They passed through trees, trying to find their way back to the clearing. Travel was far easier if it was done where he'd first come through. Almost like trudging through the snow and using footprints as your guide.
Pikachu stayed curled up, his hands bunched up on Meowth's arms. The pokemon was more than smug, glad that he could control him so easily.
Placing him down on a batch of bushy un-kept grass he watched as he curled back in on himself.
"For a new-born its surprisingly smart. It was still hook, line and sinker though. All are." Meowth stated as he walked over to the duo trying to open the portal. "How's it goin'?"
"Badly." James stated, "I'll be surprised if we get it done by the time those brats arrive."
"Hurry up then. I don't know how long this kid's gonna be asleep. Nor how convinced he is. He may be a baby but he's not stupid."
"I am trying Meowth. If you think you can do better you help."
"Can't. No thumbs." Holding up his paws he wiggled the claws in emphasis.
Grumbling under his breath he continued trying to open the portal. Jessie doing little to help.
"Listen, I'll go on guard duty. That walking fog machine won't keep them bust for long. Human or not they're smarter than they look."
"That a compliment Meowth?"
"Naw, just sayin' that we can't write 'em off. Boss'll kill us if we come home empty handed." Walking over to the mouth of the clearing he dropped to the floor, closing his eyes and leaning back. His arms were settled behind his head, breathing a long breath of content.
"Is that your idea of standing guard?" Jessie asked.
"I'm doin' more than you are Jess, you're the one pretending to work. I'm actually keepin' watch. My eyes are open. Not to mention my killer cat like instincts." Snorting Jessie turned back to her work, beginning to help somewhat.
May and Ash were running through the woods, not caring to mark their way. They had no chance of catching the fleeing trio if they stopped to mark their path. The two clung to each other despite the rush they were still fearful of being caught. The floating smog maker was following behind, catching up on them but always lagging a step or two behind.
"Is that thing still following us?" May asked, her breath heavy and sharp.
"Yeah, persistent little bugger ain't it?" Ash answered, his hand tightening on hers as he was pulled down a path, May having a clearer picture than the boy.
"We're going to the clearing, if you fall behind anymore I'll let you go."
"Do the same to you." Words became redundant as they ran, moving in tandem, slipping through trees, May leading the way. She'd been this way many times and knew it like the back of her hand. Ash let her lead the way, not wanting to ruin both their chances of saving Pikachu or Pikachu's chance of survival with the savages who refused to back down. He didn't know where they were going but he prayed it was the right way.
Stumbling as they ran down through a narrow passage of trees he took in his surroundings, recognising them mildly. "We're in these woods a lot." He noted.
"Yeah, Pikachu came through this way. Logically he'll go back the same way." May answered, only paying half attention to the boy.
They were close, she knew that much, her heart was pounding from all the running and she was desperate to stop for a second. But she couldn't. Just a few more turns and they'd be there.
Meowth cracked open an eye, staring down through the trees. What was that? He could have sworn he heard talking. Pushing himself up he ignored the inquisitive glances from Jessie and James. They called him but he shushed them with a wave of his paw. Leaning closer to the end of the clearing he focused his better hearing.
"-This way, come on, you've ran all this way you can't be tired now."
"Give me a minute May."
His eyes widened, backing from the entrance he cursed under his breath.
"Damn, damn, hurry up you two." He hissed, standing before them and staring at the miniature sphere that was forming between them.
"Why? We're almost done. Five minutes at the most."
"We don't have five minutes." He continued hissing, annoyed by James' nonchalant attitude.
"Why?"
"Because they're here. Now!" That made their heads snap towards him. James halting a groan of pain as his neck cracked. Rubbing the throbbing muscles he stared at the cat. Wanting to see a grin take over and his irritating laugh burst out. But he didn't.
Damn. He wasn't lying.
Shooing him away they started frantically trying to accelerate the portal. Wishing they had the proper equipment. It would have taken seconds then.
Meowth snuck back towards the mouth, his claws extended and digging into the trees. He focused on the voices that were nearing every second. His heart rate picked up every second. Worry coursing through him. If they got here while the portal was still closed they could persuade the pokemon to leave them. That couldn't happen.
Footsteps could be heard again and Meowth suppressed a gasp. They were here. Glancing back he could see Pikachu curled up in his makeshift bed, while Jessie and James had resorted to grasping onto the forming portal with their bare hands and yanking at it desperately. No doubt they'd heard too.
"Will you two hurry up?" He hissed, poking his head around the corner and watching as they walked closer towards them. Heavy panting breaths and slow walking hunched over bodies. Meowth couldn't help smiling. Weezing may not have held them back but he did succeed in exhausting them. Maybe they'd have enough time to shove the pokemon through.
Running from the entrance he grabbed Pikachu as carefully as he could and ran to the portal. He couldn't stop them now, not without them taking back Pikachu. This was their only chance.
The tired slow feet quickened slightly as they reached the clearing and twin gasps reached the trio's ears.
"Hey!" Ash yelled. "Give us Pikachu back."
As though new life hit the tired boy he ran for the pokemon, trying to swipe it from Meowth. The pokemon was too fast for the tired boy though and ran through his legs towards the growing portal. May coming forwards too.
"Hey, you idiots, jump through. It's big enough." He cried. And though they looked more than sceptical they followed orders and jumped. Their bodies being sucked through the blue portal. It was a tight squeeze but they passed through the portal so small the other world was barely even visible. The two ran for the portal, worry scratched across their faces. What were they going to do?
"Ash, if you're thinking what I'm thinking we have to do it now."
The boy nodded, talking a step back holding his breath and diving through. Being smaller he had no difficulty and seconds later May followed. A scream pulling itself from her lips.
Once their bodies were no longer in sight the portal faltered momentarily, Weezing dived in, and it spluttered out of life. Leaving the air to buzz.
Sorry it's so short but it's important please read review