Chapter 3: the Renegade King
The Road to the castle was more uneventful than the rest of the journey, probably due to the change of leader. Still, Honedge's mind was keeping him busy. He had seen that crest before, back when he was studying his family history. His recollection was not a strong one but he remembered a single word associated with it, renegade. While he did not remember much of it, he knew it was one of the founding parts of caspia. So the fact it was here, In a land that had no knowledge of his people and he had never seen before, made him confused but confident. He was a fierce leader, trained in combat and battling by his own father, if there was trouble he was ready to strike.
As they approached the castle itself, it was easier to admire the architecture. The walls themselves were mostly straight but with small parts sticking out just enough to make them seem uneven. The shadows also helped to warp how pokemon perceived it, in a way it was a clever illusion to disorient any attackers while staying practical to defend and live in. He took notes, something to consider implementing himself when he got back. The door itself was a dark oak, what appeared to be a circle chain pattern on the bottom and top and almost skeletal wings carved into it. They both creaked open loudly which freaked out Phantump, the mon quivering behind Sinestea. Honedge expected that from him, clearly he had no experience around others and would have to be calmed all the time, another annoyance that he would have to deal with.
They all floated in and the interior immediately set the mood, chandeliers hung while candelabras lined the walls. While there were doors in multiple places, the throne room was right in front of them, the door already opened enough to see the throne itself. Froslass took no hesitation to move them onwards, entering the room and letting it's majesty speak for itself. Honedge's emotions flooded with several feelings of respect and pride but also unnerve and inadequacy, he was royalty true but not yet a king. There were 2 thrones currently at the end of the room, one larger than the other, but both close together. It was clear whoever ruled had a queen and the 2 were romantically close.
It was then the doors closed behind him. He quickly turned to see what happened and noticed while Phantump and Sinestea were there, Froslass was gone. Was this a trap all along? The dishonour of such a move angered him and he grabbed his sheath once more, if any foul play could appear he was not going to wait to be jumped. Sinestea once more put a hand on the sheath but he this time yanked it away from her. She looked at him in shock "what are you doing?"
"Is it not obvious? Defending thou and thyself!"
"Are you serious?! From what?"
"We are trapped in here and our guide has vanished. If this is a welcome party I am not impressed."
"Did you try the doors?"
"What sort of a question is that! I-"
His mind suddenly jolted with the notion that he might not have thought everything through.
He looked at the door and realised there was no lock on the other side, why would there be? If it was under siege this would be the last stand room and why lock it on the side the attackers were on? Sinestea looked the opposite of amused, rolling her eyes as he processed this information and slowly let go of the sheath. Phantump had been looking around during this time, peeping out from behind the teacup and being both scared yet curious, seemingly focusing on the thrones. They were a good make sure, but Phantump was more focused on the centre of the big one. The closer he looked the more he noticed how the shadows were twisting unnaturally, and almost rising from the ground….. except they were.
Something rose up, black and red stripes lining the stomach, the main body a more light grey, big black wings with red spikes going down and more importantly, a golden helmet, similar to the crest but different. The mouth guard was gone, split up almost, and 2 spikes perturbed the head. As this imposing figure formed, it's Legs standing on the throne and black tail curling around, Honedge instinctively unsheathed. He saw Sinestea about to say something but he simply put his blade pointing up and lowered it in a bowing motion. This was his greeting to kings, a sign of respect and acknowledgement of their power. Phantump stood shaking while Sinestea looked confused but quickly realised what was happening and did a little tip, similar to a bow. The voice of the being was loud but not as intimidating as the look was "at ease". The voice in fact felt gentle, fatherly almost, but still held weight to the words.
Honedge returned to his sheath, looking up to the lands ruler. The being spoke once more "may I know who is before me?"
The 3 looked at each other, not wanting to stumble over the others words. After a few seconds Honedge decided to take the lead, it was only fitting. "Greetings oh noble ruler, I am Honedge from the kingdom of caspia. I am next in line to rule the throne but found myself here without explanation. The 2 behind me are in similar positions, though I will not introduce them to thou as to let themselves explain."
Sinestea looked surprised for a few seconds before snapping back and replying "Oh, right, yes, hi. I am Sinestea, I have no real title but I was being trained for a pokemon tournament. I also have no idea how I got here."
Phantump shook, hiding behind Sinestea as best he could, practically quivering, like he just saw a nightmare materialise in front of him. The being looked at him, almost trying to understand him. Honedge immediately spoke "Apologise your highness, this is Phantump, he appears to be a-"
"Child" the being looked down a little, almost disappointed in… himself? He slowly looked up and tried to smile "it's OK, I understand I am…. Seen as quite imposing, but I intend no harm or malice. In fact I have a child of my own believe it or not"
Phantumps head poked over Sinestea's cup. "Does-…does he look like you?"
"No, he was adopted into the family, b1ut he's very energetic, and I think you two would get along well."
"Really?"
"Yes, I'm certain of it little one"
Honedge looked at this big and intimidating figure, and yet saw a gentle being which took him aback a little. He suddenly felt a lot of his tension fade, this was the sign of an understanding leader, and he definitely respected that. Phantump smiled and started to come out from behind Sinestea, looking up to the king "hi. I- I- I'm Phantump, it's a pleasure to meet you Mr"
"Thank you." He looked to the group as a whole "so you all came here from the portal?"
Honedge nodded. The king sighed "then I'm sorry to say there is little we can do for now"
Honedge looked confused "what does thou mean? Surely thou can simply send us back"
"It's not that simple. But also…. Hard to explain. And I would hate to waste your time."
Sinestea chimed in "No, I want to know what's happening. no humans, a pokemon ruler no offence…"
"None taken"
"... and from what Gengar said it sounds like this isn't the first time this happened"
The king nods "understood. In that case, may I invite you to dinner? It will be easier to digest over food…. Pun not intended"
Sinestea raised a cup-brow but Honedge immediately responded with a "that would be an honour"
The king smiled "OK, I will let the family know, we have extra guests"
He floated to the door and casually pushed it open, Sinestea staring at Honedge with daggers for a good minute before Phantump looked over to the king "thanks a lot Mr ruler king sir."
The king chuckled a little to himself "please, you are very kind but that title is too much, you all have permission to call me by my name. Giratina"
Giratina floated off, followed by Phantump and Sinestea, until she looked back to Honedge. Honedge remembered that name, and his mind connected so many dots. He was stunned, shocked, he had no clue what to do or say… he was just in front of a legendary pokemon, and that legendary pokemon invited him to eat with his family. He didn't know what to feel. Pride, fear, honour, unworthy, all mashing together in his mind before Sinestea clicked her fingers in front of him
"Hey! Honedge! Galar to Honedge!"
"Huh? Yes? What does thou want?"
"We're leaving. So I suggest you come before we get lost in here"
"Oh. Yes, that would be a good idea."
He brushed the mulch of emotions out, no time to process, just time to stay calm and show as much royal honour as he could muster. Dinner with the royal family of the land, how bad could it be?
