Blaine was at his house, on the back street of the gym, drinking a glass of whiskey in his old chair while he concentrated on his thoughts without paying attention to anything else. The trophies and medals on the walls gave off a dull glow from the city lights. He was quite tense and worried about young Ketchum. I didn't understand anything that was happening. Perhaps the confrontation against Giovanni weeks ago had caused mental instability in the boy, who was still too young to suffer in that way. Officer Jenny had informed him what had happened with Misty a few hours ago. He wouldn't call Oak until they knew exactly what was happening to the trainer from Pallet Town. And for doctors to establish an accurate diagnosis, it could take days or weeks. He swallowed hard as he thought about what he would say to Misty when he left the hospital and inform her that her boyfriend was admitted as a psychiatric patient. Either way, she would notice his absence as soon as she woke up...

It was a few hours after noon. The veteran trainer, gym leader Cinnabar was already at the hospital to check on the condition of his citymate Cerulean. There were marked dark circles under Blaine's eye sockets. He didn't feel like wearing sunglasses as was his custom. He knew he needed them because of his moderate photosensitivity, but he didn't care. It was not a sunny day. The doctor greeted Blaine who made a polite gesture as he walked into Misty's room followed by a nurse.

-I hope you feel better today, Misty.- The absence of Blaine's usual enthusiasm surprised Misty, who was getting out of bed a little with the help of the nurse. Her whole body still hurt and she didn't feel confident that she could walk.

-Thank you Blaine, you are very kind for coming to visit me.- Misty was just beginning to remember how she had gotten there and what had happened before entering the hospital.

-Thank goodness you're okay, Misty. It would have been a shame for such a strong trainer to end up like that. - Blaine tried to force his usual vehemence but he couldn't. The girl noticed it immediately.

"Is something wrong with you, Blaine? Oh!" the girl moved a little and the pain in her ribs made her shudder. "Damn, my whole body still hurts... but as soon as I get out of here..." mind suddenly cleared.- Ash! Where is Ash, Blaine? - She suddenly became tense. - Giovanni was chasing us and I wanted to stop him with Starmie but it didn't work... - The old trainer let out a tired huff. Could it be possible that she had also begun to suffer from her mental health?

-That foolish Ash!- Misty suddenly snorted, turning a little red.- I already remembered! He spends his time fantasizing about Serena! I'm too much of a woman for him! Maybe it would be better for him to stick out with her, he's still an immature child! - She realized that Blaine was looking at her with compassion. - Oh, I'm so sorry, Blaine! - She sputtered, putting her hands to her mouth. - Sorry, that I am indiscreet...ignore what I said...those problems are between Ash and me...don't tell him anything...- the girl sank her gaze into the white sheets. The man smiled slightly. His look worried Misty.

Misty, I didn't want to be the one to tell you, but Ash...has been admitted to a mental hospital. We don't know what's wrong with him. Yesterday he went...crazy. And Pikachu too. Something is wrong with that little one too, he had to be sedated and they are already examining him at the Pokémon center.- Misty's soul fell to her feet at Blaine's sad expression, which was totally atypical for him.-

-But...what happened? That means...No! "It's not possible!" the girl screamed, beginning to lose her composure. - ASH, NO! Tell me I'll be able to see him again Blaine, TELL ME! I don't want to lose him forever! - This time she was crying my eyes out. Blaine leaned over her, hugging her despite the physical pain she felt. They separated after a few minutes while the girl sobbed.

-They are still carrying out studies to see what happens to him. I can't promise you anything, Misty...- The man shook the girl's white and delicate hand tightly.

-Maybe you can see him tomorrow when you leave the hospital. Either way, I'll keep an eye on you two. Now I must go. I need to keep watching the gym. Team Rocket is probably still hanging around here and I don't trust their intentions at all...

-THOSE DAMN GUYS!- Misty shouted so loudly that she made the gym windows shake.- I'm going to stop them as soon as I get out of here...-

We must be careful. They still have modified Pokémon like the ones they used a long time ago. I've already alerted the rest of Kanto. They will send us help as soon as we need it.-

"That relieves me a little..." the young woman snorted. "But you'll see, I'm going to go get them as soon as I get out of here..."

Blaine said goodbye to Misty, who lay on the bed, still shedding a few tears for her boyfriend. It couldn't be, there had to be a remedy, Ash had to be okay eventually...

"I'm a fool. Maybe his fantasies about Serena...were not real, it was just his head...Why did I yell at him like that...?"

"I don't want to lose you forever...Ash... you are the most important person to me in the world... I hope, I hope you can come back to me... I miss your company, your gestures, your laughter..."

Ash was waking up in the mental hospital. He barely knew where he was. He was wearing a white coat. There were no strange sights for now. I just knew that I wanted to see Misty. He wanted to clear everything up with her and tell her once and for all that he only loved her.

"Are you feeling better, boy?" a rather tall and burly nurse who had arrived at Ash's room spoke kindly.

-Ah...where am I?- Ash spoke, barely realizing what was happening.

-It does not matter. You look much better than when you arrived. Maybe you'll be out soon but we need to do some tests...-

-Proof of what?- The boy was beginning to feel uncomfortable.

-To find out if you can...go out into the real world without any problem.-

-I don't know what you're talking about, but I'm fine, I don't need any of that... I just want to get out of here and stop Team Rocket!-

"I understand, kid," the nurse responded paternally, ignoring Ash. "Come on, I'll take you down this hallway, there we'll start the tests." The doctor will explain more.- The sedative began to gradually lose its effect while the confused Ash was guided down the hallway.

-Ah! I'm not a Rocket, Mr. Blaine! Come on Doduo, come, let's show them that we come in peace... - The scientist came out of the bushes, covered in leaves and dirt. His glasses were broken and he looked like he hadn't taken a shower in days. His faithful Doduo followed him behind.-

-What are you doing here, Professor Akibahara? - Blaine was surprised, recognizing the man. - Shouldn't he be in his laboratory in Fuchsia City?

-It's a long story, Blaine...At least I've managed to hide well from the Rockets so far. They came to my lab because they were looking for a way to replicate that serum they used on their Pokémon a long time ago. I refused to help them and they have been chasing me, I was hidden for a few days in the Seafoam Islands and I arrived in Cinnabar just today... -

"You have to be careful, if you left earlier and they were looking for you, they would have already given the alert that you were around here," Blaine growled. - You have always been very careless! Since you were a science practitioner in the Pokémon Mansion laboratories, you have been like this...-

-Sorry Blaine...It's the first time in a long time that I've returned to Cinnabar. I didn't expect to return this way.-

-Well, let's go to my house and take a bath, because you need it. "You can stay there for now," he replied, making a gesture with his nose.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." Akibahara apologized as he returned Doduo to his Pokéball. They set off towards the Gym leader's house with some discretion, being escorted by Arcanine, who had better night vision than any human being. They arrived without a hitch. While Akibahara took a shower, Blaine went outside to get some air on the roof of the Cinnabar gym. He had already notified the police and they had sent a patrol that would soon arrive at his house to take care of the scientist's safety and guard him for as long as necessary.