"A nightmare ending."

Part 1 of the 10 part mini-series "Moonlight through a stained glass mind."

Part 7b of 20 of the ongoing saga "Love is such bitter sorrow."

"Recapping this mornings top story, Ash Ketchum, the young prodigal Pokémon trainer from Pallet Town, was murdered early this morning. Police have released to the media very little in the way of details, however we have been led to believe that his assailants may have been the same duo responsible for the thefts committed at the Oak Pokémon Labs last night. The one eyewitness to the events, Misty Waterflower, as seen here in our file tape cheering on Ash at his Indigo League victory earlier this year, has been retained by the police for questioning, however we have been told that she has not been charged and is not currently under suspicion for the deed. More information as it breaks."

The sound of shattering glass on tiles reverberates through the room, along with the sound of a person dropping to the floor.
"Mime?"

"In other news, The Squirtle Squad have successfully defended their...."

"Ash..."
"Mime?"
Deliah Ketchum was on her hands and knees, with Mr. Mime hovering over her with a worried look on its face, its trademark broom lying forgotten on the floor.
"My little boy..."
"Mime?"


"Recapping the top story of the day, Ash Ketchum, the world famous young prodigal Trainer from sleepy Pallet Town was found murdered earlier this morning. In a public press conference organised by the police, Ash's mother Deliah Ketchum, along with her husband, the renowned Professor Samual Oak, offered a reward for information leading to the capture and conviction of Ash's killer. Misty Waterflower, the only eyewitness to the murder, has been under heavy police guard all day, with demonstrators accusing her of the deed following her every step. While Misty made an appearance at the earlier press conference, she did not speak, instead letting her tears do that for her. One item of particular note is the small diamond ring Misty was seen to be wearing. The significance of this ring is uncertain, however persons close to Ash have revealed that the two were very close. We'll keep you posted on developments in this case. And now, here's sport with..."

"I still can't believe what's happened."
"I know Brock. I know. Gods, I can't bear to think what Misty must be going through with this."
"I just hope that she'll be alright. After what happened with Togepi.........and now this......."
Unconsciously, Brock hugged Duplica closer to him, as she unconsciously did the same, before changing to another channel for some more news, any news, on what had happened.


"I know she did it. She must have done it. There's no one else who could..."
"Now Deliah, you know Misty isn't the kind of person to do something like that. You know how close the two..."
"But who else could it have been !? There wasn't anyone else there !? No one else even knew they were...."
"Deliah."
She raised her tearful eyes to her husbands, moved by the tone of his voice.
"The police haven't been telling any of us what happened yet. We have no idea who or what may have been there or happened. Don't worry, once they know we'll be the first to find out. You know that.
"No, I don't......"