The seaside town of Olivine City was one of activity. A few people
traversed the beaches, enjoying themselves in the bright fall sun, and even
a few were out in the water. Many people were out running errands, stopping
at the local Pokemart, or making good use of the Pokemon Center . Olivine
didn't have many features that made it stand out from the other towns..
with the exception of the lighthouse that stood on the end of the town,
just off the water, at the highest point.
"Wow. People told me that Olivine City was beautiful, but it's even more beautiful than it is in pictures," Mistral swooned, causing a few trainers to steer clear of them as they left for the northern route. "I bet it's even more beautiful when the sun's going down, or when the moon's out. What do you think, Eric? Eric?"
Eric was long past conversations, now. He had a job he had to get done, and he had to get to Whirl Islands before sundown. Mistral hurried to catch up. "What's the rush? I'm sure Edd's alright. You need to be prepared for what you're about to go up against.."
"No need. The Gym Leader's not even here," Eugene's voice muttered, as he moved out of the Pokemart when they passed. "I've been waiting here for two days for Jasmine to come back, but I haven't seen her. People think that she's been kidnapped, but a few locals think she went out for a while. Seems she's been out to the lighthouse more than once for days at a time."
"Have you been out to the lighthouse yet?" Eric asked, turning to look towards the lighthouse. Mistral looked over at Eugene.
Eugene shook his head slowly. "No. Not yet. I figure if she's up there, she has a good reason to be, and I shouldn't be one to intrude. There's no rush, and it lets me get some training in. I got to catch a few Tauros in that last stampede."
Eric turned back to Eugene and Mistral, nodding a bit. "Well, i'm going to go up there. I'm in a bit of a rush."
"Where are you headed?" Eugene asked, leaning back against the wall of the Pokemart, looking over the things in the bag. "Anywhere inparticular? Gonna skip to Cianwood?"
"Well, yeah. You could say that," Eric nodded, turning back towards the lighthouse, and moving downhill, travelling on the path that was designed specifically for those travelling to the lighthouse, and the road connected to most of the other roads in the city. Mistral gave Eugene a wave, and rushed after Eric.
Eugene pulled a Great Ball out of the bag, and looked at the colors on the outside, his reflecting showing clearly. "I hope you know what you're getting yourself into.."
------
The top of the lighthouse was empty, except for a large table, a few chairs, and a small mini-fridge in the corner. If one shopped regularly, it was definetely possible to stay up there for a while, though sleeping would probably be uncomfortable. It seemed the lighthouse's Pokemon was gone, since it wasn't night yet.
"Damn," Eric breathed, plopping down onto one of the chairs provided. He had run up most of the stairs, and it took alot out of him. Mistral stepped up a few moments later, having walked up the stairs.
"Not here, huh?" Mistral asked, moving over to the large lighthouse windows. The sun was beginning to set. She turned around to look at Eric, who was still trying to catch his breath. That, and his chest was starting to ache again. "Well, nevermind that, come here and watch the sunset with me."
Eric stood up, pushing the chair back under the table, and walked over to the window, standing next to Mistral, watching the sun set over the water. It was a majestic sight, but he was distracted from it when Mistral grabbed his hand in hers. "You know, I could stay here forever with you and watch the sunset.."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Eric blinked, glancing over at her. "What's wrong with you?"
"Nothing's wrong with me," Mistral smiled, moving her arms around him, and resting her chin on his shoulder. "I just think that the view's really romantic, and who better to share the sunset with than with a friend, right?"
Eric's eyes wandered from her, to the sunset, shrugging slightly. He could feel her breath against his neck, slightly, and he sighed softly, watching the last of the sun fall beneath the horizon. The light was beginning to dim in the small lighthouse, and the Ampharos of the lighthouse climbed up, stopping, staring at the two people that weren't normally there. Eric tried to shoot a glance back at the Ampharos, but Mistral's hand moved it back looking towards the dimming sunlight. The Ampharos gave a shrug, and began to shine its light, spinning around slowly.
"Are you sure you want to go to Whirl Islands? No-one's ever been there for the longest time," Mistral coaxed him, rubbing her cheek against his. "I mean, they probably took Edd into the caves around the side of Cianwood, where there are sea caves.. It'd make more sense, anyways."
"Why're you being all lovey-dovey all of a sudden? Don't you have a boyfriend?" Eric asked, bringing up a hand, removing her arms from around him, one by one. "Wouldn't want to disappoint him."
Mistral shook her head, and sighed. "Eric, why're you so naive? I don't have a boyfriend. I didn't have any love interest.. I had never been to Cianwood before. You're the first trainer i've met that I actually like.. I mean, you're ambitious, you've done things other trainers haven't, and.."
"And you only love me because of those reasons, yes, i've heard it before-- " Eric muttered, soon cut off as Mistral put a finger to his lips.
"No. I love you because of who you are, and because I want to protect you. If you remember there are only three people who accept you for who you are, not because of what you've done.. well, i'm not quite sure about Eugene, but you know the other two," Mistral explained, smiling at him, wrapping her arms back around him. They were drenched in light for a few moments, before she spoke again. "Believe me, please. Let's avoid the trouble, and go straight to Cianwood and look there."
Eric stared out over the ocean. The light had finally disappeared completely, and the stars were slowly appearing in the night sky. The moon was a half, and it lit up the waters.. and he could just make out what looked like a Mantine jumping out of the water a ways away. "... No. Something's telling me that Whirl Islands is where Edd's being held. You yourself said that the Whirl Islands haven't seen inhabitance for a while.. so what better place to hide?"
"I.. ah.. Eric. Please, let's not.." Mistral muttered into his ear. "Don't be stubborn this time. For me, please."
"That's why i've gotten as far as I have. Being stubborn and persistant.. it's worked so far, so i'm going to Whirl Islands. Do you want to come with me or not?" Eric asked, looking over at her face, which was right next to his, staring out at the ocean. "You can stay here, i'll be back as soon as I find Edd."
Mistral glanced over at him, then nodded. "I'll come with you."
------
At dawn the next day, Eric and Mistral left the Pokemon Center, and moved onto Routes 40 and 41, mainly water, but taken up by jagged rocks and the Whirl Islands in the middle. Since Mistral didn't have a good Pokemon, Eric released his Slowking, which immediately began expressing its dislike of the Pokeball, but agreed soon after to allow Mistral to use him to surf, while Eric flew.
"But you're going to get wet, Mistral. The waters can get cold, and you don't want cold clothes. The suggested course of action would be to simply change into a swim suit, and give Eric your backpack." Slowking suggested, wagging a finger. It reminded Eric somewhat of his mom lecturing him of swimming in the river around this time of year.
"Oh.. alright. Just no peeking, okay?" Mistral muttered, pulling off her pack. She moved behind a cracking boulder, peeking out to make sure they weren't looking, and quickly changed into her bathing suit.. it was a two piece that wasn't very revealing, leaving much to the imagination. It was a satin-red color, and it looked good on her slim frame. "Alright. Let's go. Catch!"
Mistral tossed her backpack to Eric, who caught it, and slipped it on over his shoulder. His Pidgeotto landed next to him, allowing Eric to climb on. "Don't sweat it. Just get me to Whirl Islands, and i'll take it from there."
The Pidgeotto nodded, and flapped its powerful wings, sending sand up into the air around it. Once it got the hang of flying with weight on its back, Eric nodded down to the Slowking. Both Mistral and Slowking ran into the water, and Mistral leapt on its back, and it streaked off towards the south.
"He's not swimming, he's using his psychic power. Alright, let's catch up to them!" Eric grinned, the Pidgeotto diving forward slightly, flying low over the water, using the air currents above the water to keep aloft easier. They soon caught up to Mistral and Slowking, and the Pidgeotto pulled up along broadside. "What's it like surfing, Mistral?"
"Scary. Everytime we hit a wave, he goes flying into the air.. eep!" Mistral squeaked, as the Slowking hit another large wave, going flying into the air. It sailed for a few moments, then hit the water, nearly causing Mistral to lose her grip. "We're coming up to Whirl Islands. If we don't want to contend with the whirlpools, we'll have to jump the jagged rocks!"
The Pidgeotto soared higher into the air, so it was above the jagged rocks. The Slowking jetted straight for them. "Ah! What're you doing, you stupid thing?! You've got to jump them or nullify the Whirlpool! AHHHH!"
At the last possible second, the Slowking used its psychic energy to launch itself into the air over the jagged rocks, landing neatly on the other side, beaching itself on the sandy beach before the darkened entrance. Eric's Pidgeotto landed gently beside them, allowing Eric to climb off. He threw Mistral her backpack, which she slipped on quickly. "Looking good in that bathing suit.. we should go swimming more," Eric nodded, taking the two Pokeballs that belonged to the Slowking and Pidgeotto from his backpack.
"Aw, you gotta be joking. You know how much I hate those things," Slowking protested, wrapping its arms around its chest. "I refuse to go in it."
"Give it a rest. I'll call you if I need you," Eric rolled his eyes, recalling the Slowking and Pigeotto into their rightful Pokeballs. He then shrunk them, and placed them into his backpack. "Alright. Let's go in, then."
Mistral moved up next to him, as he entered the darkened cave. "Are you sure you want to go in? I mean, we can still go back.."
"You're not scared, are you? C'mon. You can't see where you're going, but that makes it all the more fun.. Oh, wait, you're clostrophobic. If you want, you can wait outside," Eric stopped, turning to look at her. "Go ahead. I don't mind."
Mistral stood up on her toes, and looked over his shoulder, her eyes going wide as she saw that shadows approaching. "Ah! Eric, look out!"
Before he could turn, he heard the shuffle, and felt something blunt slam into the back of his head, causing him to fall to the hard rock floor of the islands, his vision blackening. He felt his heart leap in his chest, and he grit his teeth. "Mist.. ral.. run!" Another hit over the head, and he was out like a light.
------
Eric slowly came to, staring at a solid metal wall. His forehead pressed against it, when he moved, and he slowly tried to open his eyes. The wall was cool against his skin.. he reached a hand up to the back of his head, moving his hand infront of his eyes to look. His hand was dry, except for a few flakes of dried blood. The back of his head must've been caked in it, and it felt it. But it didn't feel broken. Probably just a deep cut in the skin.
The cot he was lying in was as hard as a rock, and he wondered why he hadn't awaken sooner. He shifted his weight, slowly standing up, feeling his head give a powerful ache, sitting back down. His surroundings didn't promise much.. he was behind bars, and he wondered for a moment if he had been caught by the police. He didn't hear anything in the way of noise.. it was only him breathing, and moving. He had no window, so the only light he had to look with was a light hanging from the ceiling outside his cell.
He layed back down, laying his head down on the bloodstained pillow.. if you could call it a pillow. Not only was it caked in his own blood, but it seemed to be comprised of three smaller pillows, and could only be called comfortable to maybe a Growlithe or a Meowth. His eyes were beginning to close.. and then he heard footsteps. Unsure if he had gone to sleep and woken up later, since he had no idea of the time, he wasn't sure.
"Ah. It seems you have awaken. It's good to see you up and about, Eric. I'm sorry I couldn't have gotten you cozier accomedations, but this was all I had left. I hope your head isan't hurting too bad.. would you like an asprin?" a dark voice muttered, causing Eric to look up. It sounded like the voice he had had in the dream about Kazin.. but the voice he had heard was much darker. This was the voice of someone else..
"Giovanni?" Eric blinked, startled, as if he couldn't believe his eyes. Here, infront of him, on the other side of the bars, was the only man that was wanted more than he was.. the so-called ex-leader of Team Rocket.
"Even in such a dazed, confused state, you recognize someone you have never met until now. I'm impressed. This is the sort of thing we look for in higher ranking individuals. Maxie was right to suggest that we try to.. recruit you. Anyone who has the balls to take on a group of highly trained Team Magma grunts, and again, later, you defeat one of the same grunts you had encountered before, and two other highly trained grunts.. Needless to say, i'm impressed. I believe one of my administrators told you about what position we have for you here in Team Rocket.." Giovanni smiled, pulling up a chair, moving up close to the bars. Eric struggled to sit up on the cot. A rocket grunt appeared to his boss's left, handing him a glass of water, and two asprin. "Take this. It'll do that headache a world of good."
Eric took the asprin and water, and looked at the name on the asprin.. it was the same brand as he had seen before. It was a maximum strength pain reliever, one of the best in the market at the time. "Thanks," he muttered, popping both of the pills into his mouth, and using the water to swallow them. He drank the entire glass, realizing that his mouth and throat was parched. The relief from the cold water was enough to cause him to close his eyes.
"Now, let's talk business, Eric. You're a trainer aiming to become a Pokemon League Champion?" Giovanni inquired, resting his elbows on his knees, resting his chin on his hands.
"Yeah. I'd ask you how you'd know, but it seems everyone in Johto knows by now. Why do you ask?" Eric muttered sarcastically, handing the glass out towards Giovanni. He reached in, took the glass, and handed it to the same grunt, nodding to him. The grunt saluted him, and scrambled out.. most likely to get more water.
Giovanni nodded a bit, giving a chuckle. "I like your spirit. Anyways, we at Team Rocket respect those decisions, and it would be a shame not to let you tackle the Pokemon League Championships head-on, atleast not with the talent that you have. However, your respect will be less than you'd expect. They don't throw a parade, they don't interview you more than a few times for TV.. Even if you did make it through the Elite Four, the only way to earn true respect would be to defeat all the Kanto gym leaders, too."
"I can do it. If i've gotten this far," Eric muttered, glancing over at Giovanni. The grunt had returned without him noticing, and Giovanni was handing him the glass. He accepted, and downed it in only a few gulps, before handing it back. Giovanni seemed pleased that he wasn't recieving much hostility.
"Of course you can. I never said you couldn't.. I used to be the Viridian City Gym Leader, if you've read up on your history of Kanto, and I know talent when I see it. You pick it up when you become a Gym Leader. Speaking of which, only one trainer ever rose past Gym Leaders, to become a Pokemon Master," Giovanni nodded, speaking matter-of-factly. "But enough facts. Let's get down to business. I'm willing to let you have a high ranking position in Team Rocket ... no, i'll make you my right-hand man, only second to Maxie. No-one will have to know that you're a member of Team Rocket unless you tell them, and you'll be allowed to return to fight the rest of the Pokemon League after we've gotten a few important missions out of the way. What do you say? The pay is excellent.. I know how short you are on cash that you'd need to have Whitney pay for your dinner."
Eric looked up at the grinning face of the man sitting just on the other side of the bars, looking it over. "How'd you know I even went out with her?"
"Word gets around quickly when there's news of such an aspiring trainer, Eric. Also, the waiter is a member of Team Rocket that was undercover. We had alot of people watching after you," Giovanni nodded towards him, grinning still.
"Eugene, too?" Eric asked, not going into detail.
Giovanni quirked an eyebrow, shaking his head. "No. I don't know of a Eugene.. There are a few in Team Rocket and Team Magma, but no, I haven't had a 'Eugene' placed to watch after you."
Well, that was one person he could trust. "Edd?"
"Your friend? He's fine. He's being held in a sea cave that we occupy silently around the side of Cianwood Island, in the sea cliffs," Giovanni replied. "We've made sure to make him as comfortable as possible, and he hasn't been fighting much after we brought him in."
"Well, i'm not joining you. So you may as well let me out of this cell, and let me leave," Eric muttered, slowly standing up. The world seemed to do a three sixty, and he leaned against the wall, shaking his head to try to bring the world back into focus.
Giovanni smiled, shaking his head. "Now, now. Let's not jump to conclusions. Come here."
Eric moved over to the bars, and leaned against them, looking out. In a large tube all the way to the left, where he could hardly see, was Slowking, unconcious, hooked to various machines, and floating helplessly in the water. He felt his gut drop at the sight of his Pokemon like that, and closed his eyes, feeling dizzy again. "You let him go.."
"Join us, then," Giovanni muttered, clasping his hands together.
"No."
Giovanni laughed, shaking his head gently. "Ah. You're as stubborn as they say, Eric. Perhaps you'll change your mind when you see this.." He motioned his hand to his left, where the grunt had disappeared, and slowly, Mistral appeared, wearing a Team Rocket uniform. She was wearing a cape, which symbolized that she had either been promoted to administer, or was one to begin with.
"Mistral?" Eric muttered weakly, trying not to close his eyes, as he looked Mistral in the face. Mistral didn't say anything, but simply looked to her left, down at the ground, trying to avoid eye contact.
"Yes. Mistral was quite a help in our quest to have you join us. We used her just to make sure that you were as ambitious as Maxie had told me, and not just your common thief.. we have your Pokedex, Pokegear, and backpack, and will gladly return them to you once you decide to join our ranks. So.. what will it be, Eric?"
Eric looked down at the cold steel ground, unable to think of anything to say for a good minute or so. He could feel Giovanni's cold stare, but when he glanced up, Mistral had left.
"Yes.. i'll join you."
Giovanni stood up, pulling the chair back against the wall, clapping his hands. Two grunts walked into the room, saluting. "Perfect. Now, I want you two to get his measurements, and get a uniform made for him. And make sure you get the cape that administers get, and also, don't forget the stripes that go on the arm that're typical of the higher ranking administers."
"How many?" the grunt asked in a scratchy tone.
"Six."
"Six? But that's only reserved for your right-hand man.." the second grunt blinked in disbelief, looking into the cell at Eric.
"Well, you've managed to solve the problem. A new record. Now, get moving," Giovanni ordered. The grunts quickly opened the door, pulling out some measuring tape. They allowed Eric to stand, before taking his measurements, quickly shuffling out, their hands on the exact measurements. "Now, you two.."
Two female grunts appeared from the darkness, saluting. "You two take him to the top administrators room, the one below mine. It's his now."
Eric walked out of the cell, following the two women as they lead him out of the cell room, leaving Giovanni behind. He didn't remember the rest of the trip there, but they had drawn him a bath, and left, leaving him alone in a large room. His Pokegear, Pokedex, and backpack lie in a chair against the wall. A large table sat in the middle, surrounded by chairs, all of them fancy looking. He had two closets, and a door that lead to the bathroom. His bed was gigantic, easily able to fit four people in it and still have room to roll all the way on both sides. It was a four poster, and had a canopy, and cloth that hung from all sides of the bed, so it could be closed for privacy.
A golden Persian statue stood in the corner near the door, looking up at the air, its paw in the air, licking it. He'd never seen a Persian before, but it wasn't like the real thing, he was sure.
The bath was a relief on his sore muscles, and he didn't even remember climbing into bed and falling asleep. Just another day he wasn't looking forward to tackling...
--------
End Chapter 14
"Wow. People told me that Olivine City was beautiful, but it's even more beautiful than it is in pictures," Mistral swooned, causing a few trainers to steer clear of them as they left for the northern route. "I bet it's even more beautiful when the sun's going down, or when the moon's out. What do you think, Eric? Eric?"
Eric was long past conversations, now. He had a job he had to get done, and he had to get to Whirl Islands before sundown. Mistral hurried to catch up. "What's the rush? I'm sure Edd's alright. You need to be prepared for what you're about to go up against.."
"No need. The Gym Leader's not even here," Eugene's voice muttered, as he moved out of the Pokemart when they passed. "I've been waiting here for two days for Jasmine to come back, but I haven't seen her. People think that she's been kidnapped, but a few locals think she went out for a while. Seems she's been out to the lighthouse more than once for days at a time."
"Have you been out to the lighthouse yet?" Eric asked, turning to look towards the lighthouse. Mistral looked over at Eugene.
Eugene shook his head slowly. "No. Not yet. I figure if she's up there, she has a good reason to be, and I shouldn't be one to intrude. There's no rush, and it lets me get some training in. I got to catch a few Tauros in that last stampede."
Eric turned back to Eugene and Mistral, nodding a bit. "Well, i'm going to go up there. I'm in a bit of a rush."
"Where are you headed?" Eugene asked, leaning back against the wall of the Pokemart, looking over the things in the bag. "Anywhere inparticular? Gonna skip to Cianwood?"
"Well, yeah. You could say that," Eric nodded, turning back towards the lighthouse, and moving downhill, travelling on the path that was designed specifically for those travelling to the lighthouse, and the road connected to most of the other roads in the city. Mistral gave Eugene a wave, and rushed after Eric.
Eugene pulled a Great Ball out of the bag, and looked at the colors on the outside, his reflecting showing clearly. "I hope you know what you're getting yourself into.."
------
The top of the lighthouse was empty, except for a large table, a few chairs, and a small mini-fridge in the corner. If one shopped regularly, it was definetely possible to stay up there for a while, though sleeping would probably be uncomfortable. It seemed the lighthouse's Pokemon was gone, since it wasn't night yet.
"Damn," Eric breathed, plopping down onto one of the chairs provided. He had run up most of the stairs, and it took alot out of him. Mistral stepped up a few moments later, having walked up the stairs.
"Not here, huh?" Mistral asked, moving over to the large lighthouse windows. The sun was beginning to set. She turned around to look at Eric, who was still trying to catch his breath. That, and his chest was starting to ache again. "Well, nevermind that, come here and watch the sunset with me."
Eric stood up, pushing the chair back under the table, and walked over to the window, standing next to Mistral, watching the sun set over the water. It was a majestic sight, but he was distracted from it when Mistral grabbed his hand in hers. "You know, I could stay here forever with you and watch the sunset.."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Eric blinked, glancing over at her. "What's wrong with you?"
"Nothing's wrong with me," Mistral smiled, moving her arms around him, and resting her chin on his shoulder. "I just think that the view's really romantic, and who better to share the sunset with than with a friend, right?"
Eric's eyes wandered from her, to the sunset, shrugging slightly. He could feel her breath against his neck, slightly, and he sighed softly, watching the last of the sun fall beneath the horizon. The light was beginning to dim in the small lighthouse, and the Ampharos of the lighthouse climbed up, stopping, staring at the two people that weren't normally there. Eric tried to shoot a glance back at the Ampharos, but Mistral's hand moved it back looking towards the dimming sunlight. The Ampharos gave a shrug, and began to shine its light, spinning around slowly.
"Are you sure you want to go to Whirl Islands? No-one's ever been there for the longest time," Mistral coaxed him, rubbing her cheek against his. "I mean, they probably took Edd into the caves around the side of Cianwood, where there are sea caves.. It'd make more sense, anyways."
"Why're you being all lovey-dovey all of a sudden? Don't you have a boyfriend?" Eric asked, bringing up a hand, removing her arms from around him, one by one. "Wouldn't want to disappoint him."
Mistral shook her head, and sighed. "Eric, why're you so naive? I don't have a boyfriend. I didn't have any love interest.. I had never been to Cianwood before. You're the first trainer i've met that I actually like.. I mean, you're ambitious, you've done things other trainers haven't, and.."
"And you only love me because of those reasons, yes, i've heard it before-- " Eric muttered, soon cut off as Mistral put a finger to his lips.
"No. I love you because of who you are, and because I want to protect you. If you remember there are only three people who accept you for who you are, not because of what you've done.. well, i'm not quite sure about Eugene, but you know the other two," Mistral explained, smiling at him, wrapping her arms back around him. They were drenched in light for a few moments, before she spoke again. "Believe me, please. Let's avoid the trouble, and go straight to Cianwood and look there."
Eric stared out over the ocean. The light had finally disappeared completely, and the stars were slowly appearing in the night sky. The moon was a half, and it lit up the waters.. and he could just make out what looked like a Mantine jumping out of the water a ways away. "... No. Something's telling me that Whirl Islands is where Edd's being held. You yourself said that the Whirl Islands haven't seen inhabitance for a while.. so what better place to hide?"
"I.. ah.. Eric. Please, let's not.." Mistral muttered into his ear. "Don't be stubborn this time. For me, please."
"That's why i've gotten as far as I have. Being stubborn and persistant.. it's worked so far, so i'm going to Whirl Islands. Do you want to come with me or not?" Eric asked, looking over at her face, which was right next to his, staring out at the ocean. "You can stay here, i'll be back as soon as I find Edd."
Mistral glanced over at him, then nodded. "I'll come with you."
------
At dawn the next day, Eric and Mistral left the Pokemon Center, and moved onto Routes 40 and 41, mainly water, but taken up by jagged rocks and the Whirl Islands in the middle. Since Mistral didn't have a good Pokemon, Eric released his Slowking, which immediately began expressing its dislike of the Pokeball, but agreed soon after to allow Mistral to use him to surf, while Eric flew.
"But you're going to get wet, Mistral. The waters can get cold, and you don't want cold clothes. The suggested course of action would be to simply change into a swim suit, and give Eric your backpack." Slowking suggested, wagging a finger. It reminded Eric somewhat of his mom lecturing him of swimming in the river around this time of year.
"Oh.. alright. Just no peeking, okay?" Mistral muttered, pulling off her pack. She moved behind a cracking boulder, peeking out to make sure they weren't looking, and quickly changed into her bathing suit.. it was a two piece that wasn't very revealing, leaving much to the imagination. It was a satin-red color, and it looked good on her slim frame. "Alright. Let's go. Catch!"
Mistral tossed her backpack to Eric, who caught it, and slipped it on over his shoulder. His Pidgeotto landed next to him, allowing Eric to climb on. "Don't sweat it. Just get me to Whirl Islands, and i'll take it from there."
The Pidgeotto nodded, and flapped its powerful wings, sending sand up into the air around it. Once it got the hang of flying with weight on its back, Eric nodded down to the Slowking. Both Mistral and Slowking ran into the water, and Mistral leapt on its back, and it streaked off towards the south.
"He's not swimming, he's using his psychic power. Alright, let's catch up to them!" Eric grinned, the Pidgeotto diving forward slightly, flying low over the water, using the air currents above the water to keep aloft easier. They soon caught up to Mistral and Slowking, and the Pidgeotto pulled up along broadside. "What's it like surfing, Mistral?"
"Scary. Everytime we hit a wave, he goes flying into the air.. eep!" Mistral squeaked, as the Slowking hit another large wave, going flying into the air. It sailed for a few moments, then hit the water, nearly causing Mistral to lose her grip. "We're coming up to Whirl Islands. If we don't want to contend with the whirlpools, we'll have to jump the jagged rocks!"
The Pidgeotto soared higher into the air, so it was above the jagged rocks. The Slowking jetted straight for them. "Ah! What're you doing, you stupid thing?! You've got to jump them or nullify the Whirlpool! AHHHH!"
At the last possible second, the Slowking used its psychic energy to launch itself into the air over the jagged rocks, landing neatly on the other side, beaching itself on the sandy beach before the darkened entrance. Eric's Pidgeotto landed gently beside them, allowing Eric to climb off. He threw Mistral her backpack, which she slipped on quickly. "Looking good in that bathing suit.. we should go swimming more," Eric nodded, taking the two Pokeballs that belonged to the Slowking and Pidgeotto from his backpack.
"Aw, you gotta be joking. You know how much I hate those things," Slowking protested, wrapping its arms around its chest. "I refuse to go in it."
"Give it a rest. I'll call you if I need you," Eric rolled his eyes, recalling the Slowking and Pigeotto into their rightful Pokeballs. He then shrunk them, and placed them into his backpack. "Alright. Let's go in, then."
Mistral moved up next to him, as he entered the darkened cave. "Are you sure you want to go in? I mean, we can still go back.."
"You're not scared, are you? C'mon. You can't see where you're going, but that makes it all the more fun.. Oh, wait, you're clostrophobic. If you want, you can wait outside," Eric stopped, turning to look at her. "Go ahead. I don't mind."
Mistral stood up on her toes, and looked over his shoulder, her eyes going wide as she saw that shadows approaching. "Ah! Eric, look out!"
Before he could turn, he heard the shuffle, and felt something blunt slam into the back of his head, causing him to fall to the hard rock floor of the islands, his vision blackening. He felt his heart leap in his chest, and he grit his teeth. "Mist.. ral.. run!" Another hit over the head, and he was out like a light.
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Eric slowly came to, staring at a solid metal wall. His forehead pressed against it, when he moved, and he slowly tried to open his eyes. The wall was cool against his skin.. he reached a hand up to the back of his head, moving his hand infront of his eyes to look. His hand was dry, except for a few flakes of dried blood. The back of his head must've been caked in it, and it felt it. But it didn't feel broken. Probably just a deep cut in the skin.
The cot he was lying in was as hard as a rock, and he wondered why he hadn't awaken sooner. He shifted his weight, slowly standing up, feeling his head give a powerful ache, sitting back down. His surroundings didn't promise much.. he was behind bars, and he wondered for a moment if he had been caught by the police. He didn't hear anything in the way of noise.. it was only him breathing, and moving. He had no window, so the only light he had to look with was a light hanging from the ceiling outside his cell.
He layed back down, laying his head down on the bloodstained pillow.. if you could call it a pillow. Not only was it caked in his own blood, but it seemed to be comprised of three smaller pillows, and could only be called comfortable to maybe a Growlithe or a Meowth. His eyes were beginning to close.. and then he heard footsteps. Unsure if he had gone to sleep and woken up later, since he had no idea of the time, he wasn't sure.
"Ah. It seems you have awaken. It's good to see you up and about, Eric. I'm sorry I couldn't have gotten you cozier accomedations, but this was all I had left. I hope your head isan't hurting too bad.. would you like an asprin?" a dark voice muttered, causing Eric to look up. It sounded like the voice he had had in the dream about Kazin.. but the voice he had heard was much darker. This was the voice of someone else..
"Giovanni?" Eric blinked, startled, as if he couldn't believe his eyes. Here, infront of him, on the other side of the bars, was the only man that was wanted more than he was.. the so-called ex-leader of Team Rocket.
"Even in such a dazed, confused state, you recognize someone you have never met until now. I'm impressed. This is the sort of thing we look for in higher ranking individuals. Maxie was right to suggest that we try to.. recruit you. Anyone who has the balls to take on a group of highly trained Team Magma grunts, and again, later, you defeat one of the same grunts you had encountered before, and two other highly trained grunts.. Needless to say, i'm impressed. I believe one of my administrators told you about what position we have for you here in Team Rocket.." Giovanni smiled, pulling up a chair, moving up close to the bars. Eric struggled to sit up on the cot. A rocket grunt appeared to his boss's left, handing him a glass of water, and two asprin. "Take this. It'll do that headache a world of good."
Eric took the asprin and water, and looked at the name on the asprin.. it was the same brand as he had seen before. It was a maximum strength pain reliever, one of the best in the market at the time. "Thanks," he muttered, popping both of the pills into his mouth, and using the water to swallow them. He drank the entire glass, realizing that his mouth and throat was parched. The relief from the cold water was enough to cause him to close his eyes.
"Now, let's talk business, Eric. You're a trainer aiming to become a Pokemon League Champion?" Giovanni inquired, resting his elbows on his knees, resting his chin on his hands.
"Yeah. I'd ask you how you'd know, but it seems everyone in Johto knows by now. Why do you ask?" Eric muttered sarcastically, handing the glass out towards Giovanni. He reached in, took the glass, and handed it to the same grunt, nodding to him. The grunt saluted him, and scrambled out.. most likely to get more water.
Giovanni nodded a bit, giving a chuckle. "I like your spirit. Anyways, we at Team Rocket respect those decisions, and it would be a shame not to let you tackle the Pokemon League Championships head-on, atleast not with the talent that you have. However, your respect will be less than you'd expect. They don't throw a parade, they don't interview you more than a few times for TV.. Even if you did make it through the Elite Four, the only way to earn true respect would be to defeat all the Kanto gym leaders, too."
"I can do it. If i've gotten this far," Eric muttered, glancing over at Giovanni. The grunt had returned without him noticing, and Giovanni was handing him the glass. He accepted, and downed it in only a few gulps, before handing it back. Giovanni seemed pleased that he wasn't recieving much hostility.
"Of course you can. I never said you couldn't.. I used to be the Viridian City Gym Leader, if you've read up on your history of Kanto, and I know talent when I see it. You pick it up when you become a Gym Leader. Speaking of which, only one trainer ever rose past Gym Leaders, to become a Pokemon Master," Giovanni nodded, speaking matter-of-factly. "But enough facts. Let's get down to business. I'm willing to let you have a high ranking position in Team Rocket ... no, i'll make you my right-hand man, only second to Maxie. No-one will have to know that you're a member of Team Rocket unless you tell them, and you'll be allowed to return to fight the rest of the Pokemon League after we've gotten a few important missions out of the way. What do you say? The pay is excellent.. I know how short you are on cash that you'd need to have Whitney pay for your dinner."
Eric looked up at the grinning face of the man sitting just on the other side of the bars, looking it over. "How'd you know I even went out with her?"
"Word gets around quickly when there's news of such an aspiring trainer, Eric. Also, the waiter is a member of Team Rocket that was undercover. We had alot of people watching after you," Giovanni nodded towards him, grinning still.
"Eugene, too?" Eric asked, not going into detail.
Giovanni quirked an eyebrow, shaking his head. "No. I don't know of a Eugene.. There are a few in Team Rocket and Team Magma, but no, I haven't had a 'Eugene' placed to watch after you."
Well, that was one person he could trust. "Edd?"
"Your friend? He's fine. He's being held in a sea cave that we occupy silently around the side of Cianwood Island, in the sea cliffs," Giovanni replied. "We've made sure to make him as comfortable as possible, and he hasn't been fighting much after we brought him in."
"Well, i'm not joining you. So you may as well let me out of this cell, and let me leave," Eric muttered, slowly standing up. The world seemed to do a three sixty, and he leaned against the wall, shaking his head to try to bring the world back into focus.
Giovanni smiled, shaking his head. "Now, now. Let's not jump to conclusions. Come here."
Eric moved over to the bars, and leaned against them, looking out. In a large tube all the way to the left, where he could hardly see, was Slowking, unconcious, hooked to various machines, and floating helplessly in the water. He felt his gut drop at the sight of his Pokemon like that, and closed his eyes, feeling dizzy again. "You let him go.."
"Join us, then," Giovanni muttered, clasping his hands together.
"No."
Giovanni laughed, shaking his head gently. "Ah. You're as stubborn as they say, Eric. Perhaps you'll change your mind when you see this.." He motioned his hand to his left, where the grunt had disappeared, and slowly, Mistral appeared, wearing a Team Rocket uniform. She was wearing a cape, which symbolized that she had either been promoted to administer, or was one to begin with.
"Mistral?" Eric muttered weakly, trying not to close his eyes, as he looked Mistral in the face. Mistral didn't say anything, but simply looked to her left, down at the ground, trying to avoid eye contact.
"Yes. Mistral was quite a help in our quest to have you join us. We used her just to make sure that you were as ambitious as Maxie had told me, and not just your common thief.. we have your Pokedex, Pokegear, and backpack, and will gladly return them to you once you decide to join our ranks. So.. what will it be, Eric?"
Eric looked down at the cold steel ground, unable to think of anything to say for a good minute or so. He could feel Giovanni's cold stare, but when he glanced up, Mistral had left.
"Yes.. i'll join you."
Giovanni stood up, pulling the chair back against the wall, clapping his hands. Two grunts walked into the room, saluting. "Perfect. Now, I want you two to get his measurements, and get a uniform made for him. And make sure you get the cape that administers get, and also, don't forget the stripes that go on the arm that're typical of the higher ranking administers."
"How many?" the grunt asked in a scratchy tone.
"Six."
"Six? But that's only reserved for your right-hand man.." the second grunt blinked in disbelief, looking into the cell at Eric.
"Well, you've managed to solve the problem. A new record. Now, get moving," Giovanni ordered. The grunts quickly opened the door, pulling out some measuring tape. They allowed Eric to stand, before taking his measurements, quickly shuffling out, their hands on the exact measurements. "Now, you two.."
Two female grunts appeared from the darkness, saluting. "You two take him to the top administrators room, the one below mine. It's his now."
Eric walked out of the cell, following the two women as they lead him out of the cell room, leaving Giovanni behind. He didn't remember the rest of the trip there, but they had drawn him a bath, and left, leaving him alone in a large room. His Pokegear, Pokedex, and backpack lie in a chair against the wall. A large table sat in the middle, surrounded by chairs, all of them fancy looking. He had two closets, and a door that lead to the bathroom. His bed was gigantic, easily able to fit four people in it and still have room to roll all the way on both sides. It was a four poster, and had a canopy, and cloth that hung from all sides of the bed, so it could be closed for privacy.
A golden Persian statue stood in the corner near the door, looking up at the air, its paw in the air, licking it. He'd never seen a Persian before, but it wasn't like the real thing, he was sure.
The bath was a relief on his sore muscles, and he didn't even remember climbing into bed and falling asleep. Just another day he wasn't looking forward to tackling...
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End Chapter 14