Disclaimer: I own nothing. Not even this computer I'm writing on! (I'm renting it from my parents)

AN: I'm so sorry about the last two weeks. "Keeping Memories" was removed because of the format. But I'll carry on. This story is going to be 9 chapters long. So tune in every Monday.

On with the story…

Chapter 6 – 5 Months Later…

Ash found himself wandering into Mirage Kingdom. It was still too early for anyone to be out, let alone drop in on an unsuspecting host. He decided to just relax in the park near the castle. As he lay in the grass his mind wandered aimlessly. Eventually he fell asleep. Pikachu was near by, as always. He had helped Ash through most of his problems over the past few months.

People kept challenging him as he passed through various towns. But he always turned them down. Occasionally there were those few determined hot heads who didn't know when to give it a rest. Ash had no other choice than to accept. Naturally he won, only using his Pikachu, no matter what type opponent. But his victories lacked the enthusiasm which he was known for. Many people noticed this and the fact that he was traveling alone. He was always seen with his two best friends. But when the other trainers decided to question the matter, Ash had already left town. News of Misty's death had reached the Elite Four about month after her immediate family was informed. In their battles with Ash, they noticed that he fought with a passion, but not for himself.

Misty looked like an angel in the moon light. A dark figure loomed beyond the woods. An arm raised into the light. A gun! BANG!

"MISTY!" Ash awoke with a start, yelling at the top of his lungs. Lucky, no one was about to speculate his sanity. Pikachu was instantly at his side.

"Pi-pi-chu, pika?"

"I'm alright," Ash replied dully, "Just a dream, that's all." His hand shook violently as he tried to stroke Pikachu's fur. Ash wasn't surprised though. He had this reoccurring nightmare for many weeks now.

"Chu?"

Ash checked his watch; 6:50 a.m.

"Sorry little buddy, 'still too early to go see them."

"You're wrong, it's the perfect time," said a sinister voice.

"What? Who are you? Show your self!"

The figure slowly emerged from behind a tree.

"Hanson!" said Ash through gritted teeth.

The tattered figure that stood before him was indeed Hanson. Prison life didn't seem to fair so well for him. His sleeve was ripped in several places. A long gash ran across his cheek, as if an old "acquaintance" had recently met up with him.

"Ah… Mr. Ketchum," he sneered,"the Pokémon Master, so nice to see you again."

"How did you get out?" demanded Ash.

"What, no 'hello'? I thought we were friends. You never write or visit."

Ash just glared him. An evil smile played across Hanson's face.

"Though… I assume the past few months have been very troubling."

"What do you mean?" Ash was becoming more and more suspicious.

"You mean you don't know?" Hanson responded in an oily voice, "Come now, after all, she did die in your arms."

Ash was dumbfounded. "How can he possibly know?" he thought.

Hanson seemed to have read his mind, "Oh did I for get to tell you?" he enjoyed toying with the boy, "I was the shooter that night and I've folowed you for weeks, waiting patiently for the perfect time to strike. This, isjust a perfect time as any..." slowly he drew a gun from inside his coat.

Anger started to build up in Ash; he clenched his hands into a fist.

"You know," continued Hanson, "She wasn't my intentional target that night. She just got in the way," he raised the gun and aimed the barrel right at Ash.

Ash thought desperatelyfor a plan.

"And now… to finish what I wanted to do for so many months. Say good-bye."

"Not without a fight!"

Ash head butted Hanson in the stomach, knocking the wind right out of him. The gun discharged into the ground, then fell from his grip. The sound caught the attention of a nearby residence, who immediately called the police. Minutes later, Officer Jenny and a few other policemen arrived on the seine. Ash had managed to knock out Hanson as Officer Jenny ran up.

"What happed here?"

"He confessed about killing Misty and tried to kill me."

"Good thing we came, look he's coming around, we can take care of things here, just go and check-in at the hotel. I'll be by later if I need anymore information."

"Thanks"

Ash turned and made his way across the park. Hanson, still dazed saw him as he crossed the open lawn.

"No, it can't end this way!"

He pulled himself form the unsuspecting police. He ran over to the gun and picked it up.

All Ash felt was incredible pain in his back. He passed out before his body hit the ground.

"Pika!"

Officer Jenny wheeled around; she saw his limp form on the ground.

"Oh god, Ash!"

She quickly ran over to his side.

"Wake up! Come on! Somebody get over here!"

The paramedics attended to the unconscious boy.

The first paramedic checked Ash's vital signs.

"I've got a pulse, but no breathing."

Another assessed the situation.

"Begin administrating CPR."

"No response, pulse weakening."

"Get the defibrillator!"

A third paramedic ran over and handed the instrument over.

"Clear!"

Officer Jenny looked away; she couldn't stand the sight of it.

"Nothing"

"Again"

"Clear!"

Another charge went through him.

"Still nothing"

"Last time… Come on kid."

"Clear"

"… Nothing"

"Right call it."

"07:00, July 7th..."

Ash slowly awoke, a soft light engulfed him.

"Where am I?"

Holy Hell! I killed off Ash! I did the worst thing that could happen in this fic! But hold on, there's still 4 more chapters.

Write from the Heart