Part 1: Will to Fight

Chapter 1|Dragon Slayer

Kungwei

Sentinel of Zhando

52 Years After the Great War

The weary Azumarill trudged up the steep steps that led to the mountaintop city of Kungwei, her blue and pink ears drooping from exhaustion. The long journey had taken its toll on her, and the dirt and grime clinging to her zig-zag white waist marking showed just how tough the trek had been. Yet, despite the weariness, she felt a spark of excitement deep within her. She knew that reaching the Fighting Type city would be worth it.

As she approached the city gates, marked with a fist symbol in the archway's keystone, she couldn't help but marvel at the stone walls that seemed carved straight out of the mountain. It was her first time visiting a guild city, and the sight left her in awe. The air was filled with a sense of peace, a stark contrast to the brutal war that had ravaged the world fifty years ago.

After a brutal war, peace had finally settled over the land, and Saphira felt a deep sense of pride in her heritage. Dragon types had always been feared, with their innate brutality stretching back to ancient times. Their presence alone struck terror into the hearts of all Pokemon. Thankfully, these slimy lizards preferred solitude and darkness, which kept their appearances sporadic.

However, the world was unprepared for the moment when the dragons rallied, wreaking havoc across the land. In a desperate bid to ward off the invaders, seven guilds united under the flag of the Paragon Alliance. The war unfolded on seven fronts, each guild, including Arcanine, Sawsbuck, Milotic, Manectric, Alakazam, Pangoro, and Rhydon, fiercely holding their ground in epic battles.

As the offensive seemed unstoppable, a turning point emerged when Saphira's low-lying ancestors realized that their unique abilities were needed to aid in the fight. Fairy types, known for their strength against dragons, joined the battle despite the harsh conditions. The clash was fierce, and many warriors fell, but the losses suffered by the dragons were far greater than those of the guilds.

Finally, after two grueling years, the war came to an end. The dragons were defeated and scattered, no longer posing a threat. Saphira's heart swelled with pride for her fellow Fairy types, for it was their bravery and strength that had saved the world from the brink of destruction.

After the war, a portion of her Fae ancestors settled down and constructed a humble village nestled deep in the valleys of the Zhando Mountain Range: Grayhaven. In her eighteen years of life, Saphira never really thought of dragons or the war that much, but the incident that happened a week ago would kindle a raging fire of hatred.

In the quaint village of Grayhaven, Saphira carried on with her daily chores. As she approached adulthood, her responsibilities expanded to caring for the village's children, who often gathered in the little square to play. Watching over them filled her heart with joy, and their innocent laughter warmed her soul. She recalled a playful incident when she had to rescue her mischievous nephew, an Azurill, from a well he had curiously decided to swim into. They were unaware of the dangers that loomed on the horizon; little did they know that their very innocence would become their downfall.

The war had ended, and the villagers had returned to their peaceful lives. Memories of the war were now mere stories shared around campfires. Grayhaven aimed to provide happiness and stability to its inhabitants, but amidst the tranquility, darkness lurked. On one fateful day, a rumbling sound sent shivers down Saphira's spine.

"Don't worry, kids!" she reassured them, trying to steady her own nerves. "Everything will be alright!"

But her words faltered as a fearsome Druddigon approached the village with destructive intent. Spiked, scaly teal hide covered its menacing figure, littered with ancient bruises and scars like cave paintings. Jagged wings and a wicked barbed tail protruded from its back and backside, guillotining the tall grass as it swayed. It stood before the village, its rough red snout bearing sharp teeth as it grinned and scanned the village with cold, golden eyes.

Fear gripped Saphira as she realized her lack of combat skills. Instinctively, she sought shelter, her eyes falling upon the well. With her water-type abilities, she could take refuge underwater and breathe freely. Without a second thought, she plunged into the darkness of the well, seeking solace in its depths. But the moment her head hit the water, guilt consumed her, realizing she had left the children behind. The war veterans were too aged to fight, and the others were defenseless against the impending danger.

Alone in the dark, she waited, anxiety gnawing at her heart as she climbed the stone walls of the well. At last, she emerged, dreading what she might find at the surface. The rumbling had ceased, indicating the danger had passed. She fervently prayed that the children had managed to escape, knowing that the lives of forty Pokemon hung in the balance.

Yet, the sight that greeted her was a nightmare-turned reality. Dead bodies lay scattered across the scorched earth, the once vibrant grass now a graveyard of dull ash and embers. Overwhelmed by grief, Saphira wept uncontrollably, unable to bear the loss of her loved ones. She witnessed the horrifying aftermath—scratched, charred remains, and limbs missing. Despair engulfed her, the gruesome scene leaving her sickened and trembling. Counting the lifeless bodies, including her own parents and almost all of the children, she became a lone mourner.

Among the missing was her precious nephew, the Azurill. Hope mingled with desperation as she prayed that he had managed to flee to safety. Amidst the grief, one emotion burned brighter than any other—her hate for dragons and their avaricious ways. The tragedy had ignited an unyielding fire of vengeance within her, one that would drive her to confront the very creatures responsible for the devastation she now witnessed.

Standing at the grand city gates, Saphira couldn't help but let out a dramatic proclamation, "I, Saphira Azumarill, shall slay every last dragon!" The passing Pokemon shot her perplexed looks, but she brushed them off, darting into the bustling main street. The city's roads were neatly laid out like a grid, with the guild's location situated right at the end of the main thoroughfare. It seemed the guild had its own exclusive district, surrounded by imposing walls at the far end of the long road. Eager to begin her quest, she set her sights on the guild and its formidable gates.

As she ventured further, the city's charm caught her eye. The quaint houses, with their white concrete walls, brown tiled roofs, and circular windows, exuded a unique character. Pokemon, mostly fighting types, seemed uninterested in the awed meanderings of the Fairy. Clad in long silk robes, belts, and wide hats to shield them from the beating sun, the citizens of Kungwei seemed to be going about their afternoon duties.

The aroma of tantalizing cuisine wafted through the streets, teasing her senses. Savory scents of fresh dumplings hot off street grills, ripe and colorful fruit dragged along in carts, and the crackle of boiling pots in soup stores lining the main road. She couldn't wait to sample the delightful culinary offerings the city had to offer.

Finally, she arrived at the imposing gates of the Pangoro guild, their massive red stone doors towering above her ears. Guarding the entrance were two stern and muscular Machokes, their arms crossed in a show of authority. One of them peered down at Saphira, a growl escaping his lips as he questioned, "What is your business at the Pangoro guild?"

Undeterred, Saphira declared with determination, "I'm Saphira Azumarill, and I'm here to get stronger, boing!"

Amused and puzzled, the intimidating Machoke asked, "What did you just say at the end there? 'Boing?'"

With a sheepish smile, Saphira replied, "It's a habit. I'll try to stop." The Machoke's confusion only grew, but he pressed on.

"You've come to the right place, but aren't you a girl?"

Indignant, Saphira snapped, "Well, yes, I am, boing! Why should that matter?"

In a calm tone, the Machoke explained, "It doesn't matter, as long as you have the will to fight. Generally, female Pokemon are said to have less fighting spirit than males."

Unfazed, Saphira retorted, hands on hips, "Well, that's pretty sexist!" Her determination flared. "I'll show you that I do have a fighting spirit!"

With a nod, the Machoke suggested, "Well, good luck. Head to the training yard and find Sensei Kenjo; he's a Sawk. He's not around right now, so he'll talk to you later," gesturing towards the other Machoke. Together, they pushed open the weighty gates, revealing their impressive strength. Saphira blushed, impressed by their display of power. Thanking them, she ventured towards the open training area on the left, just beside the staircase leading up to the guild hall.

Her arrival was not without a welcome, as she was unexpectedly greeted with a bonk on the head by a flying piece of wood.

"Ow!" she yelled, rubbing her head. A Sawk came running over to her, bowing quickly.

"I am very sorry about that, young Azumarill. I was in the middle of training, as you can see. You must need something from me…" he said, picking up the piece of broken wood. She looked around to see a flat stone area, several training poles sticking out of the ground with dummies scattered around the area as well. She noticed several Fighting types also training here as well.

"Yes, I do, Mr. Kenji!" exclaimed Saphira, looking straight into the wise Sawk's eyes. She could feel the intensity seeping from his eyes. He had a blue headband tied around his forehead along with the black belt around his waist.

"Kenjo," he corrected. "What is your name?"

"Saphira, and I did say Kenjo, boing. I was wondering if you… uh, could help me get stronger. That's what this guild is all about, right?" asked Saphira. Surprisingly, Kenjo ignored her little suffix, pretending she never said it in the first place.

Kenjo nodded, "Not only that, but we help you overcome fears and calm your mind."

"Is this all free?" asked Saphira, remembering that all her gold had been taken by the Druddigon. "You have to be making some gold, right?"

"All funds come from the guild," said the Sawk. "Members of the guild will earn their stay here."

"So can you train me, boing?" asked Saphira hopefully.

"Of course, but surely a young female Azumarill should have a good reason to desire strength. If it does not bother you, may I hear this reason?" asked the Sawk, sitting down in a meditation pose.

"I'd rather not talk about it," said Saphira, pushing the memories of the past week into the back of her brain. "I want to be able to defend myself. More evil Pokemon have been seen around, right? I want to be able to fight!"

"Very well," said Kenjo, standing up. "Let us go for a little walk, shall we?"

"Okay…" said Saphira, following him across the training yard. She saw a little Timburr hopping along a small obstacle course, making it to the end with a cheer from his friends.

"Have you considered forming an Exploration Team?" asked Kenjo. "You look like the adventurous type." Saphira thought about it. She literally knew no one apart from the Pokemon in Grayhaven, and being just too young to be an adult but too old to be a kid, she wasn't going to fit in well. She looked around. Everyone was either a young child or a middle-aged Pokemon. The tantalizing thoughts of seeing the world still grabbed her attention.

"I'll start one if I find a teammate, boing. Could I still join the guild anyway?" asked Saphira.

"There are many solo adventurers. You must talk to the Guildmaster to start a team, Saphira. You'll need to register. I can take you to his quarters if you desire," offered Kenjo.

"Of course, could you show me?" asked Saphira. They had looped the training yard and arrived back where they started, beginning to climb the stairs to the guild hall.

"This place is pretty, boing," remarked Saphira, gazing upon the palace of the guild. Three layers of maroon walls with crimson tiled roofs were stacked on top of each other to make a regal building. It was pretty much a castle. On the top floor, just underneath the roof was the symbol of the Fighting types: a fist.

"It was built long before the Great War, and where we fended off an onslaught of Dragons with the help of your ancestors," said Kenjo.

"Were you there?" asked Saphira.

"No, I was two years old and do not remember anything. My father died in the battle a year after I was born," he said sadly. "I did not know him, but my mother told me all about how he was a brave Sawk. It was what brought me to become an instructor at the guild. The guildmaster and I have known each other for a long time."

"Wow, boing," said Saphira sympathetically. "Don't worry, because I'm going to kill all those remaining Dragons!"

"Although they have wronged us in the past, I hold no grudge against the Dragons," said Kenjo. "I try not to hate anyone, it is a waste of time."

"They killed your dad!" exclaimed Saphira, the anger rising up again. "How could you not hate them?"

"Between us and the past are two separate generations," said Kenjo. "These are new times, and new Pokemon. Things change." Saphira didn't bother rethinking her opinion. They killed her village, and that was that. Dragons were bad, end of story. They had to die. "However, I will not hesitate to put down any Dragon that threatens innocent lives."

Kenjo took her past the desk and climbed a wooden spiral staircase up to the top floor, where the guildmaster's chamber was. Behind a decorated sliding bamboo door was a Pangoro sitting on the ground, seemingly deep in thought.

"Who might this be, Sensei?" asked the deep raspy voice.

"Peng, this is Saphira Azumarill. She wants to join the guild without an exploration team," said Kenjo, bowing. Saphira did the same, concentrating on not boinging.

"What brings you here, Saphira?" asked Peng Pangoro.

"I want to be able to defend myself, boi-," said Saphira, saving herself. The Pangoro laughed heartily, paws on his belly and head thrown back.

"I see, Saphira. Where are you from?" he asked. "There aren't any Fairies in Kungwei."

"I'm from Grayhaven," said Saphira, biting her tongue.

"I heard about the incident there… I heard there was a survivor, but I wasn't expecting her here! So that's why you desire to fight," said Peng. Saphira was sort of ticked off about how Peng knew about what happened but didn't try to comfort her or anything.
"Yes," said Saphira.

"Very well, just tell me the rest of your information, and I'll sign you up as a student," said Peng.

Saphira Azumarill

Age: 18

Gender: Female.

Birthday: July 21st.

Moveset: Helping Hand, Bubble Beam, Aqua Tail, Defense Curl.

"Not very many offensive moves for someone who wants to fight," commented Peng with a hint of laugh.

"I'll try my best," said Saphira, smiling. Peng chuckled.

"We'll see. Kenjo will get you a room. You'll begin training tomorrow," said Peng. She was so excited she could burst. This was her shot to become a true dragon slayer!

Kenjo looked aside to Saphira. She may not look like a fighter, but he saw potential and dedication in her. After finding out about her troubled past, he had nothing but respect for the optimistic Azumarill. He showed her to a room at the end of one of the hallways. All the walls were bamboo sheets, so she could hear everything from the rooms around her with her large ears. Pictures of a mountainous landscape covered the back wall, four beds resting against it with chests laying next to each one. It was a decent room for a new guild member.

"This place is incredible, boing!" exclaimed Saphira.

"This isn't even a suite. Maybe one day, you will get one of them," added Kenjo. Saphira began wondering what the suites looked like when Kenjo told her something else. "One of the best ways to become calm in the midst of battle is through meditation. You look like a restless Pokemon, so advise you to start practicing. This place is not very quiet, so would you like me to show you a special spot I know?"

"Of course, I'd love to see more of this beautiful city!" exclaimed Saphira.

"Then come with me," he said. "It is a little way up the mountain, but the sight is worth the climb." Saphira's legs still ached from the climb up to Kungwei.

Despite the protest from her legs, she exhaled quickly, "I'm ready for anything, boing!"

So begins the first tale of the story! Looking back, my writing was a bit shaky and my characterization could've been better, but everything starts somewhere! In this case, the adventure of Saphira starts in the city of Kungwei!

This is the first of two stories that take place at roughly the same time. Once it comes out, you can read either first.