(A/N: So this story is halfway complete! To those of you who prefer reading over reviewing (My story traffic tells all!), a mid-story progress report would be much appreciated so I can get a better idea as to how I'm doing with this so far. Constructive criticism is highly welcomed! To those of you who are daily reviewers, I couldn't have gotten this far without you! Pardon the minor grammar/spelling errors if there are any. I didn't have a lot of time to revise.)
Blessed Defiance - Chapter 25: Turning Point
Voices . . . voices discorded with frightening gravity rang through the ears of of Delia, all of them unfamiliar, all of them surrounding her. She could not see them. Her vision was frozen black, searing with chilling pain. But she could hear the voices vaguely.
Like her, these voices seemed panicked. Except they were the one's displaying it. "What's her heart rate at?", The voice of an older gentlemen shouted across her motionless body that felt as though it were soaring through the air.
"Not good!", A young woman responded. "Blood Pressure is too low! We should insert another IV line immediately!"
"Do it!", The man ordered. "We can't afford her to have go hysterical! Give her another dose so we can monitor her vital signs!"
Delia's eyes opened wide, only to reveal a fuzzy haze of white. "No, no more snow! I don't want snow! No more!" But this obscure white was not like that blankness of death's door: Azark Island. She tried to take in her surroundings, imbibing them as best she could. But she couldn't grip the fact that she was urgently being rushed through the grimly white halls of a place she did not know. "Am I dying?" Finally she looked around, her head turning to the panicking voices on both sides. "Where am I?" The question repeated in mind as always, yet this time, avoiding the truth. She found her breaths fall short and surprisingly warm, almost as if she were breathing into a blanket. Except shockingly, it was a plastic mask . . . an Oxygen Mask. Reality hit her like the blizzard all over again and soon enough, a blighting shot of pain made her realize precisely where she was: a hospital allegedly by impression. But how?
Another nurse joined the medical team. "Doctor, she's waking up!"
The blurry face of the doctor nodded. "It was only a matter of time. We'll have to increase the dosage! Put in another line!"
Following the first inception, another needle infused into her skin, this one flowing with a nauseating substance. "Gio!", She screamed for the heavens, the heavens she refused to compensate with! "Gio, where are you! They're . . . ahh . . . hurting me!" She could feel her arms pinned against the hospital gurney as she tried to jump off, almost like natural reflexes. The movement of the wheeling table she flattened against was making her sick but it compared nothing to the several injections of wires and needles scattered about her pallid arms and legs. "It hurts so much!" She wanted away, away from this place and these people! She couldn't stop screaming, kicking, her arms hurting as they strained against the straps holding her down like some sort of wild beast.
The doctors tried to calm her. "You need to lay still! The medicine will kick in, just give it a moment!"
But Delia refused to listen. There was no point to it! She hadn't the slightest clue as to what was going on, where her loved ones could be, and worst of all, how much longer the pain would last! The feeling of urgency in the air was almost palpable as she was rushed through the sirening hospital towards a room where more emergency personnel awaited.
"Keep the mask on her tight!", Said the doctor, his hands clutching the rail of the gurney, his other hand guiding the IV pole, it's medicine lines transplanted into her. "Keep her monitored!"
"Significant decrease in pulse and respiration rates!", Another nurse reported breathlessly. "No further traces of suspended animation!"
"Where is he?", Delia demanded again upon transportation into the emergency room. "Gio!" Her perverse shrieking could barely coalesce via the mask plastered to her face, pullulating gaseous sedatives unbeknownst to her. She felt gripping gloved hands move her body onto the ER bed . . . yet the attempted comfort proved futile.
More doctors, nurses, and practitioners piled into the room one by one. The whole scene had amassed into a nerve-wrecking nightmare. Those voices once again incorporated with dreadful antecedence.
For what seemed like a lifetime, the head doctor of the team finally stepped out of his silence. "We need to calm her down! Bring the boy in here immediately!"
The double-doors swung open to make way for another gurney. Atop the identical barrow lay the unconscious form of Giovanni, attached to double the series of IV lines than that which Delia bore. An earlier blanket of snow and ice now left his body looking so lifelessly blue. Above his torso, an oxygen mask occupied over his face.
"Gio . . ." Everything became blurry again, for the anesthetics were battening. Somehow though, Delia found the strength to reach out to her fallen boyfriend, almost as though she were trying to grab him from afar. "Gio . . . Gio . . . "
"The patient's hibernating functions are gone but why has he not awoken?" The man in white approached Gio critically. "What's his condition!"
Another medical team encompassed around Gio, his own nurse addressing the doctor on instruction. "Blood vessels contracting, heart rate rapidly rising, and cellular metabolic processes shutting down!" She quickly gleamed at the Heart Monitor. "Doctor . . . we're going to loose him!"
"NO!", Delia groaned, still fighting the pending slumber. A rainfall of tears dampened her cheeks.
The doctor howled: "Recalibrate his heart rate back to it's normal faculty!"
"Clear!", A medical aid cried before slamming the defibrillator electrodes on Gio's chest to counter the cardiac failure. But . . . nothing happened. The aid tried again . . . again . . . and again.
"Save him . . . please . . . don't let him die." Unable to watch anymore, Delia surrendered to the narcotic abundance that thrived within her system. Her eyes dulled, like the pain had never been there. The only pain now was the thought of loosing Gio, even that was intolerable. So she cowered behind insentience . . . and drifted away.
…...
Surrounding Briskomy Headquarters in Fuchsia City the next morning was a mob of Pokemon Trainers and protestors . . . or rather former protestors. All of them were cheering gleefully like madman upon the sighting of Miyamoto's Briskomy Helicopter, and it just might have been the greatest sound Kade Sorhagen had heard in his months of political, corporate, and social dejection. At long last, society could see Briskomy . . . for what it truly wasn't. The gimmick so far had played to succession, pulling Torino into the picture and staging Charles Goodshow's abduction. "And to think this is all because of my brilliant mind.", Kade flattered himself mentally while staring out the window of Rita's Bureau. Far below, glory awaited. No longer opposition. The new conspiracy would soon come to completion with Project Rocket not far behind. It felt absolutely delicious to tell a good lie again, especially when practically everyone was duped by it. The lean, composed politician ran his fingers against the glass windows, his eyes gaping beyond their movement to Briskomy security clearing a path at the front gate to make room for the helicopter's descent. "I think it's time for a little reunion." Sorhagen strode out of the office, straight for the elevator. At the bottom floor of the superstructure, his personal bodyguards assembled around his path of motion. The elevator was a thing in the past, and he walked collectedly out the front entrance, gracing the outside world with his presence.
The jolly mob of hundreds had breached the security force and were now chanting around the front platform where the helicopter landed. Many of these civilians held up picket signs that no longer demonstrated words of harassment but rather fanfare of support, some in which read: "Briskomy the Rescuers!" and "We were wrong all along!" Among the veteran faces, news reporters and cameramen mazed through the crowd, ready to broadcast live coverage of every development. Reporter Kathy McCalister headed the press, microphone in one hand and the other shoving locals out of her way: "Move it morons! I'm counting on this story for big bucks!"
One youngster trainer frowned to his friend. "Dude, she seems so much nicer on television . . ."
Kathy's cameraman began to visually count off the seconds until the live broadcast.
Panting hard as she toyed with the bangs of her hair, she speedily alternated her ego for the camera. Time was up. "Good morning everyone! I'm Kathy McCalister here at Briskomy Headquarters where hundreds have gathered to celebrate the successful rescue mission!" She stepped aside and guided the camera with her arm. "As you can clearly see from the rowdy excitement, everyone has affirmed a change of attitude towards the Briskomy Corporation for committing to such a brave task by sending one of their company's representatives to retrieve Pokemon League President Charles Goodshow. For days, the world, especially trainers, were stricken with angst upon the kidnapping of one of the most notable figures in the Pokemon League community. Torino was revealed to be responsible but Briskomy was already one step ahead! And now, a change of heart has occurred among the people!" She backed into the crowd until finally reaching the walkway where Kade Sorhagen stood. However the commissioner's bodyguards prevented her from climbing onto the platform, forcing her to raise up the microphone as far as she could in a longshot attempt. "Commissioner Sorhagen! Have you anything to say?"
What he did, he said nothing. Nothing at all. But he wasn't the only one. The whole blather fell into a state of silence and all eyes suddenly became fixed on the helicopter . . . for it's doors were opening.
Miyamoto stepped out from the vehicle. Pleasantly enough, she had a daintily smile gleaning out to the muster of Fuchsia's speechless populace. "Ladies and gentleman!", She announced. "I give you Charles Goodshow, safe and sound!"
The short and stubby middle-aged man made into sight behind Miyamoto, a frown of shame and disappointment hemming from his demeanor.
The crowd went nuts to say the least. Each and everyone of them were entirely unoticing to the man's indignation, more thrilled by treating Miyamoto with their joyous felicity. All they needed to know was that Goodshow was safe. It was the final confirmation needed to verify that Briskomy was trustworthy.
And this left Goodshow himself in pieces, like his pride had been ripped out from his inside. "They don't care for my safety as much as they do for Briskomy's publicity." He sighed. "If only they knew that this was all a trick. But it just goes to show that in a state of peril, anyone can assume leadership over society. Now the conspiracy will proliferate unchallenged. You win again Briskomy . . ."
"Please, don't applaud me!", Miyamoto calmed her adoring fans. "The real brains behind the operation was Rita Ketchum and our very own Commissioner Kade Sorhagen!"
The ruckus fomented louder as expected. Simultaneously, hundreds began to chant in rhythmical pattern: "BRISK-OM-Y! BRISK-O-MY! BRISK-O-MY!"
Kade bowed with a devilish grin.
Just then, Kathy McCalister took Goodshow by surprise. Right to his face, she asked: "Mr. Goodshow! Any words of gratitude to Briskomy?"
Being put on the spot was dreadfully uncomfortable. Especially when he couldn't admit any sort of gratitude. The audience listened closely . . . yet he just couldn't speak. He just couldn't feed the deception any more than it had already consumed. Without a word, he turned his back to the microphone, appalling practically everyone, viewers and rally participants alike. Deserting the fraud-stenched area was his only means of securing his precept.
From afar, an official Pokemon League limousine pulled up outside the gated entrance. Goodshow's escorts hastily helped him inside before allowing the automobile to drive into the distance, leaving behind a wordless assembly of betrayed followers.
From the platform, the first thought that popped up in Kade's head was: "This is working out much better than I expected. Rita will be delighted." When he noticed McCalister pointing the microphone in his direction for some type of response, his personal introspection cut short. Next, he reattained his pastoral, unbothered eccentricity, allowing him to speak with a fooling impression. "It breaks my heart that Mr. Goodshow has yet to accept our corporation for it's true intentions: to please the people, to improve society, and to do what we can to exterminate Torino!" Lies, lies, and lies . . . but general public didn't have to know that, which Kade could only satirize on the inside. After the next round of applause ended, he continued to do what he did best. "But I'm ecstatic to know now that all of you along with the rest of the world believes in us! Now these conspiracy rumors can finally stop!" The mighty praise that circled where he stood was the most empowering moment of his life. Everything was falling into place without any disruption, leaving only but a few doubters left on the planet. They posed no threat luckily. "I'll be giving my full speech later this afternoon.", He informed Kathy McCalister and her cameraman. He then looked back to the people. "I thank you all for coming! I'll return to enlighten my full press address in a short amount of time! But for now, I must confer with my associates! Thank you again!" With Miyamoto giggling right beside him, the two double-sided players strolled back into the building with their security blocking the front entrance.
Inside, Miyamoto broke down into more apparent amusement. She whipped her hair back, no longer having to hide her facial diversion from the public. "That speech preview was so believable that it was purely entertaining. How lucky are we to have sought out such a brilliant actor to protect our company's secrets!"
He nodded. "Yes, it was rather spot on. However, Goodshow didn't seem so persuaded."
"Who cares about that?" She laughed again in saying this. Though why wouldn't she? Rita's interest was directed at immortalizing Briskomy until need be . . . though not to the extent of Metsuma's desire, yet still Miyamoto's vouch counted. "Almost every Pokemon Trainer is at their hands and knees to us now that we've saved their most prominent leader! Oh Madame's going to love this news . . . that is if she hasn't already seen it on T.V."
Kade considered this adequately. "You're right.", He said. "And what makes this better is that Goodshow still despises us. That will surely outrage his followers! They will drift away from him . . . and bow to our wishes! All Goodshow has left are those damned regional councils of his. Even with their minor loyalty he'll be powerless!" He turned to his friend. "And now we move on to the next phase of our plan."
A curious gaze emanated from her face. Luckily this didn't discourage Kade. She had yet to be caught up on the rest of the conspiracy ploy. "May I ask what that is?"
"The Pokemon League Committee holds a firm stance in government activity. Because of this, the senate is in debt to us for what we've done to ensure the safety of one of it's primary politicians.", A the dark and twisted whisper hithered off his lips. "When we ask them to overturn the inspection of this headquarters, they won't refuse our request."
Miyamoto understood fully now. "Heh, so it's as if we didn't even need the public appeal to foil the inspection all along. All we needed was a political debt!"
Again he nodded. "Project Rocket will soon revitalize. And lucky for us, as soon as it does, it will almost be complete." And to further his assessment, it was Rita he was aiming to content. Surely Miyamoto felt the same. Neither of them could see how Metsuma could possibly try to pull a fast one now. While the crime lord did help invent the plan, he was not the one acting it out.
…...
The cold, wretched hands of Metsuma Rocket slid across the davenport beside he and Rita's king-sized bed, quietly in recon for the particular item he had hidden earlier.
Rita had he back turned to him, unaware of his actions. She was welching her face with a coating of blush just like every morning. It was basically in her schedule: Breakfast in bed, bath, and then painting up her face like a high-class bawd. Her reflection in the mirror had her fairly distracted . . . but nevertheless, she blabbered to her husband about absolutely nothing. "-my pedicure yesterday hadn't gone horribly wrong, I wouldn't be bitching to your staff every three seconds. I don't want to say it's your fault dear, but . . . it pretty much is. Let's be realistic! You need to take better regime over your faculty. This is your stronghold after all!"
But Metsuma wasn't listening. Standing over the davenport, his hand pulled the knob of the drawer open . . . and slowly reached in to pull out a lucent pistol. The gun was almost as deadly as his taciturn, his reticent intent in all exactness.
"Honey?", Rita called. "Can you help me with my necklace?"
With the weapon in hand and pointed to her spine with his finger on the trigger, he slowly approached his wife from behind. The feeling of perpetration, topped with a divine hint of dominance, keyed through Metsuma's confident soul. However, his brain was chief in this situation. He was wise to be skeptical of this act, an act that would define his new rule. 'Would' was too assuring of a word though. That was the fact of that. And then, he found his hand sneak the weapon under his suit. Then he affixed his hold around Rita's neck . . . but only to help her with the necklace as she had requested of him. "There you go.", He said smoothly. "You look . . . beautiful."
"Oh hush you.", She sighed. "I need to start over! I look a mess!"
"Whatever you say love." No course of action transpired. Metsuma had to ponder on the subject of Rita's fate with close attention. Leaving her to waste her own time, Metsuma exited the bedroom.
…...
Later that morning, Gio's eyes gradually opened to welcome the daylight that pillaged through the window of the hospital room he tenanted. He could hear the ocean waves casting against one and other outside. . . but not violently. It was peaceful, his favorite of all nature's flavors. Stability rose in place of chaos. He didn't remember much about the night before . . . but judging by the mild yet conspicuous pain circuiting every inch of him, a lot had happened beneath his crippled consciousness. IV lines held his body in medical sanction. It was a good thing he supposed. At least it was taking the pain away . . . for the most part. Also, his head was aching like never before. "Aghhh!", He groaned aloud. "What have I been missing?" Suddenly, his arm that hung loose off the side of his bed became snatched into the grace of his life. He looked over to see Delia's hospital bed just beside him. She lay there smiling weakly but still holding his hand. "Delia! You're okay!"
The incentive he displayed made her cheeks glow back to life. After thinking he'd be dead by the time she'd have awoken that moment, it was like a sensation to find just the opposite. They truly were inseparable. She had been craving to see that smile again, that smile that made her wish to turn back the time from which she could recall him doing so last. Nothing could break their moment together. A strange way of life . . . mysterious yet true. Love reunited brought with it faith, trust, and unmatchable affection which proved all along to be true love. "Pardon my language . . . but you put me through hell last night.", She giggled.
That hurt him a little bit. Delia's anguish was also his own. "I'm sorry."
"But the night before that. . . was the best night I've ever had in my entire life." Of course, she was referring to the night in the cave on Azark Island . . . where they finally engaged the intimate stage they had feared would be a mistake. But they did it anyway. Not because they were under the impression that they would meet their doom . . . but because their love had blossomed to an invincible degree where nothing could split them apart. All the more proof had derived since even now, they remained alive.
Gio nodded. He couldn't argue with that. But he did harbor one simple question. He looked back to her. "Any regrets?"
She immediately shook her head in refusal . . . and she meant it with just that gesture.
Just then, the Doctor marched into the room. "Hello Mr. Ketchum!", He said proudly, shaking hands with the youth. "Glad to see you're making a full recovery."
Delia's vision was no longer blurry. The image of the doctor was crystal clear now. As she shook his hand, she found the man to be tall, portly, with a great big mustache.
"You two are very lucky.", He told them a line they had heard several times before. Luck was something they had been growing more unsure of. Even so, he continued. "We found you both huddled up together in that cave which could not have been a smarter move on your part. In those climate conditions, it's important to create as much body heat as possible. We call it terminal burrowing."
Both Gio and Delia blushed at his statement. Neither of them wished to correct his analogy. So instead they nodded casually.
"Nevertheless, you both underwent a severe case of hypothermia.", He explained. "But it's very strange. When we found you children, we assumed you simply unconscious when in fact, the both of you had entered a hibernating stage called suspended animation."
"Suspended what?", Gio asked curiously.
"Suspended animation is the slowing of life processes by external means without termination.", Began his explanation. "Breathing, heartbeat, and other involuntary functions may still occur, but they can only be detected by artificial means. It's usually temperature induced but suspended animation itself is an uncommon occurrence among we humans."
"Talk about a miracle . . .", Delia gasped. Listening to a clarification such as that made her wonder more and more about whether or not luck was actually responsible.
The doctor glowered. "It doesn't matter. You both should know now never to pull a stunt like that again. That kind of weather is fatal!" Suspicions flooded his inquiry. "Just what were you kids doing on that island in the first place? Didn't you know it was dangerous there? Not just because of the cold but because Torino-"
Gio rushed to change the subject. "Where are we anyway? I can hear the ocean outside. Am I hallucinating or something?"
"You are aboard a military ship.", Answered the man who still had questions girding in the back of his head. "This is the ship's medical center. As soon as we reach Goldenrod City, you're free to go." As he headed for the door he said: "I'll be sending in the rest of your friends now."
Gio and Delia's mouth gaped open at the same moment. They stared at eachother, completely bewildered. It took until now for the two to finally realize that they hadn't been alone on the island! How could they have forgotten their friends? For Gio, it was generally about seeing his best pal, his furry friend, his favorite Pokemon! The ordeal was likely one of the longest instances that he and Meowth had been apart! And then there was Spencer whom he had mysteriously lost sight of during the height of the blizzard. What a nightmare that turned out to be . . .
For Delia, she was still in debt to Blanco for saving she and Lola at the last minute before Warpath Tower's destruction. In fact, if he hadn't teleported her to that winter desert, she and Gio would have never reunited . . . and would have never shared that wonderful night together.
"Move, move, out of my way! Lola to the rescue!" A loud thump sounded from the doorway. Lola had shoved the doctor out of her way so she could lay eyes on her long lost acquaintances. "Gio! Delia! Oh my gosh, you're okay!" She kneeled between the two beds and pulled the lovebirds into a compassionate headlock in each arm. "I thought you two were dead! I didn't sleep a wink!"
"Lola-", Gio gurgled faintly. "Can't breath here!"
Lola nodded and pulled them closer. "Yes, it is a rather breathtaking moment for all of us! We're all back together again! Isn't it great?"
Delia's eyes were practically bulging out of her head. "Lola, you're choking-"
Tears of bliss began to pour down the water-trainer's face. "I know Delia, I'm getting all choked up myself! You're not alone!"
"LET GO OF US!", They both cried.
"Well why didn't you just say so?" Lola obeyed and released her grip.
Meowth then blitzed into through the doorway! Except he was no better than Lola in giving a warm welcome. "Meow! Meow!" He jumped up and pounced directly onto Gio's chest, hugging his master with his claws tearing into his skin. "Meowy! Meow!"
"Arrghh!", Gio grunted. "Good to see you to Meowth! Ummm . . . could you retract the claws please?"
Delia and Lola giggled together. Then Lola handed Delia her bag. "Someone else has been waiting to see you!"
"Chu! Pichu!" Faith leaped from her cozy hideaway and treated Delia to an excited electric shock!
"Ouch!" She twinged but shook it off. "Oh Faith!", She cried happily while embracing her child. "I missed you to! I promise to never leave you again! And thank you for being so good for Lola while I was gone."
"Pichu, Pi!"
"Excuse me?", Blanco's voice echoed from the doorway. "I believe it I you should be thanking!"
Delia nodded. "Yes, thank you Blanco for teleporting me-"
"He's not talking about that." Spencer appeared, making his way in front of Blanco with a very proud grin. "Blanco, Lola, and I were the ones who met up with the military at the island's beach and told them to send a search party out for you."
"I'm guessing that took awhile.", Said Gio, full of sarcasm. It was the formal way to commune with Spencer and it felt spectacular to do so again.
But the other boy snarled. "Oh be quiet. You're alive now, aren't you?"
"And you know what?", Delia gathered everyone's attention. "Aside from the trouble . . . we all made a pretty good team."
Blanco concurred. "I suppose you're right. We did manage to infiltrate Azark Island without being neutralized by Torino's potency. We relied on eachothers capabilities and strategies."
Friendship did apparently work in more ways that one, making Gio feel satiate that he and his rivals were on concerted terms. They had joined up to combat a greater enemy. As for Delia, Spencer, and Meowth, those were relationships he was quite confident with. In exchange, he played the part of boyfriend, friend, and trainer as best he could. But he wondered if two more friends added to the fray of his journey would do any harm? After all, everyone did agree that Lola and Blanco had worked well with his own group. So he had to recommend what he felt was best to suggest: "Lola. Blanco. This may sound unexpected but . . .how would you two like to join our team? We could use you both."
"In other words abuse my gifted powers?", Inquired the telepathic trainer. "I think not! I'm sorry but I must decline the offer. I journey alone, don't take it personally."
Then Lola was the center of attention. "I'm sorry you guys.", She said sorrowfully. "But I'm not looking to go on another journey. I just came to Johto to visit my family." She turned back to her cousin. "Uncle Stanley is still expecting me I hope."
"You know my father.", Blanco chuckled. "He's not so keen over tardiness. I'm afraid . . . we'll have to go our separate ways once reach Goldenrod City."
"Oh I don't think so!", Lola cheered up, her eyes fixed on Gio. "I'm not going anywhere until I get a rematch with Gio. It'll make us even from the Indigo Plateau Conference!"
Blanco simply dismayed her avidity. "Don't be ridiculous Lola! Giovanni is my rival now and we have yet to have a battle!" He hovered over Gio's hospital bed. "What do you say ol' chap? A quickie once we arrive at Goldenrod?"
But Gio shook his head. A repressed appetite was finally making him hungry again for only one particular confrontation. With everything returning back to normal, he felt more confident than ever. "Actually, I have my own score to settle."
…...
The War Room of Torino's Base of Operations interrelated a somber darkness, similar to that of a murky storm cloud impending over a hulking city, it's buildings shadowed by umbrage. Corporal Viper was the only one occupying the recess . . . that was until Metsuma strayed in for a quick word with his henchman. By the looks, he seemed rather misgiving.
"Sir, is everything alright?", Viper dared to question. But he was in on the assassination attempt to in all seriousness. He wanted to know the details badly. "Did you . . . do away with her?"
Metsuma shook his head. From within his Zoot Suit, he withdrew the firearm and handed it over to Viper. "Take this back. It would have been a disastrous error."
The corporal was hesitant to retrieve the weapon, trying to figure out Metsuma's excuse. Why did he bail? "Sir, you saw the news! Briskomy is back on top! You kill her and you'll be able take back what's yours!"
"Silence.", Metsuma said sternly calm. "You are too naive corporal. If we are to do this, it must be done right."
"But the pistol-"
"Would have resulted in a messy outcome.", Specified the Crime Lord as he paced back and forth. "She'd have screamed, her Briskomy guards would have heard, I'd have been too late to clean up the blood and dispose of the body, and the lower ranking inferiors would have learned that Rita was here and suspect conspiracy. I can't afford to let our bottom feeders spill the beans and ruin my plans."
This was a good point admittedly. As far as Torino's lower class minions were concerned, they were simply serving an organization of crime for the sole purpose of collecting Pokemon and causing havoc. They certainly had no knowledge of any conspiracy. Only the big leagues and their personnel knew. Viper should have considered himself privileged to be in on such a chicanery.
"Now take this back.", Metsuma repeated again, trying to hand Viper the pistol. "You should know that I'm not a messy killer."
Viper obliged though not too mirthfully. "Very good sir."
Leaning against the doorway, Metsuma smiled. Something new was up his sleeve for sure. "Worry not corporal, I have another idea in mind. A much more . . . quiet alternative."
…...
MooMoo Farm, located outside of Goldenrod City, contained a large paddock where Miltank were welcome to graze, relax, and breed. According to Goldenrod's Gym Referee, Milton commonly spent his time overseeing the ranch. It was a nifty clearing, and for Gio, it felt good to be back in the real world where he could bathe in the fresh aired climate, smell the aroma of the trees and flowers, and be among regular people as opposed to ruthless Torino savages. However his sights were set on only one thing: A rematch with the Goldenrod City Gym Leader. Only an hour back in civilization and that was his goal.
"Where could Milton be?", Lola wondered, looking about her surroundings. "The referee did say we could find him here."
"Rather outlandish place to find a Gym Leader.", The snobby Blanco criticized.
Spencer had his own opinion. "Well it makes sense though. He used a Miltank in the Gym Battle before so it's possible that he cares for all of these Miltank as well."
"Yeah but he'll be using that same Miltank no doubt.", Gio assumed. "And this time, we'll be ready. Right Meowth?"
The cat Pokemon nodded. "Meow! Meow!"
"Howdy!", Bellowed the voice of whom they'd been seeking from afar. "What took you kids so long to come back?"
"There he is!", Said Delia, pointing behind the fenced field where Milton stood waving. The five rushed over the fence to greet the Gym Leader.
Milton tossed aside his pitchfork and raised his hat to greet his visitors. "I take it ya'll are here for a rematch?"
"I am.", Gio stated, squeezing Delia's hand. "And this time . . . I know I can win. I guess you could say that I have no reason to show off anymore. I don't need to worry because my friends still stand by me no matter what."
Delia giggled. She was very proud of her boyfriend for speaking so maturely which was kind of rare.
Milton rubbed his chin. "Well it ain't customary but I don't see why we can't battle right here. How about it?"
The terms were immediately agreed to. No, this wasn't an ordinary Gym Match since it was not setting stone in an actual Gym . . . but if Milton still counted it, Gio would willingly accept.
Once both Gio and Milton had taken their bearings across from one and other, Spencer bestowed the part of referee. "This is a Gym Battle between Giovanni Ketchum and the Gym Leader Milton! Each trainer will select only one Pokemon! No Time Limit! Let the Battle begin! Oh and . . . good luck Gio!"
"Let's do this Meowth!", Gio shouted. He already had his strategy planned out.
"Meowthy!" The feline fleeted across the battlefield, ready to strike at the first sighting of the opponent.
But Milton had something else in mind. He threw his Pokeball to the skies . . . but Miltank did not appear.
A Tauros appeared! "Mrrrooo!"
Gio was taken aback, forcing him to gain the assistance of his handy Pokedex.
"TAUROS, THE WILD BULL POKEMON! WHEN WHIPPING ITSELF WITH IT'S THREE TAILS, IT'S TACKLE ATTACK IS A POWERFUL DESTRUCTIVE FORCE!"
"A Tauros?", Delia shrieked from behind the fence. "But . . . what about Miltank?"
Milton chuckled. "Ah shucks, if you thought Miltank was tough, you got another thing comin'! Tauros, Tackle attack!"
Outstandingly, Tauros' hefty charge was twice the speed of Miltank's Rollout! The enormous cloud of dust that labored from the stampeding hoofs were greatly intimidating . . . but not to the duo of two who weren't about to let anything stand in their way!
"We can do this!", Gio kept telling himself. "Meowth, Water Pulse on the ground!"
For a clear aim, Meowth leaped into the air before firing! The aquatic constellation was so impacting, it swept away a patch of grass, turning the dirt underneath into slippery mud!
Tauros struggled change it's direction . . . but failed. The muddy ground had the Bull Pokemon toppling down face first!
"Impressive I'll admit.", Commented Blanco. "However i'd be too hasty to assume if I predicted his victory."
Constructive criticism always pestered Gio but he worked fairly hard to keep his attention diverted away from his friends. Blanco was the only one who couldn't keep silent.
Since Tauros was temporarily disabled, Meowth began to bundle at his enemy from behind with his claws in readiness to thrash!
"Tauros!", Milton yelled. "Give em' a Tail Whip!"
"Mrrrooo!" The three tails slashed like swords, batting Meowth ways away!
Gio was astounded! First it was stunning speed and now the problem was a triple-saber tail! What a battle! "Meowth, stand your ground!"
Tauros stormed from the mud-pit, angrier than ever before!
"C'mon now Miltank, Tackle again!", Ordered Milton.
"Not again!" Rolling his eyes, Gio began to strategize again. "Meowth, Thunderbolt!"
Meowth did as he was told and launched an electrical discharge at Tauros!
But the speed of the opposing animal was too evasive!
Again, Meowth fired another Thunderbolt attack right at the horns!
But in response, Tauros dodged again . . . and again . . . and again!
With Tauros closing, Gio had to turn to a brisk discretion. "Meowth, Thunderbolt at it's feet!"
"Meeeeow!" It was successful, substantially because the feet were visually a more evident target than the horns.
Tauros tripped forward, body slamming to the ground like it had earlier when dealing with the mud-pit. Except this impingement sustained the Pokemon with a whole lot more damage, marginal critical!
"Go Meowth!", Gio instructed. "Fury Swipes!"
But the most bewildering unexpectancy befall upon the battle! Though grounded and injured, Tauros let loose a devastating Hyper Beam stream, practically draining all of it's energy as the price to pay! It was as if it were all planned!
Meowth stood no chance. The mortifying blow collided head on with the feline fighter! Never had he experienced quite a Hyper Beam like this!
"No!" Delia turned away, Lola doing the same.
Even Spencer was blinded by the flash of the happening that he had to drop down and shield his vision!
Moments passed. Gio looked back up to find Meowth powerless on the ground only a yard away from him. Luckily he hadn't fainted . . . yet.
Tauros was in the same condition. Having being wounded by Meowth's Thunderbolt and fatigued from it's own Hyper Beam, the bull beast was on the verge of stupor.
But Milton dismayed the prospect, backfiring with a layout of his very own. "Tauros, Rest!"
When Tauros fell asleep, Gio felt overwhelmingly discouraged. "I should have known! Milton was waiting until both of them were weak to pull this trick!"
Blanco hummed telepathically: "This is turning out to be a remarkable battle. I wish I had been given this treatment."
"Gio can do this!", Delia parried the Psychic boy's smart mouth. "I know he can!"
"Chu!", Faith acknowledged, poking her head out from the bag.
Lola still had her eyes covered. "Oh I can't look anymore! Once Tauros is re-energized, what will Meowth do? What will Gio do?"
Delia frowned. "I . . . don't know. But he'll think of something. He always does. I believe in him!"
Minutes went by and back on the field, Gio couldn't seem to budge Meowth from his doldrums. "Meowth, if you dont get up soon, Tauros is going to cream you! You have to-"
"Mrrroo!" Gio had spoken too soon, for Tauros was now back on his feet, feeling more powerful than ever! As though it had lost it's mind, the horned besieger raided onward to Meowth at immense rapidity!
Gio was full of panic again. "Meowth! You can do this! Get up!"
Milton chuffedly clapped his hands. "This is goin'a be one heck of a rodeo! Go on get em' Tauros!"
A billowy dust cloud formed from Tauros' onset enclosed the climatic clash from visibility! Gio couldn't see past it for the life of him, not knowing if Meowth had been defeated. And then . . . it vanished! Gio stared with close attention, his eyes beguiling him . . . because Meowth was no where to be seen!
Tauros stood in place, very confused.
"What . . . just happened?", Asked a perplexed Lola.
"Meowth used Dig!", Delia concluded. "Just like Meowth to never let down Gio! Now all we do is wait."
But the wait wasn't long fortunately! An eruption beneath Tauro's hoofs sent the bull Pokemon spiraling into the air like a boomerang! "Mrrroooo!"
Then Meowth popped up from underground! "Meeow!" While still blemished, the Pokemon refused to give in!
An articulation of fright overhauled Milton upon Tauros landing at his feet. He'd have to resort to his only source of recovery. "Tauros, Rest again!"
The fractured foe closed his eyes and entered his slumber.
But Gio was expecting just for that to happen! "Meowth, photo finish this with Dream Eater!"
It was an attack he hadn't used in a real match since the Viridian City duel with Rita's Moltres. However Meowth had memorized the tactic well in training . . . and it was time to put the long-overdue move to the test again! Nearing Tauros, Meowth's whole body began to glisten a shade of red . . . before birthing a false clone of himself directly from the spiritual energy.
The ghost Meowth separated from the real one and darted it's possessive form directly into the mind of Tauros, slicing it's inner-revival process in half while at the same time, absorbing the creature's energy!
Milton couldn't deny that it was all over now. His eyes watched helplessly as Tauros squealed in it's sleep . . . before sprawling onto the ground, unable to handle the disruption any further.
Meowth's false form abandoned unconscious bull and quickly rejoined with his physical body.
"Tauros is unable to battle!", Spencer announced happily. "Now we can finally get the heck out of Goldenrod . . ."
"What in tarnation just happened!", Was all Milton could say while recalling his Pokemon back to it's Pokeball.
"Gio just won, that's what happened!", Delia remarked, hopping over the fence to entwine Gio with a hug. She clasped him tightly like Lola had earlier which had him choking again. "I knew you could do it!"
Tauros' life force had fully healed the exalted Meowth whom was now making his way to Gio to join in on the merriment! "Meowy! Meowy!"
"A job well done Meowth!", Gio congratulated his Pokemon. "You did excellent!"
"You both did." Milton approached the victors, holding in his hand . . . the PlainBadge. "Heck, the was some battle you gave me. And for winning it, you deserve this."
Gio mustered the badge into his possession. To think that he had just surpassed an obstacle he thought he'd never achieve . . . was probably what made him stronger in the end. Three Gyms could now be marked off the list . . . with five more to go.
…...
Back in Kanto, deception continued to brew. The hundreds that had rallied outside of Briskomy Headquarters only hours ago had now expanded into an assemblage of thousands, all of them in support for Briskomy. Every press-team readied to broadcast at the sight of Kade Sorhagen exiting the front entrance of building and towards the heavily guarded alter where his podium overlooked the ginormous courtyard now filled with too many people to even estimate in counting. Kade took front and center with Miyamoto and her infant daughter Jessie, Gildas Alvar, and dozens of other Briskomy executives and representatives standing behind him. He held his hands out to the crowd for silence . . . and then began his speech. "What a glorious celebration!", He started with just a hint of encouragement. "I never thought i'd see the day when the world would finally set our corporation free from the chains of lies. All it took was an act of compassion for the planet to see that we do not mean offense to any human or Pokemon. Torino is the one that wants that! Torino is the one that wants to see the world crumble beneath it. But I assure . . . Briskomy will not let that happen!" Thunderous applause broke out again and as pleased as Kade was, he had to continue on. "Briskomy just wants to remain a proprietor to our economy, to our government, to our very way of life! But unfortunately . . . your very own Charles Goodshow and his committee has yet to agree to any sort of understanding with our corporation."
An uproar of outrage shook the premises, innovating hidden smiles of delectation behind the masked souls of Briskomy's directors. Kade just might have won the title of conspiracy forecaster.
"I know it may come as a disappointment . . . but it's true.", The commissioner faked his desolation. "We won't deny the facts though if it makes Mr. Goodshow feel any consolation. We sell Pokemon and related merchandise to promote the ideals of Pokemon Training itself . . . but the Pokemon League Committee fails to accept it. We obtain our Pokemon in the wild . . . but the Pokemon League Committee is convinced that we collaborate with the thieving Torino. We want to help empower political activity . . . but the Pokemon League Committee sees us responsible for society's corruption. Why must they accuse us? What more can we do to earn their trust? So what will it be trainers? Since Goodshow refuses to form a friendship with Madame Ketchum, you can only pledge your loyalties to one of us: Briskomy . . . or the Pokemon League Committee!"
"Goodshow's being immature! What kind of respectful leader is heartless enough to not even thank his saviors for rescuing him?", One trainer yelled. "I say Briskomy for the win!"
Everyone went nuts again, chanting that same pattern: "BRISK-O-MY! BRISK-O-MY! BRISK-O-MY!"
"Thank you everyone!", Kade bowed to the crowd. "Oh and we're having a sale on Briskoballs, only $4.99 at your local retailer store!"
…...
"Outrageous!" Inside his laboratory lobby, Samuel Oak switched off his television as soon as possible. Sorhagen's speech fueled him with a displeasurable temper.
Joining him in the room were Agatha and Danforth, members of the Indigo League Council. "You were right all along Agatha.", Danforth confessed, sitting on the sofa couch. "Briskomy really was in the process of saving themselves before the inspection of their headquarters."
Sammy rubbed his chin. "I just don't see how they could get away with something this vile!"
"What's worse is that they have everyone fooled." Agatha was the most anxious of all three of them for one simple reason: she had predicted a disaster but failed to stop it. She could foresee almost anything with her abilities . . . but Briskomy proved to be the only potential force strong enough to overwhelm her intelligence. "Briskomy has almost every Pokemon Trainer in the nation under it's thumb. In doing so, they've succeeded in turning them against their leader in only a short matter of time."
Danforth stood up. "President Goodshow doesn't deserved to be the target of this conspiracy. It's disgusting. If we had kept a closer eye on him, we would have been able to prevent Torino from kidnapping him."
"Well we can't change the past I'm afraid.", Sammy sighed, reflecting on his past for a brief moment. Strangely enough, part of him wished he could see Celebi again. He could imagine the forest fairy taking him back to a time where he could have stopped his father's research from being destroyed . . . or even far back enough to avert his father's death. But that was not an option. "What we mustn't forget is that Briskomy has yet to complete their rise to power. There still might be an opportunity to do something."
"A slim opportunity.", Said Agatha. "But . . . still an opportunity. The problem now is finding it."
Danforth nodded and then turned to face his peer. "Agatha, we should regroup with the rest of the council."
"You're right." The Specter Director stepped back, readying her vanishing act. "We'll see you soon Samuel. I promise" Ghostly mist then filled the room before swallowing the two Pokemon Masters from thin air.
Samuel seated himself in his sofa chair. He wanted to open up a book or maybe even tend to the Pokemon in the coral, anything take his mind off the Briskomy developments . . . but it was impossible. "Why has it come this far?", He said to himself.
"Daddy?"
The depressed professor lifted his head from his palms to find his little boy standing at his feet. "Oh dear me, you surprised me Tucker!"
"I know someone who can save us daddy!" Tucker climbed atop his father's lap and from his pocket, he took out a folded sheet of construction paper.
Sammy slowly unfolded the paper to reveal a drawing of a boy in his teenage years, with a Pokeball in his hand and a Meowth at his side.
…...
The sunset kindled the dirt trail to Ecruteak City in a glimmer of mellow red. The road to Gio's next destination would be a long one . . . but he could leave behind Goldenrod knowing that he had accomplished what he came for in the first place. Also, the failure at Azark Island helped him grip his potential and his time with Delia had showed him the way to value his relationships with the one's he love, romantic, friendly, and even competitive.
Lola was ready to take the left path and the opposite path belonged to Blanco whom had decided to train elsewhere before challenging more Gyms.
But before Gio and his group could take the middle path, they just had to say their farewells to their old friend and new rival. "You two take care.", Gio told the pair of cousins. "Blanco, I'll be seeing you at the Silver Conference I hope."
Blanco chuckled telepathically. "Sooner than that hopefully. Next time we meet, I'll award you a battle you'll never forget!" To avoid being sentimental, Blanco shook hands with his rival and then began to levitate down his trail. "Rest assured, we'll meet again soon! Farewell friends! Send my regards to the family Lola!"
Lola was jumping up and down. "Bye Blanco! Good luck! I'll be rooting for you!" She calmed down and sighed. "Oh . . . I always hate saying goodbye."
"Oh don't worry. We'll see you again.", Giggled Delia. "We promise. And next time, we'll save some time to gossip some more!"
"Oh yay!", Lola cheered.
"Oh brother . . . ", Both Gio and Spencer whined together.
And so, Lola went her own way . . . leaving behind the friends she's miss dearly. It was a fun adventure . . . but she was ready to settle down.
Once the two were only but specs in the russet horizon, Gio spun around to Delia and heaved out: "You ready?"
She nodded with a smile. She took his hand . . . and the two followed after Meowth and Spencer into the orifice of the undertaking that would await them next.
But all of a sudden, a voice echoed in Gio's head before he could take another step forward. It was his father. "I'm proud of you Gio."
"Thanks . . dad.", He whispered silently. "You know, the worst is over I think."
But his father's tone subjected to a genuine . . . but serious emphasis. "No Gio. You've learned much already . . . but what you don't know is that the worst hasn't even begun yet."
…...
It was a nice, quiet dinner for Rita and Metsuma in the dining chamber of their master suite. For Rita, this was the first chance she had to properly celebrate Briskomy's incline.
But for Metsuma, this was meant to be the last dinner . . . for the one whom he sat across from.
The lights were dimmed. Soothing jazz music played to Rita's liking. "I've longed for a night like this darling.", She said while playing with her silverware.
Metsuma nodded, not even touching his salad. His hands were folded together, his elbows were hunched evenly on the table, and his gaze was directed at her glass of wine. "I too have longed for this night.", He said but with an entirely different meaning behind his elucidation. "Drink up dear."
"You just want to fill my glass again!", She giggled, food spilling down from her mouth.
"The night is still young.", He whispered. "Besides, you've only had two glasses."
She ignored him. The suggestion instead had her reminiscing, not that Metsuma cared. "You should see how many glasses Kade can down in just five minutes! I tell you, that man is invulnerable to alcohol!"
Metsuma rolled his eyes. "I'm well aware." Not long ago, Rita and her drunken cohorts had practically ruined Briskomy's reputation by joyriding in a helicopter after dusk. It wasn't even laughable to Metsuma. He found it ridiculous, downright absurd. On the other hand, he wouldn't care so much now considering that he was aiming for Rita's demise. Hell, he could have just offered a helicopter right there and then!
"Finished!" She sloppily slid her glass across. "Fill me up baby! Oh and don't forget to get me some more wine!" She laughed hysterically, as if that were actually funny. Obviously the alcohol had hit her too hard and too soon.
Metsuma stood up and took her glass into the kitchen. The wine bottle sat on the counter. He poured her glass only halfway, for that was all that was necessary. What he did next, he equipped a green vile from his pocket that read: 'Extract Gastric Methanol'. Once he the cap popped off, he divulged just a drop of the liquid substance into her glass, letting it mix with the drink. "So sorry Rita . . . but I have plans . . . and you're not a part of them any longer." This was bound to happen. Viper was right about one thing. This was the perfect timing to regain authority over Briskomy. Upon Rita's death, he'd inherit the corporation and forward Project Rocket to it's final stage. But . . . what he hadn't put much thought into was political power. Kade Sorhagen had access to that . . .and the commissioner would never obey to his directives as long as Rita was dead. He was a smart but stubborn man that Kade.
"Oh Metsuma!", Hollered Rita. "I'm waiting."
The Crime Lord snapped out of his daze and hid the vile. He then brought his own glass along with the poisoned one back into the dining chamber. "Forgive me darling." He placed the beverages on the table, the poisoned one closest to her convenience. "Go ahead darling . . . drink as much-" It was the craziest thing. He couldn't find himself to finish his sentence. The thought of risking his future for the conspiracy was back on the mind! This had to have been a sign and as a wise man, he'd comply.
Rita reached for the tainted beverage . . . but Metsuma quickly switched the two before she could be given the chance. "Mine has more." He explained himself. "And you deserve more."
They toasted their glasses and Rita chugged the drink down in only mere seconds. Shortly afterward, she passed out on the floor, like no one saw that coming.
Metsuma didn't mind. In all honesty, he preferred her drunk with her mouth shut. Now he could contemplate some more. Viper would not be happy with his decision . . . but the opinion of an insignificant corporal didn't matter. Rita would not yet suffer the fate of his first wife and that was the verdict. He still had use for her. By continuing to manipulate her, he could easily manipulate Kade Sorhagen . . . and soon the government. "Executive power . . . is the dominant power."
…...
Azalea Town in the dead of night swelled with sleeping citizens . . . except Kurt, the Pokeball craftsman. Heavy pounding on the front door of his home had caused him to cross paths with Detective Darius Scouter. "What is it? Have you any idea what time it is?"
Scouter wasted no time. "It's late. It's dark. The quicker you give me answers, the quicker you go back to sleep."
The growling of Darius' Houndour could be heard clearly outside. This was all the convincing Kurt needed. "Alright, alright, what is it I can do for you?"
Darius eyed the inside of the stranger's house for a brief moment. Then he eventually supplied the breakdown. "I'm looking for someone . . . someone you've met before. Don't try and deny it."
Kurt scratched his head. "Errr . . . I'm going to need a name."
"The one who saved this town from a damn radioactive holocaust!" Inch by inch, Scouter's tone became impatient. "You have to know who I'm talking about!"
"Oh yes, Giovanni.", Kurt remembered. "I forget his last name though. Yes, he saved this town from Briskomy some time back. You see we had this drought long ago-"
Darius held up his finger threateningly. "I'm not interested in damn folktale story! I want to know everything you know about Giovanni!"
"Alright, settle down.", Kurt eased the stranger's agitation. "But listen ehh . . . what Giovanni did for this town has gone somewhat forgotten. Everyone here has gone loopy lately, distracted by Briskomy rescuing that Goodshow fellow. It's as though I'm the only one left in this town that actually still hates that company."
"That makes two of us.", Darius admitted. "It might shock you to know that Giovanni may be involved with not only Briskomy, but Torino as well. That's why I need answers. And I need them now so that when I find him, I can solve the puzzle before anyone else can."
…...
The suburbs of Saffron City was home to some of the most notorious criminals in the Nation, but most of the time, they hid themselves well. The law was commonly too occupied with Torino which was a superb advantage for the Mafia syndicate to play their role in the criminal underworld of organized crime, national or local groupings of highly centralized enterprises run by criminals for the purpose of engaging in illegal activity, most commonly for monetary profit and of course, Pokemon Profiteering and trade. 'Suburb Saffron Cassino' was in fact a mafia owned estate, disguised as of course a cassino when in fact, it was really a hideout and central gathering place to perform unauthorized dealings between organizations.
Pokemon Hunter Memphis, more desperate than ever, entered the illicit domicile with certain expectations. He had left J and the crew back at the ship so he could track down an old contact of his from Sinnoh. A overseas merchant had hinted that this location would be the place to find this specific 'friend' of Memphis.' It was dark and the underworld reeked of trouble. Every other second, he'd here a gun war in the distance, people screaming, and the occasional mysterious footsteps as though someone were following. From every sewer gutter he passed, a Grimer would crawl out and try to frighten nearby people. Memphis simply ignored the rancid environment. The double-doors of the Saffron Cassino swung open upon his presence. He entered, his face along with it's expression blackened by his hood. He looked around to find dozens of people scattered about. Some shady looking figures were glued to the slot machine, other men, many of them drunk, surrounded an unimpressive drab mounting to a strip-pole, and others marshaled over a competitive game of pool. It wasn't until he glanced over to the bar area when he found exactly who he was searching for.
The man sat alone in a corner table, his feet plopped on the table. With a cigarette in hand, he smoked away like chimney. He was moderately handsome, probably in his late twenties, with messy brown hair and light whiskered beard under his chin. He wore a tuxedo which was only formal for a Mafia agent.
Memphis approached laggardly, trying not to startle the man. But it was too late. Once he reached the table, the man's eyes turned terrified. Funny enough, Memphis knew exactly why.
"Oh god they found me!", He panicked. "Look bud, don't make me call my boys over hear! I'll have them rough you up something good!"
"Relax.", Memphis' mechanical voice abated. He took a seat across from the man and folded his arms. "I'm not hear to turn you in. The coalition stopped looking for you years ago."
The man calmed down just enough to stay put . . . but still remained weary. "How do I know you're telling the truth?"
"Would I ever double-cross you? After all we've been through together?", Questioned the cloaked figure. "You know me better than that Brother Vexius."
The man leaned forward, intrigued. "Wait a minute . . . Memphis? My god, is that you?"
The figure nodded. "Never thought our paths would cross again, did you Vexius?"
"I'm not with the brotherhood anymore Memphis. You can use my real name now.", He offered but then smiled. "Unless of course . . . you aren't really Memphis. Tell me, what's my name if you truly do know me?"
Memphis leaned forward, mirroring Vexuvis exactly. "Lucius Ray, Pokemon Thief from Hoenn who traveled to Sinnoh for a new start. You joined the coalition and followed it's codes, until you stupidly but consciously decided to defy the order and abandon the brotherhood. Then you joined the Mafia in hopes of avoiding capture by one of us."
"Damn, it is you!", Lucius chuckled, tossing his cigarette aside. He and Memphis shared a firm handshake before returning to their conversation. "I ehh, had trouble recognizing you there because of that voice modulator you got under that hood of yours. I bet this is awkward for you, you in a cloak and me in plain sight."
"Even if I did only seen you once without your cloak, it didn't change anything. I always remember a face."
Lucius looked around cautiously. "You know, you shouldn't be here. My boss will throw a fit if he figures something out. And if a collation hawker discovers our meeting, we'll both be killed."
Memphis shook his head. "I'm the only member that's not in Sinnoh. And like I said, I'm not here to turn you in. If you want to know the truth-" He leaned in closer and spoke softly. "I was sent all the way from Sinnoh to find and assassinate the Torino Leader."
It wasn't too comforting once Lucius began laughing. "You're a Pokemon Hunter, not a Bounty Hunter!"
Memphis relaxed himself. Lucius was being a jerk and he expected as much. At least somethings about his old friend hadn't changed. "Laugh it up. But a lot has happened since my first being given the assignment. Perhaps you've heard of Giovanni Ketchum?"
The other man could only shrug. "I've heard of Rita Ketchum. And I think there was once a Pokemon Master by the name of Clint Ketchum. But . . . I've never heard of-"
Frustration brimmed off his mind as Lucius continued his guessing games. As much as he wanted to keep his business secret, it didn't seem like anyone around would care anyway. "Giovanni is the offspring.", Memphis finally told. "And he's wanted by Torino."
"Okay and how does that help you?", Lucius asked with interest.
"Capturing Giovanni Ketchum is the only way to draw out the Torino Leader." He figured Lucius could put the rest together. "I've been after the boy for months."
"Of course you have." But to his humor, the other man could only mentally criticized the hunter's fault in the delay of apprehending such a minor adversity. "And I wouldn't doubt that your methods haven't been the most successful?"
"You can blame that on my co-pilot." Using J as his excuse was his only defense. Then again, he couldn't really throw the blame on anyone. "But I wont lie, the boy is elusive. Too elusive in fact."
Lucius chuckled once more. "You of all people can't capture a child? After all this time, I'm just shocked you haven't thrown in the towel yet. If there's one thing about you I'm sure of, it's your impatience."
"Yes.", He agreed shockingly. "And my impatience has grown a lot more lately."
The Mafian's eyebrow rose. "Oh?"
Memphis nodded. "In my last encounter with Giovanni, I learned that . . . another was traveling with him."
"And . . . who might this other be?" He almost wished he hadn't asked. Memphis had a habit of succumbing to distractions.
But Memphis had no problem revealing the name. "Delia Rezumi."
Lucius froze, feeling like he knew too much. But eventually he smiled again. Who was he to bring up the history of another? "So . . . there was more to all of this."
The hunter nodded his head again.
"Yet you remain under oath to the coalition's philosophy.", He reminded. "Are you willing to wipe it from your mind just like that?"
The shrouded face shook from right to left. "That isn't my goal. I still intend to capture Giovanni in order to eliminate the Torino Crime Lord."
"But you also wish to capture her as well?" Disrespectful or not, Lucius couldn't help but laugh again. But he did care for his friend, knowing that he was very much capable of making a mistake. "Tell me, what will that accomplish? What exactly do you plan on doing once she is in your custody?"
A belligerent element of Memphis' tone could be heard at last. "That's my business, not yours."
"Then why should any of this concern me? Just this very conversation is putting me at risk you know! You really-"
Memphis cut him off short. "I haven't been able to trace Giovanni in a fortnight. I am clueless regarding his location. The longer I delay my hunt, the greater the chance of Torino immuring my target before I can even estimate a logical whereabouts. I need your help desperately!"
Lucius smirked. "You're insane."
"I'm here talking to you, aren't I?"
"That's supposed to convince me?" He said it both rhetorically and comically.
Enough time tarried though for Memphis to finish. "Word around the criminal underworld has it that your mafian spies are among the most professional fugitive trackers."
"Fugitive tracker's, yes." He nervously authenticated. "I wouldn't have the authority to use them at your expense though. They are strictly trained to find, not capture."
"And That's all I want.", Memphis continued to plead. "I can handle the rest."
Lucius played around with the table's ashtray while dwelling out loud. "Funny, I never thought I'd see the day where you'd be asking someone for help."
"A rare occurrence indeed and all the more reason to assist me instead of turning your back on something you dont see everyday." Angled in a different perspective, Memphis had found a way for Lucius to take him seriously; with his own humor.
"You'd be putting me in a bad position.", He moaned. "Besides, we're not bounty hunters like you and your crew."
"I know. Apparently you're better. Which is why I'm here as a customer." From under the table, Memphis pulled out a hefty pouch of cash and set it front of Lucius.
Lucius was mute for a second until spewing a jest: "How can I be sure there's not a coalition camera hidden in there?"
"Enough jokes.", The Pokemon Hunter demanded. "What will it be?
Lucius bit his lip, unsure of what to say. "What's in it for me?"
Unbelievable! Memphis just couldn't credit what he was saying as a joke. Especially after he had restricted any further comedy from the meeting. "I just gave you money!"
"That's not what I want though." Lucius was dead serious, able to gambit any price he wanted . . . but instead trying something new. "I'd rather trade than charge. My boss has been on my ass lately to recruit a skilled pilot to test our newest line vehicles . . . if you catch my meaning."
"J", Thought Memphis. Never did he think he'd be put in a position quite like this, having to choose between two aspects of his mission. But as unsuitable and barbadian it was, his judgment raced ahead. "Very good. A trade would work perfectly then . . . but only after you've done what i'd asked of you."
Lucius stood up to offer another handshake. "I see what's most important to you. It's settled then. I'll dispatch my agents first thing in the morning."
Memphis reclaimed the sack of cash, unaware that inside of it, an audio device had recorded the whole conversation . . .
…...
Beneath Cherrygrove City, an underground Torino base was the site of General Crissela's ultimate return. Azark Island was but a figment of memories. But forgetting the occurrence? Not a chance. She had deliberately detonated Warpath Tower to put an end to Kyden's secret love interest. No more would Delia Rezumi stand as a divertissement to the clone's destiny.
In the hangar, Kyden appeared before Crissela as she cleared from her Transport Drill. He seemed sensible which was a good sign. For the past while, he had been moping around with mixed feelings. Also, he still had yet to fully forgive her for her startling revelations. "Have fun?"
Crissela only winked. "It was a nice change of scenery."
"Well good for you.", The boy wailed. "I've been stuck here. I don't know why I wasn't allowed to come-"
The newly-dubbed Captain Morgan approached his General, interrupting Kyden in short. "General, all the troops have been devoided from the transport as you have requested."
"Very good captain.", She thanked. "You are dismissed for the day."
After Morgan saluted and left, Kyden curiously couldn't help but wonder: "Why . . . did you call him captain?"
"Because he is my new captain now.", She answered him. "Boggs was killed, essentially by his own doing. He failed me and so . . . I left him to perish."
Now Kyden was even more confused. "Perish? What do you mean?"
Crissela forced a long sigh from her breath. She knew she'd have to explain the whole story to her student . . . and it wouldn't be pleasant, well for him. "Listen Kyden . . . I feel the need to tell you something that may . . . pain you." She grabbed his arm and pulled him along. "Let's talk in the briefing room."
So he followed her into the empty sanction. Once she closed the door behind them, he could immediately jump to the conclusion that something was definitely wrong . . . though she didn't seem to show it. "Crissi, what's wrong? Tell me!"
She grabbed his shoulders and held him still, waging a beam war with his gaze. "Back on Azark, Giovanni and his friends had . . . unexpectedly intervened in my mission."
Kyden's mind began to alarm. He tried to keep his thoughts elsewhere from Delia. "But . . . you didn't capture Giovanni?"
She shook his head. "He was not in the tower when it exploded."
He jumped back scared, his heart racing! "Exploded? Wait . . . . no! No! Don't tell me that-"
"His friends were in the tower Kyden . . . ", She said softly, hoping to condole his agony. "Delia was one of them."
"No . . .", He whispered. His face blended rage and despondency in one, resulting in his eyes welling with tears purely crafted from bottom of his heart. "No . . . no . . ."
"Kyden, you must know that I had no knowledge of their presence until after I timed the explosives." She was lying through her teeth . . . again. "But I'm sorry. She is no more."
In only seconds, Kyden went berserk! A roar of effacement hailed from his fury. He swung around, hoisted the nearest chair to his grasp, and threw it into the wall, his violent streak now putting his emotions in the pit of fire!
Crissela could only smile to herself while watching.
Collapsed to the floor, he cried: "Fine! If that was mean to happen . . . then I am meant to forever walk this path!" His fist pounded against the floor. "Crissi . . . why does it feel like I'm loosing my mind! I loved her!"
She gradually kneeled down to him and began to pet his head. "This is all the more proof that you were misguided Kyden. You allowed the practices of love and compassion to brainwash you."
In need of comfort, the clone wrapped his arms around his mentor, continuing to angrily weep in her shoulder. He needed solace, he needed answers. He was falling apart. "Crissi . . . what's wrong with me!"
"Don't fret little boy.", She whispered over his shoulder while hiding a wicked grin of triumph. "You almost lost your way . . . but I'm here to bring you back. I'll always be here to bring you back . . ."
TO BE CONTINUED . . .
(A/N: Anyone recognize that ending? Pretty familiar, right? If not . . . I don't know what to say. In the next chapter, Gio must make an emotional choice regarding one of his closest Pokemon. And because of the latest poll results, the chapter will be the final chapter to feature Tank, Hank, and Frank. Happy Memorial Day!)