I do not own any of these characters so you can't sue me because I said it. lol Now, here's Part 15 of this fic. Oh, and if you're a Brock fan, you're probably going to get mad at me. He's going to get hurt. Just remember, this is only a fic. (Nervous laugh)

Ash/Duplica: 13
Misty/Todd: 14
Mondo: 16
Kenji/Jen: 17
Joya: 18
Brock/Jessie: 19
James/Cassidy/Butch: 20

Part 15: Everyone Disappears!

RP: Wow, a lot happened last chapter! Ash finally battled the gym leaders at the Kage Island Gym, and beat them, and they went berserk on him and Misty. Todd just found out that Giovanni is out on the loose and plans on turning him into some type of monster, as he really wasn't specific, to help get rid of Duplica and her friends, and Togepi finally managed to get his message through to Misty and the others, thanks to Meowth's translating for them. Kenji and Jen now realize that they were meant to be together, in other words, linked, but aren't too sure on how. Hope all goes well this chapter!

Ash Title: Everyone Disappears!

Kenji awoke sluggishly, rubbing his head with his left hand. "Where am I," he muttered, as he sat up. He realized that he couldn't truly move freely, and looked over to his right to see why. His right hand was still embraced with Jen's left. He let go, and shook the girl gently. "Jen-chan," he softly spoke, as he didn't really want to, and found her more beautiful than ever at that particular moment, "wake up."

Her eyes opened slowly, a gentle breeze brushing across her skin as she yawned. She sat up and stretched, unfamiliar with the place they were currently in. "Where are we?"

"I'm not sure, but all I remember is this strange light surrounding us, and then waking up here," he looked around again, "wherever here is."

"Do not be frightened, young ones," they both heard a voice say.

Another one then spoke up. "Yes, do not be afraid."

Neither felt as if the owners of these voices (the first being female; the second belonging to that of a male) were threatening or harmful in any way, but Jen wasn't going to take any chances. She jumped up, alert and ready, positioned in a fighting stance. "Where are you?" It was pretty difficult to determine where the sound of the voices was coming from. "Who are you?"

"That is of no concern to you, child," the female answered shortly.

While Jen seemed intent on figuring out which way the voice was coming from, Kenji - who was now standing beside the martial artist - was taking in his surroundings. Both were in a field filled with fresh, sweet-smelling flowers, such as Daisies, Lilies, Violets, and Roses of all colors, which included blue roses, one of which that didn't even exist.

The bright blue sky above didn't have a single cloud in it, and beautiful, exotic birds dominated the skies. Throughout the meadow, a few animals and field Pokémon were frolicking about, while a few Butterfree were pollinating the flowers. Nearby, was a babbling brook, filled with many Water Pokémon, such as Goldeen, Magikarp, Seaking, Horsea, Seadra, etc. The water within this brook was extremely pure and clear, like no ounce of pollution had ever touched its surface, nor would it be able to.

This serene, unknown place was definitely the type where one could feel relieved and relaxed. It was a great place to escape the perils of the real world; to get away from pressures of reality.

"Where is this place?" Kenji shouted out.

"You are in a special place that few have ever seen," the male explained in a calm gruff voice. "No living mortal has ever come to this place, unless something is going to happen in his or her world, or…"

"Or what?"

"Or if he or she is deceased."

"Deceased," Jen asked curiously, her stance remaining, "as in, dead? Are-are we…dead?"

"No, you're not," the male assured them. "For one to come here who is deceased, he or she would know it, as you receive a briefing before arriving. If one comes here without a briefing, it means you are here for another reason."

"What reason?"

"Your world, something is going to happen there."

"Our world?" the two asked, still trying to make sense of the information they were now receiving.

"We must deliver a message," the female explained to them. "Your lives are in danger, as well as a few others, just as the fate of your world is."

"Danger?"

"You two possess a very special power from within…" she continued, her voice sounding quite exasperated and tired.
x x x x x x x x x x
RP: I know that was corny; don't need to tell me about it.
x x x x x x x x x x
"I'm a bit lost here," Kenji said. "We are in a field, talking to voices of people we cannot see, and with the way this place is, I feel that it would be very difficult to hide, as there are no places to hide."

"Calm down," the female said to Kenji. She seemed a bit antsy.

"Remember, this is a world for the deceased, which you are not, therefore, you are not allowed to see us in our true forms. Only one is allowed to, and she will in sure time to help resurrect her memory," the male continued brusquely. "Even if you two were able to view us in our original forms, you wouldn't recognize us because neither of you are connected to us in any way nor family."

"I don't really like speaking with people and not being able to see them!" Jen told them sternly, still looking around in grave suspicion. "Are you friend or foe? If foe, you will have to fight me! I do not take any chances with those I do not know; especially after what happened to me almost three years ago!"
x x x x x x x x x x
RP: To understand that fully, you would have to read my Sailor Moon fic, A New Enemy. Jen is in that fic, only younger. If any of you would like to read it, you can take a look at it here under my profile of this site.
x x x x x x x x x x
The male voice chuckled, quite amused. "That's a warrior for you. A warrior is always alert and ready to encounter anything, and tend to always have his or her guard up."

"I still don't like the idea of speaking to a person that I cannot see!" The girl was growing slightly uneasy, as she couldn't even sense where these two could be.

"Fine!" the female voice huffed. "We will take on the form of a Pokémon that best fit our personalities as well as our old lives."

"Come to the brook," the male instructed. "The form we pick, will remind us of one of the most important persons that were once a part of our old lives."

Kenji and Jen walked towards the brook, even though Jen was still alert and ready, just in case. A glow shined from the water, taking on two forms, which looked human-like. The two had to shield their eyes from the brightness of it. When the glow subsided, in the place of the two that had resembled humans, were a Staryu and a Starmie.

"Is this better?" the Starmie asked in slight annoyance.

"Why did you choose a Starmie and a Staryu for a form?" Kenji questioned.

"Like we told you earlier, it reminds us of somebody very important to us," the Staryu replied.

Jen, who finally realized that no danger was near, lowered her guard. The Starmie who had spoken first, had the female's voice, while the Staryu had the male's.

"I notice that you keep referring to your 'old lives'," Kenji noted, "are you two ghosts?"

"One could call us that, but we prefer to be called spirits."

"Enough with this chitchat," Starmie snapped, "we must finish delivering this message! Their world needs the two of them back as soon as possible!"

"You said something about our having some type of a…power?"

The Starmie looked to nod to the girl's question. "You two feel as though you are connected in some sort of a way, am I not correct?" The two nodded slowly. "Well, you are. The both of you possess a power that is so great, that the all-mighty evil one is afraid of you."

Jen literally sweat dropped after hearing that. "'The all mighty evil one'?"

"Too bad you two aren't real Pokémon," Kenji complained, going very off topic. "I could research and study you, and then give my report to Bill of the Lighthouse and Professor Oak. It would make a very good report for them to review. Who knows, a report like that could even reach the Symposium, making me world famous! No one has ever come across something as rare as a talking Starmie or a talking Staryu!" Kenji slapped his forehead in stupidity. "Now why didn't I think of doing this with that talking Meowth?! So what if he belonged to Team Rocket!"

Within a flash, Kenji took out a few materials. One of the things he took out, looked like a box, with a funnel sticking out in the middle. "Now, this is a water pressure measurer made specifically for water type Pokémon." He set the remote-sized box like object on the ground, and took out his sketch pad and pencil. "Now, Starmie, could you use your most powerful Hydro Pump attack? Starmie are usually quite capable of this." He turned his attention to the Staryu. "Staryu are normally capable of having Water Gun as a main attack, so can you use your most powerful one so that I can measure its pressure after Starmie uses Hydro Pump? Just aim the attack at the funnel. I wonder if your Water Gun, and Starmie's Hydro Pump, is more powerful than that of your average water-type Pokémon.

"Let me know when you're ready. I want to sketch out how you actually use the attack, so that I may study it later."

Starmie and Staryu sweat dropped from the Researcher's passionate nature. Kenji realized what he was doing, and apologized, putting everything away.

"The fate of Lost Kage Island is in your hands," Staryu continued to explain.

"Not to mention the fate of the entire world."

"What exactly do you mean?" Jen was more confused than ever now. Starmie explained the legends and the myths of the islands to the two. Jen looked skeptical. "That sounds a bit unbelievable to me."

"And you say that two others have these 'powers' of which you speak?"

"Yes."

"Many centuries ago, on this very island (only it wasn't known as Lost Kage back then), the two of you were both a Warlock and a Witch, but good ones," Starmie clarified. "The two of you were inseparable, a loving couple, which is more than likely why you feel as if you have some kind of a bond now. The two of you even died fighting off evil, but you weren't completely killed."

Kenji blinked. "Not completely killed?"

"But that doesn't make any sense. You either die, or you don't."

The Staryu stepped forward, the Starmie growing a tad bit huffy. "I shall explain this." The Staryu cleared his throat before starting the long-winded tale. "It was meant so that you would be reborn to fight off the same evil spirits, if they ever returned or were summoned again." Staryu turned his attention towards Jen. "You, young one, were known as Junsa. You were very brave, and a great warrior skilled in the art of fighting. You, Kenji, were known as Juudai. You were very serious and a great strategist. With the bravery of Junsa, and seriousness, and intelligence of Juudai, the both of you worked well together. Juudai was good at planning out battles, while Junsa was good at fighting them."

"You two are not in the same form as you were all those centuries ago," Starmie continued, "but you do have the powers you had that defeated them all those years ago. Since the souls of both Junsa and Juudai have rested for as long as it has, both are a lot stronger, and were reborn within the two of you.

"Like it was said earlier, there are two others whom also had this power to help fight; only they ended up facing the same fate as you. The youngest of you all, was known as Mizuna. She was very skilled with water, but her powers were unknown at the time of the battle, and still are in her form now. She was an ordinary girl who hanged around with you, wanting to learn the ways of witchcraft. Back then, this place was known for its wizardry and everyone showed to have some power, even if very weak. In the case of Mizuna, she wanted to enhance them. In her spare time, she would train her Shadow Pokémon, which were those of water and ice types.

"Juudai was her tutor."

"I, um, I mean, he was her tutor?"

"Yes, as you and Junsa, along with the other one, were the most powerful wizards here. The only reason you had to fight instead of any one else, was because it was your destiny to. Your job was to keep anyone with pure malevolence from taking it over, and to fight off intruders who tried to conquer it. You could say that you two, and the other one, were the resistance.

"Mizuna truly adored aquatics, and was skilled in many ways when it came to ice and water. All of her Pokémon had some type of a water or ice-based attack, and this included those that weren't born with the ability to even learn them.

"Getting back on-topic, here, she turned out to be the most powerful of you four. She was the only one, who had the power to completely close off the barrier that entrapped those demons, but when using a power like this, it takes one's own life. Unfortunately, this happened to Mizuna. Due to you all doing this, using your life energy to banish them, a spell was unknowingly cast, by Mizuna, to preserve your spirits, so that you will be awakened if they ever were to resurface."

"The other one of the group was known as Hoshi, a strange name, I know. She was a well-rounded person, very friendly and very loving. She would always use her magic as ways of entertainment for young children, and this included her own. Usually playful, she would become fierce in the battlefield and had the highest defense. Juudai came out with the battle plans; Junsa would help lead them, taking out the orders of Juudai; Hoshi would try her best to keep the troops protected."

"When the four of you guys banished the spirits we spoke of, you didn't actually destroy them. The man, who had finally gotten enough power to try and conquer the island, was known as Sorceror Waruii. He knew that his powers would be strongest there, and after he would accomplish that, he would take over the entire world.

"He was an evil lord feared by all in those days, and he controlled those demons once before; you successfully defeated him, but not his Shadow Demons. Unfortunately, Waruii had a protection spell cast on him, so that he could get another chance at world domination if anything were to happen going against you main three: Juudai; Junsa; Hoshi."

"He too has been reborn in this world, which is why your powers are beginning to come forth. The person he has been reborn in, is about as evil and hateful as one can be. A murderous, cold-hearted killer is he. Waruii has rested long enough, and is ready to get his revenge and, unfortunately, this evil, hateful man knows of the legend, thanks to Waruii. Things will get out of hand and can even destroy the entire world, causing all to live in fear and enslavement to Waruii."

When the two seemed done, Kenji spoke up, looking rather perplexed, not knowing how to truly respond. "So, we were once a witch and a warlock, with special powers to fight off some evil demons in our past lives - which is why Jen and I feel so close - and they are now returning, and we have to fight them again?"

"Yes," the two water Pokémon nodded.

"Yeah, sure," Jen managed to say, thinking the entire story was crazy.

"How exactly does this 'power' of ours work, and who is this evil guy that we're supposed to protect everybody from?"

"You, Kenji, know him well," the Starmie told him sympathetically, "but we can no longer answer your questions."

"But I want to know about---"

"Our time grows short," Starmie said again, only more firmly. "The one that has the special sense that will allow her to unveil her true powers will be able to explain more of this fully."

"Are you talking about the girl named Mizuna? Is she the one that will be able to explain this?"

"Where can we find her?" Jen asked anxiously.

"We are sorry," the Staryu apologized, "but we must truly go. We have used up our allotted time here and we will reveal ourselves again, but only to one."

"But---"

"We have used up our time," the Starmie repeated, her voice growing faint as the world around Kenji and Jen was beginning to disappear. "You will figure out how to use your power in due time."

"Just remember that the two of you are connected," his voice was beginning to grow faint as well, "That is the key to your using these powers, which will come naturally to you. Please, remember what was told to you by us…"

"Wait!" Kenji shouted, running towards the two Pokémon, whose bodies were going transparent, the babbling brook, the birds, animals, meadow, etc., began to fade more. "Tell us who you are! Who is Mizuna-san? Where can we find Hoshi-san?"

There was another bright flash of light, which caused the two to shield their eyes once again, grasping hands obliviously. When the light was no longer apparent, the two opened their eyes, to see that they were floating in the air over the spot they were in right before they ended up in the mysterious meadow. Both their eyes went wide, letting go, causing them to fall with a loud crunch in the cold snow below.

Kenji stood first, and extended his hand to Jen, helping her up. "What just happened?"

Jen shook her head, unable to answer fully. "We have special…powers?"

Kenji could only shrug, as both stood there. "I guess, we should go now?"

"Yeah, okay," she said slowly, with a nod. The two walked off, not knowing where exactly, a lot on their minds. 'I've only know of a few people with 'special powers,' and that was Mako-chan and her friends back on Tokyo. Could this be the same type of situation, only involving me?'
x x x x x x x x x x
In another part of town…

"Do you think we'll find them anytime soon, Duplica?"

The girl, who was walking alongside Ash (they all decided it was best to split up to find their friends), was quiet, pondering over what had happened earlier, and this strange power she seemed to possess.

"Duplica?"

"Huh, what?"

"Are you okay?"

"Sorry Ashie Boy, I was just thinking."

He ignored the fact that she had used her teasing, pet name for him. "What about?"

"Stuff."

"Ooo, what type of stuff?"

"Well, I've been having a sixth sense about some stuff lately, and thinking about this strange power of mine." She put her arms in the back of her head as she walked. "I don't understand it, or how it's supposed to work." She sighed, 'Even though it seems a bit familiar to me.' She looked over towards Ash and scoffed. "Like someone like me will ever figure it out."

"You have it for a reason, and someone as smart and talented as you should be able to figure it out in no time!"

"You really think so?"

Ash stopped in his tracks. Duplica did so as well. "I know so!" he told her, trying his best to keep her hopes up. "You're one remarkable girl, who has been given a very special gift! Maybe it's for fighting off evil, and that is a bit farfetched when you think about, but you have them!" He thought for a moment. "It sounds like something out of a story book, or a manga."

"Thanks for the advice, Ashie Boy."

Before Ash could reply, Duplica leaned up and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. The boy didn't know what to think or how to react. He knew he couldn't say something like "eww" or "gross" because he didn't think of kisses that way anymore. The first thing that came to mind was an image of an angered Misty swinging her mallet violently. He didn't know whether to kiss Duplica back, which was something he didn't want to do, or hug her, or run away, or what!

The boy's face was a deep red, and he seemed to be stuck in place. "Um, Duplica, I, um, erm---"

"I was just saying thank you," she told him playfully, trying to suppress her giggles. 'That was fun. I finally managed to get some kind of a kiss with Ash being involved, but I don't really like him in that way anymore. I haven't for a long time, but maybe I should be a little more daring. Teasing him is just so much fun, but…I don't want him to think wrongly of me.' She inwardly laughed. 'He wouldn't think that; this is Ash we're talking about here!'

"But Misty, I-I…Misty…"

"Calm down, Ash. It was just a friendship kiss. Now, if I would've done this…" she quickly pulled the boy close, as she gave him a small kiss on the lips, "…then it would mean more than friendship." She gave Ash a wicked smirk. 'My first kiss, with a boy that I have no interest in who has a steady girlfriend,' she thought ironically. 'I wish it would've been Todd here, instead of Ash…'

Ash was flabbergasted, and frozen in place, as Misty came to his mind once again. 'What would Misty do if she had seen that? She would probably nail me with her mallet, and beat up Duplica! Why did she have to show me the difference instead of just telling me what the difference was! What if…she likes me!! What do I do?' Ash managed to turn his attention back to the performance artist. "Um, Duplica…I…well, that is---"

"I was just showing you the difference, Ash, so don't worry about it."

"But---"

"And let's not share this with Misty, of course," she told him gravely.

"Oh-k---"

"And, just to let you know, I have no romantic interest in you at all."

Ash let out his breath, which he had been holding for the past couple of seconds in relief. "Really?"

"You're just not my type." She then looked away from Ash, feeling slightly embarrassed. "And, I kind of, well---"

"Like Todd," Ash interrupted. Duplica looked pretty surprised that Ash was so perceptive, her cheeks bright red. "It was pretty obvious that you do, and just because I don't talk about those types of things, doesn't mean I don't notice them."

"I had no idea that you were so insightful."

"Duplica, can we just stick to handshakes or hugs from now on? I don't think Misty would appreciate you kissing me," he then muttered under his breath, "not to mention me."

"Sure, and I'm sorry I made you feel so uncomfortable."

"Yeah, yeah, sure," he said quickly, his voice a bit quirky. "Let's figure out that new power of yours," Ash suggested. He really wanted to put what happened behind him.

She nodded. "Right!"
x x x x x x x x x x
"How exactly will we find them?" Butch asked, he and Cassidy walking in a section of the island which consisted of many restaurants of vast cultures. "We've never met this Jen person before."

"I think she mentioned something about Kenji's being with her, so at least we'll know him when we see him."

"Hey, Cassidy, when was the last time we went out, just the two of us?"

"I don't even know." She sighed. "With our running the gym, being stuck as witnesses for the trial dealing with Giovanni, our being on probation, and our last strenuous weeks with Team Rocket, I'd say a long time."

"It has been a while, hasn’t it?" Butch turned to his blonde mate. "How about we go out someplace tonight? Maybe we could even double-date with Jessie and James, if they're up to it."

"That's not such a bad idea, and knowing those two, they'll probably say yes. What made you come up with that anyway?"

"The restaurants," he pointed. "There are so many of them in this part of the town, and I'm sure some are nice and romantic."

The two continued to walk around, searching for Jen, Kenji, and Todd, until a boy walked up to the two, stopping them. He was about Cassidy's height and wore a blue cap, an oversized blue suit, and a huge red bow-tie.

"Hello there!" the boy greeted the two loudly, blowing into a noisemaker.

Butch stared at him like he was nuts. "Hi?"

"You two are the winners of a free dinner at the best restaurant this town has to offer, if you two are the famed Viridian City Gym leaders, Botch and Cassidy, and I'm usually never wrong about these things," he smiled widely.

"Really?"

"Yes," the boy nodded to Cassidy. "The name of the place is Imité no Kyuuden, and is run and owned by the Imité family, who pretty much run this place!" He laughed goofily.

"Nice, but how exactly did we win? We didn't fill out anything since we've arrived, and we haven't been here all that long to begin with.
x x x x x x x x x x
Butch: (Realized what the boy called him) Hey, the name is Butch, RP! Why did you have him say "Botch"!?

RP: I thought it was so cute how James messed up your name in the episode, Pikachu Re-volts. I just recently saw it. I sure do miss having the WB station. If we did, then I wouldn't have to wait weeks (or months; years) to see new episodes. I finally got to see this particular episode and I must say it's rather good.

Butch: (Mutters in annoyance)
x x x x x x x x x x
"I'm with him, how exactly did we win?"

"Your airline ticket, ma'am. There is a number on each and every one of them, and according to the roster, you were seated in B-2 and B-3, the two seats that came up in our drawing!"

"Wow, this is very surprising." Butch nodded in agreement.

"To claim your prize, you will have to follow me to the Mayor's Mansion."

"Why?"

"He was the one who sponsored the contest."

Butch was eager to follow him, and answered for both he and Cassidy with a loud, "Okay." Cassidy, on the other hand, was starting to grow suspicious of him. She found it a bit peculiar how he had managed to find them the way that he had. The boy led them all throughout the town, coming to an alley way.

"I hope you guys don't mind," he said with another goofy laugh, that was irritating Cassidy extremely. "It's a shortcut."

'Something just isn't right,' Cassidy inwardly murmured as she reluctantly followed. Obviously Butch wasn’t having any suspicions towards this kid.

The boy walked to the end of the alley-way (a dead-end), which was pretty secluded.

"Where's the mansion?" Butch demanded, quite annoyed.

"Where are we?" Cassidy questioned in confusion.

The boy, who had his back to them, began to laugh demonically. "Hell!"

"What?"

He turned to face them, a ravenous look in his eyes. He raised his hand, somehow, a dark beam shot out from it, hitting both Cassidy and Butch. This caused both to scream, falling down to the icy-cold ground in pain. Behind them, a few boys and girls (young teens) came out, forcing the two to stand and holding them in place. They were all unusually strong, given their ages and sizes, as if they weren't human at all.

The boy sneered, tossing off his cap, "We can't have you around to ruin our Master's plans!"

Butch, at this point, was knocked out cold, but Cassidy still had a bit of strength left, her sight a bit blurry. She tried to get a good look at her attacker, her vision fading in and out. She identified the attacker immediately, giving off a small, inaudible gasp. "not…the...shutter…bug," she got out, her voice quite weak.

The boy crossed his arms, and stood in place, as if posing. "Yeah, in this form, you know me as Snap, the famous Pokémon photographer." His ravenous look was now that of a dangerous one, and Cassidy sensed it. "This is what you get for trying to kill me earlier!" He gave off an inhuman laugh, raising his right hand once again. "Smile for the camera!" He shot out another dark beam, Cassidy falling unconscious…
x x x x x x x x x x
In Hoshi Imité Park…

"Okay Duplica," Ash told his friend, his hands bawled into fists in true determination and anxiety, "focus all of your power. Just concentrate."

Duplica did as Ash had instructed her, concentrating as hard as she possibly could, and focusing. She instinctively raised her hands, her eyes closed. Next thing she knew, a white beam shot from them, hitting the ground in front of them, melting the snow in that particular area.

"You're doing very well, Duplica," Ash complimented her. Even though the girl was human, it was almost as much fun as training his Pokémon.

"Thanks, I think I'm starting to get the hang of this," she told him, gratefully, 'although, it's like I've done this before, but how can that be?'

"It seems like you can control it now," Ash noted. "Earlier, when we first started, you were hitting a lot of stuff, but when you concentrate on where you want it to go, it does."

She looked down at the spot where the bright white beam had hit. "I wonder what else I can do…"

Ash shrugged. "Maybe you can use all elements."

"'All elements'? What do you mean by that?"

He scratched his head, trying to think of a way to phrase what he was thinking. "Maybe if you think about fire, you'll be able to use some kind of a fire attack, or if you concentrate on water, you'll be able to use a water attack."

"Oh, I get it! Should I try it?"

"I don't see why not!" Ash said, quite excited. "Try it, try it!"

Duplica closed her eyes, thinking of the surface of the sun and the immense heat it produced. She obliviously raised her right hand, trying her best to stay centered and focused. A small flame finally formed within the palm of her hand. She then threw it at the same spot the white beam had hit. It began to burn it, even though there was snow around. A bit panicky, Duplica began to concentrate on water. In her mind, she pictured the open-sea, and then she pictured a crystal-clear lake. It wasn't enough. 'Concentrate, Duplica, concentrate!' she told herself firmly and determined.

Another thought came to mind, a rain-storm, and the droplets pounding on the ground and into non-polluted water. This was enough. A small orb of water formed in her left hand, she tossed it, concentrating on it hitting the small, burning area. She did so, steam rising and a "hissing" sound being heard.

Ash was clearly amazed at this, and was now clapping and whistling. "That was…it was great!"

"That was very strange. I had to concentrate even harder to do that," she explained lightly. With the strange white light she had used earlier, all she had to do was think of Todd. She gave the Pokémon Trainer a toothy grin, glad he was there to help her along. "You're an amazing trainer, Ash. How did you even come up with that concept?"

"Well, a person as intelligent as I, just thought about the situation and deduced it from there," he said in mock cleverness, but then quickly added, with a bashful grin, "that, and the fact that I read manga constantly."

"I should've known," Duplica muttered with a sweat drop. "Anyway, we better go back to searching."

He nodded. "Right!"
x x x x x x x x x x
Misty paced around the big empty house since there wasn't much to do. There wasn't anything on television that interested her enough to watch (that, and the fact that she couldn't figure out how to get to the language options) and the radio stations were playing a lot of old music for the day, some she had heard of, but most foreign.

She had tried reading her book on water Pokémon behaviors, which she picked up when in Cerulean, but she couldn't concentrate enough to even begin reading it. Even though Misty wasn't battling as much as she used to, she's still studying to learn all that she could about water and ice-type Pokémon, and this particular book was showing to be quite helpful.

Misty had just recently become interested in ice-types after watching a Pokémon battle on television, and also learned about her favorite Elite 4 member, who specialized in ice-types, and water. The name of the book was called, Water Pokémon Ways, Along With A Little Bit of Ice, by Lorelei Prima. The book included different case scenarios using water Pokémon in battle and how it was possible to win, even if against those that have the advantage over water types. It also showed how to keep them content, mating habits, the proper foods to feed them, etc.

She waved the book around, looking quite distressed. "I'm so worried, I can't even read this book, and Prima-sensei is one of the best trainers there is, but not as good as Kanna-sama, though! Prima-sensei even trained under Kanna-sama, so she truly knows a lot. It's even nice how she has quotes and other references from the great Kanna-sama herself." Misty stared down at the cover, which showed a pic of a various amount of water and ice Pokémon, a thought coming to mind. "I wonder why I love water and ice Pokémon so much. Could it be because of Kanna-sama and her love for it, which got me into liking it? Could it be because I grew up in Cerulean around water for the majority of my life?"

She grew quiet and somber, seating herself on the big, comfy couch in front of the television in the living room. "Could it be because of my promise to papa?" She shook off the thought, a determined look eteched to her skinny face. "I'm going to learn all that I can about water and ice-type Pokémon, and I will finish this book, and even get the next volume in the series!"

She opened up the book to the page she had left off, but once again, couldn't bring herself to, as she was too worried to. She stood up and began to pace again. "Why can't I finish this book!" she asked out aloud, annoyed. She tossed the book aside, and slumped back down onto the couch with a long sigh. "I hope that Ash and the others are okay…"

":I'm sure they are,:" Misty heard a Pokémon say from beside the couch.

She looked over the arm of the couch, to see, "Pikachu? I thought you left with Ash."

":No, I decided to stay with you. Anyway, Ash has the other Pokémon, and Duplica has her Ditto.:"

The girl sighed again, gazing back down at her unfinished book. She then noticed a small object beside it. "Oh, that Ash!" the girl complained, picking up the spherical object. "I can't believe he forgot Articuno." She shook her head. "He'd lose his head if it weren't attached." She hooked the Pokéball to her belt, while Pikachu hopped onto her lap. "I guess you're right, Pikachu. They're all probably fine, but why do I have this anticipating feeling, like something is wrong?"

":I don't know. Maybe it's because Ash forgot Articuno, but it's probably all in your mind, your worry.:"

"Maybe, but I wish Ash or somebody would call, to let us know what's going on…" she trailed off, going back into deep thought.

":Misty:" Pikachu called.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Pikachu. I was thinking back to the match Ash had at the gym. All four of them seemed quite familiar, and I'm pretty sure we've met them before. The oldest guy there was pretty obvious; it's the trainer Ash went against before we got here. That look he gave me clued me into that. Do you have any ideas about the others, though? I have this feeling that we know the second guy well, and the actual gym leaders, I have this hunch we've met them in passing."

":I think we know him too, but I can't figure out who he could be.:"

"We never did get a good look at any of them." She looked down at Pikachu, scratching him behind the ears. "Do you think that the type of Pokémon they had could help us figure it out?"

"Pi Pikachu!"

"Okay then, what Pokémon did that guy have again? He let whatever it was out when Team Rocket showed up, but couldn't see it too well through the smog Wheezing was letting off. I could only make out its outline, and it was quite big."

":It was a Pokémon called an Arcaking, which is really weird.:"

"Yeah, definitely. It seems that all of the strange ones we've seen here are mixed with another type of Pokémon. From what I could make of it, it seemed to be the size of about an Arcanine, and was standing on all fours like one; it also seemed to have a horn on its head, like a Nidoking does." Misty thought a bit more, trying to figure out anything else that stood out about the boy. "You know, Pikachu, that guy even tossed his Pokéball out in a different manner. He kissed it before throwing it."

":Do we know of anyone like that?:"

The two thought for a moment, finally coming to the same conclusion. "Gary Oak/Pikaka pi Pikachu!"

"That was Gary! We should've figured it out sooner, with his voice!" Pikachu felt equally foolish for not making that connection earlier. "Now that we figured out whom the assistants were, what about the actual gym leaders?" Pikachu could only shake his head. "Oh well," she muttered, standing up to pace around once again. That feeling she had had a moment ago, a feeling of dread and worry.

Pikachu sensed this, and suggested, ":Do you want me to go find Ash?:"

Misty smiled gently down to the rodent. "I would really appreciate it, Pikachu. I would feel a little better if you were with him, just in case he gets into some kind of trouble, and we both know that he always does."

Both laughed a bit at this, which was pretty good, to ease the tension. ":Okay, I'll go find Ash,:" Pikachu told Misty.

She walked to the front door, and opened it for him. Pikachu waved, before he took off in a flash. "Bye, Pikachu…" she uttered quietly before closing the door…
x x x x x x x x x x
Back in town, near Hoshi Imité Park…

"We're supposed to be looking for a new place to put up a restaurant," Jessie complained irritably, "not searching for a wimpy Pokémon artist and a bratty Pokémon photographer!"

"Come on, while we're looking for him, we can check this place out too."

"I suppose," she grumbled.

"Don't worry about it," James told her.

"I still don't like what's going on," Jessie said, a bit uneasy. "What if something happens to us because we're associating with those twerps?"

"Just don't think about it," James insisted.

"Okay, okay," Jessie said finally, as they continued their walk around the multicultural town, coming up on the park, "I won't worry about it."

"Jess, hold on for a moment."

"Why, what's wrong?"

"I have to go to the restroom," he said with a bashful smile. "There has to be one around here someplace."

"Let's look."

The two walked around the park, to find a public restroom located near the entrance. James hurried into the restroom, leaving Jessie waiting outside. After entering, he noticed that all of the lights were out. "I can't see a thing in here," he muttered, feeling around for a light switch. "Who would cut off the lights in a public restroom."

He found the switch, and flipped it. The room now illuminated with dim light, he noticed three figures standing in front of him; three young boys staring at him with cold, hard expressions on their faces. The first of the three boys spoke up first. The upper half of his face was shrouded in mystery, as the shadows from the blue cap he was wearing, was covering it quite well. "Isn't it nice in here, James?"

"What? This is just a restroom," he replied nervously. "Wait," he grew even more edgy, "how did you know my name?!"

The second boy had short, shiny black hair, his voice dark and sinister. "We know all," he answered in a robotic manner.

The third boy had spiky bright red hair, speaking just as the previous boy had. "You're going to take a little trip," he replied in monotone.

James began to back away cautiously, not knowing what to make of them. "Wh-what do you mean? I'm not allowed to go on vacation until I capture Pikachu for the boss, but RP made me a good guy, so I can't even do that." He thought for a moment, finally realizing what he'd said. "Wait a minute, I'm already on vacation!"

"Well, you've been cordially invited to go on another," the boy with the hat sneered. He then snapped his fingers. "Eric, Tad, hold him in place!"

"Yes, oh mighty Todd," they responded obediently.

"Todd? The photographer, Todd?"

The two shorter boys held the much taller James in place, which caused him to try to break away, but he just couldn't manage to. These two were unusually strong.

"Get away from me, you! Unhand me, you! Stop!" James commanded concretely, but the threat went unnoticed, as his voice was quite bothered and unsteady.

Todd ignored James's plea, and sighed sharply. "Yes, it is me, but I am only borrowing this body." He walked over to one of the sinks, and looked himself over in the mirror above it. "If I like it, I just may keep it." He walked back over to James. "You may know him as this 'Todd' person, but my true name is---"

"What?" James interrupted, quite confused as to what he was going on about.

"How dare you interrupt me!" Todd snapped, elbowing him hard in the ribs. James winced slightly from the sharp pain now in his side. "Now, that girlfriend of yours is here, and I was told to get her as well. This will give me the chance to try out another power of mine." He shook his head in slight shame. "It is too bad that this body wasn't equipped with real powers." His voice then grew bitter and annoyed. "I'm only using what that blasted 'master' of ours gave me, and I guess this was the best host he could find for me."

James, who had ignored this speech, continued to squirm, trying to get out of the two younger boys' hold. "Leave Jessie alone! If you harm her, I'll, I'll---"

"You'll what?" he scoffed triumphantly. "You can't even break away from a couple of kids!"

"What do we do now, Toru-sama?" Eric questioned.

"I really wish you guys would call me by true name, but in this body, to everyone, I am known as this Todd guy." He sighed again, massaging his temples. "We take him back to your master," he explained. 'Of course, that will all change one I get my chance. That stupid fool will pay for what he's done; for how he hurt me in the past! His harm upon one broke my heart for all eternity, and I've been suffering for it ever since…'

James blinked, his side still throbbing painfully. "'Master'?"

"Toru-sama, how do we get the one that travels with him?" Tad asked.

"I will take care of her," Todd replied eerily.

At his mentioning those words, James began to yell obscene things at Todd. He really didn't want him to harm Jessie in any way. Eric, who had grown annoyed of James's intolerant behavior towards Todd, punched him hard in the stomach. This caused James to cower over in pain. Tad then kicked him hard in his side, where Todd had earlier.

"You will obey!" Eric snarled, staring down at James pathetically.

"Never oppose the chosen one, or go against our master's wishes!" Tad told him spitefully, forcing him to stand back up. Eric took suit and helped, once again having the blue-haired man in their grasp. James was feeling so miserable at the moment, he wasn't sure if he had the strength to try to break away from them anymore. The kick and punch to the stomach was very uncomfortable.

"We need to shut him up," Todd stated blankly. He raised his right arm, his hand open. A black, electrical beam shot from it, hitting James right on. "This ought to keep him quiet for a while." He screamed out in agony, as he felt his body giving way, slumping slightly. The two boys let go of him, as he hit the floor hard. "Now, to try out this new technique of mine."

Todd raised his right arm, his hand bawled, and a black crackling sphere appearing within it. The sphere grew in size, and then engulfed the photographer, as if performing a barrier. Todd's limbs grew longer, his body slimmer, his hair lengthier. The barrier broke, which caused the weak James to gasp. Todd no longer looked like Todd, but instead, he looked exactly like James. Even their clothes were the same.

"Prepare for trouble!" Todd's voice then grew deep and sultry, "Yes Jess, and make that double!"

"How dare you transform into me," James groaned with his infamous squeal. He was a bit disturbed that not only did Todd have his looks, but he also had his voice.

"All I need now is a rose," Todd laughed, only in James's voice.

"Jessie will see right through you! There are some things that only I can do that she would know about."

"Well then, I'll just have to find out for myself now, won't I?"

James couldn't say anything, and just scowled at him.

"We will take him back now," Tad insisted.

"Good," Todd chuckled, back to his regular voice. "He has been expecting you, and please tell the girls to get ready at position point G. That is where I will be."

The two kneeled. "Hai, Toru-sama."

"I will not allow you to harm Jessie!" James growled, ready to fight if he had to.

Todd stared at him, going back to James voice, only it was icy. "I already have," he told him coolly, shooting out another one of the strange beams at James. This one was a bit more powerful than the first one. The impact of this strange attack caused James to fly back into one of the stalls, bumping his head in the process, knocking him unconscious.

The two boys picked up James's limp body, and teleported him to their "Master"…
x x x x x x x x x x
Outside, Jessie was tapping her foot impatiently, and let out a disgruntled sigh. "What is taking him so long?"

"I'm sorry I took so long," Jessie heard a voice from behind her say, causing the pink-haired woman to jump, "there was a bit of a line in there."

Jessie turned around to see James with a smile on his slim face. "Oh, sorry. I didn't hear you walk up."

"That's okay," he told her sweetly, pulling out a rose and handing it to her. "Let's go back to looking for the others. I have an idea as to where we can look."

'Where does he get those things? They just seem to appear from out of no place.' She sniffed the rose enchantingly, its sweet scent tickling her nose. "What makes you say that?"

James pulled a map from out of his back pocket and unfolded it. "There are a few museums here on this island, I was thinking that we go look there."

"Why do you think that they would be there?"

"I don't know about the photographer kid, but Kenji is into sophisticated stuff and sciences, just like the breeder, so I feel that would be a good place for a person like him to sightsee."

"That makes sense."

"Okay, it's settled then," he looked at the map and pointed, "let's go."

James walked through the town, Jessie following closely behind. She didn't say anything, since James was the one with the map. A good while later, the two ended up in from an old building, which resembled the gym Ash had gone to earlier. As a matter of fact, it was the gym Ash had battled in earlier.

"James you dimwit," Jessie snapped aggravatingly, "you led us right back to this disturbing gym!"

"I did?" he asked innocently. He looked to be thoroughly studying the map. "I guess I misread this, but let's go in for a while. I'm quite sure there's a phone there and I can call and get some accurate directions."

Jessie cracked her knuckles, a wicked look in her eye. "And while we're here, I'll clobber those two idiots for calling me a loser!"

"Yeah, sure," James responded in a higher-pitched voice that didn't seem like his, exactly.

'That 'yeah, sure,' sure did sound familiar,' Jessie noted in thought, staring at James inquiringly. 'Maybe he's coming down with a cold due to the weather here, or maybe an allergy.'

The two entered the rickety looking building, walking down the same hallway they had just run from earlier. Jessie leaned on James's arm as they walked; she was actually a bit scared since the gym seemed darker than what it had been previously. James just stared straight ahead, continuing his brisk pace. Once they reached the end of the hall, there was the sliced, sliding door. James walked through, stepping over the rubble - which was created when Bulbasaur's Razor Leaf had hit it earlier - entering the gym's arena, Jessie still clinging to his arm.

"May-maybe we should leave, James," Jessie replied fearfully, letting go of him. "We probably shouldn't be here."

"Oh, but it was meant for you to be here," James told her, his voice quite deep and demonic.

She didn't know what to make of him as she stared up at the man, half scared, half astonished. "James, what is the matter with you?" Jessie noticed James's eyes going an eerie, unhealthy shade of blood-red, which caused her to back away.

James grabbed her right arm hard, "Nothing at all," his voice was even more monstrous than a moment ago, "my dear Jessie."

"James, you're hurting me!" She struggled, trying her best to get away from James, who now wore a deranged, satisfying smirk. She finally broke free, and stumbled back. Jessie wasn't sure if she had actually managed to get free, or if James had deliberately let her go. "Stop, James!"

James now looked to be quite angry, which caused Jessie to back away farther and farther. She was now quite frightened of him. He had never hurt her in any way or form before. Sure the two may have argued at some point, like any other average couple, but this was very much different. It was almost like James wasn't himself.

The blue-haired man raised his arms, his palms facing forward towards Jessie, that same wicked, dangerous glint in his eyes. He mumbled some strange words, Jessie staring on in confusion. He put his arms down, staring at Jessie who was still instinctively backing away. She then felt herself hit something. She looked back, bewildered as to why she could back away no more. There wasn't a wall there, or a door. She reached out, and felt a wall…an invisible one. She rushed forward, to receive the same result.

"James," Jessie punched on the force-field's wall, "what is wrong with you?"

He didn't answer as three girls leapt down beside him. He looked to them calmly. "Hello there, Shelley, Toni, Cherie."

The first of the three girls was quite pretty, and had long, dark-blue hair, wearing a light-pink t-shirt, and a pair of bright white shorts. "We have received your message," Shelley bowed.

The second girl, who of which was also bowing obediently, had long golden locks flowing down her back, wearing a long-sleeved bright red dress. "Do we take this one," Toni looked back at the now distraught Jessie, "to our master as well?"

"Of course. Our," he looked as if he were about to gag, "master," he shuddered at the thought of saying "master", "really wants her as well as the other ex-Rocket members."

The third of the girls, who had shoulder-lengthened brown hair wearing the white blouse, a short, dark blue skirt, and baggy white ankle-socks, along with shiny black, dress-shoes, bowed as well. "As you wish, mighty one."

"James, you better give me an explanation for all of this right now!" Jessie demanded heatedly. "Get me out of this…this thing!"

"Sure Jessie," James replied in a voice not like his. He then grew sarcastic. "I should let you go."

'That voice…'

Just like before, a dark barrier surrounded him, his body reforming back to its original state.

"It's the Camera Twerp!" Jessie gasped. "What have you done with James? What's going on?!"

"Quiet!" Todd's voice bellowed. "Girls, grab her!"

"Yes, sir."

The three entered the force-field, inching closer towards Jessie, grabbing her. The ex-Rocket, on the other hand, wasn't planning on cooperating, and broke free of three shorter, younger girls.

Todd removed the force-field surrounding the three girls and Jessie. "Stop being so difficult," he told her coldly. He raised his right arm, his palm facing forward. Flames shot out, hitting Jessie, causing her to scream. "This will teach you to not hinder me from my objective."

She was now charred, but angrier than she had ever been in her entire life, Cherie and Shelley grabbing her again. "If you do not let me out of here, I'll wring your scrawny little neck!"

"You should know better than to talk to the chosen one that way," Toni warned eerily, pushing some of her blonde hair behind her ear, which allowed her piercing green eyes to stand out even more.

"Master has chosen him," Cherie responded robotically.

"You will follow the chosen one's instructions," Shelley threatened.

"I don't have to follow anyone's instructions! Now let me go, now!" She struggled again, and got loose of the two girls' grips. She pulled a Pokéball from off of her belt, and tossed it. "Arbok, go!" A big, purple cobra-like creature emerged, chanting "Charrrrbok!"

"Arbok, attack those ignoramuses now! Use your Poison Sting attack!" The Pokémon nodded obediently, confused that she would want it to use Poison Sting on an actual human. The snake-Pokémon opened its mouth, its teeth gleaming, and a shot a bunch of bright white streaks at all three girls. The three girls leapt gracefully out of the way. "How could they dodge such a fast attack?!" She decided not to think about that, as she called out another Pokémon. "Licktung, go!"

This Pokémon was big and pink, his tongue wailing around ferociously. "Lickitung, attack those three girls! Use your Flamethrower!"

The large, pink Pokémon took in a deep breath, and heaved out a massive flame at the three girls. The three girls dodged by leaping up into the air, throwing a handful of some type of yellow powder on it. This caused the Lickitung to remain stuck in place.

"Oh no, Lickitung!" She recognized this action at once. "You're fully paralyzed, and I don't have anything to heal you with! Licktung, return." Jessie growled, determined to win this battle. "Arbok, forget the girls! Wrap Attack on the camera twerp! Squeeze him until he tells me where James is!"

Arbok obeyed, and wrapped its coils around Todd tightly, Arbok's face on the same level as his, which showed to be a big mistake. Todd was growing quite annoyed. "I do not have time for this nonsense!" Todd's eyes turned a dark, blue-like color. Arbok seemed mesmerized by the sudden eye color change. Next, two dark colored beams shot from them, right at the snake. Arbok's coils loosened, and it fell to the ground with a thump.

Jessie's eyes went wide as she saw her Pokémon fall to the ground inertly. "NO!!!" she shrieked as she went to her motionless Pokémon's side. "Arbok! Arbok, wake up!" She looked over at Todd angrily. "What did you do to my Arbok!"

He ignored her. "Teleport her back to our master," he stated dully.

"Yes, mighty one," the three girls bowed.

He looked back towards Jessie, who was hugging Arbok closely. "And call back your worthless Pokémon."

Tears flowed down the ex-Rocket's face as she stared from Arbok to Todd. "Arbok! You killed my Arbok, and you probably killed James too!"

"No I didn't," he answered her plainly. "I just paralyzed it with my Psybem. Mine is much stronger than those of the strongest psychic or shadow type. I am also one of the strongest Sorcerers to ever live, thanks to Waruii. As for your pathetic boyfriend, he is fine. He just won't move for a while, and if we're lucky, maybe never." He turned to his three servants. "I need one of you girls to remain here, while I capture the next victim."

Shelley was the first to jump at such an honorable opportunity. She bowed. "I will stay behind, Chosen One."

"I like you. Are you willing to cooperate?"

"Anything for you, Chosen One."

"You may rise now." She did so. Todd gave her a kiss, which left her wooed, and the other girls scowling in jealousy. "Good," he smirked. He turned to the other two girls. "Take whatever her name is away, and as for you," he glared at Jessie, "call back your Pokémon!" Jessie didn't move, and held Arbok. Annoyed with the lack of a response, Todd ordered Toni to get the Pokéball Arbok had come out of, and to recall it.

Both then grabbed Jessie by an arm, forcing her to walk (which was difficult, since she felt quite weak and overwhelmed), Todd staring at her with a cold, harsh expression on his face. They walked to the other end of the gym, where the stage was. In the middle was a strange-looking machine. Jessie felt her legs going weak, her body slumping, but the girls didn't slow their pace as they continued to drag her.

'no…why? why…is…this…happen..ing. james…don't…die…need…you…' She passed out before reaching the machine…
x x x x x x x x x x
Just outside of the park…

"Ash, look!" Duplica tugged on his coat's sleeve, "It's Kenji and Jen!"

"Hey yeah, you're right!"

The two rushed to catch up to them.

"Jen-chan, Kenji-san!" Duplica waved.

Both stopped in front of the two. "Boy, are we glad to find you two!"

"We have some stuff to tell you," Duplica continued. "We've been looking all over for you and for Snap."

"Kenji and I just had a very…weird experience."

"What do you mean?" Duplica asked keenly. "Did some strange Pokémon jump you too?"

"No, but we did have an encounter with the afterlife."

Ash looked at the two perplexed. "What?"

Both explained the situation to them, recalling the events as best they could.

"So you were Junsa, and you were Juudai?" Duplica asked. They nodded. "What about the other two people? Who are they?"

"Hey," Ash whispered to the shorter girl, "do you think that you could be one of them, Duplica? You do perform shows, so maybe you're this Hoshi guy…er…girl." Ash shook his head. 'That's a weird name for a girl. Juudai is a weird name for a guy, too. Maybe they mixed them up.'

"Could be," she whispered back. "So, do you know how to use these 'powers' of yours?"

"Well, no," Kenji scratched the back of his head, "but I think we were both just dreaming the same dream somehow."

"No, I believe it, and Ashie Boy does too, right Ash?" He nodded. "Now, I have an idea to see if this is true or not."

"What?" both asked.

"You two, hold hands, and with your free one, try to think of some type of an element, but concentrate very hard, though. Think of it in the form of some type of a power or a special move and let's see what comes up."

Kenji and Jen thought this was an unusual idea, but Duplica smiled warmly at them, as if she were certain her idea would work. Ash understood what Duplica was planning, and just stood there, watching.

The two held hands, obliviously raising their free hands, and randomly thought of an element, and things linked to it. Kenji thought of water; Jen thought of electricity. After a short moment, Kenji's left hand was engulfed with a ball of water while Jen's right hand was consumed with crackling electricity. The two launched the attack without realizing it at the same exact time. The two elements combined, to create one big electrical wave. In then hit a short, small tree nearby.

Both were so shocked at what they'd just done, their jaws were hanging.

"Wow, it worked, Duplica!"

"I thought it would," she replied confidently, her hands on her hips.

"What just…" Jen began, her eyes wide.

"…happened?" Kenji finished up, his look equal to Jen's.

"You two have powers, just like I do?"

Duplica and Ash seemed to be acting as if shooting water or electricity from one's hand was normal. "Come again?" the two asked. The two explained about Duplica's "remarkable powers".

"Um…that's…highly unusual…" Kenji said slowly. Jen nodded in response.

"You two should try something else," Ash suggested. "Since you feel 'connected' whenever you hold hands, then that must be when your attack is strongest."

Kenji and Jen didn't argue, as they held hands once again, their eyes closed. This time, both ironically thought about how they both felt connected, and how much they meant to one another. A white beam shot out from the both of their hands, only it didn't hit anything this time, and just kept going, like it was targeting something.

"I wonder where that strange beam is going?" Ash uttered randomly.

"I know this is going to sound a bit…strange, and corny, but I sense that it's headed towards someone with an evil heart."

"That's strange," Jen piped up, "I sense the same exact thing."

"I'm starting to sense that we have to fight in some kind of a battle, and that Jen, Kenji, and me are involved somehow since we have these extraordinary powers."
x x x x x x x x x x
RP: (Sweat drops/under her breath) What's with all this sensing stuff…
x x x x x x x x x x
"You could be right, Duplica," Ash said. "If the guy you were talking about has Mewtwo, and is connected with all these Psychic Pokémon going crazy, then we'll need all of the help that we can to get him back."

"I'm sorry, this is still a bit too much for me," Jen said as she rubbed her hands together to help warm them.

"Pikapi!!"

Ash turned at the calling of his name. "Pikachu?"
x x x x x x x x x x
RP: This is pretty much my take on this. For the original, it really does sound as if Pikachu calls "Satoshi" by "Pikapi".
x x x x x x x x x x
Everyone looked to see him running up to them.

Pikachu caught his breath, and looked up at Ash. ":I finally found you!:"

"What are you doing here, Pikachu?" Ash then thought of the worst, and alarmed, questioned, "Has something bad happened to Misty?"

Pikachu shook his head. ":I told Misty that I would go out and look for you. She said she would feel better if I was with you.:"

"Oh yeah, I forgot I was going to call her if we found Kenji, Jen, or Todd." Ash looked over to the others apologetically. "I'm going to go meet back up with Misty now. I'll let her know that two out of the three of you are safe. Oh, and you guys," he pointed to Jen and Kenji, "should practice those powers of yours someplace else." He gestured to the tree they had hit earlier. "Try to go someplace a bit more secluded this time."

They nodded.

"Come on, Pikachu," Ash told his friend.

Pikachu led the way back towards the house, Ash running alongside of him.

":Hey, Misty and I figured out who the other boy at the gym was! It was pretty obvious too!:"

"Really? Do I know him?"

Pikachu sweat dropped. "Pi chu! (No, duh!)"

"Sorry, calm down," Ash whined. "Anyway, how did you two figure it out if we never got a good look at his face?"

":We figured it out from the way he tossed out his Pokéball, and the type of Pokémon he had.:"

"He had something called an…an…"

":Arcaking.:"

"Yeah, but we never got a good look at that either because of the smog Wheezing let off."

":Not going by the Pokémon for a moment, go by how he tossed out his Pokéball. He kissed it before he tossed it, and by the name, it seems like it could be some kind of an Arcanine/Nidoking mix.:"

He thought for a moment as he stopped running. Pikachu noticed and stopped as well. "Um, Blaine?"

"Pikachu?"

"Arcanine is a fire type, and he would probably have a ground or rock type, like a Nidoking. I guess he didn't want to use those when I battled against him since his Magmar was so powerful, or maybe those Pokémon are weak compared to his Magmar."

Pikachu face-faulted from his response.

"Hmm, so it's not Blaine," he mumbled, picking up on this due to Pikachu's reaction. "Team Rocket? Doesn't Butch and Cassidy have those type of Pokémon?"

Pikachu picked himself up and sweat dropped, while smacking his forehead.

"Okay, not Team Rocket…so…" He thought again. "Oh, I know! It was Gary!"

Pikachu did the victory pose. "Pi pikachu!"

The two started off again, walking briskly, Pikachu trotting alongside to keep up with Ash's long strides.

"So, it was Gary, but---"

":It's just like with Duplica's cousin. He wasn't himself.:"

"That's weird." Ash took note of their surroundings. "Are you sure this is the right way back?"

Pikachu nodded as they continued, but soon stopped, noticing a girl ahead of them. Ash nearly tripped because of the sudden stop. ":Who's that?:"

"It looks a little like Misty." Ash squinted his eyes. "Wait, that is Misty!"

The two walked over to the girl who resembled Misty entirely. Deciding to be playful, Ash tip-toed up behind her, and hugged her. "Hey Misty!" he laughed. She screamed, startled. Ash let go of her. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing, nothing at all. You just surprised me."

"So, what are you doing out here and where's Togepi?"

"I left Togepi with Brock and Joya-san. The both of them found Todd."

"I guess Duplica was wrong about that sixth sense stuff of hers she mentioned."
x x x x x x x x x x
RP: (Rolls eyes) Here we are back to that sensing mess again…
x x x x x x x x x x
"So," she gave Ash a smile, "how about we go some place a bit more…romantic?"

"You mean there's a game center in this town someplace? That'll be really fun! I'm going to play Final Fantasy! I heard that they have an experimental demo arcade version of Final Fantasy VIII on one of the islands, I wonder if this is the island! I can't wait to play!" Ash looked like he was ready to take off in pure excitement. "I have a pocket full of coins, and I'm ready to play!" He posed, doing the sign for "victory". "Ash Ketchum, Video Game master never loses!"

Misty and Pikachu nearly face-faulted and sweat dropped.

':I don't know what she sees in him, no offense to Ash. Misty seems like the type that would want a romantic type, and he's nowhere near it.:'

'This kid is impossible!'

"It'll be an all-nighter, but I'll pull it off," he said determinedly, "especially since I'm already the currently Video Game master anyway, so I shouldn't have any trouble. This so-called arcade version is nowhere near as good as the real version. I think that demo thing, is more so a fighting, training type game, but if you score the highest you win the real game for the Playstation.

"You do have to pay a small entry fee, so I hope I have enough for the deposit. I guess if I show them my license indicating that I'm a Video Game Master, theni should get unlimited play regardless, and if I score high at any game, I can get the game cartridge or ROM of my choice. I hope I can win, and take that home, and if this demo arcade version is good, they'll make it an official game!" He noticed both Misty and Pikachu, whom looked about ready to slap him. "What?" he asked, totally clueless.

"I was thinking more along the lines of a nice walk in Hoshi Imité Park, our holding hands, you know…"

"Oh, you mean that mushy stuff. Well, since I'm in a good mood, okay."

Misty sweat dropped again from the young boy's response. 'Impossible!'

The girl led them throughout the town, going back towards the gym Ash had battled in sooner, but walked right past it. Nearby the gym, was the ocean. It was strange how they hadn't notice it when they were there earlier. Both took a seat on the docks, their feet dangling over the clear sea waters. Pikachu had followed behind them, but was a bit suspicious of Misty. He had this unsettling feeling that it wasn't actually her, but couldn't figure out why.

While sitting, Ash tried to warm himself up by closing his coat a bit more. "It's kind of cold out here."

"How about we do some of those things you were thinking of earlier to keep us warm," Misty suggested in a seductive voice.

Ash looked at Misty, very surprised at her tone of voice. Before he could reply, Misty leaned up against Ash, and kissed him deeply and passionately, pinning him to the ground.

Pikachu stared at the sight of Ash and Misty making out publicly wide-eyed. ':Now I know that isn't Misty! She would never act like that.:' Pikachu got a bit closer, but not by much, sniffing the air. He got a whiff of her, and knew right then and there that this girl most definitely wasn't Misty. He had been around Misty just as long as he had Ash, and knew her through her smell. ":Ash, I don't know who that is, but it is not Misty!:"

Ash ignored his Pokémon's warnings, as he was in his own little world. Pikachu was about to warn Ash again, when a pair of cold, lifeless hands grabbed him from behind, running off with him. When his kidnapper stopped running, he noticed that he was in front of the gym. Pikachu then looked up at the person who had grabbed him.

":Todd!!:" Pikachu studied him; he looked to be drugged or in some kind of a trance, and his eyes looked lifeless. ':Maybe he's hypnotized,:' Pikachu thought. ":Don't worry, Todd. I'll wake you up so that you can tell us what's going on!:"

Pikachu began to power up, about to use a Thundershock. Todd didn't react to the powering rodent in his hands, and waved his free hand, a bag appearing. He then tossed Pikachu into it. When the attack was launched, it bounced back, causing him to shock and knock himself out. He then waved his hand again, the bag holding Pikachu vanishing.

"That ought to take care of that puny yellow rat!"

Todd made his way back to where Misty and Ash were, who were still wrapped in their own worlds. He stood there, staring down at the two, his hands on his hips. "Isn't this pleasant," he snarled in slight amusement.

"Todd?" Ash looked up to see the photographer, an eerie look about his face. "Can't you see we're busy; go away!"

"I can't do that, Ash!"

Misty stood up. "Our master really wants you."

"Misty?"

"I think we've had enough of this little charade, don't you think, 'Misty'."

"Yes, Mighty One."

Ash pounded the ground with his fist, laughing hard. "That's a good one you two!" He stood up and wiped away a tear. "You're just trying to scare me. The joke's over."

"I am not joking," Todd's look looked quite unhealthy and angry, "you useless piece of sh---"

"Whoa!" Ash interrupted. "What did I ever do to you?"

"You have offended Toru-sama!"

"'Toru-sama'? What are you guys talking about? Misty, what is wrong with you?"

Misty made her way over to Todd, and gave him a big kiss. "Hey, what are you doing with my girlfriend!"

"Oh, I see you can admit now with no trouble at all," Todd replied deadly after they broke the kiss, but then smiled. "I've always wondered what it would be like to kiss her." He looked at Ash with a hateful glare. "Too bad you won't ever do so again!"

Todd raised his hand, and shot a dark beam at the Misty clone.

"What the hell do you think you're doing to Misty!"

The girl, who was thought to be Misty, was now a girl with long dark-blue hair along with big, beautiful matching eyes, and a perfect figure for her age. Her clothes were slightly different from earlier, and was now wearing a light purple skirt, along with white stockings and a thick, white button-up sweater.

"You did a lovely job, Shelley."

She bowed. "Arigatou, Toru-sama."

"Wait, I think I remember you! You're that girl I battled at Articuno's Ice Palace! You had a Flareon and I beat you with my Squirtle!" He thought for a moment. "Wait a minute, you kissed me! You're not Misty!"

"You're so observant," Todd replied acerbically while rolling his eyes. "Anyway, our, ugh, 'master', wants you, and you're going whether you want to or not."

"What are you talking about?"

Todd was now holding his head as if he was suffering through a really bad tension headache. "Must we go through this with everyone we capture?" His eyes went dark, and two beams shot from them, right at Ash. It was his Psybeam. Ash slumped to the ground, with a yelp, unable to move.

"Why…Todd," Ash groaned, trying to stand up, "why are you…doing…this?"

"Because I can," he answered him coldly. He shot another beam at him, causing the boy to howl in pain once again. "I can now have my revenge on you, Ash Ketchum! You took Misty away from me!"

"Took Misty away from you? You never had her to begin with!"

"Who really cares!" he snapped irritably. "You're never going to see her again. Now, Shelley, I can teleport us all back to the lab. Our, ugh, 'master' and the Professor are waiting."

"Yes, Toru-sama."

"You're lucky I'm sparing you, Ash Ketchum."

"Why's that?" Ash asked from his spot on the ground, as if he could care less.

"I would kill you myself, but I have my orders to bring you back to the lab for tests."

Ash gulped at the thought of being killed by Todd, and thought for a moment. He realized that Duplica was right. Someone or some thing had gotten to Todd. 'Maybe the guy she was talking about got to him somehow, but it doesn't really matter. As long as Misty, Togepi, and the others are safe, I'll be fine. Pikachu and I will get out of here." It then hit Ash, and he looked around robustly for his companion. "Pikachu! Where is Pikachu!"

"Do not worry about that pathetic yellow rat. He's safe and sound back at the lab."

Todd and Shelley were now back at the gym, and during this, Todd controlled every movement of Ash's as of this point. He was using his Kinesis to do this, forcing the boy to follow along in great pain. He also had it so that Ash's head remained facing down, so that he wouldn't see where he was going. Todd threatened that if he tried to move his head upwards to see where he was being led, that he'd make sure that his neck would break instantly. The threat seemed genuine, so Ash obeyed and decided not to fight against the boy's Kinesis.

Todd's "master" wanted him to bring Ash to him personally. They were back in the arena of the gym, and were headed towards the stage. The machine was still there, and all three stood on it. The next thing he knew, they were in another place. It had happened so fast. They continued the walk, Ash still being forced to follow behind, Todd making sure that every step Ash took caused him some form of discomfort or pain. They came to a big door, and Shelley opened it, walking through. Todd forced Ash to walk inside, finally allowing Ash control of his body, causing him to fall to the floor. He looked to be extremely exhausted as Shelley removed Ash's coat and tossed it aside.

Todd and Shelley both then kneeled to a man sitting at a computer. "Here is the one called Ash Ketchum, Professor."

The Professor stood from his chair. "Good work. We are most pleased."

Ash had managed to look up to get a good look at this "Professor" person. He was a slim man, had dark green hair, and wore a very ugly dark-brown suit. "No, it can't be you," Ash pointed at him shakily. "You're on our side and well-respected!"

"Yeah, yeah, nice," the Professor answered quickly, not really caring. "Now, you two, toss him into a cell. The other one is a bit too full at the moment, but the empty one you put him in shouldn't be empty for too much longer."

"I can't believe what's happening!" Ash managed to stand up, which took quite a lot of effort. "You, of all people…"

"Quiet, kid!" He took out a walkie-talkie, and spoke into it. "Sir, we have Satoshi."

"That's wonderful," the voice on the other end said, quite pleased. "I will see to it that he is terminated personally, but not until later. I now have his Pikachu and have some tests to run on it to see how powerful it really is. Those incompetent fools could never manage to get me this Pikachu, but the shutterbug there as shown real potential."

A high-pitched whimpering was heard in the background, ":Help me.:"

"Pikachu!"

"Quiet!" the Professor shouted again, punching him in the stomach.

Ash held his stomach, bent over. "How…dare, you…"

"I have already told you once, now be quiet!" the Professor warned impatiently. "Sir, we are about to lock him up now."

"Go right ahead. I see that the shutterbug did well in capturing him for us, and I bet he didn't even fight as my brother. He's always been a bit jealous of Ash, according to that Hypno we have."

"Genius, sir!"

"Oh, Professor, I finally figured out what Pokémon that Alakazaam was picking up on."

'That voice sounds so familiar to me…'

"So far, both Jessie and James both have their same Pokémon (Victreebell, Wheezing, Arbok, Lickitung); Butch and Cassidy were carrying with them a Rhyhorn, and their old assistant had some Pokémon with them, which included Meowoth, Raticate, and a Growlithe. I'm not entirely certain as to what the other Pokémon could be," he finished up. 'I wonder if it's that Ditto that Mondo had…'

"Very interesting, sir."

"Now, go toss that hat-wearing loser into one of our vacant cells. I must go back to checking on the power level of this Pikachu, and then transport it down along with the others."

The Professor put the walkie-talkie away, and turned his attention back to Todd, dismissing Shelley, who took off in a flash. "You heard him, lock the brat up."

Todd was already a bit annoyed, but the Professor wasn't helping his mood. He got into his face, and grabbed him by the collar, a murderous look in his eyes. "How dare you speak to me in that manner!"

He pushed Todd away, and brushed himself off. "What are you talking about? I am second in command. I have the right and the authority to speak to you in any way I see fit."

"I have to go now, but I'd watch my back if I were you. I have to rest up and rejuvenate for a while. I will capture a couple of more of the group, if I encounter them. After that, I will rest up for the battle alongside the spirits that the," he gave off an aggravated sigh, "master has summoned, and lend out my powers to the others."

"Okay, who will that be?"

"Whomever I see, that's whom I'll capture," he turned his back to him, "now you're wasting my time!"

The professor scoffed and crossed his arms watching Todd walk off. "You know you have to capture the one named Daté Jen."

Todd stopped in his tracks, and once again, had this sudden urge to crush the Professor's windpipe; the Professor's suffering would've brought a lot of satisfaction to him at the moment. His right fist was bawled and shaking. He was trying his best not to retaliate. "I am quite capable of getting all of them with one hand tied behind my back. Who really cares if I don't get her, I'll just make up for it later."

"You think you're so great!"

That did it. Todd charged after the Professor, and wrapped both hands around his skinny neck. He began to squeeze slightly. 'Just a little harder,' he thought, and this Professor would no longer get on his nerves. He squeezed harder, the Professor's face going blue, and gagging.

"Todd, don't!" Ash shouted, astounded at this display.

Todd shook his head, letting up his grip on the Professor, who coughed, rubbing his neck, not sure what to make of Todd. "I don't 'think'," he told the Professor in response to the last thing he'd said, "I know."

"I'll deal with Satoshi, just go!"

Todd didn’t really care, and hated the fact he couldn't put the Professor out of his misery. He held his tongue, teleporting out of the room to find Shelley. He had vanished within thin air (no machine needed for teleportation), but Ash ignored that as nothing else seemed to make sense currently.

"What's going on? Why are you doing this? What's wrong with Todd, and what have you done with Mewtwo and Pikachu!"

"Do you really want to know?" he asked indignantly. Ash nodded slowly, every muscle in his body aching. "Pikachu is a bit occupied at the moment, just as Mewtwo is, but knowing you, you probably wanting to see him." He pushed a button on his keyboard, and the monitor attached to it brought up a depressing image. It was of Mewtwo who was attached to lots of machinery, and looked a bit more powerful than what Giovanni had had on him when he first encountered him before.

"Mewtwo! Let Mewtwo go!"

"You are joking, right?"

"How do you know about Mewtwo anyway, and how did you get him?"

"Hello, Professor," Mewtwo responded unresponsively. "Hello oh wise Pokémon Trainer, Ash Ketchum…"
x x x x x x x x x x
RP: (Snickering) Wise? (Snickers again) He's not dumb, but wise? (Begins to laugh)

Ash gives RP an annoyed look, meaning, shut up or else I get Pikachu to Thunder you.

RP: Erm, sorry. Ehehehe. I'm only laughing cause he said "Ash Ketchum" instead of Satoshi. (Sweat drops nervously)
x x x x x x x x x x
"Mewtwo, you have to escape! Run away!"

"I am afraid that this is not possible."

"What?! Why not!! You're strong, just blast your way out of here!"

"For I am connected to machinery that will harm this fair city, and who knows what else if I were to try to escape. I do not want to bring harm unto the innocent."

"We set this up perfectly." He stared back at Mewtwo. "I must say, though, this Mewtwo has progressed well since his early stages."

"What do you mean? Are you saying that you helped to create Mewtwo?"

"You are finally catching on, aren't you? Why else would I have a big picture of a Pokémon not yet discovered or known? It was being created as of that moment when you and your friends visited me long ago." He went back to the screen, and spoke directly into the microphone coming from the computer. It was pretty powerful, which was why Mewtwo was able to hear everything being said by them in the room. "Mewtwo, teleport him to the vacant cage next to the others, and make sure he makes a good impression." He then added, "Also, make sure to get a sample for me to analyze."

Mewtwo turned his head slightly, which showed to be difficult with all of the wires connected to him. "I will do no such thing."

The Professor tsked, as he pushed another button on his keyboard. "What was that, Mewtwo?" The pushing of the button shocked him terribly, causing the Pokémon to feel immense pain. The helmet atop his head glowed blue. It looked like he was trying his best to fight whatever was going on, but soon failed. "Remember, I helped to create you, and I can damn well destroy you!"

Mewtwo nodded dutifully as a weird looking syringe floated by Ash. How this was being done, was beyond him, but he figured it was Mewtwo's doing. The syringe zapped Ash, which drew blood from his left arm and was put into a test-tube. The zap from this strange needle was a type of pain that he'd never experienced before. It felt as if someone was sawing into his muscle with a giant, rusty knife. After this was done, the Professor tied a cloth around Ash's bloody arm. He didn't want him to bleed to death before his mentor had the honor of killing him his self.

After he had extracted the sample, Mewtwo proceeded to teleport Ash to the vacant cell that the Professor had mentioned earlier. He hit the hard, cement ground with a loud thud, knocking him unconscious…
x x x x x x x x x x
"ASH!" Misty screamed, awaking with a start, her heart racing. She had been asleep for a while, but had another strange dream, which involved Ash's getting hurt. She was, once again, extremely worried. "Where are Pikachu, Ash, and the others? I wish someone would call." She looked down to the right of her. Togepi was still sleeping peacefully on the couch. "I can't go out myself yet, not with Togepi's still being asleep, so I won't leave yet."

She stood up from her comfortable spot on the couch, and stared out the window, the clouds growing a bit grey. "Everyone, please be okay…" she muttered gently.
x x x x x x x x x x
"I give up! Those guys are no where to be found."

"Calm down, Takeshi-san," Joya told the boy gently.

Brock laughed slightly as they continued walking around the Kage Shopping District. "I'm starting to wonder if they want to be found."

"You're silly," Joya giggled in spite of herself. "I'm sure we'll find them."

"We've been to the other districts, and just came from the theatre. Where else could they be?"

"Right here," they both heard a girl say from behind them with a giggle.

They turned around to see Jen standing there.

"Where have you been?" Brock asked. "We've been looking all over for you."

"Where is Kenji-san?"

"He's right over there," she pointed.

At an outdoor vendor, Kenji was buying some kakigori for both he and Jen.

"It's about 4^oC (40^oF) out here, and he's buying something like kakigori?" Brock pointed to another vendor opposite of it. "That guy there is selling takoyaki, at least that's a nice, warm food."
x x x x x x x x x x
RP: Kakigori is shaved ice and it has different flavors, if I'm remembering right. It looks pretty tasty. I guess one could compare it to "Italian Ice". As for takoyaki, that's pretty much fried Octopus.
x x x x x x x x x x
Kenji walked over to the three, and handed Jen her kakigori. "Thanks."

"We've been running around all day, so we're both a bit warm," Kenji told them.

"Well, now that we've found you," Joya clapped, "why don't we all return home?"

"Sure, and Kenji here knows of a shortcut."

"But he's not from around here," Brock pointed out.

"Earlier, we were attacked by a strange Pokémon, and while getting away, Kenji figured out the fastest way to escape it. We only came back to try all the foods that the vendors were selling here, and will take that route if we're attacked again, or if anyone else is."

"Well then, if that's the case, show us this route of yours." Brock was eager to get back to the nice warmth of the house.

Kenji flashed Brock an evil smirk. "Sure, my friend."

The two followed behind Kenji and Jen, Joya growing a bit confused as they turned the corner and ended up going down a dark alley. "This doesn't look like the way to our home, Jen-chan. I've been here before, and it's nowhere near it."

Both stopped, turned, and faced them. "That's because it isn't," Jen told her darkly.

"Ex-excuse me?" Joya stammered nervously. Jen had never spoken in such a manner before to her.

"What are you talking about?"

"You heard her," Kenji snapped at Brock.

Kenji tossed the paper cup aside, which held his shaved-ice treat, and then raised his hand. This caused Brock to rise above the ground.

"Hey, what's going on?! Let me down from here!"

"With pleasure," Kenji replied coldly.

He lowered his arm, which in result, caused Brock to fall, growing closer and closer to the ground. A deafening, ear-splitting crack was heard as Brock smashed into the pavement below. He then rose back into the air again, making Brock go through the same painful ordeal, landing on his back once again.

"I'm not going to waste any time with this one. I wonder how Brock likes the rock now!" he laughed dementedly. 'I really hate doing this. Why should I bother hurting these innocent people? It's not really fair to them. I just want to get rid of our so-called master. He's the one who deserves to be punished, not this innocent man.

'I have to get on his good side, and then seize the opportunity to avenge the one I truly and only loved! I was hoping he'd never return, or manage to, but he will pay for what he's done in the past, and how miserable he made my life!'

"Kenji-san, what are you doing!"

"What does it look like I'm doing?" he asked her harshly. "I'm knocking out your boyfriend with my version of a Seismic Toss, only it's 100 times better."

After the first slam to the ground, Brock was knocked right out. He didn't even have the time to scream. Joya rushed over to Jen, and held her shoulders. "Jen-chan, stop him! Help me stop him! I don't now how he's doing this, but we have to do something!"

Jen stared blankly at Joya, and removed her hands from her shoulders. "Only the Chosen One can stop," she saw Kenji who was still slamming poor Brock into the ground, "and he is nowhere near finished."

"At least now I won't have to worry about a lack of cooperation," Kenji uttered as he ceased his inhumane attack. "The direct approach is always the best approach."

Brock was now sprawled on the cold ground, his blood seeping into the fluffy white snow underneath him. His head was bleeding, and his back was bruised. Joya looked at the two in fear, not knowing what to do. Kenji raised his hand, only instead of Brock rising, Joya did. She screamed from being so high up, and partially realizing she was more than likely going to receive the same treatment Brock had just gotten. While Kenji was levitating her with his right hand, he used his left to create dark smoke around both him and Jen. When the smoke cleared, there stood another girl and boy in the places of Kenji and Jen.

"T-Toru-kun!" Joya gasped in surprise. "But-but why?"

"You'll find out soon enough," he told her callously. "You have been chosen and since you've seen all of this, you must suffer the same fate as him." Joya screamed as he slammed her on top of the unconscious Brock, the impact knocking her out.

"Well done, Toru-sama," Shelley complimented him.

"Thank you very much." He wasn't very enthusiastic over what he'd just done. "I feel that I must now rest, so that I can help out with the next task later."

"You must rejuvenate and replenish your strength."

"Yes, I shall, but instead, I will use what's left of these powers of mine on two others to look for the remaining members of the group. I have enough energy to do that still, at least."

"That is a wonderful idea, Toru-sama."

"Please, do not call me by that name. I prefer to be called by my real one."

"Yes, Toru-sama."

'Idiot master! He could've at least made it so that they all could refer to me by my true name!' He sighed. "Let's go, and get these two back to the professor."

Todd and Shelley left the scene, a knocked out Brock and Joya with them, so that they could get the next part of their plan into action…
x x x x x x x x x x
"I don't really know this Kenji guy," Mondo complained slightly, as he walked throughout the town.

"Don't worry about it, kid," Meowth said, his paws propped behind his head.

":Yeah, we'lll find them!:" Growlithe said confidently.

":It would be easier if you drove around, Mondo.:"

"Raticate said that it would be easier if you drove that old jeep of yours around."

"That's true, but where am I going to get a vehicle and a license to drive it? I was driving illegally when I was a part of it. I still have a couple of years to go before I can get my license to drive a car, and I don't own anything like a Moped, which I can legally drive. Everything that was a part of Team Rocket was confiscated, including the jeep."

Meowth shrugged, growing tired of walking around. A few paces ahead, the group saw a couple of figures running towards them. "Hey, dat looks like Jessie and James a little up there."

The two ran to them, and stopped. It was indeed Jessie and James, breathing hard, almost out of breath.

"Meowth, Mondo, are we glad we found you," James huffed.

"What's the matter?" Mondo asked.

"Loads of trouble, that's what," Jessie answered.

"All of you, get into your Pokéball, now!" James ordered urgently.

"What's goin' on?"

"There's no time to explain now, Meowth," Jessie answered quickly. "We have to get off of this island as fast as we can, and make sure you Pokémon are safe; you have to get back into your Pokéball."

James held up a Pokéball. "Come now, Growlithe, in you go."

Growlie sniffed at James, and then began to growl at him. "I wonder what's wrong with Growlie," Mondo said while holding the dog back.

"See, we cats are more civilized than mangy mutts!" Hearing this, Growlie faced the feline, and blew a flame out at him. It wasn't too powerful, but it caused Meowth to fall over charred. "Dat ain't fair! I was only tellin' da truth!"

Growlie's attention - no longer on Meowth - was now back on Jessie and James, his growling increasing, looking about ready to attack them.

"Calm down, Growlie," Mondo told the dog, trying his best to keep him in place. "I'm sorry, James. I have no idea what's gotten into him. I've never seen Growlie act this way for the short while I have known him."

James shrugged, apparently not bothered by this. "Growlithe, get into your Pokéball…now!"

Growlie barked at the two, and then used a Flamethrower on them. Both fell over, singed.

"Growlie!" Mondo called out. "You shouldn't do that!"

James stood up, fuming. "You stupid worthless dog!! Get into your damn Pokéball, now!! I command you, to!"

Growlie just barked, about to attack the two again, but a red beam shot out from the Pokéball James was holding. He tried very hard to avoid the beam, but unfortunately, it hit him, sucking him in. It was quite obvious that this Pokéball was specifically Growlie's, which was why it was difficult for his avoiding being called back.

"Dumb mutt," James muttered bitterly.

Mondo felt it was strange how Growlie had acted around Jessie and James, but not as strange as James losing his temper. That was something that was a rarity when it came to him. 'I guess a Flamethrower from your own Pokémon can do that to you. I'd be upset too if a Pokémon friend of mine turned against me.'

"Cassidy gave me her Pokéball to get you, Raticate. Get in, now." Confused, Raticate entered its Pokéball. Jessie pulled out another one and looked towards the third Pokémon of the group. "Come on now, Meowth, get into your Pokéball too."

"You idiots!" he snapped. "You know Meowth doesn't like Pokéballs!"

James blinked in stupidity. "You don't?"

"Dis Meowth doesn't!"

"Um…yeah, that's right," Jessie replied slowly, as if hearing this bit of information for the first time. "James just isn't thinking straight. We're in such a hurry, it must have…slipped our minds."

"I don't under---"

"No time to talk now, Mondo," James told him. "Follow us. It's our only hope. These people are after us all because of that kid with the Ditto."

Meowth and Mondo followed behind Jessie and James, who was a few paces ahead of them. Mondo tried his best to ask questions, but kept getting the same response, "We'll explain when we reach our safe-zone." The run lasted a bit longer, getting closer and closer to the gym Ash had battled in earlier. Jessie and James led them to the back of it. Behind it was a big hole.

"Hide in there," they both told them.

"What?"

"This is where everyone else is hiding," James explained.

Meowth crossed his arms, turning his back to the hole. "There's no way I'm jumpin' down there!" He glanced down it. "Besides, it looks a bit too deep."

"Nobody asked you to jump!" Jessie snapped. "We're ordering you to!" She got an unusually wicked look (for her) on her face, and picked Meowth up by his tail. She then swung him violently, and threw him down into it. The only thing heard, was the sound of Meowth hitting the bottom with a thump and a yelp in pain.
x x x x x x x x x x
Meowth: (Streaked tears) I THOUGHT DAT BEING OUT OF TEAM ROCKET WOULDN'T GET MEOWTH HURT ANYMORE!

RP: Meowth, as long as you're with Jessie and James, that's never going to happen, I'm afraid. (Starts to snicker a bit)

Meowth: DAT AIN'T FUNNY!
x x x x x x x x x x
"Oh no, it's wearing off!" James hissed seriously to Jessie. "The Chosen One's powers are wearing off!"

Jessie nodded, realizing the urgency of their current situation. "You, jump down there now!"

Mondo backed away from the two, now understanding why Growlie had reacted the way he had. "You two are imposters!" he accused. "Jessie and James would know that Master Meowth doesn't use a Pokéball, and James calls his Growlithe by the name 'Growlie'! He's never called him Growlithe. That's probably why Growlie was so hostile towards you. He would know his own master."

"You're a lot smarter than you look," Jessie told him coldly.

Mondo was about to run off, when James grabbed him, putting him in an arm lock. Jessie pulled his Pokéball containing his Ditto off of his belt.

"Hey, let me go!" he struggled, trying to break lose of this fake James.

She tossed it up and down in the air. "You won't be needing this anymore," she chuckled evilly, sounding remarkably like Jessie.

"Cherie," James called, "these powers are wearing off, help me…" James's straight blue hair was now starting to turn red and spiky, and he felt his body shrinking.

"Yes, I feel it," Cherie said, Jessie's dark pink hair growing shorter and brown, her body also beginning to shrink in size. "That must mean that he is pretty much weak now, and still needs time to revitalize."

"Hurry!"

Both forced Mondo into the hole, which led him to the same place where Meowth was, a cage which held the real Jessie, James, Meowth, Cassidy and Butch.

After Mondo was caught, the spell had completely worn off, and the two were back to their original forms.

"We have captured the last of the ex Rocket members. I hope our master will be pleased."

Eric nodded confidently. "I'm sure he will be. Let's go back now. We have to help the Professor set up for the attack on the island. The time is growing near."

"If we only had more time," Cherie sighed disappointedly. "If we did, we would be able to capture the rest that are wandering around, but our Master has already insisted that he has all of the ones whom he feared."

The two sealed up the opening, and then entered the gym, teleporting back to the lab…
x x x x x x x x x x
Back in the lab…

"Good, you have managed to capture them all."

"But what about those 'destined' ones you were talking about?"

"We have one of them, the Ketchum kid. They need all of their powers in order to stop my demons." Giovanni went silent, a pondering look about his face. "You know, I'm considering using him like I did with the photographer. With the powers he possesses, along with the ones I can give him, he will become incredibly strong!" He looked over the Professor's shoulder. "What exactly are you doing?"

"I'm still analyzing the sample Mewtwo got from him earlier. The results should be finishing up soon."

"Why is it taking so long? That Ketchum kid has been here for a good while now!"

"This is a bit complex, and this computer isn't accustomed to running such a program, so we must let it take its time. We want the results to be as accurate as it can be, and analyzed thoroughly."

"I see, but why bother testing him when you know he has to be one of them."

"Just following protocol."

"Yeah, yeah…"

"You did a very good job with the photographer," the Professor stated grimly, "maybe a bit too good a job."

"Better to be too good than no good," Giovanni replied. "That's family for you," he continued in a voice that wasn't quite his, "Kureeji did a good job. I raised that boy quite well."

'What exactly does he mean by 'family', and who is this Kureeji person?' He looked back up at the screen absent-mindedly, Todd's death-threat still on his mind, the meter almost filled. "I guess so," he muttered.

While the two spoke, three dark creatures appeared behind them. Giovanni turned and smiled gratefully to them. "Welcome!" he greeted.

"Master Giovanni, we have come," the first of the three creatures bowed. The creature studied Giovanni. 'So this is the form he has taken for this century.'

"We are here to perform your evil biddings since we are now free," the second on said, also bowing. 'Waruii-sama could've done better with that form, but what does it matter. He's going to pay too, as well as Junsa, Hoshi, Juudai, and that red-headed bimbo, Mizuna!'

"When do we leave, Master? We are very ready and willing to go," the third creature said. 'Waruii-sama could only be reborn in the body of someone that is truly evil to resurrect our spirits. This Giovanni person must be truly sinister, but too bad he won't live long enough to enjoy it.'

"Good, good," Giovanni told the three creatures, back to his normal state. "We will go at once. Professor, did you transport our prisoners like I asked of you earlier and are their cages set up properly?"

"Yes sir, I have. If either one of the prisoners try to escape, he or she, will either be shocked, burned, or a combination of the two."

"You did manage to get all of their Pokémon, right?"

"Affirmative, sir." Right at that moment, the computer beeped, and the meter was full. "The analysis is complete. We should be getting a print out momentarily." About a minute later, a paper came from the printer of the machine. The Professor snatched it, and read over it.

"Well, what does it say?"

The Professor lowered the paper, a fearful look on his face. "he is not one of them," he uttered quietly.

"What!" Giovanni grabbed the paper, reading it for himself. It was indeed true. Disgruntled, he threw the paper aside. "This means we have none of them and we do not have any time to capture them since the shutterbug is still resting!"

"I am sorry, sir."

"No, never mind. I have an idea. Put our prisoners out on the field, while in their cages and still attached."

"Sir, I don't really understand."

"If they know of their powers already and try to attack us, we might as well persuade their decisions a bit."

"Ahh, I understand now, sir. I'll go set it up right now."

"And with that Pikachu with the power-level of a well-trained Electabuzz, should help us out immensely!"

"That it should, sir, that it should…"

RP: Well, it looks like all of Ash's friends are caught, but what will become of Todd? How will Kenji, Jen, and Duplica know to use their powers? Tune in next time for Part 16 of this fic to find out!

Author's Notes…
Juudai (重大) - Even though this name may seem a bit…feminine, I couldn't think of anything better. lol This name means "serious" and Kenji's character is pretty serious.

Junsa (巡査) - This name means "police officer". I would've used something like warrior or fighter, but didn't know what to use for warrior and didn't care for the names.

Mizuna (みずな) - With this, I was just trying my best to be creative. Mizu = Water. I just added the "na" to it.

Hoshi (ほし) - Hoshi is another word for "star". I liked it better than the other translations for it, even though the name is a bit masculine looking, I'm sure. Duplica is a performer, hence the idea for using "star".

Waruii (悪い) - Warui means "evil" so I decided to add an extra "i" for emphasis, I suppose. I know all of these are pretty much puns, but my mind was literally blank on what to use for them, so please forgive me. lol

Lorelei Prima/Kanna - I am quite sure some of you are wondering who this "Kanna" person is, so I'll explain it here. In the game, her name is Lorelei; for the dubbed anime, it is Prima (so people have told me); for the original version of the show, she is known as Kanna. I set it up so that Lorelei Prima was her pen-name, so that nobody will actually know who she is, but Lorelei and Kanna are the same person. Misty, just like the rest of the fandom (for the sake of this story) doesn't know this, except for the other Elite 4 members, and maybe close personal friends or family members. To be completely honest, I like the name Lorelei better than the other two.