Chapter Ten
"Can anyone tell me why we are walking so early in the morning?" Grace staggered behind Hannah and Tak, "And when it's still dark."
Arric stifled a yawn himself, struggling to keep pace next to Quin behind the pack. The snow sunk them to their knees, making their progress slow. The moon hid behind grey clouds and the sky was slowly beginning to lighten with the morning light. Tak looked over his shoulder to Grace,
"Master Bowen and Madame Avice told us to that's why. You're more than welcome to go back and ask if it saves us having to listen to you complain all day."
Grace heaved her pack higher onto her shoulder and grumbled. For the next few hours, the group stumbled through the snow in a tired comfortable silence. Arric took in his surroundings, letting his gaze wander over the horizon. The bare trees were slowly becoming denser; the green leaves that were originally missing in the snow were beginning to spot the branches in small bunches.
By mid-morning, the group had stopped by a small stream to rest for a light breakfast and to refill their canteens. Hannah and Bree fussed over the cooking pot, while Quin and Grace filled the canteens. Arric sat by the fire, poking at the tiny flames with a stick lost in thought. Master Bowen had awoken them just before dawn, telling them to gather their things and make their way towards the Jolteon territory as quickly as they could. When they questioned him, the Glaceon merely shook his head and pushed them through the tunnels to the surface. Avice had met them at the tunnel entrance, a dark expression sunk into her features but her eyes flickered with worry as she had watched the group stumble before her in the dark.
"You must reach the Jolteon territory as soon as possible. Do not delay. It is imperative that you finish this Evolution Ritual as quickly as possible. I am sorry to say but your days at the next few territories are limited. Finish up at the Jolteon territory as quick as you can."
Hannah and Bree began to protest and Avice put up her hand to silence them, a threatening look in her eyes. "Do not argue. Go."
Arric flicked the stick off into the bushes and leant back as Hannah passed him a bowl of food. The warm contents felt good to hold against his chest, as the air was still chilly. If they were to finish the Evolution Ritual quicker than usual, then the ritual would not fall on the next moon. Were they to stay in the Espeon village until then? What was the hurry? Arric mulled over these thoughts as he ate, looking over at his friends. They all stared into their own bowls, lost in thought.
When they had finished their meal, they quickly packed up camp and headed for the Jolteon territory once more. By late afternoon, they had all but left the cold snow behind them and gladly welcomed the warmer fields that stretched out before them; small hills covered in knee-high grass spread out around them. Before long Hannah and Bree quickened their pace, motioning to the others to follow.
"Come on! We're almost there!"
Matching their pace, Arric followed along. The two girls buzzed with excitement, eager to return home and soon Arric found himself struggling to keep up with them. Coming to the top of a hill the group stopped, scanning the small valley that laid before them below. Small huts made of stone and wood littered the small valley; the walls of the valley surrounded the village, protecting it from the elements. With Hannah leading the way, the group followed a small path into the village. They passed several of the small buildings and Arric could not help but notice a few of them were in need of repair. The roofs needed patching; some doors were hanging and most looked abandoned.
"Hannah, why is it so quiet here?" Grace asked.
Bree flashed a smile at them, "These are just at the edge of the village, no one really uses these buildings anymore."
Arric could not shake the cold feeling that crept up his spine as they drew deeper into the valley. The walls felt like they closed in on him and were much bigger as they reached the bottom. The group stumbled to a wall with a large arch made of stone. At the entrance, two Jolteon stood, their bright yellow pelts glinting as the sun touched them. Their hair spiked and almost looked like sharp needles, the edges of their fur fully spiked on their hips and legs. Their tails were bobbed and just as spiky. They eyed the group carefully before nodding, stepping aside to let them through.
"Master Volke has been expecting you." One spoke. His voice deep and cold, "He wants to see you Hannah after you have settled our guests."
Arric noticed Hannah stiffen; she nodded curtly and motioned for them to follow. Passing the gates, the group came into a large courtyard. A community of small buildings were to one side. The buildings were lined in several rows, each one looking the same as the other, big enough for a small family of Jolteon to live in. On the other, a large stone building rose high above them. It looked big enough to hold a few hundred Pokemon. On the far side, there were a few smaller buildings, one of them Hannah led the group to, ushering them inside quickly. Inside they found that it was a small bunkhouse. One room contained several bunk beds lined along the wall. The rest of the rooms consisted of a bathroom, small kitchen and a large living room, scattered with chairs and tables. Arric dropped his pack at one of the beds, taking in the surroundings.
Hannah twisted her hands together nervously, "Settle in, I'll go see Master Volke and Bree and I will give you a tour later."
She gave a quick glance to Bree before leaving. Bree watched her go, a confused look on her face and she turned to find the rest of the group watching her.
"What?"
Quin picked at his pack nervously, "It seems a little strange doesn't it?"
Tak grunted, "You mean the fact that there are barely any Jolteon around beside the ones we saw at the gate? Not much of a welcome."
Quin squirmed in his seat but could not bring his eyes to meet Bree, "Yes. It does seem….. Vacant."
Bree growled, "Jolteon tend to keep to themselves here. We aren't all sun and rainbows like Glaceon and Leafeon."
"We didn't mean any offence, Bree," Grace said carefully, "It's just that, doesn't something feel off?"
Bree shook her head, "It's just different here."
Silence fell over the group as they made themselves busy. Hannah shortly returned, her face tired and her body slumped. She gathered herself, running a hand through her hair, addressing her friends.
"Master Volke wanted me to give you a tour. Come with me."
She left through the door, the others following behind her. She took them across the courtyard towards the large building. Inside was what looked to be a small stadium. Rows of seats lined the outside and in the center was a large dirt field.
"Here is where we train, enjoy a game or two or hold village meetings," Hannah explained.
She led them back outside and headed towards the community of houses on the other side of the courtyard. Arric noticed a few Jolteon watching them from inside their houses.
"This is the housing area. All Jolteon families live in these houses. They are all the same so that everyone is equal."
Hannah led the group back to the other side of the courtyard back to the bunkhouse, stopping outside. She pointed to a side path that led to the back of the village.
"There are a few fields out that way, it's where most of us go and have fun, or a lot of the time Jolteon are out gathering." She pointed over to a building at the back of the courtyard standing alone, "That is Master Volke's home."
"And I expect none of you to step foot there while you are here." A deep growl greeted them.
A large Jolteon stepped out of the bunkhouse, his spiked hair stood on end like a Mohawk, his fur a bright golden yellow. His eyes were dark brown and they bore into the group before him.
"Master Volke." Both Hannah and Bree dipped their heads in respect, avoiding his gaze.
A sly smile crossed the Joelton's lips as he looked over the group, "Welcome to the Jolteon Village. You won't find a safer and equal community here. We like to keep to ourselves and keep in line. Unlike my brothers."
Arric's ears perked up, 'Your brothers?"
Volke laughed, it was cold and hollow, "Yes that hot-headed Flareon Vesper and too calm for his own good Vaporeon Karn are my brothers."
More Tribe Leaders who are related. Arric thought.
The Jolteon crossed his arms over his chest, leaning against the doorframe of the bunkhouse.
"So, any of you younglings pledging Jolteon, or are you here to waste my time?"
Hannah quickly stepped forward, "I'm sure after seeing how great our village is, my friends will be more than likely to pledge Jolteon."
Volke glared at her and Arric watched as Hannah shrunk into herself, her gaze never leaving the ground. Arric felt anger begin to bubble up inside him. Tak snorted his disgust, which broke Volke's gaze, his mouth twisting into a sneer, "Well see to it you do pledge Jolteon. After the Evolution Ritual, Jolteon is the side you wish you were on."
Volke strode off in the direction of his house leaving the group to watch after him. Grace wrapped an arm around Quin who trembled where he stood. Tak let out a growl and mumbled to himself as he brushed past Hannah into the bunkhouse and soon the rest of them followed, leaving Arric and Hannah standing alone outside. Arric approached Hannah who still stared at the ground, her eyes distant and lost in thought.
"Hannah are you okay?"
Hannah lifted her head slowly, meeting Arric's gaze with her own, anger burning in her eyes. She looked tired and defeated and Arric could not help but feel she was fighting something inside her.
"I'm fine Arric." She said finally.
Turning on her heel, she stormed into the bunkhouse, leaving Arric to follow her inside. The group had separated to their own corners, busy with their own business. When dinner came, Hannah and Bree left to gather some supplies for food and returned with enough to make a satisfying meal that the group ate in silence. By the time it was ready for bed, the atmosphere in the bunkhouse felt thick with dread. Arric crawled into his bunk, which sat between Tak and Quin; he found it once again difficult to fall asleep. Thoughts of his dreams and the way Volke had spoken to them left an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach.
What did he mean the best side to be on? What was going to happen after the Evolution Ritual?
Arric tossed and turned in his bunk in a desperate bid to sleep or at least come to terms with his thoughts and it was not until hours later that he finally drifted off to sleep.
When he awoke, he found himself in the same dream. Fear closed in on him as the familiar surroundings of the volcano, waterfall and tree came into his view. However, this time something new had joined him. A giant sphere of ice called out to him in the darkness. Arric thought he could see rainbows of light flickering inside the sphere, begging him to release them from their icy prison. The need to be free gnawed at his mind, drawing him to the sphere and he felt himself walking towards the sphere, just as he had with the other entities. With all his strength he pulled his gaze away from the sphere, the need to be free slowly ebbed away from his mind. Frustration replaced it and he screamed out into the darkness.
"What do you want from me?"
His voice echoed out as tears welled in his eyes. He looked around him, trying to find a way out. He slapped his cheeks willing himself to wake up. His cheeks stang with each strike but he still found himself stuck in the fog. Arric sunk to his hands and knees defeated, the stone beneath him felt cool to the touch. He wiped his hands over the stone, it was smooth, no cracks or scratches on its surface. If he looked close enough, Arric could almost make out his reflection. Sighing, Arric stood and considered each entity carefully. What could they all mean and why now were they appearing?
A chill suddenly went up his spine as he noticed that the fog around him was beginning to thicken. The entities were starting to dim in the distance as the darkness started to creep towards him. Claws scraped against stone, a hissing breath circled him. The fog swirled in every direction, a thump and then a deep growl rumbled towards Arric.
"What do you want?" Arric yelled at the creature in the darkness.
The creature circled him as the darkness closed in. Its violet eyes taunting him, its growls echoed in Arric's ears, making his heart pound in his chest. It was toying with him. Anger bubbled inside him and his hands balled into fists.
"I said what do you want!"
A rush of wind hit Arric with force, knocking him to the ground. It tore at his fur, filled his ears with a deafening howl, pushing all the breath out of him. He struggled to pull himself up but the more he struggled the stronger the wind became. Squinting through the wind Arric looked up at the creature, violet eyes swirling to an azure blue, its voice a whisper in his ear.
"To see."
The wind rushed him even harder and Arric was forced to screw his eyes shut in pain. He curled himself into a ball to try to protect himself, the wind turned into an icy blizzard, shards cutting into his skin. He screamed out in pain, the hot wet feeling of blood seeping onto his skin. The wind continued; every time Arric breathed, he felt the wind take over his lungs, suffocating him until once again the world fell into darkness.
Arric shot out of bed covered in sweat. Something grabbed his arm and he twisted away screaming. The grip grew tighter and something clamped over his muzzle. Fighting, Arric clawed at his mouth, desperate to be free.
"Ouch! Arric quit it! It's me!"
Arric stopped struggling, facing his attacker and coming face to face with Tak. Tak wore a scowl on his face, his dark eyes filled with concern. Tak let go of him and Arric rubbed his snout where Tak has held his mouth shut.
"I'm sorry I th-"
Tak cut him off with a finger to his lips, gesturing towards the other beds. Quin and Grace were watching them, a concerned look on their faces. Suddenly Arric realised Hannah and Bree were missing. Tak crept out of bed and motioned for the others to follow him. Quietly they snuck from the bunkhouse towards the stadium. Torches lit half the inside of the building and as they drew closer, they heard heated words. Tak carefully opened the door and slipped in, with Arric, Quin and Grace following quietly behind. They slipped behind some of the seats and peered out at the small group that stood in the centre area of the stadium.
Volke, Hannah and Bree stood arguing. The giant Jolteon towered over the two Eevee. Hannah stood with her hands on her hips, Bree beside her looking confused and angry as the two fought. The small group crept closer to hear, keeping to the shadows.
"I don't care what the other tribe leaders want and you know that. Your job was to bring them here and you did that, the deal is done." Volke growled.
Hannah shook her head, "This is wrong! The other tribe leaders will find out what you are doing and-"
"And do what?" Volke cut her off. His face dark with a cold expression, "What could they possibly do? Once I'm done with you and your friends they will have no choice but to accept it!"
"What is he going to do?" Quin whispered.
Grace hissed at him to be quiet, returning her attention to the group, "It looks like Master Volke doesn't intend for us to leave."
A low growl rumbled in Tak's throat. "Madame Lycia warned me of this."
"What do you mean Tak?" Arric hissed, "What aren't you telling us?"
Tak turned to Arric to speak but a loud shriek tore his attention back to Volke, Hannah and Bree. Volke clutched a clawed hand around Bree's arm, pulling her close to him. Hannah lashed out at him and Volke kicked out at her, landing a blow to her stomach, taking her to the ground.
"You told me they were going to pledge Jolteon Hannah. I don't have time to wait for this stupid ritual. I don't need more Vaporeon or Flareon running around. If you want to be next in line, then stop acting like your mother and take it into your own hands!"
Volke kicked open a box at his feet and pulled out a stone. It ebbed a vibrant yellow in the dim light, crackling with electricity in the Jolteon's hands. Bree struggled in his grasp, pulling away from him, her eyes wide with fear.
"You promised me to have them convinced by the time they came here and all I find is your pathetic attempt at making friends. I need Jolteons Hannah."
Volke kicked at Hannah on the ground, she groaned, clutching her stomach in pain.
"Hannah!" Bree struggled to get to her, Volke pulled her back sharply.
Volke hissed at her, pulling her to the ground, pushing her face into the dirt to subdue her, the stone in his hand starting to grow brightly.
"You disappoint me Hannah. If you want to take my place then you need to show a bit of initiative like your father." Volke growled at Hannah, his attention turning to Bree. "Take this stone Bree. You and Hannah can be the first and then I'm sure the rest of your little friends will join when they see it's the only choice they have."
Bree struggled under his weight, tears streaming down her face. Volke cackled coldly as he brought the stone closer to her, pushing it into her closed fists. Arric felt something inside him snap. He did not even feel himself moving until he was halfway across the room and he never felt his weight against the Jolteon until his fist had finished connecting to the tribe leader's face, his body smashing into Volkes. Arric tumbled with Volke across the ground and the rest of the group rushed to gather Bree and Hannah.
"Arric let's go!" Tak scooped Bree to his chest and sprinted for the door.
Arric leapt to his feet, glancing quickly over his shoulder at the Jolteon wiping his bloody face with his hand. Everything exploded into a frenzy around him when he realised what he had done. Arric's heart pounded in his chest as he burst through the door after his friends. They raced towards the entrance of the compound, straight past the Jolteon set on guard.
"Don't let them escape!" Volke roared, "I want them all back here now!"
The houses seemed to burst into life as Jolteon left their houses after them. The shouts following them out into the night as the group sprinted for the forest at the edge of the fields. The grass swishing against their legs, the blood rushing in their ears, their chests heaving with ragged breaths as the crowd behind them grew closer.
"Tak, we won't be able to outrun them for long!" Grace shouted.
Tak looked behind them, Bree still in his arms, Hannah right beside him with Quin and Grace following close behind. He gestured to a dry riverbank.
"There! When you reach it, split up. Find somewhere to hide and do not leave until you know they are gone. Then find the closest village and get help!"
"Tak are you sure wh-" Hannah began.
"Just do it!" Tak roared at her.
They each leapt into the riverbank and scattered. Arric sprinted along the bank, his friends gone from sight. He could hear a few Jolteon on his tail and pumped his legs harder, his lungs burning. He followed the bank until it came to a thicket of trees, Arric bounded into them, the Jolteon hot on his trail. Branches whipped at his face as he scrambled through the forest. Darkness surrounded him; he had no idea where he was and where he was going. He needed to get away. What was Volke planning to do with them and did the other Tribe Leaders know? Why would they send them here if they knew this would happen? Did Bowen and Avice betray them?
Arric sprung to his left and hurdled over some branches, feeling a sickening drop in his stomach as the ground disappeared beneath him and he fell into a dark hole. His arms flailed around him to catch his fall but they met nothing. He looked up to see the faces of Jolteon silhouetted against the moonlit sky, peering down over the edge, a look of fear on their faces.
Arric hit the bottom with a sickening thud, his body rolled down over rocks, deeper into the small ravine. He felt pain shoot through his leg as he hit a rock on his way and he hoped the snap he heard was not his leg. Reaching out to try to grab something to stop himself, his hands only slipped over loose stones and dirt. He continued to roll until he reached the bottom, throwing his body against something solid, cracking his head on the ground. Arric watched as the world around him seeped into darkness.