I'm short on time so I have to be quick. Every chapter will be uploaded at least once a week. I'm so sorry updates have been so slow! I hope you enjoy this chapter! Thanks for those who have stuck with this story. I will be uploading the next two chapters over the next two days. Keep reading! Thanks again! More will come tommorrow!

What felt like hours later he finally slammed open his door. "Misty! Makaila!" There was no answer to his call and he shuddered. "No…"

He slammed the door shut behind him and ran through the bottom floor before running up the stairs and opening the door to his room.

Misty and Makaila were sitting on the bed with a book in front of them. They both turned and watched him as he let out a deep sigh of relief and slipped down the door, leaning against it for support. Misty stood off the bed and kneeled down to his level. "Ash, what's wrong?"

He reached his arms up and pulled her swiftly down to him, shuddering as he whispered. "There was a grunt…. I thought he had you. I thought he took you away."

Misty's eyes widened. "Ash…" she was cut off with a desperate kiss but pulled back. "Ash, now isn't the time. What's going on?"

He dropped his head. "I saw a grunt. He said that he knew who you were, and that if I didn't give him whatever team rocket wanted that they…" he stopped unable to finish a sentence that filled him with so much terror.

"Oh no…" Misty muttered.

"Daddy?" Both Misty and Ash turned to see their daughter. "What's happening? Why are you so scared?"

Misty gave Ash a look and was surprised when he shook his head. "I need to talk to her alone, okay?"

Makaila looked between them and nodded, hurrying through the door.

Ash turned to Misty as soon as she had left. "Makaila."

"What about her?"

"She's my first child."

Misty's eyes widened in realization. "They can't. She's to old."

He ran a hand through his hair and looked down, avoiding her gaze. "It doesn't matter. They'll just send her in to tests instead. They took you and you were older than her. Well not by much but-"

"Do they know where we are?"

"Assuming he was telling the truth, then yes."

"Then we have to leave! Now!" she turned to the door but Ash caught her hand.

"What about everyone else?"

"We'll-We'll tell them."

"There won't be time. Not enough to get Makaila out." he paused. "You take Makaila and I'll warn everyone."

"What? No! We're going together!" she grabbed his hand and once again he stopped her from leaving.

"Please Misty! There isn't time!"

She looked back and up into his eyes surprised to find genuine fear. "But…"

"It's the only thing we can do."

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Where will we meet?"

His eyes softened. "I'll find you." He pulled her to him for the second time. "I promise."

They started down the stairs and made it to the bottom quickly. "Makaila!" Misty looked around and out the open door before muttering a quick, "Oh no," and racing out. "Makaila!"

"Mom?" Misty sighed in relief as Makaila came running back.

"We have to go."

"Why?"

Misty sighed. "There isn't time. I'll tell you soon. Come get some clothes, quick."

Makaila sensed her mother's urgency and ran back in the house with Misty following.

Not long after, Misty and Makaila had pulled out of the driveway and Ash had taken off in the opposite direction.

Finally Makaila looked towards her mother with worried eyes. "Mom, what's going on?

Misty breathed deeply. "It's not my place to tell you."

Makaila's gaze hardened. "I wanna know what's going on, right now!"

Misty looked back at her through the rearview mirror.

"It's about daddy isn't it? You would never answer my questions. I need an answer, mom. I… I'm scared."

"Makaila…." Misty looked back to the road and closed her eyes briefly. "You're right. It is about your dad…. So he should be the one to tell you. A-Alright?"

"No! Not alright! I'm tired of you never telling me anything! I…" she trailed off and began crying even though she tried so hard not to. "Mom, is dad in some kind of trouble? He-He's not… going to get hurt… is he?"

"He is in trouble…. But he won't get hurt. He's done this before…. He'll be fine." The words were as much for her as they were for Makaila. The whole ordeal was terrifying.

"Mom, I need to tell you something." she finally whispered.

"Yes?"

"You know that boy?"

Misty paused. "The one… you used to see outside your window?"

Makaila nodded.

"What about him?"

"He's real." Misty sighed. "Mom, he is! He kissed me!"

Misty's eyes widened. "M-Makaila!"

"What?"

"I'm not trying to be unfeeling but you need to understand that when-during the accident you went through so much. You lost your voice and almost you almost lost your hearing. You were in the hospital for a few weeks. Your best friend died. I know it hurts but you can't fall in love with someone to take away the pain. It doesn't work like that."

"Wait! Did you say I lost my voice?"

"Did you hear anything I just said…. Yes. You lost your voice for a short time. The doctors fixed it through an operation. You had nightmares all of the time too."

"He… can't speak…." Makaila whispered in shock.

Misty groaned. It seemed that nothing she said made it through to her daughter.

"Mom! He can't speak! That's why! He gave-"

"Makaila!"

Makaila froze completely at the sharp tone.

"You created him from your experiences and feelings! He can't speak because you couldn't! He's a boy because Kaiton was! He protects you because you were scared! He kissed you because you liked Kaiton!"

Makaila's eyes widened. "Mom…. N-No. You're wrong. You never told me the truth. And you're not now."

She looked out the window and Misty closed her eyes temporarily, almost regretting her words.

Ash knocked on Skye's door and frowned when he didn't answer. He looked the lock over and pulled a sliver of metal from his pocket, using it to quickly pick the lock and force open the door. "Skye!" There was no answer and he looked up the stairs. "They're not here. Ugh!" He turned and ran out the door and headed somewhere else.

Gary opened the door and frowned before leaning against it. It was late and his appearance looked windblown. He ran a hand through his hair and stared at Ash before stating lazily, "Yeah…. I'm kind of busy right now."

"Doing what, I wonder?" Ash stated sarcastically. Gary frowned and he continued. "You won't be busy when you hear what I've got to say."

"Well what is it?" he asked impatiently.

Ash breathed out. "Team Rocket's back."

Gary blinked. "Oh…. Really? Well, that is important…. Goodnight."

He began shutting the door but Ash stuck his foot in to stop it. "Gary, I'm serious."

"Ash, this is ridiculous. They've always 'been back'. They've been around for years. There's no such thing as coming back with them."

"I mean they're back in our lives, genius. I just had a grunt threaten me with Misty and Makaila. They know who we are, and where we are."

Gary froze. "Are you sure?"

"Sure enough to warn you."

Gary glanced back into the house. "Where's Misty and Makaila?"

"I…" He paused as if realizing the answer he would use for the first time. "I don't know. I told them to leave."

Gary turned back and raised an amused eyebrow. "So you told them to leave but didn't arrange a place to meet them?"

Ash gritted his teeth. "It was kind of a last minute thing. This isn't the time to be patronizing! And if they know who you are that means that they know about Ani."

Gary blinked and lost his tone. "Sorry you're right. What do you want from me?"

"I need to use your phone to warn everyone. And I need you to help me get everyone out of here."

Gary's eyes widened in alarm and he gulped almost unnoticeably. "Um… when?"

"When what?"

"When do you want to come in!"

"Right now, of course!"

"Uuuuoook. One sec." He shut the door in Ash's face and Ash blinked in surprise and waited before Gary opened the door. "You can come in."

"Thanks." Ash stepped up and then headed for the phone, rolling his eyes as Gary nonchalantly kicked something beneath the couch.

Ani came walking down the stairs, looking quite disgruntled, and stared when she saw Ash. "Hey Ash."

"Hey." Ash didn't give her time to say anything else as he picked up the phone and called Brock.

Brock picked up looking half awake but awoke when he realized who he was talking to. "Ash, hi. I haven't heard from you for a while."

"I think grunts know where we are."

Brock froze as he absorbed the information. "What?"

"I saw a grunt. You need to hide or something."

"Daddy?"

Brock looked off screen. "Go back to sleep sweetie."

"Okay."

Ash watched a little girl with pink hair walk up the stairs behind Brock as he turned back. "Got it. Thank you."

"Your welcome. Hurry ok?"

"Ash, where are Misty and Makaila?"

"I sent them away so I could warn everyone. Just hurry."

"K. Thanks."

Ash cut the connection and called the Hayden's. Drew picked up looking very disgruntled. "Ash? Isn't this Gary's number?"

"Yes, but that's not important. Wake up May and Drake and get them out of here."

Drew straitened. "Why?"

"I had a run-in with a grunt. I think they know where we all are. I'm don't think that they would care about you guys, but think we should play it safe."

Drew was silent for a moment and then nodded. "Thanks, Ash."

"No problem. I gotta call everyone else. Have you seen Skye or Taylor?"

"No. Sorry."

"It's alright. Just get them out of here."

"Okay thanks."

Drew hung up and Ash dialed another number. Alexi picked up just as Keagan walked behind her on the screen. "Ash, are you alright?"

"No."

"Why-"

"Team Rocket knows where we are, Alexi."

"Wh-What?" she whispered.

"Team Rocket. A grunt threatened me. Remember Grant?" She nodded. "He was here. He said he knew who my family was and threatened me too. It only stands to reason that he'll know about you as well. You need to leave. Ok?"

Alexi went silent and Keagan popped up beside her making her jump. "What's going on?" he asked happily and then saw Ash's face and turned to Alexi before becoming serious.

"Team Rocket's found us. Get Alexi out of here. She'd be one of the first they would go after."

Keagan blinked and then nodded. "Alright."

"Alexi."

She looked up at the screen quietly. "Do you understand? I want you to leave. Alright?"

Alexi opened her mouth and paused before shutting and nodding. "Okay…."

"Okay. I've gotta go. "

Ash cut the connection after they acknowledged his comment and had began dialing again when a screen popped up before him. The air was knocked out of him as he stared at the man that had been chasing him. "Grant."

The man smiled smugly and placed a hand on his ear, pulling it off and revealing a wireless earpiece. "The one and only."

"What do you want?" Ash hissed.

"Just thought I should give you an update."

"An upda…" He started in confusion but trailed off as Grant reached off the screen and pulled his daughter, Makaila, struggling into the screen's view. Ash stayed completely silent in shock. "How-How did you-"

"You do know how to pick them Ash. You have a beautiful daughter." he whispered darkly.

"D-Daddy." she said quietly, pushing away from the man holding her.

Ash slammed his hands down on the stand below the screen and glared at it. "Get your hands off my daughter!"

Grant chuckled and pushed her off screen, and Ash heard her shriek and guessed that someone else had grabbed her.

"Misty's here too, but she's not available."

"I want to see her now." Ash whispered, angrily.

Grant shook his head. "Didn't you learn anything while you were here? That tone isn't going to get you anywhere." Ash continued to glare and he shrugged. "Alright, fine." He turned off screen and called a grunt who pulled Misty forward. It was soon apparent why he hadn't wanted to have to bring Misty over as she struggled for all she was worth. Ash felt pride for her but the fear of her actions overpowered the feeling completely. "Misty…."

"A-" the grunt covered her mouth on Grant's orders and pulled her off screen as he had Makaila and Grant turned back to a seething Ash. "We hit two birds with one stone. Technically they're both supposed to be here. You have a beautiful family. The Ketchum's was it? What a shocking discovery it must have been for you. But I think they may do something about all the trouble they're causing us."

"Touch either of them and I'll kill you."

Grant shook his head. "And how do you plan on carrying that out? Gonna punch me through the screen? Is that your plan?"

Ash ground his teeth together. "Why are you showing me this? Don't you want me there too? Or are you just playing games like you used to?"

Grant leaned forward and replied smugly, "Both."

The connection was cut and Ash stared at the blank screen quietly for a moment.

"Ash?" Ani whispered.

Ash turned off their phone and redialed the Hayden's. Drew picked up like before. He was wearing a coat this time and so was May. She stood in the background pretty much forcing a jacket over Drake's head. "Ash?"

"There's been a change of plans."

"Mom!" She looked from Misty to Grant in shock and then growled and struggled against the grunt holding her. "You jerk! You hit her! She's a girl you idiot! Try to show some form of shame!"

"Makaila." Misty chided quietly.

Grant rolled his eyes and looked to her. "You'd be in your teens now wouldn't you?" He shook his head. "You already look like him. I had no idea you'd act like him too."

"My dad's coming. I know he is! You're going to be sorry!"

Grant raised an eyebrow and walked away from Misty to Makaila instead. "Strange that you seem to believe in your father so much after everything he's kept from you. You're quite feisty to be held against your will in a place you have no idea of the destination."

"My dad's going to come." she whispered.

"Do you even know who your father is? Or are you content to imagine whatever you want into life?"

Makaila froze at his final words.

"That's enough!" Misty yelled at him. "Leave her alone!"

Makaila screeched as a cold sliver of metal found it's way to her throat.

Grant turned back to Misty who had gone completely silent. "Interrupt again, and you'll get your wish."

"Gary, I'm borrowing your car."

"Hold up. I'm coming."

"Wait! What's going on?" Ani raced down the stairs after the two.

Gary turned back to her and glanced at Ash. "Well…. Heh….I…"

Ash rolled his eyes and groaned. "What a wonderful way to start a relationship."

Gary glared at him before turning back to Ani and laying a rushed kiss on the corner of her mouth. "I'll tell you when I get back. I promise. Stay inside ok?"

"I'm not a little girl. I can take of myself."

"Just do it. Please."

"Alright." she whispered finally.

"What are we doing back at your house?"

"I need to grab something." Ash pulled out of the car and ran inside and strait to his and Misty's room. He opened the closet and pulled a box off the top rack. Inside were a variety of different objects. Ash pulled out what looked like a silenced gun and then picked up some more strange looking electronically devices. Finally he pulled out a sliver of metal that lit up all over at different times. He pulled a back-pack to himself and stuffed all the items into it, then began running back to the stairs, passing Makaila's room on the way. He clenched his teeth and stopped. He knew he needed to hurry but... He stopped and walked back to Makaila's room. There was nothing there. He was about to leave again when suddenly he stopped and stepped back.. He walked to Makaila's bed and reached under and pulled out a brown bag or blanket... The bag wasn't sealed at the top and Ash could see the shiny rock peaking from it. He pulled it out and felt all the air leave him. There was a large sphere in front of him. Clear but reflecting light as if it were a jewel. "Makaila… When did you…"

Flashbacks:

The gym was decorated beautifully. Their seats were collapsed and pushed onto the sides and the pool had been covered.

Ash looked around and noticed the ball Misty had been talking about hanging from the ceiling. "Hey Misty?"

She pulled back and came over to him.

"…Is this the last time that ball will be up?"

"No. They're using it for the New Year's party too."

"Good."

The room was a mess from the long night but he ignored it and moved to the rope tied off in the corner. He had watched them put it up and it was going to be too easy to get down. He untied it and let it down slowly then walked to the middle of the room and finally pulled the pocket-knife out of his pocket. He paused with the knife just above the crystal ball. It was about the size of a basket ball, but it was clear it looked like fine cut glass. Even though it was completely round it still reflected light off of the wall. The light looked very similar to reflections they would get on the walls when they reopened the pool beneath his feet. He pushed the knife against the rope that held it up tightly, but his face showed that he was having trouble actually cutting. He started putting it back but then heard noise outside the gym. Quickly he cut the rope and started pulling his back pack off. He picked it up and another noise made him jump and drop it. A hairline crack went up the side and he held his tongue while he stuffed it into his back-pack.

"Ash."

Ash straitened and neared him.

"Do you have it?"

Ash stared at him for a moment before his eyes widened. How could he have forgotten?

"I don't… have it sir."

Giovanni stared as if he had heard wrong and then rubbed his thumb against his middle finger. "You didn't accomplish your mission?"

"No." Ash kept his words as confident and strait forward as possible, but he was panicking. By trying to put them out of danger, he had accidentally put them back in.

"Do you know where it is?"

Ash's palms were getting sweaty and his heart was pounding in his chest. He couldn't tell him.

He did the only thing he could think to do and fell to his knees. "I failed. If you give me another chance, I will…"

"No. Where is it?"

Ash gulped. "I-I'm afraid I can't tell you that…."

"What?" Giovanni asked quietly a sharp edge gaining on his voice.

"I can't tell you… I won't tell you."

It was dark when the trio reached the bridge under which ran a river to a nearby lake. Misty and Ash tied the large orb up in a blanket and tied it off with a rope, then dropped it into the river below them. It was to dark to see, but they could imagine it floating down the river…

Ash opened the door to see his daughter, sagging under the weight of a bag. He blinked. "What's that Makaila?"

"Oh! Um… a rock. I found a big rock."

Ash raised an eyebrow. "A rock huh?"

She nodded anxiously. "Oh, please let me keep it daddy! It's really pretty! Please?"

(Present Time)

Ash's eyes widened. "Makaila just pulled it out of the river. It never made it down." He pulled it back into the bag and stuffed it into his backpack before running down the stairs and back out to the car.

"When's he gonna get here?"

"Be patient Drew."

He rolled his eyes. "Be patient…."

"Dad?"

Drew turned to see his son walking up to him. Drake wasn't too much shorter than him now and he pulled his black hood down before looking up at him with curious eyes. "What's happening?"

"We're meeting a friend."

"I know that. I meant why are we meeting a friend?"

Drew opened his mouth but was cut off by his wife's outburst. "There he is!"

Drew turned and watched Ash, Gary and Ani pull up and get out of the car. They were all meeting in the place Ash had designated. Basically right outside the forest, but far enough away from anyone that might hear them.

."Where's Brock?" May asked.

Ash pulled out of the car and ran over to them. "He's not here yet?"

May shook her head. "I thought he'd be the first one here."

Ash took a deep breath of air to calm himself. "Well, we'll start without him."

"Hey!" Ash turned and sighed in relief as Brock ran to meet them. "What did I miss?"

"Thought you weren't going to make it."

"Me too." He sighed when he reached them and leaned over to support his weight on his knees while he caught his breath.

"Where's Rose?" May asked.

"At home." He blinked. "Why is Drake here?"

Drake muttered something incoherent and pulled his hood off. "Okay, somebody explain what's going on, right now." He looked at all the adults around him expectantly.

"Gonna have to make it quick." Ash cut in shakily. "I used to be a grunt for Team Rocket. So were Gary, Brock, Skye, and Michael. Well Michael wasn't officially but… Oh! And so is Ani."

Drake just stood, and his eyes seemed to widen as each name was said. "Is… Is this some kind of joke?"

"No. I wish it was. Now-"

"Wait! Where's Makaila? This has to do with her right?"

"The reason we can't take much time is because she and Misty have been kidnapped. Got it?"

Drake nodded and quickly stopped talking.

"You were so shy three years ago." Ash muttered. "Okay. I have no idea where Skye and Taylor are."

"What about Michael?"

"Him either. Here's what I do know. The guy that kidnapped them, his name is Grant. He's the biggest jerk you'll ever find, likes to tease people, has red hair, and is extremely egotistical."

"You're babbling. Get to the point." Drew cut in.

"Well he'll be expecting me to do something, so I need something he won't expect."

"And what would that be?"

And amidst all the restlessness and danger, Ash's mouth turned up into a smile.