Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon

Description: Meowth steals something from The Grange.

The Tax Form

Meowth had very few responsibilities to uphold, now that he was no longer the third leg—or wheel—to the infamous Jessie and James. They still lived together, still had their moments, but things were much different now compared to their lives two decades ago. Though the riches meant they would never have to starve, or sleep in the woods, or do their hair and makeup in public rest stops, the trio stayed somewhat true to their lying, scheming selves, so long as the offenses weren't too depraved.

And the eldest daughter born to the trio also had her wicked schemes. At least that is what Meowth called it when he discovered a hidden secret written in the fine print of a monthly property tax form. He knew he shouldn't pry on the lives of the twenty-one year olds, nor should he be concerned to begin with, but he was Meowth. Prying is one of the things he did best, and if he could do it in secret, the reward was even more satisfactory.

xoxoxo

"It was nice of you to organize this, Meowth. It has been long since we had a TRio lunch."

"It's been on my mind fere awhile."

The three of them, and Wobbufet, the unofficial fourth member of their union, were hanging at a café in Anistar City, Kalos. It was a nice day, and there were festivals and sales in town, but Jessie and James instinctively knew that there was another reason for Meowth taking them there.

"There has to be something else going on. Whenever you take us out to lunch, you give us some news. There is no way you did this without a cause," Jessie pressed. "There is usually some kind of twist."

James nodded. "And it usually isn't very good twist, either."

"Dere ain't no news, or twists. Yous just…bein' paranoid or whatever," Meowth defended.

"Spit it out, please Meowth. There will be a lot less drama that way. You aren't the smartest cat on the block, but you know that much is true," Jessie replied.

"You already got us where you want us, you are already half way there," James added.

"Okay. Yere right. Dere is a little somethin'," Meowth confessed.

"And…?" Jessie started.

"Yous gotta promise not to get mad at me."

"We won't," said James. He elbowed Jessie. "Right?"

"Right," she begrudgingly agreed.

"I'll start with dis…So, fere de last three months, Annastasia and Michio filed dere own taxes."

"That is strange. Anna-chan hates doing taxes," James responded. "That is why she pays you to do them."

"Michio doesn't do taxes either. At least, that is what I am assuming, because he never does work that he could pay someone else to do. He's too lazy," Jessie added. "And they always paid you to do it, I don't get why that changed."

"I thought it was fishy too, so I did some snooping."

Meowth handed them a paper.

"Read dis carefully, and tell me what yous see."

They looked at him quizzically and then skimmed the paper.

"You stole their tax form. Congrats," Jessie retorted as she handed it back to Meowth. "Cut to the chase."

"Lazy bums," Meowth scolded. He took his paw and pointed to where he wanted them to look.

The two squinted, not expecting to find anything there.

"They got a few deductions, so what?" Jessie complained.

James tapped her on the shoulder and then pointed to where Meowth had told them to look.

"Um, Jess…take a look at what this one is for."

Jessie took a closer look. "It's for getting married…Meowth, is this a joke?!"

Meowth shook his head.

"It is probably fake," said James. "There is no way they would elope. Anna-chan would have said something. We are close, she tells us everything…"

"Not about dis. I figured dat dis would happen one day."

"Why would you say that?" James questioned.

"Because yous two are all about de drama. If she told you she was getting' married, yous two you'd invite everyone ya know, and de whole day would be a disaster. She ain't a shy girl, but her 'SO' is, and besides, she don't like de whole production. She wanted to seal de deal business wise, and she didn't want everyone making a big deal outta it. And yous call me stupid. Yere the idiots."

"I just can't believe this. She has been married for three months and she never said anything? We saw her four times since our annual Christmas party," Jessie responded.

"Did you see dere hands?" Meowth questioned.

"Now that I think about it…I don't think so. It was cold outside, and I noticed her wearing adorable green mittens—I always noticed small details like that—but her hands, she didn't recall a ring. I would have noticed one," Jessie answered.

"It doesn't matter, because Anna-chan doesn't like diamonds. The diamond trade is unethical nowadays," James responded. "And she isn't fond of jewelry in general."

"She don't like expensive jewelry. Not all proposal gifts are fancy jewelry," Meowth retorted.

"The little beast is right. God, I can't believe this!" Jessie ranted. "James, Meowth, are you sure she didn't imply anything? Ah, I am going to kill Michio for making him miss my daughter's wedding! Meowth, I…"

"Hey, yous said yous wouldn't get mad at me!"

"Relax. None of us thought she would get married anyway. It isn't that big of a deal. We eloped, and we didn't have a big wedding until about a year later. Maybe she will do that," said James.

"That was under very different circumstances, and I doubt she got pregnant," Jessie replied.

"That isn't the only reason people elope," James pointed out.

"And I doubt yere daughter is gonna have a big wedding. She isn't de type," Meowth added.

"What are we supposed to do?" Jessie questioned.

"There is nothing we can do except ask her about it," James replied.

"Yeah, let's do that," Jessie decided, standing up. "I have some words for them."

"Can't weeze at least eat first? I'm hungry," Meowth complained.

"So am I. It can wait for a little while," James told her.

Jessie sat back down. "I wonder what I can do for my revenge."

Meowth tried to rub her shoulders, but she shooed him away. She sighed in frustration.

"It would a bit hypocritical for us to get mad at them. They didn't do anything wrong," James remarked.

"I vote they did."

"I'm not gonna comment on dat."

They got their food, and Jessie picked at it, disappointed and hurt that she wasn't a part of this.

"Please don't be like that. It might not be true. It could be a mis—"

Jessie cut James off.

"It isn't a mistake. No one gets married by mistake, and no moron hands out multi-million-dollar tax deductions by accident, either."

"Look at all the money de'll save. Dat's always good," Meowth commented.

"Yeah, all that money. She is giving half her money to him. He's stupid, and arrogant, a gambler, drunk and drug addict…"

"So were yous."

"You want to repeat, that, Meowth?"

"Jess, he's right. Not about the stupid and arrogant part, but the other stuff. He grew, that's over with. It's irrelevant now."

"It's not irrelevant. I know because I've been there. It's in his blood," she responded.

"Okay, but if that is true, isn't it good that she is there for him? It doesn't seem that anyone else would stand by his side except for her and the people she…converted. We were them once, a long time ago. It was just us…and Meowth…and then people gave us a chance. Let's give them a chance."

"Dat was good James, talk like dat more often."

"I don't want to acknowledge this," Jessie replied.

"You should, because our lives would not be like this if it weren't for…you get the point. People like Delia, and Misty, and—"

"You don't have to list them. I suppose that is a tiny bit true, but I have a right to get upset about this. I hate the fact that she thinks we no longer fit in her world."

"We do, just not as much," he responded.

"I can't believe it's over. We are done. She's got her own money…a husband…and a son, technically…But she was a teenager a few years ago. What happened? We all had our eyes on her…"

"De time passes by too fast fere us now dat we have de good life. At least yous got yere other kids. Lily and Maya are gone, and Logan left when Annastasia did. How do you dink I feel? Lucy isn't too happy about it."

"Sorry, Meowth. But they are all happy, and that is comforting. Jay is next…he wants a wedding. We can look forward to that," said James.

"Yeah, and he's probably got it all planned out already," Meowth added.

"I don't want to think about Jay leaving yet. He's mine until someone good enough for him comes along. I am not going to mess up twice in a row," Jessie replied.

"And if yous do, dere is Jocelyn and de other two," Meowth remarked.

"The other two…James, who is babysitting?" Jessie inquired.

"I thought you planned it," he answered.

They both stood up.

"We left them there alone!"

xoxoxo

Later that evening, Jessie and James took a trip to The Grange. The let themselves in through front door, which was left unlocked.

"Annie, a word please, if you don't mind."

"Mom? Papa? When did you…um, hold on though, I have to take care of this first."

Annastasia fed the baby Zubat some berries and a potion. After his vitality was restored, the Pokemon flew out the open window.

"What is up? I did expect you to randomly show up here."

"You are asking us what is up? Explain yourself!" Jessie demanded.

Annastasia knew what was coming. "I figured Meowth would tell you, so I didn't have to."

"But Anna-chan, why would you say that? Are you ashamed of us? Is that why you didn't invite us?" James questioned.

"No, not at all papa. You don't understand. There wasn't a ceremony or anything like that. We just went to a licensed minister and it was done after fifteen minutes of paper work. It's no big deal. You two eloped."

"Our situation was a different. We were both older than you are now, we had known each other our entire lives, and we had a baby," Jessie retorted. "Which was you."

"We were also wondering if you were pregnant," said James.

"Maybe I am. Does it make a difference?" Annastasia retorted.

"No but—"

Jessie cut James off, again. She lifted Annastasia shirt, but she swatted her away.

"Talk about invasion of privacy," Annastasia muttered. "We got married for the tax benefits. We figured that if we could save thousands of dollars a year on taxes, then we would be able to put that money to better use. I don't understand why you are all surprised and freaked out about it."

"But if you tell everyone about it, you get a party and lots of gifts."

"I don't know when the last time you took a good look around this place, but we have everything we need. I don't want people running out and buying us kitchen appliances and gift certificate to 'Babies R Us'."

"We just wanted to be involved, I suppose. This is a special thing for us," James reminded her.

"It was special for us too, but we don't celebrate special events the way you do," Annastasia explained.

"Does anyone else know? And when did this even happen?" James asked. "Meowth has the forms for three months. Has it been longer than that?"

"Jezz, Logan, Keaka, the Pokemon, and a few of the servants know, but no one else does," she confided. "And we signed on December 21, because it is an easy day to remember."

"That is the day before Michio and the twins' birthday. Didn't you come to Pallet a few days before Christmas?" Jessie inquired.

"Yes. We came down that same day," she answered.

"Why didn't you announce it? Everyone was there," James pointed out.

"I didn't want to tell everyone all at once. They would have been crowding around us and asking a ton of questions," Annastasia explained.

"You could have told us. When were you planning to tell us?" James asked.

"I figured you'd find out at some point. All these questions, this is what we wanted to avoid," she replied.

"That's fair. We are stunned that this happened. You aren't the one for huge surprises," James sighed.

"People adjust to the circumstances."

"Where is the groom?" Jessie asked.

Annastasia sighed. "He saw you coming and hid."

"The ring?" James asked.

Annastasia popped the clay ring off her finger and handed it to her father.

"This looks cheap," Jessie remarked as she looked over his shoulder.

"Well, we are sharing the money. What's the point in expensive rings anyway? I don't wear jewelry. And don't call it cheap. Logan and Jezz picked these out," Anastasias scolded as she reclaimed her ring.

"Yes, about sharing the money, you realize that he can now leave with half your money, right?" her mother inquired.

"If that happens, I still have a lot left over," she pointed out.

"You are the most irresponsible heiress who ever existed," Jessie chided.

James was about to say something, but Logan and Jezz were coming down the stairs. When they saw Jessie and James standing there, they ran back up.

"Jezz and Logan lied to us too."

"I know. They are dirty, rotten creatures, aren't they?" Annastasia sarcastically retorted. "I don't want to argue with you. You are acting like I did something wrong. I didn't steal anything from you, and neither did Michio."

"You stole our experience."

"There will be other weddings."

"I don't understand how you can be so nonchalant about this."

"You don't understand because you never asked me how I feel," Annastasia told them.

"How do you feel?" her father asked.

"Nonchalant."

"See, that is what I don't understand," Jessie ranted.

"We are going in circles," James pointed out. "Umm, so, Anna-chan. We aren't really mad. We were all just a bit caught off guard. Not even Lucy and Rumika saw this coming. We figured one day…but 'one day' can be any day, so you got us there."

James reached into his pocket and handed her an envelope.

"What's this?" Annastasia asked.

"It's a wedding, or marriage, I suppose…gift. Open it and you'd see," he explained.

"It's a note," she stated. "Can I read it out loud?"

"If you want," James replied.

Jezz, Logan, and Michio slowly snuck down the stairs. They we just able to see and hear what was going on in the kitchen.

"Dear James Morgan and family,

I give you my full congratulations on your daughter's marriage to Michio Kapule. As the chief leader of the island nation of Alola, I feel that it is not only appropriate, but also an honor to bestow the islet Mai to your eldest daughter and her new spouse. Though I have not been politically active in Alola for over two decades, I feel it necessary to intervene, especially after the tragedy that occurred two years ago, when Keaka Kapule and Michio Kapule were officially banished from Alola's leading organization. Though the gang has since been in political turmoil, I was able to take control of the island nation and maintain peace. I ask that you please take the land I am offering, as it is an important tradition of our Hawaiian culture. I am also requesting their leadership. If they are not able to devote to Alola at this time, I ask that they do the honor of choosing a leading organization. The country needs a new leader, and no one seems more qualified than the only living heir, estranged from his family, and his new wife, the famous philanthropist I have heard so much about. Thank you for coming to me and explaining your story.

Sincerely,

Kahuna

"I never thought that Michio's banishment and Koan's death would lead to this," Annastasia murmured. "Papa, you wrote to this man?"

"Not exactly. I knew Alola has been chaotic, and the people were rebelling, and Giovanni contacted this man. He was the leader of Alola and the Kapule Klan before Makoa. He retired young for health reasons, and his sister Puanani took control. He didn't like the way the country was being run, but he was too powerless to make change. After Makoa lost both his heirs and Michio's greet-grandmother and great-aunts died, the Klan lost its most prominent leader. They need new leaders to step in, because Kahuna cannot do it on his own. I went to him this afternoon and explained your union, and he liked the idea. I left, and an hour later I received this letter from him."

"This is incredible, papa. I didn't know that something like this was possible…I…how do I handle this?"

"I would start by talking to your…husband," Jessie told her. "I suppose it is too late to talk you out of this, so I will stop complaining about it."

"Mom, I know you like him, and are not truly upset about this. You just don't want to admit you were wrong," Annastasia responded.

Jessie looked around, making sure that no one else was around before she spoke. She didn't see or hear Logan, Peruva, Jezz, and Michio on the stairs.

"I suppose that is true. This whole time…I guess if he can put up with me, he can more than put up with you, and that is good. Congrats," she murmured.

"Thanks. Now go tell Michio that. He is on the stairs listening to us. Logan, Peruva, and Jezz are there too."

Jessie paled, and James laughed at her.

"We have that thing, where we can sense people…" James attempted to explain.

"I know," she sighed. "Michio, come here."

The two Pokemon and teenager pushed Michio forward, and he slowly and sheepishly approached Jessie.

Jessie put her hand on his shoulder.

"I really still don't like you that much, but you are like me. I am more upset about being replaced than I am about you marrying her. That's all. It isn't personal. Congrats."

"Thanks," Michio replied. "But, we aren't going anywhere."

"He's right, mom. Just because we are married, and we got this letter now, it doesn't mean we are going to move to Alola and sever ties here. I love The Grange. It has always been my place, even before I was born. You can come barging in whenever you want, so don't get all worked up about it. I'm twenty-one—an old twenty-one—and I am fine."

"Okay, so we give up," Jessie replied. "But, Michio, the first time she complains about you, expect me to be here, and for you to be out."

"I'll, um, keep that in mind," he responded.

Her parents waved them good-bye, and left without any final disputes. Once they were gone, everyone gathered in the kitchen.

"That was better than I pictured," Jezz told the group. "I thought you mother might try to kill Michio."

"She wouldn't actually do that. Jezz, one thing you really have to know about my parents is that they never truly changed. They are like children. They get jealous, insecure, and upset. They don't like big, subtle changes that challenge their perception of the world. They sometimes forget that I am and adult and not just the accident child they made over twenty-one years ago. I figured that when I told them, I'd do it the way they taught me: sneakily."

"The tax form was clever," Jezz praised.

"I knew that Meowth would immediately get suspicious. That's how he is. Then he would run to Lucy for guidance, she'd give him some good advice, then he'd ignore the advice and run to my mom and papa with his little treasured secret, the one that I planted for him. They like to make simple things complicated at times, so I did the same. It was more my style," Annastasia explained.

"It was a good idea. Thanks for getting my dad in on this. I bet he found it amusing, after Jessie and James agreed not to beat him up," said Logan.

"I figured if I shocked them, I should do it the whole trio. They are used to that sort of thing," she winked.

"Annie, I hope you don't mind changing the subject, but I was wondering if we could discuss the Mai Island," Jezz told her.

"Yeah, so I am confused on that too. Can we read it again?" Michio requested.

"Here you go."

Michio took the letter from Annastasia and held it out in front of him. Jezz and Logan looked on from over his shoulder. All three of them studied the content, then turned back to Annastasia.

"I was thinking of letting Giovanni take care of it while the four of us hold the fort up her on The Grange," Annastasia told them. "And Jezz, maybe one day, when you are ready, you can go over there, give them your plans, and lead. You are a leader. A quiet one, but you can be loud. Your voice is going to get louder as you get older."

"You could go over there and help turn Alola into everything the Kapule Klan hates," Michio added. "What do think?"

"I…wow. Annie, Michio, that sounds like a bit too high of a prospect," Jezz responded, cheeks red. "But the flattery is kind."

"I am serious. You have a lot of power. When you write, your writings are your voice. I see them, and it's different from when you talk. You are your true self when you write. There are no manners, no over-compliance, you are you, and it's beautiful," Annastasia told him. "You are going to be a really cool grown-up, and you are almost there. A few more years of awkward teenage hell, and then poof, you are your own man."

"Thanks Annie. That is true about me, I think," Jezz shyly replied.

Logan slapped him on the back.

"You are only fourteen years old legally. In the real world, you are like…a mature thirty-somethin'," Logan reckoned. "Someday you will stop having mood swings and cheesy thoughts and insecurities about your accent and all that Jezz."

"I sure hope that is true," Jezz responded.

"Hey, why doesn't Jezz do your taxes?" Logan asked as everyone started to leave the kitchen. "Like, give him the money for the work."

Michio looked to Jezz.

"You want to do them?" he asked.

"Not really," Jezz responded.

"I am done talking about marriage, taxes, and all that growing up business. Let's just go watch TV and not move for the next ten hours," Annastasia told the others. "My feet are tired and I have a strong craving for popcorn."

Everyone agreed, and then went up the stairs to the largest bedroom, temporarily ignoring all the new changes that were occurring in and around them.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

AN: To answer Bri's condemnation of there being a plot hole in this, I point to the fact that in 'Stand by You', I did mention there being a popcorn machine upstairs at some point. So yes, they happily ran up the stairs and made the popcorn.

So there:) Let me hear what you all think in reviews please, as I look forward to your responses.

Thanks for reading:)