Chapter 44: Uniform Stance
As Happy, Charles, Baye and Honori had finally made it to Block X, they were unaware of Sid Seudo tracking their movements, secretly summoning more units to impede their escape progress. On a separate hand, Colonel Hummus had discovered that Major Cinnamon was attempting to steal money from the vault in Block S and quickly put a stop to her, placing her in the same room as the fighters.
In Block X's holding room, most of the captives were greeted by a Pokemon who, only to a few, were familiar to them as the Pokemon was in chains. Manfred, Crusta, the Druddigon and the Linoone were very wary of it, whilst Zamenza remembered the Pokemon.
Zamenza: …I know her.
Moody: You do?
Manfred: It's zat kovarrrdly feline kat!
Crusta struggled in the chains, wanting to punch Cinnamon as he saw her once again.
Crusta: Lemme aht hair! Lemme aht hair!
Zamenza: Calm down. She's unconscious.
Morgan: So, you know her, Mr. Zamenza?
Zamenza: Her name is Major Cinnamon. She was the one who took me in here…of my own free will, mind you.
Tanner: But isn't it strange that she's in here?
Mr. P: Perhaps she's a traitor?
Unhaus: I wonder…Maybe she could tell us more? Like the exit?
Moody: Good idea.
Cinnamon got up, groaning before looking around to faces that weren't pleased to see her. She then reeled back in shock, knowing that she was put in here for a reason.
Cinnamon: No! I've been put in here to be killed! I was so close…! If only Colonel Hummus didn't show up when I-
She then recollected herself as all eyes were on her, somewhat calmly answering to break the silence with...
Cinnamon: …What? Never saw a naked feline before?
Manfred: Kovarrrdly feline kat has arrrived in ourrr prrresence. What brrrings you to zis dirrre hourrr?
Cinnamon: Pfft. I don't have to tell you morons anything. I'm not gonna-
She then remembered her battle with Colonel Hummus, which caused her to sport a sneaky grin on her face.
Cinnamon: …Actually, what do you guys want to know? I'm chock full of secrets of this organization, and I guess telling you all won't harm me in the slightest.
Druddigon: What are you talking about?! Is this a trick?!
Cinnamon: No, no…I want out of here as much as you guys do…Trust me, I wouldn't lie about that...
Zamenza: (...Got a feeling there's more to what she's spouting…)
Cinnamon: What's the saying again? "I scratch your back, and you scratch mine"? I mean, what more can you lose other than freedom?
Moody: …Zamenza, is she trustworthy?
Zamenza: …I think so, but let's also be wary of her.
Morgan: Look, you, I don't know who you are, but you'd better give us a way out of here!
Cinnamon: Oh, that? Don't worry, I will. There's many exits in this building such as in Blocks D, E, G, O, P, V and W.
Zamenza: …Cinnamon. What's your motivation to suddenly help us out?
Cinnamon: Well, if it isn't the old Alakazam I took in! I just want to help you all out.
Zamenza: I don't think so. Somehow you're using us to fuel your own motive, aren't you?
Cinnamon: W-What?!
Zamenza: I'm guessing the reason you're in here is because you're a thief, aren't you? You tried to steal money from the Dirty Delinquents.
Cinnamon's eyes began twitching as she had an irked expression. Zamenza's gaze was serious towards her, remembering his encounter with her.
Cinnamon: *growls* Who cares?! You don't like them either, so why should you act all concerned about it?!
Moody: W-What…?
Zamenza: "…Fools' gold comes in cold blood…" Walking away with money whilst covered in blood, are we?
Moody: What are you talking about, Zamenza?
Mr. P: I agree. What's going on?
Cinnamon: Does it matter?! I'm looking to escape with the loot and my life! What, you think I'd stab you guys in the back?!
Zamenza: …You might not, but I think a cold-blooded killer with money is unacceptable in our society. That Whimsicott you shot in the Mithra Kingdom was only one offense, but when you assassinated their queen over your type's history, that's when I draw the line!
The entire room was left shocked. All eyes were on her upon the big revelation.
Moody: S-She…
Morgan: She assassinated the queen of the Mithra Kingdom?!
Zamenza: Because of you, you've already decided to throw the world into chaos. I don't care about your history, but I despise those that still live in it, knowing they could've been better.
Cinnamon: *growls angrily* Go to hell, you mangy old moron! None of you will understand! As long as we Dark types struggle in this world, we'll never make it! Don't you see?! She was one of them! I did the world a favor by ridding that kingdom of their queen! She's nothing but the devil in disguise!
Zamenza: …I hope you'll face great punishment. I don't think Arceus will forgive you for your actions.
Moody: …Zamenza…
Unhaus: (...I never knew the old man had this side of him…! I'd better not get on his bad side…)
Cinnamon seethed quietly, knowing any other words would put her in hot water. However, the quiet atmosphere was interrupted when the doors opened, with Happy, Charles, Baye and Honori entering the room. Zamenza, Moody and their friends smiled, whilst the others were confused by their appearance. Happy and Charles noticed both Moody and Zamenza, which brightened their faces.
Happy: Grandpa!
Moody: Happy!
Charles: Old man!
Baye: Tanner! Unhaus! Mr. P!
They ran towards them, embracing them in hugs, whilst Baye used the keys given by Honori on Tanner, Unhaus and Mr. P's cuffs, freeing them.
Morgan: …Hey, did that Squirtle call Mr. Moody "grandpa"?
Dylan: Perhaps he's adopted.
As Happy and Charles freed them from their cuffs using the keys, they stretched their arms and legs, relieved to be free.
Zamenza: Oh, it's good to be on my feet again! Never thought I'd say that at my age.
Moody: Me neither.
As everyone else was freed, Happy was about to free Cinnamon until Zamenza stopped him. His face was serious, yet calm in his voice.
Zamenza: …Happy, wait.
Happy: Huh?
Zamenza: …Don't free her.
Happy: W-Why?
Zamenza: …She's no good to us.
Happy: But Master Zamenza, this is an exec…uh…This is where they kill Pokemon, right? Shouldn't she walk free?
Zamenza pondered for a moment, but knowing that Happy was unaware of her actions, he came to a solution.
Zamenza: …Alright. You can free her. I highly doubt anything will happen to her if she leaves.
Cinnamon knew the intention behind his tone and rolled her eyes. When she was free, the room was silent. As she walked by Zamenza, she made a remark about it with...
Cinnamon: …Maybe children know an innocent heart when they see it.
…As she whipped her tail in front of Zamenza's face mockingly before running down the hall. To himself, he thought…
Zamenza: (...Don't think you'll be able to run for the rest of your life…You'll pay the piper for it…)
Everyone was now out of the holding facility, which caused the security alarm to ring. They ignored it and started running ahead for the way out of the building. Well, some of them, anyways. They noticed squads of Dirty Delinquent soldiers coming their way and charged through, knocking most of them out without even so much as letting them fire. As Happy and friends were about to make their way through, Sid stepped out of the shadows, stopping their escape.
Moody and Baye weren't too proud to see him once again as Moody addressed him in a serious tone...
Moody: Sid Seudo…
Sid wasn't fazed by Moody's appearance, knowing that he was somebody he saw before.
Sid: Mr. Moody, nice to see you again.
Moody: Don't spout that crap, you son of a-
Zamenza: Moody, language! There are children here!
Moody: …Sorry. But Mr. Seudo, I'm very disappointed in you. To think that an Officer of the law is a member of the Dirty Delinquents. Not to mention how you let Klepto walk free. How sad.
Sid: It is you who is sad.
Zamenza: I take it that he's the guy.
Sid: Master Zamenza. Word around town never ceases to amaze me.
Zamenza: …What?
Sid: My patrols have spoken about you. Unfortunately, there's not much for me to comment about you.
Unhaus: What do we do?
Tanner: We fight him!
Moody: I'll fight him. You all go ahead. I'll catch up.
Mr. P: Are you sure, Mr. Moody?
Happy: Grandpa, he's stronger than he looks!
Baye: Yeah! He can do some odd movements that petrify your entire body!
Mr. P: What?! Happy, you guys fought him?!
Charles: Yeah! But he let us go after Happy had somehow freed himself from the effect.
Sid: If you're going to go on ahead, I suggest watching out for my backup. They'll never let you escape.
Unhaus: Try us!
Zamenza: Let's go, everyone. Moody, don't have a heart attack.
Moody: I won't. (...He must've thought of that as a joke…)
They ran ahead, with Moody staying to deal with Sid Seudo.
Sid: …Let's be honest, here. I know I have a weakness against you, but that doesn't mean I can't prevail.
Moody: …You done talking shit, or are you going to fight seriously?
Sid: Klepto was right. You're a stubborn old man who's going to drop dead at some point. No wonder he lost to you.
Sid then took off his cloak and assembled a fighting stance, with arms stretched out like tree branches and his body still like a rock. Moody took on a stance of his own, not having any vines stretched out or anything. One thing he did recognize was his stance, which was familiar.
Moody: That stance you take…It's familiar. I assume it's the Moving Tree, which most Sudowoodo can do. I fought one in my tournament days.
Sid: Too bad this one is something you'll have a hard time against.
Moody then ran towards Sid, in which he could feel the movement of his footsteps. However, when he got close, he backed away from him before suddenly disappearing from view. This time, Sid couldn't feel any footsteps at all as if Moody had somehow remained above. In a situation like this, he remained calm as he closed his eyes, letting his body hear movement.
He could hear footsteps, but not on the ground. Rather, they were bouncing on the walls. He knew it had to be Moody, and he easily tracked him. The only problem was how he was going to land a hit on him without moving. However, among the footsteps, a seed was fired in his direction, forcing him to knock it away into a wall as it exploded, not even damaging it in the slightest.
This alone didn't break his concentration, but more seeds were fired from all directions, forcing him to jump away as they exploded on the ground. This was what Moody was waiting for and placed a foot in front of him as he flew towards him and kicked him in the stomach mid-air, knocking him back before he recovered by backflipping and landing on his feet. Sid felt the impact, which was somewhat painful as he touched the area he was hit in. Moody landed not too far from him, not even showing signs of being out of breath.
Sid: (...Dammit…! He's good, just like Klepto said…! He's an old man with power, that's for sure…!)
Moody: Tell me, Sid. Why side with the Dirty Delinquents?
Sid: "…Those who walk in chains speak the most. Those who don't speak the least". A Pokemon I know was tried unfairly and ended up in jail. He couldn't even escape due to society not listening to his story. But I did. Unfortunately, he would be executed by an unjust law. A Pokemon of the Military with his influence and wealth gave the order. That's why I'm a member.
Moody: What was your…friend tried for?
Sid, in an unforgivingly dark tone, said…
Sid: …Treason. And never even committed the crime, either. Yet that Pokemon's words alone were enough to execute him, even if he begged and pleaded.
Sid's face then bored into a scowl, remembering the pain he felt when he saw it happen. The very friend crying out that he was innocent, with a Pokemon who seemed to resemble a Smeargle with a brown coat grinning at him. Sid was also there, an Officer watching the entire execution happen as his friend's head was cut off.
Sid: …Do you see now? That's why I'm a member of this organization. Revenge. To abolish the unfair laws that society allows upon innocent Pokemon. Voices who can't even speak because it's being silenced. Those who already are demonized by those who don't understand.
Moody: …Then I feel sorry for you…If only for a moment. Overthrowing the thing that keeps society together is the biggest mistake anyone could ever do. The law is not perfect, you know.
With feelings of anger and hurt behind his voice, Sid shouted…
Sid: I know that! But tell that to them! Tell that to the Pokemon who put my friend on the chopping block! Ask him if he feels remorse for it! Ask him if the law isn't perfect in his world! He's the one who should burn in hell! And since you don't share my worldview, then that means you're one of them and should die!
Moody: Stop talking nonsense! You think you're the only one who suffers under the law?! Ask other Pokemon here who are being imprisoned! Should they suffer more just because you did?! I'm betting they've seen their unfair share of the law too!
Sid: Tch. Crooked-ass old man. You're just like those old farts who sit comfortably at that place whilst watching the world suffer for their pleasure. If only the Senior Head got back right now…I'd love to see him gut you inch by inch…
Moody: …It seems that you're nothing more than a crooked cop in my eyes. If somebody killed Arceus in public right now, you'd probably look the other way.
Sid: *growls* Shut up!
Both of his spherical digits were blazing flames and frost, with the left one being flames and the right being frost. He ran towards him with great fury swinging at him. Moody was forced on the defense as he had to dodge them. When he got the chance, he put some distance between them and charged a bluish-greenish ball of energy from between his two vines that got bigger as he held it. Sid noticed it and mimicked the stance, forming a similar ball between his spherical digits.
As they both launched them, they exploded as they collided, creating smoke from their impact. As the smoke cleared, they were still standing in place.
Sid: Die, you ignorant old man! Make like a corpse and stand still!
He began to stand in place, moving his arms slowly without so much as moving his feet. To Moody, this was also another familiar move, which was too easy to him. When Sid thrusted his arms forward at him, he turned to his right as he closed his eyes, which canceled out the effect, shocking Sid.
Sid: Impossible!
Moody: You must've not heard what I said earlier. I fought a Sudowoodo once. That move you did was called "Petrify Dance", only inherited by the Sudowoodo species, wasn't it? Although, it can't really be called a "dance" per say, but who am I to question it? Too bad it has a drawback. It only works if the opponent is watching it.
Sid had enough, as his body was trembling whilst he had the urge to punch again.
Sid: …No…No…! *growls* Then try me against my all-out flailing fists of fire and ice again!
His spherical digits were both on fire and frosting once again, rushing towards Moody. However, as Moody dodged the first blazing swing, Sid threw the frosting one, which hit Moody in the face, but he was unwavering from the attack as a close up was what he wanted. Before Sid could throw the blazing punch, Moody stretched both of his vines out, dishing out punches towards Sid's stomach with them, which grew faster and faster before flying in for a final kick, knocking him into a wall that created a crater from his impact, which he slid down from onto the ground in a weakened state sitting upright on the wall. He was also showing cracks from where Moody struck him at and his mouth was trickling sediment, which was "rock blood".
Sid: *coughs* …Why…? Why…? Why does an old man…like you…have to exist…? Don't you realize…that our system…is working…against us…?
Moody: …Tell me something that I don't know. Besides, abolishing the system breeds more chaos and complacency.
Sid: …C…Complacency…?
Moody: No one would have meaning anymore. They'd do whatever they want without consequences. That's something a police officer like you should've known, but I guess you've forgotten about that. You've lived in your bubble, so now it's up to you to burst it. No one likes a liar in a uniform.
Sid: *chuckles weakly* …You know something…? That Squirtle…He kicks…just as hard…as you…
Moody: *smiles* That's my grandson, whether you believe it or not.
Sid: …G…Grandson…? *chuckles weakly* …I assume he's adopted…
Moody: *nods* Right.
Moody turned around to leave, but Sid had something else to say.
Sid: …Hold on…
Moody: …Hm?
Sid: …Tell Miss Baye…I'm sorry…I couldn't tell her to her face…
Moody: …I will.
As Moody left, Sid had one final thing to do. He pressed the emblem on his coat and called a familiar voice.
?: Hello?
Sid: …Junior Chilli…This is…your superior speaking…There are Pokemon…heading towards Block P…Fight to your heart's content…
Chilli: Will do.
Sid: ...Sergeant Olive…out…
He hung up and pulled out his police hat, holding it in his digits as he examined it. With one thought in mind, he remembered the words Moody said to him before falling unconscious...
Sid: (...No one would have meaning anymore…? That they'd do whatever they want without consequences…? I sense…a double meaning behind that…)
...
*Author's Note - I forgot to mention that this is my preferred writing style. I also want to say that Sid's story hits a bit. Take it however you want.*