A New World, A New Dawn

by Uber Reaper

Chapter 12 : Blitzkrieg, part 2

"In the eyes of many, sometimes of what we did, make us looks like villain in more than one instances, but I'm not going to deny that. I guess, that's why I will never raise myself into a hero status. In order to erase one evil...the harsh truth is that sometimes we have to do lesser evils to get rid of it. I never like it all this time and never will. - Eric Angelo

Play this as opening theme

---

Early in the morning, Sally’s form was as small as a dot as she closed in on the city of Tall Tale once more. Her stubbornness allowed her to see through this to the end.

Once more, the Salamence is bored as hell. With literally nothing to do, but just hiding behind one roof after another as she followed her target closely. Made even worse that they haven’t even said anything interesting at all. All they had done so far was walk through the town, before entering the police station and nothing else.

“If all they planned to do was just go into the station, maybe I should just come back later. Something interesting is bound to happen later.” As if on cue, her stomach growled. “Oh yeah, I forgot breakfast too.” The Dragon had forgotten the fuel for her stomach and she decided that it was high-time to fill her stomach with nourishment before attempting another stakeout.

And yet, she was utterly frustrated the moment she had returned and found out they were still in the station. The only difference was that the station was seemingly active from where she could observe them due to the guards constantly moving around. This routine was repeated several times, fly back, return here all the way until it was sunset. Only her sheer stubbornness to see that scum land in jail hadn’t allowed her to just call it quits due to the lack of inactivity.

Her luck quickly changed in an instant.

“Hey, did you hear the news?” A voice caught Sally’s attention. She peeked over the roof of the guard station and noticed two cops or the sort standing

“Hear what?”

The Dragon strained her hearing as hard as he could to make sure she could hear every inch of the conversation.

“That a thief is attempting a burglary of the mayor tonight.”

“What thief? Scratch that, how did you even know there’s a burglary tonight?”

“C’mon, every guy in the station knows about it. Some sort of fellow named Foxy or something? Guy must’ve have a poor sense of names if he chose a name like that.”

Sally couldn’t help but be surprised when the guard had said that. “Foxy?” The Dragon whispered with a questioning face. Unwilling to let this chance slip, she resumed her eavesdropping to get every bit of information.

“What kind of thief would announce their presence like that? Is he nuts?”

“Don’t know, seems to me this thief was either an amateur or just really stupid. Who sends notices telling everyone they’re about to steal something?”

“Heh, you got a point there. Hey, wanna grab a beer after our patrol is done?”

“You read my mind, pal.”

A satisfied grin couldn’t escape her lips. She had got her know. “Gotcha!” With a single wing beat, she quickly took to the air and headed back toward Vanhoover’s direction.

“Fox,” Sally growled. “I will get you this time.”

---

“Eric!” Sally exclaimed as she slammed the door in again, revealing everyone in their respective favourite position like before.

“Hey, hey, watch it, I just replaced the hinges!” Dawn sighed with exasperation followed with a scratch of her head.

Sally had the decency to rub her head with a paw. “Sorry about that, Dawn. But that’s not important right now. Eric,” Sally turned to face her trainer who is raising his eyebrow. “I saw her, I saw her just now!”

Almost instantly, the atmosphere of the house changed from relaxed to tense. “Whoa, you saw Phantom Thief Burglar or something?” Dominus asked with astonishment

“....are you sure it was her?” Eric asked calmly, as if the news hadn’t fazed him.

“I’m 100% sure it’s the same scum!” Sally growled. “That’s not all, it looks like she’s been playing those stupid tricks on the cops again!”

As if on cue, Will whistled. “Fantastic, the so-called graceful lady is up to her woman child shenanigans again. As if dressing up like the Parfum Queen herself wasn’t enough, she had to play pranks. I pity the poor sods who got the end of her tricks.”

Silence followed as everyone gave him a blank stare, Eric just remained as expressionless as ever.

Dominus face-winged. “Okay, dude, I don’t know what to say to that. But you’re nuts.”

“Thanks for the compliment. Appreciate it so much that I couldn’t help, but swoon my mind out.” Will quipped.

Sally wanted to retort so much, yet Eric’s voice broke through her . “...Sally, just...continue where you left off.”

Shaking her head, she added. “I don’t have anything else to say really. That’s the best thing I can describe in the dead of the night high above the whole thing.”

With a sigh, Eric floated up from his sitting position.“....then we should get ready. I’ll explain the plan along the way.”

The word ‘plan’ had caused Sally’s head to perk up. “You already had a plan?”

Will rolled his eyes. “Oh, the brooder always had a plan for everything. Plan for this, plan for that. He exceeds beyond your expectations again, Sally.” Will’s tone left none other than sarcasm in it.

Eric had the common sense to ignore the jab at him. “....alright, everyone, gather at the front yard.”

“Great, we’ll be having a party!”

“Uhm...what about me? Am I,uh, coming too?”

Everyone stared at the voice in question in question who is seated at the sofa right beside Eric. It was Alex again.“....sometimes, I wonder why I forgot he was even in the room.” Eric muttered.

“....you are coming, Alex. We need you.”

“....er, are you sure?”

“I’m pretty sure.” Eric assured with a nod.

“....okay, if you say so.” The Volcarona timidly floated toward the front door.

“I’ll be holding your hand in the meantime.” The Reuniclus plastered another insufferable grin as he exited out the door, followed by Alex whose head bowed low, and a snarling Sally.

The former human was just about to follow his companion, but a voice called out to him. “Eric,” Said Hydreigon glanced over his shoulder to see Dawn with worry on her face. “I know what I said before, I won’t stop you, but...but...” The mare fumbled with her words. “Ah, I just wanted to say be careful, I don’t want to see my friends get hurt more than they should have.”

“Yeah, dude,” Dominus stood beside his partner. “It wouldn’t be that cool to look at if you somehow got back to us with bruises instead of victory. Simply, that is totally uncool.”

The two stared at each other for a moment. “....we’ll be careful, but I can’t promise you that we’ll be back unscathed.”

Dawn scratched her head impotently, knowing that Eric can be resolute in his decisions, but at least he never lies. “Alright, alright, I’ll say it again, be careful, alright?” With a simple nod, Eric floated toward the doorway.

“Good luck, dude. Make sure the thief gets what’s coming.” Fortunately, Eric had heard the Braviary’s parting word before he shut the door.

Everyone had already gathered, and waiting for him. No words were exchanged as the Hydreigon got onto Sally. Will and Alex followed his example behind him.

The former human glanced over his shoulder. “Everyone ready?”

“....Uhm, I think?” Alex answered uncertainly.

“Oh sure, I’m wounded and in need of a medical attention.“ Will commented sarcastically.

Eric took all those as a cue to begin. “....alright, let’s go! Tall Tale, girl, and fast.” The Hydreigon commanded.

“Got it!”

Just before she could beat her wings, the Reuniclus seated on her back decided to switch back to sarcasm mode. “As a gentleman, figured I’d like to point out that some of us couldn’t fly or float from up-high. Kindly try not to let your wonder stunts make us to fall to our death, eh?”

With a massive beat of her wing accompanied by an annoyed snarl, she and her passenger took flight. The Dragon’s mind was focused only on one thing and that is to catch the so-called scum by the name Phantom Thief Fox.

---

“....where did you last see them!?” Eric exclaimed over the roaring winds to make sure everyone had heard him.

The sun had long set over the horizon the moment the time spent between Sally getting her trainer and her team and going back here. The sky was now inky black dotted with infinite amount of stars above.

“I didn’t really see them, all I heard is that a heist is supposed to take place somewhere later tonight!” Sally replied with a yell.

Will screamed over the roaring winds. “Thanks a lot for bursting the happy bubble, woman!”

Sally growled as her temper began to flare and she began contemplating a way to get back at the Reuniclus. One option involved dropping said sarcasm factory off her back, but that would also involve dropping her two additional passengers who are innocent. In the end, she just stayed quiet with a frustrated look, opting not to give Will the satisfaction of a response.

She had flew around the city and making sure her eyes were glued toward the buildings and roads below for any sign of the Fox. So far, her luck wasn’t that good, all she sees is just the occasional ponies milling around down there.

Will sighed in boredom. “Great, is this your plan, Sally? By making sure we’re bored to death before the grand encounter? I heard that ear wax is one way to make sure to make sure that information wasn’t correctly processed by your eardrums.”

“Hey, I know what I heard, so shut up and let me-“ The Dragon cut herself off from making any retort as her eyes found a familiar shiny Zoroark with the entirety of her gang running toward the direction of a big warehouse. “There they are!” Sally exclaimed.

Instantly, all thoughts of boredom and such vanished into the roaring winds. Everyone quickly scanned the ground except for Sally who had already found the target of her anger.

“Where?” Eric questioned as he tried to spot the slippery thief.

“It’s the-“

“Never mind, I saw them.” Eric cut Sally off as he spotted a fox-like figure with a flowing mane tied into a ponytail enter a warehouse following a group of Pokemon.

“I couldn’t really see them clearly, but I think it’s....her. No doubt that Sally could see them clearly otherwise she wouldn’t shout out with confidence....” The Hydreigon spotted a group following by several other beings he couldn’t really see up high. “I think the thief was being followed by a group of...I don’t really know, I can’t see them clearly. Regardless, since we’re here, now’s the chance to get her. I have to make sure our situation won’t get worse like last time.”

“This is it. Alex,” Startled at being addressed once more, he meekly looked at his trainer in front of him. ”I need you to get off here now.”

His eyes nearly bulged out. “...I, uhm...uh...”

Eric glanced behind him with a raised eyebrow. “....what is it?”

“....I’m not really sure...I mean, I’m not saying it’s....uhm, not a good idea, it’s just I’m not really sure I could, er, fly in the air?“ The Volcarona mumbled.

“....Alex, your kind could literally learn the move Fly, I’m sure you will be fine.” Eric assured.

“....are you sure? I mean, I if you’re sure....then, I’m okay.” Alex got his answer in the form of a nod.

“Be careful, Alex. Do five Quiver Dances in a row and enter the warehouse silently, make sure no one sees you. The additional speed should help you with that. After that, get behind a certain Zoroark and wait for my command. You got all of that?” Eric questioned.

“...okay.” The moth nodded softly.

With a nod of satisfaction, Eric turned toward another matter. “Now, Sally,” Eric pointed toward the ground beside her face. “Land us there.”

“Hold on then!” The Salamence quickly dived as her remaining passenger held on to her.

The ground came closer and closer within her dive. At the last second, she spread out her wing and beat downward to reduce momentum, thus allowing her to land safely with a thud. Eric looks no worse for wear as he dismounted his ride, but Will nearly fell off her back when he finally got his bearings back.

“Sally, I love you and all. But try not to make someone nearly fell off to their death next time.” Will quipped as he shook his entire body.

Sally silently snickered. She had given him an indirect payback.

“....Sally, keep doing aerial surveillance. If you see the chance to bust in, then do it, girl. We have surprise on our side this time.”

“You got it, Eric!” She left without another word. Eric could see she’s circling the entire area like a hawk spying upon a prey and waiting for an opportunity to strike.

“Alright, Will, with me. Let’s go! We’re cutting off her exit.” Eric floated forward toward the open double doors of the warehouse.

---

“Will, let’s peek inside and see what’s going on first.” Eric flattened himself on the wall to the left of the doorway

“And here I thought we’re going to saunter in and announce our presence like a pair of idiots we are.” Will chuckled ash hid behind the other wall to the right of the doorway.

Both of them peeked through the door on either side of the doorway. Inside, it was chaos. Ponies ran around to get away from the epicenter of the chaos: a rampaging Aggron, one which several Pokemon were fighting.

That’s not all that had messed up Eric’s day. What made things worse, is that the cop and his gang was also there. Eric realized it was the same one due to the fact he noticed the band on the Lucario’s wrist.

“....the cop.” Eric bit his lip as he cursed in annoyance. “Dammit, this makes things a lot more complicated. I never wanted to involve myself with any form of law enforcement and today is not different. What to do?.... the cop was in here already with Fox, so he could just capture Fox while we watched from the distance. But on the other hand, I didn’t really know if the cop could even capture a slippery thief like Fox.....hmmm.”

His decision was reached with seconds. “...Will, I think it’s best to-“ He was cut off when he heard the sound of a crash a distance away that sounded from the ceiling.

Everyone in the vicinity in turn, also stared at the source which revealed a gaping hole through which a Salamence just went through. What really got their attention was that the Salamence was charging straight at the Aggron, bashing him sideways across the place and causing the metal Pokemon to slide several meters away, knocking him down, and leaving him unconscious on the floor.

Will whistled. “I give her an A+ for one devious way to make a grand entrance. Seriously, I think she got off on this kind of stuff everyday it makes me jealous I couldn’t think of this sooner.”

Just like that, Sally had overridden his decision with one simple entrance. “....too late.” Eric sighed. “....let’s do this then. Will ready yourself.”

Will clapped his hands before rubbing them together in a mock deviousness. “Wonderful, let’s give them a make-up they will never forget.”

---

Meanwhile, Fox, her gang and Jonathan with his team stared at the now unconscious Aggron. “Well that was convenient.”

Sally had heard the blasted voice of the same scum that she and her team had encountered a few days ago.

The Dragon had landed, hard, causing a blast of air upon impact on the ground. She wasted no time to glance to see the same poker face that had her

Sally quickly whipped her entire body around and snarled at her foe. “Fox!”

“Friend of yours?” The same Lucario who she had been tailing asked with a bemused face toward the thieving scum.

“Maybe? Maybe she’s a former human I crossed?” The scum shrugged.

She couldn’t help but allow an additional growl to escape her lips. Not only the scum acted all fine and dandy in front of the cop, but the fact she didn’t remember her only grates her temper even more.

“Flamethrower!” Eric’s voice commanded. As his Pokémon it was her duty to take a deep breath and unleash her signature punishing flame upon her adversary.

The attack never hit, as Rascal countered with an Ice Beam, both attacks canceling each other out. “Now I remember,” she chuckled as she recognized the voice, before calmly looking towards the source of the voice. “I honestly didn’t expect to see you again after Vanhoover,” she said towards the Hydreigon.

“You?!” The Lucario Eric remembered as Jonathan gaped.

“....what is that cop doing here?” Eric bit his lip. “....Dammit, this won’t bode well for any of us if he’s here.”

Eric merely stood calmly as if he hadn’t heard that the officer was addressing him. At this moment, Will had joined his side as he made his entrance.

The Multiplying Pokémon decided it was his chance to address the enemy his ‘way’. “Well, looks like the lady decided to have company this time. Did the big bad boys scare you?” He taunted.

That got a reaction from the Fox’s gang in the form of snickers, yet the thief herself hardly gave any reaction. “Oh, nothing of the sort. We just happened to have the same target at the moment,” Fox shrugged.

Will clapped sarcastically. “Congrats on finding such an excellent companion, lady. Honestly, and I mean honestly, I’m surprised that you could find a boyfriend in one night, especially with that attitude. Nicely done there.”

“Now hold it right there!” Will merely gave a sideway glance to the cop who had picked this moment to speak. “I’ll have you know I have nothing to do with this thief, and I don’t take kindly to being used as the butt of your...insults,” he said indignantly.

“Yeah! You should watch it!” Jonathan’s Combusken partner agreed.

The Reuniclus chuckled. “Look, it’s the child investiga-” He was quickly cut off by his trainer.

“Will….please for once….not now.”

“Whatever you say.” Will shrugged.

“Can I help you? You’re obviously here for something,” The thief asked.

“hmmm....how should I answer this.” Eric mumbled.

“....just knocking you out and arresting you.” The Hydreigon replied simply, unwilling to divulge anymore information with the cop around.

“Yeaaah...I don’t think so. I’ve got nothing to say to a lousy trainer who can’t tell when his Pokemon should stop,” Fox huffed, before adding. “Besides, Johnny-boy has first dibs I think. Speaking of which, I’ve already gotten what I came for. Mayor Grumble is finished. So adieu,” Fox chuckled, as she was about to toss down another smoke bomb.

Unfortunately for her and her gang, Eric gave no such chance when he saw Alex was right behind the gang. “...Heat Wave.” He commanded.

“Duck!” Fox shouted.

Either out of sheer luck or just skill, Eric hadn’t expected them to actually duck beneath the wave. Fortunately, Fox’s mean of escape rolled away into nowhere. “That was close.”

However, due to her proximity, Jonathan and his team had heard her and quickly hit the deck. “Hey! Watch it!” The tiny Noibat shouted indignantly.

Eric gritted his teeth. “....they’re getting in the way. I had to get them out of there now.”

“All of you, move out of the way!” Eric exclaimed before moving to address his team of the threat. He wasn’t going to repeat last’s time mistake. “Sally, Will! Watch everything carefully, if the shadow doesn’t match the object, aim for it. Remember, watch the ceilings this time!”

“Got it!” The Salamence replied with a nod.

The Lucario and his team decided to take Eric’s advice to heart. “Listen to what he says!” All of them moved out of the way to the side.

Meanwhile, Eric wasn’t surprised that Fox or her gang didn’t move from her spot. “See ya later, Johnny-boy,” Fox chuckled as she and her team jumped away from the source of the wave behind them. They turned around to see whoever they are up against....nobody was there except one Salamence several distance away who is glaring death at them.

“Okay...this might be problematic.” Fox commented.

“Yeah...it definitely will be.” The Liepard beside her nodded.

“....looks like Alex is doing well in hiding himself. That’s good, I don’t want him to reveal himself until it was forced.” Eric muttered.

“Hey, you guys seriously still with this guy? Come on, you can do better than that,” Rascal commented to Sally and Will.

The Dragon felt insulted. To think that some measly Weavile would pretend to know her better than her trainer just further angered her. “Don’t tell me who I want to be with, scum! He’s my trainer, and I will always be by his side.”

“What she said.” Will agreed with a bored-looking glance. Though, even if he did act like that, Will knew he would always stay by his trainer’s side.

“Forget it, it’s useless talking to them. What matters now is knocking them out.” Eric said in a calm, yet dark tone.

“It’s fine. We’re done here anyways” This time Fox raised her hand.

Eric didn’t need any gut feeling to know she’s up to something. “Stop her! Stone Edge and Focus Blast at her feet!” His team quickly responded. Will placed his arm forward and readied a blue sphere while Sally summoned a myriad of sharp stones that floated around her.

The attacks were rapidly shot towards the gang of thieves, forcing them to jump back to avoid potentially one stray stones hitting their legs.

Fox sighed in bemusement. “Alright. If you’re that persistent, I suppose we can humor you for a bit.”

“Yay, looks like the lady about to perform some more cheap tricks.” Will clapped his hand. “Can you wait while I grab a pillow and popcorn before I’m going to be amused by your imminent magic tricks.”

The entire gang looked at said Reuniclus blankly. “...is he always like that?” The same Sceptile from the previous encounter deadpanned, indicated by his PLA Uniform.

“I don’t know if I want to know.” The Liepard added with a bemused stare.

“I don’t want to know either. With how chatty the lady’s gang can be, I’m not gonna ask stupid questions.” Will shrugged in return.

“I think that’s a yes.” The Liepard deadpanned. “Then again, with a motor mouth like that, I bet they just ignore him. Heck, any SANE person would ignore that.”

“Wow, look, there’s actually someone who could turn my inconsiderate sarcasm around. Congrats, cat lady, if only your parents were here to witness such achievement. They would be in tears.”

“Wouldn’t know. Haven’t seen them in a while. Yours?” The Liepard replied with a sour face.

“Oi! Are you two gonna keep trying to talk each other to death or something?!” the Weavile butted in, a vein on his forehead, while Fox seemed...amused.

“Why hello to you to, lady guy. Did you enjoy dating with your match-up there?” The Reuniclus pointed at the bewildered Scep who in turn looked toward his Weavile teammate in confusion. “But let’s go into the main topic, did you ever learn not to butt into someone’s conversation? Conclusions: Looks like there’s no one to supervise with how impolite your are. Such as pity too, if only there were parents around to help their kids.”

“...” The Weavile went into silence. Then, he turned to Fox. “Can I rip this guy in half?”

“Sure. Reuniclus reproduce via subdivision anyway,” The thief shrugged noncommittally.

“...I dunno if I should be happy or scared about that,” The Weavile added with a grimace.

Eric watched on with a small degree of annoyance while he tried to resist rubbing his forehead. “Will, stay quiet for a moment. This isn’t the time.” Eric hissed under his breath.

“Yeah, whatever, make-up session about to start anyway” Will shrugged. “Of course, by rearranging their face.”

“Alright then. Showtime,” Fox smiled before turning toward her Sceptile. “Sceptile.”

“Gotcha,” He nodded, with a simple spin, he had unleashed a Leaf Storm upon Eric and Will. At the same time, The Liepard dashed through the haze of leaves straight for Will.

Yet, Eric and Will had made no move to counter them. Eric had seen Alex right behind them again and know it was time for said counter attack. “Again, Heat Wave, Alex!” Eric emphasized the command by pointing one arm to the gang.

“Switch!” Fox shouted in response. The Sceptile and Liepard immediately canceled their attacks and the entire gang jumped as high as they could over the hot air that passes underneath them.

As soon as they landed, they put their heads on a swivel for the source of the attack. They see the Hydreigon and Will and Jonathan and his gang to the side, yet not Alex.

Yet despite the odds, Fox chuckled. “I see you clearly have another teammate. Care to join us?”

It didn’t take one to be a genius for Eric to realize that Fox was baiting him. “.......no.”

“The guy’s a little shy, but don’t worry, he’ll stick around for the ultimate dish. After all, he’s such a good chef.” Will added with a grin.

Eric had noticed all of them had suddenly stared blankly at him and Will. He merely raised an eyebrow. “....I’m guessing with how they are looking at me like that….they must be planning something.”

It wasn’t planned that the gang decided to cook up. It was Fox building up laughter and she laughed hard. “Not bad. You’re better than last time...or maybe last time was the fluke,” Fox mused. “Alright then, I guess we’ll have to get a little serious. However, do watch yourself to not demolish this building. There are still some people in here.”

Eric had realized this from the start, yet he could see that the support pillar was still alright. “....you first, Fox. I’m not falling for it this time.”

“...I’m not kidding. That Aggron made this place pretty unstable, and thanks to fight that happened right before you showed up...yeah, we’re in a safety hazard right now,” Fox simply said.

“Then why don’t you try by knocking us out? Surely, it would be simple for the Phantom Thief Lady Fox to knock out a simple idiot like me and made a mad dash for freedom? Or are you really that stupid not to figure it out? Huh, figured as much.” Will shooked his head in mock disappointment.

“Well then, let’s have some fun,” The Weavile took a deep breath in the same manner as Sally before letting out a punishing cold in the form of Icy Wind.

Eric won’t give the attack the chance to even get close. “Alex, Heatwave to cancel the Icy Wind!” The familiar Heat Wave came crashing down upon the Icy Wind from above, causing it to slowly dissipate.

“Hm? Well that’s annoying, Weavile’s Icy Wind at full power can’t be canceled out by simple flames. Seems to me you’ve got a strong one this time. Mind if you join the party? Its rather rude to keep hiding when everyone knows you’re around,” The Liepard said idly.

“Oh, now you guys think we’re rude?” Will put one arm over his chest mockingly. “It seems we have hypocrites on our hands, look who is currently dodging attack like they have all the time in the world. You should really sit still, be pretty and get yourself fried.”

“No thanks. I prefer this temperature just fine. Speaking of which, are you sure you should keep using Heat Wave here? Those support pillars don’t look very strong anymore.” Fox pointed out.

“Then why don’t you use those tricks to bring their state back to what it is once, huh? Oh, I get it, it seems the lady is running out of tricks, honestly, I’m shocked. For a lady who claims to have grace and class had actually faltered for a moment in the face of being crushed. Besides, I think you should be more worried of the chef around here somewhere.”

Despite Fox pointed out what might have been a fact, Eric didn’t show any signs of worry, in fact, if the building came down, he had two Pokemon who could use Psychic anyway. Just enough for all of them to escape. After all, he had a Reuniclus in his team.

“...you all have issues, don’t you?” Fox deadpanned. “Even the authorities back on Earth didn’t try to kill us. And we’re on the most wanted list.”

Unfortunately, Eric completely ignored her when his eyes found that Alex had gotten behind the gang again. “Heat Wave! Don’t leave one standing, knock them out!” Eric commanded Alex who had gotten behind the gang of thieves once more.

Instantly, a punishing wave of heat was shot with a simple flick of Alex’s wing before flickering out of existence once more.

“You know, this is starting to feel like a luau. Too bad we got stuck playing Fire Limbo!” The Liepard commented as she ducked alongside her teammate.

Eric sensed the groaning of the support pillar, he chewed his lips. “That Heat Wave is no good anymore. Might as well go with the other….”

“Yeaaahh...I REALLY think we should all do this another time. I’d rather not have it signed on my grave: Died cause a stubborn trainer insisted on fighting in crumbling building,” Fox interjected, her usual humor disappearing. She really wasn’t liking this guy right now.

“Yeah, thanks for revealing that, lady. It was quite eye catching, at least the brooder still got one more card left, just enough not to collapse the building.”

Eric had already thought of one more move that is collateral damage free. “Bug Buzz!”

Alex quickly came into view once more behind the gang then the unexpected happen...he was hit by a Shadow Ball that came from the side. “...what the?” Eric’s eyes laid instantly upon the source of the Shadow Ball who revealed to be from the Mightyena who stayed at the side with his team.

“That’s quite enough!” Eric had given no reaction, he merely glanced at the Lucario to the side. “Are you people INSANE?! We should all be getting out of here, NOT fighting like a pair of Fletchlings over a berry!” The Lucario said, hoping to restore some sanity to the situation.

“I’m with Jonathan. I think we can put trying to catch me on hold till after we’re AT LEAST out of this building,” Fox and her team nodded in agreement.

“No…” The voice of the Salamence behind the gang caught their attention. “I’m not letting you get away again, scum. Not. This. Time!” She snarled

Eric chewed his lips, he knew it would eventually come to this, but he didn’t want to. Once Sally is set on something, he knew there’s no stopping her. At least he knew Bug Buzz won’t collapse a building, what he didn’t expect is that the cop decided to intervene with Alex.

“Are you kidding? Look around you, woman! Does this LOOK like a good place to try catching Fox? She won’t go down easily, and she is NOT worth risking our lives over, especially when we can do this once we get out!” The Combusken said in exasperation.

Sally’s head snapped toward the Combusken with a growl. “Shut up, Combusken. This doesn’t concern you.”

“Actually, this DOES concern us,” The Lucario intervened. “I’ve been watching this fight, and from what I’ve been seeing and hearing, I’m starting to wonder if most of the damages to the museum back in Vanhoover were YOUR doing. You all have shown little restraint in using what might be lethal force, casually talk of maiming people, and completely disregard the situation, namely the fact that we have more important things to worry about rather than Fox at the moment!” He growled out the last word.

“I know I should be a little insulted that I’m suddenly second banana, but I’m with Jonathan. I’d prefer you try catching me when we’re not in a potential death trap.” Fox voiced from behind the cop and his gang.

Eric did see their point and his resolve faltered for a moment, but as if by cue, the Salamence looked back at Eric with a pleading look. Eric shakes his head. “Alex, Bug Buzz, no more Heat Waves or anything Fire-type.”

A look of horror spread across the everyone’s face, except Sally and Will. “Wait wait! Isn’t that just a little excessive, dude?” The Sceptile asked with a frown.

“Don’t you dare! You’ll hit all of us, you overgrown barbeque!” The Noibat, Echo screamed.

“You deaf, little lady? And I’m gonna take that as a yes. When the brooder told you to get out of the way, he mean it. You seem to lack brain cells to comprehend how to get away quickly. Besides, we’re out of range, not going to hit us. Probably just minor discomfort.”

“...that does it. We started here chasing after Fox, when we should really be chasing after you all right now! With how you lot are acting, you’re a bigger threat than Fox was!” Howl growled.

“Now, Alex, take them down!” Eric ignored them and the screeching sound came, before he quickly covered his ears.

However, thanks to the distraction that Jonathan afforded, the Fox gang was able to make a move, and right before the attack hit, they jammed something into the closest people they could reach, Jonathan’s group. The attack hit, and when it ended, everyone was still standing.

“And I thought you could get obsessive,” Fox chuckled as she pulled something out of his ear. “I only just met this guy once, and he’s already crazy obsessed.”

“What? What did you do just now?” Jonathan blinked, still surprised that the attack hadn’t hurt as much.

“Earplugs. Never leave home without them,” Weavile smirked as they all removed said earplugs.

Eric had to prevent himself from rubbing his head. “....earplugs….that thief. Is she really that prepared or is it something else? ….I’m going to bet on the former.”

As soon as Jonathan got his bearings back, he immediately glared at Eric. “That does it. You all are under arrest! Charges include attempted arson, possibly endangering lives, and attacking officers of the law!” He said before flashing his badge. “Come quietly, and I promise things will go easier for you,” he said, before adding, “The same goes with you, Fox. Despite what you’ve done today, I’m afraid I still have to arrest you.”

“Awwww….and here I was hoping I could get a free pass for exposing the Mayor.” Fox pouted.

“Oh, looks like the kid is playing investigators again. Figured you would done so sooner or later.” Will quipped.

“...and one account of possible mental instability for the Reuniclus,” Jonathan deadpanned with an annoyed look. “So how will we do this? The easy way, or the hard way?”

“If they pick the hard way, I’m helping you. Personally, I find them a little disturbing too,” Fox added.

Eric began thinking his options inside his mind. On one hand, he could just let Fox walk away so no one would die, on the other hand, that would mean surrendering himself to the cop or he could continue this and hope for the best since he knows by taking Fox outside mean she would have a higher chance of getting away. He tried to think which one is best, and ultimately came to one choice.

“.....this is why I didn’t want to involve myself with any form of law enforcement. They always thought they were the good guys.” Eric muttered with a frown. “....no choice, then.”

The Hydreigon was about to raise his arms in submissions. But that was interrupted by a voice shouting. “No, Eric!”

Eric looked at the source of the voice, it was the Salamence again. “We can’t give up! Not yet! Not until the scum is brought down!”

“Sally….” Eric bit his lip.

“Great, there she goes again spouting off the word scum like one would use a coma.” Will remarked with a chuckle.

“Geez. What the heck did I do to get to this point?” The Zoroark groaned. “I mean, all I did was beat you guys in a fight. Hardly anything to get so worked up about.”

“Yeah, tell that to someone who fights fairly which I mean you, lady.” Will mockingly pointed an arm at Fox.

“I never said it was a fair fight.” Fox said with a frown.

“...I want to ask, but somehow I know I won’t like the answer,” Jonathan said with hesitation. “Look...Ms. Salamence, I don’t know what your beef with Fox is, but can’t it wait till AFTER we’re not in a place that might collapse at any minute?”

“No way! I won’t let the scum get out of the building and get away! We will knock her out right here!” Sally countered resolutely.

“...sir...your Salamence...needs help. So what is your answer?” Jonathan sighed.

“....I don’t even know what to do anymore with Sally insisting to keep at it…..it wouldn’t hurt to try.” Eric mumbled.

“Sally….maybe we should just…” Eric tried to persuade his Salamence.

But she wasn’t having any of it. “Eric, we can’t! I’m not going to let this scum get away! Scum like her is what make everything worse! Scum that should be wiped out!”

“...wow, since when did I suddenly get the same treatment as the madmen with doomsday weapons? I’m honestly a little insulted,” Fox deadpanned. “Listen here you, I’m a thief, yes, that I will not deny. But I’d appreciate it if you didn’t lump me in with the psychopaths and other nut jobs that were left on Earth.”

“Shut up! You and they are the same! Eric, you can’t give up!” Sally shot her trainer a pleading look.

Eric gritted his teeth. He shakes his head once more. “I’m sorry for this, officer, but….Alex, Bug Buzz again.”

“Hyper Beam!” Fox commanded, with the Liepard subsequently turned around and unleashed Hyper Beam upon Alex who had appeared behind them again. Eric were relieved that it was not necessary because Alex quickly vanished, the effects of five Quiver Dances still in effect. “I kinda figured we’d go this way. If this building collapses and kills us, I’m HAUNTING you for the rest of your life...provided you didn’t die as well.” Fox groaned, her voice thick with annoyance.

“I’ll add ‘resisting arrest’ to your charges.” Jonathan growled.

".....dammit. This quickly goes downhill all the sudden." Eric growled in silence.

---

Play this as battle theme

“Echo, find him, then use Air Cutter!” The Lucario nodded toward his Noibat.

“Roger!” Echo said while concentrating. Her head snapped to the side before bringing her wings back and flicked both forward, launching the aformentioned Air Cutter.

Fortunately for Eric, no sound of impact is heard.

“While we’re at it, Shadow Ball and Ice Beam!” Fox ordered. Both attacks are launched by the Liepard and Weavile toward Will and Sally respectively.

“You too, Howl. Shadow Ball. And Heat, Flame Charge!” Jonathan added.

“Sally, fly up and use Stone Edge!” He turned to address Will. “Will, Double Team and counter with Focus Blast. And Alex, use Hurricane!” The Hydreigon quickly moved out of the way.

Both them and the unseen Volcarona obeyed their trainer without a word. Sally quickly flew up and dodged the Ice Beam and summoned another array of sharp stones while the Reuniclus literally….multiplied, although only copies and prepared a Focus Blast. With the array of stones prepared, Sally launched it toward Rascal and Heat, while Will aimed the Focus Blast toward only Howl then a blast of powerful wind came. Turns out, Alex had used a Hurricane attack.

“Okay, this is getting a little annoying,” Jonathan grunted as him and his gang rolled with the attack.

“Blizzard!” Fox commanded mid-roll, for which the Weavile immediately executed the command the moment he rolled out of the attack toward the landing Salamence.

“Alex, work with Sally. Heat Wave to cancel the Blizzard!” The Volcarona appeared in front of the Salamence, preparing to use Heatwave to support his teammate.

“Not happening! Echo! Dragon Breath!” Jonathan shouted, as the Noibat intercepted the Salamence. The Dragon Breath hit, although not as effective as they hoped to be as the Dragon hardly flinched.

“Toxic, Liepard!” Fox added, the Liepard obeying and firing the attack at both Alex and Sally while they were preoccupied.

The ball of poison hit and splattered across the Volcarona’s face causing him to blink out of existence again. The second ball was easily avoided when the Salamence merely tilted her head aside and the ball hit the Aggron lying on the floor behind her instead.

“Again,” Fox simply said, as another Blizzard and Toxic was fired, both aimed at Sally.

“Howl, Dark Pulse! Heat, Sky Uppercut!” Jonathan ordered, aiming them at Will again. Howl fired first, but this time making the pulses in a wider range, while Heat followed closely behind it, his claws glowing.

“Not good! Will let the attacks hit! Sally fly up and use Dragon Dance!”

Will just grinned as he felt himself launched into the ceiling and the pulse of darkness hit his entire being. Admittedly, Sky Uppercut didn’t hurt much, compared to Dark Pulse at least, but still his grin is still on his face. Sally dodged the attacks aimed for her by gracefully spiralling upward, this in turn caused her eyes to glow red for a moment.

“Toxic, then Venoshock,” Fox calmly said. To Sally’s surprise, she was hit in the face by a glob of poison, followed by intense pain as the poisons were suddenly aggravated.

“Sally!” Eric gritted his teeth. Things are getting worse with the officer suddenly joining the fray, then a dull thud sounded beside him. Will just fell from the ceiling. “Pain Split, Will. Aim at the Liepard!”

“Not happening! Leaf Storm!” Fox shouted, before she threw a Shadow Ball herself.

“Bite, and Aerial Ace!” Jonathan added.

Echo darted immediately, hitting Will before the attack could be launched, followed by 2 hits from the Leaf Storm and the Shadow Ball, ending with Bite to the arm. “Just give it up already! Save us the trouble and your Pokemon the pain!”

“Will!” The Hydreigon exclaimed out of worry, yet he instantly noticed that the Mightyena is still attached to Will’s arm. He got one idea. “Use Thunder then strike the Combusken!”

If the Mightyena eyes could have opened any wider , his eyes would have rolled out of their sockets As he realized his teeth were still firmly clamped on the Reuniclus’ arms. Will grinned. “One fried...(cough) dog, coming up!” The smell of ozone started to enter the dog’s nose.

“Flame Charge, Heat!” Jonathan barked, however, the target was not Will, but rather, his arm, allowing him to get Howl out, allowing them to evade MOST of the Thunder attack. They still got a decent blow, unfortunately, sending them spasming to the ground.

“Help them out! Pursuit!” Fox shouted, to which Liepard charged forward as well.

But they forgotten the fact that there’s still one enemy and that enemy appeared in front of the Liepard. “Now, Hurricane!” The poisoned Volcarona send a large blast of wind that sent the feline flying back.

“Venoshock!” Fox followed up, as two more shots came from the ceiling, hitting Alex in the split second where he just finished the attack.

The Sun Pokemon is helpless as he fell down and hit the floor with a thud. “Alex!” Surprisingly, the moth still floated up, although with difficulty. “....are you okay?”

“I’m okay...’cough’ ‘cough’, I mean, I think so…” Alex nodded softly.

“Seriously, let’s stop this already,” Fox sighed. “Your team is at a disadvantage...and we’re STILL in a crumbling building...which I think is getting worse.”

“She’s right. This is getting us nowhere,” Jonathan agreed.

As much as Eric hate to admit it, he knows he was in over his head and was thinking of just going away and forgetting all about this. And yet, his stubborn Salamence was still having none of it. “I’m. Not. Letting. You. Get. Away!”

“...is she serious?!” Fox said, disbelief all over her face..

“...she isn’t going to shut up till we knock her out, is she?” Jonathan sighed.

Eric chewed his lips, he just hoped for the best at this point. He knew that Will was the most wounded out of his team so far, and he knew Will was badly wounded out of everyone else, and therefore not about to end the fight quickly. “Will, finish the Pain Split, aim for Fox this time. And Alex….ready yourself.”

“Dude, you got a problem,” The Sceptile deadpanned, then he launched an array of sharp leaves at Will.

Sally, quickly came forward and landed in the path of the Leaf Storm before firing her signature Flamethrower at it. Alex came to assist as he appeared with Heatwave ready, burning all the leaves away.

The Pain Split was fired, but Fox merely slammed something into the floor and smoke suddenly rose up around her.

“Just as Eric had expected, the Pain Split had missed.

“This is getting ridiculous. Johnny-boy, let’s end this.” Fox reappeared right behind the Lucario.

“Yeah...I guess you’re right,” Jonathan sighed.

In that instant, all of them quickly charged up all sorts of elemental attacks from hands, mouths, paws and etc. Barrages of Flamethrower, Venoshock, Leaf Storm, Blizzard, Hyper Beam, Dark Pulse, and even a Shadow Ball were unleashed upon the opposing Pokemon.

“Dammit, Alex use-” Eric didn’t need to finish the command as Alex flew forward in front of everyone else, then he cast a transparent barrier. The attacks pelted the Protect barrier without any risk of breaking through. The attacks settled soon and the barrier flickered away, but the caster on the other hand had collapsed into his side and slipped into unconsciousness. The poison finally did it’s job.

“Alex!” Eric went toward the fallen Pokemon and clutched the moth to his chest. “....he passed out from poison….dammit.”

“Last chance. Give it up already.” Eric looked up to see the impromptu foes had tensed again.

For once, Will hadn’t yet made any sarcastic remark, he merely breathed heavily behind the group while Sally looked at her fallen teammate in sadness. Then the pain from the poison shot through her again, causing her to grit teeth. “No….not gonna happen. I’m going to finish this for Alex!”

The Dragon was helpless when a Shadow Ball collided against her face. “Are. You. A. Freakin. IDIOT?!” Fox shouted, her patience finally running out. “Look around you. Your friends can’t fight anymore. Our teams have been hurt, though not as badly. And we’re STILL in a building that looks ready to crumble! And for what?!” As if on cue, a pillar had crumbled down.“See?”

Out of the smoke from the Shadow Ball which had collided directly to the Dragon’s face, revealed Sally’s unamused face who quickly turned to a look of pure hatred. All of them suddenly took a step back with fear on their faces.

The Hydreigon realizes what this means. “....she’s using Intimidate on them. Attack power will decrease. Additionally, their morale.” Eric muttered through his lips.

Sally was utterly angry now. Not only the cop had harmed one of her teammate, but he also had the gall to assist someone like Fox. “Eric, give me my order! I will crush them!”

“Choose your orders carefully!” Jonathan growled while tried his best to ignore the effect of Intimidate, as he and his team tensed up. “Wrong choice, and I WON’T be held responsible for what might happen!”

“...........” Eric stared with a straight face while still clutching the injured Volcarona to his chest. “.....I can’t let this continue. Will is injured from those attacks, Sally is not badly hurt, but poisoned, and now Alex had passed out. Things never go exactly as planned. It’s time…”

With eyes closed, Eric spoke.“.....stand down!”

Sally was shocked to say at least. She glanced over her shoulder to her trainer. “....what?”

The Hydreigon bit his lip and he opened his eyes. “Stand down, girl! It’s over, it’s not worth it.”

“But…..” The look her trainer gave her forced her to sigh and nod her head in compliance. “....fine!”

“Good,” The Lucario nodded in satisfaction. “Now let’s get out of here!”

“I agree! Let’s go!” Fox agreed, soon she and her team turned tail and ran for the nearest exit. “See you guys around! You better not die!”

Eric had noticed the entire support pillar started to crumble away. One had even collapsed entirely. “....this place won’t last much longer after all.” Just then, he had noticed a flash of red in the corner of his eyes.

Glancing at Sally, he knew she had fired a Flamethrower just now straight toward the object of her hate. It was then, his eye caught something....amusing. He didn’t show it, but inside....he was smirking. “Hmmm, she would have a hair problem later on.” A smile had actually tugged his lips in the process.

“...you really have problems…” Jonathan deadpanned when he saw that, but shook his head, before running towards the exit with his team. Along the way, they noticed that Green Lead was still embedded in the wall. “...I really want to leave you, but that’s not what I should do,” he sighed, before pulling out the corrupt pony from the wall and running out with him.

“We should (cough) get out too. Unless, someone plan to make (cough) a cream splatter out of us.” Will floated out the door.

Sally for once, agreed, but the smile on her face couldn’t be missed by Eric who she had passed on her way to the exit. For in fact, she had noticed what had been set alight by her ‘goodbye’ Flamethrower. It was already satisfying enough even if the thief had gotten away from her clutches.

And with that, it was only Eric the only one left in the building. “....so I was right, things never go to plan after all.” With a sigh, he stared upward toward the collapsing ceiling.

“Eric, what are you doing staring up at the ceiling? C’mon!” Sally called out from behind him, but the voice seemed distant.

Eric had made sure that Alex was tight within his arms, then turned around and floated toward the door. He didn’t pay the debris that starting to collapse all around him as he exited the warehouse with Alex.

End theme

---

All of them stared in silence as the building collapsed. One by one the could hear the groan of the metal pillars that had kept the ceiling itself in check finally toppled alongside the roof.

A few minutes later, nothing had remained of the building except a pile of cement, metal, and rebars.

“Wow, quite the reconstruction we got going there. I’m sure the city workers will be happy to know that they're lacking one (cough) building." Will coufhed several times after the end of his sentence.

“....we’re done here, and the thief can be anywhere by now. Let’s-“ Eric was quickly cut off by a pained grunt had caught the former human’s attention.

Eric had remembered what had caused it. He took a glance at the Salamence at his side that she had gritted her teeth. “....she’s still in poison. This isn’t good, we had to get back quickly.”

“...we have to get out of here fast, all of you are severely injured.” Eric laid the unconscious Volcarona atop of Sally

“Yeah, thanks for pointing that out, major brooder.” Will quipped sarcastically as he climbed on top of Sally without any additional sarcasm.

“Hurry, I-“ Sally gritted her teeth as she tried to hold the pain at bay. “I don’t know how long before I pass out.”

Eric would have gotten on Sally and high-tailed it back to Dawn’s home before the poison took it’s toll on Sally. The only thing that had prevented him from climbing on top of her was that he saw something in the corner of his eyes. Turning his head, he saw what seems to be...two ponies conversing with each other, one was crawling while the other was on top of him. He couldn’t get a good look before the other had flown away somewhere.

His attention was currently focused on the other pony who was laying on the ground and was no unmoving. “....wait, here a moment. I won’t be long.”

“Watch out, people, here comes the Hydreigon. Prepare to wet your pants at his sheer intimidation factor.” Will cross his arm accompanied by his

“Eric!” Sally’s whining were drowned out as her trainer focused on finding out whatever it is that he had seen.

The closer the distance was, the clearer the figure laying on the grass on his stomach. Eric found that it was indeed a pony, a pony who is wearing an expensive suit.

Leveling himself as low as possible, he gently turned the pony around before checking his pulse. He was relieved to find the pony unharmed, but he did notice a paper which was inside the breast pocket had slipped out of it and into the grass.

“Hmmm?” Picking it up, he held it in front of his face. “....folded paper?”

Turning it all around, revealed it that it is folded with no sort of writing on it, but he knew it would mean there’s writing on the inside. “What was a pony with an expensive suit doing out here...was he in the building just now? ....since I was here, might as well check it out.”

Opening the paper had revealed the contents to be much more dirty than he thought. It was some sort of contract.

“....corrupt mayor with contract to the criminal elements in this city. I would think the criminal ran amok in this city with a corrupt official to supervise.” Eric had neatly refolded the paper before slipping it back into Grumble’s breast pocket. Glancing around, he had not seen anyone who seemed like a cop to him, so it would seem he knew it was up to him again to bring this pony to a station. “....but...Sally and the others....” A silence went on for a few seconds, then he made his decision.

Soon, he dragged the corrupt official by the scruff of his neck toward town. His sense of duty compelled him to deliver the pony toward any form of law enforcement.

“....I can’t believe I’m doing this. Forget about bringing the pony to a station, that would take too much time. A simple cop to drop this pony off should be enough.” Glancing to his left toward the direction where he remembered to have left his team, he bit his lip. “....please, hold out a bit longer, guys.”

---

“Hmmm....I think that’s the police station. That was surprisingly easy to find.”

No sooner than a few minutes into town had Eric found the station down the street to his left within the rows of building. Like Vanhoover, it sticks out like a sore thumb, owing the fact it was the biggest building around it and it had some bars for windows.

Eric could see the congregation of several guards in front of the station. He could see it as clear as day that all of them were either anxious or just sweating with fear. He made no effort to announce his presence as he dragged the pony onward.

Soon, one guard had had heard and in turn, noticed the coming of someone in the distance, the other guards soon took notice themselves. They all went beyond from surprised to intimidated in an instant when they looked upon the weirdest Pokémon they had seen to date stopped a few feet in front of them. They could see he was dragging something behind him.

With a gulp, he tried to address the three-headed Pokémon “Hey, what are you-“ Then something heavy was thrown forward, revealing itself to be their mayor, all broken and battered.

The look of surprises in their face would be amusing had it not been Eric who had seen it. He released the scruff of the neck he had a death grip all this time when dragging said mayor behind him. Eric left without another word.

Strangely none of them paid the Hydreigon any heed as he left the mayor in front of the baffled guards.

“....it’s up to them now.”

---

A pained grunt sounded through Sally's lips. She could feel her vision starting to swim uncontrollably. Any minute and she would be unconscious. “Eric...where is he?”

Will was about to make another sarcastic remark when he had noticed someone coming their way. “Oh, there’s the brooder, wonder what sort of fun he had just now if he’s taking his sweet time. Pity he didn’t invite us.”

“No time,” Eric wasted no time to mount on Sally as soon as he’s close enough. “Sally, back to Dawn quickly!”

“Got it!” A simple beat of wing and they soon took flight back toward Vanhoover within the night skies.

“....it’s time to go back.”

---

Play this as closing theme

Author's Note:

And, here we are, this chapter heralded Eric's second encounter with the infamous Phantom Thief Fox as well as his second encounter with the Police Officer Jonathan. I apologize in advance. if some of you may find the chapter is longer than it should.

As the usual thing, once more I apologize for any sort of grammatical error I've made

Any likes is greatly appreciated for those who like my story. Share it love, people

Hope you guys enjoy the chap

Oh and, Phantom Thief Fox and Jonathan are both OC's belonging to tdnpony

Comments

[DDDDDDDDD23]

Eric and most of his party belong in a mental asylum