Chapter 32 – Water under the bridge
Cassidy let out a howl of fury. "Biff, we have no choice but to retreat for now. Close the door."
Butch stared at her incredulously. "But, but…"
"Don't worry about Zacian. She can more than handle herself against that Darkrai. We can keep in contact through its communicator."
"But Mightyena!"
"Oh strop whining. It's just a Pokémon." Cassidy reached into her pocket and took out her communicator. "This is Cassidy to the engineer. Roll out. Do you hear me? Roll out."
There was a jolt as the train begun to move forward.
Blade, still pinned to the ground by Raticate, glanced over his shoulder. Shadow was no longer at the door. The vibrations from the floor and the post that rushed past the door told him the train was moving again…taking him away from Shadow.
He put his head to the ground, and lost consciousness.
Back on the valley floor…
"Ah, look at that." Ash's eyes widened at what was happening above them. Something had leapt from the train tackling Shadow and the two of them where now plummeting to the ground.
At that same time a third body had also fallen from the bridge, twisting and turning as it went, its limbs stretched out helplessly.
"Charizard, go help!"
"Zar." Charizard gave a flap of his wings; Ashachu still perched on his shoulder. He grabbed the falling Pokémon, as it was halfway down the side of the Viaduct, circled around and made a Beedrill line back to the ground. He landed with a thud, and placed the dazed creature on the floor.
"Wow. A Mightyena!"
"Pika."
"Wah-Wah"
Ash recognised the hyena like Pokémon from his journeys through the Hoenn region. Grey and Black fur, pointy hears and a fluffy tail. The marking in his face and pointed muzzle, along with those sharp fangs made it look extremely ferocious. Even when it was laying in the grass breathing heavily.
He took out his Pokédex to scan it…
Mightyena, the Bite Pokémon. Mightyena is the evolved form of Poochyena. They move primarily in packs, working together to capture their prey.
Jessie, James and Meowth exchanged looks with one another.
"Wait. Isn't that Bob's Mightyena," asked Jessie pointing at it.
"I think so," said James.
"Sure looks like it," mumbled Meowth.
The trio glanced up at the bridge where the long train was rumbling along.
"Hey. Dare leavin'," exclaimed Meowth.
"With out there Pokémon," said James. "That seems a little cold hearted."
Jessie smirked. "Obviously operation capture Darkrai didn't go as planned. If you ask me Cassidy's getting sloppy." Her eyes suddenly lit up. "Hey, I bet if we caught that Darkrai and presented it to the boss, we'd get a huge reward!"
Meowth and James looked similarly gleeful. "Oh yeah!"
Ash knelt down beside Mightyena to examine it. "Hmmm. It seems to be okay. Maybe just a little shaken." Of course, not being a breeder or doctor he wasn't sure what he was looking for.
Pikachu hoped off his shoulder and placed a paw on Mightyena's head, cooing, "Pikachu," softly. The other Pokémon gathered around.
Everybody seemed to have forgotten about Team Rocket…Or the other two Pokémon who had just landed on the ground nearby on the other side of the small stream that ran under the bridge.
"Graahh."
Ash Pikachu begun to stroke Mightyena's head in an attempt to comfort it, the Bite Pokémon suddenly jumped to its feet and snapped at the poor mouse.
"Pika!"
Pikachu squeaked in fright, and scrambled away, climbing back onto Ash – who at the same time did a double take and tripped over.
"Ahh. We won't hurt you Mightyena."
"Dew."
"Wah Wah!"
Geyser and Totodile moved protectively in front of their trainer. Neither Charizard nor Ashachu moved, though Charizard did growl a little – just a little. Mightyena however was not interested in fighting. Instead it ran away…
"Hey Mightyena," Ash called after it, as he sat back up. "Come back."
Mightyena stopped at the bottom of one of the viaduct's support. It looked up at the train rumbling overhead and howled.
"Ourrooo!"
Ash coxed his head. "It's trainer must be onboard that train?"
Pikachu shrugged. "Pikachu."
Before either could give it any more thought, there was a loud snarl from across the river…
In the brief moment Mightyena had fallen Ash and the others had forgotten about Shadow. Now they remembered…
The Darkrai and Zacian were circling each other, as if each were waiting for an opening to attack. It was difficult to tell which seemed to hate the other more – Shadow's single red eye glared at Zacian, while Zacian bared her teeth at Shadow.
"What's that Pokémon," Ash wondered pulling out his Pokédex. Unfortunately…
No Available Data
"What is that Pokémon," Jessie asked her teammates. "I've never seen anything like that before."
"Maybe it's a new species," James mused.
"Whatever it was," said Meowth. "It seems to have been with those two up dare." He jabbed his thumb towards the bridge.
"You mean Cassidy's got a new undiscovered Pokémon." Jessie stamped her foot angrily. "It's just not fair."
The mysterious Pokémon – Zacian – barked. A terrible sound that echoed through the valley and struck fear into those that heard it.
"Zar Zarcian, Zar. Zar Zar Zar. Zarcian cain!"
Ash felt his heart thump – this throat when dry and their Butterfee's in his stomach. "Whatever it is," he mumbled to Pikachu. "It sounds angry."
"What's it saying Meowth," Jessie hissed to the scratch cat.
Meowth stared wide-eyed at the scene unfolding across on the other side of the river. "Ummm It's sayin' I'll kill you, you bastard! I'll kill you for what you did to my mate and his brother!"
"You mean those two know each other," asked James.
Meowth shrugged. "Well dat mysterious Pokémon sure know Darkrai! And it don't sound like they like each other. Dis could get nasty."
At that moment, Shadow gave a blood-curdling laugh – it was almost as frightening as Zacian's howl. "You are but a puppet, a puppet that lacks the resolve expected in a hero. It would seem those legends told only lies, for you to so easily forsake the ideals of protecting everyone to serve the humans. How disappointing."
"EEEKKK," gasped Meowth. "
"Zar. ZAR ZAR ZAR ZAR ZARCIAN!"
"Now Zacian's sayin' my friends have your little pet. And you're not getting him back. I'm going to make him watch you die. It's what you both…umm explicit…deserve. I will have justice for my family."
There was another terrible cry from Shadow. "No matter the distance, no matter the danger, there isn't a wall or barrier in this world that will keep me from my Blade! One who risked their life to save thousands should understand, but seeing as you yourself stand here assisting those vile humans... you deserve neither the praise nor mantle of a hero. What you deserve is death."
"This is like being in the continuation of story that I didn't read," mused James as Meowth quivered."
"Zar. Zacian Zacian Zacian Zar!"
"And now dat thing just said." Meowth swallowed, his voice shaking. "Just said, you're little bitch and his pack ate my eggs. He killed my pups before dey even hatched. He don't deserve to live. Now take dis. AHHHHH. I t'ink they're going to fight."
Jessie, James and Meowth huddled together as Ash and his Pokémon drew away. Zacian open her mouth and shot a Moon Beam at Shadow. But before it could, Shadow had teleported away.
"ZAR, ZARCIAN ZAR!"
Jessie and James glanced at Meowth.
"Meowth."
"Ummm. It said, teleporters. Gutless cowards all of them. I'll kill him next time!"
Zacian turned her head to the other side of the river. She spotted Mightyena and her eyes widened. "Zar!" In one swift motion, she leapt across the river, landing gracefully on the other bank, and then ran over to the bite Pokémon.
"Zar. Zarcian."
"Yena. Mightyena!"
To everyone's surprised the two touched noses and nodded to each other.
"Wait. It's friends with Butch's Mightyena," gasped James, pointing at the pair.
"What the heck is going on here," shouted Jessie!
Zarcian and Mightyena looked up to see the humans and their Pokémon nearby. It was clear Zacian had not noticed them before, as her eyes widened once again and her jaw dropped. When she next spoke, it was in perfect English…"
"Huh. Humans." Her voice was feminine – that must have made this Pokémon a girl!
Zacian bounded over to them, closely followed by Mightyena. Within a split second she was standing right in front of Ash, his Pokémon and Team Rocket.
"Wow."
Ash took an apprehensive step backwards. He had been in the presence of legendary Pokémon before. It was different to being near an ordinary Pokémon, even a powerful one. Something about them radiated power, strength and awe. And she was no different.
"And who are you little boy. What is…Wait?" Her eyes fell upon Charizard and Ashachu. "You're not. Is your name Ash?"
"She knows me," Ash whispered to Pikachu.
"Apparently," replied the dumbfounded mouse.
"Who are you?"
A grin spread across Zacian's face. "You had to ask. Now I guess I have to go through the entire introduction, don't I. Mightyena you be second."
And then, to Ash's great surprise, she reared herself onto her hind legs and put her right paw over her chest. "Who am I. Who I am is trouble!"
"And make it double," Mightyena growled, also rising onto its hinds.
Ash's heart sank.
"Oh no," groaned Pikachu. "Please tell me…"
"An evil as old as the galaxy," said Zacian
Which was promptly followed by Mightyena saying, "sent here to fulfil our destiny."
"To denounce the goodness of truth and love."
"To extend our wrath to the stars above."
"Zacian."
"And Mightyena. Filling in for our humans."
"Whenever there's peace in the universe."
"Team Rocket."
"Will be there."
The two canine like Pokémon stood back to back and pointed at Ash, before saying the last line together. "To make everything worse!"
Ash looked incredulously at them for a second, then at Jessie, James and Meowth. "One of yours."
Jessie and James shook their heads. They looked as dumbfounded and confused as Ash.
"Nah. We're not strong enough to catch those," Jessie said.
"So you're name's Zacian and you're from Team Rocket," Pikachu asked pointing at the larger blue canine.
She nodded. "Correct little chu. And I presume your Ash's Pikachu."
"Pika." Pikachu nodded.
"Word is that Team Rocket's been chasing you for a long time, but you've proved elusive." When Pikachu pulled a face, she continued. "Don't worry, I'm not here for you. I'm part of an elite taskforce sent to capture Shadow the Darkrai. And bring him to justice… And if you're Pikachu then those are Charizard and Ashachu?"
Pikachu frowned. "How do you know so much about?"
"Team Rocket has a file. I'm afraid, if what Team Rocket's intelligence says is true, and then all of you are in real danger. Shadow may have disappeared for now, but he isn't gone. And he'll come back. He swears vengeance on everyone who harms that Sneasel bitch of his. And right now we're got him captured. Hopefully that should have lured him away, but you can never be too cautious. Is there…."
"Grrahhh!"
Mightyena howling in pain cut her off mid-sentence. The bite Pokémon collapsed onto his side.
"Oh no." In spite of knowing it was a Team Rocket Pokémon, Ash rushed over to help.
Zacian beat him to it, placing a paw on his side and asking worriedly, "Mightyena. Are you okay? Where does it hurt?"
"Garrhh."
"He's hurt his ankle. Must have happened when shitbag Shadow pulled him off the train." She turned her head over her shoulder and looked at Ash. "Humans! I need you to do something for me. I need you to take Mightyena to the Pokémon Centre. I need to go and contact my humans. I'll be in touch…"
[Pokémon]
"So did anybody else have legendary dog Pokémon joins to rocket to kill murderous Darkrai, while we babysit a Team Rocket Pokémon on their Galar region bingo cards," said Ash sarcastically as he sat in the Pokémon Centre canteen a few hours later.
He had ordered lunch but wasn't feeling particularly hungry. The plate sat full and untouched in front of him. Team Rocket, on the other paw, sitting at the opposite table, were hoeing their way through several plates of nearly everything on the menu.
The rest of his Pokémon also seemed to have had their appetites unaffected by the day's events. They sat on the floor eating from silver bowls. All expect Pikachu, who sat on the table in front of Ash.
"Nope," Pikachu replied. "But I did have Misty turns evil and Ashachu temporarily joins Team Rocket on mine."
"That's not funny Pikachu." Though the corners of Ash's mouth twitched.
"Well, if it helps," Pikachu continued. "I also had Jessie belle returns and we find out she's been dead this whole time."
"Vey funny…so what are we going to do?"
Pikachu coxed his head. "About what. The Darkrai and the Sneasel. And Team Rocket."
Ash nodded. "Team Rocket must have taken the Sneasel from the Aether Foundation after we sent it there. And now they're trying to capture a Darkrai. We can't let them get away with it."
Pikachu let out a long sigh and gave Ash and adoring expression. "Now there's the brave caring boy I fell in love with. Although, seriously I don't think we should do anything!"
Ash raised his eyebrows. "How come!"
"Well, just think about it. That Sneasel's dangerous. I mean we both saw him try to kill Ashachu. Darkrai's even more dangerous. You saw what it did to his tail. And then there's Cassidy and Hutch. Last time we encountered them they chased us across Sinnoh in a mechanical Ryhorn and we nearly lost Pachirisu. When we met them in whirl islands, they captured a baby Lugia, put you in a cage, and a crazy scientist tried to strap me to a rage-inducing machine. And in the Orange Islands they…" He shuddered at that particular memory. "Hypnotised me and used me as a puppet."
Ash grimaced. "Don't remind me."
"I know Pikapi, but I have to." Pikachu bounded forward and put his paws on the top of Ash's hand. "I know you care about Pokémon, but this time…it's just not worth putting anyone's life at risk. Or your own. We have a kit to think about now. And there's something else."
Ash glanced at his Pokémon, all sitting happily on the floor. He sighed. "You're right Pikachu. We'll let Darkrai deal with Team Rocket on it's own."
Pikachu beamed at him. "Let's focus on getting that next gym badge."
"Yeah."
Ash lowered his head allowing he and Pikachu to rub noses together, before giving the mouse a kiss on the top of his head. Around the cafeteria, a few people stared, but nobody seemed to mind, or did anyone say anything…Thought that might have been because they could also see Charizard.
On the opposite table, Jessie, James and Meowth had finished eating. They put their heads together for their own whispered conversation.
"So da question is, what do we do," asked Meowth.
"Simple," said Jessie. "We find out where Cassidy and Buster went, wait for this Darkrai to show up, then we nab it and give it to the boss."
A grin spread across Meowth's face. "Oh yeah! Da boss will really love dat."
James didn't seem as excited. "But Jessie dear. You know what that things capable of. Perhaps we should just leave this one to those two."
"Oh no," snapped Jessie. "I am not Cassidy get all the glory again. Beside, if we're the ones who bring down that savage beast, we'll go down in the annuals of Team Rocket history for sure."
"After Darkrai turns us, inside out," James whined, but Jessie ignored her…