Chapter 8 - "We Can Work it Out"
"You're not serious, sir!"
"I am serious! The three Legendary Birds have been released from the cave."
"But, Boss, I thought no one could release them."
"Oh, they could, James. If someone was willing enough, they could cause the Birds to awaken."
James stood in the office of Giovanni, Team Rocket Head Quarters' Boss and leader. Giovanni puffed on a cigar angrily and tapped the excess off. His Persian snuggled in his lap as he pet it. He glared at the young man in front of him.
"What are we going to do?" James asked. "If Team Rocket had those Pokémon..."
"Exactly!" Giovanni growled. "If we had them, we could become ultimate Pokémon Masters!"
"How did you find out this information? Wouldn't it be impossible to tell whether they were free or not? I mean, no one would DARE enter that cave alone. It's scary, and the Birds could rip you apart."
The Boss nodded and chewed on his cigar. "Yes. But one of our scouts claimed to see them flying together. Also, they could be the answer to the strange weather we're having."
"Why tell me?"
"I like you, James," Giovanni said. "I am giving you the assignment to track down Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres."
James eyes sparkled. "Me?" he asked in a small voice. He smiled and Anime tears streamed down his cheeks. "You want me to find the Legendary Birds?" Giovanni just nodded. James ran to him and kissed his foot. "Oh! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
"You're welcome..." Giovanni grimaced, looking down at him. "Now, go on! Find them..." James ran out the door enthusiastically, screaming with delight. The Boss just smirked. "Sucker..." he laughed.
"Perrrsian?"
"See, the only reason I'm choosing him is because I don't want any of my better people to die."
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Jessie had nothing better to do than to examine her hand thoroughly that evening. She sat in her room and took off both of her gloves. There it was, man's incredible function. The hand. How exciting. How breath-takingly marvelous. She sighed and turned her hand to examine her fingers. "Damn!" she said. "I chipped a nail..."
Then there was the rush of clumsy feet up the staircase. James. No doubt about it. Sure enough, he came bounding through the door enveloped in happiness. "Guess what!"
"What?" Jessie droned, still looking at the chipped fingernail.
"I got a new mission from the Boss!"
"Uh huh..."
"I get to search for the Legendary Birds, Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno!"
"That's nice..."
James pouted. "Aren't you happy? I'm finally going to be noticed."
"I think everyone in Team Rocket knows who you are," Jessie yawned. "It can't be that hard to miss you."
James stood there for a while. The two of them were in silence. "It's that time of the month, isn't it?" he finally said.
Jessie turned red, grabbed a pillow, and threw it at him. "What the Hell? It isn't!"
"Then why are you acting so..." he tried to think of the right words that wouldn't insult her. "...Mopey and aggressive?"
"Just like you!" she growled. "You don't understand anything." Jessie turned away from him. "You're so inconsiderate."
James looked at her back with a blank expression. "Was it something I did?"
"No...It was something you DIDN'T do."
"Like what?"
"Like not marrying me!"
James rolled his eyes. "It's more like you don't want to understand MY feelings."
She turned back to him and gave him a dirty look. "Oh, I know what you want to feel!"
"WHAT?!?" James yelled, throwing the pillow back at her. "You think I don't care?"
"Men only want one thing." Jessie bit her lip. "And Serena's getting married..."
"Serena?" laughed James. "So, you automatically think that we should because of her."
"Yes...And no..."
"I do not have to listen to this!" James said. "I will go where I'm appreciated."
Jessie's eyes widened. "Like where?"
"Maybe somewhere...I dunno," he sniffed. "There are many nice women who hang around a local bar. Even they'd give me more respect than you."
Jessie immediately got to her feet and ran to her door, locking it. "You are NOT leaving this room, you hear me?"
James blinked. "I thought you were angry with me..."
"I am," Jessie said seductively. "And now, I'll show you just how angry I am."
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"Did you hear?"
"Yeah! The Boss sent James looking for the Birds."
"Do you think they're really free?"
"I highly doubt it..."
Tack opened his eyes. He had fallen asleep at his desk on top of his map. "W-wha...?" he gurgled. He heard two random members talking as they passed his door.
"If the Birds are out there, James is gonna have a rough time..."
"WHAT?" yelled Tack as he ran out the door. He grabbed one of the members by the collar of their shirt. "WHO'S LOOKING FOR THE LEGENDARY BIRDS?"
"Take it easy, squirt," the man replied, removing Tack's clenched fist from his collar. "The Boss thinks the three Legendary Bird Pokémon are roaming around and he's sending James out after them."
Tack squealed. "This is perfect! My revenge on Jessie will be complete!"
"What are you talking about, Tack?" the man asked.
The boy knew he had said something he shouldn't and scooted away. "Umm...Nothing...Good-bye..." He disappeared into his room again.
"That kid has problems!" the man mumbled to his friend.
The other man nodded. "Takes after his sister, don't he?"
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Holly, Michelle, and an escort were venturing toward Vermillion City. They did not know where the place was. They had never heard of it. Luckily, they had met up with a hot-tempered teenager with spiky, brown hair and a long, purple shirt who knew exactly where it was. The teen was followed by a group of cheerleaders, and the two Scouts were asked if they wanted to join. They refused, but asked for an escort. The boy was delighted to come and drove them in his car.
"So, just about how much longer, Gary?" Holly asked.
Their escort smiled. "Not long! I know all Pokémon territory like the back of my hand. For about six years, I've learned everything about the little monsters. I'm the best, you know."
"Yes," coughed Michelle. "You've told us several times."
"Just filling you in on my expertise!" Gary laughed. "I'm sixteen years old, and the master of Pocket Monsters."
"Really?" Holly asked excitedly. "I've heard a little about Pokémon. My friend's friend is a trainer. So is her boyfriend."
"It's a popular sport," replied the boy smugly.
"Please, mister Gary, will you tell me more?"
"Of course..."
Michelle groaned. This was going to be a long trip...
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All of Jessie's tension vanished as she caressed James in her arms. They had both taken their anger out on each other in a very...Expressive manner. James sighed and looked at his partner with a peaceful smile. "That's what you meant by anger..."
Jessie nodded. "Again, I apologize for being rash. I guess I'm just trying to force you into doing something I want to do."
"It's okay," he replied. "I will always forgive you," he touched her cheek gently. "...My Queen..."
She blushed and touched her forehead. Her Symbol of the star-within-a-crescent-moon glowed brightly. Guess it was an emotions thing... "And I do need a King."
James laughed and sat up so he was facing her. "Someone of royalty, I presume?"
"That's what he should be," she said, edging closer to him. "But I'll be satisfied with a poor Pokémon Master."
"Master?" James grinned. "That reminds me...I've gotta start my search." He took her in his arms. "Will you come with me?"
She tried to refuse, but was just too taken in by his soft, green eyes. "I guess I'm involved now."
"With what?"
"With you."
"Then we'll start tomorrow."
"Okay."
Chapter 9 - "Michelle"
Jessie stood outside of Team Rocket Head Quarters waiting for James to join her. She wore a pair of khaki shorts with a tucked-in white v-neck tee-shirt. A small, red 'R' was embroided in the top, left-hand corner. A pair of rough hiking boots were on her feet and a backpack containing water, victuals, a map, and her Pokémon was slung over her back. This mission would prove a lot more interesting than all the Pikachu hunts she'd been on. She'd also get to be alone with James as well. Meowth needed to stay home and be a father.
She shielded her eyes from the bright sun rising over her head. It was only morning, but the heat was already present. She prayed the weather wouldn't act weird today. They were heading to the beautiful beaches of Vermillion City and it would be a pity if it were ruined with a storm.
At last, James joined her. He was wearing a similar outfit, except his tee-shirt was not a v-neck and had a small, blue rose in the place of Jessie's 'R'. "Ready to go?" he asked.
Jessie nodded. "It's time to show these Legendary Birds exactly what Team Rocket is made of!"
The two laughed, then realized they were acting the same as they had done when they were seventeen. Then they loaded the Meowth Balloon and set off towards the heavens.
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In his room, Tack shoved his Scyther's Pokéball into a small knapsack. He had to hurry if he was going to catch up to James. Vermillion was about two hours away by car. If they got there before him, the plan might not work. He slung the knapsack over his shoulder and raced to the nearest elevator. He waited for one to arrive, then took it all the way down to the garage.
"Ahh!" he squealed. "The Rocket Brothers Jeep!" He raced over to the car and hugged it. Anime tears gushed down his cheeks. "I remember when I was too young to drive you. But now..." Tack pulled a key out of his pocket and raised it over his head. "...I'm in charge!" He scrambled into the Jeep. It was so nice to sit in the driver's seat for once. "Ignition!" Tack chirped as he stuck the key in and turned it. The motor started. "Ecstasy!" He backed out of the garage carefully, barely scraping Giovanni's limousine. Then, out of the garage, he sped off toward the beaches of Vermillion City.
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Holly ran across the beach feeling the sand squish between her bare feet. She watched Michelle swim back and forth. Michelle was an excellent swimmer. Her aqua-marine hair blended in with the ocean, and her body moved like the waves themselves.
Gary sat on a towel tanning himself. He lifted his head and watched Michelle for awhile. It had been a long time since he had taken a break from his Pokémon journey. It was nice to relax. "That Michelle is certainly graced with the god Neptune," he said softly to himself, watching her dive. "Hey, Holly!" he called.
"Yes, Mister Gary?" Holly said running over to him. She wore a dark purple swimsuit.
"Why are you two here, anyway?" he asked, standing to his feet. Gary was wearing dark sunglasses that hid his eyes and black and red shorts.
Holly blinked. "Well...We just wanted to see how beautiful Vermillion was. We'd never been here before."
"It seemed pretty urgent just to be a vacation."
"Uhmmm..."
She was hiding something. That was obvious. Michelle also seemed to be wary. But he decided not to push them. He'd most likely learn whatever their secret was sooner or later. "Ah, nevermind! It's not important." The two went back to watching Michelle again. "She your sister?" Gary asked.
The young woman shook her head. "Nah! Michelle has a sister. But they take care of me."
"What about your family?"
Holly sadly hung her head. Gary began to wonder if that was even the right question to ask her. "My father is...Was a professor. But now he's in a hospital trying to get better."
"What happened to him?"
"An accident," Holly replied quickly. Of course, she couldn't tell Gary how Mistress Nine had used him and caused an explosion in his laboratory. Super Sailor Moon had done everything she could to help them. "And my mother died when I was really little."
"I'm sorry," Gary said. "And do you live with Michelle and her sister?"
"Yeah. And Susan...She's another close friend."
Gary smiled and then sat back down to resume his suntan. "How long has Michelle been swimming?"
"I'm guessing her whole life."
"She's very good."
"Yes."
She played and spun in the waves. It was almost like she danced with the creatures of the sea. The water was no enemy or obstacle to her. Michelle seemed to be at total peace when she was engulfed by a wave. Who were these mysterious people? Gary would find out. Michelle...It was almost like she was Neptune, the King of the Sea.
Chapter 10 - "Day-Tripper"
Tack was belting out a song that was on the radio. "She loves you! Ya, ya, ya!" He was so happy to ride in the Rocket Brothers Jeep. It had always been a dream to him. As he sang, he scanned the skies, hunting for James in the Meowth Balloon. This was so perfect! By harming James, he'd get to Jessie quicker.
But...The Boss had sent James out to look for the Legendary Birds. What if he suspected something when James didn't return? That was a question. He would search through Headquarters and find any other people who were missing when the 'accident' took place. Then he'd find Tack! Tack gulped. Everything was so risky...But he had to avenge his brothers and sister. They died, and he would join them if he had to.
He turned the radio to full blast and continued down the road to Vermillion City.
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"Prepare for trouble!"
"And make it double...Because I won!"
"No way! I couldn't lose..."
James laughed as he held his cards in front of him. "Four Aces, Jess. The cards don't lie." He stood up and stretched.
Jessie pouted. "Not fair. I always win." She also stood up and buried her head on James' shoulder. "You should always let a girl win!"
"Why?" James laughed again. He hugged her. "It was just for fun anyway." Jessie glared up at him. "Oh, you're such a sore loser," he said, imitating her pout.
"James!" Jessie yelled. She pulled out her 'legendary' frypan and whacked it over James' head a few times. "Don't make fun of me!"
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"Hey, guys!" Michelle smiled as she met Gary and Holly on the beach. She was drying her hair with a fluffy yellow towel, which matched her tight, yellow bikini. "Sorry to leave you two out here doing nothing."
"Nah!" Holly said. "We had a nice talk."
Gary nodded. "And besides, it looked like you belonged in that water. You needed to be there." He looked at her with respect.
Michelle's eyes widened and quivered a tad. He's too good, she thought. He may know something already.
Holly noticed Michelle's shoulders tense up. She quickly changed the subject. "Well, it was sure a great day to come to Vermillion."
"Ready to go home?" Gary asked.
"No!" Michelle and Holly yelled at the same time.
"I knew it!" Gary said, pointing his finger at the two women. "You're hiding something. Why do you need to be here?" Before the girls could answer, a large shadow fell over the trio. They looked up to see a large hot-air balloon hovering above them. Gary gasped. "It's that stupid Team Rocket. They try to steal Pokémon."
Holly looked up at Michelle and sighed softly. At least they got away that time. "Team Rocket?" Holly suddenly said. "That's what Serena said the name of her friend's organization was from."
"Friend?" Gary growled, backing away from the two. "Any friend of Team Rocket is an enemy to me, and most of the entire Pokémon world. Those guys are wanted in every city!" He backed up to his car and pulled out several Pokéballs. "I'm warning you...Don't come near me."
"Mister Gary!" Holly cried. "We're not evil."
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"Look down there." James pointed to three people on the beach. "Think they're police officers investigating the Bird case?"
"Well, they're not going to find anything," Jessie yawned. "The Birds probably aren't even real, anyway..."
James stood straight up and turned on Jessie with fury in his eyes. "How dare you mock me, now! I was asked by our Boss to come out and catch Zapdos, Articuno, and or Moltres. You are telling me that they are a lie and that crushes me. I'm honored that the Boss chose me. I'm honored!" He turned away from her. His shoulders were tight and fists and teeth clenched. "Damnit, Jess, you can believe what you want, but don't shatter MY dreams. I didn't have to let you come along. I asked you out of the sheer kindness in my heart. But now, I'm going solo."
Jessie's eyes wobbled. "James, I'm sorry..."
"I'm going solo!" James repeated. "After you've let me down, you can go home."
"But how will you get home?"
"I'll find a way," he hissed.
Jessie stepped back and turned out to her side on the balloon. "You're just being stubborn," she said light-heartedly. She turned around to hug him, but he was gone. She looked down and saw James had taken the parachute out. Now, that was just plain mean of him, Jessie thought. "I'll go home then!" she yelled after him angrily. "And you can sleep in your own room tonight," she added quietly to herself.
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James landed on the edge of the small cavern. As he was packing his parachute away, he saw the balloon turn around. Goodbye, he thought. Then he hiked up his gear and prepared to enter the cave.
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"The Meowth Balloon!" Tack exclaimed as he picked up speed. Vermillion Beach was dead ahead. He could see the large cruise liner S.S. Anne drifting on the water. James could possibly be in the cave already. In the distance he saw three sightseers. "Damn!" he cursed. Just what he needed...Witnesses. Oh well...
The cave was now closer. Someone was up there. Keeping his eyes on the road, Tack opened his knapsack and pulled out his binoculars. "James!" he accidentally said aloud. Then he covered his grinning mouth. "I've got you now." He began to pull something else out of his knapsack.
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"Look, we've never even met Team Rocket before," Michelle said. "We've just heard about them."
"I'm sure," Gary said. "Like you really would admit to who you are."
Holly's ears perked up. "Look!" she said, pointing off in another direction. "A car!"
"A Team Rocket Jeep!" Gary gasped. "So, you brought me here to be surrounded by your little friends? Want my Pokémon that badly?"
Michelle shivered. "You don't understand..."
"Hold it!" yelled a voice. They all turned to the Jeep.
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James froze in his tracks as he heard an all-too-familiar voice yell after him. "Hold it!"
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Tack stepped out of his Jeep. "Hold it!" He was now standing close enough to the cavern to see James almost clearly. "James, you're a dead man!"
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Gary gasped. Michelle looked at Holly. They had to do...SOMETHING. "We've got to transform," Michelle said quickly.
Holly nodded. "The Outers make their appearance!"
"Neptune Planet Power..." Michelle's nail's gained aqua nail-polish automatically. "MAKE-UP!"
"Saturn Planet Power..." Holly also gained polish, only a dark violet. "MAKE-UP!"
The girls transformed into the Sailor Scouts. Gary looked over to them. "Holly...Michelle...?"
"Not now," Super Sailor Neptune shouted. "We need to stop that man."
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James turned around to face the beach. There was Tack. "And what are you going to do to me, pipsqueak?"
Tack grinned. He held up a small, shiny, black object. James cringed and a cold sweat fell over his body. Tack pointed the object straight at James.
"Tack, no!" James yelled. "Put the gun down!"
"Deep Submerge!" The waves of the sea rose out of the water. Sailor Neptune turned them toward Tack. Before the waves crashed down upon him, Tack ducked out of the way.
"The Sailor Scouts," James said to himself. "So there are more of you..."
"Do not interfere," Tack said angrily. He shot the gun at Neptune.
"Look out!" Gary screamed. He quickly ran to Neptune and pushed her out of the way, barely graced with the bullet himself.
"This is serious!" Super Sailor Saturn said.
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From the Meowth Balloon, Jessie heard a gunshot. "Oh my God," she screamed aloud. "James!" She turned the balloon around and headed back toward the beach. "Why did I leave you alone?"
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Tack was now running toward the cavern. Gary and the two Sailor Scouts were following close behind. No. He would not let them catch up with him. He would not let James get away. Then he pulled out his Pokéball. "Scyther, I choose you!" he yelled, tossing the ball back at the trio.
"Scyther!" Scyther growled.
"Damn," Gary said. "A battle!" He pulled out his own Pokéball. "I'll take care of this! You guys catch up with that Team Rocket member." Neptune and Saturn ran ahead. "Go, Arcanine!"
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Now Tack was getting closer. James knew he had to head deeper into the cavern. However, the water was rising, and if he went in, there would be a chance of him drowning. He'd have to face the crazed Tack alone.
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"Get off my back, women!" Tack yelled. He finally reached the edge of the cavern. He pointed the gun straight at James, but was soon trounced by Neptune and Saturn.
"Drop the gun," Neptune screamed. Tack did as he was told. The girls released him. But then he punched them both square in the jaw. They fell to the ground, reeling in pain. Tack picked up the gun and aimed...
"No!" Gary screamed.
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James heard an ear-piercing sound. Suddenly, he was in much pain. He put his hand to his stomach. Red. There was too much red. He collapsed on the floor of the cavern.
Jessie's eyes widened in horror. She gave a blood-curdling scream that the even the people all the way on the S.S. Anne could hear. "JAMES!"