No good deed goes unpunished
Disclaimer: I only own Josh, Steven, Allison, and Harris. Nintendo owns everything else in this fic, excluding websites.
It was barely a week after Josh had helped free Jessie, James, Meowth, and Mondo from Harris Sythe's and Jessibelle's evil clutches and already he was getting recognition. He, Jessie, and Meowth have gotten a little party set up to celebrate James and Mondo finally getting released from the hospital after the incident and they're very excited about getting to see their friends again, but at the moment, Josh is nowhere to be found.
Jessie: Are you sure he's not in the house, Meowth?
Meowth: I'm sure. I've looked everywhere!
Suddenly, Jessie notices that the computer's on and that a message has been left on the screen
Jessie: What the... (reads the message) Meowth, look at this!
The cat walks over to the computer and as they read the message, their eyes start to well up with tears
Josh's Message:
Dear friends,
If you are reading this, I have gone to the Eternal Love Cemetery to give my parents a reminder that their son misses them dearly. There's a good chance I may not come back. If I don't, I just want to thank you all again for everything you've helped me get through. I'll always remember your kindness and gentle spirits. You'll all be in my heart forever. Thank you...
Signed,
Joshua Taylor
The two become overcome with emotion and as they start to cry, the door opens and James (who's got a white scarf tied around his neck) and Mondo (who's now wearing an eye-patch over his right eye and now sporting several large scars on his face) come in excitedly.
Mondo: We're back!
James: We're better than ever!
Jessie just runs into James's arms and starts crying
James: (worried) Jess, what's wrong?
Meowth: (sobbing) Josh is g-gone!!!
Mondo: WHAT??? Where'd he go?
Jessie: (crying) I don't k-k-know... I just f-found a goodbye message from him on the computer screen!
Jessie leads James and Mondo to the computer, and after the two men read the message, they all just sit down on the floor looking dejected
Mondo: Why, why would he leave after all this?
James: (shell-shocked) Unbelievable... after all that's happened, we still lose a good friend in the end
A familiar voice behind them says "And you got him back!" and as they all look at the doorway behind Mondo's back, they see...
Meowth: (shocked) JOSH!!!
Meowth runs into Josh's open arms and is picked up gently by the teen, who's got a calm look gracing his face
Jessie: (shaky) W-w-where did you go???
Josh: I had to go visit my folks and ask them what I should do about having taken a human life...
James: But aren't your parents..
Josh: Yeah, but that doesn't mean I can't get help from them...
(as Josh says this, the screen dissolves and comes back showing Josh walking through a cemetery with a pair of red roses in his hand)
Josh: (sighing deeply) Finally, I'll get the chance to visit my parents graves in peace. (looks at the roses he's carrying) Now that Harris is dead and Jessibelle's in jail, I'm free. I'm actually free!
Soon the boy stops and kneels down in front of a set of headstones. As he looks at the carvings on the markers, we see that the graves are that of his parents, Allison and Steven Taylor
Josh: Mom, dad. I'm sorry I haven't come to visit you much, but... I just didn't want to believe that you two were actually gone. But now that your killer is no more than a corpse, I can finally accept the fact that you two are up in heaven.
Josh places a rose on Allison's grave, then places the other on Steven's grave, before wiping away a tear from his eye
Josh: Mom, I know you can't hear me, but I need your advice. Harris may be gone, but I now have the blood of a human being on my hands. Should I confess to the killing or should I just run away, never to be seen again? And what about my friends, what's gonna happen to them??? If jessibelle gets out of prison, they're screwed! If it's at all possible, please give me a sign. Mom, dad, I need some sort of sign!
A faint, peaceful voice says "I can give you more than that.", and as Josh looks on, a pair of transparent people start to form on top of the headstones. But this time, Josh doesn't look scared, in fact, he looks rather pleased.
Josh: (looking at the now complete phantoms and chuckling) You two sure know how to make an entrance!
The spirits, we now see, are that of his mother and father, who are both surrounded by a heavenly light
Steven: We sure do, son.
Allison: Now don't worry about Harris's death. You did the right thing sending him to hell!
Josh: Gee, that's a nice way of putting it. But seriously, what should I do about the others? If that traitor gets out of jail, she's gonna go after them!
Steven: Then maybe you should stay with them for a while and serve as their bodyguard and friend. After all they've done for you, they deserve a little reward.
Allison: Speaking of which...
Allison raises her hand towards the heavens and within seconds, a glimmering shine starts to form. Bringing her hand down, she reveals a set of 5 rings, each encrusted with a gem.
Allison: These are a special gift for you and your pals. A way of saying thank you for taking care of our boy.
Steven: As long as you all have those rings, you'll never be in any danger that you can't get out of.
Allison gives the rings to Josh, who just stares at them and then at his parents
Josh: Thank you...
Steven: Don't thank US, boy. What you did was something that very few people have ever done before. We're so proud of you!
Allison: And someday, when it's your time, you'll be able to join us up in paradise. Just like your new pals.
Josh: (getting a little emotional) Mom.... Dad....
Steven: Take care son, know that your parents are proud of you...
Allison: Know that we'll always be by your side in your heart...
Slowly the apparitions start to fade in front of Josh's eyes
Josh: (tearful) I will... I will...
Steven and Allison: Goodbye, son... We love you......
With that, they disappear and all that's left is a cool chill from where they were sitting and a teary Josh Taylor
Josh: Goodbye...
Josh just looks at the rings in his hands and lets his tears fall freely
Josh: I'll never forget you...
As he buries his head in his hands and cries, the screen dissolves and comes back showing everyone but Mondo crying
Jessie: (wailing) That's so beautiful!
James: (sobbing) Truly a happy ending...
Suddenly, the phone rings and Mondo, being the only one not in tears, picks it up
Mondo: Uh, hello? (his puzzled expression turns to shock as he hears the person on the other end) Oh my god! Hold on!
Mondo puts his hand on the receiver and muffles it as he reveals who's calling
Mondo: It's our boss!
This gets the tears to stop in a hurry!
Jessie: (scared) T-the boss?!?
Mondo: Yeah, he wants to get put on video phone.
Meowth: Tell him to call the other number, that one doesn't get it!
Mondo gives the boss the info and, soon after he hangs up, the video phone next to the computer starts to ring. This time, James answers it and the image of the boss's face pops up on the screen
Jessie: Boss???
The boss: Don't be so formal, agent Parker. Just call me Giovanni for the time being.
James: Right, bo. Giovanni.
Giovanni turns his attention to Josh, who's looking anxious as to what he has to say
Giovanni: So... You're the one who saved agents Parker, Morgan, Meowth, and Hickok...
Josh: That's right s...
He stops and turns towards Mondo
Josh: Your last name's Hickok? Is that why you signed the hospital form just Mondo?
Mondo doesn't say anything, but gives him a rather rude look with his one good eye as Josh turns back to the screen
Josh: That's right sir...
Giovanni: I must say, I'm quite impressed. Though if you'd mind telling me how much damage they've suffered, I'll know if any of them need to be "retired".
Josh: Well Me, Jessie and Meowth managed to suffer only a few bruises and mild dart wounds and were released soon after arrival. James had to stay in the hospital longer because one of his wounds was on his jugular vein and required a lot of patching up, hence the scarf. But Mondo suffered the worst, he had to get some major constructive surgery done to fix up the massive cuts to his face and his right cornea was so badly sliced that his whole eye had to be removed to prevent an infection from setting in.
Mondo: However, I've got an eye transplant scheduled in two weeks. The hospital's even gonna pay the cost of the surgery!
Giovanni: I see... But what about...
Josh: Jessibelle's in jail for the time being, awaiting trial for charges of attempted murder.
Giovanni: Ok, and Harris...
Josh: Harris... is no more.
Giovanni: I must say, I am impressed! In fact that's the reason I called...
Josh: (puzzled) Um, could you explain?
Giovanni: After hearing about how you protected my agents from being killed at the hands of those two lunatics, I want to offer you a position at team rocket.
These words solicit a gasp from all 5 of the listeners
Jessie: You mean... Make him an official member?
Giovanni: That's right. I'll even let him choose a pokemon starter. So Josh, what do you say?
Josh: It's a great honor sir, but before I make my decision, I have one request.
Giovanni: Ok, what would that be?
Josh: I want to be partnered up with Jessie, James, and Meowth. After all we've been through, I want to stay with them a little longer.
Giovanni: (thinking it over) That sounds reasonable. Anything else?
Josh: No sir.
Giovanni: So does this mean you accept the offer?
Josh: (taking a deep breath) Yes... yes, I do.
This gets a cheer from his everyone, even Giovanni
Giovanni: You made a wise choice. Your uniform and pokemon should arrive shortly. Speaking of which, what pokemon DO you want to start with?
Josh thinks this over before turning his attention back to Giovanni
Josh: Can I choose ANY kind of pokemon?
Giovanni: Yes, within reason.
Josh thinks back to the pokemon he used to love to battle his father with, especially his dad's favorite pokemon... He soon knows what pokemon to choose... the same one his father loved to battle with...
Josh: I choose... a Hitmonchan.
Giovanni: Ah, a good fighting type. I commend you on your wise selection.
Josh: Thank you sir. I promise I won't let Team Rocket down.
Giovanni: Well, see that you don't!
With that, Giovanni's image disappears from the screen and Jessie, James, Meowth, and Mondo cheer excitedly for Josh
Meowth: Congratulations, you're now with team rocket!
Jessie: You've made a wis...
Josh: I heard what the boss said, Jess, I know I made the right choice.
James: But what about your parents, what would they think?
As everyone, but Josh, glares at James he puts his hand behind his head, blushing
James: I mean, it's not exactly what most heroes would do...
Josh: James, my parents told me to protect you guys. If that means joining Team Rocket to do so, then so be it. That reminds me...
Josh reaches into his pocket and pulls out the rings his mom gave him
Josh: (holding the rings out) These are for each one of you, a way of saying thanks for helping me avenge my parent's deaths.
Everyone just stares starry-eyed at the beautiful rings in Josh's hand
Mondo: We... we can't
Jessie: We didn't try to help you for a reward. We did it because we wanted to get back at Harris!
Josh: Even so, you DID help me. So you deserve these rings...
James: If you're sure... (takes a sapphire-encrusted ring)
Mondo: Wouldn't want to be rude...(takes an emerald ring)
Jessie: If you insist... (takes a ruby-studded ring)
Meowth still looks hesitantly at the two other rings
Josh: Meowth, c'mon. You earned this reward.
Meowth: I know, but I just... I'm worried...
James: About what???
Meowth: If I take a ring, that would be like robbing from his parents graves...
Josh: Meowth, they told me you had earned this. Trust me.
Meowth: (still a little bit unsure) Well... (takes a golden ring)
Josh then pockets the last ring, a jade-embedded one, and James heads into the kitchen to whip up a little lunch with Jessie and Mondo following him. But Meowth stays back and looks at Josh in worry
Meowth: Josh, do you think we'll be safe from Jessibelle even WITH your protection?
Josh just sighs and looks out the window at the sunny skies
Josh: That's something even I don't know.
Meowth stands next to him and looks out into the sky
Meowth: You miss your parents, don't you?
Josh: More than ever, Meowth. More than ever...
Meowth: (detecting a hint of sorrow) You want some alone time?
Josh: (not really paying attention) I guess...
Meowth leaves the boy alone to let him just swim in his thoughts while Josh just continues to stare at the sky
Josh: Thank you Mom, for everything...
As he turns to head for the kitchen, Josh looks back at the clouds and smiles, knowing he's got a mission again in life, to protect his new friends from any dangers that come their way
Josh: (whispered) Thank you...
THE END
Disclaimer: I only own Josh, Steven, Allison, and Harris. Nintendo owns everything else in this fic, excluding websites.
It was barely a week after Josh had helped free Jessie, James, Meowth, and Mondo from Harris Sythe's and Jessibelle's evil clutches and already he was getting recognition. He, Jessie, and Meowth have gotten a little party set up to celebrate James and Mondo finally getting released from the hospital after the incident and they're very excited about getting to see their friends again, but at the moment, Josh is nowhere to be found.
Jessie: Are you sure he's not in the house, Meowth?
Meowth: I'm sure. I've looked everywhere!
Suddenly, Jessie notices that the computer's on and that a message has been left on the screen
Jessie: What the... (reads the message) Meowth, look at this!
The cat walks over to the computer and as they read the message, their eyes start to well up with tears
Josh's Message:
Dear friends,
If you are reading this, I have gone to the Eternal Love Cemetery to give my parents a reminder that their son misses them dearly. There's a good chance I may not come back. If I don't, I just want to thank you all again for everything you've helped me get through. I'll always remember your kindness and gentle spirits. You'll all be in my heart forever. Thank you...
Signed,
Joshua Taylor
The two become overcome with emotion and as they start to cry, the door opens and James (who's got a white scarf tied around his neck) and Mondo (who's now wearing an eye-patch over his right eye and now sporting several large scars on his face) come in excitedly.
Mondo: We're back!
James: We're better than ever!
Jessie just runs into James's arms and starts crying
James: (worried) Jess, what's wrong?
Meowth: (sobbing) Josh is g-gone!!!
Mondo: WHAT??? Where'd he go?
Jessie: (crying) I don't k-k-know... I just f-found a goodbye message from him on the computer screen!
Jessie leads James and Mondo to the computer, and after the two men read the message, they all just sit down on the floor looking dejected
Mondo: Why, why would he leave after all this?
James: (shell-shocked) Unbelievable... after all that's happened, we still lose a good friend in the end
A familiar voice behind them says "And you got him back!" and as they all look at the doorway behind Mondo's back, they see...
Meowth: (shocked) JOSH!!!
Meowth runs into Josh's open arms and is picked up gently by the teen, who's got a calm look gracing his face
Jessie: (shaky) W-w-where did you go???
Josh: I had to go visit my folks and ask them what I should do about having taken a human life...
James: But aren't your parents..
Josh: Yeah, but that doesn't mean I can't get help from them...
(as Josh says this, the screen dissolves and comes back showing Josh walking through a cemetery with a pair of red roses in his hand)
Josh: (sighing deeply) Finally, I'll get the chance to visit my parents graves in peace. (looks at the roses he's carrying) Now that Harris is dead and Jessibelle's in jail, I'm free. I'm actually free!
Soon the boy stops and kneels down in front of a set of headstones. As he looks at the carvings on the markers, we see that the graves are that of his parents, Allison and Steven Taylor
Josh: Mom, dad. I'm sorry I haven't come to visit you much, but... I just didn't want to believe that you two were actually gone. But now that your killer is no more than a corpse, I can finally accept the fact that you two are up in heaven.
Josh places a rose on Allison's grave, then places the other on Steven's grave, before wiping away a tear from his eye
Josh: Mom, I know you can't hear me, but I need your advice. Harris may be gone, but I now have the blood of a human being on my hands. Should I confess to the killing or should I just run away, never to be seen again? And what about my friends, what's gonna happen to them??? If jessibelle gets out of prison, they're screwed! If it's at all possible, please give me a sign. Mom, dad, I need some sort of sign!
A faint, peaceful voice says "I can give you more than that.", and as Josh looks on, a pair of transparent people start to form on top of the headstones. But this time, Josh doesn't look scared, in fact, he looks rather pleased.
Josh: (looking at the now complete phantoms and chuckling) You two sure know how to make an entrance!
The spirits, we now see, are that of his mother and father, who are both surrounded by a heavenly light
Steven: We sure do, son.
Allison: Now don't worry about Harris's death. You did the right thing sending him to hell!
Josh: Gee, that's a nice way of putting it. But seriously, what should I do about the others? If that traitor gets out of jail, she's gonna go after them!
Steven: Then maybe you should stay with them for a while and serve as their bodyguard and friend. After all they've done for you, they deserve a little reward.
Allison: Speaking of which...
Allison raises her hand towards the heavens and within seconds, a glimmering shine starts to form. Bringing her hand down, she reveals a set of 5 rings, each encrusted with a gem.
Allison: These are a special gift for you and your pals. A way of saying thank you for taking care of our boy.
Steven: As long as you all have those rings, you'll never be in any danger that you can't get out of.
Allison gives the rings to Josh, who just stares at them and then at his parents
Josh: Thank you...
Steven: Don't thank US, boy. What you did was something that very few people have ever done before. We're so proud of you!
Allison: And someday, when it's your time, you'll be able to join us up in paradise. Just like your new pals.
Josh: (getting a little emotional) Mom.... Dad....
Steven: Take care son, know that your parents are proud of you...
Allison: Know that we'll always be by your side in your heart...
Slowly the apparitions start to fade in front of Josh's eyes
Josh: (tearful) I will... I will...
Steven and Allison: Goodbye, son... We love you......
With that, they disappear and all that's left is a cool chill from where they were sitting and a teary Josh Taylor
Josh: Goodbye...
Josh just looks at the rings in his hands and lets his tears fall freely
Josh: I'll never forget you...
As he buries his head in his hands and cries, the screen dissolves and comes back showing everyone but Mondo crying
Jessie: (wailing) That's so beautiful!
James: (sobbing) Truly a happy ending...
Suddenly, the phone rings and Mondo, being the only one not in tears, picks it up
Mondo: Uh, hello? (his puzzled expression turns to shock as he hears the person on the other end) Oh my god! Hold on!
Mondo puts his hand on the receiver and muffles it as he reveals who's calling
Mondo: It's our boss!
This gets the tears to stop in a hurry!
Jessie: (scared) T-the boss?!?
Mondo: Yeah, he wants to get put on video phone.
Meowth: Tell him to call the other number, that one doesn't get it!
Mondo gives the boss the info and, soon after he hangs up, the video phone next to the computer starts to ring. This time, James answers it and the image of the boss's face pops up on the screen
Jessie: Boss???
The boss: Don't be so formal, agent Parker. Just call me Giovanni for the time being.
James: Right, bo. Giovanni.
Giovanni turns his attention to Josh, who's looking anxious as to what he has to say
Giovanni: So... You're the one who saved agents Parker, Morgan, Meowth, and Hickok...
Josh: That's right s...
He stops and turns towards Mondo
Josh: Your last name's Hickok? Is that why you signed the hospital form just Mondo?
Mondo doesn't say anything, but gives him a rather rude look with his one good eye as Josh turns back to the screen
Josh: That's right sir...
Giovanni: I must say, I'm quite impressed. Though if you'd mind telling me how much damage they've suffered, I'll know if any of them need to be "retired".
Josh: Well Me, Jessie and Meowth managed to suffer only a few bruises and mild dart wounds and were released soon after arrival. James had to stay in the hospital longer because one of his wounds was on his jugular vein and required a lot of patching up, hence the scarf. But Mondo suffered the worst, he had to get some major constructive surgery done to fix up the massive cuts to his face and his right cornea was so badly sliced that his whole eye had to be removed to prevent an infection from setting in.
Mondo: However, I've got an eye transplant scheduled in two weeks. The hospital's even gonna pay the cost of the surgery!
Giovanni: I see... But what about...
Josh: Jessibelle's in jail for the time being, awaiting trial for charges of attempted murder.
Giovanni: Ok, and Harris...
Josh: Harris... is no more.
Giovanni: I must say, I am impressed! In fact that's the reason I called...
Josh: (puzzled) Um, could you explain?
Giovanni: After hearing about how you protected my agents from being killed at the hands of those two lunatics, I want to offer you a position at team rocket.
These words solicit a gasp from all 5 of the listeners
Jessie: You mean... Make him an official member?
Giovanni: That's right. I'll even let him choose a pokemon starter. So Josh, what do you say?
Josh: It's a great honor sir, but before I make my decision, I have one request.
Giovanni: Ok, what would that be?
Josh: I want to be partnered up with Jessie, James, and Meowth. After all we've been through, I want to stay with them a little longer.
Giovanni: (thinking it over) That sounds reasonable. Anything else?
Josh: No sir.
Giovanni: So does this mean you accept the offer?
Josh: (taking a deep breath) Yes... yes, I do.
This gets a cheer from his everyone, even Giovanni
Giovanni: You made a wise choice. Your uniform and pokemon should arrive shortly. Speaking of which, what pokemon DO you want to start with?
Josh thinks this over before turning his attention back to Giovanni
Josh: Can I choose ANY kind of pokemon?
Giovanni: Yes, within reason.
Josh thinks back to the pokemon he used to love to battle his father with, especially his dad's favorite pokemon... He soon knows what pokemon to choose... the same one his father loved to battle with...
Josh: I choose... a Hitmonchan.
Giovanni: Ah, a good fighting type. I commend you on your wise selection.
Josh: Thank you sir. I promise I won't let Team Rocket down.
Giovanni: Well, see that you don't!
With that, Giovanni's image disappears from the screen and Jessie, James, Meowth, and Mondo cheer excitedly for Josh
Meowth: Congratulations, you're now with team rocket!
Jessie: You've made a wis...
Josh: I heard what the boss said, Jess, I know I made the right choice.
James: But what about your parents, what would they think?
As everyone, but Josh, glares at James he puts his hand behind his head, blushing
James: I mean, it's not exactly what most heroes would do...
Josh: James, my parents told me to protect you guys. If that means joining Team Rocket to do so, then so be it. That reminds me...
Josh reaches into his pocket and pulls out the rings his mom gave him
Josh: (holding the rings out) These are for each one of you, a way of saying thanks for helping me avenge my parent's deaths.
Everyone just stares starry-eyed at the beautiful rings in Josh's hand
Mondo: We... we can't
Jessie: We didn't try to help you for a reward. We did it because we wanted to get back at Harris!
Josh: Even so, you DID help me. So you deserve these rings...
James: If you're sure... (takes a sapphire-encrusted ring)
Mondo: Wouldn't want to be rude...(takes an emerald ring)
Jessie: If you insist... (takes a ruby-studded ring)
Meowth still looks hesitantly at the two other rings
Josh: Meowth, c'mon. You earned this reward.
Meowth: I know, but I just... I'm worried...
James: About what???
Meowth: If I take a ring, that would be like robbing from his parents graves...
Josh: Meowth, they told me you had earned this. Trust me.
Meowth: (still a little bit unsure) Well... (takes a golden ring)
Josh then pockets the last ring, a jade-embedded one, and James heads into the kitchen to whip up a little lunch with Jessie and Mondo following him. But Meowth stays back and looks at Josh in worry
Meowth: Josh, do you think we'll be safe from Jessibelle even WITH your protection?
Josh just sighs and looks out the window at the sunny skies
Josh: That's something even I don't know.
Meowth stands next to him and looks out into the sky
Meowth: You miss your parents, don't you?
Josh: More than ever, Meowth. More than ever...
Meowth: (detecting a hint of sorrow) You want some alone time?
Josh: (not really paying attention) I guess...
Meowth leaves the boy alone to let him just swim in his thoughts while Josh just continues to stare at the sky
Josh: Thank you Mom, for everything...
As he turns to head for the kitchen, Josh looks back at the clouds and smiles, knowing he's got a mission again in life, to protect his new friends from any dangers that come their way
Josh: (whispered) Thank you...
THE END