The darkness of the caverns. The faint warmth of Typhlosion's effortful flames. Dawn's gentle embrace, and the weight of Pikachu on his chest. These were the last things Ash's conscious mind had registered, before he'd given in to exhaustion and shock, abandoned by the adrenaline rush that'd powered him through such a crisis.

To say it wasn't the best of times would be an understatement. But, it all felt very distant and enviable, compared to the harsh white light that assaulted his eyes, when they started to open again. He winced, squinting through the bright lights that definitely came from the indoors until his eyes could adjust.

A faint, repetitive chime was the next thing he picked up on. Beside the cot he was propped up in, there was a heart monitor that started to pick up its pace when he awoke. Several monitors were taped to his chest, when he checked under the blanket. He was shirtless, it seemed, and multiple bandages wrapped around his arms and torso. From the sting he felt when he moved, he judged them to be minor burns, and likely a couple of bruises.

"Chan…? Chansey~!" A Chansey wearing a nurse's cap chirped from across the room, waddling over to glance at the echogardiogram readings. Seeming satisfied, she greeted the ailing trainer with a coo and a warm smile. "Chan-Chansey!" Before Ash could answer, she waddled back towards the door to the room they occupied, and tapped a button on the wall. "Chansey~!"

Ash had enough time to regain his bearings, now, while he waited. His jacket and t-shirt were folded neatly on a nearby countertop, though they still looked as ragged and burnt as he did. His hat looked just about as ragged, to his dismay.

"Oh! You're awake!" Nurse Joy exclaimed, appearing in the doorway. The first thing Ash noticed was her tired eyes, gray bags under each of them. She looked as if she'd been awfully busy. Collecting herself, she coughed into the back of her hand before going to wash it in the sink. "Thank goodness… You had a rough run-in, but it's nice to have you back with us."

"Where're Pikachu and the others?" Ash asked immediately.

"Your team is going to be just fine," she answered. "They're recovering from the damage they took in battle, but it's nothing irreversible. Though, Pikachu's displaying what seem to be traumatic responses to our care, and he's extremely exhausted. Far more than he should be from just a battle."

Ash's expression screwed up in worry, as the memories from earlier flooded back. "I think I know why. He was caught in… where is it?" He sat up suddenly, regretting it when the stress of his burns jolted through him. He hissed, collapsing back on the cot.

"You must take it easy!" Nurse Joy scolded. "Please, lay down. Now, what was it you wanted…?"

"That Poké Ball," he answered. "The eerie dark one with the bars. I had it when I was in the base. Was it with my other Poké Balls!?"

"It wasn't on your person when you were brought to us," Joy shook her head. "I'd have to imagine it's at the Police Department, if it was suspect. Now, what did you say was wrong with Pikachu…? And, what did this strange Poké Ball have to do with it?"

"They called it a Dark Ball," Ash explained. "They said that it brainwashed Pikachu to be evil, and brought out his power to its absolute limit. By the time I had him back, he was exhausted!"

"Oh, dear…" Nurse Joy bit her lip. "I'm afraid I have very little knowledge on them, due to their rarity and illegality. I suggest you speak to an expert on Poké Balls on the subject."

"Then, what about Dawn!?" Ash asked, filing the previous topic away for later. "Is she hurt, too?"

"Dawn is at the Police Department, recounting tonight's events for you, since you lost consciousness," Joy explained. "But, hold that thought; I'd suggest that you worry about yourself for just a moment. You haven't shown an ounce of concern about your own condition since you've awoken!"

"Who cares?" Ash asked bitterly. He felt guilty when her face tensed up; her eyes probably squinting from the bright red flag he'd just waved in front of her.

"You should care!" She scolded. "You can only be responsible for your own health, right now, so I implore you to take it seriously."

If it wasn't his good will towards this particular Nurse Joy, Ash couldn't help but see in her the Joy from the foot of Mt. Silver; he'd endured so many chidings from her that, really, he'd come to acutely feel the disappointment she felt in the aftermath. He understood a little more why she'd complained about being a surrogate mother. Her lessons rang in his ears, and made him respect the Viridian Joy's pleas more. He sighed heavily, pacified.

"You're right. I'm sorry… Is there anything I should know, then?"

This seemed to be enough for Joy, though the wary look never left her eye. "We ran an X-ray. Miraculously, nothing seems broken; you escaped with only some bruises and superficial burns." She gestured to the X-ray projected on a screen on the wall beside him. "Honestly, recounting what you'd said about Pikachu's power, I'd call this outcome a complete miracle."

"I was thinking that, too." Ash's hand ghosted over his jaw, where Pikachu's Iron Tail had struck him. It sported an ugly purple, and felt somewhat sore when he spoke. "Back when we fought. Pikachu was fighting their control, and doing everything he could to hold back against me."

"Well, I can say one thing for certain," Nurse Joy replied, gently removing the echocardiogram nodes from Ash's torso. She returned to him with his shirt and jacket, leaving them in his lap. "...your bond with one another is second to none. Be that as it may, though, you should join your friend at the station and then return home to rest."

"Yeah. Right." Ash struggled somewhat with his t-shirt, sliding it on despite the discomfort. "But, first, can I see Pikachu and the others, please?"

To that, Nurse Joy smiled.


It felt like it'd been hours, for Dawn, since she'd called Officer Jenny. Since Ash and Pikachu had passed out in her arms. Since they'd had to split ways, while Ash and their Pokémon were carried back to the Pokémon Center, while she returned to the Police Department as a witness. Since she'd had to wait in the lobby while they all sorted out what to do with all the apprehended Grunts and Officers; there were simply too many for Viridian's precinct and some had been taken to Pewter's.

In the meantime, they'd taken pity on Dawn, and given her a sandwich to munch on, and turned on a television inside the precinct for her to watch and kill time with. She watched the evening news, which were just now starting to talk about the events of tonight, if only in tentative terms without any named names. There'd been a stolen Pokémon, and a Team Rocket base laid to ruin.

Dawn listened to pass the time, but it was all white noise to her. Her heart was still racing in the aftermath, but she'd known that it was nothing compared to what everyone around her had gone through. Her eyes kept drifting to the front desk, wondering if they'd hear any updates from the Pokémon Center. But, none came by the time that she'd been asked to come in for questioning.

It'd started out fairly procedural, at least Dawn could guess. Questions with obvious answers; things Jenny already knew from their first meeting, several hours prior. It all felt frustratingly by-the-book. That was, until they arrived at their break in communication.

"Now, when you arrived at the premises," Jenny said, pen still to her clipboard. "You were told to contact us about your position. Can you tell me why you didn't?"

Dawn's brows furrowed. After hours of shock and stress, the last thing she needed was to land herself in even more trouble.

"This isn't to incriminate you," Jenny assured. "I just need to understand the events that followed."

"Right," Dawn nodded. "I tried when I arrived, but there were radio jammers of some kind, outside. You heard the interference when I got around to calling you, right? I had to get further into the caves to even hear you."

Jenny nodded. "And, you felt the situation was too urgent to turn tail?"

"I was planning on it, but Rose— Ash's Lucario panicked. She said there was something 'horribly wrong' with Pikachu's Aura."

"His… Aura…?" Jenny parroted, frowning. She didn't seem to understand. "I know that Lucario can sense others' life forces, but I can't say I'm educated on the subject in detail."

"She said it felt wicked, and absurdly powerful. I just couldn't leave Ash in good conscience!"

"Understandable, considering the conditions you were under," Jenny agreed, to Dawn's relief. "And, what came of Lucario's reading? The more of a concrete answer we have, the better."

"She sensed Pikachu had been turned against Ash," Dawn explained. "Looking at the shape he was in, when I found him…"

Rosemary had been correct.

"Then what I'd have to conclude, ultimately," Jenny said, "is that they'd been after Pikachu. Do you have any clue as to why they'd pursue him, suddenly?"

"It's not sudden!" Dawn snapped. "Those three have been chasing Pikachu for years! Longer than I've even known him or Ash!"

"Jessie, James, and Meowth are infamous, especially in this city," Jenny said. "But to use technology advanced enough to twist his mind and make him stronger… that sounds like an order of greater priority than a couple of pesky thieves." Jenny held her pen tip to her lips, after scribbling down more information. Her eyes hardened, as if she was starting to unearth a lead.

Dawn shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

"It's also suspicious that this happened directly after Team Rocket's takeover of Silph Co. was thwarted by a couple of faceless vigilantes…" Dawn felt Jenny's eyes on her, sharp as a Fearow's. Though, much more like a Luxray's, they were seeing right through her and her facade. "...and the end result of that was an electrical explosion that left the eleventh floor a wreck."

"That's… I don't see how that…!" Dawn stammered, anxiously rocking the ball of her foot. She hated lying. It was so difficult. It was so unnecessary. Perhaps, now, it wasn't, but she just wasn't good at it. Her eyes started to water. "We stopped them, didn't we!?"

For all of Shaymin's gratitude…! She'd just blabbed it. But, Jenny knew. She knew and they were past the point of no return. Hiding it from Joy had been a complete waste of time.

The Officer looked satisfied, leaning back in her seat to stare at her clipboard. "You did," she admitted. "Twice now, even." Strangely, she wasn't writing anything down. Shouldn't she, if they'd just admitted to a crime!? "I can't say that we're not in your debt for not only that, but for bringing down an entire criminal base."

Jenny set down her notes, making eye contact with Dawn. "But you understand why what you did was illegal, now." Her tone sounded less commanding now, and more patronizing. Like a parent scolding their child for breaking a vase, rather than an authority about to put a suspect in cuffs.

"...I do," Dawn answered.

"It's your first offense, so I'll let you take these consequences as a proper warning and look the other way," Jenny said, much to Dawn's relief. The girl felt a tremendous weight off her shoulders. "Now, I'd like you to finish telling me what happened, and then you can go."

With Dawn's second-to-worst fears assuaged, the rest of the retelling was routine. Dawn was released into the lobby, and it seemed that her timing had been impeccable; the sliding glass doors parted immediately afterward.

In the doorway was one of the rescue team men, pushing a wheelchair that had Ash sitting in it. Pikachu was stationed in his lap. "Dawn," he managed to say, finding himself short for words.

"Ash!" Dawn exclaimed. Her heart dropped, sympathy pain wrenching in her stomach. She stumbled her way over, trying to get the words out. Had he been hurt that badly!? "Ash, wha-"

"It's cool. I can walk," Ash assured, reaching to take her hand in his. "I'm just not allowed to," he grumbled.

"Sorry, trooper. Pokémon Center policy with the shape you were in. Once you're out of our hands, though, you can limp on home if you want," the rescue worker snarked. "...Which should be about now, by the looks of it."

Ash and Dawn looked over the former's shoulder, where down at the bottom of the stairs, an open-roof convertible sat parked at the side of the road. Professor Oak sat in the driver's seat, and Delia beside him. Gary sat in the back. It was hard to make out their expressions from a distance, but the front passenger door flew open violently.

"Ash, dear!" Still in her pajamas, seemingly right out of a deep sleep, Delia hadn't even bothered with her appearance. She sprinted up the steps in a pair of tennis shoes, coming to the top of the steps to find Ash, Dawn, and the worker waiting.

"Mom…!" Ash tried to stand, but with Pikachu in his lap, he was afraid to dislodge his already fragile and exhausted partner. He had to accept a crouching hug from his mother.

"Don't you dare push yourself," she scolded. Her voice was shaky, like she was on the verge of sobbing. "My baby… Oh, I'd barely gotten a blink of sleep since I'd talked to Johanna… I tried to leave it be, but then…!"

"Mom… Mom. It's okay," Ash soothed, awkwardly patting her back. He very much did not feel okay. In fact, he felt even worse, knowing he'd been worrying his own mother. "I'm here. We all are. And I promise I can walk."

"Then, you'll walk when we get home." That seemed to be the final word on the matter, as she reached for Pikachu. "Here, Pikachu-"

"Chu!" Pikachu scrambled further into Ash's lap in a panic, his ears pinning to the back of his head. When he realized who he was cowering from, his ears pinning to the back of his head in guilt.

Delia frowned, taken aback.

"They haven't wanted to leave each other's sights since I found them," Dawn tried to explain.

"...Oh dear. Okay. Let's go, then." The brunette composed herself, and took hold of Ash's wheelchair, rolling him carefully down the closest available ramp, with Dawn in tow. The cool midnight air might've been refreshing, at any other time. Nary a word was spoken until they hit the bottom; the squeaking sound of wheels filled the silence.

Ash was reluctantly helped into the backseat, despite any muttered protests. He was too exhausted to argue, and accepted Pikachu back quickly into his lap. He stuck to stroking Pikachu's fur, while Gary and Samuel packed and folded the wheelchair into the trunk.

He didn't particularly feel like talking, or even looking at anybody, even when the brunet slid into the seat beside him. The revving of the engine was music to his ears: it filled the silence, and it meant they were going home.

With that said, he didn't quite feel right with the fact that nobody had said a word, since they'd sorted themselves into the car. Ash felt like he needed to justify them taking time out of their nights for him. He coughed into his hand. "...So. Sorry."

"You should be sorry!" Gary snapped. Ash opening his mouth had popped the cork on pressure that'd been building for who knows how long, and there was no putting a cap back on it. "Really, Ash. Both of you! Silph Company!?"

Ash and Dawn both winced, exchanging a glance. Between Delia's comment, and this… Johanna had definitely gotten around to telling Delia about what she'd heard, at least.

"I'm just ticked that I wasn't told until tonight," the brunet said pointedly, staring at the back of his grandfather's headrest.

"...That was my mistake, I'll digress." Professor Oak coughed, covering up his guilt.

Delia, so far, hadn't said anything.

"I can't really blame you, though. I should've known as soon as I saw the news, last week. I should've known, with how weird you were acting! Something about you was off, and what do you know! Ash Ketchum, bearer of the crown jewel of jumping into any danger he can find, finds a way to one-up it!"

Even the open air was tense and heavy in the vehicle; just about everyone was left speechless, as Gary verbally beat down the young man who'd already limped his way into the car. Ash couldn't say whether anyone was left speechless, or were waiting for the inevitable angry, self-righteous retort. One of their age-old fights, intensified by stronger wills.

But, it just didn't come.

"Yeah. I know. I screwed up royally," Ash said, his voice lacking any of its vigor. "Sorry."

He watched the fire in Gary's eyes fizzle and evaporate in real time. The brunet suddenly looked more lost and bewildered than he had a moment ago. He felt Pikachu's eyes on him, and the disappointment his partner held for his words in his bones.

"Now, hold on!" Dawn barked back. Her voice was hoarse from a night of turmoil, cracking. "Don't you go pinning it on Ash! I was every bit as involved-"

The Professor cleared his throat loudly, drawing everyone's attention, and quieting Dawn. "Now, now… Let's all take a moment to calm these tensions, shall we?" He took a deep breath, himself, before continuing. "The Primeape's fury; blind anger runs them ragged. Deprived of all peace."

The elderly man let his senryu sink in, before continuing. "I believe that Gary is angry that he wasn't there to help. "

"Of course I am," Gary admitted, shrinking into his seat with crossed arms. He sounded much smaller, now, without the facade of his anger. "I let Ash out of sight for one second, and this mess happened. If I'd just stuck around a minute longer…"

"There's no helping it now," Delia said quietly. Her voice strained with the pain of what-ifs and what could have been. "It won't do anyone any good to dwell on it. Let's go home and get some proper rest."

The shared silence was the group's agreement to her terms, while Pallet quickly approached on the horizon.


Ariana wasn't particularly accustomed to running with her proverbial tail tucked between her legs. She was an Executive; second in rank only to the man up top, himself. Hell, she wasn't even typically involved in tangling with the rabble; instead, organizing and leading research.

Yet, she'd been reduced to that twice in the past week. She'd been reluctantly preparing herself to deliver her report to HQ, but a call from Giovanni had come in before she could. That man… on top of things, as always. He told her to clean up, and meet him for dinner, picking one of the finest private establishments that was willing to mingle with Rocket personnel.

It was often used for one of three things: business arrangements, praising and rewarding a job well done, and… well. The style of dining was a Kaiseki; an oft-expensive nine-course meal, cooked fresh at the chef's behest and the patrons' whims, with whatever seasonal ingredients were available. A fine experience, but no one wanted to be stuck in a drawn-out occasion with the boss, himself, in a situation where they had his ire. No matter how luxurious the arrangements.

But, meetings with Giovanni, when it came to business, were never so much a request as they were a requirement. So, she'd showered, picked out a comfortable enough, but still presentable black dress, and wore earrings to match. It was nearing midnight by the time she met for their reservation, but any strings could be pulled with a great enough reputation, and a big enough wallet.

A dim ambience was cast over their private room, with fine art on the walls, and gentle candlelight illuminating them. Classical music strummed in the background, quiet enough to give them an atmosphere, but peace for conversation. The dark-haired conqueror sat across from her in a dark kimono, knelt on a cushion in front of their low table.

The accommodations, in any other scenario, would put any patron on cloud nine. Ariana would surely feel that way, as well. But, she couldn't quite shake her nerves over the inevitable.

For the first couple of courses, she was treading those dreary waters carefully. Giovanni allowed her to maintain that false sense of security, starting with small talk, and by-the-numbers reports of the incident. By the time of their third course; a palate-cleansing clear soup with vegetables and tofu, they'd shifted topics to discussing Team Rocket's greater plans.

"My sights… are set on the Unova region, in the long term," he explained.

"Unova…? Such a faraway region," Ariana remarked, sipping her soup after speaking. "So far out of our reach."

"A reality that I intend to change," he replied. "They know little of our operations. Our successes, or our failures. A new frontier, ill-prepared for our invasion. Whether there's a power vacuum to fill, or whether we must topple another… that's to be determined." He, too, drank from his spoon.

"Occupied or not, we'll conquer it," she replied. "There's no greater force than Team Rocket."

"No greater force indeed…" Giovanni grumbled. The darkness in his voice reflected in his eyes. Ariana knew, then, that the time for beating around the bush was over. He leered like a Persian, ready to corner its prey. "Though, on that note, I think it's about time we discuss the lost property and manpower, tonight."

"Those three were behind it!" Ariana snapped.

"The Administrators…?" Giovanni frowned. "I received a report that they'd completed their mission of capturing and delivering the Pikachu. Was I misinformed?"

"You weren't," she conceded. "But, their incompetence led Ash and the girl right to our grounds!"

"And you couldn't stop them…?" Giovanni dropped the obvious question. "That Pikachu was the greatest threat they posed to us. Did you not have control of him!?"

"I did," Ariana hastily confirmed. "The power it displayed made quick work of the kid's team, and beat him to a pulp."

"Then your territory was toppled…by a lone girl!?" Giovanni hissed out.

Any warmth the private room had held in all of its comforts had seeped away. The bitter chill of the boss's outrage made the ashamed Executive freeze; her usual fire choked out by shame.

Perhaps the timing was appropriate and merciful for their server to appear, taking away their last course. It offered a moment of reprieve for Ariana, who had only just started to ruminate on how poor her performance sounded. How absolutely pathetic she'd been, to be hoodwinked and outmuscled by children.

She took advantage of her boss's etiquette in the face of their hosts, though his clenched jaw was visible even from across the table. The palate cleanser had done little to sweep away her failures, and her excuses, so far, had only started to dig her into a deeper hole.

"Your next course. The finest of first season upstream bonito sashimi." The server placed a plate of the delectable, deep red cuts of fish, accompanied with artfully placed garnish. "Please, enjoy."

"Thank you," Giovanni and Ariana said unison; maintaining the peace for the sake of proper appearances. That decorum was enough time for the Executive to swallow just how terrible the situation sounded.

God forbid if he learned that she'd personally overseen the girl masquerading as a grunt… His good favor for her was vast, but it certainly wasn't infinite. Right now, it looked to be dwindling, already.

"Petrel recognized her," Ariana picked up, pinching a slice of bonito between her chopsticks. After a bite, she continued. "She's apparently a high-profile Coordinator."

"Trainers are growing stronger and stronger… and far more bold." Bitterness clung to Giovanni's words. He tried to calm his temper with another delectable sample. "On the note of growing stronger… you spoke highly of the Pikachu's strength. Was anything worth our time gained?"

"He'd been analyzed," Ariana answered. "...But I missed the chance to see the data for myself. With the base falling apart at the seams, I had to confront the intruder, and leave the kid to his demise."

"I've heard nothing of casualties on the news, so far," the leader replied. "So, I'd surmise that there were none."

"His spirit was broken, regardless," she scoffed. Laughing nervously, she did her best to shake off any visible fear and portray herself as amused. "Besides… Team Rocket has a much greater future than a couple of kids and a mere one location. What a shame…" She casually pinched the sashimi between her chopsticks and took a bite. "Those three truly spent years on what turned out to be a total waste of time."

Giovanni raised a brow, frowning. "You seem awfully transfixed on a couple of agents below your rank."

"They were spotted sneaking around the base after they were ordered to leave," she insisted.

"You're sure?" He stopped to eat a cut of bonita, frowning around it. "Was any proof found? Because it sounds like you're trying to use them to cover up your failures."

Ariana's well-manicured nails dug into her palms. The niceties raised for this arrangement were beginning to crumble like plaster hastily patched to hide a hole in the wall. "Do you trust a couple of rejects over me!?"

Years and years of business cooperation between the two preceded this day. Many foes conquered. Many fine nights out like this one, perhaps under better circumstances.

A failed heir, who'd somehow slipped through their fingers.

Watching all of that fade into the background for three of the worst agents the organization had ever seen was playing on Ariana's every last nerve.

Giovanni sighed, massaging his temple between two fingers. "I would like to take you at your every word. You know this. But, you also know that showing personal favoritism is unbecoming in the world of business."

"They're failures," Ariana snapped, smacking her hand down against the hardwood table. The delicate silverware clattered. "A couple of fools, taking the name and resources of Team Rocket for their clandestine pipe dream mission of stealing a child's rat!" The irony wasn't lost on her, that the very same rat was what cost her, tonight. But she kept going. "They've sunk hundreds of thousands into their plots. Maybe even millions!"

"And that's why I tried to dispose of them to pay their dividends, long ago," Giovanni explained. They hadn't died, but he'd ultimately collected the insurance money on that blimp. "Why they were fired in the past. But the fact of the matter is, I took a gamble in investing in them after they'd changed their record. They helped secure Sinnoh from the insane machinations of Team Galactic."

"And you truly believe that!?" Ariana hissed.

"I respect you, Ariana," Giovanni said, "truly. You're one of my greatest hands in making the Rocket empire an ever-expanding reality. But I have to say, I'm very much disappointed in you lowering yourself to shirking responsibility for your own shortcomings. You're better than this."

That was the last straw. Failing to choke up any indignant response — any list of expletives she'd like to throw at the man across from her, against her better judgment — Ariana threw down her chopsticks. Breaking the quiet lull of their meal that she'd, in her mind, just declared over.

Without another word, She got up and left their dinner in a huff. 'Damn it all…' There was something amiss here. Surely. And if her instincts were right, and the man behind it all had simply spent too much time behind his desk to be wise to the turning gears that made up Rocket, then she'd have to unearth it, herself.


No matter how traumatic the night before, a restful sleep had followed, for the self-ordained heroes of Kanto. Adrenaline had done its dues and given in, and exhaustion claimed Ash, Dawn, and their teams for the rest of the night, and well into the morning.

In fact, they were barely even fully awake by noon. Sore and melancholy, Ash and Dawn sat on the couch, with Pikachu in Ash's lap, Rosa huddled up to Ash's side, and Empoleon taking up a whole armchair to himself.

"C'mon. Your mom suggested we at least watch some TV," Dawn said, picking the remote up off the coffee table. "Can't be worse than just sitting here." She clicked the power button, and the screen before them flashed to life.

Channel 5 was the immediate setting, with two news personnel sitting in front of a projected background, with a menacing black panel with the unmistakable red "R" in the middle. It was enough to make the group flinch, and for Ash to hold Pikachu protectively, even if a streak tore right through the infamous emblem's center.

" —back with the latest update on the ongoing Team Rocket ransacking story!" The anchorwoman led. "For those who just tuned in, approximately between the hours of 6PM and midnight, last night, a missing persons report was filed at the Viridian City Police Department, on behalf of noted Pokémon Trainer from Pallet Town, Ash Ketchum, along with his Pikachu."

The anchor's assistant continued. "In the midst of a search party's assembly, their companion took action; Dawn Tsumura, a Pokémon Coordinator most recently known for her victory in the annual Wallace Cup, found the perpetrators. A Team Rocket base was discovered, well outside city limits. The search party retrieved the heroine and her friends alike, at approximately 10:30 PM. But, they hadn't gone without leaving their mark on the criminal regime."

"Should they… really be using our names like that?" Ash frowned, hugging Pikachu more closely.

"I was asking myself the same thing," Dawn replied. Not liking being noticed was a very fresh feeling, and she wasn't fond of it. "But, Team Rocket already knows who we are, anyway."

"Mm," Ash hummed.

"Tsumura had gone on to lay waste to the underground hideout; corridors and machinations left in complete disrepair, and its structure left in a hazardous and questionable state of integrity, with the number of apprehended agents estimated to be in the dozens; still being processed at the Viridian and Pewter Precincts. The reported head of operations, Team Rocket Executive Ariana, however, managed to escape custody."

Footage of many rescued grunts, and a handful of scientists and officers, could be seen on screen in cuffs, after being retrieved by the rescue team.

"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, but luckily, the captives and their hero were rescued safely, with only superficial injuries, and were released from the precinct, late last night."

Ash wordlessly leaned into Dawn's shoulder.

Then, the infamous logo in the screen's corner changed to footage of the damaged Silph Co. building, and fear shot through Ash like a jolt. Seemingly taken the morning after the takeover, the shot covered the demolished entryway and the huge gash in the eleventh floor.

"Later reports have connected Dawn and Ash, as well, to the mystery of the Silph takeover vigilantes. They admitted culpability in their part of infiltrating the corporate conglomerate, and fighting their way through Team Rocket's defenses, forcing their retreat. Although they broke curfew, as a show of gratitude, the Saffron Department has declined to press charges."

"You told them!?" Ash exclaimed.

"They cornered me!" Dawn defended.

"President Silph was approached for comment, but so far, has only given his thanks and good wishes to the teenage duo and their Pokémon for their good deeds. I'd say it's a grim day that young trainers have to take up arms to—"

Ash took the remote, and turned the television off, before slumping back in his seat. He felt like he could just be absorbed by the sofa cushions, right now. It'd bring him further away from this. "Ugh… ah!"

He'd startled, but it was only Delia who'd placed her hands on his shoulders, leaning over the back of the sofa. "You did a lot of good, you know," she said. "A lot of stolen Pokémon were recovered; they'd said so, earlier." Despite her praises, Delia's eyes were red, and dark circles hung under them.

It was a state Ash had rarely seen his mother in, since his youth. It only made him feel worse. Before he could think to say anything at all, the doorbell rang, sending a jolt of panic through himself and Pikachu, again.

~We got guests,~ Rosa reported. ~They're not dangerous.~

"Oh, dear… I don't look my brightest, do I? Ash… Er, Rosa, be a dear and get the door?" Delia asked, rushing off to presumably powder up.

The Lucario approached the door, moving slowly. After the previous night, she felt on edge, despite feeling the couple's intentions. She swallowed her feelings, and pulled the door open.

A middle-aged couple stood in the doorway, each holding onto a wrapped up bento box. An older, balding man, and a taller, portly woman. Though, as any Palletonian, they looked vibrant and healthy for their age, if not troubled.

Though, their concern turned to confusion, for just a moment, when a Lucario had answered the door.

"Aw, a Pokémon answerin' the door? Aren't'cha a darling?" The woman cooed.

"Yer not Mr. Mime," the man grumbled, adjusting his spectacles. "Can't say I recognize what you are, though. Never seen you around these parts."

~I'm a Lucario,~ Rosa answered matter-of-factly. ~I'm from Sinnoh. The name's Rosemary.~

The two townspeople looked as pale as ghosts, then, exchanging frantic glances as if to check if the other had heard her, or if they were hallucinating. After enough affirmation that they were on the same page, the man cleared his throat and continued.

"Yes! Well. It's quite nice to meet you, er, Rosemary."

"Wouldja mind if we stepped inside?" The wife asked. "We have somethin' for the kids. We'd already seen the news."

Rosa stepped away from the door, allowing them inside.

"Frank, Lisa." Ash acknowledged, looking over to their guests. Old neighbors of theirs, who'd known him since he was young. They looked to each other and frowned; Ash's usual exuberance was completely absent.

"Ash, dear." Lisa approached the coffee table, placing her bento box down atop it. She reached over instinctively to pinch his cheek, but recoiled when the deep purple bruise framing his jawline made her think twice about it. "Oh, gods above and below, you look…"

"Not too bad," Ash finished for her, nearly shrinking into himself to hide his condition. His lips and jaw were still bruised, and bandages spanned from his upper shoulder out of his sleeve.

Realizing he didn't like looking so puny, though, he raised his arms to flex his biceps. "Just a little banged up. It's nothing too- ow!" He winced. The Thunderbolts had aggravated his scarred skin from Moltres's burn quite a bit, making the motion uncomfortable.

"Pikapi…" Pikachu sighed, patting his leg apologetically.

"Y'haven't changed one bit since you reached up to my knee, have ya?" Ray sighed, placing the other bento box in front of Dawn. "A Pidgey with a clipped wing's got no business flying."

"Have some nourishment 'n comfort instead, why don't you?" Lisa urged kindly, opening the bento boxes. "We thought we'd bring you somethin' nice to help the healing along."

The centerpiece of the platter presented was okonomiyaki; battered pancakes made from shredded vegetables and savory starches. Seaweed and toppings decorated it to look like a golem, presented alongside brown rice, and hot dog nubs decorated to look like a Dugtrio.

"Oh, this is… thank you!" Dawn bowed her head, and immediately dug in. Stress eating would definitely be on the menu, for the next couple of days, and that would just have to be okay.

While Ash would normally find the meal mouthwatering, though, he could only stare at it blankly.

"Go on, dear," Lisa urged. "Don't hesitate."

"Thank you," Ash said. "It's just… I don't have much of an appetite."

"Ash, honey," Delia, who'd returned after a bit of powdering, urged him. "Frank and Lisa took care to make you something nice. I think they'd be happy if you tried it." Although her words were kindly phrased, the subtext was obvious. He didn't have much of a choice.

"Right," Ash said, and scooped up the pancake with a flat, spoon-like utensil, and took a bite of it. It was warm and fresh, and frankly, delicious. "It's good," he said, after swallowing. "Thanks." Just to be convincing, he took another large bite. "...Pikachu, Rosa. You want any?"

Sharing with his Pokémon was his first instinct, anyway, but it was an easy and polite out to finishing his meal.

"Aye, that's right… Pikachu had a rough time, too, didn't he? Poor darling." Lisa reached a hand out to the mouse, who reflexively recoiled from her touch with a squeak. "Oh, dear…"

"Pika…" Pikachu's ears framed his face, guilt hitting him, afterwards. He leaned back in to nuzzle her hand. "Pika-chu."

"We shoulda thought about the Pokémon, too," Raymond sighed. "Oh, well. All the better that ya don't have a full appetite, huh? Have some, both of ya."

~Can I have the rice and the Dugtrio?~ Rosa asked, hesitant as ever to tangle with complex flavors and textures. She reached for the chopsticks, then paused. ~...Um.~ She lacked opposable thumbs.

"Here," Ash said, picking up the chopsticks between his fingers and thumb. He pinched some rice, and held it up to the Lucario's muzzle. "Bottoms up."

"Now, ain't that just darling?" Lisa cooed. "I remember when he was picking up fistfuls of rice with his hands, Delia. How time flies…"

"Now, he's actin' like a proper father to his own," Frank chuckled.

"Hey! I'm no baby, y'know!"

~Hey! I'm no baby, y'know!~

Ash and Rosa had exclaimed in a bristle of embarrassment at the same time, going wide-eyed afterward. Blushing afterward, they avoided eye contact with their guests, and Ash offered her one of the hotdogs.

Rosa resisted at first, not wanting to be seen, at the moment. The tasty aroma won out, though, and she chomped down on it quickly before pulling back.

"I hatched 'er," Ash said, smiling softly. It was easier to care for someone close to you than yourself, when you felt under the weather. "Rosa's a big girl, though. She really came through last night."

Meanwhile, Pikachu hungrily downed what was left of the okonomiyaki.

"Oh, last night…" Lisa tutted. "Speaking of that whole debacle… Dawn, was it? Your heroics have been all over the news!"

"Er… Yeah!" Dawn forced a smile between bites, despite the chill down her spine. She wanted to embrace fame and good deeds, but her recent aversion to attention was nagging her like a bad itch. Petrel continued to haunt her. "I just… couldn't let them get away with it all, you know? Good has to triumph over bad!"

"Heh. You found yourself a real winner, this time, eh?" Frank sneered, giving Ash a pat on the shoulder. "A gal brave and reliable enough to rescue ya? She suits you."

"Er… yeah." Ash shrank into his seat, suddenly wishing for his cap. At any other time, he'd heartily agree, but it was just another reminder that he'd needed to be rescued in the first place. He fed Rosa another morsel to avoid the conversation.

"Oh, that's just like a young man," Lisa scolded, albeit with mirth in his voice. "Getting all embarrassed by a girl swooping in to save them."

"H-huh!? No!" Ash dropped his chopsticks, and the rice they held with them. "It's not like that at all! I'm totally grateful for Dawn! She can clean up creeps like it's nobody's business, and she's super reliable—"

"It's an issue of pride," Dawn interrupted, quieting Ash with a hand on his shoulder. "Ash isn't like that. He just… wanted to handle it himself, you know?" She met the eyes of the middle-aged couple. "There's nothing wrong with that."

Delia bit her lip, watching the scene before her unfold. "Well, thank you, for your company and hospitality, Frank, Lisa. But, I think the kids could use some rest. They've had a rather rough couple of days."

"Aye, you're right. Sorry to disturb you." Lisa chuckled, stepping towards the door. She seemed to get the memo, that was effectively a very polite 'time to scram.' "Enjoy, kids."

Frank followed, but not without his own parting words. "Keep your chins up, lads and lasses. If you're anything like Delia, here, you're stronger than a couple of no-good crooks."

"See you again soon~!" Delia cooed, waving them off. Then, she closed the door in front of her and sighed. "Well… Maybe having guests so soon was a bit much." She smiled sympathetically at Ash, Dawn, and their Pokémon, who all had exhaustion written on their faces to some degree.

Then, she spotted the chopsticks and grains of rice on the couch and floor. "Oh, dear. Mimey, could you handle that, please? I have to finish making lunch… I wasn't expecting their gifts."

"Mime, Mr. Mime!" Mimey cooed from the other room, entering with a broom as Delia disappeared into the kitchen.

"Ugh… Man." Ash huffed. They'd been there for maybe five minutes and he felt winded. "Thanks for that."

"No need to worry," Dawn shook her head. "I'd feel just as embarrassed if I was in your shoes." For all the things she didn't understand about other people, pride was one she did.

He tilted his head up to meet his girlfriend's eyes. Despite the fragile, glassy look in his eyes, he did manage a smile. And, when he had to tuck in his legs for Mimey to sweep by, he pressed a kiss to her cheek when he was sure the Psychic-type wasn't looking. Then, he leaned his head in the crook of her shoulder. He was really lucky to have her.

"Besides," Dawn whispered now, past her hand. "You were definitely about to drop that I'm your girlfriend."

"So?" Ash raised a brow. "Does no one know, yet?"

"I forgot to tell my mom because I was… y'know. freaking out," Dawn admitted. "But, dropping it now just feels… lame?"

"Lame?" Ash frowned. "What do you mean, lame?"

"Y'know… dropping that bombshell when we're at our lowest and lamest?" The Coordinator pulled a sour face, as if she'd just eaten something bitter. "That's no way to do it."

"...Y'know, when you put it like that, it does sound lame," Ash replied. "I feel like shit, now, anyway. We'll drop the news when we're feelin' better."

Suddenly, though, Ash felt eyes trained on him. He met his partner's, then, who was giving him a very incredulous stare. "What's with you?"

Pikachu shook his head. "She's rubbing off on you."

Ash snorted. "Finish your okonomiyaki. It's gonna get cold."


"Thank you three, for coming." Delia said, placing the silverware down on the dining room table in tandem with Mr. Mime. "I'm sure it was difficult on such short notice, given the timing…"

As was the case months ago, the Ketchum dining room was full. Dawn and Ash sat at the table, the former idly poking at his food, and Gary, Professor Oak, and Tracey had joined them. Delia's seat was open, and the Pokémon had made the coffee table theirs, in the living room.

"Oh, think nothing of it," Oak shook his head. "We understand that times like these are when company is needed, most of all. We couldn't miss it."

"The lab, though…" Delia pursed her lips, as she finished assembling dinner, and took her own seat. "Is it safe, without supervision? Given…"

The implications hung heavy in the air. Some of their precious people, here, had been personally targeted. One could only wonder what Team Rocket was scheming, now.

"I agree," Gary said, frowning. "I wasn't keen to leave the lab right now, either." To which, his grandfather put a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Now, Gary. You know nothing escapes Bulbasaur's watchful eye."

"It's not just Bulbasaur," Tracey added. "Many of Ash's Pokémon seem to be on alert, as are Gary's. I can't imagine anyone getting past them."

Gary didn't seem entirely convinced, but he grunted, letting the topic slide.

"Well, that's reassuring," Delia said, forcing a smile. "With that said… Enjoy, everyone."

Delia's cooking could make the murkiest of days sunny, and talk was scarce, as it was with any good meal that kept its occupants quiet. The only person who didn't seem to be eating, really, was Ash.

"Ash, you've barely eaten anything," Tracey either noticed first, or was the first with the gumption to say something about it. "Are you feeling sick?"

The teen shrugged. "Just don't have much of an appetite."

That, unfortunately, served as a bright red flag to everyone present, bringing silence to the dining room. Ash knew it wasn't the result of everyone enjoying their meals more than he was, either. He felt all eyes on him, like Zubats swarming to an inexperienced traveler wandering into their cavern. Whether this was actually the case, as he stared at his plate, he wasn't sure.

It might've just been the guilt he'd been pushing down for the past day — no, maybe the past week — that was finally bubbling up and ready to see the light of day. His teeth grinded, fists clenching under the table, and out of view. He didn't want to say anything, but at the same time, he really wanted to open his mouth and do the opposite.

Dawn, beside him, was the only one who could see the minutiae of his body language, brows knit in concern. "Ash…?"

"I screwed up, okay!?" Dawn speaking up popped the cork. Ash's outburst drew concerned and puzzled looks from his mother, Oak, Gary, and Tracey alike. It made him feel like he wanted to curl up in a ball and disappear, but guilt was stronger than shame. "I'm sorry."

"Wait! What do you mean you screwed up?" Dawn piped back. "Ash, I've been with you for…" She'd been about to say 'every step,' Ash was sure. But, the Game Corner had to have come up in her mind, cutting her argument short. "...for most of this! Besides, it's not your fault they're like this!"

"You don't get it, Dawn," Ash replied.

"Well, try explaining it to me, then!"

"Now, you two…" Oak tried to soothe the conflict, frowning with his thumb cupped under his chin. Though by then, the storm brewing between the trainers had come and quieted.

Ash exhaled heavily. "...After I returned from our journey in Sinnoh, I told you how I'd gone to train at Mt. Silver. What I didn't tell you was that I made a promise. Mom, and Professor Oak," he addressed, his eyes turning between each, "made me promise to be more responsible. If I was going to go somewhere that dangerous, I had to take less risks, and act less like a child. I promised I would, but… look at me." His face was an ugly purple in several spots, he knew, after having looked in a mirror. His arms were bandaged, and several scars decorated them, too, unhidden. It reminded him of the feeling of dragging himself into Nurse Joy's care, sporting a new injury like a Growlithe ready to be scolded for scorching the furniture.

How stupid he'd felt after the helicopter stunt wasn't something he'd yet forgotten, either.

"I totally screwed that up. I feel like I haven't grown at all."

"Pardon me for interrupting," Tracey hesitantly spoke, after a moment, "but the fact that you feel this way to begin with, I'd say, is a major sign of growth in itself. If you were still just a kid…"

"...You'd already be brushing off your injuries, and ready to head out the door again," Delia finished.

Ash nodded, bunching up his fists. "I just… What'm I supposed to do, in times like that? Just let people get hurt? Let Team Rocket run wild?"

"Piiika! Pikachu!" Pikachu broke the conversation, dashing over toward Ash's feet. A look of frustration and hurt was fixed on the mouse's face.

"Pikachu…?" Ash frowned. Attempting what he'd done the night prior, he listened for Pikachu and his Aura. Head tilted, he prompted the mouse to repeat himself.

~It wasn't just your decision,~ Pikachu repeated. ~You have the worst habit of putting things on your own shoulders. We all decided that Team Rocket had to be stopped, every single time! When have we ever done differently?~

Pikachu had a point. Ash knew he did. But, even still… "But, look at what happened to you. What about-"

~I'd go through it all over again, rather than any Pokémon less capable be stuck with them.~ Pikachu spat.

Ash was speechless, if for a moment. "You're just like me," he snorted, shaking his head.

"You just figured that out?" Gary replied, rolling his eyes. Even if he couldn't hear Pikachu, the flow of conversation was obvious. "You two came from the same, stubborn cloth. That's always been the case."

"Make that three," Dawn interjected, placing a hand over her heart. "I made the same decision, Ash. And I hate what happened to Pikachu. But, don't you remember what happened with the level modulators!?"

"Level modulators…?" Professor Oak frowned, leaning forward. "Is there another piece of the story we're missing…?"

"They were a project from Silph," Dawn explained. "They can lower a Pokémon's 'level,' or whatever, temporarily. It was meant for trainers, but Team Rocket wanted it to abuse them. They were the only reason Ash and Pikachu even lost."

"...I see." The Professor cleared his throat, clearly troubled by the information. "If Team Rocket had successfully stolen them. I'd imagine they'd be far more dangerous than they already were. As much as it pains me to say it… you lot may have done the world a big favor."

"But, how is that fair!?" Delia snapped. "That my baby, and Dawn… Pikachu all have to hurt, because no one can keep a bunch of criminals under control!?"

The elder man tutted, shaking his head. "It isn't. I feel it's ultimately the failure of past generations to quell threats like Team Rocket. Aqua, Magma, and Galactic, as well… forcing the young to fight harder than we ever had. It's a shame for us to carry; a grave one. And Ash," he addressed, meeting the youth's eyes, "I can't in good conscience let you chastise yourself for acting on your own. As much as I would like to. Two diverging paths. Blind, Dunsparce must pick its own. Its heart is its guide."

"You're saying that there isn't always an obvious choice to make, in terms of right or wrong," Gary interpreted. "Am I right, Gramps?"

The Professor hummed in affirmation.

"In my heart of hearts, Ash, I know I can't stop you from doing what you do," Delia said, sighing. "Or, any of you, for that matter. I've long since accepted that. But the least you can all do is, if you're going to fight injustice, then don't hide your problems from your elders. We care about you. You can always feel comfortable reaching out for help."

"That, and maybe don't impersonate an officer," Ash grumbled. Gasps and startled mutterings followed, around the table. Gary's, loudest of all.

"Are you nuts!?" The brunet snapped. "...Don't even bother answering that."

"We agreed we aren't keeping secrets anymore," Ash shrugged. "But, seriously… We'll do that." With that much settled in his mind, for now, his mind drifted to another pressing topic. "I wanted to ask about the Dark Ball." He felt Pikachu leap into his lap, finally, and slowly pet the top of his head. "It's been on my mind since last night, but I was too tired to get into it. I'm worried."

Gary and his grandfather shared a long, uncomfortable look. The latter clearing his throat, in place of an immediate answer.

"Well, what is it?" Ash frowned. He felt his chest tense in worry. "You look like you're holding something out on me. I want to know!"

"It's…" The Professor trailed off, until Gary rested a hand on his grandfather's shoulder.

"I'll say it, Gramps. As your old friend, Ash, I feel responsible to give you any hard news. The truth of the matter is… Pikachu is no longer registered as your Pokémon."

"What!?" Ash exclaimed. He felt Pikachu's shock and dismay as acutely as his own.

Delia cupped her hand over her mouth. "Oh, dear…"

"You can't be serious," Dawn replied. "How does that even happen!?"

"I'll put it like this," Professor Oak replied. "Each Pokémon who's been caught is tied to the particular Poké Ball that was used on them. Until they're released, or the ball is broken, that continues to be the case, and if that trainer has a Pokédex, they're registered formally as their Pokémon."

"And Pikachu's always been registered to his, even if we never used it," Ash said. "I still have it in my bag! But… that Dark Ball…"

"...seems to have overwritten his data. Pikachu technically belongs to Team Rocket. Of course, that isn't remotely legal, nor would it be recognized by any authority…"

"I… don't like that," Ash said. He hugged Pikachu closely to his chest. "I don't like it at all."

Pikachu let out a low squeak, that Ash now only recognized as a whine. He shifted around in Ash's arms until he faced him, looking up at his trainer. ~That doesn't mean anything, though. Our bond's never been about a Poké Ball. I haven't been inside it since we met.~

"I know. You're right. But, it… still feels grimy." He scratched behind Pikachu's ear.

~I agree,~ Pikachu said. ~I hate those things. Always have.~

"You may have some trouble battling with him in official competitions," Tracey pointed out. "Even if not a Gym Battle, a Pokémon League might be more strict about it. I know you have an upcoming one, in July…"

"That's its own problem," Ash replied, "and I can deal with it later. But I have bigger problems! I've seen the Dark Ball in action. It nearly… it nearly killed Celebi!"

"I know…" Professor Oak stopped himself, clearing his throat. "...I know that there have been studies into those illegal devices since the events you relayed to me, in Johto. If Pikachu broke free of its effects, there's a chance that the ball's spell on him is defunct. But, I, myself, am not familiar enough with the technology to be sure."

"What about Kurt?" Ash suggested.

"I called him already," Oak replied, "and unfortunately, he can't make it to Kanto on such short notice. Although, he has put through the information he's gathered on the subject to one of his students: Professor Willow."

"Professor Willow…?" Ash asked.

"I don't think I've heard you bring that name up before," Dawn said.

"Oh, that's a name I haven't heard in ages…" Delia said, showing a hint of a smile. "He was one of my peers, while studying with Samuel. Very straightforward man."

"His field of expertise is Pokémon habitats in the wild, and he's been breaking into the field of mass capture and release to do so. As a result, he's quite familiar with Poké Balls and their registry," Oak explained. "He promised to visit Pallet Town as soon as possible, and look into the situation for us."

"Thank goodness," Ash huffed. He felt, just a little, like a crushing weight was lifted off his shoulders. "Thank you, Professor… everyone. And, Gary?"

"What is it, Ash?" The brunet asked, brows raised.

"I'm sorry, but you can forget our rematch, right now. I can't imagine fighting when I'm not sure if Pikachu is okay…" His shoulders started to tremble with coming sobs, and his lip quivered. Tear droplets trickled down his face, and fell atop Pikachu's head.

"Pikapi…" Pikachu sighed.

"...Excuse me." Ash scooted out his chair, and ran out of the dining room with Pikachu still in his arms.

"Ash…!" Dawn pouted, already shoving her way out of her seat, racing to follow. She felt a hand on her shoulder, though; Delia's. "Miss Ketchum…!"

She shook her head. "I'm sure Ash will appreciate your company, very soon. But right now, I think he just needs some peace and quiet for a moment."

Frustrated, Dawn sighed, and slipped back into her seat. She recalled, very well, how Brock had told her the same thing after his loss to Paul. This, of course, was far more severe a problem. "I wish I could help… I mean, I get how Ash feels. It's like we've been hopping between one danger to the next on loop. The Game corner, their ambush in Fuschia, then Silph, then the hideout…" She rested an elbow on the table, poking at her food. "I've always believed in just trucking on, and saying 'no need to worry.' But this time, I'm… tired. I can't stand being so confused and frustrated!" Punctuating her words, she jabbed a fork into her pasta, and let it clatter on the plate.

"I'm sure that's how Ash feels, too."

"The Game Corner… So that was you guys, too," Tracey pointed out.

"Just Ash. And Bertha," Dawn explained.

"You mean Sinnoh's Elite Four?" Gary frowned. "It never ends, with him…"

"I think all of you could use a little break," Delia said. "Even Pokémon Trainers need to rest, sometimes. Especially ones with your luck with finding trouble."

"You know, on that note," Oak replied, "I was going to tell Ash something, too. But, I did actually receive a phone call, earlier…"


He'd taken to his old room, and hadn't even bothered turning on the lights. Moping was always easier in the dark. Climbing into his old top bunk with Pikachu in tow, Ash pulled his blankets over him in a bunch, and fell face first into a pillow. It hurt his jaw, still tender, but that didn't compare to the pain of his worries and regrets.

Pikachu sat beside his trainer, frowning. His trainer was rarely inconsolable like this; the only time he'd been so despondent in recent memory was after the ambush at Fuschia. Somehow, though, today seemed worse. Even if he, himself, felt pretty terrible, he couldn't help but focus on Ash's well-being more.

Such was the way of best friends.

"Pikapi." Pikachu nudged Ash's shoulder with his paw, vying for his attention. "It's going to be okay, Ash. I know it will."

Ash didn't budge. "Do you?" He asked, his voice muffled by the pillow case.

"We always find a way. It's not like you to forget that."

"You're the one who's gone through it the worst."

"And that speaks volumes on how you still take things on your shoulders," Pikachu scolded.

"How can I not!?" Ash asked, jolting up out of his huddled position. "I'm your trainer!"

"Don't you remember what you said when we were fighting? To Ariana?" Pikachu folded his arms. His hurt was acute, both in his Aura and his beady eyes that gleamed in the dark. "There is no order. We're equals. Partners!"

"You… heard all that?" Such was enough to jolt Ash back into reality. His features softened, and so did his defenses. Having his words repeated back to him disarmed him. "...You're right, Pikachu. I'm sorry."

"Apology accepted." Pikachu smiled, satisfied.

Ash started to slink back under his blanket, then. "Pikachu, can I… hold you, now?"

"I thought you'd never ask." The rodent's little nose twitched, and he shimmied under the blanket, basking in its warmth. But, the comfort of Ash's arms was so much warmer.

"I still feel so exhausted." Pikachu sighed, nestling his muzzle into Ash's chest.

Ash tenderly ran his fingers over the fur on Pikachu's back. He couldn't help but fear for the worst, but he didn't want to scare his partner, either. "...I feel stupid," he admitted, resting his chin atop Pikachu's head. "We've faced all sorts of danger before. Worse than this. I don't get why I feel so down about it."

"We've had it rough," Pikachu replied. "We've faced quite a few crises in a row, close together, this time. Not to mention Deidra, Riley…"

"Ugh, them…!" Ash groaned. He hated grouping Riley in the same category as that cold dragon trainer… if she even was a dragon trainer. Her Metagross stood out in his mind, most of all. Not that it mattered. "I've never… well, rarely ever thought this much about who I am and who I should be, before! It's such a headache!"

"It's like Paul, all over again," Pikachu surmised.

"Mm," Ash hummed. "At least that time, though, I knew what I was aiming for. What I believed in. I was just set on trying to get there."

"Isn't that the case, now?" Pikachu asked. "To just be a Pokémon Master?"

Ash shrugged, rolling over. "...I wonder if I even know what that is. Because, right now, I'm sure not feeling like a Pokémon Master."

Ariana's ugly words buzzed in his mind like a nasty swarm of Beedrill.

"And as long as you carry that childish ideology, you'll never be a Pokémon Master."

"We've allowed you to see the power your Pokémon has inside that you never would've unlocked on your own."

He knew it was cold, cruel nonsense. That someone like her could never understand his dream. But, it still hurt.

"As far as I'm concerned," Pikachu replied, "you are one, already."

Tears touched Ash's cheeks again. This time, because he was moved, and not because he hurt… Well, maybe it was only a little bit of hurt. His blending, swirling feelings, and exhaustion started to carry Ash towards a restful sleep. "Thanks, Buddy." He yawned, and his eyes fell shut. "I hope I see what you see in me soon, too."


The next time they found themselves in Giovanni's office, Jessie, James, and Meowth expected… greater things. Praise, however curtly worded. Lavish rewards. Bonuses. Promotions. Knocking that Persian right off his lap for Meowth to lie upon it, once and for all.

As soon as they'd sabotaged Ariana and tossed that accursed Poké Ball over to the Twerp, though, they were quite sure that they were kissing their dreams of success goodbye. Having a conscience was such a fickle and annoying thing, and yet, they couldn't turn back from it.

Ariana had to be the primary target for the boss's anger, they were sure. But, that didn't mean some of that wouldn't spill over and scald them, too. It left all three with a cold sweat. James swallowed heavily while waiting for Giovanni to speak. They'd been called, without any explanation as to why.

"You three were punctual. You can imagine the surprise I'm feeling," Matori said dryly.

Jessie choked back her fury, instead grinding her teeth. 'Who does that four-eyed turtle in a wig think she is…!? I didn't see her out there, in the field.'

"Only da best, and most punctual for da boss," Meowth asserted, saluting.

"Though, we do apologize for recent events," James bowed his head. "Although you tasked us with-"

"You completed your mission as directed." Giovanni raised a hand, silencing James at once. "Pikachu was captured and delivered. That much was reported, before everything went awry."

His large, leather chair turned around so that he faced the trio. His expression was terribly neutral. Unreadable. But then, it usually was. "Despite that endeavor turning out to be a waste…" He hissed out, before regaining his composure. "I think it's good business to reward following orders to the letter. You'll all see the spoils in your accounts, soon… That is to say, the outrageous debt you owe our organization has become smaller."

The sparkles in the agents' eyes dimmed with the grim reminder of reality, the three hanging their heads with proverbial storm clouds hanging over them.

"O-of course, sir…"

"T'anks for yer generosity."

"As long as your successes continue, your funding and current standing will follow. Though, with that out of the way…" Giovanni frowned, tapping his knuckles on the fine wood finish of his desk. His glimmering rings rapping against its surface. "After Pikachu was delivered… Things went awry. The boy invaded our territory to retrieve that Pikachu. Even if he'd failed on his own, the girl, Dawn, laid waste to Team Rocket territory. That sort of humiliation is unacceptable."

Jessie, James, and Meowth swallowed heavily.

"...I agree," Jessie spoke up first. "Unacceptable, indeed. Is there any way we could help, sir?"

"As a matter of fact, there is. We have a reputation to uphold, here, at Team Rocket. We're to be known and feared, far and wide. A couple of children thwarting our plans at every turn is a stain on our image. And worse yet, a stain on my good word."

"...Your good word, sir?" James echoed, puzzled.

"At the Silph Company…" Giovanni's chair turned and he stood, facing away from the three with his hands folded behind his back. "I told them that this was their one last chance to stay out of our affairs. Although the boy threw my good graces to the wind immediately… He'd managed to survive, and they've both gone on to spit in the face of my good will. They must be terminated."

"T-terminated!?" Jessie, James, and Meowth sputtered in unison.

"Dealt with. Erased. Take your pick of euphemisms," Giovanni carried on dryly. "I want them dead. They will be made an example of, so that these painful setbacks don't repeat themselves. The three of you have unending experience with them, and succeeded in capturing your target, most recently. I am tasking you with carrying out the deed."

"B-but, sir!" James stammered. "This seems a bit excessive, don't you think…!?"

"We could simply steal all of their strongest Pokémon," Jessie put forth her own suggestion. "...so that they'd be no threat to Team Rocket at all! We'd even expand our army of Pokémon-"

"This isn't a negotiation," Giovanni spat through grit teeth. "This is an assignment."

"Unless… you three don't feel that you can follow orders?" Matori accused, behind the gleaming shine of her round spectacles. A sure threat, behind an unassuming face.

"If this task isn't fitting for you… Then I could always send Proton in your place. I don't wish to use up his time on such matters, but this is his expertise," Giovanni continued.

"Ack! Th-that won't be necessary, sir!" Meowth exclaimed, before slapping his paws over his mouth. 'If dat maniac gets his hands on th' Twoip and Twoipette…!' He didn't even want to imagine the messy, bloody consequences. The teal-horned freak's threat to remove his tongue still haunted the back of his mind, on some nights. 'Aw, man… But, I don't want to do it, either…!'

"Then I will expect to hear a report of your success, post-haste." Giovanni sat back down, considering the conversation finished. "You're all excused."

"Sir!"

Jessie, James, and Meowth exchanged a glance in their retreating steps; terror and confusion written on each of their faces. The path to villainy had been mostly smooth sailing for them, in recent months. Somehow, though, they'd landed themselves in a predicament far over their heads.