Chapter 8: Fruits of Labor
As their training continued, Happy and Charles were getting stronger day by day. Eleven months have passed as they were in constant training. Like Master Zamenza said, they would have to be pushed if they were to reach their full potential. As for Baye and Moody, they dropped by every now and then, impressed that they were getting stronger. Baye's knowledge of plants had increased ever since, and now she felt confident to identify almost every plant in the world, including the one from her failed internship.
Back at Master Zamenza's place, Happy and Charles were almost complete with their training. Right now, they were fighting against Zamenza's substitute, who was as competent as he was. He basically taught them the ropes, such as using their fists and feet, even their heads or tails should it come to it. They also learned new moves as well, which they would show off during the Pokken Arts Tournament.
Zamenza: Keep going, boys! You're almost there!
Happy threw a punch, striking the Zamenza clone and causing it to fade. Zamenza himself was smiling, seeing how far they've come.
Zamenza: Mm. You boys are now ready. I can't believe it's come to this.
Charles: Heh. Of course. What did you expect, old man?
Happy: I'm gonna become the strongest Pokemon in the world!
Zamenza: Of course you will. Now, I'll give you boys five days to enjoy yourself. Remember, after that fifth day, you are to report here at 8:00 in the morning. I am going to take you to the Pokken Arts Tournament and register us for the roster. Understand?
Happy & Charles: Understood!
Zamenza: Now, be on your way.
Charles: Woohoo!
Happy: Tournament, I can't wait!
As Happy and Charles raced their way from Zamenza's house, he had hopes for them.
Zamenza: (...Those two are going to make it big someday...Probably in the entire world...I've taught them everything about how it works...From combat to their own abilities and type understandings...I think they'll get the basics of what it truly is like once they start fighting…)
...
Somewhere in the world at a hidden facility where the hooligans linger, a large group of Pokemon wearing orange cloaks as hoods were over their heads with claws and paws to see, even hands over chests and breasts were together in a meeting. They seem to be set up like a paramilitary system, having their own factions and standing lined up in front of a large podium like a military unit.
A large black cloaked Pokemon walked to the podium, suggesting that he was the leader and was accompanied by another Pokemon whose cloak was white and looked shorter than the leader. When the large Pokemon spoke into the mic, it was deeper than what was expected as he said...
?: At rest, Delinquents!
They stood at attention, giving all eyes towards their leader.
?: First, let me address the fact that we have more rebellious rogues here. Honor them.
They saluted. The leader paced back and forth on the stage continuing with…
?: Now, today...I stand before you not as the leader, but as the head of a growing faction of delinquents. We, the Dirty Delinquents, shall not be tarnished by the status quo! For years spanning to 400, the older generation has mocked and belittled us. We were told to fall in line with the system and obey like bitches. But no more. We are a growing band of rogues! Fed up with society telling us how to be. With this paramilitary system we have established, society shall truly know our worth! We shall rebel against this thing they call "life"!
Everyone bellowed in response.
?: No more imposed rules on the youth! No more giving in to authority! Most of all, no more "adult" responsibilities!
Everyone cheered in response.
?: Now, to pressing matters. As many of you may or may not be aware, one of our members had been arrested eleven months ago. He went by the name "Klepto". This was him.
He gestured to pull down a projection board, which showed Klepto's face.
?: Guess what happened to him.
Silence.
?: He fell into the adult trap.
Lots of gasps and murmurs could be heard here and there.
?: As a result, he is now being conformed into the "adult" society. He will no longer be recognized by us as he will be turned into a "responsible" adult.
Silence.
?: The cause of his arrest? An old Tangela is to blame. This is the Pokemon you'll be noticing.
He gestured for the picture to change, showing Moody's face.
?: For months, we had surveillance at his place, managing to get a glimpse of what he truly does. Unfortunately, he has boring hobbies. There is the suggestion that a Bayleef with an unusual coat color comes by to visit. Supposedly, he is considered a "brainwasher" to this teenage Bayleef. Now, Klepto's mistake will become the fuel to our cause. We shall overthrow this aging fool by taking him away from his society.
One of them had raised a paw in question. From it, a female voice spoke.
?: Excuse me sir, but how will we take him away?
?: A good question. Reports from around towns and villages are that a tournament is taking place in six days. According to the knowledge of these sources, this Tangela is supposed to go as an audience member. Now, we believe that once this Pokemon is to depart, we shall swoop in and take him. Either that, or his death.
Everyone cheered.
?: We have trained to where no one will stop our rebellion. We are family, and we will be strong as one!
Everyone cheered once again.
?: We of the Dirty Delinquents have a motto. What is it?
In unison, every member shouted…
Everyone: WE ARE EVERYWHERE AND NOWHERE!
?: Excellent! Until then, we shall seek to acquire the means of developing more powerful genetically modified Pokemon like we have over these past few months. For now, you are dismissed!
Everyone saluted before going back to their routine. The leader himself stayed on the stage to talk to the white cloaked Pokemon.
?: ...Is Project Meta able to fully function?
?: I'm afraid not. He's probably going to end up the same way he did even by my great-grandfather times five. But as for other bioengineered Pokemon, they are fully functional and willing to obey orders...Well, almost…
?: Good… *chuckles*
...
Six days later, the big day was to come. It was 7:30 in the morning as Happy and Charles were expected to meet with Master Zamenza. They were up early as expected, with Moody doing the same. Baye had spent the night with them, which didn't really help as she was never used to such ruckus back at her house in the morning.
Happy: It's tournament time! It's tournament time!
Charles: I can't wait!
Moody: My, my. Quite jovial this morning, are we?
Happy: Are you kidding, Grandpa? Today's the day we enter!
Baye had appeared from the next room still sleepy, wondering what was going on.
Baye: *yawns* ...What's so good about today that it can't wait…?
Happy: It's the big day!
Charles: It's the day the tournament begins!
Baye: ...The tournament…? *gasps* The tournament! Oh my gosh, what time is it?!
Moody: 7:35.
Baye: Wow, this early? Who fights this early in the morning?
Moody: Nobody, really. They have to register in order to participate.
Baye: (...Huh...Seems familiar…)
Moody: Speaking of, I think Zamenza is expecting us. We should be on our way.
Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at Zamenza's place. He was standing outside as he was waiting for them to arrive.
Zamenza: Well, look at you two. I bet you're all prepared, aren't you?
Happy: Are we?! We're ready to fight!
Charles: Yeah! *throws punches* I'm gonna knock some heads!
Moody: Now, now. Don't waste your energy before you get there.
Zamenza: Now that everyone's here, we can leave. Let's go.
Baye: Wait! How will we get there?
Zamenza: Easy. I have a friend who'll take us there. Just follow me.
Three minutes later, they arrived at an ocean that stretched on for miles. To everyone else, it was strange as to why they would be standing near the ocean.
Baye: Um, excuse me? Why are we here?
Zamenza: You'll see.
The ocean waves rumbled until what came out of it was a large white male Wailord. He had a top black hat with a red band on it, and his mustache was black. Under his mouth was a grayish, clouded beard, with his undersides being a darker shade of white and had a scar on his right side.
Wailord: Long time no see, Zamenza.
Zamenza: Ah, Moby. It has indeed been a long time.
Moby: I assume you want me to transport you and your friends?
Zamenza: Correct. Oh, by the way...This is my old friend Moody-
Moody: How do you do? I'm impressed that Zammy here has a Wailord friend.
Baye: *snickers* "Zammy"?
Zamenza: Now, Moody...This ain't our teenage years.
Moody: Sure, sure. Just...amazed, is all.
Zamenza: ...Anyways, this is Baye-
Baye: Hello!
Zamenza: Happy-
Happy: You're huge!
Zamenza: And Charles.
Charles: Is this a Wailord?
Moby: That I am.
Zamenza: Well, hop on aboard, everyone. We're going to the Pokken Arts Tournament.
Happy & Charles: Yaaaaay!
One by one, they each got on Moby. When everyone was on, Moby was prepared to take off.
Moby: Next stop, Pokken Arts Tournament!
They departed into the blue yonder, heading to their intended destination. Along the way, they noticed ships of various looks such as Explorer ships, cargo ships, even single boats. Rowgulls were flying in the air screeching, with Karpeeches splashing about in the ocean. It would take about two hours to reach their destination.
Happy and Charles were too busy sightseeing to even notice others, while Baye was trying to catch up on her sleep. As for Moody, he sat next to Zamenza, like old times.
Zamenza: So, Moby...How's the kids?
Moby: My son's alright. He's a little more reserved to land. As for the others...well, they've got a long way to go.
Zamenza: I see.
Moby: What about you? Have any kids?
Zamenza hesitated for a second before answering.
Zamenza: ...I've...lived my entire life training. I've just taught these two my own skills, and we'll make our way into the tournament.
Moby: Oh. I guess that makes sense, seeing as how you looked like you've never faltered in stance all these years.
Zamenza: Well, you do what you can to make your years last.
Moby: That's nice. I like that. What about you, Moody?
Moody: Hm? Me? I...guess I'm alright. Never had most in my life. Wife died after my son was born. Ain't seen him since Arceus knows when.
Moby: I'm sure he'll come back in your life.
Moody: ...I hope so…
...
Not too far from where Happy and friends were, a Pokemon eyed them from a distance through binoculars. He looked to be a male Unfezant with a blue wattle that had short ribbon growths, with his undersides being red, and his feathery coat being a bright and dark brown in some places. He also looked rugged and wore a white jacket, looking somewhat like a Sky Bandit.
He was also accompanied by a female Eevee with an unusual color as if she wasn't from this place. She appeared to have a white colored coat, with more brown fur to help keep herself warm, and two tails with a heart-shaped pattern. She also wore glasses and was somewhat shy but determined to follow the Unfezant. They appeared to be on a deserted island littered with empty bottles and carcasses of weaker creatures they have slain in their time.
Unfezant: Heh. Looks like we've got some fine worms, wouldn't you say?
Eevee: I-If it's dinner, can we plan first?
Unfezant: No can do. It seems like we're going to get ours. Come on, hop on.
Eevee?: R-Right.
She hopped on the Unfezant's back and proceeded to fly off. The Unfezant headed towards Moby with great speed. Zamenza could sense them coming from a distance.
Zamenza: We've got company!
Baye woke up, with Happy and Charles looking to the skies. Moody himself was ready, with Moby continuing to sail as usual. From the air dropped the Eevee, surprising the group.
Moody: ...An Eevee…? And...I've never seen one with that color before…
The Unfezant slowly flapped his wings to descend to their level.
Moody: An Unfezant…!
Unfezant: Eve, if you would.
Eve: S-Sure.
She dove into her fur and tossed a knife from her mouth to the Unfezant, who caught it using his beak.
Unfezant: Alright, nobody moves. We're going to take your money, so don't try any funny business if you want to live.
Moby: What's going on?!
Happy: Oh wow!
Moody: Happy, stay back!
Unfezant: Oh look, a volunteer.
The Unfezant swiftly flew towards Happy, even catching Moody by surprise. However, when the Unfezant swung his knife, Happy managed to catch it with no effort. It stunned the Unfezant for a few seconds before retreating from a Flamethrower attack by Charles.
Unfezant: What the bloody hell?! What kind of power do you lot carry?!
Charles: You'd better not mess with us! We'll sock you dry!
Unfezant: Er...Oh no you don't! Eve! Freeze them where they stand!
Eve: Yes, sir!
She blew cold wind at them, which was then blasted away by Charles's Flamethrower attack. Eve had no choice but to move when she saw sparks flying towards her.
Eve: S...Sorry!
Zamenza: You have some nerve coming to rob us. Who are you, and why are you trying to attack us?
Moody: Answer honestly, and we'll let you go.
Unfezant: Ha! As if we'll listen to you! We're sky bandits! We steal however we please! We ain't leaving until we get what we want! AERIAL ACE!
He charged towards them with a blue-like aura around him, but Zamenza was expecting the attack. When the Unfezant struck, Zamenza countered with his spoon, knocking him away. Eve was struck by the flying Unfezant, almost knocking both of them into the water.
Moby: I don't know what's going on up there, but it better settle quickly, or I'll blow my hole!
Zamenza: Baye! Moody! Tie them up.
Baye and Moody shot their vines at them, wrapping them up real tight to prevent their escape. The Unfezant and Eve struggled to free themselves, now forced to become their captives.
Unfezant: *grunts* Alright, alright! We'll tell you! We're...just two lone sky bandits. We just take form Pokemon roaming either from sea or in the air. We've made our home on an island, as it's the only way for us to survive.
Zamenza: I see. You know, instead of trying to rob us, you could've simply asked us. Judging by you two, you both don't look like you'd actually kill Pokemon you stumble across. Tell you what. How about becoming part of our little group?
Unfezant: W-What?! Just like that? You must be daft, old man.
Zamenza: Well, it's either you become a part of us, or you could live a lonely life on that island...Your choice.
Unfezant: ...I don't know...Eve, what do you think?
Eve: I think we can trust them. I'd like to be away from that place.
Unfezant: ...Then it's settled. We'll be a part of your little "group". Just don't expect us to be chummy.
Zamenza: ...Are you sure? I guess this Eevee is the reason why you're a sky bandit.
Unfezant: W-What?!
Zamenza: Think about it. This Eevee is a child, isn't she? You'd do anything to keep her alive.
Unfezant: W-Well, yes, but-
Zamenza: Come with us. Happy and Charles could use an extra partner.
Charles: Old man, don't involve us with them!
Zamenza: I'm just thinking of the great possibilities this can give.
Charles: Oh no…
Unfezant: Alright. But if I may ask, where are you guys headed?
Zamenza: To the Pokken Arts Tournament.
Unfezant: And we're going because…?
Zamenza: You have more talent than you realize, young man. We could use Pokemon like you. Even this Eevee has some potential. You know, what is your name, young man?
Unfezant: ...I'm Unhaus. Just Unhaus.
Moby: Is everything settled back there?
Zamenza: It has, Moby.
Moby: Thank Arceus. I thought I was gonna blow my hole completely.
Zamenza: We've got new Pokemon accompanying us to the Pokken Arts Tournament. Sounds good to you?
Moby: Sure. As long as they don't cause an itch.
Moody: ...Zamenza, are you sure this is alright?
Zamenza: I have it under control. We should arrive in about an hour.
Moody: *sweat drop* (...I really hope so…I might have to fake another heart attack if things keep going like this…!)
...