Chapter 34: Hired Assassin
During the jailbreak, Happy and Charles had awakened Project Meta, the Dirty Delinquents' most powerful project to date. However, they learned that it was a kind soul under its exterior and engaged in battle with Project Annihilator, a creature meant to protect anyone who woke it up. Upon defeating it, they came face to face with Doctor Sorbet, who wanted nothing more than to eliminate them for waking Project Meta up.
Meanwhile, Tanner, Baye and Mr. P, along with Honori were engaged in a battle with two of the Dirty Delinquent members, one of them being Klepto, who ran off with Baye and Honori with Mr. P going after them, and Junior Chilli, who had a score to settle with Tanner. The separation left them to deter a bit from their main goal, which was to rescue Baye's parents along with Zamenza and Moody.
Somewhere on a nightly horizon of the sea, Senior Head Barbeque and Brigadier Lee Way were speeding on a large flying Pokemon for transport, which was moving like a rocket over the ocean, making waves from its speed. This Pokemon was made by Doctor Sorbet as a way for the Senior Head to get around for important business, as well as being well equipped and ready to follow orders.
Said Pokemon in question appeared to be a large Yanmega that looked to resemble some sort of military aircraft, having dark, deep blue skin with orange eyes matching its six legs under an oval appendage seemingly to resemble shoulder pads, and bright green spots on the sides of its body appendages. Its wings were a shade deeper than the spots, with the tips of its wings being red. The most interesting feature was its orange-ringed tail, which emitted orange energy to propel itself forward from the hole.
The Senior Head, proud of his accomplishments, thought to himself…
Barbeque: (...World liberation at last…I've done it, father…I, Raymond Valiant the 8th, have done what you wanted…What we wanted…What the world wanted…)
Whilst basking in said accomplishment, his thoughts were interrupted by a female voice saying in a flat tone…
?: Excuse me.
As they turned around, they noticed a female Swadloon, who appeared to have a lavender covering that was made with cloth rather than leaves, red eyes and had a serious disposition on her face. She was also holding a paper with the Dirty Delinquents logo on it, which made them curious as to whether or not she was friend or foe. The thing is, she wasn't detected until she said something.
Barbeque: …Who are you?
Swadloon: I'm Lasanne. I saw this flier hanging around and noticed you were speeding. I also heard that you achieved world liberation.
Barbeque: …And your presence here being…?
Lasanne: I wish to join your organization. I never liked society's methods, and I'd prefer putting myself to some good use. Perhaps as an…assassin?
Lee Way: A-Assassin?! How old are you?!
Lasanne: I'm sixteen. I've killed a few Mutant Pokemon, but mostly for practice. I'm really good. But now I'd rather turn it into a profession with real Pokemon. I'm stronger than I look, you know.
Barbeque: …Hmm…
Lee Way: Look, kid…Go play "assassin" somewhere else. We have no time for-
Barbeque: Brigadier…
Lee Way: H-Huh…?
Barbeque: …You know, you actually did display a fraction of your talent just now. We could use some of that.
Lee Way: W-What?!
Barbeque: Brigadier…Did you notice she was on here a minute ago?
Lee Way: W-Well, no…But-
Barbeque: To do so without even us detecting your presence means you're the real deal.
Lee Way: (...Huh…He's right…I didn't even notice her get on…! That's some assassin technique, alright…)
Lasanne: However, if you wish to have someone killed, it will cost you. I don't work for free. And I like my money upfront so that I know I'm not being cheated.
Barbeque: And what are you getting out of this, exactly?
Lasanne: Experience. You have a problem with somebody, and I'll get rid of them for you. Like I said before, I'd rather turn it into a profession. No one will know I work under your organization, but don't expect me to obey like a dog. I'd prefer to work alone.
Barbeque: Hmm…We'll have to discuss this at the main base. With the speed we're traveling, it'll take a day and a half. So possibly by tomorrow afternoon…
However, he had an idea for the girl.
Barbeque: ...Actually, there's a target I want you to take care of…Two, to be certain. Both of them are being held at my base, and are defiers of liberation. Mind you, they're old Pokemon brainwashed by the system and will defend it to their dying breaths. Of course, this isn't too much trouble for you?
Lasanne: The elderly are nothing.
Barbeque: They are stronger than they look. I suggest you be wary of them.
Lasanne: Duly noted. How far is the base, anyway?
Barbeque: Depending on Ogre Darner here. We got to the World Government in two days, and now accelerating at breakneck pace. With our speed, we should reach it by tomorrow afternoon. By then, you'll get your chance to assassinate them.
Ogre Darner made some sort of sound from its open mouth, which sounded somewhat distorted with a bit of metal to it.
Lasanne: …This thing? It's alive?
Barbeque: Yes. One of my associates made this thing specifically for me. It usually needs food to fly for long periods of time, and is equipped with some powerful attacks. Right now, he's in rocket mode. He had eaten something already, so we're speeding back as quickly as possible.
Lasanne: …I see. Well, this isn't my preferred ride.
Barbeque: What kind of ride is it?
Lasanne: I'll show you when we get there. I hate flying.
...
Back in the cell where Zamenza and Moody were, they were contemplating on what was happening within the base. Of course, they couldn't know exactly what was going on, even talking to each other to pass the time. But there was one thing they did rely on, which was their power of sensing energy. They knew of who was roaming around, but there was some unfamiliar energy they could sense as well. However, they couldn't accurately pinpoint their location, so hope was their only option at this point.
Zamenza: …I'm glad that they're alright.
Moody: Right now, I think Happy and Charles are in danger.
Zamenza: It appears that they're about to face off against a Dirty Delinquents member, and whoever it is, their energy is a little stronger than theirs.
Moody: I hope they can conquer whatever it is.
Zamenza: Say, Moody…I was wondering about something regarding this "liberation" thing…
Moody: What's that?
Zamenza: Well…I think it would be nice to not have to pay money for some things nowadays…I mean, given how we were cheated since the industrialization of society…I could at least get away with getting some eggs for free…
Moody turned to Zamenza, wondering if he was serious with his words. However, one look at his face would sing a tune that he wasn't happy with.
Moody: …Zammy…I know pricing is unfair in our world today, but it's what keeps society running. Since they've abolished things like taxes and money, along with jobs, I can't say for certain that it'll last for very long. A world without rules is an unkempt world.
Zamenza: *nods* True.
Moody: Not to mention, it'll breed a very complacent society. Pokemon will steal and have no repercussions for their actions, and it'll make it harder for those to support their loved ones…
Zamenza: I see. Nice to get a perspective from my old friend.
Moody: …Just don't think like them, or else…
Zamenza: *laughs* Don't worry. I won't.
...
Back where Tanner was, he was facing off against Chilli, a Junior among the Dirty Delinquents. Given their history, they didn't actually get along, and Tanner had beaten him once in the past. However, to Chilli, this time was going to be different. He believed that he was going to defeat Tanner. No, he was confident that Tanner didn't stand a chance against him. Whatever could he have against him?
Tanner stood in a readied fighter pose, his hands balled up and as close to his serious face as possible for a guard, whilst Chilli had a stance with his pincers somewhat loose and outwards for an amped strike, a grin on his face full of confidence. A loud crash could be heard from nearby, which meant a signal to clash. Tanner rushed forward with a left fist glowing blue, ready to hit Chilli. However, he anticipated it and blocked the fist with a right claw.
Shocked by the block, Tanner then withdrew it and jumped back, summoning glowing blue rocks containing prehistoric power to toss at him. In response, he started clawing his way through, breaking every rock hurled at him in pieces, only for him to realize that it was a setup as Tanner was no longer in front of him.
Chilli: (...Where is he…?)
As he looked around, he then felt a punch to his face, pushing him back a few feet. Thanks to the rock he carried, he was capable of withstanding the hit. But it only made him chuckle a bit before he regained his composure.
Tanner: What's so funny?!
Chilli: Oh, Tanner…I'm just surprised that you still have it. However, you are behind the times…That punch was just a lucky strike.
Tanner: What are you talking about?
Chilli: It's simple, really. Right now, I realized that I am capable of defeating you. And you are about to see why we pale in comparison in terms of power…
Tanner: W-What?!
Chilli: *chuckles* Just watch…
As Tanner stood to watch, Chilli began to tuck his claws closely to his body, appearing as if he was trying to make himself stronger whilst growling to himself. It wasn't apparent to him at first until Chilli's body, including his rock started to glow, which shocked Tanner to his core.
Tanner: (...N-No…! Is he…?)
He continued to watch, now noticing a change within the glow. Chilli's body began to grow bigger, with the rock on his back doing the same, possibly even larger than his body. When his body stopped glowing, his appearance drastically changed. He still had the scar over his right eye, along with the whiskers and goatee under his chin, but his body was now yellow, with his eyes being orange. The tips of his pincers were black, and the rock on his back still had the blue shards on it, only the rock was now shaped like a castle, making him look like a moving palace. The only thing that didn't change was the purple cloak he wore.
Tanner couldn't believe what he was seeing. Out of all Pokemon throughout his life, this was actually the second time he saw one evolve right in front of him. Chilli noticed the surprised look on his face and grinned, knowing that he had an opportunity. When he spoke, his voice was deeper than normal.
Chilli: Before you I stand no longer a Dwebble, but now a Crustle!
Tanner: (...I…I don't…believe it…! He can evolve now…?! Did he really get stronger…?!)
Chilli: Judging by your face, you're in disbelief. Want me to put that disbelief to good use?
Tanner then took a look at the new Chili, noticing the large castle-shaped rock on his back, which seemed to look heavy on him.
Tanner: (...That rock on his back is humongous…! But then again, it might be too much for him to handle…It gives him great defense, but slows his speed…Perhaps I can use that to my advantage…) Sorry, Chilli. I don't think that you'll beat me as you claim.
Chilli: Oh, really? And why not?
Tanner: Well, your evolution, while impressive, has a flaw. I highly doubt you'll defeat me.
Chilli: And what flaw is that?
Tanner: That shell on your back. I'm betting that it's going to slow you down.
Chilli: Hmm…You're right. It is going to slow me down. How about I fix that?
Tanner: Huh?
To fix the problem he had, he uncorked himself from his shell, now displaying his tail and his true appearance. He seemed to look flat underneath the cloak, which didn't really ease the situation. This was a first for Tanner, as he now saw him in a different light.
Tanner: So, you're feeling lighter yet?
Chilli: Oh, I am lighter. Lighter than you ever imagined. But don't be so surprised when I make you peel your lips off the ceiling…
Tanner: *smiles* Don't worry, I won't.
As he stood in a fighting pose once again, Chilli moved so fast that to Tanner, he was moving at the speed of light.
Tanner: (...W-What…?! He's gotten even faster…! Is removing that shell a big difference…?!)
He began making circles around Tanner, making him uneasy from the new speeding prowess he displayed. He began looking around frantically, unable to get a good judgment of where his opponent would be. From the side of Tanner's head, a pincer slashed, cutting some vines in the process. He stepped back a few feet, still looking around. He was unable to keep track of Chilli's movments, and before he could react, Chilli came towards him at such speed that it was too late.
His pincers slashed at his stomach in an x-shaped manner, drawing red blood as well as cutting some vines in the process. It took Tanner a moment to register what he was against. This wasn't the same Chilli he fought in the past. He was definitely stronger than before.
Tanner: (...Dammit…! He's…He's definitely…stronger…than he was…in the past…! I can't…even keep up…! If I don't do something…I'll die…!)
Chilli: Any last words, Tanner?
Tanner: Yeah…Where's my father?!
Chilli: There you go. I'll bring you to him as a corpse!
With one final attack, he thrusted a pincer straight towards Tanner's stomach, drawing out even more blood as if he was stabbed by a knife. Tanner began to struggle with his consciousness, as he was losing more blood. His vision was getting blurry, about to pass out.
Tanner: (...N…No…good…H…He's…t…too..strong…)
As Chilli removed his pincer from Tanner's stomach, he fell unconscious, lying in a pool of his own blood. Chilli stood right in front of him, grinning to himself as he now defeated the Pokemon he didn't truly get along with.
Chilli: I'll be certain to give your father my regards. At least you're not so big to me anymore… *chuckles*
...
In the Genetics Lab, Happy and Charles, along with Metalchemist, were face to face with Doctor Sorbet, the head scientist of the Genetic Lab. He wasn't too thrilled that Project Meta was awakened by children, and still noticed the kindness default that he sported. It also didn't help ease the situation as the once standing Project Annihilator was now in shambles, which infuriated Sorbet a lot.
Sorbet: You little brats dare come in here and disrupt some things that mean little to nothing to you, which was years spent creating?! How dare you?! My ancestors will be mad at me for all their hard work blessed in me reduced to rubble! Prepare to die, brats!
Charles: *sweat drop* Boy, he talks a lot…
Metalchemist: Doctor Sorbet, please reconsider your approach in behavior. I'd rather peace be a thing, rather than blood and violence.
Sorbet: Silence, you! You're nothing but a disgrace!
Happy: How dare you talk to him like that?!
Charles: Where's Mr. Moody?!
Sorbet: *chuckles* …Why should I care about that old fart bag? He's going to get his just desserts.
Happy: W-What…do you mean…?
Sorbet: Enough! Project Program, get in here!
From the entrance doors, Project Program came in, flipping its feet and looking around like a lost, curious dog as it hovered over ground, but still obedient as ever.
Happy: What kind of Pokemon is that?
Sorbet: *points* Take care of those children. They shouldn't be too much trouble.
Program barked, with the two children standing in a readying pose to fight. However, the creature began hovering in place, doing absolutely nothing whatsoever for a moment as it continued its same movements as before. It even left Happy and Charles somewhat confused, as if it wasn't responding to him. It left Sorbet furious, trying again.
Sorbet: Project Program! Take down those two children!
Happy: Uh…Is it supposed to do that?
Sorbet: N-No… *growls, frustration mark* Damn it to hell! What is wrong with this thing?! Why is it that half of my creations go defunct?! I spent my entire life dedicated to making them, and this was the result of it?!
Metalchemist: Analyzing data…Analysis complete. Project Program is not specifically designed for combat. Only useful for tracking movements.
Sorbet was left speechless for a moment, now realizing about his own project. He intentionally designed it for more…maneuverable matters rather than for combat.
Sorbet: *sweat drop* I…did design it like that…didn't…I…? *frustration mark* But it still can use moves! It can attack foes!
Metalchemist: Re-Analyzing…Analysis complete. Project Program is only capable of attacking if a severe threat is detected.
Sorbet: Impossible! These children are threats!
Charles: That creature is a joke…
Sorbet: *growls* Oh, how I hate this! That's it! I can't rely on this Pokemon at all! I'll have to send in Project PZ! It'll have to end the chase of Project P-2.0.
He jumped on Project Program and pushed some buttons on its back before jumping back on the ground again. Both Happy and Charles exchanged glances with one another before looking back to Sorbet, wondering if anything was supposed to happen. They then heard sounds of an electric hum, and within seconds, a Pokemon appeared in front of them as if it was summoned by electricity.
Said Pokemon appeared to be a Porygon with some unusual features. To start, its yellow head appeared dismembered despite floating above its ovoid yellow body as if a neck was there. The beak, as well as the ring on its body and the tail were green, and its eyes were red with rings for its pupils. It appeared to move erratically in place, with its head and body glitching directions every second.
Sorbet: *laughs* Say hello to Project PZ! An enhanced Porygon-Z and the strongest of the Porygon! Any last words, brats?!
Happy: Hey, Mr. Red? What's a "Porygon"...?
Sorbet fell to the floor in comical disbelief over the absurdity of the children's mindsets. He couldn't believe that they were this clueless in the situation they were facing.
Metalchemist: Porygon…Analyzing…Analysis complete. The Porygon line are polymorphic creatures capable of traveling through the digital depths of cyberspace itself. Project Program is the original model of "Porygon", only with some minor differences. There's Porygon2, which is somewhere in the facility, and Porygon-Z, the Pokemon standing before you with the erratic movement.
Happy: Incredible!
Charles: I don't know what "cyberspace" is, but it sounds cool.
Sorbet got back up, but with a furious expression.
Sorbet: *growls* Alright, that's it! You bastards are dead! Get ready to experience pain, brats! Project PZ is the fastest creation I've ever made! Prepare for execution!
...