The Great Escape! (Joe)

[The REAL Joey]

The realisation setting in, Doopliss co-operatively let go of Sharada as the alarms began to become more noticeable to the transforming Pokemon. It had been so overjoyed with being rescued that it had made a mental barrier to all the chaos and destruction around it. As the alarm wailed on, it instilled Doopliss with the reality it needed to get things moving. Thinking about what a Team Rocket grunt looked like, the Ditto became absorbed in its thoughts, Leaving Sharada to rescue the Zorua petrified inside the pen. As the other Zorua began crying, the one that had boldly made her way out picked up on the Pokemon's whimpering and with an abrasive shriek at the Zorua, seemed to be telling it to buck up its idea unless it wanted to remain here forever as a test subject for the rest of its miserable life. Lowering her head as she stood her ground and continued her low sounding growl, it appeared this one was somewhat resentful of how indecisive the other was. As Sharada looked over to speak to Doopliss again, the female Zorua seemed distant to the younger male's desire for protection. All of her life she had been forced to look after this runt and it was in thanks to he that she was in this mess. However, before she could take out her swelling anger on the little one, Doopliss had understood what Sharada was after.

Transforming himself into a Zorua, as if to better establish a discussion between them, Doopliss spoke out in an incessant burst of communication and seemed to be conveying what Sharada had said. Little did they both know that Zorua were highly intelligible creatures and had actually understood everything she had said. Wasting in no time in realising that this was going to be the only way out, the female Zorua jumped into the air and in a purple blur turned herself flawlessly into a female Rocket Grunt. The only distinguishing feature was her hair that greatly resembled that of a Zorua's fur. Looking down at the male one, she turned her face to the other side. By then, Doopliss had began his own transformation. Unlike the Zorua who used the power of illusion to change their form, Doopliss' was an actual physical change. Shifting his cells to copy that of Joey's body, the Pokemon also created an exact replica of the uniform worn by Team Rocket grunts. The only one left was the runt of the litter who looked around sheepishly before closing his eyes shut and wriggling his hind legs slightly as if deep in concentration. Runt he may have been, it didn't mean he was exactly terrible at his own charade. Transforming into a male grunt of nondescript appearance, the only alarming fact was his fluffy tail that appeared from behind.

With all of them turning to Sharada, they looked longingly as their means of allowing them to flee. The great escape had begun.

[Morrigan]

Standing back and examining the three Pokemon before her, Sharada rested her eyes down on the pair of Zorua as Doopliss became deep in thought. Trying not to trip on the rubble as she scuffled backward slightly after putting down the second Zorua, her eyes appeared to narrow at the reaction of the pair together. One of them shrieked and hissed with angry, as if telling the other to grow up but it appeared to remain clinging to her side. Luckily Doopliss interjected before anything too bad could kick off, transforming into a tricky fox and explaining the plan. One hand on her hip and the other on the base of her chin, she could only contemplate on the odd, disdain type of attitude the female had towards the other. After sharing the same fate for who knew how long, it would be expected for the three to atleast have some bond. The only thing she could guess was that they were siblings or friends of some sort and they were captured together. Before she could continue any further, Sharada's eyes lit up at the sudden random blurr before her, it swiftly turning into that of a common, female Rocket Grunt. Now learning truly that this one was a girl, Sharada nodded in agreement at her flawless attempt. Even her hair style which mimicked that of it's fur fit in with some wild hairstyles some teenagers had these days. "Great job Zorua, that looks perfect. You'll easily slip past everyone looking like that." With the girls looking set to go, she then moved her attention to Doopliss, his cells changing only slightly.

Still using Joe's appearance as a base, the shiny Ditto morphed into his own copy of a Rocket jumpsuit and caught on pretty well. There was always a problem with his face but thats what made him, him. "Good job, Doopliss." Sharada began, taking a step towards him. Lifting her hand, she gave the hat on top of his head and tilted forward, leaning her head and smiling to him, "Just keep your face covered or looking down slightly and no one will expect a thing... Also, this is what Joe'd look like if he was a Grunt, hmm?" Sizing him up some, she laughed in a joking manner, head turning slightly to see the final transformation. His hair too changed to that of a Zorua's colour, "Great jo--" Freezing through her praise, she noticed an odd, flicking tail, her face grimacing. Looking into the eyes of the Zorua, she pondered about how young he was and perhaps more inexperience than the female. If this was as close as he could get, then so be it. "Well done! Just keep to the back of me. When I turn around, I'll be able to hide your tail since you'll walk in front of me." Nodding her head in a pleased manner, she didn't believe wasting anymore time was necessary. Raising her voice to try and call over the alarm, she spoke, "Time to get you guys out!"

Raising a hand to make sure she had their full attention, she gave each of them a firm stare, specifically the female, "You all stick close to me and dont run off. Do not panic, do not scream and do not run... That's all you need to know. Now, follow me." Moving on ahead through the rubble, she took the lead to make sure all footing was safe for them to traverse, looking back over her shoulder every now and again, making sure they were still with her. Exiting the lab and moving across the main hub, she alerted the group of a swinging electricity cable over head but they managed to avoid it with ease. Darting her eyes upward as the sets of elevators came into view, Sharada released a sigh of relief as Delphine remained in the same position, eyes lit a mysterious bright blue as she interfered with the cameras. "Almost there!" Sharada called back over her shoulder, hopping over the last stretched of rubble before dashing to the open doors of the elevator. Not stepping in just yet, she waited outside and ushered the trio in first, giving the nervous male Zorua a pat on the back which caused him to shriek in surprise. Flinching back, she shook her head and stepped inside herself. "Right, got work. We're almost there. We just gotta get outside and start running after the gang. If I bluff that I found you grunts wandering about outside, then surely he'll allow us to chase after the bikers." Rolling up her sleeve to reveal her Poketch, the brunette began scrolling through names and numbers, swiftly typing out a message to Dusty alerting him that they were ready before looking back up again. "Part two should now be in motion."

Nudging herself past the concentrating Delphine, Sharada hit the lift button, the doors behind her closing swiftly and most likely causing a jump or two as they began to ascend. Looking between the trio, Sharada smiled warmly, "Remember. Stick with me. You especially. I know I hurt you and I apologise. If I didn't look the part then chances are I would be in the cage with you right now." Shrugging her shoulders and raising her eyebrows, she noticed the transformed male Zorua staring at Delphine in horror. "Ahh, this is Delphine, a partner of mine. She has been fiddling with some bits to make securing you easier." "Hmph. Child's play." The psychic typed replied bluntly before Sharada placed a hand on her shoulder. "You can stop now Delphine... From this moment on, it merely looks like I found some grunts to help out. Thank you for your support." Her eyes slowly dimming, the Gardevoir was retreated back into the safety of her Pokeball. Sharada too fell into an eerie silence, standing at the doors so that she was the first one out. Pausing as they arrived at the top. Glancing over her shoulder, she used a hand to usher them close to her, "Remember. Stick close, remain silent." Worried herself as the doors began to open and led them out into the streets of Goldenrod, Sharada could only pray that everyone was still okay.

[The REAL Joey]

Sharada wouldn't have to dote too long on whether or not the member's of Joey's biker gang were okay or not. As she entered out, a deafening yell from one of the louder members sounded out with his booming voice. "HAH! DON'T MAKE ME LAUGH PENCILNECK! YOU WANT SOME OF THIS?! ORRRRRAAAAHHHH!" Flexing his muscles as he stationed himself up on his bike, Rocko was facing off against Royce's Rocket Squad's resident scientist, Schnell. "Dummkopf! Brain vins over brawns! Admit zis assault has lost! Once I am done vith your snivelling antics, I vill take on zat black biker for his impertinence." Between them were two of their strongest Pokemon. Spinning its horn aggressively was Rocko's Rhydon who was looking a little worse for wear as it swung its tail from side to side. Before Schnell was a completely bizarre looking creature that was suspended in some sort of weird liquid. "HORN DRILL THIS NERD!" Roaring, Rhydon lunged forward with its horn spinning faster than ever but missed terribly. "HAH! Reuniclus! Double Team!" Cackling with a shrieking tone, the Reuniclus focused its energy before making numerous copies that encircled Rocko and his Rhydon. "DAMMIT! Spray it with Toxic! Show 'em our gang's signature move!" Grunting angrily, the Rhydon opened up its mouth and spewed up a huge amount of toxic poison that landed on the correct Reuniclus. Unfortunately, it did little to no effect. "THE HELL?! What kinda freakish crap you been doing t'yer Pokemon?!" Shaking his head and tilting his finger from side to side, Schnell laughed. "Nein, dummkopf, Reuniclus avoids your vimpy attacks. NOW! FOCUS BLAST!" Spinning around Rocko's group, the Reuniclus began focusing their power into a chaotic ball of energy and as it did, so did its copies. "OBLITERATE ZEM!" Cried out Schnell in a murderous, psychopathic tone. Unleashing their energies at once at the centre of the ring they had formed, Rocko yelled out. "JUST TRY ME GEEK!" Pummelling into the ground, a huge amount of dust sprung up in the air, obscuring all view. Seconds later, a large behemoth rose from the dust. It was Rhydon and it did not look happy. Viciously striking out at any Reuniclus that came near it, its powerful whips, punches and stabs of its horn rendered every Double Team copy broken until only one remained. "HAH! Ze dummy does not know vhen to quit." Startled, he adjusted his frames as he noticed a bloody, battered and bruised Rocko revving his bike engine. "This ain't over. I'M MAD!"

Unable to follow that single confrontation much longer, a sudden explosion rocked over towards the centre of the alleyway meet up. As if almost flying on his motorcycle, Merton was flashily driving around in circles as he threw a seemingly endless supply of Pokeball themed bombs at his prey. "Nooooo~oooow, nooooo~oooow my miserable liiiiiittle rat, stop scuuuuuurrying away and enjoy the explooo~ooosion! Heheheheheh! BOOO~OOOM!" His opponent turned out to be none other than Cletus who was timidly leaping from safety to safety as the bombs continued to explode up without relenting. "Uhyuck! I ain't gonna stop fer no stupid clown! Rattycakes, go and bite 'im, scratch 'im, WHATEVER!" Nattering its teeth, the Raticate wanted nothing more than to bite his face off but given the circumstances that a mad explosive lunatic was threatening them both, it meant it had little decision in the matter. Bouncing forward with an agile spring of its legs, it weaved in and out of Merton's explosion before jumping on the back of his bike by biting down on the magician's cape. "OOOOOOO~OOOOH! SUCH INSUUUUULTING ACTION! Geeeeet off you liiiiittle raaat!" Losing control of his steering, Merton went crashing into one of the walls of the alleyway courtyard. Jumping off the bike, the Raticate let out a sneer as it knew it had it easy now. All it had to do was dig its powerful teeth into the man's jugular and they'd be at least free from all the dangerous exploding. "Come awwwwn Rattycake! Go and show 'im ya don't mess with Cletus, uh hyuck. Ain't nobody gonna disrespect me! HYPER FANG DAT DERE VARMINT." Standing up having avoided the last explosion, he dazedly waked over to were Merton had crashed. Unfortunately, the eccentric male would not go so quietly. "OHOHOHOHOHOHO~ THE SHOW NEVER ENDS~! AWAY MY BEAUTIES!" Taking four Pokeballs from inside his cape, he lobbed them forward, revealing an Electrode and three other Voltorb that gave him a thankful barrier. "Now for the grand finaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaale~" Swishing his cape around stoically, he let out a crazed laugh before flinging an arm forward. "EXPLODE WHEN YOU SEE THE WHITE IN THEIR EEEEEYEEEEES!"

Yet again, just as one nail biting battle was reaching a climax, another one came to the fore to distract. Fighting side by side were Erik and Harley against Tyrone and Langley. "You *****. Comin' in here and causin' all this. Hahaha, you wait. We'll find where you hide out. Then we'll come knocking and rip away everythin' from you that you hold dear!" A smirk expression on Tyrone's face, he was actually looking less than calm for once. Clenching his fists by his side, his red scarf flapped against the chaos of battle. "That was a pretty low blow to attack us while we slept. Even lower than what we do in Team Rocket. Then again, to be expected of petty gangs like yourself. Come now, why don't we settle this like gentlemen?" Getting a nudge from Langley's elbow, Tyrone forced a resentful laugh. "And ladies, too." Parking their bikes on the other side as they stared them down, Erik and Harley were not going to bow down to their lecturing. "Shut yer face you stinkin' piece of shit. Its a shame we can't go one on one against each other as i'll smash y'goddamned head in with my axe. You can take your etiquette and manners ans shove them up your arse. Or the second one i'm gonna tear ya now." Swinging the guitar from his shoulder, he held it forward like a hammer. "HAH! We're the sneaky, underhand ones? Get a grip, love. I know all this confusion has probably rattled you some but you're describing yourself there. You want to fight? Fine, i'll mess up your pretty little face." Hissed Harley, who looked positively enraged. Her face scrunching up and losing what false beauty she had, Langley shook her head with a murderous look in her eye. "Oh, you're gonna regret that missy. I'll rip the skin from your body and wear it on my own. It'll be the perfect impersonation. Not that anyone would want to be you!" Shaking his head, Tyrone made a rather macabre grin. "Langley, that's a bit far isn't it? I tire of this petty tête-à-tête, let's conclude this properly." Grasping a Pokeball from his belt, he tossed it forward. "Hitmonlee, let's honourably settle this dispute, understand?" Stretching up and down with its spring like legs, the Pokemon let out a murmuring response before setting eyes on Erik. "I hate you Tyrone. Don't even think i'm gonna follow that stupid conduct of yours." Turning her head, she looked at Harley. "Heh, *****."

In a split of a second, her body went from a standing posture to that of a shockingly fast sprint, despite even wearing heels. Taking Harley by surprise, the two were now locked in a vicious cat fight. Hair pulling, nails and gouges, nothing was off limits. "GET OFF YOU HARPY!" Getting her hair tugged, Langley screamed. "STUPID COW!" Having gone to give Langley a whack with his guitar, he was prevented as he had to defend himself from Hitmonlee's lengthy kicking reach. "Peh, looks like i'll take you on with Exploud." Tossing the Pokeball forward with a spare hand, his large and monstrous Pokemon looked at Hitmonlee before letting out a catastrophic cry and charging in, punching off the Hitmonlee's kicks as it got closer and closer, while continually sending out sound waves that dented anything they touched. "Let us see if you have what it takes. Hitmonlee, Double Kick!" Standing on one foot, the Hitmonlee hopped forward with the momentum of its raised leg hitting forwards. The Exploud dodged the first kick but was taken aback by the second as the Kicking Pokemon pushed itself off the ground with a spinning kick. Now off balance, Tyrone chuckled. "This all you got? Hi Jump Kick and finish this amateur." Stretching downwards on the floor with a crouch, the Hitmonlee got ready for a springing upward kick of its knee. One that would fail to connect. Shaking its head, Exploud was jeered on by Erik. "C'MON LET'S ROCK IT!" Moving his guitar into a playing position, Erik began shredding his guitar strings with virtuoso like ability. Sensing the strums, the Exploud tuned into them and with a opening of its mouth began relaying Erik's music. "HYPER VOICE!" Seconds later, a sound surpassing that of a 100 decibels laid waste to the Hitmonlee and Tyrone, whamming them into the brick wall behind them. Harley and Langley however, were also nearing their conclusion. "You didn't think I came unprepared... Did you ya little wench?!" Letting go of Harley's hair, Langley flicked her hand downwards, revealing a sudden claw like gadget that covered her hand. "Heh, same to you." Letting go of her own grip, Harley clenched her fists and with a propulsion of a strange pollen, revealed that she had hidden wrist pumps under her jacket. "Something I concocted up with my flowers." Letting out a horrific screech, Langley fell to her knees as she grasped onto her neck. It was almost as if all the air in the world had been stolen from her. "Hnngrk... Stupid... BIIII... Ung..." Collapsing to the floor, at least one skirmish had been resolved conclusively. Unfortunately, before they could triumph, Tyrone begrudgingly stood back up. "Now that was hardly sportsmanlike. If you insist on playing unfairly..." Tossing out another Pokeball, he revealed a Hitmonchan that was accompanied by his recovered Hitmonlee. "Didn't think Cloak & Dagger was that easy did you?" Making a small shrug of his hands, they were delved into an extended bout of fighting.

As Erik and Harley began fighting off Tyrone's comeback, another plight became apparent. Off in the far corner was Eightball who sat proud on his bike, swinging his chain around as he confronted Porky. "Just staring at you is like sin. You're one fat, ugly, son of a..." Laughing with his piggish squeal, Porky didn't seem the least bit offended. "I'm gluttony incarnate... And you? You're my main dish. H'oink." Tossing a Pokeball forward, he revealed his partner Grum. "No thanks, I don't like bacon." Muttered Eightball disdainfully as he lobbed forward his steel chain. Whipping around Porky's belly, Eightball sneered. "Got you now piggy. Let's see how much weight we can shed off with you trailing along behind my bike." Starting up his engine again, Eightball began to hit down on his accelerator to tug Porky along onto his back. By some horrible oversight, Eightball's engine struggled as Porky remained perfectly still. Smoke began to rise as the rubber burnt against the floor. "SUUUUUEEEEEEEEEEY!" Yelled Porky as he stood there, exerting al of his weight to prevent him from toppling over. "Let me show ya how a real man does it, h'oink, h'oink! Hnnnnngrah!" Tugging on the chain, he began moving it himself and with an inhuman amount of strength, sent Eightball tumbling over into a nearby dumpster. "Just what kinda monster are you?!" Shouted Eightball with his baritone voice. "Fine, you want to fight our Pokemon, i'll beat that boarish grin off your face. Dusclops! You're up!" Grabbing the Pokeball from his denim jacket, the Pokeball opened to reveal a ghostly cyclops that looked down at the Grumpig. "Strike from the shadows, Shadow Punch it! BEAT THAT FAT PIG!" Dispersing into the night with an eerie fade, Grum looked around confusedly as it tried to sense the Pokemon's being around it. Getting close to working out its location, it was far too late as the Dusclops made a strike from the pig's left, then from below, to the right and then a punch on the back of the head. Squealing angrily, Porky cut in with an order. "H'OINK! SNIFF IT OUT! ODOUR SLEUTH!" Sneering angrily as he looked over to Eightball, Grum had finally deduced in where the Pokemon was hiding. "Grrrr... Enough hide and seek, bowl it over with Shadow Ball!" Yelled Eightball as the Dusclops stood before him, moving his hands to its side, focusing its ethereal power into a darkness filled ball. "HIT IT!" Launching it forward with gusto, Porky burst out laughing. "H'oink, h'oink, h'oink! You messin' with the best." Clicking his fingers, Porky didn't even have to word the counter attack. Focusing its peculiar psychic energy, Grumpig's body turned into a mirror like state. "Say bah-bye!" Laughed Porky menacingly as Shadow Ball impacted into Grumpig. Strangely, the attack barely even made a dent. Instead, the insidious energies were conjured back and shot forth at the Dusclops who let out an agonised cry before its spirit left the ghost like bandages that fell to the floor. "WHAT?! NO!!" Exclaimed Eightball. "I'm the best at what I do, h'oink." Grabbing a hold of the chain, Porky began to yank forward the chain still grappling onto his body with a gluttonous look in his eye.

Eightball's fate would have to wait as down one other alleyway was a deadly stand off between two expertly skilled men. Standing still as his trench coat blew against the indecisive blowing of the wind, the fedora wearing male glared sternly at who was slowly approaching him. A maniacal spring to his step, Royce had a murderously delightful grin on his face, one that was all too familiar of a certain biker thief in particular. "Now ain't that a shocker, if it ain't-" "Enough. This ends here." Amazed the boy had been able to cut him off, Royce chuckled with a vile sneer. "Hah! Alright, Looker is it? That what you go by these days? Heh! Ain't much of one if ya ask me. You're an empty shell. No style, no substance." Adjusting his gaze with a push up of his chin from his gloved hand, Royce seemed to be waiting for something. "Don't ya remember me?! I remember your parents, haha. Real, nice folk. A researching duo looking to unlock the mysteries of life itself. Too bad they went missing, ain't it? Hahahaha. What a shame." Exuding no expression, Looker merely stared him down with his glossy emerald eyes. "You're a monster." Letting out a loud laugh, Royce straightened up his slant and gave the suited biker a smirk. "You have no idea how much of a compliment that is. Really it is." Taking off his cap and giving it a small wave around, he planted it back on securely. "Don't you know who I am laddy?! We've been standin' here and you're treatin' me like any Tom, Dick or Harry." Curling his lip as if to try and display some angry emotion, he faltered from going all the way. "No. Joey doesn't have a father. Not one as vile and contemptuous as you." Letting out another hearty laugh, Royce crossed his arms and puzzled himself. "Well this is odd. If my boy ain't here then where the hell he is? My arrogant little kid never knew to keep his nose out of it... Unless... He doesn't know you're doing this." Glaring his eyes as if piecing a bit more of the jigsaw together, Royce wasn't one to be duped easily. "Oh how brave of ya. Looks like i'll just have to settle with you." "You talk too much." Swiftly taking out the two daggers attacked on his waist coast, Looker tossed one forward, only for Royce to barely move out of the way, instead moving his neck a fraction as it whizzed past his head. The second, Looker through horizontally but Royce once again dodged it with a mere sidestep. "[color=a895b1There was no need for that.[/color]" Ripping out a Pokeball from his waist, he yelled for his Pokemon. "GLISCOR! Let's find out if Looker's head is secured nice and safe on his head, eh?" "You'll do no such thing. Poliwrath!" Summoning his own Pokemon, the stand off escalated to fever pitch.

"Really, kiddo? You're gonna take me with that? Pathetic. You have first shot, i'm in the mood for a laugh after your pissy little trashing of my base." Narrowing his eyes, Looker ordered quickly. "Ice Punch!" Thrusting its clenched fist forward, the toad Pokemon used a mysterious power to make its fist freezing cold. Sneering still, Royce watched as the Poliwrath came at the Gliscor, launching a few jabs and uppercuts to try and hit the Gliscor. Unluckily, the Gliscor dodged them all. "Pathetic. I was at least expectin' a hit to land so I could laugh about it. Meh." Parting aside his Gliscor with a movement of his hands, Royce pulled out a weird looking Pokeball. The top of it was black but the base was similar to that of a Pokeball. "Might as well do a little field testing. Say goodbye to your tadpole, kid." Shoving his hand out to the side, a weird gauntlet like device merged out of Royce's suit. Covering his fist with a glove like armour, the rest of his arm followed suit as it moved into place all the way up to his upper arm. Aiming it, he lobbed it forward at the Poliwrath and was quickly ensnared inside the unofficial Pokeball and was quickly returned back to Royce with a magnetic like retrieval. "WHAT?!" Exclaimed Looker in a non fitting inexpressive exclamation. "Heheheheh, too bad this is a prototype. Otherwise i'd have a rubbish Poliwrath on my team." Throwing the contained Poliwrath up and down in his hand, Royce shrugged. "If this was the real deal, i'd have just snagged your Poliwrath. But as this prototype ain't up to scratch, it'll break free in fifty seconds." An insidious look in his eye, he gestured a nod with his head at his Gliscor. "Too bad Gliscor won't take that long to crush it. Heh. Have at it will ya Glisc?" Snickering, the Gliscor opened up one of its pincers just as Royce tossed the Pokeball into it. "Guillotine it. Not nobody who wants a Poliwrath like that." Concentrating all of its might, the Gliscor crushed down with its unrivalled strength and crushed the Pokeball into pieces as it sparked its circuits.

"N-No..." Murmured Looker.

"Uh huh." Laughed Royce.

"I just killed your Poliwrath."

Frozen by the unspeakable truth, Royce let out a terrible laugh at the turnaround of events that had just hit Looker. "Wanna bring out some more Pokemon? I'm pretty sure I can crush them too."

"You monster..."

"I know." Chuckled Royce as he flexed forward his snag device. "Face it, at least it died. If I had made it my lackey, i'd have only forced it to break you instead."

Still reeling in from the shock, on the far end of all the connected alleyways, Dusty was pretending to fight with the copied Sharada his Ditto had made into. Flinging her arms about to look as if she was ordering Devia to attack, Dusty was doing his best to make it look believable. "C'mon Keckleon! This is life and death here y'know?! Heh... This is way too easy." As they battled on, a vibration from his poketch alerted him. "WOAH!? She's out already... Best get outta here. The others don't look like they're doin' too good." Looking to Devia, he gave her an okay sign as he nodded. "Like we discussed, eh? Show me that boooootiful attack." Growling, Devia moved her head up and looked to the sky. With a sudden conjuration of unbelievable power, a wondrous array of colour was shot upwards. This was none other than Hyper Beam and for today, it was being used as a signal of sorts. Garnishing the attention of the entire gang, they knew it was time to escape. Revving up his engine, Dusty recalled back all three of the Pokemon around him and sped onwards. "RUN! THEY'RE MONSTERS! THIS GIRL... SHE'S INSANE! AHHHHHH!" Seeing the signal, Rocko was begrudgingly happy to be allowed to retreat. "We'll settle this some other time pipsqueak!" Stepping forward to bottleneck Rocko's movements, Schnell and his Reuniclus copies closed in. "Ve vill see, dummkopf!" The beam not only meant their escape but it meant for them to summon a symbol of the gang themselves. "Koffing! Smokescreen at it!" Yelled Rocko as he switched Pokemon, only for the visibility around them to be concealed by smoke. "VAT?! COWARD! HOW DARE YOU EMPLOY SUCH STRATEGY! REUNICLUS! LIGHT SCREEN, REFLECT, BARRIER! Spare mein lungs!"

Still lobbing explosions, Merton laughed manically. "LATER RAAAT BOOO~OOOOY!" Having returned his Pokemon, he jumped onto his bike and pulled out his own Weezing. "Enjoy the smokescree~eeen! Weeeeezing, if you please?!" Spurting out a thick cloud of smoke, Merton had successfully blind sided Cletus. "SHUCKS! DAT AIN'T NO FAIR!" Coughing at the smoke, he knew it was useless to try and attempt a pursuit. Speeding off to the central courtyard, Merton was desperately needed for their exit. The Rockets having enclosed them in with reinforced barriers, it was up to Merton to explode their way out of the trap. Noticing the beam signal, Harley and Erik were quick to retreat back to their bikes and skid off, leaving Tyrone to stare at their dust trail. "Don't think this concludes our settlement. Tsk, tsk." Looking down at Langley, he picked her limp body up over his shoulder and allowed their escape, having received a mighty beat down of his own. Eightball on the other hand was still struggling with the chain. Now with the two of them standing on their own two feet, they were a solid match for one another. "Gonna cut this short, fatty." Ripping out a Pokeball from his belt, Eightball summoned his Koffing and let it fill the air with Smokescreen as he dropped the chain from wrapped around his arm. Giving him enough time to pick up his bike and ride off on it, Porky was left coughing from the fumes. "Damn... H'oink... Too much gas!" Last but not least was Looker. Still frozen at the loss of his Poliwrath, the Hyper Beam signal did little to stir him into movement. "We-ell-ell-ell! Looks like someone in your gang just got a pretty nasty hit. So what're you gonna do now? Flee like a dog with a tail between yer legs?! Forfeit the lives of some of your other Pokemon?! Hah! You can run. If you can get past me. 'Sides, if you run back to your little nest, you'll tell my son just where it is i'm hiding. I'd love that. He'd come chargin' in, just where I want him. Finally get to tie that loose end."

A cocky grin covering Royce's face, Looker finally looked up to stare Royce in the eyes. "No." Raising his hand and flinging it to the floor, it appeared he had used a smoke bomb to get him out of there. "Cheap tricks! They ain't gonna... WOAH!" Stepping to one side, Royce was quick to dodge the sudden passing by of Looker's bike. "COME BACK HERE YOU LITTLE RUNT! WE AIN'T DONE HERE!" With all of the gang now met up, Merton unleashed a barrage of bombs that got rid of the barrier preventing them from escape. "SOOOOO~OOOO LOOOOOO~OOOOOONG!" His wailing voice could be heard as they all screeched off back into the roads and headed off. With the smoke now dispersing, the entirety of Royce's Rocket Squad were grouped together having closed in just as they were about to escape. "ANY OF YOU DOLTS GONNA CHASE AFTER THEM?! HUH?!" Looking around, it appeared that all of them had been hit pretty hard and were in bad shape. "Typical... You wanna do somethin' yerself, you do it-" Turning, Royce noticed Sharada and the three grunts by her side. Cocking his eyes, he seemed to be awaiting her assistance.

[Morrigan]

Upon reaching the surface with a transformed Doopliss and Zorua pair in tow, the group immediately dashed out into the street and slipped into the shadows of the nearest alley way. With Sharada taking the lead, the group slid through the darkness and crouched when they were in a safe enough hiding spot, her head cautiously peering around as the alley turned a corner, into the area where most of the Rocket's and Joe's gang were facing one another. Her eyes immediately falling on the battle between Rocko and Schnell, the brunette could already tell that everyone must be going through tough times. Almost wanting to jump out to help at the sight of the strange, unovan creature creating doubles and spinning around the male and his Rhyhorn, she was forced to painfully avert her gaze as both Pokemon and Trainer were hit. Clenching her teeth and glaring at the opposite wall, Doopliss looked at her in a puzzled manner, as if asking what had just happened. Thankfully Rocko's voice boomed out but she didn't turn her head to see again, "C-C'mon! I've sent the darn message!" Sharada hissed under her breath, staring at her Poketch as if wondering if it had been fiddled with or something. Moving into her thoughts so not to panic the rescued Pokemon, she shut her eyes tightly, "Don't drag this out any longer... Something bad is gonna happen at this rate!" Breathing out to get herself together, the girl took a look to the worried Pokemon, falling silent at the state the young Zorua was in. All this noise and rush must've been horrible.

Moving in her crouched position, she squatted in front of the male Zorua as he hid behind his hands, the female giving her usual look of disinterest and Doopliss just looking worried altogether. Raising a hand, Sharada forced a warm smile as she gave a firm pat to the Zorua's head, trying to help him stop any tears, "It's alright.. We're almost there. Just a little bit--" Suddenly perking up at the powerful beam which shot up into the air, Sharada's eyes widened and knew immediately what it was, "--Devia!!" Standing back to her feet, she held a hand to single the trio to wait whilst she had another peer around the corner to see what was going on. Noticing Dusty dash out from the other side of the street, wailing about her being an insane monster, she couldn't help but smile at how genuine he had tried to make it sound. But one thing was clear, that was the signal everyone needed. Noticing a rather beaten Rocko, she shielded her shocked expression with her fingertips, until flinching back at what the group had planned. Smokescreens. Hurrying back and grabbing the wrists of Doopliss and the male Zorua, Sharada swiftly explained, "They are using smokescreen, this whole area is gonna fill up soon. Hurry, whilst they make it to the exits, we'll slink through the smoke ourselves and into the place where Dusty was. Then we can move out, meet with the gang and give chase. Understood?"

With their plan in action once more, Sharada and team dashed back up the alley way and past the exit of the elevator. Now that the smokescreen was distracting Schnell and the others, they could move into their original place. Hearing the revving of bike engines and lobbing of bombs, Sharada began to feel almost shaken as the next part was most likely going to be the hardest for her. Standing just as a safe distance from choking on the thick, Pokemon smoke, Sharada reached into the pocket of her dress and pulled out her own cigarettes. On the outside she appeared calm but inside she was a nervous wreck and right now, she needed one to calm herself down. Slotting it into her lips and lighting it up, she appeared oblivious to the Pokemon's reactions as she was too deep in thought of now getting past Royce with three unfamiliar grunts. Imagining up some sort of scenario in her head, she came to an idea, heavily smoking away as the thought process rolled on. Lifting her line of sight as the smog finally began to fade, she left the cigarette dangling in her lip, "Let's go." She spoke out bluntly, trying to get herself into the right frame of mind. She needed to pretend she had just scared away an entire gang of bikers with a mere beam, big herself up some. It wasn't going to be all that easy.

Moving out into the open with a serious expression, Doopliss hung his head low as the presence of other people surrounded them, both of the Zorua acting a bit more uptight aswell. Or the youngest one, anyway, who remained at the back to keep his tail hidden. Now that the "family" was back together, Sharada scanned her eyes at the rest of the group as if working out how they faired against Joe's gang. The biggest surprise was a knocked out Langley who Tyrone held on his shoulder. Blinking as he approached, she was about to question if he was alright before Royce stomped over to them, booming his usual authoritative tone. Frozen at the sight of his Gliscor, the long trail of ash at the end of her cigarette tumbled to the floor, smoke weaving out of her parted lips before abruptly shaking her head. Flicking it to the floor and stamping in out, Sharada took a step closer to the boss and grinned up to him. "Master Royce!" She called, her voice laced with an odd burst of enthusiasm all of a sudden, "Permission to give chase?!" Tilting her head slightly, her eyes cast over the rest of the team before back up to the tall male, "These grunts came to investigate what the commotion was about, patrolling it seems. There's no need for you to waste your precious time when I can do it for you." Taking a step back, her smile turned into a sweet one, one which was almost creepy considering the circumstances, "Besides. I don't approve of being called insane after, One. Little. Attack." Shaking her finger from side to side in rhythm of her voice, she swiftly turned on the spot and glared towards the broken barriers.

Holding a hand to her hip, her once happy tone turned to that of a deep growl, her eyes staring at the three transformed grunts, "Well?!" Shuddering some, Doopliss began walking forward, quickly followed by the other two whilst Sharada reassured Royce with a smile. "I'll return with a report soon, Master Royce and everyone else~ Be sure to rest up some, hmm?" Her voice purred out as she waved her fingers back, reaching for her belt holster and expanding the ball in her fingers. As her hair lifted in the breeze, the brunette changed her face to that of a serious glare, mumbling the words "Come on, come on" over and over again in her mind. Waiting until they were just at the right distance and out of sight of the squad, Sharada took a cautious glance over her shoulder. Stapling their location as safe, she dashed forward and ushered the three down a side street, breathing out heavily. "Y-YES!" She cried triumphantly, releasing her Zebstrika and turning to Doopliss and Zorua with a grin. "I'm sorry for my firm tone but.. I think this is it! We've done it! Now just to get you to the guys!" Pausing as her Poketch began lighting up, she glanced down to see a message from Dusty. Opening it up, it was a reminder of their meeting place, a bridge on the outskirts of the city. Turning to Kirin, she gave him a firm pat to the back, not afraid of any rogue electrical sparks anymore, "Ready for one last sprint?"

Grinning as he neighed out happily with all this use he was getting, the Pokemon knelt down so to allow Sharada to climb on easier. Giving the grunts a few stares, she smiled, "We can't all fit on him like this. You guys can transform back to normal now." Watching as blurs span through the air and Doopliss drooped back down into his usual blobby shape, she knelt down and began collecting them. Sliding Doopliss up onto her shoulder, she scooped up the male Zorua but appeared hesitant with the female. "Just.. Bare with me for a little bit longer, alright? We're almost there and I dont want to risk anything now." Expecting a bite or a bit of a struggle, she scooped the fox creature up in her spare arm and moved over to Kirin. Jumping onto his back and making herself comfortable, she clung onto the electrical steed, warning the rescued Pokemon before kicking off. "Okay, off to freedom for you guys!" Nudging Kirin into gear, he stood off along the streets of Goldenrod, the four clinging on for dear life as he sped towards their destination. Electrical sparks flying off from his hooves as he began pelting heavier against the ground, the group was quick to pick up speed, dashing to the outskirts of the city with ease and finding the bridge leading out of town.

Her eyes widening at the sight of the group altogether and waiting, she couldn't help but wear a beaming grin, unaware of what had happened between Royce and Looker. Their speed gradually turning to that of a trot, the outline of Sharada became clear to the group, as theirs did to her. Their familiar faces and feeling of having Doopliss clinging onto her shoulder meant the world right now. "G-GUYS!" She called out, joining them. "Doopliss and the Zorua. We got 'em!" Grinning as Doopliss blobbed excitedly up and down on her shoulders, waving at the familiar group, the Zorua weren't exactly as good as greeting. But they were safe to say the least.

[The REAL Joey]

The bridge itself was large and was the foremost connection to leading Johto off to many of its dotted islands as well as into the rocky footing of Mt. Silver. Given the fact Dusty had alerted Sharada to this place as their meeting spot, it seemed ideal given the fact they would already be half way back to the base. The huge road lanes of the bridge gave enough space for the gang to have dotted their bikes in one of them as they waited for Sharada. Thankfully given how late it was, the bridge itself was mostly empty. Some of the gang had remained on their bikes while others were standing up. Two particular figures were even staring off the edge of the bridge out to the blowing currents of the sea beneath them. Nevertheless, as Sharada neared, it gave the majority of the group a cause for celebration. "Heh heh heh, if it ain't the star of the show. I hope we provided ample cover for your endeavour." Leaning forwards on the top of his bike handlebars, Eightball gave the girl a raucous grin. Eightball wasn't usually so cheery so it was a change seeing him so ecstatic.

"Suuuuu~uuuuch EXHIIIIIILIRATING combat! I am half tempted to wind up back for some mooooo~ooooore ohohohohoho! I hear the clapping enfore calling for my NAAA~AAAAME! That dreadful, rednecked HIIIICK of a man was no match for my explosions no matter how much he tried biting moi~!" Thrusting a hand into the air and another to the front of his chest, Merton appeared to be his usual theatrical self. A sudden wave of pain etching into his face, it seemed his arm had a severe bite mark along the side of it. "THIIIIIINK NOOO~OOOTHING OF IT! A mere flesh wound! A frivolity!" Dusty on the other hand seemed rather unscathed from the whole ordeal. "Heh, these lugheads. You'd think goin' in there givin' Team Rocket some trouble wouldn't have got them so many injuries. Those guys were tough!" Laughing as he patted the side of his leg resting on the motorbike's foot rest, he pulled down his dust mask and grinned. "Jokes, aside, that was pretty damn hellish. A lot of the time I snuck off to observe the battle. They ain't no standard grunts, that's damn sure." Taking a Pokeball from out of his jacket pocket, he gestured a nod to Sharada and flung it over to her. "Here's Devia. As much as it pains me to return it... Hahahaha!" Pulling his gas mask back up, he mentioned something else. "I see you got the Pokemon." Adjusting his glasses, he made note of their attributes.

Next to congratulate her were Erik and Harley who were standing by the side of Harley's dragster and locked in a warm hug. "You did good, man. Like totally awesome. Harley even got to try out her new sleeping gas!" Bubbling, Harley seemed happy as she let go of Erik and clapped her hands. "I think we've made a few grudges but the main thing is, we gave them a message AND stole back what wasn't theirs. Do you think they suspect anything?" Questioned Harley as she wondered about Sharada's side of the story. Turning to Harley's bike, Erik seemed to be playing with a rather large but of furniture that was strapped to the back of her bike. "I can't believe we got away with this beaut. Now I don't have to keep buggin' ya for a back rub, eh Harley? Hahahaha!" Patting the massaging chair, it seemed some of the gang had made good use of the little foray into the base. Although she had been greeted by a good portion of the gang, there were two large personalities missing. These being Rocko and Looker. In actuality, they weren't too far off but were merely staring out to the sea.

Not quite aware Sharada had caught up with them, they looked solemnly out to the sea, Looker holding onto his fedora as he held it in front of him respectfully. "Ya did ya best through, aye? I mean, not many people can say they fought someone like him AND lasted longer than five minutes. Kinda obvious where Joe gets his knack for battlin' from." Looking down beat, Rocko patted Looker on the back. "And... And... Poliwrath... He went down doin' what HE loved best. That thing always loved a good scrap. Gave me a good punch in the face now and again when it caught me slackin'." His face falling sadder yet, he recalled back some old memories. "Then when there was the three of us bumbling recruits back in the KBF. 'Wrath was a Poliwhirl back then, eh? Heh... Good times..." Showing no sign of expression, Looker merely replied back as if he wasn't listening to what Rocko had been saying. "Yes... Good times gone." Turning his head slightly into view, it was almost possible to see a rogue tear weep from his eye. Considering Looker was devoid of almost all expression, it was testament to how much loss he was feeling right now.

"Tell ya what, once Joe's good to go, you, me and 'im, we'll go racin' back to that place and give his old man a good beatin'. Crush his Pokemon one by one in front of 'im! YEAH! I'll even headbutt them into dust." Looking up as he gave Looker another pat, Rocko noticed Sharada. "OI OI! Shar's back! And she got company too!" Stretching out his arms, the bulky male gave her a solid hug and a pat on the back before standing back. "Good to seeya. Made it all out in one piece. We gave 'em hell like we said we would. Buncha gits though, i've got a few people I wouldn't mind breaking every bone in their body now." Leaning forward, he spoke in a hushed tone, a near miracle for a man as rowdy as Rocko. "Easy on Looker... He had... A mess up with Joe's old man." Giving her a nudge and a wink, he moved over to his bike and began getting it ready to move out. Looker, who stared at Sharada for a good few moments, eventually came over and spoke to her. His tone was emotionless as ever but it did not appear he held her responsible.

"Excellent. You made it out alright." Placing his hat back firmly onto his cranium, he straightened up his tie before continuing. "The Pokemon? I'll take their Pokeballs and keep them safe with me at the warehouse. No hacker will come near them. I swear by it. Now that we have them back, they shan't ever be taken away again." Turning is gaze back over to the shifting waves, he seemed sad despite his lack of expression. "I am glad we were able to help. It was a perfect plan." His eyes suddenly darting back to Sharada, he seemed to have a message of great warning for her. "Cautious of Royce. He is far more dangerous than you might think." Stepping back over to his bike, he stopped midway as he looked over his shoulder. "His... Snag device. It can rip your Pokemon away from your very grasp." Falling silent, he clenched his fist. "And without able to fully keep them under his control... He will kill them." Stepping onto his bike, he turned and faced her once more. "If he even suspects a hint of you being a double agent... You're doomed." Riling up his motor, he finished his warning. "Do what you must in the group, continue to feed information to us, work out their strengths, weaknesses. Even save others if you can. But do not stay there any longer than needs be."

Skidding back as he wheelied upwards, he called out. "Farewell." As he did, the rest of Joey's gang began starting their own motors and saying their goodbyes to her. "Best hurry back, don't want them gettin' suspicious now, eh? Seeya lady!" The last to leave, Dusty, gave her a particularly long farewell. Just as he skidded around to join up with the rest, he pulled down his gas mask and beamed. "THANKS FOR LETTIN' ME BORROW ONE OF YOUR POKEMON!" With that, he hurled off into the night, back to the safety of their hideout.

[Morrigan]

Nudging Kirin gently, the thunderous steed slowed right to a halt in the middle of the gang of bikers, Sharada's arms around Zorua loosening as the trio stared at the freedom which was now around them. Looking around as a good half of the gang surrounded her, the Rocket slid the Pokemon onto Kirin's back, pushing herself onto the floor and stretching after that stressful mission. Straightening up her posture and sending Eightball a grin back, she made sure the three Pokemon were all fine before speaking in return, "Haha, you all did more than enough! I knew it was the right choice relying on you all. Obviously makes sense to contact the best." Turning to face him properly she folded her arms and raised her eyebrows, grin slightly drooping, "I think I caught sight of you in a bit of a tight spot with Porky. He is a creepy guy, right? The way he looks at me is just unbearably uncomfortable--" Trailing off as a rather excited Merton kicked in, she couldn't help but giggle at his words. Shaking her head sht pointed a finger to him, "You have definitely done more than enough. I hope you realise I'll most likely be the one on cleaning duty for the next month, haha!" Tilting her head at the mention of the person he was up against, she suddenly lost all smiles as she noticed his wound. "M-MERTON!" She gasped out with worry, holding a hand forward and taking a step closer to him. Rubbing her forehead wearily as he brushed off her worry, it didn't do much to relax her, "Jeez, be sure to look into that properly , alright? Now I'm worried that you guys got hurt."

Turning as Dusty filled her in some whilst sitting on his bike, what came out of his mouth gave her cause for concern. Rocko looked in a bit of a state and seeing both him and Looker away from the gang only spelt out trouble to her. Most appeared to have stretched smiles but she wouldn't help but wonder. Noting the Pokeball in his hand, Sharada pinned her own together, eyes glued to the tossed ball before leaning forward and capturing it successfully. Pinning it to her belt, she spoke in return, "Besides the odd cut, everyone is okay, right? I don't think I could ever forgive myself or face Joe again if anything serious happened.." Moving to one side as Dusty began taking in the notes of Zorua in his glasses, she glanced over to the rather sweet sight of Erik and Harley in a warm hug. Receiving their praise, Sharada bowed her head thankfully to the pair of them. The mention of sleeping gas reminded her back to the sight of a limp Langley slung over the shoulder of Tyrone. "A-Ahh! So that is what happened! P-Phew.. Langley is a rather out spoken woman and usually demands all the male attention. Haha, without her, I would be a bit lost in an odd sense. Not that she is fond of me or I, her.." Temporarily diverting her gaze to the floor, she peered back up as Harley questioned if anyone suspected anything. Thinking back, she shook her head from side to side. "I dont think so. I guess I'll know for sure when I get back to base. It's a terrible thing to think but as long as Joe gets his hands back on Doopliss and those Zorua are okay, I'm fine with being the sacrifice." Trying her best to laugh it off by looking distracted at the stolen massaging chair, she couldn't help but consider this possibility. She knew Team Rocket wasn't a playground. Chances were there was something she missed which could land her in the spotlight of suspicion. Joe's gang might not like the idea and Joe himself certainly wouldn't, of course Sharada herself was terrified with such a possibility. But it was always looming in the back of her mind.

Turning her head slightly now she had got her thoughts out to the rest of the group, she couldn't help but notice the solemn atmosphere up ahead. What was worse was that of Looker, the way he held his hat to his chest and stared screaming to her that something terrible might've happened to him. Especially as Rocko gave him friendly pats to the back, "Rocko, Looker... Whats wrong with them?" Before her question could be fully answered by another member, she froze at the sight of him looking over to her, moving in with out stretched arms. Trying to cheer herself up some, she took a step forward and embraced him back, being as gentle as possible after watching the hell he had been through with Schnell. "Ooh Rocko" She began, giving him a delicate squeeze before pulling away, "I'll let you know when things quieten down. Rushing back in again anytime soon would be a foolish mistake. So sit back and wait for a word from me, alright? When that time comes, you can break as many bones as you like." Listening closely to Rocko's words, her eyes widened in horror. Casting her somewhat horrified gaze over to Looker as he stared back at her, she scrunched up her shoulders and lowered her head as he finally approached, biting her lip from wanting to order what had happened to him back there.

Straightening up some as finally spoke out, her eyes immediately darted behind her, Kirin nodding and taking a gentle trot forward, turning his back slightly as Sharada began fiddling around with the Pokeballs for the three Pokemon. Not looking at him as she spoke, she retrieved the three balls, "It's fine, Looker. I trust you with everything. One little slip up doesnt mean I think any differently of you." Giving Doopliss especially a little goodbye wave before returning him, she finally turning to the green haired male and handed them over carefully, "I'll return to the warehouse in a day or two to pick them up again. I heard that Unova festival is rolling back in, the huge crowds will give me the perfect chance to briefly hand them to Joe. I'm sure he'll be there." Falling quiet and looking off in the distance as she recalled their last tearful goodbye, she wasn't able to ponder for long about her partner as the mention of Royce finally cropped up. Turning back with a serious expression, she listened closely to his words, watched his hand reactions before finally stepping forward. Grabbing onto the side of his arm as he sat comfortably on his bike, she stared at up at him, guilt flooding her face. "Is that what's wrong?! Did he do that to something of yours?! Looker!!" Taking a step back as he suddenly revved up his engine, she flung her arm to one side, "No! This wasn't the perfect plan if something bad happened to you!" Standing back and glaring away as he firmly warned her of Royce, her stern expression turned into that of shambles. Not wanting to break down in front of the gang, she clenched a hand to the side of her face. The words she wanted to say couldn't quite come out, thus the words, "I... I know. I'm doing my best." fumbled from her shaken lips.

Remaining silent as he suddenly took off with a dramatic wheelie, she couldn't bring herself to look back up. After all this time her emotions were really building up and it was beginning to get harder and harder holding everything inside. Not the type to spill, she continued to push, her flustered, upset face gazing around and nodding as everyone said their goodbyes, only Dusty's sudden flash of a grin being a temporary boost for her. Raising her hand, she couldn't quite manage a wave before he shot off after the gang. Shaking on the spot as they faded, a firm nudge in the back from Kirin brought her back to her senses. Rubbing her eyes and taking in a deep breath, she snuggled against the snout of her partner, "I did a really bad thing getting them involved, Kirin... I messed up. Doopliss is safe but in return for what... Dammit!" Grasping her mouth as she firmly kicked at the floor, she shook her head to try and gather her senses once more. "I really messed up, they'll never forgive me... All of them putting on a face. It was an obvious lie! They all went through so much pain because I took too damn long!" Beyond even tears, the brunette rushed to the side of Kirin and pushed herself up with an agile leap. Turning back towards Goldenrod way, she clenched her teeth, "I dont know what to do." Nudging Kirin's sides, for now she needed to get back to base, false thoughts of the gang possibly hating her swelling up in her mind.