Chapter 49: A Shocking Development

"Ashachu…Ashachu!"

"…pikaka…"

The desperate cries of Ash and Pikachu calling that name were music to Blade's ears. 'If you can so callously threaten to send someone away to be alone, you deserve more than this. Keep running kid, if they really cared about you, they couldn't make such a cruel choice so easily.'

'How can you be so blind to someone's suffering. A friend no less….you deserve to suffer.'

"Ashachu! Come back!"

Blade had started following behind Ashachu, and could hear the humans voice growing quieter with the distance.

But Blade stopped in the trees keeping his eyes away from Ashachu, as he watched for Ash.

"Blade…Blade! Are you there?"

Though Blade wanted to go to the distressed Pikachu, there was something else to deal with first. Blade started backtracking until he found the human, preparing to give chase.

"Ashachu," he called out "Ashachu!"

"pika pika, pikachu," cried his partner.

Hearing their cries a couple Treecko made themselves known to Blade.

'perfect' he thought as he moved toward one. "That human was really hurting a Pikachu that just ran off. Please, he's my friend, so, can you stop that horrible bastard from chasing him?"

The Treecko thought for a moment, and decided that Blade sounded sincere. It nodded to another Treecko, as several more came out of the trees and bushes before the human.

"Tree…" "Tree.." "Treecko!"

"Huh."

"Pika!"

They stopped dead in their tracks as the little green pokemon appeared before them. So many that, simply put there would be no time to count if they attacked.

"They're Treecko."

"Pikachu."

Ash gazed at the nearest Treecko.

The Treekco's eyes narrowed to angry slits, and it raised its paw, pointing at Ash and declaring angrily, "Treecko tree!"

All at once, the group of gecko pokemon opened their maws and began to fire a barrage of seeds at the human.

"Ahh. That's bullet seed!"

"Pikachu!"

"Let's get out of here!"

And with that, they shielded themselves and fled, leaving to forest behind.

Moments later the first Treecko returned to the branch where Blade was. "Th-thank you," without thinking Blade hugged him and turned away "I'll never forget this!"

The Treecko gave a little nod, asking nothing in return, and simply going back to his little branch above Blade. And the Sneasel finally decided he would go now.

And he had begun making his way back to the camp Team Rocket had been staying at, hoping that the poor Pikachu hadn't been captured by them, but when he arrived, there was no trace they'd even been there.

Seeing this, the Sneasel spent some time looking around before he started wandering through the forest himself "Hikari! Hikariiiii! Where are ya kid?"

That's when he noticed overhead, the Meowth head balloon. And it was heading in the direction he'd last seen Ashachu's trainer.

The Sneasel chased after the balloon, considering calling out to his friend, but deciding against it, whatever harebrained scheme they had, he didn't want to participate until he saw it first hand.

It started to lower toward the ground, so Blade climbed into a tree, that's when he saw. That wretched human. He had said something, but Blade couldn't hear him clearly, so he got closer leaping through other trees to close the distance. Though his ears were assaulted by another rendition of their motto.

"The sound of trouble, you'd best prepare," declared Jessie.

"With additional backup, you'd better beware," added James.

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite the people with our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extend our reach to the stars above."

"It's Jessie."

"And James."

"Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight."

"Meowth dats right."

"Pika Pika, Pikachu…Pika!"

That had stunned Blade, "What?!"

The fur of the pikachu's back, legs, arms and over his head had been died black. The only patch of yellow was along his stomach. And a large purple R was painted in across his chest and stomach, stretching from under his chin to the top of his thighs.

"Is that really Hikari?"

The Pikachu was grinning as wide and spitefully as he could and waved his right paw at the group, as if taunting them.

"Ashachu…What are you doing with Team Rocket!"

And that confirmed it, that name, it was Ashachu. 'So it really is you Hikari' he thought smirking. 'What better way to get back at them than this.'

"Pikaka," Pikachu gasped, his maw falling open in surprise.

One of the other humans realized slower than the others, "huh, when did Team Rocket get a Pikachu," his eyes widened in shock and he exclaimed, "Wait…that's ashachu!"

Nova, the cyndaquil shoo shook his head. "No. No that can't be Ashachu! It can't."

Axew gave an exasperated sigh and buried his face in his claw. "Oh lord, he's covered in paint. What is it this time Ashachu?"

'I should skin you alive you little lying bastard!' Blade nearly jumped down right then and there, but held himself back.

"Pi." Ashachu, perching himself on James' shoulder, turned his nose up and looked away from Ash.

"Ashachu simply wizened up and decided to ditch you twerps," said a gleeful Jessie.

Meowth added, "We're talkin' strength, talent and good taste!"

"Oh, Ashachu. How could you," one human asked softly.

'oh how blind you are, but you aren't his trainer, it's not your duty to take care of him.'

The balloon drifted gently to the ground allowing the four members of Team Rocket to climb out.

At once, that wretched little Dewott Geyser, Lucario, a Latios and a Typhlosion moved to form a protective barrier in front of their trainers.

"Alright, what do you want this time," Lucario growled at them. "It's obvious you've done some kind of brainwashing to Ashachu. What is it? What are you up to?"

Blade smirked 'They didn't do anything. If he's with them, it's by choice. Because of all of you.'

"Oh, dare's not brainwashing," Meowth replied. "Perhaps you twerps ought to consider how you've been treating your little friend here lately."

"What in the distortion world are you talking about?" barked Lucario.

"Punishing him for making a friend. Not listening to him when he says he's unsafe. Heck, even his boyfriend don't have any faith in him," Meowth taunted. "What choice did he 'ave but to come to Team Rocket."

The Sneasel nodded with every word, Meowth hadn't seen it as Blade had, he shouldn't have known details so intimate, yet he did. Which means, Ashachu had confided in him.

"That's a lie," shouted Ash. "I'd never do any of those things to Ashachu."

'What!?' Blade felt his left eye twitch and his claws reflexively extend, in that moment he considered making a little ice shard and throwing it into the humans eye. 'You'd never do those things!? You really think you're so in that right that you don't even see what horrible things you did to him! I'd hand you to Shadow if I could and let him use you as a torture doll!'

"Pika Pikachu," Pikachu cried out in agreement with his trainer.

"Enough chit chat," Jessie snapped. "You're wasting valuable stealing time. Alright Serviper, come on out and just haze!"

"Ashachu, use thunderbolt," shouted James.

Chaos ensued. Serviper appeared and spewed a thick cloud of black smoke over the entire group. It was impossible to see through.

There was a cry of "Piikaaachuuu," and a bright flash of yellow. Quickly followed by a cry of "Dewott." Ashachu had attacked, and made contact.

Blade, though unable to see, smirked at the pained sound. 'it's what you deserve you little bitch.'

Conveniently it was a windy day and the smoke quickly cleared. Blade smirked once it did, the first thing he saw was Geyser and Ashachu facing off against each other. Each stood in a battle-ready position.

Ashachu's cheeks sparked a warning spark. Geyser stood crouched, his knees bent, leaning forward ready to spring on Ashachu. He had a Scallop clutched in each paw, pointing at Ashachu.

The two Pokémon stared daggers at one another. It was impossible to tell whose expression conveyed the most anger and hatred.

'Hikari has every right to hate you, you tried to steal his mate from him' Blade thought, noting the look in the dewott's eyes 'So why is it that you have the look of a killer in your eyes, and he does not.' Blade frowned. 'it is almost as if you actually want him dead….'

Geyser let out a low growl. "Back off Ashachu. Take one more step and I'll kill you, you little fuck!"

'And if you try it, I'll have you dead before you hit the ground.' Blade scowled, feeling himself ready to fight.

Ashachu was not intimidated. "I'd like to see you try you piece of shit otter."

Blade smirked at his response.

"Ha. I've kicked your arse every time we've fought. What makes you think this time will be any different."

Ashachu pawed the ground with his right paw, kicking up a small patch of dirt, before replying, "You really think you're tough don't you. Standing there in front of everyone playing the hero. I've fought far worse than you. I've fought actual villains. Team Flare. Team Plasma. Yvetal. And now I've got nothing to lose."

Blade felt himself growing excited. 'Never pick a fight with someone with nothing left to lose. Their regard for their own safety is gone, so no matter what you do, you'll have a real fight on your hands.'

"Looks to me like you're the villain now. Teaming up with Team Rocket. Why'd you do it Ashachu. Can you really not handle that Hunter like me more than you."

It took everything in Blade's body to not attack the Dewott right then and there. 'This is his fight, I can't interfere, not yet.'

Ashachu's cheeks sparked angrily. "Fuck you. There is no way Hunter feels anything for you. You're just taking advantage of his broken heart. You don't really care about him; you just want to get with him! You're a boyfriend stealing piece of shit otter."

Geyser thumped his tail on the ground. "Wow. You really feel entitled to Hunter's affections don't you. What, do you want to possess him or something. Like a Pokémon. Maybe Team Rocket is the right place for you and your toxic masculinity!"

Blade was lost listening to it all. 'Like reading one part of a larger story I've never read.'

Geyser continued. "You need to get it through your thick pika skull that Hunter is free to be with anyone he pleases. And he pleases me!"

"That's it you're dead squeak toy." Ashachu charged at Geyser, launching himself at the otter with a volt tackle.

Geyser threw himself right into the oncoming Ashachu's path with a flurry of slashes from his Scallop. The two Pokémon disappeared into a blur of water, electricity and yellow and blue fur.

"Guys. STOP!" Cried a very distressed Ash. "You're Teammates, you're family. You can't fight like this."

"Pika!" Pikachu moaned.

'idiots, this has to be done, that little wretch needs to be put in his place.'

Ash couldn't move, he was frozen watching what had been transpiring. Unfortunately, the other two humans were more proactive, issuing instructions to Lucario and Typhlosion, who promptly fired aura sphere and flamethrower.

Chaos reigned…Typhlosion's flames flew in every direction. Ash was hit in the face. His skin burned. He clutched Pikachu to his chest and turned his back, trying to protect the mouse. There was a cacophony of shouting, swearing and the calling of attacks from both Team Rocket and the other two.

Team Rocket were bringing out reinforcements. Woobat and Inkay.

More blows were traded. Attacks flew in every direction. The air was soon filled with dust, smoke, fire and all forms of energy.

Blade was locked onto the battle below, too enthralled with watching to step in yet.

Suddenly Ashachu let off a massive discharge of electricity. For a split second the air turned yellow and the air around him felt like fire. Blade watched as everyone scattered from the immensely powerful attack.

In the middle were Ashachu and Geyser. They were each covered in cuts and bruises and there was blood in their furs. Whose blood wasn't clear.

Geyser was on one knee and had one eye shut. He seemed to be trying and failing to force himself to stand. Ashachu was still on his paws but looked like he might faint at any minute. Both Pokémon were breathing heavily.

'You have it kid, he can't even stand, take him down!'

"Come on. STOP," Ash shouted in vain. "Don't fight. You're family. You're brothers. YOU DON'T NEED TO DO THIS!"

'Brothers?' Blade thought for a moment. 'Perhaps they were once brothers, the way Shadow and Pyre are….but clearly not anymore….'

And then a shrill cry rang through the air. "NOOOOOOOO!"

'Damn it! Why do you have to stop them!' Blade glared at the riolu as he ran out between the two Pokémon.

"Stop it! JUST STOP IT," he bellowed at the top of his lungs.

"Alright. Time to bag a Riolu," declared James as he raised an enormous bazooka like gun and fired a single shot directly at Hunter.

Blade heard those words 'So that was your plan.'

Both Ashachu's and Geyser's eyes widened in horror.

There was a cry of, "HUNTER!" From one of the humans.

Geyser reached deep within himself and, with the last reserves of his strength, threw himself in front of Hunter to take the shot! Or he would have, had it not fired a net at the two of them. A net opened a split second before impact and wrapped itself around the pair of them.

It was over before anyone could react. Jessie picked up Ashachu by the tail and threw him over her shoulder, while James grabbed the bag containing Geyser and Hunter.

With a laugh, they ascended in their balloon. "Later losers!"

"Why do I have a feeling that this is going to end poorly?" Blade sighed as he started running, following beneath the balloon leaving the "twerps" behind.