Ash answered the phone, "Hello Ash here."
James, :Ash, thank Mew.:
Ash, "What is wrong?"
James, :Meowth left for Hoenn a few days ago. He has not contacted back.:
Ash froze, "Are you sure? I mean, it's Meowth after all. He is really good at hiding and espionage."
James sighed, :I know but I would really appreciate it if you kept an eye out for anything strange.:
Ash, "Umm... Strange as in?"
James, :..... Something already happened to you, didn't it?:
Ash, "Kinda.... You could say that."
James, :Which Legendary was it?:
Ash, "Lord Giratina from Sinnoh."
James audibly choked and coughed, :Are you.... What? Why? His region is Sinnoh and you are in Hoenn.:
Ash sighed, "I know. This has Ruby, Steven, Wallace and the Gym leaders on edge. They think there might be a war on the horizon."
James, :You already have Diance to worry about.:
Ash, "I do."
James, :Are you alright? Be honest with me.:
Ash, "To be honest with you I just want to march into Kalos and demand answers from the older Legendaries there. Aside from that intrusive thought, I am alright, everything else considered."
James, :Hmm... I see. I am glad you are not denying it. Jessie is heading to Hoenn as her celebrity figure Jessibelle. She will see you Friday time to time. I expect you to at least allow her to give you a check up.:
Ash, "You know you sound like a Dad."
James paused, :Does it bother you?:
Ash, "No, it makes me indescribably happy actually. I look forward to meeting Jessibelle soon."
James, :Wonderful, to sweeten the deal, Tomo is going with her. He misses his big brother Ash.:
Ash, "Oh! I definitely look forward to the meeting then."
James chuckled and after one more inquiry about his health he hung up on Ash who had a contemplative look. Ash recalled Meowth once telling him about how the Pokemon in Hoenn's high level wild region were acting very agitated. He could not help but wonder if there was some connection between that and why Meowth was now missing. The cat was very good at disguises however and knew how to pass himself off as a human with dwarfism. Now that Ash thought about it many bipedal Pokemon could easily disguise themselves as humans with a little bit of imagination.
Ash, "Well it gets things done so, I guess it works."
Ruby knocked on door, "You in there, Ash?"
Ash, "Yeah, come in."
Ruby, "What's wrong? You look a bit worried."
Ash, "It's Meowth, he apparently came to Hoenn region but, now he is missing."
Ruby, "Ah! That clever Meowth who learned how to read and write human language."
Ash nodded, "Yes, I am a little worried now. He apparently reached Hoenn a week after we did. It is almost a month now."
Ruby, "This is worrying indeed. I will have some of my Pokemon look out for him."
Ash, "I appreciate it. I just hope he has not taken on more than he can chew."
Speaking of the cat, Meowth was actually dressed as a short man carrying items from one room to another as he kept his head down. Meowth had infiltrated Team Aqua a few weeks ago and had started working as a grunt taking things around and collecting information on them. Rotom who was hiding in his collar took photos as quietly as they could while staying out of sight. Meowth used the name Meko in order to enter as a fresh new grant, though he had a feeling he got in because they thought they could get rid of him easily.
A young woman waved, "Meko, over here, there are more stuff to move around."
Meko, "Got it, Asuki. I will take them down."
Asuki smiled as he left, "He is very helpful, isn't he?"
The man beside her snorted, "A little too helpful just like any newbie. He will cool down soon enough."
Asuki pouted at him, "Come now Roma. No need to get prissy about it."
Roma huffed as he let himself be pulled in between her legs, "And what do you think will happen to him after his work is done? He will be either memory wiped or killed off as Pokemon feed to keep his mouth shut."
Asuki kissed his nose as he pinched her nipples, "Maybe, I like him though. He does not ask anything and just gets the job done."
Roma chuckled as she moaned when he started to play with her female parts, "The ideal little worker. No questions asked."
Asuki gasped as she felt fingers enter her roughly and Roma smirked as she became putty in his hands. They had been together for years now, even before they joined team Aqua, they both knew joining the team would be a career death. But there were not many options open for them especially when they had both been laid off from their work due to a natural disaster that had occurred. They were the oldest siblings in their family and were in charge of keeping them safe so they had to go no contact with them to keep them safe. They only had each other in this mess and their friendship had become a relationship with benefits.
Meko snorted as he left, 'Those two horny idiots are not subtle at all. But considering how depressing and cold it is down here, I cannot blame them.'
Meko, "Here's the rest of the stuff."
A dark haired grunt nodded, "That will do, get these papers to the office. They need to be signed in order for the next delivery to be ordered."
Meko, "Got it."
Meko nodded as he headed to the office which was his main target. The big boss was not in this part of the base in Hoenn but the bases were connected. Not to forget the main offices did not have any cameras inside them only by the exit areas. Meko had previously left his Rotom there to take photos as subtly as possible and now he would be taking him back. Meko wondered what he would find when he checks the contents of the photos, and knocked the door.
A female voice answered, "Come in."
Meko, "Here are the papers, Miss Shelly."
Shelly who looked exhausted nodded, "For the next shipment. Here get them all done."
Meko stood to the side as Rotom joined him under the table, "Understood ma'am."
Shelly watched him go, her eyes narrowing as she wondered about the new recruit that joined them a few weeks ago. For a second there she thought that was a Pokemon not a human that was talking to her, then she shook her head. Pokemon could not talk in human speech, that was just ridiculous to even think about almost childish. Shelly leaned back as she rubbed her forehead trying to get rid of the headache and decided she needed rest. She was starting to see Pokemon instead of humans now and headed to her private room to get some shut eye.
Meko clocked out once his last errand was done, "Finally, some rest and relaxation."
Rotom, "Pictures collected discreetly as requested."
Meowth, "Thank you nyarth.... Oooh! This is something big."
Rotom, "Randevous?"
Meowth, "Not yet! Let's collect more information first."
Rotom, "Got it partner."
Meowth, "Make sure they do not notice you though."
Rotom, "Rotom won't, do not worry."
Meowth decided to sleep and deal with the rest on the morrow, his cover was still in tact after all. Ruby on the other hand had decided to drag Ash and the rest to watch the latest comedy movie that was released in theatres. They were leaving Rustboro City the next day and he wanted them to relax before having to deal with heaven knows who on the road. Ruby hated to admit it but both Ash and May had horrible luck when it came to travelling on the road. He had read the reports he got, Ash getting attacked on the first day by Team Rocket and May having to deal with poachers just a few hours after receiving her first Pokemon.
Ruby eyed the two, 'I cannot tell who's luck is much worse here. Neither of them had a peaceful start.'
Ash laughed, "Oh man! I never thought I needed this."
Gou chuckled, "Yeah, the actors are hilarious."
May was grinning too, "Mom loves these actors a lot. They are her favorite."
Max nodded controlling his laughter, "Yeah, we needed this."
Molly giggled, "Hey, this is our first movie in Hoenn. We should take a photo later together."
Gou, "That is a great idea Molly."
Ash turned to Ruby, "We needed this. Thank you Ruby."
Max, "Yes, thank you."
Molly, "Thank you very much."
May, "This was a much needed break."
Gou, "We truly appreciate it."
Ruby, "You are welcome. Now, everyone say cheese for the camera."
"Cheese!"
They were outside the movie theatre having dinner and relaxing for the night before they decided to head to bed. The next day they started to travel again but not before Roxanne gave Ash a clue about the next shadow Gym. Ash was a little puzzled by it but decided to think about it while they traveled on the road, it's not like the shadow Gyms were going to up and disappear. He did however wondered if it had anything to do with the upcoming contest that was being held at one of the oldest stadiums in Hoenn.
May, "Awesome! It is my turn to shine."
Max, "Guys look over there."
Molly, "Woa! Are those water lilies?"
Ash, "Perhaps, it is a large lake."
Ruby chuckled, "Those are Lotads. I have an idea. Come out here buddy. Look where we are."
Ludicolo looked around and cheered, "Colo ludicolo."
Gou, "You have a really cool Ludicolo."
Molly, "Yeah, pretty cool."
Max, "I heard Ludicolos love music and are fun at parties."
Ash, "They smell really nice too. Like fresh water and lotuses or is it lilies?"
May, "Right? Ooh, do you think I should get a Lotad too? They are not just cute they are awesome."
Ludicolo blushed, "Ludi."
Ruby, "See big guy? I told you, you are cool."
Ash, "I think the Lotads and Lombres are interested in you big guy."
Ludicolo blinked, "Colo."
Lucario chuckled, -They want you to join them in their dance. They are celebrating the arrival of summer.-
The Lombres and Lotads were interested in Ludicolo indeed and urged him to join them in their summer dance. The group decided to have lunch next to the lake and enjoy the summer dance the grass and water type Pokemon were doing. Diance was even enthralled by the movement and decided to join the dance, Ash requested Feraligatr to keep an eye on her. The large water type happily agreed and kept an eye on the young Princess who was welcomed warmly by the Pokemon. It did not end there as Diance insisted on having her Meema join her in dancing and Ash did not have the heart to say no.
May laughed, "Diance has Ash wrapped around her finger."
Max, "Understatement, though I think this is more Ash not being able to say no to his Pokemon."
Lucario, -Max got it right. If I asked Meema to dance he would join.-
Ludicolo approached them, "Colo ludicolo."
Ruby, "Sure buddy, we will join you."
Molly, "Come on Mudkip, Shroomish, let's dance as well."
May, "Group dance."
Gou, "I am moving, I am moving Cinderace, though I think you need to convince Inteleon more."
Cinderace perked up, "Ace, ace, cinder."
Inteleon stared warily as the over active bunny approached him and started to drag him alongside to dance. The group laughed and danced celebrating the start of summer with the clutch of Lotads and Lombres till a girl approached them.
Ash, "Hello, want to join the dance festival?"
The little girl eyed them, "Dance festival?"
Max grinned, "The summer dance festival the Pokemon of this lake are holding."
Molly, "Come join us. My name is Molly, my cousin Ash. These two are May and Max they are siblings. This is Ruby, you know him."
The little girl nodded, "I am Natalie. Nice to meet you. I know you, you are the Champion and you are Ash Ketchum. You are another Champion."
Ash, "Shhhhh! I am here to take a break."
Natalie nodded, "I won't tell anyone. Promise!"
May, "Come join us."
Natalie grinned, "Yes."
Ruby, "Great, let's continue the festival."
Lotads and Lombres cheered and the dance restarted again with Natalie joining them.