Chapter 4: The Secret is discovered
Authors Note: Still a week before the Prologue
"Ash this is stupid" Misty hissed angrily "What do you hope to achieve by spying on them 24 hours a day. This is just boring. Go and earn another gym badge or some thing"
"Misty I have to find out how they beat me" Ash snapped.
"Ash it was unlucky that's all" Misty replied.
"Togi breeee" the egg Pokemon chirped in agreement. Pikachu nodded silently.
"This is getting a little obsessive," Brock said. "We have watched Team Rocket since they came here on Monday. It is Sunday now"
"Ash lets go" Misty whined
"I think they must be taking a short break or some thing" Brock added
"They never take breaks" Ash replied "And why aren't they after Pikachu any more?"
"You should be glad Ash" Misty shouted. "Now you can concentrate on becoming a Pokemon master without having to worry about Team Rocket"
"I suppose. Come on lets go" Ash sighed. He had to admit Misty was right. It was dumb spying on Jesse and James like this. So far nothing interesting had happened to suggest they were the cheats Ash said they were. James seemed to sleep a lot and Jesse went to the mall every day but Brock said that was typical teenage behaviour. Ash sighed again and turned to follow Misty and Brock.
"What's that?" Misty said.
"What's what?" Ash demanded feeling a little cross now
"I heard some thing in those bushes over there"
Ash, Misty and Brock hid behind a nearby tree and gasped when they saw who it was.
"Butch this is dumb" Cassidy moaned standing up and brushing the dirt off her white gloves.
"You were the one who wanted to do it this way" Butch snapped. They had been watching Jesse and James for the week but they had seen and heard nothing out of the ordinary.
"What are they doing here?" Ash asked angrily. "Even Jesse, James and Meowth deserve some privacy!"
"Ash you hypocrite" Misty shouted inadvertently drawing attention to them all.
"What do we have here?" Butch said grabbing hold of Ash and Misty before they could get away.
Pikachu got ready to thundershock them. "Pikachu no!" Ash shouted, "We'll get shocked too"
"What are you doing here children?" Cassidy demanded ignoring the fact that Brock had gone into dreamland on the account that she was holding onto his arm to keep him from escaping.
"I could ask you the same thing," Ash said struggling to get free.
Butch and Cassidy frowned "We're on important Team Rocket business"
Ash smirked "Do Jesse and James know you're here?"
"No not exactly..." Butch broke off when Cassidy shot him an angry look.
"Do they know you're here?" she asked sweetly.
"No but..."
"Well then we'll keep you're secret if you keep ours. And we'll even let you go without a Pokemon battle"
Ash nodded not wanting to be beaten by another pair from Team Rocket. He explained how Jesse, James and Meowth beat him almost a month ago and how he wanted to find out why.
Cassidy smiled to herself. She had got all the information that she wanted. These children should know better than to make deals with Team Rocket she thought. Now to get them out of her way. Cassidy reached for the Pokeball that contained Raticate when another thought crossed her mind. If Jesse and James were in the cabin at the moment, and there was no reason to think that they weren't. Then a Pokemon battle might give them cause to come out and investigate. Cassidy could just imagine how angry Jesse would be if she found them all spying on her. Not to mention what Giovanni would do to them if he knew that they had blown their cover. Butch evidently had the same thought because he was looking at her waiting for her to come up with a plan. "They beat us up too," Cassidy said at last giving Butch a sly grin as she spoke. "We wanted to know how the hell they did it. Our Pokemon are much higher levels than theirs are. Victory should have been easy for us"
"Yeah" Ash seemed to be thinking back to the fortune book incident a month ago. Cassidy and Butch had beaten Jesse and James then. Deciding that they were telling the truth Ash nodded. "Then what's your plan?"
"Well if we all stay here then those losers are going to catch us" Cassidy said. "So why don't you children go and get some thing to eat" she handed them a couple of notes "And we'll keep up the vigil here"
Misty and Brock still didn't seem to trust them. "What are you going to do?" Brock asked
"Stay here of course" Cassidy said.
Brock frowned at this. He didn't seem to be buying it at all. "Don't you trust me?" Cassidy demanded giving Brock a hurt look. "Listen" she pretended to act even more annoyed "You can stay here too then. The other two can go and get us all some thing to eat. Then we can keep watch together ok?"
"Well...maybe Pikachu can stay here with you" Ash suggested.
Butch laughed shortly "What? Jesse and James have an internal radar system when it comes to your precious Pikachu. If they spot him they might catch him."
"They will never get Pikachu" Ash said but there was a hint of doubt in his voice and Cassidy picked up on this. "Are you sure brat?" she asked.
"Maybe you should come with us Pikachu" Ash said to his friend.
Misty and Ash along with Pikachu walked away from the cabin and towards Violet City. "Don't be too long guys" Brock called. Cassidy smiled to herself. They would be long gone before the other two got back.
"Cass what is the idea of this?" Butch hissed a few minutes later. He had been waiting for some sign or other from his partner that they were going to ditch the other brat but so far Cassidy seemed content with sitting in the bushes letting Brock try to unsuccessfully chat her up.
"Be quiet" Cassidy snapped "I know what I'm doing"
"We could go and get pizza" Brock said for the third time. "Or a milkshake if you don't want to do dinner"
"Why do you want to go out with her any way?" Butch said angrily to Brock. He was fast loosing his temper with Cassidy and her admirer "She's in Team Rocket?"
"So what? Every girl who isn't in a criminal gang has rejected me. I thought maybe I'd have better luck with Cassidy or Jesse"
Cassidy's eyes widened at this. "What? You asked Jesse before you asked me?"
Brock grinned sheepishly "I thought you were still in jail. And I never actually asked Jesse out"
This is getting no where Cassidy thought angrily. She had thought getting rid of the loser would be easy but it turned out to be harder than she thought. Then it came to her. "Oh Brock" she called sweetly.
"Yes my darling" he said racing to her side in an instant.
"There's this really lovely restaurant in the city that I am just dying to go to. Butch was going to take me but he keeps forgetting. He is so stupid at times"
Butch gave Cassidy an angry look but didn't say any thing. This had to be part of her plan.
"Shall we go there now?" Brock asked.
"Well you have to book in advance," Cassidy said sadly. "Maybe you could go and book us a table for two"
"Yes" Brock said going a funny shade of pink "I would do any thing for you but I have to stay here in case you double cross us or some thing"
"Oh Brock if you don't trust me then what basis is that for a long lasting relationship?" Cassidy sniffed her eyes filling with fake tears as she spoke. "Long lasting relationship?" Brock repeated "Oh boy" he had never got this far with a girl before. Maybe talking to girls in Team Rocket was the way to go. He'd have to ask James if he could get him any numbers of some other Team Rocket girls when he saw him next.
"Will you go?" Cassidy asked. "For me?" she kissed him on the cheek after speaking.
"Yes of course my love. You just wait here" Brock jumped out of the bushes and raced down the path to Violet City. "Oh yuck" Cassidy moaned wiping her mouth on the back of her arm "The things I do for Team Rocket. Butch you could have helped more you know"
"What did you want me to do?" Butch said incredulously "Kiss him?"
Cassidy sniggered "Yeah he would have ran 100 miles in the other direction. Now come on. We have to move quickly"
"Cass what are you up too?" Butch whispered as they went up to the front door of the cabin.
"We are going to find out what the hell is going on" Cassidy replied. "Now when Meowth opens the door you grab him and put him in the sack I gave you. Think you can mange that?"
"But you said we weren't supposed to let them know we're watching them" Butch protested.
"This is the only way" Cassidy snapped.
"We could have just done it from the beginning! Then I wouldn't have had to spend the week crawling around their backyard"
"Stop whining Butch. You're starting to sound like James"
Butch gritted his teeth angrily. Cassidy was beginning to be a real pain since their stint in jail.
"How do you know that Meowth will open the door?" he asked next.
"I saw Jesse leave earlier when that moron with the funny eyes was flirting with me. And James is probably still asleep. The furball is watching the TV"
Butch sighed and banged on the door. It didn't really matter which of the 2 answered as far as he was concerned. Either way he would get the information they needed. Butch had known Jesse and James for years and had spent most of those years fighting with them. Jesse was like Cassidy at times through Butch would never tell Cassidy this unless he had a death wish. Jesse would never talk no matter what. James was different. Butch could tell the male was frightened of him when Jesse wasn't around so he'd talk. And Meowth, well the cat would squeal just to save his own skin. Any way Meowth was the Boss's cat. Jesse and James just happened to be the team he was paired with. He probably wouldn't think twice about telling them the other two's secret. "Yeah what is it?" Butch was jogged out of his thoughts when he heard Meowth coming just like Cassidy had said. Meowth opened the door and stared at them in shock before saying. "What are yous doing here?"
"Who is it Meowth?" Butch heard James calling.
Cassidy nudged Butch in the ribs. He grabbed the cat round the neck and stuffed him into the sack.
"Hey what is da big idea!" Meowth yelled.
"Come on" Cassidy said. The two of them slammed the door shut and made off with Meowth.
"Ok this should be far enough away," Cassidy said breathlessly. She had never run so fast in here life. Man all those lame missions they had been getting lately were getting her out of shape. Cassidy was sure she was also putting on weight. Jesse would love that if she knew. But it wasn't really a concern any more. Once Giovanni knew what Jesse and James were up too then Cassidy and Butch would be the favourites again and Cassidy would loose the weight after a few weeks back on more missions like the breeding centre. They were in a small shed about 20 minutes from the cabin. Butch dropped the sack containing the struggling Meowth onto the hard floor. Meowth hissed in protest at this. Now for the easy bit. Cassidy made sure the door was locked before tipping Meowth out onto the floor.
"What da hell is dis all about?" Meowth screeched. He made a lunge for the door but Butch grabbed him round the neck. "Let me go!" Meowth yelled attempting to claw Butch but the way that the green haired male was holding him made that impossible. "Now now Meowth" Cassidy said silkily "Calm down. We just want to ask you a few questions and then you can go"
"I ain't telling yous nothing," Meowth shouted still struggling. Cassidy frowned and motioned for Butch to put him down. As soon as Butch did so the cat made another run for the door. Cassidy laughed and held up the key. "You can't leave unless we let you Meowth so I suggest that you calm down and tell us what we want to know"
"Ok" Meowth said brisling in anger "What ya want ta know?"
"What is going on with your team-mates" Cassidy said, "Why have they suddenly taken our place as the Boss's favourites?" she thought it better that Meowth thought that they were coming here because they were angry at being replaced rather than that Giovanni sent them. Meowth might not be so willing to talk if he knew this. "We're just lucky" Meowth replied.
"I think you're lying to me Meowth" Cassidy said. "Now I'm warning you. Don't mess us about. We're not push overs like Jesse and James are"
"It is none of yours business" Meowth shouted.
"Why stick up for them?" Butch asked. "What have they ever done for you?"
Meowth glared at him. Jesse and James had done more for him than those 2 would ever know. He would not betray them. Cassidy sighed "Meowth listen. We don't want to hurt you but we will if you refuse to help us"
"I won't tell yous any thing about what James can do" Meowth shouted. They both smiled evilly at him. Meowth began to sweatdrop realising that he had slipped up. Oh why couldn't he keep his big Meowth shut? "Ok then so this is about James" Cassidy folded her arms across her chest and sneered down at Meowth. "That narrows it down a bit. Now why don't you tell us what exactly James has to do with all of this and I'll think about letting you go unharmed"
Meowth looked away from them and shook his head. "Meowth ain't telling"
Cassidy shook her head. "That was a big mistake Meowth"
Jesse frowned as she entered the cabin. She was sure that she had locked the door. All this money that Giovanni had given them was sure coming in handy. Since they started the Pikachu mission they had to cut back on the non-essential items and Jesse could no longer buy the designer clothes she loved so much. And plus if she wore any of her expensive clothes on missions the twerp would be bound to ruin them by getting one of his Pokemon to beat them up. Jesse had been shopping every day this week. Still as fun as it was it just wasn't the same without James and Meowth. Jesse even missed their constant complaining as she dragged them round yet another clothes shop. James seemed to be enjoying sleeping in until late in the morning and Meowth was practising battling with Arbok and Weezing most days. He said that he wanted to do more for the team and was trying to get stronger so he could back the other Pokemon up in battle. Jesse was happy with how the team was working out. They
seemed to be working together more than they ever did before. But still...there was some thing wrong she could feel it. It seemed like there was a wall growing up between her and James. It was getting higher every day. Of course if Jesse asked any one what she should do about this the easy answer would be to talk to him. Jesse couldn't do that could she? No they would just fight wouldn't they? Any way it wasn't her who was putting up this wall. James was never around to talk too so she couldn't ask him what was wrong. That isn't a good enough reason the nasty little voice in the back of her head whispered. Maybe she could talk to him. James wouldn't get mad would he? Jesse sighed and dumped her shopping bags down on the sofa. This was going to be a problem.
I'll talk to him later Jesse thought. After I've got some thing to eat. You're putting it off that little voice spoke again. No I am not Jesse answered back. I'm just giving James a chance to talk to me. She was interrupted from this mini battle inside her head when James came in. Funny she didn't even know he'd gone out. That explained the unlocked door. He didn't say any thing to her and looked round the room in a lost sort of way. That did it. Jesse reached for her mallet and smashed him hard over the head. "What do you think you're doing going out and leaving our front door unlocked!" she screamed at him "Some one could have stolen my things!"
James whimpered from the blow. Jesse hadn't struck him for a long time. "I was looking for Meowth," he shouted back equally as angry. Jesse dropped the mallet in shock. James never raised his voice to her. Instead she said, "Did you find him?"
"No" James replied sitting down in one of the armchairs. "I was in bed when he disappeared. I heard some one bang on the door and Meowth yelling. Then the door slammed and by the time I had got downstairs Meowth had gone"
"Well I didn't see any one" Jesse snapped "except for that stupid twerp. He and that girlfriend of his followed me for ten minutes until the big twerp showed up and then they started yelling at him"
"I'm worried Jess. Meowth sounded weird before he went. What if some thing has happened to him?"
"That's simple James" Jesse said. "Use the future sight to find out when he's coming home"
James looked hesitant. Jesse frowned what was wrong? She had asked him the other day to see when the summer's fashion was going to be in the shops and he refused. He said he didn't want to use his gift for things like that. Jesse recalled him saying some thing about wanting to cut down on the viewing but she thought he just meant cut it down to three a day or some thing. Jesse was about to snap at the male before her when the door to the cabin burst open. "Meowth?" Jesse cried when she saw the state he was in. The cat was walking awkwardly on 4 legs, his left hind leg dragging behind him. His body was battered and bruised and in a few places was bleeding. "What happened?" Jesse demanded. Meowth started to shake all over and his eyes filled with tears. James went to him and picked him up. Meowth was now sobbing quietly pain in every breath. "James?" Jesse asked.
"He needs a Pokemon centre" James replied sullenly obviously not forgiving Jesse for the mallet incident.
"No" Meowth whimpered. "I just need ta rest. Jimmy please" he begged his friend. James looked at Jesse.
"Meowth what happened?" she asked again this time more kindly.
"Wild Pokemon" Meowth replied "I thought I could handle it but dare was too many of dem..." he broke off in a howl of pain as James touched his injured leg.
"Its broken" James said quietly. "You'll need a Pokemon centre Meowth. They will be able to fix it for you"
"No Jesse yous trained with da Chansey. Can't yous do it?"
Jesse nodded a lump forming in her throat when she looked at the cat in so much pain. "James get me the first aid box will you?" she said gently taking Meowth from him.
Jesse cradled Meowth in her arms. Some thing told her that Meowth wasn't being honest with them. He winced in pain as she stroked his fur in an effort to comfort him. There was no way a Pokemon could have broken the leg so badly. It looked as if some one had broken it and then twisted it splintering the bone. Meowth didn't want professional help but Jesse was doubtful that she would be able to fix it herself. That left Jesse wondering who did it and why?
"Talk damn it" Cassidy shouted angrily at Meowth. The cat shook his head and stood despite the pain tearing through him. "Ok you asked for it" Cassidy sighed. "Raticate bite attack"
Meowth screeched in pain as the Raticate sunk its yellow teeth into his body again. After several more attacks Meowth was feeling faint. "Just tell us what it is about James and we'll let you go" Butch said.
"Meowth this really isn't helping any one" Cassidy shouted. "Look if you won't help us then we will just have to go and ask Jesse"
"Leave her alone" Meowth shouted. With the last of his strength he leapt up and scratched Cassidy across the face. She screamed and got a grip on Meowth's back leg. With a quick flick of her wrist she tossed him into the wall of the shed. Meowth went down hard. Both the humans heard the crack as he landed. Meowth screamed in pain tears in his eyes. "Ready to talk now?" Cassidy asked.
They came over to him and the Raticate bared its fangs. Meowth felt them haul him up. Butch had hold of his leg. He twisted it slightly. Meowth screamed again. "Don't please!"
"Then you'll talk" Butch asked
"Yeah" Meowth whimpered. The pain was too great. No matter how long he held on for they would continue to torture him until he was dead if they wanted too. Then he wouldn't be able to warn Jesse and James. "Talk then cat" Cassidy hissed.
"Ok" Meowth cried. "Jimmy can see da future"
Butch and Cassidy could hardly contain themselves when they got back to the HQ. The Boss would be so pleased with them when they told him. At first when Meowth explained it they didn't believe him but the cat was insistent that it was true. Any way they had done their job. They would be Giovanni's favourites again for sure now. "Boss" Cassidy didn't bother to knock before opening the door to the office. "We've got the information you wanted sir"
Giovanni seemed annoyed that they had interrupted him but he didn't say any thing. "Well what is it?"
Cassidy was taken aback by his directness but Butch wasn't. "We staked the place out for a week but got no where so we got hold of Meowth. He was very willing to talk after persuasion sir"
"Yes and it may sound a bit crazy but this is the truth" Cassidy broke in. "James can see the future. He can view any thing he wants. They have been using his ability to see how missions will turn out and change what they do if the missions go wrong"
Giovanni's face slowly turned bright red as Cassidy talked. He slammed a fist down onto the desk and jumped up knocking the Persian to the floor. It hissed angrily but Giovanni was furious.
"You idiots!" he screamed and the terrified pair. "You believe a stupid tale like that and dare to waste my time with it! You total incompetents"
"But it's the truth sir honest" Cassidy stammered.
"Get out"
Cassidy and Butch fled the office. "Its ok Cass" Butch said putting his arm round his partner. "He just doesn't believe us that's all. Its no matter"
"Leave me alone" Cassidy snapped determined not to cry. It had to be the truth. Meowth was so convincing. "We'll get the fleabag for this" Butch hissed as Cassidy's tears gave way. He held his sobbing partner close as she cried. He felt some regret at how they had treated Meowth. What Butch didn't understand was why Meowth would have told them a lie like that when he was in so much pain.
Giovanni smiled to himself as the pair left. They were too easy to convince. James being able to see the future was so ridiculous and yet so true. They had all thought that it didn't work. But it must have. Giovanni picked up the phone. He and James would have to have a little talk soon...
Authors note: I just want to add that I like B&C and that I hope I got the point across that they were just doing what Giovanni said to get back in their Boss's good books. Giovanni is the real evil person in this fic. Next chapter up soon I hope.
Authors Note: Still a week before the Prologue
"Ash this is stupid" Misty hissed angrily "What do you hope to achieve by spying on them 24 hours a day. This is just boring. Go and earn another gym badge or some thing"
"Misty I have to find out how they beat me" Ash snapped.
"Ash it was unlucky that's all" Misty replied.
"Togi breeee" the egg Pokemon chirped in agreement. Pikachu nodded silently.
"This is getting a little obsessive," Brock said. "We have watched Team Rocket since they came here on Monday. It is Sunday now"
"Ash lets go" Misty whined
"I think they must be taking a short break or some thing" Brock added
"They never take breaks" Ash replied "And why aren't they after Pikachu any more?"
"You should be glad Ash" Misty shouted. "Now you can concentrate on becoming a Pokemon master without having to worry about Team Rocket"
"I suppose. Come on lets go" Ash sighed. He had to admit Misty was right. It was dumb spying on Jesse and James like this. So far nothing interesting had happened to suggest they were the cheats Ash said they were. James seemed to sleep a lot and Jesse went to the mall every day but Brock said that was typical teenage behaviour. Ash sighed again and turned to follow Misty and Brock.
"What's that?" Misty said.
"What's what?" Ash demanded feeling a little cross now
"I heard some thing in those bushes over there"
Ash, Misty and Brock hid behind a nearby tree and gasped when they saw who it was.
"Butch this is dumb" Cassidy moaned standing up and brushing the dirt off her white gloves.
"You were the one who wanted to do it this way" Butch snapped. They had been watching Jesse and James for the week but they had seen and heard nothing out of the ordinary.
"What are they doing here?" Ash asked angrily. "Even Jesse, James and Meowth deserve some privacy!"
"Ash you hypocrite" Misty shouted inadvertently drawing attention to them all.
"What do we have here?" Butch said grabbing hold of Ash and Misty before they could get away.
Pikachu got ready to thundershock them. "Pikachu no!" Ash shouted, "We'll get shocked too"
"What are you doing here children?" Cassidy demanded ignoring the fact that Brock had gone into dreamland on the account that she was holding onto his arm to keep him from escaping.
"I could ask you the same thing," Ash said struggling to get free.
Butch and Cassidy frowned "We're on important Team Rocket business"
Ash smirked "Do Jesse and James know you're here?"
"No not exactly..." Butch broke off when Cassidy shot him an angry look.
"Do they know you're here?" she asked sweetly.
"No but..."
"Well then we'll keep you're secret if you keep ours. And we'll even let you go without a Pokemon battle"
Ash nodded not wanting to be beaten by another pair from Team Rocket. He explained how Jesse, James and Meowth beat him almost a month ago and how he wanted to find out why.
Cassidy smiled to herself. She had got all the information that she wanted. These children should know better than to make deals with Team Rocket she thought. Now to get them out of her way. Cassidy reached for the Pokeball that contained Raticate when another thought crossed her mind. If Jesse and James were in the cabin at the moment, and there was no reason to think that they weren't. Then a Pokemon battle might give them cause to come out and investigate. Cassidy could just imagine how angry Jesse would be if she found them all spying on her. Not to mention what Giovanni would do to them if he knew that they had blown their cover. Butch evidently had the same thought because he was looking at her waiting for her to come up with a plan. "They beat us up too," Cassidy said at last giving Butch a sly grin as she spoke. "We wanted to know how the hell they did it. Our Pokemon are much higher levels than theirs are. Victory should have been easy for us"
"Yeah" Ash seemed to be thinking back to the fortune book incident a month ago. Cassidy and Butch had beaten Jesse and James then. Deciding that they were telling the truth Ash nodded. "Then what's your plan?"
"Well if we all stay here then those losers are going to catch us" Cassidy said. "So why don't you children go and get some thing to eat" she handed them a couple of notes "And we'll keep up the vigil here"
Misty and Brock still didn't seem to trust them. "What are you going to do?" Brock asked
"Stay here of course" Cassidy said.
Brock frowned at this. He didn't seem to be buying it at all. "Don't you trust me?" Cassidy demanded giving Brock a hurt look. "Listen" she pretended to act even more annoyed "You can stay here too then. The other two can go and get us all some thing to eat. Then we can keep watch together ok?"
"Well...maybe Pikachu can stay here with you" Ash suggested.
Butch laughed shortly "What? Jesse and James have an internal radar system when it comes to your precious Pikachu. If they spot him they might catch him."
"They will never get Pikachu" Ash said but there was a hint of doubt in his voice and Cassidy picked up on this. "Are you sure brat?" she asked.
"Maybe you should come with us Pikachu" Ash said to his friend.
Misty and Ash along with Pikachu walked away from the cabin and towards Violet City. "Don't be too long guys" Brock called. Cassidy smiled to herself. They would be long gone before the other two got back.
"Cass what is the idea of this?" Butch hissed a few minutes later. He had been waiting for some sign or other from his partner that they were going to ditch the other brat but so far Cassidy seemed content with sitting in the bushes letting Brock try to unsuccessfully chat her up.
"Be quiet" Cassidy snapped "I know what I'm doing"
"We could go and get pizza" Brock said for the third time. "Or a milkshake if you don't want to do dinner"
"Why do you want to go out with her any way?" Butch said angrily to Brock. He was fast loosing his temper with Cassidy and her admirer "She's in Team Rocket?"
"So what? Every girl who isn't in a criminal gang has rejected me. I thought maybe I'd have better luck with Cassidy or Jesse"
Cassidy's eyes widened at this. "What? You asked Jesse before you asked me?"
Brock grinned sheepishly "I thought you were still in jail. And I never actually asked Jesse out"
This is getting no where Cassidy thought angrily. She had thought getting rid of the loser would be easy but it turned out to be harder than she thought. Then it came to her. "Oh Brock" she called sweetly.
"Yes my darling" he said racing to her side in an instant.
"There's this really lovely restaurant in the city that I am just dying to go to. Butch was going to take me but he keeps forgetting. He is so stupid at times"
Butch gave Cassidy an angry look but didn't say any thing. This had to be part of her plan.
"Shall we go there now?" Brock asked.
"Well you have to book in advance," Cassidy said sadly. "Maybe you could go and book us a table for two"
"Yes" Brock said going a funny shade of pink "I would do any thing for you but I have to stay here in case you double cross us or some thing"
"Oh Brock if you don't trust me then what basis is that for a long lasting relationship?" Cassidy sniffed her eyes filling with fake tears as she spoke. "Long lasting relationship?" Brock repeated "Oh boy" he had never got this far with a girl before. Maybe talking to girls in Team Rocket was the way to go. He'd have to ask James if he could get him any numbers of some other Team Rocket girls when he saw him next.
"Will you go?" Cassidy asked. "For me?" she kissed him on the cheek after speaking.
"Yes of course my love. You just wait here" Brock jumped out of the bushes and raced down the path to Violet City. "Oh yuck" Cassidy moaned wiping her mouth on the back of her arm "The things I do for Team Rocket. Butch you could have helped more you know"
"What did you want me to do?" Butch said incredulously "Kiss him?"
Cassidy sniggered "Yeah he would have ran 100 miles in the other direction. Now come on. We have to move quickly"
"Cass what are you up too?" Butch whispered as they went up to the front door of the cabin.
"We are going to find out what the hell is going on" Cassidy replied. "Now when Meowth opens the door you grab him and put him in the sack I gave you. Think you can mange that?"
"But you said we weren't supposed to let them know we're watching them" Butch protested.
"This is the only way" Cassidy snapped.
"We could have just done it from the beginning! Then I wouldn't have had to spend the week crawling around their backyard"
"Stop whining Butch. You're starting to sound like James"
Butch gritted his teeth angrily. Cassidy was beginning to be a real pain since their stint in jail.
"How do you know that Meowth will open the door?" he asked next.
"I saw Jesse leave earlier when that moron with the funny eyes was flirting with me. And James is probably still asleep. The furball is watching the TV"
Butch sighed and banged on the door. It didn't really matter which of the 2 answered as far as he was concerned. Either way he would get the information they needed. Butch had known Jesse and James for years and had spent most of those years fighting with them. Jesse was like Cassidy at times through Butch would never tell Cassidy this unless he had a death wish. Jesse would never talk no matter what. James was different. Butch could tell the male was frightened of him when Jesse wasn't around so he'd talk. And Meowth, well the cat would squeal just to save his own skin. Any way Meowth was the Boss's cat. Jesse and James just happened to be the team he was paired with. He probably wouldn't think twice about telling them the other two's secret. "Yeah what is it?" Butch was jogged out of his thoughts when he heard Meowth coming just like Cassidy had said. Meowth opened the door and stared at them in shock before saying. "What are yous doing here?"
"Who is it Meowth?" Butch heard James calling.
Cassidy nudged Butch in the ribs. He grabbed the cat round the neck and stuffed him into the sack.
"Hey what is da big idea!" Meowth yelled.
"Come on" Cassidy said. The two of them slammed the door shut and made off with Meowth.
"Ok this should be far enough away," Cassidy said breathlessly. She had never run so fast in here life. Man all those lame missions they had been getting lately were getting her out of shape. Cassidy was sure she was also putting on weight. Jesse would love that if she knew. But it wasn't really a concern any more. Once Giovanni knew what Jesse and James were up too then Cassidy and Butch would be the favourites again and Cassidy would loose the weight after a few weeks back on more missions like the breeding centre. They were in a small shed about 20 minutes from the cabin. Butch dropped the sack containing the struggling Meowth onto the hard floor. Meowth hissed in protest at this. Now for the easy bit. Cassidy made sure the door was locked before tipping Meowth out onto the floor.
"What da hell is dis all about?" Meowth screeched. He made a lunge for the door but Butch grabbed him round the neck. "Let me go!" Meowth yelled attempting to claw Butch but the way that the green haired male was holding him made that impossible. "Now now Meowth" Cassidy said silkily "Calm down. We just want to ask you a few questions and then you can go"
"I ain't telling yous nothing," Meowth shouted still struggling. Cassidy frowned and motioned for Butch to put him down. As soon as Butch did so the cat made another run for the door. Cassidy laughed and held up the key. "You can't leave unless we let you Meowth so I suggest that you calm down and tell us what we want to know"
"Ok" Meowth said brisling in anger "What ya want ta know?"
"What is going on with your team-mates" Cassidy said, "Why have they suddenly taken our place as the Boss's favourites?" she thought it better that Meowth thought that they were coming here because they were angry at being replaced rather than that Giovanni sent them. Meowth might not be so willing to talk if he knew this. "We're just lucky" Meowth replied.
"I think you're lying to me Meowth" Cassidy said. "Now I'm warning you. Don't mess us about. We're not push overs like Jesse and James are"
"It is none of yours business" Meowth shouted.
"Why stick up for them?" Butch asked. "What have they ever done for you?"
Meowth glared at him. Jesse and James had done more for him than those 2 would ever know. He would not betray them. Cassidy sighed "Meowth listen. We don't want to hurt you but we will if you refuse to help us"
"I won't tell yous any thing about what James can do" Meowth shouted. They both smiled evilly at him. Meowth began to sweatdrop realising that he had slipped up. Oh why couldn't he keep his big Meowth shut? "Ok then so this is about James" Cassidy folded her arms across her chest and sneered down at Meowth. "That narrows it down a bit. Now why don't you tell us what exactly James has to do with all of this and I'll think about letting you go unharmed"
Meowth looked away from them and shook his head. "Meowth ain't telling"
Cassidy shook her head. "That was a big mistake Meowth"
Jesse frowned as she entered the cabin. She was sure that she had locked the door. All this money that Giovanni had given them was sure coming in handy. Since they started the Pikachu mission they had to cut back on the non-essential items and Jesse could no longer buy the designer clothes she loved so much. And plus if she wore any of her expensive clothes on missions the twerp would be bound to ruin them by getting one of his Pokemon to beat them up. Jesse had been shopping every day this week. Still as fun as it was it just wasn't the same without James and Meowth. Jesse even missed their constant complaining as she dragged them round yet another clothes shop. James seemed to be enjoying sleeping in until late in the morning and Meowth was practising battling with Arbok and Weezing most days. He said that he wanted to do more for the team and was trying to get stronger so he could back the other Pokemon up in battle. Jesse was happy with how the team was working out. They
seemed to be working together more than they ever did before. But still...there was some thing wrong she could feel it. It seemed like there was a wall growing up between her and James. It was getting higher every day. Of course if Jesse asked any one what she should do about this the easy answer would be to talk to him. Jesse couldn't do that could she? No they would just fight wouldn't they? Any way it wasn't her who was putting up this wall. James was never around to talk too so she couldn't ask him what was wrong. That isn't a good enough reason the nasty little voice in the back of her head whispered. Maybe she could talk to him. James wouldn't get mad would he? Jesse sighed and dumped her shopping bags down on the sofa. This was going to be a problem.
I'll talk to him later Jesse thought. After I've got some thing to eat. You're putting it off that little voice spoke again. No I am not Jesse answered back. I'm just giving James a chance to talk to me. She was interrupted from this mini battle inside her head when James came in. Funny she didn't even know he'd gone out. That explained the unlocked door. He didn't say any thing to her and looked round the room in a lost sort of way. That did it. Jesse reached for her mallet and smashed him hard over the head. "What do you think you're doing going out and leaving our front door unlocked!" she screamed at him "Some one could have stolen my things!"
James whimpered from the blow. Jesse hadn't struck him for a long time. "I was looking for Meowth," he shouted back equally as angry. Jesse dropped the mallet in shock. James never raised his voice to her. Instead she said, "Did you find him?"
"No" James replied sitting down in one of the armchairs. "I was in bed when he disappeared. I heard some one bang on the door and Meowth yelling. Then the door slammed and by the time I had got downstairs Meowth had gone"
"Well I didn't see any one" Jesse snapped "except for that stupid twerp. He and that girlfriend of his followed me for ten minutes until the big twerp showed up and then they started yelling at him"
"I'm worried Jess. Meowth sounded weird before he went. What if some thing has happened to him?"
"That's simple James" Jesse said. "Use the future sight to find out when he's coming home"
James looked hesitant. Jesse frowned what was wrong? She had asked him the other day to see when the summer's fashion was going to be in the shops and he refused. He said he didn't want to use his gift for things like that. Jesse recalled him saying some thing about wanting to cut down on the viewing but she thought he just meant cut it down to three a day or some thing. Jesse was about to snap at the male before her when the door to the cabin burst open. "Meowth?" Jesse cried when she saw the state he was in. The cat was walking awkwardly on 4 legs, his left hind leg dragging behind him. His body was battered and bruised and in a few places was bleeding. "What happened?" Jesse demanded. Meowth started to shake all over and his eyes filled with tears. James went to him and picked him up. Meowth was now sobbing quietly pain in every breath. "James?" Jesse asked.
"He needs a Pokemon centre" James replied sullenly obviously not forgiving Jesse for the mallet incident.
"No" Meowth whimpered. "I just need ta rest. Jimmy please" he begged his friend. James looked at Jesse.
"Meowth what happened?" she asked again this time more kindly.
"Wild Pokemon" Meowth replied "I thought I could handle it but dare was too many of dem..." he broke off in a howl of pain as James touched his injured leg.
"Its broken" James said quietly. "You'll need a Pokemon centre Meowth. They will be able to fix it for you"
"No Jesse yous trained with da Chansey. Can't yous do it?"
Jesse nodded a lump forming in her throat when she looked at the cat in so much pain. "James get me the first aid box will you?" she said gently taking Meowth from him.
Jesse cradled Meowth in her arms. Some thing told her that Meowth wasn't being honest with them. He winced in pain as she stroked his fur in an effort to comfort him. There was no way a Pokemon could have broken the leg so badly. It looked as if some one had broken it and then twisted it splintering the bone. Meowth didn't want professional help but Jesse was doubtful that she would be able to fix it herself. That left Jesse wondering who did it and why?
"Talk damn it" Cassidy shouted angrily at Meowth. The cat shook his head and stood despite the pain tearing through him. "Ok you asked for it" Cassidy sighed. "Raticate bite attack"
Meowth screeched in pain as the Raticate sunk its yellow teeth into his body again. After several more attacks Meowth was feeling faint. "Just tell us what it is about James and we'll let you go" Butch said.
"Meowth this really isn't helping any one" Cassidy shouted. "Look if you won't help us then we will just have to go and ask Jesse"
"Leave her alone" Meowth shouted. With the last of his strength he leapt up and scratched Cassidy across the face. She screamed and got a grip on Meowth's back leg. With a quick flick of her wrist she tossed him into the wall of the shed. Meowth went down hard. Both the humans heard the crack as he landed. Meowth screamed in pain tears in his eyes. "Ready to talk now?" Cassidy asked.
They came over to him and the Raticate bared its fangs. Meowth felt them haul him up. Butch had hold of his leg. He twisted it slightly. Meowth screamed again. "Don't please!"
"Then you'll talk" Butch asked
"Yeah" Meowth whimpered. The pain was too great. No matter how long he held on for they would continue to torture him until he was dead if they wanted too. Then he wouldn't be able to warn Jesse and James. "Talk then cat" Cassidy hissed.
"Ok" Meowth cried. "Jimmy can see da future"
Butch and Cassidy could hardly contain themselves when they got back to the HQ. The Boss would be so pleased with them when they told him. At first when Meowth explained it they didn't believe him but the cat was insistent that it was true. Any way they had done their job. They would be Giovanni's favourites again for sure now. "Boss" Cassidy didn't bother to knock before opening the door to the office. "We've got the information you wanted sir"
Giovanni seemed annoyed that they had interrupted him but he didn't say any thing. "Well what is it?"
Cassidy was taken aback by his directness but Butch wasn't. "We staked the place out for a week but got no where so we got hold of Meowth. He was very willing to talk after persuasion sir"
"Yes and it may sound a bit crazy but this is the truth" Cassidy broke in. "James can see the future. He can view any thing he wants. They have been using his ability to see how missions will turn out and change what they do if the missions go wrong"
Giovanni's face slowly turned bright red as Cassidy talked. He slammed a fist down onto the desk and jumped up knocking the Persian to the floor. It hissed angrily but Giovanni was furious.
"You idiots!" he screamed and the terrified pair. "You believe a stupid tale like that and dare to waste my time with it! You total incompetents"
"But it's the truth sir honest" Cassidy stammered.
"Get out"
Cassidy and Butch fled the office. "Its ok Cass" Butch said putting his arm round his partner. "He just doesn't believe us that's all. Its no matter"
"Leave me alone" Cassidy snapped determined not to cry. It had to be the truth. Meowth was so convincing. "We'll get the fleabag for this" Butch hissed as Cassidy's tears gave way. He held his sobbing partner close as she cried. He felt some regret at how they had treated Meowth. What Butch didn't understand was why Meowth would have told them a lie like that when he was in so much pain.
Giovanni smiled to himself as the pair left. They were too easy to convince. James being able to see the future was so ridiculous and yet so true. They had all thought that it didn't work. But it must have. Giovanni picked up the phone. He and James would have to have a little talk soon...
Authors note: I just want to add that I like B&C and that I hope I got the point across that they were just doing what Giovanni said to get back in their Boss's good books. Giovanni is the real evil person in this fic. Next chapter up soon I hope.