Chapter 31
"This is your bright idea?' Misty crosses her arms over her chest. They're all inside the small house with their former arch enemies.
"It took me weeks to find their house. What have you been doing?" the raven haired man defensively glares at her.
"Whoa!" Laughs the blue haired man. "The rumors are true."
Cackling beside him, his wife exclaims, "Yeah! The twerps are all broken up!"
"Told ya!" the cat grins. "Da' original twerps are no mo'!"
Rolling her eyes, Misty resumes glaring at her ex. "Why are we here?"
Ash shakes his head to ignore her. Turning to face the three homeowners, he says, "We need your help."
"What makes you think they know where those Rockets are?" Misty knows these three are no longer involved with Team Rocket. It's why they quit chasing Ash years ago. They weren't very good Rockets too.
"What's your idea then? Because while you wanna throw our daughter out to the Rockets, I've been trying to make sure she can safely go on her pokemon journey next year!" snaps the man. He's tired of her speaking to him like he's dumb. Just because he's a little slow, it doesn't justify her treating him insignificantly. He didn't even want her here with him.
"Everyone knows Team Rocket's base is the basement of the game corner in Celadon City." Misty knowingly remarks.
"Actually, that's not the main base anymore." James tells them. "Too many people know about it. Team Rocket just uses it as a decoy now."
Meowth hits his side, causing James to cough out. "Stop tellin' 'em things for free!" Mewoth then grins at the estranged couple. "What're ya offerin'?"
Being the champion, Ash has a lot of money. He opens his mouth to ask for their price, but Misty cuts in between him and Meowht. With an intense glare on her face, she hisses, "You tell us what you know, and we won't blast you off again."
Meowth gulps nervously, and Ash is actually pretty amazed with his ex. It's not like money is a problem for them. However, he likes how she won't allow them to get pushed over. "Uh. Jesse should know!" Meowth hides behind the maroon haired woman.
Curling her hair with her finger, Jesse pays them no attention. "We left that lifestyle decades ago."
"But you're hiding out on Two Island for a reason." Misty challenges them. There has to be a reason they chose to settle here of all places.
"It's peaceful here. We're not hiding." Jesse shoots Misty a sharp glare. "You two come to our house asking for our help, but you're very rude about it."
Sighing, Ash places a hand on Misty's shoulder to prevent an argument. Jesse is right. It's them asking for a favor, so they need to be more respectful. "Last summer, Team Rocket attacked our daughter." Ash looks at the former Rockets. "They're still out there."
"And you want revenge?" James asks.
Misty steps up. "Uh. Not exa-"
"Yes." Everyone shockingly looks at the raven haired man. Out of all the people seeking revenge, none of them would've expected him to be the one. He's usually the goofy carefree one. However, that intense look in his eyes shows to them all he's serious.
Misty places a hand on his arm. "Ash-"
"I'm not gonna sit around and wait for these monsters to attack her again!" Ash looks into Misty's worried blue eyes. "You didn't see her dying in my arms, Misty!"
"I want these people as much as you do, but revenge is not the answer!"
"Then what is?" snaps the champion. "What're you gonna do when they actually take her next time?" He doesn't want to think about it, and it hurts just saying it.
"We can catch them and put them in jail."
"Think about it! The authorities can't find them! What if they're working with the police? What if they break out and then get Ariel?" Ash clenches his fists angrily. "She's my world."
"She's mine too!" Misty shouts. "Stop talking like you're her only parent!" Mew! Misty was basically Ariel's only parent for half of her life.
"Okay. What if we tell ya bout a possible place?" Meowth offers. He's tired of this arguing.
"It's better than nothing." Ash mutters. He takes a couple more deep breaths to calm down, and Misty looks away to calm herself down.
"After Giovanni gave up the Viridian City Gym, the Rockets in that area had to move their base." James nods.
"Why are you guys telling them this?" Jesse knows that snitches will get hurt. It's a reason they've escaped to the quiet Two Island.
Misty, spotting a Cleffairy plush halfway out from behind the couch, replies, "Because you guys have a child you're protecting too."
Ash curiously looks at her, and the former Rockets gulp. "No!" James exclaims.
"Then why do you have that toy?" Misty knows there's no reason for these three to have a Cleffairy plush.
"Collection." Meowth lies.
Misty, though, looks at Jesse's eyes. "Please. As a mother to another mother, I just want to make sure my baby can safely go on her Pokemon Journey next year."
Meowth and James fearfully gaze at Jesse. The maroon haired woman has been keeping a calm demeanor in front of their guests. Sighing, she finally speaks, "Since you were attacked in Pallet Town, and by some strong Rockets, the base you're looking for should be in Diglett Cave."
Although happy for the information, Misty knows the risk these three have put themselves through. She gives them grateful smiles. "Thank you, Jesse. Thank you, James. Thank you, Meowth."
Ash nods gratefully at them too. "I owe you guys. Anything." He hands them his business card and then follows Misty out of the house. Calling out Charizard, Ash hops on. When Misty doesn't get on, he asks, "Aren't you coming?"
The woman sighs. She was still looking through the window inside the house. As soon as she and Ash left, James went to the back. He now emerges with a toddler in his arms. Misty watches the former Rockets dote on the child. It's very sweet.
"Misty?"
She snaps her attention to her anxious ex. "Uh. Yeah." She stutters before climbing onto Charizard. Once in the air, she sighs loudly.
Ash tries to ignore it until she sighs again. "What?" He annoyedly asks.
"They're so happy." That's all she ever wanted. She doesn't need the money or the fame or the gym. All she wants is to be a happy family with Ariel, but no matter how happy they seem on the outside, Misty knows she and Ariel will always be incomplete.
"I guess."
"You couldn't tell?"
He silently keeps his gaze ahead. He could tell. Well, he could tell there is no tension in that house. They're all living together carefreely. He knows there is still a lot of tension in his family. After a while, Ash lets out a long breath. "I'm gonna break up with Melody."
Misty opens her eyes in shock. "Why?" That was random. What is he saying?
"Ariel doesn't like her, and she doesn't like Ariel." the man tightens his hold on Charizard. "I want Ariel to be happy."
"Ariel will be gone next year. You won't need to worry about her interacting with Melody."
The man shoots her a knowing look. "So you're gonna get back with Rudy once Ariel is gone?"
Misty sighs. "No." Now she understands Ash's reasoning. Even if Ariel isn't around, it's just the fact that she knows Ariel doesn't like Rudy will keep Misty away from him. Misty will do anything for Ariel. Anything. Looking at the back of her ex's head, she says, "I'm sorry I saw Rudy while you were gone."
Had he heard that correctly? Why is she telling him this now? Is she continuing their conversation from before they landed? He prefers that that conversation stay done. They have a long flight, and he's not looking forward to making this more awkward than it needs to be.
When he doesn't speak, Misty adds, "I never cheated on you, but I know it hurt you knowing I was spending time with another man who likes me."
"I know you didn't cheat." He hangs his head low. "It just felt better believing you did." Because he knew he wasn't a good father or husband. However, blaming it on her infidelity would help him seem less guilty. "You're not that type of person."
Charizard hides his smile. He's glad they're not trying to kill each other on his back, and he's even happier that they're getting along rather nicely. Ariel would love seeing this, though Ash and Misty most likely wouldn't have gotten to this point if Ariel was around.
The rest of the flight is in silence until Ash has Charizard land on the corner of Route 14 and 15. The fire type needs to rest after flying all day, else Ash wouldn't sleep at all. Because Misty had tagged along without planning, she doesn't have anything besides for her Pokemon and the clothes on her back.
Ash tosses the sleeping bag at her. "You can use it." He has extra clothes he can wear as a cushion and to keep him warm.
Misty appreciates the gesture, but she doesn't want to take anything from him. "Don't need it."
Ash gives her a knowing look as he sees she's in a hoodie and leggings. It's late autumn, meaning it's getting colder, especially at night. "I'm not taking care of you if you get sick again."
She blushes and opts to unroll the sleeping bag to hide her embarrassment. Although she appreciates his help months ago, she hates being reminded of it. Usually, Ariel reminds them of that weekend, and they both try their best to avoid it. "Fine. But you better not complain about being cold tomorrow."
He rolls his eyes. "You're the one who tagged along unprepared. Be grateful I even shared something with you." He has also been sharing his food with her too. Of course, this means they're both eating less because he only packed enough for himself, but he'll live. He'll have his mother's cooking once he's back at the end of the week.
Misty ignores the comment. Once they're all set for the night, the two are laying quietly under the stars. Eventually, Misty asks, "What does the League think about your little adventure?"
He shrugs. "They don't know."
"I thought they know everything you're doing?"
"They think I'm in Pallet Town all week."
"And Melody?"
"Same. and she's mad at me."
Chuckling, Misty remarks, "You're good at making your partners mad at you."
He glares at her. "This is different."
"Oh really?" Misty challenges him.
"Yeah. She's mad because…" he goes silent. Why should he tell her? She's his ex. There was a time they used to tell each other everything, but it's been over a decade since that's happened.
When Ash doesn't continue, Misty chooses to mind her own business. Why should she care about his love life? She shouldn't care about what he does with his life anyway. She's just trying to pass the time, and they only have each other's company. After a while, Misty falls asleep from the eventful day.
"No...don't go...please...Ariel, champ!"
Misty's eyes shoot open. Obviously she knows who's talking. It's not her first time hearing this. She heard it all the time in the clinic and even when he had spent the weekend at the gym. It's been months, and no one can tell Ariel was ever attacked. However, he's still having nightmares? Looking over, she spots his furrowed brows as he tosses and turns under the moonlight.
Sighing, she walks over to shake him awake again. "Hey."
Unlike the past couple times she would wake him up, the man actually gets up this time. He abruptly sits up in a cold sweat despite it being chilly out. Leaning over his bent knees, he breathes deeply between his legs. Mew, this is terrible. These nightmares are unbearable, and he hopes taking down the Rockets responsible will get rid of them.
When he feels a small hand slowly rub his back, he finds himself calming down. Eventually, his breathing slows down, and he feels the chills disappearing. Taking in a deep steady breath, he opens his eyes again. Everything is okay. It was just a nightmare. Ariel is fine...right?
"Ash." She noticed him starting to hyperventilate again, so she's glad he's calmed down once more.
Ash's fearful brown eyes gaze at Misty's concerned blue ones. "Where's Ariel?"
"With your mom and Brock in Pallet Town." Misty reassures him. "They have Pikachu too, and the Oaks are back." He nods, though he'd feel better hearing his daughter's voice. When he reaches for his pokenav, Misty's hand on his stops him. "It's 3 in the morning. Don't wake up Ariel."
"I need to make sure she's okay."
"She's fine."
"How do you know that?"
The woman grabs his pokenav from him to place back on the ground. She then gently pushes his shoulders back until he's also laying down. Gazing down at him, Misty smiles warmly. "Because we don't make the same mistakes twice."
Ash blinks at her. Seeing that he's calm now, Misty goes back to her sleeping bag. Once she's inside, Ash says, "Ariel isn't a mistake." They didn't plan for her, but Ash will never consider her a mistake. They both knew the risks, even with protection. When Misty said they don't make the same mistake twice, he hopes that isn't her reasoning for why they only had one child.
"Of course not." Misty yawns. "She's a blessing."
The man looks over at her where he sees Misty's eyes are closed. "Yeah. She is."
The Next Day
"Waterpulse, Starmie!" Misty commands her purple star. Like the former Rockets had told them, there is a Rocket base deep in Diglett Cave. Once they got there, Ash asked the Diglett where the Rockets are. SInce the Digletts don't like the Rockets too, they happily led the way to the base. After a while of roaming the base and battling a few grunts, they were finally found by the admins.
"Heracross, brick break!"
"Fire blast!" one of the admins orders his Magmar. Starmie is battling a Magcargo while Heracross is battling a Pinsir. Misty calls out Corsola to help, but Corsola isn't quick enough, causing Misty to tackle her unsuspecting ex to the ground.
Before Ash can argue with her, the fire blast attack shoots over his head. "Uh. Thanks."
"Ariel would be sad if anything happened to you." Misty mutters as Corsola is battling the Magmar. Standing up, the woman walks away to hide her blushing cheeks.
Ash stands back up with his own face a little warm. "Dodge, Heracross!"
Eventually, Ash and Misty defeat the admin, and they close in on her. Misty pins her against the wall to glare deeply at her. "What do you want with our daughter?" Seethes the redhead.
"I don't know what you're talking about!" the admin denies as she struggles under Misty's hold.
"You know exactly who we are and who our daughter is." Misty's grip tightens. "You better tell us what you know!"
"I'm not a snitch!"
"Suit yourself." Misty looks at Starmie. "Starmie-"
"Misty, stop." While Ash appreciates her ferocity, he knows this isn't like her. She doesn't scare people like this.
Misty, though, wants answers. To who put her daughter through that traumatic experience months ago. "Ice beam."
"Okay!" The admin screams when Starmie's ice beam attack lands to the side of her. Misty would never hurt anyone. She was planning to have Starmie miss all along. "His name is Kleon, and he's on his way to Pallet Town!"
Now, Ash closes in on the admin. "Why's he going there? What does he want?"
"He found out you two aren't there! That former Pewter City Gym Leader is nothing. Kleon's gonna take your daughter! Please don't hurt me!"
Misty looks over at Ash with fear in her eyes. "We need to warn the Oaks and Brock."
Nodding, the man returns his Pokemon. As Misty releases the admin to return her Pokemon, Ash asks, "Why does he want Ariel?"
The admin shrugs weakly. "He said something about wanting to become the new leader by making the champion grovel."
Ash's glare on her intensifies, but he knows she's not the one he's after. Turning away, he rushes out of the base with Misty close behind. They don't have service in the cave, so they'll have to call their friends once they're out. Ash won't let his daughter get hurt again.
When they're out of the cave, they quickly get on Charizard for the ride to Pallet Town. Misty is calling Brock while Ash calls the Oaks. Fortunately, everyone picks up, and Ariel is actually at the Oaks with Brock right now. "Kleon is gonna regret coming after Ariel." Misty hisses after they're done with their calls.
Nodding, Ash's glare stays on the path ahead. It's only an hour and a half long flight to Pallet Town from Diglett Cave. He's grateful Charizard is a quick flyer. Ash clenches his fists. Yes. Kleon is going to regret coming after their daughter.
Last chapter I have right now. Stay tuned for whenever I type up the next one!~