Chapter 37: Meta Machine

Throughout the Dirty Delinquent Headquarters, Morgan and her team had defeated Project E-Raticate, which allowed them to roam around the headquarters to free more fighters. Meanwhile, Happy and Charles faced off against Project PZ, capable of defeating it, but were surprised by Doctor Sorbet's new method, which allowed him to control Metalchemist, forcing them to fight him.

In Block X where Zamenza and Moody were being held, they were already asleep thanks to the boredom that they could only tolerate for so long. They had overheard the breakout story, but their only concern right now was to get out. A minute later, their slumber would be woken up when the doors opened up with Dirty Delinquent soldiers carrying familiar Pokemon in chains and placing them in with them before leaving the room.

One Pokemon in particular appeared to be bleeding very badly, which caught Moody's attention as the Pokemon was lying face down on the floor as he shouted...

Moody: T-Tanner!

Zamenza: Unhaus? Mr. P? What brings you boys here?

Unhuas, who was lying down on his stomach with wings spread out, was the first to speak out.

Unhaus: *groans* …Z…Zamenza…M-Mr. Moody…So this is where you were…

Moody: Never mind that! What about my son?! He's bleeding! Who did this to you?!

Tanner, who seemed to almost be in a state of worse wear, faced up to speak.

Tanner: *groans* …J…Junior Chilli…did this… *chuckles weakly* …But there's something…he didn't…account for…

He managed to sit back up, placing a hand over his bleeding stomach as if he was still raring to go.

Tanner: …My Regeneration ability…

Moody: (...That's right…His mother could regenerate herself from wounds…I guess her passing gave him something to also help me remember her by…)

Zamenza: …Incredible…!

Tanner: I'll be fine…He couldn't…puncture me too deeply…Thank Arceus…I have thick vines to protect…my skin… *chuckles*

Moody: So, this "Chilli" Pokemon…He wouldn't happen to be the same Dwebble we both encountered…would he?

Tanner: D…Dad...He…He evolved…! There was no way I could win…

Moody: W-What?! So he became a Crustle?!

Tanner: Yeah…But enough about me. What about you, Unhaus? Mr. P?

Unhaus looked as if he could talk more, but he looked towards Mr. P, who didn't seem to say a word until all eyes were on him.

Mr. P: …I found out that one of the members of the Dirty Delinquents is a Police officer.

Zamenza and Moody turned to each other before looking back at Mr. P with a serious face.

Moody: …What was his name?

Mr. P: …I believe he was called…Sid Seudo…

Moody's eyes widened in horror upon memory. The kind officer who arrested Klepto back then was now working with the Dirty Delinquents.

Moody: W-What…?! No…!

Mr. P: I was chasing after Miss Baye, only to run into him. Klepto took off with her! I couldn't even take him down! He was too powerful!

Moody: K-Klepto…?! Then that means Klepto was…never really arrested…! Sid Seudo was in cahoots with him this entire time! Son of a bitch!

Everyone turned to Moody with shocked reactions, seeing as this was the first time they would hear him swear like that.

Moody: …What?

Zamenza: *sweat drop* Oh, nothing. Just…never heard you swear like that before.

Moody: Oh, come on! What's so surprising about it coming from me?!

Zamenza: …The difference is…we know you.

Tanner: *sweat drop* Yeah, Dad…It's kind of scary when you swear that explicitly…

Moody: *frustration mark* Oh, alright! Fine! But don't expect me to not swear.

Unhaus: …I apologize for breaking the ice here, but…one of the officers I fought said something to me…I never thought I'd hear different perspectives…It makes me wonder if…we're the good guys…

Moody: …How so?

Unhaus: …Well, I was wondering if uh…maybe world liberation isn't such a bad thing…?

Moody: Oh, bullshit. Let me tell you youngsters something. World liberation might sound good, but it's anything but good. This anarcho-liberal-esque thing will do nothing but breed complacency. It's a failed society on the ideals of foolish, ignorant, arrogant Pokemon who think abolishing everything meant for social progression is the solution. It's nothing but rash behavior.

Mr. P: …Oh.

Zamenza: …It's better to not argue against that. And to think I was also on the same page like you youngsters. I guess it's not all black and white.

Tanner: But what are we gonna do now? We can't even get you two out of here. Not to mention, Happy and Charles aren't with us since we got separated.

Zamenza: Don't worry. If it's anything that I taught those boys, it's how to handle themselves. Too bad we can't handle ourselves…It seems that death is drawing near for us…

Unhaus: What do you mean by that?

Moody: …You see, the Senior Head has announced our "execution" date, which could be tomorrow.

Zamenza: Our only hope is to place faith in the freed fighters…

...

Back where Happy and Charles were, they were now against Metalchemist in a controlled state, and now needed a solution more than ever before.

Sorbet: *laughs* Project Meta! Crush them!

Metalchemist raised a foreleg filled with electricity and slammed it down on Happy, who dodged the impact. Where he slammed his leg from, it turned the ground into a charred hole.

Happy: You're forcing him to become something he doesn't want to be!

Sorbet: Guess what, shrimp? Machines don't have "feelings". They're supposed to be cold and ruthless!

Happy: Mr. Red! You don't need to do this! This isn't you! You're a kind soul! You want a friend! Well, we can be your friends! That way you won't have to be lonely!

Sorbet: Silence!

Charles exhaled a stream of flames at Metalchemist, who had a charged leg and swung it, blocking the flames as if they were nothing.

Sorbet: *laughs* Your flames are useless! This is the ultimate weapon my ancestor had created! Give up, runts!

Happy: We don't aim to fight him! We want to set him free!

Charles: Only you bad Pokemon want someone like him to be your weapon!

Happy: He's our friend! We won't give up on him!

Before Metalchemist could swing an arm at the children, he hesitated for a moment, as if something within him was still kicking through.

Sorbet: Project Meta! What are you doing?! Don't hesitate! Kill those children! You are a killing machine! That is an order from me!

Happy: Mr. Red! Don't listen to him! He's only using you for his plan! You don't want to hurt anybody!

Charles: Yeah! You're a nice guy!

Sorbet: *growls* Kill them!

Metalchemist continued using his arms on Happy and Charles, forcing them on the defensive. After all, this was their friend they were trying to save. However, Charles had an idea as they managed to get a good distance away from him, even though he was walking towards them slowly.

Charles: …Happy, I have an idea. I think it has something to do with that remote.

Happy: Should I distract him with the bubbles once again?

Charles: No. I need you to distract Mr. Red. It's the only way I can get closer to that doctor and destroy the remote.

Happy: Alright.

Sorbet: *laughs* Kill them! Kill them, Project Meta!

Whilst Charles was sneaking up on Doctor Sorbet, Happy approached Metalchemist without any fear. He wanted to get Metalchemist back, but couldn't do so unless the remote was destroyed. He kept dodging his attacks, but it seemed like Metalchemist was faster, this time taking one good electric swing at Happy, knocking him into a wall. This in turn gave him a free opening.

Sorbet: Good, Project Meta! Good! Now, fire at will with a Charge Beam attack!

From the star on his face, electricity headed toward it, which caused it to glow, forming a yellow orb in front of him before firing a great beam of electricity, creating a massive hole in the wall that emitted smoke from it. This impact scared Charles, but kept hoping in the back of his mind that Happy was okay and focused on getting that remote. Sorbet was laughing wickedly whilst dancing in place, unaware that Charles was right behind him.

With the right timing, Charles jumped at Sorbet, delivering a fiery punch towards his jaw, bouncing him a few feet whilst dropping the remote within a few feet away from him and Charles.

Sorbet: Ack! No!

He walked on his knees in a hurry, with Charles running towards it. The Pokemon to grab the remote first was Charles, only for him to be grabbed by the leg by Doctor Sorbet, wanting it back.

Sorbet: Give me that remote, you little shit! I poured my hard-earned work into that thing!

Charles: Yeah, right!

He tossed the remote away from him, with Sorbet slamming him down on his belly and got up, running after it. Charles got up and ran after him, with both grabbing the remote in a struggle. At this point, it was a tug-o-war, with the two of them pulling the remote back and forth until it broke, both of them holding half of it.

Sorbet: *screams* NO!

Charles: *fist pumps* Yes!

At this point, Sorbet had one option left. As Happy emerged from the wall with some bruises, he was greeted with a shocking surprise. Sorbet was holding a pistol to Charles's head, threatening him with a grin on his face.

Happy: Charles!

Sorbet: *laughs* It's over, little brat! I have your friend right where I want him and I've got you too! *laughs*

Happy: *growls* You monster! How dare you!

Sorbet: Oh, no no! You brought this upon yourself! Now, give up or I'll turn this lizard into a blood-stained mess! Your choice.

Charles: Happy! Don't worry about me!

Happy: But, Charles-

Charles: Look, Mr. Red's more important!

Sorbet: If you want to see your friend killed, be my guest! Project Meta! Finish that turtle!

Metalchemist charged another electrifying attack, to which this one wasn't as powerful, but only pointed it at Happy. He only stared at Metalchemist with worried eyes, somehow seeing if he could reach through to him.

Happy: Mr. Red…Please…I'm…your friend…

Metalchemist hesitated for a moment, which irked Sorbet and instead of waiting for him to fire, he knocked Charles to the ground and pointed the gun at Happy, firing a single bullet to which he fell down on his back, shocking Charles.

Charles: H-Happy!

Sorbet: *laughs* I did it! I killed a brat! *laughs*

Charles: *growls* You heartless monster! *sniff*

Sorbet: Oh, please. Keep calling me that. I've heard it all day.

Charles couldn't hold back his tears, realizing that his best friend was killed in front of him.

Charles: *sniff* He…He was my best friend…! *sniff*

Sorbet: Aww…Are you crying? *laughs* Project Meta! Kill this one too! It's a sad sight to sore eyes such as mine!

Metalchemist turned around and headed towards Charles and Sorbet, obeying his command. Whilst Charles backed away in fear but fell on his back, Metalchemist began growling and mumbled something in a low tone, which actually surprised the two. However, when he spoke louder it wasn't in a pleasant tone.

Metalchemist: …You…You killed a child…! *growls*

Charles: M-Mr. Red…?

Sorbet: Project Meta?

Metalchemist: *growls* You killed him! You kill a child and laugh about it…?! You're unforgivable!

This time, Metalchemist was completely back to normal, with his eyes returning to normal green pupils, only with rage hidden behind them. Instead of Charles, his focus was on Sorbet, walking in his direction.

Sorbet: W-Wait! Project Meta?! What are you doing?!

Seeing Metalchemist heading his way forced him to back up slowly, hoping to get a running distance from him.

Metalchemist: You'll pay for killing an innocent child!

Sorbet: Project Meta! I'm your master! STOOOP!

He began shooting at Metalchemist, only for him to raise his right leg up, drawing the five bullets towards it like a magnet. Realizing that it didn't work, his only option was to flee. Before Sorbet could run, Metalchemist had his right front leg electrified and swung it in an upper arc like a club, striking him with a powerful blow. The impact knocked his hat off and sent him flying through the ceiling, going through the surface ground and into the blue yonder screaming, never to be seen again.

With the doctor out of the way, Charles and Metalchemist rushed to Happy's side, hoping that he was alright.

Charles: Happy! Happy!

Metalchemist: Please do not die, little one.

As they took a closer look, Happy was only shocked with paralyzing fear, narrowly missing the bullet by an inch off his forehead. Regardless, he was still breathing, only rapidly.

Charles: *sighs* Oh, Happy!

He hugged him in relief whilst bawling, glad to see that he was not dead. Metalchemist was also glad to see him alive, as he wanted nothing more than seeing happy children. However, he thought of something when Sorbet had shot him…

Metalchemist: (...It appears that at the last second, he ducked with quick reaction…Very interesting Pokemon that live in this world…Two happy children…I am glad…And now, I am no longer a slave…I am…a friend…)

...

In Block T, Baye and Klepto were in the room, as she was still tied up and with no one to help her. She wondered if she was going to get out of this situation. Still, it stung her to her heart knowing that Sid Seudo was a member of the Dirty Delinquents, giving her a different view of Police officers.

Klepto: Do not worry, little girl. I'll make sure that you and those accomplices never see each other again. Knowing their fates, they'll get the cut from life!

Baye: You slick chameleon! You think you'll get away with this?!

Klepto: We already have. World liberation is at hand for us. But as for you…

He punched Baye in the face, with pent up anger from the impact.

Klepto: I've wanted to beat you up personally! Thanks to you, I was almost embarrassed!

Baye: What does it matter?! You're free, aren't you?!

Klepto punched her again, this time hitting even harder and repeatedly. He wanted her to pay for snitching on him and using an adult by means of necessary. Whilst bruises appeared from her cheek, her mouth trickled down blood but she still stood strong.

Klepto: …I hate you…I hate you so much! You nearly ruined my life! I was enjoying my hobby and then you came and ruined it!

Baye: (...No…! Then that means…The police weren't really looking for him at all…! They were working with him the entire time…!)

Klepto: But you know what I'd rather do? I'd want to drag your corpse and show it in front of your parents! Let's see if they like their daughter busting a free robber!

Baye: W-What?

Klepto: *growls* Shut up!

He punched her again, causing her to spit out more blood from her mouth. Tears did form from her eyes, but nonetheless, she looked at Klepto with burning eyes.

Klepto: Every word you speak drives a knife deeper in my back. I'm going to steal things I couldn't have as a child! And then I'll retire in luxury!

Baye: …What? Is that it?

Klepto: What do you mean?

Baye: No, like, is that your only hobby? To steal?

Klepto: Of course. My name's Klepto, after all. I hate paying for things. The market's becoming expensive.

Baye: …So, that's it, huh? A childish vendetta to have what you can't have. I'm sorry, but that sounds…stupid to say.

Klepto: …Excuse you?

Baye: Just because you couldn't have things when you were a child, doesn't mean that you should carry that out as an adult. It's true that the market is getting expensive, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't pay. Families need money. It's what makes this world livable.

Klepto: *growls* I can't stand you! You talk crap! Abolishing money is the solution! The government is levying taxes through the roof for the poor, yet complains about them not saving money or getting jobs even though they screw them over! You'll never understand the market!

Baye: …The Overflow and Underflow.

Klepto: W-What?

Baye: It's what keeps the financial scale balanced. It's increased because of the Underflow. Since the war that happened 20 years ago, that's probably why. But abolishing money is not the solution!

Kepto punched her again, causing her cheek to feel numb.

Klepto: I don't have to listen to fools who have wealth! That's for dumbasses!

He then pulled a knife from his coat and held it to her neck. She eyed the blade's shiny edge, which seemed to be sharpened and could cut through her skiing like it was nothing.

Baye: …Then you're a fool.

She summoned her vines around Klepto's neck and pulled him closer to her, slamming him in the face using her head. He staggered back a few steps, but Baye wrapped her vines around his neck once again and used him for leverage, able to pull herself up and ramming into him using her body, knocking him back a few feet on his back, dropping his knife in the process. Even though her legs were tied up, she could still move somewhat. As Klepto got up, his mouth was bleeding and gave her a sour look, as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

Klepto: Tch! Dammit! (...What the hell happened…? Who is this girl…?!)

Baye then stretched out her vines and grabbed the knife, cutting the ropes that bound her. Klepto reacted with shock, seeing that his prisoner was now free.

Klepto: No…! *growls* You stupid girl…! You should've sat your ass down!

Baye: …I'm not really a fighter, but I have to see my family, so you can't stop me, no matter what…!

Klepto: Impossible…!

Baye: Here's my final offer…MAGICAL LEAF!

She summoned leaves covered in rainbow aura and tossed them at Klepto, who couldn't even dodge any of them. Each attack pushed him back until the last one, which knocked him into a wall. Despite being conscious, he groaned in pain as he didn't have any strength left to get back up. She got up in his face, capable of looking him in the eye as she asked…

Baye: …Where's my parents?

Klepto: …How the hell should I know? One of the other members should know. I think Sergeant Olive might have an idea.

Baye: (...Him…)

Klepto: Look, I promise I won't hurt you anymore…Please…leave me be…!

Baye gave him one last look before running out of the room, a stunned expression that crept up on his face. His only thought as she left was…

Klepto: (...How the hell did she learn to do that…?!)

...