Fated

Summary: Jessie finds herself in exile, forced into captivity with a mysterious stranger. With nowhere to go and seemingly no hope of escape, they share the stories behind their miserable fates. Hers is filled with questions. His is filled with answers.

Chapter 36: Choices and Consequences

Growing up with you was torture
watching all the things you did
now it seems our life is over
even though were still just kids

You saw the look on my face
You saw the way I have changed
Now Im telling you straight

Turnaround, don't follow the others
Turnaround you know were still brothers
Turnaround and walk away from this life of pain

So many times I've seen what you do
And all alone it's hard to cope
So many time I barely knew you
...Low Level Flight - Turn Around

"Alright, then," Jack said, "I'll see if I can one-up you in the cliffhanger department."

"I doubt it," Jessie said.

"And then I'll get the second half of my Christmas Present," Jack laughed. Jessie smiled too, but it was quickly replaced with a scowl with his next words.

It was November 17, 1987. Jessie's birthday was in six days-

"Another time-skip?" Jessie groaned.

Jessie's birthday was in six days and I was babysitting while Miya went on a mission with Catherine and Daphne. I sat on the couch, nursing a beer with Aracanine at my feet. Jessie was already in her bed and had her vulpix curled up beside her. She was totally unaware of just how complicated our lives had become, but the weight of everything that had happened in the last four months hit me like a hammer. That trip to Cleopatra Island was the last time I can truly say that I wasn't worried about anything.

"Mommy, I wanna play!" Jessie moaned as Miya slathered her with sunscreen.

"One more minute," Miya said calmly. Then Miya finished and Jessie was off like a shot with a plastic pail in tow.

"You should put some of this on," Miya added, looking at me. I shrugged as I rolled over onto my stomach.

"I'm fine," I scoffed. She rolled her eyes and began to apply sunscreen to herself.

"Jack, you're a ginger. You'll bake like a lobster," she commented. It was lost on me, as I was following her hands gliding over her body.

"Uncle Jack!" Jessie screeched, snapping me out of my daze. She ran up and pounced on my back, "I wanna swim."

"I wanna sleep," I teased.

"But Uncle, I'm a princess," she argued, sitting on my back and crossing her arms over her chest.

"Of what?" I demanded, "Don't princesses have a castle?" I asked, looking at her over my shoulder. She looked like she was trying to work that out in her head.

"Come on, Jessie," Miya said, "Let's let this big grump sleep and we'll make a huge castle," she suggested, scooping Jessie off of my back. She took Jessie near the water and I watched as they built the castle, at least until I dozed off in the heat.

"Uncle Jack, take me swimming now, please!" Jessie whispered in my ear, waking me up. I opened my eyes only to be looking into her beautiful blues.

"Swimming, huh?" I questioned.

"Yup," she nodded, "Mommy and me made a castle and I'm the princess and Mommy's the queen and we say we want to go swim."

"She sure is," I chuckled, "Alright, little fish."

"Uncle Jack, I'm a princess! Not a ucky fish!" she protested as I tossed her in the air. Miya laughed along with us as we ran and splashed in the water.

That had been back in August. I missed the island. Miya and I both agreed that it was paradise, and that we would go back at some time. It was like nothing that went on at home mattered. Now it seemed that I was consumed by everyone's problems…starting with those that revolved around my little nephew.

Silver wore poke ball pajamas. He crawled up onto the chair at Miya's kitchen table and he and Jessie ate their Froot Loops while they chattered back and forth.

"How do I tell him?" I whispered to Miya.

"I wish I had an answer," she said back. I ended up waiting until I took Silver back to my old rooms at headquarters.

"Uncle, when's Momma coming home?" he asked before I could say a word. I sighed and knelt down to his height.

"Silver, Momma had an accident," I told him, "She…she has to go up to heaven."

"Where's that?" Silver asked, "When will she come back?"

"She won't be coming back, Silver," I said heavily, "Once someone goes up to heaven, they can't come back…but she'll be watching you. No matter what, she's always watching."

Silver looked confused, "Did she want to go?"

"No, Sil," I shook my head, "She would never want to leave you, but sometimes we don't have a choice."

It was then that Silver's eyes started to tear up, "Mommy can't hug me anymore," he sniffled and then he was crying. I pulled him close to me and held him.

It wasn't remotely fair that I had to tell Silver about his mother, but I loved that kid. I spent as much time with him as possible. Then I had to make a choice: follow Jade's instructions or leave Silver with my brother.

I was a pallbearer. As we made our way to the cemetery, Joseph, Jade's brother, some cousins of Jade's, and some of her friends carried her body to her grave. Giovanni had broken two ribs and his arm in the rockslide. He looked horrible with his cast and the bruises. I always thought nothing could harm him. I was wrong and it was almost enough for me to reconsider following Jade's instructions.

Then we got to the grave, which was not in our family plot. I glanced at mother and Giovanni, who stood side-by-side. If I had been in Giovanni's position and my wife had died, I would have fought tooth-and-nail to have her placed to rest with my family. Giovanni didn't look too perturbed and mother was stoic, not showing the slightest bit of emotion over her dead daughter-in-law.

I looked to Silver, who stood by his father in a small suit. He looked so confused. I just wanted to scoop him up and comfort him. He looked so alone. I looked to Isabelle, who was holding her daughter close to her. She was next to the Morgans, who had left their son at home with his nanny. Then my eyes met Miya's. She followed my gaze to Silver and she understood. She had left Jessie at the daycare so she could freely move to comfort the little boy. It should be Giovanni who looked to his son, not Miya, not me.

After the funeral, we met back at my mother's house. Isabelle took Silver and Jessiebelle to lay them down for a nap. I stood with Miya having a drink, when Greyson Cole, Jade's brother, came up to me.

"Can I talk to you?" he asked me. I nodded and followed him outside. He held up a letter, similar to the one I had received from Jade, "My sister said I could talk to you about Silver. She said she doesn't want him here."

"I know," I told him, "but we're talking about taking my brother's kid away from him. How could I justify that?"

"How can you justify your brother murdering my sister?" Greyson asked, "Because he did. I know he did."

"How? Were you there? "I asked.

"No, but I had a city coroner examine my sister's body…not the one your family has paid off. My sister died of a broken neck. All of the other injuries happened post mortem…after she died."

I frowned, "It was a rockslide. It-"

"She died two hours before the rockslide," Greyson revealed, "and then there's this."

He pulled something out of his pocket and opened his palm to me. In it, there was a detonator with a red strip of used C-4. I took it from him, recognizing it as one that Team Rocket was designing.

"Where did you get this?" I whispered, taking the used bomb from him.

"From the section of the mountain where my sister hiked before she died," Greyson said, "My sister was killed. All I want is to keep my nephew from the same fate. He's the only thing I have left of my sister. Please."

I had done my own investigating after my talk with Greyson. The design team behind the detonation device said that Giovanni often reviewed their progress. More detonation devices were found on the mountain. It was hard to overlook the evidence or the fact that my brother had thrown himself into work, leaving Silver with a nanny or at the daycare, just as Jade had said he would do.

Jade and Greyson had been right about everything and after a month of denial and gathering evidence, I was ready to do my part.

I was at the playground with Joseph, Jessiebelle, Jessie, and Silver. My brother and I decided to take the kids out to get their minds off of the tense atmosphere around headquarters. Nothing seemed to be peaceful anymore, but thankfully the kids were unaware as they played together on the playground. Joe and I sat on a bench, watching them.

"Honestly, the woman is driving me insane," Joseph griped bitterly, "If I hear one more word about fucking money, I am going to…" he trailed off, making a strangling motion with his hands.

"Joe, come on, man. She's your wife and the mother of-"

"Don't preach to me, Jack," he snapped, "You have it all figured out, don't you? Perfect girl, perfect kid. You don't know what I'm going through."

"Then explain it to me," I demanded, "What is so unbearable about your life-"

"I don't love her," Joseph revealed.

"Then divorce her. Don't kill her," I chided him, think of my dead sister-in-law.

"I do that and my claim to the inheritance is gone. Mother adores Isabelle," Joseph muttered bitterly.

"And the money is more important than your happiness? That's the stupidest thing-"

"Money is happiness, Jack. I know that they say money can't buy happiness, but think about the fact that it buys food and the homes we live in. Not to mention the cars and all the stuff kids need. Money makes this world go round and if you don't have it, you're fucked," he argued, angrily crossing his arms.

"Maybe for you, but the money doesn't matter for me. I was willing to give it all up so I could be with Miya and Jessie. If it came down to it, I would still pick them over the money in a heartbeat," I told him.

"Sure you would, Mr. Perfect, but tell me, what would happen if you and the little woman suddenly lost Mother's favour, huh? What if all your money was gone? What would you do?" he demanded.

"We'd get by," I shrugged, "I'd get a job. I'd find a way. You can be flat broke and still be the happiest man in the world."

"Keep fucking believing-"

"Daddy, daddy!" Jessiebelle cried, running up to us, "A man is talking to Silver!"

We both jumped to our feet and rushed across the playground to the swings, where Silver was talking to a man and Jessie was standing shyly by a swing. When she saw me, she ran to me.

"Uncle Jack, who's that?" she whispered.

"It's alright, Baby," I whispered back.

"Hey!" Joseph shouted, "Get away from my nephew!" he grabbed the guy's shoulder, but was knocked away when the man turned. It was Greyson.

"He's my nephew. My sister raised him," Greyson said.

"He's my brother's kid," Joe growled, "Silver, get over here!"

Greyson put a hand on Silver's shoulder, preventing him from coming to us, "Silver is going to come with me. Just like she wanted."

"Like hell-"

Greyson clocked Joseph. My brother fell back to the ground unconscious.

"Daddy!" Jessiebelle screamed.

"Hey!" I lunged, grabbing Greyson by the collar. We struggled for a moment.

"Sorry," he whispered in my ear. He threw me back against the metal swing set. My head connected and all I felt was pain. I heard Jessie scream for me before my eyes shut.

I woke to paramedics checking me over. Joe was awake and he had the two girls.

Silver and Greyson were gone.

"That was staged, wasn't it?" Jessie asked, "You knew Greyson would be there."

"I had to make it look real," Jack revealed, "which was why I had to get hurt."

Naturally, Mother and Giovanni had all forces searching for Greyson and Silver, but I knew that they were no longer in Kanto. Grey had a signed note from Jade, allowing him to take Silver out of the country. From the playground, they hopped on a ferry and left. That was the last time I saw my nephew.

"Uncle Jack?" Jessie questioned. I looked over and saw that my daughter had gotten out of bed. I smiled at her and set my beer on the end table.

"Can't sleep, Honey?" I asked. She shook her head and came to crawl into my arms. Her little vulpix followed her.

"Can you sleep, Uncle?" she asked.

"No, I can't, Honey," I replied, "I'm thinking about stuff."

"Me and Mommy?" she questioned.

"Always."

Just a week ago, I sat with my mother and brothers in a business meeting. It had gone south fast. Giovanni had shouted at the executives and raved about things that needed to be done. His temper, though short to begin with, had become even more volatile in the last few months. Mother allowed it for a while, stating that he was grieving. Now, she was sick of it.

"Out," she demanded the executives, "You three stay," she ordered us. We obeyed. Giovanni looked as if he was ready to yell at her.

"Son, I understand you are mourning the loss of your family," Mother told him, "but real men are able to overcome their feelings and perform their duties."

"You aren't even looking for him!" Giovanni snapped, "That son-of-a-bitch stole from me and you don't care!"

"Giovanni, you are acting like a brat boy! Every effort is being made to find my grandson!" Mother argued, "Grow up and use your head!"

"Gio, sit down-" I started, but then stopped, for it looked like my brother was going to hit me.

"Listen. You three are set to inherit this company when I am gone. I will not have it tarnished by rash and foolish acts. Giovanni, you should rest. Joseph, go home to your wife. Jack, a word," Mother barked. With a hateful glare, Giovanni left the room. Joseph followed, looking bitter.

"Right now you are the most stable of the three of you," Mother said, "In the event of my passing, it is my wish that you continue in my stead."

"What?" I asked dumbfounded, "Mother, I am the youngest and-"

"And you have a steady relationship with a valued, worthy agent. You have risen above and beyond my expectations business-wise. Our agents respect you. You, my son, will be my successor."

"Thank you, Mother."

I watched as she placed a ring box on the desk. She looked up at me, "Give this to Miss Miyamoto. If you are to lead our team, I need to know that there will be a strong woman at your side."

I opened the box and saw my mother's engagement ring, the same one my father had given her. She had not passed it to Giovanni on account that his marriage had been the kind to cover up an illegitimate pregnancy. Joseph hadn't received it because, at the time, he had been trying to impress Isabelle's family. Mother had paid for a new, expensive ring.

"Mother, I…" I was speechless.

"You do intend to marry Miss Miyamoto, yes?" Mother asked dangerously.

"Of course."

"Good. I was unsure about this, Jack, I must confess, what with her having a child of her own. The girl would be an obstacle to your future heirs-"

"Mother, I love Jessie. She will be no obstacle," I assured her. Mother nodded.

"Be aware, Jack," she warned, but then her face softened, "I want every happiness for you, My Son. Every happiness in the world."

So why did the prospect of leading Team Rocket scare the hell out of me?

"Can I tell you a secret?" I asked my daughter. Jessie nodded and I smiled, "One day, when you're big, you are going follow all of your dreams. Anything you want, you can have."

"Anything?"

"Anything," I nodded. And she would. I could give it to her. She could be free of the competition I had to endure. She could go out into the world and do what she wished without ever fearing my disapproval. I would have the power to do that for her.

But then there was a niggling feeling in my brain as I remembered finding Giovanni alone at father's bar in the house.

"Gio? Are you alright?" I asked as I shrugged on my coat, ready to leave and tell Miya the news. He looked at me, his grey eyes clear and purposeful, despite the amount of bourbon in his glass.

"I know what she said to you," Giovanni revealed, raising his glass "Congratulations, Brother."

"Gio, I –"

My brother moved across the room and was right in my face, "Are you happy now, little brother? Now that you've take EVERYTHING from me!" he shouted, throwing the bourbon across the room.

"Giovanni, you're upset-"

"I'm the oldest. I worked my ass off to impress her and nothing! Nothing is ever good enough!" he cried, "It was you. You took MY title! MY inheritance!"

"Gio, you're drunk!"

He seized me by the collar, "I am not drunk, you lying piece of scum! It wasn't enough that you took my SON, but now you have to go and take the life I SHOULD HAVE!"

"I never touched Silver. What the hell-"

"I know, Jack! I know what you did. I saw you talking with Greyson Cole at the funeral. You suggested taking the children to the park. You were the last one to see Cole."

"I was hit along with Joe!" I protested, "Do you think I would hurt my nephew?"

"Do you think I'm stupid?" he snarled, "You were hit so it would look like you weren't involved. It was a ruse!"

"You're delusional!"

He threw me to the ground, "And you will never lead Team Rocket. You will NOT take that from me! You understand that? You will NOT take anything else from me!"

I got to my feet, "Go home, Gio. You're just a paranoid little boy.

"This is your one warning, Jack! Step down!"

I walked away and out the door.

I shuddered at the memory. Giovanni had been drunk, but he had also been right about my involvement in the kidnapping of his son. I denied it, of course, but that hardly eased the guilt I felt over driving my brother to that point. Also, there was the way he threatened me. Somehow, I was sure that my brother, the one who taught me to ride a bike and took me to the shooting range, would go to any lengths to protect his birthright.

I remembered Jade telling me that he was against me, always against me, and that she was scared for me. I had convinced myself that my brother wouldn't hurt me, as irrational as that sounds. His threat made me believe I was wrong. At least it was enough to make me hold off on telling Miya that we were chosen to inherit Team Rocket. I had to be sure that Giovanni's threats were empty.

"Uncle, can you read me a story?" Jessie asked sweetly from my arms.

"Anything, Princess. What-"

Arcanine let out a low growl from the floor. I looked down at my pokemon. His ears were flat on his head and his heckles were raised.

"Arcanine?" I questioned. Then there was a smashing noise from the bedrooms. I felt my blood run cold. Arcanine took off, growling as he went to check it out.

"Uncle?" Jessie asked unsurely.

Then I heard snarling and a man screaming.

Then a gunshot.

Jack broke off and stared at the floor.

"You can't stop there!" Jessie protested.

"Let me collect my thoughts on this," Jack requested, "Please."

TBC

AN: So things are thickening. Be sure to drop a review to let me know what you think!

Next: Jessie makes an impression on her in-laws.

Songs that inspired this chapter:
-Footprints in the Sand by Leona Lewis. I always think of Jack, Miya, and Jessie on the beach.
-Brother My Brother by Blessid Union of Souls. AKA The song from the first Pokemon Movie.
-Brothers by Vic Mignogna.
-Turn Around by Low Level Flight.