Busted! Or Perhaps Not by WyldClaw

Plot: a Magnetric looks up and says, "WC doesn't own Pokémon. But Derek, Aki, Jaden, and Sami are hers."

Author's notes same as the last chapter except {dream begins} and {dream ends} are just that. Please read and review. There is a famous 'Lilo and Stitch ' quote in this chapter. Thanks.

Last edited 1/2/2018

XxX

I couldn't speak for a few minutes .It was clearly a ransom note and by the sound of it, it was the same person who wiped Mom's memory. It also was a threat: come alone or be hunted down like an Absol. "The kidnapper knows. Whoever they are th-they Storm can't use electricity. "

I nervously bit my lip. It means deadly business! Their lives depend on Mom showing up somewhere alone or-. I couldn't end my thought. I turned to Tidal-I was torn. "What do I do? Should I tell Grams and the police? Where's the place it's taking about? What would you do, Tidal?"

The Azumarill looked from me to the note then Mom before answering. (I'd try to find them myself. It seems like whoever took them doesn't want police interference and has some kind of score to settle. But I wouldn't try to do it by myself. ) His voice dropped. (I wouldn't show that to Delia or Misty- they would flip out.) I nodded. (I know you have the potential to save them. This could be the chance you've been waiting for.)

"Yeah." I folded the note up, put it into my pocket, and then got up out of the chair. I knew what he kept from saying. If I got the police involved or if Mom didn't show up by eleven the kidnapper would kill Storm then return to deal with Mom. I shivered. What if the kidnapper decides they want to hurt Dad even more by hurting Aiden and DJ? There was no other option - I had to go save them. It was all up to me.

I looked down at my sleeping mother. She looked so peaceful and calm compared to how lost and hurt she'd been since Dad and Storm vanished. I frowned at the blue lines on her right arm where she'd had the sling. Sybil had taken her to the doctors to get it removed that day but I knew it still hurt. It wasn't her fault she was hurting from the loss. But she was in no condition to go find my father. I bent down and kissed her forehead. My voice cracked. " Mom ... I know you can't hear me since you're fast asleep ... the person wh-who took D-Dad left a n-note saying that you had to be somewhere by eleven tomorrow or... else. I ... c-can't let you go. The kidnapper has already broken our ohana and I don't want to see it split apart anymore." I whispered then raised my voice. "Ohana" means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten. Don't worry I'll be back with dad and Storm. Ursa Scout's Promise. . I'll bring them back home safely. " I vowed.

I got up to my full height and saw Tidal wiping his eyes with a paw. (That was simply beautiful.)

"Thanks. You mind staying with her tonight pal?" I asked the Azumarill. "I don't want anyone-"

He cut me off with a wave of a paw and pointed to his ears. (Who's gonna sneak in a room with an Azumarill in it, Derek?)

"Oh... right." I gave his left ear a pat. "How silly of me"

(Good luck)

"Thanks." I exited the room, leaving mom and Tidal and closed the door quietly. I went up quietly to my room to call Sami.

XTime shift x Time shift X time shift X time shift X time shift X time shift X

{Dream begins}

I was somewhere in a thick fog. Someone held my arms behind my back so tightly I couldn't move. A gag was tied around my mouth and a blindfold was over my eyes. I felt groggy like I was just staring to wake up. A hand held my chin as if its owner was carefully studying me. "What do you think Cassidy?" A scratchy male voice I didn't recognize whispered. " Do you think the brat's is theirs? I mean he has the same looks as him."

Huh?

The speaker let go of my chin and the grip holding me increased. A bossy female voice hissed. "What do you think? Course he is, Butch. There is no way they can't be related. Didn't you see them nearby? This could be our big chance since that hybrid killed those stupid bumbling idiots. There's no way he'll resist us with the brat in -"

I groaned. "Mama? Dada?" I muttered through my gag. I sounded really little like I was not even two years old.

"You dolt! The kid is waking up! I thought you said you gaged his mouth with the chloroform saturated rag." Cassidy growled.

"I thought I did. " The first voice-Butch- replied. " I guess we'll have to do this the hard err fun way."

Seconds later the gag around my mouth and the blindfold around my eyes fluttered to the ground. " Wake up little boy…" the scratchy voice said.

I looked up and gasped- I didn't recognize these people! A pair of brown eyes gazed into mine as the hand grabbed my chin again. . The hand's owner was so close I could count the white stripes in their slick greasy green hair. I looked up and saw a tall golden haired woman gaze down at me-her purple colored eyes gleamed as she held my hands behind my back. I guessed this was Cassidy.

"Hello little boy. " Her voice dripped with fake sweetness and i shuddered.

"Wh-who yous?"

Butch chuckled. "Poor little boy. Are you lost? You must be so scared being here all... alone."

I bit my lip. I was really scared. "Wh-where we? Wh-where dada and mama?"

In the distance my parents were shouting my name but I couldn't see them due to the thick fog. " We're Friends of your parents. We want to help you find them," Cassidy told me.

"Yeah, kid, stay with us and we'll help you find them" Butch chuckled. "Not that you have a choice."

"If you call out to them, then they'll find us. They're so worried. It would be so nice to have a… little chat," Cassidy added. Her tone made me think it wasn't nice. She acted like the big bad Mightyena and I didn't want to end up like red Riding Hood story.

"Nuh-uh." I shook my head.

"What's the matter? Don't you want to see your parents? " She growled.

"You no fend. Bad. "I said.

"You little brat!" She slapped me across the face hard. My face burned where she struck as it swelled up. As i looked up I thought I saw a Pidgeotto in the sky but tears pricked my eyes. I blinked to get the tears out and the bird was gone.

"He knows that we're not friends of his parents. Twist his right arm- that might work to get them out " Butch said.

Cassidy twisted it. I trembled and let out a tiny gasp of pain. Whoever they are they want to lure my parents to them. But why? "He's not doing anything to attract their attention. Why don't we make him yell ... loudly?"

She looked at her partner then at me evilly. I felt something cold against my cheek. " Oops. " Butch commented.

I looked down and saw a shiny sharp blade against it. It moved down and I saw red cover the blade and splash onto the ground- Blood. I couldn't help it- I screamed "DADA! MAMA. H-HELLP!"

"Derek!" They sounded closer.

"Let him go! Your quarrel is with us!" My parents' voices rang out of the fog

Butch laughed. "What's wrong, twerps? Scared to get closer? We're not going to cut him up... not yet."

The blade left my cheek and Butch let go of my chin. I breathed with relief but then the blade was at my side. "Don't you dare say anything or else." Cassidy hissed in my ear.

"Let him go now!" Dad was furious. By now I knew they weren't friends.

"He's not part of our past quarrels"

"Like we're going to listen to you, brat."

"You asked for it. " I heard a sharp whistle . "Skyler, Quick Attack on Biff!"

Butch was irate. "It's Butch! B-U-T-C-H! Not biff, Bob or Bill! Can't you idiots ever- URRRRRK!"

(Eat my dust, loser!) A fast Pidgeotto dived into his gut, a speeding white trail of light behind his tail feathers before flying back into the air. The attack slammed him into a nearby tree trunk.

"'Kywa!" I recognized the flying type as one of Pidgeot's offspring.

He looked down at me. (You okay Der?)

I nodded. "Fink so Where Dada?"

"Get that Pidgeotto Butch! It's one of his!" Cassidy ordered.

Butch got to his feet, maximized a pokeball and threw it into the air, calling out, "Cloyster! Ice Beam that blasted bird!"

As soon as it materialized from its pokeball, the large Water/Ice type started firing Ice Beams at Skyler, who dodged most of them but a few tail feathers got hit. (You jerk! I just grew those!) He made a gesture at the Cloyster with a talon. (Missed me, missed me, try to catch me, ya overgrown clam) he taunted before heading into the fog.

"After it!" Butch yelled. The Pokémon lumbered off into the fog. I heard the sound of pokeballs being enlarged and opened.

I saw two large Mightyenas come up to Cassidy. "Find them and bring them to me... Alive. I want to make them suffer," she hissed and they and butch vanished.

I saw the Mightyenas lunge into the fog. The air was full of their ululations as well as the sound of my parents' Pokémon fighting them. What if the Mightyenas overpower them?

"That's it brat, come closer." Butch said from the fog. There was fighting sounds from the fog. I could tell Dad brought some of his Pokémon out to help Skyler fight the Cloyster and Mightyenas

"They'll pay. Oh yes they will". Cassidy smirked.

Who were these people? Why did they want to hurt my parents?

"Baby? Where are you?" I heard Mom's voice but I couldn't see her.

"Mama! Mama!" I shook from fear. I tried to get out of Cassidy's grip but it was too tight. "Wemme goes. Pease."

She laughed coldly. "No way little whiny brat. You're mine." She tied my hands together behind my back tightly with something. Then she tightened her grip.

"H-Help!" I screamed.

"Don't you hurt my baby..." Mom yelled.

"Is that a threat, twerp?" Cassidy asked sarcastically.

"You better not hurt my baby," Mom growled.

"So it is a threat." Cassidy laughed. "When you say hurt him you mean like this?" She slashed the knife down my side –thick red lines appeared where the steel touched. "Oops."

"Mama! Dada!" I cried, tears pouring down my face.

I heard movement behind me and saw a vicious looking Raticate come up to Cassidy. "Hidden Power her," She hissed at it. "I'll just say there was an 'accident." She saw me struggling to get free of her grip. "Oh. But first knock that bratty twerp out. He'll be easier to restrain if he's out cold."

"Ma- " Something hit me.

.

Suddenly the scene changed. I was in a different clearing. Thorny vines or something held me tightly. I was fidgeting around in my bindings and red blood ran down my skin. I looked to my side and saw my parents and Pikachu bound by thick thorny vines. Aki was on the ground unconscious with her tail bleeding. There was a gray blue lump of something at my feet. .

A shadowy figure was in front of us about five feet away -I couldn't see too many details about them except for a half burnt face. The figure pointed a gun right at me. As they pulled the trigger, I heard my parents yell my name as I screamed theirs.

"Derek! Derek!"

"Mommy! Daddy! Mommy! ..."

{Dream ends}

"... Mom! Dad! "

(Derek wake up. Wake up). Someone was poking me.

"Huh?" I sleepily opened my opened my eyes and saw Aki. I rubbed my eyes and got up on the bed, she had been poking me with her paw. I looked down and saw my blue sleeping shirt was covered in sweat. "Aki what's up?"

(You were mumbling your parents' names.) She looked at me concerned. (You look pale.)

"Bad dream, " I muttered. I remembered it clearly and shuddered. It was only a dream. Why did it feel so vivid?

(I wanna help) she whispered. She overheard me last night. (I want to help find Ash and mom)

I looked at her half tail lying flat on my bed. "But Aki, you -"

She sighed. (I know. can't use electricity but you don't have any Pokémon of your own. I can still use my paws and teeth. Besides, it would be risky going who knows where to rescue them without any protection)

I looked at the pack by my bedside, thinking. She did have a good point. If dad knew I was going without any Pokémon I'd be toast. I'm just a kid! He told me some of the scrapes he got in -he wouldn't have made it out if it weren't for his Pokémon. She is pretty good with other attacks and brave. If I asked anyone else they'd tell. I think it would be good for her to go. She and I both want to prove things to our parents and this might be the best way.

I looked back and smiled as I rubbed her chin. "They say every human needs a good Pokémon to help them out of jams. Despite your disadvantage, I've seen you knock out a lot bigger Pokémon. " Her eyes brightened." I think you're almost as brave as a Luxray. I mean you don't give up or anything and I need someone who can fight."

(Me? You want me to help?)

I nodded. She jumped up and stared licking my face. After a minute she stopped. "I'll go get ready"

(What about Papa?)

I cringed -I nearly overlooked him. "Hopefully he's asleep. Tidal told me he wiped himself out yesterday." Aki jumped off the bed as I got up and opened the reattached door for her. I watched her go into DJ and Aiden's room then closed it. As I got ready I thought to myself, this might be the most, foolish thing I've ever done.

…

About fifteen minutes later I quietly opened the door. I had on a gray tattered t-shirt and blue capris. A white brimmed hat with a lightning bolt covered my messy black hair. I wore a small gray pack stuffed with a few Super potions. Aki was waiting for me at the top of the stairs I nodded. (Are you going to tell DJ and Aiden?)

I shook my head. "No. I don't want them to worry. Besides Grams is in there with them. You saw what DJ was like yesterday ". My sister had been a complete wreck- enough that Mom and Grams had to have Bayleef and Bulbasaur use Sleep Powder and Sweet Scent twice to calm her down. "It would hurt way too much."

She sighed. (Good point. Taran's in there too. The sooner we leave the quicker we can find them)

Without another word we walked down the stairs quietly. As we reached the last one I heard a familiar voice. (Where are you two going at this hour?) Pikachu said as he walked into the hallway- he looked worn out. Oh crud- we're toast

(Uh. Morning Papa) Aki tried to act natural.

He tried to manage a smile. (Morning. where are y-you two off to at his early hour?)

"Picking up a delivery for Roquet Ramen. Jaden said Markus is sick so Dave needs another hand to help him" I lied.

He wasn't fooled. (You never get up this early willingly.)

"Um…going for a morning walk?"

(Without breakfast? Uh huh… then why do I smell two Super Potions in your bag? Tell me the truth Derek)

I sat on the last step and he jumped up to join us. I pulled out the note. "Tidal found this on the front stoop while I was with Mom last night."

I handed it to him. While he read it to himself his fur spiked up and the color vanished from his face. He handed it back to me a few minutes later. He was at a loss for words. (That's ... that's...)

"I know. There's no word to describe it. That's why I have to go. "

(Your dad wouldn't let you put yourself in danger like that) he reasoned. (If Misty saw that note-)

"She'd get even more panicked. You know she can't remember what happened when..."

(They'd do anything for each other.)

(She wouldn't know where to go) Aki piped up. (It doesn't say where. The kidnapper assumes she knows)

Thank you aki. . "It could be anywhere in kanto or even Johto"

(True. But how would you fight this person?) He inquired as his fur fell flat and the color returned.

He was right-on my own I stood no chance but I had my friends. "I have ...a plan". I hope I know what I'm doing.

He sighed again. (Why don't you just call the police? This could be a lead to finding them.)

"The note said No police or trickery or else" I shuddered. I didn't want to know what 'or else' meant. .

(What about showing it to Delia? She might be able to track them down with

Sunny) he looked at me, nonverbally begging me not to do something reckless.

I promised mom I'd get them back. Jaden, Sami and I came up with a ...plan. "You didn't see her last night, Pikachu. She was trying to reassure my dad would be fine but I could tell she was panicked. Anyways she's not that great a trainer-she's told me herself."

(She favors not getting involved, Papa) Aki reminded him. (She doesn't like conflicts much. You told me how she helped that girl in the crystal tower when it was going crazy and got her to calm down. The one who now writes books about Legendaries? Sally or Millie or...) she prompted him.

(Molly Hale) he corrected her.

(Yeah, her. Didn't you also say when Ash came to rescue her she tried to reason with Molly because she didn't want to cause a fight with that fake Entei?)

(Well yeah...)

"Besides." I lowered my voice. "If she saw that note she'd freak... Please Pikachu. I have to try." I waited for his response.

(Look, Derek. Your parents are my best two human friends on the planet. I'd do anything for them. Your mom would follow your dad to the end of the world. Whoever took your dad and Storm knows th-this. Th-they mistook Storm for me- asides from the size difference, the notch at the end of her tail and the electrical usage we look pretty much the same. They expect Misty to go-)

"But Mom can't! She's too injured and hurt. " I butted in. "And if whoever took them expects her to go it's gotta be a- " I mouthed, "Trap." "I'll go- I have to." Tears formed but I took no notice. "I promised her I'd find dad last night. If someone doesn't show up at the right time-"

(Then we're all doomed. Please papa. We can save them]) Aki begged. (You know it's the truth.)

". I have to do this. You don't know how much this hurt her."

His ears drooped and his eyes were full of pain. (I do. Who-whoever took Ash… they thought Storm was I – that's why they took her. I should have been there to help save them. I … can't seem to locate them anywhere- its like they've simply vanished. Poor Storm and Ash. I miss them both so much…)

"I-I mean we're gonna go find them." I told him. " We're their only chance." Please don't stop me. Please don't stop me.

His eyes went from me to Aki and back again for a few minutes while I put the note away in my pocket. (I guess you're both right. If things get bad-)

I gave him a smile. "They won't. I know what I'm doing." At least I think I know what I'm doing.

(I know that look all too well. Ash gave it all the time when he was about to do something reckless) he turned to Aki (promise me you won't do anything too reckless.)

(I won't Papa. I'll be safe. I'll bring Mom back) she touched electrical sacks with him.

"I'll make sure she's safe and we bring her back. Ursa Scouts promise".

We got up and went to the door. After I unlocked and opened it I knelt down and faced him again. "Please keep Mom safe, Pikachu, I know she's hurt. If I don't come back soon..." I gulped

(We're going to bring them back alive) Aki looked at me with confidence.

A flicker of sadness passed through her dad's eyes. (. I … just can't bear not knowing where they are or not doing anything about it. I may see if I can go to the Frontier to train with Meghan.)

I hugged him. "I promise I'll bring them back. Don't tell mom or grams unless I don't come back or it gets too late."

He licked my hand. (You are so your dad's son.)

"I thought you told DJ that it was a bad thing.""

(It can be… depending on the situation) He chuckled. (In this case it's a good thing.)

"Mom said the same thing last night. ... Before Tidal found the note"

(Misty knows what she's talking about) he looked at me then at Aki. (Good luck you two.) He gave me paws up sign as we slipped out the door. I quietly closed it and locked it.

.

It was still early out so a chill hung about in the air. (Jaden and Sami are here) Aki pointed to the large Oran berry tree about ten feet away from us, where two humans were talking.

As I got closer I saw them. Sami, my other best friend, was a tall eleven and a half-to twelve year-old girl with dark blue hair and amber eyes. She wore tan shorts and a tee shirt with an image of a flock of bird Pokémon on it. She was talking to a slightly younger and shorter boy wearing a simple matching camouflaged tee shirt over a light windbreaker and shorts-Jaden.

Above her a Swellow and Pidgeotto wearing an orange bandana were doing aerial maneuvers. A blue gray Rattata was running around her on the grass. (Told you I smelled them)

"Shush, Remy ". She looked at me as I came over. "It took you long enough. "

"Pikachu caught us," I explained

"He's not gonna squeal on you is he?" Jaden asked.

"Surprisingly, no."

(Have you seen Misty mad Jade? It's not pretty) Remy gave him a look and then jumped up onto Sami's outstretched arm.

"How's he doing?"

"He's as hurt as mom is. Maybe even more so" I told Jaden

"Here" Jaden handed me a plastic cup with a straw in it then handed a smaller one to aki. "Roquet Ramen's triple berry- energy- boost smoothie. "

"Mmmm" I said as I sipped the drink. The blend of Oran berries, blueberries, strawberries, yogurt and peanut butter filled my mouth. I finished the drink in minutes. I threw the empty cups into the nearest trashcan after getting Aki's. Sami gave me a power crunch strawberry-chocolate granola bar as Jaden gave aki some berries and a few sweet pokéblocks.

After we finished I fished the note out of my pocket. We all huddled around it. When Sami, Jaden and Remy looked at it the color from their faces vanished for a few minutes. "It's. Worse than you described." Sami said. Jaden nodded.

Remy sniffed at the red smears. (Whoever did this is cruel. Those smears are blood. What's this line about entering a place they entered with him ago many years mean?)

Jaden, Aki and I looked at one another- we had no clue. "I don't know." I admitted, "Knowing my parents it could be anywhere. Where do we even start to look?"

"Start?" Sami snapped her fingers. "Start? That's it! Derek you're a genius!" I think I know where that kidnapper is keeping your dad!"

"What do you mean you know where Dad is?" I asked Sami

She grinned. "When you said, 'where do we even start' I had a flash of genius. I recalled what Mrs. Maui said in our history class -" I groaned- I was not a fan of our history class. "-About there was much more of a land mass between Viridian City than -" she looked at Jaden and my confused faces and sighed.

"Honestly how did you two pass history?"

" Uh ... sheer Dumb luck?" I didn't add that one of Dad's assistants was this huge history fanatic.

" Uncle mondo." Jaden said referring to his traveling so called 'uncle'- a younger man who worked with his parents long ago during their Rocket days. He wasn't related by blood to my friend but he had been around all his life.

. She rolled her eyes. "Let me put it this way: Where do all trainers have to pass through if they are taking the Kanto gym challenge?" She replied.

To be continued