*Author's notice - A major character death will happen this chapter. Like the other chapter, take it any way you want.*
Chapter 60: A Chief's Love for a Village
As the world was slowly recovering after a week, the Dirty Delinquents' dream was being crushed due to the World Government's plan. At the same time, the Senior Head had awakened to the terrible news and in order to relieve this frustration, he had Lasanne to kill Major Cinnamon. Seeing her skills in battle, he knew she was a perfect choice as she successfully killed Cinnamon, and is now traveling over the ocean on a large…skipping rock to pursue her targets.
Speaking of, Lasanne had landed on a small island as the rock lost its buoyancy after traveling so far. Yet, she tossed the large rock into the same path and jumped after it, bouncing just up and about. She felt that she was going in the right direction based on her senses, but also noticed some strange powers she was coming towards. At any rate, she was closing in on Fox Village's island.
At Fox Village, it was being restored slowly as the chief's large teepee was built and some of the village teepees were finished. Happy and the group helped out to do so, but they weren't as involved in the outside world as there was no news to be reported. Even traveling to do so would risk a result of running into Dirty Delinquent Pokemon. Everything was peaceful until a loud roar hit the place, which stopped everyone's work to look around.
Bubbling In the waters near the village emerged a large, orange serpent-like creature that had a mouth with teeth on display and drooling with taste, yellow whiskers above the head and sharp claws on its leg-like segments. The creature's presence worried some of the residents, but the chief remained calm, as if he had faced a similar situation before.
Samantha: W-What is that?!
Tanner: It's a Leechados!
Naidu: …Not to worry, everyone. Judging by this one, it appears hungry.
Samantha: *frustration mark* "Hungry"?! And why are you so calm about this?!
Naidu: …We've faced these guys before. Sometimes as dinner.
Tanner: *sweat drop* …I assume that this is a familiar experience for this village.
Naidu: Very. But when it's eat or get eaten, we choose eat.
The Leechados roared as it tried slamming itself into the village, only to be knocked back by a green Flamethrower launched by the chief himself, causing it to roar in pain as it rocked back and forth.
Samantha: …I-I don't understand…It appears to be in pain, yet it's a Water type…right?
Tanner: Leechados are just like any other Mutant Pokemon. Unlike us, their weakness is an inversion. In this case, they're weak to both Fire and its own type.
Following the chief were the Delphox line launching mystical-like flames at it, forcing it back as it roared some more. However, it still seemed to be determined to get something as it swatted its tail, causing a wave that towered over everyone until it bounced off by a mysterious shield, landing in the water.
Flying in the village was Norman, who didn't seem surprised to see the Leechados as his horn was glowing blue.
Norman: …A Leechados. At this point, we oughta move from here.
Unhaus: Mr. Norman!
Norman: There's nothing to fear here.
Naidu: Flee, foul beast! Lest you want to wound up being dinner like your brethren before you!
The Leechados roared and slung its body with a tail glowing, causing a crack in the shield that worried everyone.
Samantha: The shield won't last long!
Norman: …It appears I made an error in judgment.
Happy and Charles knew that they couldn't sit around doing nothing, so they decided to join in the fray with the others.
Charles: Let us help!
Happy: We can do it!
Naidu: We'll need to attack together! Ready, everyone?!
Happy & Charles: Ready!
Naidu, along with the Delphox line and Happy and Charles, launched their attacks on the Leechados, causing more pain to it as it continued roaring. However, they noticed that despite it appearing weak due to its drooping whiskers, it didn't want to deter away from what it wanted to do. It opened its mouth to fire a stream of hot water at the shield, breaking it as it swatted a wave in their direction.
Tanner: No! We can't stop that wave!
The Delphox line along with Norman and Naidu were forced to use Psychic to move the waves back, which left them open as its mouth was about to unleash another stream of boiling hot water.
Naidu: We can't stop that attack! Happy! Charles! Knock it back!
Charles: Alright!
Charles's mouth was ablaze as he exhaled a stream of flames at the Leechados, knocking it back some more. As it struggled to look back at the village Pokemon with its, Norman noticed its weakness.
Norman: Now Happy! Fire in its mouth!
Happy: Alright!
Charles grabbed Happy's arm and tossed him into the air, allowing him to be with the creature's face and fired a Water Gun into its mouth, filling up its body with water until it couldn't handle anymore as it choked a bit before falling flat onto the island with a loud thud, now lifeless with its tongue sticking out. The whole village cheered as it was down for good as well as it being a free dinner.
Norman: Hohohohoho! Free dinner! Good job everyone!
Charles: *fist pump* Yes!
Baye, Chibi and Maga, who had just appeared at the scene, were somewhat disgusted with the creature's presence. Well, not Maga anyway.
Chibi: Ugh…! Do we have to eat that?
Baye: I'm not really a meat eater.
Maga: It's alright. There's always other things to eat.
Naidu: Exactly. Some of our villagers know where to get vegetables from. Even Norman knows.
Norman: Now, now. I don't mind as long as everyone's getting their fair share.
Chibi: Wonderful! If only I had some flour, though…
The villagers were confused by Chibi's mention of this "flour" thing, wondering if it's what they thought it was.
Naidu: Hm? You mean like a meadow of "flowers"?
Chibi: *shakes head, chuckles* No, no! I don't mean those kinds of "flowers". I meant "flour". The F-L-O-U-R kind. The kind that's in a bag.
Naidu: …I question what you plan to do with this "flour" thing. Doesn't sound very edible…
Chibi: Oh, no no no no! We don't eat this flour as it is. We use it to make things, like pancakes and cookies, and bread and-
Maga then wrapped a vine around Chibi's mouth, muffling her words as she stopped talking with a confused expression whilst she looked at her husband.
Maga: …Exactly what she says. She could go all day with that.
Naidu: Hmm…I'm curious about this…"pancakes" thing. Perhaps in the future you can show us that.
Chibi: Oh, I would love to! It's delicious! Right, sweetie?
Maga: As delicious as the pies she makes.
Naidu: …I see. I'll-
Norman then turned around along with the village Pokemon, noticing something that came their way.
Norman: Something's coming our way!
A male Delphox of the village, using his good ears, also heard some loud booming sounds coming their way as he shouted…
Delphox: I hear something as well!
Everyone turned their attention towards the direction it came from. From a distance, it appeared to be a large rock bouncing its way on the oceans, which confused everyone by it.
Tanner: It's a…large rock…bouncing on the ocean…?
Norman had to look closer as he noticed a Pokemon on it.
Norman: It appears to be a Pokemon!
Samantha: A Pokemon's on it? How?
As the rock came closer and closer, it landed on the island, creating a loud boom. On closer inspection, the Pokemon appeared to be a Swadloon with a lavender colored coat and red, unflinching eyes.
Samantha: …It's a uh…Who is that?
Norman: No clue. I didn't foresee a Pokemon like this.
Tanner: Perhaps we should see what he or she wants.
Naidu: Allow me.
Naidu had to approach the Swadloon, feeling that it was his responsibility as village chief to do so. For Tanner, since he got a look at the Pokemon, he couldn't help but think he saw the Pokemon before.
Naidu: …Greetings, young one. I am the chief of this village. Are you lost?
Swadloon: …I'm not actually. I was on my way. If you'll excuse me.
For a minute, Tanner kept trying to figure out who the Pokemon was until it hit him at that moment.
Tanner: (...No…! I remember now…!) Chief, get away from that Swadloon!
Everyone else except the Swadloon was somewhat puzzled by Tanner's outburst.
Naidu: …What is wrong? Does this Pokemon pose some sort of danger?
Tanner noticed the Swadloon was about to pick up the large rock, prompting him to call out to her…
Tanner: Stop, you! You're that Pokemon we saw with that Braviary at that Dirty Delinquents headquarters! You're affiliated with them, aren't you?!
It shocked the entire village, now knowing a true threat had entered the village. Naidu instantly backed away, recognizing the Pokemon.
Naidu: …So you're that Pokemon…!
Swadloon: …I won't say I'm "affiliated" with them. Rather, just hired for service.
Tanner: What "kind" of service?!
Swadloon: Nothing that concerns you. If you'll excuse me, I must kill my two targets.
Tanner: I don't know who you are or who you're going to kill, but not as long as we're around! You won't get away with what you're about to do!
Swadloon: Interesting. I don't care about who you all are. I'm just going to kill those two Pokemon and be on my way. Now, step aside…unless you all like to be a part of my "collection"?
Norman: I assume you're an assassin.
Chibi: W-What?! Such a deadly thing comes in a small package like that?!
Swadloon: Yes. I'm an assassin. Goodbye.
As the Swadloon was about to pick up the large rock, Tanner reached a vine out to her, only for it to be cut by her like it was nothing.
Tanner: (...She cut my vine…!)
Swadloon: I'm trying to be nice, but you're making it difficult.
The Swadloon sighed as she felt a blue aura coating her body, not even fazed in the slightest. It shocked Norman that his powers weren't doing anything to her.
Norman: (...My Psychic isn't working on her…? Is she a Dark type…?)
Swadloon: …Pokemon these days…No understanding of the Dark types…That won't work on me.
Norman: (...So she really is a Dark type…!)
Unhaus: A Dark type?!
Swadloon: …Since no one is willing to let me go, I see that I have no choice but to kill the obstacles that stand in my way.
She then bowed forward, ready to attack.
Swadloon: …I'm Lasanne, an upcoming assassin. Who's going to become a part of my collection first?
Norman: I'll-
Naidu: I'll protect this village. Even if I have to lay my life on the line, so be it. I cannot sit by anymore and not feel like some sort of irresponsible leader.
His words began to shock everyone, thinking that this was a scary choice he was making.
Lasanne: …Wise words to live and die for…Your kind is a special case, and I can't wait to see what kind of organs you have…
Norman: Naidu! Don't do this! Your village needs you!
Naidu: And what kind of "chief" am I if I can't at least defend it, even in vain?
Norman: A foolish one! Don't do this!
Naidu's wife and children worried for Naidu, wishing that he wouldn't fight, but his determination couldn't convince them otherwise.
Norman: …You're serious…!
Naidu: It's a choice I'm willing to make. I don't want to be a chief that didn't lay his honor for his village. I want to be remembered as someone who at least tried protecting his villagers, even if I don't live to see it…
Charles: M-Mr…Naidu…
Lasanne: …This'll be a piece of cake.
Naidu began to take a stance as he bent his legs slightly, swirling a green aura around him and as he raised his head with his mouth blazing green, he lowered it on level and launched a green diamonji shaped flame at Lasanne, who only whipped a sandy wave at it, destroying it before she was slammed by a blazing green Naidu.
Tanner: The chief's actually got some moves on him! We might win this!
Naidu slid back as he charged again whilst on fire, only for Lasanne to wait for him to get close enough and with quick reaction, tossed sand in his eyes, messing up his sight. However, she was unable to know Naidu's special abilities as even without sight, he could feel her ghostly aura, a characteristic of his species. She swung her drapes like blades as Naidu dodged them effortlessly with his eyes closed, and as she used both drapes for a fatal stab, Naidu moved himself and with quick speed, he ignited his teeth with green flames and bit on the drapes, shocking Lasanne and the others.
Charles: I-Incredible…! How can he do that?
Norman: It's the chief's powers as a certain type of Ninetales. He has the ability to sense a Pokemon's ghostly spirit, which is enhanced even more when his eyes are closed.
Happy: Awesome…!
Lasanne could feel the burn and the pressure Naidu put on her, but she then cracked a smile, which puzzled Naidu for a moment.
Naidu: (...What…?)
With intent, she tossed him up in the air like a ragdoll, with everyone looking up at the chief. Lasanne's eyes sparkled as she fired a thin white beam of light at him, revealing his ghostly body. As the chief descended, his mouth was ablaze green, unaware that Lasanne held a sharp rock in her right drape. As he launched another green diamonji shaped flame at her, she tossed the rock, which dispersed the flame and pierced through the chief's neck, shocking everyone at what happened as blood gushed out.
He fell to the ground on his side in a weakened state as his family was the first to rush to his aid in tears, hoping he was okay. Everyone else followed after for the same thing.
Nino: Father!
Venna: Daddy!
Naidu's wife nudged him, looking at him whilst tears flowed through her eyes. Naidu himself looked back at hers, attempting to consolidate her.
Naidu: …Sweetheart…My family…Everyone…
As Norman spoke to him, he was trying to hide his feelings in his voice, saying…
Norman: …Y-You fool…! Doing this…Knowing this would happen…!
His villagers began tearing up as well since they were witnessing him in his final moments. For Lasanne, she rolled her eyes and wanted his corpse already. Charles and Happy barged through the villagers to be by his side, wanting to hope for his recovery.
Charles: M-Mr. Naidu!
Happy: Mr. Naidu!
He looked at Happy and Charles endearingly, seeing them as some sort of bastion of hope for this village.
Naidu: …Charles…Happy…
Tanner: Chief…Please…Hang in there…!
Naidu: …I…I… *coughs* …I can't…Everyone…I…I am sorry…I wanted to…to at least…protect this village…To feel like…I did something…for everyone…
Nickit: C-Chief… *sniff* …You can't leave us…!
Braixen: *sniff* …We…We owe so much to you…!
Delphox: We won't be able to find someone else like you…! *sniff*
Naidu: …I know…But…it's alright…As long as…Norman leads…this village is in…good hands…
Norman: No! This…This is asinine…! You can't just die like this…! You didn't have to do this…! You were already doing things for this village…!
Naidu: …I…It may…seem like it to you all…But I…didn't feel like I…did enough…
Happy: M-Mr. Naidu!
Venna: Daddy!
Naidu: …My family…Each and…everyone of you…I treated you all…like family…and that's what I…wanted… *coughs* …I…I love you all…very much…
As he uttered his last breath, he lay there still as a corpse, with everyone mourning his death. His closest family felt it the most, mostly his wife, who lay beside him to grieve. Lasanne, unamused, said…
Lasanne: …Never mind. I don't even want that corpse. It's too phantom-like to keep.
Everyone's raging eyes were now on Lasanne, not forgiving her for the incident. Happy, in a fit of rage, stood up and walked towards Lasanne with fists balled up. It surprised everyone as they saw him walking, with Tanner shouting…
Tanner: Happy, no!
Lasanne noticed Happy heading her way, which didn't interest her much until Happy said…
Happy: …You're…leaving after…killing Mr. Naidu…?! *sniff* I… *sniff* I won't let you…!
Lasanne: …Look kid, go be a hero elsewhere. I'm on a mission, and I'm running behind.
Happy: You're not going anywhere!
Lasanne: …Really? A child is going to fight me? How stupid. Turn back or I'll really lay waste to you.
Happy: *growls* Not until…I make you pay…for this…!
Happy rocketed off towards Lasanne before Tanner could call out to him. He threw a flurry of punches as she dodged effortlessly left and right until one quick punch managed to hit her. He tried again, only for Lasanne to grab him by his body and slammed her head onto his, leaving a painful bruise on it. It made Happy collapse on his back but quickly got back up and tried again, this time unleashing a Water Gun on her. She decided to block it, not feeling much damage.
Happy: W-What…?
Lasanne: …I didn't expect to get wet during my trip, but it seems children like you need a lesson in knowing what you're up against.
She began to point a drape at Happy, which was glowing red and shouted…
Lasanne: DEVIOUS RAAAAY!
…Firing a quick red ray that struck Happy in the stomach with no time to dodge or react, defeating him instantly as his friends called out to him and rushed to his side as Tanner managed to catch him in his arms. Happy appeared unconscious as his eyes were blank.
Lasanne: …Hmph. This is boring. Be thankful I don't actually kill children.
Lasanne then headed towards her rock and picked it up, tossing it before hopping on it, bouncing off into the distance. Now the village was left to grieve for their chief as well as taking care of Happy. Maga, who had some sort of interaction with the chief, could only say…
Maga: (...See you, my friend…)