Chapter 1x: Alternate Route

Larvesta was able to fend off the bandits pillaging Western Sahra Village and found himself a valuable ally along the way. Rapidash was a seasoned veteran of the battlefield and was willing to guide the young Larvesta to victory to defeat Lady Lilligant. After protecting Western Sahra Village, Rapidash guided the young Larvesta over to a nearby training facility to greet him to some pupils Rapidash had recruited. These two soldiers could very well prove effective in ensuring Larvesta's victory in future battles.

"We have arrived at the facility I've been using to teach my students and get them battle-ready," says Rapidash as the duo nears the grounds where Rapidash mentors his pupils.

The area is a medieval-looking mini fort with various assortments and facilities about. There are a number of training grounds for soldiers to exercise and get experience in various skills, as well as some personal quarters to get some rest in. A dining hall can also be seen in an adjacent building.

Larvesta comments on the atmosphere. "Seems rather casual. What kind of students do you teach?"

Rapidash informs him of the paladin's current roster, "Right now, I have two pupils in training: Snivy and Tepig." He then briefly summarizes what his two students are like: "Snivy is rather serene, but has a strong sense of justice, while Tepig is feisty and looking for adventure wherever he can find it."

"Sounds like they're quite the pair. I hope they can help us out on our adventure," says Larvesta.

Rapidash reassures Larvesta of their utility. "Rest assured, these two are some of the best and most capable fighters I've trained throughout my life. We'll make it far with them on our side."

As the duo make their way towards one of the training stalls, however, they realize to their shock that certain parts of the fort are being ransacked by brigands and thugs, not unlike what transpired back at Western Sahra Village.

"W-what the-!? What are bandits doing here!?" shouts Larvesta in shock.

Rapidash shares his concern. "Oh no! They're going to tear this place down!"

Leading the charge is an Alolan Rattata. He guides his goons to tear into whatever they could find and rampage the citizens training there without remorse. Already it seems the goons have gotten into a small portion of the building.

"Everyone! Rip this place to shreds and plunder any goodies you find here!" exclaims the Rattata. "With enough luck, I'll have my buddy in arms avenged from the warrior scum that humiliated him!"

Larvesta asks Rapidash about the soldiers they are supposed to meet. "What about your two recruits? We have to find them before they get hurt!"

Though the stallion tries to keep things under control as best he could, some concern can still be heard under his confidence. Regardless, he responds with "Don't worry too much. Snivy and Tepig can hold off these runts for a bit, but I do agree we should group up with them."

Meanwhile, on another ground, Snivy and Tepig are hanging out in one of the training rooms, tending to some of the weapons and equipment. It doesn't take long for them to note the conflict going on just outside the area, though.

Tepig at first does not fully comprehend the situation, believing it to be an extra training session some of the other students are taking. "Hey that's odd, I didn't realize we were having a mock battle today. Why didn't anyone tell me!? I was SO going to mop the floor with the others!" he says in annoyance.

Snivy is none the wiser, but still tries to make heads or tails of the situation. "I don't know… Seems a bit too hectic for our usual sessions…" She also recalls Rapidash's visit to Western Sahra Village, wondering why he hasn't returned to notify them of the "mock battle". "Also, isn't Sir Rapidash supposed to be back from his trip to West Sahra Village? With Sir Stoutland out as well, there's barely anyone to guard the fort… Where has Rapidash gone?" she asks.

Before they can speculate or act further, however, a brigand suddenly breaks through the door, preparing to swing his axe into the head of anyone careless enough to resist him.

"Here's da' bandit boss!" he shouts in an attempt to intimidate any potential threats. He takes notice of the green and red duo, and comments on the possible rewards for capturing them. "Ooh, and I've found me some stragglers, too! You two'll make a fine meal for da' boss!"

Tepig, however, is not threatened by the bandit. He confidently goes after the enemy and mocks him for underestimating the red cavalier. "Hah! So you think you can come here and make a mess of these training grounds! Well, think again! Snivy and I will make quick work of you and your entire gang! Come, Snivy! Let's send these crybabies back to whatever cave they crawled out of!" Tepig charges at the bandit, knocking him down before he can cause any more damage.

Snivy, however, does not want to be reckless and charge needlessly into battle. She attempts to reach out to and reason with Tepig before he gets hurt, but the hog runs off before the green cavalier can knock some sense into him. "W-wait! Tepig! Shouldn't we wait until Rapidash gets- ...and he's off." Snivy sighs at Tepig's overconfidence, but nonetheless knows that she needs to defend the fort. She glares at the now downed thug, annoyed at him for getting the two into this conflict. "Well, you started this whole mess… Guess I'll have to kick you guys out of here before Rapidash lands you on my record," she notes.

Back at the entrance, Larvesta and Rapidash begin their assault on the band of thieves, working to reclaim the grounds the thugs were wreaking havoc on.

Rapidash analyzes the kind of enemy they are facing, noting their similarity to the enemies he and Larvesta fended off not too long ago. "Seems like these idiots are connected to the buffoons who raided Western Sahra Village. No big deal. If we were able to purge those clowns, these guys will be a joke. Now, onward we go!"

With his war cry, he and Larvesta begin to rout the enemy. Larvesta immediately makes his way towards the center of the area to take on as many of the enemies as he reasonably could without dying. Though he can easily eliminate the opposition with Solaris, Larvesta decides he wants to give the blade a break and gets out a steel sword he has with him so as not to overpower the opposition should Rapidash or his students want in on some of the experience.

Rapidash, meanwhile, heads in the direction of the training hall to reunite with his students and tell them about the situation with Larvesta. He notices Tepig charging head first into an enemy brigand and wants to step in before his student gets hurt, but the red cavalier proves more than capable of outlasting his enemy. Tepig eventually notices Rapidash coming his way, and waves over to the paladin to greet him.

Rapidash arrives at the scene to compliment Tepig on his victory. "Ah, Tepig! Ever the feisty one! You're working hard, as you always do!"

Tepig accepts the compliment. "Yup! Gotta keep up the good work! Can't afford to lag behind Ms. Snivy over here!"

"That's the spirit!" exclaims Rapidash. He then informs Tepig of the situation with Larvesta. "Anyways, we've received a big request from a visitor to this town."

Tepig seems curious, yet excited at the same time, at the request. "Mercenary work? Count me in! Who's our target for this job? I'll take on any opponent!"

Rapidash breaks the news to his student. "Well… Our client, one Larvesta, wishes to dismantle the tyranny of the Lady Lilligant over at Primeval Forest."

Tepig is about to accept, but after processing the details in, he is visibly shocked at the magnitude of the client's request. "Alright, count me i- Wait, seriously!? He's going after HER of all people!?"

Rapidash reaffirms his request. "Apparently so. Larvesta does not appear to be joking around, and seems to be quite the capable fighter to boot, so I say we at least take him up on his offer and see where his ambition leads us."

Tepig takes a moment to consider the request, but decides to tag along with his mentor, thinking about the accolades and awards he could receive if he succeeds in this task. "Hmmm… You never were one to back down from a challenge, master. Eh, count me in! If I pull this off, I'll have gone on the journey of my dreams! I'll be Tepig the Little Town Hero, beloved by all across the globe!"

Rapidash expresses joy at seeing his student's support. "Thanks ever so much, Tepig! Now, let's get out there and kick some Lilligant butt!"

Soon, Snivy also comes along and sees Tepig and her mentor cleaning up some nearby enemies. She heads over in Rapidash's direction to greet him, and Rapidash greets her back.

"Why hello there, Snivy. I see you're keeping up the good work as always," says Rapidash.

Snivy thanks him in return. "Ah, thank you, Sir Rapidash. So, anything new happen to bring you here?"

Rapidash informs her of Larvesta's ambition, just as he had told Tepig moments prior. "Well, just recently, I had a run-in with some guy calling himself Larvesta who wants to take on Lilligant's army."

Snivy is quicker to register the danger of the campaign. Shocked by Larvesta's goals, she demands to know Larvesta's capabilities. "L-Lilligant? But she and her soldiers are some of the most dangerous Pokémon around this area! Does he know what he's getting into?"

Rapidash expresses some doubt, but still shows interest in Larvesta's desire. "Honestly, I'm not so certain myself right now, but the little guy does show a bit of potential, nonetheless."

Snivy thinks about the offer, and though she initially plans to turn her master down for safety reasons, seeing Rapidash's desire, as well as Tepig's determination, eventually convinces her to join along as well. "Well, this was certainly more than I bargained for… but I'll see where this little misadventure takes us. Consider me recruited."

Rapidash thanks his student for her support. "Thank you, my pupil. You will be a great asset into our journey."

Now that Rapidash has gotten his two students with him, he and the others go back to where Larvesta is.

Larvesta is still fending off some of the weaker enemies in the main room, snacking on his Oran Berry so as to not get killed, and swinging his steel sword at whatever is in front of him. Towards one of his targets, Larvesta manages to get very in focus and shouts a war cry of "Time to ignite my flames!" at his enemy, landing an especially damaging blow on them. The critical hit feels very satisfying for Larvesta to pull off.

Just as he deals it, Rapidash returns with Snivy and Tepig to reunite everyone into a single group. Now together, the team all search for the enemy leader and prepare to take him on.

"Oy! You lot slaughtered my partner in crime!" shouts the Rattata. "I'll make you pay for your ever so heinous deed, you filth! Prepare to face the rage of Rattata the Monster!" he continues as he aims for Larvesta. The dark rodent throws his hand axe at Larvesta as a ranged attack, but the fire bug is able to dodge the blade as it swings right past him and goes straight back to Rattata.

Snivy and Tepig, despite not being part of the previous battle and therefore not knowing about what in the world the brigand boss is talking about, charge after Rattata with their weapons of choice: a lance for Snivy and a sword for Tepig.

Snivy goes in first, but her weapon of choice proves to be ineffective against her opposition, and she quickly finds herself backed into a corner. The Rattata attempts to grab her while she's in a pinch, but Tepig swoops in and attempts to intercept him. Tepig's sword proves to be more effective than Snivy's lance, but the red cavalier too finds himself struggling against his adversary. Rapidash, however, is able to charge in and knock the brigand off of his high horse, eliminating him from the skirmish.

"Dear partner… I'll be meetin' up with you again soon… Jus' you wait…," says the Alolan Rattata as he fades into nothingness upon his defeat. Larvesta seems to feel a bit of remorse for the scoundrel, but regardless is relieved to see the battle ended.

With the battle concluded, Rapidash congratulates his two students for their work. "Well, that about cleans those goons up. Good work to both of you, as always!"

Snivy accepts her teacher's compliment. "Your praise is appreciated, Master Rapidash. We'll be taking on Lilligant in no time."

Tepig, meanwhile, seems more focused on facing Lilligant. "Alright! I can't wait to knock on her door! I'll be famous in no time!"

Rapidash, however, attempts to bring the feisty hog down to earth before he skips too many steps and gets too ahead of himself. "Now, hold up, Tepig. We're not going after Lilligant immediately. Though we may be able to take out these goons with ease, if just the four of us go after her with our current strength, no doubt we'll be destroyed upon arrival."

Larvesta joins the stallion in attempting to humble Tepig. "Rapidash is right. If we do not gather adequate resources and rally support for our cause, there is no way we will be victorious in this gruesome war."

This does little to calm Tepig down, however, as now he is excited for the training leading up to Lilligant instead. "Oh well, more action for me, then! I love me a good challenge!"

Snivy sighs at her partner's recklessness. "Tepig, I swear, fighting is all you seem to care about…"

Larvesta stands in silence at the eccentric duo for a bit before speaking up again, "...Anyways, it seems like we're done here for the day. Where to next?"

Rapidash thinks for a bit before getting an idea. "Well, there's a nearby cave to the west of here where tons of bandit groups seem to keep themselves occupied. If we can rout the enemy at their home base, the village and this camp are sure to be peaceful for a spell."

Snivy does not like the idea due to rumors she has been hearing, but seems alright with going if that is what her teacher wants. "Sounds risky. I've been hearing rumors that lately, a giant beast has made his home there and has been supplying the thugs with equipment and power."

Tepig, meanwhile, had also heard similar rumors about the giant, yet seems more willing to challenge the rumored monster. "The Deadly Sin of Sloth, you mean? Seems like quite the dangerous foe. Just the way I like 'em!"

Larvesta goes with Rapidash's suggestion, and decides to rest for the night to get everyone refreshed. "Seems like that's our next destination, then. Let's get rested for the night, and tomorrow, we set out for that cave Rapidash talked about."

Suddenly, Snivy recalls something she and Tepig had found earlier and shows it to the others. She tells them, "Oh, that reminds me! Tepig and I were out adventuring the other day, and we came across this." Snivy pulls out her find; a stone shard with mysterious markings on it. The shard appears to be a small fragment of a whole object, but it is not entirely clear what the shard was meant to be a piece of.

Rapidash takes notice of Snivy's treasure and asks her for it, "Oh, let me see."

Snivy hands the fragment to her mentor, and Rapidash begins to examine it.

"Hmm… I can't make out exactly what this thing is, but it appears to be a promotion seal? But I've never seen anything like this type before…," Rapidash ponders.

Larvesta is also curious as to what the paladin is referring to. He asks, "A promotion seal? What's that?"

Rapidash informs his lord that, "In this world, Pokémon grow in two ways: evolution and promotion."

"Evolution and promotion…?" Larvesta wonders.

Rapidash further explains the mechanics, "Evolution occurs naturally amongst our citizens, and signifies our growth as a species. Evolved Pokémon such as myself are typically more wiser than unevolved Pokémon like my two students here. Meanwhile, promotion involves the growth of our skills and class and is seperate from our natural evolution. These require special seals to initiate, and can be used once a Pokémon has reached a specific skill level in their class of choice."

"That knowledge will certainly come in handy," Larvesta remarks.

Determined, he attempts to use the shard Snivy had, and holds it up in the air. "I betcha I can promote with this thing right now!" he shouts.

Despite this, nothing happens, and Larvesta does not feel any growth or improvement from himself.

"Wha…? Nothing?" Larvesta remarks, disappointed. "Does that mean I'm not strong enough?"

Rapidash reciprocates Larvesta's sorrow, but tries to come to a conclusion as to why the seal did not work. He tells Larvesta, "Maybe so, or maybe the seal isn't complete yet. From the looks of things, this piece Snivy picked up appears to be broken…"

This perks Larvesta back up, and he immediately decides to set out to find the remaining pieces. "Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's go find the remaining shards! Lilligant won't stand a chance with us all promoted!"

"Not so fast, Larvesta," Rapidash tells him. The paladin reins Larvesta back in to focus on the goal right ahead of them. "I'm sure we're all eager to fix this thing up, but without any leads, we'll just be walking in circles. Let's head to that cave I talked about for now, and work our way from there."

Larvesta, realizing his overeagerness, decides to take Rapidash's word and head to the cave. "Huh. Alright then. We'll rest for now, and then go out first thing in the morning. See you all tomorrow!" he tells his new recruits as they prepare for their next objective.

Larvesta has made some new and reliable allies in the form of Snivy and Tepig. Working alongside their mentor, Rapidash, this green and red cavalier duo join Team Valiant in their mission to dethrone Lady Lilligant and bring peace to the citizens of the Sand Continent. Team Valiant's next mission will be taking them to the base of the thugs who have been terrorizing both Western Sahra Town and Rapidash's training grounds. However, rumors of a Deadly Sin lurking within the caves puts the success of the team into question. How will Team Valiant fare fighting their enemy in their home base? And what secrets lie is the mysterious treasure Snivy and Tepig had found? Only time will tell where Team Valiant's ambitions will take them next…

-TO BE CONTINUED-