Ludwig ducked and dashed between Ezekiel's Thunderbolts with a determined fervor. His navy blue fur bristled as he fired back. After doing enough dodging and Thunderbolt practice, Ludwig moved on to Crunch and Wild Charge.
"Excellent progress, Your Majesty," Ezekiel complimented.
"Am I ready to face my cousin?" Ludwig huffed between breaths.
"Your cousin will stand no chance. Still, you must continue your training."
"Yes. A short break, then we shall resume."
During the break, Herald Eugene approached King Ludwig and bowed. "Your Majesty, I have the scouts' latest report. The Lunish dukes have organized an army to meet us here in Rentoshire. Several of our scouts spotted them assembling outside Kabaldoshire."
"They have finally gotten together," Ludwig muttered. "How do their numbers compare to ours?"
"It is difficult to get an accurate estimate, Your Majesty. One scout believes we outnumber them three to one, while another thinks we only stand two to one. We must also consider the forces from Rentoshire within Kolink Castle."
"No matter. We will be prepared," Ludwig declared. "Summon my dukes."
"Of course, Your Majesty," said the herald.
"Ezekiel, may we resume my training after I meet with the dukes?" Ludwig asked.
"Yes, sire," the Zebstrika agreed. "Would you like to review your speech for the dukes with me?"
"That would be much appreciated."
Ludwig paced around the tent, explaining his plans to defend against the upcoming Lunish attack on their position. He occasionally referred to a large map of the area surrounding the castle where his strategists marked out defensive positions and possible directions of enemy attacks. The king laid out where he wanted each group of knights to position themselves. The dukes, who hadn't formed any of their own plans, were compelled to nod along and agree.
"...And once we expel the feeble Lunish attackers from Rentoshire, the knights within the castle will lose all hope and surrender, and my cousin shall fall before me," Ludwig concluded.
"Even in the event of victory on the battlefield, the castle's defenders will still remain too numerous for us to attack," Duke Kendrick said. "Not without losing some lives. The castle's defenses are far too dangerous. None of my subjects are willing to die over poké."
"We should extend an offer to the defenders," said Duke Qasimir. "If they walk out early, they can keep their savings."
"Preposterous!" Duke Ulysses squawked. "I did not endure the length of this war only to lose spoils!"
Duke Qasimir flinched, scanning the other dukes' expressions to see they shared the same sentiment. "Well, p-perhaps something else? What if we guarantee the sanctity of their holdings?"
"That would have been an option, if not for the machinations of one princess," Duke Percival growled.
There was a moment of silence as some of the dukes glared at Helena, but the Ninetales was looking off to a corner with a small smile. "Princess Helena?" Duke Qasimir voiced. "Have you been up to something I am not aware of?"
"Huh?" Helena spoke, sitting up straight. "Sorry, Duke Qasimir. Were you addressing me?"
Duke Percival growled, cutting off the Quagsire. "Stop looting estates, princess," he demanded. "There are too many defenders in the castle. We are discussing the feasibility of bribing individual knights to leave their station in order to keep their holdings intact, but we cannot do so if you have already desecrated their homes!"
"No one would agree to that," Helena scoffed. "They know what they got into when they entered the castle."
"I do not renege on my word," Duchess Madelyn argued. "And it is beneath us to steal from others without facing them in battle."
"I observed what all your grubby workers partake in," Duke Percival spat. "You are ripping apart the dwellings from their very foundations without an ounce of respect."
"I must agree," said Duke Kendrick. "Without their manors to return to, the defenders have no incentive to leave the siege."
"Those knights are our enemies," King Ludwig asserted, raising his voice over his dukes. "They chose to prop up my dastardly cousin, so they must pay the price. Helena, do press on with your extortionate activities."
Helena smirked. "Certainly."
"Your Majesty, if I may," Duke Antonio whimpered.
"Yes, Antonio?"
"Antagonizing the nobles of Rentoshire any further may lead to more conflict in the future. If you must depose your cousin… could you not just do that and nothing more?"
"Listen up, Antonio," Ludwig demanded. "Leinwig grew up thinking everything around us would fall into his paws, and he shoved that belief down my maw at every opportunity. I will show him how worthless he is by dismantling everything given to him before his eyes. I have worked tirelessly with my strategists to devise every plan to destroy him and trained day and night to deliver every humiliating blow. Everyone who assists me will be rewarded handsomely, and everyone who stands in my way will feel the vengeance of the prince they had forsaken!"
"Spoken like a true warrior," Duchess Madelyn supported.
"Eheh, I suppose…" Duke Qasimir mumbled.
"As long as the reward shines true," Duke Ulysses added.
Perhaps I underestimated the motivating powers of emotion, Duke Kendrick contemplated.
Duke Antonio slumped in his seat, exhausted. Duke Brennan tapped his foot impatiently, waiting for the war meeting and the war to be over. Duke Percival wore his usual scowl. Helena merely rolled her eyes and returned to thinking about more important things.
"I can't wait to take on those wimpy Lunish knights under a nice, hot sun!" Chadwyck declared, flapping his wings.
Lincoln frowned upwards at the Charizard. "How do you know it'll be sunny?"
"Cuz Helena will make it so," Chadwyck answered.
Only a few across the Denryushire and Kyukonais camp shared Chadwyck's enthusiasm. Most pokémon among the supply crew did not like the idea of a full-scale battle where they had to stay in place. Although everyone from Denryushire volunteered to come, a battle was never easy for them. Still, they had faith in their captain to lead and protect them.
Windie spotted Helena returning to the camp and trotted to her. "Welcome back!" he grinned.
"Thank you," Helena smiled, leaning up to Windie and giving him a nuzzle.
Windie curled his fluffy tail around her and held her paws. "What happened at the meeting?"
"My cousin seems to have everything under control, actually," Helena said. "He had a detailed defense plan with a nice map and everything. Other than that, the dukes complained about us tearing down noble houses, saying we were taking away a reason for the Rentoshire knights to give up. But we're not going to let anyone tell us what to do. Right, everyone?" Helena asked the camp, knowing everyone was already paying attention to her and Windie.
"Yeah!" the camp cheered.
Helena addressed everyone at the camp while still holding Windie's paw. "During the battle, we all are going to be responsible for protecting everyone's supplies and giving out medical care as needed. There is no need to fear the upcoming battle. We outnumber the Lunish knights by at least two to one, if not more, thanks to all of you coming here. Windie and I will make sure everyone will be safe and sound."
Some volunteers took rice and Mago berries from the supply wagons and cooked dinner for everyone at the combined Kyukonais and Denryushire camp. After having their fill and talking with everyone, Helena and Windie sat by a campfire, snuggling and reading together.
Ezekiel eventually approached them. "Duchess Helena of Kyukonais," he bowed. "And… Captain Windie of Denryushire?"
"Yes, sir," said Windie.
"Since you are the captain of many forces from Denryushire, I thought we can discuss the battle plans further."
"Absolutely," Windie agreed. "Thank you for reaching out!" He was amazed that someone from the Solardian knights was willing to talk to him.
"Duchess Helena, I also sought to speak with you about your forces. You two happened to be at the same place at the same time, I see."
"We're working together," said Helena.
Ezekiel looked from Helena to Windie, wrinkling his snout. "Yes. I can see that."
Helena narrowed her eyes, but Windie brushed it off. "What do you have in mind for the battle, Sir Ezekiel?"
Windie watched over the landscape around them intently. His soldiers and Helena's crew gathered around a vast collection of wagons, barrels, and tents full of the Solardian army's food and medical supplies. Behind him was Kolink Castle, armed to the brim with lightning. Solardian knights lined up on both river banks, instructed to keep watch over the castle's inhabitants no matter what came. The army had taken down and stashed away most of the camp's tents so they wouldn't get in the way. Windie could clearly see all the town's streets leading to the castle because Helena's crew had systematically taken down every building; only dirt and unsalvageable rubble lay between the messy cobblestone streets.
Further out, the streets led to still-standing but long-since abandoned and looted structures. Groups of Solardian knights straddled the edge of the open area and the remaining town, ready to strike. At the end of Windie's line of sight was the Rentoshire's town wall meant to keep out bandits. Many sections had crumbled, and through these gaps, Lunish knights poured into the town, intent on reclaiming their capital.
A soft tail brushed against Windie's side while another draped across his shoulders. "You don't have to be so tense," Helena said, holding one of his paws.
"I can't help but watch over every part of the battlefield," said Windie. "Gotta look out for anything that could go wrong."
On the other side of the river, the first battalion of Lunish soldiers marched into the open streets. The Solardians nearby withdrew while others approached from the sides. Attacks of all different types flew, followed by a charge until all the Lunish soldiers retreated into the town. A group from Helena's and Windie's crews headed towards the battle site to give out healing bandages.
Several minor skirmishes broke out from different directions, which the Solardians quickly dealt with. Soon, the main portion of the Lunish army pushed out of the town. The Solardians consolidated into a significant force near the castle and supplies, easily twice as numerous as the Lunish army, even with more knights to spare on the other side of the river and watching over the castle. As hostile knights approached them, Helena raised her tails to the sky. Her makeshift sun rose above and blanketed the immediate area with light and warmth.
"Don't even try to come near us!" Chadwyck laughed as he flapped his wings, bombarding the knights below with Heat Wave. He swerved around attacks aimed at him and retaliated with more heavy fire. "Which of you fools have the money?" he cackled.
"No one would have any money on them," Max deadpanned from aboard Chadwyck's back. "Even if so, we are obligated to split any spoils with the rest of the army."
King Ludwig led a charge on the Lunish army's flank, accompanied by ravenous Solardian knights seeking to prove themselves for glory. Ludwig fired a Thunderbolt at an overhead Fearow, shocking the flying type to the ground. He dashed forward and pounced on his struggling enemy. "Why do you fight for my wretched cousin? Answer me!" When the knight gave no response, Ludwig zapped him until he fainted.
Solardian knights followed Ludwig deeper into the Lunish forces, blocking attacks and driving opposing knights away. "Protect our brave king!" one cheered. "Lead the way, Your Majesty!" another encouraged.
Helena did not participate in the heated offensive, instead opting to stick by Windie's side, taking on any Lunish knights that approached their troops. After repelling all nearby opponents, the forces grouped up to rest. "Hey Windie, is this the most relaxed battle we've had or what?" Lincoln laughed, nudging his friend on the shoulder.
"Don't speak too soon, but it could be," Windie grinned. "It's nice to be in the stronger and more organized army for once."
"All thanks to Kyukonais!" Darrell said proudly. "Our supplies are the backbone of the army, right?"
"Right, and at a great cost," Helena reminded. "I hope we all can get our rewards soon."
"There's someone on our side who doesn't seem thrilled," Lincoln snickered, pointing his paw at the battlefield. Solardian knights cheered amongst themselves and jeered at the attackers as they retreated down the streets, but one group stood off to the side - Duke Antonio and his knights from Denryushire. They slumped in their own little corner of the battlefield after having fought their previous neighboring dukes, who had shown them no mercy during the battle. They did not join the celebrations of their Solardian counterparts. Windie spotted the yellow figure of his liege lacking the signature red glow of an Ampharos's tail.
There was a relative calm in the area as the Solardians organized amongst themselves, secured their fainted allies, and applied healing bandages. There was no activity from the Lunish attackers or the castle defenders, not even a single threatening thunderclap into the river. Eventually, Solardian scouts reported that the Lunish army was trying to regroup in various places further out in the abandoned town. The Solardian knights quickly agreed to attack and completely expel the Lunelanders from Rentoshire.
"What are we sitting around for? Let's go get 'em!" Chadwyck declared.
"That won't be necessary," said Helena. "The knights can easily handle it."
"What happened to charging in and showing who's boss?" Chadwyck argued, flapping his wings aggressively.
Helena sighed. "I think it's better I stay with our crew. If you insist on picking a fight, you can go on your own…"
"But I want Solar Power!" Chadwyck whined.
"What happened to Bryckhart the Brawlmaster? Are you Bryckhead the Droughted now?" Terry teased.
Chadwyck's eye twitched, and he dived at the Torracat, but it turned out to be a Substitute. Helena held a paw over her muzzle to hold in a laugh. "Don't waste your energy on each other, you two."
Sengupta swooped overhead their group. "Alert! Some defenders are trying to escape from the castle! They have a boat going downstream full of poké! We must prevent their escape!"
"Did somebody say poké?!" Chadwyck exclaimed.
Helena tensed at the friendly Swoobat's call to action. She glanced at her crew tending the supply wagons and then to Windie. "I think we're good here. Let's go secure that poké," Windie encouraged.
"Right. Let's go!" Helena commanded, heading downstream of the castle with Windie. Her team and more crew members followed with a medical wagon.
They spotted a small and crowded wooden boat headed downriver. A Poliwrath fired a continuous Hydro Pump into the river to propel the ship. Solardians from both sides of the river were sending attacks at the boat, but the pokémon on board had a Light Screen up and were countering all the incoming moves with their own.
They will not block what they cannot see, Max thought, unfurling his ears. His eyes glowed silver, and his vision turned to grayscale. His mind filled in an outline of where he predicted the boat was heading next, and he fired a blob of silver energy ahead of it. He quickly curled up his ears to shield them from the sound of all the exploding attacks. Color returned to his vision, and the silver blob was nowhere to be seen.
The boat advanced further when suddenly Max's Future Sight exploded out of thin air on top of the Poliwrath, who was thrown towards the middle of the ship with a cry, knocking over another Lunish knight. Without the force of a Hydro Pump at the back, the boat slowed until it simply drifted along with the river current.
"Perfect hit, Max!" Helena complimented. "Now time to take a shot," she muttered, beginning to form a Fire Blast.
"No! You'll destroy the poké!" Chadwyck cried, waving a wing in front of Helena. However, his intervention against his boss wouldn't help, as many Solardians had lined up on both river banks and were relentlessly firing attacks at the ship's pokémon. Multi-colored bursts of light seared in a dome around the ship as attacks pounded the defenders' Light Screen and various energies blasted each other head-on. Several combatants from both sides gasped as a stray Signal Beam from the other side of the river struck an already worn-out Shiftry in the head, sending him over the boat's rails.
"Oh no!" Lily cried, gripping Terry and Helena as she watched the Shiftry plummet into the river's depths. "H-he's gonna drown!"
A Quagsire near them stopped slinging Mud Bombs at the ship and dove into the river. He later emerged on their riverbank with the unconscious Shiftry in tow, whose green leaves and white mane glowed blue. Lily grabbed some Sitrus bandages from the wagon and rushed over.
The Quagsire turned the Shiftry over, forcing water out of the victim's mouth. Lily gulped as she opened a bandage. "Is he going to be okay?"
"He will be just fine following some rest," Duke Qasimir reassured. "With the power of Soak, I bestowed on him the vitality of a water-type. His internals shall not face any harm from water."
"That's good…" Lily sighed. She looked at the boat, still under heavy fire from all sides, and shuddered. Some other pokémon had fainted onboard the ship, though none more had fallen overboard yet.
"Our dimwits are gonna blow up the ship and all the poké at this rate," Chadwyck growled. "I have to take those ship guys down with my fists first!"
"I'm coming too!" Lily declared, hopping onto Chadwyck's back.
"My knights are not… 'dimwits,'" Duke Qasimir glared. He turned to Helena and said, "You have a bizarre taste in retainers, Princess."
"Chadwyck has a point, does he not?" Helena said back. "If the enemies stopped their Light Screen and counterattacks, our attacks would destroy their ship and everything onboard would be lost to the river. We have to stop attacking."
"I concur," said Sengupta, who had returned to the river after alerting all nearby Solardians to the situation. "I will relay the message at once!" he declared, fluttering around the ship to the Solardians on the other side.
As Chadwyck and Lily dived towards the suppressed ship, they felt Helena's sun follow them overhead. "Don't throw anyone overboard! No Flamethrower either!" Lily commanded. She leaped off the Charizard and dived at the nearest Lunish knight, slashing down with a bright green Leaf Blade. With the speed of her Chlorophyll, she zipped up and down the length of the boat, striking as many enemies as possible but always facing her blade towards the middle of the ship.
"Normally, using a move in a fistfight gets you banned from the establishment," Chadwyck muttered. "I wouldn't do it even if poké were on the line. But since someone else started it…" The usual dark orange of Chadwyck's Solar Power turned an intense light blue as he activated Air Cutter. Curling spokes of wind formed around his fists and the edges of his wings. He landed on the boat's deck and started pummeling and slashing any Lunish knight in his way, using all his best battle-hardened brawling tactics with the full intensity of Air Cutter and Solar Power behind every throw.
Lily and Chadwyck wreaked havoc aboard the Lunish escape ship, with Max's Reflect helping them as always. However, as Lily's movements got predictable, a Lunish knight tripped her up, sending her skidding into the rear wall of the deck. "Uh oh," Lily voiced as she rubbed her head, seeing two Lunish knights about to crush her. Without warning, an ear-splitting silvery explosion of psychic energy cracked the space before her, wiping out the Lunish knights. Despite the ringing in her ears, Lily breathed a huge sigh of relief, thinking, Max sure can predict the future!
On the banks, Max sat on the grass while holding his head. Terry supported him with glowing-white paws from Helping Hand. "Too much power, my friend. Your love for Lily has too much power," Max chuckled. They watched Duke Qasimir and several other water types swim onto the ship while Sengupta and other flying types arrived from above. In a matter of moments, the Solardian army had captured the Lunish escape ship and all of its contents.
"We won the battle. Where is the mass surrender you spoke of, Your Majesty?" Duke Brennan asked pointedly.
Ludwig paced around the tent with a slight limp and wearing several bandages. "It will come in due time," he growled. "Once the defenders see they have no hope."
"The rogue escape boat was a start," said Duke Kendrick. "The knights onboard believed their best chance of escape was during the distraction of the battle, so they loaded up their assets and attempted to flee."
"My loyal retainers have been diligently accounting all the goods on the ship," Ludwig said. "Chests of poké, jewelry, wine, and even a painting were onboard. As promised, we will be splitting it up amongst you and all your knights according to the agreement."
"How are we supposed to split up a painting?" Duke Ulysses squawked.
"A fine question, my lord," Ezekiel spoke up. "Myself and others have provided His Majesty with an exquisite solution. We shall hold an auction where all captured items of value will be on display for a day. Anyone interested in an item can bid on it. At the end of the auction, we will add up all the bids plus the amount of poké procured to get the total value of poké to distribute. Then, using our records," he said, holding up a thick stack of papers, "we will figure out how much poké each pokémon deserves. Those with winning bids on items will have the cost of the item subtracted from their poké reward."
Most of the dukes gawked at the Zebstrika. "What if a piece of jewelry is worth more than a pokémon's reward?" Duke Kendrick asked.
"Anyone who bids higher than their poké reward will have to pay the poké upon return to Solardie. We will be keeping detailed records."
"Pay to who? Someone is going to be walking out of here with less poké than they are entitled to."
"Yes, of course. To simplify the accounting, it would make sense to distribute the coins here to those with smaller rewards and have outstanding poké from auctions to be owed to those with the largest rewards. That would be you all."
"What? I never signed up for a promise of future payment. I demand my payment now!" Duke Brennan exclaimed.
"Sounds like way too much work for just one boatload of loot," Duchess Madelyn huffed.
"Perhaps, but it is an opportunity for a trial run. If successful, we will use the same process once we capture the castle and everything inside."
"I suggest the four among us who approved this maddeningly complicated scheme should bear the burden of usury," Duke Percival growled. "That would be Kendrick, Madelyn, Ulysses, and Helena."
"Preposterous!" Duke Ulysses screeched.
"I need my poké now to cover the cost of food supplies," Helena said.
"Take ownership of your plots," Duke Percival snarled.
"Enough bickering. You can owe the poké to me," Duchess Madelyn offered. "I have no immediate need."
"I will wait as well," Duke Kendrick added. "We must start somewhere."
A Shiftry regained consciousness, finding himself lying near the bank of the Kolink River. His fur was drenched, his leaves wrinkled, and it hurt to move or even breathe. Squinting at the sky, he could see the crimson of sunset. A large structure teased the edge of his vision. With a struggle to move his neck, he could see Kolink Castle on the island in the middle of the river. The escape boat lay washed up on the bank nearby. With a pained huff, the Shiftry closed his eyes.
"Count Siegel, you arise," an unfamiliar voice spoke. Somebody placed a loaf of bread and a glass of water in the Shiftry's leaves. "Eat."
Count Siegel slowly sat up, facing a Pyroar. "Who are you?" he croaked.
"Duke Percival of Lyonnais. I come to you bearing a message. The-"
"H-hold your thoughts, sir. How are you familiar with my name?"
"I have been studying Rentoshire's lineages, Count Siegel. Now, I must inform you that our army has a strict no-hostage policy for the siege to evade committing resources. I pray you have extended family elsewhere in Luneland with whom you may seek refuge. Most of your associates have already departed."
"What of our… cargo?"
"Distributed amongst our knights."
Count Siegel slumped, maintaining silence for a few moments. "Allow me to obtain some items from my estate before I set off for Kabaldoshire," he muttered.
Duke Percival smirked. "I shall accompany you. I hope you understand our need to survey our opponents, however respectable they may be." The two began a somber walk away from the river. "You may eat the bread; I have no reason to taint it. If you were undesired, you would have been left to drown."
The Shiftry took a solemn bite. "Better than the stock in the castle," he mumbled.
"Perhaps that contributed to your bold move to abandon your liege?" Duke Percival pressed. When Count Siegel refused to respond, Duke Percival chuckled. "No need to conceal anything, my dear count. The other knights have already exposed the situation inside the castle. Further, there is no harm in betraying the loyalty of a pokémon who will be dead soon."
Count Siegel ignored the foreign duke's remarks, working his way down the streets to his estate… at least what he thought were the correct streets. The messy paths and desolate lots made his aching stomach churn. His fears were confirmed when they reached what Count Siegel knew to be his address. What used to be a pristine four-story estate with a garden and gate was now a pile of shattered bricks, rotting wood, and plain dirt. The noble Shiftry had never seen anything like it. He dropped to his knees, flaring up all his internal pains.
"A horrendous shame," Duke Percival said, placing his paw on the Shiftry's back and hanging his mane. "An organization of vengeful peasants have been tearing down noble estates all across Rentoshire and shipping the materials to their unnatural, unorderly city of Kyukonais. The leader, the perpetrator? The dirty, mane-assaulting paws of one Princess Helena Kyukon. Remember her name."
Helena jolted awake at the sound of a thunderstrike. She groaned, curling her tails around her head. The orange glow of sunrise permeated through the translucent cloth of her tent, making slumber fleeting. With a huff, she rose out of her tent for another day of the siege. Seven days had passed since the Lunish army's attack, and operations were back to normal, with still no end in sight. There was one thing she could always look forward to, though!
With a spring in her step, Helena traversed a short distance across the camp, saying good morning to her fellow pokémon until she found Windie and greeted him with a nuzzle. "Did the thunder wake you up, too?" she asked.
"Yep, but it won't deter us," Windie said, holding her paw. He looked toward the electrified castle, spotting the usual Solardian knights keeping a tight perimeter. Then, he noticed a crowd of pokémon downstream on the other side next to a large wooden ship washed ashore. "What's going on there?"
"Let's check it out," said Helena. Side by side, the two of them crossed a bridge further down and approached the crowd. Many fainted pokémon were strewn about the riverbank, more sitting in a slump, and many others on guard.
"Duchess Helena," one Solardian knight greeted.
"What happened here, sir?" Helena asked.
"These Lunish knights tried to escape from the castle last night. We subdued their ship and they surrendered."
A Zangoose on the ground made eye contact with Windie. "Is that Windie from Denryushire I see?"
"Yes, Count Zamir."
"On the Solardian side. Well, I can hardly fault you for marching for your lord."
Windie resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "What happened to you?" he asked the Rentoshiran noble. "Why did you give up defending the castle?"
"A contentious tale," Count Zamir mumbled. "His Majesty, King Leinwig, received a letter from his loyal dukes. They promised one more attack to liberate the capital in two months' time, nothing more, nothing less. We do not have enough food for that long, so His Majesty said a certain number of pokémon must depart so that the remaining forces could last two more months. Some volunteered to leave and entrust the safety of our possessions to the others, including myself, but we were not enough to meet His Majesty's projections. And thus, a shameful quarrel took place within the castle walls."
"A fight?" Windie gasped.
Count Zamir nodded solemnly. "His Majesty chose who he believed were his most important defenders; those who commanded lightning, the fiercest defenders, the ones who he believed could eat the least. All others were told they must leave. Us loyal volunteers prepared the royal vessel to escape at night. We planned to sail down river to Horudoshire and join the assault in two months' time. Many of my disloyal peers refused to leave behind their possessions. His Majesty ordered an attack on the unfaithful, though not all His Majesty's retainers heeded the call. Anyone who fainted was loaded onto the ship before we set sail. But alas, the Solardians halted our voyage shortly after departure." The Zangoose flexed his claws, staring at the ground. "If these fools agreed to His Majesty's plan, we would have fought off the night forces and slipped out of Rentoshire. Instead, we are at your mercy."
"I'm sure you'll be free to leave anyway," Windie scoffed. "We aren't keeping hostages."
Count Zamir made a slight smirk. "We are too much to watch over?"
"I guess so," Windie shrugged. "If we let you go, are you going to come straight back to fight us?"
"Certainly," Count Zamir affirmed.
"Even after your king threw you out?"
"My fortune is on the line."
"Right…"
"I do hope this conflict resolves amicably. I could use your talents again in the future, Windie."
Windie rolled his eyes, leaving the count behind. "No thank you."
"In the wake of the morning's development, I believe it is time to attempt a fresh assault on the castle," Duke Kendrick said to the tent full of other dukes. "Their defenses must be weak after shedding so many knights, and we should act before the next attempt by the Lunish dukes to fend us off."
"I strongly agree," said Helena. "This siege has dragged on for too long. It's time we end this and capture King Leinwig. Right, Your Majesty?" she asked, hiding a smirk.
"Yes!" Ludwig boomed, slamming his paws on the table. "I know how we will breach my wretched cousin's defenses. We must all get on rafts and approach the castle from all sides. Every flyer within our ranks shall form a circle to swoop upon the castle from all directions. The enemies will be spread too thin and we will overwhelm them!"
"That is insane!" Duke Ulysses squawked. "We are going to drown!"
Duke Qasimir placed an arm on the Unfezant's side to calm him down. "I concur with Ulysses, Your Majesty. I believe I can speak for us all when I say that no one is willing to drown over some poké. Water types cannot rescue anyone without facing the castle's thunder's wrath."
"This war is not about some measly poké," Ludwig seethed. "This war is about my cousin's grave injustices. You heard how he tossed his loyal knights out of the castle without a second thought. I would never-"
"This war is not just about you, Your Majesty," Duke Percival seared.
"Duke Kendrick and I have a better idea," Helena said. "Let's use the two ships that the defenders graciously gifted us. On the first, smaller boat, we need pokémon who have the ability Lightning Rod to redirect the enemy's electric attacks. The larger ship will hold an assault team headed straight for the drawbridge. We will land underneath the drawbridge, break the chains, and force the drawbridge to lower across the river. Our psychic types on the mainland can then catch the drawbridge and secure it. Then our army can charge into the castle."
"Your Majesty, your proposal is not without merits," said Duke Kendrick. "We can still assemble a fleet of rafts across both banks to give the appearance of an assault from all sides, even if we only plan to attack the drawbridge. Just the threat of an invasion will force the enemies to watch every angle."
"Duke Qasimir, if you can assure our safety in case our ship gets destroyed, then I will lead the main ship," said Helena.
"Of course, princess," Duke Qasimir agreed.
"I fear I will not be of much help on the ship," said Duchess Madelyn. "I look forward to leading the assault across the drawbridge, though."
"I suppose I can participate in the initial aerial bait," Duke Ulysses added with a shudder.
"Antonio," Duke Kendrick said, directing everyone's attention to the Ampharos in the corner. "As a Lightning Rod bearer, you are expected to attend the picket ship. I and many other ground types will brave the waters to assist you."
"..." Duke Antonio simply nodded along.
"I want to make one thing clear," said Duke Brennan. "Once the castle is taken, either tomorrow or whenever Arceus decides, we will depart Luneland and return to Solardie."
"Yes," Ludwig growled. "We will abduct my cousin, expel all his supporters from Rentoshire, and hold a grand auction of all their possessions in the castle. Then we shall depart. This will be the end of our campaign."
Helena stood at the helm of the assault ship with Windie at her side. Up ahead, plenty of flying types and levitators circled the castle menacingly, although keeping a clear distance from being struck by castle lightning. To their side, on the smaller picket ship, stood Duke Antonio, Ezekiel, and a Marowak as Lightning Rod pokémon to redirect electricity. Also present were Duke Kendrick and a few other ground types, hoping to absorb as much electricity as possible to prevent damage to their feeble wooden boat. Duke Qasimir and a Seismitoad sat at the rear, using their water to propel the boat down the river towards the castle. On her own ship, Helena had her team, some Solardian knights with strong ranged attacks or defensive techniques, psychic types to help with Light Screen, and water types to drive the ship. As the two boats approached the castle island, Helena could see the entire Solardian army gathered along both river banks with feeble, shoddy rafts. Good thing they would not need to use them.
"First Thunder incoming!" Duke Kendrick hollered. The nearest steel needle that pointed in their direction flashed yellow, and a thick bolt of electricity teared through the air towards Helena's ship. Halfway through, the electricity arched toward the picket ship and struck the immune pokémon aboard. A flash of teal light shined as Light Screens from pokémon on the banks protected the wooden boat as much as possible.
As the ships got closer to the castle's island, Lunish knights atop the ramparts started raining attacks on them - Sludge Bombs, Energy Balls, Focus Blasts, and many more. More steel needles came alive with lightning as they came within range. Unfortunately, Helena couldn't use her Drought as it would hamper the water types' ability to drive the ship. She, Windie, and Chadwyck prepared Fire Blasts as they approached, with Terry and Lily lending their power with Helping Hand. They launched their Fire Blasts at the base of the first needle, obliterating it. The rest of the steel plummeted into the water with a huge splash. Knights on board took down other steel poles in a similar fashion while the pokémon on the picket ship bore the brunt of the electricity.
Lunish knights appeared at various windows, firing Ice Beams, Flamethrowers, and more at the approaching ship. Helena's group fired back to intercept the attacks and used Substitutes, Protects, and Light Screens to guard their assault ship. An immense crackling sounded across the water as the constant electric attacks became too much for the small picket ship to handle. The electric and ground types started panicking as water bubbled through the cracks. More lightning strikes from skyward-facing needles gravitated toward the Lightning Rod pokémon until the ship broke apart. Now in the water with little mobility, the pokémon forming the Lightning Rod bait team were barraged by other attacks. Duke Qasimir did his best to help his comrades swim to safety. He gave a Soak to anyone at risk of drowning to grant them the breathing capabilities of a water type at the cost of vulnerability to the electric surges from the castle.
Electricity surged across the river, sending shocks to the pokémon aboard the remaining ship. "Faster!" Helena commanded. "Almost there!" More electricity penetrated their Light Screen and shocked the water types, who churned out a desperate final wave of water to propel the ship onto the island's rocky shore. Helena activated her Drought as she and her friends leaped off the boat. Immediately, a wave of Surf poured down on them from a window above. Everyone desperately ran to avoid the splash zone. Next was a cloud of Stun Spore from above, which Max rendered harmless with Safeguard. Terry spat a smoky Flame Burst into the nearest window, lighting up the inside corridor with fire and screams.
With a roar and a flap of his wings, Chadwyck unleashed his Solar Powered Flamethrower at the great metal chains that held the drawbridge back. An enemy Light Screen tried to keep the flames at bay, but they were no match once Helena and Windie joined in. As the red-hot chains expanded from the heat, the drawbridge started tipping from its upright position downward over the river. As the chains melted and snapped, a brilliant purple glow engulfed the entire length and width of the drawbridge as psychic types on land steadied its fall. With a firm thud against the stone on the other side, the drawbridge stood flat, and the purple glow subsided.
Helena's team took refuge under the lowered drawbridge to evade the constant attacks raining down from the castle's windows. If the battle cries of the Solardians weren't enough, the team heard and felt the stampede above them. Windie relaxed against Helena's side, pulling her close. "That was… scary," he admitted. Helena slowly nodded, burying her head in his mane to drown out the thundering stomps and electricity. Right above them, the Solardian vanguard ran straight into a trap. The archway between the drawbridge and the courtyard had several holes built in where Lunish knights from the floor above dropped attacks on the invaders. Still, the sheer number of Solardian knights fought back and poured into the courtyard.
From their spot underneath the drawbridge, Helena could see all the Solardians on the mainland streaming towards the drawbridge. The Solardians stationed on the other side of the river also made their way over the bridges to join the line. The flying types who circled above the castle touched down on land and joined the breach, not wanting to fly in and risk an electric shock to send them into the river. Soon, the attacks from the windows onto the drawbridge ceased as all the defenders turned their attention inward. Chadwyck flew everyone onto the drawbridge one by one.
"Even though they're all greedy nobles… this is terrible," Lily whispered as they looked upon a heap of fainted pokémon beneath a crumbling archway. They passed into the courtyard, where even more pokémon from both sides were strewn about the stone floor. They could see fighting taking place all the way up on the ramparts. Wanting cover, everyone rushed to the nearest entrance to the stone structure.
They found themselves in a decorated corridor. "Ooh, that's a fancy vase," Chadwyck grinned, reaching his claws towards a glass vase on a display pedestal.
"Do not disrupt anything, my friend," said Max. "We must divide everything according to the plan, remember?"
"Fine…" Chadwyck huffed.
The group traversed the corridors, heading to the largest source of commotion - the throne room. A crowd of Solardian knights congregated near the entrance while a small, battered force of Lunish knights slumped by the opposite wall. In the middle, two Luxray lunged and crunched at each other with the occasional burst of electricity flying across the room.
"What's going on here?" Chadwyck grunted. "Why aren't we going in and destroying them?"
"It must be some sort of duel between the two kings for honor or something," Helena sighed.
Windie watched the two Luxrays with a rapidly bubbling growl in his throat. His paws scrunched up the velvet carpet beneath them, and his tail flicked viciously.
Helena heard the start of Windie's low growl. "Windie, what is it?" she asked, holding a paw.
Windie felt Helena's touch and took a soft breath. "These two terrible pokémon destroyed the whole kingdom," he seethed through gritted teeth. "They made so many innocent pokémon suffer over their hatred for each other. Meanwhile, all these knights stopped fighting to watch their kings like some popularity contest. They think it's all just fun and games!"
Helena wrapped her tails around Windie, pulling him to her side. "We'll make things better, I promise," she whispered. "We'll make things change."
Windie relented into her embrace. "I hope we can." He closed his eyes, a tear dropping out as he reminded himself of destroyed fields and abandoned pokémon. Soft fur covered his ears, muffling the screams of a fallen Luxray.
A/N 10/16/23: I came up with the chapter "Thunder's Wrath" to pair with the previous one because they look cool together, but also because I didn't want "Fire's Warmth" to stand out by itself, thinking it would be too obvious that it was the confession chapter. This story is the first time I'm using chapter titles, and they've been super fun, but I try to keep them vague enough that they wouldn't spoil anyone just looking at the chapter names. I do like the idea of them being subtle enough to make any next chapter intriguing given the context of the current one… like the next chapter, Blood is Thicker than Water!