So, if you guys are wondering about the rapid uploads, I am done with school for the semester, but on top of that I am off work till January 12th, 2021. This is because my dad tested positive for COVID, so I had to get tested as well, and despite coming back negative my employers are requesting I quarantine for 2 weeks anyway...

Anyway, enough about that. Big thanks to pokemonking0924 and ConfusedCradily for your recent reviews, as well as big thanks to TimTheVocalist for beta reading this story and letting me use his characters Jason and Em. Enjoy!

Wes:

Nayru the Gardevoir (Friend Ball, shiny)

Terra the Garchomp (Level Ball)

Yue the Froslass (Love Ball)

Inigo the Blaziken (Fast Ball, shiny)

Sakura the Milotic (Lure Ball)

Blake the Umbreon (Moon Ball, shiny)

Kris:

Snivy (PokeBall)

Espeon (PokeBall)

Buizel (PokeBall)

Monferno (Great Ball)

Plume Fossil (unrestored, unknown ball)

XxXxXxX - Flashback - XxXxXxX

Had Wes not had the weight of Jason's disappearance, his International Police duties, and the current seriousness of the situation he was in, a squeal of glee probably would've escaped the young trainer as Lance lead him into a room that held a throne, and a battlefield on it, with a door just behind the Champion of the Indigo Plateau's chair. He knew that many years ago, a famous battle took place between Red and Blue, which Red emerged victorious and became the second known Champion of the Indigo Plateau in several years, overtaking Blue, who became the first Champion of the Indigo League just hours prior of Red's arrival. But that was years ago, and currently Wes found himself staring at Lance, the current Champion and the one who had taken him here.

"So..." Lance muttered, sitting down and staring at Wes, who did not step up on the three steps that lead to the throne that Lance currently occupied. "I assume that you can guess why I called you here?"

Wes knew why, of course. Looker had warned him yesterday that Lance was not going to take Wes letting Giovanni escape well, and apparently news traveled quickly about what Wes had done and where he was heading next. "I assume it is about Giovanni?"

"Exactly", Lance growled a little. "I am disappointed, Wes. I thought someone of your skill wouldn't be so easily fooled by a simple sandstorm, especially with a Garchomp on your side, who's ground typing should've easily let him track Giovanni's movements, furthermore-" Lance immediately held up his head, as Wes opened his mouth to talk. "-had the training to always watch your opponents before making a move to block an entrance, even if you assume it is the only one within the area... or, perhaps you have had the training, and are not as easy to fool as you are wanting all of us to believe."

At that, Wes had to resist his face changing expression. He instantly knew that Lance wasn't buying into the cover story he had for letting Giovanni go, but how could he explain to Lance of all people that Giovanni would not be harming anyone anymore, and that the information Giovanni had given up to him was, at least to him, more then enough to allow Giovanni a final chance of freedom? With a great effort to keep his eyes locked on Lance's own, Wes spoke. "I had a slip of the mind, that is all. So did Terra, we panicked while facing the Team Rocket leader, and I guess he took advantage of that panic to slip away."

"And you didn't check for alternative paths out of Tohjo Falls before your confrontation with Giovanni?" Lance asked, impatiently. "I checked out the cave that you entered, and saw the remnants of the sandstorm you mentioned, as well as discovered the secret passage you mentioned... but one thing doesn't add up to me, and that is why there doesn't seem to be any sand in the secret passage way."

At that, Wes paled a little. He and Terra caused a sandstorm and laid out the sand in a way that made it look like they were standing in one place, Terra rushed towards the entrance, and Giovanni dashed towards the secret passage and slipped in it while they were distracted, but in their great effort to cover up the scene must've forgotten to put some of the sand in the passage. He had always been trained in his line of work that those with something to hide will always have a crack in the story, and now here he was, thinking that his training allowed him to set a perfect stage, only for one tiny slip to make it past him.

Sticking to his guns, Wes replied with a shrug. "The sand was blowing towards us, so would any of the sand really have made it into the secret passage?"

"With that amount of sand and how high it was layered, I would think so", Lance replied coldly, glaring at Wes. "And while you could be right in your assumption, I believe that you are still covering this up and hiding something. If you think that Giovanni's information about Mewtwo warrants him a chance to evade capture, then you are delusional. A single good deed does not forgive the countless crimes that he and his followers have committed in Kanto and Johto... They killed a Marowak and made a baby Cubone an orphan, for Arceus-sake!"

Wes became chest fallen at that. He had completely forgotten the incident in Lavender Town that orphaned a baby Cubone, and started a world-wide conspiracy that all Cubone's wore their mother's skulls on their head, despite that being impossible. Regardless, the reputation of that single Cubone followed the species ever since, and it was in PokeDex entries despite researchers fighting against the stained remarks that all Cubone's were orphans that wore their dead mother's skulls.

"Because I do not have any solid proof to investigate you, however", Lance growled with fury. "I cannot assume anything, but I do want you to report back to your superiors that I will no longer be letting the International Police freely roam in my jurisdictions. Any agent within Kanto or Johto must be working along side a police agent from either Kanto or Johto, no exceptions are to be made."

Wes gave a curt nod and turned to leave. He knew, deep down, that Lance had every reason to mistrust him, because after all he was correct in his assumptions. However, he could still feel the fury growing within him, as he felt like Lance was acting as if Wes requested a pardon for everything that Giovanni had done, which he had not. Giovanni was still a wanted man, and any other run in with either Wes or another agent would result in his arrest, there was no question about that. He only granted Giovanni a chance at his freedom for aiding in what was a much more important battle, but Lance in his delusion could not see that.

"Make no mistake", Lance suddenly said, stopping Wes in his tracks just as he was nearing the door out. "Should I find any information you did let Giovanni escape, I will call for your immediate dismissal from the International Police and your arrest as an accomplice."

This crossed the line, as Wes rounded and glared in turn at Lance. "Says the same man who attacked Team Rocket agents with his own Pokemon's Hyper Beam! Pretty sure that is against some regulations, Mr. Weakest-of-all-Champions."

That struck a nerve, and suddenly Lance stood up, but Wes had moved just as quickly by pure instinct alone. Two Pokemon emerged onto the battlefield, Lance's Dragonite was standing with his mouth ajar, charging a Hyper Beam which was pointed directly at the trainer. Yue, meanwhile, had come out of the ball Wes had throw, and was holding her hands up and charging an Ice Beam, pointed directly at Lance and his Dragonite. The door to Wes' back suddenly opened, and the rest of the Elite Four came running in, looking stunned at the scene before them. Nayru, who had opted to wait outside, as she was unconfident she could maintain the lie in front of Lance, came in after them and paled as she saw her master being threatened at Hyper Beam point.

"Well?" Wes asked, glaring at the dragon. "It won't work on Yue, and she's an ice/ghost type. I think you need to switch moves, but by that point Yue will attack." Lance scoffed, knowing that Wes was right. If he did anything else, Yue would attack, and the Hyper Beam wouldn't effect Yue, who would immediately attack if the beam was launched. With a growl, Lance recalled Dragonite, and seeing that Wes did the same for Yue. Wes glared again, "Don't throw stones when you live in glass houses, Lance. You may have been pardoned for your usage of Hyper Beam on humans, but it still says a lot about your character. Say what you want about assuming I let Giovanni go, but look at your past first before assuming or accusing me of anything." And with that, Wes turned and walked off with Nayru in tow, leaving Lance to look after them with a scowl on his face.

XxXxXxX - End Flashback - XxXxXxX

Wes couldn't help but feel awkward as he walked with Chloe, who was looking down at her feet as if oddly interested in her platform boots. The two teenagers had spoken for about an hour, and while Chloe didn't have much information on Team Plasma activity, she did inform him of the group that was stationed in Driftveil City that were still loyal to N and wanted to help all the Pokemon that they had originally stolen as well as find their missing 'King'. She also had heard of an incident where it was reported at Floccesy Ranch where someone stole a Herdier that claimed to be associated with Team Plasma, though the loyal dog pokemon managed to get away from his captor. After she ran out of information to give on Team Plasma, they caught up, talking about their lives and what had become of them.

Chloe's life was now as a Pokemon Performer, taking part in movies at the PokeStar Studios in Virbank City, while at the same time doing some modeling with Elesa, the Nimbasa City Gym Leader, which was why she was currently there. While not as famous of a model as Em or Elesa, she was making some strides, especially in the Unova Region, where Wes couldn't help but notice that people were gawking at them as they walked, and half expected a article to be written questioning if Chloe had a secret boyfriend.

The sun was setting just as they rounded the street corner and reached the hotel they were staying at for the night. Wes gave his number to Chloe, who had to get a new one due to her modeling gig and her original number leaking out, just in case she found out anymore information. He couldn't help but notice that as she entered it, she looked a bit sad to be saying goodbye. Trying to make her happy, Wes scratched his cheek, and muttered. "Um... I can check in on you every once in awhile, if that'll make you happy. We don't have to talk just if you find out more about Team Plasma, after all."

Chloe nodded, giving Wes a gentle smile. "Thank you, Wes, and I'm sorry that is all I could tell you."

"That's actually a lot more help then anyone else has been", Wes replied. "I didn't know about the splinter cell in Driftveil who were still loyal to N. Perhaps talking to them would lead me more into what they could possibly be planning now."

With a swift hug, he said his good-bye to the ebony skinned girl, who once again turned scarlet and had to stutter out her good-bye to Wes. The police agent entered the hotel with a sigh, quickly giving his information to the hotel clerk, who seemed to have been expecting him and handed him a room key to the room that Kris had managed to secure for them. As he turned, he felt his Rotom-Phone slide out of his pocket, and sure enough the device now floated in the air in front of him.

"Have a good chat?" Rotom asked.

"Yeah, did I miss anything?" Wes asked, looking at the device.

"You just received a text message from an unknown number that reads 'Hey, it's Chloe'", Rotom replied. "I will add her number in the contact labeled 'Chloe', and delete the original one if that is ok?"

"Yes", Wes replied. He was unsure, but something seemed off about the device, as if it had more to say but didn't necessarily want to say it. "Rotom, what else is there?"

"Well... you have 60 missed calls from Rose."

"60!?" Wes asked, flabbergasted as he grabbed the phone and stared at the notification that Rotom had popped up onto the screen. "Why didn't you send them through earlier? If Rose called 60 times, it might be an emergency!"

Rotom looked sheepish at this. "Well... you and that girl, Chloe, looked so cute that I couldn't help but leave you two alone."

Wes glared at him for that remark. "We need to have a serious talk later."

"She is calling again." Rotom stated, and sure enough a slide bar popped down and said that Rose was calling for the 61st time.

"Put her through", Wes demanded.

"There you are!" Rose shouted, as her face popped up on the screen. "I've been calling for the past hour! You got some explaining to do!"

"What do you mean?" Wes asked, looking confused.

"Jason!" Rose immediately replied, and Wes actually looked shocked at that. "He's back! Why didn't you tell me!? We talked yesterday and you seemed awfully brief with the call!"

"Stop yelling", Wes snapped back, glaring at her. "I couldn't, remember? Article-"

"Oh, who gives a shit!?" Rose snapped, and Wes actually recoiled a bit at that. "You can make your stupid Article excuse to me later! Em is probably almost there, she got a text message from Jason and left about an hour ago on her Salamence!" At that, Wes immediately started running calculations in his head about Salamance and the speed at which they could fly, before suddenly remembering the she was a Mega user. Rose looked like she was about to say something else, but Wes held up his hand to silence her. Sure enough, the opening of a door and the growls that followed immediately after told Wes that his calculations were correct. "Hello, Em."

"Wes", came the very curt, very cold reply. The model was practically fuming with raw emotion, her Salamence echoing her anger by growling very slowly. Despite her beauty, it only seemed to add to her intimidating presence; in the past three years her pixie-cut hair had grown to a flowing length, stopping just above her waist. Instead of the tank-top and shorts combo she usually wore, she know sported a white t-shirt top along with a black vest, a pair of dark-blue jeans that hug snugly to her hips and thighs, and a pair of red heels, showing off her perfectly polished toenails. "Very nice to see you", she stated. She then noticed the phone in his hand, and her gaze narrowed. "I'm guessing that Rose already told you why I'm here."

"Naturally", Wes stated, as Rose let out a little whimper on the other end of the phone. To Em's shock, despite the threatening presence of her and her dragon, Wes did not seem to be afraid, talking and staring at her as if they were just having a standard chat over some drinks. "And I would like to once again state that-"

"You can take your Darkrai-damned Articles and shove them up your ass, Wes", Em growled, her anger coming back in full force. "You told me that you would let me know the instant that you found him! You said, Looker be damned, I'd be the first to hear anything!"

"I... did?" Wes asked, and before Em could go off on him again, she saw his face change. Pure confusion was etched onto it, as if Em had just claimed that pokemon could have three types at once or something else outlandish. Wes scratched his cheek, looking puzzled from Em to the Rotom-Phone he had. "I did?"

"Em, Wes lost all of his memories during his first mission into Ultra Space", Rose explained, the phone hovering up so that Em could see Rose on the other end. "He was in a really bad state. I am guessing despite trying to escape, they got captured by-"

"Do. Not. Remind. Me", Wes suddenly snarled, glaring. "I do not want to think of that blasted creature."

Em stared at Wes, and for a moment, the air was tense. She looked deep into his eyes, making sure that he wasn't giving her a single lie to save his own ass. Finally, she let out a breath, and her Salamence suddenly changed stances, no longer aggressive but now in full "I don't care" mode, collapsing onto the ground and panting heavily, revealing how much energy it burned to get her here so quickly. Without a word, she pulled out its Ultra ball, recalling the exhausted dragon and letting it rest.

"You promised me", she said. "And... I was under the impression that you don't break those if you can help it. So... I might have overreacted here, just a little bit."

"A little bit?" Wes asked, raising an eyebrow at her. "You threatened me with a Salamence!" And suddenly, unexpected to all of them, a flash of light shot out from Wes' belt and Terra stood there, looking around wildly after hearing that his trainer had been threatened. "Terra, I'm not being threatened anymore, but I thank you for coming out to defend me."

Em blinked, staring at the garchomp in question with a slightly unnerved gaze, before giving him another look, almost indignant at him. "I haven't seen the love of my life in three years, you promised me I'd be the first to know, and this is the first I've heard of you losing any memories while you were in there. I had no idea that you had amnesia, too, so excuse me for freaking out!"

"Apology accepted", Wes muttered, irritation in his voice as Terra, now realizing there was no threat, had taken to nibbling his master's head in affection instead. "And I will keep good on my promise to you. You're right, I do not break my promises if I cannot help it... and despite setbacks, I will do what I can to make good on it now."

"A-are you sure?" Rose asked, as Wes recalled Terra into the Level ball he was normally housed in.

"She's telling the truth", Wes stated, turning to his Rotom-Phone. "I do caution you to be careful about what you say or do, however... he's in a wrecked state, hardly talks let alone even wants to be around people." With a gesture of his head, Wes began walking towards the elevator, Em following shortly behind, ignoring the clerk that was staring after them all as if she had just witnessed murder.

It did not take long for them to arrive at the door, and with a gentle knock, his voice picked up on the other end. "Yes?" came the muffled reply, and Em had to grab her hand, pinching her wrist hard to make sure this wasn't a dream. When she flinched at the pain, she knew it was the real world, and she had to bite her tongue to keep from saying something dumb.

"It's Wes", came the voice of the silver-haired teen. "I, er, have a guest that wants to see you. She's been missing you for sometime now, and I guess you got in contact with her earlier today."

There was a pause, and eventually he spoke up. "... all I told her was that I was in Unova... how did she find us so fast?"

Wes blinked at that, and turned to Em. "That is actually a good question... how did you find us here in Nimbasa?"

Em glared, then showed her rotom-phone to Wes. There, in her contacts list, was Chloe's name, having sent her a text about five minutes ago at this point.

"... that's not important", Wes said into the door, silently cursing the girl he had spent an hour with, but wanting to spare Jason any sudden thoughts against Chloe, as she had somehow triggered him to regain more memories. "I can tell you later... do you mind at least saying hi?"

"... fine. The door's open."

Em reached forward, opening the door slowly so he wouldn't freak out. Once open, the two had to blink at the sight; Jason was sitting against the far wall, almost in a corner where he was out of view of the window to his room. Wrapped around him, coiled somewhat tightly, was his Serperior. The green, vine-covered snake had her head resting on his shoulder, looking at him with a somewhat worried look, but it looked like she was also set to pounce at any moment, the muscles in her body tense and ready to strike out at the slightest hint of danger.

The green-haired girl could feel her heart break in her chest as she stared at the boy in front of her; she recognized him. There was no way she could mistake anyone else for her beloved. But the look in his eyes held mistrust, fear, anger... a lot of emotions that he had not shown her in a very long time. And she knew exactly what his Serperior was doing; he told her about this behavior plenty of times back when he traveled on his own. She slowly moved forward, making no sudden movements, as the snake suddenly turned to her, familiarity flashing in its eyes.

"Hey, Naga... if it isn't my favorite danger noodle", she cooed, coaxing the serperior toward her. The serpent, now dubbed Naga, slowly lifted itself, the muscles relaxing, before she gradually slithered forward, recognizing Em and moving in for head pats. Jason, her trainer, was shocked as he watched his Unovan Starter leave his side, to come be pet by this stranger.

"You know how to get her to let go without attacking?" he asked her.

"Yeah... you taught me everything I know about Serperior", Em replied, speaking softly and gently. She soon sat on the ground, a respectable distance from her boyfriend. "It's been a real long time, Jason... do you mind if I just... sit here and talk for a bit?"

At first, Wes was certain that Jason was going to throw her out. He did not look happy to see her at all; if anything, he looked threatened that she was coming into his hotel room. But as she interacted with his pokemon, that anger faded, and now a curious expression formed on his face. Eventually, he gave a short nod, before looking to Wes. That angered gaze soon returned. "Could you... please close the door?" he asked, trying to sound polite despite his stress.

With a nod, Wes shut the door behind him as he turned to leave. Several hours passed before Em finally left the room, heading down to the lobby where she was sure that Wes was waiting for them to finish up, and sure enough her suspicions were confirmed as she rounded the corner and saw Wes on the phone with Rose, who was currently lecturing him like a school teacher disappointed in their student.

"-where is the International Police currently stationed?"

"They are currently borrowing a room at the Aether Foundation to study Ultra Beasts", Wes replied monotoned, as if he was being lectured by his mother and hating every second of it.

"And where is the Aether Foundation located?" Rose sternly asked.

"Do I really have to answer that question like I'm some kid watching Sesame Street?" Wes sarcastically asked. "For god sake, the answer is obvious!"

"ANSWER, WES!"

"In Alola", Wes replied. "Who you are the Champion of."

"And thus, all International Police activity that happens within my jurisdiction, I should be informed of." Rose replied, with a little smirk. "You know, this is why Lance doesn't like you. He is not a fan of all the International Police secrets, and I actually have to agree with him. Em and I should've been told about Jason's return."

"Can you not bring him into this?" Wes snarled. Rose smirked at that, her mentioning of Lance touching a nerve as well as making her point clear.

Em had to stifle a giggle, and soon came into view, sitting next to Wes with a ghost of a smile on her face. "Alright, Rose, I think he's had enough... and don't worry, if he screws up again, I'll be here to lecture him instead. I think I can pull off the old 'Jason Glare' in a pinch."

Rose blinked in surprise at that, before tilting her head in confusion. "Wait... you aren't coming back? But, what about your modeling?"

"One, I traveled several thousand kilometers in literally one hour", Em stated, wincing a bit. "And I think the adrenaline's wearing out, so I'm pretty sure I'm gonna stay on the ground for a while. Two, if Alola's magazines decide they don't want me anymore, I can always find work here in Unova and Kalos. They're always begging me to work. And three..." Em gave Rose a smile at this last one. "... he's finally back. I'm not letting him out of my sight ever again."

"She's got a point", Wes commented, which shocked Rose. Out of all the people, she wasn't expecting him to so suddenly agree to Em traveling with them. "Rose, think about it from our point of view. Jason has been missing for three years, Em has been dating him for... four?" He turned, and a nod from the girl confirmed his question. "And I've been searching for him all this time. I know how she feels, neither of us want to lose him again, even though the risk of that happening is kinda low... point is, I understand and I am more than willing to let her stay... of course, Looker isn't going to be happy with me taking more money for rooms out of the funds. I already overspend as is."

"I got that covered", Em said, holding up her own credit card. "I'll pay for Jason's room from now on, and one for myself if he doesn't want to share. Modeling does have its perks, after all", she said with a wink. "Consider me your 'emergency Jason fund' from now on."

"That's very much appreciated", Wes nodded to her, before turning back to Rose. "Anyway, good luck in your battle against Hau tomorrow, and we'll call you tomorrow night."

Rose gave a nod and smile, then ended the call. At that moment, a sudden gasp caught the attention of Wes and Em. Standing in the doorway was Kris and Nayru, the psychic/fairy type in particular staring at Em as if she had received an electrical shock. "Er... she's...?"

"Staying with us", Wes confirmed to her. "Apparently we forgot that we made a promise to her three years ago."

"We did a what?"

Em gave a smile, walking over and hugging Nayru, bending over a tiny bit since her heels made her taller than the Embrace pokemon. "It's good to see you too, Snarky."

"Senpai... who is this BEAUTIFUL WOMAN!?" Kris gasped, staring at Em as if she had witnessed someone descending from the heavens.

"It's rude to stare, dear student", Wes commented, and looking at Em, his eyes silently telling her to brace herself. "That... is Em." Kris let out a small, elongated "noooooo", turning to Em in shock. This was Jason's girlfriend? Her brain had a hard time processing it. Em, meanwhile, turned to Kris, and gave a short wink. Wes couldn't help but stare, realizing that this was the first time in three years that her playful, bubbly personality started making its appearance.

"Nice to meet you, kid. Thank you for helping Wes take care of my Boo!"