( Leaf's POV )

I was silent for a whole day. I was broken from the inside and I didn't even know why. Barry was a guy I had honestly never paid any attention to. I never even noticed I had economics(is this how you say it?) with him. Still... it seemed like I was hurt more than Dawn. And she actually knew the guy! I guess I was just a little worried... I had been kidnapped possibly by the same person. What could happen? Why? Why was Barry dead and I still alive? And who was doing this?

I didn't really listen to Red as he talked about... whatever he was talking about. I was laying on his bed, while he was sitting in a chair. People were moving on. I should move on. The people close to Barry weren't gonna move on anytime soon. What was I gonna do?

"Leaf?"Red asked. I bit my lip as I looked at him.

"Sorry, what did you say?"I asked. Red just chuckled a bit.

"Thinking about Barry?" I nodded. "Look, I know it's a big deal. But if they wanted you dead they would've done that already."

"Me, yes. But what about my friends? What about you?" Red just nodded. He stared out of the window with a sad expression. "I know it's selfish to think this about someone who dies. I mean for some it means something serious, for me it means that my friends are in danger."

"Not immediately."Red said. "We don't know anything, yet. Every officer Jenny is looking for the murderer."

"What about that waitress?" Red just shook his head. I couldn't remember anything that had happened after that serum. Only one look into the room. The floor mostly. They must've given me another serum. Yes that must be it.

I looked at the clock and packed my bags. "I need to go help cheering Dawn up."

"Even though your not happy yourself."

"Happy isn't the right word. But I'm fine and that's enough." I looked Red in the eyes with a worried look. "Dawn isn't fine." Red nodded. But his facial expression told me he didn't agree. I just walked away and walked to Dawn's room. The halls that were always crowded were almost empty. I walked through the empty hallway to our dormitory. As I opened the door I got a picture in my mind for one second. This time it was a man. Young, between the twenty or thirty. A muscular body with a few scars. His eyes were grey with a bit light blue in it. It was only one second, but I could remember his face perfectly.

"Leaf, you're here."May said. She, Dawn and Misty were sitting on the couch. May frowned as I didn't say anything back. "Everything alright."

"Yeah, I'm fine."I said, nodding slowly. Dawn already had enough problems and since May and Misty seemed happy I didn't want them to worry. I would just forget about that picture. Though forgetting seemed impossible.

"Leaf, can I talk to you, alone."May said. Ever since the accident she had cared for me like she cared for her little brother. I didn't want anyone to worry so I frowned and nodded. Like I didn't know what she was gonna say. I walked after May in my own room. May frowned to me. "Look I get you don't want us to worry, but spill it."

"What are you talking about?"I said. I've always been a good liar. May just glared at me.

"Do you really think I'm that idiotic?"she asked. I rolled my eyes. "Leaf you can say anything. Though please don't give me details about your secret meetings with Gary."

"What?!"I yelled. May chuckled.

"Okay scratch that."she said chuckling. "But seriously, what's wrong?"

"Nothing."I said. "It's nothing."

"Sure."May said. "Are you gonna tell me the truth or what?" I sighed. She wasn't going to give up anytime soon, was she? Fine, I wouldn't give up either.

"I'm telling you," May groaned loudly. "There's nothing."

"Yes there is!"May yelled.

"No there isn't." Then we both smiled and burst out in laughing. "Seriously!" May just laughed harder. I picked up one of my pillows and threw it at May.

"Oh, so there's a love problem!"May yelled throughout her laughing. 

"Why do you think that?"I asked.

"That's mostly the reason to throw pillows." I chuckled. May turned silent. "Right. We should get back to Dawn." I nodded, but wondered why May turned silent. Did I do something wrong? Dawn and Misty were still sitting on the couch. Misty was looking in a bit of a hurry.

"Everything alright?"she asked. I nodded.

"Yeah."May said as she sat down on the couch. "Sorry."

"Don't worry."Misty said. "It's just that I don't have all the time of my life."

"I know, sorry."May said and she then turned to Dawn. Dawn was staring to nothing at all slowly mouthing some words. Her eyes that were usually filled with joy and happiness were now... emotionless.

"Hey Dawn."I said as I sat next to her. No response. She just went on mouthing the words of a song. At least that's what I think it was. "Dawn?"

"Oh, hi."she said with a sad tone I had never heard her use before. May and I exchanged a meaningful look. I took Dawn's hand.

"Dawn,"I said. "What's wrong." Again no response. "Dawn,"I tried again. "I know this isn't how you thought this year was gonna go. And believe me I really do know. But life goes on. And it's not good to keep living in the past. Because you can only live now."

"I should've died."Dawn softly said.

"That wouldn't make this any less harder."I said. "There are people that care about you. Barry and lots of others would be broken. I would be broken."

"Better me than him. You would say the same if it was Red." I thought about that and realized Dawn was right.

"Barry died. There's nothing we can do..."

"Yes we can stop for a moment and think! He lived too you know!"

"He did! But that's the past sentence! I can't turn back in time and stop the freaking accident!"

"Oh so now it's an accident! It's murder Leaf! And how long until the next is gonna fall! What if it's you?! Misty?! May?!"

"Don't you think I have thought about that?!"I screamed. We were getting way too mad at each other.

"What would you know!"Dawn yelled. "You're life's great! You've got out of a kidnap unharmed without any memories!"

"I HAVE MEMORIES!!!"I yelled. As soon as I said it I put my hands before my mouth, but it was too late. I had given them yet another problem to deal with. No. No, it was enough! I walked out of the room and ran outside. Into the gardens. Not knowing where I was going and tears filling my eyes. I hid behind a tree and sled down to sit. And I cried.

"You okay?"a familiar voice said. No. Arceus, please no. I beg you, not him, not now. I tilted my head and looked straight into Gary's eyes. He was worried and I cursed him for being so damn cute! "Leaf?"

"Go away."I murmured. Gary sat down next to me. Of course he didn't listen to me. It was Gary for Arceus sake! "Go away."

"Did you know that it's easier to express yourself around someone you don't like than someone you do like?"Gary asked.

"No."I said. And I buried my face in my knees again.

"Well, it is. So tell me Leaf, what's wrong?"

"Just a fight with Dawn nothing serious."

"Are you seriously giving me the nothing-serious-excuse!"Gary yelled. "Spill it, Leaf!"

"I had a fight with Dawn and I am confused about something I remember from the kidnapping." Why, why did I say that! This was the most stupid idea I have had in all my life!

"What did you saw?"Gary said. I looked him in the eye. No! No! Don't tell him!

"I saw a man." Why?! Why did I say that?! What was wrong with me?!

"Darn it Leaf!"Gary screamed suddenly very angry. "That's like the most important thing to know! Get up."

"What?"I asked.

"Get up. Or do I need to help you up?"

"No thanks."I said and I stood up. Then Gary took my hand and dragged me along with him to wherever he was going. 

( ????? POV )

Darn it! She knew! She knew it! I wanted to pick up my phone, but realized it had been taken from me. Shoot! Like it wasn't bad enough already! I ran into my room closing the windows and putting the curtains for them. So that no one would see. I picked a bag up with in it my suit. I was never this fast with putting it on. I took a gun and an old walkie-talkie we had for emergencies.

"She knows, over."I said and I loaded my gun.

"Who?"the man asked.

"Leaf, over."

"What does she know?"

"You need to say over otherwise I don't know when you're finished."I said a little annoyed. "She knows who you are, over."

"Shoot her." I nodded though he didn't see it. I hid the walkie-talkie again and climbed up the roof. From there I had a better view. Leaf and Gary didn't seem to be far, but I needed to come closer anyways. I walked on top of the roof. Swift, but silent. I almost tripped, but restored my balance. I took the gun in my hand. I was still not getting used to this weapon, but it did. For now.

I missed.

From all the shots I've taken this was the worst. At first, it didn't hit Leaf. It hit Gary. The second shot I took hit a tree. I was getting really frustrated now. My life depended on this damn shot!

Then from out of nowhere there came a shot. It wasn't me. I hadn't fired it. I quickly looked where it came from, but there was no one. Leaf was hit with some sort of injection. Gary's shoulder was bleeding, but he still went to Leaf and got out the injection. Then he shook her up. But it was like Leaf was dead, but without any blood.

Good. It didn't matter who did it anyway. The only thing that mattered was her being dead.

( Gary's POV )

"Someone help!"I screamed. Leaf lay on the ground and didn't move. I was too hurt to check her pulse. There was a sharp pain in my shoulder, but I ignored it. Leaf was more important. "Help!"

Someone ran up to me. Red. From all people why Red! But it didn't matter.

"Feel her pulse."I commanded. For once Red didn't ask questions and did immediately what I told him to.

"She's alive."Red said. "But we should bring her to the hospital. Immediately." I nodded and tried to stand up. My shoulder seemed to bleed even harder by doing so, but I again ignored the pain and helped up Leaf with my good arm. Red was focused on Leaf with worry in his eyes. We ran as fast as we could to the hospital. The receptionist called a doctor and Leaf was taken away. I sighed out of relief.

"Sir."the receptionist said. I looked at her. "You're wounds are actually worse. They'll be taking you to the emergency room."

"Wait..."I tried, but the doctors put me on a bed and I couldn't struggle in this shape. I could only hope Leaf was alright.

( Misty's POV )

I ran downstairs to Ash's room and knocked on the door.

"Who's there?"I heard someone say. But it wasn't Ash.

"Misty!"I yelled. The door opened and Drew appeared in the doorway.

"Hey."he said. "Ehm... Ash isn't here yet. But make yourself at home. I've got popcorn and I stole some of Paul's music. You can't say you never wanted to hear what Paul listens to." I chuckled and sat on the long couch that seemed to be longer than ours. They seemed to have a bigger room. The door to Paul's room was filled with borders with keep out. The rest of the doors seemed blank. My eyes went to the enormous tv in the living room.

I heard some music and smiled. Drew came out of the kitchen with a bowl of popcorn.

"Wait here, he can be here in any minute."Drew said.

"How do you know?"I said. Drew grinned.

"Ash is always late." Then he walked inside his room and left me here alone with Paul's tragic songs. Then the door opened and Ash came in.

"Ah, you're here."I said. "Please tell me you didn't forget our presentation."

"I didn't, don't worry."Ash said and he then frowned. "What are you listening to?" I laughed.

"Drew stole some of Paul's music. This is one of those albums." Now Ash burst out in laughter too. He then opened the door of his room.

"Would you like to come in."he said in a playful way.

"Why thank you, yes."I said with a princess like bow. I then stepped inside his room for the second time. I sat down in the chair as Ash flopped onto his bed and took his books. My eyes were focused on him as he searched for the right page. Then he looked up to me.

"Am I that interesting?"he asked and I turned red.

"Of course not!"I yelled. "I'm just waiting for you. I already have the right page."

"Than why are you blushing?"he asked. I blushed even more. Ash just smirked at me with amusement in his eyes.

"I'm not blushing!"I yelled. Ash just chuckled. I glared at him, but he gave me an innocent look. "Who do you think you are?"

"Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town."he said. "Does your boyfriend count too?"

"We're not together."

"Yet."

"I don't like you."

"You wish!"

"You're not and will never be my boyfriend."

"You sure?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" He gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. I turned once again red.

"I shouldn't call you Misty, more like obvious."Ash said.

"Ketchup."I said and with that Pikachu jumped from Ash's desk.

"Pikachu?"it asked.

"There's no ketchup Pikachu!"Ash yelled. "And why are you here? This is personal!" 

Pikachu gave Ash an annoyed look. Which I translated as: 'Are you serious right now? Do you think I would miss this? And where is my ketchup?' Never was there a pokémon which facial expression was that easy to read.

Ash just waited until Pikachu finally left the room to ask Drew for some ketchup. I chuckled. "You could've just given it some ketchup, you know."

"We don't have any ketchup anymore. Pikachu already ate everything." I smiled. And stepped to the window. I needed to blow this thing, whatever it was I had with Ash, off. I knew what could happen. And I didn't want to be responsible for yet another dead body.

"Ash..."I started. He looked up, his brown eyes sparkling in the sunlight. I couldn't do it. I couldn't blow this off. He deserved someone better than me, but I was selfish. And since I now had his attention I leaned forward to him and gave him a tiny kiss on the cheek. I wished I didn't, but it felt so right.

( time skip )

Leaf wasn't back yet. But I needed to sleep. My bed was warm and I heard the rain outside. I rolled around. I was back in Cerulean City. And I saw him die. Again. And again. And again. Until I woke up, gasping for air. My head was sweaty and it was just 2 in the morning. I decided to go take a shower. Wash off all the crazy ideas. But nothing helped. I couldn't sleep.

I switched the light on and picked up a book. Now something else went through my mind. Something Leaf had said. 'I only remember a vague... kind of picture. In my mind.' I took a jacket and a paperclip and opened the door. It shouldn't be that easy, but it was. I walked as silent as I could, which held in I wasn't silent at all. I hid my face under my hood.

I wanted to turn to my right, but a hand pulled me back. I turned around as quickly as possible and stared right into Ash's eyes. What was he doing here? I opened my mouth, but he made a gesture to be silent. I obeyed and listened carefully.

"Is he going to be alright?" That was Leaf's voice. Who was she talking about?

"Why do you care?" Red. What was going on?

"He's my friend."Leaf said. "Am I not allowed to worry about friends?"

"He's not your friend, Leaf."

"He's gonna be just fine."someone else said. I had heard that sentence from the same person just two days ago. The school nurse. "Now you two better rest. It's late."

"I can't sleep."Leaf said.

"Because of him?"

"Because of everything. I've got kidnapped Red. Not only that but a week later someone tried to kill me. Gary was helping me." So Gary was the one that Leaf was worried for. I still didn't get it, but it became a little clearer.

"Leaf how well do you know the guy?"

"Good enough to know he's a nice person."

"Stop!"the nurse yelled. A soft yell, almost a whisper-yell.

"I'm not going anywhere."Leaf said. Red made an angry sound.

"Do you know who brought you here?"Red asked. "Me, I brought you here. And if I didn't you might still be laying on the ground."

"Yes, you did. But so did Gary. And he was hurt more than I was."

I looked at Ash who smirked at me. 'What?'I mouthed.

'You're cute when you're confused.'

'You're idiotic when you try to make fun of me.'

'I'm not stupid.'

'Right.'

'I'm just naive.'

'That too.'

'You're annoying.'

'Ever tried a mirror?'

'I hate you.'

'You must mean you love me.'

'You know me too well.'

'It's my job.'And with that our conversation without actually saying something ended. Red came by and was furious. I guess Leaf had practically rejected him. Oh well. I heard a door open and looked around the corner. Leaf stepped inside and closed the door. The nurse walked away too. I  smiled at Ash. A goofy smile, but a smile.

"You should go back to bed."he then whispered.

"As if you can sleep."I whispered back. He smirked at me and kissed me on the forehead, which made me blush.

"Goodnight."he whispered and he walked away. I walked back to my room and immediately fell asleep. And I had good dreams, for once.

( Leaf's POV )

I saw him laying down. They had given him an injection so he would fall asleep. His shoulder was still bleeding, but getting better. I sat down and took his hand in mine. I leaned forward and gave him a kiss on his lips. He didn't wake up and I smiled.

"Goodnight."I whispered. I turned around and wanted to stand up. But then I felt the hand I was holding move and I looked up to Gary again.

"Don't leave,"he said hoarse. My eyes widened, but then I smiled and sat back in the chair. I tightened my grip on his hand.  And shook my head.

"I won't."I said. I couldn't look away. It was like my eyes were glued to his. And I drowned in his beautiful eyes until they closed. And I wouldn't leave, I would never leave him. And I sat there with him, holding his hand. Until I fell asleep.

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I know you also have things to do, so sorry for the long chapter. Though I'm kinda happy with how the chapter turned out. So, what did you think?

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                   -LapisLazulli2-