In a bar was a Zangoose sitting, sipping on a glass of wine, wondering if he should go out of look for a job or wait until it comes to him... Perhaps one of the wannabe heroes show up and want to hire him as the sword expert or muscle to finish their quest. The most outstanding feature of this Zangoose is the black metal arm on.
The innkeeper, Boris the Lickitung, was cleaning some glasses, while few thieves Sneasels were muttering about attacking the incoming royal carriage.
Raven, the Zangoose, raised an eyebrow and decides to intervene. He was sometimes hired from the palace to capture some run away criminals and who knows if their attack wouldn't make life harder than what already it is.
"What's that look Raven? New plan in bag?" Boris asked while he placed some glasses on the shelves.
In the meantime, one of the trio, a Sneasel with his feather ear chopped off and many scars on his arms, placed a little money sack on the counter, "We pay you too well for your shit drinks" he complained.
"I think Boris make good drinks... it is just costumers like you who take things down," told Raven "And do you prefer to be dealt with now or after your plan. I prefer afterwards... the reward would be higher."
"Bah! Don't listen that striped fleabag Boronto, we have to go before we're late," an older Sneasel said getting up wobbling, visibly drunk.
"I am off Boris," told Raven while paying. "I got a royal family to reward me."
"What? The Royal Lione family? Pwah! As they're kind with their people. Well except for the Queen Palette and the princess Soraya. They're like angels between two devils," Boris said while tiding the tables.
"We will see! These darkies want to attack them it seems," he grins and left to intervene the attack.
"Keep the queen and princess safe!" Boris shouted as Raven headed out.
In the meantime, on the main street of the town, people were surrounding the borders to see the royal carriage coming.
Raven rushed to find the Sneasels in time. Since their time difference weren't that great, he should have a good chance of finding them.
The three Sneasels took their places and waited patiently.
The carriage arrived shortly after, a beautiful walnut and golden carriage crossed the street until to arrive in the square. First the King, a majestic Luxray dressed up with a cobalt silk shirt and a scarlet and gold starred mantle. He looked serious and even cruel, his red eyes
glimpsed in annoyance as people hailed him.
Raven got close and had a hand on his blade, ready to act when the Sneasels attack.
One by one the royal family got off from their carriage. Palette and Soraya politely greeted their people as the little spoiled Litleo, Ramon, mocked the poor kids who asked for charity, and the king Amadeus just walked by the people.
Raven moved forward and watched the scenery very careful in order to act on the right time.
The family servant, the Hunchcrok, Sebastian, was flying above the royal family, and as soon as he eyed Raven, he landed in front of him and whispered in his ear, "Two on the palace at your right, the last one is above that shop."
Raven raised the eyebrow of his only good eye in wonder about this bird and planned to take out the one on the shop first since it was closer than the other two.
"Sebastian is my name," he presented himself tipping his hat, then winding his wings to take the fly again.
Raven climbed on the shop roof and tipped the shoulder of the Sneasel to gain his attention before punching in face face and slamming the said head into the wall for knocking it out. After all he wanted to ask this guy a few questions later.
The Hunchcrow did his part, tackling the two Sneasels on the roof of the palace and with a Night Blade attack he knocked the two thieves out.
"So much for getting paid by saving the family," he muttered while pulling the Sneasel on the ground.
Sebastian reached Raven carrying the two thieves with his claws, "Get on my back, I'll carry the third scum as well as you," he said fixing the third pokemon.
Raven got on the bird's back and asked, "Why are you doing this? Or rather... what is your interest in me?"
Sebastian didn't reply as he flew down, landing in front of the king and showing the three knocked out.
"Sebastian! Who are those parasites?!" The King roared.
"This brave Zangoose defeated them just for your and your family safety," he declared bowing and showing the raccoon on his back.
Raven climbed down and knelt in front of the king while bending his head down in a respectful way.
The King looked at Raven, then scoffed. The Queen instead approached and took his fake paw.
"My King and family are grateful for your gesture."
The little princess approached too and bowed, "Yes thank you for protecting me, my mom, my dad and my big brother."
"It was an honor for me!" told Raven. "Even though I am just a low mercenary in these lands."
"Well thought!" Amadeus started exclaimed, after talking with Sebastian. "My faithful guardian here just told me you're very talented. And he recognize good pokémons when he sees them. So I'll name you second-in-command guardian, Sebastian's assistant."
"Thank you for this honorful reward," Raven replied and slowly raises and moved to Sebastian, who nodded to him. Then the King took his sword and ordered. "Kneel, Zangoose."
The people surrounded curiously while Raven followed the order and kneeled down.
"In front of my people, I name you guardian of my castle, and assistant of Sebastian," the king declared as he tipped his shoulders with his sword.
Raven acknowledged it and waited for the allowance to raise. Also he wondered if he could continue some of his habits... like some of his... night activities of finding the perfect girl. He didn't had any real luck so far... a few nights with some girls but never something serious.
"Get up, guardian," the King declared. Raven raised on his feet as the Luxray explains. "For today, you'll have to be careful at my children."
"Of course your majesty," he replied.
"Then follow us," ordered the the king.
The Zangoose bowed and followed the family, studying the members of it; Ramon is the quiet spoiled bossy brat, who likes to offend the poor kids. Soraya instead is kind and always smiling. He thought to himself that it could be some interesting times he got into.
Then a shady looking Mawilecame to the king, bowing, "Sire... I have news on our search."
"Not now please. We'll talk about this tonight in my castle. Now there are too many ears and eyes on us," the King shushed the Pokémon.
"Of course... I just wanted to inform," he told and left. Amadeus rolled his eyes and kept on walking.
Raven narrowed his eye, knowing that something is up. However he stood on his current mission.
Later that day, the whole family was back to their castle and once inside their quarters, the King ordered, "Sebastian, order the cooks to cook the dinner."
"Yes Your Majesty," bowed the Honchkrow.
Raven cleared his throat and asked carefully, "May I ask... where I can I bring my belongings, now that I work for you?"
"Sure. MICHAEL!" Amadeus roared and a Sceptile showed up, dressed up like a servant.
"Yes Your Majesty?"
"Show Raven his quarters."
"Let's go then," told Raven, grabbing his bag.
" Yes Your Majesty," the Sceptile bowed and led the Zangoose in another wing of the castle.
"Just a question Michael," began Raven. "Besides my duties... do I still have the time for free activities... like trying to get a love life?" he wondered. "And what should I look out to survive?"
"Heh look, for your sentimental life, forget it. And about surviving, you just have to obey at the King, don't complain or advice him, his word is the law," warned Michael.
"Nice to know that!" he sighs loudly.
"Although, if you're good at escaping, in the night you'll have your private life."
"I have to thank my brother when I visit his grave," he mumbled, catching the attention of the grass type. "Huh? What you mean boy?"
"My brother was an expert of breaking in and out of places under a lord's order, until he was murdered from his own son," explained Raven.
"In the name of Arceus! What happened?!" he asked opening a door.
"Simple... my brother wanted to stop and his son should take over. But the lord didn't like any... people who might know about his dirty secrets... so he offered a large bounty for the death body of him. Couldn't believe that my nephew would do that... but he did in front of my eyes and also tried to kill me," explained Raven and Michael said. "Oh... I'm really sorry to hear this. Is your nephew still alive?"
"Arm off and only half of a lung but yes," Raven nodded and the Sceptile sighed. "Oh... Well. He won't live long."
"That's what I was told, but he forced my hand," he sighed. "Hope that I have more luck on my children if I get a girl."
"I'm sure it won't happen something like that anymore. Anyway this is your room," told the grass type and showed the room.
"Thanks" Raven told him and moved into the room.
"No problem. Dinner will be ready soon, but Sebastian and other guardians eat in another room," informed the servant.
"Are you leading me or do I have to find the room on my own?" Raven asked while looking what he has in the room. It was very simple. He had a bed, a closet and a small desk and chair only.
"Sebastian will lead you. Servants eat in their rooms. Do you like your room?"
"It is better than some hotel rooms I spent my nights on," admitted Raven. "Only have been in something better two times in my life... both case hired by somebody rich to hunt a rival."
"Ah I see."
"Anyway... I am fine now if nothing else has to be discussed," told Raven and decided to sharp his blade while waiting for Sebastian.
"No it's okay. I'll leave you to your business, Raven," he bowed and walked out from the room.
Raven chuckled and kept sharpening his blade. Then he looked to his arm and mused, "I should get some maintenance for it soon."
Shortly after someone knocked at the door then came in, it was the princess Soraya.
"Princess!" told Raven and kneeled down, not wanting to get the king mad by upsetting his daughter. "What brings me the honor of you coming to me?"
The little Shinx giggled as she walked closer. "No need to bow at me Raven. My mother asked me to give you the welcome in our castle," she lost her smile when she noticed his missing eye and fake arm. "What happened to your body?"
"I was born with a bad arm... and during one fight it got cut off. Thankfully I was in contact with some people who had interest of me still being alive so they gave me this artificial one," explained Raven. "And as for the eye... got hit by an arrow."
Soraya gasped covering her mouth in horror, she was still unaware of how the world outside her castle could be cruel, "In Arceus' name! You need of a doctor for your arm and eye?! We have the best doctors of the kingdom, my father will let them heal you."
"I doubt they can give me a new biological arm or eye... after all this artificial one, was the best they could have done and three doctors and one magician worked on it" told Raven, flexing it, showing it works like a real one. "Though it has a few tricks. And it's great to block blades without having pain."
"Oh. Well then, if your arm is okay, never mind," Soraya smiled.
He smiled back, "Well... can I do something for you?" he asked while putting his blade on a safe place, deciding to sharpen it later.
"Oh no no. I just wanted to know our new guardian. Y'know, Sebastian is always so serious, it's never fun to talk with him," the little electro type said sighing after.
"Not sure it is fun with me either... before I got here, I was a blade user for hire and this is not a job you can have a lot of fun during work," told Raven. "And I had barely contact with children... though I admit I would like to have some of my own."
" Awww that's really nice to hear. I'm sure your noble heart will allow you to find someone who will love you forever," Soraya said with an innocent smile.
"So far I didn't have much luck with the girls," he laughed. "When you are old enough I might share some of the stories to you and your brother."
"Oh? What kind of stories? I love stories!" Soraya chirped happily.
Raven laughed, "Different types of them. But for some you are way too young. Though I think I can share someregarding jobs I did."
"He he. Okay. Can you tell me some please?" she asked jumping on the mattress.
"Well... I guess I can... anything special or just a random one?"
"Tell me about how you justice the bad mons like those Sneasels! My mother often read books about knights who save princesses, but it's boring after a while."
"By those Sneasels, I just overheard them doing a bad thing to your family in a bar," told Raven. "So I decided to act and present them to your father. Of course, them being unable to do anything," explained Raven. "Most other cases... when I bring justice, I normally try to catch the bad mons and bring them to my employer. They take them and I get money... or other stuff. My arm for example was a kind of reward. I lost it while fighting many bad mons which wanted to kill a girl just for their amusement... After I defeated them, the girl and I were brought to her father's house and I got this arm after telling I had information I wasn't supposed to tell."
"Oooh. So you saved a lady too? It's so romantic..." Soraya said dreamyfully.
"She was about your age," he laughed. "And in my job I did a lot of things. I even fought on the back of a Gyarados against a three headed dragon."
Soraya' s mouth and eyes widened in surprise, "For real!?"
"For real!" he told and showed her a scar on his side, "Got that as I made the finishing blow."
"Oh Arceus! You're really brave, Raven."
Suddenly someone burst into the room, it's Ramon, "Here you are sister! Father is really mad at you! You're late for dinner!" the little brat complained.
"Sorry brother. But Raven was telling me his adventures."
"I continue later with my stories," told the normal type and patted her head. "You better go before your father shows up here," then he turns to Ramon. "And you could be more friendly to others or they might bite you back if you do that too much. I have seen this often enough."
Ramon snarled at Raven then grabbed his sister paw, "You don't give me orders, guardian!"
"See you later Raven!" Soraya said as she followed her brother.
"I gave you an advice," told Raven and went back to maintain his weapon until Sebastian would come.
After a while, Sebastian showed up, "Raven, it's dinner time."
"Coming!" told Raven and placed his weapon down, also asking after, "How come that the kids were are so different?"
"They're just one year of age gap. Ramon was the first born, and immediately raised as future king. One year later, the Queen got pregnant with the princess, and being a female, the King wasn't much interested. So the Queen raised her as she thought it was better," Sebastian explained.
"That explains a lot," told Raven. "Though some of his behavior is really questionable. The last time I saw a prince like him was within a revolution I was hired... and was so unfortunate to catch his head after the execution."
"Heh the king will see by himself when it'll be time."
"True... but it is hard to prevent the good side of the family getting killed if hell breaks loose," told Raven.
"In the worse, the prince will be exiled, and the princess will be heir. She's already betrothed."
"Your word in Arceus' ear," he replied. "How old are they?"
"Ramon is 7 while Soraya is 6. But she doesn't know her betrothed yet. She'll know him when she be a teenager."
"I see!" he chuckles. "She got an attachment on me once I told her a few things about my life. Though it was hard to explain her what happened to me as she noticed my arm and eye."
"Kids gets attached at who looks strong at their eyes. Don't scare her with details. But you can tell her about your adventures."
"I try to avoid it, but what should I tell them if they don't listen to the reason of them being too young?"
"Soraya will easily believe if you tell her a future Queen mustn't listen to a certain kind of things. Ramon will be harder to convince."
"Lovely," he replied.
"I know, but if you wanna, you can talk with the Queen. She'll listen you willingly. The King instead... well.."
"I just try to figure out how my life goes on from here. After all it would be difficult for me to take off my habits of being a mercenary."
"You'll be fine Raven."
He nodded and asked, "What are my duties while being here?"
"Mostly you'll be the babysitter of the kids. Outside you'll be their guardian. You'll have occasionally free days for your personal business."
"Funny! Never had much to do with kids."
"Warn ya that they grew up with nannies until yesterday. Ramon will be a thorn in your side. But luckily his favorite nanny will take care of him mostly."
"I really have to change a few things... my normal way with handling thorns isn't... thehealthiest one for the thorns."
Sebastian laughed, "Don't worry, Ramon will avoid you anyway. He's so spoiled that the Kingwon't allow you to take care of him. Ah we're here. Guardians eats here."
"Good to know! And just one question: in case Soraya comes into my room and falls asleep when I tell her stories... where is her room?"
"I'll show you later," Sebastian ended opening a door, a large room averagely decorated, with many Pokémon already eating and chatting.
Raven went and took an empty seat.
"And who's this squirt?" an Ursaring asked.
"He's Raven, the new guardian and assistant," Sebastian replied.
"And I am a seasoned mercanary," added the normal type up.
"Ohohoh this sounds cool," the bear continues.
"Have a problem?" Raven asked while narrowing his eye.
"Oh no, not at all, don't worry kiddo," he snorted.
"Don't pat attention to him," a Lucario intervened. "He just like to build on fights. Welcome in the squad."
"Thanks, but now I am hungry."
"Sit and eat. We don't fight for food," the Lucario said sitting again, as Sebastian took a sit next to Raven and they began eating.
In the dinner the Pokémon talked about fight techniques, their adventures and so on. Raven listened to them but as he heard a particular story he jumps up.
"Hey! This was my story!"
"Is it? And how come, Raven?" someone spoke up.
"I was hired to protect a merchant who brought me to the events where I lost my eye! And every Pokémon who had been by the Kiro Mountains, knows that no Pacha Berries grow there! The merchant brought them to the region to sell them!"!
"Oh what a coincidence, I was on the Kiro Mountains," then a Medicham stood up.
"Then you agree that this Raichu's claim he was there and had his little adventure is impossible!" told Raven and the Raichu protested. "I Was there and stropped those bandits! I also picked up Pacha Berries to treat the wounds the merchant and I received!"
"Calm down both of you. This was the past. I didn't expect to meet you here Raven. But I guess we can leave everything behind can't we?" the Medichan asked.
Raven turns and recognized the psycho/fighting type, "Thought you were dead."
"My psychic powers let your mind unfocus on me, so I could run away, letting you believe I was gone," was his reply with a shrug.
The Raichu was now looking confused between the two while Raven chuckled and sat down.
"Guess I didn't get all of you then."
"That's right," the Medicham said with a wry smile, sitting as well. "But now I guess we are in the same boat, and we should start to work and think like a team."
"As long you don't try anything funny," told Raven and the Raichu asked. "Uhm... what... did just happen?
The whole room burst in a laugh.
"I guess a new team was just born," the Medicham declared as he raised his glass. "I want to cheer at our job and squad. We're the King's guardians. We're on the highest level under the king! Cheers!"
Everybody cheered and raised their glass. After a good drink, the mons ended their dinner.
"Follow me Raven. I have to show you Soraya's room," Sebastian said placing his wing on the pokémon fake shoulder. He nodded and moved with him.
Sebastian walked until a larger part of the castle. The royals apartments.
The crow stopped in front of a craved door. Knocking, a mature female voice said, "Come in."
And they move into the room.
Inside the room was queen Palette, brushing Soraya's hair while singing.
"And one day, the sun will shine upon you, and your dream will become true. Oh good evening Sebastian. Raven," the queen kindly welcomed them.
"Good evening."
"What brings you here?" Palette asked.
"Raven promised me to tell stories about his past after dinner," Soraya explained.
"And I wanted to see the room, in case you fell asleep on me while telling you my stories."
"Ah I see. This is really kind Raven," Palette smiled speaking.
"I give my best," Raven told and laughed. "Though it could be difficult at times! Never dealt with children before."
"He he I understand. Well I think my little Soraya will be a perfect beginning. She's very polite and kind."
Soraya blushed shyly hearing the compliments.
The mercenary nodded and replied, "I notice it! I worry more about her brother."
The queen sighed sadly as she lowered her ears, "I know my son is a lot like his father, but Amadeus educated him to be king as soon as he moved his first steps. I could just watch powerless," Soraya placed her paws over her mother's.
"It will only bring disaster on the long run. I saw this in some of my jobs..." he looked at her and almost wished she weren't the queen of this land or mated... "She is very beautiful," he thought to himself.
"I saw it too. My older brother was like my husband. His people chopped his head off after one year of reign. I know it sounds awful from the queen and the mother of the future king, but I wish Soraya will have the kingdom," Palette admitted. She looked away ashamed, she was saying horrible things about his husband and son.
"In case you need help in that, you have an ally in me," replied Raven.
"Thank you very much Raven," the queen stood up and bowed in respect at him.
He blushes at her bow, "N-NO problem."
Palette smiled and looked down at her daughter, "So, doesn't your new guardian have to tell you about his great adventures?"
"Yes yes yes!" Soraya jumped of joy as she rushed to Raven.
He laughed and picked her up, "Where should I tell my stories to you?"
"Mother, would you like to hear his stories?" Soraya asked turning her head but with her paws firmly around Raven's neck.
"Why not?" Palette smiled as she crossed her legs on the bed. "Sebastian you wanna stay?"
"I wish I could Your Majesty, but the King has a council tonight, and I have to be there."
"Well... where can I sit to start my story? Because I think I start at the beginning, telling how I became a mercenary."
"The beginning is always a good start," Palette advised.
"Yes. Why mercenary and not a knight?" Soraya asked looking up at him.
"Well... I tried it but I was refused because of the bad arm I had. Though as a child I was always good with a wooden sword and even beat a tournament winner once," explained Raven.
"Oh nice," Palette commented.
"And then what happened?"
"I wanted a work to earn money but I didn't want to join my brothers business of being a lord's thieves or... my sisters work of profession... so I tried different things, none of them working out. However... one day as I tried my luck as herb collector I heard cries in the near."
"And what was it? An hurt pokémon?" Palette asked.
"It was a hurt Pokemon... hurt by an rampaging Tauros. The first thing I did was grab a blade that was lying in the near and run to stop the Tauros."
Soraya gasped as Palette looked more interested, "And the Tauros? Was it still in rage?" the queen asked.
"It was destroying the part of the forest and was on its way to the village," answered Raven and continued. "After I made enough cuts on this rampaging beast, it collapsed due to exhaustion and the wounds. Then I went to help the hurt mon... who happened to be an elder mercanary. He watched me how I dealt with this Tauros and saw potential in me."
"And he taught you how to be a mercenary?" Soraya asked.
"That's correct!"
"And how long is your mercenary career?" Palette asks.
Raven had to think for a moment, "In a few weeks I am in this business for 8 years."
"Wow you're an expert nowadays. And what about your family?" the queen asked again.
"My brother is dead and his son won't live for very long, my parents are missing and my half sister took over the... family business," told Raven, blushing as he said the term 'family business.'
"Oh... I'm deeply sorry Raven," the queen apologized. Soraya instead hugged his neck tightly.
"Careful!" told Raven. "But thanks," he replied while holding the little electric type carefully. "I'll love you like a big brother!" Soraya squirmed happily.
"Soraya. That's Raven's choice. Family isn't an easy business to deal with, you know it."
"It is a tough one, since I just came today in your life. I need to see first if it could even work."
Though he admits, that being the big brother of such a kind girl would be great, no matter if she is a princess or not.
"But you're a noble mercenary! You're not cold or evil like the others!" the little lioness smiled hugging him tighter.
"I did my share of things which could be considered as evil in some eyes," countered Raven, trying to show he is not perfect.
"It's okay Raven. Sebastian chooses wisely the guardians. We trust him as we trust you."
Palette smiled.
"Though I never saw him before... so I wonder why he chose me."
"He has a special talent in recognizing good pokémons. Even if the guardians are ex evil brains, he has the ability to change them into good beings," the queen explained.
"I take a note on that, though it doesn't seem to change my luck with ladies."
"Searching for the soulmate? I'm sure when ladies find your interior qualities, they'll love you for sure," smiles the Queen.
"The only girls who found me interesting enough to talk back, only kept me for a single night," told Raven, not daring to look directly to the queen. In his mind he cursed his luck since there was no hope for him to win the queen... first she is far above him and second she is the mate of the king... so no chance.
"Oh such a rude behavior from those ladies," the queen commented.
"The only one who has remotely better interest is my half sister... which is why I usually stay away from her," Raven sighed while stroking the princess' head.
"What it means?" Soraya asked.
"This is something you are... too young for," Raven told, not wanting to tell the concept of incest.
Soraya pouted blaming her young age avoiding her to know.
Palette on the other side got the message and she was quite disgusted at the idea.
"Should I tell you another story?" Raven asked to get her of her pounding.
"Yay!" Soraya cheered and hugged her guardian tighter, eager to know more about this noble mercenary.