Author's note: Well, thank you both for the reviews of the last chapter. I'm glad you liked it. And yes, there is another chapter. In fact, several more. Followed by a sequel I have planned. I hope you like them if you have chance to read it! Thanks again.
Ash, Misty and Pikachu walked down the dark streets, on their way home after their time at Pokémon Park. In Misty's backpack was Togepi, which was sleeping soundly.
The two youngsters were still beaming at one another, and both felt as if they were in a wonderful, dreamy sensation. They weren't even looking where they were going, they were just smiling at one another as they headed home.
Shyly, Ash held out his hand. Misty took it, and they entwined their fingers. Hand in hand, they walked home, both feeling light-headed and in awe. Pikachu was having to lead them there, yelling at them to prevent them from walking into the various obstacles along the way. However, one such object, a lamppost, was not detected soon enough, and Ash and Misty staggered away clumsily, cursing.
A wind whistled down the street, and Misty shuddered, "I'm cold".
"Do you want my jacket?" Ash asked, eager to please.
"No. We don't need to do that to get warm", she smiled at him.
She stepped closer and slipped one arm around Ash's waist, pulling him nearer.
"Now you do the same to me", she said, blushing slightly.
"Uh…right", Ash performed the task with considerably less grace.
"Okay. Now put your hand on my hip…my hip, Ash Ketchum!"
"Oh. Heh. Sorry", Ash tactfully removed his hand from her butt and placed it on her hip, pulling her closer.
They moved on, feeling each other's body warmth. It occurred to Ash that all of those times they had been travelling all around the world, they should have been doing this since they first started out.
Through the streets of the town, a purple mist snaked along. It slipped into one house, passing straight through a wall. A few moments later it emerged, carrying with it six Pokéballs. It headed on noiselessly for its next victim.
All was quiet in the temporary home of Ash Ketchum and his companions. Pikachu, who had wisely and generously offered to sleep in the living room on the sofa, and look after Togepi there, was fast asleep.
In the bedroom, Ash was looking up at the ceiling, twisting and turning in the top bunk of the bunk bed. He was listening out for the slightly heavier breathing from below that would indicate that Misty had gone to sleep. He heard nothing.
"Misty, are you awake?" he whispered.
"Yeah. I can't sleep", she replied in hushed tones.
"Me neither", Ash paused, and blurted out, "I meant everything I said today, Mist. You know that?"
She didn't answer right away, "Thanks, Ash. And I meant it too", she looked up at Ash's bunk above her, as if trying to look at him through the bed, "Ash?"
"Yeah?"
"When did you realize you loved me?"
"Well…I realized it today. When we kissed. But I think I must have loved you for years".
"You do?"
"Yeah. I thought you were pretty the first time I saw you. I must have fallen in love with you at least by the time we headed off for the Orange Islands. I knew I hated being separated from you, and I felt special with you. But I wasn't sure why. What about you? Since when did you realize you loved me?"
"Not too long after I met you".
"Really?"
"Uh-huh. Definitely before you got into the League for the first time. Just watching how caring you were to your Pokémon…that bike being destroyed was one of the best things that ever happened to me. It gave me an excuse to stick with you".
"Oh…right. Wow. I thought you just really wanted your bike back".
"Well, at first maybe. But not for long…"
Ash shivered, "I'm cold".
Misty was too. She looked at what she wearing. Underwear and a long t-shirt that reached down almost to her knees. Maybe it would be okay if…
"Ash, come down here".
"Huh?"
"We're both cold. Come on".
There was a pause, then Misty heard the bed above creaking. Ash clambered down, wearing a black t-shirt and boxers. He looked at her uncertainly, rubbing his arm awkwardly.
"It's okay, Ash", Misty assured him, "Come on, let's get some sleep".
Ash's look of doubt cleared, "Uh, sure. Okay!"
He climbed in next to her, and pulled the sheets up around them. He wrapped his arms around her and drew her close. She rested her head on his chest and sighed peacefully. Ash closed his eyes, loving the warmth and life that seemed to radiate out of her.
As she curled up next to him, one thought dominated Ash's mind.
'So this is what it feels like to be in love".
The only light in Giovanni's office came from the flash of his white teeth as he smiled to himself. There was something darker than the night entering his room, and he recognized what it was instantly.
"Greetings, Gengar. You have done as I asked?"
"Gengar Gengar Geng!"
"Hand me the Pokéballs".
A dozen Pokéballs were deposited on Giovanni's desk and the crime lord inspected them.
"Good. Now that these young trainers have been beaten, they will no longer need their Pokémon. Young Gary put up a reasonably spirited fight too, considering all factors. His Pokémon will make a fine addition to my collection, but not yet. His will join the ranks of the stolen soon".
"Garrrrr! Gengar!"
"I have another task for you, Gengar".
"Gar?"
"A young man named Brock has left for Pewter City, or so my operatives claim. Doubtless he is trying to find out who I am. He will be able to via his Gym Records. Find him. Silence him".
"Gengar!"
The ghost slipped through the wall with ease and was gone. Giovanni smirked. This really was too easy.
Dawn was approaching as Brock left his Pewter City gym. After stopping to speak to his family, he headed for the Fearow waiting for him outside. He climbed on top and, the bird type beat its massive wings once and took off.
"Back to the League Town, please Fearow", Brock told it, and it squawked in response and flew off at high pace.
Brock was tense and worried. He had searched the computer Gym Records and found the databank all Gyms were equipped with regarding other Gym Leaders. His thoughts had been confirmed.
Giovanni was the Gym Leader of Viridian City. However, when he was actually present for battles, a rare occurrence, he hid his personage from them. Brock remembered they had encountered Team Rocket there at the Gym.
Brock's suspicions were coming to life, and the truth looked increasingly clear. Giovanni was not only a Gym Leader and therefore not allowed to compete in the League, but he may be involved with Team Rocket.
It had taken a while for Brock to decide to come back that very night. He had intended to give Misty enough time to have a talk with Ash. It wasn't particularly likely that she had in that timeframe. Also, he was compelled to stop and stay with his family.
However, this news was just too important. He would head for the League Headquarters at once and demand to report his evidence. If Giovanni was indeed involved with Team Rocket, they might have been plotting something foul.
So he had hesitatingly decided to return. As he looked below at the vast carpet of trees, he hoped he wasn't too late.
It was at that moment he saw something unusual. Rising up from the branches was a bolt of black, twisted energy, arcing directly for him and Fearow.
"Fearow, look out!" he yelled, but it was too late.
The Nightshade attack crashed into the bird, and it staggered in the air, then began a rapid descent to the forest. Brock yelled in terror and the Fearow screeched. With the crash of branches and snapping and shuddering of boughs, the Pokémon plunged through the canopy, becoming entangled...
Brock caught a blow from a thick branch in his chest that winded him. He tumbled off his mount and plummeted to the floor. He could see the grass rushing up to meet him, then he knew no more.
Misty's eyes fluttered open as she felt the sun's rays reach in through the window. Her vision cleared and she saw Ash asleep next to her. For a moment she wondered what was going on and if she was maybe still dreaming, but then she remembered the events of yesterday. She smiled at her new boyfriend. He looked so sweet when he slept. It wasn't the first time she had noted that, but now she could think it without feeling any guilt.
Slowly and quietly, she managed to ease herself out of bed without waking Ash, and got dressed quickly. She headed into the living room and saw Pikachu and Togepi asleep on the sofa. Smiling at the adorable sight, she went into the kitchen and began making coffee for herself and Ash.
It wasn't long before she heard a thump and a groan. She suppressed a laugh. Ash was evidently awake.
A few moments later, and Ash walked in, rubbing his head where he had smacked it against the bunk bed when he had woken up. Misty smiled at him. He grinned sheepishly, and put on his cap.
She handed him his coffee, and they went into the living room and sat down on the sofa. Awoken by the noise, Pikachu and Togepi yawned and rubbed their eyes sleepily.
Misty sipped at her coffee, "So…"
Ash grinned, "So…"
"What are we going to do today?"
"I don't know yet. Got any ideas?"
"No, not really. As long as I can spend the day with you", she moved closer to him, while Pikachu tactfully led Togepi and himself off the sofa and onto the chair opposite.
Ash took her hand, "Of course. You know I'd do anything to…"
There was a knock on the door, and they started.
"Who could that be this early in the day?" Ash muttered, heading for the door.
He opened it, and found on one there. However, pinned to the door was a notice. He took it off and looked at it.
"What is it?" Misty asked.
"It's to me. It says all Pokémon trainers in the League have been summoned to the Grand Stadium. Something about an inspection, and a Pokémon theft in the night!"
Misty gasped, "That's terrible! Are you going to go?"
"Yeah. You coming?"
"Sure, someone has to look out for you, kid".
Ash glared at her, "Aren't you supposed to be nicer to me now?"
"Uh-uh. In fact, I'm going to make your life hell from now on", she grinned at him.
An hour later, Ash, Misty, Pikachu and Togepi were walking towards the Grand Stadium, that loomed above all else in the League Town. Ash and Misty were holding hands as they approached the arena.
"Hi Ashy boy", a smarmy voice from behind said.
Ash and Misty jumped, and turned to see Gary standing there, arms crossed across his chest and looking them up and down with a mocking eye.
"Gary!" Ash exclaimed.
"The very same, Ash. And your delightful friend Misty", he looked and saw them holding each other's hands, "Or should I now say, girlfriend?"
"That's none of your business", Misty snapped, resenting the sarcastic tone of voice he used.
"There's no need to be so touchy. Just making a friendly observation".
He stared at them critically.
"How sweet. You need your girl to hold your hand all the way, huh Ash?"
"Huh?" Ash looked at Misty's small, graceful fingers that he was grasping, "Don't be stupid".
"Then why are you holding hands?"
"Because…because we want to".
Gary laughed and brushed the hair out of his eyes smoothly, "Sure, Ash. Great excuse. I think you're just so terrified at the sight of a great trainer like me that you need some comfort from your ickle wittle chick, huh?" he threw back his head and laughed.
Misty had witnessed Gary heap abuse at Ash on many occasions. She had always felt the same rage in her, but for fear of betraying her feelings for Ash she usually let them deal with it. Now, however, she was able to do something about it.
Gary emitted an undignified yelp of surprise as Misty grabbed him by the shirt and yanked him near, so her face was close to his. Ash and Pikachu were just as surprised as Gary.
"You listen to me, you creep, you take all of that back right now!" Misty yelled in his face, in a typical display of her anger.
Gary squirmed, "No way…"
"Yes way! Now!"
"…Okay I take it back. Happy?"
"Good. Now watch your mouth and quit that nasty grinning of yours, or I'll rearrange your face! Got it?"
"Yes Miss".
She shoved him away, and he stumbled over. He glared at Ash, then back at Misty.
"So is she your girlfriend or bodyguard?" Gary mocked, although Ash noticed the waver in his voice and they way he made sure there was plenty of distance between Misty and himself before he said it.
Misty let it go this time, and she led Ash by the hand past Gary.
"You haven't heard the last from me, Ash!" Gary called after him.
Ash and Misty headed for the Stadium, Ash silently wondering why Gary was even still in the League Town when he was out of the League. Pride he supposed. Some people never learned...
From the spectator stands, Misty sat on her own. She looked down at the arena floor below, and saw over a dozen trainers, including Ash with Pikachu on his shoulder, standing there. The spectator stands were mostly empty, with only a few friends of the various trainers having attended.
Something was wrong. Togepi was looking nervous. Misty too could sense something in the air. She looked more closely at the trainers, and spotted the mysterious Giovanni, dressed smartly in an amber suit and looking smug.
A Pokémon League Official approached the trainers, "Will you all please present your Pokéballs for inspection? We have had two reports of stolen Pokémon this morning and we need to check no more have been stolen".
Worried, Ash fumbled in his pocket. Were they all there? Yes…they were. He took them out and along with the other trainers, held them out for inspection.
There was a sudden, muffled explosion, and the arena was filled with clouds of billowing, choking smoke. Ash gagged, his eyes watered and he staggered. He stumbled and dropped to the floor, his Pokéballs slipping from his grasp.
"Ash!" Misty yelled, looking at the smoke smothered arena.
The trainers coughed and spluttered, along with the League Official. But not Giovanni. Giovanni had prudently slipped away just before, and disappeared in the smoke.
From all around the arena, there came the roar of many voices in a chant.
"To infect the world with devastation, to blight all people in every nation…"
"It's Team Rocket!" Misty realized.
"To denounce the goodness of truth and love, to extend our wrath to the stars above…"
The smoke began to clear. Misty could just make out maybe a hundred people in black uniforms surrounding the trainers.
"Team Rocket circles the earth all day and night, surrender to us now or you'll surely lose the fight!"
Looking closely, Misty could see two figures in white standing with those in black, with a Meowth by their feet. They seemed to be reciting something completely different and looking about, as if confused and feeling out of place.
The shocked trainers were completely encircled by the Team Rocket agents. Ash looked down, and saw his Pokéballs were gone! All of the trainers had suffered the same fate. With lightning speed, the Rocket Members had seized them in the flash of smoke.
Giovanni emerged in the ranks and laughed slowly, "I thank you for the hospitality, trainers of the Pokémon League. But I'm afraid I must depart. Come, minions!"
Ash stared, "He's…he's from Team Rocket!"
"Correction, kid", a voice said, and Ash turned to see Jessie looking at him, "He IS Team Rocket. That's the boss".
"You!" Ash wheeled to face Giovanni, "I'll teach you…"
"Gengar, psychic attack".
There was a flash of light and Giovanni's Gengar appeared. It leered at Ash and the trainers, and suddenly they were all hurled backwards by an ray of energy, landing painfully. Pikachu flew from Ash's shoulder.
"Let's go, Team Rocket!" Giovanni ordered.
A massive blimp was descending on the arena. It was enormous, blotting out the sun. A rope ladder was hurled down. The Rocket Agents swarmed it up with amazing speed. Giovanni approached it.
"But boss…" James asked.
"What?"
"Aren't we going to get the kid's Pikachu? That's what you always assigned us to do. Shouldn't we get it while we have the chance?"
Giovanni laughed, "Ah, yes. I've been looking forward to this. You three are out of Team Rocket. You were merely functionaries. Goodbye".
With that, he climbed away, his Gengar floating up with him. Jessie, James and Meowth collapsed on the floor, stunned. The last member of Team Rocket began climbing up the ladder.
"Oh no you don't!" Ash cried out, "You're not getting away with my Pokémon!"
"No, Ash, don't!" Misty called, running down the steps to get to the arena in time to stop him.
Ash didn't hear her. He leapt to his feet and rushed across the arena floor. He reached out and gripped the rope ladder even as it was withdrawn back into the blimp.
Misty and Pikachu raced to stop him, but it was too late. Ash disappeared into the Team Rocket airship as it rumbled on through the sky, heading south.
"No!" Misty screamed, falling to her knees and sobbing in the dust.
