Author's Note: The last couple of weeks have been super crazy busy for me. XD I was able to see Phantom of the Opera live for a second time (which was a real treat), and have been balancing school in between my recreational activities. And I'm so glad it's the weekened. LOL.
Anyway, thank you to all who reviewed chapter nine: Spruceton Spook, jg13145, KaliAnn, and guest Marie. I appreciated all the kind and in-depth feedback more than I can express! All the positivity definitely helps motivate me and I'm so glad to hear you guys are enjoying the story. And thank you to those who sent me well wishes on my midterms and finals. I really appreciate it! :) Midterms went over very well thankfully, and finals is coming up soon. College has been absolutely wonderful, just a lot to take on. But that's obviously expected. ^^; Only two more weeks of college then I will be free for the summer! :) If only it would come sooner, haha. Also, chapters 11 and 12 are now in the editing process with my beta reader, while I'm working on 13. Hopefully, chapter 11 will be up sometime in June!
And on a last note, if you haven't gotten a chance to vote the poll is still open on my profile!
DISCLAIMER: Pokémon belongs to Satoshi Tajiri. My oc's belong to me. Sonnet 18: Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day? belongs to William Shakespeare. You will understand its mention soon enough. ;)
Sunlight's Return
Chapter 10
Fickle Love
Something didn't feel right.
Harper, who had never seen such a contemptuous side of her boyfriend before, was beside herself. Yes, she could admit that Gary was capable of being boastful and that his confidence sometimes struck a wrong cord in others in their research course. But the Gary Oak she got to know over the last couple of months...he was courteous, clever, and a delight to chat with in regards to their studies. Harper felt she was on the same level as him, not one above the other. He was proud of his accomplishments but admired hers with respect and an eagerness to know more about her. She liked that about Gary, liked that part of him enough to accept his first invitation to dinner and a movie. However... Why was he suddenly picking on Ash? Up to this point, Gary had spoken casually about his old rival, nothing more than that he was a trainer, his appearance, and overall personality. Harper never got the vibe that they were close friends, but still, she didn't think they had such animosity toward one another. Especially on Gary's part.
All of these remarks, unnecessary trips Ash made to better Gary's dining experience- Harper didn't understand any of it. This person wasn't anything like the Gary Oak she knew. And she was beginning to feel horrible for a frustrated Ash. The dark haired teenager's winning smile equaled his friendly disposition. She saw nothing wrong with Ash, nothing that would rub her the wrong way. He was welcoming and easy to talk to. However, now with tensions rising, Harper was extremely perplexed and displeased with her boyfriend's actions. Had Ash done something to him in the past to make him behave so poorly? Or was she missing something entirely...?
Not too many minutes passed before Ash returned again with a new plate of stuffed bell peppers. His flustered and irritated expression had not vanished, and as he drew closer to the table, Harper dreaded another confrontation. So, with the kind heart she had, she tried to lighten the situation for an ever awkward Ash.
"Hey Ash," she called in a pleasant tone, beaming a small smile at him. "I didn't see Pikachu around. Is he not with you or something?" she asked casually, trying to strike up a conversation that, she believed, would cause no verbal skirmish.
Ash blinked, subconsciously appreciating the change in topic. "Actually, I had to leave him at Prof. Oak's lab," he explained, his face slowly brightening as he placed the plate on the table. "He can't be here while I'm working in the kitchen 'cause it's like a health violation."
"Oh, I see. Well, that's good of you as a trainer," she commented kindly, trying to make up for it all. "You're really responsible and I appreciate you, um- going to all this trouble. For putting up with Gary's…quirks," summed up Harper, eyes subtly lingering to her quiet boyfriend who was catching onto her choice of words speedily.
Instantaneously, Gary's brow furrowed, seeing his girlfriend excusing his "behavior" and then at the faint streak of blush crossing Ash's face. Soon, the dark haired teenager wore that grin that seemed to be infectious to all… Harper grinned warmly back at Ash's brilliant glow.
And Gary frowned.
"Thanks, Harper. That's nice of-"
"I'm surprised that you don't have Pikachu with you, too, Ashy," Gary abruptly butted in, his cheeky smile sprouting as he cleverly devised a new tactic.
A wince and biting of the lip came on Harper's part, slowly narrowing brows looking to her boyfriend with disapproval. She now knew that smile too well not to suspect foul play, fearing what was to come next.
"You two are practically inseparable after all. But I guess it's no surprise considering he's all ya got," added Gary with a slight jab, hurting Ash's pride as if he was so low and pathetic his only company were those who bore tails and couldn't speak English. Not that Ash minded befriending Pokémon...but he had plenty of friends his own kind! Still, Gary carried on ever so boldly. "It's not like you have a girlfriend anyway. You don't have a girlfriend, right Ash?" he decided to double-check, though Ash was fully aware it was simply a way of pressing his buttons. As if he was missing out on some astronomical relationship that Gary was lucky to be indulging in.
Yet, Ash tried not to take the bite.
"No," the dark haired teenager answered sharply, his right eye slightly twitching.
This just made Gary huff with another smirk. "I figured. But then again, I could have sworn you were having some kind of fling with that redhead. What was her name again?" he pursued, pretending as if he couldn't recall her by her actual name.
A low groan wanted to be set free from Ash's mouth so badly he had to resist the temptation. Too many thoughts and actions existed within his annoyed mind, as if a devil and angel-like figure sat on each of his shoulders, telling him how to respond. Yet, he attempted once again to stay even, though the furrowing of Ash's eyebrows could not be helped. "I'm not with Misty," he replied sourly, knowing exactly whom Gary was mentioning.
"Oh, that's right!" exclaimed the brunette, snapping his fingers. His sarcasm was getting old. "Misty. How she's doin' anyway? Finally making something of herself? Maybe she got a makeover that she was desperately in need of, too. And a boyfriend. Does that make you jealous, Ash? I bet it does," Gary presumed with a sneer.
Ash's chocolate eyes turned a darker shade as his cheeks reddened. "What did you say?" he asked in a low growl.
"Did I hit a sore spot?" he continued to badger, acting as if he cared for his actions. "I'm sorry, Ash. I had no idea Misty was your wench."
The sly creeping of Gary's mischievous eye and smile made Ash's blood boil, his fists clenched tight at his sides. The anger he was withholding the entire time was now boiling and bubbled over with an aggravated snarl. It was a flash of an expression similar to what Gary used to see when they were kids. When he riled Ash up over sensitive subjects.
"How dare you!" suddenly spat Ash, though he tried to keep his voice lowered before drawing unwanted attention. "Misty's not a wench!"
Gary simply scoffed. "Do you even know what wench means? Do I need to define it for you? A wench is a politically-correct term for a, well..." His pompous tone and expression dissipated for a moment, as if he was about to choose his words carefully. Then, another smug smirk slipped. "What your mom is," he couldn't help but giggle so snobbishly, knowing very well of its effects. "The town tart-"
"Stop talking about Misty like that!" Ash lashed out again, furry burning inside. "You have no right to spout things off about her that aren't even true. And leave my mom out of this! She is not a..."
Thinking of the connotation Gary was implying, Ash kept his mouth shut, unable to even utter such a disgusting and untrue insinuation. Throwing out hurtful words about Misty was infuriating to Ash, but for Gary to go as far as outwardly claiming his mother to be the opposite of what she was... It made Ash sick to his stomach, and he wasn't going to stand by and allow his old rival to speak such distasteful lies.
Waiting for a response, Gary egged him on. "What? Can't even say the truth, Ash?"
"My mother isn't a whore and I'd appreciate it if you'd treat her with more respect," snapped back the dark haired teenager, the burning anger he was feeling inside spewing vividly for Gary to physically see.
Another arrogant chuckle leaped from the brunette's throat. "Or what?" he dared to retort.
"Or I'll knock your front teeth out," Ash threatened, his facial expressions morphing rapidly into bold and unmovable seriousness.
Gary indulged in this. "Ooo, so you're gonna use brute strength to solve your problems? Again, how very primal of you, Ash."
"I swear to God, Gary-"
"Enough! What is the matter with you?" cried Harper, pulling on his arm for attention. With a flash of surprised eyes, Gary looked to his girlfriend who appeared both addled and vexed by his behavior. "Why are you acting like this? This isn't you! And people are starting to stare," she noted sharply, her voice lowering as she spotted more pairs of eyes falling upon them. Then, she ignored Gary before he could give an answer, looking to Ash with a heavily implied sympathetic look. "I am so sorry, Ash-"
"Forget it," he cut her off harshly, turning on his heels. "I'll get your damn food and then you can leave."
And with that, Ash left them in their awkward silence. He stormed off just as infuriated as he appeared, leaving Harper severely unnerved. At this point, she didn't know what to think of anything- of why Gary could say such hurtful and uncalled for remarks. Utterly baffled, the girl turned to her boyfriend for some kind of answer, completely stunned and dumbfounded by the exchange and its raw content. "What's with you, Gary? Why would you say that to Ash? I don't understand any of this," she at last declared, desperate for the truth.
Gary just huffed. "'Cause it's true. Don't get all funny about it, Harper. You don't know the half of it," he barked back, acting as if she had somehow misunderstood the entire situation.
Harper's brows creased. "How can I not?"
Frustration continued to consume Ash as he marched back into the kitchen.
Leaning against the counter once more, waiting for their main meal to be completed, Ash slouched with another mental huff. None of it made sense to the trainer. Not one bit of the interaction. It was disappointing to say the least, considering Ash had believed he and Gary had made progress in mending their rivalry and accepting each other for who they were. But apparently, Ash was missing something. Something that must have set Gary off. He wasn't sure what it was, and no matter how hard he tried to figure it out, the young man couldn't. And he knew simply asking Gary wouldn't solve the problem at all. A straightforward solution it would be but there was no doubt Gary wouldn't buy into it, and would continue to leave Ash in the dark.
Gary had no right to call Misty OR Mom that, he thought passionately, irritation beginning to ignite once more. And what's with all this boyfriend and girlfriend crap he keeps throwing around? I could care less if he has a girlfriend. Though God only knows why she's with him…
Then at the closing of his inner dialogue, the creation of a near-equally mischievous and malicious idea sprouted in Ash's mind. A diced-up habanero pepper sat in a cluster of various other peppers on the counter, most likely to be used in a dish, for they were all washed and prepped. Ash recalled Delia mentioning the hotness of some peppers, remembering a time when he watched her prepare a meal for guests at the very same establishment. This pepper in particular had a high intensity of heat; it was still not the hottest of all, but his mother had warned him that only a dash of it was needed for someone to fully feel the power of its fiery flavor.
Beside the cutting board covered in colorful peppers, there was a raw ball of beef untouched with a tag sitting beside it, as well as a half-dressed salad… Ash's eyes widened, the idea now blooming as he looked to a mixing bowl nearby. Sneakily, the trainer glanced to his right then to his left, making sure not one set of eyes was watching him. Then, without much consideration or debate of his actions, Ash swiftly scooped up a helping of the diced peppers, and in a flash his hand dove inside the mixing bowl. Hurriedly, he combined the ingredients, mashing them into the sculpted patty without any bits obviously showing through. He tried his best to shape it as Delia had taught him, looking about and still finding the sous chefs and Michelle busily working on other meals. Soon, however, a couple of other waiters entered the kitchen causing Ash to draw his filthy hands away and wash them under hot soapy water. Unsuspected eyes looked to him, and he returned their acknowledgement with a weak grin.
If he was lucky, no one had paid an ounce of attention to him, and when that patty hit the grill with a little reshaping, Ash realized that not a single person had suspected him of foul play. A sous chef was finishing the rest of the job, and Ash would have sworn if Michelle was the one to get her hands on the beef patty she would have noticed his trickery in a second. Yet, the presence of the spicy peppers went unnoticed and soon it was dressed and put on a perfectly displayed plate for Ash to deliver. As the tray sat in his grasp, he couldn't believe what he had just done. Still, he wasn't remorseful enough to correct his actions, and went ahead with both burger and salad in tow to the awaiting table. The vindictive words falling from Gary's mouth, targeting the two people he cared for deeply…it was the last straw.
Walking to the table with newfound confidence, Ash placed the orders before the customers. Harper seemed delighted with her veggie-filled lunch, while Gary silently scrutinized his plate before shooting a look up at Ash.
"Hmm… Everything seems to be in order," noted Gary, counting all the condiments on his juicy, steaming burger.
Ash went on smiling, resisting the urge to let his wicked giddiness show through grinning teeth. "Good to know. And by the way, Gary, I took note to give you extra pickles since you commented on someone else's burger across from you appearing to be- what did you say? Underwhelming."
Gary raised a dubious brow at him. "Why did you listen to my input?"
"'Cause it's good to take constructive criticism," replied Ash, unfazed by Gary's watchful eyes.
And it was apparently enough for the brunette to form another assured smirk. "Well, the customer is always right. Isn't that the policy around here anyway?" he threw back.
A quiver of his lip caused Ash's smile to slip. "Most of the time," he grumbled.
"What was that?"
"Oh, nothing!" Rubbing the back of his guilty head, a nervous laugh fell from Ash's mouth. Then, he tried to cover his tracks. "Just taking in your many recommendations, Gary."
"Since when?" snorted the brunette.
The interrogation and constant watchfulness in Gary's eyes didn't ease Ash's nerves. Knowing his luck, Gary would magically catch on and want his burger inspected regardless if Ash accidentally spilled any questionable hints or not. However, he seemed to stay fairly composed, backing up with the tray in his grasp as he gave one last wave. "Since now," he answered quickly, strolling away. "Enjoy your lunch, guys."
Two sets of eyes remained fixated on Ash as he rounded the corner, and soon they glanced at each other in unison. "Well, that sure was a change in attitude," commented Harper, rattling her addled mind all the more. Maybe Ash was simply being the bigger person, dismissing Gary's behavior...that or he was patronizing him. Either way, the girl believed her boyfriend should say something to reconcile the uncalled-for mess. "Don't you think you owe him an apology?" she asked, hinting he should do so.
However, Harper's boyfriend just brushed it off. "I owe Ash nothing. Now let's eat already. I'm starving! It took them forever to get it out here."
Anxious hands picked up the full burger, his nose taking in the pleasant scent of the thin patty and all its neatly tucked-in contents. From there, mouth and burger met each other, a big chomp being taken out of the sandwich, and soon the chewing process began. The flavors were incredible; the qualities of the vegetables were of the finest; crisp, cool, and fresh. The bun was firm and thick on the outside, but soft on the inside. And the patty itself... It was, at first, the best burger Gary had ever eaten, but as a burning sensation began to take effect, he felt otherwise. Chewing on her second bite of salad, Harper's eyes widened dramatically as she stopped midway with the fork near her mouth. Soon, startled eyes watched Gary's skin turn another shade. His face began to drip with small droplets of sweat, his eyes turning a bright pink, his tear ducks starting to pour. Around his lips a darker hue of pink instantly formed, and inside his tongue burned such a deep intensity, Gary could have sworn someone had lit it on fire.
"Oh my gosh!" exclaimed Harper, watching the effects worsen by the second. "Gary? Gary, are you okay?!"
In response, he released a loud cough, echoing across the room as he splattered the half-chewed contents back on his plate. Watery eyes pathetically looked up to his frightened girlfriend, trying to find the strength to exclaim his dilemma. And soon, it was blurted across the room. "My mouth feels like it's on fire!" he shrieked to her, rising from his seat in dramatic distress. "I need more water, milk, SOMETHING!"
His abrupt hollering led to plenty of guests swiveling in their chairs, talk booming across the room. In a flash, three figures rushed into the dining room in both confusion and alarm. It was Leah, who emerged with the new hired help behind her, and the two stood back and watched as she took charge of the frightening situation. Other waiters and even some guests rose from their seats to analyze the manic behavior and soon Delia too abandoned her post at the front desk and made a mad dash over to a hollering Gary. Ash bit down hard on his lip, still lingering back at the kitchen door. With hesitation, he eventually peeked around the corner, fully seeing the scene he had caused. He didn't have much time for guilt or to even feel the want to relish his victory, for a sudden hand snatched the short sleeve of his shirt, pulling him away from the hysteria to the empty front desk. As he twirled in surprise, Ash found Dani standing before him. Hands placed on her hips as she gave him a big sisterly glare, though it was obvious there was deep concern in her eyes.
"What did you do to Gary's sandwich?" she demanded forcefully, with both sternness and utter shock.
Ash blinked back at her. How did she know? "I put in some diced-up hot peppers and mixed them in his patty when Michelle wasn't looking." Immediately, Dani's forehead creased with wrinkles. She had thought there was something strange on Ash's hands in the kitchen, and now hearing Gary demand for a glass of water... A swift hit on the upper shoulder dove Ash's way. "Ow!" he yelped.
"Ash, are you crazy?" hissed Dani in disbelief, leaning forward in a harsh whisper. "This could hurt their business!"
The teenager wrinkled his forehead, rubbing his arm. "But Michelle didn't do anything."
"Yeah, but she'll probably get blamed for it since she was handling the food! That or one of the sous chefs," sharply reminded his cousin, completely astounded by his form of payback onto Gary. "Did you even think about that?"
He didn't ponder over how his actions would possibly inflict harm onto the people who had nothing to do with the malicious act. And now considering this, Ash felt foolish, but refused to admit it as he retorted in return. "You don't like Gary, either," reminded Ash firmly, folding his arms over his chest.
The lavender haired girl rolled her eyes. "Ash, that's beside the point. This is a business. Our family's business! You can't ruin their reputation just because of some stupid tiff with Gary-"
"Ash."
A motherly stern voice stole the teens' attention, both heads turning to the side. Tapping her foot on the floor with arms crossed over her chest was Delia, appearing rather ticked with a cocking of a brow. "We need to have a word," she demanded, indicating for Dani to leave them be.
Helpless, Ash looked to his cousin, though she swiftly exited to give them privacy, and faintly gave Ash a pitiful look before vanishing. Gulping, Ash turned his timid gaze to his mother, and approached her with an explanation already in the midst of forming. "Mom, listen I-"
"Did you tamper with Gary's burger? Because that's what he thinks."
What was with the accusations? Immediately, Ash bit down his lip, eyes darting away from Delia's stern glare. Great. Just great. Of course he would wind up in trouble. And of course Gary would perceive it to be his fault even though he was asking for it the entire time during their dining experience.
Steadily, Ash looked back to his mom. "...Maybe." Then he sighed, frustration blooming. "But he was asking to have those hot peppers in his burger. He was being an asshole-"
"I don't care if Gary was out of line or not," interrupted Delia. "And did you just say hot peppers?" Now she was going to have someone or herself dig through the sandwich to uncover the supposed peppers, making the matter all the more worse. "And watch your language, young man!" she also scolded, ever more displeased.
An incredulous look was produced from Ash. "When will you stop treating me like I'm ten? I can call Gary whatever I want."
Delia was in disbelief. This wasn't like Ash! At least not in recent years. This angry and frustrated kid...she hadn't seen this side of him since he was in school, before he left for his journey, when all the stresses of family and his peers began to eat away at him till she finally intervened...
"No you can't," argued Delia swiftly. "And if you're going to use that kind of language then you are behaving just as poorly as he is. Now, why did you do it? Besides the obvious," she added with a jab of facetiousness, hinting to the teens' constant fighting since they were old enough to walk and utter scarce words.
Ash paused for a moment, considering how to respond. He was upset, and still perturbed over the unkind remarks about Misty and his mother. He cared for Misty with strong affection, disputing the fact that she was probably his closest friend next to Pikachu- and of course Brock. But she was his first real friend, who, while pointing out everything he did wrong, made him grow, and showed a loving side when desperate times called for it. And as for Delia...Ash respected her. He did. His mistakes and arguments with her were noted, however Ash still respected her highly because she took care of him. Because she raised him. Because she had always been there for him. And because of that, he wasn't going to allow Gary to think he could get away with saying such an inaccurate and offensive comment on her single-parent status.
It was beyond uncalled for, even if it was just to get the best of him. Ash still felt it was a personal attack against his mother.
Huffing loudly, Ash finally blurted the truth. "He was making snide remarks about- certain people, Mom." For some reason, he didn't entail who these people were and honestly didn't want to delve into it without fully losing his cool. "I don't know what his problem is. We've been getting along pretty well. At least that's what I thought!" he went on bellowing, truly befuddled by it all.
Delia's eyes softened briefly. This news wasn't much of a surprise to her; still, she sympathized with her son to a degree. However, too many worries about the banquet and personal stresses in her own life clouded her judgement to fully see reason of Ash's argument. The stress was just too overwhelming to handle all at once. "I'm sorry Gary was giving you a hard time, but that doesn't excuse the fact that you nearly lit his mouth on fire," she reminded, throwing her hands forward for emphasis.
"But Mom-"
"We have a business to run, Ash. We have a dinner coming up for the entire town and we do not need this kind of negative attention after working so hard to get here!"
"I know, Mom! I know! Geez, lighten up!" he groaned, throwing his arms to the side in exasperation.
"I will not 'lighten up'!" countered Ash's mother, growing tired of the back and forth bickering. "This is a serious matter. Your grandmother is spending a good amount of time apologizing and now we have no choice but to allow them not to pay the bill because of their experience," she felt the need to state, pointing towards the dining hall. "This may have been a one-time incident, but it is hurting the business, Ash. And it affects not only us who work here, but the people who come here. Do you understand what I am saying?"
He had not heard such a sharp and peeved tone since- since years ago, making him stir with feelings that were also old, now becoming renewed. It was unfair to him, at least in Ash's eyes, though he understood how vexed Delia deserved to be. If only...if only she had known what Gary said. Would it have changed her mind? At this rate, Ash doubted it. For all Delia appeared to care about was that party he swore was discussed twenty-four seven. Not that he was defending her honor, trying to keep old wounds intact before the scar tore open again...
Eventually with stubbornness, Ash breathed deeply through his nose. "Yes. And I'm sorry, Mom," he apologized softly, gaze focused down on the floor. "Grandma shouldn't have to apologize to him or lose money because of it-"
"You're right. She shouldn't have to," Delia cut in again, her tone not lifting with disappointment. "And to make up for it, I think it's best you work double-time with cleaning dishes. And when you see Gary again, you are going to apologize to him."
Similar to the switching on of a light bulb, Ash's ashamed expression transformed into a defiant one, his head shaking repeatedly with refusal. "No way!" he exclaimed, aghast she'd even suggest such an idea. As far as Ash was concerned, Gary didn't deserve a glass of milk to soothe his blazing mouth nor did the arrogant trainer warrant an apology after the belittling and purposefully rude comments.
But Delia wasn't going to ease up. "Yes, way. I mean it, Ash. No more of this nonsense. You're too old for it."
The stinging words from his mom left Ash frozen and alone as Delia walked off, traveling back into the dining room to reassess the situation. So submersed in his woes and frustration, Ash didn't even feel the sets of eyes staring at him, and then the pairs gravitated to the strong mother they originally perceived as nothing but Donna Reed the homemaker.
Watching her stroll past them, an impressed whistle flew from James's mouth. "Whoa, mamma-twerp really gave it to him, didn't she?" he remarked, for they had witnessed the entire mother and son squabble.
"She sure did," agreed Jessie, gazing with an amazed look as Delia stormed off. "And apparently, the twerp took note of some of our tactics," she added, recalling the time she and her comrades doused their victory meals after the Indigo League with various hot sauces.
Never did either of them think a sweet-spoken woman such as the twerp's mom would come off so sternly, yet composed all at once. They supposed it was a motherly instinct to redirect her child, and before the pair could dive into the conversation of observing this side of Delia, a presence abruptly stepped behind them and cast a haunting shadow.
"Jessie and James?"
The voice did not sound familiar, but the mere calling of their real names made the disguised couple jump with a tingling rush up their spines. Quickly, Jessie swiveled on her feet and twirled to face what she saw was a man around her age, dressed in regular clothing. He seemed like a normal individual, though something in his eyes left Jessie unsettled. "Uh, I think you're mistaken," she corrected nervously, her voice low and insistent. "We're Jason and Celia-"
Ending her pathetic attempt at identification, the man unexpectedly pulled his right sleeve back, his arm out as he showed a stark black watch before them. And in the center of the dial, behind the hands of the tiny clock, was a bold painted red R beneath. With blank expressions, the agents comprehended the silent exchange.
"Oh, well then," muttered Jessie, a weak grin splitting between her lips.
"What's the trouble?" prompted James, completely lost by the entire turn of events.
The revealed Team Rocket grunt slipped his long sleeve down to cover the dark watch again. Then, his bleak eyes gestured to the front door of the inn. "Come with me, please."
After sharpening his claws on a nearby stump and grooming his disheveled coat to something- less disheveled, Meowth ventured inside the barn where the last sighting of his new feline friend took place.
At first glimpse, he could not find her. No tracks of mud-soiled footprints against crinkled hay dispersed on the floor, no shadows against walls of chipped wood. All he discovered were grazing, mooing, or simply snoozing Miltank in the withering structure. One cow in particular having its baby suckle on its plump utters. With dropped ears and a sad expression, Meowth was befuddled as to where she could have gone. Maybe she was just passing by or maybe her residence had moved to another barn. Nevertheless discouraged, Meowth was anxious to continue his search till a creaking sound from above caught his attention. With an open mouth, the cat gawked up at the rafters, finding once again his hopefully future female companion balancing on the shifty boards. In that instance, he felt so silly for not looking there first, and now he was certain his potential love interest definitely had adoration for heights. Watching her balance so easily on those boards, not knowing he was observing her from below, caused the feline to slip a doltish grin, his thoughts instantly trailing to the possibilities of the future.
Meowth knew that his actual job, the one Jessie and James had instructed so crucially for him to follow, was dire to complete. But at the moment, nabbing farm Pokémon sounded a lot less appealing than getting cozy with a fellow cat. After all, a street Meowth and a barn Meowth were likely to have more in common than one of high pedigree. For once, Meowth thought he finally found a furry, cream-colored gal at his level and he wasn't going to dismiss the golden opportunity. Besides, it wasn't as if the boss was in need of their assistance at the present time...
Just you wait, my sweet kitten! I'm gonna swoon you like you've never been swooned before! vouched the cat, though quickly an addled expression crossed his face. Then, he blinked. But how am I gonna do dat? Hmm... I've tried flowers before- and music. And poetry. And de've all ended in failure... he continued to note bitterly, his doubts beginning to resurface. Then, his expression lightened with a determined glimmer. But da poet in me cannot stray away from romantic literature nor can my artistic vision be suppressed! Well, here goes notin'. Now, how should this poem start... I know! I'll start with a little Shakespeare!
Thrilled about the idea, Meowth plopped himself down on a mattress of hay, constructing the soon to be poem in his head. He rested his paw below his chin, thinking thoughtfully has he commenced his mental brainstorm. There was a classic Shakespeare poem in mind that he had always admired, one of the very first poems he had ever heard after first learning human speech. So, he ran with it.
Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? he started silently, feeling the artist in him bloom rapidly. The quick look up to the feline above provided him with all the inspiration he was craving. Then, his first of many silly grins slipped. For your fur blends with the never-ending fields of growin' swayin' wheat. For your eyes glisten like a rushin' river. For your gold charm glistens with every shinin' ray of sun. Oh my sweet, whatever shall I call you besides the natural wonder dat you are? Da wonder of summer.
Towards the end of it, the cat was actually satisfied and rather surprised with himself to think of a new piece of literature right on the spot. Ah! Dat sounds pretty good, he continued his mental commentary, a vibrant expression glistening off his face. After all, not all poems have to rhyme to be romantic! And as a bonus, Pikachu ain't around, the cat noted happily, relief easing his mind and pounding heart. So dere should be no problem!
So it wasn't as complex and deep with meaning as Shakespeare's original work, nor was the first line of the poet's famous poem needed to point that out. But it was a masterpiece to Meowth, and he intended to proclaim his words of affection to the long lashed feline whatever the cost may be. Too many times had Meowth come close to developing a romantic relationship till another Pokémon somehow got in the way. His first love traded him in for a nasty street Persian, and then his severely ruined attempt at seducing a Skitty in Johto was fouled up by the many free urban Pokémon roaming the city. And that was a time he took a vacation from Jessie and James. And he was growing older now, not too old, but old enough to admit he couldn't wait around for love forever. Especially one someone who sporadically entered his life...
A nervous gulp glided down Meowth's throat as he gleamed upward again. However, he mustered all the courage he had and went forward with his plans of serenading. Well, here goes notin'!
With both nervousness yet a heart full of excitement, Meowth took charge. His legs hurriedly led him to an available and well-timed old wooden ladder. His eagerness only bounded more vigorously, knowing travelling up it was easier than his claws pathetically digging into the supports to reach the very top rafters. Keeping his head held high and with mental repetition of encouraging phrases, Meowth managed to climb halfway up the ladder without faltering. Till a sudden quake below caught the focused cat off guard. Speedily, paws clung firmly to the beams of the ladder, his feet dangling slightly as he held on for dear life. Then, when the wobbling quieted and his gaze was able to focus, Meowth spotted the perpetrator of his misstep below. The lively and blithely baby Miltank the feline acknowledged earlier was ignorantly bouncing about the floorboards, mischievously egging her mother on to join in her harmless play of jumps and bucking of heads. And it seemed that while the mother wasn't fully engaged in the idea, she wasn't disregarding the romping about either.
At the sight of it all, Meowth created an annoyed look and sighed at his still ever present internal struggles. Even when Pikachu ain't around tings still get messed up- "Wahaha!"
To no surprise, the not so crafty cat's plan ended with a tumbled downward. With another shake of the floor thanks to both Miltank, the rickety ladder lost its placement, falling backwards as Meowth lost his grip. In a fast collision with the ground, Meowth crashed into a thankfully semi-soft cushioning of hay, straws of the vegetation flying in the air by the impact. His landing buried him in a couple of layers of hay, his fuzzy eyesight barely capturing the silhouette of the angelic cat from above. If his sight was fooling him, Meowth could have sworn she gave him a glance over her thin shoulder before jumping down from the rafters and gracefully exiting the barn.
He just hoped she couldn't make out what he was instead of simply dismissing his painful state. If anything was certain, the thick-boned, round calf took no concern in Meowth's condition, and bounded along gleefully past him as she tried to urge her mother for further engagement.
Meowth released a low pathetic groan as his mind swirled dizzily. "Uggh, maybe I should start with flowers next time..."
"What do you think this is about, Jess?"
The dark, long hall was dead silent, the only sound being rhythmic footsteps. Then, as they drew closer, the sound of fingers hitting a keyboard. The man who so swiftly escorted Jessie and James out of the inn without any complications remained stoic in both his mannerisms and posture. Jessie eyed him peculiarly several times, but never did he bother to turn his head around to gleam at her. She never liked being out of the loop, and by the looks of how their arrival to headquarters was handled, the outcome was most likely not on the pleasant side. After all, there was only one reason, one person, they would have to see at headquarters.
Repressing a gulp, Jessie's cobalt eyes flashed at her partner momentarily. "I'm not sure," she whispered, now looking forward again. "But just play it cool...again."
This did not assure James at all. Nevertheless, he nodded back and bit down on his lip. "I hope he doesn't scream at us..." he trailed with a pathetic whine.
Not too long after their quiet exchange, the two confused Rocket agents were halted abruptly. Before them and the grunt that ushered them to their new destination lay a large, ominous, dark door. It was too familiar to the bumbling duo for comfort, feeling their pulses rise with every bursting pound as the silent grunt began to turn the eerie doorknob. In one slow swing, the door opened, revealing a not so cheery room. While lights were on, they were awfully dim, and all appliances and presences appeared to be in their useful spots. The phone, while upgraded, lay on the right hand side, and the advanced laptop lay directly in the middle of the tabletop. It was mostly barren, besides a plain Team Rocket calendar, a throw rug of a skinned Ursaring, and a sad potted plant shoved in a corner. Then of course, there was a slinking Persian, looking to Jessie and James with sharp red eyes as a yowl seeped from its furry lips. With its lengthy body, the cat meandered over to its master's chair, nudging his arm with a purring cheek for affection. Instantly, what was something sparkling with a minuscule amount of light turned dull as the infamous Giovanni gleamed upward.
To his recruits.
Jessie and James straightened their stance as their boss turned his attention to them. Then, the silent grunt beside them finally spoke.
"Sir, Jessie and James have arrived," he announced, bowing at the waist.
A soft squeak the enormous chair made as Giovanni swiveled just slightly in his seat, his face its classic humorless and pensive self as he glared blankly at the recruits before him. "You may go now," he said, permitting the grunt to make his exit after successfully fulfilling his duties. Tension rose as the sound of the door clicking shut erupted, leaving Jessie and James ridden with more apprehension, for they were truly alone with their less than thrilled boss. Giovanni hardly appeared moved, as if he was frozen stiff while staring at them with his darkening, piercing eyes. As if scrutinizing them. No longer able to handle the silence, Jessie shakily worked up the courage to speak.
"Uh, boss?" the magenta haired woman started hesitantly. "What is this?-"
"About? Why don't you simpletons tell me?" the crime boss barked back, rising from his seat as he slammed his open palms on the table. He loomed over his desk with such vexation yet composure all at once. His tall and broad figure bringing about the physical aggression, while his voice somehow remained cool yet still ever so much full of outrage. "You did not show on the date in which you claimed you would arrive at headquarters, and here I had to send an agent out to find you two buffoons!"
With another act of name-calling Jessie and James stumbled back a few feet, their skin covered in goosebumps, their teeth chattering nervously. Swallowing all his anxiety down James attempted to rectify the situation. "We're deeply sorry, sir! But we were in the midst of planning a new scheme-"
"Oh, nonsense!" scoffed Giovanni. "Don't tell me you're still attempting to catch that silly rat! Are you?"
They exchanged a glance. Then they paused. Well, technically they had a bigger fish to catch this time around; their main goal not consisting of just snatching the electric mouse. There was cash too, and the entire Parker farm if they were lucky. But as to Giovanni's statement...
"Um...yes."
Giovanni's frown deepened. His temple ridden with cavernous, peeved wrinkles. "I needed you two for a mission and this is how you act?!" he snarled in frustration. "You both represent the idiocy of our race-"
"A m-mission?" Jessie interrupted with shock, the only word out of his less than encouraging ramble sticking out in her mind.
James blinked, astonished by the claim. "Y-you mean you really want our help?"
Taking in a deep, soothing breath Giovanni leaned back in his seat. His cold eyes gleamed up at the pair as he considered his response. "As strange as it sounds, yes," he replied, his tone much softer as he crossed one leg over the other and folded his hands in his lap. "It may be a shock to my system, but that boy you insist on following from region to region...he and his mother are vital to me."
It was Jessie and James's turn to stare blankly. What? Since when was the kid they had been chasing for years so crucial to their boss? And the biggest shock of all, why was his mother too? Jessie and James couldn't deny that Ash was an exceptional trainer, that or pure luck was always on his side because life despised the Rocket agents so much that they were destined to fail. But his mother? Delia? That thought wouldn't leave their heads as they struggled to understand why she'd be important as well.
Eventually after a few blinks, Jessie was the first to speak. "The twerp?" she repeated.
"And mamma-twerp?" echoed James.
Immediately, Giovanni's eyebrows lowered. "Excuse me?"
Now they were all confused.
Quickly, Jessie jumped in. "Uh, nothing." Their boss had no clue of their little given nickname to Delia and quite frankly, if they explained such Giovanni would complain that he'd be in desperate need of some pain relief medication. So, she tried to move the conversation along. "You were saying they're somehow vital to you?"
"Yes. Not directly by any means but...they are needed in order for me to fulfill a top secret project," at last declared Giovanni, his voice turning with earnest seriousness. "Have either of you heard rumors about Project H?" he continued to ask, while his large slinky cream-colored cat demanded for more affection with the push of his stocky, strong fingers.
"Uh..." both Team Rocket agents lingered, gazing plainly as their thoughts swirled. At their long, drawn-out sound of thought, Giovanni rolled his eyes, fingers beginning to tap the wood of his desk with annoyance.
"Can't think of a time that we've head," James finally answered, his index finger resting on his chin thoughtfully.
The criminal's eyebrows narrowed. "As I assumed. Let me just say we are exploring the possibilities of using the legendary bird Ho-Oh to exploit for our own personal advantages."
At that exact moment, Jessie and James's face nearly went pale, fitting the word "dumbfounded" masterfully. What did Giovanni just say? Did he just utter that he had intentions of using the wondrous phoenix that had remained a mystery even to the most experienced and knowledgeable researchers in the field of legendaries? Swarms and swarms of questions fired off in the agents' mind. When did Giovanni dream up this grandiose plot? How long had it been in motion? And why now was he bringing it to Jessie and James's attention? Was it close to being completed? How were they needed?
With a quick shake of his head, James tried to clear his thoughts. "Ho-Oh?" started the blue-haired man, the incredulity still harboring in his voice. "Isn't that that mystical bird with all the colors of the rainbow on its wings? And isn't it extremely rare to find? Almost impossible?"
Giovanni adjusted his throat. "Well, yes-"
"And what does the twerp have to do with a top secret project concerning Ho-Oh?" interjected Jessie. "Then again, should this really be a surprise?-"
"Stop your babbling and listen for once!" bellowed Giovanni unexpectedly, his talkative grunts closing their mouths shut and standing stiff like statues again. A heavy breath flew from his mouth, collecting his wits again as he rubbed his temple. His patience was already wearing thin from orchestrating the entire operation, and he hoped this was the last time he'd have to explain the mission to another gabbing agent. "It is not the boy who I need," he clarified, his voice stirring with tension, "it's his father."
Now the biggest bombshell had been set off, and neither Jessie nor James expected it. They didn't know what to think. The Mr. Ketchum? The man whom they now cursed due to the fact he spawned the very boy who gave them Hell daily? In all actuality, they had no inkling of what Mr. Ketchum was like or how long he had been absent in the twerp's life. Wondering to themselves: had the twerp's father ever been around? From what James -in particular- pieced together, it appeared the man left his family for unknown reasons. Though if it had anything to do with his wealthy and very controlling mother, James couldn't blame him for running away. Still, the development was both startling and ironic. The very boy they had been chasing after for over six years had a father just as slippery as him that their boss was dying to get a hold off. And for mind-blowing reasons to top it all off.
Ketchums apparently equaled troubling nuisances to Team Rocket.
Coherent enough to speak again, James spoke up to his employer. "Papa-twerp?" he croaked. "We've never met him before."
"Of course you idiots haven't!" snapped the crime boss, soon diving for a manila envelope on the left side of his desk. "Though I'm sure this face will look familiar to you."
Pulling the contents out and slapping them against the wood, Jessie and James leaned forward to catch a focused glance. Right before them was a vividly printed picture, the style of the photo-making one would assume was that of a trainer's photo on their I.D. card. Now, the agents had a face to match the name. The twerp's father was a decent height for a male, appearing fairly fit, lean, and toned. His unruly midnight locks sprouted from his head similar to his son's tresses. Though more kept and tousled with sharp waves. The look in his icy blue eyes and the expression he bore left Jessie and James with the feeling that he was more intimidating, wise, and tactful than his son. Though the subtle smirk was so uncannily similar it made their skin crawl. Shaky hands soon spread more pictures across the top of the table, the face of the hunted man from his younger years to present. Side angles, obviously taken in secret without him knowing a violation of his privacy were captured, both in city streets and forest settings. He had aged gracefully; however, as each photo showed an older version, his face appeared less youthful with vulnerability. And now, he just appeared stoic. The capturing of every year was impeccable, witnessing how much the man had matured. And how obsessed Giovanni was about this mission.
"He looks like the twerp!" shrieked Jessie, eyes wide in disbelief.
James's hand drew away from the picture he was holding. "I-is he-"
"The boy's father? Precisely," stated Giovanni, his eyes turning colder just by staring at the dispersed pictures. "Jayce Ketchum has proven himself to be a threat to my operations for the last ten years and therefore must be brought here for me to handle. Not only that...but he is needed if Project H is to succeed."
Jessie raised a brow. "How so?"
Giovanni's frown deepened and his hands flew towards the compiled photos. "You'll know soon enough," he replied, not giving either of the agents much of a response as he tossed the photos back into the envelope. "For now, I want you to bring the boy and his mother back here alive. And as quietly as possible," he emphasized. "I want to use them as bait to lure Ketchum here as well as use that silly Prof. Acorn. I have a hunch Ketchum is not surviving completely on his own and that the professor has been lending him aid somehow."
Before James could ask what assumption Giovanni came to in regards of the professor's help, he felt the need to make a swift and subtle correction.
"I believe his name is actually Prof. Oak, sir-"
"Oh, I don't care if his name is Prof. Aspen or Cherry!" hollered back the criminal, slamming his fist onto the table. By the sound of the pounding, Persian hurriedly slinked away from his owner, lounging back on the prestigious bed the feline had all to himself. From there, a few shallow pants flew from Giovanni's mouth, his composure returning. "I want him here to interrogate. And..." The man's words slipped away again, as if a drifting thought was stealing his attention from the primary conversation. "I would have thought after ten years on the run Ketchum would have given up by now. But he hasn't," admitted Giovanni bitterly, sharp eyes slowly gazing back to his employees. "So I'm trying a new route altogether. I can no longer wait to complete this plan until he's half-dead and mad from running. So, I have high-ranking agents tracking him down."
Another glance was made between Jessie and James. High-ranking agents? If only they were given an opportunity such as that to prove themselves. Though by their white dress attire, they knew they weren't going to receive such a valuable mission till a black uniform was strapped onto their backs. It only made the two wonder who had been sent.
"But you actually want us to capture the twerp and his mom all by ourselves?" inquired James, as if their half of the mission was still a big challenge they were hired to execute.
"Of course not," scoffed the criminal again, as if James's conclusion sounded asinine. "On the day in which you are instructed to bring them to headquarters a squad of highly-trained combat agents will be sent to assist you in their capture. If this kidnapping is going to occur, it must be done flawlessly. I don't want a single trace of our sudden appearance left behind. Or for any of those silly townsfolk that inhabit Pallet to ruin our plans with their nosy predispositions. Am I making myself clear?" he hissed once more, his teeth forming a visible snarl.
"Very!" replied Jessie immediately.
"Very clear, indeed!" stressed James.
"Good. First and foremost, you need to figure out a time in which it would be appropriate to bring our targets back to headquarters. Since you have been parading around town the last couple of days, I'm assuming you might already know a time? Or hope?" added Giovanni with another growl.
Nervousness was vividly displayed across their faces, shifty eyes looking back and forth as if trying to conjure up an answer. James had his mouth drop open on and off, for the shock of the unfolding truths still heavily intoxicating him. At this rate, he wasn't sure if he could stop gaping.
"Um, well-"
"Yes. Yes we do!" suddenly exclaimed Jessie, raising her arm up as if she was an elementary student responding to a question on a practice test.
"Enlighten me then."
"The twerp's mother owns an inn and their entire staff is throwing this big celebration for, um-" The magenta-haired woman bit down on her lip, anxiety eating at her as she tried to remember the meaning behind the party. Leah had only told her "new servers" a good few times. Jessie supposed the thrill of being hired overshadowed the actual purpose of her new job. Eventually, she came back to her senses. "Well, for some reason I can't recall, but the entire town will be there!" she made sure to throw in with a weak smile.
Giovanni's expression stayed the same. "So?"
"So maybe when the twerp and his mom head back home, they'll be alone. And tired. Yes, tired!" she excitedly threw in again to enhance her on-the-spot plan. "So tired they won't even sense our presence as we capture them and bring them back to you, sir! Not only that but the entire town is invited, so the professor should be attending too."
A long slow nod was produced from the criminal as he sat frozen his chair. It appeared he was considering his grunt's words, though as the silence lingered, the hope for Jessie's proposition was dwindling by the second. Then, a shift in expression was made. "Would this take place during the night hours?"
"The party is late in the evening so it should go on into the start of the night," replied Jessie, watching her boss ever so closely.
Once again, Giovanni nodded and considered everything with another unreadable stare. It was convenient in several aspects. Everyone in town, by Giovanni's perspective, would either be too tired or simply too drunk to even notice his agents' presence; not only that, but the late night hours were too perfect for him not to take advantage of. All those people would be so submersed in their sickeningly cheery hours of rejoicing no one would suspect a thing. No one would be watching any of them with a guarded eye...
No one would know they were missing.
Eventually, a lighter expression crossed Giovanni's face. "Interesting proposal. Do more digging and we will continue formulating this plan. Perhaps you both could join the staff for this...celebration. Go undercover," he suggested, though they knew that was a direct order.
The order in which they had already fulfilled. Oh, the irony of it all mildly irritated the two agents, considering they were hired when the pair was unexpectedly carted off by a silent grunt. But Jessie and James kept that little fact to themselves seeing they were finally making progress with Giovanni. Even if the situation wasn't ideal.
Their hands flew to their heads, standing still and tall as they gave Giovanni their very own salute. "Yes sir, we will!"
After that, Giovanni gave a final nod, which permitted the duo to leave. Though as fast footsteps hurried for the door, they were, to no one's surprise, stopped and forced to turn around with an impending fear riding in their gut.
"Oh and, before you two go," started Giovanni, his voice growing thicker with seriousness between every word, every creasing brow of intimidation. "If either of you fail in executing your half of the mission you both will face termination. And there will be no exceptions."
Scrubbing the last food-soiled plate, Ash retired for the evening at the inn.
He walked over to his grandparents' house in a gloomy state, his head down with hands shoved in the front of his jean pockets. After his and his mother's less than understanding conversation, Ash hadn't spoken a word to her or much to anyone else. He had been given a sympathetic look from both Dani and Michelle, but neither expression was enough to cleanse his mind from the embarrassment and discontent of the situation. Annoyed couldn't even begin to describe Ash's feelings towards Gary's antagonistic behavior and the repercussions the smug teenager caused. Still dumbstruck, Ash couldn't comprehend why Gary behaved the way he did, or how his vexation for the dilemma ended up with Gary desperately gulping down water and him forced to scrub dishes till his hands resembled prunes. He knew his actions were malicious, Ash knew it was wrong, and yet his usual judgement was amiss by the fueling fire Gary intentionally started. As he meandered closer to the old house, all Ash pondered about was why Gary did what he did, why he himself did something so foolish, and what would happen once Delia came home...
Cracking open the front door to his grandparents' home, Ash bore a somber look, catching sight of only Leah in the dwelling, who had come home the earliest out of everyone at the inn. Dani had left a little earlier than he did, making the raven-haired teenager assume she was already out helping Ernest with the Pokémon for the evening. Mr. Mime was also absent from the house, most likely shaking rugs out on the back porch. And the smell...something with an enticing aroma lured Ash's empty stomach with a faint gurgle. However, he was simply too upset to eat whatever there was for dinner. Dull chocolate eyes tried to avoid contact with Leah's green pair, which stayed focused on the distant teen as he quietly wandered into the kitchen.
Seeing his state, Leah tried to bare a friendly smile. "Finished?" she asked, drying the last remaining washed dishes on the counter.
Ash slouched against the doorway to the kitchen, eyes gleaming to the outdated tile floor. "Yeah."
Her grandson's less than cheery attitude made her frown with worry, and soon she motioned to a plate covered in foil on the opposite side of the counter. "Well, I wrapped your plate for you in case you're hungry," she mentioned, hoping he would at least eat something.
But Ash declined. "No thanks, Grandma."
At that moment, Ash was about to exit the kitchen, and to where Leah didn't know. She felt her heart pound with more concern, an aching feeling of what was troubling her grandson twisting in her gut. After all, the circumstance must have been bothering Ash a great deal for him to decline a meal, which Leah knew was very much out of character. So quickly, she seized the chance to speak to him with no judgement. "Come, sit," she ordered calmly with another kind smile, gesturing towards the empty table. Slowly as he entered, Ash lifted his gaze at Leah, thankful to find a neutral pair of eyes.
He still didn't want to talk about it, but seeing his grandma was willing to hear him out, he didn't want to upset her after she was trying to lend a listening ear and hear his side of the story. Sighing, Ash eventually caved in, pulled out a chair, and crashed down in it. Beside him, Leah pulled out her own seat and setting an arm on the table she turned to look at the teenager. The atmosphere fell quiet.
"Ashton," Leah started seriously, watching his gaze drift away again in silence, "what happened?"
Ash sighed once more, hands resting on the table as he stared vacantly at them. "Do you really want to know?" he asked, now looking to her.
"Yes," she replied without hesitation.
With a twisting of his mouth, Ash's eyes gravitated back to his hands, trying to find the right words to describe the incident. "Gary was being impossible, and for no reason, too. He made me go back to get him a new glass of water, made me fix an upside down menu he could have easily done himself, made me return Michelle's stuffed peppers to her claiming they were 'underdone'... He kept interrogating me on the stupidest stuff, too, and then I just...snapped."
"What did he do to make you snap?" she continued to inquire with a motherly gaze.
Another fall into silence took place, the nasty claims Gary leaked from his mouth cutting through Ash like a knife. He didn't want to repeat any of it. So he gave a vague answer. "He was saying crap about Mom and Misty. Just awful stuff," the teenager explained bluntly, eyes hardening into something perplexed and peeved. "And for what? 'Cause I wasn't doing everything the exact way he wanted? 'Cause he doesn't like me? I'm sorry, Grandma, but I wasn't going to let him get away with it. Not after what he said about Mom...and now she's mad at me because I was defending her."
The anguish lingering in Ash's expression made Leah's saddened frown droop. Boy, was this a mess. She knew Ash never really did anything without a reason, a terrible one or not. And while she agreed that his perspicacity in regards to solving the problem was less than tactful, the older woman couldn't blame him. She, like the rest of the family, knew all too well of Ash and Gary's ongoing bickering, and when she thought it had all finally washed away...a new reason had surfaced. One in which Leah wondered had anything to do with that girl Gary was seated with when she told them they didn't have to pay the bill. The girl who was mortified and for some reason furious with her boyfriend... To Leah, the incident may have been different from all the other ones in the past, but it still had the same reason for happening.
Jealously.
And yet, Delia's reaction to the incident could not be dismissed...which Leah had an idea about. The wise grandmother knew her daughter like an attentive mother would. She took note of her behavioral signs, and knew her grandson just as intimately, believing he would understand his mother's pressures. Still, it was difficult to explain. "Ash, your mom is under a lot of pressure right now," began Leah gently. "I'm not saying it's an excuse, but with the party planning and getting everything organized and prepped and a certain date approaching..."
Delia was the assistant manager, and had taken on the role of planning parties whenever the inn hosted one. Ever since her pregnancy with Ash, she had worked just as many hours and through just as many dilemmas as her mother did, becoming a real pro at the business. And from time to time Delia suffered from the fatigue and strain her job inflicted upon her. Not to mention, the woman's own personal matters. Times of the year when things became twice as hard as they should. Hard to cope with...
The last part drew Ash's attention immediately, wide and puzzled chocolate eyes gleaming to his grandma. "What date?" he echoed.
Leah's eyebrows promptly dropped. "Ash, you must remember."
"No, I don't," he replied, shaking his head sincerely. "I don't know what would set her off-"
"Your mom's anniversary is coming up in a week."
Ash's mouth clamped shut. How could he forget? His head swirled with thoughts of foolishness over his absentminded nature, cursing internally for neglecting such a crucial date. It would mark his parents' seventeenth anniversary, a big and important number in itself. Proudly announcing so many long years of marriage. Though, Ash knew better to think that the occasion was a spectacular triumph. Barely seven years of their eternal vows of dedication were spent together, the rest lost in a sea of abandonment and harboring of true feelings for the other. The day alone, Ash imagined, would be like a knife slashing another deep cut in the heart, letting the blood pour its allotment until the next desolate anniversary. Never was he at home during this time to see how his mother would react, and the times he was home he was too young to recall. Ash worried that his mother spent that day wallowing in her own sorrows. But that wasn't like Delia- usually. No, she kept on persevering and in most instances, suppressing her emotions on such delicate topics. But her anniversary with his father... Ash wasn't sure if that was going to be a day Delia could easily carry through without thinking of him.
Without wanting him back.
Swallowing, Ash's voice grew meek. "Oh...I guess I forgot. And I guess I didn't consider that would bother her."
Leah watched him attentively, as if considering her own response. For a second, she bit her words back, and then a sigh was produced. "I suppose I should tell you this... Every year I give her the option of having the day off if she wants it," confessed the older woman. "I let her go be by herself if she needs it. To cope."
The stunned expression on the teenager's face had not lifted. He was unaware of Delia having the advantage of such an offer, and he had no clue the rendering to heal had been provided in the first place. It was most likely something shared just between Delia and Leah without leaking its reasoning to anyone else. One could call it nepotism, but Ash never thought to classify Leah's kind gesture as such a thing. Delia put up with a lot of hardships, and if taking the day off brought her comfort, then she deserved every minute of it. And yet, Ash wondered how secluding herself from everything helped his mother's recovering heart. What she did to make the pain...lessen. Or if it did at all? Knowing her, he figured the most she would do is sit around and mope, or worse- cry profusely. He had only seen her do that once, and it was a sight he wanted so desperately to mend by wiping every shed tear away with soft words of reassurance.
Blinking back, Ash sucked in a deep breath. "I had no idea," he announced, looking to the side with another shake of his head. "Now I just feel stupid-"
"Don't, dear," cut in Leah quickly, reaching for Ash's hand. "It's something she has to deal with- nothing you need to concern yourself with. And knowing your mother, I'm sure she'll apologize to you first before you even get the chance to. And if anything…I can talk to her for you," she added with a tiny smile of sincere help.
Observing his grandma's smile and considering her words, Ash too bore a faint smile and soon gently declined her proposition. "No Grandma, you don't need to do that." Then Ash glanced away, his mind spinning like a vicious vortex with every thought of his mother's grievances and the repercussions of his actions onto Gary's burning mouth. He had no idea his choices would burden her to such a heightened tension of stress. He hadn't contemplated the ramifications, even if it was just one strike on Delia's withering tolerance...
"Uggh, I just wish I didn't do what I did," the dark-haired teenager soon groaned, his culpable face falling into his hands.
"It's in the past, honey," assured Leah once more, bringing a delicate hand to his back. "No sense harping about it. Besides," she continued with a lighter tone, hoping it'd lift the tension, "from the little bit I heard from Michelle, she said Gary deserved it. Not that I'm condoning it-"
"I know, Grandma," responded Ash through a muffled response. His head with still buried in his palms, though hearing Michelle was just as furious with Gary's antics as he was did make him feel a tad better. Still... Ash felt like he needed to make it up to his mom for his mistakes. And so, he deduced a brilliant plan that he could ultimately thank his grandmother for. "... Hey Grandma," he suddenly called, sitting up again with flushed cheeks and wandering eyes. "Do you think- to make up for everything, I could do something for mom on her anniversary? Or do you think that's a bad idea?" he concluded worriedly, his concern showing vividly through his anxious eyes and twisting of the mouth.
Like the lighting of a warm fire, Leah's motherly heart burst with a twinge of bittersweet delight. "No," she smiled earnestly. "I think she'd love that."
While still baring an aching head, Meowth- for the most part- skipped back to base camp happily.
His furry head was held high as he walked upright through the overgrown grass, gradually becoming closer and closer to his and his partners' secret hideout. They had skillfully concealed themselves in Pallet's valley of trees and hills, secluding themselves far enough from the main housing in town for them not be noticed. It was a quiet place to retreat to for the day after spending long hours scheming and plotting diabolical plans. Well, Meowth's goals for the day weren't exactly what would usually be on his agenda, but even facing the consequences of it he did not care. His first attempt at catching the feminine feline ended with less than desirable results, but he wasn't ready to give up nor be bogged down by anything.
Mostly anything.
As the cat encroached closer and closer to their refuge, his carefree attitude was picked up quickly by his awaiting human partners. Both Jessie and James raised their heads slighty, looking peculiarly at Meowth as he marched towards them. Whatever he was thinking about seemed to take over his observations, not acknowledging the fresh supplies surrounding them that would at last ensure them a safe and comfortable experience out in the woods. He appeared happy as a Shelldar and for what reasons neither Jessie nor James knew. They just hoped his day went better than theirs did. Theirs, full of twists and turns, ridicule, and the pressure of executing a job to perfection hanging over their heads... To say the least, the Team Rocket grunts were sulking in their impending worries.
Soon enough, as Meowth came up to them the crackling of a freshly lit fire snapped the cat out of his dazed state, finally scrutinizing the changes before him. It was a huge shock to him, though physically seeing two red tents, a couple of lanterns, backpacks, and rolled up sleeping bags... It must have been their lucky day. But where did all the wonderful supplies come from? "Hey! What's with all da camp supplies?" exclaimed the cat, blinking as his eyes traveled across the area. Then, they dove towards his silent comrades, who were glumly staring into the burning embers. Meowth frowned. "And what's da madder with you twos?" asked the cat with a rather confused tone.
Lifting her gaze slowly, Jessie sighed. "The boss sent out an agent to come and find us," she explained, eyes fixed with a mixture of emotions.
"And he was livid that we didn't show up," added James, the first time his weary eyes lifted as he sat near the sparkling flames.
Meowth's ears dropped. "Dat's not anyting new."
"Yes, but I suggest you prepare yourself for the details on the new mission he wants us to complete," continued the blue haired man, pulling his knees in closer to his chest.
Even at the end of the meeting, Giovanni never bothered to disclose the full details of what Project H was and how Ash's father was somehow involved. Jessie and James wondered if it was just Giovanni's way of keeping them in the dark in fear that by telling them they'd somehow let the devilish plans slip to the ears of someone who'd potentially ruin the entire scheme. More so than usual, Giovanni appeared severely on edge. He was never exactly delighted to see Jessie and James's faces, but at least during the beginning of their conversation he truly represented a ticking time bomb that would explode if the right words weren't produced.
Clearly "papa-twerp" was doing a number on the crime boss.
"It can't be any worse den then the crap we've been dealin' with dis entire time," objected Meowth, approaching the two pathetically huddled agents.
Jessie reached out and warmed her hands near the fire. For some reason she felt extra cold, as if her nerves were sending continuous shivers up her spine. And now she had to tell her feline partner the news. Good news it was for them to at last have a real mission to complete...yet it felt somewhat discouraging still knowing they'd be fired if they made one mistake. It was a lot of pressure to carry for three agents who rarely were successful.
Taking in a deep breath nonetheless, Jessie composed herself and released the truth. "The boss wants us to capture the twerp, his mother, and Prof. Oak for purposes of luring the twerp's father into his clutches," she declared bluntly without blinking an eye.
Immediately, Meowth drew back, stupefied with bulging eyes. Did he just hear her correctly? Did Jessie just utter the words: capture, twerp, mother, Prof. Oak, and the twerp's father? With an agape mouth, Meowth tried to fathom the situation, why the boss would request such a thing. Too many questions stirred throughout his mind for him to even exclaim anything. So instead, he carried on gaping. "I missed dat much?!" screeched the cat, looking to both his teammates for a response.
"Be glad you did, Meowth," retorted James, huffing as he rested his chin on his folded arms.
"So dere's a papa-twerp?" the talking cat inquired. Last time he checked, Mr. Ketchum was nonexistent, and now, completely out of the blue, he was making his debut and for the boss's own personal benefit?
"Apparently," huffed Jessie, "and if he's anything like the twerp then I don't want to meet him." She still couldn't forgive the dark haired trainer for unintentionally causing a mudslide to happen as they followed him in pursuit. Though God knew if the twerp was aware of Team Rocket's presence, he would personally stick in those twigs and mud-clods of dirt that took Jessie an eternity to entangle out of her luxurious, long, magenta locks.
Remaining befuddled by the startling news, Meowth persisted in questioning. "But wait a minute!" he interjected, waving cream paws in the air. "What does the twerp's dad got to do with da boss?"
"It's too complicated to explain!" snapped Jessie with a groan. Then her glove-covered hands clamped onto her head, and her eyes closed as she did so. "Just thinking about it all makes my head hurt."
James, too, bore a rather distressed look to the befuddled feline, his expression though more upset than frustrated. "My mouth was agape for almost the entire time after the boss told us, Meowth. And I couldn't even close it when Jessie and I were about leave, so he ordered me to do so by yelling and telling me whatever I had for breakfast was an unpleasant color and that I needed to brush my teeth!"
There were no words. Only a silent stare came from Meowth as he tried to process James's tale of an unfortunate incident where a toothbrush was needed at a pinnacle time with the boss himself. Even being a cat, he knew how embarrassing it was to be told there was chewed food still lodged in one's canine. Especially to be told by Giovanni.
Meowth blinked sympathetically. "Sounds bad."
"It was," snorted Jessie.
"It was very bad," agreed James.
"But you twos gotta tell me regardless if I'm supposed to help ya out!" shouted the cat, very much desperate to milk out as much information as he could.
Telling Meowth about being kicked off the team if their part of the mission backfired... Not that that threat hadn't ever risen before. It had. Plenty of times. Only this occurrence appeared to bear complete seriousness in Giovanni's eyes. That he wasn't going to keep them employed simply because the trio still had to pay back their debts from all those obliterated machines. No. This was their final chance and all that pressure was now riding on their less than successful shoulders.
Feeling the frustration burn furiously in her gut, Jessie became flustered. "We will, just- just give me a moment. I need some aspirin!" she unexpectedly proclaimed, rising from her seat in the vibrant green grass. In a huff, she strolled away from her partners and to the tent she claimed as hers. Crawling inside to sooth her uneasy mind.
As she left, James glanced her way, feeling empathy and pity for his equally as stressed teammate. As it stood, Meowth had the effortless job and even at that, with how demanding this new task was going to be, James wasn't sure if Operation: Nab the Parker Farm was going to take off at all. Not until he and Jessie discussed the matter in full detail- perhaps if they did- God forbid- fail in the apprehending of the twerp and the others, stealing the farm Pokémon might save their hides just enough to remain as low class agents...or not.
Walking a few steps closer to James, Meowth went on gawking at all the new equipment. "Da boss gave you guys all this stuff?" he asked, assuming so.
"Only because we're doing this much for him," replied James weakly, eyes just barely glancing at the blessed materials of survival.
Giovanni was only generous to offer them two tents, and even at that, there was hardly any legroom inside them. Jessie claimed one tent all for herself when they originally set them up, leaving James to share one with Meowth and all his shedding hair follicles. With a sleeping bag plus a pillow, it was a much better arrangement compared to snoozing on dewy grass with wrapped arms as their only source of warmth. Yet even with those perks, none of it could ease James's worries. He was supposed to excited, beyond thrilled they were at last making a break...and all he could feel was apprehension, hoping endlessly they'd triumph for once. However, not knowing exactly what Giovanni's intentions were... James was left with mixed feelings.
Distracting James's internal thoughts involuntarily, Meowth released a loud sigh. "Well, I gotta rest my feet!" From there, he crashed down next to James, sitting on a small rotting log he found just for himself a day or two ago to prop up his aching feet. "Walkin' around sure has tuckered me out!" he continued to exclaim, though his voice returned to a more bubbly tone, letting his feet kick up in the air as he felt the cool summer breeze between his toes. Oh, he was so lucky to be ignorant of it all.
Green eyes steadily watched Meowth's expression shift to a mellow one. "So, make any progress on the farm?" inquired the blue haired man, eagerly hopeful for positive developments.
"Plenty," replied the cat, his eyes closed with a dreamy smile.
James' eyes glimmered with a faint shimmer of hope. "That's good news. What have you found out?"
Meowth's hazy grin grew from cheek to cheek. "Dat da twerp's grandpa has a fellow cat livin' in his barn. Bet he doesn't even know it."
A frown crossed James's face. What did that have to do with hauling the entire farm away for their self-gratification and approval from the boss?
"That's not the kind of progress I meant, Meowth. And why are you all of sudden becoming so googly-eyed?" Squinted green eyes observed the cat carefully, looking closer and closer at him, only for James to come to a conclusion. He had seen that face before- too many times before, and now dread was taking over his face. "Meowth?" croaked James sternly, as if imploring for undivided attention.
But Meowth didn't stir out of his state.
"Yes, Jimmy?"
"Please tell me this isn't another attempt at falling in love?" begged the agent, anxious for an answer.
"I already am in love. All's I gotta do now is win da girl."
Oh, great. Another distraction.
At the confirmation, James's frown deepened, his brows creasing together as he leaned forward. "Meowth, that wasn't part of the plan!" sharply reminded the man.
"Ya don't plan love, Jimmy. It just happens," answered Meowth coolly, unmoved by his partner's concern and rather perturbed state.
Jerking back, the words rang through James's head as if they held some philosophical meaning to them. Then, he withdrew in his shell with a softening of eyes, visions that had been embedded in his mind all day beginning to emerge. Subconsciously doing so, James momentarily glanced behind him, catching sight of Jessie's silhouette in the bright red tent. By the light shining inside thanks to a vibrant lantern, she was apparently changing. James's cheeks deepened a shade of pink as he watched her arms rise over her head then as the garment was tossed to the side. The interview back at the inn, about what James wished for in his fantasized reality...
"Yes well, love always isn't in the cards," rebutted the blue haired man, dull eyes gazing back down to his shoes.
"No, but dat's the appeal of it," countered the cat. "Ya never know when it's gonna come, and usually it comes at the most unexpected of times. Ah," he sighed fondly, "love sure is a mystery, ain't it, Jimmy?"
At last, Meowth's gaze beamed up at the bright moon casting its poignant glowing rays below, still unaffected by James's comebacks. He was simply too submersed in the thought of that pretty cream colored face, and now how the moon always reminded him of a round block of cheese. He then wondered if she'd like cheese... But in James's case, the man wasn't sure if one could compare love as an unexpected occurrence. Like searching for a treasure at a flea market that after years of hunting one finally finds, or a fortunate happening of one bumping into someone who could magically wipe away that person's financial troubles in a flash- or even meeting an old friend after so many years. To James, love wasn't as convenient and elementary as those things...but it was as idealistic and gorgeous as the shining orb above.
James's eyes flashed at the red tent again, then they lingered up to the shining, evocative moon.
He sighed, enraptured in thought. "It sure is."