hand on my shoulder as I looked into his eyes. His caring eyes.

"Don't worry, we will find it. I don't know where Team Rocket is, but we've stopped them before. We'll stop them again…for you, I promise."

For you, I promise. It was four simple words, yet they felt like heaven and earth.

The temptation to hug him I managed to hold on to, but he was such a sweet guy…I simply said 'Thank you Ash.'

He offered me a hand as Pikachu also offered a little paw as I smiled, wiping my tears. With that, the two of us left to try and find my pokemon.

But for me, I had found something…my first crush.

The second thing that happened was how damn good Ash was becoming as a trainer. Treating me with respect in this match (Our first match was interrupted by Team Rocket, doing a scary impression of Ash and I…)

"This time I know what you're capable of!" Ash said as Totodile was out.

"And I'm not going to go easy on you!" I retailiated.

"O.K Totodile, let's win this! Water gun!" Ash said.

The happy mini-croc pokemon blasted out a spray of water, which I countered.

"Mini-dit, water gun!"

The two sprays hit the centre and tied as the two pokemon were hit back. I heard Misty and Brock talking about the match, Brock doing statistics and Misty unsure who to cheer for…

Yeah, now I feel guilty, but Misty and I are close…like sisters, especially now. What's past is past….

"Totodile, scratch attack!" Ash said.

Yes, now to counter.

"Mini-dit, bite attack!"

As Totodile tried to scratch my mini-dit's face, Minidit bit Totodile's arm, the look of surprise on both Ash and Totodile's face was hilarious…

"Oh no…not again…" Ash grumbled.

"Mini-dit, tackle attack!"

Minidit sent in with a mighty tackle to knock out Totodile to end the match for me…

…no wait. That's not what happened. Let's see…ah yes…Minidit nearly hit the tackle, but Totodile, as agile as a ballet dancer, span round Mini-dit, making my ditto land on its face, and me a bit red-faced.

"Hey, that wasn't supposed to happen! I was supposed to embarrass you, not the other way round…" I said in a good natured huff. I swore I saw Ash blushing there, and it took all my control to not turn red either.

"Hey, all's fair in pokemon battles…and er…more pokemon battles!" Ash said, as Brock, Misty and I collectively face faulted.

"Oh boy…Mini-dit, slash attack!"

The look on Ash' face said 'Uh oh'. "Totodile, use your slash attack!"

There was an eerie silence as both crocodile pokemon seemed to attack in slow-motion. In a flash of white, I saw both pokemon standing, and smiling.

Then they both collapsed.

Kinda anti-climatic, eh?

"I guess this match is a draw!" Brock said, kind of expecting it I guess.

"That was a great battle you guys, you matched each other move for move!" Misty complimented.

"Thanks Misty, and thank you Duplica! Hey, Totodile, you O.K buddy?" he said, with a true compassion and friendship for his pokemon that I very rarely saw.

"Minid-it, you O.K…" I said cuddling my pokemon like I always did.

"Toto!"

"Dit!"

"They're fine Duplica! Great match! I guess I still can't beat you…but hey, when the Johto League comes, I'll be stronger…and I will be asking you for a rematch!" Ash said.

"Third times the charm eh Ash?" Brock said.

"Guys, you're embarrassing me!" I said blushing as people and pokemon laughed. It was sad though because I knew they would be going, my heart said 'Go with them, ask if you can go with them'. I'm sure Misty would like another girl to hang around…but I decided no. I had a feeling that my own feelings could get in the way…I could see Misty looking at Ash…I had a crush…she had a true love.

I wouldn't get in their way.

"Well Ashy-boy, I guess you'd better be on my way…" I write down my cell phone number. "If you want to call me, there…" I said, inputing it on his pokedex.

"Thank you…" he said. He held out his hand and we shook, and I prayed it wouldn't be the last time we would see each other. I really liked all three, and would love to hear from them again.

As they said their goodbyes, I hoped it wouldn't be our last ones…

* * * *

After Ash and company's visit, I felt more renewed than ever to win the Pokemon Acting Contest. My two dittos felt we could as well.

The contest was held back in Goldenrod, where around 100 contestents would be entering, to be narrowed down to 64, then to 16 to an eventually final 8. The acts ranged from comedy, to serious, to Shakespeare (Shakespeare with a Marowak, I had to see that)…

…there were various pokemon trainers of all walks of the earth. There were only a few ditto trainers from what I could see, a lot of the others had brough 'Magicial' pokemon, like Exeggute, Kadabra, some other grass pokemon, I saw a Smeargle every now and again as well.

With mini-dit on the left shoulder, and Ditto on the right, triple D was about to make the whole world notice what my lousy folks never did.

I was a person, and I special. And I was going to prove it.

* * * *

The auditions were simple enough, you simply went with your act for 60 seconds before the field was narrowed. A lot of people choked, not knowing what they had to do in just 90 seconds. I had to wonder how the selection process went in choosing the people for the contest.

My turn came at number 44. I was in my metapod outfit. My two dittos ready.

"Entry number 44, Duplica Imite, to the stage please…"

I went up with a smile on my face as the three judges looked at me. I bowed, I loved performing even to such a small audience.

"This is a ditto." I said to the left.

"This is a ditto imitating a caterpie." Minidit changed into said pokemon, immediately impressing the judges by transforming into a pokemon on command, instead of changing into a pokemon of opposite like in a battle. I recognised the surprised looks, but I ignored them.

"This is a ditto imitating a Butterfree." This time Ditto transformed into the butterfly pokemon.

"This is the three stage evolution of caterpie, metapod and butterfree. However…"

On cue, both Ditto and minidit enjoyed what at times, almost every pokemon would like, a free attack on their trainer. But for me, it was just something I loved doing.

Connecting at the same time, I did a collapse, rolling my eyes as the metapod was 'defeated.'

"As you can see…" I said in a blurred voice. "…evolution isn't important, it's the heart that counts…plus up against a pokemon which can't attack and it's two against one also helps…" I 'collapsed' and I could hear a snicker from the judges as Ditto and Minidit returned to their normal shapes. We bowed as our 60 seconds were up. I headed back to the backstage area, just to wipe a bit of sweat off.

I suddenly noticed a few cameras there, and I was certain that I recognised one of the people there…

Yep, this was the second chance meeting between me and Todd, the third one…would be the important one.

* * * *

Long story short, I made it passed the preliminaries, and got to the last 16. In this, we had to create a full stage performance, and we'd be marked for style, acting, pokemon use and originality. We would have complete control over our performances, and it was all in my hands.

I'm not sure how many people weren't taking me seriously, I was a 12 turning 13 year old girl who was up against people twice my age, and I could hear people of said age arguing that they were going to win easily…there is no competition.

These were people who were in it for the glory…rather than the passion of performing. Yes, I would like to be a big star, but I love performing. All of it drives me going, and makes me forget about my past life.

Out of the 16 remaining, it would be down to 8. We could have up to 10 minutes to do our performance, and it was kind of an on the spot decision of what we could do, we didn't have much time to prepare.

"You O.K guys?" I said, feeding my dittos a bit of my home-made ditto grub. Ditto's have high metabolisms because of their transforming, so I learned how to keep them fed and watered.

An audible agreement came as I hugged them. "Let's go get em guys!"

Out of the corner of my ears, I distinctively heard snickering saying that was too cute to be an actress. I grunted, not really caring. My dittos were my life, both as pokemon and as friends.

Anger has clouded my life before, I prayed that it wouldn't again.

I was entrant 13. Unlucky…trust me, I've been unlucky before…my luck, like my mood, was about to change.

* * * *

I groaned seeing the man playing with his guitar, whilst his Meowth looked incredibly bored, it was obvious a piece where he could show off, but his pokemon was there for decoration. Boring.

I saw a decent performance of a sword fight between a trainer and a Scyther, that was half-decent, but coming up to me, there didn't seem to be anything which constituted as acting.

Time to give these guys a show.

Ditto transformed into….an Houndoom, gasping the crowd. I was dressed like a ninja as mini dit transformed into a sai dagger. Yep, I'd been keeping up with my martial arts training, when you're trying to act, it helps if you know how to do stunts. This was taking things to the new millenia.

"So, Houndoom, guardian of the gates of hell, you don't want me to enter?"

Ditto simply growled, knowing this routine almost by heart. Trust me, if Brad Van Dam is the male stunt machine, I was going to be his yin to his yang.

And this would prove it.

I was wearing a fireproof shrawl around my waist, in case things got out of hand. Although Ditto was better than anything else as far as carefullness was concerned, it was just a precauation, and Mini-dit was on standby to become a Totodile if I did screw up.

But I wasn't planning to screw up, not today, not tomorrow, not ever.

"Your master has a meeting with me today, so MOVE!"

Ditto/Houndoom shot a flamethrower, causing a gasp in the crowd…but it stopped as it got to me, the flames flickering by me and the heat becoming unbearable, but I didn't flinch.

Ditto said a few growls, which I raised above my head in the form of signs 'YOU ARE BRAVE YOUNG ONE, BUT FOOLISH…'

"I may be foolish, but if the Hellmaster below is afraid to face one little girl, then maybe he isn't the immortial guardian that we expect…"

With that, Ditto made his cue by running at me attempting to bite me in half. I ran the opposite direction, flying at him with Mini-dit/dagger 'slashing' across.

There was a pause…as I crushed a blood capsule in my hand and held my side. 'Blood' was coming out as the people were witnessing a real performance.

As you can see, this was a performance that reflected my own life…and what I wished I had done. Maybe not have killed my parents, but at least been able to defend myself. As they say, sometimes the best defence is a good offence…

As I knelt down, I saw that camerman staring at me….weird, I thought he was a pokemon photographer…before recovering and going into the performance. It's a good job my face was in a mask, otherwise I may have blushed, not good for the camera.

Ditto/Houndoom smiled…then growled…and collapsed as 'blood' leaked from it (thanks to me putting a capsule on his side as I slid through). I held my side as I stood up, looking at my fallen foe.

"The gates of hell are undefended…I am merely one person wishing to save all this evil and injustice…and whilst my chances are less than 0.1% in succeeding…I know that the human will and spirit can lead me to success…."

I looked on ahead dramatically, as I twinged in 'pain.'

"I may not have long to live…but at least…I can legitimately say…I'll see you in hell."

I walked off stage, as I heard some applause. I came back on as Houndoom went back to Ditto, hopped on my shoulder as did Minidit, and we all bowed. I went back, to wipe off the 'blood' and hopefully prepare for the final 8.

I noticed that as I was walking past, I saw practically every other performance, open mouthed. Nothing. No cockiness or congratulations. I had made an entire crowd based on speaking and noise, reduced to nothingness.

I kinda liked it….I smiled as I went back to my room to change out of my costume, fuss my dittos to death and hope for the best.

* * * *

Another step closer. As 8 people grumbled back realising their dreams weren't going to happen, another 8 cheered at the promise of stardom.

Fortunately, I was one of those 8, the stardom chasers. I knew that you didn't need to win it to be noticed, but at win meant that they would give you a chance to perform at an event of their choosing for representative purposes.

That was fine, but I still wanted to be my own person, I wasn't going to be controlled again…

The final part was 8 individual scripts which they needed to use with their pokemon. They needed to improvise and memorise it, and perform to the best of their ability.

I got mine….and we got an hour to memorise and work on it. We each got a specific genre as well.

Mine was 'COMEDY.' I sweatdropped, I guess they wanted to see if I could do the serious as well as the silly.

Trust me, compared to what my dittos do in a tug of war for food, they don't know the meaning of the word silly.

A brief look of the script with my free-reading dittos, and it was basically one of those 'Lucy, I'm home!' scripts where the person enters a house, and their husband or whatever, speaks for a bit when various stupid one-liners or accidents happen.

In this version, I was to play an Officer Jenny where my husband was an Arcanine and the child was a Growlithe. Great…a comedy with a beastial family…so much for hoping for no humiliation…

"Where did some of these guys write this?" I certainly said, but my dittos calmed me down. As much as it seemed stupid and degrading, I needed to do this. But there was no way I was going to say some of this stuff.

I took out a marker and began talking to my dittos, to see what we could do to change some of this.

I sipped a bottle of water which my pokemon shared, and it was time to study.

This was going to be a field day…but one to decide if I was going to make it or not…

* * * *

I was on fifth. And boy was it a night for the judges.

The four before me certainly had some heart, but I had the will and the perserverance. The opening line 'Arcy….I'm home!" in my best shrill voice made me cringe, but made the judges snicker which was the effect I was looking for.

Ditto-cane and Minidit/Growlithe came barking up to me tackling me and licking my face as I screamed 'Hey get off me you big lugs…honestly, can't there be at least one performance with an inate graititous sex scene with pokemon…'

The first judge exploded in laughter (which didn't help because of the coffee in his mouth). That was a bit of improv from me, and it wasn't the last.

Because of my training, I was able to do quite a few stunts worked into everything as Arcanine tried to carry me up the stairs…and ended up dropping me face first, making me comment 'Next time you do that, get a leesh…for me, not for you…'

The next scene involved a broken leg from said other scene, and Mini-dit trying to make feel better. Of course, instead it made it worse by sitting on my leg. The line was 'Ouch…wrong one…' as in that it was the wrong leg in the first place. Instead I said 'Ahhh…you know, if I was a man, this could be very uncomfortable…'

We went through the next few minutes as people were trying hard not to have a nosebleed in laughing, as Ditto-cane decided to do a bit of redecorating, with me saying 'How many times have I told you, the refurbishers can do that…' which then went to a shot of Ditto-cane doing it's real act…well…let's just say that it's natural for dogs…even ones acting as people to need a little relief…fortunately it was prop poo so I was saved.

In the end, as Jenny, I had a set of handcuffs as I said to myself in an improv. 'Hmmm…now what shall I do with these?'

Arcanine sat up and begged. I smiled and thought. 'Yep, I know just what to do with them….'

The next thing Ditto-cane knew was a closed fist with handcuffs making him see Growlithes over his head.

'Pervert.' I said and left, with a smile on my face. The judges supressed a snicker as they were marking down.

It was over. I had done what I needed….

As I headed over to the room, I heard clapping.

I turned and saw the photographer boy from before. 'That was wonderful miss!' was all he said. I blushed and said my thanks to him.

At least I had made one fan. That boy would soon become my number one fan….

* * * *

We were nervous, but the judges had finally decided.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the results are in. It was a tight decision, and many of the final performances have been excellent. However, we've also gone back to the previous performances to establish a winner."

There were murmurs of hope, confidence, nerves and cockiness around the place. I didn't say anything, I just hugged my dittos and hoped for the best.

"After much deliberation, we have decided on a winner. This person made the use of their resources, and improvised brilliantly. This person also managed to fit into a yin/yang personna of performing, by combining a brilliant serious sketch and improving a comic attempt from our writers to perfection."

I gulped. Signs were looking good there…my vital signs were all but spent.

"In the end, it was a unanimous decision from us, and for the title of best ACTRESS of the Pokemon Acting Contest…and winner of a contract which entitles them to performances on our jurisdiction, including the ceremony of the Pokemon Johto Championships…"

Oh god.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the winner is the young lady, DUPLICA IMATE!"

A light shone from somewhere, as I tried in vain to hide my tears and my happiness…I nearly squashed my dittos with the pressure as I heard applause starting. From the judges…and from the camera boy. Soon, despite a major dissappointment inside many of the hopefuls, the applause became infectious. I hoped onto the stage as the head of the Performing Arts Festival hands me a certificate, an amulet, and also a contract where I would sign (after reading it of course)…

"Congratulations to our young winner!"

I half expected someone to attack me because of this victory, I felt that anything I succeeded at had to end in tragedy.

It didn't.

I was on cloud nine and going higher.

I just hoped I wasn't dreaming.

* * * *

If it was a dream, I hadn't been woken up in 3 months.

I expected life as an actress to be hard work, fortunately I was up to it, which helped me keep in good favour with the Guild of Performing Arts.

I was shaping up to become the 'next big thing' as I had been drafted to playing minor roles in a few shows and plays. I was steadily climbing the ladder to success, but it was difficult.

I had very little sleep, even though I was just coming up to 13, I was treated with an adult like contract, which meant that I very little control over my own work. I guess it came with the package, but I felt that despite being treated with adult's respect as they put it, I was still seen as a kid, and needed to be told what to do.

If they knew the shit I had put through, maybe they would have listened, but no….

I didn't complain much, and besides my next assignment was an interesting one. I was going to play a stuntwoman in a setting of the Articuno Mountains. Going on location to the mountains filled me with excitement. I loved climbing, mountain climbing was a favourite near the Imite House and it is…or should I say was…something that Ash, Misty, Todd and I loved to do during our pre-twenties.

So, heading towards it I felt quite happy.

As we got there, I felt a bit awkward. It seemed that very few of the actors were busy ready to do much, all in coats and such. I was puzzled.

Then the director, oh god. Not that idiot…

"Ahhh….welcome esteemed colleagues! Between the combined forces of the Guild of Performaning Arts with Spielbunk Productions….we'll have a sure fire hit on our hands! A young lady lost in the hills with the treacherous ice mountains of Articuno…only to find true love on the peak blessed by the powdered snow of the pokemon's power…"

Ah crap. I had to work with one of this fool's movies?

Then I realised something. I was hired to play as a stuntwoman…wasn't I?

I suddenly realised what they meant. I sighed…I guess those stunts in the selection process may not have been the smartest move in the world.

"And this is our stuntwoman for our own superstar actress?" I looked up and saw someone about 4 years older, hugging and cooing her Jigglypuff pokemon. Despite the obvious problems (that she was much older, bigger, and had different colour hair), this was not exactly turning out to be the trip I was hoping.

"That's right, she's an expert in stunts as well as a sensational young hope for the future! She won the cast for the Performing Arts and is extremely versatile…"

"So, are you ready for the first take, Miss?"

They didn't even know my name. That sucked. I bit my tongue and said 'Yes'.

They hooked me up with the care of a politician at a happy birthday, as I groaned. They had put on a blue wig, and they hoped that the snow and their effects would block out the fact that I about 9 inches smaller than their star, a rich preppy type from Pokemon Tech from what I heard (not Giselle or May).

As they started filming, I had no lines, it was the beginning of the movie, where they would later mix in with shots of the heroines face, the snow was really piling on, but my boss continued to give me a glowing resume, trying to hide his own lies.

Despite my love for mountain climbing, it was bloody difficult. (Sorry, been playing a few too many British villains recently) The picks weren't exactly brilliant, and I distinctly heard Spielbunk and his fat ass telling me to go faster. I'd like to see him doing this without 8 cases of oxygen…

I made it passed the first climb. The plan was for me to make it halfway to the second one, where the heroine would take over and 'fall' into a side, which I was expected to take the fall as well. I sighed and continued my climb…a camera watching me yes, but not just a production man's camera.

I felt the cold, I'm good, but not immortal. This was really taking my toll and I yelled 'Please let me stop'. Unsurprisingly, they didn't hear me, maybe the snow was blocking out me completely. I just continued, praying for a miracle.

If a miracle reads 'fall through a hole in the mountain' then it was a miracle. Then though, it felt like I was ready for instant death.

I felt my head connect with something as I was thrown through the snow like a toboggan. I tried to blank out unconsciousness, but the cold was too much and my skull felt like a sledgehammer had crashed through it.

All I knew next was Mary calling to me…and me being brought into something warm….

* * * *

I woke up, again, not in heaven. Instead in a small cave, wrapped up in a blanket or a sleeping bag or something.

For a cave, it certainly wasn't dreary. It felt like a small cabin home, as there was a small fire in the centre, and in front of me a cup of hot chocolate.

Someone was here, someone had rescued me.

I looked around, unsure whether to touch the drink, still a bit fearful, however looking round, I saw…peace…and beauty.

A few famed photographs of pokemon, two snuggling eevees…an Aerodactyl of all things hovering…a Kangaskhan and her litter, a krabby scuttling across a seashore…

These photographs were like works of art….

I saw a backpack and recognised the face on one of the magazines there.

It was that photographer guy who applauded me first…that cute one…I never got his name.

"Um…you awake miss?"

I turned…and there he was. The same boy. A few inches taller than me, a permed like hair style and a serious yet nervous face. He was still quite cute though, and looked very flushed.

Hey, wait a sec…was he…

"Yes sir, thank you…did you…"

He was blushing like mad and I found it hard not to blush as well…from the cold or…

"Yes…I was looking for a legendary pokemon when I saw a white light. I decided to follow it…and I found you unconscious there. I…well…I panicked a bit, but I calmed down and carried you back to my temporary home….er…"

I smiled and picked up the drink. A very kind and thoughtful man…and he'd saved my life possibly… "Thank you very much."

"It's O.K Miss Imite." He said bashfully as I smiled.

"I knew it! You're the guy who was at the contest…you've seen me perform before haven't you?" I said.

"Yes…I'm Todd Snap…" he said.

"…the famous young photographer who caught the only known photograph of a legendary Aerodactyl." I finished. I recognised him now after seeing that magazine. He was the rising star of the photography world, and was an expert in all forms, including video photography, I guess watching pokemon acting stupid was a form of art to him. But he seemed genuine interested in me as well.

My dittos were back at base I suddenly remembered and I panicked.

"Oh god…my pokemon, they're still with the crew, I got to…" I was about to remove my blanket…when I realised something.

"EEEKK…you pervert!" I screamed, ready to karate chop him into existence. Yep, I realised I was butt-naked almost underneath as he blushed and tried to run.

"I'M SORRY…I just didn't want you dying, so I…well, I took your clothes off…I BLINDFOLDED MYSELF, GOD'S HONEST TRUTH…"

For some reason I believe him, doesn't mean I wouldn't allow a free shot. Actually, now that I thought about it, what he did was really sweet…although to others it was just another ecchi invested lout. Somehow, I didn't think that was this guy, Todd. He seemed the nervous type, cute, but nervous.

Maybe an outgoing girl like me could try and change that.

"….I'll let you live young one…for now." I said in my deepest most evil voice I could muster.

Then I realised that I had a bit of a cold.

And thus, the two pre-teens in the cave laughed.

"I've warmed your clothes as best as you could…there wasn't anything in your pack was there?" he asked.

"No…I was on location as a stuntgirl for a mountain climbing scene. I guess the crew didn't expect for anything to go wrong…" I muttered.

"I see." We both took drinks and I looked around.

"You're pretty good you know. I mean, all these pictures…" I said, genuinely interested.

"You are as well…you're pretty famous around now, it's almost like a romance tale, orphan girl grows up to future star." Todd explained, as he was on to report the time when I won that contest.

I neglected to mention that I wasn't an orphan, although remembering my family, I certainly wished I was.

"So, you looking for Articuno?" I asked.

"Yeah…I stayed behind from a few friends of mine when they continued on a journey to Johto…I've managed to take a couple of long range shots, but I want to get a close up one…" he said.

"Friends from Johto…" I asked. Then I asked. "Do you know a guy named Ash Ketchum?"

Toddy-boy looked stunned. "Huh? You know him?"

I smiled. "I think we've got a bit of talking to do Toddy-boy…"

"Toddy-boy?" he said, but smiled. "But what about your crew…"

I shook my head. "Some of those guys don't deserve to be around if they haven't found me. You, a stranger, have looked out for my being this day, I think it's time we got to know each other…"

In my head, it was saying 'Go back and see your dittos' but my heart was saying 'Stay a little longer.'

As in my case, the heart always wins over the head. Misty taught me that a number of times to say the least.

* * * *

The night was coming and the snow was stopping. Todd and I were still talking although now I had my clothes on (I had to force Todd out of the cave for 5 seconds as I changed…) and we were under a blanket together.

"I guess after graduation so easily they saw me as a potential superstar…" Todd said. "I don't think our lives were as different…well, apart from…"

"It's O.K. I've closed myself from that part of my life now. My ditto saved me then, and they've been the one real true saviour for my sanity and my life since then…" I said, really enjoying being warm under the blanket then.

"Do you feel lonely at times Imite-chan?" he said. No-one had ever called me that, it was real nice.

"Yep, I guess. My dittos are great company, but I envy Ashy a lot. He's got a wise friend, and a cute girl with him."

"What? He and Misty…"

I chuckled. "I think the whole world knows it except for Ash. He may be getting smarter in the world of pokemon, but in the world of human relationships, he's still dense ol' Ashy-boy…"

We chuckled as I asked him the same question.

"I guess…I don't even have the luxury of owning a pokemon. I love meeting them when I take their pictures, but I don't like them posing, rather have them working in their own natural habitat. I didn't really have many human friends until I met Ash and company."

"Sounds like me." I sighed.

"After that, I decided to keep in human contact as well as pokemon. Watching pokemon was still my main objective, but every now and then, there is a person which I felt would become something special." I saw him blush visibly and turn away slightly. "For instance…you."

"Huh?" I said.

"Well…I saw that first performance back then before you got that contract…you just…shone out…it was like a bright star being born…that's why I wanted the Performance Arts job. As well as watching pokemon, I felt sure that I would see you again…I wanted to see if you would become the success I thought you would be…"

I was stunned. "Todd…that is so sweet…"

Subconsciously, I felt myself getting closer to him. We seemed polar opposites, him, shy and sensitive, me, outgoing and confident. Yet, our lives were surprisingly similar.

I felt his warmth as I knew that his temperature would rise…the poor boy couldn't hide his blushing to save his life, even to this very day…

I felt myself going to sleep again, knowing this wasn't a dream…but also knowing it would have to end soon….

* * * *

Two days passed and no-one had found me yet. As much as I wanted to stay, I needed to get back…just for my dittos sake. God knows how they would survive on the box lunches they have there…I've seen rock pokemon more edible.

Seriously though, I remember standing outside, ready to finally climb down. I wondered if they even cared what happened to me…

"Huh?" I said as I saw a strange light.

A blue glow shone outside the cave, and Todd and I saw it. It had been a simple getting to know each other session for the past 2 days, happy for someone to talk to. I couldn't believe how open we were to each other…it seemed weird, yet appropriate.

I didn't know what it was then, but Mel-chan, an expert in these sorts of things, said that it was a kindred light from a noble god, to guide two souls to their destiny. I guess it was the start of the destiny that Todd and I began.

"Todd…is that…"

Before anything else could be said, Todd had whipped out his camera, and grabbed my hand.

"It's Articuno…come on!"

It was like 'follow the yellow brick road' except it was follow the legendary pokemon's light. Still, it felt kinda nice…

It was like adrenaline that made us get up there, but the sight that greeted us was amazing.

Shining like a god was a legendary blue bird pokemon. Todd gasped.

"Is it…" I said.

"…it's letting us know that we are welcome here." Todd said. "It was it's light which guided me to you Duplica. And now it's light had guided us to it."

Articuno looked us and nodded. Todd (very carefully) took the close range picture he wanted. Articuno had accepted us. The feeling of two souls among a literally pokemon god gave me the sense of belief and pride.

My hand was still in his. Despite the ice and snow, and the glow of Articuno, it was the warmest I had felt.

Maybe this was destiny. The two souls accepted together…are destined together.

Suddenly, a mist came around us and I felt a bit nervous…Articuno's Mist attack.

However, as it cleared…the pokemon was gone…

…and it's place…

"DITTO! MINIDIT!" I screamed as my two pokemon along with various members of the crew had finally come up to me. Maybe Articuno's light guided them as well.

I hugged my two pokemon with huge smiles as Todd suddenly probably felt like a third wheel. I turned to him to speak but…

"Well, we've finally found you! We were worried sick about you!" My boss, who probably did care about my well-being, headed the crew.

However, that's where the kindness went, as Spielbunk was raging.

"We were waiting for you, and you didn't show up…you know how much time we've lost in losing scenes because we couldn't find another stuntwoman?"

"Er sir…she probably was lost, and hurt you know…" my boss, Jack said, and Todd looked ready to intervene as he put a blanket over my shoulders, but to Spielbunk, who needed a hit soon otherwise he was going to be drawing his last curtain, felt that work was more important than a two-bit actress who was only in this to protect his latest project, someone who hadn't worked as hard as I did…

As Spielbunk began to argue partly to me and partly to Jack, Todd walked up to me.

"This is your life?" he said.

I nodded. "For this film, yes, sadly."

"Why do you have to take this…this…" Poor boy, wasn't fond of insults. I fielded this one for him.

"…crap?" I suggested.

"Yes, I guess." He said.

"You're not a horrid boy Todd, trust me, I've dealt with a lot worse…but I'm still here and alive. You know…Spielbunk isn't my boss…Jack is." I smiled. I guess it was time to use my contract to my advantage. In shock horror, I actually did read everything on it to the letter, and knew exactly the few things I could do.

"Excuse me Jack?" I said.

"Yes?" he asked.

"I'd like to state that in point 103 of my contract, the actor or actress chosen for the Guild of Performing Arts has the right to refuse a role to him or her if the subject is treated in ways that command a lack of respect from the current employer." I recited off my head.

Everyone was stunned. I guess they thought I was a ditzy girl or something. I think even Todd was surprised.

"So, on behalf of myself and the Guild of Performance Arts, I'd like to state that Mr Spielbunks attempts to ignore my well being is to quote 'utter bullshit.'"

Ever hear a pin drop on a mountaintop?

"So I hereby remove myself from my project, and instead Jack, I'd like to concerntrate on more important matters instead of being part of another Spielbunk flop, like being part of the opening Johto ceremonies if that is O.K!" I said with a smile. I indicated Todd. "I'm sure you recognise this young man, Todd Snap is a very famous young photographer with a high reputation. I advise he becomes my personal safeguard and confidant towards my performances. He has the right to continue with his own projects, but I can ask him to help as a cameraman towards my performances if I do so…"

Todd gasped. "Imite-chan, I'm not so sure.."

I winked at him. "Don't worry." Was all I said.

Todd looked stunned, but smiled. "Miss Imite, it would be my pleasure and honour." And he bowed as I returned the favour.

Spielbunk and crew were still in shock over my tirade. As he recovered his voice, "Now listen here…"

"Well, D & T, shall we go?" Jack said. "And Cleavon, I guess you better be careful next time you want profits…besides, my girl can kick your butt behind any day of the week, whether in the arts…or just plain kicking your butt…"

I linked my arm around Todd, didn't look once at the fat director, and my two dittos hopped on my shoulders, we were ready to take on the world.

And damn, it felt good!

* * * *

I felt like it was the freedom that I deserved. Don't worry, Todd wasn't like my slave or anything, he just went along with me. He didn't question it, which surprised me. He later told me it was like he was drawn to me.

With the Johto Championships getting closer and closer, we decided to simply revolve our work around that for the time being.

From that, I made myself a personal mission. Operation MTLU. Make Todd Lighten Up. I felt from his camera work, he is the shy, sensitive type. I felt that I could make him lighten up a bit. Jack commentated on my activities, said I should stop openly 'flirting' with him.

I remember when he said that in full view in a café, and both of tensed up. He laughed as I felt the blush rise up. Did I have a crush on him?

Yeah…it was different to either Ash…or even Brock. This was one I felt I had a chance in.

Once, despite the hotel rooms that Jack supplied us, Todd decided to sleep outside camping. He was used to it of course, and actually enjoyed it. I decided to join him much to his surprise.

Like the first time that we truly met after he saved me in that ice stunt extravaganza, we talked all night, and enjoyed each others company. It was the first time we really started to connect.

He fell asleep before me, as the fire roared. I remember scooting over to his side and falling asleep literally on his shoulder and chest. I sure he can tell you his reaction to this better than I could, but I think he was red-faced for the rest of the day.

Personal feelings aside, it was getting closer to the ceremonies, and Todd (fortunately) had been hired as a photographer to take pictures of both the ceremony and of course, the tournament.

Since then as well, I added a third ditto to my team, Chama. This ditto has the unusual ability to transform into any pokemon, but it always transforms into a random colour as well, hence the name, like a chameleon. Others said it was weird, I said it was unique…and also battle-worthy as my poor doubters found out. Todd had never actually seen me battle, but when we got closer to Johto Stadium, and there were challengers trying to get some last minute practice, he asked a few times why I hadn't entered myself?

I answered, 'because that isn't my dream.'

I remember another moment as we headed over a hill, and the view over the huge dome was amazing.

I remember then, Todd clutching my hand, very shakily. I stopped and looked down, and Todd was looking the other way, embarrassed.

Aww….he was real sweet. He had been taking care of me since that day.

I turned him round. "Thank you." I whispered to him.

I remember leaning up, Todd blushing like mad. I wanted to savour this, he'd better damn remember this…

And on cue….

"OH, SO THERE YOU TWO ARE!" Jack said. "COME ON, YOU'LL BE LATE FOR SETTING UP, WE'VE ONLY GOT A WEEK BEFORE THE CEREMONY STARTS!"

Remind me to dock off his 10% off future performances that he earns.

Well, not surprisingly, Todd and I were quite embarrassed to look at each other after that, and for the moment, my mind was on training with the dittos in some sort of gymnast routine which would probably make me look like Kodachi Kuno (hopefully not as psychotic.)

Three dittos as Bellosom as we danced acrobatically as part of the opening ceremony, which they would change into Sandshrew and dive under, emerge from a shower of earth as fireworks exploded around the stadium. Then as a Rapidash, my first ditto would run around with me on board as Chama as a Ponyta, and Minidit as a Baby Ponyta would run alongside before we leapt off for the finale, as the three legendary birds (for Mini-dit, a mini-Articuno was really cute, wonder how the fans would react…) using their attacks.

That was it for me, but for me and Todd, it was only the beginning.

* * * *

Guess who met up with some old friends? Answer…one actress and one photographer.

Todd was still embarrassed around me, and didn't say much as we went round Johto Village. I felt a bit upset about that, giving me the silent treatment.

Just as I was at my lowest, a bright spark emerged from the tunnel.

"Hey…is that…HEY! YOU GUYS!"

"Huh…is that…" Todd said.

"ASH! MISTY! BROCK!" I said with a touch more enthusiasm.

The beaming smiles of the three as I waved them over, as Todd also had a bright smile on his face. I don't think anything could dampen our spirits.

"It's so good to see you again!" I said as I hugged my 'surrogate sister' Misty, as Ash and Brock gave a handshake and a high five to the Toddster.

"Not that I'm complaining, but why are you two here?" Brock said. He looked at me and I felt that blush coming up again. "You're not entering the tournament are you?"

"Great, that gives Ash another worry." She said, gently elbowing Ash, as the boy flushed.

Flushed? Something tells me that these two have finally….

"Ah, don't worry Ashy-boy. I'm not going to beat your butt into oblivion…I'm here as part of the opening ceremony after winning the Pokemon Talent Contest." I said with a smile.

"I'm not surprised at that." Ash said with a smile.

"Well, I'm here because I'm photographing the event." Todd said, still unable to look at my face. My spirits dampened slightly, but nothing was going to spoil my mood now that I saw my old friends again.

"So how did you two meet?" Misty said, a romance expert, noticed the embarrassment in Todd's cheeks. "Oh…I see…" she said slyly.

"Um…IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK!" Both Todd and I said in unison, before blushing badly.

"Oh…sure it isn't." Ash added. "Trust me…I know how you feel."

That clinched it. I smiled at Misty.

('Took your time') I whispered to her, and success, as her blush signified that yep, those two were in love.

I felt a very slight twinge in my heart, but I was happy that Misty had found her true love at last. Me? Had I found one in Todd? Time would tell…

…at the moment, Todd I think was relieved that he could talk to someone else. I sighed, I'd have to break him out of his shell. But for the moment, I wanted to talk to my friends, and prepare myself for the opening ceremony.

"Hey guys, meet us a bit later in the café, we need to register up front O.K?" Ash said as I saw Misty hold his hand slyly again.

"No prob…we'll see you guys later!" I called, as they waved, I turned to Todd.

"You feeling better?"

"I'm…I'm sorry about…"

"Hey, we've got better things to do now. One moment of embarrassment isn't going to kill you." I grabbed his arm. "Now come on!"

"What?" he said.

"We're going to find some new clothes which you're going to pay for as an apology." I said with a wink. Dragging Todd with him moaning about 'girls with a vindictive streak', I knew that this tournament was going to be more fun than I thought.

* * * *

At the café, I met two of Ash' other friends. Say what you want about Ashy, he sure knew how to make friends. I would get close with one of them, Casey throughout the years. Two of the three witches as Misty calls us first made their acquaintance in the cafe. Since then, I've been to quite a few of her beloved electabuzz games (not telling her of course that I favour the Ditto Dominators more…), she's sure got more energy than anyone else that I know.

It was like a real family atmosphere. And Ash was the father. It seemed like there were people around who knew who he was. In the tournament, he'd face a few of these, Casey included, and still make it to the final against one Gary Oak, his rival. It was almost like destiny.

However, it was time to take my bow, and make myself form my own destiny.

The tournament had arrived.

I felt my blood rise as every performer and artist was taking their position. One of my friends I met, a 16 year old girl named Hikaru, asked 'You nervous?'

"Me. No, I'm never nervous when performing. I've learned that life is too short to be nervous. Trust me on that."

As I took to the stage, my performance couldn't have gone any better. I remember when Minidit transformed into a teeny Ponyta, the crowd really got up. They enjoyed the dance but among the colours of the sky from the fireworks, they saw something surprising. And seeing the mini-cuno as well as the other two dittos (including a green Moltres), they didn't laugh, they were amazed.

As their attacks lit the sky, the words 'WELCOME TO JOHTO!' was imbedded in the sky, and I remember hearing a huge ovation as I left, sweating, but happy.

I was later to be quoted as 'If there was a highlight amongst all the splendour, a young ditto trainer took the ceremony by storm with her ditto tricks and powers, which would surprise even the best pokemon experts from around the world.'

I was proud…but there was one other prouder than me.

I went backstage, intending to wipe the sweat, after high-fiving a number of the girls, and there…

"Todd, what are you doing here?" I said, feeling sure that he was on the rims working.

"I said before, when you perform, I couldn't keep my eyes off you. You were spectacular." He said, with nervousness.

I was still in my purple leotard, which made me a little self-conscious, and definitely embarrassed, but this time, Todd managed to continue.

I shut the door to the locker room as he spoke more. "You are talented, stunning, an excellent pokemon trainer, beautiful, and the most cheerful, kind soul I've ever met." He said.

Now I was flushed.

"Todd…I…" Weird, the roles reversed. Now I was truly nervous…O.K, so I'm not nervous about performances. Declarations of love are slightly different.

He put a hand to my cheek. I closed my eyes and rested on his chest. Despite the sweat, it was like all the meteors in the world couldn't stop us this time.

I tiptoed and kissed him…on the lips.

I held it, I was going to remember this. I needn't have worried. Todd kissed me back with full passion, wrapping his arms round me, not caring about the sweat…or…

"Hey, Miss Imite, are you there? Can we have a word?" that was a few reporters, probably Jack gave them directions here.

I didn't care. Let them wait. This is my moment.

This is my perfect moment.

I let go and smiled as he touched my hair, let out now. Todd said it made me look like a woman.

"You made me find my true self Imite-chan. I…I think I'm in love with you."

I shook my head. "I don't think…"

I kissed him again, all sounds immune from my mind except the sound of two rushing heartbeats intertwined for the first, and definitely not the last, time.

We gripped each others hands as I looked into his beautiful crystal eyes.

"…I know." I finished as I finally unlocked the door, as a scramble of reporters tried to rush in, and stopped seeing the two of us.

"So, anything you want to ask?" I said with a smile.

* * * *

Like many others, I won't spoil the tournament finale, because Misty needs to be the one to tell you what happened.

My performance at the Johto Championships hadn't gone unnoticed from the Elite Four, Bruno and Lance were (and still are) big fans of mine. Even though the Elite has changed in 15 years, the respect and love I have for them that always been the same, both old and new.

I finally got into the big time as the child role in a femme fatale role (Todd said it was the perfect part for me…until I elbowed him in the ribs) in the movie 'Fragments Of Memories.' I played a 14 year old girl (which I was) who got her way on the streets by manipulating men and women to 'playing my games.' It led to people getting into more trouble to say the least, and me getting more and more psychotic, before heading to the demise at the top of a mountain (ironic, as that's where Todd and I truly met). It was a truly sad performance, and got me noticed in a bloody big hurry. I was nominated for 'Best Newcomer' at the Pokemon Equivilent to the Oscars, the Ekops, which I didn't win, but my breaks were coming.

At first, I felt that Brad was a stereotype of being a pretty boy who knew some martial arts, and was basically a hit for the fangirl base. However, he was the one who hired me for my second movie, 'The Oath'. It was an action/drama about an orphan girl (myself) that a young man (Brad) takes custody of. However, this girl holds the secret to eternal life inside her body, and she is under constant terror from governments and criminal societies, and Brad has to protect me with his life, ending with me giving up my oath, the secret to eternal life inside a magic circle. I prefered to be a normal girl rather than living forever. It was good that I showed my stunts with Brad, and I really changed my opinion of him after I met his Smoochum.

My dittos got along with Smoochum real well, and in turn, Brad and I formed a very good friendship, it just goes to show that you can't judge a person by their book, Ash taught me that after Mini-dit's experience, and his lessons believe it or not, were helping me real.

I spent a lot of my days off, calling Ash and Misty for some mountain climbing. Both Ash and Misty that their own very busy lives as well, as did Todd and Brock, but occassionally when most of us had the time, we would go. Others would join us as well, Casey, Richie, A.J, heck even Gary sometimes. It was a truly enjoyable experience where we'd all enjoy a day's worth of climbing, then come down to the Imite house for some home cooking from either myself, Todd, Brock or A.J, depending on who was available.

I'll treasure those moments with Ash for eternity. Misty grabbed a pure one that's for sure.

Todd and I lived at the Imite House, bit by bit, restoring it to it's past theatre like glory. I was hoping to one day teach youngsters when I got older how to act, like what Mary wanted me to do all those years ago. I think it was a fitting tribute to the only person I called family back then.

However, my story isn't over yet. There are three more points to life before I close my chapter.

* * * *

I remember when Todd and I got married, being surrounded by people, my friends and their families, I wished to be part of that life as well.

I got married when I was 19, and Todd (as always) nervously asked the question, considering that we'd have been more than friends for 5 years, it seemed that in our community, long lasting romances managed to hold together for marriage, and mine was no exception.

By then, both of our reputations had sky rocketed (thanks to young Ash' influence a lot of the time), and at 18, I won 'Best Actress' for my performance in 'Give Me A Reason' , a sad tragic love story which was appropriate that it was about a young girl forced to live on the streets because of her parents, but eventually falling in love. It was almost like my life story, guess that's why my acting went up a few notches there.

Todd's work as a cameraman was nearly legendary, even at age 20 at the time. He had been snapped up by leading companies towards Pokemon landscapes, which was what he enjoyed doing more than anything else. With his skill, no-one could match him for pokemon in their natural habitat, he was the pro to end all pros, and he still had such a high future ahead of him.

I remember him popping the question at a film festival. As both of our reputations had gone way up, a lot of the time we had to be careful when seen in public, heck, even our trademark mountain climbs are under supervision now that people have discovered where we live. (Of course, the fact that Ash and Misty were celebrities as well didn't help much) He was in line with a camera, and blurted it out on one knee holding my hand. I was stunned, I didn't even think he'd considered marriage yet.

But I was happy. I wanted this. With an ecstatic 'YES!' I jumped into his arms hugging him and giving him a sweet kiss. Of course, caught on camera and ignoring a few wolf-whistles didn't help, but I didn't care.

He put a sapphire ring on me, said it resembled my sparkling eyes. Sappy yes, but I loved him for it.

The marriage was about 6 months after Misty got married to Ashy. A scene I'll always treasure is Ash and Misty arguing about who should be the bridesmaid. Heck, they were struggling with the best man as well with Brock (another recent engaged person), Tracey, and even Richie, James and Gary having reasons to be. And for the girls, it was a nightmare for Ash, as they were deciding between Erika, Casey, Marina, Lorelei, Melody and myself.

All 6 of us waiting on Ash' decision like a lamb to the slaughter…but I think Misty can tell you better what happened there. Let's just say that no matter the outcome, I wasn't disappointed.

From that wedding, and Brock's wedding, I had made a lot more friends than I dreamed, and all of them got invited to mine. It was the same deal when Casey got married as well, practically everyone who was linked to Ash seemed to be linked with Ash's friends…I don't even want to tell you the ceremony for Melody's wedding in the Orange Islands…

It was held in the Imite House, I felt it was my last true gesture to Mary. The best man obviously was Ash, and the bridesmaid…well, O.K Misty was already a bride, but I felt it was perfect for us.

The vows were made, and I at last, was truly on the road to happiness.

* * * *

When Misty gave birth to her first child, I fell in love with it. Misty had once told me in her pregnant stage, that she was worried about becoming a mother. I told her that between her and Ash' love, any other parent would be envious to be in that situation. I knew Misty would be a great mother.

Then she said the sweetest words to me.

"Duplica, out of everyone I know, I think you'd be the perfect mother."

I was stunned, she thought that highly of me? Remembering at one point I had a crush on her husband, this came out of the blue. But I appreciated it, and loved her for that.

After my early life, I felt that after my own childhood, I wanted to become the model mother. Misty's words made this a challenge for me, and it was another way to remove the demons of my parents.

Because of this, I was determined to have a child of my own as well.

Todd was wondering about this as well, felt it would be difficult because of our careers, but I felt it to be irrelevant in my case. I could take a year or two out for motherhood, I had made enough money to retire young anyway, but for me, it wasn't about the money anyway.

Despite Todd's worry, the day I did become pregnant was a joy for me, as I'd become a mother roughly around the time I became 20.

I saw Todd's reaction in the Blackthorn Hospital. Well, I would have if he hadn't fainted.

I saw my child's tiny face, eyes closed peacefully, slight strings of lightly coloured hair. It was a girl.

My baby girl.

"Todd, this is Sylia. Sylia Snap." I chuckled at the name. I kept my stage name Imite for my performances, but in the home, it was Duplica Snap.

Watching Todd hold my daughter for the first time, it really clicked that at last, a model home life was out there, waiting to be grasped.

For the next year, I was enjoying relaxing. Todd was still working, but loved to finish early to play with his kid. It was like watching a wall break down, Todd had left his shell because of his wife and daughter, and I couldn't be prouder.

However, life had one more ugly turn for me, and it was a chapter, I had to close.

* * * *

THE FALL OF TEAM ROCKET: DUPLICA'S POV

Jessie and James had been a great help to me in recent times, and their skills as hackers had actually done more help than harm, just ask Brock. The poor man had been sent into an asylum, and was only soon to be released, and was in no condition to fight this just war.

However, Ash had called on his Elite resources, and also his closest allies. I felt honoured that I was one of them.

Todd was there as well. He was there to capture evidence of Team Rocket experimenting, along with another of Ash' friends, Tracey. After a brief lesson of espionage (that myself and Jessie taught, I've said it before, now it seems so weird how similar Jessie and I are), they was going to sneak by.

Ash and Misty had their own roles and ideas as well. Jessie and James had a similar idea, I know they were going for revenge.

But a couple of days before the siege, Jessie had found out about her family. Thus, she had motivation.

Then she gave me a call.

I managed to drive there on a motorcycle (even in driving, I like to copy Ash, go figure) before Jessie and James gave a printed copy of a number of details I was shocked to learn.

Anna Maxwell, my real name. History of my parents, my birth certificate, what they had done since my 'fleeing'.

It was horrible. It made my blood boil. I had learnt my identity and hadn't felt a thing. My parent's actions on the other hand…

My daughter was put into the hands of Jack, who wondered why I needed him to take care of her. I said 'in case I don't come back.'

To this day, I don't think he knows what I meant by that.

Inside the base, Officer Jennys had been surrounded to try the biggest siege of their history, but hadn't counted on Ash sending in a few people with him to provide their own form of justice.

I learnt that their main expertise was torture. To weaken the pokemon before experimenting on them. The torture segment was on the far right, ground level.

There were a number of guards, but my skills in disguise managed to slip by. One saw something suspicious, but he went black before he could question anything. I've kept my skills up since then…

…as a couple of assholes were soon to find out.

* * * *

I didn't care if they were armed, had 10,000 guards protecting them….I had myself, and my dittos. 6 of them now, one that goes bigger than the expected size (Big D), one that transforms only into the pokemon opposite them of the same type (i.e. if up against Starmie, could only transform into water pokemon, A Sandshrew, only against ground pokemon, etc.), which I called Paral, and finally Power, which could transform into the legendary pokemon with ease.

This was going to be nasty.

I heard the call of 'We need to get out of here! I've heard the entire squad of Jennys has surrounded Team Rocket!'

'Those bastards Jessie and James did it! They are so going to die…'

I always had a flair for a dramatic entrance.

Smashing the double doors aside (and breaking a couple of the guards noses) my team of six went straight ahead, as there were 12 guards standing, panicking…

…and there they were. At the back, hiding like the cowards they are, Mondo and Mai.

My parents yes, my family no.

I've trained my Dittos to the point that they don't need to be told what to do. One the guards dropped a Venusaur in time…enough for Paral to change into an Exeggutor. That was the signal for my dittos to transform…and take vengence for all pokemon tortured by these sadists by having a little torture session on the guards (Ditto had turned into Pikachu quickly and paralysed them before they could drop another pokeball)

As my Dittos were getting acquainted, I moved towards my targets. Mai looked on in horror.

"No way…" she said. "I thought she'd be de…"

It hard to finish a sentence when your stomach has just been introduced to my fist.

"Try me." I said, as I delivered a chop to the back of the neck, sending her flying to the quickly piling floor of unconscious guards.

Now, my father. Much older, he obviously didn't dampen his flavour of torture. But I was hear to make sure all the times he struck me were about to happen ten-fold.

"Well, well….my pretty little daughter has grown up so much. You want me to hurt you a bit more Anna?" He grabbed a whip, of course, charged with electricity.

"Anna Maxwell. A name I only just learnt was mine. A name that my parents gave to me. A name I have quickly discarded."

I took a step closer, unafraid. Fear and focus are two different things.

"Anna Maxwell is no more. There is only Duplica Imite." I said, getting into my stance. He wouldn't even know about his grandchild…and now he wasn't going to think period.

"And soon, she will be gone as WELL!" he roared and his whip struck.

I jumped and rolled out of the way as Big D quickly ran to my aid in a Charizard form. I held it back.

"No guys, this is my fight. Just make sure no-one interrupts us O.K?" I said.

They understood. This was a matter of pride. Something that both humans and pokemon have their fair share of.

I kip-uped and rolled from another whip shot. The third one I ducked and slid. I swept his legs from under him and he crashed into one of his consoles as glass shattered around him.

I felt no remorse. This was payback.

He struggled to get up, and began to say something.

A groin shot shut him up.

"Sorry, what did you say?" I said sarcastically as I punched him in the face, into a downward spiral of his vital points as every scream from him reminded me of every scream I had shouted back then.

His face was quickly becoming a mess, but I wasn't finished. I wanted to make him suffer. A spinning roundhouse to the face sent him into another console. He was close to unconsciousness now, but I was on auto-pilot. Nothing could stop me.

As he was kneeling down, I nailed another kick to the skull, making him pass out, but I somersaulted and came down into his chest with a double foot stomp, I think now my dittos were worried about my sanity.

I jumped and plunged both of my knees into his body, and grabbed his hair. His unconscious bastard face.

I raised my fist, intent on killing him there.

It plunged…

"DUPLICA, STOP!"

…and hit the floor as Todd jumped from the rafters and knelt beside me.

I breathed heavily as I felt my tears coming. My dittos looked on (Big D had transformed into Arbok, and was followed by a couple of others to tie up the guards), as Todd put a hand on my shoulder.

"It's over. You've won." Todd said.

"I almost…killed him…If I had…would I have been like them?" I sobbed.

I felt his warm reassuring arms wrap around me. I was so lucky to have a husband like him as he rocked me warmly.

"No. You're nothing like them. You stopped the deathblow, you had control. I'm proud of you Duplica." Todd said

I wiped my tears off, as I looked at the beaten and bloody figure of my father. My mother wasn't getting up any time soon either.

"Come on…I've got enough photos now, let's get out of here…"

As he said that, a herd of Officer Jennies had heard the ruckus and saw the aftermath of what happened.

"What happened here?"

All they saw was 6 dittos, and a husband and wife, smiling.

"They're all yours officer."

I dunno if they prove that all the damage was caused by a young woman and her dittos, but right there, aside from the blood and bodies…

…it was almost like a true family.

* * * *

Jessie gave me the thumbs up as she was equally successful in getting her own revenge to say the least, Todd's arm around my shoulders, I was proud to playing a part here, as well as getting my own revenge.

"Hey girl…." Said a new voice.

I turned and saw Ash giving me the biggest smile I had ever saw. It was a smile of true friendship, the respect of the Elite head was overwhelming for me.

"It looks like you have finally found your peace." Ash said as I saw Misty talking with Melody and Sabrina, also part of this, but they can tell you more I think about their own worlds.

"Yes…thank you Ash. Thank you so much…"

I hugged the Elite, tears falling, but this time tears of happiness.

"You were my first true friend…you've helped me onto this road so much….you have no idea how much you meant to me…thank you." I said.

"Shh….hey. Don't want to get Misty jealous do we?" Ash said.

"Or me!" Todd said good-naturedly. I think he was used to the 'flirting' Ash and I did now.

As we all laughed, I always knew that for the rest of my life, I would cherish everything I remembered about Ash Ketchum.

It just came too soon to reflect on it.

* * * *

I stand there, a coffin of sorrow, the air as dark as everyone's moods here. The true friends of Ash Ketchum are here, not the people who knew the pokemon master, it was the people who knew Ash Ketchum.

I looked on, my voice cracking enough after my song, it was near unbearable.

But I was going to be strong. For Todd, for Misty, for Ash.

I picked up Sylia, who was crying over her uncle Ash as much as I was, as I cradled her over to the coffin.

"Ash, many people have asked for my autograph since I became an actress. However, you were the first person who really showed me what life can give you. From the beyond, I give you this."

I put in the coffin, my own Pokemon Baseball Cap, the one that I first used to imitate Ash all those years ago. On it, was my signature, Duplica Imite.

I turned, feeling a shift in wind from above me. I briefly wondered about it before looking up to the sky again, Sylia in my arms as a tear rolled down my eye. Ash is watching over us my child. We are safe now.

"Goodbye….Ashy-boy."

* * * *

I watched an old friend of mine walk away in tears. She hugged someone, obviously her husband and her child, it was heartbreaking to watch.

Although I'm 26 now, I still remember the times I enjoyed with these people, my experiences tell the story, and Ash Ketchum WAS the story.

My first experience was being with 15 other girls in a mansion with my former teacher Miss Layla McKenzie. It was the chance to meet new friends, talk with my old friends, and also to win plenty of prizes and money galore.

It was there where I met my sobbing roommate down there, and despite the power of my magic watching over them, it took all my will power to not go down there and offer my own sobbing figure to Misty, Casey, Duplica and Giselle.

I got along with her definitely, she was a bright bubbly girl when we got down to 'girl talk.' I remember telling her about my hidden crush on an upperclassman, but she didn't laugh or snicker about it. She just said, 'patience is a virtue. You can treasure it and then exploit it, but don't misuse it.'

I guess now, you could say her use of time and patience was rewarding, yet on this day, you wouldn't see it. Anyway, I'm happily married as part of a clan where I've been accepting, despite…how shall I put it…early reluctance…

She told me that she may have held a torch for one of Misty's friends. After a bit of prodding (and threatening her to dump a bucket of water every morning), she told me his name.

Ash Ketchum.

I wanted to meet him, especially considering how much Misty talked about him (both positive and negative), and even Giselle kind of got in the conversations about him from what I know. I needed to find out what kind of guy he was.

I met him in much different circumstances, in a game of survival.

On an island, home of the Digimon, I met him for the first time. Ash Ketchum. He had experience in this game before, and I felt that at least learning more about him would help.

However, I began to really enjoy his company. We were becoming fast friends, and the world of Roomies was leaving my mind.

O.K, you can ask if I had a crush on Ash…answer…yes and no. Yes, because we did seem to get along really well, and I certainly enjoyed being flirtatious with him (despite what threats my brother had on me)…

…but no, because I couldn't do that to Misty.

After the horrible aftermath of what happened between us on my debut on the survival stage, I didn't want it to be like that again. So when we were both invited for the third one, I wanted to make up.

Surprisingly, she had the same idea. After repeated 'I'm sorry' phrases to each other, we felt that without Ash, we could really turn the game on the head.

Which we did. Thanks to newfound friends Naru and Akito, and having to vote off my future husband, Misty and I were getting as close as possible (starting some rumors which Misty found righteous vengeance with her mallet).

Despite a young man named Takato seemingly at one point having a crush on me, and then trying to vote me off in devastating fashion. And near the end, it seemed all plans were crushed when Akito turned tail and voted off Misty.

Although plans fell near the end, thanks to Akito, Misty prayed for my victory throughout the jury.

Her prayers were listened. Thanks to Davis of all people, I had won the third survivor. And won a million dollars. It was a life and experience that can change a person's will forever.

Mine however remained the same. Thanks to my dad, we managed to get the money kept in an account to the time when I would really need it.

From then, my life seemed to be normal…well, normal for a magical girl could be…but things seemed like they were destined for me to succeed after that. Despite the threat of one particular young man, I managed to hold through…thanks to a wonderful young man named Li.

He saved me enough times, and even during the final test with Eli, he never left my side. It was scary considering our first meeting, how close we were becoming. I didn't think it was love…was it? Maybe I wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed….

…but Li certainly thought it.

It didn't occur to me until much later that it was. I wanted to say to him those same words, not write, not phone, but speak.

Thanks to him coming back (Arigato Meilin), I managed. Even after a Void card tried to threaten the town, and the cards, Li kept on protecting me. And I fell in love with him. The dance…and the fact that I could lose him, it still makes me cry today.

But seeing his smiling face when he was fine, nothing was lost…I couldn't take it. Using my last bit of energy, I ran and jumped across a building…and landed in his warm arms, hugging him like I didn't want to let go.

Since then, I was accepted into the Li clan. Li's mother, Yelan, always welcomed me like I was part of the family anyway, and I knew his sisters had a field day when Li and I were seen as an official couple…

It hasn't always been easy been accepted into Li's world, but Meilin, Madison, Chelsea, Nikki, Rita and Zachery, have always kept in touch, and Layla and Eli have been watching over me, knowing me as the chosen one.

My family is proud to have a daughter like me now, they know yes, but they always thought that I was special.

Plus now I'm quite a bit taller, Tori can't always try and hold be back as easily now…plus Li's training me in martial arts, and heck, I have the fight and sword cards if things do get a bit worse for wear…

…but Ash….

He didn't deserve this. To end like this…not to him….

The tears from my eyes are genuine, I may not have known him as well as Misty did, but from those days, he always had a special place in my heart.

I turned from the scene, and jumped away.

Sakura Avalon to Ash Ketchum…enjoy your peace my friend. You above all else, deserve that…

* * * *

NEXT CHAPTER:

A young man reflects on a true friend, one he has kept in touch with throughout his late years. A man who is like an older brother to his wife and a twin to him. They are similar, yet different. Next time, young Richie tells his story.

Phew! That was nuts!

These things are becoming a lot of work, but I'm still enjoying writing them.

Again, thanks to Globie and FF for allowing me to use Sakura from their canon in their reality fics. For those you don't know, I'll just make a quick little recap.

In Roomies, a reality based fic where 16 girls from the animes Pokemon, Digimon, Cardcaptors and Tenchi Muyo, Sakura was roomates with Duplica. Near the end of the fic, there is a small triangle between Misty, Duplica and Giselle on Ash. (Which Ash was as usual, clueless about…) As for Globie, in Anime Survivor 2, Sakura and Ash get quite close, to the point of jealously for Misty, but in AS3, they became great friends….and Sakura wins it. That's it in a nutshell, read them if you want to find out more.

O.K, that's enough for now, I'll be back with the finale of Anime and Video Game Survivor, coming soon to an Anime Crossovers near you!