Author's Notes: Sorry this chapter took a lonnnnng time to get out, but I didn't have Internet for 3 consecutive months and I also got grounded for two weeks (ehehe)...Also this fanfic will become darker and darker as it continues (if you think these last two chapters are dark, just you wait...But don't worry, there will be no grimy, just-for-the-heck-of-it, drama) and the swear words will start since now. Enjoy! *innocent grin* Oh and I added time for each character-perspective change. It used to be out of order, but I decided to organize it.
Important Note: I know Poliwhirl evolves to Politoad by making him grab a King's Rock and trading it with another person. But I've seen the episode Poliwhirl evolves after I wrote the second chapter so in this chapter he'll evolve normally with NO King's Rock or anything like that. Hope it doesn't bother you guys too much.
Disclaimer: Wish Pokemon would belong to me. But it doesn't.
Plans
4:57 PM
Misty tiptoed out of the Pokemon Center; she didn't want anyone to follow. After everyone in the Pokemon Center laughed at her for ranting about how Haruka started the fire, Brock made her rest in their room and placed a trollish looking kind of Electabuzz to guard her from outside the door. Misty couldn't believe Brock had done this to her and complained for a long while from inside, but Brock insisted on her resting. He said that she was still delirious from the inhalation of too much smoke. Misty usually never minded Brock's motherly role over her and Ash, it meant excellently cooked, free food...but this was taking it a bit too far.
Misty was luckily able to escape with the help of Staryu, duct tape and...a rubber ducky. She had ordered Staryu to attack from behind the Electabuzz when it was busy patrolling the corridors. When it had felt the attack, it turned around with a very confused look on its face. Misty quickly threw the rubber duck that once belonged to Togepi as far as she could. The Electabuzz dumbly went to the direction where the rubber ducky was, which had made a high-pitched squeak when it landed on the floor. Elactabuzz had picked it up and pressed it between its thick fingers; he had enjoyed the sound the plastic little duck made.
While Electabuzz was occupied, Misty had sneaked behind it and used her mallet to knock it out.
With less force than when she used her mallet on her two friends, of course. No Pokemon deserved that.
When Electabuzz was knocked out, she quickly took out the duct tape that was in her pocket and wrapped its hands firmly. She dragged Electabuzz's heavy body to a nearby broom closet. She felt a bit guilty after she shut the door; but the thought that it could easily get out when it awoke made her feel better.
Now, she closed the door softly and ran to the black meadow that she was in earlier, always glancing over her shoulder frequently. Some police men were still in the meadow looking for clues. Misty got behind the large boulder she hid hours before; she couldn't search for herself if they were in the area. Misty wanted to look for clues that were very different from the ones the police was searching. Two policemen caught her attention; they were skinny looking men who were talking loud enough for Misty to hear.
"There's nothin' 'ere Bruce...No damn sign that shows that that nutter lit up the 'ole field. This place 'ere should smell 'eavily of gasoline, or whatnot but I don' smell nuthin' like that - oh it smells a'ful all right...but nuthin' else..." said one of the policemen scratching his dark blonde head in confusion.
"Yeah...I know what you mean Nell...but Jenny is still insisting on searching this clearing..." the other policemen said, swiping his sweaty black hair from his eyes. "In all my years as being a policeman, I've never seen such a stumping case...Whole field burnt to the ground except that little spot over there in the middle." He pointed to a tiny green space where most of the police officers were. "And when did that lunatic have time to spray gasoline in this whole field? Someone should have seen him, but no witness saw him before the fire started, only after the fire was blazing...All of the witnesses are completely sure that he did it...But to tell you the truth I'm not too sure. It might've been my imagination, but - the witnesses seemed to have a glazed expression on their eyes..." he finished, still swiping his black hair from his eyes.
"It is strange and all, but come 'n Bruce! Glazed expreshionn? Nah...Heat was affectin' you there o' course. And you don' seem better off now it seems. Come 'ere you need a break and maybe a drink or two, after all - we 'ave been 'ere for hours." Nell put Bruce's arm around his neck, and helped him to walk over to the edge of the clearing. Bruce was apparently too tired to complain.
Misty saw this as her chance and began to ran along and hide behind several rocks that were big enough to cover her completely. The policemen that were still in that area didn't spot Misty darting from rock to rock. She was trying to edge closer to the only patch of green grass in the whole clearing, but unfortunately most of the police officers she was trying to avoid were huddled there.
She was waiting hopefully that they would search another area. Really, they weren't doing anything else besides poking the ground and placing several surviving grass blades in transparent bags with a big 'EVIDENCE A' marked on it.
Misty remained as quiet as she could possibly be, but her patience was running low after several minutes. She had the urge to run at them and do *something*, she was getting very bored watching them do practically nothing.
Perhaps it was that she thought she saw all of the policemen huddled there. Or perhaps it was that she thought she was relatively well hidden behind her rock. Or maybe it was Misty's sheer boredom at staying still, meaning, without precaution. But she knew at that moment - when both her arms were roughly shoved behind her back and she was forcefully thrown to the ground with a crash that hurt her chin and shoulders and took out all the air in Misty's lungs - that she'd been foolish at letting her guard down.
She angrily turned her head around to look at her attacker, who was sitting on her legs to prevent her from running. A police officer stared stonily back with a piercing gray hawk gaze. He had cropped gray hair and his face features seemed as if someone used a hammer and a chisel to construct his face.
When both of their eyes met, the policeman made her stand up, never breaking eye contact and the tight hold of both of her arms.
"Let me go." Misty hissed through clenched teeth, wanting to kick this man in the shins. But she knew it would be a bad idea to do that.
"Girl. What are you doing in this clearing? It is strictly prohibited for any civilian, man or woman, to cross. This place is for police officers, such as myself, to investigate closely! You may have moved and/or removed clues with or without your knowledge, which can or will disturb our whole police force into solving the crime that occurred today at 7 hours, 15 minutes and 55 seconds in the morning! Now I need to call your parents and/or your guardians to place better discipline upon you, and I hope that your conduct improves or you will be facing the law! Am I making myself clear?" the officer said in a harsh voice, but despite his tone and his warning, it only made Misty roll her eyes.
"Yes sir," she said gloomily and started to walk. One of the police officers that was taking grass examples turned her head their way; as soon as she stared them she clapped both her hands to her mouth and started running towards them.
"John, what are you doing?" the woman asked, and gave Misty an apologetic glance.
"Police officer Marsha! This girl intruded in this police-only area for unknown reasons. As you must know police officer Marsha, in book five of 'Laws of the Johto Region' it says precisely in chapter 27, passage 12, line 42 : 'No civilian and/or Pokemon can pass through an area were there was previously an act against the law'. This girl has broken this law, but no severe action can be made thanks to her underage status. But, her parents and/or guardians will be phoned and hopefully question her discipline. This is for her own good, the good of Blackthorn, and most importantly - the good of Johto!" he finished in a booming voice.
Misty dared to sneak a glance at the police woman, which to her surprise, was attempting to avoid rolling her eyes; she crossed her arms across her chest and sighed in exasperation.
"I'll just take it from here, shall I?" she said in a tone that meant not to argue with her. She grabbed Misty's shoulder but not as hard as the other grouchy policeman.
Misty could still hear the other policeman reciting paragraph after paragraph of rules of every law book he could think about; but the woman who was steering Misty, placed a hand over her ear in a vain attempt to block out his ramblings.
When they were at the very edge of the clearing and thankfully couldn't hear the policeman, the woman turned around to face Misty.
"Miss, even though Officer John might be a tad extreme with rules, he was quite right about the poor conduct you have shown by crossing the security line," she said in a strict tone of voice, but Misty could've sworn that her lips turned up slightly.
"Yes officer," she said, faking gloominess into her voice. Misty knew perfectly well that this policewoman wasn't going to take charges, but Misty wasn't going to take any chances.
"Well...I'm afraid I have to call your parents. Should've thought better than crossing the line," the policewoman said with a slight apologetic tinge in her statement.
"But I -" Misty interrupted herself before she could argue. The police cop obviously would have to bring Misty along to headquarters were they would call her sisters; and as far as Misty knew, they would probably forget this little incident after 10 minutes. But that wasn't why Misty wanted to go to police headquarters - the man who somehow was framed by Haruka and led to believe that he had burnt the whole field and killed 12 people - was also there. A plan was starting to hatch in Misty's head; she'll have to somehow interrogate Mark Stevens by evading the policewoman who wanted to call her sisters. Or let her call her sisters and then try to find Mark. It wasn't going to be easy - not at all - but Misty wasn't one of those kinds of people who let things go and not do something about it. She wasn't going to let him rot in a little, moldy cell while Haruka was probably eating a hearty lunch. Misty would prefer to be damned than letting that injustice carry out.
"Yes officer," Misty repeated again, glad that the police cop couldn't see what she was thinking about.
The policewoman cocked one of her eyebrows upward in suspicion but didn't say anything else. They both reached her police car and Misty tried to look as resentful and angry when she got in; she couldn't afford to look eager to enter the car.
Police officer Marsha didn't notice a thing.
***
5:25 P.M
Ash was deeply hurt. Not in a physical way, no. But in a pure emotional way that hurt even more than all of Ash's falls, scratches, bites, fries, cuts, bashes, slaps, and electrocutions that he ever received in his whole entire life.
And that was very, very, very painful indeed.
He didn't know what hurt him most: If it was that they were obviously hiding a very big secret and wouldn't tell him for some reason, or the way they wanted him out of the house - like some poor, flea-covered Growlithe that their owners didn't want anymore.
He clamped his teeth together and curled his hands into fists until his nails were digging deeply into his palms - and this somehow made him feel better. Ash wasn't used to this kind of pain; it was so different than when he suffered all those accidents (and incidents) in his journey. He'd grit his teeth and bear the pain with his head high and continue on, overcoming all further obstacles that were in his way.
But what was he supposed to do now?
He had no clue how to carry this injury that was currently planted in his heart. Did he have to go back now and order everyone for answers until they gave him? Ask everyone to apologize to him? No, that wouldn't work, it would only make matters worse than they were and it would leave him to hurt more. The only kinds of injuries that could barely reach this (and he would consider less than barely) might be some of the fights he had with Misty. Oh, they fought a lot and he almost always let her insults carry on with the wind, but those remarks that did get to him would make him angry at her for a couple of hours until both of them would cool off and forget it.
No apologies, they never reached that point. Ever.
So here he was - dejectedly walking to the Pallet mountain range, where he was currently searching for the crazy old woman who brought him here. He hoped that the old lady hadn't gone too far in the Pallet Mountains or else he'd had to search for her for days or even weeks.
Pikachu tried with all his efforts to try and cheer him up, but Ash rudely pushed away the comforting paw that Pikachu placed bracingly on his cheek; Pikachu then settled down on top of Ash's hat with a sigh, ears drooping in defeat.
Ash felt slightly ashamed at the way he treated Pikachu's attempts at cheering him up but at that moment he only wanted to find the old lady and get back to Blackthorn.
After what seemed like hours (though he wasn't so sure it was that long), Ash finally saw the grand mountains of Pallet. Many people would prefer other more majestic-looking mountains and valleys than those found in Pallet - but Ash would object on that - used to slide down these lands with a wooden board he made himself a couple of years before he left on his Pokemon journey. As he looked back on these memories, Ash thought how much he loved Pallet Town and didn't care what ill other people spoke of his hometown.
More fond memories of his upbringing in Pallet carried Ash and Pikachu to the very edge of the Pallet Mountains where they were just beginning. Ash was just a tiny little Caterpie compared to the full height the mountains rose, but Ash still remembered the old paths he used to take up towards the mountain trails and that made him feel a little taller.
He chose to take one path that led to a partly hidden lake that many did not know about because a boulder hid the entrance that lead to it. He found that semi-secret passage at the age of 9 by the help of a Cubone he had befriended by offering some Pokemon grub that he had carried in his pocket at that time.
Ash was soon reaching the familiar boulder that still hasn't been moved by anyone else in years. He called out Bayleef from her PokeBall and she appeared with a flash, smiling the same warm smile she showed when Ash was near her.
"Could you please move this rock, Bay?" Ash asked her with one of his winsome smiles.
Bayleef nodded eagerly and wrapped her long vines around the large boulder. Grunting with effort, she managed to push the rock with enough room for passage. Bayleef composed herself, not wanting to let Ash now that moving that rock took effort.
Ash just smiled secretly at this cover. "Good work Bayleef. Return."
With Bayleef safely confined in her PokeBall, Ash ventured forth into the musty cave. It was pitch dark and a smell of damp fungus - unfortunately - filled his nose. Ash knew the cave wasn't very long and he was grateful for that because he couldn't stop sneezing thanks to all the Spinarak webs in the way. After a few minutes he was able to see bright sunlight, so he stepped out gladly out of the tunnel and was faced by sunshine.
It was just as wonderful as it had been 7 years ago. The peaceful blue surface of the lake still seemed to be pure and untouched by humans; the trees that looked like giants when he was smaller were still as majestic as ever - Ledians often found their nests here and decorated the trees like Christmas decorations with the glowing, red spots on their backs. The caverns that scared him when he was young were farther away than the prairies and the enormous lake. That would be Ash's first place were he would search; Meowths and Persians were abundant in dark places. If he couldn't find her in this place, he would need desperate measures to get back to Blackthorn. The Pallet Mountains would take months and months to walk and even more to search for such a small lady who was, unfortunately, a crazy pilot and would like to explore a lot.
Ash began to jog over there; curious Pokemon came out of their burrows and nests to stare at one of the few humans they've seen in their lives. Others cowered away from Ash - strange things usually lead to trouble. Pikachu was trying to chat away with them but they just gave him the cold shoulder and nasty glares. Pikachu climbed back to Ash's head with a depresses 'Pika'.
After Ash finally arrived on the nearest cavern, he took out his lantern from his backpack and flicked it on. It was far scarier than the dingy little tunnel he just came through. This cavern was more than enormous - the flashlight's beam wasn't helping much. Ash got further and further away from the bright light that was outside and he was becoming more and more unsettled. Ash had found millions of small Pokemon bones littered all over the cavern and that had not appeased his cold dread.
Pikachu's ears pricked up and he started telling Ash something.
"Pikapi! Pika Pikachu Pika kachu ka!"
"Something up ahead? Ok then, Pikachu...be prepared for everything," Ash whispered fearfully.
They slowly turned the corner. Only darkness greeted them.
"Guess there's noth-"
"AAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
They both froze with their hair standing on the end.
"Pi-pikachu? What...what was that?" Ash mumbled in alarm. There couldn't possibly be a monster here, could it?
Pikachu didn't respond. He was hidden under Ash's cap trembling violently, making Ash quiver in return.
Ash gulped. "We-well...we won't know what was that unless we check it out...right?"
Pikachu, who was still under his cap gripped Ash's hair very hard in respond.
"HEY! Ow! Pikachu don't do that!" Ash said loudly. Very loudly.
"KKKKKKKKKAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Ash grabbed his cap - Pikachu and all - and started hugging him fiercely.
"O-o-o-ok! Maybe that wa-wasn't one of my mo-most brilliant ideas..."
"Pi-pikachu!" came out Pikachu's muffled reply. But his ears perked up again from under his hat.
"PIKAPI! Pikachu pika ka kachu Pika! KAPIKA!" Pikachu screamed.
"Wha-what do-do y-you m-mean y-you hear footsteps?" Ash said with a very noticeable hint of horror in his voice.
And Pikachu was right.
Drip...Drip...Drip...
The sound of footsteps on wet floor.
Drip. Drip.
It was heading towards them! Pikachu was clutching Ash's jacket very tightly as a gesture of pure fear.
Drip. Drip.
It was getting louder! Ash hurriedly searched for the flashlight he had dropped earlier. He found it. But the batteries didn't work anymore.
Drip. Drip.
"We ha-have to fi-fight it Pika-pikachu. No use letting it get us hu-huddled in a co-corner." Ash said quietly. Pikachu almost sobbed when he heard this.
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
"Pikachu if we die fighting I want to let you know that you're the greatest pal I had!" Ash said trying to hide the tremor in his tone. Pikachu smiled a little but he didn't let go of Ash's leg.
Drip-Drip. Drip-Drip. Drip-Drip. Drip-Drip.
It was running towards them! Pikachu let go of Ash's leg and tried to appear brave. He failed.
Drip-Drip. Drip-Drip. Drip-Drip. Drip- Drip. Drip-Drip. Drip-Drip. Drip-Drip.
Ash and Pikachu were both tense. Ash grabbed one of his PokeBalls from his belt, in case Pikachu couldn't handle the thing alone.
Drip.
That's when the monstrous creature appeared to them.
"Well if it ain't the young rascal!"
ZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAPPPPPPP!!!
The old lady was fried from her rough military boots to her grizzled, cabbage-smelling hair. The Persian alongside her didn't look in a better state. Pikachu, utterly relieved to see the old woman smiled apologetically with one of his paws behind his head in embarrassment.
"Oh Shashooka! Are you ok, my wuvely widdle furball?" the old lady cooed. Her gaze turned icy when she stared at Pikachu.
"Shashooka? Are you telling me that you're long-lost Meowth evolved into a Persian, screeched like hell had frozen over and scared the living daylights out of us because we thought it was a bloodsucking beast trying to get us?!" Ash yelled exasperatedly.
"Oh don't listen to them, my cute pussy cat! They are vewwwwwwwy mean people." And the old lady placed both of her gnarled hands on either side of its ears. Ash felt so annoyed that he could've yanked all of his hair in one try.
"Could you pleaseeeeeee get me back to Blackthorn? I would like to get there as fast as I could." Ash said as politely as he could without gritting his teeth.
"Hmm, but young'n I think it's a tad bit earlier than we were supposed to leave!" she replied indignantly.
"How do you know if it's dark in here? For all you know it could be nighttime," Ash responded, proud at his witty remark. At least he thought it was witty.
"All righ', all righ'... Come on Shashooka, you're gonna love the pwesent I have for you! For the pwettiest Persian in the world!" the old lady said in a sickeningly babyish voice.
The strange group was almost out of the dark tunnel Ash and Pikachu had come earlier when a thought struck like lightning to him.
"How did you get into those caverns anyway? I thought I was the only one who could find this place!" Ash practically pouted.
The old woman laughed. "Kids these days...Just look over there!"
She pointed to a rocky road that was in the other side of the mountains surrounding the place. Ash face-faulted in response. He really thought that the tunnel he found when he was little was the only entrance. He was so proud of his own little achievement...
"Oh." Ash said simply.
After a while, they arrived to the 'airplane' which was stationed quite close to the magnificent place they had been earlier and could've easily been spotted earlier. Ash felt once again like a moron; a feeling he felt often in his childhood and didn't lighten up his bad mood.
The strange group reached the plane and climbed up the ladder (the old lady carried the lazy Persian with one arm). The smell that greeted Ash and Pikachu almost made them pass out.
Rotting fish don't go well with heat.
Its odor was so disgustingly intensifying that Ash grabbed his cap and covered his nose. Pikachu was looking horribly green and was swaying disturbingly on his legs. In normal circumstances, Ash would've felt worried about him. But his food was gurgling up to his mouth and he was afraid that he'd spill his decomposed breakfast on the floor.
"Uh...Pikachu?" Ash asked tentatively when his food was in its correct place.
Pikachu headed to the corner and vomited his guts out. Ash wanted to make sure Pikachu was all right but the smell got better of him and he stayed in his place.
"Hope...you're all right." Ash managed to say, trying not to join Pikachu in the barf fest.
But while the both of them were suffering, Shashooka was in heaven. He pounced on a large Magikarp and bit into its hard scales. He was able to rip it apart easily; apparently Persians' teeth are strong enough to rip scales apart that were as strong as steel.
"We'll reach Blackthorn by ten o' clock or a bit earlier," she called to them. Then the old lady watched Shashooka like a mother would watch her child sputtering his first word. Shashooka purred back at her through a mouthful of odorous fish.
Ash swore to himself quietly one thing.
He would never get on another airplane as long as he lived.
*
5:46 P.M
Misty tried to act like a tantrum-throwing child when they arrived at the police headquarters. She didn't want to admit that it came easily to her but...it did. The police officer named Marsha was trying very hard to be patient but the muscle twitching at the corner on her mouth meant that the end result was going to be very ugly.
Inside the building a very clean marble floor awaited their feet, around them the walls were painted in a strong dark blue color. There was only a single light bulb that was used to illuminate the entire room which - Misty thought - was to create even more shadows and make the room even more menacing to criminals at night. A long polished desk was the main thing in the room and made the worn leather seats seem puny. All of this was intimidating to say the least and the hawk-eyed lady who Misty swore was John's long lost sister didn't make things better.
"Police officer Marsha," she said immediately in a crisp voice. "What is this young lady in for?" she said eyeing Misty with obvious distaste. Misty had to control the urge to punch her in the face.
"Just minor matters, thanks for asking Eliza," but the way her mouth formed a very thin line contradicted what she said.
"Fine then, please continue," the snotty woman named Eliza broke eye contact but just after shooting Marsha a poisonous look. She started to write something on a very official-looking paper with an air of superiority.
"That old bitch," police officer Marsha whispered very softly, but Misty heard her and stifled a laugh.
They headed towards a door labeled 'POLICE ONLY'. It was very, very, very different from the main hall.
Piles of pieces of paper littered the muddy floor where police officers paced back and forth talking on walkie-talkies, shouting at their partners, taking a break to get a hot cup of coffee, or dictating things so other police officers could write in their computers. Sobs could be heard from the many poster covered offices. Misty could see a policeman ignoring the weeping robber and waiting for a confession. Almost nobody paid attention to Marsha and Misty.
And Misty preferred it that way.
The policewoman Marsha lead Misty to some phones that hung on the wall in a row. Misty gulped. She didn't plan very well on how to ditch her and she was thinking on a good excuse. None came. Only the most pathetic and weakest excuse ever - but she was desperate enough to use it.
"Err...can I go to the bathroom?" Misty asked.
Marsha was opening her mouth to reply when a young, frantic policeman ran over to them.
"Marsha, Marsha!" he panted heavily and tried to lead her into a secluded corner.
"What is it Kyle? What's wrong?" Marsha asked in an agitated voice when she was sure that nobody will bother them.
He took a few gulps of air and continued. "Team Rocket...we think we found one of Giovanni's bases...Goldenrod City...Pedro said that many ex-members were going there...strange things happening over there, Marsha...5 people were kidnapped over there this week...Officer John just called us over, says we should check out..." he said in a low rushed voice. Kyle sat on the nearest chair to relax.
"Team Rocket!" Marsha practically shouted. Kyle shushed her. Marsha lowered her voice. "We haven't heard from them in months, could this be...? We have to get to Goldenrod as fast as we can!"
Kyle nodded calmly. "Yeah. Pack your things. We're going there the first thing on the morning." He noticed Misty for the first time. "Who's she?"
"Nothing serious. She crossed the police line around the field that was burnt earlier. I'm about to call her parents; can't have kids doing those kind of things." Marsha nodded in Misty's direction.
Policeman looked like he was going to laugh. "Pfft...Come on, Marsha! I didn't know you were that severe. What you need to do is focus on more important things than kids walking over lines. Heck, if I had to do call every kid's parents for crossing lines I'd be the most unpopular policeman among Blackthorn kids." He shook his head in amusement. But he turned serious almost immediately. "Concentrate on packing today. We have a very rough day tomorrow." Kyle left, but Misty was grateful at her chance of freedom.
Marsha stared at Misty then sighed. "Fine, kid. You win. You can go home. I'll lead you out."
Misty tried her lame excuse again. "Can I go to the bathroom before I leave?"
Marsha waved a hand distractedly at Misty. "Yeah, yeah, yeah...hallway over there," she pointed to an elongated hallway on Misty's right. "Fifth door on the left." And with that she gave Misty a little slip of paper where she wrote something and left.
The little paper said 'Permission for bathroom'. Misty went to the hallway the policewoman indicated her. She was sweating with nervousness but tried to act casual about it. The next part of her plan was the hardest thing. Find the innocent guy who was framed by Haruka.
It was far easier said than done.
The hallway was very long and the fifth door seemed to be very far away. When she reached it, Misty opened the door to be met by a disgusting smell of waste. She closed the door rapidly and saw the sign that said 'OUT OF ORDER'. This made things a bit easier, if someone found her sneaking in hallways she could always say that she was looking for a usable bathroom. Misty wasn't too sure that someone could buy her tale.
Nobody was walking on the hallway. Misty checked doors that were on the left and right side of the hallway. Most of the were open so she peeked at the gaps and looked at the next door when she was sure the man she was looking for was not in it.
"Oh, I give up," Misty said to herself grudgingly as she reached the last door.
The last door was a room that had some stairs that were leading downstairs and another pair of stairs that were leading upstairs. Misty entered the room, very careful at closing the door. Misty went downstairs, placing her feet very slowly at each step. She noticed the heavy metal door that was open ajar .When Misty was downstairs she was faced to another kind of hallway.
Her search was over.
Each room had a big glass window where people could see inside each additional room and look at the prisoners. And one of them contained the person Misty was looking for, staring blankly at a cop who was speaking to him.
"Bingo," Misty said softly, behind something she knew was big enough to leave her unseen. But it was going to be very hard to get to him. Police cops were all around the hallway talking and heading to different rooms to check on the prisoners. The policeman who talked to the innocent man took him to another door that was inside the room. When he was sure the prisoner was inside, he locked the door. He left the room entirely and he also locked the door.
"Oh, that's just great," Misty muttered behind the giant plant pot which served as her temporary hiding place.
The policeman who had just gotten outside was talking to another one. "He won't say anything. Just stares at me like I was just a blank wall or something."
"I know, the only comprehendible thing he said was 'be careful...fire...destruction...end...save us'. Guess the guy was traumatized by what he did, though I'm not saying he didn't deserve that," the other cop said shaking his head while Misty boiled with anger in her hiding place.
One of the policemen left and went to a normal door at the end, leaving the guy who interviewed the poor man behind. The other policemen were leaving the hallway entirely and entering the same door that the other policeman was already in.
"Hey Martin, Hurry up! Don't want to miss the break do you?" one of the policeman asked the interrogator of Mike and disappeared behind the door where a lot of laughing could be heard even from the other end of the hallway where Misty was hidden.
"Yeah, yeah...I'm coming." He stared at the transparent glass for a long time and didn't move to join his pals. This was Misty's opportunity. She didn't know what the consequences were going to be, but she was going to do it.
Misty called Poliwhirl out.
"This is just plain crazy, Poliwhirl...but we have no other choice! Punch him in the head!" she ordered. Poliwhirl swiftly ran over to the police cop and punched him with all his might. The police man didn't react in time and dropped unconscious, just when Misty realized the severity of what she did.
"We-well, better hide him," she stuttered to herself, but a white, intense light got her attention. Poliwhirl was a sphere of radiant brightness that was changing shape and growing bigger and bulkier - after a few seconds in which the light grew dimmer and dimmer and Polytoad looked at her happily.
"Toad!" He said in a deeper and throatier voice and clapped his hands in satisfaction.
Misty smiled at him proudly but didn't do anything else. She had to hide the police officer before anyone spotted them.
She hauled the police officer with all her strength. Misty was surprised that it wasn't too hard to drag him, but realized that he was very skinny and felt as light as a feather. She hid him behind the dying plant that served as her previous hiding place. Misty clumsily took all the keys she could find from him and with a racing heart opened the door that led to Mark Stevens.
There wasn't anything interesting except a fairly long bench. And the door. She took some keys out of her pocket and tried them on the keyhole. Misty was getting desperate as she One of them was the right one and with a sweaty palm she turned the door knob.
It was fairly dark and the room was small by Misty's standards. She closed the door quietly. Mark Stevens was sitting silently, he had shaggy brown hair that draped around his face like a dirty curtain. His eyes, they were so dark with torment that they looked like a man with soulless eyes. She shivered at the memory; Misty tried to stuff it away at the back of her mind but Mark looked like a living corpse. His face was a papery color and his mouth was curved downward in a depressing arch. Mark's skin was a dull peach color with so many deep wrinkles that it appeared to be scars made with a sharp dagger. His arms and most of his body was covered tightly in a white straightjacket - he wasn't making any attempt at freeing himself. He looked at her with unemotional eyes.
There was an eternal silence in which both of them stared at each other with unblinking eyes, until Misty spoke without thinking carefully of her words. "You're innocent."
He shifted a little in his seat. In a clear voice that directed a chilling certainty he answered. "I am not."
"You were framed, and I'm going to set you free," she whispered to the man who was unable believe his innocence. Oh, Misty was going to convince him all right....
His eyes turned that of a frightened wounded animal. "You are mad. If I get my freedom I will do it again. I won't hurt anybody anymore. You hear that!" his pitch rose then he broke off, lost in his own hateful world of imaginary monsters.
"Another person did it. She brainwashed the minds of those who were near you, but not my own. I'm the only witness who saw her burn the whole field and kill all of those innocent people," Misty replied, but it did even more damage to him than reassure him.
His haunted eyes lined with tears even Misty could see in the poor light. "It was me...I burnt the field...I killed my partners in cold blood. IT WAS ME YOU HEAR, I KILLED THEM ALL!" he roared, believing his own harsh words. Mark stopped abruptly and started to rock back and forth sobbing loudly and wailing incomprehensible words which tore Misty's heart in two.
"Hey, hey, it's ok -" Misty reassured him in a low voice hoping that the room was soundproof.
"-You have to believe in me...Please! This girl...I don't know how she did it, but she can control fire...she burnt the whole field and killed your friends with a ball of fire. You didn't have any Fire Pokemon with you because you're a firemen - you guys are never allowed to have them in working hours. Also, how could you have burnt a whole field with that small gasoline container? It's impossible! Then how could you have killed 12 people with that small amount, huh? Those poor people would've known if you sprayed them gasoline or something flammable on them - and what about the witnesses? They would've stopped you from doing that and accuse you a lot earlier. But they didn't, did they?" Misty finished in a rush. She was babbling; Misty always did that when she was nervous or frantic.
The man who aged so much in such a short period of time in which his life was crashing down, spoke words that surprisingly contained bitter amusement. "I think you're the one who needs the straightjacket more than me." He grinned crookedly at her.
Misty couldn't believe what she heard and stared at him with determination. "You're the most selfish man I have ever known." She felt delighted in his reaction and let some seconds go by so the bold words could register in his brain. "Yes, you are because you can't accept my words, and you'll bring your family such grief and utter disappointment that your body as well as your soul will always be unrest. Do you want see the fire in your dreams for the rest of your life, suffering at night as well as daytime? You'll never distinguish reality from your nightmares. Is that what you really want, believing lies and paying the high price that should pay another person - for the rest of your life? If you want to rebuild your life - believe my words. If not...then you have my deepest sympathies and you can rot in your cell for the rest of your life without the opportunity of suicide - which would be your only escape." Misty was so astonished at her words as much as the man. She immediately regretted her choice of words once the last syllable passed her lips. Misty always had the knack of
The silence that surrounded them was absolutely piercing. It enveloped them like damp, thick blanket of noiseless space. Misty was afraid that with her words she would've lost the only opportunity at a chance to talk to Mark. The silence was overbearing but she didn't dare break it.
"Yes," he said at last with quaver in his voice, proof of the unmistakably nearness of approaching tears. "Yes, I'll...accept - though I don't know what I'm accepting. Yes - I accept your unbelievable story...but I don't believe it..." Misty was about to protest when he continued. "...yet I have a lot to lose and I have no one else to help me. So, please...help me..." and he broke down completely lost in his own personal sorrow. Tears trailed down his dirty, pale cheeks with such a magnitude that his whole body shook and for the first time, tried to break free from his white clothed prison. He fell from his bed with a soft bump while he still wailed uncontrollably, drowning in a pool of desperation.
Misty couldn't help the two small tears that fell slowly to her small, yellow shirt. But she hid them well. He needed her strength - she couldn't afford showing weakness.
Misty helped the anguished man to sit, but he laid his head on her shoulder, a gesture that searched for comfort and protection from an unknown and invisible enemy only he could only see. Misty could feel the warm tears sliding down her shoulders and Mark's rough cheek that scratched Misty's cheek irritably. Misty tentatively placed a consoling hand on his back which quieted his sobs a little. She hugged him, a man that was suffering from his hallucinations and dark mind. A man who was much older than Misty, who experienced10 times more things in his life than her, and never met before the scrawny redheaded girl before in his life.
Yet he, Mark Stevens, a mature adult that doubled her in age, shared his grief on the shoulder of Misty, a 16 year old girl who was cradling him and giving hope he thought he lost.
*
7:09 P.M
Brock watched with enamored glazed eyes as Haruka kept on talking and talking. He didn't know what exactly she was talking about - but it didn't matter. She was focusing all her attention on him, and as long as she moved those delicate cherry lips he would be happy.
They had just come out of the kitchen with a batch of freshly baked cookies. Brock had been tempted to eat one of them but Haruka slapped his hands playfully when he was close to grabbing one of them. She said that they were baked especially for Misty since she hadn't gone out of her room in hours and would be very hungry.
They were both heading back to Misty's room, it was a while since she made any kind of noise. Brock hoped that Misty hadn't escaped the room or anything along that style. Maybe she was sleeping but that was as likely as Ash eating just one serving of food.
"I hope Misty hadn't escaped or anything, even though I would've done the same thing in her place," Brock muttered quietly. It was Haruka's idea to place Misty in their room so she could relax properly. Haruka heard his remark and turned her head swiftly to face him.
"It's for her own good Brock. I know it seems a bit extreme to place an Electabuzz to patrol outside her door, but if you were me, Brock, and somebody just told you that you killed 12 people and burned a whole field without a trace of proof...what would you do?" Haruka questioned in her own straightforward way that only she could. It made Brock feel chills down his spine.
In a good way.
"I guess you do have a point there," Brock surrendered. He barely knew Haruka for less than a day and he already felt that he could never win an argument with her.
Haruka smiled sweetly at him. "Oh, sorry Brock. I didn't mean to sound so rude. It's just that...it hurt to hear those comments from someone I wanted to meet for such a long time."
Brock stared at her. A question had just popped from his mind. "Why did you want to meet Misty so badly? I mean...she isn't famous or anything," a statement that would be foolish to say if the sentence reached Misty's ears.
Haruka looked like lightning had struck her. It was only for a mid-second, but it was there. She composed herself and flashed Brock another of her sweet smiles.
"You don't know how much I have heard about her. I know all her story; how her sisters mistreated her and how she was always the little runt who never had any spotlight. Her love for water Pokemon and the ocean itself... How she ran away from home one day and met a boy who she followed. Though I don't know that part very clearly. Why did she follow you anyway?" she asked Brock.
Brock just smiled politely at her confusion. "I wasn't the one she followed! It was my friend, see? He stole her bike to get faster to a Pokemon Center because his Pikachu was in critical condition. But the same Pikachu busted her bike to save him from a flock of Spearows. It's really a wacky story. My friend isn't here - he's back home visiting his grandparents, but his name is A- " Brock was interrupted by some grunting noises coming from a closet.
He instinctively stood in front of Haruka protectively and approached the closet with caution. Haruka almost tripped over a rubber ducky on the floor. A kid must've forgotten it even if it was a strange place to drop it.
Brock gulped a few times and opened the door very fast. He was very surprised at what he saw even though he felt foolish at not thinking that Misty would do something like what he was seeing.
A duct-taped Electabuzz was staring at him with half-opened eyes and a huge lump was on top of his head. He was coming around and his eyes were adjusting to light he hadn't seen in hours.
Brock couldn't tell what Haruka's expression was in the dim light. But in the next moment she ran with great speed to their dormitory and kicked the door open, almost ripping it out of its hinges. She didn't even drop a single cookie in all this violent display.
He hesitantly went to see inside the room. Togepi was sleeping peacefully, hugging Misty's favorite Tentacool doll with a cute little satisfied smile on his face. Torchic was sleeping, resembling an orange football. It looked like no one had been in the room except for Togepi and Torchic. The sheets weren't even rumpled, a clear sign of her escape. Brock was a bit frustrated but he knew she would be back. Maybe Misty was out shopping or sightseeing. Brock hid a grin, it was amusing the ways she would keep her independence.
But someone was definitively not amused.
Brock again couldn't decipher her expression. Her face was hidden behind all the thick, shiny brown hair. But there was something about her posture and the way she gripped the tray of cookies with hands shaking in fury that she was not at all happy. Haruka snapped her fingers and Torchic instantly awoke and stared at Haruka with guikty eyes. Haruka returned Torchic back into his PokeBall without another word.
"Do you want a cookie Brock. They're still fresh!" Haruka chirped. It was so sudden, so unexpected at this moment when just seconds before she seemed ready to punch someone. Haruka lifted her cookie tray even higher and batted her eyelashes in a way he couldn't resist. Brock was so bewildered he took a cookie without question. The cookie tasted great. It's warm doughiness and sweetness filled his mouth. He wanted to comment on the excellent cookies but a yawn escaped his mouth.
"Brock, you seem so tired. Come lie down for a minute it will do you good." Brock wanted to protest, but an even longer yawn escaped his mouth.
"Yeah...that sounds good," Brock said tiredly. His eyes felt like lead and it was hard enough just to respond to her. Sleep, now he knew why Misty liked to sleep so early. The bed seemed at this moment like the most important thing in the world.
Haruka fluffed his pillow and covered him in a thick blanket. "Yeah, that's it Brockie. Don't you worry now...I'll find Misty and bring her back, ok?"
The last thing Brock saw before he went to slumber land was Haruka blowing him a coquette kiss and closing the door quietly.
*
7:59 P.M
Her life was getting on splendidly. She had work that paid her very well, and the job itself was very exciting and adventurous with high risks, nonetheless, but exciting. She had absolute free reign when she socialized with people in her own unique way. There was nothing better than the adrenalin that filled her when she was on some special task with the rest of her companions and the large mounds of money she received each time she did well on her job. And the generous amount of money the citizens gave them very willingly for each successful mission. They sometimes liked to give away their Pokemon as a sign of gratitude and they always are always so joyful to join them.
It was a very fulfilling life.
Her long, blue hair that she changed a week earlier, was tied in a neat white ribbon that fell down her shoulder. She had bright green eyes that had blue eye shadow on, that sparkled each time money was presented to her. She had pale skin with a small nose and big luscious lips that were painted a lucid pink. She wore very small gold circular earrings and short unpainted nails. Her crisp, yellow and pink uniform was presentable, not even one stain in sight or an edge wrinkled. A nametag was pinned on her upper-left part of her uniform, clearly printed in black letters the name "Melissa" so everyone could see.
"Welcome to the Happy Blissey Corner! May I take your order?" Melissa asked in a sing-song voice.
"Uh, um...Melissa...can I have the Sweet Squirtle Soda with a-" the young boy squinted at the choices "- Cheerful Oddish Burger Surprise? Gee, what kind of stupid name is - " he stopped abruptly. "Er...yeah. I want a Sweet Squirtle Soda with the Oddish Burger Surprise," he said grimacing at the names.
"Coming right up, young man!" Melissa giggled and went to bring the bratty kid his drink and burger that were, thankfully, already made in the back room.
"Here you go! That would be 7.45$, sir!" she stated contentedly as she handed him a tray with his order on it.
He dug in his pocket for the money and brought out some bills and dimes. "Thanks," he replied curtly and went to a nearby table with his tray.
"Stupid kid..." Melissa muttered under her breath and went to the room in the back to have a break.
Melissa didn't meet up with anybody willing to talk to her, which was splendidly fine with her.
Behind a shelf full of greasy pots and pans there was a superficially uninteresting brick wall. She pressed with the 25th brick on the left and the wall slid upwards to reveal a well illuminated entry. Melissa entered and the wall immediately closed up. She walked the long corridor that was far too long for her own taste and fortunately she reached the end of it. A square-shaped, metal, computerized pad on the wall was the only thing in the bland white wall. Melissa placed her hand on top of it and the wall slid upwards like the other brick wall.
The grand, comfortable room was filled with leather sofas and a cozy fireplace illuminated the room. Expensive paintings hung elegantly on the crimson red walls while flickers of shadows moved with a life on its own. At one corner of the room was a mini cafeteria where they served fresh cinnamon buns and doughnuts of every flavor.
Other employees were in the room chatting placidly or sipping hot mugs of coffee or tea. Melissa searched for an empty seat. There were none, so she did the best next thing.
Melissa went over to an unparticular chair and pushed the person on the chair with a strong shove. The poor bastard unfortunately crashed against another girl who was carrying a cup of tea. The girl let out a shrill shriek of surprise and the cup of burning tea that was on her hand landed on the guy's head. He screamed in agony as the hot tea touched his skin, which turned raw red at the contact. He stood up very fast and turned to face the one who dared to push him. A brave but futile move.
"YOU BITCH! What is your fucking problem?!" He snarled incensed, his fists curling and uncurling menacingly, which didn't intimidate Melissa a bit.
Melissa didn't even blink but flashed him a winning smile. "Oh sorry. I just wanted a seat, that's all," she said in a falsely honeyed voice.
"You stupid whore...you're going to pay for that one..." he whispered in threatening silky voice. He raised his fist and punched her without any warning and giving no thought that she was a woman. The crowd that had surrounded them, curious at all the commotion, gasped in unity.
Melissa sidestepped easily to the left and avoided his blow completely. Agitated that his punch didn't land on his target, he tried it again with even more force and speed. She stuck her foot out and he tripped and landed face-first on the luxurious rug. He was embarrassed, but his rage was greater than his embarrassment and tried quick punches to her face.
She blocked all his punches easily but she was growing irritated and decided to end this bothersome 'fight'.
He tried to punch her yet again but she dived under his arm and stood up until she was only inches from his face. His stunned surprise gave her a few seconds and Melissa grabbed both of his shoulders to push herself high enough and lift her foot directly at his nose.She swiftly kicked him and with a disgusting crunch he went flying across the floor directly to the surprised crowd. Some people who were unhurt tried to help the dazed people on the floor. The guy's nose was a broken bloody mess and he stared at her with fearful eyes instead of the previously irate ones.
Melissa walked over to him and the scared crowd stepped away from her waiting another confrontation. She detached the nametag from her uniform and turned it around to show what was behind that nametag. His eyes were very open now and staring at her with a very frightened expression.
"I-I-I di-didn't know it wa-was y-you, m'la-lady! If I-I ha-had kno-known it-it was you I would have never...would have not...lay a s-s-single hand on y-you! P-please h-have mercy!" he cried out in panic. Melissa sneered in disgust and grabbed his shirt by the neck. She glared at him for a second or two, though it seemed like hours to him and without any notice she smashed her knee painfully into his lower regions. The guy's eyes filled with pathetic tears and he closed his legs tightly and moaned in excruciating suffering.
"It's lucky for you I was in a good mood or otherwise you wouldn't have been so fortunate. Consider this the day that you accomplished the biggest achievement of your life. 'Why?' you might foolishly ask me. Well, I only left you with broken balls which is quite an attainment...since I could've killed you on the spot - though I was quite surprised you had any balls in the first place," she jeered at him and sat triumphantly on the comfy leather chair.
The intimidated crowd left the room rapidly and one kind, yet idiotic soul helped the beaten guy off the floor and carried him to the exit. Melissa grinned, her spirits and good mood increased quite noticeably and she plopped her feet on the settee.
Something got Melissa's attention: A blond-haired man she never seen before but seemed a bit familiar tried to fight the panicked crowd that was forming in the entrée.
"What the hell is going on here?! Why is everybody running a- " he managed to enter the elegant common room and caught a glimpse of the defeated wuss who was causing quite a strain to carry for the idiot who was carrying him. He stopped in mid-sentence when he saw who was in the room. The blond-haired man closed the door when there was nobody else in the room except the two of them. When he turned to grin at her, Melissa recognized him with surprise and grinned in return.
"Why I should've known that it was you who caused that unfortunate incident, Cassidy," he smiled amused and sat commodiously on the couch. He slipped his boots from his feet that landed with a heavy clunk.
"Oh you know, the usual, Butch. The asshole pissed me off badly and I just gave him a piece of his own medicine, though the bastard actually had the nerve to try to hit me. Good thing I was on a good mood or he wouldn't even be conscious now," she stated matter-of-factly. She watched his hair for a while and commented. "Well, seems you wanted to impress one of those brainless blondes you always fake to drool at in headquarters to hide the fact that you're gay, of course. Which is the unlucky one to have you as her boyfriend?" she asked amiably.
He didn't flinch even a bit and sipped on an abandoned warm coffee that someone left untouched. "I wouldn't talk if I were you, Cassidy. With that distasteful blue hair and eye color. You look exactly like one of those cheap sluts who like to show off their mini clothing that could pass off easily as dental floss, just to have a chance to get a good humping - instead of the grandpas that are desperate enough to get laid by you," he retorted cordially, not taking his eyes off the coffee cup.
"My, my, my...seems you are also in a pleasant mood today," Cassidy responded merrily. "But let's get back to serious matters." She searched for any eavesdroppers with suspicious eyes. "I don't think this room is private enough, follow me," and she got up with a suddenly quiet Butch following her.
They hurried out of the room and any meddling member who watched them, was met by a glacial glare by Cassidy and they soon pretended to lose interest in them, afraid of their well-being.
After walking for several long minutes in silence they arrived at a grand office (just after the guards stared at Butch stonily) with commodious looking blue velvet wrapped chairs. A long oak desk was the main eye-catching furniture because of its extended size. Rows and rows of books placed in many shelves covered the whole back wall adding the room an air of professionalism.
"Ah, here we are. We're not expecting any visitors and I hope you will leave us unperturbed by kicking out any unwelcome guests. Don't let anyone enter this room, got it?" the guard shook their heads rapidly and stood guard over the door. Cassidy and Butch entered and closed it behind slowly.
"Ok Cassidy, I hope that what you have to say is important. I don't like wasting time, you know," he grumbled snidely though he knew perfectly that Cassidy always said things worth listening.
"As you may obviously be aware of Butch, the boss raised our position in the organization," Cassidy began with Butch listening eagerly. "We're just a step away at being his right hand mans, yet he is still a bit dubious at where our priorities lie. He had no other choice. We know things that could benefit him greatly, but...he still has more trust on Domino as you know. The bitch became his personal slut, as the rumors go and with her high skills in combat and stealth it will be difficult to surpass the position that we're in-"
"Cassidy - as it is regretful to interrupt you, I must comment on this...Why in hell's name are you telling me the painfully clear facts? We're wasting time with retelling facts and we should plan on gaining Giovanni's reliance. Time is very short and I don't know how long it's going to take him to have every single member's corporation in this little suicide plan we think he has. If we don't move swiftly we may never have another chance," he sneered. Cassidy was very annoyed at this interruption, he didn't know her full plan.
"If you had let me finish Butch I would've kindly finished telling my plan," she forgot her annoyance and grinned very cat-like. "Giovanni is planning total world domination as we may recall, right?" Butch nodded. "And he is slowly reaching his goal. He already manipulated and blackmailed 4 different cities to almost complete control. We can't let him dominate any more cities, Butch, that's the main objective. But your pitiful plan on building another organization is quite an impossible goal to reach, Butch. So I'm thinking on a much harder plan, oh it's going to take a lot of planning and it may take time to achieve it...but when the fruits of our plans ripen, no one - and I mean no one - will be able to stop us," Cassidy smiled with clear ambition in her eyes.
"And what exactly do you have in mind, Cassidy?" Butch asked, his interest rising.
"The goal is quite simple to name, really," her smile grew wider, and she began to walk around the room in eager earnest. "How does the idea of taking control of the whole Team Rocket organization sound to you?"
Butch stared at her with a very open mouth for a full minute. "You must be insane," Butch said when he recovered.
"It isn't such a different concept from your older plan, Butch. You see, instead of using the respect and trust of the rest of the members by being the right-hand people of Giovanni to recruit members in a new organization; we would recruit them to form a growing group of loyal recruits to help us overthrow Giovanni and control the whole establishment. We could give them anything they want in exchange of infinite loyalty, besides we have almost all of Team Rocket's resources in our grasp - it shouldn't be to difficult getting what they want. The problem would be how to approach them without exposing ourselves and the possibility of a traitorous act among our ranks," Cassidy crossed out ideas in her head and new ones kept popping each second.
"And - what exactly could make us guarantee the full loyalty of our future members, Cassidy?" Butch smiled sardonically, who was dubious at the idea itself.
"There's got to be some way - I know it Butch!" She waved her hand at the hundreds of books. "One of them should hold the answer for us, Butch. Extreme loyalty...perhaps using blackmail to obtain our means? No, they would hold resentment and hatred toward us and it would backfire in the end. Maybe some kind of old magic...extreme loyalty...there has to be something in those books, about it!" Cassidy yelled furiously. Butch merely grinned.
"Ah...but we don't have all the time in the world, Cassidy. The boss would suspect something and kill us before you even finish reading the last book. And - are you absolutely sure that no one can overhear us?" Butch asked, hiding his worry.
"Don't worry about it. The walls are completely soundproof and no one can place bug equipment in these walls. It's impossible, I'm the only person who can lock or open this door. It's voice activated." Cassidy answered with surety.
"Are you really sure that nobody heard you?" A voice said from behind.
Cassidy and Butch both froze.
Neither of them said that.
**********
Hehehe...my first official cliffhanger. I'm once again sorry about the extremely long wait, but I hope this chapter overrode your frustration. I'm going to answer from now on some reviews at the bottom of each chapter. Thanks, and please keep reviewing!
Amber Myst: *smiles mysteriously* You shall see...
DarkAngelTorchic: *laughs evilly* I'm glad you think of this fic the same way I do. ;)
Raion Hinote: I like your reviews a lot, thanks! Maybe I'll add a little bit of Jesse and James if I can manage to squeeze it (I haven't planned to make Jesse, James and Meowth a big part on this fic - so we'll see). It's too bad you're not into the Pokemon scene anymore...(which is the last episode you watched?)
Zibakura: Sorry I haven't updated earlier. ^^; As for your question...You'll know in a couple more chapters. ;)
lil_washu: I will continue my fic, so don't worry. :) This was just a very long span of time without updating and nothing more.*sheepish grin*
Important Note: I know Poliwhirl evolves to Politoad by making him grab a King's Rock and trading it with another person. But I've seen the episode Poliwhirl evolves after I wrote the second chapter so in this chapter he'll evolve normally with NO King's Rock or anything like that. Hope it doesn't bother you guys too much.
Disclaimer: Wish Pokemon would belong to me. But it doesn't.
Plans
4:57 PM
Misty tiptoed out of the Pokemon Center; she didn't want anyone to follow. After everyone in the Pokemon Center laughed at her for ranting about how Haruka started the fire, Brock made her rest in their room and placed a trollish looking kind of Electabuzz to guard her from outside the door. Misty couldn't believe Brock had done this to her and complained for a long while from inside, but Brock insisted on her resting. He said that she was still delirious from the inhalation of too much smoke. Misty usually never minded Brock's motherly role over her and Ash, it meant excellently cooked, free food...but this was taking it a bit too far.
Misty was luckily able to escape with the help of Staryu, duct tape and...a rubber ducky. She had ordered Staryu to attack from behind the Electabuzz when it was busy patrolling the corridors. When it had felt the attack, it turned around with a very confused look on its face. Misty quickly threw the rubber duck that once belonged to Togepi as far as she could. The Electabuzz dumbly went to the direction where the rubber ducky was, which had made a high-pitched squeak when it landed on the floor. Elactabuzz had picked it up and pressed it between its thick fingers; he had enjoyed the sound the plastic little duck made.
While Electabuzz was occupied, Misty had sneaked behind it and used her mallet to knock it out.
With less force than when she used her mallet on her two friends, of course. No Pokemon deserved that.
When Electabuzz was knocked out, she quickly took out the duct tape that was in her pocket and wrapped its hands firmly. She dragged Electabuzz's heavy body to a nearby broom closet. She felt a bit guilty after she shut the door; but the thought that it could easily get out when it awoke made her feel better.
Now, she closed the door softly and ran to the black meadow that she was in earlier, always glancing over her shoulder frequently. Some police men were still in the meadow looking for clues. Misty got behind the large boulder she hid hours before; she couldn't search for herself if they were in the area. Misty wanted to look for clues that were very different from the ones the police was searching. Two policemen caught her attention; they were skinny looking men who were talking loud enough for Misty to hear.
"There's nothin' 'ere Bruce...No damn sign that shows that that nutter lit up the 'ole field. This place 'ere should smell 'eavily of gasoline, or whatnot but I don' smell nuthin' like that - oh it smells a'ful all right...but nuthin' else..." said one of the policemen scratching his dark blonde head in confusion.
"Yeah...I know what you mean Nell...but Jenny is still insisting on searching this clearing..." the other policemen said, swiping his sweaty black hair from his eyes. "In all my years as being a policeman, I've never seen such a stumping case...Whole field burnt to the ground except that little spot over there in the middle." He pointed to a tiny green space where most of the police officers were. "And when did that lunatic have time to spray gasoline in this whole field? Someone should have seen him, but no witness saw him before the fire started, only after the fire was blazing...All of the witnesses are completely sure that he did it...But to tell you the truth I'm not too sure. It might've been my imagination, but - the witnesses seemed to have a glazed expression on their eyes..." he finished, still swiping his black hair from his eyes.
"It is strange and all, but come 'n Bruce! Glazed expreshionn? Nah...Heat was affectin' you there o' course. And you don' seem better off now it seems. Come 'ere you need a break and maybe a drink or two, after all - we 'ave been 'ere for hours." Nell put Bruce's arm around his neck, and helped him to walk over to the edge of the clearing. Bruce was apparently too tired to complain.
Misty saw this as her chance and began to ran along and hide behind several rocks that were big enough to cover her completely. The policemen that were still in that area didn't spot Misty darting from rock to rock. She was trying to edge closer to the only patch of green grass in the whole clearing, but unfortunately most of the police officers she was trying to avoid were huddled there.
She was waiting hopefully that they would search another area. Really, they weren't doing anything else besides poking the ground and placing several surviving grass blades in transparent bags with a big 'EVIDENCE A' marked on it.
Misty remained as quiet as she could possibly be, but her patience was running low after several minutes. She had the urge to run at them and do *something*, she was getting very bored watching them do practically nothing.
Perhaps it was that she thought she saw all of the policemen huddled there. Or perhaps it was that she thought she was relatively well hidden behind her rock. Or maybe it was Misty's sheer boredom at staying still, meaning, without precaution. But she knew at that moment - when both her arms were roughly shoved behind her back and she was forcefully thrown to the ground with a crash that hurt her chin and shoulders and took out all the air in Misty's lungs - that she'd been foolish at letting her guard down.
She angrily turned her head around to look at her attacker, who was sitting on her legs to prevent her from running. A police officer stared stonily back with a piercing gray hawk gaze. He had cropped gray hair and his face features seemed as if someone used a hammer and a chisel to construct his face.
When both of their eyes met, the policeman made her stand up, never breaking eye contact and the tight hold of both of her arms.
"Let me go." Misty hissed through clenched teeth, wanting to kick this man in the shins. But she knew it would be a bad idea to do that.
"Girl. What are you doing in this clearing? It is strictly prohibited for any civilian, man or woman, to cross. This place is for police officers, such as myself, to investigate closely! You may have moved and/or removed clues with or without your knowledge, which can or will disturb our whole police force into solving the crime that occurred today at 7 hours, 15 minutes and 55 seconds in the morning! Now I need to call your parents and/or your guardians to place better discipline upon you, and I hope that your conduct improves or you will be facing the law! Am I making myself clear?" the officer said in a harsh voice, but despite his tone and his warning, it only made Misty roll her eyes.
"Yes sir," she said gloomily and started to walk. One of the police officers that was taking grass examples turned her head their way; as soon as she stared them she clapped both her hands to her mouth and started running towards them.
"John, what are you doing?" the woman asked, and gave Misty an apologetic glance.
"Police officer Marsha! This girl intruded in this police-only area for unknown reasons. As you must know police officer Marsha, in book five of 'Laws of the Johto Region' it says precisely in chapter 27, passage 12, line 42 : 'No civilian and/or Pokemon can pass through an area were there was previously an act against the law'. This girl has broken this law, but no severe action can be made thanks to her underage status. But, her parents and/or guardians will be phoned and hopefully question her discipline. This is for her own good, the good of Blackthorn, and most importantly - the good of Johto!" he finished in a booming voice.
Misty dared to sneak a glance at the police woman, which to her surprise, was attempting to avoid rolling her eyes; she crossed her arms across her chest and sighed in exasperation.
"I'll just take it from here, shall I?" she said in a tone that meant not to argue with her. She grabbed Misty's shoulder but not as hard as the other grouchy policeman.
Misty could still hear the other policeman reciting paragraph after paragraph of rules of every law book he could think about; but the woman who was steering Misty, placed a hand over her ear in a vain attempt to block out his ramblings.
When they were at the very edge of the clearing and thankfully couldn't hear the policeman, the woman turned around to face Misty.
"Miss, even though Officer John might be a tad extreme with rules, he was quite right about the poor conduct you have shown by crossing the security line," she said in a strict tone of voice, but Misty could've sworn that her lips turned up slightly.
"Yes officer," she said, faking gloominess into her voice. Misty knew perfectly well that this policewoman wasn't going to take charges, but Misty wasn't going to take any chances.
"Well...I'm afraid I have to call your parents. Should've thought better than crossing the line," the policewoman said with a slight apologetic tinge in her statement.
"But I -" Misty interrupted herself before she could argue. The police cop obviously would have to bring Misty along to headquarters were they would call her sisters; and as far as Misty knew, they would probably forget this little incident after 10 minutes. But that wasn't why Misty wanted to go to police headquarters - the man who somehow was framed by Haruka and led to believe that he had burnt the whole field and killed 12 people - was also there. A plan was starting to hatch in Misty's head; she'll have to somehow interrogate Mark Stevens by evading the policewoman who wanted to call her sisters. Or let her call her sisters and then try to find Mark. It wasn't going to be easy - not at all - but Misty wasn't one of those kinds of people who let things go and not do something about it. She wasn't going to let him rot in a little, moldy cell while Haruka was probably eating a hearty lunch. Misty would prefer to be damned than letting that injustice carry out.
"Yes officer," Misty repeated again, glad that the police cop couldn't see what she was thinking about.
The policewoman cocked one of her eyebrows upward in suspicion but didn't say anything else. They both reached her police car and Misty tried to look as resentful and angry when she got in; she couldn't afford to look eager to enter the car.
Police officer Marsha didn't notice a thing.
***
5:25 P.M
Ash was deeply hurt. Not in a physical way, no. But in a pure emotional way that hurt even more than all of Ash's falls, scratches, bites, fries, cuts, bashes, slaps, and electrocutions that he ever received in his whole entire life.
And that was very, very, very painful indeed.
He didn't know what hurt him most: If it was that they were obviously hiding a very big secret and wouldn't tell him for some reason, or the way they wanted him out of the house - like some poor, flea-covered Growlithe that their owners didn't want anymore.
He clamped his teeth together and curled his hands into fists until his nails were digging deeply into his palms - and this somehow made him feel better. Ash wasn't used to this kind of pain; it was so different than when he suffered all those accidents (and incidents) in his journey. He'd grit his teeth and bear the pain with his head high and continue on, overcoming all further obstacles that were in his way.
But what was he supposed to do now?
He had no clue how to carry this injury that was currently planted in his heart. Did he have to go back now and order everyone for answers until they gave him? Ask everyone to apologize to him? No, that wouldn't work, it would only make matters worse than they were and it would leave him to hurt more. The only kinds of injuries that could barely reach this (and he would consider less than barely) might be some of the fights he had with Misty. Oh, they fought a lot and he almost always let her insults carry on with the wind, but those remarks that did get to him would make him angry at her for a couple of hours until both of them would cool off and forget it.
No apologies, they never reached that point. Ever.
So here he was - dejectedly walking to the Pallet mountain range, where he was currently searching for the crazy old woman who brought him here. He hoped that the old lady hadn't gone too far in the Pallet Mountains or else he'd had to search for her for days or even weeks.
Pikachu tried with all his efforts to try and cheer him up, but Ash rudely pushed away the comforting paw that Pikachu placed bracingly on his cheek; Pikachu then settled down on top of Ash's hat with a sigh, ears drooping in defeat.
Ash felt slightly ashamed at the way he treated Pikachu's attempts at cheering him up but at that moment he only wanted to find the old lady and get back to Blackthorn.
After what seemed like hours (though he wasn't so sure it was that long), Ash finally saw the grand mountains of Pallet. Many people would prefer other more majestic-looking mountains and valleys than those found in Pallet - but Ash would object on that - used to slide down these lands with a wooden board he made himself a couple of years before he left on his Pokemon journey. As he looked back on these memories, Ash thought how much he loved Pallet Town and didn't care what ill other people spoke of his hometown.
More fond memories of his upbringing in Pallet carried Ash and Pikachu to the very edge of the Pallet Mountains where they were just beginning. Ash was just a tiny little Caterpie compared to the full height the mountains rose, but Ash still remembered the old paths he used to take up towards the mountain trails and that made him feel a little taller.
He chose to take one path that led to a partly hidden lake that many did not know about because a boulder hid the entrance that lead to it. He found that semi-secret passage at the age of 9 by the help of a Cubone he had befriended by offering some Pokemon grub that he had carried in his pocket at that time.
Ash was soon reaching the familiar boulder that still hasn't been moved by anyone else in years. He called out Bayleef from her PokeBall and she appeared with a flash, smiling the same warm smile she showed when Ash was near her.
"Could you please move this rock, Bay?" Ash asked her with one of his winsome smiles.
Bayleef nodded eagerly and wrapped her long vines around the large boulder. Grunting with effort, she managed to push the rock with enough room for passage. Bayleef composed herself, not wanting to let Ash now that moving that rock took effort.
Ash just smiled secretly at this cover. "Good work Bayleef. Return."
With Bayleef safely confined in her PokeBall, Ash ventured forth into the musty cave. It was pitch dark and a smell of damp fungus - unfortunately - filled his nose. Ash knew the cave wasn't very long and he was grateful for that because he couldn't stop sneezing thanks to all the Spinarak webs in the way. After a few minutes he was able to see bright sunlight, so he stepped out gladly out of the tunnel and was faced by sunshine.
It was just as wonderful as it had been 7 years ago. The peaceful blue surface of the lake still seemed to be pure and untouched by humans; the trees that looked like giants when he was smaller were still as majestic as ever - Ledians often found their nests here and decorated the trees like Christmas decorations with the glowing, red spots on their backs. The caverns that scared him when he was young were farther away than the prairies and the enormous lake. That would be Ash's first place were he would search; Meowths and Persians were abundant in dark places. If he couldn't find her in this place, he would need desperate measures to get back to Blackthorn. The Pallet Mountains would take months and months to walk and even more to search for such a small lady who was, unfortunately, a crazy pilot and would like to explore a lot.
Ash began to jog over there; curious Pokemon came out of their burrows and nests to stare at one of the few humans they've seen in their lives. Others cowered away from Ash - strange things usually lead to trouble. Pikachu was trying to chat away with them but they just gave him the cold shoulder and nasty glares. Pikachu climbed back to Ash's head with a depresses 'Pika'.
After Ash finally arrived on the nearest cavern, he took out his lantern from his backpack and flicked it on. It was far scarier than the dingy little tunnel he just came through. This cavern was more than enormous - the flashlight's beam wasn't helping much. Ash got further and further away from the bright light that was outside and he was becoming more and more unsettled. Ash had found millions of small Pokemon bones littered all over the cavern and that had not appeased his cold dread.
Pikachu's ears pricked up and he started telling Ash something.
"Pikapi! Pika Pikachu Pika kachu ka!"
"Something up ahead? Ok then, Pikachu...be prepared for everything," Ash whispered fearfully.
They slowly turned the corner. Only darkness greeted them.
"Guess there's noth-"
"AAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
They both froze with their hair standing on the end.
"Pi-pikachu? What...what was that?" Ash mumbled in alarm. There couldn't possibly be a monster here, could it?
Pikachu didn't respond. He was hidden under Ash's cap trembling violently, making Ash quiver in return.
Ash gulped. "We-well...we won't know what was that unless we check it out...right?"
Pikachu, who was still under his cap gripped Ash's hair very hard in respond.
"HEY! Ow! Pikachu don't do that!" Ash said loudly. Very loudly.
"KKKKKKKKKAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Ash grabbed his cap - Pikachu and all - and started hugging him fiercely.
"O-o-o-ok! Maybe that wa-wasn't one of my mo-most brilliant ideas..."
"Pi-pikachu!" came out Pikachu's muffled reply. But his ears perked up again from under his hat.
"PIKAPI! Pikachu pika ka kachu Pika! KAPIKA!" Pikachu screamed.
"Wha-what do-do y-you m-mean y-you hear footsteps?" Ash said with a very noticeable hint of horror in his voice.
And Pikachu was right.
Drip...Drip...Drip...
The sound of footsteps on wet floor.
Drip. Drip.
It was heading towards them! Pikachu was clutching Ash's jacket very tightly as a gesture of pure fear.
Drip. Drip.
It was getting louder! Ash hurriedly searched for the flashlight he had dropped earlier. He found it. But the batteries didn't work anymore.
Drip. Drip.
"We ha-have to fi-fight it Pika-pikachu. No use letting it get us hu-huddled in a co-corner." Ash said quietly. Pikachu almost sobbed when he heard this.
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
"Pikachu if we die fighting I want to let you know that you're the greatest pal I had!" Ash said trying to hide the tremor in his tone. Pikachu smiled a little but he didn't let go of Ash's leg.
Drip-Drip. Drip-Drip. Drip-Drip. Drip-Drip.
It was running towards them! Pikachu let go of Ash's leg and tried to appear brave. He failed.
Drip-Drip. Drip-Drip. Drip-Drip. Drip- Drip. Drip-Drip. Drip-Drip. Drip-Drip.
Ash and Pikachu were both tense. Ash grabbed one of his PokeBalls from his belt, in case Pikachu couldn't handle the thing alone.
Drip.
That's when the monstrous creature appeared to them.
"Well if it ain't the young rascal!"
ZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAPPPPPPP!!!
The old lady was fried from her rough military boots to her grizzled, cabbage-smelling hair. The Persian alongside her didn't look in a better state. Pikachu, utterly relieved to see the old woman smiled apologetically with one of his paws behind his head in embarrassment.
"Oh Shashooka! Are you ok, my wuvely widdle furball?" the old lady cooed. Her gaze turned icy when she stared at Pikachu.
"Shashooka? Are you telling me that you're long-lost Meowth evolved into a Persian, screeched like hell had frozen over and scared the living daylights out of us because we thought it was a bloodsucking beast trying to get us?!" Ash yelled exasperatedly.
"Oh don't listen to them, my cute pussy cat! They are vewwwwwwwy mean people." And the old lady placed both of her gnarled hands on either side of its ears. Ash felt so annoyed that he could've yanked all of his hair in one try.
"Could you pleaseeeeeee get me back to Blackthorn? I would like to get there as fast as I could." Ash said as politely as he could without gritting his teeth.
"Hmm, but young'n I think it's a tad bit earlier than we were supposed to leave!" she replied indignantly.
"How do you know if it's dark in here? For all you know it could be nighttime," Ash responded, proud at his witty remark. At least he thought it was witty.
"All righ', all righ'... Come on Shashooka, you're gonna love the pwesent I have for you! For the pwettiest Persian in the world!" the old lady said in a sickeningly babyish voice.
The strange group was almost out of the dark tunnel Ash and Pikachu had come earlier when a thought struck like lightning to him.
"How did you get into those caverns anyway? I thought I was the only one who could find this place!" Ash practically pouted.
The old woman laughed. "Kids these days...Just look over there!"
She pointed to a rocky road that was in the other side of the mountains surrounding the place. Ash face-faulted in response. He really thought that the tunnel he found when he was little was the only entrance. He was so proud of his own little achievement...
"Oh." Ash said simply.
After a while, they arrived to the 'airplane' which was stationed quite close to the magnificent place they had been earlier and could've easily been spotted earlier. Ash felt once again like a moron; a feeling he felt often in his childhood and didn't lighten up his bad mood.
The strange group reached the plane and climbed up the ladder (the old lady carried the lazy Persian with one arm). The smell that greeted Ash and Pikachu almost made them pass out.
Rotting fish don't go well with heat.
Its odor was so disgustingly intensifying that Ash grabbed his cap and covered his nose. Pikachu was looking horribly green and was swaying disturbingly on his legs. In normal circumstances, Ash would've felt worried about him. But his food was gurgling up to his mouth and he was afraid that he'd spill his decomposed breakfast on the floor.
"Uh...Pikachu?" Ash asked tentatively when his food was in its correct place.
Pikachu headed to the corner and vomited his guts out. Ash wanted to make sure Pikachu was all right but the smell got better of him and he stayed in his place.
"Hope...you're all right." Ash managed to say, trying not to join Pikachu in the barf fest.
But while the both of them were suffering, Shashooka was in heaven. He pounced on a large Magikarp and bit into its hard scales. He was able to rip it apart easily; apparently Persians' teeth are strong enough to rip scales apart that were as strong as steel.
"We'll reach Blackthorn by ten o' clock or a bit earlier," she called to them. Then the old lady watched Shashooka like a mother would watch her child sputtering his first word. Shashooka purred back at her through a mouthful of odorous fish.
Ash swore to himself quietly one thing.
He would never get on another airplane as long as he lived.
*
5:46 P.M
Misty tried to act like a tantrum-throwing child when they arrived at the police headquarters. She didn't want to admit that it came easily to her but...it did. The police officer named Marsha was trying very hard to be patient but the muscle twitching at the corner on her mouth meant that the end result was going to be very ugly.
Inside the building a very clean marble floor awaited their feet, around them the walls were painted in a strong dark blue color. There was only a single light bulb that was used to illuminate the entire room which - Misty thought - was to create even more shadows and make the room even more menacing to criminals at night. A long polished desk was the main thing in the room and made the worn leather seats seem puny. All of this was intimidating to say the least and the hawk-eyed lady who Misty swore was John's long lost sister didn't make things better.
"Police officer Marsha," she said immediately in a crisp voice. "What is this young lady in for?" she said eyeing Misty with obvious distaste. Misty had to control the urge to punch her in the face.
"Just minor matters, thanks for asking Eliza," but the way her mouth formed a very thin line contradicted what she said.
"Fine then, please continue," the snotty woman named Eliza broke eye contact but just after shooting Marsha a poisonous look. She started to write something on a very official-looking paper with an air of superiority.
"That old bitch," police officer Marsha whispered very softly, but Misty heard her and stifled a laugh.
They headed towards a door labeled 'POLICE ONLY'. It was very, very, very different from the main hall.
Piles of pieces of paper littered the muddy floor where police officers paced back and forth talking on walkie-talkies, shouting at their partners, taking a break to get a hot cup of coffee, or dictating things so other police officers could write in their computers. Sobs could be heard from the many poster covered offices. Misty could see a policeman ignoring the weeping robber and waiting for a confession. Almost nobody paid attention to Marsha and Misty.
And Misty preferred it that way.
The policewoman Marsha lead Misty to some phones that hung on the wall in a row. Misty gulped. She didn't plan very well on how to ditch her and she was thinking on a good excuse. None came. Only the most pathetic and weakest excuse ever - but she was desperate enough to use it.
"Err...can I go to the bathroom?" Misty asked.
Marsha was opening her mouth to reply when a young, frantic policeman ran over to them.
"Marsha, Marsha!" he panted heavily and tried to lead her into a secluded corner.
"What is it Kyle? What's wrong?" Marsha asked in an agitated voice when she was sure that nobody will bother them.
He took a few gulps of air and continued. "Team Rocket...we think we found one of Giovanni's bases...Goldenrod City...Pedro said that many ex-members were going there...strange things happening over there, Marsha...5 people were kidnapped over there this week...Officer John just called us over, says we should check out..." he said in a low rushed voice. Kyle sat on the nearest chair to relax.
"Team Rocket!" Marsha practically shouted. Kyle shushed her. Marsha lowered her voice. "We haven't heard from them in months, could this be...? We have to get to Goldenrod as fast as we can!"
Kyle nodded calmly. "Yeah. Pack your things. We're going there the first thing on the morning." He noticed Misty for the first time. "Who's she?"
"Nothing serious. She crossed the police line around the field that was burnt earlier. I'm about to call her parents; can't have kids doing those kind of things." Marsha nodded in Misty's direction.
Policeman looked like he was going to laugh. "Pfft...Come on, Marsha! I didn't know you were that severe. What you need to do is focus on more important things than kids walking over lines. Heck, if I had to do call every kid's parents for crossing lines I'd be the most unpopular policeman among Blackthorn kids." He shook his head in amusement. But he turned serious almost immediately. "Concentrate on packing today. We have a very rough day tomorrow." Kyle left, but Misty was grateful at her chance of freedom.
Marsha stared at Misty then sighed. "Fine, kid. You win. You can go home. I'll lead you out."
Misty tried her lame excuse again. "Can I go to the bathroom before I leave?"
Marsha waved a hand distractedly at Misty. "Yeah, yeah, yeah...hallway over there," she pointed to an elongated hallway on Misty's right. "Fifth door on the left." And with that she gave Misty a little slip of paper where she wrote something and left.
The little paper said 'Permission for bathroom'. Misty went to the hallway the policewoman indicated her. She was sweating with nervousness but tried to act casual about it. The next part of her plan was the hardest thing. Find the innocent guy who was framed by Haruka.
It was far easier said than done.
The hallway was very long and the fifth door seemed to be very far away. When she reached it, Misty opened the door to be met by a disgusting smell of waste. She closed the door rapidly and saw the sign that said 'OUT OF ORDER'. This made things a bit easier, if someone found her sneaking in hallways she could always say that she was looking for a usable bathroom. Misty wasn't too sure that someone could buy her tale.
Nobody was walking on the hallway. Misty checked doors that were on the left and right side of the hallway. Most of the were open so she peeked at the gaps and looked at the next door when she was sure the man she was looking for was not in it.
"Oh, I give up," Misty said to herself grudgingly as she reached the last door.
The last door was a room that had some stairs that were leading downstairs and another pair of stairs that were leading upstairs. Misty entered the room, very careful at closing the door. Misty went downstairs, placing her feet very slowly at each step. She noticed the heavy metal door that was open ajar .When Misty was downstairs she was faced to another kind of hallway.
Her search was over.
Each room had a big glass window where people could see inside each additional room and look at the prisoners. And one of them contained the person Misty was looking for, staring blankly at a cop who was speaking to him.
"Bingo," Misty said softly, behind something she knew was big enough to leave her unseen. But it was going to be very hard to get to him. Police cops were all around the hallway talking and heading to different rooms to check on the prisoners. The policeman who talked to the innocent man took him to another door that was inside the room. When he was sure the prisoner was inside, he locked the door. He left the room entirely and he also locked the door.
"Oh, that's just great," Misty muttered behind the giant plant pot which served as her temporary hiding place.
The policeman who had just gotten outside was talking to another one. "He won't say anything. Just stares at me like I was just a blank wall or something."
"I know, the only comprehendible thing he said was 'be careful...fire...destruction...end...save us'. Guess the guy was traumatized by what he did, though I'm not saying he didn't deserve that," the other cop said shaking his head while Misty boiled with anger in her hiding place.
One of the policemen left and went to a normal door at the end, leaving the guy who interviewed the poor man behind. The other policemen were leaving the hallway entirely and entering the same door that the other policeman was already in.
"Hey Martin, Hurry up! Don't want to miss the break do you?" one of the policeman asked the interrogator of Mike and disappeared behind the door where a lot of laughing could be heard even from the other end of the hallway where Misty was hidden.
"Yeah, yeah...I'm coming." He stared at the transparent glass for a long time and didn't move to join his pals. This was Misty's opportunity. She didn't know what the consequences were going to be, but she was going to do it.
Misty called Poliwhirl out.
"This is just plain crazy, Poliwhirl...but we have no other choice! Punch him in the head!" she ordered. Poliwhirl swiftly ran over to the police cop and punched him with all his might. The police man didn't react in time and dropped unconscious, just when Misty realized the severity of what she did.
"We-well, better hide him," she stuttered to herself, but a white, intense light got her attention. Poliwhirl was a sphere of radiant brightness that was changing shape and growing bigger and bulkier - after a few seconds in which the light grew dimmer and dimmer and Polytoad looked at her happily.
"Toad!" He said in a deeper and throatier voice and clapped his hands in satisfaction.
Misty smiled at him proudly but didn't do anything else. She had to hide the police officer before anyone spotted them.
She hauled the police officer with all her strength. Misty was surprised that it wasn't too hard to drag him, but realized that he was very skinny and felt as light as a feather. She hid him behind the dying plant that served as her previous hiding place. Misty clumsily took all the keys she could find from him and with a racing heart opened the door that led to Mark Stevens.
There wasn't anything interesting except a fairly long bench. And the door. She took some keys out of her pocket and tried them on the keyhole. Misty was getting desperate as she One of them was the right one and with a sweaty palm she turned the door knob.
It was fairly dark and the room was small by Misty's standards. She closed the door quietly. Mark Stevens was sitting silently, he had shaggy brown hair that draped around his face like a dirty curtain. His eyes, they were so dark with torment that they looked like a man with soulless eyes. She shivered at the memory; Misty tried to stuff it away at the back of her mind but Mark looked like a living corpse. His face was a papery color and his mouth was curved downward in a depressing arch. Mark's skin was a dull peach color with so many deep wrinkles that it appeared to be scars made with a sharp dagger. His arms and most of his body was covered tightly in a white straightjacket - he wasn't making any attempt at freeing himself. He looked at her with unemotional eyes.
There was an eternal silence in which both of them stared at each other with unblinking eyes, until Misty spoke without thinking carefully of her words. "You're innocent."
He shifted a little in his seat. In a clear voice that directed a chilling certainty he answered. "I am not."
"You were framed, and I'm going to set you free," she whispered to the man who was unable believe his innocence. Oh, Misty was going to convince him all right....
His eyes turned that of a frightened wounded animal. "You are mad. If I get my freedom I will do it again. I won't hurt anybody anymore. You hear that!" his pitch rose then he broke off, lost in his own hateful world of imaginary monsters.
"Another person did it. She brainwashed the minds of those who were near you, but not my own. I'm the only witness who saw her burn the whole field and kill all of those innocent people," Misty replied, but it did even more damage to him than reassure him.
His haunted eyes lined with tears even Misty could see in the poor light. "It was me...I burnt the field...I killed my partners in cold blood. IT WAS ME YOU HEAR, I KILLED THEM ALL!" he roared, believing his own harsh words. Mark stopped abruptly and started to rock back and forth sobbing loudly and wailing incomprehensible words which tore Misty's heart in two.
"Hey, hey, it's ok -" Misty reassured him in a low voice hoping that the room was soundproof.
"-You have to believe in me...Please! This girl...I don't know how she did it, but she can control fire...she burnt the whole field and killed your friends with a ball of fire. You didn't have any Fire Pokemon with you because you're a firemen - you guys are never allowed to have them in working hours. Also, how could you have burnt a whole field with that small gasoline container? It's impossible! Then how could you have killed 12 people with that small amount, huh? Those poor people would've known if you sprayed them gasoline or something flammable on them - and what about the witnesses? They would've stopped you from doing that and accuse you a lot earlier. But they didn't, did they?" Misty finished in a rush. She was babbling; Misty always did that when she was nervous or frantic.
The man who aged so much in such a short period of time in which his life was crashing down, spoke words that surprisingly contained bitter amusement. "I think you're the one who needs the straightjacket more than me." He grinned crookedly at her.
Misty couldn't believe what she heard and stared at him with determination. "You're the most selfish man I have ever known." She felt delighted in his reaction and let some seconds go by so the bold words could register in his brain. "Yes, you are because you can't accept my words, and you'll bring your family such grief and utter disappointment that your body as well as your soul will always be unrest. Do you want see the fire in your dreams for the rest of your life, suffering at night as well as daytime? You'll never distinguish reality from your nightmares. Is that what you really want, believing lies and paying the high price that should pay another person - for the rest of your life? If you want to rebuild your life - believe my words. If not...then you have my deepest sympathies and you can rot in your cell for the rest of your life without the opportunity of suicide - which would be your only escape." Misty was so astonished at her words as much as the man. She immediately regretted her choice of words once the last syllable passed her lips. Misty always had the knack of
The silence that surrounded them was absolutely piercing. It enveloped them like damp, thick blanket of noiseless space. Misty was afraid that with her words she would've lost the only opportunity at a chance to talk to Mark. The silence was overbearing but she didn't dare break it.
"Yes," he said at last with quaver in his voice, proof of the unmistakably nearness of approaching tears. "Yes, I'll...accept - though I don't know what I'm accepting. Yes - I accept your unbelievable story...but I don't believe it..." Misty was about to protest when he continued. "...yet I have a lot to lose and I have no one else to help me. So, please...help me..." and he broke down completely lost in his own personal sorrow. Tears trailed down his dirty, pale cheeks with such a magnitude that his whole body shook and for the first time, tried to break free from his white clothed prison. He fell from his bed with a soft bump while he still wailed uncontrollably, drowning in a pool of desperation.
Misty couldn't help the two small tears that fell slowly to her small, yellow shirt. But she hid them well. He needed her strength - she couldn't afford showing weakness.
Misty helped the anguished man to sit, but he laid his head on her shoulder, a gesture that searched for comfort and protection from an unknown and invisible enemy only he could only see. Misty could feel the warm tears sliding down her shoulders and Mark's rough cheek that scratched Misty's cheek irritably. Misty tentatively placed a consoling hand on his back which quieted his sobs a little. She hugged him, a man that was suffering from his hallucinations and dark mind. A man who was much older than Misty, who experienced10 times more things in his life than her, and never met before the scrawny redheaded girl before in his life.
Yet he, Mark Stevens, a mature adult that doubled her in age, shared his grief on the shoulder of Misty, a 16 year old girl who was cradling him and giving hope he thought he lost.
*
7:09 P.M
Brock watched with enamored glazed eyes as Haruka kept on talking and talking. He didn't know what exactly she was talking about - but it didn't matter. She was focusing all her attention on him, and as long as she moved those delicate cherry lips he would be happy.
They had just come out of the kitchen with a batch of freshly baked cookies. Brock had been tempted to eat one of them but Haruka slapped his hands playfully when he was close to grabbing one of them. She said that they were baked especially for Misty since she hadn't gone out of her room in hours and would be very hungry.
They were both heading back to Misty's room, it was a while since she made any kind of noise. Brock hoped that Misty hadn't escaped the room or anything along that style. Maybe she was sleeping but that was as likely as Ash eating just one serving of food.
"I hope Misty hadn't escaped or anything, even though I would've done the same thing in her place," Brock muttered quietly. It was Haruka's idea to place Misty in their room so she could relax properly. Haruka heard his remark and turned her head swiftly to face him.
"It's for her own good Brock. I know it seems a bit extreme to place an Electabuzz to patrol outside her door, but if you were me, Brock, and somebody just told you that you killed 12 people and burned a whole field without a trace of proof...what would you do?" Haruka questioned in her own straightforward way that only she could. It made Brock feel chills down his spine.
In a good way.
"I guess you do have a point there," Brock surrendered. He barely knew Haruka for less than a day and he already felt that he could never win an argument with her.
Haruka smiled sweetly at him. "Oh, sorry Brock. I didn't mean to sound so rude. It's just that...it hurt to hear those comments from someone I wanted to meet for such a long time."
Brock stared at her. A question had just popped from his mind. "Why did you want to meet Misty so badly? I mean...she isn't famous or anything," a statement that would be foolish to say if the sentence reached Misty's ears.
Haruka looked like lightning had struck her. It was only for a mid-second, but it was there. She composed herself and flashed Brock another of her sweet smiles.
"You don't know how much I have heard about her. I know all her story; how her sisters mistreated her and how she was always the little runt who never had any spotlight. Her love for water Pokemon and the ocean itself... How she ran away from home one day and met a boy who she followed. Though I don't know that part very clearly. Why did she follow you anyway?" she asked Brock.
Brock just smiled politely at her confusion. "I wasn't the one she followed! It was my friend, see? He stole her bike to get faster to a Pokemon Center because his Pikachu was in critical condition. But the same Pikachu busted her bike to save him from a flock of Spearows. It's really a wacky story. My friend isn't here - he's back home visiting his grandparents, but his name is A- " Brock was interrupted by some grunting noises coming from a closet.
He instinctively stood in front of Haruka protectively and approached the closet with caution. Haruka almost tripped over a rubber ducky on the floor. A kid must've forgotten it even if it was a strange place to drop it.
Brock gulped a few times and opened the door very fast. He was very surprised at what he saw even though he felt foolish at not thinking that Misty would do something like what he was seeing.
A duct-taped Electabuzz was staring at him with half-opened eyes and a huge lump was on top of his head. He was coming around and his eyes were adjusting to light he hadn't seen in hours.
Brock couldn't tell what Haruka's expression was in the dim light. But in the next moment she ran with great speed to their dormitory and kicked the door open, almost ripping it out of its hinges. She didn't even drop a single cookie in all this violent display.
He hesitantly went to see inside the room. Togepi was sleeping peacefully, hugging Misty's favorite Tentacool doll with a cute little satisfied smile on his face. Torchic was sleeping, resembling an orange football. It looked like no one had been in the room except for Togepi and Torchic. The sheets weren't even rumpled, a clear sign of her escape. Brock was a bit frustrated but he knew she would be back. Maybe Misty was out shopping or sightseeing. Brock hid a grin, it was amusing the ways she would keep her independence.
But someone was definitively not amused.
Brock again couldn't decipher her expression. Her face was hidden behind all the thick, shiny brown hair. But there was something about her posture and the way she gripped the tray of cookies with hands shaking in fury that she was not at all happy. Haruka snapped her fingers and Torchic instantly awoke and stared at Haruka with guikty eyes. Haruka returned Torchic back into his PokeBall without another word.
"Do you want a cookie Brock. They're still fresh!" Haruka chirped. It was so sudden, so unexpected at this moment when just seconds before she seemed ready to punch someone. Haruka lifted her cookie tray even higher and batted her eyelashes in a way he couldn't resist. Brock was so bewildered he took a cookie without question. The cookie tasted great. It's warm doughiness and sweetness filled his mouth. He wanted to comment on the excellent cookies but a yawn escaped his mouth.
"Brock, you seem so tired. Come lie down for a minute it will do you good." Brock wanted to protest, but an even longer yawn escaped his mouth.
"Yeah...that sounds good," Brock said tiredly. His eyes felt like lead and it was hard enough just to respond to her. Sleep, now he knew why Misty liked to sleep so early. The bed seemed at this moment like the most important thing in the world.
Haruka fluffed his pillow and covered him in a thick blanket. "Yeah, that's it Brockie. Don't you worry now...I'll find Misty and bring her back, ok?"
The last thing Brock saw before he went to slumber land was Haruka blowing him a coquette kiss and closing the door quietly.
*
7:59 P.M
Her life was getting on splendidly. She had work that paid her very well, and the job itself was very exciting and adventurous with high risks, nonetheless, but exciting. She had absolute free reign when she socialized with people in her own unique way. There was nothing better than the adrenalin that filled her when she was on some special task with the rest of her companions and the large mounds of money she received each time she did well on her job. And the generous amount of money the citizens gave them very willingly for each successful mission. They sometimes liked to give away their Pokemon as a sign of gratitude and they always are always so joyful to join them.
It was a very fulfilling life.
Her long, blue hair that she changed a week earlier, was tied in a neat white ribbon that fell down her shoulder. She had bright green eyes that had blue eye shadow on, that sparkled each time money was presented to her. She had pale skin with a small nose and big luscious lips that were painted a lucid pink. She wore very small gold circular earrings and short unpainted nails. Her crisp, yellow and pink uniform was presentable, not even one stain in sight or an edge wrinkled. A nametag was pinned on her upper-left part of her uniform, clearly printed in black letters the name "Melissa" so everyone could see.
"Welcome to the Happy Blissey Corner! May I take your order?" Melissa asked in a sing-song voice.
"Uh, um...Melissa...can I have the Sweet Squirtle Soda with a-" the young boy squinted at the choices "- Cheerful Oddish Burger Surprise? Gee, what kind of stupid name is - " he stopped abruptly. "Er...yeah. I want a Sweet Squirtle Soda with the Oddish Burger Surprise," he said grimacing at the names.
"Coming right up, young man!" Melissa giggled and went to bring the bratty kid his drink and burger that were, thankfully, already made in the back room.
"Here you go! That would be 7.45$, sir!" she stated contentedly as she handed him a tray with his order on it.
He dug in his pocket for the money and brought out some bills and dimes. "Thanks," he replied curtly and went to a nearby table with his tray.
"Stupid kid..." Melissa muttered under her breath and went to the room in the back to have a break.
Melissa didn't meet up with anybody willing to talk to her, which was splendidly fine with her.
Behind a shelf full of greasy pots and pans there was a superficially uninteresting brick wall. She pressed with the 25th brick on the left and the wall slid upwards to reveal a well illuminated entry. Melissa entered and the wall immediately closed up. She walked the long corridor that was far too long for her own taste and fortunately she reached the end of it. A square-shaped, metal, computerized pad on the wall was the only thing in the bland white wall. Melissa placed her hand on top of it and the wall slid upwards like the other brick wall.
The grand, comfortable room was filled with leather sofas and a cozy fireplace illuminated the room. Expensive paintings hung elegantly on the crimson red walls while flickers of shadows moved with a life on its own. At one corner of the room was a mini cafeteria where they served fresh cinnamon buns and doughnuts of every flavor.
Other employees were in the room chatting placidly or sipping hot mugs of coffee or tea. Melissa searched for an empty seat. There were none, so she did the best next thing.
Melissa went over to an unparticular chair and pushed the person on the chair with a strong shove. The poor bastard unfortunately crashed against another girl who was carrying a cup of tea. The girl let out a shrill shriek of surprise and the cup of burning tea that was on her hand landed on the guy's head. He screamed in agony as the hot tea touched his skin, which turned raw red at the contact. He stood up very fast and turned to face the one who dared to push him. A brave but futile move.
"YOU BITCH! What is your fucking problem?!" He snarled incensed, his fists curling and uncurling menacingly, which didn't intimidate Melissa a bit.
Melissa didn't even blink but flashed him a winning smile. "Oh sorry. I just wanted a seat, that's all," she said in a falsely honeyed voice.
"You stupid whore...you're going to pay for that one..." he whispered in threatening silky voice. He raised his fist and punched her without any warning and giving no thought that she was a woman. The crowd that had surrounded them, curious at all the commotion, gasped in unity.
Melissa sidestepped easily to the left and avoided his blow completely. Agitated that his punch didn't land on his target, he tried it again with even more force and speed. She stuck her foot out and he tripped and landed face-first on the luxurious rug. He was embarrassed, but his rage was greater than his embarrassment and tried quick punches to her face.
She blocked all his punches easily but she was growing irritated and decided to end this bothersome 'fight'.
He tried to punch her yet again but she dived under his arm and stood up until she was only inches from his face. His stunned surprise gave her a few seconds and Melissa grabbed both of his shoulders to push herself high enough and lift her foot directly at his nose.She swiftly kicked him and with a disgusting crunch he went flying across the floor directly to the surprised crowd. Some people who were unhurt tried to help the dazed people on the floor. The guy's nose was a broken bloody mess and he stared at her with fearful eyes instead of the previously irate ones.
Melissa walked over to him and the scared crowd stepped away from her waiting another confrontation. She detached the nametag from her uniform and turned it around to show what was behind that nametag. His eyes were very open now and staring at her with a very frightened expression.
"I-I-I di-didn't know it wa-was y-you, m'la-lady! If I-I ha-had kno-known it-it was you I would have never...would have not...lay a s-s-single hand on y-you! P-please h-have mercy!" he cried out in panic. Melissa sneered in disgust and grabbed his shirt by the neck. She glared at him for a second or two, though it seemed like hours to him and without any notice she smashed her knee painfully into his lower regions. The guy's eyes filled with pathetic tears and he closed his legs tightly and moaned in excruciating suffering.
"It's lucky for you I was in a good mood or otherwise you wouldn't have been so fortunate. Consider this the day that you accomplished the biggest achievement of your life. 'Why?' you might foolishly ask me. Well, I only left you with broken balls which is quite an attainment...since I could've killed you on the spot - though I was quite surprised you had any balls in the first place," she jeered at him and sat triumphantly on the comfy leather chair.
The intimidated crowd left the room rapidly and one kind, yet idiotic soul helped the beaten guy off the floor and carried him to the exit. Melissa grinned, her spirits and good mood increased quite noticeably and she plopped her feet on the settee.
Something got Melissa's attention: A blond-haired man she never seen before but seemed a bit familiar tried to fight the panicked crowd that was forming in the entrée.
"What the hell is going on here?! Why is everybody running a- " he managed to enter the elegant common room and caught a glimpse of the defeated wuss who was causing quite a strain to carry for the idiot who was carrying him. He stopped in mid-sentence when he saw who was in the room. The blond-haired man closed the door when there was nobody else in the room except the two of them. When he turned to grin at her, Melissa recognized him with surprise and grinned in return.
"Why I should've known that it was you who caused that unfortunate incident, Cassidy," he smiled amused and sat commodiously on the couch. He slipped his boots from his feet that landed with a heavy clunk.
"Oh you know, the usual, Butch. The asshole pissed me off badly and I just gave him a piece of his own medicine, though the bastard actually had the nerve to try to hit me. Good thing I was on a good mood or he wouldn't even be conscious now," she stated matter-of-factly. She watched his hair for a while and commented. "Well, seems you wanted to impress one of those brainless blondes you always fake to drool at in headquarters to hide the fact that you're gay, of course. Which is the unlucky one to have you as her boyfriend?" she asked amiably.
He didn't flinch even a bit and sipped on an abandoned warm coffee that someone left untouched. "I wouldn't talk if I were you, Cassidy. With that distasteful blue hair and eye color. You look exactly like one of those cheap sluts who like to show off their mini clothing that could pass off easily as dental floss, just to have a chance to get a good humping - instead of the grandpas that are desperate enough to get laid by you," he retorted cordially, not taking his eyes off the coffee cup.
"My, my, my...seems you are also in a pleasant mood today," Cassidy responded merrily. "But let's get back to serious matters." She searched for any eavesdroppers with suspicious eyes. "I don't think this room is private enough, follow me," and she got up with a suddenly quiet Butch following her.
They hurried out of the room and any meddling member who watched them, was met by a glacial glare by Cassidy and they soon pretended to lose interest in them, afraid of their well-being.
After walking for several long minutes in silence they arrived at a grand office (just after the guards stared at Butch stonily) with commodious looking blue velvet wrapped chairs. A long oak desk was the main eye-catching furniture because of its extended size. Rows and rows of books placed in many shelves covered the whole back wall adding the room an air of professionalism.
"Ah, here we are. We're not expecting any visitors and I hope you will leave us unperturbed by kicking out any unwelcome guests. Don't let anyone enter this room, got it?" the guard shook their heads rapidly and stood guard over the door. Cassidy and Butch entered and closed it behind slowly.
"Ok Cassidy, I hope that what you have to say is important. I don't like wasting time, you know," he grumbled snidely though he knew perfectly that Cassidy always said things worth listening.
"As you may obviously be aware of Butch, the boss raised our position in the organization," Cassidy began with Butch listening eagerly. "We're just a step away at being his right hand mans, yet he is still a bit dubious at where our priorities lie. He had no other choice. We know things that could benefit him greatly, but...he still has more trust on Domino as you know. The bitch became his personal slut, as the rumors go and with her high skills in combat and stealth it will be difficult to surpass the position that we're in-"
"Cassidy - as it is regretful to interrupt you, I must comment on this...Why in hell's name are you telling me the painfully clear facts? We're wasting time with retelling facts and we should plan on gaining Giovanni's reliance. Time is very short and I don't know how long it's going to take him to have every single member's corporation in this little suicide plan we think he has. If we don't move swiftly we may never have another chance," he sneered. Cassidy was very annoyed at this interruption, he didn't know her full plan.
"If you had let me finish Butch I would've kindly finished telling my plan," she forgot her annoyance and grinned very cat-like. "Giovanni is planning total world domination as we may recall, right?" Butch nodded. "And he is slowly reaching his goal. He already manipulated and blackmailed 4 different cities to almost complete control. We can't let him dominate any more cities, Butch, that's the main objective. But your pitiful plan on building another organization is quite an impossible goal to reach, Butch. So I'm thinking on a much harder plan, oh it's going to take a lot of planning and it may take time to achieve it...but when the fruits of our plans ripen, no one - and I mean no one - will be able to stop us," Cassidy smiled with clear ambition in her eyes.
"And what exactly do you have in mind, Cassidy?" Butch asked, his interest rising.
"The goal is quite simple to name, really," her smile grew wider, and she began to walk around the room in eager earnest. "How does the idea of taking control of the whole Team Rocket organization sound to you?"
Butch stared at her with a very open mouth for a full minute. "You must be insane," Butch said when he recovered.
"It isn't such a different concept from your older plan, Butch. You see, instead of using the respect and trust of the rest of the members by being the right-hand people of Giovanni to recruit members in a new organization; we would recruit them to form a growing group of loyal recruits to help us overthrow Giovanni and control the whole establishment. We could give them anything they want in exchange of infinite loyalty, besides we have almost all of Team Rocket's resources in our grasp - it shouldn't be to difficult getting what they want. The problem would be how to approach them without exposing ourselves and the possibility of a traitorous act among our ranks," Cassidy crossed out ideas in her head and new ones kept popping each second.
"And - what exactly could make us guarantee the full loyalty of our future members, Cassidy?" Butch smiled sardonically, who was dubious at the idea itself.
"There's got to be some way - I know it Butch!" She waved her hand at the hundreds of books. "One of them should hold the answer for us, Butch. Extreme loyalty...perhaps using blackmail to obtain our means? No, they would hold resentment and hatred toward us and it would backfire in the end. Maybe some kind of old magic...extreme loyalty...there has to be something in those books, about it!" Cassidy yelled furiously. Butch merely grinned.
"Ah...but we don't have all the time in the world, Cassidy. The boss would suspect something and kill us before you even finish reading the last book. And - are you absolutely sure that no one can overhear us?" Butch asked, hiding his worry.
"Don't worry about it. The walls are completely soundproof and no one can place bug equipment in these walls. It's impossible, I'm the only person who can lock or open this door. It's voice activated." Cassidy answered with surety.
"Are you really sure that nobody heard you?" A voice said from behind.
Cassidy and Butch both froze.
Neither of them said that.
**********
Hehehe...my first official cliffhanger. I'm once again sorry about the extremely long wait, but I hope this chapter overrode your frustration. I'm going to answer from now on some reviews at the bottom of each chapter. Thanks, and please keep reviewing!
Amber Myst: *smiles mysteriously* You shall see...
DarkAngelTorchic: *laughs evilly* I'm glad you think of this fic the same way I do. ;)
Raion Hinote: I like your reviews a lot, thanks! Maybe I'll add a little bit of Jesse and James if I can manage to squeeze it (I haven't planned to make Jesse, James and Meowth a big part on this fic - so we'll see). It's too bad you're not into the Pokemon scene anymore...(which is the last episode you watched?)
Zibakura: Sorry I haven't updated earlier. ^^; As for your question...You'll know in a couple more chapters. ;)
lil_washu: I will continue my fic, so don't worry. :) This was just a very long span of time without updating and nothing more.*sheepish grin*