Eh...the more the merrier I guess... she said as she got out of her bed and stretched, observing the rest of the group. Ash was passed out on the floor, snoring. Kristi and Dexter were fast asleep on the other bed, cuddled up the same way they were yesterday. Misty felt a strange urge to kick them to wake them up.
Ah well...mornin, Pikachu. she said to the perky, always cheerful SparkMouse Pokemon, who was already awake.
it replied, giving her a peace sign that Ash taught it a long time back.
was all she heard from the other end of the room. Ash was slowly waking up, and he rolled over to try to steal a few more minutes. Misty slowly walked over, rolled his shirt up, and placed her foot on his bare skin, making sure her toes contacted bare stomach. He awoke with a start.
he nearly screamed, pulling his shirt back down. Your feet are cold!!
Not anymore... she said with a smirk. C'mon Ash, wake up...it's already 8:30.
Ugh...yes master... he said in a quite mocking tone. Kristi stirred and opened her greenish eyes.
Wanna try to keep it down a bit, Ash? she muttered as she nudged Dex. C'mon honey...wake up...
was all she got out of him as he waved her off. Annoyed, she pushed him off of her and got out of bed, stretching.
Man...haven't slept like that since...I dunno.
Misty replied with a yawn, then went to brush her teeth. Ash ran to the other bathroom and got dressed, coming back out in his usual street clothes. The rest of them got ready and packed their belongings back up.
Here we go again... Dex said as he slung his backpack over his shoulders.
Hey, don't let it get ya down, guys...this is JUST a MINOR setback!!! Ash said with sheer confidence. It can only get better!!
sure it will... Misty muttered as she took her sling off and threw it down, disgusted. Kristi and Ash both looked over at her.
Ummm...you SURE that's such a good idea, Misty? Kristi asked, a bit confused.
I'll be fine...stupid thing.... Misty replied as she stretched out her arm carefully. As long as I'm easy on it, I'll be FINE.
Ash shook his head and grabbed her sling. No way.
No way WHAT?
no way am I gonna let you do this, Misty...you're hurt!!! Ash shot back.
Fuck the sling, I just said I'll be FINE!!!
Misty, you're hurt!!! We can't let you injure yourself further!! Kristi said annoyed. Misty just waved her off.
Ash sighed and rolled his eyes, Misty was beyond reason at this point. Kristi tightened her red fingerless gloves and glared at Misty.
Ya know, sorry if we care! Kristi snapped at her, then picked up her backpack in a huff and headed outside. Ash and Dex took care of the bill before reaching her outside, with Misty following behind, a bit astonished at Kristi's outburst.
Jeez.....sorry if I don't care if you do... Misty thought to herself while glaring at the girl up ahead. Lately she's noticed Kristi becoming a bit edgy lately, and pinned it on female issues. Ash and Dex just shrugged it off, both of them a bit annoyed by Misty's display of independence.
Tough or not, she's injured.... Dex said to Ash. And I really don't give a shit if she gets hurt now, since she can handle herself so well...
Whoa whoa whoa...wait. WHEN did this turn into a Bash Misty' episode? Look, she's ALWAYS been like this, just let it pass, alright? Ash argued back.
Look...I don't care at all about anything right now, can we get the hell outta this town?! Kristi said in a cold tone. Misty had enough of the bickering, and started to walk quicker, until she reached the rest of the .
Yeah well, I'm glad you guys don't give a shit, because I really don't care at ALL, okay?! Go ahead, gang up on me, go for it!!! she nearly yelled as she outstretched her arms. Kristi turned on her heels and stared Misty down.
Ya know what?! I've had ENOUGH of you, Misty!!! Wanna start acting like part of a TEAM?!
EXCUSE me?!
You heard me!!!
OH YEAH?!
Kristi clenched her fists and let go of Dex's hand, glaring at Misty.
Misty said with an all-knowing smirk. Dex and Ash stood in between the two of them.
Dex said through clenched teeth. We had this talk before!
Kristi took a deep breath and turned away from Misty, walking ahead.
Let's get outta here before TR hits this place again.... Kristi muttered coldy as she walked on ahead. Ash looked back at Misty, who was staring at the ground. Misty had this confused look on her face.
Ash and Dexter looked at each other, shook their heads, and kept on walking, as Misty sped up to reach them. Kristi was eerily quiet. A normally peppy, cheerful 16 year old, it was quite out of character for her to be so withdrawn all of a sudden. From the look they saw in her eyes, she was trying hard to contain herself.
A few teenagers were standing on a street corner, eyeing up the recent episode that just transpired. One of them locked eyes with Kristi, and she shot her a cold glare.
Take a picture, it lasts longer... she said as she looked straight ahead and kept on walking. The girl she said it to stood up and clenched her fists.
Excuse me, little girl? she said with a smirk.
You heard me... Kristi said as she kept on going. The other girl, who looked about 17 with pink hair, sped up, grabbed her shoulder, and whirled her around. The two of them stared each other down, and the older girl shoved her.
What the hell do you think YOU are?! she said in a menacing tone. Kristi stood her ground and kept glaring into her eyes. Dex and Ash cringed, and Misty eyed her up closely.
She's hiding something...I can see it....but what....?
Look....we don't want any trouble... Ash began, and the girl glared at him and shot him her middle finger.
Nobody asked you, geek!!
EXCUSE ME. Kristi said as she put an arm in front of Ash. This doesn't concern my friend here, leave him out of it!
Ooh, sticking up for him, eh? You seem to talk big, can ya back it up?! the girl snapped back. Kristi grabbed a Pokeball from her backpack and maximized it.
Damn right I can!!! she said with a smirk. Her opponent drew one as well, and the two had a standoff.
You'd better not mess with Carissa!!! one of the other teens quipped. She's gonna be part of the Pokemon League!
Kristi just smirked in defiance and muttered....I'm already there.... as she wound up to throw a Pokeball. Dex and Ash looked at her, trying to figure out what she meant. The two girls eyed each other up before releasing their Pokemon.
GROUNDER, GET OUT THERE!!! Carissa yelled as she let loose a Graveler.
Heh...Rock...should've known...BULBASAUR!!! Kristi said as she released her Bulbasaur. The rest of the teens nearly fell over and Carissa burst into laughter.
THAT THING?!?! YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!!!! she said in between bouts of giggles. Kristi just looked straight ahead, and Graveler started to chuckle as well.
Kristi's getting embarrased.... Dex said as he smacked his hand to his forehead.
A BULBASAUR?!??! Ash blurted out. Misty shook her head...she had a feeling she knew what was coming up. All Kristi did was point at Graveler, and Bulbasaur wrapped its vines around it and slammed it into the ground so hard its outer shell was CRACKED. Carissa stared in disbelief.
THAT WAS CHEAP!!!
Pay attention when you battle, then... Kristi said with a smirk.
WHAT IN THE HELL?!?! Ash blurted out. The rest of the gang around them quickly had a Pokeball in each hand.
Things...are gonna get ugly... Dex said to Ash as he pulled a Pokeball out of his backpack.
Get ready to back her up...I don't think they're lookin for a little Pokemon battle... Ash said to Misty, who grabbed another Pokeball, this one containing her Starmi.
YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT!!! Carissa yelled. GET THEM!!!
As if on cue, all of them threw their Pokeballs at once. Misty, Dex, and Ash let loose all the Pokemon they could, and what ensued was a brawl beyond brawls. All four trainers released their Pokemon, as did the street gang, who nearly outnumbered them 2 to each trainer. Psyduck did some of its best running around in circles.
PINSIR, CRUSH THEM!!! one boy screamed as he pointed. Pikachu darted in front of it, but it went around....and straight for ASH!
WHAT THE?!?! Ash yelled as he narrowly avoided the attack. It darted for him again, but a harsh jet of water from Misty's Starmi stopped it in its tracks. Just as she was about to call out another command, a Cubone came out from behind.
WHACK HER ONE!!! one of the street punks screamed.
MISTY, DUCK IT!! Kristi yelled as she pointed at Misty. BULBASAUR, SOLAR BEAM!!
In an instand, Bulbasaur let loose a white beam of light, slamming the Cubone in the stomach and rendering it helpless. Kristi was about to look for another attacker when she was slammed in the stomach by a medium sized rock, about the size of a basketball. The Graveler she defeated got its revenge....as the rock connected, a slight snapping was heard.
was all they heard as she doubled over, and dropped to one knee, looking around. Carissa was standing there, smirking.
Pay attention when you battle.... she said with an icy tone in her voice.
THIS ISN'T A BATTLE!! IT'S A STREETFIGHT!!!!!! Ash yelled at her. Dex was busy with his own attacker...a rather large Raichu was attempting to whip him with its tail.
JEEZ!!!! DON'T YOU KNOW WHEN TO QUIT?!? he said frustrated...and noticed a Spearow buzzing around his head, attempting to peck his head bald. GET OFFA ME!! he yelled with flailing arms. Carissa stood over Kristi and smirked, victorious.
So...how does it feel? Ever feel helpless before? she taunted. Kristi just looked up at her with clenched teeth.
Oh what's that? You want to SAY something? Carissa taunted again. And it happened....
All Kristi did in reply was weakly utter two words while looking in Carissa's eyes.
the other girl said, confused. It was too late...she was met with a white beam that slammed her back forcefully. Sliding across the ground, she struggled back up to her feet, coughing. Ash looked back at Kristi, suprised. Misty meanwhile, was defending herself against a rather persistent Poliwrath.
DAMMIT!!! GET THE HELL AWAY FROM ME!! Misty yelled as she kept on dodging its Water Gun attacks. THAT DOES IT, YOU'VE PISSED ME OFF!!! STARMI, ICE BUSTER!!
Starmi powered up, and a white beam of pure Ice power slammed Poliwhirl and froze it solid. Its trainer called it back and glared at Misty, furious.
THAT WAS CHEAP!! he shrieked.
Oh, and attacking the TRAINERS isn't?! Misty shot back. All of a sudden, police sirens were heard.
SHIT!! Carissa, it's the heat!!
We gotta get back to the boss!!! another burst out.
Carissa said as she called back her Pokemon. Till we meet again, LOSERS!!! she yelled as they all ran.
Damn..Carissa, we can't play with stupid trainers, we don't have the time!! one of them said as he was sprinting.
Look, the boss wants some Pokemon to trade off the BM, we'll give them to him!! And to be quite honest, that streaky-haired girl's Bulbasaur seems like a catch...
I dunno Carissa...the Black Market doesn't WANT weenies...they want final forms...
I don't care, look, let's get back to the boss!!! she said as they kept up their speed. Some police cars shot past them towards where the fight took place.
The four teens weren't very happy. Kristi coughed up some blood, and was in constant pain. Misty got away with a twinge in her arm after wrenching it avoiding the Poliwrath's onslaught. Dex had some cuts from the Spearow attack, and Ash had the worst migraine headache he ever felt. Something wasn't right. The police arrived on the scene, and a pretty young policewoman faced them.
Okay...what happened here?! You all seem pretty busted up!!
Ash started, then noticed the face. Officer Jenny, ummm...we didn't start it!!
That's what they ALL say!! Jenny shot back. you know fighting is against the law in this city!!
Officer, we really weren't!! These kids just challenged one of us to a battle, and when they lost, they all jumped in!!
So a POKEMON battle busted you up that badly?! Jenny said with a raised eyebrow. She wasn't buying it.
But they weren't fighting fair!! Misty argued. They weren't fighting Pokemon...they were fighting US...with THEIR Pokemon!!
say what?! Jenny said with a confused look on her face.
That's right, if you don't believe me, look at our friend here!! Ash said as he motioned towards Kristi, who was finding it hard to do ANYTHING without seeing stars of pain.
Jenny exclaimed as she ran to Kristi's side. What happened to YOU?!
In between coughs, Kristi was able to choke out two words.
We gotta get you checked out!! Jenny said. I'll radio for an ambulance!
Jeez...look Ash, now we gotta spend TWO days in this place... Dex said as he rolled his eyes.
Things have gone from crappy to utter SHIT... Ash said to himself. Are the rest of us okay? he asked as he looked at the other three.
Fine here... Misty said as she returned her Starmi and her Psyduck.
I'm alright... Dex said as he recalled Charmeleon and BeeDrill back to their Pokeballs.
I wonder... Misty said out loud. ...if those kids might have been part of...?
Ash pondered her question and shrugged. Or just cheap fighters...
Either or, this is getting REALLLLY dangerous.... Dex started. It's too weird...everything is normal till we fight Jessi and James...and then all of a sudden, the NEXT group of trainers we reach, do the SAME thing!
It doesn't add up... Ash said. It just DOESN'T...besides, it could just be coincedence...they WERE a streetgang...
Yeah..guess so... Dex said with a shrug. Kristi was slowly regaining her breath, albeit painfully.
....and she....slammed me...with her Graveler....used Rock Throw... she was saying in broken sentences between breaths.
Never mind...kid...what's your name? Jenny asked her. I'll need it for the police incident report.
she started to choke out, then burst into coughs.
Please, just take it easy on yourself....here, gimme your ID.... Jenny said. Kristi opened her bag and gave her a small ID card.
Hmmm...Police Report...June 12th, 2004...Kristi...Peterson...Date of Birth....February 17, 1988....what's this? she said as a different card came out. Kristi cringed and looked down at it, snatching it up.
don't...worry...bout it...
Forget it, lemme see that. Jenny said in a stern tone. Hmmm...somebody's pretty good at Pokemon... she said with a smirk. Ash and Dex looked at her.
Pokemon Trainer 1st class...Ice, eh? VERY nice...
Kristi snatched the ID card out of her hands briskly, and glared.
Jenny said to her, a hint of annoyance in her voice.
Look, the ambulance is here... Misty said as she looked down at Kristi. The EMT's tended to the teen's injuries before loading them into the truck and heading towards the hospital, accompanied by Officer Jenny in a squad car.
Meanwhile...an office door is kept shut. Giovanni was inside, filing some case reports for another business firm he was working with. Outside his door he heard a knock.
he said flatly.
a pretty girl of about 22 years old said as she opened the door a crack. Your 2 PM is here.
send them in, please Mari. he said without turning around.
Two young men walked in. Dressed in smart business suits,they looked like two normal men meeting an employer for an interview. One was about 24 years of age, with fire red hair, and a pair of sunglasses holding his hair back. His ice blue eyes seemed like they could see through your soul. The other man was a bit older, about 27 years, a dark skinned man with a shaved bald head, and dark sunglasses. He didn't even take them off as he entered the office.
the redhead spoke. Giovanni turned around, and as if struck by a cattle prod, his eyes lit up and he flashed a very happy smile.
Ahhhh...Reno...Rude. Good to see the two of you!! Giovanni said as he shook both of their hands. Please, have a seat, make yourselves comfortable.
Reno, the one with the red hair, sat down. Rude remained standing for a few seconds before Reno elbowed him harshly. Rude sank into his seat slowly, embarrased.
Rude said sheepishly. Giovanni faced the two of them as he took his seat at his office desk.
So...let's get down to business, shall we?
Cut the crap, LoCascio... Reno interjected. Long story short...the shipment made it.
Ahhh...I KNEW you'd make quick work of it... Giovanni commented. Everything is intact, correct?
We ran into a couple of problems during the process... Rude started. ...but now, everything is fine. These trainers are getting easier and easier...we made about 200 bucks off the whole thing by just taking out those little wimps.
Making commission, eh? Giovanni said with a raised eyebrow.
If you want our services, think of it as...bonus pay. Reno said with a smirk. He was always one step ahead of Giovanni when it came to money. Now...what's next? Are we gonna play the bodyguard role or what?
Hmmm...that DOES sound good to me... Giovanni started. ...I could always use some extra protection...but...for now, you two are....how shall I put this.....my seconds-in-command.
Rude nearly choked on the mint he was sucking on, and Reno stared at him.
No shit?!
None of it. You two have helped me out of many a bind lately, I think you deserve a promotion.... Giovanni's tone got serious all of a sudden. ...now. Here's the plan. See...as of late, Pokemon Trainers have been harassing my employees....making Team Rocket look like fools. I don't want MY organization looking like fools. In fact...lately...we've been showing these little pukes that we mean BUSINESS. Gone are the days of Pokemon battles to solve matters....now, we've trained our Pokemon to attack TRAINERS instead....this is proving useful....you should see the looks on their faces..I'm sure you've tried it already, Reno?
Yeah...the guy at the loading dock NEVER saw it coming. Reno said, thinking back to when his Electabuzz knocked a man's lights out with a Mega Punch.
EXACTLY....they're so used to playing by the rules and crap like that... Giovanni said as he finished his little speech. It's about time that Team Rocket CHANGED the rules...
Giovanni continued to talk, as the door slowly closed to his office. It seemed like Team Rocket's new tactics are working well.......
Meanwhile, the foursome was tended to at the hospital...the same place they were at no more than a day ago. Misty was ranted on for taking her sling off so early, and refusing pain medication. Ash and Dex were treated for bruises, and Kristi came back with her torso bandaged. All four of them sat in Recovery for a few hours, pondering what just happened.
First Jessi and James...then the street punks...could it be... Ash said to himself.
Maybe they were just cheap fighters. Dex pointed out.
Or from Team Rocket... Misty also said. You know...I mean...they held up a jewelry store, so anything is possible at this rate.
But we can't PROVE that they're from TR... Kristi argued back. They didn't LOOK it...they usually wear those stupid uniforms...
was all Ash said as he held his head in his hands. He found himself in deep thought for a long time.
Jeez...first, Jessi and James...then these kids...this is one CRAPPY journey...me and Misty and Brock NEVER went through this shit when we FIRST went out on our own...this doesn't make sense...this is the WORST summer ever so far...maybe we should call it off....
Kristi looked over at Ash, then the rest of her companions. somethin on your mind, Ash?
Ash just looked up, a sea of dissapointment flooding his head. he started, then trailed off.
What is it? Misty asked, curious. Got any suggestions on what we should do?
Ash just stared at the ground, shocked at what he was about to say. It's off...
WHAT is? Misty inquired.
This whole thing. This is TOO dangerous, and it's only been the first week. Ash said with a sad tone in his voice. Let's just go back home.
The other three members of the group stared at him. It was SO unlike him to be like this. He was usually one to stare back in the face of adversity and flip his middle finger at it. This time...he threw in the towel, rather quickly.
Ash...are you sure? Misty asked as she walked up to him and leaned down, trying to look him in the eyes. He pulled the brim of his hat over his eyes so he didn't have to see her. He felt dejected enough. Silently, he stood and clenched his fists.
His Pokemon hopped onto his shoulder and patted his head. Pika pika? it asked, as if asking if he was sure.
Let's go guys...let's head back home...
He slowly walked out, as the rest of his team followed him...back to Pallet, where it all started a week back. Feeling defeated, Ash held his head low uncharacteristically, and made ready for the walk back home.
I'm sorry, guys... he said as he walked ahead of them. Misty noticed he was eerily shaken up about the whole matter.
Are you gonna be okay? Misty asked in a concerned voice. He just waved her off and kept on walking, and it became a long, silent trek back home.....
TO BE CONTINUED