A/N Sorry this took so long to post, I was extremely sick on the weekend and packed with homework this week so here it is! I had to revise it 3 times cause the others.. well like no romance.. not even I would read it.

Dedicated to Nadine, who is a crazy awesome friend.

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon… JK I own the games.

Clair was the first to emerge from the Team Rocket Headquarters, in the black clothing she wore. A bag was slumped against her, the Team Rocket uniforms hidden within. Ash, hunched over, walked through the doorway, pushing upwards to straighten his back. He grumbled, and turned the Center. "Hey Ash, I'm going to go grab something to eat, be back later." Clair swung around, fading into the City. Ash waved his hand as he walked the other way, signaling his approval. He shoved his hands in his pockets, gazing at the sky. He fixed his eyes on the stars, slowly becoming visual as the sky darkened. He sighed, dropping his head. He didn't want to be a part of Team Rocket. And he definitely didn't want to face Giovanni again. It was difficult the first time, just imagine how strong he was now! Then again, he thought, Clair will be helping me. But what about Vladimir? I've never battled him! Who knows how strong he is! Ash's mind was clouded with doubt. He stopped at a bench and collapsed, losing himself again. What if I lose. I would have let Clair down. I would have let Lance down. I would have let everyone down. He paused, I would have let down Misty. He shook his head running a hand through his hair. He flung himself off the bench, continuing down an alley.

She hurried down the sidewalk, lampposts firing up as she walked by them. The glanced around the somewhat familiar area, trying to find a building. "Where are you…" she said to herself, switching her face to the buildings on her left.

He froze, whipping around to see the end of the alley where he once was. He jumped over to the corner of the brick building, trying to recall what he heard.

She clung to her bag, switching her head to across the street at some bakery. Ripples of coldness came down on her as she felt someone slide their arm around her stomach, another hand blocking her mouth. "MPPPPH!" The person pulled her into the darkness, not a sound to be heard. A man with a graying curly mustache appeared in the window, flipping a sign to close the bakery.

"Hello?" Popped a voice from the house.

"Hey, it's me. I've got a letter here from Lance…" The door clawed against the floor as it showed a tall skinny man. He had ruffled green hair that extended out from his head. He wore some plaid pajamas, extending his hand to receive the letter. Clair handed her cousin the letter, a dragon mark on it.

"What are you doing in Saffron?" He said, staring at the letter in his clutches.

"Dragon Clan matters," she lied, still examining him. "You look different." She stated, the man still fixated on the letter.

"I haven't been to the gym like the others," he now fumbled with the letter, trying to tear the seal carefully. All members of the Dragon Clan must stay fit, but fit being not just skinny, but strong.

"Where's Bagon?" She referenced to his Pokemon.

"Uhh, he's in training. I gotta go." And with that, he slammed the door, a clever Clair smirking.

She struggled with the man who held her tightly, trying to scream. The man released his grip and stared at her. "HUUUH!" She said, gasping. She quickly turned to him and kicked him in the most painful place she could think of.

"YAAAH! Jeez-," he fell down to his knees, soon succumbing to the cold cobblestone alley floor. "Huh." Was all he could say, scrunching up his body.

"Ash?" She said, stepping towards him. Ash shook his head, rolling on his back.

"M-m-mist-eee," his words faded into a breath, calming down a bit. Misty shed a tear before hugging the man who was in the fetal position.

"What are you doing here Ash! You just left me! And Brock!" She got up, folding her arms. Ash somewhat recovered and pulled himself up as well. Taking a deep breath, he turned away from her, and continued down the alley. "HEY! Ash! Where are you going? ASH!" She caught up with him, grabbing his arm. "Ash.."

"Well I thought we could talk about this at the Pokemon Center, seeing it is.." He reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out his PokeDex. "11:42, and Clair is probably going nuts right now." He shoved it back in, brushing his fingers against his jacket. A Ratatta scurried by, making Misty flinch. She still held onto his arm, tugging it.

"Let's go then! Now!" Ash smiled, walking again. His swagger was full of confidence, he was more awake. Feeling the warmth and trust of Misty all on his arm made his heart sink backwards into his chest- a overwhelming feeling of joy. The only barrier between the two was his black jacket in which he wore to his previous meeting. Misty took notice of his new style, and went on to question it. "You into black now?" He joked, Ash still smiling.

"Haha. I just had to wear this to.. this meeting. The theme was.. Dark-type Pokemon. Yeah. And I found this jacket and wore it." He explained, Misty still giggling.

"Sure. And I wore my yellow top for an Electric-type Pokemon meeting- I mean, gathering." Ash sweatdropped. "Now why are you here Ash?" She said again.

"I'll tell you in the Pokemon Center... if you were listening," he grinned as Misty shoved him.

Clair let go of her plan to break into Previon's house and quickly arrived at the Pokemon Center. She barged through the door, making an entrance. "Ash? Where are you?" She narrowed her eyes. No one was in the room. She glanced out of the corner of her eye to see the clock. 12:00 a.m, and no sign of him. With fists forming, she pushed out of the room. She stormed her way out to the lobby, where Ash came through the door. "Ash! Where the hell did you go! I freaking swear..." Ash winced, and quickly pasted by her, going to the room. Misty walked through the door, staring at Clair. Clair curled her lip, now speeding after Ash. Ash was taking off his black jacket as Clair exploded in. "WHY IS SHE HERE? You told her! Ash! You ruined it! You jacked up this whole mission! What did I tell you? You just failed the whole World cause of this!" Clair reached for her Pokeball out of reaction, Ash sinking to the ground.

"I haven't failed yet. We just joined. So stop freaking out. I haven't even told her what I'm doing here or why," he countered, rolling into bed. "Tomorrow one of the executives is leading a whole army of grunts to Johto, so we should attac-" Ash immediately froze when she saw Misty there.

"...You're a part of Team Rocket?" Misty's eyes grew huge with disbelief.

"No tech-" Misty turned away, Ash's heart fell, leaving a pang of emptiness. He could not move, and Clair shot another glare at him.

"You just ruined it. We're leaving tomorrow so we don't get killed by Team Rocket." She paused, "I thought you could keep one secret. Save the World for it too. You're worst than Elex." She flipped over in bed, leaving Ash silent.

I know it's short and probably what you didn't want.. but I wanted a little bit of suspense... plus I can't write my 7 page usual thingy or whatever. I'm studying for a Latin test so...

Next time a bit longer... hope you guys are somewhat enjoying this!

And I know it's confusing with all the switches to a different scene. I couldn't split it up for some reason

UPDATE DATES ARE ON MY PROFILE

If you're having trouble picturing the characters, check out my DeviantART page (link in profile