Chapter 3
When the exhausted duo crawled back into the village, Goma was the first one to come charging at them on all fours, embracing them both in his massive arms. Saido thought he was going to suffocate in the blanket of fur that covered Goma, and it all became too much. He broke down into bawling tears, burying his face in Goma's chest.
"Boy," growled Goma. "I thought I'd lost you," he said. Saido looked up to see the stalk of bamboo clenched in Goma's teeth trembling slightly.
"I'm sorry!" he sobbed. "I didn't mean to! I'm sorry for everything!" he weeped. Goma's brow furrowed even more than usual and his black-ringed eyes made him look like a sad Pokédoll. After a moment, Goma relaxed and let out a deep sigh, turning to examine Lusca.
"What happened to you," he asked gruffly, glaring at Lusca. Lusca shrank a bit and stammered out an incoherent mumble. She was terrified of the huge Pangoro, but at the same time, she held an awe for his size and strength. She had heard stories of him in his youth swinging a full-grown Onix by its tail and launching it into the sky, never to be seen again. It was very disputed whether the tale was true or not. Very disputed.
"Lusca!"
Goma turned with both children in his arms to see Lusca's mother, Sheera, break into a run upon seeing her daughter. Upon reaching Goma, she held her arms out to Lusca, hugging her tightly and nuzzling her nose. Goma stepped back with a satisfied grunt, letting parent and child have their moment. More Pokémon began to gather around at the commotion, relieved to see that the missing children had returned home.
"Where were you? Do you know how worried I was?" scolded Sheera, tears forming in her eyes. Lusca hugged her mother.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. Sheera then saw that Lusca's foot was bandaged with grass.
"You're hurt!" she gasped. "What happened? She demanded, staring into Lusca's eyes. Saido winced and prepared to hear Lusca accuse him of being a crybaby and running off when-
"I tripped into a big ditch and Saido saved me," said Lusca quietly, looking her mother in the eye confidently. "He fought off a gang of Geodude for me. He was really brave." she proudly announced, giving Saido a shy look. Saido was speechless.
The gathered Pokémon began to murmur amongst themselves.
"The Pawniard? No way!"
"I guess the Oran Berry had more guts in him than I thought."
"Such a little dearie."
"Hmph. A Dark Pokémon, a hero?"
Goma looked down at the little blue Pawniard in his arms, shifting uncomfortably and blushing. Goma sniffed and set down Saido gently, resting a hand on his helmeted head.
"Is that right?" he asked, staring into Saido's eyes. Saido took a shuddering breath in, and met Goma's piercing gaze, only to look down for a split second.
"Y-yes Goma. She was hurt, and you always said to help a fellow Pokémon in need..." he whispered, scratching the ground with his foot. Goma could sense that even though Saido was telling the truth, he was hiding a part of it. One he didn't want everyone to hear.
"Hmph," he grunted. He rubbed Saido's head gently, his face stone-like, but his eyes shining with pride and understanding. He would have a quiet talk with him in private, away from the gossiping crowd. Sheera took this moment to speak up.
"Little one...Saido," she said softly, kneeling before the young Pawniard. Saido looked at Sheera involuntarily taking a step towards Goma. Goma growled and pushed Saido closer to Sheera.
"Be polite, boy," he growled. Sheera shot a wry smile at Goma and turned back to Saido.
"That was a very brave thing you did for Lusca," she said, her eyes softening. "I thank you with all my heart." She bowed her head, and Lusca did the same, kneeling down gingerly and shooting a small smile at Saido. Saido was gobsmacked. After looking at Goma for instructions, and receiving only a lazy shrug, Saido bowed as well, the blade on his head touching the ground.
The surrounding Pokémon cheered, reaching out to congratulate the young heroes. Tucked safely in Goma's impenetrable arms, Saido stared out into the sudden celebration in his honour in shock. He had never been acknowledged by others like this in his life. Lusca gave a small wave at him, grinning, and Saido awkwardly waved back, blushing harder than ever. Lusca giggled, then went off with her mother into the crowd. She would have to get a lot of rest in the coming days.
Make way! Make way!" a voice roared out. The crowd turned to see the honour guard of the village march through and make a path. In the centre floated a wise and serious Alakazam, and by his side, a frowning Gallade. Sonzu, chief of the village, drifted over to Goma and nodded in greeting. Goma nodded with a grunt in return, then placed Saido onto his feet. Sonzu then turned to the wide-eyed Saido, who bowed hastily.
"So," Sonzu said, stroking his long mustache. "You placed yourself in harm's way to save a friend."
"Y-yes sir," stammered Saido.
"And you accepted responsibility for your mistakes, did you not?" pushed Sonzu. Saido looked to the ground. After a moment, he raised his head confidently and answered with a yell that made Goma proud.
"Yes sir!" he shouted, standing straight as he could. It felt right, but some Pokémon in the audience began to giggle; they could help it, it was just too cute.
Sonzu chuckled, continuing to stroke his mustache. He turned to the Gallade at his side, gesturing towards Saido.
"Now there's a child with the heart of a warrior." he said. "You would do well to keep an eye on him, Valion. He has the makings of a hero."
Valion turned stiffly to the blue Pawniard and smiled grimly.
"Yes," he said tightly. "Just like his father."
Goma raised on his haunches and let out a low growl, his hackles raised. Sonzu shot a look at Valion, who bowed in apology.
"I meant no disrespect. Goma is the honourable village blacksmith, after all." he demurely said. "A great fighter indeed."
"Stuff it, Valion." shot Goma, grinding the bamboo stalk between his teeth. "What do you want, Sonzu?"
Sonzu sighed at the posing that was happening between the two veterans and waved his hand.
"I believe there is one who has yet to speak," he said. He turned to Valion, his tone level, but firm.
"Valion," he said. Valion stiffly turned and led Nimue out into the circle, where she hugged her father's leg, peeking out at Saido with one eye. In that moment, Saido forgot the pain and fatigue. He forgot the happiness and pride in his heart, as well as the guilt. He only felt confusion...and rage.
Nimue shyly stepped out from behind her father and approached Saido. Goma laid a broad hand onto Saido's trembling shoulders, relieving some of his anger. His pupils however remained dilated like a predatory hunter. His Pawniard physiology was automatically preparing itself for combat, even at the young age of seven years.
"What have you to say for yourself, little one?" chided Sonzu, looking back and forth between the two children.
"Um...," said an embarrassed and ashamed Nimue, twirling a pigtail with a finger. Saido began breathing in and out heavily, the blades currently sheathed in his arms itching furiously.
"I didn't mean to make fun of you," she started, looking to the side.
"Look him in the eye, you little whelp," thought Goma, his face impassive. Nimue went on, the crowd silent and watching.
"I just wanted to have fun," she said. "I didn't know you'd get so mad-"
"mghgmdrrghmr...sorry," said Saido. Nimue stopped in shock.
"Wha- what did you say?" she stammered, looking into his face for the first time since they began this little talk.
Saido raised his face to reveal an expression one can only describe as terrifying. His eyes were filled with outrage. He took a step towards Nimue, who let out a small scream and stepped back fear.
"S-Saido?" she asked, trembling in fear. Saido took a deep, rasping breath, calming down, his expression turning into one of pity and disgust.
"I'm...sorry," he said quietly. " I'm sorry for trying to hurt you..." he ended, bowing his head.
The surrounding Pokémon were in awe, and Sonzu nodded approvingly, smiling behind his mustache. Goma mentally punched the air in triumph, and Valion raised his brow in quiet surprise. He had not expected the boy to be so forgiving towards his troublesome daughter. Perhaps he was worthy...
The only ones who were impassive as stones were both Nimue and Saido. Saido stared down Nimue with an inexpressible gaze for one so young, and Nimue was lost in her thoughts, reeling at Saido's unexpected apology. She had expected him to scream, yell, or cut something apart like he normally did, but his time, he was so...quiet. As if he had grown up suddenly while he was lost in the beyond. Nimue shook her head, clearing her mind of such thoughts.
"He's just...Saido," she chided herself. "He'll be laughing and joking around in no time."
With the formalities out of the way, Sonzu gave one last quiet nod at Saido and turned away, signalling his guard to follow him. Slowly but surely, the crowd dispersed, some giving a celebratory slap on Goma's shoulder, or others actually approaching the little blue Pawniard and congratulating him. Valion regarded Saido for a moment, then faced Goma. A small smirk formed on Goma's jaw.
"He is a fine little warrior. But do not think this changes things," warned Valion, a cold glint in his eyes. Goma's smirk turned into a grin.
" I dunno Valion. He might give you a run for your berries in a couple of years. I'd watch that pretty fairy ass of yours." sneered Goma. Valion clenched his jaw, then turned away in a huff.
"Come Nimue! Let us leave," he commanded. Nimue hesitated for a moment, then ran towards Saido. She raised herself on her tiptoes and planted a small kiss on Saido's cheek, giving him her usual sly smile.
"See you later, Sai," she waved, leaving with her disapproving father. Goma shook his head, his hands on his hips.
"When will that girl ever learn," he growled. He looked down to Saido knocked on his helmeted head.
"Let's go home, boy," he said. Saido stood still for a moment, then turned to look at Goma. His eyes were burning.
"Teach me," he said. Goma was taken back by the glow coming off of the boy's eyes.
"What?" he grunted. Saido looked down on his bladed hands, then back up into Goma's bewildered eyes.
"Teach me how to fight."
