DISCLAIMER: Nope, we don't own Pokémon. Try someone in America or Japan or something...
A/N: Ahh, I had to re-edit this cos I was an idiot who couldn't read or something when I first edited it. So here it is, written by Geodude, re-edited, better than ever, hahaha. Enjoy guys!
For the next few seconds silence engulfed the room, until it was broken rather abruptly by Ash.
"Cinnabar Island?" he stuttered out. His wife nodded, as his three friends listened on in interest. "How can you tell?" Misty almost fell back in shock. She sighed in annoyance.
"Ash! do I have to explain everything to you?" she snapped. Ash blinked.
"Well no, just this" he proclaimed with a laugh. Misty threw her hands over her head in exasperation.
"God! I bet you would have wanted me to explain to you about the birds and the bees had your mother not already done so" Misty declared. Ash smirked while scratching his head as if trying to remember something.
"Hmmmm…. I thought you were the one who did." He paused as he arose from his chair. "Of course, your actions did speak a lot louder than your words that night" Ash proclaimed with a grin. As these words left her husband's mouth, Misty jumped from her chair and made an attempt to grab a hold of him somehow, but was held back by James.
"Ash! I-" she scowled.
"Alright! Cut the bullshit!" James snapped, tightening his grip around Misty, as he feared for his young friend's life.
"Yeah" Brock started. "We can play our first time later, after we get the kids back" Brock explained. Misty's anger reverted to Brock and she looked at him with a discontent look. Brock faltered. "Err…Ash! Your wife has got that crazy look in her eye again" he shouted, beginning to rise from his chair and back away.
"Ok Mist, settle down, you can play with Brock later, all this excitement ain't good for the little one" Ash explained while placing a hand on her shoulder to hold her back. While this was going on, Jessie and James had picked up the pager and scanned its words, as Ash was
trying to hold his wife at bay from killing a totally terrified Brock. Brock's saving grace finally came when Jessie spoke up.
"Misty? Can you please explain it to me?" she asked while giving James the pager, and taking a few steps towards her. Misty struggled free from Ash's grip and shot her head around to focus her gaze on Jessie. She shot her a smile and then responded.
"Sure thing Jess, take a seat." Ash and Brock's mouth's dropped wide open. It was Ash who finally stuttered out a response.
"Hey! How come she gets an explanation no questions asked and I don't?" he inquired. Misty gritted her teeth in annoyance, and then in a somewhat mocking tone responded.
"Two reasons - one, you got to have a brain, and the 2nd reason, baby, is because you are going to get Jess that drink she wanted" she informed him. Ash leaned towards her to try and reason with her.
"But Mis-" He stopped as she swung her head around to face him and saw that discontent look. "Errrr…I'm on it honey" he stammered out as he set about the task of pouring Jessie some cocoa. James and Brock just stared at each other with a grin and then redirected their eyes to Misty as they sat themselves down and awaited her explanation.
"Ok guys here's the deal. My element is water, water always wins over fire, or it should do anyways, Ash's Charizard obtained it's first win there when it was able to overcome Blaine's Magmar all those years ago, and Cinnabar is well known for it's lava volcanoes and lava is what is associated with the brimstone of hell." She stopped her explanation and
eyed the group around her, as Ash walked up and gave Jessie the cocoa he had gotten for her. For the next minute or so silence was heard throughout the room as they took in Misty's words. Finally Brock spoke up in an almost stunned tone.
"You know what Ash?" Ash eyed him as Brock broke out into a smirk "Your misses sure knows some pretty deep stuff." Ash smiled as he walked up behind Misty and started rubbing her shoulders.
"What can I say Brocko, she is just multi talented I guess." It was at this point James spoke up.
"Ok, so we got an indication to their whereabouts."
Jessie nodded. "But that doesn't solve the real problem."
"What's that, Jess?" Brock inquired.
"How we are going to get there" Jessie proclaimed. Misty put forward the logical suggestion.
"What? What else can we do? We will have to go by boat" she told them. Ash shook his head as he took a seat next to her.
"It ain't that simple Mist, we don't have the money for one ticket, never mind 5" he explained to both his wife and his 3 companions.
"Well now we really got a problem" was James's response, breaking the tension throughout the room. "Our only method of transportation, and we don't have a dime."
"I know it is hard Jimmy boy but-" Ash was cut short when he felt the soft gentle touch of his wife's hand on his shoulder. Turning his eyes to meet hers, he could see she had a huge grin imprinted upon her face. "Misty? I really don't see what there is to smile about at this
time." He stopped talking as Misty pulled his head down and whispered something into his ear. Upon hearing what his long to love had suggested, Ash looked up with a smile of his own as they proceeded to stare at Brock in a devious manner.
"Errr…guys? Why you looking at me like that?" Brock asked in a nervous tone. Misty arose from her chair, and while clutching at her stomach responded.
"Brock, you would not turn down a request from a pregnant woman, would you?" she asked, giving him a heart tugging puppy dog eyed look. Brock cringed; he knew Misty's manipulation tactics all too well. He responded with a sigh.
"What you after?"
"We need a favour from Willamina" Ash stated bluntly. James's mouth gaped open.
"The rich chick?"
"But what can she do to help?" Jessie asked. Misty turned and answered her friend's question.
"Well Jess, at this point we can't be sure weather she can do anything, however due to the upper class society she is based in, she might know someone, have a number where we can get a hold of a boat on the cheap" Misty explained. James let out a little laugh.
"Oh so they still got rubber dinghy shops here then?" he mocked sarcastically. Jessie turned to her husband with a discontent tone.
"Why must you mock everything they come up with? Unlike you at least they are trying!" James went quiet after his wife's outburst. With a heavyhearted sigh he spoke up.
"Guys, I'm sorry, Jess is right, it's just seeing Jack today kind of hit a nerve, you know?" Ash shook his head.
"Forget it Jimmy boy, we know how hard it is" he reassured him. It was at this point he noticed Misty had walked up to Brock and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"So how about it Brock? Will you do this for us? I know you did not want her involved, but it might be the only chance we got." She paused as a tear escaped her eye. "Please Brock?…Please, help me find my little girl." At the end of this statement the dam had burst and Misty's tears were evident now. Brock stared at her a moment and then looked up at Ash, as if seeking approval for something. Seeing a nod and a slight smile come from his long time friend, he arose from his chair and embraced Misty in a hug.
"Ssssh, I'll do it Mist, I'll do it".
****
Another 5 hours distractidly past, with the group engrossed in sleep for 4 of them. The previous hour was spent with the group being up and packing their things, and they were now
situated around the breakfast table when Brock entered the room.
"So how did ya go?" Ash asked while he handed Misty a slice of toast.
"Sorry guys, I could not get us a number or anyone who owns a boat from her" Brock told them. The group around them all fell despondent, until Brock's voice rang throughout their ears once more. "Instead, I got us a ride on her family's cruise ship!" His 4 companions all looked up in shock. James sprung to his feet.
"Slate!! I've promised Jess a trip on a cruise for the past 3 years now, please tell me you aren't bullshiting us" he asked hopefully. Brock grinned.
"No shit Jimmy boy". It was at this point the girls' joy came into light.
"Cruise? Oh my god, I gotta get my make up done!" Misty proclaimed.
"Yeah crap! What am I going to wear?" Jessie asked no one in particular as they raced to their respective rooms.
"Hey you two! We are going to get our kids back, not going on a bloody vacation!" Ash snapped. Realising both bedroom doors had closed he sighed in defeat. Brock sighed as he placed a hand on Ash's shoulder.
"Ash, let them enjoy it while they are there, they can get their mind back on the job when we hit Cinnabar" Brock told him. Ash reluctantly agreed, realising that Misty needed some time to relax and let her hair down so to speak, with the baby and all.
"Yeah, you're right Brock." He paused. "So where is her family headed?" he asked curiously.
"Coincidently they are going to Cinnabar too, they got a huge estate there, and they are having a special banquet for the couple that recently got married" Brock explained.
"How long is the trip?" James asked.
"She said it would not take more than one night, so guys remember, it ain't your sleeping quarters, don't do anything I wouldn't do" he smirked.
"As if you would get the chance" Ash said under his breath. Brock who had heard a mumble spoke once more.
"What was that Ash?" Ash looked up.
"Errr, I said aren't we taking one hell of a chance? I mean how many does this boat hold?"
"Not sure, around 200 people, I think." Brock told him. Ash eyed James.
"Assumption, Jimmy boy?" James shrugged.
"Well something that size, and with that capacity would be in normal cases a prime target" James proclaimed.
"Hold it, you don't think Gary would -" Brock went quiet.
"We have to assume everything Brock" Ash announced. It was at this point James realised something and was almost scared to ask the question he was about to ask.
"You did explain to her the purpose of our trip, right?" Brock blinked.
"No, like I said I did not want her involved." James sighed as Ash spoke up.
"Brock you should have told her."
"Why?" James spoke up, interrupting that trail of conversation.
"I got a better question that needs answering."
"What's that?" Ash asked.
"Well since Slate here did not tell her the real reason, how do we explain our weapons?" Brock lowered his head, as Ash clicked to what James was saying.
"I'm sorry guys I didn't thin -" Ash cut him short.
"That's right Brock, you didn't." James was almost stunned by his younger friend's outburst. Ash continued. "And you're going to have to make a complete jackass of yourself cause you are going to have to go back on the phone to her and tell her the real reason, because to put it bluntly Brock we need those guns." Ash stared at him as he
completed his words. Brock looked at him.
"Ash I -"
"This was not a case of you not thinking Brock, it's all about Suzie, you're scared what she might think because you think she sees ya!" Brock shook his head.
"I don't think she sees me Ash, I know she does, and your mother sees you too." Upon hearing this without even having any time to comprehend his own actions, Ash had lunged forward and punched Brock in the face. Although the blow had no strength behind it, it was enough for Brock to end up on the floor with a blooded nose as a result of it.
"Ash! What the hell?" James shouted as he held his young friend back. Ash just continued to glare at Brock. And then stole a glance at his fist clenched in his right hand.
"Ahhh…I gotta go finish packing." And with that he turned and left to re-join Misty. James walked up and helped Brock to his feet.
"He meant nothing by it, man" James told him.
"I know James, I know."
***
It was now nightfall as Misty stood on the boat balcony, admiring the gorgeous sea scenery, admiring the stars and moon's beauty as her husband walked out from the ballroom part of the boat. He walked up and wrapped his arms around her waist and laid his head to rest on her shoulder.
"Hey, wanna talk?" he asked softly as he gently kissed her neck.
"Nah, I'm ok honey, just needed some air" she told him. She paused.
"You apologise to Brock?" Ash nodded.
"Yeah, he understood and all" Ash told her. Misty turned to face him as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Of course he understands Ash, he has been your best friend since you were 10 years old" Misty reminded him. Ash nodded in agreement to his wife's words. He smiled as an idea came to mind.
"Mrs Ketchum, it would give me great pleasure if you could join me on a walk on this fine vessel on this magical of nights" he proclaimed with a grin while extending his arm. Misty smiled.
"Why my good sir I'd be delighted."
While that was going on, Jessie and James sat at their assigned dinner table, taking in the splendour of their surroundings, when something caught Jessie's eye. In a shocked tone, she spoke to her husband.
"James…"
"I see them Jess" was his reply as he looked upon what Jessie was trying to point out. For there in front of them, disguised as waiters, were Butch and Cassidy.
"How did they know we were here?"
"We can't worry about that right now, right now we got to get to the others" James told her. "I'll see what they are up to, you inform the others." She nodded and rose from the table, when James pulled her back and pressed his lips to hers. "And be careful" he told her. She nodded.
"You too." And with that she went to do her assigned task and round up the others.
***
James followed Butch into the lobby watching his every move, making sure nothing was amiss. Suddenly a passenger barged into him, blowing his cover. Once Butch saw him he made a run for it. Unfortunately, he was not fast enough, and was caught in the men's room. James delivered a blow to his stomach and then backed him up against the wall,
causing one of the mirrors to smash.
"Alright you sick bastard! Talk!" James demanded. Butch just shrugged.
"I don't know what you're on about, Moltres boy!" James was becoming impatient and decided to just skip to the chase. He pulled out a small pistol and directed it to his head.
"I said talk!" Butch faltered.
"Ok man, just take it easy with that thing" he stammered in a nervous tone. "Truth is there is a bomb planted on board." He stammered out. James's eyes widened.
"Where?" he asked in an angered tone of voice.
"In the main engine" Butch replied in a terrified tone. James smirked.
"Thank you, you've been very helpful." And with that he directed the gun to Butch's head. "Say hey to Giovanni for me." And with that he fired, causing Butch's dead form to jerk back and slump to the men's room floor.
***
It took Jessie a good 10 minutes to find Ash and the others, mainly due to the fact she had the not so easy task of ending Cassidy aside in a manner which resulted in her death, via being accidentally drowned.
"So James went after him?" Brock asked as Willamina looked on, dazed and unsure as to what was happening.
"Yeah, and now I am getting worried, he should have gotten back by now." It was at this point James burst through the door and rushed up to them lost from breath.
"Guys, we gotta get every one out this boat!"
"Why?" they all shouted in unison as Willamina looked on, dazed as to what was happening.
"Cause if we don't we are dead." Jessie eyed her husband.
"And Butch?" He smiled.
"All dead" he replied.
"Jimmy, what did they do?" Ash inquired.
"There is a bomb on this boat in the engine an-" He was cut short as a massive explosion was heard and the boat began to rip apart right down the middle.
"Oh my god!" Misty shrieked, hanging onto Ash for dear life. It was at this point Brock spotted a lifeboat.
"Guys! We gotta get on that lifeboat there!"
"Right we are with ya, Brock" Ash shouted over the crushing of the waves. "James, direct the girls to it will ya?" James nodded and directed Jessie to the boat as Ash and Misty followed. Brock was about to go to when Willamina stalled.
"My relatives!" she screamed, seeing the bottom part of the boat sink to the ocean floor. Brock took her by the shoulders.
"Will, there is nothing more we can do now, the blast would have killed them instantly, come on!" he almost demanded as he pushed her towards the boat the others were on. He just got her on it when he lost his footing and his body jerked back, and Brock found himself hanging onto a railing for dear life. Ash then took it upon himself to jump from the
lifeboat and grasp his friend's hand, ignoring Misty's pleas of terror as he did so. Then it happened. A huge wave engulfed the top part of the boat, causing it to be pulled under the cold icy waters.
Jessie and James just looked on in stunned silence, trying to comprehend what just happened. Willamina was too shocked to do anything, her relatives loss still hitting her pretty hard. And Misty just held her breath in anticipation. For the cruise ship was gone now at the bottom of the sea, and along with it was her husband and his best friend.
A/N: Well, I've just re-edited this, lol. I'm such a dodo at times. ANYWAYS, look out for the next chapter, it's my turn now and I'll try and get it done ASAP. Thanks for all the reviews and everything too!