Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon or any of its characters!

Note: mmmmmmmmm curse you writers block x.x HUGE apologies to those who have been waiting for me to update. Ive been more into reading than writing, but hopefully I can get out of that x.x thanks for waiting!!! Luv you all!!!!!

Evolution

Chapter 2 - The Rescue

By Tippy

A soft sigh passed over the clearing where the group remained, waiting for the owl-like Pokemon to return with news of Pikachu. It was Brock, tossing another twig into the small campfire they had built as the evening cold has started to set in. It had been three hours since they had last seen Noctowl and team rocket. Midnight and still no sign. Misty had already fallen asleep on the ground across from the older teen. Ash, on the other hand, still seemed to be awake; chin resting in the palm of his hand as he stared into the crackling flames.

Brock glanced over at the dark haired trainer, the glow of the fire caused shadows to dance across the boys features that left little to see if he was truly awake, but Brock could barely see the slightly open crescents of open eyelids.

Ash's mind was filled with a shadowed orange haze as he sat in the clearing. He could faintly make out the sounds of the popping wood as the fire devoured it. As much as he wanted to stay awake, his eyes wouldn't let him and he was starting to give into sleep. [Come on Ash, you gotta stay awake! Pikachu's counting on you…] he rallied in his mind, [but I'm so… tired… but Pikachu… he needs me… I need to…]

[…]

Ash's thoughts stilled into silence. Did he just hear something? The thick fog that had once clouded his mind was beginning to lift as he strained to listen. Nothing. Maybe it was his mind playing tricks on him. He decided to ignore it and go back to thinking about Pikachu when a cold chill ran across his ear and he heard it again, clearly.

"…help…"

Brock turned towards the voice of his friend. Ash was still in the same position as before, but his eyes were completely closed. The trainer watched as the boy's mouth again formed the word as he spoke.

"…help…" This time it was clearer, more urgent.

Brock leaned over and placed a hand on the dark haired trainer's shoulder giving it a little shake, "Ash, wake up."

At this Ash's eyes shot open, his breathing slightly faster than normal.

"Ash, you ok?" Brock questioned, taking his hand away from his friend's shoulder, but the concern was still on his face.

Ash didn't look at him, his eyes fixated on the fire, but his mouth was moving as he tried to form the right words. "I… think.. I know where… Pikachu is…"

"But Noctowl's not back yet. We can't be sure until he returns." Brock spoke softly.

"But… I'm pretty sure I know… I have to go help!" The young trainer quickly got to his feet, neglecting to grab his hat or back pack as he ran into the dark forest.

Surprised by his sudden energy and rashness, Brock could only stare after the boy. When he finally got his wits back it was too late to call the reckless trainer back. He only could hope Ash would be ok by himself.

Ash ran, only slowing to avoid large roots that protruded from the ground beneath him. Another branch caught him across the cheek, leaving a stinging sensation in its path, but he paid no attention, his focus on the area ahead.

[…help me…] He recalled the words. He still wasn't completely sure what or who it was coming from, but deep down he knew he had to follow this path.

His breathing had deepened from the exhaustion of running and he could feel himself slowing down, but he knew he was almost there.

He felt his foot catch and he was roughly thrown to the ground. Cursing under his breath at his stupidity, he quickly stood up to continue, only to go back down again. Not only was there a slight throb in his ankle, but up ahead a clearing opened up and three figures were walking by, dimly illuminated by lights from farther ahead.

Quietly, Ash crawled up to one of the dense bushes that lined the clearing. He wasn't all too surprised to see that the three figures were actually members of team rocket; the red 'R' sticking out in the lights from a compound that lay a few hundred feet away.

[Great Ash… now how are you gonna get in there?] He almost smacked himself for being so irrational and leaving all his stuff behind. [oh well, looks like I'm doin this the hard way…]

Tbc…

Dun Dun DUNNNNN!!!! It actually got done!!!! In one night!!!!! Im so happy -!!!!!!! Hope its ok though x.x feel free to review - I love helpful hints and the like!!!!

Luv ya!