Part 4

Fake or More: Satoshi

 

Location and Setting:  Ash, Misty and Brock were able to get Team Rocket uniforms, but Satoshi still didn’t find anyone else that had his measurements.  Most of the Rocket members were actually more built than Ash and Satoshi’s lanky build.  That didn’t quite matter as much, though.  Somewhere along the elevators and stairs, Misty found a map to where everything was.  For some lucky force, they were able to elude the Rockets.  Just a few more till they would be able to reach the command center. 

 

Satoshi was still the only one without a costume.  He was unfortunate enough not to find someone his size.  That’s not true, they already had found one his size, but Ash took that.

 

It would be one more flight of stairs before they could get to the communications room.  It wasn’t easy though.  Unknown to Ash and the others, It was well-protected.  Even more noteworthy, was Giovanni’s devious tactics.

 

“Okay, is everyone going to be ready for whatever happens,” asked Brock.  “I doubt that there wouldn’t be anyone guarding the communications room.”

 

“I don’t know,” answered Misty, “can we run through the plan just one more time?”

 

“Of course,” answered Brock, “it’s simple.  First of all, we go in pretending to be Team Rocket members.  As we enter, we make small talk to the Rocket members and with our signal, Satoshi and the pokemon come in ready to take out the Rockets.”

 

It seemed too simple, but everyone was a little more than nervous and they didn’t really know what a good plan should be.  Besides, they all had full confident that Satoshi would be able to do it.

 

Ash entered first along with Misty next and Brock following the end. 

 

“Hey,” yelled one of the Rockets, “what do you think you guys are doing here.  Who are you?”

 

Ash didn’t know what to say, but that never stopped Ash before.

 

“Well,… actually, we’re here to get communications up.  Meaning that we’re going to beat you guys up and get help here.  Satoshi it’s time!”

 

Ash waited for Satoshi, but he didn’t arrive.  Why didn’t he arrive?  What can be the problem?  What can cause Satoshi to possibly be late on this?

 

One of the Rocket members charged for Ash and threw a left hook.  Ash was able to dodge and was able to kick him on his fours.  From behind them, the door opened.  Out pops Giovanni.

 

“I’m sorry to tell you, but you’re not going to be able to make that call.  That Pikachu put up a fight, but wasn’t much in the end.”

 

In Giovanni’s arms, was Satoshi’s collar being dragged around like a disobedient dog.  He was unconscious and looked as if he was roughened up. 

 

“Satoshi!,” screamed Misty.  “What did you do to him?”

 

“My darling, you didn’t really think that you’d be up here that easily; do you?  I decided to pull off this plan for months now.  You didn’t really think that I’d let the most littlest thing go without double-checking?”

 

“You’re a monster,” exclaimed Misty with foul disgust.

 

“What did you do to, Satoshi,” asked Ash with genuine concern.

 

All the pokemon that were with Satoshi were unconscious and in their pokeball; except for Pikachu who Ash didn’t give Satoshi his pokeball. 

 

“You’ll be sorry for all this, Giovanni,” said Ash right before he was knocked unconscious.

Seeing that Ash was already on the floor, the situation seemed more desperate.  Perhaps, maybe there wasn’t a way for them to get away.

 

Suddenly, from the entrance to the room, Crobat furiously flaps inside the room and flies to Brock’s side. 

 

“So, you have some fight in you still,” said Giovanni.  Growlithe, use Fireblast.”

 

Growlithe did as he was commanded and fired an attack at Brock. 

 

Both Brock and Crobat was able to dodge and the Fireblast hit the window to the outside. 

 

There’s no way, out, said Brock inwardly.  Then, he saw the whole that Giovanni made.  Perhaps, maybe there is a chance.

 

Brock ordered Crobat to come over and both of them headed for the whole. 

 

Giovanni ordered a Flamethrower, but Brock was too fast and was able to jump out of the window. 

 

As Brock fell, he noticed that he was actually far from the ground; really far. 

 

Crobat started to flap his wings as fast as he could.  It took some extra, extra effort, but he was able to guide Brock back into the forest. 

 

*****

 

Location and Setting:  Ash woke up next to Misty who was still unconscious.  He looked around and noticed that he was in a room somewhere where there was only one way out.  And where was Pikachu?  It was a small room, lit perfectly all around, as if it were an interrogation room.  Misty had her arms around her and tied up along with her legs as Ash was.  If anything, the room was some sort of empty storage room.

 

It hurt for Ash to think, but he remembered exactly what had happened to him.  Satoshi; something had happened to Satoshi.  He was knocked unconscious and now he was stuck in the room with no way out.

 

“Misty,” said Ash as he violently shook her, “wake up, Misty.  This isn’t the time to be asleep.”

 

Misty finally opened her eyes to see that Ash was next to her tied up.  The room wasn’t that small and Misty isn’t really claustrophobic, but she knew somehow that it wasn’t going to be hard to get out.  The walls seemed very stable.  Ash had knocked on the part of the wall and knew it was solid as a rock.

 

“Misty, turn around,” said Ash to Misty.

 

“What are you going to do?”

 

“I’m going to try and get you out of the rope using my teeth.”

 

“Oh!” 

 

Ash was careful about it trying his hardest not to bite Misty by accident.  He had a hard time doing so.  It seemed that the rope was tied well and Misty didn’t help by moving her fingers around. 

 

Misty felt a little tickled as Ash accidentally licked her hands.  It was embarrassing for her for some reason, but she couldn’t do anything about it. 

 

Finally, Ash was able to loosen Misty’s arms and she was able to slip out of it.  Misty then untie the ropes on her legs and then helped Ash with his arms and legs. 

 

They were finally free from being tied, but as Misty tried to turn the knob to the door, it wouldn’t turn a single budge. 

 

“What are we going to do, Ash?” Misty asked concerned about the rest of them. 

 

“Brock, where is Brock,” asked Ash. 

 

Misty was already knocked out when Ash was knocked out and so she didn’t see what happened.

 

“I don’t know, Ash,” Misty said panicked. 

 

Ash moved away from the door and then charged at it trying to pry it open. 

 

Ash crashed to the door hard, but all that happened was him bouncing right back.  It hurt a lot, but Ash gave it a second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and so on. 

 

Misty couldn’t watch as Ash tried his hardest not getting anywhere.  It seemed as if Ash was fighting for his life as he continued over and over again.  She couldn’t take it anymore.

 

“Ash,” Misty screamed, “please stop.  It’s not going to work.  You’re just hurting yourself.”

 

“Misty, I have to try.  Brock is somewhere along with May, Marene and even Satoshi and we don’t know what’s happened to them.  I have to try, even if it kills me.”

 

Misty never thought of that.  The idea that Ash would give his life for his friends scared her.  Misty knew that he would, but for Ash to actually say it, frightened her like she was had never been frightened. 

 

Ash was about to charge again, but Misty held on to him right before he was about to slam. 

 

“Misty,” Ash said as he was held by Misty as if she was his mother.  Ash looked in her eyes and knew that she was really concerned about him as a sparkle lit in her eyes.  “Misty,… I’m sorry.”

 

“Ash, no… I’m sorry.”

 

Ash pulled away from her and took a seat at a corner of the room.  Ash’s shoulder hurt from charging the door, but he brushed it off thinking about other things.  He was also worried about Pikachu.  Where was his little companion?

 

Misty sat next to him, cautiously not trying to provoke him into anything else desperate.

 

“Ash, does it hurt?”  Misty asked. 

 

“Only when I think about it,” Ash answered.  “Misty…,” he didn’t know what to say.

 

Misty knew what he was going to say.  “I don’t know why I did it.  It just happened last night.  I was looking at him and I felt so bad.  He looked some much like you, acted so much like you, and was just very much like you.  I still don’t know why I did it.”

 

Ash considered what had happened.  Why did she do it.  And if she did do it, why did she do it with him.  Yeah, Satoshi looked like Ash, but he wasn’t Ash, was he?  The only main difference between Ash and Satoshi were the physical markers like Satoshi’s ears.  Anything else between Ash and Satoshi were the same.  They preferred the same things, they lived the same life, or at least one of the two remember the life as they lived it.  Both Satoshi and Ash cared about Misty and Brock equally.  So, if that’s the case, then is Satoshi Ash and is Ash Satoshi? 

 

“Misty, I guess it’s my fault, too.  I guess that it’s because I didn’t tell you.  I had intended to tell you for the longest time, but for some reason, I could never luster up the courage to actually tell you.”

 

“Ash, I…”

 

Before Misty was able to finish her sentence, the door opened with a Team Rocket member with a Houndoom ready to fire if the two weren’t cooperative. 

 

“Giovanni is of need of you two,” said the Rocket member. 

 

“What if I refuse,” asked Ash.

 

“Well, if you don’t do as I say, then you’re friend over there will pay for your livelihood.”

 

Ash looked at the Rocket member with deeming anger, but knew that he had to do exactly what he was told..

 

“Fine!”

 

The Rocket member led Ash and Misty to where Giovanni was.  The Rocket member had Houndoom ready to fire at anytime as they walked ahead of the Rocket.  The Rocket directed them to where the room was. 

 

When they arrived, Giovanni was sitting on his chair sipping on a champagne glass.

 

The Rocket behind them exited the room leaving them with Giovanni.  Ash thought Giovanni was cocky as he faced them alone.

 

“Ah, so, you’re finally awake.  I’ve waited for a long time for this.  And actually, I wanted to thank you, Ash Ketchum for giving me the opportunity.”

 

“What are you talking about,” yelled Ash asking.  “And where is Pikachu?”

 

“Oh, yes.  Well, I want to thank you for giving me the chance to get the ultimate pokemon.”

 

“You’re a monster,” said Misty not being able to restrain herself.

 

“People are always saying that to me, but the truth is, they’re afraid of the power I will obtain.”

 

“What are you talking about, Giovanni?”

 

“Let me tell you about something I’ve been doing for the last five years.  For the past five years, I’ve been planning this whole orchestration.  Every single inch of this Island I’ve researched and painstakingly worked on.  I was set to take over and keep it covert.  Then, you arrived and the ultimate chance came.  I was so set to just go along with the plan, but things have changed.”

 

“Stop with the riddles and tell us what you’re up to, Giovanni,” exclaimed Ash.

 

“Fine, I was just going to go with the plan, but you provided me with the opportunity to capture the ultimate pokemon; Mewtwo.”

 

“Huh?” said Ash stunned.  “How are you going to do that?”

 

“For the most powerful pokemon in the world, I have to say, Mewtwo is really the responsible type.  You see, when I was working with Mewtwo, he showed a lot of integrity with his work.  You’re clone, he is of Mewtwo’s works.  And, with the proper persuasion, Mewtwo will come.  And when he does, I’ll be ready.”

 

“Giovanni, why do you want this much power,” asked Misty.

 

“Power, who doesn’t want power?  Who doesn’t want to get what they want when they want?  That’s why I do this, little girl.”

 

“You’ll be stopped.  You’ll be stopped somehow!” exclaimed Misty.

 

“I’ll be stopped, huh?  Well then, I’ll just prove to you that I can do whatever I want to do.”

 

Giovanni walked over to his desk drawer and opened it.  From the drawer, he pulled out a remote and clicked the green button. 

 

As he did so, from the opposite side of the room, a door opened. 

 

“If you two will please follow me,” suggested Giovanni, but really as the Growlithe was behind them ready to attack just in case, it was more of an order.

 

“Where are you going to take us?” asked Ash as he stood his ground keeping Misty behind him.

 

“Just follow me and you’ll see,” answered Giovanni.

 

The Growlithe from behind them poke at Misty and Ash knew that he had no choice, so he followed. 

 

“You see,” said Giovanni as he walked, “when I first heard that Mr. Goodshow was going to build an island exclusively to determine the most talented in Pokemon Training, I knew I had to have some part in it.  You see, you might not know this because it’s not really known to the general public, but Bruno, Lance, Agatha, Prima, all of them are recipients of the winning cup of this Island.  Yes, fifteen years ago, when he built this place.  I’ve always wanted to be its owner.”

 

“Is it because you weren’t good enough to actually compete here,” asked Ash condescendingly.

 

Giovanni only laughed.  “Stupid boy, you don’t think that I’d be revered by so many people and be the leader of Team Rocket if I myself weren’t a good trainer?”

 

The door continued on to a corridor that seemed like they took forever to actually get through.  It was weird as the course of the corridor was so condensed, side-wise, and also the floor curved slanting to rising to falling.  It was like a funhouse as the followed along with the Growlithe just behind them ready to pounce if the chance presented it to them.

 

“I don’t believe you’re good at all,” doubted Ash.

 

“I don’t care if you believe me, boy.  But, I am going to tell you that you yourself wouldn’t stand a chance if you actually battled me.”

 

“That’s a lie.  You probably don’t even know how to bring out a pokemon.”

 

“Back in my days, a person wouldn’t last a minute with me.  You see, as of everything else, I’m as critical of any chances a person has over me.  That was my greatest strength.  I was watching your battles from past till just yesterday.  I watched your matches closely and I have to say that you’re nothing but an amateur who was lucky enough to be able to capture strong pokemon.”

 

“Do you really thing so.  Okay, then I’ll battle you for Misty’s freedom.”

 

Giovanni stopped and looked at Ash.  Giovanni almost laughed at the idea. 

Misty heard what he said and was very much appreciative.  Had she the chance she’d treat him better than just a thank you.

 

“Do you really think I’d risk something stupid like that?  I’m not one to be taken advantage because of my vanity.  Beside, I don’t believe you have something of equal value that you may be able to bet.  I mean, what do you give to the man that can take anything he wants?”

 

It was a good point.  Ash thought about what he could give in exchange for Misty’s freedom, but he couldn’t really give his life when Giovanni already captured it.

 

“I’ll do whatever you tell me if I loose.  Anything you will I will obey.  I promise, if you give me a match for her freedom, then I’ll give you my life.”

 

“Ash,” interrupted Misty, “you can’t do that.  What if you loose?”

 

“That won’t be possible at all,” answer Giovanni for Ash, “that’s because I won’t give you that chance, kid.  I have much much bigger fish that you to deal with.  In fact, if I didn’t need you, I’d have let you rot in that made-in cell you two were in.”

 

“You need me,” asked Ash in astonishment, “for what?”

 

“I need you as proof,” Giovanni answered.

 

“What do you need Ash for?” asked Misty, “And where did you take Satoshi?”

 

“Satoshi?  You actually gave that clone a name?” asked Giovanni in a sort of disgust.

 

“He’s not just a clone!” said Misty with conviction and complete dislike for Giovanni.  “He’s more of a human being than you’ll ever be!”

 

“So, I see that you two grew to love this clone.  You know, that’s all he is; a clone.  He has no past, only false memories.  In fact, the very idea that I say ‘he’ is preposterous.  That thing you call, Satoshi, is just a thing.  A thing that I’m going to use as bait.”

 

“You know, it’s people like you that create all these prejudice in the world,” informed Misty, “the kind of people who can’t accept people for being people. “

 

“Missy, do you really want to debate this with me?  Because, I’ll tell you know, that all clones are made for the use of other people.  It was once posed long ago: does one human being mean more than another human being.  I’ve thought about that question for years.  All this time, I haven’t yet found a reason why one would be more important than another.  If that’s the case, then why make clones?  The only possible reason is to use them as tools.  Just like you mass produce nails, hammers, wrenches; to be used.  Mewtwo himself is a clone.  And if I had the chance, I’d use that tool to its limits.”

 

“You are disgusting,” stated Ash.

 

“Satoshi is much more than just a clone.  You fired at me with Dragonite the other day and Satoshi risked his life for me.  I never asked him to, but he did so out of his own will.   A tool doesn’t do that for a person.”

 

“You fail to see what’s in front of you.  Him,” Giovanni then pointed at Ash, “he is real.  He’s in front of you.  If anything, you should worry about the real people in the world.  Be a smart girl and stop thinking of that thing as real.”

 

“Satoshi is a real person.  His actions speaks for it all. He, Satoshi, didn’t come here to help himself, he came here to help everyone else for your massive crime to both Human and Pokemon.”

 

“Okay, let me ask you this.  If that thing is real, do you suppose that it has a soul?”

 

“I don’t know if soul’s exist, but I’ll say that he is alive.  He is someone with a future that can do something in this world.  When I look at Satoshi, I see a person, not just because he’s walking or talking, but because he’s kind, appreciative for what he has.”

 

“You really consider that thing to be real?  Well, suppose there was much more than one clone.  If another one would be cloned, would that clone be considered Ash?  If another one, or another or another?  If hundreds were to be cloned?  What use is the first clone or the first person?  Nothing.  Draw the line now, when is something real and when are they just clones?  That thing, he can be just a piece of hair that got lucky.”

 

Misty didn’t quite know how to answer that, but she knew Satoshi was more than just a copy of someone. 

 

“Satoshi is a human being.  I see it as he was crying last night.  He conveyed human emotion and human instincts.  I kissed him and he kissed me, he was real, warm, alive.  He was human!”  She hadn’t meant to mention all that, but somehow she lost control of her anger and let loose.

 

Giovanni looked at Misty in a rather peculiar way that sent pulses of embarrassment throughout her whole body.

 

“You two look the same age.  You’re not siblings, and Ash here seems to want to give his life for you.  That means that you two must either be really good friends, or if you two are lovers.”

 

Misty was more embarrassed as he mentioned that.  A lot more shameful as she looked at Ash who faced away from the conversation.

 

“It also concerns me that you can easily tell from which is which from the hair color and the defect of the clone’s genes merging with a Pikachu.  Also, I’m guessing that it was either dark or you chose the copy over the original.  Doesn’t it bother you that she picked a copy than the original?”

 

Ash still kept away form the conversation.  He didn’t want to look at Misty, it only reminded him of him waking up and in front of his face, dangled the relationship he had wanted with Misty. 

 

“Ash,…” said Misty, “…I’m sorry.  It was a big mistake.”

 

“Don’t mention it,” Ash said quite brashly, “it doesn’t matter at a time like this.”

 

Finally, the corridor ended with a thick door you may say at bank vaults. 

 

Growlithe,” firmly commanded Growlithe, “watch those two.  You,” he pointed out to a Rocket that kept guard, “I want you to keep these to secure.  If one of them does anything that may endanger what we intend to do, order Growlithe to burn the other.”

 

“You animal!” yelled Misty.

 

Giovanni ordered a crew of Rocket specialist to get ready with cameras and lighting. 

 

Giovanni walked over to button on the opposite side of the huge room.  As he did so, the wall parted open and showed Satoshi and a machine that looked like some sort of weapon.  Satoshi was tied on a platter of some sort that stood him up.  He didn’t look to bad, though his head dangled from his head as if he were sleeping.

 

“Giovanni, what did you do?” asked Misty looking at Satoshi as if he had been beaten.

 

Ash looked at Satoshi and couldn’t quite express the anger he had at seeing him.  Then, Ash realized that he’d never want to see this image again.  Ash realized that he’d never want to hurt Satoshi ever again.  As if Giovanni had crossed some sort of line that was drawn way too far than just stealing people’s pokemon.  Giovanni had hurt family.  Giovanni had harmed Ash’s brother, Satoshi.

 

“Giovanni!”  Ash yelled gruffly, focusing all his anger into one person.  “I promise you’ll be sorry for doing this.  You’ll pay bountifully for this.  If I’m worth anything in the world, I promise to see you pay for this.”

 

Ash was breathing hard and look as if he was about to explode with rage.  It took every single will Ash had to have kept him from running over to Giovanni and, dare I say it, kill Giovanni.

 

It was the most angriest Misty had ever seen Ash.  She was scared just looking at the sight of Ash trembling with hatred for someone.  Misty knew if she weren’t there, Ash wouldn’t have hesitated to have run over to Satoshi.  Ash wouldn’t have cared if he was burnt alive or not just to get to Satoshi.  She wanted to restraint him just to calm him down.  “Ash…,” she said quite whimpered. 

 

Ash wasn’t listening and Misty knew so.  She only kept by his side and held on to his arm.     

 

“Camera man,” signaled Giovanni, “get a good picture of the two trainers on ready.  Okay, it’s time.” 

 

The camera man signaled the five, four, three, two, and one.

 

“Lady’s, Gentlemen, and of course my target audience; Mewtwo!  I am Giovanni.  Around the world, I’m known as a very crude businessman.  But, I hold a secret identity.  You will now know me as the illustrious leader of TEAM ROCKET.”

 

*****

 

Location and Setting:  In Pallet Town, Ash’s house, just outside in Deliah’s garden.  The phone rang and Mr. Mime called Mrs. Ketchum into the video phone.  Mrs. Ketchum was patched through to Tracey at Prof. Oak’s lab. 

 

Tracey looked panicked as if he had just seen the most gore in the world.

 

“Mrs. Ketchum, did you see the program?” asked Tracey frantically sweating profusely. 

 

“Tracey, what’s wrong?  Has anything happen to Prof. Oak?”

 

From Mrs. Ketchum’s reaction, it was clear she didn’t see it. 

 

“Mrs. Ketchum, please turn on the TV?”

 

“To what channel?”

 

“It doesn’t matter,” Tracey answered, “It’s on every channel.”

 

“What is this all about?”

 

“They’ve been playing this video for the last hour.  Prof. Oak was working in his lab when a colleague informed us about what’s happened.”

 

Mrs. Ketchum knew she had to see what was the big alert about. 

 

“Mrs. Ketchum, Prof. Oak will be there in just a few minutes,” informed Tracey.

 

“Why, why is Prof. Oak coming?”

 

“Mrs. Ketchum, Prof. Oak will tell you everything when he gets there.  I have to call Prof. Oaks colleagues to confirm what’s going on.  I’m sorry, I have to go.”

 

Before Mrs. Ketchum was able to say anything, Tracey was gone.

 

Mrs. Ketchum walked over to the TV and turned it on.  On the screen was a man dress finely and speaking about something. 

 

“Mr. Mime, please hand me the remote.”

 

Mr. Mime did as he was asked and gave her the remote.

 

At first, Mrs. Ketchum changed the channel and found it was all the same in all channels.  Afterwards, she turned on the volume and paid attention to the program. 

 

Yes, I am the Team Rocket leader.  For years, I have hidden this from everyone, but now with being so close to my goal, I’ll no longer stay ambiguous. 

 

“What’s this about?” asked Mrs. Ketchum to herself.

 

This video isn’t to expose my identity, rather, it is an announcement to Mewtwo.  I’m calling you out, Mewtwo.  I know that at this range of controlling communications, you’re bound to notice it.  I have in my position you’re final work that wasn’t finish.  I have with me the result of your mistake.  Something you neglected to take care of.  Mewtwo, I have the clone you abandoned.  I’m taking a big risk here, and I know that you’re not going to disappoint me.  You’re too far from human to just let this go.

 

“Clone?” thought Mrs. Ketchum.

 

To prove it, I know you’ll remember this boy.  He’s a little older now, but I bet you’ll remember him just the same.

 

A sharp nervousness hit Mrs. Ketchum’s whole being.  “Boy,” she thought to herself remember how troubled Tracey was on the phone.

 

I have captured the Island that only the privileged trainers are allowed to step in. 

 

The picture changed to the scene around the Island covered with a force field with Rocket members occupying mounts of the area that they seemed like a whole mass of land. 

 

Mewtwo, I do this to not only your mistake, but to everyone here: Humans and Pokemon, alike.  And here’s proof.

 

Mrs. Ketchum’s fears were made true.  The program showed Satoshi with his head hung down and of Ash being subdued to the pointblank shot of a Growlithe. 

 

You see the difference of the boy, continued the program, this is the result of a splicing of a Human being and a Pikachu.  This boy, Ash Ketchum has no brother.  Mewtwo, Giovanni walked over to Satoshi and lifted his head, his head may be down because we drugged it, but I promise you this is a clone.

 

The program ended and repeated again.

 

Mrs. Ketchum was breathless from the shock and almost fainted, but something inside her that her only child was in danger and she needed to be strong. 

 

Outside, Mrs. Ketchum heard a helicopter.  Mrs. Ketchum went outside to meet with Prof. Oak.

 

Deliah got in without any questions or hesitation and ordered, “Take me to that Island!”

 

*****

 

Setting and Location:  Tracy went down the list of people to call.  He just called May’s dad Norman and informed him that a helicopter was coming to get the whole family. 

 

“Okay, who’s next,” asked Tracey himself as he wiped a block of sweat on his forehead. 

 

“Hello,” said Lily on the other line frantically.”

 

“Lily,” said Tracey, “I see you saw the program.”

 

“Yeah, what’s going on,” asked Lily almost practically crying from seeing her sister kept hostage.

 

“We don’t really know.  But, I need you to get your sisters ready to go to that Island.  Just wait there, a helicopter is coming for you three.”

 

On the other line, Daisy heard Lily on the phone and rushed over pushing Lily out of the way to talk to Tracey.

 

“Tracey, what’s going on.  What’s happened to Misty?”

 

“Daisy, a helicopter is heading to your place to pick you up to go to the Island.  Please just wait.”

 

Tracey hung up leaving Daisy wondering what was going to happen.

 

“I just can’t take it anymore,” said Tracey exhausted from seeing the worried faces of his friends.  He had called Brock’s family first and it was just the worst.  Afterwards, he had called the rest of his friend’s families.  It was heart breaking doing so. 

 

*****

 

Location and Setting:  Giovanni played the waiting game as Ash and Misty were tied up like Satoshi was and they all waited for something to happen. 

 

Ash was next to Satoshi and looked at him as if his brother had been beaten half to death. 

 

“Just wait Giovanni, you’ll pay for this.”

 

“Do you really think that I’m not ready for all this?  Last night, when we didn’t come to get you.  Did you really think that we’d let anyone wonder around the Island just as they pleased.  If I had wanted to get you, I would have done so.  As, you’re two friends, Marene and May, they’re already caught.  The only reason why I didn’t get you, was because I was to busy getting the secret weapon out to the Island.”

 

“What weapon?” asked Misty.

 

“I’m talking about the weapon the will capture Mewtwo.”

 

“You’re awful, you’re not suppose to treat pokemon as if they are things to do you will.  They are living creatures that deserve to live as any other living creature does.”

 

“And I suppose that you have never squashed a bug before one purpose.  That’s what pokemon are: bugs but bigger.  Bigger bugs that serve me a purpose.”

 

“I won’t lie,” said Misty, “I have squashed a bug on purpose, but to be as cruel as using pokemon to do evil deeds.  I’ve seen what your organization have done before.  I’ve seen the destruction on the St. Anne.  It was capsized and had to be evacuated.  It’s not just a question of whether it’s wrong to use pokemon, it’s a question of whether or not you consider yourself to be human if you actually plan to go through with your plan.” 

 

“You’re so naïve.  You yourself treat pokemon as if they were just tools to use.  Don’t tell me that you haven’t ever ordered a pokemon against their will.”

 

Misty thought about it and knew that he was right.  She had done so; many times as well.  There have been times when Psyduck had been reluctant in doing something she had ordered him to do, but still she force Psyduck. 

 

“Misty, don’t listen to him,” said Ash, “he’s trying to make you compare yourself to him.  Make no mistake, Misty, he is far more worst than anything you will ever do.  His intensions are to himself, self serving, corrupted by his own ambition and greed.  You on the other hand care for pokemon, help pokemon, and have all the good intentions in the world.  There’s a span of years from his depravity and your kindness.  So please, don’t think of yourself bad.”

 

“And I thought I was actually getting through to the girl.  You just had to butt in.”  Giovanni seemed as if he didn’t really care and just said that to spite Ash. 

 

Suddenly, Ash heard Satoshi stir; waking up.  Satoshi was slow at first dizzily and clumsily swaying his body in directions trying to get a handle on where he was.  He was being captive, he was treated like an animal, he was under someone’s advantage.

 

“Satoshi,” yelled Ash in excitement and relief, “wake up Satoshi.”

 

When Misty heard Ash, she looked into Satoshi’s direction and saw him stir.  Misty could have cried to see Satoshi conscious. 

 

“I see the sedative has finally passed your system,” said Giovanni.  “It was actually pretty fast, too.  Well, considering you’re half pokemon, half human, but all just fake.”  Giovanni laughed at his own joke and Misty and Ash were more disgusted by the very act.

 

“Satoshi,” began Misty, “are you alright?”

 

Satoshi showed signs that he heard her speak, but not so much as any acknowledgement to her. 

 

“Satoshi…,” said Ash down trotted, “I’m sorry for earlier.  It was my fault and I shouldn’t have acted the way I did.”

 

“Isn’t that sweet, you too are naïve,” stated Giovanni.  “You still think he’s actually a real being. He’s not real, he just a tool at my disposal.  Look at his ears, he’s just a product of Mewtwo’s experiments with cloning.”

 

“No,” Ash said gruffly, “it’s you that doesn’t understand.  Satoshi is alive, he’s more alive than you are.  He’s human and pokemon; best of the two worlds.  But you, you’re just a monster.  I know he’s real, he’s been living with his life no matter how sad he was.  He spent his life living something he was given, even if it was an accident.  But he doesn’t have to be sad, now.  Because Satoshi has Me.  He has Misty, he had Brock, May, Marene and anyone else that I have he has.”  Ash turned to Satoshi who was responding more normally than he had before.  “Do you hear me, Satoshi?  You don’t have to be sad ever again.  When this is all over, we’re going to throw you a party.  Everyone of your friends will be there.  And Mom, she’ll give you a big hug and invite you for desert, she’ll wonder if you’re alright or if you’ve eaten today.  She’ll be happy to know that you’re out in the world making a name for yourself.  She’ll worry about you like she worries abut me.  And every time we head over, she’ll give us a kiss and say that we’re her boys.  Because we’re brothers, Satoshi.”

 

Satoshi didn’t show signs of actually hearing what Ash said, but he heard.  He imagined his mother and Ash on special occasions.  Satoshi imagined birthdays.  Traveling with Marene, he never really set a day when he would have a birthday.  He considered celebrating Ash’s birthday as his own one year, but decided to forgo that.  It just didn’t seem right or was right for him to do so. 

 

Yes, Satoshi heard everything Ash said.  A tear slid down his face and hit the ground, though Ash didn’t see it as Satoshi’s head was facing the ground.  Satoshi didn’t show it, but he enjoyed the idea of his mother.  From what he remembered of Ash’s memory, he loved his mother very much.  If he were counting, he’d hadn’t seen his mother for the last four years. 

 

On a monitor, a Rocket member that seemed as if he was higher than the other Rocket members contacted in.  He seemed as if he was troubled over something.  Was it?

 

“Sir, just as you predicted, Mewtwo is here.  He’s broken through the forcefield and he’s heading to your location.  We aren’t able to stop him. “

 

“Fine, keep me posted on my cellular,” Giovanni hit the off button and walked over to the machine.  Giovanni pulled out from the inside of one of the locks a ball of some sort.  A ball that closely resembled a pokeball, yet it was all white and had a ‘GS’ on it.  “This is the ultimate pokeball,” Giovanni proclaimed.  “Not only does it catch what ever it hits, but it also turns them to an obedient to whoever the pokeball is registered to.  With this, I will be undefeatable!”

 

“You’re going to fail…” said Satoshi who was thought to be still out to the world. 

 

Ash was surprised and overjoyed as Satoshi spoke.  He was worried for a while that he might have been really hurt, but Satoshi’s recent emergence from unconsciousness gave Ash hope to pull through from this.

 

*****

 

Location and Setting:  Luckily, all this time, Brock was able to elude the Rocket members with his Rocket disguise.  Somehow with a plan, wit, tactics, and a little luck, he was able to find his way to where Marene and May were being held.  It was inside the tower in the second floor.  There weren’t any real cells, but the closets and other small rooms made a nice cell.

 

Brock looked inside the room and scanned for the Rocket members.  There in all were 9.  It was possible. 

 

Crobat,” yelled Brock, “Quick Attack all of the guards, now!”

 

Before the guards were able to do anything with their pokeballs, they were already taken out. 

 

“Brock,” exclaimed May, “how did you get here?”

 

“No time for that,” Brock said as he untied May’s arms that were around her. 

 

“Is Satoshi and everyone else alright?” asked Marene.

 

“I don’t know,” Brock answered, now working on Marene’s arms.  “All I know was that it was all a trap.  Giovanni had planned on us coming here to get contact with the outside.”

 

“So, you weren’t able to make contact with the outside world,” asked May.

 

“We don’t need to,” answered Brock.  “Giovanni contacted the outside world himself.  Giovanni set out a message to Mewtwo, and in tern had to give away his actions.  Now, I suppose everyone is coming to this Island and trying to help.  But that doesn’t matter anymore to Giovanni.”

 

“So, you’re telling us that Giovanni purposely called the authorities on himself,” asked May.

 

“Yeah, I guess he doesn’t see them as a threat at all.”

 

“That Giovanni guy is some over confident jerk,” proclaimed Marene.

 

“Well, what’s our next step,” asked Marene.  “And where is Satoshi?”

 

Brock thought it was better he just showed them.  After Brock helped out the other Trainers that were kept in the room, they split up with them and headed for all the other rooms where the Trainers were kept hostage. 

 

“This is all possible because of Mewtwo,” said Brock as he led the way to the other rooms.  “If it weren’t for Mewtwo causing the distraction, we’d have gotten caught such a long time ago.  All the Rocket members are to busy keeping Mewtwo in line.”

 

“Brock, what’s going on,” asked Marene.

 

Finally, in the room where they were able to liberate the other hostages, Marene caught the TV a Rocket member was watching.  Marene was as Satoshi was being kept hostage by Giovanni and Giovanni explaining his plans to everyone.

 

“We have to get there as fast as we can,” implored Marene.

 

“We can’t yet,” said Brock, “we don’t have any idea where they may be and also we don’t have all our pokemon.”

 

“I know where they are,” said a familiar face.

 

“Mr. Goodshow,” acknowledged Brock, “this is where you were taken.”

 

“Yes, I can lead you there.”

 

“Please, Mr. Goodshow, I need to help my friend,” begged Marene.

 

“Yes, I know.  That boy, I’ve seen him before.  To think, someone was cloned.”

 

“He’s not just a clone,” exclaimed Marene.  “He’s always been Satoshi to me and that’s all I care about.  He’s my friend and he’s more that what everyone labeled him to be!”

 

“Calm down, Marene,” asked Brock, “let’s get there first and then we’ll be able to discuss this all later.”

 

“Alright, then,” said Mr. Goodshow, “I can take you there.  Just follow me.”

 

*****

 

Location and Setting:  Back to where Satoshi, Ash and Mist were located.  Satoshi was able to regain full use of his body, but was still weak.  Giovanni left the room along with Satoshi and told the two he was going to have a rendezvous with an old acquaintance and left the room.  

 

Ash tried his hardest to escape with strength alone, but it didn’t work.  He had wished he hadn’t charged the door with his shoulder earlier when they were tied up.  It hurt so much as he moved it just an inch. 

 

 Suddenly, the door that Giovanni exited opened.

 

Ash was preparing for the worst, when it was May he saw entering.

 

Ash’s hope flooded as if back as May ran to him.

 

“Ash, I’ve been so worried about you,” said May dramatically, “you really scared me.”

 

“I’m sorry for that, May.”

 

Mr. Goodshow was next to entering, followed by Brock and Marene.

 

“Ash, Misty, what happened here,” asked Brock.

 

“Where’s Satoshi,” immediately asked Marene.

 

Pikachu was worried he’d lost his best friend, but relieved he was alright—if you considered being tied up alright. 

 

“Giovanni took Satoshi,” answered Ash.

 

“We have to get Satoshi back,” said Marene.

 

“That’s exactly what I intend to do,” proclaimed Ash as he massaged his wrist that was tied up.

 

“No!” gasped Mr. Goodshow.  “He actually got that thing to work.”

 

“What is Mr. Goodshow,” asked Misty. 

 

“It was never meant to work.  If it did, it meant that Pokemon Training would be nothing more than just an easy task.”

 

“What is it, Mr. Goodshow?” asked Brock.

 

“He created a pokeball that will capture any pokemon.  It doesn’t matter if they were the weakest or the strongest.  If that thing really works, then Giovanni will succeed with his plan.  It’s imperative that we stop him.”

 

*****

 

Location and Setting:  Outside Mewtwo waited for Giovanni to show his face.  All around the stadium that the Trainers fought , where Rocket members and their pokemon sleeping, unconscious. 

 

The stadium opened from below and an elevator heading up with two passengers rose from beneath.

 

The shear sight of Mewtwo looking menacingly at Giovanni sent chills down his spine.  It wasn’t out of fear, it was out of the exhilaration of his next victory, his next conquer.  Giovanni practically drooled as he looked on.

 

Mewtwo hovered down to eye level with Giovanni, keeping his arms crossed.

 

“Give me the boy,” demanded Mewtwo.

 

“Do you think I’ll just let you have the boy that easily,” asked Giovanni mockingly. 

 

“I don’t intend to ask twice,” Mewtwo said.

 

“I miss this, you know.  I remember having you by me side, always so curious.  You were also the disobedient type.  You were always so stubborn as well.  I guess that’s our relationship with one another.”

 

“Giovanni, I didn’t come here to reminisce about hated times.  I’ll give you another chance.  Give me the boy, or I’ll have to take him.”

 

Ahhh…NO!”  Was Giovanni’s answer.

 

“Fine!”

 

Mewtwo merely put forward his arm and pointed it directly up.  As he did so, Giovanni began to rise as if he were being carried by phantoms off the ground.  Giovanni neither squirmed or squeaked.  He merely smile that arrogant smile he had always had. 

 

“Do you believe I’m afraid of you, Mewto,” Giovanni asked with the smugness he always should.  “I created you, you won’t kill you own father, right?”

 

“I choose not to kill you, but I don’t choose not to punish you for your actions.”

 

“Wait,” Giovanni pleaded, “I want to tell you something.”

 

Mewtwo considered what he Giovanni wanted.  What exactly did Giovanni want with him?  Actually, Mewtwo knew what he wanted, but why would he come out of the shadows like this and challenge him publicly? 

 

“What are you planning, Giovanni?”

 

“What I’m planning, I’m planning to capture you, of course.”

 

As soon as he was done speaking, Giovanni released his Dragonite from his pokeball. 

 

Dragonite, use Dragon Rage on Mewtwo!”

 

Dragonite did as he was commanded and fired directly at Mewtwo.

 

Mewtwo being very fast, was able to deflect the attack, but in the process let Giovanni go. 

 

Giovanni reach down his pockets again and called out for Houndoom. 

 

Houndoom, use Fireblast,” commanded Giovanni.

 

Houndoom did as he was told and fired.  Again, Mewtwo was able to block.

 

Again, Giovanni reach in his pocket and brought out Alakazam.

 

Alakazam, build a massive dome around the arena!”

 

As commanded, Alakazam did so without hesitation. 

 

As the whole thing was happening, Ash and the rest was able to get to Satoshi who was still tied up.

 

“Ash,” called out Satoshi who was still drowsy.  “Thank you.”

 

“No problem, we just have to help Mewtwo get rid of Giovanni.”

 

“Satoshi…,” said Marene who was worried to death that Satoshi wasn’t with her.  She had believed the worst thing in the world had happened to Satoshi.  She felt like crying, but she wouldn’t be helping at all.  “Satoshi, you said you’ll come back for me!”

 

“I’m sorry, Marene.  I was just a little tied up,” Satoshi answered.

 

“That’s not funny, Satoshi, I was really worried about you. “

 

“I’m sorry,” Satoshi confessed, “I really didn’t mean to.”

 

Marene knew Satoshi was just kidding, but none the less she had wanted to scream at him for being so casual at such a situation. 

 

“He was always a marvelous, Trainer,” stated Mr. Goodshow.

 

“What do you mean, Mr. Goodshow,” asked Ash.

 

“He competed here, before.  At the end of the competition, Giovanni had no one in his league to stand up to him. “

 

“So you mean to tell us, that all of Giovanni’s bravado was actually worth mentioning,” asked Misty.

 

Mr. Goodshow looked at the dome that covered the battle inside.  “Giovanni was always a genius at battles.  A very crude tactician of his craft.  To see him like this is a shame.”

 

“Never mind that, Mr. Goodshow, we still have to stop Giovanni,” informed Ash.

 

“We have to somehow break through this build-up of Reflect attack,” said Satoshi. 

 

“We can try to break it,” suggested Mr. Goodshow.  “No matter how powerful a psychic Pokemon Alakazam is, if we put in all our efforts to breaking it, it’ll shatter.”

 

“Let’s do it, Satoshi,” signaled Ash with a whisk of determination on his face.

 

“Let’s do it together,” concord Satoshi with the same will to succeed.

 

*****

Here we are.  Hope you like.  Review?  Submitted 8/25/06.

Also, the last submission before this was not submitted on the 8/21/06.  I just messed up on that.  It was submitted 7/21/06