READ THE PROLOGUE BEFORE READING THIS! The prologue is short, so it won't be hard. This will seem way too jumpy and nonsensical if you don't read the prologue first, so just read it! Thanx. Oh yeah, and I don't own Pokémon. Just Brock. :P
Yesterday
Butch was wired as he ran away from the scene. He was thus partially because he'd just witnessed the most disturbing scene he could ever imagine, and partially because he now believed he would be on death row.
Oh shit oh shit, he mumbled to himself as he and his partner threw themselves into their van. I got one of the boss' pokémon killed! He's gonna fry me!
Shut it, Cassidy ordered, shutting the door and jamming the keys into the ignition after Butch threw them to her. We've just got to get out of here.
It seemed like Jurassic Park revisited as they sped away from a very angry charizard. The road didn't let their tires slip quickly enough, and it seemed that they were doomed.as the charizard began to catch up to them. But it was injured, and as Cassidy hit about ninety miles, it began to falter.
Butch slumped into his chair. He'd been looking backwards and maniacally shouting at Cassidy to go faster until the charizard dropped below the horizon. Now we're just gonna be killed by the boss.
Shut up! Cassidy shouted. We'll be fine! We never could have known that that little boy had a pokémon that would go Kamikaze like that! The boss has to understand.
He won't! Butch nearly began to hyperventilate. He's gonna want our heads!
Shut UP! Cassidy shouted again. We'll be fine! Damnit, stop making me upset while I'm trying to drive! Do you know how hard this is? We can just go find someone else right now!
Right right, Butch agreed. I'll try and calm down.
Thank you, Cassidy gulped, then tried to think of a reason for how they lost one of their brand new pokémon.
~Sanguine Dreams~
Part I- Too Much Time Left
Still Yesterday, before the previous occurrence
Twilight was sprinkled across the horizon canvas, and fog billowed around the trees as a late night chill was begining to set in. The fall brought splendors as well as hardships, and although the fog dampened their clothes and impeded their vision, they still recognized the beauty of the changing trees and the crisping underbrush.
Ash took a deep breath of the humid air that surrounded him. The road was quiet, and it would only be a couple of days until he reached the Lake of Rage. He heard that there used to be a bunch of red, crazed pokémon there because of something Team Rocket did, but it was smoothed out long ago. He wished he would have been able to catch a red gyrados or something, but he was satisfied that the pokémon he has were great as they were.
Hey Ash, Misty smiled, punching him lightly in the arm to get his attention. Do you realize how close you are to getting your last badge?
Ash smiled back at her. You bet! Wow--it seems like just yesterday I was--
Prepare for trouble!
Awww shit, Ash grumbled. Normally he wouldn't be so vulgar, but it wasn't Jessie and James that were after him this time.
Butch and Cassidy blinked, shocked that a little boy would say something like that. They got over it quickly, however, because they remembered saying things like that at his age.
What pokémon of mine do you want? Ash continued as they remained silent.
Cassidy smirked. We're not interested in pokémon today.
She knew she'd dealt with these kids before, and that would just make her mission twice as sweet.
That's right, Butch grinned as well. Right now we're just interested in you.
Ash stepped back. Oh yeah? he bit his lip, wondering what they could possibly want him for.
Let's not waste any more time, Cassidy suddenly snapped into seriousness. Go, Tyranataur!
Ash blinked as he saw the massive, rock-skinned dinosaur escape its pokéball and face him. A tyranataur! Um--
Misty shoved Ash out of the way. It's part rock! Let me handle this! Staryu, go!
Staryu back-flipped out of its pokéball and landed on the ground with a determined thud. It staggered a little as it saw the enormity of its foe.
It's weak against you! Misty shouted. Hydro-pump, staryu!
Staryu shouted, then began to spray very high pressure bursts of water from all of its tips, spinning around while doing so. It finally stopped as its attack ended, looking back at its handiwork. It was stunned as its partially rock-based foe still stood.
Butch laughed in a victorious manner. This tyranataur was specially bred for special defense, among its other already great stats. Even water won't kill it all at once.
Misty began to panic. Do it again Staryu do it again!
That's not playing fair, Cassidy smirked as Staryu began to spin again. Tyranataur, use crunch now.
Water was just reaching the edges of Staryu's spikes as it was suddenly snapped by the jaws of the dinosaur it was battling. It wasn't dead, but it was definitely down for the count, and would need to be healed quickly.
Misty gaped. Return! Poor thing!
Ash began again, but Misty's face flushed as she was still determined to handle this.
No Ash, she shook. They want you for some reason--I have to finish this.
Cassidy began again. Ash, Misty and Brock's eyes suddenly widened as they wondered why Tyranataur was being ordered to do something while no other pokémon were present.
Ash shouted, diving for the little yellow rodent. He covered Pikachu up with his chest, but Cassidy laughed.
Thanks for making it easier to take both you and all your pokémon out at once! she laughed. Fire blast, Tyranataur!
Misty screamed, grabbing for a pokéball.
Brock shouted, hoping that Onix could take the fire blast for Ash in time, since fire was very weak against it.
But the attack hit Ash before their pokémon could be released.
Ash writhed as an attack powered to totally incapacitate hit him full force. He was on fire even after the attack was over, and began rolling around on the ground in a frantic attempt to stamp himself out.
Starmie go! Misty shouted again, but she didn't have the luck of her first attempt. Psyduck decided to come out this time.
Damn you! Misty shouted. Just--use water gun on Ash!
Psyduck surveyed the seriousness of the situation, and didn't do something stupid instead of what he was told. Ash stopped rolling after being doused with water, and just lye with blackened skin in a pile of steaming, blackened grass. Pikachu was unconscious next to him, but was relatively unscathed from the burns.
Oh damn, Brock put a hand to his head, realizing that all of Ash's pokemon were fried along with him. Onix was ready to battle now, and Brock turned to face the Tyranataur.
All right, he gritted his teeth, let's fight rock with rock! Onix, dig now!
Onix began to burrow into the ground, leaving a gaping hole where he entered.
Cassidy laughed at the opportunity left to her, use surf! In that hole! Now!
Brock slapped his forehead as water began to channel from Tyranataur's fist into Onix's freshly-made tunnel.
Onix, return! Brock began to sweat, hoping he could retrieve his pokemon before major damage could be done. The pokéball caught Onix while he was being attacked, and pulled him from the tunnel. Damn! I didn't know that any rock types learned surf!
It was an HM, Butch grunted. No one ever expects that one.
Brock realized that using Geodude or Vulpix was out of the question. Misty had run over to Ash and was panicking as she continued to use Psyduck to cool his burns. Brock was panicking as it was all up to him to get rid of a Tyranataur, but he didn't let it show outwardly. Damn him for not carrying any more than four pokémon.
Zubat go! Brock sighed, knowing that Zubat didn't have any advantage either. Use hyper beam!
Zubat just looked at him strangely, then turned to the enemy and used giga drain.
Brock sighed. It was worth a shot.
Tyranataur was exceedingly unscathed from this, although Zubat was slightly more enthused.
Poor Zubat, Brock thought as he tried to use its speed to slip in another attack before Tyranataur could use one. Hyper beam now!
Zubat recoiled in wonder at what kind of crack Brock was smoking once again, then used confuse ray.
Good boy! Brock shouted as Tyranataur began to shake it head dizzily. Ha! You're brilliant!
Cassidy showed a small sign of wavering on her face as her Tyranataur accidentally crunched its own arm, but knew that confuse ray would not end this battle.
she shouted. Snap out of it and use rock slide!
Rocks began to careen through the air from Tyranataur's small palms, and though many missed Zubat, Zubat was easily disabled by the few that actually did hit him.
Zubat, return, Brock sighed as he recovered his bat from the ground. He was about to try and use Vulpix, not about to give up.
he began, but was cut short.
Cassidy shouted. Use surf! Now! On him!
Brock began to shake as water blasted him into a tree. It wasn't an incredibly damaging blast as the confuse ray was still proving beneficial, but he crunched against the tree soundly, and was slipping into pre-fainting dizziness as his head clunked against the trunk. He was still conscious, but having a hard time getting footing to stand up again.
Must stand up! he shouted to himself as he stumbled. he shouted, as he saw Butch and Cassidy walk over to where Ash lye.
Oh no you don't! Misty growled as Butch tried to grab Ash. She kicked him fiercely wherever her flailing foot decided to hit, which just happened to be in his kneecap.
Butch shouted, but he wasn't detoured. He grabbed Misty's arm and threw her towards another tree.
Misty plopped to the ground, but got up just as quickly and tried to charge after Butch. However, he was in the process of hoisting Ash over his shoulder, and easily deflected Misty as she tried to punch him in the back.
As Ash jostled while strewn over Butch's shoulder, Brock stumbled dizzily over to him.
I'll save you, he mumbled, as he fought his eyes from rolling back into his head. He succeeded in grabbing Ash by the waist, not even realizing that Butch was punching him in the stomach while he remained in a stupor. He tried to grab Ash from Butch's hold, but all he managed to do was set some pokéballs from Ash's waist airborne. They plodded to the ground at a reasonable force from the inertia of his grab, but Ash was still captive.
Misty was rushing Butch again, but Cassidy grabbed her and threw her to the ground. Misty whirled, but stood up quickly and clocked Cassidy square in the jaw. She needed to get rid of her and save Ash quickly.
Amidst this brawl, not even Tyranataur noticed that one of the pokémon in one of the the balls was already in the air above them, burns covering his wings and appendages. Sure, Ash's Charizard was injured, but as a fire type, he wasn't seriously injured. And any amount of pain didn't matter as he looked at the scene below, as Ash was toasted like a marshmallow and Brock was still trying to grab for him Brock was quickly becoming unable to sustain the punches Butch was giving him. And Misty, who had blood dripping from her mouth and her nose while fighting with Cassidy. Charizard quickly scanned the ground for something to attribute this to. He found Tyranataur.
Charizard let out the battle cry, then swooped down to pluck Ash from Butch's shoulder. Brock fell to the ground as he couldn't look up at the flying pokémon for very long before his injured head decided to take its toll. Butch grumbled and kicked a now unconscious Brock's legs in anger. Charizard put Ash down in the boughs of a tree, making sure that he was very secure, then swooped down like a missile for the pokémon enemy.
Butch shouted, use surf now!
Tyranataur panicked as the bellicose Charizard dove for him, and water began to spray from his hands. Charizard changed course momentarily, using the strength and momentum of his wanton infuriation to become unable to be detoured, and the attack missed him completely.
Tyranataur was shaking. Charizard's eyes were lit by hate and desire to avenge his master. Even an incredibly strong pokémon like Tyranataur could realize when it was going to lose, it could realize that there was no way it was going to be able to stop Charizard in the split second before it's head was grabbed.
Charizard took hold of the dinosaur's face and pulled him into the air. He swung the tyranataur around several times before letting him go into a tree. Tyranataur was stunned at impact, for the momentum was greater than any seismic toss Charizard had ever done in the past. Charizard then swooped down again and faced Tyranataur. Tyranataur's attitude changed a bit as it knew it needed to survive, and thus it began to struggle in its panic. It clawed Charizard's chest, leaving a dripping gash. Charizard's eyes seemed to glint satisfactorily at this, and he began simply tearing Tyranataur to shreds. His claws screeched as they ripped through rock, and Tyranataur couldn't believe that he, a dark/rock type, was being utterly ripped open like a pillow by a cat by a fire type.
Charizard made quick waste of his enemy, then turned to Butch and Cassidy. Butch groped for a pokéball, never taking his eyes off of the killer set loose upon them.
No don't! Cassidy shouted. We don't want them all to die! Just run!
Butch and Cassidy began to race onto the road and piled into their van as quickly as possible.
Gimmie the keys! Cassidy shouted, as she had inadvertently gone into the driver's side.
Butch fumbled around for the keys for a minute, then tossed them shakily to Cassidy. They landed on her lap, and she grabbed them and started the vehicle quickly.
Charizard had grabbed hold to the top, and Cassidy jumped as two long claws burst through their roof. She stepped on the gas as hard as she could, trying to throw their adversary off.
Charizard was flung into the air by the suddenness of the car's movement, but his momentum increased and he gave chase.
Faster, Cassidy! Butch gasped, looking out the back window. Charizard was flying towards them at incredible speed, and was definitely catching up.
Cassidy kept her foot on the gas and hunched over the wheel, as if concentrating her weight to the front of the van would make it go faster. Eventually the mechanical speed of the car was too much for Charizard to handle.
Today
Brock poked his head into the tent to see if Misty and Ash were ready to eat. He smiled a little when he saw both of them asleep, and Misty with her hand on Ash's hand. He decided not to wake them up, and that he could reheat some of the food he was making for them later.
He went over to where he was cooking and removed his utensils from over the fire since it was done. He himself was hungry, so he grabbed a plate from his backpack and filled it up. He was sitting at the edge of the lake when his hair was suddenly rustled by an artificial breeze behind him.
So you want some too, eh?' Brock smiled, turning to face Charizard.
Charizard grunted in agreement. He put Pikachu on the ground from where he was carrying her in his claws, and sat in front of Brock.
Brock smiled, getting up, making sure to take his own plate with him. Just wait here.
Brock grabbed two bowls that he normally put pokémon food in from his pack and filled them with the breakfast he had made. He didn't bother to give them any potatoes since they wouldn't like it so much as the eggs and bacon. He stacked the bowls on top of each other since doing so didn't make the bottom of the top one touch the contents of the one underneath it, and carried his own plate back in the other.
He set the food in front of the two pokémon before him. He wondered if it was time to put some more iodine on Charizard's chest, but decided to wait until he was done eating. Brock had felt bad stitching Charizard's wound himself, but there wasn't a pokémon center around for quite a while yet, and Charizard didn't even wince in pain.
Misty came to join them soon after, not having gotten much more sleep since.
she rubbed her eyes and plunked down next to Brock. I told you to tell me when it was done.
I wanted to let you sleep, Brock replied, patting her hand. I'll go get you some. Here, watch mine.
He handed Misty his plate and stalked off to get her some. He brought a plate to Ash as well, hoping that he'd want it whenever he woke up.
Brock went back to their little picnic spot, and noticed that Charizard was done with his. Pikachu was still nibbling, and Misty grabbed her plate from Brock greedily as she was still starving.
Brock started on his again for the third time, and hoped that he'd be able to finish it this time around. Charizard sat back reflectively, and all there was to hear for a time was three overly-tired creatures finishing breakfast, the rustle of the flaky fall leaves, and the sloshing of the water in the lake.
When Brock finished his food he decided to bother Misty.
How are all of Ash's pokémon doing? he asked.
Misty unburied her head from her plate and faced him. They'll be all right. But we're running out of burn-healing berries.
I'll go get some later, Brock assured. There are plenty of berry bushes around here. Are they actually working for Ash? It didn't seem like they were working last night.
Misty nodded. This morning he was much better. I can't believe those things work for humans!
I thought they would, Brock admitted.
I guess they don't work as quickly, Misty sighed. How are we going to get him to a hospital, anyway?
Brock considered, after I bring back more berries, I'll go ahead and run back to the town we just left and have an ambulance come get him. I really need to get my pokémon to a center, anyway. Onix and Zubat are trashed.
Misty agreed, then finished her food and handed her plate to Brock. What the hell do you think they could want with Ash?
I have no clue, Brock shrugged. Maybe he screws up their plans so much they just want to bump him off.
But they were taking him alive, Misty argued.
Like I said before, Brock took a deep breath, I have no clue.
I hope they don't come back, Misty winced, I don't know if we'll be so lucky this time.
Well they don't have a tyranataur to use, that's for sure.
Misty winced. I kinda feel sorry for the thing.
Me too, Brock agreed, but if Charizard hadn't killed it they might have been able to come back later and finish what they started.
Misty nodded, then looked to the sky. How's your head?
Oh it hurts all right, Brock smiled, touching the spot where his hair was matted into blood. But I just want to get somewhere with a shower. The lake water just isn't hacking it.
Let me take a look at it, Misty offered, then stood and gently pried Brock's hair back to look at his wound. He winced a little as she tapped it gently, but didn't make a scene.
I don't think you needed stitches, she tried to reassure, I think it'll heal okay the way it is. But you do need to get it checked.
It'll all be taken care of in a little bit, Brock confirmed. I just think I want to sleep for an hour or two.
That'll be fine, Misty nodded. I'll try too.
Brock walked over to the tent and grabbed his sleeping bag from outside of it. He pulled it over beneath a large tree where the light wouldn't hit him too much and crawled into it.
Misty crawled back into the tent and checked on Ash again. He looked much better. She put a hand to his head again and was pleased at the decrease in heat it was omitting. She fed him another berry, then grabbed his hand as she went back to sleep. He squeezed back gently, which startled her since she thought he was asleep, but she disregarded it after a moment and tried to go for a fourth hour.
-----------------------------------------
The driver of the van was intense as she flung the it down the street. Obscurity could be found in the passing of the trees as each mile driven brought them closer to decision time. She desperately wanted a piece of trash or something to hit so that she could release a sudden destructive urge. Every muscle in her body was tense, and she looked like a good candidate for an aneurysm as her face was frozen with a partially panicked, partially angry expression.
The passenger in the car was leaning back against his seat, his hands behind his head. His eyes were closed as he contemplated silently, and his legs were crossed at the ankle. A beam of sunlight flushed across his face, making one sole strip of hair on either side of his head seem to sparkle in an oceanic way. His partner wondered how he could be so calm. She wondered how he could not be torn from inside to outside.
he began, his position never faltering.
Jessie completely panicked at the voice which broke the silence, and nearly jumped out of her seat. She shook as her muscles tensed up once again.
she shouted angrily.
You're going way too fast, James informed. We'll get killed.
Jessie opened her mouth to shout back, but then glanced at the speedometer. She took her foot off the gas and left it off, wondering if she should use the brake to ease the fan into a more reasonable speed. She was surprised the tires weren't smoking as they approached the speed limit, and the trees were once again definable as more than blobs of green, red and orange.
A voice called from the back of the van. Look out da window you guys! One of da twerps is walkin' down da road!
James bolted upright, scanning the scenery.
Jessie began honking. It's not safe out here you dumbass!
He doesn't know that, James pursed his lips. But he'll probably be okay, he has pokémon, doesn't he?
What's he doing alone? Jessie growled, slowing down so much that they wouldn't be passing him any time soon. I don't like this.
You sayin' we should help da twerp? Meowth asked.
Jessie winced.
We should, James nodded. I mean, it's one thing for us to always be trying to kaipe their pokémon, but--
Jessie began to pull over, but the twerp suddenly fell to the ground.
Jessie frowned.
Wait here, James whispered.
Jessie pulled over a little too far over into the side of the road, hoping to become inconspicuous as they watched the scene before them.
Two team rocket members jumped out from the forest, high fiving each other. They were the only Team Rocket members thus far who had been successful in their new mission. They were usually the most successful in their pokémon thieving endeavors, and it was all because they were very adept at using tranquilizer guns. Most of the other Team Rocket members were appalled at this, but Giovanni seemed to encourage it. And now they were handling their new mission in much of the same way they handled stealing pokémon.
Jessie's eyes narrowed and she bit her lower lip in disgust. The two picked up their find by the arms and legs and ran back to where they kept their van.
James' eyes began to water. We're too late!
Jessie ordered, and watched with the caveat of a hawk as a small black van pulled out onto the road. We know where they're going. We'll cut them off.
But Jessie! James startled. We'd be directly defying the boss!
I don't give a flying fuck what the boss thinks at this point, Jessie silenced him. We're going after him.
I'm with ya, Meowth put a paw on Jessie's shoulder.
Let's roll, Jessie growled, putting her car in drive and pulling out onto the road.
Yesterday
Dis is da strangest ting dat man has asked us to do yet! Meowth fumed as they left the conference room. We're in da pokémon business here, not--
Quiet Meowth, Jessie hissed. You don't want him to hear you!
But Jessie! James whined. We can't even catch pokémon right, let alone kidnap people! I don't care if he did give us a new strong pokémon!
Jessie shouted, slapping his shoulder. You can't think that way!
What in da name of turpentine does da boss want with people? Meowth asked. I don't tink I wanna do dis witout knowing what's gonna happen to dem.
I agree, James pouted, rubbing his shoulder.
Jessie looked at them both sternly for a moment. Fine, we'll find out. We'll follow the boss' little pets since we know they'll kidnap someone first, then follow the person and see where they go after being dropped off.
We could get in trouble I think, James blinked.
You're the ones who wanted to find out, Jessie shrugged. Not me. It's up to you.
I say we do it, Meowth interjected, no doubt in his mind.
Both Jessie and Meowth looked up at James. He shrugged.
I guess we have to.
It wasn't very hard to find Billee and Kidd. They left a trail of robbed clothing stores behind them wherever they went. Jessie supposed that this was why most Team Rocket pairs were male female. Billee seemed manly enough despite her gender, but she still had that insatiable urge to shop.
Billee and Kidd's plan was painfully obvious. They hit up pokécenters in every town they could get to, using their new strong pokémon, a sciszor, to subdue the chanseys, then they tranquilized and kidnapped the Nurse Joys. They only got about three before police were stationed at every pokémon center in both Kanto and Johto.
It was late at night, which was part of the reason the plan worked. But it was also helpful to Jessie and James as they turned off their lights and followed Billee and Kidd's van. They weren't exactly experts at going stealth, but they went unnoticed because they hung back quite a ways. They couldn't park at the headquarters either, but the unsuspecting restaurant next to it was a perfect place to station themselves.
Billee and Kidd left to enlist the aid of some rocket members at headquarters, and the three limp Nurse Joys couldn't even fight as they were taken into the building. About ten minutes passed before the two returned and drove off, probably to get some sleep before completing another mission.
Jessie and James started to get out of the car as they had seen through binoculars what had happened. They were going to try and use the window scaffolding and look into the offices to see where the Joys were taken, but just as they approached the building, the Joys were carried out again to Giovanni's van. He glowed as he appeared incredibly pleased, and Jessie noticed the new determination on the Rockets who were carrying the Joys' faces to do the same so they could be liked by the boss so well. Jessie, James and Meowth felt a twang of this desire as well, but suppressed it in their itch to find out what would become of the kidnappees.
They ran back to their van as Giovanni's took off to try and follow him. Jessie hung back even farther this time from who she was following in her fear of getting caught.
They were taken down quite the plethora of windy roads, and their van didn't take to the dirt ones very well. The terrain to all sides of them was becoming more lush and it was obvious they were being drawn away from civilization. Jessie gulped as she hoped it wasn't because they could tell they were being followed. If it wasn't for their sake, where the hell could Giovanni be taking the Joys? And so late at night at that?
A tall fence with barbed wire at its top soon appeared in the headlights of Giovanni's car. It seemed to appear from nowhere as it was camoflagued by the darkness of the night, and a large, electronically controlled gate loomed at the end of the road. Jessie pulled over quite a ways from it, trying to embed her car between two trees on the side of the road.
Should we get out? James whispered, shaking as the silence of the night wracked him and drove him closer to fear.
Jessie advised, wait. We'll look around after the boss leaves.
What if he sees our car on the way back? James frowned.
Jessie didn't reply, but watched as Giovanni was allowed into the premises and left their sight. We know where he is now, she confirmed, then put the car in reverse and backed out of her hiding spot. We'll hide the van and walk back.
She drove very quickly away from their destination until she found some sort of trail off to the side of the trees. It didn't look man made--it seemed more like a large ravine caused by erosion by rain. The van bumped along in it, and was too wide for it in some places, but Jessie wedged the car fairly deep into the forest until she was certain it could not be seen from the road.
Let's get out now, she whispered. She wasn't sure why she whispered since they were so far away. Meowth knew that it was from fear of what could happen to them if they were caught. None of them knew in their minds why they were still going through with their plan, but an aura of something definitely sinister hung about their hearts as their curiosity as to the fate of the Joys grew, grew beyond their fear until they couldn't just turn back.
They all got out of the car at the same time, and Jessie and James were careful to shut their doors behind them slowly as to minimize noise made.
Jessie asked, go climb up a tree and watch to see when Giovanni's car leaves. When it does, come back and tell us and we'll move out.
Meowth nodded, deciding it was best not to argue at this point. He set out to do as he was told, and Jessie and James waited anxiously by their van.
James whispered, moving closer to her. What if--
Jessie turned to James, we won't get caught, she snapped, still whispering.
James frowned. That's not what I was going to ask.
Then what? Jessie impatiently grumbled.
James was getting a little frustrated, but asked anyway. What if they're doing something awful to those poor Joys? What are we going to do? Just pretend to not be able to complete our mission and stay out of it?
Jessie looked to the ground, seriously considering James' concern. She didn't know how to respond.
We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, was all she could think of saying.
James nodded, relieved that he wasn't the only one unsure of the outcome of this night.
They waited without speaking for about thirty minutes, but the time seemed to pass quickly since what they were about to do seemed as appetizing as a root canal. They both shook nervously as they waited.
You guys, Meowth whispered, jumping down on the floor to face them.
James shouted, and jumped into Jessie's arms.
Jessie had jumped and was scared as well, so it took her a little longer than a split second to drop James on the floor.
Don't do that! they both hissed at once.
i can't help it if you guys are all paranoid, Meowth rolled his eyes. Anyway, da boss' car is gone. We can go check it out now.
James dusted himself off from his fall and looked at Jessie. She looked back at him nervously, and they nodded at once.
Let's go, Jessie gulped.
They cringed with each step they couldn't make exactly on the path, as any noise scared the daylights out of them, whether it was their own or not. They were incredibly relieved as they finally reached the road, and made it to the fence with haste.
They stood by the tall monstrosity and wondered if it was safe to climb. They knew that there was barbed wire, but they had clippers that could take care of that.
Jessie pondered for a moment, then picked up Meowth, and despite his attempts at escape, touched the fence with his paw.
It's not electrocuted, she shrugged, tossing Meowth to the ground.
What did ya tink you was doin'? Meowth boggled.
Someone had to see if it was safe, she shook her head. And you're a pokémon. You should be able to handle electric attacks.
Why I oughtta, Meowth growled, holding up a paw with outstretched claws.
James interrupted, then walked up to a box on the gate opener. It has an alarm. We can't cut a hole in the chain link.
Hold up, Jessie bit her lip, then typed a code into the disarming box, and a small beep was made as the alarm shut off.
she shrugged. Same number as at headquarters. They'd never expect Team Rocket members to break in here.
They probably want us ta be able ta take da people we kidnap here ourselves eventually, Meowth sighed.
Jessie shrugged. It worked for us. Cut a hole, James, she ordered.
Can't we just go through the fence now? James wondered.
No, too much noise, Jessie explained.
James nodded, then picked a spot outside the gate to begin cutting.
The hole in the fence he create was just big enough for each of them to go through one at a time, but was small enough so that James almost got his shirt caught. Luckily, it came free easily and no scene was made and they were soon on their way to where the Joys were taken.
The building was pretty far away from the fence, and it took Jessie and James and Meowth quite a while to walk to it. It was a large, medical-looking building, about five stories high. It was very plain, there were no labels of what it was on it whatsoever.
How do we find Meowth asked. We can't go in.
Jessie pointed to the side of the building.
Awwww no, James sighed.
Ahhhhh yes, Jessie nodded.
James and Meowth were soon pulling on scaffolding ropes while Jessie looked in all the windows. All the floors were one big room, which she found to be very strange. Tons of pokémon in cages were on the second floor, a very ominous looking lab was on the third, bedrooms were on the fourth, and she couldn't look into the fifth because the curtains were drawn.
Do you hear anything Meowth? Jessie whispered as the pokémon put his ear to the window.
he ordered, and continued listening.
After about fifteen minutes, Meowth pulled his ear from the glass. We can go in now, he said gravely, and his eyes seemed sadly transfixed.
What did you hear, Meowth? James asked.
I just hope I heard wrong, Meowth shook his head.
Jessie went to work and used a glass cutter to cut a hole big enough for her hand at the bottom of the window. She reached in and unclasped the window's lock. James then hoisted the window up and they crawled through it into the room.
The lights were off, but Meowth could see perfectly. He ran off to the wall of the room, and Jessie and James couldn't tell where he'd gone.
Get a flashlight James, Jessie hissed, and held out her arms as she walked around in the dark. Slices of blue from the moon outside illuminated the ground and the front walls, but beyond that there was no visibility.
a young woman whispered.
Meowth ordered. Meowth isn't gonna hurt ya.
Meowth began to look for a lock to pick when a flashlight suddenly shined upon him.
Get dat outta my face James, he grumbled.
James whispered, then flashed the light against the wall.
He dropped it just as quickly, but picked it up again as Jessie reached his side.
What's going on? she asked.
I heard what dey were saying, Meowth whispered sadly. Dey are scientists. Dey work for a terrorist. Da rest was too hard to understand, but I heard a little about testing something that will allow them ta hold some person for ransom.
James paled as he flashed the light on them once again. They huddled into a corner, shaking. They looked almost tharn with fear and they were crammed into a filthy cage.
Are you girls all right? James whispered.
Help us, one whispered. They, they injected us--
Jessie shoved James out of the way, but he still shone the light where it was needed.
Injected you? With what? she asked impatiently.
one began to cry, it was some experimental thing. They said mine will cause me to get thinner and thinner until I die. They didn't talk about the others.
But Jessie could see that one's drugs were already taking effect. She was shivering profusely, and her skin was turning unthinkable shades of dark blue. Black circles puffed beneath her eyes, and the skin covering the circles seemed gelatinous like blood blisters.
she shook, and the first Joy to speak put her arms around her.
She's so cold, she frowned.
The other Joy sat paralyzed in fear. Get us out of here, please.
Jessie sat stunned for a moment, and James put the flashlight down.
Shine it on the lock, James! Jessie put her fist to her mouth. Pick it, Meowth!
The faces of all three Joys perked up as Meowth nodded and stuck a claw into the lock. He began to sweat as he tried to set it loose, and Jessie and James paced nervously, becoming more and more sure that they were going to be caught.
So close, Meowth gasped as the inside of the lock began to click a bit.
Jessie and James perked up as they heard it unlock completely.
Jessie sighed, let's go!
Meowth frowned, and Jessie and James looked at the padlocked, seeing clearly that it hadn't budged.
Oh hell, James' eyes widened as two men walked into the room.
We'll be back for you! Jessie assured, disguising her voice. Let's go, uh, Ken!
James looked at her in a confused manner, and she grabbed both one of his hands and one of Meowth's paws and ran for the window.
one of the men who entered shouted as Jessie and James dashed back out the window and onto the scaffolding. What the hell are you doing here?
The men who had caught them were catching up, and lowering themselves by the rope would take too long.
We gotta jump! Jessie whispered.
It's five stories! James gaped.
We can't stay here! Jessie panicked.
Wheezing, go! James shouted, and his pokémon appeared, floating in the air. Let us grab on to you and float us down! James ordered.
Wheezing said, and lowered himself below the scaffolding.
James sat down onto one of half of wheezing, and Jessie sat on the other. Meowth sat in James' lap, and Wheezing lowered them so that they wouldn't die.
When on the ground, James called Wheezing back, and the he and Jessie and Meowth began running for their lives. They didn't look back until they were all the way to their car, and Jessie then decided to speed beyond the last number on the van's speedometer.
It didn't appear that anyone was following them as they continued down the road. Twilight was approaching, and they judged that they could be at the Lake of Rage before the next nightfall.
Remember what I asked you before, James began, breathing erratically.
Jessie gulped. And I still don't know the answer.
James gulped, and began to calm down.
Today, sometime before part with Jessie and James
I'll be back in a bit, Brock yawned, sticking his head into the tent. I already got some more berries. He put the berries in the corner, where the bag always stayed.
Misty and Ash woke, drowsiness still settled into their eyes.
Ash asked.
I'm going to another town to get help, Brock explained. Someone has to do it.
You can't go alone, Ash mumbled.
I'm seventeen, Brock rolled his eyes. I'll be fine, I swear.
Take this, Misty bit her lip, sitting up in her sleeping bag. She reached around her waist, then pulled her hands out from the bag once again and held up a pokéball. It's Starmie.
I still have Vulpix and Geodude, Brock assured. I don't need Starmie.
Misty looked at him concernedly. Just take it.
Brock shook his head. I'll be back, he said once again, then turned around to leave. He left the tent before anything more could be said to him.
Ash gurgled, his lips not wanting to move because of the burns that were still around them, making them too crispy to be fully mobile. If he doesn't come back in a couple of hours, we're going after him.
You're in no condition to walk, Misty frowned.
I don't care, Ash choked. Who knows what Team Rocket is up to now.
Misty shook her head. Are you scared, Ash?
Ash looked up at Misty, trying to figure out if she was scared from her face.
he lied. Are you?
Misty shrugged, but her lips trembled a little. I was scared last night. When we couldn't get you to a hospital right away. You were--so--hurt. I, I don't want to lose you.
Ash jumped as Misty admitted this. Thanks, Misty, he blinked.
Misty smiled weakly at him. Afterall, you wouldn't be able to pay me for my bike if something happened to you.
Ash looked up at Misty with a start.
Kidding Ash, she sighed.
Ash closed his eyes contentedly again. he yawned. I didn't think you held my hand all night for a bike.
Misty suddenly flinched, and her cheeks reddened in a flash. Err, I thought--
Ash laughed. I'm good at pretending I'm asleep, aren't I?
Misty growled. If you weren't injured I'd bop you good!
Ash chuckled lightly, then took her hand himself. It wasn't so bad, though. I feel pretty tired right now, come to think of it.
-----------------------------------------
Brock was walking toward the street in all haste. As he approached the road he saw Charizard fly back to the campsite above him, probably to see Ash and go back to his pokéball. Brock began to sweat a little, knowing that that protection was now gone. He searched around the ground for a moment for Pikachu, but he knew that it was a futile effort.
Brock sighed and continued walking, his pace slackening a bit as the road came closer. He wouldn't admit to himself that he was scared. He was scared that he might have to face Team Rocket alone, and he was scared that Ash and Misty might have to face them alone. But, it was something he had to do. they couldn't stay sitting ducks in the forest forever.
Sunlight stabbed Brock's eyes as he left the sanctity of the canopy above him, and his pace quickened immensely as he tried to reach the city as quickly as possible. The breeze was growing very chilly, and his nervous sweat wasn't helping him any. He pulled his vest closer to his body and continued on.
While walking a van came down the road towards him very quickly. It was going so quickly he thought it might hit him and dove for the side of the road, but then it began slowing down. He cautiously stepped back onto the road to take a look at it. He almost didn't notice that the driver was honking at him, because as soon as it was discernible as more than a puddle of blue, he could tell that it was Jessie and James' van.
Panic time settles upon him, and he was about to turn tail.
There was nothing else to think about after that, because he had blacked out.
--------------------------------------
Brock rubbed his neck gingerly as consciousness sifted upon him once again. Opening his eyes revealed nothing but darkness, which not only crept him out, it made his other senses more active. The place was rank smelling, and the scents of various degrees of decay and wafting scents of uncleaned excrement brought a gag to his throat. He couldn't bring himself to breathe, and he was still too out of it to try and take a look at what he was going on around him.
The next thing he noticed before his sight returned was the sound of sobbing. Then the sound of someone whispering.
they whispered.
He couldn't pay attention at that moment, however. Blobs of yellow tinged purple darted across his field of vision, as if someone had taken a picture of him with a huge flash. He rubbed his eyes gently, then once again noticed the stinging pain at his neck. He touched it delicately once again, and found two tiny pinpricks. They were tiny, but very painful.
he groaned, finally adjusting to the dark of the room. Where am I?
the voice that had been whispering before advised, don't let them hear you.
Why not? Brock grumbled aloud.
They'll come in here, she paled.
Brock grumbled again as he almost stumbled backwards after trying to sit up. He could now tell that he was in some sort of cage, and there was a woman in a cage across from him. What the hell is this place?
You don't want to know, the voice whispered.
Brock shook his head. Who are you?
A Nurse-in-Training, she sighed. My name is Joy.
Nurse Joy?' Brock mumbled, but he was still too dazed, and far too scared to become excited at this.
she hissed. There's another Nurse Joy in here with me. We were kidnapped. Three of us. One of us is--
God no, Brock interrupted.
Joy looked to the ground. My friend here is close to dying. I'm not sure exactly why they want us, but they're killing us.
Brock managed to stammer.
Different ways, she bit her lip. They gave the guy that used to be in your cage something that seemed to give him leprosy and make him a hemophiliac at the same time. He didn't survive for long. They videotaped it. It was sick. They come and videotape me for an hour every once in a while.
Brock winced. What's wrong with you?
The girl stuck her hand between the bars of her cage and into Brock's. He took it without really thinking about it, but nearly puked again as he did.
Her hand felt like a skeleton, and her skin hung loosely from the withering muscles around her fingers. He doubted that she would be able to move it, and he looked up at her face, trying to see if he could adjust to the darkness enough to see what else was wrong.
Her face looked like a dried out lemon, and her eyes bugged out as her lids wrinkled into pathetic cuticles around them. Brock winced again.
You poor baby, he frowned.
I wish they'd just kill me, she coughed.
My friends will come save us, Brock tried, We'll save you too. I promise.
I think it's too late, she sniffled. I just wonder what's going to happen to you. They already injected you, you know.
Brock considered this, then shook his head. He didn't know how to respond.
What's your name? Joy asked gently.
Brock replied curtly, and he began shaking profusely. He was still holding on to the girl's hand, so she could feel it.
Joy pulled her hand back, and Brock suddenly felt even emptier than he had before.
How long until I know? he gasped softly, unable to speak correctly in his fear.
We could tell almost immediately, she closed her eyes. They're looking for something that will torture a person, yet still sustain them for a while. They want to hold someone for ransom.
Brock brightened. Then they must have some antidote for all this.
Joy shrugged. Maybe. But I'm not long for this world.
Don't say that, Brock gulped. Give me your hand again.
Joy blinked back some tears, then shakily put her hand back into the cage next to her.
Brock took it extremely carefully, trying to preserve it for all its fragility. He was a little grossed out by it, but the gag induced was mostly because he couldn't imagine going through so much pain. A wave of fleeting empathy brushed through him, and he shuddered. He leaned down and kissed her hand gently, carefully. It felt dry enough to crumble under his lips, and he put his cheek on it afterward. He held his breath as a tear dripped onto it, and he tried to imagine what was in store for him.
We'll be all right, he tried to console, but his voice just became shakier at the attempt. Don't worry, we can't die this way. We've got too much time left to go on this sick planet.
*****DONE! This is odd, eh? I'm gonna work on the 2nd part after posting this, so it'll be up soon! R&R! Stay tuned!*****