"Are you okay?" someone asked from far away.
"…No…" Misty responded from her sub consciousness. It was dark and it felt very hot somehow. Was this Hell?
"Everything is going to be alright," said the voice again. It sounded warm and concerned. Like a loving father after his daughter just slipped and fell. Who was that?
"Who are you?" She asked. Then a small grey glow speared in the center of the blackness. This small speck slowly began to expand. Misty made out several thin lines striking through the grey. They connected and formed squares. Misty realized she was coming back to reality and these squares were the tiles of the train station's floor. Then she became aware of her body. Her head ached like crazy and every single inch of her body was hurting. She then detected a sudden burst off coolness on her leg. It felt nice considering her whole body felt like it was burning.
"I'm a friend," the voice said gently. Misty then noticed a vague familiarity in the voice. Painfully, she sat up and her green eyes were instantly met close-up with chocolate brown eyes.
"Ah!" Misty yelped in surprise. A gloved hand instantly covered her mouth and prevented her from screaming.
"Don't scream!" Her "friend" said in a loud whisper. "That guy out there is looking for you. He knows I saved you and now he wants to kill both of us. Don't make a sound okay?"
Misty nodded rapidly. The glove left her mouth and Misty breathed heavily. She stared at who was in front of her. A boy who looked just around Misty's age, perhaps a little older, was tending to her burns. He had on what looked like a nobles outfit, like some sort of knight only without the armor. His long sleeved shirt was a navy blue and same with his pants. He had on blue boots with golden lining and he also had on a golden belt. He had shaggy black hair and the prettiest chocolate brown eyes Misty had ever seen. Misty's heart was beating so loud she could swear a band was playing in her chest. He didn't look a day over 15. Then what he said earlier began to register in her mind. This guy saved her life!
"Thanks for saving my life…uh," Misty did everything she could to not slap herself. Her choice of words was idiotic.
"Ash," he finished for her. She mentally sighed in relief. "Ash Ketchum."
"Ash…" Misty paused, savoring the name. "Nice name."
Ash looked up at Misty and raised an eyebrow, but then went back to nursing her leg. Something about him looked familiar but she just couldn't put her finger on it. Suddenly he stood up and gave Misty a wide grin.
"There," he said with a satisfied nod. "Feel better?"
"Yeah," Misty said and she hefted herself up. "By the way, my name's Misty,"
"I know," said Ash, who winced as soon as he said it.
"Wha-?" Before Misty could ask HOW he knew, the wall to Misty's right exploded! Misty closed her eyes and she felt her feet leave the floor and she slammed into the wall behind her. She opened her eyes to see Rudy's red eyes glaring at her.
"Found you," He said with a chuckle. He backed away from Misty and a large fireball began to form in his hand. Misty looked desperately around for Ash but he had disappeared. She closed her eyes, this time she couldn't be saved. Suddenly the heat from the fireball receded and a gagging sound could be heard. Misty cautiously opened her eyes to see an arm around phantom Rudy's neck. Ash's head peeked out from behind Rudy and he winked at Misty.
"Killing the girl you like isn't a good idea," he said, clearly straining to keep Rudy in his grip.
"Not you again!" hissed Rudy. "Besides she won't have anyone else to turn to when she dies…"
"Yes she does, now leave her alone!" Yelled Ash and Rudy's form disintegrated into silvery ash. Misty stared at the ashes on the floor. She was still shaking from the horrifying experience. Misty collapsed onto the ground and breathed heavily. Ash sat next to Misty and he put his gloved hand on her shoulder. "Are you okay?"
"No," Misty responded, earning a concerned expression from Ash. "I almost died twice, a guy I used to like is already dead and he wants me to be his corpse bride, and that Pikachu probably died in the explosion! So no I am not okay!" she snapped. A smile spread across Ash's face.
"Did you mean this little guy?" He asked and gestured to the side where the little Pikachu was happily smiling. The Pikachu scampered over and leaped onto Ash's arm and stood there like a parrot.
"He's yours?" Misty asked, surprised.
"'Course he is! He's my partner," He stated and the Pikachu nuzzled Ash's cheek.
"Well your partner tried to warn me about this place."
"Actually that was me..." Ash specified and the Pikachu nodded.
"YOU warned me about this place?" Misty asked.
"Yeah, I didn't want you to get hurt. I…" he paused and hit his head with his hand. "I was watching you. I knew he would try and contact you sooner or later so I had to make sure that didn't happen…but it happened anyway."
Misty put her hand on Ash's shoulder. "It's okay. I'm happy you wanted to help me but next time tell me directly," she said with a smile.
Suddenly Ash stood up and faced Misty with a panicked expression. "What time is it?"
"8:00 AM, why do you ask?" Misty replied, raising an eyebrow.
"I have to go," said Ash and he ran out the door and the Pikachu followed after.
"Wait, Ash where are you going!" Yelled Misty and she ran after him. When she went through the door however, Ash and his companion had completely disappeared. Misty heard rustling and she noticed she had stepped on a flyer for something. When she looked at it her heart almost stopped. The flyer was requesting workers for mapping the underground maze in the Hell Hall basement. The designated date for the mapping was exactly two weeks from then. She had to get there before the workers could get to it.
Misty pedaled as fast as she could to get back to the house. She had to pack, leave a note for Daisy and Gary if they ever came by, lock the house, and find her Pokémon belt. Once Misty got to the hill she got off her bike and started to walk up the hill. If she tried riding up the hill she would end up going backwards because of the hill's steepness. It must have taken a total of ten minutes to get up the hill by walking.
"Where did I put the key to the front door, I know I put it by the door!" Misty yelled at herself as she felt along the ground near the front door. Once she felt the cool metal of the key she grabbed it and practically shoved it into the lock. Misty slammed the door behind her and ran to grab her Pokémon belt. Once than was done she packed a large blanket, provisions, utensils, a pocket knife, a flashlight, batteries, and clothes into her duffel bag. Finally she wrote the note to Daisy and Gary saying that she would be in Cerulean City for two weeks. Once that was done Misty flung her duffel bag onto her bike and she strapped it onto the bike's back rack. Misty took one last look at the house before locking it and jumping onto her bike and leaving down the hill.
The wind no longer felt cool; instead it felt hot and dangerously strong. Misty made sure to balance the bike and look around the area to make sure she didn't hit anyone or anything. The hill gave her so much speed that she didn't need to pedal until she actually was halfway through the city. Then it was only a few miles until she reached the gate out of Saffron. She had left at 10:00 AM and it was now 12:00 PM. Misty regretted not packing sunscreen. Misty took a deep breath, got of the bike, and entered the gate building.
"What do you mean it's closed!" Misty yelled at the gateman a few minutes later.
"I told you Miss Waterflower, the road has been blocked due to the fact that scientists are excavating the area because they found fossils of a large Pokémon. No one is allowed through, even you," said the gateman calmly.
"You don't understand, a group of people are about to invade my home! I have to get to Cerulean as soon as possible!" Misty bawled, tears rolling down her cheek. The gateman looked sorry and he began stoking his chin.
"There might be a way…if you travel to Vermillion City and go through the Diglett Cave it will take you to the entrance to Viridian Forest. Go through the forest and you will end up in Pewter City, head east and you will come to Mount Moon. If you make it through Mount Moon then you will come to Cerulean City. It may take a few days but that's the only way to get into Cerulean City. The scientists will be here for more than a month so you better take my advice and go that way."
"Thank you, thank you so much!" Misty cried and she gave the gateman a huge hug.
"Don't mention it Miss Waterflower," he replied with a large grin on his face.
Misty ran out of the building and leaped onto her bike. Misty had to pedal for one more hour before reaching the southern gate out of Saffron. This time Misty had no problem in getting passed the gateman. Misty again looked at the clock in the gate. 1:58 PM, She could make it to Vermillion before nightfall. Misty left the building, hopped onto her bike, and started towards Vermillion City.
Well, the ride was much longer than she thought it would be. It had probably been an hour or two since she left Saffron. Thankfully she had enough water or she would have probably fainted in the oppressive heat, but even water could not stop her from being sweaty or hot. Summer was fun when you were at the beach or at the pool but when you are travelling on a bike with not that much clothing to protect you then you were toast. Misty didn't feel like toast but she certainly felt toasted.
"This sucks," Misty grumbled out loud. Fire type and grass type Pokémon would love these conditions but to her it felt like she was biking through fire. Still, she had a mission to do. Misty started pedaling faster. She also had made a promise that she intended to keep.
About 10 minutes later Misty could see the city of Vermillion in the distance. The fact that she could see the distance between her and the goal motivated her to go faster. 20 minutes later she was at the entrance to the city. Misty hopped off her bike and decided to look for the nearest Pokémon Center.
"A hotel?" Nurse joy repeated. Misty anxiously stared at Nurse Joy who cocked her head to the side thoughtfully. "Well there is that place next to the Pokémon Fan Club. However if you wanted a very nice room you can purchase the "S.S. Anne's One Night Apartment" ticket at the Pokémart. In my opinion that is the best choice.
"Thanks Joy," Misty said with a smile and she hurried out.
"You're welcome!" Nurse Joy yelled after her.
It was exactly 7:30 PM said the clock inside the Pokémart. Misty felt more relaxed when she was inside of a store. The familiar smell of Eau de Pecha Berry wafting through the air, the sound of the cash register, the array of items, and most of all, the friendly faces of the cashiers and customers is what made Misty forget her problems and just shop. Misty walked straight up to the cash register and gave a big grin.
"Yes? How may I help you?" Inquired the cashier and she returned an equally cheerful grin.
"I was wondering, where I can purchase an S.S. Anne ticket?" She asked.
"If you are talking about the one night ticket then you're in luck! We have only one ticket left," the cashier replied.
"I'll take it! How much is it?" Misty asked and she pulled her wallet out of her pocket.
"$29.99 plus $3.55 tax." She responded reaching under the counter and pulling out the ticket. Misty handed her two 20s and the cashier handed her the ticket and her change. "Have a nice evening!" The lady said.
"I will, and thanks," Misty said before running out of the store.
Misty stared in awe when she came to the Vermillion Dock holding her duffel bag. She had heard of the S.S. Anne from Daisy and Misty had read about it, but she had never imagined it would be so large and beautiful. The entire ship was white and the railings were golden. It must have been over a hundred feet high and have over 100 rooms! It looked glorious in the evening light. Misty walked towards the ticket man as she stared at the magnificence of the cruise ship.
"Ticket please," the man said groggily.
"Sure," replied Misty and she flashed the ticket.
"Go on…" he said and let her pass.
Misty kept on staring at the ship while she walked along the dock. It looked so amazing. Misty became oblivious to where she was going and she didn't see the dock turn to the right. Misty reached the edge of the dock and attempted to put her foot down on an imaginary pathway. Misty tore her eyes off the ship long enough to see the water before she fell in.
PANIC! Misty struggled to swim up but her duffel bag weighed her down. She swam furiously but her flip flops created drag and Misty began falling downward. First she was about to die in fire and now she was dying in water? What next? Misty desperately reached her hand up and attempted to grab to dock, only to grab air. Suddenly Misty felt another hand grab hers and Misty began to be pulled out of the water.
A moment later, Misty lay flat on the dock, coughing, spluttering, and breathing the sweet air.
"Are you okay?" asked a terrified voice. Misty looked up to see a girl around Misty's age. She had black hair in a fishtail braid, dark brown eyes, a blue hoodie and light blue bellbottom jeans. The first thing Misty noticed was that this girl was barefooted. Didn't she have shoes?
"I think so…" Misty responded, coughing again. "Thanks for saving my life and my things,"
"No problem," the girl responded and she looked at the ship. "Come inside, I'll have my cousin look at you. He's been helping the people who have fallen into the water before," she said and offered Misty her hand. Misty took it gratefully and she grabbed her duffel bag once she was up. "By the way, what's your name?" asked the girl.
"Misty, Misty Clearwater," she replied.
"No way! The famous millionaire Clearwater?"
"The very same," Misty said and she smiled.
"My name is Artemis," she said. "It is an honor to meet you."
"Likewise," Misty replied and the two girls entered the ship.
"Whoa, this place is beautiful!" Misty exclaimed as she stared at the interior decorating. The flooring was a pale pink and the walls where white with golden railings. "How long did it take to build this thing?"
"Two years, two months, and two days." Artemis replied and Misty stared at her. "I remember because it's such an easy number." Artemis replied defensively. Artemis looked deep in thought for a moment and then started walking down the hall to the left. "Come on, my cousin's room is this place."
"Okay," Misty replied and she squeaked down the hall. Misty shivered; she had been so scared in the water that she hadn't even noticed the water temperature. Now Misty was soaked to the bone with freezing cold water. After they had been walking for a while they came to the last door at the end of the hall.
"Here we are," said Artemis and she opened the door.
Misty stared at the sad looking room. A small bunk bed sat in the corner and a rollaway bed in the corner on the other side of the room. A mini-fridge sat in-between the two beds with a microwave on top of it and a picnic blanket sat in the middle of the room. The flooring was faded and the walls were grey, it made Misty realize that the reason why Artemis didn't wear shoes is because she probably couldn't afford that luxury.
"Sit on the bed and I'll check for something to eat," said Artemis and she opened the door to the mini-fridge. Misty sat on the bed. It was hard but warm. She lay back and closed her eyes. She heard the microwave open and close, Artemis pushed a few buttons and Misty listened to the hum of the microwave. Misty drifted off to sleep.
"Misty?" asked Artemis. Misty yelped and she clutched her heart. "Sorry, I didn't know you were sleeping Miss Clearwater," she said apologetically.
"It's fine, and don't be so formal. Just call me Misty,"
"Okay, anyway I have your food." Artemis handed her a plate with two corndogs. "Sorry it's not much, but it's all I have to give besides a few scraps."
"It's fine, you've done all you can…thank you,"
"Welcome Misty," Artemis replied and walked over to the bunk bed. She sat down on the lower bunk and put her head on a pile of clothes.
"So how old are you?" asked Misty and she bit into the corndog.
"15, I turn 16 December 30th." Replied Artemis and she fiddled with a dirty looking teddy bear.
"I'm 14," stated Misty. Suddenly the door clicked and the door opened.
"You!" Misty yelled in surprise when she saw who was standing in the doorway.
A/N: I love cliffhangers so I put them in my stories. Anyway enjoy it, R&R and flames are welcome. Flames will be used for Smores. My friend has a similar line and I didn't want to copy it so I changed it slightly. (Yes I mean YOU Bad wolf!) Guess what I'm going to finish my other fan fictions! Yay! Amanda has signed off.