Chapter 4:

Silver

Ho-oh was not just any Pokémon. He was the Messenger of Arceus. He was his eyes and ears. He flew over Earth, waiting for Arceus's predictions to come true. His prophecy of when the Chosen One would bring about the Age of Hope, by uniting-or, rather reuniting-humans and Pokémon, by spirit, soul, and heart, by brotherhood, blood, and love. Led by a heart of empty love, he-or she-would bring together the Elemental Orbs, and…

Ho-oh closed his eyes, as he flew over the sea. He couldn't bear to think of that…not now.

There was one place he could land, away from humans. Granted, it wasn't far from where humans vacationed, on some islands, but this island rarely-if ever-saw humans. Ho-oh slowly descended, landing softly on the top of the tallest peak. He opened his mouth, and a song-like a bird's-too beautiful for words issued forth. A great wave erupted in the seas below, and another Pokémon rose up to Ho-oh.

Lugia had not conversed with his brother in…centuries. What could he possibly need to talk about that would bring him down out of the heavens above?

"Brother?" Lugia simply hovered in the air near the mountain where Ho-oh roosted. He barely had to move his great, powerful wings to stay aloft, despite his huge size.

"The one I marked, the human I showed you a vision of six years ago, was he the Chosen One of your prophecy?"

"Yes," Lugia said softly. "But, what does this have to do with…?"

"He has one year," Ho-oh cut him off. "Remember? They said, 'he has seven years?' Well, Six years has gone by. Arceus has told me to give you the message to spread to the others. He has until the eve of his seventeenth birthday."

"One year?" Lugia gasped. "That's not possible! It's too short, too soon! He's too young!"

"It's one life or all of our world, brother," Ho-oh said darkly. "Arceus will not let us keep the boy from his destiny."

"He has the heart of a…"

"Exactly," Ho-oh interrupted again. "That's why he's the Chosen One."

…

Silver hated many things. Hate was the only emotion he could really feel for years. It filled his eyes, causing everyone he came across, except his bodyguards and his father, to flinch at the sight of him. One Rocket, only a few years older than Silver, would run in fear if he even knew Silver was coming.

Right now, the majority of Silver's hatred was geared towards another Team Rocket member, about a year older. At seventeen, the girl stood about six-one or so, had long, bouncy, curly, golden hair, shiny, alert, deep amethyst eyes, lean, yet athletic, she was one of the most beautiful members of Team Rocket-and certainly the most attractive Elite, possibly second only to Miyamoto, who was MIA.

And Silver hated her all the more for it.

His father called her Agent 009-it was a rare thing for an Elite to be called a number over a name. While most Grunts and actual Agents were known by number-it was far easier for records and such-Officers, Elites, and similar were known by name. Her underlings called her the Black Tulip, after her favorite flower and secret weapon. Once, during a private rant, Silver had called her a domino, deciding that all he had to do was prove that he was better than her, and the others would fail too, like a domino effect. She had overheard him, and insisted that he-and practically everyone else that she didn't view as inferior-call her Domino.

As he glared at her from across the room, all Silver could think about was how fiercely and fervently he hated her…and why. She was an Elite, while he-Giovanni's own son, damn it-wasn't. He wasn't really inferior, but he didn't have much command, either. He was the Boss's kid, and that was all. He was destined to be the Boss one day due to inheritance, not worth or loyalty. She was entrusted with top-secret info, while he was told to go and train or read, or something, like a good little boy. She was treated like an adult, while he was treated like he was six instead of sixteen. She got to not only go out on solo missions but go to distant places and see the world, while he had to stay home, or at least very, very close by, and was constantly shadowed by his mistrustful bodyguards. And that wasn't the only reasons, or the biggest reason that Silver hated Domino so much.

No, he hated her the most because his father-freakin' bastard, he thought to himself-had the nerve to decide that the two ought to be affianced, against their will-mainly Silver's-until it was convenient for them to marry. When Silver's mind was clear, he would admit that he understood his father's logic- Silver would be the Boss one day, and since inheritance works to prevent civil war and schisms, he would need an heir when that day came. And, Giovanni must've considered Domino worthy, since she was an Elite and all, to mother such an heir.

Not that he could ever have a child with…her. The very idea of being alone with her…disgusted him. Not that he didn't like girls, or anything like that. He would've enjoyed being with a girl, as long as he liked her. But, Domino…Silver just couldn't. He hated her.

Worst of all, she took away the only thing he'd ever loved.

Silver decided that he could continue hating her later, and left the room. He passed a mirror as he did, but barely took note of his appearance in it. He stood just under six feet tall, his blue eyes-so dark that they almost appeared to be black-pierced others with a glare that seemed to see through everything, and his crimson hair fell straight and just past his shoulders-he never had time to cut it. He appeared lanky and scrawny, but that was only because he was so sheltered. He was actually quite strong, as some had found out during more recent years, and had a temper that was shorter the older he got. He wore a black and red jacket over black jeans, and wore black shoes of some kind. Hell, he didn't know what kind of shoes they were! Leave that to girls, who actually cared. He only wore what his father provided him to wear, what Team Rocket paid for.

Silver decided that, his bodyguards nowhere to be seen, this would be a good chance to get out in the sun. He walked out of the front door, the sun's warmth wasted on his cold heart. He and his father lived in a house near the edge of the city, ever since their old home in the Gym was…destroyed… by a trio of bumbling idiots. The Rocket HQ was hidden in the City still, along with a few other bases throughout Kanto, and parts of Jhoto. Good riddance, really. Silver had hated living in that Gym.

Silver walked into the busier parts of Viridian City, where it was unlikely that someone would notice him. Not that anyone knew who he was, outside of the Rockets, but he still instinctively avoided others' eye.

He walked somewhat hunched forward, looking at the sidewalk below him. He simply wandered around, reveling in the normalcy of the sounds of people living normal lives and in being left alone. He walked into a grocery store, and looked at the fresh produce, as if he did this all the time. He picked up an orange, studying it as if trying to decide whether or not he wanted it. He set it back, and started to walk down another aisle.

"May I help you, sir?"

Silver was surprised by an employee who sought to aid him. The boy couldn't have been any more than a year older than him.

"No, thanks," Silver said, still shocked. "I'm good." No one had ever called him "sir" without contempt or sarcasm before. Silver wasn't sure why he'd been so polite to the stranger. If his father had been there, he'd have blamed Silver's mother. Apparently, she had been a very caring person. Silver had never met her. He thought he found her once, when he was little, when he'd snuck out like he was now. But, he'd never made contact, never even made eye contact.

Maybe that's what I should do…Silver thought, looking around. Maybe…I found her file. I know where she lives. Maybe…I'm already out. It's not too far…they wouldn't miss me. Maybe she could help me with…

Then, he turned his gaze, and his dark blue eyes locked into the gaze of a pair of russet ones. It was her!

She was older, and looked far more…tired…but it was her. His mother. It had to be. She seemed to notice him. The puzzled expression on her face told him that she knew he was familiar, but that she hadn't identified him, yet. According to her file-and his-on the Rocket database, she'd given him up at birth. He should've hated her for doing that, but…he just…couldn't. She seemed so kind, so…he just couldn't.

Then, he saw a flash of recognition in her eyes, and-suddenly scared-he turned, starting to run. He didn't go more than three steps, when he ran into a Totodile, tripping over it, and causing it to drop what it had been carrying.

"Totodile!" A young boy, just old enough to have started his journey, scolded his Pokémon. The boy's glasses glared in the store's lights. At least, they did from Silver's position on the floor. "Watch where you're going!"

"I sorry," the Totodile gurgled.

"'S 'kay," Silver muttered, getting up off of the ground, dusting off his jeans. He was still somewhat stunned from fear that his mother would…approach him. He decided that being helpful-even if he wasn't sure if he meant it-would be the best decision right now-for self-preservation, he told himself. He helped the Totodile pick up the boxes it had dropped, and then watched the little kid and Totodile walk away.

"Now, let's go get the next thing on the list that…" the boy said cheerfully as they disappeared into the next aisle.

Silver didn't know he was smiling until he could no longer hear them. Seeing such a bond between human and Pokémon…it was the only way to relive those warm memories…without the pain.

Silver walked home, deciding that he could hate the world again after dinner.

…

Gary Oak loved helping his grandfather around the lab. Plus, since the professor was getting on in years, Gary liked to take over for a day or two at a time, so the professor could rest. Gary got plenty of practice, too. He was reading a file on a study on raising Rattata from the egg versus catching them and training them that way, when Delia Ketchum burst in, almost in tears.

"Mrs. Ketchum?" Gary asked, shocked.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Gary," she wiped her eyes. "Thought you were Samuel."

"Grandfather's resting. He's been really tired lately."

"Oh, well, tell him I came, okay?"

"Mrs. Ketchum," Gary stopped her. "What's wrong? I've never seen you so close to crying like that before."

"I wasn't…" She stammered. "I'm fine. It's none of your business."

"Is it about Ash?" Gary decided to press the matter, just a little, at least.

"…No…"

"What is it? Maybe I can help."

Delia Ketchum thought about it for a few minutes. A soft memory played in the back of her mind. Maybe…

"Can you look up a trainer for me?"

"Sure," Gary grinned, bringing up the trainer database on the lab computer. "Just give me a name."

…

It seemed so long ago now…

The male Lucario mused on his past. He looked at the large, empty chair in front of him. He served the Boss all of his life. He was a very loyal Pokémon. But, he wasn't sure if he did it out of love, or simply duty.

Probably the latter, he decided. The office was empty; the Boss had gone out for something…most likely something about his disobedient son. A Persian slept nearby the chair. The Boss did have a liking for some Pokémon; he loved that cat to death, and at least deeply respected the Lucario. The Lucario doubted it was love though; he, himself, only loved his mate and their daughter nowadays-Arceus rest their souls-and the Boss had only ever loved…well, the Lucario had only ever truly knew her for a few years. And, he didn't trust her right away. He wasn't sure anymore when he had realized that he had trusted her with his friend's life…entirely. He couldn't remember now. It was…so long ago.

"Pull yourself together, Dag," he muttered. Dagger was his name, nice and deadly sounding, a good and threatening name for the Boss's secret, hidden, and most loyal bodyguard. Occasionally, Giovanni would slip, and call him Dag. He was fond of the nickname, really. Dag. It made him think that there could be a friendship there… that he served the master criminal for a reason other than duty. In fact, the only reason he had a name, instead of being known as a number, was the Boss had secretly called him Dagger when they were growing up.

"You alright, Dagger?"

Dag looked up to see that the Persian had woken up. The fact that he could talk was a secret between just the two of them-the Boss had no idea.

"Fine."

"You miss your daughter, don't you?"

"And Sapphire, too," Dag recalled the name of his mate, whom he hadn't seen in sixteen years. He couldn't be sure if she lived or not…and he daren't seek out her trainer to find out. Giovanni would be most…displeased.

"I think that…your daughter is alive."

"You heard…him. She was…no. She died."

"The problem with humans, Dagger, is that they fudge the truth too often. They could have…."

Before Persian could continue, the door swung open, and the Boss walked in, and with an angry sigh, sank into his chair behind his desk.

"Sir?" Dag asked, almost sounding concerned.

The phone rang before Giovanni could speak, and he picked it up.

"Speak." The Boss's voice was stern and strict as ever. Dag searched his face; looking for any trace that might be left of the teenager he'd once known. That… younger version of the Boss had been unruly, sure, but just as kind, and loving, and…maybe Dag did love him, after all…the old him… the teenager that had known how to love.

"Yes. No. Absolutely not! Get back out there! Failure is not an option!" Giovanni slammed the phone down, steaming.

"Sir?" Dag asked again. "He's just a kid. You were once him."

"Silver is not me."

"Not the you that you're now, no. But, remember when you were his age. You were similar, right? I remember."

"I was different. I was willing to accept my duty."

"Accept, yes. But, you didn't have it forced upon you, you didn't have the weight of the Team's future thrown on your shoulders, forced to agree to things you so hated."

"He's complained to you about her, hasn't he?"

"With all due respect, it's your own fault, sir. If you have given him a position, at least, he might not hate her so much. Even if he breaks, and they marry…"

"As soon as he's eighteen," Giovanni added.

"Yes…even if…you know that…it will be pointless, right?"

"Elaborate."

Dag hid his shock. He often forgot that Giovanni allowed him to be more…frank than the other Rockets. Maybe it was because of their history together.

"He could never grow close enough to…produce an heir. He would always hate her. He would never…desire…her company. They only time they would ever even kiss would be at the wedding, if at all. He would always sleep in a different bed-a different room!"

"You overheard one of his rants, I presume?"

"He truly hates her, sir."

Giovanni said nothing.

"He blames her for…her death, sir. And you know how much she meant to him."

Silence.

"As much as you loved…"

"Dagger."

Dag sighed.

"He is your son. He simply can't let go of his hate."

"Fine. Watch him, then, Dag. If he expresses interest in another girl before he turns eighteen, I'll break his current engagement. Until then, it's 009."

"Yes, sir. But, what makes you think he could ever love again?"

"He has his mother's blood, too."

Dag knew from the tone that it was the end of the conversation on the subject.

"What of the specimen from Project Megavolt? Have we recovered it yet? I heard that our old…friend to the south might have found it."

"I gave up on recovering it. Someone else beat us to it, years ago, and has proven himself worthy. The project is safe with him."

"Have you met him? Do you know him?"

"Not really, but I know he can be trusted."

"How?" Dag was confused. "What's his name?"

"Ashura Ketchum."

…

"One hit," Gary muttered. "His team includes a Chikorita, a Salamence, a…"

"I don't care," Mrs. Ketchum muttered. "Let me see his age, his photo…"

"Old enough to be Ash's father," Gary muttered. "Is he, uh…?"

"No. It's not who I was looking for. Are you sure he's the only one…?"

"He's the only trainer filed under that first name."

"Try the files of past trainers."

Ding!

"Any of these?" Gary asked.

"No…all too old."

"Are you…looking for someone…my age?"

"Roughly."

"Why?"

Delia looked at him, and Gary decided not to push it.

"All right, break into the Rocket database."

"…Team Rocket?" Gary asked, shocked.

"Can you hack into it?"

"Sure," Gary typed on the computer, bringing up a page asking for a password. "I can get into it, all right. It's gonna take a few days to find the password though."

"Try 'Giovanni.'"

"Uh, okay…" Gary was starting to get suspicious.

Entry Denied!

"Try 'Mew.'"

Entry Denied!

"Maybe something a little less obvious?" Gary laughed quietly.

"Like yours?" Delia chuckled. "Sure, let's try it."

Tentatively, Gary tried the password into his e-mail.

Entry Denied!

Gary sighed with relief.

"Maybe it's something that only the head Rocket would know. Something he'd keep secret from the others, or something the world doesn't know about Rocket's goal, or something…"

Delia's face lit up. She nudged Gary, who gave her control of the keyboard. He noted each key as she typed it before hitting Enter.

Access Granted!

"Whoa." Gary muttered. He made sure he had the password memorized; it could come in handy later. "Okay, let's try it!" He typed in a search for the name, and hit Enter.

The picture on the only file that came up made Gary gasp in fear.

The eyes! The rest of the kid seemed only vaguely familiar, but the eyes! He knew those eyes!

"Mrs. Ketchum…"

"It's him."

"Is he…?"

"What?"

"Impossible! No!" Gary read the file. "He can't be…!"

"Be what?"

"No."

"…Yes."

"No. You can't have lied to us."

"I'm sorry. It was…for the best. But…someone needs to know."

"Grandfather?"

"He does, too."

"Holy shit," Gary cursed under his breath. She didn't scold him. Hell, she couldn't blame him.

"Don't tell Ash."

"No…I won't. You will."

"What?"

"This is important! That…kid…has the eyes of a killer! If he finds out…"

"I think he has."

"Damn!" Gary gritted his teeth.

"Please, keep this secret from the others, particularly Ash."

"Why?"

"Finish reading."

"Holy Lord," Gary did not think that this could get any more screwed up. "I'm not sure I want to know what the hell happened here."

"So, you believe this?"

"I know the password, too."

Silence was proof enough…for both of them.