Bradshaw's Story

"Where do you think you're going Blue Boy?" shouted the Incineroar as he chased down the Greninja through the streets of Po town.

Clipper had really gotten in over his head with this one. A few snarky words and he had a flaming tiger chasing him through a fortified town in the Alola region. Clipper swore he heard the Incineroar shout something. It was then that the Greninja was forced to the ground by a flaming tiger. Clipper recovered quickly and moved as the Fire Pokemon threw a chop. The Greninja threw a flurry of Water Shurikens. Each of them struck the Incineroar and staggered him. Clipper used this opportunity to escape.

Clipper took refuge inside a building. He took stock of his surroundings and noticed a group of Team Skull grunts, "Well shi-"

Before Clipper finished his statement he was pinned against the opposite wall by the Incineroar from before. He spoke, "Listen here Ninja boy. You don't just come to Bradshaw's town and muck around! I'm gonna crack your skull right..."

The Incineroar, Bradshaw apparently, turned and saw the Team Skull Grunts, "Huh..." Bradshaw dropped Cluipper and turned to the Grunts and cracked his knuckles.

"Yo, yo, yo, what's up, homies? You can't just barge into our house like dis, yo! Doing so's a mad disrespect, yo!"

Oh, god, the illusion made Karpov's commands sound absolutely atrocious. And what was with these weird hand gestures? At least the Pawniard understood, forming a protective perimeter around the brawl.

"Let's let 'em fight it out, just like old times. My homies are gonna make a ring so the only thing you two are gonna be wreckin' is each other," a disguised Karpov explained as he slowly walked towards the Incineroar. Tungsten added, "Don't mess 'em up too bad, we need 'em to fight for us later," but through the illusion it was all "the blue one's on me, take out the red guy."

Karpov was stunned. "What? He's the guy I was telling you about. Don't tell me the blue one's with you too!" "Yep. And I already told him the story." "WHAT?" Some dissension in the Skull ranks as they started standing off like Hogan and Andre, all an elaborate ruse to set Bradshaw up to teach him who was really in charge now.

"I'mma go catch 'em," the one disguised as Karpov finally decided, reaching back as if to throw out a Golbat or something. Instead, he yelled "FORK," leaped forward and lashed out with a powerful Brick Break, using a combination of his savagely sharp wrist blades and proper martial arts training to swing at Bradshaw's midsection. It wouldn't quite gut him like a Magikarp, but it would definitely hurt. This surprised Tungsten, but it made sense. With dark-types, you had to constantly remind the feral ones who was boss. Until he was forced to submit, the Zoroark's authority would constantly be challenged. Best to get the pecking order fight out of the way now.

"You've forgotten your place, Bradshaw. There's a new king in town." This utterance Tungsten allowed through, the namedrop letting him know that this was the informant. Tungsten also rushed in and tried to pull Clipper away from the grapple. "Dude, what the hell, I haven't seen you in years! And I see you've made a new friend as well," he added sarcastically as the Pawniard closed in to pin down their feline prey as was their typical strategy.

Bradshaw was stunned by the grunts moving around him and then being attacked by a Bisharp out of nowhere. The Brick Break hurt, a lot. This guy must've been the one that contacted him about being local muscle in Alola. Bradshaw wasn't bright, but he understood that he was going to be a hired goon in this situation. The Brick Break, however, pissed him off.

"You're gonna regret that pretty boy," said a hurting Bradshaw. He reared up and charged a Cross Chop. If the wild move struck, the Bisharp surely would be sent packing.

Clipper was happily pulled out of the tangle by Tungsten. Clipper was glad to see his old friend, "It indeed has been a long time, I think the last time we met was in Sinnoh. As for the big guy there, he didn't like the fact that I was hanging out here. Ooh," Clipper cringed a little as Bradshow the the Cross Chop, "Is your Bisharp buddy there going to be okay?"

Tungsten got a cringe ready, but Karpov was able to duck under the brutal blow and counter with a Stone Edge as he assumed the "superhero landing" pose, striking the ground to bring forth sharp rocks from the bottom. If Bradshaw was using both of his arms for this attack, he had to have a solid footing, and that meant it wasn't likely he was going to dodge getting poked in a rather uncomfortable location. "Skewer!" was his cry as he carried out the attack.

"As long as he doesn't take a hit like that or get roasted, he's gonna be fine. In fact, he told me that he was the only one that stood a chance...and with moves like that, I believe him." Tungsten confided in Clipper as the Black Knights continued to try to pin him down as a group. It was hard enough for Bradshaw to go one on one with a literal chess master, but having Pawniard constantly try to drag him down as well? It was impressive he could even get off the move.

"Listen, you hot-headed pussy cat," Karpov grunted as the nine steel-types worked to immobilize Bradshaw. "This ain't your town anymore, it belongs to that Zoroark there. I'm gonna beat the money out of you, and then if he feels like it, he's gonna tell you why. And don't give me any fimble-famble about how you were here first, unless you want a half-mourning. You're my bitch. Always have been...always will be."

Bradshaw stumbled backwards as he was being pulled down down by the Pawniard. He swore he saw one of the catch the Stone Edge that was intended for him. The infuriating Bisharp just kept talking. That walking chess piece sure loved the sound of his own voice. Bradshaw struggled as the now nine bodies pulled him down. It was only when the asshole bishop called Bradshaw a bitch, that the gloves came off. Bradshaw began glowing and flames erupted from his form.

Clipper shook his head, "That's a Flare Blitz. Some of those Pawniard might not walk away from this one. I know you want this guy to be loyal, but is this fight worth it?" Clipper shrugged, "So how's life Tungsten?" Clipper changed topic jarringly. Clipper didn't really know how to deal with the situation. He hadn't expected this Incineroar to fight so much, especially since apparently he was an informant of some kind.

"You're right, Clipper," Tungsten interjected. "This is getting way out of hand. Karpov, this isn't worth the lives of your underlings and you know it! Let him up! Clipper, it's time for some target practice."

"As you wish, Master," Karpov sounded alarmed at this command, but saw the threat. "Break off! Break off! Castle!" Karpov stiffened his muscles and braced himself to take the hit, using Iron Defense behind a protective phalanx in case Bradshaw's pride drove him to actually do the move.

Tungsten just sighed and pinched the bridge of his snout. "I get needing to have a pecking order...sounds like Bradshaw's talk of running this town gave him a big head, Clipper. Karpov might be overestimating himself here. If this guy has information we need, we need to convince him that we're in charge before he'll surrender it. If Karpov drops, we need to lure him outside and you can hammer him with rain-boosted water moves. Even now, Karpov is gathering intelligence for us by showing us how strong this guy is. I don't always understand his methods, but I can't argue with his results...ngh! GAH!"

Tungsten scowled and dropped to one knee, clutching his head as the desperate struggle reminded him of a scene he would never forget...his father grappling with a naked human woman, his young Zorua eyes looking on at the atrocity. This sight was what gave him the motivation, the rage to assume his current form and take the life of his own father. "Gah! AHH! Both of you, stop! Just stop, I can't watch anymore! AHN! I...I gotta stay strong...NGAAAAHHHHH!"

Bradshaw stood up and got ready to attack but he saw the defensive formation. The Incineroar was pissed, but he wasn't stupid. Well, he wasn't that stupid. Bradshaw was about to book it when he saw the Zoroark fall to the ground, telling the two combatants to stop. The big Pokemon looked toward his would-be boss. Bradshaw didn't know what to do. He could use this distraction to get away, destroy the chess general, or he could look like he cared to get a foot in with this gang.

"Hold up pointy!" shouted Bradshaw's gruff voice, his choice clear, "Your boss is freakin' out. Don't you want to check on him?" The self-appointed town mayor held up his huge mitts, "Y'know, he kinda looks like he's getting ready to lay down the knife and fork over there."

Meanwhile Clipper went from ready for a fight to concerned. He looked to Tungsten with disbelief. "Tungsten?" Clipper said meekly as his friend finished the cry of pain.

Tungsten managed to get up to both feet again. "Sorry. I, uh...I walked in on my Me-Maw and Papaw fighting like that once when I was a little Zorua. Long story, lots of shredded clothes and spilled body fluids. Maybe I'll tell it to ya sometime. Anyway...Bradshaw, was it? Welcome aboard. We got the brains of the operation over there, but now we need the muscle to give ourselves a chance against the local gangs when it comes time to throw down."

Tungsten then thumbed over to Clipper. "Dunno how you ran into my buddy here, but we met a few years ago while I was on a business trip to work something out with the Krows. He knows the tale, and let's just assume Karpov there knows everything. Anyway, we need your help on a couple of things. One, as a local, we need to know what you know about the gangs of this region, particularly any info on a Cloyster called Weyloran. Second, we could use a champ like you on our side. Dad employed a whole bunch of thugs from all around Terra, and with the skill you showed me, you'd do quite well in that role. Third, if you know anybody else in the area, tell 'em about the Master Blaster. There's no telling where that mechanical monstrosity is now, let alone where it'll strike next. It's got the power to level a whole human city...but I know someone who can take it out for good."

Heavy breathing. Poker face. Don't let 'em see you sweat. "Word on the street is she's hiding out somewhere in Alola. Recent arrival, got a lot of steel-types in tow, likes working on cars. A lot of people are looking for her...which is why we need to find her first. Karpov, brief him on the Psychic Rebellion and the Master Blaster. I'm gonna go loot some berries for you guys, that was a hell of a match."

"Of course, Master. Good luck in your excursion." Karpov was, of course, unfailingly polite. "Now, Bradshaw, some background information. The Psychic Rebellion is a group led by a villainous Zoroark named Zane. They see Pokemon captured in Pokeballs as unwitting slaves, and seek to visit the same sort of oppression on humans so they can call the shots. This was the sort of thing Tungsten's father stood for, and he will simply not stand for it. They have somehow constructed a device of amazing power, called simply the Master Blaster. They also have ways to turn a human's loyal Pokemon partners against them...reports say that even the mighty Zekrom, the dragon of ideals, was forced to turn on its Trainer. With flashpoints happening in Unova, Kalos and even Kanto over the past year, we must assume that this organization is a worldwide threat."

"Back," Tungsten announced, his arms full of Sitrus Berries and sporting a shiner. "Damn crab got in a lucky shot. One for everybody that got hurt, me included. I also found this." He held up a few stones with strange markings on them. "Remind me to change the dead drop locations," Karpov grumbled. "These are the Weyloran files I requested. Anything else to add, Bradshaw?"

Bradshaw gladly accepted and enjoyed a Sitrus berry. He considered everything that he had been told carefully. "So here's the deal with me," Began Bradshaw, "I ain't the smartest guy, but for damn sure I'm the baddest 'mon on this whole damn island, maybe the whole region. I'm gonna tell ya, I don't know a thing about a Cloyster or any sort of Zoroark 'sides the one in the room. Now, as for the lay of the land? I can bring you around pretty easy and I know who to avoid."

"Oh yeah meat head? Who would that be?" said Clipper sarcastically.

"Well," Bradshaw continued, clearly missing the sarcasm, "There's an Alakazam that hangs around the observatory up on the mountain. He goes by Brujo and he has this huge 'mon as an enforcer. Then in the desert there's this Krookodile and his gang of Krokoroks. He calls himself Razor and he dethroned the previous king of the desert. Those guys are dificult for me to tangle with, but I could take him. As for the other islands, I haven't left Po town for a while, so I don't know about gangs there."

"How insightful," snarked Clipper.

Bradshaw shot the Greninja a dirty look, but decided to keep fighting to a minimum.

"Master. We have visitors at the outer gates." Karpov's Russian-clipped common tongue, which wouldn't be out of place somewhere like Silph's Tiksi branch, rang through the empty halls of the Shady Mansion. The chandelier that had formerly been blocking the grand staircase had been rigged into a booby trap for anyone that didn't know where to step.

"Fucking..." Tungsten pounded on Guzma's old armchair, adding to the indentations present. "Send Bradshaw. The rain seems to be letting up. Probably some visitors checking on the exterior. If they make it all the way back here, we're going to have some problems. We're not yet strong enough to announce ourselves to the world like Weyloran's gang can. But these Skull grunts that insist on volunteering to clean this place up...they will serve as useful puppets and a cover for our real mission. Clipper would rather see why they're here than interfere with them getting inside, plus none of us save for the idiot fire cat are from around here."

Despite movement of garbage materials into orderly piles by the double-gate, Po Town somehow looked worse than nearly two years ago. “Any of my vases survived?”

“Sorry man. Dudes used’em for target practice.”

“At least they got use out of them,” Radegast smirked, “I could always make more.” It was a nice little thing he and Suros did by themselves. I should make some glass stuff for the Treehouse. he thought as he took note of the graffiti covering most of the place. “Looks like you guys need a lot of paint.”

“Not too much, man,” OG Lee replied, “We’re turning the stuff on concrete into one big mural. The rest, we’re covering up or replacin’ the walls in general.”

“So you need funds for getting Waste Disposal to rent out some bins to use for clearing all this out,” Radegast began crunching numbers in his head. Having been to the plant before, he remembered a price list he had seen at the visitor’s lobby. “After that, you’ll need… materials for walls. That’s 2x4’s, plywood sheets, replacement insulation to keep the homes cool in this climate, drywall…” Radegast pointed out the Pokemon Centre. “That’s gonna take a lot to fix.”

“You should see the interior, dude,” OG Lee cringed, “At least the power’s still good- we just never paid the bills.”

“You know this for sure?”

“‘Course, dude. I’m an electrician, remember?” OG Lee replied.

“That’s right,” Radegast nodded. “Okay, so electrical’s good to go- just needs to get switched on again. How about the other houses?”

“I’ll get a better idea on that once we finish clearing all the trash.”

“Good to know.” Radegast took note of some scrapes on the cobblestone roads, as well as burn barks. They looked recent. “Any squatters?”

“Not that I know of, but if there’s anything-“

“You’d have to bring the whole team, just to be safe,” Radegast interrupted as he glanced to Jakob and Elder. The two of them readied themselves into an alert phase. “We’re not alone here.”

OG Lee slowly reached for his pokeball. "First sign of a fight," The Reskull grunt said, "Retreat and get help."

Radegast nodded. He was impressed at the surprising maturity the twenty-something-year-old grunt had become over the course of a year or two.

Nothing seemed to approach. OG Lee waved a circle with his hand pointing up, and pointed an outstretched hand towards the gates. Radegast nodded, and the two of them backed towards the exit.

Jakob watched the gate while Elder vanished into his mist form, hiding in the shadows of the high walls of Po Town.

The tension in the air became almost sufficating, but the four of them had arrived at the gates, and Radegast and OG Lee slipped through, along with Jakob and Elder.

“I didn’t like the look of that place,” Radegast said as the group began to move quickly away from the abandoned town.

“It’s why we’re tryin’ to change it, bro.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

OG Lee waved a hand as they slowed down to a walk. The joke was somewhat poorly timed, but the intention was good-hearted. “Welp, I’m thinkin’ I’m gonna head to Poni Island and get the gang together. We’ve been trainin’ hard at the Battle Tree, so we’ll clear out whatever squatters are there,” The Reskull grunt held out a fist, which Radegast bumped. “Let’s bounce.”

“Can’t just ask the kahuna?”

“You remember Nanu doin’ anythin’?

Radegast snorted.

“Even when we went all bad, he barely did jack.”

The two friends continued moving down to the fields of red flowers, only for Radegast to call for a stop. Suros had suddenly emerged and was roosting on his shoulder- pecking at his blonde dreadlocks. “What’s up, Suros?”

The Talonflame turned her head to gaze towards a path further inland. Radegast and Elder exchanged glances, before Radegast turned to OG Lee. “You’d best get to Poni Island, Langley. I think this is just for us.” The Talonflame nodded.

“Sure dawg,” OG Lee continued heading down the route, making his way back to Mallie to charter a course to Poni Island.

Radegast, however, followed Suros’ directions. Elder and Jakob glanced at each other, but walked/hovered on either side.

“i just want to see something,” Suros said, before Elder could ask what was up.

“Of course, buddy,” Radegast smirked, “Where we go, we go together.”

Suros playfully nipped Radegast’s head through his hat. “Keep going.”

They came up to an enormous castle, but Suros shook her head. “Not here, that way.” The group moved off the beaten path, rounding the huge lake where the castle had been built. They walked and climbed for what felt like hours, until they were on the far north side of the mountain, in plains where humans never go. Far in the distance, Radegast could spot the smoke stacks of the Mallie Waste Disposal Plant.

Hardly any Pokemon were around either, whether in the few trees that were present, the thick grass scattered about, or the ocean waters to their left. To their right, the enormous Mount Lanakila stood, recently conquered by an Alolan Pokemon League.

Now that he got a better look, the incredible changes to the mountain troubled Radegast. How many Pokemon were relocated from the construction process? He had no real idea. He remembered Tapu Bulu had torn down that one Thrifty Mart because it had gravely affected the environment… but what about this project? Why would the island’s guardian deity allow this one?

I may have to ask him if I ever meet him again, Radegast decided in his mind. He then suddenly noticed he had walked out of the tall grass, onto charred grounds, where weeds and other grass had recently began reclaiming the area.

“Is this…” Radegast noted that the damage in the area was at-least six-years-old.

“There he is,” Suros extended her wings and glided down towards a pile of strange-looking stones.

No… that’s bone… Radegast realised. Charred bone.

Dragonite bones. An antennae was missing from the skull, while the other remained, dried and jagged.

“Demonbreath,” Elder said with a low voice.

“By Arceus…” Jakob added.

“You’ve never seen this?” The Gengar asked. The Dartrix shook his head.

“Why are you showing us this?” Radegast asked.

“I wanted to see him again,” Suros replied, “He was a brute, a monster among monsters.”

“It’s impressive that you had slain such a beast as a Fletchling,” Jakob said.

“A Legend is worth squat if there’s no one to share it with.”

“You’ve got us, though,” Radegast replied, “You’ll always have us, if you’ll have us.”

“Didn’t you say that already?” Elder asked.

“Has it changed?” Radegast smirked.

Elder laughed. Radegast stepped over to the Dragonite’s skull- easily the size of himself. Demonbreath was an enormous Dragonite even by Dragonite standards.

“I’m ashamed, though,” Suros suddenly said, as Radegast held an arm low for her to climb onto.

“Why’s that?”

“I evolved to be stronger so I could help you… but if I evolved then, I could have…”

“If I hadn’t butt my nose into that business at the dam,” Radegast rose his free hand, with scar tissue and callous covering his knuckles. “Woulda, coulda, shoulda, but it happened. Our experiences shape us, good or ill. No sense brooding over it, na’am sayin?”

Suros nuzzled on Radegast’s cheek. “There’s still something else I wanna do.”

Radegast held his roosting arm out, and the Talonflame streamed a jet of fire at Demonbreath’s skull. The immense heat of a blowtorch sliced right through the bone, cutting a huge jagged slice through. “Take that, bitch! I’m still kicking!”

Jakob gaped. Elder and Radegast laughed.

—

The group continued moving East through the plains. They were headed to Malie.