1 Chapter 12: Reunions and Tears
"Morty will send out Gastly first" James whispered the picture in his head was faint and distant but he couldn't stop now. Not while Giovanni was staring expectantly at him. Morty was the forth gym leader of Johto and Giovanni had told James he had to view up till Morty and then he could rest. This brought a little comfort to the male but at least death wasn't so close any more. Through it was still certain. James had repeated the viewing of his own future as Giovanni dragged him from the prison and back to the office. It was the same. James was going to die. The only difference this time was that there was no one at his grave. Well no one who cared, just his parents and those dumb twerps. It was because Jesse must have found out what he was doing. She would not agree with him helping Giovanni. Jesse would see him as a weakling, more so than she did already. James was a fool to let Giovanni use his friends against him and that was what Jesse would think. She could never love a weakling like him. Jesse needed some one strong like herself. Not some one like James who depended on her for every thing and was too weak to do any thing on his own.
"James what happens next?" Giovanni demanded bringing James back from the depths of despair.
"Morty orders Gastly to use nightshade" James started but the picture was breaking up like when a signal on a TV went wrong. The picture was getting fuzzy and out of focus. "Sir I can't" James said pleading with his Boss not to get mad. Giovanni got up and walked round to the male. James opened his eyes and the viewing vanished. "James all you have to do is half of what I would normally expect you too" Giovanni began quietly "That isn't too much to ask is it now?"
"I'm sorry. I want to do it but…" a hand over his mouth silenced James.
"Shut up. I don't want to hear you're excuses. Now try again"
James nodded and hand was removed. He closed his eyes but the picture failed to come at all. In his panic James tried harder and a burst of pain shot through his head. He screamed and fell down sobbing relentlessly. Giovanni, if concerned by this, said nothing. He just waited until James seemed to recover somewhat. "What happened?" Giovanni asked.
"I don't know" James stammered the pain still ringing round his head.
"You fool!" Giovanni swung his arm out striking James round the face. He cried out again and could taste blood in his mouth. "This information is vital!" Giovanni yelled. "You will view it!"
James was loath to try again but if he didn't then Jesse and Meowth would suffer.
Nervously he got back into the chair and closed his eyes and without trying too hard thought of the Ecruteak City gym and Morty, the gym leader. The picture was a little clearer but not much. James could see Gastly facing off against the rocket girls Onix. The pain was refusing to go away and with every second of the viewing it was magnifying. James knew the end was near.
The guard yawned sleepily. Man he was tired. Giovanni had sent him to Saffron City and back and was now expecting him to be on guard duty. What the hell was the point in that? His relief had not come yet so it looked like he was going to be stuck there all night. Maybe a few minutes rest wouldn't hurt after all there was no one about…? Just a few minutes shut eye…
Jesse couldn't believe her luck. The only man on guard duty and he had fallen asleep. If Giovanni found out he would be killed. Well that just meant that she could get in easier. Before hand Jesse had got herself a black squad uniform from the base in Saffron City. White Rockets were rare and Jesse didn't want any one getting suspicious. On her way to Viridian City Jesse had noticed that the plain-clothes agent from the bed and breakfast had been following her but he disappeared when she was hiding the balloon in Pewter City. Jesse knew he must have got orders to be else where and he had possibly realised who she was and called Giovanni. Well none of that could be helped now. Jesse couldn't turn back and she wouldn't. James needed her and she wasn't going to let him down. She sneaked past the guard and into the main building. All agents had their own special access card for the doors once inside. That way Giovanni could monitor who was in the HQ at one time. Jesse had purchased a temporary access card too so Giovanni wouldn't know that she was inside the HQ. The Viridian City HQ was based too deep in the woods for Jesse's liking. It was too far away from the city so if she and James needed help then they would be out of luck She had taken one of the balloons from the base in Saffron too and if the rockets there noticed one was gone they would be in trouble. But Jesse had to abandon it in Pewter City. The HQ had a tracking system and any aircraft that shouldn't be in its airspace would be shot down. This stopped police from making raids from the air. As Jesse hurried inside she realised just how impossible the task of rescuing James would be. This HQ had allocated rooms for each team and a lot of storerooms and laboratories. There were 4 separate sections and endless corridors. James could be almost anywhere through the section that he was most likely to be in was the section that Jesse didn't want to go near. Giovanni's quarters. Rumours had it that Giovanni had his own private prison in one of the HQ's basements. Any other person would say it was impossible and give up but Jesse had made another vow to herself the minute she stepped inside the HQ. She was not going to leave without her friend.
"Yous did what!" Meowth shouted
Mondo cringed from the cat's wrath "I couldn't stop her"
"Couldn't stop her or wouldn't stop her Mondo?" Meowth yelled. His fear of being left alone rising up again at Jesse's absence and taking control. "Jesse can save him" Mondo said confidently.
"No she cannot!" Meowth was furious at how naïve and stupid Mondo was being. "Jesse will just get herself shot!"
"You were coming to rescue him too!" Mondo snapped back.
"Yeah but I know how Team Rocket operates better dan Jesse. She doesn't have a chance without Meowth!"
"I know" Mondo bit his lip "But she was so determined Meowth. She loves James enough to go after him"
"And every body knows dat love is blind" Meowth shouted back. "Dats why we say it is evil in da motto Mondo! It makes people do crazy tings!"
"I thought James was you're friend?"
This calmed Meowth down a bit "He is Mondo. I love dem both like dey are my trainers. Da thought of loosing even one of dem is killing me but if I lost both of dem den…I don't know Mondo"
"I'm sorry" Mondo sniffed "I should have stopped her"
"She wouldn't have listened to yous any way"
"I know but I should have tried"
"Well da main ting is dat yous told me with plenty of time now come on"
"Where are we going Meowth?"
"We're going ta save da day dats what! Dose 2 always need Meowth ta bail dem out of trouble"
"Meowth Jesse made me promise to look after you. I don't think us following her is such a good idea"
Meowth sighed "Mondo as much as I know it is gonna shock yous Jesse isn't always right about every ting. If she does get ta James den she will need us ta be dare to help out"
Mondo smiled "You're right. We have to get to Viridian City right away!"
Jesse's feet were starting to go numb. She had been crouched underneath a table in one of the store-rooms for over an hour listen to the guards conversation hoping that they would start talking about James and where he was. So far all they had done was moan about Giovanni and the nearness of the completion of world domination. "I heard he's gone crazy with the idea of power," one said.
"Yeah I heard that too" other agreed.
"We get the shit jobs like patrolling for that traitor"
"Yeah not as bad as we got! Some one stole a gun and a couple of boxes of bullets from the storeroom in sector 3. Dawn said the Boss is convinced that it's the traitor behind it"
"We have to guard the bloody area," his friend added
"I say we get out of here. The police can't be far behind now"
"Giovanni's plan is coming unstuck any way. You know he had some weapon or other that is secret? Well apparently it's stopped working or some thing. The combat unit and agents want to go out to Johto as soon as possible but the information on the gym matches has stopped. Giovanni was in a right state about it. Dawn told them to be patient but when time is running short like that then we'll either have to abandon the entire operation or move in without this information"
"Giovanni won't abandon it. I heard that Jill Andrews was killed just for saying the wrong thing and Lillian Jackson, the doctor. She messed up with some experiment or other. Giovanni is so pissed off with her. She'll be next I dare say"
The guards then seemed to get bored and moved away but Jesse didn't have to worry. It was obvious to her what they were talking about. Giovanni was using James to view gym matches against agents and have the advantage. That's what happened to all the gyms in Kanto! But for some reason James had stopped viewing and now the plan was getting messed up. Maybe James escaped or worse he…Jesse blinked back tears. He wasn't dead, if he were then Jesse was sure she would feel it if he had died. She climbed out from under the table and was met by a girl. Jesse backed up quickly looking round for a way to escape but then she noticed some thing. The girl seemed more alarmed to see her.
"What are you doing here?" Jesse asked finally.
"I could ask you the same thing" the girl snapped back.
"I'm looking for a guy. He's got purple hair and green eyes. You haven't seen him round here have you? He's my partner James" Jesse explained. The girl was not in uniform so Jesse assumed she was not of Team Rocket after all no one was allowed in the HQ without wearing a Team Rocket uniform.
The flicker of recognition flashed across the girl's face but it was only for a second. "I haven't seen him" she replied carefully "But I did hear some of the white squad talking about some guy being locked up in the basement. What's you're name?"
"Jesse"
"I'm Talia. I was looking for my Pokemon. Some stupid Team Rocket guy stole them"
"Well you won't find them in here" Jesse told her "The Boss ships them out to a secret location in Johto"
"Thanks" Talia said cheerfully "I suppose I should be going. See ya"
Jesse watched her walk off with a feeling of doubt. Giovanni would not allow a Pokemon trainer to wander round the HQ at any time let alone a time when it was crucial to have every thing under control. Still Jesse now knew where James was. Not giving Talia a second thought she hurried along the corridor towards the basement entrance. Jesse just hoped that she could get in there without too much trouble.
Talia watched the young woman hurry on her way. She knew Jesse would never get to where they were holding James without some sort of distraction. Talia reached for the gun on her belt. Then drawing it she fired three shots into the air. Sure enough she heard shouts of the guards coming. They saw her and Talia ran them close behind. Her reasons for helping Jesse get James out were simple. If James escaped then it would hurt Giovanni. Maybe she wouldn't have to kill James after all…
The throbbing in James' head had died down since he was led back to the prison. Lillian had been called into see him a few minutes before. James didn't understand why the doctor did this too him. Lillian was the last person he would have thought would do this. Then again Lillian was ambitious. Ambition could drive people to do crazy things. Giovanni told him that he would do the other viewings in the afternoon thus sealing James' fate. The image of his own grave strong as ever. James lay down on the floor of the prison and pulled one of the blankets that Dawn had brought over himself. The food the guards brought him for the afternoon was ignored. James still didn't know what to do. Giovanni would take complete control of the world if he did those viewings. But if he didn't Jesse and Meowth would pay the price. James started to sob quietly burying his head in his hands. If Giovanni took over then others would die. Could James help bring such misery to people and Pokemon that didn't deserve it? James wondered what the future would be like for them. As he attempted to see this the sharp pain that he had felt before returned. Screaming in agony he curled up into a tighter ball. What was this pain? Why did it hurt him so? It refused to go away and seemed to get stronger. James lay still shivering with exhaustion and the cold. The pain too was making him shake all over. Maybe he would die before Giovanni came back. It felt like he was dying. Would that be so bad? But he hadn't done any thing wrong! All his life he just wanted to be some one. Not like this through. James did not want to be remembered as the one who assisted Giovanni in taking over the world. Sobbing harder he suddenly wanted Jesse. When they were about 10 they went for a walk in the park and were attacked by a flock of Pidgettos. Jesse had thrown herself on top of him to shield James from their sharp beaks and claws. He had cried all the same even through it was Jesse who got hurt. She didn't utter a word and held him until the birds gave up and flew away. Jesse always made him feel safe. James wanted her now. He was so frightened. This future sight was killing him and he wanted Jesse to hold him for the end. "Jesse" he whispered softly. Hearing her name out loud brought him some comfort.
"James?"
"What?" he looked up. His vision clouded by tears James could have sworn he saw her the other side of his prison. But that had to be impossible. He had dreamed many times that she was here.
"Oh James what has he done to you?"
There was no mistaking that voice. It was her! "Jesse" James struggled to go to her but the pain wouldn't allow it. Uttering a defeated cry he sank down. "Its ok James" Jesse was saying now "I'll get you out of there just hang on"
A few seconds later James heard the door opening as Jesse picked the lock. Then Jesse hurried over to him and hugged him tightly. James hugged her back never wanting to let her go again.
"Jesse the pain. It's hurting me"
"James we have to get out of here. The guards were distracted by some thing but they'll be back" she said, then she noticed that James wasn't listening. "James we have to go!"
"I can't. I can't walk Jesse. It hurts. You go save yourself". James knew he didn't have the strength to move. True he wanted his Jesse to hold him but if she stayed then Giovanni would kill her. James didn't want her to die too.
"Shut up!" Jesse released him and slapped him hard across the cheek. "Don't start getting all damn noble on me James because it just doesn't suit you! I told Meowth and Mondo I would get you out and I will!"
"Jesse I'm sorry. The future sight it showed me my death. Jesse I'm going to die"
These words ripped through her and Jesse felt as through her heart would break. "James you are not going to die! The future sight shows you a possible out come of the future. If you stay here then yes you could die but you're coming with me! That will give you a chance. Now come on!"
James shook his head "Jess I can't. Please don't make me"
"You are getting out of here even if I have to drag you out myself!"
James wasn't listening to her! Whatever was going on inside of him it was clouding his judgement and nothing Jesse could say would make him think otherwise. He continued to cry and buried his face in her lap. Fury built up inside of her. Giovanni would pay for this one day but Jesse had to get James out of here. But how?
"Jesse the future sight…" James began but Jesse cut him off.
"James that isn't important now"
"It was Giovanni. He used me for his experiment. I wasn't ill it was Giovanni and those scientists"
Jesse couldn't make sense out of what he was telling her but they had to move now.
"James listen to me. If we don't get you out of here yes you will die. Lean on me and I will get you out" Jesse tried to help him up but James whimpered in pain and just held onto her like a child.
Jesse's temper then snapped. She prized James' hands from round her waist and stepped back. "James you listen to me damn it. You are not going to die! You are getting out of this whether you like it or not. We'll leave Team Rocket behind and go away some where just the three of us. James I don't want to spend the rest of my life without you. I'd sooner stay here with you until Giovanni comes. Then I'll die protecting you"
This speech snapped James out of his pain to some extent. He wiped his eyes and stared up at her.
"You'd die for me?"
"James I would give my life just to take away the pain"
"You value our friendship that much?"
Jesse knew she should tell him now how much she loved him but it was not the time. James was hurting and needed strong, determined, fearless Jesse. There would be time for confessions of the heart later. "James that friendship is the most precious thing in the world to me" she said instead.
"Jesse" he sniffed wiping away more tears.
"Come on" Jesse helped James stagger to his feet. "I'll get you out of here"
"How touching" a voice sneered from the doorway "But if you think you're going any where then you are very much mistaken"
"Morty will send out Gastly first" James whispered the picture in his head was faint and distant but he couldn't stop now. Not while Giovanni was staring expectantly at him. Morty was the forth gym leader of Johto and Giovanni had told James he had to view up till Morty and then he could rest. This brought a little comfort to the male but at least death wasn't so close any more. Through it was still certain. James had repeated the viewing of his own future as Giovanni dragged him from the prison and back to the office. It was the same. James was going to die. The only difference this time was that there was no one at his grave. Well no one who cared, just his parents and those dumb twerps. It was because Jesse must have found out what he was doing. She would not agree with him helping Giovanni. Jesse would see him as a weakling, more so than she did already. James was a fool to let Giovanni use his friends against him and that was what Jesse would think. She could never love a weakling like him. Jesse needed some one strong like herself. Not some one like James who depended on her for every thing and was too weak to do any thing on his own.
"James what happens next?" Giovanni demanded bringing James back from the depths of despair.
"Morty orders Gastly to use nightshade" James started but the picture was breaking up like when a signal on a TV went wrong. The picture was getting fuzzy and out of focus. "Sir I can't" James said pleading with his Boss not to get mad. Giovanni got up and walked round to the male. James opened his eyes and the viewing vanished. "James all you have to do is half of what I would normally expect you too" Giovanni began quietly "That isn't too much to ask is it now?"
"I'm sorry. I want to do it but…" a hand over his mouth silenced James.
"Shut up. I don't want to hear you're excuses. Now try again"
James nodded and hand was removed. He closed his eyes but the picture failed to come at all. In his panic James tried harder and a burst of pain shot through his head. He screamed and fell down sobbing relentlessly. Giovanni, if concerned by this, said nothing. He just waited until James seemed to recover somewhat. "What happened?" Giovanni asked.
"I don't know" James stammered the pain still ringing round his head.
"You fool!" Giovanni swung his arm out striking James round the face. He cried out again and could taste blood in his mouth. "This information is vital!" Giovanni yelled. "You will view it!"
James was loath to try again but if he didn't then Jesse and Meowth would suffer.
Nervously he got back into the chair and closed his eyes and without trying too hard thought of the Ecruteak City gym and Morty, the gym leader. The picture was a little clearer but not much. James could see Gastly facing off against the rocket girls Onix. The pain was refusing to go away and with every second of the viewing it was magnifying. James knew the end was near.
The guard yawned sleepily. Man he was tired. Giovanni had sent him to Saffron City and back and was now expecting him to be on guard duty. What the hell was the point in that? His relief had not come yet so it looked like he was going to be stuck there all night. Maybe a few minutes rest wouldn't hurt after all there was no one about…? Just a few minutes shut eye…
Jesse couldn't believe her luck. The only man on guard duty and he had fallen asleep. If Giovanni found out he would be killed. Well that just meant that she could get in easier. Before hand Jesse had got herself a black squad uniform from the base in Saffron City. White Rockets were rare and Jesse didn't want any one getting suspicious. On her way to Viridian City Jesse had noticed that the plain-clothes agent from the bed and breakfast had been following her but he disappeared when she was hiding the balloon in Pewter City. Jesse knew he must have got orders to be else where and he had possibly realised who she was and called Giovanni. Well none of that could be helped now. Jesse couldn't turn back and she wouldn't. James needed her and she wasn't going to let him down. She sneaked past the guard and into the main building. All agents had their own special access card for the doors once inside. That way Giovanni could monitor who was in the HQ at one time. Jesse had purchased a temporary access card too so Giovanni wouldn't know that she was inside the HQ. The Viridian City HQ was based too deep in the woods for Jesse's liking. It was too far away from the city so if she and James needed help then they would be out of luck She had taken one of the balloons from the base in Saffron too and if the rockets there noticed one was gone they would be in trouble. But Jesse had to abandon it in Pewter City. The HQ had a tracking system and any aircraft that shouldn't be in its airspace would be shot down. This stopped police from making raids from the air. As Jesse hurried inside she realised just how impossible the task of rescuing James would be. This HQ had allocated rooms for each team and a lot of storerooms and laboratories. There were 4 separate sections and endless corridors. James could be almost anywhere through the section that he was most likely to be in was the section that Jesse didn't want to go near. Giovanni's quarters. Rumours had it that Giovanni had his own private prison in one of the HQ's basements. Any other person would say it was impossible and give up but Jesse had made another vow to herself the minute she stepped inside the HQ. She was not going to leave without her friend.
"Yous did what!" Meowth shouted
Mondo cringed from the cat's wrath "I couldn't stop her"
"Couldn't stop her or wouldn't stop her Mondo?" Meowth yelled. His fear of being left alone rising up again at Jesse's absence and taking control. "Jesse can save him" Mondo said confidently.
"No she cannot!" Meowth was furious at how naïve and stupid Mondo was being. "Jesse will just get herself shot!"
"You were coming to rescue him too!" Mondo snapped back.
"Yeah but I know how Team Rocket operates better dan Jesse. She doesn't have a chance without Meowth!"
"I know" Mondo bit his lip "But she was so determined Meowth. She loves James enough to go after him"
"And every body knows dat love is blind" Meowth shouted back. "Dats why we say it is evil in da motto Mondo! It makes people do crazy tings!"
"I thought James was you're friend?"
This calmed Meowth down a bit "He is Mondo. I love dem both like dey are my trainers. Da thought of loosing even one of dem is killing me but if I lost both of dem den…I don't know Mondo"
"I'm sorry" Mondo sniffed "I should have stopped her"
"She wouldn't have listened to yous any way"
"I know but I should have tried"
"Well da main ting is dat yous told me with plenty of time now come on"
"Where are we going Meowth?"
"We're going ta save da day dats what! Dose 2 always need Meowth ta bail dem out of trouble"
"Meowth Jesse made me promise to look after you. I don't think us following her is such a good idea"
Meowth sighed "Mondo as much as I know it is gonna shock yous Jesse isn't always right about every ting. If she does get ta James den she will need us ta be dare to help out"
Mondo smiled "You're right. We have to get to Viridian City right away!"
Jesse's feet were starting to go numb. She had been crouched underneath a table in one of the store-rooms for over an hour listen to the guards conversation hoping that they would start talking about James and where he was. So far all they had done was moan about Giovanni and the nearness of the completion of world domination. "I heard he's gone crazy with the idea of power," one said.
"Yeah I heard that too" other agreed.
"We get the shit jobs like patrolling for that traitor"
"Yeah not as bad as we got! Some one stole a gun and a couple of boxes of bullets from the storeroom in sector 3. Dawn said the Boss is convinced that it's the traitor behind it"
"We have to guard the bloody area," his friend added
"I say we get out of here. The police can't be far behind now"
"Giovanni's plan is coming unstuck any way. You know he had some weapon or other that is secret? Well apparently it's stopped working or some thing. The combat unit and agents want to go out to Johto as soon as possible but the information on the gym matches has stopped. Giovanni was in a right state about it. Dawn told them to be patient but when time is running short like that then we'll either have to abandon the entire operation or move in without this information"
"Giovanni won't abandon it. I heard that Jill Andrews was killed just for saying the wrong thing and Lillian Jackson, the doctor. She messed up with some experiment or other. Giovanni is so pissed off with her. She'll be next I dare say"
The guards then seemed to get bored and moved away but Jesse didn't have to worry. It was obvious to her what they were talking about. Giovanni was using James to view gym matches against agents and have the advantage. That's what happened to all the gyms in Kanto! But for some reason James had stopped viewing and now the plan was getting messed up. Maybe James escaped or worse he…Jesse blinked back tears. He wasn't dead, if he were then Jesse was sure she would feel it if he had died. She climbed out from under the table and was met by a girl. Jesse backed up quickly looking round for a way to escape but then she noticed some thing. The girl seemed more alarmed to see her.
"What are you doing here?" Jesse asked finally.
"I could ask you the same thing" the girl snapped back.
"I'm looking for a guy. He's got purple hair and green eyes. You haven't seen him round here have you? He's my partner James" Jesse explained. The girl was not in uniform so Jesse assumed she was not of Team Rocket after all no one was allowed in the HQ without wearing a Team Rocket uniform.
The flicker of recognition flashed across the girl's face but it was only for a second. "I haven't seen him" she replied carefully "But I did hear some of the white squad talking about some guy being locked up in the basement. What's you're name?"
"Jesse"
"I'm Talia. I was looking for my Pokemon. Some stupid Team Rocket guy stole them"
"Well you won't find them in here" Jesse told her "The Boss ships them out to a secret location in Johto"
"Thanks" Talia said cheerfully "I suppose I should be going. See ya"
Jesse watched her walk off with a feeling of doubt. Giovanni would not allow a Pokemon trainer to wander round the HQ at any time let alone a time when it was crucial to have every thing under control. Still Jesse now knew where James was. Not giving Talia a second thought she hurried along the corridor towards the basement entrance. Jesse just hoped that she could get in there without too much trouble.
Talia watched the young woman hurry on her way. She knew Jesse would never get to where they were holding James without some sort of distraction. Talia reached for the gun on her belt. Then drawing it she fired three shots into the air. Sure enough she heard shouts of the guards coming. They saw her and Talia ran them close behind. Her reasons for helping Jesse get James out were simple. If James escaped then it would hurt Giovanni. Maybe she wouldn't have to kill James after all…
The throbbing in James' head had died down since he was led back to the prison. Lillian had been called into see him a few minutes before. James didn't understand why the doctor did this too him. Lillian was the last person he would have thought would do this. Then again Lillian was ambitious. Ambition could drive people to do crazy things. Giovanni told him that he would do the other viewings in the afternoon thus sealing James' fate. The image of his own grave strong as ever. James lay down on the floor of the prison and pulled one of the blankets that Dawn had brought over himself. The food the guards brought him for the afternoon was ignored. James still didn't know what to do. Giovanni would take complete control of the world if he did those viewings. But if he didn't Jesse and Meowth would pay the price. James started to sob quietly burying his head in his hands. If Giovanni took over then others would die. Could James help bring such misery to people and Pokemon that didn't deserve it? James wondered what the future would be like for them. As he attempted to see this the sharp pain that he had felt before returned. Screaming in agony he curled up into a tighter ball. What was this pain? Why did it hurt him so? It refused to go away and seemed to get stronger. James lay still shivering with exhaustion and the cold. The pain too was making him shake all over. Maybe he would die before Giovanni came back. It felt like he was dying. Would that be so bad? But he hadn't done any thing wrong! All his life he just wanted to be some one. Not like this through. James did not want to be remembered as the one who assisted Giovanni in taking over the world. Sobbing harder he suddenly wanted Jesse. When they were about 10 they went for a walk in the park and were attacked by a flock of Pidgettos. Jesse had thrown herself on top of him to shield James from their sharp beaks and claws. He had cried all the same even through it was Jesse who got hurt. She didn't utter a word and held him until the birds gave up and flew away. Jesse always made him feel safe. James wanted her now. He was so frightened. This future sight was killing him and he wanted Jesse to hold him for the end. "Jesse" he whispered softly. Hearing her name out loud brought him some comfort.
"James?"
"What?" he looked up. His vision clouded by tears James could have sworn he saw her the other side of his prison. But that had to be impossible. He had dreamed many times that she was here.
"Oh James what has he done to you?"
There was no mistaking that voice. It was her! "Jesse" James struggled to go to her but the pain wouldn't allow it. Uttering a defeated cry he sank down. "Its ok James" Jesse was saying now "I'll get you out of there just hang on"
A few seconds later James heard the door opening as Jesse picked the lock. Then Jesse hurried over to him and hugged him tightly. James hugged her back never wanting to let her go again.
"Jesse the pain. It's hurting me"
"James we have to get out of here. The guards were distracted by some thing but they'll be back" she said, then she noticed that James wasn't listening. "James we have to go!"
"I can't. I can't walk Jesse. It hurts. You go save yourself". James knew he didn't have the strength to move. True he wanted his Jesse to hold him but if she stayed then Giovanni would kill her. James didn't want her to die too.
"Shut up!" Jesse released him and slapped him hard across the cheek. "Don't start getting all damn noble on me James because it just doesn't suit you! I told Meowth and Mondo I would get you out and I will!"
"Jesse I'm sorry. The future sight it showed me my death. Jesse I'm going to die"
These words ripped through her and Jesse felt as through her heart would break. "James you are not going to die! The future sight shows you a possible out come of the future. If you stay here then yes you could die but you're coming with me! That will give you a chance. Now come on!"
James shook his head "Jess I can't. Please don't make me"
"You are getting out of here even if I have to drag you out myself!"
James wasn't listening to her! Whatever was going on inside of him it was clouding his judgement and nothing Jesse could say would make him think otherwise. He continued to cry and buried his face in her lap. Fury built up inside of her. Giovanni would pay for this one day but Jesse had to get James out of here. But how?
"Jesse the future sight…" James began but Jesse cut him off.
"James that isn't important now"
"It was Giovanni. He used me for his experiment. I wasn't ill it was Giovanni and those scientists"
Jesse couldn't make sense out of what he was telling her but they had to move now.
"James listen to me. If we don't get you out of here yes you will die. Lean on me and I will get you out" Jesse tried to help him up but James whimpered in pain and just held onto her like a child.
Jesse's temper then snapped. She prized James' hands from round her waist and stepped back. "James you listen to me damn it. You are not going to die! You are getting out of this whether you like it or not. We'll leave Team Rocket behind and go away some where just the three of us. James I don't want to spend the rest of my life without you. I'd sooner stay here with you until Giovanni comes. Then I'll die protecting you"
This speech snapped James out of his pain to some extent. He wiped his eyes and stared up at her.
"You'd die for me?"
"James I would give my life just to take away the pain"
"You value our friendship that much?"
Jesse knew she should tell him now how much she loved him but it was not the time. James was hurting and needed strong, determined, fearless Jesse. There would be time for confessions of the heart later. "James that friendship is the most precious thing in the world to me" she said instead.
"Jesse" he sniffed wiping away more tears.
"Come on" Jesse helped James stagger to his feet. "I'll get you out of here"
"How touching" a voice sneered from the doorway "But if you think you're going any where then you are very much mistaken"