Disclaimer: Pokemon belongs to Nintendo and Shogakukan Comics. ‘Nuff said, I do not own it. However, Destiny, the plot, and other thingies are mine.

Notes: ** for thoughts, italics for pokemon talking, and <> for telepathy.

Chapter 5: Shocking

“Where is that switch?” Ash pondered as he peered into another trashcan. “What has gotten into Surge?”

“Paranoia.” Sabrina said simply, as she helped him look.

“But it’s been an hour and I still can’t find the switches!”

“Ash, maybe you could cheat.”

“Cheat?”

“Use your psychic powers to scan.”

“Oh! I didn’t think of that!” Ash said. His eyes glowed blue as he began searching. Finally, he located the right trashcan. Diving in, he emerged triumphantly holding the switch, covered with crumpled paper.

Sabrina sweatdropped. “Ash…”

“Ehehehe,” Ash laughed nervously, as she brushed the offending papers off. Then, Ash pressed the switch and stepped into the arena where Surge waited.

“Hey lil’ baby.” Surge said. “Are you sure you want to battle?”

Ash glared. “Yes.”

“Fine then! Raichu, yer up!”

“Eevee, go.” Ash said, enjoying the startled look on Surge’s face. “Earthquake.”

“What?! But eevee can’t learn-.”

Whatever Surge was about to say was abruptly curtailed as Raichu went flying. Eevee quickly scampered back into Ash’s arms, smiling and wagging her tail.

“No… way….”

Ash grinned as a shell-shocked surge handed him his Thunder badge.

“Never say never!”

Sabrina was in similar shock. * EARTHQUAKE? *

“Well, it’s a grantable power.” A voice said.

Charlotte looked up as Lance was peering in her compact mirror to check on them.

“Yes, that’s one of his judiciary elements.”

“Just like I can teach my Dragonite psychic moves.” Lance said with a smile.

“Something like that…the colors are fun to play with though.”

“Yes, if we have to use the colors we should at least get something out of it.”

The two smiled.

“What’s wrong, Sabrina-chan?” Ash asked, blinking at her.

“Ash, how did you teach Eevee earthquake?”

“I don’t know. I just did.” Ash said simply.

“But the TM is not compatible…” Sabrina said, thinking hard. < So… did you use your powers? >

< No. > Ash sent back. < Not that I know of. >

< Never mind then. >

“Can we get some ice cream?”

Sabrina ruffled his hair. < You want more? >

< Yep! I’m hungry! >

“We just had lunch, Ash.” She replied.

“But searching through all of those trashcans was hard work!”

“Well… you do have a point there. All right.” Sabrina finally relented.

“YAY!”

The two sat by a fountain, eating ice cream.

“Sabrina onee-chan?”

“Yes, Red?”

“What happens if I never get my memories back?”

“Do you think I wouldn’t like you anymore?”

Ash sniffled a little bit. “Well…”

“Don’t worry, little brother. I’m not going to abandon you.” Sabrina said, giving him a hug. For the psychic master, this was a rather significant step out of her cold façade.

“Really?” Ash’s eyes lit up.

“Yes.” Sabrina promised, as Ash burrowed his head in her shoulder.

“Okay, onee-chan.”

Sabrina picked him up, wondering at how light he was, and started walking back to the campsite where their tent was located.

A few more days passed, with not much improvement in Red’s condition.

“Hello?” Sabrina asked, picking up her cell phone.

“What the **** have you done with Ash?! Why isn’t he back to normal yet?!” Misty complained, screeching into the phone.

Sabrina immediately moved it away from her ear. “I haven’t done anything.”

“Liar! You just want to keep him to yourself!”

“What?!” Sabrina was rather sickened at this accusation. “Are you trying to mock me? I have no interest in having sexual relations with him!”

“Oh yeah?”

“If you called me to complain, then don’t.” Sabrina warned.

“You’re just a psycho anyways. You should have left Ash here with me.”

“Excuse me?!” Sabrina seethed. “You’re the one he’s deathly afraid of! It’d probably shatter his psyche if he stayed with you.”

“Better than being with a crazy gym leader!”

Sabrina hung up, not willing to just sit there and take Misty’s abuse.

“Onee-chan?”

“Yes, Red?”

“Who was that?”

“Misty.” Sabrina said curtly, eyes flickering with barely-suppressed anger.

Ash shivered.

“Don’t worry, she’s still in Cerulean city.”

“I’m glad…” Ash clung to Sabrina tightly. “You promised you’d protect me from her.”

“I know, and I intend to stick to my word.”

Ash’s eyes lit up and he beamed.

“Poor little one…” Sabrina said almost inaudibly as she watched him go running after his Vulpix, who was holding his former candy bar in her mouth. “What did Misty do to him?”

< Maybe it’s better off not knowing. > Haunter sent.

< You mean? >

< Even if this is Ash, its better this way, won’t you agree? >

< Yes. > Sabrina said. < He’s kinder and more mature in a strange way. And ‘Red’ will always have a place in my heart. >

“Aw, Vulpix! There’s drool all over this candy bar! You can keep it.” Ash said, looking sad.

Vulpix purred.

Dratini giggled. Well, at least I don’t steal your candy.

Ash nodded. “That’s right, Dratini!”

Sabrina allowed a smile at their actions. * So young… and innocent… I have to protect him from Misty. She’ll break him. *

Her eyes narrowed as she thought of the water gym leader.

< Why is she so… ugh, I can’t even think of a word to describe her. >

< Evilly obsessive? > Haunter volunteered.

< Actually, that works. > Sabrina nodded to herself. * Yes, she is overly obsessive and too demanding. She’d probably drive anyone in a relationship with her crazy within a few weeks. How did Ash stand traveling with her? *

That was indeed a mystery.

“Vulpix, Fire Spin!” Ash said, trapping an Oddish that had just crossed his path. “Good! Now use Ember!”

Vulpix nodded and the Oddish fainted.

Ash grinned and hugged his Vulpix tightly. “You were great!”

< I guess it’s on to Erika’s gym next for you then? >
< Hai! > Ash said, cheering.

Sabrina suddenly had a thought. < Red, none of your pokemon have evolved. Why? >

< Well, I need a fire stone for Vulpix n’ she doesn’t want to evolve yet. I don’t know about Dratini, and Eevee’s not sure what she wants to be yet. >

< I see. >

Ash grinned. < Can you make dinner tonight? >

< No problem. > Sabrina said, touched by his simple request.

< Yay! I love you Sabrina onee-chan! >

This got a bit more response out of Sabrina. < He loves me? I know its not romantic, but… even my parents never told me that before. >

< I think it’s wonderful that you’re taking care of him. > Haunter replied.

< Eh? >
< Think about it. Its like you said. He is your family in a way. >

< Yes… you’re right, Haunter. When did you ever get so intellectual? >

Haunter grinned and stuck out his tongue, before whacking Sabrina with a paper fan. < Not telling! >

Kadabra laughed as Sabrina ran after Haunter with a paper fan of her own. < Come back here! >

Two pairs of eyes watched and smiled.

End Chapter! ^_^
Kawaii, is it not? Drop a review!

Started 3/12/03, completed 10/26/03