Colour me surprised. They want me, Forseir, nothing but a slightly taller then average Riolu that wants nothing to do with the bloody military anymore to go on an international mission to capture and return some dick who has been selling illegal Aratican contraband. I've already said no how many more times to I have to say it?
"Seriously, why me? Of all the soldiers, you pick the one that, yes, may have done some 'actions' in the past that are considered 'heroic' but also the one who is planning on literally quitting with his friend in a week." I really don't want in.
"Who else better for the job, Colma!-" My 'officer in command' was cut short by one of my fantastic responses. "Don't call me that. First name basis only."
My manager, a short and old Rhydon, too old to be fighting up in the front lines. Poor fella, I don't think he even wants to be here, he seems like the sort of guy that would be nice to anyone, I almost feel bad for treating him badly.
"Sorry, Forseir," he mumbled. "Formality is my strong suit as you know."
"mm, I reckon you need to break it a bit, give yourself a bit more personality!"
"Moving back to our subject, Forseir," The old guy eyed me, as if I was trying to switch the conversation. "Will you please do this, it's only one final mission and then you can go do whatever someone your age would do if they weren't crazy enough to join the military."
"Yeah, but what's in it for me? It's not like I'm gonna have transport paid for when I move or meet my grandfather who was exiled!"
"I thought you'd say that..." The officer bent down and shuffled through his drawers.
"What do you mean?" I responded.
"Here" He groaned as he leaned back on his chair. "We're not allowed to show these to Araticans normally, but," The old Rhydon narrowed his eyes. "Due to your stubbornness, I have no choice." The officer produced two little pictures, they looked to me as if someone had been very good with their painting skills and decided on a greyscale tone. Both pictures depicted a old looking Lucario dressed in a classic looking cloak, with somebody else that was impossible to identify, one was in some sort of long, concrete chamber. The Lucario, I instantly recognised from family paintings as my grandfather, his wary eyes, seemingly never focused on what they are meant to be.
"Who in their right mind painted a picture on that angle? And why do they look so grainy?" Nothing about this added up to me, the angle, how they didn't look like they noticed the painter, nothing.
"That's because it's a photo, from an object called the Camera. It can take pictures instantly, by doing something with light, I don't know, I didn't do any research when I was over there." he looked in a daze, as if someone had hit him on the head and he had to focus on one thing to regain his vision.
"Fine, I'll do it only if you give me those photos. I need them." I sounded a bit fore forceful then expected but it got the job done.
"Here, now, do you want to build your own team? Or shall I pick for you?" The officer slid the photos over to me, I quickly grabbed them and placed them in one of my belt pockets, good.
"Aconic, he's all I need." I said quickly, he's been my partner for a long time, ever since I enlisted in this bloody war.
"one more." The officer replied calmly.
"I'll find someone when I get there, contact someone. I don't know where I'll be landing, but contact someone there."
"Fine," The old man sighs. "Be ready for leaving the evening. Get Aconic, he'll want to know." He wrote something barely legible to me on a piece of paper. Not that it mattered, anyway, it was probably just something along the lines of 'Forseir and Aconic to travel tonight' or something similar.
"Alright," I get up. "Thank you, I'll be leaving now." I turn towards the door and leave.
Time to find Aconic, my best chances are on the beach. Oh wait, it's raining and he's a Charmander. He'll probably be wanting nothing to do with the rain. Maybe a pub instead, what's his favourite pub again? The Prospect of Whitby? We always go there, that has to be the right place. He's not on duty I don't think, either.
It looks as though it's getting towards midday, I better hurry. I half jog half walk into the centre of the city, a few locals recognise me and smile, foreigners just scowl at me. They know there's a war on, right? What does it matter if I'm in a rush towards the city centre, for all they know I could be attempting to call off an attack or something. But I can't let that bother me now, I gotta hurry. I come up to the main street, trees are blushing with new leaves that had grown freshly from the winter before, and the rain seemed to compliment them by giving each leaf a nice, glossy reflection. "Now." I mutter to myself and I turn to the many allies that line the street, one block apart each. "Which ally is it? Fourth down isn't it?" I wonder to the left side, and into an ally. Right choice, the ally leads to the pubs front door. I wander in, and realise just how wet and cold it really is outside. I instantly feel warm from the fire going on in the back. Overall the pub is long, but not very wide. One section of it is more open and light, while the other is more dimly lit and private.
I walk to the counter, directly in front of me. Sweet! They do Vodka here.
"Hey, can I get a lime flavoured Vodka please?" The bartender doesn't even look up at me when he hands me the whole bottle. Smart guy, he knows I'm just gonna keep placing orders, so why not give me the bottle, eh? I pay and wander to the quiet area, the lonesome, fellow blue scarf wearer Charmander is there, what a surprise!
"Heya Ace!" Aconic looks up, unsure if it was directed at him. Then when he sees me he smiles.
"Hey For. Meeting over already? Ready to go back to the lines?" Aconic is my partner, we do everything together. He's the strategist, I'm the fighter.
"not exactly. Do you want a free... Business trip to Arom?" His eyes light up at the offer. It's not every day we get offered things like that!
"Of course! When are we leaving? Tomorrow, next week?"
"Now." That got Aconic up. He jumped and hugged me, even though my fur is still very much drenched.
"Lets do this!" Aconic says confidently.
Authors notes.
Hello! Thank you all for stopping by to read this little project of mine! I really hope you enjoy! I would also love to add that this will be a multi-chapter story, so if you are enjoying to so far, please expect updates!
Thanks
-R