Hey guys! That last chapter was super well received so thank you all for that! Super glad everyone is enjoying this story! :) you have no idea how much that means to me. Because you all like it so much, I've got a surprise for you, buuuut I can't tell you until later :p sorry!
Also, the end of this story is in sight. It's not right around the corner, but it's drawing closer. If I HAD to take a guess, I'd say it will run about 25 chapters. Don't hold me to that though!
And with that said, enjoy the latest chapter!
March 10 1:32 a.m.
Somewhere in Johto
"So," Matilda began, realization striking her like a match. "They don't know who it is? Interesting. Why wouldn't you want them to know? Embarrassed?"
Whoever she was talking to did not reply, and May's fingertips gripped the iron bars fiercely, mimicking Brock's as they waited for an answer.
"Let's keep them guessing," Matilda's icy voice was coated in amusement. "Take them both."
Grunt's that neither May nor Brock could see, opened cell doors with loud, echoing clangs.
"NO!" Both of them shouted together, but Matilda merely laughed.
"Hey easy! I just had my hair styled," Cameron's voice spoke up as scuffling erupted next to May, followed by a thud and a grunt of pain.
"Cameron," she called, pressing herself further into the bars as she tried to see, "leave him alone asshole!"
Delila squeaked and cried out for Brock, who shouted in rage, "LEAVE HER ALONE!"
A smack rang across the cells and Brock yanked violently on his cage, "DON'T HURT HER! SHE'S PREGNANT!"
A gasp shot out of his mouth the instant pregnant escaped his lips. The scuffling stopped, and Matilda's footsteps were the only sounds bouncing around the cells.
"Really now?" Her voice was low, full of pure ecstasy. "Guess that means you won't be any trouble then eh Brock? Take them to Wing D!"
And just like that the scuffling resumed, and the two being hauled from the cells could be heard putting up a fight.
"DELILA!"
"BRING THEM BACK!"
There was the sound of two PokeBall's opening, followed by Matilda saying, "Watch them! If they try to escape or cause problems, attack them with your most powerful move."
Two roars acknowledged the new Rocket Leader, and May jumped back as Entei pounced before her, growling menacingly. Raikou prowled in front of Brock's cage, pacing back and forth. Then the doors slammed shut, leaving them alone with the two Legendaries as their guards.
August 27 9:08 a.m.
He slammed against the wall, the back of his head cracking against the concrete, a fresh bruise forming on his temple rapidly amongst dozens of others across his body. His usual shaggy brown hair was down to his shoulders, greasy and covered in grime. Dried blood caked his lips, his nose, even his brow. His bright green eyes however, were as defiant as ever, full of that spark of hope.
The Rocket Grunt who struck him cracked his knuckles, taking a step closer. Cameron laughed, but was cut short as the large man's fist impacted his gut. He doubled over, coughing and tasting iron from the blood in his mouth. The Grunt struck him again, twice more. Cameron wheezed as his stomach muscles tightened, but he remained standing, retching up blood as he regained his breath.
Stepping back, the Grunt eyed him with a scowl. Cameron forced a half smile, "Oh come on. Months together in this room and you still gotta be like this?"
The larger man growled and raised a fist, but the door to the tiny room opened, and a woman with black hair and silver eyes waltzed in.
"That's enough for now," Matilda instructed the Grunt. "I'll handle this from here."
"Yes ma'm," the Grunt nodded, backing away from Cameron and stepping out of the room.
The Rocket Leader looked Cameron over once, before motioning to the small round table in the center. He spit blood on the floor before taking a seat.
She sat opposite him, leaning forward and placing her elbows on the table. "I think Viars is fond of you. He normally leaves more scars."
"Well bring him back in and tell him to do a better job," Cameron remarked, rubbing a bruise above his eye.
"Unnecessary for the moment," she said. "Besides, it's time we had a little one on one action."
"Um, no thanks. Already got my eyes on another girl, sorry."
The corner of her lips tugged up, "Yes, Miss Maple correct? Are you curious to how she's doing? It's been five months since you've seen her."
"I'd love to, but I don't think it will happen," he shrugged.
"And why's that?"
"Because you want something, and I'm not going to give it."
Matilda's half smile grew bigger, but she didn't say anything. Cameron crossed his arms, leaning back in the wooden chair, waiting on her to form the words she wanted to use. Finally, she said, "It's my understanding you've taken more than a liking to Miss Maple?"
"What's it to you?"
She tapped a finger against the table surface, "I can see why you'd find an attraction in her. Quite successful in the contest area, a capable and well respected trainer, close friend of the famous Ash Ketchum, not to mention she is quite beautiful. It would be a shame to have to cause harm upon Maple."
"Like you haven't already?"
"I assure you she's just fine, physically."
"Yea, I believe that," he remarked, his tone dripping in sarcasm. Matilda simply blinked once, and cocked her head to the side.
"Agent Viars," she called, and the door swung open, revealing the man who had beaten Cameron. He was gripping a brown haired girl with one arm, holding her off the ground as she struggled against his strength. They entered the room, remaining only a foot past the doorway.
"Cameron!" May exclaimed with short breath as the mans arms was pressing into her lungs. He stood up quickly, shock and awe on his face. He hadn't been expecting Matilda to bring May before him, but here she was, and she did look ok. Albeit super skinny, but otherwise perfectly fine.
"As you're aware, this man could crush the life from her," Matilda threatened, her smile vanished. "My patience is gone, and we're going to get a few answers, here and now."
The man called Viars tightened his grip, causing May to turn a light shade of blue as she gasped to keep breathing.
"Stop," Cameron threatened, glaring down at Matilda, who chuckled in amusement.
"We've experimented on your Pokemon, tried to crush your spirit, even resorted to physical violence, but I have a feeling this girl will get us answers," she replied calmly. "Now, sit."
He did, slowly, his eyes traveling back to May.
"Five months, and my question's will be the same," the Rocket Leader said. "Where is Ketchum?"
Every time they asked that question Cameron tried to give them a sarcastic answer, but this time he told them the truth, "I don't know."
"Unfortunately I believe that," Matilda sighed. "Alright then, where is Professor Oak?"
"No clue."
"Lance Silver?"
"The Champion? Like I'd know that, met him once."
"We know you were in contact with Lorelei at the Shamouti," Matilda revealed. "We also know Lance's last known position was in Sinnoh. Surely being involved in the League's plans at Shamouti gave you some insight."
He laughed, "Yea, because I'm going to ask one of the Elite Four where the Champion is."
"Fair enough. How about the Elemental Treasures? Why were collecting them? Why not retreat the instant Dominion's were sighted?"
This time he hesitated on answering, his eyes flicking back to May, who gave him a look that clearly read 'don't tell them anything!'
Matilda cocked a brow, while Viars tightened his grip on May and raised a pocket knife to her face. Pointing it at her eye.
"Wait!" Cameron exclaimed, raising a hand. "We...surely you've heard the Shamouti Prophecy?"
Matilda nodded, "of course. We know what Ketchum did back then. Why do you think we didn't capture the Legendary Birds?"
"Notice the weather lately? That's why," he explained. "So Ash can bring harmony again when the Dominion's are handled."
She tapped her finger against the table once again, silently studying his face. He looked right back, fighting the urge to blink. Then she gave one nod and stood up.
"That's all I have for now. I'll return when more questions arise," she said as she walked past May and Viars. "Give them five minutes to reward good behavior."
The Grunt dropped May to her feet and shoved, knocking her into the table. Cameron jumped to his feet, but both Rocket's had gone, locking the door behind them. May regained her composure and looked up at the man across the table, who was staring right back with deep concern. Realizing they indeed had a moment, she rushed around the table to him, cupping his bruised face in her hands and locked her lips against his.
He was taken back by the sudden kiss, but returned it nonetheless, only speaking when she broke away, "I was seriously beginning to think I'd never get one of those again."
"Me too," she whispered, pressing her forehead to his and closing her eyes. Embracing his presence, savoring the feeling of his skin, even if it was blood caked and bruised.
"How's Brock," he asked, taking a hand and running his fingers up her forearm to hers, interlocking them together.
"Quiet," she informed. "He hasn't said much since they took you two away. Where's Delila?"
"I don't know," he admitted. "I haven't seen her since."
The brunette bit her lip, opening her blue eyes to look into his bright green ones, "I'm so glad your ok."
"That's a funny way to describe this," he half joked, motioning to his beaten self.
"You know what I men't," she smiled back.
"I did." He tightened her hand in his with a gentle squeeze, tilting his head and pressing his lips to hers. The door flung open, and Matilda's voice interrupted them, "Time's up."
Rough hands ripped May away, pulling her from Cameron's grasp.
"No!" He shouted as her warmth vanished, rushing forward to assault the larger man, but he received a fist to the gut then the temple. Effectively knocking him against the wall.
"Cameron!" May struggled against the Rocket Grunt pulling her out of the room, her hand reaching out to him as he struggled off the wall.
"May!"
The world was turning, but he quickly raced after the, reaching for her too. Then the door slammed shut, blocking her from his view and he crashed his body into it furiously.
"May! May!" He called her name with each slam, the force behind each one growing weaker the longer he tried.
Boat Ride to Hoenn
They leaned against the rail, smelling the salt air in the wind. A lone figure hiding their face under sunglasses and a ball cap, surveying each person boarding the vessel from Pallet to Slateport. The targets were cutting the time awfully close, if they didn't make it soon, then the mission would be a no go.
While they waited they ran over the plan once more in their mind. Board the cruise, and find a way to infiltrate into Ketchum's group, then plant a tracking beacon on Gary Oak when Team Rocket attacked. Easy enough. Their were two prime ways in guaranteed. Misty Waterflower, and Brock Harrison. Looking into their history had been simple, and now the one remaining task was to prey on their weaknesses. Waterflower was currently in some form of a fued with Ketchum, need to survey more to gauge situation. Harrison was trusting, and could be easily manipulated, would need to keep close eye on open opportunities.
Then there were the others.
Everett, the old man. Certainly not the way in, he would spot someone trying to weasel information in a heartbeat.
May Maple, the tag along. Her history had been harder to find, given she was from Hoenn. Would need to watch closely, and determine value.
Gary Oak, the prodigal. He was the one needed to be fooled. He, unlike the others, would smell a rat before he saw it. The mission would bust if they tried to get in through him.
The choice was limited to one at the moment. Waterflower was not guaranteed to be on this venture. Wait...would you look at that! Waterflower spotted boarding cruise. Not with others, as expected.
Misty slowed her pace as she stepped on deck, twirling around to survey the scene. She smiled to herself as she took a large whiff of the sea air. A trip across the ocean to see her sisters! No thoughts of Ash could ruin this!
The figure watched Waterflower proceed onwards, before the same red headed girl realized she was going the wrong direction and turned around.
Spotted, the other targets boarding cruise. Perfect, they're all on board.
CRASH! Waterflower ran directly into Ketchum. The figure adjusted their sunglasses as they watched the scene unfold. The awkward stare off between the two was almost comical, and Harrisom shuffled on his feet behind them, seeming to want to interfere. This was going to be too easy.
August 27 9:42 a.m.
The beeping was gradually growing more and more annoying. Would someone turn that stupid machine off! She couldn't handle hearing the beeping of her heart anymore.
The room was black, probably because she hadn't opened her eyes yet. If she had to look at white walls, white ceiling, and white tile any longer she'd freak out. Her arm had an itch, but she couldn't directly scratch it. Instead she wriggled it around on the bed, using the friction to relieve the itchy spot. Being restrained sucked majorly.
A hand brushed hair from her face, finally coercing her to open her eyes for the day. A female nurse, with a bright red R on her apron, greeted Delila's first sight.
"Good morning," the nurse greeted unenthusiastically. "How are you feeling today?"
"Same as always," Delila groaned. "Not wanting to be here, ready to escape. Blah, blah, blah."
"You should relieve yourself of stress," said the Rocket nurse unhelpfully. "Those babies will be here any day now, and the last thing you want is a problem."
She had heard that term for a few months now, but it still hadn't quite sunk in yet. Babies! Not baby.
"I'll try that," she said flatly. "Any chance I could get up and stretch today?"
The nurse looked unamused and walked away, leaving Delila alone in a line of empty beds. Man this place sucked. Man she missed Brocky...was he ok? Were any of them ok? They had taken fairly good care of Delila because of the babies, but once they were born she had a feeling that would change quickly. Would they let Brocky be here for that part? Every part of her hoped so, but she knew it wouldn't be. They would keep her and the babies above his head so he would fall in line.
The door opened with a snap and two women walked in, one with blue hair and the other with blonde. Anni and Oakley. They moved to stand beside Delila's bed, sneering down at her confidently.
"How's Delila today? Enjoying the special treatment while you know your friends are slowly fading away?" Oakley asked hatefully.
Delila didn't respond, prompting Anni to chime in, "What's the matter? Meowth got your tongue?"
"That jokes so old my great grandmother laughed," Delila remarked, making Anni huff.
"Feeling snarky today eh? Wait until those little monsters are out of you," Anni threatened. "I'll wipe that sarcasm right from your tone."
"Scared to hit a pregnant lady?"
"Matilda has plans for those heathens," Oakley stepped in. "Probably as leverage to Brock in check."
"Did you girls want something or is this just a pleasant visit," Delila sighed, wishing she could stand up and physically fight back.
"Just here to oversee the induced labor," Anni smiled.
Induced labor?! Not good.
"Matilda is tired of waiting," Oakley added. "She says it's time to move things along."
Delila's heart sped up with fear. Not good at all. "Brock?"
"Brock?! HAH! He doesn't get the privilege of watching his children be born, sorry sweetheart," Anni told her. "He gets to stay in his cell and wonder for the rest of his life."
The door opened once again and what seemed to be a squadron of nurses walked in, followed by Matilda. Anni and Oakley stepped back as they approached the bed and the nurses set to work gathering the tools and equipment needed, while Matilda examined Delila carefully.
"I hope you're ready," the Rocket Leader smiled.
Boat Ride to Hoenn
The undercover Rocket spent the first day mainly observing and gathering information on the targets. Unbeknownst to either Waterflower or Harrison they had been trailed the entire day. Surveyed, and had notes taken down mentally about them.
An eye had been kept on the others as well. Everett, being an old man, slept the majority of the day. He wouldn't be a problem so long as they were in the group before he could notice. Gary Oak was on the prowl for suspicious activities, making the need to lay low and get inside that much more urgent. An interesting note the Rocket had taken down; Ketchum and Maple were spending quite some time together. Would need to watch situation as it developed.
The time to infiltrate was drawing closer.
August 27 10:07 a.m.
Somewhere in Johto
May squeaked as her body hit the dirty concrete, the cell door slamming shut with a loud clang behind her. The Grunt who shoved her turned the lock and spit on the floor at her feet before walking out of sight. She stood up, taking care not to touch the saliva, and moved to the cell bars.
"Brock," she called softly. Shuffling came from the cell across from her, and he emerged from the shadows a moment later. Solemnly looking at her through the bars.
"I saw Cameron," she told him. "He hasn't seen Delila though."
He snorted and turned his back to her, heading back to the shadows hiding his bed.
"Wait," she demanded, and he stopped at the tone in her voice. "I'm sure she's fine. They would'nt hurt a pregnant woman, I'm positive."
He slowly turned back to her," Are you? You're sure?! How do you know he wasn't lying huh?"
"You should of seen him," she defended. "He's not in the best shape."
Brock moved back to the bars, "he's got you so fooled May."
"Why are you so sure he's against us? What's he done?"
She scowled at him, receiving the same look right back. Just this once she was hoping he might have a normal conversation, and not be this moody, emotionally strained Brock. For the last couple months, every time he decided to talk, it always went this route. Causing them to argue, and it seemed they were going to do it again.
"Ok, where to start," he said, lacing his tone in sarcasm. "First he just appeared in Pallet Town with an extra boat ticket to Hoenn for Misty, with no explanation. Then he tried really hard to get in her pants, only to realize it wasn't going to happen so he switched gears and helped us get Ash and her back together. Then he concentrated on you, buttering you up and somehow weaseling his way into our rescue mission for Mewtwo. Then we find out he has a Groudon, after we learn Team Rocket was capturing the Legendary Pokemon. And the only excuse he had was some half assed story about a run in with Team Magma!"
He crossed his arms as he finished ranting, deepening his scowl to May. She gripped the bars tight, pursing her lips before countering, "Well what about Delila? What do we really know about her? She just showed up randomly on the boat, and just decided to take an interest in you? After ALL those other girls turned you down, THIS one just DECIDES she liked you right then? Pretty good timing if you ask me. If I were trying to get in with a group, I'd go after the weak spot too."
His expression hardened as she talked, and he spoke through grit teeth, "So you think I'm the weak point huh? What about you May? You were so desperate to have Ash then, I saw it. And when you figured out that wasn't going to happen you clung to Cameron like a lost Growlithe. It was kinda pathetic."
"Shut up Brock," May seethed, slamming her hand against the cage. "Pathetic huh? Not as pathetic as swooning over a girl you JUST met! Especially when she could easily be playing you."
"She's having my children!" He shouted, "That's one Hell of a commitment to be playing somebody!"
"Accidents happen."
"YOU THINK IT WAS AN ACCIDENT?! THAT'S CUTE COMING FROM THE GIRL BEING STRUNG UP LIKE BAIT!"
"I'M NOT BEING STRUNG UP!"
Brock opened his mouth to scream back, but they were silenced by a roar and Entei pouncing between the two cells. It growled loudly, glaring at the both of them. Raikou prowled into view, sparks flying from its mane.
"I agree with them," their Rocket Guard said as he walked into view, rubbing his temple like he had a headache. "Shut the fuck up before I make you."
To help emphasize his point, he rested a hand on the taser gun clipped to his belt. While he was glaring at May, Brock noticed something. Raikou was standing within reaching distance! If he acted quick...
5 months in here had been enough. Stuck inside this grungy, dank, Rocket cell God knows where. He had had enough. Mew, the Legendaries, Team Rocket, Dominion's, ALL OF IT! He was done with this war, and all he wanted to do was find Delila and escape. Hopefully find somewhere far away from danger and raise their children together...
He lunged forward, his fingers closing around the device attached to Raikou's forehead. The Legendary roared in shock and jerked back, effectively ripping the device free. The red light flickered in Brock's hand for a moment then faded away.
"Hey you son of a Bitch!" The Grunt shouted, unclipping his taser and shooting at Brock. The needles sank into his skin, sending wave after wave of electricity through his muscles. He spasmed, hitting his head against the cage bars and falling to the floor.
"BROCK!" May shouted, hitting the bars. "STOP IT!"
The Grunt ignored her, and mistakenly, Raikou. The electric Legendary shook its head, trying to rid its daze. Regaining its own conscious, it growled loudly at the Rocket. He spun on the spot, realizing his error, but it was too late. Raikou blasted him with a thunderbolt so powerful it launched him into the air, crashing him against the wall. He fell to the floor with a thud and crushed the taser beneath him in a crunch. Brock stopped jerking, inhaling sharply as his lungs freed from the electricity.
"Brock!? Brock, say something!" May demanded fearfully.
Entei roared at Raikou, sending a large wave of flames its direction. The electric dog jumped out of the way, roaring back as currents sparked across the floor around its feet. She shielded her eyes as a torrent of thunder shot from Raikou, enveloping Entei in a cloud of lightning. The room flickered and filled with light and Entei's roar of pain. Brock regained control of his breathing, sitting up and using the bars as support.
The electricity died down, leaving Entei standing motionless, wisps of smoke swirling off its body. The device on its head fluttered and died, detaching itself before falling to the concrete. Raikou snorted at its counterpart before turning its head at Brock.
"Brock!?" May repeated, watching her friend rising to his feet.
"I'm fine," he grumbled, feeling the tightness in his muscles from the jolts. "Good job Raikou. Think you can help us out?"
The dog eyed Brock warily.
"You can trust me," he reassured. "I'm friends with Suicune."
That seemed to sway the Legendary. It opened it maw and charged what looked like a Shadow Ball made of lightning. Catching on, Brock jumped back just in time as the Electric Ball exploded into the cage door, effectively blasting a hole in the bars.
"Thanks Raikou," he exclaimed, stepping out into the cell hall. May cleared her throat, and Brock said, "her too please?"
Repeating the attack, Raikou free'd May with another explosion of electricity. She jumped out of her cell, whooping with joy, "it's about time! Now let's find the others and get out of here!"
"You do that, I'm finding Delila and then I'm gone."
He started towards the door. No time to lose, someone somewhere had to of heard those blasts.
"Gone?" She questioned. "What do you mean gone?"
"Exactly that," he replied, not stopping his pace. "I'm done with it all. Good luck May."
And he rushed out of the cells before she could say another word. She called after him, and ran to the exit, busting through the doorway into a brightly lit hall. There was no sign of him or which way he went. She cursed! Done?! What did he mean done with it all? He couldn't be giving up? Not on their friends? That wasn't like Brock.
Raikou walked out into the hall, followed by Entei, who seemed to be fully caught up that he was free. They roared violently, and raced off down the hall, leaving May alone to frantically wonder what to do.
Boat Ride to Hoenn
Success! They were in! The group would be at the bar tonight and they had been invited along! Perfect! Perfect, perfect, perfect! Once they had a few drinks, and were buzzed up, they would chat up each of them individually and learn all they could. Still, caution was required. Couldn't move to fast too quickly, but this was the best opportunity to get in good under the radar. Word had been sent that the staged assault would be tomorrow afternoon, so time was running out. Gary Oak was the prime target tonight, so any opportunity to be within proximity should be taken. His key-card to his room needed to be swiped. Once the assault began the tracking beacon was to be placed.
Ketchum showing up tonight was slim, but if he did, then they were going to attempt learning more about the emotional situation of the group. That would be useful info!
They burst into their room, swiftly putting on a pair of nice clothing, and making sure they looked bar appropriate. Had to blend in. If all went well tonight, then they would be in! And if all went well tomorrow, they could maintain their cover, and 'join' the journey to Hoenn.
August 27 10:30 a.m.
Somewhere in Johto
May raced down the hall, for the moment following Entei and Raikou. Until she found where Team Rocket had her Pokemon, they were her only protection. They moved through the base swiftly, taking turn after turn, and blasting any Rocket's they crossed with their most powerful attacks. At first she thought they were rushing through the base randomly, but she soon figured out they were searching for something. Whatever that may be, she had no idea.
Her eyes remained peeled for somewhere they might have her Pokemon, Brock, Delila, or the hall where they took her to Cameron. So far, nothing looked promising. Brock must of ran the other direction...she scowled at the thought. No matter how many times she ran over different reasons in her head, none made sense. She just couldn't figure out why he would decide to abandon them. Because of Delila? She wouldn't be happy about his decision, would she? Or was it because he didn't trust Cameron? Surely he trusted her enough to deal with it?
The dogs abruptly stopped outside a large door, growling and sniffing at the base. May halted behind them, taking the chance to catch her breath. No alarms so far, which men't Entei and Raikou were efficient. That was a plus, but thenn alarm blared loudly from the intercom. Woops, she spoke too soon...
The Legendary dogs roared and Body Slammed the door down, charging through it at full speed. She jumped and ran after them, but she stopped when the got through the threshold. She recognized this hall! If she took a left here, then a right...Bingo! That's the room where they had Cameron!
Sprinting up to it, she turned the knob, only to find it locked.
"Dammit!" Her fist slammed against the metal door as she spotted the keypad beside it. Channeling her inner Ash, she punched it as hard as she could. Her knuckles popped and coursed with pain, but the pad broke and sparked. The tiny red light indicating it was locked flicked green, and she couldn't help the whoop of victory. She gripped the handle and flung the door open, racing inside.
A surprised voice said her name, but she didn't verbally reply, nearly jumping the small round table at the man sitting at it. He caught her at the last second, his expression coated in surprise.
"What-how did-wait you-how-" Cameron stuttered, trying to phrase his shock into a sentence.
"Come on," she demanded. "We're getting out of here!"
She took his hand and went to lead him out of the little concrete room, but he pulled his hand back. Turning back to him curiously, she locked onto his bright green eyes, which were filled with a deep sadness.
"I...I can't May," he said quietly, a hint of uneasiness in his tone.
"What do you mean you can't?"
Boat Ride to Hoenn
The music was loud, and the place was packed. The group was forming their own drama. The drinks were going down Gary Oak at a fast pace, and he was the mastermind behind a plan involving Ketchum and Waterflower. They were making this too easy.
Currently at the moment Ketchum and Maple were dancing, and Waterflower was discreetly glaring. The undercover Rocket played their part, laughing with the others, and listening to their stories. Some valuable info was being revealed, mainly about the group's past.
A few more drinks, help resolve the drama, and they were in!
August 27 10:20 a.m.
Somewhere in Johto
Delila screamed, a high pitch, ear bleeding scream. Her legs were propped open, with Anni and Oakley holding her from spasming too violently. Matilda stood a few feet back, watching the scene with her arms folded. The nurses worked furiously. Passing tools back and forth, bags for IV, cloths to clean the blood and other bodily fluids from Delila.
"MOTHER FUC-"
"Stop pushing," one nurse demanded. "You'll make this more difficult."
A ringing tone penetrated over Delila's next string of curses, causing Matilda to turn away and answer her PokeGear. "What is it?"
"The prisoners in block E have escaped," a scared voice came through. "Entei and Raikou are no longer in our control. They just stormed through, wiping out my patrol."
"And you managed to avoid them how?"
"Um, by ducking into the broom closet ma'm..."
Matilda's jaw clenched, "Coward! Get back out there! Sound the alarm and round up every troop in the base. Protect our assets at all costs or there will be Hell to pay! Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes ma'm!"
"Then what are you still doing on the phone?!"
There was a click in her ear, and she snapped the PokeGear shut, fuming with anger. How did those brats free the Legendary Dogs?!
"Anni, Oakley," she spat, gaining their immediate attention. "Stay here and do not let ANYONE else other than me into this room, understood?"
"Yes ma'm!" Oakley nodded.
"If anyone tries, shoot them."
"Yes ma'm!" Annie acknowledged.
Boat Ride to Hoenn
Alright! The tlme was now! Team Rocket forces were assaulting the ship, and the order to move forward had been given. Giovanni was currently dealing with Oak and Ketchum, so the chance of them walking in while the tracking device was being planted was basically zero.
Click! Gary Oak's room was open! They slipped inside, grabbing onto the doorframe for support as the boat vibrated from an explosion somewhere on board. They quickly searched through the room, locating his bag and pulling out the tiny device from their pocket. It was small, very small. Able to fit between the stitching on one of the straps, and that's precisely where they planted it.
Job accomplished! Time to regroup with someone from Ketchum's group and attempt to maintain cover. So long as they fought back against the rest of Team Rocket, that should be a simple task.
August 27 10:35 a.m.
Somewhere in Johto
Brock sprinted down the hall, barreling through a patrol of Rocket's that had yet to see him. Just as he cleared them and hurried away, the intercom burst to life with a wailing alarm.
"That's one of the prisoners!" A Grunt bellowed. "AFTER HIM!"
He certainly didn't make their pursuit easy. He dodged and ducked into every turn he found, every cover he saw. Sprinting as fast as he could through the brightly lit halls. A few times he heard Entei and Raikou roar from somewhere in the base, but he didn't focus on their location. Delila was his priority.
He vanished from the patrol's sights, and took the opportunity to lose them for good by rushing through a random door and hiding just on the other side. Their footsteps approached quickly, and continued on right past him. Scurrying down the hall in a frenzy. He let out a breath, reaching for the knob, but paused.
"Mew?" The tiny squeak froze his blood, sending a strange spark down his spine. He momentarily forgot his plans and spun around to face the room fully. It was a fairly good sized room, with tons of scientific equipment he could not name, or describe. Test tubes the size of him lined the walls on the far side, and in the one on the end, was Mew. It looked at him sadly with those big blue eyes, turning its head to the side. It squeaked again, putting a tiny paw on the glass. It must of recognized him!
Delila rushed back into his mind, and his hand reached for the door handle, but he paused again. Mew's big sad eyes stared him down, and he could swear it was reading his mind. The baby's lower lip seemed to tremble, and he didn't know if Mew could cry or not, but he swore a lone tear fell down its cheek.
He couldn't just leave it...not because he changed his mind about being done with this war...but because it was a living thing in need, and Brock's basic emotions would never let him forgive himself if he left the poor thing. God knows what Team Rocket had already done to it.
He let go of the handle and ran across the room, sliding to a stop beside the tube. Mew's entire attitude flipped, it zoomed up high in the tube, squeaking with happiness.
"Where's the switch to let you out, do you know?"
"Mew!" It pointed to a keypad on the wall, and when Brock examined it he discovered it required a key card.
"Shit," he cursed. "I can't use this."
"Mew, Mew!" It waved to get his attention, then head butted the glass. Its eyes spun in circles for a moment from the impact, but it shook its head to relieve itself.
"Break the glass?"
"Mew," it pointed at the keypad and Brock understood. Quickly scanning the room for something heavy, he spotted a fire extinguisher hooked on the wall by the door. He sprinted to it, sliding to a stop and yanking it from its hook. The door opened suddenly, and a lone Rocket Scientist waltzed in, halting in his tracks as he saw Brock. Panicking, Brock pointed the nozzle at the Scientist and pulled the pin. White foam spewed wildly, coating the man completely, shouting in surprise and backing into the wall. The extinguisher stopped spraying, and the Rocket emerged from the foam, lunging at Brock. He swung the metal cylinder up on reaction, catching the man in the jaw and knocking him out in a crumpled heap on the floor.
Thinking more men would probably be on their way, he hurried back to the keypad, raising the extinguisher high. The pad exploded into tiny pieces as the metal smashed it, leaving behind only a sparking circuit board. A hissing escaped from the test tubes and they rose into the air, freeing Mew, who flew into the open air with a happy cry.
"Ok you're free," Brock said. "Now get out of here and stay out of sight while you do so. Good luck!"
Mew blinked at him once, then shimmered and vanished. Brock went to drop the empty extinguisher, but decided against it. It was his best weapon at the moment, so he gripped it in such a way he could swing it quickly if needed, and he ran back out the door into the hall. Hopefully Mew would stay invisible and get as far away from here as it could, beyond that, Brock had done what he deemed enough.
Arriving at Mt. Chimney
Things were changing...
Up until the day Team Rocket staged the assault on the cruise line, it had been mission priority. Soon after, everything began to shift. The more time they spent with this group, the more their eyes were being opened. To choices, to emotions, to the world. This group had seen and conquered so much, and they had done it together. As...friends? That word was still bewildering, but...somehow, it was beginning to make sense. Friends...could the Rocket have friends? Could this group be the friends? Would Ketchum and the others accept them if they discovered who truly was with them?
The other day they experienced something for the first time, laughter. REAL laughter, not what Team Rocket had to taught to blend in. Real, pure, full emotional joy. Another emotion had been experienced soon after...fear. Fear was more common, they had experienced that before...but not like this. The common fear was that of failing, of being punished for indescrepincies. This fear was harder, scarier. The fear for a...friend?
Ketchum apparently had dreams, bad ones. He woke up from one in a frenzy, and bit Waterflower. Breaking skin and drawing blood. For the first time, they felt compassion and was scared for someone else. Not OF someone else. What was happening?
Were they finding friends? Real friends?...love?
August 27 11:00 a.m.
Somewhere in Johto
Matilda walked quickly, her hand placed at her hip. Fingers twiddling on the handle to a handgun in its holster. If she found one of the escapees, they were dead. No second chances. She hadn't tortured three out of the four, and fed them enough to keep them alive. They should be grateful! Instead they freed some of her best assets and we're now storming who the Hell knows where through her base. Giovanni wouldn't have put up with it, and neither would she!
Her PokeGear buzzed on her hip, and she snapped it up in a flash, "better be good news."
"We've tracked Entei and Raikou's movements," a Grunt stammered on the other end. "They are moving toward the others, but I have the majority of our forces guarding them with their lives. How should we proceed?"
"You won't," she commanded. "Stay there and guard those assets! Do not let those mangy beasts or the escapees access to the others! Is that understood?"
"Yes ma'm! There is one more thing..."
She didn't ask what, her silence indicating him to continue, "Our men arrived to relocate Mew with the other assets, only to find it already gone. It's missing."
"You're dead when I get there."
Delila screamed again as the pressure in her abdomen increased. This was unreal! This was torture! Her primal screech echoed through the room, causing Anni and Oakley to wince. They said nothing however and continued to restrain the pink haired woman.
"Here comes the first one," the Rocket nurse told them.
Cold hands touched Delila as her muscles coursed with burning pain. The pressure increased to a level she never deemed possible, causing her to erupt into another psychotic screaming fit. Then it passed, and she heard crying, a baby crying! The cold sweat poured from every part of her body, dripping into her eyes, but she ignored the stinging. Taking her first look at the tiny thing in the nurses arms. It was fidgeting in jarred movement as it cried, and she realized it was upset. Well, she was too...
Another nurse quickly cut the umbilical chord with a sharp snap of the scissors and swept the baby away. Delila tried to crane her neck to see where and demand they bring her baby back, but the pressure returned, and she screamed once more. Oh yea...twins.
Brock heard it, he knew he did. A woman screaming in pain. He immediately ran in the direction he thought it had come from, but now he wasn't so sure. The sounds of another Rocket patrol came down the hall, and he opened the first door on his right to duck inside it. They went right on by, saying something about 'intruders in asset containment'.
When they were gone he flew back out into the hall, and heard it again, the scream. He was headed the right direction!
"Almost there Delila," the nurse encouraged. "I see it coming."
And there it was, the same crying of an upset newborn baby. It was over, and she breathed out heavily, feeling the sweat drips trickle down her neck, sending goosebumps across her arms.
Anni and Oakley let go, stepping back and wiping their sweat covered hands on their pants.
"C-Can I see them?" Delila asked hoarsely, swallowing the lump in her throat. She feared they would take them away, never to see them again. The sounds of machines to keep the newborns warm fired up somewhere Delila couldn't see, and somehow it only increased her need to see the babies. She just had too! They were hers dammit!
Oakley shot Anni a look Delila didn't like, nodding to the other Rocket with a scowl. Anni looked down first, then took a breath, exhaling as she looked at Delila. Something wasn't right...
Anni's hand traveled to her handgun, unclipping it from the holster, and slowly pointing it at Delila. Her heart pounded in her ear, a loud, deafening beat of terror. This couldn't be it, not strapped to this bed, not without holding her children for the first time...
Oakley stepped up beside Anni, glaring at Delila, biting the inside of her cheek. Anni's fingers teased the trigger, curling around it.
"Traitorous Bitch," she said, and pulled her finger back.
The echo of the shot at first drowned out the sound of terrified babies screaming, and the horrified yell of a man entering the room. Sound was unheard by Delila, the ringing of pain swelling in her ears. Her middle burned white hot, a crackling filling her lungs with every wheeze of a breath she took.
The Rocket sisters spun quickly as the man entered the room fully, now screaming in rage. Brock charged them, raising the fire extinguisher high. Anni fired at him, the bullet piercing his shoulder, but he didn't slow. Instead rearing back and throwing the metal cylinder with all he had. It collided into Anni's face with a loud, empty clang, sending her tumbling backwards on Delila's blood soaking bed.
Oakley gripped her handgun, and went to pull it loose, but Brock was already on her. Wrapping his arms around her torso and tackling her to the tile. They crashed into the legs of a heart monitor, buckling the thin metal and knocking the machinery on top of them. The monitor crashed into her temple, shooting stars into her eyes. Anni shoved herself off the bed, blood pouring from her nose and hairline. She took on step forward to help her sister-
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Brock snatched Oakley's gun, peppering Anni's chest before she finished that step. She collapsed back, smacking the tile with a thud. Oakley screamed in rage and reached out to attack Brock, but he was already a step ahead of her. Spinning back to face her, he fired the remaining shots, dropping her like her sister.
The room was far from silent, the screeching babies howling from the loud noises. The Rocket nurses were polar opposite, standing frozen in fright, eyeing Brock as if he might kill them next. He clambered to his feet, the bullet wound on his shoulder intensifying in pain. Nurses took steps back, holding their breaths as he turned to them. "Get, the fuck out."
They did, scrambling to the door in a mad frenzy, desperately shoving each other out of the way and once they were gone, he dropped the empty handgun. Racing to Delila's side. "Delila!"
Her breaths were ragged and short, a bloody hand clutching the bullet hole between on her ribcage. Sweat continued to pour in greater quantities now, and her pink hair hung in her face. Eyes met his, and she grasped at him with her other hand, only to have it stop short from the restraints.
He closed the gap, taking it in his. Seeing the relief on her face as she looked at him, he said, "I'm here baby! Everything will be alright, we'll get you out of here and find some help, ok?"
She believed him...no, she wanted to believe him, but something in the back of her mind was telling her otherwise. The babies...
"Brocky," she wheezed. "Will you bring them to me?"
His expression was confused at first, but then it struck him like lightning...the babies...they couldn't be...but they were. He swallowed once and nodded, letting go of her hand as he stood up to face the crying infants. In those little plastic boxes he always found comical, were two newborns, one with dark brown hair and the other with pink. Two? Twins! They had twins?! He carefully picked the brown haired one up, a girl. His girl...
Gently he walked back to Delila, perfectly placing the baby in her waiting arm. Taking care to avoid the blood from the bullet wound...
"We shouldn't waste time," he stated, his heart racing at the sight of the blood. "We need to go!"
He went to fumble with the restraints, but Delila stopped him, "No Brocky..."
He frowned at her, "This is no time to argue with me! We have to-".
"I'm not going to make it," she cut him off. "Not if we want to get the little ones out too..."
And he understood what she men't. There was no way he could get out carrying the three of them, not without help...
"Wait here!" He exclaimed, running to the door. "I'll go find May, or maybe my Pokemon-"
"Brock!"
He stopped, tears starting to fall.
"Brock," she said much more softly. "Come back?"
Her tone was quiet, and scared. There wasn't any way he could deny her, not now. So he did what she asked, and slowly walked back, his chest aching something fierce. He noticed tears were falling from her eyes too as she looked at him. Then she blinked them away and looked down at the little one in her arm.
"What should we name her?" Her voice was growing weaker.
"Delila..." He started in a whisper, his lip starting to shake. "we need to-"
"I'm thinking Darcy," she suggested, smiling a teary smile down at the baby girl, who had stopped screaming and was now staring at her mother with wide brown eyes.
"Th-that's sounds perfect," Brock agreed, the truth of the situation finally sinking in. His eyes traveled to her bullet wound, the blood gushing between her pressing fingers.
"Will you bring me the other one?" Delila asked, her voice cracking.
The other one? The other one! Great parenting already Brock...he did as she asked, approaching the second infant box, another tear escaping as he studied the bright pink hair on the baby. It too had ceased crying, now looking up at Brock curiously. Carefully he reached down and picked it up...this one was a boy!
Delila offered to trade him as he came back, and he did, gently shuffling the twins to opposite arms. She sniffed as she saw the pink hair, the corners of her lips tugging high. A jolt of pain shot from her chest and she winced, but otherwise kept it together. Her middle was now almost fully soaked in her blood.
"He's going to be so handsome, like his father," she cooed, looking up at Brock with that smile, then returning her gaze to the baby. "What should his name be?"
"It should start with a B," Brock suggested, turning his eyes on his daughter as the tiny one stared back at him. "Delila and Brock, Darcy and...Brent."
"I love it," Delila exclaimed as best she could. "They're so perfect."
"Like their mother."
Her expression fell, and she broke. Sobbing loudly, each convulsion in her chest causing pain in her ribs, gushing more blood from the wound. Brock cracked too, bending over and resting his head against hers.
"Don't go," he whispered pitifully. "I need you."
She gripped the bullet wound tighter, sobbing harder, the tears cascading down her cheeks and a few landing on little Brent's forehead.
"I'm not perfect Brocky..." She finally choked out. "I-I-I was with Team Rocket..."
His crying stopped from the sudden disbelief that rushed him. He hadn't heard that right, it was twisted from the crying.
"At first I only joined you all to get inside information," she said, forcing herself to lock eyes with him. "But I DID love you. So much! You all got through the shell Team Rocket trained me under. YOU taught me how to have friends, how to love. I deserve this, I deserve to die...but I'm glad I got to love you. I so happy for the time I had with you Brock."
His mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, he was at a complete loss for words. He was angry, he was sad, he was confused, but most importantly...he was loved. And no matter what her past, so was she.
"I love you too," he finally found his words. Her tear covered, worried face broke into a smile. Bottom lip shaking furiously. Hearings those words, feeling that sense of security he somehow provided even now, she felt her hand lose pressure on the wound. Her blood was nearly gone...
"Take care of our babies Brocky," she asked quietly, eyes fluttering, fighting to stay open.
"I will, of course I will," he told her. "I love you Delila, I love you so much."
She mouthed it back, her voice leaving her. More tears streamed fast from his eyes, and he leaned over, pressing his lips gently to her forehead. He felt her physically relax, and when he pulled away he found her eyes were closed. No...
"Delila?"
No response...
"De-"
He broke again, his head hitting the bed beside her arm and baby Brent. He cried and cried, for minutes? Hours? He didn't know, didn't care. Sensing his emotion, both babies began crying, screaming for a mother they would never get to know.
Pallet Town
Mewtwo vs. the Dominion
Delila sat at the table they had laid Brock on. He still had yet to wake up, and she was growing worried. The sounds of fighting, screaming, and fires raged on outside, but she ignored it. The two people who helped carry Brock inside stood at the window, watching Ash and Gary fight the Dominion. Maria and Terrence? Was that their names?
"What's going on?" Maria asked worriedly.
"I don't know," Terrence replied, turning to Delila. "Hey, you know, right?"
She didn't answer...how could she? This entire journey had been wild from the start. First she had been assigned to an overdramatic group to infiltrate. Then she began to change...having emotions and feelings she had never previously felt. She had been given some half assed description from Team Rocket about the Dominion, so she assumed it was some super powered Pokemon...until she saw it in action.
She frowned...the realization hitting her...there was no turning back now. She was in two groups...one of them was going to hate her when this was over...Brock groaned, his eyes fluttering open, and Delila sat forward in a flash. Helping him to sit up.
"Easy, you need to take it slow," she told him.
"Where are the others?" He asked, looking around.
"They're out fighting the Dominion."
"WHAT?! I need to be out there!" He shouted, going to get off the table, but Delila's hands pressed into his shoulder.
"They'll be just fine! I have faith in them," she declared, pushing him back. It wasn't a lie, which is something she would have done some time ago. She men't it. She felt it! They were capable, they were strong, they were...her friends! People she had grown to love.
"You need to rest," she cooed. "You're no help to them all dazed up."
"I'm not dazed!" He retorted, losing his balance as he tried to get off the table again.
She gently helped him stabilize and said, "They'll win. They always do. I've never met a group of people so dedicated and strong. They won't fail. I trust them."
Trust...that was a funny word. She trusted them, but they shouldn't of trusted her...We'll, they could now! Her loyalty had changed! Looking at Brock gaze at her, trusting the words coming from her mouth, she knew she was where she belonged. She had found love!
Heart, Broken :,( at least Brock has his babies!
So, be honest, how many of you were SURE it was Cameron? huh huh huh? I tried to make it so no one could guess and be 100% sure. Not until it was blatantly obvious lol. Della certainly started off in a lonely place, but because of our heroes she found a home. I'm proud of her character, and I hope everyone enjoyed her development she had this chapter.
Welp, catch ya all at the next one!