Chapter 51: Village Protectors
As Happy and the group decided to move elsewhere, Unhaus, directed by Maga in search of his friend, was unexpectedly targeted by aerial Dirty Delinquent members and narrowly escaped death. Luckily, he found the place he was supposed to find and met Ludwig and now is using Felicia, his pet Wailphan to help find them a new location that Charles suggested would be good. However, things were only beginning at the Dirty Delinquents Headquarters…
Speaking of, back at Dirty Delinquents headquarters before Happy and friends had departed during the four hour period, Chan Way and Lee Way were in Doctor Sorbet's Genetics Lab, only to see Metalchemist and the three Porygon variations together in shutdown mode with some of the white cloaked Pokemon scientists looking at them in puzzlement, even scratching their heads. They had come from Block H after checking in the Senior Head, and were more likely there on Parfait's request.
The Genetics Lab, despite losing Doctor Sorbet, was still just as busy as ever before. Most of the scientists turned in the direction of the brothers, saluting them even though the brothers themselves didn't really want that kind of welcome. One of the scientists being a yellow young male Shinx in a white cloak had approached them, wondering what brought them here.
Shinx: E-Excuse me…Brigadiers…W-What brings you into our lab?
Lee Way: We're here for a capsule that Doctor Sorbet had made called "HX-1".
Shinx: W-Well…I guess we can give it to you guys…Probably might have more use for it than any of us would…
However, their attention was focused on Metalchemist and the Porygon trio, as it was strange for them to be together…
Chan Way: Say, weren't Project Meta and the other three Porygon in separate chambers? Why are they together as of right now?
Shinx: …Even we are perplexed about that.
Chan Way: …Wait a minute…Those Pokemon who broke in here…They did something to them! No wonder the radar was acting funny! And-
He then remembered about another project that should've been here.
Chan Way: Where's Project Annihilator? His dot was removed off the map for some reason.
Shinx: *sweat drop* Well, we uh…found Annihilator…busted up in pieces…
Chan Way's eyes widened and drew a scowl over the information shouting…
Chan Way: WHAT?!
His voice was loud enough to be heard by the entire lab, stopping some of the work that was going on.
Shinx: …Yeah…We aren't sure who did it, but we do know someone applied heat followed by brute force.
Chan Way: Well, reconstruct Annihilator! Call it "Annihilator 2.0" or something! I don't care so long as it is rebuilt again! And resurrect Project E-Raticate whilst you're at it!
Shinx: U-Uh, we can't resurrect E-Raticate…We uh…lack the necessary means to do so…
Lee Way: Are you sure?
Shinx: Positive.
Lee Way: Well, there's no use in bringing back a useless life form back to life. Perhaps Annihilator will do. Do you have the blueprints for it?
Shinx: We have the blueprints for it, but it's…somewhat of a mix between biological and mechanical. It is possible to reconstruct it to its original.
Lee Way: Good. Improvise it more so it won't be a disappointment to us.
Shinx: S-Sure.
Chan Way: So, how long will it take for Annihilator to be rebuilt?
Shinx: Uh…Probably two weeks…
Chan Way: We won't have any time for that! Could you speed it up to a week?
Shinx: I-I don't know, but the Senior Head-
Chan Way: Look, never mind the Senior Head right now. There are bigger things to get across the table.
Shinx: *sighs* …We'll see what we can do…
Chan Way: Good, but…
Shinx: …What is it?
Chan Way: …We were sent here on Miss Parfait's behalf.
Shinx: Oh…Did you tell his wife the news?
Chan Way: She uh…already knew.
Shinx: Oh…
Lee Way: …As much as I hate to break the atmosphere, but we need to know something. Where can we find the HX-1?
Shinx: Hold on a moment.
He then whistled to another two-legged scientist with a hood over his head that came his way, standing at attention as the two Brigadiers were in front of him.
?: Y-Yes sir! Brigadiers!
Shinx: These two need to find it. Could you show them to the doctor's room?
?: Certainly. Right this way, sirs.
The scientist showed them the way to Doctor Sorbet's room, which was a small, messed up, cluttered room with papers littered everywhere containing drawings of many bizarre creatures that did not look like any kind of creature that would exist in the world and giant glass tubes with no liquids in it. In the back of the room sat a desk facing them and a chair behind it, presumably where the late doctor sat and did his work.
Above said desk on the wall was a painting of a Spinda resembling Sorbet, except the body was milk-white with the spots being crimson red, presuming to be Doctor Frappe, his ancestor. Below the painting was a row of others being a Spinda like Sorbet, only with different features such as different spot shapes in various places and body color. Like Frappe, they wore the same hat and cloak the late doctor wore.
?: It's in that desk drawer. You'll find a capsule in it with the title on it including blueprints for it. The doctor showed us that when he was feeling boastful about completing it some time ago.
Lee Way walked towards the desk as his brother was astounded by the drawings Sorbet had all around the room. Some of the papers were either balled up or torn off of pads like a beast just ripped them off. Perhaps scrapped ideas, maybe.
Chan Way: (...Man, the doctor must've been insane…These pictures…I can't even describe what they are…They look nothing like any kinds of creatures found here on earth…! What was his mindset at the time…?!)
As Lee Way looked into the desk drawer, he spotted a small pill-shaped capsule titled "HX-1" with two buttons on the side along with the blueprints on how it functioned and placed them into his cloak for safekeeping.
Lee Way: Thanks.
?: You're very welcome. I hope you two manage to do whatever is necessary to help us in our time of need.
Chan Way noticed that Lee Way was finished and headed in his direction, to which he wanted to know…
Chan Way: Do you have it?
Lee Way: Yeah. It's right here.
He pulled it out of his cloak to show his brother, who had a puzzled look on his face at how it looked.
Chan Way: …Doesn't seem like he invented anything useful with that.
?: Oh, it is useful! Actually, it's got great power. A marvel of a one-time invention. The doctor calls it his "mech armor". Capable of withstanding fire, electricity and water and carries powerful weapons. Although we haven't tested it yet…
Chan Way: …Yeah, no. Out of all the doctor's inventions, I think I'll pass on that. You can keep that if you want, Lee Way. It's probably a dud.
His brother then walked out of the room, with Lee Way glancing at the HX-1 capsule thinking to himself…
Lee Way: (...I think this will be pretty useful…) *chuckles quietly*
Outside of the doctor's room, the Shinx along with some of the white cloaked scientists were standing over the broken pieces assumed to be Annihilator. For them, the demand was extremely high since the Doctor himself was no longer around. Taking a good look at it, the Shinx sighed to himself as he shook his head and said…
Shinx: *sweat drop* (...We are so not ready for this…)
...
Back to the present time where Happy and friends were, an hour had passed until they reached their destination. Thankfully, they actually had some rest along the way. The place they reached was a village where teepees were rampant. However, the place seemed to be under Dirty Delinquent watch as cloaked Pokemon with weapons were around, which made the village seem empty as no other signs of life were around.
As Felicia surfaced, she opened her mouth as everyone was standing on her tongue, and all it took was one good look around for them to realize that this place wasn't safe at all.
Charles: Oh no! They're actually still here as well?! B-But…! The entire place is empty…!
Maga: It's possible that they're being holed up around here…
Tanner: But the whole place doesn't look torched…
Chibi: *gasps* You're right! It's still intact! Perhaps they're quartering here?
Unhaus: That would suck.
Tanner: Well, we didn't come here to just keep fighting them forever. If possible, we're going to establish this place as our temporary layout.
Maga: I agree.
Ludwig: Then this is where we take our leave. So long, old friend.
Maga: See you, leaf head.
Unhaus: Let's boot them out!
As everyone except Ludwig jumped on land, the boys lined themselves up and charged at the cloaked Pokemon, who spotted them and pointed their weapons, firing upon sight. This would be the last time they would see Ludwig or Felicia as they had already departed. Everyone dodged the bullets and struck each member down with their own attack, with Happy and Charles punching and kicking, Unhaus and Honori using their quick speed and wings, and Tanner and surprisingly Maga using his vines. Although, seeing Maga fight worried Chibi, or more so what she knew of him as she shouted...
Chibi: Careful, dear! Your arthritis might act up again!
Maga: I needed the exercise anyway!
Maga then tackled a cloaked Pokemon using his body, knocking them to the ground with full force. However, some of the members were not armed and instead used attacks of their own, with some using Flamethrower on Maga and Tanner, and others using Thunderbolt on Unhaus and Honori. Thankfully, they dodged the attacks and delivered a counter-attack to knock them out. Thus, the village was now free of Dirty Delinquent watch…possibly…
Tanner: Color me surprised, mister. Were you a fighter in your day?
Maga: I was as a teenager. These bones of mine haven't been used in ages ever since I had to work for a living.
He then began stretching his neck and joints, to which cracking could be heard followed by a loud one that didn't sound so pleasant…Everyone present heard and felt that sound, wincing as they knew how painful it was as Maga's eyes widened and silently groaned in pain…Well, everyone except Happy and Charles. Tanner, Chibi, Baye and Unhaus, including his pet Honori rushed to his side for his aid, wondering if he could continue.
Unhaus: Ouch…! Are you okay, Mr. Maga?
Maga had to lay on his stomach to ease the pain, which worried his wife even more just by hearing his groaning.
Maga: *groans* …I-I'm fine…! It's just that I haven't used a Body Slam in Arceus knows when…!
Chibi: Sweetheart, I told you to be careful! You know what the doctor said.
Baye: Dad…
Maga: Sweetheart, I'm fine. I just need to move more, is all.
Chibi: No, you are not! That job of yours only adds more stress for me!
?: Is there a problem here?
The group turned to see an elderly black Ninetales along with his wife coming towards them. Not too far following them were the two Vulpix children, the Pokemon which only Charles and Happy were familiar with.
Charles: H-Hey! It's…It's you! Mr. Naidu and Mrs. Vainavi! And Venna and Nino!
Vulpix Y: Charles!
The yellow Vulpix was the first to rush to Charles and nuzzled him in at least a friendly manner, which made him blush whilst the black Vulpix was by his parents' side, smiling from afar of his appreciation.
Charles: V-Venna!
Venna: Oh, thank you Charles! And Happy!
She then ran towards Happy, nuzzling him the same way she did with Charles.
Happy: Hi there again!
Naidu and his wife bowed to the company before speaking to them once again.
Naidu: It is good to see you, young Charles.
Tanner: You two know them?
Charles: Yeah. I freed them from back then!
Unhaus: Come to think of it, they were running with us to escape from that place.
Tanner: Oh, that's right! I remember!
Naidu: I see you've taken care of the cloaked Pokemon that raided my village.
Tanner: You're the chief?
Naidu: That I am. However, not all of them have been taken care of…
Happy: Huh?
Naidu: You see, one of them had sailed off, according to my residents…A green Frogadier wearing a blue cloak and carrying a sword…Unfortunately, we do not know of his whereabouts. We do however fear he would strike again…
Chibi: Oh, that's terrible!
Tanner: …Even here isn't safe…Wait, "green Frogadier"? I might know him. I think…Let's see…Ah! I know! I think his name is uh…Freddie Croaker!
Samantha: "Freddie Croaker"? Sounds like his parents got bored and wanted to name him in a thriller-like way.
Chibi: S-Sorry if I'm being somewhat rude, but my husband is in pain.
Maga: Sweetheart, I'm not-
Chibi: You rest your soul. You're getting into a bed and you're going to lie in it, whether you like it or not.
Maga had nothing to say, but the chief had offered a solution.
Naidu: We have some remedies that can heal. The herbal springs are that way across the hill.
Chibi: Well, that sounds interesting. Come on, dear! We're getting you into a bath!
She huddled closely to her husband as he got up, and despite him hobbling in his step, while everyone else was continuing the conversation. Honori decided to perch himself on Baye's back for the time being. Soon, other Fox Pokemon exited the teepees, somewhat relieved due to the chief's trust in the party. Naidu then whispered in his wife's ears about something before allowing her to take off to the hill as well.
Naidu: Okay, children. You can go back to our teepee. I've got things from here.
Venna: Okay!
Nino: No complaints here.
Venna and Nino headed back into the family's teepee, with everyone else continuing the conversation. However, upon watching them head back, Charles saw a large tombstone, which he surmised to be of the chief's pet.
Charles: U-Um…Mr. Naidu…? We're…sorry about your pet…We couldn't save it…
Naidu: …It's alright. He was on his last legs anyway.
Tanner: …You had…a Mutant Pokemon pet?
Naidu: A Doomegigas, to be exact.
Tanner: What?! A creature as large as that?!
Unhaus: …Why is that surprising? Ludwig had one we got here in being ten times larger than that.
Tanner: *sweat drop* I-It's just that…Well…Never mind…
Naidu: …Arceus rest his soul. But enough of the doom and gloom. What brings you all here?
Tanner: …If it's alright with you…We need a new place to reside at, and we figure this is the right place to at least lay low for a while…
Naidu: …I see. Actually, this could be a useful opportunity. We have a saying around here: "You scratch our backs and we'll scratch yours."
Unhaus: So, what you're saying is…if we help protect you guys, you'll accommodate us?
Naidu: *nods* Exactly.
Baye: Can it accommodate all of us? Like a bed?
Naidu: My folks can provide you with the most essential needs of your daily functions.
Samantha: Yes! I get to sit in the catbird's seat!
Tanner: Samantha! Don't be rude!
Naidu: *chuckles* It's alright. You all do look worn out. No doubt that being at the Dirty Delinquents's facility will do that to you. Even I need it… *yawns*
Unhaus: Oh, thank goodness…I think my wings need a rest anyway… *yawns*
Samantha: Stay away from me with that!
Happy: But I'm not tired.
Charles: I think it's best we rest anyway. More energy for play.
Happy: Alright.
...
Somewhere in the world, Zamenza and Moody were riding on Moby sailing the oceans in search of righting the wrongs of the world. They didn't specifically hunt just any kind of island, but rather wanted to find a Pokemon whom they could consider to be a "head" of the Dirty Delinquents. They were both sleeping, at least to save up on energy until they were awoken by the sounds of a torpedo heading their way.
Zamenza: (...A torpedo's headed our way…!)
Moody: I'll stop it.
He placed two vines together and charged a bluish-greenish ball of energy from between them, which got bigger and fired it low, striking the torpedo to cause a wallish, watery explosion. As the water dropped, they were surprised by the approach of Water Pokemon following behind them. One of them was a Cloyster, with four others by his side being two Shellder and two Magikarp. There were two other large Pokemon, one of them being a red Gyarados and a brown Wailord equipped with weapons. All of them had something in common, which was the Dirty Delinquents logo on their bodies.
Zamenza: …You've got to be kidding…Even a Wailord is part of them?!
Moby: W-What?!
Zamenza: Just keep swimming, old friend.
Moody: We've got to do something!
Zamenza noticed the Cloyster's horn charging a light blue orb with frost emitting from it, knowing that it was preparing an attack. The Gyarados was also charging an attack, which were flames spewing from his mouth.
Zamenza: I may have to shock them.
Moody: No. I'll do it. You've already exhausted yourself enough.
Moody let his vines flare out and released a blue cloud of spores from his body, which caught the followers by surprise until they fell asleep, allowing them to get away.
Zamenza: …Huh. I forgot you could do that.
Moody: I don't use it very much unless I need to knock myself out.
Moby: Are we still in danger?
Zamenza: Nope.
Moby: Good. My heart was pounding for a minute there.
However, Moody had something on his mind ever since their escape and figured now was the right time to ask Zamenza about it.
Moody: …Zamenza, that attack the leader of the organization used…Call me crazy, but I think it's one that a certain Pokemon of the legends could use in stories…
Zamenza: …An Aeroblast.
Moody: …How the hell did that Braviary learn such a move…?
Zamenza: Your guess is as good as mine…
Moody: There's no telling what kinds of moves Pokemon out there can use…
Zamenza: …I suggest not worrying about it. I-
Their attention was turned to the left of a nearby village of a kingdom that was on fire, with smoke erupting followed by screams. If it was any indication, this was a sign of a Dirty Delinquent attack.
Zamenza: (...That explains why those Pokemon earlier were following us…) Moby, we're going that way to that kingdom.
Moby: Okay.
A minute later, they had arrived, only to see parts of the village in shambles. But it didn't stop there. Along the way of the village, a Pokemon appearing to be a Grotte laying next to a wagon full of food was being held hostage by Pokemon rebels that had weapons in hand pointing them at him. The Grotle was shaking in fear due to the situation, creating a crisis to witness in front of the elderly duo.
Grotle: Please! Leave me alone! I have to feed my family!
?: I don't think so. You seemed to be pretty quick to close shop, and we're looking to open one. I suggest handing over the food, or you won't have a family to feed.
The rebels began grinning and laughing among each other, knowing just how the situation would be if he refused.
Grotle: Why can't you go and hunt for food on your own?!
?: Because, the law doesn't apply anymore. We can do whatever we please.
?: Yeah, the Dirty Delinquents have helped us. And you can't call the police or whatever law enforcement you want because they're powerless to stop us. Now hand it over!
Grotle: You…You savages…! Have you no thoughts of your principles?! This is wrong!
The rebels then cocked their guns, forcing the Grotle to close his eyes, fearing for the worst.
?: Here's a principle of thought. Eat this in death!
Before they could fire, their weapons were drawn by kinetic blue energy, turning their direction towards Zamenza and Moody as their weapons were tossed to the side.
Zamenza: Now, now. What's with the hostility?
?: Get lost, you old farts! This doesn't concern you!
?: Hey, hey. Remember? Law doesn't apply. Who says we can't murder strangers?
?: *chuckles* Good idea. We'll bury those walking corpses ten feet in the grave!
With no hesitation, they charged forward until Moody slammed his vines at them, knocking them away from the scene. The Grotle opened his eyes and was relieved to see his saviors in these dark times.
Grotle: *bows head* Oh, thank you! You guys saved me!
Zamenza: We did. (...But there's no telling what's happening around here…I feel as if somehow, somewhere…there's more suffering than we can handle…)
...