Reset Part VI.

Chapter Six

Wayward Rogues

Bloodshot eyes glared at the scattered documents before him. Giovanni's moment of victory the previous night was now darkened by failure. He was at a loss. He thought he knew how Mega Evolution truly worked, but clearly there is something missing with the formula.

Giovanni had visited Misty's Gyarados, the Gyaradosite clutched in the same hand that brandished the Mega Stone ring. Yet nothing happened, when he presented the two pieces together. The serpentine Pokémon, only hissed and thrashed but not due to any sort of reaction to the stones, but with unyielding fury at its captor.

The first thing that past through his mind was that maybe the stone he had was a fake. The Gyaradosite was not the real thing. Then the suspicion that his key stone ring was fake. But he knew that couldn't be true. Everything he had was real, genuine and held a great deal of power and control. Yet a missing piece to this puzzle remained not only out of reach but oblivious to him.

Perhaps he wasn't concentrating hard enough. He recalls reading notes from a Kalos lab that this type of evolution requires concentration from both the trainer and the Pokémon. If that was the case, then Giovanni knew it was not him to blame but the Gyarados who's revolt against him made it victorious— for now, at least.

Still Giovanni had more work to do. He was a clever man. He knew how to work around things. This was going to be just another undertaking that he was growing desperate to overcome.

Despite the futility of it, but blinded by a sliver of hope, Ash and Brock phoned the Cerulean Gym. No one picked up, not even a gym worker. They then tried her house and even her sisters weren't available to answer. Then the last attempt, Misty's Pokégear, which never even rang and instead gave them the impression of being cut off.

Though Ash, Brock and Pikachu were certain that Misty was who they saw the night before, the three of them hoped that someone at the Gym, be it a worker or Misty's sisters would be able to help them out.

"They're probably still in the Hoenn region," Brock elucidated his thoughts on Misty's sisters' whereabouts. "When I spoke to her, she mentioned they were out of town. I wonder when was the last time they even heard from Misty."

Once morning had arrived, Ash, Brock and Pikachu headed into town, dropping by the Pokémon Center. Ash and Brock left their team to get healed up by Nurse Joy and at the moment, with Pikachu were sitting in the booth where the video phones were.

Desperation and worry was becoming unprecedented. Ash remained quiet whilst Brock spoke. But Ash was in deep thought, recalling the image of his friend clad in Team Rocket attire, with a cold disquiet about her.

It was beyond eerie, like staring at a stranger. If it were someone else, Ash would not feel so effected by the encounter. Misty was not herself, that much was evident. And truth be told, it frightened him a bit. The theory of her being hypnotized had not left his thoughts. He believed it was a strong possibility because he knew Misty, and she was the furthest from the likes of Team Rocket.

And he worried about her. Ash understood that Misty could definitely take care of herself, there was no arguing that. What made him worry was the transformation she underwent and whether the change was permanent or perfunctory.

"We should notify the authorities first," Brock urged, robbing Ash from his inner thoughts. "And ask around, it's a start," Brock said with a wry shrug. "And brainstorm what they were doing at the lighthouse."

"They must have been after a Pokémon," Ash answered. "I mean that's what Team Rocket's always after."

Brock held his chin in his hand in contemplation. "Could be. Not sure what kind of Pokémon would be there. It's a possibility, though."

"Pikachupi…" Pikachu intoned sadly. Ash gave his partner a comforting rub on its ears.

"Is there a chance they're in Cerulean City?" Ash asked suddenly. "They were at the lighthouse, they can't've gotten too far."

Brock shrugged. "Team Rocket doesn't always stay in one place."

Ash's eyes widened, a sudden thought that somehow evaded him until now. "That's right, they don't."

Pikachu's ears pricked in understanding. "Pika!" it crooned.

But the duo was met with Brock's confused face, before realization struck him like a thundershock.

"Enjoy your meals!" perked the waitress, after setting down their orders. She gave her customers a parting smile, turning a heel and disappearing.

Jessie, James and Meowth all watched the girl leave with deadpan faces, not even having the courtesy of thanking the waitress. If the girl that served them noticed the trio's lack of enthusiasm at her presence, she certainly gave no indication.

Team Rocket's night had been hell. Because of the patrols the Cerulean Police was doing all night, the trio had no choice but to remain in the alley until the coast was clear, which wasn't until the early hours of the morning.

Neither of them got a wink of sleep, due to their anxiety of getting caught, the cold of night and the overall discomfort in a cramped alley. But when morning arrived, Team Rocket swiftly abandoned the alley and dashed to the nearest place they could find, which was the diner they were currently in.

Clad in casual attire for once to blend in, Jessie, James and Meowth were now nestled in a booth, embraced with the warmth of the building. Dizzy with lack of sleep and hunger, the food that rested on their table gave them a sense of renewal, but their moods still remained sour.

Jessie stared at her espresso with a bit of disinterest. The latte art of a cheerful looking Horsea turning her off from her drink, encouraging her to swirl her spoon in the espresso briskly, destroying the image, much to her pleasure.

Meowth had cut into his stack of waffles, already drenched with syrup. He speared a piece violently before at last taking a satiable bite, savoring the warmth and taste.

James too began dining on his omelette, although being much more delicate than his cohort despite how famished he felt. Jessie remained subdued, forehead scrunched in irritation, her mind fixed elsewhere.

"After this where to?" James asked, looking between Meowth and Jessie.

"Back to HQ?" Meowth offered, mouth still stuffed with his breakfast. "No sign of the kid yet."

"The boss is a busy man, Meowth," Jessie told the cat, casually. James nodded in understanding.

"You mean we failed and can't face the man," Meowth said as though translating Jessie's words.

The three of them sighed, feeling a weight of gloom on their shoulders. At the beginning of their time in Kalos, they had many near successes. But as per always, they were foiled just as they were about to attain something valuable.

Although they have been in the same situation many times in the past, Jessie, James and Meowth truly wanted to succeed and please their boss. This was their career, their lives, not to mention they all harbored such massive and fragile egos. Though they were experts at masking their defeat. But they still kept going, not giving up; stubborn, perhaps or just determined, either way, the trio wasn't going to abandon their responsibilities just yet.

"Maybe it won't be so bad," James said suddenly.

Jessie and Meowth gave him a deadpanned look, but there was some truth to James's words. Giovanni admittedly was used to their failures but they did serve a purpose to his organization, which is why they never were dismissed nor expelled from Team Rocket. It's not like they were the only ones that served him.

But their failure in the Kalos region still left a bitter taste in their mouths. And they couldn't help but sit and continue to sulk in silence for the next couple of minutes.

Despite their hunger being so ravenous just minutes before, their appetites waned. James and Meowth took slower, deliberate bites into their food, eyes blank and mouths turned into a frown. Jessie propped her chin onto her hand while her eyes scowled out the window.

"Why don't we take a break?" Meowth asked, earning confused looks from Jessie and James. "Y'know, take a vacation maybe?"

"A vacation sounds good!" James exclaimed his eyes lighting up. "We are near the beach. But…" James's smile faded into a disappointed frown. "Cerulean isn't exactly Ambrette Town—"

"Thank God for that," Jessie interjected. "A beach town on the side of a mountain, surrounded by thousands of Skrelp and covered with an eternal cloud of fog? No thanks."

Meowth and James nodded in understanding.

"Besides nothing can top Lumiose City," Jessie went on in a haughty tone.

"So a vacation, then?" Meowth asked, circling back to his original proposition.

Before either Jessie or James could give the cat an answer, they all paused, catching the middle of some juicy gossip.

"The gym's closed," a young girl with a side braid was saying at a table nearby. She was on her Pokégear. "I don't know. They said that the gym leader hasn't come in. Rumor has it that she's disappeared, but no one knows where."

The girl spoke with disappointment and looked discouraged. She was likely a Pokémon trainer, waywardly passing through the city on her quest to collect badges.

Jessie, James and Meowth listened with curious ears. For a minute, the girl said nothing and instead was listening to whoever was on the other line, lips pressed into a frown.

"I know," she sighed. "I've seen the flyers around here too. Haven't run into any trouble yet," she finished with a smug laugh before backtracking sheepishly. "I'm only joking, I'll be okay. I guess I'll just keep going then. I'll find a Pokémon Center if I can."

The trio soon lost interest but what the girl was talking about was very suspicious.

"Missing gym leader?" James echoed. "Who's the gym leader here again?"

Jessie shrugged, uninterested. "She did mention flyers. Do you s'pose…?" James put his hands out in a gesture of unsureness.

But Meowth replied for James. "'Course it is, Jess. I don't remember seeing any other flyers out. But I do recall a WANTED poster."

James turned with a confused look. "I recall seeing some flyers and posts and various other things strewn about the streets."

Jessie rolled her eyes and grit her teeth. "I guess some people have kept busy. Stealing Pokémon more than likely. Nothing special."

"Then what would that make us?" James asked a little hurt.

Jessie slammed her palm onto the table making James and Meowth to flinch. "Doesn't matter, we're better," she huffed referring to the people on the WANTED posters.

"They may not be the only ones," James said, his eyes staring up a little to the side. Meowth and Jessie followed their cohort's eyes and connected with the flat screen TV mounted by the counter.

The morning news was playing and on the screen the male reporter was standing a couple feet from the Cerulean Lighthouse, the bottom header reading: Lab Break-In.

"Approximately seven this morning, the researchers at the laboratory here behind me, right in front of the ancient lighthouse reported a theft," the news reporter detailed. "The first researcher that opened the lab didn't notice anything unusual until he entered a back room that's used to store rocks, shells and other Pokémon artifacts. Upon checking a cabinet only to discover that something was missing."

"What's so bizarre is that the lab was left tidy as if no one entered," a brief clip of a young man with glasses and lab coat said while the header confirmed that he was the researcher who made the discovery.

It then transitioned back to the news reporter. "According to the researchers at the lab, what's missing is a stone that came into their possession about a week ago from the Kalos region. Pokémon scientists had sent it over but now the stone has gone missing. It's claimed that although the stone is still a mystery, it's a very valuable object.

"Authorities are still trying to estimate when the theft took place. It's been determined that it happened overnight but as for the precise time, it's still unknown. What's most baffling is that the lab showed no signs of a forced entry. No foreign fingertips were detected, no locks broken, nothing rearranged, no signs of any sort of damage anywhere. It's hypothesized that the thieves were assisted by Pokémon and premeditated in order to succeed in covering up any clues that would implicate the culprits. As far as the tower behind me, here, the lighthouse remained untouched.

"This robbery appears to follow a chain of criminal events here not only in Cerulean City but in the Kanto region. With many reports of stolen Pokémon, brief sightings of mischievous behavior, this most recent break in and the mysterious absence of the city's Gym Leader. However authorities are unsure if that has a connection for now.

"The Cerulean Police are urging residents, workers and trainers to be cautious when roaming around, especially at night. And if you witness or suspect any sort of felony behavior, contact the authorities immediately. For Channel 4, Cerulean News, Henry Matsuda."

"So Team Rocket's searching for Mega Stones here too, then?" Meowth asked.

"Looks like it," James commented. "I didn't even think you could find any around here."

The trio knew instantly at the mention of a stone coming from Kalos that it was a Mega Stone that was pilfered. Much to their shock Giovanni was hunting the stones in Kanto too. They were under the impression that Mega Evolution was something more well-known in Kalos. Considering that they've never heard of the anomaly until Giovanni enlightened them. Then again the man never went into full detail, preferring to keep the more important facets to himself.

"Well boys," Jessie said with resolution lacing her voice much to the surprise and confusion of James and Meowth. "Finish up, because now's the time for redemption."

"Beg pardon?" James asked, not understanding.

"If Butch and Cassidy are hunting for stones around here, then we've got to find a stone too. We can't let them outdo us and it allows us some time before we face the boss empty-handed."

"But what about the vacation?" Meowth grumbled, crossing his arms.

"Find as many stones out there," Jessie began, a sneer on her face. "Then surely the boss will reward us with a much needed vacation, possibly somewhere more worthy than here."

That seemed to do it. James and Meowth perked with determination and desire at the idea of a reward. The three of them consumed their breakfast with gusto, their sense of purpose renewed…for the time being.

Giovanni had left the facility later that morning. He had to attend to some business, the ones that did not directly concern Team Rocket. So HQ was a tad relaxed at the moment. Of course that didn't mean the agents slacked off too much but just found it easier to focus with the knowledge that their stone cold leader wasn't lurking somewhere in the building.

Butch and Cassidy were on a break from their training, walking through the corridors in the direction of the dining hall.

"You can always tell when the boss is gone," Butch mused with a smile on his face.

Cassidy gave a confirmative nod. "As though it ever lasts. But yes, I do know what you mean. For now let's all just enjoy the peace before the tempest returns."

Butch sighed, anxiety slowly building at the meaning of Cassidy's words. "Yeah, he didn't seem too happy when he left this morning. I assumed the stone would make him happy." It was true that Giovanni's usual demeanor was soured further with contempt. He had left quickly, ignoring everyone in his wake; everyone too afraid to look him in the eyes let alone ask him what was wrong.

"Hmmph," Cassidy scoffed. "Happy isn't the word I'd describe him. I guess there was something wrong with the stone."

"Think it was a fake?" Butch asked.

"I doubt it. It came from a lab, why would they have a dupe there? To fool us? As if they'd predict anyone stealing it."

"But it is rare," Butch noted. "Perry said she heard he tried using it on a Pokémon last night, guessing that it didn't work."

"What Pokémon?" Cassidy asked as she and Butch continued to walk.

Butch shrugged. "Not sure. Oh hello…" He turned over his shoulder, having noticed the sounds of footfalls from behind. There he found Misty walking behind he and Cassidy. "Headed towards the dining hall?" he asked the redhead.

Misty looked just as impassive as she has lately. She shook her head. "No, the infirmary."

"Why?" Cassidy said, befuddled.

"A routine check with Dr. Reiko," Misty answered smoothly. Below her green eyes were faint yet noticeable dark circles. It looked as though she was having a hard time sleeping. Maybe it was a good idea she was heading to the infirmary. Worry for the latest recruit was covered with a wrap of indifference.

"Has your memory improved at all?" Cassidy asked nonchalantly, trying to make small talk.

"No, I still don't remember much," Misty answered flatly.

Cassidy's lips formed a line as she inhaled, feeling awkward suddenly.

"Sorry to hear that," Butch grumbled, a tone of regret in the back of his throat. The two still pitied Misty a little for what happened, but in no way were going to help her out. They weren't going to reveal that it was because of them she was in this situation, amnesiac and a droid of Team Rocket's. She was still their enemy despite working as an ally. Their loyalty remained with Giovanni.

"Well perk up," Cassidy said with feigned enthusiasm. "You were the one who found that stone last night. Amnesia or not, your performance hasn't been affected." The older redhead resisted rolling her eyes at the compliment.

"I guess so," Misty sighed with a shrug.

"Don't be so modest," Butch encouraged. "Had you not thought to check that cabinet we'd've come back with nothing." Butch cringed inwardly at how fake he was coming off right now. But like Cassidy had to stray Misty from suspecting anything amiss.

"Well, we won't be keeping you," Cassidy said hurriedly. "Dr. Reiko must be waiting."

Misty responded with a nod and skirted passed the duo without another word. Butch and Cassidy watched her disappear into another corridor to the slight left.

"At least she still doesn't remember," Butch whispered, hopeful.

Cassidy murmured her reply, "We need to ensure that she never does."

It astonished Ash how much effort it actually took to find them. On any other given day, they would appear when Ash least expected them and their presence unwanted. Not like he ever sought out their company, but pride be damned Ash needed to find Team Rocket.

He and Brock surmised that if they ran into the infamous trio then they would be able to engage in battle with hopes of getting information on Misty.

Like Brock mentioned before they had to contact the authorities, which ended up not being needed. They saw the news report at the Pokémon Center not shortly after making the decision to find Team Rocket and on the news everything from the lighthouse break-in to the theft scouring the region to Misty's disappearance. Though the news reporter said that the police didn't like it with the other goings-on. But Ash, Brock and Pikachu knew better.

Once their team was recharged and ready for battle in the event that it needed to happen, Ash, Brock and Pikachu kept their eyes peeled for the three stooges.

They liked to be in disguise a lot and in the city of thousands of people, ranging from tourists, workers and citizens, the feat was proving to be difficult.

They had agreed not to split up since it was better to engage them together.

Time past agonizingly slow and no sign of the three rogues, nor any sign of other Team Rocket grunts, or Misty. Eventually, Ash, Brock and Pikachu decided to not put as much effort. It seemed to only ever work that way. They didn't need to find Team Rocket, as Team Rocket tended to always find them.

So now this game of cat and mouse, Ash, Brock and Pikachu had to reverse the roles they were initially in. It was time for them to play the mouse once more. They only hoped that not too much time will be lost waiting around for Jessie, James and Meowth.

After their meal, Jessie, James and Meowth left to find a more private place to further plan where to start their pursuit of Mega Stones. They were a bit limited at the moment. They still held access to their hot air balloon, which at the moment was hidden somewhere in the mountainous terrain on the route just outside of Cerluean City. However their supply of tech equipment was little to none other than the PokéNav they had, which had a tendency to malfunction, voiding its purpose.

As they planned, the three of them sauntered through the streets of the metropolis. This gave them time to think and some air. Because they had yet to recluse somewhere where ears unbidden couldn't hear them, they spoke with hushed tones and tried their best to look as normal as possible, allowing their disguises to do the work for them.

"If there was one in the lab outside the lighthouse," Meowth began, walking on his two back legs and a paw on his chin in rumination. "Maybe there's more stashed there."

"Then they would have been taken," James told the cat. "Actually, unless the boss only wanted one in particular." The lavender haired man began to consider the possibilities.

"Not likely," Jessie said. "Why stop at one when you'd've had access to more? Isn't there some sort of museum here? If so, a Mega Stone is bound to be on display as some kind of ancient Pokémon relic."

"I don't ever recall hearing about any museums here," James said. "There's one in Pewter City, though."

"Hey, that's right, Jimmy, the Pewter Museum of Science," Meowth elucidated. "It's got plenty of old world artifacts. It's got fossils, meteors, ancient rocks, whole exhibits of them."

"Good work, we can begin there, since it's closest to here," Jessie said, feeling her chest swell with hope.

"We could take the Mt. Moon route," James suggested. "Remember that huge moon stone with all those Clefairy?" James asked, alluding to their failed attempt at stealing the said moon stone from the Clefairy but of course that plan was foiled by none other than the—

"Hey!" came a voice that should sound familiar to the trio but for a fleeting moment was foreign to them.

"Did you hear something?" James asked, exchanging looks with Jessie and Meowth. The two also heard something but shrugged it off, or would have it did not shout again.

"Hey!" it called again, this time Jessie, James and Meowth's brows furrowed in contemplation.

"It sounds annoyingly familiar," Jessie hissed, yet she and the others were still struggling placing a name and a face with the voice.

The three of them had stopped in their tracks on a barren sidewalk. Although it was past ten in the morning, the streets weren't as busy quite yet possibly because it was a weekday or that people were beginning to heed the warnings of criminal behavior.

Then came another voice that too was somewhat recognizable but not something they frequently heard as often as the first. "Hey!" the second voice echoed the first, but was much deeper and less boyish.

"That also sounds familiar…" Meowth said.

At last a third voice, which was merely a cry of indignation and demand caught their attention fully. "Pika!" And like a bolt of lightening, it all clicked in. The three of them turned to the source and a couple of feet away, barreling in their direction they saw them.

Pikachu was sprinting ahead near Ash's feet and the black haired trainer looked angry with intent. Behind the two was a taller boy that Team Rocket remembered to be Brock from Ash's earlier days as a trainer.

"Pikachu?" James exclaimed, inching a step back. "And the—"

"The twerp?" James and the others said in unison.

Ash, Pikachu and Brock were closing the gap and Team Rocket only watched, rooted to the ground as their enemies drew closer and closer.

"What're they doing?" Meowth asked.

Finally Ash lunged forward, reaching out for James's shirt but was shoved back by the grunt instead.

"What'd you do to her?" Ash shouted, barely wincing at the contact.

"To who?" Jessie asked, rage boiling within.

"You know who!" Ash shouted, fists clenched and was about to make another leap towards Team Rocket but Pikachu intervened.

"Pikachu!" it shouted with equal ferocity as its trainer, sparks lighting up its cheeks in a threatening manner. Although Ash was seething with unhinged anger, the look of Pikachu ready to attack was what got Team Rocket nervous.

"Where's Misty?" Ash demanded again with Brock now standing at his side.

Team Rocket all looked at each other. "Misty?" Jessie asked in genuine puzzlement. "Who on earth?"

"Don't play dumb," Brock warned.

"Pika…" Pikachu growled, tail high up in defense.

"I think he means that redhead," James said, unsure if he was correct. But for Jessie it became clear.

"Oh her?" Jessie asked in distaste before turning to face Ash again. "No idea, why hound us?"

"Liars," Ash hissed. "She's with you guys. She's with Team Rocket."

Jessie, James and Meowth's faces were suddenly full of mirth.

"Her? Like she'd ever be among our ranks," James snickered.

"Quit it, just tell us where she is," Ash said.

"Like we said, twerp," Meowth told him in a derisive tone. "We know nothing. And what makes you think she's with Team Rocket?"

"Because she is," Brock stated. "She was with them last night at the lighthouse."

The humor drained from Team Rocket's faces just as quick as it came, now blotted with bewilderment.

"You're kidding," James scoffed.

"Where is she?" Ash asked through gritted teeth and thinly veiled patience. "Make it easier on yourselves and tell us where Team Rocket's keeping her."

"Whether what you're saying is the truth or complete nonsense," Jessie snarled, her patience also wearing thin fast. "Neither of us know what you're talking about. We haven't seen her."

Ash's fists clenched even tighter as he took a deep breath to steady his temper. He remained silent, a trait so unlike him.

"You expect us to believe you three?" Brock spat, unconvinced.

Jessie sneered at the older boy. "We don't expect you to believe us ever. We're felons not saints. But in the case of this, yes."

"Pikachu…" Pikachu grumbled angrily, but its stance was slackening a bit.

Ash swallowed, his mouth completely dry as he ruminated on what he was hearing. He didn't believe it nor did he believe them. Someone was lying or so he thought.

"Even if you haven't seen her," Ash began in a slightly calmer tone, which was still an overstatement. "You know where she is. I can't imagine Team Rocket not communicating with every one involved."

"Profound, twerp," Jessie deadpanned. "Allow me to remind you that you know zip about Team Rocket. We told you we don't know where she is and quite honestly, don't care where she is. But I'm beginning to lose my patience with you."

"Because that's my concern," Ash retorted with acidic sarcasm. "I'm not going anywhere until you tell me where she is and what you've done to her. I'll battle you if that's what it comes to."

"Jeez, quit sounding like a broken record," Meowth said in irritation.

"For the last time we know nothing," James hissed, seething with agitation.

"Why should I believe you?" Ash shot back.

"Use your head, boy," James said. "We have been in the Kalos region for the past couple of months. We only just arrived in town late last night."

"Are you forgetting our encounters then?" Meowth asked.

Realization began to leech Ash's anger but his desperation only grew. They had a point. They were following him in the Kalos region, he remembers. And he had seen them there last too. He bit his lip, trying to make sense of it all. A shred of denial still lingered, though. He didn't want to be fooled into believing them. "How is that you don't know what happened to her? I'm not convinced that you three aren't in touch with the others."

"Goes to show how much you know about us," Jessie said. "If you must know, we like to work alone for the most part, as you should have realized by now. Just because the others are our allies, comrades some would say, blech. We're not all friends."

"She's the gym leader isn't she?" James asked suddenly with sincere curiosity.

Ash looked at the man but said nothing.

"That's correct," Brock answered.

"We just heard about her absence from the gym on the news," James explained, casually, no trace of concern or worry for the redhead. "Maybe she took a vacation."

Ash shook his head quickly. "No, we saw her with the other members of Team Rocket last night. She was with Butch and Cassidy and dressed in their uniform and she didn't even remember us."

"Tragic," replied Meowth, flatly, looking at his nails with more interest than Ash.

"Pikachupi…" Pikachu said, sadly, earning the looks from Team Rocket.

A moment of silence past. Ash's head was faced down in defeat. Pikachu had come to Ash's feet, nuzzling him at the ankle with empathy. Brock took looked grim and downcast. Misty's friends were feeling hopeless and heartbroken.

Another moment past and Team Rocket was beginning to feel awkward and uncomfortable. It felt too emotional and sappy for their taste. With a subtle cough, Jessie spoke again. "Tough luck. We'll be going now—"

"Help us find her," Ash's head shot up, a look of yearning in his brown eyes.

Brock, Pikachu and Team Rocket all looked at him confused looks as though uncertain they heard him right.

"What now?" James said.

"Help us find her," Ash parroted his own words as though imploring suddenly.

"Ash—what?" Brock was at a lost for words. But Ash ignored his friend.

"You'd be able to find her," Ash went on. "You work for Team Rocket, so it'd be easy for you guys to—"

"Hold it," Jessie said, offended and outraged. "We're not helping anybody! Who'd you think we are, boy?"

"We have things we need to take care of," James said in equal disdain.

Ash took a step further. "You know where Butch and Cassidy are?"

"Regrettably," Meowth said.

"Then Misty will be there too," Ash said with certainty. "You guys must have some sort of meeting place or something— or whatever but because you're Team Rocket, you can help us find the other members of Team Rocket."

"Pikapi?" Pikachu looked up at Ash, questioning its trainer's motives.

"Ash, this doesn't seem like a smart idea," Brock tried to convince his friend.

"Brock they can help us," Ash told Brock, facing him with confidence.

"No— no we cannot," James argued with a resolute shake of his head. "Like Jessie said before, we work alone and don't play nice with others."

"Not to mention, helping you into our facility would be an act of betrayal on Team Rocket," Jessie further explained with seriousness.

"Then we'll plan everything out," Ash said. "The others won't have to know."

"You must be truly desperate," Jessie said in a patronizing quality.

Ash paused, swallowing and stifling his better judgement. "Please?" he entreated with more despair, gesturing his hands out in a supplicating manner. "Please."

Brock and Pikachu were quiet. The two didn't like what Ash was trying to get involved in but condoned it in a way with their inaction. They too were desperate find Misty and help her recover from whatever mind control she was under. And it made sense that the Team Rocket trio was their best chance of finding their friend.

Jessie, James and Meowth too were silent. Exchanging looks once again. The three were hesitant. It would be a betrayal but at the same time the pitiful way Ash looked and sounded, they kind of felt sorry for him (something they'd never admit to). In their tumultuous past they had teamed up with Ash and his friends, Misty being among them, before and were able to succeed.

"Well?" James asked in a hushed tone, eyes darting between Jessie and Meowth.

"She's likely at HQ," Meowth said. "That's where the others are."

"That's where Cassidy and Butch are," Jessie noted and her lips formed a mischievous grin. "Why do I suspect they had something to do with the little brat going missing?"

"You might be right, Jess," James said. "They tend to be stationed in the Kanto and Johto regions only. As far as how or why, I don't know…"

Jessie exhaled, pride feeling tainted but not completely, she said, "Regardless, maybe helping the twerps and Pikachu may not be so wrong. We do have to report back to the boss. In the meantime we could also say hello to our comrades. And…" She paused, her smile growing more sinister. "We may be able to get the twerp here to do something for us in return."

James and Meowth both smiled with wide mouths. James laughed his signature giddy laugh, "Oooohooooohoooo!"

Team Rocket faced Ash, Pikachu and Brock, Jessie taking the lead and looking at Ash mainly.

"Congratulations, twerp," she said. "You just earned yourself some temporary allies."

Ash's eyes lit up but his posture still rigid. Brock and Pikachu remained unsure. Ash knew that this was reckless, dumb even. But he wasn't going to be stupid. He'd be cautious, yet for now he was just relieved to find some help.

Jessie outstretched her right hand to seal their alliance. Ash stretched out his right hand too, pausing for a second as he briefly reconsidered but that was overshadowed easily with the thought of finding Misty.

He took Jessie's hand and together they clasped each other's.

…Their grip was bruising. Eyes fierce and narrowed—untrusting the other…

TO BE CONTINUED…

A/N: Little more filler here.