I don't own anything related to Pokemon. Not the little creatures themselves (no matter how much I would like one), or the characters of the anime. Nintendo and their affiliates do.

OKAY, I'm preparing for a big shake-up in Ash's life. One that will put Ash in a greater state of fear than he's ever been in his life.

The Chronicles of Spectre Dan

Episode XXI

The Informant

"Wow, we made great time," said Ash as they arrived in Ecruteak City.

"Well, after Professor Oak lent us his Dragonite for transport, we had enough fliers for everyone," said Spectre Dan.

He was right. Dan, Blaze, and Brock flew on Darkwing, Ash, Misty, and Pikachu flew on Dragonite, and Maria and Synch flew on Shimmer. Spook and Togetic brought up the rear. So, they were able to get to Ecruteak quickly, stopping only to eat and make camp. Misty's Azurill had even evolved on the way, deciding to grow up and be in a pokeball.

They landed near the Pokémon Center, where Brock made his usual pass at Nurse Joy, and Croagunk prepared a Poison Jab. But before he could strike, Misty yanked Brock back on his ear, throwing him bodily several feet back. Croagunk was impressed.

"Just like old times," said Ash with a nostalgic look on his face.

oOo

That night, at the predetermined time, they all arrived at the restaurant that Spectre Dan had arranged as the meeting place. They were meeting a recent defector of Team Rocket, who had decided to inform the International Police of recent Team Rocket activities.

"So," said Brock, looking at the quiet restaurant, "This is The Brownstone."

"Yes, and be nice. The founders are old friends of mine," said Dan.

"Right, you told us," said Ash, "Ted and Kent, right? What are they like?"

"They're decent guys, but don't ask Ted about his fighting days. You will NEVER shut him up."

oOo

"Spectre Dan! You made it!" a muscular man with a strong jaw called out.

"Ted! How are you doing, you old warhorse?" asked Dan, shaking his old mentor's hand vigorously.

"Just fine, although between Kent's experiments and protégée, it's a wonder I'm still kicking. But, I still have three lives left."

"I thought you made that 'nine lives' thing up, Cat."

"Who said I did?"

"Fate."

"Aww, Kent's full of it."

"The man's precognitive. I trust him better than your boasts," said Dan drily.

"Look, are we going to yammer about this AGAIN? Aren't you meeting someone?"

"Right. What table?"

"Table 10, in the back, just like you asked. Kent has set one of his secrecy spells, so nobody else will hear you."

"Excellent. Come on guys."

Dan's party sat at the table, where Dan explained that Kent was a sorcerer, and that there was a spell on this table that prevented eavesdroppers from being able to listen in.

"Cool," said Ash, "So, where's the informant?"

Before Dan could answer, a purple-haired man with sunglasses, a hat, and a mustache walked up. A Meowth was on his shoulder.

"The north winds disturb the Mareep," he said.

"But Skitty enjoy potatoes," replied Dan.

"And Swellow fly high to catch Wurmple."

"But Pikachu prefers ketchup."

"You're the agent?"

"If I wasn't, I wouldn't have known the countersigns."

"Good point," said the man, sitting down.

"Down to business then."

"Are you sure we won't be overheard?"

"All the precautions have been taken. Also, you can take off the disguise."

"How did you-"

"Like I told your friend Jessie: 'A master of disguise knows a disguise when he sees one.' So, take off the hat and mustache, JAMES."

"Wait, that's James? James of Team Rocket?" asked Misty, shocked.

"Clearly…"

James sighed and took off the hat, sunglasses, and the false mustache.

"I told you it wouldn't fool him," Meowth said.

"Now, start at the beginning, and tell us everything," said Dan.

"Are we really going to trust this guy?" asked Ash.

"If you don't want my information, I'll leave," said James rather forcefully, which was odd for him.

"Just talk, we'll listen," said Dan. Ash looked like he was about to argue some more, but Dan glowered at him and Ash fell silent.

"Well…" began James.

oOo

Me, Jessie, and Meowth went back to Team Rocket headquarters. We had decided to resign from active duty, and then quietly slip away. But, the second we arrived, we were pushed into the boss' office.

(Spectre Dan interrupted then, saying, "Why don't we just call him Giovanni? The International Police have know his identity for a while, but he's been underground.")

Fine, Giovanni. He congratulated us on a job well done. I guess he heard that we had helped beat Team Galactic. Although, all we did was take out one of the admins. Not much really. But, who were we to correct him? Anyway, Giovanni gave us a bonus and sent us to Johto to help oversee a special project.

We reported to a secret base in the Ilex Forest. It was a lab experimenting with DNA technologies. We were sickened. I almost don't want to talk about what happened there.

But, here it is: they were splicing human DNA with Pokémon DNA to make super soldiers. They were using human test subjects, vagrants whom no one would miss. The people died horribly, but the sick minds pushed on. The sheer disregard for life made me throw up. After what we had seen, the three of us agreed that we wanted no part of an organization that condoned such acts.

So, in the dead of night, we broke into the head scientist's office and forged a document saying that we were to be reassigned. We were going to sneak out, but we wanted to make sure the head scientist didn't send find it suspicious. Then, we hacked the computer and downloaded everything onto this flash drive. The only thing is that we were caught trying to sneak out. Jessie broke her leg, and was captured. Meowth and I barely got away. I can't imagine what they're doing to her.

oOo

"That's disgusting," said Misty.

"I think I've lost my appetite," said Maria.

Pikachu stopped licking his ketchup bottle and set it aside, also having lost his appetite.

"So, you're saying that if we go, we're in for a fight," said Ash.

"Yes," replied James, "But we still have some information we can use. They wouldn't have had enough time to change all the guards, or move operations."

"Then let's go kick butt and save people," said Spectre Dan.

oOo

Ted let them borrow his Pidgeot to fly to the Ilex Forest. Before they left, Dan called the Chief for some backup. The Chief said he would send someone, and to rendezvous with him in the north part of Ilex Forest.

When they arrived, Dan asked to see James' Pokémon.

"All I have is Carnivine and Mime Jr., but the latter isn't really a battler. Jessie also tossed me her Yanmega before telling me to run," he said, calling out the Pokémon in question.

Dan looked over the Pokémon before shaking his head.

"Needs some work. Yanmega is interesting, but Carnivine needs a new move. I'm thinking…Energy Ball. I know a few techniques. The learning curve will be slight, but Carnivine should be able to master it."

"Should?" asked James.

"It really depends on you. Is your friendship with your Carnivine strong enough? My analysis says yes."

James thought for a moment, before saying, "Do it."

oOo

The next morning, everyone started to get ready for the operation. Ash got his Pikachu, Gabite, Floatzel, Staraptor, Torterra, and Infernape ready. Misty did the same with her Togetic, Gyarados, Marill, Corsola, Politoed, and Psyduck. Brock had called for his Steelix earlier, so he was getting it acquainted with his Sudowoodo, Croagunk, and Happiny. James was getting in some last minute Energy Ball work with Carnivine. Spectre Dan was busy making plans, so Maria got his Pokémon ready along with hers.

Suddenly, several of the Pokémon stiffened. They sensed a presence. A figure leaped out of the bushes, and Dan's Pokémon called everyone off.

The intruder was a tall man. He had muscles on his muscles, and moved with the grace of a predator. He wore dark clothes, a strange belt with multiple pouches, and a black cloak. His face was covered with a strange mask that had horn-like projections in the top. They mimicked bat-like ears.

Spectre Dan stepped forward and shook the man's hand and saying, "Good to see you, Bruce."

"Good to see you too, Spectre Dan," replied the man in a deep, scary voice.

"Do you have to use the scary voice with ME?"

"Force of habit."

Then, Dan turned toward the others and spoke.

"Everyone, I'd like you to meet my friend and colleague, Agent Batwing."

We will see more of Agent Batwing. I like Batman, sue me.