Timeline: 5 years later

Summary: For money, the bureaucrats sold out Kanto to Team Rocket. Now, Ash Ketchum and Misty Waterflower, two vigilantes, are on the run from the Rocket-controlled league that wants them dead… I guess this can be a peace offering to Misty fans.

 

Ages: Ash is 17 and Misty is18 (AAMRN!)

 

Chapter 3: Blood money

 

            Ash took a relieved breath as he and Misty stopped their frantic flight through a forest. “Think we lost them?”

            “I’m sure.” Misty sighed, flopping down on a nearby turf. Her figure had filled out, taller and slimmer, her orange hair now shimmery flame-red. “It was just a junior Rocket.”

            “Thank goodness.” Ash breathed. “Or else…”

            ‘I know.” Misty frowned. “Did you get shot?”

            “Nope. I’m too fast.” He said cockily.

            Misty raised an eyebrow and punched him in the arm gently. “Careful. Cockiness will get you killed.”

            “Don’t I know it.” Ash sighed.

 

            Pikachu looked worried as she looked around. No, there was nothing suspicious she could see, nothing at all, but she felt like they were being followed still.

            Nothing.

            Charizard dropped down onto the ground in front of Ash, his tail flame brightly glowing. I also checked from the air. Clear for five miles.

            Misty looked relieved. “At least we can get some sleep tonight.” She rubbed her eyes tiredly. They had been fleeing from their last hiding space in viridian after they had been discovered.

            “Yes, that sounds good…” Ash mumbled as he fell asleep next to her. They slept almost thirty-four hours straight, but felt exceedingly refreshed. Ash found a stream nearby, so they took the chance to unwind and wash their clothes.

            “Misty?” Ash asked.

            “Hm?”

            “Do you remember when this all started?”

 

***************Flashback – One point five years Previous**********************

 

            Misty was horrified as she watched the news broadcast. “Bruno and Surge sold us out to Team rocket?! And if we don’t join we’ll be killed and our gyms taken?”
            “They’re already holding the rest of the Elite Four hostage.” Sabrina said grimly.

            ‘Then what can we do?”

            “It depends.” Sabrina looked at Misty. “You can join, and sell out your soul. Or, you can run, if you do not fear death.”

            “The third option,” Erika cut in, lowering her voice, “Is to join and be a spy. That’s my choice.”

 

            Brock looked slightly disapproving, but Stephanie laid an arm on his shoulder. Brock sighed. He couldn’t leave his wife and two month old baby girl to the mercy of the Rockets. “I’m sorry. I have to join as well. Can’t you see? I have a family. Not just my family back in Pewter…”

 

            Koga looked at Aya, who shook her head.

            “Whatever decision you make, my brother, I will stand behind you.”

            “I know.” Koga sighed. “But why?”
            Aya shook her head and did not say anything else. Venomoth hummed next to her as it regarded its master with beady eyes.

            Sometimes, you can’t see what’s right in front of you.

 

            Sabrina nodded. “I agree with Erika. Misty?”
            Misty looked down at her hands. “But… I don’t want to leave Ash. And I know he has no choice. I must stay with him.”

            “So you’ll put your own life on the line? Is your friendship that deep?”

            “What would you know about friendship!?” Misty yelled.

            Sabrina looked thoughtful. “Not much. But what you are showing does not seem like friendship to me.”

            “Are you accusing me of lying?”
            “I didn’t say that.” Sabrina shook her head. “It’s something deeper. I believe you call it love.”

 

            Misty stared at the psychic like she was mad for a few minutes, before realizing the veracity of what she said.

            When had her feelings for Ash transmuted?

            Frankly, the days with him at her side all blended into each other, so it was hard to tell.

            But deep inside she knew the psychic was right, and not mocking her.

 

            “I’m sorry Sabrina.” She finally said.

            “Be careful, Misty.” Sabrina said cryptically. “Next time you meet any of us, we will not be friends anymore.”

            With a heavy heart, Misty left the meeting, knowing she spoke the truth.

 

**************************End********************************

 

            “Yes.”

            “You don’t regret it?” Ash asked her. “Even after all of this running?”

            “Ash, I made my choice. I don’t go back on them.” Togetic hummed from Misty’s shoulder.

            “I’m glad.” Ash said, his eyes smiling, as he kissed her.

 

            Elsewhere…

 

            Lorelei, Lance, and Agatha finished their conference. It was not a clear choice, but it had to be done.

            “Lorelei, you know how Misty admires you. So you’re the perfect choice.” Lance said, his voice cold and clipped. “All you have to do is kidnap her. It only takes a few minutes. I’ve got the tranquilizers and the escape plan all figured out.”

            Agatha nodded. “When Ash sees that his loved one is in danger, he will come find her.”

            Lorelei fidgeted. “I don’t like this…”

            “It’s war, Lorelei. This isn’t like some nice, safe, game.” The Dragon Master told the ice trainer.

            Lorelei looked pained, but Lance was speaking the truth. Ever since they had been given the join or die choice, everything that now happened was tainted.

            With a heavy heart, she got ready to leave.

 

End Chapter