Something to Relate to (Joey)

[Kataya]

Sandy had propped herself up against one of the maple trees that shaded a rather large area of Route 34. Her clothes and hair were absolutely disheveled and wet, and her ankle was half bandaged. She held onto the other end of the tan elastic, but she wasn’t making an effort to try and wrap it. Beside her were three Pokemon. Scatter,Muru, and baby Momiji. The normally clean and neat feline Pokemon were covered in dirt, and their coats were mussed and dark.

Scatter leaned over and pressed his nose gently against Sandy’s blue shirt. Only a few moments ago, was what was probably the worse experience of Sandy’s journey to date. Scatter walked over to Sandy’s bag and nudged out the remaining Pokeballs she had inside. He released Berry, but hesitated at the other one. Letting out Munchy would mean that hell would break loose, so instead he lowered his paw and glanced down at Berry.

The Squirtle looked around at the disarray. Her trainer and teammates were a mess, and Momiji was on the floor, in tears as she was unsure of what had just happened. The poor scrap had only come along until Sandy could reach the nearest Pokemon center to hand her over to Elm, and she had gotten roped into this as well. Muru stood and limped over to the baby. Muru had not been injured to the point of limping, but the limp she had gained from before the time Sandy had her was paining her more than ever. She knelt over and touched her nose to Momiji’s head in an attempt to calm her down.

<<What in Ho-oh’s name happened here?!>> she demanded of Scatter, shooting a concerned look at Sandy, who had not even once looked up.

<<Team rocket attacked us…>> The feline answered simply.

<<And you couldn’t even fight them off?!>> Muru jumped into the conversation at this point, ready to defend herself and Scatter.

<<It wasn’t that simple Berry. It was an ambush. At first, just one grunt attacked us, and Sandy was using Hiroki to fight him off…>> She felt her breath catch in her throat and let Scatter pick up from there.

<<But then this guy came in, with an Arcanine and a high leveled Arbok. They dragged Muru and I around like Ragdolls.>>

<< The one Hiroki had been fighting took him and ran away. Sandy tok off after him, but she ended up falling into one of the drainage ditches. She sprained her ankle, and the guy got away…With Hiro…>> Berry seemed distraught about the loss of her friend and teammate as well, but right at that moment, she had been so much more concerned for Sandy. She raced over to her and placed her paws onto the trainer’s uninjured side.

Sandy snapped up like she had been in a trance. Tears had been brimming at her eyes, and she let the remainder of the bandage roll against the grass. Upon seeing her starter, she picked her up and held her close against her.

“I couldn’t protect him Berry…what good am I?” Scatter paced, and Berry looked back at him.

<<But why Hiroki? Surely you and Muru are much rarer.>>

<<They may be short a few ground types... but I feel so guilty, and just look at Sandy…>> Muru mentioned, still calming Momiji.


<<Dammit! If I was just a little bit stronger I could have taken that Arcanine down! But he was just the decoy.>> Muru limped over to him and pushed her nose into his fur, trying to calm his nerves. Berry decided she would try to get the attention of someone passing by, because someone would have to help them, even if it was just trying to pull themselves together.

---

OOC: Alright so it's quite clear I suck at opening posts but I hope you at least got the story of what happened beforehand~

[The REAL Joey]

Help would indeed be coming not too far off. Strolling along absent mindedly to the route's dirt path that was assigned in front of him, Joey wasn't in a hurry to get anywhere. It had been another uneventful day milling around trying to strengthen his Pokemon with the intense wilds that surrounded the golden metropolis. Always one to enjoy the drama change bought, such a routine was beginning to drag on Joey's patience. Considering how expansive the city was, surely there was more to it? Deciding to trudge back for the day after some intense training, he was accompanied by two Pokemon. One of which was a purple floating ball like creature that rapidly inflated and deflated as it expelled a noxious gas like substance. Judging from the smell, it was either a method of keeping people from hassling him or the biker was truly a friend of the Koffing. For those that knew Joey, they know that he loved the species. This Koffing was none other than Chugga. Trawling to his other side by his feet was his other partner. A rabid looking Meowth by the name of Slash, it appeared that his fur was messed up from a lengthy scuffle from all the battles he had been getting into.

"We seriously need to get our butt into gear guys. We've spent way to long pissing about in Goldenrod. We've hardly come across ANY Rocket activity and it seems like we should be hittin' the high road. Maybe we'll pack up and go tomorrow." Getting a tepid response from his Pokemon, they didn't seem particularly phased either way. "I dunno, the city's full of loose pockets. It's not bad. A puss could become a fat cat if he stayed here too long." "I feel at home with alllll the pollution. Maybe a bit longer, brah? At least there's enough trash for me to eat. Plus with that crap by the side of our boarding, its hardly like anyone can complain about my odours." Smiling at his Pokemon's chatty cries, Joe shrugged before stopping to admire the route. He was on a fairly raised slope and could see the majesty of the city. "Well maybe a few more days at least. Everytime I go and try to see if Whitney's in it turns out she is out. If I didn't now better its the whole thing that happened when you were kids. GIRL FORTRESS! NO BOYS ALLOWED! Eh c'mon, i've had enough walkin' for today." Careening off the slope, the trio moved onwards. It was only after Slash started to move on ahead quickly that Joe noticed something was up. "Huh? Can you smell somethin'?" Looking at his feline with bewilderment, Slash was deep in trying to track a smell just as his ears flicked off in one direction. "There's a familiar scent in the air. Plus... Chatter. Lots of it. C'mon." Pouncing off the route and into a heavy patch of trees, Joey merely shrugged and looked to Chugga as he followed on. Having built such a good relationship with Slash, it was hardly something he was going to doubt him on. There was more than once in the past where Slash's sudden pick ups of a scent or sound had paid off for the better.

Bounding in and out of the tree's that blocked their way, it wasn't long before Slash made it to the scene he had picked up on. Shortly trailing behind them was a thankfully familiar sight for Sandy in such a dire time. As he stumbled through, his typically rough appearance and purple bandanna made him all too recognisable. As he got there, he stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes looking with absolute mercy as he looked at the extent of Sandy's conditions, while an unmistakable rage burnt at the pits of his eyes. Someone had to have done this to her and with him being the vengeful payback type of person, he was gonna make sure they suffered. Getting over his initial startle, he called out. "S-SANDY! The hell happened?!" Dashing forward, he moved past her Pokemon to kneel down beside her and hope that he could do something. Throughout his journey, he had met this girl a number of times now. Their first meeting was one born of strife as they teamed up with Tanya to fend off a troubling youth that had took to abusing the rare wildlife that situated itself in the area. Since then they had met fleeting in other occasions, even going as far to exchange Pokemon between one another. Despite that, there was one thing he knew. Sandy was a friend to him and a friend of Joey's should never be in such a broken looking state.

"Look at you... Its like someone's just left you to drown in the gutter or something! Are you hurt anywhere? Dammit, I think I have some medical supplies... Argh!" Moving to his waist, he began fiddling through his belt inventory. Looking up abruptly before looking back down, he pressed her for more questions. "Shit, I don't think I have anything... I spent most of today wranglin' with wild Pokemon and used up all my stuff... Can you walk!? I can help you to the nearest hospital. Just as long as you don't mind a bumpy ride. I can carry you but i'm not gonna be takin' my time with you lookin' so beat up." Despite his wild looking appearance, the panic in his voice was obvious to hear and all too reminding that Joey was really a gentle soul deep down when it came to it. As he stood up awaiting her answer, his eyes fell to that of her Pokemon, having not paid much attention to them as he rushed over to Sandy. "Oh man... This is too much. You poor guys." Kneeling down again, he extended out his arm to the nearest Pokemon to him that was Scatter. Giving him a loving rub on his head, he gave him a rub behind the ears before shaking his head. "Something tell's me this isn't some trouble with your average wild encounter..." Trailing off, he met eyes with Sandy, hoping to make heads or tails of the situation. He didn't like to put words in someone's mouth but all this was pointing to one answer.

[Kataya]

Scatter’s ears pricked up as he heard the sudden approach of a person. He gave a hiss towards the brambles that they were coming from, but his protective stance switched to one of slight relax when none other than Joey emerged from the bushes. Muru had been sitting next to Sandy, nudging her with an urge to try and get her to wrap the bandage tightly around her ankle, but the girl wouldn’t budge her wrist more than an inch. It wasn’t until Joey called out to her that Sandy looked up. Her blue eyes carried a hue of darkness as she watched him approach. It took her a few moments to register who it was though.

“Joey…” she managed. It wasn’t that she had been injured so badly. Besides a few bruises, scratches and her really lame ankle from the fall she took, she was okay. She just couldn’t find her words; she couldn’t seem to explain anything He was saying things to her, but she could barely make out what they were. The raw shock of losing Hiroki was getting to her.

“They took him…” she piped up suddenly. If you had tried to get more out of her, you would have failed. She shook with the realization. Scatter allowed Joey to pet him, carefully observing Sandy to make sure she didn’t decide to slump over or something. Sandy however, kept repeating the same phrase, like it was now the only thing she could say. Scatter decided that he and Muru would have to give Joey the simplest message they could. Scatter nudged through Sandy’s bag, finding the Pokeball labeled with Hiroki’s name. Using his paw, he guided it over to Joey’s feet. Muru took the next step, limping over to it and pressing the round white Button. The Pokeball opened, but only to reveal the mechanical inside of it.

<<You think he’ll make sense of that?>> Muru questioned, undoubtedly not knowing as much about Joey as Scatter.

<<It’s not that hard, and he’s smarter than you probably think Muru.>> the cat assured. Scatter dug his tail into the dirt as a final sign, lines and half circles finally forming into a large ‘R’ in the dirt. Sandy didn’t even look slightly aware of what was going on in the exchange between Joey and her Pokemon, and instead of reacting by telling him exactly what happened, she rested her head against one of her the legs of her soaked jeans. While he waited for Joey to figure it out, Scatter swerved to lick at his fur, trying to wash out the dirt that was turning his coat a murky dark cream.

[The REAL Joey]

Realising how depressingly heart broken Sandy truly was, it soon dawned on him the extent of her injuries. This wasn't exactly a case that she had been so vehemently attacked... It was an injury on the mental front. A blow to the heart, a tear at the soul. Her inability to speak it seemed made Joey's heart wrench slightly. This was a terrible incident no matter what the cause. His eyes drilling at her with worry, he responded to her as he moved away from Scatter. "Took who? Who is 'they'?" Falling silent just as she had, he realised that perhaps so boisterously going ahead to ask such questions likely wasn't the best of ideas. Her emotional wounds were obviously still very raw following the incidence. Sadly looking at her while trying meekly in a futile attempt to smile through it, he let out a saddened sigh. Nobody should have to go through this. Starting to worry as she repeated over and over again, Joey's eyes widened. "Is she in a state of shock?! Dammit! I really need to do something an' quick... Huh?" Losing his train of thought, he was soon having his attention stolen by Scatter who, despite not being able to speak, was trying to convey Joey the severity of the situation.

Tilting his head as he observed the messy feline going through Sandy's bag. Perhaps the Delcatty was going to try and write him a message or show him a piece of a clue which pointed in the direction of the culprit. Sadly, Joey's aspirations were all too much and the piece that he was given made his eyes close together in thought. "A Pokeball? But if the Pokemon was... Oh." Just as the Pokeball rolled solemnly by his boots, the sudden appearance of Muru, a Pokemon he had been awed by in his first introduction with the Espeon back at the Unova Festival, added the next bit of the puzzle. Flinching back slightly expecting a Pokemon to come flying out on top of him, he was startled instead by the fact that it was completely and utterly empty. "The hell...? Wait. Is this the Pokemon who was taken away?!" As if his brain was actually working out the mystery by itself, he was slowly dawning on the realisation. About to pick it up, he was joined by his own two Pokemon who had just barely caught up with him as he darted off towards where Sandy lay. "You gotta slow down there, brother. We don't all have two legs to run like the wind on. Phhheeeeeeewww..." Letting out a huge amount of gas from its crater filled body, Chugga soon caught his breath back.

Slash too was there but he was a lot more fit to deal with the intense catch up. Appearing by Joey's side, he bent over and picked up Hiroki's Pokeball with his paw. Examining it, Slash figured it right off the bat. "Hiroki? Lemme guess, this is a friend of yours?" Called out Slash as he looked at both Muru and Scatter. Looking around, the sharp as a knife feline gathered immediately what had unfolded. "So some low life stole this Hiroki i'm guessing? Tch." Finished looking at the ball, Slash meowed letting Joey know to examine the ball himself. With the biker taking it into his hands, he immediately saw the name tag. "Shit... Hiroki was your Diglett wasn't he?" Pulling a wincing look of realisation over his face, Joey shook his head. "But who did it?! There's gotta still be time. This assault looks recent. If we all go lookin', we'll give this punk ass ***** a hiding so good they'd never want to be seen again!" Quick to anger, Joe was reigned in as Scatter began to whip at the dirt with his tail, forming a semi-legible R. "R...? I'd know that horrible looking R anywhere..." Falling silent, Joey seemed to be toiling with his burning hatred for the group.

This news wasn't appreciated by Chugga nor Slash either. "Oh boy, look what doofus organisation decides to rear their ugly heads again. I dunno how well you know our Joey here moggy boy but you might wanna look away as he performs bare handed surgery rearranging this Rocket scum's face. It ain't pretty. Not one bit." Nodding Chugga confirmed as much. "We'll help you out, totally brah. Thieves' honour and all that. Nobody messes with one of the gang. You're a friend of Joey's, you're a friend of us. You can count on us, brother!" His Pokemon nattering away to Sandy's, Joey eventually looked up, a look of a torn expression on his visage. Moving over to where Sandy was, he knelt down on the muddy floor and placed a hand on her shoulder to reassure her. "Is Scatter right? Team Rocket...?" Falling quiet, he decided it best to try and pursue on by reassuring her that he would do whatever it took to hunt this person down. "Sandy, look at me. Don't lost hope jus' yet alright? They may have dealt you a bad card but that doesn't mean you gotta fold. If this Team Rocket bozo HAS taken Hiroki, we can track him down, hot pursuit style! He can flee to the four corners of the world only for us to hound his every step."

Truthfully, the chances were slim but he was never one to listen to supposedly insurmountable odds. "Trust me, with me here, we'll team up and track down this sicko and make him pay for what he did." Standing up from his crouch, he offered a hand to help her up. "I've got some medicine here should any of your Pokemon require it. We'll fix you up as good as new and take the fight to these scum."

[Kataya]

Scatter turned to the fellow cat, repeating the same story that he and Muru had shared with Berry with both Chugga and Slash. At the end, he noticed that Joey had been trying to rouse Sandy from her shock. He watched as Muru limped gently to her, licking one of her hands gently to get her to listen. Sandy looked up just when Joey had asked her too, a sharp inhale of breath catching in her throat as she had also been startled by the Espeon’s attempt at getting her to listen.

“Hiroki…he was trying to help me get him away…the man,he didn’t tell me his name but I just couldn’t….” she choked back any further crying she had been ready for and took Joey’s hand, with his help struggling to get up. She balanced her weight more on one leg than the other, using Joey’s offered support when needed. Momiji’s round eyes watched Sandy, still filled with tears. Sandy glanced over at her and sighed.

“Momiji…come over here…” she whispered. Momiji slinked over to her, Scatter giving her a boost so Sandy could take her in her free arm.

“Shh… it’s fine, they didn’t hurt me all that much, and you’re all okay, don’t cry anymore.” Muru took the Igglybuff onto her back, Scatter allowing Berry to climb on his as well. Sandy’s eyes went dull again on the way to Goldenrod’s hospital. She seemed to be deep in shock again, or thought, it was hard to tell. Doctors took her in not too soon after she arrived, and left Joey in waiting with the Pokemon as they patched her up.

“There you are Miss Katayko, just be sure to use those crutches for as long we told you too, and take the pain medication as needed.” A nurse mentioned as Sandy followed her out of the patient area, gray crutches tucked under either of her arms. Sandy nodded and thanked her again before managing a hobble with her crutches over to Joey, where she sat down by him.

“Thanks for getting me here Joey…it’s nice to see you again, I just wish it was in better times.” Muru placed her paws against the chair beside the girl and placed her clever wing necklace on it, which Sandy put back on after thanking her, and then tucked it away in her shirt, one that was now clean and dry since the nurses had her change.

“I want Hiroki back…he’s not only a member of my team, but someone important gave him to me… and I feel like losing him is letting that person down… It’d be like me managing to lose Ace…” she said quietly. “And I love Hiroki, he’s been with me almost since the start, and I don’t want to lose him now!” though she looked down at her hands with a slight huff.

“Oh but Joey, I don’t even know where to start looking. Even if you do help me I’ll be slowing us down a great deal… They said something about heading south, but I wasn’t sure what they meant, that’s when I got knocked into a drainage ditch.” She explained. The initial emotional shock had disappeared, leaving only the determination to find Hiroki.

“Still…Goldenrod is a big city…I don’t know what to do.” She explained, obvious worry passing through her expression. What if they got away before they even started looking?

[The REAL Joey]

On their trip there to the hospital, Joey was unusually quiet. Known to be a louder than life character and the definition of a motor mouth because he did not shut up, it was certainly out of character. This Rocket theft had obviously put a lot on his mind. Reminding him of all the reasons why they needed to be bought to justice as well as an inner demon of his own with losing Doopliss. Then there was also the fact that Sandy wasn't aware of his profession as a thief. He may have stolen but it was only from those he deemed deserving. There was no way in hell he would do such a callous act to someone of Sandy's nature. There was also the fact his estranged father was all too cuddly with Team Rocket. Perhaps he would have be truthful with her on some things and not so truthful on others, after all, few knew of Joey's family roots. Turning his head to look at her halfway through their journey, he could only must a feeble smile. He was still worried about her current state but he knew that they could claw back what rightfully was hers. Had it not been for that, he'd hardly be able to smile at all. With their Pokemon guarding them as they walked, it was at least somewhat reassuring. Eventually the sight of the large hospital that was renowned in Goldenrod itself came into view.

Quickly rushing her down to A&E, Joey was somewhat reluctant to leave Sandy in the presence of strangers but he begrudgingly obliged. "You best take damn care of her." Heightening himself over the doctor's shoulder, he gestured a wave to Sandy. "I'll wait around for you out here!" With the sliding doors closing, Joey let out an exasperated blast of air that flicked aside a few strands of hair. Looking around, it was somewhat refreshing to see an empty row of seats. Moving over, he sat down and made sure to keep the spaces adjacent to him empty to that all the Pokemon could settle in for the wait. Leaning his head back, he looked straight up at the ceiling and shook his head. "Y'know, this sorta thing turns my guts. But it doesn't mean we're helpless. We'll all help out right?" Nodding as he levitated in the air, Chugga was doing everything he could to try and not let any gas seep out considering the cleanliness of the building they were in. "Brother, we will take this Rocket flunkie and let him know his own medicine. Give him a real taste of somethin' he won't like." Slash merely grunted as he folded his arms and leaned against a support for the ceiling. Leaning back forward, Joey smiled at all of Sandy's Pokemon. "She'll be alright guys. These docs these days are God like in their own right. Just hang tight, eh?" Easier said than done, no sooner had he said so, he looked to the clock and drowsily began to drift off somewhat.

It was only when a loud voice was heard imparting instructions that Joey snapped to. Or more accurately, Chugga decided it was enough napping for now. "HUH?! WHUZZA?! Oh!" Noticing Sandy come out of the patient's area, he stood up to greet her and returned to the seats they had grabbed so she could take the weight off her feet. "Crutches?! Those Rocket scum... They went all out without a goddamn care, if I get my hands on that..." Trailing off before he really blew his anger, he eased up as humanly possible. Sandy had met him a few times but she likely wasn't aware of his deep seated loathing for the mob. "Ah ignore me. Its really nice to see you again as well Sandy. Like ya said, shame its not better circumstances. A pleasant stroll or in the middle of some shoppin' around Goldenrod." Sighing, he shrugged. "Fortunate I was around though." His eyes slowly falling to look at her Clever Wing necklace, he seemed intrigued by it but snapped out as she began to explain her feelings from the whole ordeal. "Everythin' you said's understandable. Having a Pokemon stolen from ya, forcibly, against your own will just ain't right, it's a horrible experience to endure." Pulling a glum face, he empathised with the fact it had been a gift. "That jus' makes it all the more worse." Pausing, he flickered a smile on his face. "And means all the more reason for us to get the poor sod back, right?"

Shutting his eyes a little as she indicated the crutches, a small thought did pop in his mind. "So you think you'll slow the rescue mission down, eh? Haha, I beg to differ. I reckon you'd be just fine manoeuvring about but if you're still worried, I can call in some transport for you to ride on." Now grinning raucously from ear to ear, it seemed Joey had something in mind. Little did Sandy know that his method of transportation wasn't going to be a vehicle or motorbike or anything of the sort. Instead, it was that of an actual Pokemon. Considering he had recently evolved Lockjaw, it had meant that the crocodile had grown into an incredible size and was more than capable of pursuing along with a passenger in tow over his shoulder. Saving the surprise, he would reveal it as they exited the building. The only problem was, as Sandy bought up, they lacked a direction to head in. "Their whereabouts sure is a pain in the ass though." Resting his head into the palm of his hand, he seemed to think deeply. "Considerin' we've rested up, they could've gone to a LOT of places."

Standing up, he looked down at her. "I think I have some... Er, contacts we could perhaps rely on though. They kinda owe me. C'mon, we best get a move on so we can catch up. These Rocket schmucks blast off fast." Standing by in case Sandy needed any help getting up, he was certain that despite her seemingly meek façade outside, there was a strong, determined soul on the inside. As they made their way to the outside of the hospital, Joey stopped dead in his tracks with an equally dead look on his face. "First thing's first. I think I need to come kinda clean..." Shuffling a little as he gained a look if discomfort, it was obvious that he had something on his mind. "I'm pretty sure its obvious but i'm not exactly a by the book kinda trainer. I'm not, hm. Well, I don't run with the law a lot o' the time." Never one to beat around the bush, he came out with it bluntly. "I'm a thief." Waiting for her reaction, he cleared his throat and came out with his usual disclaimer; an all too rehearsed line at this point. "Before you say owt, don't even begin to label me the same as them dastardly Rockets. I may still steal but i'll be damned if I don't better select my targets. I steal from those that really don't deserve their Pokemon. I'm talking the worst of the worst, the real last dregs of humanity here." Shaking his head, he shrugged nonchalantly. "That's why i'm so sure we can make lost ground. I got a lotta tricks and trump cards up my sleeve."

Not wanting to stall with idle chit chatter, he quickly grabbed a Pokeball from his belt. "Oh yeah, here's the ride I talked about. C'mon out Lockjaw!" Tossing it to the empty space beside them, a large red glow outlined the looming behemoth. Coming into view, it was worrying that Lockjaw's appearance may act as a frightening sight despite how much of a gentle giant he was on the inside. "Don't get too scared, Lockjaw's a real dopey giant." Looking at them, Lockjaw made a small smile. "Hey, if its okay with Sandy, would'ya mind carryin' her? We're on the search of... Someone." Refraining from mentioning Team Rocket, Joey leaned in to whisper something to Sandy. "Watch it, he HATES Team Rocket. Like, he snaps and becomes highly vicious. I saved him from some well where Team Rocket was operating in." All the while they whispered, Lockjaw looked nervously at Momiji. Its big, round eyes were incredibly unnerving to it. Stepping back, Joey focused. "Y'said somethin' about them mentioning the south? Hm. If that's the case, my contacts will come in handy. I've made associates with a few of the shopkeeper owners in the city so they'd see anyone suspicious lookin'. We'll ask them." With Chugga and Slash by his side, he awaited Sandy's decision on how she'd get there.

[Kataya]

Sandy followed Joey out of the hospital, still unsteady on her crutches as she tried to find her balance on the changed terrain. she blinked as Joey suddenly told her he had a confession. She wondered what it was about, her pale blue eyes wide with expectation. Whatever he had to tell her, it seemed it was troubling him, like he expected judgement from her or something.

Though, what he told her...well that knocked her off guard just a bit. A thief? She listened to the rest of what he said, an intent look on her face. For a few moments, she looked completely serious, and the usually easy to read female was harder to read than the entire encyclopedia at the moment. Finally, she burst out laughing, hoping not to catch her friend by surprise.

"Joey, I would never for a moment lump you in with them! I mean, if you were anything like them, you would have never stopped to help me in the first place!" She rested her weight on her crutches for a minute as she let out a sigh.

"Though I don't exactly approve of thieves...there's an easy exception for you." she said, quietly this time as to not grab anyone's attention. "And you've got a good heart, Joey." she nodded as he began speaking of where to go next, and she watched Muru brush up against Joey's leg in appreciation. The Pokemon was such a goofball, and Sandy realizing that they were going to get Hiroki back, wasn't going to act like more of a deadweight than she already was by remaining depressed the entire time.

Sandy drew in a breath and back up as Lockjaw was released, but as soon as Joey explained his gentle disposition, she calmed herself and took a hand off one of her crutches to pat the giant beast. Scatter steadied it as she readjusted her weight again, though, a Pokeball accidentally dropped from her bag, falling to the floor and opening in a burst of light.

<<Uh oh!>> sounded Muru's worried mew as the light materialized into none other than Munchy. The blue fire rat looked around, as if startled out of sleep. His crimson gaze idled over Joey and Lockjaw, and then widened as they stopped on Sandy. Instantly, the fire on his body ignited and he let out a snarl that startled Sandy, making her swear her heart skipped a beat. His eyes locked with Berry's directly after the fact.

<<What the hell happened?>> he demanded taking a dangerous step closer to the turtle. Berry backed up and held her paws out in front of her.

<<Munchy...don't be so rash...a-all you're doing is scaring her...>> Munchy pushed his face into hers and restated his question.

<<Who. Hurt. Her.>> it wasn't even a question, it was an order. When a turtle didn't answer, Munchy's head whipped around to Joey.

<<Was it him? I'll kill him!>> Without waiting for an answer and not paying attention to Sandy as she screamed his name, the Quilava jumped at Joey. Before his own Pokemon could react however, Muru skidded in front of Joey, her eyes flashing blue and turning an aura around Munchy the same color. She raised her head and whipped it forwards, sending Munchy flying into a nearby vacant bench. She then jumped him, trying to hold him down.

<<Munchy, cut it out!>>

<<Get out of my way!>> Munchy demanded, biting into Muru's injured leg. Muru yowled in pain, and Scatter tackled Munchy in the defense of Muru, standing in front of her with his hackles raised. That's when Berry finally broke into the fray.

<<Stop it you morons! Look what you're doing to Sandy!>> she pointed at the girl, who now had tears running down her cheeks from watching her Pokemon fight each other like they were. Scatter and Munchy separated and Muru pulled herself up off the ground.

<<Oh Sandy...>> Munchy's eyes were still blazing with rage though, and Berry glared him down.

<<It was Team Rocket, Joey has nothing to do with them!>> Berry finally answered. Munchy growled and lifted himself to sniff the air, finally catching a familiar scent and darting off. He didn't know he'd lost it soon, but he was too pissed off to care.

<<Bastards...>> he cursed to himself. Sandy wiped at her eyes and turned back to Joey.

"I am so sorry that happened.... He's protective and...he saw you...and then... he must have thought you..." She touched a hand to Lockjaw again and was careful to lift her injured foot off the ground first as she took the offered ride.

"But we have to follow him...if he does find them first, he'll get himself into nothing but trouble." She had stopped crying now, and was determined to keep her stubborn, but however loved Quilava out of trouble...and harm's way.

[The REAL Joey]

Filled with uncertainty at the cryptic look over Sandy's face, Joey was starting to feel a little apprehensive. Usually, he wouldn't give a damn who knew or what they thought about his profession as a thief but with Sandy it was different. Given how caring and kind she was, he couldn't help but be humbled by her demeanour. His uncertain expression was noted by Slash and Chugga who looked to one another knowingly. Taken completely off guard, her sudden laugh made him flinch back a bit. His stress fleeting, Joey straightened out his bandanna as he laughed too, happy to see she wasn't going to think him some sort of villainous monster. "You had me goin' there, I ain't gonna lie. And I know the art of theft isn't somethin' you can exactly think of as positive at first but... It can be used for the benefit of good. Hell, Chugga here was a Pokemon I stole from this abusive trainer, now look at him. He's pleased as punch to be outta that hell hole." Fully relieved, he grinned happily. "Good thing you didn't put me in the same boat as the Rockets. I think i'd have really took that to heart, hahaha." Reassured by her own Pokemon as well in the gentle nudge by Muru, Joey's usual cocky grin was firmly back on his face.

Happy that Lockjaw had taken to Sandy as well, Joe was about to move forward to help prop Sandy up alongside Scatter. The sudden runaway Pokeball stopped him however and made him raise an eyebrow. "Oh, looks like ya dropped somethin'. Lemme grab... Woah." Realising he should have known something was afoot at the worried cry Muru sounded, Joey gritted his teeth and stood his ground before the fiery Quilava that stood before him. He had raised one of his own and he was smart enough to know this one was on the edge. Watching as Munchy and Berry began to talk heatedly, he wasn't too sure what would happen next. All he did was keep his eyes affixed on the potential threat. It was then that their eyes met and a sudden bolt of vehemence seemed to course towards Joey. "Oh shit...!!" He mumble under his breath. Seeing the flaming creature bound towards him with extreme prejudice forced him to remain on the spot. All he could do was lift his arms to protect his eyes from any rogue flames blinding him when he heard the sudden crash of a nearby object. Lowering his guard, he saw that Muru had come to his aid and trashed Munchy out of his way.

Still a bit shaken from having such an angry Pokemon lurch at him, Joey stretched an arm out but was pained to see Muru being bit in the process. It was then Slash stood forward, his claws unsheathed. "Stay back Chugga. If you got close we'd all go boom. Let ME handle this." His eyes being the only visible part of his expression, he leered at the Sandy's Quilava before receding as Berry stamped her foot down and put some common sense in them all. Unaware of what was really going on, Joey picked up what the Squirtle was conveying through the tone and gesture alone. Stepping to the side as Munchy made a cursing growl, Joey wasted no time in letting the silence sink in. "Geez... Lemme guess, that one's got a protective streak goin' on, huh? Guess I can't blame him for thinkin' I was the cause with my get up and all but that was a bit much." Looking over to Muru, he closed in and gave her a small pat on the head. "Thanks for savin' me Muru. Your leg okay...?" His attention taken as Sandy began to speak once more, Joey shook his head. "It's okay. Main thing is nobody here got a third degree burn or anything." Unable to make light of the situation any further, Sandy's reminder was enough to make the severity of Munchy's disappearance sink in.

"Dammit, you're right. He may be a firebrand but knowin' Team Rocket... They'll do nothin' but jump on him with safety in numbers and wear his stamina down. We need to back up him. Team Rocket ain't someone you can face on your own. You need to adopt their tactics and fight together as one." Watching as Lockjaw safely took care of Sandy, Joey looked to Chugga. "Gonna have to recall you for now, its gonna be a crazy dash." Bubbling in response that he was okay with such a decision, Joey pocketed him away as the red light returned the Koffing. "Slash, you're stickin' out with me. We can use your lithe footed speed." Tugging the ends of his bandanna to tighten it up, he looked up to where Sandy was. "Okay, he shouldn't be too hard to follow right? Let's go! C'mon Lockjaw, we gotta make a dash. If you run on ahead we'll do our best to catch up... Just be careful with Sandy okay. That is all that matters." Letting out a small friendly growl in response, Lockjaw leered his eyes up ahead and began making chase. As he did, Joey and Slash began sprinting as fast as they could to catch up. Shouting at the top of his lungs, Joey called out to Sandy. "Seeeeems like your friend has got some keen senses! We'll get to the bottom of this in no time!!" Munchy may have lunged for him but to Joey, it meant he knew how deeply passionate the Pokemon was and how that would only serve in their interest in finding the culprit.

His thoughts idle, he nearly winced as he came tumbling back into reality. It seemed they were now stepping in the road where a huge number of cars were whizzing by to which elicited another yell from Joey. "OI! OUTTA THE WAY! VERY HUGE PISSED OFF CROC COMIN' THROUGH!"

[Kataya]

Sandy held tightly to Lockjaw as they entered the busy Goldenrod streets and closed her eyes, refusing to look at the cars that passed. The crutches were held safely on her arm that was acting as a hook, so that wasn’t what she was worried about. She had never been used to the city life, and this was just getting too up close and personal. As Scatter panted, trying to stay side by side with Muru, who had broken out into a limping jog behind Joey, he looked up at Sandy briefly.

<<Didn’t she…switch out Momiji for Spirit before we left?... why not use him?>> Muru shook her head as they continued, leaping onto the hood of a car to avoid getting hit and just barley scrambling onto it.

<<Because>> she mewed heatedly as she got down and began jogging by Scatter’s side again. <<Do you really think that hot-head cares for anything but himself?>>

<<But her ankle is->>

<<The second that unbroken horse lets her onto his back for more than two seconds is the second hell freezes over!>> she reminded him. She suddenly caught Munchy’s scent and mewed quite loudly to catch Joey’s attention ahead of her, and she then veered off of the streets. As soon as she was sure the others had followed, she moved to a steel warehouse and sat down beside a burned hole through the wall.

“Munchy…he must’ve decided not to wait for the grand tour…” Sandy murmured, half to herself and half to Joey. Muru nosed through the opening and stepped through bravely, only to have Scatter catch her by the tail.

<<Don’t do that! If they would want Munchy and Hiroki, think of how high you would be on their wanted list.>> he hissed. Muru wrenched her tail free and backed out.

<<We have to find another way in anyway, we can fit through these holes, but Sandy and Joey can’t.>> The clever feline began pacing back and forth in front of the hole, trying to convey her message to the two trainers.

“Looks like we need a different way in huh Joey?” Sandy questioned as she examined the hole herself. She could probably crawl through it if she squeezed, but with her injury that wouldn’t be happening, and that was just a what if anyway. She readjusted herself so her grip on Lockjaw stayed strong, and thought for a minute. They were going to need some kind of way in, but how?

“I don’t suppose they make deliveries? I mean, I have a Ponyta that could pose as the ones used for delivery sometimes, but I’m pretty sure they’d be suspicious of us in a moment.” She really hoped he didn’t wonder how she knew about the deliveries. In all honesty, her cousin had told her after she forced to back down from being a Rocket, but at this point Raine was the last thing she wanted to think about. Quickly, she thought of another suggestion.

“Do you think they have some kind of entrance underwater?” It was a silly question, one she might have gotten from the movies, but this warehouse was right on the small Shoreline of Goldenrod, and she was running out of ideas, so she hoped if those weren’t any good, that Joey would have a trick or two up his own sleeve.

[The REAL Joey]

Their journey progressing swift but ending just as fast when they met the obstacle of the steel warehouse before them, Joey skidded to a halt and doubled over so that he could try and regain his breath. It had been a while since he had run so far and quickly; even the Johto police didn't quite give him this level of workout. "This thing's locked up tighter than a Masterball which has just caught somethin'. For Munchy to have made his way in by melting the outside... He really is pissed." Standing back up straight now that he had recovered, Joe took a few steps backwards and surveyed all the while listening to Sandy's ideas. Moving in closer to where Sandy's Pokemon had been moving about, he knelt down and examined it himself while trying to shift is arm through along with his upper body but to no avail. "I think you're friends here already sussed it out but that's a no go. Sending in the Pokemon too would be goin' in blind and considerin' the people we're dealin' with here."

Standing up, he relaxed into a familiar motion of scratching the rough stubble covering his chin. Her potential entries did have some merit but he had a couple of reluctances. "The Ponyta thing sounds like our best bet at the minute. The only problem is, we don't got any good disguises to fool them and i'm pretty sure they'd suss us both out. I've caused enough trouble for Team Rocket of late and considerin' you were on their hit list back there." Falling silent again, he pulled a nervous expression about an underwater passage. "You think...? I dunno, haha... Wait." Smacking his forehead, he had a sudden shift in realisation. "Y'know, maybe that is the best idea. Back at my warehouse, we had quite a few man sized pipelines used for the sewerage system. It ain't the nicest of places but its a guaranteed passage in." As he patted the expertly defended walls, he sighed. "And it's one vulnerability which is totally not gonna be as well guarded." Giving the wall a harsh kick with his boot as he flung his leg forward, he offered his only other alternative. "Brute force might also work. I may be a thief but even I know sometimes its best to do a hit and run. Cause as much confusion as possible and exploit the chaos to yer own needs."

Looking down at his belt, he realised it was more than possible. "I got two heavy hitters. One you're sitting on and the other being Metyrant... He could create a big enough quake to assault the warehouse." Still not fully sold, he debated it over some more with Sandy. "Plus, there's no tellin' if we cause a havoc whether your pals'll be safe. I'd rather stealth it and catch 'em with their trousers down." Wincing an eyelid, he quickly cleared up so there would be no room for mistaken words. "And I mean that figuratively, not literally. I know the Rockets are a sick bunch but that'd be crossin' the line." Tightening up his bandanna as if he had settled on a decision, he jogged off down the side of the warehouse and looked down the alley until his face was filled with one of cockiness and opportunity. "Looks like you hit the jackpot Sandy." Motioning his head for them all to follow, he headed down the alleyway and stopped as a wired fence blocked off their movements. Amazingly, it wasn't out of security but more safety as it looked over the shore below.

"I'll sort this out in a jif... Huh?" Noticing a certain feline move by his legs, Slash whipped out his claws on each paw and eyed up the gate blocking their access. "Piece o' cake. You leave this to your buddy. My claws ain't sharp for display!" Standing directly in front of it, Slash paused for a few moments as if summoning as much precision as possible before letting out a flurry of swipes, slashes and cuts to give them the path they needed. As he finished, he folded his arms and turned to face the group. "All in a day's work. They don't call me the cat burglar fer nothin'." As he finished, the steel fence visibly fell apart and clanged to the floor with the majority of it plunging into the waters it had previously guarded. "Haha! Alright Slash!" Turning to Sandy, Joe gave a thumbs up. "We're all combining our efforts, there's no way we can lose. Now, if you don't mind, i'll just slink on ahead. Its kinda narrow so I don't want you riskin' anything more than you need to." Moving over and staring over the edge, he took a small breath before facing in the other direction and hopping down. As he did, he held his hands out and gripped onto the edge to steady. "Well that's okay. Looks like there's a ledge. The water's not too far off either. Hm." As he finished pondering to himself, he yelled back up.

"YO SANDY! I hope you don't mind gettin' a little wet. Tell Lockjaw to gently hop in, the water's a reasonable height and there's a sewer pipe directly below us." Letting go, he fell a bit more but acrobatically pushed himself forwards with a movement of his legs and thanks to his experience from his profession, made it in the inner tube of the pipe without much trouble. The only problem was the huge metal bars blocking their way. Or perhaps, it wasn't too much of a problem. Taking out a Pokeball from his waist, he called forth Metyrant, his Metang. "Metyrant, can you hurry it up and remove these bars? Just use Metal Claw and tear them clean from where they're standing." Replying with a robotic tone, his Pokemon went on ahead and with hardly any resistance, pulled them clean from their cement holdings. "Haha, not bad. Now let's go check and see the other guys." Turning around, he checked to see if anyone had made it. Considering there hadn't been any tidal splashes from Lockjaw coming down, he guessed not.

[Kataya]

Muru looked over the rail and frowned when Scatter pushed himself up next to her to look down at it. Though they tried to keep straight faces, both Pokemon were thinking the same thing. They each disliked the water, even if a beach trip once in a while didn't bother Muru, Scatter hated it either way. When Sandy saw Muru's ear flick, she knew what the cat was thinking. Holding firmly onto Lockjaw, she pulled out Muru's Pokeball first.

"Come on you two, I know you don't like water, so you can stay dry in here." Both Scatter and Muru glanced at eachother, concern evident in them both, but Sandy gave them a reassuring smile.

"I'll just keep Berry out here with me." she mentioned as Berry crawled up Lockjaw and onto her shoulder. Muru nodded and allowed Sandy to return her. Before Scatter was returned, he and Berry locked their gazes for a moments time.

<<Make sure she's alright.>>

<<I'm way ahead of you, stupid cat.>> she commented. Scatter smirked at her and allowed himself to be returned. Sandy put there Pokeballs away, and by the time she had, Joey had called up to her. So he had found a way in! Normally she was really wrong about these kind of things.

"Right! Lockjaw, you heard him right?" She had guessed so when the Croc pushed forwards into the water, propelling them rather quickly to where Joey was. She carefully slid off of Lockjaw's back and positioned the crutches so she could walk with them, looking at the already cut up bars that had once stood in the way.

"Impressive." She felt a lot better after getting off of Lockjaw. When they actually started moving, she'd get back on, but it was starting to bother her hands to have to hold on for such long periods of time. Gazing down the dark tunnel for a moment, she lowered her voice so it wouldn't echo to harshly through it.

"So now that we're in, what should we do? I've never done this before, but I'm guessing they aren't going to welcome us in with open arms." she commented, Berry nodding her agreement.

<<And that idiot is around inside somewhere.>> she mentioned, referring to Munchy. She really hoped he hadn't got himself caught yet.

"It's a bit dark down here though." at Sandy's mention of this, Muru's Pokeball opened, and the sleek she-cat emerged the water running over her feet.

<<Let me help.>> she offered. Her body flashed a light blue for a moment, and the gem on her forehead began to glow, dimly lighting the tunnel for the two trainers.

<<Awesome! And it will be harder for them to suspect anyone's down here as long as that light stay dim!>> Berry observed, to which Muru nodded. Sandy nodded gratefully at Muru and turned back to Joey.

"If we can figure out which way to go, we should get going, right?" she questioned, eager to find both of her missing Pokemon.

[The REAL Joey]

Shielding his face as a sudden huge splash of water erupted forward into the pipe, Joey's second reaction was not to complain about the damp but instead laugh it off. "Hahahaha, I think Lockjaw thinks I stink and need a bath or somethin'." Helping Sandy get back onto her feet with her crutches, he looked over the to the flowing water beneath them and nodded to his partner. "Alright, Lockjaw. I want you to follow us buddy from here on out, its gonna get cramped. I don't want you gettin' stuck or anything y'hear?" Stretching out his hand to pet the front of Lockjaw's face, the large crocodile made a soothing growl noise at being rewarded with his trainer's attention. Taking out an unusual Pokeball in the form of a Lure Ball, Joey recalled back the large reptile and pocketed it away. "You too Metyrant. Knowing you, you'd go in guns blazing tryin' to prove somethin' and our cover would be blown." Remaining perfectly quiet, Metyrant did little to deny or correct his trainer. His eyes may have been mere glowing red circles but there was a look of knowing within them. Returning him back into his Pokeball, Joey was ready to push on.

About to follow on in after Sandy, he stopped to a halt as a sudden screech appeared from above. "WAAAAAAAAIT FOR MEEEEEEEEEE!!" Raising an eyebrow, he realised the problem. "Slash? Is that... You? Why the hell are you up there? We're down here!" Letting out a worried meow, the cat was nervously shaking as it looked down at the watery depth below. "Psch... He knows I hate water. Ahh... Ahhh... AHHHHH!" Summoning what shred of courage he had, the cat did a small pounce forward and stretched his front paws out and gripped onto the side of the pipe which jutted out over the water below. Somehow grasping on, he felt a hand grasp his arm. It appeared Joey was helping him get back up. "Pft, don't laze around next time, c'mon." With Slash now rejoined with the group, Joey grinned at Muru's amazing lighting ability. "That amount of radiance is just enough. You're one talented Pokemon!" Slash on the other hand seemed to be interested with the jewel on her forehead, rubbing his paws together greedily. "I bet that beaut'd sell for a high price." Getting a small nudge from Joey's boot, Joe was crossing his fingertips along his neck to get him to shut up, having noticed the lustful look in his cat's eyes.

Refocusing his attention onto Sandy, Joey nodded. "This shouldn't be too hard. These pipes that run under these sorta warehouses only have so many places they lead to. One's inevitability gonna be used for airflow and that is the one we'll be lookin' for. It'll have the biggest exit for us to get out of." Falling silent, he pulled a less than enthusiastic face. "The other... Err... Less said the better. C'mon, i'll move on ahead and make sure we don't step in anythin' unpleasant." Trudging on forward, he was grateful for the light Muru was able to impart. Looking back over his shoulder, he called out to Sandy just audible enough that she could hear. "Been a while since I was down muckin' around in the sewers. Kinda nostalgic for me... Hey... Wait... Smell that?" Sniffing with his nose, he quickly added on at the end. "And I don't mean the sewage. Smells like... Burning." Turning around to face her, there was no sign of his typical cocky grin. He was completely serious. "Wouldn't you say Munchy is kinda... Fiery?!" His eyes wincing, he turned around and ran off to the left fork they had just reached.

[Kataya]

Sandy stuck just behind Joey as he and Muru led their way through the sewer pipe. She didn't exactly like the smell, but if this was their only way in, she'd bare with it. She was sort of glad that Slash had joined them. Especially in a place like this, four seemed like a really lonely number. She listened to Joey as he mentioned the two different pipes that ran through the building. When he mentioned the main sewage pipe, she was feeling lucky that she didn't have to hear anymore about it.

"Right, so, I wonder which one will lead us to the air vents. if they get air from down here then it must be those floor vents." Muru stopped and sniffed the air, a chill running down her spine, and not soon after, Joey had mentioned the burning smell as well. Sandy shivered as she finally caught the scent herself.

"Oh no...Munchy... He can't keep doing things like this..." she muttered, half to Joey, half to herself. As Joey ran off, Muru waited for Sandy as she struggled to keep her crutches steady in the slippery tunnel.

"Joey, wait up!" she called out, heading down after him. It didn't take very long for them to reach the main air vent either, and she felt the cooling air send shivers through her, since her clothes were already wet from all the water. Muru shook her fur, and realized that the burning smell had already gotten stronger. Berry looked up and her eyes widened.

<<Look!>> Sandy and Muru both looked up to see some orange flames licking just close to the vent, angry gray smoke piling through it quickly, barley giving a chance for the air to enter. Sandy blinked, trying to give the scene a chance to sink in.

"Muru, Psychic! Open that vent!" Muru's eyes flashed a light blue before the cover of the popped off, flying somewhere into the room above. Berry sent a water pulse up into the room to keep the flames at bay, before Sandy's doing something stupid got her hurt. Sandy threw her crutches aside and kept most of the weight off of her injured foot. Rushing as fast as she could to the maintenance ladder, she climbed up the length, wincing every time she had to use the injured foot to propel herself upwards. Though, that didn't last to long as she reached the top and was able to just slip through the vent.

Muru and Berry followed, but Muru paced at the bottom of the ladder, her own injured leg, and the fact that she couldn't climb ladders in general stopping her from chasing after her trainer. Berry hastily said something to Muru and followed Sandy up the Ladder, while Muru waited for Joey. Sandy, who had gotten into the room, covered her mouth and gave a few coughs, moving her head away from the direction of the smoke. Berry tried her best to put out the flames, but the best she could do by now, was keep them away.

Sandy barley had time to think as she registered a person laying on the floor, seemingly out of it. Not being able to bear the fact that Munchy could have possibly been responsible for killing someone for something as simple as her breaking a bone, she hopped over to the uniformed Rocket, ending up sitting on the floor, trying to wake him.

"Hey! Are you alright?...Wake up!" her voice was panicked, and he wouldn't wake, but after a few moments, he awoke. Sandy sighed in relief, but then allowed the new danger to sink in.

"Wha...Wha- Hey! You're that ***** I lost by the drains!" Before Sandy could answer, he continued to speak. "You must have sent that damn Quilava didn't ya? Well, I'm sure Maradeth will take care of that thing...but I gotta take care of you!" He coughed as he stood back up. His voice was raspy, and it must have been from how much smoke he had inhaled by now, but since he wasn't dead, Munchy probably had not been there too long ago.

In two flashes of light, the same Arcanine and Arbok appeared from earlier, letting out their respectively threatning cries.

<<Stay away from her...>> Berry warned lowly, still trying to put out the flames so this would be a safer environment to carry out a confrontation. Sandy limped back a step or two, and she looked nervously to the vent, not noticing if Joey had followed earlier or not. But before they could do anything to her, one of her Pokeballs burst open, and Scatter appeared with a threatening hiss.

<<Back off!>> The Arcanine seemed amused.

<<Well Well, if it isn't the Chewtoy.>> Scatter hissed again, his hackles raised as he stood in front of Sandy, trying not to back down like he had last time.

"Heh, if he's all you have, then I have a feeling this is going to end up like last time, though I'm not sorry to say it."
______________________________________________________
Warning!

Rocket Grunt has cornered Joey and Sandy!


He sends out Arcanine (Level 32) and Arbok (Level 31) to try and dispose of them!

[The REAL Joey]

Sidestepping as he noticed the surge of urgency in Sandy's movements, he watched as all of her Pokemon sped onwards beside her. "Wait up a sec!" He muttered quietly as to conceal themselves from being found. Chasing after her with a spring in his step, he worked out just how bad the fumes were getting. Years upon years of handling Koffing had meant that he was somewhat immune to their smoke but this fiery burning was something else entirely that made even his lungs splutter in disapproval. Watching as they found the vent, Joe was about to take out Metyrant again when Muru expertly ripped it off with her powerful telekinetic powers. Stopping still, Joe had his mouth somewhat ajar with pleasant surprise. "Looks like there's more than one way to rip open a vent." The only problem was the severe heat from the flames but Berry was all too quick to deal with them. "Your teamwork sure is tight." Noted Joey just as Sandy began climbing up. "Woah, hold up, do you think I should...?" Her small frame now up the ladder, Joey shrugged and understood. "This must be like hell for her. C'mon Slash, we gotta hurry, cling on!"

Looking up to Joey, Slash nodded. "Aye aye boss." Clambering up his back and gripping on the back of Joe's shoulders, they followed up straight after. "To think this girl had her head injured!" This was perhaps the most surprising fact about Sandy that Joey had noticed over their encounters. She may have been somewhat meek looking but on the inside, she had a will and determination of iron. As he clambered up the rungs of the ladder, Joey paused with his head peering from the hole as he noticed her rush over to the Rocket. Scowling, he yelled out. "Sandy what are you doing?! That's a Rocket, just leave 'em to burn. That no good punk probably caused all this mess." Climbing up fully, he tensed as he soon noticed the Rocket had come to. Watching as he retaliated with the entry of two threatening Pokemon, Joey didn't waste any time thinking of the danger and charged through, ending with a skid of his boots as he swerved to stand by the front lines. "Oh no you don't you goddamn scumbag. You got lucky last time with what you did. But this time, the ante's upped and you got ME to deal with. Gonna fight fire with fire and see how you Rockets like being ganged up on."

Ripping a Pokeball off of his holster, he tossed it forward with abrasion. "Hoodlum! Let's sort out these bastards!" Landing before them next to Scatter, the ghetto delinquent Scraggy pulled up his trousers before letting them sag as he raised his hands with a series of threatening gang signs as his nostrils flared angrily and a leer set in on his face. "Yo, yo, yo. STEP OFF BIETCH. I is gonna bum rush all you mudda fukkas and pop some CAPS. DO OR DIIIIIE, NEWJACK!" Turning to face Joey, Hoodlum gave him a nod. "I got this J-Baller. K-RUNK dese mofos, HOLLLLAAAAAA!" With Hoodlum raring to go, Joey turned and grinned to Sandy. "This time Team Rocket gets it. If they wanna even touch you, they're gonna have to go through me!" Turning and looking at his opponent's Pokemon, Joey roared out an order. "Hood, Rock Slide let's go! Hit 'em both!" Clenching his fists, he looked to Sandy again. "We'll bust this guy up and go and find out where Munchy and Hiroki are."

[Kataya]

Sandy was all to relieved when Joey took his place in front of her. She looked past him a bit, to the Rocket Grunt and his Pokemon. As Joey spoke, she managed a quiet nod and attempted to move out from behind him. But just as she did, her crutches floated out from the vent, followed by Muru, who had made an effort and finally gotten up the ladder as Sandy had previously.

<<Finally...>> she tossed the crutches so Sandy could catch them and balance herself, and then limped with a greater looking effort over to the side of Scatter and Hoodlum. She pushed her nose into Scatter's fur and pushed his side with her head, urging him to move from the way.

<<Muru, I can->>

<<No, I want to handle her.>> Muru hissed suddenly, causing the other feline to back away, and then nod before going to help Berry out holding back the flames. Muru's eyes were fire as she glared at the Arcanine. She was the one that hurt Scatter before, and she had to pay now.

<<Oh, I'm shaking.>> the Arcanine joked, followed with a hiss of laughter from the Arbrok beside her. The grunt raised an eyebrow at Hoodlum, then chuckled.

"Heh, that's big talk you know. There isn't much you can do with a smart talking worm and an obviously injured Espeon. Arcanine, take care of that Espeon and use Thunder Fang!" The Arcanine let out a confident snort and was off as fast as the creature's legendary speed vouched for. Electricity crackling at her fangs, she sunk her teeth into Muru's back, causing the Espeon to cry out and twitch in pain as the Canine lifted her into the air. Tossing her and causing her to skid to a stop close to Sandy.

"Muru, are you alright? Please get up!" Hearing her quieter pleas, Muru struggled back to her feet and barley staggered as she remained on her feet next to Hoodlum.

"Thank you..." Sandy murmured softly, before turning to Joey.

"He's not an easy opponent, and he can be very underhanded, Please be careful Joey." she warned, knowing that his confidence was the kind she needed to have, she hated to have said that, but it was true. Too much confidence that she could beat him the first time, was what had led her to this.

"Feh, underhanded? Please, you were just extremely stupid, you made it easy for me to get outta there." he retorted in his defense. "Now Arbok, Acid on the Worm. We don't need that helmet givin us trouble." Arbok slitered forwards, then suddenly stopped short and released a storm of what must have been stomach acid all over Hooldum, the street-smart pants-lizard covering his eyes to protect them.

He recovered quickly though, and his retort was strong. A fall of rocks came down upon both the Arcanine and the Arbok, causing both great pain. Muru took this chance to curl her Body together, to make sure she wasn't hit by any rocks.

"Muru, try your Psyshock!" Muru's ears perked up and she stayed where she was, but coiled herself together before three balls of Psychic energy formed in front of her. She knew Sandy wanted her to aim for the one that would make her feel more satisfaction, so she launched them at the Arcanine, who snarled in response as she was hit.

"Joey, I know this is a lot to ask, but do you think Hoodlum can keep his guard over Muru? She's got a lame leg, and I know that he'll take advantage of that. Muru is a good fighter, but if someone get's that leg, there'll be problems." she whispered to the man beside her. She felt bad, but at any measure, she had to keep Muru safe.
____________________________________________________
Hey, Hey, it's Scraggy and Espeon VS. Arcanine and Arbok!
What Does the weather look like for you?: Normal.
To put it simply, Both your Pokemon this turn are: Still in the battle [X] [X] Down for the count [] [] Switched for another [] []


Grunt's Arcanine |Level 32|
Health: 28% (30/109HP)
Status: Normal
Attack: A successful Thunder Fang.

Grunt's Arbok |Level 31|
Health: 73% (64/87HP)
Status: Normal
Attack: A successful Acid.

VS.

Joey's Hoodlum |Level 30|
Health: 77% (61/79HP)
Status: Normal
Attack: A successful Rock Slide.

Sandy's Muru |Level 25|
Health: 57% (42/75HP)
Status: Normal
Attack:A successful Psyshock.