Dead, But Still Kicking

“Remember. Run, as fast as you can, don’t look back.”

I know that.

“As soon as you hear the signal, get the fuck away from there. You hear me?”

This is not going to work, is it.

“Wait, multiple targets going your way! Oh no… fucking shit. Abort the mission, abort it now!”

You are an idiot, Marcus.

Well, time to run away. I... might as well introduce myself while I’m at it. Name’s Thomas, Thomas McKenzie. My friends usually call me Tommy, my other “friends” usually call me Big T. Both of my bosses call me McKenzie, you… you just pick whichever one you like most. What am I doing? Well, right now I'm running away from quite possibly my end. You see, I used to be a gang member, a simple thug, well... not so simple actually. Not only was I close to the leader of one of Castelia’s most feared mafias, but I was also what is known in the job, as a rat.

What’s going on right now? Well, right now I’m running away from my former co-workers, why? Well, that’s because my best friend Marcus screwed up and hard. He works with the police, you see, but he’s in charge of all the technological crap, as much as he doesn’t like to admit it, he ain’t a real officer, he’s just an office boy. But I have to give him his credit, he’s really good with all that technological crap, a nerd if you will, been friends with him since middle school.

        We separated after high school though. He went to college to finish his career, and I got into the wonderful world of drugs. Funny how we both wanted to be Pokémon Masters at some point. With the craze of the so called “Heroes” who wouldn’t want to be? You could hear names like Red or Ruby everywhere, stories of how they saved entire regions at such young ages, who wouldn’t want to be like them?

        We both got our Pokémon at the same time. He got an Oshawott and I went with a Tepig. Turns out we were both terrible trainers. I turned out to be an irresponsible ass, and lost my Pokémon in an all-or-nothing battle with a classmate, winner got the loser’s Pokémon, and as you can guess, I didn’t win. Marcus was a better trainer than me that’s for sure. He didn’t catch the liking to battles, but he did teach his Pokémon the wonders of technology, and made her his little lab assistant.

        He ended up working for the police as the one in charge of the informatics and vigilance department or something like that, and I ended up having to work for the mafia to pay for my drugs. Stopped using drugs a while ago, by the way, I know some of you are already judging me.

        But alas, destiny wanted us to meet again. Destiny is weird sometimes, you know?. Have you ever met an old friend. in the middle of the mall or in a party, after a long time, and be all happy because you had a great time back in the day? Yeah, same thing happened to me, except... not exactly.

        Year later we met each other once again in the worst of situations. Unlike a plaza, a restaurant, or a park… we met at the Police Department. First week on the job, and already a heist went wrong, I got captured, the only idiot to be caught by the police and their Pokémon by the way, and I could already see my future turning gray. I had a Golbat given to me for protection, but the bastard flew away as soon as the cops came in.

        I owe so much to Marcus. I was about to be judged and most likely jailed, but Marcus stepped in and proposed his superiors that I could end up as an informant, the rest of the gang never noticed that I got caught, after all, and they did need more info on Mister P. With their help, and using my “amazing”, and with that I mean horrible lying skills, I managed to climb that shady ladder of power into being the boss’ right hand man. And from that point onwards, my life seemed to be changing directions.

I wasn’t technically bad, never did kill anyone, and in the end I was working with the police. But I wasn’t that good either, after all, I was what would be considered a criminal, and I still enjoyed the luxuries that the abundant dirty money gave me. My boss, Mister P, he gave me so much more than a few trinkets,  thanks to him I finally had a decent place to live, a car, some money, and thanks to him I even managed to get four amazing Pokémon who I actually take care of.

        They are currently waiting for me at the mobile station, although knowing Sol, she’s probably coming here at this precise moment. She was my first Pokémon, after all, given to me when she was just a small, shiny Larvesta, one in a kind. Mister P. gave her to me as a gift of gratitude after I “killed” an agent that was after him for years, it was all fake of course, but he didn’t know. She evolved not that long ago into a powerful Volcarona, and she’s the voice that keeps me away from being stupid, too stupid at least.

        Then there’s Sevastian, he’s a Seviper and yes, I know that’s a terrible pun. He’s a lady killer, a skillful natural assassin, and a great, loyal friend, although he’s also boastful as hell and a tad annoying. Also given to me by the boss, for protection purposes during a heist, he stood with me even after the job was done, he said that he liked my goofiness. Even with his preadotry nature, he doesn’t hunt more than the usual Rattata that roams around my apartment, that and the occasional female that falls into his trap.

        Then there’s Bisharp, the first and only Pokemon I caught by myself. He’s not much of a talker, although it's not like he doesn’t throw his smartass remarks once in a while. I tried really hard to get him a nickname, but he just kept repeating that nicknames were petty and useless, and what really mattered was who you really were inside, and a name wouldn’t define that. Yeah, he’s that kind of guy.

        Finally… there’s Cat. She’s childish, careless, naive, and always hungry. A Shinx I found in one of my jobs. We were supposed to steal all the Pokémon in some rich guy's’ mansion and take them to the vans, but even with all the Pokémon that were in there, I was only able to get one single, little Shinx, who even with the multiple cries of fear and pain surrounding her, looked at me with a face of innocence and curiosity, that and I had some cookie crumbles in my pants which she managed to smell from a distance. I immediately fell in love with the cuteness her face emanated. I couldn’t let such an innocent Pokémon be mistreated and sold in the black market now could I? So I spoke with Mister P. and he let me keep her. Little did I know that she would end up being a troublemaker and overall mess, but can’t blame her, she’s still a child, after all.

        Well, that’s just great. I’ve met a dead end. I guess it would be a good time to take out my gun.

        ...I left it back home didn’t I?

        Well... hopefully my deductions were right, Sol should be here any minute now. Any… minute now… yeah, any… minute now! Like… now! Hey there she i- oh wait no that’s just a leaf, the heck how did I mix those up?

        “Well McKenzie. Gotta admit that... I didn’t expect something like this from you, my very own right hand man.”

        A slim, black suited figure appeared from behind me. His bald head reflecting the streetlights as he carried his signature revolver, a revolver modeled after the head of a Salamence, not my taste to be honest, but if that’s the gun that’s going to kill me at least I can say it’s an expensive one.

        “I see, you don’t even dare to speak to me, do you? Of course, of course… you know, I wonder who hired you. Was it the cops? The Skuntank Gang? The Bikers perhaps? Please... answer me, the right answer could extend your life”

        I gulped as I spotted the shadows that surrounded the alleyway from a distance, the rest of the gang was there, waiting for their leader to finish me. If Mister P. was known for something it was his cold honesty. “It was… the police department, sir.” I shivered, hoping that I could stay alive for a couple more minutes.

        “The police? Huh. They’re stepping up their game it seems. Also, please don’t call me sir, you’re now a free man after all! Enjoy your freedom while it lasts, McKenzie”

        He pointed the revolver at my forehead, that’s great, just… great.

        “Mister Porter please-”

BANG!

        I felt the pain run through me as fast as a racecar. I grabbed my foreleg in pain as I felt the blood dripping out of my veins, gosh the movies don’t make this sort of pain justice.

        “Don’t call me by my name you ungrateful idiot! I trusted you with such a valuable asset, and you FUCKING blew it! You don’t deserve to know that!” He shouted with his raspy voice

BANG!

        Shooting the same leg once again...

        “Mister-- Gah, Mister P. Please,   I didn’t tell anyone! I don’t even know the rest of your name!”

        But my pleas were not enough.

BANG!

         Another shot, and another groan of pain. This time it was my arm and I began seeing the world spin around me as my eyesight blurred. Yet I was still conscious, unfortunately.

        “Thomas, do you hear me? We managed to get better connection, Where are you?

        The old man chuckled and took the auricular that was on the floor next to me. “Mister McKenzie won’t be able to answer. In just a minute or so, he won’t be able to do anything at all.”

        “Get your hands off my friend! This’ll leave enough proof to send you to jail, P!” I could hear Marcus even from a distance, his voice was loud and annoying enough.

        “Your friend? How long have you been working with these bastards, McKenzie?"

        "About... two years... Mister P."

        "Oh!” He laughed coldly, a laugh that could only come from a man as shady as him, “What a coincidence! I hired you two years ago! Is that how you were so successful in your tasks? That annoying cop that was on my tail, is he really dead? "

        "No... Mister P." I sighed. This was not good.

        "No! Stop her! It's too dangerous out there!"

"Her..." I thought to myself. See? Told you she was coming!

        "WATCH OUT!" And there it was. From behind Mister P., a blast of fire struck the gang members, another blast and the cars around them exploded.

        "What's going on!?" The bald man shouted, before a red black and silver blur struck him down.

        "Took you... COUGH long enough..." I chuckled in agony as the familiar blur showed his face. "Hey... Bisharp. How are you doing in COUGH this fine evening?"

        "Better than you, master Thomas, that's for sure." He deadpanned on his dry, serious tone, a tone I was oh so happy to hear. "We need to get you out of here"

        "Where's Sol?" I asked him as he picked me up from the ground, moans of pain automatically leaving my mouth.

        "Right here, Thomas." A feminine voice said from above, dropping a grunt on the ground. "What the fuck happened to you!?" Her eyes widened up as she saw all the blood on my clothing, oh and the bullet holes in my leg and arm were not helping either.

        "Bad day, Sol. Don't COUGH worry about it." And the bloody coughs didn't make it easier for her.

        “We need to get him to safety. René’s mind link will not last for long, so we need to hurry.”  Bisharp explained as he began carrying me like an infant. Suddenly, two thugs appeared at the end of the alleyway with sub-machine guns ready to shoot, causing Sol to prepare an attack. Yet that was not necessary, as a swift snake like creature coiled around them both, placing its cold blade-like tail on one of the grunt’s neck.

        "Don't move, amigos. Drop your weapons and you may be able to live another day." A soft, masculine, sensual voice threatened.

        Even though they could not understand him, the grunts did as said, as the slightest cut could end their lives. Sevastian laughed coldly, and released them before rapidly striking them away with an Iron Tail.

        "Go! Take him to safety!" He called, as more grunts started to get up. "A bailar, idiotas!" He swiftly zigzagged towards the gangsters, striking them down with ease as soon as they got up.

        We kept running, or rather, my friends did, I was being dragged like a ragdoll because I pretty much had lost my leg at this point. The pain got stronger and stronger and I began feeling cold, my heart slowing down, yet I kept smiling. Something told me l was making it out of this one.

        "Please tell me that Cat’s not here." I whispered with my remaining forces, worried that the child could get involved in this danger.

        "She's with Marcus, " Sol answered, "You'll see her soon enough”

         My smile became wider, things were going rather well.

        But of course, I'm not that lucky.

        A lime green salamander-like creature descended from the skies, striking Bisharp with a powerful Dragon Claw, thus sending me to the ground once again.

        "Menace!" Sol warned, sending a Heat Wave to keep the Dragon type at bay.

        The Salamence roared, putting the fire down with strong airwaves that emanated from its flight. I always hated that thing.

        "Mence! Sala, salamence!" The boss' Salamence cried out

        Sol groaned in annoyance, launching an attack that I was not able to identify "Yeah, yeah. Fuck you too, Menace"

        Bisharp stood up and got close to me, grabbing me by the arms and sneakily trying to take me away from the battle and into safety. But just as Marcus' van came into view, door opening to receive me, a Honchkrow hit Bisharp in the back with an Aerial Ace. Following shortly, a bullet was shot, aiming at the van's door and missing Marcus, who was getting out to get me by mere inches.

        At this point I could only see shadows, trying to identify who was who with mere assumptions. The Honchkrow (the silhouette gave it away), seemed to be dropping a person on the floor before attacking Bisharp again, and everything considered, I could only assume that the shot was that person's doing.

        Bisharp was being held down, unable to move, Sol was too busy with Menace to notice what was going on,  and Marcus was most likely too frightened to go outside.

        I recognized the hairless head, that was definitely my former boss. I couldn't feel the pain anymore, and I was ready to accept my fate...

        Except, not really. To be honest with you all, the only reason I didn't scream like a little girl was because my strength was not enough. I panted and cried as the cold revolver made contact with my forehead. I heard a loud buzz of despair in the distance, Sol was close, but not close enough.

BANG!

        I didn’t know what happened afterwards. But what I do know, is that I’m supposed to be dead.