Chapter Text
Gonzap scowled, pacing his office in fury. Occasionally he would glance at the time before slamming his fist into a desk or wall. Nearby the unlucky grunt who got stuck there, Biden winced when this would happen. "Where is he? He was supposed to be here half an hour ago. And I don't like to be kept waiting." Gonzap hissed.
Biden winced, taking a careful step back "Perhaps he got held up?" he offered.
Gonzap let out an angry snarl, lashing out and tossing his desk into a wall "Held up? held up? Well it will be the last time. This I promise." he snarled.
Biden gulped, watching his boss nervously. It wasn't often he got worked up in this kind of temper "Perhaps he went out on another mission?" he suggested.
It would seem like the kind of thing for the top snagger in the organization to do after all. But Gonzap turned to Biden with a growl, grabbing the front of his shirt and slamming him against a wall "If that little brat is out again then somebody will pay. Including him." he hissed.
He then threw Biden to the ground, resuming his pacing "I have given him everything. Clothes, food, shelter. And yet he had continued to defy me time and again. I can over look the uniform. I can overlook his refusal to do our missions to do his own. But ignoring my summons is the final straw. When he gets here his precious Pokemon are mine. His head is mine. His very life is mine. Mark my words today he draws his last breath." he snarled.
Biden winced from his position on the ground. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for the young snagger. Unfortunately this wasn't Wes's first time vanishing on them. He should have known it was only a matter of time before the boss snapped and went for blood. Biden then breathed a sigh of relief as Wakin looked in, pausing with a raised eyebrow at the scene "Something I miss?" he asked dryly.
Gonzap looked at him with a fierce glare "Where is Wes?" he demanded.
Wakin looked at him in confusion "I just saw him a few minutes ago on his way to grab the snag machine. He said you talked to him and gave him a new mission." he reminded.
Gonzap froze in place, staring at Wakin in confusion "I never gave such..."
BOOM!
Biden yelped, throwing his arms over his head as an explosion rocked the building, sending debris falling on their heads.
Wakin swore, stumbling into a wall but Gonzap remained steady, his hands grabbing onto the fallen desk with enough force to splinter it as he stared at Wakin seriously "Consider Wes Wolf as a traitor. He is to be treated as such. I want him brought to me alive. It doesn't have to be in one piece. Mark my words I will scatter his ashes across Orre as a warning to not mess with me. Now go." he said, his voice eerily calm.
Wakin nodded, hurrying to turn down the stairs, stumbling as another explosion shook the building. Biden couldn't help the slightest whimper as he rose to his feet, quickly escaping out of the office and away from Gonzap. At the bottom of the stairs he stopped, looking at Wakin with wide terrified eyes.
Wakin however shook his head "Nothing we can do. Wolf's a dead man walking." he said.
Biden nodded, feeling an icy feeling in his heart. But he knew his duty. They all did. He quickly parted from Wakin to spread the word. Dead man walking indeed.
line break
Wes smiled as he felt the breeze on his face, glancing back at the smoke behind him that once had been his home "Sorry guys. You leave me with no choice." he muttered.
But he still couldn't stop his smile. He was free. Well, sorta. He wasn't an idiot. He knew Gonzap would hunt him down like an angry pack of Mightyena. He wouldn't stop till he saw him dead. But even still there was a sense of freedom. He then looked down at his two partners in crime "What do you guys say, one stop at the outskirt stand for gas, head to Phenac for supplies and then off to freedom?" he asked.
Umbreon gave a happy yip while Espeon crooned happily, licking it's paw to clean it's fur. Why? Wes had no idea. Especially while breezing along in his bike. But he had learned long ago not to question Espeons pride in his fur coat. All he could do was to help him out later. So in the mean time he grinned down at his two treasured companions before his gaze moved to something else. The snag machine on his arm. Finally he frowned before averting his gaze. The snag machine. Snaggem's worst possession in his opinion. At least it was. A device capable of snagging without fail. Sure Wes would admit. He was a thief. But even he had morals. And he couldn't keep this up. This life of thievery and pokesnatching. He saw the rest of the team. They were all fading. The older they got the more they could barely battle. Let alone snag. And their pokemon fared worst. Wes didn't want that. Not for Espeon and Umbreon. The three of them would get strong another way. No longer relying on Snaggem.
He then heaved a heavy sigh of relief as he saw the outskirts stand distinct shape forming up ahead. He had heard stories and passed by it plenty of times but he had to admit, he was curious to see what it actually looked like inside. Was the inside as interesting at the outside? The eighteen year old wanted to know. He grinned as he parked, shooting a passing glance at the truck parked out front as he recalled his Pokemon.
But then he did a double take before groaning in exasperation "Amatuers." he muttered, seeing the wriggling sack.
Didn't they know that the Pokemon could get heat stroke in this heat? He took a step towards the truck, intending on helping out the Pokemon before two figures exited, talking loudly. Wes's eye twitched in irritation. These were two people he would love to flatten. He watched as they got into the truck, driving off. He immediately couldn't help but roll his eyes, moving to get gas in his bike, going in and giving the guy at the counter the money for it. But something drew him back out, drew his eyes towards that truck. Orre was survival of the fittest. For people and Pokemon. If the Pokemon got taken then it got taken. No sleep lost. But something told him to follow.
"Espi?" Wes looked down, seeing Espeon having come out of it's poke ball. It too was staring after the truck, now long gone.
Wes frowned, looking down at the psychic fox "Well Espeon, what do you say? Shall we go after them?" he asked.
Espeon looked up at him before letting out a bark, bounding over to the side car and leaping in. Wes sighed at that, cutting off the gas "If I end up regretting this, I blame it on you." he warned.
Unfortunately Espeon's answering bark was a little to happy at that. Always a worrying sign.
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It took the snagger about an hour to reach the next city, Phenac. Orre's jewel of the desert. A city that was made almost entirely of an oasis where water flowed freely. A rarity in the desert for certain. And up front was the truck with the two obnoxious guys loading the bag off of it. Wes parked his bike a ways away before sneaking up to watch. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of anger as people seemed to turn a blind eye to the blatant pokenapping. If people would just stand up then there would be no reason for people like him to exist. No Team Snaggem. No Gonzap. They would have lead very different lives.
"Blegh! Help! Help! Kidnappers!" a female voice suddenly shouted.
Wes's head shot up sharply at that while the watchers drew in sharp breaths before turning. That truly infuriated the snagger. "Survival of the Fittest. Well forget this." he said, standing tall and marching forward "Hey! Drop her!" he shouted.
Immediately the two jumped, the bag slipping from their grip, landing with a yelp from it's occupant. Immediately one of the thugs held out two poke balls "You wanna stop us? I'd like to see you try! Go my Whismur!" he shouted.
Wes almost laughed at seeing the two Pokemon. This wouldn't even be a challenge "Espeon, Umbreon. Take em down." he ordered.
His two eons lunged forward in a fury, quickly taking on the Pokemon without orders from Wes. Wes however wasn't concerned. Quickly he approached the bag while the goons were distracted, grabbing it and moving it away from them before taking out a pocket knife "Hold still. I don't want to cut you." he said.
Immediately the person in the bag fell still as Wes began cutting at the knot, quickly severing it. He was right though. These punks were definitely amateurs. Within no time the knot was cut open and the sack fell open to reveal a girl about his age, her blue eyes wide with fear as she looked up at him. But Wes ignored her now she was free. She had already apparently managed to get out of most her binding while in the sack. It was obvious she could handle the rest. He turned his full attention to the battle, whistling softly as Espeon and Umbreon sent the Whismur flying into the two goons. he then stepped forward, earning their attention and getting worried looks from the two.
Wes fixed them with a cool glare "I will say this once. Leave her, leave town, and don't let me see you again." he said coldly.
The two yelped in fear before scrambling away, their Whismur waddling behind them, barely managing to make it into the truck before they drove off. Wes sighed in relief at that before turning to the girl, seeing her trembling in fear. But already two of the bystanders were at her side, helping her. Though apparently the knots were more complicated for them than he assumed because they still hadn't gotten them undone. With an irritated sigh he gripped his knife in his hands, kneeling in front of the girl.
Immediately she drew in a sharp breath, flinching away from him "Who are you?" she demanded.
Immediately one of the others gave her a reassuring smile "It's alright. He's the one who got you away from those goons." she assured.
The girl looked up at him hesitantly before biting her lip, carefully extending her wrists so that he could cut them free. He frowned as he grabbed her wrist firmly, looking up at her seriously "You need to try and stop shaking. I don't want to accidentally hurt you." he said, his voice coming out cooler than he meant.
But it seemed to work. The girl took a deep breath and slowly her trembling eased, allowing Wes to quickly cut through the bindings on her hands before he moved to get the ones on her feet "Thank you. I honestly thought I was a goner there. I really appreciate it." she said softly.
Wes nodded at that "It's alright. Though next time I would suggest using your Pokemon to defend yourself." he warned.
The girl immediately blushed "Uh...I'm not a trainer. I actually left my home town because I had problems not being a trainer. I was kind of hoping for a new start." she said softly.
Immediately the woman who had come over snorted "You're in the wrong region for that honey." she snorted.
Rui flinched at that while the other guy, a male with a Castform behind him, glared at her. He then gave Rui a reassuring smile "You should go talk to the mayor, Escade. He can help you." he offered.
The girl looked at him before looking worriedly at Wes "Can you come with? Please?" she begged softly.
Wes hesitated before sighing "Whatever. As long as we make it quick. I have places to be you know." he warned.
The girl nodded gratefully "Thank you. I'm Rui by the way." she introduced, holding out her hand.
Wes smiled at that, ever so slightly "Leo." he answered, giving her his usual cover.
Rui gave him a grateful smile as he held out his hand, helping her to her feet. She stumbled slightly, wincing "Wow. I think my foots asleep." she said, blushing ever so slightly.
Wes snorted "You'll survive." he said, rolling his eyes.
Rui gave him a small smile before he moved away, motioning with his head "Come on. This way." he said, moving and adjusting his goggles so that they were on his face, covering his scar.
He already had somewhat accurate wanted posters everywhere. But his scar was his most distinctive feature. He couldn't risk having the mayor notice him because of that. He lead her through the town, ignoring her curious glances around. He wasn't slowing his pace. If she got lost, she got lost. Obviously she wasn't a survivor. Honestly Wes wasn't sure why he stepped in. She obviously didn't fit in.
That woman was right.
She was definetly in the wrong region.
Soon enough they made it to mayor Escade's place. Wes glanced back briefly to make sure Rui was still following before reaching for the door. Before he could however the door opened, a taller man opening the door and stepping out, pausing in surprise at seeing them. Wes felt his breath hitch as he saw this man. He wasn't a man to fear much. Living with Snaggem cured that. But when faced with this man? He felt fear.
A solid deep rooted fear.
The man then gave a pleasant smile and Wes stiffened, feeling a shiver go down his back "Ah, sorry. I was just leaving. You are looking for the mayor?" he asked.
Wes nodded silently, not trusting himself to talk. Every single instinct in him screamed at him to run, run, run! The man then nodded "I look forward to battling you in the future. I hope we meet again." he said before walking away.
Wes couldn't help but breath a sigh of relief. That man was terrifying and he wasn't even sure why. Rui placed a hand on his shoulder and he jumped "Everything okay Leo?" she asked.
Wes nodded "yeah. I'm fine. Come on. This is Escade's place." he said, opening the door and moving for her to enter.
Rui gave him a briefly concerned look before nodding, moving inside to the cool interior. Wes could barely hide his sneer of disgust at the fat mayor. It was obvious that someone benefited from Phenac's success. This was a man he would have no problem robbing. He was practically begging for it. And the sickening sweet smile he had when he looked up only completed the image "Ah, guests. How can I help you? It appears you are not from this town." he observed.
Rui nodded "Yes sir. I had been kidnapped. Leo here saved me before bringing me here." she said softly.
Immediately the mayor looked concerned "Kidnapped? Oh dear, are you alright?" he asked.
Rui nodded timidly "Yes sir. Though I am sure if Leo hadn't shown up when he did I would have been a goner." she said.
She then shivered, wrapping her arms around herself "Sir? If I may be honest I think I was kidnapped for a reason. I had just called the two men out on their Pokemon." he said.
Wes couldn't suppress his scoff. If she was upset about a cheating battle she was in for a sore surprise. Even Escade let out a sad chuckle, standing and studying his book shelf "Unfortunately my dear most people aren't the most honest with battles. We try to keep it under control but alas, it's near impossible." he said sadly.
Rui however shook her head "No sir. The Pokemon was aggressive. Overly so. It almost...it almost killed another trainers Pokemon. And it had an aura. A black aura. But inside it felt like the Pokemon's soul was crying in pain." she said in distress.
Immediately Wes looked at her in surprise while Escade tensed ever so slightly. Wes turned to her with an appraising look but Escade kept his back to him "Is that so? Well that certainly does deserve an investigation. Tell you what, how about you go check out our Colosseum and come back tomorrow? I'll get started tonight." he assured.
Rui nodded before turning to Wes "Will you stay with me tonight? Please? At least until I can get a few answers?" she asked.
Wes sighed, but nodded silently. He could do one night. Snaggem would need time to regather anyways. He could use this time to stock up. Rui smiled brightly "Thank you. Thank you so much." she said earnestly.
Wes paused before giving her a small smile. An honest smile "Yeah. No problem." he said softly.
They then said their farewells to Mayor Escade, promising to return the next day. Once out in the town Rui turned to Wes giving him a bright smile "So shall we head to the Colosseum?" she asked.
Wes however stretched "It's getting a bit late." he said.
And he didn't want to be out on the streets more than necessary. Unfortunately he didn't know where he would be staying. Normally he would stay with his bike but with an extra head that made it difficult. He was used to sleeping in his side car. But he doubted she would be. And he couldn't stay in a poke center. He still had wanted posters there. Rui however grinned "Please! You beat those guys Pokemon right? So you must be an awesome battler. And it's still fairly early. Come on, what do you say?" she asked, holding his hand.
He looked at her in surprise, his gaze moving to where she held onto his hand. She seemed earnest. The people from earlier were right. She truly didn't belong in Orre. To be this trusting to hold onto a stranger. He could lead her anywhere and she probably wouldn't suspect a thing. But it was almost...refreshing. Despite himself he found himself smiling in fond exasperation "Very well." he said, taking the lead, pulling his hand away from hers while keeping his distance.
Her companionship was nice but he would likely never see her again after the next day if all went well. They walked in silence though it seemed nice. She was still looking around as curiously as she had before but she kept pace as he lead her up to the Colosseum. Once inside he went to the desk "Hi, I'd like to compete in the Colosseum." he told the lady.
The lady looked up with an apologetic smile "Sorry. Registrations full for the day. You'll have to come back tomorrow." she said apologetically.
Rui's face immediately fell at that "Oh. Well that's a shame. I was really hoping to see you battle." she said to Wes.
She then shrugged "Oh well, maybe later." she said, heading to the entrance.
Wes followed her with a sad smile "Not likely." he said softly so that she wouldn't hear.
He watched, following at a slower pace while contemplating the issue of where they will stay. He almost ran into her when he exited the building where she had stopped, an odd look on her face "Who are those people? What's up with those outfits?" she asked.
Wes looked up and tensed, his blood freezing. Immediately he stepped forward, pushing Rui behind him "Stay behind me, no matter what." he said firmly.
Rui immediately tensed, looking at him worriedly, fear clear in her eyes as the three Snagem members marched up to them. Wes straightened up, crossing his arms "Wakin." he greeted cordially.
Wakin scowled as he approached, looking furious "Hey, Wes! We've finally found you! You filthy double crossing traitor! Wrecking the hide out wasn't enough for you?! So you rip off the snag machine? You've got some nerve!" he spat.
Rui frowned at that "I think you have the wrong person. This is Leo. Now you should go." she said.
Wes shot her a look, impressed. But Wakin growled "Leo? You're going by that name? Sorry girly but this traitors name is Wes." he spat.
Rui hesitated at that, looking at Wes in concern "Who are these people? Huh? Are they Team Snagem?! And what did they mean by traitor? Leo...you mean..." she trailed off.
One of the other grunts snorted "That's right, pretty Lady! He's from Team Snagem, just like us! But he's no ordinary member. He's a snagger. He's the best in Team Snagem at snagging pokemon without fail." he boasted.
Wes scowled angrily even as Rui turned to him, looking at him fearfully. The way everyone else looked at him when they found out who he was "No way! Is it true Leo?" she whispered.
Wes scowled, glaring darkly at Wakin "It was. But not anymore." he said firmly.
Wakin growled at that "Hey, enough of this. Hand it over! Give back the snag machine you ripped off from the hideout!" he demanded.
Rui bit her lip at that, looking at Wes "Snag machine? Do you really have something like that?" she asked.
One of the grunts frowned at that "Hey isn't that the girl Miror B. was after?" he asked.
Wakin paused, truly looking at Rui before smiling "Well what do you know. You certaintly have an eye for value Wolf. The snag machine and the aura girl. How about you just go ahead and hand them over?" he asked.
Rui tensed fearfully, backing away from Wes as she watched him in fear. But Wes stood tall "No. I'm done taking your orders and I'm done taking Gonzap's orders. Now back off before you regret it." he hissed.
Wakin however snorted "Yeah. Not going to happen." he said.
Wes growled angrily before freezing as he heard Rui's startled shout. He spun around, seeing one of the grunts grab her, somehow managing to sneak around. Wes scowled at that, turning his head towards Wakin "Let her go." he snarled.
Wakin snorted "What do you care about some nobody like her? Besides, you aren't in a position to bargain." he pointed out.
Wes scowled however, holding out his arm with the snag machine "You take her and I will disappear. And what's more, I will destroy it. I will send it back to you personally in a shoe box. Burnt, mangled, and destroyed well beyond any fixing. I know the drill. This is a once in a life time device. The only way to replicate it is with the original. You want to tell Gonzap the news?" he threatened.
Wakin scowled at that, his smug look being replaced with something darker. His fists clenched as he looked from the girl to Wes. Finally he lowered his head in defeat "Let go of the girl." he said.
The grunt scowled, shoving Rui into Wes's arms. Wes immediately felt his shoulders lower in relief as he pulled her to him. He then smirked at Wakin "You just made a big mistake." he said.
He then tossed out two pokeballs "Espeon! Umbreon! Stop them!" he shouted.
Immediately the two eons sprung out of their poke balls, springing at the men. Immediately Wakin snarled, launching his own Pokemon. A Koffing and Corphish. The two fox Pokemon jumped to Wes and Rui's defense, countering the Pokemon while Wes lunged forward, punching at one of the goons before kicking the second off of the stairs to the fountain below. He then whirled around to face Wakin, his timing just seconds to slow as Wakin slammed his fist in his face, knocking Wes back and onto the ground. Immediately the other grunt lunged forward, shaking off Wes's hit to tackle him from behind, forcing him to his knees. Wes gave a grunt as he was brought down, facing Wakin. Rui gave a worried gasp at that, looking around for help. But everyone who was watching turned away at her pleading looks. That made her eyes widen in horror as she turned back to Wes.
Wakin smirked at that, rubbing his hand "That was far more satisfactory than I thought it would be." he said smugly.
Wes snorted at that, turning and spitting out a wad of blood from a split lip he earned from the punch "You were always stronger than me. But Orre's not all about the strength of the trainer. It's the strength of the trainers Pokemon." he said fiercely.
At that moment Umbreon jumped on Wakin, using bite on his shoulder and making him yowl in pain while Espeon jumped on Wes's shoulder, using hypnosis on the trainer behind him. Unfortunately when he fell he fell forward, pinning Wes to the ground. The sandy haired young man scowled, squirming his way out from under the man and scrambling to his feet. He then grabbed Rui's wrist, taking off towards the closest exit, his Pokemon following behind. "Where are we going!?" Rui shouted.
Wes frowned "Going for my bike. We can come back tomorrow but right now it's best to head for the desert." he said curtly.
Rui nodded "So you're...Wes? Of Snagem?" she asked.
Wes frowned before sighing, pulling her over to his bike "I was. But I quit. I needed to protect my Pokemon." he said, looking over to the Eeveelutions that padded up to him, their eyes as trusting as ever.
He then recalled them with a sad smile. Seeing that Rui looked at him curiously before her gaze moved to his arm "And...a snag machine?" she asked.
Wes nodded, readying the side car for Rui to sit in "It takes ordinary poke balls and converts them to snag balls capable of stealing any Pokemon from any trainers." he said.
He then stopped, turning and looking at her solemnly "I understand you are probably afraid of me. And I know you probably won't want to trust me. But I swear to you I will protect you at least until we can get back to the mayors tomorrow." he swore.
Rui hesitated at that and Wes sighed heavily, knowing there was no way to get her on her side. But then she leaned forward with a handkerchief, wiping some blood from his lip "You've still got some blood here. Hold still." she said.
Wes blinked at that, looking down at her in surprise "But...you..." he hesitated, unsure of what to do.
Rui gave him a soft, shy smile "You left them. And saved me. I'm from another region. Not blind. Everyone else turned a blind eye when I shouted for help. The only time they stepped in was after you did. And up there?" she asked, motioning behind her "You were hurt and on the ground. They were trying to take us both. Criminals. And the entire town would have let it happen. That is why...I know I can trust you." she said firmly.
Wes blinked in surprise at that before smiling "Thank you." he said.
Rui smiled at that before climbing into the side car "So where are we heading?" she asked.
Wes smirked as he climbed on the bike "Out to the desert. We can come back tomorrow." he said.
Rui however looked thoughtful "Actually...do you know a place we can buy poke balls? I have an idea. And I think I could use your help. If your up to it." she said hesitantly.
She then took a deep breath before looking firm "Those Pokemon I mentioned? I want you to snag them. We need to get them away from those trainers. They will just hurt themselves and those around them. Someone needs to save them. I can see them if you snag them. Will you help me?" she asked. Wes blinked as she held out her hand, staring at it in surprise.
He then looked at her face, seeing nothing but bright eyed determination "You realize this could be deadly. Right?" he asked.
Rui nodded, looking solemn "Someone needs to save this region. We might be the only two who can or will." she pointed out.
Wes nodded at that, grasping her hand "Very well. You have yourself a snagger. And I think I might know a place to get poke balls." he said, starting the bike before heading back out towards the outskirt stand.