The Inferno Knights
Arc 1; Episode 4
Resolve
Pokemon © Nintendo, Game Freak
Story © Me
Previously on The Inferno Knights, Alexis and Daniel accompany Damien and his troop on an escort mission to take the Duchess of Etoile, Adelaide Antebellum, and her daughter, Bellatrix, to the Kanto Empire on urgent business. However, a band of ninjas known as the Black Shroud, lead by a Mightyena named Masamune stand in their way. After making an alliance with Victor, Masamune attacks the heroes, but when Kuro, a Poochyena who is Masamune's nephew, attempts to hold Bellatrix hostage, he makes a shocking discovery: the princess is blind. Unable to kill her, Kuro defects from the Black Shroud, along with Mizuki the Greninja, who reveals a shocking truth: Masamune had killed Kuro's father, Hayabusa, in a duel using Poison Fang, the same attack he used to poison Kuro's younger sister, Shira. Adelaide is the only one who can cure Shira's poisoning before it's too late.
Meanwhile, Bellatrix is having some problems of her own. After being constantly coddled by her mother, the princess has had enough and desperately wants to tell Adelaide her true feelings, but is too afraid to speak up. Then, Kuro appears, hoping to redeem himself and is even willing to give himself up as a prisoner to the Knights of the Rising Sun. Before he can, though, Victor and Masamune ambush the trio, sending them plummeting down a rushing river. However, Daniel had seen everything, but he can only scream in horror as Alexis falls to her watery death.
Is this the end of our heroine?
SPLASH! Alexis, Silver, Bellatrix, and Kuro hit the water like a bunch of stones, disappearing beneath the surface. After what felt like hours, their heads burst through the surface, all three coughing up water and frantically splashing around as they were swept up by the rapids, tossed around like a trio of rag dolls.
Alexis grunted as she desperately tried to keep herself afloat while an unconscious Bellatrix by the scruff of her neck. It didn't help that the Growlithe's armor had started to become waterlogged, and thus she grew even heavier. Kuro wasn't fairing much better, his paws flailing about in the water, which continuously pushed him under. His cries for help came out in spluttering coughs and gurgles.
"Silver!" Alexis cried through clenched teeth, knowing that if she opened her mouth, she would drop Bellatrix. "Do something!"
"I cannot!" Silver answered. "I am sorry!"
"Some enchanted sword you are-" Kuro barked, but then, BAM! He hit the back of his head on a rock, causing him to sink beneath the river.
"Kuro!" Alexis cried, but then, her armor was finally too heavy, and she soon sank, as well. The more she struggled, the weaker she got. Finally, she opened her mouth…perhaps her final gasp for air…before she slowly began to sink. As the world grew dark around her…she could make out an arm reach out to her before her eyes finally shut.
XXX
Concurrently, Daniel had returned to the camp and delivered the news of Alexis's and Bellatrix's supposed demise…to say everyone was devastated would be a lie. They were both devastated…and angry…Damien more so than the rest, although he didn't seem to show it, everyone knew that the Shiny Arcanine was furious.
Adelaide, meanwhile, was sitting on the ground, grieving over the loss of her daughter.
"How could this happen?!" the Shiny Delphox questioned. "I knew I should've gone with her! If only I…ohhhh, my baby! My poor Bellatrix!"
The other knights stared at each other, confused as to how to console her.
Not too far away, Daniel sat by himself, looking at his helmet in his paws and staring at his reflection. A few teardrops fall on the metal headpiece while Gumo sits beside the Shiny Vulpix, blinking at him in concern.
"Gumo…?" he squeaked.
"Daniel."
Daniel turned to see Damien approach him. The fox sighed before he turned away from him.
"…You come to yell at me?" he asked.
"No, Daniel," Damien answered. "You're not the one I'm angry at."
"You should be angry…I just stood there and let your sister fall to her death. I didn't do a thing to stop Victor or those ninjas…I just froze…!"
"Daniel…it's true, I'm upset. Alexis was my little sister and I loved her. When our Mom died, I vowed I'd do anything and everything I could to protect her…and how do you think I feel, knowing that when this is over, I have to go back to my Father and explain to him how I let her die?! But I'm not angry at you…you're not the one who killed Alexis. It was Victor…and I'm telling you now, if I ever see him again, I will bite his head RIGHT off his shoulders!"
Daniel didn't respond.
"…Look…I know this day had a pretty terrible ending," said Damien, "but we have a mission to complete. As much as it pains me…we have a duty to uphold, come what may."
"…I don't know how I'll go on without her," Daniel spoke up. "Alexis…she was the reason I joined up with the Order of the Rising Sun. I didn't object because I knew that would make her happy…and when she was there…I felt braver! Like I could take on anything! She was like my guiding light…but then…Victor came and snuffed that light out. Now…I feel like I have no drive."
"…How do you think I felt when Levi died?" asked Damien. "He was one of my best friends, next to Nova…but that didn't mean I had to give up. I moved on…because I know that's what Levi would want…and right now, that's what Alexis wants the both of us to do. It won't be easy…but it's the only thing we can do."
Daniel only sighed while Damien turned to leave.
"Get some rest, if you can," the Shiny Arcanine advised. "We've got a long day ahead of us."
Daniel glanced back at the retreating dog before he felt something brush up against his paw. He glanced down to see Gumo, nuzzling his ankle before looking up at him, sadly. The Shiny Vulpix blinked at him before giving the little Spinarak a sad smile.
"…Thank you, Gumo," he whispered.
"Gumo…" Gumo squeaked as he scurried up Daniel's leg and perched himself on the Vulpix's head. Soon, he stretched his mandibles, as if he were yawning, before he curled up to sleep. Daniel gave a mirthless chuckle before glancing up at the sky, seeing the twinkling stars.
"…Goodnight, Alexis," he whispered. "At least…you're with your mom, now."
With that, he stood up and headed back to his tent, being careful not to let Gumo slip off his head.
'And yet…I can't help thinking that you're not dead.'
XXX
Drip…! Drip…! Drip…! Water dripped from the stalactites hanging from the cave ceiling. One of the drops ended up hitting the face of a certain Growlithe, who groaned as her eyes fluttered open. Alexis staggered to her feet and shook her head, and soon she noticed some berries and grilled Remoraid piled up on a leaf, and next to that was a clay bowl full of water. Her hunger taking over, Alexis hurriedly devoured the berries and fish before lapping up the water.
"Finally awake, are you, pup?" asked a voice.
Alexis looked up to see a familiar Greninja, sitting before a small bonfire.
"You?!" the Growlithe questioned before she reached for Silver's hilt…only to grab nothing but air. That's when she noticed something else. "AAH! W-where's my armor?!"
Indeed, Alexis had been stripped of her suit of armor, as well as Silver, showing her furry body.
"I had to remove your armor to keep you from getting hypothermia," said Mizuki. "If I didn't, you wouldn't be awake right now."
"What kinda game are you playing?!" Alexis questioned.
"Is that always how you thank someone after they save your life?"
Alexis turned to see Kuro, who had bandages wrapped around his left eye, like an eye patch, and standing behind him is Bellatrix.
"Kuro! Bella!" Alexis exclaimed.
"Alexis!" Bellatrix cried as she ran to the Growlithe, nuzzling her leg.
"Mizuki saved us from drowning," Kuro explained. "He's a friend."
"Why did you help us?" Alexis asked Mizuki.
"A true ninja is honor-bound to protect lives and not take them," answered the frog. "Kuro is the son of my former leader. If I were to let him die, I would've failed his father, terribly. As for you and the princess, if you were to die, it would bring war and chaos upon the Kanto Empire. That is what that Houndoom was trying to instigate."
"Victor…!" Alexis hissed before she gasped. "Oh, no! We gotta back to Damien and the others and warn them!"
"Aren't you going to rest first?" Mizuki asked.
"Sorry, but we've rested enough," Alexis answered.
"She's right," Kuro said. "The least I can do is hurry to the imperial palace and warn Emperor Mizunosuke of what Masamune is planning, as well as protect Shira. Hopefully, I won't be too late."
"More importantly, Bella, we gotta get you back to your mom," Alexis said to the blind Shiny Fennekin.
"I…I'm not sure," said Bellatrix.
"Bella, we need to," Alexis replied. "Your mom is probably crying about you, thinking you're dead…you really don't want your mom to be sad, do you?"
"…But what if she still babies me?" asked Bellatrix.
"Just talk to her," Alexis answered. "I'll be right there with you, like I promised, remember?"
Bellatrix smiled before she nodded her head.
"Thank you, Alexis," the kit said.
"You young ones are practically all the same," said Mizuki. "You all have such powerful resolve. It's what one does with that resolve that matters."
"You sound like my Dad," Alexis mused, causing the Greninja to chuckle.
"I believe this is yours," Mizuki said as he handed the pup her suit of armor back, as well as Silver, which Alexis hastily put on. As she did, Silver's eye flashed to life.
"Hey, Silver!" Alexis greeted. "Had a good nap?"
"Quite humorous, I'm sure," Silver quipped. "Now shouldn't we be going?"
"Right," Alexis nodded. "Bella! Hop on!"
"I'm coming!" Bellatrix replied as she clambered onto the Growlithe's back.
"I'm going on ahead," Kuro said. "I know this whole country like the back of my paw. As for you, well…good luck in finding your brother."
"Good luck to you, too," Alexis said. "Now let's go!"
With that, the four headed out, splitting up into groups of two (not counting Silver). Alexis and Bellatrix headed off to regroup with Damien while Kuro and Mizuki headed off to the imperial palace. As they did, a shadowy figure sat upon a cliff, glowering down at Alexis and Bellatrix before it turned and left.
'I might've known she would still be alive…that brat…'
XXX
Early the following morning…WHOOSH! A pair of 'mons leapt through the branches the trees. It is revealed to be none other than Kuro and Mizuki, the former taking the lead. They had been on the move since last night, and yet neither of them seemed to be tired out.
"Kuro!" Mizuki called.
"For the last time, Mizuki, I am not stopping to rest!" Kuro shouted as he jumped off another tree branch. "You can if you want, though! No one said you had to follow me! I'm not a child, you know!"
"And yet you still act like one!" Mizuki argued as he jumped off another tree limb. "I told you, I am honor-bound to-" He stopped when he suddenly sensed something nearby. He looked back and gasped before he grabbed Kuro and pushed him down to the ground, narrowly avoiding a kunai knife being thrown at them, but instead slightly grazed Mizuki's arm and hit the tree bark.
"What was that?!" questioned Kuro, but then he heard rustling coming from somewhere nearby. He turned to see Kenji, Ryuunosuke, and Akazakura.
"You three," hissed Mizuki.
"Masamune anticipated that you would betray him, Mizuki," said Kenji.
"Correction," Mizuki replied. "I was never on his side!"
"No matter," said Ryuunosuke as he drew his katana. "It ends here, old friend."
Kuro growled as he prepared to attack, but Mizuki held his arm out in front of him.
"No, Kuro, don't," the Greninja said. "I'll keep them busy. You hurry to the palace."
"But Mizuki-"
"No! Just hurry and go! Your sister needs you…and knowing Masamune, he's probably anticipating you to be there, soon. If any of the others try to ambush you, don't stop to fight! Just run!"
Kuro paused for a moment, but then he turned and ran off, leaving Mizuki alone to deal with the three ninjas. The frog whipped out his kunai as he glared at his opponents.
"So who's first?" Mizuki asked before Ryuunosuke lunged at him.
XXX
Meanwhile, Alexis panted as she ran through a different part of the forest while Bellatrix clung to her back.
"Are you sure this is the right way?" Bellatrix asked.
"I'm certain of it!" Alexis answered. "I mean…almost certain."
"Your sense of direction is astounding," Silver spoke in a sarcastic tone.
"Hey!" Alexis barked. "I don't see you trying to lead the way!"
But then, FWOOSH! A jet of flames appeared out of nowhere, hitting the grass in front of Alexis, causing her to brake to a stop. Bellatrix would've been sent flying had she not held on tight enough.
"What the hell?!" Alexis questioned as the fire grew into a wall, blocking her path, and not long after, she heard a sinister chuckle. Soon, a familiar silhouette appeared in the flames before it stepped forward…revealing Victor.
"Hello, Alexis," the Houndoom smirked.
"Victor!" Alexis growled.
"I knew that you would survive your little swim, somehow," Victor started, "so I decided to see to it that I finish you off personally."
"Alexis, stay on your guard," Silver advised.
"Right," the Growlithe replied as she stood up, causing Bellatrix to slide off her back. "Bella, you stay behind me."
"Right," Bellatrix nodded fearfully while Victor chuckled.
"Time to play…kids," the Houndoom said…before he lunged at them with mouth agape.
XXX
Not too far from their location, Damien and his troop are seen walking through another open plain. However, the atmosphere around them was still rather depressing…especially with Daniel and Adelaide, the latter sitting in her carriage by herself, sighing sadly. Daniel, with Gumo perched on his helmet, just silently padded along behind the others…at least 5 feet behind.
"Daniel!" called Damien. "Pick up the pace, or you'll get left behind!"
"Go easy on him, Damien," Orion said. "He's still hurting."
"I know," Damien replied. "I guess what I said last night didn't help him much."
"Just give it time," Justin added, putting his hand on Damien's shoulder. "I'm sure he'll come to terms with it sooner or later."
"…I sure hope so," said Damien.
As they kept walking, Gumo seemed to spot something in the distance before he gasped.
"Gumo! Gumo! Gumo-Gumo!" he cried, bouncing up and down on Daniel's head.
"What do you want, Gumo?" asked Daniel before the Spinarak pointed off to the left, causing the Shiny Vulpix to look to where he was pointing and gasp upon seeing a plume of smoke coming from the forest.
"A fire?!" Daniel questioned before he went to investigate.
"Hey! Hey!" Damien shouted. "Daniel, where are you going?! Get back here!"
XXX
KLANG! Silver's blade clashed with Victor's horns while Alexis gripped the Honedge's hilt. Sparks flew off as Victor's horn scraped against the metal blade, the Houndoom growling as he forced Alexis back, but then, WHAK! He threw his head up, pulling the haunted sword out of the Growlithe's paws. THUNK! Silver ended up landing outside the ring of fire, beyond Alexis' reach.
"Silver!" Alexis cried.
"Let's see how you get along without your little toy," Victor mused before he lunged at the Growlithe, who gasped before she dodged him. However, he soon landed a Sucker Punch to her jaw, knocking her down to the ground, right in front of a frightened Bellatrix, who, though unable to see, was able to hear the violence transpiring before her.
"Damn you, Victor!" Alexis growled before she curled up into a ball, preparing to use her Flame Wheel attack, but Victor easily jumped over her, causing her to crash into a tree, which broke across the middle and toppled over, nearly falling right on top of Bellatrix.
"AAAH!" Alexis screamed. "BELLA, LOOK OUT!"
"Huh?" Bellatrix muttered, but then, WHOOSH! SNATCH! THOOM! Alexis suddenly ran back and snatched the kit up, just as the tree fell.
"You okay?" Alexis asked as she put the princess down, but before Bellatrix could answer her, WHAM! Victor slammed his horns into Alexis, throwing her against another tree, pinning her with a paw around her neck.
"Hahahahaha!" Victor laughed. "That's the difference between you and me, little Alexis. Unlike you, I choose not to create such trivial things such as 'bonds' or 'ties'. That is what makes you weak…that's what makes you, your brother, and your father weak! That's what makes all of the Rising Sun completely weak!"
"Urgh…!" Alexis gagged as she tried to pry Victor's paw off of her. "W…why…?!"
"Why what?" asked Victor.
"Why are you doing this, Victor?!" Alexis asked. "All that stuff in Hazy Gorge…you rallying those ninjas to try and kill the duchess…attacking me and Bella! What the hell are you trying to do?!"
Victor only glared at her, his red eyes burning with an intense anger…but then he grinned.
"Nothing much," he said. "I'm just trying to prove a point to your father."
"A point?" Alexis repeated as Victor tightened his grip on her neck. "What point?!"
"…That there's no such thing as 'justice'…!" Victor hissed.
XXX
THUD! Mizuki grunted as he was slammed against a tree, Ryuunosuke pinning him with his katana.
"Give it up, kuso gama!" barked the Noivern.
"Never!" Mizuki shouted before she slashed at Ryuunosuke, who flew back to avoid it, but as the Greninja was about to fight back, WHAM! He was by Kenji's Psycho Cut attack.
"You're not making this easy for yourself!" shouted Kenji.
"Urusai!" barked Mizuki as he hurled his Water Shuriken at the Gallade, who dodged his attack before ducking down, causing Akazakura to jump over him and land a powerful Mach Punch to the frog's jaw, causing him to tumble to the ground.
"Don't you see it's useless to go against Masamune?!" asked Akazakura. "Why do you fight, at all?!"
"…Because I know what a false leader he is," Mizuki replied before he seemed to vanish.
"What the-?!" Akazakura questioned. "Where'd he go?!"
WHAM! He was suddenly chopped in the back of his neck, causing him to fall forward. Kenji and Ryuunosuke glanced at each other, worriedly, before looking around, frantically trying to find Mizuki.
"M-Mizuki!" Kenji shouted. "Get out here, you coward! Using Camouflage is a cowardly move, you bastard!"
"Show yourself!" yelled Ryuunosuke, brandishing his katana. "Where are you?!"
Suddenly, Mizuki appeared before Kenji, holding his kunai knife while rushing at the Fighting/Psychic-type at an astounding speed before SLASH! He quickly cut him down. Ryuunosuke growled before holding his katana in his talons and flapping his rings, using his Razor Wind attack, but Mizuki jumped into the bushes before it could hit him.
"Now where did you go?!" the Noivern questioned as he looked around, but then, out of nowhere, Mizuki jumped up into the air…followed by four copies of himself. Surprised at first, Ryuunosuke smirked before he opened his mouth and let out a powerful Flamethrower attack, destroying all the Mizuki copies…but when the flames subsided, he saw that the real Mizuki was nowhere to be seen.
"Nanda-" the Flying/Dragon-type started, but then, BAM! Mizuki dropped down from above, stamping his feet into his head before they both crashed into the ground, the frog pinning the bat to the ground.
"Urgh…kusama…!" Ryuunosuke cursed.
"Still think it's useless for me to fight back?" Mizuki quipped.
"Get off my head, baka gama!" Ryuunosuke ordered.
"You know, I can't help but ask you guys the same question you asked me earlier," Mizuki mused, "only in a bit of a reversed…why do you fight for Masamune instead of against him?"
Kenji, Akazakura, and Ryuunosuke all looked at the Greninja in surprise.
"Masamune may be the leader," Mizuki noted, "but deep down…I know you all aren't loyal to him."
Kenji, holding his right side, looked over to Akazakura, who glanced at Ryuunosuke, who looked down at the ground…almost shamefully.
"Ask yourselves, honestly," Mizuki said. "Do you really think that serving the likes of him is right?"
XXX
Concurrently, Kuro found himself in a bit of a fix as well.
THWACK! Musashi had him pinned against the ground with his horn.
"GAH!" the Poochyena cried as he struggled to get out of his grasp. He then looked up to see the imperial palace, not too far from his fight. "Dammit…so close…!"
"Face it, Kuro," Masamune said as he stood beside the Heracross. "You've lost this fight."
"Hahahahaha!" laughed Hakumaru, his tooth still broken. "You were a fool, Kuro! Foolish brat! Ahahahahahaha!"
"Damn you, Masamune!" Kuro hissed. "You won't get away with this!"
"Scream all you want, it won't get you anywhere," Masamune replied, mockingly. "You two keep him pinned here…I'm going to pay Shira a little visit."
Kuro gasped at this.
"I think your sister has suffered long enough, Kuro," the Mightyena said. "I think it's time she was put out of her misery."
"You wouldn't dare…!" Kuro hissed.
"Oh, don't worry," Masamune reassured. "I'll make sure to kill you, too…you can both be reunited with your beloved mother and father again. It'll be a family reunion…in Hell. Hehehehehe…! Hahahahahahaha! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!"
Before Kuro could open his mouth, Musashi pushed his horn further against his neck while Masamune turned to leave.
"Say nighty-night, Kuro!" Hakumaru laughed as he held a kunai knife in his paw.
"…You two…disgust me…!" Kuro croaked out.
"Eh?" Hakumaru muttered.
"If my Father…were here…he'd say the same thing!" Kuro barked. "You guys…you had no one…no home to return to…your families forsook you…but who else took you in but my Father, Hayabusa?! And now…you serve his brother, even though you know what else he's planning?! Did you also know it was he who killed my Father and poisoned my sister?!"
"…We had no choice but to obey Masamune," Hakumaru answered.
"He defeated your father," Musashi added. "How could we go up against someone who's stronger than us?"
"Masamune cheated," Kuro answered. "He knew he couldn't defeat my Father in a fair fight, so he poisoned him instead! That doesn't make him strong!"
Hakumaru and Musashi glanced at each other instead.
"Don't you get it?" Kuro asked. "Masamune is the real coward? Have you ever actually seen him fight? No…and it's because he relies on you all to fight his battles for him…if he were a real leader, he'd be fighting alongside all of you! Has Masamune ever healed your wounds after a fight? Praised you for putting up a good effort, even if you lost?! No! All he did was berate you, called you incompetent! Is that what a true leader is?!"
A beat passes…but then the two ninja Pokemon sigh as Musashi stands up, thus releasing Kuro.
"…No," the Heracross hissed, angrily clenching his fists. "No it is not."
"…Forgive us, Kuro," Hakumaru said.
"No one said I was angry at you," Kuro replied. "I was never angry at any of you…I was angry at my uncle because I hated what he was turning you all into…and now I find out my sister is dying because of him."
"…Then go to her," Musashi said. "We'll try and hold Masamune off."
Hearing this caused Kuro to smile and nod his head before he turned and ran. Not too far up, Masamune is seen running through the forest, nearing the imperial palace, but then, a gray blur dashed passed him.
"What?!" the Mightyena questioned as he realized it was Kuro. "K-Kuro?! But how-"
"It ends here, Masamune!"
THOOM! Musashi landed before the Dark-type with Hakumaru standing on his back.
"You two…?!" Masamune hissed. "What the hell do you think you're doing?! I ordered you to kill Kuro!"
"We take orders from you, no longer," Hakumaru said before he jumped up and unleashed a rain of shuriken on Masamune, who gasped as he tried to evade them, but in doing so, Musashi rammed into his stomach with his horn, sending him crashing through 2 trees. The lupine groaned as he stood up and shook his head, only to narrowly dodge several kunai knives hurled at him. He looked up and saw Hakumaru plummeted towards him…with hardened tail first.
"SAYONARA~!" the Watchog roared before he landed with a mighty BOOM! The resulting shock sent many Spearow flying away from the trees.
XXX
Back with Alexis, she stared at Victor with her mouth slightly agape, but then she gasped as the Houndoom squeezed on her throat even more.
"What did you mean…there's no such thing as justice?!" asked Alexis.
"You wouldn't understand," Victor answered. "You and your brother are from a different generation…your Father doesn't understand either…or Johan or Magnus…or Krookodile…!"
"Krook-o-who?" Alexis asked.
"Those four…they're from the same generation as I am," Victor whispered, "and yet, none of them know of how the world truly works, unlike me. Justice does not exist in Kyrus…it will never exist…and I'm going to make them all realize it!"
"I don't understand!" Alexis gagged. "What the hell are you talking about?! What have you got against my Dad, anyway?! What the hell did he ever do to you?!"
"Why don't you ask him yourself?" Victor asked, squeezing the pup's throat even more. "He seems to be the one with all the answers, anyway!" He then grinned, darkly. "Of course…you won't be alive to ask him."
Before he could make due on that promise, WHAM! A yellow blur suddenly slammed into Victor from the left, forcing him to release Alexis, who gasped and coughed as she held her neck. Soon after, Daniel, Gumo, and Bellatrix appeared at her side, the first holding Silver in his paws.
"Alexis!" Daniel cried. "Are you okay?!"
"Gumo-Gumo!" Gumo chirped as he bounced up and down on Daniel's head.
"D…Danny?" Alexis asked, still coughing.
Nearby, Justin is using his water turrets to put out the fire that Victor started. Thankfully, it hadn't grown out of control. As for Victor, he found himself being pinned by a furious Damien. At first, it seemed the yellow-furred Arcanine would rip off Victor's head right off his shoulders, as he had promised last night…but then the Houndoom kicked the canine in the jaw, causing him to stumble back in surprise before he turned and ran off.
"You haven't seen the last of me!" shouted Victor.
"DAMN YOU, VICTOR!" Damien roared.
"Let the coward run," said Orion. "At least one thing's for certain…your sister is alive and well."
Damien's seething slowed before he turned to see Alexis, who looked at him and smiled warmly, causing him to smile back. Then, the pup ran to her brother, wrapping her forelegs around his leg while Damien affectionately licked her face.
"You really had me worried, Spitfire."
"Sorry…but I'm okay, now."
"Hey! What about my hug?! I was worried, too, you know! I saw you fall!"
"Sorry for worrying you, too, Danny."
"…You know what? Close enough. Glad to have you back, Alexis."
"BELLATRIX!"
All of a sudden, Bellatrix was scooped by Adelaide, who took her into her arms and hugged her tightly, like she was a lifeline.
"Oh, Bellatrix, my precious!" the Delphox cried. "Are you all right, sweetheart?!"
"Mom, I-" Bellatrix started.
"Oh, what am I saying?! Of course you're not! You must be terrified!"
"Mom, I-"
"Not being able to see what was going on around you, I can't imagine how frightened you would be, sweetie!"
"Mom-"
"Don't worry, though. Mommy will never let you out of her sight! Never again, I promise, Bellatrix! I'll carry you around everywhere and you don't have to worry about getting tired or scared, ever again! I-"
"MOM, WILL YOU PUT ME DOWN AND LISTEN TO ME ALREADY?!"
Everyone's jaws dropped in shock at the sound of Bellatrix's shouting…but no one was more shocked than Adelaide, who had never heard her daughter yell at her before…not once. Still shocked by her daughter's change in behavior, Adelaide gently put her daughter back down on the ground while staring at her…almost looking as if she were hurt. Bellatrix sighed before she turned to Alexis, and although she couldn't see her, the Growlithe came and sit beside her before giving her a slight nudge with her paw.
"Go ahead," she urged, to which Bellatrix nodded in reply before she turned her head to face her mother.
"…Mom, I'm sorry I yelled at you like that," the Fennekin spoke, "but…I…I just want you to listen to what I have to say…can you please do that for me, Mom? Please?"
Adelaide blinked at her daughter, still in a slight state of confusion before she nodded her head.
"She just nodded her head yes," Alexis said to Bellatrix.
"Okay," Bellatrix whispered. "So…here it is…Mom, I don't want you babying me, anymore!"
"I…baby you?" Adelaide parroted.
"She means that she's tried of you carrying her around and trying to handle her food for her," Alexis pointed out.
"…Bellatrix…is that true?" Adelaide asked.
"Yes," Bellatrix answered. "Mom, I hate that you're trying to control of everything I do! Ever since I went blind, it's like you don't let me do anything for myself, anymore! I can't even go to the bathroom without you following me!"
"Okay, too much information," Daniel spoke up.
"I can never make my own decisions, now," Bellatrix continued. "It's like…it's like you're trying to live my life for me, and I'm sick of it!"
"…Is…is that how I made you feel?" Adelaide asked, her paw over her chest. "Am I that overbearing?"
"…Kind of…?" Bellatrix replied.
"By which she means you really are," Alexis added, bluntly.
"Alexis!" Daniel scolded.
"What?!" Alexis asked. "There's no need to sugarcoat it!"
"Bellatrix…I…I'm so sorry!" Adelaide said as she knelt down before her daughter. "I had no idea I've been upsetting you like this! I just thought I was doing the right thing…why didn't you ever tell me about this before?!"
"Because…I was scared," Bellatrix answered. "Every time I try and say something, you shush me, like you don't wanna hear it."
"Oh, Bellatrix," Adelaide said. "I can't believe this is how I made you feel. You should never be afraid to talk to your mother about your problems. Next time you have something to say me that you feel is important, don't be afraid to tell me."
"I won't," Bellatrix replied, smiling, which caused her mother to smile back before she pulled the kit into a hug. "I love you, Mom."
"I love you, too, Bellatrix," Adelaide replied.
Alexis smiled at the reconciling mother and daughter, but then she frowned slightly as she looked down at the ground, but then, Damien came and put a gentle paw on her shoulder, smiling at her in a reassuring manner.
"Not to ruin the moment," Silver spoke up, suddenly, his eye glowing to life, once more, "but shouldn't we be going?"
"Oh, right!" Alexis exclaimed. "Guys, we gotta get going to the Emperor's palace!"
"Hey! I'm in charge, here!" Damien said.
"Oh, right," Alexis replied. "Well, on your order, Big Bro!"
"Thank you," Damien said. "Let's move out, everyone! To the Imperial Palace!"
"Yes, sir!" the knights saluted, and with that, they continued on to Kanto's imperial city. As they did, a familiar pair of red eyes glared after them through the bushes. It was none other than Victor, who growled at them viciously.
"Go ahead," Victor hissed. "Go ahead and run, you fools! Even if you do complete your mission, you can't prove to Jerome it was me who attacked Alexis! I've got a clean slate…hehehehehehe…!"
As he turned to leave, though, an arrow suddenly pierced the ground in front of him, and as he looked down…he saw a slip of paper attached to it. As he tore it off, he turned it over and saw two shadowy claws printed on it…and between were the words "WE ARE WATCHING YOU". As Victor looked up, he saw a shadowy figure glaring at him before it jumped away…and he growled angrily as he clutched the note in his paws.
XXX
Daniel stood atop a rock with Gumo still sitting on his head, both surveying the area before the former gasped.
"There it is!" he exclaimed, pointing his paw forward. "The Kanto Imperial City! Dead ahead!"
The group soon came to stand beside Daniel to see that he was correct: the Imperial City of Kanto stood before their very eyes.
"Yes!" Alexis cheered. "We're almost there! Whoo-hoo!"
"At last," Adelaide spoke in relief. "I just hope I'm not too late."
"I can't believe it's almost over!" Alexis exclaimed. "Hey, Damien! Can we get something to eat when we're done? I'm starving!"
"Well…we'll see, Spitfire," Damien answered.
"I'll take that as a yes!" Alexis replied. "Let's go, guys!"
"Hey!" Damien shouted. "I'm in charge, here!"
"Oh, yeah," Alexis said. "Sorry, bro."
"Let's move!" Damien ordered, and on that, everyone headed into the Imperial City where the palace was located. They stood before the gates, where two Ambipom guards stood but soon gave them clearance to enter. Upon entering, they were led to the palace by a Swanna. Soon, the large doors opened, revealing Mizunosuke and Hanabi sitting on their thrones…with Kuro sitting next to them.
"Announcing the Duchess of Etoile, Lady Adelaide Antebellum, Princess Bellatrix, and their escorts, Commander Damien Cliffton of the Order of the Rising Sun and his troop."
Mizunosuke smiled as the group entered the throne room before he stood up from his throne and approached Adelaide, who shook paws with him.
"So good to see you, Adelaide," the Samurott said, bowing his head as well.
"And you, as well, Mizunosuke," Adelaide replied. "Being the Emperor of Kanto seems to be going well for you."
Mizunosuke chuckled at this.
"Still quite the charmer, aren't you?" he asked before he noticed Damien. "Ah, and if it isn't Damien? I haven't seen you in almost 7 years. So good to see you, my boy."
"You, too, Uncle Mizu," Damien replied before he looked down at Alexis. "Oh, by the way, this is my little sister, Alexis."
"Ah, yes," Mizunosuke said. "Your father has told me so much about you, young Alexis…we finally meet."
"Hi, Uncle Mizu!" Alexis replied, her tail wagging happily.
"Alexis! Show some respect!" Daniel cried. "He's the Emperor!"
"It's quite all right," Mizunosuke assured. "Young Alexis can call me whatever pleases. After all, her father and I are sworn brothers, like two other noble 'mons he knows." He then winked at Alexis, who winked back.
"Dearest," Hanabi said. "Aren't we forgetting the whole reason for summoning Adelaide here?"
"Ah, of course," Mizunosuke said before he approached Kuro and put his paw on his shoulder. "Adelaide…this young 'mon needs your help. His sister, Shira, has fallen ill due to a Poison-type attack, and only you can help her."
"I'm sorry for attacking you earlier," Kuro answered. "Had I known, earlier, I would've-"
"Alexis already explained to me," Adelaide interjected. "I hold no ill will to you, Kuro."
Kuro smiled at this while Adelaide turned to face George, who had a large box of some kind in his paws.
"George, have you brought my medical equipment?" she asked.
"Yes, milady," George replied, holding the box.
"I'll take you to Shira, Your Grace," Kuro said as he prepared to lead Adelaide to his sick sister, but then, the doors slammed open, causing everyone to turn and gasp upon seeing the Black Shroud Ninjas, led by Mizuki.
"The ninjas!" Daniel cried.
"Not again!" Alexis added.
"So, come back for more, did you?" Damien asked. "Well, then, if we have to fight you, one more time, right here and now, so be it!"
However, Kuro was the only one who remained calm. Instead, he turned to face them.
"I'm glad you all could make it," the Poochyena said.
"Wouldn't miss it, Kuro," said Mizuki. "By the way…we brought a guest with us."
The Greninja stepped aside, revealing a beaten and battered Masamune, being held by Kenji and Musashi.
"I see you wasted no time in teaching my uncle a lesson," Kuro quipped.
"It was Mizuki who managed to convince who our loyalty truly lies with," replied Akazakura.
"Forgive us, Kuro," Ryuunosuke added.
"Daijobu," Kuro reassured. "It's all right…my Father would be proud of you if he were still here."
Hearing that caused the Pokemon Ninjas to smile whilst Masamune groaned and lifted his head up, growling at Kuro viciously.
"Kisama…!" Masamune hissled before he snapped his jaws at his nephew, who pulled back, avoiding his bite. "You bastard!"
"Face it, Masamune," said Kuro. "You lose. Plain and simple."
"No!" Masamune barked. "I refuse to lose to you, you brat! How could I have lost to my own subordinates when I proved I'm so much stronger?!"
"You're not strong, Masamune," Kuro replied. "You are a cheating coward who resorts to underhanded to get what you want…you didn't win against my Father by fighting him properly. Instead, you chose to kill him because you knew you couldn't take him in a fair fight…you may think you're strong…but in reality, Masamune…you're weak."
Hearing that caused the Mightyena's eyes to go wide before he wrenched his forelegs away from Kenji and Musashi.
"I'M STRONG ENOUGH TO KILL YOU, BOY!" he roared before he lunged at the Poochyena, his jaws wide open as purple ooze dripped from his fangs.
"Look out, Kuro!" Alexis cried as she jumped in the way, holding Silver in her paws and SLASH! She swung her partner across Masamune's mouth, making a sickening crunching sound.
"AGH!" Masamune cried as he fell back…his fangs flying out of his mouth. He landed on the floor, grunting in pain as he fell on his broken nose. He groaned as he stood up, blood dripping out from his fangs were. "By…by hangth…! Vut 'id oo do?!"
(Translations: My…my fangs! What did you do?!)
"Try using your Poison Fang attack without any fangs," Alexis said, sheathing Silver in his scabbard. "That way, you can't be a threat to anybody, anymore."
"Well done, Alexis," Silver praised.
"Take Masamune away to the dungeons," Mizunosuke answered. "I'll be arranging his punishment soon."
"You heard the Empeor," Mizuki said. "Take him away!"
Kenji and Musashi soon grabbed the wounded Mightyena and dragged him away.
"Thanks, but I could've handled it," Kuro said to Alexis.
"No problem," Alexis shrugged. "That's what friends do, right?"
"…You think we're friends?" Kuro asked, sounding almost surprised.
"Sure," Alexis answered, smiling.
"This is how she is," Daniel added. "You'll have to get used to it."
"O…onii-san…?"
Kuro gasped before he turned to see the young female Poochyena from earlier, her breath labored and her faces flushed.
"…Shira…!" Kuro whispered, his voice almost breaking.
"Who's that?" Damien asked.
"Kuro's sister, Shira," Mizunosuke answered.
"And she's adorable!" Alexis beamed.
"Onii-san…you're here…!" Shira whispered before she coughed and stumbled forward, causing Kuro to run to her side.
"What are you doing?!" Kuro asked. "You should be in bed!"
"I heard your voice, earlier," Shira replied. "I haven't seen you in so long, onii-san…I missed you."
"Shira, I missed you, too," Kuro answered, "but you can't be out of bed! You're ill!"
Shira only smiled up at her older brother.
"I actually feel a little bit better, now," she started, "now that I see your face again."
"…Oh, Shira," Kuro muttered as he gently embraced her.
"Don't worry, Kuro," Adelaide said as she approached the Poochyena siblings. "Your sister is in good hands. I promise."
"Take care of her," Kuro said. "Onegai…please."
"Don't worry, Mister Kuro!" Bellatrix spoke up. "My Mom's the best healer in our country! She'll help your sister!"
Adelaide chuckled before she gently took Shira in her arms and took her to her room with George following after her, carrying her box.
XXX
Soon, Adelaide is in Shira's room, putting a mortar and pestle on a table, then putting down things such as herbs and vials of various liquids. After grinding the ingredients together in the bowl, the Shiny Delphox approached the coughing lupine pup. She gently propped the young Poochyena's head up and held the bowl up to her, tipping the mushy paste towards her lips.
"Take this, Shira," said Adelaide. "This will cure your poisoning."
Shira opened her mouth, allowing Adelaide to pour the contents of the bowl inside. The pup swallowed, and then breathed deeply, her flush already beginning to disappear, just slightly.
"Arigato…" she whispered.
Adelaide smiled as she pet the little pup.
"Sleep well, child," the Duchess said. "Come tomorrow, you'll feel as if you were never poisoned at all."
Outside the room, Alexis, Daniel, Gumo, Kuro, and Bellatrix sat near the doors, listening with smiling faces.
"Sounds like your sis is gonna make it," Alexis said.
"Thank goodness," Kuro replied.
"Well, mission accomplished, it looks like," Daniel spoke as he sat down.
"So now what?" Bellatrix asked. "Are we going home now?"
"Nah," Alexis answered. "Uncle Mizu says that we can stay for a while to rest up. Then, we'll probably drop you and your mom off at Etoile, then head back home ourselves."
"What's gonna happen to those ninjas, though?" Daniel asked.
"Funny you should ask, boy," Mizuki spoke, having appeared behind the Shiny Vulpix.
"AAH!" Daniel yelped.
"We are going to be staying here in the Imperial Palace as the emperor's personal guard," Mizuki answered. "Also, from here on out, I am to lead the Black Shroud in Masamune's place…that is, unless Kuro wants to take over."
"Kuro?" Alexis asked.
"…I think I might be a little too inexperienced to lead you," Kuro admitted. "I'm still too brash and thickheaded…I tend to lose my temper, easily."
"So what are you going to do?" asked Mizuki.
"…I've been thinking," Kuro replied, "maybe, for the time being, I should leave Kanto…and go to Cynderstohn."
Alexis and Daniel both blinked in surprise.
"Are you saying you wanna join us?" Alexis asked.
"Not join," Kuro said. "More like…align."
"I heard join us," Alexis smirked. "You're in, Kuro!"
"…Quite the straightforward girl, aren't you?" the Poochyena asked, sounding slightly annoyed.
"Like I said, get used to it," Daniel said.
At that moment, Damien appeared.
"Hey, guys," he said. "Well, I finished sending my report to Dad. The letter should arrive by tomorrow morning. In the meantime, we're gonna be staying here and we'll leave by midday tomorrow."
"Did you tell Dad about…you know…?" Alexis inquired.
"Yes, I told Dad about Victor," Damien answered with a serious expression.
"Good," Alexis said. "It's about time he finally realized this…I just hope he'll listen."
"Your dad's a pretty understanding guy, Alexis," Daniel reassured. "Besides, once he hears what Victor did to you, I'm pretty sure he won't let him get within at least 50 feet of you, if not more."
"Hey, I know what'll cheer us all up," Damien said. "Let's go down to the dining hall. I bet all that excitement's got you hungry, huh?"
"…I am kinda hungry," Alexis admitted.
"Thought so," Damien smiled as he walked away. "C'mon, let's go get some eats."
"Yeah!" Alexis cheered as she ran passed him. "Race you guys!"
"Hey!" Bellatrix called as she ran after the Growlithe. "I wanna eat, too!"
"Don't let Alexis get there, first!" Daniel shouted as he followed. "She'll inhale everything!"
Damien laughed as he also ran after his sister with Kuro and Mizuki also joining the race. Adelaide stood behind them as she watched them…or rather, watched her daughter, who let out pure, genuine laughter as she ran.
"…I haven't heard her laugh like that in such a long time," the vixen whispered, but then, a familiar paw placed itself on her shoulder. She turned to see Mizunosuke, who was giving her a serious expression. "Mizunosuke?"
"There's something I need to discuss with you," the Kanto Emperor spoke, causing Adelaide to look at him in concern.
"What is it?" Adelaide asked.
"I didn't just summon you here to cure a sick child," Mizunosuke said. "I think there's something else we must prepare for."
"What do you mean?" Adelaide inquired.
"…I sense another war approaching," the Samurott answered, grimly.
Until Next Time…
About time I update this. Dressrosa will be up tomorrow, followed by more Unlimited Adventure!
Review, please!