Episode 457: Zest the Warrior of Light
About a day had passed since Sora has won his Gym battle against Clay, so Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Cilan, Iris, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, and Axew all start their journey towards Mistralton City for Sora's next Gym battle.
"I can't thank you enough for letting me come along on your journey," Karen said.
"Well, you wanted to meet mom in person, so I thought I would give it to you. Besides, you deserve to be part of the family," Sora said.
"And I appreciate it," Karen said.
As the group continued on towards Mistralton City, the group made a stop over to a quiet spot, but as they were relaxing, they heard a familiar shriek. They saw it was Bianca coming towards them.
"Outta my way! Outta my way! Outta my way! Outta my way!" Bianca shouted as she's running.
"Bianca, stop!" Sora called out. It was too late because Bianca rammed into him and he slams into a tree. "Why the hell does this always happen?"
"Sora!" Kairi and Karen gasped as they ran up to him. Bianca saw gasped when she saw him.
"Oh my gosh, I'm so very, very sorry, Sora! I didn't see you there!" Bianca said. She spots Karen with them. "Huh? Karen?"
"Hi Bianca," Karen said.
"You know each other?" Cilan asked.
"Yeah. Bianca and I knew each other when we were little. Anyway, Binca, how are you? Is your dad still on your case about being a trainer?" Karen asked.
"No, because he finally accepted that I am capabale of making my own desicions in life. It was thanks to Elesa who stepped in," Bianca said. "But I am curious to know what are you doing here."
"You wouldn't believe it, but Sora and I met each other in Driftveil CIty and we found out that we're brother and sister," Karen said. Bianca gasped in surprise.
"What?! You and Sora are related to each other?! And I thought Sora just had two girlfriends!" Bianca said.
"Why would you think that?!" Kairi and Karen exclaimed.
"At least she didn't drag me and Iris into the mix," Aqua said.
"Why were you in such a hurry, Bianca?" Terra asked.
"Oh, I was going to meet up with Professor Juniper over in Charge Stone Cave. It is said that it is home to Joltik, Galvantula, Tynamo, Eelektrik, Eelektross. There are also Blitzle and Zebstrika living around there as well," Bianca explained.
"Professor Juniper is there?" Sora asked.
"Uh-huh. Hilbert and Hilda are coming along as well," Bianca said. And perfect timing, Hilbert and Hilda show up.
"Guys!" Hilbert said.
"Hilbert!" Sora said.
"Hilda!" Kairi greeted.
"It's good to see you," Hilbert said. He noticed Karen with the group. "Hey Karen. What brings you here?"
"About that," Sora said.
The group explained to Hilbert and Hilda that Sora and Karen are brother and sister, so Karen joined up with them to meet Sora's mom for real after getting a DNA test to confirm it.
"I never would have imagined you and Sora would be related, Karen!" Hilda said.
"It was after finding out that I was adopted. I didn't want to believe it at first, but it turns out to be true," Karen said.
"I'm actually happy for you, Karen," Hilda said.
"Just how do you know each other?" Iris asked.
"Hilbert, Hilda, Cheren, Karen, and I all were friends in our childhood. We went to different schools. We went to a coed school while Karen was at an all girls school. We still played together," Bianca explained.
"You can say that we grew up together," Hilbert said.
"Cheren would be really surprised when he hears this," Hilda said.
"He would be," Karen agreed. "Say, Sora, you said that you and I are descended from knights, just you happen to know any stories about our ancestors?"
"I would know. It was something my mom told me when I was little, but it was a long time ago," Sora said.
"I would like to hear it," Karen said.
"Me too, me too!" Ventus said.
"Ven, you heard the story before," Aqua said.
"What story?" Iris asked.
"You mean a story of Sir Aaron? I would love to hear about it," Cilan said.
"That's not the one I'm talking about. The story I'm going to share with you took place way before Sir Aaron's time. It is the tale of Zest," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Zest? Who's that?" Hilbert asked.
"Zest is Sir Aaron's great-great-great-great-great grandfather. Like I said, it takes place long before Sir Aaron," Sora started.
(Flashback)
We have a look centuries back. The people and Pokémon were going about their daily lives.
"It was a time of knights in the kingdom of Cornelia. And among those knights was Garland. Garland was the strongest of Cornelia's knights. He was well respected for his leadership skills, as well as for his strength and power," Sora narrated. Garland is a knight wearing platnium armor with horns on either side. He wore a purple cape and has a sword seathed on his right hip. "They said that Garland was so powerful, he could shatter a Steelix's coating like it was nothing but glass. They even said that he led an attack on a band of pirates when they invaded a village by the sea. The other knights respected him greatly, but none did more than Zest. He was the youngest squire to be trained at the age of eight. He dreamed of being a knight just like his father before him." Zest is a young man around his late teens. He has red hair. He also wore red armor, and has the same kind of necklace as Sora and his male family members. "Things were going well for everyone; that is until one day. He decided that he was better suited to rule as the king of Cornelia. When that happened, he saw no one as his equal and he set off to build a small army, but his plan was foiled on the eve of his assault. Zest was among the knights who arrested him. The king would have had Garland executed, but the rogue knight was instead banished, along with those loyal to him." Garland is in chains. His restraints are undone.
"Mark my words, you foolish king! I will return, and then I will take your kingdom from you! And then you will kneel before me!" Garland threated. The king simply pointed forward. Garland and his small army marched forward.
"After a while, everyone forgot about the threat and moved on with their lives. Zest wasn't so sure because he knew they hadn't seen the last of Garland," Sora narrated.
(Flashback ends)
Everyone were hanging on to his every word since Sora was telling it well.
"That is a tale aged so well, Sora," Cilan said.
"Did Garland ever come back like you said he would?" Karen asked.
"He did. But it was just several years later," Sora said.
(Flashback)
It was a short time since Garland was banished. He and his followers were wondering the land aimlessy. They all slowly died off.
"One by one, his small army all died, until only Garland himself was left alive. Whenever someone or something would come his way, he would not hesitate to kill whatever and whoever it was," Sora narrated as some bandits tried to rob him, only to end up meeting their ends by Garland's sword. He even came across a large animal and killed it for its meat. He spent years wondering around the world and plan his moves carefully. "He planned carefully until one day, he saw the right opportuniy to move." He has made a brand new army. "Garland has made a new army. His plan of attack came as he sent his spies into the castle of Cornelia and spy on the royal family. So they kidnapped the next heir to the throne, Princess Sarah. Garland has returned to the kingdom much to everyone's displeasure."
The king approached the former knight of Cornelia with rage in his eyes. The gaurds all surround him and pointed their spears at him.
"If you move, then you're dead, traitor!" A guard said.
"How dare you return to the palace!" The king hissed. "You know the penalty for you return, Garland!"
"Kill me and you will never see your precise daughter again!" Garland said. The king froze.
"What do you mean? Explain yourself!" The king demanded.
"I am responsible for your daughter's abduction, and if you value her life, then you shall heed me," Garland said. The king had no choice but t hear him, so he raised his hand.
"Release him," the king ordered. The guards all removed their spears and backed away.
"I'm the only one who knows where she is. And if I am diead, then she will be as well. I have ordered my men to execute her if I had not returned by sunset," Garland said.
"What is it that you want, Garland? You can have just about anything you want. Just please don't harm my daughter," the king pleaded.
"I knew you would listen to reason. What I want is the kingdom of Cornelia handed over to me. There shall be conditions to my rule. I shall return with your answer," Garland said.
"Garland knew all too well that the king valued the lives of his family more than he valued his kingdom and his own life; and he knew that he would do just about anything to keep them safe, even if he didn't agree to it, but the king was given a very little choice in the matter," Sora narrated.
"Very well. You shall have your answer within a week," the king said.
"Good. I shall return," Garland said. Garland took his leave. The king just sighed.
"His advisors tried to reconsider his decision of handing his kingdom to Garland, but he didn't care just as long he got his daughter back," Sora narrated.
"Your majesty, please reconsider! You know as well as I that Garland will only make our people suffer if you agree with this!" The chamberman said.
"Yes I do, but if I don't agree with this, then he will kill her. I will not sacrifice Sarah's life," the king said.
"But, your majesty," the chamberman said.
"My daughter's life is far more important than anything! I have no choice to hand over my kingdom to him," the king stated.
"The chamberman knew the king was right, but he had to think of something. The chamberman asked for the aide of Zest. Zest was the only one who couldn't allow it to stand," Sora narrated.
"Sir Zest, our kingdom is in dire need of help!" The chamberman said.
"And what can I do to assist?" Zest asked.
"As you know, Princess Sarah has been taken prisoner. The one behind it was Garland," the chamberman said. Zest sighed.
"I knew he will not stay gone for long. How dare he return here!" Zest said.
"Which is why I have made this proposition for you. His majesty is considering to surrender his kingdom to Garland, and you're the only one who can save us all!" The chamberman said. Zest looked at him and knew how bad it was for Cornelia to be under Garland's rule.
"Zest accepted the chance to save the kingdom, so he had to gather a band of knights to rescue her before something could happen to her. So, Zest and his band of knights stood before the king to begin their mission," Sora narrated.
"Your majesty, we ask that you reconsider handing the kingdom over to Garland and grant us this task in rescuing the princess," Zest requested.
"You? How do you plan to save my daughter?" The king asked.
"Your majesty, we have foiled Garland's plot to overthrow you; and he plans to execute you and the royal family even if you had agreed to his terms," Zest said.
"This will not be an easy task, so I cannot risk the safety of you nor my daughter's," the king said.
"We are in service to you and the people, your majesty. We are willing to put our own lives in danger to do so," Zest said. The king looked down to the ground and sighed.
"Very well. I shall grant you this task. Tread carefully. I ask that you bring her back safely," the king said. Zest drew his sword and kneeled before the king.
"I vow by this blade that I will not return until she is safely returned," Zest said.
"The king has allowed Zest and his band to go on the rescue mission. The knights all bid farewell to their families since they knew that not many of them will be able to come back alive. Zest bid farewell to his wife and sons, and led his forces to find Garland's hiding place. They had to move fast since time was against them," Sora narrated. The knights hugged their families goodbye, knowing they will leave behind widows and orphans. They rode on the backs of Rapidash and dashed off to find the kidnapped princess. A hooded figure hid in the shadows and observed the whole thing. "No one has suspected that Garland has left one of his spies behind to spy on the kingdom and report his findings. Garland knew that they would try anything to rescue her despite Garland's proposal. The spy passed the news to the other spies unitl it has reached Garland himself."
Garland sat in his throne as he drank some wine when the reports of Zest and his squad coming towards them.
"Are you sure?" Garland asked.
"Affirmative, m'lord. They are searching for us even as we speak," a hooded man spoke.
"I knew they would retaliate. But they shall not get far. Send our men out to intercept them. Make certain they do not reach this place," Garland commanded.
"As you command, m'lord," the hooded man said. Garland grinned evilly.
"They will not get far. They are fools to come and challenge me," Garland said.
(Flashback ends)
"That Garland must be a real jerk having to do something like that," Iris said.
"Garland was just plain drunk on power. He didn't care whose toes he stomped on. He would even sell out his own mother to get what he wants," Terra said.
"Garland was an incredibly evil man. There was nothing he wouldn't do," Aqua said.
"Anyway, what else happened after that, Sora?" Hilbert asked.
(Flashback)
"Zest and his followers rode off through the land to find Garland and the princess when they were ambushed by Garland's forces," Sora narrated as arrows are fired upon them. The arrows pierced some of the Rapidash and knights, killing them as others has raised up their shileds. The archers ceased fire as they charged right at the Cornelian knights. The knights countered and fought them off. "They managed to defeat the attacking forces even they had suffered some casualties. Those who were left alive were taken as prisoners, while leaving the dead and dying behind. They searched hard for days, and time was running out fast. They were joined by warriors from other kingdoms to assist in the search. Those kingdoms were victimized by Garland's army, killing most of their people." The warriors were mostly men and women while there were Pokémon fighting along with them.
"Sir Zest of Cornelia, we request that we join your for your cause. We have suffered greatly because of Garland, so we ask for the chance for justice," a warrior spoke.
"You are welcome to join, my friends," Zest said.
"With that said, the army marched on towards Garland's fortress, revealed to them by their prisoners. There were times that they were attacked by Garland's army, but they managed to push on forward. And most of their prisoners were killed along with some of the warriors and Pokémon," Sora narrated. Swords are clashing as spears are attempting to pierce on through the shileds. A Rhyhorn plows through them as a mace struck a Pinsir and a knight is inpaled by an axe in the chest. Some of the enemy soldiers attempted to strike at Zest, but he has overpowered them and killed them. "They managed to drive off the remaining attacking forces, but they knew they were going to be back. They had to work fast to find Princess Sarah and fast. In a search that has taken them six days to find, their search was over. They saw how heavily guarded it was. Zest knew he wasn't going to make it easy for them."
And he was right because there were gaurds at every inch of the fortress, from the gates to the towers. Fortunatley, they had the weather by their side, so they had to make it count.
"Sir Zest, we are ready to attack when you are," a knight said.
"We attack tonight," Zest said.
"Zest provided a plan to catch Garland and his followers off guard. They offered a cart full of meats and wine for a feast to celebrate Garland's triumph," Sora narrated. Zest and the rest all hid in the wagons are being pulled by two Rhyhorn. Two of the guards pointed their spears at them.
"Who go there?" One of the guards asked.
"We are just humble travelers, hearing of the greatness of Garland. We offer him these meats and wine in his honor," the disguised warrior said. They inspected the wagons and saw it was filled with meat and wine like they said.
"Very well. You may enter," the second guard said.
With that said, they entered inside.
"Zest's plan to infiltrate the fortress went better than he thought, so they began to eat and drink to celebrate Garland's victory. All but Garland himself were present. Just when they were drunk on the wine, Zest and the rest of his party sprung into action and attacked," Sora narrated. Garland stepped into the courtyard.
"What is going on?!" Garland exlcaimed. He saw that they were fighting and grolwed as he saw Zest. "Damn you! I knew all too well that weak king wouldn't surrender his kingdom so easily, especially after I have taken his daughter as my hostage! But I should have known you would show up!"
"It's over, Garland! You won't have your victory!" Zest said.
"How wrong and foolish you are!" Garland said, drawing out two swords. They began to fight by clashing their blades. A few of the warriors tried to strike at Garland, only to meet their ends by Garland's blades. The same can be said for the Pokémon that has tried.
"Both Zest and Garland fought fiercely. There were others who tried to take on Garland same as Zest, but not one of them were a match for him," Sora narrated.
"Garland fights like a demon," a warrior said.
"Worse than a demon, he is the Devil himself!" Another warrior said.
Garland and Zest kept up the fighting all through the fortress. Zest has managed to knock a sword out of his hand, only to be smacked by his free hand. Garland then lands a punch. Zest rolls on his back as Garland attempts to stab him with his remaining sword. Zest dodges as the sword came down. Zest got back up as the rogue knight swings his sword, but ducked, making a spark against a wall. Zest lands a punch onto him, but Garland grabs him and threw him down. Garland swung his sword in order to strike him down, but Zest blocks with his sword. They locked into each other. Garland swings at his arm, cutting his right arm. They kept up the clashes.
"You were our finest knight, Garland. Years ago, you valued honor above all else. You were the best of us until you have become corrupt beyond redemption!" Zest shouted as he swung his sword. Garland blocks it with his sword.
"Honor is a sign of weakness," Garland cruelly spat. "I am above meaningless principles as honor and compassion. Those who fight for honor are doomed to die in disgrace."
"You are wrong! There is no weakness in honor! You used to know that! You would have given your life for the people! Why turn your back on them?!" Zest asked.
"I turned my back on the weak! Those who cannot fight for themselves are not fit to survive in this world! The world is for the strong to rule! Life breathes death, so in order to survive, the strong must kill the weak! And I will survive by killing you!" Garland said. He brought up his sword to finish Zest off, but Zest fought back and gave him a kick in the gut.
"You are truly lost, Garland. Is this why you kidnapped the princess and tried to take over? You are nothing more than a power mad tyrant!" Zest said.
"Am I?" Garland asked.
"Yes. As long as there is the strong, there will always be the weak. The strong is to protect the weak, not to kill them! That is what seperates us from our enemies. A knight is sworn to valor. Our words speaks only truth, to use arms to defend the helpless, to use might to uphold the weak. Our hearts knows only virtue, and our wrath will strike down the wicked!" Zest proclaimed.
"Garland fought hard as he could. He had to find a way to cheat his way to victory, so he went for the dungeon to get to his hostage," Sora narrated. They kept up the fight all throughout the fortress. Garland makes a getaway. He heads for the dungeon to retrieve the kidnapped princess. Zest seaches for Garland. "Garland figured he would use the princess as his own personal shield, so he went down to the dungeon and threatened to kill her if he didn't do what he said."
"Face me, you coward!" Zest shouted. After searching for a few minutes, Garland reveals himself, holding the sword close to the princess's neck. "Princess!"
"Drop your sword or else I kill the princess!" Garland demanded. The princess was too scared to speak. Zest growled as he dropped his sword. "You have made a wise choice, Zest."
"I never thought you would sink so low to use her as a shiled. You snake!" Zest hissed.
"I merely took your weakness and used it to my own advantage. With the princess as my own shield, I have nothing to fear; not even you," Garland gloated. A knight aimed his arrow right at Garland's shoulder and fired right at his shoulder. The arrow struck Garland, making him let go of his hostage. Princess Sarah ran as Zest grabbed his sword and swings it. Garland blocks with his own sword. "No! I was so close!"
"You are finished, Garland!" Zest shouted. He lunged right at Garland. Despite his injury, he was still able to fight with all his might. The fight continued on through the fortress right to the roof. They took a stance as they glared right at each other. "It's over, Garland! Your reign of evil has ended before it has begun! Your age of oppression shall never see the light of day! You have lost!"
"No! No, no, no, no! You will die!" Garland shouted as he charged right at Zest. They clashed their blades again. Zest presses on with all of his strength and he manages to push back Garland right towards the edge. Zest realized what he did, so he tried to save him, only to fall to his apparent death.
"It was right there that Garland had fallen to his death," Sora narrated. He walked down the stairs to see the survivors and they cheered for their victory. Zest raised his sword.
"Garland is dead!" Zest proclaimed.
"And with Garland dead, the kingdom was safe and sound. With Princess Sarah safely returned, Zest was made a hero to the people of Cornelia. His wife and sons were proud of him the most. They mourned the knights who has died during the mission and the battle that came with it. All those that followed Garland all have fled never to be seen again," Sora narrated.
(Flashback ends)
"Songs were being sung in his honor as Zest has ended Garland's reign of terror before it even started. And that's that," Sora concluded.
"Gets better every time I hear it," Kairi said, smiling.
"Eevee," Angel said.
Kairi remembered hearing it for the first time when the Alolan nine were traveling with them. The same can be said for the Digimon when they were in Sinnoh. Kairi was holding on to every word, remembering every word Sora spoke. Karen was awestruck by the story her brother has shared with her and she loved it just as much as Kairi did.
"Well told, Sora," Cilan said.
"That was a good story," Bianca said.
"It was so awesome," Hilbert said.
"I'm amazed that you were able to tell it like you did," Hilda said.
"You and me both," Meowth said.
"I find it hard to believe that Zest guy was your ancestor, Sora," Iris said.
"And mine as well. I'm glad that I got to hear it," Karen said.
"That story was told by my familiy for many generations from Zest's sons and onward. Zest was known as the Warrior of Light as Garland was called the Warrior of Darkness. It was a real clash of light and darkness between the two of them, so good was able to defeat evil," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Say, weren't we supposed to meet with Professor Juniper now?" Hilda asked. Bianca gasped in realization
"Oh! You're right! We'll have to get going!" Bianca said.
"Hey, you don't mind if we tag along, don't you?" Sora asked.
"Not at all! Come on!" Hilbert said.
Joining Hilbert, Hilda, and Bianca t meet with Professor Juniper, Sora, Kairi, Karen, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Cilan, Iris, Pikachu, Angel, Meowth, and Axew all start making their way towards the Charge Cave to meet with Professor Juniper. And this is where we will end the chapter. And please wait for the next chapter.