Reset Part VII
Chapter Seven
The Perilous Pact
"So where's the hideout?" Ash asked hastily.
"Shh!" Meowth hushed the boy with urgency.
"Not so fast, boy," Jessie admonished him, brows furrowed. "We're not just going to tell you where it is. How're we supposed to know you won't run off after we do?" Ash huffed impatiently. "Plus we have yet to discuss the conditions."
The agreement was a reality. The Team Rocket Trio and Ash, Brock and Pikachu all agreed to work together. Though they all have yet to begin any action. They all moved their conversation elsewhere, away from those unbidden to hear, settling in an alley somewhere in the city. Although this one was much bigger than the one Jessie, James and Meowth stayed in the other night, big enough to accommodate everyone. But it was deep and private enough for them to talk without anyone overhearing.
On one side stood Team Rocket and the other Ash, Brock and Pikachu on his shoulder, like a fence was between them. Despite forming an alliance not too long ago, the groups remained divided as both were still aloof with the other. Which was why they had to go over the conditions that needed to be set.
This was where it got tricky. Being enemies for so long and only the rare times that Team Rocket did help Ash and his friends out was mainly on Team Rocket's own accord, or when all their lives depended on it (like when aboard the sunken St. Anne). Ash would never seek their help if they weren't able to provide it. He'd far sooner ask an old rival for assistance than these three. But as luck would have it, Ash was desperate, as were Brock and Pikachu.
Likewise, Jessie, James and Meowth weren't one hundred percent willing. Yes they did consent to helping out but it would reflect badly on their immoral code. They were dishonest and nasty, helping out a trainer that they should be stealing from only besmirched their honor as criminals.
Ash leaned back, brown eyes ablaze with distrust but remained as patient as he could. "What are the rules then?" he said, crossing his arms.
Jessie, James and Meowth exchanged looks for a long moment. Ash and Brock observed the nonverbal interaction between the felons, communicating without words as though they were reading each others' minds. Eventually the trio ended their trade with a nod, facing their temporary allies with devious smiles.
"First," Jessie projected, her index finger of her right hand up. "We wait until near dusk to enter the facility."
"Why wait until then?" Ash asked, petulantly. "What if Misty's sent out on some sort of heist during the time that we wait?"
"Because it's what we say," Jessie hisses, cutting him off. "To infiltrate a secret hideout, you must think like a criminal, as much as you hate to play the part, it's your only hope for succeeding."
Ash huffed. Jessie took this as an invitation to continue. "A lot happens when the sun goes down, twerp."
"It gets less busy inside the facility, for one thing," James added. "People are either asleep in their dormitories or out on assignment overnight."
Jessie gave a nod in confirmation. "That's right and it'll usually begin to clear out by sunset. Meowth, James and I still have to make sure that the location is secure and the best time to do that is later on."
"Okay then," Ash said, exchanging a brief glance with Brock who nodded in agreement. "What else?"
"You'll have to be in disguise," James answered. "In case any other grunt spots you, you'll have to look convincing."
"Makes sense," Brock said and Ash shrugged.
"You'll do as we say," Jessie went on, her glossed lips forming a sneer. "We are the experts, here."
Ash gritted his teeth in protest, but his defiant response was lost in his throat. He knew that Team Rocket would enjoy taking the lead and having some control over him. As if asking, no begging wasn't shameful enough, now he had to heed their every order.
Brock eyed Ash, sensing his friend's hesitance but condoned to the rule with his silence; very unlike Ash. "What else?" Brock said, trying to detour.
"No running off to the authorities," James prattled with narrowed eyes. "Since we're helping you, it'd be no fair for you to sick the police on us."
"Which leads us to he most important condition" Meowth started as though it was obvious.
"Being?" Ash grunted with hesitation.
Jessie, James and Meowth all stood tense then, their expressions growing stern and fearsome. Jessie and James took a few steps closer to Ash, crossing the invisible barrier between them and their enemy.
"If you get caught or spotted by anyone," Jessie warned. "Don't expect any help from us at that point."
"What'd you mean?" Ash said, feeling defiant now.
"Pika!" Pikachu chided.
Jessie did not flinch at Ash's outburst, she merely kept cool. "You reveal yourself, whether out of stupidity or by accident, we won't help you. You'll be on your own then."
"But if Ash isn't allowed to tell the police about you guys, then why should you three get to abandon him if he faces trouble?" Brock argued, stomping by Ash's side.
"That's how Team Rocket works," James explained with a devilish grin. "You're already asking us for help, and against our better judgement we agreed. These are the conditions."
"That isn't fair!" Ash yelled, sounding like a child.
"Life isn't fair," Jessie snarled. "That's why people like us exist in this world. That's why poor Misty was taken."
Ash's hands formed fists, feeling bold he took a step forward but was pulled back by Brock who held him by the shoulder. "Ash, hear me out," Brock murmured.
"If you want to rethink this whole thing, now's your shot to do so," Meowth told them.
"Make it quick though," Jessie added harshly, turning her back and she along with Meowth and James stepped away, allowing Ash, Brock and Pikachu some privacy.
Checking over their shoulders to ensure that Team Rocket was out of earshot, Brock spoke. "This might be a worse idea that we thought."
Ash sighed a mixture of exhaustion and resignation. "I know, Brock but they're the only ones that can get us to where Misty is."
"Think about it, though," Brock began to say in a hushed tone. "They're the Team Rocket we've known for so long. And they just admitted to dispensing you if the plan fails. How can we be sure that they don't have ulterior motives?"
"We can't," Ash said, truthfully. "I don't trust them, and I'll admit that I do think they may have another scheme up their sleeves. But that's why we have to be cautious." He saw the look of disbelief on Brock's face. "I don't like it but Jessie's right. For the sake of finding Misty, I'm going to have to think and act like them." Brock's brows pinched together, puzzled. Ash went on much softer, "Means we'll have to have a few tricks up our sleeves too."
"Finished yet?" James called out.
Ash and Brock turned to face Team Rocket and Ash nodded. "Deal."
"We mean it, twerp," James threatened.
Ash gave a nod, looking nonchalant. "I get it."
Jessie still wasn't convinced. Her eyes narrowed and her lips formed a scowl. Casting her shadow before Ash, she bared her teeth. "You get caught, don't you even dare consider ratting us out."
Ash's eyes were ablaze again, this time it was he who remained cool. "You don't have to remind me. I'm aware of who the snakes are here."
"Neither you nor your friend there," Jessie said softly but the menacing tone in her voice was still evident, "can double-cross us."
"That's your job," Ash corrected with malice and eyes alight with indignation.
"Or else, your Pokémon and Misty will suffer for it," Jessie concluded with a taunt. This was where Ash felt his composure crumble a bit, but he maintained his mask of indifference, eyes not wavering from Jessie's.
"Fine," came his words of agreement.
Jessie backed away, feeling pleased and sure of herself. Though she was not the only one. Turning to her cohorts, they too looked reassured, trading looks of mischief, all while Ash, Pikachu and Brock glared at them. Their stomachs churned with uncertainty but would remain careful throughout this pact.
Dusk had arrived. The paleness of the sky was swiftly being leeched away by dark purple. Streetlights began turning on at every corner the darker it became. The streets of Cerulean City appeared to be clearing out far sooner than considered normal for a teeming metropolis.
With the latest news of the robbery by the lighthouse, residents and city-goers got the message loud and clear, heeding the warnings. Of course there were still several people brave enough to wander past sundown, so the city wasn't entirely deserted only less lively than it once was.
Just as planned, the Team Rocket trio and Ash, Brock and Pikachu waited until twilight to begin their search. After discussing the conditions, Team Rocket led them to where their hot air balloon and supplies were.
They were going to use the balloon to get to the hideout. The ever growing darkness was a perfect veil to hide within.
During the time they waited and prepped, Team Rocket provided Ash with a black uniform, which surprisingly fit him perfectly. For better measure, they told him to wear a plain black cap that some agents occasionally wear to mask their visages.
It felt bizarre and wrong wearing the uniform: caustic. Brock and Pikachu were irked by the wardrobe change too, as it reinforced the pact they had made with the three felons was now a perilous reality.
James and Meowth worked on getting the Meowth-shaped envelope filled with hot air. Meanwhile Jessie checked over the fuel tanks and other supplies outside the gondola.
Ash did his best to keep his nerves at bay, electing to numb any sort of hesitation he had in his chest. Brock and Pikachu remained supportive and too agreed with the deal and would play the part. Only problem was whether or not they could truly trust Team Rocket.
So far so good. Team Rocket promised dusk would be when the operation would start and fulfilled that part of the bargain, or rather part one.
A few more minutes past and Team Rocket ordered Ash and his friends to get inside the gondola. It was surprisingly spacious inside, the fuel tank in the center serving as a barrier. Ash, Brock and Pikachu corralled onto the opposite side of Team Rocket, while the felons secured the balloon and slowly lifted off the ground.
Hot air balloon was probably one of the slowest modes of transportation, which made Ash all the more restless. The ascent into the sky took around fifteen minutes and even then they were only just barely over the mountains.
Eventually, more fuel exerted from the tank and a burst of speed got the balloon to move faster. Ash peered over the basket, barely able to make out the ground as it got darker and darker.
While Team Rocket steered and led the balloon to their destination, Ash grabbed the edge of the gondola tightly, becoming rigid with unbidden tension. Thoughts suddenly struck his mind. What if they were leading him and his friends elsewhere? What if they secretly contacted their cohorts and let them know what they were doing?
Ash shut his eyes and grasped the edge tighter. It was too late now to back away, yet he never believed he'd be able to evade doubt when it came to these three. Trust them, he told himself harshly. If there was anything Ash hated feeling more than defeat, it was doubt.
"How long should I wait before getting help?" whispered Brock who stood by Ash's side extremely close.
Before Ash could respond, he and Brock turned over their shoulders subtly to see whether Team Rocket could hear them. Thankfully, the trio still had their backs to them.
"I'm not sure yet," Ash murmured back. "Not too soon, though. Just be ready if you sense anything wrong."
"Same goes for you," Brock told Ash.
The older boy was not going inside the hideout mainly because Team Rocket were unsure whether they trusted having both boys come along with them. Though they did not say outright that he was not allowed. But when Ash, Pikachu and Brock stole a moment of privacy Ash and Brock agreed that the latter would linger outside the facility. They later explained to Team Rocket that it was a precaution, which the trio did not object to.
The bigger reason for Brock staying behind was in case Ash failed or Team Rocket tricked him. In truth, Ash had been the one to make the agreement that he would not double-cross them. However if they turned on him, Ash made sure to enlist Brock with the responsibility of saving the day. Either way, the risk factor was high for both but much more at stake when it came to Ash and Pikachu.
The balloon sailed in the air, eventually hovering above Cerulean City. From their distance, Ash and Brock caught the noise from the city, which barely reached their ears but was still audible even at their great height.
"I wonder what Misty's up to," Ash said absentmindedly, but Brock could detect the concern there.
"I don't know if I want to know," Brock answered truthfully. Ash winced at the comment in agreement. Considering that she worked for Team Rocket, Misty could very well be stealing Pokémon from trainers, harassing them with threats, who knows?
"Think Misty will leave the facility willingly?" Brock asked.
Ash sighed, but still felt tense. "I'll try. I got to convince her that she's been brainwashed. Somehow…"
"Brainwashing is tricky," Brock noted. "Especially trying to help a person who's been brainwashed."
Ash wasn't really sure how to help Misty if he managed to find her. It was evident that the encounter back near the lighthouse that Misty was under some sort of influence. And since it was difficult to get her to remember him, there was a heavy cloud of doubt polluting Ash's mind.
Meeting Misty again is where everything would prove more perilous. There was no knowing for sure what she was capable of while brainwashed; and Ash was positive that she was brainwashed or hypnotized. There was no other reasoning for Misty to behave in such a cold, droid-like way. Getting inside the hideout was now looking far easier and simpler than what would happen when they hopefully run into Misty.
The balloon was now straying from the city limits. The lights and noise now washed away with the dark ocean beneath them. The cold air served as more of a relief than a nuisance since everyone inside the gondola was so close to the fuel tank.
Ash, Brock and Pikachu tried studying the route from their view. They believed it may come in handy in the case of any sort of danger occurring. Admittedly, it wasn't easy mapping out the path, as they continued to sail in the air, watching as the ocean reached an end and now they hovered above the ominous forest vista, which looked like a void.
An hour and half had past and by now everything was dark, especially the sky, which was absent of the moon. No longer were Ash, Brock and Pikachu able to survey the area with the encompassing darkness.
Ash's patience was wearing thin now and unable to contain his frustration he turned from where he stood and faced the trio, who all had their backs turned to him. "Where are we?"
Jessie and Meowth both turned past their shoulders before turning back. James was the one to respond, facing Ash fully. "Never mind where we are," he said. "All that matters is that we get to HQ." A sly smirk played on his lips.
"How far is this place?" Ash queried, exasperation mounting.
"Pikachu?" Pikachu echoed.
"Far," came Jessie's flat response from the opposite side.
He should have known that they weren't going to reveal anything else. So instead he bit back his retort, staring balefully at Jessie's back.
Minutes later, Ash noticed the fire that fueled the balloon was growing weaker and they were all slowly dropping. He looked over the side of the basket with narrowed eyes as he tried to make out where they were landing. There was a small gap between the trees but that was all Ash saw. This had to be it, unless they had to proceed the rest of the way on foot.
Lower and lower they went into the dark forest surroundings. Ash, Pikachu and Brock tensed as though expecting a trap awaiting for them the moment they touched the earthy ground.
Gently the gondola landed on the ground and the fuel tank began to die as Team Rocket worked to shut it off. Ignoring the impulse to jump over the side of the gondola, Ash and his friends dared not leave, keeping cautious throughout.
Meowth was the first to leave, unlocking the door. Jessie and James turned to their allies and with impatient looks Ash, Brock and Pikachu got the message. With Ash leading the way out of the basket, the three of them were now out in the open. Jessie and James followed after with James carrying a backpack that Ash did not notice before.
Seeing Ash's eyes leer into the mysterious backpack, James smirked. "No tricks in here, twerp," he softly giggled. "Borrowed equipment from Team Rocket."
"Can't leave valuables in the middle of the forest," Meowth explained, but held an impish smile.
"Having second thoughts?" Jessie asked with mock concern, crossing her arms.
Ash gave an indignant and firm huff. "No."
"Good, because there's no turning back," Jessie snarled in annoyance and then proceeded to stalk off. James and Meowth followed suit then came Ash, Pikachu and Brock.
Ash could hear the faint noise of the night; nocturnal Pokémon prowling and minding their business, along with the sound of their footsteps.
They didn't have to walk long as ahead and beyond the darkness, Ash and his friends discovered a building, with only a few lights surrounding it, which were all dimmed making it hard to discern the building's size.
"This is it," Ash breathed, eyes scanning the vicinity for any sort of traps or members of Team Rocket.
Before the group could move any closer though, Pikachu's ears were met with a very feeble noise. "Pika?" it said, grabbing everyone's attention.
"What is it, Pikachu?" Meowth asked in a hushed tone until he too heard something faint moving near them. "Do yous guys hear that?"
"Hear what?" James asked, dumbfounded.
Eventually the others picked up on what the Pokémon had heard. A soft cry that sounded frantic and out of breath. In the darkness, Ash and the others caught sight of something small bouncing towards them.
"Azurill!"
"Go away," James told it with a contemptuous look. "We've got a job to do here."
Ash, Brock and Pikachu were all hit with a dense realization: it was Misty's Azurill, looking frenetic, tired and on the verge of tears.
"Pikachupi, pika!" Pikachu launched itself towards the blue fairy.
"Azu, azurill azuzu," Azurill explained whilst whimpering.
"What's it saying?" Ash asked, having knelt before Pikachu and Azurill with Brock hovering close by.
"It's telling Pikachu what you all already know," Meowth translated. "That the redhead's been taken."
Azurill gave a hurried nod. "Azurill, azurill zu," it continued to speak.
Meowth's fangs flashed into a grin and he turned to his cohorts who looked on curiously. "Turns out Butch and Cassidy were at the Cerulean Gym a while ago."
"I was right, then," Jessie proclaimed. "It's their fault we're in this whole mess."
Ash shot a glower at Jessie but said nothing, his eyes suddenly softening at the pitiful look on Azurill. "You were looking for her too, huh?" Ash asked the little blob to which it replied with a sniffle. "That's why we're here," Ash went on with encouragement. "We're here to find Misty and bring her back."
"Azurill!" Azurill's face lit up with heartbreaking hope. "Azurill azurill."
"The thing wants to come along," Meowth said.
Jessie and James exchanged affronted looks and shook their heads simultaneously.
"No," Jessie hissed. "We've already got our hands tied having to babysit you on this endeavor, no one else is coming."
Azurill's face began to crumple, looking ready to burst into tears. But Jessie, James and Meowth refused to yield to the display of emotion.
Ash and Brock got closer to Azurill. Brock placed a comforting hand on the Pokémon's head. "I know you're worried about her, Azurill," Brock said softly. "We are too."
"But…" Ash began feeling guilty for even suggesting it. "You should probably stay behind."
Brock nodded, looking solemn. "You can stay with me," he offered. "We don't know what to expect inside there," he gestured to the building ahead.
Azurill froze, looking uncertain and turned to Pikachu. The electrical rodent echoed Ash and Brock's sentiments with a smile. "Pikachupi, Pikachu, Pikapi."
The blue fairy took a moment before it finally relented, allowing Brock to scoop it up into his arms.
"Glad that's done with," Jessie drawled, uninterested. "Now, you," she pointed at Brock and Azurill. "Amscray. Up ahead there will be cameras and someone looking out. We got it from here."
Pikachu climbed onto Ash's shoulder as the trainer got to his feet. The boy swallowed the lump in his throat, trying to ignore the adrenaline coursing through him. His eyes met Brock's whose seemed to say the unspoken words, "Remain cautious."
Ash trusted Brock to act in case the older boy ever felt there was something amiss. Still, there was a matter of walking right into the facility with his enemies. It was like he was caging himself in.
"Let's go," James ushered everyone and Ash and Pikachu were now trailing behind Team Rocket as Brock and Azurill went the other way to find a spot to hide.
Ash merely followed Team Rocket's lead. Just as they predicted upon closing in near the front gate, there were cameras flanking either side. Ash kept his head low and tried to look as inconspicuous as he could. From the other side of the gate was an agent, wearing a uniform identical to Ash's including the cap.
The agent, a young man examined the visitors and immediately recognized them. "Been a while you three," he said in a whisper. "Hang on." The agent whipped out a card, which then served as an electronic key. He pressed the card onto a flat surface that detected it and then the gates began to breach.
Jessie, James and Meowth didn't bother waiting for the gates to shut, instead headed straight for the main doors inside. Like the gate, there was a camera on either side and like the agent at the gate, James pulled out a similar looking keycard from the bag he brought. By the doors there was a small terminal machine with a keypad as well as I place to press the card against.
Ash watched curiously as James placed the keycard against the surface light up at the contact. A low buzz was heard and James grabbed the door handle of one door and gained entry.
Ash felt himself stiffen. It was really happening. He was about to enter what could very well be his own tomb. There was no going back and no dawdling. Hastily, Ash entered, though was curious as to how the agent standing guard did not even suspect him let alone notice him at all. Could it be that he knew about him? Was this a trap?
He couldn't worry about that now. He had to remained focus.
There was nobody around, yet. Jessie turned to Ash before they could go any further. Her eyes were ablaze. "Remember the conditions," she warned him.
Ash suppressed the urge to snap and gave a nod.
"Shall we, then?" Meowth asked.
Despite his initial worries Ash and Pikachu looked resolutely at the trio and without any other words spoken, Jessie, James and Meowth lured him further into HQ.
There was nothing inviting about this place. The more Ash saw of the hideout, the more he felt like he was trapped. It was cold and at some parts of the building too bright almost like a hospital. Or some kind of criminal camp, if there was ever such a thing.
Ash and Pikachu did their best to lay low, moving alongside Team Rocket, silent as a shadow. Jessie did admonish him a few times for appearing aloof. If he was supposed to be a part of Team Rocket he couldn't act skittish or distrusting. He had to remain casual as though he worked here.
Along the way, Ash passed by several other agents, all of which did not seem to give any indication or notice to his presence.
Though that was a small relief. Tight security measures did not stop outside. Ash noticed in a few corners of the facility cameras and how certain doors were all locked electronically.
Time past meandering about the hideout and still not a sight of Misty.
"Don't you know where to look?" Ash murmured, eyes darting around. "Shouldn't we have run in to her by now?"
"What'd you expect, twerp?" James asked. "That she'd greet you at the front doors? All this takes time."
Too much time, Ash mused. Again his worries began to gnaw at his stomach. What if she isn't even here?
"Believe me, boy, I'm not having fun here trying to find her," Jessie said. "There's no telling where she'd be. But the training grounds are just ahead, we'll check over there."
"Okay," Ash said softly, forcing himself to remain confident and motivated. But if anything he was trying much harder to convince himself to trust Team Rocket.
Following Team Rocket closely, Ash walked right into James's back as he, Jessie and Meowth all froze.
"Ow," Ash hissed. "What is it?"
"Don't make a fuss," were Jessie's words and before Ash could guess what she meant by that, around the corner a familiar pair emerged.
Butch and Cassidy were scheduled to do patrols and upon turning the corner at first did not recognize the people ahead of them. But once their eyes met those of Jessie and James's, Butch and Cassidy paused looking perplexed before sneering at their cohorts.
Jessie was the first to say something at the sudden interruption. "I thought I smelled a Rattatta around here."
Cassidy scowled at Jessie. "Welcome back, Jessie. Didn't expect you three to return yet."
"Did'ya miss us?" Meowth said.
"Since you're back, it's safe to assume your time in Kalos was a success?" Cassidy asked, ignoring Meowth's comment.
Ash and Pikachu lingered at the backs of Jessie and James, hiding behind them. Pikachu dropped into Ash's arms to help conceal itself better.
"So how was it then? Tell us about your victories from Kalos," Butch barbed.
"That's between us and the boss, Buffy," James retorted and was then met with the contemptuous look in Butch's face.
Ash didn't feel safe staying here, especially with Butch and Cassidy present. Although he normally would have confronted them, given the circumstances he couldn't reveal himself, lest he wanted to sacrifice Team Rocket's help.
A thought crossed his mind then. Maybe if he fled and split up from Team Rocket, he'd have better luck. But even that idea had Ash wondering whether that broke the pact. He couldn't wait any longer. He'd maintain his part of the bargain by not getting caught and perhaps get to meet up with them later, maybe after he found Misty.
James's eyes peered over his shoulder, meeting Ash's face. With the most discreet gesture, James jerked his head to the side, telling Ash to go on without them. With their support Ash took off with Pikachu still tucked in his arms securely and away from sight.
"Who—?" Cassidy asked, scooting to the side to get a look.
Jessie and James skirted to the side to block Cassidy's view, acting as though nothing had occurred.
Ash quickened his pace, thankful that there wasn't anyone else around. He would carry on alone for now to find Misty while reminding himself, Don't get caught, don't get caught.
"Who was that just now?" Cassidy asked, eyes staring at where Ash had just disappeared from.
Jessie looked over her shoulder and then turned back with a shrug. "I don't know. We don't have to time to keep up with everyone's names here."
"Plus we just got back to Kanto," James supplied in defense.
"Uh-huh…" Butch said, still confused as to who the mystery agent was and pondering at how he didn't notice him before. But like Jessie said, he and Cassidy didn't know every single person here.
"And upon our return here," Jessie began gaining Butch and Cassidy's full attention again. "We hear about a certain recruit."
"You hear about something like that and yet don't know who that person was that just passed?" Butch deadpanned.
"Only because there's something familiar about this one," James said with a smirk.
Jessie, James and Meowth all stared directly into Butch and Cassidy's eyes as though implying that they knew something more. The duo felt a little uneasy but withheld a blank façade.
"I see nothing familiar with the newbie," Cassidy replied, keeping her eyes fierce and connected with Jessie's.
"Nothing," Jessie echoed quietly, trying to hide the smirk of triumph on her lips as she saw Cassidy's mouth twitch into a frown.
Navigating his way through HQ was no easier then following Team Rocket. Ash and Pikachu stuck to the corridors where there was little to no people there. The irony of avoiding areas with people especially since he was trying to find one person in particular was not lost on Ash. Because he still had to find Misty, Ash and Pikachu would peek in every corner and hallway to see if there was even a glimpse of Misty there. If not then Ash would check elsewhere and eventually circle back if he had to. He just didn't want to risk running into Butch and Cassidy again. Here's hoping that Jessie, James and Meowth continued to distract them.
Currently Ash found he and Pikachu in the lower parts of the facility, having reached the bottom of a stairwell to find another empty corridor. It was quiet. He walked passed a few doors in the hall, peering into the windows to see what or who was inside.
One door looked to be a lab of some sort but was locked. The next room, a person, looked to be a scientist walked right out of. Ash ducked into the doorway of the first locked room to hide but there was no need as the scientist went down the hall in the opposite direction.
Ash and Pikachu noticed that in the momentary time that the scientist exited that room, the door was left ajar, slowly closing. On a whim, Ash and Pikachu hurried to go inside before the door could lock itself.
The room was large and the walls shadowed the rippling effects of water. And Ash soon found why. He was in a room where there were several large tanks. The whole room was like a giant aquarium, looking blue and sounding as though he was underwater and should hold his breath.
Ash and Pikachu gawked at the immense size of each tank; the calming movement of the water lured them closer. Ash discovered a variety of water Pokémon resting in the tanks, a few of them sleeping while the rest swam listlessly.
In one corner of one tank, a cluster of Shellder and Clamperl all huddled and slept, producing bubbles with each passing breath. In that same tank swam a school of Remoraid following a pair of Mantine around. The tank next to it contained a few of the largest Kingler Ash has ever seen; all brandishing their pincers as a show of dominance.
And then there was the largest tank in the room that caught Ash's attention. At first he saw that it was empty until dropping to where his face leaned into the glass was a Gyarados, hissing viciously at him.
Ash flinched back in surprise, forming a gap between him and the glass. He watched the serpentine behemoth continue to hiss before it stopped abruptly. Its mouth was still open in a fearsome snarl but its eyes softened in curiosity when examining Ash's visage. It looked undecided between fury and hope.
Quietly, Ash whispered, not sure Gyarados could even hear him through the barrier, "I'm not one of them."
The quiet declaration was not enough to sway Gyarados, yet. But it was beginning to look more hopeful than angry.
"Pika pika," Pikachu said to the glass.
A long moment past and Ash put the pieces together. It was a prisoner. Further more, he couldn't help but surmise that this Gyarados was Misty's. He had never personally met it but somehow made the connection.
His eyes scanned the other tanks and his heart fell. They all were likely prisoners, unless they all belonged to the members of Team Rocket here. But for Gyarados in particular there was a sadness behind all that rage. Suddenly Ash felt like he had more than one mission to accomplish.
"I'll help you out of here," he told Gyarados softly.
"Pika!" Pikachu agreed fiercely. Ash looked around for something that would help him summon Gyarados, like a Pokéball. He wondered if there was a way to reach the top of the tank, perhaps some separate room in the facility. The endeavor would be hard, considering these were water Pokémon, not all equipped to escaping on land, Gyarados being one of them.
Finding nothing useful, Ash turned to the glass asking Gyarados, "Is there a way out of—?"
"What are you doing?" came another voice that just appeared in the room.
Spinning on his heel Ash's breath hitched in a mixture of worry and relief. It was Misty of all people here to have entered this room. But then again she was a master of water types, he supposed that even under Team Rocket Misty worked with her specialty.
Ash gaped at her unable to respond coherently. "I—Mis—"
"Only authorized personnel is allowed in here," she said coldly. She walked closer to Gyarados's tank but made no attempt to engage Ash with hostility. He wondered if she didn't remember him from the lighthouse, as though her memories just reset every day.
"Uh—does that mean you're authorized?" Ash asked, playing it cool.
"I noticed you heading down the stairwell," she explained blankly. "The lower levels are designated for the researchers here. I saw you head inside and I stopped the doors from shutting just in time before it locked."
Ash's eyes widened. Misty had already spotted him and followed him down here. A flicker of hope spurred his chest, that maybe she did recognize him, somehow.
"You've been watching me then?" Ash asked.
"From the doorway," Misty answered with a single nod. Ash realized he didn't bother checking to see if the door shut when he entered.
"This Gyarados has been acting odd," she mused and Ash wasn't sure if she was speaking with him or to herself, as she wasn't looking at Ash.
"It's…yours, isn't it?" Ash asked.
Misty turned to Ash with a befuddled look. "What makes you say that?" For the first time then, Misty's eyes probed Ash's, the light of the water showing his face clearly. "How did you get in here?" she asked, outraged. "You're the boy from the other night."
"Yes," Ash replied. "Misty, it's Ash and Pikachu," he gestured down to Pikachu who was looking up at Misty with a wry smile.
"I don't know how you know me," Misty began, backing away quickly, sending Ash's heart into panic. "But I don't know you." Like the other night, her voice was cold and harsh. And yet her green eyes swam with uncertainty.
Ash took a step forward, along with Pikachu, holding out his hands in a supplicating manner. "Misty, please. You've been hypnotized. You're not part of Team Rocket—I'm your friend and this is your Gyarados."
The water serpent watched the exchange, its eyes looking at Misty with yearning.
"You're an intruder," Misty said ignoring Ash's words.
"No—-Misty—" Ash tried again, extending an arm out to Misty who caught it with a vice-like grip causing Ash to wince.
Misty's eyes were suddenly ablaze with a venomous look. Letting go quickly, Misty dashed near the door where a pin pad was attached beside. She swiftly pressed a few buttons and instantly alarms were going off. This wasn't a good sign.
Misty remained by the door, barring Ash's only means of escape. But the boy was not trying to flee. He knew what was inevitably going to happen but he continued to try and convince Misty, his desperation amplified with the time he was losing.
"Misty, you're not part of Team Rocket," he said hurriedly.
"Pikachupi, pikachu!" Pikachu explained just as hastily.
"You've been brainwashed!" Ash shouted when Misty did not yield to his words of truth. "They're using you, they've taken your control of your mind. Please Misty, I wouldn't lie to you!" Ash could hear heavy, rapid footfalls approaching.
Again he made an attempt to get close to Misty to get her to believe him. Misty retaliated quickly, sending out a Pokémon and in a flash Ash hit the ground, hard a few feet away, his shoulder suddenly erupting with pain.
Wincing while clutching his injured shoulder, Ash saw that Misty had summoned Crawdaunt and with barely any time to react the crustacean knocked him away with a Crabhammer.
"Pikapi!" Pikachu cried out.
Soon the door burst open and Misty shifted to the side, allowing a group of agents to shuffle in.
"Intruder?"
"Where are they?"
Misty pointed directly at Ash and Pikachu as Ash had yet time to get back on his feet. It mattered naught for Ash was being dragged upwards by pairs of hands that belonged to members of Team Rocket.
He felt his cap get pulled off his head roughly, a few strands of his black hair getting yanked in the process.
"No—no—no! Misty!" Ash yelled trying to fight those that tried to subdue him. "Get off me! Let go—agh!" Ash yelped as one agent gripped his injured shoulder tightly without any disregard to the pain Ash felt.
"Pikapi!" Pikachu shouted, fiercely but was scooped up and contained in a shock-proof cage.
"Let Pikachu go!" Ash grunted, angrily, ignoring the pain momentarily to kick and shove his way free but it was no use. He was being manhandled harshly and soon he was being escorted from the room.
"Pikachupi!" Pikachu cried out for Misty.
In the midst of the chaos, Gyarados began thrashing in its tank, grabbing the attention of the other Pokémon in their glasses. Eventually the whole room erupted with noise ranging from cries and growls of Pokémon to the grunts and footsteps of the Team Rocket agents to Ash's desperate pleas to get Misty to believe him.
"Misty, you need to get out of here!" he yelled, but she just watched him with a tight lip. "You can't stay here, please just go and save yourself! Take Pikachu and run!"
Misty listened intently to Ash, the noise surrounding became mute to her as she watched Ash and Pikachu try to reason with her.
As the boy and his Pikachu were finally dragged out of sight, a slice of guilt struck her but she couldn't place why she felt that way.
The agent who captured Pikachu headed into a separate direction from where Ash was being dragged away to.
"No—Pikachu!" he shouted through gritted teeth, still trying futilely to fend off these agents.
Ash's heart hammered past endurance, he swore it would tear right out of his chest. His mind was in a panic.
No, no, no! Misty still doesn't remember. I've got to help her. Pikachu's gone and it's all my fault. I can't—I can't fail. I wasn't supposed to get caught. They won't help me now.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Author's Note: To those in the U.S., Happy Thanksgiving! More to come~~