Eddies

Chapter 40: Life’s a zoo.

DISCLAIMER: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

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Eddies 40 – Life’s a zoo.

Chris's first thought was of the foul taste of vomit on his tongue.  It overwhelmed his other senses, causing him to wretch again as another wave of nausea rocked through him.

A soft, cool touch on his forehead did little to relieve the sickness, and he threw up a hand to petulantly remove the annoyance, only to feel a soft, furred one grasp his own.

That meant something to him for some reason, but for the life of him, he couldn't remember why. 

Groaning, he tried opening his eyes, only to have the brilliance above him cause him to cry out, closing heavy lids to block off the stabbing pain it brought.  With his vision blurred from the tears streaming down his face, he tried again, squinting up at the blue and black blur hovering anxiously above him.  Stretching up his hand, he rubbed his face, cupping his palm as a shield to the light above, he tried to make out the hazy figure above him, as a long nose stretched down to regard him worriedly.

"Skyy?" he stuttered in a hoarse voice, even as the lucario breathed a sigh of relief, calling out to the rest of the group "He's coming to, Scott."

With Skyy's assistance, Chris managed to raise himself to sit upright, held steady as the lucario he leant against wrapped a supporting arm around him.  While the nausea remained, his vision began to clear, and as he coughed hoarsely to clear his throat, the dense green foliage surrounding him came into focus.

"Where are we?" he managed, rubbing his sore throat as Scott joined them.  The Ranger squatted down and regarded him intently, although his pale complexion belied the fact he wasn't feeling fighting fit either.

Giving the surrounding trees a nervous glance, Scott said tiredly "I have no idea.  There are some pretty bizarre looking buildings out there across the water, and we're obviously in a big park somewhere heavily populated.  It's definitely not my world, but I couldn't tell you if it's yours or not.  Either way, we're staying hidden.  There's no pokemon out there, although I think I saw one of those dogs you people have, towing a woman around by a rope."

Fucking awesome, thought Chris to himself, shaking his head to clear things, but only managing to send further sickening waves of dizziness across his brow.  Then a sudden thought had him jolted forward, grabbing Scott's shoulder as he stared into the Ranger's face.

"Raikou?" he began, only to stutter to a stop as Scott slowly shook his head.  Chris tried halting the tears welling in his eyes, rubbing his face furiously on his sleeve as he tried to contain his grief.

"I'm sorry, Chris.  There’s no sign of them" Scott said quietly, before clapping him on the shoulder.  "Hey, they're legendaries.  For all we know they made it out elsewhere?"  

Chris nodded mutely, even as Skyy wrapped arms around his chest, hugging him close.

"Weird buildings here!" said a gruff voice from behind, as Storm stepped into view.  "Never seen anything like them!"

Chris's brow furrowed, momentarily distracted from his grief.  "What do you mean, weird?"

Storm shrugged, waving his paws towards the distant buzz of traffic noise beyond the branches.  "Just weird.  Lots of really, really tall ones, all shiny on the outside.  Then there's a whole lot of them all stuck together, like big white shellder shells.  All covered in tiles and everything!"

Chris gave him a confused look.  "White shellder shells? What the hell is a shellder shell?"

The typhlosion put two palms together, opening and shutting his paws like a clam shell.  "Fucking huge, they are.  But not as big as the huge coat hanger thing they built across the water near it!"

Coat hanger?  Near a building looking like white shells? 

What the...  Oh no!  It couldn't possibly be?

Struggling to his feet with the aid of Skyy, he followed Storm through the branches to peer across a white sandy beach to the distant city skyline.  While the noise of the bustling city was muted beneath the quiet splash of water against the shoreline, Chris sat down on the underbrush and stared past the boats to the buildings beyond.  A nearby arrowed sign indicating a gravelled path disappearing to the right pointed towards the nearby "Zoo", while to the left, a larger sign welcomed all visitors to Bradley’s Head National Park.

Unfortunately, Chris now knew exactly where they were.  He'd visited this very same beach during a school trip over three years ago, and had joined with his friends to splash in the chill water before their visit to that very same zoo.

Looking up, he stared across the rippled water at the distant harbour bridge and opera house, framed by the skyline of a modern, bustling city, before turning to his bemused friends and saying softly.

"Welcome to Sydney, guys.  Good news is, at least we're on the right planet.  Bad news is, we have no money, no transport, and we're a long, long way from home!"

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Scott rolled his eyes and stuck his fists against his hip.  His right palm still clutched Storm’s pokeball, which the typhlosion refused to enter.

"Look!  We have this same bloody argument each and every time this comes up!  You're not a fucking cyndaquil anymore, Storm!  There are too many strange humans around who could cause us grief, so you sneaking around outside of the ball in this place would risk not only us all, but the entire bloody mission!  Shit, remember what happened when those policemen at the farm saw you the first time?  Imagine a whole city freaking out like that!"

Storm froze, a look of indecision on his face, before he gave a groan, and nodded resignedly.  Scott activated his pokeball, and as he disappeared in the glowing red nimbus, the scowl on his furred face gave point to his anger at the situation.  Scott sighed, knowing they'd have yet another argument on it once he released his partner, but clipped the ball back onto his belt regardless.  Shit, they were both Rangers, and sometimes the stubborn nature of his friend sent him fuming.

Skyy had already gone into his own ball, although his feelings on the matter were obviously similar to the typhlosion.  Still he didn't whinge like a hissy baby about it, for Arceus sake!

Scott caught himself thanking the fact the legendaries weren't present, even as the thought sent a stab of guilt through him.  He hoped they had made it, but having those three out and about while they travelled would have been impossible, not to mention Storm would have outright refused his ball had they been present and free.  But the sadness he noted in Chris didn't allow any cheer at the thought, as Raikou missing obviously was causing the kid some serious pain.

Jasper sat under the shade of a nearby tree, rubbing the bruise marks on his wrists absently.  Scott had freed the gym leader from his bonds against his own better judgement, as the flight risk of the guy bolting was high.  Then again, where would he go, without money or knowledge of the place?  Certainly not back to Sinnotech, even assuming he could find them.  Not unless he wanted another good terminal bondage session to add to his present tally.  The Gym leader had nodded his thanks through swollen eyes, murmuring his gratitude, and Scott sighed as he left him there alone with his thoughts.  They had enough on their plate as is, without having to worry about Jasper escaping.

Besides, if he did a runner, it'd be one less problem they would have to deal with, the Ranger thought sardonically.

With the pokemon secured, Scott turned to Chris for an idea where to start.  The kid was rifling through his wallet, having come up with a few notes and a plastic card, which the Ranger was advised might hold enough money for them to travel with, at least locally.  The real thing was to find a telephone, and contact the farm to get some assistance.

Chris finished his search, returning the wallet to the back pocket of his jeans somewhat glumly.  The thirty odd dollars in notes and coins wouldn't stretch far, and he winced at the knowledge the meagre funds in his bank account had Buckley’s hope of getting them home.

The place they'd arrived at had been both fortuitous and problematic.  The isolation had been a Godsend in preventing the pokemon with them being seen prematurely, but the place was as isolated as could be found within a major city.  When Chris had given Scott an insight as to how big the place was, with a population approaching 5 million, Scott was flabbergasted.  As a number went, it was almost inconceivable, and how so many humans could live so closely together was beyond his ken.  When Chris had somewhat dryly told him that, as far as world cities went, it wasn't that big, Scott gave up thinking about it.  No point in worrying about things beyond his control.  All the Ranger really wanted was to find somewhere safe, where they could hold up while they considered their options further before proceeding blindly.

Scott knew about mobile phones, but as Chris didn't own one, their only real choice was to find a phone elsewhere.  Chris suggested the "zoo" as being the best place to find one.  He didn't elaborate on what exactly a "zoo" was, apart from it being a place people went to see animals.  Scott shrugged it off as a communication thing and didn't ask again, especially when Chris seemed reluctant to clarify further.

The three walked the short trek to the Taronga Park Zoo in silence, arriving at the crowded entry to be surrounded by excited children who had disembarked from a large coach parked nearby.  A few gave Scott a brief look, one laughing as he pointed to the Ranger's uniform.  Scott flushed, unused to being the source of anyone's amusement, but the firm pressure of Chris's hand on his shoulder kept him quiet, even as another punk kid called out "Nice pokemon uniform, mister.  Gonna enter the league soon, are you?"

Scott clenched his fists, but relaxed as Chris chuckled and called back "You better believe it!  They don’t come any better!  So, shut your yapper, or I'll have my lucario beat the snot out of you!"

The kids broke into loud laughs, waving back at him, and Scott gave Chris a sardonic grin.  "You handled that well.  We might just make a Ranger out of you yet!"  Chris returned the smile self-consciously, before retorting "Hey, did you think I was joking?" which sent the pair chuckling.

Jasper, limping up behind them, said crossly "Arceus sake, let's just get this over with!  I'm beat!"

Scott shot him a quelling look, but the gym leader obviously wasn't exaggerating.  Leaning against the zoo's outer wall, he slumped down to sit on the edge of a concrete garden bed with his back against the rough rendered brickwork, head dropping to his hands as he rested as best he could.

Chris broke from watching him, and said "Alright, I'll go into the entry and see if they have a phone.  Leave the talking to me."

Scott was more than happy to oblige, following Chris up the two short flights of stairs, and moving past the excited kids to the ticket booths on the left.  Through the thick tinted glass, a bespectacled youth seemingly younger than even Chris glanced up at the pair and said "How many?"

Chris shook his head, leaning down as he said "No, we just wanted to use a phone.  Our car has been stolen, and we need to see if we can get some help."

The young woman pondered his statement dubiously, before saying "Well, there's no phone here.  Use your mobile."

Chris sighed, and said "It was in the car.  Is there a phone here we could use?"

She looked at him blankly, before leaning back and saying into the office "Is Bob out there?  There’s some kid wants to use the phone!"

A voice called back "Can't they use their mobile?"

Chris, beginning to get frustrated, called out "No, it was stolen with my car!"

The anonymous person said "Oh, alright, I'll ask my manager."

As time began ticking, Scott looked at the increasingly irritated Chris, and said jokingly "Perhaps I should let Storm ask her?  He has a way with women; generally by being explicitly frightening.  Unprofessional, but certainly efficient."

Chris laughed, as the woman at the ticket window was replaced by an older, tired looking man.

"Good afternoon.  I'm sorry, but what are you having troubles with?  You lost your phone?"

Chris groaned inwards, but gave the guy the same story.  The man took it in without comment, before motioning in the trio through a side door into the administration block.  As he weaved through the maze of desks, he explained "The only public phone outside was vandalised last week, but you can make a call from here.  Is it local?"

Chris gave Scott a quick look, and said "Well, if it's not too much trouble, I'd like to let my folks know first.  It's my mum's car."

The manager gave him a sympathetic look and said "Understood.  Just make it quick, as we're on a tight budget."

As he left, he gave Jasper a glance and said "I'll get you guys some cold drinks.  Your friend here looks like he's been through hell."

With the office empty, Chris sat on the desk edge, spinning the phone around and calling his home number.  After a long set of rings, a strange male voice answered the line, one whom Chris couldn’t place.

"Darken Ridge."

Confused, Chris shot Scott a glance, pressing the speakerphone button as the Ranger's brow furrowed. 

"Umm, yeah, it's Chris Masters here.  Is Mum there?"

"Hold the line." was the reply, and the receiver began playing soft music.

Chris looked worried.  "Something's wrong.  I don't know who that voice is.  Where have my folks gone?"

Scott motioned for him to quieten, considering their options.  Before he had a chance to reply, another voice spoke through the speaker.

"This is Cameron Marshke.  Are you saying I have Chris Masters on the line?"

Chris made to reply, but paused as Scott held out his hand.  "We'd like to speak with Gwen or Paul.  Can you please put them on?"

The voice was unrelenting.  "Not without confirming your identity.  Who is this?"

Scott thought a moment, thinking hard for a neutral answer, before replying. "I'm a friend of J.B's."

The voice paused again, before a sigh could be heard.  "Alright, no more hedging.  I'm Chief Superintendant Cameron Marshke; J.B's supervisor. Now, I'd like to know who I'm talking with, and if J.B is there, I’d like a word with him."

Scott nodded to Chris and said "I’m Ranger Scott Rivers.  J.B isn’t with us I’m afraid, so I can’t put him on.  We’ve arrived back here somewhat unexpectedly, and now our problem is we’re stuck without transport or money.  But before we discuss that, I'd like Chris to speak to his parents, if he can."

Back at Darken Ridge, Cameron hesitated a second, before handing the receiver to Gwen.  Paul, anxiously hovering in the background, moved beside his wife as she nervously took the call.  Even as she made to answer, Cameron gave the nod for his officer to continue recording the conversation, and he listened to their exchange on muted headphones.

"Honey? Is that you?"

Back at the zoo, Chris broke into a genuine, relieved smile and said "Hey mum.  I'm back, sort of."

"But where are you?"

Rolling his eyes, Chris said "Oh, you're never going to believe it, mum..."

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After reassuring his parents he and Skyy were safe, Chris handed the phone back to Scott, who gave Cameron details of where they’d ended up.  With the information provided, Cameron let out a long breath, not looking forward to the logistics of getting the three men across half the country without causing a ruckus, or pissing off the military brass further.  After a quick brief with his staff, he told Scott he’d arrange to have them picked up within the next few hours, and requested they stay put until his men arrived. 

Scott agreed, although Jasper gave him a sour look when he overheard their journey had only just started.  Inwardly, Scott dismissed his objections.  Given the grief he’d caused, the Gym Leader should consider himself fortunate to be alive, let alone well rested and unrestrained.

When the phone call ended, Scott leaned back in the manager’s chair, breathing out a sigh of relief.  Chris have him a thumbs up but, before he had a chance to comment, a cough at the door interrupted their musings.

Looking apologetic, Bob the zoo manager stood leaning against the door frame, and said into the intervening silence “Aah, yeah.  I’m sorry about overhearing some of that, but I have some drinks here, and...  Yeah, well, it seems like you need to fill in a bit of time before your police friends pick you up.    How about spending it looking around?  After all, we are one of Sydney’s top tourist attractions!

Scott gave Chris a shrug, which became a frown as the kid looked reluctant.  Jasper, however, interrupted their thoughts.  “Do what you like, but I need some rest, and badly.  You might as well take in the sights, before they come for us.  Me, I’m going to crash right here, if that’s all right!”

The manager nodded, and told Jasper they had a bed in the nurse’s office he could use.  As the pair left, the manager pointed through the rear office door, where it passed out to the zoo proper.  “Go make yourselves at home.  I’ll let you know through the PA when you need to return.”

Somewhat dubiously, Chris and Scott followed his directions, heading through the rear entry into the morning sunlight.

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The zoo wasn’t really what Scott had expected.  Even after only half an hour exploring the place, he soon realised it was a lot like a pokemon show, but with all the creatures locked in cages.

Clearly, for the sake of safety, the bars and enclosures were needed.  He had to keep reminding himself these creatures were “wild”, and not pokemon.  Hell, some even looked downright dangerous, with the lion creatures they had seen big enough to give even Storm pause.

Speaking of which, he slipped a hand down his pants to his pokeball clip to check Storm’s ball was secure.

The clip was empty.  Storm’s pokeball was not attached where it should be.

Stunned, his sudden frantic stop had Chris confused, the ice cream he’d bought forgotten as he watched Scott’s increasingly worried search.

“What is it?” he asked, before Scott froze, a look crossing the Ranger’s face that had Chris shocked.

Scott was scared; the first time Chris had ever seen the look on the normally stoic Ranger’s face.

“Storm’s pokeball!  It’s missing!”

Chris stammered “What?  How can it be...” but was interrupted as the Ranger grabbed his arm, propelling him towards the privacy of a large tree nearby.

“His pokeball!!  It’s gone!  It was there when we came to the zoo, and now...  Oh shit!  You don’t suppose those kids took it?”

Chris blanched, reaching for Skyy’s ball, only to breath out a sigh of relief when he found it securely clipped in place.  Looking back at the pale Ranger he said ominously “Well, if they did, they have a surprise in store if they open it!”

For some reason, Scott didn’t seem relieved at all by his reply.

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“Why’d you take that thing?  We are so going to be in the shit when the teachers find out!”

“Hey!  He was a grown man dressed up like a fucking pokemon fag!  He even had a pokemon Ranger’s badge on!  What sort of moron would dress up like that in public?”

“You should have kept your mouth shut out there, though!  He’s pretty tough looking, cosplay or not!”

The two youths who had snatched the ball from Scott’s belt after pushing past the group at the zoo entrance stared down at the red and white pokeball nervously.  Having ditched their peers, they sought refuge in a toilet block located near the otter pools, and were examining the pokeball cautiously after locking themselves into one of the toilet cubicles.

“Hey, that thing looks pretty bad ass.  I got a pokeball for Christmas, and it was a cheap, crappy plastic thing.  This one looks heavy, and solid too.”

“So, do we open it, or what?”

The pair exchanged a look, even as the kid holding the ball pressed the release button, nearly dropping it as it expanded rapidly in his palm.  Barely keeping a grip on the now much weightier item, they both breathed out an amazed “No way!”

The younger of the two recovered first, taking a half step back as he said shakily “I don’t think we should be messing with that thing anymore!  I got a real bad feeling...”

The youth holding the ball gave him a sarcastic look, before summoning up his courage and pressing the button again.  Both froze as the ruby beam erupted from the device, filling the cubicle with its bright light. 

But the beam was truly the least of their problems.  As the huge blue and cream monster expanded to fill the toilet with them, pressing them tightly against the walls of the now too small cubicle, the pair stared up in horror as a fanged, red eyed face bent to within inches from their own.  Looking down at them in confusion, the huge beast narrowed his eyes and said in a deep, hoarse voice “Oh, fuck me!”

The piercing screams that followed resounded half way across the zoo...

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Authors note:

Chris is back home, and stuck in Sydney to boot.
Why Sydney?

Because it’s amusing! ;)

I don’t live in Sydney. 
There is a very good reason for that.
I can’t fucking stand the place.

Overcrowded, and full of wankers, my preference is for elsewhere. 
Pretty much anywhere elsewhere, really.  Just so long as it’s not Sydney!

However, if you come to Australia, ignore my antisocial whinging, and go see the place. 

It really is a remarkably pretty city, with a lot of cool attractions.

Not as nice as here, but hell, I’m biased ;)

Oh, and btw, just between us, Chapter 41 is gonna be hella-awesome!
Just to let you know ;>