Well then, how long's it been, hm? Two months? Three? Five? Too long. I may be rustier than the car down the street. You know the one. Anyway, time for a true update, something more than just your average review.
This is for The Contest for Those We've Left Behind, hosted by MessengerofDreams and jusged by Araceli L, Kattheamazing, and MouseMaster 42. For those of you who haven't thought about entering, try it! And for those of you who have entered, good luck. I intend to make you need it.
Well, with little more stalling, I suggest we start. Let it…Begin!
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"There he is!"
"Get him!"
"He's headed for the Compound! Don't let him escape!"
"I have an Arcanine! Chase him down, Blitz!"
The Trainer's Poke Ball burst open in a flash of white light. Though the display was typical, Lucario couldn't help but shudder as he ran. The howl of Blitz the Arcanine caused his tail to involuntarily twitch in fear.
It had been a normal day for the Aura master—until he had stepped into the local Pokémon Center to ask for Nurse Joy's help back at the Smash Compound. The moment Lucario's paw had touched the tile floor, all heads had turned to face him. People and Pokémon alike began to glare, eyes burning with anger and malevolence. It took one word to trigger the charge of humans and uninjured fighters.
"Monster!"
Lucario had taken as many twists and turns as he could evade the mob. Turns down major streets and alleyways alike availed him naught. Even with the Aura behind him, the Smasher was unable to evade the persistent Trainers. When reading their emotions, all he found was unbridled rage; vehemence capable of ripping weak minds and bodies apart in both literal and figurative fashion.
Desperate, Lucario had taken to the forest, aiming along a beeline for the Smash Compound. But even this had no effect on the frothing mass of anger behind him. Driven by some unknown desire against the Aura Pokémon, the people and Pokémon behind him continued the pursuit without hesitation. Now the Trainers were calling on their full teams to hunt Lucario before he could make his way to safety.
The Aura master risked a look back, only to duck as a burst of fire that scorched the branches in front of him. Suppressing a curse, Lucario took a swift right into a ring of nettles and dove under a large bush.
Few people knew this secret. Not many Smashers were even aware of the secret tunnel leading to the basement of the Dining Hall in the Compound. Master Hand had only trusted the three most honest warriors with this secret. In the event of a horrible emergency, Smashers would be able to bypass the defenses of the Smash Compound for a quick exit and find help.
Lucario quickly pried open the hatch, unsealing it with his powers. It would take the special abilities of himself, Mario, or Princess Peach, or Master Hand to open the lock. The Aura Pokémon quickly bolted down the hole and sealed the entryway; and not a moment too soon. Another burst of fire incinerated where his body had been, stripping the brush bare and exposing the passageway to the pursuers. Master Hand would not be happy about having to move the escape tunnel, but it would have to be done now.
Panting from fatigue and fear—an emotion he hadn't felt in ages—Lucario took a moment to calm himself and focus. He had to find any clues as to why these people and Pokémon were after him. By fleeing to the Smash Compound, he had involved his friends, as well. Lucario owed them as much of an explanation as he could offer.
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"You don't know?"
"No, sir."
Master Hand made a motion imitating reclining in an office chair. As the Hand-lord pondered the turn of events, Lucario took a moment to appreciate the room. Through a surprising combination of Spartan organization and well-chosen decoration, the headquarters of the leader of the Smash Brothers organization exuded a presence of ancient authority that, to one who didn't expect such a display, could be overwhelming. While Lucario wasn't distracted from the problem at hand, he was able to understand the sentimental and physical values and emotional effects of such a room.
At length, Master Hand leaned forward again. His tone was patient, yet slightly confused. "An interesting tale, Lucario. In fact, I had just heard the story when you'd just come in. However, there were a few more details.
"For one, there were a number—a large number—of complaints about attacks from a terrifyingly powerful fighter using purple energy to terribly injure Pokémon in unrelenting and interminable battles, fights that wouldn't end until the Trainers fled the battle in tears. There have been over fifty reports of this, and the culprit is said to not have taken a single scratch."
"I'm afraid I do not understand the relationship."
"This threat is said to have large ears, a large tail, and the ability to stand erect on two small feet. Many of the reports also said that the criminal—for these actions border on terrorism—is a Pokémon with the skills to be a Smasher. And there is only one Pokémon in our facility that matches that description."
Lucario was flabbergasted. "Surely you don't suspect me?"
"I would, except for one thing: You are one of the most calm, reasonable Smashers in the facility. If I were to ask anyone to mediate a conflict, it would be you. However," Master Hand's demeanor switched to one of resignation, "The people do not see you in your natural state. All they see is incredible fighting prowess, the ability to be a weapon more lethal than any gun or blade. They are certain that this monster is you, and they demand retribution. My hands are tied here, and there are few options other than turning you over. Do you know what they'll do to you, a wild and presumed violent Pokémon?"
"I would imagine euthanasia would be the first option."
"Correct. However, you forgot several things. Those things are Pokémon special attacks. The police in Smashville do not employ Pokémon and cannot deflect such moves without risking injury to their own forces. You would be at the complete mercy of the angry Trainers. Death would be a blessing. There are no—"
"No nullification fields. I am aware. But there must be some other way."
"…There is. The Smashers are largely a close-knit group. Many of them—myself included—look up to you for your sensibility and calmness."
"I understand."
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"So why me? There are a number of justice-seeking bounty hunters among our ranks. Samus, for example."
Lucario gave his friend a hard stare. There wasn't time for this! "Samus has three matches over the next few days."
"Link?"
"He doesn't understand advanced technology."
"Neither do you, which I suppose would be difficult. The Star Fox team?"
"I should only choose one to accompany me. And in terms of justice and experience, there is only one person who we trust more."
Captain Falcon couldn't help but give a cocky smirk. "Me."
"Yes. Besides, I had a thought: The Falcon Flyer could conceal me while we find the true culprit."
"A bright decision. Besides, nobody would dare invade my personal property. However, fuel costs money. I'm afraid I'll need payment for my services."
"But that's—"
"Something we can work out later. You don't bring justice by asking for payment. You earn it by getting things done." Captain Falcon held out a gloved hand. "Consider your request handled."
Relieved, Lucario acted in kind. "Thank you."
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Don't think we're anywhere near done! All of seventeen days left and this is just kicking into high gear.
Lucario and Captain Falcon make an interesting combination. The Aura Pokémon: Calm, peaceful, self-aware. The racer: Flashy, bold, and impulsive. What better way combination for an mystery? …Well, I suppose if there were a third, moderate character, that would be better, but that's not in the plan.
So, how many of you have solved this already? I hate to say it, but it's pretty obvious here. If you have, please try to keep it to yourself. No need to spoil it for those who wish to find out by reading.
Also, a special "Happy birthday!" to EmilySamara, who turns rmflmnfl today.
So until nest time, ciao chow. Oh, and don't forget the car polish.