Chapter 4: Best Friend
While Happy was staying home, Moody and Baye planned to ambush the saddlebag thief that stole her saddlebags. The Pokemon mentioned in the newspapers was revealed to be a Kecleon named Klepto.
Klepto: You should've stayed home, old timer. You look like your time's already up, and I'd say that Death himself is already knocking on your doorstep. Why not answer his call?
Moody: It doesn't matter to me. I have those that I look out for. You, on the other hand, need to learn some manners on not stealing a lady's things.
Klepto: ...Fine by me. But look!
He grabbed Baye tighter by the neck and placed the sharp blade of the knife on her neck. She felt it cut her, as if the knife could pierce through skin.
Klepto: She's my hostage. Make one move, and it's goodbye to her. Your choice, old timer. The saddlebags, or her life.
Baye: Y-Y-You're a coward!
Moody: ...How...idiotic…
Klepto: Hmm?
Moody: Hiding behind a female to get others to listen to your demands...Not very "brave" of you, is it?
Klepto: *growls* Shut it, old man!
Moody: (...It seems that taking him head on is out of the question...Think, Moody...Think…)
He had an idea, which he believed would work to no end...
Moody: (...I know…)
He then did something that would shock both Baye and Klepto. He began groaning in pain, leaning forwards then backwards before collapsing to the ground.
Baye: *gasps* Mr. Moody!
Klepto: Pfft! I knew it! I knew he would die sooner.
Baye: *grunts* Let go of me! I have to come to his aid!
Klepto: Well, since you're that caring of him, sure! But I'll be keeping hold of you, just in case.
Klepto, with Baye under his left arm, walked towards Moody. She looked down at him with tears forming in her eyes, hoping that he wouldn't be dead.
Baye: Mr. Moody! Are you alright?! Please! Say something!
Klepto: How pathetic...Pleading in his final minutes...Very-
Without warning, he was grabbed by Moody's vines as he was held in the air. He struggled in its grasp, and looked as he saw that Moody was well and alive as he stood up. Baye was also surprised, but confused as well.
Moody: Who's pathetic, now?
Klepto: *grunts* L-Let...go of me…! You rotten...old timer…! What a...low...down...dirty trick…!
Moody: In times like these, you must be dirty to fight dirty.
He then slammed Klepto headfirst into the ground, causing him to drop his knife in the process before he released his grasp on him. He groaned as he got back up, although he didn't look hurt.
Klepto: …That's a pretty neat trick, old timer! Too bad that was a waste of a few damn seconds!
His body then blended with the background, making him invisible to their sights.
Moody: (...He's camouflaging...This isn't gonna be easy…) Baye, stick close to me.
She pressed herself against Moody's back, nervously looking around for Klepto. However, Moody himself didn't even look scared, only standing still as he was looking for an opportunity.
Baye: (...Please don't get hurt, Mr. Moody…)
Moody: (...A Kecleon can camouflage itself...But...it has one glaring weakness…)
Klepto: (...There's no way that old fool can see me now…! *chuckles*)
As he kept looking around, he noticed something unusual about the dark areas. Each time he kept his eyes on it, a green blur would appear. The green blur appeared again, only it now stood still like a zig-zag pattern.
Moody: (...There…!)
He spat a seed at the green zig-zag pattern, which caused it to move. The seed exploded as it hit the ground, causing the figure to relocate to a different spot. At this point, Klepto realized he had to change tactics.
Klepto: (...Shit…! How did he…-Damn…! My zig-zag pattern…! Looks like I'll have to go full frontal assault now…!)
He headed towards Moody while invisible, now bearing out his tongue, which came out like a whip.
Klepto: (...Let's see how he likes it when I use my greatest move...The "Tongue Whip"...!)
Moody: (...I don't see it anymore...Is he going for a frontal assault…?)
Klepto came in and whipped his tongue to an unsuspecting Moody, who took it from the sides. Baye was also hit, but not nearly as much yet still stood behind Moody. He then repeatedly struck him until Moody used his vines to grab his tongue.
Klepto: (...W-What…?!)
Moody: You may be clever in your stealth, but once someone understands where you strike…
He then whipped him upwards before firing another Seed Bomb, which struck Klepto in the face, causing heavy damage. The seed exploded as Moody let go, causing Klepto to fly into a tree. He slid down the bark and landed on the grass in pain, but got back up. This also caused him to reveal his appearance again.
Klepto: (...D...Dammit…! No...I'm not letting it end here…!)
He noticed that he was right beside his knife and picked it up, which terrified Baye.
Klepto: ...You...You really are trying my patience…! If I must, I'll thrust this knife into your heart, old timer!
He dashed forward with the knife in his hand, only to disappear from sight. Moody still stood his ground and kept listening to even the slightest sounds of rustling grass or dirt being scratched. With timing, Klepto appeared suddenly in front of him and began to thrust the knife, only to get hit by another Seed Bomb directly in the face. The explosion made him drop his knife and sent him flying into another tree, and slid down it to land face down on the grass. He was bleeding from his mouth and could barely stand up from the attack.
Klepto: *painfully groans* ...D...Dam...mit…! ...H...How...How can an old timer...like you...defeat me…?
Moody: Don't underestimate us old folks. You may be crafty, but there's no way you could avoid something like this.
Klepto: ...You'll...regret this...one day…!
Moody: It matters not to me. Now, I'm gonna turn you in, and I want you to return this lady's stuff along with any other saddlebags you stole, understand?
Klepto: *chuckles weakly, grins* ...You...fool...I'll...return her things...but I can't say the same...for you...You don't know...who you're...dealing with...
...
Several minutes later, Moody and Baye finished leaving the police station as they turned in Klepto, known as the "Saddlebag Thief" who was wanted in other places. A police Pokemon appeared with Baye's saddlebags in hand, which brought a smile to her face. The Pokemon appeared to be a male Sudowoodo with a very dark charcoal coat with white and yellow eyes and a blue police hat on his head. His sphere-like hands were a red-orange, resembling autumn leaves and had a deep voice when he talked.
Sudowoodo: I believe that these are yours, madam?
Baye: *takes bags* Thank you.
Sudowoodo: We should be thanking this Tangela here.
Moody: *shakes head* No need for thanks. I'm just looking out for her well-being.
Sudowoodo?: ...Regardless, I'm glad that this thief is now behind bars. Now the saddlebag thievery will end once and for all, and Pokemon can walk the woods without worry.
Moody: I'm sorry, but I never caught your name.
Sudowoodo: Sid. Sid Seudo. And yours?
Moody: I'm Moody.
Baye: I'm Baye.
Sid: Nice to meet you both.
Moody: Thanks, Mr. Seudo. I'll be going back home so we can put this event past us.
Sid: Alright. Take care of yourselves. We'll handle things from here.
Baye: Thank you!
Moody and Baye waved as they left the police station, now glad that their troubles were over. As the night continued, Baye went back to her parents' house, while Moody went back home to his cabin. He checked on Happy, who was fast asleep with a smile on his face before he went to bed himself for the night. However, something kept him up.
Moody: (...You're making a big mistake, huh…? I wonder what he meant…)
The next morning, Moody was making breakfast, with Happy sitting at the table smiling. His choice? A Tropical Fruit Salad that had the mixture of Pecha, Oran, Nanab, and Bluk Berries chopped up with icing on the top. He put some on his plate and Happy's as he brought them to the table.
Happy: Hey Grandpa, what happened last night? Did you get Baye's saddlebags back?
Moody: Oh, nothing unusual. We managed to get her bags back. But, Happy...promise me something. Don't go out at night. It's dangerous, you hear?
Happy: Okay, Grandpa. You promised me that you would take me to see somebody if I behaved.
Moody: Ah, yes. I did promise that, didn't I? Well, I thought since you said you wanted to be the "strongest Pokemon in the world", I'm going to make that a reality.
Happy: Oh boy! Where are we going, Grandpa?
Moody: Hmm...It's a surprise.
Happy: I love surprises! *laughs*
...
At the Libre Dojo that was south from the town, there were Pokemon doing martial arts training. One of them in particular was a red Charmander with a horn on his head and green eyes. The other Pokemon were Elekid, Geodude, Starly, Jangmo-o, and Scyther, along with their evolved forms. Their instructor was a male Hawlucha who had a blue mask with white rings on the eyes and red blaze on his head. His eyes were crimson red, with his feet being the same color.
The Charmander moved his feet as he punched in the air until he fell flat on his face, grabbing the attention of the other Pokemon.
Hawlucha: AAAAAAAnd stop. *shouts* CHARLES!
The red Charmander perked up upon hearing his voice, growing irritated from his shouting. The Hawlucha stood over him with disappointing eyes.
Charmander: *groans* Y-Yes, Mr...Libre?
Libre: Improved, your performance has not. No equilibrium, you have?
Charmander: W-Well, I um...I'm trying...
Libre: Hmm...Trying, you are. But slacking, you're doing. Tangled Feet, you have. Or three-footed lizard, you are?
The others were snickering and laughing from his comments, which made Charles feel uncomfortable. A male Staraptor spoke up to say...
Staraptor: *laughs* Maybe he's a freak! I mean, it's like looking at a mountain growing out of his head!
Some of the others were also laughing. However, Libre's serious expression didn't change. A male Electabuzz spoke up to add his take with...
Electabuzz: Short and stumpy. Hey shrimp, why not wave your inky-dinky little horn like a unicorn?
A male Golem then said...
Golem: Oh wait! He probably has a little…"unsure footing"!
Everyone except Libre exploded into laughter, making Charles feel smaller. They began pointing at him, which caused Libre to say something by shouting…
Libre: ENOUGH!
His voice was enough to silence the entire room.
Libre: Sorry, I am, Charles. Out, you must. Freak with horn and three footed lizard, you are.
Charles started feeling sad, now knowing that even his instructor didn't care about him at all.
Charles: B-But-
Libre: Enough. Leave, you must. Not a fighter, you are.
Charles: B-But-
Libre: Show him the door, one of you.
A male Scyther used his scythes to grab Charles on his back neck, which pulled skin and allowed him to pick him up, tossing him out of the dojo on his stomach.
Scyther?: Scram, you freakish runt. Go be "weird" somewhere else. *laughs*
He then closed the door on Charles, who looked down to the ground in disappointment and walked away.
Charles: *sighs* ...I've been getting nowhere from here…Not even a month, not even for anything…They don't like me. I'm a freak of nature…Why was I born with a horn on my head…?
Along the way, Happy was playing in the bushes until he noticed Charles walking by. He was curious about what kind of Pokemon he was, so he peeked out from the bushes to speak to him.
Happy: Hi!
Charles screamed and leaped back in surprise, which caused Happy to laugh loudly. However, hearing Happy laugh at him reminded him of the dojo incident, which soured his expression.
Charles: *growls* Stop laughing at me!
Happy: Huh?
Charles: You heard me! You're just like them!
Happy: Um, just like who?
Charles: Huh?
Happy: Who's "them"?
Charles: Er...Never mind.
Happy then jumped out of the bushes to examine Charles as he was walking around him, viewing him from head to toe.
Happy: Wow...What kind of Pokemon are you?
Charles: *stands awkwardly* I'm Charles...I'm a...Charmander...a-although I think I'm not one…
Happy: How come? You look like a Charmander to me, whatever that is.
Charles: *sighs* You'll never understand...Say, you're a Squirtle, right?
Happy: Yeah! My name's Happy!
He stared at him stupidly, as if he thought that it was a joke.
Charles: Eh? "Happy"? Um, isn't that an emotion?
Happy: Is that what it is?
Charles: *sweat drop* Never mind...You have a weird name. And your ears...or can they be called "ears" at all? They look like...wings...I've never seen that on a Squirtle before.
Happy: I have wings? Awesome! *laughs*
Charles: *sweat drop* Enthusiastic, aren't you?
Happy: What's that?
Charles: Are you going to question me every time?
Happy: Maybe?
Charles: Never mind…
Happy: Charles, who's "them"?
Charles: Well...I was...part of this dojo for a month, only to be kicked out today...Over time, they kept calling me names and insulting my appearance...I only found out that even my teacher didn't like me...I've never been more insulted in my life…
Happy: What kind of names have they called you?
Charles: …"Freak"... "Horned Lizard"…
Happy: Those don't sound like-
Charles: *growls* It's exactly bad! Especially being called a "freak"...Even other Charmander don't like me because of this stupid horn! Why was I cursed with this horn to begin with?!
Happy: You don't look like one to me. I thought that's what a Charmander was.
Charles: Well, apparently not. If you were to see another Charmander, you'd see the difference.
Happy: Hey, I've got an idea! Come to my grandpa's house!
Charles: Your...grandpa's house?
Happy: Yeah! We're going somewhere later on!
Charles: Uh...sure…
...
A few minutes later, Happy and Charles returned to his grandfather's cabin, where Moody was sipping tea as he sat on a pillow in the living room.
Happy: Hey, Grandpa! Grandpa!
Moody: Hmm? Ah, Happy! Where've you been, boy?
Happy: I met a new friend today!
Moody: Oh, really?
Happy: Charles, come meet my grandpa!
Charles came inside, but to his shock was the fact that not only was Happy's grandpa a Tangela, but also him acknowledging him as his "grandpa" was...weird.
Charles: …This is your grandpa?
Happy: Yep!
Moody: Ah, a Charmander! What's your name, little guy?
Charles: C-Charles…
Moody: Charles, huh? What a nice name. I'm Moody, Happy's grandfather.
Charles: Moody? Happy, you have a weird grandpa.
Moody: *chuckles* That I am. But, he's my grandson, after all.
Charles: Uh, no offense Mr. Moody, but I can't see the resemblance.
Moody: *chuckles* It's alright. Do you have parents?
Charles: Well, I'm...an orphan actually. I only know about my real father, but not my mother…
Moody: Hmm...Your real father?
Charles: He...died before I was born...I don't know what happened to him, but everyone made it sound like he was a great guy...One day, I wanna know what happened to him…
Moody: Oh, my...That's very...troubling indeed.
Happy: He was part of a dojo before getting kicked out! Can we go there, Grandpa?
Moody: A dojo?
Charles: Yeah…
Moody: Why were you kicked out?
Charles: I...I didn't live up to the teacher's expectations...They called me names for a month and insulted me...Even my teacher didn't care about my feelings...And I was trying to learn, but no one gave me a chance...
Moody: Dear Arceus…Putting kids down when they're trying their best...What kind of dojo is that?
Charles: Not a good one…
Moody: Well, Charles...You can live with me and Happy. It's nice for him to have a friend his age.
Charles: R-Really?
Moody: *nods* Yep. But first, we're going out somewhere.
Charles: To where?
Moody: It's a secret. We'll be heading there now. Are you two ready?
Happy & Charles: Yeah!
Moody: Well, let's go.
They took off and went through the woods, with Happy happily humming to himself. The path they took was different than usual, which wasn't familiar to Happy. It took several miles to get where they were going. Several minutes later, they came across a small black house that was secluded from view, yet could easily be seen from afar.
Happy: Is this the place, Grandpa?
Moody: Yes, it is my boy.
Charles: It's a weird house. I hope it doesn't smell like old Pokemon...no offense, Mr. Moody.
Moody: None taken. But this is a Pokemon that I will introduce you to. I've known him for quite some time, and I called him ahead to let him know we were coming.
Happy: Oh, boy! I can't wait to meet him!
As they got closer, Moody waited at the door, which was strange to the boys.
Happy: Aren't you gonna knock, Grandpa?
Moody: Oh, it's not necessary. After all, he'll know that I'm here.
Charles: Huh?
The door swung open, but not by a hand. It opened as if the door had a mind of its own or by some invisible force. The sound of a toilet flushing was also unusual. What came through the door was an Alakazam, which was a Pokemon that neither Happy nor Charles ever expected. He had an orange star on his forehead with the orange shirt, and unlike other Alakazam, he had a tail similar to a Kadabra's, which was unusual. He also had a gray beard that covered his mouth, symbolizing wisdom.
Happy: Whoa! Who's that, Grandpa?
Moody: Boys, meet the Pokemon who'll help you in your goals of becoming strong Pokemon...Master Zamenza...the wisest sage Pokemon ever known, and a good friend of mine…
...