Chapter 37: Hangover.
#37 of Pokemon Rangers 2: Eddies: A pokemon story.
Many things about the entire situation remain confusing, even to this day.
As an example, after the initial fallout following their arrival had subsided, where did the creatures go? Given only speculation remains as to their eventual fate, was the government involved, or had they simply vanished as mysteriously as they arrived?
Or are they living amongst us still, hidden from the prying eyes of the general populace by those sworn to protect them?
Perhaps we'll never know, just as it's as unlikely we'll ever be told the real truth as to their mysterious presence in our world. The government has covered it up, the people involved remain mute, and the creatures themselves; these pokemon; are the biggest enigma of the lot.
At least their presence here has answered one important question that's plagued humanity since the dawn of its creation.
We are not alone.
Perhaps we never have been.
Eddies
Chapter 37: Hangover.
DISCLAIMER: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
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Eddies 37
"So, what is that thing?" the female policeman, Jennifer Sanderlands, asked from the driver's position of the squad car, gesturing into the rear seat where Shadow lay squashed across the back seat.
Shadow grumbled something rude in pokespeak, trying to get comfortable on the narrow bench and failing miserably. When Bill turned to her to see she was OK, she eyed him and let out a low growl, muttering something about "ignorant human females" which had him smirking.
Turning to the officer, Bill said "Umm, well firstly, just so you know, she can understand you perfectly well, so calling her a "thing" probably isn't wise, and second, she's a luxray. Her name is Shadow."
The officer glanced at him with wide eyes, before muttering "Sorry" beneath her breath; a comment Shadow chose to ignore. When her curiosity finally returned, Jenny said "OK, I'll bite. What's a luxray."
Bill rested his chin on his palm, elbow sitting on the window ledge as he tried to explain. "Umm, long story, really, and I don't know how much of this I should be telling you. But, since I've not been told to keep my mouth shut, she's a pokemon."
The car swerved slightly, as the policewoman jerked the wheel. "What? Like that kids show?" she asked incredulously, as Bill nodded. "But they're just made up!"
Shadow rolled her eyes, and said to Bill "Ignorant and blind. She may want to get her eyesight checked."
When Bill snorted in amusement, at a look from the officer, he hastily explained "She says she's quite real, thank you."
Nodding absently, Jenny continued "But where did she come from?"
Grinning, Bill replied "Now, that's a story and a half, Officer Jenny."
Flashing him a wide smile, the first time she'd shown any signs of humour since they met, the policewoman said "Well, it's a long drive, so you might as well fill in the time somehow."
Shadow rested her head on her paws, trying into get as comfortable as she could, as she shut her eyes for a nap.
Besides, she knew this story way too well to want to hear it again any sooner than she needed to.
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Bill wound up the tale as they were pulling into the farm entrance. Jenny had listened without interruption the whole time, giving him a few incredulous glances but not interrupting. As he finished, dropping back into silence, she said quietly "If I hadn't seen her, I'd never have believed it."
Bill chuckled. "Yeah, well there was a good reason we weren't running around announcing ourselves. If the kid hadn't gotten bitten, we'd never have risked coming into town."
Their conversation was interrupted when Shadow woke with a start, asking him if they'd arrived. When he assured her the trip was nearly over, Jenny let out a breath and said "I still can't believe you can understand that gobbledegook!"
Bill laughed and told her "It takes practice. Lots and lots of practice."
At that, they pulled up to the front of the farm house, to a crowd comprising of Gwen and Paul, Cameron and his officers, and an awful lot of military people.
"Looks like you have a hell of a welcoming committee" Jenny muttered, releasing her seatbelt and cracking open her door. Bill exited the vehicle, moving to the rear to let Shadow out, but she'd already opened the handle with an extended claw and almost fell out in front of him. Claws biting deep into the turf as she landed, she stretched, spine cracking as she released a few kinks from her back. Even so, she took note of the many soldiers gawking at her and muttered darkly "Lot of green here", to which Bill agreed whole heartedly.
"Let's just hope they're on the right side this time" he whispered, grinning broadly as she extended her claws in front of her face, watching not a few of the soldiers before them blanch, and said wryly "They had better be!"
With the second police vehicle having pulled up behind, the trio saw Jimmy and Azil embraced by his parents, who then berated him for getting bitten in the first place. As Jim defended himself, Bill turned to Cameron, shaking his superior's extended hand as he received a warm smile in return.
"Good to see you, Son. Same with you, Shadow. You're both looking healthy after that fiasco."
Bill nodded agreement, even as Shadow let the chief give her a pat on the forehead, deigning to let him ruffle her ears.
As his attention was on the luxray, Bill barely caught his muttered comment. "Just watch yourself around these people, Bill.There's a peace between us of sorts, but it's tentative at best. Cover your ass at all times!"
Bill avoided nodding, keeping the smile fixated on his face for the benefit of the soldiers studying him. So things weren't as friendly between the forces as had been made out, he thought, even as Shadow gave him a glance of understanding, her head nodding fractionally beneath the petting hand.
Well, they hadn't come this far to be stymied by a bunch of military rats. If they got in their way again, next time they wouldn't be as lucky.
He looked up to see an officer approach, neatly pressed uniform giving away his rank. Four stars, Bill thought absently, glancing at the officer's shoulder even as a hand was extended in introduction. Bill took it, noting the overly hard grip; regardless of this man's friendly external demeanour, he seemed to be holding a grudge somewhere; a notion echoed in his hard, dark eyes.
"I understand you're the one who took out our helicopter." he was asked without preamble, and Bill winced inwardly, before deciding any show of weakness would not help their position.
"No Sir. It was a simple case of self defence. We were just ensuring we didn't end up as full of holes as a colander."
The man smiled a smile that never left his lips. "Yes, that was unfortunate. From this point on, I believe we have a more conciliatory understanding. Still, let's hope your friend there can keep herself under control next time."
As he turned to speak with Cameron, clearly dismissing the pair, Shadow looked up at Bill and said "arsehole!" in pokespeak, baring her teeth in a fearsome smile.
Bill almost laughed, but the situation prevented. He said in pokespeak "World is full of them, sweetheart. At least you can take care of us."
She nodded with lidded eyes that never left the soldier's face. "Be careful around that one, definitely! Tongue of a seviper."
Leaning down, he gave her a hug around the neck, ignoring the looks he received as he reassured them both. In her ear, he whispered "Absolutely. So, let's head inside, and away from the viper's nest for a while."
At her nod, he straightened, and interrupted Cameron briefly, citing their need for food. He nodded absent agreement. As the pair turned, they spotted the two police officers who had driven them out to the farm looking somewhat bewildered at the hive of activity occurring at so isolated a farmhouse. Gesturing to the pair, they joined him after a brief hesitation, but readily agreed to his suggestion to accompany them inside for a drink. Weaving their way through the many tents and structures that had been erected in the car park during their absence, they made their way into the house, and beyond the prying eyes following them.
In the kitchen, after placing a large bowl of chilled water down for Shadow, he turned to the quiet pair who were toying with their own beverages. The man, Martin, muttered "What the fuck is going on out here?It's a fucking X-files episode!"
Bill nodded, quickly filling him in on the general details. At his incredulous look, Bill shrugged and pointed at Shadow."You've seen the evidence with your own eyes."
Shaking his head, Martin turned to his colleague and said "So, we're to stay out here for the time being?"
At her nod, Bill chuckled at the resigned look on her face, and said "Well, I bet your boss is itching to hear exactly what's going on. I'm not surprised he's ordered you to stay, although I'm wondering what Cameron was thinking in agreeing to it. Hmm, probably making sure the word gets out indirectly that the army is pulling their rank shit here. Regardless, welcome to the crazy house!"
At their look, he laughed, and turned to Shadow. "So, what do you reckon we show this pair of newbies what a luxray is REALLY capable of?"
At her evil grin, he waved them to exit the rear kitchen door in front of him, as they headed with drinks in hand to the arena behind the barn for some training.
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J.B woke suddenly as a heavy weight landed on his chest, causing him to gasp for breath. Opening bleary eyes, he met a pair of intense red ones mere inches from his face, and he started in shock, throwing both the sheets and the zorua from the bed.
Zorua landed nimbly on the carpet, a large grin splitting her muzzle. Eyeing him up and down, she cocked her head to one side and stared at him intently. Even so, it took a moment for him to realise he was standing there before her, butt-naked, as he caught his breath from the shock of his waking.
Blushing furiously, he grabbed for the sheets on the floor, wrapping them around his waist before he dropped to sit on the bed edge, head in his hands as the room swayed while his brain tried to form something resembling coherent thought. Zorua sprang to his side, sitting on the mattress and began licking her front paw with quick swipes of her red tongue. The entire time, she eyed his miserable form until, with an exasperated huff, she spoke loudly enough to make him cringe "You stink!"
"It's that bastard Ranger's fault!" said the policeman, clutching his forehead as he tried valiantly not to hurl his stomach contents onto the carpet before him. Realising the gesture was futile, he bolted to the bathroom, barely managing to drop in a limp pile with his arms cradling the toilet seat, to retch noisily into the bowl.
There was no escaping her intrusion into his misery, however.
"It's your own fault for drinking so much! You never had a chance of keeping up with that typhlosion! His kind can burn off alcohol almost as fast as they consumed it! It'd take gallons of the stuff to affect him!"
With her voice echoing through his mind, he dry heaved a few more times for good measure, before raising red rimmed eyes to stare at her balefully, where she sat so composed on his bed sheets.
"Easy for you to say! Would have been nice of you to tell me that BEFORE I tried matching the bastard!"
Zorua sniggered, cleaning the last of her forepaw claws and dropping to lie on the soft covers, snuggling her stomach into the covers. "You didn't ask!" she said primly, watching as he rolled his eyes until the movement caught his unsteady stomach, and he returned to praying to Jesus on the porcelain alter.
Zorua watched him, even as she considered his predicament in mock sympathy. However, given his joining her at breakfast didn't seem likely, she shrugged and left the room, heading to the lift to the cafeteria to hunt up some sustenance.
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"You have no one to blame but yourself!" said Scott without preamble, staring down at the large blue and cream furred lump spreadeagled across their own bed.
"Fuggoff! I'm dying!" groaned the typhlosion, sending a desperate, red eyed and piteous look at his partner, who didn't buy a moment of it.
Scott rolled his eyes, and viewed Storm with little sympathy. What started the competition the previous night he couldn't fathom, but rocking up after a late night meeting to find his partner snoring loudly, ears deep in empty pint size beer mugs and fur soaked and matted with spilt beer.Besides him, an unconscious J.B slept, while the unsteady form of Entei swayed alarmingly on the stage, singing karaoke in a harsh voice that'd shatter glass. With the bar crowded with people, most of whom were either staring at the legendary in disbelief or encouraging him with loud voices, Scott cringed at the thought of what Barklay would say about their conduct, when reports of their behaviour got back to him the following day.
Keep a low profile, they'd been told. Don't risk the mission, they'd be warned.
Instead, the big blue moron had taken the rest out for drinks, and promptly gotten into a drinking competition with Entei. Shit, the huge legendary outweighed him at least three to one!
Even an idiot could have realised he hadn't a chance in hell!
As the groaning from within the sheets continued, Scott dropped besides the typhlosion, reaching out a hand to give Storm's ears a rub. When it resulted in nothing more than curses, he sighed and got up, leaving the pokemon to his misery.
"I'm going for breakfast. I'll let you handle the aftermath of this."
As he reached the door, slipping through to pause at the entrance, he muttered "After you sober up and wash, anyway. You stink!"
Making his way through the dormitory corridor, Scott nearly ran into Chris when he stormed out of his own room, an anxious lucario in tow. At the look on his furious face, Scott grinned a moment, before asking "Let me guess? Entei?"
Throwing his hands up, Chris leaned against the wall and spluttered "Oh, Entei, and Suicune, and even Raikou! Entei got in at Gods knows what hour, after slipping out from under my watch. So, Suicune is on me all evening for losing him! He then staggers into the room at 3am, singing some lame arse pokemon song at the top of his lungs, before dropping unconscious across MY bed, squashing me and sending Skyy and I crashing through the rubble as it collapsed under him. On top of all that, I have Suicune then start berating me for letting him out in the first place, which I didn't, and Raikou abusing Suicune for being such a skitty. Whatever a fucking skitty is!"
Laughing, the Ranger slipped between Chris and Skyy, throwing an arm around the pair and heading them towards the lift. With a sly smirk, he said "So, are you pissed off he got away from you, or that you weren't asked to join them?"
As the lift doors closed on them, Chris threw the Ranger a dirty look, crossing his arms on his chest as Scott and Skyy chuckled at his expression.
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They spotted Zorua sitting alone on a bench seat towards the rear of the room, calmly demolishing a plate of pancakes someone had placed before her. As she nodded curtly to them to approach, they slipped into the seats with her, dropping their own trays on the table. Chris eyed her over, still stunned that J.B had agreed to take her. Sure, she was cute looking enough, but he never picked him as the type to want a tag along pokemon pet.
When she paused, looking up at him to meet his eyes, a voice spoke in his mind. "I didn't give him much choice, and I'm no-one's pet. Besides, he's not as hard as he seems."
Eyes wide, he stared down at her, before being nudged by Skyy. "Don't stare. It's rude!" the lucario said, chuckling as Chris shut his open mouth with a snap.
"Sorry," he muttered, "I didn't realise you could talk."
Sniffing, she went back to her plate, polishing off the last of the berry sauce with her long red tongue. "Well, you can apologise for your rudeness by getting me some more. I think the staff lady there is afraid of me."
Chris sighed, handed over his own plate that was tackled with gusto, and grabbed a forkful from Skyy's pancakes while the lucario was distracted. At his complaint, Chris said "Well, you laugh, you lose!"
Scott, grinning from across the table, looked up as a ruckus broke out across the room. The smile dropped from his face as Raikou entered, pushing through the hastily parting crowds and heading straight for them to drop besides the table onto his haunches with a sigh.
Chris started, and said "Raikou? If you're here, who's looking after Entei?"
Raikou mumbled something, eyeing Scott's plate of pancakes intently as he muttered "Suicune. I was told to leave."
Scott gave him a sympathetic look, putting his plate on the ground where Raikou attacked it ravenously. The Ranger looked up at Chris, who sat glowering down at the big legendary, and said "Give him a break.I recall someone else who was at the receiving end of a certain water pokemon's sharp tongue, and wasn't that happy. As I recall, you were going to rip his nipples off, and beat him to death with them."
Chris turned red, muttering something about reconciling their differences, even as he got up and headed towards the cafeteria food area for more breakfast. Skyy called after him for a second helping, and Scott did likewise, laughing at the dirty look he was thrown.
Leaning down to Raikou, the Ranger said "Is Entei likely to be a problem when he's sobering up?"
Raising a berry-stained muzzle, the legendary paused his chewing and replied "No. I imagine he will sleep through the day, and simply be a burden on us all at some time later tonight."
Scott sighed, and said "Arceus! Just in time for another boozing session with J.B and bonehead!" The comment sent Zorua snorting out half chewed pancake in amusement.
Raikou chuckled deeply. "No, I think even my big brother reached his limit last night. Besides, if Suicune catches him sneaking out again to drink, he'll be flayed alive."
Chris returned loaded up with plates. When Raikou looked up expectantly, he sighed in exasperation, handed over his own plate to the pokemon, who thanked him between mouthfuls.
"Guess I'm waiter for the day" he groaned, as Zorua looked up and said "Well, while you're up, human, more berry sauce please."
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"Where's your partner? I'd like a word with him!"
Barklay paced across the room, before dropping heavily into his office chair. The loud squeak as his weight hit it echoed through the silent room.
Scott winced, as every eye in the room looked at him. "He's still indisposed, Sir. I'll make sure he comes see you as soon as he's..."
"Sober?" barked his superior, and Scott shrunk into his chair further. Damn the pokemon! He swore to himself. It's not as if he had any control over his actions!
"Yes sir!" he said quietly, even as several chuckles, quickly stifled, came from the back.
Chris and Skyy, sitting at the back of the room, sympathized with the Ranger. Raikou squatted, silent, behind them. Barklay glanced at the legendary for a moment, meeting his eyes. But surprisingly, it was the legendary that broke the contact first, as even he was somewhat wary of Barklay's wrath.
Scanning the group, the captain continued. "Well, what he'll miss is the information we've been working towards.The time has come to begin the operation. From this point forwards, there will be ZERO communication regarding the matter to anyone outside these offices. "Operation: Portal" will commence in two days, 0500 local time. I expect everyone to be prepared, and sober, for the mission. That includes your partner, Ranger Rivers. Do I make myself understood?"
"Yes sir!" Scott said curtly, ready to strangle the typhlosion when he next saw him. "Perfectly!"
Barklay stood, pacing behind their chairs as he circled the group of twenty Rangers seated at the conference table in the briefing room. "You all know your specific duties. I don't need to remind you all of the seriousness of this mission. Please ensure your teams are updated and ready by 0300 on the morning. All Rangers in charge will meet here again at 0230, where we will confirm that all is to plan. Given how likely we are to meet with armed opposition, I want absolute secrecy from everybody. No surprises! Any questions?"
When no one raised a hand, he dismissed the group, who left in murmured discussion. As Chris and Sky made to rise, Barklay caught their eye, and Chris winced inwardly at the chewing out he'd be getting concerning Entei's actions.
However, he was mistaken as to Barklay's intent.
Motioning for Chris and Skyy to take a seat near him, Scott joined them at the captain's insistence. Raikou took up a protective stance behind Chris. Barklay, ever aware of the legendary's presence, gave him a reassuring look.
"Don't worry, Raikou. I'm not going to bite your young ward's head off. I understand he has little real control over your brother's actions, if Entei wanted out. Instead, I'm here to discuss how you can all assist in the forthcoming operation."
At Raikou's solemn nod, he turned back to Chris, who gave him a surprised look. "You want our assist, sir?" he said, somewhat warily.
Barklay nodded. "This isn't going to be a fun, easy exercise, son. I'll take any help I can get."
Raikou rumbled "Not at the expense of his safety. He has little experience in these situations."
Barklay nodded, and before Chris could object, interrupted the youth. "He's right. You don't! However, you're packing a rather unique set of weapons that could well make a huge difference to our success here."
Chris gave Skyy a confused look. In response, the lucario held out a paw, summoning up an aura sphere, which hovered menacingly over his palm. A crackle of thunder from behind sent the humans jumping, as Chris glanced backwards to see Raikou, a menacing scowl on his face, return his gaze.
"I believe I know what the human infers, Chris." said Raikou, scowl dropping from his face, even as the sharp tang of ozone dissipated within the room. Skyy clenched his fist, the aura sphere vanishing as he relaxed back into his chair.
Barklay nodded. "Exactly! Between these friends of yours, you have enough fire power to take out a small army. That doesn't mean you are to take any chances. Your safety is paramount, and I'm sure your friends will be ensuring that. Regardless, I'll be expecting your assistance wherever possible, assuming you're willing to provide it."
Giving his friends a wide eyed look, it was the reassuring expression on Scott's face that had him nodding hesitantly. At the Ranger's wink, Chris let out the breath he'd been holding in, and said "OK, sir. We'll do everything we can to help."
Barklay nodded. "That's all I ever ask of my people, Son. Ranger Scott will brief you on your involvement over the coming days. You can fill in that team of yours, once Entei sobers up enough to handle it. I'd suggest putting in some serious training before the operation. You have two days to get your friends into shape, as something resembling a coordinated group. Don't waste any of it."
At that, Barklay pushed back his chair, the screech as the legs dragged across the timber floor loud in the room. "Scott, make it happen!"
Scott nodded, as the captain passed him on the way to the door. Pausing at the entrance, without looking back Barklay said "And make sure that partner of yours sees me at my earliest convenience."
Scott winced as his boss left, and turned to the expectant eyes regarding him.
Damn, it was going to be a long few days!
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Authors note:
Dad da da DUM!
Well, back on track, sort of. Still busy, but I hopefully might have more time to work on the story heading towards Xmas.All depending on my work load.
Things are going to start hotting up now. We're winding towards the big boss fight scene ;)
Community service advice: Never mix legendary pokemon with drinking sessions and karaoke. Remember that when you next play X and Y ;)