Pokemon Fan Fiction / Pokemon Fan Fiction ❯ Let Love Be Your Energy ❯ The Tides of War ( Chapter 2 )

Chapter Two - The Tides of War
by cultnirvana

**********

The group had just finished dinner, and it was approaching ten o'clock. The group sat at the table, Brock and Kiyoko at one side, Ash and Misty at the other, with Pikachu at the head, almost empty plates in front of them all.

"I didn't realize you guys had been friends for so long. You've been travelling together for nearly six years? You must all be really close."

"Well, we've practically grown up together," Ash answered.

"How does it feel, Ash, to be a Pokémon Master? I've never accomplished one of my dreams before."

He awkwardly scratched the back of his head. He didn't know if he was ever going to get used to this. "It feels...weird. I haven't really gotten used to it yet. I feel like the past few days have been a dream. I have to keep reminding myself that it's real."

"You have always have had a poor grip on reality," Misty told him with a mocking tone. "You've been fantasizing that you were a Master since before we met and because you've been living in dreamland for so long, it's hard for you to distinguish between that and the truth."

"Hey," he protested at Misty's jab, though realize that, to an extent, she was right.. "Just because I've always been confident-"

"You mean egotistical," she began before deciding that this was not the best time for another argument. Ash lowered his head, clearly depressed, and Misty, feeling sorry for him, decided to take back her jest. "But now you've proved that you're egotism is justified."

He looked over to her and smiled. He was all prepared for yet another screaming match between them, but she instead had complemented him. "Thanks."

Brock and Kiyoko glanced at each other with curious stares. Kiyoko broke the two's curiosity. "I think maybe I should clear way these plates."
"I'll help," Brock offered.

"Thanks, Brock."

"No problem. I always like to help a beautiful lady."

"Want anymore help?" Ash and Misty offered, hoping to intervene before Brock was rejected yet again.

"We'll both be okay. Thanks anyway."

As Kiyoko and Brock began to clear the dishes, Ash stood and walked over to the window in the living/dinning room, followed shortly after by Misty. "It's a beautiful night, isn't it?" Ash asked his friend.

"Yeah. It's so romantic. The moon has been so bright lately. Everything just seems to gleam." The two teenagers stared out over the quiet city, studying the mixture of old and new buildings. Not a person walked the streets, the only movement outside seeming to be the trees swaying in the wind. "I wonder why it's so quiet tonight. It's the middle of the week. There is usually quite a bit of activity. I mean it's only ten o'clock and everyone seems to be in their homes."

Although the night had appeared perfect, something made Ash uneasy. Something just didn't feel right. "Hmmm."

Misty leant closer to the window, moving past Ash, and looked onto the vacant streets. "Strange," she said confused.

"What's wrong guys?" Brock called from the kitchen after removing the last of the plates from the table. Kiyoko walked pass him and sat down on one of the sofas in the living room. She looked a little absent all of a sudden, Brock thought, like she had a headache or something. But then, although he didn't know her, he felt that she was acting unusual all night, like she was waiting for something, or holding something back.

Ash, without turning to his older friend, answered. "The city looks unnaturally quiet tonight."

Brock walked over to the other window in the room, next to the one Ash and Misty stared out of, and was hit by the same stillness as the others. "Yeah, you're right."

Then a low humming broke the silence of the night.

"Do you hear that?" Ash asked, straining to listen to the unusual sound.

"Yeah," Misty replied. "It sounds like some kind of machine."

"Pika." The rodent ran over to his trainer and jumped onto his head. He could see something moving in the distance at the far end of the road. "Pikachu pika pika!" he yelled.

"What's wrong, Pikachu?" Misty asked.

Pikachu pointed to the end of the street where he saw the movement and Misty followed his gaze.

"Can you guys see that? There is something moving down there, and it's coming our way."

"Yeah, I see it." Then, in bewilderment, Ash continued. "Is that...is that a mech?"

"I thought you only got them in anime," Misty half-joked.

"We'll it sure looks like one."

"What the hell is going on?" Brock yelled in shock. He looked around to Kiyoko, the only one not to respond to what was happening. She still sat on the sofa, now with her head in her hands.

"They're coming this way," Ash spoke. Then something struck him. He saw some people in uniform walking beside the mechs and tanks. He recognized the uniform they wore and the insignia emblazoned on the front of their tops. "It's Team Rocket."

"What?!" Misty screamed. Then she saw the people. "Oh my god. It is."

"What are they doing here?"

"I don't know."

Then the watchers heard a soft sob from behind them. They turned to see a crying Kiyoko.

"What's wrong?" Brock walked over to their host and sat on the sofa beside her, placing a comforting arm around her. "Kiyoko, do you know something about this?" He tried to keep his voice calm, to comfort her, but the excitement, confusion, and fear, broke through. She nodded slightly. "Kiyoko," he said as softly as possible. "You know you can trust us."

"I know," she mumbled through her tears. "Please tell us what is happening and we'll do anything possible to help. Do you know what Team Rocket are doing?"

She hesitated for a few moments before plucking up the courage to tell her new found friends all she knew. She again slowly nodded her head at Brock's question.

Ash and Misty still stood near the window, but their full attention rested upon the young woman mere metres away. "Why did you invite us here tonight, Kiyoko? Are you a member of Team Rocket?" Ash asked accusingly, but with a tinge of terror barely noticeable.

Kiyoko raised her head and looked at Ash with her tearstained face. "No," she began, her voice trembling. "No, never. I would never join them."

"Then how did you know about this?" Misty asked.

"My father. It's my father. He's a senior member."

"What/Pika?" everyone screamed in shock. "The Mayor?"

"He think's about it all the time. He helped to plan this. With his position as Mayor he agreed to give over Viridian as long as Giovanni assured him no one in the city would be hurt. Giovanni wants to take over the country, and this is the first wave of attack. That's why I had to hide the three of you, especially Ash." She turned to the youngest of the group. "Ash, with your status as a Master, Team Rocket would undoubtedly view you as a dangerous risk. When a person earns your title they gain more respect from the people than with any other position. If you called for a fight against Team Rocket the people would listen. You're their hero and they would follow you. At least...that is what I'm hoping for."

"What do you mean?" Ash asked, confused.

"I know a lot about you three, and your Pokémon. I know you're not the type of people to let something like this happen. I know you are prepared to fight."

"You were trying to save us?" Misty wondered.

"Yes."

"But how do you know all this. Did your father tell you?"

"Not exactly." Their faces stared at her more intently. She could see she had confused them even further. "I'm...I'm a strong psychic. I can read minds very easily. I was able to find out what was happening without ever asking."

Misty suddenly felt naked. To think that this girl she barely knew could be reading her most intimate thoughts, her feelings, the things that she had only admitted to herself. The things about him. That's why she had been looking at her and Ash all night. She knew about her feelings for him, something that she didn't want anyone to know, especially a stranger. Something she had only begun to admit to herself. The other girl immediately looked at Misty with an apologetic look on her face. She knew, even now, what she was thinking.

"You need to help me stop them, Ash. You need to call for a rebellion. The Elite Four, the other Masters, they're all out of my reach. I had given up hope. I knew only a Master could command enough respect to bring it about. Our people would never trust a normal citizen, but everyone would trust a Master. When you came along, well...it was like fate. I knew then that I had to somehow get you and your friends into hiding.

"Also, on the night of the celebrations, one of my father's 'associates' was present. I could feel that he considered you a threat. He was planning to kill you all. Luckily my father stopped him. He's a good man. He is only doing this 'cause he fears for his people. But he can't stop any of this.

"I'm sure they will be looking for you all. But they won't believe that I am the one who has hidden you. I am the daughter of one of their most respected members, and no one but you and my closest friend knows I'm a psychic. My father doesn't even know. This is the safest place for you. They will never think to look for you here." Kiyoko bent down upon her knees in front of Ash, bowing to him. "Please help me. Please."

"Of course we will," Ash smiled at her and then looked to his friends. "We'll do everything we can. We can't let them do this." Misty, Brock and Pikachu all nodded at him.

Kiyoko stood up and looked at him. "Thanks. I knew none of you would fail me. I've heard too much about you. With your help, we can save Kanto."

**********

"Tomorrow there will be an address to the people by Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket. He will announce that he is the new ruler of this area and that soon his organization will begin to take control over other areas of Kanto and the island. If those towns and cities resist, I'm sure there will be trouble. They are prepared to kill if need be. I think there would be an ideal place for you, Ash, to call on the people to revolt."

"But Team Rocket will try to arrest us. How will we get out of there without being taken, or even killed?" Ash asked.

"I'll teleport all of us out."

"You have that power?"

"Yes, but I can only use it occasionally. I've only begun my training in the past few years. I need to perfect my techniques. Teleporting is very intense and uses up a lot of my power. It will take days to gain it back, but as long as we don't have to use it that often, it'll be okay."

"Will your other abilities be affected?" Brock worriedly said.

"Most of the others don't take up a great deal of power, so I will still be able to use other spells.

"What do you think? Is it a good idea?" She looked around the group, who were all looking at each other as if they we in some kind of telepathic link themselves. Then they all turned to her and answered.

"We'll go for it,"Ash replied for all of them.

**********

Misty sat on the bed in Kiyoko's spare room. She couldn't believe how everything had changed within the space of a few moments. Her and her friends had went from being on top of the world to outlaws so quickly, without the slightest warning, and the only person they could trust was some young woman they had just meet. And how did they know she wasn't part of Team Rocket's plan? This could all be a set up, but they had no option. Staying here was much better than trying their luck on the streets. Luck was a lot of things, but it was rarely favourable.

The door was slowly pushed ajar and Kiyoko stepped into the room. "I was wondering if we could talk before the boys come in."

"Ah, sure."

Closing the door, she came over to Misty and sat on the low bed next to her. "I know you feel that you can't trust me, and for what it's worth I want to tell you that I'm on your side. I want to save this country and am willing to do all I can to help. You may not believe me, but I felt that I should at least try to convince you." She paused. "And...and on another matter, I can read a persons specific thoughts. I can read every word they say in their heads, but I make it a law not to. I only do that when it's necessary. But there is no way I can shield myself from the emotions people around me feel." She stopped again for a few moments before finishing her explanation. "I know how you feel for him. Every time he spoke or you looked at him I could sense the love you have for him. It seems to always be on you mind. You must really be in love with him."

She couldn't deny it from her. This woman could read all of her most intimate thoughts. Nothing was a secret from her. With a blush, she said, "Yeah."

"You can trust me with that, too. I'd never tell him."

"Thanks."

"I know now it is really hard. You've fallen in love with your best friend and you're worried he will find out."

"Y...yeah," Misty stuttered.

"Well, don't worry. Ash is so committed to you that even if he did find out and didn't feel the same way, he would never leave you. He cares so much about you."

A smile widened across Misty's face. "Yeah, he told me." Misty wanted to ask Kiyoko a question, one she was sure she would know, but she was too scared of the answer. She also felt that it would be like tempting fate. She would find out the answer when the time was right, even if the answer was not the one she hoped for.

The door opened again, and Ash, with a sleeping Pikachu in his arms, and Brock walked in. "Hi, girls," Brock began. "The two of you getting to know each other a bit better?"

Kiyoko and Misty looked at each other. "Yeah. Something like that," Misty replied.

"I think maybe I should let you guys get some sleep. It will be a long day tomorrow," Kiyoko said.

"Goodnight," everyone called to her.

Kiyoko, leaving the room for her own, wished she could of answered the girl's secret question, and tell her that her deep emotions were returned. She could sense in the young man's heart the love he had for her, even if he hadn't realized it himself yet.

Misty lay down on the bed and pulled the sheets over her. "Goodnight, guys. See you in the morning."

"Night," they both called to her. However, the usual joyous remark had been replaced with a solemn utterance.

Ash put Pikachu on a small separate bed that Kiyoko had made for the Pokémon, and curled into his own, with his face in Misty's direction. Her eyes were closed and he noticed she was already asleep. She looked so peaceful and beautiful, despite what had happened that night.

What a night! He didn't believe that it was truly happening. It was too quick, too sudden. It didn't seem real. But he knew it wasn't the dream he prayed it was. Bad things were always true.

He spent a sleepless night worrying about the possibilities of what might happen, some too terrifying to think of. The only single piece of pleasure he could take that night was that at least his friends were with him, including one person that had always been of the most important to him, and who had become even more important to him over the past while. He knew that whatever did happen, the intensifying feelings that he had experienced over the last few months would never leave him, and that it would most likely grow.

Maybe I am in love with her, he thought, but how do I know for sure.

**********

"People of Kanto. Our country has entered a new age. Our previous incompetent rulers have been overthrown to usher in a new age for our people. You may feel that Team Rocket are nothing but thugs, criminals, who only care for money and power, but that is what you have been lead to think by the Government's snivelling politicians who know nothing of the life of the individual citizen. We aim to bring power back to the people of Kanto. We will strive to make our name heard around the world again.

"Kanto was once a region feared throughout Japan and the world, but now adays we are nothing. We need to bring prosperity back to this island."

"This asshole must have a good spin doctor to come up with this bullshit,"Ash quietly whispered to Misty. "It's lies. This is all lies. How can he actually think people will believe this crap. They will rule with fear, not equality."
"I know, but keep quiet. We have to wait for the right moment," she answered.

The four humans all wore coats, hoods pulled up, trying to disguise themselves without looking too incredulous. Although there was barely a chill in the air, no one looked towards them suspiciously.

Ash knew that Kiyoko was right. Here was where they should make their first stand, but his building anger made it hard for him to wait to speak out. Just a little while longer, he said to himself. It's nearly time. He raised his eyes from their staring position on the ground and glanced again at the stage Giovanni spoke upon. He was guarded by several Team Rocket soldiers, so many their uniforms merged into a sea of unbroken black. Also, at the end of either side of the platform, there were four familiar faces, two each end, that wore different uniforms to the normal foot soldiers. The blonde woman and green-haired man on the left side stood quietly confidant, whereas the other couple, along with a Meowth, seemed a little perturbed. He could also see Kiyoko's father, and another man behind him, a tall man with jet black hair, like Ash's own, whom he recognize as one of the dignitaries at the celebration three days ago.

Looking from the stand to his left and right he could see many of the group's members standing next to civilians, scanning the audience for troublemakers. Defiantly not a time to attack, especially with only a four strong human army and a dozen and a half Pokémon. It would however take several seconds for the group to be seized by the soldiers, leaving them enough time to do as they planned; start a little trouble and escape.

Ash could tell by the tone in Giovanni's voice that his speech was drawing to a close. "We have all now entered a new age in our country's future and Team Rocket will ensure that Kanto will once again be a controlling force in the world, far surpassing all others. We will make our people strong again."

The group knew it was time. Without need of an acknowledgement, all four stood in unison, and all drew back their hoods, apart from Kiyoko. Ash spoke first. "Do you expect to achieve a new standing for our people by enslaving us?"

No one answered.

Giovanni was even lost for words. How could anyone challenge him in the face of such danger? Surely they knew they would die for this.

Jessie, James and Meowth stared at the three familiar figures in the audience. "What are they doing?" James said, completely taken over by awe.

"Those idiots", Jessie replied. "They're going to get themselves killed."

Ash continued his defiance, although he realized Team Rocket's shock had transformed into hate. "Do you honestly expected us to kneel at your feet and obey? We will not let you get away with this. The people of this region will not allow it." Guards had begun to barge through the crowds, but luckily were being held off from where the group stood by the masses of people between. Ash knew he had to hurry. He turned from Giovanni and addressed the audience. "We cannot let these people rape and murder our homeland. We have to fight back. What he promises is empty. We will never have power if we follow him. He will use us for his own means and we will get nothing back in return. We will lose our independence. We will all die with no credit to our names. Don't listen to this lair. He only speaks lies."

Misty stared into his passionate, handsome face. Seldom had she seen so much determination in someone so young. Looking at him now, in full speech, she knew exactly why she had fallen in love with him. She had never been so proud of him, not even when he had earned his title mere days ago. Today he had become more of a hero to her than ever before.

"We need to stand up for our rights. We need to crush this force that has come to oppress us. We need a rebellion and to take back our home for ourselves, and out of the hands of these thieves.

"Join us. Help us take back what is rightfully ours." He looked at the officers, only metres from where they stood, and gave Kiyoko the signal to begin the teleport. All four figures were covered in a soft yellow hase and within seconds were gone to the astonishment of the soldiers and their boss, but to the delight of the public looking on.

**********

Back on the stage, Nakamora came closer to the Mayor, whispering into his ear, "I told you we should have dealt with him and his friends. Now look at the trouble he has caused. We should have killed him when we had the chance."

**********

Within the audience two other people spoke, after witnessing the group's stance.

"Looks like the new Master and his friends share our plan," said a brown haired man who looked to be in his early forties.

A beautiful young woman, with short blue hair stared into the baffled audience. "I've met those three before, about five years ago. Ash Ketchum saved my gym and little Gloom when a fire broke out after he had challenged me to a match. He's a very determined kid. From what I know of him and his friends, they mean business."

"Then we better try to get in contact with them somehow, Erika."

"I know exactly how to do so, Masamune."

"How?"

"I know the person they were with."

**********

Giovanni brought his first down upon the hard, wooden exterior of his grand desk. "That damn kid ruins everything. I thought I told you to sort him out before any of this happened. He has too much power over the people," he yelled.

The Mayor and Nakamora straightened. "Sorry, sir. We were all prepared, but the Mayor told us not to, "Nakamora answered.

Giovanni looked towards the Mayor, fire blazing within his eyes. "Why did you go over my orders?"

"I didn't think it was fair," he fearfully replied. "He's just a teenager, sir." He bowed his head in regret. "I didn't think anything like this would happen."

"Well it has." He lowered his voice and tried to change the subject. "I'll handle him and his fiends. What about the takeover of Pari Village? Are our soldiers ready to invade?"

Two people, both wearing black Team Rocket uniforms, walked out of the shadows that had previously obscured their forms. They were both young, perhaps in their early to mid-twenties, a woman with long, blonde hair, with a green-haired male. "Yes, sir. We are awaiting your orders," the woman announced.

"Tonight, at two am. They will be confused, won't realize what is happening." The two officers give a slight affirmative bow, and began to leave. "Oh, one more thing." They turned to face their boss again. "Don't take prisoners. I've have enough problems without more people trying to be heroes."

"Don't worry, sir. The village will be secure by sunrise," the harsh voiced man assured.

"Perfect."

And with that, the duo left.

"Now, I have three other individuals to take care of the boy and his friends, but I want you two to find out who this psychic is. To have one as powerful as he or she is is an incalculable advantage to these rebel forces. I want you to find this person and kill them."

"Yes, sir."

**********

Back at Kiyoko's apartment, the four humans and and Pokémon sat in the living room, still a little unnerved from the rally.

Brock looked over at Kiyoko. She seemed to be severally weakened after the teleport. Walked over, he sat down next to her, and whispered, "You okay?"

"Yeah. I'm just feeling a little tired. It'll take a while until I build up enough power to do that again."

"What about you telepathy? Is it affected?"

She shook her head. "I can do most things still, but another teleport is out of the question for a few more days. We'll have to go everywhere by foot. And I think that even after my powers have been replenished, we should keep it only for emergency situations."

"Good idea."

The familiar ring of the telephone sounded, but it's clang startled all present. Slowly, Kiyoko picked up the receiver. She didn't know why she was so afraid to find out who was on the other side. No one knew she was involved. Her friends would probably call as normal. But still, her hand trembled as she put the receiver to her ear. Everyone else watched intently. "Hello."

"Hi, Kiyoko. It's me, Erika."

She could barely contain a sigh of release. "Oh, hi, Erika. How are you?"

"Okay. Mmm, could we talk?"

"About what?" "Nothing important. I just want to see an old friend. It's been a little while."

"Ah, sure." She felt that maybe she shouldn't leave her apartment just incase something happened, but she had to carry on as normal, or people would begin to grow suspicious of her. She had to pretend that she supported the new order. And Erika was one of her closest friends. She knew she would be safe with her. She had full trust in her. "Where do you want to meet?"

"How about at the little cafe on Central Avenue at one o'clock tomorrow?"

"Okay, that'll be great. I need to do a bit of shopping anyway."

"See you then. Bye."

"Goodbye." She turned around to see several sets of eyes worriedly staring at her. "Don't worry. It's just a friend. I would cancel, but I don't want to draw any attention. If I don't do what I usually do, we might get found out. But I will be extra careful. When you guys are here on your own, remember, don't answer the door or the phone."

"Don't worry, we wouldn't do something so stupid," Brock answered.

"Ash might?" Misty jeered, quickly giving the boy a soft look so he would not protest. Everyone let out a light laugh.

"So who is your friend?" Ash asked.

"Erika. Actually, you should know her. She runs the gym in Celadon City."

**********

The next day, Kiyoko sat at a table in front of the cafe, sipping a cup of green tea, waiting impatiently for her friend.

Why did Erika want to speak to her? Maybe she did just want to talk to a friend, but perhaps it was something much more serious. She would have known if she had been able to read her mind, but she couldn't locate it. The link would sometimes fail to connect or cut itself off without her wanting it too. A few moments later however, she sensed her friend's familiar presence behind her.

"Hello, Erika," she welcomed without even turning around.

Erika walked past her friend and sat down on the chair across from her. "Hi."

"So, what did you want to talk to me about?"

Erika leaned closer to her friend. "About this whole mess we have found ourselves in, and how we are going to stop Team Rocket."

Kiyoko still retained her calm image. "You are taking a big chance saying something like that to me. What if I turned you in?"

"You'd never do that," Erika voiced with entire confidence.

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because you're not that type of person. You'd never hurt another person. And also..." She leaned in even closer. "...I saw you with them yesterday at the rally."

Her composure was slowly ebbing away. "Who?"

"Ash, Misty, Brock and Pikachu."

"How can you be sure it was me?"

"I just know. Call it...friend's intuition."

"So, what are you planning to do?"

"A friend and I are looking for people to fight in a resistance group against Team Rocket. We were planning, when we had enough support, to do something like you did yesterday. I guess you beat us to it."

"So, you're planning a resistance too. Small world, ne?"

Erika let out a giggle. "Yep. Guess so. But why did you take a stance so early, only hours after the take-over. I'm sure you don't have many members yet."

"Just me and them. We are planning to use Ash's position as a Master to recruit rebels. Many would be too scarred to fight back without a respected person leading the way. If someone like Ash calls for a revolution, the people will listen. He will drive their fear away. If he is willing to risk his life for them, they will risk their's for him."

"God, it's strange to think of him as a Master. The first and last time I met him, he was a hyper ten-year-old kid who dressed up as a girl to get into my gym. But I guess even back then he had such strength and goodness in his heart. He was so determined to make his dream come true. I was so impressed that I've followed his career. I always knew he would get there."

"But now only a few days after his dream has come true, everyone's world has been shattered."

The two sat in silence for a moment. "I know you're father is one of them, but we must stop this," Erika told determinedly. "We have a large group of rebels, and by the hour more join, especially after your little demonstration yesterday. We are going to plan attacks, bomb the crap out of Team Rocket until they flea. And I believe you're right. Ash has more power than anyone else so far in the resistance. He should be the one to lead. The people may not obey the commands of another, but they will do whatever Ash says."

"Then we'll plan to meet. If you give me a rendezvous point, I'll get them to met you."

"What if they get caught?"

"I'll keep a watch over them. If I need to, I'll try to carry out an emergency transport. I just hope it'll work."

"Great."

**********

Kiyoko closed the door to her apartment behind her, looked at her new friends, and just smiled.