Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon be it the games or anime.

Misty awoke with a groan and looked around, she was still tied up but her leg wasn't feeling so wet. Team Rocket had replaced the bandage and cleaned the wound while she had been knocked out, but why? "Hey, you three get in here" she yelled.

"So the pretty little princess is awake" James said appearing after a few moments. "As loud as ever it seems" he muttered shaking his head as if her manners annoyed him.

"I'll be as loud as I want, now answer my question!" she yelled.

"What question?" James asked.

"Why did you kidnap me," Misty repeated.

James smiled in obvious pleasure at having the highground in this conversation "let's keep that a secret for now" he smiled when he saw Mistys face filled with rage and her cheeks burning nearly as bright as her hair.

"Geo, Geodude" the rock pokemon spoke as it moved aside a plant pot and picked up a bottle with a note inside. He glided over and held it in front of Brock.

"What's this?" Brock took the bottle thanking Geodude for his help. He slammed the bottle down on the bedpost making glass shatter onto the floor and taking the note, he looked at Ash who walked over to him.

"Twerps,

We want that Pikachu and now we'll have it. We've got your companion with us, meet us at Starlight Cliff at three o'clock and we'll lay out your choice."

Team Rocket"

Brock finished reading and looked over at Ash who was shaking "you okay?" he asked.

"This time, they've gone to far," Ash growled, his eyes filled with an anger Brock had never seen before. "This time, they won't just blast off" he ran to the door and peeked out at a clock to check the time, Nurse Joy was still on the phone with the police. "We better get moving," he said and rushed back to Brock, "thanks guys" he said and returned his pokemon to their balls, Brock doing the same. "How far away is the cliff?" he asked as they left the Pokemon Center after a rushed summary to the worried nurse.

"Pretty far" Brock said, "we'll need to go back in the opposite direction."

Ash looked around and found a stand, "looks like we'll need a faster way than legs" he said and motioned towards a bike rental. "Let's go" he said and the two rushed over to speak to the man handling the shop. "Excuse me sir, we need to rent two of your bikes" he said quickly.

"Certainly boy, you two will just need to fill out these forms and pay a fee of fifty dollars each" the man said pulling out some documents.

"Fifty bucks?" Ash stepped back in surprise.

"Come to think of it Ash, wasn't Misty holding onto most of our money" Brock realized before digging through his pockets and pulling out a mere twenty dollars, Ash turned out his pockets giving him a five. "Its not even enough for one bike" the two looked at the money then each other before Brock held the twenty-five dollars out to the man. "We're kind of in a rush, do you think we could pay you back when we return?" he asked.

"Sorry boys but no money means no bike rides" the man said shaking his head.

"How long do you think it would take to get to Starlight Cliff from here on legs?" Ash asked.

"Starlight Cliff, eh" the man scratched his head in thought, "about a few hours or so. But you two looking both like strapping young men, you can handle the hike" he said nodding with approval.

"That's not the point" Ash said, "gah he wouldn't believe us even if we told him the truth" he said to Brock.

"We only have one other option Ash" Brock said unhappiness in his voice.

"What?" Ash asked, "what's our option?"

"We could hitch a ride to somewhere close and go from there" Brock said in thought, "it's not the best way but it's our only other option than walking" he looked to see what Ash thought.

"Thanks for nothing man" Ash muttered and grabbed his money back, stuffing it in his pockets he and Brock both ran towards a nearby dirt road. They looked around for any signs of motion along the pathway other than walkers (mostly Pokemon trainers.) They ran up the road hoping to catch a lift if not they were risking time just standing still, eventually the boys spotted a small truck. Taking the risk they ran to the driver who was leaning back in the shade obviously taking a break "excuse me" Ash called over as they ran.

The boys stopped a few inches away from the driver kneeling over for a small moment to catch their breath before Brock was able to ask between heavy breaths whether they could hitch a ride as close to Starlight Cliff as possible. The man denied "its to rocky and dangerous there, you boys seem to be in fine shape why bother riding anyway, it's a beautiful day" he pointed out.

"It's just we're in a rush, we can pay you" Ash added quickly before pulling out the money and Brock doing the same. "That's all we have," he said now standing tall, "if you could get us as close as possible or as far as this will take you" Ash looked at the man in desperation.

The driver shook the back of his head and looked at the to boys, he nodded his head "in you two go, but on the way you tell me why you're so eager to get to the cliff" he said obviously stating it in the agreement of driving them.

"Sure, whatever, just please hurry" Ash said and he and Brock ran and jumped in the back of the truck.

The driver shook his head "I knew I shouldn't have stopped driving" he muttered before heading back over and opening the door and climbing inside. He turned the keys and the engine started and soon enough the three were riding along, "now tell me your story" he demanded.

Brock and Ash nodded as they took turns explaining about Team Rocket and Mistys abduction, and the meeting at Starlight Cliff and anything else that would as they noticed make him go a bit faster. "Only until 3 o'clock huh," the driver muttered, "that Team Rocket plays dirtier and dirtier, alright boys hold on tight" he growled before stepping and speeding up. He would go fast then slow and fast again the speed would adjust now that they were closer to the rocky terrain until it came to a stop. "This is as far as I can take you boys" he said looking back and they hopped out.

"Thank-you for the ride" Ash said before he and Brock took off not looking back, they had to get moving whether they were early or on time it didn't matter so long as they weren't late.

Team Rocket had tied Misty up, binding her legs together and hands tied behind her back. Her hair was out of it's ponytail and riffled from the obvious fight she had put up to escape. She was struggling against her bonds and shouting at the trio only to either be yelled at or ignored. Misty didn't stop her fight though, she wasn't about to be used as a trade item for them to get Pikachu from Ash.

"Where are we?" Misty asked as she looked at James and Jesse. Only a few moments ago had the group left the meowth air traveler and landed on some rocky cliff.

"Starlight Cliff. It will be the perfect place for the negotiations" Jesse said enjoying Misty's confused expression. "You see brat, we didn't kidnap you just for the heck of it. This time we have a plan."

"That's what you always say, then you get blasted off by Pikachu," Misty snapped, "what makes you think that this time it's going to work" she asked with a small smirk.

"It's simple really, we have you" Meowth said. "You are the key to getting Pikachu," he said, "now we can finally get those promotions. You see in exchange for letting you go they give us Pikachu without a fight of course. If they decide Pikachu stays, well you stick with us and who knows what could happen then" Meowth added.

"Ash will never give Pikachu up, and Pikachu would never go with you" Misty growled.

"Not even in exchange for you?" Jesse asked. "That's why you're here with us, because the twerp needs to choose it's either you or the Pikachu" she said with a triumphant smile.

Misty just sat there in shock it took a few moments before she regained her composure "Ash and Pikachu would never surrender so easily" Misty said, "not even for me" she looked at them straight in the eyes.

They wouldn't do it, not even for me she thought as if trying to make herself believe it were true but deep down she had a strong feeling in the pit of her stomach that she was possibly wrong. That was something she couldn't allow to happen she wouldn't let Ash trade.

Misty looked around, "they aren't going to come" she said but froze when the others laughed. They stepped in front of her and her eyes opened wide, her heart began to pound.

"Prepare for trouble"

"Make it double"

Misty shook her head, they couldn't be there.

"To protect the world from devestation"

"To unite all peoples within our nation"

"To denounce the evils of truth and love"

"To extend of reach to the stars above"

"Jesse"

"James"

"Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light"

"Surrender now or prepare to fight"

"Meowth that's right"

Misty struggled against her bonds listening to the trio say their little usual motto but she growled when they stepped aside "Ash what do you think you're doing here you fool! Can't you realize a trap when you see one" she looked down at her friends that stood at the bottom of the cliff, he wanted to start to cry in anger, in sadness, in happiness, she didn't know which one but she didn't let the tears appear as she looked down and her friends looked up. "Go away!"

"The little red head gave us quite some trouble you know" James said, "we had to use a lot of toxin to knock her out."

"You better not have laid one finger on Misty" Ash growled followed by an agreeing 'Pika' from his Pikachu.

"Never would we think of doing that" James said.

"Why we even went to the trouble of changing the bandage on her legs, you should be grateful to us" Jesse said with a smirk.

"Get out of here, now!" Misty yelled out.

Her words went unheard however "you let Misty go right now you three" Ash yelled as he looked up.

"Ah but you see twerp that isn't how things are going to go" Meowth said.

"What do you mean?" Brock asked, he knew they wouldn't just let Misty go if they asked but something was different. They seemed much more confident that usual.

"Get lost" Misty yelled with all her might, "whatever you do don't listen to them Ash, Brock."

The bunch looked at her "shut-up, we're almost letting you go free don't you dare bother us now" Jesse growled.

"We have a proposition for you two" Meowth said, "an even trade if you will" he said.

"Nothings even or fair with you three" Brock said.

"Very true, even so listen to this" Misty was suddenly pushed forward by Jesse who spoke next "how about a little trade?"

"Trade?" Ash and Brock looked at Team Rocket both noticing Misty frantically shaking her head and yelling not to listen to them.

"You see we aren't exactly on the boss' best side at the moment due to you" Jesse explained, "so we've come up with this. Not a battle and no tricks, we will give you a choice. You can have either the twerp here and she's given us enough trouble already but in exchange we want Pikachu."

Team Rocket watched down as the two boys froze at their exchange policy "that's low even for you" Ash growled.

"Go away, don't even think about doing it Ash! I can figure out a way, don't let them use me like this" Misty yelled. "Ash don't let these low lives use me against you" she felt Jesse push her closer to the edge a moments fear passed her but quickly changed to fierce as she tried to fight against the group beside her.

Ash and Brock meanwhile looked at each other, their hearts beating fast both of their brain gears running for a loop-hole in this deal, for once Team Rocket seemed to have gotten them, they looked up at Misty who was fighting with the trio above them despite her binds. "She doesn't want to be part of the trade" Ash muttered, "but who knows what would happen if we say no" Ash looked at Pikachu, lightning charges coming out of his cheeks from anger it as well was just as insulted as Misty at being used like this.

"Pika pika, pikachu" it said angrily.

"You want to trade with Misty?" Ash said in shock receiving a nod, "no there has to be a way to keep you both safe."

"Pika" Pikachu said looking at Ash.

"I refuse" Ash replied as Pikachu put up a fight, "there has got to be a way to keep you both right?" he looked over at Brock who had his arms crossed.

He was biting his lip running every idea through his mind, any time he thought it through something always seemed to go wrong. He looked up at Misty who was looking at them, looking down at the fresh bandage on her leg his mind quickly shot to how badly it was. "I can't," Brock muttered not taking his eyes off the four above them, "I can't think of any way Ash."

Up above they could hear Misty shouting and screaming at them putting up a fight between Team Rocket. They couldn't blast them off with ease, no there was to high of a chance Misty would get hurt, Pikachu was willing to go with them and attack when they were alone but it couldn't be that easy. No there had to be a flaw, a dent, a loophole, something to help, even so Ash felt like he was fighting a losing battle with himself.

"Pika pikachu pikachu pika pika"

"Ash don't be an idiot"

"Pika"

"Dammit don't let them use me Ash!"

"I can't," Ash said quietly, "I can't do it" the boy looked up at Team Rocket, their faces smug with obvious success. "I can't risk either of you" he slumped down drowning out all the voices. What was it, what was the right choice, how could he even stand to think to gain one and lose the other, he looked down at his feet unable to decide what it was.

"ASH" Misty screamed, her voice knocking him back. "Ash Ketchum if you dare trade Pikachu to them just to get me back I will give you so much pain you will regret your decision far more than getting a thundershock from Pikachu!"

Brock looked over in shock, a pokemon battle, Team Rocket had the height advantage but his pokemon were rock type so they could easily move and work with the terrain. Team Rocket certainly wouldn't be able to move swiftly enough if he used both Onyx and Geodude to cause a diversion and save Misty. His earlier pokemon battle idea had been shot down thinking back about Pikachu attack but if they used both Pikachu and Onyx he scanned everything and nodded his head "Ash, I have an idea" Brock relayed his plan to Ash and Pikachu who both looked at him.

Making sure that they were ready Ash looked down his body shaking slightly and gripping his fist "I'm sorry Misty" Misty gave him a look of interest, was he apologizing for choosing Pikachu over her or for choosing her over Pikachu.

"Times wasting boy, give us your choice now" Meowth said with a grin.

"First off how do we do the trade?" Ash asked.

"We will use a rope simple and easy" Meowth said.

"How do we know you won't keep them both?" Brock growled.

"Do you really think we have a use for the girl" Jesse responded.

Ash and Brock nodded "I choose Pikachu" he yelled.

Team Rocket gasped in shock, Misty looked astonished before accepting it all. Jesse, James, and Meowth looked at each other worriedly, they had definitely not expected this answer "he chose Pikachu over the girl?"

"This isn't how it was supposed to go, now what?" the group suddenly let out a scream of shock as they felt the cliff shake before any other word could be said a giant Onyx had appeared and let out a loud roar.

Pikachu jumped off it's head it's cheeks charging as it released a charge of thunder that struck Team Rocket. "Geodude" Misty said with a smile as the Geodude rose up in the air and stretched out a strong stone arm to grab her.

"Go Ekons" Jesse yelled throwing out the ball as the large black and purple snake appeared fangs ready to strike. They finally had a plan and they weren't going to allow it to fail, not when it had come so close to success, the snake jumped towards Geodude while a Wheezing appeared in front of Pikachu who shot a thunderbolt at it.

Misty had been able to roll out of the way of Ekans attack her legs and hands still confined so an attempt at running was an obviously not going to work. It hadn't taken long for Wheezing to be knocked out by Pikachu as it only took one attack before James let out a cry of disappointment as he called it back. Pikachu turned to attack Ekons. Another rumbling sound came and while it shook the cliff it did not come from Onyx this time but from a natural reaction. Suddenly things seemed to go into slow motion; Misty who had supposedly rolled over to a safer area from the battle was caught in the now unsteady area and screamed as she fell along with the rest of the cliff's edge. Geodude lowered quickly to catch her but Misty, eyes filled with fear, binded and falling fast had already fallen to far Geodude who was going as fast as he could was unable to catch her as she fell landing roughly on the ground amongst other rubble.

Silent and not moving.