Chapter 4

Few bystanders were surprised in the least when they found they could hear what was going on in the boss's office from all the way down the hall and in any nearby rooms. They were even less surprised when the door flew open and a small child ran out at top speed with his tiny cat Pokémon chasing after him. As a matter of fact, there was only one bystander who took any special note of that occurrence at all.

The child took no notice of them. He simply ran. He needed to escape the close confines of the building, the beige walls closing in on him, the air thickening to that of haze or grime. His legs pounded the floor as he ran, adding to the pain he already felt.

Meowth found that he had to run at top speed, paw pads burning against the tile, claws slipping out unintentionally and making clicking noises in order to keep up with his trainer. Ash was hurt. Even more so than he usually was after a meeting of similar nature. But it wasn't his physical injuries that Meowth was worried about, no, he'd seen Ash take worse ones and still keep going, fighting or otherwise…Meowth worried about the words Ash had heard come from his father's lips. His dreams, his pride, his loves…all taken down by one man. Meowth had to make sure Ash was alright.

He chased Ash all the way through the headquarters to the west exit, where Ash burst through the doors and ran sobbing out into the chill night air. He stumbled down the few short steps to the grass and kept running. He didn't even look up to see where he was going, though somewhere inside, he knew exactly what would happen.

Meowth reached the door and froze when he saw Ash…He was going to run right into the fence…

"Ash don't!!!" he cried in horror.

It was no use. If Ash heard him, he ignored it and kept running. Within seconds, he'd cleared the small expanse of shaded green and hit the fence at full force. It lasted only a second. A white flash and crack of electricity sent him flying backwards. He hit the ground with a thump and didn't get up.

The Team Rocket Headquarters were always under heavy security. A ten-foot barbed wire electric fence circled the compound. They were put there in the intent to keep trespassers out, but for Ash they were a vicious cage, always keeping him in. The first time he tried scaling it, he was nearly put in a coma from the high voltage. The second time, he borrowed a rubber suit, but couldn't make it past the piercing metal at the top and again got himself shocked once the rubber was broken through. The third time, he had the sense to try to dig under, but hit concrete just a few inches below the surface. He'd tried to squeeze under anyway, but of course, it didn't quite work…

Meowth hissed to himself and ran to the child's side. He could hear him still making breathing noises, so at least he was still okay in that respect. As he got closer, he realized that the hard breath sounds he was hearing were actually sobbing…He ran faster and stopped next to Ash. He put his paws on his chest so he could lean over to look into his face, ignoring the static jolt he got when he touched him.

"Ash…?" he whispered. His twerp looked like he'd been through hell. He had fresh electric burns all over, a dry red beard of blood covered his chin, and his cheeks were swelling. Tenderly, Meowth put a paw to Ash's cheek. "Ash? You awright dere buddy?"

Ash choked on a sob and sat up suddenly. He visibly reeled from the movement but didn't show any signs of caring.

"It's not fair…" he whispered darkly. Anger drew itself over his face and he shouted more forcefully. "It's not fair!!"

"Ash…buddy…Cawm down…It'll be awright…" Meowth cooed, rubbing his arm and doing his best to console his young friend.

"It's not fair…" Ash repeated in bitter hate and regret, then hid his face with his fist as he started sobbing again. He held his breath, trying to fight it. He hated to cry. No one else ever cried. He wasn't a baby anymore, he wasn't going to cry. Angry, now at himself, Ash stood up and stormed back to the fence.

"Meowth! Waid Ash! Don't go running back inta dat fence again!" Meowth gasped.

"Don't worry, I won't…" Ash muttered. Instead, he walked steadily closer until his face was only inches from the wire. He could hear the strong electric hum running through the metal and feel their magnetism against his burned skin.

Meowth cautiously followed behind him, paws anxiously hidden behind his head. He stared up at his trainer, still so small in such a huge world…He looked past him, through the overbearing fence and out to the wilderness beyond. The Team Rocket Headquarters were hidden within one of the many woods surrounding Viridian City, but it wasn't located in the Viridian Forest. That one was frequented far too often for Team Rocket's tastes and the entire area was mapped out. No, it was one of the sparser woods, but it was a forest all the same…The building was surrounded by trees…at least outside of where it was surrounded by fencing. No trees grew within the actual boundaries of the HQ. It was as if Team Rocket was doing everything in its power to keep its central power from the outside world. Ash himself was a prime example. In all his life as far as he could remember, he had never once gone beyond the fence. He'd seen Rockets and various vehicles pass through the gates, but he'd never done so himself…

He hated that fence. That damned piece of metal. That fence was all that stood between him and the rest of the world…

Meowth sighed and continued to stare upwards. His gaze was eventually drawn to the white, round light of the moon…

"Ash, look," he spoke quietly, "Da moon is out and its full…"

Silently, the boy raised his head towards the sky. The full moon was one of the few things that could calm him in the best and worst of his moods. Ever since he'd met Meowth, they had gone out at nights of a full moon for what Meowth called "moon-gazing". Meowth told him once that the moon was the same no matter where you were on the planet, so whenever you look at the sky, it's like traveling all over the world…

Nearly inaudible footsteps approached from behind them.

"Ah, there's nothing quite like the moon, is there…?" asked familiar voice. It had calmness written all over it, but below that was a thick layer of tension…and hate.

Ash looked down without turning to see who it was. "…Terr…"

The Rocket smiled as Meowth jumped around and hissed, fur bristling. "Correct, bastard. Nice to see you have a brain."

"…I don't feel like dealing with you right now," Ash muttered.

"Oh, but I feel like dealing with you…" Terr replied, feigning warmness, "In fact, I feel that now is the perfect time to deal with you…"

Slouching, Ash turned just enough to scowl at the older Rocket. "What do you want?"

"The answer to that is simple," Terr replied, his smile growing broader with every passing second, "It's the same thing I've always wanted from you…" He leaned forward so Ash could feel and smell his breath. Terr whispered secretively and slowly, so every word could sink in. "I want your death…"

Ash's eyes widened. He wouldn't dare-!

Before he had a chance to scream, Terr's firm, gloved hands latched around his neck, choking out his voice and muffling his breath. Ash could feel his eyes starting to bug as his throat threatened to cave in. In panicked fury, he tried to lash out at Terr and pry his hands off, but Terr thrust him against the fence, his anguished scream unable to escape from his lungs. Terr just watched, grinning, his rubber gloves protecting him from the shock.

Meowth was quick to act. He leapt up in an attempt to Fury Swipe Terr's face. He got halfway through his plan. His added weight surprised Terr enough that he jerked Ash away from the fence to retaliate against his new opponent. However, he didn't loosen his grip. The boy fishmouthed in a desperate attempt to gather air.

In one movement of his arm, Terr threw Meowth off, grabbed a Pokéball and released his Hitmonlee. Meowth didn't waste any time trying to get around the Pokémon and back to helping his trainer, but Hitmonlee had other ideas. When Meowth tried to weave around him, he sent him flying back with a well aimed and high-powered kick. Terr studied the Meowth for only a second before giving his Hitmonlee a single command. "Kill it."

Meowth stared in disbelief at Hitmonlee jumped into the air and came down at him, iron hard spiked toes aiming to drive straight into his face. At the last second, Meowth jumped back and Hitmonlee went crashing into the ground, stirring up dirt clods and grass. Meowth glanced fearfully at Ash while Hitmonlee picked himself up and turned to prepare another attack. Ash was getting weaker by the second, his legs kicked out limply and his grip on Terr's hands was slipping faster. Meowth knew he had to act fast. He glanced back at Hitmonlee. It was already coming at him. Maybe…just maybe…If he couldn't get that piece of crap to let go of his friend, maybe Hitmonlee could…

Meowth dashed at Terr. If he could get Hitmonlee to hit him into Terr, then that would probably be enough to get him to let go of Ash. He ran faster as he got closer. Only a little further…He leapt at Terr.

Hitmonlee had other ideas. He picked himself up and jumped at the spot where Meowth was heading, perpendicular to the cat's line of flight. His foot connected with Meowth's small body and smashed him straight into the fence. Hitmonlee flipped backwards at the last second to avoid the shock. The cat screeched in pain before falling to the ground limp and burnt. Electricity crackled around him and faded. Hitmonlee stood back, watching carefully for any signs of life.

Terr grinned. "Good job, Hitmon-"

"EKANS NOW!!"

The ground beneath him burst open, the flying dirt making room for a sinous violet form. She hissed venomously at her victim. Terr dropped Ash and stumbled back in shock.

"Wrap attack!"

Ekans didn't hesitate to swing behind Terr and quickly coil herself around him and squeeze tightly, hindering any movements.

"Hitmonlee, help me!!" Terr shouted angrily.

"Monlee!!" Hitmonlee called and aimed a jump kick at the snake.

"Koffing! Smokescreen and Tackle!"

From out of the shadows, a floating sphere flew forward, spewing horrid gases in the form of smoke before slamming into the kicking fiend, throwing him back with the Koffing.

Two figures appeared, shadowed in the fresh smoke. One stood disapprovingly over the wrapped Terr and spoke to him in a feminine voice.

"Terr…I can't believe even you would stoop so low…" she hissed just as venomously as her Ekans, who hissed as well at her words.

The other figure quickly knelt by the boy and held him upright. He listened only for a moment to the child's sparse, ragged breath before turning to his partner anxiously.

"Jessie, he needs help," he said quietly and glanced forlornly at Meowth, "They both do…"

Jessie's reply was interrupted by loud shouts of fighting from Hitmonlee and Koffing. Hitmonlee was kicking rapidly, beating and bruising the poison Pokémon from every side. Finally with one well placed roundhouse kick, he knocked Koffing to the ground where he bounced right back up like a soccer ball and struggled to stay afloat.

James gritted his teeth. "Koffing, it's grime time…"

Koffing spun around once in the air before spitting out a small blast of Sludge.

"Hitmon!?" Hitmonlee blinked then cried out in surprise when the sludge hit him directly in the eyes, burning at his face and blocking his vision beyond hope.

Taking her cue, Jessie reached between Ekans' coils and found Hitmonlee's Pokéball. She called it back, then spun the ball on her finger for a second before placing it on her own belt.

"Good…" James sighed. He turned his attention back to the small boy limp in his arms and gently cradled him. "It's alright," he whispered, "Just breathe. That's all I want you to worry about right now…" Ash did as he was told, if only because he couldn't concentrate on anything else. Every gasp was a struggle. James looked to Jessie and whispered, "Get Meowth."

She nodded slightly and sent Ekans a look that said, "Whatever you do, don't let up." She walked carefully and knelt down to lift up the small cat. She was afraid. She could feel her heart hammering in her chest. Meowth still wasn't moving…Was he…? She shook those thoughts out of her mind forcefully. No, he couldn't be dead…He was Meowth! He was a survivor…

"Meowth?" she whispered and shook him slightly. His fur was blackened from electricity, and his body was still warm, but from life or death, Jessie couldn't tell. "Wake up, Meowth," she tried again, hiding desperation from her voice. Meowth was as close to them as Ash was, and if he… "Wake up!" She shook him more forcefully. "Wake up, Meowth…"

She was almost ready to give up hope when she heard a small sound of life. A cough. Her eyes widened when he coughed again and moved, rolling a little onto his side. His eyes crept open, blue slits searched and found her face smiling down at him.

"Jessie…?" he whispered hoarsely, "Where's Ash? Is he…?"

"He's fine…" she told him warmly. Meowth's eyes searched her face for signs of honesty. Satisfied, he closed them and curled up in her arms, purring shakily. Jessie smiled and stroked his head. "Come on now…You two need a visit to the infirmary…" She turned and found herself looking at Terr, who was still being wrapped by her Ekans. She narrowed her eyes.

"You two won't get away with this," Terr gasped out, "When I'm through with you-"

"You won't be doing anything when the boss is through with you," Jessie hissed, "Ekans, keep up the Wrap, but free up his legs so he can walk…James can you carry Ash?"

"Yeah…" he replied and stood up, hefting Ash into his arms and carrying him damsel style.

Jessie nodded as Ekans also followed her orders, letting Terr stand up. "Let's go…"

          *  *  *

They dropped Meowth off at the Pokémon care center first. He refused to stay at first, insisting he should stay with Ash, but Jessie was able to convince him to wait until he got better first. Even with the severity of his injuries, she had a good feeling that he would recover faster than his trainer. Most Pokémon did…

Next, they brought Ash to the infirmary and told him to rest. The Rocket nurses there quickly got to work, setting him up with a private room and treating his injuries with haste and care.

Finally, the duo was faced with the all too gratifying task of bringing the vermin to face the boss.

          *  *  *

With Ekans still vicelike around his torso, Jessie and James led Terr into the lair of the boss.

"Sir!" James called out sharply, "We have captured a traitor in our ranks!"

Giovanni leaned forward with both elbows on his desk, folding his hands, and looked at the three of them curiously.

"Terrell? A traitor?" he asked smoothly, "What did he do?"

Jessie had to restrain herself from exclaiming in fury, or showing any emotion whatsoever. "He attempted to murder your son," she said, her voice tight.

A flicker of shock wavered over Giovanni's face before being repressed. "What…?"

Jessie took a deep breath and continued calmly. "James and I had gone outside to look for Ash because it was almost his bedtime, and that's where we'd figured he'd be. He was, but…Terrell was also there…He had your son in a deathlock, sir. If we hadn't seen them by the time we did, it would've been too late."

Giovanni chewed his lip. He kept his gaze fixed on Terr, like a Pidgeot staring down its prey before it swooped in for the kill.

"Is this true…?" he asked quietly.

James snapped to attention. "Yes sir! If you must see for yourself, your son is in the infirmary at this very moment!"

Giovanni sighed. "No, no I believe you James, Jessie…The two of you are dismissed…and Jessie, take your Ekans with you…I'll deal with Terrell."

"Yes sir!" they both saluted smartly. Jessie took out a Pokéball. "Ekans, return!" With that, the two of them exited the room, leaving Terr to face his punishment…

Terr stood stiffly, ignoring the nervous sweat sticking to the back of his neck. Giovanni had not stopped staring at him since they'd came in. Terr knew what was coming. He knew all to well what the punishment was for an attempt on Ash's life…He just wished Giovanni would hurry up and get it over with…

Terr had failed. He knew he had. His plan may not have been elaborate, but it had been carefully planned. All he had to do was wait for the right moment. He knew Giovanni abused his son. Everybody knew that. For most of them, it was normal parent/child behavior. Terr didn't care if it was normal or not, what he cared about was the opportunity it gave him. He waited…years…for that moment…The instance Giovanni pushed just a little too far, that would be when he would make his move. That time had finally come. He would follow the bastard outside, where he always went after his beatings, and there he'd just add…the finishing touch. From that point, he could say that he just came outside and found the bastard like that. Maybe he couldn't take it anymore and just threw himself into the fence, or maybe the boss had hit him just a little too hard that time…As for the Meowth…maybe it just wanted to follow its trainer's example…

It had been the perfect plan in Terr's eyes…he would have finally finished the job his partner had started nine years ago…if not for those disruptive fools…It had never occurred to them that they would come and stop him…Next time, he would be ready for them…but no…there wouldn't be a next time…

"Terrell," Giovanni stated. He wasn't asking for his attention. He was stating it as if Terrell already knew…which he did. Terr looked up in apprehension. "I know you know what's coming," Giovanni told him. He sighed and leaned back in his huge executive's chair and rubbed the head of his Persian. "I suppose I should have seen this coming earlier…much earlier…but no…no, I spared your life, Terrell…because I thought you would have learned from the mistake of your partner…" Giovanni sighed again and shook his head. "I really should have known better…Now I have no choice but to let you join her in hell…I'll bet your anxious to see her, aren't you?"

Despite himself, Terr found himself nodding.

Giovanni nodded thoughtfully. "…I understand…" He leaned back and an unpleasant smile crept to his lips. "How fortunate for you…that you actually will see her in hell…I know I for one am not so fortunate…" He leaned forward, the smile growing wickeder. "My dearly beloved has gone a different way, Terrell…I believe her only sin in life was marrying me, the poor dear…and now where is she, hm?"

Terr's sweating became more profuse, and he swallowed nervously. Stuttering over the word, he managed to answer, "H-h-heav…en…?"

"I do believe that is correct…" Giovanni said coldly, his smile vanishing. He raised himself up so he was sitting perfectly straight. "Now why should I give you the pleasure of seeing your partner in hell, when I will never see my wife again? No, I have a different fate planned for you, Terrell…" He picked up the phone and dialed a local extension. "Hello?…Yes, I have a new member for you…No, he's traitor…Terrell…Yes…Come pick him up asap. This is what I want. He attempted to kill my son. Torture him, maim him, but whatever you do, don't kill him. Keep him alive as long as possible. Let him grow old. But he will live through hell before he goes there. Make sure of it." With that, Giovanni hung up and smiled cruelly at Terr. "Enjoy your new accomodations."

Minutes later, two Rocket thugs, dressed all in black except for their emblazoned red R took Terr roughly by the arms and dragged him off…That was the last anyone saw of him.