"A mass Luxray culling?!" Melli shot up from his mat, staring at Adaman in complete shock.
"That's what Kamado and Irida decided on." Adaman croaked. Attempting to clear his throat didn't help much. He still had trouble projecting, though his message was loud enough for everyone to hear.
"And you agreed?!"
"I wasn't there, Remember?" The clan leader rubbed his temples. This wasn't the first time he'd gone over the news, but Melli would make him repeat it until everything made sense.
Because none of this made any sense!
"I-I agree with Melli on this one."
Both men snapped their necks towards the speaker. A very uncomfortable Iscan sat twiddling his fingers together. He gulped at all the sudden attention.
"I-I mean… What good will a mass culling do? People have died to Luxrays before. They are well known for being aggressive."
"It's because this Luxray, or Luxrays, are going out of their way to hunt humans. We used to know the safe areas based on the borders of their territory. If they are actively seeking out and murdering people though, the Galaxy Team will put an end to it."
Iscan nodded, looking down at the floorboards, still nervous.
"Wait, I didn't know Luxrays even lived in the Mirelands. Do they, Arezu?" Sabi paused, waiting for the redhead to answer. Instead Arezu stared down at her lap, forcing her expression to stay neutral. Sabi scratched her chin and shrugged. "Anyway, are they sure it isn't another Pokémon?"
"I've only been told the damage found on the corpse matched the attack patterns of a Luxray. If they have any other evidence to guarantee it is a Luxray attack, I don't know."
Everyone went quiet after that. Nobody else had any objections.
Except for one.
And he was mad.
"But I know which one is hunting humans!" Melli barked. "There is no need to kill the other wild Luxrays!"
"Irida tried to explain that, but our previous search efforts ended in- i-in vain-" Adaman shut his eyes, letting out a loud cough. He looked back up to Melli tiredly, frowning. "There's a chance it wasn't actually Man Eater-"
"Are you saying I'm a liar?!"
"No, but mistaken identity does happen, and there could be more than one i-involved-" He stopped, face contorting with several more strained coughs into his arm. Horrible and deep, like he was hacking up a lung.
Melli found sympathising very difficult.
He still couldn't believe it.
Their leader wasn't going to try stopping this!
"So we are just going along with this madness? We are sending our people out to murder innocent Pokémon?!"
"What do you want me to do about it?!" Adaman snapped. "Do you have a master plan to finally catch Man Eater once and for all?! Because I am open to any ideas!"
"I don't know! But killing all these Pokémon isn't the answer!"
"You go and tell that to Kamado then! Because I'm sure he'll love to hear straight from the 'Great Melli' why staying on standby until more deaths happen-"
"Both of you calm down!" Mai shouted. "We don't have many options-"
"You work in the same territory as Luxrays! Just like I do! Yet you're okay with this?!" He turned to face her, the woman unable to meet his harsh gaze.
"Of course I don't agree, but everything else we've done so far hasn't worked."
Melli barely held back a curse.
This was completely insane!
He couldn't believe everyone, even Mai, was going along with this! Hunting down a single Luxray was one thing, but these were a bunch of innocent Pokémon. The one they wanted had such a distinct look too. It couldn't just hide with the general population. Not without being spotted.
Unless the rumours were true…
He hadn't wanted to believe it, but when he first saw Snowflake in that Luxray's mouth, it was like seeing a ghost. A spiteful creature staring like it wanted to slaughter him too.
Finish the job it couldn't do all those years ago.
Was… was Man Eater truly a ghost?
A vengeful spirit like a Zoroark?
It was gone for so many years. The only things that changed since then were the appearance of Skyfallers, and-
"The Frenzies…" Melli whispered. He hadn't even considered the possibility before, but it seemed so obvious now. Of course their god would be disappointed in what the clans have done.
"W-what if the Almighty Sinnoh is punishing us for quelling the Frenzies?"
Adaman grumbled unintelligibly, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I've told you a hundred times. Calming the frenzied Nobles is necessary."
"And why is it necessary?! For all we know it really was a divine gift from the Great Sinnoh! What if he's displeased by our actions?!"
"Melli! That's enough!" Adaman stood up, trying to stare Melli down despite being over a foot shorter. "You're causing unnecessary stress!"
"I'm voicing a very valid concern! We need to try making amends for this!"
"We aren't making amends for anything, because we never went against Sinnoh!"
"But what if Melli is right?" Arezu whispered. Adaman's mouth fell open in shock. Melli was speechless too.
Out of all the Wardens here, the last person he expected to side with him was Arezu.
"I-I thought my Lady was suffering in her frenzied state, but what if I was wrong…" a shaking hand covered her mouth, face morphing in fresh horror. "The attack was on my side of the Mirelands… w-what if Man Eater's spirit was sent there to punish me, and it killed another woman by accident…?"
Mai squeezed Arezu's shoulder, hoping to reassure her. "Let's not jump to conclusions."
"B-but I was out patrolling when that attack happened…" Her voice grew raspy, trying to fight back tears. "It… it was supposed to be me who died! Not that lost Galaxy Scout!"
Mai pulled Arezu into a reassuring hug, the woman gripping her shirt tightly as the only lifeline she had. Unable to hold back her guilt any longer, she sobbed.
"I-it makes sense though…" Iscan's fists trembled, fear plastered all over his face.
"T-that first attack earlier this year… it happened on Warden Ingo's side of the Highlands… but it attacked that other Skyfaller. What if Ingo was supposed to be the target?" His pupils turned to pinpricks, sweat beading on his shaved head. "Our Almighty Sinnoh is targeting Wardens that helped quell the Lords! What if Palina is next?!"
"Or you could be next." Sabi chimed.
"How are you so calm about this?!"
"If it is really targeting Wardens that helped quell The Freny, I haven't contributed one way or the other yet. As long as I don't help, I'll be safe." She shrugged. "I fear it's too late for everyone else."
"That's enough!" Adaman shouted, stamping his foot on the ground getting everyone focused. The trembling floorboards even got Arezu to calm, her loud sobbing being forcefully held back as quiet hiccups. "It is NOT after Wardens! It attacked that child in Jubilife, remember? There are NO vengeful Luxray spirits!"
Melli gasped with fresh realization.
A child.
Jubilife Village.
"It was after Akari for quelling the Lords! Man Eater really is-"
A hard uppercut to the jaw made him stagger, heated pain exploding through his chin. Shakily gripping his face, Melli slowly looked down to see Adaman breathing heavily, glaring at him with pure rage.
"I. Said. ENOUGH."
Mai, Iscan, Arezu, and Sabi stared silently, mouths gaping open. Skuntank and Leafeon were equally shocked, too stunned to move.
Melli couldn't move either.
This was so far from the realm of possibilities. His brain refused to process any of it, but there he was, standing with a sore mouth while Adaman had a fist still raised looking ready for more.
"W-what-"
"You are scaring everyone and making this far harder, like you ALWAYS DO!" Adaman snarled, eyes never leaving Melli's. "You were so much easier to deal with when you DIDN'T TALK! Either shut up and sit down, or LEAVE!"
Nobody moved.
Nobody breathed.
All Melli could really understand was the pain in his jaw.
And chest.
His eyes were now burning, lip starting to quiver.
The expression on Adaman's face made it all too clear.
These weren't some false statements said in anger to cause more pain.
He meant every word.
Adaman glanced at his other Wardens when nobody said anything, finally noticing their horrified expressions. Slowly, ever so slowly, his own face shifted from rage to regret.
Melli needed to go.
He'd be stupid to stay any longer where he wasn't wanted.
"… fine. I-if that's how you feel." It barely came out audible. He couldn't believe how weak it sounded, but that was all he could manage.
He was already stomping out the door before anyone tried to stop him, Skuntank right behind.
"M-Melli… Melli, wait!" Adaman shouted, but he ignored them.
He didn't like seeing or hearing Melli, right?
After all, his insecurities and fears were just proven true.
They were entirely warranted.
The man he once thought of as his only real friend for many years, truly saw him as a joke that caused nothing but pain.
His fast walk turned into an all out sprint, unable to hold the tears back.
It was true.
He really was a nuisance.
All of this time.
Becoming more confident and vocal about his opinions. Melli really thought, if he changed and worked hard enough, he could be friends with Adaman again.
What a joke.
He was an absolute joke!
To think Melli actually voiced his fears about this whole mess, and he was simply shut down for it.
How could he be so stupid?!
Everyone turned to stare at him bolting past.
They all thought the same thing.
There goes that loser finally catching onto everyone's real feelings.
It made his chest burn all the more.
He could hear Adaman's voice, shouting for him to stop. Footsteps were following him, but Melli had much longer legs. It wasn't hard to outpace a sick Adaman, rushing into his hut and slamming the door.
Coal jolted with a loud yelp at the noise, smashing his head against the top bunk with an even louder thud. Caboose and Buggy both gave him odd looks, while Snowflake stopped stirring at his friend's sudden appearance.
"Melli? You're back early-" Snowflake turned around, smile faltering at Melli's expression.
Shit.
He forgot about Snowflake in his haste to hide, and now it was too late to escape.
Shit shit shit SHIT SHIT!
"What happened?" Snowflake abandoned the food, turning his full attention to Melli.
"N-not now…" he barely croaked, covering his face and shakily heading towards the bunk bed.
He couldn't get enough air. Every time he tried to inhale his chest would tighten.
He couldn't even manage to climb into bed.
Pathetic.
Collapsing on the other side, Melli curled in on himself and buried his face in his knees, trying to get himself under some semblance of control.
He couldn't be this weak in front of Skuntank.
In front of Adaman.
And especially Snowflake.
Caboose had hopped off of Snowflake's shoulders, rushing to Melli's side, crying with worry. He swatted her ribbons away, not in the mind frame to even try with her.
Her sad chortle made him feel worse.
He couldn't calm down, and now all eyes were on him again.
Worthless.
Snowflake would figure out he's a fraud and not actually great. Then he'd want nothing to do with him anymore.
"… Melli." Snowflake spoke softly.
Not that he made inflections with his voice often, but most of the time his steady tone and cadence came across as borderline condescending.
This time was different.
He sounded genuinely concerned.
"Melli, please tell me what's wrong. Did something-"
Loud banging at the door.
The Warden tensed, hearing Adaman hoarse shouting his name.
"MELLI! OPEN THE DOOR!"
"Is that Adaman? He sounds terrible." The Skyfaller blinked. Melli tried to hide in his hood, but it wasn't big enough.
"MELLI! PLEASE COME OUT! I DIDN'T MEAN IT!"
"Mean what? What is he talking about?" Snowflake looked between Melli and the door, something rolling around in his head.
"I'M SORRY, MELLI! PLEASE COME OUT!"
The banging continued. Melli pulled his hood further over his eyes wanting to disappear. Maybe if yanked hard enough he really could disappear in the fabric.
It was stupid, but he could hope.
Skuntank snarled at the door, wanting them all to leave too, but the pounding continued.
"… Do you wish to be left alone?" Snowflake finally asked. A question Meli was finding impossible to even put into words.
"… Y-y-yes…" it was a weak croak, but his roommate understood. Pulling the hood over his own head and grabbing his cane, Snowflake grabbed a Pokeball from his belt pouch.
"… Coal. Skuntank. Stay with Melli."
Buggy coward behind his human's leg, softly growling in his Vulpix disguise. Caboose stood in front of everyone, ready to protect her human as needed.
Melli curled in on himself more.
He couldn't handle this.
He could never handle anything!
The skunk Pokémon finally abandoned his hissing, nudging Melli trying to get his attention.
He'd take any distraction at this point.
Hugging Skuntank closely, fingers gripping his long coarse fur, breathing in the wet earthy scent all over his Pokemon's body. Coal whimpered and sat at his other side, providing a consistent source of warmth.
He tried focusing on them, attempting to drown out Adaman's voice and Snowflakes heavy footsteps.
He just wanted everyone and everything to leave him alone.
XxxxxxxxxxxxX
"Melli! Come out! Please!" Adaman pounded his fist against the hardwood, not caring how the continued impacts rattled his fingers to near pain.
How could he let that slip!?
Even if Melli was annoying to deal with, he never actually intended to tell him. Now all of his other Wardens were standing behind him, silently watching.
All the built up frustration and stress over the past few months just exploded. He took it out on one of his Wardens and ruined everything.
Careless!
He could hear muffled voices inside, unable to understand any of the words.
He just needed to explain things to Melli and apologize. He could still fix this. It was his job to fix things!
"I can explain! Please!"
The door finally creaked open, but Melli wasn't the one standing before him. Snowflake had his hood up, but the usual bandage over his face was absent. Every scar visible, a criss-crossing of lines looking more like angry Growlithe stripes then scars, and an eye that dropped lower than the other. Adaman hadn't seen his completely uncovered face before, and it was frightening.
With the high collared coat, he made for an intimidating figure.
One eye looked dead, while the other shined with a fierce light. A wicked lopsided smile split his features.
"Snowflake. I need to speak with Melli."
The man didn't answer right away, taking in a deep breath while looking over Adaman's physical state.
"Adaman," Snowflake's voice remained steady. "I consider you a friend, so I will give you one chance to explain. Why did you hurt Melli?"
"I-I didn't mean to! He wouldn't stop talking and scaring everyone else-"
"Why did you hurt Melli?"
"It wasn't intentional-"
"Why did you hurt Melli?"
He kept asking the same question in the exact same way, over and over again.
Adaman didn't have time for this!
How could he fix things when everyone kept getting in the way?!
"I don't know! I know I shouldn't have punched him, or-"
"You laid hands on him too?" Snowflake's voice remained soft, but it adopted a small edge to it.
He didn't mean to make this worse!
"I know that already- I- HACK!" His voice finally gave out, body curling forward in violent coughing. Not falling to his knees out of sheer stubbornness alone.
A large drop of rain hit Adaman's nose, the clouds finally opening up to a downpour.
Snowflake didn't move, or speak. He just watched and waited, under the overhang of his tent.
That knife of a smile never faltering.
"S-Snow," it came out harsh and choppy, vocal chords no longer cooperating. "I-I really need to see Melli. P-please."
Snowflake tilted his head to the side, tongue clicking.
"Who is Snow? I am Snowflake, Melli's friend."
"Snowflake then," Adaman was taken off guard. Not necessarily from the statement, but the sheer aggression behind it. It was weird. Snowflake's voice was always calm and close to monotone.
There was an edge to it now. It was hard to pick up on, but Adaman heard it.
He was pissed.
"Please," the shorter man pleaded. "There was a misunderstanding-"
"If you want to speak with Melli, you will need to defeat me in a Pokémon battle."
Adaman blinked.
Snowflake wanted to do what?
There was no time for this!
"This isn't funny, Snowflake! Please, I just need-"
Buggy blocked the way when Adaman tried to slip past him, snarling angrily. Caboose stood at Snowflake's other side, glaring with a fury he'd never seen on the little Sylveon. She hissed and spat, forcing him to take a few steps back.
Leafeon growled low in Adaman's defense, the three Pokémon looked about ready to murder eachother.
"If you can't beat me in a Pokémon battle, you don't deserve my forgiveness."
"My issue isn't with you! I need to talk to-"
"As I, Snowflake, already stated, you will not see Melli until you defeat me in battle." He held up his cane as a final warning, the handle practically touching Adaman's throat. His stupid lopsided smile almost adopted a wild edge, judgmental gaze never wavering.
Adaman growled. Who did this guy think he was?
He couldn't just defy an order from the clan leader!
Yet nobody in the now gathered crowd, not even the guards, were stepping in.
They were all watching and waiting.
It was up to Adaman.
"Fine. If you want a Pokémon battle, I'll give you one. Just stay out of my way when I win."
Snowflake's smile only increased in size, eyes taking on a feral gleam.
"It's almost cute that you think you'll win."
He leaned down and scooped Buggy up, tucking him comfortably into his sling. Caboose followed behind Snowflake as he stepped out into the rain. Summoning his Ponyta under the overhang, the horse stood tall, stamping her hoof at anyone threatening to enter their tent.
Adaman followed, his bare feet picking up mud as rain soaked through the earth. He hadn't even put shoes on before chasing after Melli, and now he really regretted it. The cold water was quickly soaking through his pants and kimono. It was freezing, like falling into an icy lake. He could barely keep himself from trembling.
The two faced each other in a small clearing between tents, everyone gathering to see the latest spectacle involving Snowflake.
The rain continued pouring, turning their makeshift arena into a mud pit. The entire clan was watching, even the other Pokémon in the Settlement huddling around to witness who would win.
Sylveon leapt into the ring, lightly sinking in the mud. Leafeon growled and stepped forward too, hackles raised.
Adaman was full blown shivering now.
Freezing cold.
Too cold.
Head pounding.
Eyelids heavy.
He shouldn't be out in this storm, but he had a job to do!
"Leafeon! Leaf Blade!" He croaked. Leafeon's tail glowed, rushing forward and body twisting to slice Caboose.
"Dodge." The command was short, Caboose having no issues ducking and weaving around Leafeon's attacks. He kept trying to land blow after blow, that small Sylveon avoiding each and every one without breaking a sweat.
Adaman growled, his legs trembling from growing weakness.
"Quick Attack!"
Leafeon head butted Caboose coming out of his Leaf Blade, sending her sliding back in the mud.
Neither trainer nor Pokémon even blinked.
"Dazzling Gleam."
A bright flash of sparkling light blinded him. It forced Adaman to cover his eyes. He only heard Leafeon's squeals of pain, the poor thing unable to escape the ribbons already wrapping around his body.
Snowflake's eyes practically glowed under the shadow of his hood, smile remaining big and voice calm giving the command.
"Play Rough."
Caboose showed no mercy. She pulled Leafeon just centimeters from her face, her own sharp teeth glinting in the low levels of light. She slammed him face first into the mud, leaping on his back and clamping down with her fangs. Leafeon cried in pain, unable to escape his bindings.
The downpour continued, rumbling thunder practically drowning out Leafeon's pained yelps. Mud splattered and kicked up around the two thrashing Pokémon, Caboose never letting go and squeezing down harder.
Adaman couldn't stand watching.
This wasn't like the first Pokémon battle he watched with Snowflake and Zisu.
There was no joy on either side about this.
Just anger focused on Adaman and making sure their message was received.
"LEEEE!" Leafeon yelped, losing all energy to struggle and finally going limp.
"LEAF!" Adaman forgot the battle.
This was too much.
Rushing into the mud soaked arena, he fell to his knees swatting the little Sylveon away. She snarled at Adaman, but took several steps back when Snowflake approached.
He barely noticed, scooping the unconscious Leafeon into his arms. He was still breathing, and the damage wasn't too bad.
His friend would live.
Not that Adaman could say the same for himself.
"That was a short battle. Verrrry short." Snowflake's voice still had that edge to it, just audible over the pelting rain. He was looking down at Adaman, face still hidden in the shadow of his hood, but eyes practically glowing like a demon.
It made Adaman's skin crawl.
"I thought the leader of Diamond Clan would be a stronger trainer than this."
"You won already! What else do you want?!" Adaman squeezed his Pokémon tighter, the Leafeon stirring in his grasp.
"I want you to understand."
"Understand what?"
"What it's like to be looked down on by everyone around you."
Adaman blinked, remembering every member of Diamond Clan was watching, human and Pokémon alike. They all stared at him, piercing eyes looking straight into his core.
This battle wasn't just some stupid punching match on Snowflake's part to get his anger out.
It was done to humiliate Adaman in front of his own people.
And it worked.
"You act like a kind person, but I've seen things and wondered. When Melli says anything, or even approaches, for some reason you shut him down at every stop. Why is that?"
"I-I have a responsibility to my people! I don't have time-"
"To hear out one of your own?" Snowflake squatted so they were at eye level. "Melli just wants to be recognized for all the work he does, yet the only one to pay him any real mind is a complete stranger to this land. Verrrry sad. Especially when he talks so highly of you-"
"SHUT UP!" Adaman growled. "You don't know ANYTHING about the work I have to do! Painful decisions! The pressure I'm constantly under! I am trying to be the best leader I can! How can I do that when people keep getting in the way?! I-I…I-" He hacked several more times, no more sound leaving his throat.
Snowflake hummed at Adaman's struggle, thinking his words over carefully.
"I thought you were a good leader, but I realised something today," he learned in so their faces were mere inches apart. "How can you be a good leader to your people, if you can't even lead your Pokémon to victory?"
Adaman tried to question him, nothing but raspy air escaping his mouth.
"Leading a Pokémon team is like conducting a group of people. When not all communicate the same way, or even butt heads with you, a detour must sometimes be made on the conductor's part," His smile completely fell, gaze turning from murderous to pitiful. "I didn't even use fire attacks against your Leafeon. I wanted to give you a fighting chance, but I didn't even get a half decent battle."
Buggy snarled in his sling, features morphing for just a second. Adaman had to rub his eyes, the figure of a Zorua quickly replaced once again by a Vulpix.
Snowflake didn't give Adaman a chance to ask, standing back up and turning towards his tent. Caboose was right by his side, snow while fur stained dark brown with mud.
"If you wish to talk with Melli, you'll have to beat me in a Pokémon battle. I look forward to our rematch."
That was the last thing he said, the crowd cleared giving him plenty of space. Snowflake gave his Ponyta a few pats on the neck. Opening the door and letting the two Pokémon enter before following behind.
It was over. People either continued staring at Adaman or solemnly hid away in their tents. He could feel it.
Disappointment.
Shame.
Embarrassment.
All were being directed at him for his failure.
"Leee?" Leafeon weakly licked his muddy arm, trying to get his attention. Adaman could barely register, still too humiliated to even try moving. He wanted to jump in a river and never resurfaced.
Finally Mai approached, the other Wardens having abandoned him with everyone else.
"Come on. Let's get out of the rain." Mai offered him a hand. Shakily taking it, he clutched Leafeon close to his chest with one arm, the other wrapped around Mai's shoulder helping him stay steady.
He couldn't keep standing.
Couldn't even attempt putting on a strong front.
Finally more Diamond Clan members came to help, fussing over him and talking of punishing Snowflake for his actions.
Adaman tried to protest, though his voice was completely gone.
He just shook his head every time they made a suggestion.
Tie him to a post with no food or water.
Flogging.
Lashing.
Banishment.
He wouldn't let them. Not to Snowflake or Melli, because the Skyfaller was right.
Due to his bullheaded behavior during that meeting, the only Warden willing to help with the Luxray culling was Mai, and even she wouldn't look him in the eyes.
Being changed into dry clothes and cleaned up, the medicine woman tied his legs to the bed so he wouldn't pull another stunt like that. He was regretting it either way, breathing now strained and painful, only taking in small gulps to prevent another coughing fit. Even with Leafeon snuggled up to him under the covers, he felt a different kind of cold.
Not the sickly variety still making his body shiver.
This one was deeper, in his chest.
He'd never truly felt this before. The other Clan members had always been behind him no matter the circumstances, wanting to speak with him or ask for guidance. Even when some questioned his leadership, others would always stand up in his defence.
Not this time.
Perhaps Melli was right and this was Adaman's punishment for working so hard to help clear the Frenzy from Hisui.
He hated to admit it, but working with the Galaxy Team on this may have really been a huge mistake.
Would his clan be destroyed for this? Would the land be ruined?
He didn't know. It was difficult to think clearly.
For the first time though, he understood what true loneliness meant.
It was cold.
XxxxxxxxxxxxX
!!!ART LINKS!!!
EVERYONE THESE PEOPLE MADE SUCH AMAZING ART PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO SHOW THEM THE LOVE THEY DESERVE!!!
@Deerbydesign on Tumblr, amazingly talented artist that has done several pieces related to this fic, made this adorable entire piece of art of Mai, Snowflake and Akari making cake lures! EVERYONE LOOK AT IT AND SEE THE NASTY BOY BUGGY CONSUMING HIS RIGHTFUL MEAL!!!
https/homestar1812./post/684947292621504512/everyone-its-so-perfect-i-love-it-and-all-of
Also Ascorbiic created a beautiful piece of Snowflake battling with Caboose ready to wreck everyone's shit! EVERYONE LOOK!!!
https/ascorbiic./post/684964569671680000/emmet-and-caboose-vs-zisu-and-her-zoroark-from
https//ascorbic.png
Finally a few by me to help with the pain, because I'm well aware the was a painful chapter. @homestar1812 on Tumblr.
https/homestar1812./post/685007423897042944/so-chapter-16-is-going-up-and-its-an-angsty-one
If anyone decides to make art/writing related to this story, let me know and I'll link it in the next chapter, as well as freak out over it. You all are so talented