You know, it's been almost a year since I last updated this story. I AM SO SORRY. TAT Just a lot of things irl have been happening...and I'm a born worrier and stress-er...so a lot has been on my mind. Despite that, I have not forgotten or lost interest in this story! I was just stuck again. Darn writer's block...I hate you! -shakes fist-
Anyway, here's a nice long chapter for you reviewers who still read this story. And thank you to everyone who keeps hanging in there and puts up with my procrastination!
Oh, and this is my new style of writing Author's Notes. :3
Opportunity
Gary continued working his way around the vents in the large corporate building. He had looked through every single air vent at the rooms below, but no sign of Zoey.
"I wonder where she could be…" He was starting to get worried, because he had no idea as to how twisted these people might be, and he didn't even want to begin to imagine the tortures Zoey had to go through.
Crawling in the small metal space quietly, he continued to look down the vents to see if Zoey was in any of the rooms, when a conversation happened to catch his attention.
"So, do you think the Boss is going to keep that girl hostage forever?"
"Who knows? But I did hear that David and Adam were in charge of her, so it's really up to them. You could say her life depends on their opinions. I kinda feel sorry for her though."
"Why?"
"Because if she's under Adam's custody, then that means he'll have any kind of opportunity to sexually harass her and take advantage of her. You know how he is. He's like some kind of sex addict."
"He is a sex addict. So much so that he was charged with various crimes because he would harass so many young girls."
"Well I feel especially sorry for this one. She's most likely gonna end up as his sex slave or something."
"Didn't he already assault her like twice today?"
"Oh yeah. Then she got locked up in the room where all the dying Pokemon are."
Gary was filled with rage, not only because they actually had a room with dying Pokemon, but because Zoey had been violated. This only made him more determined to find her. "If only I knew which floor that room was on!" He kept count of how many times he had to escalate to another level of air vents, so he knew which floor he was currently at.
"Hey," said a voice down below. "The Boss wants me to dispose of the dying Pokemon. I need your help moving the cages."
Gary looked down again, and saw that it was Adam, the one who took advantage of Zoey.
"Can't you get David to do it?"
"That guy's been promoted to Admin, so he won't help me. He's busy in the Development Room right now, and you know how much he hates to be interrupted when he's researching."
"Fine. I guess we can help…"
"Oh come on! It's not that far. It's on the next floor."
Gary immediately rushed through the air vents up to the next floor. He then looked down each vent to see where the room was. When he came to the fifth vent, he saw a darkened room with cages. He could tell there were Pokemon in there because of their soft cries. He also heard what sounded like human sobs, and he knew Zoey had to be down there. "Oh man…how am I ever gonna reach her?"
He heard a door open, and light from the hallway illuminated the room somewhat.
"Hey girlie," said Adam.
Zoey just glared at him from the farthest corner of her cage. "What do you want now?"
"Nothing from you. At least, not at this moment. We're just here to take some of these dying Pokemon and putting them out of their misery."
"What?!"
"Oh, you didn't know that this room is where we keep the failed experiments? The failed experiments always die, so once it gets too crowded, we dispose of them."
"You're so cruel! So…so disgusting!"
Adam just laughed and placed the keys on the nearby desk. He ordered the other grunts to move the cages. They unlocked a bar from the bottom that had been preventing the cages from being mobile. Slowly they rolled the cages out of the room. It pained Zoey greatly to see the Pokemon's faces. They looked sad and defeated, and she wanted to cry because she couldn't' do anything to help them.
"Just take those for now," Adam said, helping with one of the cages. "We'll come back for the rest later." They disappeared out the door, the sound of rolling wheels from the cages echoing throughout the hall.
Gary took this chance to open the vent and quietly jump down. He grabbed the keys and ran toward Zoey's cage.
She had her head buried in her arms and knees, when she heard the rattling of keys. She looked up and was shocked to find her rival there. "Gary! What…what are you-"
"Sssh! I'm trying to save you. What does it look like?" After trying various keys, he finally found the one that opened the cage. Dropping them out of frantic worry, he ran inside the cage. "Come on, we have to get out of here!"
"There's Rockets everywhere!"
"We'll use the vents!"
He heard the keys being lifted off the floor, and when he turned around, he saw David standing there. His attire had changed a bit: instead of wearing the usual Grunt outfit, he wore an Admin outfit that looked much more refined.
"You won't be getting out that easily."
Gary reached for a Pokeball, but before he could release a Pokemon, that same Victreebel that had restrained Jessica wrapped a vine around his wrist so tight, that he dropped the capsule. The vine continued to slither its way around him, fully preventing him from escaping.
"You thought you could save her all by yourself? How very stupid. I'll just take these." He grabbed all the Pokeballs from his belt. "You won't be needing them, seeing as how you're going to be kept hostage here." He nodded toward Victreebel, and the Pokemon threw Gary against the back of the cage. He gave a yell of pain, and fell down to the cold metal floor.
"Gary!" Zoey cried as she ran to him, trying to help him stand up.
"Well Ketchum," began David. "It looks like you should enjoy your stay here now, considering you have somebody to keep you company." He closed the cage and locked it again. "I suppose I'll just take these Pokeballs to my office as well."
Adam came inside, and when he saw David there, he was about to question when he saw another kid inside the cage. "Hey, who the hell is that?"
"One of the other kids who we met outside a while ago."
"Oh yeah. The one your Muk had restrained."
David walked up to him and was about to hand him the keys, when he smacked him upside the head.
"What the hell was that for?!"
"Are you that stupid? Why would you leave the keys unguarded? You're always supposed to have them with you!"
"Gee sorry! Look, you caught the boy anyway, so what does it matter?"
"Be more responsible!" He massaged his temple. "Look, just finish disposing of the Pokemon alright?"
"Yeah yeah." He ordered some more Rockets to take the remaining cages away. "Should we leave those two there?"
David looked back at the cage, where Zoey was fretting over Gary's back injury. "Yeah. They won't be able to do anything anyway."
The two Rockets headed out the door with the last of the cages. Adam closed the door behind them, and the room was once again dark.
"Gary," began Zoey. "Are you ok?"
"Yeah…" He rubbed his back. "I'm…fine…"
She let him rest against the back of the cage. "Why did you come to save me? I only went with them to protect you guys!"
"You seriously thought we'd let you suffer?" He scoffed. "Apparently you don't know us that well."
"Us? Then…does that mean Joey and…and even Jessica came to save me?"
"Yeah. I don't know where they are, but they're here in the building." He rested his head against the back of the cage. "I hope they come soon."
"Gary…?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you think…it was wrong for me to stick up for the Pokemon?"
He looked at her in surprise. "What are you talking about? It wasn't wrong to stick up for the Pokemon! It's wrong for Team Rocket to think they're superior to everybody else and the Pokemon."
"But…because of my love for Pokemon…look at the mess it's got us in…"
"Zoey, not many people would have done what you did outside the building. Stop feeling like everything is your fault."
"But this all started back at Lavender!"
"What do you mean?"
Zoey began to tell him of how she first met the Rocket duo of David and Adam, and how they killed Cubone's mother.
"That's how I got involved with this in the first place…"
"I still don't see how that's a bad thing."
"It's bad because now you're wrapped up in this business too! The last thing I wanted was for you or for anybody else I cared about to be a hostage of Team Rocket…"
"Cared…about?" He paused, and then said, "You actually care about my well-being?"
Zoey looked at him in confusion. "Of course! Why wouldn't I care?! Just because we're rivals doesn't mean I hate you! You…" She looked down at her lap. "You're still special to me…because…" Her cheeks turned a bit pink. "You were my first friend…and…and my best friend…and I guess I still believe that…even though we're constantly competing against each other…"
He looked at her as she tried to hide her blushing face with her hair. "I don't want anything to happen to you Gary. I still care about you…even though we really don't see eye to eye…" Her voice was breaking, and that's when she unexpectedly hugged him, holding on tight.
This action surprised Gary so much that his own face bore a pink blush. He felt Zoey tremble as she held on to him, and when she looked up at his face, tears were rushing down her cheeks.
"I don't…I don't want to die…I don't want you to die…I…I don't want us to die…I want to get out…" She gave a sob. "Gary, I'm so afraid…I've never been more horrified in my life. I don't…I don't know what to do…I'm…I'm helpless without my Pokemon…I miss them so much…I couldn't…defend myself against that sick person…"
"Sick person?"
"The one named Adam. The guy who came in to take the cages. He…he sexually assaulted me! I-I-I…"
"What?! Do you mean…you think he might have stolen your virginity or something?!"
"I...I don't think so...but I do know it's something I never wanna experience ever again! I…I'm just so scared at everything right now that…that I…" She couldn't talk anymore, but continued crying her eyes out.
He felt so bad for her. She had been through a lot. He knew she was a brave person, but this incident most likely left her traumatized, so much so that she had no bravery left at this point. He slowly embraced her, and held her close to him. He felt her own embrace tighten as she cried into his shirt.
He rested his head on her head, gently stroking her hair. She seemed to calm down after a while, but she still trembled now and again.
Gary remembered a time similar to this, except the positions were reversed. It was around when they were four years old, and Gary's mother had just passed away due to an illness. Needless to say, he was in a very depressed state at the time.
Flashback
"I'm sorry about your wife Gary…"
"Thanks for your concern, but I'll be alright."
The original Gary and his old rival Ash had been standing before the grave of the former's wife, and the latter had stopped his journey for the time being just to return home and comfort his long-time acquaintance.
"Hey, why don't you come over for dinner today?" asked Ash.
"Huh?"
"May's cooking is really delicious, and I'm sure she'd be more than happy to have you and your son over. You know how much Zoey likes to play with him. I bet this will be good for your son too."
Gary glanced at his son who just looked up at the sky a few feet away, standing next to a younger Zoey. He didn't know what his offspring was thinking, or what he was talking about with the small child, and he wasn't even sure if he was truly sad. Gary Jr. was so young and his father felt like he shouldn't have had to witness his mother dying in her hospital bed. For such a young child to see that, and to experience that, must have made a negative mental mark in his head.
Ash put his hand on his rival's shoulder. "I'll be at my home. You can come whenever you feel like it alright?"
"Yeah…thanks…"
The Pokemon Master walked over to Zoey and gently grabbed her hand, telling her it was time for them to go home, but she didn't leave until she was sure her friend was ok. When everything was confirmed, she gave him a hug and followed her dad. They left shortly and returned to the house. Gary walked over to his son and kneeled down next to him. "So…what are you looking at?"
"Mommy."
"Really?"
"Yes. Zoey told me that mommy's up there." He pointed to the sky.
"Did she now?"
"Yes. Zoey helped me calm down yesterday when I was crying, but I think she was crying too."
"She doesn't like to see you sad Gary."
"Why?"
"When somebody cares a lot about another person, they hate to see them in any kind of state that isn't happiness."
"Is that why Zoey cried? Because…she doesn't like to see me sad?"
"Yes. I'm sure of it. She cares a lot about you, you know."
"I know. It made me feel better when she said mommy was going to a good place called Heaven, where she'll be comfortable and happy. Daddy, what do you think Heaven looks like?"
"Hmm…well, when I think of Heaven, I think of a sunny place with a lot of fluffy clouds with angels in them. What about you?"
"I think that too. But I also think that there's Pokemon in Heaven too, and they get to live in happiness with the good people who are dead. I think mommy is with Pokemon right now too. She loved Pokemon a lot, huh daddy?"
"Yeah, she did."
"Then I'm glad she's in Heaven with Pokemon. That will make her even happier."
Gary smiled and ruffled his son's hair. "Ash invited us over to his house for dinner."
"Really?"
"Yes. He said Zoey will be more than happy to see you."
Little Gary's face lit up and he smiled. "Ok!"
The professor stood up and held his son's hand as they paid their last respects to their beloved, and walked back to the town.
"Daddy?"
"Hmm?"
"Will Zoey and I be friends forever?"
"I think so. Why do you ask?"
"Because I don't want to stop being friends with Zoey. She's really nice and fun."
"I think she doesn't want to stop being friends with you either."
"Wow, really?"
Gary chuckled. "Yes."
"Oh that's good. Because I care a lot about Zoey too, and I don't want to ever stop being her friend. Hey, do you think that when we're older, we can travel together and become Pokemon Trainers?"
"Sure."
"Wow! I can't wait! Hey daddy, tomorrow can I bring Zoey over so she can see the new Pokemon those other Trainers sent you?"
"It wouldn't hurt."
"I can't wait to tell Zoey!"
The professor was so pleased that his son found joy when around the girl. He liked that when he was down, she always found ways to cheer him up. He hoped that the two could keep that relationship for a long, long time.
End Flashback
Gary laughed at himself. He was so innocent back then and thought that nothing could ever separate himself and Zoey. Unfortunately for him, what he thought would bring the two closer together, actually made them drift apart. Their love for Pokemon was strong, and it caused rivalry between them, to see who was a better Pokemon lover. That's how it started out. They would memorize attacks and types of Pokemon, what evolved into what, and things like that. Looking back now, he guessed that still made them close, since they had something like that in common.
He looked down at Zoey, who had cried herself to sleep, dry tear stains on her cheeks. He held her closer to him and tightened his embrace.
She was there for me when I needed it most…and now it's my turn to be there for her. Zoey, I don't like to see you in any kind emotion but happiness. We'll get out of this some way or another. I promise.
It was easy for Joey to explore the Silph building with the Rocket disguise. He was able to look at the maps on the walls and decide where he should go next. He had returned Pikachu to her Pokeball long ago, and Eevee hid in his hat. She tried to stay as still as possible.
"Where could she be? I have no idea as to how to get to her…"
"Psst."
Joey turned around, but there was no one to be seen.
"Psst!"
He looked again, but still found nobody.
"Over here! Behind the plant!"
Joey walked over to the large potted plant, and when he looked behind it, he saw Jessica. "What are you doing out in the open like that Jessica?"
"I'm not out in the open! I'm hiding!" She huffed. "Anyway, I think I may know where Zoey is at."
"Where?!"
"I heard some Rockets talking about two kids being locked up on the tenth floor. I bet Zoey's in there!"
"But who's the other kid?" Both thought for a moment, and then realization struck. "Gary!"
"Oh, we have to hurry or something bad might happen to Gary too!"
"I know, but how are you supposed to get around this place if you have no disguise?"
"Uhm…oh! Pretend you caught me and you're taking me to the same room! I know it's a risk, but it's the only chance we've got right now!"
"Well…uh…ok then. But I don't know how I'm supposed to fake-"
"A Rocket's coming! Hurry!"
Joey had to act fast. "Ha! Gottcha!" He pulled Jessica from behind the potted plant just as the Rockets passed them.
"Hey, good job new guy," one of them said. "You caught an intruder!"
"Yeah." He grabbed Jessica's wrists and held them behind her back. "So where do I take her?"
"The tenth floor, eighth room."
"Ok, got it."
Joey pushed Jessica up the flight of stairs all the way up to the tenth floor. "Now, he said eighth room right?"
"Yeah."
Gary continued to watch Zoey slumber in his arms. Her body felt so lithe against his; it felt so delicate and frail. She moved a bit, and opened her eyes slowly.
"Mm…" She yawned. "Huh?"
"Hey sleepy head."
"Oh…Gary. I didn't realize that I fell asleep…" She blushed when she noticed she dozed off in his arms. "Uhm, I'm so sorry!" she said as she distanced herself from him.
"Calm down! It didn't bother me."
"Oh…ok."
It was silent for a few moments.
"Zoey?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"For being such a jerk."
"You shouldn't be sorry for that. You are who you are."
"But I still feel a bit bad…"
"Don't worry about it. It's fine…" She smiled at him. "Really."
He smiled at her, but then it was gone. "Zoey…"
"Hmm?"
"There's something I need to tell you…"
"What is it?"
"It's…more like a confession…"
"Ok…"
He sighed, and then looked at Zoey. "There's something I've been meaning to tell you for the longest time."
"What is it?"
"There's a reason why I'm such a jerk toward you. It's because…in a way…that's hiding what I really feel…"
She stood quiet.
"Ok…uhm…" He scratched the back of his head. "What I mean to say…is that, I'm a jerk when I'm around you because I don't like showing vulnerability and…I guess I'm afraid you'll think less of me if I do…"
"I don't…understand…"
"Zoey…" His blush got deeper. "What I'm trying to say is…"
She looked at him. "Yes…?"
"…is that…deep down…I still care about you a lot…and…"
A faint blush now had shown on her own face.
"…what I've been feeling these past couple of years…is…something you wouldn't expect from me."
She looked even more confused than before.
"Oh I'm just gonna say it! Zoey, the truth…is that I actually lov-"
The door was opened, and he heard somebody shout, "Gary!"
He turned around and saw Jessica running toward him. "They caught you too?!"
"Huh? No! That's Joey in disguise!"
Zoey's hopes rose. "Joey?"
"Stand back Jessica," said Joey. "You guys too. I suggest you scoot to the side or something." He tossed a Pokeball, and out came his Flareon.
"Flare!"
"Flareon, aim your Flamethrower at the center of that cage door!"
The small Fire Pokemon unleashed a stream of flames that began to melt the cage door. After a few seconds, a giant hole was there in front of the cage.
Jessica ran towards the cage to the love of her life, and in turn, Zoey ran out of the cage. Gary was going to grab her wrist to tell her to stop, but Jessica tackled him into a hug. He watched as Zoey ran to Joey, and hugging him happily.
The moment was gone for Gary. That one chance that he had to tell her was ruined. Maybe it just wasn't the right time for me to say anything but…
"Oh I'm so happy you're safe Gary!" cried Jessica.
"Yeah. I'm glad you're safe too…"
He watched as Joey and Zoey just stood there, affectionately embracing each other, a smile on both of their faces. It pained Gary somewhat to see them that close, but he tried to not let it bother him. Jessica noticed his expression as he looked at them, and even though she said nothing, she had a pretty good idea as to what he was feeling.
"Oh," said Joey as he took off his cap. "Look who came along."
Zoey gave a huge smile. "Eevee!"
The little fox jumped into her master's arms and licked her face, her tail wagging rapidly. "Eevee!" Zoey kissed her head multiple times, cuddling her contently.
"Come on guys," said Joey. "Let's get out of here."
"But Team Rocket has my Pokemon…and Gary's Pokemon."
"Darn…well, do you know where?"
"They should be in David's office. It's on the same floor. Let's hurry!"
Zoey led them to David's office. She was extremely lucky that he wasn't inside. Her bag and Gary's Pokemon were on the desk. She snatched them and retreated out of the room. "Here Gary, your Pokemon."
He took them and placed the capsules back on his belt. Meanwhile, Joey removed the Rocket disguise he was wearing. His regular clothes were under it, and how he hid is backpack was a mystery.
"Now let's get out of here!"
The four young teens hurried down the floor as fast as they could, and down every stairway. When they got to the third floor however, they were stopped by a familiar voice.
"Well well, look what the Meowth dragged in."
"Hey, don't use my name like that moron!"
Before them were none other than Jack and Jackie.
"We thought you guys might be here," said Jack. "So the Boss said we could take you guys out if we found you."
"And lucky for us we found you just in time!" Jackie laughed. "Go, Arbok!"
"Weezing, come on!"
Their Pokeballs were tossed, and out came the evolutions of Ekans and Koffing.
"Wheeeh…zing."
"Sssscha!"
Zoey took out her Pokedex for information.
"Weezing, the Poison Gas Pokemon. The evolved form of Koffing. It grows by feeding on gases released by garbage. Though very rare, triplets have been found."
"Arbok, the Cobra Pokemon. The evolved form of Ekans. The pattern on its belly is for intimidation. It constricts foes while they are frozen in fear."
"Not you guys again!" Zoey was about to take out a Pokeball, but then Gary said, "No, you go with Joey and get out of here."
"But Gary-!"
"Jessica and I will handle them."
The blonde's eyes sparkled. "Really?! We get to fight side by side?! Oh I'm so happy!"
"Well, alright. If that's what you want. But be careful!" Both Zoey and Joey continued down the hall, while Gary and Jessica stood back to fight.
"Alright Jessica. Ready for a double battle?"
"Of course!"
Gary took out a Pokeball, and tossed it. "Alakazam, go!"
"You too Ninetails!"
"Kazahm!"
"Niiiine ~"
Jack was the first one to make a move. "Weezing, use Take Down!" The floating Pokemon charged at Alakazam.
"Alakazam, use Psychic!" The Pokemon focused on Weezing, and the latter began to have a blue glow around it. Weezing then was thrown against the wall.
"Arbok, use Poison Fang!"
The large snake slithered her way towards Ninetails, but Jessica knew how to get around it. "Ninetails, jump on Arbok's back and use Flamethrower!" The fox Pokemon leaped over the snake and landed on her back, then twirled around and shot a stream of fire from her mouth at Arbok.
"You guys are losing already?!" shouted Meowth. "You're just as useless as your parents!"
Gary gave a chuckle. "Pathetic."
"You shut your trap!" yelled Jack.
Jackie gave a sly smile. "I wouldn't be laughing if I were you, boy."
"And why is that?"
"Hmm. I wonder?"
He narrowed his eyes at Jackie, who only continued to smirk. Jessica looked worried. "What are you up to?!"
"Oh nothing. Don't get your panties in a bunch princess. But…" She took a photo out of the pocket of her uniform skirt. "…I think this has to do with you." She flicked the photo and Gary caught it.
"What the heck is this?"
"Look at it and you'll find out."
He glanced at the photo, and when he did, his face was filled with disbelief. It was a photograph of Joey and Zoey sitting at the water fountain, sharing their first kiss. Jessica noticed Gary's troubled face. "G…Gary?"
Jackie giggled. "See Meowth? I told you that picture would come in handy. Arbok, use Iron Tail!"
The cobra got up and dashed at the duo. Gary's face turned from shocked, to sad, and finally, to angry. He crushed the photo in his hand, and then said, "Alakazam, Reflect!" The Pokemon put a barrier between them and the attacking Arbok, whose Iron Tail bounced off the shield.
"Now use Zen Headbutt!" The Pokemon dashed at Arbok and slammed his head against hers, causing her to fly back and slam against the wall.
"Arbok!" cried Jackie.
Jack was getting frustrated. "This isn't getting us anywhere! Weezing, use Self-Destruct!" The Pokemon began glowing.
"YOU IDIOT!" shouted Meowth as she scratched him across the face. "The area here is too small! We're going to get caught in the blast too!"
But it was too late. Weezing had already Self-Destructed, causing a large hole in the wall, which shot the trio out of the building, along with their Pokemon.
While soaring in the air, Meowth had her arms crossed. "I had hoped…I really did…that you two would be much more productive than your idiot parents. But I guess I shouldn't expect so much from humans like you."
"Oh shut up Meowth!" Jackie held her skirt down. "You're no help either!"
"And at least we succeed in some of our missions, so there!" Jack said.
Meowth shook her head. "You're still morons!"
"We're blasting off again!"
Alakazam had used a Reflect to stop the attack from affecting his side of the battlefield, and to protect the Trainers.
"Well, at least they're gone now," Jessica said. "Let's find Joey and Zoey."
Gary returned Alakazam and said nothing. He just continued walking. Jessica frowned, and returned Ninetails. "Gary?"
"Let's hurry up. We don't want to lose them."
She knew why he was upset, but she deeply hoped that she was wrong.
Joey and Zoey had almost reached the second floor, when a vine slapped against the wall in front of them. Turning around, they found David and Adam. David's Victreebel was next to him.
"How the hell did you get out?!" yelled Adam. "I took the keys with me this time!"
"That's none of your business!" She knew she wasn't going to get away easily.
"You know too much girl," said David. "I can't let you leave now. Too bad for you." He tossed two Pokeballs, and out came Scyther and Muk.
"Muuuuuhk."
"Scyther!"
Zoey took out her Pokedex again. "Scyther, the Mantis Pokemon. It is nearly impossible to parry its attacking scythes. Its movements are like a ninja's."
Joey was shocked. "You guys are going to use three Pokemon at once?!"
"Who said anything about three?" replied Adam. "Go Golem!"
A thick and round Pokemon appeared right next to the other three. "Gol…"
"Fine. If that's how it's gonna be," said Joey as he took out his Pokeball. "Go Blastoise!"
"You guys are going to pay for what you did to me, and those poor Pokemon!" cried Zoey. "Charizard, let's go!"
The Trainers released their Pokemon, and they stomped as they landed on the ground.
"Blast!"
"Rrouw!"
Joey looked at Zoey. "Do you want to use another Pokemon?"
"Yeah. I was going to use Marowak. You?"
"I planned on using Kangaskhan."
"Ok then." Zoey took out her Pokeball. "Let's go Marowak!"
"Kangaskhan, go!"
The two brown-colored Pokemon appeared next to their comrades.
"Maro!"
"Kangas!"
"So, you're really going to fight us four on four?" asked Adam with a laugh. "I bet you've never done a team battle like this."
"We may have never done a four on four battle," began Zoey. "But now's the perfect time to try it!"
"Tch. Golem, use Rollout!"
The large boulder tucked in his arms and legs as well as his head, and began to roll in place at an incredibly fast speed. He whirled towards Zoey's side.
"Marowak, use Bone Club!"
Marowak stood his ground and held the bone like a baseball bat. When Golem got close enough, he slammed the bone against his opponent, causing him to crash against the wall.
"What?! How is your Pokemon able to have that much fighting strength?! Golem is a heavy Pokemon!"
"I trained personally with my Marowak while he was a Cubone at the Fighting Dojo. He's grown pretty strong. Plus, the grudge he has against Team Rocket only makes him fight harder."
Marowak twirled the bone in his hand impressively, and then took a fighting stance. "Maro!"
"Victreebel, use Vine Whip on Marowak!"
Out of nowhere a vine came and grabbed Marowak by the leg, slamming him against the wall and then back down on the ground.
"Marowak!" cried Zoey. She clenched her fists. "Charizard, use Flamethrower!"
The dragon exhaled a stream of flames at the Pokemon so suddenly, that David wasn't able to call his next attack.
"Golem, block the Flamethrower!"
The boulder got in the way of the stream and blocked Victreebel from harm.
"Ha!" Adam laughed. "That shocked look on your face tells me that you didn't think we were capable of teamwork like that huh?"
"Blastoise use Hydro Pump!"
A powerful blast of water was shot at Golem, dousing him to defeat. He had fainted.
"Damn it!" Adam returned Golem.
"Do you have any other Pokemon?" asked David.
"No…Golem is the only one I have with me on hand. The rest I let you use for experimentation."
"What?!" Zoey cried. "You even let your own Pokemon be experimented on?! I can't believe you people!"
"Pokemon are meant to serve us," said David. "I don't know how many times I must keep emphasizing this to you child."
"You're sick people!" shouted Joey. "Blastoise, use Ice Beam!"
The turtle launched two blasts of ice from the canons on his back at the Pokemon.
"Muk, block it."
The slimy creature let himself get frozen in order to protect his other companions who were vulnerable to Ice attacks.
"Kangaskhan, use Dizzy Punch on the ice!"
"What do you think you're doing? You're only going to help my situation, not make it-"
Kangaskhan slammed her fist into the ice, hitting Muk directly, causing him to crash out of the crystal from the other side. He slammed against both of his comrades.
Scyther is the strongest out of those, thought Zoey to herself. I can tell. That means it needs to be taken out first. "Marowak, use Bonemerang on Victreebel!"
Marowak tossed the bone at Victreebel, hitting him directly in the center, causing him to topple over Scyther. "Now Charizard, use Dragon Claw!"
Charizard charged towards the Pokemon since the space was too small for her to fly in. She slashed her claws against Victreebel's face.
"You fell into a trap girl!" said David. "Scyther, use Slash!"
The mantis raised her scythe-like arms and was about to slash Charizard against her stomach when Marowak intervened and blocked the attack with his bone.
"What the?! Where'd that Marowak come from?!"
"There was a reason why I told Charizard to use Dragon Claw and not Flamethrower. I had to find a way to get close to your side. Marowak hid on her back while she was attacking. Now I have an advantage! Marowak, use Bone Club!"
The Pokemon slammed the bone under Muk with all his strength, scooped up the Pokemon and threw him against the wall. Muk fainted.
"Now use Headbutt on Scyther!"
He slammed his rock-hard skull against her head.
"Charizard, use Flamethrower!"
Marowak leaped out of the way as a blast of fire scorched Scyther's body. David didn't have enough time to react.
"Victreebel, use Vine Whip on Blastoise!" Damn this girl! When she'd get so strong?!
But before the vine could reach Blastoise, Charizard grabbed it and pulled Victreebel closer to her, anger on her face. "Flamethrower!"
Charizard released another stream of fire at Victreebel, the flames completely engulfing him. He fainted.
"Wow," Joey said to himself. "Zoey's…really getting into this battle."
"Attack Scyther with another Dragon Claw!"
Charizard slashed her claws against Scyther's belly, making her scream out in pain. "Now Marowak, finish this off with a final Headbutt!"
The Bone Keeper slammed his skull into her stomach, right where the wound from the Dragon Claw had appeared, causing extra damage. Scyther couldn't bear it and thus fainted.
David growled and returned all three of his Pokemon. "You…you've gotten stronger…"
"I'm only as strong as the Pokemon I lead. It's the teamwork and love we have for each other that makes us powerful."
Charizard and Marowak both gave a cry in agreement.
"That was great Zoey!" Joey said. "I've never seen anybody battle so passionately like that!"
"Oh, don't flatter me Joey…" Zoey said embarrassingly. "Your Pokemon helped too."
"You've think you've won haven't you?" asked David.
"What are you talking about?"
"I have one more Pokemon up my sleeve." He took out a Pokeball. "Let's go, Hitmonchan!"
"What?!"
Out from the Pokeball came Hitmonchan. Zoey's Hitmonchan.
"Give him back!"
"I don't think so. He's mine now."
Zoey noticed there was a collar around his neck. "Is that…what I think it is…?"
"Yes. I told you I was making pills to enhance Pokemon combat ability, but this collar is another form of control. You see," He took out a remote. "I found that the pills were still a bit faulty and they decreased the lifespan of the Pokemon that ate them, so this collar is a substitute. Every time a Pokemon doesn't listen, I turn this dial up one level, sending a rather painful shock. It's so painful that it makes the Pokemon go berserk due to the suffering."
"You're horrible!" Zoey wanted to cry. That was her Pokemon after all.
"Hitmonchan, use Comet Punch."
The Pokemon refused to attack his comrades, a worried look on his face.
"Ok then. Have it your way." David turned the dial.
Hitmonchan gave a cry of pain as red jolts of electricity covered his body. His eyes glowed red and he dashed towards Marowak, sending a flurry of punches in his stomach and one final punch to his face, sending him flying backwards.
Zoey gave a cry and caught Marowak before he fell. It hurt her when she landed, but she cared more about her Pokemon than she did about her physical well-being. "Marowak! No!" She returned him.
"Hitmonchan, use Sky Uppercut on Kangaskhan."
The Pokemon tried to regain his sanity. He didn't want to continue attacking his allies. David shook his head and turned the dial a level higher. Hitmonchan's face contorted with pain, causing his eyes to glow red again. He dashed towards Kangaskhan and slammed his fist under her chin, causing her to fly upwards and hit her head on the ceiling. "Use Mach Punch."
Hitmonchan slammed his fist in Kangaskhan's stomach, not only hitting the mother, but the baby Kangaskhan as well. She hit the wall, and fell to the ground.
"Kangaskhan!" Joey said as he ran to her. He saw that she was in pain, and the baby was badly injured as well. "R-Return!" To prevent the Pokemon and her baby from being harmed further, he decided not to use them.
"Hitmonchan," cried Zoey. "Snap out of it!"
Adam laughed. "How does it feel to be betrayed?"
"He's not betraying me! You guys are forcing him to attack us!"
"So aren't you going to defend yourself?"
Zoey looked at Hitmonchan, and her face became sad. "I can't…I can't attack him…he's my Pokemon still…even if he was stolen from me…"
"Then this will make things easier," said David with a smirk. "Hitmonchan, use Mach Punch on Charizard."
The Pokemon tried to control himself. He didn't want to attack Charizard, but David gave him no other option as he turned the dial two levels higher. Hitmonchan cried out again and charged towards Charizard at blinding speed, prepared to strike her in her tender belly.
Instead of his fist connecting with her hide, it instead hit the shell of Blastoise who blocked the attack. He cringed as he took the hit, but he still didn't move.
"Aww, how sweet," said Adam. "Your little boyfriend's Pokemon decided to save your Charizard from harm."
Charizard looked at Blastoise admiringly.
"Zoey," said Joey. "We need to do something."
"I…I know, but I don't want to hurt Hitmonchan!"
"Then I'll do it." A vine wrapped itself around Hitmonchan and slammed him against the floor.
Both Joey and Zoey turned around, only to find Jessica and Gary behind them. Venasaur and Blastoise had been released from their Pokeballs.
"Jessica?"
"Fighting your Hitmonchan is like fighting you, so I have no problem attacking. Venasaur, slam him against the wall!"
The large Pokemon lifted Hitmonchan off the ground and threw him against the wall.
"Now use Petal Dance!"
Thousands of petals came out of the flower on Venasaur's back in a whirlwind. They pelted Hitmonchan, cutting him in various places around his body.
David turned the dial five levels higher. "If this keeps up, your Pokemon might not make it. Now Hitmonchan, use Sky Uppercut!"
The fighting Pokemon gave another cry of pain and dashed towards Venasaur, hitting her directly under her chin, causing her to slam against the ceiling. Jessica smiled.
"Venasaur, use Vine Whip now!" The Pokemon recovered in mid air, trapping Hitmonchan in her many vines. "Now use Razor Leaf on the collar!"
The sharp leaves slashed at the metal collar, slicing it to pieces. Venasaur released Hitmonchan gently onto the ground after she herself landed.
Zoey ran to her Pokemon. "Hitmonchan!" She hugged him. "Oh…oh Hitmonchan!" He was severely damaged, his eyes closed in pain.
David clutched the remote so hard it broke. Hitmonchan's Pokeball was snatched away from him as Pikachu hit it with her tail, Eevee catching it on her nose and returning it to her master. Zoey pet both of them as thanks and returned her Hitmonchan.
"You're…you're not going to get away with this Ketchum!" shouted David.
"I wouldn't be talking if I were you," Gary responded. "There are six Pokemon against you, and you have none left in your party. You won't stand a chance."
"That's not all," said a voice from behind. The Trainers turned around and found Officer Jenny behind them. "Team Rocket, you're under arrest!" Police officers appeared behind her.
"Damn it!" said Adam.
"We've already caught the rest of your comrades from the other floors," she said.
"But you won't catch us. I had been saving this in case of an emergency." He had another Pokeball on hand. "Abra, come out." The small Pokemon appeared on the floor next to him. "Teleport."
Jessica gasped. "Venasaur, don't let them escape! Vine Whip!" The Pokemon's vines darted at the Rockets, but Abra teleported them out of harm's way. "Dang it…"
Officer Jenny walked up to the Trainers. "We got a call from somebody saying that this building was infested with Team Rocket members…again." She sighed. "We found the employees of Silph and the company president in the basement, so they weren't harmed."
"Were you able to find the Team Rocket leader?" asked Gary.
"No…he escaped before we had the chance…"
"Wait," asked Zoey. "I'm glad you guys came when you did, but who called you?"
Jenny put a shoulder on Jessica and smiled. "This young lady did."
"You called the police?"
"W-Well I was so worried, and a part of me thought we wouldn't get out in one piece…so I called the authorities when Gary, Joey, and I were at the Pokemon Center. Don't think I did it just for you ok?!"
Zoey smiled. "Thanks."
"Whatever. Don't get too full of yourself."
"Come on," said Jenny. "Let's get you kids out of here."
Zoey and the others were questioned about Team Rocket in order to help the police track the few who escaped. After that, she asked Jenny if she could so see a doctor, and when the woman asked her why, she hesitated and whispered her reason into her ear. Jenny was revolted and immediately sent her to the nearest hospital. Luckily, the doctor said Zoey didn't have any internal injuries from the assault or any severe physical damage, merely a few scratches. She was so relieved, as well as Jenny. Afterward, they retreated to the Pokemon Center where everyone else was waiting.
"I'm so glad this is all over," she told Jenny as they walked into the building.
"I know."
"Did you find…any Pokemon?"
Jenny's face looked sad. "We did…but most of them were…well…we only found a few alive…but they were damaged so badly that…we have no choice but to put them down…"
Zoey tried to stop herself from crying. "I hate Team Rocket…so…so much…"
"I know. I do too…"
The girl walked up to the counter. "Excuse me Nurse Joy."
"Oh, you're here about your Hitmonchan correct? Jenny told me."
"Yes." She handed her the Pokeball. "He's badly damaged. Uhm, and if you can heal the rest of my Pokemon too…please do." She gave her all the Pokeballs she had on hand except for Eevee's since she didn't get hurt.
Nurse Joy gave Hitmonchan's Pokeball to Chansey who took it in the back while the rosette healed the five Pokemon in the machine. "There you go. Now I'm going to go check on your Hitmonchan."
"Thank you." Zoey put the Pokeballs back into her bag and sat down next to Joey.
"How's Hitmonchan?"
"Nurse Joy is going to check how bad his injuries are."
"Zoey."
"Yes?"
"My mom...well she called this Pokemon Center because the news about the Silph building was all over Kanto, and she wanted to make sure I was alright. She also told me to tell you that your mom wants you to call her."
"Oh no…"
Zoey got up and walked to a phone booth and dialed her house. The screen turned on and May appeared. "Zoey!"
"Hi mom."
"Don't you 'Hi mom' me missy! What were you thinking getting into such grave danger like that?!"
"Well I'm sorry but I couldn't let them get away with what they've done!"
"You're just like your father! Both of you are always…" Her face became sad. "…always going out of your way to save the Pokemon…not caring about your own lives. I can't tell you how many times he's risked his life to save them. It's not a bad thing, but…he scares me when he does that. And now that you've inherited that sense of justice from him…you scare me too. I don't want to lose you Zoey…you're my baby…and…and I wouldn't be able to bear it if anything happened to you…" She began to sob.
"Oh…mom…please don't cry!"
Eevee's ears folded down. "Eevee…"
"I'm just…I get so worried about you now that you're on a Pokemon journey. You've been gone for months on this quest…and…"
"I know, but I want to do this. Please, don't cry mom…"
May wiped her eyes. "Ok. I'm…I'm sorry for yelling at you…"
"No, I knew you only did that because you were worried. But I'm fine now, so you don't have to worry anymore."
"Ok." May looked at her daughter and smiled. "I'm glad you took after your father. He'd be very proud of you if he were here."
"Thanks."
"Zoey, be careful…and…I still wish you the best of luck."
The girl gave a smile and a nod. "I love you mom."
"I love you too sweetie."
Both of them hung up and Zoey walked back to her seat, Eevee in her arms. As she sat down, Joey asked, "So what did your mom say?"
"She scolded me for a few seconds…then cried…then just told me how much she cares about me and to be careful."
"Oh. She's very understanding."
"Yeah, she is."
Joey remembered something and searched through his backpack. "You dropped this before you were kidnapped." He handed her the white hat.
"Oh my hat! Thank you!" She put it on her head.
"Heh. You're welcome."
"Eevee!"
Nurse Joy walked up to them. "Zoey?"
"Yes?"
"Your Hitmonchan…he's…well he's badly injured."
"I thought so…" She looked at the ground, and then back at Joy. "How bad is it?"
"Well you can't take him on your journey right now, that's for sure. I'm going to need some time to restore him."
Zoey sighed. "That's…that's alright. I want him to get better as soon as possible. I'll leave him here so he can be restored back to health."
Nurse Joy smiled. "Ok. Well, then I'll do my best to make sure he gets better."
"Thank you so much."
She giggled. "You're welcome. It's my duty to help the Pokemon. I'm pleased to do it." She walked away and went back to the counter.
"At least he's safe now," Joey said.
"I know, but I wanted to train him for a while." She sighed again. "Oh well. His health comes first." She stood quiet for a moment. "Hey, where's Gary and Jessica?"
"Oh, I think they're outside in the front."
"Okay. I'll be right back." Eevee leaped from her arms as Zoey stood, and the small Pokemon followed her.
Both Gary and Jessica stopped their conversation as they heard the automatic doors open and Zoey walked up to them. "Hey. Thanks for coming to help at the Silph building."
"Hmph," was all Gary said as he walked away. "You're welcome. Don't be expecting me to help you anymore though. You're not a baby, at least I hope not, so you can take care of yourself."
Zoey's brows furrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"
He ignored her and just continued walking.
"Gary!"
"I don't have time to stick around and chat with you. I'm still on my journey and this whole thing was a setback. I need to pick up where I left off. Smell ya later."
Zoey huffed. "He gets me so frustrated!"
"Zoey."
She looked at Jessica. "Yes?"
"Stay away from Gary for a while."
"Not this again…"
"No I mean it!" she shouted. Zoey looked at her in surprise. "You can't be doing this to him!"
"What am I doing exactly?!"
"You already have Joey, so don't play around with Gary's emotions like that!"
"I don't know what you're talking about!"
"You're so oblivious! How can you not see it?! Even…! Even I see it…" She looked sad as she stared at the ground, but then the serious expression returned to her face. "I care a lot about him, to the point of even loving him. I'm not going to let you continue to toy with him like that. Zoey, please, if you really care about him, then just continue your rivalry, and don't pretend like you care about him more than you do. He's more sensitive than you think. Goodbye."
She walked away saying nothing more.
Zoey was confused, but the way Jessica talked to her made her think twice. "She really…does love him…and here…I thought it was just a fangirl obsession…"
Eevee looked up at her. "Vee?"
"Maybe she's right. Then, it's decided. I'm going to continue my rivalry with him since that seems to be the only way we can even remain to be acquaintances. It's better than nothing, right Eevee?" She smiled determinedly, and her Pokemon chuckled.
"Vee!" she said with a nod.
"Let's go back inside."
Zoey and Joey stood overnight at the Pokemon Center and woke up bright and early the next morning.
After showering and washing herself up, she met Joey in the cafeteria. They were the only ones there for the time being. "Morning!"
He smiled. "Good morning."
Both of them got their food and sat down, but not before releasing their Pokemon to feed them. "So, you're still going to continue your journey Zoey even though all of this has happened?"
"Of course! This isn't going to stop me! I have a League to win!"
Joey laughed. "Well that's good. I think I'm going to continue on my journey too."
"Where are you going to go?"
"I actually want to train my Pokemon a bit more, so I'm not really sure. Where are you headed?"
"To the next Gym." She took a bite of her pancakes.
"That's on an island you know."
"Really?"
"Yeah. The next Gym is on Cinnabar."
"So then…that means I need to take a boat there."
"Or you could just use a Pokemon."
"Uhm…oh yeah! Charizard can just Fly me there!"
"Well, I was gonna suggest to use Surf, but you don't have a Water Pokemon yet so…yeah, Fly would be the best way to go from here."
"How long do you think it'll take to get over there?"
"Hmm. Well, we're in Saffron right now, so if you Fly using Charizard…then you'll reach it probably within a few hours."
"Ok. But uh…how do I know which island is Cinnabar? Aren't there a few islands out there?"
"You have a map right?"
"Yes."
"Then it should be easy. Just make sure you Fly back to Fuchsia first, because it'll be easier to locate it on your map if you leave from there."
"Ok. That sounds like a plan! But Joey, where are you going to train?"
"I'm really not sure. I think I'm going to go back to the dojo for a bit."
"Why?"
"Well, this might sound pathetic, but when you were captured, I felt so useless at first because I couldn't do anything. I mean, I know my Pokemon are here to help me, but if I'm not physically fit, then how am I even supposed to help them, let alone myself? That's why I want to become stronger too. And also…" He looked at her seriously. "I want to protect you whenever you're in a bind. I want you to be able to count on me for assistance if you ever need it."
At this Zoey blushed a little. "But Joey, you already help me so much."
"I know, but still…"
She smiled. "I understand." The girl had taken the last bites of her food and then said, "Well it looks like it's time to get going."
"Yeah."
Both of the young Trainers walked out of the Pokemon Center once Zoey said goodbye to Nurse Joy and her injured Hitmonchan. "I hope he gets better soon…"
"He will."
It was quiet for a few moments. Joey spoke first. "Well, I guess…this is goodbye. No, wait. More like…see you later?"
"Yeah."
He held out his hand so she can shake it, but instead she hugged him. "Thank you so much Joey. You don't know what your friendship means to me. And…I still haven't…forgotten what happened back at the water fountain…"
A blush appeared on his face. "Oh yeah. The uhm…"
"Yes, the kiss." She looked at him. "And I think you probably remember what we also talked about. Our Kanto journey…well, we can't really be together until we've finished our quest right?"
"Yeah, I understand." He smiled at her. "You don't have to worry about it."
"That's nice to know." She gave him a small peck on the lips. "So, I'll see you later?" She looked embarrassed.
"Y-Yeah…I'll see you later too. Good luck Zoey."
"Good luck to you too Joey. I'll be cheering for you."
"Same here."
"Pika!"
"Eevee!"
Joey waved to her and then went on his way back towards the dojo to train with his Pokemon. Zoey released Charizard and asked her if she could carry her back to Fuchsia. The dragon agreed and within a few hours arrived at the city.
"Thanks girl." She returned her and looked at the Pokeball. "Rest for now, because I don't know how far Cinnabar Island is." She put the Pokeball away. "We should take this chance to buy supplies and stock up huh?"
"Vee!"
Zoey walked to the nearest Pokemart and bought supplies since apparently a lot of the things she had were stolen when her bag was in custody. Luckily the important things were left there, like the Pokedex, Fame Checker, and everything else she had obtained from people on her journey.
After paying the cashier, Zoey and Eevee sat down on a bench and she began to sort through her bag, organizing it. "Ok, so the medicine goes here…Pokeballs go there…"
Eevee just watched her put everything away.
"Okay! I'm all set! Ready to go Eevee?"
"Vee! Eevee!"
Zoey picked up the small Pokemon and placed her on her shoulder. Before leaving, she decided to visit Snorlax at the Safari Zone. She had learned from the rangers that he was very helpful to the other wild Pokemon, at least when he wasn't asleep. He was also very helpful to the rangers. Of course, when Zoey saw him again, she became emotional and didn't want to leave him as he hugged her, and it took the rangers to talk some sense into her and pull her away from Snorlax, all the while Eevee was watching with embarrassment.
Finally, Zoey left the Safari Zone and was at the sea shore. "Ah, the ocean!" she said happily as she spread her arms out. "I can't wait to get to that island!" She tossed up Charizard's Pokeball and out came the dragon.
"Rrouw!"
"Ready to go girl?"
She nodded and smiled. Zoey climbed onto her back and Eevee nestled herself in her vest so as to not fly off. Zoey made sure her hat was firmly placed, and Charizard's bow would stay on her head.
"Ok, we're ready! Let's go Charizard!"
The Pokemon began to flap her wings and then she took off into the sky, Zoey holding onto her securely.
"Wow, this is so great flying up here! I can see everything! And with your speed, we'll be there in no time!"
"Rrouw!"
"Eevee!"
Despite all that had happened to her back at Saffron, and even though she was a bit traumatized, her determination and revived courage seemed to wash away that part of her past as she looked towards the future to her goal.
As long as she had her Pokemon companions, she felt like she could overcome anything.
I couldn't think of a better last line for the chapter. Sorry. And I just realized that I enjoy writing Pokemon battle scenes. Lol So, there's your long chapter. I hope you guys enjoyed it.
This story is almost finished, if you haven't already noticed. But before I go, I have a question for you: should Zoey fight the Elite Four? That'll just add more chapters...but if you guys want me to write it, I will. Anyway, I'm glad she got out of her predicament. Poor girl. And you know what else? I actually had a dream a couple of nights ago where she was being raped by a Team Rocket member. Yeah...it was kinda explicit so I'd rather not go into detail, but I'm pretty sure that Team Rocket member was Adam. xDDD Though I think that was my subconscious telling me, "You can't leave the story at that chapter! Finish it woman!" So I wrote the new chapter. Lol
Since I probably won't update until next year (as in 2010, not next year December! xD) I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas if you celebrate it, and a Happy New Year! And again, thank you to those who continue reading this story. It means a lot to me. :D
Peace out!