Pokémon Episode “Island Time” Twist: Escape Predicaments

[FanFictioner144]

Summary​

(Features a wholesome subplot for Pikachu and Wobbuffet)



Looking to escape from that island by boat, Jessie, James and Meowth face a choice: to share the ride with their nemeses or to ditch them entirely?

To add things up, the venonat-man seems to have plans of his own for the boat, and might become an obstacle to the trio.

Notes​

Another episode, another fanfiction to work on! Here lies an untold tale of cooperation from a classic survival island story, refining Team Rocket’s perspective and adding to the great plot that the original episode envisioned.
Enjoy!

Spoiler: Chapter 1 - In the Isle of Cooperation

It all began in… of course, a failure.



Jessie, James and Meowth lured the twerps into an airplane, Team Rocket’s newest trap to snatch Pikachu. As everything worked in their favor, a simple fuel outage changed it all, driving them into an emergency landing on an island. Contrary to their expectations, they met an inhabitant and his best friend, a Wailmer.



“Robin’s my name.” He introduced himself with a smile. “I owe that Wailmer my life.”



Having assessed their isolation, Team Rocket, Team Ash and Robin shook their hands in a truce, delegating tasks to escape: Ash, his friends and Robin worked on a boat made of the airplane parts; while Jessie, James and Meowth foraged for food, prioritizing vegetables.



Within a few minutes, the trio filled up their sacks, their efforts being rewarded with the sound of multiple Bellossom singing by the sunset. While Jessie, James and Meowth grew thin smiles in their mouths, a sense of privacy pushed them into a discussion.



“Hmph! Aren’t we gonna mention how ridiculous it is, working with our enemies?” Jessie grumbled, both hands planted on her hips.



“No kiddin’.” Meowth agreed, tapping a paw to his chin. “They’s just gonna badmouth us, anyway. No reason to stick ‘round those gummy twerps all day.”



“Guys, please, let’s not start a fight.” James interjected. “We need to save our strength tonight.”



Meowth lowered his eyelids. “Sure thing, Jimmy. We wait ‘till tomorrow, when the boat’s gonna be ready for us to take over.” He schemed, scratching his chin. “And don’t forget nabbin’ Pikachu as the final prize!”



Nodding, Jessie leaned forward. “That’s just perfect! Then we’re going to resume our Team Rocket program as usual.” She stated.



James shook his head, gawking wide-eyed at his teammates. “Are you serious? If we ditch the twerps here, how will they survive on this harsh island?” He questioned, clutching his chest. “That’s a line even I wouldn’t cross!”



Jessie folded her arms. “After all this time, who cares? We’re rogues, looking for-“



“Belloo?”



The trio briskly jumped to turn around, their eyes locking on a head-tilted Bellossom.



“Hey! Ya think ya can sneak in like that, skirt o’ leaves?!” Meowth scolded, raising a sharp look.



Bellossom shrank at first, glancing around. When its eyes finally landed on the humans’ baskets, though, it grew a smile as it eyed the vegetables.



Frowning, Jessie glared at it. “What are you looking at? These are NOT yours!” She yelled in full volume.



James raised an eyebrow. “Uh, Jessie, plants don’t need food. It’s surely interested in something els-“



A pinch on his ear cut him off.



“Ow!” James groaned.



“Save your cleverness for yourself!” Jessie ordered, pulling him by the ear. “We’re going back to the shore right now, me and your silly head!”



On their trail, Meowth placed both paws on his hips. “Don’t forget Mee-owth!” He protested.



“Ugh, two silly heads.” Jessie muttered to herself.



The trio continued walking their way back, their minds filling up. Despite their truce with Ash and his friends, Jessie, James and Meowth had a deeper thought in mind: their lack of faith in it. Even if the trio kept their word and cooperated, nothing stopped the twerps from mocking their reputation or, worse yet, thunderbolting them into the skies.



Like that one time when they were on the verge of drowning, pleading the twerps for rescue, yet being instead castigated with harsh words and intense electrocution…



Each subsequent memory was such a scare to remember that Jessie, James and Meowth punched these out of their minds. Regardless, they couldn’t stop thinking that Ash and his friends would find a reason — even a petty one — to oppose them.



Whatever; not the right time. All they had to do was keep up a nice attitude around the twerps, so as to get on their good side.



••••••••••



By the evening, Robin, Ash, his friends, Team Rocket and even their Pokémon sat down to eat under a rock shelter. The humans chatted among each other, taking a look at their cheerful Pokémon.



“Pika chuuu.” Pikachu enlivened the moment.



“Skit-skittyy!” Skitty cheered.



The other Pokémon contributed with their own chirps of joy, eating the food at rates ranging from calmly to excitedly.



Outside the Pokémon gathering, Wobbuffet suddenly walked in, carrying its own food bowl. “Wobbuu wobbuffet.” It began socializing with the others, waving its paw.



In contrast, many Pokémon shook their heads or looked the other way, wearily chewing their food.



“Sweellow!” Swellow snarled as it shot a pointed look at Wobbuffet.



“W-Wobbu!” It insisted for a moment. However, the lack of response from the others led it to retreat with a glum “Woobbuffet.”



Watching the whole scene made Pikachu droop its gaze, sparing Wobbuffet a glance. “Piii…” It murmured, although slowly returning to the others.







Meanwhile, Jessie, arms crossed, contemplated as Wobbuffet returned to her side. “What, you really thought a petty smile would make a difference!?” She scoffed. “Oh, please! You know better than those snoots.”



By her other side, James tapped her shoulder twice. “Er, Jessie, maybe we should… rethink our words?” he whispered apprehensively, pointing a hand at the attentive group of Ash, his friends and Robin.



“Of course, James. Let the twerps brush aside their uncivilized manners as they always do.” Jessie answered, taking a mouthful of her soup.



“Uncivilized?!” Ash raised his voice.



“Says the thief who puts us in danger every other day just to steal our Pokémon!” May retorted.



“Yeah, really uncivilized of us, wanting to keep ourselves safe from a bunch of crooks.” Max added, adjusting his glasses.



“Nah, youse gettin’ upset over nuttin’, twust me.” Meowth chimed in, his mouth full of soup. “After all, no one cares that we’re the bad guys when we’re all stuck in this isle, cut off from all there’s to know.”



In front of the trio, Robin tensed up his arms. “Oh, I didn’t get that villain vibe from you…” He claimed, pausing briefly. “Sorry, er… don’t get the wrong idea; I didn’t mean it.”



“It’s all right!” James replied, bringing soup into his mouth. “Besides, here we’re all one big, happy castaway crew!”



“And tomorrow’s the day that we the happy crew’s gonna leave this land far, far ‘way.” Meowth praised, taking a last sip of his soup.



“Yeah. With that ship, we’ll make it… all as one.” Robin contributed, although in a halfhearted tone.



“Ugh, fair. Small acquaintances, that’s the way we’re gonna do.” Jessie opened up. “Then we better make the most out of it, or else..!”



“Yeah, okay. We’re all friends in this, after all!” Ash nodded, widening his smile.



“Woo-buffet!” Wobbuffet saluted with its signature pose.



“Pi-ka!” Pikachu joined in. After the initial jump, it started taking cheerful steps towards Wobbuffet. “Kapi kachuu.”



Wobbuffet clung its paws together, only to then start a shaky walk towards Pikachu. Once close to each other, the two Pokémon sat down, initiating an exchange of joyful looks and dialects.



“Ka-piika, cha?” Pikachu chirped with a cheeky grin.



“Wobba wobba.” Wobbuffet replied as an awkward smile formed on its lips.







Away from everyone’s eyes, May tilted her head towards Max. “Psst! Don’t you think Team Rocket is being too nice to be real?” She doubted in a whisper.



Max assented. “Hmm, on a closer look..-“



A hand press on his shoulder cut him off. “Hey, let’s not start something unnecessary.” Brock’s voice followed.



“Alright, I guess.” Max sighed in a nod.



Then, the group remained engaged and somewhat lively, with the humans and their Pokémon watching Pikachu and Wobbuffet chitchat joyfully.



Later on, Ash and his friends recalled their Pokémon, calling it a day and readying their sleeping bags. Jessie and James did pretty much the same, although recalling Wobbuffet failed; it simply bounced out of its Poké Ball and stood firm on the ground, to which Jessie sighed in defeat. Soon, they arranged a spare bedroll (granted by Brock) for it to sleep in.



Then, it was only a matter of minutes before they all shut their eyes, waiting, waiting for… for…



••••••••••



Meowth opened his eyes at a stepping noise, blinking twice as he got up from his sleeping bag. Upon uncovering himself, he began trembling in response to a chilly gust that swept through him. He instinctively pulled back his cover and held it firmly.



But, wait! What was that odd noise about?



Meowth glanced around, “Show yerself! I ain’t afraid o’ yer tricks!”



As he looked all over, Meowth landed his eyes on an empty bedroll. Since he had already spotted everyone but Robin, he raised an eyebrow at the simple deduction:



“Eh, figures. That veno-man’s out for a walk, nuttin’ else..-“ Meowth thought to himself, although he gripped his bag tighter out of hesitation. “Or maybe it ain’t a simple walk n’ he’s up to some bad stuff.”



Meowth shuddered at another fresh gust. Nonetheless, a sidelong glance at his partners brought him away from his bedroll, his body trembling as he walked towards Jessie and James.



“Ugh, always me their custom Kit-Meowth clock,” Meowth grumbled in a low voice, moving his paws to start nudging at his partners. “Wakey-wakey, youse snoozers! Hurry up, time’s up! Hurry up, time’s…”

Spoiler: Chapter 2 - Escape, Whirlpool, and the Rescue

Ah, the sweet taste of a soft drink, along with compliments from boss Giovanni, all in the heart of Team Rocket Headquarters, and… an earthquake?!



With their inner worlds turning dark abruptly, Jessie and James opened their eyes, moaning in their respective wakes. The first thing that clogged their minds was a call:



“..urry up, time’s up! Hurry up, time’s up!” Meowth’s voice came low, along with a shaking sensation.



James slowly raised her head. “Me-eowth, why so late in the-“



“Shh, quiet! Both o’ ya!” Meowth urged, pointing a paw at the empty bedroll from Robin. “We might got a situation over there.”



“Oh, really, Meowth?! You blew in and interrupted our beauty sleep just because that guy went for a..-“ Jessie mumbled, although a brief pause made her glance at the exit. “Hey! Why would he be out this late in the night?”



“I don’t know, maybe we should… hoo-ooaaah… go ask him?” James suggested in a yawn, sleepily unrolling his bedroll.



“Less talkin’, more Team Rocket-tion!” Meowth asserted.



Jessie and James began standing up rather clumsily. The humans and Meowth then started a fast walk, a few yawns popping out here and there. They made sure that each of their steps remained as silent as a librarian’s, avoiding an unpleasant awakening from the twerps…



..even though Jessie, James and Meowth could swear that Pikachu had moved, even if it was just a feeling…



..and Wobbuffet had to stay behind, since recalling it would make too much noise.



Anyhow, the Team Rocket trio pushed aside these matters and made a fast walk along the rocky shore; all that mattered was finding that Robin dude and make him spill the beans.



Jessie, James and Meowth soon came across a right turn, which they hastily took. Their eyes widened at what they saw next: a man — Robin!? — on top of the escape boat, pouring the last bits of fuel into a tank.



Clenching her fists, Jessie was the first to dash forward in a shout, “I KNEW IT! You were playing with us all along, you sneaky rat!”



Robin gasped before rushing to the engine lever. “No, listen. It’s all a misunderstanding; I was-“



“Save yer tall tales for ‘nother day, will you?” Meowth dismissed.



As the trio ran, however, the boat quickly slid free from the coast, moving just beyond their reach.



Regardless, Jessie and James kept pushing forward, to the point of literally wading through the waters in their pursuit; while Meowth, tail bristling, shivered briefly before leaping onto James’s head, holding both sides of his forehead.



The trio had to stop Robin before things could get any worse — it meant, much, much worse.



••••••••••



“Pikapi! Ka-pii! Chu pipi-kapi!” Pikachu shouted, frantically bouncing on top of Ash’s and his friends’ sleeping bags.



In a chain reaction, the humans outstretched their arms, all yawning.



“Hoo-oooaah, what’s in your mind, buddy?” Ash asked as he and his friends gazed at Pikachu.



“Kachu kapii!” It urged as it darted to where several bedrolls could be found empty.



Ash and his friends jumped out of their sleeping bags. Looking closely at the scene, they saw Wobbuffet gazing at the outside, its posture uneasy.



After pondering the situation, the group — particularly Pikachu — came in to draw Wobbuffet’s attention, inquire it and proceed to investigate outside.



••••••••••



“Robin… you didn’t have to abandon us,” James implored as the trio kept swimming deeper into the sea. “We were a team! The boat was on all of us!”



“I had to. I’m sorry,” Robin uttered, his heart pounding in his chest. “I’ll come back with a rescue team. I promise!”



Even though Jessie, James and Meowth rushed as far as they could, the (much faster) motorized boat was leaving them behind. The trio would not catch up to Robin, would things remain that way…



..unless..!



Jessie turned to look at Meowth, a smirk forming on her lips. “Alright, Meowth, now’s your cue!” She outstretched her hand to grab him by the tail.



Meowth’s fur stood on end. “Wha- What’re you gonna-“



His body abruptly started spinning in the air; Jessie swung his tail wildly. “Three, two, one, go! Go get them, Meowth!” She yeeted him towards the fleeing boat.



“Aaaah, whaddya t’ink I am, some sorta’ cat’s-paw to you?!” Meowth screamed, his body still spinning around.



“You’ve gone all crazy!” Robin shouted, backing away by the slightest.



“Meoowth!” James shrieked.



As Meowth fell closer to the boat, Robin dashed forward out of the blue, stretching his arms towards the falling Pokémon. In a moment, Robin caught him mid fall, the resulting force enough to pull both human and Pokémon backwards; he released Meowth right away.



The Pokémon fell on his feet, his body adjusting to the subsequent turbulence aboard the vessel. Having sorted it out, Meowth turned to glare at Robin. “Ye ain’t gonna go anywhere beyond this point!” He jumped to the engine lever and uttered a groan in pulling it up.



“Why are you against me? I promised I would bring help!” Robin questioned, stepping back.



“Yeah, ‘cause we gonna believe it like thick-sculled fellas,” Meowth retorted.



Within seconds, the boat halted entirely, although dangerously close (by very few meters) to a whirlpool edge.



Robin sighed, opening his mouth to-



“Meowth! Are you alright?” James’s voice came a few meters away from the boat — and nearing.



“Don’t let that rat do any funny business!” Jessie ordered.



Meowth and Robin watched as Jessie and James supported their arms on the border and pulled themselves aboard the vessel.



After standing up, Jessie quickly shot a glare at Robin, folding her arms. “Traitor! All you wanted to do was escape for yourself! Admit!!” She demanded.



Robin stepped back until his feet hit the border. Straining himself, he exhaled all his breath. “No! It’s not true! I didn’t, and I did it for all of us!” He stated under a cry. “I did it because this ship would never go past the whirlpools if everyone went on board! I-I couldn’t let that happen. I’m sorry!”



Meowth placed a finger on his chin. “Come to t’ink of it, yeah… wouldn’t wanna be caught jam-packed when things go awry,” He pondered.



“Don’t you dare pass over the topic!” Jessie glared at Meowth, then turning at Robin. “You! Who gave you the authority to decide that you escape by yourself?! That we and the twerps remain island time mode for who knows how long?!”



“Alright, I get it! I’ve made a horrible mistake,” Robin admitted, covering his head, “but now, going back is just wrong! Think of all the time and fuel I have thrown into waste if I gave up!”



“No! You’re forgetting about the twerps!” James raised his voice. “I-I can’t not admit; stranding them is just heartless!”



“No, no; I’ll call a rescue team for them as soon as I can,” Robin reassured before extending his hand to them. “And now that we’re all on the same boat, we’ve got to escape together. The four of us can cross those whirlpools if we stay calm. What do you say — partners?”



Jessie, James and Meowth glanced at each other, taking a moment to ponder. They would escape the island for good, never to see it again. And if anything, a rescue team would later catch the twerps; while leaving them waiting for another week or two might be a little evil, that wouldn’t hurt, meaning all was good — at least for James and Meowth, both nodding their heads at each other.



On the other hand, Jessie glanced back at the island, her arms remaining folded.



In a moment, the trio turned to look at Robin, each with their own expressions.



“We’re all in!” James grinned as he shook Robin’s hand.



“Ye got it!” Meowth smirked, wiggling his tail. “C’mon, why’s youse just hangin’ around!? Time’s tickin’ off yer head-“



“Don’t say more,” Jessie cut him off, marching decisively to the lever. “We’re returning to the island, like it or not.”



The others gasped.



“Jess, are you sure?” James approached her.



“Ye musta’ gone outta yer mind!” Meowth blurted, his claws out in an instant. “Lemme take care o’ this double qui-”



“Enough!” Jessie cut him off, lowering the engine lever and turning the steering wheel rightwards. “Have you brains forgotten that the twerps are still on the island? If they’re gone, so is Pikachu! We have to bring them along, if we are to steal our prize.”



“No, that’s the wrong way!” Robin panicked.



Meowth retracted his claws. “Hm, scoop ‘em up now so we can jack ‘em later. Noice.” He smirked.



“As long as we’re safe, all is safe.” James nodded.



And so, they made their way back to the island. The Team Rocket trio stood still in delight; while Robin sat down in defeat.



The night went like that, silent for seconds…



..until a faraway scream (did it have the word ‘Rocket’ in it?) cut it for the quartet. Slowly, they turned to face the source — the island shore —, narrowing their eyes in their search.



They spotted several black figures along the beach. But there was no one in the island other than Ash and his friends…



..!



The trio hastily turned to each other.



“Look! It’s the twerps!” James pointed out.



“And Wobbuffet too!” Meowth added from his night vision. “By the looks o’ it, they’s soon gonna spell trouble!”



“But we’re not ready yet to make it double!” James panicked.



“What’s the big deal?” Jessie spoke up. “As long as we play honest, the twerps have no reason to strike at us. Remember?”



Robin abruptly joined in on their talking circle. “Sorry for the intrusion, but why did they send a Glalie and Pikachu after us?”



Jessie, James and Meowth immediately disbanded their circle and looked back at the island.



Moonlight, reflecting on the waters, revealed the twerp’s Pikachu standing on top of his Glalie, both on a collision course with the boat.



“Mayday! Mayday! That’s a crash I see!” Meowth’s fur stood on end.



“The engine! Turn off the engine!” Jessie commanded. “James, steer us away, NOW!”



“On it!” James and Meowth rushed to their posts and carried out her orders.



Time ticked away; the boat, unhurried in its slowdown; Glalie and Pikachu, adjusting their path to keep a collision course with the boat…



The whirls of disaster kept swirling.



“Turn it more! More!!” Jessie panicked at James.



“I’m turning all I can!” He protested.



“Hey! Don’t youse bump into our boat!” Meowth shouted to the two approaching Pokémon. “We ain’t got collision insurance!”



Hearts pounding in their chests, the trio and Robin could not do anything but brace for the...



…



..!



“Brace yourselves!” Jessie clenched her fists. “We’re about to eat wav-“



Glalie bumped its head; the boat got flung backwards.



SHRIEKS came from each of its passengers as the boat dragged them further into the night ocean.



Before the vessel even stabilized, something was seen falling down to the boat. In a whoosh, it made a perfect landing on the stern, having little trouble steadying itself. It, having the features of a Pikachu, then turned to glare at Team Rocket. “Pipi-kachu! Pikapika pii..!” It began emitting electric sparks from its cheeks.



The trio and Robin stepped back, with Meowth scuttling behind Robin’s feet.



“Grr, hey!” Jessie snarled. “Hold your horses! We’re not even stealing anything!“



Pikachu intensified the electrical flow. “Piiii.. ka.. chuuuuu!” It instantly shot a beam of energy, blasting it at Jessie and James and engulfing them in a cloud of electricity.



“It’s confirmed; the whole universe is against us,” James lamented in a tight voice.



“Gah! It’s always the twerps! Always thinking we’re the bad guys because reasons!” Jessie vociferated. “So despicable of them!”



As if annoyed by their words, Pikachu made the beam even brighter with another ‘Chuuuu!’.



However, this power increase created a sudden shockwave; at its worst, it flung not only Jessie and James, but also Pikachu itself.



“Noo! Meoowth!” James shrieked, seeing that his partner was still on the boat — and moving apart.



“This whole situation wasn’t even our doing!” Jessie raged midair. “But we have to pay full price, as always.”



“We’re incompletely blasting off agaaaain!” The duo screamed in unison.



“Pikapiiiiiii!” Higher up in the sky, Pikachu also screamed.



The three of them screamed as they hurtled through the air, only to then start plummeting towards the big water mass.







“Jessie! James!” Meowth shouted as the swaying boat made him stagger. “Ye can’t go out n’ blast off without me!”



“That was…” Robin uttered under heavy breathing. “..very intens-“



The abrupt sound of wind cut him off.



Gasping at the sudden noise, both Meowth and Robin turned to face ahead of the bow. Their eyes quickly met the source — a fast moving Glalie hovering towards the boat, very few seconds away from them.



“Wait..- Watch out!” Robin warned, stepping back one pace.



While it gave them a glare, Glalie went past the boat, continuing on its way.



Both Meowth and Robin sighed in relief.



“A tad lil’ closer, and that mean Glarie woulda’ round-two’ed us like blazes, ” Meowth commented.



“Good thing it’s just going to rescue our friends.” Robin paced towards the steering wheel. “That means we still got time to catch up and pull everyone back aboard!”



In a jump, Meowth landed right on top of the control panels. “Then what’re we waitin’ for!? We gotta go fast!” He pulled down the main lever, his ears twitching at the engine roar.



Robin stretched his hands to grab the steering wheel, frantically turning it all.



However, Meowth, eyes narrowed, turned to the human. “But dontcha’ think o’ pullin’ a fast one, slick guy.” He brought a paw close to his eyes, then pointing at Robin. “‘Cause I got both eyes glued on you!”



••••••••••



It didn’t take long for Pikachu to surface from the now turbulent sea. Right away, the Pokémon gasped and started punching and kicking the water, keeping its head just above the water body. “Pii…ka!” It groaned as it glanced around.



Then it realized, the waters weren’t just agitated, but also.. swirling?!



..a vortex! And Pikachu had been caught in quite a big one!



“Pikaaa!” It cried as it turned its body against the current, starting to push away the water in a frantic swim. Nonetheless, the whirlpool barely kept Pikachu in place, quickly draining its energy.



It was a matter of seconds before the current surpassed the Pokémon in force, finally dragging it in a spiral towards the vortex eye. Even worse, Pikachu was panting too hard to pose any further resistance.



Seconds go by…


…


..Pikachu nearly completed a loop when..-



A net!?



In the blink of an eye, a small net enclosed around the Pokémon, an unknown force keeping it from continuing its swirl around the vortex. “Piiih..-“ was Pikachu’s reaction before it looked at the rope tied to the net.



On the other end were two humans — not just any two humans, but the two heinous Team Rocket rogues.



“Nice catch, James! Now, pull it with all you’ve got.” Jessie backed him up by pulling from his sides. “That whirling waste of time won’t take the sparky rat from us!”



“U-Urgh, I can’t; it’s too strong!” James moaned as he could barely hold the rope. “We’ll be next in the line if this keeps up!”



“No! James, this isn’t how we go down!” Jessie panicked. “That thing didn’t even let us put up a good fight!”



“Piika chu.” Pikachu pouted.



As their strengths failed, Jessie, James and Pikachu fell at the whirlpool’s mercy; its raging currents yanked them into an increasingly tightening pull in spiral. They screamed as loudly as they could, with James — having fully reeled in the rope — tightly pressing the net against his chest, high enough to keep Pikachu above water.



In the grip of hopelessness, their thoughts dissolved into despair and anger. Jessie and James had stood up for the twerps, defended them when Robin nearly left everyone behind… and yet, nothing changed; same old ‘Team Rocket are always the bad guys’ mentality. Was relying on the twerps’ trust even an option in the first place?.. Maybe they really should have left those kids behind and stayed true to their Team Rocket name; at least, they would rightly be the villains.



As for Pikachu, it believed — or better, wanted to believe — Team Rocket had gone out of their way and hijacked the boat. But then, what was Robin doing with them?.. And somehow, when Jessie and James claimed innocence… it felt genuine. Especially since they put themselves at risk to save it from the whirlpool. Were they really the bad guys this time?.. Yeah, probably. They aren’t known for honesty, anyway.



With boiling emotions, the three of them completed half a loop — still struggling to escape — when Jessie snapped, “Gah! We wouldn’t be stuck in this mess if we’d just ignored the twerps like usual! But, no; we had to play the heroes and stop that guy from ditching us all! And what did we get fro- COUGH, COUGH” She ended up choking on water.



“Ok, Jessie, easy,” A downcast James chimed in. “Maybe we just weren’t meant for doing the right thing.”



At first, Pikachu eyed them, only to then turn away and rub its paws on the net. “Chu pika kachu pi,” It spoke rather indifferently.



“Oh, seriously?! Don’t act like we tied you up and sailed off laughing!” Jessie vociferated. “So much for risking our skins for you, ungrateful rat!”



“Chu,” Pikachu replied in disdain as it turned a frowned look at them.



James shook his head. “Forget it. We first failed to snatch Pikachu, and then tried to be the good guys, only to fail all the same.” He paused as a teardrop fell to Pikachu. “Now it’s just us and the whirlpool trying to stuff us in. It’s over.”



“No — it’s not over! I’ll show you!” Jessie declared, increasing her struggle.



The current simply pushed her back.



“Argh, no! Come on, you giant drain. Don’t spit on us, after risked our whole reputation! After we tried to save a mouse that still thinks we’re the devil! No, we can’t go down like this. Not after everything!”



All Pikachu did was listen, its cheeks sparking faintly.



“Jessie, please, calm down,” James intervened. “It won’t do good for-“



“We tried so hard, James,” Jessie cut him off, “tried to earn the twerps’ trust on the island. But, no; doesn’t matter. They treat us like we are on a nonstop mission to steal and deceive. Nothing can change how they see us; no promises of teamwork, no clearing up a misunderstanding, nothing! A-And know what else? I…I may have wanted to know how it is, not being a rotten villain for once!”



Tears fell down Pikachu’s cheeks as it looked up at her. “Piiika…” It repented.



Jessie glared. “You dare open your ears now, and not back on the boat?! You did it on purpose, just to see how badly..-“ She took a deep breath, then shook her head. “Leave it. Too late for that, eithe-“



A distant bellow halted her speech.



All of them widened their eyes.



“PIKA!” Pikachu shouted, its paw pointed at a direction.



Jessie and James looked there, their eyes catching the vision of a faraway round thing with two horns — a Pokémon!? — floating over the ocean.



“That can’t be..-“ Jessie began.



“It probably is,” James added.



“It’s the twerp’s Glalie!” They both exclaimed in unison.



It took the duo half a second to locate themselves more than halfway into the whirlpool. In a gasp, their bodies instantly refilled with energy to wiggle against the current.



“Is that thing here to end what it started??” Jessie yelled.



“Actually, I think it’s here for Pikachu,” James suggested before glancing at the yellow Pokémon — still trapped inside the net. He then moved a hand to the mesh, untying its ropes. “If we’re going down, at least one of us should get out.”



As the net fell loose, Pikachu froze. “Pii piika? Ka-pi kaa chu?” It cried, pointing at the two humans.



“ So this is how it is. How ironic, ” Jessie mumbled to herself before raising her voice, “Alright, enough second guesses! If this is our one decent act, let’s make it count — go!”



Despite Pikachu’s scuffle, James softly positioned his hands below it. “Here goes… haah — nothing!” He abruptly lunged his arms upwards, launching the agitated Pokémon into the air.



“Piii-kaaaaa!” Pikachu screamed, watching as the whirlpool carried the two humans away. Just as it was sympathizing with them, this had to happen! It felt so wrong to leave them behind! What if it had tackled them to prevent their dramatic move?.. No! It wasn’t their fault! They were truly being honest for once… in a lifetime.



As Pikachu fell, it saw Glalie moving closer with a, “ I gotcha! ”. At least, it was getting saved, but what about Team Rocket? It couldn’t be hopeless for them. It just couldn’t!



…



..maybe..!



With Glalie around, there was a chance, a way to turn the tides. Quite literally, and Pikachu had to try it!







“Yeah! He made it! He’s safe!” James cheered as he and his partner watched Pikachu landing on Glalie. “You know, for a last success, it feels so good to be us!”



“That’s it — Team Rocket’s making history today, James.” Jessie turned to him in an equally passionate tone. “This is our last trouble, we’re going down in style!”



“And we’ll make it double, from beyond the waters, a lasting smile!” James continued.



“To protect the world from devastation!”

”To unite all peoples within our nation!”



”To denounce the evils of truth and love!”

”To extend our reach to the stars above!”



”Jessie!”

”James!”



“Team Rocket, our last blast-off at the speed of light!”

”We never surrender, but now we’re ready to fight!”



A second or two of silence went by.



“Hmph! ” Jessie shook her head. “That yarn ball dares miss our grand finale. Lucky him.”



“At least one of us is safe.” James eased his struggles against the waters. “I just feel bad that he has to carry our Team Rocket flag all by himself.”



“Pfft, you mean throw it away at his first operation,” Jessie snickered before lowering her eyes — their seconds were numbered. “Stay strong, James. If anyone can find their way in this cruel world, I know Meowt-“



A distant bellow is heard. Same one as before.



Eyes widened, Jessie and James looked at the sky to face the source. In a blink, they say Glalie (an ice sphere forming between its horns) and Pikachu (its cheeks sparkling with extra voltage) floating, apart from the duo by several meters.



“What are they doing up there?” James pondered worriedly.



“Hey, you there!” Jessie yelled. “Have you pesky gooses forgot-“



A bang cut her off; it was the noise of two beams — ice and electric — dropping from the two Pokémon and quickly hitting just the border of the whirlpool center. Within moments, the vortex began to collapse on itself, a giant wave forming as a result.



Jessie and James only had enough time to hold their breaths before the tide engulfed them, continuing on its course away from the vortex.



Unable to speak, breathe or see, the duo could only pray that the wave…



…



…



..?



Jessie and James suddenly felt a breeze on their faces, leading them to open their eyes and start panting for their lives.



“Uungh, Jessie!..- COUGH!” James turned to look at her. “Thank goodness you are..- COUGH! -..here with me!”



“COUGH! -..I’ll show these two..- COUGH, COUGH! -..for making fun of us!” Jessie’s veins were pulsating more than her own heartbeats.



After a whole session of coughing, the duo glanced around — assessing their surroundings.



It took them a while to notice; around the waters, there were no signs of the whirlpool or the giant wave.



At last, Jessie and James nodded in relief.



“Hey, look! No whirlpool in sight!” James celebrated with a large grin. “I guess that crazy wave blasted us straight to safety. Hooray!”



“Wait a second.” Jessie paused. “Don’t tell me Sparkplug and his snowcone were behind it.”



“PII-PIKACHU!” A familiar call reached them from above.



Not even widening their eyes anymore, they looked at the night sky; although expected, the sight of Pikachu (perched atop Glalie’s head) waving at the duo left them gaping.



As the Pokémon hovered towards the humans, James blinked hard a few times. “Is he… actually happy to see us?! I must’ve swallowed half the ocean and gone hallucinating!”



“So you really saved us, huh?!“ Jessie questioned in a frown. “Oh, please. Don’t think I’m buying it. A squeaky little goody-goody like you wouldn’t lift a paw for your worst enemies! There’s gotta be a catch somewhere.”



“Pi?” Pikachu tilted its head.



Glalie sniffed in a grumble fashion.



“Jessie, I think they really meant it when they helped us out,” James suggested. “Maybe our talk had reached Pikachu’s heart and made him feel for us.”



“Is that so? Well, then..-“ Jessie paused to look at a leaning forward Pikachu, only to then sigh and turn back to James. “..maybe you’re right. Guess our one-time honesty has actually paid off. Who would’ve thought?”



“Pika pi-ka!” Pikachu chirped under a grin.



“Oh, don’t get all mushy, Shockplug,” Jessie snickered. “We all just did what we had to. Nothing too much.”



James giggled and turned to face Pikachu. “Psst! That’s just her way of saying, ‘thank you’.”



“No, it isn’t!” Jessie’s face grew red as the water around her became turbulent. “You’ve really gone off your limits, James! Take that back before I show you my way of saying, ‘you’re in my blacklist’!”



“Oooo, I’m sorry! I just tried to make you feel nicer, I didn’t know that’d make you mad, I won’t do that to you again!” James whined.



Pikachu has its head tilted for the entire exchange, while Glalie did not even flinch.



However, a faint engine noise broke their staticness; the two Pokémon glanced around, not taking long to spot a distant boat in the darkness.



On a closer look, it wasn’t just any boat; it was the one Ash, his friends and Team Rocket had built on the previous day. It seemed to be wandering around the ocean, albeit not in their direction — and it didn’t give signs of turning to face them, either. So there was only one thing Pikachu and Glalie had to do.



“PIKAPIIIIIII!” Pikachu shouted.



“GLAAAA-LYYY!” Glalie also shouted.



Jessie and James shut their eyes at the screams; she complained, “Hey! Are you trying to split our ears with that-“



“Jessie! James! It’s me, I’m right ‘ere!” A familiar voice — Meowth?! — called.



As the duo reopened their eyes to look at the source — a faraway boat —, Jessie rolled her eyes. “Took him so long to find us.” She grumbled.



“Meowth! Buddy, hurry up!” James urged. “We don’t wanna stay in this freezing water any longer!”



Several seconds passed when the boat made a full stop close enough to the duo; Jessie and James wasted no time to start swimming towards the vessel. Upon arriving, they quickly placed their arms on its border, climbing aboard it.



Once they were on board, Robin — close to the steering wheel — rushed towards them. “Are you alright? We’ve been searching for you all over the sea!” He offered the duo a hand.



“We’re doing well, thank you,” James answered, taking his hand.



On the other hand, Jessie stood up on her own, opening her mouth to speak-



“Chu pika, chuu!” A few meters away, Pikachu cheered.



Everyone turned their attention to Pikachu and Glalie, the two of them making their way towards the boat.



Meowth stepped back. “Y-Yikes! Nobody invited youse boat-bangers to the party!”



While Glalie halted its approach, Pikachu chuckled. “Chaa-pika, piikachu. Pipi-kachu ka pik pii-kaa piika-pi, kaa pik-“



“WHAT?! NO WAY!” After listening Pikachu’s words, Meowth jolted towards Jessie and James. “Youse two gotta tell me it’s all just a silly joke n’ you didn’t really join forces with twofold pipsqueaks!?”



“Ha, very long story, Meowth,” Jessie said matter-of-factly.



“Yeah, you wouldn’t believe. But right now, I’m just glad everything turned alright for us,” James lightened the mood as he shook his soaked body. He then turned to look at Pikachu and Glalie. “That goes for you too… I guess?”



All Glalie did was nod.



On the other hand, Pikachu hopped off its head, landing on the boat bow. “Pi-ka!” It cheered with mild bounces.



Jessie laughed halfheartedly, “Very well, but let’s not get too over the moon. We’re not-“



Pikachu hopped forward, lightly brushing past her leg. “Pikaaa,” It chirped.



“Gah! I’m not a scratching post, pesky rat!” Jessie backed away, clenching her fists.



“Don’t mind it.” James elbowed her gently. “I think that’s his way of saying, ‘thanks for not being villains for five minutes.’”



“Five whole minutes. A new record,” Jessie ironically muttered, although her tone carried a twinge of pride.



“Five minutes?!” Meowth chimed in. “Didn’t t’ink we could get past five secs without a hassle!”



With that, the group started laughing and continued for a long while. Regardless of which party they were on — Team Rocket or Team Ash —, the joy of the moment granted them all a moment of union; and Robin… well, he might have been responsible for the whole mess, but that didn’t prevent him from feeling the others’ delight.



From then, it was only a matter of time before the group came to their senses, glancing around at the sea. Upon spotting the Wailmer island on the horizon, they quickly started the boat engine, heading to the landmass — primarily thanks to Glalie and Pikachu’s assertive power — while enjoying the sea breeze and contemplating the stars in their wait.



A faint sunlight illuminated the sky; a new dawn was on its way.

Spoiler: Chapter 3 - The True Escape

The Sun shone brightly above the horizon. Under the light, various Pokémon enlivened the island, with the most eye-catchy of them all being a pack of Bellossom singing by the sea.



Contemplating the scenery, Ash, his friends, Pikachu, Team Rocket, Wobbuffet and Robin were gathered on a picnic. A fair distance stood between youngsters and rockets, however; an invisible wall kept Jessie, James and Meowth from getting along with the twerps. The trio’s resolve became quite simple: they shouldn’t let a truce and a bunch of heroisms surpass their long-established enmity.



Especially since the only thing Ash and company really did since the boat docked was confront the trio… and then refuse to admit it as a mistake.



Holding a beetroot in his hand, Brock glanced at the rockets. “I have to say… we’re all being awfully quiet, especially after that incident from earlier.” He bit the vegetable from its red bottom.



Ash chewed a carrot portion several times. “Now that you mention… shomething doesn’t add up,” He pondered as he glanced at Pikachu — right beside him —, then at Team Rocket. “Why is he being so cool around you guys? Do you have any idea?”



“Hmph, took you AGES to bring that one up!” Jessie snarled, a half-eaten beetroot in her hands.



“Why bother telling our story to some twerps who charge at us without evidence and don’t even say ‘sorry’ for that?” James countered, taking a bite of his own carrot.



“Sorry for what? You mean you didn’t steal the boat??” Ash inquired.



“That’s wight,” Meowth replied as he munched on a carrot, then pausing to give Robin a pointed look, “but somebody else sure did.”



“If not you, then..-“ May paused to turn her gaze at Robin, leaving her mouth ajar.



The others — except Jessie, James and Meowth — moved their vegetables aside in favor of eyeing him as well, showing the same ajar in their mouths.



Robin paused before sighing, “..yeah, that’d be me.”



Ash, his friends, Pikachu and Wobbuffet all widened their eyes.



“Wait, really?!” Max questioned.



“Piih-ka?!”



“Wooobu?!”



“Why would you do that?.. no, please don’t say you were abandoning us,” May whimpered, furrowing her eyebrows.



“No, I would never,” Robin began in a shaky voice, “but I…I was desperate. I thought us all wouldn’t fit…”







Meanwhile, Jessie turned to look at her partners, her beetroot long gone. “I bet those twerps are gladly gonna forgive that sea rat,” She muttered, watching the others converse.



…



“..aaand, would you look at that, they actually forgave him,” Jessie continued. “If it were us there doing the talk, things would’ve been a whole painfully more different.”



“I get it. It doesn’t even feel like saving Pikachu mattered any bit,” James added in a low-toned downcast.



“Eh, we’re known as Team Rocket misfits for a reason. No point in makin’ pity of us when that ain’t gonna do good for us,” Meowth chimed in, eyeing James’s last portion of carrot in his hand. “Now, if ye t’ink that carrot’s gonna eat itself, y’er better off givin’ it to this hungry Meowth.”



Jessie and James looked at each other. Aside from Meowth’s inconsiderate request, he was right; reasoning with their nemeses would only bring unwanted pity upon the trio, a pity devoid of a lasting recognition.



In fact, since the twerps had dropped their considerateness, Jessie and James might as well drop the truce altogether.



Right there, right-



“Wobbu wobbu-fet!” A call gasped the duo back to reality. They quickly glanced at Wobbuffet standing close to them; behind it, Ash and his friends came closer, already eyeing the Team Rocket trio.



“We know you three weren’t responsible for this mess, so where do you fit into that?” Brock asked, the group already standing still.



“None of your twerpish business.” Jessie crossed her arms.



“How so?” Ash stepped forward. “For all we know, you could’ve tricked Robin into escaping without us!”



“Ash, don’t be rude!” May glared at him, then turning to Jessie, James and Meowth in a softer tone. “We know we didn’t really give you a fair chance back there. We just assumed the worst, and that… wasn’t right. So, sorry about that.”



“Yeah, the facts are in your favor,” Max added, “but you’re hiding a lot from us.”



As the trio shared a glance, Jessie was the first to look back at her nemeses. “Tsk tsk, a cheap apology won’t cut it for you, twerps.” A sense of rancor lingered in her voice.



“What?! Why not?” Ash questioned.



“Don’t you see? You sent Pikachu to electrify us, and that got us shaking up in a very hungry whirlpool!” James cried. “Where’s the part that we’re supposed to speak up to you? It’s our skins that we’re talking about!”



Ash and his friends stiffened up even more, their mouths trembling and struggling to open.



On the other hand, Pikachu jumped forward in the trio’s direction. “Pika pi, pi kachu kapi-ka,” It said, its tone almost coaxing.



“How, ye didn’t mean to fry us like that?! And now ye wanna make ‘mends wit’ us?!” Meowth gazed deep into the mouse Pokémon’s eyes.



“Pi-ka.” Pikachu nodded solemnly.



“Make amends?!” Ash scratched his head.



His friends did not move as much, other than leaning forward. Staying quiet was the way to let the trio sort it out for themselves.



Meanwhile, Jessie and James stared at Pikachu for a while longer before turning to face each other. Should they really give in and talk to the twerps?



Then again, the duo did save Pikachu, and karma had it save them back. If anything, that on its own deserved some recognition...



Either way, the twerps definitively did not.



James leaned forward to his partner. “What’s the lead, Jess? We take or leave?” He whispered.



Jessie slowly clenched her fists, a sharp exhale twitching her nose. She then turned to face the rest of the group, starting a backward walk. “We’ve had enough twerp-foolery for today. Don’t even think of trailing behind us.”



Both James and Meowth followed her, their mouths opening, yet flinching before closing again. Wobbuffet also followed.



Ash hastily stepped forward. “Wait! Don’t go away! You’ve gotta tell us what happened between you and Pikachu!”



May placed a closed hand on her heart. “What about the happy castaway crew we were? Won’t you at least escape the island with us?”



“Piika pikaaaa!” Pikachu shouted, ears dropping.



“We’ll be back when you’re done acting like we should care about you,” Jessie asserted.



“Twerps like you will never get it,” James added. “Pikachu’s the only reason we didn’t cut and run sooner, while you are busy being worms in our carrots. I hate worms in my food!”



“Well, why we ain’t turnin’ on youse right now’s beyond me, but…” Meowth shrugged. “..if ye can’t leave ‘em, might as well join ‘em.”



“Woo-buffet,” Wobbuffet said in an equally confused tone, placing an arm on its forehead.



Without warning, the quartet turned around and ran away into the forest. While Meowth and Wobbuffet simply blinked at each other, a teardrop stayed just out of Jessie’s and James’s eyes… were these flashbacks showing up before them?



Of the airplane crashing on the island, forcing an unwanted truce; of the twerps picking on the trio inside the cave; of Team Rocket discussing their lack of faith in the truce, yet still going with it; of them preventing that venonat-dude’s escape and even standing for Ash and his friends; and finally, of the duo and Pikachu saving each other and sharing a continued laugh of the unbelievable.



Was all of that meaningless..- no, not all meaningless; just nearly all the way through.



As the quartet ran, Jessie and James shut their eyes, hiding their tears. “Looks like Team Rocket’s blasting off agaaain!” The duo clamored together.







“Noo! Come back, Team Rocket!” Ash shouted in full volume, his knees bent and ready to-



“Ash, we can’t press it.” Brock placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “They need their space to recover.”



“But they didn’t even give us a chance!” Ash protested.



“No, Ash; they’re upset,” Brock reasoned. “They took our questioning as an attack on their feelings. Nothing can be helped but wait until they gather up their thoughts.”



“Piika...” Pikachu muttered in sorrow, gazing down on the ground.



After faltering for a moment, Ash, Pikachu, Brock, May and Max sat down around the makeshift picnic basket, grabbing the remaining vegetables and eating those in silence. While their thoughts scattered in terms of emotions, these all converged on the same topic: Team Rocket. The young trainers were so focused on their own questions that they barely showed empathy for the trio, let alone give them room for a genuine explanation.



A sense of guilt slowly dissolved into their thoughts.



Meanwhile, Robin paced around at the shore, his eyes completely fixed on the sea. His friend Wailmer should have arrived by then to greet him, a morning routine they hadn’t skipped in two weeks. Maybe it was-



A sudden loud noise!



Water splashed everywhere. Robin got fully drenched in moments, his eyes instinctively closing. However, he chuckled before even reopening his eyes.



On the other hand, Ash and company covered their eyes at the splash. “What’s that?” He winced as they moved their arms away from their vision.



“You enjoy splashing water on people, don’t you, friend?” Robin could be seen walking towards a Pokémon…



..a Wailmer!



The creature was swimming in circles, singing its “Waail, waail!” in a gleeful bass melody.



“Ha ha, good morning you, too,” Robin greeted.



Ash was the first to sprint in the Pokémon’s direction. “Hi there, Wailmer. Remember me?”



“Pika pikachu!” Pikachu bounced towards Wailmer, waving its paw with a large beam.



“Wow, Wailmer’s singing looks even cuter up close,” May praised, pressing her palms together.



“Waaail, waaail!” Wailmer continued its bass melody, still swimming here and there near the shore.



The group giggled for a while as they listened to the Pokémon’s show. It was perhaps the second most spectacular thing they had seen in a day, losing only to the refreshing sensation of having built a boat from literal plane scraps…



..!



Ash glanced at the anchored boat just a few meters away, scratched his head, then turned his look back to the others. “Hey, guys! The Pokémon league is still waiting for me in Ever Grande. Let’s get there while we have time!”



“Take it easy,” Brock intervened. “First we need to check on our supplies and make sure the boat is sturdy enough.”



Robin walked towards the vessel, gazing at the horizon. “If we manage to get past the whirlpools, the rest of the way should be easy… well, hope my experience doesn’t betray me.”



May walked slightly closer to her friends. “Uh, but what about Team Rocket? They need to get off the island, too.”



“Yeah, I’m not gonna let them delay us!” Ash clenched his fist, promptly jogging into the forest.



“Ka pikaa chu!” Pikachu followed, jumping to Ash’s shoulder.



Brock assented. “Stay safe, Ash.”



Yet, the two of them had already taken off into the woods, the muddy ground showing irregular patterns of the human’s footsteps.



In the meantime, Brock and Robin walked towards the boat, thoroughly eyeing its condition and supplies. Other than a slightly bended section on the side — its diameter measuring a few centimeters of… seemingly a localized collision —, nothing else caught their eye for longer than four seconds. The two of them nodded at each other, a smile cracking from their lips.



Concurrently, May and Max sat down, observing Wailmer swim in and out of the water, far from the shore. While its maneuvers snatched a chuckle from the duo, their eyes occasionally wandered away from the Pokémon, drifting across the horizon.



Silence ensued until Max opened his mouth, “Hey, May… isn’t it dangerous to let Team Rocket come along? I’m pretty sure they’re just going to cause trouble again.”



“Maybe… you’re right, but it’s not fair to leave someone behind, even if it’s them.” May turned to look at her brother. “We wouldn’t want anyone to do that to us, would we?”



“I guess not.” Max placed a hand below his chin. “But I bet they would do that and still expect us to help.”



May took a profound breath.



At that moment, the noise of footsteps preluded Brock and Robin standing close to them. Interrupting eye contact, May and Max stood up, facing the other duo.



“Oh, you’re talking about Jessie, James and Meowth, right?” Robin began. “See, there’s this thing about them that I…I forgot to tell you. Sorry about that.



“But anyway, when I… made the mistake of trying to escape on my own, they … …”



••••••••••



The Sun, higher up in the sky, casted its lights on the boat and everyone nearby — Ash, his friends, Team Rocket, Robin and Wailmer. While each of them exhibited different faces, they all shared the same intention of boarding the vessel and sailing away from the island. All they had to do was wait for a while.



So much that they barely talked since Ash, Pikachu, Jessie, James, Meowth and Wobbuffet returned to the shore.



As the group stood there, Brock stepped closer to the boat. “Alright, everyone. It’s time we take off from the island,” he recited. “Please stay calm and board the ship one by one.”



“That’s right,” Robin continued, “and… one more thing. Try to hold onto the boat at all times.”



Each of them slowly neared the boat in duos or trios, each with their own chatter.





“Hey, May, you can go first,” Ash offered.



“Why, thank you!” May beamed in excitement, walking ahead of him.



Max pouted. “Wait, I wanna go first!”



“No, Max, you go behind me,” May asserted. “I’ll help you get on top.”



•••



“Our first step when that boat docks is making a lot of money for our future schemes,” Jessie whispered in James’s ear.



“We’ll also forget everything that happened yesterday,” James added.



“Forget what? I don’t recall anything, do you?” Jessie joked, winking at her partner.



“..no.” James’s face became downed.



•••



Standing a few meters from the boat, Pikachu gazed at the Team Rocket duo from a distance, its ears loosening. “Pii kachuu pika,” it mumbled in contemplation, its eyes never leaving Jessie and James.



“Ye can’t press it, pipsqueak,” Meowth chimed in from its side. “Ye know they’re all sick n’ tired of this.”



Pikachu’s tail started flickering unevenly. “Pikaa pii..-“ A pause; its assertion then dropped into a subdued tone, “..pi, chu-pii kachu,”



A moment of silence.



As Pikachu and Meowth stood in contemplation, Wobbuffet suddenly leaned in with a goofy smile. “Woo-buffet! Wobbu-woob, wob-wobbu fet!”



Pikachu’s ears lifted up. “Pii ka?” Its head cocked to the side.



Meowth gasped, “H-Hey, hold up! Ye can’t pooh-pooh their emotions like that!” He glared at Wobbuffet, his fur bristling. “It ain’t gonna be fine, ye hear me?”



“Wo-oo buffet!” Wobbuffet flailed its arms. “Wobbu wob, wooo-buffet!”



Meanwhile, Pikachu’s gaze fell to the ground. Its ears twitched once, twice…



..then Pikachu lifted its head, a firm gleam in its eyes. “Piikaa… ka-chu pi!” It turned to face Wobbuffet, giving it a nod and a grin. “Pi-kaaa chu!”



“Woo-buffet,” Wobbuffet replied with its salute pose.



“No! Cut the nice talk, both o’ ya,” Meowth mumbled. “Ye gotta snap outta-“



“What are you waiting for, Pikachu? Let’s go!” From the boat, Ash’s voice interrupted their talk.



“What’s the matter, Meowth?” James asked.



“We’re leaving right now,” Jessie stated, “so get your furballs and jellies on top of this ship!”



“Pi-ka pika!” Pikachu shouted back, pacing towards the boat.



“Wooo-buffet!” Wobbuffet added, walking behind Pikachu.



Meowth trailed behind with a simple “Comin’!”, nothing more under his gulping demeanor.



••••••••••



Crew Setup

________________________

/ \

/ \

/_^^_ \

| Robin Brock |

| Ash&Pikachu Meowth&James |

| May Max |

| Jessie Wobbuffet |

| |





With everyone aboard, the boat sailed away from the island, Robin manning the helm and Brock glancing around — watching out for obstacles and sky clouds. Meanwhile, the others remained seated, firmly holding onto the vessel.



Swimming on their left was Wailmer, zigzagging through the sea while constantly watching the boat. It continued swimming and swimming…



..until it suddenly squirted water from its spiracle, the continuous water jet going above the boat, from one side to the other.



Everyone except Team Rocket looked above to admire it, with Ash being the first to move his mouth, “Woah, Wailmer, what a move!”



“Pi-kachuu!” Pikachu cheered from Ash’s lap.



“So sweet and beautiful of you!” May complimented as well.



Joyful as ever, Wailmer wiggled its body just enough to sprinkle them all with water. Ash, May and Robin even giggled at their wet clothes.



In contrast, Jessie groped her wet hair. “Argh, my lustrous hair! Your silly tricks ruined it!” She glared at Wailmer, her hands gripping the boat tightly.



“Wooobuu!” Wobbuffet added, clumsily shaking its body — throwing water away from itself.



“Sorry about that; my friend just likes playing with people,” Robin apologized. Releasing the steering wheel, he stood up from the seat, steadily walking towards his friend. “You know, Wailmer, this doesn’t have to mean goodbye yet,” he said, bending his body on the boat to look into Wailmer’s eyes. “I wanna go back to my salesman duty, and you could come with me. Friends together forever, you and I. What do you say?”



As he finished his speech, Wailmer slowed down, falling back a few meters — to then catch up with the boat and start pulling the hull at a high speed.



Inertia pulled everyone’s heads back; still, no one was flung thanks to their grip on the boat.



“Is everyone okay?” May asked.



“I guess so,” Max replied.



“Wailmer, is that..- oh, you’re giving us a boost!” Robin smiled with a nod.



“Waaail!” Wailmer gleefully singed.



James clutched his chest, tears falling down his cheeks. “Behold! The glorious charm of friendship, propelling our boat and our hearts forward!“



“Cheers! Keep it up, ye big blue powerhouse!” Meowth encouraged. “No nasty ocean’s a match for yer brawns!”



The others went rigid, giving the duo a baffled stare.



In contrast, Brock — looking straight ahead of the boat — narrowed his eyes. The whirlpools were several meters ahead and nearing. “Okay, everyone, back to your seats; the whirlpools are coming.” He turned around to look at the others. “It’s gonna take a while to get across, so don’t let your guard down.”



“Yeah, bring it on!” Ash eagerly said.



“You hear that, water ovens? None of you’ll get to cook today!” Jessie gloated, clenching her fist in the air.



“Pika Pi-kaa!” Pikachu reinforced, its grip on Ash’s arm firmer than ever.



“Are you sure we can really get across that?” Max questioned in a gulp.



“I do hope so,” May replied, tense yet focused, “but I’ll be here for you if anything happens.”



“Woo-buffet!” Behind Max, Wobbuffet cheerfully struck its salute.



“Hey, friend! Are you hanging on back there?” Robin stood on his toes to look at Wailmer.



In response, it sang a determined “Waiil”, without ever ceasing from pushing the boat forward.



“Then everyone, take cover!” Robin exclaimed, finally sitting down and grabbing the steering wheel with all his strength.



All of them kept their grips tight, postures upright and bodies tense. Ash kept Pikachu squeezed between his arm and himself, while James did the same for Meowth.



Everyone waited as the whirlpools neared — roughly 15 seconds of distance. Everything they had gone through on the island, every conflict they had endured, it all led to that moment. All they had to do right then was endure just a little more — together.



And, in a second… whirlpools all over!



Turbulence aboard the boat, violently shaking them all. A collective “AAAHHHHH”.



Wailmer struggled to keep itself aligned with the boat, but its efforts gave them extra speed.



Not even past the first whirlpools, all their hands grew redder; the strain on the boat was forcing up their exhaustion.



“Those whirlmares got..— Augh! ..even stronger!” James shrieked.



“Hang tight, guys!” Ash incited. “We gotta stick as one!”



Two rows of whirlpools down, at least seven more to go.



However, Max’s hand slipped, almost losing hold of the boat. “May! I-I can’t..-“



“Max!” May cried, releasing one arm to grab him. The force of the turbulence dragged them both down, leaving them scrambling for the hold.



But before their hands could slip-



A hand gripped May’s shoulder tightly, pulling the duo upright. “No twerps are going down on my watch!” Behind them, Jessie declared.



“Team Rocket?!” May stammered, glancing back. “You’re helping-“



“Grrr, don’t make me regret playing with water for you, twerps!” Jessie snapped under her tight grip.



From her side, Wobbuffet threw an arm upwards. “Woooo-buffet!” It wrapped its arm on Jessie’s while keeping a goofy grin.



Two more rows and a half. Turbulence and boat swinging still threatened to slip their hands.



“Okay, everyone; hold on to each other!” Brock announced. “It’s the only way we’ll stay aboard!”



“Right. James, you first!” Ash called.



James froze for a heartbeat, to then thrust his arm towards Ash’s. “Ugh! Don’t let go, twerp!”



“You bet I won’t,” Ash reassured. “Just stay strong!”



“Pika-chuu!” Pikachu barked in encouragement with a glint in its eye.



“Yikes! A trust-fall exercise’s the last thing we needed!” Meowth yelped, his fur standing on end.



Two other rows behind, four more to go. A brief sigh of relief for everyone.



Still, supporting each other pushed their truce to its limits, leading their minds back to their boiling emotions — especially anger…

..whatever. That was a topic for later.



So far, everyone (including Robin and Brock) had kept a firm grip on each other, a direct counter to the whirlpools; as for Wailmer, its steady push continued to give speed and stability to the boat, preventing the worst of the turbulence. Their hearts pounded with anxiety as they neared the end.



Robin held the steering wheel still with one of his arms, tight as ever. “We’re so close! Just a few more..-“



Ahead of them, two colliding whirlpools formed a giant wave, blending with the small ones.



“A tsunami!!” Robin struggled to handle the wheel, barely even turning it.



Everyone gasped; the wave was too close to dodge. In no way the humans would be able to…



-



A “Piiiika-chuuuuu!”, then an electricity beam. Direct hit on the wave.



In an instant, it was no more, fully dissipated into the ocean.



A groaning Robin kept his eyes on the helm, strenuously rotating the wheel; while Team Ash and Team Rocket all landed their eyes on Pikachu.



“Woah, that surge got wiped out real fast!” Meowth exclaimed.



Ash caressed Pikachu’s ears. “That’s Pikachu for-“



Suddenly, everyone was thrown leftwards, then back to rightwards. Only their grips onto each other held them on board.



“Watch out!” Brock shouted.



“We’re almost there! Keep holding!” Robin encouraged as he turned the steering wheel leftwards.



They all kept their respective grips on each other.

Behind them all, Wailmer struggled to align itself with the turning boat, barely giving them any speed.



Tense arms everywhere as the whirlpool rows were quickly getting behind…



..2 rows to go…

..1 row, so close…

..open sea. Finally!



The group gazed at the horizon, pondering at their situation as anxiety boiled through. It took them several seconds before turning their looks at each other.



“Is that it?” Robin said in a low voice.



“I guess so,” Ash replied.



“Then that must mean…” Jessie inferred.



One moment of silence. From their boiling emotions, a sudden wave of excitement stood out.



“YAAAY!” Everyone cheered as they released each other to raise their arms in the air.



“Score one for the castaways!” Meowth jumped from James’s lap to his shoulder.



“Yippie! We’re all safe and sound!” James celebrated.



“It’s all thanks to our teamwork!” Ash grinned at them all.



“Pi-pikachu!” Pikachu chirped, jumping to Ash’s shoulder and hugged his head.



From the waters, Wailmer swam ahead of the boat. “Waaaill, waaail!” It sang as a water beam left through its spiracle. It gave Robin a quick glance before submerging, with its dark-blue body being seen right below the group.



“Awww, I wish I had a Wailmer all for myself!” May beamed with joy.



“Until it decides to wet you and ruin your beauty!” Jessie complained, twisting herself to dodge the water droplets.



“Wooo-buffet!” Wobbuffet cheered with its goofy smile.



In a moment, Team Ash and Team Rocket glanced at each other’s eyes. The visual contact was short-lived, though, as Jessie, James and Meowth looked away with a collective “Hmph”.



Whirlpools aside, the two groups shared a truce that should have only been functional. No emotional bond should happen, nothing beyond the cheer of having escaped from the island. Perhaps because back there, they failed the trust test at that very night… or worse, as a whole.



But there was a catch in their views: while Jessie, James and Meowth immediately turned their heads away from the matter, Ash and his friends — especially Pikachu — wished to reach out for the chance of making amends.



Standing up, Ash looked in Team Rocket’s direction, stretching his arms at the tight space the boat offered. “Hey, Team Rocket, uh… thanks for helping us out.”



Not even a glance back from Jessie, James or Meowth.



In turn, May placed her arms on her lap. “Back on the island, we didn’t mean to hurt you. We were just trying to be good listeners for you.”



A few quiet seconds went by, only for Jessie to shoot a glare at the youngsters. “Drop it, twerps. You agreed not to bring that up anymore.”



“Yeah, but we can’t just keep holding grudges,” Ash countered. “We’ve gotta be honest about it, or we’ll never move on.”



James also turned around to face the others, yet still avoiding eye contact. “It’s not so simple. It’s easier if we just forget about it.”



“Besides, what makes ye t’ink we gonna go softies just ‘cause we’re on the same boat?” Meowth spoke up, crossing his arms.



“Well, thanks to you, Robin didn’t abandon us on the island.” May raised her palm in Robin’s direction. “No offense.”



“I know, it’s alright,” Robin reassured with a nod.



“They, what??” Ash glanced at the trio, then back at his friends.



Jessie narrowed her eyes even further, making James and Meowth sweat and glance at each other.



Meanwhile, Max pressed his glasses with his finger. “Robin told us while you were away. He said Team Rocket went after him when he stole the boat.”



“Robin also said they did it so we could share the escape,” Brock added, then turning his look at the trio. “Isn’t that right?”



“Well, yeah… I suppose,” James said in a faltering voice.



“Eh, don’t fuhget what we after.” Meowth flickered his tail as he pointed a glance at Pikachu. “If gettin’ youse on board meant we have ‘nother shot at nabbin’ Pikachu, then… we ain’t gonna say no to that.”



Ash leaned forward, clenching his fist. “No, nobody does all that without even caring about us!”



“Tch! Don’t twist our words, twerp.” Jessie whipped her hair around. “Just be glad you’re still afloat, without us pushing you out.”



Amidst the boiling silence that followed up, Pikachu looked away, its eyes landing on Wobbuffet. However, when the latter returned a nonchalant smile, Pikachu rested its paws on its own belly; maybe it was the moment to speak up and..-



Not maybe; Pikachu had to! It had to show them that the sympathy had a true value!



It was just at that moment of silence that Pikachu jumped to the top rail of the boat, right beside its trainer. “Pika-chaa! Pika pika chu!” It pointed its paws to Jessie and James, then back to itself. “Pikachu–pika, pika-pi chu!”



All of them widened their eyes at Pikachu. Even Robin released the steering wheel to look at it.



Meowth sighed before raising his voice, “Uhh, pipsqueak said, ‘We all fought side by side, it weren’t just luck, and it mattered’, blah, blah, blah. Don’t take it too serious, y’know.”



Jessie crossed her arms. “Huh?! Of course, we had to team up for the whirlpools! What part of that did your little brain not get?”



Still on the rail, Pikachu started slowly pacing towards Jessie. “Pii chu pi-kapi! Pikachu pika-pika! Piii–kaaa chuu, pika pi chu!” As it discoursed, its tail slowly brushed past her shoulder.



In an instant, Jessie retracted herself from the Pokémon. “Tails off me, you pesky rat! If this was your idea of..-“



A triggered memory: of when that Pikachu had brushed its tail past her leg. An experience she’d rather forget, but it took from her the same reaction back then and now.



“Wait, you don’t mean that ‘saving each other’ moment..?” Jessie resumed in a lower voice.



“Pi-ka,” Pikachu assented.



Among the attentive looks, May spoke first, “Is this about last night, when Pikachu and you returned like you all were glad?”



“You saved each other??” Ash followed up.



“Woobu feett??” Wobbuffet scratched its tilted head.



“Then what’s the rest of the story you still haven’t told us?” Max adjusted his glasses.



At that point, Robin was the only one gazing away from the conversation — steadying the steering wheel and looking ahead for obstacles.



Meanwhile, Jessie and James looked into each other’s eyes. When even Meowth gave them a shocked look, it suddenly felt like the duo was up against the world. Since they didn’t want the twerps’ false sympathy (argh, the twerp troop didn’t even care until Pikachu was involved!), their only way out, tragic as it was, was clear.



“Enough is enough,” Jessie began sharply, a sigh between her lines. “How many times do we have to say? We don’t owe you anything, twerps! Anything at all!”



“Exactly!” James quickly nodded. “If anything, the only reason you suddenly began to care is because it concerns your precious Pikachu!”



Ash clenched his fist. “That’s not-“



“Listen up, twerps,” Jessie cut him off, reluctantly crossing her arms. “Our truce lasts until we dock. We’ll give you a two-minute head start before we’re back to causing trouble. You better make all your little seconds count.”



“Yeah, ‘cause then, Pikachu’ll be ours, no doubt,” Meowth added with a smirk.



“Gah! You’re not even giving us a chance, Team Rocket!” Ash snapped, intensely getting off his chair.



As a result, the whole boat started swinging, just enough to snatch a gasp from each of them.



“Woah, careful back there!” Robin alerted, keeping a firm hold of the helm.



“Easy, Ash. Let’s not turn this into a battle.” Brock calmly gestured his hand up and down.



Ash groaned before sitting down again, his left arm on top of the boat rail.



Meanwhile, May clasped her hands, glancing at a downcast Pikachu before turning to the Team Rocket trio. “Look, it’s fine if you don’t wanna tell us what happened, but I think Pikachu had something to say about you.”



“Pika chu,” Pikachu gloomily nodded.



Both Jessie and James strained their eyes to stare at the Pokémon. Yuck, those petty eyes… too thin, too sad! Couldn’t it just drop that teamwork nonsense already!?



..and yet, there it was, Pikachu’s look. Maybe it was saying that it wanted to value that moment beyond their usual fights. To make the whole “not being villains for once” thing count. And maybe — just for a second —, Jessie and James might have wanted the same thing (only this once!).



Not that they were going soft, just… maybe decent. But only because Pikachu’s sad eyes made it too hard not to!



A chuckle escaped Jessie’s mouth. “Little furball doesn’t want to let it slide, does it? Guess you aren’t entirely stupid when it counts.”



“You know, Pikachu,” James followed up with a scratch of his head, “for someone who fries us nearly every other day, you do make up for a great lifesaver. Talk about balance!”



Pikachu’s ears twitched up. “Pikaa?” A thin smile formed on its lips.



Among the perplexed looks, Ash raised an eyebrow. “Wha..- Since when do you talk like that?”



“What kinda’ poison berries have youse yummied on lately?? Spill it now!” Meowth’s fur bristled as he jumped away from James.



Jessie twitched her hair. “Hmph! Nobody said we’re now suddenly friends! It’s all just a small break, after everything we’ve been through.” Upon saying the last line, she briefly winked at Pikachu.



“Agreed, just a break,” James added with a quiet giggle, “and we’re enjoying it while we can, you see.”



“Wooo-buffet!” Wobbuffet chimed in with its signature pose.



“Pipi-kachu!” Pikachu cheerfully bounced around, first landing on Jessie’s shoulder, then on James’s lap, and finally on the railing right next to Ash’s seat.



The duo’s bodies flinched involuntarily, although a chuckle came simultaneously from their mouths.



“Hahaha, you’re being more lively than ever, buddy!” Ash opened a wide grin at his friend.



“Pika, pika-chu pi!” Pikachu puffed its chest and waved both paws, right before returning Jessie’s wink with one of its own.



“Eh, pipsqueak’s right on the mark,” Meowth agreed, despite his twitching tail. “There ain’t no more loose ends to fret ‘bout. All we hafta do now’s relax n’ keep goin’.”



“You’d better not get too comfy, Meowth,” Jessie scoffed. “We still have a job to do — even if we’re on a coffee break.”



“Right! And we’ll get back to our usual villainy just as soon as we, uh, find a decent lunch first.” James laughed as he nodded.



The boat drifted under the calm silence of its passengers. All different perspectives aside, they all locked their minds on the truce; all the moments of overcoming whirlpools gave the teamwork a genuine meaning, even if it was never meant to last.



Then, when they finally docked the boat on Ever Grande city, the truce began to dissolve. Team Rocket left the boat debating whether to hunt for food or fortune, while the Pokémon league quickly became Ash and his friends’ main topic. They knew they would clash, sooner or later, and when that time came, they would likely have forgotten about the truce…



..or maybe only Pikachu would remember. Weirdly enough, it felt sympathy for Jessie and James — they genuinely tried to be honest. Sure, it was just for a moment, but Pikachu lived through all the whirlpools with them. And, guess what, it actually enjoyed the teamwork. Perhaps if it reminded them of all that someday, there would be more of the team up and less of the Team Rocket stuff.



Yeah, it was a hope Pikachu would gladly live with.







And finally, the same boat sailed across the seas, this time full of merchandises and supplies. It became Robin’s new vessel, one that would help him grow his business and find his old colleagues. Only this time, his loyal friend and newest boat propeller, Wailmer, accompanied him along the way, occasionally throwing water at him or singing its bass melody.



“We stayed on that island for way too long, friend,” Robin discoursed. “There’s a lot we need to recover, and hopefully, we never get stuck there again. You ready for the storms and sales?”



“Waaail!” Wailmer’s enthusiasm caused a minor turbulence on the boat. It continued swimming right behind, pushing the vessel forward.