SHOWDOWN - The Second Half
Special Disclaimer: Warning, the following chapter contains mentions of rape, grooming, violence, and discussion of underage sexual activity. Reader discretion is advised.
I do not condone anything that I write, and no one was harmed in the making of this story.
Note: The following is told in multiple POV'S. To ease confusion, a bold header declaring the narrator has been put above relevant text.
(Alice POV, 3rd person. Reader's note: The gf of Avery's little sister)
It was a strange thing- not wanting to live. Yet not wanting to die either. Alice didn't want to kill herself, yet acts as simple as eating, bathing, conversing, existing were profoundly difficult... At times she wanted to fall asleep and never wake up. Alice can't pinpoint the exact moment she started to feel this way - Perhaps sometime before her parents died, before she went to the Jubilife Training School, before she realized just how bad her four younger siblings had it back home with Grampa in Celestic town. Of course, that was also before she met Zoey - and Zoey changed everything.
Alice was never good at identifying emotions, especially her own. It was not something she enjoyed trying to do. She distracted herself from her thoughts any way she could, usually using her Pokemon, and eventually her boyfriend Christopher. She recognized him as a predator the moment she met him. Now, reflecting on it, she realized she started to date him because she hoped one day he'd try to cover up the crime of being with her. That he'd wring her neck, or slide a blade into her gut, or have one of his few Pokemon dispose of her. He had a Muk. She often fantasized, in a way devoid of sensual interest and morbid in its intensity - about drowning within the depths of the poison-type creature, her body burning and withering away forgotten.
Reflecting on it, she realized she started to date him because she hoped one day, he'd try to cover up the crime of being with her. That he'd wring her neck, or slide a blade into her gut, or have one of his few Pokémon dispose of her. He had a Muk. She often fantasized, in a way devoid of sensual interest and morbid in its intensity - about drowning within the depths of the poison-type creature, her body burning and withering away forgotten.
The issue was that Zoey refused to go away, even now. Alice had helped her with bullies what seemed like a lifetime ago. Then, the Higgs girl refused to let Alice be alone after that. They became close as kin, no, closer. Alice had four sisters. None of them made her feel the way Zoey did, she hardly felt anything for them at all - other than obligation, and maybe something which felt like resentment. She liked Zoey. She... loved Zoey. She loved a coward who refused to tell Alice how she felt, and Alice was a coward herself
So, many things were left unsaid.
Rather than leech off of Alice's strength, the Higgs girl found a strange and thrilling-to-behold energy within herself. Alice had sensed something special in her, that's why she helped her in the first place, but Zoey bloomed into something more than she ever expected. Zoey quickly rose to the top of their class, outperforming even older peers from wealthy or trainer-established backgrounds. Alice had never witnessed such intense vigor and thirst for life. Zoey threw herself into everything she did. Some boys and girls in Jubilife trained for a surplus of hours, yet it would still take weeks for any serious growth, mental or otherwise. Zoey wasn't like that.
They shared everything, even a bed after a while. And their lips. They kissed for hours into the night, exploring the most deep and vulnerable parts of each other. Alice told someone, for the first time, about her family life- or lack thereof. Zoey held her, and Alice felt the unfamiliar presence of tears behind her eyes when those warm arms wrapped around her. Zoey confessed about her own life- about her absent father, juvenile mother, her resentful older sibling. Not so different from Alice, really.
Over time, like a snake creeping into a boot, Zoey made Alice worry about her own wellbeing. Her mind began to ask questions, like whether she'd be around to see Zoey grow even more, or if their relationship would ever bud beyond friendship. Zoey had trouble seeing past whatever she was currently thinking. For the past few months, she'd been consumed by thoughts of her older brother who she felt too much for and basked in the affirmation of another male his age, one Jackson Wainwright who was far too old for her.
But who was Alice to tell her that was wrong? It would be nothing short of hypocritical. Alice's boyfriend was even older than Jack. And she knew already... that Chip was a monster. Perhaps it was selfish to invite Zoey along to Solaceon, but the man had promised not to hurt her closest friend and so far, had not. Alice lacked self-control, she couldn't stand not being with the girl, either. It frustrated her to no end that when she was alone, she worried, thought about, craved Zoey Higgs.
That would all change soon. Christopher had plans to take Alice away from here, away from Zoey. Away from her only direct connection to safety, to freedom, to breathing... It was safe to say that Alice would finally find an end to it all. In a way, she was glad. Life was such a drag. Money came, and money went. People talked yet never with any real meaning. Pokémon and humans suffered, the world was unequal at its very foundation, yet...
Even now, Alice could feel the vibrations, the energy, of the living creatures around her. A constant buzz. Incessant and cold to her lack of interest in hearing it. The cries of souls long gone. Their regrets honed by old age, their fears, the consistent realization that they were gone, possibly forever. Sometimes they became something else entirely, born anew. Spirits constantly shifted between the various layers of the world, unaware of how damn loud they were. Alice had a strange connection to the dead and the places they lingered.
It was how she met her Ghastly, Vexa. Vexa had been a human girl once, a very lonely one. She lived in the ancient stretch of old world Jubilife a long time ago. For a while Vexa haunted the Jubilife dorm, terrifying girls who were out and about past curfew. She never scared Alice, though, despite many attempts. Perhaps that's what made her stick around. More than likely, it was that she feared for Alice's life. Recognized the lack of interest in living within the small medium. When they'd first met, Alice had seen a glimpse of what caused Vexa to pass over. Those glimpses came and went, never by choice.
She'd seen a pale body dangling from a rope, eyes staring. Vexa hadn't slipped away like she wanted to when she hit the bottom of the rope, instead, she remained in a body that strained desperately, impossible, to hang on to the life she'd never realized she wanted so badly... only to end up staring out for what felt like an eternity. Somehow, Vexa had crept out of the corpse: and became a Ghastly. The Rememory had given Alice a cold and a persistent migraine for days. Then, she'd captured the ghost; not against her will, Alice asked first of course.
Zoey arrived at the Jubilife Training School three weeks after that. Even before Vexa, Alice had been forced to grow up while still a young child, six or seven, someone had to be responsible for the younger kiddos. She can't remember a time in her life after her parents gave them up when she was allowed to relax. To not work, to not take the future she didn't care about or want seriously. That's why Chip made everything easier. With him, she didn't have to think. With him, she didn't have to do anything but whatever he wanted her to do. He made it obvious how creepy he thought she was, like a limp doll that he could pose and break as he pleased. Sometimes, she scared him on purpose to get him to go away when she didn't want to do stuff. She'd place his hands around her neck and tell him to squeeze. She'd stare blankly into his eyes, until he was forced to zip up his pants, look away, and leave the room muttering and shaking his head. The scent of his cigarettes would drift into the one bedroom they shared and she'd smile as Vexa nuzzled her, whispering softly.
She would do anything to go back to not caring about or wanting anything. Perhaps it would be like that again when Chip took her away. He had a new gig in Unova. She had to go with him, she was his star, his money-maker.
But she hadn't told Zoey yet... that this trip was a goodbye.
"Are you seriously not ready yet? We need to get going." A charming, resonant voice filled her ear. The smug tone of Alice's boyfriend was all too familiar. They were standing at the entrance of his house, preparing to leave to do the "field work" required of Chip's unsavory career.
"Zoey is waiting for me," Alice murmured. She was staring out the window toward the distant buildings of Solaceon town. The ruins where she was supposed to meet her best friend were just beyond that. She'd already kept the girl waiting for so long.
"Your friend can join you later, who cares?" Chip muttered impatiently, he was toying with his camera bag and glowering at her. She turned to stare at him with freezing eyes hidden beneath her dense, dark bangs. She truly hated him. He was a handsome guy. He could have anyone. Why did he prey on young girls like her? Whenever she asked, he'd just get this strange look on his face and smile.
'"Cause you're so much cuter."'
Alice wasn't the first. She knew that already. She wasn't even the fifth. She was probably more like the tenth girl that Chip had ruined.
"I can't see her after this." Alice shook her head.
"Sure you can, kiddo." She could feel the deception in Chip's tone. Not exactly lying directly, but hiding something. Alice already knew what it was. He'd said the Bouffalant would be gentle, but Alice had met the creature. It was impatient and anxious, young and virile. It would break her, as she'd seen in other videos he'd "directed". Then Chip would take her away, and put her pieces back together. Or maybe he'd leave her there and her skin would decay and then her bones would turn to dust on the dew-stained grass. Fertilizer for something new.
When she was broken and empty, would Zoey remember her? Would she find Alice and blame herself? Would Vexa miss her? Perhaps she would become a Ghastly too, or a different kind of spirit, and Zoey would capture her in a Pokeball and carry her around everywhere.
As Chip moved to push open the door, her heart ached. A twinge, a rush, of sudden uncomfortable emotion. Something painful and familiar. Fear. Desperation. Regret. And hope, which was by far worse than all the others. It made her teeth grit, her head hurt. "Zoey," Alice whispered as she placed both palms on the clear glass door. How long would Zoey wait for her at the ruins? When would she realize that Alice wasn't coming? Alice wanted, more than anything, for Zoey Higgs to save her. To take her away, hand in hand. No Jackson Wainwright, no Christopher Stylish, no school, no money, nothing. Just their hands clasped and Zoey's beautiful, natural brown eyes staring into hers.
She felt Christophers impatience spike. He grabbed her arm, so tight it hurt, and jerked her close. "Enough of the bullshit. We need to go, now ."
She refused to meet his intense, burning gaze. He shook her tiny frame until she looked at him. If Vexa were out, she'd lick the man to death at such a rough display. He was lucky that Alice didn't have it in her to kill him, that she didn't let Vexa see just how much he abused her. Or maybe Alice was just foolish…
"Fucking listen to me, Alice." She finally met his eyes. "I've been letting you live off me, and paying for every fucking thing you wanted or needed for the past months. This is what you agreed to, at the start of it all, right?! I paid for your family's shit as promised, didn't I? Four little bitches I've never even fucking met. They have food, whatever the fuck else you got them, because of me. All I'm asking for is one video. If I don't make this deadline…"
He was right. She had agreed to this. Alice made a pointless confession. "But… I don't want to."
Christopher's eyes somehow grew colder. "Once this is over, we'll be set for years."
Alice stared out the glass door again. Life on the road with Zoey would be a hard one. They both would have to find a way to make money, Zoey always promised she'd take care of Alice and her family, but that was far easier to say than to do. It wasn't a real possibility, was it? What if she ran away right now? All she had to do was open the door, and…
Chip grabbed her, even rougher this time, and backhanded her so hard her entire head wouldn't stop vibrating, her thoughts and emotions tumbling around this way and that. She felt dizzy, sick to her stomach.
"I...I don't want to," she mumbled again.
"All this time you said nothing! What is up with you bitches being such god damn traitors? All you little whores are the same. You want to date me, you want my money, but Arceus forbid I ask for anything in return!"
Alice was the only reason Chip's business was still thriving. The preteen didn't say that though. When he saw her frozen expression, he seemed to visibly cool down. A practiced action, he was a manipulative man. Chip put a desperate, pleading look on his sun-tanned face now, and he suddenly clasped her hands.
His voice came out soft, velvety: "Alice. Dane will have my head if we don't produce a video tonight. If we interfere with his schedule, we'll both be…done." The word had unsavory implications. "So I'll either drag you outside, or you'll move on your own. Please don't make me make you."
Alice nodded, eyes tearing up. "Okay. I'm sorry."
(Juliet POV, 3rd Person)
Juliet's mother was right. Calling Sprinter depressed would be an understatement. Once, he was a very alert and loud Pokemon, fit for riding no matter the time of day or night. Now, he didn't even react as Juliet entered the stables despite still being awake. The Rapidash was stabled away from the others, simply laying there, staring out into the night with a lost look in his once warm, dark eyes. It was only when she whispered, "Sprinter, it's me, Juliet" that any life entered his eyes, that he realized she was even there.
The fire Pokemon immediately got to its legs, his mighty head whipping toward her as his eyes widened and he huffed. His expression seemed to say "It's you, it's really you!" He moved urgently toward her, ducking his head into her hand. She rubbed her hands across his face, stroking his muzzle, and toying with his ears. He was, as usual, so wondrously warm beneath her hands, his immense muscles beneath the fur promising safety.
"Arceus, it's so good to see you, Sprinter. I missed you," she whispered.
"I reckon he missed ya' too, Miss Harmon. Now turn around slowly, and put those hands up."
It was an unfamiliar male voice, with a strange, lazy drawl to it. Juliet heard the click of a weapon and a strong, steady growl from behind her.
Juliet did as ordered, teeth clenched. The weight of the gun in her coat was something she was very aware of. "Listen, sir. I don't know who you are but I don't have time for this. People's lives are on the line."
"I'll be the one to determine that."
The man in front of her was nothing but unfamiliar. He wore dark leather pants and a tight shirt, a harness strapped to it with five pokeballs attached. He wore a wide-brim, worn hat and a long dusty coat, his eyes nearly invisible in the darkness of the night but she could feel them burning into her beneath his hat. He had a revolver, much larger than hers, pointed towards her, a beautiful silver piece. A massive muscular Emboar stood behind him, huge plumes of hot smoke rising from its nostrils.
This guy wasn't playing around, but his demeanor changed when she turned to him, the weapon lowering slightly.
"Yer…Yer not Amara Harmon. So who in the hell are ya? And what are you doin' here at this time of night?"
"Her younger sister, Juliet… I could ask you all the same questions. I used to live here, it makes sense I'm here. I can't say the same for you, some old geezer pointing a weapon at me. Why were you expecting my sister?"
The man sighed and lowered his gun, then hastily pulled a black, aged wallet from within his long dusty brown coat. A golden emblem glimmered as he opened it up at her..
Juliet's eyes widened. "You're… an international cop!"
"Yep. Can call me Vernon Jennings, if it pleases you. And yer a wanted criminal's kid sis. Only reason I'm not dragging you away for questioning is cuz you mentioned somethin bout lives on the line. Why are you after this steed anyway?"
The dark-skinned man was a stranger to her, and could be lying about being a cop, but as he lifted his hat from his head and stared at her with his warm, aged face, she found the truth spilling out of her. Finally in the presence of a proper authority, she told him everything.
"Well, that sure does explain a lot. I heard Amara was freed legitimately. Not the issue. She's since gone awol."
Juliet frowned. "What do you mean?"
The man sighed. "If it wasn't such a bad situation I'd say nothing… but if it gets you to cooperate you deserve the full truth. You've told me a lot, already so I suppose I should do the same. We had a tracker put in yer' sister."
Juliet's mouth opened in protest. That was unbelievably fucked up! Amara would never consent to such a thing, this was a violation of human rights!
"Now hold your horses, don't get all riled up. We were monitoring her location, then a few hours ago, suddenly nothing. We're thinking someone took it out, not sure how. Or how they even found it. I'd been in this area already investigating, undercover mainly, when I got the report. I've been working closely with Sullivan. If he actually has ties with Salvation like ya claim, then he's been runnin' loops 'round me. I figured Amara was coming for her old mon, and trying to make a run for it. Now here we are."
Juliet had so many questions. "I-I want to stay and talk about this. But I can't. Will you help me with Christopher Stylish?"
Vernon flinched, then looked away. " I… deeply apologize. But if what ya sayin' is true, there will be cameras involved. And possibly unknown spectators. If I truly am wrong about this Dane Sullivan character, I can't risk him finding out that I know the charade's up. I need to keep my cover." Juliet started to get angry, but before she could get riled up and start ranting about how important it was that they protect young lives, he nodded toward Sprinter. "But you can have him. I won't stop ya."
"Why are you letting me have him? Even though you know my sister is a..."
"A pokefucker?" Vernon snort-laughed. "I was sent to investigate your sister and her possible connection to these Salvation folks. Not to arrest her for pokephilia. Even if I wanted to, I don't have the authority. I can only make arrests if the laws being broken can be applied worldwide. Anything else is beyond my jurisdiction, best left to the Jennies and their ilk."
Juliet threw her arms around Sprinter's neck, her legs on either side of him. Vernon smiled reassuringly at her. Juliet paused on her way out and stared at him, her dark eyes piercing. "Would you arrest me, if you could?"
The man smiled, all white teeth save for his one gold one. "Go on. Git." He slapped Sprinter's hind quarter and sent Juliet off.
Jack and Zoey were where she'd left them, in the only inn available in Solaceon Town, right near the Pokemon Center. Juliet froze when she heard the quiet voices traveling through the door of their briefly rented room. It was Jack's voice, along with Zoeys. Disgust roiled around in Juliet's stomach and her hand quickly moved to the door. She hadn't been sure if she could trust Jack alone with the girl but had wanted to move quietly.
Juliet stopped when she heard the spoken words more clearly.
"You have nothing to be sorry about, Jackson! Other than being a douchebag and ignoring me. That hurt me, you know?!"
"I know, but I was beyond a douchebag... Originally, I thought what I was doing was okay, Zoey. When you get to be my age you'll realize just how wrong I was, and you'll be… thankful it never went farther."
A long silence passed. Then Zoey huffed. "Can I at least ask you... Why? Why did you bother with me at all? Did I mean anything to you?"
"O-Of course you mean something to me. That's why I'm here trying to fix my mess. All of this, everything that happened with your brother... It's because of me. Because I encouraged you to put yourself online like that, I showed you the Pokeporn League... I even got you an invitation to it, and I lied to your brother about it , and hid it from him. I… sexted you. I fucked up. A lot."
"... So you didn't even like me? You just… used me?" Her voice sounded incredibly small for such a bold girl. Juliet's heart ached.
"Yes... You're just a kid, Zoey. I'm sorry."
"You're really going to break it off with me before we even start officially dating? Why?!"
"I already explained. For so many reasons, Zoey. I can't stand knowing I made Avery feel pain. I can't stand what I did-"
"You didn't do anything. I sent them because I wanted to! I like you. I don't care about Avery's opinion on this!"
"Well I do!" Jack suddenly shouted. "Zoey, damn it, can't you see how wrong it all was? Can't you see that I-I… almost became another Chip. I've already committed acts that I can never live down, they haunt my every waking thought-"
"So screw what I feel about it, right, Jackson?"
"Everything that you feel for me isn't real. Zoey, I groomed you. You have to understand that. Don't try to say I didn't because that was exactly my intention!" Zoey started to speak again but Jack cut her off. "No...I'm sorry, Zoey. But we can't be together. Ever. I… I never wanted to be. You were a distraction, and it's cruel to admit, but that's the truth. You're an amazing girl, w-with so much to give, but you need to forget about me after this."
Juliet backed away as she heard approaching footsteps, angry, stomping. The door was thrown open and young Zoey Higgs marched out. She blanched when she saw Juliet standing there. Juliet opened her mouth.
"Don't fucking say anything! We need to go help Alice." The young trainer stomped away in a huff. Jack showed up in the doorway a moment later. His face was pale and he seemed weak and crestfallen.
"I didn't want to hurt her but I had to."
"What you already did to her will hurt her more than that little rejection ever will. It was the right thing to do. She'll realize that one day. I doubt she'll thank you for sparing her, but... It was the right choice."
Jack seemed to want to say something important. All he managed was a broken sob. "Will Avery ever forgive me? Arceus, I don't want to live without him. I've lost him, my best friend, more than that… What have I done?!"
Juliet's eyes widened as the boy randomly collapsed, weeping into his hands. They really didn't have time for this...Jack was hardly going to be a help in this state. Juliet studied him, then spoke carefully. "It's best if you leave Avery and his family alone."
Jack stared up at her, teary. "I-I never liked you, you know," he sniffed. "I...I fucked up, it's not an excuse but..."
The realization of his words hit her. Juliet clenched her fists. That explained way too much. She got dizzy for a second. "I-I can't process this right now. No time for this."
"It's always been him. Always will be." Wiping at his eyes, Jack picked himself up. "Even if it takes the rest of my life… I'll prove I'm not a bad guy. That I'm worth having around."
Juliet rolled her eyes and turned away. Maybe he was being honest, maybe he wasn't. It certainly explained a lot of unspoken questions. Juliet didn't want the guy around her or Avery, regardless. If this was an excuse, or an attempt to escape responsibility, it was a piss-poor one.
"Let's go, Jackoff." The ginger guy sniffed and nodded.
Juliet and Zoey rode Sprinter, while Jack lagged far behind them. He didn't complain about being forced to walk, perhaps he saw it as another punishment for himself, but it wasn't about that. Not entirely. Sprinter didn't seem like he'd been eating or sleeping properly since he was taken away from Amara and put into her mother's care, she didn't want to risk him carrying three humans full weight. Jack was going to arrive later, but that was ok. Juliet wanted to talk to Zoey alone anyway.
"He's right, you know. Jack's a fucked up human being."
"Didn't you say you blackmailed my brother with porn of me? How are you any better?"
"Something like that," Juliet winced. She'd done that and more. "Intention is important. I wanted to free your brother from the way he was thinking about Pokemon and humans. Doesn't make it right, but I didn't want to hurt him." She wondered if Zoey would hate her if she found out about Juliet's sabotage of Avery's relationship with that girl, Mabel. Best stay quiet about that.
"Intention means nothing if you hurt people, Juliet!" The girl's self-righteous attitude was just like her older brothers. It made her miss him even more. "I like Jack. A lot."
Juliet sighed. "Jack hurt you more than you know, and not just now. Before that. Everytime he asked for a picture, everytime he suggested you do something sexual, everytime he intentionally manipulated your actions and thoughts...it just hasn't caught up yet. That's all I have to say."
"It's not the same as with Chip!" Zoey snapped. "I'm not a victim."
"You're right. It's not the same, but you're wrong. Predatory actions take place all the time in so many different ways. Maybe Jacks not a forceful, manipulative rapist like Chip is, but he was put in a position of power over someone vulnerable, who needed him, and he fucked up… he chose you for a reason. Reckon with that fact, brat."
Zoey's chest shook. Juliet realized the girl was crying. "Listen, he's not worth crying over."
" Don't tell me not to cry!" The fierceness in Zoey's voice again reminded Juliet of her boyfriend, waiting for them in Hearthome. Juliet found herself smiling.
"I'm just saying. Jack was only a few steps away from becoming a ped-"
"Don't say that word. Jackson's not like that!"
"You're stubborn as hell. I'll give you that."
The ride was silent for a while."... Alice always chooses Chip... And Jack doesn't want me, either. Avery didn't even care enough to come for me himself, to keep me close. You know I waited and waited for him to ask me to go with him on his journey, and he never did. Didn't even think about it. Didn't even ask me why I wasn't gone on my own Pokemon Journey yet, like I liked living in that shitty home with that shitty damn mom. N-nobody wants me."
This was a lot to process. Zoey was so lonely, and in so much pain. Was there anything Juliet could possibly say that would make her feel better? She had to try. "Your brother loves you so much. He just sucks at showing it. He… he would do anything to protect you. Trust me, I know." How could Juliet say this next part delicately? Juliet decided not to. Ripping the bandaid off would have to do. "You and Alice need to talk, to communicate properly. Learn how she feels… ask her. One thing I can say for sure is that Christopher Stylish is a full on fucked-up pedophile. He has been raping your friend Alice for a long time. Manipulating her mentally, giving her what she needs and wants, appeasing her- so that he could bring her here. To film her getting brutalized by a Pokemon that has to live with itself after the fact. After that, I don't know what he has planned for her. Maybe more of the same, probably nothing good...but a girl isn't the same after something like that. Neither is a Pokemon."
Juliet thought back to her own cruel manipulation. She had not trusted anyone, any man, for a long time after that. Her own eyes burned. "You know… After it did what it did to me, the Tauros..." Zoey shivered and Juliet hugged her tighter. She could see Chip's estate in the distance. "Tauros cried. It felt my pain, nuzzled my cheek, and cried with me. I realized that there were two victims that night, two people getting exploited."
Zoeys eyes widened. "You mean...?"
Juliet nodded. "Tauros. Yes. Because of what Chip did... The town agreed as a collective to have Prince put down. Meanwhile, thanks to the slimeballs who have their webs weaved deeply here, the true perpetrator gets away with it. And he's going to do it again. I'm telling you this because there's a lesson to be learned here. In most cases, when it comes to violence, the Pokemon are almost never the ones committing it themself. They are a lesser class in our society Zoey, battle culture foisted onto them, distracting them from what really matters. When Tauros stared into my eyes, and saw what he'd done...I saw a question reflected back at me. Who am I? Why am I here? What did I just do?"
Zoey seemed confused, like the ideas Juliet wanted to share were beyond her. Oh, to be young and naive again. Juliet smiled and kissed the top of her head.
"Me and Tauros were one and the same. Controlled, treated like an animal. I could have learned to hate Pokemon that day. Less keen minds probably would have. Amara, my sister, has always been obsessed with the concept of Pokemon rights. If I didn't think about Tauros and his feelings that night...I'd be broken, I think. I decided to right the wrongs of this world. To make a world where humans and Pokemon can hold hands, paws, tentacles - whatever, at the altar, and be partners in every sense of the word. No pokeballs, no battling, none of it..."
Zoey blinked.
"I'm probably not right about all of it. I'm sure I've gotten quite a bit wrong somewhere, but the point stands Zoey... Christopher Stylish is an irredeemable predator. Jack almost was. You shouldn't be caught up on him, though I know that's pointless to say to you at your age. Even after Tauros it took me so long to get over the way Chip lured me in, trapped me… and betrayed me. Alice is going to need your support. She hasn't run away with -to- you...because she knows she'll have to face herself. She's afraid."
" Alice… afraid?" Zoey snorted. "Impossible."
Juliet nodded, a smile gracing her lips. "Yes. She's terribly frightened."
"Alice… isn't like you, ya know. She's not afraid of anything, not even ghosts and… I think… Maybe she loves Chip."
That was so incredibly far from the truth. Juliet squeezed her shoulder. "I'll just say this- She's a little girl, too, Zoey. You both are -and leave it at that. Now prepare yourself for what we might walk into."
The next few minutes passed in silence, the cool night wind on their face...then they were there. At Chip's house.
Clearly business had been booming for Chip, or Dane Sullivan was truly invested in giving Chip a high quality of life. The estate that he rented in Solaceon was practically a mansion, traditional and beautiful, all sleek wood and glass. It seemed out of place in Solaceon, though it was far from most of the farms, near the forests and mountains to the east of Solaceon.
"You sure this is the place?" Juliet asked after they examined the surroundings, and found no trace of Alice or Chip. Not using his own backyard for the act, apparently.
"Yes, this is his house. We were here earlier," Zoey affirmed, "Do you think theyre inside?"
"Maybe not. But...we might as well have a look around. Maybe we can find some evidence against Chip while we wait for Jack and Princess to catch up."
"Good idea. He had a room he banned Alice and I from entering. He spent a lot of time there. That might be where they are."
Juliet didn't want to mention Chip preferred his porno girls in a "natural, realistic" setting. He'd want Alice outside, in the grass like an animal. She kept her mouth shut and just let Angel out, stepping toward the house. Zoey did the same with her Pokemon, her Litleo and Shinx appearing before them with two flashes of red light. The group glanced at each other, and Zoey took the lead. Thankfully, Chip had left the door unlocked. The house had multiple floors and Zoey led her to a locked room at the end of a hallway on the second floor.
"This is the room. But… I'm not sure how we can get in."
"Angel, use Night Slash." The Absol glanced at Juliet, red eyes gleaming, then nodded. A dark sheen coated her long slender horn, and she whipped her head forward. Nothing happened except one long, shallow cut on the wood.
"She's pretty weak, huh?" Zoey commented in disgust.
Juliet gave her a sharp look. Angel had never even battled, and was fairly young. The Absol seemed ashamed, but Juliet met her eyes. "You have this. Focus. Now...Angel, Night Slash again!"
The wooden door burst into pieces after three more tries.
Juliet went cold she saw what lay before her.
The room was bustling. About six people were inside, wearing headphones. They were so invested in what they were doing they didn't even notice the intrusion right away. Multiple display screens were set up all around the room, like some kind of sick sports game celebration. On each screen, the image of Chip feeling up, making out with a young, dark-haired girl on lush grass was on display. Apparently, Chip had changed the way he did his show. Everything was truly live now, and edited in real time. Juliet couldn't figure out from the video where they were, but it didn't seem to be very close to Solaceon. Apparently getting caught with Juliet had been too close a call for him, he'd changed his game.
"That's… A-Alice...her face. She looks so scared." Zoey whispered, her voice taking on a shrill shake. Her face was ashen, coated with sweat. "We need to...get to her..."
"First we need to find out where he is," Juliet agreed.
One of the guys happened to turn around: "Hey! You're not supposed to be in-" The guy who noticed their presence froze when he recognized her. " J-Juliet Harmon? What the fu-"
"Fuck you! Where is Alice?! Static, use Spark! Don't hold anything back!"
Her shinx's fur was awash with glowing electricity as he stared around the room. The tiny thunder cat hissed with rage, and the first guy started to back away with his hands raised. By now, the entire "crew" of Chips' sick little show had noticed their presence and were standing up. With a loud hiss, electric energy burst from the Shinx's mouth and shot into the man, who fell backwards. He tumbled over his own chair and onto his keyboard, head slamming against one of the vivid glowing displays. His body started violently spasming as the powerful electricity worked its way through his body. Shinx yowled in warning as some of the crew reached for their Pokeball belts.
They froze when Static, her Litleo, and Angel stepped closer- a dark sphere hovering just above the absol's horn which was growing steadily.
"We-we don't want any trouble!" One of the guys said.
"Tell us where that girl is and we won't have any 'trouble,'" Juliet retorted.
The sick bastards glanced at each other in concern, visibly sweating. "Can't," one of them said, a man with curly red hair and freckles. "Dane will kill-"
"Litleo, Fire Fang his crotch! Now." Zoey ordered.
Juliet had to give it to Zoey. She knew what she was doing.
The second guy stumbled backwards, shaking his head. "Wait, please don't AHH!-"
The fire lion roared as it lunged forward, mouth ablaze. Juliet winced as its fiery fangs clamped onto the man's crotch. Pokemon naturally showed restraint during battle against other mons. That was not the case here. The little guy's teeth burrowed deep, sinking (assumedly) into the man's balls and the screech that poured out of him was awful and ear-piercing. When he wailed and tried to get up, Zoey's face hardened.
"Static, use Spark again. This time, on his face."
Juliet felt sick to her stomach as the struggling man tried to back away. A huge ball of electricity was steadily building in Static's maw once again, far bigger this time. Then, suddenly it burst outward, faster than she could blink. The man began to convulse and scream. The smell of burning skin filled the air, Litleo digging its teeth ever deeper, as the spark literally blew apart the man's face. Juliet had to look away. Blood went everywhere, and a dead silence filled the room.
'This girl...she's crazier than me.'
Zoey's eyes were icy cold and determined as she ordered her Pokemon to back up. Angel was staring, wide-eyed. Same with Chips crew, who were all shivering, a couple of them actually in tears.
"I've been training all this time for her! I'm taking her away with me, I'm going to make her the happiest girl in the world! Tell me where she is!" Zoey screamed, striding towards the remaining group.
"Okay, okay! Arceus, please don't hurt anyone else!"
Apparently, Alice was about a couple miles north-west, toward Celestic town, in the backyard of a volunteer who wanted to see more of Chip's content. One of the guys gave them the gps location. Juliet and Zoey quickly left the room, their Pokemon trailing behind.
"You're ruthless," Juliet whispered.
Zoey shrugged. "Maybe. When I saw Alice's frightened face, I just… Something happened to me. I need to save her."
Sprinter was waiting outside with Jack, who was wheezing, unused to physical activity. Juliet walked right up to the Rapidash, and looked right into his eyes."Sprinter, I need you to...to really try your best. We're all going to get on you."
The Rapidash glanced at all three of them then shook his head, as if to say "There is no way! not possible!"
"I know it'll be hard but we don't have a choice. Please."
The rapidash sighed. Then slowly nodded. Juliet kissed his snout and smiled. "Thank you! I love you Sprinter."
"Zoey, sit in my lap. Jack, behind me, c'mon!"
But Zoey was staring at the house. "Litleo, ember, on the wood."
The tiny cinder cat let out a soft yowl as a plume of fire shot from its mouth, hitting the wooden exterior of the building. After two more embers, the wood started to smoke, and then a fire sparked. It started small, but steadily grew, licking its way up the walls. This girl really wasn't fucking around, she was trying to burn Chip's estate to the ground…
Zoey returned Static and Litleo, and turned away, hopping into Juliet's lap. Then the group was off.
(Alice POV 3rd)
'Zoey, where are you? Zoey... Please. Where are you?! I…!'
"I-I don't want to!" Alice gasped out, pulling away from her boyfriend's wet, heavy kiss. The weight of his body on top of her was suffocating, she couldn't breathe.
"We're not fucking going over this again! You're lucky I'm getting you wet for his cock, you know. Ungrateful fuckin-"
Alice slammed her hands into his chest, and shoved him away. "I-I don't care! I'm not doing it! "
Chip's handsome face was a monstrous mask as he lunged for her. Alice managed to roll away, and leapt up, backing away. She stumbled on her butt in the grass, and started crawling away.
"For fuck's sake!" Chip grabbed her by the ankles and dragged her back. "Fuck it! He's doing it dry! Jorgen, get over here."
Alice stared back at the Bouffalant as it approached. Terror filled her as the huge beast stared at her, drooling visibly. He had become excited watching the two of them. His immense cock was twitching, thick white cum drooling from the fat tip. He started treading closer, his beastly scent filling her nose.
"I said no!" She screamed, kicking outwards with both her feet. She slammed her shoes into the massive balls of the normal-type mon, and it let loose the loudest, shrillest roar and bucked into the air, eyes wide with pain.
"Over there! I heard her!"
The dark night was suddenly awash with warm red-orange light as new arrivals appeared. Alice felt tears enter her eyes
"Zoey...Zoey," she sobbed, crawling toward the girl. Like a knight in shining armor, the Higgs girl was riding atop a Rapidash along with two others. Her face was utterly determined, sweaty and terrified. Alice reached out.
"For fuck's sake. Don't just watch! Jorgen, stomp!"
Something hard hit her head and everything went black.
(Juliet Pov, 3rd)
"You're not getting in my way," Chip snarled. He had Alice suspended in mid-air, his muscular arm around her neck, choking her. "I'll snap her fucking neck if you get any closer. I'm not kidding!"
"Somehow you're even more pathetic, Christopher. Is hurting little girls your only talent? Aside from shoddy camera work?"
The tall man, with his gold hair tied back in a ponytail, narrowed his eyes as he peered at the newcomers. Then they widened. "Juliet-" he cursed, stepping away.
"You can't possibly think you'll get away with this," Jack said, shaking his head. "Just give it up, man."
Chip was shaking visibly. Alice, blood leaking down her forehead from where the Bouffalant had stomped on her head, started to stir and mumble.
"You don't understand! I-I-I need a video! I need a fuckin' video! I can't- If I fail, if I don't deliver- you can't do this! They'll ruin me!"
"How about a video of us kicking your ass?" Juliet offered.
With no warning, Chip shoved Alice away. The girl's tiny body practically flew through the air. Zoey raced forward and leapt, just barely managing to catch her best friend before she hit the ground. " Zo...ey," Alice mumbled in a daze, reaching out. Chip ripped two Pokeballs from his belt, and threw them.
"I'm not the same as I used to be, ya know, Princess." Juliet winced, her heart aching even as her rage mounted. "I've been given Pokemon, badass Pokemon! Fuck that brat! A sequel Prince film featuring Juliet Barnes is worth infinitely more than some random fucking kid! Did you ever snap back after that Tauros?" He made a lewd face, which horribly warped his fine features. "Can't wait to find out."
A truly disgusting man. Juliet felt her first command for Angel on the tip of her tongue. Then she froze when she saw the expression on his Bouffalant, Jorgen's, face. The creature did not look right, not right at all. Not necessarily in a heating frenzy, something more broken, an internal battle.
"Jorgen, this'll be easy. Get them, start by using headsmash on that Absol! Keep the Eevee alive, pretty sure that silver pelt means it's special! Jorgen. Jorgen?" Chip turned, clearly confused, and glanced expectantly at the Bouffalant next to him. The Pokemon was not responding to his commands. The huge, brown-furred creature's nostrils were flaring, wet strings of spittle dripping from its mouth. But, it's eyes were locked toward the ground, on its red-stained hoof, and then his gaze flicked up and he stared directly at Alice's broken body. Juliet flinched. She recognized that pain, that conflict.
He looked the same as Prince did, after he…
Pokemon believe, they truly believe… that the humans which they were bred to listen to the orders of would treat them with kindness. Would be tender, would be … caring. Would never tell them to hurt someone that didn't deserve it. Burdened with slavery, Jorgen was willing to do whatever his Master told him. Juliet's eyes burned with the threat of tears at the plight of the poor Bouffalant.
Meanwhile, Chip's cocky grin was in sharp contrast with his suffering Pokemon. He felt no guilt for what he did. "Guess you're too focused on fucking to fight, huh? Well, that's okay, I've got other options!" He grabbed his Pokeball belt and tossed the crimson pokeballs.
Two new Pokemon appeared before Juliet and Jack. Part of why Amara had fallen for him was because Chip did little to no battling. He didn't even have a Pokemon of his own back in the day. Now, two Pokemon walked towards Jack and Juliet, slowly: A massive, dark purple Muk was spread across the grass, filthy hands extended outward toward them as it groaned. The other mon was more familiar, a wildly hissing Purugly with razor sharp claws and gleaming golden eyes. Pokemon trained to be fucked up, it was undeniable, they had a mad look in their eyes. Suddenly, Juliet doubted herself. These were top tier mons, the Purugly's muscles rippling under its fluffy fur.
The silver Eevee, Princess, and Angel stood side by side. They glanced at each other, then nodded as they stared at the approaching Pokemon. Zoey started to get up, grabbing her own Pokeballs from her belt.
"Zoey, you have Alice, what the fuck are you doing!? Get out of here!"
The girl shook her head. "No! He's hurt too many people! You know I'm a good battler! Let me help, I can kick his ass!"
"And risk you getting hurt!? Avery would kill me!" Juliet snapped back. Angel hissed her agreement.
"I don't know who Avery is but she's right. I think she should stay and fight with you guys. The more the merrier I say!" Chip was laughing with glee as his Pokemon stalked forward.
"Juliet, I can help!" Zoey stared at her with an intensity that was terrifyingly familiar. For a moment, she thought Avery was standing there. Her false-golden gaze almost seemed to glow, and a harsh breeze blew her blue-and-black, long bangs wildly through the air. She was a tiny little warrior, ready to unleash her two feline guardians. Zoey's urge to be a hero made reality truly snap into place for Juliet. For a moment, just a second, she started to panic. What the fuck was Juliet doing!? Angel wasn't even level 7, she had egg moves, but didn't know how to use them and Juliet had never, ever, in her life actually battled. Zoey had said it herself, Angel was weak. This Muk and Purugly seemed like the real deal. Zoey was the real deal trainer here, better than the two present older teens, and better than the man who stood across from them with a sick little smile on his face. Juliet glanced at Jack, the ginger rich boy had this nervous, sweaty expression on his face. He was seconds from hyper-ventilating. Right, he'd never battled either. This was not good.
…But that didn't mean this was over, or that Chip was going to win. Juliet was starting to understand why training Pokemon was so important, not just for battling… but for protection. Of themselves, of their partners. Her plan was simple, and probably impossible - She had to get the kids out of here, and bait Jack into letting his guard down. If there was one thing she was good at, it was manipulating stupid men.
Juliet thought quickly. There was no way they were going to win a straight up battle. Maybe Zoey was right, and they could turn the tides, but she wasn't willing to risk it if there was another way. Chip was staring at her with his slimy eyes. She'd have to do everything herself, and pray to Arceus that fate was on her side. Besides, she had something, something she had hoped she wouldn't have to use at the same time as she had craved it.
"Damn it, Zoey! It's not going to happen! Jack, get her out of here! Take Sprinter and Alice and go! Sprinter, take her to my house ok? Help is waiting for you there, Zoey, don't worry."
'Vernon Jennings, Mom, I really hope one of you is there to help these brats.' Juliet thought. With a slap on his rump, Sprinter was bounding away once again, three humans on his back- Zoey clutching an injured Alice, Jack wrapping his arms around both of them. The ginger man shot her an appreciative glance. So much for her plan of forcing Jack to take the fall for her crime of murdering Chip Stylish. Maybe it was better this way.
Juliet turned back to Chip. Chip watched them leave in faint amusement. He didn't care if they stayed or they left. He wasn't taking this seriously at all. Good, that would make this easier. "You wanted me all to yourself, didn't you?" He grinned smugly.
Juliet let an anxious, guilty expression cross her face. She replaced it with a plastic, superficial smirk, and looked away, avoiding his eyes. "I…well, you saw through me, even after all the years, huh? I'm pathetic."
Chip froze, his face a mask of confusion. His muscles bunched up and he stepped back. "Huh? What are you…"
Juliet returned Angel to her Pokeball without warning. "I don't want to hurt you. I just didn't want the kids involved, that blue-haired, bratty kid is one of my friend's close sisters. I know there will be consequences if Dane Sullivan doesn't get his good and I don't want Zoey or Alice to suffer because of that... So why don't you just return your Pokemon, except Bouffalant, and… I'll take her place. You're right, a sequel film with me and this Bouffalant would sell way better."
He seemed at a loss for words. Then Chip grinned, shaking his head. "N-Nah, this isn't real… Purugly, shut her u-"
Juliet forced herself not to panic. Not to reach for the weapon in her right pocket. God, this act of hers was repulsive. But, she had to commit to it. "I-I was never the same after him. The Pokemon that live nearby, their… their cocks are never satisfying."
Christopher stared deep into her eyes, trembling. He didn't believe her… but he wanted to, that much was clear. His cock throbbed visibly between his legs, the hardened bulge visible underneath his shorts.
The golden-eyed cat pokemon that was crouched before her hissed. "Purrr," it's tail flicking left and right. There was something about the look in its eyes that just wasn't right. She knew, just looking right into it, that this poor creature had been bred to kill.
"You love Pokecock that much…? Just seeing Bouffalant's fat dick made your panties soak, I knew you were a pokeslut."
Arceus, he was disgusting. And dumb as a brick. Speaking of disgusting, the Muk was patiently waiting for a command, and it stank. The huge, massive pile of violet sludge slowly dripped after her as she closed the distance between her and Chip.
"Tauros really did ruin you for everyone else?" Juliet nodded, allowing false tears to make her wet-eyed. It set some urge into motion for Chip, cause he got this fire in his eyes. "Do you know how much I've fantasized about fucking you, Princess?"
"Not as much as I fantasized about you," Juliet said honestly, though her fantasies usually involved her using some needlessly large blade to chop his head off, or worse. He already bought it, but she was going to drive it home. Complete the fantasy for him. "...I'm really glad you saw sense. My red lips spread across Bouffalant's cock is so much more appealing...isn't it?"
"Meanwhile my hand would be stroking you hard and fast… you need it, don't you?"
Christopher swallowed visibly, sweat beading on his brow, dripping into his perfectly sculpted eyebrows. His erection was clearly near bursting, tenting his pants. Apparently the violent scuffle with Alice combined with the thought of his former victim fucking his Pokemon was too much for him. Thank Arceus the man refused to think with anything but his cock. Juliet grinned and licked her lips again as she stepped closer to him. Chip hesitated for just a second, and Juliet went in for the kill.
She offered him hesitance, which made his eyes flare up with a predator's glint. "Well…maybe not. Do you think…Dane would be unsatisfied with me? Does it have to be Alice?"
When she stepped forward again Chip's Purugly broke the space between them, coming right up to her heels and hissing loudly. She loved all Pokemon, but fuck this mangy little killer stinked. "Sasha, settle down!"
Finally letting his guard down, Chip returned the Muk and Purugly, reeking anxiety. "... I have full control over what I film. Dane doesn't care what it is. Not like he prefers kiddy stuff. He just wants a profit, and I'm a really good businessman. I know what sells. Having people like Juliet Barnes get transformed into people like you and Amara? That's the shit people want to see. In this day and age, people's minds about Pokemon and what they mean to us can only be changed through extreme trauma."
That almost sounded like… morals. Like some kind of spiritual, crazy bullshit that he had made up so that he could be ok with the things he did. Was he seriously painting himself as some kind of hero? Like he was saving them by raping them? How wonderfully narcissitic of him. Then, she froze. Her body tightened up, as she recognized Chip in her own past actions.
What she'd done to Avery with Angel… Juliet owed Avery so many apologies.
"My videos are waking people up, Juliet. You should be a part of it, you and Amara. I'm willing to forgive her for wrecking my sales back in the day if she shows up."
Juliet had heard enough. Bringing up her sister was the last straw. "Time to speed this up. "So…I can do it with him, then?" She nodded toward the Bouffalant, which was listening in, ear flicking occasionally.
"I mean it. I've really missed you, Princess. You were something special. We could make something really great. Imagine both of us inside you at the same time…"
Juliet slowly walked over, and placed her hand on Chip's cheek. He leaned into the touch, warm breath slipping from his soft, annoyingly kissable mouth. It made sense why she'd fallen for him as a child, looking into his cold, emotionless eyes now. Disgustingly handsome, the kind of guy you'd find in a storybook. He really could have done anything he wanted if he applied himself, but he chose to be a piece of shit. So… she felt no guilt about this. She drew him closer, then slipped something from her pocket. Leaning close to Chip's ear she whispered, as sensually as she could:
"Are the cameras rolling, Chip?"
The man's eyes shot wide, then his face grew red. "Stopped them when you guys arrived...you want me to get it started again?"
"Please do."
Like a little rattata, scurrying to do her bidding, Chip ran to his camera. The huge dark machine was on a long, sturdy stand, already facing in their direction, its black, circular glass face shining like a dark stone. Chip stood on the other side of it, adjusting things and changing. When he came back around the corner he was butt-ass naked, and had stripped down to just a wife beater.
"All good now," Chip started walking over.
The Harmon girl wore a teasing expression as she walked slowly away. She hid part of her body behind the Bouffalant, which glared at her. She wasn't intimidated in the least. Juliet leaned down, and whispered in his ear, which flicked rapidly. "I'm not going to touch you. Trust me, I'm your friend. I'm going to free you."
"Hurry up and get naked, everyone wants to see you!"
Juliet threw her jacket off, and took a deep breath in, then out. She stepped out from behind the Bouffalant, the magnum heavy in her hands, which were clasped behind her back. The weapon felt solid and comforting in her hands. 'This thing better work or I'm…'
She didn't want to think about that. Chip reached out and grabbed her shoulder, leaning forward to seal his lips on hers.
'Now.'
Immediately the blast of a gunshot filled the surrounding area, followed by an ear-piercing scream. Chip grabbed a wounded leg swearing a storm, crimson spreading across the material of his tan shorts "W-what the fuck?! You crazy bitch!"
Father's old gun worked. Good. Juliet smiled a bit to herself. She was a risk-taker, but seemed like this would pay off. Chip began to open his mouth, to either give orders or say something. Before he could, another gunshot was fired. This time in his left leg. The grown man started screaming again and went to grab his leg. Juliet pushed him backwards with ease and he fell into the grass and began to whimper, staring up at her with pain in his eyes. He looked pathetic, pale face coated with fear-sweat.
A sick pleasure filled her as Chip tried to crawl away, calling for help in a boyish, shrill tone. He had probably never been helpless like this. Originally she wanted to end it all with one blow, but she had a bit of a sadistic streak. Flashes of Alice's body, crimson leaking down the back of her skull and shoulders, flashed like fireworks before her eyes.
"I want you to beg. Beg like I did... Do you remember that? I sobbed, I was begging for Prince to stop… and you didn't care. You left me there. You made him do it."
Teeth grit and clearly pained, Chip began to laugh. It made Juliet's blood run hot. "I'll never beg you, Princess. You kill me, you're as fucked up as me. So think about that."
"I want to get one thing straight. I'm not your Princess." Gently, Juliet began to caress his cheek wiping away tears. "Even if I shoved Bouffalant's cock in your ass right now, you and I wouldn't be the same, Christopher."
He balked at the idea, wildly shaking his head. Juliet grinned, and glanced at the Bouffalant. She'd never do such a thing, but Chip's terrified expression was worth bringing the idea forth.
Then, Chip's voice suddenly grew very shrill."N-No! Please don't let him fuck my ass Juliet! L-listen, I-I made you! I made your sister! She never would have known about the Pokeporn League if I didn't help her! I kick-started her modeling career" He spoke hastily, desperately, yet his voice was still riddled with self-obsession. He laughed. "Y-yeah, that's right! You should be thanking me! Trauma makes a person greater, survivors are the strongest! Isn't that true? I-I already know the truth about Pokemon. Dane and I, we know the truth! So-so put the gun down, okay?"
That was the best he had? In this position, she could very clearly see the man was trying to slowly, stealthily, reach for the pokeballs on his belt; she immediately shot the arm going for it. A new round of screams broke the air. Juliet pulled his head forward, holding the predator by his man-pony.
The hammer clicked as Juliet drew it back and shoved the muzzle against Chip's skull. It was strange. Juliet had always imagined she'd feel more hesitance, or fear at this point. But, she felt none of that. In fact, she was excited. Chip's eyes widened. He glanced at his Bouffalant desperately, but it had no interest in helping him. It just stared in stunned fear. Not a monster. Not like him.
"Pokemon don't want to hurt others, Christopher. It's learned behavior, and this Bouffalant doesn't want to learn anything from you. Who would? ."
The realization of his situation finally hit.
"H-help me! Help me! SOMEONE! Brogen, please, I won't ever make you hurt someone again!" He pleaded to the normal-type, nothing but a tool to him. After a long second, the Bouffalant just turned away, and began to munch on the nearby grass. Chip's face went pasty white.
"That face, that expression, Chip. Thank you, I'll never forget it…" She murmured, and she meant it. Chip almost seemed like a child, backing into himself, his body bunching up small and frightened. The same as Juliet Barnes, the same as Alice. "...This is for Prince."
She pulled the trigger. Crimson and bits of pink exploded in the air.
(Zoey Pov, 3rd)
"Is she going to be okay?" Zoey asked.
Jack was carrying Alice in his arms. Sprinter had led them to Juliet's home as directed. After repeatedly ringing the doorbell, Juliet's mother had let them inside. Now, Juliet's mother -who introduced herself as Molly Barnes- was frantic as Jack laid the girl down on a bed in an upstairs room. The overweight, dark-skinned woman was dialing the town Joy on her Poketch.
"Alice will be okay. I know you're scared but it'll be alr-"
"Not her! She's strong. I'm talking about that weak girl, Juliet."
"She's stronger than you think," an unfamiliar voice said. A man stepped into the room from the rooftop, sliding in through the hidden shortcut into the Barnes household. Decked head to toe in dusty old clothing , the man wore a wide brimmed cowboy hat. His eyes were soft and gentle as he glanced at them each in turn, his single golden tooth gleaming against his white.
"M-Mister Jennings! What are you doing here?"
"Well, I saw the outcome of that showdown between Juliet and that Chip fellow for one"
"You saw her?" Jack furrowed his brow. "What are you talking about? Do you know this guy, Miss Barnes?"
"H-He's just a visitor from out of town. He's been staying at the Solaceon hotel."
The man smiled. "Put simply, I'm a friend. A friend who has special access to the type of websites and footage Mr."Chip" posts. Juliet just made herself a lot of enemies." He showed the pair his Poketch screen.
Zoey gasped, eyes lighting up. She watched in high definition as Juliet executed the man that had "ruined" her, and planned to do the same to her best friend Juliet then looked into the camera, and turned it off.
Juliet's mom sobbed as she saw the display. "That was… that was the very same gun her father used to put down the Tauros that Chip boy so horrendously abused. Juliet is… she did such a wonderful thing taking that monster out of the world. I finally feel right again."
"She's amazing," The man with the hat agreed quietly, staring at the screen in quiet contemplation.
(Juliet POV, 3rd)
Juliet had just killed someone. The reality of the moment hit her the second Chip's body stopped twitching and went completely still. Oddly enough, she had the same feeling in her chest as that first night between her and Avery. A feeling of wrongness, and supreme satisfaction. Juliet stood staring down at the corpse, sweat dripping down the small of her back. She'd actually done it. At first, anxiety, then, she started to smile. Then she started to laugh with relief as the fear and doubt fled.
It was strange. She had always carried within her this feeling that Amara was going to be the one to bring about change in the world, that her own actions were minuscule and small compared to her big sisters, but the man who had ruined both their lives lay dead before her. Because of Juliet. Because of her careful planning. Pulling the trigger had felt so damn right. Letting out one last, heavy breath, Juliet put the gun back in her pocket. She searched Chip's corpse, and didn't find much. A VIP, full-access ticket (with his name on it) to the S.S Amber, a LOT of Pokebucks, and nothing else.
Satisfied, Juliet turned to the giant bull Pokemon standing beside his trainer's corpse. The Bouffalant regarded her with very serious, sad eyes.
"You knew it was wrong... Didn't you? " The Pokemon did not immediately react, it just held her gaze, a hot breath spurting from its nostrils. It lowered its head in shame, but she held it by the chin and forced eye contact. She wondered what the mighty beast was thinking. She chose to let the Pokemon go, as she'd promised. "You're not a bad Pokemon…you just made a mistake. We all do. Your will has to be your own, or… you can end up hurting people like you did."
"Boufff," the beast grumbled.
"...You're free now." Juliet said. She had to get back to the others. She started walking away, glancing at her Poketch. It was well past midnight now. She got about a yard before she realized there were echoing footsteps on the field behind her. She spun around…The Bouffalant froze like a Glameow in headlights. Its eyes shot wide, and it exhaled out its nose, waiting. The big beast seemed to be trailing after her.
Juliet frowned. "Why are you following me? Get out of here, you're free." She started walking away again. The sound returned. The soft plodding of hoof on grass. Juliet paused, and sighed.
"...Do you want to come with me?"
The Bouffalant had no immediate reaction. Then, it slowly came forward, and rested the bottom of its huge chin on top of her shoulder. Its eyes closed, and it breathed gently. The normal-type's huge body brushed against her, a budding affection practically seeping from its muscular body into her…
Juliet rested a hand on top of its big, wet nose and smiled. "If you want to be with me, I won't refuse you. You never have to do something you don't want to. Alright? You'd be my partner."
Bouffalant's soulful brown eyes narrowed, and it blew in her face, then slowly nodded. She couldn't stop a smile from stretching her face as she reached down and grabbed one of the empty pokeballs on her belt. She tapped it against the Pokemon's muzzle. The giant mon disappeared into the ball, which started to tremble. A few moments later, and the shaking ball tapped still.
Then, she walked on. On the way home, Juliet passed by Chip's place. Half of the house was burnt black, the wood crumbling, some parts still on fire but not all of it. Apparently, the building was rather reinforced against fire. Either way, no matter what survived at this point, it would never be the same again. Juliet probably should have just continued to walk home, but she found herself curious. The house was no longer burning, and she wondered what she could find within.
She approached the remains after a moment of hesitation. The second floor seemed to be intact. She let Angel out as she crossed the long lawn and entered Chip's Solaceon estate, which was still partially in flames around her. They simply didn't have the time earlier, but now was her chance to see what was really in that room, aside from a bunch of nerds on computers.
Angel glanced back at her, gaze serious. "Absol! Sol?!" She gasped, her soft white pelt billowing slightly in the breeze, which blew smoke and hot licks of flame in their direction. The Absol seemed a little bit afraid. So was Juliet, they'd work through it together.
"We need to move quickly. If you find anything you think might be useful in the room from earlier, bring it to me." Juliet covered her mouth with her long, crimson scarf. The absol nodded, and bound up the steps in front of her. Most of them were splintered, and as Juliet was about to step on the next one, Angel forced her side into Juliet, pushing the human toward the right side of it. As Juliet's foot came down on the right half of the step, the left which she had just been stepping on collapsed in on itself, the entire house giving a violent shake, hot smoke swirling in the air.
Juliet moved quickly, but carefully, up the rest of the length of the staircase. She came out on the top, and burst into the once-locked room. She'd been worried that some of Chip's goons would have taken stuff before they left, but it appeared Juliet's arrival and Zoey's two "murders" had really scared them. That made sense, they were involved in the recording and act of a young girl's victimization via Pokemon. That was a lifetime in prison if discovered. They apparently were not willing to take chances. The dead one from earlier was still there on the floor near his desk, his gaze staring up at the star-studded sky, hidden behind a cloud of haze.
Angel gave her a quick, reaffirming nod and then began her search on her quick, soft paws. For the second time that day, Juliet searched a corpse. It was probably a morbid thing to do, but she was curious what type of guys Chip was hiring. She found the guy's wallet and flicked it open. The trainer card of the man marked him as about thirty years old, his picture on it depicted a rather normal looking guy. Scary that he was involved with something like this, then. He had a couple pokebucks, which she pocketed, and some coupons for the nearby Solacen pokemart. She ignored those. Then, she came across another card, and her blood ran cold. A Team Galactic membership card. It was extremely old, tattered and clearly stained from some brown liquid mess. The golden G of the gang that had tormented and almost destroyed Sinnoh so many years ago lay before her. This was not a normal guy, not a normal guy at all. She didn't find anything else particularly interesting, save a ticket in his back pocket to the yearly Pokemon Fanclub cruise, VIP access, just like Chip's. If these fucked up Solaceon fanclub members were going on the S.S. Amber, and they were anything like Chip or Dane Sullivan, that cruise was probably going to be big trouble. Juliet smelled disaster.
"Sol! Sol!" Angel ran up to Juliet with something in her mouth. It was a medium-sized orange case, latched shut at the top. It had deep black marker scribbles on it which read "CHIP FILES, open this and you're dead.
Empty threats from a corpse. Even so, now wasn't the time to pop it open. Juliet tucked the case in her elbow. "Arceus you're such a good girl!" She stroked Angel's lovely, thick-furred neck and kissed her girlfriend on the cheek. "Hey, Where did you find these?"
"Absol!" Angel led Juliet to a small drawer hidden in the back of one of the desks. These files were more than likely password protected but that didn't mean she didn't want them, regardless. Who knows what else Chip was involved with? If she could do something about this, use these videos to prove the wrongness of what was going on here in Sinnoh, who knows? Maybe it wasn't Juliet's business, but perhaps she could help them. Them being all the other Juliets and Alices in the world.
Juliet searched the rest of the room. The only other item she found of interest was a tiny usb, titled "Daily back up"
As she read the words printed on the file drive, the roof above her made a horrible screeching noise, and to her left a huge chunk of hot wood broke, falling downward and crushing an entire monitor and the keyboard in front of it. Alright, that was enough. She pocketed everything. She and Angel raced down the steps, Angel first and Juliet following, and the two burst panting out of the doorway.
They ran the Rest of the way back home, Juliet laughing. Tonight was a massive victory.
Zoey and Alice were in one of the upstair's rooms with Juliet's mother and the Solaceon Town Jenny, who was tending to Alice's wounds. Jack sat next to Juliet on the couch, he had been mostly silent since she first got back.
Juliet gave Vernon Jennings a long-winded explanation of everything that occurred after she left. The man's brow was furrowed when she talked about shooting Chip as many times as she did, and then even more when she casually mentioned that Zoey had lit the house on fire.
Vernon regarded her with a stern gaze, but his expression softened to something more curious as Juliet produced the multiple items she had found in the burning house, as well as the dead man's wallet with the galactic key card and the S.S. ticket from his pocket. The middle-aged, dark man went silent for a few minutes, shaking his head every now and then, his thoughts visibly bouncing around his head. His eyes scanned each of them.
"Juliet." Vernon finally broke his silence. "I've decided. You need to bring your friends back to Hearthome, as soon as possible."
"That was the plan, but I want to take the files with me. If I can help people with them-"
"What!? C'mon Juliet, what are you talking about? Mr. Jennings can do more with those files than you ever could in a lifetime. And do you really want to scar yourself by seeing what's on that USB, or in that file case? That guy was fucked up, Juliet!"
"I know that Jack, trust me I know that!" Frustration surged through Juliet at first, but then she exhaled and really thought about it. While she did so, Angel stared into her eyes, her own soft, ruby gaze questioning. Juliet dragged the lovely absol close and buried her face in Angel's chest hair. She glanced at Jack and Vernon. "But you're right. Fine."
Vernon smiled, his eyes twinkling. "It makes no difference anyways. You'll be returning here after your little trip to Hearthome, Juliet."
Juliet shook her head. "I never agreed to anything."
Vernon picked up the cruise tickets, and stared at them. "These tickets, this cruise… This is it."
"What do you mean 'it', geezer?"
"I'm sure you already came to the conclusion yourself. You're a smart girl, aintcha?"
Juliet smiled at that a little. "You think Team Salvation is planning something for the boat…I usually don't like being told what I have to do, but I think I like you, old man, so tell me more. Why do you need me to return to Solaceon?"
Vernon grinned. "Well. This "S.S. Amber", the Pokemon Fanclub, and Dane Sullivan's activities and motivations are all interconnected. So, I'm guessin' this cruise is the first landmark event put into place by Team Salvation." Jack and Juliet glanced at each other. "Maybe… A recruitment opportunity. Or even a terrorist attack. Or, they plan to steal a ton of Pokemon all at once. Or… it's somethin' even worse. I study criminal history, you see. It's what made me decide to be a cop. From Rocket to Loud, I've seen them all. The patterns, the leader." His voice trailed off, the seriousness of the moment heavy in the air.
"That Christopher Stylish boy, and that one the brat killed, were both full-fledged members of Team Salvation. I reckon they planned to hop on that tub. I'm going to find out why. We all are."
"W-what the fuck do you mean 'we all' ?" Jack snapped.
"Sorry, kiddo. Fraid you don't have a choice. I'm legally allowed to draft y'all into my service. I'll be taking every advantage I can." He glared at Jack, then back at Juliet, gaze stern. "Both of you are gonna help me. You kids know too much about the case, it's not a choice at this point. You're involved, and you better like it, and shut up."
He was rubbing Jack the wrong way. Jackson shook his head and stood up, arms crossed. "What the fuck are you talking about? I don't know anything about this!" He argued, a bit of desperation in his tone. Perhaps he was afraid of authority like Vernon because of his past? Meanwhile, Juliet just sat back with Angel in her arms and listened carefully. She studied Vernon's face as he spoke. She had reason enough to trust him, but that didn't mean she did 100%. At first, the idea of following his order had been awful, but then he followed up with drafting her into his service.
He was essentially recruiting her into the investigation of the shady shit that was going on here, including what happened to Alice, including Dane Sullivan. Jack grit his fists. "I just came here to help Juliet, and that's it. I'm done with all this craziness."
Vernon took a cigarette out of his pocket. "Boy, do one thing for me, and I'll let you go back to your extraordinary, fancy little life."
"All I have to do is one thing? You promise?" Jack's face was full of suspicion.
"For what it's worth, sure, I promise kid. Your task is important. But, we'll be goin' over Juliet's first."
Jack muttered something, but the two teens nodded. Vernon went on: "Juliet. You'll go to Hearthome, and drop all the kiddo's off. Forget any and all distractions there… I need you to come straight back. When you return, I have a feeling Dane Sullivan will be waiting for you. He'll try and leverage your mom against you to get you to submit to him… something like that." There was no way in hell Juliet was going to let her mother get involved. He interrupted. "She'll be fine. But for that to be the case, you need to act like you don't know she'll be okay. You need to act properly and be scared for your life. I've pegged you as a wonderful actress, I'm sure you can do that."
Juliet didn't disagree. Vernon continued after one long puff on his cigarette. "In other words, you need to play the damsel. Do whatever he says, go wherever he tells you. Fake resistance, you'll secretly be going willingly."
Juliet's heart started to race at the idea of going undercover. She had handled Chip really well. She could do it again.
"Why!?" Jack sounded like he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You're seriously going to put her in another dangerous situation?"
"I can speak for myself, Jack. Please go on, Vernon."
But the international cop turned to the ginger, his expression quite serious. "She killed someone on camera, Someone who was very popular on that online website, the Pokeporn League. She made it personal for someone, and directly attacked his financial assets."
"Dane Sullivan," Juliet muttered.
"Damn right," The man nodded. "You try to run away, you try to go back to your old life- they're likely to track you down. As I said, I had my friends at HQ take it down as fast as possible, but Dane probably already saw your face on the livestream if he was checking up on Chip's production. He's going to hunt you, and your friends, down."
Juliet processed the information calmly.
Vernon turned to Jack. "Jackson Wainwright, your job is much simpler. I know your family, I know they have deep ties to the fanclub. I need you to get me… Five or so tickets to the S.S. Amber. No names on them, can you do that for me?"
"Meanwhile, what are you going to do?" Juliet questioned.. "Sounds like a lot of us doing stuff for you."
"I'm going to disguise myself. And then Peggy and I are getting on that ship." He nodded toward his Emboar which grinned at each of them. Cute. "So. Will you do this for me, you two?"
"Absolutely." Juliet couldn't keep the excitement out of her tone. She wanted to be part of something greater than herself.
Jack was far more hesitant…"Sure," he finally sighed. "As long as it gets me out of this."