Chapter 26: Battle At Tin Tower
It wasn’t long before the Tin Tower appeared on the horizon. Hell, being the tallest structure in Ecruteak City it was hard to miss. While Aerodactyl faced forward, Axel and I scanned the ground for any sight of our prey or Raiden. There was none. I tightened my grip on the Flying-type’s shoulder as he increased his speed to get to our destination faster. The speed caused a slim red fabric to start whipping my face. I caught my tie in my mouth then tossed it behind me where it wouldn’t be a hindrance.
“To the top!” I called as we reached our destination. Aerodactyl screeched in compliance quickly going into a 90° turn only losing a little speed. Speed which was soon regained with one mighty flap of his wings that sent us bulleting to the sky. My plan was that if Lambda entered from the first floor entrance with Raiden and Lt. Deter coming in behind him, then I would cut him off by attacking from the top floor of Tin Tower.
The Fossil Pokémon had actually built up enough speed that he overshot the roof of the tower. Normally I would have just jumped off, but because the blue tiled roof was so slanted leaving only a small flat part at the tippy top with tall golden spire in the center and statues of Ho-oh at its edges, there were just too many obstacles to deal with that could have hurt. I felt Axel’s grip on me tighten as we both knew what Aerodactyl was about to do. The King of the Skies did a midair back flip before diving back to Tin Tower and landing next to one of the Ho-oh statues.
“I hate it when you do that Aero.” Axel complained to the prehistoric beast as we both got off the Flying-type’s back. Aerodactyl must have made some sort of snarky comeback in his own language because my monkey partner looked like he was getting ready to throw a fit.
“Behave yourselves now.” I told the Pokémon. “Aerodactyl. I want you to keep watch for any Team Rocket activity. If you see them, eliminate them anyway you wish.” I permitted. The Fossil Pokémon nodded with a shriek while taking to the sky once again to circle Tin Tower.
“Alright, come along Axel. We have some more Rockets to slay.” I said darkly as I walked over to a staircase leading to the lower levels.
I have never been in Tin Tower before, I have only seen it from the outside, but the inside was both beautiful and eerie at the same time. The floor and walls were all made of 700-year-old wood giving the room an ancient kind of smell. Paper doors led from one room to another which were all full of yet more sculptures of Ho-oh. There was also a giant pillar in the middle of the floor that led all the way down to the first floor. Because it was night time, only the light of the stars penetrated the windows making the rooms feel that much more ominous. In reality, if I was here during the day, it probably wouldn’t be that bad. As usual, I made Axel stand in front so that I could use his fiery head like a flashlight.
“Gah!” screamed the Infernape jumping back into me. “Stupid Rattata!” he grumbled kicking away the rodent that had brushed past his feet.
“You’re just too jumpy.” I teased. The two of us made sure to check every room before going down to the eighth floor in search of Team Rocket and their hostage. We found nothing. Obviously they hadn’t gotten this high yet. It wasn’t until we got down to the sixth floor that I heard a voice.
“Be patient my dear Johan. By the time my men finish with those fools from Team Neos, the chopper should be here and then we can leave. After that, Daddy just has to pay your ransom and you can go free.” said the voice.
I motioned for Axel to stay put as his fire would only draw unwanted attention to us while I stealthfully crept forward. I threw my back against a wall to peer around the corner only to be left confused by what I saw. There was a man tied up on the floor and standing over him was his twin in appearance right down to his clothes! There was no sign of any members of Team Rocket, and yet there were two Johan Kaisers! The one on the floor rolled around moaning something in protest, but it was impossible to understand with the tape over his mouth.
“Struggle all you want, it won’t make a difference. I was given the position of Executive of Team Rocket because I never fail my missions. In the event that those two who tailed us get past my guards, I’ll simply masquerade as you to get them off the trail. As you can clearly see, I am a master of disguise.” he mocked. No doubt this one was Lambda. How he was able to replicate the appearance of others, I’m not sure, but he isn’t the only one who can put on an act. I quietly slinked back to Axel and filled him in on what I saw.
“Just follow my lead.” I instructed in a hushed voice. “Come on Axel! I think I heard a voice coming from somewhere in this room!” I shouted obscenely loud so that both men were sure to hear me. As expected, the imposter came running around the corner to see what was up and so I wouldn’t have to opportunity to see the real Johan tied up.
“Wh-who are you?” he questioned in a somewhat panicked voice. I had to admit, he was a pretty good actor to sound just like the real thing. If I hadn’t caught him in the act, I’d be completely fooled.
“I am a member of Team Neos. You must be Johan Kaiser, the Prime Minister’s son.” I answered. As long as he didn’t suspect that I knew he was a fake, then chances are he’ll drop his guard. Once that happens, it’s all over.
“Y-yeah. I’m Johan Kaiser. I just got away from Team Rocket when those two other Neos guys showed up. They’re fighting downstairs as we speak.” the imposter lied through his teeth not once breaking character.
“In that case, I want you to go with Axel,” I said motioning the Infernape, “and go to the top of Tin Tower. My Aerodactyl is waiting up there and will escort you to safety. I’m going to go downstairs and help my comrades.” The phony looked a bit worried knowing that as soon as I walked around that corner I would see the real Johan as Lambda hadn’t had a chance to stash him somewhere yet.
“Why can’t you come with me to the top? I know that the battle downstairs is three against two, but I’m sure your partners can handle it themselves.” he tried to convince. I’m sure that if I were to agree with that, Lambda would then strike me down when my back was turned.
“Actually, I have a score to settle with Lambda.” I lied. Tonight was the first time I had ever seen the Rocket Executive, but the real Johan wouldn’t know the difference. Just for entertainment, I think I’ll even make fun of Lambda and make him sound like a complete tool! “You see, when I first encountered Lambda he was a poor little creature dressed in rags and smelled like sun-dried piss. He was an ugly pile of monkey vomit, but I took pity on that filthy piece of shit and took him under my wing. He later repaid me in a bar by calling me a donkey head, dumping my apple-tini in my hair, and declaring that he was going to join Team Rocket.” I tried my hardest not to burst out laughing at my own fabrication especially considering the statement had the man in front of me glowing red with anger. I hope he breaks his charade before I do!
“That never happened!” he yelled in disgrace. That was when both Axel and I started laughing uncontrollably at him. While I got my giggles out of my system I pointed to the next room telling Axel to go retrieve the hostage. “You knew!” realized Lambda when Axel walked past him and patted him on the shoulder for trying.
“That’s right.” I shamelessly admit. “You really shouldn’t conversate with the hostages Lambda.”
“Got him!” called Axel from the other side.
“No!” Lambda yelled throwing a Pokéball. Emerging from it in a white light was a large, blue, fang filled mouth with stubby feet coming from its chin, two small ears and narrow eyes on its head, and two long wings on its cheeks with purple membranes in them. “Golbat! Stop that monkey!” he ordered.
“I don’t think so!” I countered throwing a Great Ball to release my Piloswine. “Powder Snow!” The Swine Pokémon created a wind that began condensing water molecules in the air into ice fragments that were blown at Golbat before it could go after Axel.
“Let me guess. I’m taking the prince to Aerodactyl while you have the fun of battling.” Axel observed running passed with Johan thrown over his shoulder.
“Just consider it motivation to get your ass back here as soon as possible.” I taunted. The monkey growled at me as he continued back the way we came.
“Damn you! You actually think you can stop me?” interrogated my opponent clutching the top of his forehead. As he pulled off his face, his entire disguise began to give way until he was back to his old appearance with a pink blob in his hand. So it was a Ditto that made him a master of disguise.
“I don’t think, I know I can kick your ass.” I retorted. “And even if I somehow lose, my partners are already on their way. You see, we finished off all the Rockets at the hotel, and Master Raiden and Lt. Deter should have no problem finishing off your goons downstairs. That makes you the only one left.”
“I’ve heard enough from you! Golbat! Make Piloswine suffer with Toxic!” Lambda commanded. The vampire made a hacking sound as its mouth filled with a purple ooze which it then spit all over Piloswine. The wooly pig made as sickly sound as the sludge seep through his thick fur and was absorbed by his skin.
“Hang in there.” I encouraged. “Use Ice Fang!” The boar’s twin tusks were coated in a thin layer of frost as he charged at Golbat. Once he was close enough, Piloswine shook his head to stab Golbat once with each tusk. Piloswine then winced as the poison started taking its effect.
“Suffer a little more! Confuse Ray Golbat!” shouted the Rocket Executive. With a loud screech, the Bat Pokémon blasted a ghostly white light from its gigantic mouth directly at the mammoth boar who was still at too close a range to have any hope avoiding the attack.
“Resist confusion Piloswine! Take Down the son of a bitch!” I called. Instead of doing what I asked, Piloswine drunkenly shook his head side to side as if dancing. That must be one trippy song playing in his head.
“That’s more like it. Use Aerial Ace Golbat!” yelled Lambda. Golbat flew over the field directly above Piloswine, then as it dive-bombed, the vampire was surrounded in white streaks as the air around it broke apart from the speed. Piloswine grunted loudly in displeasure as he was struck, both from the pain of the attack and from the poison continuously draining his strength.
“Hit Golbat with Ice Fang again!” I commanded taking note that the mammoth pig was still bobbing his head back and forth. The Swine Pokémon’s tusks were once again covered in ice as he jabbed his bloodsucking opponent several times. If I had ordered Fury Attack it wouldn’t have made much difference, this just hurt more.
“Golbat! Restore your strength with Leech Life!” Lambda ordered. The Bat Pokémon looked more than delighted at such a request. It flew behind Piloswine, away from all possible points of offense, and sunk his fangs into the thick hide of the wooly boar’s giant hump. I knew that had to hurt because Golbat’s mouth was bigger than Piloswine’s body. The Swine Pokémon began going wild, jumping up and down and scraping his hooves against the wooden floor. On top of that, Toxic was taking a heavier toll on him every minute.
“Piloswine! Body Slam into that wall!” I called pointing to the one on our right. Piloswine snorted as he ran straight for it, then turned at the last second to smash his back and the parasite on it into the wall. The impact sent vibrations through the room causing dust to fall from the ceiling. Golbat spat fresh blood as it let out an ear piercing shriek from getting pinned between the two. I wasn’t entirely sure if that was Piloswine’s blood that it had drunken or its own.
“Now finish it with Blizzard!” I commanded. This battle had gone on long enough. The Swine Pokémon turned to his opponent who was still regrouping from having its meal interrupted. Without hesitation Piloswine took a deep breath, then exhaled the coldest wind imaginable turning the air and everything around it into ice. The Bat Pokémon cried in agony as the frozen gale shredded its wings and formed crystals of ice on its body. When the wooly boar ceased the attack from fatigue, Golbat collapsed to the ground unconscious and very hypothermic.
“Dammit! I can’t believe I’m losing to some punk!” the Rocket Executive berated as he returned the Bat Pokémon to its ball and readied another. I did the same with Piloswine so that he could take the rest he earned. “You won’t beat my Raticate!” A brown bipedal rat with a long scaly tail, messy brown fur, and four giant front teeth, two on top two on bottom, materialized from its Pokéball. In response, I summoned Riolu from his ball.
“Start us off with Bullet Punch Rio!” I called. Riolu’s fist started glowing blue before he disappeared in a blue blur. The young Pokémon reappeared in front of Raticate and thrust his fist between the Rat Pokémon’s eyes. The oversized rodent shrieked in pain while putting its paws to its eyes out of instinct.
“You can’t let that little creature beat you! Use Hyper Fang!” my opponent ordered. In the blink of an eye, Raticate pounced on Riolu with its mouth wide open. The only thing that kept Raticate from biting off the Emanation Pokémon’s head was Riolu holding its jaws open as the rodent pressed forward.
“Kick it Riolu!” I told him. This stalemate would have gone on until one of them either wore out or did something, and it’s better for me that Riolu be the one to do it. The young canine delivered a swift kick to Raticate’s stomach per my request causing the Rat Pokémon to jump back. “Now use Quick Attack!” I called.
“Raticate! Sucker Punch!” countered Lambda the second Riolu moved. Before the Emanation Pokémon could land his attack, Raticate slugged him in the face as soon as he was within the rodent’s reach.
“Counter Riolu!” I commanded. The young Pokémon clasped his paws around Raticate’s claw and flipped it over his shoulder.
“Get out of there! Quick Attack!” Lambda shouted. After rolling over on all fours, the Rat Pokémon lunged at Riolu with incredible speed sending him bouncing down the floor. True to form, Riolu got right back up. “I guess I’ll just have to increase the pain. Use Swords Dance Raticate!” instructed the Rocket Executive. Raticate growled as it increased its fighting power. For a brief second it looked like transparent swords had appeared around the rodent.
“Be on your guard Riolu. As soon as Lambda calls another attack, use Detect!” I strategized. Riolu nodded in compliance wiggling his aura sensing appendages to get a feel for the environment.
“Too bad your plan won’t work! Drop their guard with Screech Raticate!” yelled Lambda. Raticate let out an ear splitting sound that forced both Riolu and I to hold our ears. “Now hit it with Zen Headbutt!” I heard my opponent shout after the audio onslaught. The Rat Pokémon dropped to all fours again and charged at the small canine with a glowing pink head. Still disoriented from Screech, Riolu was unable to defend himself when Raticate literally attacked head on.
“Hang in there Rio!” I encouraged. “Use Cross Chop!” The Emanation ran back to the giant rodent then karate chopped Raticate on both sides of its neck so that his arms ended in an X shape. Needless to say, I was pretty shocked and a bit worried when Raticate opened its eyes with a menacing glare aimed at Riolu.
“Bite the damn thing’s arms off!” the Rocket Executive ordered. The Rat Pokémon mercilessly chomped down on Riolu’s right paw causing the young canine to bark in pain as he struggled to free his arm. While I disliked this predicament, I did see a benefit to it.
“Riolu! Force Palm directly into Raticate’s mouth!” I commanded. The Emanation Pokémon quickly composed himself as he concentrated his aura into a blue glow in his palm. He then straightened his hand to send an azure energy blast tearing through Raticate’s body. The rodent yelled in agony releasing Riolu at once.
“Now finish this with Brick Break!” I called. Riolu paid back Raticate’s bite with interest by landing a powerful punch to the Rat Pokémon’s fangs shattering them to pieces. Raticate dropped to its knees clutching its face in agony as enamel and blood fell from its mouth. If I didn’t know that those teeth grew back, I’d almost feel bad for starving the creature. In a matter of seconds, Raticate passed out from the pain.
“No.” Lambda denied taking a step back. “This can’t be. I can’t be losing to the likes of you! I am a member of the glorious Team Rocket!”
“Recall your Raticate and bring out your next Pokémon. If you don’t finish this Pokémon Battle, then I will kill you on the spot like I did with all of your minions at the hotel.” I warned returning Riolu.
“You did what!?” he demanded in disbelief. I smiled at him with a deranged look in my most likely red eyes and began laughing.
“My partners and I defeated the grunts you brought with you and then I destroyed them all!” I proudly admit. Lambda looked absolutely terrified of such a revelation. “Now then…” I trailed walking forward.
“Don’t come any closer!” cried the Rocket Executive in fear grabbing another Pokéball. “Protect me Weezing!” he begged sending out the Poison-type from earlier.
“That’s more like it! Let’s go Snorlax!” I called releasing my rotund bear from his Ultra Ball. Snorlax stretched and yawned as if I had woken him up from a nap.
“I’m back!” Axel announced jumping into the fray. “I told Aerodactyl to drop him off back at the hotel. He’s probably calling the police so you may want to finish this soon.” the monkey advised.
“Guess what Lambda. According to Axel, Johan Kaiser is free and is calling the police as we speak. You lose!” I mocked. Lambda’s eye began twitching while he began grinding his teeth.
“Brian!” Raiden called running in behind Lambda with Lt. Deter effectively surrounding the Rocket.
“No! It won’t end this way! Weezing! Take them all out with Explosion!” ordered the Rocket Executive in desperation. The Poison Gas Pokémon’s body began slowly expanding beyond its normal limits.
“Get back!” shouted Lt. Deter as Weezing’s massive growth suddenly came to as stop. It then rapidly contracted its body exerting so much pressure that it broke apart releasing all of its toxic gases at once in a fiery burst that shook the whole room and probably the whole tower. I heard a cracking sound of splintering wood just before the ancient floor beneath my feet gave way.
“Oh shit!” I yelled as I felt myself go into a freefall. I saw Axel reach down to grab me, but I was only able to touch my fingers to his as I plummeted. As my luck would have it, Snorlax had also fallen through the hole. I pulled out his Ultra Ball and called him back then maneuvered myself in the falling debris to point my arm downward to resummon him beneath me. No sooner had Snorlax finished materializing, did I land on his soft belly.
“I’m coming!” I heard Axel yell as he jumped down to join us also landing on Snorlax. I looked around to see if anyone else had fallen and what damage there was. Littered among the burned and fragmented wood were warped purple chunks of Weezing’s kamikaze attack. What a miserable way to end things.
“So you survived.” a voice said sounding neither relieved nor malicious. I turned to see Raiden brushing himself off after the fall.
“Yeah. You know it takes more than that to kill me.” I said rubbing my shoulders. “Where are Lt. Deter and Lambda?” I asked looking around for them.
“I’m not sure. Maybe they were killed.” Raiden answered bluntly. I put my hand to my chin to think. I highly doubt Lambda would have intentionally killed himself, but given the circumstances he may not have been thinking straight. Still…
“I want to find proof. If Lambda is still alive, then I want to kill him. As for the midget, well, he’d probably be pissed off at us for ditching him.” I said.
“Alright. You search down here, I’ll go back upstairs to see what I can find.” suggested Raiden. I nodded telling Axel and Snorlax to overturn some of the fallen wood for any traces of anyone. No sooner had I begun my search, Chane, Eve, and Zack at long last rejoined me.
“What took you guys so long?” I teased when they saw me.
“Have you ever tried running in heels? It’s not that easy. On top of that, your pretty princess had to throw up.” Eve informed cynically.
“It’s your fault I feel so terrible.” Chane reminded.
“My condolences Chane. But seriously, why do you girls torture yourselves with those shoes?” I questioned in complete dismay.
“Because they’re cute and really go with my outfit.” responded Eve as if it were completely obvious and that I should know this already. I still didn’t quite understand. “Plus I can use them to punish Kaguya if he misbehaves.”
“Normally I would respond to that with something naughty, but now isn’t the time. What happened up there and where is everyone?” Zack asked seriously. I proceeded to fill in everyone on what I did with Johan and the battle with Lambda leading up to the big kaboom. Then I told them about my recent assignment from Raiden.
“But I never said that.” Raiden said in confusion walking in to join us along with Lt. Deter.
“That’s right. Arka has been with me since the moment we entered the Tower.” the lieutenant informed. If that’s true that means… Dammit! That rat bastard deceived me!
“LAMBDA!” I yelled furiously. I should have figured it out from his speaking patterns! I returned Snorlax once again and charged passed my superiors.
“Where the hell do you think you’re going?” demanded Charles.
“I’m hungry and I’m in the mood for some lamb! Duh!” I shouted viciously. I heard no response to that whether there was one or not because I was already on the lookout for the stairs so that I could catch up to my prey. I won’t let that Rocket get away with this!
“You’re not leaving me out of this fight!” called Axel running up behind me. I smiled at him as I continued my search.
When we got to the stairs I actually dropped to all fours since it was easier to climb them that way. We tore back up to the sixth floor only slowing down to find a way around the big giant hole in the floor. With Axel’s natural speed and the boost I got from Dragon-Forme, we easily caught up to Lambda who had resumed his natural appearance on the eighth floor.
“Not you!” he cried the moment he saw me. The look of primal terror and sweat on his face said he was on the verge of pissing himself. “Ditto! Transform into the Infernape!” he pleaded sending out the pink amoeba. Seconds later, the Transform Pokémon had created an exact replica of Axel.
“Monkey battle huh? Let’s see if you can give me a good show!” my Infernape said with excitement at getting the chance to fight himself.
“Axel! See how well this copy does with Close Combat!” I commanded.
“Do the same Ditto!” shouted Lambda. Monkey see, monkey do eh? The two gold Infernapes rushed each other and began a barrage of punches and kicks on one another. It was obvious which one was which with how expertly Axel parried and dodged Ditto’s blows while countering with his own.
“Why not try something these idiots can’t mimic? Combo 16! Away!” I yelled.
“Was the away really necessary?” Axel questioned as his hands and feet were surrounded by fire. He continued with his Close Combat with the added effects of Fire Punch and Blaze Kick in the mix.
“You think Ditto can’t mirror that? I’ll show you! Do exactly what the Infernape is doing!” the Rocket Executive ordered. As expected, the Transform Pokémon didn’t have the natural talent of a Fire-type or the years of training Axel had endured to maintain a flame on each limb at once. I laughed at how pitiful Ditto looked as it struggled to simultaneously ignite more than one appendage at a time.
“Axel, I really want you to mess with these guys. Double Team.” I said casually. The monkey pulled the bottom of his eyelid down while sticking out his tongue before multiplying so that both Ditto and Lambda would have to stare at eight copies of that.
“Stop mocking me!” Lambda yelled at me.
“You mean like the way you mocked me earlier by disguising yourself as Master Raiden?” I retorted. “Face it, you can’t stand that you’re losing. Attention all Axels! Mach Punch Ditto all at once!” I instructed throwing my hand out toward the pseudo Infernape. Each of my Infernapes began laughing evilly as they pulled back their fists.
“No! Ditto! Flamethrower them!” cried my opponent. The Axel-replica opened its mouth spitting a long tongue of fire at all of the Axel clones. Before the flames could touch them, each copy disappeared in golden blurs, but were ultimately destroyed when they got too close to the Transform Pokémon who was turning its head side to side covering its flanks. What Ditto failed to notice though was the blur that appeared behind it lobbing it in the back of the head.
“Pika boo! I see you!” Axel announced as the fabrication fell face down on the floor.
“You worthless Pokémon! Get up! You need to beat this guy Ditto! Get up!” commanded Lambda desperately as his own life depended greatly on the outcome of this fight. Suddenly the sound of footsteps echoed throughout the room as my squad members arrived.
“Now why did you have to go and steal the show without us?” Zack asked dejectedly. Lambda looked about as horrified seeing the six of us together as he did with me alone.
“This can’t be! More of you showed up!?” he whimpered taking a few steps back.
“Aw. You broke him before I could play with him.” Eve said sadly. Almost as if sensing the change in the tide, Ditto got back up just barely maintaining its Infernape form. At the sight of his Pokémon, Lambda got a wry smile as if he still had a chance to get out of this.
“Ditto! Burn everything! Everything!” he ordered frantically. Ditto once again breathed flames, turning its head in every direction setting the seven-century-old tower a blaze. “Ecruteak City was always meant to have twin towers! Now this one will be burned to the ground as well!” yelled the Rocket Executive clearly out of his mind as fire consumed the wood and paper doors giving the room an orange glow. “So long Neos! Enjoy hell!” With that he ran into the inferno laughing triumphantly. “All hail Team Rocket!”
“You just had to fucking antagonize him didn’t you?!” Lt. Deter reprimanded to me.
“Now isn’t the time for that Lieutenant! Right now it is crucial we put out this fire!” Raiden argued. Zack already had Lloyd on the scene spewing Hydro Pumps everywhere.
“Help us Kermit!” Chane requested summoning her Azumarill which also used Hydro Pump once realizing the situation. Deter’s Milotic and Eve’s Walrein were also called upon to insist on this dire situation with Milotic placing a Safeguard around everyone for protection. Raiden being an Electric-type trainer and I not having a Water-type Pokémon on my person made us the only ones not helping out.
“Electrode! Use Rollout to put out the flames!” Raiden called sending out the large inverted Pokéball that began rolling its spherical body over the fires. Yeah, thanks for making me the only one not to contribute.
“I don’t mean to ditch you guys again, especially during this crisis, but I’m useless right now except in finishing off Lambda!” I told them all straightforwardly.
“Then go! Just do not get hurt!” Raiden authorized. I nodded as I ran in the direction the Rocket Executive had gone with Axel close behind. Given that this wasn’t the way back downstairs, the maniac must be going to the roof. Why any idiot would go up in a burning building and not down is beyond me, but this only made him cornered when I finally found him.
“Just think. If Aerodactyl came back already from dropping off that guy, Lambda is in really deep shit!” Axel pointed out enthusiastically. I laughed at the thought of his expression if he ran into my prehistoric terror up there. We got to the top floor once again closing in on our prey who was standing in front of the ladder going up to the roof.
“Don’t you ever quit? Just please leave me alone!” Lambda begged as he vigorously climbed the ladder.
“I’ll quit when you’re dead! Then you can be left alone for eternity!” I promised darkly chasing after him. I reached up the ladder to grab his foot only to get my hand kicked away before I could pull him back down.
“You’ll pay for that!” I yelled following Lambda to the roof. Much to my surprise and anger, there was a black chopper with a red “R” painted on it waiting to rescue the Rocket Executive. I ran after the purple haired freak with draconic energy surrounding my claws to strike him down before he could get away. Fortunately for Lambda, he turned around just in time to duck causing me to behead one of the four Ho-oh statues instead. He then swung his leg behind mine tripping me and sending me falling to the floor.
“As I told you before, so long you Neos fool!” Lambda bid farewell grabbing a rung of the rope ladder his comrades were kind enough to send down to him. As the helicopter flew away from the tower, I got up and chased after it. There was no way I was letting him away! I jumped onto the blue tiles only to lose my balance and start sliding down.
“Brian!” Axel shouted worriedly as he reached out to stop me. I was already too far out of his reach and sliding too much to stop. At the last second I jumped off the roof and grabbed the bottom most rung of the rope ladder that was still hanging out.
“Tenacious creature!” sneered the Rocket Executive attempting to kick me off with his left foot. I pulled my head back to avoid his kick, then I leaned back in sinking my fangs into his akeles tendon and ankle. Yes, the way that bite felt, I am now sure that Dragon-Forme comes with fangs as well. Lambda screamed in pain desperately trying to pull his leg away from me. I responded by shaking my head like a Growlithe puppy with a brand new chew toy to rip to shreds. With every tug, the taste of blood got stronger as his filled my mouth.
“Release me you monster! Release me!” he pleaded hysterically. “Are you trying to kill us both? Do you want to die?” interrogated Lambda with his grip on the rope noticeable weakening with how much extra slack I was getting with every yank.
Out of necessity, Lambda pulled his right foot back and slammed it into my face in a last ditch effort to free himself. I winced in pain as I was struck again and again. Too bad for Lambda that this was a double edged sword on his part as every time I was hit, my bite got tighter. Then came that last boot to the face which I couldn’t endure any longer. I opened my mouth to let out a cry of pain only to lose my grip on Lambda’s leg and thus fell to the ground below.
While in free fall, I watched helplessly as the chopper flew into the distance. I soon realized just how far it had gone in those few moments as Tin Tower was part of the horizon like it had been when I first arrived. Below me were a bunch of trees. At least I’ll have them to break my fall. Or my neck.
“There’s our dumbass!” I heard a familiar voice ring out into the night. A winged beast soon flew over me, retrieving my plummeting body in its claws. “You are so lucky Aerodactyl got back just as you left. As soon as we land you’re getting on your knees and begging for forgiveness for being such a reckless dumbass.” Axel threatened.
“I know, I deserve as much.” I admit as I climbed up Aerodactyl’s side to his back. “But what about Master Raiden and the others? Are the fires out?” I asked concernedly.
“Don’t know. But Raiden won’t be so happy with you. He said not to get hurt, and here you are with a black eye, and a few scrapes and bruises on your face.” the monkey pointed out.
“Nothing my healing factor won’t clean up in a couple of days.” I said nonchalantly. “But first we need to get back there and make sure everyone is okay!” I said more urgently. Without any instruction, Aerodactyl made a U-turn back to Tin Tower. And by U-turn, I mean another back flip and a corkscrew much to a certain monkey’s displeasure.
When we got back, police cars were already parked at the entrance with the cops dressed in SWAT uniforms and armed with rifles and Pokéballs storming the tower. That isn’t good. If my team hasn’t gotten out of there yet, they are utterly screwed unless they find a way to get out from the roof.
I had my Fossil Pokémon once again fly to the top so that Axel and I could go through the tower from the upper tiers and assist in any way we could. When we got back to the roof, I returned Aerodactyl and began my search. There was significant fire damage to the eighth floor, but all the flames had been put out which was a sigh of relief right there. However, there was no sign of anyone, not even the Rattata and Gastly that infest this place. We had to slow down again when the two of us got to the scene of Weezing’s Explosion to get by the hole in the floor without falling. Man, we sure did a number on this place. I sure hope Ho-oh doesn’t curse us for this.
When Axel and I got to the fourth floor, we were greeted by the sight of the aforementioned SWAT team laying on the floor unconscious with a fine blue powder surrounding them like dust. I crouched down, wiped some on my fingers, and sniffed it. Instantly I began to feel drowsy as my eyelids got heavy.
“Sleep Powder.” I confirmed. “Most likely from Izzy which means everyone most likely got away without trouble.”
“Then let’s keep going down to the front door and get the hell out of here.” Axel proposed.
Once back outside I noticed the cops who had stayed with the cars as back up were also asleep, complements of a certain Breloom’s Sleep Powder. With still no sign of my comrades, I did what I should have done half an hour ago: pull out my cell phone and call Raiden.
“Third Seat Arka speaking?” he answered picking up.
“Yeah, where are you guys right now? I just spent the last half hour wandering around Tin Tower looking for you all and now I’m back outside again.” I explained sheepishly.
“We’re on our way back to the hotel. Meet us back there immediately.” instructed Raiden before hanging up. Forget Ho-oh’s curse, now I hope I’m not in trouble with Raiden. That would suck worse.
This time when I once again summoned Aerodactyl, he gave an exasperated sigh from all the work he’s had to do in one night. I apologized, promising him a good meal and first dibs in the next battle I get in. Only slightly satisfied with the potential rewards, the Flying-type agreed to let me mount him for the last time tonight. Considering the eastern sky was starting to glow a pale blue with the soon to be rising sun, I could understand his weariness. Even I was exhausted from all that had been done.
It wasn’t long before the Tin Tower appeared on the horizon. Hell, being the tallest structure in Ecruteak City it was hard to miss. While Aerodactyl faced forward, Axel and I scanned the ground for any sight of our prey or Raiden. There was none. I tightened my grip on the Flying-type’s shoulder as he increased his speed to get to our destination faster. The speed caused a slim red fabric to start whipping my face. I caught my tie in my mouth then tossed it behind me where it wouldn’t be a hindrance.
“To the top!” I called as we reached our destination. Aerodactyl screeched in compliance quickly going into a 90° turn only losing a little speed. Speed which was soon regained with one mighty flap of his wings that sent us bulleting to the sky. My plan was that if Lambda entered from the first floor entrance with Raiden and Lt. Deter coming in behind him, then I would cut him off by attacking from the top floor of Tin Tower.
The Fossil Pokémon had actually built up enough speed that he overshot the roof of the tower. Normally I would have just jumped off, but because the blue tiled roof was so slanted leaving only a small flat part at the tippy top with tall golden spire in the center and statues of Ho-oh at its edges, there were just too many obstacles to deal with that could have hurt. I felt Axel’s grip on me tighten as we both knew what Aerodactyl was about to do. The King of the Skies did a midair back flip before diving back to Tin Tower and landing next to one of the Ho-oh statues.
“I hate it when you do that Aero.” Axel complained to the prehistoric beast as we both got off the Flying-type’s back. Aerodactyl must have made some sort of snarky comeback in his own language because my monkey partner looked like he was getting ready to throw a fit.
“Behave yourselves now.” I told the Pokémon. “Aerodactyl. I want you to keep watch for any Team Rocket activity. If you see them, eliminate them anyway you wish.” I permitted. The Fossil Pokémon nodded with a shriek while taking to the sky once again to circle Tin Tower.
“Alright, come along Axel. We have some more Rockets to slay.” I said darkly as I walked over to a staircase leading to the lower levels.
I have never been in Tin Tower before, I have only seen it from the outside, but the inside was both beautiful and eerie at the same time. The floor and walls were all made of 700-year-old wood giving the room an ancient kind of smell. Paper doors led from one room to another which were all full of yet more sculptures of Ho-oh. There was also a giant pillar in the middle of the floor that led all the way down to the first floor. Because it was night time, only the light of the stars penetrated the windows making the rooms feel that much more ominous. In reality, if I was here during the day, it probably wouldn’t be that bad. As usual, I made Axel stand in front so that I could use his fiery head like a flashlight.
“Gah!” screamed the Infernape jumping back into me. “Stupid Rattata!” he grumbled kicking away the rodent that had brushed past his feet.
“You’re just too jumpy.” I teased. The two of us made sure to check every room before going down to the eighth floor in search of Team Rocket and their hostage. We found nothing. Obviously they hadn’t gotten this high yet. It wasn’t until we got down to the sixth floor that I heard a voice.
“Be patient my dear Johan. By the time my men finish with those fools from Team Neos, the chopper should be here and then we can leave. After that, Daddy just has to pay your ransom and you can go free.” said the voice.
I motioned for Axel to stay put as his fire would only draw unwanted attention to us while I stealthfully crept forward. I threw my back against a wall to peer around the corner only to be left confused by what I saw. There was a man tied up on the floor and standing over him was his twin in appearance right down to his clothes! There was no sign of any members of Team Rocket, and yet there were two Johan Kaisers! The one on the floor rolled around moaning something in protest, but it was impossible to understand with the tape over his mouth.
“Struggle all you want, it won’t make a difference. I was given the position of Executive of Team Rocket because I never fail my missions. In the event that those two who tailed us get past my guards, I’ll simply masquerade as you to get them off the trail. As you can clearly see, I am a master of disguise.” he mocked. No doubt this one was Lambda. How he was able to replicate the appearance of others, I’m not sure, but he isn’t the only one who can put on an act. I quietly slinked back to Axel and filled him in on what I saw.
“Just follow my lead.” I instructed in a hushed voice. “Come on Axel! I think I heard a voice coming from somewhere in this room!” I shouted obscenely loud so that both men were sure to hear me. As expected, the imposter came running around the corner to see what was up and so I wouldn’t have to opportunity to see the real Johan tied up.
“Wh-who are you?” he questioned in a somewhat panicked voice. I had to admit, he was a pretty good actor to sound just like the real thing. If I hadn’t caught him in the act, I’d be completely fooled.
“I am a member of Team Neos. You must be Johan Kaiser, the Prime Minister’s son.” I answered. As long as he didn’t suspect that I knew he was a fake, then chances are he’ll drop his guard. Once that happens, it’s all over.
“Y-yeah. I’m Johan Kaiser. I just got away from Team Rocket when those two other Neos guys showed up. They’re fighting downstairs as we speak.” the imposter lied through his teeth not once breaking character.
“In that case, I want you to go with Axel,” I said motioning the Infernape, “and go to the top of Tin Tower. My Aerodactyl is waiting up there and will escort you to safety. I’m going to go downstairs and help my comrades.” The phony looked a bit worried knowing that as soon as I walked around that corner I would see the real Johan as Lambda hadn’t had a chance to stash him somewhere yet.
“Why can’t you come with me to the top? I know that the battle downstairs is three against two, but I’m sure your partners can handle it themselves.” he tried to convince. I’m sure that if I were to agree with that, Lambda would then strike me down when my back was turned.
“Actually, I have a score to settle with Lambda.” I lied. Tonight was the first time I had ever seen the Rocket Executive, but the real Johan wouldn’t know the difference. Just for entertainment, I think I’ll even make fun of Lambda and make him sound like a complete tool! “You see, when I first encountered Lambda he was a poor little creature dressed in rags and smelled like sun-dried piss. He was an ugly pile of monkey vomit, but I took pity on that filthy piece of shit and took him under my wing. He later repaid me in a bar by calling me a donkey head, dumping my apple-tini in my hair, and declaring that he was going to join Team Rocket.” I tried my hardest not to burst out laughing at my own fabrication especially considering the statement had the man in front of me glowing red with anger. I hope he breaks his charade before I do!
“That never happened!” he yelled in disgrace. That was when both Axel and I started laughing uncontrollably at him. While I got my giggles out of my system I pointed to the next room telling Axel to go retrieve the hostage. “You knew!” realized Lambda when Axel walked past him and patted him on the shoulder for trying.
“That’s right.” I shamelessly admit. “You really shouldn’t conversate with the hostages Lambda.”
“Got him!” called Axel from the other side.
“No!” Lambda yelled throwing a Pokéball. Emerging from it in a white light was a large, blue, fang filled mouth with stubby feet coming from its chin, two small ears and narrow eyes on its head, and two long wings on its cheeks with purple membranes in them. “Golbat! Stop that monkey!” he ordered.
“I don’t think so!” I countered throwing a Great Ball to release my Piloswine. “Powder Snow!” The Swine Pokémon created a wind that began condensing water molecules in the air into ice fragments that were blown at Golbat before it could go after Axel.
“Let me guess. I’m taking the prince to Aerodactyl while you have the fun of battling.” Axel observed running passed with Johan thrown over his shoulder.
“Just consider it motivation to get your ass back here as soon as possible.” I taunted. The monkey growled at me as he continued back the way we came.
“Damn you! You actually think you can stop me?” interrogated my opponent clutching the top of his forehead. As he pulled off his face, his entire disguise began to give way until he was back to his old appearance with a pink blob in his hand. So it was a Ditto that made him a master of disguise.
“I don’t think, I know I can kick your ass.” I retorted. “And even if I somehow lose, my partners are already on their way. You see, we finished off all the Rockets at the hotel, and Master Raiden and Lt. Deter should have no problem finishing off your goons downstairs. That makes you the only one left.”
“I’ve heard enough from you! Golbat! Make Piloswine suffer with Toxic!” Lambda commanded. The vampire made a hacking sound as its mouth filled with a purple ooze which it then spit all over Piloswine. The wooly pig made as sickly sound as the sludge seep through his thick fur and was absorbed by his skin.
“Hang in there.” I encouraged. “Use Ice Fang!” The boar’s twin tusks were coated in a thin layer of frost as he charged at Golbat. Once he was close enough, Piloswine shook his head to stab Golbat once with each tusk. Piloswine then winced as the poison started taking its effect.
“Suffer a little more! Confuse Ray Golbat!” shouted the Rocket Executive. With a loud screech, the Bat Pokémon blasted a ghostly white light from its gigantic mouth directly at the mammoth boar who was still at too close a range to have any hope avoiding the attack.
“Resist confusion Piloswine! Take Down the son of a bitch!” I called. Instead of doing what I asked, Piloswine drunkenly shook his head side to side as if dancing. That must be one trippy song playing in his head.
“That’s more like it. Use Aerial Ace Golbat!” yelled Lambda. Golbat flew over the field directly above Piloswine, then as it dive-bombed, the vampire was surrounded in white streaks as the air around it broke apart from the speed. Piloswine grunted loudly in displeasure as he was struck, both from the pain of the attack and from the poison continuously draining his strength.
“Hit Golbat with Ice Fang again!” I commanded taking note that the mammoth pig was still bobbing his head back and forth. The Swine Pokémon’s tusks were once again covered in ice as he jabbed his bloodsucking opponent several times. If I had ordered Fury Attack it wouldn’t have made much difference, this just hurt more.
“Golbat! Restore your strength with Leech Life!” Lambda ordered. The Bat Pokémon looked more than delighted at such a request. It flew behind Piloswine, away from all possible points of offense, and sunk his fangs into the thick hide of the wooly boar’s giant hump. I knew that had to hurt because Golbat’s mouth was bigger than Piloswine’s body. The Swine Pokémon began going wild, jumping up and down and scraping his hooves against the wooden floor. On top of that, Toxic was taking a heavier toll on him every minute.
“Piloswine! Body Slam into that wall!” I called pointing to the one on our right. Piloswine snorted as he ran straight for it, then turned at the last second to smash his back and the parasite on it into the wall. The impact sent vibrations through the room causing dust to fall from the ceiling. Golbat spat fresh blood as it let out an ear piercing shriek from getting pinned between the two. I wasn’t entirely sure if that was Piloswine’s blood that it had drunken or its own.
“Now finish it with Blizzard!” I commanded. This battle had gone on long enough. The Swine Pokémon turned to his opponent who was still regrouping from having its meal interrupted. Without hesitation Piloswine took a deep breath, then exhaled the coldest wind imaginable turning the air and everything around it into ice. The Bat Pokémon cried in agony as the frozen gale shredded its wings and formed crystals of ice on its body. When the wooly boar ceased the attack from fatigue, Golbat collapsed to the ground unconscious and very hypothermic.
“Dammit! I can’t believe I’m losing to some punk!” the Rocket Executive berated as he returned the Bat Pokémon to its ball and readied another. I did the same with Piloswine so that he could take the rest he earned. “You won’t beat my Raticate!” A brown bipedal rat with a long scaly tail, messy brown fur, and four giant front teeth, two on top two on bottom, materialized from its Pokéball. In response, I summoned Riolu from his ball.
“Start us off with Bullet Punch Rio!” I called. Riolu’s fist started glowing blue before he disappeared in a blue blur. The young Pokémon reappeared in front of Raticate and thrust his fist between the Rat Pokémon’s eyes. The oversized rodent shrieked in pain while putting its paws to its eyes out of instinct.
“You can’t let that little creature beat you! Use Hyper Fang!” my opponent ordered. In the blink of an eye, Raticate pounced on Riolu with its mouth wide open. The only thing that kept Raticate from biting off the Emanation Pokémon’s head was Riolu holding its jaws open as the rodent pressed forward.
“Kick it Riolu!” I told him. This stalemate would have gone on until one of them either wore out or did something, and it’s better for me that Riolu be the one to do it. The young canine delivered a swift kick to Raticate’s stomach per my request causing the Rat Pokémon to jump back. “Now use Quick Attack!” I called.
“Raticate! Sucker Punch!” countered Lambda the second Riolu moved. Before the Emanation Pokémon could land his attack, Raticate slugged him in the face as soon as he was within the rodent’s reach.
“Counter Riolu!” I commanded. The young Pokémon clasped his paws around Raticate’s claw and flipped it over his shoulder.
“Get out of there! Quick Attack!” Lambda shouted. After rolling over on all fours, the Rat Pokémon lunged at Riolu with incredible speed sending him bouncing down the floor. True to form, Riolu got right back up. “I guess I’ll just have to increase the pain. Use Swords Dance Raticate!” instructed the Rocket Executive. Raticate growled as it increased its fighting power. For a brief second it looked like transparent swords had appeared around the rodent.
“Be on your guard Riolu. As soon as Lambda calls another attack, use Detect!” I strategized. Riolu nodded in compliance wiggling his aura sensing appendages to get a feel for the environment.
“Too bad your plan won’t work! Drop their guard with Screech Raticate!” yelled Lambda. Raticate let out an ear splitting sound that forced both Riolu and I to hold our ears. “Now hit it with Zen Headbutt!” I heard my opponent shout after the audio onslaught. The Rat Pokémon dropped to all fours again and charged at the small canine with a glowing pink head. Still disoriented from Screech, Riolu was unable to defend himself when Raticate literally attacked head on.
“Hang in there Rio!” I encouraged. “Use Cross Chop!” The Emanation ran back to the giant rodent then karate chopped Raticate on both sides of its neck so that his arms ended in an X shape. Needless to say, I was pretty shocked and a bit worried when Raticate opened its eyes with a menacing glare aimed at Riolu.
“Bite the damn thing’s arms off!” the Rocket Executive ordered. The Rat Pokémon mercilessly chomped down on Riolu’s right paw causing the young canine to bark in pain as he struggled to free his arm. While I disliked this predicament, I did see a benefit to it.
“Riolu! Force Palm directly into Raticate’s mouth!” I commanded. The Emanation Pokémon quickly composed himself as he concentrated his aura into a blue glow in his palm. He then straightened his hand to send an azure energy blast tearing through Raticate’s body. The rodent yelled in agony releasing Riolu at once.
“Now finish this with Brick Break!” I called. Riolu paid back Raticate’s bite with interest by landing a powerful punch to the Rat Pokémon’s fangs shattering them to pieces. Raticate dropped to its knees clutching its face in agony as enamel and blood fell from its mouth. If I didn’t know that those teeth grew back, I’d almost feel bad for starving the creature. In a matter of seconds, Raticate passed out from the pain.
“No.” Lambda denied taking a step back. “This can’t be. I can’t be losing to the likes of you! I am a member of the glorious Team Rocket!”
“Recall your Raticate and bring out your next Pokémon. If you don’t finish this Pokémon Battle, then I will kill you on the spot like I did with all of your minions at the hotel.” I warned returning Riolu.
“You did what!?” he demanded in disbelief. I smiled at him with a deranged look in my most likely red eyes and began laughing.
“My partners and I defeated the grunts you brought with you and then I destroyed them all!” I proudly admit. Lambda looked absolutely terrified of such a revelation. “Now then…” I trailed walking forward.
“Don’t come any closer!” cried the Rocket Executive in fear grabbing another Pokéball. “Protect me Weezing!” he begged sending out the Poison-type from earlier.
“That’s more like it! Let’s go Snorlax!” I called releasing my rotund bear from his Ultra Ball. Snorlax stretched and yawned as if I had woken him up from a nap.
“I’m back!” Axel announced jumping into the fray. “I told Aerodactyl to drop him off back at the hotel. He’s probably calling the police so you may want to finish this soon.” the monkey advised.
“Guess what Lambda. According to Axel, Johan Kaiser is free and is calling the police as we speak. You lose!” I mocked. Lambda’s eye began twitching while he began grinding his teeth.
“Brian!” Raiden called running in behind Lambda with Lt. Deter effectively surrounding the Rocket.
“No! It won’t end this way! Weezing! Take them all out with Explosion!” ordered the Rocket Executive in desperation. The Poison Gas Pokémon’s body began slowly expanding beyond its normal limits.
“Get back!” shouted Lt. Deter as Weezing’s massive growth suddenly came to as stop. It then rapidly contracted its body exerting so much pressure that it broke apart releasing all of its toxic gases at once in a fiery burst that shook the whole room and probably the whole tower. I heard a cracking sound of splintering wood just before the ancient floor beneath my feet gave way.
“Oh shit!” I yelled as I felt myself go into a freefall. I saw Axel reach down to grab me, but I was only able to touch my fingers to his as I plummeted. As my luck would have it, Snorlax had also fallen through the hole. I pulled out his Ultra Ball and called him back then maneuvered myself in the falling debris to point my arm downward to resummon him beneath me. No sooner had Snorlax finished materializing, did I land on his soft belly.
“I’m coming!” I heard Axel yell as he jumped down to join us also landing on Snorlax. I looked around to see if anyone else had fallen and what damage there was. Littered among the burned and fragmented wood were warped purple chunks of Weezing’s kamikaze attack. What a miserable way to end things.
“So you survived.” a voice said sounding neither relieved nor malicious. I turned to see Raiden brushing himself off after the fall.
“Yeah. You know it takes more than that to kill me.” I said rubbing my shoulders. “Where are Lt. Deter and Lambda?” I asked looking around for them.
“I’m not sure. Maybe they were killed.” Raiden answered bluntly. I put my hand to my chin to think. I highly doubt Lambda would have intentionally killed himself, but given the circumstances he may not have been thinking straight. Still…
“I want to find proof. If Lambda is still alive, then I want to kill him. As for the midget, well, he’d probably be pissed off at us for ditching him.” I said.
“Alright. You search down here, I’ll go back upstairs to see what I can find.” suggested Raiden. I nodded telling Axel and Snorlax to overturn some of the fallen wood for any traces of anyone. No sooner had I begun my search, Chane, Eve, and Zack at long last rejoined me.
“What took you guys so long?” I teased when they saw me.
“Have you ever tried running in heels? It’s not that easy. On top of that, your pretty princess had to throw up.” Eve informed cynically.
“It’s your fault I feel so terrible.” Chane reminded.
“My condolences Chane. But seriously, why do you girls torture yourselves with those shoes?” I questioned in complete dismay.
“Because they’re cute and really go with my outfit.” responded Eve as if it were completely obvious and that I should know this already. I still didn’t quite understand. “Plus I can use them to punish Kaguya if he misbehaves.”
“Normally I would respond to that with something naughty, but now isn’t the time. What happened up there and where is everyone?” Zack asked seriously. I proceeded to fill in everyone on what I did with Johan and the battle with Lambda leading up to the big kaboom. Then I told them about my recent assignment from Raiden.
“But I never said that.” Raiden said in confusion walking in to join us along with Lt. Deter.
“That’s right. Arka has been with me since the moment we entered the Tower.” the lieutenant informed. If that’s true that means… Dammit! That rat bastard deceived me!
“LAMBDA!” I yelled furiously. I should have figured it out from his speaking patterns! I returned Snorlax once again and charged passed my superiors.
“Where the hell do you think you’re going?” demanded Charles.
“I’m hungry and I’m in the mood for some lamb! Duh!” I shouted viciously. I heard no response to that whether there was one or not because I was already on the lookout for the stairs so that I could catch up to my prey. I won’t let that Rocket get away with this!
“You’re not leaving me out of this fight!” called Axel running up behind me. I smiled at him as I continued my search.
When we got to the stairs I actually dropped to all fours since it was easier to climb them that way. We tore back up to the sixth floor only slowing down to find a way around the big giant hole in the floor. With Axel’s natural speed and the boost I got from Dragon-Forme, we easily caught up to Lambda who had resumed his natural appearance on the eighth floor.
“Not you!” he cried the moment he saw me. The look of primal terror and sweat on his face said he was on the verge of pissing himself. “Ditto! Transform into the Infernape!” he pleaded sending out the pink amoeba. Seconds later, the Transform Pokémon had created an exact replica of Axel.
“Monkey battle huh? Let’s see if you can give me a good show!” my Infernape said with excitement at getting the chance to fight himself.
“Axel! See how well this copy does with Close Combat!” I commanded.
“Do the same Ditto!” shouted Lambda. Monkey see, monkey do eh? The two gold Infernapes rushed each other and began a barrage of punches and kicks on one another. It was obvious which one was which with how expertly Axel parried and dodged Ditto’s blows while countering with his own.
“Why not try something these idiots can’t mimic? Combo 16! Away!” I yelled.
“Was the away really necessary?” Axel questioned as his hands and feet were surrounded by fire. He continued with his Close Combat with the added effects of Fire Punch and Blaze Kick in the mix.
“You think Ditto can’t mirror that? I’ll show you! Do exactly what the Infernape is doing!” the Rocket Executive ordered. As expected, the Transform Pokémon didn’t have the natural talent of a Fire-type or the years of training Axel had endured to maintain a flame on each limb at once. I laughed at how pitiful Ditto looked as it struggled to simultaneously ignite more than one appendage at a time.
“Axel, I really want you to mess with these guys. Double Team.” I said casually. The monkey pulled the bottom of his eyelid down while sticking out his tongue before multiplying so that both Ditto and Lambda would have to stare at eight copies of that.
“Stop mocking me!” Lambda yelled at me.
“You mean like the way you mocked me earlier by disguising yourself as Master Raiden?” I retorted. “Face it, you can’t stand that you’re losing. Attention all Axels! Mach Punch Ditto all at once!” I instructed throwing my hand out toward the pseudo Infernape. Each of my Infernapes began laughing evilly as they pulled back their fists.
“No! Ditto! Flamethrower them!” cried my opponent. The Axel-replica opened its mouth spitting a long tongue of fire at all of the Axel clones. Before the flames could touch them, each copy disappeared in golden blurs, but were ultimately destroyed when they got too close to the Transform Pokémon who was turning its head side to side covering its flanks. What Ditto failed to notice though was the blur that appeared behind it lobbing it in the back of the head.
“Pika boo! I see you!” Axel announced as the fabrication fell face down on the floor.
“You worthless Pokémon! Get up! You need to beat this guy Ditto! Get up!” commanded Lambda desperately as his own life depended greatly on the outcome of this fight. Suddenly the sound of footsteps echoed throughout the room as my squad members arrived.
“Now why did you have to go and steal the show without us?” Zack asked dejectedly. Lambda looked about as horrified seeing the six of us together as he did with me alone.
“This can’t be! More of you showed up!?” he whimpered taking a few steps back.
“Aw. You broke him before I could play with him.” Eve said sadly. Almost as if sensing the change in the tide, Ditto got back up just barely maintaining its Infernape form. At the sight of his Pokémon, Lambda got a wry smile as if he still had a chance to get out of this.
“Ditto! Burn everything! Everything!” he ordered frantically. Ditto once again breathed flames, turning its head in every direction setting the seven-century-old tower a blaze. “Ecruteak City was always meant to have twin towers! Now this one will be burned to the ground as well!” yelled the Rocket Executive clearly out of his mind as fire consumed the wood and paper doors giving the room an orange glow. “So long Neos! Enjoy hell!” With that he ran into the inferno laughing triumphantly. “All hail Team Rocket!”
“You just had to fucking antagonize him didn’t you?!” Lt. Deter reprimanded to me.
“Now isn’t the time for that Lieutenant! Right now it is crucial we put out this fire!” Raiden argued. Zack already had Lloyd on the scene spewing Hydro Pumps everywhere.
“Help us Kermit!” Chane requested summoning her Azumarill which also used Hydro Pump once realizing the situation. Deter’s Milotic and Eve’s Walrein were also called upon to insist on this dire situation with Milotic placing a Safeguard around everyone for protection. Raiden being an Electric-type trainer and I not having a Water-type Pokémon on my person made us the only ones not helping out.
“Electrode! Use Rollout to put out the flames!” Raiden called sending out the large inverted Pokéball that began rolling its spherical body over the fires. Yeah, thanks for making me the only one not to contribute.
“I don’t mean to ditch you guys again, especially during this crisis, but I’m useless right now except in finishing off Lambda!” I told them all straightforwardly.
“Then go! Just do not get hurt!” Raiden authorized. I nodded as I ran in the direction the Rocket Executive had gone with Axel close behind. Given that this wasn’t the way back downstairs, the maniac must be going to the roof. Why any idiot would go up in a burning building and not down is beyond me, but this only made him cornered when I finally found him.
“Just think. If Aerodactyl came back already from dropping off that guy, Lambda is in really deep shit!” Axel pointed out enthusiastically. I laughed at the thought of his expression if he ran into my prehistoric terror up there. We got to the top floor once again closing in on our prey who was standing in front of the ladder going up to the roof.
“Don’t you ever quit? Just please leave me alone!” Lambda begged as he vigorously climbed the ladder.
“I’ll quit when you’re dead! Then you can be left alone for eternity!” I promised darkly chasing after him. I reached up the ladder to grab his foot only to get my hand kicked away before I could pull him back down.
“You’ll pay for that!” I yelled following Lambda to the roof. Much to my surprise and anger, there was a black chopper with a red “R” painted on it waiting to rescue the Rocket Executive. I ran after the purple haired freak with draconic energy surrounding my claws to strike him down before he could get away. Fortunately for Lambda, he turned around just in time to duck causing me to behead one of the four Ho-oh statues instead. He then swung his leg behind mine tripping me and sending me falling to the floor.
“As I told you before, so long you Neos fool!” Lambda bid farewell grabbing a rung of the rope ladder his comrades were kind enough to send down to him. As the helicopter flew away from the tower, I got up and chased after it. There was no way I was letting him away! I jumped onto the blue tiles only to lose my balance and start sliding down.
“Brian!” Axel shouted worriedly as he reached out to stop me. I was already too far out of his reach and sliding too much to stop. At the last second I jumped off the roof and grabbed the bottom most rung of the rope ladder that was still hanging out.
“Tenacious creature!” sneered the Rocket Executive attempting to kick me off with his left foot. I pulled my head back to avoid his kick, then I leaned back in sinking my fangs into his akeles tendon and ankle. Yes, the way that bite felt, I am now sure that Dragon-Forme comes with fangs as well. Lambda screamed in pain desperately trying to pull his leg away from me. I responded by shaking my head like a Growlithe puppy with a brand new chew toy to rip to shreds. With every tug, the taste of blood got stronger as his filled my mouth.
“Release me you monster! Release me!” he pleaded hysterically. “Are you trying to kill us both? Do you want to die?” interrogated Lambda with his grip on the rope noticeable weakening with how much extra slack I was getting with every yank.
Out of necessity, Lambda pulled his right foot back and slammed it into my face in a last ditch effort to free himself. I winced in pain as I was struck again and again. Too bad for Lambda that this was a double edged sword on his part as every time I was hit, my bite got tighter. Then came that last boot to the face which I couldn’t endure any longer. I opened my mouth to let out a cry of pain only to lose my grip on Lambda’s leg and thus fell to the ground below.
While in free fall, I watched helplessly as the chopper flew into the distance. I soon realized just how far it had gone in those few moments as Tin Tower was part of the horizon like it had been when I first arrived. Below me were a bunch of trees. At least I’ll have them to break my fall. Or my neck.
“There’s our dumbass!” I heard a familiar voice ring out into the night. A winged beast soon flew over me, retrieving my plummeting body in its claws. “You are so lucky Aerodactyl got back just as you left. As soon as we land you’re getting on your knees and begging for forgiveness for being such a reckless dumbass.” Axel threatened.
“I know, I deserve as much.” I admit as I climbed up Aerodactyl’s side to his back. “But what about Master Raiden and the others? Are the fires out?” I asked concernedly.
“Don’t know. But Raiden won’t be so happy with you. He said not to get hurt, and here you are with a black eye, and a few scrapes and bruises on your face.” the monkey pointed out.
“Nothing my healing factor won’t clean up in a couple of days.” I said nonchalantly. “But first we need to get back there and make sure everyone is okay!” I said more urgently. Without any instruction, Aerodactyl made a U-turn back to Tin Tower. And by U-turn, I mean another back flip and a corkscrew much to a certain monkey’s displeasure.
When we got back, police cars were already parked at the entrance with the cops dressed in SWAT uniforms and armed with rifles and Pokéballs storming the tower. That isn’t good. If my team hasn’t gotten out of there yet, they are utterly screwed unless they find a way to get out from the roof.
I had my Fossil Pokémon once again fly to the top so that Axel and I could go through the tower from the upper tiers and assist in any way we could. When we got back to the roof, I returned Aerodactyl and began my search. There was significant fire damage to the eighth floor, but all the flames had been put out which was a sigh of relief right there. However, there was no sign of anyone, not even the Rattata and Gastly that infest this place. We had to slow down again when the two of us got to the scene of Weezing’s Explosion to get by the hole in the floor without falling. Man, we sure did a number on this place. I sure hope Ho-oh doesn’t curse us for this.
When Axel and I got to the fourth floor, we were greeted by the sight of the aforementioned SWAT team laying on the floor unconscious with a fine blue powder surrounding them like dust. I crouched down, wiped some on my fingers, and sniffed it. Instantly I began to feel drowsy as my eyelids got heavy.
“Sleep Powder.” I confirmed. “Most likely from Izzy which means everyone most likely got away without trouble.”
“Then let’s keep going down to the front door and get the hell out of here.” Axel proposed.
Once back outside I noticed the cops who had stayed with the cars as back up were also asleep, complements of a certain Breloom’s Sleep Powder. With still no sign of my comrades, I did what I should have done half an hour ago: pull out my cell phone and call Raiden.
“Third Seat Arka speaking?” he answered picking up.
“Yeah, where are you guys right now? I just spent the last half hour wandering around Tin Tower looking for you all and now I’m back outside again.” I explained sheepishly.
“We’re on our way back to the hotel. Meet us back there immediately.” instructed Raiden before hanging up. Forget Ho-oh’s curse, now I hope I’m not in trouble with Raiden. That would suck worse.
This time when I once again summoned Aerodactyl, he gave an exasperated sigh from all the work he’s had to do in one night. I apologized, promising him a good meal and first dibs in the next battle I get in. Only slightly satisfied with the potential rewards, the Flying-type agreed to let me mount him for the last time tonight. Considering the eastern sky was starting to glow a pale blue with the soon to be rising sun, I could understand his weariness. Even I was exhausted from all that had been done.