Pokémar Episode V, A Clone's Destiny

Hook, Line, and Sinker

The days pass as our training with Josh and company continues. As to be expected, progress is slow at first. His expectations on what battles are like needs to be changed. Less about overwhelming strength, more strength tempered with a tactical approach. About reading one's opposition and seeing the chinks in their armor that can be used to his advantage. According to Thunder, his side of training goes well. Much of his focus is aimed at showing them how to "read the room" so to speak and showing them when to strike and when to dodge. These skills should be of great use to them when they start going into competitive matches.

Meanwhile the day of the tournament approaches. Thunder, Growlithe, Mewtwo and I have planned out our approach. They're likely to strike in the early morning before the crowd gathers and most of the equipment and pokemon are on location. So that's when we will be there. I won't ask Jackson to join us on the mission itself. If it turns out to be a no show on Rocket's part he should be there to enjoy the event with Josh. 

Once there the four of us will spread out and keep watch, using Mewtwo's telepathy for quick communication. Once spotted we follow them back to wherever they operate out of, organize a breakout, and scour the place for clues. And if all else fails, at least rescue whomever they kidnap from the tournament grounds. 

Soon the time comes. We wake before dawn and pack our things before heading into town. The event is being hosted in the track and field of a local school. Bleachers line the oval track standing at a modest height over the flat field with a pokeball emblem painted on the grass in the center. I've noticed that pattern almost everywhere I go. On storefronts, floor tile patterns, advertising, even products. It's strange to see it nearly everywhere I go, but I've grown fairly used to it over time.

"Security seems unusually lax here." Thunder comments.

"According to Jackson this event isn't particularly well funded. Guess they couldn't afford it." I reply.

"Even after Rocket's sudden rise?"

"Without funding there's not much that can be done."

On the east side of the field I see a brick shed likely used to store sports supplies. It's a fair bet that pokeballs are in there too. That will be a point of interest to keep an eye on. 

"There." I point the shed out. "That's probably where the thieves will strike. "Mewtwo, take position on the roof of the school. You're our eyes in the sky. Keep watch and stay out of sight."

"Understood." They levitate up off the ground and soar over to the school building, landing gracefully. I feel a strange sensation in my head as their telepathy takes hold, as if part of three other consciousnesses have seeped into my brain and were taking up space. Everyone ready? I say mentally to test the connection. I feel three other voices echo in affirmation in my head. Communication without a single spoken word. Awesome.

Alright then. You all know the plan. We all nod and split up, sticking generally around the shack. I take position under one of the bleachers while Thunder and Growlithe hide in a patch of tall grass that the groundskeeper apparently couldn't be bothered to deal with. With everyone in position the hard part comes, the waiting.

An hour passes with no sign of Rocket. Several of the trainers have arrived hoping to get in some quick training before the matches. And as I suspected, they're using the shed to store the pokeballs and, by extension, the pokemon when they're resting. 

Another half hour passes before anything interesting happens. Two new people show up to watch as the trainers practice. They look tense. suspiciously tense. 

You all seeing those two newcomers? They look pretty sketchy. I say in my head.

I do. Mewtwo replies. You believe these two are the thieves we are waiting for?