AUTHORS NOTESX SINCE THE LAST CHAPTER WE ARE ADDING POKEMON DIALOGUE. AS IN WE WILL TRANSLATE WHAT THE POKEMON ARE ACTUALLY SAYING AND NO THIS DOES NOT MEAN THE HUMANS WILL, 100% UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY ARE SAYING. SORRY IF IT WAS CONFUSING EARLIER OR IF ITS STILL CONFUSING WHILE READING THIS. ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE STORY OR QUESTIONS IN GENERAL PLEASE EITHER POST A REVIEW OR YOU CAN DM ME AND I WILL TRY TO ANSWER THEM IN THE NEXT CHAPTER, THANK YOU. ON TO THE CHAPTER.
TEAM ROCKET DUALITY
It was nighttime with a half-moon in the sky. It gave them just enough light to see and enough darkness to sneak through undetected unless looked on directly. Using this they sneaked past the guards doing their patrol. Going around to the wall Roy prepared his hook rope, throwing it and giving it a good tug to make sure it was secure. "I'll go first, keep a lookout, drop once you're up. Put the Hook away in your bag" he said already climbing up the wall.
Sam did a fake salute. "Yes sir, commander." Rory rolled his eyes as he went over the wall. Sam turned around, activating his visor to detect any nearby heat signatures. Satisfied there was no one in close proximity he took out his hook gun and made his way over to his partners' side.
FLASHBACK
It had been several days since the successful take over of the illegal fighting ring. After splitting the money between them, a total of 10 million to split 5 million for each, combined with the money from completing the mission, both boys banks accounts were filled to the brim with cash. Sam had used some of his shares to purchase the best food for himself and his Pokemon, some various books, as well as other necessities, they received orders to report to Team Rocket Headquarters for their next assignment.
Both clad in their Team Rocket outfits, both presented themselves to another Admin as he showed them images of Pokemon, Safari Zone, and Fuchsia City.
"As you both are probably aware, a Safari Zone is located within Fuchsia City. Safari Zone is home to many rare Pokémon that are usually not found in the wild. Their purpose is for trainers to catch these Pokemon within a certain time limit with only 30 Poke balls. Team Rocket as of late is running short on specific Pokemon for its agents, and thus it is your mission to catch these Pokemon and the total you need to catch. I suggest that you strike at night, where there will be no interference from any Trainer or officer that will get in your way."
She then brought out a briefcase to reveal TR branded Pokeballs. "The Poke-balls you see before you are Rocket Balls. As you are aware, these make the Pokemon loyal to Team Rocket and not the trainer catching it. Use these to catch the Pokemon. There is a total of 50, 25 for both of you. The mission is simple, catch the specific Pokemon, the specific amount, and leave the area before morning, understood."
"Yes Ma'am!" They both saluted.
"Good. Now go out and make Team Rocket proud." He saluted. "Team Rocket!"
"Team Rocket!"They replied.
FLASHBACK END
Sam reached the top, flipped over and landed on the other side next to Rory. He brought out his holopad and opened up the list of Pokemon for them to capture. "Alright, according to the list, we need to capture these Pokemon, all have evolved. Nidoking, Nidoqueen, Rhydon, Pinsir and Tauros. And for those in the lakes, Gyarados, Golduck, Seaking, Kingler, and Seadra." He turned to Rory. "We'll have to go deep in the zone to find some of these Pokemon, and I suggest we split up, one goes for the land the other goes for the lakes."
Roy took out his Gengar "Gen" 'What?' "I'll take care of the land pokemon. Kingler isn't the best for this water mission. Guards are still roaming outside so silence is our friend here. Fly us over the bushes Gengar." he grabbed onto his Gengar that proceeded to float them across the terrain.
"Well, I guess that just leaves me with the lake Pokemon." He then tossed out to Poke-balls, bring out his Espeon Ava, and his Beedril, Beedra. "Alright you two, let's move and catch us some Pokemon. But be silent, we don't want to get caught."
"Espe/Bee." They replied with a nod.
"Good, let's get going." Sam then opened his Holocaster/Holopad and looked at the list of Pokemon. "Let's start with the Seadra." He pressed the Seadra icon and it brought up a map that showed their location. "And would you look at that, they're right next to the Seaking too!" He walked into the zone with his Pokemon by his side. "This should be fun." He said with a grin.
Roy took out his holopad "let's start with the weaker set. Tauros and Pincers'" he pointed his Gengar eastward "There".
The pair floated over a pack of sleeping Tauros "Hmm use sleep Gengar. Just to make sure they stay asleep," Rory told his Pokemon. The Ghost-type opened its mouth and released a purple gas among the herd. Rory the Pokeballs into the air and has Gengar capture them before putting them in a bag labelled Tauros "Okay, now for the Pinsirs."
Roy sneezed from the cold breeze of the night "With this cold of a night those Pinsirs must be underground." He looked down at the holopad and then towards the forest "under that exact forest." He leapt on top of the Gengar "Float just above the ground. They are super sensitive to vibrations." "Gengar Gengar Gar" 'I'm the embodiment of stealth Roy' she complained at his constant babysitting. They flew right into the forest slowly with Roy checking his Holopad trying to find each Pinsir. They flew for a few more seconds until they were on top of one "stop". Roy pointed to the ground "Psychic. Slowly we don't want to wake the rest of the Pinsirs" "Gar" Her Glasses glowed and slowly the dirty Pinsir was lifted off the ground still asleep. Roy captured it with no problem. Unfortunately, this was going to be how they were to capture the beetles as they were spread too far across the forest making a mass psychic impossible and if he were to do a big group he would run the risk of waking the others and ruining the mission. All these calculations ran through Roy's mind and he sighed "Looks like it's gonna be a long night Gengar" "Gar Gen Gengar Gen" 'Please. This is morning for me'.
Sam peered behind a tree as he looked at the lake that was a few feet in front of him. He pressed a button on his visor that activated its infrared vision. He scanned the area all over "All right the coast is clear." He walked out stopping at its edge and peered down.
"Let's see...they should be in coral nests at the bottom." He activated his infrared vision once more, and he was able to easily spot around a dozen in them, each sleeping with another. "Gotcha," He turned to his Pokemon. "Ava, use Psychic to grab 5 of them and bring them up to the service, and Beedra uses string shot on them so that way they'll be easier to catch."
"Espe!" Ava replied. She stepped forward. "Espeee!" Her eyes and gem glowed blue, and moments later 5 startled and confused Seadra appeared out of the lake floating high in the air. "Good, now bring them down to the surface!"
"Peeeon!" The Seadra was then forced to the ground, causing damage. "Now Beedra!" Sam said.
"Beeedril!" She shot out string shot from her mouth(?) and wrapped up all of the Seadra in her tight web, immobilizing them. He tossed the Rocket balls high in the air and had Ava use Psychic to grab and throw them at the Seadra, catching them.
"Nice work you two!" Just then he heard the sound of something bursting from the water, he turned around and saw that some of the Pokemon had awakened, including the Seaking. Sam smirked as his Pokemon stood next to him, with Ava's eyes glowing and Beedra knocking her needles together. "Man, this is too easy."
It took a while and it was a WHILE, but they had managed to gather every single Pinsir in the area. As the 2 got out of the forest, Gengar seemed tired, her sunglasses drooping from using her psychic so much and carrying the human on her back. "Alright. Time to get Rhydon. Over there." He pointed towards a small group of Rhydon the tired Ghost- girl slowly levitated them there. "Alright. Let me down." Once Roy got down he put Gengar back in its Pokeball. He took stock of the area still a good bit away from the actual pokemon. He took out his binoculars seeing the group of Rhydon also being alongside the Nidoqueen and Nidoking. 'Hmm makes sense they are of the same mammalian family. Now, where are the Alphas?' He scanned the outskirts of the group and noticed one of each Pokemon patrolling the perimeter 'Gues Pokemon instincts aren't that easy to remove.' He thought getting up. "Well, I need for them to separate from the group before I can capture. Time to put in some work" he said pulling out 3 of his pokemon Heracross, Scyther, and Kingler. "Follow me" they made their way to the group ready to create a distraction and fight those patrolling Alphas.
Sam, after catching out Seaking, looked at his Holocaster and pressed the Kingler Icon. "Alright, the Kingler is located in another lake that's just north of here. Let's get going." After walking ways, they came to a clearing and saw another lake. Sam walked up the lake and saw a group of Craby and Kingler all sleeping at the edge of the water.
"There you are." He turned to Ava. "You know what to do, go for the Kingler."
Ava nodded and used Psychic. The Kingler was aroused from slumber as they were levitated off the ground. But before they could retaliate, Ava threw them to the ground, hard. Sam turned to Beedra. "Your turn Beedra. String Shot."
Beedra instantly shot out a string of web that wrapped tightly around the Kingdra, Immobilizing them. Sam quickly grabbed his Rocket Balls and tossed them at the Kingler. "That's 15 down, 15 more to go."
Rory spread his pokemon out and gave them the most advantageous match up possible, Kingler with Rhydon, Scysor with Nidoqueen, and Heracross with Nidoking. The 3 pokemon set up into position keeping just out of sight remembering the orders given to them by their master. As Kingler hid behind a rock Flashback Rory pointed at him "Get his attention. Let him chase you make yourself look like a good snack and then beat him with some water moves, but quick and silent. No bubble beam." Flashback "Kingler," the pokemon said scuttling out. He threw a playful water gun at the Rhydons back making it turn back looking for the perpetrator. "Rhydon," he said looking around until Kingler got his attention with the clinking with his giant claw. The Rhydon looked down at the mocking crustacean who gave him another blast of water to the face and ran off. Rhydon shook off the water and chased off to get the Kingler back and grab a bite to eat. Even though the Rhydon was faster on land Kingler was able to outrun it for a time as it got the head start. As the 2-legged pokemon chased the Kingler it got blast again and again with water blasts. It shook these off of course but by the time it caught up, it was completely soaking. "Rhydon Rhydon" 'Nowhere to run!" the pokemon said heaving from the run the Kingler turned around "King Kin Kingler" 'Wasn't planning to" Rydon charged at the crustacean and it was time to use its new move. Kingler aimed its claw at the charging Rhydon and used Ice Beam making it a frozen statue.
Scyther made its way across the grass using its fast legs to become nothing but a shadow among the leaves. The Nidoqueen while having good hearing could barely distinguish between its movements and the cold winds that blew across the plains. Scyther moved stealthily not giving anything away as it came from behind following its master's orders to take it out before it even knew what hit it. Having been part of Team Rockets top stealth unit, there was no challenge to this. Nido just hears the slight sound of something slicing through the air before turning around and getting hit with slice once then back again with X-Scissor. The one-two knocking it out in less than 2 seconds.
Heracross had already gotten the attention of the alpha Nidoking as they were staring each other down. Having threatened taunted it earlier to test who is the strongest and Nidoking being Nidoking it never backed down. However, the alpha had never faced a pokemon like Heracross as it charged at the giant beetle. Heracross grounded itself and took the charge head-on and he did not budge. "Nido?!" it said in surprise "Hera" 'Night' he responded giving it a Mach punch (Thanks to Infernape) and a throat chop knocking it out.
While all this happened Roy sneaked right into the middle of the giant herd and captured the giant herd. As he put the last ball in his bag he called Sam "How far are you with your sections? We're almost out of time"
"No need to worry, I'm almost done with mine," Sam said as Ava tossed 5 Rocket balls at a group of Golduck that had been damaged by her psychic attack, and were restrained with Beedra's string shot. "In fact, I just caught the Golduck. All I need now is to capture the Gyarados." 'I just hope to Arceus their heavy sleepers!' He thought to himself.
"How about you? How are you with your sectors?"
"I'm done," he said while capturing the frozen Rhydon. "I'll be heading to secure the perimeter and secure our escape route. I'll send the coordinates once I'm done. Hurry, we're close to sun up."
Sam looked at the sky, and at the edges, he could see a very faint glow of orange. "Don't worry, I'll be finished before anyone notices I'm there." He said as he put the Poke-balls in the bag. He turned to Ava and Beedra. "Let's pick up the pace!"
"Espe/Beedrill!" She said as she followed him through the woods.
He quickly opened his holopad and marked out the Golduck. "Ok, the Gyarados are just a couple of feet ahead, only meant for trainers that have enough experience for them. But I'm not like most trainers, am I?" He asked Ava.
"Espe!" She agreed.
"That's right, now let's go catch us some Gyarados!" Finally, they came upon a lake that looked larger than most. "Ok, the Gyarados' are said to reside in this lake." He looked at the sky. 'Not much time, have to make this quick.'
He tossed out a Poke-ball. "Go, Missy!" Out of the Poke-ball, appeared a Misdreavius. "Misdreavius!" She said.
Sam pressed a button on his visor activating its infrared vision. "Alright you two, I need you both to use Shadow Ball, and aim for that area in the lake!" He pointed to the lake center. "Beedra, stand by and wait for orders."
"Espe/Beedril/Missy."
Ava and Miss both ran up, and both charged a Shadow Ball Attack. "Espeeon/Miiisdrea!" Both fired simultaneously at the spot as the Shadow balls vanished into the water. For a few moments, nothing happened, until out of the water burst 5 angry Gyarados.
"Got you now!" Sam said to the charging Gyarados. Their mouths charged with Orange as they charged A Hyper Beam attack. "Missy, use Astonish!" Sam shouted.
"Misdreeeeaaa!" Missy made a horrible noise from her mouth and released multiple red waves of energy from its mouth, causing the Gyarados to flinch and halt their attacks, causing damage. "Now use Confuse Ray!" Sam said next.
"Misdreeeaaa!" The large orb on Misdreavus's neck glowed purple and she shots four glowing orbs that began to circle the Gyrados, that enveloped them all.
"Now the both of you, grab them with Psychic and throw them to the shore, hard!"
"Espeee!/Misdreeee!" Both Ava and Missy grabbed the confused Gyarados with Psychic, eyes glowing blue, and hurled them at the trees causing major damage. "Now Beedra, bind them with String shot!"
"Beedril!" Beedra fired the silk that enveloped the Confused Gyarados, binding them together.
"Great! Now Ava, Missy, catch them with these Rocket Balls!" He tossed them into the air, and his Pokemon caught them with their Psychic, and hurled them at the Gyarados, catching them. They moved for a few seconds until they stopped and the balls released stars, a sign of capture.
"Yes, great job you guys!" He said as he gathered up all the Rocket Balls. He beamed back at Beedra and Missy. "You guys take a nice rest." He turned to Ava. "Let's move!" They both ran back into the shadows and soon met Rory at the escape route.
"I'm here!" He said as he ran up, the sun creeping onto the horizon. "I got all the Pokemon, so let's get out of here!"
"We have a man meeting us on the other side," Roy said as he shot his grappling hook over the wall. They climbed over the wall seeing a black car with a person holding the passenger door for them. They jumped down and got in the car.
On the car, their getaway drivers rolled down the middle window "The mission a success?". "Sure was! We got all the pokemon. All of our agents gonna get brand new strong Pokemons," Sam replied.
"Good. The manager will be on for the full report" they said pulling up the window and lowering a small screen to eye level. The admin appeared on the screen "All of the pokemon in the safari were taken using the Rocket balls?" he asked "Yes, sir!" they replied and then the 2 relayed the exact number and type of pokemon they captured to their Administrator. The suited man grinned "Good Job boys! A 100% mission success rate so far. Keep it up. Leave the balls in the hands of these find Agents. We'll leave you down at a pokemon center we hold so they won't charge you. You deserve the rest. Team Rocket!" he saluted "Team Rocket!" they responded in kind.
They got dropped off at a pokemon center that technically wasn't open yet but for Team Rocket there were no closing times. They saluted their drivers away and headed into the center.
The next morning, Sam stretched as he exited his room, Ava by his side. "Man, now that is what I call a good nights rest!" He said as he stretched his arms. "Espeon." She said as she stretched her body. Sam had changed out of his Rocket outfit and back into his usual trainer outfit; a grey and white t-Shirt with a white and red poke-ball insignia on it that is covered by a black and gray leather jacket with matching colored pants and shoes. Ava of course, still had on her black collar with white rhinestones.
Sam pulled out his phone. "Now to see if the money was transferred...yes!" He fist-pumped when he saw his account "Were eating good today Ava!" he said.
The room next to him opened and out stepped Rory. "Morning sleepyhead, how was your night?"
"Average" Rory replied in just a simple white dress shirt and deep blue tie with black slacks and black shoes. "Let's get some breakfast," he said heading down the hallway. "Alright. Pancakes!" said Sam excitingly "Esp!" the pokemon responded in kind following the 2 humans.
"Here are your Pokemons!" said Nurse Joy handing the 2 eating trainers their now fully healed pokemon. "Thanks, Nurse!" "Thank you," the 2 told her. As the 2 were eating Sam asked Roy more stuff "So, whatcha buy or what are you gonna buy with the money?" Rory swallowed and wiped his mouth with all the manners built into him "Investing, pokemon, bribes" Sam stopped the food that was about to come to his mouth and gave a stunned look at Rory who continued normally "Bribes!? Who?" Roy ignored his question "Have you done anything new with your Pokémon?" "Don't ignore my question!?"
While they were bickering a certain group of friendly trainers came in "Hi Nurse Joy!"
Ash and friends, who had just stopped by after Ash receiving his Luck symbol from Pike Queen Lucy. However, along the way to the center, they passed the entrance to the Safari Zone that was located in the city, Max and May wanted to check out the Pokemon that was located there but were surprised that it was closed for the day.
That's when they found that Jenny was talking to one of the wardens. "Apparently, some of the wild Pokemon that were inside are now gone!" She explained. "My guess is that a few trainers snuck in to catch some Pokemon for themselves. Normally, this isn't a problem, but there was a total of 100 Pokemon missing! So until we receive more, this place will have to stay closed."
"I can't believe it was closed down like that," Ash said as they walked away.
"I know right?! After dad told me all about it, I was hoping to see the rare Pokemon inside!" Max complained.
"Me too, but I guess it can't be helped," May said. "Still, a total of 100 Pokemon gone? What kind of trainers need that many?"
"Who knows?" Brock replied. "But the Zone shouldn't be closed for too long, they'll get more Pokemon back." '_But still, the zone should have plenty of Pokemon left, I wonder what if theirs more that Jenny wasn't telling us._'
Team Rocket themselves were upset, watching from a distance behind some buildings. "Closed down until further notice?!" Jessie asked in annoyance. "Well, there goes my plan for catching all the Pokemon inside...!"
"I for one am relieved! I rather not go through the situation like the last time we entered there..." James said, remembering the last time they were at the Safari Zone.
"Makes you wonder who were the crooks that beat us to it," Meowth said.
"Well forget the Safari! The only Pokemon worth catching is Pikachu, so let's get to it!" Jessie said, pointing dramatically.
"True, we have twerps to outwit!" James agreed, pointing with her.
"And nothings gonna put us down!" Meowth agreed.
"TO WIT!" They all said in unison. "Wooobafett!"
"Hi, Nurse Joy!" Ash said as he stepped inside alongside his friends.
"Hello and we-!" She was interrupted by Brock who came rushing forward with Hearts in his eyes. "And Hello to you Nurse Joy! Never would I thought of meeting you here, it must be fate!"
"Fate has nothing to do with it, she works here!" Max said as he grabbed him by the ear. "Now leave her to it!" He proceeded to drag them off. The others just chuckled, until they heard bickering. Both turned and saw Sam and Roy, bickering with each other, while Ava just sweatdropped.
"Stop ignoring my questioning!" Sam said.
"I'm not ignoring anything, I'm just not answering," Rory said, sipping his drink.
"That's the same thing!" Sam said, annoyed.
The group walked over with Ash waving a hello "Hi guys! Long time no see!"
That got the 2 guys to stop bickering Sam was the first to answer and wave back "Oh hello there. Ash right?" "Yuh-huh" "Ey nice to meet you and your friends again." he waved to the rest of the teens. "Hello," Rory said tipping his drink at them. Once everyone got accommodated Brock asked the 2 "What are you guys travelling for? Are you guys like a team for something?" Sam came up with a quick lie "Uh Yeah we're just... going to the doubles tournament" Rory mentally groaned while Ash lit up "Oh! So you guys are a team! And they do doubles tournaments? That's great to hear, maybe we should do one May?" he said smiling to their female cohort "Nah we would so out of sync compared to these 2 we'd fail on the first try." Ash rubbed the back of his head "Yeah I guess that's true. Oh! but hey Ethan?" Ash called to the man who just gave him a glance from his drink "Let me fight that Pokémon from the new region! The one that went beat all those trainers by himself!" Roy didn't want to though as he'd rather not let others get a glimpse of his hidden ace especially with this veteran trainer that in his research has fought against other Team Rocket Agents, but before he could say anything Sam piped up. "Oh, that's nothing! You should battle his Heracross!" padding his partner on the shoulder "That beetle is some bad news, I've seen it beat champion level pokemon, he'd be a true test for you if your planning on battling for the championship!" he gloated. Rory just drank his coffee 'At least it's better than my Infernape. Heracross' are fairly well known.' Ash beamed "Now ain't that a challenge... Oh, I have a Heracross, but he's with Doctor Oak back in Pallet town..." Ash frowned which made Brock facepalm himself "Ash... You know he can just beam you all the pokemon you had over the years, like right now!" "Oh right! Thanks for reminding me Brock" he said sheepishly "Let me get him" he said before running out. Sam looked at Roy "I'm excited about this fight. His Pokémon have actually been real competitors and are really strong!" pumping his fist. Roy brought down his drink "I know" then getting up heading to his room to get his Pokémon.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket was peering inside through a window, using binoculars. "Twerps in sight!" Jessie said as smirked.
"What a delight!"
"Wait a second, Jessie. Don't those two with the twerp's look familiar?" James asked, referring to Sam and Rory.
"Now that you mention it..." Meowth said as he put a paw to his chin. "Now where have we seen them before?"
The other two put a finger to their chin as they remembered...creating a thought bubble together as it dawned upon them who those two were. Two trainers that sent them blasting off, hard with their Tyranitar and Heracross.
"AAAGH! IT'S THOSE TWO!" They said in unison and fear.
"The twerps with the Tyranitar and Heracross?! What are they doing here?!" James asked.
"Who cares why, what are we gonna do now?!"
"Nothing, we stick to the plan!" Jessie said. "Were getting Pikachu, and if lucky, those twerps Pokemon!"
"What plan?" James and Meowth asked. Jessie began to chuckle and whispered the plan.
Meanwhile, outside of the Pokemon center, Rory/Ethan stood at opposite sides of a Pokemon battlefield. Ash's friends were sitting at some stands, while Sam was next to them, laying on a Tree branch, his hat laying on his face, revealing one of his eyes. Ava was lying next to him.
"Ash sure looks excited, doesn't he?" May said as she watched the 10-year-old stretch his muscles. "Guess that victory at the Battle Pike has his motor running," Max said.
This caught Sams attention. "Battle Pike?" He asked.
"Yeah, it's where Ash fought against the Frontier Brain Lucy, the frontier brain that runs the Battle Pike," Brock said, his eyes becoming hearts. "And what a brain that woman is! Both Brains and Brawn to spare!"
As the siblings sweatdropped, Sam and Rory, who had overheard, each thought about the revelation. 'Ash is challenging Frontier Brains?' Sam thought. 'Trainers stronger than Gym Leaders?'
'That shouldn't matter. The Heracross he's using while may have been strong in the past does not mean he will have that same strength now. Maybe this will awaken inside of that one' Rory thought as he took out his Pokeball. Rory called out to the kid "Alright Ash! It's time to start!" "Right!" his Heracross came out stomping its feet "HERACROOOSSSS!"
"Heracross I choose you!" Ash shouted as he threw out the Pokeball, his Heracross landing on the field. "HERA-Cross?!" It said in surprise, looking at its opponent, another Heracross...that was bigger than itself!
"Woah, now that I'm getting a good look at it, that is one big Heracross!" Max said.
"And look at the size of its horn! It's huge!" May exclaimed.
"And check out all those scars...it definitely had its fair share of combat," Brock said.
"What did I tell you?" The others looked up at Sam as he laid on the branch. "That beetle is bad news, especially for Ash."
"Yeah but still..." Brock said as he stared at the scarred Pokemon. "Just what kind of fighting did it go through?"
"Alright Heracross, use Horn Attack!" Ash said.
"Heracross!" Heracross charged, readying its horn.
Rory raised a single eyebrow 'Trying brute force first? Maybe he's testing us, well we'll test him as well he thought "Give him a taste of your own Horn, Cross." The beetle responded getting on his four's and waiting for the other beetle to come to him. Their horn attacks clashed, while Ash's Heracross was able to provide some push, it was hardly a match as the bigger of the 2 simply tossed him back in the air "Hera" 'Young'.
Ash gasped as Heracross was thrown back. "Are you Ok, Heracross?!" He asked. "Hera!/Yeah!" It responded.
"Wow, it barely fazed Ethans!" May exclaimed.
"No surprise, that Heracross has had more experience in battles." Brock then turned to look up at Sam. "How did Ethan get his Heracross anyway?"
Sam, who was laying with his arms behind his head, turned to look at Brock. "His Heracross? Oh, he told me that he caught him in Johto years ago. Apparently, it was the strongest of a herd of Heracross and would always challenge any trainer or Pokemon that would come near it, that's where it got all the scars from." He looked at the Pokemon. "Who knows how many battles is been through."
"Alright Heracross, use leer!" Ash commanded.
"Heraaa" Heracross eyes glowed yellow as it leered at Rory's, lowering its defense. "Now use Megahorn!" Heracross dashed forward, Horn glowing
Both Heracross charged and clashed against each other, but the extra bulk sent Ash's Heracross flying backwards. "Heracross!" Ash said in worry. Heracross stood back up, but it looked hurt.
Sam raised his eyebrow. "It's still standing?"
Roy raised his hand at the 2 "Ash!" The pair turned to him "Heracross is not only a champion, but he's also undefeated!" "Heracross Hera!" 'I am King!"
He put his hand on his chest "I am not an actual champion, but let me tell you. If you can not even manage to lay him on his back." he brought his hand out at them and clenched it again "you will be crushed."
"Well, someone's sure sounds confident," May said.
"You have no idea," Sam said as he rolled his eyes.
Ash meanwhile, growled. "You Heracross may be strong, but don't underestimate mine! Heracross, use Take-Down!" Heracross complied, it charged at Rory's and slammed directly into it.
The 2 Heracross slammed their heads together as one tried to lift the other "Her Hera Heracross Cross" 'Stop trying to beat me in power' said the elder only getting this confident response "Her Cross Heracross cross!" 'Can't know till I try. "Don't let him get any ideas of grandeur! Counter with your own Seismic toss!" Roy Ordered.
"CROSS" he yelled overpowering the smaller beetles strength and getting ahold of its arms. Swinging it around and throwing it into the air.
"Oh no!" Max said as it was tossed into the air.
"Heracross!" Ash shouted. "Don't give up!"
Heracross eyes were clenched shut, but then it opened them up as it refused to lose. It opened its wings and caught itself in the air. "Awesome Heracross!" Ash shouted. "Now use Megahorn!" But to his shock, when its horn started to glow, an orange orb appeared on top, which it then fired down directly at its opponent.
"Is that...?" Ash asked in awe
Rory grinned 'Ya got the right idea with the wings, but still have not fully realized the way to get a down on the champ, so for now' he pointed forwards "Match it!"
The champ also gathered its beam
"GO HERACROSS!" Both trainers shouted
The pure orange beams collided into a gigantic explosion so strong it created a mini gust of smoke in the gym.
The peanut gallery had to grab their hats and hair while closing their eyes from the aftermath of the explosion. The smoke fell and covered the bottom of the arena. Rory was still pointing forwards grinning something that did not escape Sam's notice. He looked around 'What is that crazy dude thinking?' he thought and then he saw a small orange glow in the smoke appearing below where the flying Heracross was 'Oh shit!'
Ash saw it as well, but it was too late. "Heracross look out!" Rory's Heracross was directly underneath Ash's and was charging up another Hyperbeam. "Blast it!"
"HERACROSS!" Heracross blasted away, and it hit its mark. Ash's Heracross was sent flying into the air and was crashing back down, already unconscious. "Heracross no!"
"Dammit, he went too far!" Sam cursed as he saw Heracross fall closer to the ground.
Roy put his hand to his forehead "Man... look at him fall. Heracross!" he called out.
"Cross!" 'Going!' it said dashing to the falling insect's location. Just barely making it in time the champ held him above his head sweating bullets "Heracross Heracross" 'Don't usually dash this much'
Ash though sad he lost was happy it was caught "Tha-" and then he saw the battle-scarred champ unceremoniously toss his Heracross unto the ground "Thanks" now less happy. "Hera cross" 'Your welcome' "Your welcome," both trainer and pokemon said in unison.
As Ash's friends ran up to him, Sam walked up next to Rory with Ava next to him. "You know, you didn't have to fight that hard to win, right?" He asked.
"It was his idea to battle," Rory replied.
"Yeah, but you didn't have to push it to the extreme," Sam said as he put his hands head behind his head.
"It's ok, Sam," Ash said as he walked up to them, his Heracross right next to him. "I may have lost, but it was still a good battle!" He put out his hand. "Let's have a rematch someday!"
"Hera!/Yeah!" Heracross agreed, looking at its senior, who currently had its arms crossed and eyebrows raised, and Sam could have sworn he saw a smirk on its face.
Rory was silent, he looked at his Pokemon, to Ash's, then to Ash himself. Then smirked. He brought out his hand. "Well I-!"
Before he could respond, two Robotic arms appeared out of nowhere and grabbed both Heracross'. "Hera?!/Huh?!" Both said in surprise, then both were dragged backwards.
"Heracross!" Ash and Rory shouted.
"Now what's going on?!" Sam asked in surprise and annoyance. His reply was familiar laughter.
"Prepare for trouble, we're back for more!"
"And make it double, using words of yore!"
"An evil as old as the galaxy!"
"Sent here to fulfill our destiny!"
"Meowth, there's me!"
"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"
"To extend our reach to the stars above!"
"Jessie!"
"And James!"
"...Anywhere there's peace in the universe..."
"...Team Rocket..."
"...Will be there..."
"To make everything worse!"
"Wobbuffet!"
"Mime, Mime!"
To everyone's surprise, standing in front of them that had seemingly appeared out of nowhere, was a giant Heracross like Robot, It was standing on its hind legs, with wheels underneath both pairs of legs. A Red R was plastered on the front, and standing on a hatch above the horn were Jessie, James, and Meowth, having just appeared from inside the machine. In both of the machine's claws, Rory and Ash's Heracross were held in its firm grasp.
Both Heracrossi were struggling against the machine, but even their brute strength was not enough.
"Team Rocket!?" The kids yelled
"How do they get this stuff approved by Team Rocket?" Asked a bewildered Sam.
"Not these guys again. Really should make that call to Team rocket management." Thought Roy
"Ha-Ha, Now we got you tweeps. These prime Heracross will be ours now" taunted James
"Like the crooks we are, we're taking them like predators on the prowl!" Jessie said.
"De' Only way we know how!" Meowth finished.
'What the hell is up with the rhyming?' Both of the boys thought.
"Give us back our Pokemon!" Ash yelled at them. "Pikachu!" Pikachu yelled back.
"No way, Jose'!" Jessie replied, making face at them. "These Pokemon were practically begging to be stolen, especially after showing off their potential power in the battle!"
"You were watching the fight?!" Sam asked in surprise. "You guys have like a severe case of stalking, you know that?"
"Stalking?! This isn't stalking, it's completing a master plan fueled by ambition to succeed!" James retorted, waving his arms.
"More like holding onto a petty grudge like a bunch of immature children and refusing to move on!" Rory retorted back.
"Petty?!" Meowth took a step forward menacingly. "I'll show ya who's petty when I'm through with ya'!" Meowth said as he unsheathed his claws. He jumped forward with the intent to attack Rory but was held back by a firm grip by Jessie. "Let me go, I'ma slice of that twerp's moustache and shove it wer da sun don't shiiiiiiiine!" He said slicing his claws.
"Ignore him Meowth, he's not worth the trouble! Besides, we have more important matters at hand!" She pointed at Pikachu. "Like grabbing Pikachu!"
"Yer right!" Meowth then pushed a button on a remote that he pulled out from behind him. Beneath the horn, A glass sphere came out of the machine, and it zoomed forward and grabbed Pikachu. "Pika?!" He was then dragged back underneath the horn.
"Pikachu!" Ash screamed.
"Sorry, twerp but Pikachu's ours now, what can I say?"
"How about hooray!" James exclaimed.
"That's the way!" Jessie added.
They then casually waved goodbye as they were lowered into the machine, it laying itself on all fours and revving its engine like a car. "Have a nice day!"
The robot turned, skidded, and darted down the street passing many homes.
"They're getting away!" May shouted.
"Not for long their not!" Sam shouted. He threw out a Poke-ball. "Go Arcky!" Out popped an Arcanine "Aaarrgh!" he hopped on "Follow that Machine!"
"Arc!" She replied and dashed after Team Rocket
Not to be left out of the rescue mission the other 2 summoned their flying pokemon.
"Go, Swellow!"
"Hunt them down, Scyther!"
Both pokemon appeared in the air and began to chase down the giant Beetlemobile.
Roy ran back to the entrance motioning for the others to follow "We need to catch up to them"
"Alright"
Roy let them out to a silver SUV opening the car "Get in!"
"Didn't know you had a pair of wheels, Roy!" Sam said excitingly putting on his seatbelt.
Roy revved the engine "There's a lot of things you don't know" speeding down the streets trying to catch up to the pokemon and giant robot.
Meanwhile, Sam followed after the Machine on Arcky with Ava sitting right next to him. Swellow and Scyther were following close behind him. "Don't let them out of your sight Arcky!" He shouted at them. "Aaarc!" Arcky replied, and went even faster.
"Twerp and Pokemon at six o'clock!" James said from inside the machine. "On an Arcanine to boot!"
"Well then show them who's the top dog and send them packing!" Jessie ordered.
"You mean top cat!" Meowth replied. He pressed a button. "Firing Rockets!"
Behind the machine, The wings opened up and revealed miniature rockets with the Rocket Logo on them. "Oh, you have got to be kidding me!" Sam said in bewilderment. Multiple were fired at Sam and the Pokemon. Scyther and Swellow dodged but Arcky had to take it head-on with Barrier.
"Arrc!" Arcky and Sam were covered in a green barrier that protected them from the rockets. "Good work! Now, let's overtake them with Extreme Speed!"
"Arc!" Arcky was surrounded by a white and clear aura and charged at the machine at a high speed, leaving a white trail behind her. She dashed past the machine and quickly overtook them. "Now, both of you, use Hyper Beam!"
"Espeeeooon!/Arrrrrcanine!" Both released their attacks and blasted the front of the machine.
"Dodge those beams!" Cried, James
"I'm trying!" Jessie yelled back
They managed to doge one of the blasts but the other hit forcing them to make a sharp turn to the right; too sharp. As Jessie tried to right the vehicle back forward she overshot and just made the giant vehicle spin out of control until it finally flipped over onto its side.
"Ugh, my head" "I feel like am about to throw up" "My hair is all messed up now" the trio of bandits complained as they slowly got out of the Heracross machine. Only to be met by the rest of the twerp bigrade as Rory cleared his throat at them "Good job, Sam" Sam was genuinely surprised at the compliment "Uh Thanks, partner".
"Now give us back our Pokémon" yelled Ash.
Team Rocket got quickly back on its feet "Not this time" said Jessie "As we have the plan" went James "To do it dis time!" yelled Mew as they threw smoke bombs at the ground.
Through the cough both Ash and Rory instructed their Pokémon to blast away the smoke. Once it cleared they saw that Team Rocket had escaped "Bastards" muttered an angry Roy.
"Where did they go?!" Ash said as he looked around. "And where are the Pokemon?!" Max said, looking at the empty robot claws and zero glass case. Sam looked all over until he found them. "There they are!"
Sam pointed to the sky and saw the Trio's Meowth Balloon lifting high into the air, having to take off from behind a building and the Heracross and Pikachu were trapped in a giant circular steel cage.
"How the hell did they get there so fast?!" Sam asked in bewilderment.
"Scyther stop them!" Rory said to his Pokemon.
"You two Swellow!" Ash said.
"Go help them, Fang, stop that balloon!" Sam shouted throwing out his Pokeball, revealing a Shiny Gligar.
"Razor Wind!" yelled Rory
"Scyther!" the pokemon sent out a wave of slicing wind.
"Quick use Bubbafett!" demanded a panicking Meowth.
"Here ya go! Reflect" said James as he lifted Bubbafett in front of the wind attack "BU BA Feeett" it went reflecting the attack at the three.
"Oh man, Swellow dodge with quick attack!"
"Gligar, turn those away with screech"
"Dodge!"
The three pokemon followed their orders but due to it stalling them Team Rocket was able to get out their pokemon for an attack of their own. "Seviper Venomshock!" "Cacnea Pin missile!"
Before the other 2 announced their counters Rory made his move for the team "Get in front of them Scyther! Double team and X-Scissor!"
Scyther made his clones in front of the 2 and blasted off multiple S-Scissors. The counter managed to take out both attacks but left Scyther weakened as it's not a pokemon to use a lot of high energy moves. Roy turned to the 2 "It's left to you guys
"Gladly!" Sam shouted. "Fang, pop that balloon with slash!"
"Gli...!" Fang's left claw glowed white as it prepared to strike.
"Swellow use Wing Attack!" Ash yelled.
"Swe...!" Swellows wings glowed a white as they flew alongside Fang. Both zoomed in at fast speeds. Both struck the balloon, each creating an X formation as they completely sliced the balloon in half. "Uwaaaaaaagh!" Team Rocket screamed in fright as they and the captured Pokemon came crashing down to the ground. The steel cage was in pieces until Rory's Heracross burst from the metal using a Megahorn attack alongside Ash's who used the same move, Pikachu next to them.
"Heracross Cross/Not bad kid."
"Hera/Thanks!"
"Heracross!" Rory shouted as he and Ash ran up to them. "Thank goodness you're safe!" Ash also said.
But from of the rubble, Team Rocket burst out, groaning in pain. "Ugh, my back!" James groaned.
"I think my charm is chipped...!" Meowth said as he rubbed his charm.
"Nuts to your back and charm!" Jessie said as she coddled her hair. "My hair is completely ruined...wait!" She looked around. "Where are the Pokemon?!"
Right here!"
"Huh?!" The trio turned to find Ash along with everybody else giving them a glare behind their pokemon. Team rocket were now sweating bullets "N-n-now don't need to do-"
"Enough," said Roy extending his hand "Hyper beam"
The command was followed by Ash and Sam. Their respective pokemon geared up their beams and all Team rocket could do was huddle closer. "Next time, no more Heracross," said Jessie "Ya nexts times we only going for Pikachu" went Meowth "Yeah and then well only get-" the beams blasted them away. In the air, all three now crying "Blasted off by the Pikachu" Jessie nodded "Yeah and not these other twerps," as they turned into a twinkle in the sky.
"but for now...We're blasting off agaaaaaiinnn! Wobbuffet!" They all screamed before they made a twinkle in the sky.
"And good riddance!" Sam said wiped dust off his hands. "Alright you guys, return!" He then recalled his Arcky and Fang, while Ava jumped on his shoulders. "You all as well," Rory said as he recalled his Pokemon.
"Good work guys, you guys deserve the rest," Ash said as he beamed back his Heracross and Swellow.
Sam then looked into the sky, using his hand to block out the sun. "We really hit them far this time I wonder where they're going to land?"
"Hopefully somewhere where they won't bother us again," Rory said.
"Yeah, I could definitely get used to that." Ash chuckled.
"Pii-ka." Pikachu agreed.
"I think we all could, Ash." Max agreed.
However, what they didn't seem to notice, was that above them on the edge of the building, a piece of metal from the cage was teetering over the edge and was about to fall. Only Sam notice this as he was still looking up. 'Huh? There's a piece of metal...!' He looked down and saw that Max was directly underneath it. 'Oh crap!'
Then the metal tipped over and was falling straight towards Max. 'Oh crap!'
"Max look out!" Sam shouted as he rushed over.
"Huh?" Max asked as he looked up. "Uaagh!"
"Max!" May screamed as the metal fell closer to her brother, who cowered and tried to protect himself.
"Agh, dammit!" Rory shouted as he rushed over, grabbing a Poke-ball.
"Ava, Psychic!" Sam shouted.
"Espeeee!" Ava's eye glowed as she used her powers on the metal, stopping it, mere inches from Max. Sam quickly rushed over and pushed Max out of the way, cutting his arm on the metal as he did. Ava's Psychic wore out as they both were out of the way "Phew...close one. You OK there, kid?" Sam asked.
"Y-yeah thanks...but you're arm!" Max said as he looked at the cut on his arm, which was beginning to bleed. "Pee?" Ava asked with concern as she looked at the cut.
"This? Don't worry about me, I've been through worse." Sam said as he held the arm, attempting to shrug it off.
"Even so, you should get that checked out at the Pokemon center!" Brock said.
Sam was about to retort, but he looked into Ava's eyes and noticed her concern. He turned to Rory, who just shrugged. He sighed. "All right... let's go."
The group made it to the same pokemon center that was controlled by team rocket (on Roys recommendation). The group went through the door "I'll notify nurse joy and get our rooms set up again." He handed Sam a spray "That should help with the disinfection"
He left Sam with the kids. He rolled up to the nurse and spoke in a quieter voice than usual "Nurse, we have visitors. Treat us like regular customers. Agent Sam has gotten hurt in the arm. Extend our stay here for the next few days, but make it seem like we had left after 1."
The nurse nodded "Yes Agent Roy. There will be construction for what has happened so, we will be close to others after today. Make sure those "friends" are not here by that day".
"Will do. Team rocket."
"Team Rocket"
Sam meanwhile was sitting in the lobby with the rest of Ash's group. May and Max had gone with Nurse Joy to see if Max had any injuries. Sam was currently spraying the injury with the potion with Ava sitting next to him. "Agh, I hate these sprays..." He muttered. "They always sting!"
"It could have been worse," Brock said. "Just be thankful it was just a scratch."
Rory/Ethan returned. "Well I just spoke to Nurse Joy, looks like we'll be here for another day. But tomorrow we'll be leaving, the place will be closed after the ruckus those idiots did."
"But the building didn't get destroyed," Ash said.
"True, but Nurse joy wants to be safe sorry, make sure that there was no damage to the systems or Pokemon." He looked around. "Where's the other two?"
"May took Mask to see if he got any injuries," Brock explained. "That's an overprotective sister for you."
Just then, Max and May exited out of a room, with her Eevee in her grasp. "Well we just got checked out, Max is completely fine!" She turned to Sam. "Sam I can't thank you enough for what you did to Max, thank you so much!"
"Yeah, thanks!" Max said with a smile.
"Eevee!" Eevee said.
"Don't worry about it, kid," Sam replied. "I just did what anyone else would do." He then looked at May's Eevee. "May...I didn't know you had an Eevee." He said as he walked in front of it. "Hmm...looks like it's a baby, newly hatched."
"Yeah, I got an egg as a gift...how did you know that?" May asked in surprise.
He motioned to Ava. "I may know a thing or two about Eevee's." Just then Nurse Joy walked up. "Excuse me, we can examine you now." She said with a smile.
Sam nodded. "Got it." He turned to Ava. "Stay here Ava, I'll be back soon."
"Espe!" She replied.
As Sam walked off, Nurse Joy sighed. "What that boy did was brave, but honestly it was also reckless! If I were his mother I give him a good talking to...but it would just make things awkward...considering..."
Rory raised his eyebrow. "Considering what..?"
"Uh... It's not my place to say... sorry" the nurse said dipping her head.
"Is it about his parents?" Roy asked knowingly taking off his tie.
She jumped a bit in surprise at that "Um! Yes, how did you know?"
"I know everything about anyone who I'm working with, otherwise I wouldn't work for them. There just wasn't any reason for me to bring it up, unless it affects the mission I don't care." he then looked at her in the eye "Has that change?"
She shook her head "No, it's just... nothing to be of concern. He's strong so he'll have no problems."
Roy then turned and walked away "Well I sure hope so. That's why I haven't asked for someone else to be my partner."
What the two of them didn't know, was that Brock had overheard the two's discussion, at least some of it. 'Parents? Why would it be awkward? What are they talking about?'
When 'Ethan' walked back and took a seat at the table, Brock decided to pop the question. "Hey, Ethan?"
"Yeah?" He asked as he wiped his sunglasses.
"I'm sorry but I couldn't help but overhear a little bit of what Nurse Joy said." Ethan stopped rubbing and looked at Brock with an emotionless expression. "I didn't mean to, but with Nurse Joy around...who can resist her voice?" He asked with heart-shaped eyes.
'Ethan' and everyone else sweat-dropped. "...What you hear?" He asked. "It was something about Sam's Parents." Brock saw that 'Ethan's expression had changed slightly, and Ava, who was playing with May's Eevee, perk her head up at that mention.
"His parents?" Ash asked.
"They probably want to notify his parents about what happened with Team Rocket today," Max explained.
"That's going to be a problem." 'Ethan' Said as he put his glasses back on. Ava was silent looked down, this was noticed by Pikachu and Eevee.
"Why would that be a problem?" May asked.
'Ethan' sighed as he put his glasses back on.
"It's not my place to say and nor will I. His parents will not be coming and" he then looked at everyone "do not bring it up. Unless it is of actual importance his parents do not matter. End of discussion"
Everyone's mood turned sour as the implied words hung in the air, but never actually said. Roy was hoping that would have the effect he would want, but the others just made them more anxious to ask Sam about it.
Roy had had a long day now. He got up and stretched "I'll be heading out to my hotel. Tell Sam where I'm gone. Also this center is gonna be closed tomorrow for construction, so make your goodbyes quick and try to find another place to stay" and then leaving. The others waved him off "Thanks. Goodbye Ethan hope we see you on the road again!" "Yeah sure," he said waving back.
Meanwhile, back in Nurse Joy's office, Sam was being treated for his injury. Nurse joy had just finished spraying it with disinfectant and was now wrapping a bandage around his arm. "Thankfully the cut wasn't too deep so there shouldn't be anything fatal or any permanent damage to your arm. Just apply this medicine to the wound once every eight hours and replace the bandage at that time. Within a few days, the wound will heal and you'll be at 100 percent in no time."
"Thanks, Nurse," Sam said as he stood off the table, putting on his leather jacket. "Good to know that we have good doctors in Team Rocket."
The nurse blushed. "Well Team Rocket has helped me and my family numerous times, it was only fair I help them whenever I could."
Sam smirked. "I know that feeling all too well." He walked out. "See ya."
He walked out of the room and into the hallway that led into the lobby. Ava perked up, turned, and ran into him, jumping on his shoulders. "Yo!" He said gathering everyone's attention.
"Oh, Sam!" Ash said as Sam walked forward. "How are you feeling?"
"Oh I'll be fine, nothing a little rest and relaxation won't fix." He looked around. "Say, where Ethan go?"
May spoke first "Oh he got tired of waiting and was just tired in general, so he told us to tell you he went to his hotel."
Sam looked somewhat hurt but recovered very quickly "Oh, that's kinda just like him... Well I'm tired too it's been a long day, so I'll be heading home too."
The awkwardness hung a little in the air as the kids wanted to ask Sam about his parents, but no one knew how to start it, in the end, May was once again the first to start. "Have they already notified your parents about what has happened with Team Rocket?"
That made Sam stiff as a board with Ava reacting accordingly wrapping herself around Sam's leg and purring. When he didn't say anything after a few seconds Broke asked "... Sam, do you have any parents?"
Sam said nothing, his back turned toward the group, his face features unknown. His fist was clenching and shaking.
"Sam?" Ash asked.
"Pika?" Pikachu asked.
Sam then turned towards the group, a goofy smile on his face. "Well, guess theirs no point in hiding it from you now, eh Brock?" He said nonchalantly. "You sure are smart I'll give you that, but then again you were a gym leader so I'm not surprised!"
"So then...?" Brock asked hesitantly.
"Yup, you got me," Sam said as he raised his arms, posing as them from side to side to make it look like he was asking for a hug, a goofy smile still on his face. "I'm an orphan!"
"You're an orphan?" said Max
"That's terrible" went May
"No, parents? That sounds rough" Ash said scratching the back of his head.
"Yeah, It must have been hard going through that alone," said Brock going to put his hand on his shoulder,
Sam just brushed off the kind gesture "Eh don't worry about it guys. Been living without those for 16 years. It's a thing of the past." Even with his smile and posturing, the group of kids weren't convinced. Sam read the room and knew he needed to wrap this up, but try to leave them with a positive look on him. "Come on guys don't look so sad. I may have been parentless, but I got adopted by a great guy!"
"So you're adopted?" asked May now more curious than sad.
'Ah got them now' Sam's smile grew a bit more "Yeah, and he's a great man. He took me in showed me what it's like to be part of a family, even though it was only him and me. See? Everything worked out guys, don't worry"
"... Well Alright, so they're going to be calling him about the team rocket stuff?" said Ash.
"Yeah of course. I'll make sure to call him myself. I'm sure he's gonna be awfully mad when I tell him about this new scar on my arm hehe"
That was finally enough to brighten up the kids' moods and even though they didn't know his adoptive father. They trusted Sam and his words so they said their goodbyes and went their separate ways. As soon as Sam was done waving and turned away from the group the smile soured and his hands turned into fists. Ava sensed his mood and used Calm mind to try and heal her trainer's attitude. The corners of his mouth lifted a little and patted her head "Thanks Ava, but you don't need to do that. I'm good, really."
He sighed as he went to his room. "Come on girl, let's get to bed." He said as Ava jumped onto his shoulders. He made his way into his room, switched into his pajamas and laid into bed. "Night girl." He said as he petted Ava, who slept next to him.
Dreams soon overcame him...
The wind blew as the snow gently fell upon the desolate town. The buildings were old and worn, and the few people that resided there were only a few and far between, even worse with the snow. There was no Gym or a Poke-center, thus the town could have been considered a ghost town, it wasn't even on the map.
Deep in one of the alleyways, one that the citizens pass every day, crumpled bodies of thugs and their Pokemon laid on the ground unconscious, specifically a Mankey, a Machop, and a Tyrogue. All of them were groaning in pain.
In front of them, at the very end of the alley, panting heavily, stood a young boy of around 6 years old. His red hair was long and messy and in desperate need of a haircut. They nearly covered over his amber eyes that showed no life. He wore nothing but an old back t-shirt that was old, torn, and covered with stains. He had on pale white shorts that were stain and torn as well. His shoes had holes in them and looked as if they were going to fall off any day now.
In his arms, covered in blood and close to his chest, was a young Eevee. She, along with the young boy, were both covered in scrapes and bruises, looking as if they had just gone through a huge fight. The boy promptly stepped backwards until he was leaning against the wall and promptly sled down the wall, still clutching the Eevee.
"We...we did it Ava...! We...won..!" The boy said, his voice silent and weak.
"Ee...eevee...!" Ava replied, still hurt from the battle.
"Indeed." Said a smooth voice. "It would appear that you did."
Both the young boy and Ava looked up, and saw at the Alleyways entrance, stood the silhouette of a man. When the boy looked closely, he could see that the man in question wore a long black coat with matching black pants and shoes with a matching fedora hat. He also wore a white scarf around his neck that had a strange R emblem on it. The man walked forward, looking down at the defeated trainers and Pokemon.
"A Mankey, a Machop, and a Tyrouge. All Fighting-type Pokemon that are native to this region...and you took them down, as well as their trainers, all by yourself...with you're Eevee, a Pokemon with a type disadvantage...truly impressive skills for a child of you're age." He stared at the thugs. "Tell me child, these thugs...why did they attack you if you don't mind me asking?"
Sam was silent and slightly scared, but this man had no malice in his eyes. "They had food that they wouldn't share...they never share...so I took it, only just a little bit!"
The man knelt, both eyes at the same level. "I see...tell me, what's child like you doing out here in the cold with only an Eevee? Where are you're parents?"
Sam looked down, his eyes filled with sadness. "I-I don't know...I don't have any..."
"You don't? How long have you been living like this?"
"Since...forever..." The young boy replied. "It's only been me...and Ava..." He said, looking at his Eevee.
The man was silent until a smile appeared on his face. "Tell me, child, what is your name?"
"S-Sam...Samuel Archard..." The young boy replied he was not used to talking this much.
"Well then Sam, how would you like to get away from all this?" He asked, gesturing to everything around them "To stop having to scrounge for food like a common street Rattata, and to live the life you deserve, the life that was wrongfully stolen from you? To strike back against the cruel society that denied you your happiness?"
Sam stared with wide eyes, his Ava doing the same. "Y...yes...I would like that." Anything was better than living in the cold.
"Well then, if you come with me house-fed, taught, and trained in many ways more than just Pokemon." The man said.
"What would I have to do for all this?" Sam asked. The man merely chuckled in response.
"Simply serve me, I am the head of a very interesting Organization, and the potential you possess shows me that you will be a great asset to me. So what do you say, Sam?"
Sam said nothing, he felt no deceit from this man like the other adults he knew. He slowly nodded. "Ok...I think I can do that...Sir?"
"Smart answer, my boy. That's one way to address me..." The man said, holding his hand out to Sam, who gently took it. It was warm. He took Sam out of the alleyway and into the open. "...But you may also call me...Giovanni."
Sam woke up with a start, his eyes fluttering awake. Ava was waking up next to him, stretching her body. "...Why did I dream that?" Sam asked himself. "It felt so real...as if it were yesterday."