Chapter 89: Make it double!

Chapter 89: Make it double!

Jessie lay atop the hill with half her body sticking out of a bush. She had some of the best binoculars that money could buy stolen from the Rocket stores reserved for the Executives, of course at her disposal. In front of her the Pewter city gym sat.

Next to her James and Meowth lay, equally entranced with the gym.

Its really big said James from her right.

That means they must have a ton of good pokemon, right? said Meowth.

Hmpf! It means they have something worth having, but everyone knows that seeing as Brock won so much money when he fought Lance! Jessie said as she moved her binoculars over to the front where trainers were already queuing up. People could be seen working the crowd to maintain straight lines and others had set up a booth to the side for rental of the outdoor battle areas.

Other people had even gone as far as setting up stands selling food, drinks and various other goods. It hurt to see the shoddy merchandise and not be the ones making a mint selling it. Their recent jobs and she shuddered to think how theyd been gainfully employed by Miss Meadows to run the berry stall after the woman had encountered them eating (stealing) her berries had been a side hustle! A stop-gap solution!

Still, it hadnt been too bad.

Jessie had been rather impressed by their recent success in helping Miss Meadows sell her berries. She was even more impressed with the bonus the woman had given them for selling out so quickly.

Now Miss Meadows had to return to her farm to look after it which had caused Jessie, James, and Meowth to remember that they werent supposed to be selling berries but stealing rare and powerful pokemon! Pokemon like that twerps Pikachu! There was obviously something going on there! It had to be a variant of some sort! Maybe an ElectricElectric type? Well, it didnt matter! It was obviously strong!

Where do you think he keeps his money? James said as he flicked his binoculars around haphazardly.

Probably in a bank! said Meowth, not unreasonably in Jessie's opinion.

Maybe he sleeps on it? James said hopefully.

Meowth stood up and turned the binoculars onto James to examine his head. I think youve been reading too many comic books. People dont do that. Money is heavy and dont make for a good nights sleep.

Thats only because youve never done it! said James.

Jessie huffed. And you have? she said snarkily.

James coughed and said something but Jessie couldnt make it out. Meowth twitched though. When did you ever get a score that big?

I just found my chance to when I was younger.

During your grunt days? Jessie said with interest.

James muttered something and Jessie raised an eyebrow before dismissing it as unimportant. She looked back through her binoculars. I think we can get around the back and enter through the rear entrance hell no doubt have! The best entry will be through the swamp. She nodded to herself, decision made as she straightened up to a standing position.

Swamp!? I hate swamps! That has water worse than the worst sort of water! whined Meowth.

Jessie rounded on him. Can it! We can handle a little mud!

Meowth glared at her. Listen! You know how you dont like getting your hair wet during the rain cause it takes ages to dry out?

Jessie nodded slowly sensing the trap that was sure to come with Meowths words.

Well, now imagine having a body covered in fur! Do you have any idea how hard it is to get dry? Now, imagine that the water you plan to trudge through is a swamp! Are you going to carry me?

Jessie shook her head and sighed. Alright! Alright! We wont go through the swamp, despite the tactical advantage of approaching unseen, she said pointedly, only for Meowth to not shift from his stance. The original appearance of this chapter can be found at Ñøv€lß1n.

James sat up, binoculars still locked on the gym. How do you want to get in? I can see a lot of people and a lot of cameras around the place.

Its simple! We walk in the front doors! said Meowth earning a raised eyebrow from Jessie and a turned head and stare down from James.

Jessie stared towards the distant doors before brightening up. There are so many people down there that it doesnt matter if we simply walk up to them and then sneak our way in! Meowth youre a genius!

At escaping water? Most certainly, but also yes in general! he said while puffing up his chest.

James frowned through his binoculars, still locked onto Meowth. Youre a genius that has some dandruff.

Meowth swatted the binoculars from James hands. Well if some people would stop stealing my shampoo, I wouldnt run out all the time!

Jessie flicked her hair over her shoulder, momentarily caught with how the lustre caught in the sun just as James tossed his own. Looking this good isnt something you can get without crime, he said suavely.

Meowth glowered at them. That stuff is meant for pokemon not people!

We break many rules, what are shampoo and conditioner suggestions in comparison? said James with another toss. Jessie smiled for a moment before reaching into their pack.

Right! Well need to ditch the rocket garb as Brock is familiar with our attire. He has taken out grunts and Executives before!

James and Meowth sat bolt upright at that. You didnt mention that!

Dont worry hes never taken us down before! Jessie said with emphasis.

James and Meowth shared a look. That isnt as reassuring as I think you meant it to be. said James.

I think it was precisely as reassuring as she meant it to be! said Meowth.

No more lollygagging! Now strip those rocket clothes and put these on! said Jessie as she shoved a dress into James' hands.

I dont think I can pull off green got anything to match my eyes? he said after holding the dress up to his body.

Jessie rolled her eyes at him before tossing a simple shirt and jeans combination which he accepted without comment. She quickly threw on a neat skirt, shirt and jacket before topping it off with a cap over her hair. Meowth tilted his head.

What about me? Not going to give me a pig nose and call me a Mankey again? he said.

Jessie shook her head. No, I think just having you on our shoulder will work well enough. Lots of trainers do that. Just look around and look tough! Meowth shot her a grin as he hopped up onto her shoulder.

Claws! Claws! Claws! she said frantically as his claws dug through the jacket and into her shoulder. Meowth shot her a smug look.

Ooops! Sorry! He retracted his claws and Jessie shot him an unimpressed look.

James adjusted his top and put a beanie on to hide his signature blue hair along with adopting some fake glasses. Alright! Im ready to go!

Jessie smiled and led the trio onwards.

Not once did they look back and notice the tree that held a camera overlooking the hill that overlooked the gym.

The trio themselves walked up the front doors with almost no challenge.

Hey! Beautiful~! James and Jessie both paused and looked to the speaker.

Yes? they said together. Then they realised they were both talking and turned to each other. Jessie/James, theyre talking with me! they then turned back to the now retreating trainer suddenly holding up a pokeball. Right?

Uhm this isnt where I parked my Rhyhorn! he said before scrambling away.

James hummed and Jessie sniffed. Urgh! Only a Rhyhorn rider? Please! I would have only hung out with a Dodrio owner or better!

Meowth tilted his head. But you aint got a Dodrio yourself?

Thats not the point Meowth! said Jessie. Come on James, let's head inside!

James mumbled something but quickly fell into line following Jessie. When they reached the front doors the doors parted to reveal a number of trainers already queuing up. Jessie looked over the crowd of waiting pokemon trainers and the pokemon, licking her lips as she did so.

It was a veritable buffet of strong pokemon. And some of those trailers would surely be dumb enough to use their healing pokemon courier service gimmick... Jessie stopped dead when she spotted a sign.

Trainer tips! It is your duty to take your pokemon only to official nurses and/or healing centre. Anyone else offering this service is likely scamming you and stealing your pokemon.

Meowth tapped her on the head. Whats this? Trainer tips.

She glanced at her shoulder. How did you teach yourself to read?

Perseverance and sitting through a number of primary school classes.

But youre the one who reads the technical manuals when we get a new machine? said James in confusion.

It was a technical school, Meowth said.

Jessie and James considered that for a moment before nodding.

Fair enough, Jessie said as she looked around and spotted a number of different signs that actually stated how to authenticate things like League official badges, watch for people that are in disguises, or even have a team ready to fight off pokemon poachers.

This place is offensive! said Meowth as he read a sign about not trusting pokemon to hold pokeballs due to their ability to be trained. This is making our jobs harder! he said as he scratched a do into the sign so that it read do trust pokemon to hold your pokeballs!.

Jessie and James nodded. Jessie glanced around and realised a sigh of relief. Thankfully it doesnt seem like anyone is actually reading them so theyre just treated as background details, not anything useful. Still, shed have to mention this to her next report to the boss.

She lifted her transceiver and took a number of pictures of the room, trainers and pokemon. When she was done she hustled to the side where a number of trainers dubiously watched her in case she or James tried to cut the line. More than a few held pokeballs ready to stop them. Jessie smiled and waved at them in an absentminded fashion while James winked at some others earning blushes and smiles as the trainers relaxed.

Hmmm how should we get into the back? Meowth said with a whisper.

Jessie hummed before her eyes alighted on a door that was guarded by Graveler and another door that blocked off a wheelchair toilet? That was weird. Part of Jessie felt it was also nice but she ruthlessly crushed that part of herself as she formed a plan.

Follow me, we need to change into our next outfits! She walked without any hurry to the marked-out toilet which was just out of view and quickly tugged James in. Then she reached into her pack and burrowed around for the janitor disguises.

Put these on!

Meowth tilted his head. What about me?

Jessie pulled out a mop bucket and shoved him into the bottom before stuffing a stick into it. Hey! What gives!? said the bucket.

Janitors dont have pokemon to help them I think, but we also dont have a disguise for you!

Yeah! Whos ever heard of a janitor pokemon? asked James.

Thats cause we have more self-respect! said Meowth as he tried to get comfortable in his bucket.

With their new disguise set up the pair marched out to the main doors with their heads down and their hands full of cleaning supplies. When they reached the Gravelers no one had bothered to challenge them.

Got a spill to get to, James said gruffly. The Gravelers looked at each other before shrugging and letting them through. Jessie grinned, lifting her head and sharing a triumphant look with James.

Oh! Good! Brock did hire those janitors! I put in a suggestion about you guys last week. Can I get one of you to clean up the spill in the front row? said a young purple-haired girl with the Pewter city emblem on her chest.

Uhmmmm yes? said James as he glanced at Jessie.

Fantastic! Ill lead you to where you need to go, said the girl whose name badge identified her as Missy.

Jessie watched James walk off with Meowth in the bucket. Alright, this was suddenly not going to plan, she thought furiously. It would look too suspicious to follow along unprompted unless it was a gigantic spill. No, that would be ridiculous!

Ill see you in the back break room! she said to her fellow janitor as he was tugged away.

Jessie bustled her way to the back side of the gym where she came upon her next issue. The doors had passkeys on them. Because of course, Brock was apparently security conscious as well wasnt he? Jessie cursed a little in her mind before recalling that she had seen something hanging off the lanyard of the girl that had taken James away.

Right, all she had to do was ambush one of the Gym trainers or other staff and get An old woman walked through the suddenly open door. As she did so she played with a hearing aide.

Ach! Damn things dont work properly I swear! said the old woman.

Here let me help you with that, Jessie said as she unconsciously leaned forward and began adjusting the hearing aide so that it fit better with the womans ear.

Oh! Thank you dearie! said the woman that had large glasses. She blinked up at Jessie. Hehe! Nice to see another young lady working in the gym. Working as a Janitor are we? Nice respectable job that. You can start at the bottom and work your way up like my husband did with Grundo snacks!

Jessie nodded dutifully while cursing herself in her head. Stupid former Nurse training kicking in at the wrong time! She should have just walked past the old woman and ignored her instead of helping her! Now the door was closed and she was stuck talking with the old woman.

The woman noticed her eyes flicking to the door. Oh dear! Did someone not give you a passcard for the back area? Here take my spare one dearie. Its only a guest pass but itll let you go where most of the mess is, the other spots you wont be let into anyway! The woman pat Jessie on the arm and bustled along to the front, leaving Jessie to gape at her good fortune.

She swiped the card and grinned as it opened up to reveal a hallway that was coloured with slate whites and earthy browns. At eye level, a number of lines ran along the wall with arrows indicating directions for certain facilities.

Trainer room, main office, security, pokemon holding area, Jessie read. She grinned. That last one sounded precisely what she was looking for. She hustled along only to come across another entryway. When the door opened she almost had a heart attack until James walked in with a bemused look on his face.

James! Jessie hissed in surprise.

Eeei! said James as he threw himself against the wall. Oh! Jessie, you scared me. I thought it was someone important!

Jessie paused at that before shaking her head. James was just being his usual weird self. What happened with the spill? Did you ditch that girl?

Oh, uhm no we cleaned it up

Jessie hissed much like her pokemon. Ekans, use Poison Sting!

The attack shot out small needles of poison that stabbed into my pokemon but didnt appear to poison him. My pokemon twitched a little and groaned as he remained unable to move. I didn't have to worry too much about the poison in truth as there was an odd phenomenon where only one status effect at a time can afflict a pokemon.

This was due to muscle paralysis not letting poison seep into the blood and around the body properly. The same was true of sleep and with a frozen body it was thought that the poison had to work its way through the ice shell that usually restricted the afflicted pokemon. There were numerous other mechanics to take into account but the one status effect held true.

Also, poison moves against a geodude werent going to be very effective.

Ekans use Bind! Tighten your coils and let's end this match! Jessie launched her arm forward. Ekans loyally lept forward. Her pokemon quickly coiled itself around mine but I could see it was having some trouble getting through the increased defences of Geodude.

Shake them off with Roll Out! I said hoping that Geodude would be able to pull it off. My luck seemed to be on the rise as Geodude threw himself forward, and suddenly Ekans was hurled into the air like a wobbling noodle.

Ekans! hissed the snake.

Ekans! Use Dig to burrow into the ground! Jessie ordered. Her pokemon stopped flaying and turned its head straight at the ground where it burrowed like it was diving into water rather than solid earth.

Geodude! Use Harden! I said, deciding not to make this an underground and out-of-sight fight. Instead, I banked on my pokemons defence. However, instead of performing his move he twitched and cried out in annoyance making me grimace.

Ekans tore up through the earth straight underneath him in the most textbook example of a dig around and knocked Geodude flying. Now a ground-type move against this Geodude? That was super-effective, if only twice instead of the possibly four times multiplier an alolan variant would have.

My pokemon tottered but raised his fists and shouted out his name defiantly.

Rollout! I ordered not willing to let his defiance go begging.

Ekans turn around and use Poison Sting! Jessie ordered. The weak move barely impacted my pokemon as he flattened the snake. Only the move tipped Geodude over the edge and saw him collapsing.

The ref raised a flag. Geodude is unable to battle!

Yes! Way to go Jessie! I knew you could do it! shouted James from the stands. I blinked in surprise when I realised hed found some pom poms. He was doing a rather well-choreographed single-man cheer routine. He was getting a lot of attention from the crowd as they joined in cheering for Jessie at his urging.

Jessie only had eyes for her pokemon who was panting and looking rather worn. I returned Geodude. Your pokemon is tired, I said, using my most ominous tone possible.

Jessie glanced up. He can do this all day!

My lips twitched at the accidental quote. I selected the next pokemon from my belt. It felt right using the traditional pokemon here. Well see about that. I tossed the pokeball and revealed Onix.

The pokemon loomed over the much smaller snake and Ekans shivered as Onix groaned its name. Ekans obviously knew he was in trouble here as he glanced back at his trainer. Jessie nodded at him and he snapped back into a fighting pose.

The referee dropped his flags. Begin!

Onix use Slam! I said not allowing Jessie the initiative this time. Onix lunged forward and Jessie flinched at the onrushing pokemon. Onix slammed into Ekans and sent the smaller pokemon flying into the wall where it hit with a thump. It then raised its head and slithered forward. I let it come while watching Jessie have an internal dilemma.

I noted I wasnt the only one watching Jessie closely. Meowth was staring up at her from where he was standing. I could tell Jessie wasnt looking at him though, and instead wrestling with a decision. Jessie raised her pokeball and returned her pokemon.

She dropped her arm and swallowed before straightening as a small grimace wracked her for a moment. Well, with that I shall have to for Meowth lunged onto the field.

What she means is shell have to send out her best pokemon! said Meowth as he landed in front of my now-confused Onix.

The arena gasped and murmurs broke out.

Did that Meowth just talk? Nah! Its a gag! Like a radio on his collar or something! Whos that pokemon! Its a Meowth idiot! Meowth cant talk! Most pokemon can talk, they just speak pokemon!

A small fight was apparently breaking out, but I was too busy watching Jessie come to grips with the realisation that Meowth was putting himself into the ring for her.

James was also gaping in shock.

I sniffed pointedly. The noise cut through the susurrations of the crowd. A neat trick but not something that will help you win. Gimmicks arent going to carry you here! Onix prepare to fight!

Onix roared his name and slammed his tail in a threat display that had Meowth swallowing and looking over his shoulder at Jessie. Hope youre ready to help me out Jess!

Jessie nodded before blanching. Uhm!? Use Scratch?

Meowth made to lunge forward only to apparently trip in shock.

What kind of tone is that? Use Scratch? Do you not know what moves I know?! he shouted back at her.

Jessie shrugged. Taunt? she said.

Meowth narrowed his eyes at her and shook his head before finding himself unable to say anything. ... well whatever but dont order Scratch! I know Fury swipes!

Onix, Tackle, I said deciding that Id allowed the comedy routine to carry on long enough.

Eh!? shouted Meowth as he spun about.

Meowth! Jump out of the way! screamed Jessie.

Meowth leapt to the side. Jeez! Why didnt I think of that! Got any other orders Jess?! he said in a half-sarcastic manner.

Again, I said firmly.

KEEP MOVING! screamed Jessie as Onix threw himself back after the fleeing Meowth. Meowth threw himself to the side and rocks pelted him as he just made it out from where Onx impacted.

Wah! You should go on a diet mister! said Meowth.

Onix rose with a growl. Screeeh to shut him up, I said bringing my hands up to cover my ears.

Onix opened his maw and a high-pitched whine filled the arena. Small barriers protected the crowd from the worst of the noise but Meowth staggered as he took the full tone. Jessie shook her head.

Meowth! Stop wobbling and run! You need to stay on the move!

WHAT DID YOU SAY!? shouted Meowth as he rubbed at his ears. The crowd laughed and I shook my head.

Onix, use Slam and finish it, I said. Onix whipped his tail around and Meowth turned in time to see the large rocky tail slap him aside.

Meowth spun through the air and I felt bad as he impacted the ground before falling to the ground with a pained Feh!

I turned to Jessie. Is that all youve got? An Ekans and a Meowth? Youll need to do better if you want to ever earn a Boulder badge. Your pokemon is obviously more of a gimmick than anything trained for actual fighting. Hes a pet, I said while channelling my inner douche tone.

Meowth is stronger than you realise! And hes not a pet! Hes... hes Meowth and hes our partner! Jessie said, slamming her fist into the railing.

Meowth staggered to his feet. Usually Id stay down after a hit like that. But with both of these lugs cheering for me I think Id never live it down. And I cant say I enjoy the idea of being called anyones pet! You have no idea how degrading that is to someone like me after what Ive been through to get where I am! Meowth said while shaking his fist at me.

I resisted the urge to apologise because I did have an idea of what hed been through. Instead, I grunted at him and dismissed him as I raised an eyebrow at Jessie.

Meowth spat out some dirt and began to limp forward. Feh! Usually, Id agree to walk it off but I cant stand smug guys like you talking down to average James and Jessies like us!

He inched slowly towards the line that would see him back in bounds.

I cocked an eyebrow in surprise. I saw him adjust himself slightly as he walked, testing out his limbs and body discretely as he walked and held in a whistle. He was a good actor. He was pretending to be more hurt than he actually was.

He took the time to limp forward though and his eyes darted from Jessie to the grate of water that another trainer had not too long ago noticed and put to good use. Jessie! Stop being so reactive and breathe! Weve got this! I want to spit in this guys eye for talking down on us! So lets do it!

Jessie blinked before looking at my Onix and then to Meowth. There was obviously some subtext going on here as she nodded. Right! Meowth prepare to move!

The ref dropped his flag as Meowth reached a few metres into the arena.

Onix! Use Slam! I said obliging them to come at them. I was curious what they were going to do.

Meowth leap to the side and then back with a Quick Attack!

Meowth leapt to the side but he notably didnt do it that fast. He still leapt back before Onix could rise from where hed thrown himself into the tackle however. I don't know that move but I can still attack quickly!

Use your claws and scale that Onix! Go for the eyes with Fury Swipes!

I snorted. Im not gonna just let you do what you want, Onix throw yourself into a Tackle! My Onix rose up and Meowth, like some video game character clung to the giant snake as he threw himself into the ground.

Again! I ordered Twist yourself around as you come down this time! I said as Meowth scrambled for purchase.

This time, he came off but he threw himself back onto Onixs back again, slightly higher than his last starting position.

"Onix, roll over yourself with a log roll! I said, throwing another curve ball at Meowth.

Meowth run on all fours; youre faster on all fours! Its the only way!

Meowth dropped to all fours, and much like Ash and Pikachu earlier today, he ran on the top of the spinning Onix. Jeeves cheese! This is degrading is what this is!

Less talk, more running! Jessie shouted.

Onix stopped, and instead of being thrown off he sprinted up at Onixs face.

Jessie pumped her fist. Yes! Now Meowth! Use Fury Swipes!

Thats more like it! shouted Meowth as he unleashed a storm of swipes at my pokemon's one weak point which was most assuredly not the horn, but rather the eyes.

Onix reeled back in pain with his eyes tightly shut. Ooooooooon! he cried.

Onix! Listen to my voice! I shouted, trying to get him to settle down.

No! How about you listen to my voice instead! said Meowth with the rough smugness that had Onix whipping his head towards the smaller pokemon.

Yeah, Thats right you big lug! Howd you like them oran berries!? Want some more where that came from? I can scratch up pokemon like you all day! Mark you up like a scratch post! he said, brandishing his rather dull-looking claws.

Onix roared at this and threw himself forward. I held in a chuckle. Meowth was literally taunting my pokemon. I repressed the grin as Onix lunged straight at Meowth.

Jump Meowth! shouted Jessie. Meowth dodged just in time and my Onix slammed headfirst into the water grate that bracketed the arena. I watched as Meowth was forced to dance back from an irate Onix. My pokemon rose and Meowth had repositioned himself once more in front of a grate.

Onix! Use Rock Throw instead!

Yikes! shouted Meowth as a rock the size of his head soared right at him.

Meowth I swear to you when were done here I will make you run laps around camp every day until you learn Quick Attack! screamed Jessie as Meowth was forced to leap to the side.

Youre thinking of Rattata! Meowth dont learn Quick Attack! Meowth said as he ran away from his impending doom. Onix continued to unleash attack after attack which Meowth narrowly dodged.

When one clipped him and once more sent him soaring into the air he yowled. Im going to talk to my lawyer when were done here! he shouted before he hit the ground and skidded. I snorted a laugh.

Meowth Dig deep! said Jessie. I held in the smirk. It wasnt a bad move to call for with Meowth having thrown up a bit of dust with his landing. I was about to order my Onix to counter it only to recall that this was technically a first badge challenge and not a third or more challenge.

I coughed.

Onix use Slam, I said, readopting my persona.

When Onix slammed into the spot lots of people in the stand rose up and cried out only to gasp when it was revealed that there was a hole. I held in my nod of respect and ordered Onix to ready himself only for Meowth to instead launch himself out of the hole hed just dug instead of another spot.

I reeled at the odd choice before realising that Meowth wouldnt have wanted to dig all that way.

Youve ruined my nails you big lug! Take some of these! And some of this! he said, jabbing handfuls of dirt into Onixs eyes. Onix reeled back and Meowth flipped backwards to land on one knee. He was covered in dirt, heaving in lungfuls of air and staring at my pokemon with half-lidded eyes.

Meowth! Meowth! Meowth! cheered the crowd. Meowth didnt hear them.

Taunt it! said Jessie.

You you big dumb rock! shouted Meowth. Onix turned and launched itself forward and Meowth barely threw himself out of the way as Onix splashed down into the water. It rose up dramatically before slumping over.

The referee raised his flag. Onix is unable to battle and the victory goes to Jessadia and Meowth!

The crowd roared their approval and Meowth whod been about to pass out jolted in shock before looking up at the crowd cheering his name. He gaped at them as did Jessie and James. I lowered the podiums and approached them.

Congratulations on your victory! I said beaming happily. I offered up a hand with the badge in it.

Jessie ignored it to run up to Meowth and snatch him into a cuddle. I felt, not for the first time today, that Id made the right choice in giving them a chance.

Now theyd get their rewards and Id pry some answers out of them.

Such as how they knew Daniel.