Twig, Caesar and Hugo belong to me.
The Kyrus region and the Order of the Rising Sun belong to XfangheartX
Pokemon belongs to Nintendo
For those of you who read XfangheartX's Pokemon story The Inferno Knights, I decided to write my own series that exists int he same world but with a different Order. I highly recommend you read The Inferno Knights as it's not only a good story but it will also have connections here such as mentions of her story's setting. Please enjoy.
Kyrus. A great Pokemon continent of many countries. But with such a big place there are sure to be many villains who strive to rule it. Sour ideals will lead to feuds and feuds to fights, and fights to battles, battles to wars. To countermeasure these atrocities for the survival of the kingdom, orders, clans and guilds were founded to protect and serve the Pokemon populace from criminal scum. There are some that are well known and respected like the proud Order of the Rising Sun which many Pokemon have joined to become great knights int he name of honor and valiance. But then there are those that don't wish to be as public. Organisations that prefer to keep their identity hidden from prying eyes. As such they tend to go as legends or myths, unsure of existence but there is one whose legend and mystery soars high above the rest. An order that will carry out the darkest of deeds but bring just as much hope the Pokemon. It's name...is The Hidden Hands.
Episode 1: Seek the Legend
CHA-TOT! CHA-TOT! The sun rose over the pink and purple sky of the Kanto Empire as the Chatot crowed it good morning from the roof of a small cottage. the garden door opened before a small Buneary in a yellow dressing gown with red spots came sauntering out, her fur a little ruffled from sleep as she yawned. She picked up a nearby watering can shaped like a Phanpy and went over to a large green object about her size and proceeded to water it. The green mound quivered before a yellow lotus sprouted form its top and it...yawned? It was Cacnea which pulled itself out of the ground as the Buneary smiled.
"Good morning, Lotus. Sleep well." the Buneary asked sweetly.
"Like a Phantump, Amy." the Cacnea now known as Lotus said as he stretched his needle arms. "Ready for the farmer's market?"
"Of course. Oh, Peep, time for breakfast." Amy the Buneary called to the Chatot on her roof as she set down a bowl of birdseed which the musical note Pokemon flew down to and began to peck at.
"We really grew a big harvest of berries this month. I hope they'll sell well in town. And of course, I'll be sure to make the boys my famous nanab and pecha tarts. I know they're their favourite." Amy smiled as she looked to the house across the road and pricked up her ear to amke out the faint sound of snoring. She giggled. "Sleeping in again, Twig. When will you learn?"
XXX
Inside, a Chimchar and Pikachu were sat at the table in the dining room, enjoying their breakfast together. They were Caesar and Hugo. Two of three best friends who shared a house on the edge of the Kanto Empire. many pokemon were left with broken or no families after the war so some would bond together to form new families through the friendships they would make. Caesar and Hugo were no exception as the latter had been left behind by his 'family' before hatching according to officials and the former had lost both his parents. He did have an older brother; Artemis the Monferno, but the two had been separated and had no luck in finding each other since. Of course Caesar hadn't lost hope as he'd always believed in his brother but he was thankful to have found a family with his two friends. Speaking of which, the atmosphere was shattered by a sudden scream which didn't even phase the two surprisingly.
"There he goes, bang on time. or not." Caesar chuckled as an Aipom came stumbling down the stairs, panting heavily. This was, Twig. The third member of the family and as you could see, the tardiest. It was actually him who made this group as he befriended Hugo and Caesar when their wounds needed healing. He'd been born alone as well but always seemed to have an optimistic attitude about him so his smiling face and upbeat nature just drew the two to him when they were suffering.
"And before you start, yes, we did try to wake you up but you blew us off. Three times."
"Then be firmer. Don't let my sleepy stubbornness get to you, it's a lie!" Twig grumbled as he joined his adopted brothers and grabbed a nanab berry from the fruit bowl.
"That won't keep you satisfied." Hugo tutted.
"Ah blow it out your ear, tamato cheeks!" the Aipom replied. "So has there been any luck yet?"
"No. We still haven't found a guild close to home yet." Caesar shook his head. "And we still don't have enough money to travel to Pyrus so the Rising Sun are still off the table."
"It's not fair. Those guys are the greatest. To become a knight and save Pokemon for victory and glory. It would be amazing." Hugo fantasized of himself in shining armor, standing atop a pile of beaten Pokemon including an Ursaring, Panagoro and Beartic, an Aegislash sword and shield in paw. His dream was quickly popped by Twig.
"Well time to wake up, Hugo cause at this rate we'll never join. We can't afford the travel and the only way on foot is right through the Forbidden Forest. Not only would the trek take forever on foot but we'd be sitting Psyducks to all the Pokemon that would eat us in there. I once heard someone lost both his legs to a Seviper after trying to traverse that forest." Caesar cautioned.
"Aww where's your sense of adventure, guys? From what I hear Hazy Gorge makes the Forbidden Forest look like the Teddiursa's picnic spot. If it meant leaving this Lousy Empire I'd risk all my limbs and my tail." Hugo argued.
"Now, now. I know the Empire hasn't been int he best of shape since that fleabag of an Emperor inherited the throne but we still have plenty to like here. Don't tell em you've forgotten about Amy. I never thought you to be a heart-breaker." Twig said.
"Hey! Amy's as sweet as ever and we're lucky to have her as our neighbor. But don't you think we can have more out of life than just getting by in the market as half-baked berry farmers?! I mean this is Amy's passion but we're just doing it to survive. There's no place for knights in this Empire."
"I know what you mean, Hugo. That Granbull's a bigger parasite than a Parasect's mushroom." Caesar said. "And Twig and I are just as eager to join an Order as you are, but it's just not our time yet. It will come though and we'll be ready when it does."
"Yeah...you're right." Hugo sighed.
"Hey now, turn that frown upside down." Twig slapped Hugo on the back. "It's market day today so let's sell those berries and then we can enjoy some of Amy's amazing tarts afterward. I know how much you love her cooking." Hugo couldn't help smiling at the warm image of the Buneary welcoming the three of them into her home with a tart and tea ready. "There's that smile! Now let's get to work."
"You know, Twig. I don't know how many times that attitude of yours has kept my spirit up." Hugo praised.
"Kikikikiki! It's what i do, chum." the Aipom grinned as the three set out with their kart soon after into town to sell the harvest. But little did they know, this day would be the one they'd be waiting for...in a way.
XXX
Twig, Caesar and Hugo made their way into town with their harvest of berries to sell at the market as they arrived in the square and were greeted by Amy and Lotus who had their stand set up.
"Morning, boys. Late again I see." she giggled.
"Hey blame Mr Snooze." Caesar jerked his thumb to Twig who stuck out his tongue.
"Don't worry I saved you a spot to set up."
"Amy you are such an angel." Hugo thanked the Buneary who blushed pink.
"Your harvest is looking as fruitful as ever. Literally and figuratively." Twig complimented.
"I couldn't have done it without Lotus. His Sunny day and growth are what keep us going." Amy petted the Cacnea who rubbed his head bashfully. "And as always, I saved plenty for the tarts this afternoon so we can all enjoy that."
"Oh boy, oh boy, the bakery wishes they could make tarts like you do, Amy." Caesar drooled a little at the thought when the air was suddenly filled with the sound of horns which made the square fall silent...in fear.
"Oh great. Wartimer's coming." Twig spat.
"Don't let him hear you, Twig." Amy cautioned.
"Oh we're all thinking it, I'm just saying it." the Aipom snorted as a nearby carriage came rolling into the square, pulled by a pair of Rapidash. The villagers quivered at the sight of the beautiful carriage like it was the Grim Dusknoir's kart to Hades. Walking alongside the carriage was a large Samurott clad in Japanese styled amor. This was Mizunosuke, Captain of the royal guard. But at that moment a Pichu and Smoochum ran into the street in a game of tag.
"Cghildren stop!" Mizunosuke called out but too late as the children crossed paths with the kart which came to screeching halt in front of them, the Rapidash whinnying in shock.
"WHO DID THAT?!" a voice thundered form within the carriage as the door burst open and out stepped a vicious looking Granbull clad in royal robes and holding a club. This was Emperor Mortimer; the tyrannical ruler of Kanto, feared hated and unloved by all except himself. Mizunosuke stared at him in disgust. Unlike his current Emperor, Mortimer's Father Tojin, was a strong hearted and kind Granbull who the Samurott proudly served under but ever since Tojin passed away his son had disgraced the throne trmemndously. His piggy eyes swiveled to spot the Pichu and Smoochum who held each other in fear. "You dare cross my path you sniveling brats?!" he snarled as he began to stomp towards the children, patting his palm with the club.
"NO! Please, your Majesty, my Daughter meant no harm!" a Jynx cried out from the crowd in terror as she tried to reach the Smoochum.
"They just weren't looking where they were going! Please forgive my Son and his friend!" a Mother Raichu pleaded.
"Sire, please. They're only children." Mizunosuke argued.
"Oh I'll forgive them." Mortimer said as he approached the kids. "Just as soon as they've been punished!" he roared as he raised his club. The children screamed as he brought it down towards them when SLASH! his club was split in twain by an iron tail which belonged to none other than Hugo who stood between him and the children. The two looked at him before hurrying to their Mothers who were staring at Hugo in equal surprise.
"Who the hell do you think you are, rat?!" Mortimer asked.
"I'm Hugo, and if I were as rich as you, I could afford some manners, Wartimer!" the crowd gasped.
"What the hell are you doing?!" Caesar asked in thought as he ran over to Hugo. "Your Majesty! Please, forgive my friend, he meant no offense! Hugo's just always had a heart for children! He can't help protecting them, it's in his nature. Surely you understand one can't fight their own nature."
"And does nature control what one says as well, you filthy ape?!" the Granbull inquired spitefully and though Caesar flinched at the insult he stayed cool.
"No, Sire. But please, forgive him. From what I've been told, one who loses their temper to a petty insult is considered childish and I know you're not childish, so please, I beg you. Don't tarnish your image by beating my friend over such a silly word." the Granbull thought until he nodded.
"You're right. This rat isn't worth my effort and fighting over an insult is pointless. So I'll take compensation for his actions in another form. Tell me, which kart belongs to him?"
"Oh he, myself and Twig there work that berry kart." Caesar pointed. Mortimer looked at the kart of berries before he trudged over to it and raised his arm. SMASH!-SMASH!-SMASH! With that he obliterated the kart with his bare paws, crushing very berry he could see until it was nothing but a pile of smashed wood and squashed berries. Everyone looked on in shock but none more so than the three brothers as Mortimer laughed mockingly.
"BAAAA-BA-BA-BA-BA-BA-BA! For your friend's interference and insulting me, he has paid with your harvest! Maybe now he'll think twice before talking back to his Emperor!" Twig, Caesar and Hugo looked at their ruined harvest in horror, Amy and Lotus also, the former with her paws on her mouth.
"That...that was our only source of money. We...we're broke." Twig murmured as he picked up a half mashed berry in his trembling hands which fell to the ground with a splotch.
"Well serves you peasants right. You should be grateful I didn't lock you and your friends up in the dungeon." Mortimer turned his back and began to walk away when Splat! A tamato berry hit him in the back of the head stopping him instantly as the crowd gasped. The brute turned around with a deep growl to see Twig standing amongst the wreckage of the stand, panting angrily.
"YOU MAKE ME SICK YOU SON OF A MUK! To the pit of my stomach! You're Father was such a great mon. He was kind and wise and loved his people. We looked up to him and wanted to be like him but you...you're the last thing we'd ever want to be! You're selfish, greedy, pompous, cruel and above all, STUPID! A Garbodor has better mannerisms than you. No offense, Sawl."
"None taken, Twig." replied the aforementioned trash heap Pokemon who glared at Mortimer as well.
"You've ripped the heart out of this Empire since you wrongfully inherited it! And at the rate it's going, it won't last another five years! I know a lot of Pokemon here fear you, but I think I speak for everyone in Kanto when I tell you to do us all one big favour and DROP DEAD!" PTOO! the Granbull held his breath with wide eyes of anger when Twig finished his rant and spat on his boot. The crowd looked on in deathly silence at the spectacle. Even Mizunosuke couldn't help but grin at the Aipom's courage as he stared at Mortimer who then charged at the Twig and began beating him mercilessly with headbutt, brick break and outrage. Caesar and Hugo could only watch in horror as Amy hid her face in the latter's chest sobbing in fear before Twig was thrown through into a pile of crates, shattering them to pieces as he lay bruised bleeding and unconscious.
"TWIG!" his friends cried as they ran to him.
"Hang on, Twig!" Amy said as her paws began to glow pink and sparkle.
"No, Amy don't! Healing wish is too much!" Lotus protested.
"I don't care if I faint! Not if it means my friend will be alright!" Amy said as she pressed her paws to the monkey which caused his wounds to heal and seconds later she passed out as Hugo caught her in his arms. Caesar gritted his teeth in anger and looked at Mortimer who was strutting away again.
"You'll pay for this." he whispered hatefully though the Granbull heard him. "You can insult us, step on our harvest, take our money. But when you hurt an innocent Pokemon, even more so my friend, that's a mistake you'll come to regret and by the time you do it'll be too late for forgiveness. You'll lose everything and then it'll be all of us laughing at you and rightfully so. Never forget that."
"Forget what?! BAAAH-BA-BA-BA-BA-BA!" Mortimer responded before he laughed wickedly. "Don't forget your taxes are due by the end of the week!" he added and left as the citizens looked on in mixed anger, disgust and fear. Mizunosuke included who quickly ran to the group and placed some sitrus berries before them.
"Feed these to your friends and take them to the doctor. I apologise immensely for the Emperor's behaviour." he bowed. The Samurott, unlike Mortimer, had always been a kind and gentle soul, taking after Tojin's guidance so despite the brute's reign, his presence did give the Pokemon hope for a better future.
"Thank you, Mizu. At least someone in that castle still has a heart." Caesar smiled before the Captain reluctantly followed after the departing carriage.
XXX
After the brute's departure, Twig and Amy were hurried to the local doctor's to recover. The lead medic, Dr Armin the Croconaw had fed the two the berries Mizunosuke had given them to heal their fatigue and Hugo, Lotus and Caesar were sitting by waiting for them to wake up. And they didn't have to wait any longer as the monkey and rabbit opened their eyes.
"Hey. Welcome back to the land of the living." Caesar patted Twig's shoulder.
"How you feeling, Amy?" Hugo smiled at the half-asleep Buneary who smiled back at him.
"I'm fine. Are you ok?" she asked. Hugo laughed.
"Worry about yourself for once. You blew all your energy on that wish. But you'll be happy to know it came true." Amy looked to see Twig sitting up.
"Hugo's right you know. You are an angel." he grinned at Amy who glowed and hid her face in her fluff. "But you really shouldn't have exerted yourself like that. I got what I deserved."
"Oh and why would you say something so wrong?" the group looked to see Dr Armin enter the room. "What you did was very admirable. Standing up to that brute when we all didn't have the spines for it. You should be proud. And I'm not the only mon who thinks so." everyone looked to see the Pichu and Smoochum from earlier standing behind him.
"You're awake!" the Pichu cried happily as he and his friend ran to Hugo. They were also carrying a large basket between them. "This is for you guys. Some berries from Meme's Mum and some money from mine."
"Oh no we couldn't." Twig waved his tail. The Pichu chuckled.
"Mum told me you might say that, but she insisted. Meme and I would've been beaten to a pulp if you hadn't stepped in. Besides, you two lost your harvest because of us so please accept it." the boys looked at each other before they nodded.
"Thank you. Your Mothers are very kind ladies." Caesar said. "What's your name by the way, lad?"
"Jim."
"And I'm Meme, but you already know that." the Smoochum smiled. "Oh, my Mum also told me to give you this for her." she then ran over to Hugo before she planted a big kiss on his cheek. "You're my hero, Sir Hugo." she added as she hugged him tight. The Pikachu blushed deeply before he grinned and rubbed his head.
"Oh stop, You'll make me blush!" he laughed rubbing the kiss mark off his cheek.
"I already have." Meme giggled as the others looked at Hugo proudly.
"You guys were so awesome! I've been wanting to throw a berry at that ugly mutt for years!" Jim said.
"Ach, we're no heroes. Just three fools in way over their heads who lost their harvest and since taxes are due soon we'll probably lose our home as well."
"You're not fools! The whole village has been buzzing about how great you were." said Meme.
"And don't worry about your home, boys." Amy said. "I made plenty of money from my harvest so I'll pay your taxes so you still have a roof over your heads. And until your next harvest grows in you'll eat with me, Lotus and Peep." she then pressed her paw to Hugo's lips before he could speak. "And don't you say no, Mister. It's happening and that's final."
"Yes, Ma'am." Hugo obeyed as the kids snickered.
"But seriously, why is this still going on?" Twig asked. "Wartimer's clearly exploiting his people and terrorizing the Empire. He should be in jail!"
"He should be by all means!" Armin agreed. "But he's the Emperor. There's no higher authority."
"But what about the guilds? Surely the Order of Rising Sun could come and put a stop to him!" Hugo suggested.
"I'm sure they'd want nothing less than to do so." Armin began. "But unfortunately they can't. Kanto is part of the Kyrus Kingdom and Mortimer is a royal. Arresting him would be considered an act of war if performed by a neighboring country like Pyrus and the Rising Sun could risk being disbanded if they did it. It's a loophole that Mortimer is able to squeeze through despite his fat gut. And I'm sure it makes Grand Master Jerome and his knights very angry."
"BUT THAT'S- Hugo, Lotus could you cover the kid's ears please?" Twig asked as his friends obliged. "TAUROSSHIT! You're telling me there's nothing we can do! that we just have to survive his reign until he kicks the proverbial bucket?!"
"Oh don't worry, Twig! There is one group that can stop him. In fact I called them while you were recovering." Jim piped up.
"Who?" Hugo asked.
"The Hidden Hands." everyone looked at the Pichu before Armin sighed.
"Jim, I know you have a big imagination and it's healthy for one your age, but this isn't the time."
"But it's true! The Hidden Hands do exist! They just pretend to be a myth so no one finds them. How do you explain those cases where riches and bad Pokemon go missing?"
"We live in a world full of thieves and criminals, son. I'm sure those events were caused by them." Armin suspected.
"Well i know it was them. I believe in the Hidden Hands so I performed the summoning while Twig and Amy were recovering. This is the straw that broke the Numel's back!"
"And did they show up?"
"Well, no but..." Armin pet Jim gently.
"I understand your upset. I am too and I'd like this place to be free of Mortimer just as much as you do. But fairy tales won't solve it."
"It's not a fairy tale! I know it!" Jim shouted as he turned and ran off with Meme chasing after him. Armin sighed sadly.
"That poor boy. Of all the places he had to be born. No child should had to live under this monster's thumb." he shook his head as the others looked on just as sad.
XXX
After being discharged, the group of friends headed back to Amy's where despite the day's events, were still able to enjoy the tarts she'd baked for them before the boys headed back home.
"Don't forget. You'll be spending your meals with us now." Amy waved goodnight.
"We won't and thank you, Amy." Hugo waved back as the three entered their home and sighed.
"Some day, huh?" Twig muttered.
"I know Amy's looking out for us, but we cant just drag her down. This is all Wartimer's fault!" Hugo said.
"Every month that lard ass's taxes leave the Pokemon poorer and poorer. Eventually there'll be nothing left. If only there was someone who could make him pay for it. Like if someone broke in and took all his riches to give back to the villagers." Caesar wondered.
"Well...why not?" Twig asked.
"Huh?"
"Why not? Let's do it. Let's break into his castle and raid the bastard for all his worth. And then we give it back to the villagers where it belongs."
"Whoa! Twig you're already on his bad side and now you wanna rob him?!" Hugo spluttered. "I know he's scum but like Armin said, he's still Emperor. We'd be imprisoned or worse!"
"Armin was wrong. That thing is no Emperor. He's a criminal who steals from innocent civilians, attempts to beat children, destroys civic property and ruins businesses. All while using loopholes to avoid justice from groups like the Orders. So I say we go and do what they can't! Come on! You wanted adventure, Hugo and you wanted to make him pay for everything, Caesar. What do we have to lose?!" Hugo and Caesar turned to each other before the former spoke.
"Certainty of death. Small chance of success...what are we waiting for?"
"We are gonna lose our home anyway. I doubt he'd accept Amy's payment either way." Caesar shrugged with a smile.
"Then here's the plan." Twig huddled his brothers as he whispered.
XXX
Night had fallen over the Empire and every building was silent. Mortimer's castle was in full view, guards posted at the entrance. But out of the shadows came three little Pokemon dressed in black sweaters, trousers and beanie hats.
"Dun dun-dun dun-dun dun-dun dun-dun." Twig muttered in time with their toes which tipped towards the castle, Caesar and Hugo frowning at his antic. "Dun dun-dun dun-dun dun-dun dun-dun." he said a little louder. "Dun-dun-du-"
"Shhh." his friends hissed.
"Sorry. I've always wanted to do that." he apologised as they reached the castle. "There. That's our way in." he pointed a window at the top of the castle. The other two gulped.
"That's quite a climb, Twig." Hugo said.
Don't worry, we can make it. We're natural born climbers." Twig reassured until they began to do just that as they scaled the castle wall, Hugo trying not to look down while sweating bullets. Eventually they reached the window and climbed in finding themselves in a room full of vast treasure. The three stared around in bewilderment.
"Hellooooo Lady Luck, you are as gorgeous as ever." Twig grinned with sparkling eyes.
"Jackpot." Hugo hi-fived Caesar. "And we didn't even have to pass the guards."
"Then let's start raiding." Caesar grinned as they began to stuff heaps of gold and jewels into the bags they'd brought with them. This went on for about ten minutes until Twig went grab a silver platter from one of the piles which began to wobble. The friends squeaked in fear and tried to hold it up but it was all in vain. CLATTER-CRASH! the heap of prized metal went tumbling to the floor.
"WHO GOES THERE?!" the boys tensed when they heard Mortimer's voice and soon after his thundering footsteps. "If one of you guards is trying to give yourself a raise you're sorely mistaken!" the guys panickingly rushed around the room to try and find a hiding place just as the door opened and Mortimer entered. He scoured the room but couldn't seem to find anyone...but just above him Twig, Caesar and Hugo were swinging from the chandelier, bags in paw.
"Ah the window's open. The wind must've blown a pile over." Mortimer assumed as he turned and began to leave.
"Wheeeew." Twig sighed after a deep breath before a ripping sound was heard and Hugo's treasure bag began to split a seam. The group looked at it in fear as a large ruby slipped through the hole and fell to the floor. Mortimer turned around when he heard it and saw it lying in the middle of the floor. His eyes narrowed before he slowly looked up and gasped to see the boys staring back at him. They grinned awkwardly.
"Hehe. Would you like to buy some treasure?" Twig asked.
"THIEVES!" the Granbull roared before he shot a focus blast at the ceiling, obliterating the chandelier and sending the three falling down along with the treasure.
"Scram you guys! Scatter!" Hugo said as the three grabbed a bag and split forcing the Granbull to choose between them. He chose Twig.
"I know that smell! You're the peasants from the village! I warned you didn't I?! This time you're gonna pay with your hides!" he roared as he snapped at Twig who was bouncing away on his tail, narrowly leaning out of his bite each time. "That treasure's mine!"
"My tail it is! You stole it from the villagers with your overpriced taxes and you know it! This treasure belongs to the Pokemon and we're giving it back!" Twig shouted as he dodged Mortimer's attacks before his tail glowed gold and he swung it sending a swift of stars at the Granbull which hit him in the face.
"You little runt!" he barked before he was struck by a thunderbolt from Hugo which made him roar in pain.
"Come and get me, Wartimer!"
"You!" the hound charged at the Pikachu before he was struck in the back by Caesar who used flame wheel which sent him to the ground. He punched Caesar in the face and tried to get up only for the Chimchar to push him back to the floor and snarl at him.
"Take your stinking paws of me, you damn dirty ape!" the mutt demanded as Caesar glared at him, his anger building and building and his flame glowing brighter and fiercer until with every ounce of breath in his lungs he roared a single word.
"NNNOOOOO!" the Granbull looked at him in utter shock of his defiance before Caesar struck him across the face with a fire punch. "LET'S GO!" Hugo and Twig nodded, equally shocked by their friend's outburst as they hurried to the window.
"You won't...leave here...alive." the three looked to see Mortimer getting to his feet, his eyes red with rage and mouth slobbering in anger like a...mad dog. He'd completely lost control. "When I'm through with you cretins, I'm gonna go execute those children you defended and then that pretty little Buneary and her pet weed! And it'll all be on your heads! Which'll be piked for all to see what happens when you go against the Emperor! NOW DIE!" he howled and charged towards them with a giga impact.
"Look out!" Hugo cried as they jumped away from Mortimer's path, causing him to go right passed them...and out the window. They gasped and ran to see him roaring in some sort of mad emotion as he plummeted down, down, down...gone. The boys looked at each other in absolute shock, unable to process what had just happened.
"...What now...?" Twig asked, expecting no answer.
"Now, we run." Caesar said as they scampered out the window in a panic, leaving the treasure behind. But they ran so fast, they didn't see...at the top of the tower a Pokemon was watching them with a glimmer of intrigue in its eye.
XXX
The three ran into their home slamming the door behind them, all sweating and panting in horror.
"I can't believe we just did that." Caesar said dumbstruck.
"I know I told him to drop dead but I didn't think he'd drop dead!" Twig panicked with his tail hand on his head.
"I can't believe we just did that." Caesar repeated.
"Will the royal army come after us?! I know Mortimer was the only one who saw us but still!" Hugo paced worryingly chewing his claws.
"I can't, believe, we just did that!" Caesar fell to his knees and curled into a ball.
"It wasn't our fault! The moron ran right passed us and out the window. All we did was dodge and we left the treasure behind!" Twig tried to reassure the others but to no avail.
"We still indirectly MURDERED HIM!" Hugo shouted as Twig covered his mouth.
"You want the whole village to hear your confession, nitwit?!" he hissed. "Look all we gotta do is stay quiet about it. Nobody saw us, we didn't kill him, he fell out the window. It was all a crazy accident. And besides now that he's gone the Empire may finally start to heal. I doubt any of his servants or guards will miss him. In fact, I bet they're celebrating as we speak."
"Yeah and I'm Regigas." Hugo replied. "Face it guys we are in really hot water now and I don't think we'll escape the pot this time."
"Come on, it could be worse." Twig tried to desperately raise the mood.
"How~?" Caesar and Twig asked hopelessly.
"Someone could've seen us." Twig answered when a fluttering sound reached their ears. They turned around to see a piece of folded paper on the dining table. They glanced at one another before Twig tentatively took the paper and unfolded it as their eyes widened at what was on it. The paper was blank, except for two big black claw prints with two words scrawled underneath them: WE KNOW. Caesar and Hugo's eyes half lidded in annoyance before they turned to Twig who was gaping at the paper.
"You and your big fat mouth, Twig." Hugo muttered.
XXX
The night was still young and deathly silent as the three brothers sat around the table with only the moonlight illuminating the mysterious and ominous note they'd found upon their return.
"...Are you there, Arceus?" Twig asked, breaking the silence. "It's me, Twig, and I've got a message for you; YOU'RE AN IDIOT!" he shook his fist at the heavens in anger.
"Twig! Now's not the time for that." Caesar barked.
"And why the hell not?! We decide to stand up and do something to help the Empire by stealing back some of their wrongfully taken money and now here we are likely wanted for murder!"
"But nobody saw us! Mortimer was the only one and he's now in a million bits at the bottom of his castle!" said Hugo. "Do you seriously believe one of his guards saw us ran back here and left a note before we got home?"
"If they could use teleport then yes!"
"Ok. Then why the note? If a guard wrote it why'd they just leave when they could've stayed and caught us coming back?" Hugo asked. Twig opened his mouth to counter but soon found he couldn't.
"You, do have a point there." he muttered. "And for that matter, what does it even mean. The royal flag isn't two black claws. Event he message is obscure; it could mean anything."
"There's that optimism we know and love." Hugo smiled. "So Mortimer's dead, who gives a damn? There wasn't a Pokemon in this Empire that liked or respected him so now Kanto can finally move on to a better future."
"Well since he was the last royal member the throne will have to be voted for." Caesar said.
"I say it should be Mizu. He took right after Tojin during his reign and even now he still has that heart of gold he's known for." Twig suggested.
"That's a great idea. I bet everyone will choose him when the word gets out." Hugo agreed. "But for now, let's just get some rest."
"But what about the note?" asked Caesar.
"Let's leave it be for now. We've had enough eventfulness for one day and night." Twig replied before the three turned in for the night. But just as they began to doze off, what sounded like a song began to reach their ears which made them feel even drowsier before they sank into a deep sleep.
XXX
"Ugh~...My head..." Twig moaned as he opened his heavy eyes and sniffed the air which caused his eyes to snap open fully as he didn't recognise the smell of his surroundings. He sat up fast and looked to see Caesar and Hugo lying on either side of him.
"Guys! Guys wake up!" he shook them both as they grunted.
"Wh-What? What the?!" Caesar stuttered awake.
"Why'd you wake me up Twig? It's not like you to get up first." Hugo rubbed his eyes until the two also noticed their unknown location. "Where are we?"
"That's what I'd like to know." Twig muttered.
"That makes two of us." Caesar added as he sniffed the air. "Well I don't think we're in the village anymore. Nothing smells right."
"Sleep well, boys?" an unknown feminine voice said tensing them all before they looked to see a Pokemon sitting atop a stack of crates. She appeared to be a Meowstic, though her body and most of her face was wrapped in some sort of body armor, similar to that of a ninja, save for her gold and scarlet eyes which the boys seemed to feel gaze directly into their souls. Instinctively they leapt to their feet and posed for attack; Hugo's cheeks sparked threateningly, flames seeped from Caesar's mouth and Twig summoned three stars into his tail. The Meowstic chuckled with her paw on her mouth.
"Oh you boys really are a feisty bunch."
"Alright, lady, who are you and where've you taken us?!" Twig demanded before the Pokemon flipped off her perch and landed in front of him so she was right in his face which made him jump. She chuckled before giving him a light push which sent him toppling back onto the mattress he'd woken up on.
"Oh you are just adorable." she said turning away. "Not what I expected from the gutsy monkey who threw a tamato at that mangy mutt the other day."
"Hey I am not ado- wait you were there at the market?!" Twig asked.
"No. My familiar told me. In fact I wouldn't have found you three without him." the Meowstic said before she let out a sharp whistle before a Chatot came flying through the window and landed on her outstretched arm.
"...Wait a minute. I know that scent!" Hugo spoke up. "Peep?!" the Chatot turned hsi head to face Hugo before he let out a sigh.
"Your nose is as sharp as ever, Hugo."
"Wait you can talk?!" Caesar blurted. "All this time we thought you were feral!"
"Well one does have to put up a facade to remain undercover." Peep confirmed his identity.
"Wait, 'facade'? 'Undercover'? Just what the hell's going on around here?!" Hugo asked.
"I suppose introductions are due." the Mewostic said as she removed her bandanna. "My name is Marceline. I'm a member of an Order."
"You're from an Order? You don't look like a knight." Caesar pointed out.
"Oh no I'm not from the Rising Sun. I'm from a group that has often gone unseen and even disbelieved by many. I believe young Jim summoned us yesterday."
"...No...way..." Twig gaped.
"Marceline Dreyar: Two star thief...of The Hidden Hands." the Meowstic introduced herself.
"And as for me, Peep is only my nickname. My real name is Peter Mozart: Two star scout. But you can still call me Peep if you wish. I've grown quite used to it from my stay with Amy." Peep said.
"So you really do exist. All the time." Hugo whispered.
"But that doesn't answer where we are and why!" Caesar snapped.
"It doesn't matter where you are. You're safe, warm and very much alive. Though that's more than can be said for Mortimer, am I right?" Marceline smirked making the boys pale.
"You sent the note." Twig realised.
"That's right."
"So you know he's dead."
"The whole Empire knows by now, Twig." Marceline said. "The Emperor's pulverized remains, found at the bottom of the royal palace. Word of mouth spreads quicker than fire."
"Now hold on." Hugo spoke up. "If you already know our names, location and what happened, then you know we didn't murder him!"
"Oh don't misunderstand me. I'm not here to claim your lives or turn you in. I wish to congratulate you. You may have only intended to rob Mortimer to benefit the Pokemon but now thanks to you the world is rid of yet another evil mon. The bastard had it coming and you saved the Empire from his further torment. However...there is a problem."
"And what is that?" Twig asked.
"As you know, little Jimmy attempted to summon us after your little act in the market. He sought the Hidden Hands and that by right, made Mortimer our target. His life or riches, it didn't matter. What matters is that you three stole our contract, accidental or not. You see it's Peep's job to pass on word of a summoning to our base so that we may take action, but you got there before me and my partner. So...after Peep sang you off to sleep, I brought you here so we could reach an...understanding. You boys have a debt to pay." the brothers looked at each other nervously.
"Just what are you getting at?"
"Oh don't worry it's quite a simple payment that I'm sure you can accomplish." Peep reassured.
"...We want you to join us." Marceline said.
"...What?" Hugo asked.
"You heard me. Your actions impressed us. Breaking into the royal palace. An almost successful robbery and the disposal of a vicious tyrant. The Grand Masters of the Hidden Hands have seen your potential and have extended you an invitation."
"You want us to join the Hidden Hands for unintentionally stealing your mission?!" Caesar questioned.
"From what Peep has told me about you, you've been trying to join a guild for quite some time."
"Well from what we've heard about the Hidden Hands, they're said to be a clan of ruthless criminals and thieves who'll do anything for money." Twig argued. "Why would we want to join you?!" Marceline sighed.
"I suppose keeping ourselves hidden does prevent us from straightening out our image, Peep. But to answer your question, we are not ruthless criminals. We only target Pokemon we know are guilty of utmost wicked crimes and we only steal from the rich to give to the poor. It's only natural that some will twist the tales they've heard to paint us evil but I assure you we're no different than any other Order or guild. We just carry out the deeds they're unable to. Like assassinating a monstrous dictator or stealing back wealth from a greedy fiend or toppling a dastardly organisation. Individuals and groups who use loopholes to avoid the other orders who are unable to carry out our actions. Weren't you quite upset over the fact that the Rising Sun couldn't go after Mortimer because of that loophole?" she asked Twig. "Well we are the group who aren't affected by such laws. We carry out the dark and just deeds for the good of Kyrus and it's populace." the boys looked amongst themselves as Marceline walked over to them with a smile on her face.
"This is a once in a life time offer, boys. If I were you I wouldn't pass it up. Just promise me you'll think about it, OK?" she said before Peep sang a tune which cause Hugo and Caesar to fall asleep though Marceline covered Twig's ears so she could say this. "When you've made your decision, just blow this." she held up a small black whistle which she hung around Twig's neck. "I do hope you'll say yes. The gang really needs a cutie pie like you." she winked at Twig who blushed red but before he could reply, Peep sang him to sleep as well as Marceline's smiling face faded from his vision.
"You really think they're up to it?" Peep asked.
"I don't think, Peep, I know. They have the drive to go where others won't and do what others are incapable of." she smiled at their sleeping forms. "They remind me so much of myself before I joined. Confused, scared, not knowing their place in the world. And of course, full of unused potential. I know they'll make the right decision."
"I'll hold you to that wager then."
"Fufufu. You're on, birdbrain."
XXX
A few hours passed before the boys woke back up in their home, still very much shocked of the night's passed events. Twig explained the mysterious whistle around his neck when his brothers asked about it and while they were still sketchy, the three couldn't help thinking about Marceline's invitation.
"I don't know, can we really trust her?" Hugo asked.
"Well she didn't seem like a threat to me." Twig twiddled the whistle in his tail as he glanced off with a faint blush at the memory of her flirty, so he believed, compliment to him. When a knock was heard which made the three jump. Upon answering it they were greeted by Amy's smiling face.
"Morning, boys. Did you sleep well?" She asked sweetly.
"Um...we had a rather eventful night." Caesar replied.
"Let me guess. Twig ate before bed and had crazy nightmares again." The Buneary assumed.
"Guilty as charged." Twig played along.
"Well let's hope you have room for breakfast." Amy chortled as they headed over to her cottage. Upon arrival they found Lotus and Peep already there, the Cacnea soaking in a bowl of water while the Chatot was munching on birdseed. The boys caught his view as he looked at their narrowed eyes.
"Oh good boy, Peep. You ate all the seed." Amy praised him as she scratched his feathers making him chirp happily. "Have a seat, boys, I just need to take Peep back outside."
"Oh allow me, Amy." Hugo offered as he picked up the bird and hurried out before Amy could say anything. "Oh we'll go with you, Hugo." Twig added as he and Caesar followed after.
"Have you considered the offer?" Peep asked when they were in the garden.
"No. And just how long are you gonna keep Amy in the dark about you? Now that we know it's only a matter of time before she catches on. She's no fool." Caesar asked.
"Hey. I'm very grateful that Amy allowed me to stay. At first I was just scouting the area and sleeping in trees, keeping an open ear for summons, but one day I hurt my wing during a storm and she and Lotus nursed me back to health. One thing lead to another and I just settled in. She's-"
"An angel. yeah we know." Hugo finished his sentence. "But don't you think she deserves the truth?"
"The Hidden Hands is a secret society, Hugo. We can't just go blurting it out willy nilly to the public otherwise our cover would be blown."
"And what makes you think you can trust us?" Twig asked.
"Because we know it. You guys aren't ones to gossip. And besides, even if you did tell who'll believe you? You don't know our location and your only evidence is a Chatot who everyone believes to be feral." the boys sighed. "Amy isn't ready for this secret. If it were up to me I'd tell her but I'm not the boss."
"Yeah I guess you're right." Twig muttered.
"But if it's any consolation, we have been considering inviting Amy and Lotus to join us."
"You want them to be assassins or thieves?!" Hugo asked astounded.
"You misunderstand. You see, our primal objective is to carry out the deeds Marceline told you about, but we are an official order so we need to turn a profit. As such our group has a secret identity of sorts. By night we're the Hidden Hands as night is the best time for pulling heists. But by day we're known as the Order of the Silent Mouth. A guild that specialises in tracking, retrieval and escort jobs as it suits our talents well. Amy and Lotus are quite the skilled pair at nursing and gardening so we've been considering inviting the two to join us from that side."
"So then who exactly knows about the Hidden Hands if even members don't? This is starting to confuse me." Caesar said.
"Those who join the Silent Mouth will only be told of our true identity if they pass the annual trial that tests their skills for 'Star Classes.'" Peep explained.
"Like how Marceline and you are two stars."
"Precisely. If you pass the trial you're told the truth and then given the option to 'take a white coin or a black coin.' If you choose the latter you're initiated into the Hidden Hands and sworn to secrecy but if you choose the white one you remain in the Silent Mouth until you choose to take the next trial if you wish."
"So the rest of the world knows you as The Silent Mouth. Does anyone outside the Order know your true identity?" Twig inquired.
"Only a select few of the wisest grand masters from other guilds are trusted with our secret so that they may summon us in times of dire need. Jerome of the Rising Sun is a prime example as our Grand Masters fought alongside him during the war. They may not always see eye to eye on their ideals but they do have a mutual friendship and trust in one another."
"Man...this is all just so huge." Hugo sat down.
"So. Having been told this do you have a better understanding of us?" Peep asked.
"Yeah, though we are still a bit confused on some parts." Caesar muttered.
"There is a way to fully understand." Peep eyed the whistle on Twig's neck. The Aipom glanced at and then to his brothers.
"What do you think, guys? They wouldn't have chosen us for nothing." he said.
"...Well now that I know more I don't feel as doubtful anymore." Hugo said.
"And if it means we're gonna be helping others but in more extreme cases then I don't see why not. You did say there could be more to our lives than haphazardly farming berries, Hugo." Caesar said. Twig looked at them one more time before they all nodded and the Aipom blew the whistle. It made no sound but a gust of wind seemed to come out of nowhere and blew passed them, as though nature itself had been stirred.
"It is done." Peep closed his eyes before he took flight. "We'll return for you at sun down." the group watched as he flew away into the forest before they turned around and went back inside.
"Everything's different now." Hugo muttered.
"We're either very lucky or very unlucky." Caesar said.
"And now all we can do is hope for the best." said Twig as all in the course of one night and the blow of a whistle, the three brothers had been plunged into a world of legend.
XXX
"Well you boys sure took your sweet time." Amy said as Twig, Caesar and Hugo returned from their little conversation with Peep to find their neighbour had set up breakfast for them all.
"Yeah he was a little talkative this morning." Twig explained.
"Yes he always is quite the chatterbox in the mornings." Amy said. "Lotus, foods up."
"Coming!" the Cacnea said as he climbed out of his water bowl, but just as they were sitting down a knock was heard at the door.
"Now who could that be?" Amy wondered as Caesar went to answer the door and she was in for a quite a surprise as she opened it to find none other than Mizunosuke standing in the doorway.
"C-Captain Mizunosuke, Sir!" the Chimchar jittered as he bowed. The Samurott chuckled.
"Lift your head, Son. There's no need for such formalities. May I come in?" he asked.
"P-Please, do, Sir, I'm humbled!" Caesar welcomed the water type in as the rest of the group found themselves equally surprised.
"M-Mizunosuke!" Amy stuttered.
"Hello, Amy. You're looking better from yesterday. As are you, Twig." Mizunosuke smiled.
"Much obliged, Sir." Twig responded.
"So, what brings you out here to the edge of town to my quiet little cottage?" Amy asked.
"Well. I've come to inform you of...news." the Samurott said a little unsure of what tone to take. The boys looked amongst themselves in a knowing manner. "Emperor Mortimer Kanzuki, son of Tojin Kanzuki...is dead." Amy and Lotus gasped in shock, while the boys quickly followed.
"Dead?! But how?!" Lotus questioned.
"Apparently he fell from the palace window late last night. One of the guards posted outside found him...or what was left of him to be precise." Amy's face turned slightly green and she covered her mouth.
"That's...That's terrible, Sir." Twig said only for Mizunosuke to sigh.
"You can't fool me, Twig." the Aipom tensed. "I wasn't born yesterday. You think I forgot your little speech from the market? I know you hated him so there's no need to lie."
"Oh. I see. I'm sorry I just didn't want to speak ill of the dead." Twig muttered.
"I know what you mean. I understand the Empire is happy to see him gone. Even I won't deny my relief that his reign is over...but in all honesty I felt sadness more than anger whenever I witnessed his actions." the Samurott removed his helmet as he ran a paw through his topknot. "I had always hoped he'd take after Tojin as I did. Maybe...maybe if I'd only guided him better-"
"Stoppit!" Hugo silenced him. "Don't you dare start blaming yourself for how he treated us! You never stopped being the kind, dutiful and wise mon that you are. You gave so many of us hope for a brighter future. Only a fool would be incapable of taking after your wisdom and Mortimer was the literal and figurative King of them. He brought this on himself. Surely you knew in your heart it was only a matter of time before his behaviour cost him his life."
"...You're right. I knew after he attempted to harm those children that there was no hope for him. But now the throne is empty and with the royal bloodline gone, the only option is to vote for a new Emperor. There'll be a town meeting this afternoon so please be present."
"Yes, Sir." the boys and Amy saluted. Mizunosuke smiled at their gesture before he began to leave when he stopped suddenly.
"Oh! I almost forgot!" he turned around and handed a bag of coins to Twig. "This should cover the harvest you lost yesterday. And as for those ridiculous taxes, though you probably guessed, they're now void so you still have a home."
"TH-THANK YOU, SIR!" Twig squawked in grateful shock bowing so low his head hit the floor, as the Samurott took his leave.
"Well. I certainly didn't expect to hear that." Amy said.
"Likewise, Sister." Twig muttered.
"But to think. Mortimer: dead."
"Well no skin off our noses, or lack there of." said Lotus.
"Well if the new Emperor ends up as bad as he was there will be." Amy cautioned.
"Then we better make sure someone worthy is nominated in his place." Caesar said.
XXX
And so it was, later that afternoon, the citizens gathered in the city centre in front of the palace as Mizunosuke took the stand.
"Citizens of Kanto. As you have come to know, Emperor Mortimer has met his untimely end in a tragic accident.
"Tragic my hairy ass!" an Ursaring shouted. "We're all glad that giant fleabag bit the big one aren't we, Pokemon?!" the crowd hollered in agreement.
"Ok that's enough!" Mizunosuke thundered. "Despite his terrible reign, the fact remains that the royal bloodline died with him and the throne is vacant. As such, a new Emperor must be chosen to guide the Pokemon of this Kingdom."
"I NOMINATE YOU!" the Samurott and the crowd tuned their heads to see Twig, Caesar and Hugo hanging from a lamp post above the crowd.
"You were the strongest and wisest hand of the Emperor back when Tojin reigned and even after Mortimer took over you never lost your cool!" Twig continued voicing his support. "You helped me and Amy recover after he beat me up!"
"And you make time for the populace whenever you can!" Caesar added.
"You always defend the Empire from attacks, sometimes single handed!" Hugo praised.
"Hey yeah! You once helped rescue my Glameow, Nisa, from a tree!" Meme piped up.
"My Ponyta hurt her ankle one afternoon on a trip and you pulled the kart in her place whilst carrying her on your back!" a Prinplup piped up.
"You gave me the confidence to stand up to the bully I was having trouble with at school!" Jim said.
"You made a donation to repair my school!" an old Hypno spoke out.
"You're a true mon of the Pokemon, Mizu!" Amy cheered.
"We want you in charge, man!" Lotus called.
"MI-ZU! MI-ZU! MI-ZU!" Twig began waving his hands up in time with the chanting to encourage the crowd.
"MI-ZU! MI-ZU! MI-ZU! MI-ZU! MI-ZU! MI-ZU!" the crowd cheered as the Samurott stared at them in astonishment of their belief in him.
"We love you, Mizu!" an Audino cheered.
"You're the greatest!" a Wartortle praised.
"Please say yes!" an Eevee begged.
"B-But the vote-" Mizunosuke tried to say.
"WE GOT YOUR VOTE RIGHT HERE, MAN!" Twig laughed.
"It seems the public have made their decision, Captain." a Gallade standing next to the water type smiled. Mizunosuke looked down at the cheering crowd before he smiled warmly at them. It seemed his retirement was far from near.
XXX
"Well that had to be the shortest election ever." Caesar chuckled after the meeting had concluded. "Then again, Mizu did have plenty of traits to qualify him."
"I guess once all the paperwork's tied up, he'll settle in just fine. I know he's got what it takes to lead this country." Hugo smiled.
"Hey you guys!" the group looked to see Jim and Meme running up to them.
"Hey, you two!" Twig greeted them.
"It's wonderful isn't it?! Finally we have an Emperor who can truly lead us!" Meme cheered.
"You've got that right." said Hugo.
"You know what this means right?!" Jim grinned ecstatically. "The Hidden hands did come! They came and threw that fat mutt out the window! They saved us all!" the others looked at the Pichu in surprise, the brothers glancing at each other awkwardly before Twig grinned.
"That's right, Jimmy! They came and got rid of Mortimer for good. In fact, we saw them!" Hugo and Caesar snapped their gaze to him, shocked.
"You did?!"
"Well I'm pretty sure. We saw three shadows running away from the palace late last night. It could've been them. It's all a mystery. They don't call themselves 'Hidden' for nothing you know." Jim's eyes sparkled adoringly.
"Wow! I can't believe you might've seen them! I knew they weren't just a fairy tale! I knew it, I knew it!" he bounced around gleefully. Twig sneaked a wink at the others who smiled at him, Hugo and Caesar for more reasons than one.
XXX
To thank Amy for her hospitality (even if it was only needed for a day) the boys invited her and Lotus over for dinner and also to celebrate Mizunosuke's nomination as the new soon-to-be Emperor of Kanto.
"You know, guys. I really do think this empire has a brighter future ahead of it." Amy said after the meal was over.
"Yep. I'd say say big changes are upon us." Caesar agreed. Amy and Lotus then got up and headed to the door to go home.
"You know you're always welcome over anytime. Even if you're not gonna lose your house anymore." the Buneary said.
"Of course we do. Just as you're always welcome at ours." Hugo smiled.
"I'll see you tomorrow." Amy waved before she and Lotus turned inf or the night and soon after the boys did as well. The three were fast asleep at first before Caesar felt a hand gently slapping his face causing him to jerkily wake up to see a masked figure staring down at him.
"Wakey-wakey, squirt." they said.
"GAH!" the Chimchar spat a ball of fire form the fright he got which the figure dodged as Hugo and Twig woke up too. Standing before their beds were three Pokemon dressed in the same ninja attire as Marceline was. Upon closer inspection they were revealed to be a Sableye, Gliscor and a Weavile, the third being the one that woke Caesar.
"T-t-t-t-t. It's poor form for newbies to sleep in on the night of their reception." the Sableye tutted shaking his head.
"Are you referring to yourself then, Peri?" the Gliscor asked as he sniffled a laugh. The boys seemed confused at first before they realised and mentally slapped themselves.
"Yeah that's right. We drew the short straw so we're your escorts. The least you runts can do is be prepared." the Weavile said as if he'd read their minds.
"Sorry we forgot. In case you don't live in this region our new Emperor was elected today."
"We were there during so your excuse is useless." Weavile said pulling down hi bandanna revealing claw scars on both of his cheeks. "I'm just gonna get names over with so pay attention. Rhett, Peri, Fletcher." he jerked his thumb to himself, then the Sableye and finally the Gliscor.
"Nice to meet you kids. And in case you're wondering I got my name from this." Peri pulled his vest down to show the gem in his chest was a peridot. "My first meal. Takes me way back it does." he sniffed wiping an imaginary proud tear away.
"Uh, charmed I'm sure." Hugo muttered.
"Well don't just sit there, up and at 'em!" Fletcher grinned pulling the duvets off their beds. "Don't bother packing you won't need to where we're going."
"O-Ok!" Twig said as the three got up and though still half asleep followed the three out of the house who started leading them towards the forest.
"Wait! You mean the base is through there?! But that's the Forbidden Forest!" Caesar spoke up.
"And now you know why." Rhett answered. "Now hurry up! We ain't got all night!"
"Don't mind him." Fletcher said as he glided alongside Caesar. "He's just got a bad case of the grumps cause he lost a bet with Wendy."
"A bet?" Twig asked.
"The bet of whether or not you guys would join us of course!" Peri explained as he jingled a bag. "Guess who won? This guy!" he flashed his sparkling teeth in a cocky grin. "Rhett didn't think you'd have the balls to join after Marcie told us about her meet and greet with you."
"For the last time! I found it hard to believe that these squirts would say yes when she told us how they accidentally killed that prat Wartimer through a situation on par with slipping on a nanab skin!" the Weavile snapped as they sped through the forest. They ran for about ten minutes before a large mountain came into view.
"We're here. Mt Regi." Rhett said as they stopped at the base of the mountain.
"This is where you guys live?" Twig questioned. "Where's the door?" Rhett responded by walking over to a small hole in the rock before reeling back his hand, which glowed white, and slamming it against the hole causing it to grow in size until it revealed a large tunnel big enough for them to walk through.
"Open sesame." Peri chuckled before they entered the tunnel, the hole closing behind them. As the group paced through the lantern lit tunnel, the brothers noticed the occasional lantern was actually a Lampent as some would occasionally glance at then with their glowing yellow eyes.
"We have many ghosts living in this mountain with us." Fletcher said. "They're quite the security system to spook snoopers away." they walked for a few more minutes before the tunnel opened up into a large open cave a mile long and wide. It was filled with small houses that represented shops, facilities and homes of sorts and at the end of the cave the boys could make out an enormous stone statue of the great Regigigas which touched the ceiling of the cave towering above the town. The brothers looked around, amazed at where they'd been lead to before a voice called to them.
"Hey, you made it~!" they looked up to see none other than Marcilene sitting on one of the roofs with Peep on her shoulder. She somersaulted down to them and grinned.
"I knew you guys would follow through, didn't I, Rhett?" she smirked at the Weavile who sucked his teeth in response. The Meowstic chuckled before she pulled the boys into a group hug.
"We're gonna be tighter than bark on Trevenant." she laughed, playfully pinching their cheeks before the ringing of a large bell reached the group's ears. "Oh this is it! Come on!" she said pulling Twig by the paw as the others followed after her until they reached the Regigas statue whose eyes were glowing as many Pokemon began to gather in front of it while Marceline ushered the boys onto the stand before a stream of fire erupted from the colossal Pokemon's right hand and a bolt of lighting from its left. Then, beneath the statue, a large round door with intricate carvings began to rotate and glow red and yellow before several locks on it clicked and it began to open as the crowd of Pokemon began to cheer as two large figures began to emerge from within. Needless to say,the boys were starting to feel intimidated by the whole thing as the figures drew closer before finally revealing themselves to be an Electivire and a Magmortar. Both of whom were garbed in robes that matched their nature type and each carried a staff with a strangely shaped end. The two Pokemon looked out at the crowd before down at the three newcomers who were trying hard not to shake. They then glanced at each other before letting out a hearty laugh.
"So you're the little brats who sent that fat pup out the window, eh?! GAHAHAHAHAHA!" the Electivire laughed with a booming voice like thunder. "Now I've seen everything!"
"Just like the last ten times you said it, Brother! RAHOHOHOHOHO!" the Magmortar laughed along with him. "Greetings and salutations, boys! I am Grand master Magnus!"
"And I am Grand master Johan!" the Electivire introduced himself.
"Welcome...TO THE HIDDEN HANDS!" the rumbled as the crowd cheered up a storm.
"...Is it too late to go back to berry farming?" Twig asked.
If Twig, Caesar and Hugo had to describe their situation in one word...one wouldn't be enough, but the first would be 'overwhelming'. In such a short amount of time, they'd accidentally killed their tyrant of an Emperor, gained the attention of an Order of assassins and thieves, elected their new Emperor and were now being initiated into the aforementioned Order at the hands of its two Grand Masters.
"Fellow scoundrels!" Johan shouted. "We've called you before our guardian to introduce you all to the three newest members of our family!" he then ruffled the boy's heads, though maybe a tad too rough as they felt like they were being pressed into the ground. "These rookies managed to break into the royal palace to rob Ex Emperor Mortimer of his treasure and what happens?! The meathead ends up charging them and goes clean out the window! Whoooooo~SPLAT!" the crowd erupted into laughter along with the Electivire.
"Now thanks to them, Kanto has a new and far greater Emperor on the throne and is headed for a brighter future!" Magnus said. "But it wouldn't have come to pass if not for our little friends' interference. And so, to reward their actions and to help them pursue their potential, we shall welcome and train them in our midst in the art of thievery and assassination so that they may go on to protect Kyrus many more times, only on purpose from now on." the brothers waved awkwardly to the crowd who cheered for them.
"Listen up, boys! Before you're accepted into the order, you must participate in the required initiation we all took. You will be set a test from the leaders of each profession so we can decide which one you're most suited to. After which you will be made a team of the Order and officially enlisted." explained Johan. "But first, you'll be given a tour of the place. This won't be the last time you come here after all."
"O-Ok." Twig answered.
"Any questions?"
"I can think of a few." Hugo muttered. "For starters, Peep told us about a secret identity guild you pose as during the day."
"Ah yes, the Silent Mouth." Magnus nodded. "If you're asking about the location, it's actually located in town."
"It is?! Then why haven't we heard about it?!" Caesar asked.
"Well we weren't exactly popular during Wartimer's reign, but now we can make ourselves known again. Another bonus to your actions." Johan explained. "You'll be welcome to go there anytime you like to take on missions to earn a shiny penny or two."
"Alright. And how will our time here work? Do we just come here when summoned? Do we live here from now on? Do we only come at night?"
"Well first of all, while we do prefer to carry out our missions at night, it's not impossible to perform them during the day so you can alternate between here and the Silent Mouth, the only difference being the severity and secrecy. You may still live in your home in Kanto as I'm sure you have friends who wouldn't take you suddenly vanishing too lightly. Don't worry, after a while you'll get into the swing of it." Johan said.
"Ok then. One Star First Squad will give you the tour before Marceline escorts you to your initiation." Magnus said. "Meeting adjourned, everyone! As you were!" the crowd nodded before they dispersed except for a small group who were looking at the brothers. Rhett, Peri and Fletcher were among them but there was also a female Kirlia, Emolga and Misdreavus as well as a male Banette who had a Shuppet floating next to him.
"Well go on. We'll see you later." Magnus said as he and Johan took their leave while the three made their way off the stand to join the group.
"So you guys are one stars." said Twig.
"Yep. The entire Order is divided into four classes." Peri lectured. "There are the One Stars like us and you guys will be as the lowest rank. Then there are the Two Stars like Marceline who are allowed to travel to the more dangerous areas of Kyrus. Three Stars are permitted to the deadliest of missions. Like taking down corrupt kingdoms or rogue clans of the worst caliber."
"And who's above them?" Caesar asked.
"The Grand Masters and their squad of course." Rhett said. "Everybody knows that."
"Well they're new here so they wouldn't know, Rhett." the Kirlia scolded before holding out her hand to Caesar. "My name's Evangelyne." she smiled.
"Evangelyne. That's a beautiful name." Caesar smiled back as he shook her hand. "I'm Caesar. And this is Twig and Hugo."
"How do you do?" Evangelyne said.
"Do what?" Caesar grinned making her chuckle.
"That joke was terrible." she then said deadpanned sending Caesar into comical shock.
"Oh snap!" Twig laughed.
"She did it again!" Fletcher snickered.
"Eva can be quite the stiff sometimes so don't take her tough exterior personally man." Peri grinned earning a glare from the Kirlia which shut him up.
"Just leave the jokes to me, bro." Twig patted Caesar's shoulder.
"Hehe, I like you guys already." the Emolga said. "I'm Lisa by the way."
"Pleasure."
"And this is Mandy, Stitch and his little brother, Yapper." Lisa gestured to the Misdreavus, Banette and Shuppet.
"Hey." Mandy greeted dully.
"Sup?" Stitch greeted opening his zipper mouth to do so.
"Hi!" Yapper squeaked as he landed on Hugo's hand like a sock puppet. The Pikachu waved his arm around after the Shuppet didn't let go.
"Hey get off me!"
"Don't worry, that's just his way of shaking hands." Stitch said. "...Also so he can read your mind and feed off your negativity."
"WHAT?! You can't do that, I have secrets to keep! Shoo you sock!" Hugo pulled the Shuppet off who giggled mischievously.
"I know who your crush is~!" he sang making Hugo turn red.
"Oh gimme details, gimme details!" Stitch encouraged as Yapper whispered to him making his eyes go wide and a grin spread across his zipper. "Oh that is rich!"
"DUDE! Haven't you heard of privacy?!" Hugo squawked.
"Don't worry what Yapper learns stays with me...mostly." Stitch said earning a thunderbolt from the Pikachu in response.
"WHOA-HO! Feisty mousey you are!" he laughed sitting back up slightly charred. "But really, my zipper's sealed."
"It'd better be." Hugo warned. "And what are you two looking at?!" he then asked Twig and Caesar who were giving him weird looks.
"I don't think we know who you are anymore." Twig whispered dramatically.
"Oh shut up already!"
"Hahaha! Oh you guys are a riot! I can't wait till you're initiated and join our squad. We're gonna be best pals, we are!" Peri grinned.
"Just so long as those sock-heads stay away from my thoughts we might." Hugo muttered.
"Oh you're not alone. Those rascals know secrets from us too so trust me when I say they can keep them." Lisa said. "Now come on, we'll show you guys around."
XXX
After the awkward introduction, the group lead the brothers throughout the underground town. They stopped by some of the buildings which served as infirmaries, berry farms, weapon smiths and there was even a building that looked like a wildlife sanctuary.
"This is the familiar sanctuary. Non sentient Pokemon we take on as our familiars live here when we're off duty."
"Yeah what's this deal with familiars?" Twig asked as he petted a small Growlithe who was nuzzling his side affectionately.
"Well as you know, there are breeds of Pokemon who don't develop the sentient nature we have. They retain their wild nature and are often smaller in size, as you can tell by our little friend here." Lisa gestured to the friendly Growlithe.
"So when we befriend any of them we give them a home here and take them on as apprentices of sorts." Evangelyne explained. "We train them to join us on missions where they can aid us in tasks that suit their nature, like tracking, scouting and in some cases...even assassinations." Twig gulped a little as he looked at the Growlithe twice.
"So do any of you have familiars?" Caesar asked. Evangelyne responded by making a strange call before a Minccino came scurrying down from a nearby tree and ran over to her, scurrying up her leg and sat on her shoulder.
"Aww what a cute little guy~." Twig cooed as he scratched its ears making it purr.
"This is Shifu. He followed me back to the base after a mission one night." Evangelyne said.
"I remember. He was after the oran berry in your pocket." Stitch grinned as the chinchilla Pokemon was fed one of the berries by the Kirlia.
"His large ears are quite the help on missions so he assists me in locating our targets and his hyper voice works well as a distraction to cover me." she added.
"But what about Peep?"
"He's a rare exception. Chatot's are some of the more intelligent Pokemon as their natural talent is their voice." Lisa explained.
"Makes sense to me." Hugo said. "So do we get to choose one from here after we're enrolled?"
"No, all the Pokemon here have partners. It's up to you to find one in the world for yourself." Mandy said. "Just be careful when you approach some of them though. One mon was swallowed by a Gulpin he tried to tame. He was lucky to escape with his skin still intact after it tried to digest him." The boys turned a little pale at the mental picture.
"Well let's go then." Fletcher said as the group began to leave the sanctuary, though Caesar looked back to see Evangelyne kneeling before Shifu as she glanced around to check she wasn't being watched before she picked the Minccino up and rubbed noses with him lovingly, followed by a peck on the forehead which Shifu returned before scampering off. Caesar quickly turned back around as the Kirlia went to catch up with them though she was a little puzzled by the smile he gave her.
"Guess she's not as stiff as Peri says." he thought.
XXX
Afterward, the brothers were lead to a large stadium filled with training equipment. What's more three Pokemon were presently using it. A male Heracross was sparring with a female Scrafty while a male Elgyem was shooting clay pigeons with its psybeam.
"Hey you guys~!" Fletcher called gaining the three's attention.
"Hey! About time you three got back!" the Scrafty waved before she noticed the boys. "Are those our little rebels?!" she asked as she ran up to greet them. "You dudes have been stirring up such a storm here." she grinned giving each of them a friendly noogie. "Name's Wendy. One Star assassin."
"My name is Atlas." the Heracross introduced himself.
"Greetings. You may call me Darwin." the Elgyem hovered before the group raising his hand as the coloured digits on his palm flashed. "Synchronize...calculate...complete. You all qualify."
"Wait what'd he just do?"
"Darwin's telepathic. He was assessing your skills to see if you have what it takes to join us." Atlas explained. "His calculations have a thousand to one chance of being wrong so it looks like Marceline was right to put in her word for you." Wendy snickered before sauntering over to Rhett who glared at her as she slung an arm around him.
"You heard the mon, no cough up, scarface." she grinned holding out her palm. The Weavile snarled begrudgingly as he dropped a pouch into her open hand. "Thanks, handsome." she said scratching his chin teasingly as he slapped her hand away.
"Oh yeah, you lost a bet to her on our decision." Twig chuckled.
"Shut up or I'll gut you!" Rhett answered sinisterly.
"Oh buck up you big baby." Lisa said. "He's just jealous cause you guys didn't have to work through the Silent Mouth to get here like he did."
"You're jealous? Of us?!" Caesar questioned trying not to laugh but before Rhett could respond with another threat, Atlas came between them.
"Ok that's enough. Wait till they're an official team before you duke it out, ok?" he reasoned.
"Oh yeah, that reminds me, have you come up with a name for your team?" Yapper asked the boys who scratched their heads.
"We didn't know we needed one." said Hugo. "We assumed we'd be added to your squad."
"A squad is made up of several teams for bigger missions." Darwin explained. "Our squad consists of three: Team Nightshade," he pointed to Rhett, Peri and Fletcher. "Team Mind's Eye," Evangelyne, Lisa, Mandy and Stitch raised their hands while Yapper nodded. "And Team Quick Fist, which includes myself, Wendy and Atlas."
"Which makes you guys the fourth team." Atlas concluded. The boys thought for a moment until Caesar said.
"Give us till we complete the initiation. We need some time to think."
"Fine by us." Lisa said. "Well that's more or less the tour over."
"So now you can finally be initiated." the group looked to see Marceline watching them from the top of the Stadium.
"Have you been following us?" Twig questioned.
"Well of course. Saves you the trouble of searching for me." the Meowstic grinned. "But now that you're acquainted and everyone and been shown the ropes, it's time for you three to begin your test. Follow me. The rest of you carry on as you were. You'll see them afterward."
"Good luck, boys." Evangelyne smirked. "You're gonna need it." she added as the brothers were lead away from their squad-to-be until they reached a new section which consisted of a large cave with a grassy terrain and a pond along with several trees.
"Alright, guys. This is where you'll be tested to find which category you'll be sorted into. A member can be selected for two professions from the following: Assassin, thief, scout, brain, brawler."
"Ok." Twig confirmed.
"In that case, I'll leave you to it. I present to you the Grand master's team." Marceline concluded before taking her leave as five holes opened up in the wall at the end of the cave and five Pokemon stepped out of them: a Gengar, Kecleon, Ninjask, Gardevoir and Abomasnow.
"Welcome, young ones. Johan and Magnus have spoke of your potential, so now we will be the ones to decide your position." the Gardevoir said. "I, Sanae, Lead Brain, and Athena, Lead Thief will be your first test of your potential." her eyes then glowed blue before three pieces of treasure floated towards the trio. "The treasures you see before you will be set at the end of an obstacle course. You must reach them as swiftly and quietly as you can. A point will be deducted for each time you fall from the course." the Abomasnow then slammed his foot into the ground causing an intricate rocky terrain to rise from the cave floor, consisting of beams, walls and stepping stones as the three treasures were placed at the end.
"Begin...now!" Sanae said as the boys began to traverse the course as quick as they could. Twig and Caesar managed to cross the rocky obstacles with relative ease but Hugo seemed to have trouble scaling the wall with his stubby paws causing him to fall behind. The two monkeys were neck and neck until they reached the elevated stepping stones which they began to jump across until Caesar lost his footing on one and fell, though the grass broke his fall. Twig was the first to get his treasure as eh used his tail hand to keep his balance. Eventually all three got their piece and the rocks sunk back into the ground. Next the Ninjask buzzed forward.
"You will now be tested in you tracking abilities by me, Lead Scout, Cutter." he said. "Before you entered here, I performed several activities here. You must find out what it was I did before your arrival. Begin." the brothers then began to search the area, inspecting the trees, pond and grass for any clues. Hugo padded around the area until he noticed a patch of grass looked slightly different from the rest of it. He hurried over and brushed it away to find some loose dirt which he dug up to find a small chest.
"He was burying something secret. But what and why?" he asked the others as he sniffed the chest before his nose picked up a scent. The Pikachu scampered over tot he cluster of trees and looked to see some scratch marks on some of them. At first they didn't seem to make much sense, but as Hugo changed his position, he gasped to see the scratches arrange themselves into an arrow which pointed to the pond. He quickly ran over and dived into it to see a key at the bottom of the pond. he grabbed it and swam to the surface before rejoining his brothers.
"Open it! Open it!" Twig said excitedly as Hugo unlocked the chest only to find a strange stone disk like object.
"What is that?" Caesar asked as they touched it before three streams of light emerged form the disk and flew into their eyes which made them fall backwards in a daze.
"What the hell was that?!" Twig panted.
"You have all been granted the signature move of the Hidden Hand: secret power. With this you'll be able to use any entrance or exist to the mountain." Cutter explained.
"You mean that thing Rhett did where a hole appeared in the wall?" Hugo asked.
"Precisely. Each member must know this move if they wish to navigate the base." Athena said.
"And now for your final test." the Abomasnow spoke. "This will test your skills of stealth and strength. Lead Assassin Gozer will create substitutes to stop you from reaching me where you must take this soothe bell from me, Lead Brawler Tundra." he held up the aforementioned bell. "You may begin now."
"And don't think I'm gonna go easy on you just cause you're kids." Gozer cackled as he snapped his fingers and several odd green dummies materialized in front of the trio. The boys looked at the situation, thinking ti over before Caesar clapped his paws.
"Ok guys. Here's the plan." he said as he huddle Twig and Hugo close and whispered to them as they nodded. "Alright. Break!" the Aipom yelled before he struck the ground with his tail sending up a sand attack and obscuring the field.
"A classic maneuver." Gozer commented before a wave of swift stars came shooting from the sand cloud, striking the substitute dummies and clearing a path before Caesar came charging forward, rolling into a flame wheel as he shot towards Tundra who raised his arm which became engulfed in wood shaped like a big hammer.
"TOO SLOW!" he roared as he brought it down on Caesar, pinning him to the ground. "You should know attacking head on never works for stealth!" he criticized before he felt a pair of arms grab his leg. He looked down to see...Caesar, his top half sprouting from the ground as the one under Tundra's wood hammer disappeared.
"Guess again, pine tree." he grinned before a roaring electrical sound filled the stadium until Hugo came bursting from he sand cloud, surrounded by a storm of lightning as he sped towards Tundra with the speed of a bullet and the Abomasnow didn't have time to pull his leg free as Hugo smashed into his gut sending him straight to the arena floor, his body sparking with static electricity.
"Yoink!" Twig grinned, popping out of the hole Caesar had dug, as he swiped the soothe bell from Tundra. "We did it, guys!" the three of them cheered as they group hugged as Tundra sat up chuckling.
"Not bad. Not bad at all. You're clearly capable of working as a team and you each have your own unique skill. We'll now decide the profession you'll be assigned." he then returned to his comrades sides before the holes they entered through closed behind them. The boys turned around and left the arena before they were greeted by the One Star squad.
"Hey, great show back there, you guys." Lisa said.
"You saw?" Twig asked.
"Yeah we were watching from the balcony above the arena. We didn't wanna put pressure on you we stayed quiet." Fletcher said. "Loved your scouting on the second test, Hugo."
"And your teamwork against Tundra was awesome." Wendy praised.
"...I'll admit, using double team and dig was a smart move." Rhett muttered.
"So then, what happens after we join? Do we wait for missions or do we choose them ourselves?" Caesar asked.
"It varies. Sometimes the Leaders or Grand Masters will summon us. Other times we choose missions from the request board while at the Silent Mouth. It depends on the job overall."
"And when you're not on missions you'll be training with the Leaders or us. You teach us and we'll teach you." Peri slung his arms around Hugo and Twig.
"Stick with us and you'll be the best like no mon ever was." Fletcher said proudly.
"Excellent work on the trial run, boys." Marceline said, stepping forward. "The Leaders have reached a decision. I'll take you to the enrollment stand. You lot come too. You're about to gain three new members to your squad." the Meowstic lead the group of Pokemon to a room which had three statues at the back consisting of a Regirock, Regice and Registeel. Standing before them were the Grand Masters and the five Leaders.
"Welcome, my newest rascals." Johan said. "You have passed the initiation and thus we welcome you to the Order of the Hidden Hands. Twig: One Star thief and scout. Caesar: One Star assassin and brain. And last but not least, Hugo: One Star scout and brawler." the Electivire then held out his hand to Magnus who handed him a set of metal arm braces with lighting carvings, a flame patterned bandanna and scarf and a glove with hook sticking out of the palm.
"You're starter tools." the Magmortar said as Johan handed the boys the gear. Hugo slipped on the arm braces, smiling at them in amazement as he sent jolts of lightning through them. Caesar wrapped the scarf and bandanna around his neck humming at how cozy they felt. and lastly Twig put the glove on his tail hand and after giving it a wave, the hook shot out on a rope before retracting.
"The braces will enhance the strength of your punches in dire situations. The bandanna and scar will weaken the effects of fire attacks that are directed at you and as you've seen the glove extends your reach for those extra long jumps." Magnus explained. "You may obtain more equipment with your earnings but I implore you to make do without them as I believe true strength and skill comes from effort, not tools."
"We'll keep that in mind, Sir. But we'll accept these ones as gifts." Caesar bowed along with his brothers.
"All that remains now, is your team name." Johan said. The boys looked at each other before Twig whispered something to them which made them snigger before they nodded.
"We're Team Monkeybone." Caesar grinned. "We'll save the day and make you laugh." the Grand Master and Leaders looked at them before they all started laughing.
"GAHAHAHAHA! Well whaddya know, it works!" Johan grinned.
"You were right, Marcie! We do need more lighthearted groups like them around here! RAHOHOHOHO!" Magnus bellowed. "Then with that, we hereby dub you, Team Monkeybone, of The Hidden Hands. Let us all say the pledge!" except for the newly christened Team Monkeybone, all the Pokemon placed their left fist on their hearts and raised their right hand/paw/claw/other.
"We are the necessary evil! We eradicate the wicked and protect the innocent! We defend the world from impending threats and give brighter futures to weakened civilizations. We are a legend! We work from the shadows but also the sun. We live in the vulnerable and the vengeful! Out of sight but not of mind, we are everywhere and nowhere. We are, the Hidden Hands! Seek the legend!" the Pokemon finished the pledge before bowing to the trio who grinned at one another.
"We made it guys. We finally made it!" Caesar cheered as the three hi-fived. This would be the beginning of a new life for them. One sure to be filled with wonder, mystery and danger.
The journey continues...
I hope you all enjoyed it. Please review
