Chapter 5x: Guards and Rogues

While exploring the Fossil Excavation, Larvesta happens across a hidden vault where slaves are made to work for the Sin of Greed and protect valuable equipment that the Sins use to spread their terror. Though the possibility of Persian trapping him with this set-up does linger over Larvesta's head, he does not wish to overlook any potential adversaries or ambushes that may hinder him when he reaches the Deadly Sin.

Deep in the recently uncovered vault, a meeting between three soldiers is currently underway. One is a blue bat with a gaping large mouth, another a large dark bird with red streaks on its body, and the third being a blue bat with a furry chest and a heart-shaped nose.

"Well, would you look at that, the gang rummaging through this place actually managed to find their way here," the bird remarks. "Seems they're more powerful than Persian thought they were, eh, Swoobat?"

The bat with the heart-shaped nose directs his attention to the bird. "Maybe so. Doesn't mean you get to sit around while our base is currently under attack. We've got slaves we need to keep an eye on, after all." Swoobat turns to face the remaining soldier, who appears distraught at the current circumstances he is facing.

"I take it you want me to fend off our attackers?" the gaping-mouthed bat asks.

"What else does it look like, Golbat?" Swoobat responds. "You've managed to shine amongst the lowlifes where others have failed. Your best course of action is to follow our commands without question, dear loyal knight. I would hate to see your devotion to our cause falter. Right, Swellow?"

"Yeah, I guess so, great commander. We can't exactly think second thoughts while our lives are on the line down here," Swellow remarks, a hint of sarcasm expelling out of his beak.

"Drop the snark, Swellow. It is not your place to go bossing around others in our league," Swoobat retorts. "In any case, I'll be heading down to the deepest part of the vault. Do not forget where your loyalties lie." Swoobat then flies off, leaving Golbat and Swellow by themselves.

"Don't like that stuck-up brat?" Swellow asks. "Yeah, me neither. No way I want to continue associating with travesties like him."

"Swellow, we don't exactly have much of a choice in the matter. We either fend off the enemies heading our way or die trying. Even a birdbrain like you should be able to understand that much," Golbat retorts.

"Is that reeeeally what you're thinking, though, partner?" Swellow asks. "I mean we could desert these clowns and save just our own hides, hmmm?" Swellow points a wing at Golbat's face as he questions his teammate.

Golbat does not respond to Swellow's question. He turns to the side and lets out a faint groan.

"Heeeeey, don't try to hide it, old chap. I know what's going on in that noggin of yours. You want to turn over to the toddlers trying to take on the Sin of Greed, dontcha?" Swellow asks.

Golbat remains silent for a second before speaking up. "...and if I do?"

"Then go all out is all I say! Butter up those goons good and see if they'll let you slither your way into their rankings," Swellow smugly suggests. "And when they let your face join up with them, you can tell me all about what grand adventures your defection has in store for you."

"So you aren't going to follow me?" Golbat asks.

"Nah, I don't think I'm gonna involve myself in this warzone any longer. I got a life worth living, after all. A purpose like this just isn't cut out for me," Swellow gloats.

Golbat groans. "You know, I would say I expected better of you, but I would be lying," he retorts. "Whatever, get out of my sight. Go get yourself in more trouble. See if I care."

"Don't mind if I do," Swellow responds.

After Swellow leaves Golbat's sight, a small slave child crawls out of their hiding spot and approaches Golbat. Golbat looks down at the child, a sense of guilt tingling in his heart.

"You…" the child utters. "You don't want to work with these monsters, do you…?"

"A-And if I don't…?" Golbat asks.

"Then, why don't you work with the guys coming here to rescue us?" asks the child. "You're a strong fighter. I know they could use your help!"

"You don't know for certain yet that the goons coming down here will be victorious. For all we know, they could wind up with their bodies on pikes before reaching me," Golbat warns. "Just play your part, and see how this battle turns out."

"B-But, Golbat-" the child starts.

"Do I make myself clear!?" Golbat demands.

"Y-yes, sir…" the child utters before returning to their post. Golbat stares off to the side lost in thought.

Back at the top, Larvesta and his teammates are discussing how to tackle the hidden route they found.

"Alright, now that we've got our inventories sorted out, it's time to pick who we're bringing along," Larvesta announces. "From the looks of things, we're likely going to face more of the same enemies that we have been encountering up to this point, so if you all are comfortable, I think we can get away with using mostly the same team as before."

"Akchually, ya' tink I could rest dis wun out?" Patrat asks. "Bikeren wiv' dat stoopid toad'z kanduh worn meh out." Froakie looks the other way and pretends he did not hear Patrat.

"Bas and I could use some rest as well," Culin adds.

"Yeah, we're kinda exhausted from going through that maze," Bas comments. "Don't think we're slacking on the job, though. Once we're rested up, we'll be there to knock some teeth out of that Sin of Greed guy if you need us!"

"Alright, so that means Patrat, Bas, and Culin will be sitting on the sidelines in this battle. That will mean we'll be deprived of axe users, though, so we will need to work around that if we run into any lance or dagger foes," Larvesta warns.

"Not to worry, Larvesta," Carnivine chimes in. "My trusty bow can take out those kinds of foes no problem."

"So you will be fighting again, Carnivine?" Larvesta asks. Carnivine nods.

"If I may, I'd like to join in this fight as well," Mienfoo chimes in. "This could make for some good warmup for Persian."

"Oh, you're coming as well?" Larvesta asks.

"Yes. I am certain," Mienfoo asserts. "You told me there were some axe-wielding brigands back there? In that case, I should have the advantage against them, and I can also chime in against the other foes."

"Alright, then. Glad to have you on board," Larvesta thanks. He goes through the other party members to see if anyone else wishes to chime in.

"Actually, I'd like to stay behind as well. Maybe keep watch over here with the others while you go take on whatever's in there," Cacnea proposes.

"You're not coming with us?" Larvesta again asks.

"Don't take this as me deserting you, Larvesta. It's just that I'd like to help in another way besides fighting on the front lines and being everyone's shield," Cacnea clarifies.

"Well, if you're going to do that, then I want to join Larvesta's group down the passageway," Spinarak says. "Tynamo couldn't have gone down there while I was fighting with you, but still, I might be able to find something for him while I investigate what's below."

"Understood. In any case, I could still use two more of you to fill in for Bas and Culin. Any volunteers?" Larvesta asks.

"In that case, I'll go along in their place," Snivy remarks. "I presume you're coming with me, Tepig?"

"Sure thing, partner! Let's go knock out some goons!" Tepig boasts.

"Right behind you," Snivy says.

With the meeting concluded, Larvesta goes through who his team will consist of one last time: himself, Snivy, Tepig, Froakie, Trevenant, Mienfoo, Carnivine, and Spinarak. The remaining units will keep guard just outside the cavern, and both teams will reunite once the exploration has been completed. With his plan set into motion, Larvesta and his group make their way into the hidden tunnel.

As the team enters the tunnel, the Swellow from before zips right past them, startling Larvesta and the others.

"W-What…? Who… was that?" Larvesta asks.

Larvesta would not have time to have his question answered, however, as just in front of his group is a wave of winged Pokémon and burly thugs.

"Well, guess it didn't take long for the party to greet us," Larvesta remarks.

"I gotta say, Mr. Greedy over here sure likes his secret vault kept secret," Carnivine comments.

"You can say that again," Mienfoo adds.

"Well, we're not going to get anywhere just commenting on these thugs. Everyone, move out!" exclaims Larvesta. The others charge through on his command.

Carnivine and Mienfoo immediately give chase to the group of enemies, the former firing arrows at the winged Pokémon, and the latter fending off the axe-wielding thugs.

Snivy and Tepig charge their way through various foes, making use of their teamwork to cover for each other's weaknesses and play into each other's strengths.

"Great work, Snivy! I know I can always count on you!" Tepig praises.

"As can I, Tepig," Snivy compliments.

They expend an Oran Berry or two during their struggle, but for the most part, the two of them are able to work off each other well.

"Hmm… So we're up against flying foes…" Spinarak utters to himself. "No matter. My wind magic should be able to make short work of them." Spinarak starts chanting an incantation as the foes charge after him. Before they can land a blow, however, Spinarak unleashes a powerful Wind spell, knocking his opponents back. "Ha! Me, one. Enemies, zero."

Froakie, Trevenant, and Larvesta group up together to lead the main force. Froakie is able to land sneak attacks on the opposition while Larvesta inflicts the brunt of the damage onto his foes.

Putting himself on the front lines causes Larvesta to receive plenty of damage himself, however, which wears him out and forces him to take a breather.

Larvesta breathes heavily while down on the floor. "Sheesh, these guys are not going easy on us… I imagine the Sin of Greed won't be any nicer to us, either," he laments.

Trevenant gets out his Heal staff to mend Larvesta's wounds. Meanwhile, Froakie goes up to his leader to speak with him. "Larvesta, you really shouldn't be hogging all the hard work and bloodshed to yourself. You're just going to stress yourself out by doing that."

"I understand, Froakie," Larvesta responds as Trevenant refreshes him. "Still, I am the one running this operation, so naturally, it stands to reason that I should be the one leading the charge above all others."

Froakie sighs. "If you insist… Still, I do hope you take my warning into account. Our team would be completely lost if something were to happen to you."

"Yeah. Thanks for your concern, Froakie," Larvesta remarks. After a bit, Trevenant finishes his healing, and Larvesta is ready to journey deeper into the cavern. "Alright, you two. Let's get going!"

As Larvesta makes his way deeper into the dungeon, he reaches Golbat's post. The large-mouthed bat announces his presence to Larvesta by clashing his lance against his opponent's sword. "Hmph. Looks like you're the one the Sin of Greed is looking for."

"If he was looking for one Larvesta of Team Valiant, then yes, that would be me," Larvesta confirms.

"I must say, you have to be quite the seeker to make your way down into this dump," Golbat acknowledges. He and Larvesta clash their weapons again as they speak.

"Heh, it was no biggie. One of my soldiers noticed the way down here wasn't sealed in properly, and that's how I ended up here," Larvesta remarks. "Or are you trying to say there's nothing of value down here?"

"If you're looking for the head honcho himself, you're out of luck," Golbat informs his opponent. "He's down the way you decided not to investigate."

"Well, that's fine with me," Larvesta strikes back. "I was planning on heading over there when I finished cleaning house with your group."

"Were you, now?" Golbat asks. "I don't think his goons down here are-" Another clash of blades interrupts Golbat's sentence. "-going to give you that opportunity!"

"Well then, in that case, I'll just have to force my way there!" Larvesta retorts.

"Are you sure you're up to the task?" Golbat asks, hoping to pierce through Larvesta's confidence as well as his blade. "Do you have any idea who you are up against?"

"Do you think a title is all it takes to deter me?" Larvesta asks. "I've already endured facing one Deadly Sin. What makes you think I can't take another?"

"Regardless, the Sin of Greed is still no pushover," Golbat warns, as his weapon clashes with Larvesta's. "It would be wise to turn back if you value your life, little insect."

Another clash of blades. "You know, I've only just met you and already you've said more than a majority of the goons my team has fended off so far," Larvesta jokes.

Golbat retaliates. "Well, you know what they say," *shing* "Silence speaks volumes!"

Larvesta retorts back. "If you don't want a blade through that huge mouth of yours," *clang* "You think I could maybe convince you to stand down!?"

This statement causes Golbat to take a step back. "S-Stand down, huh?"

"Ah, I see. There's that doubt you were trying to wring out of me," Larvesta remarks. "Do you really believe working with these monsters is the best course of action?"

Golbat growls and turns to the side.

"Golbat, you have a chance to support a better cause," Larvesta proposes. "If you will aid me in defeating the Sin of Greed, I will make sure your good deed is honored."

Golbat thinks for a moment before speaking up. "Do you truly believe you can survive against the evils of this land? It is not just the Sin of Greed who is spreading agony to these people. There are countless others like him in this world who commit numerous atrocities against the innocent."

"And that is why I have decided to step up and protect these people from their oppressors. You can turn your life around by allying with me and bringing justice to these wrongdoers!" Larvesta proclaims. "What do you say?"

After another moment of lamenting, Golbat comes to a decision. "In that case, I will make an offer. I will allow you to pass through to the lowest portion of this path. If you can free the victims of the one residing in this chamber, I will turncoat and join your cause. What do you say, Larvesta?"

"…You have a deal," Larvesta accepts.

"Very well. I hope I will not come to regret my decision," Golbat says as he stands down. As he stands aside, the remaining units reunite with Larvesta.

"Ah, I see you all made it down here safe and sound," says a relieved Larvesta.

"It was no biggie," Mienfoo proclaims. "Carnivine and that spider mage helped me out, so we were able to make our way through no problem."

"Snivy and I managed to clean house on our end as well!" Tepig boasts. "Those goons never stood a chance!"

Golbat examines the soldiers Larvesta has brought with him as they exchange notes with one another. "Ah, I see you managed to amass quite the army to your name as well. I should have known Team Valiant would be quite the powerhouse in scope. Perhaps you stand a chance, after all…"

"Do not worry, Golbat. I will relinquish these poor souls from Persian's greed, and then work to protect this land from those who would cause trouble," Larvesta proclaims.

"Very well. Best of luck with your endeavor," Golbat says. Team Valiant ventures past Golbat's post.

Shortly down the path, Mienfoo suddenly speaks up. "Umm… Are you sure we can trust that guy…? I mean, he looked like a higher ranking soldier for the Sin of Greed. Not exactly someone who would just let us proceed without some ulterior motive."

"I wouldn't worry too much about him," says Froakie. "Though they fought for a bit, Larvesta did… somehow… manage to convince him to stand down." He sighs before continuing. "For once, I didn't see the barbaric sadism in that Golbat person that I usually sense in these monsters… and Oshawott."

Having experienced Oshawott's delinquency first hand, Mienfoo did not need to speak up to display her agreement with Froakie's last remark.

Now at the nadir of the cavern, Larvesta's crew face off against the one in charge, Swoobat. "So, Team Valiant actually shows their faces down here," Swoobat notes. "No matter, I'll have you all shish-kabobed at the end of my spear!" Swoobat swings his sword at one of Larvesta's teammates at random, landing a noticeable hit on Spinarak. Spinarak winces and takes a step back.

"I take it you're the one in charge of this place?" Larvesta asks Swoobat.

"Yeah, that would be me. Good old Sin of Greed's loyal slave manager," Swoobat coldly confirms.

"As I am sure you are aware, I have come to defeat your leader. He has committed a number of inexcusable acts that I cannot let slide by," Larvesta notes.

"And what? Do you expect me to give him a slap on the wrist for it?" Swoobat asks. "Naw, that's for self-righteous twerps. I'm out for blood!"

"Then I take it I can't reason with you?" Larvesta asks. "How unfortunate. In that case, I will have to strike you down!"

"Bah! Do your worst, feeble insect!" Swoobat taunts. He charges at Larvesta with his might, landing a hit on the Torch Pokémon, but Larvesta manages to retaliate with a blow from his sword as well.

"Let me help!" Froakie shouts. He sends out a throwing dagger at Swoobat, dealing a critical hit on the enemy. Swoobat is quick to return fire, however, and lands his own attack on the thief.

Spinarak recovers from Swoobat's previous attack and chants his Wind spell, landing another direct hit on Swoobat.

Carnivine focuses on the battle from behind and takes aim at his foe. His focus true, he launches an arrow at his foe, dealing the finishing blow.

"Grrr… You righteous little… Persian will have your… blood for this…" Swoobat says. With his defeat, Team Valiant wins the skirmish.

Just then, Golbat makes his way down to the scene of the fight. He sees Larvesta and his team triumphant over the thugs in control of the area. "Well, I must say. You performed well, taking on Swoobat and the gang."

"In all honesty, Team Valiant is still in its infancy," Larvesta notes. "Though, as time goes on, I do hope for it to become a force more people can look up to."

"You are an ambitious young man, Larvesta," Golbat notes. "Though, do be warned. Desires like that can easily corrupt once noble people into heartless monsters."

"As I've heard," Larvesta acknowledges. "I imagine some of the Deadly Sins became who they are today from similar wants?"

"I cannot say for certain about them," Golbat notes "…but for now, I believe I can trust you in your current predicament."

"Thank you, Golbat. Your help is appreciated," Larvesta replies.

Suddenly, Cacnea runs up to Larvesta to give him a message. "L-Larvesta! We've got a problem!"

Larvesta turns his attention towards Cacnea, just as surprised. "What!? What is it, Cacnea?"

"Lilligant's… Lilligant's army is here…!" Cacnea warns.

"L-Lilligant!?" shouts a surprised Larvesta. "Down here!?"

Rapidash explains to Larvesta the predicament. "While we were monitoring the entrance to this hidden cavern, Cacnea noticed some troops bearing a familiar emblem - That of our greatest foe, Lady Lilligant."

"I know I am not mistaken, for I too once bore the emblem I had spotted," Cacnea clarifies.

"Excuse me, did you just say 'Lady Lilligant'?" Golbat asks.

"Yes. And who might you be?" Cacnea asks.

"I am Golbat, ex-servant of the Sin of Greed," Golbat introduces. "I was forced into this position against my will, though my strength and tenacity has earned me a special position amongst his ranks."

Rapidash looks at Golbat with a doubtful expression. He silently questions Larvesta's choice to allow yet another member of the enemy into Team Valiant.

"You need not worry about me turning coat back to Persian," Golbat assures. "Larvesta has proved himself capable of going toe to toe with people like the Sin of Greed and Lady Lilligant. I trust that, even if Lilligant's troops force their way into our battle, we can fight back against them as well."

Just then, Mienfoo chimes in to the discussion. "Still, facing off against both armies at once, one led by the man in charge… I imagine this will be a tough battle…"

"You know, no one is forcing you to attend the fight. If you'd like, you can sit this one out," Rapidash mockingly suggests.

Mienfoo looks away from Rapidash. "No. I promised Larvesta I would fight alongside him against the Sin of Greed. I am not about to go back on my word."

"Hmpf. Very well. In that case, let us return to the entrance to his chambers and prepare for our next battle," Rapidash requests. On his word, Team Valiant, now accompanied by Golbat, follows him back to where they left off.

Before they can go far, however, a child appears, telling them to wait.

"Hm? A child?" Larvesta wonders.

Golbat recognizes them as the child from before. "It's you. Something on your mind?"

"So, it looks like you're turning against the Sin of Greed, after all," the kid says, relieved that Golbat is making the right decision.

"...Indeed, I am," Golbat confirms.

"In that case, you think you could show the others that treasure you have?" the kid asks.

"Hm? You mean this?" Golbat gets out a stone shard and shows it to the others.

Snivy immediately recognizes what Golbat is holding. "Oh, hey! Tepig and I found one of those shards, too! I think they're meant to be for a promotional seal?"

"Huh? So you mean that shard is another piece!?" Larvesta asks.

Golbat is surprised to hear Snivy recognizing his treasure, as not even he was aware of its true nature before now. "A promotional seal…?" he contemplates. "Hmm… But it's still only a fraction of the entire seal."

"Hey, Golbat, could I borrow that treasure please?" Larvesta asks.

"If you think it's that important, I don't see why not," Golbat accepts. With that, he hands the shard to Larvesta.

Larvesta tries connecting Golbat's shard with the one Tepig and Snivy found earlier, and manages to stick the two together. "Well, what do you know, they really are part of the same seal. This tides well for us," he comments.

"Good luck, Golbat! You make that Sin of Greed pay for what he's done to us!" the child eggs Golbat on.

"Sure thing," Golbat responds. Team Valiant continues their way to the Sin of Greed, now with a new resolve.

Upon returning to the entrance to the Sin of Greed's throne, Larvesta's mind thinks about the upcoming battle. "A three-way battle royale, huh…? What will become of this next encounter?"

And so, Larvesta's army has conquered what lies in the depths of the Sin of Greed's secret vault. With nearly all of the Fossil Excavation scavenged, all that remains is to confront the Sin of Greed, Persian, himself at his throne. Though Larvesta has already managed to clash blades with one Deadly Sin, the second will not be an easy foe for him to strike down. Not only that, but a group of soldiers bearing the banner of Lady Lilligant is also set to join the frey, according to Cacnea's report. With his latest ally, Golbat, at his side, Larvesta works his way back to the entrance to approach Persian's lair and engage in his next big war. Whether Larvesta will be able to defeat his greedy enemy, no one can tell until the battle's conclusion…

-TO BE CONTINUED-