Chapter5 – Anistar-Crossed

Anistar City Pokémon Centre…

"Hahaha. I am so going to cherish the moment that Metagross crushed you Hunter," Sniveon laughed. "I can't believe that was real."

Hunter glowered at her. "Awww. Shut up. It wasn't funny. It really hurt."

It was early evening. Hunter was lying in a bed in the Pokémon Centre after being thrashed by Olympia's Metagross at the Anistar City Gym. He had woken up from fainting five minutes ago and Nurse Joy had opened the door to the room to allowed visitors inside.

Ashachu and Sniveon had come bounding in the moment she had opened the door, jumping onto the small bed to make sure their friend was okay. The moment Sniveon had seen him she had burst out giggling remembering the battle.

"Well it was your own fault for challenging it," she teased. "Big Psychic steel type with a brain like a super computer vs little Riolu pup. What were you thinking?"

"I have to agree," said Ashachu with a frown. "The odds weren't exactly in your favour Hunter."

Hunter shrugged. "Well. I'm not going to get stronger by sitting on the sidelines am I."

"Yeah. But getting owned by Metagross isn't going to help much either," Sniveon replied rolling her eyes. "Honestly Hunter."

"So what happened," Hunter then asked. "Did we win the badge."

Ashachu nodded. "Yeah. Hyrdriegon knocked Metagross out with dark pulse and Hirosaki finished off Espeon and Slowbro with this really cool Ice Beam Steel wing combo."

Hunter looked pleased and a little disappointed at the same time. "Awww. I wish I could I seen that…But at least we won."

Hunter looked through the window to his room. Cameron and Lucario were on the other side. It looked as if they were having an argument, but they stopped as Nurse Joy came up to them. Hunter rolled his eyes at the sight of it, "Are those two arguing again."

"Yep," said Ashachu. "They been at it pretty much since we got back 20 minutes ago."

Outside Hunter's room – 5 minutes earlier…

"Lucarrioooo," whined Cameron. "You're the one who keeps saying we should we have to let Hunter do things for himself or he wouldn't get stronger."

Lucario shook his head. "I said he had to learn things for himself," he replied. "I never said you should let him fight a powerful psychic type against which he had a major disadvantage. I really don't know what goes on in that scatterbrained mind of your sometime."

The two were standing outside the Treatment room in the Pokémon Centre along with Sniveon, Ashachu and Hirosaki. Sniveon and Ashachu were by the glass window trying to get glimpses of Hunter being treated by Joy and her Wigglytuff through the glass. Hirosaki had settled himself on a couch and was reading a magazine, determined not to hear Cameron and Lucario's argument.

"Hey come on," Cameron groaned. "I forgot Psychic type moves were super-effective on fighting types. I was thinking that as a fighting type Hunter would be a good choice to fight Metagross. And he wanted to be in the battle."

Lucario made a noise somewhere between a growl of anger and a sigh of exasperation. He glared at his mate and said, "How could you forget that fighting types are weak psychic type moves. You've trained me for long enough."

"Yeah I know," muttered Cameron. "But…"

"And you're supposed to be the trainer. It's up to you which Pokémon go into battle." Lucario folded his arms.

"Well…umm…you didn't say anything," Cameron replied a little defensively.

"Yes I did. I said to you I don't think Hunter is a good choice and you said nah it's cool and that you had a plan. Remember."

"Oh yeah," said Cameron. "But…You didn't have to listen to me. You…errr."He flinched at look Lucario gave him.

Fortunately for him, Nurse Joy came out of Hunter's room at that moment. The moment she opened the door, Ashachu and Sniveon scurried inside.

"All done," she said happily. "Your Riolu's going to be just fine. He just needs rest. You can go in and see him if you like."

Cameron and Lucario smiled looking relieved. "That's a relief," Cameron sighed. "Thanks Nurse Joy."

"Lu-Lucario," Lucario barked.

[Pokémon]

Meanwhile in the communications centre…

Ash was standing at one of the videophones in the Pokémon Centre's communication Centre. He had just called Professor Oak to find out whether the professor had found out anything new about Hikari. Dawn entered the room spotted him and walked over to him.

"Oh there you are Ash," she said. "How's Pikachu making out."

"He's great," replied Ash turning away from the video screen to face. "Him and some of the other Pokémon are watching a video next door."

"Well well Dawn. It's nice to see you again," said Professor Oak.

"Huh." Dawn looked curiously at the screen having not realised the phone was in use. She beamed the moment she saw Professor however she beamed and exclaimed excitedly "It's the poetry man."

Professor Oak chuckled. Ash looked slightly embarrassed. "I was just asking the professor whether he'd found out anything more about what happened to Hikari yet," he explained.

"Ah yes," said the professor with a frown. "I'm afraid not. There's nothing in any literature that resembles what you described. Or even in myths legends and stories. I've spoken to Professor Elm in Newbark Town and Professor Birch in Littleroot Town and they don't seem to have any ideas either."

"Oh." Ash was surprised and disappointed. "Hikari's more of a mystery than I thought."

"I think it would be a good idea to take a DNA sample," Continued Professor Oak. "Would you mind brining Hikari to the lab when you get back to Pallet Town."

Ash nodded. "Sure thing Professor. I'll bring him round the minute I get back. But that will have to wait until the Kalos League."

"Of course," the professor replied with a smile. "I'd nearly forgotten. The league's starting in a few days. Tell me my boy have you got all your gym badges yet."

Ash smiled broadly. "Yep," he claimed happily. "We just won our eight badge today. Tah-da." He pulled his badge case out his pocket, opened it and held it up to the camera so Professor Oak could see.

"Marvellous," Oak chuckled. "The best of luck to you then my boy. And remember." He closed his eyes and recited a little poem. "Be sure to praise your Pokémon, whether you win or loose. Because without their love and support, a league isn't something to be in you could choose."

Ash resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the bad poem and said "Thanks' Professor. I won't forget."

Dawn however looked impressed exclaiming. "Wow that's amazing. You write Poetry even when your giving out advice."

[Pokémon]

Pokémon Centre lounge room…

"And now. Pokéstar studios presents… Goldenrod Story. Staring a Mienfoo as Maria, a Dewott as Tony and Brycen-man as, the card table."

A Mienfoo and a Dewott stood together on a dark street, the lights of Goldenrod Tower shining in the distance behind them. The two were embracing, Dewott's strong paws around Mienfoo's back. "I love you Maria," the Dewott said. "I want to stay with you forever…"

The Meinfoo gave a sniffle and replied "I know. I love you too. But we can't do this. M-My brothers would kill you if they found. And I couldn't live with that."

"I don't care," said Dewott. "I'm willing to take that risk." He pulled her closer to him placing a rough kiss on her maw…

Oshawott made a noise of disgust glaring at the television screen. "Ugh. What in the distortion world is this trash."

Oshawott, Pikachu, Snivy, Axew, Zorua, Hikari, Sylveon and Piplup were sitting on a rug in in the recreation room. There was nobody else there except a Bunnelby sleeping on a armchair at the back, so they had the room more or less to themselves. Everyone except Sylveon was was curled up and sleeping gently was watching the Television.

"Goldenrod story," Axew said fondly as he gazed wide eyed at the screen. "And it's one of my favourite movies so Shhh."

Zorua gaped at the screen open mouthed. "You mean this is the famous Goldenrod story, you've been going on about like forever," he said incredulously. "This garage."

Axew glowered at him. "Shut up Zorua. It's the story of two Pokémon from rival packs who love each other. It's beautiful."

Zorua rolled his eyes and then whispered to Pikachu "He's been talking about this movie for as long as I've known him. Every time we snuck into that theatre to see a film he'd always compare it the film to Goldenrod Story."

Pikachu nodded. "Mmmhmm. I know how you feel. Ash used to make me a show called the Hoenn Rangers when he was younger," he said wrinkling his nose remembering the colourful humans in their outfits that resembled a different Pokémon. "It was so boring and I had to sit there in his lap watching it with him. I was pleased when it was cancelled."

The scene on the television changed from Tony and Maria kissing, to a second older Dewott fighting a male Mienshao, while Tony watched on. The larger fighting type was dominating the water type. Tony attempted to stop the fight jumping between the other Dewott and Mienshao, but Mienshao used the opportunity to seize on of it's Scalchops and stab the other Dewott's in the stomach.

Axew gave a little sniffle. "Awww. This parts parts always so sad. Tony looses his brother."

Zorua stared at the screen then rolled his eyes. "What are you talking about. This is so fake. Look you can see the Dewott's still breathing. And the blood looks like a crush tomato berry in his fur."

"I don't know if I can take much more of this," said Oshawott. "Is there a remote or some way of changing channels."

"I think you use this knob on the side," said Snivy extending her vines and turning a knob on the right of the screen.

The screen flickered and the picture changed from Tony weeping over the older Dewott's body to a pink haired Newsreader sitting at a desk. Pikachu's eyes narrowed at the sight of her "Hey. It's that Malva woman," he said with a growl remembering battling against her Pyroar back in Santalune City.

Axew and Piplup glared at Snviy. "Hey I was watching that," whined Axew.

"Yeah put it back," demanded Piplup.

"Tensions were high in Parliament today as rumours of a treaty between separatists leaders in the Mystery Dungeon world and the warlords of Dragnor became public," Malva said. "In a divisive vote this afternoon, the senate yet again narrowly rejected another Bill that would have given the Executive Council the power to conscript strong trainers to the army. A bill expending military powers including giving armed forces the power to summarily execute grunts if caught in Villainous team uniforms was introduced in the house but is unlikely to pass due to ambiguities about it's constitutional validity. We now go live to Entralink correspondent James Millier…"

"Boring," groaned Oshawott. "What else is on."

Snivy turned the knob again. Malva disappeared and was replaced by a man in a suit standing outside a tall building.

"If you've been involved in an accident and suffered injured or disabled you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Diamond and Pearl Solicitors today on 1800-969-567 for a free consultation."

"Still too boring," said Oshawott. "Next."

Snivy turned the knob a third time. The image changed to a Xatu and a Natu standing at the bow a ship…that looked like it was flying in space.

"Oh come on Snivy," Axew whined. "Go back to Goldenrod story."

"You might as well," said Pikachu. "There's nothing else on."

Snivy sighed. "Oh…Alright." She turned the knob the other way flicking through more channels. Images of a Beedrill, a man balancing a plate on top of a long nose and a Marshtomp and two Pichus flying a fighter jet flickered by.

Snivy frowned. "Hmmm…can't seem to find the channel."

"You've gone too far," said Piplup. "You need to go back up."

Snivy turned the knob the other way. More Beedrill, a giant Meowth and a man juggling flickered by.

"I can't take this anymore," said Oshawott. "I'm going to play outside. You coming Hikari."

He looked at the electric mouse who'd been lying next to him his head on his paws. Hikari sat up and said "sure." As he was getting to his paws however He suddenly let out a squeal of pain and clutched his head with a paw.

"Hikari. What's wrong."

Everybody immediately looked at him in concern including Sylveon who woke up. They gathered around him and Oshawott and Piplup both tried to put their arms around him. But Oshawott shoved Piplup in the chest pushing him away and got to Hikari first.

"Hikari."

"I'm..I'm okay," Hikari said in a weak voice. "I-I get these t-t-terrible headaches from time to time. B-b-but they usually pass. Piiikaaa." He grunted in pain and closed one eye. "Arghh." He moaned. "It feels like there's a claw stabbing in my head."

"Osshaaa." Oshawott rubbed his back gently.

Piplup looked at him sadly for a moment then had an idea. He looked up at the ceiling and fired bubble beam sending a burst of bubbles into the air. He then used ice beam freezing the bubbles solid. They fell back to the ground as balls of ice, where they begun to melt into the carpet.

"Here you go." Piplup picked up one of the balls and held it on Hikari's head, a sort of makeshift ice pack.

Hikari sighed with relief. "Agh. That feels good. Thanks."

Piplup smirked to himself and Oshawott threw him dirty look a small growl escaping his maw. A minute later Hikari's headache started to fade. He took his paw off his head and opened his eye noticing everyone looking at him.

"Are you okay now," Sylveon asked kindly.

"Yeah," Hikari panted. "I'm okay now. I get headaches like this all the time. It's really painful but it always passes after a while."

The other Pokémon all exchanged concerned looks and Pikachu asked "How long as this been happening for."

"As long as I can remember," replied Hikari.

"Since you were a Pichu."

Hikari shook his head "I wasn't ever a Pichu. I was a born a Pikachu."

Pikachu raised his eyebrows curiously. He had heard that some Pikachu did hatch from their eggs as Pikachu's and missed the Pichu stage but he'd never met anyone this had happened to. Even he vaguely remembered spending the first few weeks of his life in his pre-evolved form.

"Maybe you should tell Ash or the nurse," Snivy suggested. "They might be able to help you get it fixed.

Hikari shook his head. "There's no point. They never last that long anyway…"

Later that evening…

Pikachu and Ash lay comfortably in their bed. Pikachu was sprawled across on Ash's chest, his eyes half closed from tiredness. The sound of his heartbeat against his ear was soothing, almost like a lullaby. The covers were draped across their bodies and a beam of silvery moonlight shone across them from the open window

"You buddy. I'm really proud of you today," Ash said, giving Pikachu a scratch behind his ears.

"Chaaaaa…" Pikachu cooed at the feel of his mate's soft fingers rubbing his head so gently. "I thought you were proud of everyday."

"I am," Ash said with a grin. "But you're battling was amazing today."

Pikachu smiled happily, blushing slightly. Glowing at the praise from his mate. "I know," he said slyly, rubbing his paw on Ash's chest. "But it's only because I've got such a great trainer to tell me what moves to use. You should be proud of yourself. It was your idea to use Metagross's attack against it."

Ash made a little snort of laughter. "Yeah well. I still couldn't have done any of it without ya.." He lifted his head slightly and kissed on his forehead.

The mouse's blush deepened slightly. "We make a good team don't we," he said.

"We sure do," replied Ash. "We sure do." He gave Pikachu another scratch behind the ears and then said "Hey buddy. I gotta ask. Aren't you mad about seeing me kiss Oshawott in that vision Xatu showed us?"

"Pii…" Pikachu suddenly sat up now fully awake. His ears that, which had been folded back against the side of his head shot up. "I was," he said. "When I first saw it I wanted to zap Oshawott from here to Hoenn. But I'm not any more. I'm too exhausted to be angry. And I trust you. I know you'd never be unfaithful to me."

Ash stroked Pikachu's face and said "Thanks Pikachu. But aren't you even a little bit worried about what it might mean."

Pikachu shrugged. "Not really."

This was not strictly true. Horrible thoughts had been gnawing on Pikachu's mind since he'd seen the vision. Could it mean he and Ash broke up. Could really bad happen to him.

"Really Pikachu," Ash said frowning at him. He knew Pikachu well enough to know when he wasn't being entirely truthful and the same thoughts that bothered Pikachu bothered him also. "You aren't worried it could…"

"Shhh.." Pikachu placed his paw on Ash's mouth. "We shouldn't be worrying ourselves by trying to work out what Xatu's vision means. You heard the Pokédex. Nobody knows whether Xatu's visions are accurate."

"Yeah. I suppose you're right," Ash said. He sighed and smiled warmly at his starter. "I love you Pikachu."

Pikachu smiled back. "I love you Pikapi." He lay down against Ash and pressed his muzzle against his trainers mouth and kissed him.

[Pokémon]

In the middle of the night…

Midnight submarine attack is not something that the pragmatic civil servant considers when choosing the location for a Pokémon. It might be something that the military may consider when drawing plans for a naval base.

But a planner in the department of social services, probably not. After all who is going to lauch a submarine attack on a Pokémon Centre. The answer: Three Team Rocket Agents, desperate to get their hands on a certain Pikachu…

The Anistar City Pokémon Centre was located on a concrete pier right on the edge of the riverbank. The windows of many of the bedrooms and treatment room opened out on to. The initial building plans had even included a boat jetty at the back but this had been abandoned as unnecessary cost and removed before the final draft.

It was 1:16AM when Team Rocket's Magikarp Submarine broke the surface of the river. Because the machine was peddle powered it didn't make any noise and in the dead of night it's dark form could hardly be seen on the black surface of the water.

The hatch at the top of the Submarine (one of the Magikarps fins) opened and Jessie, James, Meowth and Braxien climbed out and stood on the top of the machine. Jessie and James were dressed in black burglars outfits and they all had a black mask over their eyes.

Jessie silently pulled out a grappling gun and fired it at a window on the top floor of the centre…

Inside…

Meowth put his head through the window and allowed his eyes to adjust to the dark. The room looked like a storeroom. There were boxes of supplies stacked against the wall and a pair of large refrigerator a in the corner.

"Meowth. Move it. Get your furry but in there." Jessie poked him painfully in the back side. Meowth pulled in self over the windowsill and he fell into the room. He stood up and turned around in time to see Jessie, James and Braxien climb in after him.

"Alright," said Jessie with a slight groan as she straighten herself up. "I suggest we split into two teams and grab as many Pokéballs as we can."

James nodded "Okey doke."

"Yeah Okey doke," said Meowth seeing nothing wrong with Jessie's plan. That was until he saw who his teammates were…

"Of course. When I agreed to this I'd hadn't figured I'd be part of team yahoo," he muttered as he at Wobbufett, Noibat and Carnavine.

"Wobbufeetttt." Wobbufett smile happily and did his usual silly salute.

Meowth rolled his eyes. "'Kay whatever. I want you three to boogie to the basics."

Ash's room…

Ash and Pikachu were heavy sleepers. Something that unfortunately made them vulnerable to mid-night Pikachu from Team Rocket. The door creaked slightly as it was pushed open but the sound was barely audible over Ash's snoring.

Jessie, James and Braxien tiptoed inside. Their eyes falling quickly on the boy and his mouse lover fast asleep on the bottom bunks of the two bunk beds in the room.

"Awwww. Pleasant dreams Pikachu," Jessie said sarcastically making a mocking cute face but being sure to keep her voice down.

Ash was lying sprawled on the bed naked but with the sheets draped over his waste. His mouth was hanging open slightly and he was drooling onto the pillow. Pikachu was lying on his stomach sprawled across Ash's bare chest.

James smirked at them. "Like taking candy out of the mouth of babes," he whispered raising a pair of tongs and a small brown sack. He then carefully used the tongs to pick Pikachu up off Ash's chest and placed gently him into the bag…

In a random hallway…

Meowth, Noibat, Wobbufett went from bedroom to bedroom stealing Pokéballs from the trainers sleeping inside and put them into Carnavine's mouth.

"Nya…"

"Wobba…"

"Noi…"

Meowth was surprised by how good at this Noibat and Wobbufett were, creeping silently into each room not one of them waking the trainers. They were almost as good as he was.

"Nya…"

"Wobba…"

"Noi…"

The three shoved pawful after pawful of the red and white balls into Carnavine. Soon he was so full he couldn't close his mouth…Or move. He swayed on his roots the weight of the Pokéballs in his mouth making it difficult to stand up straight. "Car..Carnavine," he said in a muffled voice.

"Easy kiddo," said Meowth as he Wobbufett and Noibat tried to keep Carnavine standing.

"Wobba wobba."

"Noi Noibat."

Meowth was just wondering how they were going to get back out the building and into the submarine when Carnavine gaged regurgitating the Pokéballs.

"Carnavine…"

Meowth shut his eyes as the sound of many metal balls dropping onto the wooden floor echoed through the corridor. He waited for the sounds of trainers rising from their beds and descending on the corridor… Thankfully it never came.

He breathed a sigh of relief then he, Wobbufett and Noibat scooped the Pokéballs up and put them back into Carnavine's mouth. "Good job you didn't swallow 'em," Meowth muttered shoving a pawful back inside.

Then he heard a soft familiar voice behind him. "Meowth…"

He froze and Noibat and Wobbufett gasped.

"Meowth…What are you doing."

He slowly turned around and saw Servine her Pokéball lying open by her feet. Cameron must have been one of the trainers Wobbufett and Noibat had stolen from.

"S-Servine," he stuttered.

Servine looked at him and then at Carnavine and the others. Her eyes narrowed at the sight of the Pokéballs in Carnavine's mouth. "Are you three stealing Pokéballs?"

"Errr…Dis ain't what it looks like," Meowth said as two Pokéballs dropped from Carnavine's mouth and hit the floor with a loud thud.

"Then what are doing," Servine asked. "Why…Hang on." Realisation dawned on her face followed by sadness and betrayal. "You. You've got Cameron's Pokéballs in there haven't you."

Meowth swallowed nervously. He didn't know what to say.

"You've been stealing from Cameron," Servine accused a note of anger in her voice. "Meowth I…" Servine's voice wavered. She knew what Meowth was. What Team Rocket did. She had seen the Trio attempt kidnap Pikachu.

But Servine had always put that to the back of her mind. It was his business. And it didn't change how she felt. But for some reason, seeing these stolen Pokéballs and knowing how Cameron was going to feel when he woke up and realised his beloved partners weren't with him herself included. It was too much for her heart to bare.

"I won't let you take those Pokéballs," she all but growled.

Meowth felt uneasy. Servine was glaring at them with a similar expression and anger and determination that the other 'twerp Pokémon' usually gave him before delivering some powerful attack and sending him blasting off.

"Noi Noibat." Noibat quailed at Servine's glare and Wobbufett shifted nervously.

"C'mon dal," Meowth said pleadingly. "If I don't…"

"You aren't taking those Pokéballs," Servine hissed again. "Her voice icy. I love you Meowth and I always will. But I won't let you and Team Rocket do this to Cameron." He tail begun to glow and grew into a blade.

Meowth sighed. He really didn't want to fight his mate but he also didn't want to feel Jessie's wrath should he screw up this assignment. "Servine. Please don't…"

But before Meowth could finish something happened to Servine. Her eyes lost focus and she collapsed unconscious. "Servine."

As she fell, it was revealed that Inkay was floating behind her. The little squid was smirking and holding a frying pan in his tentacles. "Honestly Meowth," he said. "Can't you get one job right." He picked up Servine's Pokéball, returned Servine to it then tossed the ball to the Meowth.

He caught it gently in his paws and looked at it dumbfounded. "Inkay. What're you doing here."

"James figured you might need a paw," Inkay replied nonchalantly. "And he was right by the looks of things. Now come on let's go…"

Meowth sighed as they made their way back up through the the building towards the storage room and the Submarine. They moved slowly both because Carnavine was having difficulty and they needed to ensure their footsteps didn't wake anyone.

He felt Servine's Pokéball as if it was burning a hole in his paw, a massive conflict raging in his head. 'Ughh. What happens when we give all these Pokéballs to da boss. Servine's not gonna like it when I tell her what happened to all her friends. Plus she's already told me she don't wanna leave dat twerp. Oh man…I never thought I'd say dis but I wish Pikachu were 'ere to thunderbolt us.'

These painful thoughts were so intense that Meowth wasn't actually paying attention to where he was going. He accidental wandered into one of the empty bedrooms leading the others with him…Where Axew and Zorua were engaged in a passionate mating session. The little dragon was laying on his back moaning, with Zorua on top of him thrusting into him.

"Yew…Yew…AXXEWWWW…"

"Oh my…" Meowth gave an involuntary exclamation of shock as he saw the little dragon lying on it's back with the tricky fox on top of him. The room reeked of sex. "I…Ummm…Errr."

"Wobba." Wobbufett's jaw dropped. He then placed his hands over Noibat's eyes.

"Huh." Axew and Zorua looked up startled. The moment they saw Meowth and the others they tried to scramble to their paw, Axew trying to push Zorua off him. Unfortunately as they were still connected they fell over.

"Meowth. What are you doing here," shouted Zorua finally managing to pull himself off Axew. He put his tail between his legs to cover his still erect male hood and glared at Meowth.

"Carnavine.." A few Pokéballs fell from Carnavine's mouth.

"Are those Pokéballs," said Axew.

"Sorry to bother you 'nd all. We'll um just be going now." Meowth quickly grabbed the fallen Pokéballs and stuffed them back into Carnavine's mouth.

Axew let out a powerful scream that woke the entire Pokémon Centre. "AAAAXEEEEWWWWWW."

Lobby…

Chaos and confusion. That best described the situation. Cameron burst into the lobby dressed only in a pair of boxer shorts, barefoot and naked from the waste up. Lucario was by his side. He spotted Dawn, Piplup, Axew and Zorua quickly and ran over to them.

"Dawn. My Pokéballs are missing."

"What," replied Dawn. "Who…"

"Arghh. Dawn Cameron." Ash suddenly ran over to them looking panic stricken. "Somebody's taken Pikachu."

"What," gasped Dawn. "Wh-who would do such a thing."

"I don't know. I woke up and he wasn't there."

"My Pokéballs too," said Cameron. "Someone must have been in my room."

"Yew Yew Axew." Axew frantically pointed towards the front door. They all ran outside and over to the railing at the edge of the pier where they saw four dark figures attempting to climb over the railings at the end of the pier into their submarine.

"STOP," Ash yelled. "Give Pikachu and those other Pokémon back."

The moment they heard Ash the three of them pulled off their black outfits revealing themselves to be Team Rocket and recited their motto…

"Prepare for trouble. You know the drill."

"And make it double. You'll get your fill."

"To protect the world from devastation…"

"To unite the people within our n…"

"Okay Stop." Meowth stepped forward and held up both his paws to silence.

Jessie and James fell silent confused by Meowth's actions. "Huh…Meowth what are you doing," Jessie snapped.

"Yeah. What gives," asked James.

Meowth sighed. "I…I can't do dis anymore."

Everybody presented gaped at him. Ash's jaw dropped and the only sound he was able to make was "Huh…" Cameron frowned at Lucario and asked "What's his angle." Lucario shook his head in surprise.

"Huh," gasped Dawn. "Did Meowth just grow a conscience."

Jessie glared at Meowth and snapped. "Meowth if you don't get back into position so we can finish the motto this instant I'm going to…"

"I gotta come clean," said Meowth cutting Jessie off. "Go Servine." He threw the Pokéball in his paw and Servine burst out landing next to him.

"Ser-Servine," exclaimed Cameron.

"Servine." Servine looked around at everyone surprised and then at Meowth. She saw the expression on Meowth's face and realised what he was about to do. Her eyes widened and she said pleadingly. "Meowth…Don't."

"Servine and I are mates," Meowth declared taking hold of Servine's paw.

Silence followed as everyone stared at the two of them standing together. Then Cameron uttered "Servine…Is this true."

"What do you mean mates," demanded Jessie. "Are you trying to tell me that you and this Servine are…Are." She searched around for the right word.

Servine saved her the need. She looked up at Cameron with sad eyes and sighed, "It's true. Meowth and I are in love."

Cameron stared at her in disbelief. "You mean. Your seriously telling me. You and Meowth had. Errr…" He wasn't able to put a complete sentence together.

Just then Pikachu gave a muffled cry of "Pika," and moved again inside the bag.

This cry from his mate brought Ash out of his state of surprise and into action. He grabbed a Pokéball and threw it. "Go Snivy. Get Pikachu out of that bag."

Snivy appeared and taking quick stock of the situation fried leaf Storm at Jessie.

"Oh no you don't. Wobbufett. Counter." Wobbufett jumped in front of Jessie before the spiral of leaves could strike, his body lighting up.

The leaves hit him then rebounded upon Snivy, striking her in the chest. She gave a small cry of pain "Snivyy."

"No Snivy," cried Ash.

Jessie turned to James and Braxien. "Come on. I think it's time we were out of here."

"Right." James nodded and then reached into his pocket pulling out a small remote control. He raised it in the air and pushed a button with his thumb.

At once the water in the river begun to churn and the Magikarp Submarine jumped out. As soon as it was above the surface of the water it started to change. It started to grow, the body becoming longer and stretching out. The fins on it's side elongated to become metal claws and the face split apart to reveal a small cockpit with four seats behind a control panel.

Jessie took Meowth by the ear dragging him away from Servine then jumped into the cockpit along with James, Servine and the other Pokémon. The face then closed around them sealing them inside…along with Pikachu. One of the claws picked up the box of stolen Pokéballs and attached it below the head.

Ash, Dawn, Cameron, Lucario, Piplup, Snivy, Axew and Zorua stepped backwards as they saw the finished product. The Magikarp submarine now looked a long metal mutant Gyarados, except still with a Magikarps face and the addition of hand like metal claws.

There was a burst of laughter from inside. "Now that's tone," said Jessie. "A large chuck of robo hunk."

"A work of art," said James. "Modelled on the elegant, exotic and seductive Gyarados."

"I know," chuckled Jessie. "Let's show those kids how we rough up twerps. First a Rocket punch."

The Gyarados bot raised one of it's claws before bringing it down and smashing the concrete peir.

"LOOK OUT." Ash grabbed Axew, Zorua and Snivy and threw himself out of it's path. It missed him by inches. Cameron, Lucario, Servine and Dawn were sprawled around him. "That thing can punch."

There was a chorus of laughter from inside the machine and they heard Jessie say "And again." The bot raised it's other claw and punched the side of the Pokémon centre, tearing a hole in the brick work as if it were made of paper.

"Alright," said Braxien. "Let's bring the twerps to tears. Force missile porch." The Gyarados fired rockets from it's mouth.

"Our blinding high beam time," said Jessie as the shone bright blinding lights from it's eyes.

"Sample our screwdriver bombardier," added James. The Gyarados begun to spin rapidly in the water causing part of the pier to crack and fall into the water.

Pandemonium rained. A flood of trainers and their Pokémon fled from the Pokémon Center as nurse Joy instructed "get out right away." Ash, Dawn, Cameron Lucario, Snivy, Axew, Zorua, Serivne and Piplup retreated as far as they could watching helplessly as the metal monster went on it's destructive rampage.

"I've gotta do something," said Ash. "Pikachu's in there." He heard a faint cry of "Pikapi" over the noise the machine was making.

"And Hunter and Ashachu are still in the Pokémon Centre," added Cameron.

"Force missle porch."

"High beam time."

"Screwdriver bombardier."

More destruction followed. At this rate the Pokémon Centre would fall into the river…

Piplup had had enough. He took a brave step towards the Gyarados bot waving his flippers frantically shouting "Pip Piplup Piplup…"

"You will," said Dawn. "Alright. Piplup whirlpool Let's go."

Piplup raised his flippers and created a spiralling torrent of water and threw it at Gyarados. The robot punched straight threw it with one of it's claws.

"Oh please. That lame attack would have been fine if you trying to put out a candle," Jessie said gleefully.

Dawn and Piplup weren't giving up. Dawn shouted "Alright. Piplup try bubble beam," and Piplup fired a series of bubbles from his beak. The hit the Gyarados bot in the eyes and stuck making it impossible for Team Rocket to see out.

"We can't see a thing with that blasted bubble wrap," said Jessie now starting to sound fearful.

"We need a big squeegee," said James.

The machine raised it's claws and started swiping them in front it's head trying to burst the bubbles. But that left it open for attack.

"Now's the time Lucario," said Cameron. "Use bone rush to get those Pokéballs back."

"Lu-Carr." Lucario growled and ran at the device, countering an bone from his paws. He ran up the front of the machine and struck the box. It came loose and fell off.

"I've got it." Axew ran forward and caught the box before it could hit the ground, an impressive feat given it was several time larger than he way.

"Way to go Axew," congratulated Ash. "Now. We need to get Pikachu out of there."

Cameron nodded determinately. "We're on it Ash. Don't you worry." He then shouted to Lucario, "Lucario. Crack that thing open with power up punch."

Lucario's paw became surrounded in an orange aura. He jumped and punched the Gyarados bot in the face, knocking off it's outer paneling and leaving Team Rocket exposed.

"Arghh." Jessie, James, Meowth, Braxien and Noibat screamed and huddled together as Lucario stood over them his paw raised in a fist and a vicious snarl across his face. Wobbufett just started at the aura Pokémon blankly as if not quite sure what was happening.

Lucario looked around and found Pikachu stuck in a rubber cage behind James's head. "Pikachu. Hang on I'll get you out of there." He broke the bars with his paw allowing Pikachu to scurry free. The two Pokémon jumped back down to their trainers.

A moment later, Lucario delivered a final power up punch to the Gyarados bot and it exploded. Team Rocket were sent yet again blasting off, Jessie and James bickering about what had gone wrong while Braxien shook his fist at a disappearing Pikachu. Meowth just let the force of the blast carrying him away, feeling nothing.

[Pokémon]

"Huh…Wh-what's going on." Hunter gave a small yawn opening his eyes. The ward was dark and gloomy, the beds and equipment casting eerie shadows. The only source of light was coming from the crack in the door in the far end of the hall. He could hear noises from outside. A series of bang and his mind instantly begun to wonder.

"Wh-What's Th-that." He sat bolt upright as fear took hold of him. His breath becoming fast and heart thumping as he wondered just what monsters were bearing down upon him from outside these walls.

"I-I-It's all in my head," he tried to tell himself. "I-It's just my imagination. I-I-I can't be s-scared. I-I'm a b-brave f-fighting type."

"Hunter…Are you okay."

Hunter heard a familiar voice and felt something soft and furry next to him. He looked down and saw the outline of Ashachu lying next to him, his bright chocolate eyes shinning in the dark.

"A-Ashachu," he stuttered. "W-what are you d-d-doing here."

"I was kinda worried about you," Ashachu replied. "I though you might want some company during the night because you know…The dark and all."

Hunter's heart swelled with emotion. He smiled down at his best friend and said "Th-thanks Lightning butt. Y-You're a true friend. I love you."

Ashachu smiled back. "Don't mention it buddy. I love you too." He sat up and licked the Riolu affectionately on his muzzle.

The two Pokémon lay down together. Hunter put his arms around Ashachu hugging him close, snuggling the warm soft Pikachu like a large plushie. He buried his face in his friends soft warm fur and closed his eyes and gently fell back to sleep. Whatever was happening outside no longer bothering him.