AN: WARNING: This is another long chapter:( I seriously couldn't figure out where to divide this one. Thanks again for the support and I hope you enjoy this.
"Jessie, are you awake?" James asked.
Jessie was lying in bed with Ninetales, Acorn, James' Mime Jr, Chimecho, and Aliyah.
"Yeahhh," Jessie yawned as she opened her eyes. She noticed there was no room for James "Urgh. I forgot how much smaller the beds were here at headquarters compared to our one at home."
Jessie and James returned the sleeping Pokémon to their balls. After getting into bed, James stared at the ceiling, eyes wide, like he was worried about something.
"I can't stop thinking about what Giovanni said," he whispered.
"It's like something out of a horror movie," Jessie sighed. "I sure as hell hope that thing never escapes."
10 Hours Previously
As soon as the raid ended and the agents returned to headquarters, dozens of scientists took the stolen Pokémon and started running experiments. They worked swiftly; their goal was to figure out just how powerful these experimented-on Pokémon were. Giovanni had them all gather in one of the main meeting rooms for an update.
"You did an excellent job pillaging that base. The amount of technology we recovered is unprecedented. I know that you are all waiting to hear our assessment, and that is why we're gathered," Giovanni announced.
"Team Firestar has developed a way to fuse together as many Pokémon as they want. They can combine the strengths of every Pokémon and eliminate all weaknesses to create a super-beast, like the creature we captured," said his assistant. "This Pokémon can never be damaged, only calmed, hence the reason we were able to get it in the Master Ball via tranquilizers when all else failed."
"You're saying it's impossible to really annihilate this beast," said Pierce. "Is there a way to control it?"
"Finding that out is our next step," Giovanni responded.
"What's the point of creating something like this? Mewtwo XYZ can transform into any Pokémon and learn any attack already," said Cassidy. "How's this different other than the fact that it's ugly as shit?"
"Mewtwo XYZ can grow weary from battle and be defeated; this fusion cannot. No matter how much force is used against it, it's unstoppable, because it can heal itself an infinite number of times," said Giovanni. "Its attack power exceeds that of a nuclear bomb, which is more than I can say for Mewtwo."
"T-terrifying," James gulped. "Are there more fusions out there?"
"We don't know yet. That is why I have agents looking. I called you in when one of our spies discovered the fusion. I figured I would use more experienced agents for a mission like this."
"You made a good decision, Sir," said Domino.
"If there are more of these fusions…they can get together and destroy the world, literally," said Rumika.
"I'll never fully understand humans," said Lucy. "Your race is going to destroy the planet. As if facilitating climate change wasn't enough."
"Do we know for sure that this is Firestar?" James asked.
"Not yet," Giovanni replied. "The prisoners we captured were all underling scientists. They are not responding to our advanced interrogation protocols."
"We don't think they have anything new to tell us," said Giovanni's assistant. "It's clear they're just following orders and getting paid for doing so."
"They have no boss?" Belch asked.
"I say it's one of the older gangs," said Jessie. "This is something Team Galactic would do. Or Team Firestar. It's been a while, but that doesn't mean it isn't possible."
"This project has been underway for at least a decade," said Giovanni. "I doubt a gang we know is behind this—after we disbanded them, what was left of its members became civilians or came working for us."
"Sir, I mean no disrespect, but what makes you believe there was not a breach in security? With a gang as vast as Team Rocket, the likelihood of someone betraying is high, especially since many of those in our ranks once belonged to other gangs," said Pierce.
"My security is the best in the world—but, even I am running checks."
No one ever spoke of it, but everyone except the original Rocket members were spied on by the largest force in the world. Giovanni's 'checks' could mean that they too would lose the privilege of privacy.
"Sir, are you suggesting that perhaps an original Rocket is behind this?" Batch boldly asked.
"We're digressing," Giovanni replied. "Even if these rebels are calling themselves 'Team Galactic' or 'Team Firestar'—we know that they cannot be the same people—we have tabs on everyone we defeated. This is most likely a copycat rebel gang or a few rich, individuals who want to suck power away from Team Rocket and its allies."
"Makes sense ta me," said Meowth. "Dat's de Boss, always thinkin ahead."
"As for the other Pokémon you captured, they are all just experimental fusions. Rare, but their value is currently unknown. I will have lower recruits test their abilities. If they show potential, I'll allot them to you. In the meantime, I ask you to stay in headquarters for at least one more night, this way I can equip you all with new Pokémon if I feel it is appropriate."
"Yes sir," the agents replied.
Present
"Well, this is our last night here," said Jessie. "And hey, Giovanni said he has a fusion to give us. Aren't you excited about that?"
"I suppose," he replied half-heartedly.
Jessie sat up and looked at James, who still had his eyes fixated on the ceiling.
"You've been a little distant lately," she noted. "Don't deny it."
"I won't," he said. "I, ummm. Hm."
"I know you miss the kids but are you really that bummed? We were always happy when it was just the two of us."
"Oh! It's not like that at all!"
"Okay, chill, and tell me what it's about."
"I'm worried about Anna-chan. And Jocelyn is so young, and Jay is so sensitive…and I think of them every time I see you!"
Jessie chuckled. "Just call them then."
"I did, several times, and you did too, but their phones were always off."
"Probably because every time we called it was after midnight, and that's the curfew time Annastasia set herself. If we call at a normal time, I bet they'll pick up and talk their hearts out. We know they want to talk; Jay alone sent me nine video-chat requests today."
James scrolled through his phone. "I got three from Anna-chan, three from Jocelyn, and nine from Jay. Even Lily and Logan tried to contact me. I hope they know we have no choice—"
Jessie put a hand over his mouth to stop him from talking.
"It's not like we have to help Giovanni," she pointed out. "We're irreplaceable to him. We can choose a quiet life again. We can retire from everything if we want to, even from the Pallet House—we have enough cash to live comfortably for the next two hundred years. And you're forgetting something important."
"What's that?" he moped.
"They're tough-hearted. Annastasia especially, but even Jay can get nasty when he needs to. And you know Jocelyn won't wander an inch from the group, especially with Flaafy at her side. Nothing's going to 'get' them."
"I'm so concerned but you're not worried at all."
"I've been thinking about them almost nonstop since they left. But we agreed that forcing or guilting them into staying would be one of the worst things for them. You're the one who convinced Jay to go on a Pokémon journey—you said it was something you wanted to do when you were a child but never had the chance."
"I suppose…"
"It was time. Besides, they're only a few miles away. If there's an emergency it won't take us too long to find them."
"But those fusions…What if they run into them?"
"Then Annastasia will kick their assses. She's the worlds' greatest trainer, better than both of us combined. She's caught hundreds of Pokémon for Team Rocket, almost all of them fully evolved. She's trained in every emergency procedure known to human and Pokémon. She's a martial arts' master. She has an aura sixth-sense and is on her way to reading minds. It's easy to forget that when we look at her…but there isn't a soul more qualified to protect the others. And as soon as it's finished, that Clemont nerd will give her that portable Pokémon transporter that he invented. This way she could summon any of her Pokémon from headquarters whenever she wants. That includes that Rhyperior she snatched. Remember that beast? She caught that thing with hardly any trouble, practically using her bare hands. Giovanni said that although all those Pokémon are his now, he wouldn't mind lending them out to her, especially since she is the one who captured them."
"But that monstrous fusion can't be defeated by battle."
"Then she'll lull it to sleep with that lovely voice of hers."
"Jess, I agree with everything you're saying—"
"—but…"
"But, it's a lot of pressure to put on a teenager."
"If it gets to be too much, she'll let us know. Forget about that monster fusion. As far as we know, every fusion on this planet's thousands of miles from here. Rumika, Lucy and the other spies have radars all over the place. They'll know the second one of those experiments stepped foot anywhere near here. They have grunts watching those monitors 24/7."
"I didn't realize that…you shoulda started with that. I thought I was going to have a panic attack!"
"I assumed you were paying attention when she was talking to us about it over dinner."
"Yes, head in the clouds…how ironic this time…"
"Let's think about something else, like returning to the Pallet House. Next week we have movie stars coming to stay with us as they pass through Pallet. They'll be paparazzi, plus directors and producers galore! One of them is bound to give us a staring role in their next drama."
The childish grin Jessie loved returned to his face. "Yeah…"
"And tomorrow we get a rare badass Pokémon. It might even be the only one of its type in the whole universe. We're on a way to even bigger successes!"
"Right!"
"We should celebrate!"
"Uh, not here!"
"Why not?"
James lowered his voice. "Cassidy and Botch are in the room next to us and we know from previous experiences that these walls are super thin."
Jessie laughed and started tickling his stomach.
"Jess! Stop!...Don't do that!…Cassidy and Botch!….they'll hear!" he managed to choke out between giggles. He continued to laugh hysterically.
Jessie smirked. "Good, let them be disturbed."
Next door, Cassidy and Butch had pillows clamped over their ears, trying to block out the sounds of their neighbors' squeaky bed and the laughter that ensued.
"Those two are so disturbing," Cassidy whined. "They're doing it on purpose!"
"Some things never change," Bitch complained.
"Don't just sit there, do something about it!"
"Why do I always have to be the one to do these things?"
"I'm not listening to those two pyschos all night! It's two and we have four hours left to rest. Tell them to keep it down. Don't leave them alone until they stop!"
XO
The next morning, Lexi, Annastasia, and Soledad got started on the food while the others slept.
"We should have a cooking schedule," Soledad suggested. "This way the same people don't have to cook every day."
"We do, sorta," said Lexi. "Jay enjoys cooking…though he isn't too good at it…but Annastasia says that he also likes to sleep late and he takes a long time getting ready in the morning. He says he doesn't mind making dinner every night if we handle breakfast and the others assist. And then for lunch, we just all do our own thing or go out somewhere."
"I'm an early riser so I'll always be available to cook," said Annastasia. "But I also want to work out before we start the day, so you all might have to wait for me if I am running late. My plan is to have everyone contribute to at least two meals per week. Not everyone here can cook, while some of us really enjoy it and are good at it."
"Sounds like you got it all figure out," Soledad replied.
"Keep it down," Michio complained as he came out of his tent. "I'm trying to sleep."
"Sorry," said Soledad and Lexi in unison.
"Apologies don't make up for lost sleep."
Michio pulled a clean t-shirt over his head and yawned dramatically.
"That damn Pikachu is so annoying," he continued. "It took my pillow and covers and made me sleep on the floor with nothing. I was awake half the night."
"Pikachu probably gave you what you earned, and I was going to wake everyone up in about half an hour anyway," said Annastasia. "There's no reason for you to whine."
"Sit with us and talk," said Lexi, patting the log next to her. "You're always hiding."
"Not hiding, avoiding," he replied. "I'm still pissed off at having to be here."
"We've noticed," said Soledad.
"You could be a little nicer to us. It won't hurt, you know," said Annastasia.
"I don't know, it might," he grumbled.
"Whoa. It almost sounded like Michio made a little joke," Lexi chortled. "Maybe he is human after all!"
"Shove it."
Annastasia stood up and playfully patted him on the back. He cringed slightly at her touch.
"I'll be back in about thirty-five minutes," she announced. "If I am running late, wake them up."
"Got it. Have fun," Lexi replied.
"Yeah, see ya," said Soledad.
Annastasia waved them good-bye as she, Lil-G, and Bleu left the camp.
"Not that I care, but where's she going?" Michio asked.
"To work out," they said in unison.
"Work out? Like exercise?"
"Ding-ding! Correct!" Lexi said in a falsely enthusiastic tone.
"Isn't all this walking enough?"
"Annastasia is into fitness, so for thirty minutes every morning she runs, does pushups, pull-ups on the tree branches, and stuff like that," Soledad explained. "I might start joining her. I want to be strong like her too one day."
"What a waste of time."
"I bet you heard that a lot growing up," said Lexi.
"Shove it."
"I would work out too but I have a legitimate excuse."
"Which is…?" Soledad asked.
"I'm lazy. I'm sure Michio can relate to that."
"Another human characteristic. Fascinating."
Michio chugged his water. "Fine, burn me. Hypocrites."
"Shove it," Lexi and Soledad chanted together.
June was the next one to get up. After a yawn, some stretches, and a trip to the restrooms, she sat beside Soledad and Lexi. Michio left as she pulled out a blue box and started organizing its contents.
"Whatcha you got?" Lexi inquired.
"This is my Pokémon card collection," June announced. "I've had it since I was little. I bring it everywhere with me for good luck."
"I used to have Pokémon cards when I was your age."
"Really? Do you still have them? Do you want them anymore?"
"Sorry, I donated them a while ago."
"Oh…that's okay. Part of the fun is tracking them all down. I expect it to be a lifelong quest. That's why I brought this box with me. If I find more, I want to have a place to put them. The only thing is, they got a bit scrambled on the walk over here, so I have to stop and reorganize."
After everyone ate and dressed, the children, teens, and Pokémon returned to AJ's gym. Amber was insistent on having the first battle.
"Daughter of the legendary Ash. I'm excited to see how you perform in your first gym battle," said AJ.
"Stop, you are going to make me nervous!" Amber teased, though everyone knew part of that was true.
"Just relax, Amb. The point is to have fun and learn," said Annastasia. "I'll be the official."
Annastasia recited the official gym rules. AJ released Sandslash. Amber chose Pidgeotto. She had it try Peck, but the Sandslash swiftly avoided it.
"Prepare for trouble! This is no ordinary Pidgeotto!" Amber called out, confident despite Pidgeotto's failure to make contact. "Dive Bomb!"
Pidgeotto landed a critical hit on Sandslash, who curled into a ball to defend itself. Pidgeotto combined with the spikes on its back. He retreated Amber's side.
"Don't give up yet!" Amber exclaimed, striking a pose. "You can do it! Avoid contact by using Gust!"
Sandslash was blown several feet, but it dug its claws into the ground to prevent it from blowing into the stands. It used Rockslide continually, but Pidgeotto dodged every move.
"You can to it, Pidgeotto and Amber!" Jocelyn yelled from the stands.
"Flaaaaafy!"
The others joined in on her cheering, especially Pip—who more than anyone wanted the ground-type defeated before it was his turn.
"Okay, Gust isn't working," Amber told Pidgeotto. "Dive Bomb, again."
"Why's she doing that?" said Jay. "She already tried it!"
"Maybe she has a plan," Nolan guessed.
"But Amb doesn't make plans!"
"Let's see if that's still true," said Annastasia.
Right before Pidgeotto made contact with the spiked-out Sandslash, she had him stop and use Gust instead. Gust caught the Sandslash completely off guard. It rolled right into the stands, which caused the structure to break and weakened it greatly. Before it could recover and attack, Amber had Pidgeotto use Dive Bomb, this time hitting it before it could defend itself.
"Wow! She had a plan!" Jay exclaimed. "Wow, Amb! Nice work, Pidgeotto!"
"Nice work," AJ said as he returned the fainted Sandslash. "You really are as good as your father. So far, anyway."
"I told you so," said Amber. "Pip, how about you give it a shot?"
"Piii chu!"
Pip jumped off her shoulder and faced AJ's next Pokémon, a Kangastan.
"This is not good at all," said Lily. "Electric-types are weak to ground-type moves, and Kaganstan knows Dig!"
"She's pretty limited on her options though," said Soledad. "She only has Pidgeotto, Pip, and Lil-G. Annastasia's Lillipup won't be effective either and I think it's smart of her to give Pidgeotto some time to rest in case Pip is defeated and she needs to use him again."
"Soledad is right," Nolan agreed.
"Yeah, she's so smart," said Takeshi. "Just like A."
"Let's focus on the battle," June insisted. "This is about Amber and Pip."
"Pip, Quick Attack!" Amber commanded.
Kangastan disappeared underground, much to Pip's disappointment.
"Don't worry Pip, we can do it. Use Earthquake."
"Whoa, she taught Pip Earthquake?!" Jay exclaimed. "I need to spend more time training with her…"
"That's a great move for an electric-type to have," Lexi told Michio. "You should teach it to Pikachu. It is one of the best ways to fight ground-types."
"I'll think about it," he said sarcastically, though deep down he knew she was right.
The Earthquake weakened Kangastan greatly. It used Dig again, and Amber encouraged Pip to chase it using his own Dig attack.
"She taught Pip Dig too!" Soledad gasped. "I didn't think Amber and Pip were so skilled!"
"She's had Pip since she was a baby," said Annastasia. "And when Amber takes something seriously, she and Pip are unstoppable."
"Yeah, she never gives up," said Jay. "I shoulda seen this coming. Good job, Amb! Go Pip!"
Kangastan was defeated after an underground Quick Attack. The audience continued to be stunned.
"Excellent," said AJ. "A Pichu with ground and normal-type moves. Effective."
"I know," said Amber.
"Pichuuuu," said Pip.
AJ's final Pokémon was a Dugtrio.
"Pip, do you need a break?" Amber asked her Pokémon.
"Lillipup pup!"
"Lil-G's saying that she doesn't mind taking over," Lily translated.
"Pich."
"Pip wants to go on," said Logan.
"Sure?" Amber asked.
"Time's up!" Annastasia announced. "Amber, remember that challengers have thirty seconds to switch Pokémon between defeats; you must use Pip."
"No worries. Pip, let's get that Dugtrio with Dig!"
"Pichuuu!"
Both Pokémon tunneled underground. Everyone tried to listen, but it was impossible to know what was going on beneath the surface.
Pip found Dugtrio sitting in a nest of sorts.
"Pi pi Pichu Pichu," said Pip. "Before I defeat you, have questions."
"Dug dug Dugtrio trio," it replied. "I doubt you will defeat me, but ask your questions. Make it quick."
"First, what do your legs look like? Second, when you evolved and got those extra heads, did you get extra brains as well?"
"It's a very interesting answer, and many other Pokémon have asked me that before, you see—"
Dugtrio was interrupted by an order from AJ.
"TTYL," said Dugtrio.
"Ditto," said Pip.
Both the Pokémon rose to the surface of the arena and continued their battle. Dugtrio used Mud Shot. Pip shook off the dirt and tried Quick Attack, but it kept dodging.
"Chase it!" Amber suggested. "Full speed!"
Pip charged at his opponent. An aura of orange-red covering his body as he picked up speed. They tunneled again, the running unceasing. Eventually, Pip's speed allowed him to hit Dugtio so hard it came flying out of the ground.
"So THAT'S what a Dugtrio's legs look like!" Jocelyn laughed as the two battling Pokémon flew into the air. "I always wanted to know!"
"Same!" Soledad said after she snapped a photo. "My first big data point! I'm a researcher already!"
When both Pokémon landed, Pip used Quick Attack one more time. Dugtrio fainted.
"Amber from Cerulean City is the victor!" Annastasia declared.
AJ returned his Pokémon and handed her a badge.
"Congrats," he said.
"Go, Team!" Amber shouted happily as she and her Pokémon posed. "I got a Strength Badge!"
"Chuu!"
"Yay, Pip! You're the best!" Jocelyn exclaimed, high-fiving the electric mouse. "Pidgeotto too!"
"Flaaafy!"
After everyone congratulated Amber, Jay was up with Togetic and his Tauros.
"You rock Jay! Show us what you can do!" Amber cheered.
"You got it! I believe in you!" Annastasia added.
Annastasia gave him a smile and a thumbs up, which he returned. All his other friends and the Pokémon rooted for him as well. Annastasia recited the official gym rules, and they were ready to battle. AJ selected his Pidgeotto to battle first.
"Alright. If you are using Pidgeotto, then I will use Togetic," said Jay. "Togetic, use Metronome!"
Metronome caused Pidgeotto the objects in the arena to start moving. AJ ordered Pidgeotto to get out of the way before the random objects pummeled him. Then he ordered the bird to use Sky Attack.
"Togetic! Protect yourself with Reflect!"
Togetic produced a shield just in time.
"You can't just hide underneath that shield the whole battle," AJ told him.
"I know", Jay responded. "Togetic…Confusion!"
The shield dropped and Pidgeotto was dazed. It tried to attack but ended up hurting itself instead.
"Smooth moves!" Nolan called out to him. "Keep going!"
"We believe in you!" Jocelyn shouted.
"Flaaaaa!" yelled Flaafy.
"Almost there!" June and Soledad called out.
"Kill them!" said Amber.
"Pichuuuu!"
"Togetic, use Psybeam," Jay instructed.
Pidgeotto was hit head-on with Togetic's Psybeam. It hit the ground.
"Get up and use Peck!" AJ commanded.
Pidgeotto was too weak to fly, so it ran and jumped. Togetic easily avoided it.
"Return," AJ told his Pidgeotto. The bird disappeared into its Pokeball.
"I thought only the challenger could make substitutions," Takeshi said to Nolan.
"That's true. By returning the Pokémon, AJ forfeited this round. He knew that Pidgeotto wouldn't be able to win, so rather than cause it additional stress and possible injury, he took it out of the match," Lexi explained.
"It is something that all good trainers must do. It is important to know when to stop," said Annastasia.
"Sounds like something my dad would say," said Soledad.
"Or mine," said Amber.
They returned their attention to the match.
"Togetic, still wanna fight?" Jay asked.
"To tog Togetic!" he nodded.
"I choose Raticate," said AJ.
"Togetic, use Confusion!" Jay instructed.
"Raticate, hide underground," AJ instructed.
Jay gritted his teeth as Raticate avoided Togetic's attack.
"Just wait it out," he suggested.
After a few seconds, Raticate burst out of the ground and head-butted the unsuspecting Togetic. Togetic replied with Psychic.
"Wow, Jay taught Togetic Psychic? When he'd do that?" Amber asked.
"Jay's been working on it for a while. They finally got it down yesterday," said Annastasia.
"I wonder why he never told me…"
"Pichu…"
"He wanted to make it a surprise," said Lexi. "You know, show off a little."
"Figures…" Amber sighed jealously, though she was proud of her best friend's progress.
Jay was clearly ahead, with the Togetic taking almost no damage. Jay's opponent fainted. AJ sent out a Tauros. Jay released one of his own.
"Bull versus bull," said Nolan. "Interesting."
"Giga Impact!" AJ ordered.
"Run, Tauros! Uh, try Earthquake!" Jay countered.
The Giga Impact missed Jay's Tauros by an inch.
"Headbutt, buddy," Jay instructed.
"Giga Impact renders the opponent too weak to move twice in a row," Soledad reminded everyone. "Jay might win this!"
Headbutt knocked AJ's Tauros to the ground. Jay's Tauros followed it up Earthquake. The round ended with Jay as the victor.
"Go, Tauros number 2!" Jay shouted as he released his third and final Pokémon.
AJ had a Meowth.
"Ooh," said Soledad. "Whatcha think about that?"
"Me?" Lily said as she looked to the eager children. "What do I care?"
"Okay, so that Meowth probably knows Pay Day and Scratch," Jay whispered to Tauros. "We'll use Earthquake."
AJ's Meowth leaped into the air and spun, confusing Jay and Tauros as they attempted to use Earthquake.
"Earthquake doesn't work if your opponent's airborne!" Soledad called.
"I know," said Jay. "Tauros, use Rockslide!"
"Taur?" the Pokémon asked.
"He don't know that move!" Logan shouted.
Tauros improvised with Stone Edge.
"Whoa, that was even better than what I had planned," Jay murmured. "Awesome!"
Meowth's claws sliced through the stones, but the attack still rendered it unable to battle.
"Jay of Pallet Town wins!" Annastasia declared.
"Whoa, that was quick," said Takeshi. "Who knew Jay was so badass?"
"He can be nasty when he needs to be."
"That's for sure," said Amber. "Wow, Jay! Good job! I was so surprised! Tauros, that was awesome!"
"You did it, Jay! Whooo hoooooo!" cheered Jocelyn.
"Flaaaaa!"
The group clapped and hooted as Jay, Togetic, and the two Tauros bowed.
"Another worthy opponent," AJ said as he handed Jay his badge. "Congrats."
"Whoa, thanks so much!" Jay exclaimed.
Jay wore a goofy grin as Amber and Annastasia wrapped their arms around his shoulders. Everyone congratulated and complimented him.
"We thought you didn't stand a chance," said Logan.
"Hey!" Jocelyn retorted.
"Flaa!"
"What I mean is, you're more impressive than you look," Logan replied.
"Uhhh…thanks," said Jay.
"You look like Papa when you smile like that," Jocelyn said as they exited the gym.
"Flaafy."
"We have to video chat with them tonight," said Annastasia. "They'll be so proud."
"I sorta wish my dad was here," said Amber. "He didn't want to make me nervous, so he didn't come. He's gonna watch me go up against my mom though when we get to Cerulean City. By then I will be an even better battler than I am now."
"I agree," said Lexi. "The more you battle, the better you get."
"I haven't battled ever," June said worriedly. "Not officially. I'll probably fail."
"You'll be fine," said Annastasia. "You might win, might not; doesn't matter what the result is—you're a good trainer as long as you have heart."
"And we all know you got plenty of that," said Lexi.
"Have a little more faith in yourself. Tomorrow it is your, Soledad, and Takeshi's turn to shine. And even if you don't win, we will still be proud of everyone for trying," said Nolan. "I remember my first gym battle like it was yesterday. I went to Cerulean City first. I lost to Misty. I worked hard and returned three days later. I lost again, spent another week training, and finally managed to beat her on my third try. Sometimes these things take time."
"I lost my first battle too. I went to Pewter City first and lost to Forrest. When I returned almost two weeks later, I had two new Pokémon and much more battling experience. I managed to win on my second try, but it wasn't easy."
"Thank you for saying that, but I'm still nervous. I don't know if I'm cut out for gym battles. I really like taking care of Pokémon, like Autumn and Brock. Battling looks fun but I am not sure if I want to do it," June confided.
"Well, that is you the journey is all about," said Annastasia. "My niche is traveling, discovering new species of Pokémon, battling them, taking care of them, and being part of something. It's what I'm good at. I'm not interested in competing and earning trophies."
"Then why aren't you helping Team Rocket?" asked Michio, who had been silent the last few hours.
"Now my mission is to help these kiddos earn their gym badges."
"Aren't they going to become Rockets?"
"Possibly. They wanted to go on a journey and no one is better qualified to escort them than me. With Kanto being as dangerous as it is nowadays, it isn't safe to go alone."
"I heard you've captured level one hundred Charizard and Dragonite, supersized Claydol, and over a dozen legendaries; you could've just lent those to the kids."
"I cannot just hand out Pokémon to beginner trainers."
"Why not?"
"You have a lot to learn," said Nolan.
XO
Later that evening, after dinner…
"Onēsan?" Jocelyn asked.
"Flaaafy?"
"What's up?" Annastasia responded, spinning around to face her.
"Can you and Jay sing for us? Jay brought his guitar," she replied.
"It's been several days and you haven't sung anything for us yet," said June.
"You said you would," said Soledad.
Annastasia looked at Jay.
"I got my guitar," he responded.
"I'm not feeling up to it tonight. But I will eventually, I promise," Annastasia told the group. "We have six months, at least, together."
"I can't wait", said Takeshi. "You have the most wonderful voice in the world. If I could I would listen to it every day."
"That's a bit melodramatic, but I appreciate the compliment."
Poor delusional Takeshi.
"Um, well I can play something for everyone," said Jay. "Ah, if you want."
"Yay!" Jocelyn exclaimed.
"Flaaa!"
"Sure," said June and Soledad.
"Go for it," said Nolan. "It's been a while."
Everyone gathered closer to Jay and whispered in excitement. Togetic flew off to fetch his guitar.
"That's nice of you, little dude. What were you thinking of playing?" Nolan asked as Togetic handed Jay his guitar case.
"I just taught myself 'Sweet Home Alabama' last week", he responded.
"What's Alabama?" asked Jocelyn.
"It's a place," said Amber.
"Where?"
Everyone shrugged their shoulders.
"It doesn't matter," said Jay. "The song's a metaphor."
"What's a metaphor?" Jocelyn asked.
"Fla?"
"Uhh, hard to explain," Jay said as he began strumming his guitar. "Um, but I just learned it—so don't laugh if I mess up!"
"We would never do that," said June. "Promise."
"Right, everyone?" Soledad asked.
"Yep," the group replied.
Within minutes, everyone was laughing and singing—the first of many times to come.
XO
Annastasia and Michio were the last to go to bed. Annastasia was putting out the bonfire and picking up some of the candy wrappers that the children had dropped while Michio sat on a log and watched her quietly. It looked like he was thinking hard about something.
"I'll just assume that you not staring at me," Annastasia said as she doused the fire. "Because I really don't like it when guys stare at my ass."
"Huh? What?" Michio responded, shaking himself out of a semi-daze. "Believe it or not, I'm not a pervert."
"Good to know."
She tied her hair back and grabbed her overnight bag.
"There was something I was wondering about you and your family," Michio said abruptly.
Annastasia was intrigued. It was the first time since they started traveling that Michio had shown any interest in anyone other than himself.
"Oh? And what's that?" she asked. She changed her tone and sat down on the log across from him.
Michio lowered his voice and tilted his head inward. "If you're billionaires, why are you living in Pallet Town, traveling by foot, and cooking half your meals?"
"…Well..it's a long story, but I can shorten it, I suppose."
"Go on; I'm curious."
Annastasia raised an eyebrow.
"That wasn't sarcasm," Michio clarified.
"I'll tell you, but don't interrupt me," Annastasia responded.
"I won't."
"Okay…"
Annastasia petted Lil-G and Bleu while she tried to think of an opening. Pikachu climbed onto her lap.
"I suppose I should start with my father," said Annastasia. "He was born into a wealthy family and grew up on the biggest in Kanto, Johto, and the Orange Islands combined. He had everything: the world's most expensive clothing, the most expensive foods, servants…a limo and a private jet...he never had to worry about working much when he got older. However, he didn't have was the one thing he actually needed in order to be happy."
"Which was…?" Michio asked.
"Freedom. My father was forced to do all sorts of things he hated every day. He wasn't allowed to play, and he never left the mansion unless he was accompanied by bodyguards or attending school. At school, everyone made fun of him and beat him up. At home, he had his parents, the servants, and Jessiebelle to deal with."
"Jessiebelle?"
"Jessiebelle's my mother's cousin. When they were both five years old, they were engaged to one another. It was an arranged marriage…She had this Oddish, which later evolved into a Vileplume, that she used to paralyze him all the time. She would attack him whenever he did something she didn't like, and if he fought back with his Pokémon, then his parents would give him a punishment just as bad or worse. He ran away when he was eight and never returned willingly. Even after he left, Jessiebelle continued to haunt him. She even found him a few times and used that Pokémon to torture and violate him."
Something about her last comment stirred something in Michio.
"Why didn't he do something about it?" he asked. "Kanto has police."
"He couldn't report her to the police because he worked for Team Rocket and as far as he knew, no one was going to believe his story over hers. She had a good reputation. He was a wanted criminal."
"That's...fucked up."
"It gets even weirder. Since my grandmother and Jessiebelle's mother were identical twins, they have a strong resemblance. Jessiebelle looks just like my mom, except her eyes are green instead of blue, and my mom is a bit taller, other than that, they look the same."
"So, I'm walking with you all and sleeping outside and doing chores because this Jessiebelle woman made your father not enjoy being rich?"
"My father doesn't want us to grow up like he did. He wanted us to be free to make friends, fall in love, and have adventures. He enjoys the money, but overdoing it will just bring on bad memories. He never wants to return to that old life by having his children go through what he did. I think it's what's best."
"Hmm…"
"Whatcha thinking?"
"That was…interesting."
"I'm flattered."
"Yeah…Why no bikes though? Most kids at least have bikes."
"Jocelyn's terrified of bicycles. A few months ago she was accidentally electrocuted by Ash's Pikachu while riding one. Now she refuses to get back on. Plus, walking is better exercise. And we get to spend more time with each other and our Pokémon this way."
"Oh."
His tone grew softer over the course of the conversation. It was as if all the resentment had vanished.
"You seem sympathetic," said Annastasia.
"Are you going to turn around and say that I'm 'reformed'."
"Not yet."
"Pttfff."
"Michio, relax."
Annastasia could sense nervous energy coming from within Michio and touched his shoulder. Michio was dazed for a moment and took him several moments to figure out what had happened.
"That's…a Pokémon move! You used a Pokémon move…" said Michio. "Fuck! How?"
"I'm special," Annastasia replied.
"How?"
"I'll tell you some other time."
"Pttf."
"Mr. Grumpy."
"Okay, fine, whatever, besides—I have a reason to be grumpy."
"Oh, and why's that?"
"Imagine you're the youngest son of billionaires, in the prime of your life and your life is fucking sweet. You never have to cook or clean or do any type of work at all. You have the worlds' best Pokémon and trophies to spare. Then one day everything's taken away from you and you are dumped in a strange land with nothing but a few dollars and a map. Then you're forced to go on this journey with a stranger. Then there's the electric rat that hates you to top it all off."
"I know that this hasn't been easy for you—but I don't pity you."
"Why the hell not?"
"All we ask is that you show a little bit of kindness. Nolan and Lexi have been very generous to you so far, and they are awesome people to be friends with. Lily and Logan, I know it is weird to be friends with talking Pokémon if you never had before, but I have known them all my life. They are the same age as us. They tend to act like kids, but they are very smart and resourceful as well. You will see in time just how helpful they could be. Jocelyn can be annoying, but I care about her so much, as if she was my own daughter. The rest. …Don't forget that they are only ten. Ten years old. They are going through major changes in their life. For most of them, it is their first time ever handling a Pokémon without constant assistance, their first time ever being away from their parents or sleeping in an unfamiliar place. There is a big gap between seventeen and ten. So yeah, they are going to be awkward, scared, goofy, needy and they will make stupid mistakes because that's how kids are. They are my friends, and just because they are younger than us doesn't mean they don't deserve our respect. The same is true for the Pokémon; They have feelings that matter."
Michio sat and thought about their conversation for a few moments. Most of those thoughts were 'Stupid Annastasia', but he couldn't deny that something from that conversation had gotten through to him, even if it wasn't the part that she had intended.
"I'm going to bed," said Annastasia. "Goodnight."
"Ah, yeah, goodnight," he murmured.
Annastasia climbed into her tent, where Lil-G and Bleu were waiting for her. As Michio entered his own tent, he noticed that instead of hogging the pillow, Pikachu was at the end of the covers. Once he climbed into the tent and lay down under the sheet, Pikachu slowly came up to him and snuggled against his neck. He didn't protest, mostly because he didn't want to get electrocuted again, but also because he realized he didn't want to spend another night alone on the cold hard ground.