Hello again... I realize I'm uploading this a little soon after my first chapter. I won't be able to keep up this pace, so I guess... Enjoy it while it lasts!
Thanks so much for the reviews! I really need to know how the story's going and what I'm missing; I'm always striving for improvement, so please, leave a quick review!
I understand we already covered this stuff in the first chapter and this POV may seem fanciful and random, but it seriously applies to the story.
Thanks again for reading!
Chapter 2: Observed by the Musketeers
It was a beautiful day, more so in the forest than on the roads. Sunlight gently streamed through openings in the canopy, which had turned a wonderful gold color. Patches of yellow-green grass grew between the fallen leaves. A little brook babbled between mossy boulders. A Raticate scrabbled in the bushes for berries. Leaves crunched, and he raised his head. The Raticate tried to bare his fangs at the intruders, but scampered when he saw just who they were.
Four quadrupedal Pokémon walked into the clearing, chatting pleasantly. They seemed to be enjoying the cool autumn air, but carried that air about them that surrounded only the most gallant fighters. They were very different in appearance, but all had a keen but kindly eye. It was the sort of eye that could blaze at a coward one minute, and bow to a lady the next.
One of them, a grey, stout-looking one with bull-like horns, spoke. Ah, Kanto. I do love this place. The humans here respect nature so much more.
Another Pokémon, a green, delicate-looking one with more laid-back horns nodded in agreement. True, true, though they still capture our brothers. I can never forgive a human for such slavery.
A blue quadruped looked sharply at the green one. Dignified and straight-necked, it seemed an old veteran. Peace, Virizion. I have seen much of the humans. They are not all bad, as you seem to think. The old ones maintain the traditions, though the younger ones seem hell-bent on destroying their world.
The final member of the group said nothing. It was a sprightly unicorn with a fluffy hat-like tuft on its head. At the moment, it seemed troubled. The jolly, stout one gave the unicorn a nudge. Come now, young Keldeo, what ails you? You are not your usual merry self.
The one called Keldeo gave a puzzled smile. Nothing, Terrakion, nothing. Merely the dreams of an idle mind. Tell me, Cobalion- it turned suddenly to the veteran- why are we here? You do not take us on pleasure-trips lightly.
Cobalion chuckled. You see right through me, my young friend. Yes, this isn't just a vacation, though Arceus knows we need one. We are here on a peace-keeping mission.
A peace-keeping mission? Terrakion blinked. But Kanto is quiet now. All signs of that lame Team Rocket disappeared years ago.
Virizion lifted his head and turned to face Cobalion. Gone… but not forgotten. Am I right?
The dignified Pokémon nodded slowly. Yes, Virizion, I'm afraid so. Evil once again stalks the forests of Kanto. Nothing too evil, mind you. It dipped its head. We could deal with it easily. But we won't.
Terrakion arched a rocky brow. We won't?
We won't. Cobalion shook its head firmly. I think this would be an ideal opportunity to break in two new recruits. Well, almost recruits, it amended quickly. I mean, we haven't officially requested their services yet. But I think they'll accept.
Keldeo began, Why do you think-
Cobalion shushed him sharply. Quiet! They are near now.
The quartet stood motionless in the foliage. A minute or so later, a precession of youths came into view. They all seemed to be clutching small Pokémon tightly to themselves. Humans? Do we have to use humans? Virizion groaned.
Keldeo frowned. I'm sorry, Cobalion, but I don't seem the point in recruiting new trainers. Nothing against humans in general, of course; these just seem a bit too young.
Cobalion shushed them again. Not the younger ones- the two leading the group.
An older trainer and a Gallade came into view in the front. The trainer seemed to be getting accosted by a fiery-looking young girl. The Gallade was having a casual conversation with a small Squirtle.
Them? They're the worst of the lot! Virizion exclaimed. Why, that poor Gallade is probably one of hundreds of Pokémon enslaved to that maniac!
Cobalion didn't reply. The hope was leaving his eyes as he watched. Teenage humans these days were all terrors, wasting energy fossilized Pokémon gave. He'd seen many a case of a kid bullying the Pokémon he caught into doing his bidding instead of offering them kindness and love. Maybe Virizion was right, he thought. Maybe this kid is just an enemy…
The Gallade suddenly stopped, staring at a bush on the opposite side of the road. He senses something, Keldeo whispered. The quartet strained to feel what the Gallade felt, but came up with nothing, but still the Psychic-type Gallade stared. His trainer noticed how his Pokémon was acting. He shunted the little girl and her Pokémon away to a safe hiding spot and murmured something to the Gallade, who slowly sank into a combat stance.
A Pidgeot exploded out of the undergrowth Gallade had been staring at. Her furious gaze locked on the trainer's. She shrieked, You bastard! You abandoned me here! After all we'd been through together, you listened to that plumped-up fatass in Unova and immediately dumped me here! How could you? I loved you! I- I didn't want to go… Her shrieks ended in a sob. It was heartrending to listen to and none of the quartet remained unmoved; they all felt enormous pity for the abandoned Pidgeot.
So, apparently, did the trainer and his Pokémon. He looked at the Gallade, and the Gallade broke into speech. Pidgeot, my friend never did you harm. Your story is indeed a piteous one, and both he and I feel nothing but sorrow for your woes, but he is not the human you search for. My friend would never do such a thing. We are not here to spite you, Pidgeot; we merely try to guide these younglings to the next city. The Gallade indicated the children cowering behind trees and rocks. If there is anything- anything- he or I may do for you to ease your pain, name it. Your tale breaks the hearts of all who hear it, and anyone would aid you in your quest.
The Pidgeot's gaze softened, and her anger seemed to have dissipated. No, kind sir, you are right. I was mistaken. I see now this human is not my trainer. She sighed. There is nothing you can do for me, but thank you for the offer. Mine is a path I must fly alone. I apologize. With that, her wings beat slowly and carried her away. The Gallade and the Trainer stared after her in silence until she went out of sight. They collected the children and continued walking on their path.
Virizion wiped its eyes on a low-hanging branch. Well… The Gallade is a true scholar and a gentleman, I'll give you that, but I'm still not sure about the human.
Cobalion gave a nod. I understand your doubts, my friend. But my beliefs are now strengthened. We shall follow the pair until their little group of children disperses. Then, we shall test him.
The quartet moved on, subtle, silent, mere shadows in the rustling forest behind the straggling children.
