Chapter 12: Family and Friends
The Charmeleon and most of the Charizard formed two lines facing each other, and at the end was the largest of the Charizard. I could tell this was one of the elders that Draconis had spoken of. He seemed to be an old Charizard, as his colors seemed to be grayed and faded. His body also had many scars, with the most prominent one near his right eye. He looked to be very powerful, and he began to speak.
"Greetings visitors, I have come to decide if you will be allowed into our domain. I will determine if our laws will let you enter, so step forth."
He slowly looked us over with an intimidating gaze, but we stood undaunted. After his inspection he seemed to have reached some decisions already, and began speaking in his powerful voice once more.
"After looking you over, it is obvious that only some of you may enter, but we will not be inhospitable to the rest of you. Draconis, it is good you have returned, and as a clan member you are free to come and go. As for the rest of you, I will tell you what shall be done. Lucario, in honor of your past deeds and your service to this world, you may enter. I suspect you need something of us or you would not have come. Ninetales, we will not let you enter, you are an elder of your own clan, who live nearby, so we will provide you an escort to there, as well as relay any important messages, should the need arise. Mudkip, you will not be allowed to enter as well. You are both a water type and a human, so we will not let you enter. There is a nearby Swampert clan, though, and we will escort you to them, if you so desire. You probably have not been among a clan before, so I suggest you go there. Like Ninetales, we will also relay any important messages from your friends. That is my decision as one of the Charizard elders, and anything contrary to it will be punished. That is all, I will be leaving now"
"Thank you, elder," replied Charmander, "Your decision is wise. We will discuss your proposals now, and thank you for your hospitality."
Most of the Charizard and Charmeleon moved back towards the cliffs and beach that they had come from. The other Charmander as well as a few Charmeleon stayed. We gathered to discuss what we were going to do, now that we had heard the elder's decision.
Ninetales was the first to speak, "The plan that the elder had suits me well, since I do wish to return to my clan for a while. I still have that book of magic the spirit gave me, but have not had time to study it, since we have been traveling until sunset each day. I will go back to my home, and hopefully come back with new knowledge and power."
Pondering the plan, I spoke up next, "I think I would like to go see the Swampert clan, since I have never been among other pokemon of my same type. So, I guess we'll be going now, so see you later, Charmander and Lucario."
"That sounds like a good plan, everyone," complimented Draconis, "Before you go, I would like you all to meet my old friend Charmandra. I told you a little bit about her awhile ago, but now I would like you to meet her."
"Nice to meet you all," Charmandra replied, "I have heard a little bit about all of you from the events of last year. It's good to see you are all friends with Draconis."
After this brief introduction, Lucario decided to speak, "Since we are splitting up, we should plan when to meet up again. I think getting the fire orb will take three days at most, so we will meet here at that time. It has been ages since I have been here, but not too much has changed. Use your time wisely, and be back here in three days."
After a brief farewell to Draconis, Lucario, and Charmandra, Ninetales and I went separate ways, with the Charmeleons escorting us. Two of them came with me, and the others went with Ninetales.
The two Charmeleons came with me, and led the way to a river that was northwest of the volcano. Rather than the grass that was near the beach, we now were in a jungle. Apparently there was a path the Charmeleon knew, which they followed. The trees were thick, and the air was moist, which was perfect for me. There were thick vines and a canopy overhead, so that the sunlight came through in small patches here or there. This jungle was full of other pokemon, and their calls and voices could sometimes be heard.
The Charmeleons led the way, using their claws or flames to remove brush that had grown over the path. This slowed us down a little, but we still moved quickly. The leader of the two said that the place I was going was not much further, and we continued on through the thick plants. As we moved along, I was suddenly caught by a vine. Struggling to get free, I was suddenly lifted up by the vine, and I realized that it belonged to a pokemon. A Victreebel emerged from the undergrowth, but both the Charmeleon moved quickly to free me from its grasp. One used flamethrower while the other moved in and slashed at the Victreebel. These attacks knocked it out, and we continued on with a little more caution.
Soon the air grew even more moist, and the murky smell of a swamp wafted through the air. As we approached the swamp, the Charmeleon that had been my escorts stopped.
"This is as far as we go," explained the one who had been leading the way, "The Swampert clan live in this swamp and the surrounding waters, and our clan does not have the best of relations with them. It would be better if we did not enter their territory, so you will have to go on alone."
"A wise choice, you fiery Charmeleons," replied a new voice, "You should leave, and I thank you for escorting that Mudkip back to here."
A Marshtomp jumped out of the water, and landed nearby spraying a little bit of water all over both the Charmeleons. They both looked annoyed at this, but left me alone with the Marshtomp.
"Hello, Mudkip, how is it that you were being escorted by those pokemon?" he asked.
"To be honest, I've never been here before now. My friend is a Charmander, but they wouldn't let me stay with their clan, so they offered to escort me here."
"That's odd that you've never been here before. I thought almost all the Mudkip came from this place, which is called the Swampert Swamp. It was nice of the Charizard clan to escort you here, they usually don't give that much help, especially to water pokemon. You must be important if they did that for you. Wait, I know! Your dark blue coloring must mean you are the Mudkip that helped save the world one year ago! You are a hero here! Why have you never visited here before?"
"Well I just learned about the pokemon clans a short while ago, so I had no idea this place existed."
"What a shame. You are going to love it here, it is the perfect place for Mudkip, Marshtomp, and Swampert. Come on, I'll take you to the elders and show you around."
I followed this friendly Marshtomp into the swamp. Along the swamp were small pathways made out of trees, and we walked along these towards a central area that was raised from the rest of the swamp. Below us the swamp waters were calm and murky, and I could see many Mudkip, Marshtomp, and Swampert below. They seemed to be playing, talking, and gathering food, and they all looked calm and peaceful. The swamp seemed to be mostly mud, water, and plants, and the only dry area was the path we walked along.
Soon we were near the center of the swamp. There was a rock formation that looked like a large grey pillar that extended up out of the swamp. Water cascaded down the sides of this formation, and the top was covered in trees that had many types of fruit growing on them. The water flowing from this formation was clear, but joined the murky swamp waters below. We entered the grove of fruit trees on the top, and the path ended. Marshtomp led on through the grove, and the entire top of the rock formation was covered in water that was several inches deep. This water was cool and pure, and felt nice to walk through. At the center of the grove there was a circle of rock formations. Each of these formations was a small stairway with a flat top. From this top, water bubbled up, and in the center of the circle a large fountain gushed out water. There were six of the formations and on each one was seated a Swampert. As the Marshtomp and I approached all of the six turned to us. They each looked old and powerful, much like the Charizard elder I had met earlier.
"Greetings, Silt, I thought you had just gone to patrol the outer edges of the swamp," said one of the elders.
"Yes, elder, I did just go," replied the Marshtomp, "I was patrolling when I saw two Charmeleons come through the brush. I wanted to see what they were up to, and apparently they were escorting this Mudkip."
"At least they were doing something nice for a change, they usually keep to themselves and are too stubborn to care about others," commented the elder.
"I know elder," continued Silt, "I did find out why they were escorting a Mudkip, as well. This Mudkip is none other than Ben, the Mudkip who helped save the world from disaster a year ago."
The elders looked a little surprised, and the one started speaking again, "If we had known it was you, we would have had a better welcome. Your tale has inspired many here, and you are welcome here any time. Attendants, spread the news, and prepare a special dinner to greet our special guest and new honorary member of the Swampert clan, Ben. Have it ready, as the sun starts to set!"
Some other Mudkip, Marshtomp, and Swampert who had been gathered around the outside of the circle and the fountain left to follow the commands of the elders. The swamp seemed to have a new excitement about it. Pokemon rushed about, getting things ready for the meal. The elders continued speaking with me, asking me about my travels and the recent events at pokemon square. I told them some of my story, and they suggested that I tell my whole tale after the meal.
As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, the meal was ready. Before me lay a buffet of the most delicious looking fruits and berries. The elders said a few words about the event, but everyone had heard the news of my arrival. The meal began, and I grabbed a banana, a melon piece, and a kiwi fruit, and was just about to take my first bite when some of the other pokemon came and started to ask me questions. I started to answer, but the elders decided to stop this.
"Ben will tell you all about his travels, so let him enjoy his meal first, and enjoy your own meals as well," one of the elders suggested.
This allowed me to enjoy my meal without everyone questioning me, and I enjoyed the variety of foods they had. After eating many fruits and berries, I was very full. The sun was now setting, and as the meal ended, everyone gathered around to hear my tale. I told them of how I became a Mudkip, and what I went through during my travels with Charmander. I told them about the stuggles, trials, and triumphs that we went through to save the world. I also told them about my current journey to stop Nerezzik. The tales lasted a long time, and it was dark when I finished. They all seemed excited and inspired by the tales of how a Mudkip could help the world, and they all left happy. They all seemed to be talking about my tale, and they left for their homes in the swamp.
The elders told Silt to show me to a nice spot to rest for the night, and they each left for their homes as well.
"Your tale was awesome. I liked how your determination and friendship with the Charmander enabled you to overcome the opponents and hardships that you encountered," complimented Silt, "Come on, you can come stay with my family, they would be happy to give you a nice spot to sleep. Just follow me."
He led the way, and a short distance from the central rock formation, we descended from the tree paths to the swamp below. We swam through the warm and murky waters to a clump of bushes. This kind of bush grew all over the swamp. It had thick leaves that would keep out most of the wind and weather, and as we approached, I could see that the inside of the bush was roomy, since the branches only grew outward. These bushes also grew plentiful amounts of berries, which provided some food for those that lived inside.
"Wait here, I'll go see if my family is still awake," whispered Silt.
After a short while he returned, and whispered, "Okay, my parents were still awake, but you'll have to be careful not to awaken my younger brothers and sister. I have one younger sister, she is about the same age as you are, and my brothers are only 1 year old, and 2 years old. I am 10 years old, myself, and in a few years I may move out to start my own family. My sister is about 9 years old, which is about how old you look to me."
"Wait, I only look 9 years old?" I asked, surprised. "As a human, I was almost twice that age in years, but you are telling me that I am only nine years old as a pokemon?"
"I guess humans and pokemon age quite a bit differently. Most Mudkip become Swampert and are fully mature around age 13. Right now you would be considered an adolescent Mudkip. I guess when you became a pokemon your maturity is what mattered, rather than your age."
"Seems like there still is much to learn about pokemon, even though I've been a Mudkip for quite a while now. Thanks for the information, Silt."
"I'm glad I could help. Now let's go in quietly."
We entered the bushes, and inside of it was soft, moist ground. After a quiet greeting to Silt's parents, they told me to sleep anywhere I wanted. In one part of the bush was two very small Mudkips, and another that was about my size. They were all asleep. I picked a spot close to the entrance, and lay there. I dozed off to the peaceful stillness of the swamp, and slept very soundly.
As I went to the swamp, Ninetales had traveled to the forest that was up on the slopes of the volcano. He dismissed his two escorts, preferring to travel alone. He ran quickly up the old paths that he had been up many times through the years, and soon was home again. He was greeted by the Vulpix and Ninetales, and had dinner with some of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Coming back here always made Ninetales remember his wife. She had died in a rockslide a few hundred years ago, but sometimes it felt like yesterday. Ninetales then decided to study his book to take his mind off of the painful memories that this place brought back. The sun was setting, so he only had a short time before night fell, and then he went to sleep.
Like me, Draconis had a warm welcome back home. The elders had him tell the clan his tale, and had a special meal in his honor. Lucario also told about some of his journeys, but then spent the rest of the night in meditation and sleep. Draconis was glad to be done telling the tale, since he wanted to spend time with his family and Charmandra. After spending a while visiting his mother and his siblings, Draconis left with Charmandra to their favorite spot. Both he and Charmandra now sat at the rocky ledge that Draconis liked to go to when he wanted to think about things. He sat in silence for a while, looking down at the cliffs, sand, and sea.
"I know coming back here reminds you of your father, Draconis," consoled Charmandra, "The last time we were here, you told me that you were going to make a rescue team to honor your father's memory. Your father was quite a hero, just like you are now. When the disasters started, he managed to stop most of our cliffs and caves from collapsing in the earthquakes. His sacrifice saved many, and his memory will live on. Do you remember what else happened before you left last time?"
"I wouldn't forget, and I still have the ruby you gave me," replied Draconis, "I hope you still have the one I gave you."
"Yes, I keep it at my home. So, what's bothering you now, Draconis?"
"It's nothing much. It just is strange that I left young and inexperienced before, but now I return as a hero."
"I always knew you would do great things, Draconis. I could tell by the conviction you had the day you left. You are truly a courageous hero, but I don't want you to get hurt. You could stay here with me, if you get tired of your travels."
"That would be nice Charmandra, but there is still so much to do. The world is still not safe, and until it is I will fight. You have always remained in my heart, Charmandra, and you still will when I must move on once more."
"You've always been in my heart, too. I will wait for you, and keep you in my heart when you must move on again. For now, you should calm yourself and relax during the few days you are here."
Draconis and Charmandra didn't speak much after that. They sat down next to each other, and looked out at the moon, stars, and sea.