And here is chapter two! I'm having a lot of fun with this story, so I doubt updates will ever be late. And if they are, you guys can feel free to yell at me.
Chapter Two: The Start of Something New
The creature sulked in the cavern it resided in, a ball of anger and shame with no outlet. Nothing had outclassed him like his own master, and yet nothing would ever matter if he would stay forever weaker than his teacher. Did it matter that he was practically a baby? That his mentor was the king of a mountain? Quintus didn't know, and at this point, he really didn't care. The Whismur had awoken in the cave, and hadn't left for two days. There was a trickle of water from the ceiling in the back of the room, but he hadn't eaten since he woke up. The hunger tore him up, but not like his embarrassment did. No physical pain could compare to what he had done to himself and to his bond with Ferrous. The Lairon hadn't visited even once, and the Normal type couldn't blame him. He wouldn't visit himself after that battle either.
His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of a familiar Rockruff, trotting towards the Whismur. "The king has requested your presence. He claims that the two of you must have a conversation."
Sighing, Quintus stood up and gestured to the entrance of the cavern. "Let's go then, might as well get it over with."
The duo made their way out of the cave, the Rock type leading the way to the king. When they arrived at the Cave of Remembrance, the messenger turned around and sprinted down the hall, and within moments he was out of sight.
"So, you finally left the cave I left you in. Do you have any words for me, little Quintus?" a voice deeper than the mountain itself rang out through the cave.
"Words? For you?"
"Do not test me. You owe me, and you are well aware of the fact. Must I best you again?"
The Whismur sighed and hung his head. "Fair enough Ferrous. I'm sorry."
"You are sorry? For what?"
"Fine! I'm sorry for attacking you, and for disrespecting you. I shouldn't have done that, and I apologize for it." the Normal type said, lifting his head and staring at the Steel type.
"Apology accepted. I wish to show you something I found lurking around the lower levels." the monarch told him as he moved to the right, revealing a red and black creature curled into a ball. "When I ran into it, it bit me and attempted to set me on fire. We have few Fire types here, and Growlithe do not make up any of them. So it seems we have some sort of outsider here, much like yourself."
"Where are you from?" asked the Whisper Pokemon.
"Fuck you, mountain scum. I'll never tell you anything!" it shouted, voice muffled from its face pressed into its fur.
"This has been the result every time I have attempted to communicate with the Fire type. My patience has grown thin, and I am aware that yours typically extends further than my own. I am ready to execute him."
"I'm no male! And I will gladly die before telling you two about anything!" the Growlithe struggled to stand, but she managed to get on all four while snarling at the duo.
Ferrous laughed at the display and swatted her down. "Stay down, puny creature. I am the king, and you will show me respect as such. Otherwise I will put you down like the dog you are."
"You are no king, just a-" the canine was interrupted by a Water Pulse, courtesy of Quintus. Falling back down onto her side, the Puppy Pokemon was proven to be unconscious when the Lairon poked her with his front foot.
"Would you like to dispose of her yourself, little one? You have not killed another being yet, but this would be an easy first." questioned the Rock type.
The Whismur blanched at his mentor's statement. "Perhaps we should just kick her out of the mountain. She probably just wandered in search of food, or some sort of stone. Does her kind use Fire Stones to evolve?"
"Yes, but Fire Stones are rare in the mountain. And in general I suppose, but she certainly would have trouble finding one here. I still say we should put her to rest, it would be easier for us. And if we exile her, she might come back here for revenge." replied the Iron Armor Pokemon.
"No, let her go. There's no point in killing her if she might not even come back here, and after the thrashing you put her through, I'd be surprised if she did."
The dual type pondered this for a moment before relenting. "Alright, if that is your wish. However, if she does return, it will be your problem, not mine. Since you spared her, make sure she finds her way out."
He nodded and called for the Rockruff, who came running at the sound of his species' name. He opened his mouth, but stopped when the Whismur had the strange 'mon from earlier partially up in the air. Immediately understanding, the resident Puppy Pokemon rushed to the other side of the knocked out Fire type and helped his king's apprentice. The two of them carried her out of the cave, and down the hallway into a split cavern.
"You may leave now, my lord. I can take it from here."
"Are you sure you can do it yourself?" asked the Normal type.
"Oh yes, I am more than strong enough to carry a 'mon of its size. Don't worry about me."
"Very well. Thank you, Rockruff."
"Skala, sir. My name is Skala." And with that, the Rock type draped the Growlithe over his back and took off down one of the splits in the rock.
Quintus turned around and walked back to the Cave of Remembrance, deep in thought. Was this what was in store for him if he became king one day? Or could he change Hennal Mountain, and make it more accepting of the outside world and those who come from it? He didn't know, but there was nothing to be done about it now. Once he arrived at the cave, the Whisper Pokemon sat in front of his master.
"Was it the right decision Ferrous?"
"That is up to you. Do you think the reward outweighs the risk? If so, then yes, it was the right decision. I can not tell you what the right decision is, you need to figure that out yourself."
"Then it was right. If anything, she owes me now, and if she comes back I can claim it. Trust me, if it comes back to haunt me, then I'll deal with it. You can rule without needless death, Ferrous."
The metallic monster snorted and dug his head into the ground momentarily. "If that's- if that is what you think, little one, then so be it. I will not argue with your opinion."
Quintus had noticed the slip, but decided against saying anything about it. He'd get the brute to speak like a normal 'mon any day now. However, for now he'd have to focus on his mentor, who had started talking about a new move he could learn. But how could the Normal type use Stomp effectively while being so short?
The desert appeared barren at first glance, but if you did some digging, it didn't take long to find the cities were located under the sand. Underground was a lot cooler than above, and it let the residents of Agni leave in relative comfort. Nothing was better than an actual climate and the sun, but it was a decent substitute. And it was much more comfortable to fire types than Hennal Mountain, as Celeria had recently found out. It wasn't until she had been in the mountain that she realized how lucky she was to live in the city of Cinere, where it was warm and wasn't full of Rock types. Granted, the city was full of Ground types that countered her fire, but they were from the same place she was. The Fire type was appreciative of her home, now more than ever. It didn't help that the Lairon had beat her unconscious and then threw her out of the oversized hill he called a mountain.
In truth, Celeria was glad to be home. Nothing was quite the same anywhere else, and that included the food she was currently digging into. The very food that was pushed aside by a purple paw. Looking up, the Puppy Pokemon had another 'mon in front of her.
"Finally decided to come and say hello? I've been back for a few hours now. I would've liked to see you sooner."
The newcomer shook his head. "You should have come back to the throne room immediately, you know how my father is-"
"I know," interrupted the Growlithe, "and I don't care. I'm not a soldier, I need to eat food when I get hungry. Your dad should've expected that when he signed me on for this shit. Come and eat with me, you know how much I like spending time with you."
Cringing at her language, the Nidorino sighed and rubbed his eyes with his forepaw. "There are more important things than food. You know, like the mission you just got back from. Come with me back to my father before he drags you there himself.
"His Highness? Get off the throne for more than five minutes? I'd like to see that one. Share this with me." Celeria closed her eyes and laughed, moving her bowl back towards the duo with her paw.
"Would you now?" A deep voice boomed from behind her.
The Fire type froze, dropping the food in her mouth. "King Ceratot."
"You are a feisty one, little Celeria. Perhaps your mouth should be put to better use?"
The Growlithe gulped and turned around to bow to the Nidoking. "Forgive me, my lord. I didn't mean to be so crude."
"Oh, I believe you did. No matter, I wish to know of your mission's findings. What did you find in Hennal Mountain?"
"The monster was with a smaller 'mon, something pink and very fucking powerful. The Lairon caught me sniffing around some rocks and beat me like a royal brat." The Nidorino cringed at her again, but the Puppy Pokemon kept going. "He brought me to some cave with drawings on the walls, and then I met the 'mon. Fact is, that thing saved my life. The king was more than ready to kill me before it said to spare me."
"What species was it?"
"...A Whismur, my lord. The Lairon has a Whismur companion." The Nidorino startled as he realized what his friend said, his eyes widening.
"And what happened next?"
The Fire type shrugged and picked at her food with one of her claws. "They knocked me out, and I woke up afterwards outside of the mountain, and the path I took in was blocked by rocks. I reckon that I wouldn't be so lucky if I returned."
"Interesting… I have much to think about. However, you are to be rewarded for what you have learned. I have been saving this for many seasons, but it is perfect for you. Follow me to the throne room." With that, the Drill Pokemon took his leave, and the two behind him followed.
When they arrived, the Growlithe took a moment to look at the building in front of her. It towered over even the king, and was made from solid sandstone. Realizing the Nidos had already gone in, she ran through the door. The king was looking through a drawer, and his son was looking at her.
"Yes, Filius? Got something to say?" She asked, a gleam in her eye.
The Poison Pin Pokemon looked away, his head down to the floor. "I have many thoughts Celeria. Perhaps now is not the time, but we can always converse in private later."
The Puppy Pokemon giggled and looked over to his dad. "Maybe. Maybe not. We'll see, little prince. I never did get to finish eating after all."
The Nidorino's cheeks turned a few shades darker and he muttered something to himself. Just then, the adult dual type shouted triumphantly. "I found it! This stone has been in this drawer for years, and now it will see the light of day once more. It is long overdue that the power of the sun shall once again be reunited with the species that use it to its fullest extent."
Celeria's eyes almost grew out of their sockets at the sight in front of her. Inside the box the monarch held in front of her, an orange and yellow stone shined, lighting the entire room up in its glow. "That's-"
"Yes, it is a Fire Stone. You have no idea how useful the information you have given me is, but know that it is worth even more than this. Come, take it." The Poison type held it out to the Growlithe that stood before him.
"Are you sure? This isn't some kind of joke?"
The Ground type laughed and nodded. "Yes, I am sure. Evolve into a better version of yourself."
The Fire Type stepped forward and nudged it with her snout. A bright light enveloped her, and the royals were blinded by the light coming off the 'mon. Inside the cyclone of light, her form changed, and when the flashing was over, an Arcanine stood where the Growlithe once did. Testing her feet, the Legendary Pokemon shook herself, her cream colored mane flying all over the place. The Nidos watched her get used to her new body, and the Nidoking closed his eyes and exhaled sharply through his nose.
"Evolution is beautiful. I remember evolving into a Nidoking when my mother bought a Moon Stone from an old trader of Hennal Mountain. That was back when King Carbo was still around, and you could enter the mountain without prior notice. That was many years ago, I haven't seen hide nor hair of a Moon Stone since then. When I take the mountain range for myself, we will have all the Moon Stones we could ever need, and our family will never have to wait to evolve. You will be the first Nidorino to evolve in the last 20 years." He turned to the newly evolved Fire type and dipped his head. "You are the first Arcanine I have seen in a long time. The last one was my grandfather, and he has been dead for many years. Your descendants would have Fire Stones for generations! After all, what Pokemon in the range evolve using them? None! And neither do they use Leaf Stones, or even Water Stones. Hennal Mountain hoards these items in order to make themselves powerful and restrict Pokemon like yourselves and I from reaching our full potential, and I say enough! Enough with the tyrants of Hennal Mountain! I will rip that Lairon from limb to limb, and make his companion watch as I put his head on a spire!"
A few hours later, Celeria took a seat at a booth. The same booth that the Nidos had found her in earlier, but this time she was alone with the prince. The Poison type was deep into his dish while the Fire type watched him intently, a tiny smirk on her face. When he finished, Filius saw that she had finished far before him, and he blushed when he realized the Arcanine must've been watching him eat.
"It was good. Thank you for the treat, Celeria." The Ground type was almost inaudible in the loud restaurant.
"Oh? Speak a little louder for me, my prince. I'd love to hear your voice a little more."
Evidently the evolution had made the Legendary Pokemon more bold, and the Nidorino had no words for his companion as his face flushed dark with blood, embarrassed with what she had said to him. "I-I said thank you, thank you for the food."
"Oh, of course. What better than to bribe you with sweets?"
"Bribe me?" the prince frowned at her choice of words.
"Of course. I have to bribe you somehow to get you to loosen up, don't I?"
The Poison Pin Pokemon chuckled and wiped his snout off with one of his paws. "Here, let me get the rest of that for you." The Arcanine took this opportunity to lick his mouth, causing him to blush again and recoil into his seat.
"What are you doing? I do not want other-"
"What do I care if others don't agree with it? I enjoy being around you Fil, and I know you do too. Everyone in town must've guessed it at some point, so why bother trying to hide it? Especially when your dad sees value in me now?"
"It never had anything to do with him, you know that. It-"
"It's just because I'm a commoner right? Because I only know my mother? Or is maybe because I'm a fucking mu-"
"Stop! I just don't want others in our business. What we do between ourselves is our business, and no one else should be involved. Why does everything have to be about our class difference and not anything I have to say or think? If we have these...feelings for each other, then I want it to be us. Not the whole city, watching us in a restaurant. Is that too much to ask of you, or does everything have to be public?" the prince cut in, tired of interruption. "You not being a purebred means nothing to me, because if I am in- if I have feelings for you, another species, why would it matter if you had mixed blood?"
"In love, huh?"
He sighed and allowed a small smile onto his face. "Is that all you heard?"
"No, I also heard you say don't. Is that part of your vocabulary now?"
"You should not expect much of it, but perhaps if I am around someone who uses words such as that often…" he trailed off, shrugging. "Who knows."
"Well, I'll see what I can do. In the meantime, since you value your privacy so much, let's take this somewhere out of sight. My dwelling should be up to your standards, right Filius?"
"I, uh, well," he blushed and stammered, and his partner laughed at his embarrassment.
"Don't worry your pretty little head off, I keep it clean." She nuzzled him and took off out of the restaurant, the prince hot on her heels.
"Wait up! You have a lot more speed now!"
Sonata crept through the brush, blood running down her face as it chased her. Denaid Forest was a danger zone, but the creature hadn't been there before when she had traversed it. The stairs were just ahead of her, but whatever this was had already crawled up two flights with her, so maybe exiting did nothing. The Normal type didn't even know if this one would be the exit, but she had to try.
She quickly discovered it led to another floor, and she sighed as she scrambled through the newest area. She had no idea what the monster was, but it certainly was more powerful than she was. It had been countless years since she was forced to flee from danger, but that didn't mean the Loudred was out of shape. But even with her rigorous training and exercise, the Big Voice Pokemon was barely outrunning it. And the only reason it hadn't caught up yet was the momentary lag between stair cases, which would come into effect in three, two, one…
"Interesting, it's taking longer than the other times. Perhaps it has been sent elsewhere in the dungeon?" she thought.
That line of thinking was quickly discarded when a flash appeared behind her, and she sped up again. No Pokemon the Normal type had ever heard of had blades for arms besides a Bisharp, but if this was a Bisharp then she was dreaming. It stood easily eight, maybe even nine feet tall, and was skinnier than a Sudowoodo's arms. It was far faster than she would've ever thought, and it Slashed her head before she even knew it was there. If she hadn't used an instinctive Brick Break, it might've left Pasir without its knight. As it were, she wasn't badly wounded, but the blood was clogging her vision and making her lightheaded. The mountain wasn't too far away, but unless she could reach it, she'd have to trap the beast. It wasn't very smart, most Wilds weren't, but it still had basic intelligence, and was fast enough to avoid most of the rushed attacks she threw its way. If there was a hole somewhere, or an opening small enough for her to fit into when it couldn't….but then again, she had seen it curl into small shapes to get between branches.
And then the noises behind her stopped. Sonata skidded to a halt, and looked around. A trickling noise came from her left, so ignoring her survival instincts and giving into her inner curiosity, she sneaked towards the sound. Behind some trees, a creek flowed, and the monster stood in the middle, water sliding up its body. It didn't take the Loudred long to realize that it was absorbing it, and that it was likely a Water Pokemon. But a Water type? All the way in the forest? Something didn't add up, but she would have to find out later. Sneaking away, she broke into a run after she thought there was enough distance to not be heard. It wasn't long before she reached Hennal Mountain, where she rushed through some halls to find an empty chamber. When she succeeded in her task, the Normal type leaned against the stone wall and passed out, slumping on the ground with her head hanging to the side.
"Quintus! Quintus! Wake up, I have something to show you." the Whismur heard someone whisper-shout. He squinted and saw the monarch above him.
"What is it, Ferrous? I have to sleep eventually. Not everyone can train all the time…"
"I was going to sleep, but I found something interesting in my chambers. Come, little one, you will be most pleased." The Lairon walked out of the room, a grin on his face.
"If it's that damn Growlithe again…" muttered the Normal type as he crawled onto his feet.
The duo walked a few rooms away where they stopped at the largest cavern in the hallway, and immediately Quintus ran into the cave. He kneeled down beside the purple 'mon and the Chimecho next to her, concern on his face.
"Will she be ok?"
"She'll be fine, head wounds bleed more than anything. It didn't go that deep, and her species has a thick skull," answered the Wind Chime Pokemon. "I used Heal Pulse to close it, and that's about all she needs besides some rest and water. A lot of water, in fact.
"Dismissed, healer. I will call upon you should we need any further assistance." The king sent the Psychic type off. She bowed and floated down the hall.
Quintus shook his head at the exchange and looked back at his evolution. "What made you come back, Sonata? And what attacked you?"
"I do not believe she will awake tonight. Perhaps in the morning she will, but we will have to wait and see. However, I sleep on solid rock, and you on soft soil. It would be better if she rested in your chambers, where she could be comfortable."
The Whisper Pokemon whipped his head towards his smirking mentor. "Stop, it's not funny."
"Who said I was making a joke? It would make more sense that she would rest better on something that you would find cozy, as you are from the same line..."
"Alright, if you insist. Help me carry her over there, and then we'll return-"
"You are no king, and will not sleep in my quarters. Stay in the same chamber for the night. Unless you are worried about controlling yourself?"
The Normal type recoiled, shocked his teacher would imply anything even remotely like that. "Of course not? What do you take me for, a Wild?"
"The line is thin, little one, and we are still close to being a dungeon ourselves. After our neighbor developed the stair cases, I thought we would suffer the same fate, and that I would become just another monster. Would we ever be so lucky… No matter, you will stay with her and watch over her as she heals. No reason you will fail."
The Whismur bowed and propped up his counterpart's left side as his mentor took the right. After carrying (or dragging, in Quintus's case) the duo gently sat her down towards the middle of the chamber, and the Steel type left with a grin consuming his face.
"Did you come back for me? Or for Ferrous? Why does it matter to me so much? Damn you, Sonata, damn you for confusing me. I have so many questions, and I feel like time is shorter than I'd like. I have much to learn, and you have much to teach. What can I learn at your stage? Do I get a secondary type like the king? How long until I evolve?" Asking all these questions made him realize how tired he was, and the Whisper Pokemon dropped to his side and buried himself partially in the dirt, and it wasn't long until he, too, was asleep.
I kinda wrote myself into a box for this chapter, but it's fine. You guys get it a little early, I get a little more time to get chapter three done, and it's around 200 words longer. Leave a review/follow if you so please. Also, a huge thanks to HotRamen for beta reading everything I've written.