Chapter 46: Escape
After managing to escape, Zamenza let the other fighters go on ahead after defeating Colonel Hummus with a move only he knew of. On Happy's end, he and the others were against Junior Chilli, to which Happy and Charles proved to be a match for him. After defeating Chilli, he wanted an apology from Tanner over his pent-up feelings and now can rest easy as they set out to find out where the parents were in Block P.
In the office of the Senior Head, Brigadier Chan Way was busy calling both Colonel Hummus and Junior Chilli on the situation, only to get no response.
Chan Way: Colonel Hummus! Junior Chilli! Either one of you please respond!
Nothing. There was only silence once again, setting his fears straight.
Chan Way: …Oh my god…They're down…I'm going to die…I knew it. I'm going to die…
He then received a call, to which a familiar voice answered that made him shake in fear.
?: Brigadier, this is the Senior Head. I am contacting you that I shall arrive at the base very soon. Has the fort been kept?
Chan Way began to sweat bullets, knowing that he could lie, but feared that should he, the Senior Head would kill him if he arrived and found the prisoners missing.
Chan Way: (...What do I do…? What do I say…?! If I lie, I die…!) *gulps* (...W-Well, maybe he might be lenient if I tell the truth…?)
Barbeque: Brigadier, I won't ask again.
Chan Way shrieked upon hearing his more forceful tone, but actually had to say something that he could agree with, albeit in a disappointed tone.
Barbeque: Has the fort been kept?
Chan Way: …S-Senior Head, sir…I…I hate to say this, but…I'm not a very good leader. Most of our soldiers have been defeated, including Colonel Hummus…Our prisoners have escaped…I believe I'm the only one left now. I'm sorry…If you'd like my head on a platter…I won't hold it against you. I've come to terms with facing death head on.
Barbeque: …I see. But, Brigadier…Have you forgotten? We still have many other members out there in the world. We're unstoppable.
Chan Way: B-But Senior Head, sir-
Barbeque: Keep your head. You did not fail. So long as most Pokemon are still out there, they'll never see true freedom.
Chan Way: S-Sir…?
Barbeque: I also have another thing to address. I am bringing back an assassin. Perhaps there's a Pokemon you know from our organization who'd be a perfect test for her?
Chan Way: S-Sir? But that goes against the way of our organization!
Barbeque: …Brigadier, sometimes in life, you must rid the weak link that prevents strong bonds. My father thought the same way, and now so am I. Now, who would you recommend to be a test for our assassin?
Chan Way: W-Well, sir…That's a very tough one…I'd have to go with the first one that comes to mind…I'd pick…Junior Vanilla for that, since he was the first to lose against those children…
Barbeque: *laughs* Excellent! Contact him and bring him here to headquarters. Tell him we have a surprise for him.
Chan Way: Yes sir.
However, he then had a second opinion.
Chan Way: Oh! W-Wait a minute, sir! I have a better idea!
Barbeque: Oh?
Chan Way: Yes sir. Someone far more worthy to battle against your assassin. I volunteer Major Cinnamon to do it.
Barbeque was confused as to why he brought up Cinnamon for it, but he continued to listen.
Barbeque: …Any particular reason why?
Chan Way: Yes sir! Apparently, Colonel Hummus went to investigate where she was, and it turns out that she was in Block S. She discarded her cloak and weapons to evade suspicion from the radar on the grounds that she was to steal money from us and run away. What better way than a traitor?
Barbeque: *chuckles* A perfect idea. Where is she as of right now?
Chan Way: …That...I don't know. We did lock her up in Block X's holding facility, but…since she's escaped…she would-
He then formed a connection, knowing where she would be.
Chan Way: …On second thought, I think I know. I shall catch her down in Block S and-
Barbeque: No need to do that.
Chan Way: S-Sir?
Barbeque: Let her think she's getting away scot-free. Perhaps she'll come to terms with herself after meeting my assassin.
Chan Way: Yes sir.
Barbeque: Senior Head, out.
The other line hung up, with Chan Way breathing a sigh of relief for now.
Chan Way: (…I managed to dodge the bullet for now…But, my question is…why would Major Cinnamon steal from us…?)
He pondered on that thought for a moment as he walked back and forth behind the desk until he remembered the day she was sworn in under Barbeque's presence eight years ago. She told the story of how her type was being discriminated against and how little money she-
Chan Way: (…That's it…That's why…Despite her history, she felt the need to make a living for herself…She didn't trust any of us at all...Are Dark types really trustworthy…?)
He thought about it for a moment, only to realize another Pokemon of a similar type being part of their organization that was far better than her.
Chan Way: *shakes head* (...No…Commander Meat is more loyal than her…If it wasn't for the Senior Head taking him in when he was a poor, defenseless pup on the streets ten years ago, he would be dead…Major Cinnamon…you'd best prepare yourself…)
...
Back in Block P, Happy and the others were going cell to cell using the keys and cloaks from the Dirty Delinquent soldiers they defeated to open them. They freed some of the parent Pokemon, but not the ones they were expecting. However, one door Charles opened had a Nintetales and a Vulpix in chains that he was looking for, although he wasn't too sure until he had to ask them. The Ninetales in particular appeared to be somewhat bigger than the rest and somewhat older, being a black coated one with a glowing green hue on the tips of his tail, even matching his eyes. He also wore a headdress donned with feathers, indicating his status.
As for the Vulpix, she appeared to have a yellow coat color with orange eyes and donned a somewhat similar feathered headdress, although smaller than the chief's and seemed younger than him.
Charles: …Excuse me, but are you two the parents of the two Vulpix from the village with the giant Mutant Pokemon? I believe their names were uh…Nino and…Venna…?
The two Pokemon perked up, knowing very well that they were familiar to them.
Ninetales: …N…Nino…? Venna…? Our…children…?
Charles: So you're them. Let me free you guys.
He took the keys and used them on the shackles, freeing their legs for movement.
Ninetales: …Young one…Who are you?
Charles: I'm Charles! I may look like a uh…Never mind…But the important thing is, you're free!
The Vulpix looked to her husband with worry in her eyes as he did the same back before returning their gaze towards Charles.
Ninetales: …Very well, Charles. I'm Naidu, and this is my wife Vainavi. We thank you for freeing us. Are you alone in this endeavor?
Charles: No. I've got friends helping me out! Oh! Speaking of, perhaps you can follow us!
Both Naidu and his wife bowed on all fours in respect before standing back up on their hind legs.
Naidu: We shall accompany you.
...
Where Baye, Honori and Unhaus were, they used a cloak emblem to open a door, giving her a surprise as a Chikorita and a Meganium were in the room in chains. When they noticed Honori, their expression went from worry to joy from her presence. Honori cawed happily as he flew in, landing on Maga's back.
Chibi & Maga: Honori!
As they noticed Baye, their fears were eased.
Baye: M-Mom! Dad!
Chibi & Maga: Baye!
She ran towards them, being embraced in a neck-embracing hug. Unhaus smiled, which was a familiar feeling but remembered Eve, which made him worried.
Baye: I'm so glad to see you guys!
Chibi: Oh, my baby…! Thank goodness you're alright!
Maga: *laughs* Your mother was about to turn six shades of red for a while. I was wondering if-
Chibi then noticed how bruised Baye was, gasping in shock as she looked at her injuries with worry. Maga also noticed, but he was more glad to see she was still alive.
Chibi: Oh, Baye! What happened to you?! Who did this?!
Baye: Mom, I'm fine.
Maga: Now, now, dear. She's alive. That's more important to us right now.
Baye then undid the shackles on them with the keys she found, now proud to be with her parents once again.
Baye: Mom, Dad…We have to get out of here.
Maga: Right.
However, he noticed Unhaus at the door, which made him curious as he squinted through his glasses to get a good look at him from his distance.
Maga: …By the way…Who is that? Friend of yours?
Chibi also noticed Unhaus, which made her curious as well.
Baye: Huh? Oh yeah. That's Unhaus.
Maga was somewhat confused, wondering about his name and mumbled under his breath…
Maga: *sweat drop* Boy, the names get stranger amongst the next generation…
Chibi overheard his remark, giving him a little side rump that drew his attention.
Chibi: Now, dear…Don't be rude. If it's a friend of hers, they're trustworthy. Oh! Where's that cute little Squirtle friend of yours?
Baye: He's probably somewhere opening a door to free somebody a friend of his wants.
Chibi: Well, what are we waiting for?! Let's go find him! You come too, young man!
As they ran out the door, Unhaus perked up in surprise. He was addressed by somebody with a kind tone, which was something he wasn't really familiar with.
Unhaus: (…Y-Young man…? I never thought I'd be called that…)
...
Where Happy and Tanner were, they opened doors that freed other Pokemon, but not the ones he was looking for. As he approached another door, he used the emblem to open it, which contained a green Poliwrath wearing a crown and red cape over his head, with the blue pupils adding to his appearance. He was also with other frog-like Pokemon that were in chains like he was.
When Happy stood at the door with Tanner by his side, the frogs were confused by who they were, wondering if they were either friend or foe.
Tanner: Happy, is that the Pokemon you're looking for?
Happy: I don't know. I don't know what Polly's father looks like.
However, the green Poliwrath overheard a name being uttered, which caused him to address the duo.
Poliwrath: P-Polly?! How the hell do you two know her?! Are you members of the Dirty Delinquents?! Where is she?! Where's my daughter, you bastards?!
Tanner: W-What?! N-No sir! You've got the wrong idea! We're busting Pokemon out of here!
Happy: Are you the "father" that Pokemon mentioned?
Poliwrath: What's it to you?! And why are children like you rescuing such Pokemon like us?!
Happy: Mister, she's actually outside this building!
Poliwrath: W-What?!
Tanner: If you think we're on the bad side, we'll prove you wrong by undoing those shackles of yours with the keys we found.
The Poliwrath turned away in disgust, feigning his emotions upon the situation.
Poliwrath: Hmph! I don't need no stinkin' help! Me and my family were…just faking our imprisonment! We don't need your help!
Tanner: *sweat drop* …Alright, then. Let's see if you're capable of freeing yourself.
The Poliwrath tried stretching his arms and legs as much as he could, but struggled to even break the chains.
Poliwrath: *grunts* J…Just…you wait…! I'm…I'm just…getting warmed up…!
Some of the amphibian Pokemon could only watch with disappointment, only for one of them to address the two.
?: Please free us. We have to save our children!
Poliwrath: Be quiet, you!
Tanner: …You know what? I'll free them, but leave you behind.
Tanner undid the shackles on the amphibian Pokemon, allowing them to taste their freedom except the Poliwrath, who was confused even though deep down inside, he was wanting out just as much as everyone else.
Tanner: Well, that's everyone. Let's go.
As Happy and Tanner left with the family, the Poliwrath finally gave in.
Poliwrath: W-Wait! I uh…need to use the bathroom! I haven't peed since my arrival here!
Tanner: …You want out like your family does, right?
Poliwrath: …Ngh…! F-Fine! But don't think I'll credit you in this endeavor! I shall reign mighty to my family in breaking free from these shackles by myself!
Tanner: *sweat drop* (...You're not fooling anybody…)
?: So this is where you guys went.
Everyone turned to see Zamenza and Moody, who just got there.
Happy: Grandpa! Master Zamenza!
However, the Poliwrath reeled back in shock as he noticed Zamenza, as if he was a familiar figure to him.
Poliwrath: M-M-Master…Zamenza?! I-It can't be…!
Happy and Tanner were confused by the Poliwrath's response until Zamenza responded to clear the air.
Zamenza: …Frogwog. It's been a while. That boasting of yours hasn't changed, I see.
Happy: F-Frogwog?
Frogwog: I…I…
He bowed in shame, knowing he was in front of a Pokemon whom he held in high regards as he shouted...
Frogwog: I apologize!
Everyone else except Happy, Zamenza and Moody fell to the floor in a comedic response over his bizarre behavior.
Moody: *sweat drop* …He's quite strange for a former student of yours, Zamenza.
Happy: Master Zamenza, you taught him?
Zamenza: I did. I sent him off with full confidence in his abilities after he was done, hoping to grow on his own.
Moody: Son, please free him. He can be stubborn, but he doesn't mean any harm.
Tanner did as he was told, undoing the shackles that bound him until they fell off, bringing back his confident self as he stood up proudly.
Frogwog: Huzzah! I am free! Master Zamenza, it is good to see you again.
Zamenza: Quite. Now, I assume you all have family to free?
Frogwog: Y-Yes. Squirtle-like thing?
Happy: M-Me?
Frogwog: You said that one of my daughters is outside, right?
Happy: Y-Yes.
Frogwog: Then…go protect her. We must free our children.
Tanner: A-Actually, there's no need to do that. Someone's gone to free them, and-
Frogwog: Who?! Who's doing that?!
From down the halls, they heard a multitude of footsteps, to which everyone were confused by until a familiar voice called out to them, shouting…
?: UNHAUS!
Tanner: Hey…That voice…It sounds like…
From the front row, an Eevee in a white colored coat wearing glasses, with brown fur around her neck to help keep herself warm, and two tails with a heart-shaped pattern was seen running in their direction as she led a horde of Pokemon children with her.
Moody: That's Eve!
In another section of the hall, Baye and her family along with Unhaus overheard her voice. Unhaus was relieved to hear her voice, calling back to her with…
Unhaus: EVE!
He flew in the direction of her voice, which he found. She saw him in her sights and nuzzled him with tears streaming down her face as the other children ran past them.
Eve: Unhaus! *sniff*
Unhaus: Eve…I'm glad to see you again.
He began to comfort her as she cried seeing him again, not wanting to relive the experience she faced again. Every one of his friends including Charles and the two fox Pokemon came together in a group hug, finally relieved to be back together again.
Zamenza: *smiles* …It's like we're one big happy family again.
...
In Block S, Major Cinnamon was in the vault room, attempting to take a second chance at stealing the money that was locked away in the giant vault. This time, she was sure that the money was hers for the taking. It was really easy for her to use the fighters for her own gain, but if it's three Pokemon she didn't want to run into, it would be either the Senior Head, Colonel Hummus, or Zamenza.
She growled at the last thought of that Pokemon, knowing how he attempted to make her guilty in front of the fighters. But, since her main goal was right in front of her with no one to stop her, she grinned as she turned the dial of the combination until the vault slowly swung open. The money was within her grasp, ready to take off with it.
Cinnamon: *chuckles* Finally…! I'll be able to live comfortably with this money and-
As the vault was opened in full view, she was shocked by how empty it was inside.
Cinnamon: What?! Where is it?! Where's the money?!
?: …I figured you would be here again.
She turned around to see Brigadier Chan Way with his back against the door and a foot propped on it whilst crossing his arms, not even looking at her in the slightest.
Chan Way: …Do you think I'd be stupid to not know where you would be after your escape?
Cinnamon: *growls* …You've gotta be kidding me!
Her eyes glowed blue as her forehead jewel glowed a blue aura whilst staring at Chan Way. However, he stood on the other side of the door in the same position, taking her by surprise.
Chan Way: I won't tell you where the money is. However, you'll be in serious trouble when the Senior Head gets here, which I believe he'll arrive shortly. Don't worry about me. I'm not stopping you. If you want to scramble to find it or escape this place, be my guest. But hope that your head stays intact as you do so. Farewell…Penelope…
Her anger began to spike as her eyes and jewel glowed a furious blue aura whilst looking at Chan Way, only for him to disappear from her sights. She began to calm herself as she was panting, but the fear began to seep into her. Her eyes began to shrink as she lay on her stomach, knowing that she was going to get it sooner or later.
Cinnamon: (...No…! I…I was so close…! Damn that Hummus…! Damn that Brigadier…! I…I've…failed…)
...