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Part 2

Between a BROCK and a Hard Place

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon, *sigh*, oh well. The story is mine. Pokemon is owned by Game Freaks 1995-2001

Ash, Misty and Brock where on the road to Goldenrod City, next stop in the Johto region. They had been walking quite a ways; they had spent over 6 days in the forest. Their backs where sore from sleeping on the ground, and their feet were aching. No one wanted to sleep in a bed more then Misty, and she made sure that the guys knew that. It had been a week since Ash and Misty revealed their true feelings. But as always a problem arose, they had yet to tell Brock. Brock, who besides Ash was not the sharpest knife in the drawer, had been oblivious to Ash and Misty. Every time Brock was looking at a Map or cooking, or swooning over a pretty girl, Ash and Misty would steal a kiss. Of course as soon as he turned around they would stop holding hands or kissing and begin to 'fake' argue with each other to sidetrack Brock. They where not ready to tell him, not yet. As they entered the gates to Goldenrod City Brock started running around trying to get girls e-mail addresses and phone numbers, unsuccessfully though. Ash and Misty sighed, when Brock was out of sight, Ash turned around and wrapped his arms around Misty's waist. They leaned in for a kiss, Pikachu laughed happily. Although Brock has no idea about them, Ash had told Pikachu a while ago. Misty leaned her head on Ash's shoulder. "Ash, we have to tell Brock…all week we have hardly been able to spend anytime together, and we always have to fake argue when he looks at us." Ash nodded. "We'll tell him, I just don't know how he will take it." Misty smiled at Ash as she played with his hat hair. "Ash honey?" Ash blushed as he gazed into her eyes. "Yeah Mist?" She kissed his cheek and ran a finger down the tip of his nose. Ash blush furiously.

"Will you take me out somewhere tonight?" Ash thought about it. Misty turned on her sappiest girlish voice and shimmering eyes. "Pwwwease Ashy washy! Just the two of us?" Ash had a goofy grin and laughed a little. "Yeah sure! But what about Brock.?"

Misty kissed him again. "We'll think of something, so where are going to take me?"

Ash thought a minute and turned to Misty. "I don't know, never been to Golden Rod City before." Misty fell over in stupidity. Just then Brock came walking over to them holding his cheek. Ash waved to him, but Brock just rubbed his face. Misty got up giggled. "What happened Brock?" Brock removed his hand to reveal his swollen red cheek.

"256 slaps to the face, well I'm done for the day."

Ash just pointed and laughed. "Shut up Ash" he said coldly. "Like to see you try and get a girlfriend." Ash and Misty looked at each other and started laughing again. Brock shrugged and took out his map. (What they don't know is there meant for each other, I wonder when there'll get together.) Brock chuckled to himself. (Yeah right, Ash and Misty a couple, that's hilarious, Sabrina must be wrong.) He looked up from his map to see Ash and Misty arguing. (Definitely wrong). Brock scanned the map and found what he was looking for. "Hey why don't we stay at the pokéhotel?" Ash and Misty looked at Brock enquiringly. "Pokéhotel??" Brock whipped out his Pokémon handbook, he skimmed the pages and found the heading, and recited to the group what he read. "The pokehotel, known for it's lavish and Pokemon oriented atmosphere, trainers who own the Pokemon chosen for the weekly contest can get free rooms for up to 4 people and other various prizes. It also says here that daily Pokemon battles are held in their own battle arena. Also surrounded by pleasurable nightlife, the pokehotel is a must-see for any trainer." Brock slipped the book back in his pocket. Ash was so excited he could hardly contain himself. "Alright! A Pokemon themed hotel sounds great to me!" Misty came up beside Ash and nudged him in the ribs and whispered in his ear. "Don't forget, you promised to take me out tonight." Ash nodded and whispered in her ear. "He did say "pleasurable night-life' didn't he, we'll find something to do." Brock walked up to them. "What are you whispering?" Ash and Misty jumped back. "Uh…uh nothing, just wondering if there's free food there? Hehehe" Misty rubbed her forehead. (Nice save Ashy). Brock was a bit skeptical but soon forgot about it. The three heroes walked off to the Hotel. Brock looked back just as Ash and Misty were about to hold hands. Pikachu sighed along with Ash. Ash was already annoyed. (I'll tell him after our date…..oh-oh a date….I don't have any nice clothes!) Ash ruffled his hair.

Misty held Togepi in her arms as she walked with Ash. (What's up with Ash, doesn't he want to go on our date? Wait a date..*Gasp* I don't have a thing to wear!) Brock looked back to see Misty and Ash very nervous looking. (What the?).

It wasn't long until they had found the Pokéhotel. They all were amazed at its immense size. It looked to be at least 15 stories high, and it took up an entire block. Ash's jaw dropped at the spectacle. "Whoaa…..it's pretty big. Look's expensive…"

Brock looked in the Guidebook. "Well if we win that contest, we can stay for free! Let's just hope we have the Pokemon that matches the winning description." Ash ran to the door. "There's only one way to find out! Come on!" Misty, Brock and Pikachu ran in after Ash. Inside was a sight to behold, Pokemon and trainers everywhere, the sound of Pokemon March could be heard over unseen speakers over head, pictures and paintings of rare Pokemon where strewn on the walls. The sheer size of the foyer was enough to be impressed. The three trainers walked up to the main desk, a woman whom in Brock's mind was beautiful greeted them. As he began blushing over her, Misty grabbed his ear and dragged them off. The desk clerk smiled. "Hello, welcome to the Pokéhotel, would you like a room or participate in this weeks contest for a free suite?" Ash gave her his peace symbol, the contest of course!" The woman slapped her hands. "Good luck to you! You must show me the Pokemon that matches the name in an envelope chosen at random." The woman held up the envelope and opened it, studied it and slipped it back in. "okay, call out your Pokemon, and let's see if you win" one by one they each brought out a Pokemon, everyone single one the lady shook her head. They were getting nervous; they only had 1 pokeball each. "Ah man, it could be anything." Ash threw his pokeball, and out popped Charizard. The clerk shook her head. "Sorry not it". Ash slumped down on a chair. "Aww man" Brock took out his last pokeball and threw it. "Vulpix go!" the lady clapped her hands. "DID I WIN!" The woman shook her head again. "No, it's just so adorable!" Brock sighed and sat down next to Ash, at that point it was completely hopeless. Misty sighed as she stared at her pokeball, psyducks pokeball. "Ugh, how could this dimwit duck help now, ah well." She reluctantly threw the pokeball and out came Psyduck. "Psy?" the woman jump up and horns blared as confetti came down around them. "WHAT!?" the woman shook hands with Misty. "Congratulations! You Win!"

Ash and Brock bolted up. "No way!" Misty reached down and grabbed psyduck.

"Way to Psyduck!" Psyduck tilted his head. "Psy?" Misty sighed. "Oh well, now we get a free room!" The woman handed tags to the three of them. "Here, these are V.I.P passes they get you the best of everything free of charge!" Misty's eyes grew wide. "Even ice cream!" the lady nodded. "Why of course!" Misty jumped in the air. "YEAH!!" The clerk bowed to them. " I hope you enjoy your stay!"

Ash, Misty, Brock and Pikachu got off the elevator and stepped into the hallway.

They looked for their suite and couldn't find it. They walked down to the end of the hall and there it was. Misty jammed the key in the doorknob and unlocked it. She swung open the door and gasped. Brock and Misty came up behind her and caught their breath.

"oh..my…." Misty managed to say. They stared at a 1000 square-foot room, complete with kitchen, living room, 2 bathrooms, 2 bedrooms with king size beds, a rec room and a full sized entertainment system.

The trio was speechless as they looked at the room, their room, for the next week. They were silent for a long time until Ash spoke up. "I think I could take a week off from walking." The three trainers ran into the room and quickly started checking out all the cool gadgets and little bottles of free shampoo. They all collapsed on the huge comfy couch as Ash turned on the 60" TV. They almost fell of the couch as the 100-watt surround sound system blasted their eardrums. Misty whacked Ash. "TURN IT DOWN" Ash turned the sound off and rubbed his ears. Brock tapped Misty on the shoulder. "HEY MISTY! YOU AN ASH WANNA SEE A MOVIE!?" Misty fell back into Ash and whacked Brock upside the head. "Idiot! Take your fingers out of you ears!" Brock brought his hands down and smiled sheepishly. "You guys wanna see a movie? I saw a cinema not to far from here when I was chasing…..uh...I mean…..talking to girls." Brock rubbed his cheek at the thought of all those slaps to the face. (*Sigh* WILL I EVER FIND A GIRL!)

"What's playing?" Ash asked.

"Uh some kind of double feature, romantic comedy I think, maybe I could learn some tips on picking up women!" Misty sweat dropped. "Right…well actually I was gonna take a nap." Ash intervened. "But Misty it sounds okaOWCH!" Misty jammed her heel on Ash's foot. He tried not to show it to Brock. "Naw, I'll go see about those Pokemon Battles!"

Brock sighed. "Well okay, I'll be back in three hours or so" Brock got up and quickly turned around with a very excited expression. "Maybe I can get Nurse Joy to go with me! Or maybe even Officer Jenny!" Brock was replaced with a cloud of dust as he ran out the door. The door swung shut behind him from the back draft. As soon as Misty knew that Brock was indeed gone she turned to Ash who at that moment was rubbing his foot.

Misty ran over and jumped on Ash. "Waa! Hey misty be caremmth!" Misty cut-off Ash with a kiss attack. "Mi..mmph!…I..mmpth!" Misty continued to kiss all over his face. Ash began to flail wildly. Misty got angry; she stopped to look at Ash squirming under her. "Ash! I have waited 6 days to spend some time with you! The least you could do his put your arms around me!" Ash began to turn an odd shade of blue. "Ash?" He was finally able to get some words out. "your…knee…is….on….my." Misty looked down, she turned beet red and jumped off him. Ash breathed in a sigh of relief. "I'm so sorry honey!" Ash wrapped his arms around her and smiled.

"Its okay Misty, now where were we?" They leaned in for a slow and passionate kiss.

The broke the kiss after a minute and lay down next to each other.

"What are we going to do about Brock?" Misty Asked.

"Well, we should just flat out tell him before things get complicated."

Misty turned to face Ash. "Right after our date, where to?"

Ash got up and helped Misty to her feet. "Let's walk around, there's got to be something."

Misty leaned her head on Ash's chest. "Hey Ash, why not go to a dinner and a movie?"

Ash kissed her. "Yeah that's a great idea."

Misty ran to get the room keys. "Let's see what's playing"

Misty ran out the door and Ash ran to catch up with her.

*******

Brock walked into the movie theater. He had been late and the trailers were playing.

He picked a seat near the front and crossed his arms. "Okay so officer Jenny didn't want to come with me, it's her loss!" Brock looked down at his bag of popcorn and nibbled a few kernels. "So Nurse Joy didn't come either, I'm perfectly fine by myself" He was abruptly shushed by an old women behind him. "Oh sorry" he whispered. He turned his attention to the movie. Just then he thought he heard a familiar voice. He looked down to see two people in the chairs right in front of him. (Hmm, the shape of their heads is awfully familiar) The girl to his left whispered something in the guy's ear.

"Hey, is it okay if I do this?" She leaned her head on the guys shoulder. Brock munched on his popcorn. The guy put his arm around her. "No problem Mist" Brock had a million sweat drops as he inhaled his popcorn with reckless abandon. "I love you Ashy"

Brock started choking on the popcorn and grabbed at his throat. He quickly dropped to the ground so not to be seen by what he now knew as Ash and Misty.

"What was that Ash?"

"donno, hey watch, the movie started"

Brock gasped for air as he lay on the sticky floor. (oh my GOD. What is going on here? Did I hear right, there in love?) Brock slowly crept up back to his chair and sank down low see no one could see him. Brock could hardly pay attention to the movie as he watched Ash and Misty the entire time. (I know Sabrina had told me about this, but I didn't expect them to get together so soon…and why haven't they told me!) When the movie had ended Brock laid back down on the floor. As movie patrons stepped on him, he remained quite for fear of being caught. As he saw Ash and Misty walk out of the theater hand in hand, he got up, brushed the gum and popcorn off him and quietly sneaked out of the cinema always making sure he was out of site. (oh okay…so they want to keep there little secret from me, well that's fine, but how dumb do they think I am? Well two can play at this game!)

Brock continued to follow them down to the pier. Brock watched as he saw them sit down on the edge of the pier and lean next to each other. At times like this Brock had wished he could read lips, he had no idea what they were saying and he couldn't get any closer. He then saw Ash and Misty get their faces really close to each other. (what the?)

He gasped as he saw them meet halfway and lock their lips in a passionate kiss. He covered his mouth and stepped back, he slipped on a puddle of water and fell backwards into the ravine. Ash and Misty whipped their heads in the direction where the sound had come from. "did you here that?" Misty Asked. Ash nodded. "I definitely heard something"

Misty leaned her head on his shoulder. "probably a Magicarp"

Ash put his arm around her. " yeah, so how did you like the movie?"

"I thought it was great!"

Ash scoffed. "it was a bit cheesy, that one guy was the worst actor I'd ever seen."

Misty playfully punched him in the arm. "I thought it was romantic!"

Ash then stopped and stared into space. "wait……wasn't the movie we saw a romantic comedy?"

Misty nodded. "yeah"

"Didn't Brock say he was going to see a romantic comedy?"

Misty shifted uneasily. "y..yeah"

"Didn't Brock say the movie was a double feature?"

Misty again nodded looking very nervous.

"wasn't…the movie we saw…..a double feature."

Misty gasped as she realized their HUGE mistake.

"What if he saw us!" Ash stood up with lighting speed.

"Calm down! It was dark in there! Maybe he didn't see us!" As Misty and Ash continued to freak out, Brock climbed out of the ravine and picked the seaweed off his vest.

(so they know, but I won't let them know I know, because only if they think they know I know then they'll think I don't know and continue to know what they know and thinking that I don't know, only I will know what I know about what they think I know and that…..I…..um…..they……I lost my train of thought!) Brock quickly jumped to avoid being seen by Ash and Misty who had just ran by franticly, towards the hotel. (oh oh, better get moving!) Brock ran towards the Hotel making sure to take the scenic route.

Ash and Misty burst into their hotel room and quickly searched for any trace of Brock. "oh, no he's not here, what to do!" Ash checked all the rooms and spotted Pikachu floating on his little inner tube in the spa. "hey Pikachu" Pikachu looked up and winked at Ash. "Pika!" Just then he heard the front door open. Misty and Ash scrambled to the living room to see whom it was. In the doorway was a very soggy Brock. Misty approached him. "hey…Brock…um…how was the movie." Brock smiled. (trying to fool me eh?) He walked in to the room as he did his shoes squished from being waterlogged. "oh, I wouldn't know Misty, I went swimming instead." Ash and Misty let out a sigh of relief. Ash pointed. "you swam in your clothes?" Brock sweat-dropped and nervously scratched his head. "I..um……didn't find my bathing suit….so I just dove in like this." Brock smiled and laughed. (yes that will do). Ash and Misty slumped down on the couch and gave each other a relieved glance. Brock went to get changed. (how come they won't tell me now! they have a perfect chance, I'll give them a few more minutes. Brock emerged fully dry and dressed. He sat down in an easy chair opposite of Ash and Misty. He stared at them and an uneasy silence seemed to drag on for minutes. Ash and Misty were both getting incredibly nervous as they both gulped. Then ash spoke up.

"HEY WHY DID THE FOOTBALL PLAYER GO TO THE TELEPHONE BOOTH…HE HAD TO HIS QUARTERBACK! He he he." Brock stared, no change in his facade. Misty rubbed her forehead out of embarrassment. Brock looked down to his feet.

(they have a perfect opportunity to tell me, I thought they were my friends, well fine then, be that way!) Brock got up. "I'm going to bed" he said coldly. As he entered his room, Ash and Misty collapsed on the sofa. "that was close" Misty stated.

"yeah, wonder what's wrong with him, he acted kinda weird." Misty kissed him and helped him to his feet. "I wouldn't worry, we'll tell him tomorrow." Ash broke away from Misty. "no Misty, I'm tired of lying to Brock, you go to bed, I'll tell him myself, it'll be easier"

Misty was going to argue against it but quickly agreed. She walked to her bedroom suite and blew Ash a kiss as she walked in and closed the door behind her.

Ash stared at Brocks door, he shrugged and shakily reached for the knob. "hello? Brock? Can I come in?" He pushed the door open the rest of the way and looked into Brocks room. He was sitting in an easy chair on the opposite side of his bed. He was just staring out the window with his hands resting on his lap. Ash closed the door and walked up behind him. "hey Brocko!" Brock was silent, his eyes fixed on the view of the city.

Ash walked closer to him and put his hand on Brocks shoulder. Brock coldly brushed his hand off and turned to face Ash, his eyes narrowed.

"look um Brock I got to tell you something.." Ash stopped and looked into Brock's ice-cold eyes, Ash suddenly realized it.

"you know" Brock stood up and walked over to Ash.

"yes Ash I know everything, I know about you and Misty and your little secret." He said coldly.

Ash was suddenly very nervous, his head overflowed with thoughts on how to explain the situation. Brock continued. "I just don't get it, why hide it from me for the past week, you think I would never find out!" Ash was taken aback from Brock's sudden outburst.

"I mean, how in the world could you get a girlfriend!" Ash fell over in stupidity. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN!" Brock clenched a fist.

"look at you, why would any girl, even Misty fall in love with you, I mean I'm the one who is supposed to have a girlfriend, I'm Brock for crying out loud! You're just going to have to break up with her, that way we'd be even on the love issue."

Ash got angry. "your jealous because I've found someone who loves me!"

"Why Misty? she isn't even pretty or anything! How could you possibly know love?"

Ash got really angry. "HEY! That's my girlfriend you're talking about! You want to know what I think! If you stopped looking at girls who are only beautiful and don't look at what's in the inside, then you'll never get a girlfriend!" Brock stood still and lowered his head. Ash stepped back and reached for the door. "I'm sorry we kept it from you, good night." Ash stepped out into the hallway and closed the door behind him. Brock stood in his room, very silent and angry. Angry of what Ash had done, what Ash had said. ("What does he know anyway, what does he know of love?")

******

Misty looked up from her book to see a very angry Ash walk into their room. "what happened Ash?"

Ash looked at the girl he loved. ("of course I know what love is! I'm a human being just like anyone else. I can think, I can touch, I can feel.") He wrapped his arms around Misty and kissed her. "he knows, and he didn't take it very well" Misty sighed and cupped Ash's face in her hands. "he'll get over it, come on let's sleep, he be over it in the morning." Ash smiled and threw Misty onto the bed. She giggled happily as Ash pounced on her and began to kiss her all over her face. They kissed passionately for what seemed like hours. They kissed so much the inside of their mouths went raw. Misty pushed Ash from off her and rubbed her lips. "I think we better stop for tonight, I have raging cotton mouth." After a quick change and a drink they settled into bed. It was only the second time they slept in the same bed since that night in the forest where they confessed their love for each other. Both content with the events of the day with the exception of Brock, they drifted off to sleep. They where soon in such a deep sleep that they didn't hear the door open across the hall. They didn't here footsteps, or the front door closing. Not even Pikachu, for whom after raiding the fridge, fell asleep on the sofa.

********

Misty woke in the arms of her true love. She looked upon his face. He had a silly grin, and the same dirty cheeks he always had. She snuggled close to Ash and inhaled his scent. She then heard some footsteps come bounding down the hall. A yellow blur flew through the door and jumped on Ash's stomach. Ash was abruptly shaken awake. "WAA!"

The yellow blur jumped onto Ash's face. "PI PI PI!!" Ash pushed Pikachu off his face. "what is it buddy" Pikachu franticly pointed out in the hall. Ash jumped out of the bed and walked out the room. Misty could hear the soft padding of Ash's feet. The sound went to the end of the hall. Then it picked up-tempo and seemed to travel to the living room, then the kitchen and then the rec room. The sound of Ash's feet gave the idea that he was running all over the hotel room. Misty got out of bed and walked to the kitchen. There she saw Ash looking around the dining area. "what are you looking for Ashy?" Ash straightened out and looked at Misty. "….Brock" Misty was confused. "what do you mean?"

"I mean Brock is gone, he's not in the living room, not in the rec room, not in the bathrooms, and I checked his room, his backpack is gone." Misty gasped in shock. "HE LEFT! But why!?" Ash put his hand on his chin. "maybe he took the news rather bad, and of what I said." Misty bonked him on the head. "WHAT DID YOU SAY!" Ash rubbed the swollen lump on his cranium. "that's not important now, we gotta find him!" Ash quickly got dressed and headed for the door. Misty followed close behind. Pikachu came bounding up to them. "no Pikachu, you stay here, we'll find Brock, look after Togepi." Pikachu sadly nodded. They ran down the hall and into the lobby. They made there way over to the clerk at the front desk. "scuse me miss, did you happen to see a guy with dark spiky hair, and a green vest and no eyes come by would you?" The clerk thought a moment. "why yes he left late last night, in fact I was wondering why he would be leaving so late, he never did come back." Ash and Misty screamed. "WHAT!" They both hurriedly ran out of the Hotel. Misty and Ash looked up and down the busy street. "where could he have gone to Misty?" Misty shrugged her shoulders. "why would he leave, I thought he would be happy for us…..you never did tell me what you said to him." She said accusingly. Ash shifted uneasily. "He complained how he should have had a girlfriend before me." Misty was angry, mainly at Brock. She grabbed Ash's wrist. "come on let's Ask around."

*********

"those twerps are always getting in our way!" screamed Jessie. James shrunk back in fear. "well what are we doing wrong?" Meowth popped up and scratched James in the face.. "Eeehhhioooo!!" he grabbed his face and rolled on the ground in pain. "what did you do that for?!" Meowth sighed. "you tows are pathetic. How can you always let those three twerps push you around." Jessie got angry. "I would like to hear your plan. Meowth gave her a smirk. "I'll be glad to." He held up a Pokemon guidebook and opened it. He held the book in their faces and showed them the picture of a large building. James was confused. "read it" James knelt down and skimmed the title. "pokehotel, thee hottest tourist attraction.' He looked back to Meowth. "so what?" Meowth bonked him on the head. "yous have to keep reading!" James continued to scan the page, when finished he looked up more confused than before. "yeah so?" Meowth scratched him right across his face. James ran around rubbing his face. "it's simple this Hotel has many trainers staying there, all of them has many Pokemon. Alls we got to do is walk in take control of the joint and reap the benefits!" Jessie sighed. "and how do you suppose we do it?" Meowth took out some costumes. "we go in all sneaky like and take over the front desk!" James rejoined the group, a huge bandage on his face. "why just the front desk?" Meowth scratched his face again. "don't you know anything, nobody goes in, nobody goes out without going to the front Desk. It is well known that the Front Desk controls the entire Hotel! All we got to do is take whatever Pokémon come in through that front door, and scram!" James rubbed his cheek. "that plan sounds complicated." Jessie took out a paper fan and slam James in the back of the head. "I think it's a great plan, and who better to be at the front desk but a beautiful, charming girl like me!"

"yeah, yous as charming as a Charizard" Meowth exclaimed under his breath.

Jessie was to busy looking into her compact mirror to pay attention to Meowth's comments.

James, whose head was now wrapped in bandages sulked over to the group.

"well what are we waiting for! Lets go get'em Jessie yelled.

"Eeehhhioooo!!"

****************

Ash and Misty had been searching all morning but still found no trace of Brock. Ash and Misty stopped at a nearby cafe for a drink. "Where could he have gone, this isn't like him" Misty sighed. Ash to was worried that Brock had run off and left them behind, but why?

( he must of been really insulted, a wish that argument never happened...... where are you Brock?)

After two hours of searching half the city for their spiky haired companion, they decided to go back to the hotel, both were hoping and praying that Brock would be there and waiting for them. As they walked through the front door they were greeted by two individuals at the front desk. One had red hair the other had blue hair and they both wore glasses. "Good afternoon trewps..er...sir welcome to the Pokémon Hotel." the red head said. Ash and Misty walked up to the front desk. "Scuse me, have you seen a tall spiky haired guy with no eyes come through the front door recently? " The man with a blue hair shook his head. "Sorry nobody like that has checked in. But we do ask that you hand in your Pokemon. There seems to be a bug going about and we would like to have all Pokémon checked by Nurse Joy, for safety reasons of course" Ash seemed reluctant at first but handed over his pokeballs. The lady with the red hair collected his pokeballs. "We're going to need your Pikachu as well" Ash looked confused. "But Pikachu is upstairs in our room..... wait a second, how did you know I had a Pikachu?" The two clerks began to sweat profusely. "er..um...I saw you in here before. heh heh" Misty was a little confused as well, but thought nothing of it. " We'll need yours to ma'am" Misty was about to reach into her bag before she heard a familiar voice. "Stop! it's a Trick!" Ash and Misty whipped their heads around to see the silhouette of Brock.

"BROCK! Your back!" Brock ran into the foyer. "Don't do it, they're team rocket!"

The two clerks jumped up and threw off their costumes, revealing themselves as Team Rocket. "Surprise twerps!" Before Team Rocket could spout off their infamous motto Brock hurled a pokeball into the group and out popped the massive shape of an Onix. Its entire body filled up the lobby and its head scraped on the ceiling. Other trainers who were nearby ran into the hallways as they watched the impending battle. With one swift flick of Onix's tale he slammed Team Rocket out the front doors and onto the street. Brock ran out into the street closely followed by Misty and Ash. Brock reached into his vest and pulled out another pokeball and threw it right at Team Rocket. Out popped Vulpix, passerby's where impressed at how well groomed Vulpix was. Brock extended his finger. "Vulpix fire spin!" Vulpix open its mouth a shot a huge blast of fire towards Team Rocket. As the massive flames engulfed Team Rocket an underground gas vein exploded from underneath them. James, Jessie and Meowth flew into the air, alarge fiery trail flowing behind them. "Our plan has gone up in smoke!" Jessie screamed. "So have weeeeeee!" Meowth exclaimed as he flew by. "Looks like Teams Rockets blasting off again!!!!"

"So long!" Brock yelled. He then held out his pokeball and recalled Vulpix. Misty ran up to Brock who was followed closely by Ash, who was reattaching his pokeballs, which he snagged from behind the front desk. "Brock!" Ash and Misty yelled out. "Where were you?" Misty pleaded. Brock stared at the ground. "I'm sorry I left like that. After my fight with Ash I left the Hotel to take a walk. I ended up taking a wrong turn in my torrent of thoughts and I wandered off somewhere, basically I was lost. I wandered most of the night trying to remember where the Hotel was." Ash spoke up. "how did you know those two clerks where team Rocket?" Brock looked up to Ash. "As always wandering aimlessly around the town I found a park, as of a walk through the part I could hear voices. As I got closer I could make out that it was Team Rocket. I managed to hear their plot to take over the hotel, I was going to stop them but I was too tired I almost passed out right there. I'm and lucky I got here just in time." Ash smiled. "thanks Brock, if it weren't for you they would have my Pokemon right now." Brock, for the first time in the last 16 hours gave them a smile. He then pointed to the growing crowd around them. "Mind if we go inside for a sec, I have to talk to you guys." Misty and Ash slowly nodded their heads, both getting very nervous at what he might say. After quickly returning to their room, they all sat down and waited for Brock to speak. Brock inhaled deeply and began.

"First I would like to say that I am sorry, I over reacted. While I was walking around I had a lot of time to think. I tried to put my self in your shoes, and the more I did that the more I understand, you two where just shy." Ash and Misty just sat there, letting him speak. "You guys are young and that's understandable, to tell you the truth I am happy for you guys, in fact I think it's kinda cute. I was just angry because you guys didn't tell me sooner, I thought you couldn't trust me as a friend, But then I figured you guys were worried about what I would think of you two guys getting together. I was just jealous that Ash found someone and that I have no one." Misty finally understood. "As a matter a fact I knew you two would be an item before you did." Ash and Misty where really confused but continued to listen. "Sabrina told me you would most likely end up as a couple, I never thought it would been so soon after she told me." Ash and Misty stood upright. "WHAT!!" they screamed together. Brock sank back in defense. "Hey, hey calm down!" Misty was flabbergasted. "So in a sense you knew anyway! How come you didn't tell us!"

Brock continued to keep his hands ready to block any oncoming attacks. "I didn't want to tell you because it might have kept you from getting together." Misty calmed down and sat back down beside Ash. "Well I'm sorry too, about our argument, about what I said." Ash said. Brock shook his head. "It's okay I had some of that coming to me." Ash continued. "I'm sorry that I said you had no luck with girls." Brock laughed. "Well that's true, but you have to understand something, I am Brock. I will always chase after girls. It's what makes Brock, Brock!" They all laughed at Brocks honesty. "I'm also sorry I called Misty ugly" Ash immediately stopped laughing. He looked over at Misty who had a bluish glow all around her. Brock realized what he just blurted out. "You better run Brocko!" Before Misty could start her tirade there was a knock on the door. Brock hastily ran over to answer it, thankful for the interruption. Standing in the hall was the original Clerk that worked at the front desk, and some other guy in a suit. "Hello there young man, on behalf of saving Mrs. Bennet here, and helping us reclaim the Hotel from team Rocket, we would like to offer you this coupon book worth 12 free stays at any of our Hotels." He handed Brock a small book and left, leaving Mrs. Bennet. "I would personally like to thank you, they locked me in a closet for 2 hours, no one would of known I was in there until you got rid of Team Rocket. And what better way to thank you then this." She reached out and kissed Brock on the cheek. Brock turned beat red as he passed out on the floor. Mrs. Bennet giggled and walked down the hallway. Brock regained consciousness and jumped into the hallway. "Wait, wait! I'm available!" Ash came up from behind him and tapped his shoulder. "Um Brock her name was 'Mrs.' Bennet, she's married." Brock fell to his knees. "How could she!? Oh WHY you vile temptress! Why do you play with my heart!"

"Um Brock"

"What"

"Run"

Brock looked over his shoulder to see a really, really pissed off Misty wielding a mallet.

"*Gulp*"

"Call me ugly will you!!"

"Wait.... wait a second here!" He held his hands up in defense.

"I am two seconds away from being all over you like white on rice, on a paper plate, with a glass of milk in a snow STORM!!!!" With one mighty swing Brock sailed through the air and crashed into and open elevator. "Hey Brock! pick me up a magazine from the lobby when you come back up okay!" Ash yelled. Brock mumbled something as the elevator doors closed, sending him down to the lobby. Misty stormed back into the hotel room, ranting as she went.

Ash sighed, just then Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder. "Pi?" He scratched under pikachu's chin. "Welcome to my life" He turn to walk into the room, just then felt something, no, heard something, something familiar. He turned back in the hall to find the source of the sound. There was nobody around, the sound was very faint. He strained to concentrate on what it was saying. After seconds of listening he made out the words,

-Find--me-. Suddenly it became very quiet. "Pikachu did you hear that?"

Pikachu cocked his head. "Pi?" Ash turned back into the room. "It's nothing."

He closed the door behind him. ("Must be my imagination").

End part 2

End part 2

Stay tuned for Part Three – a Nightmare Battle

Proposed finishing date May 30/2001