Chapter Seventeen: Tim

[Before we begin, I'd like to point out that February 6th was Mewtwo's Birthday! Happy Birthday to our favorite Mew clone. Now, on with the story!]

Tim rushed through the runway, trying not to be seen. Everyone in the area seemed busy with the rush of the airport and just waking up for the day, yet still, he didn't want anyone getting suspicious. If he could get back into a crowd of trainers instead of out in the open, he'd blend in enough not to be noticed.

Tim slipped in through the door he had come through last night and remembered enough to make his way back to the public area. In no time he was in the large hall with everyone else. It wasn't as crowded this morning as it had been yesterday evening, but Tim had no doubt it would pick up as the day went on.

When sensing his cells, Mewtwo had been looking towards wing B, so that's where Tim headed. Would Dr. Drew be waiting for a flight? Or waiting for someone to land? Tim carefully checked each waiting area, while also watching the people who passed by. He felt like he was looking for a Manaphy in a school of Phione. Racking his brain for detective lessons his Dad had taught him, Tim pressed on. How long did they have until the deal was made? Would it be a quick drop-off, or more to it? Tim's jellies told him Dr. Drew had come earlier than his buyer, but how early?

Then Tim's phone began to buzz. He was so wrapped in his observations that he was taken by surprise, and fumbled to fish it out. His heart stopped when he saw the caller ID:

Dad.

Why was Harry up this early? Didn't he need more sleep? The sun was hardly up. Tim had expected his Dad to sleep in for a least a few more hours. But luck didn't seem to be on his side. Now his Dad had gotten up, and seen that Tim wasn't in the apartment, that he had snuck out.

If Tim didn't answer, his Dad would think he was in trouble. Cringing but not knowing what else to do, Tim hit the answer button. "Morning, Dad, you're up early."

"I'mup early? What about you?Where are you, Tim?"

Tim flinched; his Dad did not sound happy. "I just…got up for an early walk. Don't worry about it."

"Really. Or was it a drive,Tim?" Tim ducked out of the hall to one of the waiting areas so he could focus better on the conversation, trying not to look guilty in such a public place. "Don't lie to me, Tim. You think I wouldn't notice that the car keys are missing? Where are you?"

Tim cursed silently; he had forgotten that he had taken the car to get here. He really was in no shape to come up with a believable story right now. There were too many people around him, too much activity—outside, a plane flew into the air by the window. "Sorry, Dad—I can't talk right now. I'll explain everything later, I promise." Hopefully when I come up with a believable lie.

"Don't you dare hang up on me, Tim—"

Tim hung up and quickly turned off his phone. He was going to be in for it when he saw his Dad next, but he was so closeto finally finding the R, he couldn't stop now. He held the phone in both hands for a moment, half tempted to call his Dad back and tell him everything. But he pressed it back in his pocket.

You are agitated,Mewtwo's voice bloomed into Tim's head and he jumped, still not used to it. The clone's low timbre sounded as if he were sitting right next to him.

I just got a call from my Dad,Tim thought uneasily, biting his lip. He's not happy with me, but we still have time.

Are you sure you can handle this if you are so distracted? A small pause, and then, If you need to leave to confront your father, I can handle this on my own.

Tim squashed the irritation in his chest. Mewtwo could handle it all right, but the point was tonotput the legendary clone in danger, or worse, put everyone elsein danger.

Trust me,Tim called, still glancing side to side for a sign of Dr. Drew, trying to do his job. But the sudden withdrawal of Mewtwo's presence made Tim freeze. He hadn't even realized what he had been feeling of Mewtwo's power until it was gone.

Mewtwo?he called uneasily. Then he realized what he'd just asked—'Trust me.'Tim had said it automatically but…didMewtwo trust him?

The feeling crept back slowly at Tim's call. Very well,he said after a moment.You have my confidence, human.

The words made Tim smile, and he got back up again. He had Mewtwo's trust, and he was going to prove he deserved it.

He passed the artworks from before—they seemed like good potential rendezvous. Every hooded figure he encountered, he tried his best to get a look at their faces. Trainers and Pokémon still crowded the area, more and more each minute as the day got going. They chatted with each other, with their Pokémon, with the welcoming agents of Ryme City. Tim was walking down the waiting area when he finally saw who he was looking for.

Dr. Drew himself. Instinctively, Tim froze, before he hurriedly—casually—sat down in a nearby open seat. The doctor's blonde hair and slight scruff was unmistakable, even if he wasn't in the lab coat like before. He was wearing clothes that blended in better, a collared red shirt and jeans, and was focused on a laptop in front of him. He hadn't noticed Tim yet.

Tim swiftly snatched a magazine on the chair next to him and lifted it in front of his face, pretending to read it. He had found Dr. Drew. He peeked over the tip of the magazine and saw a briefcase by the doctor's feet—that had to have the R inside. Now Tim just needed to find the buyer, somehow get the cells, and capture both Dr. Drew and whoever else wanted the cells. That sounded impossible, but Mewtwo was ready to intervene whenever he would need to.

Speaking of whom, Mewtwo would probably want to know Tim had found Dr. Drew. Tim pursed his lip and again tried to think as loud as he could, still not sure how this connection to Mewtwo worked. Mewtwo? I found Dr. Drew.

I already know, human.I see him through your eyes. How do you plan to identify the buyer?

Tim griped the magazine a little tighter. Because he'll talk to them?

They could easily be in disguise to blend in. And there is no way for me to distinguish them in the throng of human minds, at least not from this distance. You will have to keep a close eye on my cells…

And you'll have to keep a close eye on those planes,Tim thought back. I don't think this meeting place is a coincidence. You're in perfect position to watch out for that.

Mewtwo's voice sounded as close to puzzled as it had ever been. And how shall I tell whether the incoming travelers are innocents or criminals?

Like Lucy said, a platform was shut down.

There was a thoughtful pause before Mewtwo responded. What was the exact information your human female found?

Tim's cheeks became flaming red and he buried his face into the magazine, heart pounding on his ribs suddenly. What made it worse about his embarrassment was that Mewtwo was certainly sensing Tim's current emotions, just as Tim occasionally sensed some of Mewtwo's. When this was over, Tim swore he would look into books about blocking out mind readers.

She's not myhuman!Tim thought as loud as he could, trying to cover everything else. She's not—we're not—we're just friends!

Something like exasperation, annoyance, and maybe a trickle of guilt pressed into Tim's mind. He could practically seeMewtwo's grimace. I merely meant the human that you know, Mewtwo said softly. What did she tell you about this airport?

Tim shuffled in his seat, and tried to get his whirling thoughts under control. She just said there was shut-down platform. Not much else.He thought for a moment, and then took a peek at Dr. Drew. He looked perfectly relaxed; happy, even. Like he was about to get a lot of money. Buying an illegal chemical, shutting down an airport space in a city, having a plane all to themselves…whoever we're facing, they must have a lot of resources.

A lot of resources, and they were after Mewtwo, or at least his cells. Perhaps this person had ties to Howard Clifford? The elderly villain was locked up tight, but as the founder of Clifford Enterprises, he could easily have connections to the outside world.

I have faced such foes before, Mewtwo said cryptically. Tim wanted to ask what that meant, but then Mewtwo moved on. So I am to watch for this empty platform?

Yeah, if you can. Why are you asking?

Because an empty part of the runway is being briefly checked up for a landing.

Tim almost dropped the magazine. That must be it! He glanced up at Dr. Drew again. There's no way it's a coincidence that it's being checked up now. It must be them. When are they coming, can you tell?

There was a pause, as Tim assumed Mewtwo was looking. I believe I can see a black craft on the horizon…

Tim yet again peeked up at Dr. Drew, who hadn't changed at all. Keep a close eye on that. If it's them, then Dr. Drew should make a move soon.

Tim spent the next minute watching Dr. Drew as closely as possible without being seen himself. Dr. Drew had seen him before, so all the man had to do was glance up and he'd recognize Tim. Then again, they were on opposite sides of the hall, and airport passengers and personnel continuously walked between them.

Human…Mewtwo's voice called unsurely. I know this craft.

What do you mean?

Its design is unique. I have seen it before.

Where? Tim's eyebrows knotted together thoughtfully. Your 'resourceful foes?'

For a long moment Mewtwo didn't respond. Tim became convinced he had somehow failed to transmit that thought, but he didn't know how. Whatever this one-on-one telepathic communication was, it was all Mewtwo. Mewtwonarrowed his focus down on Tim, read his thoughts and spoke in his mind. Tim had no way to strengthen it or activate it on his own. At least, not that he knew of.

But then Mewtwo spoke. It does not matter. But these arethe buyers. I am certain of it. And we cannot allow my cells to fall into their hands.

Tim considered demanding an explanation, but then Dr. Drew looked up from his laptop. Cursing, he ducked back behind his magazine. After a second, he dared to peek back up, in case Dr. Drew had seen him and was now escaping. But Dr. Drew was still sitting there, and he wasn't looking at Tim. His gaze was behind him, out the window of his waiting area. Tim couldn't see much out of it from across the hall, but he saw the shadow of something landing. And its shape…didn't quite fit that of a plane's.

Dr. Drew slapped shut his laptop, tucked it away into a bag, scooped up his briefcase, and stood up. Tim quickly stood as well, and struggled to keep up with Dr. Drew through the crowd. He accidently stepped on a Liepard's tail and it hissed at him.

"Sorry," Tim called over his shoulder, before hurrying back after Dr. Drew. He pushed past people in his way, trying to keep up with the doctor. Red shirt,Tim tried to remember. He's wearing a red shirt. Tim wished he was just a few inches taller to see over all these people and Pokémon.

Dr. Drew made a turn, breaking away from the crowd. Tim paused a step, and then snuck after him. There was a door by the large windows that led out onto the runway, morning light pouring through it. Dr. Drew headed towards it, and Tim was following, when he was interrupted by Mewtwo's voice.

The ship has landed, Mewtwo said abruptly.

'Ship'? What do you mean, 'ship'?Tim asked, confused, but then he saw it through the window. Mewtwo was right, in no way was the craft a plane. It was closer to a helicopter, if even that. It was as pitch-black as Darkrai, with two giant propellers on both of its sides. Its windows were made of shaded black glass, glistening especially near its front. On top of its body, between its two giant propellers, a red eye stared forward. There was no other way to describe that part of the design—it was a circular form that looked precisely like an eye.

You've seen this before? Tim wondered to Mewtwo, for he had never seen anything like it. It was attracting the attention of other people in the airport as well. Both humans and Pokémon were coming up beside Tim to look through the window at the strange new ship. Who, exactly, was buying Mewtwo's cells?

That was when Tim saw Dr. Drew outside, walking towards the ship. Tim shook his head, he'd gotten distracted. Hurriedly he turned and went through the door that led out to the runway. The ship's propellers were still swirling, as if it was ready to take off again at any moment. In that loud noise, no one noticed as he stood several feet behind Dr. Drew, the strong gusts of wind pushing at all of them. Tim didn't like being out in the open, though; he spotted a cart of suitcases and ran behind it. Craning his neck, Tim peeked over the suitcases at the ship.

Dr. Drew approached the craft, and its hull opened up. A blonde woman in a black suit walked down it, her steps confident and quick. On sight, this woman instantly reminded Tim of Ms. Norman. Somehow, she held that exact air of confident focus and lax impatience. She was beautiful, but in a cold and slightly scary way. Tim would guess she was in her late twenties, but with self-assurance that was beyond her years. She wore a close-fitting black jacket, a short white skirt with high boots, and oddly, there was some kind of black flower behind her ear, poking out of her curly hair. White gloves encased her arms. In her right hand she held a briefcase just like Dr. Drew's. Two men in similar dark grey outfits walked on either side of her, but a step behind her, ready to follow her commands. All three of them had Pokéballs attached to their belts.

The woman stopped before Dr. Drew, and gestured her free hand towards his own briefcase. "Is that it?"

He nodded. "Yes. So—" Dr. Drew reached slightly for her own briefcase, but she held up a hand to cut him off.

"Not quite yet," she said, and drew a small metal stick from her belt. "Show me."

Dr. Drew nodded and opened up the briefcase. He was facing away from Tim, so Tim couldn't see inside, but he could easily imagine the vials of purple R. The woman held up the stick to the briefcase and waited.

When would be the right time to strike? Surely Mewtwo could easily take them out. But when? Why did these people wantMewtwo's cells? Who were they?

For the first time, Tim saw the woman's eyes light up with interest. Whatever that rod told her, she liked it. "These are off the charts…" Tim heard her mutter. She reached to take the briefcase's handle but Dr. Drew snapped it closed.

"Money now, if you please," he said.

Her eyes narrowed but she offered no objection and held up her own briefcase. She opened it, revealing several neatly lined stacks of Pokédollars. Dr. Drew eagerly reached for them, but the woman pointedly snapped the briefcase closed, a coy smile clearly displaying the move as an act of revenge. She offered its handle with one hand, her other held out for the other briefcase. Dr. Drew didn't hesitate, and lifted his own briefcase—

Some part of Tim knewthat this was the moment. That he couldn't let that woman get her hands on the cells even for a second. Without consulting the upper more thoughtful parts of his brain, Tim charged forward from his hiding place and grabbed the briefcase right as the woman took it.

"What the—?" Dr. Drew exclaimed as Tim kicked at him, and then tried to wrench the briefcase away. But the woman wouldn't let it go that easily. Her dark eyes locked onto his, dropping the other briefcase so she could grab onto the R more firmly.

Tim tugged at the case, but she didn't let go. Her face contorted in anger and suspiciousness. "Who are you?"

Tim pulled harder instead of answering, but she wouldn't budge. Before he'd run up to face her, her confidence had made her look tall and intimidating. Up close, he saw that she was actually a small woman, but she was still strong.Her goons stepped forward and grabbed his arms, trying to pry Tim off.

A small, sharp black energy orb swung through the air between them, and all four of them leapt back from one another instinctively. Yet the woman held onto the case. Tim didn't have time to grab it again, as Mewtwo landed on the concrete, merely ten feet away from them, and he stood tall and firm like the legendary Pokémon he was. At once, intensity permeated the air like a sharp explosion. The engines of the airport muffled most noises, yet Tim could still hear a few cries of alarm across the runway. He glanced back towards the other planes, and he could immediately see people and Pokémon staring in shock at Mewtwo. A few people took out cameras and their phones, hurriedly holding them up to take videos and make calls.

If Mewtwo was aware of how much attention he was drawing, he didn't show it. He lifted a three-fingered hand and pointed at the briefcase with the R. That does not belong to any of you.

To Tim's surprise, the woman smiled. "Good. I love taking things that aren't mine." She took a step closer to the dangerous, angry legendary Pokémon, drawing the black flower out of her hair. "I was hoping you'd show up."

Tim could see Mewtwo's eyes harden. Your hope was misplaced. Hand over my cells now, and no one will be hurt.

"Now where's the fun in that?" the woman said carelessly. "No pain, no gain, so to speak."

Beside Tim, Dr. Drew frowned. "Your cells?" he repeated.

"Yes," the woman said softly. She reached down to the briefcase and clicked it open to draw out one vial. She pinched the vial and her black flower in one hand. "The cells of the most powerful Pokémon in the world…"

Mewtwo's eyes glowed blue, but the woman curled her gloved fingers around the vial in her hand, and the briefcase she also held. The blue flames vanished, and Mewtwo looked surprised.

"Like it?" the woman asked, twisting the flower and the vial together. "A high-class agent like myself is given special gear, such as this cute little fashion statement." She gestured down to her attire. "Sewn from fabrics drawn from dark-types; Pangoro fur, Honchkrow feathers…the ultimate defense against psychic-types, only for the best, such as myself. And I have plenty of other toys as well." She gave a little bow. "I am Special Team Rocket Agent Double-Oh-Nine; Domino," she flashed a grin. "The Black Tulip."

Tim felt turned around; Team Rocket? The crime gang of the Kanto region? Theywere the ones after Mewtwo's cells?

Mewtwo snarled. I know who you are, human.

Tim's mind was already spiraling with how many people were seeing Mewtwo and how to handle these unexpected criminals, but Mewtwo's words brought it all to a halt. How did Mewtwo knowthese people?

"Doyou?" the woman asked, eyes lighting up with interest. "We theorized you might have tampered with our memories at some point." She eyed him with keen awareness. "So tell me, where have we met before?"

You shall never know,he growled. This is your last chance; hand over my cells.

The woman smiled, set down the briefcase, and for a split-second Tim thought she was going to step back and let Mewtwo take it. But instead, she snapped her fingers.

The two other Team Rocket agents hurled forward Pokéballs, and with roars of fury, a Tyranitar and a Dusknoir burst forth on either side of her. After tossing a lock of her blonde hair over her shoulder, the woman twisted the vial open and dropped it to the ground. It sprayed out over the Tyranitar and Dusknoir, and they jerked back instinctively as they breathed in the smog. Tim grimaced as he saw their eyes go purple, just as Sebastian's Charizard had done, and snarled wildly.

With a twist and a pull, the woman extended the stem of her tulip into a ramrod straight pole, a staff which she gripped comfortably in her hands and pointed at Mewtwo.

"Come and get them."

Mewtwo didn't hesitate to oblige her. His right hand shot out with glowing blue power, and the briefcase made a wrenching motion on its own towards him. But one of the other agents quickly jumped forward and snatched it before it could move even a few inches. Before Mewtwo could pull harder, the Tyranitar charged.

Tim had never seen Tyranitar open its mouth as far as possible, but it was a disturbing sight. The jaw snapped open like a Sharpedo's and latched onto Mewtwo's shoulder. Tim flinched and Mewtwo snarled, his free arm reaching to push Tyranitar away as it tried to lift him off the ground. Mewtwo whipped his tail around, whirlpools of water materializing around it, and slapped Tyranitar with Aqua Tail, drenching Tyranitar's back. The Armor Pokémon shuddered, but refused to let go. Before Mewtwo could make another attempt to escape, Dusknoir shot forward and used Shadow Punch.

Tim was almost too distracted to realize that the woman—'Black Tulip,' so she was called—was barking orders at her agents. "You! Take the cells and return to the rendezvous! We'll take care of Mewtwo."

As Mewtwo flung the Tyranitar over his head to dislodge it, Tim scrambled after the briefcase with the cells. Both he and Tulip's agent reached it at the same time, but the thug pushed Tim away easily before bolting towards the ship. Tim stumbled to the ground again but leapt back up and ran right after the man. Without even thinking, he followed the agent all the way into the ship.

It wasn't until the ramp snapped shut behind him, the floor lurched as it began to take off, and the agent he was chasing turned around with a grimace, that Tim realized how terribly stupid that had been. He fisted his hands and swallowed. Stupid, but he couldn't give up.

The grunt regarded him skeptically. "You got gut, Kid," he commented. "But that—"three more agents, dressed in the same black Team Rocket uniform, came forward, glaring at Tim, "—was a big mistake."