"This just in," the newscaster's booming voice announced from the softly glowing screen of the television set. "Giovanni Oak, head of that organization of criminals known as the Rockets, has been captured, and sent to prison. This notorious criminal has escaped from our clutches on many occasions before, and officials are overjoyed at the capture."
The girl with the green eyes who was watching the set in the darkness stood up slowly, staring, as the broadcast continued. "He has been taken to the Celadon jail complex, and will be taken in for a trial tomorrow morning."
Eyes widening, the girl clenched her fists as the man continued. "And if you think the Rockets can survive without its Boss's guidance, you are completely wrong. Officers have broken into the main base, and confiscated every file they could, then preceded to break into every smaller base listed. All arrested members are being held, and will be given trials on currently unspecified dates."
As the girl picked up a cup of coffee with her shaking hand and took a sip, listening. "Officers were tipped off as to the whereabouts of this unruly man by a Mister John Orested of the Pokemon Intelligence Agency. This agent has been greatly rewarded for his services."
"Kanto's citizens are celebrating at this turn of events. With the Rockets out of the way, this can be a truly peaceful world. Researchers predict that there will be no more deaths due to murder, no more stolen pokemon, and no more cruelty to pokemon in large groups. The might be the occasional unsatisfied citizen, but that's nothing we can't handle," he paused for a second, then continued, "Celebrate with everyone else, for the days of terror are over."
"Don't be so sure," the thin, tired voice in the room muttered. "Don't be so sure…" she repeated, turning away slowly.
Chapter 1
Tension settled over the courtroom as spectators filed in, sitting on the hard, wooden benches. Strained conversations began between the seated as they waited for the event to begin. Witnesses sat down, many already sweaty with anxiety, and became quiet. Jury member entered the box and began to chat, as if this were a park. One lawyer, on the prosecution side, strutted up to his desk with a completely arrogant manner. The other merely walked, confident that he could put up a good fight, yet worried about the incriminating evidence.
Sitting down at the front podium, the judge stared around the room, scrutinizing every face and sending a strange sensation into the room. Everyone suddenly became even edgier. Strained conversation became quiet whispers and died. Witnesses began to fidget nervously, pulling at their hair, moving around in their seats. Even the jury's cheerful conversations began quieter and a bit on edge.
The witness was led in. His cold, sinister stare sent a chill down everyone who saw him, which was what he had wanted to happen. The cold appearance continued as he sat next to his lawyer, ignoring every whisper that floated past him.
Suddenly, the silence was broken. "Order! Order in the court!" Every person present looked up as the bailiff stepped up.
After clearing his throat, the burly man announced, "Here ye, here ye. The honorable Judge Snype is at the stand. Everyone present stand up… and sit down. This is the case of Giovanni Oak versus the state of Kanto, day one."
Booming over the courtroom, the judge's voice burst in, "May we have the opening statement of the prosecution?'
Rising stiffly from the chair, the first lawyer began, "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury. We are gathered here to today to determine the fate of one Giovanni Oak, alleged head of the infamous Team Rocket. We will prove to you that he was, indeed, the head of their association, and that he deserves to be thrown in jail for the rest of his life. Thank you."
As he sat down, all eyes shifted to the defense. The lawyer seemed nervous, but Giovanni hadn't even blinked an eye tensely. "Opening statement of the defense," Judge Snype called.
Standing awkwardly, the second lawyer twitched nervously. His mahogany brown hair was a bit mussed, and his gray-brown eyes had a strange look about them. "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury. I am here to prove that Giovanni Oak is innocent. He was not the head of Team Rocket! He was, in fact, an unlucky man in the wrong place at the wrong time, who, in an unrighteous manner, was given the blame. I will make sure he is set free, and his reputation saved. Thank you." As he sat down, he looked at Giovanni, who just shrugged, as if he didn't care what happened.
"Would the prosecution like to call a witness to the stand?" the judge rather liked ordering everyone around. The authority was almost like some sort of game.
"Of course," the man stood up and walked over to the wooden witness stand. The spectators looked forward, almost eagerly, eager to see who would be called. The jury watched, half-interested. Many had already made their decision. "I call Jessica Pike and James Ross to the stand."
The two former Rockets walked up the isle in handcuffs, followed by a police officer. There were a few startled gasps from the audience, but they were ignored. Jessie held her head high, trying to hide the frightened look in her eyes. James, on the other hand, shook like a terrified lamb being led to the slaughterhouse. His eyes darted around nervously, as if seeking refuge. Both wore suitable clothing provided by the court.
"Now, Ms. Pike," the lawyer's obnoxious voice began, "Is it true that you worked for Team Rocket?"
"Yes," she answered clearly, not letting the fear slip out. "Yes, that is true."
"And is it true that your boss was the defendant, Giovanni Oak?"
Jessie gulped slightly as her former boss sent her an angry glare, but she managed to continue, "Yes, that is quite true."
The few gasps that escaped from the audience were ignored as the lawyer continued, "And how do you know this?"
"Well, Mr. Tress, James, here, and I were given instructions directly from him before, so of course we are able to recognize him."
"I see," Scott Tress nodded, and then turned abruptly to the young man. "And, James, is it true that you too were a Rocket?"
"Y-y-yes…" James stammered, his eyes wide with fear.
"And can you, too, confirm that this man was your boss?"
James bit his lip so hard he felt a small trickle of blood run into his mouth. Giovanni shot him a glare so icy, so full of hate, the young man yelped. Recovering himself quickly, he managed to pick up enough courage to speak. "Yes," he barely squeaked.
The lawyer nodded. "You may step down now."
Jessie stepped off of the platform shaken; yet still trying to show that she was unafraid. James began to bite his fingernails, not even noticing everyone watching him. The two were seated next to their officer as the trial went on.
"I would like to call Lance Ajeck to the stand."
Lance walked calmly up to the stand, his cape flowing behind his stately walk.
"Now, Lance, you are the leader of the Indigo League, correct?"
"Yes," his voice was calm and cool, not the least bit afraid or nervous.
"The defendant was the leader of the Viridian City gym, correct?"
"You are correct," everyone's eyes were on Lance now, wondering how he could keep up the manner he held.
"Did he ever do anything that might… arouse suspicion?"
Lance nodded. "Most definitely! First of all, he preferred not to fill out every form that was needed to become a gym leader. The only reason we let him in was because we needed someone badly. Second, he skipped many of the meetings the gym leaders held. Third, he was gone more often than he should have been. And then there was that lab we found when we had the inspection, and the gym needing to be rebuilt after an accident he claimed was caused by a fierce battle."
Many of the people situated in the audience were leaning forward in their chairs, listening to the information. Even the jury looked like they were awake, paying attention to every word.
"Thank you, Lance. Please step down," the lawyer watched the man leave, and then continued. "I call Mister John Orested of the Pokemon Intelligence Agency."
A middle-aged man, normal weight, normal build, normal eyes… Walked up to the stand and nodded.
"Mr. Orested, is it true that you were able to hack into the computers of Team Rocket and come up with files and files, all listing the defendant as the boss?"
"Yes sir, that is true," Orested had a drawn-out voice; one of those kinds that is impossible to listen too for long without becoming distracted. "We were indeed able to do that."
"Did you bring the files?"
"Yes," Orested handed the lawyer a stack of papers. "And here's the password for the files," he handed him another slip of paper.
Tress looked up at the judge. "May we call an intermission while the jury examines these?"
"Traditionally that is saved for the end…"
"We can break tradition," Tress knew what kind of power he held as a very good lawyer.
"All right," Snype gave in, and pounded the gavel. "There will be a recess while the jury examines the files. Until then, stay in the vicinity of the area.
The audience stood up and stretched, and began excited conversation. They were becoming worked up, and every one knew what the verdict would be.
Daniel Morris ran his fingers through his thick hair nervously as the crowd rose. He didn't have much experience as a lawyer; only what he'd been taught in the last few days. Sure, he could argue, but that wouldn't help. He knew that most of the jury had decided. And then there was that problem…
"Calm down," Giovanni was shaking his head, as if this was a light manner.
"It's just…"
"What?"
"I don't have any witnesses," Dan admitted.
"God…" Giovanni groaned, obviously annoyed.
"Jessie and James were going to be, but…"
"I know, I know. I saw."
Dan nodded, and sighed. "I'm going to see if I can get someone to testify. Got any ideas?"
"No, but…"
"It's worth a try," Dan walked away, leaving Giovanni to think and be thankful that media had been banned from the trial while the court was in session.
As he stood up, Judge Snype made a surprising announcement. "This trial is adjourned for the day, and will commence tomorrow morning at seven."
"But, sir…" Daniel looked up, beginning to protest.
"I can do this," the judge smirked, pleased with his power.
"Oh…" the lawyer sighed, and looked over at Tress, who grinned.
"I've got such an edge on you," the other man laughed.
"Shut up," Dan turned to Giovanni as the officers approached. "I'll try to think of something tonight."
Giovanni only nodded before the officer motioned for him to stand and be led out. The spectators watched, silent, as he threw them icy glares, then shook it off, and walked out.
Dan walked down the isle, past the milling people, ignoring Tress's smirk. Opening the door, he was met with a burst of fresh air. "Finally," he thought, glad to be out of the stuffy room. He immediately began to feel better, though that worry stayed. What would he do about this?
"I could go back to the building…" he thought, and then decided on it. Of course he would. Someone there would have an idea of what to do.
Jessie and James were led out to a police vehicle again, and, once in the back seat, exchanged glances. They knew what could happen to them if, somehow, Giovanni got off innocent, and they feared it. Yet they also knew he couldn't win, and were somewhat confident.
The courthouse was now empty, the seats unoccupied. Yet the tension still hung in the air like some kind of looming fog. There, yet nearly invisible. Seemingly fine, yet somehow, unsafe.
Chapter 2
Shadow Manteal sat at the hard wood table, sipping a cup of tea in a neat, white kitchen. Of course it was neat; Trae insisted upon it, being so well organized. Shadow, however, couldn't have cared less about cleans floors, sparkling counters, and organization. Pulling her blond-brown hair behind her ears, she sighed, gazing into a corner with her dark, sapphire blue eyes.
Sun was streaming through the windows, but Shadow didn't care. She didn't want to go out there, feeling how she did. Just a few days ago, Headquarters had been destroyed. Giovanni had been captured. Many of the agents had been captured. The news was broadcast everywhere, and Shadow felt the same way about the situation as almost every other agent who managed to escape the police.
The whole thing was embarrassing. Officials gloating over the failures of Team Rocket, and how it had been so easy… It hadn't, Shadow knew. It could've been harder, but it hadn't been an easy struggle after they got in. Of course, there was nothing she could do about it now. No one could do anything about it…
Well, Ginger thought she could. So did Felicity. Actually, Dan seemed too, but not as… in depth. Ginger had been thinking hard ever since the break in, ever since they had moved into the house…
The house was two stories high, with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a miscellaneous room, a recreation room, and a study. Set by a street in Celadon City, in a quiet neighborhood, it was the perfect place for some Rockets to hide out. And that's exactly what they did. Herself, Trae, Ginger, Felicity, Dan, and Mike had managed to find and obtain the place.
Sure, they didn't get along too well. She, Trae, Felicity, and Dan all had bedrooms, while Ginger had the study and Mike had the recreation room. Occasional arguments would break out, and she felt that a couple might go at each other's throats. There would be no major injuries, if her predictions were correct. Everyone felt a sense of togetherness, all being Rockets, and all hiding from the law.
"I thought I told you not to come in here!" Ginger voice seared through the silence.
"I need to get something…" Trae's hesitant voice sighed. She was used to this kind of treatment.
"Fine, fine. I was just going to get something to drink." Shadow heard Ginger stalk out of the room and walk down the stairs. The older girl's emerald green eyes were tired, and her auburn hair was only half combed.
Shadow almost smirked at her expression. "What do you want?"
Ginger grumbled something and poured herself a cup of coffee, drinking it readily. She looked at Shadow. "What have you been doing?" It was an attempt to start a conversation, and though she knew it was a pathetic one, Ginger decided that she had at least tried.
Shadow shrugged. "Not much. I'm waiting for Dan to get back from the trial so we can find out what happened."
"Yeah," Ginger took another drink of the caffinated drink. "I'd like to know, too…" She sighed impatiently. "When's he supposed to get back?"
"I'm not sure," Shadow looked at her friends, "You know, you shouldn't worry so much…"
"I know, but I can't help it…" Ginger shrugged. "I have no clue as to where my mother is, and now I've lost my father."
Shadow nodded in understanding, knowing full well what it as like. "At least you'll know where he is."
"You know where yours is. He's dead," Ginger started to say, but thought better of it. Instead, she sighed. "This whole thing just makes me so angry…" Her eyelids drooped, and she realized how tired she was. "I'm going to lay down on the couch." After setting the half full cup on the counter, she staggered off to the living room.
Shadow looked down at her drink. Of course the whole thing was crazy, and everyone was taking it hard. Ginger was taking it worst of all, though. What with Giovanni being her father and all. She herself had lost both of her parents when she was very young, and…
"God, why is it that everyone here is a pig?" Shadow knew without looking up who had stated that sentence.
"Hey, Trae," she looked up, and found, not at all to her surprise, that she was right. The eighteen-year-old Rocket scientist with fiery red hair was dumping the rest of the coffee into the sink, and setting the cup in the dishwasher. "I can't believe you're so neat with all this…"
Trae shrugged. "I'm used to it, after working in the lab, I guess."
The door opened, and Shadow stood up, setting her cup into the dishwasher and closing the machine. Dan walked in, his suit and tie mussed, and his expression forlorn.
"What happened?" Shadow asked, and Trae watched, interested.
"The trial was adjourned until tomorrow…" the nineteen-year-old held his head.
"Here's some coffee," Shadow poured him a cup, and all three sat down.
"It's hopeless," Dan sighed, knowing the truth.
"What's hopeless?" Ginger walked in and leaned against the wall.
Dan didn't even bother looking up. "The trial…"
"What!?!" Ginger had known that was truth. She'd known it all along, but she didn't want to believe it.
"Well, you see, we had witnesses, but they double-crossed us and went against us…"
"Who?" Ginger asked with such urgency it startled him. He also had slept little, but then again, no one in that house had gotten a good amount of sleep.
"Jessie and James," Dan sipped the beverage.
Ginger clenched her fists and gritted her teeth together in an obvious state of anger. "Those dirty, rotten, no-good…"
"Calm down," Shadow was too tired to deal with anything violent.
"…so Tress has this sort of power over the judge. There's no way we can win," Dan was saying.
"Don't ever say that," Ginger growled.
Trae shook her head. "Come on, Ginger. You know as well as the rest of us that…"
"That what, huh? That what?"
"Ginger…" Shadow sighed. "Come on, control your anger." She often felt like a psychologist, the way she reassured and instructed everyone.
Sighing, Ginger shook her head. "Isn't there anyone you can use as a witness?"
"Not unless I can get them to lie."
Feeling a sinking sensation, Ginger opened her mouth to speak, but changed her mind. She wasn't in the mood for this.
"Hey," Shadow felt something brighten in her mind. "One of us can be a witness!"
"That's a really good idea…" Dan looked at her and smiled. "How would you like to be the witness?"
"That'd be great," Shadow grinned. "I'd be kind of like a… last resource!"
Ginger started to protest, wanting to help with the case, but decided against it. "Sure, and I'll go to watch."
"Do you really think that's wise?" Trae glanced at the girl, who shrugged.
"Even if we lose, I'd like to see him before he's sent…" she trailed off.
Trae nodded. "I'll go too. Maybe Felicity and Mike will come…"
"What'll I do?" Mike walked into the kitchen and observed the tired faces.
"Come to the courthouse tomorrow morning," Trae explained. "It was put in recess until than."
"Sure, I'll come," Mike poured a glass of coke. "I'd like to see someone condemned."
"You shut the…" Ginger began.
"Lay off," he took a gulp of the drink. Knowing full well that his comments were rude, Mike didn't care. He had always been like this, and he didn't plan on changing.
"Why don't you make me?" Ginger narrowed her eyes.
"Maybe I should," Mike took a step forward.
Shadow rolled her eyes and stood up. "Come on, guys. We have enough problems without your fights." This was, after all, the fifth one. Those two seemed to clash every chance they got.
"I'm going to my room to get some sleep. Tell me when Felicity gets back," she headed out of the room and up the stairs, towards her room.
"All right, we should rehearse what we'll say tomorrow," Dan got up and headed to the living room with Shadow.
Annoyed, Trae cleaned off the table, and turned to Mike. "So, what do you think of the trial?"
"As much as I really don't want to say it, we're going to lose," Mike sighed.
"I thought you wanted to see Giovanni sentenced to prison," Trae smirked, knowing full well that the young man hadn't meant it.
"I was joking. Some people around here have to be more light hearted," he rolled his eyes. Ginger got on his nerves so bad… She didn't have a sense of humor most of the time.
"Could you guys please get along until we get a few things worked out?"
"I'll try," he shrugged, "But I can't promise." With that, he went to his room, leaving Trae to wonder what was going to happen to the group.
Chapter 3
Felicity stepped into the bright hall, leaving the dimming outside world. "Hello?"
No one answered, but then, that was normal. Poking her head into the living room, she saw Shadow and Dan going over something. "What're you two doing?" she inquired.
Shadow and Dan turned to see the blond twenty-year-old, and explained that they were studying for the court.
"Could you leave the room, please?" Dan asked, too exhausted to bother with talking with her any further. He didn't mind Felicity; she was fine as long as you were on her good side. Now was just a bad time to be talked too.
"We have to concentrate," Shadow explained, standing by her belief that everyone in this house should tell and explain all.
Felicity shrugged and walked towards the kitchen. This house had been tense since they'd obtained it, though she couldn't see why. She herself was perfectly calm, believing that everything would be fine. And if it didn't, that's fate. She was a definite fatalist.
Besides, what was the good of staying in the house? 'There's no point in living if you can't feel alive,' was her motto. It was from a movie, and fit her perfectly.
Her icy blue-green eyes found Trae and Mike sitting at the kitchen table, talking. "Hey guys," she sat down next to them.
"Hi," Trae looked up, surprised. She hadn't expected the girl, who usually stayed out later, to be back. "What brings you back so early?"
"I just felt like it. Besides, there wasn't anything else to do," she grinned.
Something about Felicity bugged Trae, and she guessed it was her carefree manner. Felicity was taking this whole situation lightly, going out just to walk around and go to clubs, while the rest of them were almost worried sick. How did she do it?
"So, what'd ya do today?" Mike asked. Though he loved hearing about what was going on, a part of him forced him to stay in the house until some matters were cleared up. Since Felicity went out, he could hear what was going on from her.
"Not much," Felicity loved telling how much fun she had had, just to prove that it was more fun out there. "I went to a café, hung out at a club, went to a movie, trained my pokemon… you know, the usual."
"I wish I could get myself out there," Mike sighed truthfully.
Felicity raised an eyebrow in surprised. So there was something telling them not to go, just as there was something telling her too go. Well, that explained a lot. "Want me to drag you?" she smiled.
"Maybe you should," Mike grinned back.
"By the way, do you want to go to the courthouse tomorrow?" Trae enquired. "The trial is out until than."
"Sure. Are you guys coming?"
Both nodded, and Felicity smiled again. "Are you going to be able to get over your fears?"
"Yeah," Trae chuckled, followed by Mike.
"Hey, guys," came a voice from the doorway. "I'm going out for a bit."
The three at the table looked up to see Ginger. "Where are you going?" Felicity inquired curiously.
"I'm going to make a house call to a relative," she smiled strangely, picking her knife off of the desk.
"Huh? I don't get it," Mike said.
"That's pretty normal. I'll be back in a bit," and with that, she walked out.
"Where's she going?" Trae asked.
Felicity shrugged. "I don't know, but we shouldn't be worried."
"Who says I'm worried?" Mike snorted, insulted by Ginger's comment.
"Oh, come on, where were we?" Trae leaned forward, attempting to keep Mike from boiling his blood.
"Oh. What will we wear for the trial tomorrow?" Felicity asked.
Mike rolled his eyes. "Let's see…"
"I'm getting a headache…" Shadow rubbed her temples, trying to get the pain to disappear. So far, it wasn't working. They had been working for three hours straight, and still had more to do.
"I'm sorry, Shadow. But you've got to get these memorized," Dan sighed. He really was sorry. Feeling that Shadow was needed to help with the case, he also liked her, and didn't want her to feel any pain.
Staring into Dan's eyes, Shadow wondered what he was thinking. Big and confused, his soft eyes revealed nothing. Wondering if he felt the same way as her, Shadow searched for the answer…
Dan saw the girl studying his face, and wondered if she knew how he felt. Almost wishing she did, he knew it was hopeless. Shadow just wouldn't like it… Not at all. "We'd better keep working," he sighed, and Shadow nodded, a bit disappointed. What was he thinking?
Still and silent, the cool night air was almost comforting to Ginger. Just glad to be out of the house, and surprised she was actually doing what she was doing, she strode forward, toward the Celadon Motel.
Why go there? She wanted to talk too a certain relative. Why the knife? This man might not be too happy to comply. In fact, he might get downright violent if she didn't make the first move. Neither had gotten along very well, but this was for the trial…
This man might have the potential to be a convincing witness.
There it was; the motel. Basically, it was a long row of rooms for visitors who didn't have the money to stay at the Sundance Hotel, or else didn't want too.
Walking casually into the lobby, she saw a list of the rooms and what guests were occupying them. "They certainly aren't much on privacy," she thought as she found the name she was looked for. Room six.
Passing over the cracked sidewalk, she reached a wooden door and tried the golden handle. Locked, just as she had expected. Well, at least he was smart enough to do that. Unfortunately for him, she had a lock pick, and opened the door quite easily and quietly after replacing the simple device.
Pulling out her knife, she slunk into the room and peered around a corner. There he was, talking on an ivory-colored telephone. Perfect. A wonderful opportunity…
Approaching the man from the back, she held the knife to his throat, and hung the phone up abruptly after he dropped it, leaving the woman on the other end utterly confused.
"What the hell…" her uncle growled angrily. His hard, brown eyes flashed as she held his head up by his dark brown hair.
"Come on, Geoffrey, don't talk like that," Ginger smirked.
"Ginger?" Geoffrey recognized that tone of voice. "Well, this is a surprise. I haven't seen you in a while." Letting his voice become smoother, he had a feeling that she wouldn't do anything rash. She was here for some reason other than to kill him, which was just fine.
"Just thought I'd stop by," she relaxed the knife a bit, knowing he wasn't stupid enough to try anything he'd regret. That was the thing with their family; they seemed to know what to do when confronted.
"So, can I get you something? Glass of water, maybe?" Geoffrey joked casually, in the manner he used when his niece, or anyone else, was threatening him.
Ginger smiled for a second, used to this talk from him. "Actually, I'm here to ask you a favor."
Geoffrey started to laugh. "You want me to do something for you?"
"Actually, it's for Giovanni…"
The laughing stopped abruptly. "Isn't he on trial?"
"Yes, and that's exactly what we need you for."
"You want me to be a witness?" he couldn't believe it.
"Yes," she knew he was confused, but didn't care, and went on. "We need another witness."
"Why should I?" There had always been a sort of feud between the two brothers, and a few times, they had tried to kill each other. Of course, both worked on different sides of the law, but he was still… family. And as much as Geoffrey didn't want to admit it, he didn't want his brother killed, which was a possibility.
"Well?"
"All right."
Ginger almost fell over. "Really?"
"Yes. As much as I hate him, I don't want to see him die."
"Die?" Ginger hadn't known that was a possibility, and felt a catch in her throat at the mention of it. She'd just thought jail, a fine… But death?
Geoffrey nodded. "Yes…"
"Oh." Ginger fell silent, appalled.
"Yeah, I know. What's this world coming too? Even criminals deserve their justice," the man nearly laughed.
Ginger pulled the knife back. "How do I know you'll be there?"
"I will," he sighed. "Besides," he nodded towards the knife. "You'll probably kill me if I'm not."
Ginger nodded and managed a half smile, then handed him a few pieces of paper. "Go over these," she instructed. "They're the questions."
Taking the papers, he asked, "How can I help if I know, and have know, that he was the head of Team Rocket?"
Ginger shrugged. "Lie." It seemed the natural answer.
Geoffrey sighed. "Well, if I'm going to do this, I might as well go the whole way. Sure, what the hell, I'll do it."
"Good," Ginger started out the door, and turned back, grinning. "I know you're not just doing this because I threatened you."
As she left, and Geoffrey started to look over the questions, both knew it was true.
Chapter 4
Sun began to stream through the glass windows as the crowd once again filed into the courthouse. Sensations similar to the ones felt the day before were apparent, and the judge once again cast a chilling feeling over the room, while the defendant sent everyone shadows of doubt and fear.
Raising to the court, the bailiff spoke in his deep, crusty voice, "All raise for the honorable Judge Snype. All sit," he paused for a second while every person got situated. "This is the second day of the trial Giovanni Oak versus the state of Kanto."
As the bailiff stood back, Snype bellowed, "Would the defense like to call a witness to the stand?"
"Yes, I would," Dan cleared his throat and ran his fingers through his hair. "I call Shadow Manteal to the stand." The girl stood up, wearing a black dress with a navy blue vest. She hated being so dressy, but had to put on a good appearance for court.
Both walked up, and Dan looked into Shadow's eyes nervously. She just stared back reassuringly, and he nodded, than began, just barely remembering not to call her Shadow. "Ms. Manteal, is it true that you are a gym leader for the Indigo League?"
"Yes," she nodded. "I am the leader of the Curiosity Gym in Lavendar Town."
"And did you ever speak to the defendant?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact, on several occasions."
"Did he seem dangerous?" Dan felt his mouth drying, and wished he had a glass of cool, refreshing water to quench his thirst.
"Not at all," Shadow smiled. "He was actually quite polite."
"And did he ever tell you why he missed several meetings?"
"Yes. He mentioned that his business with the Celadon Casino and a few other places kept him busy."
"I see," Dan wondered if this had helped his case any. "You may step down."
Shadow walked placidly back to her seat with the other witnesses, hoping to God that she had done the work right. Next to her, James kept biting his lip, and pulling on his hair. "He isn't even doing anything," she thought.
"For my next witness, I would like to call Giovanni Oak, the defendant, to the stand."
Giovanni walked up calmly, and stared at the audience angrily. Dan realized that he had better start. "Mr. Oak, are you the leader of Team Rocket?"
"Why would I be?" Giovanni growled angrily. No one had told him he was going to be a witness, and he didn't want to go against what he had made. Others could lie about it, but not him.
"Do you have any wish to be?"
"No." This was truthful. He didn't. Not after what had happened. Glaring at James, he almost smirked when he saw the kid grimace. Suddenly, he was hit with a realization. Most of the team had deserted him. They could've volunteered to stand up for him… He had seen five Rockets who were still faithful to him. What did it matter if he lied?
"Have you ever been the leader of Team Rocket?" Dan repeated, hoping Giovanni would give the right answers. Everyone had been surprised to see him called up, but Dan felt he needed more evidence on his side.
"No, and I never want to be. And I think this is all a load of bull," Giovanni growled angrily. "I've never had anything to do with Team Rocket. Heck, I don't have the time to deal with running a crime organization!"
Dan saw the flame in his client's eyes, and sighed. "You may step down."
"Do you have anymore witnesses?" Snype asked, bored. The jury sat, heads in their hands, half-asleep. Witnesses were almost snoring, and Orested was ready to boast about how he helped bust the head of the organization.
"Well…" Dan began, and saw Ginger gesturing to him. "Hold on," he walked over to the side, and Ginger walked up, handing him a piece of paper.
"Just call up this witness, and ask these questions," she explained. "It's where I was last night."
Dan looked confused, and Ginger sighed, uncomfortable in the black skirt, shirt, and vest. "Just trust me on this. He's here. I saw him. It surprised me, but I saw him." With that, she walked back to her seat by Trae.
"What was that?" the fiery-haired girl asked.
"Another witness."
Dan walked back up, and Snyder barked. "Well?" He didn't like interruptions in his court.
Looking up from the sheet, Dan fidgeted, and then called, "I call Geoffrey Oak up to the stand."
Looks of amazement from the audience became apparent as the man, wearing a brown suit and tie to match his hair and eyes, walked up to the stand and looked coolly out at them. He bore a similarity so like to Giovanni it was amazing. The same looks, the same calm… The coolness hid anxiety. He knew he could lose his job for this. He knew what could happen; yet here he was.
Giovanni's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. This was the first time during the whole session he expressed any surprise. His brother? Geoffrey? But why? He knew what could happen to his brother… and they both had hated each other… so why?
Orested almost fell out of the seat, having worked with Geoffrey at the agency for at over ten years. Why was he standing up for this man, who was obviously the boss?
Suddenly, the jury sat up, sensing the reaction of the crowd. Not wanting to miss anything good, they immediately opened their ears and listened.
Dan swallowed, and began the questioning. "Is it true that you are my client's brother?"
Geoffrey felt sick, but answered. "Yes, I am."
"And have you known him for a long time."
"Yes…"
"Have you been in touch with him lately?" Dan felt the stress, and wondered if this would help at all. Certainly everyone was now listening, watching his every move.
"Besides trying to kill each other?" Geoffrey thought, but knew better than to say that, and instead replied, "Yes, we meet every month or so and discuss business and the like." It was the best answer he could have come up with the night before.
Dan continued, wondering if anyone saw through the lies. "Did he ever mention Team Rocket?"
"Yes, several times. He told me that they had broken into his casino on quite a few occasions, and had to be cleared out by officers. He also stated that he was working on a way to find the base. He never thought he'd eventually be mixed up in this."
"And how did he attempt to find the base?" Dan was now asking questions not on the sheet, but he didn't care.
Geoffrey's mind quickly created yet another lie, and inside he cringed. "He followed agents, forced agents to talk, and eventually got inside. Of course, Mr. Orested," he motioned with his hand, "Over there, chose that time, with his friends, to break in, and they arrested the wrong man." He felt a strange surge of nausea, and nearly let it slip that he was lying.
Silence settled over the courtroom. For all everyone knew, this could be the truth. The whole concept could be changed… Even the most stubborn members of the jury felt the doubt creeping in their minds. "No further questions your honor."
Geoffrey walked off the platform and past Giovanni, who stared at him in a way that sent a strange chill through his heart. "Why?" he mouthed, completely baffled. Geoffrey simply shrugged and sat down.
"No more witnesses," Dan sat down next to Giovanni again, who still appeared to be in shock.
"Because Mr. Tress moved that there be no cross-examination, the court will meet tomorrow for the decision of the jury. Remember, jury, that you are deciding the fate of the man who is alleged to be the head of Team Rocket." Snyder wondered if he was the only one who truly and completely believed that Giovanni was the man they were looked for. "Jury, go to the deliberation room."
Every individual stared as the group walked out, then looked at the judge, who proclaimed, "We will meet at ten tomorrow."
Raising, the people began excited conversation. Dan turned to Giovanni before the man was led away and said, "I tried."
"And you did a damn good job," Giovanni nodded.
Dan walked over to Geoffrey, and tapped him on the shoulder. "What?" the man sounded annoyed.
"I just wanted to ask why you lied for him?"
"He's my brother," Geoffrey shrugged.
Orested waked by and glared at his associate. "I'll make sure Amy hears about this. You'll be fired and you know it." The man walked away, laughing.
Dan cast a glance at Geoffrey, who shrugged. "I don't give a damn. Really." He did, though. Fear was surging through him, but he was good at keeping it hidden.
"Well… thanks." With that, Dan walked over to Ginger, Shadow, Trae, Felicity, and Mike, who were waiting for him by the door.
"Good job," Mike patted Dan on the shoulder. "Where'd you get that last witness?"
"I got him," Ginger pointed out.
"Oh, be quiet," Mike sighed, not really believing her. Ginger only rolled her eyes.
"Can we just go home? My nerves are standing on end," Dan sighed.
"Mine too," Shadow agreed, and they looked out. Rain was beginning to drip, but none of them minded. Together, they stepped outside and headed toward the house.
Geoffrey stared after the kid, shaking his head. That one testimony had the potential to ruin him… He hoped it wouldn't. No one could prove he had lied. No one knew what he had known… That hit him with a jolt. Safety was his. Conviction was out of the question, because all he had done was testified something no one could possibly go against.
Feeling a bit better, he headed out the side door, which was much less crowded. On the way out, he saw Giovanni standing outside the van in the dripping rain, while the officers unlocked the door at an annoyingly slow pace.
Giovanni caught his eye, and felt confused all over again. Why in the world had his brother helped him? After they'd tried to kill one another, he'd lied. Why? Did he want something? The answer was plain and simple. No.
Geoffrey nodded at Giovanni, and walked on as his younger brother was led into the back of the police transport.
Yes, he would come to the courthouse the next day.
Yes, he hoped Giovanni won the case.
Chapter 5
Tension engulfed the small, crowded Celadon house as night fell.
Trae poured four cups of coffee and set them carefully on a tray with some sandwiches. Everyone had skipped lunch, and she doubted anyone would be very eager for dinner.
Setting a cup of tea next to the coffee, she sighed and lifted the plastic dish, turning towards the entrance. Everything had seemed strange after the trial. The occurrences were too quite, too anxious…
Trae shook her red hair vigorously. She too was falling into the despair of knowing they had lost. It seemed strange to feel that way when she had hardly known Giovanni, but in a way, this trial could be the end of the Rockets.
Stepping into the large den, she found that everyone was at least trying to relax. "Good," she thought. "We all need to." She felt that it was unhealthy for so much strain to be overpowering them.
"Hey, Trae," Dan spoke in a tired voice, sitting back in a two-seat blue velvet couch. Part of his mind reassured him that the case was one, but the larger part, the more sensible part, knew otherwise. There was no way to win. Especially not against Scott Tress…
"Thanks," Shadow grinned as Trae handed her and Dan next to her the cups. Drinking a mouthful, she found that it helped sooth her a bit. The fears about losing were partially silenced. The whole thing was strange, though. Even if Giovanni was convicted, there had to be another way, yet no one could find it…
"Give… coffee…" Mike, sitting sideways in a black chair, with his feet hanging over the arm, attempted to lighten things up, though fairly unsuccessfully. Shrugging, he took the warm cup and took a sip. "It's drinkable," he joked. No reply. Everything was too quiet and sulky for his taste.
Ginger took her mug quietly, staring away from the couch she sat on to the wall. Racing around in a wheel, her mind seemed to be going nowhere. What if they lost? She wouldn't see Giovanni again. And that would be the end of her parents, as she knew them. Everything was wrong.
Trae settled onto the couch next to Ginger, set the tray down, and picked up her tea. "So, what do you guys want to do?" she attempted, but got no real answer.
Felicity strode into the room with a glass of ice water and collapsed onto a white two-seat couch. Upon seeing everyone so silent, she spoke up. "So, why so glum?"
"They're just depressed," Mike was glad to have someone to talk too.
"Hey!" Shadow laughed.
"That's better," Felicity nodded, and switched on the television. "Want to watch a movie?"
"Sure," Mike and Shadow spoke in unison, and Trae nodded.
"All right, any ideas?" she waited half a second, then jumped up and walked over to a cabinet. "Okay, I'll choose," she slipped in the video, and pressed 'Play.' After this, she settled back onto the couch, grinning.
"Gee, what movie could you possibly have chosen?" Mike rolled his eyes in mock annoyance, knowing full well what it was. "Could it be… oh, I don't know… 'The World is Not Enough?'"
"Hey, shut up, it's starting," Felicity watched the screen intently, and Mike, laughing, did the same as the bright MGM studios logo flashed brilliantly.
Shadow leaned over to Dan and whispered, "You did a good job today. Don't blame yourself." She really felt sorry for him. After all, he was leading a sinking ship, and doing his best to keep it up.
"Thanks, so did you." Dan liked the compliment, especially from her.
Trae tapped Ginger on the shoulder, and asked, "Are you okay?"
"What?" Ginger twisted her face, managing to hide how she really felt.
"I mean… never mind," Trae drew back and turned back to the movie. Ginger had been so exclusive lately, and the reactions were strange to Trae.
Ginger turned back to the screen, though she basically looked through it. There was nothing she could do about their situation, and that was what bugged her. She was helpless to the verdict. Inside, she felt herself being torn apart by the wild emotions, and she hated it. It hurt her so bad…
Felicity noticed none of the occurrences, felt none of the emotions, traveling around her. After realizing her parents didn't care, she had learned to ignore what she felt, to go with her will and instincts. It was strange. Almost like not feeling pain…
Somehow, the movie managed to calm nearly every soul occupying the house, and, eventually, everyone stopped worrying completely. Strangely enough, watching a movie was the best they had done in what seemed like a long time.