My definition of not good: being stuck in a tiny, derelict room with your only exit blocked by some kind of megalomaniac flower. It didn't help that the picture was now behind my back and I was sure I could feel those eyes boring into my head like twin lasers. Oh yes, and that other pair of yellow eyes that were focused on me from the door. But other than that, everything was fine. Just fine.

Forget what I said about an elderly ghost a while ago. This Roserade looked even angrier than any old lady would have been if you disturbed their eternal naptime. Glancing down at the floor, I realised that the petals were thicker around this particular room. I supposed that this was Roserade's living quarters. Just my luck. Out of five rooms, I had to pick this one. I guess this made me a trespasser. And judging by the dirty looks the Pokémon was giving me, it didn't think much of trespassers. This was confirmed when it suddenly shot a barrage of glowing leaves at my head.

Luckily, I've been a Rocket spy long enough to have learnt some tricks. I dropped into a crouch and the leaves shot past my ear. Reacting instinctively, I swung out a leg and knocked the overgrown plants feet from underneath it. It gave a cry of surprise and toppled backwards, flowers flailing around wildly. It thudded into a wall and righted itself, before turning to give me the evil eye. Funny, that. That's how a certain blue-haired executive usually looks at me.

But I didn't have time to think about that because an interruption came in the form of a fully charged Solarbeam that flew past, narrowly missing me. The force was enough to knock me off my feet. Hate to think what would have happened if it hit. But instead, the full blast was taken by the window.

The glass shattered, and a gust of freezing air hit us. We were blown back by the howling winds and I looked around desperately for something to cling on. Roserade hit the door and grabbed the doorframe in an attempt to stop itself being blown over the banisters. I tumbled onto the bed and grabbed the bed frame with both hands. I hoped it was strong enough to last out until the winds died down. If they did, that is.

Now the picture was right in front of me, and I couldn't help looking at it. Those eyes glared at me and I had a sudden urge to let go, just give up and let the wind carry me to my end. I shook my head angrily. Concentrate girl. You are NOT going to get beat by a bit of fresh air and an inanimate object. You're an elite officer for the love of Arceus!

"Roseraade!"

The cry jolted me out of my daze and I jerked my head around, trying to see what was happening. Roserade was dangling from the banisters, its thorns clinging for purchase on the centuries old wood.

"Roseh, roserade!" it wailed, looking at me piteously.

I was honestly tempted to leave it there. After all, I'm a member of Team Rocket, where sympathy has no place. Not to mention that thing had been trying to kill me a few moments ago. Just look at what its Solarbeam had done to the window. That could have been me. That stupid plant had only itself to blame for the mess it was in. it deserved what it got.

Then again, I needed a strong Pokémon. And if I helped it, it would owe me one. Though I'm not sure Pokémon understand that concept. I made up my mind.

Perhaps those eyes were still messing with me. I must have been going mad, but I let go of the bed. Grabbing anything I could lay my hands on, I struggled to the stairs. I stepped to one side where the winds were weaker, and reached out to grab Roserade. Wincing at the thorns, I pulled it upwards. Have you tried pulling up a plant pokemon. Trust me, their heavier than they seem.

Finally, I managed to pull it back onto solid ground. I swear I must have pulled more than one muscle. But as soon as the flowers feet touched the ground, the wind died down. The scarlet eyes faded and the picture became just that. A normal, innocent picture, free of nighmare creatures.

We sat there for a while. Then Roserade got up and walked up to me, extending its, um, flower. An unusual gesture for a pokemon. As nuch as I resented it, I figured a partnership with a tough pokemon like it wasn't such a bad idea. I took it, carefull of the thorns. I will deny I ever said this of course, but I guess humans do need pokemon sometimes.

"Kuro?" called a voice "Are you OK?"

I glanced at Roserade and mouthed the word 'hide'. She nodded and sliped away. Turning back to the direction of the voice I made myself sound as weak as possible and whimpered "I don't feel to good….dizzy…."

Footsteps echoed through the hallway and suddenly I was surrounded by people. I heard Slates voice saying,

"She doesn't look to good. I think we should get back to Eterna."

I let them support me as they led me to the door. I have never felt as happy as I did when I stepped out of the door and into the outside world. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Roserade slip out and follow us, keeping to the shadows. Perfect. Letting myself go limp, I flopped down to the floor and feigned unonciousness.

"Kuro? Are you ok?" asked Berlitz, her oice high with worry.

"We should get help," Slate said urgently "Come on Dawn. Ash, you and Pikachu stay with her ok?"

The two in question nodded eagerly.

"Pika, Pikachu!" cried the rodent, waving its stubby arms in the air. Its trainer grinned enthusiastically.

"No problem!" he said "Now hurry up!"

I waited until the sound of their footsteps had died away and I was sure they were gone. I lay still for a bit longer, trying to judge where Ketchum was by his footsteps. When I was sure he was in front of me, I struck.

Springing up, I slammed the palm of my hand under his chin. His jaws cracked together and she staggered backwards. Blood tricked from his lips as he stared at me, bewildered.

"Kuro, what-" he started, but my foot slammed into his chest and he fell to the floor. Bending down, I examined him. Out cold, but still alive. Excellent.

I froze as I heard a crackle of electricity behind me. I flung myself out of the way as the patch of grass I was standing on was fried to a crisp by a bolt of lightning. Spinning aroung on my heels, I was confronted by a very angry electric mouse that was out for my blood, determined to protect its trainer. Unfortunately for it, that wasn't possible.

"Roserade," I called out "Poison Jab!"

Pikachu half turned as Roserade exploded out of the shadow and struck it on the side of its head with a glowing limb. It cried out in pain and hit a tree, sliding to the ground with a thud.

"Pikaaa," it groaned, tried to get up. But as it struggled, Roserade rotated, flowers held up, and finished it with a burst of Magical Leaf.

I smiled in satisfaction and gave Roserade a quick pat. Pulling some string and duct tape out of my pocket, I set about tying them up. Soon I had a pair of trussed up Delibird. Grapping their bonds and heaving them up with one hand, I pulled out my poke gear with the other and dialled with one hand. I talked for a few minuets then hung up.

About five minuets later, I heard the sound of helicopter blades churning the air. A large black helicopter swooped into the clearing and landed in fornt of me. A large red R was emblazoned on its side, and as I watched, the door opened and a man clad in black jumped out.

"Do you require any assistance Madame Kostovich?" he asked me. I gestured idly to the prone bodies of the two and turned to step into the helicopter, Roserade right behind me. Back turned, I called to the grunt.

"Bring those two with you. Make sure there are NO mistakes."