The figure used Kadabra's Psychic Powers to retrieve the three trainers, still reeling from the effects of the stun spore and virtually unable to move. He then said, "Kadabra, return! It appears they got you pretty bad with that Stun Spore. Fortunately I always keep salveyo weed caplets on me, not that I need any." He dispensed the medicine to the weary travelers. "Now, who are you? Wait, let me guess. Haven't I seen you all on TV once or twice? Like about 2 years ago there was that incident in the Orange Islands."

Ash replied, "You saw that?"

"The world saw that." The man went on, "Now, I know your friends here are Brock and Misty because I keep up with gym leader newsŠbut who are you, to which the Pikachu I saved apparently belongs?"

"I'm Ash Ketchum. Who are you?"

"I'm Nathaniel Rivers, but everyone calls me Nate."

Brock chimed in, "You mean the Nate Rivers who owns the Rivers Restaurant in Saffron City? You must share some of your recipes with me!"

"I'm sorry, but I'm more a businessman than a cook," Nate stated with a nevous smile.

"You mean the Nate Rivers who's on the list of the most eligible millionaire bachelors?" Misty wondered.

Nate blushed. "Yes, I suppose I am. I don't see why that's important, though. I'm no better than any of you."

"But you are different."

"Ash, that doesn't mean anything. Nate is uncomfortable enough already," Brock chided.

"I know, Brock. Nate, you said you weren't completely human. What does that mean?"

Nate collected his thoughts and explained, "Well, it's complicated. Now, I doubt you know this, but my father died before I was born. Before he went, my parents had some embryos frozen."

"Embryos?" Ash asked.

Nate continued, "An embryo is an organism in the very early stages of development. If you looked at it you wouldn't even know if it was human or Pokémon or what. Now, after the embryo was placed into storage at Cerulean Cryogenics-"

Misty interjected, "You're from Cerulean City?"

Nate kept going, "Yes. Now as I was saying, the place was broken into at that time. To this day we don't know by who or what they did. In any case, there were no outward signs of anything abnormal until I was about 4. I was watching a battle when suddenly one of the Pokémon misaimed a Hyper Beam attack which in turn struck me. Now, normally that should be fatal, but I didn't have a scratch."

Everyone was silent for a moment.

Ash asked, "You mean you're immune to Pokémon attacks?"

"Some Pokémon attacks." Nate corrected. "Especially psychic, water, electric, grass, things like that. However, I'm defenseless against stuff like fighting and rock, and normal attacks that aren't energy-based."

"Why?" Misty asked, curious person that she was.

Nate answered, "Several years ago, I had a DNA test. Now, most of it was completely normal. However, some portions had my human DNA replaced by Pokémon DNA. Very crudely, as one would expect from early 1980's technology. It's amazing I even survived."

"So that's what you meant by 'not completely human.'" Brock remarked. "I don't know about you guys, but I think we can get going again. If we hurry, we can make it to Hazelwood Grove before nightfall. Would you like to join us walking, Nate?"

"I'd be more than happy to."

The three of them got up and continued on their way with Nate Rivers, the man with more secrets than answers. Ash wanted to know, "What was that move your Kadabra used?"

Nate filled him in, "That's called a tech move. It's a variation on an attack I've developed by combining my powers with that of the Pokémon. Between all of my Pokémon, I've probably got a couple dozen."

"Are they legal in battles?"

"Some are, some aren't. The one I used back there is because I'm not actually enhancing the attack in any way. I have some pretty nasty ones that hopefully you won't see. You know, this has all been about me. I've hardly heard anything about you guys."

Misty told him, "It's just that you're so interesting, Mr. Rivers."

Ash couldn't resist saying, "In what way, Misty?"

Misty responded by giving Ash "the look." Ash still thought it was worth it.

What's the story between you two, Misty? Oh, and please call me Nate.

Misty, not sure what exactly had just happened, looked around and wondered, "Nate, did you say something to me?"

"I didn't hear anything." Brock said.

Misty, I'm speaking to you telepathically. I know it's been a long time since you've done this. Just relax and send your thoughts over here.

You're a telepath, Nate?

Only with certain people. You were the first person I found. Of course, you were only about 5 when I left to train Pokémon, so you may not remember.

So that was your voice in my head. I wish you had told me. You would have saved my family lots of money on psychiatric help.

Sorry.

That's okay. So, how come I haven't been able to do this with everyone else?

Most people aren't powerful enough psychics to send and recieve messages from you.

Oh.

Anyway, why are you here with Mr. Pikachu?

Well, almost 4 years ago he stole my bike and destroyed it, and I'm staying with him until I get repaid.

You love him, don't you?

I do not!

Misty, it's no use. You'll find it very hard to lie to me.

Promise not to tell him?

I won't tell, but you really need to. I didn't tell a girl once and I'm still kicking myself months later.

What happened to her?

She was killed, when a plane hit her building. It's a very painful story.

Can you tell me?

Not now.

Ash unknowingly interrupted, "So, if you're here Nate, who's running the restaurant?"

"I have good people there. Besides, I never really considered it my restaurant. The previous owner just decided to give it to me."

Brock gave him more credit than that. "But you turned that place from a sleepy little sandwich shop into a world-class restaurant."

Misty added, "And you're rich, too!"

"I'm not rich! Most of that money is tied up in stock and other things."

Nate, it's no use. You'll find it very hard to lie to me.

Why did I reteach you that?

"Sorry, I just don't like the perception that I'm somehow above everyone else. I like to think I'm a normal person."

Ash commented, "I don't think that's ever going to be possible for you."

"You may be right, unfortunately. Some days, my powers are a gift, other days, they are a curse."