Chapter 5: Brotherly Love and the City
(Villa, Beverly Hills, CA, USA; 06:56)
The new morning arisen in Beverly Hills. Wanting to check her computer, Clover woke up and crawled out of bed in a silky pink nightgown. She turned the computer in her room on as Pikachu slept soundly. Online, she found the photos of Mandy after Pikachu shocked her, Dominique and Caitlin. Their hair puffed up from the electricity in the shock. Clover laughed, waking the mouse. Stirring, he wondered about Clover's chortle. ("You're awake!") he squeaked. Clover saw comments on the photos about Mandy and there were some good ones.
IS THAT A NEW LOOK FOR MANDY? LOL
I ALWAYS PREFERRED THE AFRO ON GIRLS. THIS IS AWESOME!
DID YOU ASK WHERE SHE GOT THAT GAUDY HAIRSTYLE? I THINK IT FITS BETTER ON ME.
THANX FOR GIVING ME A NEW REASON TO DISLIKE MANDY, CLOVER! PIC IS GREAT!
The comments and likes to the photos continued to mount. Pikachu came over to see the activity. "Apparently, you're not the only one who likes these photos," she pointed out. "This one has 400 thumbs up and over 200 shares across the internet. And a lot of people dig this one, too." Pikachu laughed to the damage he caused. Before long, the two stepped out to have breakfast. "Okay, I'm gonna feed you an apple. It's too early for ketchup." Pikachu mulled but understood Clover's explanation. He rushed to the couch to find Ash. However, he also found Sam with him on the same couch, under the same set of blankets. An apple in her hand, Clover closed the refrigerator and noticed Pikachu's odd behavior as he back-stepped from the two. "Pikachu?" Curious, she came to see the oddity as Alex stepped out of her room, eying Clover's curiosity.
"What's up?" she asked. Reaching and looking, Clover's eyes just about exited her head to the sight of snuggling. Alex saw Clover take a step backwards in a stunned silence. "This should be good..." On arrival, Alex circled around Clover and also glimpsed at the two on the couch. Disbelief, Alex wanted to laugh but she covered her mouth, allowing her cheeks to puff up. She ran out of the villa, wearing a tank-top and shorts, before laughing so loud, jackhammers would be deafened. Eventually, Ash and Sam woke up and had breakfast themselves. Later on in the morning, Ash found a surfboard and paddled out to sea through the beach. Wearing only a pair of blue swimming trunks, Ash swam belly-down on the surfboard to catch waves as Clover watched using binoculars.
"So he can surf? I'd like to see how he does in this pond." Being about a quarter of a mile away from shore, Ash caught a wave and leaped up on the surfboard as Buizel and Grotle cheered him on. Sam stepped out and watched Ash bounced each wave.
"Looking good..." she chuckled. Ash looked professional out on the water. If he had more wind, he'd try to form a pipeline. He already shot some curls. Clover offered a sneer to Sam about the finding.
"So, what was it like sleeping with Ash?" The question made Sam jump.
"Wha- What are you talking about?!"
"Come on, Samantha… Alex, Pikachu and I saw you and Ash snuggled together. What, was he watching a romantic movie and you wanted to see it too?"
"N-No!" Alex heard Clover's fun, willing to join in.
"Did you have a nightmare that you wanted Ash's protection?" she teased.
"No way! I just got up to use the bathroom and wanted to check in on Ash to make sure he's okay!" Ash reached the beach with his Pokémon to greet him.
"Then why did you snuggle with him?" questioned Clover. Sam feigned an answer. Ash headed back out to the water for another run with Buizel in tow. As the spies watched on, they soon felt an interest to Ash. "Have either one of you wanted a brother before WOOHP became our lives?" The question had the other two reflecting on having Ash around their villa.
"I did before I graduated elementary school," Alex recalled. "I suddenly rethought when a few friends told me about their little brother looking through their diaries, wearing their makeup… The stories told me that being an only child was better for me." For Sam, Clover's question saw what Ash would be to them.
"Maybe but Ash seems like the ideal little brother we all wanted," she studied. "Overall, he is concerned about us. He doesn't do what other little brothers tend to do." Ash began his second run with Buizel as spotter.
"I'm guessing that's why you slept with him," Alex assumed. "Trying to play the Big Sister to him..."
"That's enough, you two-" That's when a scream exploded from next door. In the shower, Mandy's hair was full of electricity from Pikachu's discharge. The water, in hopes of washing the static from her new hairstyle that she never asked for, actually made her situation worse. Her body damp from washing herself, the static covered and shocked her. Her blood-curdling scream got the attention of the spies and Pokémon, but Ash got it the worst as the scream caught him on a wave which twisted his surfboard and tripped him to a belly-flop.
"Get this static from my body!" she yelled. Surfacing with some discomfort and aided by Buizel, Ash pulled himself back onto the surfboard.
"Who knew getting a new hairstyle involved a Thunderbolt?" teased Clover. Back on land, Ash carried the surfboard back to the villa as Sam began piecing Clover's quip.
"But I'll admit," she started. "It actually feels nice to have a bo- young man help out around here. David is David and if anyone of us has him as a boyfriend, we can agree that he'll be claimed. After all, there are more guys out there to enjoy."
"As there are more girls in the same stat," Ash added. Alex nodded to their boy who felt happy about having him over since his arrival.
"I was meaning to ask this," she opened up. "This Brock… What is he, anyway? I mean, other than some guy acting like Clover."
"He's a former Pokémon Gym Leader and learning to become a great Pokémon Breeder." The news irked the spies to believing Ash's friend wasn't as good as they believed.
"I'm starting to think this Brock wants to have a kid of his own," Sam whispered to Alex.
"What?" she gasped. Before Ash could explain more, the pool suddenly emptied. Ash's Pokémon gather when a vacuum sucked everyone into the pool and deeper.
(WOOHP HQ, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 08:33)
A door for a tunnel opened and Ash, his Pokémon and the spies fell through. Staraptor flew to avoid the pile by everyone else in front of Jerry's desk. "No matter how many times, I'll never get used to Jerry's calling," Alex groaned. Clover slowly recovered but gawked at something else.
"How about that?" she pointed out. Alex looked to see Sam on top of Ash… and their lips kissing. Clover, Alex and Pikachu gawked at the young man getting a kiss from the older redhead who had slept with him last night, who had watched over him since the blast in Versailles and made sure he'd be okay to watch his Pokémon. Sam sprung up, beet red face from the kiss.
"Sorry!" she stammered. "That was an accident!" Ash didn't seem bothered by the smooch.
"It's alright..." he eased as he got to his feet. Alex and Clover couldn't hold back on their laughter, taunting and goads for the sight in front of them.
"Are you sure there's nothing between you two?" cackled Alex.
"I think someone's afraid of losing their little teddy bear!" teased Clover. Steamed at first, Sam soon had a comeback that sounded guaranteed to shut her friends up.
"Well, since we're going on this mission, perhaps you'd like to kiss him too?" she offered. The girls stopped everything. They had no witty comeback of their own.
"Okay, girls..." Jerry spoke up. "Why don't you get suited up for your mission while Ash and I clean this mess." Obeying, the girls left for their work wardrobe. "Anyway, I'm glad you came as well. I know you're not really a WOOHP agent but your help is most necessary." Ash turned to Jerry with query.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"While I send the girls to do an investigation on our crowning thief, I'll send you on a search and report mission in Philadelphia. Apparently, a new line of fragrances have gained popularity online mere days after launching the product." To Ash, it was a chance to see more of the world.
"Doesn't sound unusual…"
"Perhaps not, until the color and name of the brand came to my attention." Jerry uploaded a photo of two bottles filled with familiar blue liquid. One was shaped like an "M" only to have a straight bar instead of the triangle on the top. It also had a spray nozzle under the middle stem. The other looked like a tall tidal wave starting to break. "These items are Mac'sashi Cool Blue fragrances. The M is the cologne and the other bottle is the perfume."
"Hold on." Ash approached the screen and noticed the liquid. "You believe the cologne and perfume may be the same drug used in France?"
"It may be speculation but knowing the effects of exposure, I'd rather not take risks if it means people's safety and WOOHP's reputation." Ash began to understand the circumstances going into this.
"I'd wanna assist you guys since you've helped me and my Pokémon. I can do this." Jerry sensed the confidence with Ash.
"Much appreciated. Now, aside from some new gear, I have a pair of hi-tech sunglasses to try out." With a press of a button, a set of sunglasses rose. Ash picked the sunglasses and put them on.
"A little weighty..."
"Yes, you see, these sunglasses have a few functions like built-in microphones on each bow and a built-in camcorder around your forehead." Ash removed the sunglasses and saw the camcorder lens, invisible from yards away.
"Pretty handy..." That's when he noticed a switch on each ear loop. "What about these?"
"Switches… The left lets you control audio and/or video. The images and sound will be automatically sent here. I'll monitor the situation from my desk. The right only works with the video. You control the zoom of the lens."
"Okay, I can work with that." Jerry had more to offer, this time in a small device that fit in the palm of his hand. It also had earphones and a tiny microphone on the string.
"This may look like a small MP3 player. However, this will be our way of communication since I'll be walking you through this operation."
"I can keep it concealed. And since this involves no action, I won't be needing my Pokémon for this?"
"I'm afraid so." Pikachu and Monferno argued in urgency to protect their trainer.
"Guys, I'll be fine. If you did come with me, we'll stick out in the crowd." Reluctant to accept, the Pokémon understood the circumstances.
"All of you will be fed before we bring you back to the villa. Meantime, there is a locker with an ideal disguise. Once dressed, you'll be on your way to Philadelphia." A nod allowed Ash to head to a room to change but not before the spies exited in their jumpsuits. Seeing Ash heading to the locker had Clover questioning the purpose.
"Where's he going?" she asked.
"I have him on an easier task. Come with me, girls! Your gadgets await." Clover and Sam looked to each other, shrug shoulders and move on. Alex rested a hand on his shoulder.
"Hey, if it works out, we'll be back before dinner," she promised.
"Sure thing," Ash hoped before entering to change. Soon enough, both sides headed out for their missions.
(Philadelphia, PA, USA; 14:40)
A young man in a hooded red spring jacket and windbreaker pants began jogging up a large flight of stone stairs to a museum with the entrance on top. The jacket had a blue patch with a white bell and "Phillies" on it. With little effort, the young man reached the top in a minute. Turning around, the young man looked out to the city from the top of the steps. One man saw the climb to see what else he could do. "Come on!" he yelled. "Finish it! Be Rocky!" Looking at the man, the hooded youngster glanced at the one cheering for him.
"What are you talking about?" he voiced, revealing himself to be Ash.
"What? Never seen the movies?" Ash shook his head. "Any boxing you know of?" The request made Ash realize what he needed.
"You mean this?" Ash bopped a little to gain rhythm. Then, he began throwing jabs and hooks, adding a few crosses and uppercuts to the mix. The man enjoyed Ash's exhibition.
"That's it! Wow, a natural! Thanks!" The man left which Ash, an earphone worn, began putting the sunglasses over his face.
"Okay, Jerry… Tell me where to go."
"Give me a moment," Jerry asked. "Let's see… Ah! Here we go! You'll see it bumping on pretty soon." A map soon emerged on the lens of Ash's sunglasses. "By the way, I'm getting an indication that you're at Philadelphia's Museum of Art. Have you done the Rocky moment?" Ash groaned at Jerry's question.
"Not you too..."
"Oh, sorry! Anyway, make sure you don't act suspicious toward the facilities." Ash scampered down the stairs before continuing on his trek. Half an hour later, he found a fragrance parlor. To the map on his sunglasses, this was the origin of the online sales spike.
"This seems to be the spot." Ash watched as a young woman exited with the items Jerry warned him about. "They have it alright." Before Ash could move in, a pair of gloved hands snatched Ash around the hip and mouth, keeping from screaming. The hands dragged Ash down a back alley, out of sight from the parlor. Free from eyes, Ash broke away and turned to his attempted kidnapper… only to find two. One was an ice-violet haired man wearing a Hawaiian shirt and sunglasses with blue slacks. The other was a white cat with gold oval coin stuck on its forehead.
"Twerp, it's us!" the ice-violet tried to ease. Ash grew angry at their appearance.
"Sorry, Team Rocket! Pikachu's not with me!"
"What do you mean Pikachu's not with you?!" the cat growled. The ice-violet stomped on the cat's head to stop.
"Meowth, not important right now!" he scolded. "Yes, normally, we'd be after Pikachu but have you noticed someone not here?" Ash looked, realizing a subtraction to the group.
"Wait, where's Jessie?" he figured out.
"That's what we wanted to talk about." Ash took off his sunglasses before adjusting the dial onto the A position.
"Just wanna make sure they're straight…" As Ash reapplied the sunglasses, Jerry received notice of the sunglasses' activation. "I'm surprised you guys would follow me outside of our world."
"Can you blame us?" groaned Meowth. Pikachu growled at the sound of an enemy of theirs. "We're trying to appease our boss by any means necessary." Jerry could tell Pikachu didn't appreciate the voices.
"I can tell that these people are ones you don't like," he assumed. Pikachu's scorning squeak confirmed.
"By the way," Ash continued the conversation. "How did you get here from… wherever you guys were trying to trap us next?"
"Foolish twerp," Meowth scoffed. "We saw youse chasing dose Unown and we followed. Den, we lost you in dat weird city with some language even I don't know about." It sounded like Team Rocket ended up in Versailles as Ash and Pikachu did.
"Figures..."
"Yes, well..." the ice-violet wanted to add. "Not long after we arrived across the ocean did Jessie take notice of some handsome young man running that new line of beauty products." Ash figured it had to do with the same line of products Ash chased as well.
"You mean the Mac'sashi products?"
"That's it, but it was named Mac's Products before Jessie came in and fell for him." Jerry sensed familiarity but needed to be certain.
"Ash, ask if you can get a description of this young man," he ordered. "The name of the line sounds like someone I should know but it's better to have the information for detail." Ash nodded to the order.
"What did he look like?"
"Brunette, blue business suit, clever smile..." the ice-violet listed. "He also spoke rather coy, even I felt humbled by his words." Jerry listened intently to the information.
"James probably should say we found dere business factory nearby," Meowth added. Ash and Jerry blinked at this bit of detail.
"The line's made locally?" the raven-haired asked. "That could explain the boom in the products' sales..." That's when James made one more point that stopped Ash and Jerry cold.
"It doesn't help that the police are involved in the line," he added. The two listening gawked at the information. It sounded surreal.
"I can't believe it," Jerry shuttered. "Police corruption? In the city of Brotherly Love?" To Ash, this became serious. Studying the information, he wondered if he could use the sunglasses to catch the action for proof.
"You said this factory is local," he recalled. "Can you show me where?"
"Absolutely," James agreed. "It's this way."
"Alright but no funny business. I don't have Pokémon but I can fight with some boxing. And since we're not back in our world, those laws don't apply here." James and Meowth shuttered in the thought that he could knock some sense into them.
"I nearly forgot about dat detail," the Alley Cat Pokémon gulped. James led the way with Meowth close at hand.
"This could be big if what they're saying is true, Jerry."
"The mere thought doesn't feel too comfortable to comprehend," Jerry murmured. "Just remain on guard." Ash began to pursue the information, hoping to find a connection to the drugs in Versailles and the fragrances in Philadelphia. Are the police involved in this work? And could it affect the spies down the road?
TO BE CONTINUED…
(Okay, an update on future stories. After the next chapter in GX, I'll step aside to do a comical Pokémon one-shot before resuming. When I finish either of these stories, I'll be doing a Pokémon story and one with Digimon. I'd like to see you guess this pairing. Also, the polls that I've suspended have shown me what fanfics you want me to do: The Legend of Zelda and Teen Titans. I'll have the polls refreshed for 2017 as the next poll will be Volume 6.)