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Staring down the tall, lanky Rocket, Ash grit his teeth. "Why don't you guys just beat it!? No one in Silph Co. wants you here. The rest of the world doesn't, either! You're getting booted out, like it or not!"
The teal-haired man laughed. "I thought the halls seemed a little empty. So, our goons weren't just screwing off. You've got a lot of nerve for a kid your age." He grimaced, busily turning and clutching the metallic shell of a pokeball in his gloved hand. "But, it's time to stop playing hero. Interfering with Lord Giovanni's plans never ends well." The man jerked a downward-turned thumb across his pale throat, making his threat quite clear.
"And, crossing paths with Archer won't do you much better." The aforementioned pokeball was tossed with that introduction through. It burst to summon a Tyranitar, who gnashed its sharp fangs. A long, armored tail pounded against the carpeted floor, leaving a dent.
"I've never been scared of you guys before, and I'm not scared now! Pikachu, I choose you!"
"Pika!" Responding to his trainer's call, Pikachu bounded off of his shoulder, landing on all fours. "Pi…" He growled, sparks crackling from his red pouches, tail raised skyward.
"Tyranitar, Rock Slide! Bury that rat." Archer commanded.
"Dodge that!" Ash countered.
A small flurry of boulders was summoned, hurled towards Pikachu.
"Pika!" The mouse shouted, jumping high to land atop one of the boulders. He zipped from one to the next, slowing the momentum of each rock as he landed. He had no interest in watching Ash and Rosa get pummeled.
"Quick Attack!"
Hopping atop the highest boulder, Pikachu crouched on all fours, springing off to launch his body at Tyranitar, trailed by a silver streak. "Pika… Pikachu!"
He slammed his hide into the Armor pokemon, earning a groan of pain as it skidded back.
"That's no ordinary Pikachu," Archer noted, raising a brow. 'Maybe this is the rodent that the boss always complains about draining our funds.' He had to see what this thing was made of. Archer snapped his fingers. "You can take more than that. Thunderpunch!"
"Gah!" The dark type roared, lunging at Pikachu with a glowing, crackling forearm ready that was as thick as a tree trunk. Its taloned feet dug into the carpet, bearing the weight of the punch.
"Iron Tail!"
Pikachu landed atop one of the boulders, one paw supporting his twisted form. He sprung off once more, crying out as his tail took on a coat of glistening metal. "Chua… Pika!"
Hero and Rocket alike were forced to brace themselves from the impact. Winds of pure power rustled hairlines and shook paintings on the walls, and volatile sparks sprayed from the metallic coating on Pikachu's tail, as if an ironworker were welding metal with a torch.
Pikachu grunted, finally knocking Tyranitar's punch back with a turn of his hips.
"What a pistol," Archer complemented. "Those three screw-offs weren't full of hot air, after all."
It wasn't tough to guess who those three screw-offs were. Ash feigned gagging. "I can't tell you how sick I am of them. They're not getting Pikachu, and you're not either!"
"What do you take me for, a grunt? As an executive, I have much more important priorities than rat-napping. For instance, getting rid of pests like you. I won't allow you to ruin the Boss's meticulous plans!" The criminal barked, outstretching a hand. "Tyranitar, Rock Slide!"
"Repel them with Iron Tail!"
Pikachu took to the air again, batting one stone back after the next with his jagged tail.
Tyranitar groaned in irritation, bombarded by several of his own boulders.
"Impossible…" Archer began to grind his teeth. "Tyranitar, Hyper Beam!"
The gargantuan pokemon opened his fang-filled mouth wide, firing off the magma-colored ray of pure destruction.
Ash called out in return, undeterred. "Thunderbolt!" He threw a hand upward.
"Pika… Chu!" The mouse shrieked, countered with a hissing, golden bolt.
The electricity clashed with and ate through the powerful blast, splitting it right down the middle. Tyranitar gawked in terror as he was assaulted by the burst of electricity. He howled in pain.
Guarding himself with his long sleeve, Archer could feel his heart pound. 'This kid is unreal… If this goes on, my losses won't be acceptable. Lord Giovanni would give me the boot if he saw this.'
"Screech!" He shouted from within the smoke and debris.
A weary Tyranitar howled, assaulting Pikachu with an ear-splitting sound that forced the rodent to brace himself, his ears folding back in pain.
"Pi… Pika…!" Pikachu whined, still cringing from the audial onslaught. Defenseless, he squealed as he found himself buried under a barrage of rocks from Tyranitar. Aching under the weight, he was reluctant to let consciousness slip away.
'Lucky shot…'
"Ah, there's its weak spot. Quite good, wouldn't you agree?" Archer cackled.
"Pikachu!" Ash shouted in horror. "I'll show you…" He reached for his belt with a growl.
The sight of another pokeball made Archer break out in a cold sweat. 'If he pulls another one, I'm done for!' "Tyranitar, get 'im!"
Exhausted and charred, the Tyranitar threw his tail outward with little enthusiasm.
It was still more than enough.
"Floatzel! I choose y-" That was as far as Ash got before he felt like he'd been hit by a truck. Breathless, he was sent flying into a nearby wall, gasping inaudibly in agony. The pokeball he'd prepared rolled, rolling across the floor.
~Papa!~ Shuddering in horror, Rosa sprinted over towards her caretaker, ruby eyes trembling. She pawed at her trainer's pant leg, inspecting his aura for the worst. He was agitated, but nowhere near dead. Still, seeing the man who'd been such a source of strength heaped over in pain…
If he couldn't handle this, who could?
"Ah… Ah, sunnuva Beedrill, that hurts…!" Coughing and hacking to restart his breathing, Ash leaned back against the wall to ride out the pain. He wasn't sure whether his stomach or his back ached more. "That dirty…" He finally opened his eyes, a blurry, fretting Riolu coming into view.
The trainer forced a weak smile. "Hey, I'm alright… No need to worry!"
"You won't be," Archer interrupted, stepping closer to his prey. "Let's make sure you stay here for a while. I'm sure the boss'll want to have a talk with you. Tyranitar?"
The large pokemon stomped over, pulling back a fist. It began to flicker with golden sparks, ready to paralyze the young man.
"Rio!" Baring her tiny canines, the Riolu charged at Tyranitar with a paw outstretched.
She was halted with a sizzling haymaker. Thunderpunch sent her tumbling aside.
"Rosa!" Ash stretched a hand out, irises trembling.
"You really are pests. On second thought, we're best off being rid of you. Hyper Beam!"
Tyranitar eyed his prey, his jaw dropping to summon a glowing orange orb.
Ash broke out into a sweat, his fingers digging into the carpet to the point of eliciting rug burn. His face twisted in horror. "P… Pikachu…!" Someone, anyone… There wasn't anyone here to help him, was there?
His belly ached. Was this where his life was supposed to flash before his eyes?
A fearful, high-pitched voice rang through his ears. ~Papa!~
Rosa outstretched a paw with teary eyes, her entire body overcome with a blinding light.
Ash, Archer, and even Tyranitar turned their attention towards the Emanation pokemon.
The blue, glowing form began to expand in size, tiny, stubby arms and legs sprouting into full-grown limbs. Spikes spouted on the wrists, and the tiny, rotund head grew, spouting a long snout. Tiny ears towered, and two nerve bundles beside her head turned into four.
"No way…" Horror turned to unbridled joy and pride on Ash's features. "She did it!"
The bright light dispersed, broken away by a loud, furious howl. Standing in the Riolu's place was a full-grown Lucario. Her aura feelers stood on end, scarlet eyes turned dead on Tyranitar.
Rosa roared out, springing off of her longer, stronger legs at Tyranitar. Her body twisted, a powerful padded foot smashing into the reptilian pokemon's jaw. Adrenaline pushed her on, and the kick was followed by a right hook. A flurry of punches followed that smashed into the pokemon's armored chest, knocking it senseless.
The Lucario dropped to the ground, crouching to launch herself upward. A strong uppercut smashed the Tyranitar's jaw, knocking the rattled pokemon on its back.
Before Archer could even mutter a swear, he was the object of the pokemon's unbridled gaze. "Oh, my… Now how am I go- Oof!" In an instant, any semblance of breath left his body.
Rosa had buried her fist in the villain's gut, tears streaming as she sent him tumbling across the floor.
The Aura pokemon huffed heavily, anxiety and adrenaline rushing through her veins all at once. Her grey fists trembled.
"Rosa!"
The voice was an instant temper to her outrage. Rosa's eyes darted to her slumped trainer, her lip trembling. She sprinted to the teen, leaping to throw her arms around Ash's waist.
~Papa…!~ She whimpered, burying her face in his shirt. She was probably soaking it with tears. ~Papa, are you oka-~
"You were amazing!" Ash gushed, throwing his arms tightly around the Lucario's furry form. She was pulled in for a tight hug, at least until his rib ached. He winced, pulling back to give the widest, proudest smile a trainer, or parent, could manage. "Aw, Rose… I owed you my life, back there! You were great!" His voice sounded pained, but Ash couldn't care less. "Thanks… Thanks a lot…!"
~I-I thought you…~ She slowed her breathing, pulling back to prop her trainer up higher.
"I was in real trouble," Ash affirmed. "But, you came through, right in time! I can't believe you evolved… I think that was Close Combat, too! I knew you had it in you. Pikachu couldn't help me right then, but…" The lightbulb went off. "...Pikachu! Shoot, he's still under there!"
~Oh!~ The Lucario yelped, sprinting over toward the pile of boulders, leaping over a few errant stones along the way. Crouching before the debris, she began tossing them to the side. Soon enough, a yellow, furry, familiar face tumbled out, landing before Rosa.
She picked her senior up, cradling him.
A high-pitched cough followed, allowing the mouse to exhale, and open his eyes in turn. "Pikachu…" Boy, did he have a headache. His blurry vision began to stabilize, beady eyes growing wide at what he saw. "Pika! Pikachu!" His ears bounced upward, a smile growing wide.
Rosa'd evolved! Pikachu patted her on her shoulders, chattering congratulations to her.
The Aura pokemon flushed red in the face in embarrassment. ~I'm just glad I could save ya both!~
Both…? Pikachu's heart raced. "Pikapi!" He bounded off of Rosa towards his trainer, who had managed to push himself to his feet, by now. That didn't stop Pikachu from leaping into his arms.
"Aw, Pikachu!" Ash exclaimed, throwing his arms around his best friend, laughing all the while. "Man, I was worried about you… What a battle, huh?" He looked to the unconscious pokemon and trainer alike, his face twisting in disgust. "We really cut it close."
A Super Potion was fished from Ash's backpack. "Here, you've gotta be hurting from that critical hit... Sorry if it stings." He sprayed Pikachu with the restorative medicine.
Pikachu winced, shaking his fur out after the mist had set in.
"You guys're feeling alright?" Ash walked through the debris, picking up Floatzel's pokeball.
Pikachu and Rosa alike nodded.
"Good. Then we've still got work to do!" Ash furrowed his brow, his eyes scanning the trashed hallway. From countless rocks, to cracked floors and a cracked wall, to singes and ashes…
The testing room was still intact.
But, not for long.
With the plush carpet of Silph Co. quieting her steps and muting the click of Houndoom's claws, Dawn found her walk suddenly becoming eerily quiet. She wasn't sure where to actually look for a security key for the elevators, but she was certain if she ran into someone else she could get the information out of them.
That was, of course, until she heard soft crying. Houndoom, similarly, perked up, tail stiffening out behind him.
"Let's go see what it is, boy," she whispered to him.
Walking down the hall, they spotted an old man leaning against it, his face turned away from them. His shoulders were wracking softly and the whimpering noises were definitely coming from him.
"Hey!" Dawn said, reaching out to touch his shoulder. "Don't worry! Look, help's here! I won't let any of those Rocket grunts do anything to you!"
"You won't?" the old man asked, not turning around. "Why not?"
"Because, I-"
She was cut off, her hand suddenly grabbed. She yelped in surprise as the old man whirled on her. He stood much taller, now, towering over her. He grabbed at the top of his face, peeling it away.
Thankfully, another was under it, but that face did not look happy. With his free hand, the man yanked off the rest of the costume, revealing a surprisingly tight and form fitting Rocket uniform. Moving his grip from her wrist to her cheeks, the purple haired man slammed Dawn back against a wall.
"Augh!"
Houndoom snapped and barked, fire billowing at the side of his maw.
"Call your pet off!" the man snarled. "Who, exactly, do you think you are to be ordering anyone around, grunt? Huh?"
Shaking her head back and forth and grabbing at his hand, Dawn tried to escape. Instead, it only succeeded in rubbing her hat off. Her bangs fell down, though the bun she'd pinned her hair up in remained bound.
"Ah! That's it!" Letting the girl drop to the ground, Petrel cackled. "I recognize you! You're that coordinator! Artists recognize other artists, you know! Did you come to Rocket seeking glory and fame? Did you want me to do your make up!" He cackled. "If you're a new grunt, you've got to act like it, little starlet."
Sitting on her butt, Dawn rubbed her sore cheeks. "As if."
Her Houndoom stepped beside her, still growling at Petrel.
"Oh? So you're a sneak, huh?" he asked, stepping back with a dangerous glint in his eyes. He released one of his own pokemon. The Weezing lingered at his side. "Pick your answer carefully, little starlet."
She stood. "I'm here to stop you."
"Then, you were very stupid to come alone." The man smoothed his hair out, chuckling quietly. "Even if you beat me, the elevators are shut down from here. I realize it was a security flaw to have any keys down here, so you have to call up to bring an elevator down. They're all trapped in the security room, and we locked that from the inside." He cocked his head. "How's that for an insurance plan?"
It was behind a locked door? That was encouraging, Dawn thought to herself. "It doesn't matter! I'll get up those stairs! And, I'm never alone! Not when I've got my pokemon!"
"Oh!" Petrel lamented, placing a hand over his heart. "You really are a little darling! I'm going to hate to beat you up! You know, your audience really does love you! You should have just stayed on stage, though." Snapping his finger, he began his attack. "Weezing, use Smokescreen!"
Snatching her hat back up and slamming it on her head, Dawn furrowed her eyebrows upon seeing the thick cloud of black smoke settling between her and her opponent. That was, she frowned until she recalled a familiar strategy. "Houndoom, use Smog!"
The purple haze dispensed among the wasteful air.
"What is she up to…?" Petrel wondered aloud. "Oh well… Her funeral. Weezing, use Sludge."
He took the bait! Dawn pointed forward. "Houndoom, use Flamethrower!" she commanded before crouching down behind her dark type dog.
As soon as he expelled the fire from his maw, it ignited upon hitting the hazy air. It burned even more quickly through the Sludge.
Petrel, knocked back a bit by the sudden explosion, found himself laughing. "That's it, then! You're not very strong, are you?! You're just smart! Should have joined rocket, little starlet!" He adjusted his collar before glaring at where the coordinator stood back up. "Are you really ready to play with fireworks against a Rocket?! Weezing! Use Explosion!"
Both hound and girl panicked upon seeing the purple sphere rush towards them. It was beginning to glow.
"Houndoom, retreat!" she ordered.
Both she and her canine companion hastily ran away. The more the Weezing swelled, the slower it became. Unfortunately, Dawn and Houndoom didn't get far enough. It wasn't enough to hurt either of them severely, but unlike Petrel, there was no hall corner to turn around and hide behind. They were sent flying through the air, landing heavily on their sides.
Sitting up, Dawn held her aching side. "C-Crap…"
Houndoom, meanwhile, swiftly got onto his legs, growling upon seeing Petrel peak around the corner.
"Haha! You lived! For now… Well, I'm going to go! Tell you what. You can stop me or get away. The grunts heard that, you know. They'll be coming. You decide which you want, little starlet." With that, he turned back down his hallway, obscured by the smoke left from Weezing's explosion.
Looking at the fainted pokemon, Dawn gnashed her teeth. "He didn't even return it…! After Weezing gave so much of itself for him, he just left it behind…! Houndoom, use Odor Sleuth! I won't let him get away with this!"
Taking off down the hall, Houndoom was hot on Petrel's trail. Dawn followed after.
Their chase was short. At the end of a dead end hallway, Petrel casually stood.
"I figured you'd follow me. Stupid girl… The grunts are going to corner you, you know. Better get whatever satisfaction out of caging me you can, for now." The man sneered at her.
"Trust me. I will." Blue eyes blazing, Dawn held her hand out towards the Rocket superior. "Houndoom! Block off his end of the hallway with Flamethrower!"
"Houndooooooooom!" Belching out a sustained stream of flames, Houndoom sustained this flickering fire for perhaps a full minute.
Dawn watched, patiently, as Petrel began to grow dizzy and faint from the intense heat and rapidly depleting oxygen supply on his side of the fire wall. It was only when he collapsed that she spoke again.
"That's enough, Houndoom. Now he can't tell them what he saw." He was alive, she was sure, but he'd be out for a bit. "We've got other issues…" She heard the approaching thuds of a mass of grunts. "Smokescreen!"
Creating a cover of darkness, Dawn waited until they entered her escape route. Then, she snapped her fingers for Houndoom to follow and the two of them dashed away.
Quickly turning a few corners to put some distance between her and her pursuers, Dawn only stopped to take a breather in a hall that had a water fountain.
"Here, I bet you're thirsty," she said, walking over and pressing the button.
"Hou!" her pokemon gratefully yipped. He jumped onto his hind legs to lap at the stream.
Dawn took a sip after he did before looking around.
"Bingo!" she giddily said, seeing that one of the doors on the hall was clearly labeled 'SECURITY' in big, bold letters. Taking off her cap, she pulled out the hairpin that Aya had given her before smashing the cap back down. "Let's get us an elevator key, Houndoom!"
While Dawn briefly jimmied the lock, Houndoom kept careful watch, listening for any approaching feet. Just as she managed to open the door, the shuffle of feet could be heard in their direction.
"C'mon, boy!" She slipped in quickly, leaving the door open for Houndoom.
As soon as his tail slipped through and the door was shut behind them, a trio of grunts rushed by, a Raticate and Nidorino trailing behind them.
"P-please… All of the commotion has the pokemon stressed. You won't get optimal… Likely even accurate results!" A man in a white lab coat pleaded, fiddling to place a small metallic pin onto the fluffy body of a squirming Flareon. He jerked his head back, just barely avoiding a spit of flames.
"Shut up and do as yer told," a man dressed in a Team Rocket outfit and cap spat, looking over a clipboard. "Unless you want us to take over. Ol' Fido here wouldn't like that, would he?
Another Rocket leaned over, whispering to the first. "But, we don't know the first thing about these gadgets… If they don't do it, we couldn't make heads or tails of this mess."
The first jabbed the second with his elbow. "Shaddup, don't let them know that."
"I-I'm very sorry… I don't want to work under these conditions any more than you do." The scientist implored to the Flame pokemon with begging eyes. He managed to clip the small gadget into the pokemon's fur.
Flareon howled in protest still, kicking free to isolate itself upon its tabletop, its fur quilling as a threat to the humans enclosing upon its personal space. Flames were moments from leaving its throat.
A loud booming explosion ripped through the room, shattering planks spraying across the floor in the wake of a spreading cloud of smoke. A teal flash of light dispersed, clearing the air.
Standing in the now empty doorway was a raven-haired teenager, accompanied by a Pikachu and a Lucario. The latter stood closest of all, a raised paw lowering to her side.
"Alright, break it up!" The trainer barked. "What's going on in… What the!?"
Ash's eyes flicked across the exposed room. A couple of startled Rockets and unwilling scientists were scattered around, and a shuddering Flareon sat on an examining table in the center of the room. A few cages lined the walls, occupied by a few pokemon. Namely a Growlithe, a Jolteon, a Mankey, and a Machop. Each shrunk into their enclosures at the commotion.
A treadmill and a punching bag were stationed in the back of the room, along with several computers.
Ash felt like he wanted to vomit. "So, this is what you were freaking out about… Those pokemon must be terrified!" Baring his sharp canines, Ash threw a hand back towards what was left of the door. "Alright, you guys better beat it, if you know what's good for you!"
"Hey, kid! Why don't ya mind your own business!" One of the grunts barked.
"Before we, the Rocket Brothers, make ya!" All four gangsters drew their pokeballs.
"Pikachu, Rosa, get 'em!" Ash commanded, throwing a hand out.
"Pika!"
Pikachu launched off of Ash's shoulder, springing onto the table that Flareon occupied before launching at the first Grunt to speak, surrounded in a silver gleam. He smashed into the man's abdomen, knocking the wind out of him. Hopping onto his falling cranium, he jumped at the next.
Gasping in horror, the bumbling man anxiously juggled his pokeball in an attempt to get his act together. "Hold still, ya lil' ra- ah!" Before he could finish his sentence, a tiny yellow foot had slammed into his face, knocking the dazed man onto his rear.
Rosa wasn't far behind, closing the distance between herself and the closest man before he could so much as toss a ball. His foot was kicked out from under him, sending him falling right into her fist.
"Hypno! Confusion!"
The Aura pokemon froze, finding her body restricted in a telekinetic hold. Her gaze shifted to the fourth man, who had succeeded in releasing the formidable psychic type. His leering eyes emitted a blue glow, holding the vulnerable fighting type in place.
Crouching in fright atop the table, Flareon whined. If there was any chance to break free, it was now. "Flare!" It howled, spitting a flurry of hot embers at Hypno. Naturally, it'd used Ember.
"Hyp!" The psychic type yelped in surprise, hopping erratically to escape the heap.
"Great work, Flareon!" Ash praised. "Now's your chance, Rosa! Power-up Punch!"
The Lucario let out a gasp of relief, feeling control of her body return. She gnashed her canines, leaping at the terrified Hypno. A shining fist slammed into its gut, sending it flying into the last Rocket.
Trainer and pokemon alike slid down the wall.
"Good job, guys." Ash commended, implicitly declaring this fight over. "Now, let those pokemon go!"
"O-of course!" One of the eggheads who'd clung to one of the computers stammered. "We do our best to give pokemon humane treatment in our experiments… Our hand was forced!"
"We'll give them their space right away." The other agreed, pulling a key out of his pocket. "We're so sorry, Flareon. We owe all of you an apology." He approached the cages, unlocking each in succession.
Several of the pokemon growled and hissed, still retreating from the men.
"They've gotta be scared, right now." Ash grimaced, swallowing back tears. "They're better off away from a place like this after everything that's happened." Damn that Team Rocket.
"O-of course… What should we do with them, now?" After all, it was pretty clear who had the right to make decisions for a pokemon's sake, now. How demoralizing this all was.
"Keep 'em safe here, for now. This job's not done yet." Ash advised, walking towards the hallway with Pikachu on his shoulder and Rosa accompanying him. "The police'll be here… Huh?"
His brows furrowed. The trashed hallway seemed somewhat empty. "Tyranitar's gone…"
He swallowed. That could only mean…
Before he could think further, he was shoved aside.
~Papa!~ Rosa had promptly taken his place, raising an Aura Sphere as fast as her arms allowed.
It only barely held off the flames that snapped at her vulnerable metallic spikes.
"Rosa!" Ash gasped, regaining his composure to see what was before him. A steady, deadly stream of Flamethrower assaulted his pokemon, spewing from the mouth of a Houndoom.
Accompanied by the hellhound was none other than Archer. He scoffed. "That's twice you've gotten lucky with that flea-ridden mutt. Well, it'll be the last!"
"You rotten… Rosa, hang in there! Push back!"
The Aura pokemon growled, securing her footing. This heat was becoming unbearable. With a push, she launched the Aura Sphere into the oncoming flames, forcing them towards the center of the hallway.
The two attacks exploded.
"You're a real pain in the ass," Ash barked. "This time, we're done playing around!"
Pikachu bounded forward on all fours, standing beside Rosa. His cheeks crackled.
"Rosa, Aura Sphere! Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" Ash pulled a hand back before throwing it outward.
The two pokemon attacked in tandem. The Lucario winded up before tossing a one-armed Aura Sphere, while Pikachu fired a crackling Thunderbolt. The teal blast and golden bolts twisted together, forming a radiant blast that crashed into Houndoom.
"Now's our chance!" Ash announced, sprinting into the smoky aftermath. "C'mon!"
"Pika-Pika!"
Pikachu joined his trainer atop his shoulder, and Rosa sprinted alongside him. They took off, not daring to look behind them. If Archer was giving chase, that would lower their coordination and give him the edge he needed to catch up. If he was not, then this was their chance to get away.
After rounding a few corners, it seemed as if their luck was running out. In the middle of the hall stood a Houndoom!
… However, this one had peculiar horns. They were curved and heavy looking.
"Hey, that's Dawn Houndoom! And, there's Dawn!" Ash pointed out with glee as the girl rounded the corner.
"Ssh!" she warned. "Not so loud! I've been spotted! They know intruders are here!" she warned. "...Hey! Did Rosa evolve?!"
"Yeah, she did!" Ash answered, patting the fighting type on the shoulder. "We kinda raised the alarm, too…"
"Well, congrats, Rosa!" Dawn reached into her pocket then, producing a small card. "No need to worry! We're getting out of here! I heard from one of them that the boss is on the eleventh floor! This key can take us up!"
Nodding, Ash let out a sigh of relief. "Great! I'm ready to take down the boss. I'm tired of fighting small fry."
"C'mon! I saw an elevator while I was trying to find you. If we take a left at the end of this hallway, we'll be fine!"
With that, our heroes made their way to the elevator and off the ground floor.
"I assure you, this is in your best interest." A hand pressed against a desk made of solid oak. "Of course, cooperating with Team Rocket always is. You'd be passing up quite the rich opportunity to turn us away." A tall, broad-shouldered man in a pinned black suit lectured, cat-like eyes locking on to the portly, mustached man that sat behind the desk. The portly man was shuddering.
But, when it came to these encounters, what else was new?
The smaller of the two fiddled with his collar, his bushy brows furrowing at the 'offer.' "You say that like you're giving us a choice."
"Please, President. I'm hurt. You're behaving like our presence is a punishment. We could provide funds, more than you could ever dream of, to see this project through. Team Rocket is no bunch of panhandling upstarts. We have the influence, the power, to make your dreams a reality!"
"I didn't start this company just to sell my soul!" The President sputtered. He reached for the golden plaque standing upon his desk reading 'President Silph,' adjusting it in a feeble attempt to retain his authority. "I've heard of your exploits. I have no reason to believe you wouldn't abuse our inventions! I'll be damned if you take something meant to revolutionize the lives of trainers and pokemon, only to turn it against them for your own gain! I have no reason to trust your intentions."
Giovanni exhaled. He slammed his opposite hand on the wooden surface, forcing its various stationary pens and photographs to clatter and jerk. The space between Silph's face and his own was reduced to inches at best. "So feeble and short-sighted… But, that's why I'm here."
Glaring into the eyes of a pale, sweating businessman through his thick-rimmed glasses, Giovanni continued. "Trusting such influence, such power to ordinary trainers… Children! You don't see that as an utter waste?" Spitting his words, he retreated from the flinching man to walk towards the window that offered him the night skyline of Saffron City. "Our vision is greater. We're organized… We can bring out the full potential of man and its dominion over pokemon!"
The team leader's monologue was interrupted by the sound of a swinging door, turning the eyes of Giovanni, Silph, and a Rocket standing in the corner towards the intrusion.
Ash stood in the doorway, grimacing at the scene. Pikachu sat atop his shoulder, and beside him was Dawn, still dressed up in her Team Rocket outfit, only her blue hues distinguishing her, then.
"There you are!" Ash snapped at the man, stepping into the spacious office room. "Giovanni… Why don't ya save yourself some time and get out of here!?"
"And, leave this company alone!" Dawn added, her navy brows furrowed.
"Ah, there you are… Ash, was it? I was wondering when I'd get to meet you, face to face." A smirk tugged at Giovanni's aging face. He walked toward the President's desk once more, his arms folded behind his back. "And, you… I don't know you. A rogue grunt, perhaps?" He tutted with a shake of his head. "We'll have to tighten are disciplinary introductions, it seems."
Dawn's eye twitched. "That coming from a shady, no-good crook who has to sneak in to get what he wants…" Who was he to ridicule her for not being recognized!?
Giovanni chuckled. "Quite a tongue you've got on you… If you hadn't turned on us, you might've had potential. As for you," he turned his gaze towards Ash. "I don't believe we've ever met, face to face. I'm sure you know me by reputation?"
Ash swallowed, quickly averting his eyes from the crime lord. 'I forgot, Mewtwo erased his memory… Last thing I wanna do is get 'im suspicious about that.' He turned his attention back to the man. "I-I've heard things! A lot more than I needed to, if you ask me. You don't even know how much trouble your goons've caused us!"
"You don't even want to get me started on how much money we've lost from their escapades chasing after your rat," Giovanni spat. His own brow was starting to twitch. Alas, he gained his composure. "But, speaking of that, I'm actually glad you showed up. For such a thorn in my side… You're an interesting case. As is your Pikachu. But, I'll warn you… Meddling with my agents is one thing, but stepping in on my personal business is a dangerous affair. My aspirations are greater than your narrow mind can understand. You're in over your head."
"Oh yeah, taking people's pokemon's a real genius idea," Ash drawled mockingly, rolling his eyes. "I'm sick of you guys and what you do to pokemon! Taking 'em away from their trainers and homes, just to rake in some dough. Who do you think you are!?"
"Pika-Pika!" Pikachu barked, his fangs bared and electricity dancing along his cheeks. If he had to be thrown in a glass container one more time because these guys couldn't keep their hands to themselves…
"You're still missing the point… But, that's to be expected from a child your age. It's time I put you in your place for your meddling. Besides, I'd like to see what your Pikachu can do. Persian?"
A feral hiss could be heard, coming from the large feline that had made itself at home on the President's couch. It sprung down to the floor, stalking its way forward to stand opposite of Ash. Fixating on the mouse with tiny, beady eyes, it licked its lips. It was chow time.
"You want, a fight, you've got one!" Ash shouted, pointing forward. "Pikachu, I choose you!"
"Pika!" Pikachu sprung off of Ash's shoulders, landing on all fours. He growled, raising his jagged tail upward. He had no plans to go down to a game of cat and mouse. Nature was about to be given the middle finger.
"Oh, and you," Giovanni eyed Dawn. "I hope I don't see you butting in. This won't turn out to be a fair fight," he threatened with a gesture to the man standing off to the side of the room.
Wearing a full Team Rocket outfit in black, the man sported wild, thick turquoise bangs, and a shady sneer that told one that you really wouldn't want to run into him in a dark alley.
Dawn grimaced. So much for getting a chance to teach them a lesson. "Fine. Ash'll take care of you, anyway!" It wasn't like he needed any help.
"Good. But just to be safe…" Giovanni snapped his fingers.
A hand that was fished into Proton's pocket slipped out, and a click of his finger alerted the group.
Pikachu howled, his body skidding off to the side.
"Pikachu!" Ash cried, baring his teeth at the Rocket. "What the hell did you do to Pikachu!?"
"Pikachu…" The mouse exhaled, shaking his head. He was surprised to find himself standing.
"Are you hurt, buddy?" The trainer turned his attention on Pikachu, eyes threatening to drop tears.
"Pika," the electric type shook his head. There was a slightly irritating itch, but surprisingly, he wasn't in any pain. Thank Arceus, he wasn't.
"Your Pikachu will be just fine," Giovanni assured, keeping a silky calmness that nearly made Ash sick. "I was just testing out one of Silph Co.'s marvelous new inventions… I believe it was patented as the 'Level Limiter?'"
Pikachu, meanwhile, was busy trying to gnaw the device off. He was having no luck.
"It's designed to suppress a pokemon's strength, speed, abilities… All-around level of experience. Their level, if you will."
President Silph massaged his temples. "That technology was designed to be a tool to trainers and their pokemon… To allow trainers of vastly different experience to enjoy the sport of battling with one another. For Gym Leaders to use their favorites against challengers, no matter their level of experience! Not for sabotage." He utterly cringed at the thought.
"And, that's why I told you you're not seeing the big picture… Rogue criminals could be neutered in their attempts to use pokemon for chaos. Opposition to Team Rocket would kneel at our feet… Yet, you're utterly wasting it on sport." Giovanni grimaced. Always so stubborn.
"Unfortunately, that was only a prototype. It's only able to cap your Pikachu's potential by ten percent of his full might. But, I couldn't risk the outcome of this battle… Not after I've seen what it's capable of." He eyed the indignant Pikachu, who glared daggers at him as he spoke. He showed the faintest sign of a grin. "A mere Pikachu, matching a Latios, of all things, in might. A thing of beauty; it's too bad that it's wasted on a stubborn trainer like you. I would've loved to have it fighting on the side of Team Rocket."
"Pikachu-Pika!" Pikachu howled, his face twisting in disgust. 'I'd never abandon Ash for you!'
"You're not getting Pikachu, and even now, Pikachu could beat you!" Ash argued. "Right?"
"Pikachu!" Golden bolts thrashed around Pikachu's body once again. No doubt about it.
"Then, let's go! Quick Attack!" Ash shouted, throwing an open hand forward.
"Pika…! Chu!" Pikachu cried, sprinting towards the feline. A bright glow followed him.
"Fake-out," Giovanni calmly countered.
Persian eagerly lunged at Pikachu, hovering over the electric type with a twisted grin.
Pikachu skidded to a halt, eyes doubling at what he'd gotten himself into. By the time his battle knowledge had triumphed over his flight or fight response, it was too late. Persian had halted long enough to throw Pikachu off, violently swatting him aside like a pesky Weedle.
"Power Gem," Giovanni continued as he watched Pikachu skid along the carpet.
Persian howled, throwing his head about as a scarlet blast from the gem on his forehead.
"Pikachu!" Ash called in worry, watching the blast sweep towards Pikachu.
An explosion followed, leaving a scowl on Ash's face. He threw a hand out. "Iron Tail!"
"Shadow Claw!"
"Chua…!" Pikachu cried as he launched out of the smoke, his tail coating itself in a gleaming metallic layer.
Persian sprung at his prey once again, looming over with a paw coated in ghastly energy.
"Pika!"
Pikachu's tail crashed into Persian's claws, forcing each pokemon's weight against the other. Pikachu gritted his teeth, and Persian snarled in irritation. Try as he may, though, against the Electric Mouse's iron-clad extremity, Persian suffered.
"Chu!" Pikachu batted the cat off with a turn of his hips, landing on all fours.
"Good job, Pikachu! Now, Quick Attack!"
"Pikaaa!" Pikachu sprung at the ailing Persian, swiftly crashing into its side.
Ash grinned, adjusting his backward-turned cap. "Follow that up with Thunderbolt!"
"Dodge that," Giovanni commanded.
Doing as told, the recovering Persian sprung out of the blast's path with cat-like prowess. Only a charred path was left in Pikachu's wake. Meanwhile, the Classy Cat pokemon landed atop the lavender couch, taking the opportunity to clean its paws. "Mrow," it purred, leering down at Pikachu with a condescending gaze. A mouse could never topple a cat. Especially the top cat.
"You got lucky," Ash remarked. "Another Thunderbolt!"
Pikachu's eyes narrowed, an indignant pout forming from the cat's haughty disposition. That thing had a lot of nerve… He'd teach him to look down on mice! At least, a good Thunderbolt would.
"Power Gem!" Giovanni ordered in return. As expected, Ash wasn't making this easy on him.
The golden, crackling bolt collided with the elemental blast of energy, cooperating to form a booming explosion in the middle of the President's office.
Smoke dispersed, and the head of Silph Co. buried his face in his desk, hiding from the debris.
"Pikachu really does seem slower… Weaker, too. He should have this in the bag, already." Ash grimaced. Way to spit on all of their hard work, Giovanni. As if everything else weren't bad enough.
"No need to worry," Dawn chimed in. "Even now, he's more than tough enough!"
"Dawn's right," Ash agreed, holding up both of his fists. "Pikachu, let's show 'em!"
"Pika!" Pikachu agreed, shaking the disruptive soot out of his fur.
"Take 'em down with just one shot! Volt Tackle!" Ash commanded.
"Pika-Pika-Pika-Pika… Pika!" Working with very limited space, and innocent bystanders in mind, Pikachu didn't take his time. He shot at Persian in one confident leap, his entire body bursting with a yellow electric aura. He left the air around him smelling like ozone.
"What brave words," the Rocket boss taunted. "Foul Play!"
The crackling mouse was growing closer by the millisecond. Hell if he'd let himself get fried. Acting on his cat-like reflexes, Persian pivoted on his four feet, sidestepping Pikachu.
But, not without snagging Pikachu's tail between his teeth.
Naturally, Pikachu squealed.
Tossing his head around, Persian thrashed the still glowing feast of a pokemon round and about, appropriately dizzying his opponent before letting go, flinging Pikachu behind him.
Retaining his momentum and shine, Pikachu crashed into the wall like an earth-drawn comet. A snapping explosion followed as he piled through the wall, leaving him buried in the building's inner structure.
The decorative lamp hanging from the ceiling swung and shook, its lights flickering. Several incandescent lights within the ceiling blinked as well, fading to leave a partially shaded office.
"Pikachu!" Ash gasped, his face twisting in worry.
"And, there's the naiveté of a young trainer. You think charging head-on into everything will just 'bring us down,' don't you?" Giovanni lectured sardonically. "In the end, it'll be your undoing."
"You..." The Pallet native growled. It was hard to find words for his contempt.
"Pika…" A familiar, high-pitched voice groaned. Crawling his way out of the wreckage, Pikachu forced himself onto his hind legs. "Pika!" He cried, staring down Persian. He was peppered with burns and a few bruises, but he stood defiantly, all the same. This 'chu wasn't out yet!
Persian growled in annoyance, casually leaping down from his perch to corner Pikachu. 'Yer really starting to piss me off, mouse.' He sneered, licking his lips.
'That makes two of us,' Pikachu spat, his tail swerving.
"I'm really starting to worry about Pikachu," Dawn muttered, a fist held to her chest. "It's almost like you guys haven't gone through that training at all!" What a slap in the face that had to be.
"Nah," Ash dismissed, a smile finally picking up. "We're not going at full steam, but Pikachu's a lot more sturdy than he used to be. I can tell, he still wants to keep fighting… He'd never give up! And, hey, if he's still standing, that just shows how much stronger we got, right?" He sported a cocky grin, brushing his index finger over his nose. "We're still gonna finish this!"
"I'm nearly spilling tears," Giovanni dropped in, laced with sarcasm. "Can you back up that confidence?"
"We can," Ash argued. "Pikachu, Iron Tail!"
"Chua… Pika!" Pikachu lunged at the feline, intent on regaining the upper hand.
"Apparently, you can't learn from your mistakes. Foul Play!"
Persian eagerly backed up, snapping down on Pikachu's iron-clad tail.
"Guess again," Ash countered, sporting a mischievous grin. "Thunderbolt!"
Persian panicked, eager to spit his meal right back out. But, he was a moment too late.
Pikachu unleashed countless volts into the howling Persian, lighting up the dimmed room. Once he felt the cat's grip grow weak, he bore a triumphant smile, yanking his tail back before swatting Persian with his initial strike. The predator had been humbled, laying weak in the corner of the room.
The Classy Cat pokemon eyed Pikachu with what could only be described as hate.
"So, this is what it's like to experience its power in person." Giovanni spoke through gnashing teeth, his fingernails digging into his palms. How humiliating. "Even while weakened… I'm curious what makes it so outstanding. Power Gem, Persian!"
The feline snarled, the gem on his forehead glowing.
"It's all the hard work we've put in!" Ash shouted back. "Show 'em, Pikachu! Volt Tackle!"
"Pika!" His companion shouted in return, sprinting at Persian with the aid of an electrified aura.
He crashed into the wave that Power Gem had thrown in his path, frantically pushing forward.
The sight of Pikachu's Volt Tackle pressing against a beam of energy… Pikachu pushing on with all of his might. It was awfully similar to the struggle against Tobias.
Ash's eyes narrowed. "This time, we'll win!"
"Pika, Pika, Pika, Pika, Pika, Pika…" Pikachu chanted in succession, sprinting into the heart of Power Gem. If only he had a bit more firepower… But, he didn't need it! He lunged at the source.
"Pika!"
Pikachu smashed into Persian's gem, errant flashes of gold and red thundering from the corner of the room. An ear-ringing explosion blasted through the office, clouding the room with dust and smoke.
Following the initial heat was, surprisingly, a cool breeze. The smoke began to billow away, revealing a complete absence of a wall where the two pokemon had clashed. Saffron's skyline could be seen, along with the few faint stars in the sky. Fortunate enough, now that electricity had died out for the entire top floor.
Persian, meanwhile, was buried in the inner workings of the wall. Giovanni saw this, grimaced, and returned the bested cat.
"Well," the infuriated man said, barely withholding a fury so strong his knuckles were white, "you did it. You beat me. I hope you're not expecting us to just give up now."
"That'd be nice," Ash hissed.
Pikachu bounded back over to Ash's side, dust and debris covering his coat, but otherwise, no worse for the wear.
Out of breath and looking extremely pissed, Archer rounded the corner, standing behind Dawn and Ash, effectively blocking them into the room. "Lord Giovanni, intruders have-... You!" he snarled. He looked around. "You made a mess up here, too! Lord Giovanni, we have to-!"
Raising a hand, the older man cut him off. "It's no use. The officers no doubt saw this explosion. They'll need time, but it's doubtful that we have long until they get flying types and try this entrance as well." Looking below, he noticed that the swarm of Arcanine and Growlithe were closer to the entrance than ever before. "I don't think they can hold off the main entrance much longer, either." He looked to Archer. "Call a helicopter. We're leaving. Tell the grunts to flee if they can."
Archer reluctantly glared at Dawn and Ash before darting away.
"As for you two…" the leader grumbled. "You're treading on very thin ice. While I would love nothing more than to leave you to Proton, actual murder tends to incite the police a little more than robbery and invasion do. Consider this your only warning. Team Rocket will rise and I'm certain your strengths will only continue to grow, but consider doing what the other sportsmen do: stay out of our way." Turning to Proton, Giovanni nodded. "I'm going to wait on the roof. Dismiss the front entrance defense."
Proton clicked his tongue before picking up a communicator at his hip. "Jessie, James, the mission's over. Retreat. Your seats're reserved on the third helicopter. Don't be late." With that, even Proton walked out of the door.
"Should we stop them?" Dawn quietly asked.
As Ash held Pikachu gently in his arms, he looked out of the opening they'd created. Where the battle below was once going on, a haze of purple smoke was now covering the area. Jessie had certainly picked up an affinity for those escape aiding items.
"No," he answered. "We did what we came to do. Team Rocket's leaving."
"And, I'm very grateful for it," President Silph finally said. "I couldn't ask you to chase them down now that you've chased them out of here."
The three stood alone in the president's office as the occasional sound of boots scurrying by passed. While it killed Ash and Dawn to ignore the elite Rocket agents running away, they knew that they outnumbered the two of them and that their desperation would only make the battling all the more fierce and dangerous. They had already seen how dirty the low-lives could fight.
"Sorry for breaking your building," Ash said with a laugh. It was so quiet and awkward now that he couldn't help but speak.
The man shook his head. "It's not even a concern. Knowing my employees and the pokemon that work with us can finally be safe again is my real concern. Team Rocket is gone now and between insurance and business profit, there's more than enough funds to fix whatever's broken." He seemed to have an epiphany. "Oh, speaking of business, could I interest you in our two newest technologies? You already saw the prototype of the first. The level limiter might be fun for you both if you train with large teams." He paused. "Well, actually, I'm sorry my dear, but I'm not sure if I trust a newly reformed Rocket grunt with this technology…"
Remembering that she was still in uniform, Dawn looked down before waving his concerns off. "Oh, haha! No! I kinda took this off a grunt to sneak in! I'm really a coordinator!"
"Oh, well then, yes! What are your names? I want to let you have a level limiter and the new version of the experience sharer when they're ready!"
"Experience sharer?" Ash echoed.
Dawn clasped her hands together. "I've only heard of really rich and important breeders getting their hands on those!" She looked to Ash. "You put the device on one pokemon, and when it's in your party to witness a battle, it understands so much more about what's going on that it kind of passively learns!"
The president nodded. "Well, this one works differently! To put it simply, instead of putting this one on the pokemon you want to learn, you put it on the one you want to teach! All of the pokemon registered to the same trainer as the one using it while in the user's party will learn!"
Ash let out a low whistle. "Well, that'd make raising new pokemon a lot easier… Maybe too easy."
"Well, still. Maybe one day if you need it, it'll be useful. At least leave me your trainer information so I can have a package delivered to you at a Pokemon Center one day."
"Right!" both agreed before walking over to the president's desk. They'd just write their information down for easy reference.
"... Oh, yeah. President Silph…"
"Yes, Ash, my boy?"
"Could you get this thing off Pikachu?"
Leaping before the humans as they all walked down the stairs, it was clear that Pikachu was enjoying his returned strength. Behind him, Ash, Dawn, and President Silph were likewise taking a breather.
"If my ribs weren't killing me, I'd be jumping for joy!" the coordinator announced.
"Huh? You got roughed up, too?" Ash asked. He rubbed his own side. "That Archer jerk sent his Tyranitar after me…"
Dawn looked over her shoulder. "Whoa, really?! That purple haired guy had his Weezing use explosion…"
"That's what that shaking was earlier," Silph exclaimed. "Well, that'll need to be fixed, too…"
"Sorry!" Dawn said with a laugh.
Just as they touched down on the fifth floor, Dawn was tackled from the side.
"Pikaka!"
"Dawn!"
"Oh my!"
Pikachu, Ash, and President Silph were all quick to converge on the one holding Dawn down, who was… Officer Jenny?!
Un-holstering her pistol, the officer aimed at both of the men briefly before coming to recognize them. "President Silph? … Hey, aren't you that Ash kid?"
"I am! Please, get off that girl, she's not a Rocket grunt!" President Silph insisted.
Ash cocked a brow. "How do you know my name?"
Raising off of Dawn, the officer snatched the girl's hat off. "Ah, then that's Dawn." Crossing her arms, the officer cocked her head. "When we broke in, it was on the news at once. We needed a head count of the hostages, so we were trying to figure out who should have been at work today and what not. The Nurse Joy who's on duty at the Pokemon Center snitched that you may have snuck inside," she narrowed her eyes at Ash and Dawn. "...Especially considering that the explosion up top had traces of electricity. Team Rocket isn't known for using electric types." She looked down to Pikachu. "Good job, small fry."
"Pika," the mouse retorted, feeling mixed about the praise yet diminutive title.
Standing up, Dawn rubbed her sides again. "Geez, glad we got all that sorted out…"
"Yeah, mostly." Putting her hands on her hips, Jenny pointed towards the stairs. "We're clearing the building." On cue, a few other officers exited the other rooms they'd been checking. "This floor's clear! Head up. As for you three, you need to leave. Now. I'll escort you."
Deciding not to fight it, all three went along with her orders. President Silph, in particular, looked relieved to have a police escort.
"You know," Jenny began as they made their way down the steps, "you defied an officer's order. That's obstruction of the law, probably."
Dawn and Ash exchanged a rather concerned look. Were they really about to get arrested for this? Should they try and run for it? No, they'd face their punishment…
"But, I'm gonna let you go. Besides, the two of you need to lay low. I'm surprised they let you live, honestly. The last time someone really decided to go toe to toe with the higher-ups of Team Rocket…" She shook her head. "That was over a decade ago. Just know it's probably safer for you that we act as much as we can like you two were never here."
"... Proton," Ash mumbled under his breath, the flash of the man waiting with Giovanni flashing in his mind's eye. Was that Team Rocket's attack dog?
"Anyway!" Jenny said, perking up, "If you two ever get tired of training and learned to listen a little better, you'd do excellently in law enforcement."
"It was thanks to Pikachu," Ash said, holding his arms out for the small pokemon as they all lingered in the busy lobby of Silph Co.
Several employees were waiting in the wings with shock blankets while officers were filing reports. They could see all the flash of the media outside the windows.
Dawn nodded. "I've got to praise Houndoom once we're out of here!"
Seeming to sense that the tension was over, Ash's stomach let loose a long, rumbling growl. "Sorry!" he apologized.
Smiling softly, Jenny looked to the doors. "I'll sneak you back to the Pokemon Center. The Nurse Joy is still on duty, so I'll let her know to unlock the back door. You two should probably just stay in your rooms for the rest of the night. I'll see if she can find something in the kitchens for you."
"No, don't go fretting." President Silph reached into his back pocket before producing a single bill. "Here. Let them leave this with the desk nurse and order what they want. I won't have my heroes eating cold sandwiches while I go home to a comforting meal."
"Thank you!" Dawn and Ash said in unison.
"Pika!" came a resounding chirp of gratitude from Pikachu.
Taking the bill in hand, Jenny whistled. "Right. Okay, you two both need to get some shock blankets on to kinda obscure your look… Hey! Jen, can you bring me some- there you go, good girl. Here, drape it around your head so they can't see your faces. Pikachu, you gotta hide in there with… Right! Good job."
With their identities hidden, Ash and Dawn followed Officer Jenny out of the office building and into the flashing lights of the media. Though interviewers were blocked by other officers, it was still very exciting for them.
It was only when they were in the safety of the back seat of Jenny's patrol car that they calmed down.
As the streetlights passed over the tinted windows of the cruiser, Ash looked out into the empty city streets. Occasionally, he saw dark figures walking at the end of alleys. Were they wayward youths returning from some reckless party? Were they hard workers returning from an unending shift through a shortcut only someone native to the city would feel comfortable walking? Were they escaped Rocket grunts, trying to find base and lick their wounds after barely escaping apprehension?
"... I think we should change our travel plans from now on," Ash said quietly without facing Dawn.
"Are you worried?" she asked back.
Ash rested his back against the cool of the cruiser's metal seat. He gently rubbed Pikachu's back before answering. "No. I just don't think we need to take any chances."
Dawn reached over to put her hand atop Ash's. "Well, I am. I don't think we should travel at night in cities for a while."
He nodded. "Yeah… The countryside's fine, but this is their territory."
Pulling up to the back of the Pokemon Center, Nurse Joy held open the door that seemed to lead to the kitchen with a gentle, inviting smile. Ash, for one, was glad to have made it back. He understood, now, why the nurses always said they hoped the trainers would return. In battles, it was inevitable that one would get hurt. They could only hope they'd be able to heal.
For now, our heroes were safe. They could rest and fill their stomachs. Tomorrow's problems would have to wait until tomorrow.
