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Chapter XXI

"Dad!" Mark got up and hugged his father as he came into the room.

"Hey Mark," said Kissinger, "How you're doing?"

"I'm good."

When Mark looked up at Kissinger, he saw the bruise on his son's cheek, "What happen to your cheek?"

"Long story," said Mark, "The short version is, we got Tesla."

"What?"

Kissinger saw the Pikachu in question on the couch, sleeping soundly. That was a surprise, Tesla seem to always turn up in the most unlikely places. Well, not always unlikely. His dad's house was a hub for Irvin and Tesla during their heyday. Maybe he came back because he wanted relief, "Is he doing alright?" Kissinger asked.

"He's doing alright Emmett," said Matt, "We cleaned him up and re-patched his wounds, he just fallen asleep."

Kissinger sat down on the couch and watch Tesla as his belly rise and fall as he breathes, "Has he said anything?"

"He talked a lot," said Ash, "He told us his story, he even told us he was 107 years old."

"A hundred and what!?" Kissinger asked in complete shock.

"He's been around a long time Emmett," said Matt, "Much longer than me."

"I can't believe he doesn't have any problems walking, around that age there's a good chance you could be bound to a wheel chair."

"He has a bad case of osteoarthritis, which threaten to cripple him. He didn't let that get in the way."

"Tesla was always Irvin's most powerful Pokémon, I didn't know he was that powerful."

"He has a strong will," said Ash, "He was at his limit when we found him, pleading for help."

Kissinger got up and stroke the back of Tesla's head, one of his ears twitch in response, "Is he going to make it?"

"Looks like it," said Matt, "Can you tell me why you shot him?"

Kissinger turned towards Matt, "He broke into my house, kidnapped my son's Pokémon, and killed another. I had every reason to be pissed because he came right into our house and-"

"You came right into his, which is why he came to yours. But you weren't the target, but you surely thrown more fuel into the fire."

"I didn't realize how he felt about all this until I shot him, the look in his eyes was filled with grief. He's depressed, he just wants to give up but not in the situation he was in."

"He still has our Pokémon," said Ash, "He won't turn them free until we can get him a pardon."

The room went silent for a moment, "I've asked the mayor for a pardon, he said that only the Governor of Faraday Island can give Tesla such a pardon. Do we have much time?"

"No, we don't have much time."

"Mark and Ash, come with me. We're going to go pay a visit to the governor."

"Can't you just schedule an appointment?" Matt asked.

"I have a few perks for being a police officer, I'll might get in to see the governor. Dad, keep an eye on Tesla until we get back."

"I will, son."

Tesla moaned under his breath, Emmett turned back towards him and saw him stir as he woke up, "I feel like a straw in a stack of needles."

He sniffed the air a couple of times than groaned, "Emmett, you've always been a cowboy since you were 4 years old. I've remembered that time you hopped onto my back in your limey birthday suit and literally pissed me off, and Irvin just stood there laughing. Absolutely no help at all, which was the usual love."

"I remember that," said Matt, "You tried to shake Emmett off but he hanged on tight, you were like a Bouffalant."

"He picked the best possible time. I had just drained out all of my electricity before he rode on me like a cowboy, I would had Westinghoused him if I still had a charge at the time."

Tesla turned and looked up with tired eyes, similar eyes that Kissinger seen right after he shot the old Pikachu, "I didn't have a gun and your son shot me," Tesla Westinghouse spoke in a calm, "I didn't have a gun and you shot me. If you don't want to kill me, then why shoot me in the first place?"

"Spur of the moment." Mark blurted out.

"The next time you ever shoot me, please aim for my head."

Hearing Tesla speak was surprising for Kissinger, since he never really heard the old Pikachu speak. Hearing his request though, was even more surprising, "You had it with life?" Emmett asked.

"I've lost my family I grew up with, I had it with life before Irvin took me in. If you had just-"

Officer Kissinger placed a hand on Tesla's forehead, stopping him mid-sentence, "We'll get you relief before you pass," he reassured, "Just sit tight and ride this through Tesla, it's finally going to end."

"I'll take your word for it, Irvin always liked you."

Tesla got back on his belly and tried to rest again, "Oh," he yelped, "My muscles are so stiff!"

"Need any pain killers?" Kissinger asked.

"Some vodka would do it."

"You drink?" Mark asked in shock.

"He does," said Matt, "Irvin often gets him drunk on some nights, because Tesla needed relief."

"I call it Happy Juice," said Tesla, "Irvin's last conversation was about me drinking down that six pack. You remember, Matt?"

"Yeah, I do."

"I drank all that beer in some small village as Irvin was doing, whatever. I was so wasted that I went out to the village well and regurgitated in it. For the final insult, I pooped in it. Me and Irvin were out of there in minutes, that was a fun time we had."

"A you..." Mark began to say, but he couldn't let it out. Ash just stood there with his mouth dropped, the two boy's expression were hilarious without a doubt."

"I only wish Irvin got to that part before he slumped behind the wheel," said Tesla, "It would make Irvin's demise more interesting."

"Tesla," said Kissinger, "Are you going to stay here for the time being?"

"I'm not going anywhere."

"Okay, Mark, Ash, come with me. Let's not waste anymore time."

. . .

Unbeknownst to the group, Mayor Dixon had already traveled out of Faraday City and beat them at the island's capital, Electron, named after the negative-charged particle that "orbit" around the atom. The name was appropriate for the small town of 10,000. Strangely enough that it was the capital of Faraday Island, and not the city that was named after it. It sits 40 kilometers away from Faraday City, somewhere deep in the back country of the Island.

The biggest building in the town just so happens to be the capital building, which sits in the shadow of Electron's City Hall. The massive capital looked like a fortress, at least 150 meters at its highest point it would feel intimidating to the average passerby. The size of the building, plus the isolation, should prevent it from getting a lot of attention from the outside world. It didn't. Dixon watched from the backseat of his limo as his driver tried to negotiate his way through a growing crowd of Tesla fans, all of which held signs demanding his pardon. Since Mayor Dixon's quick trip was unannounced, everyone was surprised as he pulled up at the capital building and stepped out.

Protected by his bodyguards, Dixon walked up the steps of the capital building and marched his way inside. He walked up to the main desk and politely asked for an emergency meeting with the governor, they agreed without asking questions. Dixon was lead up several flights of stairs and down a hall where he was led to an empty conference room, he sat back a chair as his bodyguards stood against the wall. After a few minutes, the door opened and the governor stepped on through.

Governor Andrew Norman was a sixty-something year old man with serious muscle, he stood 204cm tall, towering over Dixon's stout frame. He had a thick mustache and a serious look in his eye, serious enough to knock someone dead. Dixon relaxed as Norman sat across the table, then the two shook hands, "What is this about that made me cancel a couple of trips to Kirto?"

"The situation in my city and on your doorstep," said Dixon, "I'm sure you haven't ignored it."

"I keep getting calls from people who wanted me to pardon Tesla. I've watched the news and I have been briefed on this, the outlaw finally created an electrical storm," Norman raised a thick index finger and pointed it at Dixon, "Now, are you a supporter, or an opponent, to Tesla Westinghouse?"

"I support him," Dixon said flatly, trying to overcome Norman's opposing demeanor, "You and me had faced off against Irvin when we were young, we both lost to him thanks to Tesla. We all know how strong he really is."

"He defeated Donphan after unleashing several hard blows to him, the battle only lasted 45 seconds. Tesla's incredibly strong, it's amazing he's still around. Have you called in the army yet?"

"No, I don't wish to. I just came here and ask for you to pardon Tesla."

"Why?" Norman asked bluntly.

"He just wants to relax," said Dixon, "He doesn't wanna battle anymore. The only reason why he's hunted by the law is because of-"

"The trainers that tried to catch him. Yes, I know."

"Will you give him a pardon?"

Norman sat there for a few seconds and considered the thought, "I'll give him a pardon if he can do this one thing."

"What will it be?"

Norman told Dixon his offer, it made the mayor's blood freeze.

. . .

"Wow," said Ash as he gazed at the capital building looming over the horizon, "That's huge."

"Sure is," said Mark, "No wonder they put the capital out here."

The bus ride to Electron was a quick trip, there weren't too many people on board and it didn't have a funny smell. Kissinger sat in the seat in front alone, staring at the massive capital building. Ash wondered why the island's government built such a massive structure to be their capital in the middle of a small town, maybe it was because of political events that could spiral out of control. That doesn't seem likely when he saw a small group of protestors heading down the sidewalk towards the direction they were headed. This eliminates any doubt that the governor was ignoring the events occurring on his island, and on the main land.

When they reached the bus stop, the group got out and walked over towards the capital where a large group of people were trying to swarm someone walking over to his limo, "Wait," said Kissinger, "That's the mayor!"

Kissinger ran up towards the crowd, since he was in uniform the crowd backed away as he approached Dixon, "Kissinger," he said, "I'm surprised to see you here."

"Something turned up," said Kissinger, "We're about to see the governor, but it looks like you've beat me too it."

Dixon glanced at Mark and Ash who were coming up from behind, "Is that your son Mark in the tank top?"

"Yeah," said Kissinger, "Anyway, we need to speak somewhere private."

"I know just the place."

. . .

I definitely know the place well. Mayor Dixon thought as he sat back in his chair.

Somewhere back in Faraday City was Dixon's old apartment. Kissinger, his son, and his friend sat in the chairs that surrounded the old round table. The three room apartment was old, deteriorated, and pretty much well used. The brown walls and carpet helped hide the stains, which begged to be scene by human eyes. With the blinds drawn, the only source of light came from a single CFL bulb that dangled over the wooden table. The group got settled in as the mayor's bodyguards kept watch outside for any anomalies.

"My apartment scene better days," said Dixon, "It used to belong to my cousin, now he lives somewhere in the back country."

"Does he ever clean this place?" Mark asked.

"No, but it's a good place to have such secret meetings. The smell alone should repel the curious to a comfortable distance. Now, what do you have for me?"

"We have Tesla," said Kissinger, "He had been tamed and is willing to cooperate, he asked us to get him a pardon because he wants to start a new life."

"You have Tesla, well he's in luck. The governor has agreed to pardon Tesla."

"Yes!" said Mark and Ash in unison.

"But there's a catch."

Ash and Mark developed a confused look on their face, "What?" Ash asked.

"He wants Tesla to battle in a public Pokémon match, in front of a huge crowd, with the police standing by."

"Why?" Kissinger asked.

"Tesla's a legend, he never lost a single Pokémon battle. It has been a long time since he had such a battle, the governor wanted to see if he's still willing to fight after all this time."

"Tesla's in no shape to battle," said Mark, "He's been shot twice and he doesn't have much-"

"There's no way around this boy, either Tesla battles or he's done for."

"So if he wins," said Ash, "He'll get a pardon."

"Yes." said Dixon.

"If he lose..."

"He'll be arrested on the spot, if he resists he'll be shot. Either way, Tesla's life would end and we loose another legend in the world. The last I heard, there aren't too many left. I wish I can make the process simpler, but I can't. It's good to know that he'll have a lot of people supporting him through this, it's always great to see an old pro to work his strength into something he's good at doing."

There was silence within the group for a few seconds, Kissinger sighed and stood up, "Thanks for all your help Dixon," said Kissinger as he and the mayor shook hands, "We'll tell Tesla the news, though he might not be so thrilled about it."

"Now if anyone asks," said the mayor, "We never had this discussion."

"This never happened."

"Oh," said Ash, "Where would the battle take place?"

"The largest park in the city," said Dixon, "Where else?"

"Who will Tesla be battling?"

"That's up for you to decide."

. . .

Tesla couldn't help as he dug his hand into the peanut butter jar and shoved a glob of it into his mouth. It has been so long since the last time he had peanut butter, or any other good food for that matter. Normally for food, he would have some form of civility and dignity when eating. But not peanut butter, he let's himself be all messy when it comes down to it. What's even better was that the peanut butter was super chunky, and the jar was big.

With his belly and taste buds feeling happy and frisky, Tesla sat back and watched the news. Well, somewhat watching the news as the peanut butter jar was the main focus of his attention. Within 10 minutes from opening it, Tesla ate all the peanut butter inside the jar, Wow, he let out a satisfying smile as he sat back, That's the good stuff, at least I still have my appetite.

Tesla got up and walked on his hind legs to the bathroom, he hopped onto the counter and turned on the faucet until the hot water started running. He scrubbed the peanut butter off his hands with soap before wiping his mouth clean, after making sure he got any remaining peanut butter off his hands he grabbed a nearby towel and dried himself off. When Tesla looked at himself in the mirror, he froze for a moment.

He didn't change much, but the goggles were quite new. Tesla noticed it had small yellow lighting bolts on each side of the strap, How appropriate. He frowned, he wasn't a Pokémon with a thing for decoration.

Tesla managed to catch glimpses of his reflection on occasion, but he hadn't looked at himself properly in 20 years. He noticed how youthful he looked on the outside, his fur was bright yellow and healthy and his eyes seem to twinkle a bit. But on the inside, Tesla felt his cells breaking down. He was surprised that, being 107 years old, that he hadn't been crippled by age yet. Sometimes Tesla doesn't know his own strength or his limits, he could get so strong that he can annihilate an entire continent, Or split the world in two. He thought.

Of course, he's not that insane to pull that stunt anyway.

He unveiled his teeth, it wasn't a pretty sight. The enamel on each tooth was rotten, either tan or a brown color. All of his canine teeth were gone, either worn down or knocked out from previous Pokémon battles. Old age and abuse had rotten his teeth, amazing it didn't feel painful to him at all. Tesla closed his mouth and thought for a moment, maybe after this he would get a dentist to fix his mouth up. Tooth decay isn't something that should be ignored, but it can wait.

Tesla returned to the living room and crawled back onto the couch. There it was, on the TV. The bottom of the screen says Tesla May Get Pardon If Wins Pokémon Battle.

I'll be damned, Tesla thought as he stared at the screen, So much for retirement.

The front door creaked open and Kissinger, Mark, and Ash came through, "You doing alright Tesla?" Ash asked.

"Yeah," said Tesla, "I heard about your success on the TV, as you can see."

Tesla picked up the remote and turned it off, "But I wanna hear your side of the story."

"It was Mayor Dixon who proposed the pardon," said Kissinger, "We just met up with him and he told us that you must win a Pokémon battle in the largest park in Faraday City in order to get a pardon, and it must be public with the police on scene."

"Who will I be battling?"

"He said we can battle anyone."

Tesla looked away for a moment, then returned his attention to Ash and Mark, "Well guys, you did your best. I'm not taking a risk and going out there without freeing your Pokémon, if I fail then it's over. I guess I trust you enough to give you back your Pokémon back, a bond with a trainer and their Pokémon cannot be severed that easily."

Mark picked up Tesla and gave him a big hug, "Thank you, thank you, Tesla!"

"Please don't crush me with kindness." said Tesla as he struggled for breathing room.

"Oh," Mark released Tesla and he drop back on to the couch, "Sorry."

Tesla stretched his limbs, letting out audible pops and cracks in his joints and back, "Does anyone have a ride?"

"My car is in the shop," said Kissinger, "Because of the windshield-"

"I know what happened to the Axew," said Tesla, "His trainer was irresponsible, just careless. Lots of love with no caution doesn't mix very well. Anyway, your father is sleeping. Just take his car, he won't mind. I recall back in the old days where me and Irvin were to steal his car on the weekends for joy riding, almost crashed it a few times."

"What did he say?" Kissinger asked.

"He was none the wiser, but I'm sure he'll say something since Irvin taught me how to drive. The trick is only just reaching the petals-"

"Save the story, I'll get the keys."

TO BE CONTINUED...