A/N: Okay, this is something I've been hearing for a LONG time, There's no AAMR!!! well...here it is!!! Choke on the sugar coated goodness!! I hope you get a cavity from this chapter...@_@ without further ado...a new chapter!!! BTW, the names Reno, Rude, Tseng, and Elena are copyright of SquareSoft industries, who made the best game ever made, Final Fantasy 7. I couldn't really think up any decent names for corporate villians, and they just fit it so nicely...TR seems a bit like Shin-Ra, eh? ^_^;;;;;
I can't believe this....why...how could I just RUN like that?! he said to himself, disgusted. To think that two battles gone wrong could shake me up like that...I've been through MUCH worse....and still....something about this....
He felt his thoughts trailing, and all of a sudden heard a tap at his window.
huh?! What the hell.....
As he went over to look out it, Misty was standing there.
Misty headed back home in Cerulean City the other day, which was next to Pallet Town, about an hour walk through the shortcut she found through both towns. After all that happened, Ash was surprised to see her so soon.
she whispered, making sure not to wake anybody up. She clambered in and sat on the windowsill. Ash took note of her...she was wearing a white tank top, denim short shorts, and black sandals. Fully dressed at 1AM. Go figure... he said to himself.
she said with a confused look, unable to know what he meant.
Never mind....what's up? he asked as he sat down on his bed and ran his head through his hair.
Nothin really.... she said as she stared up at the amazingly clear sky, stars, moon and all. I couldn't sleep...
Welcome to the club... Ash said with a snort.
You okay? she asked as she looked over at him. You look like hell...
Never mind me...how about you?
Eh...been better...
How's your arm? he asked as he looked at her shoulder. The bruise was almost completely gone, and she seemed to be able to move it, albeit painfully sometimes.
I'm alright...I heal quick I guess.... she said with a shrug, and ran her hand through her hair, pushing her shoulder length, strawberry blond hair back. It shined in the moonlight.
Guess so.... Ash said as he looked down at the floor. How's Kristi and Dex?
I called Kris earlier when we all got home yesterday. She's hurtin pretty bad...she said it's only bruised ribs, but it felt like one of them could be cracked. She's takin it easy...
And what about Dex? Is he okay?
Yeah...he's fine. A bit shaken up, but fine. I don't blame him... Ash started. I don't blame ANY of us...it's horrible. One week, and it was hell once we ran into TR.... the look on his face suddenly turned to anger. DAMN THEM!!! he nearly screamed as he punched his pillow. I fucking HATE them!!!! he said with another slam.
Misty said in a harsh whisper. Knock that off, it's not gonna help NOBODY... Ash sighed and took a deep breath.
You're right....
I always am... she said with a smirk. THIS was the Misty he remembered.
I won't argue with you... he replied with a slight chuckle.
she said as she stared back out the window.
You ever wonder why all that just happened...like out of the blue?
Just our bad luck. she said with a sigh. Ash stared back down at the floor, then noticed Misty walk to his bedside and sit next to him.
she said as she put an arm around him. Don't beat yourself up...it was a good idea to call it off. If there was MORE of those jerks out there, we could've gotten into worse than we got... Ash just continued to stare down at the floor. Misty stood and grabbed his hands, pulling him up.
Huh...what're you doin? he asked her, confused. She put her arms around his waist.
Listen to me, k? she said to him, looking him in the eyes. You're not a lesser person for making a decision like that...
But Misty, I just fucked up our whole summer...I SO wanted to hit Indigo...and give the League a shot again. I rocked Orange Islands...Jolt I came so close to...but Indigo is the best of the best...I wanted to go, Dex wanted to go...Kristi wanted to go...and YOU wanted to go.... he said as he hung his head. Misty tilted his chin up to look her in the eyes.
You did the right thing, Ash. NOTHING will make us think like you are right now...you didn't ruin ANYTHING. God forbid we actually DID get into worse trouble...please, don't be upset, Ash, I can't stand seeing you all depressed like this... Misty trailed off as she saw the defeated look in his eyes. Not for nothin, but it's no different than any other summer...we can all hang out, have that pool party at Dex's house like last month....it can't be that bad...
Ash simply sighed in reply. Misty looked him in the eyes again. Jeez Ketch....can't even hug back your best friend?
Ash blushed a bit. Misty was normally friendly with him, but she's had her arms around his waist for the last two minutes. He felt an urge to do something, but pushed it out of his mind. We're just friends... he thought to himself.
Misty raised an eyebrow and looked at him.
Ash didn't reply, he just rolled with it and placed his arms around her waist as well.
See, not so bad, eh? Look..I just want you to be happy, k? Don't beat yourself up...summer's just started. Misty said reassuringly, and tightened her hold on him, hugging him. We'll bounce back, right?
Ash said as he hugged back. Misty rested her head against his shoulder and smiled.
Now THAT'S the Ash Ketchum I remember... she whispered into his ear. He tilted her chin up and smiled at her.
Thanks for the pep talk, Mist... he whispered back to her, and the two locked eyes for a few seconds, smiling.
Anything to help... she nearly choked out after a silence. Ya know I hate seein you like this anyways...
Ash half-smiled. I owe ya one... he whispered.
Eh...think nothin of it.... she said with a smirk. Thw two of them stared into each other's eyes once again, and gazed into each other as if in a trance. Ash gulped, and Misty tried to fight it, but they both found themselves moving closer to each other. They were no less than 2 inches apart when Ash choked and turned his face.
Mi...misty, I'm sorry.... he said as he tried to look away. Misty turned her head too.
Yeah...weird-ass, huh?
Ash said, and they locked eyes again.
Look...you want to, right? Misty said with a blush.
Yeah...do you? Ash said back, another slight blush. Misty nodded shakily and rolled her eyes.
I dunno why, it's like kissing my brother... she said, blushing heavier.
same here...well...sister..but..umm...aw what the hell, let's just get it out of the way... Ash said as he rolled his eyes. Or else we'll just sit here wondering what it would be like...
Yeah...guess so, eh? You ready...? Misty asked as she shrugged her shoulders. Ash locked his fingers behind her waist, and Misty changed her position so she gently placed her arms around his neck.
Small peck, nothin more... she said. Ash shrugged, and the two of them smiled, looking into each other's eyes as they gathered up courage. The two teenagers slowly edged closer to each other, and Ash flubbed it after they were so close, turning the wrong way and planting a kiss on her nose.
Misty giggled, and lightly tapped him on the back of the head. Wanna TRY this time?! she asked, still giggling furiously. Ash nearly burst out laughing, and leaned back so they were at their previous distance.
Sorry Misty... he said with a smile. Nervous I guess...
same here.... Misty said as she took a deep breath. I dunno...I've been kissed before....ya know, boyfriends and all...but...I mean, this is YOU....
It feels weird, ne? Ash replied. Both of them laughed again, and Misty looked into his eyes once more.
K...here goes...ready?
The two of them leaned closer to each other, and angled their faces correctly to compensate for the kiss. At about one inches, there was a slight hesitation, and both of them pulled away for a second, mustered up courage...and it happened. Misty and Ash covered the precious millimeters from their lips and kissed the best kiss either of them ever felt in their lives. Sure, they've kissed each other on the cheek, and once on the lips during a game of truth or dare...but this was a kiss unlike any other either of them had. It wasn't just a peck like Misty said...it started with a soft touch of the lips, and slowly escalated to passionate kissing. Ash held her close to himself as they continued, and Misty rested her body against his. They continued kissing soflty for the next minute before they broke lips and stared at each other, wide eyed. They stood there in silence for about two minutes, trying to take in what just happened. Ash felt a pang of confusion, as did Misty...from childhood friends to kissing...
was all Misty could utter, and Ash let out a confused
Stil, they remained locked in the embrace, and Ash gave Misty a hug and rested her head on his shoulder.
That was cool... he managed to say after a short silence.
Misty said with a smirk. She summoned up enough guts to kiss him again on the lips, and this time Ash backed up until they were against his bed, and pulled her down on top of him, kissing her relentlessly. They stopped after another minute, and stared into each other's eyes.
What happened to just a peck, nothing more'? Ash asked with a smirk.
eh....changed my mind... Misty said with a smile on her face. so...now we know what it's like...
Yeah...pretty nice...wouldn't mind...at all... Ash replied with a slight blush.
Misty said as she rolled off of him and lay next to him on his bed, resting her head on his chest. He put an arm around her and stared up at the ceiling.
Ya know what? Ash said after some more silence.
Ever wonder if we could be more than friends?
Misty commented on his approach. But...to answer your question...I think it can happen...we've known each other so damn long...
Ash said, and left it at that.
I should go... Misty said as she looked at the clock. It was now about 1:30AM.
Nah....it's okay... Ash said as he rubbed her back gently. Can we just enjoy this?
Ehhh...why not? Misty said as she cuddled up against him. With a yawn, Ash continued to stare into the ceiling, and the two of them lay there, enjoying each other's company. After awhile, Misty drifted off to sleep, while Ash remained awake.
Maybe it won't be so bad... he said to nobody in particular as he looked at Misty, sleeping soundly, breathing softly...he brushed the hair out of her face gently and smiled.
Man...when Danny dumped you he must've been on crack... Ash muttered. Misty yawned and stirred slightly, and nuzzled him gently, still asleep.
So...what do we do now? a young woman with blond hair asked Giovanni. It doesn't seem like the media caught on yet...
Well...the bank heist fell through when those three morons fucked it up.... Giovanni answered her. Besides, your company is good at money laundering....try decking some funds from one of our rivals...
well...it's worth a shot, and besides, it's getting hard to track my firm anyways, thanks to the computer encrypting. she replied.
But Elena, DO keep in mind that if you get caught, our ties are cut. Giovanni reminded her. A young man with slicked back, jet black hair spoke.
But boss, what if we DO work?
Good question, Beck. See...if you do it right...and I get what I'm asking for here....you get a very nice cut.
How nice is a nice cut? Beck asked him boldly. I'm not lookin to play games here.
A nice cut...how does thirty-five percent commision sound to you, hmmm? Giovanni asked him, and Beck's eyes nearly widened. 35 percent of a multimillion dollar job could make him retire early.
I stand corrected...
Thought so.
Sir, what about the Pokemon Black Market? You know, the new species of Pokemon are going for THOUSANDS on the BM. Elena pointed out.
My scratch team is on it. So far, they've made about 35K on the whole trade off with Sakkio, a Japan-based Black Market for Pokemon. Importing and Exporting seems to be working well for us right now.
Alright then...so we'll take care of the money to fund it, if YOU show us our cut. Cut and dry, that's the only way my company will work. Elena said firmly. Beck, her business partner, nodded in agreement. Reno lit a cigarette and rolled his eyes.
It'll work as long as certain people don't interfere. The media's sticking its nose where it doesn't belong again. he said in an icy tone. Your little scratch team'...or one of them, made headlines after attacking four kids. All four of them were hospitalized, and a police report was made. Another slipup like that, and the media will have a FIELD DAY. Reno said as he took another drag. A menthol smell slowly wafted along the room. Rude, who was sitting next to him, tapped Reno on the shoulder.
Can I bum one off of you? he asked sheepishly. Reno rolled his eyes.
Dammit Rude...I thought you were gonna buy a pack!!
Reno, that deli didn't have Newport Lights!!! And besides....they're so damn expensive!! he said with a sweatdrop.
ugh....dammit...I hope you can settle for Parliaments then... Reno said as he handed Reno a cigarette and lighter. This is the LAST time.
Sorry Reno... Rude said as he lit his cigarette and took a long drag.
Ya know...since those two numbskull employees of yours pitched that idea of attacking TRAINERS directly through battle, it's spread like wild-fire throughout Team Rocket...probably one of the best ideas I've ever heard... an Oriental man with dark hair and eyes brought up.
Ahhh yes...Jessi and James...those two idiots couldn't change a light-bulb...yet they brought up the BEST theory for stealing Pokemon that I've EVER heard...incapacitate the Trainers, THEN steal what they have....that's where our BM cash is coming from... Giovanni explained. It's quite simple really...it makes it easier at times...simply because of the shock value. Since every Pokemon Trainer in existence played by the rules of fair play, NOBODY expects direct attacks. For such small creatures, Pokemon happen to be VERY powerful when used directly in such a nature. Tseng, you're on it. Giovanni said to the Oriental man. Tseng nodded.
So shall I employ some hired muscle to take care of it?
Yes...get the best, NOTHING but the finest. Also, make sure they're well equipped. The HIGHEST level Pokemon you can find in Team Rocket is yours to use. Giovanni said to Tseng. He then turned to Reno and Rude.
How is my latest project going?
Well boss, that nerdy scientist of yours is working quite well. We tested that new experimental drug on a Rattata the other day, and it went pretty damn well. Reno said with another puff.
Yeah, it seems that everything is enhanced once the Pokemon is introduced to the drug. All abilities are topped out. Not only that, but a gentle, kind, and loving fluffball of a Pokemon can turn into a vicious, snarling, wild animal...and it's all thanks to the new drug. Rude finished.
Giovanni said with a smirk on his face. THIS will make it even EASIER to take down Pokemon Trainers, and steal from them for the BM...seems like the drug will be ready soon?
Boss, we're not sure, but we're hoping by the end of next week. That geek from ChemCorp is pushing the deadline to beat it by no less than 6 days.
Even better. The sooner, the better...I want it in mass production once it's perfected. Then, when we steal the Pokemon from the Trainers, we'll inject it, and introduce a new breed of Pokemon...a SUPER breed if you will, with enhanced abilities far beyond the reach of normal ones...the BM will have field day, and we can sell to the highest bidders...we'll make a MINT off this... Giovanni said with an evil smile, wringing his hands excitedly. Now....to recap...Elena, we need some extra cash to fund the scratch team's heists...they need equipment, Pokemon enhancements, and some technical devices...wire-readers, stuff like that. Pokemon NARCS are starting to come up, and some undercover police are posing as normal Trainers to nail us. See to it that they DON'T.
I'll get on it right away, sir. Elena responded.
Tseng. You need to help out Elena with the scratch team as well. Also, get some of your BEST men to work as a team for the Import/Exports. We need the BEST coverage we can get right now. Remember they have to LAY...LOW. No need in the media jumping in and playing hero here....
Got it. Tseng nodded.
Reno, Rude... Giovanni started, and looked to the two of them. You're responsible for that experimental drug. Keep a watch on the progress, when it's perfected, let me know. Also, make sure the media keeps their noses out of everything as well...we can't trust them, we're JUST getting on the right track here.
You got it. Reno said as he put his cigarette out. Rude simply nodded in reply.
The rest of you, keep good work on your respective jobs...oh...and Louie?
Yeah boss? an Italian man said, looking up from his papers.
The Veal Parmigiana at my restaurant is being touted as too flaky. See to it you up it....for Christ's sake, I'm full blood Sicilian, I can taste a Veal Parmigiana and tell you EXACTLY what's wrong with it. Make sure you fix that too...have a little pride in your heritage, will ya?
Sorry boss... Louie said as he sank into his seat and devised a new recipe.
Giovanni said as he stood up and stretched. The rest of them left the room, and all that was left was Giovanni, Reno, and Rude.
Boss, question. Reno blurted out as Giovanni was about to leave.
if those scratch teams of yours get caught...we're about to blow some REAL money down the shitter...you want me and Rude to keep watch on them?
Ya know....yes. Please do. They're all a bit young, some of them are inexperienced....now, if you'll excuse me...I need some sleep....
Giovanni left the room quickly, as Reno and Rude looked out the window.
So we're gonna play boss to the scratch teams, eh? Rude asked his friend.
Looks that way...if they screw it up, they'll have US to answer to...
With that said, they turned the lights off to the conference room, walked to the parking lot to two black, 2000 Honda Civics, got it, and drove back to the hotel they were staying at. The last two cars to leave the lot, an eerie calm fell over the city that's been plagued for over 3 days with crime. But the calm before the storm is always the worst....
TO BE CONTINUED