QUICK EDIT - DarkFoxKit: Err… sorry about this readers, we had some… difficulty, due to… the AN and the people writing them…
ConstructCritical: I didn't like how it ended, so we've been leaving it alone ever since the last update on my birthday, November 1st. We decided it had to stop, and did a quick finish. It, quite honestly, could be a lot better, but we really needed this chapter to get out, just to sort of say 'Hey guys! Remember us?'
DarkFoxKit: Yeah, yeah, I can see the reviews now: 'I thought this story was dead!' or 'Yay! You're not dead!' … The story is… also kind of in a rut too, so don't expect any fast updates any time soon. ^^'
ConstructCritical: We'll try to get out of this slump and finish up the arc we're stuck on, and if anyone has any questions about the story, PM me. If this story goes inactive again, and there haven't been updates for months, please send us a PM, as a little reminder. Regardless, I think we can end this little edit here.
DarkFoxKit: Yup, the rest was the AN we did way back then that caused us to stop the updates, so… enjoy.
ConstructCritical: And just since I think we've forgotten to say it, we're deeply sorry, so try to bear with us a little longer.
Key2DestNE: *bangs gavel* Order, order! ...Court has reconvened for the trial of… erm… who's actually on trial, again?
DarkFoxKit: *sweatdrops* (You can't even remember?) This is a trial of me, your Honor, for sending Crit to animal control.
ConstructCritical: Yes, and I believe I have sufficient evidence to throw this fiend away for a dozen lifetimes!
Key2DestNE: ...I see… (Before the recess, I was so confused by all the evidence being tossed around I didn't even realize WHO was on trial…) Well then, you may present your evidence, prosecution.
ConstructCritical: Your Honor, I call Fantasysword to the stand. My longtime friend, co-author, and witness has come to support me in court, and give proof that DarkFoxKit-
DarkFoxKit: (Wait, that's not fair…) OBJECTION! Your Honor, this witness is clearly biased in the prosecution favor! How can you be sure what this witness claims to be the truth?
Key2DestNE: ...I suppose that is true… Cri- er, I mean ConstructCritical, did your witness actually SEE the alleged call to Animal Control?
ConstructCritical: Of course, Your Honor- he was inside the Felineshipper Headqua- err… he was with me during the time of these happenings! He wasn't able to intervene, however, as he was… uh… preoccupied…
Key2DestNE: … Alright then, call your witness forward. However, his testimony should be relevant to this case, understood?
ConstructCritical: *scoffs* Of course, Your Honor.
DarkFoxKit: (Of course, everything's against me.) *grumbles*
Fantasysword: *Pre-Recorded Testimony* Well, to briefly summarize the major offenses I saw, both parties ended up in a playpen against their will, Your Honor. ConstructCritical did threaten Kit for information, saying, "Tell me what the other ships are planning or you'll never see the light of day again!" It should be noted however, that he made no moves to act on said threats, Your honor. On the other hand, we are never explicitly told that it was Crit who kidnapped Kit. It could've very well been Kit's Muse. Also, Crit didn't try very hard to keep Kit in the playpen, putting butter on the bars so she could squeeze out, and making no resistance to her escape except to plead with her to stay in there a little longer. "People under arrest normally cannot be forcibly sedated without a court order unless they are in imminent danger, such as when a bag of drugs bursts inside them and they have a seizure or fall unconscious." As he is a sentient being, we can say he was sedated against his will without being in imminent danger.
DarkFoxKit: (...Why the fudge is this a pre-recorded video of the witness and not the witness itself? Did Crit just rig this or something?) *sweatdrops*
Key2DestNE: …I see… Now onto your witness, DarkFoxKit- did you manage to gain any testimony or statements to support your side of the argument, that your actions were completely out of self-defense?
DarkFoxKit: Well your Honor… (Come on, think of something!) A-ah, oh! I do in fact have one witness in my defense! (Too bad they themselves couldn't make it either, but they gave me a recorded radio of their voice.)
Donfyre: *Pre-Recorded Testimony* She [being the Defendant, DarkFoxKit] was really only acting in self-defense against a crazy, psychotic Minccino, who technically started the whole endeavor. That, [and he's] avoiding the fact that he, well... locked her up in the first place. Soooo, uh... yeah. Sorry, but she's innocent, and you're all blowing this out of the water.
Key2DestNE: …. *blinking in surprise* ...Could neither of you find ACTUAL witnesses? (Well, this just made my job that much harder…) …Hmm… For now, we shall have a recess while I think about what the final verdict should be!
Pokemon
Crusaders of Shadows
Chapter 11: The Feelings of a Meowth
Crit the Pikachu and Kit the Eevee had brought the injured Mew into the HQ, they hid her from the other Pokemon while going to their room. Kit using her pecha scarf she got as a reward during a mission, to help cover up Mew's face and tell other Pokemon it was her Pecha Scarf's new addition. The two eventually made it to their room and sighed in relief.
Crit gathered up some hay and tried to make a bit of a bed. "Can you take it from the top? What even happened?!"
"I don't really know, Crit, but Mew is still unconscious if you hadn't noticed!" Kit snapped.
Suddenly Mew groaned as she began opening her eyes weakly, "Where… where am I?"
"Uh, you're inside HQ. You passed out in front, and we couldn't leave you there…" The Pikachu began, stopping suddenly when he heard footsteps.
"...Show that lousy alleycat…" A very irritated Meowth muttered, before turning his head back for a second. "I CAN TOO DEFEAT A MAGIKARP!"
Kit and Crit quickly jumped and got in front of Mew, trying to keep Meowth from seeing her. Kit whispered, "Mew, you should transform into another Pokemon before he sees you."
Mew was still weak and tired from the whole shadow incident, so it was too hard for her to turn into a random Pokemon on her own. She had to look at someone to copy off of… and she looked over at Meowth and quickly used Transform to turn into a female Meowth.
"U-uh..! Meowth! How… nice to see you…" Crit said nervously, trying to not make eye contact.
Meowth grumbled as he turned around, crossing his arms, "Stupid arrogant Persian! Everyone thinks I'm just a little weakling here!"
"Uh… yeah… maybe you should go train to prove that you're not a weakling! Y-yeah, that's it…" The electric rodent suggested anxiously.
"Crit, don't add 'yeah, that's it' to an answer you're giving to someone, that just screams 'I made this up I hope you buy it.'" The Eevee said with a roll of her eyes.
Meowth glared and was about to shout something at the Pikachu when he noticed the female 'Meowth' lying on a make-shift bed behind them. "Hey… who's that?"
"O-oh this…? Uh… why don't you introduce yourself?" Crit asked the female 'Meowth'.
The Mew-disguised-Meowth slowly sat up and gave Meowth a weak smile, "Just call me… Myuu."
Meowth smiled and blushed a bit, "Myuu huh? That's a pretty name for a pretty young Meowth like you… Uh… what happened to you?"
"... I ran from some… nasty Shadow Pokemon." Myuu said weakly.
"S-Shadow Pokemon? Oh… you're okay, right? I'll get you some Oran Berries so you can feel better soon." Meowth said quickly as he held and rubbed Myuu's paw gently.
Crit and Kit blinked as they watched the interaction… "Uh… Crit… is it just me or does Meowth seem to… really like her? I mean they just met…"
"Well we had just met an-I MEAN I GUESS THIS IS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!" Crit said, suddenly getting a little nervous.
"..." Kit looked at the Pikachu, as if curious as to what he was saying before he shouted that, but she decided to forget about it. "Well… maybe we should leave them alone?"
"Uh… yeah." He said before wiping fake-'sweat' from his forehead, as he started making a dash out of the area, his cheeks apparently getting several shades of red… redder.
"Why are you blushing?" Kit asked him as they slowly walked out of the room while Meowth was giving Myuu some Oran Berries he carried in a pouch.
"No reason…" He said, facepalming for saying something stupid. "Uh, I have to go… look at what missions we should do next! Yeah… that sounds goo-!" He said before slamming his mouth shut.
But then Meowth's voice stopped them, "Wait a minute you two!" he dumped huge books in front of them, written in Footprint Runes. "You still need to study on the Pokemon culture, and you still need to learn how to read Footprint Runes! There's a dictionary with Unown characters for you to translate."
"Oh, uh, I just remembered, Auro wanted me to demonstrate some attacks in front of some Training Ranks. You have fun without me, Kit!" He shouted cheerfully as he dashed away before anyone could say 'CRIIIIIT!'
Kit smiled at Meowth and said, "He's going to die the next time I see him."
Meowth sighed, "I'll move Myuu to the guest room the HQ have for outsider Pokemon. I'll be sure she'll be nice and cozy there."
"You… you don't have to go through such trouble…" Myuu said to the Meowth.
"No, you're too weak. I'll get you there, just rest." He told Myuu as he carried her bridal style, which was easy since he walked on two legs, to the guest rooms.
Unfortunately when he got there, a Hitmonchan denied him entry, "Sorry, no more Pokemon can come."
"W-w-why not? Myuu's hurt and tired!" Meowth complained.
"There are too many Pokemon in the guest rooms, we're completely full, so take your Meowth somewhere else." Hitmonchan snapped.
Myuu glared as her eyes began glowing pink, Meowth didn't notice, but she began manipulating the Hitmonchan's mind. "You'll let us through, won't you?"
"... Yes… please, come on in you two." Hitmonchan said with his eyes dulled and allowing them in.
"Erm… thank you. Haha, you're a really funny pal!" Meowth chuckled as he slapped the Hitmonchan on the back, only to earn a death glare from the Pokemon, making Meowth shrink and hustle into the guest area.
Once inside, they really couldn't find any empty rooms. Myuu frowned as she heard the minds of the Pokemon within each room… some of them were just simply taking advantage of the Crusader's kindness and just being lazy and lounging around when they should either be going back to their homes or do their part to HELP the Crusaders! "Meowth… take that room. I'm sure you can talk the Pokemon inside to let us stay."
Meowth peeked inside. "But the Pokemon inside doesn't even look ready to leave…" He told Myuu, wanting to look polite to others in front of her.
"It's okay… Try to negotiate with them." Myuu said calmly.
"A-alright…" Meowth said as he set Myuu down on a couch and walked inside, finding a Vulpix sleeping. "E-excuse me?"
The Vulpix blinked and opened its eyes before grumbling, "What? I've ordered that hot cappuccino three hours ago!"
Myuu smirked before looking over at her, "Well… I'm tired and Meowth needs a place for us to stay for a while… could you mind if we stayed here for a few days?"
"Of course not! This is my room!" The Vulpix shouted angrily.
"Oh don't worry… I'm sure you could do something more useful with your time, like say… join the P.A.S. and become a Crusader? They need some help." Myuu said, her eyes glowing into the Vulpix's.
"..." Vulpix's eyes glowed too and she nodded, "Yes… I think I will do that…"
Meowth blinked. "H-how do you keep doing that?" He asked Myuu. Before getting a response, he scooped her up and placed her on the bed as soon as the Vulpix got up and walked out.
"Let's just say… I have ways of convincing others." Myuu said as he set her down on the bed. "I'll be fine… I appreciate it, Meowth, but really, I'll be fine."
"No! I mean.. no. I, uh, would like to stay here to make sure they treat you well, and to, uh, keep you company…" Meowth told her, hoping she would allow him to stay. He had a feeling that he didn't stand a chance to her… charm? Manipulation? Whatever she had been using - either.
"Well… only if you really want to. I just need a nap, that's all." Myuu said calmly as she closed her eyes.
Meowth started feeling a bit awkward. He had said he wanted to stay with her, but, maybe he should just wait outside? He decided he could protect from the other side of the door. He quietly walked outside the door and sat on one of the couches. He tried to stay awake, but he started getting a little drowsy. Then it became hard to keep his eyelids open. Then… well, Meowth couldn't remember much more after that, because he had fallen asleep.
Meanwhile… in another part of HQ, Kit was trying to practice her attacks, she was sparing with her partner Crit. The Eevee and Pikachu wanted to get better, they have gone on several missions since their first one and fought with only a few Shadow Pokemon. After Kit had hunt down the Pikachu, she forced him to spar with her.
"I wonder what Meowth and… Myuu are doing right now. Meowth seemed to take an early liking to Myuu." Crit told the Eevee in between breaths and Quick Attacks.
Kit used Sand-Attack at the Pikachu's face to make him miss his Quick Attack, "Yeah, I guess that Meowth has a very easy… uh… maybe he's just desperate for love and every female feline he sees makes him see hearts or something. They call it; love at first sight. You ever had that feeling before, Crit?"
The Pikachu halted for a second, hesitating, only to fly backwards as Kit's Tackle landed him in the cheek. "Ow…" He muttered, thankful for a subject change.
"Why'd you hesitate?" Kit frowned. Ever since their first encounter with the Shadow Houndour, the two have been trying hard to train their battle skills, they can take on one Shadow Pokemon at a time, but any more would easily overwhelm them.
"Oh, uh, I guess I was just thinking about, uh, Meowth and Myuu. That's all…" He lied, hoping she would drop it and get back to sparring.
"... Well I suppose you'd want to go check on the two love Meowths then?" Kit smirked slyly like a Zorua.
"Yeah, let's go!" Crit shouted and dashed away hastily.
"H-hey! Wait up!" Kit ran after him.
While the two were running in the long hallway, alarms suddenly started going off. "ALERT! ALERT! THE HIDEOUT HAS BEEN BREACHED! THIS IS NOT A DRILL! EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY!"
"Wh-wh-what's going on!?" Kit jumped, not liking the sudden alarm.
"I think we better find Meowth. Myuu can take her of herself." Crit suggested, and quickened his pace even further to get to the guest area. "Plus, some guests might need help evacuating. Now hurry!" He shouted as the sirens blared and the red lights danced on the walls.
While they made a dash for the guest rooms, they saw a familiar Lucario - their short-lived mentor, Auro. "W-w-what's going on, Auro!?"
"This is bad… we have a traitor among us, they lead the Shadow Pokemon right to our HQ, we are now being surrounded by the strongest Shadow Pokemon in the area, we need to evacuate immediately!" Auro said seriously.
"We have to find our friends, first. They could be in danger. Aren't Crusaders supposed to help those in trouble?" Crit asked him, hoping Auro wouldn't argue and take up more time than necessary.
"We are helping the civilians first, but we have to hurry, we're running out of time! You two, get who you can and get out as fast as you can!" Auro said quickly before running to another room.
"You heard him Crit, let's get the civilians out!" Kit said quickly.
Crit bit his lip, but nodded. Team Evoshock quickly began going from door to door, but it looks like most of the Pokemon were already evacuated by other teams. They knew they were running out of time so they had to hurry and couldn't check every single room as that would take hours itself and they barely have minutes.
"Crit! I found a baby Togepi trapped down here!" Kit called.
Crit ran into the room and quickly scanned it. The little egg Pokemon was stuck on it's side. It couldn't really get up. Crit grabbed it and started running. Suddenly, he smelled something… it smelled like… smoke? "I think this place is on fire! We have to get out!" He shouted as the lights began to dim from the stress on the structure.
"Some of the Shadow Pokemon attacking must be Fire types too! Come on, let's get it out before the Togepi turns into a boiling egg!" Kit grabbed Crit's tail with her tail, also trying to keep the Togepi safe while staying close to Crit so they don't get separated. They had run out of time, they knew they couldn't stay, already the HQ was trembling and coming down, they heard the Shadow Pokemon growling, they had to get out, now.
The two made it outside the burning building to find Shadow Pokemon swarming the place. They ran for the trees and were able to find shelter. But they ran into several Shadow Pokemon along the way, however… they seem to not even notice them as they ran by… how strange. The Togepi started crying. Maybe it could sense the danger it was in, perhaps it was aware of the danger but was in too much of a shock to make a sound before, either way, the two now had a crying baby on their paws.
"Where is everyone?" Kit frowned. "We won't be able to find the Togepi's parents this way… you don't think they all got captured do you?"
"Maybe… now that you mention it? Where are all the Crusaders? A-are we the only ones who made it out? You know, alive?" Crit inquired, suddenly shocked at just how big this could be.
"... I-I don't think so, I'm sure there are some Crudasers who made it out… but until we can find them we should get Togepi to stop crying." Kit frowned. "Um… do you know how to take care of a baby?"
Crit shook his head. "I haven't the foggiest. I think we should try to find somewhere safe to stay in the forest. At least until we can find somewhere to go. I hope Meowth and Myuu make it out of there."
Meanwhile… back in the HQ… or what's left of it, one room was protected due to Myuu's Psychic barrier. Myuu woke up, sensing something's wrong and that strong darkness was everywhere. "... Meowth, Meowth wake up, something's wrong."
Meowth stirred. "No way! We're not letting the twerp keep his Pikachu this time…" He said as his voice trailed off, letting his snoring resume.
"Meowth!" Myuu grabbed his side whiskers and pulled it, causing the other cat Pokemon to wake up.
"AAGH! JESSIE WHY I OUGH- Oh… uh, is something wrong?" Meowth said, finally completely awake, scratching the back of his head nervously.
"Shh, listen." Myuu suddenly said, covering his mouth with her paw. Both Meowths listened… they heard what sounded like lots of foot steps and growling… and it didn't sound natural. "... Those sound more like Shadow Pokemon than regular Pokemon…"
"W-what are we supposed to do? They probably have surrounded this entire place." Meowth told himself, not making any effort to be positive.
"Don't panic… we can get out, I'm sure. I guess the Crusaders that tried to help other Pokemon either ran out of time or got captured themselves." Myuu said seriously. At least I hope Team Evoshock got out.
"... But how are we going to get out? And why didn't they come into this room?" Meowth asked.
"... Maybe there's something in this room they couldn't stand, either way we're just really lucky. Now… I need you to close your eyes." Myuu said. I'm going to try and teleport us.
"I don't really think this is the time for surprises… I think we should be focusing on trying to get out…" Meowth suggested, clearly unaware of Myuu's intentions.
"I know that Meowth, but you need to close your eyes, please. I promise we will get out okay." Myuu said calmly, hoping the Meowth wouldn't argue, who knows when the Shadow Pokemon will finally get their heads together and break down her barrier.
Meowth hesitated, but finally nodded, his eyes slamming shut. "O-okay, they're closed…"
"Good, now I want you to relax." Myuu said as she tapped his shoulder, and in a flash of pink light, the two of them were teleported outside the fallen HQ and into the safeties of the bushes. "Okay, you can open your eyes now."
Immediately the cat Pokemon noticed a cool breeze. That wasn't there just a few seconds ago… Meowth cautiously opened one eye. "H-how did we get out here?!" He shouted, slamming his mouth shut after noticing all the Shadow Pokemon swarming around the burning stone tower.
Myuu put her paw on his mouth too when he shouted, "Look, I know it was weird, but… this isn't the time or place for that now. We need to get moving, there are bound to be more Shadow Pokemon around here, let's get further away until we can find civilization."
"... Alright fine, but it's too bad the HQ is now gone." Meowth said sadly as the two began walking into the unknown.
DarkFoxKit: (That was our last break, it's make or break time…)
Key2DestNE: Well, I believe I've made my decision. But before I declare the verdict, I would like to know… how do both testimonies fit into your arguments?
ConstructCritical: Well, Your Honor, my witness proves that I did nothing wrong. I asked her some questions, but I did not try to harm her, which she clearly did towards myself. I made it so she could easily escape the cage if she so chose, and I believe that this monster deserves justice! She sedated me as a sentient being without any permission given, and had the audacity to ship me off to Animal Control! Animal Control! What is this insult?! Therefore, I believe DarkFoxKit should pay for her crimes against me, her country, and the law itself!
DarkFoxKit: *slams paws onto the desk* Your Honor! You can clearly see the so-called victim is not in his clear mind. My own witness stated that he blows things way out of poportions. He would not hesitate to attack me if given the chance. (This won't do me any good without evidence, don't I have something that can show the Judge that Crit is certifiably insane?) The only reason why I even got out in the first place wasn't because he wanted me out, it was because he was too insane to have common sense.
Key2DestNE: Hmm… I see… *pauses* ...Hold on a moment, I just realized- ConstructCritical, did your witness testify against you as well?
ConstructCritical: Pardon me, Your Honor...?
Key2DestNE: Well, I just noticed, they DID mention that you had presumably locked the defense/defendant within a playpen without her knowledge, thus showing kidnapping… *blinks in surprise* I couldn't help but wonder why they would say that.
ConstructCritical: I would like to note, Your Honor, that she did something more horrible to me, as she left me with no means of escape. I pleaded for mercy, but she just taunted me! Is that anything a sane person would do?! Hardly not!
DarkFoxKit: … (Sane person…?) HOLD IT! What do you mean I left you with no means of escape?
ConstructCritical: ...I mean that you trapped me in there. You didn't leave me a way out-while I did!
DarkFoxKit: If you truly had no way out, then how did you get out at all?
ConstructCritical: ...Because you phoned Animal Control! Obviously! I mean, it's not like they can't phase through bars or anything!
DarkFoxKit: So you admit that they freed you because I told them to? Then why say I left you there with no escape?
ConstructCritical: You moved me from a playpen into a cell! Where I waited until you had enough time away from your nail polishing to stroll over!
Key2DestNE: Order! Order! *bang! bang!* Miss Kit, is there a point to this line of questioning?
DarkFoxKit: (Uh-oh, looks like the judge is losing patience with me. I better make my point clear and now.) *hits desk with paws* Yes your Honor, there is a reason for this! ConstructCritical may not be all there, but I want him to know I did it for my safety and his own good, not to lock him up just to taunt him.
Key2DestNE: ...I see… carry on. (This is getting interesting… I may have mostly decided my verdict, but I wonder if the two of them can sway me.)
DarkFoxKit: Crit, think about it. When you had me in the playpen, you were hissing and moaning about Felineshipping like some insane cult member. I was scared for my own life and I was worried what you were turning into. What would any sane friend do at a time like this? It may not have been the right action, but Animal Control were the only ones who had the proper medicine and care to help you at the time, and I did my best to get you out.
ConstructCritical: *stares for a second* …Nope, not buying it. Seize her! She's trying to confuse you and make you save her from a guilty sentence!
Key2DestNE: *BANG!* *BANG!* *BANG!* That is enough! I have heard both sides of the argument, and I have come to a final conclusion. *has a stony expression on his face*
DarkFoxKit: (Uh-oh, I didn't get a chance to make up with Crit!)
ConstructCritical: Well get on with it, you old man! I want this felon thrown in the pound!
Key2DestNE: ...Very well. *a small smirk appears on his features* I hereby declare both DarkFoxKit and ConstructCritical… GUILTY OF THE OPPOSING SIDE'S CHARGES! *BANG!* Now onto the punishment… You two will-
DarkFoxKit: And that's all the time we have! Bye-bye! *turns off the camera quickly*