I wonder how the quote on the bottom will get you guys thinking...Nyx thought it'd be funny to let it hang at the end of the chapter.
-And I do, mates….He...Hehe...Mua MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!...Enjoy the reads, beautiful buggers.
Chapter 11: Heads or Tails?
With Ryker...
"I have a bad feeling about this, nii." Ryker stood there, arms crossed behind his back. Next to him, Jeanne was on her belly, waiting patiently like him. They were at Indigo Plateau, it would be a couple of hours until dawn. They wouldn't be bothered by anyone soon, so the meeting should go interrupted if all goes well.
It is alright to feel anxious, Daina. Ryker did yet another scan of the area, his head on a continuous swivel as was his ears which canted this way and that. Every now and then, his nose would flare as he took in the scents. I assure you, nothing will go wrong.
"How can you be so sure? Anything can happen, you know that!"
Of course. There are multitudes of possible outcomes, all of them have a fair likelihood to occur. However, I believe they will cooperate without any trouble for either of us.
"Really, nii?"
It is in their best interest to. He didn't say anything further, despite knowing the fact that it only left Daina with another unanswered question.
Have you detected any of them yet, Lord Fenrir? Ryker shook his head, he paused in his scanning to look at the Arceus.
"I have not, Lady Arceus."
I have not sensed anything either. Ryker and Jeanne frowned at Darko's statement. He was back at the Hall of Origins, scrying the entire area with a bird's eye view. He would instantly be there should anything go wrong, Ryker knew, which was another reason why the Fenrir felt that the two of them, meaning himself and Jeanne, would be just fine.
Maybe they're opting to continue biding their time until the right moment. Jeanne stated, looking at Ryker for his opinion.
"I am sure they will arrive. They would not ignore this opportunity to state their demands, and I am here as well so they will most likely try and see if they can recruit me as well." Nodding, Jeanne allowed a quick smile to crease her features.
And I am glad we won't have to worry about that, because I have your loyalty.
"Of course, Milady." Ryker gave a half-bow, though respectful nonetheless.
Lord Fenrir, Darko decided to say as Ryker and Jeanne returned to keeping watch for the Shadowed Saints, you should assume your natural form. As you are now, they may not take you seriously due to your stature.
Nodding, knowing that Darko could see him doing so, Ryker took a moment to shift into his true form. When he was on all fours, he decided to sit on his haunches and unfurled his slightly tattered wings to stretch them. Ryker noticed Jeanne glance at them, eyeing the tears with concern.
"She's worried for you, nii." Daina observed through his eyes.
They are fine, Lady Arceus. Jeanne didn't seem reassured. I fly just as fine as I would if they were completely healed with little effort. There is no need to be concerned.
I don't know why you keep them in their current state. the Arceus replied with a shake of her head.
"She's right, why don't you just heal them? Surely, you can?"
I keep them that way to remind myself of what I am leaving behind. Ryker told Daina. Even though I want to keep those certain memories of mine repressed, I do not want to continue on forgetting who I am now compared to the naive weakling I was years ago.
"...Would strong people turn away from their memories and run from their past, nii?"
The question caught him off guard. Of all things for her to say, he certainly didn't expect that. For some reason, he found that he couldn't answer. Was it because she was right and this entire time, he was just as weak as he was back when he was just a pup? Was it because he refused to acknowledge how true the statement was? It couldn't just be because of the fact that Daina, his dear little sister who was usually as sweet as pure sugar, decided to say something rather biting. Thinking of this reminded Ryker of the night he talked to her near Cianwood. He thought that she was growing rather bold lately…
"Oh-I'm so-...Nii, I'm so sorry. I really didn't mean for...Nii..." She was sincere, and Ryker had to stop himself from sighing out loud to avoid drawing looks from Jeanne and Darko.
Think nothing of it, Daina. he eventually replied. He suddenly felt tired, drained almost. He didn't think he words would affect him that much. Ryker suppressed the urge to shake his head. This wasn't him. He shouldn't be so concerned about it. Emotions like anxiety and the like usually passed right through him, he'd ignore them in an instant and stay stoic like a wall of stone. Blood and darkness. he cursed to himself, temporarily shutting Daina out of his head so as to not worry her. Ryker felt himself beginning to succumb to his darker thoughts of doubt and the like, suddenly questioning everything and wondering why was he even going out of his way to help Jeanne with issues she and Darko could immediately solve if only they'd just come to a decision and finally take ac-.
...No. He wouldn't let such thoughts overcome him just because of a flaw in his reasonings that Daina so accurately pointed out just moments ago. Ryker shoved the dark thoughts that threatened to take him over to the very back of his mind and locking them in a mental vault. All of it, his own selfish desires that would have him anywhere but there helping the two Arceus, his dreams such as the one of finding refuge from everyone in the world to simply fall in a slumber until he felt like the world was devoid of everything he hated (as naive and childish as it was), his doubts of everyone he knew...All stored under metaphorical lock and key with chains and seals for reinforcement.
But then...It was there. That one spark...The thought of what if. It remained there, stuck in his mind like a serrated knife deep in flesh. What if he gave in to that temptation? To just give not a single damn about anything and everything in the world. The thought nagged ever so subtly at him, somehow finding a connection to things like the promise of liberation of all beings of the dark that the Shadowed Saints were offering (though Ryker knew that such a thing was just falsities spewed just to attract more followers, manpower to raid the Hall of Origins).
What if he could just be himself without being limited to the expectations of everyone else? Why should he be afraid of whatever memories he was keeping repressed, afraid of how others might react to the dark, true Ryker that resided deep within. Ryker knew, under the calm facade he was putting up, under all his formal and respectful tendencies and such, that he just wanted to set the entire world on fire and blot out the sun. He secretly wanted blood, revenge at the thought of his family's murd-no, slaughter. He wanted to find all dark sources in the world and take the power for himself, to further advance his own dark abilities as well as his mastery over Void. He wanted to be the voidwalker, returning everything to Nothing. To utterly destroy completely and thus, allowing the opportunity for new life to grow in the world. And if they didn't turn out right either, he'd do it again and again. To purge if necessary, with no restraints or need of consent. To do as he saw fit. After all, everyone wanted something for their own gain, why couldn't he?
NO! Reaching up to clutch his head with a paw and wincing, ignoring the look of concern Jeanne threw his way, Ryker lowered himself slightly to the ground. I WON'T let such thoughts take control and mold me into something so...disgusting! Revolting! Horrible, terrifying, menacing, malevolent, EVIL!...He paused in his thoughts. Though, whether or not it is actually evil depends on how you are looking at it. Perspective. Chuckling dryly inwardly to himself, for the logical side of him never failed to surface no matter what the situation, Ryker sighed and tried to ignore his growing fatigue and stood back up to full height.
-rir….What-...Who? -ord Fen-!
His pulse pounded in his ears and every little noise echoed so very loudly. Ryker shook his head to try and clear it all away.
RYKER!
"NII!"
Jeanne...Daina...Ryker wearily turned to give Jeanne a raised eyeridge, though hid what he truly felt like under a mask of calm like he usually did. Yes, Lady Arceus? As his senses focused, he registered that Daina had somehow slipped through the cracks of his previously guarded mind even though he specifically meant for her to not be able to. I hear you, Daina, no need to yell now.
Ryker, are you unwell? Ryker noted with a hidden, tired smile the almost motherly tone of concern in her words. Of course, whenever the two of them were relaxed, she'd use it almost regularly.
I am fine, it was just a sudden migraine. I was just unprepared for it. And he wasn't lying either. His earlier thoughts left an ice pick stabbing into his head and Daina's current tirade, full of worry and anger at the same time for being shut out (Ryker was trying his best not to wince at her echoing yelling) did not help at all.
Are you sure? I've never seen you in a state like this. Jeanne got up and inspected him closer, searching his expression to see if she could find discern what it was. Ryker, however, chuckled and rested on his haunches.
Of course, Milady. Like I said, I was just simply unprepared for it. I have not had a migraine as bad as this one since the day we tried calming down Lady Mew from her caffeine-induced craze through the Halls of Origin. He intentionally ended his statement in a light joke, hoping to throw off the Arceus from his current ailment.
Fortunately, it worked, as Jeanne ended up chuckling as she returned to laying on her belly. Yes, that day was indeed a pain to deal with despite it being a little humorous.
If you'd like, you can take a moment to rest, Lord Fenrir. It was Darko talking to him this time, Ryker figured that the male Arceus must had seen him stumble through the scrying orb back at the Halls of Origin.
That is not necessary, I am not hindered to the point where I cannot perform my duty. Ryker replied, earning a nod from Jeanne and a grunt of approval from Darko. Alright, Daina, I apologize for that. Ryker thought to the soul bound to his sword after a few more moments.
"Don't just shut me out without a word like that next time! How do you think I felt when I called you dozens of times only to find out I can't reach you?! Don't do that again, nii, or I swear-!"
And, again, I am deeply sorry, Daina. It will not happen again. Like I told Jeanne, it was just a sudden migraine but I am recovering as we speak. I will make sure to prepare for it next time, if that makes you feel better.
"...So it's not about what I said, nii?"
Hm. Ryker quickly thought of a response to work around the question. Of course not, Daina. Did I not tell you to think nothing of it? It was just a sudden migraine, is all. Well, that wasn't a lie either and it wasn't just about what she had said earlier that caused the growing pain in his head. Not specifically.
Hearing a sigh of relief from her, Ryker waited patiently for her response. "...Contractions, nii."
Ah, of course. Thank you for reminding me. He felt Daina facepalm in his mind and shook his head.
Movement.
Ryker took barely a split-second to react and instantly directed his attention to the building up ahead, narrowing his eyes at the space above the roof. Lord Arceus, Lady Arceus, we have company.
So we do. Darko replied. Remember the plan, you two. And Lord Fenrir, remember that you are authorized to use lethal force as necessary at any point during the negotiations.
And do not be afraid to be aggressive to them if they decide to be pushy in their demands either, Lord Fenrir. Jeanne added as she rose to her hooves, Ryker rising to his full height as well.
Acknowledged.
"Be careful, nii. I'll be your lookout so you don't have to work to be as alert as you usually are." Daina chimed in.
Thanking her, Ryker calmly watched a few portals open above League facility of Kanto Indigo Plateau. Several figures stepped out, most were a Legendary species. There were seven in total; a wizened Lugia with the usual blue of its species' being a purple or sorts, a scowling Zapdos whose feathers were more of a dark yellow than the usual golden yellow, a "shiny" Yveltal (who seemed to be the leader of the group, his portal had emerged in the center of all of them and he emanated a sense of self-proclaimed superiority), a powerful Giratina (who immediately glared at Ryker), a smirking Kyurem (he was the only one of his species, actually), a snarling Zoroark, and a notably powerful Tyranitar. Each of the had the S.S. sigil emblazoned somewhere on their bodies, though unlike the sigil Ryker had seen on the Giratina, these ones were exuding a fiery purple aura.
The Yveltal looked at each of his colleagues, grinning, before flying down to the field before Ryker and Jeanne. The former studied the Kalos native (Yveltal originated from there), already noting the numerous weak points presented to them. Base of wings are significantly more weak than the standard avian structure for his species, the extra appendages on his tail are extremely sensitive, his legs are actually small so his movements are limited in regards to agility though his wings make up for it…
As he studied the others, the Yveltal bowed exaggeratedly to Jeanne. Lady Arceus...He dragged on the "S" in her name like a snake of a cartoon. Might we change into our disguises before starting off the...negotiations?
Ryker saw no friendliness in Jeanne's smile. Of course, it would be smart to play it safe. You'd never know when some random individual decides to take an early morning walk and take a route that runs through here.
Several flashes later had them all in human forms. The Yveltal was a tall but lanky man, with light purple hair and surprisingly bright aquamarine eyes. His smile sinister on his face, which was eerily resembling that someone in their late teens, and some red-and-white markings covered areas of his body like tattoos. He was donned in a suit, his tie perfectly centered and tightened. The Yveltal tugged on his lapels with a smirk. "I figured this attire would be perfectly suited for this meeting."
"...That pun.." Daina drawled to Ryker. Said Fenrir didn't pay much attention to the rest of the S.S. leaders, though he kept an eye on the Giratina and Zoroark for the former was still glaring at though held himself back as if he was waiting for an opportune moment to attack while the dark fox pokemon-in-human form kept flexing her clawed fingers and eyeing them with scorn.
"I agree, it seems we shared the same thoughts about the matter." Jeanne replied to the Yveltal. She was wearing a white blazer and matching pants, a yellow shirt underneath and emerald-studded jewelry adorning her arms. "Now then," she waved a hand and a large table appeared with seven chairs on one side as opposed to the two chairs on the other, "may we start?"
The leader of the S.S. sat down, turning his head to smile pointedly at Ryker shining white teeth. "And you are joining us, correct?"
I am participating, yes. Ryker replied, calm but his tone cold. He caught Jeanne's train of thought as he answered, she thought that with the way he was currently behaving made it as if nothing had happened earlier with his sudden migraine and all. Though, I would rather stay as I am now rather than changing into my human disguise.
"Hm. Could it be that you do not trust us? That being in your human disguise would limit your abilities to some extent?" The Yveltal cackled quietly to himself. Ryker simply deferred to Jeanne who gestured for him to sit. With Darko's agreement as well,-as reluctant as the male Arceus was-Ryker took a step forward.
If only to allow everyone here to be at ease then. Ryker replied, his form being silhouetted with black and shrinking to a size of six feet and a couple of inches. He sat down in his chair as the cover of darkness faded away, revealing his features to them all.
"You know, nii, this is the first time I've seen you this way."
That is because the last time I changed into this human form was as a pup several years ago, hiding from the humans. It has been long since I looked upon myself as such. Ryker discreetly examined himself for a brief moment, finding that along with his body having grown to adulthood, his current form was just as fit as his anthropomorphic self. Muscular, though not overwhelmingly so, and lean with definition. His black hair was shorter than he had expected it to be save for the hair on the back of his head, neatly spiked and actually long enough to rise about a few inches around the front-top of his head. Ryker also had a light chin spike of hair, along with spiked sideburns that pointed down and meeting his light stubble.
"I can't believe I'm seeing you. as a human. with facial hair. with a mustache...which is nicely trimmed, by the way." Daina remarked.
I don't understand why you're so surprised by my facial hair specifically. Ryker replied as he gave a nod to the Yveltal. Every day except for now, my entire body is covered with fur.
"Ah, and another joins us in our properness." the Yveltal stated, indicated Ryker's attire which was his usual dark gray collared shirt with a black tie with matching pants, his black jacket currently off.
"This is what I usually wear, I do not wear other forms of clothing often when I'm not in my true form." Ryker said as he extended a hand towards the S.S. leader. "As you know, I am Lord Fenrir and I am of the Council."
"You know I'm an Yveltal, but I go by Marston." Marston accepted Ryker's offer and the two shook hands before the Yveltal gestured to his group. "They are my cohorts." More introductions went underway, and soon, they were all ready for what may last as short as firecracker fuse, or as long as the entire day.
The negotiations was finally starting.
…
It was midday, and Ryker had to admit, he was starting to grow weary of the passive-aggressiveness that was being thrown back and forth between the sides.
He had been staying quiet for most of the meeting so far, only adding input if there was a statement or question directed to him. To his slight surprise, they had not brought up recruiting him into the Shadowed Saints yet. Aside from that, it was going relatively well (as in, neither side seemed intent on attacking each other...for the moment anyway) though no terms were agreed yet. At one point, Marston proposed alliance between the two parties through the downfall of Feran the Manticore and his prison of the countless wrongly accused. However, Jeanne couldn't bring herself to agree with such terms since Feran and his army of Darkstalkers were very formidable in their own right. Attacking them or declaring war would be too costly and many more lives than necessary would be lost.
Well, Jeanne was almost considering the proposal at first. But fortunately, Ryker caught the implications with the terms. He privately told her that not only that heavy losses would ensure on their side, but that would leave little resistance against the attempts that the Shadowed Saints would definitely make to take over since they would not be participating in the conflict should Jeanne agree with that proposal. Both Arceus were grateful that Ryker caught that, though they were both shocked that such a crucial detail flitted through their minds without detection.
They had decided not to call Marston out on that proposal, though they made sure to carefully read his words in between the lines.
"How about you help us, discreetly I might add, recruit as many as possible for our goal and when numbers become sufficient, we'll take down that Manticore and end the discrimination for those who work with the Dark." Marston asked.
"I'm afraid I cannot do that. He'd figure out how you're getting the extra hands in a faster rate and accuse us, he wouldn't hesitate to raid the Hall of Origins with his forces. The two of us are on neutral grounds, and he's already testing his boundaries. Making him an enemy would not be favorable."
Marston broke his seemingly optimistic attitude and sighed with frustration, Ryker watched him grab rake his fingers through his hair then throw his hand out at them with irritation. Ryker almost summoned his sword to lop off the hand, as the movement had been done haphazardly despite the Yveltal knowing that one wrong move could end the meeting and turn it into a bloody skirmish. "How are we going to work this out then?" His words lacked the carefree tone that he had held since the start of the meeting, now more harsh and mature. His eyes seemed to dim, as brightly colored as they were. "You want us to cease our attacks on you, we want the end of Feran and his Darkstalkers, but you're not willing to throw in your part so how? Will there be an alliance between us by the end of the day?"
"What you're asking comes with too many risks, I've said this a few times already." Jeanne retorted. "In the end, it is. too. costly. Even if, and note that I said "if" because our numbers are nothing impressive compared to his, we manage to succeed, it would take time for our side to recover. Legendaries wouldn't be able to perform their assigned duties in the world; natural disasters, an imbalance between Light and Dark (she looked at him pointedly at this), deserters and rogue Knights running rampant... Where would we be in those times in need? Resting. Recovering. And those who aren't would struggle handling all those duties on their own, for covering the entire world is a mountainous task compared to only overseeing a region."
Marston was quiet at her answer, his hands clasped as he brought his arms up on the table. The Yveltal was losing patience though it was clear that he saw why Jeanne couldn't do a thing with his proposal.
Ryker momentarily paused in his alert vigil and focused his attention on Marston, who was staring at the Fenrir. "And what is your opinion in this, Lord Fenrir? You seem like a close associate to her, her advisor maybe, so I'd like to hear your thoughts."
"I agree with Lady Arceus, her hands are tied and there won't be much gained aside from freeing the innocents from Feran's prison and as much as we'd like for them to be freed, we can't make a move as we are now. We'd have to strengthen our numbers to increase our chances of victory." Ryker noticed Jeanne summon goblets of wine for each person at the table. Watching Marston drink one, as did Jeanne, Ryker decided to follow suit and took a sip.
"We are lacking Knights," Ryker continued, "for one, and your assassination attempts aren't helping the matter." Marston chuckled, despite himself. "We are low in Legendaries as well, we all know that each Legendary species aren't plentiful in number. A good fraction of them are in your ranks, others are in Feran's army, while the Hall of Origins has just about two or three per species, included whatever families they may have." Another sip from the wine. "It would take too long to simply turn to reproduction as a solution with my last point, Legendaries can only reproduce once every three years. There are few pure-hearted (Ryker almost stumbled with those words) humans in the world, and not all of them may choose to be a Knight when the offer becomes available."
"What about the Originals? They can become Legendaries and Knights as well, like yourself."
"The Originals are fairly recent in the system." Ryker answered. "Many don't trust the Legendaries despite everything, so when the offer to become a Knight presents itself, most would turn it down and continue living on their lives doing whatever they wish. Those that do join immediately back away after several years of service, when they get an offer to become a Legendary. They'd have to follow the same rules set upon the Legendaries, and the Hall of Origins itself would change their reproduction systems so that they, too, would have to wait every few years for the males to cease being sterile and for the females' ovaries or eggs to start becoming fertile. The Originals have their own goals in increasing their numbers, becoming a Knight or Legendary would set them back. So far, myself and two others are Original Legendaries, though we are not enough." He thought of the two. Even with Aurora and Shikarou, powerful as they are, would not be enough.
"Why don't you help us then?" Ah, so Marston was finally touching the matter. "Lord Fenrir, we as a whole of the Shadowed Saints would think that it would be entirely beneficial for us..." Ryker caught him on that, knowing that Marston meant "us" to be just him and the Shadowed Saints despite the Yveltal seemed to be implying he and the Shadowed Saints would work together with Jeanne and the Hall of Origins. "if you joined our numbers. Seeing as as part of our ranks, our men would be encouraged beyond belief knowing that the lone Fenrir, the one even Feran cannot hope to arrest anytime soon, is in the Shadowed Saints and aiding them in their cause. You'd also help provide the necessary firepower it would take to take him down, and free the wrongly accused and ending taking the first step to ending the discrimination."
"While your reason seems sound on the surface," Ryker stated, seeing in his peripherals Jeanne calmly sipping from her wine when he also felt Darko watching this specifically quite intently, "I cannot help but feel that I would simply be used as a tool. All you've said, save for the things said about Feran, can be accomplished from the position I am in now. Those of the Dark can still look up to me, as you say, from both your Shadowed Saints, the Hall of Origins, and perhaps those who haven't given up to the corruption in Feran's ranks. Seeing me in the Shadowed Saints would only further feed their misconceptions of those of the Dark being nothing but foul to the world."
"Why don't you just make this much simpler for us?!" Ryker prepared himself for a possible fight as Marston slammed his fists on the table, standing up and prompting the other leaders of the Shadowed Saints to shoot to their feet as well. Marston broke out in an eerie grin, leaning across the table and only leaving a couple of inches between himself and the Fenrir. Jeanne looked about ready to take action, though Ryker sent her a subtle motion with a hand that it wasn't necessary. "Let me throw this out there, no more beating around the bush!" Marston chuckled, Ryker heard Daina mutter a few words regarding how "super fucking creepy"-he had to briefly lecture her about her harsh adjective-it sounded while the almost maniacal smile made it all the worse. "You! Only you!"
"Can prevent wildfires." Daina cackled, apparently not being able to help herself. Ryker inwardly sighed at her.
"I-..We just. need. you." Marston gestured to Jeanne. "What she's currently providing for you is nothing. NOTHING. Compared to what I would be willing to offer!" The Yveltal, to their surprise, jumped onto the table and dropped to a squat before Ryker. "Use your brain and be smart about this! Think about what we'd be able to accomplish! The things we'd able to rectify and improve! You want to ally with us, I know you do! You can't possibly be just sitting there thinking that the way you and those of the Hall of Origins are going about it would do so much as make a step forward to the right direction! Freeing everyone Feran imprisoned, the innocents! Ending the discrimination! Putting balance to the world and let the forces of Darkness grow, while believers of the Light-" Marston indicated Jeanne again. "-tell everyone that it's just fine!" At this point, he seemed to be delirious. Even a few of the other leaders were eyeing him in concern. "Fine that while there's supposed to be equilibrium and order, it's right to oppress us of the Dark while keeping their numbers large, recruiting more and more believers of the Light and multiplying ex-ponential-ly!All because they're afraid, of the Dark, of you and I. Irrational, isn't it?! Who's who in this obviously imbalance?! Who's truly good and who's truly evil, Lord Fenrir? Or are you blind to it as well?"
For a while, Ryker didn't respond. He simply stared into Marston's darkened eyes, not giving anything away in his expression. Jeanne stood up from her seat, walking over to Ryker and, hesitantly, rested a hand on his shoulder whilst glaring with a fire in her eyes at Marston.
"Again, your reasons are sound." Ryker began, standing up as well. He looked and nodded at Jeanne who dropped her hand from his shoulder. "It is true that the Dark is being oppressed by the Light, that they are overwhelming in number compared to us. There is an imbalance, and it is irrational, to be afraid of the Dark-" Ryker briefly paused. "-so to speak. But there are a few things I'd like to point out, and one thing I do not believe you understand."
Marston scowled. "And? What is it then?" His companions began growing restless, giving hostile expressions at Ryker and Jeanne. Undeterred, Ryker went on.
"You say that you would be able to offer me more. However, I do not need nor do I care for it. Lady Arceus has given me a home in the Hall of Origins, took me in and raised me as her own for some years. I wouldn't be able to repay her, especially if I abandon my position and join you not only for the reasons you stated, but to completely take over in the aftermath which I'm absolutely sure is your real intention." Marston scowled. "It will take some time, but the end to the discrimination and oppression will come." Ryker narrowed his eyes. "You, all of you, should know this. Or perhaps, it's all of you who are blinded." Those of the Shadowed Saints began to voice their thoughts, calling Ryker and Jeanne out with several different slurs and the like. Ignoring their taunts, Ryker continued. "For while the Light is overbearing, and will always come to rise when the Dark is at its weakest, the Dark will forever remain stalking it. In the shadows, from the radiance the Light is casting."
"BULLSHIT!" Marston roared. "DID YOU NOT LISTEN TO A WORD I'VE SAID ABOUT THEM?! THEY'RE THE EVIL ONES HERE!" Ryker growled, the action sounding a bit toned down in his human form, also finding the Yveltal's yelling irritating and worsening the pain in his head.
"I've never implied that the Dark is the true evil, and I didn't imply the Light is either. Good and evil are two sides of the same coin, an idea of mere perspective." Ryker looked at Jeanne with a short bow of the head. "Lady Arceus, it seems that this meeting is void."
"Fine then! Then consider yourself forever an enemy of the Shadowed Saints because there's no turning back now!" Marston snarled.
Jeanne stepped back as Ryker had to roll onto his back in order to dodge when the Zoroark leader of the Shadowed Saints soared over the table, reverting from her human form back to her true appearance, with claws outstretched with the intention to tear out Ryker's vulnerable throat. When the Zoroark was directly above the human-disguised Fenrir, Ryker launched himself up with his arms and in the same motion, kicked the fox of illusions and sending her crashing into Marston (who had been standing on the table still) and earning several curses from the Yveltal.
I shall come to your assistance! Darko told Jeanne and Ryker.
That isn't necessary. Ryker had gauged the enemies' power through their unrestrained aura at the beginning of the meeting (which was foolish, to him, since that would allow your opponent beforehand..especially if you don't plan to attack immediately) and surmised that only the Giratina and Marston were the major threats, possibly the Lugia as well. The other four though were significantly weaker and he knew that they would be able to be taken care of easily, despite who they were. There was also Kyurem, though he didn't seem hostile at all. In fact, he seemed content to sit back and watch the scene unfold.
Jeanne summoned a golden regal sword of which, had an enormously long blade. "I shall pass Judgement upon thee…" she declared to the leaders of the Shadowed Saints. "This could've been avoided, had you sought for a peaceful resolution."
Marston, having already shoved the Zoroark off of him, shifted back into his true form and as an Yveltal, fired a purple-red beam at Jeanne. The Arceus held her sword horizontally, blocking the continuous beam and taking steps forward to the flying enemy.
Ryker weaved this way and that, not even letting the Lugia gain ground even when assaulting the Fenrir with amazingly quick but powerful jabs. Finding an opening, as the Lugia withdrew an arm while taking a brief moment to recover his breath, Ryker grasped the Lugia by the shoulder and also clasped his hand around the retreating fist. The former applied pressure towards the arm's middle, soon snapping it at the elbow. As the Lugia sank to his knees, closing his eyes in agony as Ryker released the broken arm, he was quickly sent headfirst to the ground from a vicious downward kick from the Fenrir.
Hearing the Zoroark snarl behind him, Ryker ducked as the S.S. leader's claws passed over where his head had been. Ryker did a sweep with a leg, causing the Zoroark to fall forward only to meet Ryker's hand at the throat. Choking, the Zoroark could only meet Ryker's cold stare with wide eyes as the Fenrir tightened his grip, crushing the lupine's trachea. And as the Zoroark futilely gasped for air, Ryker decided to put the Dark-type out of her misery and after summoning his sword and barely twitching his wrist, he sent the Zoroark's head rolling from her body.
"Ameryn!" Facing the furious Zapdos, who was flying and sparking violently and sending shocks from his feathers, Ryker bent his knees as the back of his collared shirt tore. Black tattered wings grew and unfurled from his back as Ryker launched from the ground, then took flight.
He was prepared to hurl flaming orbs at the Zapdos and follow it up with a Void-covered punch to the sneaking Giratina underneath him who had been staying out of the conflict until that point, but didn't do either as a snarling Yveltal flew in front of him. A large gash bled on his side, the wound faintly sizzling with a golden glow around the edges. Retreat for now! Today's not the day, get back to base! Reluctantly agreeing, the other S.S. leaders disappeared from the area via their portals and left just the three of them alone, with Marston hovering in place just before Ryker with narrowed eyes. You will regret this, Fenrir, you will regret it dearly. All of your loved ones, everyone you care about, the innocents you have associated yourself with...The Yveltal left the threat hang for a moment before smiling, also smiling at Jeanne who was standing on the ground with Marston's blood staining her clothes. Pleasure doing business..He turned to Ryker. ..with the both of you..Farewell, oh Lord Fenrir…With a mocking bow, the Yveltal left the area through a portal. Ryker and Jeanne waited for a few more moments before finally relaxing, Ryker descending to the ground before deciding to burn the Zoroark leader's corpse.
…
"I told you something was going to go wrong!" Daina exclaimed as she shimmered into view. "You're lucky for making it out of it without a scratch!"
"Whatever do you mean, Daina?" Ryker asked with a slight smile. He was back in his anthro form, and he was currently headed back to the house. After going over everything he needed to with Jeanne, the Arceus allowed him to return to his assigned duties while she went back to the Hall of Origins to discuss some things with Darko and some members of the Council. "It went as we thought it did, we knew that there wasn't a chance of the Shadowed Saints allying with us."
"What the hell do you mean?" Ryker was amused at her exasperation. On the other hand, he inwardly berated himself for not letting her in the loop of things before the meeting initiated. "You mean to tell me that the meeting was meant to be a freaking failure?"
"Well," Ryker replied as he stepped out of the dark corridors, through the portal, to step onto the clearing before the house. "We did not intend on having it end with the death of one of their leaders, though that's just one less enemy we'd have to deal with."
"So what's this plan you've been neglecting to tell me about?"
"All will be revealed in time, Daina." Ryker said, apologetic in his reply. "I had to make an oath not to speak of the details until certain events happen and only until then, I will be able to tell you...And yes, the loopholes were covered as well so I cannot even tell you what it is mentally or the like."
She didn't say anything to his statement and figuring she was mad with him, Ryker only sighed as he clutched his head once more. Again, he felt as if someone sent a burning lance into his head. Within, he felt his inner darkness strain against its chains and roar for release but with some effort, he managed to stifle it. Sighing again, he felt weight settle upon his shoulders as he walked towards the house with heavy feet.
The moment he stepped in, a door opened from upstairs and a very concerned Roxanne walked down to envelop him in a strong hug. "You ok?" she asked quietly, not even waiting for an answer and taking a step back to inspect him for injuries.
Shaking off the foreign (he still wasn't used to it, even after a year) feeling she had just given him, Ryker hugged her back with an arm with a low chuckle. He noted that she was still in her nightclothes that she wore to sleep the night prior, drawing the conclusion that she probably woke up just moments earlier after hearing him walk in the house.
He actually found that strange. Ryker had been noticing her reacting with seemingly sudden heightening in senses in more than a few instances. It could be due to the training, but even their training wouldn't affect her senses so drastically. Or perhaps, it was a boon from Jeanne as Roxanne and Hugh were nearing Knighthood? The flaw in that though was the fact that Hugh wasn't showing the symptoms Roxanne had been, so maybe it was due to her typing.
It made more sense to him with that idea. As she was dual-typed, Fighting and Dark, the former could possibly be the sole cause for the developments. Ryker had been noting her faster reaction times, an increase of awareness in all ways, and she was possibly more accustomed to seeing in the dark as evidenced by her managing to spot him walking the other night even while the moon was covered. The last symptom was most likely due to her Dark-typing.
There was this one instance where Ryker almost swore he saw her sniffing at the air, as if she was detecting scents. However, Aurora had been cooking at the time so that could the reason. Ryker couldn't shake off the memory though, for she had been sniffing in the exact direction where the food was being made in the kitchen and sniffed in several different points which seemed like she was pinpointing it. From upstairs, he might add.
"I am." he answered her before raising an eyeridge. "You should return to sleep, Roxy." She shook her head, smiling sheepishly.
"No, I'm craving tea right now." She clasped her hands behind her back with a smirk, spinning on a heel to face the kitchen. "Care to have some with me?"
"I'd like some, thank you." As he passed underneath Hugh's room upstairs, his ears twitched and he heard, with amusement, the human's light snoring. As for Aurora, Ryker knew she was still asleep as well. They all knew she wasn't one for waking up really early, except for the days when training came first thing in the morning.
"You look tired." Roxanne commented as she prepared some tea leaves.
"Do I?" Ryker looked at the refrigerator as he walked over to it, seeing no bags under his eyes or anything that would give away his weariness. Curious as to how he gave it away, he asked her, "How do you figure?" He opened the refrigerator, procuring a mango from within and grabbing a knife as well as a small plate from the dishwasher.
"Your shoulders are slumping, you're walking sluggishly, and I can see it behind your eyes." was the matter-of-factly answer. She selected a certain few leaves from a sealed container and handed Ryker two mugs after filling them with water. The Fenrir grabbed both mugs and instantly, the two mugs were heated to perfect temperatures. He handed a mug back to her and Roxanne divided the leaves equally for the two of them and crushed each of the leaves into their mugs. "You sound morose too. Are you sure the meeting went okay?"
Well, I suppose I can say she's doing well to apply everything we taught her about reading someone, opponent or not. "The meeting ended as we thought it would." They took their seats in the living room, sitting next to each other on the couch. "I'm just weary, Roxy, but I appreciate your concern." He sipped his tea. "Ah..Chamomile, a good choice." It was known to help calm upset stomachs or help one sleep, having been used for centuries. If only this can help with my migraine.
"So what's the plan for today?" Ryker tapped his chin in thought.
"Honestly, I do not think you two require much more training. I believe you two are perfectly capable to proceed to the tests we have planned for you." He chuckled at her perplexed look.
"Really? No more training or sparring with each other?" He had expected her to sound quite hopeful with that revelation. But for some reason, he only heard slight disappointment, rather than enthusiasm or relief.
He was proud to have trained her.
"Indeed. But if you'd like to continue sparring, the feel free to do so. But it wouldn't do much towards progression, you two are really close to reaching your plateaus and once you reach that point.." He paused for a few seconds. "The only thing you can do to further your growth is to gain experience or have either Aurora or myself to spar with you and Hugh with no holds barred."
"Wait, that means you two have been holding ba-."
"Aside from that though," Ryker continued, hiding a grin, "you two can do whatever you wish until then." Sporting a beaming smile, Roxanne shifted and leaned her back against his side, letting out a comfortable sigh as she rested her legs over the armrest of the couch. Ryker succeeded in not tensing at the contact and only smiled, as weary as he was, though he found great comfort in the simple action.
Over the past year or so, they had all grown very close and became a tight-knit family of sorts. They confided in each other (excluding Ryker, for obvious reasons), supported each other, all those heartening things that would be in a family. Ryker also managed to be more approachable as well, as Daina had pointed out this one day, and they were comfortable enough to do things such as Hugh throwing an arm over Ryker's shoulder in a friendly gesture (despite their height difference) or Aurora lightly smacking his arm jokingly for whatever reason.
So contact like Roxanne leaning against his side at that moment wasn't something new, even though he was still trying his best to get used to such friendly gestures. He was even beginning to joke with them a lot more (if one counted one or two jokes every once and a while, a lot, as...macabre as they were at times). So all in all, he wouldn't mind being around them for prolonged periods of time. And Ryker was sure that the same could be said for them to him as well.
"Wanna go for a walk tonight?" Roxanne asked, snapping him out of his thoughts. He looked at her and nodded, smiling as he reheated his tea for it had cooled while he was sifting through his thoughts.
"If you're not tired by then, sure." That was another thing. They had been taking nice walks in many different places (they'd pick a random route on the regional map) every so often at night. The habit began this one night when Ryker decided to go for another nightly run, only for Roxanne to step out of the house and requesting to join him. When he told her that she wouldn't be able to keep up with him as he usually ran in his true form, she offered the idea of the two of them going on walks instead whenever they could just for the fun of it since one, she worried for him every time he left the house and two, she was usually bored as the days came to an end. And so, nightly walks was what they settled on.
"You know I won't be, Alpha."
"I only said that since it's still morning, we have all day to see whether or not that changes."
"Then I guess I'll just have to cut down on the work today until then." She reached behind her head and patted his arm. "That goes for you too, no running around or having us spar to death!" They laughed together, Ryker feeling the pain in his head ebb away just a little bit as the two continued to talk the morning away.
…
With Feran…
"My!" The Manticore grinned widely as his spy, a Persian adorned in Lightstalker armor which was of gold plating, nodded. "Well then! This can be the chance I've been waiting for." He chuckled darkly as the Persian dismissed himself from the room. Feran lumbered over to the other side of his room, where he shifted into his anthro form and sifted through his documents of which lay strewn about on a desk.
He sifted through the documents until he found it, the one with an image of a small black-furred winged wolf drawn onto the first page. The page was clipped to several others, and he flipped through them.
Fenrir...Darkness...The Void….Lygon thought until he reached the page with the image of the subject as he was now, a Fenrir in adulthood. Lord Fenrir...will lead the world to Nothingness...He must prevent it, there was enough Darkness and corruption as it was and adding the only known individual with full mastery of Void to the ever-growing list of them was not something he'd let leave alone. "So you have been making deals with the Shadowed Saints, Lord Fenrir. And Lady Arceus.." In truth, Feran didn't know what to make of the fact that the Arceus was there as well. Wait. He could use that to his advantage. He could back her into a corner and she wouldn't be able to do anything about it. Feran smirked. He'd win. It was just a matter of when now.
"Man is a being with free will; therefore, each man is potentially good or evil , and it's up to him and only him (through his reasoning mind) to decide which he wants to be…."