Tail of a Grunt
By: Sluggy Wheeze
Chapter 1
SLOWPOKE SALTY SUNRISE
Well, here I am, waiting in this dank laboratory for a Pokemon. Of course, it's not from the person I would have liked it to be from.
"Next" said the drone scientist
The long wait was finally over. I had been waiting for this day since I can remember, I'm finally receiving a Pokemon. My name, er rather, my grunt name is F14-1, as I am the 14th grunt of squad "F" in building 1.
I work for a criminal organization called Team Rocket Inc. However, Team Rocket poses as an oil and gas conglomerate and so to the public, they no longer mean any harm. Team Rocket was a crime syndicate in the past, but after they hilariously were taken down by a single trainer, they disbanded. Today is the day I receive my first Pokémon after a year of being with this dreadful organization.
"Hey, what's the hold up? Take the damn thing" said the pawn scientist, lovely man.
"Oh, yeah, thanks" I said as I timidly made my way out of the lab.
I left the room before I revealed the contents, I didn't want everyone to see my face show real emotion when I saw my Pokémon as they more than likely would have insulted me.
"Squad F, which as you all know stands for "fools", meet in the conference room in 5 minutes!" yelled my slightly unpleasant commander from the lab I was just in.
His name is Commander Fredrick; no one ever says anything to him except "yes" due to his large stature and intimidatingly hideous face. I ran in to an empty break room to see what Pokémon I was given.
"Go Pokémon!" I passionately yelled.
I stood there in shock.
"Slooooooow" it said, as I started to cry.
My tears were not due to elation, rather because this damn organization with all its money and power, gave me a Slowpoke. It stood there and stared at me, not moving an inch.
"Um, hey, I'm your new trainer, nice to meet you…" I said, as enthusiastically as possible.
It didn't do anything, it just stood there, emulating a tree or a corpse; this was depressing. I reached for its ball and sighed.
"Return" I said as I returned it back to its Pokeball.
"ITS BEEN 5 MINUTES, ALL OF YOU REPORT HERE NOW!" screeched my commander, how I heard him from in here was unbelievable.
I ran to our room, the patterns on the gray walls ran past me in my furious sprint to our conference room.
"YOU! YOU'RE LATE!"
The entire room, which had the entire 15 man squad encased inside, shot daggers at me and suddenly things got uncomfortable.
"Yes commander, I apologize" I said in my wimpiest voice
"Hah! That's not gonna work on me, I have a nice punishment for you! Ohohohoh!" he smugly said, this was painful.
"Listen up, I have some missions for all of you, you have to use your newly acquired Pokémon to achieve these. You all have until tomorrow morning at 10am sharp, any failures will receive severe punishments, do not disappoint me! IS THAT UNDERSTOOD!?"
"Yes commander!" we all yelled in approval.
"Good, come to my desk to receive your mission"
I got in line behind everyone; all of these lifeless robots just did what they were told without any question. I had no friends here, my new companion, as dopey and stupid as he seemed, is now my first real friend. The line quickly cleared, I approached Commander Fredrick.
"Commander, may I have my mission?" I asked, pathetically.
Everyone in the room stopped their conversations and looked towards us.
He looked down at me, "hah, yeah here you go, good luck, this mission was meant for an executive, but because of your tardiness, it's now yours."
I swallowed my pride and accepted the envelope holding my impending doom. The entire room looked on in silence as I walked out of our meeting room, one person snickered and eventually the entire room was filled with horrible laughter.
"Nice work, you doofus" said one of the grunts
"You are so pathetic, 14" said another
The commander joined in on the group laughing session. I looked back, took a deep breath and slammed the door behind me.
"Good luck, pal. I feel for ya" said the front receptionist as I was on my way out
I sighed and looked back "Yeah, thanks". Probably the nicest thing I've heard in a month.
I made my way outside of the building, which was known as "Rocket HQ 1". It was located on Route 8, in the middle of a small forest near Lavender town. This was the 1st building out of 3 located around Kanto, Johto and the Orre region.
I took out the envelope and started to read the contents inside.
"The following mission is a two person mission-" two person mission?! Why do these people hate me?
"You and your partner will travel to both Pallet town and New Bark Town (located in Johto) to visit their respective laboratories. There are 3 Pokémon at each lab, these 6 Pokémon are going to be given out next week to 6 different trainers and our goal is to steal these Pokémon. All of the trainers that have foiled our plans in the past have used these Pokémon, not only will we be lowering our chances of once again disbanding, we increase our chances of survival by using these Pokémon ourselves, do not disappoint us."
I pondered for a moment, trying to figure out some kind of plan.
"Go Slowpoke" I said as I released my Pokémon, he just gave me a blank stare.
"I know you're half psychic Slowpoke, teleport me to Pallet Town… please" I said desperately, what else could I do?
He of course did nothing.
I sighed, "Alright Slowpoke, we better start walking, maybe some exercise will wake your brain up."
We started our trek, I figured I could sneak on the magnet train in Saffron and head to Viridian from there; thankfully they expanded the lines for the train, it used only to go to Goldenrod when it was made. I walked towards the edge of the small forest surrounding us, it was about noon, which gave us less than 24 hours to complete this; my hope was fading fast.
"Hey you" said a voice
It sounded like it came from behind me; I swiftly looked behind me only to see the path I was just walking on.
"I hear you need some help" said the voice again
This time it came from the left, I noticed a bush move slightly.
"Slowpoke, use… er never mind, I have no idea what you can do" I shamefully said,
"Slow?" the damn thing said.
I made my way over to the bush.
"Ah ha!" I yelled as I stomped right through it, no one was there.
"Up here!" said the voice
I looked up and thankfully he didn't disappear
"I hear you've met with some misfortune, let's see if I can help!" he jumped down from the tree as Slowpoke and I just stared in shock.
"Nice to meet ya kid, the name's Masoka" He extended his hand; I just continued to stare at him, let me explain.
This guy was the weirdest person I had ever seen in my life. He looked to be about 50 years old and he was in possession of thinning shoulder length orange, yes, orange hair. To go along with that hair he had a matching handlebar mustache, his skin was extremely tanned, police style aviators, dark blue sweatpants, a t-shirt that said "My other boat is a Lapras" and a worn out baseball cap.
I extended my hand without taking an eye of his ridiculous attire
"Um, yeah" I said slowly, I shook his hand.
"You said you could help me right?" I said slowly as I started to remember what he said while he was in that tree.
"Yes I did! Let me explain, I am also in Team Rocket! A2-2 is what I'm referred to as over there."
For him to be A2-2 essentially means he is 2nd in command for the highest ranking group in Johto, I don't believe that for a second.
"I saw the "F" on your uniform patch and figured that since it was assignment day for you guys, Freddy would be handing out assignments, I'm also well aware that he's a compl-."
"Wait… you're 2nd in command for group "A" in Johto… and you've been here all day, sitting in a tree?"
"Exactly! So, what did he hand out to you today?" asked Masoka.
I gazed at him with an extreme puzzled look on my face, not only was I completely confused on why he looked like a clown, a high ranking Rocket is apparently trying to help me, is this real? Despite my reservations about him, I handed him the envelope, I unfortunately needed to get this done.
"Have a look" I said with a depressed tone.
"I was late to the meeting so I got this mission and I only have a day to complete it" I explained
"A day?! To do all of this?! Holy Arceus, we've got some work to do! Go Alakazam, get us home!"
He released his amazing psychic Pokémon from its Pokeball; I was speechless and so jealous at the same time. His Alakazam nodded, I started to see white and then within seconds we were out in front of a house.
"Thanks a lot Alakazam, you magnificent beast", he returned it back to its ball.
"Welcome to my home!" he exclaimed
His expression changed in to confusion as he started to look over my shoulder
"Is that your Slowpoke?" he asked
"Oh, yeah it is, I got it today" I said as I tried to hold back tears of disappointment.
"Oh, I thought it was just following you or something, in that case." He starting walking over towards Slowpoke, kneeled down and picked him up.
"Hello you beautiful creature, welcome to my home, I love you." He kissed it on the forehead, put it down back on the ground and Slowpoke's expression didn't change once.
He started to walk towards his house "come on in guys!" he shouted.
I stood there with the most puzzled look on my face, who on earth was this guy? I shrugged my shoulders and started to walk towards the house.
"Let's roll, you dope", he looked up slowly and followed me, at least he could understand English.
"Have a seat you two" he said pointing to a couch in what I imagine was his living room.
It was a nice place; his living room had a tall ceiling, white walls, a big TV on a stand across from me and sliding doors to my left that went out in to a backyard.
"Not too be a pest but I really have to get this mission done" I said
He took a seat on a lounge chair next to me, "relax, I'll get Alakazam to teleport us to the labs and we'll be done in a heartbeat. I just wanted to spend a second to get to know you."
"Uh, well ok. I'm known as F14-1 back at the base, I'm from Celedon City where I lived with my parents until about last year. As a kid, I really wanted to become a Pokémon trainer, it was my dream and my one goal in life, unfortunately that never happened. My parents started to become heavily involved in alcohol and gambling, at the Celedon Game Corner mind you, when I was about 11 years old. They had no time or money for me, but for some reason they were adamant about me not becoming a Pokémon Trainer. Infuriated about this, I wanted nothing but to leave home."
"When I was 16, I got a job with Team Rocket Inc. not realizing what they really were. During my interview they brought up other opportunities about helping on the crime side of things. I was informed about many things, but only two mattered. They told me I'd be able to live at headquarters and I would also receive a Pokémon after 1 year. Once they said that, I immediately signed away my life without hesitation. I went home, told my parents I was leaving and never returning. They were completely wasted during this and seemed to not care in the slightest. I don't know if they attempted to find me or not, but I don't really care if they did. My first year on the job was spent doing training, large group missions and a few solo missions. Unfortunately I still haven't made any friends because I hate all of my idiot co-workers. After all that, I got a Pokémon today and as much as I think it's a complete failure, I couldn't be happier."
Masoka gave me an approving look
"Is your dream still alive?" he asked
I chuckled "as much as I wish it could be, my future is looking quite bleak, I'm not a 10 year old kid anymore either."
He pondered in thought for a second before saying anything.
"You're a very genuine person F14-1 of Squad F, I will help you with your mission now" he grabbed a Pokeball and brought out his Alakazam.
I looked over at Slowpoke who was just lying there motionless, "Ready bud?" I asked him, he looked up at me and nodded slowly, his expression did not change once.
"Alakazam, take us to Pallet Town, we've got work to do!" his Alakazam gave him a cheery look and with that we were teleported on to a hill on looking down at a small town.
Nice looking place, the lawns were perfect, the trees were full and huge, people were waving and smiling at each other and at the top of another hill that overlooked the town, there was a building with a windmill.
"Isn't this place incredible?" said Masoka
"I love coming here, reminds me of home. We should roll on forward though; we've got work to do"
I nodded and we all headed off. It wasn't an adventure that I imagined I would be doing in Pallet Town, but, it was an adventure no less…
Chapter 2
IMPROBABLE PALLET PLOT
"I suppose I could have teleported us to the lab…" said Masoka, "Oh well, it's a beautiful day outside, your Slowpoke could probably use a walk anyway, let's get going!"
I was in agreement there, it was actually a nice day, it's nice to have a change of scenery whenever possible and headquarters is the most depressing place in Kanto. We arrived at the edge of the town
"Welcome to Pallet Town!" the sign read
This was almost a sad sight, oh how I longed for this moment to be so much different. There was also something scribbled underneath the sign, it was barely readable.
"Blue rules! Red is completely incapable of raising even a Pidgey." it read.
"Hah, can't wait until you find out what that means" Masoka said
"Alright kid, we're going to walk through town, you can't be in Rocket attire so I brought you some clothes."
"Oh sweet, thank-" I froze mid-sentence due to the complete shock of what was being held up in front of me.
He brought me a pair of his awful sweatpants and a white shirt that read "Can I Pikachu in the shower?"…seriously, this guy is insane.
"Do I honestly have to wear this?" I asked
Well, it's this or get Officer Jenny on you, I don't think you want her showing up here."
Unfortunately, he was right, Jenny and her army of clones are a bunch of tyrants. I put on his horrible clothes and wouldn't you know, they did not fit at all. I guess I'll have to walk around looking like Girafarig that shops at a children's clothing store. Oh well.
"Hey, insane old man, what were you doing here before?" I asked
"Eh, just missions from a few years ago, this isn't the first time that this has been assigned you know." He replied
"So, how exactly did you do it the other times?" I asked sounding like I was totally clueless, I wanted to know one thing about this guy at the very least.
"Wonderful! I'm glad you got this mission, it'll be a breeze!"
The lab was only a short distance away now, we passed this one home that caught my eye and there was a Mr. Mime, doing chores, only Pokémon I've seen do work are the ones Team Rocket force to work, this thing was smiling!
"Hey keep up kid we're almost there!" very loudly yelled Masoka, who was literally 2 feet in front of me; I hate this human being.
We finally reached the bottom of the hill that hoisted the legendary laboratory, what a sight it was.
"Alright, I know how to get in there, just follow me" Masoka confidently said, I obliged and followed him as he started to ascend the hill.
"Masoka… why are we at the front door?" I asked while putting my palm on my face
"Because young man, I happen to be in the possession of a key! What you have failed to think of is the fact that the front door is the smartest point of entry, what person sits at their front door all day? He is going to be in his lab, or kitchen, possibly even his basement. I am actually a genius!"
"Ok, I get it! Show-off" I said, slightly embarrassed.
He unlocked the door and we headed inside.
"Alright, just follow me, I know this place inside out, stay alert though, we don't want to be running in to anyone" Masoka said as we explored the innards of the lab.
Masoka was like a police dog sniffing out a criminal, he could probably find these Pokémon with his eyes closed.
"Seen anything?" Masoka asked
"No, I can't hear anyone either, seems like the place is deserted" I said back
"Good, we'll be out of here in no time, don't bring your guard down though, if we get caught we're in trouble, I don't want to have to use Alakazam." I assured him I'm watching out, he seemed really paranoid, or I was just being careless.
We walked by a wall that had picture frames all the way down it. They were pictures of an older man with a lab coat, who I assumed was Professor Oak, and his pupils with their new Pokémon. I followed Masoka down some stairs which lead to a room, filled to the brim, with Pokeballs. There were shelves and shelves stretching down a very long corridor.
"Holy hell, can we just take them all?" I asked in amazement
"No, focus on your mission, just need those three."
We approached a door that needed a card key to open
"Uh, now what do w-" he proceeded to pull out a card key from his back pocket and swipe the door open… I swear he lives here… Or he's the janitor. I've been with this guy, for only a few hours and he is already the most bizarre person I have ever encountered, by a mile.
"Feast your eyes young man, your targets await you." He turned on a light and there they were, the three prized Pokémon I had so desperately wanted, protected by feeble glass dome, only a few steps away.
"Sloooow" said Slowpoke, reminding me that I already had a Pokémon... damn Slowpoke.
"Don't get too excited, we need to grab these and go, hurry."
I focused and approached the Pokeballs, they laid dormant, waiting for release. Pressed a button that was labeled "Open" and the glass barrier protecting the Pokeballs was opened. I picked them up, meticulously, had to make sure they were kept in pristine condition. I realized that I forgot a bag so I just attached them to my belt; this was the greatest feeling ever.
"Ok, let's get to New Bark To-" Masoka was interrupted, a light turned on and voices started to descend down the stairs.
"Oh no, put the Pokeballs back and hide, now!" Masoka fired
"But, I… I can't" I stuttered back
"Put, them, back." He firmly and coldly said.
I took one last sentimental look at them and put them back as I was told. He franticly reached for this belt.
"Alakazam, take us to the back of the lab" his demeanour had completely changed; the happy go lucky weird guy was gone.
Alakazam quickly made his arrival, the voices drew closer as they were now at the bottom of the staircase
"Let's go Alakazam!" Masoka yelled.
We were instantly teleported outside the lab, essentially putting us back to square one.
"Well that sucked!" he said
I was in agreement, but he did save our skins, so no harm done.
He pondered for a moment, got up off the ground, brushed himself off and then proceeded to tell me
"Ok, I have an idea, don't ask any questions, just go with it" he firmly said.
I looked up at him and nodded "do what you need to do, Masoka."
He smiled and ran off behind a nearby tree; clothes were being flung everywhere as I, along with Slowpoke, looked on in confusion. Alakazam was un-phased and was more than likely well aware of what was about to happen.
"Alrighty, now we should be good to go!" he exclaimed with much joy.
My eyes widened in shock as he walked out from behind the tree, he looked identical to the man in those pictures, who I'm now certain was Professor Oak.
"Uh… Masoka, how did you do this?" I asked
"Well kiddo, you learn a few tricks here and there along a long career like mine, but I said no questions, put Slowpoke away and make sure your Pokeball is hidden."
I obliged as he also returned Alakazam to its Pokeball, we started to approach the front door once again, I wanted to ask him a million questions but unfortunately, he prepared for that by telling me to keep my mouth shut, oh well, as long as this mission gets completed, I don't care what happens.
He once again unlocked the front door and we once again ascended the same stairs leading to the prized Pokémon. I attempted to open my mouth and ask him why on earth we were heading right back to the spot where we almost got captured, but he turned right around before I could say a word and gave me a sharp look that was enough to let me know to shut up. I rolled my eyes at him, shrugged my shoulders and we made it to the bottom of the stairs.
"Hey there Professor! Good timing, I need some help here with the little one here here, he's being… stubborn" said a mysterious voice
"Ah, I would be glad to help!" said Masoka, he somehow changed his voice; this is creepy.
We walked in to the room and joined the other two individuals, the one who spoke to Masoka looked like an assistant of sorts, he was wearing a lab coat, had glasses and had a hair style that almost resembled a bowl cut. The other one was a small child, he was wearing an old ratty red jacket and hat to match and he looked really annoyed for some reason.
"Professor, before we came down here, I heard yelling, the lights were on and the door was open. I think someone was just down here" said his assistant
"Oh my, I believe that's my fault, I forgot to close up before I left. As for the yelling, you must have been hearing things" said Faux-pressor Oak
"Oh… well ok, if you say so." He replied. "Who is this with you, Professor?" He then asked.
"Oh, my apologies, this is Gray, he's here to take one of these three Pokémon today."
Oh how I wanted this to be true, this guy is unbelievable, toying with me like this and who the hell is Gray?
"Today?! But Professor, aren't we suppose to wait until next week?"
"No need to worry Tracy, I only have two others coming in next week, this works out fine."
Tracy looked up at me and asked "Uh professor, no offense to you Gray, but isn't he a little too old?"
"Of course n…"
"EXCUSE ME!" yelled the little kid out of nowhere.
Masoka jumped and looked down at the kid
"I WANT MY POKÉMON TOO! YOU PROMISED!"
"Oh, of course, my apologies Red, I have a special one for you" replied Masoka. What is happening right now? How is he doing this? He is either very good at improvising or he is actually Professor Oak. "GOOD, I WANT IT NOW!"
Masoka pretended to unplug his ears and looked up at Tracey
"Uh, Tracey, could you go get Red's Pokémon for me please?" He asked.
"I would… but you never told me what he was getting or where it was…" he replied
"Oh… right, I'll be right back then." I face palmed internally as he walked past me, this was ridiculous, I had no idea what he was up to and I have to stand here like an idiot and pretend to play along.
"So, Gray, where are you from?" asked Tracey in an effort to not make this awkward, I looked up at him swiftly and replied with
"Oh, I'm from… Fuchsia City."
"Fuchsia City, eh? You must know all about what Team Rocket did to the Safari Zone; that was a horrible tragedy."
I froze up, the event he was referring to was from 6 months ago, Team Rocket went to the Safari Zone in an attempt to steal all of the Pokémon and kill all of the wildlife in the process, and unfortunately they were planning to use bombs to do this. They botched the process due to a bomb going off on its own and many Pokémon were left to die, it was horrible.
"Gray, you there? What's up?" Tracey said
I snapped out of my little flash back and replied, "Oh yeah, sorry… yeah, that was pretty awful."
The room fell silent; thankfully I could hear footsteps coming back to the room.
"I found it!" Masoka exclaimed
"Professor, what you do mean by "found it"?" Tracy replied
"Oh, don't worry about that Tracy" he said accompanied by a nervous chuckle.
"FINALLY! I thought you'd never come back, these two morons were boring me to tears!" Said Red
"Eh heh, of course… well, here you go" Masoka handed the Pokeball to Red.
His expression seemed all too familiar, although I haven't seen myself look like that, I know that's how I looked when I first got Slowpoke.
"GO POKÉMON!" he yelled and out came… a weird grey fish
"Feebas" it uttered… it was just splashing in place, this was ridiculous.
"THIS IS… AMAZING! MY FIRST POKÉMON! FEEBAS AND I ARE GOING TO RULE THE WORLD!" He yelled with some major enthusiasm.
The three of us looked at him in shock.
Tracey then looked at Masoka and asked "Feebas? Really Professor?"
Masoka, looking like he had no idea what it was going to be, nervously jolted his head towards Tracy and said "Of course Tracy, Red will learn the true, uh, the true ways of being a trainer."
Tracy looked at him with a puzzled look, he shrugged his shoulders and said "You're the professor, you know what you're doing; that's good enough for me."
"Of course, now could you take little Red home for me? I'll wrap up with Gray here and see you in a bit"
"Yeah, no problem Professor, see ya in a few" he replied
With that Tracy took the enthralled Red home with him. Imposter Professor Oak pondered for a moment.
"That was Red. Jr, his father was the former champion of Kanto, unfortunately his father died when Jr was only 2 years old."
I stared intently at him, "Masoka, how did you know that about him?" He looked back up at me.
"Questions for another time, kiddo. Grab those Pokeballs, we're heading off to New Bark Town."
Chapter 3
BOLD AND SILVER
"Alright Alakazam, this is good, thanks buddy" he said to his spoon wielding Pokémon.
We were standing behind a large building; I assumed this was the lab.
"Masoka, I really appreciate this, you're truly a life saver. But, this whole thing is really strange. You called me by a different name, you knew about Red Jr back at the lab and you knew the assistants name. Who are you?"
He took a deep breath, "Listen, I will explain everything once we've got this mission done for you, deal?"
I deliberated for a second, "Alright, let's get this done."
"Wonderful, let's head to the front door, shall we?"
The front door again? No wonder he failed to get the Pokémon from Kanto.
"Wait" I said, he stopped walking and looked back at me.
"Aren't you going to change?" I asked
"Negatory! I will need to stay as I am for this as well" he responded
As we walked out from behind the lab, the small town was exposed and much like Pallet, it was a beautiful place. In front of the lab there was a two way walking path, on the other side of that, a line of 8 small houses stood together. To the left of the town, there was a small body of glistening water. We stood in front of the lab now, my heart started to race, we had to totally improvise on the spot in Kanto, what was going to happen now?
"Hey pal, have a look through the window to see if they're there" Masoka said to me
How many alternate names for 'friend' does he have?
I approached the window cautiously and had a look inside. Two men were sitting at a table drinking from tea cups; they were both wearing lab coats. I walked back over to Masoka
"There's two inside, they're sitting and drinking tea" I reported.
Masoka rubbed his chin, "hmm, ok, I've got an idea, let's go inside."
We approached the door, he looked at me, "one thing before we go inside, as soon as you hear someone say, 'call your mother', that will be your signal. You have to grab the Pokeballs and put them on your belt. Make sure they are hidden"
"Ok, I got it" I responded.
Masoka opened the door and the two men looked towards us.
"I.. Is that you professor?" one asked
"Indeed it is! Hello old friend" responded Masoka
"Oh my, this is wonderful! What brings you out to New Bark? Oh, and who is this?"
He asked as he looked towards me.
"This, Professor Elm, is Gray, he is one of my three trainers" said Masoka, what was with this name?
"Elm looks towards me, "It's a pleasure, Gray. Congrats on being chosen." he said with a smile.
"As for why I'm here, can we speak in private?" Masoka said to Elm
"Oh, yes, let's go outside for a moment." Elm looked back at me and his assistant
"Gray, this is my assistant, Gold. You two can get acquainted while we're gone."
Elm and Masoka went outside, leaving Gold and I. Once again, I'm alone with a lab assistant and I have no idea what's happening… wonderful.
"Hi, Gray, I'm gold. It's a pleasure to meet you" he extended his hand
"Uh, yeah, ditto" I replied and shook his hand.
We stood in awkward silence, he looked at me like he was waiting for me to say something; I avoided eye contact at any cost.
"Sorry, Gray, usually people start blabbing to me over my past, I guess you aren't aware."
I looked at him, "aware of what, exactly?"
"Oh, nothing, I'm just the former Indigo League Champion" my expression changed to shock as I started to stutter.
"Y..you're the ch… champion?"
"Hahaha! Well, I'm the former champion now. I was defeated last year after a nine year reign. My opponent was actually a trainer that I knew prior to defeating the Elite 4, his name is Silver."
He stopped talking suddenly and looked towards a picture on the wall of the lab. It was a picture of Elm, Gold and red haired guy. They were in a goofy pose, all wearing lab coats.
"That's us, 5 years ago, Silver is the one with the Red hair. Silver had initially stolen a Pokémon from the Professor the day I started my own journey, but after I had taken down Team Rocket, he came to us and apologized. He eve-" I quickly interrupted
"Wait… you're the one that defeated Team Rocket?! Gold, I can't explain why, but you're a hero of mine. Continue, please"
"Hahaha, well thank you. Anyway, he even offered to return the Pokémon he stole, but Elm insisted that he keep it. After that day, Elm made it his mission to get to know Silver and as a result, he became Elm's assistant."
I wasn't sure why he was telling me all of this, but I was intrigued to say the least.
"We all became friends eventually, Silver had dedicated his life to researching Pokémon psychology under Elm and I continued to defend my title. Life was really good."
He stopped again and looked at a third chair that stood with the two chairs he and Elm were sitting at.
"Uh, Gold, everything ok?" I asked as he seemed to freeze up.
His head jolted towards me, "Oh, yes, sorry. I think it would be best if we continued this another time, sorry I talked your ear off."
I laughed, "Hey, don't worry about it! I thought I would just be standing here in silence with you, so that was nice."
Of course my curiosity was through the roof, I'd really like to know what happened with Silver, especially if he was the reason that Gold was defeated.
The door suddenly opened, "Uh, Gold, could you please come outside? The professor would like a word."
Gold looked over at Elm, "Yeah, sure thing, Professor."
Gold walked outside as Elm stayed at the door.
"Hey, Gray, the Professor wanted me to remind you to call your mother."
My eyes widened and adrenaline started pumping, this was it.
"Right, I'll do that right away" I replied.
The door closed leaving me alone in the lab and I immediately started looking for the Pokémon. It didn't take very long as they were sitting on a small table, this was it. I grabbed the first ball and put it on my belt and I did the same for the second. I grabbed the third one and I suddenly realized that I had a serious problem; I already had six Pokémon on my belt.
I panicked, I had no idea what I was going to do, why couldn't I have gotten Slowpoke tomorrow? I didn't even need him for this. Amidst my panic attack, a light breeze had entered the lab. I walked towards the source of this breeze and I started crying tears of joy as an open window stared back at me.
I took the Pokeball and through it outside. It was done, I secured the 6 Pokeballs, I can't believe it. I did a mini celebration dance, pulled down my ridiculous shirt to cover my belt and walked back to where I was standing. Suddenly, a computer sitting behind the small table made a little chiming sound.
The speakers then started talking, "Professor, an email dated August 24th, 2014, has been replied to. Contact, Silver, is the sender."
I froze in place and processed what I just heard. I slowly turned around to in fact see that Professor Elm had received a new e-mail. I don't know what came of me, what I walked straight over to his computer and opened the e-mail.
"Hello, Professor. My apologies for the year late reply, you know how much I hate tardiness. I do not owe you an update, but I will let you know that I am alive. Do not try to contact me again, otherwise you will meet the same fate as these Rockets. Goodbye."
I just stared at the screen, the amount of questions I have developed over the past five hours is too many for any human to handle. I just walked away, I really didn't want to know what he meant by "you will meet the same fate as these Rockets" because I can only assume the worst.
The door opened up and the three of them walked back inside. I was un-phased by their arrival, there were too many things going through my head.
"Gray, are you there?" said Masoka, I looked up to see all three of them staring at me. I snapped out of my trans-like state
"Oh, hah, yeah sorry. Just thinking about… stuff" I replied back.
"Alright, well we should go now" Masoka said
"Thanks for talking with me, you two. Have a good day!"
"Our pleasure" said Professor Elm.
Gold looked towards me "Hey, Gray, it was a nice to meet you, I hope I see you again" he extended his hand and I shook it.
"Yeah, that would be nice" I replied.
We walked and as soon as we were out of sight, we ran to the back of the lab.
"You got them?" Masoka asked,
"Yeah I got them, but I didn't have room for one so I threw it out the window." "Ok, that's fine, grab it and let's get out of here."
He said as we approached the spot we arrived at. I went over to where I threw the Pokeball and what I saw made my insides wretch harder than anything I've ever experienced.
The ball was open.
Chapter 4
THE MYSTERIOUS MASOKA
My jaw continued to maintain its visit to the ground as I looked on in horror, I am done for. Masoka came from behind his changing room to find me in my state of shock
"Woah, kiddo, what's the matt… oh no" he said as his eyes met with the open Pokeball.
"Ok, we need to panic for a second. Elm and Gold will be running back here any moment to find us after they realize we took the Pokémon. For now, you need to grab that ball and Alakazam will take us back to my house."
I looked back without changing my expression and just nodded, Masoka laughed
"This is no time for hilarious jokes! Your face is quite funny though" he said as he continued to laugh.
His laughter quickly subsided as a voice shouted
"I think they're behind the lab, Professor."
We both gained out composure swiftly, "they're coming, grab the ball. Alakazam, get us out of here!"
I grabbed the empty Pokeball which was then followed by a familiar white flash, we made it.
"Phew, that was a close one" I said
"Too close, had they seen me out of my disguise, we would have had a problem. Oh wait, WE STILL HAVE ONE!" He yelled.
A look of dismay covered my face as the magnitude of this debacle had sunk in.
I sighed "what can I possibly do now?" I asked. We both deliberated for a moment
"Let's go inside, I think I've got an idea" he replied.
"Go have a seat in the living room, I'm just gonna go find something real quick" Masoka instructed.
I took a seat on his couch and decided to let Slowpoke out for a little bit, I could only imagine how unappealing it is inside of a Pokeball.
"Come on out, you dope" I said as my one and only Pokémon made its arrival.
"Sloooooow" it said as I just stared at its face.
I don't understand how a Pokémon could be so lifeless, although I must admit, it's pretty funny. I guess you could say Slowpoke has his own charm and I think I'm ok with that. Besides, it could become a Slowking and I know those things are smart.
"So… what's going on, buddy?" I said in an attempt to start a conversation with a Pokémon.
It just continued to stare at me, no movement whatsoever.
"Jeez, what do I have to do to wake you up?" I asked out loud
"I know!" I then exclaimed.
I took my hand, clenched it in to a fist and started knocking on its head.
"Anyone home?" I asked it, I got no response.
I sighed, "Oh well, maybe one day, buddy."
"I found it!" Yelled Masoka from where ever he was, "you're not in trouble yet, champ!"
He made his return to the living room with a red and black device in his hand.
"Do you know what this is, either of you?" He legitimately asked
"I have no idea, Masoka" I sarcastically replied.
"This is a Pokedex! It's an encyclopedia filled to the brim with entries about every single Pokémon in existence. It has aesthetics, biology, locations, behavioral patterns and more. However, this Pokedex is special; it is able to show you the live location of any Pokémon you want. This means, we can find our missing Pokémon!" He explained.
Tears started forming in my eyes, "Masoka… you are a god."
He started laughing, "oh please, I'm no god! I'm just good at what I do" he explained.
"Now, we don't exactly know which Pokémon we lost, so you're going to have to release the other two that we have."
I reached towards my belt and grabbed the two new Pokeballs
"Go, Pokémon!" I yelled. The two Pokeballs opened, released a bright light and two small objects started to form in front of us.
"Totodile!" "Chiko!" They exclaimed.
The first one was a tiny little blue alligator; he was basically the most adorable thing ever. The second one was reminiscent of a dinosaur, it was also tiny, light green and it had a leaf growing from its head. The sight of these two Pokémon was nothing short of stunning, I wanted to take them for myself so badly.
"Alright, it looks like we're missing Cyndaquil. Poor thing, it's probably so confused right now" Masoka said.
I continued to just stare at the two Pokémon; they had made their way over to Slowpoke and began to mess around with him. It was only a few hours ago I had told Masoka about my dream and here we are now, in the presence of two Pokémon that I could use to begin a journey of my own.
"Hey, kid, are you listening to me?" Masoka asked whilst snapping his fingers.
I jolted back to reality, "oh, yeah, sorry. I-"
"Don't worry, I get it. We have to run though, who knows what that Cyndaquil is going through right now" he explained.
"Yeah, let's get out of here" I replied
I got up and returned all three of them to their Pokeballs.
"You should leave the other 5 here, they'll be safer in my house" Masoka explained"
I handed the starter Pokémon over to him and he ran off to put them away.
"Just you and me again, buddy" I said as I stared at my last remaining Pokeball; not that he was going to be much help anyway.
Masoka stormed back in to the living room and just kept running full speed towards the door; did he just take hard drugs or something?
"There's no time to waste, old chap! We must go!" He yelled as he frantically put his shoes on.
I can't wait until he explains himself; I'm at a complete loss with this guy. I grabbed the empty Pokeball and headed outside.
"Alright kiddo, the sun is going to start setting soon; we need to find Cyndaquil as quickly as possible. I'll get Alakazam to teleport us a little bit away from the back of the lab and we'll have to go hard on this search. Sound good?" His determination was oddly assuring.
"Yes, it does. I do have one request though; can I please take these horrid clothes off now?" I asked, as politely as possible.
"Hahahaha! Yes, go ahead, we don't need to meet anyone anymore" he thankfully replied.
I stripped back in to my Rocket outfit, cried in joy as I no longer looked like a pedophile and then soon realize I'm dressed like a criminal anyway. Oh well.
"Alakazam, take us back to Elm's lab, but make sure we're a couple of yards away, ok?" Alakazam smiled and nodded and did just that, we were back.
I could kind of make out the back of lab through the trees, we weren't too far. I could also make out flashing red and blue lights out front.
"Hey, Masoka, they called the cops" I quickly told him
"Ehh, don't worry about it! Ok, let's give this Dex a whirl, shall we?"
Masoka pulled out the 'Dex' and it quickly locked on to Cyndaquil's location. I guess we're just going to ignore the fact that Officer Jenny was only a stone's throw away from us. Hooray.
"Ah, perfect! It seems like our little friend is not too far north from here. Let's go get that tiny terror! Hopefully it's not too far!" He exclaimed.
We quietly walked through the trees and the Dex continued to direct us to our destination. Our visibility was slowly getting worse and the sun was now beginning to set, but I was still confident we had enough time to get this done. This day has been nothing short of a miracle, I doubt the Rockets will believe I actually did this on my own.
"I think we're getting close, it looks like we have to go up further ahead. We should hurry, the sun is starting to set" he said, with determination.
I followed Masoka closely as he concentrated hard on his Dex, he seemed a little too intent on finding Cyndaquil. The trees finally cleared as we started to approach a-
"a small lake… behind the lab…" he froze and looked towards me
"We need to hurry, I don't think we should stay here for too long"
What in the hell does that mean? I surveyed the scene around us, it was a nice little area, no Pokemon were around, but it seemed perfectly fine to me.
He walked out in front of me and stopped in place again
He swallowed "It's… in there" he said as he started pointing towards something.
I looked over and he was pointing towards a cabin. This cabin was unfortunately inhabited based on the light coming through the window.
"You think someone took it in? Can't we just go tell them it's ours? Just turn in to Professor Elm" I said.
"I'm afraid I can't do that, bud, we're going to have to improvise again." He looked at me with a concerning look
"I don't want to alarm you, but I think I know what's in that cabin and if my hunch is correct, we're in trouble."
I looked on with a puzzled expression "What the hell does that mean? Who's in there, Masoka?"
He looked at the ground and sighed, "I know Johto very well, I'm in charge of region over-watch, I know this region inside and out. When the Dex showed Cyndaquil's location, I unfortunately knew it probably ended up here, but I remained optimistic."
He paused for a moment
"Inside that cabin is a man named Silver, he is the Johto league champion and the son of my old boss."
My eyes almost came out of my head as the email I had read an hour ago started to flash in my thoughts.
"Masoka, this man is going to kill us both. We're going to die. WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSE TO DO?!" I shouted.
He put his hand on my shoulder.
"Kid, this was one of the greatest days of my life, I thank you. Alakazam is my sidekick at work, he knows how to teleport to any spot in this region, including inside buildings."
"You're… you're not going in there are you?" I said with a shaky voice
"I am, I am… going to defeat Silver and get you a Cyndaquil that is! HAHA!" He said like an idiot.
He settled down and we both fell silent
"Listen, I don't know what's going to happen in there, so I think it's time you know something" he said as my attention was completely on him.
"My name isn't Masoka" he said
"That's just an anagram for Sam Oak."
I stood there in shock, I knew it, I knew all along!
"However, Samuel Oak isn't my name either" he said as I now stood there in absolute confusion.
"Then… who are you?" I asked
"I'll show you."
He took off his glasses, then his wig, then is mustache and finally… his face. My entire face exploded I was in such shock.
"My name is Blue, I am the former Indigo League Champion, I am 2nd in command at Team Rocket HQ 2 located in Johto and I am the grandson of Professor Oak."
I did not move an inch, I could not believe what was happening in front of me, how could this have all happened in one day? He put his hand on my shoulder
"I'm going to face him now, hide out here and wait for me to come back, understood?" he asked.
At a time when questions were the only thing on my mind, I decided against it.
"Yeah, I'll be waiting for you." I said
I turned around and walked off to the trees on the edge of the lake in silence.
"Alright Alakazam, nice to see me like this, eh? Hah! Let's go get us that Cyndaquil!" he looked over at me
"Hey, Gray, smell ya later!"
I turned around to catch the end of Alakazam's Teleport.
"Good luck, Blue."
Chapter 5
WHEN THERE'S A CYNDAQUIL, THERE'S A WAY.
I walked up closer to the cabin so I could at least get a decent look inside. I could see Blue, he was talking to who I assumed was Silver, but I couldn't see more than Blue from my view.
Blue started walking towards the window and opened it, he has to know I'm near, I guess I should listen in. I got closer to the cabin so I could hear their coversation.
"There, that's better, it's hotter than Cinnabar Island in here. Now, I need that Pokemon back, Silver, please give it to me" said Blue
"This Pokemon belongs to Professor Elm, I'm not giving you anything. I know what you've been doing with your life, I should kill you right now." Said Silver
I started to panic; this was easily the worst situation imaginable.
"Silver, I need that Pokemon. If you do not give it to me, I will be forced to take it from you" said Blue
"Well then, shall we step outside? I believe I've been challenged to a battle, it's only common courtesy to accept the challenge of the former five minute champ." he snickered and I ran off making sure I found cover.
"Since you challenged me, I will make the rules" said Silver
"Very well" said Blue, he stayed completely calm.
"We will only use one Pokemon each, if I win, you die. If you win, you can have your Pokemon and you may leave peacefully"
"I accept" Blue said with zero hesitation
You die? What kind of rule is that?!
"Go Machamp! Yelled Blue
Out came Blue's four armed Pokemon. It was sporting a ribbon or sash of some sorts on its ankle, it was primed for battle.
"Go MEWTWO!" He screamed back
Mewtwo!? How did he find it!? I looked on in horror, this was it.
"Mewtwo, use-"
"Not so fast! Machamp, use Sucker Punch!" Blue commanded
Blue's Machamp bolted towards Silver's Mewtwo and clobbered it right in the face. There was still hope. Mewtwo staggered back, looking slightly surprised. It quickly gained its composure however and prepared to retaliate.
"How does it know that?! Bah, never mind, this battle is over!" Yelled Silver. "Mewtwo… Psystrike!" he commanded.
Everything around me froze, was this real? The events of the past 8 hours should not have happened to anyone, let alone me. My last instinct was to save Blue, save my friend, but something happened.
I stopped mid sprint, stopped myself from yelling and froze in place. The attack didn't work.
"What is this?!" Silver shouted
"Haha, clearly you don't know me as well as you think you do! It's time to finish this and go home. Machamp, use Night Daze" said a confident and relieved Blue
Mewtwo was hit dead on with Machamp's attack, what the hell was going on?
"You bastard! That isn't a Machamp at all, it's a Zoroark." Silver said with much anger
His Mewtwo looked weak, I can't believe he did it. Five minutes or not, this man was a champion for a reason.
Silver scowled "Looks like you've won" he said
"Give me my Pok-"
"OR RATHER, YOU WOULD HAVE WON, IF YOU WEREN'T FACING THE INDIGO LEAGUE CHAMPION!" Silver screamed. "YOU ARE FINISHED, CHAMP. MEWTWO, PREPARE TO MEGA EVOLVE"
There was no description for what I felt at that moment. I fell to my knees and waited for it to end.
"THIS IS IT! I WILL RID TEAM ROCKET OF THEIR LITTLE PRIZED 2nd IN COMMAND! TELL RED I SAID HELLO! MEWTWO USE FOCUS BLAST!"
"You do not have the right to say his name! When the time comes, I will make my way back to the Indigo League and I will take my throne back!"
The blast suddenly just vanished, it missed! Silver screamed very loudly. He stood and breathed heavily, he exhausted himself.
"Zoroark, before he gets the chance, finish it with Sucker Punch!"
"This is over! Mewtwo, use Recover and destroy it with Aura Sphere!"
"Oh no!" Blue shouted
Zoroark's attack failed, Mewtwo recovered from its injuries and then destroyed Zoroark. It was over.
Blue fell to his knees and did not say a word.
"Mewtwo return" said Silver "Well, that was very impressive, good battle! It's time to live up to my end of the bargain; any last words, champ?"
Silver looked on with the most despicable grin. Blue slowly stood up, head facing right at the ground.
"Yeah… never trust a Rocket"
"Zoroark, catch!" yelled Blue
I had no idea what was happening, I've accepted that this is a dream. Blue threw a bottle of what appeared to be a potion at Zoroark, it caught it and used it on itself.
"WHAT?! I don't know what kind of trick this is, but I refuse to be made a fool of! Mewtwo, use Frustration, obliterate this scum!"
Blue didn't move or say anything, he just watched. Mewtwo made direct contact and knocked Zoroark back down again. Blue snickered.
"Oh please, do tell me how this is funny. You foolish man, my Mewtwo is the most powerful Pokemon in the world. You can use all the tricks you want, BUT YOU WILL NOT DEFEAT ME!"
Blue looked right in to Silver's eyes, he smirked and said
"Zoroark, use Counter"
Zoroark sprang up to its feet, once again and deliver a horrifying blow to Silver's Mewtwo; it was over. Silver did not yell, he didn't even speak, he just looked down at his fallen Pokemon.
"I'll be taking that Pokemon back" said Blue
Silver glared at Blue and then looked directly towards where I was standing.
"It looks like my fit of anger blinded me to that Focus Sash your Pokemon was wearing. Hmph, the Cyndiquill is yours, however…"
Silver reached in to his back pocket and pulled out a gun.
"If I ever see you or your little friend ever again, I will show no mercy. Get out of here, NOW."
"You got it, Champ" said Blue "Let's get out of here, kid. You've got work to finish"
Blue did not panic in the slightest, in fact, he was actually cheery. Me on the other hand, I was terrified to move, but knowing that failing this mission would be worse than death, I was able to get my legs moving. I came out of the trees, Silver stared at me the entire time and he still had not put his weapon away.
"I will remember your face, pray it does not meet mine again" scowled Silver
He walked off back to his cabin as Blue was coming back from it; he had Cyndaquil in his arms. The feeling I got in that moment was overwhelming. Finally, after two days, this adrenaline spiking mini adventure was over. Thank Arceus for Blue Oak.
Chapter 6
THE REMARKABLE ROCKET
We arrived outside the Rocket HQ, exactly where we met. All 6 Pokeballs were secured and it was only 9am; hell yes. Blue, who was once again dressed like Masoka, seemed to be doing just fine after yesterday's event; what a warrior.
"Well kid, we did it! Good luck in there today, don't let them push you around. You don't need to say anything, just walk in there, give that scrub, Fredrick, those Pokeball's and keep your head held high." Said Blue "Oh, and here, take this with you"
Blue handed me a wallet and what appeared to be a new smartphone.
"Woah, what's this for?" I asked
"I told you I would tell you why I was calling you Gray, well, here it is. That wallet has an official Pokemon trainer ID inside of it and that device is both a phone and Pokedex. You are now Gray, Pokemon Trainer."
My mouth hit the ground so hard that it descended in to hell.
"Blue… I… I don't know what to say" I managed to stutter out
"No need, I think you caught on back in Pallet, but I had failed at this mission before. Now, I won't tell you why, because that info is not something I can share, but, because of this, I can now rest easy. So thank you, Gray, you brought some peace to an otherwise hectic mind."
We shook each other's hand, said our goodbyes and I set off to that god awful building I call home.
"Woah, did not expect to see you. You know they're going to torture you for failing… th… oh my."
The lady at the receptionist desk stopped dead in her tracks and was locked on to the pouch of Pokeballs I was carrying. I just shot her a look, a look that said "you're damn right I did". Very empowering! I sauntered through the halls of HQ, Rocket after Rocket, jaws were hitting the ground. I approached Squad F's meeting room, took a deep breath and made my way inside.
Commander Freidrick was talking with two other squad commanders, they were conversing about how useless their subordinates are; they're in for a treat.
"Excuse me, sir. I'm back." I said, like a boss.
I walked right up to his desk and placed the pouch in front of his face.
No one said a word, he just looked at the pouch and seemed very confused and shocked.
"Hah, look at that, Freddie. Looks like they're not all useless" said one of the Commanders
"Very nice, very nice! How much for him? I'll take him off your hands" said the other one
"NO. Absolutely not." said Commander Fredrick, his attention turned to me. "How did you do this?" he asked, he did not seem very happy.
Oh man, this felt amazing. I could feel the anger and frustration coming off of him, this mission was probably for him and someone else.
"There's no need for details, sir. Here are you Pokeballs, enjoy."
I started to turn around to leave, but he grabbed at my shoulder and did not let me escape.
"Stop right there. I was one of two people that was supposed to do this mission, do you know why this upsets me?"
I brushed his hand off me and turned around.
"Why is that, sir?" I asked
"Because, the higher ranking official involved in the mission, gets to keep one of the Pokemon."
My badass demeanour was swiftly diminished, that all too familiar look and feeling of shock came back. He pushed the pouch towards me and opened it.
"Take one and get the hell out of my face" He said
My head was swirling, I couldn't even think straight. Regardless, I had to make a decision, and quickly. There was one that was sticking out, I kind of felt bad for screwing up with it earlier so my choice is… Cyndaquil.