Chapter 7: Hunter vs Bandits

Edgar's Villa, Olisberg Village, Fepusa Nation, 21st April Year 1468

A few days later Edgar got another letter. This time it was from Dalonton leader.

"We have been getting lots of letters this month. I guess we are famous now." Ray said sarcastically.

Edgar glares at Ray to which he apologized quickly. Edgar sighed. "I know exactly what will this be about."

"What did the letter say?" Reina was curious.

'I have to meet their informant at Olisberg port. So yes I have to go to Olisberg city today." Edgar replied.

"I thought you already told them not to contact us in the future." Said Reid.

"I did, they just won't keep their end of the word." Edgar said.

"But why you? I'm sure there are others capable of doing the job." Ray asked.

"I don't have an answer to your question. I think they probably need someone trustworthy." Edgar answered.

Their conversation was interrupted by a Torkoal accompanied by a Nidoking and Corphish. The Torkoal was the village chief and his companion were farmers.

"Chief, what brings you here?" Edgar asked.

"I'm sorry if I interrupted anything. We are in desperate need of your help." The Torkoal said.

"No, you haven't interrupted anything, What's troubling you?" Edgar asked.

"The bandits have been too much trouble. We can't transport goods to the capital without getting robbed. I asked the guards from the capital for our help but they just dismissed it by saying It's the forest guard's duty. The forest guards said that they are looking after them but they have no leads. We were planning on hiring mercenaries but the fees are too much for us. I'm begging you please help us. I know you are capable of stopping those bandits by yourself. The tax collector will come next month I don't think we have enough to pay." The Torkoal started sobbing.

"Why didn't you tell me this before?" Edgar asked.

"I thought you would not help." Chief replied.

"When have I ever said I won't help you in need or anyone from the village? When are you leaving?" Edgar asked.

"Tomorrow." The chief replied.

Edgar went silent. He looked away unable to look at the chief or the other villagers. "Can you delay it?"

"I'm afraid I can't wait much longer. The villagers are getting restless." Chief replied. "Will you help us?"

"I'm sorry… I can't. I have to be somewhere else it's important." Edgar looked away.

The Torkoal gave in "Then all hope is lost."

"We can help you?" Reid interrupted.

"What do you mean we?" Ray asked.

Reid groaned. "Don't be like that. By 'we' I mean us three."

Chief shakes his head. "No, no I could never put your lives at risk for this."

"Believe it or not we already took down one bandit captain." Reid boasted.

"We almost died. Also, he was lieutenant" Ray added.

Reina narrowed her eyes "Not helping!"

"We also tracked down a thief and caught him." Reid boasted again.

"With help of a machine also, we failed the main mission." Ray added.

"Okay, okay I get it. We were not perfect but we pulled through it." Reid yelled at Ray. "Sensei can vouch for us."

"Chief, they are going with you tomorrow. They are more than capable of doing the job. Don't underestimate them." Edgar looked proudly at his students.

"I'll make the preparations meet me tomorrow morning at the village gate." The chief and his company leave.

"I have faith in you three. These pokemons are counting on us don't let them down." Edgar patted his student's head. He prepares to leave for his destination.

Olisberg Village, Fepusa Nation, 22nd April Year 1468

Ray and his friends were prepared to leave. The Nidoking named Harlund prepared the convoy. Two wagons one with goods and the other with supplies for the journey. Two Tauros were called to pull the wagon. The Corphish named Fernon helped them strap to the wagon. A Lopunny named Avielea was checking for supplies to help them on their way. The village chief approaches the group. He inspects the wagons and nods.

The chief looks at Ray. "Are you ready?"

Ray nods.

Reid was confused. "Wait! You're not coming with us?"

"You don't want me slowing you down. Unless you want to carry me on your back." The chief chuckled.

Harlund interrupted. "We should leave now. Leaving at a different time may help us avoid them."

Ray and his friends, three villagers and two Tauros depart toward the capital. The Torkoal watches them anxiously

Olisberg Forest, Fepusa Nation, 22nd April Year 1468

The convoy was moving at a slow pace. Ray and his friend were walking. Ray, Reid and Harlund were walking in front of the first wagon. Reina, Fernon and Avielea were walking behind the second wagon. Everyone was tense throughout the journey.

"How much time will it take to reach there?" Ray asked.

"We will reach by noon tomorrow at this pace. Maybe a few hours early if we reduce our brake time." Harlund replied.

"How much worth of pokes did you lose last time." Ray asked.

"Thirteen thousand pokes. Eight thousand from the first delivery and five thousand from the last one. I also included the jewelry. We didn't carry anything valuable last same goes for this time." He sighed then got furious. "Damn those bandits to oblivion. Making life of honest people miserable. If they show up I won't stand by and do nothing."

"I understand your frustration but do you have any actual combat experience?" Ray asked.

"Yes, I mean no. As a kid I got into a fight and won." He said shamefully.

"Yeah, that's not going to cut it. I say you stay out of it for your safety."

"What's wrong with letting him fight for his people" Reid questioned.

"Ray is right, I'll just end up getting in your way" Harlund replied.

At the second wagon, Reina noticed that Avielea was nervous.

"Are you alright?" Reina was concerned.

"Oh, I thought was good at hiding it" She chuckled nervously. "It's the first time I have been out of the village. I replaced my friend. She has been sick for a few days."

"I hope she gets better."

"I'll tell her that you wished her well. My father was not ready to let me leave. It took a lot to convince him to get his permission. The group needed a cook so I thought I would volunteer myself."

"I can't wait to eat your cooked food." Reina smiled.

Haverfil Valley, Fepusa Nation, 22nd April Year 1468

The next few hours went without any incident. The group took a few minutes of break to eat and relax. The convoy reaches Haverfil valley. Haverfil valley is located at the east of Olisberg forest. Emernet river flows between this valley.

Ray sniffed the pleasant air but also eleven other pokemon scents. "We have company eleven pokemon are coming towards us." Ray warned.

The group quickly takes a defensive stance. The trio looks around. Ten pokemons come out of hiding. Two Machoke, Three Haunter and five Mankey. Their leader a Pinsir comes out too.

The leader looks at Harlund. "We meet again for the third time. Did you really think changing your timing will save you?" He laughs maniacally.

Harlund grits his teeth.

"I hope you brought more than last time to rob for us." The leader looks at Ray. "New faces? You know the drill take all the pokes and anything valuable.

A Mankey walks towards the wagon and laughs. "This is going to be easy"

Before he could touch the wagon. Ray strikes him with a surprise Force Palm knocking him unconscious. The leader shocked by it gets angry. He orders every bandit to attack at once. Ray, Reid and Reina each cover three pokemon. Ray fights two Machoke and a Haunter. Reid fights one Haunter and two Mankey same with Reina. The trio struggle with their own fight. Not having experience in fighting multiple opponents at once put them at disadvantage. A Machoke seeing that Ray is distracted by his other two enemies goes towards the wagon. Harlund tries to stop him but the Machoke easily overpowers him leaving Harlund wounded.

A Machoke grabs Avielea. "If one of you even moves I'll snap her like a twig."

"Leave her alone!" Ray yelled. Seeing him distracted his two opponents take the opportunity to overpower him and pin him on the ground.

Out of nowhere, the Machoke is stabbed by multiple razor-sharp leaves killing him instantly. His lifeless body hits the ground and Avielea escapes free. Everyone looks in the direction from where the leaves came in. A Sceptile was standing there.

The Sceptile looks at the leader. "Kalnur, wanted alive for robbery and murder. Threat level B rank. Reward six thousand pokes" He said.

The leader looked a little scared. "Wait you are that bounty hunter Sceptile going around killing all wanted criminals. Even the ones which are wanted alive. So what do you think you are a tough one. You are just a false story made up to scare the weak one."

The Sceptile quickly used Leaf blade on Ray's opponent and fatally wound them. The other bandits back away.

The bandit leader takes a step back in fear. "We are retreating for now. If what the rumors saying is true, then killing you will make me more infamous." The leader and his minions run away from the Sceptile.

"Thank you for saving me." Avielea thanked her savior. She rushes to help Harlund.

Reid helps Ray recover. Reina looks at the three dead bandits. "Why did you have to kill them?" Reina asked.

"I'm not liable to answer you." The Sceptile dismissed her.

"You took their lives without feeling anything. You are no better than them." Reina said.

"Had I not interfered your two friends would have died then." The Sceptile Said. "Those bandits are going to come again. This time I'll be with you whether you like it or not. Don't worry I don't charge for my services."

"Great now you are ordering us." Reina yelled.

"Calm down Reina he just saved our hide. We should let him come with us." Reid suggested.

"I'm sorry I couldn't do much back there but we could use his help. He is a bounty hunter after all." Fernon said his opinion.

"I don't agree with his method but we could use his protection. He is volunteering without any charges." Harlund said.

"We should allow him to come with us." Avielea said

"I've seen you before in Olisberg city. You just ignored me then. I don't know if they deserved it or not but you don't have any right to go around killing mons. What if someone was framed? Have you thought about that? You don't seem to have any bad intentions but I can't let you come with us." Ray said.

"The majority have voted for him to stay. You know how it is. Sorry, Ray and Reina." Harlund said.

"I didn't know that we were voting but it is acceptable." Ray looks at the Sceptile. "I'll need your name regardless."

"Mercer, my name is Mercer." The Sceptile revealed his name.

Ray looked at him suspiciously. "I'll be keeping an eye on you."

At night the group set up a campfire. Avielea was preparing food with help of Reina. Harlund and Fernon were working around the campfire. Ray and Reid were relaxing near the campfire. The two Tauros were resting. Mercer was away from the group alone. When the meal was prepared. Avielea and Reina were passing along the meal.

Avielea hands Harlund his share. "Are you feeling alright? That Machoke did few numbers on you."

"I'm fine It's just I'm embarrassed right now. Getting beat up in front of young ones and then getting rescued by a total stranger." Harlund looked down in shame.

"It's ok. No one is blaming you. You did what you could." Avielea smiled. Harlund also let out a light smile.

Reina gives Ray and Reid their share. She looks at Ray. "Are you feeling better?" Reina was worried.

"Yeah, I'll be fine by morning just need to rest a bit." Ray nodded.

The group gathered by camp fire talking and sharing their stories to even playing some games. Avielea approached Mercer and gave her some food. Mercer first declined but Avielea insisted. "Why don't you join us by fire camp?" She asked.

"No I won't some may not like my company." Mercer declined.

The Lopunny grabs his hand and drags him to the campfire. "I won't take no for an answer." She makes some space for him and forces him to sit. The Sceptile reluctantly agreed.

"Hey, I'm glad you joined us." Reid welcomed him. "Don't mind Ray he is not like that."

Ray ignored Reid's comment but didn't object to Mercer joining. Reina also didn't say anything.

"I… I thank you for your hospitality. It's been a long time since I'm surrounded by good mons." Mercer thanked the group.

"Avielea, the food is amazing." Reina complimented. The rest of the group also praised her cooking including Mercer.

Later everyone was ready to sleep for the night.

"I'll keep watch. They may try to attack us during the night." Mercer suggested.

"No, let me keep a watch. I want to be helpful." Fernon insisted.

"Fernon is right. We need you in peak condition for tomorrow. That also goes for you three." Harlund said. "I and Fernon will keep switching after two hours. We leave at six o'clock in the morning."

Haverfil Valley, Fepusa Nation, 23rd April Year 1468

The night passes without any incident. Harlund and Fernon took turns keeping a watch. The group resumed their journey early morning. The group crossed the Emernet river.

Ray, Mercer, Harlund and Fernon were walking in front of the first wagon. The rest were behind the second wagon.

"It will only take a few more hours. Once we cross that mountain. We will be in a safe zone." Harlund announced.

"What's your story, Mercer? Why did you become a bounty hunter? Fernon asked curiously.

"I don't feel like sharing my details but I'll answer your other question." Mercer said. "I'm not a bounty hunter. I don't even have a badge."

"Why would you do that? You go around killing mons who are on a wanted poster. You could become an official bounty hunter and earn some money." Harlund said.

"Forgive me. I overheard a conversation last night that this wasn't the first or second time you got robbed. Let's just say that I captured one of them. They get sent to jail, serve their sentence and get out. What happens next? They start doing the same thing again." Mercer said.

"Let the law do its job. Why are you going around making enemies?" Harlund asked.

"If the law did its job. You wouldn't be here getting robbed third time." Mercer answered.

"So, you think you are some kind of judge, jury and executioner." Ray asked.

"Maybe." Mercer answered.

"Wait! I smell them again they are coming. This time there are eighteen of them." Ray warned.

The Bandit Captain Kalnur comes out with eight Magnamite, Six Mankey and Four Haunter. "Sceptile you cost me two Machoke and a Haunter. I'll kill you for that. I won't be intimidated by you again. Attack!"

Mercer uses Leaf Strom killing two Magnamite, three Mankey and a Haunter.

Ray grits his teeth. "Reina you take care of Haunters. Me and Reid will take care of the rest." He ordered.

Reina was fighting two Haunter. Ray and Reid were fighting four Magnamite and two Mankey. The leader was protected but two Magnamite, a Mankey and a Haunter. Mercer effortlessly killed them using leaf blade. Now it was just Mercer and Kalnur. Kalnur was in complete rage. He was unable to think calmly. Mercer used that to his advantage.

"I hate you. I hate you. I hate you." Kalnur mindlessly attacked Mercer with Brick Break. Mercer dodges it with ease.

"Why won't you die." Kalnur screamed.

"You have already lost." Mercer slashes The Pinsir with Leaf blade.

"No! No! Don't kill me. I beg of you, have mercy." Kalnur kneeled clutching his wound.

"Did you spare the lives of those you killed? Did you show them mercy when they asked for it?" Mercer prepares his Razor leaves.

"No! Don't do it" Ray interrupted.

Mercer ignored him and ends the bandit's life. He takes a deep breath and exhales. The rest of the bandits flee watching their leader's death.

"Did that make you feel better?" Ray asked.

Mercer looks Ray dead in the eye. "Tell me, Ray. What would you have done if one of these had even hurt your friends and family?"

Ray remains speechless.

"See, you don't have an answer for it. I'll still accompany you till Alreany. As I said before I won't charge you and you don't have to owe me anything. The hospitality you showed me last night is all that I needed."

Mercer accompanied the group till Alreany. Then he went his own way. The villagers traded their goods and earned some money. The group returned to the village in a few days.

Edgar's Villa, Olisberg Village, Fepusa Nation, 25th April Year 1468

The trio enters Edgar's villa exhausted from their journey. Edgar was waiting for them. He seems to be a little impatient.

"I know you just got her now and you are exhausted. But we need to leave now. We are going to Dalonton right now. You can tell me all the details on our journey. A boat is waiting for us at the beach. You can rest there."

AN: Characters

Edgar, Male Lucario, Ability: ? ?

Move set: Bone Rush, Heal Pulse, ? ?, ? ?

Ray, Male Riolu, Ability: ? ?

Move set: Force Palm, Quick Attack, ? ?, ? ?

Reid, Male Machop, Ability: ? ?

Move set: Low Sweep, Karate Chop, ? ?, ? ?

Reina, Female Medittite, Ability: ? ?

Move set: Confusion, Bide, Brick Break, ? ?

Mercer, Male Sceptile, Ability: ? ?

Move set: Leaf Storm, Leaf Blade ? ?, ? ?

Kalnur, Male Pinsir, Ability: ? ?

Move set: Brick Break, ? ?, ? ?, ? ?