Chapter 11: Cloaks
After making it into the fighter's hall, Happy and Charles got their first shot at eliminating two opponents from the Elimination Ring, to which everyone was stunned in silence by. This was new to them, as there have never been any children to challenge the adults. Now, it's Unhaus's turn, as he never really demonstrated his abilities yet. Meanwhile, a cloaked figure has set their sights on another Pokemon.
Referee: ...Who are you?
Unhaus: Unhaus.
Referee: Really? Weird name.
Unhaus: *sweat drop* My...parents named me that. Not sure why.
Referee: Whatever.
He noticed that his name was on the roster.
Referee: So, your name's on the roster. Alright, let's see if we can test your abilities. You! Whitish-yellow bear...guy.
He gestured for a cream-yellow Beartic to come forward.
Beartic: Yeah?
Unhaus: What's your name?
Beartic: Butter.
Unhaus: Butter, huh? I guess that's what you'll be after I'm done.
Butter: Ohohoho! Smack talking, I see. Well, live that up all you want. I'll freeze your wings and turn them into a Sunday dessert.
Unhaus: We'll see about that.
Zamenza: (...Show him your skills…)
Everyone was gathering around to see Unhaus take on Butter, which was somewhat interesting. However, some of the Pokemon were doubting if Unhaus could win due to him having a type disadvantage.
Referee: Unhaus vs Butter! Begin!
Butter began swiping at Unhaus using his icy claws, to which Unhaus was dodging with ease. However, as Unhaus kept flapping his wings, he noticed that they were forming frost on the tips, which was strange to him.
Unhaus: (...Huh…? Why are my wings getting frozen…? Don't tell me…!)
Unhaus's movements got slower, to which Butter took advantage of.
Butter: *laughs* Take this!
His right paw glowed blue with frost forming, and swung it hard at Unhaus's face, knocking him a few feet to the edge. Unhaus didn't want to be disqualified, so he used his talons to stop his movements as close to the edge of the ring as possible. It worked, but Unhaus could feel his claws burning, causing him to yelp and flap his wings as well as blowing on them to cool them off.
Moody: What's going on?! Unhaus's movements got slower all of a sudden!
Zamenza: ...That's because he's using the air Unhaus is creating with his wings to freeze them. It's not visible to the naked eye, but even he can feel when his wings are not right.
Moody: So, that Beartic swiping at him was no normal technique.
Charles: ...Is...Is Unhaus going to be okay?
Baye: I hope so…
Eve: ...Unhaus…
Eve was growing worried for him, which was understandable as he was the only one to look after her. Moody and Baye comforted her as she looked like she was about to cry. Unhaus's face showed little signs of bleeding from his beak, but otherwise appeared okay as he recovered and stood firmly.
Butter: *laughs* You're as good as dead, birdbrain! You should've stopped fooling yourself earlier!
Unhaus: *wipes beak* Don't think you've got the upper hand. You just got lucky is all.
Butter: Oh, no? Here's a lesson for you. When winter is coming, birds like you should fly south, lest you want your wings to freeze off.
Unhaus: Hmm...You know, in my days of being a Sky Bandit, there hasn't been any kind of wind I couldn't handle. You used the air generated by my wings to freeze them, didn't you?
Butter: I did. What of it?
Unhaus: Then let's see what power wind has over ice...in speed!
Butter: Huh?
Unhaus shook his wings before tucking them by his side and ran towards Butter on foot at an incredible speed. It was surprising to everyone else that he was moving so fast as he was circling around Butter, even taking Butter in utter confusion.
Butter: W-What the…?! What the hell is this?! Why is he so fast?!
Tanner: Such speed!
Happy: *laughs* Unhaus go zoom!
Baye: Amazing…!
Eve: Go Unhaus!
Butter was unable to keep up with his speed, being forced to turn around every time he saw Unhaus as nothing more than a blur. When Unhaus saw an opening, he delivered a two-winged slam towards Butter's stomach, throwing enough force into the attack to knock him out of the ring. It left the crowd in utter shock by the sudden turn of events.
Referee: Victory! Unhaus!
Some of the Pokemon began clapping for him as he went back to Happy and the group.
Eve: Unhaus, you did it! *laughs*
Charles: You were awesome!
Happy: You were pretty fast!
Baye: That was amazing!
Moody: I thought pheasants can't run that fast.
Zamenza: That's because they usually don't. I saw that entire fight. You used your wings in the process, didn't you?
Unhaus: Definitely. All I had to do was build up speed and wham! Knocked him in the stomach with a Dual Wingbeat.
Moody: So you used speed for power. That's a pretty good strategy.
Zamenza: I knew I saw some potential in you. Looks like it was put to good use.
Unhaus: Thank you. I guess I'm now qualified.
Tanner: You're gonna fly far, you know. I felt those vibes.
Unhaus: Uh, "vibes"?
Moody: Ignore him. He's talking nonsense.
Tanner: It's not nonsense, Dad. It's the feeling someone gives by their movements.
Zamenza: Ease on him, Moody. It's what the youngsters are calling it nowadays.
Baye: So, uh...What happens now?
Zamenza: They're going to call us to the ring when this is over. Then we'll be drawing from a machine that has numbers on a ball. I suggest to pass the time, we'll go and see some Pokemon on the market.
Moody: Well, while that's happening, I need to use the bathroom. I'll join you guys as soon as I finish. Us old folks take longer. *chuckles*
Baye: Gross! I didn't even need to hear that!
Zamenza: You'll understand when you get to a certain age. Even females have that problem.
Baye: (...Yeah, right…)
As Zamenza took the others to the market, Moody went straight to the males' bathroom. However, he noticed someone following him, which put him on edge.
Moody: (...Someone's watching me…)
He didn't do anything suspicious, so he used the bathroom like normal but still kept his guard up. When he finished, he addressed the spy.
Moody: Alright, who are you?! I felt your presence since I was heading in here, so show yourself!
The cloaked figure revealed himself to be a Dwebble, but he was not alone. Two others, a Galvantula and an Ariados in orange cloaks were beside the Dwebble. The Dwebble himself appeared to have a red coat with a black coal cone shell with blue gems on it that could easily protect him and also had black whiskers along with a small piece of hair under his mouth. The most unusual feature is his scar, which was located under his right eye.
Dwebble: How nice of you to know that we were here.
Moody: Who are you creatures?!
Dwebble: We are of no concern to you, old timer. But, you are quite the wanted Pokemon by us.
Moody: What?
Dwebble: Get him!
The Galvantula and Ariados charged forward, to which Moody easily jumped over. However, they expected that, as they fired webs at him. He dodged them as he came down, but was easily caught when the Galvantula fired an electric web when he landed. He struggled in the electric web, which didn't help as the web began shocking him.
Dwebble: *laughs* Not so fast now, huh? You've gotten yourself into a heap of trouble. You should have never encountered us since a year ago.
Moody: *grunts* (...W...What…? What is he talking about…? Huh…?)
He then had a brief memory of what happened a year ago.
[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…]
Moody: (...That's what he meant…! These guys must be part of him…!) Answer me…! Who are you Pokemon…?!
Dwebble: Oh, don't worry about us. You'll know soon.
Moody: ...Don't tell me...You guys are part of that organization called the "Dirty Delinquents", aren't you?!
Dwebble: Well, now. How perceptive you are. What gave it away?
Moody: ...Your cloaks!
Dwebble: *chuckles* Not bad. However, you'll soon die as you are: old! *laughs*
?: Let go of him!
From the door bursted Tanner, who swung his vine at the Dwebble before he struck the other two. He then concentrated on the web until it broke, freeing his father.
Tanner: Dad, let's go!
Dwebble: Oh no you don't! Boys! Don't stand there! Get off your asses and capture them!
Ariados: Aye-aye, boss!
Galvantula: Will do!
The Ariados and Galantula recovered and fired poisonous needles and Pin Missile at the two, to which the father and son duo jumped out of the way.
Moody: We've gotta get out of here!
Dwebble: I wouldn't think about leaving. And how fortunate that Tanner is here at your side. We thought that he'd come back, but apparently not.
Tanner: That was the old me. I'm not going to join you guys again, and I never will! Leave my father out of this!
Dwebble: So be it. You shall suffer the same fate your father will once we bring him to our leader. He's been dying to meet him.
Moody: If I'm going to meet this "leader" of yours, you'll have to drag me by my dead body!
Dwebble: *chuckles* He did say either or, so dead it is.
Moody: ...Tanner, get help.
Tanner: But, Dad-
Moody: No buts, dammit! Now go! I'll be fine!
Dwebble: *laughs* Don't decide your grave before your time old man. It's not a very good-looking place to die in.
Moody: What are you waiting for?! Go!
Without another word, Tanner bolted out the bathroom.
Dwebble: Don't stand there, you two! Go after him!
Galvantula: Certainly!
They ran past Moody to chase Tanner, leaving him to face off against the Dwebble.
Dwebble: And whilst they're doing that, let's get down to business, shall we?
Moody: I know why you're after me. Ever since I took down that Kecleon a year ago for stealing a young lady's saddlebags, it seems that was enough to warrant me as a wanted Pokemon on your hit list, wasn't it?
Dwebble: Very smart, old timer! But Klepto was just a fool to get himself caught. However...the joke's on you, old man. You don't know who you're messing with.
Moody: That's the same thing he said after his defeat. Just what are you creatures planning?!
Dwebble: Oh, far more than you realize. But enough talk. I'll see if I can drag you to him the easy way or the hard way by my pincers. Knowing your type, the hard way it is.
The Dwebble charged at Moody with his pincers, swinging them without any hesitation. Moody kept dodging the piners, to which he used a Vine Whip for a counterattack. However, the Dwebble withdrew into his shell, blocking the hit. Moody was aware of this, not letting up for a second as he jumped away when the Dwebble launched a right pincer at him for a cheap shot.
Dwebble: Not bad. Not bad at all. But jumping won't save you.
Moody: Exactly!
Two vines were placed in front of his face parallel to each other and created a bluish-greenish ball of energy from between them, which got bigger as he did so.
Dwebble: Oh, really? Don't think I can't counter that!
He began inhaling before puffing up his cheeks as if he was about to spit something. When Moody launched his attack, the Dwebble spat a mud-coated ball at it, creating smoke from the collision. When the smoke cleared, Moody was nowhere in sight, taking the Dwebble by surprise.
Dwebble: What the hell?! Clever old bastard! I can't believe I didn't dodge that!
...
On Tanner's end, he was running from the Ariados and Galvantula duo. Some fighters noticed him running from them, which prompted confusion.
Tanner: Some of you! Help me!
Some of the fighters were eager to help out, which didn't sit well with the duo.
Ariados: Shit! We can't take them on!
Galvantula: Then what do we do?
Ariados: Retreat!
They ran off in another direction, confusing the other fighters but it was understandable. Taking on more than what one could handle would be bad for them.
Tanner: Phew! That was a close one.
Not too far from him, Moody was walking with a cane in his left vine.
Moody: I see they've taken a reasonable retreat.
Tanner: Thank goodness you're alive, Dad.
Moody: We have to find Zamenza and the others.
Tanner: Certainly.
...
Five minutes later, Moody and Tanner went to where the rest of the group were. They appeared to be talking to Moomoo and Talabert, who were selling milk from their farm. Zamenza immediately noticed them, bringing some relief and confusion as to what happened.
Zamenza: Happy, you, Charles and Eve go on ahead. We have to talk to your grandpa about something.
Happy: Okay!
As the kids did so, Baye and Unhaus went with him, knowing that something serious was going on.
Zamenza: There you two are. And...why do you both look like you were in a battle?
Moody: Zamenza, listen. Remember that conversation about the Dirty Delinquents earlier? Well, it turns out that they're here.
Zamena: What?
Baye: Wait, really?!
Unhaus: That's not good.
Moody: We managed to get away from them. But, I doubt they'll be giving up from our escape. Unfortunately, it seems that when I took down Klepto, I've drawn them to me in the process.
Zamenza: In other words...You're their main target?
Moody: Correct.
Baye: But, Mr. Moody! Isn't there anything we can do? Like alert the staff here?
Moody: That won't be possible. It seems that those goons will be expecting it and flee should they be alerted.
Zamenza: Then that puts us in a terrible position. Your son is part of the tournament, and so is Unhaus. Baye, mind sticking close to Mr. Moody?
Baye: Sure.
Unhaus: But shouldn't the kids know this? It would be better to fill them in about this situation.
Moody: ...I don't want Happy and them involved.
Zamenza: I agree with you, Unhaus. It's good to teach the principle of "stranger danger" to the kids.
Moody: ...With that kind of logic, I can't argue with that. I think it's best if the kids learn about the dangers they have to prepare themselves for.
They went back to where the kids were, which was at the next section of the market.
Zamenza: Kids, there's something you should know.
Happy: What is it, Master Zamenza?
Zamenza: Apparently, a few shady characters are here at this place. They tend to wear cloaks.
Eve: Is it...those Dirty Delinquent creatures we heard about?
Zamenza: The very same.
Happy: So, we can kick their butts?
Moody: I advise not. Just...If you see any of them with cloaks, notify us adults.
Charles: Well that's not fair. They shouldn't be a problem for us.
Moody: There are matters that are far worse from their intentions should you kids get involved. I highly advise you three to tell us should you see one.
Charles: Aww…
Moody: For now, the tournament is important. Let's continue with our time spent.
Happy: Okay.
From afar, the cloaked Dwebble and his two assistants were keeping a close watch on the group.
Dwebble: It seems that we can't make a move unless we get those two alone.
Ariados: So, wait until the right time?
Dwebble: Exactly.
Galvantula: Then we strike!
Dwebble: Now you're talking…Those fools won't know what hit them… *laughs quietly*
...