A/N: This is something darker I wanted to adapt obviously it will not follow the movie it is based on to exact adaptation. Some characters will be ooc. Either way, it will be a good adaptation I think after all is said and done. Ash is an adult early thirties, Brock is still only slightly older than him. Misty is late twenties but they have never met before. Many characters will not be in line with their anime age. I will try to describe how each character has either aged or changed when introduced. I

Ash Ketchum and Pikachu were heading to their best friend Brock's house after their most recent stint helping extinguish the threat of Team Aqua. Wearing a pretty basic blue polo with navy cargo shorts, his hair was still long but his facial hair had grown out to be a decently thick length to Pewter City. Though Hoenn was an experience Ash really missed working with Brock who had since their missions in Sinoh retired. Working with the G-Men had called on them to in theory be on the side of angels but often Ash was finding the work he had done to be even if for some sense of the greater good, not always in line with ethics or morality. Pikachu was always right there beside him and often was key in getting information or threatening enough power to get those he had captured to talk about plans that were happening around them on their missions of subterfuge.

Once getting inside the decent-sized house that was complete with a pool to accompany the relatively hot weather they were experiencing. Ash couldn't help but smile seeing Brock and all of his siblings enjoying themselves along with their friends. Ash spotted Brock manning the grill cooking some delicious hot dogs, that smelled like somehow they were better than typical hot dogs. Ash greeted him saying, "Brocko,"

"Hey," Brock answered hugging his longtime G-Men friend. Turning as he saw Lillie walking around handing off some of the other food Brock had prepared for guests. Lillie was a blonde who had long hair down to her lower back when she was younger but now kept it just at shoulder-blade length. She now stood about just under Ash's 5'10" height., "Lillie!" Brock exclaimed with a smile as Ash stood to the side, "Pay me I love you." Ash wasn't sure what Brock meant by that but Lillie sauntered over and kissed Brock lightly on the lips before helping Forrest to more of Brock's food.

"That's how it works huh?" Ash asked with a smile not believing it was that easy for Brock who had always had a hard time with women in his younger years could get a kiss that easily.

"That's right," Brock said not even turning his head to answer Ash as he continued to man the girl licking his thumbs to clean his thumb while checking the level of cook on some steaks he was grilling.

With a bit of mirth and a smile Ash asked, "She got a sister?"

Brock knew he wasn't asking seriously but decided to answer with a smirk, "Not a sister but a brother if you are so inclined."

Ash took the hot dog Brock offered him as he sprayed some ketchup into a disposable bowl for Pikachu, "I think I am good." Ash licked his fingertips of the ketchup that spilled, "How is business, Brock?"

Brock nodded his head saying, "Celadon City bankers in a big way, their customer base in Goldenrod is good, but they feel safer staying here in Pewter. I just ferry them over when they need to and back. They think of me like I am Koga or Bruno."

Ash laughed at the thought especially when they didn't even finish Bruno's training when he offered it to them when they were in the G-Men rookie corps. Both he and Brock were catching up while Ash saw all the beautiful women who were hanging around the pool enjoying Brock's delicious food while complimenting Lillie on her talented husband. "I live like a King here," Brock said with a wink.

"Yes, you do." Ash agreed pouring both he and Brock a decent shot of whiskey for him and Brock as they continued to catch up sitting in lawn chairs by the pool.

Brock's smile faded a bit noticing the amount and asked with some seriousness, "You still working?"

Ash not meeting Brock's eyes said, "Yeah," Then when he met his eyes he started shaking his head, "No, no, been moving around been to Unova, and a couple of places I can't name." Ash said now being honest, "Nothing has really caught my liking." Ash then paused as he looked out over the pool before meeting Brock's gaze and asked, "Do you think God will forgive us for what we've done?"

Brock still smirking slightly without hesitating said, "No."

Ash shook his head, "Me neither."

As silence hung between them about things they often didn't talk about in depth Brock broke the silence by asking, "How long are you staying?"

Ash shrugged quickly, "I don't know," He paused not sure what to say to the question, "It's good seeing you Brock, see how you are doing. I came by on impulse."

Brock noticing Ash staring at one of his neighbors in a bikini as she drank some water by the pool stated, "Some impulse." Winking Ash just smirked as they clanked their drinks and downed their whiskey.

"Easy there, Casanova," Brock teased, glancing at the woman Ash was looking at before turning his attention back to his friend. He watched as Ash took a deep breath and then let it out slowly, an unreadable expression on his face.

"I think...I think I needed this," Ash admitted quietly. "Everything's been so intense lately, what with the G-Men and all. Sometimes, it's easy to forget about the simpler things in life, you know?"

Brock nodded, understanding more than Ash probably realized. While he had chosen a different path, he was no stranger to the weight of responsibility and the relentless pace that life could sometimes take. "Life is full of surprises, Ash. You've got to take time to slow down and appreciate the good stuff. Even if it's just for a little while."

Ash nodded, raising his glass in a silent toast. "To slow down and appreciate the good stuff."

"Here, here," Brock agreed, clinking his glass against Ash's. They both took a moment to sip their drinks, the amber liquid warming them from the inside out.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, Ash found himself lost in thought. While the world was vast and full of unknowns, he realized there were always constants he could rely on - his Pokémon, his friends, and moments like these, where everything else faded away.

Indeed, the situation in Goldenrod City was dire. News of the kidnappings had spread far and wide, casting a grim shadow over the once lively city. The streets were quieter now, with people often glancing nervously over their shoulders as they went about their daily lives. The glistening high-rise buildings and bustling markets still stood, but a sense of dread hung heavily in the air.

"The Boss," as he was known, was an enigma. No one knew his real name or what he looked like, but his actions had stirred up a wave of fear. With each passing day, the kidnappings continued, and each one was a stark reminder of the city's inability to stop him.

Even with the added security measures, there was no guarantee of safety. Families were living in fear, worried that they might be the next victims. Children were escorted to school under the watchful eyes of security personnel, and even simple tasks such as shopping had become risky.

The residents of Goldenrod City lived with persistent fear, and the city was a far cry from the vibrant place it once was. Every day, they held their breath, waiting for the next news report, hoping against hope that the situation would improve.

Now a man named Scott was a lawyer for Tracey and his in-laws the Sensational Sisters. Scott was brown-haired with fair skin and usually always wore a pair of sunglasses even when he was inside. Tracey though he used to wear a salmon headband had cut his hair to a clean look. Was sitting across from Tracey discussing what to do about the most recent kidnapping and ransom. "So what exactly happened to the boy?" Tracey asked.

"Not much was back home in two days less than a day to offer ransom demands." Scott said like it wasn't a big deal, "Minus an ear though."

"Yeah," Tracey said, "Now Daisy is more concerned than ever about Misty after her most recent bodyguard AJ was dismissed."

Scott laughed mainly because he knew why, "Misty thought the way he handled his guard duties was on the abrasive and intense side."

"I know Misty is capable, but I really can't live with Daisy feeling like we didn't do enough," Tracey said.

Scott then took a sip of his coffee, "The other issue is your insurance policy for kidnapping."

"We have a policy my father-in-law got it for all his daughter's before he died," Tracey said solemnly.

"I know I got him the policy." Scott said, "I am saying we won't be able to renew it in a month when the policy expires without a hired bodyguard for Misty."

Tracey just shrugged not really liking the fact that he was going to have to force Misty to accept another bodyguard even if it was temporary. "Who am I supposed to find on such short notice?"

"Look in order to at least be able to get the renewal, we will need to get someone qualified but on the cheap, anyone more worth their salt will already have a gig or be too expensive to get to switch to Misty." Scot said, "Much like anything you get what you pay for." Tracey didn't look thrilled at that, "But once the policy is renewed you can fire the guard for incompetence and find a better one without overpaying."

"Alright, Scott, I think we can manage that. I just need to make sure Misty will be okay with this." Tracey said, the corner of his mouth curving up into a slight smile. "Any ideas on where I might find a guard who fits the bill?"

Scott leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically against his coffee mug. "Well, as you said, it's a bit short notice, but there might be someone. A friend of mine was telling me about a guy he knows – who used to work with the G-Men."

"The G-Men?" Tracey raised an eyebrow. "That could be promising. You think this guy would be up for it?"

"He's been taking a break for a while, but I think he could be persuaded. He has a reputation for being professional, and I believe he could handle the job."

Tracey considered this for a moment. It wasn't ideal, but it was the best they had given the circumstances. "Alright. Let's give it a shot. Can you set up a meeting?"

"Consider it done," Scott replied, pulling out his phone. He was already scrolling through his contacts before Tracey had even left the room. He needed to ensure Misty's safety, and if hiring a temporarily cheaper bodyguard was the solution, he was willing to take it. After all, they could always look for a more permanent, and competent, solution later.

Brock when he got the call from Scott asking if he had anyone who would work for the rate that was quoted him to be a bodyguard, Brock told him he might just have the right guy. When he came to the room Ash was staying in with Pikachu he saw his neighbor sneaking out of the room with a crimson look on her face. Brock just shook his head and entering the room woke Ash up. "What's the big idea?"

"I got a job for you now get dressed and meet me at the car," Brock stated.

Once they had begun to drive towards Goldenrod, Brock finally told Ash what the job was only for Ash to exclaim back, "Bodyguard?!"

"That's right a bodyguard your skills are still good enough," Brock stated looking at Ash in the backseat from his rearview mirror.

"You're crazy," Ash said still not entirely awake with Pikachu sitting on his shoulder.

"You even look the part," Brock said, causing Ash to laugh.

"In my state, I couldn't guard a corpse," Ash stated before sipping either whiskey or tequila Brock just knew it wasn't coffee.

Ignoring the sip Brock continued, "It's just rich guys flashing their cash, it's all for show nothing is going to happen."

Cockily Ash asked, "Think they would hire a drunk, a has-been?" Pouring more of the liquid from his metal flask into the paper cup he was sipping from.

Brock got a serious look before saying, "You have to keep it under control."

Ash ignoring the statement asked, "What happens if there was a kidnapping what do I do then?"

"Just do your best, they are not going to be paying you enough to perform miracles," Brock stated a bit cavalier. "It's not exactly a scam Ash, even half-speed you are pretty damn good."

Shaking his head and staring out the window while scratching underneath Pikachu's chin Ash said, "Yeah well bodyguards got to be close to people, you gotta talk all the time, you know I am not good at that."

Without missing a beat Brock answered, "Be the silent type," This made Ash laugh, "They are going to appreciate that." Hearing Ash's genuine laugh let Brock get a chuckle or two.

"So who is the guy?" Ash asked.

"Tracey Sketchit, he married the oldest of the Sensational Sisters Daisy Waterflower, his youngest sister-in-law Misty lives with him and Daisy while she figures out her next career move. He asked me if there was anybody I knew he could trust." Brock said never taking his eyes off the road.

"And you thought of me?" Ash asked.

"Yeah," Brock answered, "Take a job, Ash, breathe some air then decide whether or not you want to stick around or not. Besides I will be glad to see you I got hardly anyone to talk to outside of Lillie and our neighbors."

Now in Goldenrod Ash had quickly shaved his beard and even let Pikachu have a quick grooming from a professional to look more presentable. Picking up a car that had reinforced glass he met Tracey at his office and began to drive him back to his house. Tracey was scanning Ash's resume of experience when he said, "My wife is looking for someone presentable and polite, you will be the fifth candidate she will see this week."

Tracey kept looking over the extensive resume and couldn't believe the experience he was seeing. "Extensive work in counter-insurgency work, what's the catch with you?"

"I drink," Ash said rather flatly driving the car.

"How does that affect you?" Tracey asked.

Ash breathed slightly but said, "Slower reaction time, coordination, if top professionals try to kidnap your sister-in-law I will do the best I can, but it will be on par for the pay."

Tracey sighed, "What if amateurs tried?"

Without missing a beat Ash said, "I'd probably kill them, do you think that's likely?"

Tracey looked down saying, "No…and no one needs to know about your drinking, including my wife." Ash looked back up into the rearview mirror a little surprised by the ask Tracey had. Arriving at the house Tracey called out for his wife Daisy as they entered the nice big mansion they had. Ash noticed a large amount of rare artwork and expensive alcohol by the bar in the living room area. Pikachu looked rather happy to feel the air conditioning of the house after the relatively warm car ride.

Daisy Waterflower with her long blonde hair and green eyes walked up and shook Ash's hand, "My name is Daisy and you are?"

"Ash Ketchum," Ash said, Pikachu piped up like he was annoyed for not being introduced, "This is Pikachu we have been through everything together."

Daisy smiled seeing Pikachu, "Are you from Kanto?"

"Yes, I am," Ash said, this only caused a bigger smile to come across Daisy's face. Tracey handed her all his qualifications and resume.

Daisy asked briefly glancing at the resume, "Would you like a drink?"

"Yes," Ash answered, "Jack and water would be good." Tracey's head turned at that but he didn't say anything.

Daisy while walking to the bar asked over her shoulder, "Have you done this kind of work before?"

"No mam." Ash said only for Tracey to interject, "But he has a ton of relevant experience."

As Daisy finished preparing the drink she walked over handing it to Ash and asking, "Do you have a family Mr. Ketchum?"

"No, my mother died a long time ago and I am an only child," Ash said then taking a sip of his drink.

Daisy then called out, "Misty, I think you will like this one."

Coming down the stairs Ash was floored by how stunning Misty looked even though she was wearing jean shorts and a pretty basic yellow shirt, her longer orange-red hair framed her face perfectly as it was just to her shoulders. Her eyes were viridian-colored. Ash took a big gulp as Misty stood next to Daisy only highlighting to Ash they were very clearly sisters, Daisy said, "This is Mr. Ash Ketchum."

Misty extended her hand and said, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Ketchum." Ash shook the hand while still holding his Jack and water. Pikachu from Ash's shoulder jumped down to sniff Misty and almost instantly nuzzled Misty's face bringing a smile to Misty and Daisy's faces. Handing Misty the folder of Ash's resume and experience Daisy asked, "Do you mind showing Ash where he will be staying?"

Misty said, "No, follow me, Mr. Ketchum." Ash followed Misty as she began to guide him out from the main section of the house. Ash downed his drink and set it down on the bar following Misty, Pikachu still hadn't left Misty's shoulder.

Tracey watched them leave the room and asked Daisy, "Just like that?"

Daisy not meeting his gaze walked over to Tracey who was sitting on their couch and said, "I think it's nice that he is from Kanto."

Tracey seeing the naughty glint in his wife's eye said, "I think it's terrific, you're sure?"

Daisy just smiled and planted a lingering kiss on the side of Tracey's face saying, "Thank you for finding someone." Before kissing him a bit more passionately.

In the courtyard, Misty said, "Hello Bruno."

Only for the garden named Bruno to respond back, "Hi Misty." As he continued to prune a tree of one of its branches.

Misty pointed out to Ash, "That's Bruno the gardener," As they kept walking she pointed out a woman working nearby, "That is Maria the cook." Heading into a building next to the courtyard they climbed up the steps to a room that had a window to the courtyard, a private bathroom, and a decent-sized bed. It also had a tv.

"We fixed it up for you." Misty said, "I am sorry if we knew you had a Pokémon that didn't like staying in its Pokeball we would have,"

Ash interrupted, "It's good."

"What's your favorite music, Mr. Ketchum?" Misty asked.

Ash flatly said without looking at Misty, "I don't know."

"You don't know?" Misty asked not believing him.

Ash still looking around said, "I don't know."

Misty decided to move on and stated, "AJ forgot to take all of his stuff when he left so sorry if it feels a little cramped."

Ash didn't say anything as he continued to evaluate the room, Misty asked, "Have you bodyguarded a lot of people, Mr. Ketchum?"

Ash looked up and saw Pikachu still staying on Misty's shoulder, "Ash, you can call me Ash." This caused Pikachu to smile and say, "Pi-Ka-Chu-Pi," While nuzzling Misty's face again almost like he was a little too thrilled that Ash was letting Misty say his name. Ash continued saying, "And no you are the first person I have bodyguarded for."

Misty smiled looked down at the resume then said, "Ash," Heading towards the door she said before leaving, "Bye Ash." With that, the sound of the door closing was all he heard as Pikachu and he settled down into their new living quarters.