Someone was poking Lucario s back with a rather pointy shoe. He was still on the training room s padded floor; he must have been out cold for a while. The air was cool and relaxing, as if the air conditioner had been flicked on.
C mon Why are you sleeping there? the voice said interrogatively. Lucario s eyes widened as he groggily pushed himself up, rubbing the top of his head, which was in pain. Lucario brought Mark Toney into focus, and before he could even open his mouth to reply, he was grasped on both shoulders and pulled close to his boss. Mark seemed as if his eyes were almost shut as his eyes squinted in some kind of dagger-stare.
You re going into the deep end, Lucario.
Lucario shook his head violently, trying to make his vision come in clearer. He took a breath and was ready to defend himself, but Mark had cut him off.
That s twice you have brought shame to me. Actually, three, counting now. Mark said in a tone that was like scorning a small child. You lost to that Polly girl, and, truth be told she was on the bottom of the tier in our female superstars. I ve been looking for you everywhere, and here I find you passed out on the weight room floor. And, most importantly, you skipped your match with Otis Scalper that I had much tedious work to go through It was a good thing Colin Bledsoe stepped in, Lucario. Did you thank him?
Th Thank him? Lucario said, suddenly remembering why he had been laying on the floor in the first place. He took about 10 whole minutes to explain, some details more foggy than others. Lucario even explained Eli and the panty incident. When he had finished, Mark looked simply irritated.
Now listen here - I have liked you since I let you in this company. Treated you like the underdog. My sister and I offered help whenever possible. But honestly, this is going too far. Colin Bledsoe is the perfect specimen of a man in my eyes. He s kind, and charming, and He wins his matches! Why would he ever, I mean ever, do that to you? He s been letting me know of your jealousy Mark finished curtly, wanting Lucario to see eye-to-eye with him.
Lucario let himself positively yell it.
I DON T WANT HIS TITLE! Ask Tanner! Floyd Tanner! He ll tell you everything!
Floyd Tanner got himself fired. Mark raised his eyebrows, straightening his tie. Went a bit over the top. I heard he sent nude pictures of Colin and another woman to every male in the building. Even Jeff Howard got a little picture attachment in his morning e-mail. It was actually a good thing that Jeff reported it. That stuff is not allowed here. Lucario stood there with his mouth open, not quite believing what he was hearing.
But Mark, you don t understand
I understand a lot more than you realize, Lucario. Mark replied, getting some of his attitude back. I run this corporation - I m a businessman. There s no other man more understanding! If you want to talk to me about something, you know where my office is.
Lucario looked downward with a sigh. Yeah. All right.
Keep in mind who you re trying to tattle on. I remember you two being friends around here. Hung out for days, didn t you? Mark asked in a more polite tone.
Colin and I are no longer friends. Lucario muttered with loathing, still staring at the padded floor.
My bad. said Mark blankly. Well
Mark looked at his watch as he so often did. Lucario knew what was going to be said next.
It s time for me to go. Mark said as he turned around, walking away.
Hey, hold on, Lucario called after him.
Mark stopped and revolved on the spot. He crossed his arms. Yes?
You know what, Mark? I d like a title shot. For Colin s belt.
Mark s expression was strange. I thought you didn t want his belt?
I ve changed my mind. I d like to show him I can, if you know what I mean. Lucario pleaded. It was true that he hardly cared about his fame if he carried the belt. He more or less wanted to teach Colin a lesson after what he had done.
If you re sure
I m sure. Remember to remind him. Lucario said with determination.
Mark idly stood staring at Lucario until he nodded and turned on his heel. He exited through the double doors, leaving Lucario by himself once again, much like the day he sparred with Floyd Tanner. He remembered he and Tanner s short lived friendship as he loitered in the weight room, and silently admired his boldness for lowering Colin s reputation. Yes, it was a good thing, Lucario thought. He smiled to himself.
Lucario didn t have much on his agenda after what had happened, deciding to get some food inside him. His very short trip to Becky s Bar was unguarded; he didn t see anyone in the hallways. Lucario had half hoped to bump into Colin.
Once he entered the doors however, a familiar Korean-American was swiveling in his bar stool. Catching sight of Lucario, his eyes widened and he hopped up, looking like he was having an anxiety attack. It was Patrick, Lucario s first opponent once he had joined the ranks. Patrick had lost the match, making him a bit sour towards Lucario.
Stay back! Patrick shouted as he hopped to his feet, making half of the other patrons look on.
Lucario, confused, kept his voice calm. Sit down. I m not here to beat you up, Patrick.
Chet the little bartender had climbed up on his stool at that moment, rising up above the bar. He motioned Lucario over, to which the jackal complied, only to have Patrick scuttle the other way as Lucario got nearer, as if he were a fly that Lucario was going to swat.
I don t care what Floyd Tanner ever said! You re just a fool! Patrick shouted, scurrying out the door to numerous onlookers.
Chet lowered his head briefly, shaking it, and brought it up again. He glanced at the door that Patrick had gone out, and back into Lucario s ruby-red eyes.
Becky has been crying all morning. That picture really hurt her. he said softly.
Lucario twitched his ears. That - That was Becky?
Yes. From what I understand And I beg of you, Chet s eyes looked weary. Do not go spreading this around. Colin had sexually assaulted Becky in the past.
Lucario narrowed his eyes at those words, not being able to hate Colin enough.
Are you joking?! Lucario whispered with fury.
No. Chet said, keeping his permanent, surly-looking face. It seemed as if the little man had never smiled in his life. You did not hear this from me. Don t go telling everyone this Becky knew it was her in the picture.
Lucario looked into the neon sign, practically dazed from the glow, thinking. It could only be the reason why Becky seemed to hate Colin. Why her face went from cheerful and hard-working to terrified and bitter in seconds. It was a mystery why Becky hadn t turned Colin in already. Was she scared that he would break out of prison and get his revenge?
About an hour later, as Lucario was exiting the bar into the utility hallway, he saw the one person who he most wanted to see: Colin. He was fast approaching Lucario from down the hall; the latter held up his paws in case there was any action.
As Colin s very large frame was almost in the immediate front of Lucario, he reached out to strike the man, only to have his pawfist grabbed strongly in Colin s vise-grip, twisted around, and have his whole body picked up and tossed through a doorless frame with a crash, landing upside down in a pile of storage boxes. Lucario heard Colin s familiar laugh, enjoying it all.
Do you know how long I ve wanted to do that, Mr. I-don t-want-your-belt? Colin sneered spitefully.
Lucario was already flipped back over, on all fours, ready to at least try and tackle him as he rushed, hearing Colin growl out Knew it all along! before the man simply stepped out of the way, Lucario colliding with nothing but air, leaving Lucario open.
Colin chuckled once more at Lucario s futile attempt. Lucario felt himself being picked up this time by his torso area, being held high in the air, taking the sound of rushing wind into his ears as he was spun around in a circle at least three times and flung viciously down the hallway.
As he hit the concrete floor, he heard Colin s heavy boots tromping up to where he lay, slowly, as if he were doing it just to watch Lucario try and escape.
Down goes the famous Lucario! You seeing this?! cried Colin in a voice reminiscent to Jeff Howard s. Lucario felt his presence right behind him, undoubtedly going to do something else.
I wouldn t have believed it if you had shown me a video taping of it! Colin said with relish, still mocking the commentator. Oh, what s this? Is Lucario trying to get up ?
Lucario had indeed started making his body raise upward with his two handpaws; the two of them were firmly placed onto the ground as if he were trying to do a very difficult push-up.
Colin had placed his boot on the back of Lucario s head, sending his muzzle hard into the concrete floor, making Lucario grunt. Lucario heard his cackle of amusement; the laugh sounded truly evil this time as he kept his boot there, holding Lucario s head down.
My golly, too bad, why don t we do a count here for his TKO?
Colin started counting, starting at One , obviously going to go to ten.
Four, five Wow! He s up again!
Colin let his boot off and picked Lucario up by the scruff on the back of his neck with one hand, and tail in the other. It was very painful to be having his tail held like that; Colin had started talking again as Lucario could only see the white colored floor, feeling the pain in his tail and neck as his fur was probably moments from getting ripped off his skin, and his tail clean off.
We d better make sure he stays down, eh? said Colin loudly, now imitating the voice of Ian Wilhelm.
Lucario was slammed into the wall heavily by Colin shortly after. Two times. Three times. Lucario was aching by the time Colin dropped him to the floor again a second later, the pain pulsating his body. Lucario reached out to Colin with one paw, only to have it stomped into the ground and crushed by the man s mighty boot, making Lucario cry out with a painful yell.
That s right Lucario! Hurts don t it? Colin said coldly, grinning with glee as he continued to smash Lucario s hand. He soon let off and stared into Lucario s eyes; Lucario was exhausted, wishing for it to come to an end. Give up yet? Maybe I should head for a drink. How s Becky, eh?
Hearing this made Lucario use his remaining strength to raise himself to a sitting position, possibly as mad as he was when Colin had smashed his only remaining photographs of his parents. As Lucario tried to stand, he felt Colin s strong boot collide with his chin, making him cry out again as he fell on his stomach.
Let s count again. One. Two. Three
Please, let it be over, Lucario thought helplessly.
Five
Colin stopped there, grinning as if he could read Lucario s mind. No more Stop it, thought Lucario.
Six. Seven
He ceased his counting again. Lucario exhaled very loudly.
What was that? Colin asked in a tone of mock politeness.
Lucario remained silent, breathing very quietly.
Eight. Nine Nine and a half. Colin kept his grin from moments earlier, but it seemed as if what he were plotting was making him even happier as he showed his disgusting teeth in a beam.
No more No more thought Lucario.
Ten! called Colin loudly, gripping Lucario s throat with one hand, flipping his body over onto his back. Colin raised his other fist up menacingly.
Oh, oh! Colin s still going! Call the ref! Colin was mocking Jeff Howard again as he brought his fist down on Lucario s face several times. Lucario could taste the blood in his mouth and felt a small trickle coming from his snout. It seemed as if he had finally done enough; Colin raised himself to full height as he looked at Lucario s form, sprawled on the ground sadly.
Think I ve foreshadowed your title shot pretty well, haven t I? asked Colin nastily. Lucario couldn t answer; instead, he kept heavily breathing in response. He barred his teeth at Colin.
I knew you were after my belt the whole entire time. Was I wrong? Colin interrogated snidely.
Lucario tried to raise himself up once again, his mind refusing to allow him to be beat.
Was I WRONG?! Colin had stomped a boot into Lucario s stomach, making Lucario wince in pain and fall downward again, feeling his eyes water slightly. Do you know the trouble I had to go through to get that belt, Lucario? You think it s going to be in your grubby paws one day? Keep dreaming!
Lucario couldn t even muster the strength to move anymore; he just looked into Colin s mud-brown eyes.
Colin had stomped on Lucario again, viciously, when the double doors to the bar had opened and a beefy man had waddled out. It was Harold McMullan, the man who was rating the overall corporation. Colin stopped in his tracks.
What s this? Harold commented sulkily. He was known to be a bit of a tightwad.
Oh, nothing. My buddy here just had a little accident. said Colin as if the entire scene was what went on every day in the building. He reached down and pulled Lucario to his feet. Lucario wobbled and held on to the wall. He couldn t find the courage in trying any more, yet Lucario remained angry in his mind. Colin was trying to please Harold by wearing his respect mask that Mark Toney thought was the true him? He really was a rat, Lucario heard himself say in his own mind.
Well Harold held a clipboard up. So far so good. I haven t found that bad of a problem, other than the bar lady seemed to be very glum with me. Probably tired. Maybe I should ask Mark if he s working her too hard.
Harold made a face that would have been funny if it weren t for the current situation. Colin was the next to speak.
We had better go and ask Mark about this, here, I ll take you to his office
And he started leading Harold off. Colin turned around and walked backwards a little way down the hall, giving Lucario a point of his finger, and then a cut throat gesture. He smiled and revolved around again as the two men disappeared out of the door at the end. Lucario sighed and leaned against the wall, hurting all over. He sincerely hoped that it wouldn t be like that during his ultimate match with Colin. The thought of having no friend to turn to made him hang his head in shame.
Lucario had limped himself all the way to his room, and as he reached the door there was a male voice s call, yelling his name. He looked over and saw Ian Wilhelm and Zach dashing over to where he was. Remembering the previous night, Lucario tried getting into his door quickly, only to have his arm seized by Ian.
Listen! We d like to Apologize for our rude way of treating you.
Lucario turned his head slowly towards the pair of them.
I m I m sorry I walked in on you guys I don t care if you guys have a secret relationship. In fact, that s great I wish you two well. Lucario mumbled.
Zach approached Lucario. Thank you for not telling anyone . Uh, Floyd tanner... He told us you were cool. We were his best friends before Before he was fired. Uh, I will never talk to Colin again. He finished there. Even though Zach could hardly string a sentence together, he apparently had a heart.
Also Ian sighed. I m sorry for saying those comments during your match with Bernie Bruno. Colin said he d tell the whole corporation of me and Zachary s relationship if I didn t do it. I wasn t about to go telling on him like a first-grader. What was I to do?
Lucario nodded to tell that he understood. Colin knew? He winced as his stomach gave a painful throb.
Yeah, he knew! He held it over my head for a long time! He still gets me to do things for him in because I fear of having everyone know my secret.
Is uh Something wrong? Zach asked, seeing Lucario wince.
Colin wouldn t stop thrashing me. I thought I could take him on Lucario said resentfully, still feeling the pain and remembering it well.
I see the specks of blood on your lip now We won t let it happen again, alright? From now on, consider us your backup. The scumbag needs to save it for the ring. Ian uttered. Zach simply nodded his head, not having anything interesting to say.
Lucario smiled slightly. So you forgive me?
Of course I realized that it s not your fault. Wrong place, wrong time. Ian waved it off his hands.
They had talked for a few more minutes and Lucario allowed them to go on their way. Lucario had entered his little room at last, staring to the place where he had kept his framed picture, now a completely ordinary dresser with nothing on top of it. Collapsing on his bed, he stared to the ceiling as he lay on his back, daydreaming and aching.
Why was he a magnet for these types of things? He half wished that his aura would suddenly spring to life so he could tear Colin up in retaliation to his abuse, but his aura hadn t worked in many years. Something had happened to it when he was a young Riolu. Perhaps the connection of his parents had failed him after they had died. He thought of his old owner, Elaina Timbroni, and how her father, Justin, had treated him like dirt.
Back when he was a Riolu, his mechanisms of defense were limited. Justin Timbroni would never have abused him so much had he known of the change that would go underway: The transformation into a Lucario. Perhaps it was lucky that Lucario was sent away before he got his revenge.
Lucario suddenly thought he had heard something outside his door. Looking over, a small piece of paper had been slipped under the crack. Forcing himself to be brought to his feet again, sore all over, Lucario ambled over the paper, picking it up. It was written in all capital letters.
BE READY TOMORROW
Lucario stared at the message. Be ready for what? But then it dawned on him. It must have been Colin s handwriting. How was he expected to participate in this match so soon if his whole body was beaten?