By now you know things are crazy for me, but I'm trying to get these stories done, as soon as possible. On that note, this chapter involves a lot of walking through the city and chatting to people, so I'll cut out most of it to save time. Now for chapter 5.
Chapter 5
Dealings With Shadows
It wasn't long after their adventure in Vortigern that they all got close to the capital with everyone, but Zane, on the upper deck. "We're getting close to the dock." Velvet said to everyone. "I hate to sound negative. But we all stand out, it's going to be hard to hide and move freely in this massive city." Eshu said to everyone.
"I think I have something to help with that." Zane said, as he came from the lower deck, with a sack, and in his human form. "And that is?" Laphicet asked Zane. "This is a Pokeball." Zane said to Laphicet, pulling out a Wooden Hisui Pokeballs, and tossing it to Velvet.
"Pokeball?" Velvet asked Zane, looking at the Pokeball. "It's a thing from back home. We can use it to store Pokemon. We may cause a few heads to turn when they see us, but we will be able to hide our Pokemon. That should make things a little easier." Zane said to Velvet. "Hang on, you want us to go in these little…" Liz said, but was interrupted by Velvet throwing the Pokeball at her, and catching her. The Pokeball shook for a bit, before letting out some steam.
"Did it work?" Magilou asked, as velvet picked up the Pokeball, and opened it, letting out Liz. "Unfortunately it did. And it's surprisingly roomy in there." Liz said to everyone. "I only had enough time and supplies to make 18 Pokeballs. So I'm going to give three of them to me, Velvet, Magilou, Eizen, Laphicet, and Rokurou." Zane said to everyone, giving everyone three Pokeballs.
"Is this all we'll have?" Eizen asked Zane. "I gave a list of what we need to make more, and taught one of your crewmen to make them. So while we might not have enough to capture all of the Pokemon with the Exorcist. But we can have Pokemon willing to join us, with us." Zane said to Eizen, as they caught their partners, and put the Pokeballs on them.
With Zane's Pokeballs being in his jacket, Velvet's Pokeballs being on her back right where her tail bone would be, Laphicet Pokeballs in his sleeves, Eizen and Rockurou's Pokeballs were on their right hip, and Magilou put her Pokeballs in her hat.
Then the ship docked, and Zane, Velvet, Magilou, Eizen, Laphicet, and Rokurou got off the ship. "Now this is refreshing! Sailing into a port like normal people." Rokurou said to everyone. "If you say things like that, it won't last long." Zane said to Rokurou.
"Well down bow, The sharks are gonna go hungry tonight." Magou said to Laphicet. "Yes, I'm glad." Laphicet said. "Or stuff like that. Let's try and keep a low profile, we don't need everyone to swarm us." Zane said to everyone. "It might be too late for that." velvet said to Zane. "And the reason is?" Zane asked everyone. "We came in on a famous pirate ship." Velvet said to Zane.
"No worries." Eizen said, walking ahead of everyone. "This won't be a problem? Docking a pirate ship here?" Velvet asked Eizen, as a man walked up to Eizen. "So, how were the northern seas, Eizen?" The man asked Eizen. "Hellawes and Vortigern are in ruins. Trade with Northgand will likely be disrupted for quite some time." Eizen said to the man.
"Well, I like the sound of that. I'll have to act quickly." The man said to Eizen. "Any word about the captain?" Eizen asked the man. "Aye, it's an old rumor, but they say Captain Aifread was sent to Titania." The man said to Eizen, will Velvet and Zane look at each other.
"The island prison overseen by the exorcists, eh? We'll have to look into that." Eizen said to the man. "Should we tell them that we heard Aifread was taken away by a man named Melchior?" Zane asked Velvet, quietly. "In a bit." Velvet said to Zane.
"I registered your vessel as one of our merchantmen, same as always, but even so, stay on guard. There's a grand ceremony being held in Loegres. Lots of watchful eyes about." the man said to Eizen.
"I see. So they exchange information for mooring." Rokurou said to everyone. "Information… for mooring?" Laphicet asked. "Meaning that they can leave their ship here, if they tell them some new news." Zane said to Laphicet. "Why?" Laphicet asked.
"Having the latest news gives merchants a chance to make favorable trades." Velvet said to Laphicet. "So it's worth protecting a pirate." Laphicet said to everyone. "Sometimes. But there is also a chance that he would use that fact to his advantage, where that be him trying to get more money from Eizen, or selling out Eizen and his crew to avoid getting in trouble, only time will tell." Zane said to Laphicet.
"I bet Eizen and his crew have connections like this in nearly every port." Rokurou said to everyone. "Not even the Abbey's iron decrees can withstand the force known as human greed." Magilou said to everyone. "I see." Laphicet said to everyone, as Eizen walked up to everyone.
"Don't bother going to Titania. You won't find Aifread there." Velvet said to Eizen. "And how do you know that?" Eizen asked Velvet. "Because Zane freed me from there. And before we got out, we heard something from the prisoners. They said Aifread was the only person to ever get out alive… and that he was taken by an old exorcist named Melchior." Velvet said to Eizen.
"Lord Mechior is an elder legate at the Abbey. He should always be present at the headquarters." Laphicet said to everyone. "Don't call him Lord." Velvet said to Laphicet, startling Laphicet. "Go easy on the kid, that's just how he knows to address Mechior. But who is Aifread anyway?" Zane said to Velvet and asked Eizen.
"Van Aifread's our captain. It's starting to look like his disappearance has connections with the highest levels of the Abbey." Eizen said to everyone. Their headquarters should be in the capital, right?" Magilou asked everyone. "Yes, at the royal villa in Loegres. I've never been there, taught." Laphicet said to everyone. "I have." Zane said to everyone.
"You have?" Laphicet asked Zane. "Yes, before meeting all of you. For personal business." Zane said to everyone. "And Velvet, you and Zane have business with a man in the capital right?" Rokurou asked Velvet. "Looks like we're all headed to the same place." Eizen said to everyone.
"I won't apologize for involving you." Velvet said to Eizen. "Usually I'm the one who says that." Eizen said to Velvet. "Very well onward to Loegres!" Magilou said to everyone, as they all started to walk to Loegres. "Wait, you coming too?" Velvet asked Magilou. "It's not that we can stop her from following us. She's a slippery little slug." Zane said to Velvet. "I'm not a slug." Magilou said to Zane. "You're right, a slug is more useful." Zane said to Magilou. "Hey!" Magilou said.
"You said you heard about Aifread on the prison Island, right?" Eizen asked Velvet and Zane, as they walked through some fields to get to Loegres, with their Pokemon out of their Pokeballs. "We heard an exorcist legate named Melchior took him away. I don't know anything beyond that." Velvet said to Eizen.
"Neither do I." Rokurou said to Eizen. "Yeah, it was more of the talk that he was the only one to get out of that place." Zane said to Eizen. "What about you Magilou?" Rokurou asked Magilou. "Word is he was taken away about a year ago. Caused quite a stir if I remember right. Everything about him was kept a tight secret. No one even knew what cell he was in." Magilou said to everyone. "I wonder why? Does he have some weird powers?" Ludo asked everyone.
"Aifread is an ordinary human, right?" Rokurou asked Eizen. "Yeah. He doesn't have the abilities of an exorcist, and he isn't a daemon either." Eizen said to everyone. "Weird… I mean, if they were just trying to bust up his gang, why capture him but leave the crew free?" Magliou asked everyone.
"Maybe the Abbey just wanted him. After all, I heard from the crew that Aifread is one of the greatest pirates in the history of the world and they told me the stories about him. And even if a few of those stories are real, he's definitely someone of interest." Duncan said to everyone. "But what business does the Abbey have with him then?" Rokurou asked everyone.
"We've cast our nets and can't come up with any explanation. We'll free him, tough. His place is on the sea with us." Eizen said to everyone. "And you're convinced he's still alive?" Velvet asked Eizen. "They wouldn't have any problems killing a pirate who caused them trouble." Eizen said to everyone. "If the Abbey took him alive and for questioning, it means he has something they really want." Rokurou said to everyone.
"But he isn't the type to change his ways or bend his knee on anyone's orders." Eizen said to everyone. "He… holds his own tiller." Laphicet said to everyone. "Precisely. Eizen said to everyone.
After a bit of walking, they were able to see the giant wall of Loegres. "Wow… Those walls… They're so huge." Laphicet said to everyone. "What is this place?" Saara asked everyone. "That's Loegres, the capital of the empire. They keep daemons out by enclosing the city within a great wall." Eizen said to everyone.
"Humanity has achieved great things on the backs of slave malakhim, and who knows what they can do with Pokemon." Magilou said to everyone. "Why the surprise, Laphicet? You've been here before, right?" Rokurou asked Laphicet. "I have. But back then… I was not who I am now…" Laphicet said to Rokurou.
"I see. Tethered malakhim aren't even allowed the freedom to observe their surroundings." Rokurou said to everyone. "We'll soon lose such freedom ourselves." Magilou said. "Huh?" Laphicet and Saara asked. "Explain, witch." Eshu asked magilou.
"We've reached the heart of the empire, and of the Abbey. Soldiers and exorcists are stationed all around. This is no place for a collection of villains like us." Magilou said to everyone. "I'm not looking for a place. All I need to find is Artorius. That's it." Velvet said to Magilou. "From personal experience, as long as we stay out of trouble, everything will be fine." Zane said to everyone.
"And how would you know that?" Saber asked Zane. "Before I meet all of you, I came here, and if we keep our heads down and don't try not to stand out. We should be fine." Zane said to everyone, before looking at the girls. "Oh right. We stand out pretty easily. It might be hard getting past the gate." Zane said to everyone. "It will be fine." Velvet said to Zane, as they returned their Pokemon to their Pokeballs.
A few minutes later, they reach one of Loegres gates, and noticed some knights talking to people. "And inspection." Velvet said to everyone. "They won't inspect everyone. Just act natural." Eizen said to everyone, as he led the way. "And keep quiet, act like you belong here." Zane said to everyone, following Eizen. Everyone then started to follow them, with Velvet being in the back of the group.
They then walked into the massive city, but Velvet did get the attention of one knight. Not that they noticed the knights looking at Velvet. "You, in the black coat. Show me your documentation." the knight said to Velvet, making everyone stop and Velvet turn to him.
"Um... Um…" Velvet said. "Well? Your travel permit from the Abbey. Where is it?" The knight asked Velvet, as everyone turned to the knight. This gave Magilou an idea. Magilou slapped the back of Velvet's head. "Foolish girl! How many times have I told you? A magician's apprentice must wear a pleasant grin!" Magilou said to Velvet.
"Magician?" The knight asked. "Verily! I present to you the traveling troupe of mischievous misfits known across the land as… Magilou's Menagerie!" Magilou said to everyone. "Entertainment for the ceremony?" The knight asked Magilou. "Why yes, indeed we are, my dear! Please pardon my uncouth apprentice. Girl! Allay the good man's fear and show him the dove trick you've spent all these weeks on! Go to." Magilou said to Velvet.
"Huh?" Velvet asked Magilou. Velvet then looked at the knight. "Oh, uh… Sorry, mistress… I forgot to prepare." Velvet said to Magilou. "Y-Y-You pathetic little shirker! A Proper performer is perpetually prepared!" Magilou said to Velvet. "It's fine. Dives flying around would be a nuisance." The knight said to Magilou.
"No, this will not do! If you cannot summon a dove, then ACT like one! Act. Like. A Dove!" Magilou said to Velvet. Hating this, Velvet put her hand in front of her mouth. "Coo. Coo." Velvet said, getting embarrassed, as Magilou did a magic trick, making doves and white flower petals fly into the air.
"Remember, Magilou's Menageris manufactures mirth! That was just a small sample for the good citizenry of Loegrs!" Magilou said to everyone. "Hey! You can't advertise here! Move along!" the knight said to everyone. 'As you say!" Magilou said to the knight, before they all started to walk.
"Hahaha! That was a fine ploy, Magilou." Rokurou said to Magilou, after they got out of earshot of the knights at the gate. "Well, don't expect tricks like that every day. Coo, coo." Magilou said to everyone, making Velvet give her a nasty look. "If you want to live for more than a couple minutes, you might want to stop." Zane said to Magilou, giving her a nasty look.
"Oh! Those murderous gaze! Coo, coo." Magilou said to everyone. "Okay, time for some roosted Magilou dove." Zane said to Magilou, walking to her, making Magilou jump back a little.
"Those doves were amazing!" Laphicet said, breaking the mood in the air. This made everyone look at Laphicet. "Just a crude trick. If anything, it just shows the capital's defenses are pathetic." Velvet said to everyone. "More like it shows how much confidence they have in those defenses. How many soldiers are here, Laphicet?" Magilou asked Laphicet.
"The number of exorcists in the capital? At least a thousand. And two divisions of guards." Laphicet said to everyone. "I'd expect no less from the capital. They're not careless. They're covered." Eizen said to everyone. "And that is something we can use to our advantage." Zane said to everyone.
"How so?" Laphicet asked Zane. "High walls. Guards all over the place. Everyone is feeling safe. This makes the guards lazy, thinking that no one would be dumb enough to try and sneak into this place. They won't expect what we're planning. And when they figure it out, it will already be too late, and we will have one. Of course, we will probably have to figure out how to get out of the city." Zane said to everyone.
'We need transit documents.' Velvet thought. "See how citizens smile? To think they were fleeing from daemons a few years ago…" Magilou said to everyone. "To hold an observance of this scale shows just how much peace their power has brought." Rokurou said to everyone.
"A peace… paid for with Laphi's." Velvet said, making Zane and Laphicet look at Velvet with a worried look. "Velvet?" Laphicet asked Velvet. "Let's keep walking." Zane said to everyone, as they got back to walking.
While walking through the city, they found out just how powerful the Abbey is and to say it was massive would be putting it lightly. And after walking they found a group of people outside a massive stone castle, chanting "Midgand" over and over again.
"Listen to those cheers. The royals sure have these folks in line." Magilou said to everyone, as they looked at the people outside a massive gate. "Subjects! May I have your attention? It is I. Percival Asgard, crown prince of Midgand Empire! His Majesty, my father and I are pleased to celebrate with you on this auspicious day!" A man voice to the crowd of people, making the people cheer.
"The ceremony's started." Eizen said to everyone. "It'll be impossible to slip in now." Rokurou said to everyone. "After the Opening ten years ago, our kingdom faced an existential threat, both from daemons and the terrible spread of deamonblight. However, one man raised a miraculous sword and stood so that the body and soul of the land would not be lost." A man voice to the crowd of people, as Velvet and Zane looked around.
"Over there." Velvet said to everyone, pointing to a tower. "You can climb up if you want, but attacking now would be suicide." Rokurou said to Velvet. "And the name of that man… Was Artorius Collbrande!" A man voice to the crowd of people, as the people started to chant Artorius' name.
To say that this made velvet really mad, would be putting it lightly. Velvet took off like a rocket. "Looks like she's about to play her role." Zane said. "What are you talking about?" Laphicet asked Zane. But Zane didn't answer Laphicet's question, he just disappeared.
With Velvet, she was running to the tower and the man talked about Artorius. "None here, I trust, are unfamiliar with Artorius's noble act. To bring us salvation from daemons, he sacrificed everything." A man voice to the crowd of people. 'But he's a murderer.' Velvet taught before jumping onto the tower, with her claw up.
"He called Lord Innomonat, one of the Five Empyreans, the tourist god, and belles us with the strength of the malakhim, and the power to tame the wild beast of heaven." A man voice to the crowd of people, as Velvet hung on the tower wall. 'But he's a murder!' Velvet taught as slid down the tower a little, with everyone but Zane under her.
"Velvet!" Laphicet said, freaking out. "He serves as a shining beacon of Reasons in this world of turmoil. And reason is what binds us." A man voice to the crowd of people. 'But you killed him! You took everything that I loved!' Velvet taught as she climbed the wall. "So raise your voices in praise to Atorius's devoted work, to the savior who purifies evil and guides our flock!" A man voice to the crowd of people, as Velvet climbed the tower wall and reached the top.
"Let us call him our shepherd!" A man voice to the crowd of people, as the people started to chant "Shepherd Artorius!". "Shepherd… Artorius!" Velvet said, As Artorius walked out onto a balcony, and the sight of him, made her blood boil. Behind Artorius was Teresa, Number 3 the Jangmo-o, Oscar, John the Chespin, Mechior, and a creature next to Mechior.
The creature looked like some kind of yellow human monster, with brown colored knees, upper arms, shoulders, upper body, three claw toes and fingers, a long yellow mustache, two large horns on the top of its head, and two spoons in its hands. It was a male Alakazam, and it had a white circle on its head.
"Even though the world was filled with suffering, I had to ask something tremendous of you all. For the only blade that can expel calamity is one forged from inshaking reason and the iron will to do what must be done!" Artorius said to everyone, raising his left fist into the sky.
"And now that very blade stands ready- before all of us today! I offer my body and my life in service to the people of this great land! With the blessings… of Empyrean Innominat. I will guide you to a world without calamity! And this world's sufferling… will be nothing but a distant memory!" Artorius said to everyone, making the people cheer.
Velvet heard his speech, and clench her left fist. "But you're the one who murdered…" Velvet said. But before Velvet could attack, Rokurou showed up, and forced her to her knees. "You fool! They'll see us!" Rokurou said to Velvet, as Laphicet showed up. "You're the one who killed Laphicet!" Velvet said. "What?!" Laphicet asked, as Velvet clenched her left hand so hard, it started to bleed.
A few minutes later, Rokurou and Laphicet brought Velvet back to Magilou and Eizen. That's when Zane reappeared. "What did you do? You ruin my plan to kill Artorius." Zane said to everyone. "The Shepherd Artorius… THAT'S who you're after?" Eizen asked Velvet and Zane.
They said nothing. "Aww, and here I was hoping you'd just straight-up pounce on him." Magilou said to Velvet. "As did I. the whole reason I helped you escape was because I was planning for you to pounce on him, giving me an opening to kill Artorius." Zane said to everyone.
"So your plan was to use me as a distraction?" Velvet asked Zane. "You would have done the same thing If you were me." Zane said to Velvet. Velvet cracked a small smirk. "Fair point. But that would be certain death. No, I need a sword of reason and will. That's the only thing that can kill him." Velvet said to Zane.
"So you say, but a heart can easily break reason and will. So instead of reason and will. Use wild and unperceivable moves to kill Artorius." Zane said to Velvet. "Killing… Lord Artorius." Laphicet said.
"Zane's right. Playing it safe? Boooooring. Regrettably, it is at this juncture we go our separate ways, I've got a bit of hunting to do." Magilou said to Velvet. "No one's stopping you." Velvet said to Magilou. "Goodbye." Laphicet said to Magilou.
"Farewell. May your days be fruitful and your nights tormented!" Magilou said to everyone, before leaving. "Why do I feel she'll either rat us out, or she'll come running back to us." Zane said to everyone.
"Forget about her for now. If our enemy's calling himself as Shepherd, he won't be going into hiding. Let's take this slowly." Rokurou said to everyone. "The old man behind him… Melchior, I take it?" Eizen asked everyone. "Yeah." Laphicet said. "I guess that Alakazam was his." Zane said to everyone.
"A what?" Laphicet asked. "Alakazam. The Psi Pokemon. A Psychic Type. They're very powerful, said to get smarter by the minute." Zane said to everyone. "Let's gather information on these people. If we know what they're planning, we can find a weakness." Eizen said to everyone.
"They're the most powerful men in the land. If we're going to look into them, we need a lead first." Rokurou said to everyone. "Eizen. Do you have any underworld contacts in the capital itself? Like your friend at the port?" Velvet asked Eizen. "I don't go inland much. I'm afraid. But Aifread has ties to a shadow guild. A tavern in the city run by an old man called Baskerville serves as a front for them." Eizen said to Velvet.
"A shadow guild? Those sorts of things actually exist?" Velvet asked Eizen, as Laphicet's stomach growled. "Ah!" Laphicet said, getting surprised. "Looks like the kid's hungry." Zane said to everyone. "Hah! That settles it! Let's head to that tavern. They'll have food, I'm sure." Rokurou said to everyone. "Why not." Velvet said, as they started to walk.
"My stomach made a weird noise." Laphicet said to everyone, as they kept walking. "That's another sign that you're alive." Velvet said to Laphicet. "And that you're running a little low on energy. So let's get some food for you." Zane said to Laphicet.
"The exorcists sure were out in full force to see the Shepherd's inauguration, weren't they?" Rokurou asked everyone, as they walked down some nearly empty streets. "What about that guy you two are after? Was he there?" Eizen asked Rokurou.
"What, and have to stand around looking all proper? No, that's not his style." Rokurou said to Eizen. "But I thought he was one of the top exorcists." Eizen said to Rokurou. "That wouldn't matter to him." Rokurou said to Eizen. "Huh. All right." Eizen said to Rokurou. "He sounds like a more interesting guy than Artorius." Zane said to everyone.
"Actually, Velvet, speaking of the Shepherd, I noticed he wasn't using his right arm. Was he hurt or something?" Rokurou asked Velvet. "Yeah, he was badly wounded a long time ago… he lost the use of his sword arm." Velvet said to Rokurou. "That's what I figured." Rokurou said to Velvet.
"But don't get the wrong idea- he's still a master swordsman with his left arm." Velvet said to Rokurou. "I can tell that from the way he moves. His movements are steady and measured, and his chi is centered below his navel." Rokurou said to everyone. "Huh? Why does that matter?" Laphicet asked Eizen, confused.
"Some people say that all the body's spiritual energy gathers in a place about two finger widths below the navel." Eizen said to Laphicet, making Laphicet more confused. "He means Artorius is in control of every function of his body." Zane said to Laphicet.
"Even when he appears to be in a state of total peace, his guard is never down… He's a formidable adversary. And I think I know why my target has placed himself at Artorius's side.. Because now I wanna take Artorius down, too." Rokurou said to everyone. "Glad to hear that. Giving that my plan to use Velvet as a distraction is a bust. We're going to need some help." Zane said to Rokurou.
After a bit more walking, they found the tavern, and entered it, walking to the bar where a man was standing. "What'll it be?" the man asked everyone. "Some food for the boy." Velvet said to everyone. "So what's good on the menu?" Zane asked the man. "Mabo Curry is our specialty. It takes a week to stew properly." An old lady said to Zane, walking up to everyone.
"Mabo curry…" Laphicet said, liking the sound of that. "Some of that, then." Velvet said to the old lady. "Make it three servings." Zane said to the man. "Coming right up." The man said to Zane. "Say, do you know a man named Baskerville? I heard we might find him here." Velvet asked the man and old lady, as they took their seats at the bar.
"The old man? A scoundrel and criminal who went against the rules of the Abbey. They executed him long ago." The man said to everyone. "Well that's a problem." Zane said, as Eizen and Rokurou started to get some drinks.
Everyone, except Velvet, enjoyed their meals and drinks. "Velvet! Zane! This mabo curry is amazing!" Laphicet said to them. "Just don't eat too fast or you'll make a mess." Zane said to Laphicet, as he ate some of it. "But this is good." Zane said, as Velvet tired some. But Velvet tasted nothing.
"You all get along well." The old lady said to Zane, Velvet, and Laphicet. "If you two looked older, I would think his young boy is your son." The old lady said to Zane and Velvet, making them choke on their food. "We're not like that." Velvet said to the old lady.
"Really? Then is this little one your brother?" The old lady asked Velvet. This made Velvet go quiet. "No." Velvet said with a flat, empty tune in her voice. "No, he wouldn't be, would he. After all… Your brother was murdered before your eyes." The old lady said to Velvet, surprising not only Velvet, but Zane as well.
"How do you know that?!" Velvet asked the old lady, getting up, and everyone on edge. "The Shadows watch those who flinch from the light." the old lady said to Velvet. "And our eyes are many." A female voice said. Everyone looked around for the female who talked.
That's when a purple portal appeared on the bar counter. Floating out of it was a dark purple spirit, the spirit looked like a cloth, with two extra cloth on top of it, three red crystals, a half circle head with red eyes, a cocky smile on its face, and a freaky witch hat on top of her head.
"A Mismagius." Zane said. "Mismagius?" Laphicet asked Zane. "Mismagius. The Magical Pokemon. A Ghost Type. Its cries sound like incantations. Those who hear it are tormented by headaches and hallucinations." Zane said to Laphicet. "You forgot, The Pokemon boss of our fine guild." Mismagius said to Zane, waving one of her fabrics up and tipping her hat at Zane.
"So the guild is still active, even after Baskerville's arrest?" Eizen asked everyone. "That's right. Just how Aifread's crew continues their piracy, even without their captain." The old lady said to Eizen. "So you're the contract?" Velvet asked the old lady. "What may we help you with?" The old lady asked Velvet.
"I want to know what Artorius is planning." Velvet asked the old Lady. "Information such as that… it won't come cheap. I have here a list of jobs, not one remotely legal. Take care of all of them, and I'll tell you what you want to know." The old lady said to everyone, giving Velvet a list, and Velvet taking it.
"Let's see. Destroy goods, search for some Pokemon, foil an ambush. Huh. from the looks of this, we should do it in order, we can destroy the goods, search for the Pokemon, and on our way back, we can take care of this ambush. But why is searching for Pokemon on this list" Zane said to everyone and asked the old lady.
"That's my price. If they help me with freeing them. I help with their stuff." Mismagius said to Zane. "Well then. When do we start?" Zane asked the old lady. "Take this with you as documentation. It's fake, but it's a good fake. It'll hold up to inspection." The old lady said, putting some papers on the counter.
Velvet took them, and read them. "They're registered to "Magilou's Menagerie"?" Velvet asked. "Oh? Was that not the name you gave to the guard at the gate?" The old lady asked Velvet. "Heh. I can see you're a group to be reckoned with." Velvet said to the old lady. "Report back here once you're finished. However, be aware that should you fail…" The old lady said to Velvet.
"Then this conversation never took place. Got it. I'll cause you no trouble." Velvet said to The old lady. "She's a smart one." Mismagius said to the old lady. "I appreciate your understanding. You're welcome to stay the night, free of charge. Forget about work until the morning comes." the old lady said to Velvet. 'And feel free to let your Pokemon out. This is a safe place for them." Mismagius said to Velvet.
Everyone then let out their Pokemon, and Velvet, Laphicet, and the Pokemon went to their rooms, with Zane, Eizen, Rokurou, hanging out at the bar, with Eizen talking to the old lady.
"Right. Your missing Captain Aifread. The Captain has done much toward our viability. I promise that I'll share anything I hear about him for no change." The old lady said to Eizen. "Thanks. All we know is there was a pendulum on the ground at the last place he was seen. And that Legate Melchior is connected to the captain's disappearance. How, we don't know." Eizen said to the old lady, before walking to a table with a bottle and glass in his hands, to where Zane and Rokurou were sitting, with Rokurou drinking and Zane reading a map.
Rokurou offered Eizen a drink, But Eizen turned him down. "Sounds like you've got problems of your own. Do you really have time to take on ours as well?" Rokurou asked Eizen,as they poured their drinks. "I could ask YOU why you've tried yourself up with Velvet and Zane here." Eizen said to Rokurou.
"Me? I've got a debt to repay. Without them, there's no way I'd have ever found my blade again." Rokurou said to Ezien. "A daemon repaying a debt? Ridiculous." Eizen said to Rokurou. "Tell me about it. I still don't know why you need or want that thing." Zane said to Rokurou. "I just do." Rokurou said to Zane.
"As ridiculous as a pirate malak and a man pretending to be a daemon, ya think?" Rokurou asked them. "He's got a point." Zane said to Eizen. "No matter how you look at it, there's nothing reasonable about our rogue existence. And in the brave new world governed by reason, a rogue cap either rage and become a monster like me, or…" Rokurou said, but Eizen finished Rokurou's words.
"Or band together with others, like a shipful of pirates, perhaps." Eizen said to Rokurou. "Exactly. I admire Velvet's courage, and Zane's cunningness, squaring off against the whole world on their own. Few can accomplish that." Rokurou said to Eizen. "Well now you're embarrassing me." Zane said to Rokurou.
"I'm just being honest. It takes strength. Real strength. And I'm curious where it comes from." Rokurou said to Zane. "I know where it comes from. But I'd rather you figure it out yourself." Zane said to Rokurou. "You hear him. You have to do it yourself." Eizen said to Rokurou. "Is that so wrong?" Rokurou asked Eizen.
"No… I'm the same. I need allies on my side with the strength and courage to combat this so-called order imposed by the Abbey. But anyone who's willing to put up with the "creed" folly of Aifread's pirates has to be an even bigger fool than we are." Eizen said to Rokurou. "I don't think fool is the right word. I think "nothing left to lose" are better words for us." Zane said to Eizen, as Eizen and Rokurou drank a few more sips from their drinks.
"Then I'm like you Rokurou. I want to know more about them. And why would Velvet try something so foolish?" Eizen said to Rokurou. "She'd kill you if she heard that, you know." Rokurou said to Eizen. "It's a compliment. Fools that big aren't born every day." Eizen said to Rokurou. "Then you need to reword that. Otherwise she will take your tongue." Zane said to Eizen.
"But I imagine your dear captain Aifread's much the same." Rokurou said to Eizen. "Aye. That man flies his fool flag proudly." Eizen said to Rokurou, as they tried each other's drinks. "Not bad. But mine is better." Eizen said to Rokurou. "I have to disagree, mine is." Rokurou said to Eizen. "I know a way. We can say whose drink is better." Eizen said to Rokurou. That's when Eizen and Rokurou looked at Zane. "Oh no." Zane said.
Meanwhile outside, Magilou and Ludo were on a roof talking. "The Shepherd Artorius, hm? He's got the populace eating from the palm of his hand. I wonder… Hmmm… Just how deeply will the fangs of our would-be tragic heroine and herald of darkness scar this broken world of ours?" Magilou asked Ludo.
"Giving what we see from this city. If they win, they'll turn the world upside down. Now wouldn't that be something." Ludo said to Magilou. "I would be. But I've got a traitor to find, But in the meantime, this should be a good show." Magilou said to Ludo.
The next morning Velvet woke up to find Zane asleep in her bed, with both of them still in their normal clothes, and Zane looking like he just fell over onto the bed before falling asleep. "Aaahhh!" Velvet said, before pushing Zane out of the bed and onto the floor. "Owh! What the? where am I?!" Zane asked, waking up and looking around.
"That's what I want to know?! What were you doing in my bed?" Velvet asked Zane, sitting on the bed and looking down at him. "In your bed?! No I… I… I… what did I do last night? The last thing I can remember was Rokurou and Eizen making me drink some of their alcohol, and… that's it." Zane asked, rubbing his head.
"Maybe we can answer what happened after that." A voice said to Zane. Velvet and Zane turned to see Liz and Eshu looking at them. "You came in last knight wobbly and ranting about how he hurt her, and that you will make him pay. Then you said sorry to Velvet for playing to use her as a distraction, then passed out in her bed." Eshu said to Velvet and Zane.
"And you didn't stop him, why?" Velvet asked Eshu and Liz. "Because you were tossing and turning. It woke us up. But once Zane showed up. You calmed down and slept peacefully. Plus he was out cold, so we knew it would be fine." Liz said to Velvet.
"Well this never happened. And if any of you talk about it. It will be the last thing you ever do." Velvet said to everyone before leaving, with all three of them scared a little. "Well that went well. Note to self. No more Alcohol." Zane said, before he, Eshu, and Liz left for down stars.
Everyone then met down starts. "Good morning everyone. I had some breakfast made for you. Considering how busy a day you have. I figured this is the least we can do." the old lady said to everyone. "Thank you." Laphicet said to the old lady. Everyone then ate breakfast.
Then a purple portal appeared in the middle of the table and Mismagius' head came out of it. "Now that you are here. Let me introduce two Pokemon that will help you. Cyndaquil, Sinistea come on out." Mismagius said, as she came completely out of the portal, bringing two creatures with her.
One was a large tan mouse with a black back, it had a long nose, lines for eyes, and four red spots on its back.
The other one was a teal tea cup which looked like it had a face, yellow lines on its top and bottom, a handle that was made of purple tea, a chip missing, and a little purple tea that looked like it was leaking out.
Everyone, this is Cyndaquil and Sinistea. Cyndaquil is TheFire Mouse Pokemon. A Fire Type. She'll help you with burning the goods. And Sinistea the Black Tea Pokemon. A Ghost type. It's tea will knock someone out. So she helps with any pesky guards." Mismagius said to everyone. "They will go with you and make sure you do the jobs. Now finish your breakfast." The old lady said to everyone.
After a bit everyone got up and started to leave the inn, with the Pokemon back in their Pokeballs, and Cynaquil and Sinistea hiding in Zane's coat. "Have a good day. Cyndaquil, Sinistea, run if things go bad" Mismagius said to everyone, as they reached the door and walked out it. "And remember if you get caught. None of this happened." The old lady said to everyone, as Rokurou closed the door.
"A kind face for such a hard woman." Rokurou said to everyone, as they walked. "She knew about me and our cover. She's got ears everywhere." Velvet said to everyone. "And that's not all. She called the papers fake, but they're not." Eizen said to everyone. "So she's got spies working on the inside, too." Rokurou said to everyone.
"From what I heard she had to find some edge to take Baskerville's place after his death." Cyndaquil said to everyone, from the bag, with a gentle voice. "I heard that her predecessor, Baskerville, was a monument against authority, but to think he was executed." Eizen said to everyone. "They've lost their leader, but remain unconquered. Not an organization to trifle with." Rokurou said to everyone.
"That's how they have to be to take on the Abbey. We'd better succeed on our missions, and not just to get the information we need." Velvet said to everyone. "Yeah. Besides, I'd like to get another of those drinks, too." Rokurou said to everyone. "You're a man of taste. That place always has the best." Eizen said to Rokurou. "Just leave me out of your drinking debates. But I will admit their food was good." Zane said to Eizen and Rokurou.
That's when Laphicet's stomach growled, surprising him. "I see Laphicet's stomach agrees with me." Zane said to everyone. "You'd better work hard, too, if you want more mabo curry." Velvet said to Laphicet. "I will!" Laphicet said to Velvet.
After a bit of walking, and going through the city gates to the docks. Rokurou walked up to Laphicet. "Hey Laphicet." Rokurou said to Laphicet. "What is it, Rokurou?" Laphicet asked Rokuro. "Mabo curry." Rokurou said to Laphicet. "Huh?" Laphicet asked, as his stomach growled. "Ah…" Laphicet said, getting embarrassed, and making Rokurou laugh.
"You're an interesting one! You like mabo curry that much, eh?" Rokurou asked Laphicet. "It smells good, and it's creamy and kind of spicy. Eating it made me feel nice." Laphicet said to Rokurou. "I'd say you love it, then. DO all Malakom have such an appetite?" Rokurou said to Laphicet and asked Eizen.
"Each has their own tastes. Some eat a lot, some eat a little. Just like humans or daemons." Eizen said to Rokurou. "What do you like, Eizen?" Laphicet asked Eizen. "Dinks, I suppose." Eizen said to Laphicet. "What else?" Laphicet asked Eizen. "Uh… Pretty much just drinks." Eizen said to Laphicet.
"You better not give him any." Zane said to Eizen. "Don't you like anything else?" Laphicet asked Eizen. "Is it a problem if I don't?" Eizen asked Laphicet. "No… I'm just wondering." Laphicet said to Eizen. "For me. It's drinks and candied sweet potatoes." Rokurou said to Laphicet.
"That's where you boil strips of sweet potato in oil and then coat them in sugar, right?" Laphicet asked Rokurou. "Yeah. I never get tired of 'em!" Rokurou said. "So you like to drink, but you've also got a sweet tooth?" Eizen asked Rokurou. "Yeah. Is that so strange?" Rokurou asked Eizen. "No." Eizen said to Rokurou.
"Candied sweet potatoes… sounds good. What food do you like, Zane?" Laphicet said to everyone and asked Zane. "Well for me. There's nothing I like more than a nice juicy berry fresh off the tree. It was my favorite way to relax when I was your height." Zane said to Laphicet, rubbing Laphicet's head, and as Laphicet's stomach growled. "There's nothing to be ashamed of. It's just a sign that you're alive, remember?" Velvet asked Laphicet. "Right?" Laphicet said to Velvet.
After a bit, they reached the port, and they found the storehouse where the goods were located, and the guards were gone. "All right the guards are gone. Let's move in!" Velvet said to everyone. "Benwick, Oozy, and the crew did a fine job." Eizen said to everyone. "Should have known. You sent words to your men before this." Zane said to Eizen, before they walked into the storehouse.
In the storehouse, Cyndaquil and Sinistea came out of Zane's jacket, and looked around. "There they are." Sinistea said, with a soft female voice, leading everyone to a large number of red crates. "Red crates. These must be our targets." Velvet said to everyone. "Check this out." Zane said, pointing to a symbol on the crates. "The seal of Midgand Cathedral?" Velvet said.
"Should we look inside?" Ezien asked Velvet. "There's no need. Burn them, Laphicet." Velvet said to Eizen and Laphicet. "I'll help as well. Ember." Cyndaquil said, she fired a burst of fire from her mouth, making flames shoot out of her red spots, and Laphicet cast a fire spell. This set a few of the creations on fire.
"We're done here. Let's go." Velvet said to everyone, as they started to leave the storehouse, with Cyndaquil and Sinistea jumping back into Zane's jacket.
Meanwhile outside Eleanor and Joy were walking off a boat. "That storm cost too much time. We must report to Lord Artorius as soon as possible." Eleanor said to Joy. that's when Eleanor noticed the gang running out of the storehouse, making her gasp. "It's them!" Eleanor said, making everyone notice her. "Oh, hey. The crybaby." Velvet said to Eleanor.
"Eleanor Hume, exorcist praetor!" Eleanor said, as she pulled out her spear, and summoned two malaks. "Don't think that little love trick will work out this time. Cyndaquil and Sinistea get out." Zane said, letting out Cyndaquil and Sinistea. Then Zane transformed into his Giratina form. This surprised Eleanor, Cyndaquil, and Sinistea. With Eleanor finding Zane disgusting, Sinistea didn't know what to think, and Cyndaquil was in awe with how he looked. "Incredible." Cyndaquil said, with wonder in her voice.
"My name is Zane Kudo. Remember it, for it will be the last thing you will learn." Zane said to Eleanor, making Eleanor raise her guard. "Oh I like him." Cyndaquil said.
"Liz came out. Laphicet let out Saara." Velvet said to Laphicet, letting Liz out. "Right." Laphicet said, letting Saara out. "You have a new beast. And it's a slug?" Eleanor asked. "I'm tougher than I look." Saara said to Eleanor, as they started to fight.
"Joy attack." Eleanor said to Joy. Joy then moved at a high speed. "A Quick Attack. Let me show you how it's done. Cyndaquil said, as she moved at high speed countering Joy's attack.
"Liz use Poison Gas." Velvet said to Liz, as she and Zane charged at Eleanor with their blades out. "You got it." Liz said as she let out a purple cloud. But Eleanor spun her spear, blowing the cloud away. Eleanor then started to counter Velvet's and Zane's attacks.
"I'll help. Will-O-Wisp." Sinistea said, as it made a few purple flames appear. Sinistea fired them at Eleanor, hitting Elearnor and burning her a little. "You call that fire." Eleanor said, as she made her Malak fire a big fireball at Sinistea, hitting it. Then Eleanor made her malak fire another fire ball.
"Saara use Water Pulse." Laphicet said, as he moved to heal Sinistea. "Right." Saara said, as she fired a ball of water, hitting the fireball. And made steam. When the steam cleared the two malak were met with Eizen and Rokurou right in their face, and started to attack them.
"Joy help me." Eleanor said to Joy, as Zane and Velvet forced her back with their furry of attacks. Joy jumped away from Cynaqauil and jumped around, and got closer to Velvet. Then Joy tried to Headbutt Velvet, but Velvet caught her by the ears and stopped her.
"Liz, take care of this with Poison Fang." Velvet said to Liz, tossing her Joy. "Gladly." Liz said, as purple fangs appeared in her mouth. Liz then coughed Joy by the stomach with her mouth, and shook Joy around a little, before throwing Joy into a wall, knocking her out.
With the malak, they got away from Eizen and Rokurou, and charged at Lapchiet."Saara use Water Gun." Laphicet said to Saara, as he blocked the attacks with some cards that came out of sleeves.
"You heard him. Get back!" Saara said to the Malak, siring a steam of water into the malak's helmets, stunting them. That's when Eizen and Rokurou came up and hit the malak, sending them flying into the same wall as Joy, knocking them out.
"Let's end this. Ember." Cyndaquil said, as she fired a burst of fire at Eleanor's face. But Eleanor blocked the fire with the tip of her spear. But the flames of the fire, flashed in Eleanors face for a second, and when the flash was gone, Eleanor noticed too late that Velvet and Zane were right in her face. Zane and Velvet slammed their knees into Eleanor's gut. Forcing her back.
Elearnor stopped in front of Joy and Eleanor's malak who were knocked out. "Not so tough without your love trick are you?" Zane asked Eleanor. "Willing to fight without your malakhim or Pokemon?" Velvet asked Eleanor, as Saara sniffed the air. "Does anyone else smell smoke?" Saara asked everyone.
That's when they noticed the smoke coming from the storehouse. "Oh, I guess our fire has finally started to burn everything in there." Zane said to everyone. "No… You set the storehouse ablaze?! The people have worked so hard to withstand this time of crisis… how can you destroy what they have so painstakingly built?!" Eleanor asked everyone, getting made.
"Because I'm not human." Velvet said to Eleanor. "And because it's none of your business." Zane said to Eleanor. "You'll pay for this! You daemons!" Eleanor said to Velvet and Zane, summoning another malak. "More malakhim up her sleeves?!" velvet said to everyone.
That's when a little black something landed in front of Eleanor. It had small bat wings on its back, a red ribbon on, a massive black hat with a red ribbon on top of it, and two eye holes cut into the hat. "I will protect you, madam Eleanor! Come and face me now, demons!" the thing said to Velvet and Zane, with a silly male voice.
While everyone was surprised to see this thing, Zane started to laugh very loudly at the thing. "He's Adorable…" Laphicet said. "A-Am I?" the thing asked Laphicet. "No… he's… a joke…" Zane said in between laughs. "Hey!" the thing said to Zane.
"Oooh! I've found you at last." A ceiling female voice said, making Zane stop laughing. "That bad-bad voice!" the thing said. That's when everyone noticed Magilou and Ludo on top of the flagstaff of a ship. "Bienfu, you traitor! You'll never leave my clutches again!" Magilou said to the thing, before jumping off the flagstaff, with Ludo following her.
"N-Not her! Nooo!" Bienfu said, as went back into Eleanor. "Wh-What are you doing? Get out there and fight!" Eleanor said to Bienfu, as Eleanor and Ludo landed next to everyone.
That's when the storehouse really started to smoke. "Hey, look. Is that smoke?" A man asked, as people started to notice the smoke. "It is! Fire!" Another man said.
This conflicted Eleanor, should she fight, or help with the fire. "The fire has spread enough. Let's get going." Velvet said to everyone. "Allow me to help with that. Smokescreen." Cyndaquil said, as a massive cloud of smoke came out of Cyndaquil's red spots, trapping Eleanor in the smoke, giving everyone an opening to run.
"You're coming with us." Rokurou said, grabbing Magilou. "Let me go! Witchnappers!" Magilou said, making Sinistea laugh. "She's funny." Sinistea said, as they started to run. "Until next time Eleanor." Zane said, as they ran out of the port.
That's when the smoke cleared, leaving a soot covered and mad Eleanor. "Madam exorcist! What happened?!" A man asked Eleanor, as Eleanor put her weapon away. "Oh! You're badly hurt and covered in soot." Another man said to Eleanor. "I can wait. Gather the people and put out that fire!" Eleanor said to the men. "Y-Yes, madam!" A man said, before leaving for help.
"Tell me, do you know what was being kept in that warehouse?" Eleanor asked the other man. "Um… Mostly Nectar, I believe. Vast stores of the medicine, provided by High Priest Gideon, to be distributed to doctors across the land." The man said to Eleanor. "Medicine given by the church? Why would anybody destroy it?" Eleanor asked, looking in the direction she thinks everyone ran.
Back with the others, they stopped running in a field away from the port. "Whew… Looks like we're in the clear." Rokurou said to everyone, as he put Magilou down, and his Pokeball opened and Saber came out of it. "For now. But the woman knows we're here. It won't be long until they're all looking for us." Saber said ro Rokurou.
"Aaiiiaaaghhhh… Misfortune and anguish! I had that little turncoat right in front of me!" Magilou said with a whiny tune in her voice, making Sinistea laugh again. "If Magilou keeps this up, they'll find us faster." Liz said to everyone, as Laphicet tried to calm Magilou down.
"Well, at least now I know where to find him!" Magilou said to everyone, feeling happy. "That weird little malak was the one you were looking for?" Velvet asked Magilou. "The very same. The malak Bienfu! A creature of unfathomable wickedness and beguiling cuteness who broke the heart of this wretched maiden!" Magilou said to everyone.
"Given how he reacted to you, I think you had it coming." Cyndaquil said to magilou. "Heh-heh-heh… Once I finally catch him, who knows what I'll be capable of…" Magilou said to everyone. "Not sure I get it." Rokurou said. "Me neither." Laphicet said. "I doubt we will ever understand Magilou." Zane said. "Good. Pray that you never do." Velvet said to everyone.
"Speak for yourself. I think she's cool." Sinestea said to everyone. "You think I'm cool. Oh little tea cup. How you are a tiny hope for me." Magilou said to Sinestea, rubbing Sinestea, making it laugh again. "Should we be worried about it liking Magilou?" Liz asked everyone. "Given that we know nothing about it and it's a tea cup. It would be fine. Now let's go." Zane said to everyone, as they started to walk deeper into the fields to the free Pokemon part of their jobs.
"And we're going, where?" Magilou asked Zane. "To Galles Lake. Some Pokemon are locked up there." Zane said to Magilou. "Don't you find it strange?" Rokurou asked Zane. "Not really. A lake would be a fine place to hunt for Pokemon." Zane said to Rokurou, as Eizen's and his Pokeball opened.
"Maybe. But this close to the capital. Surely they would have caught all the Pokemon in this lake already." Eshu said to everyone. "He's right. Something else is going on." Duncan said to everyone. "We'll figure it out when we get there." Zane said to Duncan.
After a bit, and making fun of Bienfu a little, everyone made it to a big lake, where three guards were standing watch. "Who goes there?!" A guard asked everyone. "What on earth are guards doing here?" Rokurou asked, as everyone got ready to fight.
Then the three guards summoned some snake malakhim with human upper bodies. "Watch out! They've got malakhim!" Rokurou said to everyone. "They're no ordinary sellswords!" Eizen said to everyone. "Then let's finish this quickly." Zane said to everyone, as the fight began.
"Liz use Poison Gas." Velvet said to Liz. "Sure." Liz said, as she let out a cloud of purple smoke at one of the malak. When the smoke cleared the malak was coughing. That's when velvet bust out her claw and killed the Malak.
"Eshu use Snarl." Zane said to Eshu, as he fired arrows, at the guard who was running around. "Yes." Eshu said, as he started to let out a nasty sound, making the guard stop. But the guard did take cover.
"Flame Wheel." Cyndaquil said, as flames shot out of her back, and she started to roll. Cyndaquil then rolled around and hit the guard hiding, forcing the guard out of hiding, and gave Zane a clear shot. "Not bad." Zane said to Cyndaquil.
With Magilou, she was dodging a tail attack from one of the malak. "Ludo use Hypnosis." Magilou said to Ludo. "Right." Ludo said, as he fired purple waves at the Malak, making the malak drowsy. "Mega Drain." Sinistea said, as green energy flew out of the malak and into her. This made the Malak faint. "My little tea, that was amazing." Magilou said to Sinistea, making Sinistea happy. "My pleasure. I think we make a good team." Sinistea said to Magilou and Ludo.
"Saara use Water Gun." Lahicet said, as he charged up a fire spell. "Right." Saara said, firing a steam of water at the guard, making the guard raise his hands in an attempt to block the water. That's when Laphicet fired his fireball, hitting the man in the gut, finishing him."
With the last malak, it fired water at Eizen, stunning him, and then slamming his tail into Eizen's chest. Sending him flying. That's when Laphicet ran to Eizen's side, and healed Eizen. "Thanks." Eizen said to Laphicet. "Duncan use Bite to hold it down." Eizen said to Duncan.
"On it." Duncan said, as he ran to the Malak, and small white glowing fangs appeared in his mouth. Duncan bit into the malak's tail, and held the malak in place, even with the malak trying to shake Duncan off. Then Eizen charged and punched the malak in the chest, knocking it out, and sending it flying into the lake.
"Let's finish this Saber, use Aerial Ace." Rokurou said, as he charged at the last guard. "Right." Saber said, as he disappeared and reappeared right behind the guard. Rokurou and Saber then slashed the guard, finishing the guard.
And with that it was over. "Sheesh. Whaddaya suppose they were guarding?" Rokurou asked. "Chances are. The Pokemon were here for." Zane said, as they walked past the guards.
They moved around a very large rock to find a bunch of tiny orange hermit crabs with long stretch black eyes, two point tip legs, two big claws for a creature of its size, and a rock for a shell that was attached to their backs.
And one massive dark orange hermit crab, with six point tip legs, two massive claws, yellow eyes with black dots in the middle, and a very large rock for a shell that it was inside.
"So the Pokemon were a few Dwebble and a Crustle." Duncan said to everyone, as they let out some of the Dwebble that were in cages. "What is a Dwebble and Crustle?" Laphicet asked Duncan. "Dwebble The Rock Inn Pokemon. A Rock and Bug Type. And Crustle The Stone Home Pokemon. Also a Rock and Bug Type. But what are they doing here? They live in more stony environments, not by a like side." Duncan said to everyone.
"We were forced to be here. Did you all take care of the guards?" Crustle asked everyone, with a female voice. "Yes. You're free to go." Zane said to Crustle. "Thanks. It's been hard. Since we have two types the guard has been using nasty ways to make us mine for this stuff." Crustle said to everyone, pointing to a box of crystals.
"They made you mine Vermillion ore?" Eizen asked Crustle. "Yes." Crustle said to Eizen. "Who could they make you mine for them?" Zane asked Crustle. "Those Malak they had. They used them to crack our rocks and our homes, and if we tried to hide in them, they fired streams of water. And even if one of us got away, the ones in the cages would pay for it." Crustle said to Zane.
"But why? Why go through all the trouble of making you mine for them?" Zane asked Crustle. "They said something about refining." Crustle said to Eizen. "What's vermillion ore?" Rokurou asked everyone. "A rare stone made of concentrated nutrients. It can be used in medicine, but it's also poisonous." Laphicet said to everyone.
"That's the point. To normal humans it's toxic, but for us rock types it isn't. And we Dwebble and Crustle are very good at carving rocks, easily getting at the most Vermillion ore inside." Crustle said to everyone.
"So they were making medicine?" Velvet asked everyone. "Yes. something called Nectar." Crustle said to everyone. "Isn't vermillion ore supposed to be highly addictive?" Eizen asked Crustle. "How should I know?" Crustle asked Eizen. "Whatever. Our task is complete. Will you be fine on your own?" Velvet said to everyone and asked Crustle. "Now that we're all free. We'll be fine. Goodbye." Crustle said to Velvet, before she and Dwebble started to dig and left.
"Now that that's done. Let's go deal with the last job. The ambush." Zane said, as they all started to leave. "What ambush?" Magilou asked Zane. "Somebody means to ambush the Royal Medical society on the Danann Highway." Velvet said to Magilou. "The Royal Medical Society is a group of doctors that travel around healing the sick." Laphicet said to everyone.
"They're funded by donations given by ordinary folk." Eizen said to everyone. "Hmm… Why would anyone attack them?" Rokurou asked. "Could they have something of worth? Could that be it?" Ludo asked everyone. "Don't ask me. Some people are just twisted." Velvet said to Ludo.
"And why would an underworld group defend them?" Rokurou asked. "Who knows? Something to do with the attackers, perhaps?" Velvet said. "We'll find out soon enough." Zane said to everyone.
A few minutes later, they found the ambush, but they were too late. The ambush happened, and three men were standing over the wrecked carts and dead bodies. That's when the men noticed everyone, and that they were between them and some crates. "Hey! Get out of our way. That there…" a man said, before all three of the men became some kind of big, nasty howler monkey daemons. "THAT'S OUR FOOOOD!" The daemon said, before the daemons attacked.
One of the daemons charged at magilou. "Protect." Sinistea said it formed a green bubble around her and Magilou, blocking the attack. "Oh my sweet little Tea cup you saved me." Magilou said to Sinistea.
"Warp." Ludo said, wrapping his tentacles around the daemon's head, blinding it. That's when Eizen came up and punched the daemon in the chest, forcing it back. "Duncan use Dragon Breath." Eizen said to Duncan. "Saara, you use Dragon Breath as well." Laphicet said to Saara, as he charged up a fire spell.
"Right." Duncan and Saara said, as they opened their mouths and a stream of teal energy came out of their mouths. The teal energy and fireball from Laphicet hit the daemon, causing an explosion.
That's when a daemon came out of the smoke, and landed a powerful hit on Velvet, making Velvet fall to the floor. Lapjicet moved to the Velvet side and healed her. "Liz use Poison Fang." Velvet said to Liz, as she stood up. "With pleasure." Liz said, as purple fangs appeared in her mouth. Liz then moved in a zig-zag way, reaching the daemon's leg's and biting into it. The daemon tried to shake Liz off, but that's when Velvet charged at the daemon and finished the daemon.
And then there was one left. "Eshu use Shadow Sneak." Zane said, as he fired a few arrows at the daemon. "Saber, you use Shadow Sneak as well." Rokurou said to Saber. "Right." Eshu and Saber said, as they sank into shadows and reappeared behind the daemon. They hit the back of the daemon's legs, knocking it down.
"Now Cyndaquil use Flame Wheel." Zane said to Cyndaquil. "Right." Cyndaquil said, as she became encased in fire and started to roll. Cynadquil rolled to the daemon, and jumped up, hitting the daemon in the face. This gave Rokurou the opening to attack the daemon wildly, leaving cuts all over the daemon before it died. With that they were all dead.
"So the attackers were daemons. I guess that's why they need us to stop the attack." Rokurou said to everyone, as they put their weapons away. "I don't know. Something off about this." Zane said, as he walked to the crates. Zane then opened them all. "That's odd. All these crates are full of this stuff." Zane said to everyone, pulling out a blue bottle with the seal of Midgand Cathedral on it.
"It appears they were after this stuff." Eizen said to everyone. "Medicine with the Cathedral's seal…" Velvet said. "But they said it was their food? Why would they say that?" Saara asked everyone, as Laphicet found a scarf. "That scarf… Did that belong to the attackers?" Rokurou asked Laphicet.
"Yeah. All three were wearing them. Does it mean something?" Laphiect asked everyone. "I see. This ambush was from rouge members of the guild. This just was for use to stop those fool from doing something stupid." Zane said to everyone. "Doesn't matter. They were just daemons. Aggressive ones who attacked the innocent." Velvet said to Zane. "And that will be the story about what happened here." Zane said to everyone.
"We've finished all the jobs. Let's get back to the old lady's tavern." Rokurou said to everyone, as Laphicet's stomach growled, making Rokurou laugh. "Hahah! You sure do like that mabo curry." Rokurou said to Laphicet. "Huh… Do I?" Laphicet asked everyone. "Don't ask me." Velvet said to Laphicet. "You didn't think it was tasty, Velvet?" Laphicet asked Velvet.
"Couldn't tell you." Velvet said to everyone, before walking away. "Huh?" Laphicet asked. "Food doesn't hold any flavor for her. According to velvet, she can never feel sated, and the only thing she can taste is blood." Rokurou said to Laphicet. "Oh… I see." Laphicet said.
"Well once we get back. It'll be time for you and Sinistea to go." Zane said to Cyndaquil and Sinistea. "Actually. I was hoping to stay with you." Cyndaquil said to Zane. "You do?" Zane asked Cyndaquil. "Yes. There is something about you I find exciting. So I want to come." Cyndaquil said to Zane. "And I want to stay with Magilou. I think she'll be a fun person to be with." Sinistea said to everyone.
"Oh my cut little tea cup. Of course you can come. From now on you will be my little Cheche." Magilou said to Sinistea, before tapping Cheche the Sinistea with a pokeball, and catching it.
Zane looked at Cyndaquil. "You have proven yourself to be useful. If you want to come with us. Then welcome aboard. But know that we are on a dangerous mission to kill the leader of the Abbey. Do you still want to join us?" Zane asked Cyndaquil. "If you kill him, then the Pokemon will be free. You sound like just the person I was waiting for. I'm in." Cyndaquil said to Zane, smirking, making Zane smirk. "I like you. Welcome to our team. Aguya the Cyndaquil." Zane said, throwing a pokeball at Cyndaquil, and caught her.
With that everyone returned their Pokemon to their Pokeballs, and started to walk back to the capitol. While walking Zane and Rokurou noticed Laphicet feeling down. "What's the matter? You're gloomier than usual." Rokurou said to Laphicet. "Am I actually useful?" Laphicet asked Rokurou, making everyone stop.
"Is this about what I said to Aguya?" Zane asked Laphicet. "No. Rokurou can cut down any enemy, and Eizen can beat them up. Velvet is strong and can eat anything. The Pokemon have various moves and tricks. And you can move through shadows and strike in an instant." Laphicet said to Zane, getting everyone's attention.
"But I'm not good at fighting, and apparently I'm always gloomy…" Laphicet said to Zane. "Is that what's bothering you?" Rokurou asked Laphicet. "In a fight, offense alone isn't everything. Hiring your foes means nothing if you don't live to tell the tale afterwards. Your healing arts are what let us always fight at our best." Eizen said to Laphicet.
"He's right. Compared to dead weight like Magilou, you're plenty helpful out there." Velvet said to Laphicet. "Only compared to Magilou?" Laphicet asked everyone. "I didn't mean it like that. I was just saying she never helped at all…" Velvet said to Laphicet, feeling bad, and it made Laphicet feel worse. "Let me talk to him." Zane said to everyone, before kneeling down to Laphicet.
"Laphicet. You just need time. It took me three years to learn to do what I can do. And you've been able to think for yourself for only a couple days. You have much to learn. And with Saara by your side. I'm sure you'll be a fine warrior, one of a kind." Zane said to Laphicet, rubbing Laphicet's head, making Laphicet laugh a little.
"He's right. You're not going to grow overnight. Be patient. You've only just been set free. That you've even managed to keep up with us this far is a feat in and of itself. Strength comes by continually improving your mind and body. Keep your spirits up, and keep working at it, and you'll get there before you know it." Eizen said to Laphicet, as Zane finished rubbing Laphicet's head.
"I will?" Laphicet said to Eizen, as Zane stood up. "The drive to improve is what's important." Eizen said to Laphicet. "Right." Laphicet said to Ezien, as they got back to walking to the capital.
Hello everyone, I hope you like this chapter. Please follow or review if you like this story. Gen 9 is in a week. I'm getting so excited and I have something planned for it. But you have to wait until the next chapter of Trainer Of Vesperia to find out what it is.