Chapter 29: Cellmates
After witnessing a horrific attack on a Fox village, Happy, Polly and Charles were dead-set on going after the Dirty Delinquents. However, should they do so, they would never get close to finding their friends and family, so their only option was to willingly let themselves get captured by them. Meanwhile, Senior Head Barbeque had left his headquarters to go to a place called the "Terrabenie" in hopes of achieving world liberation.
Speaking of "headquarters", Chan Way and Hummus were engaged in a sparring session with each other in the training room. Hummus herself took the first strike, jumping and swinging her knives as close to Chan's face as possible, not letting up for an instant. However, Chan himself bobbed his head side to side with little effort, even grinning from the adrenaline he was feeling.
To Chan, he could already see just how determined she really was. Her gaze of fierce determination didn't let up for a second. When she swung with her right hand, he disappeared and reappeared from behind her, moving even faster than she expected. But she didn't let down her guard. As Chan Way threw a fast left punch, she turned around and blocked it with a left elbow, which was smaller and thinner than his gloves. She then managed to knock the punch away and jump back a few feet away from him to recollect herself.
Hummus: …You're faster than I expected.
Chan Way: I told you this rank is not for show. I trained here with my brother years ago.
Hummus: …I see.
Chan Way: You don't sound so impressed.
Hummus: Forgive me if I'm not, but I'm just curious. Your brother…You and him are…different.
Chan Way: Of course we are. What did you expect?
Hummus: No, "different" as in…
She then looked towards her right before meeting Chan Way's eyes again, continuing with…
Hummus: …Never mind.
Chan Way: *eye raise* …Eh?
Hummus: …It's nothing. Forget what I said.
Chan Way: (...Does she know something about Lee that I don't…?)
Hummus: …So, did you see Doctor Sorbet today?
Chan Way: I did. Although that kooky doctor is questionable at best, he's the best in experiments.
Hummus: Speaking of "experiments", did you see that one called "E-Raticate"?
Chan Way: Hm. I did. It's actually impressive since that experiment was just a regular Raticate wanting to be genetically enhanced.
To Hummus, this was news to her. She heard of the experiment, but not the story behind it.
Hummus: …Huh?
Chan Way: Yeah. Guy came right in and asked Sorbet to modify his genes. Said he didn't care if he lost his brain cells or personality in the process. Of course, Sorbet didn't hesitate to do so, even if the guy started screaming during the process.
Hummus: I see.
Chan Way: Why did you ask about him?
Hummus: I only saw that experiment as a joke.
Chan Way: Yeah, it was. But it's fully ready now.
Hummus: I see. Let's stop this sparring for the time being. I want to see if he has Project Meta ready.
Chan Way: Alright.
...
A few minutes later, Hummus went down to the Genetics Lab, to which Doctor Sorbet was not present where he usually was. However, other members of his staff were still around, doing things like basic calculations, studying scientific material and analyzing DNA. She had to ask one of the staff members where he was, and one of them pointed to a room that was to the left, which was the second double door. A bar above it was glowing green, suggesting that the room was being used.
As Hummus entered the room, Sorbet was there along with two other cloaked Pokemon having hoods over them, concealing their faces. One of them was two legged, while the other apparently had no legs whatsoever but the cloak itself appeared long like a snake. In front of them was a large glass tube containing a Raticate that was bigger than all parties in attendance. Its yellow fur appeared to stand up, as if by electromagnetic energy alone. It also had a pig-like nose and a black lightning-like pattern that went over its eyes. It even had long whiskers that had a lightning-like shape to them, sharp teeth and red eyes with no signs of pupils whatsoever. It seemed to look deranged, but otherwise appeared to have some form of patience.
To Hummus, this was indeed a surprise. She didn't think that this project would be done at all, but it seemed that the scientist proved her wrong otherwise. Sorbet turned around, noticing her presence with a wicked grin that appeared downright unsettling.
Sorbet: So….What do you think?
Hummus: Color me surprised. I didn't know this thing would be completed.
Sorbet: *laughs* And you doubted that it wouldn't be otherwise.
Hummus: *sweat drop* (...I…did think that…) Doctor, is it true about it? That it was a regular Raticate that actually volunteered to be an experiment?
Sorbet: Oh, that? Yeah. It's true. To be honest, looking at him now, he doesn't have any regrets for what he's become. It's as if he accepted his fate then and there.
Hummus: (...So it is true, then…) But, he's different. Is he like Project Meta?
Sorbet: No. In terms of power, no. His design was a result of infusing him with electrical wires. We thought that a rodent resistant to electricity would be useful. Even eating wires for a living just to gain electric powers.
Hummus: *sweat drop* …You do know that this whole place is a "wire paradise" for him, right? There'd be no need for us to use him if he eats our entire electric supply.
Sorbet: I know that! But besides that, he's only programmed to eat other companies' electricity. Mainly, government supply.
Hummus: Then, how did a regular Raticate like him balloon to that size?
Sorbet: ...Size genetics.
Hummus: …You had a sick dream about ballooning his size like that, didn't you?
Sorbet: *frustration mark* S-Shut up! You small-fry!
Hummus: *sweat drop* …I'm not a fish…
Sorbet: W-Whatever!
Hummus: Look, why don't you work on Project Meta. The Senior Head-
Sorbet: -Needs for it to be finished! I know! I know! I KNOW!
Hummus: (...Don't yell at me…)
Sorbet: Look, we've kept trying, but all we get is "empathy" from him! I don't even understand it! My forefathers before me don't understand it! *growls* I feel like shit!
He started screaming as he placed his paws on his hat, clenching it tightly whilst kneeling on the floor, bowing his head in shame. His two cloaked associates backed away from him in the process in case he was about to go insane. At this point, Hummus was just stunned with silence, eyes wide open and pupils shrunken in surprise.
Hummus: (...No comment…)
Sorbet then recovered as he got back on his feet, taking a few breaths before recollecting himself. However, as he spoke once again, it was lower in tone and somewhat filled with emotion as he didn't look up.
Sorbet: *sighs* …You don't know what stress is like, do you?
To Hummus, this was something new from the scientist. She never expected to see or hear him in such a…calm manner.
Hummus: (...Okay, he went from a 10 on the scale of insane to a full 180 based on tone…)
Sorbet: …Now I feel it…Just like society imposes on us…The feeling of stress, followed by an explosion of emotions…And yet, there's one thing I cannot complete…Even my forefathers before me couldn't complete…And I failed them…
Hummus: *sweat drop* (...He really has issues…)
Sorbet: …But I'm okay now. Whether or not Project Meta is incomplete, I shall continue the method I have developed in such a situation.
He then started chuckling, which was quiet at first until it bursted into a louder cackle that could be heard throughout the lab. One of his staff members already knew of the cackling and shook his head upon responding with…
?: He's gone crazy.
Sorbet then looked at the glass containing E-Raticate, which then reminded him of something as he stepped closer and touched the glass with his paws, eyeing the creature with greater admiration than before.
Sorbet: …But how could I forget? I have completed something! Something that I once deemed a failure on my part! And now he's complete! He's right in front of me…and unlike Meta, this guy knows to obey his master…I gave him life, and in return, he carries out my orders…He doesn't care if he lives or dies…He does it in the interest of me! *cackles*
Hummus: *sweat drop* (...He needs the straight jacket…) Doctor…Do you really think this is the best course of action?
Sorbet: What?! Of course it is! I know he'll be of good use!
Hummus: …Whatever you say.
Sorbet: Now, please leave. I must work on my next project.
Hummus: Oh? And what is it?
Sorbet: None of your goddamn business! Now, leave! I am a genius at work!
Hummus shrugged, and without a word, she left the lab, somewhat confused by what transpired just then. At the least, she got to see the project that Sorbet built. But there was one thing on her mind, which wasn't pleasant, to say the least.
Hummus: *sweat drop* (...What a weirdo…)
...
Two hours later, it was nighttime in the world, and at a late hour as the third quarter moon shone in the sky. Meanwhile, in the prison department, some of the guards were asleep, since to them, it was the most boring job in the world. In one cell, Manfred appeared to be sleeping, knowing that there was nothing he could do as he was weighed down by his chains. However, the Pokemon he was with seemed to be irritated, not wanting to be in there.
Said Pokemon in question appeared to be a male Ursaring with black fur, an orange ring on the stomach, which appeared to resemble a half moon and a scar over his right eye. Whilst Manfred himself was indeed larger, his size was nothing compared to the angry bear's attitude. The Ursaring looked as if he was about to explode sooner or later.
Ursaring: Hmph! Taking me in when I have a son. The nerve of those assholes!
Manfred: You have son? I have daughter. One day to be chief of village frrrom home of me.
Ursaring: Shut up! I don't give a rat's ass about your or your daughter!
Manfred: *sweat drop* …Forrrgive me forrr asking, zen…
Ursaring: Why the hell do I have to share a room with an overgrown mammoth? I'd kill to get out of here! I didn't train in the forest against wild Forxploud for nothing! I need that money to get out of our hellhole!
Manfred: (...It appearrrs zat he has motive forrr tourrrnament. Mine vas to donate it to village wherrre I rrreside. Guess ve arrre frrrom differrrent vorrrlds as parrrents…)
Ursaring: Hey! Let me the hell out of here! I want to see my son! I'll rip every part of you bastards and gouge your eyes out whilst I'm destroying the place!
An orange cloaked member then entered the room, overhearing the Ursaring's ranting, not even happy in the slightest.
?: Shut up, you big furry piece of crap! Go take a shit over there!
Ursaring: Fuck you! Where's my son?! Get me out of here! I don't want to be stuck next to this furry mammal!
?: Sheesh, you whine and complain like a female! Are you sure you aren't a female in disguise?
Ursaring: I'll rip your eyes out! I'll do it, goddammit!
?: Oh, for Arceus sake…
The cloaked figure then walked up to the Ursaring, but as he did, the Ursaring spat in his face, with the saliva slowly sliding down his face. In response, the cloaked figure struck him in the face with the butt of his shotgun, knowing that he couldn't fight back. Manfred didn't even say a word as he could only look with worry. However, the Ursaring, despite bleeding from his mouth, looked as if he could take more as he grinned with delight.
Ursaring: …Yeah…! Don't like spit, do ya?! Beat me as many times as you want! I still want my son!
?: Your son's alive. He's in the childhood center. Can't risk noisy brats from seeing our actions towards adults.
Ursaring: Well, I still want to see him!
?: Okay, that's it.
The cloaked figure then walked up to the Ursaring with a roll of duct tape in hand, tearing a strip of it to cover his mouth in order to keep him quiet. Even this wasn't enough, as the Ursaring kept mumbling and squirming in place, making sure he wanted to see his son.
?: Damn, even with that, you're still running your mouth. Why not turn into a motorboat whilst you're at it?
Manfred: *sweat drop* (...Oh, wherrre did I go so wrrrong to be in zis situation…?)
...
Outside the nightly docks of the base, Zamenza was being escorted in chains around his arms and legs by Cinnamon and two other cloaked members wielding guns, followed by other innocent Pokemon from the kingdom he was at. Their faces looked worse for wear as they could imagine a life of imprisonment with little food or water to be served. As for Zamenza, this was a perfect opportunity to see his friend again as well as coming up with a plan to break him out of there.
As they entered the base, the halls were large and dark, but still had enough light to see doors and the like. Cloaked Pokemon roamed just about the place, some wielding weapons and others just standing around talking. Whilst Zamenza was still being escorted, he looked behind to see the other chained Pokemon being taken in different cells of their own.
When they reached cell number 114 in Block X, they pushed Zamenza inside and closed the door, but to his surprise, he was in a cell with a sleeping Moody. His face brightened from seeing his old friend still in one piece.
Zamenza: Moody!
When Moody woke up, he saw Zamenza in chains, but his expression brightened up, ignoring the chains altogether.
Moody: Z-Zamenza!
The two started laughing as they were reunited once again. Both were glad to be in each other's presence, as no matter the circumstances, they still had each other. Being friends since their younger years, their bond was not broken.
Zamenza: I see you haven't kicked the bucket yet.
Moody: Neither have you.
Zamenza: So, how are they treating you in here?
Moody: Could be worse, but at least I'm still being treated decently. So, where's Happy and Charles?
Zamenza: *sweat drop* Uh…About that…I uh…left them with the others…except…they've been captured too…so they're on their own…
However, this began to set a ticking time bomb in Moody. Knowing that two kids were out there on their own was a red flag in his case. Zamenza saw his eyes furrow into a peeved off expression, showing that caring parental rage for his children as he got into Zamenza's face shouting...
Moody: *frustration mark* You irresponsible gink! You left those two boys out there in the middle of a firestorm called the Dirty Delinquents!
Zamenza: Moody! Think of your blood pressure!
Moody: "Blood pressure"?! My blood's boiling because those kids are out there! They'll die! You should've stayed with them! Oh, I think I'm gonna have a heart attack…! *groans*
Zamenza: (...He's more concerned for their well being than his son's…!)
Moody had to take a few breaths from his angry ranting to collect himself.
Zamenza: Uh, Moody…Do you know that your son's been taken in by them?
Moody: …Yeah. The Senior Head told me.
Zamenza: "Senior Head"? Is he as old as you and I?
Moody: A-About that…He's younger…Not too old, but not too young…Somewhere in his 50s…Perhaps 20 years younger than us…
Zamenza: Hmm…Interesting…
Moody: …Zamenza, the Senior Head of this organization…He's a…a Braviary…!
Zamenza: …Eh?
Moody: Zammy, I'm not joking! It's really a Braviary! I thought they represent freedom, but I guess this one's a different breed!
Zamenza: …It's still hard to believe…But perhaps he has a reason for this?
Moody: …World liberation. Can you believe it?
Zamenza: Where is the Senior Head as of right now?
Moody: Unfortunately, I don't know. The guards out there told me to never ask of his whereabouts.
Zamenza: Darn. And just when I wanted to know him more…
Moody: Hey, I just thought of something…Any idea as to why they tossed you in here with me? It can't be just mere coincidence.
Zamenza: I'm as puzzled as you are since you just brought it up just now.
Moody: Or maybe…I wonder…
Zamenza: Let me guess…"We are everywhere and nowhere", right? Is that what you're thinking?
Moody: T-That's right! Do you think they knew of us because of our friendship?
Zamenza: I can't tell whether to thank them or knock them out cold for this.
Moody: I'd settle for the latter.
Zamenza: …Say, Moody…
Moody: Hm?
Zamenza: I wanted to know something…It's about you and Tanner…
Moody: Eh?
Zamenza: …Moody, I heard from Tanner that you didn't accept his "dancing". He also said that he joined the Dirty Delinquents because you two got into a quarrel over it.
Moody *sighs*: …It's true. To be honest, dancing is quite taboo in our world today. I…guess that seeing him do that made me wonder if he would be accepted by society if he did that, and I guess I was out of touch…Talk about the stubborn mule tasting fresh water for the first time, huh?
Zamenza: I never heard that expression before, but it's interesting nonetheless.
Moody: At this rate, I wonder if I was a bad father to him…
Zamenza: …Whilst I cannot say, I think you still are a good father. I wish it was the same for me…
Moody: Eh? You, Zammy? You have a son? I never knew that!
Zamenza: Eh…Yeah…We don't see each other anymore, but I move on.
Moody: So-
The cell door opened, with an orange cloaked figure wielding a pistol coming in. He appeared to have some news for them.
?: You two. The Senior Head has some news for you. For four days, you shall live comfortably. Get used to it, for it will be your last. Every other fighter of the Pokken Arts Tournament shall watch the event unfold. Until then…don't kick the bucket.
...