Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

1. Machoke

“Onne. Brionne. Bri-bri.”

“Funny Nose says the hatchlings could use two more weeks of soif and jet ski restriction.”

The young researcher facepalmed at the two pokemon in front of him.

“Great. The Tourism Council will have our heads. Ask if they can make it one week.”

“You hoid da man.”

“Brionne.”

“ ‘Ten days’.”

The man sighed.

“That will have to do, I suppose.” Getting his mobile, he started to walk away “Back to the Center, Meowth.”

“Come on, Reece…” the pokemon gestured at the beach behind them. “It’s a noice day. Do you want ta spend it in the office?”

“Well…”

Meowth was elbowing his leg and winking

“ ‘Sides, chicks love a man in a lab coat.”

The man blushed.

“I think… we can collect data for another half hour.” A group of young women went by. “Make it 45 minutes, Meowth. Just stay close.”

“Eh, no worries. I have this” he showed the reflective vest marked Poni Island Pokemon Center and, trying to hide his scowl, pointed to the tracking collar on his neck “… an’ this.”

“I suppose...” Said the man, now paying more attention to people at the beach.

Meowth produced sunglasses from his vest and put them on.

“Now, you do you, Reece. Meet’cha in the car in 40.”

The pokemon tried to look carefree walking away, but knew that, once out of sight, the impact would come. The sand was warmly massaging his feet, the gentle sea breeze playing with his fur, the soothing sound of waves. No matter how peaceful this all looks, he would be hit. It’s unavoidable.

“Uncle Meowth!”

The jump-hug of the three-year old girl was enough to send both to the sand. As always.

“Hey, Maddie, how’s my favorite gal? Let me see how big you got.” And, looking at a five-year old boy racing behind “And Bernie, champ. How’s things?”

Playing and talking with the two kids made time went by too fast.

“Go now, twoips, see you soon.” Said the pokemon, rushing back to the researcher car. He got lucky, for less than two minutes later, the young man arrived, not looking pleased, two girls openly laughing behind him.

Meowth decided not to say anything, and just climb into the jeep.

“Inside, Meowth.”

“I’m already-” but the man was holding a pokeball, pointing at him. “Come oooon, Reece, I hate this thing.”

“Rules are rules. You made me break too many of those today already”

Meowth shrugged. One needs to choose well their battles. He opened his arms and let the white bean transport him to one of his personal nightmares.

Many pokemon describe the pokeball like being inside their eggs again. Meowth himself heard others using expressions like “infinite coziness” and “gentle bliss” he vexedly translated to the researchers, on his first job at that Pokemon Center.

“You ain’t serious…” Meowth mumbled to himself, then spoke loudly to the humans taking note on the room:  “Machoke here likens the pokeball ta ‘a motherly hug on a warm night’.”

“Thank you, Machoke. Next…”

“A coffin.”

The scientists looked at Meowth.

“A bloody scoiry coffin where you cannot tell the time, can’t say with side is up or down, can’t see an’ barely hears a thing.”

“Uh… right. Witch pokemon gave this opinion?”

“Me, doc.” Meowth slapped his own chest.

“Hm, we’ll have to erase that. You’re part of the research team, Meowth, can’t give your opinion, it would interfere on the results. How about Ribombee?”

“Ribombee, ri.”

“ ‘A fluffy bubble of’ - AW, C’MON!!”

Inside the pokeball, the first think they take from Meowth is his body. Not that he can’t move, it’s just the movements are useless. They don’t take you anywhere, you can’t hit anything in the sea of molasses-like environment. Staying there for an hour, the stupor reaches the brain and one’s mind is taken away. But this is not the worse, reasons Meowth.

They took away his friends.

His family.

Before his world fades to black, he remembers the beginning of the end.

“The winner and still Pokemon Monarch… Ash Ketchun!!”

The announcement was barely heard over the crowd roar on the packed stadium.  The official reporter is used to it by now. Other winners jump the sponsors billboards to hug friends and family, others raise their fists in triumph.

Ash knees down and hugs his favorite pokemon. And no one can brake this moment. So, she waits until he gets up to approach.

“Ash! Ash! A victory on your 5th year aniversary undefeated as Monarch. How does it feel?”

“Wow! It was intense.” He gestured to his opponent to get closer “I need to stress and commend the amazing skills of”

The lights went off.

For a moment, no one on that huge, enclosed space knew what to do, until a lone spot shined upon two figures clad in white with a pokemon between them raising up in the middle tier stands.

“Prepare for trouble, no matter your rank.”

“And make it double, we’re breaking the bank.”

…

“Team Rocket blasting off agaaaaaaain!"

Behind the desk, he studied the trio for a couple of seconds, but just shrugged. He owns a run-down, 10-room-per bathroom cheap hotel. As long as the three figures covered in bruises in front of him could pay, everything else was none of his business. They got the key and half walked-half crawled to the designed room.

“By now, the twoip should have the decency of blast us off in de direction of our balloon.” Said Meowth.

The two humans answered with moans of pain and got into the tiny space. The last time the walls were painted was probably before any of them were born, the window dreamed of being as big as the ones of regular bathrooms, the floor looked like a camo pattern of darker and lighter spots. Other than that, a single bed, a rope with two coat hangars and a TV on a wobbling table.

Jessie collapsed on the bed.

“I can’t move my back. Stop complaining and help me out of these boots.”

“Hey, I am knackred too.” Went James

“Woooooobbuffet!” A second pokemon got out of his ball and joined them

As the humans strip to their underwear to expose all their bruises and bumps and burns marks, Meowth got the first-aid kit and, just because, turned the TV on. To his surprise, it was working. On the screen, some newscaster was talking. Behind him, an image of someone too well-known for the hurt trio.

“-minutes away from Ash Ketchum press conference…”

“Turn it off, Meowth. I don’t want to see his face ever...” James though a bit “I don't want to see his face in the next 24 hours.”

“We betta’ watch, Jimbo.” Answered the pokemon, getting closer to the man. “Know your enemy an’ stuff.”

“I doubt the twerp-no-more have something useful to say, but whatever. Ouch! Be careful.” Added Jessie, turning to Wobbuffet.

“You know… other friends share snacks watching telly.” James snickered as Wobbuffet bandaged Jessie, Jessie patched him, and he helped with Meowth bruises, the bottle of antiseptic being passed back and forth.

“Shhh… it’s stoiting.”

Ash, Pikachu, Sirfetch’d and a Coronation Series Officer got in the room to the pop of several flashes. Behind them, a checkered panel with the logo of a dozen sponsors. In front, a table full of microphones and recorders. The humans sat as Piikachu and Sitfetch’d jumped on the table.

“I want to answer all your questions, but my buddies and I are tired, so let’s keep simple and brief. It’s being an honor to be the Monarch, five years full of passion, thrill and meeting so many skilled trainers. I can’t thank each one of them and the fans enough. But I need to deal with other projects. So, I am taking a two-year sabbatical. I am-” every reporter in the room started to talk at once. Ash needed to raise his voice a bit.  “I am forfeiting my title” Ash took off the crown and gave it to the Officer. “But rest assured” he smiled, hands on his pokemon shoulders “we’ll battle again.”

“Sirfetch’d, fetch.”

“Pikaah!”

“Leek boy said it’s a mattah of honor ta get the crown again an’ Pikachu, ‘hi, Goh and Cinderace’.” Translated Meowth. On the TV, Ash was answering the first question.

“Yes, it’s not a Pokemon Center, but one of the projects is this Pokemon Sanctuary we started to build last year in Pallet City with a school and...”

“So, the former twerp will stay in one place for two years?” Jessie said.

“Less travel expenses for us.”

“Don’t remind me. We’re always on a budget and he is building a sanctuary. Ex-twerp’s rolling in dough while we suffer in cheap hotels. No fair.”

“We’ll have to ask HQ for advance money again. For food and…” James looked at both jackets in disgust “Giovanni must secretly own a Laundry Chain. What other reason for the white uniforms?”

Jessie laughed and set the alarm on her phone.

“I’ll have the bed for the first two hours. You boys decide who’s next. Good night.”

“… wobbuffet.” Yawned the blue pokemon, before touching his pokeball and getting in.

“Right, Meowth, pick your poison.” James got a deck of cards “Old Maid or Go Fish? Winner gets the bed next.”

After a quick game, James leaned against the wall, napping until it was his turn on the bed. Meowth snuggled against him and smiled.

The three of them were hurt and bruised. The same.

Jessie and James were still basically naked, like pokemons. The same.

He was waiting for his two hours of bed, like the two humans. The same.

Forget lack of money, failures, pain, lost battles. Life couldn’t be better.

Chapter Text

PIDGEY

Reporters, city inspectors, constructor workers, food deliverers. Team Rocket HQ shut down every plan of Jessie, James and Meowth to infiltrate Ash’s new buildings. The orders were vague, mostly asking for most operatives to hang low, and be discreet for a while.

The trio translated that to:

“Yes, the motorhome was a great idea. We can get closer to the twerp and get away easily, and we solve both house and transportation problems in Pallet City at the same time, for less money.” Jessie then hit the other two “That is, until you two morons decided to paint it slowpoke pink! Is this your idea of discreet?”

“Aw, Jessie, all our vehicles look like pokemon. Have some flair.”

And so, days went by.

“Hey, James, can I have sum’pokemon treats?”

“Careful, Meowth, one can overeat and lose their figure out of boredom.”

“Mor?”

“Eeeeeeeeeh!” James jumped at the (for now) cute creature next to him. “Of course, you can have one, Morpeko. No one wants you to go peckish, right?”

Meowth chuckled and answered the human. “Ain’t for me, it’s for this Pidgey who flies ovah Ash’s constroiction site a lot. We can use a spy.”

“Good idea. What do you say, Pidgey, want to work with us?”

“Pidgey!”

“We’ve been feeding Pidgey for days.” Complained Jessie “Do we have anything?”

“She says Ash is visited a lot by a guy with brown hair, who doesn’t smell concoite, diesel an’ paint like the others.”

“It’s a start” James ruffled Pidgey’s head feathers. “What else can you say?”

“Pi. Piiidgey.”

“She says he looks youngah than you two. An’ carries a lot of papers.”

“Architect or engineer.” Waved Jessie, dismissively. “Next.”

“I don’t know, Jessie. Those would smell like constroiction, too. An’ the building is nearly done.”

“A reporter or ghostwriter, them. The former twerp is cashing on his fame.”

“Hmmm...” James thought for a moment, before typing something on his mobile, and showing it to the flying pokemon “Pidgey, is that him?”

“Pid! Pidgey, pidgey. Pi-pi. Pidgeeeeeey. Pidgey!”

“‘Yes’.”

“Todd Snap.” James showed the picture on the mobile to Jessie and Meowth.

“The camera twerp?” Questioned Jessie.

“Wait, he gotta beard now? We’re surrounded by ex-twoips.” Came Meowth

“That’s good, James, but I’d like something juicer to report headquarters”

“This site says he’s an investigative reporter, now.”

A month later, Meowth, Jessie and James could not stop flashing everybody their VIP passes dangling from brand-new lanyards - they even had one that fit Wobbuffet. They walked down Team Rocket offices in Mahogany Town proud as they can be. Right to the privative lift to the 4th floor. Common folks just have access to the three lower floors.

Stepping out of the device, they were greeted by the men themselves, not a secretary.

“Jessie, James, Meowth, we’re glad you could come on such short notice” Officer Hun greeted, with Attila smiling just behind.

“Woooobbuffet.”

“Yes, I am glad to see you, too, Wobbuffet. Jessie, you look astonishing as ever.”

After some pleasantries, and the visiting quartet attacking the hors d’oeuvres table, they sat to discuss the matter.

“Giovanni himself put us in charge of this investigation. It’s a serious one.” Started Attila.

“We had an eye on that Todd Snap for a couple of weeks before your report.” Finished Hun, while Wobbuffet was emptying the water jug after having some Jalapeño poppers. The whole tray of them.

“Thooootooouuu”  Jessie finished her crostini “I mean, what about that twerp with a beard?”

Hun took a deep breath, thinking about how to make the newcomers understand the gravity of the situation. “That… twerp, as you put it, Jessie, is asking lots of wrong questions to the wrong people.”

Attila picked on.

“This may affect the organization. Deeply. So we’ll need your help.”

Meowth jumped on the sofa, answering fast.

“Soire! I already have some ideas ta trap the former twoip an’ ”

“Maybe later. For now” Hun stated to record “We’d like to know about your interactions with Mr. Snap. Every detail may help.”

“I can say he sure captures my best side.” Said Meowth, striking a pose. Atilla and Hun glanced at each other. Would they regret this?

Jessie cough.

“Well, we first met hiring him on an honest mistake…”

“Considering we asked him to steal Pikachu, a dishonest mistake.”

“James!”

Starting to regret it already.

It took a bit more than an hour and a full refill of the buffet, but the officers got all the information they could.

“Now.” Hun went on “The use of a pokemon as a spy was a good strategy we’re trying to replicate. So, we’d like you to work close to us, here at the office.”

“Of course, Hun. We’ll gladly…”

“I was talking to Meowth, Jessie.”

“…oh.”

“Jessie, James, you can go back and monitor Ash. Meowth, we need you here translating the pokemon we already have on the case.” Said Atilla

“We’re sure Giovanni would be very pleased with you.” Finished Hun.

 The pokemon nodded proudly

“I am glad da boss knows what I am woith. But we’re a team. I stick with Jessie and James.”

James jumped out of his seat.

“We want a private talk, if we may.”

Jessie, James, Meowth and Wobbuffet went to a hurdle in the corner. The man began

“Meowth, what are you doing? This may be your chance to be Giovanni’s Top Cat.”

“Nah, dreams ain’t woith if they come that easily. I want to get there, but with you, guys.”

Jessie and James looked at him with watery eyes. Then they turned t the officials.

“Yeah, sorry, guys, but my decision is final.”

“Wooooobbuffeeet!”

Hun sighed .

“As you wish. We’ll send the recordings for you to work at your place at Pallet City while watching Ash.”

“But we may receive the first reports tomorrow. So, if you stick around…”

Hun saw the trio making puppy eyes, with Wobbuffet doing… something similar

“… I will give you the keys to the organization apartment upstairs.”

They kept going.

“… and full access to the executive breakfast tomorrow.”

The newcomers danced together

“Score, things are looking better, James.”

“Yes, and that smoked salmon brings back childhood memories, doesn’t it?”

“Wooooobbuffet.”

100% regretting.

Next morning, a full-belly Meowth started to translate the pokemons on the videos sent by Rocket agents in other towns. The first went well, but he started to laugh at the second.

“Something wrong?” asked Hun.

“Dat Rattata conned the agents silly. He said ‘Yeah, I saw Snap with another human’ and then stoits complaining about the food he’s being paid with and how bad the agents smell.”

“No useful information?”

“Nothing. Zero. Nada.”

Hun massaged the bridge of his nose.

“Right. Change of plans. Jessie, James, Meowth, you are now the unit responsible for the pokemon spies on location. You’ll follow Todd Snap everywhere. In a discreet way, no balloons, or pink motorhomes. I’ll ask the front desk to get you two plane tickets.”

“Make it three, Hun, I ain’t do pokeballs.”

Regrettable… and expensive, thought Atilla

Chapter Text

MONFERNO

After a month, they were quite used to the ins and outs of airports. They passed through the pokelounge, full of humans playing and saying goodbye to their pokemons straight to the packing booth. They were second in line. Good.

“…But my Monferno is my baaaaaby!”

… Behind a Karen. The security guard tried her best

“Ma’am, I understand, but no poison, electric or fire pokemon are allowed out of their pokeballs” and pointed to the restriction chart once more. “For everybody’s security.”

“Nonsense. He’s so well behaved.”

“Ma’am, you either put him on a pokeball or I will have you escorted out of the premises.”

“I want to speak to a manager!”

“Ma’am, those are international flight rules, mandatory for all airlines in the world. No one can make an exception.”

“Manager!”

“Look here, you hag!” went Jessie “She just said you’d need to call for an United Regions meeting with all companies CEO’s in the next half hour for you and your ‘baby’ to board in time. Can you do that?” 

“Why, I never!”

“Foist time is always hard.” Joked Meowth

Defeated, she spun in her heels and left the airport shouting something about ‘calling the mayor’.

“Busy day?” tried to sympathize James.

The security guard smiled and put the now familiar egg-tray-shaped box in front of them.

“I had worst. Thanks for your help, by the way. Your lived-in pokeballs, please”

“We’re traveling with a Wobbuffet and a Pidgey.” Said Jessie, putting their balls in the box. The employee stroke some keys at her computer, looked at Meowth and, before she could say something, James went on.

“The Meowth boards with us. Here’s his ticket and papers.”

A passenger behind them started to huff, impatient.

“Thank you. Can you step in the scanner?” Jessie and James did so, as she closed and sealed the box with the pokeballs, finally printing something and leaning on Meowth “Here’s your ID, champ, visible at all times, ok?”

Tying it around his neck, he turned to the man on the line.

“I am sure this bureaucracy is bettah than someone releasing a smuggled Snorlax inside the plane and killing everyone, wouldn’cha agree?”

The man was flabbergasted with both the answer and:

“A… talking Meowth?”

“And a smart one, too” smiled the agent. “All set, sir and madam. Have a nice and safe journey” and gave them the now safely locked pokeballs.

The trio relaxed at the spacious seats, James at the window, Meowth at the aisle, and Jessie just across, after the circulation space.

“Upgrade to Business. That’s life. If the former twerp keeps traveling that much, we’ll have miles to either go first-class or pay Wobbuffet’s ticket.” Said Jessie, stretching on her seat.

“Eeh, he doesn’t mind pokeballs much,” Meowth said, enjoying the rest of the flight meal “but this is a way bettah travel mode.”

“It’s settled on Wobbuffet, then.” James said, closing his eyes on a post-meal bliss

Meowth stopped mid-bite.

“But the ex-twoip is really traveling a lot. I wonder…” Jessie leaned towards him making the universal silence sign.

“Careful, Meowth. You don’t know who may be listening.”

“… Roight.”

Arriving, they got right to the car rental. To James’ dismay, they got a gray mid-sized sedan. More common impossible.

Had they stood around the airport a bit more, they would see the guy who was in a hurry behind them talk to his excited kids about meeting a talking Meowth. Within the earshot of a certain reporter just exiting his delayed plane.

Like the car, the rented house couldn’t be plainer.

“I guess the only luxury of this spy business is the aeroplane, after all.”

“Chin up, Jimbo. We have woik to do.”

“Very well. Pidgey, Wobbuffet. Come on out.”

After a quick inspection of the house, Jessie went:

“You boys set things up. I’ll go for groceries. Wobbuffet, want to come?”

 “Wooobbah.”

“Dat’s Jessie’s lingo for ‘Wobbuffet, carry the bags’, but you do you, blue guy.” Chuckled Meowth.

“Wobbah?”

“Yes, I am expoit in translating humans, too.”

“Less joking, more unpacking, Meowth.” Said James, hands and arms full of suitcases and packs.

“Aye, aye, cap.”

Minutes later, Meowth was holding one of Jessie’s panties, before putting them in the drawer.

“How come humans never get tired of wearing so many things?”

“Some do. Naturism is a thing, you know. Also, you wear them a lot yourself.”

“Only when we need a disguise, James. We brought too much stuff, ya know what I am sayin’?”

“We’ll likely be here for a long time. This is the hometown of that senator Hyacinth, after all.” James took a peek at the pokemon, who just ended storing Jessie’s sports bras and was now putting away a silk, full of lace red one “There are things it looks we don’t need to carry around, but no one can be sure. Case in point...” he gestured at the lingerie.

The pokemon stopped for a bit.

“That’s botherin’ me, Jim.”

“Jessie’s bra?”

“No! The bearded ex-twoip. Money, sure, Ash may be paying all the travel an’ stuff. But the info? You’re hearing me translating. We are Team Rocket an’ we ain’t aware offa tenth of the things people tell Snap.”

“I got to admit I never heard of Senator Hyacinth before, let alone his several connections to us.”

“Shady connections, Jimbo.”

“That goes without saying. And he’s far from being the only one. It’s hard to fathom all those authorities on Giovanni’s pockets.”

“Boss’ playing Pokepower: Gotta Broibe’em All.” Chuckled Meowth, before both got serious and stood there without talking for a moment.

“There are two options, my tailed mate. Either Todd Snap is that good as an investigative reporter…”

They blinked at the realization.

“It would have to be some high-up.”

James nodded.

“Higher than Attila and Hun. Someone close to Giovanni himself.”

“Should we tell’em?”

“They are smart, Meowth. They probably reached the same conclusion.” He thought for a while “Besides, I don’t think ‘who’ is important. The problem is ‘what’.”

“Agreed. The things Pidgey an’ the others heard are enough ta put Team Rocket – and others – in deep trouble.”

“And we’re not following him since the beginning.”

New silence as Meowth went to open another suitcase.

“I don’t think just reporting what the former twerp is uncovering will make that difference now. But I think we can give Attila and Hun something better. Do you want to take a small risk, Meowth?”

“Our risks usually end up with us bloisting off, but I am listening.”

“Does Snap have a pokemon?”

“… if he does, he hides too well. But…ya may be on something, Jimbo.”

“If he does, it is another lead to follow.”

“An’ if he doesn’t, his things are a far game to snoop in.”

“Let’s wait for Jessie to return and discuss it with her.”

“Let’s.” Meowth said, getting another piece of clothing “Oi, Jess needs even more bras?”

“Excuse me? That one is mine.”

Meowth raised an eyebrow, as his human partner went on.

“… what? One never knows when a disguise is needed.”

James got the bra and suitcase and left the room, leaving Meowth chuckling.

Chapter Text

How Jessie, James and Meowth pass the time at Senator Hyacinth's city

Chapter Text

HOUNDOOM

Nobody paid attention to the two cleaning ladies despite the fact they were not cleaning, just pushing their cart here and there, until finally pushing it into the supply room and immediately looking inside it.

“You said it would be no pokemon.”

“Nope. Pidgey said there ain’t strong pokemon scent on Todd, so chances were we could broike in da room with no trouble.” Said Meowth, sticking his head out of the container. “We never asked her ta check for the hotel’s own pokemons”

Jessie pushed him back in.

“Great. The place is packed with Machamps.”

“We should expect that.” Said James, who looked like Jessie’s twin sister. “Machamps are made to work at hotels. Plenty of arms to carry luggage.”

“That helps a lot, James.”

“Thanks. I try.”

“We should be more conçoined about the security Crabrawler.”

“Indeed. If he works for the hotel is one thing…”

“… but if Todd hired him, he’s already aware someone’s watching.” Jessie finished James’ phrase.

“Great. Now what?”

“You stay where you are!” Jessie pushed Meowth down again. “We… we’ll try this. We go upstairs; if the floor is Crabrawler-less, we break into the room above the ex-twerp’s, rope down, and we’re in. Questions?”

A ray of light shone out of her disguise pocket, bringing up a new pokemon.

“Wobbuffeeet?”

“Argh!” Jessie raised a pokeball, retrieving the pokemon “Questions by anyone other than Wobbuffet?”

“No, Jessie. Sounds like a plan.”

“Agreed.”

“Let’s get moving.”

A minute or so later, an explosion was heard in the hotel, as three bodies were expelled violently through a window

“Team Rocket blasting off agaaaaaaain…!”

Four days later, James was hugging the wheel of their pink motorhome while Jessie, exasperated, arms crossed, looked outside to nothing in particular. Lost between both, Meowth decided to break the silence.

“That was çortainly… not fun. I never saw Hun mad before”

“We cocked-up the whole operation, Meowth.”

“But they just can’t talk to us like that. We’re Team Rocket.” Shouted Jessie.

“By a moiracle. I was expecting dem to give us the pink slip.”

“Well, it would match the caravan.”

“Can it, you two!” She continued “We’ll bounce back and show them the value of Jessie, James and Meowth!

“…wooooobb-“

“Aw, shut up!”

James sighed

“It’s a nice feeling, Jessie, but how do you intend to do that?”

“Tch. Step on it, James. Back to Pallet City. We’ll mend things off snooping on Ash.”

 “There are two big problems with this plan” James went “First the smaller one. Attila and Hun demanded we stay out of trouble and do nothing, and I quote ‘or else’.”

 “We faced worse before. Not time to be afraid.”

“There’s still the matter of the bigger problem, Jessie.”

“Tell me on the way to Pallet.”

“That’s it.”

“What?!”

“Do you have money for fuel?”

After a troubled voyage, they managed to get to Pallet City.

“Let’s get a spot closer to the ex-twerp building.”

“I think we’ll get a spot as far as the remaining pint of petrol can take us.”

“Fine! Park wherever, James. Now, for the plan. First, we send Pidgey to reckon Ash’s place.”

“That… may not woik, Jess.”

“What?”

“I think Meowth means all we ate in the past days was cheese sannies-”  The pokemon showed them an empty bag of bread, licked clean by Morpeko.

“Not even dat anymore, James.”

“-Thanks, Meowth. And you want her to just observe a brand-new, fully-stocked Pokemon Sanctuary?”

Jessie ground her teeth.

“We’ll do what we have to!”

Ten minutes later, four figures stood on the motorhome roof. Jessie threw a pokeball

“Pidgey, come on out.”

As the pokemon appeared, Jessie closed her eyes and upped her chin, pretending indifference.

“ Ah-hem – As you know, Pidgey, the mission is over, so we’re relieving you from your duties. You’re free, fly away.”

“Pid-pidgey.”

“You’re havin’ fun, you say? Believe me, feather-face, things ain’t always fun ‘round here. Go, vamoose.” Said Meowth

“Woooobah…”

“Blue guy. You shouldn’t have said that.”

“Piiiiidgey…”

“Whatever you said, be that word our sign of parting, Pidgey. Leave no brown plume as a fare of the time we shared! Take your beak from out our hearts, and take your form from off our car!” recited James, on the verge of tears

The pokemon flew away, leaving two humans with teary eyes.

As they climbed down, she returned, putting a branch of berries at their feet

“Pid.”

And flew away again.

“She said ‘thanks for everything’.”

Jessie, James, Meowth and Wobbuffet hugged and openly cried.

A month went away with the team just visiting Ash place here and there with degrees of success – the disguise of hot-dogs, for instance, was a dud – and long hours waiting for orders. Finally, it came. Todd Snap’s about to publish a book concerning several Teams. All operatives to avoid public appearances until the damage is quantified.

“Well, at least we ain’t the only ones soiffering no more.”

“That helps a lot, Meowth.” Said Jessie, sitting on a chair, refusing to read the same message again and again.

“And ‘damage’? Only with the things we spied on, former twoip can cause an oithquake.”

“Aggh” Jessie threw her head back, in frustration “We need some good news.”

At this moment, James opened the motorhome door.

“Hey everyone!” James was smiling ear to ear, holding a small box “Vanilla ice cream was on sale!” Meowth and Jessie get close, stars in their eyes

“Peko!”

Only to see the box being snatched by a black and purple blur.

“Nooo! Morpeko!” shouted James

“Don’t stand there. After her, everyone!” shouted even louder Jessie.

“Wobbah.”

The day ended with five figures running around a motorhome.

And so, some days went by.

One evening, there was a knock on the motorhome door. Before any could react, it was whammed open by a woman in a black uniform.

“H-help”

“Aaaaah”

“Woooooobbah”

Meowth, James and Jessie jumped behind Wobbuffet for protection but soon recognized the newcomer. Her uniform was tattered, she was full of bruises, but the long blond hair was a giveaway.

“Cassidy?” began James.

Heavily leaning against the door frame, she was barely holding to her conscience. Jams rushed to her and, with Meowth’s help, got her to the vehicle’s tiny sofa.

“Who said she could come in?”

“It’s a matter of humanity, Jessie” said James “Let’s help her to the point you two could argue, at least. Meowth, can you get her some water?”

“On it, Jim.”

“Hmphf.” Jessie frowned and turned her face away from the others.  At that moment, she did a double-take. Did she see something outside? 

A minute later she regained her senses, and began to talk

“James. Jessie. Thank goodness I found you. I need help.”

“Easy, goil.” Said Meowth “What’s going on?”

“Everything is happening. Butch ran away and… I had to find you. It was my only chance”

“It’s nothing new, but you’re making zero sense” Jabbed Jessie.

Cassidy stood up under James and Meowth’s protests and tried a few steps in the meager space.

“It’s over, you know.”

“What, you and Buff? If so, it’s a little late to ask me for team management tips” quipped Jessie, to James and Meowth’s eye rolls.

“Woooo-Wobbah?”

In hindsight, Meowth should have paid attention to Wobbuffet’s “Riiiiight-What was that out there?”, but he was focused on Cassidy.

“His name is Butch. And no, no, everything is over. I was lucky to get here.”

“Whatcha talking about?” asked Meowth.

“Todd Snap’s book. Everything’s there. Every name, scheme, conspiracy, plot. Police’s hunting us down. Team Rocket is finished!”

“That’s why you ran away from your hideout?”

“Oh, no, no, Jessie. That’s why Butch ran. I was more fortunate.”

An alarm rang out on Meowth’s head. He asked.

“Cassidy… when de book went public?”

She checked her phone and positioned herself near the only open exit.

“I’d say…in about one hour or so.”

“Wha…”

“James, Jessie, let’s hit the road now!! Cassidy’s…”

The motorhome quaver as two officers with their Houndoons and tasers ready barged in, knocking things off and forcing the quartet away from Cassidy.

“Hands up!”

“… woiking with the po-po.” finished, defeated, Meowth. Jessie and James quickly found themselves pressed against the window, just to find more police officers outside. Heavy steps taking over the place. Tasers and revolvers pointed at them. Houndoons growling. Wobbuffet screaming. The surroundings tinted red-blue, a signal of police car lights nearby. The whole vehicle shook with the sudden commotion, as if mimicking what they were feeling inside. Cassidy laughed.

“You know, earlier today we were visited by officers with an interesting proposal. Lucky me, I guess. Police snitch deals work on a first-come, first-serve basis, you know. Well, I got more agents to rat out.”

Cassidy was escorted away, waving a “bye” full of mockery. One of the gun-toting officers spoke.

“Jessie and James of Team Rocket, you’re under arrest. Pokemons, you’re under custody. Move.” And showed them handcuffs in a not-so subtle menace

Outside, they found two police cars and, oddly, a stretched limo James was forced into.

“Jessie! Meowth!” he shouted

“James!” they answered, while being locked in the police cars and leaving, sirens blaring.

Inside the car, James faced five figures in expensive suits. The one in the middle played with his mustache before smiling.

“Good evening, son. Long time no see.”

“Dad?”

He gestured, showing the other people in the car.

“Please meet your lawyers. I am sure we have a lot to discuss.”

Chapter Text

MORPEKO

First, her senses were assaulted by the chaos of shouted orders, blue uniforms, shoves and pushes, red-blue light flashing, screams for the others, the white of James’ clothes, the cream and blue of her pokemon being taken away.

Then, only grey.

At the back of the police van, Jessie had only grey metal walls surrounding her, the movement of the vehicle the only way she got to notice time was passing.

No more movement. Silence.

Light, door open. Orders. Follow us. Blue uniforms, wall, pat down, search, metal detector. Walk, another room. White. Scale on the wall. Mug shot, mug shot, fingerprints. Walk, yet another room.

With grey walls. Two grey chairs. A small grey table.

After an eternity, an officer enters with what Jessie considers, at the moment, proof of God’s existence: a cup of coffee in each hand. Hot. Smelling good.

“I want to know…”

The officer put the coffees on the table and raised her hand, asking for silence.

“My name is detective Carla. Jessica Kiiro, born in Kanto, you’re being accused of multiple pokemon poaching, kidnapping, propriety trespassing, damaging and destruction, fraud, impersonation to commit fraud, and coup d’état conspiracy. Do you understand and acknowledge those accusations?”

“What happens if I say ‘no’?”

“I’ll repeat using other words until you say you understand why you’re provisionally detained.”

“I understand.”

“Good. Now, let me remind you of your rights…”

After more a couple of paragraphs of legalese, detective Carla finished

“Do you understand your rights?”

“I do.”

“Were you given enough information about your situation?”

“No.”

“Right, what’s not clear?”

“Where’s James? Where’s Meowth?”

“We’re talking about your situation, Jessica. May I call you Jessie? This is not about others, but I will answer” she checked her notes “About James… I assume James Flavum von Gul Montjaune, known partner, detained alongside you under similar accusations. I am not aware of his present situation, but you’re free to use your phone right to try and contact him. Now, every pokemon is taken to a Pokemon Center…”

“Everybody, come on out.”

Several pokemon looked confused out of the extra-strong police Ultra Balls. Meowth tried to make heads and tails of his situation. The rising sun showed he spent at least one whole night inside the damned container. Great. Under him, some grass, around, walls painted with what were supposed to be trees. Above him, bars. With him, several pokemon. Some he knew from other Team Rocket units, even some from teams Skull, Flare, Cipher. Most are new to him. Some humans in the blue uniform of the police. But what bothers him the most is the lack of Jessie and James. Wobbuffet and even Morpeko naturally rushed to him.

“Wooooobbuffet?”

“Ya guess’ as good as mine, Blue Boy. Some kind of prison or sumthing.”

 “Morp!”

“Yeah, no. One thing movies show is dat trying to escape’s a bad idea.” But Morpeko already was using her tantrum in some corner.

A siren was heard and every pokemon turned their eyes to a cheerful woman in a lab coat who was addressing them.

“Hello, everyone. Let’s forget the ’professor’ thing. I am Lucida, I work with the police of Kanto. I am happy to say you’re now free from your evil teams’ influence and will soon be sent to spacious, friendly Pokemon Reserves to live happy and free of worries.”

A cacophony of pokemon sounds was heard.

“Now, now, let’s calm down. We’ll just register you and have a good meal later.” She made a gesture and one assistant started, as she went behind a computer.

“One male Sandslash, one female Ursaring with a big scar on left arm, one unidentified black and purple Morpeko – I am not getting close to that thing…”

But the noise kept going. Lucida slammed her hand on the table.

“Look, pokemon, I’m your friend here, but if you cause trouble, I can be just Professor Beech.”

“Of course you are. And Morpeko’s a goil.”

All human eyes in the room were now on Meowth.

“Yeah, yeah, I am a talking Meowth, autographs later, now how about some answers?”

“Good. You may help. As I said, you’re lucky. No more evil-doing for you, you will all be sent to nice Pokemon Reserves to live happily with your peers. In other words, you’re free.”

“Whatch’about our trainers?”

“They will never force you to do bad things again, so don’t worry.”

Some pokemon raised their voices even more.

“We got da code for ‘nevah see’em again’. They don’t want that, Beech. And noither do I.”

“Professor Beech.” She stressed “And the transfer’s not for debate. Look, you will all be in better care, ok? Will live in happy places, doing whatever you want, unlike your former trainers. Just let us finish the register and have a good meal. Let the news settle, you will see this new life is better for all of you.”

Meowth got closer to the professor, so other pokemon could not hear him.

“Cop-Prof, with Team Rocket, I lost count of de times I got eloitrucked, kicked, scoiched or just blasted off. More than once I got nuttin’ to eat. I prefer dat to any Reserve. Where’s James and Jessie?”

“The way things are, I can say where they will be in the next years. And, sorry to say, it will not be a smooth ride.”

Detective Carla took a sip of her coffee and passed the other cup to Jessie.

“I want to discuss with you, Jessie, your options to improve your situation. Your friend Cassidy cut a very good deal, and we can work on something…”

A police officer entered the small room and whispered something to Carla. She sighed.

“Unfortunately, our talk ends here for now. Please follow officer Samuel to a private room. You have a guest.” And yanked the coffee from Jessie’s hand.

The Team Rocket agent walked along the new police officer to another room, equally grey. If she was in the mood, she would say the woman waiting for her was also grey. Hair on a flawless bum, glasses, expensive dark suit, suitcase on the table, and an unreadable expression. Jessie sat on the only other available chair.

“So… who are you?”

“I work for Goldman, Silva & Cooper Law Associates.” Even the voice was monotone, grey.

Jessie waited for more information. Nothing.

“Did Giovanni send you?”

“No.”

More silence.

“Ok, who did?”

She almost imperceivably raised and relaxed her shoulders.

Jessie massaged the bridge of her nose.

“Let’s start this over. Are you my lawyer?”

She checked her phone.

“I don’t know yet.”

“Dad? what’s the meaning of all this?” James asked, while refusing the tea offered to him on the comfy limo. Through the window, he barely could see the vehicles with Jessie and Meowth. The luxury car took a turn to get into the main road.

“It’s called a bail. Habeas Corpus. And other expensive terms these ladies and gentlemen can explain better.” He said, gesturing to the other ones in the car. “Come, son, have a cuppa.”

 “I don’t want tea. I want to know where they are taking Jessie and Meowth. They put him on a pokeball. He hates pokeballs.”

One of the men coughed.

“If I may…” The oldest one of the ‘suited squad’ asked. James’ father made a gesture, allowing it “My name is Carson Silva, from Goldman, Silva & Cooper, Mr. James. I will be responsible for your case. To answer your question, all former team Rocket pokemons will be transferred to adequate reserves. As for miss Jessica Kiiro, the State is asking for 10 to 15 years of reclusion.”

“Jessie will go to prison for 10 years?!”

“A fate you would share, sir, if your father were not so fast and zealous.”

“You mean ‘generous’, Carson ol’chap.” The older man laughed. The attorney smiled and kept going, giving James a contract.

“Just sign and you’ll be kept on house arrest until your trial. We’ll be using the ‘following orders under blackmail and psychological manipulation’ defense. In short, you are the naïve little boy who ran away from home and was taken advantage of by shady…”

“Can you bail Jessie, too?”

“Yes, we could represent her. But do you have funds to pay for our services? Your parents are willing to pay for you and you only.”

“I have my share of my family companies and estate.”

“Yes, but I am aware there are only two ways for you to get those resources, Mr. James. And, since your father is breathing and having tea in front of you, I would say one of those options is out.”

A cold shiver ran through James’ spine.

“What do you say, James? The freedom of both you and your colleague in exchange for a grandson?”

“Dad, how can you…”

The Limo took a turn on a dirt road. Looking out the left window, James saw a police car. Turning his head to the right, he saw the door opening for a female figure to enter.

“Did you miss me, James?”

“J-jessebelle!”

“Now, I always dreamed of a luxurious wedding, but those take months to prepare, and you don’t want your friend without a lawyer all that time, do you? So, just sign the Application for Marriage License, and in two weeks we’ll be husband and wife.”

“Not in a million years, you psycho…”

“Think, son.” His father stopped him “Two signatures. You sign those two papers, you and your friend will be free. Otherwise…” The older man pointed to the other side. James saw the police car “Ten years minimum.”

He looked at Jessebelle. And the police. And Jessebelle. Pressing his hands on his head, James ground his teeth.

Jessie massaged the bridge of her nose.

“Let’s start this over. Are you my lawyer?”

She checked her phone.

“I don’t know yet.”

Jessie was unsure if it was a case to scream or to laugh when the lawyer’s phone sounded a single note.

“Now I am” Jessie saw the woman glance at the screen and open a smile for the first time “I am Raissa Phyre, Miss Kiiro.  Let’s start to work on your defense. I will have your bail papers ready in two weeks.”

“Call me Jessie. Why two weeks?”

“Sorry. It’s part of the deal. You and James Montjaune must have no contact whatsoever before the wedding.”

“What wedding?”

At the limo, a teary-eyed James finished signing his fate, while one of the attorneys discretely sent a message on her phone.

“And now the police department ones regarding the house arrest and restraining order.” One of the legal team said, offering James more papers.

“Restraining Order? About what?”

“You no longer can get near any pokemon formerly owned by Team Rocket.”

“You mean I can no longer see Meowth?!”

Jessebelle hugged his arm.

“Yes, it will be a completely new life for us, stud-muffin.”

He turned to the lawyers.

“C-can we contest that last one?” All four laawyers shook their heads

“Those are mere informative papers. There are six witnesses in this car to confirm you know about your condition. Your signature is irrelevant at this point.”

“Amendment of the Pokemon Protection Act of 19…”

But James was no longer listening to the Lawyer. Away from Meowth…

At least, Jessie was free.

Having changed into a black-and-white striped uniform, Jessica entered a cell. A bed, a sanitary, a sink. Things can not get worst.

She thought about James and Meowth.

Meowth smirked, as Morpeko went through the 4th extra food bath of the police. Petty satisfaction, still…

Most of the exhausted officers proceed to clean everything, as a couple cared for the pokemon. Now and then one would leave, making the place severely understaffed. Getting close, Meowth heard bits and pieces. Arrest; back-up; manifestations on bigger cities; and, whispered in fear, “riot”, all followed by the sound of police vehicles going away. Too few returned, and it showed on the exhausted officer who tried to smile at the pokemon  

“Those who prefer rest on pokeballs, form a line here. If you like human houses, the dormitory is that door on the left. The others… well, you are already in the yard. Water tank to the right.”

Meowth opted for the dormitory, followed by Wobbuffet. Morpeko, of course, decided to sleep near the kitchen.

Next morning – if that early can be called morning - Professor Lucida entered the room

“Rise and shine, everyone. We sorted you out, but unfortunately, we’re short-staffed, so you’re going to spend a few days here in Pewter and in Cerulean City. Please pay attention to the officers. One of them started the roll call “Pokemon going to Cerulean City: Furret, Sandslash,…”

“You are lucky, Meowth.” Said Lucida, pushing him to a corner “Pokemon Centers of dozens of regions are fighting to have you. You’re an overnight celebrity.”

“Oh, joy.” Deadpanned the pokemon.

“And the best part is, while they don’t decide, you, Wobbuffet and – thank goodness – Morpeko will live with the big guy himself.”

“Big… watcha talkin’ about, Beech?”

“Oh, here they are.”

“Pikaah!” That was what Professor Lucida Beech heard, But to Meowth was “<Hi, untranslatable real Meowth name, let’s be roomies.>” Followed by the so familiar human voice. A bit older, sure, but still the same energy, and a similar red hat on his head.

“Hi, Meowth and Wobbuffet, how about spending some days with us?”

The humans were calling him “Big Guy”, “Monarch”, “Mr. Ketchum”, but to Meowth, there’s only one name in his mind.

“Twoip!”

Chapter Text

GROWLITHE

Exiting the police building, Ash’s car was surrounded by reporters.

“Hm, some officer must have tipped them off my whereabouts. Better say them a word or two. Just a minute, guys.” He smiled at Pikachu and his new passengers Meowth and Woobbuffet. Morpeko was safely traveling on an Ultra Ball.

Once alone, the talking Meowth turned to Pikachu and went on:

“So, Pika-pain, what’s that all about?”

“< The whole planet is in turmoil due to Todd’s book. Ash thought he could spare you from the chaos and keep you guys together. >”

“How considerate. Moignanimous, even. He’s the one dat caused the chaos.”

“<Shhh, he may hear you. And he did not!>” 

Meowth rolled his eyes and began to speak in pokemon, i.e., firing out a series of “meowths”.

“<He gave Todd the dough for the research, didn’t he? Now Jessie and James are in jail, for what I know.>”

Pikachu was taken aback by the accusation.

“< I… am sorry for your trainers…>”

“Friends!” and realizing his slip and returned to the “meowths” “<They never actually capture me and, even if they did, they would be more than trainers.>”

“< Right, your friends. But! But Todd would go on with the exposé money or no money. You know how driven humans Ash attracts are.>”

And, as Ash returned to the wheel, Pikachu tried to end the discussion.

“< …be as it may, you’re our guest. You are a nice pokemon, Meowth’s name. Let’s be civil, at least. >”

“Another week or two, we would have the Sanctuary fully operational, and I could help all the pokemon on this mess there.” Said Ash, driving away. “But you guys will be fine, don’t worry.”

“Whatevah ya say.”

“Pika!” scolded Pikachu. Meowth sighed.

“Look, Ash, I appoiciate the gesture, but I am worried ‘bout Jessie’n’James.”

“I would be surprised if you weren’t. You’re very loyal to each other.”

“… so, can I see then?”

Ash answer was to put his phone on the speaker.

“P&C, Ketchum Talent Management, good morning. If you wish to reach Ash’s public schedule, press 1. Information about” Ash quickly pressed four numbers, and a human voice was heard.

“Leaphine Green.”

“Hey, Leaf, how’s things?”

A very distressed voice was heard through the speaker: “Pandemonium. Atomic Bomb. Mewtwo on a rage. How do you think things are, Ash? I don’t know if I hide Todd or clone him to send to everyone’s requesting an interview.”

“Heh, things will get better. Can you contact the legal firm? I want to know about Jessie and James.”

“Ash, I am not a lawyer, but even I know contacts between defendants and a witness are forbidden.”

“I don’t want to meet them, just… know about them. What we can and can’t do.” And, after a small pause “For a friend.” Ash smiled at Meowth.

“You’re an imbecile. You pay my salary, but still an imbecile. I will talk to them and return to you soon.”

“Thanks, Leaf. And, who knows? I may have another client for us.”

“No! After Todd, no more clients coming from you.”

“Right. One more thing, how’s Veridian City?”

“Safer, now. There’s no longer a mob in front of Giovanni’s house and the police’s keeping people in line.”

“Got it. Talk later, Leaf. Bye.” And turning to Meowth “Leaf’s my manager slash lifesaver. She will get things rolling and will see what can be done.”

“Thanks.” Said Meowth. “Giovanni…”

“This one I know. He was arrested last night, with live coverage on every channel; he paid his bail and went to a safe, non-disclosed location under vigilance. His Persian is with Professor Oak.”

Meowth just nodded.

“You probably can talk to Persian, if you wish.”

The pokemon mumbled a “maybe later”.

For some minutes, Meowth stood there, looking at nothing. The facts and words like “defendants”, “mob” and such finally getting to him.

“Things… ain’t fine, are they, twoip?”

“For your folks? I am not going to lie, they are not. For the world? Hopefully, this is the storm before the Spring.”

“ < I am here if you need to talk.>”

“Thanks, Pika-pain.” And tried to smirk, turning to the yellow one “Lemme getta all de awful info at once. Tell me that ‘P’ on the twoip company does not stand for ‘Pikachu’.”

Pikachu blushed and smiled; Ash just smiled

“< & Charizard.>”

“& Charizard.” both answered as one, each in their own language, happy to see a glimpse of normal Meowth.

Ten minutes more and they reach Viridian. Meowth asked to see Giovanni’s house, but a police blockade threw another dose of reality on him.

“I thought it could be the case, sorry, Meowth.”

“Why dontcha used your name an’ rank? I am sure ‘Monarch Ash’ opens lots of doors.”

“I can’t. No one is above the law. That’s the lesson the police, justice, and press hope people will understand.”

“< In fact, that’s all this mess is about. As humans say, Law’s tough, but it’s the Law.>”

“Ha!” Meowth looked at Pikachu, talking so Ash would not understand “< In that case, it’s one murder attempt for every time you blasted us off. See you and Ash in jail.>”

“< Meowth’s name, we’re not your enemy.>” Pikachu shook his head “< Let’s not hold grudges.>”

“Easy for ya to say that. You an’ Ash are a spit distance from each other.”

“Meowth, Leaf and my legal guys are working on finding Jessie and James, have patience.” Ash held the steering wheel tighter. “I know.” He pointed at the radio “What music do you like?”

“Not in da mood.”

“Well, it’s 40 to 50 minutes until we get to Pallet, it won’t hurt.” The human thought about the safest option. The worst, of course, would be news. He needs something to lift the pokemon spirit, something that a high percentage of sentient beings like. “Radio on, classic rock station.” Ash commanded, proud of himself. This surely will make Meowth stop sulking.

How does it feel, how does it feel?

To be on your own, with no direction home

A complete unknown, like a rolling Lunatone

“Radio off!” shouted Ash. It was going to be a long journey.

Meowth was thinking about the rest of his trio. He at least was with Wobbuffet and Morpeko. But both humans…?

Last night

Even still with his shoes on, he could feel the heating system under the marble floor, as well as from the large jacuzzi that dominated the space. Along with the heat from the bathtub, there was the strong sweet smell of a distant childhood.

“I’ve prepared your bath following your preferences, master James.”

“Thanks, Hopkins, but I used to like the bubble gun bath salt when I was ten or eleven.”

“Of course, sir. If you care to inform me of your present preferences, I can have the chambermaids…”

“No, no, it’s fine.”

Hopkins made a gesture for James’ jacket. The younger man just stood there for some moments.

“Understood, sir. Are you still familiar with the tub knobs and controls?”

He nodded.

“Of course. Well, if you need me-”

“I won’t. Good night, Hopkins.”

“Very well, master James. Have a pleasant night.”

Finally alone, James removed his jacket and made a mental rundown of the hideouts for it. Soon, he gave up; they found even where he hid his bottle caps as a kid, and the room and bathroom were remodeled since; better get used to the fact his family will trash it. Sighting, he stripped naked and got in the warm water, the several jets and tourbillons hitting his body. They did not make him feel better. If anything, more guilty. Meowth and Jessie surely are not having a water massage coming from how many places? 14 waterjets, no, 15, 16.

16 showerheads without separation or privacy. Things could not get worse, Jessie thought, as she stripped out of the prison uniform. It was then a bare-naked female came talking to her.

“Jessica, right?”

A shorter, Asian woman she knows from occasional encounters. Her and James' senior on the Team by one year, but still the same ranking.  Now without a stitch of cloth on her, she was showing what Jessie suspected. The “fatness” apparent on the white Rocket uniform was but powerful bones and muscles.

“Yes. And you’re Ahari. Call me Jessie.”

The newcomer smiled.

“Hurry up and finished undressing. You missed yesterday’s fight, but Team Rocket secured the first row of showers, to the left… those are the ones that got more hot water.”

“…ah?” Jessie was not understanding.

“So, we must be ready to defend the territory. Shower with a teammate, always. Safety in numbers.”

Things got worse, Jessie thought, but quickly got rid of the last pieces of clothing on her.

Once under the water, the shorter woman kept telling her about the new world Jessie had just stepped in.

“There are guards that take and bring messages from the boys’ side for cigarettes and chocolates. Do you think James met Matt yet?”

Matt? Ah, Ahari’s partner. Jessie remembers James being pushed into a limo but better not reveal much in this environment, Jessie thought.

“I… think James and I will talk through the lawyer. I will see and return to you.”

“Take your time.”

“As you said, for now, Ahari, our problem is not to get cold.”

Cold.

James had forgotten how cold – and still comfy – silk pajamas are. He walked to his Unova-King-sized bed. Usually, it seems massive – James could swear the mattress was larger than the motorhome they lived on for months but now… He never felt so alone and powerless. Tomorrow he would see Growlie. He may be old and barely moves, but his only friend in that huge house was still his Growlithe

Growlithes and Arcanines noises all night long. What’s up with all those patrols, though Jessie. As if the thin narrow mattress wasn’t bad enough. Plus, what her lawyer said and the blanks she filled in were enough to keep her awake.

James will marry Jessebelle.

No, Jessie must call what this really is.

James will trade his freedom for hers.

That’s stupidity on a Wailord scale.  How could he be such a fool? Nincompoop. Magikarpbrain. Moron. Sweet.

…Sweet? Jessie did not know from where that word came de describe James. And does not want to explore that line of thoughts and feelings

“No. No feelings. My life is a trainwreck already.”

She turned around and tried to think of anything but Meowth and James. Heh… “Montjaune” she snickered. Back in the biker gang days, he went by “James Jasper”. Silly disguise, still…

Why was she still thinking about him?

Finally, she saw some sun rays, followed soon by an alarm blaring. Breakfast time.

And now there’s another guard and pokemon at the mess hall. She sighed, looking at her tray. She had worse. Ham sandwich, scrambled eggs and a cup of lukewarm coffee with milk

“It’s nice to see you up so early, Master James. Mr. Cheeves is preparing earl gray, white, Kanto Royal, peppermint…”

“Thanks, Hopkins. I will only have some coffee and see Growlie.”

“I would advise against it, sir. Miss Jessebelle is coming for breakfast in half an hour.”

“…capital.”

James sighed and returned to his room, changing from his attire, i.e., the first thing he found in the large closet into a very light blue jeans and a plain white dress shirt. Black sneakers, too. It may not be so obvious, but it’s the closest he could make to a Team Rocket uniform. Hopefully, his family will get the message.

The breakfast was as bad as it could get, with his parents deciding his and Jessebelle's future

“Now, James, we believe in hard work and starting low on the corporate ladder to prove yourself.” Started his mother. “We have a good chunk of this small pokemon food company, and they asked for a full takeover twice, already. Being their CEO is a perfect fit for you, James dear.”

“We can also do what our accounting team is asking for years.” Finished the father “transfer our jets to a charter air company.  James likes traveling, don’t you, my boy? I am sure you could make it a success.”

“It would be a humble beginning, sure, love.” Finished Jessebelle “But I believe in you and soon you will be one of my Vice-presidents.”

“… wonderful.” He mumbled.

As soon as breakfast ended, James excused himself.

“Of course, James. Why don’t you kids take a stroll in the south gardens, while your father and I enjoy the north?”

“That’s a marvelous suggestion, my dear.”

James was about to protest to both his parents, but Jessebelle was already holding his arm and taking him there.

After some minutes of walking through luxurious foliage, fonts, gazebos, and trees, she sighed

“James? Are you listening?”

“Not a single word.”

She dug her nails deep into his arm.

“You better listen now. In the past, you made clear I would never have your heart. Fine with me. I don’t care about having your mind, either.” Jessebelle increased the grip on his arm, digging her nails deep, as James could see a dark stain being formed on his shirt, and feel, alongside the pain, the warm fluid running down his sleeve.  “But for this to work, I need – no, not need, per your signatures yesterday, I own! – what’s between your legs. So, you better not think about running away or any other funny business.”

Xxxxxxxxxx

“…Business as usual, Leaf” Ash was talking on his mobile, leading three pokemon through corridors smelling fresh paint. Here and there, boxes of equipment, covered furniture and whatnots still to be installed. “People need entertainment now more than ever. How about that other subject?”

“< Meowth’s Name?>” asked Pikachu “<Do you think Morpeko would be up for some sparring?>”

“Ya can ask’er. But I thought you weren’t battling no more.”

“< Ash’s arranging this charity match with Gary…>”

“Oh? Sorry for eavesdropping, but is Pikachu asking for some training?”

Meowth nodded.

“He mentioned some charity woik.”

“Yes, I and Gary agreed to it weeks ago. It was not the intention, but will also help people think about other things other than Todd’s revelations.” And, kneeling to be on Meowth’s level “It may even help your case.”

Chapter Text

RILLABOOM

“We have this small apartment at the Sanctuary.” Said Ash, unlocking the door and going to the fridge. “I’ll make you, Wobbuffet, and Morpeko my ‘Pikachu Special’ and we’ll talk.”

Meowth looked around. For someone as successful as Ash, the space was not that impressive. A larger area mixing kitchen, dining and living room, and three doors. Pikachu pointed to two:

“<Pokemon room with area to relieve yourself, if you need; if you prefer the human bathroom…>”

“I’m good” He said, looking at the other door, and reverting to his pokemon language “<Ash and Goh’s room?>”

“<How do you…>”

“<Hey, Pika-pain, I can talk but I am a pokemon.>” And pointed to his face “<And is not that visible but I do have a nose. Everything in this apartment smells Ash, Goh, and mating.>”

Pikachu blushed.

“<Yes… I guess I am so used to it I don’t notice it anymore. First thing they did after settling in here was to inaugurate every room, so to speak. And Ash’s Office. And…>”

Meowth waved his hands “Oi, oi, too much information, Pika-fool.”

Ash laughed at the answer in human language.

“I don’t want to know what you’re talking about. I may get something to eat, myself.” Joked Ash, busy mixing fruits and vegetables.

“Whatevah ya doing, triple it if you want to take Morpeko out of her pokeball.”

“It’s not her fault.” Laughed Ash “Morpeko is a species some researchers call pseudo-electric. Generating her attacks take a lot of her morphology, hence she needs more fuel. There are other ‘pseudos’, like Moltres, that need to recharge their flames on-”

“Yeah, yeah, save for a book, Ash.” The human didn’t mind the pokemon cutting him. Meowth was still not in a good mood. “Speaking of books…”

James studied the rectangular object in front of him. It depicted a simple image: a pokeball over money bills. But the letters it bore said a lot. Gotta Corrupt’em All: How this Network of Organized Crime, Business and Politicians Steals your Pokémons, Money and Homeland. With such a title, James found no need to flip it over to read the back cover. The man in the expensive suit in front of him coughed to have his attention.

“As I was saying, Mr. Montjaune”

“James.”

“Mr. James” he corrected himself “the day after tomorrow we’ll have the first section to prepare you for the trial. We strongly advise you to get familiar with some accusations present in Mr. Snap's book.”

James looked down at Growlie, laying at his feet. His only ally on that house. Now too old to do much more than rub his head on James’ leg. And he must read this tabloid-headline-named rag instead?

“I’ll give it more attention than it deserves. Now, more important, how’s Jessie? I understand we can’t communicate, but it will be hard to train her if she’s in a bad mood.”

“Miss Kiiro is under the care of competent representatives of our firm. A word of advice, Mr. James, try and focus on your own situation.”

James sighed, not willing to argue with the attorney that between the three of them, she was the only one that could be free in the end. He made a vague gesture dismissing the attorney. And promptly sat on the floor, allowing his aging Growlithe to rest his head on his lap.

He petted the pokemon for a bit until he let out a deep sigh and reached for the book, flipping the pages, reading some lines here and there. Thanks to the spy work, he knows well part of the contents.

Wait…

Suddenly James paid more attention. Read the prior pages. The next ones. Went to the subject index at the end.

“…That’s...bloody hell. Growlie, old chap, what does that mean?!”

The pokemon just let out a whine and rubbed his head against James’ chest.

Cinderace shook his head but took Morpeko to the Sanctuary pantry once she finished emptying Ash’s kitchen.

“I think I am doing you guys a big one if Morpeko decides to live here. Talk about appetite…”

“Roight, Ash, about everything…” asked Meowth, a bit relieved he – and Pikachu – no longer needed to shield their food from Morpeko.

Ash gave Meowth a concerned look, got some sparkling water from the fridge. “This will soon call for a beer or something stronger…” he mumbled, before taking a sip.

“Let’s start with you, Meowth. I am not sure if you can choose your Reserve. I would be more than happy – and I am sure Pikachu would, too – if you decided to stay with us. But a talking pokemon is a rare commodity, so I’m afraid I don’t have the power to keep you here. We’ll have to wait and see. Wobbuffet and Morpeko, who knows? If you want, I may help and offer you a good place here.”

“Wobbah-wobbah?”

“Nah, being all togedah is not an option, Big Mouth.”  Meowth lowered his eyes, as Wobbuffet hugged him

“Wooooobbuffet.”

“You guys are not making it easier on me.” Ash got a pen and paper “How about I try to keep most of the others? Help me here, there’s Seviper, Chimecho,..”

“I think James never transferred Chimecho to headquoiters, He’s safe with his grandfolks.”

“Good. Carnivine,…”

“Yanmega.”

 Soon Ash and Meowth finished Ketchum’s List.

“I’ll see if I can have them transferred here, no promises. Now. Jessie is in Vermillion City Detention Center. The good news is that she’s under the care of some big-shot legal firm. The bad news is we can’t talk to her. James is under Home Arrest, technically also off-limits.”

“… Technoilly…?”

Ash smiled, Meowth followed

“I mean, you remember the size of his house. You could have every Officer Jenny of Kanto there and I’m not sure it would be enough to cover all the bathrooms. Let alone…”

“Let’s say, the goidens?”

“Hypothetically. I am not suggesting anything.”

“Yeah, like using a moment the po-po is worried about something else, like de foist Monarch battle in months?”

“In this pure mental exercise, yes. However, neither you nor I can talk to James directly, so would not be possible to warn him.”

“Yeah…”

“So, let’s change subjects. You mentioned his grandparents…”

Meowth opened a large smile

“Yeah, I wonder how they are. Maybe I should call them? No relation to this talk, of coise.”

Ash slid his phone on the table towards Meowth. After a quick online search, he found a number, called, and talked for a couple of minutes. Getting his phone back, the human went on.

“Changing subjects again, Pikachu, you better go ask Morpeko about the sparring. Don’t forget the battle program is set for tomorrow night at 8, but gates open at 6:30, to give everyone a chance to get a seat with no hurry. Even someone living, I don’t know… near James’ estate could make it in that time.”

“Pedal ta de metal, in one hour, tops.”

“Perhaps. Police will be around from that time until everybody’s home, about 10 o’clock. That would give you and James an hour together. If it was legal, of course.”

Meowth gave Pikachu a meaningful look. The electric one shook his head.

“Pika. Pikachu peeeeka…”  < You two are asking for trouble. I will ask Gary’s Blastoise Name for us to pro wrestle a bit and drag the battle on…>

“Ya can be a real pal once in a while. Both of you”

“< But don’t dare to ask Sirfetch’d Name the same. With his martial honour sense, he’d leek your head off.>”

Meowth nodded and turn to Ash.

“What else can ya say?”

“Not much. If Giovanni’s – and other team leaders – attorneys don’t throw in a technicality or another to delay everything, the hearings will start in two weeks. I was called in to testify by the prosecution. At any rate, most likely Teams Rocket, Galactic, Flare are done for. The leaders can’t appear in social or business environment any longer, and even the underworld is afraid to associate with people with such a spotlight of attention on.”

“And ya will help to spill de beans.”

“I have to. Most attacks I suffered are public knowledge. Team Rocket didn’t make my life a walk into a field of Comfeys and Sunfloras.”

“How much time on da clink?”

“Huh?”

“Jug. Dungeon. Cooler. Behind bars. Seeing the Sun rising square.”

Ash giggled.

“I do wonder what material you used to learn human language. Leaf said ten to fifteen years.”

“Look, twoi… Ash. For what I got, I am already condemned with the definitive sentence.”

“Think about it as a retirement.”

“With no family nor friends? Hah!”

“Pika.”

“Wobbah”

“Thanks, you two, but Ash said we’ll get apart.”

And turning again to the human.

“I am deep in da mess. But’cha can help save Jessie and James. Ya don’t need to tell everything, can forget a thing or two …”

Ash sighed.

“I’ll pretend I am not listening.”

“Eh?”

“You are a pokemon. No matter what you do, the verdict is the same: sending to a Pokemon Reserve. Jessie and James, on the other hand… no judge will believe you’re asking me this of your own will. Pressing a witness is a serious crime. This talk may be on them.”

“I am just asking… no, not asking” Meowth got on his knees, face on the ground “Please, Mr. Ketchum…”

“Stop that!”

Ash moved his thumb and index finger on the sides of his nose bridge

“Look. I need to testify, ok? It’s the chance to stop destructive teams once and for all. Plus, I am not the only one who will talk on that bench. And… no one will know about this conversation, but never repeat it. Walls have ears.” Ash saw the tears rolling down Meowth’s face “Hey, James’ parents can pay the best attorneys. Have faith.”

Ash got down on one knee, scratching Meowth’s head, as Pikachu put a hand on the feline shoulder.

“They were just following orders, that’s all. The book will be thrown at Giovanni only. You’ll see. How about we focus on what we can do for now?”

“Ya right. You are putting da neck on da line already.”

“Good. So, let’s go, guys, chose my team for tomorrow night. Later, I will talk about the details with your special driver, Meowth. Busy day ahead.”

“What do you mean, nothing to do?”

Ahari half opened her arms, before letting them hit her body with a slap.

“It’s exactly that, Jessie. We are waiting for the trial. They can’t force us to work, but we’re also forbidden to use things like the prisoners’ gym and such. Security reason. We just… wait for trial.”

“So, all we have to do is” She looked around. A cemented basketball court and an area with grass just big enough for maybe six cars to park. With more than a dozen women in it, felt even smaller “walk in this… yard?”

“That, talk and the radio.”

“Radio?”

“Every cell has one. Didn’t you notice the plaque with dials on your wall?”

Jessie went inside. Maybe some music would distract her. She quickly leaned ne dial for volume, other for stations. Country. Classical. News. Gospel.

Senator Hyacinth, former leader of

Wait, wait, go back to the news. This is the hot-shot Todd was snooping in.

As the newscaster went on, Jessie gasped.

What in the world does that mean?

“Ahari! Ahari!” she rushed to find her former Rocket co-worker. She must send out a message now!

That night

The five pokemon looked at each other a bit awkwardly seeing the two sleeping bags in their room. Meowth tried to break the ice, producing a deck of cards and looking at Cinderace.

“So, Long-Ears, still got some OPG street-cred?”

The white and red one smiled

“< That and two rabbit feet to clean you up.>”

Before they could start the game, a loud voice was heard from Grookey – now evolved into a towering Rillaboom:

“<There’s already not much space in this room, and we need to share with these troublemakers?>”

“< I will ask for a pokeball to sleep in.>” tried to avoid confusion Wobbuffet.

“Stay right there, Blue Face. If someone is using too much space is toincoat there.” Said Meowth, pointing to Rillaboom, who took a menacing step forward.

“<Tell me how well your loyalty to Team Rocket is working now, Meowth’s Name.>”

“Yeah, yeah, Jessie and James’ would be fine now if they also slept with da Monarch.”

“< Go stay with them, then!>” shouted Cinderace.

Pikachu rushed between the trio, sparks flying.

“< Do I have to thunderbolt everybody? Meowth’s Name, Rillaboom Name, that was uncalled for. Be nice. Cinderace Name, you should know better.>”

“< But he’s badmouthing Goh>”

Pikachu’s sparks grew bigger, the best answer Cinderace could have. He sighed.

“< I will blame the stress. Meowth’s Name, we both know the value of a second chance. Let bygones be bygones.>” and raised his hand “< Streetmons united?>”

He and Meowth proceeded to do a complex shaking and bumping of hands and feet “Yeah, don’t apologize, dat’s on me.” And switching to pokemon talk “< Streeetmons united. I don’t need more beings abandoning me. Forgive me, all of you.>”

Both Cinderace and Pikachu looked at Rillaboom, who crossed his arms.

“<My time under Team Rocke…>”

“Pika!”

“Cinder!”

“… wobbah…?”

“< Fine, I am sorry, I am sorry.>”

“< How about we sleep and forget all about this? Tomorrow we’ll all be busy. Leave the door open, to increase the airflow.>”

All nodded to Pikachu idea.

In the next room, Ash stepped out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist. Goh was in bed, toying with a notebook. Ash took a step forward.

“Sooo… are you busy tomorrow night?”

“What do you mean?  I’ll be watching you battle.”

“Yeah… about that…Goh, I need a tiny favor.”

After listening to everything, Goh was facepalming

“Ash, luv, committing a crime to help those who tormented you for years is not a ‘tiny favor’.”

“Aww, come on, Goh, honeybunnelby…”

“Think, Ash, you will testify, and this…”

“Well, yes, but I am feeling bad for Meowth and the others. What if Cinderace could never see you again?”

“Fine! I will think about it.”

“You would just need to drive him there.”

“I said I will think about it.” Goh said, turning his attention to the notebook

Ash opened a mischievous grin.

“How about you do this…” Getting close to Goh, he dropped his towel, to reveal a tight, skimp light pink briefs with two big blue eyes painted on “… and we practice capturing Mew?”

Goh shook his head but smiled.

“You’re impossible, Ash.”

“Is that a ‘no’?”

Goh’s answer was to close his notebook.

Five pokemon were dozing to sleep when they heard a shout from the other room.

“I choose yooooouuu..!!”

Blushing madly, Cinderace closed the door with a kick. Even in the dark, he could sense Meowth’s smirk

“< Not. A. Single. Word.> He warned the newcomers.

Next day, Ash was busy practicing with his chosen pokemon, with the extra challenge of dodging the construction workers putting the finishing touches on the area. Cinderace approached Meowth.

“< This will be a nice place.>”

“Yeah, you guys should be proud of ya trainers. So… everything’s set?”

“< Goh will take you there, me and Mismagius Name will tag along to scout the place and all. No worries.>”

“Thanks. I saw de parking lot, but do Goh and Ash have a private garage?”

“< …yes? >”

“Can you take me dere?”

Getting on the space, Meowth asked with car Goh would use and opened the hood.

“Do you have tools around?”

“< They are pokemon researcher and trainer, not mechanics. >”

“May we ask the woikers? I wanna be sure we’ll get there without trouble.”

“< And do you understand mechanics?>”

 “Hey, many of Rocket’s vehicles are my design.”

Cinderace smiled

“<It really will be difficult to keep you around with those talents.>”  and, after a pause “< A pity.>”

“Same, most of you guys are all right.”

18:50. Tons of cars converge to the temporary battle arena armed at the new Sanctuary and School of Ash Ketchum. Worried about the traffic and security, Officer Jenny and others paid no attention to the car driven by a tanned human with a few pokemon inside going the opposite direction.

Chapter Text

MAKING THE TEAM - SCEPTILE

The day before

Meowth was amazed how Ash survived all those pokemon pilling on him.

“Hahahahah, I know you all want to battle, but I only have space for five. Yes, five, this is a friendly match. How about we both hide our powerful weapons and give the opportunity to ones with lesser battle mileage?” Most humans would not need Meowth to realize the sounds coming from Charizard, Dragonite, and Sirfetch’d meant disappointment. Ash managed to take a few steps away to face all his pokemon.

“Right. Pikachu.” The pokemon noise increased “Guys, guys, I know, but if the audience does not see Pikachu, we’ll be covered in tomatoes and soda cups. Next, I need a general to help guide the others. Someone experimented, with a never-give-up attitude and who can be an ace on the sleeve if Gary packs up ground types. Sceptile, come on over.”

The green pokemon spat out the twig in his mouth and proudly lined up with Ash and Pikachu.

“We need a fire and a water types. Seismitoad, this is you, if you remember following Pikachu and Sceptile’s suggestions, besides mine.” The pokemon raised his hands in a universal “fine” gesture and went to Ash. “Now, I want to surprise Gary with flying fire.” Charizard smiled and took a step forward. “The other flying fire, sorry, buddy. Talonflame, join us.”

“Talonflame flame.”

“Char!”

Ash looked at Meowth, as Talonflame flew to his elbow

“Feathas on fire asked da big guy for tips. He answered ‘sure’.”

Ash scratched under the bird's beak. Always a gentle-mon, that Talonflame.

“Finally, Lycanrock, be our complete surprise player.” The canine jumped forward, rubbing himself on his battle mates, generating a wave of “Ouchs” and complainants.

“Right, now for the hard part. Who wants to be in the sparring team?”

Meowth sighed, as the remaining pokemon almost piled up on Ash again. It would be a loooooong day.

Chapter Text

MAKING THE NOTE - JESSIE

James

Ahari was adamant – three or four phrases only. If the physical note could not be delivered, one could always text it. So, one must be something only they would know, to identify her.

Jessie wrote

James, you hide your bottle caps collection on a green tin box, under the passenger seat.

No, this one takes too much space and does not connect with what she must say. She tried again

James, when we were working and tasting the remaining vanilla ice cream.

Better, she can now introduce the matter. But her mind wandered. Ice cream, laughs, and even arguments with James and Meowth. That was merely days ago, but how she misses it. More than she could imagine. The simple fact she could choose to have ice cream or not.

James, you spoiled brat, tell your parents to take me out of this rotten jail at once.

No, Jessie thought, it was not his fault. If she has an expensive lawyer was thanks to James, to call a spade a spade, selling himself.

James, I can’t imagine what that perv Jessebelle is doing to you. Why did you do something so monumentally stupid? You’ll exchange a prison for a dungeon. I can’t

 She can’t what? She cares that much why? Plus, she has an important message to convey. Get another paper, try again

James, when you put on that cute pink bra as part of the disguise to invade Todd’s room…

Images of James, James’ body invaded her mind. Why? Prison, that’s it. Locked up with no friends, no one to talk to is messing with her mind. There’s no way, after all those years, she would find James… Well, there’s no arguing he is handsome. No, what is she thinking? The message, focus on the message. Now it’s not the time for feelings.

James, the bearded ex-twerp didn’t rat the Senator. I’ve just heard on the Radio that Hyacinth played being betrayed by the corrupted people in his Party and left it for Gary Oak’s. What does that mean?

That's it. Simple. Straightforward. Jessie's saying what the note needed to say. Now, just sign it. Something inside urged her to write “I miss you”, “take care”…

“Yours”…?

There she goes again. She signed simply

Jessie

It was better that way.

Chapter Text

UMBREON

19:20, finally a clean stretch of road ahead, away from all the traffic jams.

“Pallet is still a small town, you know.” Goh said to his nervous feline passenger, as an excuse. “Ash and Gary attracted too many cars and busses to its narrow streets.”

“Yeah, but ya can go faster now.”

“There’s a balance there, Meowth. I am stepping on it, but going too fast may draw attention. It’s unlikely we’ll see an officer, but speed traps are a thing.”

The pokemon just nodded, as Goh heard a sequel of “cinder’s” from the other pokemon on the car “<everything will be fine, Meowth’s name.>”

“…of coise.” Answered him, not looking at anything in particular “It can be the last time I see Jimbo, but it’s fine.”

“Whoa, Meowth, one thing at a time. First, we get there, talk to him. Second, we wait for the trial. After the judge has his saying, then… then we’ll see.”

“There ain’t much wiggle room, Goh. I’ll be sent away, period. Jessie and James are forbidden to see me, and dat’s it. No changing in those.”

The blue-eyed human remained silent for a while.

“Yes, things seem to be stacked against you. Still, despite the facts and odds, you tried to catch Pikachu again and again.”

“<Goh got you there, my Poka.>”

Meowth half-smiled at Cinderace

“Let’s use more street lingo in front of the others. I like seeing Pikachu’s surpoised face.” And, turning to Goh “What do ya think is happening now?”

“It’s just past 7:30. Probably interviews and meeting the NGO people.”

Pikachu normally does not like photos.

Even more with people and pokemon he does not know. Responsible for charity this, manager of sponsor that. Argh!

And even more when he needs to talk privately with another pokemon who… is not around. Noticing the guests are busy with Gary and Ash, he took two steps in direction of his opponent that night.

“< Umbreon’s Name, where’s Blastoise’s Name?”

“<Bold of you to think he’s here.>”

“<Gary didn’t bring him to battle?>”

“<Bold of you to think he’s not here.>”

Pikachu sighed.

“< This is important. I have a favor to ask.>”

“< Of course it is important.>” Umbreon pointed to the other pokemon near Ash “<Gary already knows two cards, yours and Sceptile’s, while showing only one. Me. Given how versatile and good I am, this does not say much about our strategy. I like these odds.>”

“< This is supposed to be just a friendly match.>”

“< I don’t care. And neither does Gary.>”

Pikachu facepalmed the best his anatomy allows.

“< Fine. Fine. Listen, Meowth’s Name needs…>”

“< Is that Team Rockets’ Meowth? The human-talking one? >”

“< That’s him. If we could make this battle longer, it would help him. >”

“< Frankly, my dear Pikachu’s Name, I don’t give a damn.>”

The sequel of “pikachus”, “umbreons” and variations called the attention of Gary and Ash.

“Look at them. I thought Pikachu was closer to your Blastoise, Gary.”

“Yes.” And turning to the reporters, now politician Gary went on. “The pokemons again show how we must let our differences go and unite to improve everyone’s life. It’s important to reflect these moments of pure friendship that…” The talk was interrupted by a louder “Kachu?!” followed by a cascade of variations of "pikachu".

“< You know what?! Forget about it. I will give you a thousand volts of reasons to be humbler.>” and mumbling, while walking away “< Meowth, Cinderace, you’re on your own.>”

Goh was surprised to suddenly find himself on a smooth, six-lane road.

“Now we can make a good time, Meowth.”

“No, we can’t. This is the Servoice Lane.”

“Huh?”

“The road near the main entrance for employees, delivery an’such. Soon there will be cameras and gates.”

“This. Six-lane. Is the path. For the back door.” Tried to comprehend Goh.

“Dat’s James’s folks for ya.”

“If we can’t use it, and we can’t appear on the front door, what are we going to do?”

Meowth just pointed to a clearance on the vegetation on the sides of the road

Elsewhere

At an impressive estate in Kanto Region, a young man stood up.

“Where are you going, son? Your fiancée came all the way here to discuss the future of our merged companies, the least you can do is to listen.”

“Dad, you made very clear you want me to start in a lower position, so high corporate does not concern me at this moment. I’ll walk Growlie.”

Jessebelle shook her head.

“A successful executive must not lose his time that way. But I suppose a Pokemon can look good in our photos together. Not that old thing of yours, of course. I know. Why don’t we go shopping tomorrow for a real pokemon worthy of our status?

“Oh, Jessebelle darling, a friend of mine has an Alolan Ninetails. It’s so pretty and elegant” said the older woman.

“Yes, your friend has. James and I want something more exclusive.”

James was no longer listening to his mother or Jessebelle. He tried to rush out of the manor until his butler blocked his way.

“I shall make you company, master James.”

“No need, Hopkins.”

“That… was not a question, sir.”

James took a deep breath. He really hates what he was about to do.

“Mine was not an answer, either. It was a direct order.”

Both men measured each other for what seemed an eternity. James raised the leg of his trousers, showing his electronic ankle tag.

“I have no intention of having the entirety of Kanto police making me company either. I will remain inside the propriety.”

Finally, the butler nodded

“Dinner will be served at half-past nine.”

“I also have no intention of missing Cheeves’ meal.” James smiled, rushing past the older man.

Almost 8 now. Would Meowth already be at the rendezvous point?

“And I thought the sanctuary was big.”  Goh said, trying to drive as fast as he could on the tiny dirt roads, clearances. He checked the dashboard clock. “Speeches are probably almost over, battle of pokemons rescued by Trainers Without Borders, one of the graced Charities, next. Then, Ash and Gary.”

Gary was worried. His speech was perfect, full of “get together”, “new times”, “build a better world without corruption”. Now, to show it during a battle. He knew how to battle as a trainer, as a researcher, as an explorer. Not as a political leader. But it was time to take this step. He looked at Umbreon. The fierce eyes, the body shaking a bit, craving for a battle of Umbreon. “In the end, people expect me to give everything, here or at the government palace, right?”

“Umbre.” Smirked the pokemon.

“I still prefer to tag along.” Said the human, behind the wheel.

“Nah, Goh. Sorry, but you’re too slow. Mismagius can fly and Cinderace can carry me if things get ugly. Plus, we can proitend to be wild pokemon, if needed. A human intruder we can’t explain.”

“Fine! Just be careful. Remember this can affect the trial and Ash’s reputation”

Goh saw his pokemon wink, raise a thumbs up, and say a reassuring “Cinder!” before disappearing in the middle of the foliage.

The crowd went wild after the presentation of Ash and Gary.

“Thank you!” waved to the crowd Gary “Ash, are you feeling the energy?”

“I sure am.”

“And we’re here to transform this energy in action, into something powerful. That’s why…” Gary threw his first pokeball “Regidrago, I choose you.”  What it will be, Ash? Though Gary, mentally reviewing his strategy to counter Dragonite and Charizard. Infernape, too, if Ash tried to surprise him.

“Lycanrock, go!”

Gary laughed.

“That’s why battling you is so fun, Ash. Always unexpected.”

“The fun is about to begin. Lycanrock, use tackle.”

Soon the wild vegetation was replaced by a lawn that would put ant golf course to shame, exquisite flowers, and carefully trimmed bushes.

“< I bet James’ folks have a shrubber. You know, one who arranges, designs and cares for those shrubberies.>”

“Eh?” Meowth looked puzzled at the ghost pokemon.

“< Mismagius’ Name is obsessed with pranks and comedy. Don’t bother.>” said Cinderace, as an excuse.

“Well, Ghost of April Fools Past, less joking, more finding James.”

Mismagius shrugged and float away.

Soon, rushed back with a human with purplish hair just behind, running and trying to catch his breath.

Lycanrock was hurt, breathing heavily, as Gary returned and tried to cheer his knocked-out Regidrago. Ash was punching the air in celebration.

“Yeah, you’re doing great, Lycanrock. Let’s keep it.”

“Scizor, go!” the audience barely saw Gary’s red pokemon, and the order came “use Swift!”

“Dodge using Accelerock.” But the canine barely moved before the wave of energy hit him. That will hurt in the morning… and in the next one too, thought Pikachu. Now, to face Scizor, it’s obvious Ash will pick…

“Meowth!”

James and the pokemon hugged, tears flowing.

“How are you, old buddy?”

“Ehhh, twoip’s home not too shabby. And food’s da best.”

“I am glad to hear.”

“I’d rather stoive with you two.”

“Don’t say that. Perhaps, fingers crossed, you will be able to live with Jessie”

“Whaddaya mean?”

“You see…”

Cinderace nudged Mismagius saying they should patrol and leave both alone. The ghost smiled, floating away.

“< Yeah, let’s allow both to have their moment.>”

Cinderace nodded. There’s nothing like the bond between a pokemon and a human. The camaraderie, the friendship, the profound and mutual care and respect of

“YOU AND JESSEBELLE WAT?! YOU JOIRK! MORON!”

A couple of dozen meters away, Cinderace would hear that even without those ears of him. Well, mutual respect, eight times out of ten.

“Meowth, it was the best option. Now listen, we don’t have time. We may have a chance to put all this trial in doubt. Do you know who is not in the book? The big gaffer, Senator Hyacinth. Jessie also sent me a note detailing the shenanigans. You see…”

“Yes, I see you, my naughty James.”

At a security room inside the manor, Jessebelle watched the scene and turned to the older men controlling the camera angles.

“My dear future father-in-law, seems someone is not holding his end on the agreement.”

“How unfortunate. I’m terribly sorry, dear Jessebelle.”

Opening her fan, so it would cover half of her face, she went

“Fear not. I know what to say to him… and what to do. Can we get a better sound? All I can hear is”

“Pika-chu! Pika-chu!”

The audience roared in anticipation. Gary has still one pokemon to use and Ash just called his last one.

A battle-worn Blastoise bowed slightly

“< Nice to see you, little one. Always a pleasure.>”

“< Blastoise’s Name, you know I value our camaraderie. A lot. But make Gary call you in. I have an iron tail I want to re-introduce to that Umbreon.>”

“< You’re angry. That’s not good for a fighter.>”

“< tch!>”

“< That means I won’t lose. Give me your best shot”>

“Cinderace!”

That was the last thing Jessebelle and James’ father heard on the security machine, a fraction of seconds after their monitor image was taken by a flame shot and also went out of the air. Oblivious to that, James looked at the long-eared pokemon who was firing up a series of “cinders”.

“Cinderace says he just bloist a camera off.”

“What? How can it be? There is no camera in the gar…” James dropped his shoulders, defeated “… rather… there was no camera… when I was eleven or twelve.”

“We have to run, James, but no worries, Agent Meowth’s on the case.”

“Wait. Meowth, remember what we did on the first day of translations?”

“Got it, Jimbo” Meowth said, as Cinderace put him over one of his shoulders and started to run, Mismagius floating just behind, leaving James to think in a way to placate Jessebelle’s wrath.  

Soon, they reached Goh.”

“Pedal to da metal, Goh. They know we’re here.”

“What?” the human went behind the wheel and, after everybody got in, started to back up. “If they tie this with Ash it will be a tragedy. A disaster. A, a…

“CATASTROPIKA!!!!”

The audience could not stay in their seats as Ash threw Pikachu in the air. Not only did they see a Mega Blastoise earlier on, now they were gifted with a Z-move, too?

“Umbreon! Sand Attack! Again! We got to hide!”

A large ball of energy surrounded Pikachu before turning into a powerful bean that, despite Gary’s efforts, stoke right into…

“Umbreon is unable to battle!” came the referee’s voice “The winner of this friendly match is  Ash Ketchum!”

After the hugging and talking to his pokemon ritual, a reporter rushed to Ash.

“Ash, Ash, your Sanctuary is ready, you just fought and won a breathtaking battle, what are you going to do now?”

“Ash is going to kill us” Goh was driving fast, speaking to himself as Meowth, for some reason, reverted to Pokemon language.”

“< In short>” said Cinderace “< proving Todd Snap hides evidence can either put the whole trial in doubt or you can trade it with the po-po for Jessie and James’ freedom. >”

“< Yeah, all I need to do is get the proof. >”

“< I am listening >”

Mismagious held his years high

“< In fact, he is all ears,>”

“< Here’s the thing. Team Rocket is often hit by bad luck… >”

“< Is ‘Bad Luck’ your name for our Pikachu? >”

“< Mismagious’ Name, sush! >” chastised Cinderace. Meowth nodded as a ‘thank you’ and went on

“<  … I was supposed to translate the pokemons relates about Todd. But we were sure we would screw things up with the software. So, until we were sure we knew to work with it, we saved everything on a pen-drive. It can still be on the van. >”

“< I am not listening. >”

“ < Cinderace’s Name? >”

“ < We almost got caught and you want now to get in a car that’s impounded by Kanto Police? As a streetmon bro, let me say… are you out of your muk-ing mind? >”

“< Poka, please. I can save my humans. >”

Cinderace was silent for a while

“< At least, let’s plan this right. >”

Half an hour later, an excited Ash hugged Goh as he crossed their apartment door.

“Goh, I have the video ready for you to watch, the battle was amazing, but first… how it went?”

“Weeeeeeell…”

The interphone buzz interrupted the talk.

“Just a minute, babe. I think it’s another reporter, I’ll just dispatch him.” And, pressing the machine button “Hello”

“Good evening, Mr. Ketchum. Officer Jenny here. We have a call accusing of trespassing a car belonging to Mr. Goh Walker. The vehicle was seen entering your Sanctuary. Do you mind answering some questions?”

Chapter Text

INTELEON

“We have a call accusing of trespassing a car belonging to Mr. Goh Walker. The vehicle was seen entering your Sanctuary. Do you mind answering some questions?” The image and sound of Officer Jenny on the door phone were clear.

Ash looked at Goh, who was unsure if the best reaction was to feign surprise, to open a shy/guilty smile, or to fire up the happenings of the night the faster he could. Half a meter below their eyes, the scene repeated itself as an exhausted and bandaged Pikachu made an effort to raise his head from the sofa and face Meowth and Cinderace:

“Pika pika…?”

“I’ll exploin latter.”

“I’ll go down and talk to her, Ash.” Said Goh, already opening the door.

“We’ll go together.” Said the other human.

Once alone in the apartment, Cinderace opened the fakest smile and scratched the back of his head, before Pikachu could say anything.

“< So… you won, right…? >”

“ A tough guy like him? Of coise. I bet the other one got so much electricity on them they will not be able to brush their fur for weeks.”

“Piiika…” sparks started to form on his cheeks but soon his mad face was replaced by a tired one as he let his head rest on the sofa again.

Meowth and Cinderace sighed in relief …briefly, because Pikachu spoke to the other pokemon in the room.

“< Wobbuffet’s Name, please ask Raichu’s Name to come here. I want her to do some zapping for me. >”

Downstairs, after pleasantries and confirm the details of the car:

“Yes, officer Jenny, it is my car. And I was driving.”

“Right. Care to explain what you were doing at Montjaune’s propriety?”

 “I was not.” Said Goh, trying to show a calm so different from what he was feeling. “I mean, I didn’t know I was there. I was in the area looking for some unique pokemon. I am a pokemon researcher, here’s my permit.” He showed a laminated card “As for trespassing… it sometimes happens in my work. It was unintentional.”

“You went looking for pokemon at night? That far away from your address?”

“I got a good lead. Think of it as answering a crime call. You don’t wait, right?”

“Even so, you should have warned the owners of the land.”

“As I said, I was not aware that was private property. If needed, I can call them and apologize.”

“I don’t think it’ll be necessary; everything seems in order.” And, turning to the other man “Allow me to say your battle was amazing, mr. Ketchum.”

Ash smiled.

“Thank you, officer”

“Well, good night, sirs.” Officer Jenny was walking away but turned back, smiling “Out of curiosity, what pokemon were you looking for?”

“Klinklangalangalangalang” said Ash

“Indeedee” said Goh, before adding with a forced smile “… Indeed… it was a Klinklangalangalang…alang.”

“I see. Thank you, gentlemen.”

When both were alone, Goh sighed

“I think that went smoothly.”

“Oh, no.” Ash crossed his arms. “Back upstairs, your problems are about to start, mister.”

Weather. Upcoming theatre plays. Who bought a new plane, who is broken, who is cheating with who. Since he went back inside not a single word was uttered about the transgressors. Only his father shook his head slightly, before engaging in some frivolous talk. James endured the dinner, knowing the thunderstorm is coming next. Jessebelle seemed to enjoy what the anticipation and fear were doing to him, and tried to drag the dinner on, pursuing the most trivial subjects, eating the dessert slowly, all while keeping eye contact with him. Visually stabbing and twisting the knife before the kill.

Finally:

“James, dear, care to join me at the library for a digestif?”

“Of course, Jessebelle”

She turned to the butler

“We’ll have a Brandy Old-fashioned, Hopkins.”

“Of course, Mademoiselle.”

“Make mine a Chartreuse. Straight.” Said James, still feeling the 55% of alcohol on that liquor would not be enough.

Once Hopkins left them alone in the room with their drinks, each one on an armchair across the other, Jessebelle was content to just look at James and smile. After endless seconds of this torture, James gave up:

“Let’s get on with this kerfuffle.”

“Very well. I am listening.”

“I’ve traveled and lived with Meowth for years. I needed to say goodbye.”

More silence. He knew adding anything else would be incriminatory.

“That was not our pact.”

“Just a farewell, Jessebelle. You can’t deny me that.”

“Seems you don’t care about what happens with your friend in prison.”

James took a sip of his liquor.

“I can just call out the wedding. The fine my parents would have to pay is not my concern. If Jessie doesn’t get proper legal representation…”

“Ah, James, James, you’re so naïve. Almost adorable. Who said anything about legalities? I am worried – deeply worried – about the violent women and corrupt guards surrounding her.”

“If something happens to her I will…”

“What? Pray tell, what can you do to, heavens forbid, bring her to life?”

James was shaking. He could not look at the monster in front of him.

“But I think I can let this slide. I’ll even do you a favor.”

“A… favor?”

Jessebelle opened her purse, got a card.

“This is a pokemon doctor I know. You will call and ask him to put that old Growlithe to rest. First thing tomorrow. Wouldn’t it be nice to end the suffering of your friend?’

At the Sanctuary apartment, Ash sighed

“I think Jenny is out of our backs… for now. Right, Meowth and Goh, talk.”

“Basically, I was waiting on the car, the pokemon rushed in saying they got registered by security and Cinderace destroyed a camera.”

“What the tanned ex-twoip said.”

“Nothing else?”

“No. I said goodbye to James and we ran the heck outta there.”

“Cin…?” Cinderace was about to protest, but Meowth’s look made him quiet… for now.

Ash looked at the pokemon for a moment.

“Ok. Ok.” Ash did some breathing exercises. “If that’s really all, it could be worse. Two problems: one, we need an excuse for the broken camera.”

“We thought about blaming a wild Cinderace. No explanation needed.” Said Goh.

“Fine. For the second problem, it solves itself. If James’ parents have footage of him and Meowth, they know this would be a strike against him on trial. I doubt that record will come to light. Still, they may want to talk with us. Let me tuck Pikachu in and we’ll think about what to say at my office.”

“Huh…” Goh saw Ash lifting Pikachu with care and taking him to their bed. Not the first time, and he was not crazy to complain at his present situation.  

“Now rest, buddy.” Ash said stroking Pikachu’s head. “Goh and I will have a talk and, when I return, I’ll make you a veggie soup with tons of ketchup.”

‘Pikaa…” the yellow one said, closing his eyes and smiling.

As soon as the humans went away, Pikachu called on Cinderace and Meowth.

“< Right, now what are you….>” his face showed the pain he was in “< ouch, that cursed Mega Hydro Cannon…>”

“You betta rest, pal. Remember what Ash…”

“< Oh, no, you will tell me everything.>”

Meowth looked at the main door. Unsure when the humans would return, decided to use his native meowths’ talk.

“< Fine. I think there’s a way to help Jessie and James>”

“< And you did not tell Ash because… >”

“< I don’t want to bother him.>” Pikachu looked at Cinderace for the truth

“< Ash would not allow it. >” said the long-eared one

“< Allow… what… Cinderace’s Name?>” tried to be patient Pikachu

“Noithin’ to worr…”

“< One, invade a police station>” Cinderace cut Meowth “< Two, break into a car impounded there. Three, steal evidence from said car. Four, leave without being noticed.>”

Pikachu just stood there, smiling. Meowth looked away

“< Yeah… the way Cinderace’s Name said makes it look riskier than it is.>”

“< Woobbuffet’s Name >” Pikachu raised his voice. When the blue one entered the room “< Can you please call Raichu’s Name again?>”

Next morning, Meowth gave Ash some excuse for him and Cinderace to have breakfast with the other pokemon in the sanctuary.

“Good. Tell everyone I will be down in 10 minutes with the team and food. Later I have a meeting with Professor Oak about the partnership. Goh, will you join us?”

“I need to look at the resumes with Leaf and try to set the interviews with the last staff candidates for this afternoon. Tell the gang I will see them for dinner” He said, giving Ash’s forehead a peck.

Once Cinderace, Wobuffet and Meowth were walking the vast fields of Ash Sanctuary, they were received with odd looks. Meowth sniffed under his arm.

“Long-ears, do we smell funny or sumthin? Those guys do not seem froindly at all.”

“< True. I wonder…>”

Mismagius came floating to them before they could talk to anyone.

“< Huh… guys… you can throw a pie on my face. I deserve it.>”

Meowth and Cinderace looked at each other and at the Ghost pokemon, who was trying to explain the case.

“< Soooo… I thought our adventure would be a good stand-up routine. I can't stand, so I made it a float-up routine.>”

Meowth and Cinderace just blinked

“< Though crowd. I finished saying I hope to be part of the break-in team, to tell them the second part.>”

“< So…?>” asked Cinderace

“< Since then Rillaboom’s Name is going pokemon to pokemon making sure nobody helps Meowth’s Name.>”

“Oh, that moron of a toincoat.”

“< If he’s holding that grudge since he was a Grookey, you guys really did a number on him.>”

“Not helping, Floaty. Now what?”

“ < I – and Mismagious Name - will try to put out the fire >” said Cinderace, in a tone that left no rule for arguing “< You try to follow the first part of the plan. Ash is coming.>”

Right, Meowth thought. He got a few ideas of how to retrieve the pendrive, but the plan must be flawless. He needs the opinion of an expert. So, he rushed to the humans bringing on food, filled a cup with juice, threw in some fruits to the protest of the sanctuary’s owner.

“Sorry, Ash, I’m in a hurry.”

He then proceeded to shake the mix until he found the pokemon he was looking for. He approached him, offering the cup.

“Cinderace said you like it shaken, not stoirred, right?”

The light blue and yellow pokemon looked at Meowth, at Cinderace far away until finally deciding to accept the drink. Meowth changed to his first language.

“< I’m Meowth’s Name. Nice to meet you, huh…>”

“… Leon. Inte Leon.”

They talked for good ten minutes.

Happy to find and fix the holes in his plan, Meowth was about to look for Cinderace when he found the tip of a leek touching his neck.

“< I will not allow you to dishonor Ash and Goh.>”

“< Sirfetch’d’s Name. I don’t want to do that, just help my friends.>”

“< A noble intend. But you know what is said regarding the road to Hell.>”

“< Can you lower that thing?>” Meowth made a gesture to touch the leek, just to feel it pressing harder “< Please…?>”

“< My weapon is my heart of hearts. Don’t try to touch it again.>”

“< Noted.>”

“< Your past lacks any honor or redeeming quality.>” Sirfetch’d said, finally relaxing his wing and lowering the leek “< But one of us is bounded by the rules of Chivalry. So, hear my request: I would consider it a personal favor and be in debt with you if you gave up your intent for the benefit of Ash, Goh, and all the pokemons here.>”

“< You know I can’t do it, Sirfetch’d Name. Jessie and James…>”

“< Per gentlemon code, I will make the request again. Failing that, I’m afraid I will have to issue a warning. Next – action. So please consider your next words carefully.>”

“< Does it make any difference to your code both of us are loyal?>”

“< Yes, it’s commendable. But what are you loyal to, besides Jessie and James?>”

“< What if I ask you the same?>”

“< My answer is upon reach. A more peaceful and harmonious world for humans and pokemons. With fewer scoundrels. The success of the trial is the cornerstone for such Utopia.>”

“< Nice. I want to find the truth.>”

“< ‘To denounce the evils of truth and love’. Your own reasons turn into your bosoms, as houndooms upon their masters, worrying you.>” Sirfetch’d look deeply at Meowth “< Still, it’s a just answer. Lay your strategy upon me, so I judge it’s effectiveness.>”

Time to find out how good Inteleon’s mind really is, though Meowth. He explained it.

“< I know for a fact some of those pokemon are adamant against your quest.>”

“< But the plan is good. If you help convince them…>”

“< That’s the devilish conundrum. Left to improvise and Lady Luck, your actions are a dagger pointed at Ash. To increase your chance of triumph, I must lower me and my Band of Brothers to undesired villainy. Or I can just be cruel to be kind. >” Sirfetch’d suddenly raised his leek “< I hope you have it in your heart to understand me. I’ll just do enough to keep you out of commission for the day.>”

As the leak get down aiming for Meowth’s head when a flaming rabbit-ish foot blocked it shouting a “stop”-meaning:

“Cinder!”

“< You prevent me to do what needed to be done, you condemn us all, Cinderace’s Name.>”

“< Let’s talk this over, Sirfetch’d Name.>” Using all his might, Cinderace kicked the leek away

“< Fine. Imagine two pictures. One of Ash and Goh. See, what a grace is seated on Ash’s cheeks; an eye like Mars, to teach and command; and Goh, standing like the herald Mercury new-lighted on a heaven-kissing hill; a combination and a form indeed, where every Legendary Pokemon did seem to set their seal, to give the world assurance of men: these are our trainers. Look you now, what follows in the other image: here is Team Rocket; like a mildew'd ear, blasting our wholesome Ash. Have you eyes? Have you memory?  You cannot call it compassion; for Meowth’s Name is set for a life of luxuries. What judgment would step from Ash and Goh to Team Rocket? Sense, sure, you have, else could you not have motion. But reasoning about your quality of choice, it’s eyes without feeling, feeling without sight, ears without paws or eyes, smelling sans all. O shame! Where is your blush? Cinderace’s Name, your virtue can’t be as wax, and melt in your own feet fire.>”

“< Are you done?>” Cinderace tried to remain calm “< And what do you intend to do, knock him out every day from now to the trial? >”

“< I will do what honor demands me to do.>”

“< Honor or not, stop badmouthing Cinderace’s Name or I’ll Fury Swipe that leek to Fine Dice size!>”

The three quarreling critters didn’t notice the shadow growing under them, signaling the arrival of a massive pokemon with a thundering voice

“< And what honor is there in being judge, jury and executioner?>”

“< Charizard’s Name!>” they exclaimed, but Sirfetch’d was unfazed:

“< The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good pokemon to do nothing.>” He answered the large fire one.

“< Look, I don’t agree with Meowth’s Name plan, but we can’t deny the pokemons the right to decide for themselves.>”

Given Charizard’s authority, no one argued.

Soon, all Ash and Goh pokemon were together on a clearance. Charizard explained the situation and finished

“< So, who wants to help Meowth’s Name? >”

Three arms promptly rose.

“Cinder.”

“Mor-peko.”

“….Woooooobbaaah…”

Followed by an uncomfortable silence. Some pokemon avoided looking at Meowth and Cinderace. Others, like Rillaboom, looked straight and smirked. More silence that felt like an eternity. Finally, another arm was seen

“…Leon. Inte Leon.”

Followed by a wing of white and black

“Swellow.”

And a muddy arm that, when raised, made everyone close by pinch their noses.

“Muk”

And nothing else. None of the pokemon vital for the designed plan to work. Cinderace and Wobbuffet tried to cheer Meowth

“< I am sorry, my poka…>”

He wiped out a tear              

“I’ll do it alone if I have to, but I’ll get Jessie and James out of toible.”

“< No need.>”

Raising their heads, they saw Inteleon joining the small group

“< It still can be done.>”

Chapter Text

WOBBUFFET

Later that day

One thing about places being built: there are still lots of items out of place, so no one notices right away if something is missing, like the two pokeballs Meowth was carrying out one of the deposits. The second item was a bit trickier: a phone from one of the staff. Phase one is done. Now it’s just a matter of waiting until after dinner time.

Goh and Ash were about to have a few relaxed moments feeding their pokemon, when a message get to Ash’s phone:

“Hm, Leaf’s saying there’s an important call for me. I’ll get it at the office. You continue, Goh, probably it’ll take me a minute.”

Ash increased his pace; it was not getting to his large, double office door, past the large meeting room, with a wall already nicknamed “Ash’s Museum” with some of his badges, trophies, and other accolades, until finally reaching his table, to the videophone with a light flashing.

“I am here, Leaf. Transfer it.”

“Hello, Mr. Ketchum. You may remember me. Jessebelle Gridenrath.”

For a moment, he was sure he was talking to Jessie. But the accent, the posture, carried him to an unpleasant meeting years ago.

“Jessebelle…? Oh, yes. You’re James’ ex-fiancée, right?” said Ash, adding mentally a ‘that psycho’ to her description.

“Excuse me? Soon-to-be Mrs. James Montjaune.”

“Ah, sorry, what can I do for you?”

“I will be blunt. I have a simple desire, Mr. Ketchum. To be one of the richest women on the planet. And I don’t need your schemes on the way.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You sent Goh and that furry talking pest to conspire to take my James from me. Let me say, no matter what flaw you found in Todd Snap investigation, I will not let that go on.”

“Wait. Jessebelle, what…?”

But she already disconnected. Ash didn’t lose time and made another call.

As Ash returned to the kitchen, Goh asked if there was any problem.

“No, nothing.”

“Are you sure? You look pale.”

“Yes, I am sure.” And stamped a forced smile on his face “Focus on the food, Goh, we have quite a troop to feed.”

Minutes later, Goh and Ash arrived at the fields of the sanctuary with some staff members, arms full of food. Goh went:

“Folks, these three new humans you see here, they are the candidates for the sanctuary Chef. They are here to see how many of you there are, and our feeding habits.”

Barely finishing his saying, Goh received a shouted warning:

“Goh! That Meowth and others are planning to escape the sanctuary and put you in trouble. Do something!”

Fortunately to Meowth and the others, what he heard was

“Boom! Rillaboom riilla-ri. Rillaboom, laboom riiiiiiiilla-rillaboom. Rillaa-boom!”

“What’s the matter, old friend?” asked Goh, touching the pokemon’s face.”

“Leaves Mullet said his butt is itching a lot.” Said Meowth, passing by.

“.... Rilla...!!” Rillaboom hold himself in order to not hit Meowth in front of Goh, who was looking at both pokemon, raising an eyebrow.

“Doesn't look like that, but we'll have a look. What do you say, Champ?  Let's debut our infirmary?”

Rillaboom facepalmed and pointed to the Rocket pokemons.

“Rillaaah. Boooom!!”

“Oh, my.”

Meowth’s heart skipped a bit. Was it possible Goh could understand the pokemon? He gave a step toward them and lift up Morpeko. 

“That’s a good idea. Guys.” He turned to the cooks. “Whoever manages to satisfy Morpeko will be closer to the job. To the kitchen!”

And Goh went inside, leaving the staff to feed the pokemon. Rillaboom smiled:

“< You guys Just lost your taser. Give up!>”

“Eeeh, woirry about your butt.”  Meowth tried to look calm, but his eyes searched for Inteleon.

“< If she does not return in two hours, I will cover Morpeko’s Name role. Cinderace’s Name will have to handle the lookup alone.>”

“< Count on me.>" Said the long-eared one.

“<I’m… not all comfortable putting you guys at risk…>”

“< Too late, streetmon. We’re on this together. Try to rest some until go time.>” said Cinderace, patting him on the back.

“It’s nice to see you getting along with the others, Meowth.” Ash appeared at his side.

“Yeah… you gotcha a bunch of nice guys here.” Meowth tried to look not worried. Could the human have noticed something?

“And quite a departure from your old lifestyle, too.”

Meowth just nodded

“I sometimes wonder… what you guys did when not after Pikachu?”

“A bit of everything. From soiching for rare Pokemon to poiperwork.”

“Cool.” Said Ash “Tell me more.”

Meowth blinked

“Ash… wouldn’t dis affect your court talk?”

“You’re probably right. We don’t want to do anything that may hurt Jessie and James’ chances, do we?”

 “N-nah.”

Ash looked deeply into Meowth’s eyes before going to interact with the other pokemon.

Three hours later, when every pokemon of the sanctuary was supposed to be asleep, Cinderace and Inteleon exited the place, walking all the way to… a nearby house.

“<Are you sure about that?>” asked Cinderace

“<Walking, we’ll get there by morning. And I don’t want to waste all my stamina now gliding you there>” Inteleon grabbed the phone, took out its back cover, before dialing the police number and throwing it in the house garden. Then they hid on the other side of the street. And waited. Soon, a bike and a car from the police were there, cruising slowly and stopping here and there questioning the poor inhabitants yanked out of their sleep.

“< The next part is easy.>” smiled Inteleon “< Nobody thinks someone will break into a police car.>”

“< Yeah, and there’s a reason for that.>”

Inteleon smiled, opened the back door and both entered. He then closed it, using the mobile cover to block the latch preventing the door to lock.

Another minute or so the police found the phone, dismissed it all as a prank, and rushed back to the station.

At this time, Meowth, on top of Swellow, was waiting on the roof of a nearby building. Waiting like so was hard, especially since Inteleon didn’t explain how they would get there. That’s why he missed the patrol car and bike returning in a hurry and, moments later, the two pokemon exiting the vehicle. Cinderace, with a pokeball on hand, tried to look secure.

“Here goes nothing.”

And rushed to a nearby street, where he threw the Pokeball releasing:

“Muk! Muuuk-muk!!” Shouted the large, disform pokemon, trying to make as much noise as possible, waking up who was nearby and alerting…

“Now what?!” shouted an officer, running to see what the problem was, with several coworkers doing the same. As they were doing so, Inteleon used his Camouflage to sneak into the emptier station, dodging cameras and officers, until finding the station’s jbox. Morpeko would have dealt with the lights easier, but she was not there; a Snipe Shot would also do the trick, but why raise more questions? Inteleon just walked there and turned everything out.

“<Next phase on>” though Inteleon, rushing out of there. He needs to Snipe Shot every camera at the vehicles’ patio. Fast.

Seeing the police station going dark, Meowth lightly tapped Swellow’s head.

“It’s our clue, feathery. Remember, the pink van we found orlier.” And they took flight. In seconds, they were on the roof of the van. Meowth got the other pokeball, letting out

“… Wooooobah!”

“Blue guy, keep an eye on the po-po’s Oicanines while I soich for the thing.”

Lightning a tiny lantern, Meowth started to search. He noticed many things missing, including the laptop. They would not find anything there. Team Rocket’s message system erases everything after a while. He looked at the usual drawer. Nothing. The other. No pen-drive either. Shelves. Nothing.

Meanwhile, Muk was doing the best he could to keep the police officers busy, helped by a Muddy Shot by hidden Inteleon that made the street practically impossible to walk on.  

Back in the van, Meowth did not know where to search anymore. There are very fell places he didn’t look, like…

The pokemon smiled. On one occasion she was in the nice, not-hungry mode, Morpeko tried to help to tide the van. It took them some time to find the pen-drive after that. But where she would put a device, a freebie from a juice pack, that looked exactly like a slightly larger-than-usual bottle cap? Meowth went to James’ bottle cap box under the passenger seat.

That’s when the lights returned.

And the Arcanines were heard. As well as a:

“W-woobbuffet-baaaah wooobbah wobbaaaaah” meaning “I-I will try to Counter and Mirror Coat the most I can. Hurry up!”

Meowth reached to the cap box, just to find his way blocked by an Arcanine.

“This bettah be the best Fury Swoipe ever.” He said, letting his claws grow.

“<Blaze Kick!>” shouted an incoming Cinderace, his powerful flaming leg knocking the police pokemon out.

“What are you doing here? You’re supposed ta be ready ta flame block our escape route.”

“<You’re welcome.>” smiled Cinderace “<But can we talk plans after dealing with the two Arcanines Wobbuffet’s Name couldn’t handle?>”

Meowth showed his claws again.

“On it, Carrotiano Ronaldo.”

Things are going bad, though Inteleon. Cinderace’s not where he was supposed to be, and they should be starting the retreat, by now. The longer they take, the more dangers for them to be exposed. He saw an officer reaching for her radio. A bullet-like water jet took it away from her hand. If he has no idea what’s happening, the police shall not know, either. But now that officer has a good idea where the shoot came from. Inteleon quickly aimed for a ricochet shot to draw attention elsewhere when all officers’ radios sounded an alarm.

 Darn it!

For a moment, Inteleon did not know what to do, if try to stop the officers rushing to the station or if handle the two still dealing with Muk.

“< Inteleon’s Name, hold your breath.>” came the warning before a Sludge Bomb knocked out the law officers.

“< Quick thinking, big guy.>” praised Inteleon, as both opened a manhole as a disguise and Muk returned to the pokeball. Neither was a fan of hurting humans, but…

Inteleon rushed to the police station.

The original plan was for Cinderace to use his fire and speed to hide with Meowth nearby while Swellow took Inteleon with Muk and Wobbuffet inside pokeballs to a safer place, near Ash Sanctuary, return with an empty ball to house Cinderace, fly to the Sanctuary with him and Meowth, then return to take the three pokemon waiting midway.

Of course, it was when they didn’t need to face half a dozen police officers.

Inside the van, the pokemon were thinking:

“< Right, we have no time.>” said Cinderace “< Meowth’s Name, you jump with Wobbuffet’s Name on our flying friend and get out of here. I’ll BBQ some cars as a distraction.>”

“ Fat chance, Long-Ears. Humans can’t see you, part of Pokemons from Goh and Ash.”

Wobbuffet, recovering from his battles, knew Meowth was right. There’s only one thing to do. Run towards the police.

“… Woooooobaah!!!”

“Blue guy! What are you doing?!” Shouted Meowth

“< Sacrificing himself to gain us a minute or two.>” Said Inteleon, dropping his Camouflage and appearing alongside Meowth and Cinderace “< Did you get the pen-drive?>” Meowth nodded.  < Good. Cinderace’s Name, inside the empty pokeball. Meowth’s Name, climb on Swellow’s Name, and let’s scatter.>”

“I’ll not leave Wobbuffet with the po-po.”

“< He’ll be fine. No matter what, he’ll be sent to a reserve, right? Move!>” urged Inteleon

“B-but…”

“< He’s right, my poka>” said Cinderace “< The worst thing for you would be if they caught us. Be brave.>” and entered the pokeball.

“Wooobaah-woobah.” With a Wobbuffet frantically waving his arms in front of them, the officers didn’t notice a particularly loaded pokemon taking flight from a pink van.

Officer Jenny finally got rid of the Wobbuffet and rushed to check the impounded cars. Opening the van door, they saw a small box tipped over, spilling bottle caps on the floor. A box the police didn’t find or didn’t care. With a frown, she called the HQ.

“I need a list with all the Muks registered in Pallet Town.”

“It’s a very short list” said the voice on the phone “In fact, just one, in name of …”

“Ash Ketchum.” Jenny repeated the name she heard. Things are getting interesting. She would have another talk with Pallet’s more famous resident early in the morning.

After an hour of cleaning the station and filling reports, Jenny was finally free to go home. She looked at the time and sighed. She would have three, three and a half hours to sleep before her next shift. She’ll have to throw this at her cousins’ faces next time they say she’s lucky to be an Officer in a small town.

It’s the street she lived for years, but things are different that late at night. She had to use her lantern to empty her mailbox, for instance. Finally home, take out boots, wash face, make tea, water plant… run a bath? Run a deserved bath, she decided. Jenny sat on her sofa, tea in hand, waiting for the tub to fill.

She woke up with her phone ringing nonstop. At her side, a cup with still a bit of tea, cold by now. She rushed to the bathroom, closing the tub tap and luckily avoiding her house to be flooded. Only then she paid attention to her phone and messages.

“… fucking Arceus.”

That was when her peaceful world crumbled.

Chapter Text

CHARIZARD

Jenny and every officer not designed for a patrol helped scrub the Pallet Town Police HQ top to bottom, brush their Growlithes and Arcanines, clean their vehicles. Some, like Jenny, complained:

“Wouldn’t it be more useful if we actually looked at the situation?”

“Jenny” reprimanded her superior “Two agents of the Global Police are coming to deal with it. I don’t like it, but in these cases, we follow their lead, never act first.”

“But we could deal with…”

“For the last time, yes, I know we could handle it.” The superior tried to end the argument “But we’re talking the case against Giovanni of Team Rocket. Lots of higher-ups are involved. Of course the Global want to deal with it. Now let’s speed the cleaning up. They should be here in one hour.”

She sighed and continued to brush up her Arcanine.

Jessie was not sure who gave the alarm, but soon every ex-member of team Rocket, Flare, Cipher, and others was going from their radios to the few phones available. Ahari got close.

“In hindsight, Team Rocket should have fought for the phones instead of showers. But who could imagine something like that?”

Jessie just nodded, feeling completely useless. No James or Meowth to boss around, to discuss or scheme. The only thing she had to do is wait for her lawyer and ponder about the happening. No matter what the police say, the public and media are ready to point fingers at the obvious choice. Things get way worse all of a sudden.

James felt alone. So alone as his very soul left him. Hugging his knees, he looked even smaller on the huge bed. And stood in such position and mood for a good part of the night and the day before. No Growlie, no Meowth, no Jessie. He felt he was inside the most cruel of the Golden cages. Someone knocked at his room door. He didn’t move.

“Excuse me, Master James?” said Hopkins, entering the room. No response. The butler coughed and tried again:

“Your attorneys are here and request a meeting, sir.”

“Send them away.” James’ answer was not much more than a whisper.

“I am afraid it’s a matter of utmost importance, sir. If you can be so kind and check the news, you will understand.”

He did not want to, his world is already in shambles. But he reached for his mobile, opening the news app.

And he could not believe what he saw on the screen.

“No…no. It can’t... Jessebelle, are there no limits for your evilness?”

If it was not for losing Wobbuffet, Meowth would have a laughing fit of relief once at Ash’s sanctuary. He got the pen-drive, and now things can go on. Time to think about the next step.

Of course, it would be not that easy. They had to report everything to the pokemon in charge. Since Pikachu was still inside under Ash’s care, that means:

“< Since Wobbuffet’s Name is with the authorities>” Charizard’s voice thundered “< they will be here in no time questioning our trainers.>” near him, Inteleon, Cinderace and Meowth looked – and felt – smaller.

“< We can work with it.>” started to explain Inteleon “< Wobbuffet’s Name was missing his trainer a lot, so he ran away to the last place they were together, the car. The fact there’s still some construction being done here is an excuse for an easier escape, too.>”

“< And how did he find the car?>”

“< Wobbuffets are psychic type.>”

Cinderace tied to help Inteleon against Charizard:

“< The other of us who they saw, we left a way to the sewer open, they will blame some wild Muk.>”

“< Fine!>” conceded Charizard “< Go tell Ash and Goh right now.>”

Meowth and Cinderace went to the main building, the taller pokemon with a smile on his face.

“< All in all, things are fine now. Ash and Goh will sure help you.>”

“Yeeeah… I don’t know if we’ll like his roiaction.” Meowth answered after thinking a while.

“< What are you talking about?>”

“Remember Ash gave Todd the money to his resoich. Dis pen-drive shows Todd was broibed or threatened or whatevah since he did not put the Senator in the book.”

“< Well, yes, I think Ash will be mad with him and it will be bad for his business.>”

“And what if… nevoimind.”

“< Go on, you can tell me.>”

“It’s just… Since Ash was paying… nah. Nonsense, But I’d like to have a talk with Todd foist. Maybe we tell Ash and Goh just about Wobbuffet for now?”

“< My poka, sorry, but you spent too much time with the wrong kind of humans. Ash and Goh are different. And two things: one, you need a human ally.>”

“I know. What’s da second point?”

“< Ash can know about everything whenever he wants. He does not need a talking pokemon.>”

“Eh…?”

“He and Lucario’s Name have this crazy… soul connection. He can learn almost all the truth through him. And, if he didn’t try it yet, it’s a sign he trusts you. Do the same.>”

“I guess you’re right. Still, it won’t hoit phoning Todd.”

“< If you want, ok. Third point…>”

“Huh? Thoid…?”

“< Ash and Goh are fine, but let’s get some rubber boots first?>” Said Cinderace, with a big smile. Meowth laughed, lightning his mood.

“Right. Pika-pain is another story…”

They got into the large building and entered the small apartment. They found Goh, very concerned, sitting on the sofa and looking at his laptop, Pikachu still on the bed. Meowth looked at Goh’s expression and did not like it. Could Officer Jenny already have contacted them?

“Huh, ‘morning, Goh.” Waved Meowth “Can I talk with you and Ash for a minute?”

“Meowth” he took a deep breath “Believe me, this is not the right moment.”

“Riiiiiiight” now what? Ask for Todd Snap’s number or try and steal Ash’s phone? He decided that could wait. “What happened?”

Goh simply turned his computer screen in his direction. Meowth climbed on the sofa to see better.

And almost fell off.

If Jessie and James were in trouble before, that makes it double. At least.

Chapter Text

WHO’S THAT POKEMON?

“Ash’s at his office with Leaf and the lawyers on call.” Goh closed the laptop, joined his hands in front of his mouth, as if in prayer, and started to explain, in a low voice “The house where it happened… Todd was spending some time there to avoid the media. It belongs to Ash’s company.”

“I roimember Ash telling sumthing about being Todd’s agent.” Said Meowth, to with Goh agreed.

“Yes, that’s what we do at ‘P&C, Ketchum’, manage careers. Ash’s, Todd’s, mine, Misty’s, and a couple of others.  Another reason for the police to stop by.”  And added almost to himself “… all this is getting too complicated. I wonder if all really will be worth it, in the end.”

“Woith… what?”

“This whole book, and trial, and changing the world ordeal…” Goh stopped for a while, looking at Meowth “Many people are getting hurt. I don’t need to tell you that.”

The feline nodded. A couple of things Goh said bothered him:

“So… if he was hiding, nobody knew where the camera ex-twoip was?…”

“I would not call it exactly a secret, he used to get out every other morning for a run, plus buying groceries and things like that. He was not a prisoner.”

“But otha than his Pallet neighbors…?”

“I think not many… Sorry, Meowth, with Ash busy with Leaf I must handle the school and sanctuary.” The human stood up. “Pikachu, will you be ok on your own? I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Pikaaah…!” Answered the electric one, looking at Cinderace and Meowth, with an expression that made both swallow hard.

“Cinderace, could you make him company?  Thanks, buddy.”

“C-cinder.” Was the hesitant answer to the human.

As soon as the door closed behind Goh, Pikachu jumped out of bed to intercept any escape route from Meowth or Cinderace.

“< Start talking, you two.>”

“Hey, you are way better. Noice.”

“< Yes, nothing keeps our Pikachu down for long>” added Cindrace.

Sparks started to form on Pikachu’s cheek.

“< If you don’t tell me right now what happened last night, I’ll show how well I am.>”

They sighed and explained everything. Pikachu counted to ten before answering.

“< Then go deliver that pen-drive to police at once and stop putting us in danger.>”

“I’d love to, but I need someone to help me with da deal. To get dis, they need to set Jessie and James free foist. And since Ash and Goh are part of the trial, I need someone else.”

“< I am sorry, Meowth’s Name, but I doubt they will help you find another human now, with everything that is going on.>” Pikachu though a bit “< And neither will us, pokemon.>”

“< Pikachu’s Name, we can’t just abandon him…>” Cinderace began to protest.

“<We?>” cut Pikachu  “< Tell me, who are we? You – you are one of the signature Pokemon of Goh Walker. Professor Goh Walker. Project Mew researcher Professor Goh Walker. And I am perhaps the most famous Pikachu in the world, the partner of Ash Ketchum. Monarch twice, the second time for five years straight, pokemon researcher, an idol of kids and adults, renowned Pokemon Rights authority Ash Ketchum. Do both of you understand what’s at stake here?>”

Cinderace stuttered, trying to answer

“< I-I… Listen, we could…>”

“Nope, Streetmon, Pika-pain is right. I can not put you guys or Ash and Goh in danger. You already did too much for me. I appoiciate, but I must look for help oisewhere.”

“< What? I didn’t mean you to leave. Just to stay out of trouble until->” Suddenly, Pikachu felt the need to Iron Tail himself  “< You can’t, I see.>”

“Yep, laying down means my humans in prison, I on a reserve. End of history. No can do that, Pika-pain.” He made a pause. “I just need a couple of things before leaving. Like making a video for de humans explaining why Wobbuffet and I are missing.”

Pikachu got a tablet Ash leaves at the bedside.

“< Use this.>”

Meowth recorded a message with the agreed explanation of Wobbuffet missing Jessie and James, adding something about ‘being a problem to Ash and Goh and leaving on his own will.

“Right, now I need ta say goodbye to some pokemon at the sanctuary”

“< I’ll go with you, my poka.>”

“No, stay here, long-ears. It’s osier that way. I’ll be right back.”

Getting down to the vast green area, Meowth did not stop to talk with anyone, until:

“Ah, the pokemon I was looking for.”

The other one looked without understanding.

“< Me?>”

“Listen, this is important. So much I’ll say in my language…”

At every variation of “meowths”, the eyes of the other pokemon grew bigger. Finally, Meowth asked if they had a deal.

The other just gave a single nod, before adding:

“< ‘If’. And… for now.>”

Meowth smiled. That was about what he expected. Now it’s a matter of really saying goodbye to some pokemon.

Now it’s time to face Pikachu and Cinderace again.

“Well, I bettah be going. If the po-po is really in their way, I don’t wanna be here.” He said, getting into Ash’s apartment.

“< Meowth’s Name, I am sorry for all this. You have your reasons, but, by Arceus, be careful. You do something stupid to mess with Ash and next time we met, I’ll probably be hunting you.>”

 “If you want da hunter role, be my guest ta have the bloisted off part, too.”

“< This is serious. In the end, I like you. I wish… well. See you, I guess.>”

“Same, Pika-pain. I hope we can solve dis mess humans created.” And turning to Cinderace “You did too much, Long-ears. Thanks a lot.”

“< I really hate farewells. Are you going to be ok alone?>” Asked the Lapine pokemon

“Pppppfff, who said I’ll be alone? I have some pokemon up on my sleeve, as powerful as you guys.”

With a wink, he exited.

James paced right and left in his room. He knew Jessebelle was a psychopath, but that… was beyond any scale. She just killed a man, and for what? His family money? Power? On the other hand…

On the other hand, this may be exactly what they needed, though James. If he could record her confession, Jessebelle would go from blackmailer to blackmailed. That could keep Jessie safe and, who knows, maybe even postpone this downbound marriage. He just needed a plan. James sighed. Meowth and Jessie were the ones responsible for that part. Then again, he thought, given their success record, it may be a good thing to think alone for once.

Entertained with his thinking, he got a bit scared seeing the butler in his room.

“II beg you pardon, Master James, but since you don’t usually answer the door, I took the liberty to enter.”

“It’s fine, Hopkins.”

The employee opened a sincere smile.

“It’s great to hear a more cheerful voice coming from you, sir.”

“There may be a silver line on this tempest. We’ll see. Now, what brought you here? My lawyers again?”

“No, sir, miss Jessebelle requests your presence.”

A thousand things ran through James’ head at once. He just managed to utter an

“Oh.”

The butler was already inside his closet.

“What do you wish to wear, sir?”

Tired. Every step took a lot from him. In hindsight, Meowth thought, he could have thrown caution away and asked one of Ash’s flying pokemon for a ride. But he did not want to be tracked. He could have trained a bit more walking on all fours again. But, used to piggyback James when tired, this was never a problem. He could have stolen a water flask from Ash’s sanctuary. But…uh…

Darn, he should have stolen a water flask.

 At least, he was, hiding the best he can, crossing the gates of his target. He told Cinderace the truth. The only place with pokemon as powerful as Ash’s. Professor Oak’s Research Lab. Housing Gary Oak’s pokemon. Problem is, he barely knows any of them. That meant, gaining their trust he must go through something – someone – he’d rather avoid for now.

He saw the large orange-ish figure lying ahead. Great. Taking a deep breath, he announced himself:

“Heya, big guy.”

Giovanni’s Persian raised his head, his sleepy eyes finally focusing on Meowth just to drop into a frown.

“< My first thought was to shred you to pieces. The second is to ignore you.>” He then lowered his head and closed his eyes again. “< Don’t push your luck and leave.>”

“Look, big one, I know things are…”

“< What’s this green thing under our feet?>” He asked, barely moving.

On a reflex, Meowth lifted one foot and took a while to understand. “…grass?”

“< Exactly. Grass. Not fluffy carpets. And you’re not smelling any fancy aftershave, are you? Nor there are any carefully manicured human hands stroking me, are they? There. I mocked myself for you, now leave.>”

“Hey, you’re not de only one ta lose everything. I am here to talk to you.”

“< The ‘ignore’ option still winning. But barely.>”

“Look, I really want your help. And you’ll get sumthing, too.”

“< Does this ‘something’ means getting back to the good life with Giovanni?>”

“Nah. I cannot promise you dis, but…>”

Persian stood up and raised his paw, exposing his claws.

Meowth raised his arms to protect his face while shouting in pokemon talk.

“< Payback!>”

Persian relaxed his arm a bit, and Meowth kept going.

“< Or, better saying, justice. There’s something wrong with all this. If I sort things out, we may get things easier for Giovanni.>”

The larger pokemon showed his claws again. Meowth swallowed and keep going

“< And if there’s some foul play behind it, we can even take the one responsible for our situation to justice.>”

“< Shaaadow…>”

“< Or to a closed room, alone with you!>,” said too quickly Meowth, covering his face again.

Persian grinned and lowered his arm.

“< You have two minutes of my attention, little one. Make it count.>”

Meowth, a paw over his heart, tried to calm his breathing down.

“Right…” he finally managed to say, returning to human speech “Foist I need to know if Giovanni did sumthing strange before being collared.”

Persian though for a bit.

“< He was nervous, and on the telephone a lot. Oh, the day before he got a new phone out of the box, used it a lot and the next day had me Shadow Claw it, a few minutes before the police arrived.>”

“Yeah… do you remember who he talked with? A çoitan Senator Hyacinth, maybe?”

 “< I can affirm I heard such a name often at the office. But that day? I can’t say. Also, I don’t eavesdrop on every Giovanni talk.>”  

 Meowth had too much love for his remaining lives to ask “napping much?”.

“Right. Now…”

“< Wait. It’s your turn to tell me everything.>”

“Fair enough. You see…”

It was not easy for Officer Jenny to get an authorization to work on the “Muk/Wobbuffet Incident”. Her superior would rather have one of the best Kanto officers supporting the Globals but, in the end, she got it. As soon as the Global Police left, Jenny asked for some words with the owner of the sanctuary. She could swear she heard Ash’s scream of frustration all the way from the front gatekeeper station. Feeling a bit guilty, she promised to herself to give Ash and Goh a blind eye for a future traffic violation.

The interview went as she expected. No, it was not his Muk. No, Ash did not know how Wobbuffet escaped. He even showed her the night footage of the security cameras. Yes, more cameras and safety devices are being installed.  Yes, the sanctuary will be 100% safe, both for the Pallet citizens and pokemon.

… Yes, there’s another pokemon missing.

As Jenny left with information to search for a talking Meowth, Ash returned to the security cameras. He showed everything Jenny asked regarding safety and the night footage. She didn’t ask to see what Ash was watching now: the evening footage of Meowth and Inteleon searching for the cameras, then looking around for, probably, ways to avoid them. Ash sank on his chair.

What was going on?  

Chapter Text

NIDOQUEEN

Meowth walked carefully alongside Persian. Not something he would do given a choice, but the big guy knows Gary Oak’s pokemon for… well, the three or four days he was living at the Old  Professor Oak’s Center. Still, it’s more than Meowth, who spent a day on Pewter Police Impound and the rest of time with Ash.

“< You won’t find the heavy hitters here – Gary took them with him on a trip. But she>” Persian pointed Nidoqueen with his chin “< may help you.>”

And, as they approached a few steps, the large feline spoke:

“< Nidoqueen’s Name, this is Meowth’s Name. The one that speaks human.>” with that, he turned around and started to leave.

“Wait, Big Guy, is dat all?” complained Meowth.

Persian turned his head with a scowl. “< You wanted me to introduce you to Gary’s pokemon, I just did it. For your own sake, don’t look for me again.>”

“< Don’t mind him, darling>” cut Nidoqueen “< He’s a grumpy old cat.>”

“… and how. You have no idea.”

“< So, what can I do for you?>”

Meowth scratched his head, unsure about how to start. “Eeeehh… I know my humans ain’t an example, but I want to help’em”

“< If you ask me, pokemon should just help each other. Sure, in the wild we fight for territory, food sources or… for fun, granted, but we don’t deny help to those in need. I don’t mind what your humans are or did. Anyone needing help can come.>”

Meowth suddenly thought about his time in Hollywood and Meowzie.

“Yeeah… some pokemon don’t think like so.”

“< Wild, those pokemons you’re thinking of? Or tainted by human behavior? Don’t get me wrong, I love Gary to the end, I’ve learned tons of good things from him, I would not change my life for anything, most trainers are nice, but>” she looked at the direction Persian went “< you know.>”

“Yeah, I do. So… In shoit, I need to take my humans out of prison.”

“< I am afraid we can’t help you break them out, darling. That’s too much to ask.>”

“Nah, legally. I can help then if I put a puzzle togedah.”

“< In that case, what do you need?>”

“Some answers. I don’t know how to start. The whole thing between Gary and dat Senator Hyacinth, plus…”

“< Why, Gary’s with him right now.>”

All right, thought James. Given the short notice, the plan to have Jessebelle confess the murder is to leave the cellphone recording and hope for the best. Gulping, he went down the stairs to the solarium, where she was waiting, with a devious smile. All the windows and glass ceiling could not shed a light on the shadows coming out of that expression of hers.

The moment James saw her, all the hopes of a verbal game of chess went down the drain. 

“How… how could you?”

“Why, James, I told you I have my ways of keeping you in line.”

“But this… is… too much, even for you.”

“That coming from a pokemon thief.”

“But we never… this is… disgusting.”

“James, James, you don’t have the foggiest idea of how low I can go. And, for your own good, don’t try to find out.”

“But how… how you did it?”

“How else? I have money, someone else needs it, connect the dots. I already called your tailor to adjust your black suit. I don’t want you wearing anything close to white again”

“Why?”

“What do you mean? You have an appointment.”

James’ mouth dropped. Does Jessebelle expect him to attend Todd Snap’s funeral, too? To torture him even further?

“You can’t do this.”

“This again… James, I own you. Period. Not for debate.”

She stood in silence for a moment.

“But tell me, how did you find out?”

“It’s all over the news, Jessebelle.”

“Already? Well, I guess we can’t help, our names attract the press.”

“They don’t know you’re the responsible yet, but…”

“Who else could be?”

“Exactly. Aren’t you afraid?”

“Why? I think, with some luck, I may even have some high fertility days to spare this month.”

 “W-what?”

“Wait… James, what are you talking about?”

“Jessebelle, what are you talking about?”

“That I managed to speed the marriage process with the authorities, of course. We sign the papers the day after tomorrow. No more funny business for you.”

“B-but.. what a-about Snap?”

“Yes, I’ve heard about… James, are you implying I did it?”

“Well…”

Jessebelle, who was calmly sat on a wicker sofa the whole time, stood up, looked at James for what seemed an eternity, and laughed. Laughed in a way that made the glass tremble. Not out of happiness, nor cruelty more like… triumph?

“I think I’ll leave you with that doubt, dear James…”

At this moment, Hopkins entered the room.

“Excuse me… Your tailor is here, Master James.”

“Send him in, Hopkins.” It was Jessebelle who ordered it. “James invited me to watch. After all, in two days his body will be mine.”

Did Meowth hear it right? Gary with Hyacinth so soon after the murder?

“Eh?”

“< After battling with Ash, all he talked was how Hyacinth will help the cause in Galar, and the official announcement of him signing with the Party.>”

“Gary’s Political Party?”

“< Yes, the Pokeparty… He was excited about it, planning a celebration afterward with his more powerful pokemon showcasing their abilities. You can say it’s a party for a Party. Heh… I am not good with jokes.>”

“Ah, yes. I hoid from James that, after Todd’s book, Hyacinth left his old party for Gary’s.” Maybe there’s no foul play here, thought Meowth. An important event can’t be canceled just like that.

Nidoqueen thought for a moment, before saying:

“< I think it was before that.>”

“Huh? Before the book?”

“< Of course. For months and months Gary received and talked to politicians. I know because his favorite meeting place was here>” she pointed to the center fields “< walking between us pokemons. I heard the name Hyacinth often and even learned to identify him after two or three visits. The last one was messy.>”

“Messy?”

“< You know, the liquids humans make with rotten grapes and grains. They drank a lot. Gary even tried to dance with me, saying ‘we’re celebrating, Nidoqueen’. This Hyacinth was laughing a lot at his side, glass in hand.>”

Meowth had to control himself not to fire up the next questions at the speed of his excitement.

“That was before Todd’s book? Are you sure?”

Nidoqueen raised her head

“< The great Lunala changed shape… what’s the human word for that?>”

“Huh… week.”

“< Two weeks, then, between this encounter and Persian’s Name arrival, complaining about a book and everything and everybody else.>”

“Right. Now, this is very impoitant. In those meetings, they mentioned Todd Snap?”

The lunch was intimate, as usual. Only two humans and three pokemon. But the mood was completely off. Rillaboom and Cinderace avoided talking – even to look – at each other, while Pikachu tried to side with neither while complaining about their attitude. And, of course, there was,..

“You didn’t touch your food, Ash.”

“Sorry, Goh, all this mess of police and… things should not be like that.”

“I know. I know.” Goh reached for Ash’s hand “We will overcome whatever is thrown our way.”

“But Meowth may be a problem…”

“What about him?”

Ash looked lost for a moment

“Hm? I, you see, Goh, I, huh, am worried about him lost, alone…”

“He is smart and a pokemon of the city. I am sure he’s fine.”

“You must be right” Ash sighed, moving his shoulders “I need to relax”

Goh blushed a bit but smiled “We have a fully scheduled afternoon, but we can have 15 or 20 minutes now t-”

“Tempting, Goh. But I was thinking about spending some time with the pokemons…”

“Ah.” Goh rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed “That works, too.”

“So, would you deal with Leaf, the others and any crisis for an hour?”

“Sure. If the dish is yours for the next five days.”

“Too much. Two days.”

“Two days of dishes, one of cleaning the bathroom.”

“Deal” Ash sealed it with a peck on Goh’s forehead.

 As soon as Goh left the apartment, Pikachu, Cinderace and Rillaboom got close to Ash, forgetting for a bit their differences in an attempt to cheer the human up.

“So, guys, how about we play a game?” Asked Ash. A cacophony of excited “pika”, “cinder”, “rillaboom” and variants were heard. But Pikachu sensed something was wrong as soon as the smile died on the face of his human.

“Pika-pi?”

Slowly, Ash reached for a pokeball, raising it close to his body, in a controlled manner, so different from his usual instance of throwing the devices.

Cinderace looked at Pikachu. What was that all about?

And the pokemon was released from the ball,

 A menacing

“Lucario”

Was heard, as his stern eyes probed the other three pokemon.

Cinderace’s heart skipped a beat.

“Let’s play ‘Truth or Dare’.” Ash said, in a low voice “And I and Lucario are all out of Dares to give.”

“Todd Snap?” Nidoqueen looked at the sky, searching her memory “Todd…They talked about so many human names, I am not sure.”

Meowth looked disappointed but tried to hide it.

“That’s fine, ya helped a lot.”

“< If that helps you and your humans, I am glad.>”

“Ya talked about a cause…”

“< What Gary wants. A safer world for all, with more rights to pokemon, you know politics.>”

Meowth nodded. He was hearing too much those words lately, since he…

What’s the connection, he wondered. But sighed in defeat, turning too Nidoqueen

“I am not so shoie where to go now. I need more info.”

“< Well, you can wait until the pokemon closer to Gary return and…>” suddenly human voices were heard and Meowth rushed to hide on a nearby bush.

From there, he saw another familiar face, wearing a lab coat, leading two unknown young humans dressed on a similar fashion. The older one was speaking, pointing to a small construction nearby:

“There’s the incubator room – Hi, Nidoqueen, long time no see.”

“Nido!”

He turned to the youngsters:

“From now on, most of the eggs will be cared for at Ash’s Sanctuary. Your job is to gather and review the eggs data, so we can transfer…”

When the trio vanished inside the building, Meowth also left his hideout

“I know that former twoip.”

“< Tracy.>” informed Nidoqueen “< He worked with the professor for years, and appears now and then when we need extra help.>”

“Of coise. It was back when team Rocket started going after Pikachu.”

“< Ah. That I know I heard.>”

Meowth turned to her, without understanding

“Waddaya mean?”

“< Gary and Hyacinth. They talked about a ‘rocket book’ in their meetings.>”

Meowth could not hold himself and jumped on Nidoqueen, excited:

“Are you shoie? Dis is impoitant. They talked about the book before Persian got here?”

“< Easy, little one. Calm down. Yes, I am sure. They talked about it at least twice.>”

Meowth smiled, He finally was getting some answers.

And many more questions.

Chapter Text

PSYDUCK

Meowth was leaving Oak’s Center when he heard the voice of the Professor:

“The talking Meowth?”

Oh, my. The feline pokemon looked in every direction. From where was the old man seeing him? Could have he heard him talking to Nidoqueen? How could he…

“Affirmative. The one that used to belong to Team Rocket.”

Ah, Meowth thought. That’s Officer Jenny’s voice. That’s a relief. They are not after him, after all. It’s just Officer Jenny talking to Oak. What in Arceus’ name was he thinking?! Officer Jenny was there. The thoughts and emotions rushed to Meowth, from worries to relief to panic. He overheard a bit more:

“I’ll keep an eye for any sign of him, officer. But, in the end, is just another stray, right?  He’ll look for help at the Pokemon Center, if he needs it.”

Officer Jenny said nothing for a minute, thinking. Yes, professor, that is true in most cases. Stray pokemon do steal a sandwich here and there, but hardly ever worth wasting the taxpayer money for a police chase. But that’s not a common situation. Pokemon heal extremely fast, but the police Arcanines and Growlithes hurt on the impounding parking lot had burns and claw marks. Those are not compatible with a Wobbuffet. Her superior and coworkers were all drooling to try to tag along with the global police: a murder case is a rarity that can make one’s career. But something tells her there’s a lot more in this ordeal of Wobbuffet, Meowth, and… Ash. If she is after a figment of her imagination, great. Ash will continue to be the hero of Pallet, she keeps going after petty infractions. If she is right… well, “Captain Jenny” sounds very good. Lost in those thoughts, only then she noticed the professor standing, waiting for her answer.

“Sorry. I already informed Nurse Joy. I appreciate your time.”

“Well, since you’re here, we can have a look around. Doctors say I need more exercise, anyway.” Professor Oak said, walking down the two steps from his house/lab to the field with a certain difficulty. Jenny offered her hand; he refused.

“I still can run laps around many kids, officer.” She smiled

“Of course, professor. Thanks for being helpful.”

Now Meowth looked around frantically: What to do, what to do?

“Excuse me, professor?”

A new voice was heard.

“Yes, Tracey?”

“Your assistants and interns all have the new routines, I’ll chat with them next week for adjustments and doubts. Do you need something extra?”

“No, Tracey, you’ve been a lifesaver. Again.”

He did a little bow.

“I am on my way, then. Take care, old man. Officer.” He greeted quickly, going to his car.

Officer Jenny walked with the professor through every main spot of his center, finding nothing out of extraordinary or out of place. Passing by the napping Persian that once belonged to Giovanni, she wondered how many secrets he holds. Oh, well, she got enough already to fully use her time.

Time.

Jessie never felt it this way in her life. Every minute feels like an hour, every hour, like a day. Sleep, wake up, shower, eat, endlessly wait to eat again, watch the afternoon hours pass by with the speed of a Metapod, eat, wait, wait and wait to sleep again.

Even being blasted off was better than that.

But, at least, something happened. Her lawyer was there, wanting to talk. Meeting “the Grey Woman” may not be the most exciting thing in the world, but it is something to do on that cursed prison.

Raissa Phyre mumbled a protocolar “good evening” and proceeded to talk, sliding some papers and a pen in Jessie’s direction.

“Those are the terms of your bail. I can start the process today. However, we must discuss the options.”

Jessie looked at the papers, a bit confused:

“I thought you said two weeks, until James” Does something monumentally stupid, she added mentally “… until James, you know.”

“The marriage was anticipated.” She deadpanned “Now, Jessica, I don’t want you to have high expectations. Our whole defense lies in having you ‘fly under the radar’, to be presented as someone not that important on the scheme. Plus, too many high-ups of the defendant teams are under bail, the public and press want to see someone punished, so the chances are considerable that the Judge will deny your request. I’d advise against signing it.”

But Jessie did not heard anything after ‘the marriage was anticipated’. James…

Until that moment, Tracey Sketchit lived a good life. Just above average, but good. He had his share of wild adventures, but that’s not that uncommon with all those kids following their pokemon dreams every year. Worked at his dream job, but he’s far from being the only one who can brag about it. And is enjoying the expected ups and downs of adulthood. His biggest worry right now was if he should cook dinner or have take-out getting home. But life can still throw a surprise or another at him, like winning the lottery or having the car start to act up.

His car started to act up.

What’s more strange is that the weird sounds and bumps where not from the engine, but from elsewhere. Sighting, he decided to stop and take a closer look. Yes, he thought, stepping out of the car, the sounds are coming from… the trunk? He opened it.

“Sheesh, ex-twoip, for how long were you going to doive?”

“To Cerule… I mean, what are you doing there?!”

There was a Meowth on his car’s trunk. No, the Meowth, from Team Rocket, responsible for so many problems on his childhood. Hiding in his car. Breathing heavily now, after so many time locked up. And Tracey was answering him? The pokemon kept going

“Well, I wanna be far from Officer Jenny and others, but dat’s too much.  You can leave me next city.” Said Meowth, climbing on the passenger seat.

“Hey!”

“I’d offer to pay da gas, Toaycer, but I’m lacking pockets. And pants.”

“Shouldn’t you be on a Reserve? Like the other pokemon of criminal teams?”

“It’s complicated.”

“No. It isn’t. You are running away.” Tracey got into the car. “I’ll leave you at the first police station or pokemon center. Whichever I see first.”

“Ooookay…?” After a long silence “It’s a long way ta get to Cerulean.”

“This is the new route out of Veridian. Avoids the mountains, saves time.”

“Yeah, I mean, you’re living too far from the poifessor.”

“That’s because…  do I need to answer you?” Looking at Meowth’s face, Tracey started to feel bad. “Look, I know things must not be easy for you, but running away is not the solution.”

“Nor is bein’ mean ta your passenger.”

“You’re not…” he shook his head “you’re right. No reason to spend the next kilometers fighting and in silence. Want to know why I live in Cerulean City?” He raised his left hand where a narrow gold band shone. “Married”

“Nice. Who’s da lucky one?”

“Oh, you know her well. Misty.”

“Da foist twoipette? I am happy for you.”

Tracey nodded.

“We’re handling the city’s gym, now. Lots of work.”

“And how’s Psyduck? Must be a Golduck by now.”

“No, still the same. Once…”

They kept the small talk until road signals with an arrow and the words ‘Celadon City, 5 km’ appeared. Tracey looked a bit uncomfortable. Both kept silence for a moment.

“Well…”

“You’ll really send me to da Man, huh?”

“I have no choice. In the end, it’s for your own good. You’ll be safer, well fed…”

“Soire” Meowth was smiling. It was a long shot, but worth to try “How do you know about Rocket’s pokemon and Resoives?” Meowth knew the most likely answer. If Tracey was transparent…

“Everyone in charge of a pokemon facility got a list of the rescued ones.” Bingo, Meowth thought. Now, to throw the pokeball…

“A list, eh? Was I dere?”

“You have no idea. A minute after we got it, the notification board went crazy, every lab, center and gym wanting… a talking… Meowth…”

“Your wife, too?”

As Tracey was suddenly quiet, Meowth was laughing inside ‘I got a Tracey! Now, to offer him a little help…’

“Dere’s the Exit to Celadon. It’s a big city. Tons of traffic. It can take ya more than half an hour to find de po-po. And another half to leave da City. But I’m soire Misty will understand you bein’ late.”

Tracey silence spoke even louder.

“I remember she had quite da mood, back then… Hey, Toaycer, ya missed da exit.”

“Change of plans, Meowth.”

The pokemon let himself relax in the passenger seat, smiling. For a plan made on the fly, it worked too well.

Less than one hour after that, they were parking at the Cerulean Gym. Tracey looked at his now guest.

“There’s a small detail l forgot to tell…  until I understand the situation inside, I want you to be quiet. Avoid making noises, right?”

Meowth tilted his head

“Right…?”

As they stepped inside the house next the gym, they were assaulted by a loud

“Psy!”

Followed by a tired woman voice

“For the last time, get out there!” Tracey smiled

“This mean you can talk, Meowth.” And, rising his voice, he said, he actually said it:

“Honey, I’m home.”

Before Meowth could react, a blur of colorful clothing, about as tall as himself, half raced half tripped in their direction.

“Dad… KITTY!”

And the pokemon was trapped on a hug

“Huh..” was all he could say.

“Meowth, that’s our daughter Kaimana, Kai for short. Hey, Kai, how about daddy’s hug?”

The small one left the pokemon and opened her arms in Tracey direction, when the former said

“Nice to meet ya, Kai. You’re very cute.”

“KITTY TALK!”

“I’m gettin’ a lot of dat lately.”

“Hey, Tray. Who are you talki…” the woman entered the room, and it was hard for Meowth to recognize the twerpette on her. She grew up to be at least as tall as Jessie, but her body was a bit more muscular, like a surfer’s one. The hair was still very short, but now was darker, a discreet frame for her angular and powerful face features. Like her eyes, now fixed on him.

“Huh… hi, Misty. Thanks for havin’… me…?”

“Mom, kitty talk.”

Misty looked at Tracey, then to Meowth, to Tracey again.

“Okay, Misty, love, you see…”

“I will give Kai her bath and tuck her in. You start dinner. We talk then.”

“Mom, I wanna play with kitty.”

The woman sighed, nesting the child on her arms, reasoning avoiding cries and tantrums were the best option now :

“Meowth, would you join us?”

“Soire, Misty. Hey, Kai, can you say ‘Meowth’?”

“Meeoh”

“Dat’s great!”

Later, at the dinner table, Misty and Tracey looked at each other, unsure of what to do and say. Finally, she spoke:

“As I see it, we can make this awkward and have Meowth probably eavesdropping on us, or very, very awkward but at least with only one version.”

Tracey hold his breath for a moment and, without saying a word, went to the cabinet fetching another plate and some pokemon food for the table.

After a minute or so of forks playing with food and forcing it inside their mouths, Tracey started:

“You said you wanted Meowth working with us. Well…” he pointed to the pokemon.

Misty shook her head.

“I said once ‘can you imagine Meowth helping us?’. Just once. We didn’t even volunteered the gym to receive any pokemon from the banned teams.”

“I though we could notify the Police he’s with us, get a provisory custody for a couple of days…”

“Instead of exploring me, I gotta bettah idea.”

Tracey sighed

“Sorry, Meowth, nothing changes the fact you’re a runaway from the authorities.”

“I am glad we agree on this.” Misty reached for Tracey’s hand, and turned to the pokemon “I am sure you understand. You can be a nice pokemon, but we’re running a business here. We can’t have bad publicity.”

“I got a good roison to leave the roiserve I was in and hide from the po-po… for now.”

“It won’t change our mind” said Tracey “Misty is right. More than a business, we have a daughter to care for.”

“And ya wanna her to grow on a nice place, right?”

“Sure.”

“With a moiderer in charge?”

Tracey and Misty looked at Meowth and them at each other

“We’ll not ask.”

“Nope. I’ll call the Pokemon Center first thing in the morning.”

“It’s the responsible thing to do.”

“Yes, it is.”

As a semi-forgotten desire for adventure flickered on the couple, both turned to Meowth, asking as one:

“What do you mean?”

And the pokemon fired up a condensed version of the history. How he knew Todd Snap was protecting a corrupt. His ties with Gary Oak. How Gary knew about the book weeks before the police. Some details he left for himself, however.

Misty sighed:

“You have too many ‘if’s’ and ‘maybe’s’, Meowth.”

“Dat’s why I ran away. To fill these gaps.”

“Come with me” said Tracey, walking to his small studio room, where he cleaned the whiteboard. “Now let’s see, Meowth…” Tracey and the pokemon started to review the case, while Misty was quiet, arms crossed, leaning against a wall.

Soon, there were three lines on the board:

Who killed Todd Snap? Why?

Who is protecting Sen. Hyacinth?

What’s Gary’s involvement?

“I think that covers everything. Little One, you have work ahead…” Tracey stoped as Misty yanked the marker from his hand and added two words to the board, ugly squiggles against his careful calligraphy, but that said a lot.

“Huh… ‘keebono’…?” Tried to read Meowth.

“Latin” explained Tracey “Another reason I love this woman so much. It’s ‘Cui Bono?”, Meowth”

“ ‘Who profits?’” Explained Misty “or ‘to whom is it a benefit?’. Start from there.”

Chapter Text

BRAVIARY

James, who was walking in the gardens, rushed inside to get more information about that creature. Obviously, Jessebelle was not aiming for looks or elegance. Once in his room, each word coming out of his Pokedex filled him with a sense of dread.

“Malamar. the Overturning Pokémon. Possessing the strongest hypnotic powers of any Pokémon, Malamar can compel others to do anything it wants them to do.”

Strongest hypnotic powers. Strongest hypnotic…

He let himself collapse into his large bed. Possibilities of how Jessebelle could use such power invaded his mind. Things are getting worse and worse.

Meowth found himself a bit disoriented waking up. Where was he? What’s this sound? A bit like… water, a river or…

“Psy!”

He jumped out of the pillow and blankets that made his improvised bed.

“Huh? Bonehead? What… who…?”

“Psyduck! Psy” Meowth took a while to translate the “I found it rather unsettling a pokemon of such shadowy reputation gain entrée on the household of a susceptible infant.”

“Yeah, yeah, not my choice, either. It’s a long story, really. Now I haffa think in a way to-“

“Kitty! Saducky!”

As the ball of energy in form of a little girl came running and hugged both pokemon

“< Presenting the causation of half my migraines… and all of my joy.>”

“Beaky dere said he is also happy to see ya.”

“KITTY CAN UNDESTAND SADUCKY!”

“Psyyy…” complained the yellow pokemon, taking his hands halfway to his head.

“Yeah, Kai, remember, is Meowth”

“<…Don’t you dare…>” Psyduck said, half to Meowth, half to the girl.

“MEEOH CAN UNDESTAND SADUCKY!”

“Psyyy…!”

Luckily for him, Misty came to relieve Psyduck of his predicament.

“Kai, dear, why don’t you and Psyduck go help dad with breakfast? I’ll be there soon. “

As soon as the duo left, Misty looked at Meowth:

“I and Tracey talked a lot last night, Meowth. We will help you, but we’re not doing anything illegal. Luckily for you, none of us are a witness at the trial…”

“Huh? You’re not?” Asked the pokemon.

“No. Tracey is a sketch artist, and helped the police time and time again in the past. Both the State and defense thought the other side could use this in their favor, so he was not called on. And since I am his wife, I’m under similar doubt.”

“Ah”

“So. Here is what we are going to do. We will call the authorities, and ask to shelter you. If they say yes, fine, we go on with the investigation. If they say no, we’ll take what you have and give it all to Jessie and James’ lawyers. And” she took a deep breath “if you don’t agree with those terms, and it’s fine if you do so, Tracey will give you a ride to Saffron City and we part ways. How does that sound?”

The pokemon weighed his options. The ideal would be to stay out of the police grasp, but he may not find other willing humans.

“Can do, Misty, call the po-po.”

After a quick exchange of words on the phone, Misty smiled.

“Our officer Jenny said there is an alert about you but, since most places are still full of pokemons from the accused teams, you can stay here for a couple of days. She’ll bring the papers later.”

Meowth nodded, a bit uncomfortable.

“Right” said Misty “breakfast, a couple of errands, then plan?”

Politicians like to brag about how the Kanto system of law and justice is fully automated. 

It's not. 

There's an army of well-paid experts working around the clock to be always one step ahead of hackers, improving interfaces, tweaking codes, adding functions, testing new techs.

Under them, more experts with good salaries making sure the code are perfect, without errors or involuntary hacking entry points, bugs, or such.

And then, there’s Nigel Fuchsia.  Whose whole work was to type in forms for people too dumb to do so, and correct the ones inserted in the system by people who should know they are too dumb to do so. 

Entry-level job, likewise payment.  Even if Nigel was doing it for ten excruciatingly boring years.

No wonder he looked for entertainment options, like illegal betting on Pokemon Battles.  In this pastime, he learned three things fast:

1 - Betting against Ash may set you for life.

2 - There's a reason why not many people bet against Ash

3 - You need to pay your bets.  Somehow

But lately, Nigel got lucky. Not on the pokemon stadium bets.  No. He found out it’s easy to exchange favors for money. Why, yesterday some sap asked for his help to alter some marriage papers.  Paid Nigel a fraction of what a lady paid him.

Yes, it’s a sick world of immoral favor traffic, illegal bribes, and corruption.

Or, in other words, being debt free.

But Nigel drew himself a line; he would not help criminals. No, he would only accept harmless requests.

Like informing a client about the whereabouts of a talking Meowth.

At his office, professor Oak was smiling at the phone.

“No problem, we will send her right away, kid” a pause followed by a warm giggle. “Aw, you’ll always be my kid, Gary. See you soon.”

And, calling an intern:

“Susan, bring on Gary’s Hatterene. Seems the people he’s talking with want to see psychic tricks. We need to transfer her to him.”

At Ash’s Center, Cinderace had some harsh words for a fast-walking Lucario:

“<Way to go, you snitch.>”

“<Snitch? Me? Maybe, but not a borderline traitor.>”

“<Ash is exaggerating. And so are you. We’re just helping… Hey, I am talking to you. Don’t walk away.>”

“<Don’t care. I have a mess to fix. Force Palm.>”

And Cinderace was left on the floor, immobilized a bit from the sudden attack, more from the out-of-proportion reaction from Lucario.

What’s going on?

 It was a new experience for Meowth. A meal in family, a real family, with a little girl talking, laughing, eating, finding out how the world works, all at the same time. The parents. Their pokemons. All around the kitchen island, the gentle morning light filling the ambient through the large French windows. A scene he thought one could only see on margarine ads, but was there, he was inside it, feeling it. He could not describe what exactly was going on in his chest, throat, and eyes experiencing that, but was too good.

“Meowth” asked Tracey “can you bring your and Psyduck dishes? I will take Kai to kindergarten, Misty will open the Gym, and after that…”

“Birdie.”

Everyone looked to where Kay was pointing. There was a Pidgey perched on a fence.

“Yes, Kai, look” pointed Tracey “It’s a Pidgey”

The family stood there watching, smiling, as another Pidgey joined the first. And a Staravia. And, on a tree nearby, were those some Fletchingers? The adults exchanged puzzled looks.

“I’ll see what’s going on.” Said Meowth, opening the glass-paneled door and stepping out, to talk with the flying pokemon “Hey, guys, what’s the mattah?”

Their eyes focused on Meowth, as deadly laser sights; a series of screeching sounds and menacing wings darted toward the feline pokemon. His word seemed to freeze for a fraction of seconds, as more and more of his vision was filled with angry eyes, beaks, and feathers. He could feel the wind from their movement getting closer and closer. Aiming to hurt. Or worse.

In the middle of the panic from the imminent attack, his brain barely registered a human hand on his arm, pulling him inside and closing the French window, as a flurry of talons and feathers hit, scratched, and cracked the glass panels.

The eyes of all the humans and pokemon inside that house got as big as saucers, Tracey still holding Meowth’s arm. Misty hugged their daughter, trying to shield her. Slowly the flying pokemon settled down, still eyeing the feline.

“What is happening?” Misty asked.

Meowth couldn’t answer, trembling in terror, as Tracey went to the other side of the house. The feline finally managed to give two steps inside the house. The flying pokemon outside followed his movement with stern eyes. He whispered to Psyduck

“I can’t think of a greater reason for a headache, bonehead.”

The yellow one just tilted his head, trying to process what was happening, what was putting his family at risk.

Tracey returned to the kitchen, whispering to Misty:

“I don’t know what it is, but is centered in this room.” Both adult humans and Psyduck gave Meowth a questioning look. He let his arms slap his own sides, admitting defeat.

“I don’t blame ya, I’d look at myself, If ah could. I don’t know what’s goin’ on, either.’

“Anyway”, continued Tracey “we can probably get to the car and take Kai to a safer place.” He thought for a while, grabbed Meowth, and approached him to the French window. The bird-like pokemon on the other side went crazy. Feathers flying. High-pitched sounds.

“Yeah…” said Meowth “we need to woik on what that ‘we’ means”

Misty took a step forward, reaching for her pokeballs, and turned to Tracey:

“Honey, take Kai out of here. I, Meowth and Psyduck will hold the fort”

“I know you’re the only Gym Leader of the family, but take care” and blow her a kiss, while taking their crying daughter out of the room to the safety of the car.

Meowth took a step forward, unsheathing his claws, just to feel Misty’s hand on his shoulder.

“We better attract them inside. Less space to fly.”

“They’ll trash your house…” answered the pokemon.

A loud sound of glass shattering filled the ambient. The head of a Fearow invaded the room. Screeching. His long neck searching for the feline, the beak menacingly looking for a victim.

“That’s beyond the point now, Meowth.” Misty said, throwing her pokeballs. “Azumaril, Golisopod, go!”

The kitchen was soon filled with a massive form full of sharp edges. An absurd contrast with the round form of a smaller, blue pokemon.

“Golisopod, shield us! Azumaril, Water gun!” Shouted the Gym Leader.

The massive pokemon opened his claws towering over every being inside, while Azumaril water jet kept the most daring birds away.

“Anuda’ feather gets inside, I’ll Fury Swipe…”

“No!” Demanded Misty “Stay hidden, Meowth, don’t excite them. Psyduck, cover him!”

“Psy”

“I got a better idea, Beaky” said Meowth “Can you try and see if they’re being controlled? And by whom?”

“<A bold task, feline companion, but I can try>”

Suddenly, all the bird pokemon left the view field of the damaged french window.

Misty and the four pokemon saw only the grass and sky, with one or another lost feather dancing in the wind.

“<That was easy.>” gloated Azumaril, whipping water from his mouth.

Then it became dark.

A large pokemon blocked the Sun.

“<Not… quite.>” answered Psyduck, as a massive Skarmory descended upon them.

Faster.

And faster.

“Goli, use Psych U- ” Misty’s order got cut out by a deafening sound.

Door frame, wood, glass crumbling.

As part of the house structure.

Skarmory screeching

His body clashing with Golisopod’s.

The water pokemon grunting in pain.

His feet sliding back, destroying the floor covering in the process.

Powerful metallic wings agitating, taking off for a new attack.

Leaving a huge hole in the wall.

Soon filled with dozens of menacing wings and beaks.

Staravias.

Talonflames.

Fletchinders

A Braviary was approaching fast.

“On second thought, Meowth” said Misty “We can use a Fury Swipe or two. Guys….” She looked at her pokemon. “Unless I order otherwise, just give them hell! Fire at will!”

And may Arceus protect us, she added mentally.

Pure primal instinct took over.

Bursts of fire, water, energy crisscrossed the small space. Talons, claws, feathers. Misty orders were limited to “watch the right!” and “Attack”, some lost on the cacophony of pokemon sounds. In the middle of chaos, she managed to arm herself with heavy pans, swinging at anything flying around.

A stronger Razor Shell attack shook the house, sending three, four attackers away.

While we have Golisopod we may have a chance, thought Misty.

Single Golisopod.

Weak against flying attacks Golisopod.

The one that was just hit by a Braviary Aerial Ace attack.

And bent one knee.

A Peck Attack from Braviary.

Misty shouted “Psych Up, Golisopod!”

Trembling.

Another Peck.

Golisopod fainted.

And Braviary retreated a step, his face now sporting Fury Swipes marks, a Tic Tac Toe board of pain.

“Want… anotha, Big Guy?” Meowth stood defiantly in front of one of the pokemon wanting his head, a flying-type that can easily lift up a car.

Not his smartest moment.

He felt someone at his side. Misty, branding a knife at Braviary.

Not her smartest moment either, thought Meowth.

“Psy!”

The brightest of the lights took over the ambient. A high screech left Braviary’s beak. He gave two steps back.

Tried to fly away, just to fall, knocked out, in Misty’s backyard.

The closest flying offenders also got knocked out with the flash; others flew away. Misty and Meowth could barely keep their eyes open, but, at the origin of the pulse of light, were now standing

“G-gol…duck…”

And the newly evolved pokemon fainted after attacking with all his new strength and power.

After taking quick care of her pokemon, Misty took a deep breath, looking at her kitchen, now a mess of feathers and knocked out pokemon. At a corner, Meowth gave the former Psyduck some water:

“< Right, Einstein brain, talk to me.>”

“< Psychic… power. Hypnotized… all…>” answered Golduck, still out of breath “<too strong, too…>’

“< Shhhh, it’s fine. Rest, I’ll…>”

One of Golduck’s arms left his aching head and pointed in a direction.

“< Origin… that way. Very… distant, very…>”

Meowth shivered at what could lie behind the wall.

Northwest.  Roughly from where he came. Was Golduck pointing to Giovanni’s manor? James’ parents’ estate?

… or Pallet City?

Chapter Text

KANGASKHAN

Officer Jenny of Cerulean took another photo of the destroyed wall, before returning to question the family:

“Strong Braviary, to do such damage”

“Yes” answered Misty “He seemed to be very disorientated, as we told Nurse Joy. Hopefully he heals up fast. Here” she showed the policewoman a paper. “My husband made a sketch of the moment.”

Jenny looked at the paper, dominated by a huge Braviary with debris flying everywhere, just to compare it with the pristine kitchen beyond the damage.

“It’s a pity you cleaned everything already,” she said “we could have found a clue”

Misty reminds the effort she, Tracey, and the water pokemon took to erase any evidence contrary to the story they made up.

“Should we have treated it as a crime scene, officer?”

“No, of course not. Still, it could help.”

“I have a small kid. Could not have left broken glass everywhere.”

“And you’re right, Misty. Safety first. I am glad everyone’s fine.” Jenny thought a bit. She does not know why her cousin in Pallet insisted on that point, but jennies help themselves. She added:

“Including the talking Meowth?”

“Yes, he is fine” dismissed quickly Misty “Sorry, Officer Jenny, I still need to inform the mayor and the League Officials the Gym will be closed until I fix this mess”

“Of course, Misty. And where will you stay?”

“In Celadon. I’ll use this couple of days to talk business with the Gym Leader there.”

“I see. Have a nice day. Drive safely.”  She said, tipping her hat and starting up her motorcycle. Even not understanding why, that was something she would report to her cousin in Pallet Town after her morning patrol.

As she drove away, Meowth left his hide-out. Misty sighed:

“In the end, she did not ask for your custody, Meowth.”

“You should haf let me run away, Misty.”

“No way. Now I want you to go to the end of your investigation to learn who should I bill for the damage.”

Meowth smiled and pointed at his new neck accessory, the arms of a scared girl.

“Oh,” said Misty “Kai, mommy will just call two people and be with you, ok?”

“I’m scawed. I want Saducky”

“Kai, I already explained the evolution of pokemon…”

Meowth raised a paw.

“Leave to me, Misty. Kai, gal, let’s ask Golduck things only you and Psyduck know, dis will show it’s him, right?”

She nodded.

“Wat do ya wanna ask foirst? How about your favorite Ice-cream??”

“The dress he likes more.” She answered, calmer and looking forward to the activity. Meowth chuckled.

As pokemon and kid went to the next room, Tracey appeared with a small pink suitcase, along with a normal, adult-sized one.

“All pokemon accounted for, the employees are calling the students to cancel their next classes, and I packed us up.” And, after an awkward pause “We still can…”

“They put our daughter’s life in danger. I will not let this slide.”

“No, Misty, hunny lopbunny, I agree, but… do you know who are these ‘they’?”

She would reply, but let her arms grab the still-damp table, sustaining her tired torso.

“Hey, it’s ok. We made vows, remember?” Said Tracey, gently lifting her chin. Misty chuckled

“In crazy, dangerous conspiracies and… what’s the opposite of that?”

Tracy answered with a kiss.

Goh was worried. Ash didn’t leave his office since last afternoon. He stood there until past midnight, and the tanned man felt when the former monarch sneaked out of bed, two hours later.

Goh tried to break the wall of silence during breakfast. Received a word for answer:

“Trial”

“No, Ash, you are not like that due to the trial. Tell me the truth.”

“There’s nothing to tell. Trial.”

Goh’s blue eyes tried to reach Ash’s soul.

“I… Meowth is missing!”

Goh moved his head, expecting the other to go on. That was not reasoning enough. Was it?

“I…I…know Jessie and James for, what, two decades? Maybe, maybe I am feeling bad.”

“Hm, that’s more like it.” Goh smiled “You worry too much about the others, love. I know” he let a pokeball grow on his hand “how about a battle to de-stress?”

“Busy” answered Ash, getting out of the table. “We talk later.”

Goh stood there, his mouth open. Ash, saying no to a battle?

As he was left alone in the small apartment, He let his tall pokemon out of the ball.

“What’s going on, Cinderace? Lately, he is very…” only then he noticed his companion looking for a wall to lean on, eyes dropped.

 “Never mind, Cinderace, what’s wrong with you?”

Cinderace wanted to tell. Somehow, Goh needs to know about everything. The book, Gary,… Meowth... but Lucario’s psychic attack last …night was… was…

Cinderace made a gesture for the pokeball. For now, he only needed to sleep. A lot.

The blade touched the exposed neck and immediately started its travel, crossing the tender skin.

Line after line it cropped the white foam exposing more and more of a sad face. Putting the razor down, James went for the aftershave. He chuckled. After years of using “the cheapest” or “any free sample”, over the sink counter now there was a moisturizer, skin cleaner, pre-shaver, aftershave, and after-aftershave. At least, they left James alone in his bathroom.

It was a fight, but James managed to dismiss the services of a pro-barber. The fewer people talking to him, the better. He looked at his reflection in the large mirror. With only a pair of silk black boxers on – and the electronic device on his ankle -he shivered thinking of the fate waiting for him later that night with Jessebelle. Without a choice, he dragged himself from the bathroom to the adjacent walk-in closet, where Hopkins was waiting with his wedding suit.

The car was packed. Tracey behind the wheel, Misty at his side, Kai on a special chair behind flanked by Golduck and Meowth.

“So, here’s the plan again. We’ll spend two nights at this Hotel in Celadon City.” Said Tracey. “While our house is fixed, Misty will use the time for a meeting with the gym leader there.” he looked back, waiting for two pokemon and a small human to nod. “If everything goes well, you’ll lose just one day of school, Kai.”

With that, they left.

Once they got to the short road connecting both cities, Misty started shuffling some papers

“Let’s see if I have your story in chronological order, Meowth:

Giovanni of Team Rocket built a powerful network of business and politicians exchanging favors between them.

Gary Oak and Todd Snap have some sort of connection.

Todd writes a book exposing the corruption of Giovanni but leaves some names out.

Gary knew about who was in and out of the book before it was published.

Book causes a lot of prisons

Gary creates a political party that welcomes some of those spared and can grow to fill the space caused by the prisons.

But Jessie, James, and Meowth know some were spared on purpose.

 Meowth is trying to find out why these were spared, and trade this info for the liberty of Jessie and James.

James is trying to do the same by marrying Jessebelle, poor sap. Now someone knows about Meowth’s plans.

Todd Snap was killed so he could not reveal more.

 Meowth is now wanted by the police and this someone.

To shut him up, they – who? –  attacked my house.”

She added a page with a doodle from her daughter, smiling “Psyduck evolved to Golduck and Kai had blueberry pancake at school. Sums it up?”

“Ah guess so…” said the pokemon, keeping a thing or two for himself, until he could make sense out of it “Gary. Dat’s a name for dat kueeh bono of ya.”

Misty chuckled “Cui Bono, Meowth. But, yes, we should talk with Gary.”

Tracey sighed “You really want to contact him? That would expose us.”

“Hun, if he has something to do with all that, he destroyed our kitchen wall. We’re in it and he knows it.”

Near lunchtime, Ash finally left his office, and went to Goh:

“Amazing the difference a phone call does. You are right, Goh, I need to de-stress. I am thinking about accepting to go to the University of Galar for that lecture.”

“Are you sure? You seem to be too tired…” answered Goh, half happy, half puzzled. What could have changed the mood of his boyfriend in such a short time?

“Eh, I will just stretch my TeddiursaTalk from last year.” Replied Ash, finishing the phrase with a peck on the other’s forehead. “Plus, it’s the right time to speak about Pokemons’ rights.”

“Hm, anything that makes you smile again.”

Elsewhere, a busy member of staff finally located Gary Oak, on a forgotten corner of that convention center. Gary noticed him and waved, finishing the talk.

“Right, grampa. I own you one. Yes, yes. This weekend, yes. Bye”

The staff guy sighed. Important businesspeople, the press, and politicians waiting, and he talks with his grandfather?

“Excuse me, Mr. Gary, the Senator and others wait for you at the table.”

“Ah, yes, thank you, just getting a couple of things sent.”

The makeup girl chuckled. Modern brides… they don’t leave their phones and social media even minutes before signing the papers. Finally, Jessebelle sat at again on the chair, this time with a larger smile.

“… and, like so, a nuisance is dealt with. Do you know what’s better than being a bride?”

“Ah.” Started the makeup artist “such an important moment t-“

“Cut the speech,” said Jessebelle, laughing “it’s being a bride with everything!”

The other woman just smiled. Another one of these brides…

Back at Cerulean Gym, the pokeball transport machine was activated.

Two employees talked.

“What is that?”

“Old Professor Oak sent us a Kangaskhan, asking for temporary shelter.”

“Didn’t he read the message we sent earlier?”

“You know old folk. They forget.”

Both laughed

“Well, send the pokemon back, with the message ‘unfortunately we’re under renovation, closed for the next days, blah, blah’.”

“No prob, I know the drill.”

And so, the Kangaskhan was sent back.

With a lighter and emptier pouch.

(warning. adult situation)

the sun had barely set on the horizon, but for the couple inside the room, it didn't matter.

After waiting 10 minutes laying on her side, to help the darn “tadpoles” to do their job, Jessiebelle ran out of patience. She got up, tied her peignoir violently, sat in the luxurious armchair in the other corner of the room, lighted up a cigarette, and looked in disgust at the naked male in her bed. After inhaling a couple of times, she went

“I did not expect much from you, but that was pathetic.”

James, arms crossed, head to the side, staring intensely at the nearest wall, feeling both wrath and… nothing. He was like that part of the wall. Empty. Bland. Soulless. She kept going:

“Try to be more than a breathing dildo, will you? On second thought, scratch that. My dildos are ten times better.”

“Good. Use them from now on.”

“Oh, I would, believe me” she crushed the cigarette on the ashtray and marched to the bed, grabbing James’ privates. He gasped in pain “Unfortunately, dildos don’t come with your aristocratic baby batter. No James milk, no bun in the oven, no full inheritance. It’s that simple.” She gave his sex two violent tugs “So, get this thing ready and fill me again.”

Tracey rubbed his eyes, tired to look at the motionless images on the small screen. It did not help he was looking at the comfy hotel bed where he and his family were supposed to be sleeping, instead, Misty and Kai were at the local gym leader and him, at an undisclosed warehouse. Finally, he spoke:

“You’re wrong, Meowth. We left undetected, but No one invaded our room.”

Meowth was with his eyes closed, head moving up, sniffing the air.

“Hm-hum.”

“Officer Jenny went to check our gym this afternoon, but that was expected. Maybe they lost interest.”

“Dat… or they are smoiter.” Said Meowth, raising an eyebrow.”

“Well, now what? We follow the plan?” asked the human

“Foist, I’ll toin on the fireplace.” He stated, doing so.

“Huh? Why? We don’t have time for it. I need to drive you to Galar before sunrise”

“Yeah, yeah, but you’re tired, Twoicey. I will drive us dere.”

The human chuckled

“No offense, but you know it’s a crime to let a pokemon drive on the road, right?”

“Road?” Meowth turned on all the lights in the warehouse, revealing a huge mass of earth-colored nylon in a corner, being slowly inflated by the hot air. “Where we’re goin’ we dontha need roads.”

Chapter Text

DITTO

“Ah was right” said Meowth, as the balloon slowly gained form “Da po-po has their hands full with the Team’s pokemons, offices, computahs. Checking old warehouses is not poiahrity. We must have another two or three of these in other regions.”

“Lucky me.” Deadpanned Tracey, visibly uncomfortable looking at the small basket he was fated to travel in.

“Now, planning.” Tracey was not sure why Meowth was suddenly speaking louder “We can’t just ask Gary if he muidered Todd. Or know who did him in.”

“You tell me. It took all my creativity to convince that magazine that they needed sketches of a political convention” Tracey said, going through his just-printed press documents

“You woiked with the po-po. You know how to interview.”

“They can pull up a badge, Meowth. I can’t.”

“Aw, just use your charm. It woiked with Misty, right?

“Misty was not a mafia boss, either”

“Pheh, you’ll coiss dat bridge when you get there.”

“You seem awfully calm for the situation.”

“Unlike you, I did woik for a mafia boss.” And, raising his voice again “And I got more friends than I imagined.”

“What do you propose, Meowth? For me to use an earpiece so you can dictate to me what to say?”

“Don’t be silly, these never woik on movies. Listen, once we get there,…”

Meanwhile, back at Pallet

There were only three beings in that private office at the new Sanctuary, each one with their own set of emotions.

Leaf wanted to be just happy, but was a bit worried about the humor fluctuations of her boss. Yesterday he was worried, nervous. Now, he looks like a child getting their first pokemon, happy and excited. She could not wait for everything to be over – the Sanctuary/School 100% up and running, the trial over, …  She then will demand Ash take some vacations.

Luckily she was one of the three only voices Ash listen to. Goh is another one, of course. And the third one was perched on a chair in the office with them.

If Leaf was happy but a bit worried, Pikachu’s face showed 100% concern about Ash. The way he got the info about Meowth the day before.  It was so… so… so not Ash. No. More than that. Anti-Ash. He remembered what happened after the rude questioning.

He asked Ash some questions of his own.

Or tried

“…Pika-pi…?”

The day before, Ash ignored his pokemon, his head hanging low, full of negative feelings.

“Pika-pi.”

“Not now, Pikachu!”

“Pika-pi!!”

Ash mumbled something like ‘one day you’ll understand’ and left, tears sullying his face.

That’s why Pikachu could not believe Ash being so happy 24 hours later. Talking fast, gesturing. Surely a human with a plan.

Ash and Leaf went through some PowerPoint, part of his several lectures.

“Set apart what I have about the app, Leaf. It’s time to talk about it again.”

“Are you sure, Ash?”

“More than ever. In fact, I want to write an article about it. Leaf, contact the Times after we’re done here.”

“Right… would not be better not to stir…”

“No. It’s the right time. The app was nothing, a screen split into white and red? Pheh. Even the tutorial we put on, showing trainers to teach their Pokemon to press red for ‘no’ and white for ‘yes’ is not a big deal.”

Ash was walking fast in circles in the office.

“That was the beginning. It’s time pokemon do something with their opinion. Make them choose trainers, too. Choose to be free, if they want it. Choose to buy and own things.”

He paused, petting Pikachu.

“Maybe voting, what do you think, buddy?”

Pikachu could not have a better family. His desires were to have fun battling now and then and grow older along with Ash. But he knows it is not the same for all pokemon. Maybe Ash was right and those things are needed.

“Increasing the safety of Pokemon was” Ash dead stopped his phrase “a stroke of luck happening. Now is the time to push forward.”

Pikachu’s heart skipped a beat. What did Meowth say when they brought it to the sanctuary? “He gave Todd the dough for the research, didn’t he?”

He shook his head. That Team Rocket pokemon, even away, was poisoning his mind.

Celadon City

Jessie was sure those clothes were a choice of her attorney – blouse and trousers of a good brand. Simple, elegant, and practical as they hide her ankle device… and in shades of gray. The other woman kept talking while they exit the jail.

“I’ll take you to the hotel room you’ll stay until the end of the trail. Here.” She gave Jessie a card “some money for daily expenses. Remember, no contact with ex-team members, no talking to reporters, preferably no leaving the city…”

“Are you sure I am out of prison, Raissa?”

The woman did not seem to listen:

“And here’s a cellphone with my number in it, and a food delivery app. You will not need any other contact. Tomorrow we’ll continue the practice for your statement court. Avoid…”

After all the talk, Jessie waited patiently in her hotel room. It was a simple one, those for salespersons/managers on business trips. No frills, no luxuries, but with a bathroom. A huge step compared to prison. Raissa Phire, attorney, left about one hour and ten minutes ago. Finally, she could get the money the other inmates helped her smuggle out of prison. Next time, she scolded herself, massaging her foot, she would divide the notes equally on both shoes.

Untraceable money to get a new – equally anonymous – phone. Jessie looked at the mirror and smiled.

“Despite my looks, I was not born yesterday, miss attorney.”

Now, to make some calls.

With the balloon full, Meowth stepped away

“I’m going to da male pokemon room, and I suggest you do the same, Twaicey. We can’t land on gas stations, ya know.”

When he was out of sight of the human, Meowth reverted to pokemon language:

“< Well? You made sure I’d notice you. Show yourself.>”

The other pokemon let his camouflage drop slowly, revealing

“Leon. Inte Leon.”

“< I have questions, Inteleon’s Name>”

“< So do I. But I am not going to be a full double agent as long as Lucario’s Name menaces to fry my brain.>”

“<But was it Ash who asked you to…?>”

“<How did you do it?>” Inteleon both cut quick Meowth's question and denied him any information.

“< Uh?>”

“<Bathroom in a balloon. How did you do it?>”

“<We landed for Jessie but, if James or I were bursting for number one, we just…>”

“<Well, don’t. I’ll be hanging on the basket.>” And, with that, Inteleon got invisible again, cutting the talk short.

For a moment, Meowth thought about Fury Swiping the space in front of him until hitting the other pokemon, but thought better. He was not in the position of losing allies… even a not-sure-if ally. And now, he got other priorities.

“Hey, Twaicey, is your tank empty already? Gotta move!”

After Jessie sent a written message to James, he messaged back a string of numbers and the letters NPP. Or, in other words, the phone of

“Nanny. Pop-pop. It’s Jessie. James gave me your… Yes, Jessie. No, no, not his girlfriend, his partner. No, no, it’s not ‘what we kids call it nowadays’. We work… used to work… just tell me how I can help.”

After learning the situation, Jessie rushed to her hotel room to try and draw some schematics.

James: in his parents’ estate. Can’t move, can’t talk

Me: in Celadon City, technically not forbade to leave the city (just recommended so) can’t talk to James or Meowth, nor anyone connected with the case.

Meowth: ? Searching, don’t know where.

 

How can she act in this scenario?

Luckily, she was in Celadon City. Where Team Rocket had a warehouse hopefully the police does not know about

After an uneventful flight – other than Tracey holding the basket for his dear life with every stronger gush of wind and Meowth menacing to sing ’99 bottles of Pinap juice in the wall’ – the visible duo and their invisible passenger arrived safely at their destination. And, after a short cab ride, they got to the convention center hosting the event.

Tracey sighed. Meowth lost no time “sneaking in”, as the human found himself alone.

He went to the front desk, showed his press ID, and got the permit pass on a lanyard, and the customary barrage of pamphlets.

“You’re almost late” informed the lady passing him all the material. “The morning talks and the fundraising lunch are over, but the main figures of the PokeParty are still available for interviews”

“Thanks. Where I can find Gary Oak?”

“Meeting Room D, upstairs, to the right”

On his way, Tracey decided to stop at the snack table. He needed to settle his stomach down.

Meowth smiled. One of the disadvantages of being the dominant species is that everything is built to your scale. If it’s good for a regular human to use, it’s enough. This gives smaller pokemon like him tons of ways to get into places unnoticed. The downside is that he was either alone or Inteleon was making himself really indetectable.

But for now, to follow his intuition again. A Political Party based on Pokemon rights would not let them inside pokeballs.

He was right about that. Through the convention area, pokemon roamed free. It would be just a case of asking about Gary, snook in his room, and trying and find anything useful.

“< Are you looking for us?>”

Meowth turned to face Gary’s Umbreon. Staring at him with a perfect poker face.

“< You have quite a reputation, Meowth of Team Rocket.>”

The invading pokemon tried to smile

“< Heh… I guess I do. Nice hootnanny you got here.>”

Umbreon made a gesture Meowth was not sure if showing his neck or the international symbol of beheading.

“< You’re lacking a pass.>”

“< Oh, I think I forgot it in the car.>”

“< If it’s so, get it or get out. We don’t want trouble.>” with that, Umbreon turned around and walked away.

Meowth nodded and pretended to also walk away.  But noticed Umbreon standing guard in front of a door and, minutes later, the round figure of Senator Hyacinth opened the door and left the room behind it. Umbreon followed the man.

“Don’t want trouble, uh? Umbreon, I’m poiparing decades for it.” He said, before trying and sneaking into the room.

It was dark, was the first thing he noticed. Then, thanks to his cat-like eyes, the fact he was not alone. In fact…

“Gary?”

Meanwhile, feeling more ready to face Gary, Tracey was about to look for that Meeting Room, when he felt a hand on his arm.

“Excuse me, you’re the reporter from Kanto, right?” Said one of the staff ladies. Tracey just nodded, to which she kept going “Great. Come meet our candidate for the Vermilion Council.”

“I… thank you, but no, t…” he tried to excuse himself.

“Just two minutes. It’ll be very important to us.”

Tracey thought to deny it would make him suspicious. And he could make that quick.

Gary Oak turned on the lights, sending Meowth a wave of fear. At any moment Umbreon or another of Gary’s pokemon could attack him. Unsheathing his claws, he tried to get ready for whatever Gary could throw at him.

“Hello, Sub-secretary of Pokemon…”

Anything but that. Gary smiled and continued:

“If the Pokeparty is about more rights to pokemon, who better than you, Meowth, to build this bridge between humans and pokemon? How about making history as the first of your kind to be part of a government?”

“I… huh?”

Gary kneed next to Meowth and passed an arm over his shoulders.

“Picture it. The poor pokemon that was abandoned in his childhood. Learned to talk by sheer willpower. Was exploited by a human gang. Now, a better being, does not want any pokemon to suffer what he did.”

“I was noiver exploited…”

“Oh, you were. We’ll tell the press how you purposely sabotaged Team Rocket all those years to give innocent pokemon a chance. Be a hero for your kind, Meowth.”

“Dat never happened.”

Gary was modulating his voice, talking ion an energetic tone to a sweeter one, slower and faster, to evolve Meowth on an almost hypnotic trance.

“Does that matter? Think about little kids and hatchlings learning your name, and everything you did for a more united world…”

“How about Jessie and James?”

“Come, Meowth. Helping all pokemon or two criminals?”

“I think dere’s biggah criminals in dis game.”

“You’re not seeing what we accomplished already. A world with less pouching. Less illegal hunting. A safer environment for pokemons.”

“Who’s dat ‘we’, Gary?”

“I, my inner party, Ash, … you. You can be together with the big boys. You can make a difference.”

“… and Todd Snap? Was part of it?”

“We’re talking about you. The most important pokemon on modern…”

“Do ya know about Todd?”

“I have nothing to do with it.”

“You’re soire quick to deny it.”

Gary Oak stood up and got two pokeballs.

“Now picture this, Meowth. In every newspaper tomorrow” Gary let out a Ditto, that promptly morphed into a Meowth “‘Rogue Meowth attacks President of pro-pokemon party. The villainous creature is connected with Team Rocket. Such a despicable act will hurt both talks of more rights to pokemon and Rocket’s trial’.”

“You wouldn’t dare…”

He released Blastoise from the other pokeball.

“There’s more: ‘the criminal Meowth was detained by valorous Gary pokemon’. I am giving you everything, Meowth… or taking away what you have. What’s going to be?”

Chapter Text

BLASTOISE

“You were a pokemon of the streets, Meowth. And, by the bits and ends I remember talking with Ash, you did not have it easy under Team Rocket, too. As a Sub-Ssecretary, you would have your own apartment, a decent salary, maybe your own personal assistant. Human or pokemon, you choose.”

Meowth’s eyes darted from Gary to Blastoise.

The first went to a cabinet, took a bottle out of a mini-fridge before setting apart two tall, elegant wine glasses.

The second pointed his water cannons at him.

“So, can I open this champagne to celebrate our partnership, Meowth?” Asked Gary

“< Nothing personal, little one. I just follow orders. You understand, right?>” Asked Blastoise.

The feline pokemon tried to gain time.

“And… what is de catch, Gary?”

“Catch? Catch? No one. You would be part of a cause that can benefit the whole world. We all would build something great. Of course, no one would be against it, right?”

“You wanna my silence.”

“No, I want your voice. With me, with the pokemon of all places.” Gary offered Meowth an empty glass. “Including, you know, a group of street Meowths from Hollywood” He positioned his thumb on the bottle cork, ready to pop it open.

Blastoise moved his cannons, locking the aim on the shorter pokemon.

“Well?” Gary’s question was short but contained the world. Jessie. James. Friendship. Betrayal. Power. Legacy. Meowzie…?

He just needed to decide while under the aim of one of the highest-ranked Blastoises in the world.

What could he do?

“Often, yes. With Jessie and Meowth.”

“Wrong!”

“Eeeeeh!”

The large dining room showed a clear imbalance of forces. The richly carved and waxed oak table received a slap from one attorney on a group of six people, including a psychologist and an actor.

The other side was reserved for a now scared James.

“Mister James” began one of the other attorneys. “Let’s review: we’re looking to select a jury with few to no attachment to pokemons. Still, some fanatics for those critters will be there. So, avoid mentioning them. Second, you’re the naive boy with no world experience, probably a survivor of Stockholm Syndrome. ‘Jessie’ is a friend. ‘Miss Jessica’ is the woman that controlled you through fear. And finally…”

“… just answer what is asked me.” Mumbled James.

“Good. Try the question again. Have you ever met Giovanni?”

“Not alone”

“With your partner in crime?”

“With… Miss Jessic…Is there a way to answer those questions without throwing Jessie under the Snorlax?”

“Mister James. We assure you Miss Jessica is aware of our strategy and is being trained accordingly.”

“I just wanted to talk to her now that she is out of prison.”

“And if you both want it to continue like so, talking to each other is out of question.”

“Capital…” said James, lowering his eyes.

“Look,” said an attorney “Mister James, if you’re tired, we can give you a script to study and we’ll continue your training tomorrow morning.”

James’ heart jumped in his chest. No training meant Jessebelle could want to use the time to… no, anything to avoid being in the same room with that monster.

“I’m fine! Let’s go through it again”

“Very well. Have you ever met Giovanni?”

“No, no.” Waved his hands James “From the beginning. ‘State your name and occupation.’ James Flavum von Gul Montjaune sounds like the aristocracy everyone dislikes, so I’ll answer ‘James Montjaune, unemployed’. ‘Former occupation?’ ‘Co-opted by Team Rocket’.” He gestured for the attorneys to go on. One of them nodded.

“Isn’t that true…”

Meowth suddenly chuckled

“Lemme get it right. I coulda save da habitat of savage pokemon.”

“That’s an integral part of our platform, Meowth.”

“To protect the world from devastation,” he said to himself and added, louder “And the Pokeparty would help pokemon and humans.”

Gary nodded.

“To unite all people within our nation. All I need to do is foiget Jessie and James and, who knows? I could have even Meowzie.”

“Don’t think I am rude, Meowth, but I want to take advantage of all the reporters and donors around and announce you within the hour.”

“To denounce the evils of truth and love. Soire. It would make ya da main political talk of every region.”

“Your answer?”

“To extend our reach to the stars above. I just need anudda answer, Gary…”

The police station of Pallet reflected the size of the city. The few private offices offer space for a small table, two chairs, and either a third chair or a file cabinet. Either way, it’s cramped. And for both police officers there, seemed even more.

Officer Jenny’s boss sighed.

“Jenny…  did you use resources and time from the department to track a pokemon?”

“Listen, boss, the house that sheltered this pokemon was attacked by…”

“Stop. Let's review the first lesson of a police cadet. The five questions of a crime. Who?”

“I am not sure, but… circumstances seem to point to… Ash Ketchum and Goh Walker.” She said, adding: “maybe”

“Fine. What?”

“Something linked to Team Rocket.”

“Right. Why?”

“Gottfredson & Hirschi teach us there are three reasons for a crime: money, sex, and revenge. Ash has the first two, and motives for the third.”

“Hm-hum. How?”

“Through the Muk and Wobbufett on this very station, and maybe other pokemon, perhaps spying on James…”

“Evidence, Jenny?”

“You skipped the ‘when’. That one I know.”

“Evidence…?” He repeated

“The attack on our vehicle patio, and the fact Goh was...”

“Jenny...” he pressed.

“No solid evidence, boss, but...”

“So... you think Ash and Goh maybe did something with some pokemon because, you guess, a revenge.”

“Yes, no, look, boss, if I could...”

“Answer me this: after decades fighting, why now that the Rocket is no more?”

Jenny opened her mouth… and closed it, without finding anything to say.

“Do you have a case, Jenny?”

“You can't deny a Muk attacked our...”

“Officer Jenny! Do. You. Have. A case?”

“No, Sir.” She gave in

“What’s our present main mission?”

“Help the Global Police solve the murder of Todd Snap.”

“Nothing to do with Wobbuffets?”

“No, of course not, this is another situation, and if I could…” his look cut her talk “no, sir.”

“So… do you want us to take the cost of looking for that pokemon out of your paycheck in two or four installments?”

Jenny left the office absolutely defeated. And determined to get to the bottom of this mystery. Ash. Goh, and/or Meowth are hiding something.

Since the boss is mad at her, what better time to take that long overdue week off? She walked back in.

“Ask away, Meowth. But decide fast.” Said Gary.

“Do you think I’m a moion?”

Gary’s finger moved away from the champagne cork, but the human said nothing. Meowth kept going

“To offer me all dat, you have a lot of Duskulls in da closet, and I have de key to open it.”

“I am sorry to hear it.” Gary said.

And nodded to Blastoise.

Meowth clenched his teeth and, with all his courage, kept one eye open to watch the powerful blast of water.

It came from behind him and hit Blastoise’s eye.

The second blast broke the champagne bottle, causing Gary to panic.

Finally, the third blast knocked out the Ditto.

Everything happened in less than two seconds. Meowth turned his head, to see a familiar blue pokemon appearing out of thin air

“< Leave the Champagne, capture the Ditto.>” Ordered Inteleon.

Meowth rushed to grab one of Gary’s pokeballs and touch the changing pokemon with it.

“Blasto…” Gary could not finish his command, as another strong stream of water hit him between his legs. Inteleon pointed his fingers straight at Blastoise.

Who was immobile.

“< Get out of here, Meowth’s Name!>”

“< One day…>” the powerful voice of Blastoise began.

“Yeah, yeah, one day you’ll get me, dere’s a line for that.” Mocked Meowth, opening the door.

“< No, one day, you’ll watch your kid get out of the egg. You’ll look at that small Meowth in the eyes and know you could have made a better world for him or her. But choose not to.>”

Somehow, that hurt Meowth more than any shot from Blastoise’s Cannon.

But Meowth and Inteleon managed to run away.

“We have to find Twaicey!” asked Meowth, almost out of breath. “Before-”

But a powerful flash attack knocked both down. Blinking a lot and rapidly to try and see something, it slowly came to focus on Meowth’s vision the dark silhouette of

“U-umbreon?”

“< I see someone didn’t follow my advice.>” He said, giving a menacing step forward.

Misty returned to their hotel room amazed. After spending the morning at the Game Corner, eating nothing but juice and sandwiches, and walking around the city’s famous department Store, her daughter still had the energy to play and jump around.

Misty opened the most tiresome smile, dropped the shopping bags and her shoes before walking four steps inside the room and checked her phone. No message from Tracey yet.

“Kai, play with Golduck for five minutes, Mommy needs to check something.”

“Yes, Mommy. Godoocky, what’s a fi vemin nut?”

“…Gool…”

Misty let the duo to their antics and checked her search. Yes, only three prisons in Kanto and one of those did not accept inmates waiting for trial.  And the others, one was located there, in Celadon. 50% of chance, but why only the boys could play detective? She called the number.

“< Wait… >” Meowth reverted to pokemon language “<you don’t want a fight ruining Gary’s meet-and-greet, right?>”

Meanwhile, Inteleon was searching for a way to hit Umbreon without drawing attention.

“< As I see it, I am just protecting the event from two trespassers with ill intent. Understandable.>” said Umbreon.

“<The longer we wait, the more chances of Gary catching us>” whispered Inteleon “<I’ll try…>”

“< These big ears are not for show only, you know>” said Umbreon “<I don’t care if Gary finds you awaken or knocked out. And, on the subject…”> Umbreon raised his voice “<Try this! Shaaaadow...>”

Dark energy started to flow around Umbreon, who released it on a powerful

“<…Ball!>”

 A fraction of a second before, Inteleon pushed Meowth, and both ran to opposite sides.

Complainings, some screams.

Pokemon noises.

People running.

Away and closer.

To see what’s happening.

Inteleon aimed his finger at Umbreon. An incredibly difficult shot, avoiding all the people, but…

“<Confusion Ray>”

Inteleon felt the floor move. People… falling. Dizzy. Umbreon does not care… who is hit…

Meters away, Meowth could see people tripping, wobbling, and hitting the ground. In the middle of the confusion, a slim blue arm was seen now and then trying an attack.

He should run away.

Instead, Meowth rushed to help Inteleon. Unsheathing his claws, he thought ‘When I finish with this Umbreon, he’ll be Gary’s favorite chess board’

“Hold it!”

Three humans wearing t-shirts with “Staff” written put themselves between the quarreling pokemon. One of them spoke.

“Thank you, Umbreon, we’ll take care of the intruders now.” And, to the other humans around “those who need assistance, raise your hand, nurses are coming.”

Meowth saw one of the Staff Members approaching. What to do, what to do?

“Thank you, sir.” Said a familiar voice to the professional. “The Meowth’s with me. I guess he lost his pass. Felines, right?”

Meowth felt Tracey’s hand on his head pretending to pet him but actually forcing him onto all fours. He complied, but said very clearly what Tracey should do with that petting

“Me-Meowth.”

The pokemon around gasped in horror or blushed. Luckily Tracey didn’t notice.

 Meowth jumped into the man’s arms to whisper in his ear

“Get da Inteleon and let’s vamoose!”

Tracey raised an eyebrow but added

“The Inteleon is with me, too. Such rascals, uh?”

“In that case, sir,” said a Staff Member “we’d like to…”

“Oh, that lady is about to faint.”

Using the confusion, the trio rushed out of the venue. Trying to be as discreet as a man not understanding what’s going on dragging a drunk-like Inteleon with a Meowth pretending he’s used to walking on all fours can be.

The cab driver pretended not to notice the odd passengers, especially after the word “tip” was mentioned.

Once in the balloon, with the effects of Umbreon Confusion Ray fading away, the trio shared their findings and stories. Well, the two pokemon did.

“I got nothing.” said Tracey.

“Leon. Inte Leon.”

“Yeah, whatta he said. You don’t know what can be useful, Twaicey.”

“I rescued you.”

“Inte!”

“Befoie dat.”

“I… ate snacks and pretended to pay attention to a politician’s speech.”

How Tracey was not thrown away from the balloon is a mystery.

As the balloon retreated to the old warehouse at Celadon city, Meowth finished talking

“Blue and Cool here” he pointed to Inteleon “said likely Gary knows I’m with you, so bettah take Misty and Kai to a safe place. Checked. Rocket’s Warehouse is the safest place around, completely unboikable by intruders and…”

“Daddy! Meeoh!”

“K-kai?” Meowth was dumbfounded seeing the little girl rushing to the balloon.

“Hi, honey.”

“Misty?” Asked, an unbelieving Tracey

“So, time to share gossip from the Boys and Girls Day Out?”

“… leon…” sighed Inteleon seeing Jessie.

Chapter Text

GOLDUCK

“Daddy! Meeoh!”

“K-kai?” Meowth was dumbfounded seeing the little girl rushing to the balloon.

“Hi, honey.”

“Misty?” Asked, an unbelieving Tracey.

“So, time to share gossip from the Boys and Girls Day Out?”

“… leon…” sighed Inteleon seeing Jessie.

After the initial surprise, Meowth rushed to hug

“Jessie! You’re free.”

“Not exactly, you bag of fleas” she said, petting Meowth on the head “but out of prison, and can’t wait to know what’s happening.”

“Misty, Combee, what did you…” Tracey was still trying to make his brain work out “you brought Kay here. It’s dangerous!”

“Would you prefer I left her with an unknown sitter, in a city people who destroyed our house can be at?”

“Huh…” Tracey was completely out of anything to say.

Meanwhile, Meowth was hugging Jessie, letting tears flow freely from his face. The woman was fighting hers.

“Come, you old feline, let’s not get emotional.”

“I was not expecting to see ya, Jessie.”

“Hah! They can’t keep this force of nature locked on.”

“Aunt Jessie will teach me to fight, dad!” Chimed in Kai, “and Golipod, too.”  She added, flailing her arms and legs, shouting “Pod! Pod!”

Tracey sighed.

“Right, can you ladies tell me how this nightmare started?”

“What? I said I was going to try and help the investigation” said Misty “I made a call to the jail and learned Jessie was bailed out. The next step was easier.”

“Was it?”

“Come on, Tracy. A law firm is a business. We run a business. I imagined they would go to the same good and affordable chain hotels we use. I was right.”

“And after that you decided to meet her instead of just calling, because…?”

Misty bit her lower lip. Her husband may not like the story, but they would talk this over later that night.

“Well…”

“Shall I transfer you, Mrs. Sketchit, sorry, Leosti? I keep forgetting you kept your name.”

She smiled, even if the manager at the other side of the phone could not see it.

“Just Misty, Jonathan. We know each other for years now.” She paused a while Jessie was still under arrest, and her own family was targeted by heavens-knows-who. Most likely Jessie calls were monitored “Not now, Jonathan. Thanks.”

She looked at her endless energy generator playing inside the room. Why, oh, why, there are no pokeballs for storing kids? But she ran out of options.

“Kai,” she said “Do you want to meet a friend of mommy?”

Jessie tried to focus on the script her lawyer gave her. Not that it says that much of useful things. Variations of ‘I was following orders’ and some half-baked tale about how joining Team Rocket was the only way to find her mother. She was never in such a situation but seemed obvious the attorneys were not all that concerned about her defense. The more she read, the more she is convinced it was made with one person in mind. Not the judge, not the jury. The script was made to fool James into thinking she had a chance. Either way, she would have to memorize that, so that Raissa Phire would not blame her for failing in front of the judge. Finding a way to avoid the trial was becoming more and more attractive in Jessie’s mind.

As an answer to her concerns, someone knocked on the door. Her reflexes made her hands dash to her pockets. No pokemon, no nothing.

“Jessica?” She heard from the other side of the door.

She knew that voice. A bit older, sure, but…Jessie opened it.

“Tw… Misty?”

“You were going to say ‘twerpette’, right?”

Jessie nodded and made an inquisitive gesture followed by a simple

“So…?”

At that moment Misty felt a small hand tucking her trousers and the eyes of both women were directed down.

“Mommy? I want to go wee-wee.”

“Huh…” Misty scratched the back of her head, Jessie took a step aside.

“That door.”

“Thanks.”

“What’s a teipete?” Asked Kai, the small question machine.

“Jessie, I’ll take care of my daughter and we’ll talk if you don’t mind”

For some reason, Jessie chuckled.

It was a weird compromise: years of Team Rocket taught Jessie to look for the more discreet eateries, where she could see without being seen. Years of motherhood taught Misty to look for places that can entertain a kid. After some exchanging of info, Jessie’s eyes shone.

“Meowth is with you?”

“And I think the little thing is onto something big. He surely knows more about the case than he told us.”

“Yeah… always the brain of the team, that one.”

Misty looked at Jessie intensely for some moments.

“If I knew that before, I’d have probably stolen Pikachu and given it to you folks myself”

“Knew what?”

“Meowth’s risking his life; James sold himself to a psycho; you sure care deeply for each other.”

Jessie blushed.

“Or there’s something else?”

“The feeling I must pull my weight, too.” Tried to change the subject Jessie. “Want to get after your husband?”

“He took the car, and taxis would generate witnesses and a paper trail we don’t need.”

“I was thinking about something else” Jessie smiled. “If you need to get anything from your hotel room, Misty, let’s do it now. We need to avoid the noon winds.”

“The what now?”

The girls rushed to the hotel, taking turns on carrying an overplayed and sleepy Kai. They were about to leave when Misty’s phone rang.

“Sure, we’ll be right over.” She exchanged some more words and talked on a lower voice to Jessie “They – whoever this ‘they’ mean are on us.”

“Huh?”

“It was from a parking lot downtown, warning we must pay another hour for the car But Tracey is the number guy at the gym. Once he denied me a bubble tea so our account would not get into the red.” Misty looked at Kai, sleeping peacefully on the room’s sofa and worried. Where all that would lead? “One, Jessie, he would never miscalculate the fees of parking. He rather dies than pay a fine. And two…” she opened her arms what parking lot warns about your car after just half an hour?”

“I see.”

“So, what will we do now?”

Jessie smiled and opened the small wardrobe with flair.

“We strip.”

Moments later a young couple left the hotel, their son asleep in the father’s arms.

“James is ten times better at crossdressing than me,” said Jessie, her face featuring a subtle 5-o’clock shade “but we’ll manage. Just act normally.”

Misty just nodded. In her mind, just the dangers her Kai could face.

“Three blocks down, this way,” said Jessie, looking at her new, non-bugged mobile “I can’t remember the last time I got a regular city bus. Still, they ask for no IDs.”

Misty once again nodded, going through again in her mind, the “Kai defenses lines”. More than once, she felt the urge to grab her daughter, deliver Meowth to the police and return home, to her battles, to developing pokemons and the next generation of trainers.

Other times, she feels the adventure rush overwhelming her body, just like that day when a scrawny kid stole her bike; she wonders if one day her reason will defeat such call of the unknown.

Nearby, Pallet City’s Jenny, clearly uncomfortable on handling a mission wearing civilian clothing. She giggled, remembering her cousin almost two hours ago:

“I think the poor parking lot manager is still scared with my” Celadon’s Jenny made the quotes marks on air “‘inspection’. Now it’s on you, cousin. I cannot risk my career more than I already did”

“You did more than I could hope, Celadon Cousin. Now I just need to wait for them to pick up the car.”

“Well, Good luck. Give my hugs and kisses to the relatives in Pallet” with that, she started to rev up her bike.

“Too bad I don’t have eyes on the hotel, to double-check the time.”

Celadon’s Jenny turned off her machine.

“I’ll send an intern to the hotel. I’ll say to him it’s an exercise on vigilance or something.”

Jenny of Celadon’s bike was far away before her Pallet counterpart could say thanks. Yes, she would own a ton of favors after solving this mess.

And that if she was right.

Meanwhile, at the hotel, the police intern did not even give the couple with the boy in tow a second look, mumbling almost mantra-like

“Two women, one with very long red hair; Two women, one with very long…”

The three women got to the now familiar warehouse.

“If they left the car on that parking lot nearby, it means Meowth got here first,” said Jessie, unlocking a hidden entry. “But we got the second-best thing, we know where the boys will be.”

“Would that not be the same for the Police?”

Jessie tried to put her at ease:

“Years of experience, girl: Kanto police is nothing to write home about.” And pointed the device at her ankle “I would not risk anything with my freedom at stake.”

“Good” Misty hugged a sleeping Kai tighter on her lap “because I have a visit from CPS at stake.”

“And that’s what happened at our side,” said Misty.

“It will not make our situation much easier” pondered Tracey “But I doubt it’s the police who contacted you.”

“Agree, hun. Officers are not shy to flash their badges and name, instead of using a civilian.” Said Misty.

“The loveboids used to work with the po-po, Jess.” Explained Meowth. “They know the ropes.”

“Very well, now, boys, you talk, and let’s keep working on that puzzle.”

Meowth started to talk. After a while, he was interrupted:

“Gary denied having done de dude, of coise, and”

“How?” Asked Misty

“Eh?”

“Do you remember exactly how he said that? Including the tone?”

Meowth thought for a while, with Inteleon trying to help

“< I was not at the room then, little Meowth, sorry. But…what they meant is ‘she was not home’ is completely different from ‘she was not home’. To the first, I’d ask ‘who was at the house?’ To the latter, ‘where was she?’ Got it?>”

“Yeah, yeah, I am poitty sure da big honcho said…” Meowth´s heart skipped a beat “… Arceus have moicy…”

“What, Meowth? If you know something, say it” demanded Tracy.

“I can save James and you, too, Jess.” Meowth’s eyes shone more and more

“Ex-twoips and Pokemon, we have a lot to do. Misty, Inteleon and I need a ride to Pallet. Twacey, use your press contacts to leak we have a dynamite deal with de poisecutors. Jess, you do the same with the intoins.”

“Sorry, furball, but I don’t intend to go back to jail that soon.”

“Jessie” started Meowth “after so many years, you trust me?”

The woman opened a devilish smile:

“Since your devices brought me nothing but pain, I trust you more than I should, Meowth.”

“Good. Fury Swept!” He shouted, aiming his attack at the electronic anklet, dismantling it to pieces. “Misty, you will not like to be here when the po-po arrives. Let’s move.”

Inteleon sighed

“<There’s still the matter of facing Lucario. No matter your evidence, he can still put you – us - in a coma.>”

For an answer, a ray of light left Misty’s pocket, revealing a pokemon thirsty for a real challenge.

“Golduck…”

Inteleon smiled

“Like I said that day, Meowth’s Name… it can be done.”

Chapter Text

LUCARIO

Having a press conference set on the fly is not a difficult task: after all, they were already at the Convention Center, surrounded by reporters plus the who-is-who of the new political party. The problem, for the 10 or so men and women in that room, is what to say. Options floated above their heads, being fed by rounds and rounds of coffee, one or other stronger drink and some guy who still holds a cigarette as a go-to thinking helper in a crisis time.

“We downplay this and praise the police” said one. “We don’t need the press gossiping.”

“Plus, that would open talks with the politicians from other parties. We can’t badmouth how they deal with the situation.”

“Agreed. A solo act from a deranged pokemon. Nothing else.”

“Deranged pokemon trainer. We must keep our platform of needing more laws to protect pokemon.”

“On the other hand, we can’t throw away this media opportunity of this being a full fledge attack. Imagine the headlines: The Pokeparty is already bothering the ‘powers-that-be’.”

“But that would create a diversion. A good chunk of our program depends on the success of Rocket Trial. To mention an unnamed enemy…”

“I have the spokesperson from the Traditionalist Party on phone. They’ll give us five votes on the Congress if we spin this to blame the Left.”

“Eight votes or we’ll not even consider talking.”

“I’ll try.”

“Say to them the Galar Communists offered seven votes.”

Finally, Gary Oak rose from his chair.

“Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, I think I know what to say. Call the press.”

“But, Gary, we must agree on just one message…”

“Just follow me” said he, exiting the room.

A couple of moments before, Meowth launched his guerrilla attack.

Something big about Todd Snap will put the Rocket trial in jeopardy.

12 words.

Jessie, begrudgingly, told the other inmates those words, back in jail. They, on their turn, told their lawyers.

Tracey told them to a particular gossipy journalist. Adding “Please, no one can know.” In one hour, those 12 words would be the subject of every newsroom in three regions.

Misty wrote them on a note, and left it with the parking lot employee, adding he knows who should read that.

Meowth let a flock of pidgeys learn them.

Later, Misty was driving a bunch of pokemons faster than she was comfortable with, to a place she was not eager to see, either.

“< The proverbial point of no return >” sighed Inteleon “< there is a line between being bold and being stupid, Meowth’s Name. I’m not sure what side we’re at.>”

“Hah, welcome ta your first streetmon-style mission, Cool’n’Blue.”

“< Sorry for not being amused.>”

“< I know you’re worried, Inteleon’s Name>”, Chimmed in Golduck, pointing at Meowth < but I know this one for a long time.>”

He made a long pause, measuring Meowth up and down.

“< Keep worrying.>”

“Har-de-har. Misty, pedal to the metal, gorl.”

Meanwhile, Jenny of Pallet was looking at the two objects she got from the people in the parking lot. A cell phone she was sure it would be found but, as a civilian, she got no access to a better tracking device.

And the note.

She wanted nothing to do with the murder case, of course. Her situation with her boss was already awful to add “interference on the Global Police job” to it.

Now, the trial…

The pokemons who invaded the police station were tampering with evidence from Rocket’s case.

Wearing civilian clothes instead of her uniform means Jenny of Pallet could do very little.

But that she could do, she smiled, jumping on her rented bike.

Back at the Convention Center, dozens of reporters watched as Gary Oak took the center of the stage behind their microphones and mobiles. To his right, were several important names of the Pokeparty. To his left, the massive figure of his Blastoise, towering over the smaller Umbreon in front of him.

Gary looked at some notes, took out his reading glasses in a gesture calculated to draw everybody’s attention.

It was time.

He needed to rally the most people under him. Close any dissidents, holes, or questions. He started:

“Let me begin by praising the figures of Galar Police and executive power. Despite our political divergences, they went beyond their duty to assure the safety of every human and Pokemon here. That’s care for life and Democracy. I deeply commend their actions.”

“<Gary learned well>” whispered Umbreon.

Maybe too well, kept to himself Blastoise.

“However, let’s call a Honedge a Honedge. My pokemon and I were attacked by someone who clearly knew what they were doing. What we have here is an open attack from the old politics to a new way to serve the people and Pokemon. This shows our fight to clean our regions from Giovanni’s kleptocracy it’s not over yet. The trial is coming but, more than anything, we must reach for those still under Rocket and others’ influence and throw all the weight of the law at them, or a word will become more and more common on the news.

A word that has no place on the Pokeparty or our streets. Or within our kids’ ears’ reach.

Political Terrorism

Rest assured we’ll do whatever it takes to stop this menace…”

Years of political convivence helped Senator Hyacinth to keep a poker face, despite the turmoil he was feeling inside. It was not the time for Gary to go on a full war against a beaten enemy. Once this speech is over, he thought, maybe it would be time to look for yet another party for his political career…

Gary kept talking about how his party was the solution for more union, peace, and equality.

Blastoise rolled his eyes. Gary truly believed in each word. Hopefully, those would not come back to bite him, like an Arbok…

Finally, shouting some rally words, he opened the mic for questions:

“Alex Hearsay, Loudred News Radio. What do you have to say about the rumors about the connections between Rocket’s trial and the murder of Todd Snap?”

“That’s old fake news.”

“Actually, sir, several fonts just confirmed something important is about to be revealed on the subject” to which several reporters nodded.

Gary’s hands clenched into fists, something several photographers caught on a cascade of flashes and sounds. Hyacinth tried to help the younger politician, stepping on the podium

“That is something that you should discuss with the Police authority.” Said the older man “we don’t” before being pushed away by Gary.

“We don’t deal with rumors and speculations.” Said Gary, a bit too loudly  “This press meeting is adjourned.”

On one side, chaos broke loose. Complains. Questions being shouted. Staff trying to point the exit door, knowing very well the mob of reporters, will never obey.

The other side tried to show some order despite what each and every politician was thinking, exiting quickly.  Gary walked away, flanked by Blastoise and Umbreon

“< Forget what I said>” mumbled Umbreon “< Those humans will eat Gary alive on the news tomorrow.>”

Blastoise´s mind, meanwhile, was taken back to years ago, when all problems from his trainer faded away when he cradled him in his powerful arms, his cannons creating the soothing sound of gentle rain. Ah, Gary, Gary… let’s turn back the clock, the larger Pokemon pleaded in his thoughts.

Jessebelle thought about using all her fuzzy – and not so fuzzy – handcuffs to keep James in their room and away from this talk with the four men in front of her.

But in the end, it would be useless. His goal in life seems to keep the most distance between them.  Other than half an hour or so per night, that was fine with her.

Now, the attorneys in front of her brought some awful news. No trial, no reason for James to play husband, no baby, no fortune. She pressed them again.

“That’s all you got me? The trial is in danger because of… something?”

“We’re probing, Mrs. Montjaune, but so far…”

“I’ll tell you where to probe. Ash Ketchum got a liking on my James and that low-life Jessica. You know, conscience or the like. You go ask him to stop playing with my marriage mon… happiness.”

“Sure, Mrs. Montjaune, but we can’t just barge into Mr. Ketchum’s house with nothing but baseless conjecture.”

“And how about a confession of him tampering with the trial?”

“That would hold water if front of judge and jury, yes. But the likelihood of him confessing is slim to none.”

“Pheh, I have a room downstairs full of toys that can make any male confess. But in this case” she sat behind a computer and cracked her knuckles “Kanto Stock Market opens in half an hour, right?” She quickly made a graph appear and start to half-sing “P&C, Ketchum stocks, gotta crash’em all” before getting her mobile and turning to the lawyers: “now, witnessing me fixing prices with every Wealth  Manager from here to Saffron City would not be ethical, would it?” The lawyers scattered and left her alone, so they could deny any knowledge of wrongdoing later.

She let out a roar of laughter before start calling. Ash could play Good Samaritan all he wanted, but not with her money.

At Ash’s Sanctuary

For some reason, pokemon of all kinds were keeping Lucario extra busy that day. Solving quarrels. Come and see the new fruit bush. Help me train. When he managed to stop for a while, something deep inside his brain felt… odd. If he could stop and meditate some to better understand the situation…

But Onix was requesting his help.

Only one pokemon avoided Lucario completely. Warned by an extra-sneaky Inteleon, the creature went to a secured place.

The group of low-top trees seemed to invite pokemons for a nap under their ever-changing shadows, as the wind flutter the leaves on a perennial pas de deux, the soft turf under then perfect for some lazy, peaceful afternoon.

Or to talk about a history that includes a cold-blooded murder.

Meowth was already waiting there.

“Glad you’re up ta your end of da deal.”

“< I agreed to listen to you. Talk.>”

“I will not ask anything more, my poka. You hear, you choose whatta do.” And, lowering his voice and reverting to ‘meowths’ “< It all started with a group of politicians, businessmen and the like not happy with Giovanni and other team leaders getting the Solgaleo’s share in every scheme. One day, an opportunity to get a bigger slice of the pie hit’em on the face…>”

It was Lucario who found the pokemon.

Hidden. Deeply focused on something.

So deeply he didn’t notice the ‘something’ was in front of him.

Lucario growled, finding the invading pokemon not worthy of a word.

Golduck raised his head and tried to smile

“< Well, so much for the stealth operation.>”

“< The Skarmory got closer and closer and>”

An explosion cut Meowth’s narrative.

“< I did not ask for no special effect to drive the point home, I swear.>” he said, rubbing the back of his neck

But the other pokemon already had enough and left with teary eyes.

Meowth froze for a second.

A pokemon fight.

Not battle.

Pure, wild, no-rule fight.

The kind that attracts human attention

Almost time to send the second message.

The one that could set Jessie and James free, stop some baddies from acting without punishment and send him to a  nice reserve.

Or…

Meowth raised his head

“Arceus, if you’re troing to make me go to the Pokemonastery, ya gotta a deal. Now, a little help, huh?”

And started to run towards the fight.

Chapter Text

CINDERACE

A couple of hours before, Meowth was doing what he could to keep Misty awake and Kai asleep. It was, after all, his fault they were driving to Kanto that late in the night. The road had just the odd car and truck driving by, so few travelers can glance at the car’s passengers.

A woman with a not-so-friendly face. At her side, a Meowth that appears to be talking.

On the back, strapped on a safety seat, a little girl, resting her head against a Golduc, who tries to hum a lullaby.

On the other side, an Inteleon lost in his thoughts.

Maybe to lighten the ambient, Meowth shouted at a motorbike that zoomed by them:

“Hey, if you’re in such a hoirry, why didn’t you left yesterday?”

Misty chuckled and said something about they’re being in a hurry, too.

Luckily for them, the woman on the bike, officer Jenny, didn’t answer the taunts.

It would be an awkward situation for all.

Goh would like more mornings like this. He and Ash were talking freely, between papers, decisions, typing, setting meetings, almost without worries. Maybe after the trial, he could take Ash to explore some exotic, distant regions. Capsakid Town. Komaussie. Patropi. Of course, the intercom would destroy the moment.

“Goh.” He answered dryly.

“Sorry, Mr. Walker.” Said their concierge “Officer Jenny is here to see you or Mr. Ketchum.”

“Of course she is.” Sighed Goh. “We’re in the office. Have a pokemon escort her here.”

Ash chuckled.

“It seems trouble is following us lately.”

Soon, both were surprised to see her in civilian clothes.

“I’m glad you could see me unannounced, gentlemen.”

“You can dispense the formalities, Officer. We had our share of adventures together, after all.”

“Only if you call me Jenny. I’m not here on an official matter. Well, sort of.”

“Ah?”

“Yes. Ash, Goh, you must have heard of our program of Retirement of Police Pokemon…”

Sure, the program exists, thought Jenny, as she explained it. And, yes, they’re always looking for places for those pokemon to spend their golden years. That part was true. It’s just that, unlike what she said, her connection with it was null. But it was an excuse as good as any to enter the Sanctuary. Now, if she could explore around for clues…

“I know how busy you are, so I don’t want to be a burden. I am sure one of your employees can show me around and answer a few questions.”

“I’m locked inside this office for too long” smiled Ash, doing a lazy stretch. “It’ll be a pleasure to guide you.”

Oh, no, thought Jenny.

At this moment, Ash’s mobile went on.

“Sorry, need to get this. Hey, Leaf.” He said cheerfully at the equipment, just to change his expression on a beat.

“Stock Market what? Sure, put our CFO on video call.” Then, turning to the visitor “Sorry, Jenny, We have some trouble now.”

Oh, yes, thought Jenny.

“And let’s make it double, it seems” mumbled Goh, before turning to the law agent “I… will show you around, Jenny.” Said him, while coaching her away from the office.

Oh, no, thought Jenny.

But a sound made both turn to look at Ash. He dropped his mobile and was leaning on the table, head pending.

“Ash!” Goh rushed to his side “Is everything…”

Oh, yes, thought Jenny.

Ash half-raised his head and muttered only one word

“… Lucario.”

It meant a lot.

Especially when an explosion coming from the sanctuary field was heard.

Double yes! Thought Jenny.

She was about to rush to the site, when Goh went for a pokeball, releasing a massive pokemon in front of the police officer.

Oh, no, thought Jenny.

“Sorry, Jenny, we’ll have to reschedule for any other day of the week. Rillaboom, show her the exit.”

“But I can help or call for..”

“Rillaboom!” The pokemon raised his arm, blocking her view of the window and, at the same time, showing her the only exit

Tons of oh, no, she thought, as Goh said something like don’t worry, we got this.

Back on the field, Lucario’s Psychic was countered by Golduck’s Psych Up on na stalemate strong enough to cause migraines in any pokemon close enough to the battle.

Golduck used Confusion; Lucario countered with Calm Mind.

Lucario shot a Steel Beam; Golduck absorbed it with Amnesia.

“<Enough!>” roared Lucario, concentrating energy for a massive Aura Sphere. “<You caused enough problems already.>”

Golduck himself started to glow, making gravel and leaves nearby float around him.

“<I can use Protect, you know.>”

“<Protect this! Aaaaaura… Sphere!!>” The massive discharge of energy made the ground shake and its impact was heard at Ash’s office and beyond.

Regaining his breath, Lucario saw his opponent lying on the ground, barely conscious. He smirked.

“<After all that bragging, you still failed to pull it off?>”

Golduck managed to whisper:

“<No. First… time… pro-projecting… Protec…>” a trembling webbed hand pointed at something behind Lucario “<Worked… fi-fin>” and fainted.

“<What…?>” Lucario turned around to see a glowing Cinderace.

“<Remember when we started sparring, all those years ago? My nickname for you?>” A pebble started to dance in the air, controlled by an adroit foot, until, somehow, catching fire. “< Well, Boring Blue, this is round two.>”  he tapped his head “<Now with anti-psych shield.>” And kicked the scorching object at Lucario.

“I’d love to stay an’chat, my poka.” Said Meowth, trying to help Golduck to his feet “But I delivered my message, now, gotta dash befoie the ex-twoips arrive.”

Cinderace smiled as Lucario blocked his flaming projectile.

“<You do you, Meowth’s Name. I’ll be sure to get some fun here.>”

“<This is not a hatchling play.>” Growled Lucario, blocking another fire pebble.

“Soire it ain’t. You’ll see how in the next hours.”

A couple of other Ash and Goh’s pokemon thought about stopping Meowth and Golduck from leaving, but Inteleon efforts to convince them otherwise were soon helped by a commanding pokemon voice:

“<They shall pass.>”

Yeah, thought Meowth, message well delivered.

The next half an hour was hectic. Leaf talking with their CFO and brokers, Goh tending to the bruised Cinderace and Lucario he found, laying down on the fields, Ash running from the office to the infirmary and back.

Finally, good news: the market was settling down, the two quarreling pokemon were resting.

As Goh closed the infirmary door, Cinderace started to laugh:

“<You either got stronger throughout the years or held back during our sparring sessions back in the day.>”

Lucario turned his head to the other side with a meaningless growl.

“< Hey, let’s not ruin our friendship over this, Boring Blue.>”

“<Over… what, Cinderace’s Name?>”

“<Our opinions. This fight>”

“<Opinion… - you never take things seriously. It’s infuriating.>”

“<Try me.>”

“<It’s a new world, safer for Pokemon and humans. We can build a whole new society if no one interferes. Can’t you see?>”

“<Eeeeh, I’ve been around human society since I was a hatchling. It’s not that bad.>”

“<Me, too. I saw everything Ash suffered. Don’t you try and say it’s nothing.>”

Cinderace, even showing the pain on his face, raised on his elbows.

“<Nope, Boring Blue, all you know is Ash.>”

Another growl.

“<I mean, I love Goh. I gave up everything to be his Pokemon. That does not mean I’ll agree with him always. But you, you developed a bond with Ash still on the Egg, right?>”

Lucario looked away, Cinderace continued:

“<You see the way Ash sees. Your reason is Ash’s reasons.>” the Lapine pokemon chuckled “<The Muk, when Ash doubts or has weak moments, you help him keep going. That makes you Ashier than Ash. But you can disagree sometimes, you know?>”

That made Lucario chuckle.

“<Try disagreeing with your trainer when facing a Mega-evolved Garchomp. We follow orders, Cinderace’s Name. We follow orders or we get hurt. It’s that simple.>”

“<Says the poka that more than once guided Ash during battles.>”

Lucario just stood looking at the ceiling for a moment.

“<It is a good cause.>”

“<I never said it isn’t. But is worth hurting your friends?”>

Lucario sighed.

“<Our sparrings… I never held back, because I knew you were also giving your best>”

“<That was exactly what I always thought facing you. Lucario’s Name needs me to get stronger.>”

They both stood in silence for some moments.

“<We may not see things the same way, but we’ll always be friends, Hot Feet.>”

Cinderace opened a warm smile.

“<I will never consider you anything else, Boring Blue.>”

Meanwhile

Goh and Ash collapsed on the first sofa they saw.

“What a day.”

“It’s not over yet. We need to keep searching for letthe origin of the Stock manipulation and let our lawyers unleash Arceus’ Judgement on them. And I’ll let them rest, but later will connect with Lucario to find…”

Ash let the words die in his throat, as he felt Goh’s arms massaging his shoulders.

“We need some vacations.”

“Not now. The Sanctuary… the trial…”

Goh got closer and whispered in Ash’s ear, without stopping moving his hands.

“Yeah…? What about those…?”

Ash sighed happily for the first time in hours.

“Vacations sound nice.”

A cough from Leaf interrupted the moment, notebook on hand:

“Sorry, guys, but… you better check the news sites.”

They turned to the screen:

“Is that Tracey?”

“Yes, turn up the volume, Leaf.”

On the video, Tracey was showing a pile of papers:

“My name is Tracey Sketchit. I’m an artist, co-director of Cerulean City gym, formerly associated with Kanto Police, and former assistant of Professor Oak. This is an invitation to all the press and interested parties. I have in my hands a dossier with evidence that can shatter Team Rocket’s case, including the identity of the murderer of Todd Snap. I’ll be presenting the details tomorrow’s noon, at Raymonde the Red Convention Center in Wyndon, Galar. Thank you.”

“I need to make a call.” Said Ash, leaving the duo suddenly.

The pokemon watched Gary Oak walking back and forth, firing quick phrases on his phone

“No, I’m still at Stow-on-Side. I know. Of course. I know. What?! No! Well, how about you coming over and doing it yourself? No. Right, but… yeah, I’ll be there.”

Finally, he looked at his pokemon.

“Umbreon, Blastoise, let’s hit the road. I’ll just see if Senator Hyacinth needs a ride.” He said, dialing another number.

Attila turned off his mobile.

“Was that…?” Questioned Hun.

“Yes, it was.”

Attila fixed the flower-shaped golden badge on his lapel.

“Time to see if those bogus Attorney Badges do something other than keep us out of Jail.” He said, going to the computer to reserve some a flight to Wyndon

“Hopefully no one at the airport raises any objection.” Said Hun, getting his own badge.”

Officer Jenny watched the video on her mobile. Things were getting interesting. First, she must do a phone call. Then, try and book a flight to Wyndom.

Hopefully, they still have some economic seat available.

Jessebelle got in the large room fuming, finger-stabbing James in the chest.

“It changes nothing, do you hear? Dossier or not, you’re still mine.”

“What the blazing Charizard are you talking about?”

“Ah, never mind! Have Hopkins pack me a suitcase. I’m going to Wyndon.” And getting her phone “Yes, it’s me” before exiting the room as fast as she entered.

Dumbfounded, James went to his computer, a quick glance at the news page telling him everything he needed to know. He sighed:

“Former twerp, you could have released the bloody dossier before my marriage.”

Leaf was already overwhelmed by phone calls.

“The fact that we were Snap agents do not… no. No comments. We trust the Police’s judgement on that. I said no comment.”

And, turning to Goh:

“Sometimes, I hate the press.”

“I am drafting an official statement for our social media.”

“Good. Leaf and Goh, hold on the fort and take care of Lucario and Cinderace.” Ash appeared in the room, backpack on hand, flanked by Pikachu and Sirfetch’d.

“Where are you going, Ash?” Asked Leaf

“Wyndon.”

Chapter Text

HUMAN

Jessie listened to the radio, alongside the other inmates.  The announcement by Tracey was like the password for a mini-revolution. Women rushing to the phone trying to reach their lawyers, talking excitedly about the trial maybe being canceled due to this news, while others are more realistic, saying it would be postponed, tops. For some, it changed everything. Others say it changes nothing.

Jessie kept her ears glued to the radio, waiting for the happenings, wanting to know more. The odds were stacked against them. Given the past record of Meowth’s plans, most likely this one will likely fail. But on the previous schemes, what was at the stake was some bruises and burn marks. On the present roulette, she bet her freedom; Misty, her husband; Kai, her father; Tracey, his life.  And the only thing she, Jessie, could do was to pray to every deity ever worshiped. And wait. Prison never felt more oppressive.

Back in Kanto, Global police agents Marine and Meadow tried to navigate the busy airport. Their badges showed little to no effect:

“Sorry, agents” said the airline employee. “We’re having a huge influx of passengers to Galar. I will do what’s possible to arrange seats for you, but it’ll take an hour or two.”

They sighed, looking around. Several people were also complaining, trying to border the earlier possible.

Like Jessebelle, a few booths over, waving her preferential membership and a new trump card:

“I’m pregnant.”

The employee looked her from top to bottom as if giving the statement some doubt, but the membership means tons of money and privileges, so he says just the obligatory “congratulations, ma’am, and thanks for flying Unown” before directing her to the VIP lounge.

Well, at least that was what the test she bought at the pharmacy said. She was too close to real money to let someone get in her way now.

Other passengers had even easier access. Throughout most of his career, Ash was one of the many trainers sponsored by BlueTauros. But during his second reign, he changed the dark blue of the energy drink for the iconic red-pink with a white “V” of:

“Passengers of Victini Atlantic flight 1027 to Wyndon, now boarding Gate Two.”

Even if that logo lately is secondary to Ash’s own Volt Tackle line of clothing, it still means preference at boarding and first class anytime he needs it.

Soon, Ash found himself on his private booth-style seat along Sirfetch’d, but was unable to enjoy the amenities, his head trying to focus on a thousand things at the same time. No champagne, thank you. He must talk to Tracey soon, or things will get dangerous. He barely registered the safety instructions, nor the plane starting to roll. Things were much easier when he was a 10-year-old brat, with no experience and few pokemon under his

“… Belt, Mr. Ketchum.”

“Huh…?” The flight attendant’s voice took Ash out of his trance.

“Please fasten your seat belt, Mr. Ketchum.” She repeated.

“Oh, right, thanks.”

Acceleration, losing contact with the ground. The momentary sensation of peace seeing the roads, buildings, and civilization getting smaller and smaller, until disappearing. Around him, just the blue sky and a carpet of white clouds below. He wished that moment could last forever. Just to, a few seconds later, return to reality and wanting to rush things.

Just some hours, now. He gave his pokemon a snack, opened his laptop, and did the possible to focus on work. Surprisingly, it managed to put Ash’s mind at ease and distract him until the moment the door of his partition was open.

Without raising his eyes from the screen, he waited for the flight attendant to inform the menu options.

“Twoip, Misty said she rather have you destroy her bike than her house.”

With that, Ash raised his eyes and snapped his computer shut. Facing him on the booth guest seat was Meowth.

“Why, you little…!”

Ash reached for the flight attendant button, just to feel a powerful leek hit his hand and then be pressed under his chin. He looked at the pokemon, dumbstruck:

“Sirfetch’d, what are you…”

“Fetch!” Ash didn’t like what he saw in his companion’s eyes. They were watery, but also full of rage.

“What´s the meaning of this?” asked Ash

“Oh, I dunno.” answered Meowth “Maybe he’s not happy his trainer boike every military honor code, from chivalry to bushido? He said ‘Don’t try anything’, so ya know.”

“Pikac…” started to call Ash, before looking up to the safety-locked pokeballs in the compartment above his head.

“That’s right. No one, not even you, can fly with an electric pokemon out of their pokeball. Safety, ya know.”

The human locked eyes with Sirfetch’d:

“Everything we went through means nothing to you?”

“< I honor you by following every lesson you taught me, every moral, not your late actions.>”

“Leek Boy said…”

“Save it. I am hurt and disappointed more than enough.”

After a moment of shock, Ash managed to regain control.

“This is a private booth, you know. And I don’t remember inviting you.”

“Don’t wanna hoir what I found out?”

“Is there a need to crush me?” Ash took a deep breath, then half-smiled: “Let me go first. I, Ash Ketchum, found a member of Team Rocket trying to get some revenge on me. An important athlete and businessperson versus a criminal…” The last word barely left his mouth and he felt the leek being pressed harder against his head.

“Yeah… that could have woiked if not for Leek Boy.”

Ash rubbed his forehead:

“What do you want?”

“You made dis whole mess, didn’t you? Planned everything.”

“No, Meowth, you guys did the mess. I’m trying to fix it. Do you know what one of my first memories is? I was six or seven, and saw on TV an assault on a School, just like mine. Several pokemon from teachers and children were stolen. Kids just like me at the time, crying nonstop. That’s when the idea of being a trainer first got into my mind. I thought I could catch those kids new pokemon.” Ash sighed “Then I really fell in love with you critters. And saw first handed the problems you lot causes. Face it, Teams Aqua and Galactic want nothing short of genocide. Surely you can’t agree with them.”

“Ah don’t.”

“And Plasma fails to see humankind and pokemon need each other to thrive. But it was only when I talked to Todd I understood how deep the Dugtrio hole went. The corruption, the manipulation of authorities by Giovanni and others. I started to realize the situation could only get worse. I started to see the real battle, against the ones who control the shadows.” Ash raised a fist in excitement, just to have Sirfetch’d Leek guide his arm back to the armrest.

“Seriously?” Mocked Ash, rolling his eyes and continuing:

“I felt I should do something for the next generations. Let’s picture it: one day, a boy with, let’s say, pink hair will reach his tenth birthday, put a cap on, and start his journey. I want a better world for him and all others. Luckily I have money to make this a reality.”

“… Sirfetch’d fetch”

“Yeah, Leek Boy, that’s ‘Divinity from Hell’ spot on.”

“Sirfetch’d, it was Meowth, Jessie, and James who showed me the ends justify the means. It’s that simple.”

“You paid for Todd’s resoich.” cut Meowth.

“Yes, but destroying the old system is relatively easy. What I needed was something better to put in its place.”

“Gary.”

“We have the same ideals, and he was already interested in politics. Then, we went after people who felt left behind, like Senator Hyacinth. The good thing about corrupt people is that you just need a bigger check to buy them. Yes, that’s the foundation for a better, safer world for humans and pokemon, Meowth. I’m doing what is best for everyone.”

“Not everyone. You threw in Teams Skull and Star. They’re just twoips having fun. And it is not the best for Jessie, James… nor Todd.”

“I am sure the judge will be lenient.”

“Ya bought’em too?”

“Of course not. I want a system free of corruption. Well. At least as free as possible. We needed Hyacinth and a couple of others to really get into the political game. And, once inside, change it.”

“Soire. Giovanni was bad, but who elected Ash Dictator of the Woid?”

“Meowth… you suffered a lot in this system. Why don’t embrace this new way of thinking?”

“How about Todd Snap? How did you convince him to join this farce?”

Ash sighed.

“Todd was never 100% in it. I felt he could tell the truth at any moment.”

“About how his book was changed?”

Ash nodded.

“And ya did him in”

“We could have convinced him in the end, maybe. If he saw the utopia being developed, who knows? But your darn investigation gave me no choice. I am not proud of it. I have nightmares. But there’s too much on stake.”

“Twoip… when I talked with Gary, he said ‘I have nothing to do with it’. Stress on ‘I’, meaning he knows who did. Ya actually pulled the trigger?”

“Makes no difference. We’re way past the point of no return.”

“Fetch!”

“He said he wants the truth.”

“You can’t handle the truth! Nobody can. What I am telling is, if this story leaves this plane, if Tracey opens his mouth, the world will plunder into anarchy. Protests. Loitering. Riots. And that would be only the beginning. Who knows who can raise to power without Gary and me to replace Giovanni´s corrupts? Radicals? Extremists? War-thirsty looneys? Real dictators?”

Ash reached for his briefcase, just to feel the leek pressing harder against him.

“I need to show you something.”

Sirfetch’d nodded and Ash got a paper.

“That’s what I prepared for Tracey to say. Butch is a Rocket member on the loose. We put the blame on him, add one or two of the other stories I came up with and we can save the utopia. We can still build a better world.”

“And if Butch evah appears you will kill him.”

“Someone will. Things happen in prisons.”

“Like you killed Todd?”

“Like I said…”

“Answer, Twoip!”

“You’re damn right I did! I had no time to look for a hitman.”

Suddenly Misty opened the door, phone pointed at Ash. “Thanks for the confession. I got everything loud and clear thanks to the mic hidden behind Meowth’s Head Coin.”

Ash smiled.

“Fine. What do you want?”

“Nothing”

“Do I have to explain to you how blackmail works?”

“What blackmail?” Smirked Meowth “This was broadcasted live to the Po-po”

On clue, the plane speakers went:

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your pilot speaking, we’ll be making a detour to Sinnoh following a  Global Police request. We’ll be landing in 20 minutes, and shortly after we’ll resume our journey. We’re sorry for the inconvenience.”

“I will rip your head off!” Ash tried to raise from his chair, just to feel Sirfetch’d leek on his stomach, making him collapse on the chair again.

He then took both hands over his face.

“You know what you did? You threw the world into turmoil, Meowth. Giovanny schemes are still destroyed, but now there’s nothing in its place. Welcome to Chaos. The blood and destruction from now on are on your paws.”

“Maybe, but the foiture is to each and every being to decide, not you!”

“You’re a fool, Meowth!” Cried Ash.

After half a minute or so, the human seemed to regain some composure and made a motion to reach for his cell phone.

“Can I at least say some words to Goh? I don’t want him to find his husband’s sins by the media.”

“Sure.” Answered Misty.

“Alone. Allow me this moment without feeling like I´m on a reality show.”

Misty and Meowth looked at each other, before nodding as one and leaving the booth.

“Sirfetch’d, you may stay.” Said Ash, his voice trembling.

“It’s been five minutes, Meowth. They will turn the seat belt sign soon.” Said Misty

“Yeah, let’s check the former twoip.”

Nearing his booth, they both saw Sirfetch’d on a standing guard position, Ash looking asleep in his seat.

“Ash?” Misty touched him lightly, then a bit firmer, and felt his neck, just to retreat her hand in horror. Meowth lost no time and jumped on him, as Misty rushed to find a flight attendant.

“Ash? Ash, twoip, answer me!”

“< He’s no longer with us >” Answered a motionless Sirfetch’d.

“ Wha-what happened?”

“<He had a capsule of concentrated Poipole venom. Asked me for permission to have a martial honor ending. And thus, even with my ear canals bleeding hearing those words in such a misguided mouth, I let justice be served.>”

A Week Later

The small army of layers surrounding James tried to disguise the nights spent working nonstop adapting to the new status quo.  

“One thing Ash got right.” Said one of them “The world went insane, and people are demanding some sort of closure.”

“Why, Hyacinth and the other spared corrupts were added to the trial and popular pressure did not allow it to be delayed “

“But Gary is not here, is he?” Asked James, looking at the packed courthouse.”

“Gary Oak is answering for Accessory to Murder.  Separated things.”

“Now, focus on your statements, Mr. James…”

“How about Jessie?”

“As we said, it is not looking good. The people are seeing this trial as the thing that can bring some order in the world, so expect harsh sentences.”

“But your case is different, Mr. James. We have faith in our arguments.”

“But I thought Meowth made a deal?”

“Hm, no. The reaction to Ash’s scheme was such that the Prosecution was afraid of some backlash. It’s not the time to do anything behind doors.”

“… capital.”

“So, get ready, Mr. James, the next days will be packed.”

A Week Later, Elsewhere

“Wooooooobba!”

“Yeah, missed you, too, Blue Guy.”

Meowth hugged Wobbuffet back, and both started to walk on that reserve.

“Wobba-wobba?”

“Nah, I will not stay. Next week I’ll be sent to some roisearch facility.”

“Wobbuffeeeet”

“I will miss ya too.”

They walked in silence for a bit, the setting sun starting to paint the sky pink.

“… wo-wobba?”

“Yeah, Jessie got five years on the Houndour House. Jimbo got six months of House Arrest. In the trial, they went for blood.”

“Wo-buffet woooo”

Meowth thought a bit, tears in his eyes.

“You’re right, blue guy. Nobody won.” He looked at the horizon, the beauty of the evening seeming out of place. He sighed.

“But we woik with what we have. It’s a human world, after all.”

“Wobbuffet…”

Chapter Text

ALSO HUMANS

The pokemon tried to look carefree walking away, but knew that, once out of sight, the impact would come. The sand was warmly massaging his feet, the gentle sea breeze playing with his fur, and the soothing sound of waves. No matter how peaceful this all looks, he would be hit. It’s unavoidable.

“Uncle Meowth!”

The jump-hug of the three-year-old girl was enough to send both to the sand. As always.

“Hey, Maddie, how’s my favorite gal? Let me see how big you got.” And, looking at a five-year-old boy racing behind “And Bernie, champ. How’s things?”

Playing and talking with the two kids made the time go by too fast.

At a balcony from a nearby hotel, James passed the binoculars to Jessie. After a moment of focusing, she saw the two kids and pokemon closer.

“That’s how you see Meowth?”

“And we send messages to each other through the kids.”

“Do you do it often?”

“Twice or three times a month.”

“James!” She pretended to be offended “That’s more than you sent me letters in the prison.”

“I beg your pardon? I sent you letters twice a week. Not counting the visits.”

She smiled and looked around. It was a simple room, the main attraction being its localization, next to the beach.

“But… they don’t find it odd for you o return to this place so often? We still can’t be close to Meowth. Justice can open an investigation and you’d be in trouble.”

James chuckled.

“Remember my family plans for me?”

“Yes, they wanted you to be the CEO of a small company…”

“And I asked them to give me our chateau in Kalos. I converted it into a posh Inn.”

“You told me that.”

“And used it as collateral to expand. To Alola.”

“Meaning…” Jessie smirked, knowing the answer.

“The hotel we’re in is mine. Nothing wrong with an entrepreneur checking his business, innit?”

Jessie smirked.

“I still have a lot of questions.”

“I hope to have answers you fancy.”

“You told me about the divorce. The time does not add up. Maddie can’t be your daughter.”

“I love both equally.”

“James…”

“No, she is not mine. But I could not allow a child to be with Jessebelle, could I?”

“And who…”

“The father is? Who knows? Perhaps not even Jessebelle does…”

“So, while I was locked up, you became a hotelier and single father.”

“Yes… I am a bit of a daft, huh? I will not pretend to say it was easy.”

“After the divorce, what happened to Jessebelle?”

“I got full custody of the tykes, and she is running my folks’ empire.”

“Right. Misty writes me from time to time, she is fine, but what about others?”

“Gary Oak’s responsibility in all this was not clear on his trial, he got 5 years behind bars.”

“Just like me. Things are not far.”

“Goh was the greatest victim of all that. I feel sorry for him.”

“What? I think I see scientific article after article and books by Professor Walker on the media.”

“Sure. He went all in on his work, as it was the only thing left for him.”

“Two more questions.” Jessie took a deep breath. “First, what about us?”

“Well, the bank can still take my hotels if the results are not good, so I need at least a Director of Operations.” He smiled.

“I’ll take it.” After a pause, she got closer, both eyes glued on the three figures playing at distance “and…”

“Blimey. You…want to… I mean, I’d like… if you…”

She passed an arm around his waist.

“Let’s go slowly and see what happens.”

James blushed.

“Sure. The time of doing things at the speed of light is over.”

He passed an arm around her shoulder, and both sighed happily.

“And second question…” she pointed with her chin to the back of the hotel room “What about…”

“Ah, see, it appears the ex-twerp had a contingency plan…”

“You think? He had a poison pill with him, for Arceus’ sake.”

“Quite.” James nodded “He also prepared a letter to Goh, a mix of confession and last will, so…”

“I never would think he had such…” She looked at the other side of the room again.

She is looking at me again. Can’t really blame her. Sometimes even l don’t grasp what’s going on, either.

The first days went in a blur. I don’t know who invented those five stages of grief, but they failed to say they come all at once. Minus acceptance. That I am still to feel. Resignation, maybe. An empty, bottomless, cold resignation.

I know several friends talked to me, and some people in white coats. I didn’t register any of their words.

Then I wanted to destroy everything I saw. And cry. And destroy crying.

Then, another house. With them. I Should have destroyed everything, but his kids are so… cute, innocent, so not fit for this sad world.

Yes, Jessie, it’s me. I don’t like it either. But in the name of the kids, I may continue to give it a go. If I still had such feeling inside me, I’d say playing with them is fun. What is she saying?

“I never would think he had such… I don’t even know how to define it. Twisted sense of humor?”

Oh, yes, Jessie, can’t you see how hard am I laughing?

“I was gobsmacked for ages trying to figure it out, too. I take it as a recognition that we won in the end.”

No, James, nobody won this mess. Ash is gone, his dream is gone, you lost Meowth, and I, my very soul. He kept going.

“And a huge responsibility. I don’t think anyone suffered more than him.”

I don’t need your sympathy. I didn’t ask for your support. I don’t want any of this. Oh, she had something to add to the most awkward of the tortures.

“Or simply it’s a new beginning. For all of us.”

They swapped the binoculars between them a bit more until the trio down on the beach got apart, Meowth rushing to the research team, the kids running back to the hotel.

As in an unspoken agreement, they looked at each other, his hand caressing her hair:

“Jessie…”

“James…” she answered. He giggled.

“Going wherever take us this crazed life.”

“As long as you don’t leave my sight.”

The third being in the hotel room thought “Why not? Maybe this is as good as it gets.” And jumped between the couple, with the only word in his vocabulary:

“Pika-chu.”