Chapter 11: Turbulences

They couldn't quite explain it yet, as it was all so much to take in at once. The only thing Jessie, James, Meowth, Butch, and Cassidy knew was that they were now working alongside a large division of people comprised of Teams Rocket, Magma, Aqua, and Galactic. They'd heard incredible news – this very division had earlier been successful at ensnaring Palkia, and were off now to find the colossus known as Dialga.

But not all was good. Jessie, James, and Meowth had recently received very disturbing news. To their chagrin, the boss had Pikachu in his possession! How he did what they could not, they didn't know. For now, though, they were to return to Viridian City as it would no longer be necessary for them to be in the Sinnoh region. Just as they were about to set off, however, they were found by the division. Now, here they were, off to find a legendary Pokémon.

Meowth couldn't help but notice one of the Team Galactic members was carrying a red chain. At either end of the chain was a black pokéball, the center of one of which was glowing, indicating it had a resident in it. Undoubtedly, that was what they were keeping the legendary beasts in. But what were they going to do with it?

The group climbed up a large plateau. It was almost as tall as a mountain, and everybody was feeling the effects of altitude sickness as they reached the summit. They were greeted by a large black creature with silver markings. Dialga.

Dialga was not pleased to see so many visitors here, and knew right away what their intentions were. The humans sent out their Pokémon to launch an assault on the dragon. A back-and-forth exchange of attacks and dodges ensued. Dialga wouldn't go down without a fight, and a fight it put up.

However, it could only withstand so many hydro pumps. So many fire blasts. And so many hyper beams. Then the great creature collapsed onto the ground. The Team Galactic member who had the red chain then took off the empty black ball and chucked it at the fallen Dialga. In a flash of red light, the fainted being was captured, and the ball's center gave off a glow similar to its twin. The ball was placed back onto the chain, and the group climbed back down the mountain and crossed the grassy fields towards the waiting helicopters.

Ash stood flat against his cell wall when Harley stopped at the cell and unlocked the door.

"You," Harley said, pointing to Ash, "you're coming with me."

"Where are you taking me?" Ash demanded in a rather forceful tone.

"To the master. He requests the honor of your presence." Harley said as he closed and locked the cell door.

"Oh, yeah? What if I don't wanna see him?"

"You WILL see him. You MUST see him."

"Make me."

Harley gritted his teeth. This punk was certainly brave – and very arrogant. He took out his handcuffs, closing one on his own wrist. Ash had to act fast.

As Harley began moving to take Ash's arm, Ash stepped aside. Growling, Harley jumped at Ash, who dodged him.

"Hey, what are you trying to do?" Ash shouted.

"Oh, as if I haven't told you already, punk! Get your butt over here now!" Harley said as he climbed to his feet.

Before Ash could sidestep Harley again, he felt something cold and metallic at his wrists. Looking down, he saw he was now handcuffed. Still, he wasn't giving up. Using the small window of opportunity available to him, he attempted to run in the opposite direction Harley was leading him. However, Harley was much stronger than he appeared.

Dawn watched the fiasco. While she was concerned about Ash, she also was appalled at how he was handling the situation. Actually, it was his temper that scared her. Ash was a nice boy, but he was very hotheaded, and she'd rather not be with someone whose fuse was short and whose temper erupted violently. Oh, well, she sighed as Harley led them out of sight. I can sort this out with him later. I like him, but…I don't know if he is the one anymore.

A few minutes later, the pair arrived in Giovanni's office. Ash was released from his bonds, but Harley kept an ever-watchful eye on him. Ash noticed two things immediately.

First was the Pikachu held in a sphere on the desk. Ash instantly knew it was not just any Pikachu, but his Pikachu. He was determined to get the mouse Pokémon back by any means necessary.

The other thing was the man seated across the desk from him. Ash knew Giovanni – he'd met him once before. That was also the last time Ash saw Mewtwo. He'd thrown the psychic type in the lake to save him from Team Rocket, who was dealt with shortly after. He didn't know what happened afterwards, but he didn't feel like digging up the bones of the past just now. He'd hear the Rocket boss out, then see about freeing Pikachu.

"Welcome, young man. I've been expecting you."

"So I've heard," Ash stated, taking a seat. Harley remained standing. His constant gaze put Ash ill at ease.

"I assume you know who I am. We've met before…Ash."

"Yeah, I remember. I also remember that you and your cronies were up to no good. I doubt you've changed since then."

"Maybe I have, maybe I haven't. I'll let you be the judge today. I have an offer I think you won't be able to refuse."

"I doubt that," Ash said under his breath.

"Let me continue. When you first came in, I noticed how you eyed the fine specimen on my desk right here. I'm willing to make a negotiation that I think is rather generous. If you will do my bidding as I order it, I may be persuaded to return your Pikachu."

Ash gritted his teeth. He didn't like the terms – too binding. Besides, he wasn't into evil, anyway.

"What if I refuse?" Ash dared to venture.

Giovanni's grimace faded. "Well then, I would lock you back up and keep your Pokémon to use for my prosperity. You'd be surprised how many trainers are in the black market for rare and exotic Pokémon."

"What about my friends?"

Giovanni smiled. He was getting to Ash. Striking him where it hurt most. He let off an insidious chuckle.

"Oh, I'll do to them what I'll do to you. Think of it this way: their salvation hangs on the balance of your choice. I trust you'll make the right decision."

Ash admitted to himself he was in a real vicegrip. It was like blackmail, but worse. He quickly thought of how to stall for time while he looked for a way to rescue Pikachu and make an escape from this place.

"What specifically will you do with them?" Ash cursed himself for asking a question that was already answered, but he had no other thing to say while stalling. Man, this is hard.

"Like I said, same thing as you if you refuse. I'm being completely honest right now. I think it'll be good for everyone in the long run if you say yes, that you'll take your place at my side."

Ash stood up. He felt embarrassed about the stalling, so he gave up on further attempts. As for a plan…well, he figured he'd just wing it. Just snag Pikachu, free him, make for the basement, and free everyone. Then what? Ah, I'll figure it all out as I go along.

Ash faced Giovanni. "I'm sorry, but I find your demands too high for me to accept!" With that, he quickly tried to grab Pikachu. He got the glass cage in his hands, but Harley tackled him to the ground as he was about to lift the apparatus. This caused the sphere to roll off the desk and crash to the ground. Pikachu, while still dazed, dashed to hide behind a plant.

Meanwhile, the grunt standing guard at the door came in and place Ash's hands behind his back, locking them in handcuffs. "Better take him back to his cell, then, eh?"

Giovanni swayed his arm to signal them all to leave. The grunt and Harley both took hold of Ash as he fought to get out of their grip. While remaining undetected, Pikachu silently ran after them as the door closed.

It was not until then that Giovanni looked to the floor. He saw hundreds of shards of broken glass, but there was no Pikachu to be seen.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Back in the basement, Harley and the Rocket guard took Ash's handcuffs off and threw him needlessly hard into the cell.

"Next time, think before you act, foolish boy!" Harley shouted as he and the grunt took their leave. In his rage, he didn't notice his belt got suddenly heavy, then light again.

Ash sighed. He'd failed at his one shot at rescuing Pikachu, and now he was back here in this dungeon. He doubted he'd ever get out of here again.

He looked around. Dawn was sleeping on the ground, having nothing else to do (except talk to herself, but who in their right mind does that?). Ash wanted to shout at the departing jailors, but thought of the consequences if he were to awaken Dawn by doing so.

He sat on the ground and began to sob. So close…I was so close…P-Pikachu…I'm so s-s-sorry…

It was in that moment when he heard a silent metallic jingling approaching rapidly. Curiously, he looked towards the bars, drying his tears. It was…

"Pikachu?! How'd you get here?" Ash was surprised, and overjoyed, to see his companion here.

"Chu!" Pikachu pressed a finger against his lips.

"Oh…sorry." Ash whispered.

Pikachu took a ring of his tail. This ring had three keys on it. Keys he'd stolen from Harley's belt while he was distracted. Ash guessed two of them were for unlocking handcuffs and cell doors. He didn't know about the third.

"Nice going, buddy! Thanks a lot!" Ash said as he took the keys from the mouse. After trying out the keys, he unlocked the cell door. He was eager to find the rest of his Pokémon and leave this place, but he knew he had to find Max and Brock before leaving.

He went over to Dawn and shook her awake.

"Hey, Dawn. I'm back. Pikachu found the keys to get us out of here."

"How'd he do that?" Dawn asked, her voice indicating she was still groggy.

"Long story. I'll explain later. C'mon, we have to find Brock and Max and get outta here."

The three got out of the cell and, following Ash's lead, headed to where the rest of the cells presumably were. A few turns later, they came upon another cell. Max was inside, and he looked relieved to see some friendly faces.

"Ash! I'm so glad to see you! Who's your friend?" he asked.

"She's Dawn. I'll introduce you later. We gotta find Brock and get outta here."

"Wait, I'm pretty sure I heard voices down the hallway earlier. We should check it out."

A short distance on, the four came across yet another cell. There was somebody in it, but it wasn't Brock. The prisoner wore blue jeans, a dark shirt under a purple jacket, and had green hair. Ash and Max recognized him immediately.

"Oh. Hello, Ash."

"Drew." Ash didn't know why, but as he looked at the newly released Drew, he felt a sudden pang of jealousy. He didn't know why he was jealous now, of all times.

"I…don't believe we've met…" Drew said, facing Dawn. She blushed.

"She's Dawn. I'll give introductions later. Let's go!" Ash commanded.

Still further on, the group encountered another cell. This time, it was Brock inside. He looked happy to be able to stretch his legs as he joined them down the hallway. Ash figured that now that everyone was here, they'd continue down the hallway. It was sure to lead to the exit. However, they found one more cell along the way. The person inside made Ash's heartbeat rise considerably.

"Oh, my! So many people here…people I know!"

"C'mon, May, we're getting out of this place," Drew said. May nodded. She'd get caught up with everyone later. As she ran, she wondered who the blue-haired girl in the group was. She wanted to ask, but knew now was not the time for such information. There'd be time to exchange pleasantries later.

At the end of the winding corridor was a door, beyond which was a large room. There were no exits to this room, which appeared to be a storage area, but there was a reason to be here. On a shelf on the far end of the room was a large chest. Ash and Brock got it down, and Ash, noticing the lock, used the third key on the ring. To his relief, the chest opened, and inside were everyone's pokéballs. Once everyone was reunited with their partners, they headed back the way they came. Just as they got to Ash and Dawn's cell, they found Harley there, apparently searching for his lost keys. He looked surprised to see all six people (plus Pikachu) standing before him.

"I guess that rodent stole my keys and freed the lot of you, then…" he snarled.

"Yes, and we'll be leaving now, and we don't wish to be disturbed."

"You won't be going without a fight, then. Go, Cacturne!"

"Pikachu, use thunder!"

"Pika-CHUUU!" Pikachu sent a powerful jolt of electricity at Cacturne with such speed that it was unable to brace itself, and crashed into Harley, knocking him against the back wall inside the cell. As he flew, his handcuffs fell to the ground.

Ash wasted no time. He grabbed the fallen cuffs, closed one on Harley's wrist, and closed the other around one of the cell's iron bars. He then tossed the keys to the other end of the cell, where they'd be out of Harley's reach, yet able to taunt him with their presence. Shutting the cell door behind him, he then led his friends to the stairway, leaving Harley trapped inside the cell and locked to a cell bar.

The rest of the way out of the building was uneventful, as there were no guards on the first floor. Quickly, they exited the building into the late afternoon sunshine and headed towards the Viridian City Pokémon center. That ended pretty nicely, Ash thought, considering everything happened spontaneously. Now, he'd get caught up with everyone. Now was the time to ask questions and give answers.