Prologue 2

"(Y-You live here!?)"

Asura's eyes were filled with absolute wonder, gazing upon the hidden vale within Eisen's mountain home. It held a garden of royal purple roses within a sectioned off area within the opened chasm, allowing all to see its majesty from every direction. There was even a large body of water, located directly under the very opening allowing the moon's light to cascade down and light up the cavern they were in, a nearby waterfall adding its misty waters to the effect. The glistening waters, and rare flowers, made this hidden vale home look like some hidden paradise, from a fairy tale, for wild Pokemon needing a home… Said denizens wondering around its lush landscape, enjoying what it had to offer in terms of nourishment and play.

The excitement had Asura nearly dancing on Eisen's spiked shoulder, the towering Aggron smiling at her. "(I take it, my home is to your liking, Asura?)" He asked, making his way over to the garden of roses.

"(Yes! Yes! Yes!)" Asura chirped, hopping on to Eisen's clawed hands, looking up at the Aggron holding her. "(It is such a beautiful place! I have only seen such in those fairy tales that humans often write about, or tell around campfires!)"
Eisen continued to hold his smile, noticing a constant tapping of the Kirlia's pointed feet. "(I am glad you like it… I have personally tended to this garden since arriving here, cherishing for every flower like it were the only one of its kind.)" He watched how Asura was looking at everything, stars within her wide eyes. "(What do you like most about my home?)"
That caught the Kirlia's attention, looking around at what the hidden paradise held. Though, her eyes soon found the royal purple roses, and how they seemed to glow within the moon's silver light appearing from the waters near it. Hopping down from Eisen's hands, she tiptoed over to one of the flowers, leaning enough for her to take in its scent… Her senses instantly being overwhelmed by said rose's sweet, soothing, aroma coming from its center!

Asura's body became overwhelmed by the flower's aroma, falling backwards from pure bliss… And right into Eisen's waiting claws, the Aggron chuckling. "(Well then, your choice is quite obviously the roses I tend to.)" Asura gave a pleased nod, Eisen keeping his smile and reached forward. "(I must agree, hence why I take such special care of them.)" A snipping sound drew the Kirlia's attention once more, just as Eisen placed one of the roses into her blue hair. "Only right, I give one of these roses to one who is holds a place far greater than its own."

She reached up, feeling the rose's pedal, looking up at Eisen in surprise. The smile he was giving her, was genuine and sincere, meaning what had been said. Eisen truly thought she was special, to the point of giving her one of his most cherished possessions! Happiness began to build up within the Kirlia's body, unable to keep herself still from this feeling. She needed to let it out, Asura felt so much joy that one considered her special, seemed to want her around them, it felt like she was going to burst right there. In moments, Asura could not hold it any longer, and…

Eisen's eyes widened, as the Kirlia began to dance in front of him. Her every move held precision and elegance with every step or thrust. From where she placed her foot, to which way her sapphire hair flowed, Asura seemed completely lost within the release, not noticing how she continuously moved around her giant protector, or how other Pokemon began to watch her. The ballet-like dance even seemed to enchant Eisen, the one who ruled over this mountain. But, none of them were prepared for what came next.

(( watch?v=_eqVlxjbUpY ))

Her voice melded with each movement, horns starting to glow a shining ruby red. Those around her suddenly hearing a tune matching Asura's conjured song, Eisen's own gaze instantly locking on to her. Subconciously, the Aggron lowered his clawed hand down, Asura lightly taking it with both hands, unaware of what was going on… Her own mind believing it was some imaginary dance partner.

It was like Eisen's hand had become Asura's dancing partner, the Pokemon around the two vanishing and leaving them alone within the moonlit garden. She moved only in front of the Aggron, her ballet turning into more of a mix between it and some form of a waltz. Those observing the two, lost within their own world, with both surprise and awe. Not only was she near the "Mountain King", as they called him, but she had one of his cherished roses in her hair and danced with his hand! Remembering, only one other was allowed to even be close to Eisen, without being attacked, and that was his personal advisor.

But, they soon found themselves unable to look away from the scene. The Kirlia's horns began to grow brighter and brighter, as she danced with Eisen's armored hand. Though, it seemed like Eisen, himself, had been placed under some spell or enchantment, one that he did not want to be woken from… Eyes hazed and focused only on the Kirlia before him.

Asura's dance soon came to a slow end, her eyes fluttering open… Now realizing her "imagined dance partner" was the towering Aggron's clawed hand. Her cheeks began to turn a cherry red, backing away from Eisen, unable to look up at him. Thoughts of possibly over stepping her bounds crossed the Kirlia's mind, tapping her hands together.

"(I-I… U-Um…)" She couldn't even look Eisen in the eyes, but felt the Aggron's gaze upon her. "(I am sor-EEP!)"

Without warning, Asura was lifted off the ground, by a clawed hand, and tucked into Eisen's arm protectively. "(I knew you were special, but that was beyond my expectations, Asura.)" He looked to those around them, narrowing his gaze at them. "(Alright, the show is over! It is time for most of you to go to bed, the rest are to carry out their own duties around the mountain! Now, go… Our newest friend needs her own sleep, she endured both a long and tiring day.)"

The other Pokemon nodded their heads, quickly dispersing at their King's order. Though, Asura looked up at the Aggron holding her, curiously. "(Um… Eisen?)" He looked down at her, the Kirlia tapping her hands again. "(W-Where am I going to sleep? I do not think there is a spot open around here, which I could take without causing trouble with another.)"

The question caused a knowing grin to appear upon Eisen's lips. "(I know the perfect spot for you.)" With that, he carried her towards a tunnel leading to another chamber.

-The Next Morning-

Asura felt the sun's rays lightly kiss her snow-white skin, causing her to squeak a yawn. Not wishing to get up from her recently made bed, its royal purple pedal bedding allowing its sweet aroma having latch itself to the Kirlia, Asura looked towards the cave opening within the chamber, smiling at what the day's morning sight had brought to her, revealing the lush forest below. Though, worry soon gripped her, when Asura noticed that Eisen was not sleeping upon the preformed bedrock bed nearby.

"(E-Eisen?)" She spoke up, hoping that the Aggron would answer.

"(Ah, so you are awake already, my child?)" An old voice spoke up, causing Asura to jump up, before whipping around and seeing an old Hunchkrow standing at the path leading deeper into the mountain. "(Oh! My apologies, I did not mean to startle you.)"
"(W-Who are you?)" She asked, scooting back on her flower bed, somewhat relaxed by the Hunchkrow's friendly demeanor but did not allow her guard to drop.

A smile appeared upon the Hunchkrow's beak, as he stepped forward. "(I am the advisor to the Mountain King, along with one of the oldest Pokemon that has lived upon this mountain.)" He threw a wing out, and performed a polite bow. "(I go by the name 'Solomon', which was given to me upon my hatch day as a Murkrow.)"

"(O-Oh… Well, I am Asura.)"
"(I know.)" His smile disarmed her, the Hunchkrow moving next to Asura's flower bed. "(There is rarely anything that occurs upon this mountain, without me knowing about it.)" Solomon leaned forward, an even wider grin appearing. "(But, after last night? You're the talk of our hidden paradise.)"

"(I… Am?)" Asura asked, slightly confused.

Solomon gave a sagely nod. "(After last night's events? Of course, my child.)" The Kirlia started to blush, but her visitor paid no mind. "(Though, I must admit, it has been a very long time since I last saw King Eisen like that… Not since before he claimed this mountain as his territory.)"

Asura just looked up at the Hunchkrow, seeing his reminiscent gaze. Though, a question resurfaced for the Kirlia, and knew this 'Solomon' would know its answer. "(Um… If you do not mind me asking, where is Eisen? He wasn't here, when I woke up.)"

That caused the Hunchkrow to glance down at her, stroking his large beard with a continuous smile being held. "('Eisen', huh?)" He lowered himself down, allowing Asura to climb on to Solomon's back. "(He is in the Vale. Seems like a young upstart wishes to prove themselves to him.)"

Asura went wide eyed, just before Solomon took fight! Shockingly, the Hunckrow moved through the cavern with shocking speed and agility, closing in on the garden's sun lit chamber ahead of them. Its bright light catching Asura by surprise, causing her to rub both eyes for them to adjust.

Sounds of feral growls, roars, heavy combat, and loud chanting; drew the Kirlia's attention towards a more rock covered section of the garden. There were groups of Pokemon surrounding this arena-like area, all watching two towering combatants preparing to square off within it.

When Solomon finally landed, perching upon a rock-like throne overlooking the entire garden, he allowed Asura to climb off. This allowed her to see Eisen, standing as one of the combatants, holding a more defensive stance with his tail swung forward and right arm cocked back. Though, his opponent caused worry to build up within her small form.

The black and white bear-like Pokemon kept a highly aggressive stance, fists closed and held out. He constantly let out growls and roars, shifting the bamboo twig within his mouth, trying to taunt the Aggron before him. But, no matter how hard the Daunting Pokemon tried, he could not tempt Eisen into charging him. This match up still worried Asura, Pangoros were both Fighting and Dark types, knowing Aggrons were extremely weak to Fighting based attacks.

"(Mister Solomon… What is Eisen thinking?)" She asked, keeping her ruby gaze upon the pair. "(That Pangoro has an advantage over him, Aggrons unable to really defend against Fighting Types.)"

Solomon snickered at her comment. "(Oh? Well then, I believe this is the perfect chance for you to learn something.)" He looked to Eisen, allowing a wing to drape over Asura to allow her to keep watching, the Kirlia glancing up at him before returning her gaze to the Aggron. "Pay close attention, my child… You are about to find out why he is often called 'Eisen, the Defiant'." The Kirlia gave a nod, keeping her gaze locked on to the arena, right before things truly kicked off.

The Pangoro roared, tired of waiting, and shot forward! Its right arm began to glow with an orange aura, starting out with an Arm Thrust attack. Eisen suddenly grinned, taking a step back, tail shifting further back, as his right claw clenched into a fist. The Aggron's armored body glistened, revealing he had just used Iron Defense and waited for his foe to come towards him, eyes narrowed. All gasped, as the Pangoro's attack connected, Eisen winching but a loud SNAP echoed and caused the Daunting Pokemon to cry out in pain.

Eisen did not hesitate in his attack, grabbing hold of the Pangoro by its collar, claws digging deep so that it could not break free. When the Aggron's right claw started to give off a metallic glow, Eisen's opponent realized the trap and attempted to free itself with a barrage of Arm Thrusts. Though, even with the attacks punching through Eisen's armored body, he endured until his attack was fully charged.

"(Giga…)" His eyes flashed, claw suddenly engulfed within a flaming metallic glow, thrusting it forward like a rocket. "(IMPACT! )" ((One Punch Reference Song Here. And yes, I also imagined him yelling "Impacto!" in a deep Japanese voice too, so no worries xD))

The empowered claw struck the Pangoro's sternum, making him gasp out. Without warning, the area around them suddenly burst from all the energy that Eisen had built up, smoke filling that side of the arena. Pangoro soon shot out of the smoke, flying towards the arena's opposite side and colliding with a boulder. His eyes were in a complete daze, trying to get back up, before finally fainting.

All eyes went to the cloud of smoke, just before Eisen's tail caused it to disperse and released a victorious roar. Those observing the battle suddenly let out cheers for their King, who just looked towards the defeated Pangoro, smiling. A team of Pokemon, able to heal others, were already on their way to treat him, Eisen slowly making his way over to join them with the Pangoro.

Asura was in awe, shocked at how Eisen endured so much damage, and then ended it all with a single attack. "(I have never seen a Giga Impact with so much power, and did not know Aggrons could use it!)"

"(It is not natural, but an Aggron can learn Giga Impact. This attack being King Eisen's signature attack… Though, as for the reason why he could endure the very attack his type is weak again, it is why he is often called 'The Defiant'. He defies the normal or going against the very nature of his kind.)" Solomon answered, watching Eisen wait for the Pangoro to regain consciousness. "(For him to use such tactics on young Xhang, means the Pangoro has earned his respect."

Once again, Asura was in complete awe, seeing the Pangoro soon regain consciousness and Eisen helping him up. "Xhang" lowering his head in defeat, the aura emanating from him, until Eisen placed a claw on to the Pangoro's shoulder, and said something. Instantly, the Pangoro lit up, and slammed both fists together, showing a sign of respect, before rushing off.

Eisen gave a nod, then took notice of Asura and Solomon, deciding to make his way over to them. This prompted Asura to dust off her dress-like features and Solomon to give a respectful bow. "(My King, you honor us, with your attention.)"
The words from Solomon caused Eisen to give an uneasy chuckle. "(Solomon, you have been my closest friend, and like a grandfather to me… No need to be so formal. You know I do not like you doing that.)"
"(Old habits, my boy, old habits.)" Solomon snickered, before using his wing to scoot Asura forward. "(I have brought you newest addition… Seems your strength has captivated her.)"

"(Oh?)" Eisen knelt, lowering his claw for Asura, then lifted her up. "(I am glad you were impressed… Though, Xhang deserves some credit. He has recently evolved, and has already proven to be a worthy sparring partner.)"

"(Mhm.)" She rubbed her arm, nervously smiling up at the Aggron. (E-Eisen… May I ask you s-something?)"
"(Sure.)" He nodded.

"(Um… T-Think you could…)" Asura didn't know why she was asking this, but watching Eisen fight got her thinking. That maybe, just maybe, he could possibly teach her. That, with his help, she won't be considered weak or unworthy. "(T-Teach me how to battle?)"
"(You wish for me to teach you how to battle?)" He clarified, glancing towards Solomon, the Hunchkrow shrugging. "(What brought this one?)"
"(I…)" She slowly became unsure, glancing away from him. The Kirlia still remembered all the battles she had fought, not once winning one of them… Her trainer often getting mad, or saying she was worthless or weak. "(Don't want to be seen as weak…)"

Eisen just stared at her, somewhat confused, until he saw the look within her eyes. He knew it, a look of hurt and confusion… One that was far too familiar to this monstrous Pokemon, and hated to see it within others. "(You have proven to hold talents over the skills for fighting.)" Asura looked down, but was caught off guard when Eisen continued. "(But, despite this, I will help you train to battle properly.)"

Asrua beamed brightly, and without thinking, shot up to nuzzle the Aggron's armored cheek. "(Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you; Eisen! I promise, you will not regret this!)"

Eisen, on the other hand, looked like his mind had been short circuited by the action… Obviously having no idea what to do right now. "(Good… To hear…)"

Solomon grinned at the two, watching them leave while stroking his white beard. "This will be quite interesting… Their adventure will be worth watching." His gaze went towards the shadows of a nearby bush, noticing how a small section of it was moving like a flame. "Wouldn't you agree, Stranger?"

Almost like it had heard the old Hunchkrow's thoughts, the shadow vanished.