Adventures Series, Episode 27 (Version 1.2), "Everything Changes" Disclaimer: Sally and the characters from her flashbacks are my property and mine alone. The others I don't own, so take your lawyers and go back to wherever you came from. Author's Warning: This chapter is rated PG-13 for an adult situation and a bloody scene. Reader discretion is highly advised and parental guidance is suggested for younger readers. Author's Note: In the flashback scenes, Sally will be referred to as (PD) Sally when she is talking about the scene, and as (Y) Sally when her younger self in the flashback is actually talking. At all other times, Sally is talking in the present with everyone else. Special thanks to Matt Lenz for assisting me in revising this chapter. ************************************************************************ Friday, April 22, Lost Angels Island Ash, Pikachu, Brock, and Sally are riding Lapras as they approach the island. Ash: What's that up ahead? Brock: According to the map, it's Lost Angles Island, the Miners' Archipelago's best kept secret. Ash: What's so secret about it? Brock: It's sort of a party resort, similar to that of which we saw in Neon Town awhile back. Ash: You mean it's just like Neon Town? That's a bummer. Pikachu: Pika pika. They then noticed Sally staring blankly at the island, not paying attention to them. Ash: Sally, is something wrong? Sally: (hearing Ash, but not turning towards him) Sort of. I kinda have bad memories about this place. Brock: What type of bad memories? Sally: I'd rather not talk about them, guys. Let's just say that this place changed my life the first time I came here. Ash and Brock decided not to dive into the topic any further, as Sally continued in her depressed state. Sally: (in thought) I know they're going to pump it out of me eventually. I just don't feel comfortable about what happened on that day two years ago from tomorrow. ************************************************************************ Adventures Series, Season 1 [Episode 27] "Dreams Do Come True" Chapter Five: "Everything Changes" Story written by Freedom Fighter ************************************************************************ The group had landed on the island, and Ash pulled out Lapras' Pokéball to call it back. Ash: Lapras, return! Lapras did as it was told, then Ash lead the way into the forest, and shortly thereafter, into Lightspeed City, which was fully ablaze with lights, despite the fact that it was early in the afternoon. Ash: (sighs) Just like Neon Town. Sally: (sighs) Just like it all started last time. Pikachu: (sighs) Pikachuuuuuu. Brock: I hope we don't run into anyone mean around here. Sally: You won't have to worry about those types right now. They're usually out only at night. Ash: That's good. Maybe we should find a hotel and rest up for the night, then tomorrow, we'll look around the city! Brock: That's a great idea, Ash! What do you think, Sally? Sally? Sally had zoned out once again, this time she was daydreaming... A black and white flashback shows Sally, two years younger, walking with her family into the city. Her father and mother were holding hands while enjoying the sights, while a boy of fifteen walked alongside Sally, obviously her boyfriend at the time. They seemed to be having a good time... or so they thought. Sally had a worried look on her face. She knew something bad was going to happen soon, she just didn't know what... Ash finally managed to snap Sally out of her trance. Ash: Sally? Are you alright? Sally: I'm fine, Ash. Brock: You look worried. Is there something about this place you'd like to tell us about? Sally: No, Brock, there's nothing. I'm just a little tired, that's all. Let's find a place to spend the night. Sally began to walk down the street. Ash, Pikachu, and Brock followed behind, but at a distance. Ash: Something's wrong with Sally, Brock. Brock: I know. Whatever she experienced the first time she came here is affecting her. Ash: Maybe we should just leave the city. Then she'll forget all about it. Brock: No, Ash. She'll never get those fears and bad memories out of head unless she talks them out. We've got to convince her to do so, before she ends up doing something rash. They caught up to Sally as she entered a hotel, and the group managed to get two rooms, right next to each other. Sally had a room of her own, while Ash, Brock, and Pikachu split the second. The boys watched as Sally pulled out her room key and opened the door to her room. Ash: Are you sure you don't need anything, Sally? Sally: I'm sure, Ash. I'll be fine. I just need some rest. Brock: Okay, then. If you need us, just knock on our door, okay? Sally nodded, then closed the door to her room. Brock pulled out his key and opened the door to their room. Ash and Pikachu followed him in. The room wasn't too bad, with two twin sized beds, a nightstand, four lamps (two above the nightstand), a clean sink and bathroom, a dresser, a table, a telephone, and a 14" television. They put their bags down and lay down on the beds. Ash: You know, Brock, I just don't feel right leaving Sally all alone. Brock: Sally needs some time to think. Let her rest. Tomorrow we'll help her out. Ash: Okay. Hey, you think she wants some pizza for dinner? I'm ordering out. Brock: Go ask her, but be courteous, Ash. Ash went to Sally's room and knocked on the door. She agreed, gave Ash her share of the pizza money, and then told him to come get her when the pizza arrived. Ash returned to his room and called "The Pizza Palace." Ash: Hi! I'd like two large pizzas please, one with pepperoni, sausage, and green peppers, the other with just pepperoni. Also, can we have two large soft drinks and an extra large soft drink? Brock: Don't forget the breadsticks! Pikachu: (cheering) Pika pi! Pika pi! Ash: Okay, you two! Add an order of family sized breadsticks to that, please. (listening to the person on the other line) Thirty minutes? Okay, thanks! Half an hour later, Sally looks out of the window as a young delivery girl knocks at Ash's door. Brock opens the door, and of course, goes crazy over the girl. Brock: Wow! What's a beautiful girl like you doing delivering pizzas? Girl: Definitely not talking to slobs like you! She takes one of the soft drinks and throws it at Brock. Unfortunately, Ash decides to choose that exact moment to step in front of him and pay for the food. Ash: (now covered in a sticky liquid) Yuck! Girl: Oops. Sorry about that. Sally watches as Ash dries himself off and pays for the food. That got her thinking... Sally: I've always wondered what makes Brock fall for every girl he sees. (sighs heavily) He reminds me of my boyfriend... before the incident... Flashback, two years back once again. A younger Sally looks on as her former boyfriend is talking to another girl. Luckily, the conversation is short-lived, as the girl dumps her glass of water down his shirt, then walks off. He dries himself off, then walks towards Sally, acting as if nothing happened. Sally doesn't buy the act, though. (Y) Sally: Monroe! When will you ever learn to stop flirting? Monroe: I can't help it, Sally. I was blessed with uncontrollable hormones. (Y) Sally: (giving Monroe a soft punch on the arm) Monroe, you're the living end! Monroe: (laughing) Really? What are you? Sally was about to respond, when Monroe spotted another girl, this one walking around in a very small tank top and a mini-skirt. Monroe: Hello, baby! (Y) Sally: Oh no, not again! Sally shakes her head as Monroe tries to attract the young lady. Sally's thoughts then return to the present, as Ash knocks on her door. She goes to open it. Ash: Hi, Sally. (hands her a pizza box and a drink) There's a couple of slices and some breadsticks in there, and here's your drink. Sally: Thanks, Ash. See you in the morning. Sally closed the door, placed the box and her drink on the table, then sat down and stared out the window once again. Sally: I wonder. Maybe if I find out what makes Brock chase every girl he sees, I can try and piece together what happened to Monroe two years ago. (jumps out of her seat) I'll do it! The next morning, Ash, Brock, Sally, and Pikachu are walking the streets, looking to see if there's anything else besides endless casinos and theaters. Ash suddenly spots a t-shirt maker setting up shop just ahead. Ash: Wow! A t-shirt designer! I've always wanted my very own personalized t-shirt! Ash runs over to the t-shirt maker and asks him to make a design. Ash: Can you make a shirt that has a picture of me and Pikachu? Or maybe one of those shirts that says, "I came to Lightspeed City and all I got was this lousy shirt." Or maybe one of me holding up my Pokémon League badge! Or maybe... Maker: Fine, fine, I'll do whatever you want, just as long as you shut up! Ash: Thanks, sir! Come on, Pikachu! Pikachu: (puzzled as to what's going on) Pi? Ash: (to Sally and Brock) How about you guys? Do you want a t-shirt? Sally: No thanks. I don't go for that type of stuff. It makes me look too much like a tourist. Brock: I don't mind at... Sally steps on Brock's foot, and he starts jumping up and down in pain. Brock: Ow! Sally! Sally: What? Brock: You stepped on my foot! Sally: No, I didn't! Brock: Oh. Anyway, as I was saying, I'd like to get a shirt... Sally steps on Brock's foot again, and this time Brock gets real angry. Brock: Sally! Sally: What? Brock: Stop stepping on my foot! Sally: (whispering to him) Sorry, but I'd like to talk about something in private and I don't want Ash and Pikachu to know. Brock: (now yelling) Did you have to step on my foot to tell me that? Ash: Brock, are you staying or not? Brock: No, Ash, forget about it. I'd like to go sightseeing with Sally. Ash: Okay, if you say so. Sally: Don't worry about us, Ash. We'll meet you back at the hotel at dark! The two run off, as Ash yells after them, trying to find out what Sally meant by her comment. Ash: Sally! Brock! What do you mean "at dark?" Maker: Hey, kid, are we going to do this shirt or do I have to find Officer Jenny to arrest you for obstructing my business! Ash: (sweatdrop forms above his eyes) Oh, yeah, sure. Scene switches to a water fountain. Brock and Sally are sitting down on a nearby bench. Brock: So tell me, Sally, what was so important that you had to step on my foot twice and pull me away from Ash and Pikachu? Sally: (in a sad voice) Well, to tell you the truth, I don't think Ash is mature enough to hear what I'm about to tell you. Brock: Okay. What about Pikachu? Sally: No offense, but I'm not sure Pikachu would understand what I'm going through. I need more of a human to express my feelings to. Brock: Sure. Last question... why did you choose to talk to me? Sally: Easy. You've been raising your younger siblings your whole life, and I bet you've had to resolve a lot of problems for them. Brock: So you want me to try and solve your problem? Sally: Yeah. Oh, and you asked another question. Brock: I did? Sally: There! You did it again! Brock: Sorry. So, what about your problem? Sally: I'm going to ignore the fact that you asked a question again. (looks to see Brock blush red) Anyway, I guess I'd better start from the beginning. It was two years to the day yesterday when I arrived here in Lightspeed City for the first time. I was with my parents and my ex-boyfriend, Monroe. Brock: Okay. Begin flashback... (PD) Sally: We had come here for a three day vacation. We wanted to enjoy the sights, spend a lot of money, and have a lot of fun. Scenes of Sally's parents playing the slots, Sally trying on some new clothes, and Monroe taking pictures of the family near the same water fountain the present day Sally and Brock are now sitting next to. (PD) Sally: Unfortunately, it wasn't exactly all fun and games. For example, Monroe's just like you, Brock. He falls apart every time he sees a girl. Brock: Really? He was just like me? (PD) Sally: Yeah. Despite that, though, I always stuck by his side, believing that he would get over his habits. Unfortunately, I wouldn't have to suffer through that for much longer. Scene changes to a hotel. Monroe is seen conversing with Sally. Monroe: Hey, Sal? Do you want to go to this cool restaurant I found downtown? (Y) Sally: Sure! Just let me ask my parents if it's alright? Monroe: Sally! You don't have to ask your parents anything! Let's just go! (Y) Sally: Are you sure about that? Monroe: Yeah! We'll be back before ten o'clock! Promise! (PD) Sally: I believed him. I got into a nice little yellow dress, while Monroe satisfied himself with a green short sleeve shirt and a pair of khakis. We went to this restaurant called "The Cat's Meowth." (show scenes of many people dancing around the place) It was one of the safest places in the city, with dancing and food and drinks and everything. I had the time of my life. Though for some strange reason, Monroe kept looking at his watch. Brock: Why would he be looking at his watch so much? (PD) Sally: I wish I knew. I'm sure, though, that it had to do with what came next. Back to the restaurant, where someone quickly runs by and drops a small dissolvable pill of some sort into Sally's drink. Monroe and Sally sit down after completing a dance. Monroe: Wow! I never knew you could dance so well, Sally! (Y) Sally: (picking up her glass) I guess it runs in the family. She takes a sip of the drink, and continues to talk with Monroe. Suddenly, the pill takes effect, and Sally faints right in front of Monroe. Monroe: Sally! Sally! Oh great, someone slipped something into her drink! I'd better get her back to the hotel before something bad happens. A little bit later, Sally is lying down on her bed back in the hotel. Monroe is watching over her, to make sure that she's okay. Sally is barely conscious, but she can hear Monroe moving around the room. Monroe: I know you'll be okay here in the room. I'm going back out to find the guy who did this to you. And don't worry, I'll lock the door! Monroe leaves and locks the door. Sally just laid there, opening her eyes once in a while to see if anything was in the room. Her vision was blurred, though, so she couldn't see anything clearly. Sally: Brock. Brock: What's up, Sally? Sally: I think we'd better go somewhere else. It's getting a little crowded here. Brock looked around and saw some tourists taking pictures by the fountain. Brock: Why do we have to leave? You can't tell me what happened next? Sally: Actually, Brock, it's kind of personal. Something that I don't want anyone else to know. Brock: Well, okay. Sally: Let's go. I know of a nice, quiet restaurant we can meet at. Brock: What, now? Sally: No, tonight at seven o'clock. Meet me here at the fountain. Brock: Wait! Where are you going? Sally: To unlock my past! Brock watches as Sally runs off. Brock: (sighs) I don't know if she should be running off by herself. This thing that she's talking about must be driving her crazy. I wish there was some way I could comfort her more. Sally has finally made it to her destination... the Lightspeed City Library. She takes a seat on one of the computers and in seconds, brings up a strange file. She begins to look it over, and continues to remember the horrible events from the past. Sally: If only I can unlock the missing link of this case, I can find out who framed Monroe two years ago. Another flashback... Jenny: Monroe Mitchell, you're under arrest for two counts of first-degree murder and also as an accomplice to statutory rape! Monroe: That's impossible! It's an unsubstantiated claim! Jenny: I've got five typed pages of hard evidence against you, Mitchell! Now come with me! The young Sally watches from the inside of an ambulance as Jenny handcuffs Monroe and puts him into a police wagon with two other police officers. She was in bad condition, as her yellow dress was ripped in several places, and she was in shock herself. (Y) Sally: (crying) Monroe! No! It can't be! Back in the present, Sally looks up from the computer, and then looks at the clock. Sally: It can't be! It's a quarter to seven already? Sally gets up and runs out of the library. The librarian comes over and logs out for her. The last thing on the screen was the following... "Monroe Mitchell found guilty of raping his girlfriend and killing her two parents. Judge expected to sentence him to at least one life sentence today. At least two accomplices are still free." ************************************************************************ "The Misty Files" Contest, Clue # 4 - There's no one in the world that can quite copy the personality of the main character in the real sketch... except for her Pokémon. ************************************************************************ Quickly heading back to her room and changing into a specially contoured green dress decorated with a flower pattern, she meets up with Brock back at the fountain a couple of minutes after seven o'clock. Brock: A little late, aren't we? Sally: (out of breath) Yeah. Sorry about that. Brock: Hey, what's with the dress? Sally: Oh, this thing? I just thought we could go to one of the local burger joints. No one on a date goes to eat burgers on a Saturday night. Brock: You're telling me this is a date? Sally: Now, I wouldn't call it a date. More like a little get together. Just you and me. Brock: (getting a little nervous) You... and... me? Sally: Of course, silly. Who did you expect, Bonnie and Clyde? Now come on! Brock: Sure. Sally pulls Brock along towards a small restaurant. Brock is in deep thought, as if things are getting a little too out-of-hand. Brock: (to himself) Is Sally coming on to me? I mean, she's nice and pretty and everything, but I'm usually the one to make the first move. What would she see in me? What would I see in her? Sally was also embedded in thought, knowing that Brock would be suspicious. Sally: (pondering her thoughts) I'm pretty sure Brock's confused right now. He's never actually had a girl come on to him. (giggles, then gets serious suddenly) But if I'm ever going to peace together this mystery, I have to create a situation similar to that of what happened two years ago. Pretty soon, the two were chowing down on cheeseburgers. Once in a while, one of them would glance at the other, to admire the one sitting on the other side of the table. Suddenly, they look up at the same time, generating a blush of embarrassment from both of them. Brock looks at what's left of his last burger, finishes it, and then looks back at Sally. Brock: So, Sally, are you going to tell me what happened next? Sally took another bite of her burger, chewed and swallowed it, then sat quietly before finally sighing and picking up the story again. Sally: Okay, Brock, I'll tell you what happened... but it's kind of embarrassing... Another flashback begins, slightly later that night from two years ago, in Sally's room... (PD) Sally: I was suddenly awakened when I felt someone tugging at my dress. The younger Sally slowly opens her eyes, and as blurry as her vision is, she sees two strange teenage boys starting to pull her dress up. One was holding a knife, watching over her, while the other slowly reached for Sally's underwear. (PD) Sally: There were two boys, both from the local high school, I think. It was hard to tell, since I could just barely make up their figures. The boy with the knife began to slide the knife near one of Sally's shoulder straps, while the other was taking off his pants. (PD) Sally: I suddenly realized what was going on. These two were trying to rape me! Brock: Rape you? That's terrible! What did you do? (PD) Sally: (trying to keep her cool) I was just lying there, still weak from whatever got into my drink that night. I couldn't move my limbs, even though they weren't holding me down. I began to cry as the one with the knife made several slashes near my upper chest area, while the other was already fully unclothed and rubbing against me. There was nothing I could do! These guys were taking advantage of me, and there was no one there to protect me. I couldn't even scream because I was struggling to keep a normal breathing pattern. Sally then breaks out crying, which brings out a look of sadness from Brock. Brock: I can't believe two kids would stoop that low. Sally's head then falls into Brock's shoulder. She was crying loud enough now to attract the few customers that were there. Brock tries his best to calm her down. Brock: Sally, I know this must be terrible to finally admit an act of villainy such as this to someone else, but that's enough. You've got to stop crying. Sally's cries suddenly turn to just a small trickle, as she looks up and suddenly puts her arms around Brock, as if she is hugging him. Brock: Sally, I know it's tough, but now that the past is done, it's time to look towards the future. See what better things lay ahead on the horizon. Sally: Thanks, Brock. But it'll never be better. Brock pulls out a handkerchief to wipe off the remaining tears on Sally's face, then pushes her up so that she's sitting straight up. Brock: What do you mean it'll never get any better? Sally: (sniffles a bit) Things get worse. Brock: Worse? After what you told me, it gets worse? How can it get worse? Sally: (catching Brock's angle) Oh no, not in that way! I meant something totally different... Another flashback, this one occurs the morning after the incident... (PD) Sally: After I cried myself to sleep that night, I woke up in the morning to find myself face to face with Officer Jenny. Officer Jenny, in her standard issue police uniform, leans over to wake up the sleeping young Sally. Jenny: Are you okay, little girl? The young Sally slowly moved her mouth and said the first words that she was able to say since fainting at the restaurant the night before. (Y) Sally: There were two... Jenny: We know, dear. I've already got officers on the job trying to find them. In the meantime, we'd better get you treated. (PD) Sally: At least my vision had gotten better, unfortunately, nothing else had. I still felt as helpless as I was the night before. Two men carried Sally off. She was brought down the stairs and into a nearby ambulance. (PD) Sally: As I was brought towards one of the ambulances, I saw something horrifying being carted towards another. Actually, two horrifying people. They were my parents. Their faces were pale white. There was blood all over my dad's face. A sheet was covering up the rest of their bodies. Sally couldn't yell, so the best she could do was shed some tears as she now knew that she wasn't the only person injured last night. She overheard Officer Jenny talking to a few officers nearby. What she heard next shocked her even more... Jenny: The daughter was lucky. Both of the adults were slit under their necks. The male was shot in the head and the female was stabbed right in the heart. (PD) Sally: I couldn't believe it! Both of my parents had been murdered! Brock: (surprised) Both of them! How can that be? (PD) Sally: I don't know! All I knew is that I was going to spend the rest of my life alone. Brock: What about Monroe? (PD) Sally: (speaking slowly) That was the worst part. Back to the crime scene, Sally is being pushed on the cart into the ambulance. That's when she spots two police officers restraining Monroe for some reason. (PD) Sally: As I was being carted into the ambulance, two police officers appear, restraining Monroe. I watched in horror as Officer Jenny suddenly stated the charges brought against him. Jenny: Monroe Mitchell, you're under arrest for two counts of first-degree murder and also as an accomplice to statutory rape! Monroe: That's impossible! It's an unsubstantiated claim! Jenny: I've got five typed pages of hard evidence against you, Mitchell! Now come with me! (PD) Sally: I watched as they put Monroe in that police wagon. That's when I started to cry. I couldn't hold back my emotions anymore. I started to cry and wail and shout, with the two men in the ambulance trying to calm me down. (Y) Sally: (crying) Monroe! No! It can't be! (PD) Sally: I knew the EMTs meant well, but still, I couldn't believe what was going on. As the ambulance pulled out of the parking lot, I watched as the police wagon went the other way. I knew from that moment on that Monroe and I would never lay eyes on each other again. Back in the restaurant, Brock tried his best to hold back his tears of sorrow. Brock: I can't believe this would happen to a nice girl like you! Sally: I can't believe it either. You'd think that a girl like me who's doing so well in the Pokémon League would be free of any personal problems. Far from it. Brock: So what happened to Monroe? Sally: Although he was only fifteen, Monroe was charged as an adult. No one could find any evidence that could prove his innocence. So, he was sentenced to forty years for the deaths of my parents. He then got another five years for supposedly planning my rape by the two strangers. Brock: How about the two boys that attacked you? Where they ever found? Sally: Yes. The first one... the one who had held the knife that night... they arrested him the following day. He was also charged as an adult, and they gave him seven years for assisting in the attack on me. Brock: Only seven? Sally: Plus, the charges against him for the murders of my parents were dropped... all of the evidence pointed to Monroe and the fact that he did it alone. Brock: That's crazy! How could they let him off so easily? Sally: I just don't know, Brock. I couldn't believe it either. He should've gotten more. Brock: How about the other one? Sally: (bows her head) The third one... the one who did all the "work." They found his body in the Star Square River two weeks later. He had committed suicide. He knew that the police were close to catching him, and my guess is he couldn't live with the guilt. In my opinion, I'm pretty sure he wasn't the one who really wanted this all to happen. The two sit in silence for awhile, both finally relieved that the story is over, but also angry about the results of it. Sally: I'm pretty sure that Monroe's innocent. I've been searching for evidence over the past two years, whenever I wasn't training, of course. Brock nods in agreement, his eyes still focused on Sally. Sally: I haven't had any luck, though. There's absolutely nothing that can prove that he didn't commit any of those crimes. Brock places his right hand on Sally's shoulder. This causes both of them to glance at each other. Brock: Sally, the day I met you I knew that you were capable of anything. I'm sure that someday you'll finally be able to discover the truth and get your boyfriend out of jail. Sally: Um, Brock, although I do still want the truth to be revealed... I can't get him out. Brock: Why? Sally: Someone poisoned him about three months ago... he died almost instantly. Brock: Oh. I'm so sorry. Sally: Brock, don't be. It should be me who should be sorry. I was the one who suggested that we should vacation here. (sobs) If I had picked somewhere else, none of this would have ever happened! Brock: Sally, don't say such things! You couldn't control your fate back then. Who knows if you can control your fate now? Someone is to blame for the murder of your parents... Sally: And for raping me... Brock: (blushes in embarrassment) Yes, that too. Anyway, I just thought about something. If you and me work together while we're here, maybe we can find out the truth. Maybe we can finally put to rest all of the lies. Maybe we'll uncover the truth and bring the real criminals to the justice. (grabs both of Sally's shoulders) I know we can do it, Sally. But we've got to try! We've got to try! Sally thinks for about a minute, then responds by giving Brock a big hug. Sally: Thanks, Brock. You're the best friend I could ever have. Brock: You're welcome, Sally. (looks at his watch) We'd better be heading back, Sally. It's almost ten o'clock. Sally: (letting go and suddenly becoming sad again) Ten o' clock... Two years ago, that was the worst hour of my life. My parents were rumored to be murdered at 10:30, and then I was attacked in my room fifteen minutes later. Brock: (putting a reassuring hand on Sally's shoulder) I know, Sally. I know. Brock paid for the meal, then led Sally back to the hotel. They had gotten to her room, and she was about to unlock the door when Brock stopped her. Sally: Brock? What's wrong? Brock: You know, it's kinda late, and I don't want to wake up Ash and Pikachu. Can I sleep in your room tonight? Sally: Are you crazy? Brock: No, of course not! Sally: Brock, our little outing wasn't a date! Brock: I know that. I just think... that you might feel a little insecure since tonight is the second anniversary of... Sally: (interrupting Brock) Okay, okay, I understand! But you're sleeping in the other bed! Brock: Of course! You know me, old reliable Brock! Sally smiled slightly, trying not to get Brock to notice. She opened the door, turned on the lights, and went in. Brock followed, closing and locking the door behind him. Later that night, Brock laid awake in his bed. He looked over at Sally, her hair slightly out of place, covering some of her face. Otherwise, she was sleeping soundly. Brock: Sally's one of those special girls. The ones who's true inner beauty shines brighter than their outer beauty. (sighs) It's too bad I'll never meet a girl like her in my lifetime. Well, maybe one day I'll get lucky. You never know. Brock then turned to the side and after staring at the wall for a couple of minutes, finally dozed off. The next morning, both Sally and Brock were awakened by a loud noise next door. They looked at each other and realized the obvious. Brock and Sally: (simultaneously) Ash! And Pikachu! They jumped out of their beds, unlocked the door, and ran to Ash's room. Actually, Brock did. Sally realized that she was still wearing her pajamas. Happy that no one saw her in them, she went back in and slipped on a bathrobe before heading out to join Brock. Sally: (stopping beside Brock near the door) What's going on? Brock: I don't know. Suddenly, Officer Jenny steps out of the room, starting up Brock's hormones again. Before he could get in full gear, though, she pulls Ash out of the room. Sally and Brock looked on in horror as they saw Ash's wrists were handcuffed. Ash was struggling to get free, but obviously Jenny wasn't going to let that happen. Ash: Let me go! I didn't do anything wrong! Jenny: Oh yes you did! Now come along before I add resisting arrest to your list of charges. Brock: Charges? Sally: What is Ash being charged on? Jenny turns towards them, not recognizing Sally. She had a determined look on her face. She was going to make sure Ash didn't get away. Jenny: Ash Ketchum here is under arrest for grand theft Pokémon. Brock: Grand theft Pokémon? Jenny: A thief last night went to the local Poké-Mart and took over three hundred dollars worth of healing potions and Pokéballs. He then went to the Pokémon Center and stole twenty Pokémon. Sally: Ash! How could you! Ash: I didn't steal anything! Honest! Jenny: Are you two friends of his? Brock: Well, sort of. Jenny: Do you know where this young man was last night? Brock: No. Sally and I were eating at a restaurant. We didn't get back until after ten o'clock. Sally: When we got back, Brock didn't want to wake up Ash, so he slept in my room. As far as we were concerned, we thought he was already asleep. Ash: You two slept together? Brock: We didn't sleep together! We were in the same room, but we slept in different beds! Sally: (grabbing Ash and starting to shake him) You think I'm the type of girl who sleeps with a boy on the first date? Ash: (trying to pull Sally off) No, but Brock's never been successful with a girl before. Maybe he made the first move. Brock: (pushing Sally away and grabbing Ash) I didn't sleep with Sally, Ash! I would never sleep with her! Sally: (putting her hands on her hips) And why not? Jenny: (pulling Brock away from Ash) Now, kids, please! Whether or not you two slept together isn't the most pressing matter at hand. Right now, I've got a criminal here to take off to jail. Sally: How can you take him off to jail without any evidence? Jenny: You want evidence, young lady? I found all of the stolen goods in his room! She points down to the ground level, where two police officers were stuffing a full bag into a white van. Pikachu, who had somehow slept through everything so far, comes running outside, and is surprised to see Ash handcuffed. Pikachu begins to charge up to electrocute Jenny, when Ash stops him. Ash: Pikachu, no! Don't shock Officer Jenny or she'll take you too. Pikachu: (sadly) Chu. Jenny: (pulling Ash towards the stairs) Come on, young man, you'll have a lot of time in prison to think of what you've done. Ash: Sally, Brock, you've gotta believe me! I didn't commit those crimes! Pikachu tries to run after Ash, but Ash waves the mouse away. Ash: Pikachu, don't follow me. Pikachu: Chu? Ash: Stay with Brock and Sally. I need you to help them prove me innocence. Pikachu reluctantly agreed. Sally picked up Pikachu, then followed Brock down the stairs to wave goodbye to Ash. Brock: Don't worry, Ash! If you're innocent, we'll find out who framed you! Sally: You can count on us, Ash! We won't let you down! Ash tried to smile back at his friends, but a deeper feeling of sadness overcame him. Jenny slid the handcuffs over the handlebar of her motorcycle, so that Ash's hands would be in perfect position to hold onto Jenny's waist as they headed to the police station. Jenny then starts the motorcycle, and she begins to head down the road. The other two officers get in the van, and follow suit. Brock, Sally, and Pikachu watch as the police soon disappear from sight. Brock and Sally hold hands, both now worried over their friend's current condition. Sally: I can't believe. It's just like two years ago. Officer Jenny is carrying off a person close to me to jail. Brock: It can't be a coincidence, Sally. I'm sure that Ash didn't steal anything. (looking at Pikachu) And we're going to prove it. Pikachu: (agreeing with Brock) Pika! Sally: This time I'm not going to sit around and leave it for the police to solve. This time, I'm going out while the case is fresh in my mind! I'm going to find out who framed Ash Ketchum! Brock: We're all going to find out, Sally. We're all going to find out. Narrator: Can Brock, Sally, and Pikachu discover the truth before Ash meets a similar fate as Sally's old boyfriend, Monroe, met two years ago? Find out on the next exciting adventure. To be continued... Copyright Date: 2/24/00, Revised: 4/28/00, Second Revision: 12/19/01, courtesy of Matt Lenz Revisions from the Original Release Include: - After some tinkering, the rape scene was changed just a bit in terms of detail. Those of you reading this for the first time don't have to worry. Nothing important was cut out of the scene. - The line in which Officer Jenny says, "Hold on to my waist, Ash. I don't want you falling off and hurting yourself," has been deleted. After some convincing, I agreed with Matt Lenz, my reviser, to take the line out. He thought Jenny was being too nice to someone she just arrested. Next episode... let the mystery be unraveled! Ash can't really be a thief, can he? If not, then who set him up? Brock, Sally, and of course, Pikachu, will try to solve that mystery. It's too bad it has to involve those lowlifes Jane and Calamity. What's their deal, anyway? Up next is Episode 28, "Sherlock Pikachu." This time you're going down, Team Rocket Orange!