literature

Team Resistance-Capture the Frog

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The gathering of several Pokémon teams caught the attention of a dark-toned, hood-and-scarf-wearing Sableye and his Honedge partner. The Sableye, holding the hilt of his friend, walked over out of curiosity. Up on the board was a request by Robin the Baynette for teams to go searching for and capture one of three ninjas seen. The two skimmed the request and subjects. A hostile Sceptile, escape-artists Greninja, or a socially awkward Riolu with a funky acfcent. Falchion’s eye narrowed and he spoke, “Let us take down the Sceptile for justice!” The Sableye, however, shook his head and skimmed the list once more.

No, everyone will be out searching for him. Enough will bring him to justice, my friend. Falchion’s cloth shivered lightly and curled even tighter around his friend’s arm as Vodi’s thoughts slid into his own. The desire for justice and vengeance for the ninja’s wrongs of attacking the ambassador ached throughout the sword’s blade, but he knew Vodi to be correct. In fact, with so many teams out hunting him, it may even become sloppy and crowded. It would be best for them to drag another to justice. Yes, they would flush out another.

As Falchion skimmed the board once more, he whispered to Vodi, “Ah, the Greninja will do fine for us, then.” Silently, the Sableye walked away from the board, still gripping the Honedge’s hilt. While skittering on all fours would allow Vodi faster movement, the fact that Honedge could not float on his own with his sheathe on prevented such a thing. Walking on all fours would also attracted unwanted attention to the pair, and potentially scare off their suspect. Such a thing would compromise their task and aim at justice. A Greninja with a hood. In Andalusst, something like that would not be difficult to detect.

Pokémon bustled by, buying up berries from one of the many shops or stopping to talk to Riolu and check their accents.  As the teams rushed around, Vodi took his time in walking. There was no rush. The time to strike and bring vengeance would come soon enough. Indeed, it would. The teams foolish enough to run around would bring attention to themselves and tell the Ninjas what spaces to avoid.

As they walked in the crowded streets, an Eevee wearing a scarf brushed past Vodi’s arm followed by an Elgyem. The two sure seemed in a hurry as they jogged around other Pokémon in the city’s street. As Vodi and Falchion expected, however, they were clearly not the only ones. Up ahead, teams were rushing about past street vendors and shops and citizens unaware of the threat. Here and there were a few guards walking about as well. How annoying. Certainly the ninjas would avoid the guards as much as possible.

Suddenly, Falchion removed his own hilt and flew away from Vodi. His blade darkened and he rushed forwards towards something. The Sableye spotted the sword’s target and ran forwards himself. As Vodi leapt, time slowed. Falchion froze with the point of his blade only inches from the back of his victim’s head. He had all the time he needed to prevent a disaster. The imp grabbed the chest of the victim and moved him to the side, placing himself between the two as he did. He then threw the two of them to the ground, and time resumed. A dull thunk indicated that Vodi’s tactic had worked, and that Falchion had hit nothing but wood.

Vodi stood and dusted himself as the Honedge pried himself free of the wooden stand. The Sableye snatched up the cloth, causing Falchion’s eye to dilate as he did so. Vodi then turned and showed the sword exactly what he had tried to attack. A flustered Frogadier with a black hood forced himself to stand as a Phantump with a cape ran over to see if he was alright and stunned members of the crowd glanced over at the incident. You fool, the Sableye said to his friend, not only did you attack the wrong one, but your tactic of fighting first would frighten him off. Remember, we must get him to come peacefully if we can. Battle is the second option. And if it comes to fighting, we must be sneaky, and gracefully. Not charging in like a herd of Tauros.

As he finished ranting to his friend, Vodi turned and bowed to the two in a silent apology. Falchion blinked to the two and slid his scabbard back on before coiling his cloth around the imp’s arm again. The confused Frodagier rubbed his head in annoyance. “Oi! What are you two doing! We’re on your side!” More Pokémon passed, taking a quick look at the scene as they strolled by.

“Our apologies. I mistook you for the ninja and acted. My partner detected my movements and moved you to safety.  I will not make the same mistake twice, fellow guild member.” As he spoke, the Phantump floated in front of the Frogadier.

“Then I suggest you best not dawdle here. There is real work to be done.” Vodi once more bowed to the two after the Phantump finished and left the wooden stand.  The two continued walking late into the afternoon and even into the start of dusk when a sudden explosion stopped them in their tracks. A statue of ice spears that pointed ahead stood directly in front of the pair. Looking behind them, Vodi spotted a sceptile leaping over roofs chucking berries behind it. Following it in hot pursuit appeared to be the Eevee and Elgyem from earlier. The Sableye recognized the scarf. One of the Sceptile’s berries must have been thrown off course and struck the road.

The imp turned back to the ice. No, it simply would not do to let the ice sit there like that. He tapped the Honedge to get his attention and slid off the scabbard. The blade glowed a light white, and Vodi held the blade in front of him, taking aim. With blinding speed, the pair flew around the frozen spears and cut them down. The ice fell, shattering on itself and the ground. As much smaller pieces, Vodi knew it would melt much faster, probably in a couple of minutes. Now there was no risk of anyone smacking into the sharp edges, and the worst that would happen is they may slip in mud. Falchion sheathed himself and they continued on.

Later, as dusk was ending and the streets became less crowded, Vodi suddenly stopped. Down a small, normally-untraveled road that lay between two buildings stood a figure. A frog-like, hooded figure. Just who they’d been searching for. The figure facing before a wall that no doubt many a Pokémon had hit when this road was traveled, not realizing the road took a left  turn so soon. Silently, the Sableye walked towards the figure, not wanting to startle them so quickly. The distance would allow them to escape. Falchion also kept from speaking, most likely waiting for a cue from his friend. Vodi stopped and gazed down slightly once they were but a few feet from the stranger. Now.

At Falchion’s sudden speaking, the Greninja flinched and faced them. “Greetings, stranger. There is no need to fear us-if you co-operate, we shall bring you to justice quietly.” Without warning, the hooded Greninja threw dozens of sticky, violet spikes at the feet of the two and leapt up on top of the wall. Swiftly, while the spikes were still in the air, Vodi stuck Falchion’s tip to the ground and leapt up atop his hilt. There, he balanced on one foot as Falchion wrapped his cloth around the imp’s forearm. The Greninja watched, appearing amazed. The spikes fell onto the ground.

Vodi leapt suddenly off the sword into the shadows. Instead of stumbling blindly into the spikes, however, he vanished. The stranger leaned over the wall’s edge to try and find where the Sableye had gone. Claws gripped his back and fabric brushed his skin as Vodi appeared behind him, about to punch the stranger in the face. His fist stopped only millimeters before the stranger’s cheek. The imp them opened his claws and motioned the sword forward. As Falchion freed himself and floated into Vodi’s grasp, his unnerving voiced sounded again.

“We are more formidable then you think. Heed our words before you let us fight.”The dark-toned Sableye slid off the frog’s back and onto the wall, stepping about two feet away. The sword’s free blade shone unnaturally as the Sableye twirled the sword and tossed it behind him before grabbing the hilt with his other hand. Falchion then took his scabbard and ran it along his edges, causing the blade to ring as it was sharpened.

The Greninja watched the pair momentarily before straightening. “What is it you want.” His unwavering gaze settled onto the two as he held his chin high.

“My partner and I wish for you to come quietly so we may bring you to justice. No harm shall befall you or the little Riolu should you choose to do so. However, it appears your grassy ally has already gotten himself into a fight, so his fate will be uncertain. But know that should you follow us quietly, we shall not harm you, nor will the other members of Andalusst. Should you choose to fight us, we are more than capable to withstand your attacks and outlast you.” The stranger lifted a finger up to his chin, looking to be considering the pair’s words. Vodi’s unmoving eyes remained on the Greninja as he thought.

Right as the stranger started to extend his arm, a shout from below was heard exclaiming, “There he is!” All three looked down to see a collared, exhausted-sounding Purrlion and a floating Golurk in a Flameco speeding over. The Purrlion leapt atop her friend. “We can’t let him escape!” the Purrlion said in a desperated voice before leaping into the air. From her forepaws, she flung Star Coins everywhere in the Greninja’s direction. Vodi released his grip on his partner as the Greninja clearly began to panic, probably thinking he’d been set up. Time slowed again as Vodi ran to the Greninja and moved him out of the way of the coins. Vodi watched in awed silence at the glittering coins passed overhead in slow motion.

As time resumed, the Greninja slipped out of Vodi’s grip, sat himself up, and flung out his hands. A haze spewed everywhere. Falchion wrapped his cloth around Vodi’s arm as the Sableye watched the Greninja spring down to the other side of the wall. The two ghost types glared at the other team before Falchion flew off to pursue their target, dragging the Sableye with him. As the haze began to clear, the Honedge spotted their target running along the grassy plain in the darkness. Falchion stopped in the air and flung his partner down in front of the fleeing Ninja.

The impact jarred the legs and arms of the Sableye as he landed with his hood swishing around him. A few particles of dust flew up around his hands and feet. Out of the corner of his gemstone eyes, he noticed the stranger come to a halt. Vodi snapped his head towards the stranger as Falchion’s voice scraped through the air once more. “Why flee from us? They had the intention to hurt you, not us. We will not let them bring you harm.” The Greninja spun to face the sword.

“You fools. I know a trap when I see one.” Even under the hood, Falchion could see the fury. He looked in no mood to listen.

“No, they acted of their own accord. We are not even the same guild as they. They intended pain, not justice.” Even as the sword spoke, the ninja kicked rapidly at the ground and disappeared into the earth. The Honedge flung himself into the imp’s right hand as per usual while Vodi scanned the ground.

Right as the ground cracked below them, for a third time, everything slowed for Vodi. He noticed everything; the graceful cracks, the shards forming from the attack, the dust about to be flung into the air, the blades of dark grass beginning to ripple. His keen eyes could see the blue below the thin ground, as well. He even caught the glint of the moon’s momentary reflection off his partner’s sharp edge. It all looked so beautiful in the darkness, in his element. It was perfect. If only time could stay frozen in this moment.

But it couldn’t, and Vodi knew that. Without flaw, he back flipped away, letting go of his partner momentarily. In that moment, time returned, and the ninja flew out of the earth, clipping the Honedge. Only a moment after Vodi landed back on his feet did he have the chance to grip his incoming partner. He leaned his face back and wrapped his hand around the sword’s hilt, stopping it from hitting his face. The Greninja landed perfectly onto the ground beside them. Time for justice, my friend.

Before either could take another breathe, their attention was drawn by a desperate meowing at the wall. There was no doubt it was the earlier Purrlion trying to come ruin things further. The Sableye and Greninja locked eyes once more. “Come, allow us to take you and no harm shall come from that meddling Purrlion and its frightened armored ghost.” After a moment of hesitation, the ninja nodded. The two then stood back up, this time in more relaxed poses as Falchion sheathed himself.

An annoyed Purrlion soon after jumped down from the wall and raced over, with a Golurk floating over the wall after it. Vodi stepped between the Purrlion and her target making the Purrloin spray up dirt and grass as it skidded to a surprised halt. Falchion gave an angry half scowl at the Purrlion. “We have taken this ninja into custody. You are not to harm him. Leave before you too are brought to justice.”

Once the Explorers team cleared off, Vodi and Falchion escorted the strange Greninja back into town, not glancing back to see if he followed once. Vodi, after all, didn’t need to look back in the dark. Neither ghost did. This was their element. They would know if he left. The two lead him away from the more crowded streets and back to the Hunters guild.

As they returned, they spotted Robin murmuring something to Sundance before sending him off. He turned to the trio at they walked up with a smile despite no sound announcing their presence. After all, he was a ghost as well, and night was also his element. “Ah, congratulations to you two. It seems you have tracked down the escape artist. I am well pleased. You will make great Hunters. However, it is my guess you had help?”

“Unwanted help. The Explorers tried to chase him away.” Robin frowned at Falchion’s words for a moment before brushing it off with a smile.

“Ah, nonetheless, you have brought him. It appears you three did not engage in a fight,” he stated as he looked over the three unscathed Pokémon. While the gaze of Falchion and Vodi never left Robin, the ninja shook his head.

“No, only a size up of abilities,” the Greninja assured. Robin nodded, and motioned with a hand for two Pokémon to lead the frog away. He then waved for the two to take a step forward. Vodi obediently stepped forward.

“I thank you two for turning this ninja in. We don’t want him terrorizing citizens, the ambassador, or fellow guild members.” His brow drew together as he momentarily glared at them. “But don’t think I didn’t hear about your little screw up today in the main square.” His expression relaxed as he grabbed something next to him. “But, you do deserve something for your troubles.” He then pressed a small box into Vodi’s free hand. “For you. Now you be on your way.”

Accepting the box, Vodi then took a deep bow as Falchion spoke for him. “Team Resistance is always at your service.” Taking their box, the two then left. They would be needed another time, but for now they could afford to relax.
Team Reference
Hunters guild
:iconpmdunity:

Their first task, capturing one of the Ninjas. Here we have Vodi the Sableye and Falchion the Honedge trying t peacefully capture a mysterious Greninja in Andalusst.

"Agent 2: Not much is known about this Greninja, and he’s barely been sighted since the incidents began. Doesn't look like much of a combatant, but considering how well he’s been able to avoid notice this long, I’d say he’s a lot better at covering his tracks than his Sceptile buddy. The Greninja population here’s pretty sparse as well, so that’s a plus. We didn't get a clear look at his face either, so there ain't much to go on other than he’s pretending’ to be a tourist and wears some kinda hood.

 

- An Intelligence stat of 4 and a Charisma stat of 3 is recommended when tracking this target. Direct confrontation is unlikely, but one should still be on their guard. Convince him to come peacefully and you’ll get a MERIT from your guild, but you won’t be penalized for a direct confrontation. Greninja's moveset: Protean - Mat Block, Dig, Toxic Spikes, Haze."
Rewards: Possibly 1 Merit, Evolution slip
Moves used
Vodi: Detect, (Failed) Sucker Punch
Falchion: Night Slash, Aerial Ace, Swords Dance, (Failed) Pursuit
Greninja: Toxic Spikes, Haze, Dig


Cameos: Team Royal  Team Wraith and Team Mavericks


FOR JUSTICE AND VENGEANCE!

© 2014 - 2024 TheBlackAngel07
Comments4
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DeathByGnome's avatar
Haha, poor Comet. It would certainly be SO EASY to mistake him for the Greninja. With his hood up the bubbles around his neck are less visible!

Thank you so much for the cameo! That was a great read.