iv - Meek and Murky

I'm evil. I promised that this would be up last Saturday, and then I get lazy and didn't type it up. (The chapter was already written by that time.) I've been in a really lazy lately, and fanfiction seems to go right into that bag. So, will there be a new chapter next week ? Probably not. ._. I haven't even thought of writing lately. Lazy Axy. D: But anyway, to those that read this, here's Chapter Four. Excuse this mind's incompetence to think and write. xD Whenever I get updated next...we shall see. :3

Giovanni taking an unexpected vacation was probably the best news operatives of all rankings could've received. He was a very hard taskmaster, always involved with what "projects" they were doing. Whether a group succeeded or failed a mission, he wanted the results reported to him ASAP. (Although failed missions were generally the kind of news he wanted to hear.) Over time, the majority of his employees had tried to convince him that all work and no play made Jack a dull boy, and that he didn't have to know everything of everybody. He refused to listen to any of them.

When the news had reached the general population that afternoon, Headquarters became a building of celebration. Almost everyone ceased working and began rejoicing their leader's absence. On this day, Dull Jack would abandon all of exhausting work to come out from the darkness to play. Suddenly, all of those hidden kegs stuffed in janitors' closets were popping up on each floor. Anyone who even looked like an adult was allowed access to the glorious keg, which meant that just about everyone would chug booze until he or she passed out. And if someone had a keg in his stash that wasn't used, the party would move on to the next day.

"Just about" everyone still didn't mean everyone, though. There were the few people who didn't want to get wasted. Roaming around the third floor, one girl was one of them. Though the term "girl" was used broadly, as she had just gained the badge of adulthood a few weeks ago. She was a blonde beauty that was deemed a poison apple by many of her female rivals. Like she cared. As long as she was able to perform her tasks well, it didn't matter what anyone called her. This was the kind of thing that made her one of the top-ranking operatives within the organization. Giovanni held her in high regards, even higher than that loudmouthed Cassidy and her partner with the funny name, Biff or whatever. And she liked it that way. Being elite had its perks for sure. There were more off days and salary bonuses, and she could get away with poking fun at her boss without getting into (too much) trouble.

Without his presence looming upon the building, Headquarters became a madhouse, and she hated it. All of the bums abandoned their work just for a lame-ass excuse to get wasted and loaded. It felt old-fashioned to think this, but she agreed with Giovanni on the part about hard work. Lazy bums irked her. There was always something to do, and she kept herself busy with something, whether it was work or target practice.

As she rounded the corner, she grimaced. Already people were sitting on the floor half out of their minds. A grunt was half-conscious and slobbering with a beer mug in his hand. Next to him, a purple-haired man was cackling. The girl knew all too well who this one was. His name was Petrel, and though he was an executive and higher-ranking than her, she despised him. He was an idiot with a perverted nature. Evolution's missing link was what she thought of him. How he managed to have any friends was beyond her comprehension.

Unfortunately for her, he noticed her and stood up from his drunken stance. He stumbled over to her, grinning like a loony. She noticed the fresh beer fragrance from his breath and scrunched her nose. " Petrel. "

" Hey, Dommi, baby. Wuzzup ? "

He tried to put a hand on her shoulder. She swatted his hand away, never letting her glare drop from him. " I told you not to call me that ! " she hissed. " It's Domino, and you know it ! "

" Heh-heh. Whatever you like, baby. Six-dotted blocks, bada-bang ! "

" Ugh, you're such a sicko ! "

She began to stomp away, cheeks already puffy and red with rage. Petrel followed her, still showing off his creepy grin. Domino could hear him panting heavily, the sick freak of nature. It was only afternoon, for Mew's sake. " You know, Domino...if you don't wanna do it with Creepy Petri, I'll dress up as whoever you want, even a chick. I know how some chicks like that scene. " He chuckled, taking out a scarf from under his shirt. Waving it at her, his grin grew broader. " Oh, or I know who'd make you comfy. Gimme about ten minutes, and I can be the younger Giovanni with a chargin' zap ! "

" Don't you dare bring Giovanni's name into this ! "

" Heh. Well, sweetcheeks, he's not here right now. 'Sides, ya got me, Dommi - a highly-charged beast that loves to rock the barely legals ! I can do a lot more than that meanie ever could ! "

" Ew, go away ! "

Pushing him away, she attempted to get away from him. Petrel's grin shrank just a bit, and before she could escape, his hand smacked her behind. Domino immediately turned around while he began to snicker. " Lighten up, sweetcheeks. You've got some awesome buns. "

His hand rose again, but it never made it to target. A brunette peeped out from the corner and ran over to them, waving his hands. Both Domino and Petrel groaned. The boy was Domino's age, a lowly supplier by the name of Mondo. He was incompetent, almost as bad as the team with the talking Meowth, and a blockhead with a kind heart. Giovanni didn't see much potential in him other than his cooking and drawing skills. After a series of tests, he proved that a grunt's life was too harsh for him. Thus, Mondo became a supplier, and his cheerful nature began aggravating Domino.

Even now he proved to be useless, crashing right into her. Petrel's smile faded, turning into a scowl. Grabbing Mondo by the collar, he slammed the boy into the wall and grunted. " You little runt ! Why do you always mess things up ? Are you retarded or something ? "

" I...was only...trying...to protect...Miss Domino ! "

" I was only trying to protect Miss Domino ! " Petrel mocked, flapping his free hand. " Why is it that anything you say makes you sound like a girl ? You've got no idea how that ruins...the mood ! "

He yanked Mondo forward and threw him headfirst into the nearby trash can. Domino winced as Petrel kicked the can and stomped off away from them. She didn't want to admit it, but his usual attempt at being the noble bodyguard actually worked this time. People would think that as a mere supplier, he'd be a poster child, squishy and lovable. Well, they got the squishy part right. His squishiness often made him the target of abuse ; Domino was no exception. Much of the inflicted pain was caused by her. To her, he was worthless, a small, squishy beetle with no skills whatsoever.

This time she owed him, though, and so she decided to pull him out of the trash can. It was easy to do, as Mondo was a scrawny boy. He fell to the floor with swirlies claiming his eyes. Domino bit her lip, reminding herself that she was only there to help him because he helped her. A favor for a favor was common courtesy and the "right" thing to do. If it wasn't for stupid Petrel, she'd be able to kick the snot out of him and get away from all of the chaos. Stupid Petrel.

And stupid Mondo. After a couple of minutes, he regained himself and sat up against the wall. Domino crossed her arms, standing over him. Now that neither of them was being threatened, a small smile was on his face. It was weak and timid, just like his sad, pathetic life. He was crazy to hold onto his beliefs that everything would work out with a little hard work and kindness. Kindness was for the simple-minded. Mondo was simple-minded. Would hard work help him if he fell into a pile of knives ? Would kindness save him from bullies taking his lunch money ? Ridiculous.

Nevertheless, the hopeful smile stayed, and Mondo giggled, running a hand through his hair. He looked up at Domino, continuing to irk the girl toward her limit. " Sorry for not giving you the proper greeting, Miss Domino. I hope you're okay now. "

" Yeah, fine as a sugar plum. "

" A-And I hope you don't hold too much of a grudge against Petrel. He may not be the nicest guy, but we should be able to get along. We're teammates, after all. "

Teammates. Simple-minded Mondo. She resisted the urge to strangle him and leave him laying on the floor. His brain was wired to act like a child. It just had to be. Everyone in the organization except him knew it was every man for himself. If he thought that Petrel could come even close as a teammate, then she must've underestimated his stupidity by a lot. But she owed him, owed him, owed him. For courtesy's sake she had to keep her cool.

She attempted to smile at him. It came out as half-hearted and crooked. " Heh. Yeah, teammates. Anyway...Mondo. I know we've had our differences in the past, and we'll probably still have our differences in the future, but you helped a girl out, so I feel like I should pay you back. " Pausing, she mentally shuddered. If Mondo made her do anything stupid, she would get revenge on him, owed favor or not. " So, what the hell would you like to do today ? "

Mondo blinked at her. Maybe it wasn't good to be so gruff with him, but she didn't have the energy to be nice to him. Following him around was the closest thing to being nice he'd get. In the tiny brain of his, he must've realized that, too. He laughed again, uncertain of her offer. " You're asking me ? You want to hang out with me ? "

" Yes, I'm asking you to hang out with you, blockhead ! " Domino snapped. " Now what are we gonna do ? "

His cheeks reddened and his eyes brightened. Overcome with giddy, he failed to see Domino glaring at him. She knew she should've just let him sit in the trash can and send him a basket later. The way he acted it was like freakin' Christmas in July. He clapped his hands and literally jumped for joy, amazed that someone really wanted to hang with him. " Well, let's go for some smoothies in the cafeteria ! " he suggested, grabbing her hand. " Mr. Chef always makes them so fresh ! "

Before she could respond, he was already dragging her toward the cafeteria, which was the floor below them. She was now thankful that the uniform included her pair of gloves. Those were the only things that kept him from touching her bare skin. If she didn't owe him, she would've made sure to let him know not to touch her. His hand better not have left sweat stains on her glove, either. Uniform gloves needed to be dry-cleaned, and he'd pay if they were damaged.

With their steady speed, they were able to get to the cafeteria within a few minutes. At the sight of the scene, Mondo's jaw dropped, and Domino's eyes bulged. It was not what they expected at all. The place that was designated for eating was no exception to the festivities. Kegs always made a trail of destruction wherever they were brought. People from all parts of the building were gathered to booze it up and dance until the moon stopped shining. Mr. Chef was among the crowd, twirling his apron and hairnet in the air. No more smoothies for him.

A few people noticed them standing in the doorway, gawking at him with curious and drunken eyes. Domino knew better than to think that these people were inviting. Her companion was a bit more gullible, and she yanked him out of the doorway just as a bottle was thrown where he was standing. This could've been her payment to him, but it wouldn't work, seeing as she didn't mean to really do it. Still, that didn't stop him from being surprised, and he turned to look at her. " Does this mean we're not gonna be able to get smoothies ? "

" Gee, what do you think ? " Her patience was already taking a toll, and stupid questions weren't helping it. " You know if you go in there, you're gonna get the crap kicked out of you. And I'm not your freakin' babysitter, so if they wanna beat you, I'm fine with it. "

" Okay. What shall we do then, Miss Domino ? "

Ditch you and go out for parfaits. " Dunno. Anything in particular you wanna do ? "

" No, not at all. "

" Guuuh...let's bother Sebastian, then. I haven't ruined his day in a while. "

" 'Kay. "

They resumed their walking. Domino smirked to herself, pleased with the outcome. Professor Sebastian was one of the older members of Team Rocket, around Giovanni's age, and a brilliant man. He was also tolerant of many things and calm in the most stressful situations. It made him perfect for verbal assaults and constant pestering. His goatee was also an easy target, graying and pointy. He'd never get as angry as Giovanni would, either, so she could slide a lot with him. The perfect crime.

Since Mondo thought of innocence with everyone, he went right along with following her to Sebastian's. She figured he wouldn't be much of a threat even if things got out of hand ; that was proven by Petrel. He'd probably even offer to be their butler, hoping to please either (or both) of his superiors. Things would turn back to normal within a few hours, and she'd be able to relax at night's end. Curl up in her bean bag and read something smoky, that was the life.

Both of them took their time as they strolled up the floors to where Sebastian had his office. Someone had broken the elevator a few days earlier, so they were forced to use the stairs. Domino spotted more wild parties as they dragged their feet from floor to floor. Men and women alike stalked the corridors with alcohol on their breaths. They tripped over themselves and swayed in the stale air, happy to party and bask in merriment. Nothing but a bunch of bums, really. Giovanni didn't deserve the kind of treatment that they gave him. To work and complain in his presence and then just slack off while he was gone was just disgraceful. Mondo may have been stupid and naive, but at least he was a good worker.

She almost tripped over herself, horrified at giving the boy praise, even in her head. In front of her, said boy had stopped a couple of feet away from one of the rooms on Floor Six. He kneeled and beckoned for her to follow suit, which she did. Then he placed a finger to his mouth, the warning to keep her quiet, which she almost didn't. How dare him give an order to her, the notorious Agent 009, the graceful Black Tulip, the one who can beat him into a bloody pulp within minutes ? The world had to have went topsy-turvy for this to happen.

And then she heard Petrel's ghastly snickering on the other end and decided to shut her trap.

Whatever that creep was doing in there, he wasn't alone. Other lines of laughter joined his, arrogant and wicked. A faint chill shot up Domino's spine, as she could identify them by their tones. His stupid friends. The mousy giggle was Proton's, while the deep, hoarse laugh belonged to Arianna, that dirty tramp. Only the absolute rejects could have been Petrel's friends, and they made the top grade.

A couple of minutes later, Archer's voice rang out with pride, gushing with excitement. " The plan has worked, my friends. Soon Team Rocket will be under our buckles ! "

" Righteous ! " Proton cheered.

" Kufufufu, I agree ! " Petrel added.

" With the Viridian Gym down, no one will stand a chance against us ! " Arianna bragged.

Another round of laughter began, and the two eavesdroppers stood up from their spot. Mondo grabbed her wrist to prevent her from barging into the room. She bit her tongue and glared at him, angered that he was making bodily contact with her again. He shook his head at her threat, refusing to let go. " I don't think that's a good idea, Miss Domino, " he whispered. Mondo was actually suggesting something ? " I-I know you want to do something, but what will happen if they know we've been listening ? I don't want you to get hurt. "

For once he made a good point. Domino nodded. " Fine. We'll pester Sebastian and get on these guys later. Lessgo. "

They went away from the door and broke into a ran. Domino allowed him to continue holding her gloved hand, just this once. For once he was actually a competent, useful companion. Usually he was always blubbering around with skinned knees and wanting to help everyone. She knew him for a while now, from the time he joined Team Rocket, and incompetence was an everyday thing. Who knew, maybe he finally reached puberty and grew himself a pair of clackers. That would've been a big relief.

Eventually they made it to Sebastian's office. Domino grabbed the handle and flung the door open. She yanked Mondo's hand and barged inside without the slightest bit of permission. The office was everything that Giovanni's wasn't. Papers were paper-clipped instead of being scattered all over the desk. A few diplomas hung across the wall, proud and brilliant in fancy frames. Books were neatly shelved in a hearty bookcase. This was the true meaning of professional. Giovanni could've learned a lot from spending some time with Mr. Pointy.

Speaking of Mr. Pointy, Sebastian came out from what seemed to be the bathroom. He began to stroke his goatee but stopped when he spotted the two kids. The look on his face was not of surprise but of annoyance. As a highly respected professor, he was used to everyone barging in his office and demanding something out of him. Raising an eyebrow, he hoped that it wasn't money. " Well, well, what a plesant surprise to see people. Have you come to bother me once again ? "

" Well, I was, since Giovanni's out right now and I can't get any work done with all this noise, " Domino admitted, smirking. " But then Mondo and me heard something and now we have better things to talk about. "

" Ah, really ? "

" Yeah. You might be interested in this, too. We heard it from the dummy executives, you-know-who. "

Sebastian's eyes widened, and his lips curled up into a smile. He poured himself a cup of coffee from the coffee pot and sat down in a rather uncomfortable wheely-chair. Taking a sip from the cup, he glanced at Domino, intrigued. " You know how I love making fun of those idiots. What do you have for me ? "

" Nothing good, I think. All we could make out was some sort of plan that involved Team Rocket. "

" And the Viridian Gym being down, " Mondo added.

" Why would we care about that, Mondo ? It's not like Giovanni's running that stupid gym anymore. "

" Now hold on, Domino, let's think about this for a second. " Taking another sip from his cup, Sebastian pushed up his glasses. " He said that the Viridian Gym is down. Now, I thought that the Viridian Gym wasn't down, just inactive due to its leaderless state. "

" What's the difference ? "

" Well, when something's 'down', it's generally not working. Broken. Like a machine..."

He ignored their puzzled glances as he snatched a remote from his desk and flicked on a small television. The current broadcast showed where the Viridian Gym used to be, with no gym. When he changed the channels, the same thing was showing - no gym and a bunch of hopped-up news-people. His eyes widened, and he turned off the TV. " They're serious. I wouldn't be surprised if Giovanni hasn't connected the dots yet, wherever he is. Viridian Gym, a plan, and Team Rocket. Now let's connect this with the underground murders around Kanto. The public's not supposed to know about this, but I'm Mr. Paranoid Pointy. If those dummies are somehow involved with those murders, we all have to be careful. "

Domino glared at the professor. " So, what does this mean, Pointy ? "

" It could mean a lot. On one hand, these people are pretty dim-witted. They show no brilliance or the team spirit. However, we can't take this lightly. These people have been known to be very reckless, and very stupid. They don't care about laws, or order, or anything that will try and stop them. You know what this means ? "

" What ? "

" They're going to try and overthrow Giovanni. "

There was silence. Sebastian reached for the coffee pot and poured himself another cup. He sipped at the hot liquid, watching their reactions. Mondo was horrified, looking paler than a ghost. Typical reaction from such a pansy, Domino thought to herself. She kept as cool and collected as the professor, knowing that if she let her rage come out nothing good would come out of it. If anyone tried to overthrow Giovanni, someone would pay. " Well, we can't let this happen. We're gonna have to think of a plan, Pointy, and fast. "

"Fast" was what crossed through their minds when the door was kicked open. Petrel waltzed in first, whistling a cheerful tune, followed by Proton, who held a gun in his hands. Sebastian stood up and placed his cup on the desk, raising an eyebrow at the unwanted visitors. " Well, what do we have the pleasure of having you guys visit us ? I didn't know you two were fascinated with science. "

" Shut your trap, old man ! " Proton hissed. The gun was aimed at the professor's chest, probably letting out bullet residue on his labcoat. Behind the gunman, Petrel jerked the file cabinet open and started to rummage through it. Stupidity at its most disastrous moment. " We know you have the goods on the genetics, and we're gonna find them ! "

" Ooh, two morons are trying to steal some sort of genetics work. I'm so scared my goatee's shaking, " Sebastian mocked. " You know, gentlemen, just because a man has gray hair, doesn't mean he's old. I'm not even forty-five yet. "

" Lies ! "

" Shouting in my ear isn't going to help anything, Domino. "

Proton grunted, waving his gun in annoyance. That blonde chick and her friends were all weird. Why would this pointy old man be any different ? He turned to Petrel, who was still fingering through the filing cabinet and whistling the same tune. " Would you stop screwing around and hurry up ? We don't got all day to do this, stupi- "

He turned around quick as nails and aimed the gun again just as Sebastian was about to wrap his neck in a chokehold. Domino furrowed her eyebrows and yanked Mondo to the back of the room in case things got messy. There was no room in the schedule for them to get mauled by a couple of rogue executives, too. And what was this talk about genetics ? She saw both of them in action in previous times, and neither of them were qualified in science. Petrel goofed too much, and Proton preferred brawns over brains by a landslide. Sebastian could've easily knocked both of the morons out if he really wanted to, despite his appearance.

But there was the gun, and he was one of Team Rocket's top scientists. If his brains were blown out right then and there, not only would he lose out on a decent paycheck, but also feel Giovanni's wrath from beyond the grave. She could just see her boss demanding a check from Pointy's old, crippled parents. The carpet was probably worth more than his life, running in the triple digits.

Which meant there was no other choice. She and Mondo would have to help him. There could've been a lot more at stake than a life if they didn't do something, and quick. Proton was a rather serious person, and Petrel goofed up a lot on the job. Those two personalities mixed into one room could prove to be a dangerous combination. Sebastian could end up getting shot just by accident through those two morons. Well, that wouldn't happen on her watch.

She pushed Mondo into Proton and dug into her pocket. The gun flew out of the executive's hands, and he fell along with Mondo and Sebastian. While the three men down began to argue, Petrel quickened his pace, practically throwing folders and documents out of the cabinet. It was the perfect time for Domino to pull out three black tulips, sleek and crackling with electricity. They were her main weapons, and usually never let her down on a job. Usually she never used them for good, either, but she had to set aside that thought.

The first tulip was thrown at the gun, paralyzing it to the point of no return. A couple of bullets were spat out from the mouth, flying past Proton's head and hitting the trash can. Mondo winced and Sebastian glared at Domino, displeased at her act of heroism. She glared back at him, wondering why men never appreciated her as she threw the second tulip at Proton. He was a slim target but was successfully hit, though it nearly hit the other two men as well. Once again she heard unappreciative grumbling. Morons.

Tulip number three's target was supposed to have been Petrel, but it never landed on its destination. He dodged the attack and turned to grin at her, holding a slate folder. Proton elbowed Sebastian and sat up, looking at the folder with a triumphant look on his face. " You got the goods ? "

" I got the goods. Lessgo. "

Petrel raced out of the room and out of harm's way. Elbowing Sebastian once more, Proton stood up (although shaky from the electricity that was shot at him) and tipped his hat to the enraged Domino. He was about to flee like his partner when she tackled him back to the floor, no doubt creating bruises. They rolled into the bookcase, grunting and arguing as a pile of loose folders fell on top of them. She had to keep this moron in their clutches. If he knew anything about this plan, they had the right to know about it.

Neither of them expected Mondo to creep up from behind, holding an unidentifiable object in his hands. Domino kicked her captive in the stomach just as the boy smacked him in the face with the object. Proton immediately rolled off of Domino and collapsed, eyes rolling in the back of his head and replaced with swirlies. From the corner of her eye, Domino could see that the object was a rather heavy hardcover.

When she sat up against the bookcase, she could feel her eyes bulge. Looking at Sebastian, she realized that the reaction was the same. Mondo being useful twice in the same day ? It couldn't be possible. He was a stupid, goofy-looking kid. Hurting people was supposed to have been beyond his reach. Beyond his ability to think. Nothing was going the right way anymore.

Now that she looked at Mondo, she realized he was probably thinking the same thing. He had a confused look on his face, more so than usual, and as he saw Proton unconscious his face paled. Forget reaching the impossible - this had to be a fluke. That stupid smile was back on his face as he tried to laugh it off. She made a mental note that when they were done with Proton, whenever he woke up, she would be sure to reserve a special ass-kicking for the brunette.

" SHUT UP, MONDO ! "

End