Motives Forgotten By Mana lugia Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon. I own this plot, and ... this plot. Repeat after me: M. Lugia does not own Pokemon. M. Lugia does not own Pokemon. M. Lugia does not own Pokemon. ========== [Prologue] A chilly breeze picks up, sweeping the fallen leaves around on this dark and cold autumn night. Under the dimly lit streetlights, a lonely figure walked on, oblivious to the world. He wore a black trench coat, and a hood covered his face. He walked at a steady pace, his leather boots thumping on the ground loudly. Passer-bys could only wonder who this man is, and where he comes from. He ignored the strange looks on the others' faces. He could care less about what they think. Those foolish unknowing humans. If only they knew who he was, and what he was going to do. Then again, few have ever known that info, and all were past bosses who hired him for his services. This latest mission... It's going to be just as easy as the rest. He'll just do his job, and if he's lucky, be just in time for a cup of midnight coffee. This latest person who hired him hinted that his services may be required after the completion of this one. Morons. Nobody, and that means NOBODY, will ever enlist his services for more than once. Many past bosses had tried, and he had taught them a lesson they'd never forget. He stopped in front of a brick apartment building. Looking up, he found it to be almost 8 stories high. This is perfect. He walked around to the back alley, and upon unlatching a red and white sphere from his belt, whispered "Victreebel, go." The large flytrap pokemon appeared in a flash, and without further instructions, shot two vines at its master. Catching him, it raised him to the roof of the building, before climbing on as well. The man walked to one edge of the roof. The city was clearly visible from here. The lighted sidewalk, the cars, and the people. Pulling out of his coat pocket a pair of binoculars with his gloved hand, he scoured the city. Good... he had found his target. Using the same technique, he got back to the alley, and returned Victreebel. He walked back to the sidewalk, and continued on. Up ahead, he saw officer Jenny patrolling on foot. Damn. In all of his past missions, he had encountered few police officers, and had tried even less to try and sneak past them. He quickened his pace, hoping to be unseen. "Stop!" Officer Jenny's voice penetrated his ears. He stopped. Trying to act natural, he turned around slowly. Officer Jenny walked up to him. "Good evening, sir. You should try to get home as soon as possible. It's not very safe nowadays, with the criminals running wild and all," She told him. Is that all? He had almost broken a sweat for that! Muttering a quiet thanks, he turned and walked on, leaving Officer Jenny to wonder what the matter was with that queer man. ~*~*~ A two-story house stood tall at the corner of two roads. Painted white, this modern style house stood like a large white Golem. The man stood at the doorstep, surveying the area. This was one of the more deserted parts of the city, so there are few passing people and cars. The lights in the house were turned off, signaling the owner is asleep. Deciding to not take any chances, he walked to the backyard, after easily breaking the lock. He called upon Victreebel once again, and signaled to the large second floor window. Victreebel understood, and shot out its two vines onto the glass. Then, it let loose a flurry of razor leaves in a square shape, cutting the glass easily. It then retracted its vines, bringing down the glass with it. Putting the glass on the ground silently, it turned to wrap its vines around its master, and pulled him through the window, before pulling itself up as well. The house was eerily quiet. He quickly took off his boots, and left them by the window. He signaled Victreebel to follow him, as he slowly searched the entire house, room by room. He heard a snore somewhere nearby, and there was definitely no Pokemon Battles happening nearby. He followed the sound of the snores to the master bedroom. He opened the door a creak. Yes... his target was inside... He ordered Victreebel to spread stun spore into the room, and quickly closed the door after the spore was set. Waiting a few minutes, he pulled a cloth mask over his face, and entered the room. The stun spore had worked on yet another target. This strategy has never failed him once in his career. The owner of the house was paralyzed, only able to move his face. He was quickly tied up with the rope the man had brought. Seeing that the captive is a little dizzy, the man quickly slapped him a few times on the face. "Wake up!" He ordered. The captive was a little groggy, but nodded to show that he was awake. "Tell me where they are, this instant!" The man hissed. The captive seem to search his brain, but shook his head. "No." was the answer. That insolent pest! He's a defiant one. Usually they crack just after being tied up. He had to try harder. "Tell me, or else." He threatened, in a calm emotionless voice. But still the captive shook his head. Well, when all else fails... "Victreebel, you know what to do." The flytrap pokemon slowly approached the captive, while its master sat on the bed, enjoying what's going to happen. The captive could only watch with wide eyes... ~*~*~ 17-year-old Ash Ketchum and his companion Misty were staying at a Pokemon Centre on their way to revisit Vermillion City. At 17, Ash still resembles his younger self, with messy hair, and his trademark red cap. Misty, likewise, still looks the same, with her orange hair tied in a ponytail. Pikachu and the rest of their pokemon were being rejuvenated, so Ash and Misty headed to a table, and sat down for some hot chocolate. After all, it is quite chilly out here at this time of year. Ash was busily chatting away with Misty, still bragging about his latest battle with another trainer, while Misty tried to calm his ego. Ash suddenly stopped, realizing that he ran out of hot chocolate. Glancing at Misty's glass, he found that she still had half a cup full. "Aww... Mist, share some of your hot chocolate, will you?" He begged. Misty gave him a funny look. "Why don't you just go over there and get it yourself?" "Mist! You know I just battled, and pokemon battling is a tiring job! Besides, the Indigo League Competition is coming up, I have to conserve my energy! The counter's all the way over on the other side! Will you get it for me? Pleeeeeeese?" "Geez, Ash! The Competition doesn't start for another 2 months! Sometimes I honestly have trouble distinguishing you and a 10 year old! Hard to believe we're both 17! The things I do, it's almost like I'm your mom!" Misty gave Ash an evil stare before taking off. Ash just sat back in the chair with a smirk on his face. Moments later, Misty came back, her face pale. Ash didn't notice. "Hey Mist, where's the chocolate?" He asked. Misty didn't answer. Thinking she didn't hear him, he tried again. Still no answer. Misty's lips quivered, and barely choked out, "A-Ash... I just saw the n-news... Brock's dead..." ================== What did you think? Reviews are appreciated, as are constructive criticisms. I know I don't write very well. You can also send comments to manalugia@yahoo.ca M. Lugia