Chapter 17: Uneasy Feeling
With the tournament going underway, Happy and the group were watching Charles's match, to which he shocked the entire stadium of his win against a heavy Mamoswine named Manfred. Another great surprise was that his ability Blaze activated at that moment, helping him in his victory. This left Happy to be the only one left to demonstrate his powers. Meanwhile, Tanner and Zamenza were talking privately to ease his thoughts about the Dirty Delinquents...if it were possible.
Zamenza: What do you mean by "your father already knows about it"?
Tanner: It was his demeanor after my match was over.
Zamenza: Hmm?
[Tanner: ...Dad…
Moody: ...Save me from that "embarrassment"...
Tanner: ...Huh...?
Moody: ...You did good, but please don't do that...
Tanner: ...What do you mean...?
Moody: ...Nothing. Just know that you did good today…]
Tanner: You see, my father and I didn't get along because of this "thing" I was doing during the match.
Zamenza: Oh, you mean that "dancing" thing you were doing?
Tanner: Yeah.
Zamenza: (...Moody never told me about this before...He did say that he and his son didn't get along in the past, but not the reason why…) So I take it that the "dancing" thing led to you leaving your father to join the Dirty Delinquents?
Tanner: Yeah. That's the real reason why. But I can't help it. It's my thing. I love to dance. Once a rhythm is in place, I can't help but groove to it. Anyway...it happened one night when me and a couple of friends were dancing to music. When my father was looking for me, he saw me dancing and got upset about it.
Zamenza: I take it that's when the fight started.
Tanner: Sure, but after I went home with him, that's when it started. He told me to stop doing that "weird" habit and no longer hang out with my friends. As a result, we had a huge argument to the point that I decided to leave. I explained before about my reasons for joining them, but not the reason why.
Zamenza: ...I can understand him a bit. After all, dancing was considered taboo at the time, and I'm guessing that's also the reason why most of the Pokemon in the audience were confused and weirded out by it. It's looked down upon even as of today.
Tanner: *sighs* ...Don't get me wrong, I still love my old man, but sometimes he's difficult to speak to, especially when he's into one of those "moods" of his.
Zamenza: *chuckles* I see what you mean. It was like that sometimes in our pasts. But Tanner, parents aren't perfect, and neither are our children. Take it from me.
Tanner: H-Huh? You had a-
Zamenza: Shh…! I don't want anybody to hear about it.
Tanner: Your secret's safe with me.
Zamenza: Thank you. I too had a son, but he had his own ambitions…
He then turned around, looking distant as he talked.
Zamenza: We don't even see each other over his views, claiming that he wanted to be "better than me" at proving what the world was truly like.
Tanner: Wow...You know, your son sounds a lot worse than I was.
Zamenza: *sighs* It's a way of life, I suppose. I think he's younger than you are, probably about 20 years younger.
Tanner: Who was your mistress?
Zamenza: Died a long time ago. Had contracted a virus that was beyond curing.
Tanner: That's...awful. I'm sorry to hear that.
Zamenza: Don't worry about that. I move on, so I'm more interested in training a new generation to become hopeful, strong warriors nowadays.
Tanner: You know Zamenza, you make my old man seem like an apple compared to you.
Zamenza: (...Is that a compliment…?)
Tanner: But, changing topics...I think you know the real reason why you wanted to talk to me, right?
Zamenza: Right.
Tanner: It's just that I feel uneasy. It's what Junior Chilli said to me when we were in the bathroom…
[Tanner: ...Alright, what do you want...? I know you and your boys have been watching our group since the tournament started...Your vibes reek of sinister energy...
?: ...Oh...? Well, I knew that you had a sense of feeling, Tanner...It's not uncommon, but I heard your match is coming up next...It would be a shame if you were to...be absent for it...
Tanner: ...Don't even try it... Whatever this is, I'm not interested...And stay the hell away from my father, unless you want me to beat you again...Junior Chilli...
Chilli: ...Really...? Have you forgotten...? Since you're out of the organization, it seems that there is one small thing you don't realize...We're always one step ahead… *chuckles*]
Zamenza: They're always one step ahead…? It seems like they have something else in mind. But just what?
After finishing the sentence, Zamenza felt something bad in the air, as if he could sense that an attack was happening at a place he was familiar with, like his local market. Tanner was confused as to what made Zamenza tense up and put on edge as he made a serious face, knowing something was wrong.
Tanner: ...What's the matter?
Zamenza: ...Tanner, I think I know what that Pokemon meant.
Tanner: Huh?
Zamenza: Listen, whatever you do, don't utter a word about this to anyone.
Tanner: Huh? What's going on?
Zamenza: ...I sense a disturbance...
...
Elsewhere, Honori was still flying in the air, which was a great distance away from his hometown. His two caretakers Maga and Chibi were taken as hostages by the Dirty Delinquents, and narrowly avoided death from a shotgun. He was extremely loyal to his caretakers and would sometimes flock to Baye like the everyday pet. In fact, that was the Pokemon he was flying to. He automatically knew of Baye's scent, as he was following it in hope to tell her about what happened.
He was determined to get to Baye, even if he had to rest along the way. He was flying for a good hour, eying islands and oceans containing passersby on Wailords and Lapras, Explorers and trading ships. Despite his speed, he didn't give up and pushed to get there. For a Marokrow, he had a good sense of smell. Since he could identify his family by their scents, Baye's wasn't too far gone from his nose.
Whilst gliding on the winds, he noticed a large stadium on an island further away, which would be two hours from now for his intended destination. Meanwhile, after Charles's victory, the referee would announce the two next contestants.
Referee: Number 7 vs Number 11! Happy versus Mr. P!
Zamenza: Mr. P, huh? Sounds interesting.
Moody: You know something about him?
Zamenza: Hmm? No. It's his name that sounds interesting.
Moody: True. I too am curious about him and his name.
Unhaus: So, look like you get your turn, Happy.
Happy: Alright!
Moody couldn't help but notice that his son was somewhat disturbed, so he asked Zamenza about what happened between them through telepathy.
Moody: (...Zamenza, what happened...? My son looks troubled, and I know it's about those Dirty Delinquent Pokemon…)
Zamenza: (...Moody...Feel the energy out from where we lived…)
He did as Zamenza told him, but when he did, he felt something bad similar to what Zamenza felt earlier, eyes wide open in horror.
Moody: (...What the hell's going on…?!)
Zamenza: (...It's exactly as what that Dirty Delinquent fellow you both encountered meant...That's their "one step ahead" plan…)
Moody: (...That means they've already destroyed what was….)
Zamenza: (...Unfortunately we can't part from the children, and those two don't look capable of facing off against those goons…)
Moody: (...So we have to sit by and wait…?)
Zamenza: (...Sadly, yes...But I feel like if we part from the children, they could be at risk from strangers…)
Moody: (...Hmm...Then we'll have to wait it out, huh…?)
Zamenza: (...Yes…)
Their secret watcher, Junior Chilli and his two henchmen, was contacted by a Roto-Phone, whom his boss appeared on the other line.
Chilli: Yes?
?: I've decided to send you some backup. You'll know of them soon.
Chilli: Have the villages been seized?
?: Exactly. We've also taken some of the Pokemon as hostages.
Chilli: Good.
?: Out.
The Pokemon on the other line hung up.
Chilli: I can't wait...Too bad for that group of morons, because while they're watching the show, the fireworks have already begun. *chuckles*
A minute later, Charles returned to the group in high spirits. They noticed him as he came, grinning at his victory.
Zamenza: Well, look at the champ in making.
Unhaus: You taught that mammoth a thing or two about underestimating size.
Baye: I thought you died there for a second. Thank goodness you're alive.
Tanner: At least you knew how to light up a fire.
Happy: Charles, that was awesome!
Charles: Thanks, buddy.
Eve: Congrats, Charles!
Charles: Thanks. Well, Happy. It looks like it's your turn now.
Happy: Uh-huh! I'm ready!
Zamenza: I'll lead him.
Moody: Actually, I'll lead him.
Zamenza: Huh?
Moody: He's my grandson, after all. I have to see him off.
Charles: I'll come too!
Zamenza: I'll follow you as well. Tanner, you don't mind staying, do you?
Tanner: Nah. Go on ahead. And Happy? Go with your flow.
Happy: Sure! Whatever that is!
A minute later, they made their way down the fighter's hall. However, despite the feeling of Chilli watching their every move, there was something else growing. By no surprise came Charles's old master Libre with his students bearing scowls on their faces.
Libre: Hm. Improved, you have. Not surprising, your ability is.
Zamenza: That's the result of my training.
Libre: Your training helped, yes. But control, no.
Zamenza: Hm?
Charles: W-Well, uh...Remember when I said that I trained under Master Libre for some months before joining you? Well, I had a problem with my Blaze ability and he helped me control it.
Zamenza: (...So that's why…) I guess I have you to thank for that.
Libre: Thank me, you shall not.
Golem: Man, that's some bull!
Staraptor: I can't believe that a puny Pokemon like that could knock out a fatass Mamoswine like that!
Electabuzz: He must be on some "kiddie steroids" or some shit!
Geodude: He probably cheated or something. A Charmander ain't strong enough for that.
Charles: You wanna come to my face and say that?!
Moody: Charles, don't be rude.
Charles: They started it!
Staravia: That runt should've been disqualified. I don't give a crap about what some old fart like that wrinkly old Alakazam said. It's bullshit, and everyone knows it.
Libre: Watch your mouth, you should.
Zamenza: It seems to me that your students are having a hard time drinking in what they see.
Libre: Right, you are. But against the rules, you went.
Moody: Are you saying that you don't want your students to fight our boys? Unless you're doubting their strength?
Golem: Hey, take that back, you old codger!
Libre: Now, now. Settle down, you must.
Golem: But-
?: Heh. I think you should leave it to me.
From afar, a Hitmontop walked forward, looking somewhat different from a regular one. He had curls in his hair, an extra claw on his toe and wore black clothing. The bands on his arms and legs were red, which added to his style. He had a sly grin on his face as he took a look at Charles, knowing he was familiar.
?: *flips hair* If it isn't the ugly baby lizard freak himself!
Charles: *frustration mark* Stop calling me a freak! *growls*
Zamenza: Who's this?
Libre: My best student, he is.
?: Come now, Master. We don't need to be so polite to the ugly-looking losing team. I'm Harvey Spinster. Charming fighter with a profound sound in fighting and the most handsome.
Moody: (...Isn't he as arrogant as ever…?)
Harvey: I can only be called the best in being one of his students. Of course, I am looking to oblige in such trivial matters as you and I. *chuckles, grins* After all, it makes me even greater.
Moody: (...He sure is full of himself…)
Harvey: So, what has the little baby lizard been doing so far?
Golem: You're kidding, right? You saw it earlier!
Harvey: Oh, that? Pfft. That's mediocre. He only got lucky. Maybe it's because he's a child that his opponent went easy on him. Honestly, if it were me, the battle would've been over in seconds, breaking new records that leaps bounds.
Moody: (...I'm pretty certain he likes hearing himself talk…)
Zamenza: I suggest observing before making judgements. Look and learn, as they say.
Harvey: Hah! As if! I don't need-
Libre: Enough. Proved your point, you have.
Zamenza: If you'll excuse us, we have a match for this little one to participate in. I suggest looking and learning like I said a moment ago.
The group left Libre and his students behind for Happy's match. Whilst watching them leave, Libre had something else on his mind.
Libre: (...Student in-training, I have...Ready, he shall be next time…)
...
A minute later, Happy was in the ring, with his opponent Mr. P. Mr. P himself appeared as a yellow Metapod wearing a blue cape and had scars on certain parts of his body including his back. He stood with absolute confidence with his eyes closed, as if he was concentrating on something.
Nester: And now, the match of Happy and Mr. P will begin! Now, I must give a heads up, since our contestant Happy is a child at the age of 6, but a Pokemon told me that he boasts great strength, so cheer him on!
Happy couldn't help but smile through the whole thing. Mr. P took interest in him, noting his small presence. He had a serious, yet focused gaze on him.
Mr. P: I assume that you are the other student that the old man mentioned.
Happy: My name's Happy! What kind of Pokemon are you?
Mr. P: I'm a Metapod. I'm not originally from here. But, I hope to win this.
Happy: Huh?
From afar, Zamenza, Moody and Charles were watching. They were suddenly joined by a familiar face as it spoke.
?: I see you're watching your other student, Zamenza.
Zamenza: Hm?
As the trio turned around, they were surprised to see Tengu, who didn't look worse for wear.
Zamenza: Ah, Tengu.
Moody: Hm?
Moody stared at him for a moment, trying to figure out why he was familiar to him. It turned some gears in his head until he actually remembered why.
Moody: Hm! No wonder. I thought you were familiar.
Tengu: Huh?
Moody: I remember now. You were the one who fought Zamenza a long time ago.
Tengu: ...I see that you haven't changed, Moody.
Charles: You know him, Mr. Moody?
Moody: Long time ago, yes.
Tengu: I never forgot that final match between you two, even after my defeat.
Charles: Wait, you actually fought here, Mr. Moody?! And against the old man here?!
Moody: Yep. But these old vines and bones of mine aren't useful for that kind of stuff nowadays.
Zamenza: (...Don't lie, Moody...I know you're still capable of moving those things…)
Moody: (...Who's lying…?)
Tengu: I take it that you're this young man's caretaker?
Moody: Yes. Same with Happy, although Happy was with me longer than this fellow.
Tengu: I see. I wish them both luck. I await to see what the young man in the ring is capable of.
Moody: Same here.
...
Back to where Chilli and his two associates were, they watched Tanner and the others, who were also looking forward to seeing Happy's match. Despite his initial target not being there, he had a different idea in mind.
Galvantula: Boss, the old man isn't there.
Ariados: What do we do?
Chilli: *chuckles* Relax. If we want the adults to come after us, we kidnap a child...When our backup arrives, we'll clobber those Pokemon and take that Eevee with us. That'll get their gears wrenched. *chuckles*
...