Eighteen: Valhalla

It took a long while for the wake of destruction to calm down completely, and even then, there were still lots of explosions ripping apart the remains of the Cosmos Decimator as the large crew shuffled their way past. They had finally spotted Morrison lying on the ground a few minutes ago, sometime after their initial celebration peaked. After Thatcher, Jennifer, and Joyleen stepped out of the ship amidst the roaring greeting of friends, it had been the keen-eyed Joyleen who spotted the burned man. She ran over to him, instinctively thinking about her job as a nurse and not the fact that Morrison had been an enemy ten minutes ago.

The nasty flames shooting out of the Decimator stopped her suddenly, and several people screamed for her to back away. She quickly turned around, ducked, and covered herself from any flying debris or sparks, and waited for the ruins to calm their fury. She slowly crawled over to Morrison's motionless body while on the ground, and motioned for everyone to join her as she checked his pulse.

"He's still alive, but just barely," she murmured. "If I had some help carrying him in…"

"Don't waste your strength, Nurse Joy," coughed Morrison weakly, spitting out a puff of smoke as he spoke. "I… don't intend… to live past my welcome here on this world. I figure I've done enough for one time; I don't want to go through it again a second time."

"But why?" she wondered, sounding hurt. He sighed and wearily shook his head.

"It's simple. Everything I've worked for has gone down the drain. Team Rocket split apart, and many of our most loyal agents betrayed us because of what had happened. Many of our bases are gone, and all the hard work we put into capturing those accursed Pokemon was for nothing. Heh… even those rotten tools that Marion and I risked our lives for went up in smoke. You won't be able to recover them from that rubble, I assure you…" His arm slowly lifted in the air, weakly pointing to what was left of the once-mighty machine.

"Well, I suppose that's a relief," murmured James. Morrison nodded his head.

"On top of all that," he groaned, "the six legendary machines were destroyed beyond repair. They're just junk now. The main headquarters is gone as well, totally vaporized. And even Marion…… even her…" Morrison actually choked up, his eyes squinting in pain as he clenched his fist, defiant to the end against some unknown injustice.

"It was a pitiful way for us to go," he whispered, even his strong voice slipping into frailty. "Yeah… we caused a lot of violence and hate, unnecessary grief and dissent, and I'll bet we'll be punished for it all when we die. But… you have to admit, both Marion and I were right. Human beings are just too stupid to understand anything except fighting. Just… look at the world around you…"

"That may be true," said Ash as he stepped up to the smoking man, clutching Pikachu in his arms, "but… for those people that have the wisdom to rise up out of all that, this world can be given another chance to go on. There are people in the world who disagree with you, and they're working just as hard as you did to make everything worthwhile for another day. Those… are my heroes…"

"But… human history is a tale of war, ever since we were created into this world." Morrison struggled to speak, and groaned painfully as the severe wounds he had received mercilessly stabbed at him. Nurse Joyleen told him not to strain himself, but it was no use. Morrison knew that his time had come: he would pay for his ways of destruction.

"Funny, though," he whispered softly. "That man, Giovanni, he was right. Our pursuit of power only led to our own demises. Marion……… She was brutally murdered because of what she did. And in my madness, I too met my fate against those who wanted this world to be ruled in peace, not in fear. We… were wrong all this time… But it took an epic final clash to really prove it, just as always…"

"You're wrong!" snapped Misty angrily. "We never wanted any of this! All of us--Ash, Brock, Gary, Lenneth, Joyleen, Jennifer, the Captain, Jessie, James, even Butch and Cassidy--we only wanted peace, and not all the fighting! We were among the peaceful people who just wanted a LIFE, not an existence as we struggled to survive and fight! We were forced into it!"

"Then it's only when we have to fight that humans truly show their Selves…" Everyone looked at the sagely Captain Thatcher, who could definitely be timelessly wise when he wanted to. "Aye, I see what'cha mean… Men and women are savages when they don't have anything to fight for except their own selfish means, but when we're forced into battle, whether it be to protect something or to defend oneself… aye, that's when humans are most pure. Fighting selflessly is a noble cause, my good man."

"What a bunch of sap," coughed Morrison wearily. "I didn't need to hear all this right before I expired… but oh well. After all, when I think about it, I really only have one regret I look upon with greatest sadness." The large group looked at him questionably, wondering what kind of remorse their last enemy would have.

"What's that, Mr. Successor?" wondered James. Morrison let his head fall limp to the other side, away from the group, as he stared blankly into a dusky sky.

"My only regret… is not being there with her when she died… We fought together, the two of us did… My only regret is that we didn't die together. That just makes me so miserable… Marion…" And with a final sorrowful clench of his hand, Morrison laid still, no longer able to make a fist.

For a very long time, the large group stared down at the still man, absorbed in though and emptiness. A hollow wind blew past them, fanning the flames still burning on the machine, yet there were no other sounds. Nobody even blinked; they all shared a dense silence as they gazed down at their final enemy. Jessie let out a rugged sigh.

"…It's over."

"No… not just yet," corrected Cassidy. She looked up at her archrival, a very peaceful and serious look on her face, needing only to make eye contact to get her point across. "There's one more thing for us to do."

"What's that?" wondered Brock. The redhead sighed, hanging her head as if facing a death sentence.

"…The one thing I never though Butch or I would ever have to do. Captain, is the ship in good working order?"

"Ain't she always?" he smiled. Cassidy returned it faintly.

"Good. Take us to the nearest Team Rocket base. We have a broadcast that I want the entire world to hear.

----------

Attention, all who live in this planet of ours: Ladies, gentlemen, children, old folks… slaves and free, black and white, tall and short, brilliant and simple, aggressive and passive, loved and hated… My name is Cassidy Gene Audrey…

And my name is Butch Gary Cooper. We were once members of the infamous Team Rocket, but a few months ago, because of certain circumstances that happened within the organization, we were forced to quit permanently and betray our beloved order. Not too long ago, every one of you received an announcement that the former Team Rocket leader had been killed and a new leader took their place. This new order… is now gone.

The ones known as Marion Burke and Morrison Glidden have been killed, one by former Rockets just like us, and the other in the heat of the final battle, which many of you witnessed on television or heard about on the radio. The Team Rocket headquarters was destroyed as well, and many of the bases and weapons are gone as well. My brothers and sisters, this signifies that the one-feared and mighty order known as Team Rocket is now dead. Everything that once held it up has been destroyed, leaving it with nothing to stand on.

Cassidy and I, two witnesses to the deaths of all three of our former leaders, thought it would be appropriate for us to send the message out to all those in the world, so they would know what had happened. The chaos and terror that you have been living under these past few months is no more! Everything that Team Rocket once stood for is gone, along with their leaders, their strength, and many of their employees. It's all gone, all of it--but we're here to make it official.

Although we are the last people who would ever proclaim such a thing, we cannot avoid what is there in front of us. Everything we knew and loved is gone, leaving us standing in the wake, confused about everything that happened and what was to come. Butch and I are still hurt over the loss, but rest assured: we will not try to resurrect Team Rocket, nor will we allow anyone else that privilege. As of this very moment, the two of us, Cassidy…

And Butch…

…Hereby proclaim, in the place of our leaders, that Team Rocket shall be eternally abolished, never to come back in any shape or form! You hear us correctly, brothers and sisters of this peaceful, liberated planet! Team Rocket is no more! Team Rocket is no more! May it be wiped clean from the annals of history and the memories of all living creatures, never to return again! Celebrate! You all have the right to celebrate! Let there be festivities and merriment for days to come! Let the bells ring, let the fireworks erupt, let your hearts sing and your souls proclaim freedom! Most importantly, beloved brothers and sisters…

Let there be peace, long and rich until the end of all generations--a peaceful world, the best reminder of what we all experienced under the thumb of terror and oppression. We beseech you, people of this planet, do not repeat what you have all lived through recently. That would be a foolish error greater than any sin or crime imaginable. And so, with that, we thank you for listening, and we wish each of you a wonderful life, however long or short it may be. Thank you, and bless you.

Cassidy and Butch quietly left the base, keeping their eyes shut and their faces down as they rejoined their comrades. Everyone gave them warm, soft smiles of respect and admiration as they appeared, and Jessie and James clapped hands.

"So that's what that was all about," she mused. Cassidy nodded her head, crossing her arms.

"Yeah… we figured there wasn't any use trying to bring back a dead organization, so we just let it die as painlessly as possible. I think everyone will receive this message a little better than the last."

"We can only hope," shrugged Butch. "There will still be those few stubborn people who'll want to pick up the pieces and try to reform Rocket, but without Giovanni or even those other two, they won't pull it off. For the most part, I think that everyone, even our most loyal members, will embrace this change."

"I never t'ought I'd see the day!" exclaimed Meowth coyly. "Who woulda t'unk dat Butch and Cassidy would be da ones who'd get ridda Team Rocket once and for all?"

"Hey, we all helped a little bit!" snorted James, balling his fist up. Jessie snarled in an agreement.

"Yeah! We didn't see you doing anything, Meowth!"

"Eh? How could I? I didn't even know youse was alive until two hours ago! Anyway, that ain't important!"

"The little ball of annoying fuzz is right," agreed James, addressing his partner. "We have more important matters to worry about, like… what in the world will we do now?"

"You mean what will Butch and Cassidy do now?" pointed Jessie, specifying her archrivals. "I know that you and I are just going to follow Ash, Misty, and Brock around until we're all grown up. I've bonded too closely to them to change, and besides, it might be fun to be on a Pokemon adventure!" She smiled slyly, waving away her red hair with a chuckle. Butch and Cassidy snorted.

"You don't need to worry about us, Jessica," said Butch. "Although we'd never get caught dead wandering around with you peons, I suppose we can just start a new life. Hey, Gary?"

"Yeah?"

"You looking for traveling companions?" The young rusty-haired boy thought about it and gave Butch a wicked smile. Both Ash and James caught onto the conspiracy and revolted.

"No WAY!!" they screamed. "If Gary teams up with Butch and Cassidy, it'll be just one great big rivalry! That would be too terrible to bear!"

"Oh, be quiet," moaned Jessie and Cassie simultaneously. They gave each other a look and snarled wildly. Brock and Lenneth sighed.

"It kinda makes sense, though, when you think about it," he shrugged. "I mean, since Ash is with Jessie and James now, it's only fitting that his rival Gary is with their rivals, Butch and Cassidy! I mean… it just fits!" Everyone gave him a strange look, somehow taken aback by his sudden wisdom (sort of). Lenneth chuckled.

"I think it makes sense. Yes, you're right! Our group needs a few more rivals to it than just Mr. Oak!" Brock gave her a confused look.

"Huh? What do you mean by 'our group'?"

"Oh, silly!" she giggled, smiling warmly. "Do you think that after everything we've been through, I would just go back to my boring life with Captain Thatcher?"

"Boring?!?!"

"Not a chance!" continued Lenneth, paying no heed to her baffled Captain. "I want to journey with you and everyone else, Brock! I know you'll let me, so there's really no argument!" Brock stared back at her in awe, not believing a word she said. His dream of getting a solid girlfriend was coming true right before his eyes, and on top of that, she actually wanted to spend time with him! Poor dear sweet loveable Brock couldn't help but leap high into the air and scream out a powerful YAHOO!!

"I guess we'll have to make room for one more!" chuckled Misty. Captain Thatcher sighed.

"And we'll make room for one less! Ah, Lenneth, my precious little girl! Be ye leaving our nest already?" She gave him a sweet smile, though there was some heartbreaking pain in her eyes.

"Sorry, Captain, but it was bound to happen someday. Don't worry, we'll definitely see each other again, just not that often!"

"Aye, ah know!" he chuckled, winking at her as he poked the air with his pipe. "And hey, ya better invite me to the wedding or else!"

"Wedding?" Both Brock and Lenneth blushed profusely, and even Ash knew what the crazy pirate was talking about. Thatcher decided that it would be best for him and his crew to return to the town where Ash had first met him, where they would rest for awhile before heading out on their next adventure. Everyone gave the sea-dog a fond farewell, many of them giving him hugs and even kisses on the cheek. Thatcher's powerful arms suffocated poor James.

"Jim, milad, I'll miss ye like the gull misses the sea air! Yer a sissy, but a fine man to have in a fight, and you can make me laugh me own pants off!" James shrieked and wailed, and not because he was choking to death from the bear hug.

"Oh, goodness, what a horrible thought!!" Everyone laughed out loud, and with a final farewell, Thatcher boarded the Dreadnaught with Jennifer and Joyleen at his side like always. The mighty vessel tore off into the sky, towards the horizon, already eager for the next big adventure.

"Oh dear," sighed Jessie, her eyes misty, "I'm going to miss that barbaric man."

"Yeah… he was great…" Misty smiled and agreed with her friend; James and Ash shrugged and gave each other confused looks.

"Like I said before," pointed Brock, "a woman's heart is a fickle thing."

"I heard that," sighed Gary. "Well, it's been a real blast, but I'd better get back to my Pokemon journey! I've got a long way to go before I'm the greatest, and you'd better not disappoint me when we finally square off, Ash!"

"Huh?" Gary gave his rival a smile, but for once, it didn't hold his usual cockiness.

"I underestimated you, Ketchum. You're definitely a worthy opponent, and if you keep up this maturity thing, I just might find myself in trouble. Until we meet again, Ash." Gary smiled and extended his hand, and Ash mirrored both actions, taking it and shaking it firmly.

"Until we meet again! Wherever or whenever that may be!" They both smiled and nodded their heads, and once again parted ways. Everyone else also went down their own paths after that: the gym leaders returned to their towns and began helping reconstruct, the Elite Four vowed to travel around the world and help the rebuilding effort, and both Tracey and Ritchie bade their friends a lengthy and somewhat emotional farewell.

When it was down to Ash, Brock, James, Jessie, Lenneth, and Misty again, the six of them breathed in the deep, rich scent of the afternoon sun, stretching out to greet the relieved world before them.

"What a trip it's been…" sighed James. "So many things happened to us in such a short amount of time! I can't believe it's been little over a year now since Jessie and I joined you! It seems we've been running into trouble ever since then!"

"Yes, trouble indeed," agreed Ash. "But thanks to you two, we were always prepared for it--and even double!" James laughed merrily, amused that the old (but still good) Team Rocket motto was being used so kindly.

"Ah, Ash… you are a good friend, indeed…"

"Hey, what are you two boys clowning around for?!" snapped Jessie and Misty. "Your archrivals are out there somewhere, making a name for themselves! Are you just going to stand there and do nothing?!?!" The two young men froze, as if they had been caught sleeping on the job, and smiled weakly as they apologized.

"No, no, we're going! We're going! See?" They quickly gathered their things again, their respective female counterparts behind them, "encouraging" them all the way, with Brock and Lenneth in the rear.

"It's always the same," he sighed. "But I guess that's okay. Some things are best when they don't change. Or… maybe they're not." To prove his point, he slipped his hand into Lenneth's, smiling softly as their fingers clasped.

"Yeah… oh hey! Don't the heroes usually ride off together in the sunset? We can't do that! It's afternoon!"

"We don't need to!" replied Ash, waving his hand in the air. "Sunsets are reserved for whenever the story ends! This one is just beginning!"

"Enough with the corny lines!" screamed Misty, giving him a smack on the head. "I swear, if you say one more thing like that…"

"But I thought it was appropriate for the time!"

"It sounded stupid! 'Just the beginning'! That's something a little kid would say!"

"I'm not a little kid anymore, Misty!"

"You sure are acting like one!"

"Hey, stop arguing! My ears hurt!"

"James, stop being such a weenie!"

"I'm not a weenie~!"

"Yes you are!"

"Well you're too loud!"

"NO I'M NOT!!!"

"And you're lazy!"

"Misty!!! I'm doing my best here!"

"You can't possibly be doing your best! If you were doing your best, Gary would be beaten!"

"Yeah! And we can't let Cassidy get ahead of us either!"

"Oh, what's the big deal? It's such a nice day…"

"HURRY UP, JAMES!"

"GROW UP, ASH!"

"Yeah, there definitely hasn't been any changes here," murmured Brock. Lenneth giggled and rested her head on his shoulder as she followed her friends. She thought that Ash's comment was awfully touching, and she knew that deep down inside, Misty did too.

Jessie was another story.

To be concluded…