Chapter 8: Ash's Double Agents
Misty couldn't believe her own eyes. For years she had seen Ash do battle against these three time and time again, and yet now here they were speaking to Ash as if it was nothing. The Pokémon who were present didn't show any hostility towards them. Even Pikachu, who normally would have sent them blasting off by now, was fine with their presence.
"So, what did you find out?" Ash inquired.
"Well, after some poking around, we found that…"
"Whoa, hold on one second! What the Hell is going on here?! Why are these three here and why haven't you sent them packing yet?!" Misty shouted.
"You haven't told her about us?" Jessie asked.
"I haven't had a chance to," Ash answered.
"Tell me what?" Misty inquired.
"Just like how you said things between you and Daisy have improved things between the four of us have improved as well," Ash said.
"Improved… how?" Misty asked, still not quite seeing where he was going with this.
"Well, as you may have already guessed, the three of us have a new boss now," Jessie stated.
"Oh really. And just who is it this time?" Misty asked.
"You're looking at him," Meowth answered. Misty still had no idea who they were talking about, but after taking some time to think she gasped.
"Wait a minute! You don't mean Ash… do you?" she questioned.
"We most certainly do," James confirmed. For Misty this revelation was more shocking than one of Pikachu's signature Thunderbolts.
"When did… I mean, how… what…" There were so many questions Misty wanted to ask that she had a difficult time trying to decide what to ask first.
"Slow down, Misty. Take a deep breath and calm down," Ash advised. Misty took a few deep breaths to calm herself down and, after a while, was able to form a proper question.
"Okay… how did you guys end up working for Ash?" she inquired.
"It was an easy thing to do after he saved our lives and all," Meowth replied.
"Wait a minute! Saved your lives?! What's he talking about?!" Misty asked.
"It would probably be best if I started from the beginning," Ash said.
"Please do," Misty requested, curious to see how this unlikely partnership began.
"It all came about when I forced myself to stop chasing Team Rocket everywhere," Ash admitted. That was a bit of information that caught Misty by surprise.
"Force yourself to stop chasing Team Rocket? Why would you have to do that?" she wondered. Ash cast his gazed towards the ground. He knew the answer to her question, and it wasn't something he was proud to admit.
"Because… Because it was changing me… and not for the better," he finally said. "As I was chasing them over all the regions all I could think about was getting my revenge. Revenge on them for what they had done to me, revenge on everyone in Pallet Town that turned their backs on me. I was so consumed in my quest for revenge that I didn't even notice how it was changing me. It wasn't long before I started to become someone I didn't recognize anymore… someone who scared me to death." As Misty listened she could hear the fear in his voice clearly.
"Before I lost myself completely I made myself stop my pursuit," he continued. "If I had kept going who knows what I would have eventually become. It was then I decided to just settle down somewhere and start over as a new person. I eventually settled on Unova. I even came up with a new identity so no one would know who I really was."
"And I take it this is where you ran into these three," Misty assumed. Ash nodded.
"It wasn't long after I got myself settled in that news of a Team Rocket operation began spreading throughout the Unova region," Ash said. "I went to investigate, and to possibly stop it. Imagine my surprise when I found these guys in charge of it all."
"Even though our original operation in Unova failed Giovanni was very impressed with us, so impressed that he appointed us as the heads of the Team Rocket Unova branch," James continued. "Of course there were those within the organization that weren't too pleased with that."
"Namely, Butch and Cassidy," Jessie added. Misty was all too familiar with those two. Over the years those two had always been at odds with Jessie, James and Meowth despite the fact that they all worked for the same organization.
"They really hated the fact that we were rising up through the ranks while they were plummeting like stones. What made it even worse was the fact that they were assigned to work under us in the Unova branch," James explained. "Safe to say they were extremely pissed off."
"That's an understatement. I can't remember when's the last time I saw Cassidy that mad. That girl was mad enough to make Arceus cringe," Meowth commented.
"In any case they didn't like their positions within the organization, which makes what they did next seems blatantly obvious," James added.
"What did they do?" Misty asked.
"They tried to kill us," Jessie answered.
"K-Kill you?!" Misty gasped.
"That's right," Jessie confirmed. "They had quite the plan, too. They had talked with enough grunts that, like them, hated the fact that we were now in Giovanni's favor and convinced them to join up with them in their attempt. Once they had amassed enough forces they attacked us. Once we were dead they would just report back to Giovanni and tell him we were killed battling a group of powerful trainers that took us by surprise. And Giovanni would be none the wiser."
"They had it all planned out, and their plan seemed like it would go off without a hitch," James continued. "However, there was one thing they weren't expecting."
"What was that?" Misty wondered.
"Me," Ash replied.
"Their plans didn't take into account the fact that Ash here was in Unova, or that he would suddenly appear and help us beat the shit out of Butch, Cassidy and their flunkies," Meowth said.
"So wait, you came to their rescue, even though they were with Team Rocket?" Misty questioned.
"I did. Even if we were at odds for years they've proven that they have good hearts at times and aren't all bad," Ash said. "Still, I had to know if they were involved."
"With the attack on Pallet Town?" Misty asked. Ash nodded.
"I had my doubts about their involvement. I wanted to believe that they would never be involved in something like that, but I needed to hear it from them first before I decided whether they were or weren't," Ash explained.
"And?" Misty inquired.
"They weren't," Ash replied.
"You mean you took their word for it, just that easily?" Misty questioned.
"Not at first. It wasn't until Lucario confirmed it that I completely believed them," Ash told her.
"How did Lucario know?" she wondered.
"(It's quite simple, really. I used my aura to sense if they were being dishonest,)" the Aura Pokémon explained.
"You can do that?" Misty asked.
"(It's a simple task for those gifted enough in the use of aura,)" Lucario continued.
"I see. So you three had nothing to do with the attack," Misty said.
"Absolutely not. We may be a lot of things, but we're not murderers," Jessie said.
"There's a line we'll never cross, and that day Giovanni crossed it," James added.
"Even though Ash here constantly got in our way in the past we'd never stoop so low as to attack his home, and we'd never go as far as to murder his mom," Meowth concluded.
"When I told them what happened they were so disgusted that they almost quit Team Rocket right then and there," Ash said.
"Why didn't they?" Misty wondered.
"Because of a deal he made with us," Meowth stated. "He said if we helped him bring down Giovanni and Team Rocket that he'd help us start over in life."
"A clean slate with all our past dealings with Team Rocket forgiven," James continued. "Naturally this was an opportunity we couldn't pass up. So we accepted his offer and stayed with Team Rocket, acting as his eyes and ears on the inside."
"So you're kinda like his inside agents, huh," Misty commented.
"Exactly," Jessie confirmed. "We continue to operate like normal, only we secretly feed Ash information about any major operations we discover so he can alert the authorities ahead of time."
"Sounds like a convenient deal," Misty commented. "That reminds me. What happened to Butch and Cassidy?"
"They spent some time in prison before we had to bust them out," James said. "Giovanni's orders."
"So they're back causing trouble somewhere else," Misty assumed.
"That's where you're wrong," Jessie said. "We may have busted them out, but once that was done they were immediately recalled back to our Kanto HQ."
"Giovanni heard about their attempted coup and decided that disciplinary actions were needed," James added.
"D-Disciplinary… action?" Misty repeated, which prompted the trio to nod in response. Just the thought of what that could have involved was enough to send a shiver up her spine. By now though Ash knew it was important to get back to the business at hand.
"Now, what have you found out?" he asked.
"It's not good, I'm afraid," Jessie began.
"Giovanni is amassing a large number of grunts at the Mt. Silver base," James continued. This was certainly not news Ash wanted to hear.
"Damn… what could he be planning?" he wondered.
"That's what we'd like to know. We asked if he needed us as well, but for some reason he ordered us to remain her in Unova," James said.
"You don't think he suspects you three, so you?" Ash asked.
"We're not sure. We haven't given him any reason to," Meowth answered.
"Still, best to proceed with caution. If he doesn't suspect you then we need to keep it that way," Ash advised.
"Don't worry. She's not leaving anything he can use to trace this back to us," Meowth assured him.
"Whose not?" Misty inquired.
"I'm not." Misty was surprised by the new voice, but she was even more surprised by who the voice belonged to. It was a purple feline Pokémon who, like Meowth, walked upright.
"Who's that?" she asked.
"This is Purrloin, the newest member of their group," Ash said.
"A pleasure," Purrloin greeted.
"Likewise," Misty replied. "I have to say I didn't expect to encounter another talking Pokémon."
"Learning to speak your language makes our operations run more smoothly. That's one of the main reasons I asked Meowth to teach me," Purrloin explained.
"Meowth taught you? Well that explains a lot," Misty commented.
"Purrloin wasn't my only student," Meowth interjected.
"She wasn't? Who else did… oh, I get it now. You also taught Zorua, didn't you," Misty said.
"He sure did," Zorua confirmed.
"They were my two best students… even if they were my only students," Meowth bragged.
"I'd prefer it that way. The last thing I want is for you to get swept away by another, more attractive girl," Purrloin purred as she wrapped her paws around Meowth's arm.
"I only got eyes for you, baby," Meowth replied.
"Hold on, are you two…" Meowth just sent a smirk Misty's way.
"Pikachu ain't the only one with a hot little gal by his side," the Scratch Cat Pokémon bragged. "Right, buddy?" Pikachu gave him an enthusiastic "Pika!" in response.
"Well if you ask us it's Purrloin and I who have two handsome hunks by our sides," Zorua stated.
"You said it," Purrloin agreed. As pleasant as the conversation was everyone remembered that there was a serious matter that needed to be addressed.
"So, have you found out anything?" Ash asked Purrloin.
"Based on what Jessie, James and Meowth said I checked around to see if I could find out why they were being ordered to remain in Unova. Turns out it's not just them. All Team Rocket agents stationed in Unova have been given orders to remain here," Purrloin reported.
"All agents stationed in Unova got those orders?" Ash questioned.
"Yes. I must say this seems a bit strange, considering the fact that all other agents have been called back to the Mt. Silver base," the Devious Pokémon concluded.
"Hold on. How are you finding out all this without getting caught?" Misty asked.
"I have my ways. A girl has to keep some secrets, right?" Purrloin responded.
"She's a master at the art of stealth. She can sneak in and out of anywhere without being detected. It's what makes her a perfect fit for Team Rocket,' Ash explained.
"That it does," Jessie agreed.
"But getting back to this, I don't have a good feeling about this. For Giovanni to recall all his agents except those in Unova sounds fishy," he said.
"You think he knows you're in Unova?" Misty inquired.
"I don't know. Not enough people know I'm in Unova, so if he did find out I have no idea how," Ash said.
"Do you want us to investigate?" James offered. Ash took some time to think before answering.
"Yes, but only if you can do it without raising suspicion. If he's figured out that I'm in Unova then who knows what else he's discovered. So find out what you can, but be cautious," he advised.
"Don't worry. No one will suspect a thing," James assured him.
"Okay then. Good luck." At that moment a strong gust of wind blew through, forcing Misty to cover her eyes.
"Jeez, what's with the… huh?!" When she opened her eyes Team Rocket was gone.
"Where did they go?" she asked.
"They're off to take care of their mission," Ash answered. Misty looked at him.
"You really trust them now, don't you," she commented.
"After what we've been through over the years… yeah," he replied. Before Misty could say anything else her phone began to ring. She took it out and looked to see who was calling.
"It's Daisy. She must be calling to see how things are going here." She was about to answer it when something occurred to her.
"If she asks about you what do I tell her?" she asked.
"Well, you said you trusted her, right?" Ash asked.
"That's right. She and I feel you're not to blame for what happened in Pallet Town," Misty answered.
"Well if you trust her then I will to," Ash said. With a vote of confidence from Ash Misty answered her phone.
"It's good to hear your voice again, Misty," Daisy said. "How are things in Unova?"
"It's going great," Misty told her.
"Have you found Ash? Was he in Unova?" Daisy inquired. Misty took one last look at Ash. He gave her a slight nod, letting her know to go ahead. Mist returned the nod and gave Daisy the news.
"Yes, he's in Unova. In fact he's standing in front of me right now."
"Misty, that's awesome! I knew you could find him!" Daisy shouted. "Has he changed any? Or is he still the same old Ash?"
"Well, there are some noticeable differences, but he's still the same Ash on the inside," Misty told her.
"Okay. Oh wow, I'm so glad you found him," the eldest Waterflower said. "By the way, have you given out your invite yet?"
"My invite? What in… oh shit!"
"I thought so," Daisy sighed after hearing Misty's reaction.
"I completely forgot! With everything that's been going on and coming to Unova to find Ash... damnit, damnit, damnit!" Misty swore.
"Calm down, girl. You still have time," Daisy said. "The tournament isn't for a while yet, so you can still hand out your invite and get back here before the deadline."
"Okay… okay. I'll get right on that," Misty promised.
"Hey, why don't you see if Ash wants in. I'm sure the allure of competition will be something he can't pass up," Daisy suggested. With that she hung up,. Leaving Misty to ponder her suggestion.
"That's not a bad idea," she mused.
"What's this about an invite?" Ash inquired.
"I'm surprised you don't know. The various Pokémon Leagues around the world are hosting a League Invitational Tournament to be held at the Indigo Plateau. Trainers from all over the world will be participating, and the one who wins will be officially named Pokémon Master," Misty explained. Just as Daisy said Ash's interest was piqued at the mention of a Pokémon tournament to name the next Pokémon Master.
"Now that's definitely something I need to participate in," he declared. "How do I register?"
"Well, first you'll need to receive an invite. All Gym Leaders, Elite 4 members and champions have with them a single invite, and they choose who gets them," Misty further explained.
"Well if I heard right you haven't given yours out yet," Ash stated.
"Oh no, Ash Ketchum, I'm not giving you mine invite that easily. If you want it you'll have to earn it," Misty declared. The Cerulean City Gym Leader knew this would lead to only one outcome.
"You want me to earn it, huh? Fine. I challenge you to a Pokémon battle!" Ash announced. A smile graced Misty's face, for this is just what she was looking for.
"I accept!"
The news of a major tournament has sparked Ash'snterest, and now he must defeat Misty if he wishes to enter. Will he defeat her, or will Misty be the one to claim victory? Find out in the next chapter of Regrets & Redemption!
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