Chapter 45

“Prepare for trouble what is coming is a lecture.”

“Make it double we are posing as parental figures.”

“Lecturing twerps on their dangerous decisions.”

“Like go resurrecting and get kidnapped by dead civilisations.”

“To denounce any thoughts we feared for your safety.”

“We turned up anyway and find you looking so cheeky.”

“Parental figure Jessie.”

“Fatherly figure James.”

“Parental figures to show twerps what is right.”

“Settle down and listen don’t make us have to fight.”

Misty froze outside of the Pokemart at hearing what could only be a motto. Pikachu froze on her shoulders too. All she wanted was to buy some stuff and find Ash. Instead she found the Rocket duo leaning against the wall outside the door.

“Hey!” She said brightly only to get a frown from Jessie in response.

“Twerpette, that isn’t how you great someone worried about you.”

“I wasn’t expecting to find you here. And a new motto. Impressive. Are you building a store here?” Misty winced. A megastore like the ones these two liked would not fit in here.

“The twerp just asked us that same question right Jessie?” James laughed as he lightly tugged at the petals of a rose he pulled from his pocket.

“Yeah, and just like the twerp we are telling you. Nope not here. A few towns away. Meowth is already over there setting it up.”

“Meowth?” Misty said in doubt. That did not seem like a wise business decision.

“He’s wonderful at establishing bargains and contracts.” Jessie grinned. “James and I are better at bringing in the people and keeping them happy.”

“Sounds nice.” Misty laughed. “So you guys really are not going back to Team Rocket then.”

“No.” James responded while Jessie hesitated a brief moment and then nodded.

“So Pikachu over there can calm down. We don’t want you Pikachu. We can’t sell you legally after all and if we were to do it illegally our store would be forever tarnished.” Jessie yawned.

“Anyway Twerpette. We wanted to lecture you on the dangers of your adventure.” James began.

“But we can see you already know.” Jessie finished. “You know, the twerp would have survived if anything happened but he wouldn’t be the same.”

“I know that.” Misty said as she lowered her head. She knew that well. If she had been lost. If she had died eventually Ash would recover and move on but he would never be the Ash they all knew again.

There was a high chance that the Ash he turned into when she went missing would make a permanent appearance. A harsh cold Ash. That was how Drew described it.

Harsh, cold with nothing else to lose except his life with a burning determination about him. Drew had sat her down to explain the Ash that came after her. Misty knew if he had not saved her the determination would disappear leaving a cold harsh Ash.

“I won’t bother saying be careful from now on or anything like that.” James sighed toying with the petals of the rose. “We know you twerps that is a waste but I will say try not to leave any regrets behind.”

“James!” Jessie snapped making James cease playing with the petals. “That is not what you should say. Look Twerpette. Before this part of the twerp fades away, put some use to it. James already gave him some homework.” Jessie said dryly.

“Homework?” Misty asked in confusion as the older woman smirked before grabbing James hand.

“Let’s go James. Our parental duty is finished.”

“This seemed more like a cupid duty Jessie.” James complained as Jessie dragged him further away from Misty. Misty was left standing in front of the PokéMart her mouth agape staring after them.

She was convinced that they had just went another level up the crazy level. Or descended another foot down the crazy staircase. Them being good was nice but to keep up with them or try to was giving her a slight headache.

“Let’s head back.” Misty shrugged shaking her head to clear it of the confusion the Team Rocket Duo had left her with. Pikachu rubbed his cheek on hers and she giggled turning to go back to the Centre.

“Um excuse me.” Misty turned curiously to see a man dressed in an overcoat and hat looking at her.

“Um, yes?” Misty said warily.

“Are you by any chance going back to the Pokémon centre to see Ash?” The unknown man questioned.

“Yes.” Misty frowned looking the man over. Not like she would recognise him because of Ash. Ash met many people but he knew she knew Ash.

“Thank goodness. I came here quickly because I know he and May are here. when I stopped for a drink here because I was sweltering and I recognised you from television.” The man said wiping his face.

Misty squinted in more confusion. If he was hot. Then why not take off the overcoat one time? “Well you can come back with me and Pikachu.” Misty offered and got taken aback by the guy’s smile. Just who was he.

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Drew was on his way back to the Pokémon centre on his own pace. He could have hurried but he did not feel like it. He felt a little bothered that May did not come to his event. After all she knew about it, he came to watch hers after all.

Drew knew he came late and watched from the balcony but still he went. May on the other hand had not come face to face with him since they had all talked together in the Centre lobby.

Not that he had not seen her going about but she had not spoken to him since then. Not a glare not to pump him for information like he was sure she would have. No, instead she became filled with happy thoughts or sunshine or something.

If she had been hanging with Tower prick, Drew knew he would have fallen into a sullen mood but the guy had be rebuffed every time he went near. Not that Drew was overly pleased, just that he was glad deep inside.

Stepping inside the Pokémon Centre he heaved a sigh at the air-condition that rushed over him. the day was warm. Not so much trouble but he had been in a contest for a long time with their air-condition.

Then to walk all the way back to the centre under the warm sun. It made one warm quickly. Which is why he took his time.

Drew was about to head to the cafeteria for something cold when he saw a sight that made him halt all tracks. Misty was talking to Ash and some guy in a long brown overcoat and knitted cap.

To go out looking like that. Either that guy had watched a few too many detective episodes or a problem was really on the horizons. Drew slowly approached keeping his distance so he could hear but not be obligated to join in the conversation. Or be seen for that matter.

“So you don’t remember then Ash.” The man was saying.

“The voice. I know you.” Ash frowned as he rubbed Pikachu who was on his shoulder. “I know I met you but who are you? Show me your face.” Ash laughed.

“The disguise stays on. At least for a bit longer. Scratch you brain Ash.” The man laughed back.

“A hint?” Ash frowned and Misty giggled into her hand.

“Water.” The man said in a serious tone. “A lot of water, and pirates and a myth.”

“Pirates, water. May.” Ash frowned bigger. “Did we meet at a theme park?”

“Still this dense?” The man sighed.

“Na.” Ash casually said. “Disguise, pirates, water and May. When I put that together I get water show. Mystery. People of the water and a Pokémon Ranger.”

“So.” The man grinned. “You figured it out then.” The man flung away his overcoat to reveal simple clothing underneath. Drew raised one eyebrow at the display. That was ridiculous.

“Pokémon Ranger Jack.” Ash sad smugly. “No ranger clothes I see.”

“This here is a case of being undercover.” The Ranger Jack explained folding his coat over one arm. “Been tracking for a while. Did some hunting in Sinnoh was just in Unova when I got discovered. Had to make a dash and I hid for a while then well a lot of things happened.” The Jack person explained.

“You made it!” May’s voice came towards them. Drew turned to see May running in their direction her cheeks flushed and a huge grin on her face.

“Been a while little May.” Jack laughed. “You managed to grow.” Drew chocked on a laugh, this man was something else.

“Nice to finally see you again.” May said shyly. Drew raised an eyebrow.

“We didn’t really say goodbye on the most friendly of terms. I think you still held some resentment.” Jack shrugged as he packed away his coat.

“I realised it was for the best.” May shrugged. “But Gary wants to talk to you.”

“And there is someone who would like to talk to you May.” Jack said as he held May’s hand as if it was delicate. “I didn’t want to get your hopes up unless I was a hundred percent sure but im sure now. This is the place. So if your friend could wait. We could go now.”

May hesitated looking behind her to Misty. The indecision on her face was so strong. It was obvious she wanted to send the guy to Gary but whatever he was offering was clearly more of a lure.

“I can wait.” May smiled softly. “Go to Gary and tell him you made it. I’ll see about a boat and the other stuff.”

“Someone changed.” Ranger Jack mused as May and Misty left together out the Pokémon Centre.

“She had too. You can’t expect her to be the same May after everything. Loss helps you change.” Ash yawned.

“For sure I thought she would be unable to wait. I’m kind of glad I was wrong.” Jack said as he clapped Ash on the back. “Alright then. Let’s be off.

Drew watched the two head in the direction of the rooms quietly. He had a fairly good idea what was going on. Which was good. Very good. Drew from the corner of his eye saw a bewildered Brendan enter the Pokémon Centre. The poor guy had the look of someone harshly brushed off.

That guy really did not know May at all.

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Biting her lip as the boat slowly went through the river leading to the sea May watched the water nervously. Where they were going Ranger Jack had told her not to keep her hopes up but she could not help it.

It had been so long. She had given up hope so long ago. The odds of seeing each other had been so slim that she had pushed everything to the back of her mind. It really did hurt.

Just seeing Ranger Jack had almost shattered her nerves. It seemed like only yesterday she had stood on the shore and had her heart broken into what seemed to be millions of pieces. Now she was about to have that heart broken, mended then broken once more. But it was worth it.

“May?” Brendan asked her nervously trying to touch her hand reassuringly.

“I’m fine.” She responded jerking her hand away. She was not mad but she wanted to be alone with her thoughts. She thought it was bad enough she was with all the others in this moment. Could she not get to be alone with her thoughts at least?

“Shove off for a bit.” Drew sighed. “Read the mood idiot. This isn’t the time for idle chat.” May fought her smile away. Deep inside she was thankful to Drew for understanding. Even if that was a bit harsh.

“I’m worried.” Brendan gritted out.

“Have some patience and relax. Enjoy the boat ride. Play with your Pokémon.” Drew offered as he lifted Zorua with one hand to rest her over his shoulder where she proceeded to snuggle into the nape of his neck.

“Forget you.” Brendan muttered softly turning away.

“No nibbling, Zorua.” Drew muttered tugging at one of Zorua’s ears. “We spoke about this already. My hair is not grass. In fact I’m pretty sure you don’t really eat grass anyway. Double the reason you shouldn’t”

The boat stopped it’s forward glide and May felt her heart jump. They would be walking from here. Down into the heart right to the spring. She could not wait to see him.

“Need help Dawn?” May heard Kenny offer as they all got up to hop off the boat.

“Thanks Kenny but Paul has this.” Dawn laughed as Paul who had already jumped off onto dry land was reaching for Dawn’s extended hand.

“I see.” Kenny mumbled as he watched Paul safely tug Dawn onto dry land safely. Right behind her was Gary and Ranger Jack safely jumping. Right after them was Cilan helping Iris and May and Ash easily jumping across.

“Look at the strong gym leader.” Gary whistled brining laughs from those already on land. “She is so strong she doesn’t even need help. poor Ash.”

“Shut up Gary, you think I feel weak because Misty is good at getting across by herself?” Ash taunted Gary. “I feel pretty awesome knowing we did this by ourselves.”

“I think you will feel weak that it’s Misty that will have to help your sorry self across someday. Maybe tomorrow.” Gary snickered. May grinned at the teasing. She was about to go across herself when she sensed Drew on her right and Brendan on her left.

“Let’s go May.” Brendan said as he grasped her right elbow.

“Oh ho.” Drew snickered. “Go right ahead May. We wouldn’t want you to fall in this water after all.” He laughed as he stood on the edge of the boat. Turning back to look at her May swore she saw annoyance with the humour in his eyes.

“It’s courtesy.” Brendan said glaring at Drew.

“Whatever seems kinda weak to me. Not all expedition like at all. See ya.” Drew said as he launched himself into the air easily landing onto the bank. Watching him May felt a twitch inside her. There was a thump as Georgio landed on the bank as well and she gently shrugged off Brendan’s arm.

“It’s not that much a big a deal. I can do it.” She smiled before jumping to the bank as well. When she landed she felt the impact on her heel and tottered for a bit before she felt herself steadied by Drew.

“You could have just gotten help.” Drew sighed.

“I can do this much for myself.”

“But you didn’t have to.” Drew said as Brendan joined him.

“This way!” Ranger Jack yelled walking off and the others beginning to trail after him.

“Let’s just go.” Drew sighed as he shoved his hands in his pockets leaving her behind. Biting back a smile May tottered after him. it took her a while to catch up fully and walk by his side. Drew was really setting a brisk pace.

Yet it barely seemed like he was going fast. Zorua was not even getting jostled. May opened her mouth to comment on it to Drew when the bushes ahead of them rustled and the Team Rocket Duo came backing out.

Shaking her head to dislodge the many leaves caught in it, Jessie turned around and spotted them before James did. Surprise crossed the woman’s face as she spotted them. Her eyes roved over them all before landing on Ranger Jack. Frowning again she pointed directly at him.

“Prepare for trouble I don’t think we have met.”

“Oh yes we have Jessie how could you forget?”

“To protect my thoughts from falling into devastation.”

“If you can’t remember this guy you need to go on a vacation.”

“To renounce the claim of aging from which I love.”

“That guy gave us pain that sent us to the stars above.”

“Oooh my back remembers, silly me Jessie.”

“I’d like to forget, James.”

“Oh those guys.” Ranger Jack frowned. “I hope we won’t have to fight you. You should have learned from last time.”

“It’s hard to believe but they own a store and are on thr correct side of the law at the moment.” Ash intervened.

“Well.” Ranger Jack frowned.

“I know.” Misty chimed in. “But seriously. They are serious right now.”

“I feel so insulted right now.” Jessie sulked as she pulled a brush from her pocket to attend to her hair.

“I’d say sorry. But what are you doing out here?” Ash asked.

“Oh, that. We were out sightseeing to get some ideas for the store. All this history, might spark something for when we go back to Kanto.” Jessie shrugged.

“Um well we are going somewhere. You are welcome to tag along. You were involved after all.” Ranger Jack sighed.

“Really? If it’s the temple we learned our lesson.” James spoke up waving his hands negatively. “We don’t want any part in it.”

“Not the temple.” May spoke up her heart clenching.

“Oh.” James said a smirk growing on his face. “Guess it’s that then. Good for you Hoenn Twerpette.”

“James you can’t call her like that. What is wrong with not just calling her a Twerpette?” Jessie snapped as she pulled on James Cheek viciously.

“Can we walk and talk?” Gary asked as he took the lead. James and Jessie blended into their formation just ahead of May.

“We can’t just say Twerpette. They are all Twerpettes. You have to define them all. Hoenn Twerpette, Sinnoh Twerpette, Unova Twerpette and the main twerpette. Else everyone would be confused Jessie.” James moaned as he rubbed his pulled cheek.

“It sounds just rude doing it like that.” Jessie responded glaring at James. “It’s like someone was to call us Team Rocket duo original or something degrading like Team Rocket duo losers. Just keep it simple.”

“That is totally different to this.” James sulked.

“Let’s just agree I’m right and call it even.” Jessie laughed.

“Fine, shake hands.” May felt her eyes widen in surprise as Jessie and James actually shook hands and nodded.

“That explains it.” Drew murmured and May looked up at him.

“Explain what?” She asked keeping her voice low.

“The power struggle. They both have dominant personalities but James gives in easy to keep the peace. He doesn’t really care anyway, but if he ever did. Jessie would be immediately bowled over.” Drew smirked.

“I don’t get it why?” May asked watching the Duo ahead of them.

“Because Jessie always is on the attack. She won’t ever learn how to defend with him always giving in. Which means he has the most practice in defence and she won’t know how to defend or how to react to his attack while he would.”

“Drew it would be an argument not a battle.” May sighed.

“Comes down to the same thing. Keep your head.” Drew shrugged and again he picked up the pace. May narrowed her eyes before speeding up. She did not want to get left behind the group and slowly tag along like Paul, Dawn, Georgio and Iris.

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Paul kept a wary eye on the nuisances back. It was stiff, maybe from fighting the urge to look back and glare. The walk to wherever they were going had been full of nuisances but Kenny was the biggest one.

Usually Paul would be keeping pace at the front but he wanted to limit Kenny and his consistent watching of them so slowly he slowed himself and Dawn’s pace until they were dawdling at the back. By the time Kenny had realised what had happened, Paul and Dawn were at the back with Kenny in the front with Ash and the ranger.

It was so simple and effective that Paul had to blink away the tears of laughter that kept creeping up. The guy had only allowed one desperate look around him and that was it. He was fighting to be a man and not look back but it had to be killing him.

“That you Paul.” Dawn whispered next to him startling him.

“Why?” He asked.

“Because I know you are worried I will tire out.” Dawn laughed. “No need to worry. I’m fine. But this pace is really nice. We are almost there. I can hear the water louder but I’m not tired at all.”

“Even if we were to walk quickly, you wouldn’t have tired out.” Paul told her as he tugged lightly at her hair.

“Think so?” Dawn mused.

“Blue, I know it.” Paul said his gaze going back to watching the front of the group. He had been keeping an on and off eye on Drew and his troubles. Once again Drew had wrestled control back to himself. May was fighting to stick with him and the other guy fighting to get close to May.

It was all back in Drew’s hand. Paul was glad for the trainer. That Brendan guy had thrown him off by a bit but it was obvious that Drew had landed perfectly and was already sharing out the blows. The tie between Brendan and May was looking more than a bit unravelled.

Paul held back a full blown grin. It had taken Misty and her problems for himself and Drew to regain the upper hand. It was chance but still Paul was glad. From now on he was rolling with the punches too.

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Ash really had to stop meeting with these Legendary Pokémon, Drew was deadly serious. There was only so much one could take before seeing Legendary mythical Pokémon became something like old news.

The Lugia was there in the river glade but that was not all. The appearance of a Pokémon Ranger and the way he had spoken. Drew just knew that they were off to see a Pokémon. But a Manaphy? When was this madness going to stop?

The Manaphy had called May Momma and jumped at her. Drew did not know which surprised him more. It speaking or it calling May its mother.

“Just how many legends and Legendary Pokémon has Ash proven real?” Paul whispered. Drew slanted a look at him. Paul was watching May and Dawn coo all over the Manaphy in disbelief.

“I almost don’t want to know. I knew that a Pokémon had to be involved but this.” Drew sighed as May tearfully hugged the Manaphy and Misty stroked the head of Lugia. “This is getting to be a bit too much.”

“I didn’t even know.” Drew heard Brendan behind him. “She never told me.”

“Bet there is a lot you don’t know.” Drew smirked flicking his hair back. “See this is why she was so short tempered. She finally gets to be with someone she has not seen in a long time. No wonder she didn’t want to talk about it especially knowing she has to leave again.”

“Shut up.” Brendan snarled quietly.

“Oh, no way.” Drew laughed back.

“This was just by coincidence you understand.” Ranger Jack was explaining. “I don’t know if you are going to be able to see each other again soon.”

“This is just heart rending. How can he do this.” Brendan said turning away.

“It’s okay. I’m just glad knowing that Manaphy is happy and alive and doing well.” May said tears running down her face. “Manaphy. I’m so happy love you.”

“Love. You. May.” Manaphy replied waving blue fins up at May.

“That never fails to scare me a little.” Ash hissed.

“See that?” Drew said to Brendan’s back. “You really don’t get May. It doesn’t matter if she never sees this Manaphy again. She would not miss this for the world. She knew not seeing the prince of the sea again was a big possibility. She most likely tore herself up over it. But she gets one more chance and what did she do? It as not even a certainty but guess what? She rushed right to it. Knowing it would hurt.”

Drew grinned broadly at Brendan seeing the expression on his face. This guy did not like Drew saying he knew May better. Did not matter anyway, Drew was back in control. May would be the same tottering and running full speed after him again.

Just a bit more, just a few more things he had to do before May was fully ready and it would not matter where she went or with whom. She would pick back up and chance him down again.

In fact soon enough May would not even want to pick up with a someone else. Taking a rose out Drew grinned at his opponent. May was enthralled with the Prince of the sea. With Drew being the rose Prince there was no way a King of towers could be so much of a threat.

Drew let his true emotions show on his face for a brief moment and hid it again before May could catch sigh. It was enough Brendan stepped one step back before recovering and glaring at him. Drew just smirked into the rose. He was ready anytime.