Reaching Between the Lines
Gary Oak stared at the charred remains of his grandfather's once glorious research facility. It had been almost a month since it had been destroyed by Team Rocket, he couldn't help but blame the destruction partially on himself. If only I had been here. If only I hadn't quit being a trainer. If only… He cut his thoughts off. No! I can't blame myself. Team Rocket did this and I think I know who's behind Team Rocket. Now I just need proof.
…
It was a good day indeed for the leader of Team Rocket. Everything seemed to be going according to plan. For years he'd been waiting for this opportunity and now it was here. The government officials had been 'persuaded' to take permanent vacations somewhere far away from the Kanto region. Since he and the other Gym Leaders had seats on the national council he had a great understanding for the workings of the government. Most of the other leaders in the region preferred staying out of politics, but not him. He always found it most beneficial for his 'business' to have a hand in any decision making regarding laws and other related matters. Now with the Prime Minister 'missing' and the region under a state of marshal law, it was left to the council to pick a new interim leader until the next election. Usually they would appoint the next person under the Minister, however, all parties had 'mysteriously' vanished.
"The council will now come to order." Stated the chairman. All murmurings were ceased and Giovoni brought his attention toward the grizzled old man speaking. "You all know why we are here, so let us get straight to the point."
"We need someone who commands respect amongst the people." He continued "We cannot, unfortunately, choose the leader with the most experience." Everyone knew that the chairman wanted to appoint himself, but they also knew as did he that he could not command much of anything let alone respect by the masses. "It is unfortunate the Elite Four and the current Champion are no longer amongst us. They would be prime candidates for this position. As it stands we must work with what we have. Are their any suggestions?"
"I suggest we appoint a figurehead." Suggested one member. "Someone that will answer strictly to us and only us base on the decisions we make regarding this region."
There were several murmurs of agreement amongst the council before the chairman spoke again. "An excellent suggestion councilman Jacobs." Said the chairman as Jacobs smirked to himself. "I take it there are no objections to this proposal?" None of the members raised their hands so he continued. "I will now open the floor for nominations. I must point out that you may not nominate yourself." There were several grumbles at the last part of the statement, but the majority of the council remained professional.
A rather tall man with short green hair wearing a neatly pressed gray suit raised his hand and waited for acknowledgement from the chairman. "Councilmen Diggs you may precede." Said the chairmen.
"I nominate that we make councilmen Rokai the interim leader and figurehead for the council." He stated simply
"Second" Said several people around the table.
Giovoni nodded slightly to Diggs and waited for the chairmen to speak again. "It has been moved and properly seconded that councilman Rokai be appointed interim leader of the government and thereby under direct control of this body." Said the chairman. "Are there anymore nominations?" No one responded so he continued "Then there are only two steps left." He cleared his throat and addressed Giovoni. "Mr. Rokai you have heard the nomination do you accept?"
Giovoni stood up and looked over the entire council. All these men and women sitting around and bickering amongst themselves for hours at a time. Calling themselves a ruling body of the nation. He would have had them all terminated if not for the necessity, albeit a minute one, for them to elect him as their leader. He only had one problem with what they where trying to do…"I must say that I am grateful for the offer." He began "However, I regret to inform you all that I have no intention of accepting this nomination, as it stands."
There were several collective gasps and the council began to speak all at once. Finally the chairman banged his gavel ordering for silence. "Mr. Rokai perhaps it would be best if you explain your statement." Said the chairman
"Certainly chairman." Said Giovoni "While I see the logic behind your offer to elect a 'figurehead' as you called it. I also see the need for a decisive leader. One that will be able to issue commands and have them obeyed. In our countries current siege by the terrorist organization calling themselves Team Rocket. I believe that a peon of this council will not be able to meet the demands of such pressure brought by this ruthless organization and the fear the strike into the people." He paused letting his words sink in before continuing. "I will accept the nomination to act as an interim leader so that I may personally see to the destruction of Team Rocket and anyone else who dares stand against the peace of Kanto."
There were several murmurs again and one of the councilmen, Jacobs, spoke up again. "Are you implying that we as a unit are incapable of dealing with the likes of a few low-lifes like Team Rocket!" He asked incredulously. There were several calls of agreement with him as well as other similar statements directed toward Giovoni.
The chairmen called for order again and the council quieted down. "I see there is a disagreement with what Mr. Rokai has suggested." He began. "I myself see the reasoning behind both sides of the argument. I believe we should put it to vote. All in favor of Mr. Rokai attaining the nomination under his terms Say I."
There where a few "I's" called but it was clear the majority opposed. "All opposed?" Said the Chairman.
"Ne!" Chorused the remaining council.
He'd given them a chance. They could've done it the easy way, but of course being the fools they are they chose the hard way. That was fine by him he'd get what he wanted either way. He removed a single pokeball from his coat pocket and held it clenched in his fist. "I regret to inform the council that they have made the wrong decision." Said Giovoni malevolently. He noticed Diggs out of the corner of his eye withdrawing another pokeball. Ignoring the many yells and shouts of the chairman and other council members he continued. "I gave you all a chance to do things the easy way, but you decided to tempt fate. Now I must use a little persuasion." He grinned maniacally as he released the pokemon from its ball.
The silver form of Lugia materialized in the room. Barely able to fit in the enclosed environment. His wings touched both walls when he spread them out. His head almost touching the ceiling. He roared angrily and his eyes glowed a vivid crimson. Meanwhile Diggs ran to Giovoni's side and released his own pokemon. A very large Weezing. The other council members cowered in fear all huddled in one corner of the room since Giovoni was closer to the door. "Now, lets get down to business." He said matter of factly. "I want you all to sign this contract stating that I am now the new Prime minister of Kanto. I also want you all to sign this form which abolishes all powers of the governing council." He pulled out two separate contracts and held them in the air. "Failure to do so will result in Lugia here obliterating you with and Aero Blast fallowed by Kason's Weezing suffocating any of you who miraculously survive that. I can assure you that both are most painful and can easily be avoided."
The council members were all shocked. No one brought pokemon into this room. Why hadn't security come when the disturbance started? Are we going to make it out of here alive. These where just a few thoughts of some of the people t rapped in the room.
"Come forward one by one and sign your names." Said Giovoni.
"You cannot-" Began the chairman before he was silenced when Lugia glared at him.
Each member of the council signed the forms making everything legal. When they where done Giovoni had Lugia erase their memories of the event and put new ones in their place. It was as if they had all voted for this and Giovoni had the proof to make it all legitimate.
…
"We go live to Don Carson in Veridian City with breaking news from the Regional Council's hall." Said the News Anchor
"Thank you Chuck." Said Don "We have just received word from inside the building regarding the new interim Minister for Kanto. It has been confirmed that our new Prime Minister is…"
Gary glanced at the TV in his living and upon seeing the smug face of Giovoni on the screen he immediately stormed out of the house. He knew what he had to do and he knew exactly how to do it, but first he needed to make a phone call.
Taking out his poke'gear he dialed a number Ash had given him. After about three rings someone finally answered. "Hello?" Said the voice on the other end.
"Yeah, is this Todd?" Asked Gary.
"Who wants to know?" Asked Todd
"Gary Oak." Answered Gary "I'm a friend of Ash's"
"Okay, so what are you calling me for?" Asked Todd
"Ash needs you to do him a favor and asked me to call you." Said Gary
"Isn't he all the way in Hoenn?" Asked a confused Todd "What could he possibly want with me if he's all the way down there?"
'Getting to that." Said Gary "He wants you to meet me in Veridian City a few blocks from the Gym. And bring your camera."
"Are you sure Ash wants me to do this?" Said Todd. He was starting to get suspicious. "Or is it you who wants me to do this?"
Now Gary was a little annoyed. "Look man this is an emergency Ash says he'll owe you big time for this, so just meet me in Viridian. Okay?"
"Sure whatever I got nothing better to do right now anyway." Said Todd "I might be able to get some nice pictures while I'm there."
"You have no idea." Said Gary. "See you there."
"Okay bye." Said Todd
Gary closed his poke'gear and took out a pokeball. He stared at it for a second before addressing the pokemon inside. "I knew you'd come in handy. Now All I have to do is hope this trick we been working on works."
…
"Sir you have to deliver a State of the Region Address tomorrow morning." Said Domino "You also have to meet with the other world leaders at the United Regions conference in a few days. Also I have some bad news to report."
"What is it?" Asked Giovoni annoyed
"You are aware that there was an accident at our base in the Whirl Islands?" Asked Domino. At a nod she continued. "We assumed that the Gym Leader was drowned or crushed after the structure was damaged. After clearing out the arena we found no trace of her or her pokemon."
Giovoni scowled at this. No one was supposed to escape from his facilities unless he wanted them to. "I leave you in charge for one day and this happens." It was a statement not a question. "I expected more from you 009."
"I'm sorry sir. She-" Began Domino
She was cut off by Giovoni "I do not want to hear your excuses. You are lucky that you're one of my top agents. Otherwise… Well you know what I do to failures." He paused for his words to take effect. "Begin the next phase of the plan. You are dismissed."
Domino Bowed slightly before exiting. As she was leaving a Rocket Grunt came in. "Sir we have a problem." He said fearfully "Turn on your entrance cameras."
Giovoni flipped a switch on his desk which brought up several screens which connected to the various security cameras around the Gym. On the camera at the entrance there was a boy with Brown hair. He was wearing a black shirt with a gold chain and royal purple colored pants. He had a smirk on his face that Giovoni found familiar. In front of the boy were a Blastoise and an Umbreon. It seemed that they'd disposed of the guards and were now trying to break into the Gym. It took Giovoni a moment of searching his memory to realize this was Gary Oak. He remembered battling him quite fondly. Gary had been so sure of himself. Giovoni purposely used two weak pokemon to build the boy's confidence up before sending out Mewtwo and crushing all of his pokemon at once. He couldn't help but also remember that shortly after that Mewtwo escaped.
"Open the doors." Said Giovoni "I'll deal with this personally."
"Yes sir!" Said the grunt
…
"Blastoise keep talking that door!" Ordered Gary "Umbreon you tackle it too."
("Why don't you use Nidoking?") Asked Umbreon while he carried out his orders
("Because he told you to do it now shut up and keep tackling that door!") Said Blastoise
("Thickheaded son of a bi-") Began Umbreon. Until he realized the doors were opening. ("Hey it's open!")
"Okay lets go you two." Said Gary. So far everything was going according to plan. He hoped Todd was ready on his end.
…
I'm not sure how well this is going to work. Thought Todd. His plan sounds simple but still…
Gary knows what he is doing Said Alakazam in Todd's head. He is ready for us to begin.
The pokemon put a three fingered hand on Todd's arm and they both teleported into the Gym.
They reappeared in what looked to Todd like a laboratory. There where several pokemon in cages throughout the room. Some where in worse shape than others. And some just looked down right bizarre. There was a Dodrio with four heads, A Kangaskhan with several tubes sticking in it and some green fluid being pumped into the tubes. There were several Kingler and Krabby in an aquarium with some very large Octillery. There was a metal arm above the aquarium that would every so often submerge itself in the water and release an electric shock of varying power. These were just a few of the atrocities which were in the lab. Todd got pictures of them all. He didn't notice the security camera watching his every move.
…
Gary walked down the long entrance hall cautiously. He was expecting some sort of resistance and was very unnerved. He eventually made it to a set of double doors emblazoned with the symbol of the Earth Badge. The doors slowly opened to reveal the battle arena of the Gym.
"Welcome back Mr. Oak." Said Giovoni from his position on the far side of the field. "I assume you are here for a rematch?"
"That's right." Said Gary.
"You are aware that all League activities have been suspended?" Asked Giovoni
"This is personal." Said Gary "Arcanine Go!"
He threw his pokeball onto the field and the large tiger like pokemon appeared on the field. It howled in triumph as it took its battle stance.
"Very well" Said Giovoni "Nidoking Attack!"
Nidoking charged as soon as he was released from his pokeball. Hoping to end it quickly he initiated a Horn Drill attack. Arcanine was ready and dodged the attack letting loose a Flamethrower to counter.
"Nidoking, Earthquake!" Ordered Giovoni
"Arcanine Jump!" Said Gary
Nidoking stomped the ground hard making it shake violently. At the same time Arcanine jumped into the air using its powerful legs to gain tremendous height.
"Now Arcanine Fire Spin!"
"Nidoking Toxic then Defense Curl!"
Nidoking fired a Toxic attack from his horn and immediately curled into a ball just as Arcanine's flames rained down on him. Arcanine didn't wait for Gary's orders and dodged the Toxic while turning its decent into an Aerial Ace attack.
Giovoni seeing this acted quickly "Nidoking brace yourself and use Horn Drill!"
"Arcanine look out!" Shouted Gary
It was already too late. Arcanine plowed through the wall of flames and fell victim to the vicious Horn Drill. The horn caught it right in the gut causing it to faint instantly and also causing a large hole in the pokemon's belly. Arcanine lay bleeding and defeated while Nidoking roared triumphantly.
Gary returned Arcanine and withdrew another pokeball. "Blastoise take it out!"
Blastoise materialized from his pokeball and didn't waste any time firing a powerful Hydro Cannon straight at Nidoking. The drill pokemon didn't stand a chance against such a powerful water attack and Giovoni recalled it.
"Impressive pokemon Mr. Oak." Said Giovoni "Let's see how you deal with this."
Giovoni threw another pokeball onto the field revealing a vicious looking Nidoqueen. She was surprisingly a lot larger then the Nidoking and Blastoise. It was obvious to Gary that this pokemon had been beefed up by using steroids. The Pokemon stared down at Blastoise but didn't act.
"Nidoqueen. Thunder!" Said Giovoni calmly. He knew this would take out Blastoise since it took a while to recover from using Hydro Cannon.
"Blastoise dodge it!" Ordered Gary
Blastoise was tired from repeatedly tackling the door and using Hydro Cannon but he also didn't feel like getting shocked by a powerful electric attack either. He waited as long as possible gather his strength. As soon as Nidoqueen unleashed her attack Blastoise charged forward with a Skull Bash.
The Thunder attack missed the turtle pokemon but the Skull Bash connected. Unfortunately for Blastoise, Nidoqueen's Poison Point met the Skull Bash.
"Ha, now it's only a matter of time before you go down." Taunted Giovoni. "Nidoqueen use Thunder Punch while its close to you!"
"Blastoise Ice Beam!" Countered Gary.
Nidoqueen charged up her fist with electricity while Blastoise gathered the energy for an Ice Beam. Before Blastoise could release his attack the poison in his system caused intense pain in his stomach. He fought against the pain but the delay in the attack gave Nidoqueen's punch time to connect. Upon Impact a surge of electricity coursed through Blastoise's body. In involuntary muscle spasm unleashed the Ice Beam at point blank range incasing Nidoqueen in a thick block of ice. The combination of poison and electricity coursing through his body added to his fatigue was too much for Blastoise. He collapsed to the ground and Gary recalled him to his pokeball.
Gary took another pokeball from his jacket as Giovoni recalled Nidoqueen. Alakazam it's almost time get ready.
…
I can't believe this! Thought Todd as he took more pictures. He had now made his way to the lower levels of the Gym. He had found a lot of evidence to support that the Gym was indeed Team Rocket's main headquarters. There where several Rocket Grunts patrolling the area as well as more labs with mutilated or altered pokemon. Thanks to his many adventures trying to photograph extremely rare and dangerous pokemon Todd had developed a good deal of stealth while he worked. He was now trying to find a way back into a particularly secure looking room. He was just about to examine the key panel when Alakazam addressed him.
Gary says it is time for part two Said the psychic pokemon telepathically
Todd nodded and Alakazam teleported them away.
…
"Impressive Mr. Oak." Said Giovoni "I see your pokemon have improved."
"Don't patronize me!" Yelled Gary "Let's see what you think of this. Go Mew!"
Giovoni raised an eyebrow at this. He couldn't believe this upstart actually had a pokemon that rare. He was aware at what Gary was trying to do His agents had informed him before the battle began about the snoop down in the labs. He'd had them put up the psychic barrier around the building so that there could be no escape by using Teleport. He knew that the cameraman and Gary were most likely working together and he'd had enough of these games.
True to Gary's words a Mew materialized onto the field. It remained completely silent and waited for Gary's orders.
"So you want to use legendary pokemon hmm?" Said Giovoni "Fine then." He removed a Master Ball from his suit jacket and tossed it onto the field "Lugia!"
Gary was taken aback. He didn't expect something like this. His plan just got a lot more complicated.
Meanwhile Todd had appeared with Alakazam in a dark corner of the Gym. He was awestruck. He took several pictures of the pokemon on the battlefield. The two pokemon stared each other down both waiting for their trainer's orders.
Gary knew he was in trouble. He had expected Giovoni to order some Rockets to attack the minute he released his pokemon. He had then planned to recall it and escape with Todd after he'd gotten some pictures of Giovoni with the Rockets. Now he had to think fast.
"Ditto new plan, Transform!" Yelled Gary. The "Mew" on the field transformed into an amorphous pink blob and immediately transformed into an exact copy of Lugia. "Umbreon, Nidoking get out here!"
Two more Pokeballs on Gary's belt released Umbreon and a Nidoking. The pokemon took their positions by the Ditto turned Lugia and prepared to battle.
"I knew a trainer as pathetic as you wouldn't have a pokemon so rare." Taunted Giovoni "I admire your nerve boy. Thinking you could oppose me." As he said this several Rockets came through the door. Carrying pokeballs and a few had machine guns. "I know what you're trying to do and it doesn't matter. I would much rather rule the people with an iron fist rather then respect as it is. Now Mr. Oak I'm afraid you and your little friend over in the corner won't be making it out of here alive."
Todd was surprised. He was so sure that he'd been careful. Let's see stay out of eyesight…Check. Don't cause a commotion…Check. Look out for security cameras…Ah Shit! The Rockets began advancing on his position so he acted fast. Alakazam can you teleport Gay and me out of here?
That should not be a problem. Answered the pokemon
Gary always considered himself to be a really good strategist. That's why hey always had a backup plan. "Ditto, Umbreon, Nidoking Shadow ball! Alakazam Icy Wind!"
The three pokemon sent their shadow balls toward Lugia who surprisingly made no effort to dodge them. Meanwhile Alakazam used Icy Wind like a Smokescreen. While the Grunts were temporarily blinded Alakazam used Confusion on them to get rid of their guns and pokeballs.
"Lugia don't just stand there move and fight back!" Ordered Giovoni. Lugia still made no move, but his master ball however was moving. Giovoni realized he was trying to break free of his control.
Lugia had managed to exert some free will. Since the psychic barrier around the building blocked all incoming and outgoing psychic waves the waves that Lugia naturally emitted where ricocheted off the barrier and thrown back at him. Using this he was able to amplify his power and fight against the control of the Master Ball.
Giovoni also figured out what Lugia knew and ordered the barrier shut off. He'd rather loose two worms that he could take care of later rather then loose his hard earned prize.
As soon as the barrier was down Alakazam grabbed Todd and teleported beside Gary. Gary recalled his pokemon and the three of them teleported out of the Gym.
"They will play for their little stunt." Said Giovoni as he recalled the now sedate Lugia. "They will pay dearly." He pressed a button on his chair and began to speak. "All Rockets this is Boss Rocket speaking. All agents not currently assigned are to move head to Pallet Town Immediately. Once there you are to burn it to the ground and leave no one alive."
…
"You know we're in deep shit now don't you?" Asked Todd as he and Gary made their way through a forest outside Veridian "We can't stick around here too long because Giovoni now runs the whole government here plus he's in control of the leading criminal organization in the region."
"I need to get back home fast." Said Gary flatly. "I should have thought about what would happen if I messed up. I know he's going to try to get to me by attacking Pallet."
Gary felt absolutely helpless. He knew there was little to nothing he could do once he got to Pallet aside form warning everyone there. "Listen man I'm sorry I got you involved in this but I need you to get those pictures to someone who can help us. I'd say the police but it's safe to say that there's little they can do."
"I think I know someone who can help us out." Said Todd "I'll see what I can do. You need to get back to Pallet and warn them that Team Rocket is probably going to attack."
Gary nodded and took a pokeball. "Scizor Go!" The pincer pokemon appeared and waited for its trainers orders. "Get me to Pallet fast!"
Scizor flew into the air then grabbed Gary and started heading south toward Pallet. They got close to Tojo Falls when suddenly there was a feral cry.
"FEAROOWWWWW!" ("KIIIIIIIILLLLLLLL!")
"You've got to be kidding me." Moaned Gary
A flock of Spearow with a Fearow in the lead started heading toward Gary and Scizor. Since Scizor was carrying Gary in his arms there was little he could do but avoid the onslaught of Wing Attacks and Drill Pecks. Several of the Spearow decided to use Swagger. So many attacks confused Scizor and sent him into a rage. If not for Gary's constant yelling he would've been dropped by his own pokemon. All the while the Fearow had been charging up a Sky Attack and now headed straight for Scizor. He slammed into Scizor full force causing him to drop Gary and go plummeting into the water fall below.
"FEEEEAAARRROWWWWW!" (VIIIIIIICCCCCCTTTTTTTOOOOOORRRRRRRRYYYYYYY!")
…
A/N: I hope this chapter was enjoyable. It took me a while to get it all straightened out plus I was feeling kinda lazy and didn't want to write. Anyways Please Review.
Until Next Time
