Pokémar Episode V, A Clone's Destiny

Best Laid Plans

For a moment I stare at the words in disbelief. Rocket found us? How? Where are they being held? Will Rocket honor their word?

"What's wrong Alex?" Thunder says with concern. "Say something!"

"They have them." I finally say. I sit down on an upturned shelf, my legs feeling weak. "Rocket has Josh..." They wouldn't be in this situation if it wasn't for me. How could I have been so stupid!? We shouldn't have involved them. Mewtwo isn't even with us anymore! They're both going to die. Tsunami and Salty will be sold on the black market like property. It's all my fault.

"Couldn't have happened to a better person." Sylveon scoffs dryly.

"Sylveon!" Thunder snaps. "Show at least a little tact. Or do you hate Jackson just as much that you'd like them both dead?"

"Pretty sure I made my stance clear. I don't care about them. If that's the kind of son Jackson raises they both deserve it. Let them die. Makes no difference to me." Thunder tries to retort but decides to let it go. Clearly her mind is set.

"Guys!" Growlithe barks. "Someone's coming!" That snaps me out of my self pity and brings me to attention. I get behind the shelf and gesture for the other to follow suit.

"Who is it, Growlithe? Rocket?"

"Not sure. Just smelled something coming. Wait..." He sniffs the air. "I recognize one of the scents... Mewtwo! It's Mewtwo!" I dare to let myself hope again. Perhaps we can figure something out after all. I step out and spot Mewtwo and a Ninetales dashing through the rain towards us.

"Alex! What happened here?!" Mewtwo calls out.

"Rocket found us. They're threatening to kill Josh and Jackson if we don't hand you over."

"Jack?" The Ninetales perks up at the mention of that name.

"Is he a friend of yours?" Thunder asks.

"More of a trusted acquaintance. I knew him on Pokemar. Regardless, if he's in danger I wish to help."

"Far be it from me to refuse an ally." I say. I look at the note again. On the back is an address. As well as another message.

YOU HAVE UNTIL NOON TOMORROW.

"Noon tomorrow. That doesn't give us much time..."

"Let me go to them. Please do not risk them on my behalf." Mewtwo says.

"No, I'm not going to let them have their living weapon back. Way more lives will be lost that way. But we can't abandon Josh, Jackson, and the others either. We need a plan."

"You mean you need a plan." Sylveon interrupts. "I'm having no part in this."

"Wait..." Mewtwo says. "Shadow? Is that-"

"Don't." Sylveon lashes out with her ribbons, "Call." wrapping Mewtwo's arms and neck, "Me." and dragging him down to eye level. "THAT! I'm done with that name! So stop saying it!"

I see a flash of his old living weapon side of him as Sylveon strikes before he quickly forces it away. "Please let me go. I do not want to hurt you." She grunts before acquiescing.

"Do what you're going to do. The moment the storm clears I'm leaving."

"I do not think you actually want him dead." Mewtwo says.

"Yeah? How would you know?"

"Mewtwo-" I start.

"I am a psychic type. I can sense your thoughts." They continue regardless.