Pokemon Heart Soul Adventures

Hiya, guys! I'm back! Just as well, since we're just about done with Floe Island, and our bold heroes will now have to march towards Chrono and Fortune Islands in order to disrupt Team Rocket's plans!

This chapter will deal with the girls' group, who is now heading to Chrono Island... but as you will soon see, they aren't the only ones who are about to be on the move! An old enemy will reappear soon enough, and this time, our bold heroes may just be in over their heads!

Anyway, just enjoy the chapter for now... the real action is starting, though it might be a little slow at times...

oooooooooo

Chapter 31 - Into The Depths

Pokeon Hunter J, one of the most notorious criminals in the Eastern continents, smiled insidiously as she watched how the other members of Team Vicious were hard at work on the damaged airship, her Drapion and her Salamence by her side. Fortunately, work was almost finished, and the terrifying vehicle that had devastated one side of Mt. Ember and had given the legendary Moltres a run for his money was now almost ready, except for a few gashes on the sides. Both the Team Vicious mechanics and the Pokemon enslaved by the organization were fixing those as well, in order to allow their leader's top mercenary to get back to her mission.

The huntress' Salamence, hearing an almost inaudible noise behind them, turned his head in that direction just in time to see the Iron-Masked Marauder, encased in his usual body armor and the golden headpiece hiding half of his face, calmly approaching, his mantle sweeping the air as he got closer. Only his black, spiky goatee, and the almost-perpetual grin on his face were visible. J felt her leader's presence herself, and slowly turned to him and bowed formally, until the Marauder gestures for her to stand up.

"At ease, J." he said, loud enough to be heard over the noise of the instruments, then he raised his glance to look pridefully at the almost-repaired flying machine. "Well, what do you think? My men have done their job as quickly as they could, and we have already found some substitute Pokemon in order to fuel the teleporting device. Considering what kind of Pokemon we have discovered in Quest Island's underground, we don't want to take any chances... especially now that Team Rocket is hot on its trail as well."

"Team Rocket, too? Well, this changes very little, as far as I'm concerned." the merciless huntress answered. In her mind, it was nothing more than a minor annoyance to be dealt with when the time would come. "Whoever stands in our path will be wiped out. As for what concerns the airship, have you also modified it like I asked you to do? This time, I want to make sure nothing is overlooked."

"Of course. That was the bare minimum, after hearing you were having to deal with those stubborn brats..." the traitorous former member of Team Rocket answered. "Just as you asked, I added to the ship a few surprised those fools won't see coming. It was not possible to add that many weapons, but those we already have will do the job well enough. The destruction these babies will be able to do is staggering, as you will see!"

"Good..." J answered, as he looked at a pair of white torpedoes hooked to the lower part of the huge airship. "I have to thank you for your aid... and I can guarantee that the next time I come across those brats, the outcomewill be vastly different."

"That's what I'd like to see myself. The Fire Plate you brought back was a good result, admittedly, but I thought I could expect something more out of you." the Marauder said, his fingers tormenting the spiky goatee hanging from his chin. "As for these improvements we did, they cost quite a bit... so, I hope you will make good use of them, and that not as many of our men will be arrested or lost."

J nodded, knowing all too well that she could not afford to underestimate her opposition this time. The Iron Masked Marauder would not be so forgiving this time around. "I know, sir... don't worry, there will be no mistakes this time, I assure you."

"Good to know." the Team Vicious leader answered. "Therefore, get ready to depart as soon as I give the order. Should we manage to get our hands on Quest Island's mysterious Pokemon, our plan will be bolstered quite a lot."

oooooooooo

"Azurill! Azurill!"

"Mantyke, tyke, tyke!"

Misty couldn't hold back a giggle as she watched her two youngest Pokemon, that is, her Azurill and her Mantyke, playing among the waves as they followed the motor boat the girls were on. In order to follow Team Rocket to Chrono Island, which could already be seen over the horizon, Lorelei had proposed renting a motor boat... and as they made their way to the new destination, Misty had decided to let her Pokemon have some fun as well. Now, the small manta ray was enjoying herself soaring just a little above the waves, carrying Azurill on her back as water sprayed on both her sides, from the tips of her wings. The water mouse's shrill laughter was clearly audible over the noise of the motor boat as Azurill moved his floater-like tail back and forth in order to change direction every now and then... and Lorelei, even as she drove the boat, could not help but steal a glance or two at the funny scene and smile to herself. The other girls were all sitting in the back, all of them but two of them enjoying Mantyke and Azurill's antics as well.

"Ugh... it's already hard to catch the twerps' Pokemon when we're on opposing sides..." Jessie murmured dejectedly. "Why do we have to stand them showing off right in front of my nose? At least when I'm with James and Meowth, I don't have to be constantly reminded of how often we fail..."

The other one was Ursula, who was rubbing her forehead with one hand, trying to drown out the migraine induced by the shrill screaming. "Hey, hear me out... can't you recall your Pokemon for now, please?" the drill-haired girl murmured in annoyance, glaring at Misty, who turned to the newcomer in surprise. "Your stupid little Mantyke is getting on my nerves, with all this showing off! And we're not exactly in a situation where we have time for this!"

Miyu recognized a storm brewing when she saw the signs... and shook her head as Misty took the bait and, after a few seconds of surprise, frowned and glared back at Ursula. "Say, little princess..." Misty fired back as she got closer to the rich heiress' face. "I just wanted to let my Pokemon out for a little while, they have the right to have some fun while we get there! What's so wrong with that?"

"It is wrong in my book, if that Mantyke's screaming annoys me!" Ursula was not going to take anything from a red-haired brat who was a complete stranger to her... and she was also rude and badly dressed to boot! "You should keep your Pokemon a little more in line, not allow them to do what they want!"

"I don't see how this is any of your business!" was Misty's answer.

"Come on, Ursula..." Dawn tried to act as a peacemaker between the two, though she was a little annoyed as well. Just when she was beginning to think Ursula wasn't that bad after all... "Misty just let Azurill and Mantyke out to let them have some fun, and not have them stay in their Pokeballs... and Misty, please, don't get angry so quickly!"

"I was not talking to you, Dee-Dee!" Ursula retorted, pronouncing Dawn's hated nickname in the way that caused the maximum annoyance to the blue-haired preteen... who, in fact, frowned noticeably as a vein popped up on her head! "It's a matter between me and... your little friend here!"

"Ugh... just when I was beginning to warm up to you..." Dawn grumbled, her peacemaking intentions flying out of the window. If Ursula wanted to be a jerk, she was going to be a jerk back! "What is your problem, anyway? We're supposed to be on the same side... at least for now!"

"Oh, don't bother reasoning with her, Dawn!" Misty answered with a dismissive wave of the hand. "I've known her for barely 24 hours, and I already know she'll get on my nerves for the rest of my life!"

"And if you brats keep this on... I'll get an headache for the rest of my life!" Jessie murmured.

Nose in the air, Ursula smiled cheekily at Misty. "You say that as if I should care, Red... well, don't get too cocky, because I could not care any less what you think of me! So don't go getting strange ideas..." she said. Misty, feeling her patience was nearing its limit, looked behind herself to see whether Mantyke and Azurill were keeping up with the boat... then, she tried to reach for her mallet in order to whack that insufferable snob upside the head with it!

But she was denied this satisfaction when a crescent-moon-shaped blade, belonging to an elegant and aloof-looking Absol that had just then popped out of one of Miyu's Pokeballs, got between the three young trainers, forcing them back with a yelp of surprise. The Dark-type trainer cleared her throat and, with the calmest tone one could imagine, talked the three younger trainers into setting their differences aside.

"As my Absol here is oh-so-eloquently saying..." the gothic lolita said as she stroked her Absol's warm white fur. "This is no time to start pointless fights. If you want to face each other in a Pokemon battle, you are welcome to do so, but only after we have broughtthis matter to a close. Up until then, you don't have to like each other, but you have to work together. Is that good enough?"

In the face of Miyu's tone, allowing for no reprisals, Misty, Dawn and Ursula wisely decided that the best course of action was to at least play nice for the moment, and they dropped the whole argument. Jessie sighed in relief for not having to put up with that anymore... and Lorelei rolled her eyes, while still concentrating on the brief tract of sea separating them from Chrono Island. The expedition had not exactly started on the right foot...

"Okay, girls... let's not get in a quarrel right now, okay?" the Elite Four stated calmly, though Misty was able to sense the ice in her voice. "Ursula, your comments were uncalled for, and I'd like for you to be a little kinder to Misty. Especially considering she was among the ones who saved you."

Ursula's face took a reddish tint from a combination of shame and frustration, and the drill-haired girl looked away towards the sea, while Misty allowed herself a small, satisfied smile... before Lorelei revealed to have some words for her as well. "Oh, and Misty... Ursula did have a point though. As we get closer to Chrono Island, leaving Mantyke and Azurill out of their Pokeball will mean we run the risk of getting discovered. We need to get to the Team Rocket hideout as quietly and subtly as possible."

"Er... got it..." the redhead murmured, and this time it was Ursula's turn to chuckle in amusement. Sighing, Misty leaned back and looked at her two Pokemon. "Gee, I really hadn't thought off that... what a shame, getting called out by your idol..."

A visible cloud of steam came out of Misty's mouth as she sighed, and Dawn sweatdropped in embarassment as she scratched her cheek with her index finger and giggled nervously. "Hehehee... it's not a nice thing, I can believe that..." she said. "But still... it is true that we need to get as close as possible to Team Rocket's hideout without them noticing."

"Especially when we think that this mission is personal for Lorelei as well..." Miyu stated, looking towards the horizon. "we cannot forget what happened in Floe Island that easily, can we?"

Misty and Dawn's expressions got more serious, and even Jessie and Ursula had to admit that they sympathized with the Elite Four member, who was at the moment leaning on the motor boat's commands, her eyes narrowed and cold behind her glasses. It was true... Team Rocket had ruined her birthplace, and had destroyed a place she and Lapras cared for a great deal... and while she was managing to keep her cool, Lorelei was determinated to pay them back for that!

oooooooooo

(FLASHBACK)

"So... that's how it is..." Brock melanchonically stated as the team was standing on Floe Island's beach, surveying the damage the thawing of the Ice Cave had done to Lorelei's birthplace. The effects were evident and quite dramatic, as many inhabitants were still busy trying to take out the muddy water that had invaded both houses and roads, using just buckets, brushes and the work of their own muscles. Several of the Mediterranean forests surrounding the coast had been severely damaged by the flowing water and the excess of water in the terrain, and that was before taking in consideration the fact that several sections of the rocky hill had crumbled, and several Pokemon had lost their lives in the disaster. Luckily, all of the hostages had been evacuated, either by Ash and his friends or by Team Rocket, and now several policemen and Agent Jennies were busy handing the captured Pokemon back to the freed hostages. Unfortunately, that didn't take awayfrom the tragedy that had happened, and that caused terrifying damage to the island's ecosystem.

"Not much to add to that, in fact..." Lance said, shaking his head mournfully, his black mantle flapping behind him. "The Ice Cave is clearly no more... and many of the Pokemon living there had to run away not to get killed with the water pressure. Not to mention the ones who couldn't get away..."

Lorelei, up until then, had remained silent, sadly staring at the sea... and at her Lapras, who had come out of his Pokeball to confort his trainer in that difficult moment. The tortoise-like Pokemon knew all too well how the bespectacled Elite Four must have felt. She was bitter, disappointed with herself, and seething with rage underneath her cold exterior... a mix of feelings that contrasted with her usual calm. She had never imaginedthat Team Rocket would hit her where it hurt the most...

With a melodic call, Lapras approached his trainer and gently nuzzled her, cheering her up a little. The young woman smiled sadly and caressed her ace Pokemon's neck, knowing all too well that Lapras was probably feeling the same as her... after all, the Ice Cave held so many memories for both of them. "Thanks, Lapras... sorry, didn't want to make you worry so much..." the Elite Four said. "I'm sure you feel terrible about this as well... I know, it hurts... we had to protect that beautiful place, and instead... I feel like I let everyone down, you included..."

"Laaaapras..." the graceful Water / Ice Pokemon sang, trying to confort hi trainer.

Jessie, James and Meowth were quite upset at what had happpened as well. After all, they never wanted people who had nothing to do with that to be involved, and they were seeing what a bad idea it had been to ally themselves with people like Archer and his minions. Not to mention, they all felt like what had happened to Floe Island was partly their fault as well...

"Say, guys..." James meekly said to the rest of the group, trying not to look at the mud-filled town or the ruined hill. "What do you say we try and lend you a hand for once? We... er... we know a little about those guys, we've worked for them a little... and we could help you dealing with them, if you'd let us come with you. We know what Pokemon they use, and their weak points..."

Homura shrugged, his helmet in one hand, and his long blond hair flowing down the back of his head. "Meh... I'm afraid you guys aremaking it look easier than it is... let's not forget, you used to work for those guys, up until a few hours ago! And even if Ash and his friends here are nice enough to trust you, I certainly don't! As far as I know, you could very well be trying to make us drop our guard in order to sneak attack us or spy on us for those people. What proof do we have that your regret isn't an act?"

"Ugh... look, flame head, do you think we are pleased that those guys were planning on getting rid of us, and only used us to like the twerps into a trap?" Jessie exclaimed irritably, getting right in Homura's face and making him blink for a second. "If we're here now, with you, it's because we want to make those guys pay for double-crossing us! So try not to come up with such stupid ideas, okay?"

"Okay, okay... no time to get defensive, now!" Gary interjected. "Look, I myself am not sure whether these two buffoons and their Meowth are trustworthy..."

"HEY!" the trio shouted in protest.

"On the other hand, it can't be denied that they need our help as well... and quite frankly, I don't think they'll turn their back on those who saved their lives." Prof. Oak's grandson went on. "So, I am willing to let them join us, on the condition that they don't try anything funny."

"And, pray tell, why would we want to try anything?" Meowth murmured. "After the stunt they pulled on us, we wanna give that Archer guy and his little friends the what-for as well! So... it's in our interest to work with you! That's before you start thinking we're doing it out of the kindness of our hearts or something..."

"We are chasing down Team Rocket because we want to stop their plans and keep them from harming innocent people, as well as rescue the hostages they still have with them. You have your own motives." Lance pragmatically stated. "As long as you're willing to work with us, we're willing to accept your help. Is that okay for everyone?"

"Well, it wouldn't be our first time working along Team Rocket..." Ash answered, adjusting his trademark hat. "As far as I'm concerned, I'm willing to trust them. Is that okay with you... Brock, Misty, Dawn... Ursula as well?"

"Of course it is." Brock answered. "We're facing some pretty dangerous and well-organized opponents, and we need every single bit of help we can get. And I'm still convinced that J and Team Vicious won't stay away from us for much longer."

Misty nodded. "That's true. I wouldn't be surprised if they were out for revenge." she stated, her hand running through her fiery red hair.

"You sure know quite a lot of strange people, huh?" Ursula commented in a somewhat haughty tone. The spiral-haired preteen shrugged, as if telling them to ignore that last comment. "Anyway, I'm willing to tag along with you. Team Rocket did use me as an hostage, and I don't take too kindly to that."

"Thanks, Ursula..." Dawn stated. While she and the rich heiress were definitely not friends, she was willing to work with her as long as they had a common foe. "We really appreciate your help..."

"Hmph. Don't be too enthusiastic about it, Dee-Dee, I'm definitely not doing it to help you!" Ursula spoke back. "Other than the fact that I want to pay Team Rocket back, there's the fact that you did help me escape, and you found my Pokemon as well. I am not one who liked having debts with people."

"That does not mean we don't appreciate your help." Lorelei stated, finally free from her somber thoughts as she walked back to Lance and the rest of the team. "We're companions for now. Our objective now is to reach the Team Rocket hideouts in the rest of the Sevii Archipelago, try to find out what they're planning, and stop it by all means necessary."

"Alright, that will mean we will split in two groups again. One going to Chrono Island, and one to Fortune Island." Lance stated, after clearing his throat. "And if you're okay with that, we could still be split between males and females."

"Pikachu!" the electric mouse squeaked, before scratching his chin, deep in thought. "Pika... Pika pikachu pika, pi pika?" he asked, pointing to Team Rocket. The two clumsy criminals and their inseparable Meowth were standing near the team, looking at them inquisitively. There was no need for a rocket scientist to understand Team Rocket's problem: because of the split Lance had proposed, James and Jessie would have had to go their separate ways for a while, which they had practically never done ever since they had gotten in Team Rocket.

"Well, Pikachu has a point, what can we do with you guys?" Ash asked.

Jessie decided to cut to the chase. "Oh, well... look, we'll just do whatever it takes given the situation!" she stated curtly. James and Meowth looked at her in surprise, probably asking themselves whether their companion had gone crazy, and she quickly turned to them to address their points. "Listen up, you two! I know, it's unusual for us to split, but it's for a good cause after all! We have to pay those buffoons back for trying to get rid of us! Don't worry, we'll just have to hop to these islands, blow some stuff up, and go back!"

"There is... a small problem with that, though... now that I think about it..." James stated, motioning for his friend and Meowth to get closer, so that Ash and his friends could not hear. "Look, guys, I still want some payback for what they did to us... but I'm afraid the boss won't be too happy if we mess up a plan that involved some of his best agents! That was something we had not considered..."

"Er..." Jessie hesitated before answering, understanding that James did have a point. After all, if Giovanni had sent those new executives in that isolated place, there was surely a very important motive behind it, and something that would greatly benefit Team Rocket. Giovanni surely wouldn't take kindly to it if Jessie, James and Meowth were to foil it... but Meowth, after thinking about it for a short while, snapped his clawed fingers as he came up with an idea to both have their cake and eat it!

"Well... hear me out, guys, I think I got it!" the feline Pokemon stated. "First off, we give those guys the what-for for having used us like Magikarp bait... and after that, we can take over from where those guys had left, and get the boss to praise us in their place! Don't ya think it's a good idea?"

"Well... now that I think of it... it could very well work!" James said after thinking about it for a short while. "And... well... if we managed to deliver to the boss the same thing those guys are looking for, he'd be very grateful... and he wouldn't really care who did it!"

"Exactly! Now you're speaking my language, Jamey-boy!" Meowth stated proudly. "Whaddya say, Jessie? You with us?"

"With you all the way, Meowth!" she exclaimed, before the trio stood up and turned to Ash and his friends.

"Alright... we discussed about it for a while, and we came to an agreement!" Jessie answered, acting as a speaker for the other two as well. "We are okay with splitting up for a while and helping you out! You got a deal!"

"Good." Lance stated, carefully eyeing Team Rocket in order to warn them that they would not get away with anything funny. "Then... for tonight, we will rest ourselves and our Pokemon at the Pokemon Center. Tomorrow, after we have gotten our Pokemon teams ready, we'll move out as soon as we can. Try to get a lot of sleep tonight, we're in for a tiring day."

"Okay..." Ash answered.

"Pika!" Pikachu squeaked, nodding as well, as each and every one of his teammates expresses their assent, mentally preparing for what lay ahead...

oooooooooo

"Yeah... we have no idea what we're up against, now..." Lorelei murmured to herself as the motor boat approached Chrono Island. The island looked like a quiet, unassuming place, and above all, the citizens seemed to have built more around the water, at least with respect to the other islands. Even from that distance, it was possible to see several houses on the water... and farther away, much to Misty's surprise, a beautiful estate laying on the side of a green, flowery hill, surrounded by a lavish garden. "Well, guess we'll have to leave the boat here. Getting closer could be dangerous..."

"Alright, miss Lorelei..." Misty said, keeping her eyes on the estate, as if hypnotized. She figured it would have been a beautiful place to live, and the former Cerulean Gym Leader had to wonder who would be so lucky as to live there...

"Do you like it?" Miyu asked with a slight smile, noticing how Misty was feasting her eyes on the beautiful residence. "Truth be told, that will be more than just an estate - it will be one of the Sevii League's Gyms, under the tutelage of Lady Selphie, an eccentric rich woman who specializes in Normal-type Pokemon. I've already met her, and she's nothing to sneeze at!"

"Interesting... as soon as the League is operative, I'd like to take a look at that place!" Dawn stated. Lorelei, for her part, was lowering the boat's anchor, while Misty was recalling Mantyke and Azurill. "Alright... now we have to get to the island as stealthily as possible. Do you already have an idea, miss Lorelei?"

"There's a place, somewhere on the side of the island, where we can get in without Team Rocket noticing us. However, the coast is very rocky, so we'd better be careful with how we get close." the Elite Four stated as she produced her Pokeball. "Okay, Lapras... your turn now!"

Misty nodded as the graceful Water / Ice Pokemon appeared right in front of the boat, and the redhead let out her own Gyarados. With a grunt, the sea serpent appeared among the waves and turned to his trainer, ready and willing to listen to her orders. "Okay, Gyarados... can you take me, Dawn and Jessie on your back? We need you to get close to Team Rocket's hideout without them noticing us."

Gyarados grunted an affirmative and let the three girls climb on his back - though Jessie was understandably nervous about it - while Lorelei, Miyu and Ursula all did the same with the Elite Four's Lapras. "Okay, that's about it for now... you can come out, Vaporeon! I'm sure we will need your help as well!" Ursula said one moment later, letting out her favourite Water-type Pokemon. The mermen-like Pokemon appeared nearby Lapras, and for a moment Misty widened her eyes in admiration and giddiness at the sight of the beautiful blue-skinned creature - it was almost a pity that such a cute Pokemon belonged to such a snob, but the fact that Vaporeon seemed to have been taken care of very well did mean that Ursula had redeemed herself a little in Misty's eyes.

"Wow..." the redhead sighed. "It's such a splendid Vaporeon... that's the Pokemon Ursula used in competitons, right, Dawn?"

"Yeah... I faced that Pokemon in a competition myself..." Dawn answered. "Ursula trained him well, and he knows moves one would not expect from such a Pokemon. He's not a joking matter, believe me."

"Eon?" Vaporeon asked, glancing upwards to his trainer, who nodded in assent and proceeded to give him the needed instructions.

"Listen, Vaporeon, this is quite important..." Ursula said. "Stay behind us, and get ready to intervene when I give you the signal. We're about to enter a very dangerous place, and since you're the only Water-type Pokemon in my team, well... you're the logical choice for such a situation."

"EON!" Vaporeon answered in a melodic voice. Ursula thanked him with a slight smile, and as soon as Lorelei was sure that they were all set and ready to go, she motioned to her own Lapras to get going.

"Okay, we're all ready, Lapras!" the Elite Four told her ace Pokemon. "Now, we'll approach the caverns leading to the island's underground, and we'll try to catch Team Rocket by surprise. Take care, though, everyone... it is not inconceivable that Team Rocket has set up a few obstacles for any possible intruder, so always be on your guard!"

"Gyarados, you know what to do if that happens." Misty told her Pokemon, before turning to her companions. "Dawn, Jessie... are you ready, both of you?"

"I'm a little scared, but I'll manage! I've seen worse during my journey in Sinnoh!" the blue-haired preteen answered, trying notto think of the danger... while Jessie, on the other hand, was trying to look bold!

"Who... who do you think I am, twerp?" the fucsia-haired girl stated. "I was born ready! And... and now, let's not waste any more time, and get going! C'mon!"

Lapras and Gyarados looked at each other in confusion, as Jessie clapped her hands, trying to mae it look like she wasn't afraid at all! Then, the sea serpent shook his head in exasperation as both of them began navigating the coastline, taking care not to get too close to the jagged rocks protruding from the waters...

It took all of fifteen minutes to get to a reasonably safe place to approach the island, but luckily, the two sea Pokemon finally managed to get close to the cavern Lorelei had spoken of, a large chasm in the solid rock, decorated with sikes hanging from the ceiling and making it look like a wild beast's extended jaws. The number of emerging rocks and the strength of the waves made getting closer a dicey proposition at best, and Lapras, Gyarados and Vaporeon had to use extreme caution in getting closer to the tunnel... but luckily, in theend, they were able to reach the entrance and to get inside, their senses all set and ready to pick up any sign of danger.

"Wow... I have to say, it's quite an exciting experience..." Dawn stated, keeping her voice low as Gyarados and the others began descending into the island's bowels. "Hmm... though, I think we could enjoy it better if we could see it better... Pachirisu, could you cast a little light on the situation with your Flash attack?"

Dawn let the electric squirrel out, and Pachirisu squeaked happily before lighting up his whole body in a shining aura and casting an halo of light all around himself, acting as a living lantern. Misty and Jessie had to briefly shield their eyes from the light, but they quickly got accusomized to the small natural torch, and the team was able to continue their descent in the depths of Chrono Island, at least until the stream they were following reached a quiet subterranean lake, with three pointed rocks emerging from its center. As they looked around, they saw three more streams departing from the edges of the lake, in three different directions.

"Okay, here we are..." Lorelei adjusted her glasses as she made a resume. "But quite frankly, I don't know where to go from here on. We need to proceed with care, and... huh? Ursula, what's your Vaporeon trying to say?"

"I... I'm not sure..." the drill-haired girl answered. Her Vaporeon, in fact, had motioned for the rest of the team to wait up as he swam towards one of the streams going out of the subterranean lake, taking a look in case there was something to be careful of. After seeing that everything was under control, the graceful Water-type went back to his trainer and tried to tell her what he had seen.

"Eon, eon! Eooon!" Vaporeon sang, his tail pointing to the stream directly in front of them.

Lorelei's Lapras frowned a little, and motioned to Misty's Gyarados to follow him, which the huge sea serpent did with a bit of hesitation, Pachirisu still lighting the way. The team entered the stream and followed it through a seeming maze of rocky formations and awesome-looking natural wonders. Despite the gravity of the situation they were in, the girls and their Pokemon couldn't help but look around in wonder at the sheer beauty surrounding them. When the stream ended, bringing them to another lake which looked pretty much like a carbon copy of the one they had just left behind them, Misty and Dawn thought it was a bit of a letdown...

"Isn't this place a little strange?" Miyu asked rhetorically, as if she reall didn't care about that. "This lake is identical to the previous one, aside from the fact that there are more emerging rocks."

"We are running a serious risk of getting lot in this place..." Jessie stated. "We are already losing track of the right way, and if even the other lakes are similar to this one, well..."

Misty had to admit that Jessie did have a point. Had they gotten lost in that place - and they had no idea how the rest of the underground maze was like - that would have been a real problem. They needed a way to keep track of their way, or to find the right way... and it was Lorelei to think of a good idea.

"I've never been here in person... but I do remember I heard something about it." the Elite Four stated. "That is, it is possible to find the right way in this maze by keeping track of a particular characteristic of these lakes. I'm pretty sure Team Rocket's HQ is nearby the center of the island anyway."

"A... characteristic of these lakes?" a rather perplexed Dawn asked. "What might that be? These caverns look all the same to me, expect for..." she stopped cold, remembering a particular even the other girls had noticed about the lakes...

"Of course! The rocks!" Misty exclaimed, as if she could read her blue haired friend's thoughts. The two girls looked at each other in amazement and nodded. "I don't know how... but the emerging rocks are a clue that we need to take care of! If only we could understand which direction is the right one by their number, then we're set!"

Lorelei nodded, and even Ursula had to admit that it was good thinking on their part. "Hmm... well, I am not one to give out praises lightly, but... not a bad idea, in fact." the spiral-haired preteen answered. "One problem though: how do the rocks tell us where to go?"

The question made sense, and neither Misty nor Dawn had an answer to that... but before they could reason further, Ursula's Vaporeon called out in alarm, feeling that something big and dangerous was approaching! The pretty blue Pokemon howled in warning, his deep black eyes staring at the stream flowing to the left of the underground lake... and Ursula immediately understood what was going on! "Huh? This is bad, everyone! Something's coming!"

"Ouch... that means we can kiss a sneak attack goodbye!" Miyu stated. "Team Rocket will surely be alerted if a fight breaks out here, now!"

"Well, looking on the bright side..." Lorelei calmly yet coldly stated, her glasses shining the same way they did when she was getting serious about something. "They're pretty much also telling us where to go next. Our... guests... surely come from the direction in which the Team Rocket HQ on this island is situated."

Jessie and the three youngest ones of the team were quite impressed with Lorelei's calm, reasoned approach... but there was no time to praise her, as Ursula's Vaporeon jumped out of the water and in his trainer's arms, and Ursula caught him on the fly just before some menacing ripples began forming on the water, prelude to three ferocious-looking pokemon that were aiming right for the team, intending to turn the girls and their Pokemon into a quick snack! There was a deep sound of crashing waves... and out of the water came a vicious Feraligatr, joined by a Tentacruel and an Octillery, all of them ready and itching for a fight!

As Lapras and Gyarados moved backwards a little, Feraligatr roared in defiance and leapt at the huge sea serpent, only to be intercepted by a timely Thundershock from Dawn's Pachirisu, which struck the alligator Pokemon square in the chest and threw him back in the water with a pained grunt! The cavern lit up some more as the electric attack struck, and while Feraligatr thrashed about in order to try and lessen the pain from the shock, Gyarados raised his enomous tail and used it to swat away the crocodile in a perfectly-executed Aqua Tail attack! Feraligatr was thrown against the wall of the cave, and the sheer might of the impact caused a section of rocks to crumble under pressure!

"Nicely done, Misty!" Dawn cheered. "Your Gyarados is really powerful!"

"Your Pachirisu is well-trained, too!" the redhead said, winking to the blue-haired girl. "I can see you've been taking great care of him!"

"Hehehee... and if that matters, it's the Pokemon I actually defeated Ursula with the first time!" the younger girl whispered, keeping her voice low as not to offend Ursula's pride. As Feraligatr slumped in the water and, a few seconds later, began attacking once again, Jessie decided that she was not going to be upstaged by the two brats, and sent out her strongest Pokemon. "Hmph... when you two are done complimenting yourselves, get a load of this! Seviper, come! Take out that walking handbag with your Poison Tail!"

"Ssssseviper!" the huge snake hissed as she appeared from her Pokeball and coiled up on Gyarados' enormous body. Feraligatr was still attacking the sea serpent, his jaws widened and ready to hit with a Crunch attack, but Seviper's razor-sharp tail struck the gator Pokemon in his midsection, knocking the wind out of him, the venom causing him to feel dizzy all of a sudden. Seviper was not going to let her advantage go to waste, and her mighty coils wrapped around the huge croc's mouth, keeping him from opening it! Then, with a fluid and harsh move, Seviper tossed her opponent away and caused him to land back in the water, with a satisfying splash!

"Hohohohooo! So, twerpettes, what did you think of it?" Jessie chortled. "You better get ready! This is just a small taste of what will happen when James, Meowth and I come to catch Pikachu!"

"Again? It sure is an obsession..." Dawn shook her head and put an hand to her temple.

"Yeah, right... when Grumpigs fly!" Misty snarked as she took a look at how Lorelei and Miyu were doing - and needless to say, a couple of untamed Pokemon, even such strong ones as a Tentacruel and an Octillery, were simply no match with the Elite Four, and the Jynx she had just sent out! The strange Psychic / Ice type had stopped both opponents cold with a well-placed Psychic attack, before telekinetically slamming them upon the wall... and the gigantic jellyfish fell down in uncosciousness, before he could even aim an attack. Octillery had managed to weather the blow, and was now conjuring a huge water blast inside his suction-like mouth, which Lorelei immediately recognized as an Octazooka attack - that kind of Pokemon's signature attack.

"Now, Jynx... use Barrier!" the bespectacled girl ordered... and the Psychic / Ice Pokemon quickly obeyed, creating an invisible wall of pure psychic energy around her body, so that when her opponent shot an high-speed water bullet at her, it detonated against the invisible shield, leaving Jynx mostly unharmed and spraying everyone around in a radius of many feet! Before Octillery could get his bearings back and try another Octazooka, Ursula's Vaporeon opened his mouth and breathed out a powerful Shadow Ball attack that struck true, and pushed the octopus-like Pokemon under the water and towards his defeat! The threat had ended just as quickly as it had come.

The girls took some time to breathe out in relief as the water went back to normal. Sure it had not been an hard fight... but it was obviously just a taste of what Team Rocket could do, and furthermore, now the executives knew that they were coming, and would be ready to greet them!

"Well... guess we can resume our journey now." Lorelei stated, seemingly unconcerned. "And since Team Rocket was so kind as to tell us where to go, we don't even have to figure out which way is the right one. I've worked out how these tunnels are, and there's nothing really too complicated about them."

"Is that so, miss Lorelei?" Miyu asked, though privately she was somewhat peeved at not having had a chance to do anything in this battle.

The Elite Four nodded, and pointed at the emerging rocks... which, as Miyu just then noted, were nine in total. "As Misty and Dawn deduced, those rocks are the key to the puzzle. See? There are nine of them here, so that means the way out is in the direction corresponding to the position of number 9 on a clock. Which, incidentally, is the one those three Pokemon came from. We just need to count them, and the rest should be easy to do!"

"Awesome!" Misty exclaimed. "Then... let's go! We have to teach those Team Rocket jerks a lesson they won't easily forget!"

Her Gyarados let out a low grunt, expression his eagerness to put an end to all this...

oooooooooo

"What does this mean? How could they escape our trap in Floe Island?" Proton asked incredulously as he and Ariana glared at the images flashing on the screen they were standing in front of. The battle had, indeed, caused them to take notice of the intruders trying to sneak in, and now both Team Rocket executives were staring at the screen, scarcely believing what they were seeing... though Ariana seemed to be calmer about it.

"Well, they're skilled alright... no wonder the boss thought they were dangerous!" Ariana stated. "Well, no matter... they'll still take some time to reach this place, and we have got some time to prepare! Proton, make sure Lorelei and Miyu are separated from the rest... there is no way we can beat an Elite Four without overwhelming numbers by our side, but we can still take down that failure Jessie and the three brats! We will take care of them ourselves!"

"Alright, I'll make sure they get separated... our traps should be ready!" Proton said. "Though, I have to say I look forward to a good fight... been some time ever since I last sent my Pokemon out to battle!"

Ariana smirked. "You'll get your chance now... let's show those fools what Team Rocket is all about!"

oooooooooo

TO BE CONTINUED...

Author's Note: I apologize, I feel like this new chapter is kinda crummy... I've tried to do my best, even with my own personal problems getting in the way, but I'll let you be the judge of whether I did good or not. For now, I just hope you enjoyed this little chapter... and be patient, as next chapter will see the girls in action against Proton and Ariana! See you soon!