Chapter 13 – Team Rocket's shocking new recruit III

The net spilled open, allowing Geyser and Hunter to drop to the ground. Both Pokémon managed to land gracefully on their paws. However, the moment they touched the ground, they were set upon by Team Rocket's Pokémon.

Meowth took down Hunter. Before the Riolu had time to take in his surroundings he was hit with the sappy seed. Large, thick brambles and vines stung from the earth beneath his paws and snared his legs and up his torso rendering him immobile.

Ashachu attacked Geyser. He threw himself at the Dewott, landing right in the square of his furry back and sending Geyser crashing to the ground. "Ahh. Get off me," Geyser growled. His paws moved for his Scalchop, but Ashachu had been anticipating this.

Before Geyser could do anything else, Ashachu let off a powerful electric attack. Concentrating all his anger and frustration he felt towards Geyser, as well as to Ash and the other, into one discharge.

It had the desired affect. Geyser screamed. A single, blood curdling note of "DEEWWWW!" His body writhed and twitch with pain – it was the most painful thing the poor Dewott he had ever experienced in his life. He was burning as if his entire being had been plunged into red hot magma.

Geyser howled and growled vague threats at Ashachu but couldn't fight through the pain enough to actually retaliate.

"Ahh. Damn it, I'll get you for this Ashachu, you little yellow…Ahh crap…Fuck. Fuck. I'm going to fucking…ahhh…kill…yahh!"

The attack mercifully stopped, and Geyser slumped to the ground. Sadly, his troubles were not over – the electricity had, had another affect on him. One he noticed as he tried to get back up and brush Ashachu off his back.

"Oh crap," he groaned. "Not paralysis!" For Geyser had suddenly found that he couldn't move a muscle. He was forced to lay there, on his stomach in the dirt. "I swear Ashachu…" He trailed off unable to think of a threat bad enough.

Ashachu smirked smugly. "Hehehe. Not so tough are you now, otter boy!" He was experiencing a mad rush. A sort of subversive thrill and sick pleasure, so powerful it made him shiver. Even though, at the same, his conscience was screaming at him to stop.

Ashachu gripped Geyser's paws and pulled them roughly behind his back. He was holding a cable tie in his left foot paw. Standard Team Rocket issue for binding kidnapped Pokémon, not that they ever used them.

He tied Geysers paws together, then proceeded to use a second to bind his feet. This left poor Geyser lying paralysed in the grass on his stomach, with his paws and feet bound. Unable to move.

"You can't do this to us," the bound Dewott growled, as menacingly as he could in his current state. "We're you're team mates. You're friends."

Ashachu sidled around his body so they were face to face. He gentle patted Geyser on the nose with his paw and whispered, "Shoosh. You have no control over anything that happens now. And I'm tired of hearing you're voice."

"What are you…Mmhmm…" Geyser started to say before something was shove deep in his mouth gagging him. Whatever it was, it was not pleasant. A rough texture that chaffed his tongue, and a foul odour that made Geyser wrinkle his nose.

"Two Pokémon caught and tied," said a gleeful Meowth, dusting his paw together as he finished hog tying Hunter. "Great job Ashachu." He raised his right paw to offer Ashachu a sort of hi-paw, which Ashachu took.

"Thanks bud," he replied as he tapped his paw to Meowth's.

And that was when he first got the chance to look at and acknowledge Hunter since the battle in the forest. Meowth's sappy seed had wrapped itself around his paws, tying them behind his back, around his feet tying them together, and then tying his paws to his feet.

Hunter was perched on his knees hog tied. A position that would almost be comical where it not for the look the Riolu was giving him. The moment their eyes met; Hunter gave Ashachu a look that Ashachu would never forget. A combination of rage, betrayal and hurt.

Hunter had been gagged too. A single red ball placed in his paw, with a strap securing it around his head. But it was all in his eyes. Those eyes read, I'm going to kill you and I thought you cared for me all at the same time.

Ashachu had no time to contemplate this however before Jessie and James had leapt out of the balloon. Each congratulated themselves on their apparent victory.

"Two twerp Pokémon captured and another switches sides. Not a bad morning," cheered a gleeful Jessie.

"No doubt," agreed James. "And as soon as the twerps come to rescue them, we'll have Pikachu and the others in the bag."

"Yep. Da boss is really gonna be proud of us dis time," added Meowth. "We'll finally get dat big promotion."

"Speaking of which, our supervisor paged me asking for a report," James said.

Jessie clapped her hands together. "Excellent, this will be our opportunity to really impress him."

Had Ashachu been smarter, this conversation might have raised a red flag or two for him. But he had no idea who or what the boss or their supervisor where or what it meant. He coxed his head and asked, "Hey Meowth, what are you talking about."

Meowth either didn't hear him because his attention was with Jessie and James, who were now busy setting up a laptop on a nearby rock. Or he ignored him.

The screen turned on and the image of an extremely fat man with a pony tail and a large amount of stubble around his face and neck appeared. He was dressed in a Team Rocket Uniform, similar to the one Jessie and James wore, except it was black not white. It was several sizes too small for him…

"Errr who's he," Ashachu asked again, but received no response.

Jessie, James and Meowth stood to attention and saluted. Apparently to the man on the laptop screen – Ashachu couldn't see any other reason why.

"Agents Jessie, James and Meowth standing by to give you your report Mr. Derek sir," said Jessie.

"What the…Oh, it's you three!" The man on the laptop screen's eyes narrowed at the sight of the trio. "Alright give me your report. It had better be good this time!"

"It most certainly is," replied James. "We're pleased to report that we have captured three of the twerps Pokémon and more are soon to follow."

"You got Pikachu yet?"

"Umm, not exactly," said Jessie, a large bead of sweat appearing on the side of her face. "But we've got the next best thing."

The three stood aside so the camera could get a full view of Ashachu.

"Tah-da. Behold, Ashachu the aura Pikachu."

"Ummm Pika Pika." Ashachu held up his paw and waved to the screen, unsure what to do or say.

The man on the screen, Derek, squinted then scowled. "Ashachu. What are you talking about? Is that the Pikachu or not?"

"Well, no," explained Jessie. "You see sir."

"It's his kit." James finished the sentence for her. "the fruit of the Pikachu's loins with all of the parents power. And he's a willing volunteer to fight for the great Team Rocket cause."

"Ugh." Derek groaned and shook his head. "You know full well the boss is only interested in Pikachu, not in…Whatever this is. Now you get Pikachu and don't call back until you do!" The image disappeared from the screen.

"Meowth," Ashachu started to ask, "Who was…"

But he became distracted when a cool voice behind him said, "Oh man. What did I miss…? Well, I didn't expect to see you here kid!"

Ashachu did a short intake of breath and spun around. Standing a little way behind him, with a wide smug grin on his face, was… "Blade." His heart swelled with joy at the sight of the Sneasel. Without really thinking about it he rushed over to him and threw his paws around his neck. "Good to see you again!"

Blade looked taken a back for a second. Then he smiled and returned Ashachu's hug. "Good to see ya too. But what are you doing here? And why is your fur black. And aren't those your friends tied up here!"

"Oh, there you are," said an annoyed Jessie, scowling at Blade. "Where have you been, we could have used your help earlier."

"Hey!" Blade replied, releasing Ashachu and folding his arms. "I've already told you; I don't work for you. And I ain't doing any Pokémon stealing, okay!" His attention returned to Ashachu. "C'mon. Let's find somewhere to talk privately. Just us Pokémon. Where's Meowth."

He looked around and spotted the scratch cat. "Oh, there you are! Come."

[Pokémon]

Meanwhile…At the Dewford Pokémon Centre…

"Alright you three, you need to find Ashachu and Team Rocket," Ash explained to the three dragons lined up in the grass; Ash's Charizard, Hirosaki and Cameron's Hydreigon. "They shouldn't be hard to miss. The balloon's a dead giveaway. Oh, and Ashachu's died his fur black. Got it."

"Char…" There was a murmur of understanding and a nod from each of the three Pokémon gathered.

"Arceus-speed," he whispered as they took the skies and flew off in different directions. He hugged Pikachu, whom he was holding in his arms, a little tighter to his chest.

Pikachu rubbed the bottom of his chin and cooed softly, "Pikapi!"

Ash took a deep breath, inhaling his scent. Something he always found extremely comforting. The fears and guilt swirled in his mind.

"I still can't believe Ashachu would do this," he mumbled for about the millionth time that day. "I didn't really mean the thing about sending him back to Oaks. I just…Wanted to scare him into not running off. I must have made him feel really uncared for. I wish I'd known about Hunter. If only he hadn't…"

"Hey!" Interrupted Cameron.

Ash blinked. Had he not seen Cameron's mouth move; he would have refused to believe it was him whom had spoken. The single word was dripping with anger and venom. The last thing he would have expected from happy, cheerful, go-lucky Cameron.

"Don't you dare try to blame this on Hunter!"

"What?" Ash wasn't entirely sure how to respond. "Cameron I."

"Uh don't say it Ash. I'm sick of hearing you whine, alright!"

"What's that supposed to mean," he replied defensively.

"You're little brat of a Pokémon ran off and joined Team Rocket then helped them kidnap my pup," Cameron spat at him. He held up a fist at Ash, then jabbed his chest with his thumb at the words my pup. "As far as I'm concerned he's dead to us now."

"Carr!" Lucario growled an approved at his trainer words, his fur bristled and his teeth bared. He mimicked Cameron's actions with his own paws.

It was as if the words were a match, igniting some previously unknown rage within Ash. His eyes narrowed and he replied coldly, "Careful buddy, you're about to cross a serious line."

Cameron continued undeterred. "When Lucario and I get our hands on Ashachu, we're gonna kill…"

BAM!

In one swift movement Ash let go of Pikachu, took a step towards Cameron and punched him. A single uppercut right under the boy's jaw, causing Cameron to stumble backwards.

"NO ONE THREATENS MY KIT," he screamed.

Pikachu let out a little 'ough' as he dropped to the floor, followed by a cry of "Pikapi," as if horrified by his trainer's actions.

Jimmy and Typhlosion's jaws dropped in shock.

A split second later, Cameron was upon him. With a Pokémon like scream he crashed tackled Ash, driving his elbow into his ribs. The air was knocked from his lungs. When he found himself in the grass with Cameron on top of him.

Cameron was only about an inch taller than Ash, and that was due to his gravity defying hair. Still, Ash was surprised at the strength of the boy now sitting on top of him as he pinned him to the ground.

"I'll say what I like about that little yellow traitor. Now listed to this Ash Ketchum, I'm going to save Hunter. And I won't let anyone get in my way. Understand."

Ash managed to free his right arm from Cameron's grip and used it do deliver and uppercut to the side of Cameron's face. The boys grip slackened, and he used the opportunity to push himself up,, throwing Cameron off him and onto his back.

Now he was on top…

"Guys! Stop," Jimmy gasped as the two boys wrestled and grappled in the grass.

"Pikapi Pikachu," squeaked Pikachu. "Pika!"

Cameron drove his knee into Ash's groin, winding him, and was quickly back on top. "And perhaps if you'd been a more attentive parent and trainer, this wouldn't have happened. Can't blame Hunter for that."

"Ooof," Ash gasped in pain.

"Cameron get off him!" Jimmy chose that moment to intervene, taking hold of Cameron by the collar and pulling him off Ash.

"Jimmy, let go of me!" Cameron pushed him away. "That's it. I've had enough of this. Lucario and I are going to look for and rescue Hunter by ourselves. And Ash. You and I aren't friends anymore. And this time I mean it. Come on Lucario."

He turned his back to Ash and begun walking off toward the trees, beckoning Lucario to follow.

"Lu-car!" Lucario snapped his teeth at Ash once before following his trainer.

"Oh, and if Ashachu tries to stop me saving Hunter," Cameron called out as he disappeared. "POW."

Ash just stared after him, bewildered and unable to say a word…

[Pokémon]

"You know, you really shouldn't have tied your friends up like this," Blade muttered in concern as he examined Hunter and Geyser writhing on the ground in their bonds. "That wasn't nice. Here, let me…"

SLASH!

With one quick motion of the Sneasel claw, Blade cut open the ropes binding the Riolu and Dewott. Once free, Hunter rose gingerly to his feet, while Geyser pounced on Ashachu.

"Ha, big mistake pal! I've got you now."

He charged at Ashachu with such speed and ferocity that Ashachu froze, unsure how to respond. Luckily for him, Blade caught a hold of him before he could actually strike.

"Whoa. Slow down there."

"Ugh get off me." Geyser wriggled and squirmed but was unable to free himself from the nelson headlock Blade had him in.

Ashachu blinked repeatedly. Blade had move so quickly to stop Geyser his whole body had become a blur. And he appeared to be holding him with little effort.

As if reading his mind, Blade grinned at Ashachu and chuckle, "see what I've been saying about instinct kid. If I hadn't been here to save your sorry butt."

"Hey. What do you think your doing," Jessie snapped at Blade?

"Those are our prisoners," complained James.

Blade held up a claw. "Relax guys. I'm not freeing them; I just want to talk."

Jessie and James glanced at each other then looked at Meowth who shrugged and said, "Meh, let 'em 'ave it."

Jessie's eyes narrowed. "You trust this guy, Meowth."

"exactly whose side is he on!"

"Our I t'ink," replied Meowth. "Besides, not like dey can get very far, even if dey did escape. We're a long way from the twerps now!"

Geyser gradually stopped struggling. Though this might have been due to the tight grip Blade had on his throat, cutting off his air. His face begun to turn purple, and he was gasping for air.

"Stop that," squealed Hunter. "You're going to kill him!"

"No, I'm not." Blade let go of Geyser. The Dewott feel to his all fours and took in several great lungful of air. "Though, I might if he attacks Ashachu again. You have been warned…"

"What is it you want," snapped Hunter. "Why'd you free us. What the fuck is going on here? Who are you anyway?"

"Name's Blade," answer Blade coolly. "I take it Hikari's told you who I am."

Hunter's eyes widened in shock and he pointed dramatically at the Sneasel. "You! You're Blade. You're the Sneasel that's been causing all the problems."

Blade rolled his eyes. "Pleased to meet you too. Now, why don't we all sit down and discuss this like reasonable Pokémon."

Hunter folded his arms and scowled. "Talk about what!"

"About you, Hikari and Geyser making amends with one another!"

Ashachu and Hunter both stared bewildered at Blade. Then Hunter's jaw dropped and he exclaimed loudly, "What! First you creeps kidnap me. And now you want to play counsellor! Fuck that. Take me back to Cameron, right now!"

"Just sit down and hear me out! You may as well. I suspect Jessie and James are going to just let you run off. And I won't be freeing you a second time…"

[Pokémon]

Five minutes later…

"Jessie. Is it just me or is this the strangest bit of stealing we've ever done," James asked his equally perplexed friend as they watched the four Pokémon together?

Ashachu, Blade, Hunter and Geyser were sitting around in a circle, talking. Yes, actually talking. Talking as if nothing had happened.

"The twerp Pokémon and our Pokémon having a therapy session together," replied Jessie. "Yeah, that's new!"

"I guess after so many blasts offs they don't take us seriously anymore," said James sadly. "Perhaps it is time to think about retirement."

Jessie waved his suggestion away with a flick of her wrist. "With the amount we owe to the boss, forget about it. I say let them talk. We've laid our trap."

"What are they saying Meowth," asked James.

Meowth begun to translate…

[Pokémon]

"…And so, what happened at the Aether Foundation is my fault," said Blade. "I let my feelings for Hikari override my judgement. I took advantage, despite knowing that he had a boyfriend. The pheromones in the air didn't help. Hunter, you should find it in your heart to forgive him."

Hunter considered for a moment, coxing his head and frowning curiously. For a second, Ashachu felt his heart lift. Was Hunter about to forgive him? It sank right back down when Hunter folded his arms and stuck his nose in the air.

"Yeah, no dice," he snapped back. "Not that it's any of your business, and I don't know why I'm talking to you about any of it. But as I recall, Ashachu seemed pretty into having sex with you as well. Which mean he cheated. Which means it's over. And another thing. Why do you keep calling him Hikari? His name's Ashachu."

Blade looked taken a back by this last sentence. He turned to Ashachu. "Is that right? Your name's Ashachu."

Ashachu felt a prickle of unease and was unsure how to respond. If Blade found out he wasn't really Hikari, what would he do. He was saved however when Blade shrugged and asked, "what you change it or something."

"He's always been Ashachu," asserted Hunter, but Blade ignored him.

"The point is Hikari, or Ashachu, really cares about you. You should give him another chance. He's sorry. I can tell, it's really eating him. Tell him."

He tapped Ashachu on the back.

"Oh errr." Ashachu stuttered, unsure what to say. The situation was still a little weird to him. He forced himself to look at Hunter and spoke from the heart. "Hunter. You are. And you always have been. My best friend. We've been together since the moment we first met. And I can't bare the thought of loosing that. When you first told me that you loved me, I wasn't sure how I felt. I didn't know whether I felt the same way. I didn't know if I was ready to be in a relationship. Seeing Geyser flirting with you made me scared because, I fear that you might give up on me and I would loose you. That's what pushed me into your arms. That time we were first together, in that secret base. Was incredible. I felt good and whole in a way I never felt before. And then, I went and treated like nobody should ever treat your mate. I betrayed you. You gave me your heart, and I didn't take care of it. And for that Hunter…All I can do is say that I'm sorry and mean it. These last few days where you haven't been taking to me has been agony. Having my tail cut off didn't hurt as much as much as this has hurt me."

He passed to wipe his eye with his paw.

"The point is Hunter. I love you. And I can't bare this rift between us. Please, please forgive me."

Meowth sniffled and raised a paw to dry his eyes. Jessie and James glanced at him and were surprised to see he was actually crying.

"What's wrong Meowth," asked James.

"Whaaa that's so movin'" Meowth cried out. "Twerpachoo really loves da little blue guy. Come on Hunter, take him back."

Jessie and James looked at each other and Jessie rolled her eyes.

The little speech seemed to have had an effect on Hunter as well. His expression softened, and he gazed at Ashachu with big wet eyes.

Only Geyser was unmoved, folding his arms and shaking his head. Ashachu though he heard him mumbled, "Please."

"Wow Ashachu," said Hunter softly. "I didn't know you felt at way. You're right. I did give you my heart and you did throw it away. Before I can forgive me, I need you to tell me honestly how you feel about Blade here! He's the one you let fuck you, after all."

Ashachu bit his lip and was quite for a moment as he contemplated his response. "I admit it. I do have feeling for Blade. In the time we've been together, I've really come to care for him."

Blade sighed before patting Ashachu on the back with his claw. "That's sweet of you to say kid. But you don't want to be with me. Not as a mate. I'm damaged goods."

Ashachu shook his head. "No, your not. You are kind, and smart, and strong and brilliant. It's exciting being with you. And I've learnt so much about myself in the time we've spent together."

"And who do you want to be with," asked Hunter. "Because you need to decide!"

"Well, to be honest. I don't know," replied Ashachu. "I like you both, and I don't really want to choose."

Hunter considered Ashachu for a moment, tilting his head and giving Ashachu a sad look. Then his expression hardened, and he replied, "Well maybe that's the answer!"

Blade opened his maw to say something, but then froze.

"Blade," said Ashachu starting to feel unnerved. "What is…"

"Shhh," Blade raised a claw to silence him before getting to his feet, looking up at the sky.

Geyser jumped to his feet. "I hear it too."

Ashachu looked up and noticed the winged creature diving towards them…And the fires rained downed.