Yay more ppls is reviewing! :D I love reading reviews, so thanks for...reviewing! Corner~
NY154- Thanks? It's always nice being complimented ^_^
matronium- TYs! Rest assure, I will finish this story.
SuperGV88- It's okay :D U r forgiven *Throws away noose*. Anyway, I have no idea how to reply to ur review without revealing more of the plot :P Welps, all I can say is...nice avatar!
Jinseiwakurai-Shouganai- That name. Anyways, thanks for reading!
Red Alfa- For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Think about that reaaallly hard when reading the chapter :D
Razzorow The Great Madman- It is off. You're not asking the right question. Or, to quote a phrase, 'A foolish man uses a fishing rod to fish; A wise man uses a worm to fish.'- Baneofpigs2014
thor94- You might as well ask me to give Ash a Mew and tell it to use future sight, figure out who the murderer is, and kill him/her in the middle of the night. This fanfiction isn't focusing on Pokemon, I think you figured that out after the only Pokemon mentioned is Pikachu, but instead really focuses on betrayal and stuff. So sorry, no Mewtwo or Lucario or anything. ^_^''
AdvancedLover- It is a clue! But can you figure it out...before another victim appears?
W.R Winters- You are the worm. Now let Razzorow catch the fish :D
Corner done~ Now on with the chapter!
Ash feebly forced his eyes open. Nausea traumatized his eyesight until his vision focused, and he could make out distinct objects in the distance. He saw...a doctor, moving around the room like a broken gyroscope- fast, relentless, improbable. A nurse stood by his side, injecting all manners of syringes at his veins, and Ash could now make out a small heart monitor taking his heartbeat.
''There there,'' The nurse cooed, lightly pushing Ash down when the trainer tried to sit up. ''You need rest, young man. Just stay put, and relax.''
But Ash couldn't just 'relax'. He reached into his pocket, and realized that Pikachu was not in its Pokeball! He quickly pushed himself up, nearly passing out from the effort, and stared into the nurse's eyes.
''Where am I?!'' He demanded. ''Where's my buddy!''
''Ah, your Pikachu.'' The doctor commented drily. He was sitting on a lavishly decorated chair, and his fingers were flying over a keyboard. He typed in a sentence before turning round to meet the patient. ''It is waiting outside in the lobby.''
Ash felt his muscles loosen, and he slumped back on his bed. The nurse hurriedly tucked his blanket in while the doctor chuckled, ''You know, you and your Pikachu must share a very close bond. It nearly caused us to have to renovate the floor.''
Ash blinked twice, before realizing the doctor must be talking about Pikachu pacing around so much. ''Ehehe, sorry about that...'' He folded his hands behind his head sheepishly.
''That's quite alright,'' The doctor held up a hand, and Ash noticed that his collar hid a small little ring studded into the fabric. ''Now, to answer your first question, you are in the emergency infirmary, and my name is Mr. Brown. But you may call me Jeremy.'' He extended a hand, and Ash took it.
''I'm Ash. Ash Ketchum,'' The trainer replied. ''I'm sorry if I made a commotion in the lobby, but I was out of options.''
Jeremy smiled affectionately. ''It is quite all right. I understand in your situation, you were up the creek without a paddle. You're lucky to even be alive. You suffered a cracked rib, which punctured your lungs, and you were in a coma.''
Ash suddenly let go of the doctor's hand, and gaped at him. ''I was out? For how long!''
''A day, sir.'' The nurse said, which surprised Ash- she had been literally a walking shadow before she spoke up. ''Mr. Brown worked all night to save you!'' She casted a nervous glance at the doctor, who didn't even look in her direction.
''Is...is the League Championships over?'' Ash asked carefully, and the two adults stared at him. Then finally, Mr. Brown shook his head.
''It has only just begun!'' Mr. Brown jabbed a thumb at the doorway. ''Right now, we're doing up all the registrations of every trainer!''
''This is bad...'' Ash muttered, before noticing that the two of them were eyeing him. ''I mean, bad for me! I'm hospitalized when I could be out there taking part in the League...'' He tried his best to look saddened, and saw that it was working.
The doctor stared at him suspiciously for a moment, and Ash was getting nervous. Then, his face broke into a smile, and he patted Ash on the shoulder sympathetically. ''It's quite all right. Registration will end in a week, which is more than enough time for you to recover! Now,'' He clapped his hands and sat deeper into his chair. ''I would like to know more about you, Ash.''
Ash contemplated telling the doctor the absolute truth, or just a little white lie. After all, he could be useful, what with the killer running around. Then again, walls have ears, and Mr. Brown was one such wall.
''How about this?'' Ash leaned forward slowly, and Jeremy mirrored the movement. ''I tell you about yourself. If I can, you don't ask, and you do one favor for me. If I do, I'll tell you everything.''
''Interesting!'' The doctor let out a short laugh. ''I look forward to hearing more about myself. Very well, I accept.''
''Well,'' Ash took in a deep breath. ''You're married to a girl a head shorter than you, and you are extremely committed in your relationship. You also kept your marriage a secret, and you bought a house with 5 rooms. You live very close to the tower, I'd say about three minutes, and you keep a small dog, maybe a pug.''
Dr. Brown gaped at him. ''But...but!'' He stuttered out, then leaned forward like the wind had been knocked out of his lungs. The nurse stared at him with renewed awe, and Ash was glad he read those Sherlock Holmes books in Giovanni's personal library all those years ago.
''Well, now you owe me a favor, doctor!'' Ash chuckled. ''I hope you will honor your word, yes?''
''But...but!'' Jeremy spluttered, and smacked his cheek. ''By gosh, you are a genius! How'd you know all of that about me?''
Ash tapped the side of his head. ''Deduction. But telling you everything will just waste everybody's time, so let's just get round to my favor.''
''Ah...yes.'' Jeremy cleared his throat. ''But I won't do anything illegal or immoral!''
''You do it every night,'' Ash replied casually, and smiled when the doctor's face flushed scarlet. ''And no, I will not tell you how I know. I promise, it won't be any dirty job or anything. I just need you to...''
''Brock, do you notice anything...wrong, with Drew?'' May forced herself to sound casual. She crouched down to meet his eye level, and stared at him.
Brock stirred the stew slowly. It was already simmering, and the morning breeze only made the smell waft into May's nose even quicker. She still felt so bad about dumping Brock, but she kept telling herself that it was the right thing to do. The others were still sleeping, and the two of them were the earliest to rise.
''If you mean that he's more responsible and serious, then yes.'' Brock responded, running the ladle through the surface of the soup. ''Why?''
May shifted uncomfortably in her position. She wasn't sure whether it was a really valid point, Drew knowing if Ash was alive or not. She wanted to confess this to someone else, but was too afraid to tell them, in fear of them accusing her of trying to badmouth Drew. But with Brock, she felt a little more confident, and his smile was always a reassuring subject for her. ''I think...I think...''
''Come on.'' Brock pointed the ladle in her direction. ''You're already talking; might as well spill everything now.''
''I...I think...'' May leaned closer to Brock, close enough that she could almost touch his lips. ''I think Drew knows something we don't.''
Brock frowned. ''What makes you say that?''
''Remember when you and Paul were trying to burn each other with your eyes?'' May said, and Brock nodded slowly. ''Well, Drew said one thing that kept bothering me. He said that Ash is alive.''
''Yeah, so?'' Brock shrugged.
''Think about it! How did he know Ash is alive, if Paul threw Ash down the cliff?'' May whispered, grabbing Brock's hand. ''Brock, I'm scared! Even our friends aren't sharing their secrets! How can we trust each other?''
''Shh, don't be.'' Brock reached out, and tucked a lock of hair behind May's ear. ''I'm sure Drew has his reasons. Or maybe, he was at the river at the time, and happened to see Ash!''
''But Drew was at the river!'' May pleaded, gripping Brock's arm with both of her hands. ''He said he was at the river when he was attacked! And then he said it was Ash because he pulled out a hat from the attacker! Is it that much of a coincidence...'' May sobbed, and Brock pulled her closer.
''Stop!'' A voice yelled, and May stumbled backwards, being forced apart from Brock. She looked up to see Drew standing in front of her protectively.
''Stop trying to seduce her! She's already broken up with you! Let it go!'' Drew yelled, and Brock gave Drew a look of loathing. ''You can't change a leopard's spots. She'll never have a happy ending if she's with you!''
Brock glared at Drew, then stormed off. Drew turned around, and helped May up to her feet. ''Are you okay? Are you hurt?'' Drew asked worriedly, brushing off some dirt from May's sleeve. ''You're all filthy!''
''Eh...I'm fine on my own, thanks.'' May quickly shoved Drew's hands away, and cleaned up her shirt on her own. Drew waited until she was done, then grabbed her hands forcefully.
''May, you gotta stop this! Brock and you will never have a happy ending! You deserve someone better!'' Drew pleaded, moving closer to May. Instinctively, she took a step back.
''I...um...me and Brock weren't dating or anything,'' May blushed nervously. ''I just wanted to ask Brock about something, and it was really emotional, and I couldn't help crying!''
''And Brock tried to take advantage of it.'' Drew said firmly. ''Don't worry! I'll keep you safe from now on!''
May glanced at Brock, who was staring at the two of them. Then, he turned around and walked off in the opposite direction.
''Uh, Drew, sorry! Gotta go now!'' May said nervously, pushing herself away, and ran towards Brock.
''Wait!'' May called, and Brock stopped in his tracks. She rested her body on Brock's shoulder, panting and breathing heavily.
''Save your puppy dog impressions on Drew.'' Brock muttered, and May glared at him.
''EXCUSE ME?! PUPPY DOG IMPRESSIONS?!'' May yelled, and Brock quickly laughed sheepishly. ''Just kidding! JUST KIDDING!''
They both looked at each other, and laughed. May stopped laughing, and looked at Brock curiously. ''So...you're not mad about me and Drew?''
Brock shrugged. ''I know you don't have any feelings for him, so I'm happy with that.''
May smacked him on the face, and he yelped. He clutched his burning cheeks, and moaned in pain. ''You talk, like I'm some...some kind of pet! It's like I don't have a say in it!''
''You don't.'' Brock giggled, then squealed as May swung her palm at him. In a desperate effort to get away, Brock crouched and started crawling, when he noticed a little silver building with a giant 'L' logo stapled to the entrance.
''Look! The League tower!'' Brock called, and May followed his line of sight. Brock took the chance to sneak away before she noticed.
''Not so fast.'' Drew smirked, and manhandled Brock, shoving him back to May. ''You and May lead. I'll go call the others.''
Serena yawned and got out of her hammock. The sun was already destroying her hair, threatening to puff it up even more. She grumbled, and with a heavy hand, tightened the bands that kept her hair in place.
Suddenly, she heard a voice, and ducked behind a tree. A man walked into the clearing, stopping at the campfire to take his vibrating cell phone.
''Hello?'' He snapped, then his gaze shifted, as if the caller was an important person. ''Yes, Labem. I'm at the camp right now.''
Serena held her breath. Who's Labem? What is happening right now?!
''Okay, okay. Don't get your hood in a twist.'' The mysterious man assured, then took out a packet with white powder. ''Fine, I'll do it.''
Serena watched as the man unzipped the packet, and started pouring the powder into the stew! She stifled a gasp, and slowly reached into her pocket to alert her friends.
''Done. And yes, Ash is still at the tower.'' The man continued, and Serena's hand froze.
''Ash...is at the tower?'' Serena whispered, but before she could focus on that, her phone suddenly vibrated and played her ringtone.
The man swerved to her direction, eyes alert and unwavering. ''Someone's here. Gotta silence that dog. Giovanni out.'' And with that, Giovanni cut the call, and laughed menacingly. ''Come out wherever you are, or do you have to make me?''
''What do I do?'' Serena thought to herself wildly, then before she could think it thoroughly, ''Running away is my best option! I gotta escape from Giovanni!''
And Serena quickly sprinted off into the forest, ignoring the calls from Giovanni as she quickly fled for her life...and maybe Ash's.
Well, hope it was well worth the days wait! Hope you all enjoyed, and please review!
