Chapter 31: Jailbreak
As Senior Head Barbeque made his way to the Terrabenie with Brigadier Lee Way, he successfully negotiated with the Pokemon World Government and forced every nation around the world to surrender their leaders as well as abolishing their system as a whole, leaving no means of taxes or money to be paid. This created the perfect idea of world liberation that Barbeque wanted so much.
Meanwhile at the main base, Morgan and Mr. P had escaped their cell thanks to Morgan's seductive prowess, but in doing so tripped the security alarm, now forcing them to be on the run. They were in Block F, or so the alarm said, which functioned like most halls, being long and seemingly never-ending, even with lights in the ceiling illuminating their way.
Multiple cloaked Pokemon guarding said cells on the floor charged forward with guns and other sorts of weaponry, firing and swinging without hesitation, only for them to get knocked out by kicks delivered from Morgan. Some soldiers hit the walls and slumped down, while others lay on the floor in their wake. But to Morgan, the sight of freedom was better than being cooped up in a cell doing nothing for the past two days.
As they continued down the hall, she overheard voices, which meant that more backup was coming.
?: They're over there! Don't let them escape!
Morgan: Shit…!
Mr. P: I'll handle it! STUN SPORE!
He flapped his wings as he was airborne, spreading it on the cloaked members. They were instantly paralysed as they fell to the ground, dropping their weapons in the process. As for Morgan, this was easy, as she took advantage of their unconscious state by stealing the keys from them with quick hands faster than the eye could see. She grinned to herself as she held out more keys she obtained.
This felt like a rush to her, which was no surprise. Growing up, she had a brother she often wrestled with, which wasn't out of the ordinary for her. She lived for fighting. There was nothing more satisfying to her than battling opponents. As she held the keys, she had an idea.
Morgan: Hey, you. I think we need to free more Pokemon from here. I suspect they're in these cells.
Mr. P: If we do that, we may find some Pokemon from the Pokken Arts Tournament, and be able to take down any Dirty Delinquent members.
Morgan then gave Mr. P half of the keys she stole, whilst keeping the rest. However, there was a problem.
Mr. P: ...How are we going to open these doors?
Morgan: Easy. I saw the guards using the emblems on their cloaks.
Mr. P: So, we use them to open the doors. *sweat drop* But I can't use my hands…
Morgan: *groans* ...I'll do it.
She took off a guard's cloak and tried opening multiple doors, with some results. Out of the Pokemon they freed, they found Baye and Emma, with the former being relieved to see Mr. P again whilst the latter just wanted to escape, even though she was shaking in her feathers with the strand on her head appearing to curl up.
Baye: Oh, Mr. P! I'm so glad to see you again! And…
She then noticed Morgan, as she was unfamiliar with her.
Baye: Who's that?
Morgan: Introductions later, escape plan first. Go free up some of the other cells.
She gave Baye and Emma some keys, allowing them to open up more cells.
Baye: Uh, how are we supposed to do that? These keys look like they won't work.
Mr. P: Take a cloak from one of those Pokemon on the ground.
Baye: Alright.
Taking their advice to free the others, they used the cloaks to open up other doors. From one cell, Tanner and Dylan were freed, being somewhat relieved as they were no longer bound by the chains.
Dylan: Good lord. I'm out.
Baye: Tanner!
Tanner: Miss Baye!
She ran towards him in his arms, nuzzling him with her head. However, the idea annoyed Morgan, who didn't want time to be wasted.
Morgan: Hey, hey hey! Save that for later! Go free the others!
Tanner: R-Right!
Morgan gave him some keys as Baye gave him a cloaked emblem to open up another cell, which was one occupied by Manfred and the black Ursaring. However, even though Manfred was appreciative of being freed, the black Ursaring looked as if he didn't care about any one of them.
Manfred: Zank lorrrd. I frrree. Zank you, tiny grrremlin.
Ursaring: Thank Arceus I'm out! I'm gonna kill me some cloaked bastards and save my son!
The Ursaring ran in the opposite direction, which actually confused Baye for a second until she remembered someone she needed to save.
Baye: *gasps* I forgot! Eve! Tanner, find Unhaus! We have to save Eve!
?: No need.
From their direction, Unhaus appeared unharmed and was with Crusta, the red Crabrawler from the Pokken Arts Tournament.
Crusta: I will crush zose cloaked mahnsters! *boxes, shuffles in place* Lemme aht em'! Lemme aht em'!
Morgan: Calm down, brawler boy. We can't just take them on so haphazardly.
Mr. P: We need a plan.
Baye: Hey Tanner…
Tanner: Huh?
Baye: Do you know where Mr. Moody is being held?
Tanner: …Hm…Well, if memory serves me correctly from when I once was part of this organization…I'd say that he's being held in the lower part of this base. So basically…three floors down.
Unhaus: What about where Eve is? Can you tell?
Tanner: Oh, that's easy. She's a floor above us in Block C. It's…somewhat rosy for a place as it's only where children are usually held.
Unhaus: Alright, got it. I'm counting on you all.
He flew into the direction the Ursaring went in search of Eve. He needed to find her, as he was worried what had happened to her while he was out. Upon this, Morgan grew suspicious of Tanner, wondering how he knew so much about the organization.
Morgan: …Hey, yellow guy. You said you were a part of this organization, right?
Tanner: Yeah.
She inched closer, squinting her eyes at him to see if he was worthy of being trusted.
Morgan: …How do I know I should trust you? For all I know, you could be setting that bird up.
Tanner: I want to bring an end to this organization. But we must hurry and find my father. There's no doubt that since the security is breached, they'll send more squads in our direction. Not to mention, they may release some genetically modified Pokemon after us…
Morgan: Wait, what?! G-Genetically…modified Pokemon?!
Emma then screamed, shaking in place and worried about such a thing actually happening.
Emma: I-I-I-Is it…true…?
Baye: (...I kinda remember him saying something about that…)
Dylan: Elaborate, if you will.
Tanner: Well…You see, the genetically modified Pokemon are originally Pokemon made from DNA in their Genetics Lab…
However, he began to shudder in fear, which to the others, wasn't a good sign.
Tanner: …B-But now that I'm back…I remembered them making a powerful Pokemon they called "Project Meta", which is supposed to be a superpowered weapon meant to destroy the world…
Delivering a powerful bombshell, it left everyone in shock. This was the first time they heard of something being used as a powerful weapon.
Crusta: W-Whaht?! E-Ees ziss true?!
Tanner: I'm afraid so. But here's the thing…Despite being a superpower weapon, Project Meta has a flaw in its system. The fact being that it carries kindness instead of cruelty.
Baye: That doesn't sound so bad.
Dylan: But, what if they have something that can control it?
Tanner: Then we'll have to take said control device from them.
Morgan: Hey, what's the deal, you? Are you certain we can trust you?
Baye: Tanner is a good friend of mine. He wouldn't lie.
Mr. P: Even I can side with him. But right now, as it stands, we-
More voices from the hall came towards them, cutting their discussion short.
?: Over there! More prisoners have escaped!
Tanner: Shit! Get ready, everyone!
All of them took fighting stances, ready for whatever would come their way. They saw more brown cloaked Pokemon rushing at them wielding chains and guns, ready to use them. However, before they could, they were knocked to the ground by some Pokemon. Said Pokemon in question appeared to be a Squirtle with wings on his head and a Charmander with a horn. The pair who knew them brightened up instantly, relieved to see that they were alive.
Baye: Happy! Charles! You're okay!
Happy: Yep!
Charles: We decided to let ourselves get captured, as it wouldn't get us anywhere if we just kept swimming on the seas.
Happy: We also have Moby out there too!
Baye: Wait, Moby? As in, Zamenza's friend Moby?
Charles: *nods* Yeah.
Morgan: Hold on…Aren't you those kids?
Happy: Hm? Who are you?
Morgan: Too busy. Let's get going.
Baye: Hold on. Happy, how did you and Charles get here if Moby's here? If that's the case, then that means…Zamenza's here too…
Charles: We were aboard their ship, yes. But then Moby came after it and followed us here. He also did tell us Zamenza willingly gave himself up to find Mr. Moody here, just like we did.
A cawing sound then rang through the halls, which put everyone on edge. However, the sound was familiar to Baye, which could only mean one thing…
Baye: *gasps* Honori!
From a distance, Honori the Marokrow flew straight towards the group and perched himself on Baye's back. However, it left some of the other Pokemon of the group who didn't know it personally confused as this was the first time seeing a Marokrow in the flesh.
Happy: *points* Oh yeah! He also followed us too!
Morgan: …A…Marokrow…?
Baye: *gasps* Oh, that's right! My parents! I have to find them!
As she took off down the hall, Tanner called out to her, but to no avail as she was busy trying to find her parents, not even thinking about her own safety. He then ran after her with Happy, Charles and Mr. P following behind. As for Morgan, Emma, Manfred, Crusta and Dylan, they took off a minute after them, but only for a different route. However, Morgan had a different idea in mind.
Morgan: Hey uh…I know this isn't a good idea and all, but wouldn't it be easier if we split up? That way we can find more fighters to help us out.
Manfred: I find zat excellent idea. Vould help in searrrch and incrrrease numberrrs.
Morgan: Alright. Now let's see…I guess the crab guy and the mammoth can do well. As for the penguin and armored ant, you're coming with me.
Dylan: Wait, what?! Hold on a moment! I didn't agree to this!
Morgan: *shrugs* Too bad. First pick.
Emma: *yelps* W-Why?! Why do I have to go with you for?!
Morgan: *growls* Look, are you going to help out or sit in a cell?
Emma: …A-Alright… *sighs*
Morgan: Then let's go!
...
At the Genetics Lab, Doctor Sorbet and his associates were already aware of what was going on in their base, prompting them into action. He went into the room containing E-Raticate and pushed a button, which drained the tube of its fluids down somewhere and opened after it was all gone. The giant Raticate stood there, awaiting instructions as it looked at Sorbet, even though it seemed to look like it would go berserk at any moment.
Sorbet: *chuckles* Are you ready, Project E-Raticate? I want you to go find those Pokemon in Block F. Do whatever you wish with them.
The Raticate stormed off, running through the door in the process in pursuit of the Pokemon he was instructed to kill, leaving a giant hole in the process. Several members were even surprised that such a Pokemon was running loose, yet didn't even attack them.
Sorbet: *sweat drop* …He's not big on brains…I should've worked on that…Speaking of which…I should-
Before he could finish his sentence, an explosion came from one of the rooms in the lab, with panicked white cloaked Pokemon running about. One of them fell to the ground during the panic, piquing Sorbet's curiosity as to what happened as he approached them.
Sorbet: What's going on here?!
?: I-It's Project…P-2.0…It's escaped!
Sorbet: W-What?!
Without warning, a creature sped past them like a blur, which went through the hole E-Raticate created not too long ago. Sorbet only blankly stared, knowing what it was.
Sorbet: …Project P-2.0 has escaped…I find it funny since Project PZ is more unstable than it, yet it's still here…What about Project Program?
?: It's still there. We don't know why P-2.0 broke out. We only looked away for a second, and then an explosion happened!
Sorbet: …Dammit! Then get Project Program out. And also get Project PZ out too. And Project Annihilator whilst you're at it.
?: H-Huh?
Sorbet: I have to use Project Program to map out where the intruders are. Project PZ will hunt down Project P-2.0 in the process on its own. As for Project Annihilator…It'll be used for extreme measures such as protecting Project Meta from intruders. Now let's go. Time's ticking.
?: R-Right!
At the Senior Head's office, Chan Way was well aware of the situation. After all, the Senior Head's office had technology that could rival a kingdom's. A large monitor was used to track movements, with Pokemon appearing as dots on the screen of various blocks. Yellow blinking dots were to represent the Dirty Delinquents, while red dots represented escaped prisoners. There were also calls of screams and panicked members on various lines, worrying Chan Way.
Chan Way: Shit! This is bad! More and more prisoners are being released! If the Senior Head comes back and finds out…! *gulps* …He'll have my head…! *slams first on desk* Dammit! I'm supposed to be the one to have things under control here, and things go awry as soon as he leaves!
From the doors entered Colonel Hummus, who didn't seem to be too concerned with the events transpiring right now.
Hummus: Brigadier Chan.
Chan Way: Colonel Hummus! How can you be so calm at a time like this?!
Hummus: Because…the doctor has sent out some of his projects to stop them.
Chan Way: Even if so…I need to get things back under control. If I don't, I'll die by the Senior Head's claws!
Hummus: Really?
Chan Way: …You don't know what it's like being a Brigadier, do you?
Hummus: No. I've never achieved that rank.
Chan Way: *sighs* …Brigadiers are supposed to act like Senior Heads in command. Whenever the Senior Head is away, one Brigadier is left in charge of a whole organization until he gets back.
Hummus: And…?
Chan Way: You don't know what it's like with him! I mean, I'm grateful that he saved me and my brother, but…I've also seen how terrifying he can be with other Pokemon…I saw him use a move called "Talon Swipe" on a member. It was like watching a bird of prey ripping a meal in half…!
Hummus: …Don't worry. I think he'll understand. After all, he knows that even if there are escaped Pokemon, he would have his members out there reprimand them once again.
Chan Way: I hope you're right. But right now, we have a huge problem, and-
He then noticed a large yellow dot moving in Block K.
Chan Way: W-What is that?
Hummus: I believe that's Project E-Raticate. And…
She then pressed a button on the motherboard, which showed Block G and six dots moving downwards, which was somewhat a great distance from E-Raticate's intended direction.
Hummus: Six individuals moving down Block G, which is where E-Raticate is heading in the direction of.
Chan Way: Is that even okay? Is E-Raticate well behaved? What if he eats our wires?
Hummus: He won't. (...I hope the doctor wasn't lying in saying that he was well-trained…) But, don't you think that there's something going on with their movements?
Chan Way: What do you mean?
Hummus: They're not even stopping at other cells to free the prisoners. What do you think their intended target is?
Chan Way: I don't know, but whatever it is, E-Raticate better get there soon.
Hummus: Huh? Hold on…Isn't Block G where Klepto is?
Chan Way: Yeah…Oh, that's right!
He then pressed on his emblem, calling Klepto.
Klepto: Klepto here.
Chan Way: Klepto, some escaped Pokemon are headed your way. Stop them.
Klepto: Alright.
...
In Block G, Happy, Charles, Baye, Tanner and Mr. P, along with Honori the Marokrow were running down the halls in search of Baye's parents. However, they were unaware of two threats headed their way. One of them was Klepto, a Pokemon Baye was familiar with, and the other was E-Raticate, a project released by Doctor Sorbet.
Tanner: If we reach Block P, we might see them!
Happy: Tanner, do you know where they're holding Grandpa?
Tanner: …Unfortunately, no.
Happy: Aw…
?: Where's the fire, morons?!
From nowhere, Tanner was struck by the side, causing him to tumble over and stopping the group in their tracks. However, despite the enemy being nowhere seen, the voice was too familiar to Baye.
Baye: N-No…! This voice…! It can't be…!
Mr. P: Who is it, Miss Baye? Do you know it?
Baye: Y-Yes…Unless I'm mistaken…!
?: You should remember, little girl! I was there too!
From behind stood a red Kecleon with white frills from his face and ears, and wore an orange cloak just like last time. He grinned as he was happy to see a Pokemon he wanted to kill so badly for getting him into trouble before.
Baye: K-Klepto…!
Everyone else except Baye readied themselves with fighting stances, awaiting an attack. Baye however was trembling in fear, trying to convince herself that this was just a dream. But sadly, it wasn't. He was indeed real.
Klepto: *laughs* It seems you brought friends! I should've known little girls like you can't fight, so you have others fight for you!
Baye: How did you get out?! Did the Dirty Delinquents bust you out?!
Klepto: Oh, you'd be surprised by just how far we Dirty Delinquents work. We are everywhere and nowhere. I'm ready for anyone this time, so bring it!
...