Chapter Two: The Cat's Meow

A large burly man entered a run-down store, having to pass through a heavy tarp. He had to duck so that his tall Mohawk wouldn't hit the top of the doorway. A black tank top covered his massive upper body and he wore dark leather jeans over the top of heavy steel-toe boots. He moved to the back of the shop and through another tarp to see a small person sitting in a chair. He was covered in darkness, making his features undistinguished.

"Boss, I have news of the Underground," the giant man said as he rummaged in his pocket and pulled out a crumpled picture. "Dennis lost his match to this new kid with a Quilava." He showed the picture to the tiny person. "He battles with real skill for being so young. We could use someone like him."

"Ha, I'll be the judge of that," the little person said, taking the picture. "Dis twerp is who beat Dennis? I could beat him wit' one paw tied behind my back!"

"What do you want me to do, sir?" the large man said.

The smaller person glowered at the picture before saying, "Bring him to me. I want to see his wort' myself."

The house was a mess again. The children ran amuck while the older teens did their best to gain order. The two little girls painted each other's faces, making a mess on the carpet while the three boys took their art to the walls. Fark felt helpless as he stared, not knowing how to stop them.

"This is a disaster," Fark said, shaking his head.

"It'll be fine," Jule said, touching Fark's arm. "They'll wash off with water. Let them be kids, like we couldn't be."

Fark shrugged. Then he turned to Jule and asked, "Have you seen Kris? Don't tell me he's skipping out on chores again."

Jule rolled on the balls of feet with a big smile on her face. "Actually I sent him to town to pick up a few things."

"At least that's one less child making a mess," Fark commented with a laugh.

"Let's see," Kris said as he walked through the busy streets of Celadon, with a piece of paper in his hand, "the first thing on the list … um, I don't even know – this is –" Kris let out a sigh. "I don't even know how to find half of these!" Kris quickly stopped his rage as he became aware of onlookers noticing his freak-out.

Regaining his composure Kris continued through the crowded streets. Why did Jule ask him to go get the things? He was never any good at shopping, especially for whatever … these things were. He just couldn't wait for tonight to enter the Underground again. He was ready to show them all who was king of Celadon Underground.

Kris stopped as he heard something catch his attention. He looked to his left to see a skinny but tall man with shoulder length hair leaning against the corner of a building. He waved to Kris with a crooked smile. Kris looked around to make sure it was him he was waving to. He approached the unknown man cautiously.

"You, kid," the man said, "you're the one with the Quilava, right? You won in the Underground last night?"

Kris laughed nervously, looking around for anyone who may be in ear shot. "Quilava? Underground? I don't know what you mean."

"It's cool, I'm not a cop. Come on, let's talk."

Kris looked back at the main street as the man put an arm around his shoulders and slowly moved him to the side street. He had a bad feeling, but didn't know what to do without causing a scene.

"My boss heard about your moves last night," the man said. "Told me he'd like to see you and discuss things with you."

"Like what?" Kris asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Like you working for us."

Kris knocked the man's hand away and turned on his heels. "Not interested." Kris stopped when a looming shadow came over him. He looked up and saw a giant man with a tall Mohawk. He placed a heavy hand on Kris's head.

"This isn't an option," the burly man said. "You're coming with us whether you like it or not."

Kris knocked the large man's hand away. "I'm not afraid of you. Back off!"

The big man glared down at Kris, clenching a fist. "You'll regret that."

Loud barking cut through the empty street. Both thugs started looking around for the source, thinking cops were coming with Growlithe. Then Quilava appeared over the giant's shoulder and latched onto him with his teeth. The man cried in pain and threw Quilava to the ground who rebounded easily and stood between the large man and Kris.

"Told you I wasn't afraid," Kris said with a smirk. "Quilava's always got my back."

"You'll pay for that," the burly man said as he approached Kris.

"Quilava, Smokescreen!" Kris commanded. Quilava let out a burst of smoke that covered the empty street and started to spill out onto the main road, causing unease for passersby. Kris already had his goggles over his eyes and snatched up Quilava, ready to make a break for it until he bumped into something hard.

Kris felt a tight grip around his throat, forcing him to release Quilava as his feet came off the ground. He could barely make out the large man's features through the smoke.

"You gotta do something," the scrawny man called out. "That smoke will alert the police."

"I got it," the large man said. "Staraptor, Whirlwind!"

Kris was surprised to see the smoke disappear in an instant. Through his dimming sight he saw a shadow of a flying Pokemon overhead. The massive monstrosity of a man merely smiled as Kris began to fade out, unable to breathe and barely able to keep his eyes open anymore.

What did these guys want? Why did they want to hurt him? Kris pondered many questions in only a few seconds, but the thought that surfaced the most in his mind was that he had to escape. With one last breath he muttered, "Fl – Flame … Wheel."

Jule check the round clock hanging on the wall in the kitchen. It was already the middle of the afternoon. Where could Kris be? He definitely should've been back by now. Maybe he got sidetracked? He couldn't have gotten lost, Kris knew Celadon's streets better than anyone. Maybe he was having another Pokemon battle and maybe – Jule hated to think it – he finally got arrested?

Jule shook the thought from her head. Without him returning, though, she can't start making dinner, and she really needed some of the cleaning supplies he was supposed to pick up as well.

"Can never trust a boy," Jule mused aloud.

"What's that?"

Jule glanced to Fark who happened to be walking by. Jule blushed and quickly said, "Well, I mean, you're not really a boy – er, you are but I mean –"

Fark laughed. "It's okay. I assume you were referring to Kris?"

Jule nodded, frowning. "He should've been back by now. I just have the strangest feeling something bad happened, like getting arrested for once."

"Kris can handle himself, regardless of the situation. You should know that more than anyone. You two have known each other since you were little kids."

Jule gripped tight to the broom she leaned on. "I know, but I've just got this feeling. Something isn't right about it this time. I gave him a list. He definitely should've come home after getting everything."

Fark shrugged as he turned away from her. "He'll probably come in covered head to toe with scrapes and bruises like always, but he'll be fine. I'm done letting him worry me like that."

Jule watched Fark disappear outside of the kitchen. He could be right, but Jule's intuition wouldn't let her settle on that. She had to go look for him. She set her broom aside and rushed to the front door where she started putting her shoes on. "Fark, watch the kids. I'm going to find Kris."

Fark came into the front room saying, "Hey wait –" but it was too late. Jule had already left, slamming the door shut behind her.

Jule didn't know much about Celadon's mysteries at all. She had grown up in Viridian City until a few years before. Fark had decided that he, Kris, and Jule would be better off in Celadon, which seemed okay at first, until they picked up more kids in the last couple years that needed someone to take care of them as well.

Now, traveling through Celadon seemed made her feel like a Rattata in a maze, trying to find that piece of cheese made from Moo Moo Milk. The streets would go on in different directions for what seemed like miles, and some would look the same as others, including the many other pedestrians that crowded the streets even for almost being sunset.

Jule decided to check the market street first, where Kris should've been, but kept an eye and ear on the side streets, thinking he may have stepped off to battle someone. So far her efforts seemed pointless and decided if she couldn't find him, let him find her.

"Kris!" Jule called. She noticed the people of the city look toward her, but paid them no mind. He shouted again, "Kris Kantu! Come out here right now! Quit making me worry so much!"

"Excuse me."

The voice made Jule jump. She hadn't expected anyone other than Kris to come out to her. The person who spoke was a pretty woman, maybe in her late teens, with reddish orange hair at shoulder length wearing a red blazer with the sleeves rolled up over a black tank top and blue jean shorts.

"Are you looking for someone?" the woman asked.

Jule nodded. "Y-yes," she said nervously. "I'm trying to find my friend Kris. He's always wearing goggles on his head" –Jule motioned her hands over her head to show the goggle placement, and made a gesture over her head as if to spike her hair.— "and had spiky brown hair."

The other woman thought about the details for a moment, then shook her head. "I haven't seen anyone like that today. But maybe I can help you look. Four eyes are better than two."

Jule adjusted her glasses, thankful the woman didn't take a chance to make fun of her wearing them. She nodded and said, "That would be great, thank you. I'm Jule."

"My name's Misty. Don't worry, we'll find your friend."

"We had to rough him up a bit, but I made sure he was still breathin' and all."

"Seein' as he's still alive, guess dat means he's got fight in 'im."

It was dark. Kris could barely make out the figures that were talking through his blurry vision. His head rolled around loosely as he tried to regain himself. He could see Quilava on the floor next to him, completely unconscious with bruises and cuts covering his body. His limbs were tied together so that he couldn't move, and Kris became aware that his hands were bound behind his back as well.

"Looks like he's comin' to," said the heavier voice, the first voice.

"Stand 'im up," came the second, squeaker voice.

The large man grabbed Kris by the collar of his jacket and yanked him to his feet. His knees gave under his weight, feeling of numbness rushing through them, but the man held on to his collar to keep him upright. Kris's head continued to bob back and forth as he tried to put his sight on the small man sitting in the darkness before him.

"It's not every day I let an outsider in here," the small man said. "The last time turned to be a cat-astrophe, haha."

"Who –" Kris tried to speak, but his voice cracked from being dry.

"Let me introduce me," the man said as he climbed down from his chair. He stood barely higher than Kris's knee. Then Kris noticed the outline of the person: strange extremities sticking from the top of either side of his head, round hands that resembled paws, feet much larger than should be normal, and – a tail? He stepped more into the dim light to reveal he was a Pokemon – a cat-like Pokemon Kris remember was called Meowth.

"I'm Meowth," the Pokemon introduced, completely taking Kris off-guard; since when could Pokemon talk? "And I'm da leader of these bozos called da Cat's Meow."

Through his hoarse voice Kris asked, "What do you want?"

Meowth closed his eyes and gave a nod. "I suppose you deserve to know. Last night one of our guys lost, see. And da one to beat him was yous. So we're forcin' you to join us."

If Kris had the saliva to he would've spit right into Meowth's face, but instead he said, "I'll never join you thugs."

A sharp pain came to Kris's side and he buckled to his knees. The large man at struck him. Kris knew he must've held back, because a punch from a man like that surely would kill him.

"You have no choice in da matter," Meowth said, patting Kris on the head. "You see, long ago I was a member of Team Rocket. But now dat I've been tossed out like yesterday's cat nip, I swore I'd rise up and show dem who da top cat really is."

Kris raised his head and stared Meowth in the eyes. "Your cat puns suck."

Meowth glared at him for a second before baring his claws and slashing him across the face. Kris fell completely to the floor now, writhing in pain, feeling blood drip sideways on his face.

"I'm da boss now," Meowth said. "You won' be disrespectin' me like dat anymore, ya hear me?"

Kris calmed down, but the stinging hadn't let up. He lie motionless, contemplating on how to get out of this. He had never been in such a bad situation before. In the back of his head he could hear Fark and Jule telling him just how bad the Underground was, and with something like this possible, Kris now understood why. However, Kris was a Pokemon trainer, and a good one. He wasn't about to let this group get the better of him.

"So, ya gonna play nice, or do I hafta rough yous up some more?"

Kris slowly got back to his knees. He simply smiled at Meowth, a plan already formed in his head. "I think we can play some more." Meowth's and the big man's eyes grew wide as Kris gave a command to Quilava. "Flamethrower!"

Quilava perked its head up and released a large burst of flames that covered the entire room. Kris, despite being burned in the process, felt the bindings on his wrist give way and he easily broke free. He rushed at the big guy, stunned by the fire attack, and rammed him as hard as he could with his shoulder. The large man stumbled backwards and into a pile of junk crammed against the wall.

Kris raced for the door with Quilava on his heels. They burst through to find the abandoned store they were in not so abandoned with more of their thugs. Kris pointed a finger straight for the door and told Quilava, "Flame Wheel! Make a path outta here!"

Quilava obliged as the plumed on his head and tail lit up and he rolled through the store. Thugs dodged to the side with screams of anguish as flame jumped from Quilava's Wheel. Kris kept right up behind him, ignoring the burns he was receiving.

The cool night air hit Kris's skin as he and his Pokemon burst from the store. They were in a deserted alleyway, and he had no idea where it was. He knew, however, that he could figure out how to get home. First, though, he had to lose the scumbags that were following him.

Kris skid backwards on his heels, turning to face the five thugs approaching with Pokemon at their beck and call. He didn't take time to let them react as he called out, "Flamethrower!" Quilava obliged and let out a burst of fire that engulfed the large group of Pokemon and people.

"Good job," Kris said with a big smile, but that quickly came to a stop as a large boulder emerged through the flames and nearly landed on Quilava. Kris had quickly snatched up his Pokemon to keep it from taking damage. He stared at the boulder and it suddenly began to shake, arms and legs revealing itself and eyes opening to stare at them. "A Graveler?"

"Now, Graveler," one of the thugs called out, "use Rollout!"

"Quilava, counter with Flame Wheel!"

Quilava barked as he hopped from his owner's arms. Fire emerged around him as he began to roll. Graveler pulled its arms and legs back in and rolled for Quilava. Both attacks collided with a thunderous boom that shook the ground. Both Pokemon continued to roll against each other, neither giving in. Kris knew, however, that his best friend wouldn't be able to withstand the might of a Graveler for very long. He had to think of an idea quick before it was too late.

"Time to change it up! Use Agility now!" Quilava broke free from the convergence and began darting around the alleyway. Graveler stopped rolling and watched as Quilava sped around it at high speeds.

"Graveler, stop it in its tracks!" the owner called out. "Use Block!"

Kris watched in horror as Graveler ripped up concrete from the ground below it. "Quilava, watch out!" he called, but it was too late. Graveler set the concrete standing up and Quilava smashed right into it, his form contorting as he hit it at high speed.

"Follow up with Rock Tomb to slow it down," Graveler's owner commanded. Graveler lifted the concrete wall and slammed it down on Quilava, pinning him down. Quilava cried out in pain. Kris could feel his heart breaking as he watched his best friend being trapped and struggling to free himself.

He had to think of something. If he didn't, he and Quilava would be in deep trouble. What could he do? With Graveler approaching, Quilava wouldn't have time to heat the wall and crack it. Does he even have the strength to crack it?

"Finish it, Graveler," the owner called. "Use –"

"Water Pulse!"

Kris glanced back and saw the shadow of a person standing down the alley. A star shape floated above her, and suddenly it released a blast of water. It streamed passed Kris, who just barely sidestepped the attack, and it hit Graveler hard in the side, send it straight into the owner and the rest of the thug accompanying him. The thugs looked up from the attack. Another water attack came that washed them down the alleyway.

"Good job, Staryu," the newcomer said as she approached, recalling the star-shaped Pokemon back to its Pokeball. As she came closer Kris could make out her features. She had shoulder-length red hair and wore a red blazer, black shirt, and jean shorts. She placed a hand on her hip and gave Kris a soft smile. "I didn't think you'd be the one I'm rescuing."

"Who –" Kris started, but then he remembered Quilava. His sights turned to his fallen Pokemon and then he quickly rushed over to him. "Hang in there, buddy! I'll get you out." He started to lift the concrete off Quilava, but it was too heavy and he could barely budge it. Quilava had fallen unconscious and couldn't get himself out. He looked to the red-haired girl and said, "Please, grab him! I can't hold this much longer."

The girl nodded and rushed over to Quilava and dragged him from beneath the cement just before Kris's fingers slipped and it slammed back on the ground. Kris heaved a big sigh of relief as he caressed his fallen comrade in his arms and held him up, then he looked to the girl who stood slightly taller than he did. "Thanks for your help. I appreciate it."

"Not a problem," the girl said, shaking her head. "A very worried girl has been looking for you. I left her on the main street. We better hurry back to her."

"Er," Kris said hesitantly.

The girl looked back at Kris with a smile. "Yes?"

Kris blushed as he slowly approached the girl. "It was great that you saved me. You were amazing!"

"Well thank you," the girl replied, looking flushed herself.

"So um … what's your name?"

"It's Misty."

Kris gave a big cheesy smile, baring all his teeth, as he pointed a thumb back at him and said, "I'm Kris. Nice to meet'cha."

Jule leaned against a corner, her arms and feet crossed over each other. She had a solemn expression on her face. She couldn't help but wonder what was going on. Misty left her there, saying she would be right back. It was way passed curfew, and if she was caught there she would get into big trouble! Not to mention she still didn't know any details about Kris.

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting long."

Jule looked down the street and saw Misty coming towards her. "You're back!" she said excitedly. "Did you find him? Please tell me Kris is okay!"

"Calm down," Misty said, trying to sooth Jule. "Kris is fine. His Pokemon got hurt, though."

Jule gaped. "Where is he? Take me to him!"

Misty smiled and motioned for Jule to follow. They walked down the street and turned a corner where Jule almost smacked right into Kris. Jule's expression brightened as she embraced her childhood friend. "I'm glad you're okay, Kris!"

"Thanks," Kris said, giving Jule a quick hug back, but keeping Quilava held securely in his other arm. "You came looking for me?"

Jule nodded as she stepped back. "I was worried. It was almost dinner and you never came home. You even missed lunch!"

"He had a run-in with a group called the Cat's Meow," Misty explained. Kris raised an eyebrow at her, quizzical on how she knew that. She shook her head and said, "I'll explain later. Best thing is you're safe. Come on, let's go back to my place so we can get you and Quilava patched up."