Celadon City

"Do we have to go?" whined the raven-haired boy.

"Yes Ash! Brock and I agreed. Our two votes beats your one, so we are going!" replied the redhead with fire.

Ash turned to the oldest in the group. "I get why Misty wants to go, but why the heck do you want to go to such a girly place Brock?" asked a bewildered Ash.

"GIRLS! LOTS OF BEAUTIFUL GIRLS!" Brock yelled, followed by some questionable giggling.

As Brock had tactfully pointed out, the place they were heading was said to be run by young attractive women. After arriving in Celadon City yesterday, the group headed to the Pokemon Center, enjoying a quick dinner, before heading off to bed. Their Pokemon were currently being looked at by Nurse Joy, hence the need for something to do in the early morning. To Ash's dismay, Misty had immediately suggested a well known fragrance and perfume store. It did not take much for her to convince Brock, and Ash was forcefully dragged along.

Soon enough, the group came upon a yellow store with a giant display window, showing a vast assortment of perfumes and other related products. Through the window, a few lovely staff members could also be seen chatting with one another.

"Oh my gosh, we're here!" squealed Misty, who ran inside. Brock quickly followed, leaving Ash to slowly walk inside, grumbling the whole time.

When Ash looked up, Misty was already sampling some sort of perfume, while another employee tried to sell something to Brock, who nodded along with a dopey eyed face.

"Can I help you young man?" politely asked a gorgeous blonde with long hair and a blue bow.

"Uh... No thanks. I kinda just came because my friends wanted to," admitted Ash.

"I take it this isn't really your thing?" replied the girl, giving the boy a look filled with pity.

Ash chuckled at that. "Yeah. You're right about that. Can you tell my friends I headed back to the Pokemon Center?"

"Sure. Stay safe out there," smiled the girl, walking off elsewhere in the store.

With that, Ash slowly backed out the door, successfully avoiding the gaze of either of his friends.

Giving a quick sigh in relief at not being discovered ditching everyone else, Ash began the trek back to the Pokemon Center. His mind wandered along the way, but focused in on his upcoming Gym Battle. According to the locals, the Gym Leader was named Erika. Ash had also learned that some of her regulars included Tangela, Weepinbell, and Gloom. There were even rumors she had a rare foreign Pokemon for challengers that proved to be strong. The boy was considering all of this at a street corner when he caught a flash of familiar blue hair and a leather vest walking across the street.

Damien! Ash thought with alarm. Ash didn't even think about what to do. The crosswalk showed a walk sign, and he pursued the boy.

What is he even doing here? He's probably up to no good. I can't let him get away, continued the boy with his line of thought. Damien led Ash on a long walk around the city, seeming not to notice his shadow the entire time. Eventually, he came up to a building that Ash identified as the local Game Corner. Rather than take the main entrance though, Damien walked around the side and headed to an alleyway behind the building. This was Ash's chance. Ash sprung around the building and into the alleyway only to see Damien standing in front of a metal fence.

"No where to run Damien!" shouted Ash, revealing his presence as he walked towards the boy.

Damien turned and revealed an uncanny smirk. "You're right punk. There is no way to run. That is, for you. How stupid do you have to be to follow somebody, who tried to end you, into an abandoned alleyway, especially without your Pokemon?" the boy asked with cruel laughter.

Ash's eyes narrowed. "How do you know I don't have any Pokemon on me?"

"That would be my doing sweetie," a sultry feminine voice answered behind Ash. The boy tried to turn, but all he saw was a flash of blonde hair, before a brutal chop to the back of the head sent him to the ground. As the darkness began to encroach his vision, Ash just managed to press his finger against a small object, seemingly sowed into his jacket. Then there was nothing.

Celadon City Pokemon Center (A Few Hours Later)

"That was a blast!" exclaimed Misty, carrying a few packages containing a variety of different perfumes, while walking into the Pokemon Center.

"Yeah. I guess had a good time too," Brock sullenly replied with his head downtrodden. He was also carrying some packages with cologne he bought to try and impress the women manning the store, which naturally failed.

"Of course, Ash had to be a big baby and ditch us," muttered Misty with a scowl.

"Don't be too hard on him Misty. The wonders of the fragrance store are still beyond our young companion," Brock sagely replied with his wisdom.

Mist rolled her eyes. "Yeah... I don't even want to think about what you meant by wonders."

At that point, they had arrived at the counter and in front of Nurse Joy. Misty quickly spoke before Brock could get any more ideas.

"Nurse Joy, are our Pokemon done with treatment?"

The Nurse looked up with a smile. "Yes Misty. I have the Pokeballs here below the counter." Nurse Joy pulled them out, handing them over.

It was at that point that Brock noticed Pikachu and Eevee were hanging out together, outside their Pokeballs, behind Nurse Joy's counter.

"Nurse Joy, did Ash not come back?" asked the boy with a frown.

She shook her head. "Sorry, but I haven't seen him since you left this morning."

"He's probably still walking around town right Brock?" Misty asked, with a little bit of self-delusion.

"I don't know Misty. That girl back at the fragrance store was pretty positive that Ash was heading back here, and that boy is punctual when it comes to all things Pokemon. I also can't help but have a bad feeling about this," Brock added with a serious tone.

Unbeknownst to Brock and Misty, Eevee picked up on the words those humans who hung out with her daddy were saying and an expression of worry follow by resolve appeared on her face.

"VEE!" Eevee leapt from behind the counter and out the door, followed closely by a worried Pikachu.

"WAIT UP!" yelled Brock, running after the Pokemon.

Misty sighed, before doing the same.

They could only hope Ash wasn't in any real danger.

Celadon City Rocket HQ

Ash woke to the feeling of bone-chilling water, splashing all over his face and body. Disoriented and aching all over, the boy slowly opened his eyes. He was in a plain black cell with no discernible characteristics. In front of him were two thugs in black uniforms, bearing the dreaded red R he had seen several times in the past. The two grunts grabbed an arm each and began dragging him elsewhere. Without Pokemon or strength to support him, Ash was powerless to stop them.

Ash could make out grey walls through the many corridors he was moved through. The criminals cruelly dragged him down a flight of stairs as well, banging his knees repeatedly against the floor. They then moved around a corner and into a red elevator. When the arrived at the destined floor, Ash was finally dragged around one more corner and through a set of metal double doors, before being mercifully tossed forward to the ground.

"That will be all grunts. Wait outside the room and make sure we are not disturbed," a calm male voice ordered. As the grunts exited the room, Ash tried to look up to see who was speaking, but his face fell forward once again.

"Domino, it would seem our guest needs some assistance. Kindly help him to his knees," the same voice continued in amusement.

The Black Tulip obliged, walking behind the downed boy and grabbing him by the back of his neck, forcing Ash up to his knees and his face forward, making the poor child grit his teeth to avoid moaning in pain. The boy saw a man with short blue hair and a sharp face. He was standing in front of an ornate desk and held some sort of remote.

Ash took several heavy breaths before speaking. "W-Who are you?"

"I am Executive Archer, and am ranked 2nd in the hierarchy of Team Rocket. I believe you are also familiar with Domino holding you there. You two met only a few hours ago after all," japed the man.

"Hi again sweetie," added Domino behind Ash.

"W-W-What do you want?" Ash said, and this time with a little fear.

"I could tell you, but that is not for me say. Observe," Archer replied, clicking the remote he held. Behind him, a long white screen slowly descended from the ceiling. With another click, a projector connected to a computer flickered on. A man partially covered by shadows, hiding his facial identity, appeared on the screen. He was seated behind a desk in a comfortable chair, stroking a Persian. He also wore a cruel smile upon seeing Ash. The boy didn't know how he knew it, but he was positive that he was looking at the elusive Rocket Boss.

"Ash. Red. Ketchum," started the man, slowly speaking every word in a distorted voice. "We meet at last. My apologies for not being there to greet you in person, but a man like myself had many things to do. I hope my associated have been treating you well in my absence," mocked the man, feigning concern.

Ash stared back at the man with hatred. "Like you care! Why don't you show your face you coward!" yelled the boy.

The man laughed in delight. "Such anger and passion. It is a pity you didn't come to our attention before. You would have made a fine recruit. Given what has transpired between you and my organization, that offer is no longer on the table though, as i'm sure you understand."

"I'd never join you anyway, and as for what I did... it was worth it! I'll always be there to protect people and Pokemon from the likes of you! I'm not the only one either. Somewhere down the line, people will find out who you are and what you are up to, and you will be stopped!" the boy defiantly responded.

The Rocket Boss's expression soured at that particular phrasing, as he remembered another thorn in his side that had something similar in the past. Thinking about it and the boy who was laid before him, his cruel grin returned.

"You know, someone said something very similar to me a little over a decade ago. Of course, you wouldn't know who he is. He died shortly after that idle threat was made. Would you care for me to tell you who that man was?" asked the cruel villain, barely able to restrain his hidden glee.

Ash grew still. He strongly believed he wasn't going to like what he was going to hear, but he needed to buy more time. With unease, he asked the question that would turn his life sideways. "Who?"

"That man was the former Champion of the Kanto Region. A man who, admittedly, had interfered with a few our goals, much like yourself. His name was Red Ketchum, and he was your father!" proclaimed the boss in voice of pure malice.

Ash couldn't breathe. His world was falling apart before his very eyes. Looking back at the smug man, he tried to protest. "N-No! That's not true! My mom told me my father was a Pokemon Trainer who traveled to a distant land on league business!"

"Perhaps she truely believes it too," mused the evil man. "After all, Champion Red died alone, far from the mainland and on a beach of rock. To the world, he disappeared without a trace, but not to me. I watched him die after my Nidoking pierced his chest with his horn! For interfering with Team Rocket, you will share the same fate as your father!" screamed the man.

Before Ash or the Rocket Boss could say anything else, a large explosion blasted the metal double doors forward, hitting Domino, and forcing her to release Ash. As the dust settled, Ash turned to see the familiar form of...

Indigo Plateau (A Few Hours Ago)

"Mr. Goodshow, for the love of Arceus, please stop with your insistent badgering! The Indigo League Conference is still a good 9 months away, and we have plenty of time to make preparations!" an exasperated Lance begged.

"Now Lance, just because we have time doesn't mean we should waste it," countered the short and elderly, but energetic man. "Vendors have already started submitting permits, matches are selling out, and you haven't done an ounce of paperwork to approve any of it!" scolded Mr. Goodshow.

Lance sighed. I thought being Champion meant I got to do what I wanted. Maybe if I knew way back when what I knew now, I wouldn't have bothered going down this road, Lance thought wryly. Luckily, the form of another elderly person gave Lance an out. He spotted sight of Agatha walking ahead of them. She wore her usual purple and white outfit, along with a cane.

"Ah there is Agatha! You know, I have urgent league business to discuss with her Mr. Goodshow, but I promise i'll get started on all that work later!" Lance quickly said, before running away towards one of his Elite 4 Members. Mr. Goodshow simply shook his head in annoyance, before going his own way.

"The old man giving you trouble Lance?" asked Agatha with a smile, as her Champion caught up to her.

"You have no idea Agatha. I don't know how he does it. He is truly relentless for his age!" exclaimed Lance.

Agatha turned to the man with a sharp glare. "I'm older than that man Mr. Champion... Are you calling me old?"

Lance froze. "Um... W-Well you see..."

"Because you would be right if you did!" laughed Agatha, swatting Lance with her cane in a playful manner. "Lighten up man."

The Champion muttered something about old people making his life harder than necessary when his pocket buzzed with a loud alarming beep. He grabbed the device quickly, giving it a look as his eyes widened in worry.

"Lance? What is that device you are holding? Is something wrong?" Agatha asked with some concern.

Lance disappeared and the serious Champion Lance took his place. "Agatha, I think somebody is in trouble. I have to head to Celadon City at once. Inform the others and tell them to gather in our usual spot. We're going to have a lot to talk about when I get back."

"You're leaving now?" questioned the old crone.

Champion Lance didn't bother to respond. Instead, he took a Pokeball from his belt and released his oldest friend and partner. A large light-orange dragon with wings, two legs, two arms, and a tail materialized. The man jumped onto the Pokemon's back in an instant.

"Dragonite, we leave to Celadon City at max speed now!" yelled the man. The two took off into the sky, and before Agatha could blink, they were gone from the visible eye.

"That man... Best get to it," sighed the woman, making her way to a nearby phone.

Celadon City Game Corner

Lance had Dragonite land behind the facility in an alleyway. The signal was coming from within. Contrary to Team Rocket's belief, the league had long suspected a connection between the Rockets and the Celadon Game Corner. Ash's presence within was more than enough proof for Lance. The Champion recalled his Dragonite, before peering around the corner. To his great luck, an employee was headed his way with a cigarette in his hand for what looked to be a smoke break.

Lance hid himself and waited. As soon as the man rounded the corner, Lance grabbed him in a chokehold, knocking him out in seconds. Opening up the Employee's uniform, Lance found the expected Rocket outfit beneath it. One clothes swap later, and Lance walked into the Game Corner.

Taking in the Game Corner's interior layout, Lance noticed an employee's only area in the back right corner, and headed in that direction. A guard stopped Lance in front of a set of stairs. The Champion responded by discretely unbuttoning his shirt to reveal the red R, and he was let through. Walking down the stairs, Lance discarded the employee uniform in a nearby bin, leaving him in a standard black rocket uniform. He made sure to hold his cap close, hiding as much of his face as he possible could.

Looking around, Lance made sure he was alone, before pulling out the device from earlier. Ash was close. Following the device, Lance headed deeper into the hideout, evading detection when possible, and keeping his head down when not. In almost no time at all, Lance came to an elevator. The signal showed Ash was on a different floor, so he entered and pressed the button. Exiting the elevator on the next floor, Lance turned a corner and came face to face with two grunts guarding a set of double doors.

"No entry pal. Executive Archer's orders," said one of the grunts, seeing Lance.

Lance approached the two with a frown, while scratching the back of his head. "Really? That sucks. I have a package I really needed to deliver to him."

"Fine. Hand it over and we'll give it to the admin after his meeting," offered the other grunt.

"Alright. I'll let you guys have it then.." and then Lance quickly grabbed the two grunts, slamming their heads together, knocking them out instantly. The Champion also made sure to catch the grunts and set them down gently, preventing them from making a sound. Lance released his Dragonite once more, and approached the door. However, he stopped after hearing a voice speaking from the inside.

"Champion Red died alone, far from the mainland and on a beach of rock. To the world, he disappeared without a trace, but not to me. I watched him die after my Nidoking pierced his chest with his horn! For interfering with Team Rocket, you will share the same fate as your father!" yelled a distorted voice from within

Shock coursed through Lance's body, but he had no time to process complex emotions. Ash's life was on the line! "Dragonite, blow these doors away with Fire Punch!"

The Dragon Pokemon reared back his fist coated with flame and pummeled the metal door in front of him, sending it flying into a female Rocket.

Lance stepped through with his Pokemon. Ash was on the floor injured, but nothing too serious. He gave the boy a small smile, before turning his attention elsewhere. The woman had recovered and she took a defensive stance next to a shocked man, who Lance identified as Rocket Executive Archer. The voice from earlier caught his attention though, and he focused on the screen.

"Champion Lance, your timing is most inconvenient!" growled the man with anger.

"Tough luck. I heard what you said about my predecessor from the outside. It's over! Surrender yourself and you may be shown some form of leniency!" ordered Lance.

"Surrender?" scoffed the Rocket Boss. "How insulting! You have no idea who I am, where I currently reside, or what my plans are. No, I don't think I will be surrendering at all!"

Lance tried to speak, but he was cut off.

"I'll give you this though, the child can live for now. My point has been made and I doubt he'll interfere again," laughed the villain, taking in Ash's state of brokenness. "In any case, soon nobody will be able to interfere. Enjoy your victory today Champion. It will be your last!" warned the evil man as the connection died.

"Double 009, get us out now!" commanded Archer.

"NO!" yelled Lance, about to order Dragonite to attack.

The girl smirked and threw down a smoke bomb, distracting Lance as he and his Pokemon shielded their eyes. When the smoke cleared, the Rockets were gone.

"T-Tell me it isn't true," Ash said weakly, looking up at the man he admired.

Lance could do nothing but shake his head in sadness. Thankfully, Ash passed out, giving the man time to formulate something more substantial.

Ordering Dragonite to carry Ash, Lance dialed the local Police Force and called in a raid. By the time the man and his Dragonite saw the light of day, Officer Jenny was on scene with her team, arresting Rockets left and right, and securing evidence.

"VEE!"

"PIKA!"

Two small Pokemon cried out, running up to Dragonite, trying to get to Ash.

Lance kneeled down, looking at Pikachu and the rare Shiny Eevee. "Does this trainer belong to you?" asked the man gently.

Both Pokemon nodded, worry covering their faces. "Don't worry," said the man, petting both of them. "He's just passed out from exhaustion. Ash is going to be just fine with some rest."

"ASH!" yelled two other voices, prompting Lance to look up and see the boy's same companions from Vermillion City running towards him.

"Stop," ordered the man with his hand. "Your friend has been through a great ordeal, but will otherwise be fine. I'm taking him to the hospital to recover. I can explain on the way."

Brock and Misty stilled, gazing at the sad state of their friend, before reluctantly nodding.

What a day, thought the Champion, leading a procession to the local hospital.

END CHAPTER

No battling in this chapter, but we still got lots of action. I wanted to show some violence, but hopefully I did not go too over the top. Ash meets the Rocket Boss (Giovanni) for the first time, and Ash and Lance learned the long hidden truth about Red. As an aside, the sneaky raid by Lance was inspired by the Pokemon Generations Episode where Lance raided the Mahogany Town hideout.

Next Time - We get the fallout from what happened, Lance convenes the Elite 4, and we may get to the Gym Battle if there is time.

DragonEmperor999 - Thanks for the review! I am leaning towards Hitmonchan or Hitmontop. Thanks for your vote!

Mazzax Manacry - Thanks for the review! Yeah he can certainly be forgetful lol. Hope you are enjoying the story!

Vitorsoares865 - Thanks for the review! I appreciate the high praise. Be careful of you're going to give me a big head lol. Hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Remember to review with your thoughts/critique :)

Smell ya later!