/Chapter 5: Team Rocket\
Footsteps rushed towards us and the voices of men could be heard.
“HEY! Who’s there?!”
“What’s all that ruckus?!”
Two Team Rocket Grunts approached us, Poke Balls in hand. They glared at us, but Lance glared back, with his Dragonite stealing his expression.
“What are you doing he-”
“HEY! It’s that kid that trashed us back in the Slowpoke Well!” Exclaimed one of the grunts. “Now’s are chance for revenge!”
“Wait, no, I can explain,” I said, but the grunt didn’t listen. He prepared to throw a Poke Ball and fight, but Lance’s Dragonite rushed forward, sneering.
“Looks like the kid’s brought company,” said the grunt. “The more we defeat, the merrier.”
I looked in fear at the stare down between Lance and the grunts. The grunts were raging to battle, and Lance looked as if he was going to give a command any second. I didn’t want to turn away the grunts, but I didn’t know how to stop Lance.
“Dragonite, use Hyper-”
“DIALGA, ROAR OF TIME!!!” I yelled, throwing my Timer Ball onto the field. Old Timer appeared in all his shinyness and glory and obliterated the Dragonite.
“What was that for?!” Yelled Lance, in a state of fury.
“Sorry,” I said, stepping towards the grunts before turning around. I sent out all my Pokemon, Pear, Raticate, Covid, Kobra, Stalker, Gyarados, Old TImer, Lusterous, and even Togepi had a mean glare on his face. “I’m with Team Rocket now.”
“WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!” Both parties shouted.
“I’m tired of the typical tropes, beating the gyms and the Pokemon League, having to do everything for everyone. I want to do something different. I want to be who I want to be,” I preached.
“And how do we know we can trust you?” Asked the Grunts, getting suspicious. “You kicked us out of the Slowpoke Well!”
“Well, I tried to blend in, but you wouldn’t let me stick around. I needed the Well clear in order to shiny hunt,” I explained, patting Covid. “Besides, I’m already here and I only have 2 badges,” I said, showing off my badges while feeling a chill.
More grunts arrived. There was commotion among them, and after a bit, they came to a decision.
“Alright, we suppose we can trust you. But don’t pull any funny business!” The grunts lined up beside me, Poke Balls in hand. “Alright, Lance, we can do this the easy, painless way, or the hard way.”
Lance looked at me and all the grunts terrified and shocked, mostly because I betrayed him and I had 2 shiny gods of Sinnoh acting as my gaurds. Lance mumbled something and rushed out of the hideout.
I had successfully gained the trust of Team Rocket.
. . .
Team Rocket’s HQ was a lot more luxurious than I expected. From stashes of Rare Candies and Max Elixers to rare Pokemon not native to Johto. But the most surprising things in the joint were extensive amounts of Raycon earbuds, J!ns glasses, Vessi shoes, Dr. Squatch soap, and much more.
“Wow, how do they manage to get all this wonderful stuff?” I asked out loud.
“I know a guy who can get a lot of sponsors,” said a surprisingly handsome high-pitched voice Team Rocket Grunt from behind me. “I’m Grunty Boy, nice to meet you.”
“I’m Vipey. Nice to meet you too.”
A couple days later, I got an unexpected call from Lyra.
*riiiiiiiiiiing* *riiiiiiiiiiing*
Lyra: Hello, Vipey, it’s me, Lyra. How are you?
Vipey: I’m good.
Lyra: So, how’s it going, beating the gyms?
Vipey: So, about that...
(One lengthy explanation later...)
Lyra: ...You used HM moves without the gym badges? Are you sure that’s a good idea? You could get in a lot of trouble if someone were to find out! And if you’re not working to become champion, what are you doing? And what’s that noise behind you?
I heard Rocket Grunts talking nearby. I liked Lyra, but not enough to let her know I was part of Team Rocket. I moved to a quieter part of the building.
Vipey: They’re... friends of mine. And you don’t need to worry, nobody will find out.
That was a lie. Lance had saw my badges, and I don’t know what he intends to do with that information.
Vipey: Besides, I have my trusty partners beside me. I can handle anything.
That was another lie. Most of my party except Gyarados, Covid, and Pear were still in the 20s. I had to level them up more, so I wouldn’t always rely on Old Timer and Lusterous.
Vipey: As for what I’m doing, I’m not quite ready to share that yet...
Lyra: Oh no! It isn’t anything bad, is it?
Vipey: No, nothing too bad.
I heard a grunt calling me.
Vipey: I have to go now. I’ll visit you later.
Lyra: Ok, bye.
Vipey: Bye.
I’m going to have to find a way to tell Lyra the truth...
. . .
I arrived at my first Team Rocket meeting. I was still wearing the costume I took earlier instead of a formal uniform, but I didn’t mind, as the uniforms looked a bit uncomfortable.
“Alright,” started the Rocket Executive. I couldn’t see who they were, as they were turned around in their chair. “As we all know, we will take over the lighthouse in Goldenrod in a few weeks. But until then, we have other missions that need to be completed. The most important ones are the sail to Cianwood, which will happen in a few days. We’re also heading to the Goldenrod game corner to exchange our prize Pokemon for cash. But until then, you will travel in pairs to complete the missions I assign to you.” Several Co Executives started assigning Grunts into pairs and giving them missions. I looked around, listening to the other Grunts missions.
“Hey, new kid!” Said a C.E. Grunt. I was taken aback by the sudden voice of the grunt.
“Erm, sorry, wasn’t paying attention.”
The grunt pointed at another grunt, a female. “You’re with her,” he said.
“Sorry, but what are we supposed to do?” I asked.
“We have 3 objectives. Steal money, steal rare items, and get rare Pokemon. Now get going!”
“Yes sir.”
. . .
Sep 2, 2022
by
Ditto
