A/N: Wow! It's 2004 now. Scary. Very, very scary. Just a few weeks ago I posted chapter 30 in 2003

now… now it's one year later… technically. EEP! Technically it took me one year to post the next chapter. Scary… but cool in a way. I know… I know. Took me nearly a month to post this chapter. I'm so sorry. I caught I mild case of writer's block… that's why this chapter is kind of…uh… yucky. Not even sure why I added most of this chapter in the first place on… it seemed like a good idea at first till after I read over it once… then it was… yuck. But I need this chapter… yes I know… hard to believe especially after you read it… so now I'll stop talking and let you read and form your own opinion about this chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.

Review's Comments:

Nightswift::: Huh? Mind explaining your review? I'm really lost. Thanks though.

Stella-s55::: Thanks. Err… right… Ash… powers… err… yeah… something like that… I think. I can't really tell you. That's one of the big shhsecretsshh in this fic. Yep. Thanks for the review.

Air Sylph::: I tried… but then stuff came up. Wow! You read fast. Hmm… questions about Ash and things like that huh? Yeah… I don't think I can answer then yet… unfortunately… maybe one… I'll give enough hints you'll discover it on your own or when I finally decide reveal what's going on. Thanks for the review.

Labannya::: Yeah… but he's got reasons… a lot of reasons… if you know or lived through the stuff that Ash has gone through you'll understand why he has so many mood swings all the time. Yeah… I guess I'm that kind of an author. I love making the one things I love suffer the most… maybe cause it'll probably never happen in the anime, so I fantasize over then in my writing. He's still sweet… really. As sweet as he can be living with Ash and life's problems. Err? Problems? I actually managed to solve some problems… really? Wow! I thought I was just creating more problems not solving them… I haven't reached the solving problems stage yet. But if you think I've solved some problems then that saves me explanations later. Thanks for the review.

Overlord::: I don't know. I haven't figure that one out except all I have to work with is how is ends… all I know is how it ends… not what the next chapter will bring… scary I know. I have the far future basically planned out but not the near future. Thanks for the review.

GogetaJr::: Thanks… I'll try. Thanks for the review.

The White Dwarf::: I try. I have to find so way to keep you all entertained till the end. Thanks for the review.

Etherelemental::: Yep… me too… but this was more hate involved that lead them to do such drastic things like beating Pikachu… and they happen to be at war with them… battles that I never write about cause I'm not really good at writing battle scenes, and the fact I haven't exactly figured out how they fight. :sweatdrop… people starring at her weird: Yes I know. I'm in the thirties, and I happened worked through one of the main things this fics about. That's why I… I involve that subject so much… verbal conflict is so much easier to mend… now. Uh… yeah… something like that. I can tell you one thing… they aren't getting very far. Well… Misty was a little mad… and lost at that time to really pay much attention to Ash's complains and such. You'll find she does that a lot. Thanks for the review.

Ryu the Weredragon::: Wow! You summed that one up pretty well. Ash… uh… does have most of those traits… the rest and explanations will come later… sorry. Thanks for the review.

FyreBlazen::: Yep. Thanks for the compliment and your review.

Huyuno-Yuki::: Yes… uh… Ash I guess was a little selfish… but… he… he…he has reason to be hurt. I know… bad reason for his actions, but I can't go too far on that subject… since well… since if I say too much… it'll give away everything. But just remember this. He has a reason… a good reason for being so hurt and… cold. Yep… Houen, Johto, Kanto Pokémon will all be used… maybe not every single one but yes… they will be included. Yep… they will be one final… big deciding battle later… much later… close to the last chapters actually. Thanks and thanks for the review.

Starlightbabe::: Thanks for the compliment. I'll try, but school really takes its toll some times. Thanks for the review.

Uriel Martin::: Uh huh. Couldn't agree with you more. I just love strange, twisted plots that takes time sorting out. You have? Can I hear… no read a lot them? Just curious how close you are to mind idea. Thanks for the review.

Latios184::: Uh… unfortunately not… I love making them suffer. It's more fun to write tragedy and problems then anything else. Thanks for the review.

SulliMike23::: Yes I know those idiots for beating on poor Pikachu like that… but they had a reason I think? Misty kind of stated it… in a way I think. But still I agree with you nobody should beat a creature like they did to Pikachu. Thanks for your review.

Chapter 31

A young woman groaned before opening her eyes. Beams of sunlight radiated before her. Misty moaned… confused. She blinked once, then twice before pushing herself up… and found herself lying in a pile of leaves. Leaves? Beautiful green leaves that felt like cotton against her skin. "Where? Where am I?" muttered Misty.

Rustle… rustle… rustle. She automatically focused…turning to the direction that the sound was coming from. The sound stopped just as quickly as it had begun… instead her glaze met the beauty of the forest before her. Stunned at the beauty of the trees before her… trees… tall trees that extended for miles everywhere. There were oak. There were ash. There were mahogany. There were pine. But the most beautiful tree of them all was the one with the cherry blossoms. She hadn't seen cherry blossoms for a long time, and she missed them. Sakuras were one of her most favorite type of flower.

"But wait. Cherry trees don't bloom in the winter. All the trees should have lost their leaves by now… but… but then why does all these trees still have their leaves?" Misty sat stunned in her meadow of leaves. She looked around and found that she surrounded by flowers. Millions of flowers covered the plain that she sat upon. It instantly reminded her of… Greenfield… at least after the crystallization had stopped. "Where am I?" said Misty once more.

Rustle…rustle… rustle. The sound came back once again… instead of stopping… a creature leaped out of the forest. An Eevee then closely followed by a Squirtle, then a Ponyta. Misty gasped… sweat poured down her face… she knew that if these Pokémon were to look her way. She would be a goner. She reached for her belt… only to met nothing. Mentally she cursed herself. She had left her handgun back at headquarters. How she could make such a stupid and fatal mistake… she didn't know.

All she could do now was wait. Sweat continued trickling down her forehead. Once she had even tried getting up, but her feet wouldn't allow it. "So this is what if feels like to be a sitting duck," grumbled Misty. Her voice full of sarcasm as she watched the three Pokémon. Still they did not look her way instead they continued glazing at the bush… as if waiting for something.

They didn't have to wait long… for from the forest a darkened figure was approaching them. Misty gulped… scared at the possibilities that the blackened figure held. What was it? A person? A Pokémon? In Misty's mind the figure could only be classified into one of two categories. Either the one that kills her or the one that saves her. As much as she didn't believe in destiny and last minute hope… this time she did hope… praying that it wasn't a Pokémon.

Her praying soon paid off. A small giggle came from the woods. Then someone spoke… in human language. Misty immediately calmed down before another thought washed over her. "What if they get caught by the Pokémon too? I must warn them," muttered Misty to herself. By now her legs had long unfrozen allowing her to stand up. Using the survive skills that she had learned over the years she crept out of the piles of leaves and into the woods hoping to catch up to the person before he or she left the protection of the trees.

Step by step she walked on through the trees… allowing the forest to conceal her. She soon quickened her pace… afraid that she would arrive too late… and too late she did. Just as she reached her destination. She found the figure already in the clearing… but what she saw astounded her. The Pokémon… they… they were normal. Their eyes were full of peace and tranquillity. The figure had turned out to be not one person but two. A boy… probably only three or four and older male probably in his early twenties.

Both marked a strange and uncanny remembrance to her beloved. The young boy had a beautiful, smooth white skin. A pair of alert and sparkling eyes… which radiated pure innocence… as if no evil had yet tainted his young soul. The older man who Misty suspected was the boy's father had a more of a wise and serious yet caring look upon his face. A face that marked years of traveling, wisdom, and had seen and done many things in his young life. Yet both father and son looked almost mirror to each other had the child been twenty years older.

Misty watched… knowing she was no longer in danger. The boy patted the Ponyta on the head before picking up the Eevee and cradling it. The father watched his son before staring into the sky… the clear blue sky… as if watching for something. A gentle breeze blew through the air… cooling them all. Still Misty continued to watch… almost jealous. She remembered a day… a day long ago when she too had a father… a great father. She also remembered a day when she was like that boy… so carefree and naïve. A day so long ago that she dared not think it was real anymore. A day when hugged or cuddled her own Pokémon. Even now she couldn't help but wonder what happened to her darling Togepi, or any of her graceful and strong water Pokémon.

Time flew by… the sun climbed still… till reaching high noon. More Pokémon had arrived later, all which the boy was playing with. A game of tag as they ran though the flowery meadow. The father had taken a spot under the cherry tree… but still he looked as if in deep thought. Still staring up at the sky… as if waiting for something… anything. And Misty waited too… in her hiding spot. Watching the innocent child play… as if oblivious to their current situation and fear of Pokémon. And the father who was deep in thought… not worried at all about his son's safety.

But Misty was worried about the boy. She couldn't explain why… why she was worried about this child who she didn't even know his name… but still… still she was worried. She was really, really worried. Worried that the Pokémon really weren't that good… that nice… that innocent that they had lead her, the boy, and even the boy's father to believe. But she didn't want to do. Somehow… a small gut feeling deep down in the pit of her soul told her that she couldn't leave the confinements of the forest… that she should just watch and only watch.

Misty didn't have to wait that much longer. The boy's father spoke… calling to his young son. "Champ! Come over here for a sec," called the older man. He got up for his sitting position. The young boy hearing his father's call to him immediately obeyed… running to his father's side… leaving the Pokémon.

"Yes…Daddy?" asked the boy. His voice melted Misty's heart. His voice was a bell… a sweet bell that warmed her heart beyond belief. The older man smiled placing a hand upon his son's shoulders.

"Next week's your birthday. You'll be four," said the boy's father almost absentmindedly.

"I know Daddy. Hmm…" The boy twitched his lips and nose much like a bunny rabbit. A small 'o' formed around his rosy red lips. His eyes dimmed… the way he looked. It was so cute. It made him look as if he was thinking… really, really hard. "Six years," said the boy suddenly. " I become Pokémon twainer," added the boy quickly. His cheeks flushed as a large smile formed upon his adorable face.

"Pokémon trainer?!" muttered Misty. No body ever talked about becoming a Pokémon trainer now. What was this boy thinking? Is he that oblivious to this world? Why is his father protecting him so?

The older man chuckled. A hearty laughter came out of his mouth. "No, that's not what I meant. You know, Champ," said the boy's father. His face pained as he looked down. His hand still upon his son's shoulders. "Y… you know I want to be there when you turn four. I… I really do."

The boy smiled. "I know, Daddy. You Pokémon Master. The bestest in the wowld. Twainers want you. Lewgue want you. Pewple want you. "

The older man chuckled. "Thanks champ. You're so… so understanding."

"I unwerstanding?" the boy asked confused.

"Yes, yes you are, my son," the father said. He sighed before kissing his son's forehead. "Most children would be so disappointed if their parents aren't with them on their birthday. But… but you…you're so… so bright for your age. I'm so sorry that I can't be there Sport."

"I know, Daddy. Lewgue need you."

"Yes," muttered the older man. "The Elite Four needs me, but so do you. So does your mum. I promise Champ, this will be the last time this happens. I'll fight the league if I have to, but I'm not going to miss another one your birthdays, okay Sport?"

"Elite Four?" muttered Misty. "Either that man is oblivious too, or he's fooling his son."

"Huh?"

"I'm going to get the competition date changed, so it doesn't always fall on your birthday."

"Weally?"

"Really. But till then. I'll give you an early birthday present. Don't tell your mom though."

The boy's eyes shined excitedly. "I won't." The man chuckled before reaching into the bag that hung from his belt. He pulled out a medium size box wrapped neatly in gold wrapping paper. He handed the box to his son who took it eagerly.

"Can I open it, Daddy?"

The older man nodded. The boy, overly excited at what was wrapped immediately ripped the wrapping paper over revealing a gold… real 24K gold box. Confused the boy looked up. He knew what was in the box already. He shook his head… sadly pushing it back to his father. He knew the importance of the item within the box. He had known about it all his life. Only the greatest and most skilled Pokémon Master got what was in the box, and even though the boy was only four he knew the importance of the item. His father had told him stories… legends of the item… how it holds mystical powers beyond believe. "Yours," said the boy simply.

Confusion covered Misty's face. Confused that a child wouldn't want a present.

"No sport," said the boy's father. "It's yours. I'm giving it to you already."

"Yours. You eawn it, Daddy. The Lewgue gave it to you.."

"No, Sport." The older man said… shaking his head. "I'm giving this to you. Besides it's not the one I won. This is our ancient family heirloom."

"Haiwloom?"

"No, heirloom," said the older man… this time sounding the word out more carefully. "My father gave to me, whose his father gave to him. This has been in our family since the first Pokémon tournament. I've told you once, Sport. Being a Pokémon Master runs through our bloodline… as does a lot of other things."

"Othew things?"

The elder man shook his head… sighing. "Never mind, Sport. Never mind. It matters not right now. Someday you'll understand. Someday you'll understand… your destiny."

"Destiny?"

"Yes, champ. Your destiny. Everyone has a destiny. A purpose for their birth… their existence on this Earth. Sometimes we lose sight of our original planned out path… and we go astray. Sometimes going astray is a good thing… other… other times it isn't. Sometimes it leads to darkness… other times light. We never really know what our destiny really is… sometimes even after we leave this world… we still don't know what our destiny's was… the one assigned to us at birth… sometimes… sometimes we create our own destines, and we never really know if we've fulfilled our original planned out course or not. Sometimes we leave this world before we complete our true purpose in this world… leaving our mission for someone else to fulfill."

"Uh?" The boy's eyes widened as plates… puzzled by his father's words.

"Never mind, champ." He placed his hand on the box and his son's hand. "Guard it well. It's important to our family."

"Destiny," muttered Misty. "Destiny," she said once again. "A purpose in life. What's my purpose in life? What's anyone's purpose?" Darkness covered her line of vision as she fell. All she could make out was a faraway ringing… later transforming into cries… as if someone was calling out to her…

And then she began to remember… the scene before her left her mind… instead being replaced by those of Ash… his final words to her. The voice increased in volume… and she finally understood what she had just seen. Yet she couldn't awake. Still the voice continued… just as persist as always. She knew it wanted her to open her eyes… but she didn't want to… she couldn't. Even with her eyes closed she knew that tears fell from her eyes, staining her face. Seeing Ash walk off like that was still too much for her to bear.

Still the voice continued. She knew avoiding it was vain… instead she chose to awaken…

to look up…

A/N: Well what do you think? Needed chapter or not? Now that I think about it I'm not sure… okay this time and probably the only few times I'm going to do a little spoiling if you call it that… for now all this chapter is suppose to do… is… uh… make Misty look at Pokémon differently and remember when she still loved them… making the next chapter make more sense… once I put it up and stuff. But it'll have more purpose later… so don't forget this chapter.

Okay now for uh… random stuff. School started… yeah… boring. Had a bio test on evolution. It was okay… I guess. Geometry test too really easy… too easy actually everyone scored high… just out of curiosity and randomness… anyone know if the Altiplano's in South America is a plateau or a plain? It's killing me on what it really is. Side note… someone set off firecrackers in my school. I didn't see it… aww… too busy watching Romeo and Juliet make out in a pool… yes Romeo and Juliet… Shakespeare one making out in a pool. Everyone was laughing. We watch really strange things in English… last year we watched Odysseus make out with a witch. Strange… they don't allow killing and kissing on TV but we can watch all that stuff in school. But someone told it… so disappointed that I missed it too. Any ways please review. I love reviews. I'll try to post sooner but at this time I can't make promises. Got to go memorize Shakespeare.