Edo League, Oran Residence
Angelica had been busy ever since she was given leadership over the Breakers. Aside from dealing with Marco she had to manage a group of sadist, not a job she was happy about. As a rule most Team Rocket personnel who became Breakers enjoyed the job. Level Fiving pokégirls was easy; taking a strong girl and getting her to the point she would obey orders from anyone was much harder.
As she went over the daily reports her mind began to drift back to her last meeting with Marco. She could have had him killed on the spot but she didn't. He could have captured her and her girls but he didn't. "What am I going to do?" She spoke softly to herself.
Croma had been sitting nearby and nuzzled up behind her mistresses neck. "I don't know, we have our meeting with Delilah in a few hours. After that what happens next is anyone's guess."
"The Dark Queen... I guess it makes sense to send someone like her after a target like him. Still, we're going to have to be extra careful about how we handle things from now on."
"Mistress?"
"He's smart, his girls are smart, and his actions during that last meeting tell me he knows our game. Olivia and Tracy could have been taken and there's nothing we could have done about it. He's already given his ultimatum to the boss and us our last warning to get out unscathed."
Phoebe and Sevon shared a look. The Guard Maid had been on the fence about what she was feeling but now seemed to be a good time to lay her cards on the table. "I think we should just leave Team Rocket completely. None of us like the direction this is heading in and if this keeps up were all going to end up dead."
Angelica turned to address the Guard Maid with her normal calm demeanor. "I appreciate what you're saying but I can't leave... at least not until I can be sure that what's most important is safe."
"But we're safe here."
"It only looks that way. I know they know where I am, I've moved several times over the years and they always seem to find me eventually. By now they know I'm in the Edo League and I'm certain they have operatives who can come here. I guess as long as I'm helpful when necessary there's no reason to bother me."
Sevon thought about the situation for a moment and a question formed in her mind. "Mistress... if you're so opposed to Team Rocket why do you work for them?"
"I was born and raised in the organization, no clue who my parents are though. From a young age I was raised to believe pokégirls were tools; things to be used, traded, bought, sold, and whatever else but never loved. Oddly that was the same way I was treated for a time." She spoke with a hint of disgust. "Sensei was the first and only person to ever treat me with any kind of worth or respect. I was sent to her at a young age to learn how to fight. She taught me a lot more than fighting though. It was really just a miscalculation on their part. You can't feed a child information that says one thing, and then put them with a person who will be like a mother and convince them otherwise." As smile appeared on her lips and she took a sip of her drink before continuing. "With my multitude of blood gifts I'm assuming they were waiting for me to threshold but after that didn't happen I was transferred to being a regular Rocket tamer. My true calling though was working with and 'Breaking' pokégirls, while most of the tamers used force I used a lighter touch. I guess you know where things went from there."
"So you're with Team Rocket because you were raised to be?"
"That is correct, and no one just leaves the organization. I've hunted down enough of those to know they take deserters very seriously."
At that moment the Grand Mistress made her way into the room. "Matthew is down for his nap, you all had better get moving if you're planning to make your meeting on time."
"Thank you Sensei, we should be back in a matter of hours. Croma, Phoebe, let's get moving."
Croma's ears tilted back slightly. "I guess this means we can't sandbag anymore on dealing with Readman. Um... is there any way we can get my sisters before everything goes to hell?"
Angelica turned sharply, taking the Cerberass gently by the chin, her eyes focused yet soft. "Dear, do you remember what I explained to Evan?" Croma's nod was subtle but still there. "Then don't you believe it would be rather dangerous to do such a thing if we have a hand in killing Marco?"
"Ye... Yes Mistress."
~~~~~
Delilah, Aoko, and Sera, had already been in the area and were waiting around for their companions to arrive. The Dark Queen was slightly surprised that Marco had agreed not to interfere with the meeting but that came with a price of its own. If she was going to be working with Team Rocket again then he couldn't let her in on his upcoming plan. This had her quite intrigued as to what he'd come up with.
The trio had been there for an hour when Angelica walked up with Croma and Phoebe. While the Dark Queen wasn't as imposing as rumored to be the Breaker had a strange feeling about her. Both met in the center of the same area Avalanched had made their trade in. While Delilah had taken to wearing her regular attire of leggings, black skirt, white long-sleeve shirt, and long coat; Angelica was dress in her magically enhanced long coat and gloves. She didn't trust the Dark Queen for obvious reasons and was prepared to fight if necessary.
"Delilah I presume?"
"Yes, and I believe that makes you Angelica. Thank you for meeting me. I tend to work alone but our mutual acquaintances expressed a strong desire that we work together towards a common goal."
"Common goal, that's a laugh." Angelica remarked with a hint of disgust.
"Pardon?"
"I've read the file on our target and before Mr. Domico's untimely yet not so unfortunate demise I expressed the fruitlessness of our particular job. Tell me, what do you know of Colonel Marco Readman?"
Delilah motioned towards a table. After the pair got seated and the others took up guard positions at separate tables they got down to business. "Marco Readman, age 26, Colonel in the Indigo Military, leader of the Avalanche unit. He has a tamer harem of six, four well trained pokégirls and two from the unit that travel with him as well as a 'non-combat' Duelist who's actually the Alpha of the unit. Joined the military as an officer at an early age and is designated as a strategist and tactician. Has fought in urban, rural, and overseas campaigns and until some classified event has never lost one of his girls."
Angelica nodded and crossed her legs. "That's great text book knowledge... but have you discovered anything outside the norm?"
Delilah mimicked the gesture and sat forward. "Information is my business, both personal and professional. But I believe I've talked enough, would you mind sharing what you've learned?"
"Of course, I've met and interacted with the man; through various actions he's confirmed my suspicions. After reading his harem composition as well as watching them all in action I've come to the conclusion that he's a Redemption Tamer. Harem's partially comprised of broken or formerly abused breeds. He takes these girls and caters to their needs and forms unbreakable bonds, I'm certain that most are delta bonded to him, the harem at least. All that he commands will willingly give up their lives to keep him safe and will turn against any who try to subjugate them... Evan found that out the hard way." She snickered. "On the whole I think it's pointless to try and capture these girls or kill Readman. In either scenario the casualties on both sides will be unacceptably high and what's left that we obtain will be vicious and suicidal. The whole unit is as smart as he is, not the kind of thing you want to let loose in a base."
Delilah sighed and sat back. "Also as I suspected." She was expecting Angelica to be smart, all their intelligence reports alluded to such, but she wasn't expecting her to be that intuitive. "You're in charge for now, have you come up with any plans for handling such an adversary?"
Just as Angelica was about to speak the area around their table began to haze over. Clad in her regular skintight leather along with a short pleated skirt and long coat, Andzral appeared. Both women regarded the Hunter Bondage Elf with a hint of irritation. They weren't sure if her master knew how crazy she actually was but they were both well aware of it.
"Oooooh a secret meeting, can I join?" She whispered. "Delilah, always a pleasure to see you. Angelica, it’s been what... five or six years. You're looking... old."
Angelica regarded Andzral with a curt smile. "Something like that, I guess we're all brought together by your ineptitude."
"Excuse me?" Escaped the lips of the elf in something between a snarl and a growl.
"Well if you had done the job right the first time then I wouldn't be needed to take control of this operation. You've lost your edge."
"Ouch, low blow and the ref takes a point away. Still I've come closer to killing him than anyone else sitting here."
"Only because I was stuck following Evan's incompetent ass." Angelica fired back.
"And I haven't tried to kill him yet." Delilah stated flatly.
Andzral turned her attention to the Dark Queen. "We know, you were there for what did you call it? ‘Observation and documentation.' If you had stepped up earlier he could have been taken care of before he became the problem he is."
"Well pardon the fact that he hasn't reached the same level of importance to me that he has to you all. When that does become an issue," her hand ignited in a brief flash of Hell Fire. "He will be dealt with quite swiftly. But enough pleasantries, back to the matter at hand. You were going to say Angelica?"
Angelica straightened her coat and began tapping on the table top. "I personally, would vote that we abandon all hope and attempts of trying to kill him or capture Avalanche. The risk isn't worth the inevitable trouble and possible rewards... which also brings its own trouble." Delilah and Andzral both had blank expressions on their faces and Angelica waved them off as she continued. "But since that obviously isn't an option we wait for his next gym battle and send teams to the area. I'd like to take him out quietly but I think excessive force will be required." Her attention turned towards Andzral. "Last I knew your master was out of a job so we can't sweep this under the rug."
"Yep yep, Master is no longer chief and gets to stay home with us. Ahh, I haven't enjoyed tamings that much in years. On the topic of discussion though, my Master would like for this to be a joint operation and to bring in Campbell in addition to me joining the fray."
Delilah shook her head. "Putting aside the desires of the psycho's master, what would you like from me?"
"Hey! I'm not a psyco."
"Right," Angelica remarked in disbelief. "You're welcome to work side by side with me. I get a feeling that you and I will go well together. Campbell is a hothead and makes bad choices, not someone I want to bring in on a precision operation like mine. Unless it's as bait of course."
"We can arrange something that will benefit all concerned parties, though I do prefer to work alone. That and I don't tame just any human." Spoke Delilah in her overly pleasant tone.
"Don't get too cozy with her Delilah. Our boss thinks she may be wavering a bit in her duties." Andzral stood up and began walking away from the table only to turn and look over her shoulder. "I'll go for now though. My dear Angelica, if you see Readman again and he manages to live through the next encounter, tell him I'm coming for him... and to bring my sword with him, I have something one of his girls may want back." The Elf announced with a maniacal laugh before teleporting away.
Delilah's eyes shimmered for a moment and she stood also. Reaching into her coat pocket she retrieved a small card and handed it to the Breaker. "Here, I can be anywhere on the planet at any time but you should always be able to reach me here. I've taken up enough of your time though; you must have more important matters to deal with."
Angelica rose as well and nodded. "Yes, sadist to deal with."
"I was speaking more about the little one you left somewhere." As Angelica's eyes widened in shock and surprised her emotions radiated fear, panic, confusion, and anger letting the Dark Queen know she'd guessed right. "How you're wondering? You have crayon on your collar and the smell of a young life about you. Anyone who's spent time around kids knows it."
As Angelica gripped the edge of the table the lining of her coat began to glow in a blinding white while the gems in her gloves sparked to life. "You’ll swear you won't breathe a word of this to anyone or I swear on his innocent life you won't leave breathing."
The Dark Queen leaned forward putting one hand on the edge of the table and letting fire flicker across the other one. "Is that a threat Angelica?"
"That is no mere threat," behind her Croma and Phoebe began to rise but she put her hand out to halt them. "And I don't threaten what I can't handle personally."
The fire died from Delilah's hand as she stood up straight again. "I was wondering if I was going to like you or not after this meeting, I guess I have my answer now." She brushed herself off and picked a piece of lint from her coat. "I like you so your secret is safe with me. After all," she stuck her hands in her pockets and began to walk off as Aoko and Sera fell in behind her. "A secret's what makes a woman a woman." Seconds later she recalled her two subordinates then vanished, leaving Angelica alone and frustrated.
Croma and Phoebe ran up just as their mistress punched down and shattered the stone table top. "How could I have been so careless?"
"Mistress?" Croma asked before taking a look at Angelica's undamaged hand.
"She didn't know until I let my emotions get in the way." Her hands clenched and gloves continued to spark as her aggravation grew. "If any of the others find out about Matt then I'm sunk."
"Should we eliminate Delilah?"
Angelica sucked in a deep breath to steady herself and started to walk through the wooded area by the stadium. She needed to calm down and think clearly before she made rash decision. "No... Not unless there is a sudden need for my face to be seen in person. Though if what Delilah said is true then I might have more problems on my hand than just her, Andzral would be a bigger problem than Delilah."
Phoebe nodded in agreement. "That Dark Queen seems trustworthy enough but not Andzral. She's far too unstable to bring in on this."
"I know but if I hold back on this then I'm going to be in the limelight. Delilah and I may be the only ones who can see the true danger in capturing Avalanche." As they were walking away an OfficerJenny blew her whistle and began running to catch up with them. "I do not need this shit today."
"Excuse me, Miss!" The officer called out to get their attention and cause them to stop. "I'd like to ask you about some recent vandalism in the area."
The officer was within ten feet when Angelica appeared to blur then shot forward and struck her in the throat, then grabbed and electrocuted her until she passed out. The Jenny dropped to the ground in a motionless heap and the trio continued on like nothing happened. Not thinking anything of it Croma continued the conversation where they left off. "You were talking about the danger of capturing Avalanche?"
"Yes. Phoebe, do you think you could destroy a fully manned Team Rocket outpost on one of the routes?"
"Not by myself."
"If you and everyone else got together, you think you could do it then?"
"Under the right circumstances... yes, it's possible."
"Good. Now, I want to know honestly from each of you. If you were all captured at the same time, who would be the first to break and who would be the last?"
Both girls stopped dead in their tracks and looked at each other. Croma was the first to speak but hesitated. "Sevon would break first, Sensei Cleo would be last, and everyone else falls in the middle somewhere."
"I'll go with that." Replied Phoebe.
"Fair assessment. So you'll work better as a team and in the time it would take to break Sensei odds are they would learn that fact as well. So for the sake of getting the most out of you seven you'd be forced to work together, good idea, makes sense..."
"Except?"
"Arianna had been in Team Rocket custody for months, still disobeyed Evan or made things difficult, and in the end killed him when given an open opportunity. It took months of tamings, beatings, physical, and psychological torture and she still turned. So Mr. G's plan is to try and convert over a dozen girls just like her and use them to his own ends."
Phoebe placed her hand against her brow and shook her head in disbelief. "My god, that's just stupid. The first chance they got they would destroy everything in their paths. The one I fought, your sister Zianna, she was monstrously strong. Had I continued that fight... I wouldn't be standing here now."
"Don't feel bad, the one I fought wasn't even military and she still pushed me to the edge." Croma sighed.
"You both performed wonderfully and came back alive, that's what's most important. But now you understand the danger behind what we're doing. Hell, now that I think about it clearly, killing Readman is the opposite of what we want. He'd serve us better as a hostage." She said sadly as she looked back down the path they had come down.
Croma noticed the strange look on her mistress's face. "Something wrong Mistress?"
"I'm just considering going back and finishing off that OfficerJenny. I always seem to get a clearer outlook after I exert some energy."
"So now capturing Readman seems like a good idea?"
"No it's a horrible idea; it's just the better option in the long list of bad ones."
_____
Weeks had gone by while Marco took the time out to make sure his plan was as solid as he hoped. In that time he had also fulfilled the wishes of the ladies of Avalanche and had to admit to himself he was tired. Each girl was enthusiastic and he refused to disappoint them. Consequently he also hadn't been getting much sleep in the interim. His worries were starting to compound themselves and preventing himself from flying off the handle about something non-important was becoming more and more difficult.
He'd read Delilah's report on her meeting with Angelica as well as an odd report from an OfficerJenny who approached a tamer and her pokégirls and was beaten up by the tamer. The descriptions matched and Marco had seen some of the power she possessed first hand so there was no doubt it was Angelica. Logistically, the fact that she had a child was seen as a non-issue by the military. To Marco though, it presented both a problem and an opportunity.
His time in the military wasn't just meetings and paperwork, as a strategist and tactician his plans and decisions had killed more people than he had personally. The targets they were given he didn't think much about but civilians sometimes got caught in the crossfire. Knowing his plans have destroyed families who didn't deserve what happened never set well. While it was true Angelica was a target, she was a target who wanted out, only now he knew the reason why.
The colonel was sitting at his desk when Isabella bounced her way into his office. Most of Avalanche's attitude as of late had been more upbeat than normal. Marco attributed it to them possibly always fringing on going towards feral and the taming setting them straight. "Evening Colonel." She announced in a cheerful tone.
"What is it Bella?"
"Just dropping by to give you an update on the Domico Dex. It is currently 95% done and should be fully decrypted by the time we get in tomorrow. Also we can now access the feeds from those cameras for tomorrows plan."
"Ok, good work. Did you patch them into the recorders and facial recognition program?"
"Sure did, I also set up relay towers so my drones can be operated remotely from here. You can get visual on any of the cameras you need from your pokédex."
He let out a sigh and nodded. "Also good work."
"You ok Sir?"
"I'm just tired. Where are the others?"
"Harem's training because Quinn is still pretty bad, Delta is cooking. Indigo and Echo are marking the prime ambush locations and setting up hidden cameras. All teleport capable members have been taken to the exact locations that were highlighted and can get there at a moment’s notice." She gave him a once over and began to look rather concerned. "Maybe you should lay down for a bit."
"I plan on turning in early today, go get Chesra or Kelly for me. Whoever you find first."
"Will do Colonel, Um... Colonel?"
"Yes Bella."
She looked quickly at anything but him and continued. "We... we all appreciate what you did to... for us. In case no one else said it, thank you."
"Well I do trust everyone enjoyed themselves, that was the purpose after all. That and as an apology, either way you're all welcome."
Isabella noticed he didn’t mention whether or not he enjoyed himself but thought it best not to ask. "Yes sir." She spoke softly before closing the door behind her. Her trek to the kitchen was a short one and both Chesra and Kelly were setting the table when she walked in. "The Colonel is exhausted."
Chesra set out the last of the silverware and nodded. "Rightfully so, he's been taming every night for three weeks. Zianna was the last to go and she was exhausted afterwards, imagine how he must feel."
"He asked to see either you or Kelly when you got the chance, it didn't matter which one, and mentioned turning in early."
Kelly looked to Chesra. "Who's supposed to be his bedmate for the night?"
"Carrie I believe. Though she won't mind losing a night if it means he can sleep well. Besides none of us want him snapping at anyone. If you want you can drop him off while we get everything set."
"We all need to turn in early tonight. Tomorrow is going to be hectic and we'll need to be at the top of our game. I'll go and see what he needs; if someone could pack something for him to eat later I know he'll appreciate it."
The Duelist walked off towards the office while Emaline retrieved a plastic container to put his food in. "Maybe we overworked him." She said with a slight laugh. "Do you think his plan is going to have the desired effect?"
"If his plan is to piss them off and drive them mad then I think he has the right idea. Nothing more irritating than trying to track a target on multiple paths." Arianna laughed. "We should be taking out Rocket tamers left and right."
Nikki started her way around the table as she set out plates. "What do we do if we run into Angelica?"
"Tell the colonel and let him decide," Chesra stopped as she counted the number of plates. "Don't worry about a spot for Chris and Ariel, they left for dinner earlier and will be getting a hotel."
"Right, it's their anniversary." The Sexslash recalled. "Ariel is going to love her present."
Emaline chuckled to herself. "The present, the after dinner taming, it's all good."
Back in the office Marco sat thumbing through the various cameras he had access to when Kelly walked in. "You wanted to see me?"
"Yeah, you get to drop me off at home, alone." He grumbled slightly.
"Chesra and I kind of figured as much. Emaline is getting some food together and Chesra will inform Carrie that our recent demands for your time and body have left you weary and slightly irritable."
Marco's chuckle was weak but honest. "Yeah, things are heading in that direction." He slid his chair back as she made her way around the desk to sit in his lap. "I always hate having to reschedule time with you all."
"We know, but occasionally we forget how much you have to go through to put up with all of us. We can be quite... demanding."
"When I decided I would be a tamer I knew I'd have to get used to a couple of things. Demanding as you all are I wouldn't give a single one of you up for a second."
"Sweet talker, let's get you in bed. I'll see to the others." They both locked into a passionate kiss and in a flash she had teleported them both onto his bed. "There, safely at home, care for a pre-sleep blowjob?"
"Be gone lovely temptress." He said with a smile as he laid back.
_____
Edo League, Oran Residence, 2200 local time
Angelica's nightgown hung loosely around her chest as the sound of the communicator woke her up. She rolled out of bed and threw a jacket on. The call was coming in from the Indigo League and it was morning there so she turned on a holo-display built into her windows to displace the time of day. "Oran here, go ahead."
"Miss. Oran, Marco Readman has just been registered for a gym battle on Cinnibuns Island."
"Ok, start getting into position and I'll... hold on, there's another call coming in." She clicked over to see another one of the team leaders. "Go ahead."
"Yes ma'am, Marco Readman has just registered for a gym battle in Celaboner City. We're moving into position."
"Wait a second, he just registered in... hold on I have another call." She took a breath to calm down and clicked over to yet another team leader. "Go ahead."
"Miss. Angelica, Marco Readman has just registered for a gym battle in... Douchsiabag... City..." The team leader couldn't quite place the expression on Angelica's face but could see her turning red.
She just couldn't hold it any longer. "...FUCK!!!" Yelling loud enough to wake and scare everyone in the house.
~~~~~
Celaboner City, 1100 local time
By the time Angelica had gotten dressed and the rest of her harem ready the other teams were already mobilized and roaming the areas. She knew Marco was crafty but this stunt was infuriating. There was no way she could cover three separate sites on her own and would have to call for support.
Her first call would be to Delilah. "Morning, Delilah I need you in Celaboner as quickly as you can get here."
"I'll be there shortly, where should we meet?"
"There's a cafe by the gym, I'll be waiting there."
A half an hour had gone by when the Dark Queen finally showed up. By then Angelica was on her second cup of coffee and though awake still very irritated. Taking a seat across from her, Delilah wore a look of concern.
"What's the situation Miss. Angelica?"
"Marco Readman has been registered at three gyms at the same time. He hasn't been sighted yet but my instincts are screaming danger."
'Well done Colonel Readman.' "I'm sure this is a trap of some kind but I don't know what. What orders have you given so far?"
"As of right now we are just waiting for physical conformation of his presence. It's best for everyone if we can take him alive but that may not be an option."
"What are the locations and who's going where?"
"I'm sending Campbell to Cinnibuns Island and Andzral will head things in Douchsiabag. You and I will be here."
"He hasn't gotten a badge from Viridick; maybe someone should go and wait there."
"I considered sending someone there but this is his attack, he'll want to be in areas where he and his girls can move freely. Viridick City is too stringent for someone like him to not standout like a sore thumb. We're both here because the high population makes it an easy place to move around a lose pursuers."
Delilah nodded in agreement. "I like the way you think. Aoko and Sera are on hand to assist if needed. What would you like to do if he's spotted here?"
Angelica sighed. 'I'd like to wave to him and go on about my business.' "I don't want him killed; if he's dead then it just creates more problems in trying to handle his harem and unit. It's better if he's captured, they will come for him."
"Wise decision," her coffee had arrived and she began spooning sugar and cream into it. "If we've learned anything from Evan it's that those girls will be hard to break. Better to have some leverage when dealing with them."
Angelica's comm. unit began to beep, she handed an extra one to the Dark Queen so they could both listen in on what was happening then switched to the correct channel.
"This is TRT 4 checking in from Douchsiabag, I have eyes on Readman and his harem. They are leaving a shop and heading towards Ambush Team 2. We're moving in to engage."
Angelica tensed up, it was way too easy. "Proceed with caution. I want him brought in alive."
The comm. unit clicked and suddenly Andzral's voice could be heard. "Screw that, you kill him the moment you get the chance."
"Which is it, catch or kill?" Growled the tamer.
"You're following my command Andzral and I say we capture him." Replied Angelica in an irritated tone.
"We don't need him alive, let's kill him and be done with it." Andzral snapped back.
"You don't know what we need and you aren't there! We need control so we capture."
"Look, both of you! He just went around a corner and we're closing in. If I can subdue I will, otherwise... what the hell is that? FALL BACK FALL BACK... NO! AHHHH!"
The line went silent and the three women were left with blank stares. Angelica pressed her receiver. "TRT 4, TRT 4 respond. AT 2 check the last location of TRT 4... AT 2 respond! ... Damn it. Andzral, get to that location and tell us what you see."
"I'm already on the move." As the minutes rolled by Delilah and Angelica stared back and forth at each other. The Dark Queen had no idea what kind of stunt Marco was pulling but it was having a profound effect. Finally Andzral checked back in. "Nothing..."
Once again the gems in Angelica's gloves began to spark. "What. Do. You. Mean. Nothing?"
"Don't get pissy with me, nothing means nothing. No blood, no gore, no signs of a struggle, no scent, it's like they were never here in the first place."
"Calm down you two." Spoke Delilah. "We need to keep clear heads if we're going to combat this man. How many humans and pokégirls did we just lose?"
Andzral looked at her roster and let out a chuckle. "Two humans and eight pokégirls. We lost two humans and eight pokégirls in what amounted to thirty seconds."
"For now let's assume that the pokégirls never got released from their pokéballs. Anyone of us could take out a pair of humans before they could react. How many more teams are there?"
"I sent six TRTs and ATs to each location. We aren't counted amongst their numbers. But still that's twelve teams per location." The beeping started again and Angelica looked down at her display. "Everyone switch to the Cinnibuns channel." She explained before switching over. "Go ahead TRT 5."
"Ma'am, I've spotted Readman and his harem, currently leaving a pokécenter and heading towards the beach via a wooded path way. They should cross paths with AT 4 in a few minutes. What are our orders?"
Campbell's voice screeched over the radio. "Rush in and take them out as soon as you have a chance."
"Belay that order!" Angelica commanded. "TRTs 1 and 2, converge on that position as quickly as you can. Take it slow and be careful. We want him taken alive not dead."
Andzral shook her head from her post in Douchsiabag. "She wants him taken alive... the rest of us are pretty keen on killing him."
"Don't mind her; I want a play by play of whatever's going on. I need to know exactly what you're looking at when you see it."
The TRT leader opened the channel and continued following Marco and his harem. As far as she was concerned the pictures they were given didn't quite do the group justice. They were all a lot bigger than she would have guessed. As she continued to follow she checked the positions of the other teams.
Now well into the woods they were starting to notice how quiet it was. Aside from the lapping of the waves against the beach not a sound could be heard. Visibility suddenly dropped as the area began to fog over. Out in the distance a flock of birds and avian pokégirls took off from the area at high speeds. The teams stopped and released their pokégirls as they heard an eerie clicking heading in their direction.
"TRT 5, status report."
"This is TRT 5, its gotten harder to see and something has the wildlife spooked. Some strange noise."
Andzral increased the volume in her head set and took it off. "Let me hear what you're hearing." It took a few seconds for the tamer to get situated but they got the microphone to the point it was picking up the sound. The Bondage Elf recognized the sound and her heart almost dropped. "That's a Widow... run! Leave there as quickly as you can!"
"Wait... what did you say..." She looked up as the fog cleared and her eyes saw the creature staring back at her. Six easily seen red eyes glowing in the mist stared down from a staggering fifteen feet in the air. The mist seemed to vanish just to reveal the nightmare that towered over them. Hyper Venom dripped from every mandible and scythed arm as the terror closed in on them. The TRT 5 leader couldn't move, just dropping to her knees as urine ran down her legs. "... AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"
_____
Marco sat in the Operation Control room watching as his girls swept up the Rocket Tamers and pokégirls. Jean and Alexis were doing a masterful job of terrorizing the enemy. The visions were so real that most were too stunned to move and while they were relieved that there was no Widow they found themselves in the custody of the military shortly thereafter.
Mina sat beside him wearing a sinister smirk. "You're a brilliant evil man you know that."
"I try, how many have we collected so far?"
"Six humans and thirty-seven pokégirls. How much longer until they decide to call it quits?"
"No clue, but I see another eight teams in ambush spots. Who should we hit this time?"
Mina looked across the monitors and spotted another female tamer. "Awww isn't that cute, I think she's asking if they can leave. Think Angelica will go for it?"
"I don't know, we haven't been to Celaboner yet and that's where Delilah's beacon is pinging from." Reaching across the console he clicked to bring up the radio channels then chose one of the unit members. "Selena, how are things going out there?"
"Excellent Colonel, most are paralyzed with fear and don't move until it’s all over. There was one that even thanked us for showing up when we did. Everything is going exactly as planned."
"Good work, check your cameras, there are more teams heading to our designated ambush areas. If it’s safe I want you to get the drop on them if not then call for Jean so she can draw them out."
"Yes sir, heading back to work."
"Stay safe," He clicked the receiver again and linked to Chesra in the harem. "Ches, how's everyone doing out there?"
"All is well Master; Quinn is taking things slowly so we’re using her as a lookout for the time being... One second..." Chesra pulled her head away from the microphone but Marco could still vaguely make out what she was saying. "Can't you hold it...? No, we're setting up for the next group already... Well if you have to go that badly then use the pokécenter... Yes, fine, whatever, just go and hurry back... God damned rookies." Chesra pulled the microphone back to her throat and continue. "Sorry Colonel, Quinn had to pee and doesn't like the idea of going in the woods... Christ."
"Take it easy Chesra. I remember when a certain someone still never took her armor off." He chided over the line.
Marco couldn't see the embarrassment on her face but definitely heard it in her voice. "Moving on... do we have actual plans for a battle today or is this just to piss them off?"
"This is to drop their numbers and scare them. By now Angelica's figured out that her teams are being taken away, she'll probably start pulling them back just to decrease the possibility of losing more of them... Now will you look at that." One of the ambush teams had managed to calm down enough to start looking around. Bit by bit they continued checking their surroundings until one finally spotted the hidden camera and removed it. "She's pretty quick. Chesra, Selena, get the teams together and blitz Ambush Post November."
"Copy that."
Mina continued to sit there next to her colonel and drummed her fingers in boredom. "Not that I mind hanging out next to you but shouldn't I be doing something constructive?"
"I have a special job for you, just waiting until I find the right... there she is." Marco scribbled something on a piece of paper and dropped it into an envelope before writing a name on it. "Go and switch places with Alexis, give her that and tell her not to open it. I'll give her instructions from there."
~~~~~
Angelica was seconds away from banging her head on the table. She had finally figured out Marco's trick to locating her teams but now anyone who found a camera she lost contact with. She was going to try and use that to her advantage but it was all happening too quickly and at random locations. Delilah was almost starting to feel bad for her. Team Rocket had picked a fight with someone they didn't fully understand and now that he was fighting back none of them knew how to deal with it.
"Perhaps we should cut our losses and just leave him alone. This is becoming rather costly." Delilah suggested before taking a small sip of her coffee.
"Don't you think I already know that? I don't want to do this; I don't want to go after this man. It’s not just because he is kicking the shit out of us either." Groaned Angelica. "Why are you after him?"
"Pardon?"
"You're a freelance Dark Queen. He's done something to you to make you go after him, what was it?"
"Me? I have nothing against the Colonel at all. He doesn't figure into any of my future plans and quite honestly the fuss our benefactors are putting up may make things more difficult for me. As a matter of fact if this continues on I may be forced to cut ties all together. But what of you, why are you so opposed to going after him?"
Angelica paused as the question hit her. "He's a genuinely good person... The first time I met him he made a flattering comment about my appearance, as you can see my time with Team Rocket hasn't always been the best. But he said what he did and meant it. When we fought later that night he captured one of my harem. Had they been capture by a member of Team Rocket other than myself they would have been treated much the same way you saw Evan and Haures treating Arianna. Not him, he never touched her, his girls never touched her. She was spoken to with respect, allowed to take an actual bath not just a cleaning cycle, and fed as well. When she escaped she didn't want to give up any information on them and I couldn't blame her. Having previously been in Evan's harem, it was the best she's been treated in a long time. Then I met with him again on Sadie Pokén's day. I had been watching him for an hour, could have ended all of our problems right there but I couldn't do it." She sat back in her chair and massaged her temples. "Instead I sat down and talked to him. He could have taken me in right then. Just killed me or captured me and the members of my harem that were with me, but he let us go, giving us one final chance to get out of his hair. I wish I could take it but as you know, there's more than just my life to worry about. I've hunted enough members that have tried to leave to know Team Rocket doesn't tolerate deserters." She hadn't been paying attention but noticed an envelope with her name written on it sitting on the edge of the table. "Where did this come from?"
A chilling voice was felt upon the back of her neck and until right then neither she nor Delilah noticed the thin blade placed at the front. "The Colonel's orders were for me to simply drop off the letter then leave. Knowing him he's probably telling you that no lives were lost during the attempts to take his, that everyone we capture has been arrested, and that this is the final warning to leave us all alone. Going to continue his regular plans for today and would rather not be bothered. I was going to tell you that this really is the final warning and if I ever saw you again your fate was sealed." Alexis removed the butterfly knife from Angelica's neck in a single click. "But in light of this new found information I don't believe further threats are necessary. You have your own problems to deal with after all."
Still tense Angelica didn't move as she spoke. "After today's massive failure it won't be up to me anymore."
"Oh I know. When I mentioned new found information I wasn't talking about anything you said. Haures, Andzral, Campbell, and Mr. G, whoever that is, they don't get warnings. It's kill on sight for them. You're free to relay that information to them but something tells me you won't, you do have little Matty to take care of after all. Should we meet again circumstances better have changed, otherwise... never again."
Having felt the presence of the pokégirl leave Angelica slumped down in her seat and glanced at Delilah. "What the hell was that?"
"Colonel Readman's Cherub, a Sargent in Avalanche I believe."
"Never heard of a Cherub acting or saying things like that."
"Most people are quite misinformed when it comes to Celestials. They can be just as evil, vindictive, and mean spirited as Infernals, it's just wrapped up in a pretty package. So what are you going to do now?"
"What else can I do, contact Mr. G and tell him the operation was a bust." She explained while she removed her phone from her pocket. The phone rang for just a moment before it picked up on the other end.
"Angelica, you'd better have some good news for me."
She let out a dishearten sigh and prepared herself. "I do not. The entire thing was a setup. We've lost over a dozen team members and who knows how many pokégirls. And..." She sucked in a quivering breath only to let it out slowly again. "And this is the last time I'm going after him. The costs are too high and..."
"Who the fuck do you think you are telling me what you will and won't do? Maybe if you tried harder this wouldn't have been a problem!"
"Now you listen to me you armchair general! I said we lost a dozen teams and a bunch of pokégirls! You asked who I think I am that I can talk to you like this, I'm the person you put in charge, the smart one remember!" One of the waitresses had made her way over and was preparing to ask her to keep it down when she was grabbed roughly by the collar. "If you think one of those fools can do a better job then give it to them. I don't care!" She yelled before slamming down the phone and looking the frightened girl in the eye. "Sorry about that, my boss was giving me a hard time. What can I do for you?"
The anger and frustration that was radiating from the woman just moments ago was gone; replace by a calm even temper. Never the less the waitress was still afraid. "Um... Would you like a refill?"
"That would be lovely, thanks." She released the girl, though not before sliding an SLC card down the front of her blouse then turned her attention back to the Dark Queen who hadn't flinched the whole time. "Damn moron, I'd like to see him do a better job."
"I doubt he could. You've all managed to stir the Buzzbreast hive and he isn't going to play nice now. I can tell that just by how the Cherub went about delivering his message. The hunters have become the hunted, stalked by a vicious beast who has continued to take it easy on us so far. But what will you do now?"
"Prepare for things to go off the rails. Marco will be coming here soon." Angelica announced as it dawned on her.
"What makes you think he's heading this way?"
"I must mean something to him... maybe he sees me differently than he does the others. Either way this letter is a warning. His girls will follow his orders but they see me as dangerous and to protect him they may just make me disappear. He'll think that I stopped chasing him and I'll be long dead." She looked down as her phone started to ring. "Here we go... Hello."
Andzral's maniacal cackling could be heard by Delilah as the Bondage Elf spoke. "I don't know what you said to Mr. G but he's relived you of all duties concerning Colonel Readman and placed me in charge."
"I told him I was done going after Readman and he could give the job to whoever was dumb enough to continue this path of destruction. I guess that would be you."
"He also said you must pay a price for your insubordination. Seemed kind of torn on what to do about you though. I mean Domico was the only one who didn't fear you and he's dead now so who knows what actions he may take. Campbell and I are busy for the moment so you don't need to worry about us, but you should be careful if any meetings come up."
"You're not the only hunter Andzral; I know how the game is played too. Goodbye and good luck." She spoke harshly before hanging up the phone. Her eyes shot upward and locked onto the Dark Queen across from her as the lining of her battle coat started glowing white again. "And where do you stand Delilah?"
The Dark Queen rose from the table before fishing a clip of SLC out of her pocket. As she placed it on the table she leaned down, almost going nose to nose with the Breaker. "I won't stand for being threatened a third time." She stuffed a hand in her pocket using one to wave and open the door. "I also don't side with losers, that card I gave you is still good should you ever need my assistance. You'd be surprised at the friends I have."
"Thanks for the company." Angelica muttered as she sat alone starring out the café window. The Skies were turning dark. She'd been in the Celaboner gym before and knew that they would be closing the skylights soon. "Thanks for the warning Marco, I wish I could do the same for you."
_____
The harem and Marco stood outside the Celaboner City Gym and starred at the entrance. Once again Brock Stuart had made statutes featuring the regular harem of the gym leader’s pokégirls. His skill was such that it seemed as though they would come alive where they stood. Marco just continued to stand there was a bored look on his face.
The Celaboner gym was one of two that he really wasn't looking forward to, the other being the Viridick City Gym. Celaboner was simple enough; he couldn't stand the idea of doing a contest battle. While he could do magic on a battle field trying to coordinate a dance routine was out of his range. Then there was the Viridick gym, whose gym leader was known to be one of the toughest the world had to offer. He wanted to have everything else complete before going there to fight.
Marco gave himself one last look over and cringed. It was the second reason he hated the idea of going to the Celaboner gym. "I really hate wearing stylish things."
"But you look great Master," Carrie beamed as she straightened his trinity knot. "Very presentable." Marco never would have believed that someone could make a chainmail gown but Carrie had found one.
"If you say so, of course you all look breath taking. I'm sure the string of number that will appear on my monthly statement will be worth it."
"Come now Jackass, we're always worth it." Henrietta laughed while taking a strong stance in her grey and red pants suit with silver sunglasses. Dresses just didn't fit her personality any more and Marco wanted them to be comfortable at the very least.
Much like Henrietta, Ashley went with a black and yellow pants suit. Special fibers had been woven into the fabric and allowed the excess electricity flowing through her hair to travel through the suit. "To be fair our clothes were very expensive. I hope this won't be the only time we get to wear them."
Marco looked into the soulful eyes of the Peekabu and shook his head in defeat. "Of course not, there will be other special occasions I'm sure."
Chesra just shrugged and turned her head in a huff. "I refuse to wear such useless clothing."
"Is that the Armsmistress in you, or is it because outside of battle your coordination is worse than Marco's." Henrietta teased.
Bernadette stood next to Chesra in her casual wear also. "I be agreeing with the Bosun here. Tis a waste of time... even if the Cap'n does look quite fetching."
“I insist that you stop calling me that. I’m a Command Sargent after all.
Pinching the bridge of his nose Marco glanced at the two girls. "I respect the fact that you two don't want to participate in this charade, but I also don't want to come back here again. Besides, us being dressed like this is just a formality, chances are we won't have to do an actual coordinator battle."
While the others gave him odd looks Jean walked up next to him wearing an oddly plain looking dress. "The master planner that he is Marco probably told Kasumi to let slip some information that would cause Erika to reconsider a coordinator battle."
"And what kind of information would that be?" Gripped Bernadette.
"That he has Carrie and I. Two top notch entertaining pokégirls. She would rather lose in a straight battle than get shown up in the competition she helped bring to this league."
Ashley nodded her head in agreement. "That makes sense, but if that's the plan then what's the actual battle order... and where's Quinn?"
"Quinn was going to be our person over and have to stay in storage; she doesn't like pokéballs so I sent her with Selena who paired her for watch with Nikki. As for the battle formation; Carrie, Jean, and you got the clean-up Henrietta." Marco explained while heading towards the gym doors."
"And if she goes for the coordinator battle anyway?"
"Same set up. Henrietta has a lot more style and flair than we give her credit for. Ow, what the hell, I was giving you a compliment."
Henrietta blushed slightly and put her hands back in her pocket. "It didn't sound like one."
Marco had heard that the gym was run entirely by women and judging by the well-kept decor of the reception area it was true. The interior of the gym was furnished in a classic Edo League styling; wall scrolls hung neatly and level across the corridors and every woman there greeted them with a polite bow as they passed by. Finally one of them stopped before them.
Clad in a long flowing pink kimono, her black bob cut hair was held neatly in place with a pink headband. Flawless porcelain white skin and a friendly smile looking back at him.
"Good afternoon, are you Marco Readman?"
"Um... Yes, yes I am. And you're Miss. Erika Hikami, Celaboner City Gym Leader."
"Yes, it's a pleasure to meet you." She greeted them in a deep bow. "Kasumi said that you would be stopping by for a battle of sorts. Such a lovely harem, and magnificent outfits, all dressed for the event I see. If you all would please follow me, the dressing rooms are this way."
Marco nodded slowly and the group began to follow behind her. He was floored by her grace and poise. Slowly his sense came back to him and he remembered the conversations he'd had with Kasumi and later with his mother.
~~~~~ (Flash back to his bedroom with Kasumi)
The tiny gym leader was still snuggled up next to him as she thought about his request. "Of course, I'm in pretty well with most of the gym leaders and these particular ones shouldn't be a problem. Which one were you actually planning on hitting?"
"I was considering getting the Celaboner gym out of the way."
"Eww, a guy like you will want to be careful of Erika. She's the perfect example of a Yamato Nadeshiko."
"Yama what?"
Kasumi chuckled and scratched a fine line down his chest. "Your mom is Vana F. Readman right?"
"Don't tell me she has another title I didn't know about."
Later that day found Marco wandering around the Dogpatch Fair Grounds when his mom and little sisters appeared. The younger girls loved Sadie Pokén's Day and jumped in one of the lines while their mother and brother talked.
"I figured you would have stopped by sooner."
"I would have son be there was business I needed to handle in VerMuffEatin."
Marco raised a halting hand. "I don't want to know. As long as I don't know I can honestly deny having anything to do with whatever happens to Daniel Tanner."
"If that is your wish son." Vana said proudly. "You look like something is puzzling you."
"Yeah, have you ever heard of a ya... Yamano... That's not right... Yamato Naaadee?"
"It's pronounced Yamato Nadeshiko and I'd advise someone like you to never date one. You're smarter than your father and it's a bad pairing for you."
Marco threw his head back in a fit of laughter. "And I thought boys were supposed to look for a girl like mom... (smack) ow..."
Vana was not amused at the thought of being compared to one of them. "I would like to say I'm more cunning than a Yamato Nadeshiko but I'd be wrong. Should you ever find yourself having to deal with one let another woman do the talking."
(Back to the present) ~~~~~
"Mr. Readman? Mr. Readman, can you hear me?" Erika asked as she lightly waved her hand in front of him.
"Sorry... I kind a spaced out for a moment. You were saying?"
"Yes, I said that as the guest you may choose the battle style of your preference. Personally I simple adore the elegance and style of a coordinator battle. Finesse and grace over power and brute strength, watching our girls use their abilities in new and imaginative ways. Can you think of anything more exciting?" Her smile wasn't flirtatious, just a genuinely sweet simple smile. "Oh dear, that just won't do." Gently reaching up she took his tie by one hand and pulled him closer before straitening it. "There, looking just as sharp as your harem."
Marco swallowed hard then glanced down. As her hands were leaving his tie he caught a glimpse of what appeared to be the hilt of a dagger hidden in one of her kimono sleeves. His eyes shot to the other sleeve and further down there was the butt of a small pistol. "Much appreciated... Henrietta, Chesra." He called, his mother’s advice coming back to him.
The Ghostrider and Archangel took their places next to him, standing confident as always. "Sir?"
"I'm handing all decision making over to you two for the remainder of my being here. Orders stay the same; don't let me get ahead of myself."
Another woman walked up to stand next to Erika. She was older than the gym leader but no less beautiful. “Ah, I see you have a sharp one here Erika. If he lets his girls call the shots then he won’t be suckered in by your act.” She bowed politely to Marco before extending a hand. “Cecilia Hikami, Erika’s mother, it’s a pleasure.”
“Mother… sister, with two beautiful young women it’s hard to tell the difference and I don’t know of a man with a pulse who would complain.” Marco bowed as he turned on the charm before taking her hand. “Marco Readman.”
“Oh, someone has trained him quite well. Good posture, friendly smile, strong yet gentle hands; if I wasn’t so old I wouldn’t know it was all an act.”
“Old? Such a harsh word, I would rather go with experienced. And I see you have passed it down to your lovely daughter.” He gestured to Henrietta and Chesra. “My ladies will still be calling the shots. Seeing as I’m still under her spell I won’t be thinking clearly for a while.”
Erika covered her mouth in a polite laugh. “Flatterer, though it is pleasing to see you have such faith in your pokégirls. No doubt this will be a battle to remember.”
|
Alpha- Kelly- Duelist |
|
Delta |
Echo |
Indigo |
|
Beta- Chesra- Archangel |
Beta- Henrietta- Ghostrider |
Beta- Mina- Kunoichi |
|
Arianna- War Hound |
Field Beta- Selena- Caphoochie |
Zianna- Wolf Queen |
|
Kim- Bombshell |
Rebecca- Smokey |
Renae- Ice Princess |
|
Nikki- SexSlash |
Alexis- Cherub |
Isabella- Mecha Musume |
|
Emaline- Fire Maiden |
Lily- Belle Awesome |
Tam- Catgirl |
|
Ilene- Imp |
|
Leona- Lamia- KIA |
|
|
|
|
Harem
Chesra- Co-Alpha
Henrietta- Co-Alpha
Carrie- Mistress (M)
Ashley- Peekabu
Jean- Kyubi
Bernadette- Piratit
Quinn- AirMaiden
Handler
Christina Reynolds
Ariel- LawFoxx