Chapter XIV A Rare Privilege-Day 3 James awoke with a start. He stood up from his cot to see a grueling sight. "What is going on? Huh?" He wondered aloud. He saw the three guards who had Brock by the arms, and no one, not even his Vulpix would have recognized him. "He looks terrible!" Cried Jessie. She was obviously right. There were gashes crossing his head, and his eyes, even though shut, were flashing with rage and anger. His arms were cut, and his left one was in a sling. The teenager's clothes were ripped and blood-soaked. What was once a Poke`mon Breeder was now a savage animal, roaring nearly as loud as Ash's Charizard. He was obviously broken, transformed into a hard-core criminal, by cruelty and habit. He was dragged into cell 13, and two of the guards roughly held him down, while the remaining guard shackled his wrists and ankles, tighter than Jenny would ever fasten them, and chained them to his cot, finally slamming the cell door, causing an echo. They stormed through the hall, ignoring Ash's inquiry. "What did you do to him?!" "Pika! Pika!" Seeing that his question would not be answered, he sighed. The small boy grabbed the bars and peered over two cells down. His teammate had not calmed down, trying to break free of his chains, desperate to escape this confinement, frightening his cellmate immensely. The others were obviously curious to find out what had happened earlier, but the complete ferocity of his personality gave them warning not to try to ask him, and to leave him in peace for a while, to wait for the volcano to subside. The shrieks from James were an added warning. As the morning rolled on and the gang started their work, they thought of something that that sent a terror through their mind, something that Ash brought up while they were forming the channel. "What if we go crazy like Brock?" Ash asked Jessie. The latter thought for a while, and, after shoveling another dirtfull, answered, "You could be right! I've heard of lots of stories when people stay here for too long, they commit suicide!" "Suicide? You mean they..kill..themselves?" Misty repeated nervously, a drop of sweat hanging on her face. The other reassured, "But they're just stories....." "Hopefully......" James finished. The black-haired boy gulped, hoping that his mind wouldn't be subdued by the life he was leading. He forced his shovel into the ground, and continued to dig the hole. The sun had grown bright and unmerciful by then, hitting their pangs for water, and heating their shovels to unbearable temperatures. Meowth's furry head was frying, for the sun shone its light on his metallic charm. "Meoowwwwwth! 'Dat's hot! Owowowowwwwwwww!" Ash looked on, and, wanting to help out his teammate, sent out his only Water Poke`mon. "Blastoise, I choose you! Hydro Pump now!" "Blastoise!" The thick-shelled Water Type obeyed, and aimed its heavy metallic cannon at Meowth's head, unfortunately, sending the Scratchcat straight into the first high fence that kept the prisoners inside of the yard. He crashed into the fence, shaking the whole structure. The latter quickly removed himself from the wall, trudging back up the hill, a glint of anger in his eyes. "Meowth, are you all right?" James asked in concern. "Whaddya t'ink?" He answered, extremely irritable that he was soaking wet and had crashed into something at the same instant. "Sorry, Meowth," Ash apologized. The former groaned, returning to his shovel, not in the mood to use his Fury Swipes on the offender. At noon, the sun was too harsh to bear. The group were working their shovels only slightly, making the work going even slower. Fortunately, just when they were about to shrivel then and there, the guard appeared, for once bringing relief instead of punishment. Though the food was repulsive, they were thankful for it. The water provided an icy relief to their burning throat, and the food provided the little nourishment they needed to last their sorry existence. While they were eating, a man approached them. "I'm the corrections officer. You four, or five," adding Meowth, "are getting better and you've stayed out of trouble. I think I'll let you go to the library today. I'll take you there after lunch." "Really? Thanks!" Ash was excited, for the monotony would be broken by this trip. Then, he quieted, and asked, "How about Brock?" The officer frowned, and answered, "His behavior is not good. Besides, the warden told me not to feed him, let him work, or do anything. In other words, unless he changes his attitude, he's stuck there." "What? You can't do that!" Ash yelled, his eyebrows slanting down in a mix between anger and sadness. The corrections officer shook his head, and answered, "Its not my rules, kid." Ash nodded in understanding, and, instead of finishing the last bit of his corn, he slipped it into his pocket, and silently encouraged the others to do the same. They took his meaning, and copied him, except Pikachu, who had finished his bone. Then, they walked out of the noisy room towards the library. It was a dusty place, not usually used because the prisoners there would never be behaved enough to visit the library. Thick cobwebs also marked the shelves, while Rattata and Raticate ran across the ailes, arranging the books according to the way they pleased, which was not in any kind of order. "Wow.....this is great!" Ash's brown eyes started to flash with eagerness, and he ran about the ailes, happy that he for once was not confined in his cell or work. "Yeah, it is!" Misty agreed. "Yay!" Jessie and James shouted in unison, hugging each other. "Now for some fun!" They and Meowth scanned the shelves, and found a book titled: "How to Escape from Anything", and another one about Poison Poke`mon. Misty searched, and after bumping into a Raticate, grabbed "The Pool". It took a little while for Ash to pick his book. His mind was on two things: how to raise his Rock Poke`mon, and how the others should raise theirs, and how to prevent everyone from going crazy. After searching for a while, he found "Boulders and Smoulders" and "The Mind". He then sat down on the stone floor and began to read silently. They were short books, but gave Ash the necessary information to carry out his agenda. From "The Mind", he decided to keep everyone sane by food, kindness, and sharing the work. That was all true with his teammates, save Brock, so he didn't need to worry too much about them. From the training book, he tried the strategy, according to what it suggested. "Charizard, Rhyhorn, I choose you! If I use a Rock Poke`mon to battle Charizard, the Rock one'll have the advantage!" Misty walked over to him, asking, "Ash, what are you doing?" "You didn't forget about those Poke`mon the Boss wanted us to train, did you?" "No, but---" "So I'm training mine! Rhyhorn, Tackle!" "Then let me help you, Ash! Muk, go!" The former's face fell. "Rhyhorn isn't very strong! It won't be able to fight Charizard AND Muk!" The Cerulean Leader answered, slyly, "It'll gain twice as much experience if it fights two Poke`mon! Charizard, Flamethrower!" The Fire lizard roared, and, holding his nose because it was near Muk, let loose a stream of flame towards Rhyhorn. It boiled the Spike Poke`mon, and Muk slid across the floor. Misty ordered, "Muk, Poison Gas!" However, Ash was determined to raise Rhyhorn, no matter what the cost. "Rhyhorn, Take Down! Run straight through the gas!" The rocky monster stampeded towards both Charizard and Muk, and tore straight through the latter, piercing the lizard's hide with its thick horn, sending it crashing into the wall, though sustaining injury itself. Before Ash could express his excitement, the Rhyhorn glowed, its figure straightening, widening, and thickening. When the glow disappeared, it roared in triumph. "Rhydon!" Ash and Misty exclaimed. They recalled their Poke`mon, and Ash was about to look for a battle against Jessie or James when a familiar, yet not familiar voice was heard. "Good job!" "Huh?" A light switched on, and, a red-haired woman, with an ebony cross on her cap revealed herself from the shadows. "Nurse Joy!" Both Ash and Misty shouted in surprise. The former nodded, and explained, "I'm the oldest sister of our family. When my Poke`mon Center was closed because of bankruptcy--" "What's bankruptcy?" Ash interrupted. Joy explained, "My Poke`mon Center lost money. I had to move out. Then I learned of the Celadon City Prison and the great need of a Poke`mon Center there. So I moved into this library and I offer my services to anyone who needs them. "Wow! My Rhydon and Charizard need revitalizing! Could you do it, please?" Joy smiled, and answered, "Sure, Ash. Despite your being a convict AND a lifer, you're still retaining the personality that my sisters always say you have." Upon her saying this, a drop of sweat formed on Ash's face. Then he handed his Poke`Balls to her. "Pikachu-Pika!" The yellow mouse jumped atop Ash's shoulder, happy for Rhydon. After the trip was over, the young Trainer approached Jessie, James, and Meowth, who were busily reading the book on Poison Poke`mon aloud. "It says here that....." "Poison are raised best with..." "Bug and Grass Poke`mon." They were interrupted by Ash, who said in his loud voice, "Hey, guys! Battle me with your Electric and Water Poke`mon!" The other answered, "Okay, kid! Lets battle! Seel, go!" "Voltorb, go!" "Geodude, go!" The Poke`Balls hit the ground, releasing the monsters. "Seel, Aurora Beam!" "Voltorb, Swift!" "Geodude, double Rock Throw!" The beam of ice hit the Rock Poke`mon, at the same time the Rock Throw came in contact with both Seel and Voltorb. All three fell, but soon recovered. "Geodude, hang in there! Use your Defense Curl!" Ash was determined to raise his Rock, like he would raise any other of his monsters. "Geo!" The Rock Type placed its thick arms across its face, sheilding its body from Seel's Ice Attacks and Voltorb's accurate Swift Attacks. Then, Jessie and James switched strategy. "Seel, Headbutt!" "Voltorb, Sonicboom!" "Seel!" "Volt-orb!" The Sea Lion Poke`mon, though out of the water, was agile enough to force its horn into Geodude, weakening it. Voltorb used its wind attack against the hard-surfaced Poke`mon, bringing it close to the point of fainting. "You can do it, Voltorb! Tackle Attack!" "Seel, Ice Beam!" "Geodude, Tackle!" The three Poke`mon came in contact with each other, and all three started to glow, like Rhyhorn did only minutes ago. "They're---evolving!" All cried at once. "Grrr.rrr.rrrr....." "Bzzzzzzzz........" "Dew-gonggonggonggong!" "Hooray! The Boss will be so proud of us! Though we didn't capture Richie's Pikachu, we made something evolve!" Jessie exclaimed, overjoyed. "Yeah, but, we won't be able to show that we did it," Ash pointed out sadly. "You're right," James agreed, holding his grinning Electrode, who resembled a gigantic Poke`Ball. They all plunged into silence, but then looked on the brighter side; it was better semi-free than not free at all. The gang spent the rest of their time in the library raising their Poke`mon, using the various books for hints, and making frequent trips to Nurse Joy. By the time it was tme to go back, all of their "element Poke`mon", as I will now refer to them, had evolved to their final stages and were at the respectable level of 50. Ash sighed. He realized that he COULD carry out the Boss's plan, and he would. But, he also realized that Brock wouldn't be able to train his Flight Poke`mon, in his mental and physical state. So, he and the others devised a plan. The guard was about to unlock the door to let them in, but then Jessie sneaked up on him, releasing the evolved form of Seel. "Dewgong, Ice Beam, now!" The guard was promptly frozen in his tracks, leaving Ash and the others to throw Brock their leftovers from lunch. Unfortunately, the latter growled, at the sound of his teammates' footsteps, "Who's there?!" "Pika-Pika! Pikachu!" "It's us, Brock!" "Ash? How can I tell?" His tone softened somewhat. "Pikaaaaaaaaa........" The electric rodent decided that the best way for him to see that it was them was to deal a mild Thundershock. "Pikachuuuuuuuuu!" Bright flashing light filled the cell, stunning the target but putting him in a worse humor than he was before. "Get the hell out of here before I-----" Jessie and James grabbed each other in fright, and Misty latched on to Ash, while the latter shook his head, answering, "No, Brock. I won't go away." He then casually threw the corn through the bars, the former leaning down on the floor and picking it up with his mouth, because his hands were constricted by the heavy chains. Misty, then Jessie, then James, and finally, Meowth, threw their food, disappearing down Brock's throat as soon as it landed in his cell. He was a pitiful sight, but at least he was being nourished. After he had finished, the malignant glare in his shut eyes seemed to fade, and even though he didn't thank them verbally, the softening of his savage growl was convincing enough for Ash and the other members that he was thankful. Then, Ash took Brock's Poke`Balls, containing all of his birds, the Breeder quiet as he did it, and James was able to enter, unhurt by his cellmate. Suddenly, a long and loud howl sounded through cell block R. A white streak of fur was seen through the hall, and a long spout of flame burst out, melting the ice around the guard. "Ninetales!" Fortunately, Ash noticed the Fox Poke`mon, and warned loudly, "Oh, no!" It's Ninetales! Lets get back in!" They weren't called "Team Rocket" or "Rocket Gang" for nothing, because before the fire Fox could deal her Flamethrower on the convicts, they were back in their cells, and leaving the Ninetales no choice but to leave in disgust. Chapter XV The Plan-Day 4 Not all of the problems for the Rocket Gang occured in the Celadon City Prison. At Team Rocket Headquarters, Giovanni and his minions were hard at work trying to figure out and attack strategy. "We have been discussing this for four days. I WANT RESULTS. Any useful ideas, men?" Butch called out, hoarsely, "I do, Suh!" "Speak, then." "Well, the outside paht of the prison is gahded by several Poke`mon of the fifteen Poke`mon elements: a Bulbasauh, a Chahmanduh, and a Squihtle at the front entrance. On the left side, thehe's an Ekans, a Mankey, and a Sandshrew. On the right side, thehe's an Onix, a Gastly, and a Dratini. And at the back, thehe's a Pikachu, Abra, and a Pidgey." "You call that a well-guarded prison? They could break out themselves!" Shouted one member. "Hey, I didn't finish!" The green-haired teenager yelled. "Those Poke`Mon are all at level 100." A general gasp of horror was heard throughout the room. Butch continued, "Each cell block is guahded by a different Poke`mon. Block A-Eevee, Block B-Vaporeon, Block C-Jolteon Block D-Flareon, Block E- Poliwrath, Block F-Gyarados, Block G-Raticate, Block H-Gengar, Block I-Beedrill, Block J-Butterfree, Block K-Electabuzz, Block L-Magneton, Block M---ah you writing this down?" "Yes, Butch. Continue," answered Giovanni in his booming deep voice. "Block N-Omanyte, Block O-Kabuto, Block P-Kaburtops, Block Q- Omastah Block Ah-Ninetales, Block S-Growlithe, Block T-Sandslash, Block U-Chansey, Block V-Tauros, Block W-Kangaskhan, Block X-Vileplume, Block Y-Bellsprout, Block Z-Missingno. These ah all level 100. The othuh secuhity ah human guahds all ovuh the place, three walls, one metal, one wooden, and the last one metal, and an electric fence on the outside wall." "Hey, Butch," Cassidy questioned, "How do you know all this?" "I saw the place, and-----" "That's enough," Giovanni ordered. "Do you have any ideas on how to get past this security, Butch?" "Yeah. Just use really strong Poke`mon. Oh we can use strategy and use Poke`mon that ah effective against that Type, and have heavy ahtilery as backup. We've got an awful lot to use." "What do you mean an awful lot we don't have that much and they're not strong enough to handle those Poke`mon we'd be better off going against them with smokebombs and cannons and guns and machinery but not our Poke`mon because then they would faint or maybe even die and then------" "CASSIDY, SILENCE!" Giovanni roared. "Butch, are there any more complications in the prison security system?" "Not that I know of, Suh." "Find out, then. If they added another guard or made the slightest alteration of the security, the whole attack could fail. Just do not end up in there yourself, or you will recieve another pay cut, your third one this month." The order was answered with a nod, and Butch and Cassidy left the room. Chapter XVI A Risky Visit?-Day 5 The sun glowed through the morning mist, bouncing off of the metal walls, brightening the look of the desolate place. The old roadside Oddish began to dry in the heat; that was a way to tell the season. It was the middle of summer. The Oddish were rescued when a family of Squirtle passed by, spraying Bubble out of their mouths, soaking the Oddish and strengthening them. The city itself was large, the center of economy probably the salons and the perfume shops, and then there was the Celadon City Gym. Normally, Erika, the Gym Leader, would be inside tending to her challengers, but this time, it contented her to sit among her few Bulbusaur and water them with a Wartortle she had recieved, while her one Gloom watched eagerly. "War---tor---tle," it mumbled between gurgles. "Bulba! Bulba! Saur! Bulbasaur!" The Grass/Poison Poke`mon took a like to the Wartortle and its Water Gun. Erika patted the former, saying, "You'll grow strong with this water, Bulbasaur." "Gloooom!" Erika's favorite Poke`mon walked towards her, looking towards a shape coming fast towards them. "Hello, there!" A soft female voice made Erika stand up with surprise. The latter introduced herself, "I am Erika, Leader of the Celadon City Gym. Do you want to apply for a job at our perfume manufacturing---" "No, thank you, I would like directions." Erika nodded. "Oh, I see." "Could you tell me where I could find the Celadon City Prison?" "Oh, yes. That. You must be the mother of one of those Team Rocket members?" "Yes, I'm sad to say it, but I am the mom of Ash." "Bulbasaur!" A cry of surprise at the mention of Team Rocket was heard. Erika knelt down again and ordered, "Quiet, Bulbusaur! Directions to there? You go down Breeder's Lane, take a left on Grass Road, then take a right at Bulb Drive, then take another left at Ivy Avenue, then go down Venus Street. You'll see a sign someone nailed there for a joke, it says: "Point of Death". Go past that, and you'll be at the prison." "Thank you." Mrs. Ketchum was about to leave, but Erika stopped her and warned, "Don't be surprised at the condition of the prison, and what state your son is in. Being aggressive, he will not have fared too well." The other gasped, and nodded, then finally started on her way to her destination. It was a long walk; it went longer because of the mental burden she now held on her shoulders. Questions flitted into her mind at out: Will he be okay? Did he pick up any bad habits? Is he still my Ash, or some terrible monster? Is he being treated well? Are his friends okay? Or.........................is he even still alive? Tears spilled out of her eyes as she walked. She passed by the several salons, and even the more docile Officer Jenny's motorcycle roaring across the street. They greeted each other. "Hello, Mrs. Ketchum!" "Hello, Officer." "I'm really sorry about your son. He seemed like such a nice boy. I'm sure that he didn't get it from you. Maybe he got it from his dad, whoever he was." She ignored the last remark, but answered the former ones, "Yes, and he still is, but he was influenced by those crooks, Jessie and James!" Her soft tone grew in anger, rage and hatred at the event. She continued, tears drenching the pavement, "You're lucky that they won't attack Celadon City......." "Or any city," Jenny added, "unless they break out, which is impossible." Mrs. Ketchum nodded silently, and bade farewell to the police officer, making her way down the several streets, all long, and finally, arriving at the prison. She asked to come in, and the gates were opened. "You're visiting?" Asked the warden, roughly. "Yes. My son and his friends---where are they?" The warden quickly examined a piece of paper, answering, "Cell block R, cells 11-15." He added, with a malignant smile, "Be careful. They're hell." "Thank you." The Pallet citizen walked along the halls, seeing the different Poke`mon guards-Eevee, Vaporeon, Flareon, and all sorts of monsters, some frightening her, some only somewhat intimidating. Her eyes couldn't stop darting, fixing themselves on the prisoners in the other blocks, either emotionless, crazy, or barely sane. Finally, she reached block R, the Ninetales guard licking herself after dealing punishment to Meowth, who had tried to attack her. Mrs. Ketchum ran for cell 11, shouting, sufficient enough to spring the boy and Misty awake, "Ash!" "Huh? Mom!" She grabbed the bars and her son, on the opposite side did likewise. "Ash, are you okay? Are they treating you well? Are you eating? Do you change your----" "MOM!!!" The shout was loud enough to send the others out of sleep, now very irritable. "What was that?!" Asked Jessie, bags under her flashing blue eyes. "It was just the kid," James explained, laying his head back on his pillow. "Meowth! 'Dat was loud enough ta wake da dead!" The Scratchcat complained, trying to peer over into cell 11. "Loud enough to wake me!" Screamed Misty. "Ash, shut-----" Then, everyone realized who was there. The Cerulean Trainer asked, "Hey, look! It's Ash's mom! Hi, Mrs. Ketchum! Do you know if my sisters are coming?" "No, Misty. They are in shock, now. It will take them a while until they recover. The same for Brock's father." Ash moaned, "It's good that he won't be here for a while. He might get mad at the way Brock's being treated." "Huh?" "He's in cell 13, but I don't think you want to say "hi" to him." "Why not?" Ash's mom asked. "Be my guest if ya wanna get yuh head bit off!" Meowth explained. Mrs. Ketchum groaned. "That bad?" All affirmed with an "mm-hmm". She walked over to the cell next to Misty's, but as soon as the one within heard her footsteps, he lunged at the bars with a roar that could not be of a human, not even of a Poke`mon. Mrs. Ketchum screamed, retreating backwards. She asked her son angrily, "What have they done to him? It looks like he hasn't eaten for days!" "We give him our leftovers at night," Ash answered. "He needs someone to talk to him. I'm going to get his father this very moment!" "What if he won't move?" Misty asked, jokingly. "Then I'll get a forklift!" With that, she stormed out of the block, her head sizzling, leaving everyone dumbstruck. Ash commented, "I never saw mom that angry before." "Well, it proves....." "'Dat she has......." "A good heart." Ash smiled. Getting a compliment from the ever-insulting mouths of Jessie, James, and Meowth was an honor alone, but having his mom being complimented by them was worth bursting with pride. But, since he wanted to save his energy, something he didn't normally do. Within a short hour, Mrs. Ketchum had returned with Flint, who was frozen in shock. James roused Brock, yelling louder than usual, "HEY, BROCK! SOMEONE WANTS TO SEE YOU! WAKE-----" "SHUT UP, YOU-----" Before he could go on, Flint spoke in his droning voice, which made his oldest son cease shouting and listen. All the others listened in, hoping that Flint would calm down Brock for the moment, and perhaps restore his personality. XVII Attack of the Spearow and Sandshrew-Day 6 The sun was high in the sky, beating down on the two black-clad Rockets, boiling them. Both of their tongues jutted out, the sun catching them and leaving a burning sensation on that part. Both held binoculars, scanning for any sign of further security. They sat atop the prison roof, for a good view. "Hmm. I don't see any Poke`mon." "Neither do I but there has to be some guarding the air." Suddenly, less then 50 flighty objects arose nearly above them, screeching, "Spear--owwwwww! Spear-owwwwww!" "Ahhhhhh! I guess youh right, Cassidy! Lets get outtah heah!" "Right!" The Flight Poke`mon, though small, had incredible ferocity and agility, and were nearly akin to Beedrill in agressiveness. They soared after Cassidy and her partner, stirring up strong gusts, blowing their hair about their faces. The Spearow changed their strategy, them breaking into two groups: one in front of Butch and Cassidy, and the other one in back, creating a wall wherever they ran. "Tough break foh us!" "What will we do? We can't outrun them! I know! Raticate, go!" "Cate!" "Raticate, Super Fang!" The large rat leaped into the air, biting the Spearow in the chest. "Spearrrrrrowwwww!" The few birds that were bitten had fallen, crashing into the grassy yard below. Unfortunately, the Spearow would not be brought down easily, and as soon as they fell, they recovered and flew once again. "Raticate, Focus Energy!" "Rat.....icate!" "Hyper Fang, Raticate! "Rat!" When the Spearow flew too close to its long teeth, they recieved a harsh bite, immobilizing the ones that were previously injured completely. "Spearrrrrrrrr......" Just when the gang members thought that they had won, a completely new group of Spearow arose, these fiercer and more unforgiving. The former groaned, in unison, "Not again!" The birds were closing in, showing their long talons. Raticate had been returned, because its Hyper Fang was limited, and the Spearow were multiplying by some unknown reason. It was bizzare; what seemed to be only fifty Spearow seemed to be thousands now. They were impossible to escape, as Butch and Cassidy were finding out. "We won't make it!" "Unless we jump!" "Then lets do it!" The both of them jumped, somehow, clearing all three fences, and landing hard next to playful Bulbasaur. Then Cassidy slipped out her radio. "Sir, there's more security......" She was obviously out of breath, panting and gasping. ".........on the roof......guarded by Spearow......" Butch added, "And if they'he(pant) in the aih, (pant) they'he in the (gasp) ground, too." "I see. Roughly how many are there?" Cassidy nearly fainted, because of the incredible amount of the birds. "......Sir, as soon as we defeat a few of them, more appear......I think......they have........some........sort.................of.............nest........." "Is that all of the security you found?" Silence. "Butch? Cassidy? Where are you? Answer!" There was a rumble; Butch and Cassidy's moment of peace was interrupted. Though the Spearow had reached its borders, which were the walls of the prison, another threat came to the Rockets. "What's going on now?" Cassidy wondered aloud. "Sand-shrew!" A small Mouse Poke`mon of the Ground Element poked its round head out into the sun. "Hmm, a Sandshrew. At least its not part of their securi---" The blonde-haired teenager spoke too soon, for the brown Sandshrew appeared all over the place, and, with glares in their eyes, used their powerful attacks on the former and her partner. After finding safety, Butch concluded the report with: "Suh, every paht of this dump is guahded by strong Poke`mon. Ouh best bet is to use Element vs. Element." "Good work, you two. Report to Headquarters immediately." There was no more answer, for the two had fainted. Chapter XVIII The Visit Disrupted-Day 7 The day of the convicts' salvation was near. Though they didn't know it, and thought that they would be confined for the rest of their low lives. That thought increased with a certain incident in the shower room. Mrs. Ketchum had sneaked there, along with Ash; she yearned to be with him for every moment of that visit. So, she sat silently on the floor, as her son took a refreshing shower, humming his favorite tune. However, when Misty and Jessie walked in, a set of screams were heard. "Ash, do you and your friends need a towel?" "Oh, thanks, mom!" Red filled Ash's face, extremely embarassed, for, though he was part of Team Rocket, his original, childish personality still reigned along with the new, fiercer side. That's when the trouble started. A theif walked toward Ash, who had just finished dressing, and punched him, for no reason, causing the boy to double over and hit the stone floor with a groan. "Pikapi!" "Togepriiiii?" "My Ash!" "Ash!" "Ash!" That riled the girls and Pikachu considerably, and, even though Mrs. Ketchum had never done a single rude act in her life, at least in front of her son, joined Misty and Jessie in attacking the offending thief. The latter screamed in agony, being beaten by three enraged females and one Electric Poke`mon. "Mom........" Ash groaned weakly. He couldn't believe his eyes that moment, nor the next. "What's goin' on here? You're goin' back to your cells!" Then the guard's eyes fell upon Mrs. Ketchum. "What are YOU doing here?! Well, since you're here, you might as well STAY here, too!" "No, mom! You can't do that! She didn't do anything!" "Watch us, kid! And we're chaining you other guys!" A set of screams were heard throughout the room. It wasn't long before Ash's kind mother was confined in a cell, ironically, across Ash's and Misty's. She was ashamed and angry, that because she tried to protect her son, she ended up in the same position as him, except that, now, Ash, Misty, and Jessie were shackled and chained, not very pleased with the situation. "I can't move---" Ash groaned. "Grrrr, let us out of here!" Screamed Jessie and Misty, a chorus of rage. "My poor Ash," his mother sighed, looking deeply into her son's eyes, now a dull brown from toil and misery. Then suddenly, Flint walked into the block, and saw her, his eyes filling with horror at the incident. "Mrs. Ketchum..........what happened?" The woman couldn't answer for herself, being too stunned, and Flint observed at the condition of everyone else. He shuddered at the thought, and commented, to no one in particular, "This must be Hell." Jessie nodded her head, her fiery blue eyes reflecting that thought, and screaming, "When I get out of here I will make everyone that did this pay dearly!" "IF we break out," Meowth remarked, his thin pupils travelling to the other side of his eyes to face Jessie. "You won't break out!" Growled the Ninetales. "Scum like you will stay here. You all except that lady there don't have parole! You'll all die here, and everyone will forget your names, and your rotten existence." Brock, though half-dead by now, answered the guard, "Get out of here, damn it!" He then lunged at the bars, stretching the length of his chains, then being wrenched backwards. "Don't force it, you'll kill yourself!" Ordered Jessie. "He'll bleed to death; there's no doctor in this prison," observed James. "And I don't have a bandage for him." Mrs. Ketchum sighed, wishing this was merely a dream. She always knew there was a dark side to life: criminal acts, punishment, consequence, and the termination of life itself. She never knew that she would witness all of these and experience them herself at this point in her life. It was something that could not be inevitable, but, yet, it was true. Chapter XVIV The Attack: Outer-Day 8 "Now, remember the plan. If it goes wrong, the whole plan will. So, do not perform a single act out of line." Giovanni stood behind his men, who stood in front of the tall gates. The plan was simple and straightfoward: rescue the imprisoned Rockets by first using Onix, Pikachu, and Lapras against Spearow, Gloom, and Poliwhirl against Sandshrew, and various ammunition. Then, when they had cleared the top, then bottom, head for the complex itself. Giovanni snapped his fingers, and the walls were swarmed on all sides, the Poke`Balls releasing their contents, and the fighting beginning. On top of that, the guarding Poke`mon were being attacked by the members and their Leader who were holding rifles. The assault on the Celadon City Prison had begun. The first opponent was the Sandshrew. Tough and knowing all sorts of clawing attacks, they attacked the Gloom and Poliwhirl with their claws, but the former had orders: "Gloom, Absorb!" "Poliwhirl, Hypnosis!" With that, many Sandshrew were asleep, leaving the gang to sneak past them and go on to face the Spearow, but the others, which were the majority, were blocked by the Sandshrew that had either sprung awake or new ones that came to their assistance. All the members realized the hopelessness of the situation. Giovanni thought for a whiile, and then ordered, "Return Gloom and choose---a Ground Type to burrow underground and destroy them!" The black-clad member nodded, and called out, "Dugtrio, go!" "Trio, Trio, Trio!" The odd Diglett triplet appeared, quickly digging into the ground, and using its rough heads to destroy the Sandshrew below, before they could burst out of the ground. Before long, the Dugtrio had destroyed the source: an underground nest fifteen yards away that was connected with tunnels to the site that they had been appearing. Mission accomplished, the Dugtrio burst out of the ground. The Sandshrew were left with no reinforcements, leaving them prone to the attack of Poliwhirl's Water Gun and Gloom's Solarbeam. At nearly the same time, the waterspout flew and the beam shot, ending the remaining Sandshrews' lives. The gang knew that there was no time for celebration, however, and quickly moved ahead. The gates were locked, but it was thin enough for a strong Rock Poke`mon to tear it down. "Get it, Onix!" Cried a member. The former drew back, then hurled its huge face at the gate, bending it. "One more time!" Onix obeyed, and, used its Rock Throw, felling the large wall. Onix was returned, and the gang swarmed up a cable leading to the roof, toward the approaching Spearow. Butch and Cassidy's faces fell. "Oh, no not them again!" "We'he not going to win!" Since the two latter were at the front of the mess, Giovanni had to give orders to them by means of telling someone, and they would tell the next person. Unfortunately, by the time the message had finally reached them, which was to "find the source", the Spearow were in sight. Butch and Cassidy broke into a run, towards the Spearow. "Maybe we can run under them......." suggested Cassidy. "But it's 'gonna be a really tight squeeze!" The Spearow were upon them, calling out their agressive screech over and again. They flapped their wings faster, closing in on their prey. One was heading straight for Butch's head, and then his partner had an idea. "Raticate, go! Hyper Fang!" The furry rat jumped, practically eating the Spearow that had come too close for comfort. Raticate easily ran past the flock, but for its masters that would not be so simple. They ran until their lungs nearly burst, and barely squeezed under the Spearows' claws, Unfortunately, unlike Ash's encounter with Beedrill so long ago, the Spearow turned, and were now chasing after the crooks from behind, the former not the least tired, but the latter gasping for breath. Just when that they thought they would collapse, salvation came, in the form of a long metal pole that slanted upwards, toward the flock, half that was encased in glass, with a long wide hole in it. On the pole was a Pikachu, who was sleeping peacefully. On the pole sat a sign that read, "In Emergency, send a Raticate to bite Pikachu's tail." The two didn't know it, but the reason for that was that no inmate there had a Raticate. It could handle any Poke`mon that could fit through the hole, so it was just another tool of deception. Raticate quickly ran up the pole, and buried its sharp fangs into the Pikachu's tail. "Pika.......PIKA! PIKACHUUUUUUUUU!!!!" A fierce lightning bolt, increased by the metal pole, flew out at the Spearow, killing the whole flock. They all fell, charred and fried. The perpetrators were too tired to congratulate themselves, so they silently and wearily trudged back to where their teammates were waiting, ready, to begin the second phase. Chapter XX-The Attack-Inner:Escape-Day 8 By now, it had started to rain, providing cool refreshment to the ones outside as well as those within. It also naturally weakened the Rock and Ground Poke`mon, who had no guard from the rain, which was one and a deadly flaw in the prison security. Despite the wind that had now accompanied the rain, Giovanni's voice could clearly be heard: "Surround the four walls. Butch, Cassidy, when the entrance is clear, break in and overpower the inner human security. I will send backup as the Poke`mon guards are defeated." "Yes, Sir," they groaned in unison, stationing themselves against the wall for the moment, until almost everything would be cleared. The four entrances were surrounded, which roused the guarding Poke`mon on all sides. I will describe each section separately, to avoid confusion. "Bulba?" "Char?" "Squirt?" Gunfire was heard, along with three Rocket Poke`mon: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, attacking the guard ones. It was unusual: It was dark mirror-images against honest and true ones. No one was exactly sure which side would win: the Rockets were on a lower level, but had a stronger desire for their purpose: which was to penetrate the defenses and free the prisoners. Meanwhile, on the left side, fighting with Ekans, and Mankey took place. The guard Sandshrew had fallen, so there was little point in calling a Rocket Sandshrew. "Ekanssssss......" "Man-key?" The Rockets and the prison guards fought with dilligence, but the rain was an added disadvatage to both sides. On the right side, there was a Gastly and a Dratini, matched with Rockets of the same breed, that were also hampered by the rain. Finally, at the back, sat a ready Pikachu, Abra, and Pidgey. Abra didn't seem to be much of a help, still sleeping, but Pikachu's Thundershocks and Thunderbolts grew more powerful in the rain. The rain also added to the length of the battles, the Poke`mon slipping in the dirt, which had now turned to mud. Both losses and wins were gained by both sides, but, a Poke`mon that had come into the rain from the forest made the difference for the battle. "Jiggly!" "Huh?" The battle stopped for a moment. "Jigg-lyypuffffff, Jiggly------" The sound of her lullaby reached every Poke`mon's ears, and also the Rockets, save Butch and Cassidy, because they were deep in the complex by this time, and the rain drowned out the song partly. Fortunately for the former, the guard Poke`mon had gravitated toward the door, and did not escape the song, and were now all asleep, for the short moment. As soon as they grabbed the keys from the snoring human guards, they started to run. "Phew, I guess this will be easier than we thought," Cassidy sighed, watching the slumbering monsters. They ran through the cell blocks, easily finding R. Their precense their obviously disturbed their teammates. "Huh? Who's there?" An ominous clicking sounded, sending a chill through Ash's spine. moaned loudly, but not loud enough to wake his teammates. "Waugh........." "Pikaaaaaa." The key turned, and the barred door swung open, Ash screaming in fright. Then, he saw that it was only Butch. "Huh? How did you get here?" "Pikachu! Ka?" "No time to waste, kid. We'he breaking you out." "Huh? How? Uh..." The boy could not express his happiness. Then, he stared hopeleslly at the chains which held him further confined. "We can't get out, though......" Butch percieved him, and reasurred, "We got both the keys." With that, he unlocked the shackles, and Ash nearly burst; he couldn't believe it. "I'm freeeeeeeeeeeeee!" "Pikachuuu!!!!" However, Butch quickly put his finger to his pale lips. Ash understood, and walked out into the hall, his stomach roaring for food. Cassidy groaned. She would have to free her rival sooner or later, and she thought it was best to get it over with first. Of course, having the reputation of a selfish brat, she would not fail to throw in a rude remark to stay true to it. "Oh, look, it's Jailbird Jess." "Argh! Cassidy! How'd you get here?!" "More like-how'd YOU get here? Well anyway you should be glad that we're here because if we weren't you would be stuck here for the rest of your life and even longer------" She was abruptly cut off by Ash, who demanded, "Will you shut up? Just free her." Cassidy nodded, and obeyed. Butch did the same with James, with little trouble, then Misty, then Meowth, and soon the only one left was Brock. Everyone stared at him, and then at each other. The former was awake, staring back at them, with a ferocious expression, though without a clue as to what was going on. It finally occured to the Breeder that his teammates were free. A curious look crossed his hardened face, and he finally spoke: "How did you get free?" "No time to explain, kid. Hey, James, you do the honuhs." The blue-haired teenager's eyes widened, the latter nearly escaping from his face. "Why me?" "'Cause youh the gentleman. Heh, heh." "So are you!" The other protested. Butch shook his head, while the others sighed, and responded, "No, I'm the man, youh the gentle man." The other grumbled, and unlocked Brock's and his cell. The latter's shut eyes fixed themselves upon the former, with some wild kind of contempt, due to the reforming of his personality: he became hostile to everyone, no matter if friend or foe. James started to tremble, whimpering at the terror about to unfold if any false moves were made. He gripped the key weakly, turning it, four times, and freeing him. The latter crawled out, and stiffly stood up, the blood that had left him splattered on his clothes, and walked towards his teammates. As soon as they were once again complete, a familiar growl was heard "Ninetales!" Why you........ "Uh-oh," Ash muttered. "What'll we do?" Misty wondered. "Hey, I know!" Her face brightened. "Golduck, go! Hydro Pump!" "Blastoise, go! Hydro Pump in stereo! Golem, Earthquake!" "Nine?" Hmm? Double water blasts were thrown, hitting the Ninetales, immediately falling to the ground, and the added power of the Golem ended her life. "Yeah, we did it!" All rushed down the blocks, finally reaching the sleeping guards. Jigglypuff had long since finished her song, and had done her harmless damage with her marker that also served as a microphone. The gang quickly rushed out into the rain, past the fallen gate, and towards their Leader and the rest of the gang. Ash was so happy; he couldn't help laughing and crying with joy along with his teammates. Then, it struck him. He froze in terror, the very nerves of his body ceasing to work. "Mom? Oh, no! I forgot her!" "Ash, we can't go back now! The Poke`mon must have all woken up by now!" The boy's face fell. A moment of happiness and a moment of gloom creeping over him, dashing the former to bits. "Mom..........." he whispered silently. "I'll get you out, mom," was the vow following it. The rain had finally stopped, leaving dark clouds hanging over the wet mud, tracks of boots clearly visible, leading to Celadon City, which, because of miscalculations in prison security, was doomed. For, in a matter of hours, the Rocket Gang would strike. THE END (for now) Comments? Send to Blue9Tiger@aol.com Part III coming soon! About the "procedure", continuity, and personalities: YOU'D BETTER NOT BASH IT! ALL FLAMES FROM NOW ON WILL BE RESPONDED TO IN THE MOST NEGATIVE WAY