Note from the author: I'd like to make something clear: You might have read some of my other stories and you might have noticed that they do have a romantic touch. Jessie and James kiss or make out and I feel comfortable with writing such scenes, but I won't ever write a sex-scene, because that's just not me! I hope you're fine with my decision. I want to write cute and benign fanfictions and I want to stand fully behind them.
Chapter 6:
James woke up next to his best friend. He looked at Jessie, sleeping in his arms, snoring quietly from time to time. A smile appeared on his face. James placed a tender kiss on Jessie's forehead, pulling her towards himself. Jessie squinted a couple of times. She opened her eyes to see whose hand she was holding.
„Good morning, Jess", he whispered in a sweet voice. The magenta-haired woman turned to him. „Morning", she murmured.
Jessie was drowsy and slightly confused. What had happened yesterday? Right, she remembered. James ran after her, trying to calm her down, she let him enter, they kissed and fell asleep. It had been a successful evening. Her most courageous expectations were met.
Jessie put her feet up. She yawned widely and wanted to stand up, but James retained her. „Where are you going?", he wanted to know. Jessie played along, she crawled back on the way too tight couch and wrapped her arms around his neck.
„I just wanted to get a cup of tea with one spoonful of honey to give my vocal chords a treat", she spoke into his ear. James kissed her, cupping her face and gently caressing her cheeks. She ran her fingers through a strand of his hair.
Someone knocked at Jessie's trailer-door. „Who's disturbing?", the young woman asked. It was Misty, ready to practise the last scene with her actress colleague.
„Jessie, get ready! Mr. Bergspiel wants to create a spectacular show!", the girl called.
Jessie was briefly high-frightened. „What time is it, James?", she asked.
„Actually, it's three o'clock in the afternoon", her friend replied.
Jessie had completely forgotten about her personal singing lesson. Mrs. Heesters would be more than annoyed if she showed up belatedly. On the other hand, Jessie had the chance to spend some romantic moments with James and she didn't want to miss this opportunity.
„I will soon be there", Jessie said.
„When?", Misty insisted upon an answer, she was bugged by Jessie's irresponsible behaviour.
„I don't know. Five minutes, half an hour, two hours", Jessie and James giggled and he pulled the blankets over their heads.
„Fine", Misty walked off, it was impossible to schedule a meeting with Jessie. She behaved like a diva, she showed up wherever she wanted, she never adhered to deadlines and she hardly ever stuck to the screenplay.
Jessie waited until Misty was out of earshot. She had made up her mind and was eager to find out how James would react to the news.
„James, I need to tell you something", Jessie said. Her friend sat up.
„What is it?", he wanted to know.
Jessie sighed deeply. „I consider leaving Team Rocket and start an acting-career", she began. James was wide-eyed.
„You want to leave our team? What about Meowth and what about us? What about the boss?", he asked.
„Let's face it, James. Did the boss ever profit from our raids? Would he even notice that we left Team Rocket? I hardly doubt", she did some straight talking.
Jessie stood up and walked over to her vanity.
„James, you need to understand. I never had the chance to show the world my talent. You saw for yourself how gifted I am, I'm comely, I'm convincing, people eat my different impersonations up from me, this could literally be my breakthrough. I could travel around with Mr. Bergspiel, being his muse and inspire him to write money-spinners", she looked at herself in the mirror.
„Am I even involved in your daydreams or am I just a cipher?", James wondered, he seemed on edge.
„Of course, James. You and Meowth could accompany us. You could be my assistant and Meowth would be able to delve into the world of movies. I think he enjoys to take the reins and I noticed that Mr. Bergspiel treasures his ideas. That's what he always wanted, someone who shows appreciation for him", she said.
„Listen, I know we are far from being stars and fruitful actors, but I would finally get the chance to put my knack into practise. To be honest with you, I've never played Sarah from ,A little princess', I always got the bit part in the orphanage's dramatic productions. It was so unfair, they denyed my talent. Once, they allowed me to play a tree, which was better than poor Tommy who had to represent grass, but they discouraged me from blooming", Jessie confessed.
James didn't want to disappoint her. If Jessie wanted to leave their criminal organisation to pursue a serious acting career, he didn't want to put obstacles in her way. James would follow his best friend and support her as effectively as possible. He would make sure that her aptitude would turn to account. After all, they both were masters of disguise and maybe he would acquire a liking for the stage too.
„Jessie, if you really wish to hang your Team Rocket-uniform up, I'll join you, not least because we're an inseparable trio, but also because I care for you and I want you to be happy, no matter what you decide", James said. He knew that he would cut off his nose to spite his face. Airs and graces weren't foreign words for the young woman. She would probably boss and chase him around, but he was willing to slip into the role of her manager and closest assistant.
„Thank you, James. You're a real friend", she replied. Jessie put her dark green dress on. It was made of silk and had a golden train. The director wanted her to wear a tiara with a ruby. She looked like an affluent lady. Her eyes sparkled, she enjoyed her sight, sharp and timeless.
Meanwhile, Mr. Bergspiel was sitting in his make-shift office, hunched over a pile of rolls of film. He tore his hair out, no one was allowed to hear about his fraud. MacCauley was leaning against the door.
„Do you think someone smelled the rat? Don't you think they're wondering why we're always shooting by night?", his employee asked.
The director shook his head vehemently. „I hope not, that would be a disaster", the chubby man answered, his voice trembling.
„You know what happens if they blow your cover. You won't be allowed to produce further films, they would cancel your license and our production would go down the chute", MacCauley predicted.
„I know that I don't have a permission to shoot, but I need to give this short the final touch. It is going to be a commercial success, I can feel it", Mr. Bergspiel replied.
„The police are going to chase us. We're going to be behind bars, no sunlight, dying a wretched death in a dark cell", his assistant was certain that their ingenious concept would fail.
It was ten o'clock in the evening. The film crew assembled in front of the manor. Jessie felt nervous. Her body was shaking, she had a parched throat and felt rather dizzy. James tried to quiet her.
„Everything is going to be fine", he stroke her arms. „You're a confident and strong-minded young woman. It's going to be a piece of cake", he lifted her chin and placed a soft kiss on her lips. „We're well attuned, just imagine that the last scene is a longer motto."
Jessie nodded. „I'm going to blow the place away! They will be surprised when I start to sing, my voice is a blessing, tender sounds and an overwhelming power", Jessie had plucked up courage. She didn't want to cop out, but present an astonishing and award-worthy show.
Scene 6:
Who: Maria/Jessie, Johann/James, Konrad/Brock, Rita/Misty, Frankie/Ash, bit-part players
Where: In the bedroom and ballroom
What: Maria sings „Fading like a flower" by Roxette
(NOW IT'S TIME FOR YOU READERS TO LISTEN TO THE SONG ON YOUTUBE, READ ALONG AS MARIA/JESSIE SHOOTS THE BIG FINALE)
„Play the piano! Where are the violins?", Mr. Bergspiel losened his tie, drops of sweat oozing from his forehead. He was taut, would Jessie follow his instructions and create a superb and unforgettable finale?
(Maria/Jessie is lying in her bed, she sits up and sings the first verse of the song, she pulls the blankets away, stands up and walks to the window, Konrad/Brock, Rita/Misty, Frankie/Ash are with her in her bedroom, it seems that they don't take notice of her song, not yet, they're otherwise engaged)
Maria:
In a time
Where the sun descends alone
I ran a long, long way from home
To find a heart that's made of stone
(Maria/Jessie draws the curtains and takes a look outside, she spots Johann, busy gardening, she sighs)
I will try
I just need a little time
To get your face right out of my mind
To see the world through different eyes
(again, she draws the curtains, leaning against the window, Rita/Misty lays a hand on her shoulder in order to comfort her)
Maria/Jessie and Rita/Misty: Everytime I see you
Maria: Oh, I try to hide away
(she puts her hands on her heart)
But when we meet it seems I can't let go
(she looks at the picture of Johann/James that was secretly taken)
Maria/Jessie, Rita/Misty, Frankie/Ash, Konrad/Rocko: Everytime you leave the room
Maria/Jessie: I feel I'm fading like a flower (she gesticulates as if she were fainting)
Tell me why (Maria/Jessie sits down at her vanity, she sings to her reflection, her gaze travels down to a boquet of flowers)
When I scream, there's no reply
Maria/Jessie and Rita/Misty: When I reach out (Konrad/Brock reaches for her hand, but she backtracks)
there's nothing to find
When I sleep, I break down and cry (Maria/Jessie looks over to her empty bed, a tear running down her face)
Cry, yeah (she stands up)
Maria/Jessie, Rita/Misty, Konrad/Brock, Frankie/Ash: Everytime I see you
Maria/Jessie: Oh, I try to hide away
But when we meet it seems I can't let go (Rita/Misty, Konrad/Brock and Frankie/Ash form a circle around her, they feel that something is eating her)
Rita/Misty, Konrad/Brock and Frankie/Ash: Can't let go!
Maria/Jessie, Rita/Misty, Konrad/Brock and Frankie/Ash:
Everytime you leave the room
Maria/Jessie: I feel I'm fading like a flower
(Maria/Jessie appears on the stairs, she walks down, bit-part players take her hand, offer to link arms and accompany her downstairs, her train flags in the wind)
Fading like a rose
Fading like a rose
Mr. Bergspiel ordered Pikachu to use Thunderstorm, the Pokémon filled the room with flashes.
„Where are the Sunfloras? Use Flower Shield, I want Miss Jessie to be wrapped in blossoms", he yelled through his megaphone.
(Maria/Jessie reaches the bottom of the staircase, she kneels down, Squirtles pour water over her, she is soaking wet, her hair is open and hanging loose over her shoulders)
Maria/Jessie:
Beaten by the storm
Talking to myself
Getting washed by the rain
It's such a cold, cold town
Ooh, it's such a cold town (she hides her face in her hands)
„Spotlight on Miss Jessie, I need you to dim the lights, she's the only person I want to see, all cameras, every single camera angle needs to focus on her, she's the main attraction, don't screw it up", Mr. Bergspiel was besides himself with joy. Only a few more seconds separated him from finishing his masterpiece. He wasn't able to sit still, the director jumped from his folding chair, edged the cinematographer aside and undertook the filming himself.
Maria/Jessie: (still kneeling down, Johann/James approaches her, he helps her up, they gaze into each other's eyes, she sings to him, he looks at her, visibly surprised that she finally opens up)
Everytime I see you
Oh, I try to hide away
But when we meet it seems I can't let go
Everytime you leave the room
I feel I'm fading like a flower (she wants to caress his cheek, but Johann/James grabs her hand and they engage in a dance)
Maria/Jessie, Rita/Misty, Konrad/Brock and Frankie/Ash: Everytime I see you
Maria/Jessie: Oh, I try to hide away
But when we meet it seems I can't let go
Rita/Misty, Konrad/Brock and Frankie/Ash: Can't let go!
Maria/Jessie, Rita/Misty, Konrad/Brock and Frankie/Ash:
Everytime you leave the room
(Johann/James let's her make a turn, they dance to the vivid music, they become oblivious of everything around them, Rita/Misty is exuberantly happy, she hugs Frankie/Ash and places a hearty kiss on his cheek, Frankie/Ash is disgusted, Konrad/Brock pats him on the shoulder)
I feel I'm fading like a
Maria/Jessie, Rita/Misty, Konrad/Brock and Frankie/Ash: Everytime I see you
Maria/Jessie:
Oh, I try to hide away
But when we meet it seems I can't let go
Rita/Misty, Konrad/Brock and Frankie/Ash: Can't let go!
Maria/Jessie, Rita/Misty, Konrad/Brock and Frankie/Ash:
Everytime you leave the room
Maria/Jessie:
I feel I'm fading like a flower
„Everyone get ready for the last recordings, bit-part players, you need gather around Maria and Johann", Meowth was already holding the end slate in his hands. Only a few seconds left and he would be a co-producer of a sarcastic, but romantic comedy.
Rita/Misty, Konrad/Brock and Frankie/Ash and all the bit-part players:
Everytime you leave the room
Maria/Jessie:
I feel I'm fading like a flower
Rita/Misty, Konrad/Brock and Frankie/Ash and all the bit-part players:
Everytime I see you
Maria/Jessie:
Fading like a rose
Rita/Misty, Konrad/Brock and Frankie/Ash and all the bit-part players:
Everytime you leave the room
Maria/Jessie:
Everytime I see you
Rita/Misty, Konrad/Brock and Frankie/Ash and all the bit-part players:
Everytime I see you (Maria/Jessie and Johann/James kiss one last time in front of the camera)
„And cut! This was fantastic!", Mr. Bergspiel rejoiced, on the verge of tears. The bit-part players clapped their hands, they hugged each other, tears were running down the actor's faces. A bright smile spread over Jessie's face. She shared in this project. Finally, a major role for this underestimated talent. The crew brought her dry clothes and a bathrobe. Meowth ran up to his team mates, they ended up in tight embrace. „Team Rocket is reaching for the stars", they hooted and roared with laughter. Brock high-fived James, both of them relieved that they wouldn't shoot another scene in that moldy kitchen. Misty caught Togepi in her arms and danced around. They popped bottles of champagne and toasted Jessie and her acting debut.
„We're done, thank you so much, Miss Jessie", Mr. Bergspiel bowed down in front of the young woman.
„That's nothing! I'm glad you recognized my magnificent talent", she bluffed.
„The premiere is going to be tomorrow, MacCauley needs to cut the final scenes", the director informed his filmcrew.
Jessie took James and Meowth aside. „Did you see Pikachu's Thunderstorm? What a powerful attack! I think we should try to steal that electrical rat and give it to the boss", she suggested.
„But Jessie, I thought you, Meowth and I would enter into the film business and chuck Team Rocket in. You said that the boss wouldn't even notice us leaving the organisation", James said.
„We could try and do both", Jessie proposed. „I told Meowth to dress up as receptionists at the premiere. We ask the guests to leave their Pokémon with us, we're also going to take care of the actor's little creatures, but let's go to my trailer and discuss everything in more detail", she scowled. James didn't know what happend. Only a few hours ago, Jessie was firmly convinced to become an actress, earning money by shooting movies and not by illegal acts. Now, she felt the inner impuls to buccaneer.
„Jessie, how do you want to act and steal at the same time?", he wanted to know.
„James, James, James. Imagine how many rare Pokémon we're going to encounter while shooting movies around the world. Different places, different seldom Pokémon. I took everything into account. We shoot by day and steal by night. The boss will be proud of us, trust me", she winked at her partner.
„Oh, you mean like working undercover for Giovanni?", he asked.
„Exactly", Jessie replied.
„I can see him sitting on his swivel chair saying: Meowth and his friends are not only great actors, but have an excellent record too. They augment my range of Pokémon and rake prizes in. I feel honoured to be their boss", Mewoth said.
„Let's do this", they said in unison.
Only one chapter left. Thanks for reading my fanfiction. I hope you enjoyed it so far and are eager to learn what becomes of Team Rocket,
Mr. Bergspiel and their movie.