"How did she say it precisely?" He asked quietly regarding Domino from the observation window.
"Bring him," Lance stated running a hand through his hair, "That was two days ago, she won't be to thrilled you kept her waiting,"
She won't care as long as I'm Shayne.
He made a grunting sound and watched her intently.
She sat with a perfect posture, and straight face. Because of that, he knew she slept at night. Six hours per night at most.
She'd be coherent, and understanding. Wouldn't jump to conclusions, and would listen.
He brought his eyes away from her and to the three who stood next to him. They... They were the problem at the moment.
They planned to watch as he interrogated, he couldn't have that happen. He and Domino were on a personal level, they did not need to know that.
It would only make her more valuable of an asset.
"I need you three to leave," He said aloud drawing mixed reaction, "I can't have you three watching,"
"We can't do that Ash," Steven said simply, "we can't risk it,"
"encase I turn back to Team Rocket?" Ash said knowingly.
"It's not-"
Ash cut Cynthia off, "I know it is Cynthia, no need to deny this. I'm a loose wire which can't be trusted, but... The little faith you had in me before needs to be shown again,"
The Sinnoh Champion regarded him carefully, there was nothing showing on his face, but he was entirely serious about his request.
"It's not about faith," She said looking to Domino, "It's about what she'll do and say when she see's you,"
No it's about what I'lldo and say when I see her.
"I can't go in if you're here," He replied finally, "I'm sorry,"
"And why not?" This was Lance seeming a little frustrated, "there's a reason you're keeping from us Ash, we can all see it. But what?"
So they figured it out, he sighed. "Cynthia," his voice soft, "She can watch, I'd like it if you and Steven left Lance,"
"You will allow Cynthia to watch?" Steven this time, "you won't send her out?"
He nodded, "I trust her, and I hope she has the same trust in me," He looked to the blonde, "deal?"
The three looked to each other, and after a non-verbal agreement, Lance started for the door, "Take your time,"
Steven followed him out, and when the door was firmly shut Ash faced Cynthia, "I trust you," He said, "Do you trust me?"
Cynthia sighed and looked at Domino, "Do you trust me enough to tell me why I can't be here?"
He couldn't tell her, it would... It would have to be kept a secret. From everyone, Steven, Lance, the girls.
Everyone.
"If I tell you," He said, "would you allow me to do this alone?"
She turned her attention away from the window and to the serious young man. At 20, he had done more and seen more then most would see in there entire lives. He'd gone to hell, and then been spit back up.
She had to trust him, if she didn't, who would?
"Truth, and I'll leave."
Ash hesitated, unsure of what to say, "Not just outside the door, gone. Briefing room or something, not near here."
"Okay, Lance and Steven along with me yes?" He nodded, "Alright then,"
She was serious, and he could see that plain as day.
He brought his attention to Domino, scratched the back of his neck and sighed. "I-I know Domino,"
Cynthia twirled her fingers in a go on motion, "From the past year,"
"She's..." He trailed off not wanting to say it, scared to.
"An ally?"
He shook his head, "Partner?" no comment and Cynthia was growing hesitant, "A friend?"
Finally he said, closing his eyes, "More then that,"
Cynthia kept a blank look, but he knew she was shocked. He'd be surprised if she didn't go back on her word now, it was in the open.
"A relationship?" and he nodded, "for how long? Was it recent?"
He swallowed, "Keep this to yourself, not Lance, not Steven, no one." Cynthia nodded, "I need to hear you say it,"
"I won't tell a soul,"
He looked to her, and met her eye, "A little over six months the day you raided the Facility. We were..." He trailed off, and Cynthia regarded him with sympathy.
"I'm putting my faith in you Ash, don't fall for any lies. You know the truth, even if she was your... Girlfriend or whatever, don't let her manipulate you because of that,"
Affection is a weakness
"I know," Cynthia laid a hand on his shoulder, squeezed , and left. Leaving him alone.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Now that he was, he wasn't sure how to proceed. He wanted to do many things, but doing so...
He shut his eyes, let out a calming breath and went for the door.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Domino kept her eyes directly on the wall ahead of her as Ash entered the room. She watched with her peripheral vision as he came over, bent down and undo the hand cuffs that kept her to the table.
When they were off, he tossed them to the side, and said, "We aren't talking here, they'll listen in," And they would. Without looking up at the video camera in the top right of the room, he went over to the door and held it open, "Follow me Dom,"
She didn't move, his words meant nothing until she knew who he was.
He sighed and came back to her, "It's took two days because I hallucinated," His voice was sincere, "the blonde again,"
She remained still, so he carefully placed a hand on her cheek and turned it so she was looking at him.
And then he kissed her, light and soft, lasting maybe two seconds.
But that had given her what she required, he was still her Shayne.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
She was hesitant as she stood, and he resisted the urge to hold out his hand for her, "Only one knows," He said holding the door open, "She won't say a word,"
Domino regarded him with thoughtless eyes, it seemed he'd need to convince her more so to get her speaking.
She came out of the room and saw that the hallway was empty, "I wouldn't speak with you if they watched," He led her to the door and pushed it open, stepping out first then holding it for her, "We'll speak in my room, check for bugs, or wires, or anything. It's clean, and the only place I trust I can speak openly with you,"
She spoke, "When they see me-"
"If they see you, nothing will happen," He started down the hall, "Now stay close, it's this way."
He led her through the halls, stares coming from every single direction, a few passerby's even sprinted away to warn security.
But Ash ignored them all, making sure Domino was at his side as they entered the barracks, "Stay quiet," She did, but the reason would be moot as they rounded the corner to his room and saw both Alyssa and Misty turning away from his door.
Ash never hesitated, he saw Domino's inquisitive glance at the two before directing only her eyes at him. He saw Alyssa straighten and clench her fists to her side at the sight of Domino, and then Misty was in a state of confusion.
They walked directly towards them, he kept his eyes straight ahead, "W-What is she doing, A-Ash!" It was Alyssa, furious, confused, shaken.
But he said nothing as they passed, he caught both blondes eye catching one another, both knowing one truth and one lie of what truly happened.
They stopped at his door, he opened it and allowed Domino to enter first, she did. And before he stepped inside, he looked to the confused girls and shook his head.
And then he closed the door.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
"That was them, wasn't it?" Domino asked sitting down on his bed, she took an interest in the surroundings.
He didn't answer, instead choosing to lock the door before going over wrapping his arms around her slim frame and kissed her.
He had missed her.
She kissed back, and he bent her back onto the bed, he broke and whispered, "I've missed you,"
She claimed him once more, running a hand through his hair before breaking and reply, "Me too," She paused, "What have you been doing?"
Her mission comes first
He stared into her beautiful violet eyes and kissed her lightly on the mouth, "We're at the Pokemon G-Men Head Quarters," He said.
She leaned up to press her lips to his, but stopped herself, "Why haven't you come back? You were at Ecruteak, alone, you could have come back if they let you go?"
She want`s to know how much I know
He got off of her, and went over to his dresser. He pulled open the bottom drawer and removed two large stacks of files, "I don't know my own name," He said glancing over his shoulder.
She was confused, "My name is Shayne right?"
Her mouth curved upwards a little, "What else would it be?"
"What is it though, Shayne what? I don't know it,"
"You don't..." She seemed to be thinking something through, "You don't remember your last name?" She said slowly, "really?"
"I don't have one,"
"Shayne," Her voice was soft, and her eyes inviting, "how did you... You do have a last name," She corrected, "Shayne Desmond Newfield, you... You really forgot?"
Now he was confused, the name sounded familiar.
But he couldn't understand why.
"I..." He trailed off confused, he knew this. But... Why couldn't he remember, "I don't..."
She was looking worried, "Shayne, have they... Done anything to you?"
More questions, was he given an antidote or was he drug free.
"No, nothing."
"Have they told you anything," She wasn't waiting around, she wanted to know.
He looked away from her, "They have,"
She stood, came over to him and place a hand gently on his arm, "What have they said?"
She...
She shouldn't care for him like this, she was worried for him, missed him. But what if it was an act? But what if she was serious and the G-Men were an act?
"They said you killed me," Her eyes widened a margin in surprise, (Fake or not he didn't know) "Wiped my memories, kidnapped me, a lot more..."
Domino turned away, lost for words, "They... Shayne you don't believe... You wouldn't,"
"They said my real name was Ash Ketchum,"
"W-Who?" She turned to him eyes filled with confusion, and once again he felt like she was being honest, "I... You don't, believe this... Do you?"
He turned to the files, "I've looked through all of this Dom," He paused, "but everything here, all of this fits. I can't remember anything since after the Devon operation, and this fills in the blank." He turned to look at her, "I was killed Domino, and you kidnapped me,"
His heart ached and he willed himself to put his feelings aside at the stricken look on her face, "You..." She trailed off shaking her head in disbelief, "S-Shayne, you..." As she carried on, he felt his own emotions rising, his own confusion settling in.
"They said, that the counteract-ant to the hallucinations of those girls, was really to keep my past life from resurfacing,"
"Shayne you... You can't belive..." She was at a loss for words, and his uneasiness returned.
You've been told lies.
She's told the truth.
Those thoughts came, and then immediately after.
She told lies.
The G-Men told the truth.
The two voices fought back and forth, screaming in a feverish pitch in his mind.
"Dom," His voice was weak, but her full attention was on him, "why shouldn't I believe them? Tell me why, show me what you've said is true,"
She looked like she was about to lose it, not in anger but in pure genuine disbelief. She ran a hand through her locks, and looked skyward, "S-Shayne, I... I don't..." She shook her head, "H-How do you want me to prove it?" She plead desperately, "I... I don't have anything with me!"
Lies
Truth
Lies
Truth
LIES!
TRUTH!
The shouting match in his mind was increasing and he fought to keep his attention ahead of him, "Tell me why I can't remember anything before Devon, tell me why I have no recollection what so ever of entering that operation,"
She slumped down onto his bed, and rested her hands on her knees, with her head in her hands, "You..." She trailed off thinking deeply.
This was killing him.
He wanted to stop, say screw the G-Men and let's return to Team Rocket. They could be together again, put this behind them and start again.
But he knew he couldn't, if he did he wouldn't forget, he'd live on everyday wondering if he was someone else. If he was being lied to everyday by the person he loved the most in this wor-
His voice came out low and dry, "Tell me the truth Liz-" Her head snapped up in shock, "please," He was one of the few, the very few who knew her real name. He rarely called her Elizabeth, and if he did they were alone without a chance of anyone hearing them.
Other wise it was Dom or Domino.
"Shayne..." Her voice cracked, and his heart split as he saw her eyes water for the very first time.
She had never cried in front of him.
Never.
"In less then a week," He said doing his best to keep his voice from shaking, "an antidote should be finished to counteract whatever I had been taking. If I take it, if I remember, am I going to hate you? Am I... Am I going to want to..." He didn't finish, the thought to hard to bare.
A tear streaked it's way down her cheek and her mouth fell open, "It's all lies," She whispered, "I love you Shayne, I love you! I have the proof back at Head Quarters of who you are, I swear to you! Come with me and I'll prove to you your name is Shayne! Please!"
He'd never seen her beg, she would never beg.
For any reason.
He had his answer.
"Dom," His voice soft, "I can't,"
She cried, he knew that it wasn't fake.
Genuine tears fell from the eyes of the girl he loved.
And because he loved her, he had to let her go. Because once he was given that antidote, he'd be different. He may want her dead, he may still love her. So either way, she couldn't stay.
He opened a drawer, removed a shirt and ripped it in two.
"Stand Liz, please,"
She looked at him, genuine sadness, genuine tears, he wanted to believe differently.
"You're staying?"
"I have to, I won't be used. I know the hallucinations are memories, that they'll keep coming no matter what happens. I want to remember, so I want you to leave Team Rocket,"
She was startled, and the sadness that had been in her voice was replaced with confusion, "What?"
"I apparently want to stop Team Rocket, and if you are a member, that means you as well. I don't want that, so I want you to leave, hide until its gone. And then, and then you'll still be alive, and we can still be together."
"But you said you'd hate me," Her tone shook once more, "You won't comeback for me,"
"I won't lose what I feel now Dom, I love you now and that'll carry through to after I've restored my memory,"
"You can't believe that,"
"I do," He went over to her, bent and placed a kiss on her mouth. At the same time he tied the ripped shirt around her eyes in a blindfold.
He broke the kiss, "I want you to take this chance Domino, I'm taking you away from here and letting you go. Don't return to Team Rocket, I don't want to fight against you."
With that his interrogation ended, he stood her up and walked her out the door.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
He kept their pace fast, moving just below a jog towards the garage. He had to put distance between Domino and the G-Men base before he let her go as to not alert TR as to where it was located should she return.
His limp seemed to be forgotten with his mission ahead. Down in the garage, he sat her in the sidecar, started up his motorcycle and took off.
Before they left though, he bound her hands in front of her where he could see them, and than had made sure the makeshift blindfold would hold.
And then they left.
The motorcycle roared into the surrounding forest and through the main gate of the HQ. The bike shot down the long dirt road, eastwards towards Pewter City.
They didn't speak the entire ride, with nothing to be said between them.
Ash knew the truth, and Domino must have realized her hopes had forfeited that he'd return to Team Rocket.
He hoped she'd take his offer and leave, he didn't want to fight her. He wanted a chance, after all of this had ended to... To work things out with her, to let her know that he did and would still care for her.
He believed that once he was given the antidote, his feelings would remain constant. They would not change. He had read somewhere that love has no bounds, that it could over come all obstacles.
So should he, by chance, end up hating Domino. He hoped the saying was true.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
The drive took a little over an hour, and the moon was at the mid point in it's cycle. Ash drove up alongside the crossroads which led to Pewter and towards Mt. Moon and shut the bike off in the center of the road.
"We're here," He said climbing off of the bike, and going around to the side car, "I'll let you go from here, you have to unbind yourself however,"
She was silent as he helped her out, "You could reach Viridian within half a day by foot, withdraw some money and off Team Rockets radar a few hours later," He looked to the blond, blindfolded girl and felt his heart tug once more, "take the offer Domino, please,"
She kept silent, standing rooted in place. Against the moonlight, her hair shone, and skin radiated beauty.
He wanted to see her eyes the most, the ones he had fallen for months ago.
But he kept himself from removing the blindfold, and resat his bike, "Dom?" He asked placing his thumb on the ignition, no answer so he continued, "tell Giovanni I'm coming for him,"
He hit the ignition, and the bike roared before drowning into a low hum, "Goodbye Liz, I'll see you again soon," Looking away from her still form, he eased back on the throttle, drove around her and back down the road he had come.
He didn't turn around, for if he did he would have gone back for her. Three hundred meters from Domino he heard a sharp Crack! And veered the bike sharply off the road and down an incline.
Where she had hidden the gun, he didn't know, but she had missed.
He rode down the incline, over rocky terrain and then onto a paved road. He picked up speed, clocking in at over 150MPH, and was away from Domino before she stood at the top of the hill.
Had he turned back, he would have seen her silhouette against a backdrop of the full moon, stars shining all around.
Had he turned around, he would have said he had never seen anyone more beautiful then her.