Episode 12: Netherworld

CONTENT WARNING: Chapter contains some dark depictions of torture that may be distressing to some.

The Mareep hovercraft was faster than May thought. They reached the city in minutes, which felt like a whole different world than the desert dungeons she’d just struggled through. She hoped they would disembark at the bridge going over the gorge, but it turned out there were several roads and paths that sloped down directly into the city. The world they needed was the city below, not the world of the bridge above.

No amount of strict punishment would keep her curiosity. The bridge was a city on its own, with habitable towers lining the sides at both ends, and row upon row of shops and facilities beside the roads. It was bustling with species and activity too, though she was too far away to make out the details. Neon signs and bright lights said all they needed to.

As for her, she descended into a world cooler than the desert. A shadow cast by the bridge and the walls of the gorge gave great relief from the sun, which wasn’t even visible from their depth. It wasn’t exactly dark, she had a clear view of all the muted colours making up countless towns and communities, all bundled together in a modernized web she knew as a city. These structures weren’t natural or species-themed like in smaller towns and villages, they were sturdy, modern, almost commercial in appearance. All following a certain theme, yet all unique enough that nothing was repetitive to look at. Tall and rough, short and oily, neon blinkers, hand panted signs, glossy windows, stone walls, brick walls, all sorts made up these block buildings neatly fitted between the roads and streets.

The road was empty besides themselves, so May slowed down to let Dusk start directing her. There was a pavement wide enough for all kinds of Pokémon, and white marks in the road to imply where Pokémon might cross. Above her were wires connected by the occasional pole, each one tall enough to hold their own set of signs and direct flying traffic. Thanks to this system, there was no shortage of variety to the Pokémon around. The only oddity was the fact that they were the only ones using the road. There were no other vehicles, or even things like caravans or carts.

“Left here, and drive slowly. We’re stopping here,” Dusk instructed, difficult to hear on top of their kart’s engine. They turned into a dead end with a garage, which opened up for them automatically.

”It’s about time. Ain’t anybody ever tell you that even the trunk is too small for me? These arms and legs need room to stretch, you know!” Vega complained as May drove them in. “Why’d I get assigned to you, anyway? All your stuff is built for bloody rodents, it’s very selfish!”

“Take your complaints up with the head. Follow me,” Dusk hopped out the moment they stopped. May was caught off-guard by the haste, but caught up before her neck was pulled.

It was cool outside, yet cold in here. Cold and grey, with the only windows being high up and barred. She was directed to a large room with a number of workbenches, tool spaces, and flickering specks of dust in the air. Two walls were dedicated to storage, with tools hung up on one wall while the other had cupboards filled with materials. May put a paw to her lip, not confident in the dusty feel of it all.

It’s a mechanics workshop… finally, something that fits me, the Pichu flinched when something jolted her choker, but twisting back to the others, it was just them removing her leash. The choker remained, tight as ever.

“Do not get the wrong idea. The switch is wireless. You can still be punished at any time,” Dusk held up his end of the switch. He gave it a little press to shock her, and May was brought to the floor again. It was only for a second, yet it felt like someone had snipped at her neck with a pair of scissors. “The drill will never change. Follow our orders, stay on task, no ifs, buts, or otherwise. If you want to hang yourself, you know what to do.”

May didn’t reply. She could only sniffle and brace as she struggled back to her feet. By now, it hurt just to stand, and her eyesight was blurring.

“I leave the rest to you. I expect results, Vega. Otherwise, punishment is coming your way as well,” Dusk handed the Tinkaton the switch. “No deviations from the project. We have a curriculum for a reason.”

With that, he slowly marched out of the room, to which Vega stuck her tongue out and blew raspberries until he was gone. She grumbled all manner of profanity too, all until she was sure he was completely gone. The moment he was, she performed multiple front flips over to May and scooped her up into a cuddle. “Fucking finally, you get to be all mine!”

“A-ah-ah, what? Pl-please don’t- nuzzle me like that!” May choked, trying to squeeze out. To her surprise, Vega set her down carefully. “Uh…”

“Don’t act so surprised! I feel kind of bad since you’re not allowed to eat anything, so I’ve got to be nice somewhere, don’t I?” Vega grinned. Being this close to her at last, May only just noticed Vega’s eyes were bright green, lacking pupils or other details. “If you’re not a hug person, then maybe you’re actually into that pain shit. Should I get handcuffs?”

“Don’t even go there!” May snapped. “Yuck. If you could remove this choker, that would be preferred. And what do you mean I can’t eat anything?”

“Dusk didn’t tell you anything, did he? About what we’re doing here and such. You have to wonder what goes through that guy’s head sometimes. He acts like we’re all mind readers, and it’s oh-so vexing!” Vega stomped the floor. “Well, no matter. We have time. A couple of months, to be exact. Well, longer than that, but I am not waiting that long to see if you’re all talk.”

May folded her arms to imply she was listening.

“I could be on his level, and order you to pick each grain of sand out of my fur and hair, but I’m sure that would take even you too long… nice as it would be. I will get you to serve me by the way, so don’t think you’re getting off easy regardless,” Vega began. “Regardless, let’s get down to proper business. You’re here on tech stuff, and you’ve gotten a taste of the kinda thing we make here. That Chansey rocket-thingy, and then the Mareep Dasher. You drove it just fine, yes?”

“It was easy to use, yes,” May agreed with a nod.

“Cool. The next step is building shit that’ll actually defend you. And you’ve gotta look like a normal Pokémon the whole time, so no removing the brace. No magnet stuff, either. Same as before,” Vega started prancing around the room on her toes. “Weapons! Mecha suits! Munitions! All the fun stuff. That’s what you’re gonna build. You’re gonna make it original, you’re gonna make it pretty, and you’re gonna make lots of it. However you like, as practical or impractical. Why, if you were truly clever, you just might kill us using what you build, and bust your way outta here. That’d be glorious!”

May didn’t reply.

“What? Don’t tell me you didn’t just think of that. Didn’t the idea cross that clever little brain of yours?” Vega froze to point at her, but she wasn’t looking directly at her.

“No. As a matter of fact, it didn’t,” May blinked.

“WHAT? Oh come on. We’re literally starving and torturing you. You won’t be getting even a morsel until you get started by the way, so you might as well quit talking to me and get on it,” Vega started playing with her fingers. “Don’t go using me for inspiration. I don’t wanna see no boring ass commodities like what I’ve got on my back. If I needed that stuff, I’d build it myself. I’m not even looking for the dangerous stuff. No nuclear bombs or satellite lasers or any of that anime shit.”

“What kind of operation is this? What exactly do you want me to make?” May raised an eyebrow.

“I just told you! Make something we’ve never seen before. A true eye-catcher that would make me piss myself in fear!” Vega struck a pose, pointing straight up. She slowly lowered her arm to point at May. “Build the ultimate weapon.”

“The ultimate weapon…?” May mumbled.

“Yeah. I’m not gonna tell you what that is because even I dunno what it is. But that’s the prospect. Go build it, now,” Vega leaned on a bench, her eyes glowing with excitement.

It’s obvious that her idea of ‘the ultimate weapon’ is abstract. Perhaps she’s just looking for my take on such a thing, May returned to a thought pose. If it’s not a bomb or a laser, then what is it? Something original that no one has ever seen before?

There was silence for a little while, but May’s stomach rumbled to break it. She turned away to hide her embarrassment, but she could feel Vega’s half-lidded grin on her. I’m exhausted and I just want to get this over with… maybe I could do this if I wasn’t so weak.

“You poor thing. You must be getting famished. Tell ya what. If you can run an errand for me, I’ll sneak ya a good old healthy meal,” Vega proposed.

“I don’t really have a choice if it’s for food,” May turned to her.

“Ahahaha, you’re no fun at all. Get on the floor and beg me, rodent!” Vega’s tone went gritty. May didn’t comply. “Disobeying me, huh? Looks like you still don’t get it!”

“No, wait!” May gasped, but she was too late. Vega shocked her with the switch, and once again she curled back screaming as pain and agony surged through her. She coughed as she fell flat on the floor, too weak to lessen her fall.

“Oh wow, it’s that easy, and that was one heck of a scream. You really don’t like this thing, do you?” Vega remarked, admiring the switch. She pressed it again for a second, then let up, and then again. “On, off, on, off, scream, no scream, scream, no scream! Ahahahaha, it’s like a squeaky toy, but instead it’s a counter until death!”

The on and off shocking made those last few moments fade. May was left smouldering, her mind blank and sight a blur of fuzzy, dull colours. Her body wouldn’t move. It was a wonder she could even hear clearly. And yet, she was pulled to her feet, where she did what little she could to look like she was paying attention.

“Good, you’re not dead yet. But as you can see, I’m not as lenient as that gentlemanly Morpeko. Piss me off, and I’ll play with your corpse while it’s alive,” Vega hissed, cupping May’s chin in a paw. She leaned back and faked a laugh, putting her hands on her hips. “Is that too much? Was that threatening enough? Eh, it doesn’t matter. The fact that you could die if you disappoint me is all I need you to understand. Don’t get the wrong idea, my sense of humour ain’t morbid. This is just a new experiment. It’s all part of the course!”

What… kind of course… is this…? May shuddered as her senses slowly returned to her. She was barely balanced.

“Here’s a map. See those three spots I circled? It’s all here in the city. It’s walking distance, but I can’t be asked because all the spots are individual from each other. But they’re all important deliveries! Go pick them up and bring them back here. If you’re quick enough, I’ll let you eat. They’re all materials and stuff, so I’ll let you use them, too!” Vega instructed. “On the way, go think about the theme. ‘The ultimate weapon’. Yeah? Got it? It’s even more important than my name, which is Vega, in case you’ve forgotten. Last time I’m telling you that. Go think about the ultimate weapon and what you’re gonna build of it.”

It would take a moment or two for May to get a hold of herself enough to walk, but once she was, she was back into the distant rhythm she had going into this mess. If she stopped moving, she would fall over and not get up, so she kept herself busy with wandering thoughts and small steps. Even though all this walking hurt her feet, she kept going.

The city was quieter than she expected it would be. There were Pokémon out and about, but all of them seemed to keep their heads down as they went about their work. Some spared a glance, but completely ignored her, save for a grimace at her smouldering state. Otherwise, groups of friends and family stuck together and chatted amongst themselves, many not noticing her or other passersby.

The first stop came after about fifteen minutes of walking, and by then May was a little delirious and covered in sweat. Thankfully it was a typical post office, and no less unfamiliar than a Pelipper branded one like they had in every major town. May gazed up at that big beak design as she wandered in, only to have to stop after all. The lines were long.

Now that I’m thinking about it, the ultimate weapon is only contextual. If it’s not a laser or a bomb that can decimate everything, then they’re looking for something more conventional, something that has more control… but most Pokémon don’t bother with weapons like that. Their moves do the job for them, she folded her arms for a bit, and then glanced at the note Vega gave her. This job would be an easy no-questions-asked handover, it seemed. Thankfully, it all looked legitimate, unlike what her course had been like so far. As far as weapons go, Pokémon carry swords and hammers like Vega herself, to help bolster their own abilities. If not, they jump to destructive tools, like bombs. If I want something in between, then perhaps a vehicle that can attack? But even that seems vulnerable.

As her thoughts conversed with her, the time flew by, and she was below the counter before she knew it. The Throh behind it gave her note a careful read, then glanced back at a pile of parcels, and then at May with a face filled with confusion. “Are you sure this is right?”

“I was asked to run an errand, and that was the note I was given. There can’t be any mistake,” May assured.

Throh glanced between her and the parcels again. “If you say so,” he said, walking back to grab them.

The ultimate weapon doesn’t exist. If the ultimate weapon were something as convenient as us living Pokémon, then… why not a Pokémon? A mechanical Pokémon that can use all elements, and execute many Pokémon moves and abilities. I doubt technology or programming would ever be able to produce such a thing, but that’s my answer. I especially wouldn’t be able to create something like that myself, but I doubt these crazy tutors would accept that as an answer, she folded her arms as the revelation came to her. This is without even going into the morality of creating an artificial Pokémon…

“All yours,” Throh brought her back to reality. Three large parcels were on the counter, each far bigger than May. “There was a communication screwup, so it’s a good thing you came here. Two other deliveries from elsewhere come under the same name, so they were brought here to be received all at once. I, erm, figured you could use some leverage, so I tied them together for you.”

“They’re… that’s how big they are?” May stood back. It’d be trouble carrying even ONE of those…

“I did warn you. Want to take one and come back for the rest? We will hold them for you,” Throh proposed.

Why did Vega ask me knowing that they were too big for me? May frowned. No… this must be a plan to do with the course. Everything about this so far has been unorthodox. If I can figure this out, I’m promised food, too.

“I hate to say this, but if you can make your decision quickly… since you could hold up the line,” Throh played with his hands. May glanced back to see the line hadn’t shrunk behind her.

Think May, think! A means to carry these… the rope helps immensely with leverage. If only there were a way to latch them to a cart or something, May flinched upright as her mind grew a light bulb above it. If any of these boxes have magnetic materials in them… This is provided my powers don’t trigger the bracer…

She made the effort anyway, but it had to look like she wasn’t using extraordinary powers. The last thing she needed were ordinary Pokémon making a scene about her. She leapt on top of the boxes and pulled on the rope to check if the knot was sturdy, and then yanked it over her shoulder as best she could, having to tilt her head left to make sure.

Okay, so far so good. Get it in one now, May! She growled as she hopped down with the rope in tow. The boxes tilted, and the moment she felt them lean onto her back, she flashed with power, sticking her spare paw behind her to aim. Only a little magnetism was needed for this after all, not a heavy pulse like she needed in the desert. Her gamble paid off as after a moment, the boxes hadn’t fallen on her. In fact, they felt as light as a regular toolbox, save for their size making her look like a flattened pineapple.

“Whoa, you really can handle it,” Throh remarked.

May waited another moment, fully expecting the bracer to choke up. Only now did she realise she didn’t account for the peril that would be getting crushed by whatever was in these parcels if the choker went off too hard. Thankfully it didn’t come to that. She could feel the bracer tighten, but it wasn’t anywhere near what happened in the desert. She panted and puffed, having to breathe through her mouth rather than her nose, but she could manage. She gave Throh a thumbs up and headed out, albeit significantly slower than when she came in. And she was already slow due to hunger.

She could manage, but nothing about this was pleasant. Nothing about it felt logical, either. Since the boxes weren’t directly latched to her by magnetism, they tilted around constantly as she carried them, kept from falling over by their contents trying to stick to her back. This made every step a test on where she distributed her strength and magnetism. With the Pelipper Post Office still in sight, she was already sweating over her eyes, blinking irritably to try and see where she was going. This short fifteen-minute walk now felt like a harsh chore that she would suffer through, and she was past the point of backing down.

What made it worse were the many eyes on her. She could feel Pokémon staring and pointing, some she could even see as they walked past. Not one of them offered so much as a comment. Some even tried to hide giggles and laughter to their fellows, no doubt directed at her sorry state. Her, this hungry Pichu caked in sweat somehow carrying three boxes more than thrice her height, and not one Pokémon thought for a moment to offer help? Were they blind, or were they just in on the mess that was this course?

Ignore them. It’s all for the course.

For the Pokémon of the scrapyard.

If I fail, that’s it. For every last one of them.

By the time she made it back to the lab, she was a panting mess, tongue out, mouth dry, eyes a burning daze, and a body that felt like jelly. She put the boxes down and stretched, taking a much-needed breather. The moment she sighed however, her collar went off shocking her, and she could have sworn she heard a bone crack from how hard she curled back. She lost her voice to screaming before the electricity let up, and she collapsed to the ground. This agony was getting all too familiar, yet she wasn’t getting any more used to it.

“You’re late. And you’re wasting my time. I expected you to have gotten started by now, and instead you go on a needless errand?” Dusk ranted, for once with a tone of aggression in his voice. “I warned you not to vex me, May.”

“But… I…” May struggled to lift herself up to her paws.

“Are you talking back to me?” Dusk’s eyes narrowed, and she snapped shut. “We don’t have that kind of bond. Nor do you have that kind of privilege. You are here to follow my orders, and my orders were to develop a weapon.

“Vega’s… idea…” May huffed.

“And your immature decision to follow it without question. I left Vega to supervise you, not replace me. My orders are final. Now get up and start building that weapon,” he demanded.

The Morpeko slammed the electric shock switch on a table and stomped out, all the while Vega mocked him with poses and blowing silent raspberries. Once she was sure he was gone, she shrugged and retrieved the switch.

“You know, I’m half tempted to use this thing on you myself,” she grinned.

“Don’t! I did what you asked!” May cried.

“But you took forever to do it. It was so boring waiting here for you to get back that I would’ve been better off leaving to get it myself,” Vega swayed side to side, and then put her hands on her hips. “Besides, you’re not a huggy person. Doesn’t that mean you’re into that pain stuff?”

“No! I’m absolutely not!” May cried even harder.

“Whoa, raising your voice at me. You really don’t get it, do you?” Vega stroked her chin. She hovered a finger over the button on the switch, and May clammed up again, bracing too, knowing that wouldn’t do any good. Vega’s eyes narrowed at her. She knew she held the key to the Pichu’s obedience, and that gave her an oh-so sickening smirk. “It makes you angry, doesn’t it? I could kill you in an agonizing way, right here and now. And it’d bring tears of laughter to my eyes.”

May gulped.

“I enjoy that look. That’s the eyes of someone determined not to die. And yet,” Vega pressed the button for half a second, getting May to hiss and fall on one paw. “And yet you took forever just to get me my parcels! A simple task like that, and you took forever! No food for you.”

“Ah… but I—” May tried to argue, but it literally hurt to speak. She tried to stand straight but immediately stumbled aside to her other paw. It was as if hearing her reward was gone had weakened her even further.

“Oh, did I not say you had a time limit? Too bad for you. Maybe next time you’ll put a little more effort into it. This course is hard! And it only allows the elites. If you can’t keep up, then you aren’t worth any reward!” Vega hopped up to sit on one of the workbenches. “Besides, Dusk’s orders. You aren’t allowed to eat anything, so I had to eat your share. Don’t go looking for it.”

“I… I’m too weak,” May confessed, giving up to sit back. “Please… my body hurts all over…”

“Oh come now, it’s not even been a day. Keep whining like that and I might actually kill you. Is that what you want, hmm?” Vega’s eyes widened. “You know your position. All those poor Pokémon struggling in the slums of that scrapyard who pooled together a fortune, all so you could live in comfort at Hammock’s highest prestige!”

How does she know about? May’s eyes widened. She took in a sharp breath and glared up at the Tinkaton, whose eyes narrowed into a sly grin. The more this Pokémon speaks, the more I feel as though I’ve stumbled into something far more sinister… but this IS what they paid for. I HAVE to come out of this with SOMETHING, otherwise the entire scrapyard is doomed…

“There it is again. That unshakable determination that only a young adult could have… if you’re so determined to live and do those Pokémon proud, then you must have been thinking about the project proposal. Enough to do me proud,” Vega slowed down. She skipped over and knelt down in front of May, now grinning from ear to ear. One hand held May’s paw, while the other pulled her up by her chin. “The ultimate weapon. Lay it on me. What’ve you got?”

The Pichu gulped and shut her eyes. With a shaky breath, she clenched her paws and stiffened, only to have another revelation. Vega’s grip on her wasn’t like Dusk’s. When he caressed her chin, it was mockingly, with a hint of discomforting seduction to it, as if he were trying to manipulate her.

Vega on the other hand, this Tinkaton, in spite of all her words and actions so far, had completely changed character. Her touch was careful and authoritative, like when you hold a precious item you can’t afford to get dirty or break. Her grip matched May’s, as if May’s determination to survive was understood fully. And last of all, her eyes… Vega’s eyes had detail. They were eyes of passion. Adoration. Vega stared right at her, and seemed to adore her unlike anything she had ever felt before. It made May’s heart race, and she shuddered as thoughts blitzed through her mind.

“A-artificial Pokémon,” May shuddered quieter than a Whismur.

Vega’s mouth dropped, and she backed away. “Come again?”

“An artificial Pokémon. The only thing I can see being a worthwhile ultimate weapon would be an artificial Pokémon,” May stated, swallowing again. “Ordinary weapons are assets to our abilities, while conventional arms like bombs and lasers are too limiting and inaccurate. A vehicle with smaller versions of those weapons will always have the weaknesses of a vehicle.”

“But if the weapon were a Pokémon, with enhancements that bypass the limitations we have as living creatures, then they would be perfect,” Vega mouthed in disbelief, looking up with her thoughts.

“Being artificial, we could break the rules as well. A Pokémon with no type weakness, capable of any type of attack, and possessing many abilities,” May continued. “I don’t know how to begin creating such a thing with our current technology, but doing so would create the ultimate weapon in my eyes.”

Vega froze, and then her head slowly tilted down at May. “And this is why I aimed for the young adult. I am astonished I never considered this. The ultimate weapon lies within us! Our powers, unleashed by a system that bypasses natural limitations. It’s foolproof!”

“I don’t know how we’ll build it, though,” May cocked her head.

“I don’t care! We’ll build it somehow. Me and you. We’re gonna do this, and we’re gonna make it fun,” Vega began to whisper. She scuttled over to a desk in the back and rummaged through drawers May couldn’t see, then tossed something over. May’s eyes widened and she stumbled to catch it, just about.

“A cookie?” May whispered.

“Shh,” Vega hushed her, revealing a glass fit for a Pichu, too. “Hey, you’re not pulling my tail, are you? You’re nineteen right now, right?”

“Eigh-eighteen,” May corrected. She took several bites out of the cookie in a mere second. She didn’t care that it was plain chocolate chip, or that it was a tad dry since it had been hidden in a drawer. It was oh-so-needed relief right now, and one of the few good things about being an adult Pichu. It was easy to get full, and her tastes lacked refinement in the eyes of most other species – she could fill up on snacks and never get tired of it such a taste. The cookie was devoured in a flash, and May felt so stuffed she couldn’t eat the crumbs on her cheeks.

“Hmm… look we only do alcohol around here, so I’ll see if I can snatch up some juice from somewhere later,” Vega continued to whisper. She skipped over to the delivered boxes and sliced them open with her sword, letting the materials inside tumble out. Sheets of metal, scrolls of fabric, batteries and other large electric parts scattered across the floor, making May tiptoe about. “Until then, look like you’re working!”

What is happening all of a sudden? May’s eyes widened. “U-um, I’ll start with a blueprint, and spec theories…”

“Right, right, all that boring experimental stuff. Oh, you’re going to need a stall, aren’t you?” Vega laughed behind a hand. The Tinkaton darted back and forth across the room to tidy up a bit, and then scooped up the Pichu to place her directly on a workbench with a sheet of graph paper. “Do not disappoint me now, May.”

May blinked at the sheet, and then the Tinkaton. All aggression had vanished from the pink Pokémon. “I don’t understand.”

“What’s not to understand? We’re going to build it, the ultimate weapon! We literally just went over this!” Vega stomped her feet. “Don’t make me shock you again!”

“You said… it’s just, I don’t understand. I thought this was,” May trailed off. “Vega, who are you?”

“Ah, I see. You don’t follow,” Vega stood back, half-lidded. “I am Vega. An artist.”

“An… artist?” May blinked again. Vega put a hand to her hip. “You don’t strike me as an artist. Not the way I’ve been treated thus far.”

“Haven’t you ever heard of the phrase ‘art is subjective’? Or that art is ‘up to the interpretation of the viewer’? And sometimes, that viewer is the orchestrator. The one who enables the experience of art to come into existence,” Vega began to pace. She stopped after a moment and held up the switch, making the Pichu brace. “You are going to be a key to my ultimate art piece. By my efforts and Dusk’s ownership, you’re going to help me conduct an unforgettable art piece.”

“The ultimate weapon is what it is though. A weapon. And to tell the truth, an unethical one. I’m going to do this since it’s part of the course, but I’ve no personal interest in creating such a thing,” May stated.

“You’re wrong, Miss Curtiss. The ultimate weapon is only a piece of this unforgettable art piece,” Vega replied, making the Pichu pause again. “My art pieces aren’t physical items. They aren’t paintings or abstract structures. They’re experiences. One and done moments in time you can never get back but will never forget.”

“What’s your goal? Get to the point,” May asked. “If I can understand what you want, I can do better.”

“Come on, you’re meant to be smart about this, and you’ve got the passion for this, that’s how you’ve come up with such a good answer to the ultimate weapon. Do you really not get it?” Vega slumped. May shook her head. “All these weapons I’m carrying, right? They’re all custom builds. Unique tools that are stronger than their real things. They’re not for sale, nor are they for defending myself… I made them so that I could put the ‘arts’ into martial arts. My art is fighting.”

“A one and done experience through fighting,” May mouthed, turning back to the graph paper.

“My end goal is to orchestrate the ultimate battle. A one-of-a-kind battle that Pokémon will never forget, a timeless experience that puts all other battles to shame. A moment in time that becomes history that will forever shape the future of the world,” Vega preached, cupping her cheeks in her hands. Her eyes were positively gleaming with excitement. “My search so far has led me to believe that the ultimate weapon will be key to creating this art piece. Pokémon are at their greatest, their strongest and most passionate, when their fate is on the line. Their own life and the lives of everything they strive for, whatever they deem most precious… the ultimate weapon will bring that out of most Pokémon. But first, the ultimate weapon must be conceptualized and come into existence, whatever it may be…”

In a strange way, I can actually understand what she’s going for. It’s true, Isnomia’s most historic moments have all been times when the world is at its worst, and Pokémon have been known to surpass their limits to overcome those crises so that we’re here today. Aiming to create a battle on that level in the name of art… I never imagined an artist could be like this, May stared at her paper.

“Enough talk! If you understand, then hurry up and get started!” Vega pressed the switch to shock her again. She didn’t let go until May was writhing on the table. “Don’t ever get the wrong idea about this. You and I are teacher and slave, not friends. Waste my time again and I’ll make you scream so loud it wakes the dead!”

…

May would work right through into the night. It was more of the same from there on: she did as she was ordered, organizing the room and conceptualizing this ultimate weapon. Even after several hours of work, all that had been achieved were sheets and scraps of paper scattered around the room. Drawing after drawing, theory after theory, all discussed with the Tinkaton who shocked her every time something didn’t go their way. It was only until Dusk came in that they were ordered to retire, and May was given sleeping arrangements. The Morpeko expressed no sympathy whatsoever, but he did take the switch from Vega.

Even sleeping was as cold as expected. A square room with an iron door that had no handle on it. There was a barred window high up close to the ceiling, and beneath the bed, a tray with material on it. The yellow stains on the material told of what it was for, which was surprising as it didn’t smell at all.

At least the bed was better than what the Pichu was used to. That wasn’t a high bar – she grew up in a scrapyard, after all. To her, a bed was a bed, square as this one was with a plain white mattress and cover. Attempting to lie down and relax with the choker on however, that was a whole other task. The thing around her neck was thick enough that she couldn’t lie flat on her back and rest her head on her pillow, while lying front just pushed it into her neck even more uncomfortably. She wound up leaning against the wall instead, and attempted to nod off to sleep that way.

That meant no covers, which meant it was cold. At least this was something she was used to. What she wasn’t used to was the annoying tapping nearby. Something was tapping the iron bars, and it was quiet enough that she could only hear if everything was silent.

Does this day really have to keep getting worse? May tiredly turned up to the window. It was hard to tell in the dull light, but it almost looked like a bat wing was tapping on the bars. “Can you buzz off? I’m trying to sleep in here!”

“Oh, sorry,” replied the quietest, softest whisper she had ever heard. “I-I mean, s-sorry. You’re awake?”

May stood up with a furrowed brow.

“Wait, don’t reply. Shh, you need to keep quiet. Just, please try to grab my wing,” the voice offered, and the bat wing stretched through the window. May stared at it, her chest heavy and twisting. “Please trust me. I’m sorry for the suddenness, but I’m here to help you. I promise.”

If Dusk finds out I’m not in the room, he’ll probably shock me until I die… I can see what this is about and slip back in, May pondered her options. But what is actually going on? Who is this Pokémon?

“Please, um, hurry!” the voice hissed.

With a little grumble, May hopped up and clutched the wing, letting it pull her up. Props to being a Pichu again, she was light enough to be pulled, and slipped right through the bars no problem. She was greeted to a street in Hammock, lit up by electronic lampposts and bright shop signs. The traffic lights on the flying type routes added to the glamour, though there wasn’t a soul around otherwise. This quiet atmosphere let the laws of the desert take over. Sand made the wind visible as clouds brushing across the world, while an even chillier wind made the Pichu hug herself and shiver.

“Quickly, this way,” the bat Pokémon tried to yank her along. It was a Swoobat, a smaller than average one it seemed. May instantly pulled back, alarmed by the Swoobat’s third eye positioned above and between their normal two. “O-oh, I know I must look untrustworthy… but please, you must trust me. Follow me and I will explain everything.”

“If I get caught, I’ll be in serious trouble. I can’t,” May glanced back at the barred window.

“That’s what I’m here to save you from. Please,” Swoobat gave her best prayer pose. May took in a sharp breath and offered her paw. Swoobat took the Pichu onto her back, and then quickly darted into the air. “My name is Mog… I’m registered for rescue missions, but I’m doing my own investigation.”

“I’m not in need of a rescue, though,” May poked her head around to try and face the Swoobat.

“This looks far away enough. We can talk here,” Mog said, promptly descending. They landed in a children’s park, which was surprisingly colourful even amongst the neon districts all around them. May was surprised to find the grass was fake, however. “Please hold out the bracer as best as you can. I’m going to break it with Confusion.”

“Won’t that—” May staggered defensively.

“I promise it will be okay. Don’t move. You have to trust me,” Mog promised. Despite that unmoving third eye, her desperate, whispering tone and pleading look made her seem genuine. This was the friendliest face May had seen since meeting Dusk, but it was also something that had her life on the line.

“Explain yourself,” May demanded.

“But we have to hurry,” Mog pleaded.

“If you know so much, then you know why I’m being cautious,” May folded her arms. Mog hung her wings in defeat.

“I’m a solo rescuer. I’m only solo because most Pokémon are afraid of my third eye. I’m an extraordinary Pokémon,” Mog began, playing with the tips of her wings. “I’ve been investigating a string of unusual events… there’s this illegal core of Pokémon who have been intercepting communications around this area. One of the most serious things they’re doing is kidnapping Pokémon meant for work in Hammock.”

May’s eyes widened.

“Pokémon who travel there for work, or even Pokémon who enlist in education here. They kidnap them, posing as officials. This group are called Netherworld,” Mog explained. “I haven’t been able to figure out exactly what they’re trying to do, but for some reason, they’re very aggressive with kidnapping Pokémon like this.”

“What you’re saying is I’ve been swindled? Those Pokémon aren’t part of Hammock University?” May asked.

“Oh heavens, no! Pokémon would never be as harsh to use a choker on you,” Mog shook. “Please let me take it off before they notice you’re missing!”

“Then that means… my parents… the Pokémon of the scrapyard…” May started shuddering. Everything they worked towards… their hopes, their faith in me… was it all for nothing? Just because of this stunt by Netherworld?

“I am surprised you thought that Pokémon who treated you so harshly could be real tutors,” Mog admitted.

“I didn’t go to school or grow up in ‘ordinary’ society. I’m not like you pampered rich kids registered with HAPPI. I don’t even have an official ID. The best I know is to listen to anyone who sounds smart, as long as they’re offering me money,” May rambled. She tugged at her bracer and pulled it as far as she could. “If you can remove it, then do it.”

“I will. Please hold as still as you can,” Mog instructed. She thrust her wings and her eyes began to glow blue. That same blue glow surrounded the choker, and then May began to feel it loosen. It was only slight however, and creaked as the metal stretched. A few seconds later and it began to electrocute her, setting off her screaming.

“Oh, oh no! No, no, no, no, stop, please!” Mog begged desperately as May wailed and writhed. It wouldn’t stop however, even after the Pichu’s groans became hoarse and weak, and she collapsed to the floor. Seeing that, Mog took a sharp breath and used her attack haphazardly, and the choker broke in two. The electricity stopped dead, and May was left flat on the floor making desperate breaths. “Miss Pichu, are you okay?”

After that one, it would be a while before May could even so much as lift a paw. She did her best to do so, while her other paw attempted to soothe her neck. She instantly retracted at a sharp pain. Her neck had been damaged so severely that the fur there had been burnt down to her skin, which was marred with red marks and open scabs. Despite being a Pichu, it was clearly visible, replacing most of the black fur that was usually there.

“Oh my goodness, you look terrible!” Mog cried. “But you’re safe now. I promise that you’re safe with me.”

May didn’t say anything. She struggled to her feet for what she prayed would be the last time. Instincts were making her dab at her neck, even though the lightest touch hurt so much that tears were in her eyes. Even attempting to stretch her neck made her shiver in pain. The way she felt right now, it was as if she could still die.

“We should get far away from here, first. Will you let me take you home?” Mog suggested.

“Home?” May muttered, and then realised. “No… I can’t go home. If I go home, then that means I failed… I got signed up for a course at Hammock University. I-I should be there right now.”
“Hammock University?” Mog cocked her head.

“You are from around here, aren’t you? You must know it. It’s that prestigious school for adults here, that teaches about jobs…” May trailed off as Mog’s face said it all. “… It-it’s not real, is it…?”

“I’m so sorry, Miss Pichu. Hammock doesn’t that kind of educational establishment,” Mog informed. “You mentioned that you didn’t grow up in an ordinary place. I think Netherworld targeted you because you wouldn’t know…”

May trembled, hard.

“If you don’t know where to go, then that’s okay. We just need to go somewhere. If Netherworld finds you here, there might be trouble,” Mog warned.

“I… yo-you’re right. I need to do something,” May breathed out. She shook her head and hissed again, resisting the urge to rub at her neck. “I’ll go home. If you can fly me, I’d like to go home.”