The Aftermath of the Afterlife

by CHROMUS

This is it, a short and sweet ending to this fic. Enjoy the tears as Ash and Misty are reunited many years later, and see what our favourite people did with their lives after Ash' passing...

7. Chapter 7: Jessie

AFTERMATH OF THE AFTERLIFE

JESSIE

And now, finally, the Rockets get their term. Rocketshipping alert in this chapter, but hey, that's not a bad thing, that's a good thing!

WARNING: This chapter is verging on 'R' because of themes of rape and murder in the stories of Jessie's past. I know that will upset some people, so I'll put a warning when we get to that scene (it'll be quite early, and it's just a description, so don't panic) so you can skip it or just go back.

O.K, moral duty over, let's continue.

At the end of this, there is a side story element to say the least. If anyone else would like to do something similar, then be my guest. So, thanks to Globie for this one, and hopefully, this may be a trend.

* * * *

In the past, myself and James have gone after him. We've tricked, stole, and at times, tried to hurt him and even kill him, to get our work done. And through it at times, it proved to be the best time of my life, even during our attempts of working together with him.

I never actually though anything could happen to him, which is why I was so surprised and not winning to believe that he had died.

I heard on the TV, didn't believe. James told me, I didn't believe. Then I called Misty.

The tears and sobs certainly weren't the sounds of some sort of cruel practical joke. I had witnessed what I thought would never happen, the death of one Ash Ketchum, or Twerpy Ketchum as I called him.

And now, here I am, a guest at the funeral of one of the greatest pokemon masters of all time.

Ten to fifteen years ago, I would never even been considered a busgirl, never mind an invited guest, to both his wedding…and his funeral…

But then again I was born just to be brought into suffering…

James is too busy bawling with Meowth to be with me now, so I might as well go over my story…

* * * *

I was born into this world as Jessica Musashi Furage. Into birth, I was destined to be a member of Team Rocket.

Mainly because of my mother, Mimayato Scarlet Furage. She was a legend in her field of her work, and my father knew it as well. Brought into Team Rocket, my father, Ricardo Furage, was a simple Rocket Agent, however, the passion between the two of them showed how inseparable they were, no matter how Giovanni or his mother tried to do it.

As hard as it may to believe it, I was born into love. My parents loved me dearly, as their only daughter, they did their best to care and provide for me. James couldn't believe it when I told him that originally we were quite wealthy. Mom's work as one of the top Rocket agents (take that Domino) had made her a feared name in higher Team Rocket standings, that even my father was taken back with fear and awe of times.

So, how did one Jessica fall from grace?

It happened when I was five.

The first act that my father was starting to feel the pressure of being in the shadow of my mother, as he starting to become less and less attached to me and my mom. He didn't show anger or hatred, he was just jealous, and wanted to earn the same wealth that she did.

So, the idiot thought that hacking into the Team Rocket accounts would have been a smart idea. Idiot, hackers caught him within seconds.

However, amazingly, they had put all the blame on my mother. They felt that 'he had been put up to it from higher powers' saying things like all her success had got to her head.

Normally, an attempting operation like this would result at best, removal from Team Rocket and being a fugitive for the rest of your life. At worst, you'd be executed. Simple, really. However, my mother's work was still considered the finest in her field, and Giovanni didn't want to lose one of his best workers…well, not yet anyway.

To compensate for my 'mother's' actions, Ricardo was demoted to janitorial staff, whilst my mother worked without pay until they were happy. This made life very difficult, and our nice little house had to be replaced with a wooden cottage outside Viridian Forest. Funny how I lived so close to the twerp at a young age, although he hadn't been born yet.

This led to the famous 'snowgesboards' and at my age, I was starting to attend school, and people had learned of my hard times, and refused to be near me. It was the start of a trend I didn't want.

Talking about what I wanted to be when I was younger to teachers, Team Rocket agent wasn't one of them. Despite my families work, I hadn't had any desire to follow them, I wanted to follow my childhood dream of being a nurse. Yeah, laugh if you want, but Jessie wanted to help people in her younger days.

For 3 years, my mother struggled as her 'debt' was slowly becoming erased, and my father was increasing hating for all the crap he suffered.

And then it happened….

* * * *

Just like with Ash, a television news break would tell me the passing away of someone I cared about.

"WE ARE HERE LIVE, WHERE IN THE FUJITAKA MOUNTAINS, WHERE THE LEGENDARY POKEMON, MEW, IS SUPPOSED TO RESIDE, AN AVALANCHE HAS CAUSED A CATASTROPHE AMONG THE RESIDENTS OF THE NEARBY VILLAGE. BUILDINGS HAVE BEEN DAMAGED, MANY INJURIES, AND ALSO 3 DEAD WHO WERE SEEN TO HAVE BEEN EXPLORERS…"

One day, as the plan for the collapse of Team Rocket was staring, I hacked into the files of my mother's profile, and found out what really happened.

My mother had been sent into a mission to see if she could capture or learn about the legendary Mew. If successful, yes, her debt would have been erased…however, Giovani and Mamahama, his mother, were making sure that didn't happen.

They killed her.

Some of the elite agents, including a heartbroken Mondo, one of my mother's closest friends (to the extent of Ricardo's jealously), had set up an explosion device on the ice mountains, to cause an avalanche as my mother and two other agents were ready to come. Not even my mother could survive a full heading avalanche.

Mondo was a legendary pokemon trainer, and a good friend, but he was forbidden to even contact me or my father after the incident.

Learning of my mother's death back in my youth, my tears were there, the only time I would cry for her, but I meant it. I loved her. She and I had a bond that me and my father would never had, and I would never have until James.

The death of my mother also meant that it was the excuse that Team Rocket wanted to remove my father from their services. He was put under constant surveillance because anyone who reveals Team Rocket secrets, lets just say that they don't live long enough.

Losing his wife, house, life, job, self-respect, hope…he needed something weaker to take his anger on…and I became that target.

At 8 years old, the words 'child abuse' were ringing through my head…literally, after every rage, drunken or sober, he would unleash on me.

(Warning: Scenes about to start)

As a former Team Rocket millitant, he knew ways to hurt me, without killing me. The hot knife was his favourite, putting the hot weapon to my cheek, hearing my screams, and then cutting ever so slightly. Sometimes, he actually licked the blood, like I was his little play thing.

It got much worse one cold night…

I was busy crying myself to sleep, when I heard the door open. My father was obviously in a drunken rage, and didn't know what he was doing…or what he had been doing to me had been a prelude to that night.

My father had a smashed bottle and a sadistic smirk, saying 'stop that crying'. When I wouldn't, he said 'I'll make you something to cry about…'

Despite his drunken behaviour, his size made it impossible for little Jessie to run. He grabbed me and pinned me on the bed. I tried to scream, but his hands had covered my mouth, his weight on me meaning I couldn't escape.

I felt some air, and I tensed. I was never more scared than ever before in my life…

Then came the pain. It is intense to feel such pain, as an eight year old getting raped is a memory that is etched in the memory forever. The pain and the evil laughing were drowned out as the pain eventually forced me to pass out. My last thought was of my mother, and thinking that I would be joining her soon…

* * * *

I woke up, blood staining me, pain throughout my body, and ready to throw up. I heard my father smashing something downstairs. I felt like I was unconscious for hours, it had been ten minutes.

Standing up was difficult to do, and I had to throw up on the spot. I knew it was pointless, but I had to do something.

I struggled to get to my room, and I looked around for my few belongings. With a hefty effort, I managed to get many of my treasured items into a small suitcase, including a picture of my mother with myself I still treasure to this day. James has his bottle caps, I have my picture.

I smashed my piggy bank, where at total of the Japanese equivalent to a mere 83 dollars, I stretched myself out of the window, blood dripping. I didn't care, I had to get out of here.

Although it's hard to believe, I was actually quite a smart girl. My mother's smarts James had told me, as I had taken some of my play-dough with me. Surprisingly, this worked brilliantly like glue on walls, and I used it like suction cups, as I climbed down the wall.

I knew that with my bleeding, I wouldn't last long, so I walked with pain, collapsing quickly…

…into a man's arms. I passed out.

* * * *

I awoke inside a house…not my own. I rubbed my eyes…

…I was very surprised to see a picture of my mother on the windowsill. I then saw the other man, a grizzled man with a grey beard…

"Oh, you're awake Jessie."

Jessie? No-one but my mother and…

"M—Mondo sir?" I said, my heart suddenly lifted slightly.

It seemed that the former friend and colleague of my mother was the one on duty watching patrol of my father. He hadn't seen the scene upstairs, however, he heard my screams and saw my father's out of control way. He told after he saw blood, he went to check out…and saw me crawling out, barely able to move. He took me back to his house, on the outskirts of Celadon, a fair way out.

This was the elder Mondo, his son also worked as a Rocket Agent, his family like mine had been working in Team Rocket for how long I don't know, but the Rocket tag hung onto them like the stench of a Muk. His son wasn't like the Mondo my mom knew…let's just say that someone else will tell you a lot more about him in the near future.

"That bastard."

Mondo hardly swore, damn, at times it was hard to hear him, he had such a quiet voice, so he must have known what happened.

"Jessie…your mother suffered…I suffered…now you suffered…why is it the ones that don't deserve it suffer…"

I looked in the eyes of the kindly man, who I considered more of a father than that bastard Ricardo was.

Mondo went and put my blood stained clothes, as well as a…mask I think, which was also covered in blood. I wanted to ask about it, but the words wouldn't come out of my mouth. I was still in a lot of pain. Mondo had cleaned me up by the looks of things, but the physical and mental pain was excruitating.

Mondo stood up, turned to me and put his hands on my shoulders. I saw the tears of the old man coming down. I felt my own also flowing.

"Go to bed Jessie."

I simply nodded, and although I struggled to get upstairs, it was like this was a battle for me.

As I opened the door to the spare room where my mom had slept a number of times over when she was in her worst hours, I heard sobbing downstairs for a second, and I peered over.

Mondo was looking down with sorrow, yet also with regret.

It wasn't until I woke up the next morning to learn that Ricardo had been killed.

* * * *

If there was a funeral, I never went to it. I knew what happened, and so did Mondo. We kept it at that. It was revenge…for both of us.

They never tracked it back to him. Mondo has been a professional in his trade for close to 25 years, or maybe it was because no-one could have given a damn.

So both my parents had died, and I was living with I suppose my guardian. I continued school, as Mondo tried his best to raise me. However, we both knew that the best way for me was to get out there as soon as possible.

I was there for 3 years, when I turned 11. I applied in vain for a scholarship on Mondo's instructions. It was for a special learning coarse which allowed me to train on various levels, in the hope of me achieving what I wanted in life.

For the next 4 or 5 years, I did that. I didn't know how, but somehow (maybe because of Mondo's connection, a lot of TR members work for others as well undercover), I got in, and I went with training courses for quite a long period in my life.

I worked as a florist to start with, and I quite enjoyed flower arranging. As part of a trainee course, I was paid very little in all of my work, but I saved as much as good because Mondo continued to supply me as best as he could. I was praised as a good worker and was asked if I could 'expand my horizon'.

I worked for the next four years learning to be an expert in wine tasting, fashion, as a waitress and a hostess, and a consultant. Now, with all this experience, I'm sure many people are wondering why I could have got much better with my life than Team Rocket.

Because after my experience, I wanted to do one thing.

Be a nurse.

After suffering, I wanted to help those who had suffered. Thanks to my experience and scholarship, I was set out to do that.

Little did I know that almost all the schools were invitation and exam based only. There was only one school left.

The Pokemon Nurse School.

This was my first real experience outside from my mother's teachings with Pokemon…and let's just say, it was a unique experience.

Of course, I didn't realise that it was a Chansey Pokemon Nurse training school. It was however, one of the happiest times of my life because of a friendly Chansey.

After the rape, I found it very hard to get close to people other than Mondo. Boys would hunt me, and I would hurt them. Mondo had taught me to get tough, and with 15 years of combat experience, he taught me what I needed to know. It was hard for people to love me, because I no longer accepted love.

The Chansey, who I would later be re-united with as a Blissey, gave me a positive intake from the learning centre. Sure, I couldn't enter it as a nurse, but my experience working with Pokemon gave me a fresh insight of what I wanted to be.

Jessica Furage wanted to be a Pokemon Master.

* * * *

I was passing by the place when I first saw Pokemon Tech. The area was a bit eerie for me because it was a world that I couldn't enter. It was a place where you needed to break the bank to get into.

At least that's what I thought.

"You mean I can enter there?" I asked.

"If you have the right qualifications yes. Normally, we need a payment downfront, but this year, we are accepted free scholarship for those who want it the most. However, you better get your name down quickly."

This was a lucky break. With my experience and knowledge, I was hopefully a shoe-in.

I filled the form in, listing all of my accomplishments, as well as the regular details and left to find somewhere to rest for the night.

As I left, I saw a boy being dragged by two older people, who I presumed were his parents. I heard him screaming that he didn't want to go, and I thought 'What a wuss.' This is a place where dreams can become true.

It was the first time I saw James, my future partner and husband.

* * * *

No surprise for guessing that I was one of just 3 people to get in. I had to spend some money to get my uniform, a stupid white blouse with a skirt that screamed 'Hentai' at you.

However, it was a small price to pay for this mistress of fashion, as for the first time, life starting to look up.

Of course, lessons brought me down to earth.

The first lesson 'Pokemon For Beginners' seemed to be child's play for every other 'beginner' in the class. For me, it was like advanced quantum mechanics. It occurred to me that everyone else at least knew the basics of pokemon, whilst my only experience was working with some Chanseys, and seeing a few injured pokemon being treated. When it came to knowing Chansey attacks, I was top of the class. Everything else sank me lower than an Ekans' belly.

I left another lesson thinking was it worth it, when I saw a group of boys laughing and picking on someone.

I looked on ahead, and saw…yes, the same blue haired boy that I saw was reluctantly dragged into Tech…literally. At this point, I think I understood why he'd done that.

I heard the comments of these supposed upper class snobs who oozed etiquette and all that other fancy crap, acting like stupid louts.

"Well, this pretty boy can't even know a Spearow's learned attacks!"

"I heard he in an arranged marriage!"

"What? The cissy!"

For some reason, even though his wimpyness disgusted me, my heart went out to him. Like myself, he seemed helpless, and this rich type attitude really was getting on my nerves.

Without thinking of the consequences, I aimed my flying kick at the head idiot.

"What the…OOF!"

I looked at them as they backed away. Not even scum like this would hit a girl, if they were smart.

"Who are you?"

"Someone who doesn't like people who pick on people weaker than themselves…" I said. I knew these little grasses would send me to the dean's office, but I didn't care. With a little care, they spread out and went away.

I looked at the example of pathetic ahead of me. Trust me, it won't be the first time I look at him in that way. However, the way he was treated, the look of shivering and fear…well, it drew me to him. As I was like that once, maybe this is the first way of my goal for caring for someone.

I never knew how long I'd be caring for him, so I decided to introduce myself in the nicest possible way I knew.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING YOU WIMP? YOU COULDN'T STICK UP FOR YOURSELF BECAUSE OF THOSE IDIOTS!"

Trust me, James will tell you himself, compared to some of the stuff I told or called him, this was nice.

James cringed again, and I forced him up to his feet by his collar.

"Listen, you gotta stick up for yourself in front of idiots like that, because if you don't, you'll never survive in somewhere like here, there, or anywhere!"

He just continued to look pathetic. This was going to be tougher than I thought. Oh well, I'd have the rest of my life to try…

I let go of him and went away, but then he spoke.

"W…wait…"

I stopped as he stood up, a bit dishevelled, and yes, looking pathetic, but it was a start.

"Thank you."

I can't remember hearing those words ever in my life. I turned around, and for the first time, I saw hope.

Hope and faith. And there it was. A friendship was born.

I winked and gave him the thumbs up.

"Stick up for yourself."

I turned to walk away, but something told me to stop. Fortunately I wasn't disappointed.

"Wait…please…I don't want to be here. But…well…er…"

I smiled and went up to him.

"Sure." I stook my hand out.

He nervously took it. Although it was never spoken, it was the birth of a true friendship.

* * * *

I started to sit by James more in classes. It wasn't hard, he seemed to be the whipping boy of most of the classes he was in. With me by his side though, the assaults quickly became non-existent. Of course, after the first incident, I had been reprimanded by the dean, that he accepted a no-violence policy. I countered that he should really have a no-bullying policy. That got me a real telling off but otherwise I was O.K. It was true, the teachers had no idea of what was going on around here.

Apart from James though, Tech wasn't exactly living up to my expectations. Whilst it was a far cry from home, the lesson sucked generally, as did the reception to me. As I had got here by 'luck' as they called it rather than prestige, i.e. not being a spoiled brat, heck, even James referred to himself as one at times, I was always looked down by others.

It didn't help that my scores and grades weren't exactly awe-inspiring. James did better than me, but that was because he had known a lot of the basics compared to me. In fact, at one point James was one of the top students in the Tech. James with a brain, that's a scary thought.

It seemed that a lot of the teachers had even said that they had high hopes for him and his family, and that hanging around with me was going to bring him down. He told me this and it ticked me off, like when the teachers didn't consider me being a Pokemon nurse. I wasn't a Chansey, does that count as discrimination or not?

In private though, James knew that what they were saying was because of his family. His family was one of the most prestigious in the world, and having him there was something of an honour for Pokemon Tech.

However, I knew that in his heart, James didn't want to be there.

He confessed that his only goal in life was to be himself. To do something with his life, on his own. Being too happy in his rich world was the true cause of his unhappiness.

Meowth once said that a pathetic childhood could bring a pathetic person. When two childhoods are so similar yet different, it brings our opinions of each other more and more closer.

After his confession, we started to get closer as friends, to the point that a lot of people thought that we were dating. All the teachers warnings went in one ear and out of the other for James, he didn't care. Being with me was one of the true happy feelings he had in his life, aside from his beloved Pokemon, Growly, who he told me about a number of times.

Hearing about this, with Christmas coming up, I decided to get him a Pokemon for Xmas. Sure, we had trained with the Tech's Pokemon, but the two of us were among the few without a pokemon of our own. We decided to sort it out.

I still had little money. Mondo had kept me surviving without Team Rocket knowing, and my shrewd saving came in handy. However, in the Tech Poke-mart where Pokemon were sold, even the cheapest ones seemed to be out of my reach.

Suddenly, I saw it.

They had the sections divided by type. Some of the better pokemon like Growlithe and Poliwag were quite expensive, the dearest ones were the Eevees. However, in the poison section, suggested as the one people used least, I saw a Koffing for $75.

Although he'd probably get laughed at, it was the thought that counts. I got the Koffing pokeball and bought it. The store keeper transferred the pokemon to the ball and I released.

The floating gasbag with a smile on his face all the time…Well, that was James. The Koffing was goofy enough as well.

I put the Pokeball in my pocket and went to find him.

He usually hangs around the library or sometimes the cafeteria, heck, even in those days, we were always crying out for food.

I guessed right, he was drinking a cup of coffee and thinking about how terrible the world is to us…hey, it's become a Team Rocket tradition for so long now..

"James?" I said.

I saw him stand up, looking a bit panicked. I know that I scared him sometimes, but this was a different type of panic.

"J…J…Jessie…" he stammered.

I was puzzled, but he explained why soon enough.

"I'm…s-sorry, I didn't realise it was your bir..birthday last week…" he said.

To be honest, I had hardly thought about it. My birthday was just like every day of my life at the Tech…miserable. However, although I'd hate to admit, it was a bit upsetting that my best (and only) friend had forgotten.

Of course, maybe I should have told him when my birthday was in the first place…

However, I was really surprised when he got something from his pocket.

"Er…I still don't have much control over my accounts, so this was the best I could get you, I'm sorry…"

He handed me the pokeball, and I released it, surprised beyond belief.

An Ekans. The boy had bought me a pokemon for me, and although it too was a poison type, it seemed like we have one mind at times.

I tried hard to hide my tears, but this was the second real act of kindness that I had since the death of my mother. I reached for my pocket and handed him the early Christmas present.

"Great minds think alike James." I said.

When James released his pokemon, the look on his face was ecstatic. I think he was as shocked as I was by an act of kindness. We hugged our pokemon, and for the first time, we hugged each other.

Then we split quicker than an atom.

O.K, I did have a teensy weensy bit of a crush on James, but he wasn't someone I wanted to get involved with because he wasn't strong willed. Over the years however that would change.

And to think, I teased the female twerp because she held her feelings for the male twerp…sorry, Ash.

Anyway, after that, we starting training our pokemon. We knew that battling some of the Tech students with our pokemon was suicide initially, so we did a bit of simulation training to boost our levels up a bit. Sadly, the news that we had pokemon and our reputation helped when people challenged us to battles.

Most of the time, we lost. However, occasionally we'd win and that always gave us confidence of passing Tech and getting into the Pokemon League.

However, that changed when we went to take the advanced test.

* * * *

"O.K, so the nine tails of a Ninetales represent what…" James said.

I threw a pillow at him. It was 8 in the evening and we had been studying for a while, and to be honest, I was sick of it. It was time to actually be real students and actually enjoy ourselves.

"James, we've been looking at those books for hours, if we don't know now, we aren't going to know tomorrow. Why don't for once, we relax, and actually do something fun for a change?"

James, a surprisingly serious student, was a bit nervous. "I dunno Jessie, I mean, with finals coming up…"

Permission to bombard James with pillows…permission not needed. I already did it.

"James, for once in your life, be a man! Now, you are coming out with me, and we are going to have a good time!" I did a ritual which female twerp Misty would do with male twerp Brock for a long time, and dragged James out by the ear.

Curfew was strict for Tech students, but this time, I wasn't going to back out, despite James whinging and complaining.

The night life in the Tech area wasn't exactly brilliant, but in the suburbs of Cerulean were a few choice nightclubs and bars, and I was looking forward to my first real taste of alcohol and partying.

James certainly had his reservations, but I was an intimidating presence when I wanted to be. Heck, I still am.

However, my rape had always lingered in the back of my mind. That's why I never got too close with James during our Tech days, my fear of men was perhaps stalled away in the back of my mind.

But this time, I could defend myself.

Managing to break out, and catching a taxi to the suburbs, we managed to get to the party places. Although bouncers could be a problem, I guess they believed us with our casual clothing and decent height and look.

Inside, both me and James were sampling our first taste of sake. James initially went for juice, but a bit of coaxing and soon we tasted. At first, it was weird how anyone could like this stuff, but as I slowly sipped down, it was a taste that you would grow to like.

James seemed to down it better than I did first. Maybe it was a way of drowning his sorrows of the world. In a way, it was the same for me.

So one drink became two, which then became four. One club became three. Mixing juices, alcohol, me and James were certainly on our way out…

If we had anything to talk about, we couldn't hear each other, we were so out of it. Finally, midnight beckoning, we dragged our carcasses out.

However, we couldn't ring a taxi and for the first time (but certainly not the last), we sleep together on the cold pavement, passed out, with only each other for blankets.

* * * *

As I woke up with the biggest hangover this side of Dover, I saw James mumbling something about a teddy bear as I thought what a night that was. Rubbing my eyes, I checked my watch.

Oh shit.

The exam was starting in 5 minutes, and we were in the suburban jungle, with no money for a taxi, 2 miles away from Tech, and us with half-awake eyes.

"James you dummy, get up!" I screamed.

James grunted and groaned, sleep still his world, as he complained about being woke up in the morning by me. Again, wouldn't be the first time that would happen.

Of course, he was wide awake when I told him 'the news.'

Have you ever been stabbed with needles of fire to shoot your body into action? No, neither have I, but that was what I thought happened to James after I told him.

We ran like mad, not just trying to run the alcohol out of our system. We had to get there.

He had to stop for breaths, but we struggled on…and eventually made it..

Nearly 40 minutes after the exam started. That means we had an hour and 20 minutes to complete a 2 hour exam.

The examiner looked at us like we were idiots, we had no time to change into our Tech uniforms, but we felt his piercing eyes as I heard a few of the students snicker of the lateness of our arrival.

Well, me and James got in our seats. All we could do was give our best.

Sadly, our best would be the Tech's worst.

* * * *

The exam results would have been posted a month after it was taken. All the results would be posted on a billboard so everyone could know how everyone did.

However, as we trundled over to look, we noticed something weird.

Our names weren't on it.

We were confused, but then we heard on the PA…

"Jessie and James, please report to the Dean's office ASAP. Thank you."

Now, this was unusual.

The two of us trundled as we heard a view whispers about us go along. I gave them my famous glare which shut a number of them up, but I did feel a bit of nervousness as I knocked on the Dean's door.

"Come in."

The two of us looked in as the Dean's face was one of stern, cold fury. This wasn't a good start, and it was going to get worse.

"Jessie Furage and James Morgan. You two realise why you are here right?"

We shook our heads as the Dean sighed.

"Figures. You don't know anything do you?"

I was a bit stunned by this. However, nothing was prepared for what he said next.

"Well, congratulations. You two are going to be imbeded into the Tech's Hall of Fame…FOR ACHIEVING THE LOWEST SCORES OF TECH'S HISTORY!"

James looked ready to cry. My look was neutral, but I would be lying if I didn't have a feeling of disappointment inside me.

"It's near impossible to do this poorly, but somehow you did it. James, we had such high hopes for you, but you starting hanging around this girl like a flunkie, and that is what you've done, flunked."

Anger replaced disappointment. I don't care if he is the dean, that type of comment is uncalled for.

I felt my fist clenching, but the Dean didn't notice.

"Well, this means you are out of Tech without a garduation. We're not going to renew your contracts, that'll make us look like idiots. Not as big ones as you are but…"

The next thing that happened was the desk of the dean being upturned, smashing into his tubby gut, me grabbing James head and getting the hell out of there…

Hardly stopping just to pick up our things, we ran out of Tech as fast as we could. It may have been hell definitely, but we wanted to pass. However, we were now free to do what we wanted!

There was just one problem. We didn't know what we wanted.

* * * *

Society. That was the problem. We didn't belong in society. The upper class life had shunned James, whilst the lower class had brought back painful memories for me. The experience at Pokemon Tech didn't exactly help us in that view, and wandering around with the little money we had didn't exactly help.

We were seen as delinquents. So to put two fingers up to society, we started to act like them.

This was where we ended up in Sunnytown, home to the infamous days of Big Jess and Little Jim.

Just outside Fuschia was a town famous for it's cycling and walking, where many top athletes liked to train and many young couples like to ride side by side.

The reason we got here was because of a reputation of a cycling gang. Yes, now it sounds stupid, cycling rather than motorcycling, but it was certainly the best option for people who didn't fit in.

James and I decided this was the best option, except I learnt one thing from James which surprised me.

"What? You don't know how to ride a bike?" I said.

"Well…you see, I never really learnt how, my parents were busy trying to get me to learn their standings and working with my fiancée, that I didn't really have much time for childhood…"

Pathetic. With this loser with me, would I really even have a chance?

However, I got lucky because quite a few people had actually heard about what I did to the Dean in Pokemon Tech, two in particular seemed to look up to me in Tyra and Chopper. The leader, Ariat, a tough male immediately saw the fire in my eyes, and would have welcomed me into the gang.

James on the other hand…

"Look, you we can accept, no problem. But he..well he's…"

"I know. However, he's pretty pissed off with the world as well. Sure, he's come from a rich background, but everywhere he's went, he has tried to have been controlled and he's sick of it. I think you can say he wants a new start."

I remember Ariat thinking about it, and eventually thanks to a term of 'If I join, he gotta join' (me sticking up for James, who would have thought), he begrudgingly allowed James to join.

However, even in a gang, he was teased a bit because of being the only gang member to wear training wheels. Hence the name 'Little Jim.'

Myself, I really wanted to get even with all my hardships, and Tyra offered me one of her chains. The bikes were stolen of course, these were the days where this gang really were the low.

However, I had the misfortunate to met one very low person.

Cassidy Sun.

She stood out in the crowd like a sore thumb. Blond hair with dark mysterious eyes and a decent look and figure, she had the word 'harlot' embedded on her head the moment I met her.

However, the word she took to was 'stalker.' Me and James still hung around a lot, and we became fast friends with Tyra and Chopper in particular. In fact, despite his handicap, James was getting respect from many of the gang members because of him turning his back on society and wanted to go for a new life.

Plus he was one of the few members who could cook. ^_^

Cassidy on the other hand, she entered the gang a couple of years ago, but was secretly a Team Rocket trainee working on the hard side of life. Her partner Butch was a general back at their base in Viridian, whilst she scouted other recruits. Giovanni would soon recall her back, but not without stirring some trouble.

She seemed to take a particular interest in me, and ignored James. In fact, I didn't even think James and her ever knew each other (which was why I wasn't surprised when James didn't know who she was in the 'breeding centre scam'). At first, I thought she might have been a lesbian, certainly she stayed to herself, and the way she kept looking at me made me panic a bit to say the least.

What I didn't learn until later was that she was actually interested in taking me on board as a Team Rocket agent. She felt that I had the mentality to do it. I would go onto Team Rocket, but under my own will eventually.

Cassidy however also I think felt a bit of jealously, considering how well all the guys and gals treated me, especially Tyra, who I saw as a little sister. I certainly felt that she and Chopper, who was quickly becoming James best friend, were also more than just gang members, no matter what Tyra kept telling me. Nowadays, both of them have followed away from the law, and have kept steady jobs within Sunnytown. Oh yeah, they're both married as well, like we are.

Anyway, Cassidy despite being 'planted' as a Rocket Agent, was feeling a bit of pressure, and decided to how shall we say, leave a mark on me.

Late at night, Cassidy decided to spike my water. I dunno how she did it, as I'm pretty quick at waking up, unless she slipped some sort of drug earlier in the day. She managed to fix it up that the tap supply in my room (I shared with Tyra) would have some sort of Rocket drug, which worked like 5 shots of vodka, perhaps enough to kill me.

There was one problem. In the morning, I didn't drink it. I washed my face first.

Pain from the alcohol burns in my eyes and a calling from the gang made suspicious activity that they thought was from a rival gang. Only I noticed that Cassidy, the shadow, wasn't there. It was the start of a rivalry that would last until the end of time…well, the end of Team Rocket.

Steam in my eyes, and James looking on in concern (although clueless), I suddenly felt something. What had I accomplished since I joined the gang? Not much. A bit of petty vandalism and crime, but nothing really to avenge the aristocratic society of Pokemon Tech.

I needed more. I felt I deserved more. James did as well.

5 days after the incident, I announced to Tyra that James and I were leaving. I remember her crying slightly, the first time emotion had really been shown from her, and it was also the first time I felt true compassion for someone other than myself or James. I gave my 'sister' a large goodbye hug before leaving the bicycle there and leaving the world of the bicycle gang for a while.

James had been waiting for me, late at night, and we set off, once again together, ready to take on the world.

* * * *

For a while, we wondered if we did the right thing. At least with the gang, we had a home. Once again, we were out on our own, and this time, we didn't have a clue what to do or where to go.

We headed to Celadon, which was the biggest city in Kanto, and we hoped there would be some part-time work available.

Of course, I hadn't considered that two people from a bicycle gang wouldn't exactly be in high demand. And my scholarship was null and void now, and I didn't have my CV which had all my training. And James, well, he was James.

We had no money, no hope for a job, no respect, just each other. It was time to take on drastic measures.

We started stealing. No, not Pokemon, breaking and entering, and sneaky thievery. Petty maybe, but it was better than dying. Admittingly I wasn't proud of it, but I didn't have much choice. We didn't have much choice.

For a while, we exactly held our own and managed to escape capture. However, as always our luck wouldn't hold out. We made the mistake of going to try and stealing from the funds in Celadon Gym. It wouldn't be the first time we'd visit this place to try and steal something valuable.

Sadly, the security system was quicker than our minds.

And it was the first (but not the last) time we'd see the bars of a prison.

After this, I thought it was the end of the road. There was no-one we could call (If we called Tyra and Chopper, they'd be thrown in here as well, I didn't want them to get involved with our mistakes), and at that point, I thought this was as low as life could get.

James couldn't survive in somewhere like this I knew that. There had to be some way..

2 nights later, the opening of the jail window…as well as the window of the new opportunity.

* * * *

I was awoken by the small sound of bars melting. Melting? Bars don't melt…

I nudged (well, jabbed him with my elbow) James awake and looked up. The bars were melting like an ice cream sundae on a hot summers day.

The night guard stirred from a slumber…

…to return to it thanks to a gas capsule. Both James and I instinctively held our breath.

Suddenly, a silver lining emerged to us. It may have been a piece of rope, but it was a piece to freedom.

We didn't care who it was, we needed anything to get out of here. Without thinking, James climbed out followed by myself and although the height was about 10 feet, using the cat like agility that has been our trademark for many years, we managed to land on the ground without injury.

Then we saw the person who saved us.

A black outfit, mask hiding the face, and I thought he was an assassin ready to kill us. Great, out of the frying pan, into the fire.

Then I saw the big red R on his chest.

James had told me before the little he knew about Team Rocket, an option that we had considered in the past but let's face it, it's pretty difficult to hand in an application form to an underground criminal organisation who you don't know where they are hiding. They are (or were) a place where they stole, sold and experimented on Pokemon. I actually felt a bit awful hearing that especially with my old friend Chansey, and my new friend Ekans (at the Pokemon Centre during this ordeal as was Koffing), however at times like this, desperate times call for desperate measures.

The Rocket elite stood up and said the words which would change our lives.

"We've heard about you, and you reputation is growing. However, we feel that you deserve more than petty crime. How would you like to join Team Rocket?"

At that time for two petty criminals with no hope, it wasn't a difficult question.

* * * *

There were four Team Rocket bases in Kanto. One in Cinnabar, one in Celadon, one in Saffron and one in Viridian. The biggest base was the Celadon one, but the one where the boss was located was the Viridian one. Cinnabar was the experiment one, whilst Saffron was where he sent to train TR agents.

Thanks to a Rocket helicopter, we were over in Viridian rather quickly, and I appreciated the view from a helicopter. It was the life that James shunned, but it was a life I'd like to know. I didn't realise that James wanted to be rich, but by his own methods rather than his family.

The rocket agent set us down, it was late at night, however Rocket agents remained around on shifts, and I was sure that their boss was awake as well.

James and I weren't exactly strangers to staying up late either, so we were wide awake as the agent told us to follow him, to the boss.

Damn, that was quick.

It would be the first time that we'd meet Giovanni, and Meowth.

Meeting him for the first time, how shall I describe him? Fit, wealthy, his Italian suit making him look defining, and a smile which said 'welcome the new lambs to the slaughter'.

Meowth was as snug as a caterpie on a rug by the boss' side. Enjoy it while it lasts.

"Ah, the new recruits. I've heard many things about you from our spies. Pretty good at breaking and entering and seem to have a lack of morals and a bone to pick against society."

Hey, say what you want about him (and believe me, I'll say plenty) but he sure did his homework. I guess you had to know your stuff if you were the leader of a legendary underground criminal circuit.

"Well now, if you've been invited to Team Rocket, you cannot leave here. You either join us or else…and trust me, you don't want to know what 'or else' means."

Basically, even seeing a TR base could get someone killed. Once you saw it, you were either dead or a member. And considering everything I've been through, the second option seemed a hell of a lot more attractive.

Giovanni gave us a bunch of bullshit that the worlds pokemon had most been in control by the elitist forces, and Team Rocket were here to remove them from the people to work trainers, i.e. themselves. It was just a fancy way of saying that they were stealing.

Personally, I couldn't care less. If it meant getting out of my rot, and getting some money in my pocket.

"Very well…boss." I said.

James basically agreed as well, not knowing whether he meant it or not, but I guess he was in the same boat as I was, and we weren't ready to set sail yet. (Damn, that Casey got me into those metaphors…O.K, hers were baseball orientated, but still…)

Giovanni smiled.

"Welcome aboard."

* * * *

The training regime for a new Team Rocket recruit isn't the easiest one, believe me. We needed to be masters of a lot of fields. These included;

Learning to fly aircraft, this included blimps, plane and helicopters. James was a natural at this I must say.

Martial arts, and use of all types of weapons. James again outshone me here because of his impressive skeet skills. He in fact became the highest scorer on the test we took as well.

Mechas and gadgets of all shapes and sizes. Oh, and also the minor thing, we actually had to be able to use pokemon…and steal them.

My Exan's acid/dig and James' Koffing Smokescreen was brilliant in this, as we showed the rest of Team Rocket, how well we worked as a team. At one point, I remember Giovanni coming down. To get on his side, you really had to make him be a fan of you. I think seeing us in this test (which we'd use to unsuccessfully catch some Clefairy) made him stars in his eyes.

It took us just 6 months to make it as Rocket agents. We were grateful for the chance and we wouldn't blow it.

Yep, as hard as it was to believe, we hadn't been staking out that Pikachu since the day we were born. In fact, if we hadn't gone after it, I probably wouldn't have been talking to you, and Team Rocket would still be alive. James and I were originally some of the top and downright most evil agents you could meet.

We managed to steal gadgets and pokemon like Zubats in the night. We transferred them to the boss, who was more and more pleased with our results. Our bank account started to grow, as we get paid a basic wage plus money per pokemon stolen.

I also was reunited with my surrogate father Mondo. It was good to see him again, but I knew that the linger of my mother was still like a shadow around Team Rocket. I'm sure Giovanni knew that as well, and wisely, I never mentioned anything about it. Perhaps that's why he recruited me, as I was a broken soul, needed to be fixed by the clockmaker.

One day, Giovanni called us in.

* * * *

"Well, Jessie and James. So far, you have done a splendid job in your thefts and your acquisition of pokemon."

I always felt intimidated by the boss' presence, even when he complimented us. After this, he wouldn't do that much.

"Well, I think it's time, we upped your role in Team Rocket a bit more. Now, all the training you've gone through…it's time you started showing your true worth."

He threw us two uniforms. True Team Rocket uniforms. Elite uniforms.

"With this, you are allowed to make your own decisions, as long as you succeed. I will occasionally call you for special assignments, but for now, you are on your own. Report in when you succeed in what you do."

"Yes sir." We both said, in awe and in happiness.

"Oh, and also…" He removed a pokeball and threw it at us. "Take this. It needs some experience…and some exercise."

We wondered what it was, but for the moment, we excused ourselves. Staying in the boss' office too long, and we could be escorted out, not a good thing.

* * * *

We released the pokeball, and out came…

…a fury of scratches?

"YOOOWWW! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY BEAUTIFUL FACE?"

We both said. ^_^

"Hey, don't keep me in that ball again sister, or…hey…where am I?"

O.K, I've just been scratched by a talking hairball of a pokemon. And to think, things would get a heck of a lot weirder for the future.

"Er, Jessie…isn't that the boss' pet Meowth?" James said.

"I'm not a pet, I'm the boss' second in line! And hey, why isn't he around?" it asked.

"I guess we've got a lot of explaining to do…" I sighed. I wasn't looking forward to this.

Even after explaining to Meowth a dozen times, it still didn't seem to except that in reality, the boss 'dumped' him.

He would learn that the hard way as we did.

With Elite status, we could not excess many of the items that we had used in simulators and schemes when training in all the bases of Kanto. Now, we had access to the hot air balloon, our first step to freedom.

As we were so near Viridian City, we decided to go for a little raid in the Pokemon Centre. I remember noticed our wanted poster there, and we decided to remove it for inspection. Well, at least we made our mark, even if the picture was horrible.

Meowth continued to be in denial, claiming he was the top cat and such and such. Entering the centre, we encountered wittle Ashy with his cuddly pet rat. And we laughed it off.

Yep, we laughed it off. It would become our reason for living, our obsession for so long, it's hard to imagine laughing it off then. Oh, and we met his twerpy girlfriend/enemy/fiancé/wife type person as well.

At the time, Ekans and Koffing were destructive, but the power of the generator crushed us, and we released it would be the perfect pokemon for our first true capture as Elite agents.

And it represented that memorable moment of Team Rocket blasting off for the first time. Ah, what a memory.

* * * *

We didn't have much contact with the boss after that. We teamed up with a raid on the ship St Anne, before later teaming up with twerp, twerpette and pervert twerp to get the hell out of here.

Don't worry, talking about them like that became a tradition and our bizarre way of friendship. It's a shame tw…I mean Ash isn't here to hear these last regards.

Our meetings with Mewtwo (and teaching the real twerp Domino a few things for a change) and Lugia were all because of Ash, and to be honest, without him, we wouldn't have had a real goal to start with.

Returning to Tech and Sunnytown brought back memories (both pleasant and unpleasant) and the relationship with Meowth was getting quite strong, that he didn't really care about becoming 'top cat' anymore.

However, sadly, the boss wasn't exactly helping much. Eventually, he got sick of our failures…and planned to rid me as he did with my mom…

* * * *

We were near the mountaintops where that twerp Todd once saw the legendary bird Articuno. (Big deal, I saw it before he did…nyah…)

Giovanni was giving us a chance to try and catch it as it had been given unprotected. With Delibird on our side, we had a pokemon who could stand this cold weather, and Wobbuffet was strong enough to reflect it's attacks if needed.

O.K, so I realised that I wasn't using Wobby to his full potential. Maybe it was because it was annoying that I stuck using Arbok, however, Wobby has won more matches for Team Rocket than any of our other pokemon. Delibird is pretty tough too, even if it is just an unoffical member of the team.

The cold was biting, and even with James' arm around me, it was tough to bite it out.

Yeah, me and James had been getting closer now, but not to the extent of romance. I never thought he was interested. In fact, if it wasn't for the incident of the ghost maiden, I was certain that he may have been gay. His habit for costumes and cross-dressing could have made him a modern day Nuriko (I wondered if he was a direct descendant at one point…), but I actually felt safe around him…because if my assumptions were true, he wouldn't try anything on me. Heck, we've been together 4 years, and he didn't, I guess he earned my trust.

However, I guess he was the only one…

The cold was so stingy and blinding, I never saw what was coming. I only realised as I heard the thumping and thundering…

…of an avalanche.

I must have blanked out. The last memory was 'Like mother, like daughter.'

However, mother didn't have a stubborn Wobbuffet and a just as stubborn friend. It was a case of 'we've survived being blasted off a bazillion times, heck, an avalanche is nothing.

James picked me up and scooted out of the way, showing the agility that we first used 2 years before. Wobby held it as possible as Delibird, with no fear of the ice, smashed as hard as it good past it.

Suddenly, Arbok came out, fearful for me, shot a blast of acid at it. Weezing joined in and even Victrebell managed to come out without attempting to eat James head to try an razor leaf.

Finally, a might push from Wobby's counter attack sent the giant death snowball back hurting into the mountain, as I slowly came too. James would later recount what happened to me, but all I could remember was a warm embrace in the snow.

James was scared. Scared of me dying. I was all he had left in his life. His fiancée, Jessiebelle, scared him to death, any hope of him and his family were null and void as I found out the one time I went there. Heck, she even scared the twerps off and I know it takes a lot to scare Ketchum. I don't think even death scared him.

Arbok and Weezing managed to melt a cave for us and after Victrebell had gotten a taste of its favourite snack, we managed to shelter for the night.

However, I was freezing and despite not being crushed in the avalanche, I was probably gonna get pneumonia or worse. I remember Wobby trying to cheer me up with the Wobby salute, but nothing was working for me.

James peered over me as I passed out again. I seemed to be fading in and out of consciousness, freezing and without love.

Suddenly, I felt something.

James…he was taking…my clothes off…

No…not again. James no…please…

It was like a flashback…but without one main difference.

James wasn't going to attack me. I knew that, the reflex sent me into overdrive, as I realized what he was doing. He was taking my freezing wet clothes off, and preparing a sleeping bag.

I heard him say something like 'I hope this works…and that she doesn't kill me.'

He told Arbok something and then took his own wet clothes off. I won't hide the fact that James' body is a thing of beauty to look at, even as much as my own. His skin was like one of an aristocrats, however, combined with a well muscled toned body over the years, and we have a near statuesque model.

I felt Arbok wrapping itself slightly round me, and I felt slightly better. The companionship of pokemon and my one true friend felt good.

And then he climbed in with me.

The plan was body heat. I knew he was embarrassed, but our cold bodies pressed together without our wet clothes would generate the heat, and with our pokemon around us, we'd be fine.

For me though, it was the most loving moment in my life.

I remember snuggling into James' arms as the warmth of the moment drifted me off to sleep, knowing that unlike my mother, I'd be safe in the arms of a true loving man who cared for me.

* * * *

I awoke to the sound of Deliberd making a decent impression of a farfetch'd slamming a twig across a pan, as James tried to hush it, the body may have left me, but the warmth hadn't.

All of the pokemon were up and about, and James had (somehow) made a fire inside the ice cavern, as the smell of what appeared to be some emergency noodles had come into a decent smell, enough to wake me up.

However, lingers of James' presence last night, it was warm, nice…unlike anything else I had ever experienced…was it even erotic?

"James?"

I saw him wearing his Team Rocket uniform. For some reason, after the avalanche I felt that the uniforms and TR had no meaning. It felt like I was sabotaged like my mother was, and seeing James wear it didn't feel like much.

It looked fairly dry, I could see James shivering a bit. I almost contemplated asking me to rejoin me. However, my stomach reminded me that I needed something else…for the time being.

I got up. "James?"

James had his back turned to me, looking a little red. I was wondering what he was doing especially after last night…

…then I realised that I still had no clothes on.

I yelped as I was completely caught in the buff(et) and shrank back down in the sleeping bag. I noticed the silk shirt left for me, and I glanced with relief, not just to cover me up, but to avoid me wearing what I felt was a irrelevant uniform now.

However, I had to let James know that…as well as my feelings for him.

"James…"

He turned to me. "Jessica, you alright?"

Jessica. Only he called me that. It was like he was the only one who could keep everything safe from me.

"Yes, thanks to you." I said softly, as I walked up to him as he began feeding his Victrebell. It was obvious he was embarrassed and nervous after last night, I thought maybe this was the first time he had seen a naked girl before, I wouldn't be too surprised. However, I had to see how he felt.

"That avalanche…it was odd as there were no danger reports, it was almost like…" I tapped him on the shoulder.

And slapped him.

James was stunned. Meowth was stunned. The pokemon were stunned…but if that stunned them, what I did next completed had their mouth agog.

"You idiot."

And with that, I kissed him, full frontal assault, and no chance for James to escape my grasp.

As I mentioned, I actually thought James was 'hitting on the wrong side of the fence' at times. All of that vanished from my memory when I felt myself melting when James kissed back softly, however, I felt that he was a bit frozen, because his mouth was wide open as we kissed, like he couldn't believe it. I seized the opportunity and gave him a little tongue, which really heated the ice cave up.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, you decide, before things really started to heat up, a certain furball made his presence known.

"Well, I said it before, all they need each other…NOW WHERES THE BARF BAG?"

Meowth. Always one for a dramatic moment. Myself, I'm always one for a snappy comeback.

"Back off hairball."

As I finally let go and gave James chance to breathe. His face was one of a blank expression, like he had been shocked by that Pikachu like we had so many times before.

At least he could speak.

"Urgh….ugh…er…heh…"

I never said he could speak right.

Finally, after a bit of coaxing, James and I finally snapped out of our embarrassment to discuss our feelings. I always felt that James was the man to protect me, to care for me. Again, I felt like he wouldn't do anything to me, and to keep an eye on me after knowing of the incident.

Even when I told him of my first boyfriend, and also when I met that doctor, I could see slight disappointment in his eyes. It was official, I was in love. Not lust, love. True, unconditional, and a rare word for me, pure love.

"I love you Jessie. I guess I knew you were a unique find when we first met all those days ago in Pokemon Tech. I just didn't realise how special. Throughout my life, me having a girlfriend was a scary thought. You saw what I went through with Jessiebelle, and that other girl who wanted me to be a fiancée, it was fear for being controlled, however, despite your attitude, I knew deep down that you really did look out for me, and no matter what happens, I'll continue that."

He grasped my hands as the pokemon (particularly Wobby, he loves a good romantic drama) were in tears of this performance. I smiled and gave him a warm hug.

"I love you James."

* * * *

"Reports are in that the avalanche on top of the peak where legendary pokemon Articuno is said to reside has been determined to not have been caused by the bird or other natural or weather causes, but sources indicated a plant of dynamite being found in the area. Evidence suggests a form of sabotage, but for what reason, we are unsure…"

We knew the reason. Team Rocket tried to kill us. Probably Domino. Or maybe Butch and Cassidy, but it was the reason that James knew that he couldn't be in the TR organization anymore.

However, to leave the group was punishable by death…hey, wait a sec? They probably think we're dead already right?

But we needed to get out of there. However, our new love seemed to work for both our minds and our pokemon training skills. Arbok dug a snow tunnel and after I returned the darling for a good warm, we set out escaping underground. We hoped to find a hot spring, but no luck this time.

This meant that any problems we had with the twerps became non-existent. We would meet them again though sooner than later.

We had the horrid experience of trying to get jobs. We had the plan to start our own restaurant, an idea we first got observing Ash in the Indigo Plateau tournament, but without capital, we were sunk. We both could cook, and my experience in wines was going to be an advantage, however, we needed more and more info.

But first we needed to escape the Team Rocket eye.

It turned out to be better than we expected.

* * * *

It seemed that after learning about Mewtwo, our 'former' boss was still trying to get his grubby hands on the ultimate warrior. And his slut…sorry, associate, Domino was there all the way trying to help him. However, even though he lost his memory, Giovanni was still obsessed with creating a genetic powerhouse of a Pokemon.

He needed to take the strongest pokemon that he knew. And considering how often it destroyed us, one of his claims was Pikachu.

The incident happened by accident…

By now, the boss had probably figured that we were living in fear, and couldn't really be bothered to find us to be 'disciplined.' (i.e. prisoned, tortured, maybe killed, heck they did it to my mother, they almost killed James and I, it wouldn't be beneath them) However, the twerps were still targets, especially with Ash' record in pokemon training and….well, Misty can explain the epic match between him and Gary.

Ash had a high profile as a champion, but he still travelled with Misty and Brock with Pikachu and Togepi. As a pokemon championship representive, he was being trained for the Elite, however, he wanted to catch more pokemon before he could even want to be the Elite.

Besides, he and Misty had finally admitted their feelings for each other. Brock would shortly leave to return to Pewter, however, for the moment, the trio was together.

And cue the bastard.

A net flying towards them, and Ash surprising me, used quick reflexes to push everyone back. I know he must have thought that we'd hadn't attacked him in forever, so an attack was now a surprise.

Us, well, we were having a small meal of misoshiru and bread. We were starting to get the hang of making both Japanese and Westernized foods, when he heard the familiar voice of a) the boss and b) the twerp.

"Pikachu, watch out!"

"Ha, so that's the legendary Pikachu that defeated two of my once prized allies. Well, I dunno where they are, but you three will soon be under the tutolige of Team Rocket. After all, we can't have three Team Rocket troublemakers get away with everything you've done to us."

"That's right boss." Scratchy voice: Butch.

"Those were the ones that threw us in jail all those times!" Sultry harlot voice: Cassidy.

"I guess we'll see who has the thorns from this trio." Whiny harlot voice: Domino.

So the three stooges and their daddy have come to try and succeed where we failed. However, for some reason, when I heard them, I had an urge to…no, not to grab Pikachu…but to stop them. Hey, attacking those three was just as compulsory as attacking Ash and Pikachu.

"James…"

"I hear them."

We weren't members of Team Rocket, we were now just civilians. If all else failed, hey, we still had a hidden talent for disguises…^_^

However, we had an honour, and the fact is…we felt that if Team Rocket was indeed behind the avalanche which attacked us, we deserved some explanations.

"Oh, if you move a muscle, your little friends will be introduced to my little friend."

For the first time, I saw true evil and murder in the eyes of Giovanni, as he pulled out a magnum. And trust me, it wasn't the ice cream.

Pikachu froze, and the champ Ash stood there, white as a sheet. I could tell Brock wanted to jump in front of him, but that would be suicide. Misty was clutching her Togepi, frightened to death.

"Cha?"

(Huh, what is it Arbok?) I whispered.

A pokemon can feel the instinct of a trainer. And mine said to jump out, kick the crap out of the stooges, and stick a knife in my boss' heart. Arbok couldn't do all that, however, it could even the odds a little bit.

This was the most important attack my old friend shot.

"POISON STING!"

"Huh?"

Giovanni momentarilly turned, the opening we waited. The needles struck him in the gun hand, dropping the weapon.

Within seconds, Ash had gone into hero mode and swatted the weapon away as Pikachu shot a thunder wave. Butch and Cassidy fell down but Domino, bitch as she is, demonstrated a superb bit of skill with her tulip staff. Heck, she is Giovanni's personal cheerleader, but the bitch makes Giselle look humble at times.

Without the moment of death, things became a bit problematic, but Butch and Cassidy recovered long enough to release Houndoom and Hypno. Brock and Misty released Corsola and Forotress respectively and attacked.

Meanwhile Ash and Domino seemed ready to kill each other. In terms of human vs. human, Domino had the advantage, but sadly for Domi-chan, her Murkrow was no match for Pikachu.

Before she could release another pokemon, another sound made their way.

"CHAA-BOK!"

"ARRRRRGGGHHH!"

Arbok wrapped around Domino, pinning her, and now everyone was confused.

Ah the heck with it, one more time…

"Prepare for trouble, we always strike first!"

"And make it double, we're on your side twerps!"

"To protect the world from true devastation!"

"To unite all people within the nation!"

"To embrace the goodness of truth and love!"

"To fly up high to the stars above!"

"JESSIE!"

"JAMES!"

"Team Rocket, you now know your plight!"

"This time, it's you we will fight!"

"Wobbufet!"

"Meowth, that's right!"

I think despite a near death experience, the matching sweat drops said it all.

I saw Giovanni chuckle. Damn, that voice makes me want to hurt him.

"Well, the traitors. I had forgotten about you, yet I guess the feeling wasn't mutual. You could have run away from your life and I wouldn't have bothered about you, but it looks like you are now helping your old enemies…"

I glanced a quick look to Ash and co. It's surprising the amount of times we've actually helped each other when you think about it.

"It's not because of them. It because of our hatred for you…and how you nearly killed us…"

"Hey, pipe down you little bitch!" I heard Butch say.

In a rare voice, James spoke with such chilling intensity I thought the weather was going to change.

"Say that about her, Botch, and I'll make sure that I'll botch up your body before anyone will recognise you…"

'Botch' feigned fear, but I honestly felt James would mean it. And remember, we were top agents of decent skills before we started on our journey throughout the continent.

"Jessie…James…why?"

That was Misty's voice. I smiled to my worst enemy soon best friend (well, one of them).

"There are some things in life you just gotta do kid."

Giovanni looked at us, and then saw that Cassidy and Butch's pokemon had collapsed. However, Domino was still smiling.

"Well, I guess the odds are against us for now…but you have signed your death warrant Jessie and Jimbo!"

With that, she threw a bunch of tulips just missing us.

They exploded into dust. Instinctively, all of us held our breath in case of spore or poison. However, fortunately for us, it was a simple diversion.

However, we knew what Domino had said was true. Because we actually cared enough for the twerps, we could pay.

"I can't believe we did that…" I said.

"We protected the twerps…" James said.

But as we are Jessie and James, former agents of Team Rocket. We had to keep our strong will and dignity.

"WE'RE GOING TO DIE!" we screamed, bawling at each other.

"Guys…"

The twerp…no sorry, Ash, was speaking to us.

"Huh…" we said.

"You saved us…why?" Ash said.

I looked at him, and didn't see the twerp that we knew for three years who continuously blasted us off time and time again.

We saw the pokemon master, concerned, and wishing for answers and our well being.

We stood up and said together…

"We quit Team Rocket."

* * * *

From then on, you'd expect us to be living in fear right. Of all people, you wouldn't expect us to spill our guts to our former enemies? However, they were very understanding, especially Brock when I told him about the death of my mother, who knew exactly what that is like.

I guess I realised that being friends with the pokemon master would actually be good. Misty and I seem to have a similar personality (which Ash and James tease…before they get the crap beaten out of them). So, here comes the weird 'former enemies, new friends' bit.

When the situation was explained by Ash to the Elite, they understood and were given a pardon from us, which cleared us of the Team Rocket name. Now, we had to survive. However, Ash kept that part for us. Living near a pokemon master who had security around him in Pallet Town (as did the late Professor Oak) made me safer. Plus, I got to enjoy Brock's and Mrs. Ketchum's delicious cooking many times over…

We started to use our skills however to different benefits. We wanted to open a restaurant, and Brock and Delilah were only two kind to help us out. A lot of Ash' friends were really kind in forgiving us, and some of them like Todd and Richie weren't bad in cooking either, and gave us a few pointers.

However, we needed capital. Luckily, the Elite had recognised our skills and felt a couple of former criminals may be useful.

Hackers. James in particular was an expert at this, and yes, I used it for my own benefit to find out what happened to my mother. This only built my desire of hatred against my former boss.

When hackers tried to penetrate the League system as they did, Jessie and James were ready to give them a few bugs in the system. We did this for payment from Lance, but sometimes Ash chipped in for favours, like when we had to hack in to get the money for Brock's wife.

However, there was just one thing left.

The takedown of Team Rocket.

* * * *

TAKEDOWN OF TEAM ROCKET: JESSIE

Everyone who was part of this heroic attempt to destroy Giovanni's empire has their own story to tell. Richie has, the island twerp has, the ditto girl has, and Misty sure as heck has, but for Jessica Furage, soon to be Jessica Morgan or not be alive at all, this was very, very personal.

One of Ash' friends, A.J, has told us of his own run in with Domino, and how he went toe to toe with her. I didn't want that.

I wanted her gone…

I have reason to believe it was her relatives who had something to with my mother's death, so I've got to get the bitch-head.

However, there was a couple of bones to deal with first….

(flashback incident)

"Well how does it feel to actually be sneaking about without the aid of a computer?" James said.

"Oh shut up."

We knew that Butch and Cassidy were somewhere around here. The Elite had brought in some special force agents to comprehend with a number of the Rockets, but as mentioned, many of us wanted to do this for personal reasons.

I remember saying good luck to Ash and Misty, especially hearing about Brock's run in with the law, and I hoped that they would somehow end all the injustice in the world. And after learning what happened on my mother's death, no-one could extinguish the power of the flame burning in my soul.

My 6…yes six pokemon on my belt, thanks to Ash, he joked that he saw a glimmer of potential of us as true pokemon trainers. He may have been joking, but for us, it gave us the chance we needed to do our dirty work out in the flesh, rather than hiding in the background for so long.

Suddenly, we heard voices.

"Damn, defeat is possible…they're surrounding us! We'll head to the main power outage…"

Butch. And where he went, Cassidy went as well.

James and I nodded to each other and released a pokemon as we slowly followed them.

There were 8 agents with them, following them like bitches in heat, or more for fear of death. However, as they headed to the control room where the generators are, a lot of them fell a bit sleepy…too sleepy…or had a shot in their arm.

It was a bit cruel of my beedril to do that, compared to the more calmer way James did it with his butterfree. However, for the bitterness I suffered, it was a small price to pay.

"We made it…" Cassidy said.

"Now all we have to do…" Butch started.

"…is wonder how long you're going to survive." Said another voice. Mine.

Butch and Cassidy turned. Our own ninja and stealth skills had come in quite handy, but this time, no more hiding.

I think a slight hint of fear appeared on B and C until they regained their old confidence. If only they knew how seriously I meant this…

"Well, it looks like you truly have turned on the side of the law this time." Butch said.

"Yes, but we're taking the law into our own hands." James said, dripping with venom, almost as much as my Beedril.

Butch and Cassidy seemed unconcerned, when James keen eyes saw Butch drawing a weapon.

In a split second, James disarmed him with his skeet shooting like eyes, his own knife slamming and slicing part of Butch' hand as his gun had been disarmed.

"What? You bastard!" Cassidy attempt to arm herself, but Beedril was way ahead of her, and a poison sting slash later, and she was disarmed as well.

"Don't move."

Again, James voice was frightening, as he somehow had acquired a gun of his own. I recognised as one of the Jenny forces emergency weapons. James had obviously stole it, but he wasn't going to…

"Because of Team Rocket, both me and Jessie have suffered quite a lot through the years. However, because of it, it led me to believe something. I was in love with her." James said, his tone not lessening. His Butterfree was hovering over his head, ready for any action. I nervously say Butch and Cassidy reaching for their pokeballs, but James was making sure that wouldn't happen.

"Victrebell…"

With a speed and intensity I never saw James' plant do before, its vine whip slapped the few pokeballs from their belts as quick as lightening. And now, true fear was replacing the mock fear earlier shown on their faces.

"However, Team Rocket has taken so much…from her more than me. Which is why I'm willing to do this…"

James clicked on the weapon, and I realised he was serious.

I also realised…I didn't want this. As much hate I had for them, for some reason, I didn't want to see them dead.

"JAMES…NO!!!"

James paused as he turned to me. I dunno what thoughts were going through his head, (he can explain that better) but I didn't want them to be explored.

"James…please…no….I've suffered…but that doesn't mean I want to see more suffering…"

I saw James starting to control his emotions, as Butch and Cassidy looked ready to faint.

"BUTTERFREE, VICTREBELL…SLEEP POWDER!"

One gust of dust, and they were out of it as James dropped the weapon and started to cry himself.

"What could I have done?" he said as I put my arm around him.

"Shhh…it's O.K…." I whispered.

When officers came up to lay the siege later, they would see two crouching members of ex-Team Rocket comforting each other whilst two other members slept off their fear.

The siege was successful, as I saw Domino and Giovanni in handcuffs, and someone carrying a bag load of pokeballs.

It was then I heard a familiar voice.

"Jessica…you've grown to be a wonderful lady."

I turned and saw…Mondo. Older Mondo with a set of handcuffs, but no officers around him. At his age, I guess it didn't matter, but he seemed to be the only member with a smile on his face. His son wasn't like that, his face was bashed up big time…I guess they are angrier people than me out there…

"Sorry, but I couldn't betray Giovanni. If it wasn't for him, I probably would have died now. I'm sorry for what part I paid in your mother's death…I just hope what I did to you to help was just a stepping stone to greatness for you…"

I felt tears coming again for one of the few human beings who really did care for me. Despite police warnings, I stepped up to him and gave him a hug. The old man's tears were genuine, and I hoped for his sake, that the police knew that he was different from the others.

As we released, I felt a hand on my shoulder. Ash.

"You know what Jessie? I think he was right. You have become a wonderful lady."

I was stunned by that. It showed how much Ash and I have come along.

Our relationship became much closer after James and I married. We moved into Pallet Town and continued our work with the Elite before raised the capital needs to start with our restaurant. All those lessons from Delia and Brock seemed to pay off, as we were enjoying it like a part-time job in it's own.

The 'Jessie James' restaurant made it's debut in Pallet town, and Ash Ketchum was our first customer.

And his compliment of 'delicious' was all I needed to brighten my day.

* * * *

Since then, brands recommend by the Elite have been popping up on Kanto, Johto and the Orange Islands. Our works as criminals has been long since forgotten, as Team Rocket continue to rot in jail.

I was saddened to hear of Mondo's death during that time, and James had to comfort me many times as I still miss him. His granddaughter talked with me how he was so much different from his son, and it was just comforting to hear that he died peacefully.

However, Ash didn't have the same luck…

And so here I am. Ash Ketchum's funeral.

I never thought it, and I knew there was nothing I could offer him but my words of regret and sadness.

After everything we put him through, and vice versa, he considered us friends, and to me, his kind comments certainly helped me.

James put an arm around me as we watched more and more people flock to the coffin of the late, great, Ash Ketchum.

But as we left, one person caught my eye more so. He looked different to the others, certainly not Japanese. I was curious, so I got my pair of binoculars and stoked the person out…

Huh? How did he…heh. I guess Ash touched us in all shores near and far.

(SIDE STORY)

It's been many years...and yet I had never imagined that it would ever come
to this.

Ash Satoshi Ketchum.

Champion of Anime Survivor II: The Continent of Server.

Gone, just like that. The one who had won my very first Survivor, is gone.
Taken away by the cruelty that was life.

As I stood in front of the casket, I am paralyzed with emotion. This was
real! It was no longer a dream. Looking at his wife Misty and his little
kids, I saw the looks in their eyes...the grief, the anger, the sorrow. It
just hurts simply listening to the eulogies (not that I'm being mean to
anyone else.)

Oh, Ash...how you have touched my life.

I still remember that first ever time I finally met you. It was during Star
Otaku's first Anime Survivor on File Island. I even remember the day that I
went into the hotel...watching for you, praying for your success. You made
me proud to be a Pokemon fan, when you walked into the hotel
oh-so-triumphantly after being voted off. Hell, I can even remember the
exact conversation...

"Ash, it's good to meet you at last." I began.

"Really? You've been waiting for me?" He replied.

"Of course. Besides, everyone here's got someone whom they're cheering for.
I, for one, aren't an exception."

"Well, gee...thanks."

"Hey, it's no problem. I'm glad to have talked to you. Perhaps we can do
lunch sometime?"

"How's about now?"

"Ash, it's about 11:30 at night."

"Oh...sorry."

"Well, perhaps we could go get something to eat instead."

That meeting was so awkward, wasn't it? But then again, back then I wasn't
the bigshot Anime Survivor host...That was a little later. But anyhow, the
game went on, and ended in a bit of a setback for you and your crew. It was
a heartbreaker to watch as Misty lost by a single vote to Sora. I could see
the disappointment in your eye as Star Otaku revealed the final vote.

"The last vote goes to...Sora." And with those words, Star handed the
Digimon tribe the narrow victory.

The Digimon fans were roaring in jubliation up at the top of the
mountain...but yet in defeat, you were still gracious to congratulate the
winner on her victory, and comfort your best friend and future spouse in her
defeat.

About 6 months later, your chance for redemption arrived. After the Digimon
Tribe's victory on File Island, Star passed the company to me...and with
that, Anime Survivor 2 was born. I remember the day that you came into the
hotel on Server, all confident of victory even though you had different
people in your tribe. I still remember that first day of the new game, on
the plane before the air drop...that old rivalry was back.

"So, if it isn't the losers from File Island." Tai taunted.

"What are you talking about? You guys didn't win by that many votes."

"Yeah, and you guys couldn't even keep your own alliance together."

"You're lucky Jessie voted for Sora!"

"And tell her we thank her for the favor."

"You just watch, Tai! This game has barely started...You're going down."

"We'll see who's going down at the end, when I'm the one who wins."

And win, you did. Pundits had called for your annilation; but yet you
persevered, ridding yourself of opposition inside and out. Winning immunity
and getting rid of that annoying Genki (Gawd, I still have nightmares of
that kid's screeching voice...), and strengthening your resolve after
Brock's accident.

Maybe it was all symbolic and stuff when Tai was voted out; I still remember
that dirty look you traded with each other as I read that last vote to kill
his chances. From then on, there was no stopping. You won in a convincing
fashion over Trunks, and helped me garner the biggest audience for any of my
projects in my then-mediocre career. It was to your victory, that I had
finally found my calling.

Of course, life after that wasn't always so peachy. After that messy little
tiff with my best friend, I thought it was all over...everything was coming
down; and everything just seemed hopeless. The media was all over me, and I
couldn't get away from them. But it was you who came thru once again.

It was that day I met you at a small resort outside Goldenrod City...you,
Misty and Brock were already on your journey to Johto, when the melee was
still going on. It was a bad time, I tell you. But it was your help that
brought me back to my feet again...I was sitting at the patio, waiting for
you. You came alone; as you sat down opposite to me, looking at me...I knew
you saw the weariness of the whole debacle in my eyes. That was a gift you
always had, the willingness to help, and the hand to give to help.

"Well, I guess that is pretty harsh." You concluded, as I finished telling
my side of the story.

"I just don't know what to do any more!" I replied, rather frantically.

"Calm down! Frustration doesn't work...trust me, I've learned that."

"I...It's just that I'm just sick and tired of it all. I mean, this whole PR
battle is just driving me nuts."

"Look, you win some, you lose some. You can't win every Pokemon battle, nor
can you win all the battles in life."

"Ash, I wish it was all that simple."

"It is. Just listen to your heart, and the answer will be there."

And with that, you left. After a while of digesting those words, I saw what
you had meant. Slowly, I went back, and confronted the skeletons. Anime
Survivor 3 was a modest success, and without your words, hell, I dunno if I
could have ever written something like that ever again. But you showed me
how...and I am forever in your debt.

For the years aFter the Safari Zone, life has kinda returned to
normal...until I found out about the accident. I was in a board meeting with
the company's executive board of directors when I got a message from the
page. I tried to come as fast as I could; but I couldn't. I didn't even get
a chance to say goodbye to you.

But I guess this is a make-up of sorts. It has been a pleasure working with
you, and it has been a pleasure to have been an acquaintance with you.

May you be in peace forevermore...Lao Yau, Yat Lao Ping An. Joy Gein.*

* * * *

Thanks to Globie for that last little bit again. (* = Cantonese translation: May your journey be peaceful, friend. Gooodbye.) If anyone else wants to do something like this, I would love to hear from you.

Well, the Rocket characters are complicated figures, and I hope what Jessie went through isn't too crushing for everyone. It shows that confident souls sometimes have true black hearts, and a little light is all that's needed.

So next chapter;

JAMES

As Jessie leaves to converse with many of her new friends, James takes the bow. Life growing up as an aristocrat doesn't guarantee the one thing you crave most, freedom. Being too happy can lead to unhappiness. Find out James side of the story next chapter.

Until then, ja ne!