Pokemon Mystery Dungeon
Shadows of Ganderosa
Chapter 38
The Howls of Despair
(Harrier Town: Fericia Region)
Leaning forward over the balcony railing whilst sitting in a chair, Fitz listened to a cheery tune played below by harps and other bowed instruments. Many pokemon were clapping together and stamping their feet on the wooden floorboards whilst others danced around cheerfully, filling the air with a sort of playful wonder that made most smile. Fitz couldn't help but smirk: not from happiness, but for envy of their obliviousness. They have no idea of the dangers that constantly swirl around them. They are perfectly content to dance around and laugh like the fool.
Her eyes drifted towards the door to the pub where she laid in wait. Not here, yet... You, my devious friend, are late. She gave a sigh. Then again, what did I expect from one such as he? An honest mon?
"Ms. Hakamo-o," a pokemon stated from behind. Fitz waved her hand and heard the sound of metal colliding on wood as well as the slosh of some sort of liquid. "Ms. Mienfoo."
"I said I'm fine..." Valery said from her own seat whilst pouting.
"If that is your wish," the pokemon stated before the sound of feet grew distant. Fitz watched below as a heatmor who dressed in black and white – holding a platter – came into view. Thank you, waiter.
"Trin," Valery complained. "You're better than this..."
"I am not doing anything wrong," Fitz stated.
"You've been 'confiscating' things all day..." Valery chose her words very carefully. She knew how much Fitz hated being called a thief. "And from good pokemon, too."
"Rich pokemon," Fitz stated. "Pokemon who did not need something as simple as a gold necklace."
"And that makes it alright?"
"What makes it alright is the fact that we have no money for food. Think of it this way: the simple state of this country is pathetic enough with poverty running rampant in every town through the Red Strips without more fortunate pokemon spending so much on themselves. And to what end do they blow off a day's work, hm? Looks. Friends. Power. They can live without any of it, so I confiscate their objects for the less fortunate."
"All the money you get, you spend on us..."
"And are we not part of Ganderosa's poverty?"
"Fine..." Valery said gloomily.
"Valery," Fitz began. She turned from the balcony and faced the mienfoo. Valery's head was rested on the table as if she was bored. "What has gotten into you? You have been in a mood ever since that gabite and his friend left us in Snow-Point Cave."
"It sucks..." Valery stated. "They just left us... And without saying goodbye, too..."
Fitz shook her head sadly. "What did you expect? The gabite's a coward, and the charmeleon is his friend. I honestly expected less-"
"You're a real jerk, you know that?" Valery snapped. "And the only reason they left is because you were being mean to Dillan! He was trying to be your friend, and you just shut him out! How do you think it made him feel?"
"I never cared for how he felt," Fitz said defensively. "He was the reason my entire life was turned upside-down."
"Then it's my fault, too!" Tears began streaming down Valery's face as she shouted at Fitz. Fitz' face showed a slight bit of shock. "I'm the whole reason he's here, right? So why are you even friends with me!"
Valery jumped from the table and darted to the back of the room, past a door, and to the corner of the room where she descended a flight of stairs. Fitz didn't stop her. Instead, she stared down Valery's empty seat. She began grimacing from anger. Why is she acting like she is the one my anger is directed towards? She knows I do not blame her for what occurred... Fitz gave a shot of anger before pounding her fist on the table before her. She whipped around and looked below at the ground floor. She looked just in time to catch Valery storm out of the bar. Why is she making this difficult on me? Fitz gave a groan and leaned over the railing, allowing her arms to drift over the side.
"Problems with your friend?" a voice called from behind.
Fitz looked around and faced the voice, seeing it was a quadrupedal, vanilla pokemon with green, leaf-like appendages replacing the ears and tail. Fitz took a deep breath and forced a smile.
"Mr. Lee?" she asked. The leafeon bowed in acknowledgment. In turn, Fitz gave an even brighter smile. Going after Valery is superseded by our need of money. Therefore, going after her is my second priority. "Good to meet you, sir." She'll be fine.
"The pleasure is all mine," Lee stated. "Although, your body-guard downstairs is unsettling."
"Not to worry about him," Fitz assured. "He is only a deterrent for those who do not belong." She gestured her paw towards the door at the back of the room. "Shall we proceed?"
It had been ten minutes since Fitz left the bar with a bag of pokes jingling at her side from the successful trade she'd conducted. Normally, the success would make her joyful, but not now. She had other concerns. Valery must have been really angry with me. The only other time she ran off like this was in the Alkan Islands to help that coward. That was a dire circumstance. To leave now... Was she that hurt? Was she that worried? Was she that attached to-
A shine caught Valery's eye and her attention: one of a golden shine. She looked to her left, seeing a floating pokemon which looked like some sort of ring. On the ring, a set of keys sat along with a golden locket. "She's a thief..." the voice echoed in her head. Valery grimaced and shook her head. You are getting too distracted... You need to focus on the mission at hand; finding Valery.
"Excuse me, Ms!" a voice frantically called. Valery felt a metallic glove on her shoulder. She whipped around and grabbed the pokemon's arm. She was about to Circle-throw it when she stopped herself, only managing to grip the pokemon's arm. Dang civilian...
"Touching random pokemon is a good way to be injured," Valery stated coldly.
"I'm sorry for sneaking up on you," the pokemon stated. "But I was wondering whether you knew where the guild is? I need someone to help me immediately!"
"That is not my concern," Fitz said. She let go of the bisharp and turned away. "Find someone else to assist you."
"But it's a little girl! She's in danger!"
Fitz immediately stopped in her tracks. She looked around at the bisharp and asked, "What species is the girl?"
"She's a mienfoo, and she's being att-" Fitz cut the pokemon off by whipping around and grabbing his arms forcefully.
"Where did you say she was?" Fitz demanded.
"S-she's down the left a-alleyway behind m-me!" the bisharp said worriedly. Fitz let the pokemon go and tore down the path. Looking at the houses on her left, she traced each building as she searched for a crack large enough to walk through, yet small and dark enough to be considered dangerous.
Valery... Fitz thought as she tore through the crowd. She bumped into multiple pokemon, but didn't care. What kind of trouble did you get yourself into?
After one final bump, Fitz found the kind of passage she'd been looking for. She immediately tore down the path. The moment she stepped between the buildings, the world around her was darkened by the shadows. No sound could be heard from in front, only from the chattering pokemon behind.
"Valery?" Fitz called. Her only response was her own echo calling Valery's name. Fitz began walking deeper into the alley. "Val-" She was interrupted by a blue paw coming out of the shadows on her right. It caught Fitz off guard, as well as by the chest. The paw yanked Fitz and threw her deeper into the alley. She bounced off of the concrete and slammed into a brick wall.
"You weren't that difficult to find," a proud voice said. Fitz got up onto her feet and looked back at the shadows. There, standing before her, was a blue, bipedal lizard with a tan underbelly. "I knew you'd come if your friend's safety was on the line," Thalia said coldly.
"Where's Valery?" Fitz shouted.
"Right there," Thalia stated. She motioned towards Fitz' left. She looked around and noticed a white, bipedal squirrel who was standing next to Valery's unconscious body.
Fitz looked at Ryan for a few seconds, seeing a shocked expression on his face. "You..." Fitz stated. She smiled. "So you're the deceiver from the prophecy. And to think your gabite friend thinks you've been captured."
Ryan turned to Thalia and said, "That's not her!"
"Calm yourself," Thalia stated. "It's her."
"You can't possibly know that!" Ryan shouted.
"Are you stating that out of pure fact, or is it because she knows who you are?"
Ryan said nothing. Instead, he just shook his head.
"You guys were looking for me?" Fitz asked.
"Yes," Thalia stated.
"And you caught Valery to get me here?" Fitz nodded. "Great plan. Although, you have one issue. What exactly makes you think you'll be able to take me on?"
"I would suggest you make this simple on everyone and come with us quietly."
"Us" removes any and all doubts of the pachirisu's loyalty. He is the deceiver... Which means I'll take him out, as well. Fitz looked towards Valery and grimaced. No... Attacking is not an option: not while the pachirisu has Valery... Maybe...
"I mean, you could always leave me and Valery be," Fitz said. "I am not truly your enemy, only a survivor."
"Our Master wants you," Thalia stated. "So regardless of your loyalties, you will be coming with us."
That accomplished nothing... Think!
"Stop stalling," Thalia ordered. "I expect an answer within the next ten seconds."
"Alright!" Fitz said. "I shall accompany you on one condition."
"And what's that?" Ryan asked.
"Leave the mienfoo behind."
Ryan looked towards Thalia for an answer. "Out of the question," Thalia stated.
"That is my price," Valery stated. "If you refuse to leave her out of this, then-"
"Let me make this simple," Thalia interrupted loudly. "Traitor, kill the mienfoo."
Fitz' heart seemed to stop. Not good...
"Why?" Ryan asked. "We can use her! We could take her with us, and force Fitz to-"
"Ms. Fitz already knows that if the mienfoo accompanies us, our Master will order its execution once we arrive. Co-operating with us is a waste of energy. Therefore, using the mienfoo as a hostage is pointless. Leaving her alive may cause future issues for us. Kill her, now."
Ryan grimaced at the order. He was about to say something, but Fitz shouted, "Wait!"
"This is tiresome, Ms. Fitz," Thalia stated.
"I know what you guys are after, and I know where you can find it!" she blurted out frantically, not giving the pachirisu any opportunity to comply with the command.
Thalia looked towards Fitz with intrigue. "Are you attempting to bargain?" she asked.
"You want the Sapphire Star, right?" Fitz asked. "Let Valery go, and I can tell you where it is."
"And how do you know where it is?" Thalia questioned.
"I sold it to a pokemon," Fitz stated.
"Why am I to believe you?" Thalia said.
Fitz looked towards Ryan. "He knows I did."
Thalia slowly turned towards Ryan with a twitching upper lip. "Why wasn't this addressed before now?" Thalia asked sharply.
"I-I didn't think she was telling the truth!" Ryan said nervously.
"Fine," Thalia snapped. "We'll deal with your oversight later. For now:" Thalia looked towards Fitz. "Where is it?"
"Let Valery go, first," Fitz said.
"I am a nidoqueen of my word," Thalia said maliciously. "But do not test me, or I will make your friend suffer for it." She walked towards Valery and grabbed her by the scruff of her neck.
"I will give you half of the information now, and you can have the other half once Valery is away."
"Half of a puzzle does me nothing!"
"But a name will. If you have a name, you could find out who has the Sapphire Star."
"But solely giving a name means combing through countless records until I find the correct one," Thalia said. "And since talking to you would be far more efficient, it is in my best interest to keep my word."
"Exactly," Fitz finished. Her eyes darted between Valery's body and Thalia's malicious gaze. The nidoqueen had all the power, and Fitz knew it. All she could do is hope her desperate attempt at a bargaining chip would be good enough for Valery's life.
"Give me the name," Thalia stated.
"Raksha," Fitz stated. "Now let Valery go."
Thalia looked at the pokemon in her paw with a scowl. Then, she loosened her grasp, allowing Valery to fall onto the floor. "Thank you for your co-operation."
"First we leave Harrier Town," Fitz stated. "Then I'll give you the information."
Thalia brought her arm up and swung it towards Fitz. A small, purple spike flew from the tip of Thalia's finger, embedding itself in Fitz' chest. A small stinging pain could be felt, then absolutely nothing. Fitz' entire body went numb, and she fell onto her side. Poisoned... "Thank you for the name," Thalia said. "Now sleep."
Fitz' mind went blank. Her vision went black, and she was out cold.
Ryan looked towards Thalia with shock. "She didn't give you the rest of the information," he said. "Why did you knock her out?
"Because the name Raksha belongs to a head family. That family resides in a town at the Mystery Pocket in Howling Plains. She gave us all the information we needed."
"What now?" Ryan asked. "I'm assuming the Master wants the Sapphire Star more than Fitz."
"His wishes are to retrieve the girl, first," Thalia stated. "The Sapphire Star isn't going anywhere."
"Alright," Ryan said.
"As for the mienfoo," Thalia began. "Do exactly as I tell you. With this new mistake, you're treading on thin ice. Do not hesitate, or there will be consequences. Do you understand?"
"What do you want me to do?"
(Howling Plains: Fericia Territory)
Dillan sat in his isolation, pacing the room. He had no clue what time it was. Could be day, could be night. He couldn't say either way. His eyes drifted across the metal walls of his cell.
At first, he was terrified. Waking up alone in the cell was awful. What made it even worse was the small fact that his miracle sense was seemingly useless outside of the smooth, metal walls that encompassed him. He could only sit in the darkness and wait for the clanking of a metal lock when Lily came to visit him.
So many questions flooded Dillan's mind the first time Lily had visited him. Where was he now? Why he was here? When could he leave? The answer to these questions were too much to handle. He recalled Lily's words hitting him like a pound of bricks, much like the truth does when you don't want to hear it.
"You're in an underground cell," Lily's words echoed in Dillan's head. "Since it was decided that you are not our Paladin, you are seen as a trespasser. Normally, the council would kill you. But because you are seen to some of Howling Plains as the true Paladin, they knew killing you would incite riots. The middle-ground is imprisoning you indefinitely."
Dillan walked over to the east wall, running his claws across its surface. He felt the indentations he had made with his "Dragon Claw" attack to mark the days he'd been here. Six days... Six days I've been stuck down here like a criminal... like Arlon... And Ryan's out there, needing help... On top of it all, I still don't know what happened to Hazel... Dillan slammed his foot on the iron ground in frustration. He felt so useless just sitting here. He slammed his foot on the ground once again.
"Lily!" Dillan shouted. "Let me out! Please! Lily!"
The iron door gave a creak, and Dillan whipped around to face it. The midnight lycanroc stepped inside, eyes set on Dillan and claws wrapped around the Sapphire Star. She stood there for a few seconds before closing the door behind her. Dillan couldn't help but notice the bandages wrapped around her left arm and chest.
"You know I can't allow you to leave. It's against my tribe's rules."
"I can't stay here!" Dillan shouted.
"I recall your same statement the last time I came to visit," Lily stated. "And the time before that. And the time before that."
"My friend's in danger!" Dillan shouted. "He's being held against his will, and it's because of me!"
"I recall you stating that, as well."
"Then why won't you help me? Wouldn't you expect the same thing from me if you were in my place?"
"I would expect you to do what is needed to help your friends, as I am doing now."
Dillan shook his head. Why doesn't she understand? Why won't she try and understand what I'm going through here? He gave a shout as he kicked the iron wall. Immediately, he regretted his decision as a dull pain shot itself up his foot. "Gah!" he shouted, dropping to his back-side as he ran the base of his claws around the outside of his foot.
"Don't be violent with me, lest you want a repeat of the last time you tried to escape."
"Why are you here?" Dillan asked through the pain. "To gloat? To remind me I'm just a prisoner? Or is it you want me to remember how useless I am?"
"I came to inform you of your charmeleon friend," Lily said.
Hearing the name of Hazel's species was enough to numb Dillan's pain. He looked at Lily in wide-eyed anticipation. "Is she alright?"
"She is... for now," Lily stated slowly.
"For now?" Dillan repeated worriedly. What does she mean by, "For now"?
Lily's eyes trailed off of Dillan and towards the left wall. She gave a sigh before stating, "When was the first time you noticed something... strange about your friend?"
"Strange?" Dillan asked.
"Let me rephrase," Lily said. "When was the first time you noticed she was abnormal?"
"You aren't making any sense," Dillan said, shaking his head. "What would be abnormal about Hazel?"
"Think about the question. Don't just answer without putting any thought into it."
"Why do you think I'd give you a thoughtful answer," Dillan asked. "I'm your prisoner, remember?"
Lily gave a huff. "I'm trying to help you and your friend. Co-operating is in your best interest."
"And why's that?" Dillan questioned.
"There is something unnatural about your friend, and the council wants to kill her as a result."
Lily stopped there to let her words sink in, and it worked. Silence filled the air. Dillan felt sweat star to grow on his back. He was speechless. They want to kill Hazel? But... why?
"I know you don't understand or trust me," Lily continued. "But I'm trying to keep your friend alive. Even with my best efforts, at this rate, she may be killed."
"Why would they kill her?!" Dillan shouted frantically.
Lily was silent for a few seconds before stating, "Due to circumstantial evidence, the Council believes Hazel is allied with the evil forces of Ganderosa."
"But she isn't!" Dillan shouted in a vain attempt at convincing Lily. "She's been my friend from the beginning! We've been with each other through too much! If she was with the Enemy... Something would have stood out!"
"I realize that," Lily stated calmly. "That's why I'm here talking to you. Your friend hasn't been very forthcoming, even after learning about the possibility of death. I'm sorry to put this on you, but I need you to tell me what you know."
"I don't know anything about what you're talking about! But whatever evidence you have against her is wrong!"
"I highly doubt that," Lily stated. "Even so, I need whatever information you can give to me. I need you to tell me about anything – and I mean anything – abnormal about-"
Lily was interrupted by the metal door scraping against the ground as it opened wide. A midnight lycanroc's head appeared from the crack. It wore a worried expression on its face. "Keeper Raksha," a pokemon announced from the door.
Lily glared at the lycanroc. "Can't you see I'm in the middle of an important discussion?" she said angrily.
"There's someone who wishes to speak with you immediately."
"Tell them to wait," Lily stated flatly as she turned back towards Dillan.
"It's an Outsider," the lycanroc stated. Lily's eyes widened at the word, and so did Dillan's. An Outsider?
Silence once again filled the room. Lily wore a face of shock and intrigue."I'm sorry, Mr. Gabite," Lily stated. To Dillan's surprise, she sounded worried. "But this is too urgent to postpone. This is where our conversation comes to an end."
"But Hazel-" Dillan began.
"My tribe's safety comes first." With that, Lily stood up and walked through the door. It shut behind her with a "clank" and Lily was gone, leaving Dillan in darkness.
Dillan felt like shouting, but that would get him nowhere. Besides, he had too much on his mind. Coming here was the biggest mistake I've ever made... I'm stuck here in this box for the rest of my life, and Hazel's going to be killed for... Dillan's mind flashed back to Lily's question. Something abnormal... He finally realized what it was she was referring to. Hazel's flame... Back on Tom's ship it turned blue... Is that what Lily was talking about?
Dillan stood up and walked to the door. That must be it. I need Lily back in here before something bad happens to Hazel. He was about to pound on the metal when... Hazel... She must have not have told Lily about her flame... She probably would have known instantly, but didn't say anything... That's why Lily was here asking me. Hazel doesn't want Lily to know. He mentally slapped himself. And I was going to tell Lily. Why would you give that away? Hazel must have had a reason for not letting Lily know, so you can't say anything. But still... If Hazel's in trouble, then I need to do something... I need to get out and find her... I have to.
"Hey!" Dillan shouted. He slapped his fin on the door three times. "I-" Dillan stopped himself. The door to the cage slid open, revealing a dirt passageway. They didn't lock the door... They forgot... Dillan was very confused. Were they that worried about the outsider? He shook his head. It doesn't matter. All that matters is finding Hazel and getting out of this crazy place.
Dillan closed his eyes and focused on the environment around him. His 'Miracle Sense' kicked in, revealing the long passageway sloping up a few feet ahead and ending at, what he could only guess was, the exit. There was something else. Two sets of feet were stationed outside the exit: both of them were quadrupeds.
Slowly walking forwards, Dillan was careful as to not make a single sound. When he got to the exit, his eyes were strained from the exposure to the light. He stood there for a few seconds, waiting for them to adjust. When they did, Dillan saw Howling Plains' hilly village outside his hole, along with two midday lycanroc standing side-by-side at Dillan's exit. Guards...
The lycanroc didn't seem to notice him, staring ahead at the hillside. None of them talked or even moved. They seemed content with just standing there. If I'm getting out, I need to get past them... Ryan would probably attack from behind, getting the jump on one. After the first was down, he'd attack the second I the confusion. Alright... Plan A.
Dillan focused on both his fins. They extended into blue, glowing "Dragon Claw" attacks. Dillan gave a shout as he jumped at the guard. It didn't even have time to register Dillan's shout. He slashed at its back, leaving a big mark in its fur. The lycanroc gave a howl before tipping over onto its side. The other lycanroc – with a look of surprise – whipped around to face Dillan. Dillan immediately slammed his foot into the ground, a stone coming up and colliding with the pokemon's jaw. It gave a squeal as it flipped onto its back from the force. Dillan then slammed the floating stone with his claw, throwing the object at the lycanroc. It landed on top of its chest, and the pokemon was out cold.
Dillan couldn't help but brightly smile at his effectiveness. It worked! He shouted internally. He couldn't believe it actually happened, but it did. No. Focus. You'll have time to be impressed later. For now, you need to find Hazel. He looked back at the hole he'd just emerged from. If my hole had two guards, then Hazel's will probably have the same thing. So I'm looking for a hole with two guards posted next to it.
He gave a nod to his own plan before slowly making his way forward, being careful as to not be spotted.
After a minute or so of walking, Dillan was confused. Even after a minute, he expected to see someone. Instead, he found empty hills of grass and flowers. He started to relax, but also wonder where everyone was.
"I told you to leave this place!" a scratchy voice roared in the distance. Lily? It sounded like her. At the same time, Lily didn't seem to ever shout. Hearing the lycanroc's voice bellow was unnerving. Dillan's curiosity began to take off. He began walking towards the voice, not only out of curiosity, but because it was in the same direction he was going, anyways.
He began climbing up a hill, staying as close to the ground as he could without crawling, and peaked his head up over the hill. From there, he saw everything.
At the bottom of the hill was a circular, leveled area that almost looked like a town center. A group of lycanroc were encircling two pokemon. Some lycanroc were sprawled out on the dirt, panting from pain, while most were on all-fours growling at the two center pokemon. Dillan recognized Lily as one of the pokemon. The other was a bipedal pokemon with blue scales and a lone horn...
After all this time. After all the hours spent searching for a lead. After all the days wondering if Dillan would ever find his friend again. It all fell on top of Dillan's chest like a million bricks.
Dillan's adrenaline took off. His heart began to beat at his chest. The back of his neck grew hot with worry, while his chest became filled with anger. He seemed unable to breath. It couldn't be possible. It couldn't be this simple: not after everything he'd been through.
Yet there she was. Standing in front of Lily was the bipedal lizard he'd been searching for. Thalia... He felt like leaping over the side of the hill and confronting the nidoqueen. It isn't possible... Even if I did manage to fight her... Beating her on my own would be next to impossible... And then I'd be taken by the lycanroc. There's no way out of that... But I can't let her get away! There was only one option in Dillan's head. Wait for things to play out... If she gets into a fight with the lycanroc, I'm positive they'll weaken her. Then, she'll probably run. That'll be my chance to catch her off guard without the Lycanroc Tribe around to capture me. It was a long shot, but he had to hope.
"I don't want a confrontation," Thalia stated. "All I want is the Sapphire Star."
"My tribe has protected this crystal for generations," Lily announced. She sounded absolutely infuriated. "Did you honestly think that you could simply walk into my town and simply steal it from us?"
"Stealing implies it wasn't my Master's to begin with," Thalia said calmly.
"You Master only wishes for destruction!"
"Believe what you will. It doesn't change the simple fact that I'm going to have the crystal."
"If a single pokemon truly wishes to fight for this crystal, then we will fight no matter what the cost."
Thalia stood there for a few seconds before scoffing. "You're making this more difficult than it has to be."
"Get out of Howling Plains before I end you myself-"
"Don't deceive yourself into believing that you can win, no matter how abnormal your ability is."
"Abnormal?" Dillan asked himself quietly. He recalled the major butt-kicking he'd received. He also remembered Lily not even touching him, yet she still managed to hurt him. Yeah... I guess it was pretty abnormal. She didn't even have to touch me... But is it really abnormal? Isn't it just her ability?
Lily grimaced, saying nothing. She only stared at Thalia, waiting. Thalia looked Lily directly in the eyes. "Why are you surprised?" Thalia asked. "You do know where that power comes from, don't you? Or have you lied to yourself enough to believe your god gave it to you?"
"Leave," Lily snarled. "Now."
The air became stagnant. Neither side knew what the other was going to do. Would the lycanroc jump Thalia or vice-versa?
"Raksha, was it?" Thalia asked. Lily said nothing. She didn't move, let alone breathe. "I warned you not to push me." Thalia's head turned towards the other lycanroc. "All the blood that will be spilled – all the lives that will be lost in Howling Plains for the future of Ganderosa – they are on your paws, and yours alone."
Thalia turned away from lily and began walking away. Lily made no attempt at stopping her, nor did the other lycanroc. The circle parted from Thalia, and she walked through them. She can't get away!
"Thalia!" Dillan shouted from the top of the hill. He jumped onto his feet and began darting down the hill-side. All the lycanroc's eyes turned from Thalia and went to Dillan, followed by gasps throughout the crowd. Thalia stopped in her tracks and turned towards the hill. As her eyes set on the gabite, a smile crept up from the corner of her mouth.
Dillan reached the bottom of the hill and made his way around the lycanroc. He stopped right in front of Thalia. The nidoqueen stood above him by a few feet, but it didn't matter to Dillan. The fear in his chest didn't matter either. All that mattered was this moment.
"The Paladin!" a lycanroc shouted. Some of the lycanroc amidst the crowd began cheering for Dillan, while most remained silent.
"Human," Thalia regarded.
Dillan looked at Thalia with a deep scowl. "Where's Ryan?" he asked sharply.
An even bigger smile swept across Thalia's face. It was unnerving, but not enough so to make Dillan back off. "Why would you want that pathetic ball of fur?" she asked.
"Where is he?!" Dillan demanded.
"You shouldn't shout at your opponents, human," Thalia said coldly. "It's unbecoming of a Guardian."
"You're going to tell me right now!" Dillan's fins extended into a blue light.
Thalia's face changed back into her usual, serious scowl, though Dillan could tell she was enjoying this. It frustrated him beyond belief. "I'm not here for you, gabite. If you wish to stay alive, I suggest you stand aside and allow me to take care of my Master's biggest concern."
"I'm not going anywhere until you tell me what I want to know!"
Thalia stared at Dillan for a few seconds. He could feel her eyes as they moved over his body and came to rest upon his "Dragon Claw" attack. "I see you've gained some spine since the Alkan Islands. Intriguing."
"Gabite," Lily said from behind him. "This fight does not concern you."
Dillan said nothing. He waited for Thalia to make her move. Thalia's paw came out to her side, then above her head. "I will not hesitate to go out of my way and kill you," she warned. "I'm giving you one last chance to leave this place before I burn it to the ground."
"You'll do no such thing!" Lily called.
"And I'm giving you one last chance to tell me where you took my friend!" Dillan said.
"Then you've chosen your fate," Thalia stated. With one motion, Thalia lowered her paw, setting it in front of her. As soon as her arm dropped, silence. Other than hearts beating against eardrums, breaths were the only thing heard. It all changed in seconds.
From nearly every direction, Dillan heard shouts like battle cries. He whipped around to face the cries, which was his first mistake. The moment he turned, Thalia grabbed him by the neck and threw him deep into the lycanroc circle. He collided with multiple stones protruding from the creatures, and his head spun.
"I warned you, human," Thalia said from the distance. "Now you can fight for your life."
Dillan struggled to get onto his feet: mainly because of how dizzy he felt. When he managed to stand, he heard chants from all around, as well as growls. Looking around, Dillan found himself encircled in lycanrocs who were all on all-fours, creating a perfect line of sight for the real threat.
No matter which way Dillan turned, he found himself facing a circle of nuzleaf. They were the source of the chants. Each one wore either an expression of anticipation or anger, but each one seemed ready to attack. Dillan felt his heart sink. We're surrounded.
"Just like that..." Lily said with shock. Dillan found the lycanroc was right next to him, on the inside of the circle. "They were everywhere... How did we not see them until now..."
"The Mystery Dungeons hide anything my Master wishes," Thalia stated from behind the nuzleaf. "Thinking you were ever safe in his domain was foolish."
"Well, Paladin," Lily said. "Whether you were chosen or not no longer matters. You're in this with us either way."
Dillan's eyes were set on Thalia, who stood above all the nuzleaf. He watched as she turned away from the fight and began walking away. No! She can't get away now! Not now!
"Thalia!" Dillan shouted frantically.
"Kill them," Thalia stated.
"Thalia!"
All that happened next was too much to process for the gabite. The nuzleaf gave a massive shout in unison as they all charged at the lycanroc. At the same time, the lycanroc howled into the air and pounced. Rocks were thrown about the entire courtyard, accompanied by leaves and dirt from uncontrolled attacks. Time itself seemed to slow down as chaos erupted.
But none of it mattered.
Dillan tore across the court-yard towards his target: Thalia. A tornado of leaves appeared out of nowhere, spinning next to him. Dillan leaped to the side and out of the tornado's range. The only problem was he landed on top of a nuzleaf. The pokemon glared at the gabite who sat on top of it. Dillan slashed at the nuzleaf with his fin. As it shouted from the pain, Dillan felt what seemed like a knife scrape against his back-fin. He whipped around and found a new nuzleaf wielding a blade of grass, just like the one Arlon had, except this sword had its own handle, and the nuzleaf seemed to wield it like a mace. It spun around, swinging the sword with it. Dillan slashed at the sword with his fins, deflecting it away from him so he could slash once more at the nuzleaf. It gave a shout but wasn't down for the count.
A new pain originating from Dillan's ankle erupted. Dillan shouted as he fell on his knee. He looked back. The previous nuzleaf was back, and it was swinging its head-leaf back and forth. Which each pass of its leaf, miniature leaves seemed to appear out of thin air, making their way towards Dillan. The gabite lunged at the ground, shoveling dirt as he moved. Within a second, he was deep enough to avoid the "Razor Leaf" attack. He immediately turned around and emerged underneath the second nuzleaf, launching it into the air. It gave a final shout before it was out. One down...
Dillan landed on the ground and faced the first nuzleaf. It gave a shout as it lunged at Dillan. Dillan's fins extended, ready to defend himself, but he didn't get the chance. Out of nowhere, a flash of a raspberry color tackled the nuzleaf. The midnight lycanroc then swung a glowing tail through the air and slammed the nuzleaf in the chest. Dillan caught merely a glimpse of the lycanroc before a flash of blue light originating from its chest blinded Dillan. When Dillan regained his sight, the lycanroc was gone. He looked around quickly, finding another flash of raspberry accompanied by a holler of pain. That's when Dillan noticed the blue star hanging around the lycanroc's neck before it blinded those around her, covering Lily in a blue light. Then, she moved on to the next target.
That's Lily... She's using the Sapphire Star's light to blind pokemon... Lily- Dillan felt a dull pain on the back of his head. It felt like a brick had been thrown into his skull. Dillan dizzily turned around, finding a nuzleaf was staring him down, its fist glowing. It struck at Dillan once again, but the gabite side-stepped the attack. He then slashed at the nuzleaf. It gave a shout of pain as it fell forwards. It rolled into a lycanroc and attempted to stand. However, the lycanroc bit down on its neck. Almost immediately following the bite, fire exploded from the lycanroc's mouth, bathing its teeth in flames. After that, the nuzleaf passed out.
Dillan turned around in a circle. Where's Thalia! Before he could give a thorough view of the area, Dillan felt a stabbing pain in his side. He gave a shout as he fell forwards. Dillan landed on the dirt and looked behind him at a nuzleaf wielding a new blade of grass. It grinned at Dillan, watching him pant with delight. There's no end to them... How am I suppose to find Thalia like this?
The nuzleaf brought up his blade and was about to drop it on the gabite. Dillan brought his glowing fins up to his face for protection. That's when a midday lycanroc lunged at the nuzleaf from out of nowhere. The nuzleaf gave a scream as the lycanroc slashed unrelentingly at its opponent. Only when the nuzleaf stopped moving did the lycanroc get off of it and found a new target.
The moment I take my mind from the fight I get- Dillan looked to his right and found a stream of leaves flying towards him. The gabite jumped forwards, narrowly avoiding the attack. Fine... I need to survive... Hopefully, if we can win, Thalia will show her face to finish the job herself... With that thought, Dillan leaped at his latest opponent, determined to win.
There was seemingly no end to the fight. Dillan had no clue how long it had been since the battle had begun. All he knew was the fighting went on for too long.
As Dillan slashed once more at a downed nuzleaf, he felt his muscles scream. With one final cry of pain, the enemy pokemon was rendered unconscious. Dillan felt like joining it. He felt so weary from all the slashing and dodging, he was ready to collapse.
Looking around, Dillan found himself surrounded by even more nuzleaf. There were so many, the lycanroc tribe was being overrun. Over half of the lycanroc – midnight and midday – were sprawled across the grass. The ones who were conscious looked exactly like Dillan: ready to collapse. Even Lily looked about ready to collapse. In a flash of light, Dillan noticed the tired lycanroc lash out at an opponent. Her arms moved more from a swinging motion instead of a forceful attack. Then, she stopped.
Lily began panting as she looked at the chaos around her. She wore a grim expression, looking about ready to fall over.
Dillan heard cries of pains from all around him. The smell of blood tainted the air. Multiple nuzleaf were ganging up on the lycanrocs. They were outnumbered two-to-one. Hopelessness began to creep up on the gabite. Then, he felt a stabbing pain in his back. He was very worried to find it didn't hurt very much.
The nuzleaf behind him had plunged its sword across Dillan's fin. Looking backwards, he realized the gash wasn't superficial, but it also wasn't enough to scar him. Still... Shouldn't it hurt more than that? He whipped around unsteadily. The moment he planted his feet, he felt himself swaying. How much more of this can I take? I'm too tired to fight more nuzleaf, let alone fifty of them... Is it over? Is this the end?
Dillan shook his head. Dang it, Dillan! You can't give up! You can't give in, yet! Ryan's counting on you! And pokemon are dying around you! You need to fight!
Dillan gave a shout into the air as he mustered up what little energy he had left. He focused on his fins as they extended once more, and Dillan charged at the nuzleaf ahead. He was determined not to surrender. He had to win. He had to.
"Fall back!" Thalia's voice echoed from behind the nuzleaf. F-fall back? Dillan stopped in his tracks, eyes kept on the nuzleaf. Yet he was confused.
The nuzleaf in front of Dillan grinned at the gabite before its green sword dissipated into sparks. It turned around and ran off, along with the other nuzleaf from around Dillan. They ran straight towards the nidoqueen in the distance.
"What are they up t-" a midnight lycanroc began before it grimaced in pain. It slapped its left paw to its side.
"Save your strength," Lily said. Dillan looked to his right and found the keeper standing next to him. She didn't face him, nor the other lycanroc. She only stared towards Thalia.
When the last nuzleaf joined the rest of his group, they all bowed to Thalia. She paid no attention to them. Instead, Thalia looked on at what remained.
"Take a look around, all of you," Thalia shouted. "Was this truly worth it all?"
Dillan looked around him and was horrified by the sight. The first look he'd ever gotten of Howling Plains was beautiful. Now, all that beauty was ruined. Instead of luscious fields of grass and flowers scattered across the hills, there were blotches of dirt and uprooted foliage caused by misdirected or evaded attacks. There were even holes in the stony town center where they stood. Different hills had collapsed due to the shock they had received, flooding the homes underneath in soil and rock.
And the bodies. There were dozens of lycanroc and nuzleaf alike, all with wounds. Some were hacking from the pain and damage they'd received while others were lying dead on the stone. It was the most gruesome thing Dillan had ever seen. And what's worse: he contributed to this desecration of life.
Guild overwhelmed Dillan's emotions. He stared at the ground as he fell to his knees out of exhaustion and shock.
"You see what you've brought upon yourselves?" Thalia shouted.
"We brought this?!" Lily shouted in rage. "You damn murderer!"
"Hand me the Sapphire Star," Thalia said. "Hasn't there been enough bloodshed over something you don't begin to understand?"
"As Keeper of the Sapphire Star, I would rather die than hand my crystal to Ganderosa's Enemies!"
"You may be willing to die for it," Thalia stated. "But are they?"
"Of course we are!" Lily shouted. "My tribe has defended the Sapphire Star for generations! If you honestly think that we would hand it over now, then-"
"Thalia," someone interrupted.
That caught Dillan's attention. He looked up from the ground and to his right. Lily was standing there, grimacing at something behind the gabite. Dillan looked behind him and found a group of lycanroc who were all staring at Lily with a sort of fear behind each of their eyes. At the front of the group, five lycanroc stood proudly. Dillan recognized them as the council.
"Council members?" Lily asked.
"Give us some time to consider your offer," the orange lycanroc, Zoya, stated. What?
Dillan felt his jaw drop. He was absolutely stunned by their answer.
"You..." Lily began. Dillan turned his attention towards the lycanroc. Her face was drained of all color. Her jaw loosened and her eyes widened as she stated, "You're considering her offer?"
"We have to think about our tribe," Biopelo said. "And right now, we're unsure whether our purpose is worth dying over."
"And not all of us enjoy this decision," Zoya said. "But we must consider all options that present themselves carefully."
"This is outrageous!" Lily roared. "Not a week ago, you all agreed the Sapphire Star and its Paladin were our tribe's top priority! Now you want to throw it all away for your own lives?"
"Keeper Raksha, stand down," Imari ordered.
"Imari," Lily said. "You've been with me through thick and thin. You can't seriously be against me on this!"
"My voice has been drowned out by that of the tribe," Imari stated. "Therefore, what I think is irrelevant. I must go along with this plan, whether I like it or not, and so do you."
Lily's eyes darted between all five lycanroc. She was at a loss for words. Dillan watched from his position as the Keeper's paw moved up towards the Sapphire Star, which made Dillan's heart flip.
"This is truly your decision?" Lily asked.
"We are only considering our options!" Biopelo bellowed.
"Biopelo," Zoya warned.
"Try and understand, Lily," Imari said.
"I am," Lily stated coldly. "I've been trying to understand the Council's decisions for a long time."
"Arrogant child!" Biopelo began.
"As Keeper of our tribe's most treasured possession, let me speak against you and the Council regarding their decision to give up the very object our family has protected!" Lily growled.
Biopelo scowled at Lily, but said nothing. The rest of the council remained silent as well, allowing the keeper to continue.
"My purpose was to find the Paladin for our tribe to take the Sapphire Star, yet the second I choose him, the Council attacks my decision! When our tribe was on the verge of war, all you five could do was talk, and not one of you acted to restore peace! When I retrieved and brought back the Sapphire Star, you scolded me, and would have me killed if not for my position! Even if you are not simply handing the Sapphire Star to the nidoqueen, considering it is still a betrayal of our standards as the tribe of Howling Plains! And I won't have any part in this bastardization of our traditions."
In a split second, Dillan recognized all of the emotions Lily was showing: where all the anger came from. He'd seen it before in Hazel's face. Lily didn't wear a face of sadness, or one of shock. She didn't seem afraid or even furious. no. Her face was one of brokenness. It was the same face Hazel wore when she came back into the Guild after meeting with her father. It was the same one she wore when she shared her emotions in the Alkan Islands. Lily's face was that of a pokemon who had lost all hope and faith in what she believed in.
The lycanroc turned away from the council and departed left towards the hill. Dillan looked back towards Thalia. A slight smile crept up the corner of her mouth as she stared down the remaining lycanroc tribe.
"You've heard what we have to say, nidoqueen," Zoya stated.
"If time to discuss is all you need, then we will be waiting," Thalia stated. "But keep in mind that if anyone tries to leave Howling Plains, I will take that as denial towards my proposition, and no one will be left alive."
"Agreed," Biopelo said.
With that, Thalia turned around and said, "Move out." The nuzleaf, as well as Thalia, walked away into the distance.
Dillan's eyes moved towards the Council. The five began walking away down a path, followed by the remaining lycanroc. All that remained was the carnage with Dillan in the center. She stopped the attack... and gave them a chance to live...
Dillan didn't know what to do. Thalia had all the control in this situation. If someone tried to escape, they'd be killed. If they said no, they'd be killed. If they said yes, the Enemy would have the Sapphire Star. Jake would be one step closer to ending the entire world, and Dillan couldn't let that happen. They were out of options. All that was left was to die.
(Author's Notes)
I'm going to start cutting back on the long paragraphs for chapters starting now (not sure if I promised this before, but it's happening now!).
So, admittedly, not my longest chapters, and I'm sorry about that. But on the other hand, everything that happens next felt better to be in its own chapter. So, I'm cool with that. So what I'm trying to say is I'm sorry I have to do this to you guys, and I'm not sorry because I think it'll work out better in the end. :P
Shout-out to "BigSplosion", "Sylveon User Eclipse", and "King Eevee" for following/favoriting the story! I can't tell you enough how happy I am to see you guys like it! :D
That's all, guys! Thanks for sticking with the story and reading the latest installment to "Shadows of Ganderosa"! I'll see you guys in the next chapter!
