Chapter 11: Heir To The Clan Part II

Okano Manor, Yukiyama Village, Trallanea Nation, 3 May Year 1468

The next day Edgar and Takeshi teamed up to find evidence against Hiroji. Their first scene to look for was in Shihei's room.

Hiroji already anticipated this and locked up the room. That didn't stop Edgar. He used Force Palm to break the lock. They looked around the room to find something helpful. The room was clean and not a single stain was found.

"We hit a dead-end already?" Takeshi asked.

"Don't lose hope there must be something we can find. Tell me about Shihei's daily routine and tell me in detail." Edgar asked.

"He wakes up before sunrise then-"

Edgar interrupted him. "Just tell me about one hour before his death."

"Well if it was that time then he would probably drink a digestive drink and then stay with Sayako until she fell asleep." Takeshi realized something. "Now that I think about it, he didn't come that day. So we went to check after an hour and then we found him… like this."

"Who served him the drink that day?" Edgar asked.

"It must be Hana. She is the one who takes care of Shihei and Sayako's needs." Takeshi answered.

"Take me to her."

Okano Manor Kitchen, Yukiyama Village, TrallaneaNation, 3 May Year 1468

The duo went to the main kitchen. An elderly Zoroark was ordering all the kitchen staff and assigning all the jobs. After that, she also started cooking.

She saw Takeshi and greeted them with a smile.

"Takeshi, it's good to see you. I'm glad that Sayako is safe and back home. Poor child I can't imagine what she must be going through." She turns her attention to Edgar. "You must be Edgar. I heard a lot about you. How you helped Sayako to get here. I'm grateful that we have mons like you."

"Ma'am, I'm not here for getting praise." Edgar replied.

"Please, call me Hana." She requested.

"Who was the one who served Shihei the drink that day?" Edgar went straight to the point.

"It was the new helper Pancham. He only joined a week before but now he just disappeared."

"When exactly did he disappear?" Edgar asked.

"It was the day after… Oh no, does that mean it was he who did it?" Hana realized.

"Where was he living during his time here.?" Edgar asked.

"Follow me." Hana led the two of them to the living quarters.

The room she led to was not cleaned in days. It was full of mess.

"I was not feeling well that day so I told him to serve the drink that day. If only I would have served it that day. Lord Shihei would still be with us." Hana started crying.

"Don't blame yourself. The one who wanted him dead would still find another way to kill him." Edgar said.

He looked around the room to find any clue or trace. He sniffed the air.

"I got his scent. Takeshi, follow me. Hana, don't tell anyone about this, we will expose the killer by tomorrow."

Yukiyama Village Outskirts, TrallaneaNation, 3 May Year 1468

The trail led them toward the outskirts of the village. Where a camp was set up. Looking up close it was no doubt that it was set up by a mercenary band. As none of the Pokémon looked local.

The duo hid behind a rock and scouted a way to infiltrate.

"The trail leads there. There is no doubt that the Krookodile was here. What was his name?" Edgar asked.

"It's Kellan. I overheard him and Harjo talking. Nothing more I could find out." Takeshi then turns his attention towards the camp. How are we going to get in? There are twenty-two of them.

"There are nineteen. How are we going to get in?" Takeshi asked.

"There are a total of twenty-seven of them." Edgar corrected.

Takeshi was shocked. "Your sense of smell is a lot better than mine."

Edgar thought for a few minutes. "I need you to make a huge distraction. Huge enough to get everyone's attention for a couple of minutes."

Takeshi nods and leaves. Edgar slowly sneaks towards the camp. He waited patiently for Takeshi to make an opening.

Out of nowhere, a Fire Blast hits the camp. Luckily or unluckily no one was hurt. The mercenary band panicked. Some started to extinguish the fire which was spreading. Others started going in the direction from which the attack came.

Edgar sighs. "He went a little overboard when I said I needed a huge distraction."

He sneaked into the biggest tent. Thanks to his super senses he was able to tell. If there was anyone inside. He opened a chest that had lots of valuables. Gold, silver diamonds but most importantly some papers. He looked through them and they were contract papers of some jobs taken. Edgar was shocked to see that there were lots of dark contracts. Among them, he found one which was to eliminate Shihei. He also found a letter from Hiroji.

Edgar took the letters and escaped. He met Takeshi and told him everything.

Takeshi was excited by the news. "Let's go. We have the evidence. Now we can expose Hiroji's true colors to the whole village."

"Wait!" Edgar stopped Takeshi. "I know you are eager to expose Hiroji but there is still one more place I would like to search."

"Is the letter with his sign not enough proof?" Takeshi was frustrated. "Where is the next place you want to search?"

"Hiroji's room."

"You serious?"

Edgar simply nodded.

"Fine, but if we don't find anything we expose him using this evidence."

Okano Manor, Yukiyama Village, TrallaneaNation, 3 May Year 1468

Back at Yukiyama village Edgar and Takeshi were standing outside Hiroji's room. It was guarded by Hariyama.

"Of course, It would not be easy. Luckily, Hiroji is not here." Takeshi said.

"We can try the window." Edgar suggested.

They both get to the window and try to open it.

"It's locked." Edgar sighed.

"Ok, you happy now, let's forget this and present the evidence we have now." Takeshi was growing frustrated minute by minute.

"Don't be impatient. There is another way.

Hana arrives at Hiroji's room's entrance. Hariyama was blocking the door.

"What do you want?" Hariyama questioned.

"I'm here for cleaning." She replied.

"One of the workers already came in and cleaned up. Now what are you going to clean?" He asked.

"If someone already cleaned the room then it is good. I would still like to check if it's well-cleaned." Hana insisted.

"Miss, stop bothering me and go clean someone else's room." Hariyama scoffed.

"Well then, I'll report to Lord Hiroji that you were interfering when I was making sure everything was alright in his room. Don't worry I won't bother you now." She turns around to leave.

Hariyama went from smug to scared in seconds. "Apologies miss, you can go in."

She entered the room. She looked around the room if there was any dirt. She then opens the window. Edgar and Takeshi jump in.

"You better be right about this." She warns Edgar. "I will be in a lot of trouble if Lord Hiroji finds out that it was me who let you two in."

"You will not regret this." Edgar assured her. "Let's not waste any more time and start searching."

The two of them started searching while Hana kept watch in case someone came. Edgar opened some drawers where he heard a different noise. He examined the drawer again and found a hidden compartment. In it, there were some vials with a strange liquid. He opened it and carefully sniffed it. The odor was faint but it was nasty.

"What's that?" Takeshi asked.

"Don't know but it's definitely not something you drink." Edgar looked back at the others. "It is time to present the evidence and expose Hiroji once and for all."

"I know a person who would be able to identify it." Hana said.

Yukiyama Village, TrallaneaNation, 4 May Year 1468

The next day everyone in the village gathered for Hiroji's event. The village elders had decided to name him as the next clan leader. Hiroji proudly arrived at the event. Takeshi gritted his teeth.

"Thank you, everyone, for coming. It's a happy and sad day for me today. I'm happy that I'm a clan leader and I'm willing to do anything to help my fellow clan mates. However, I'm still grieving my loss. My brother was everything to me. After Father and Mother passed away. He was my only idol. I wish he was here to see this day today."

Takeshi was losing patience. Even Hiroshi was frustrated.

"Even if my brother is not here. He would still be happy for me and he wouldn't want all of us to keep grieving him."

The village elder prepared to name Hiroji as the clan head. Then Edgar interrupted.

"Before we continue. We might want to read this."

The village elder looked at it curiously. "What is this?"

Edgar hands him all the proof of the conversation between Hiroji and Kellan. The village elder reads through it carefully. Hiroji was nervous.

The village elder got furious. "What's the meaning of this Hiroji? You were the one behind Shihei's murder!"

The crowd gasped. Sayako was shocked.

"No. No. No, it can't be true." She fell in disbelief. Reina and the others comforted her.

The crowd started murmuring.

"I'm sorry Sayako. You had to learn this way." Edgar muttered.

Hiroji laughs nervously. "Alright everyone calm down. Edgar was it?" He walked towards Edgar. "That was a bad joke." He leans closer to Edgar and whispers in his ears. "If you apologize and tell the public that it was a bad joke, I will reward you with whatever you want."

Edgar nodded. "We also found these vials in your room." Edgar shows the vials to the public.

An elderly female Zoroark walks in. She is the doctor of the village. She has all the knowledge about medicine and also poison. "I have examined the contents of it and it is indeed a poison. It's tasteless and has a very faint odor which can only be sensed by someone who has super-smelling abilities. The only way it works is by drinking it. That's exactly what Hiroji did putting the poison in Shihei's drink."

The crowd started murmuring again.

Hiroji glances at everyone. "I'm telling you this is a trap. I'm being framed here. Do you really think I would do such a thing to my brother? To my own blood." He discreetly signals Kallen.

"Sayako, do you not trust me? Do you really think that your uncle would kill his own brother? You really believe these outsiders' words." Hiroji tried to manipulate Sayako.

Sayako was confused. She didn't know what to do. "All the evidence that Edgar presented is true. It had your sign and your handwriting. You hired mercenaries to poison my father. Then you also send them to kill me." Sayako cried. Her teary face changed to pure hate for Hiroji. "You are not my uncle; you are just a murderer."

Hiroji was shocked. He came closer to Sayako.

"Stop! Don't come any closer. Stay away from me and this clan." Sayako yelled.

Hiroji had enough of playing the act. "I didn't want it to be this way but you left me no choice." Hiroji looked around. "Now!"

Kellen's mercenary band surrounded the village.

"I really hate doing this. I'm taking charge of the village by force then. Kneel before me and I'll show you mercy." Hiroji looked around to see the villagers kneeling one by one.

"I refuse!" Sayako said firmly. "I refuse to bow down to cowards like you."

"I also refuse." The village elder said.

"I refuse too." Hana said.

Slowly everyone stood up against Hiroji.

"We refuse!" The crowd started chanting.

Hiroji gritted his teeth. "Attack!"

The mercenary charged at the village. The village warriors fought against the mercenaries. Takeshi and Hiroshi joined to defend the village. Ray, Reid and Reina also joined.

Edgar approached Hiroji. Hiroji backed away from Edgar. He grabbed Sayako.

"You take one step closer and I'll kill her." Hiroji threatened.

Out of nowhere, Kellan hits Edgar with Aerial Ace.

"I have been waiting to fight you." Kellan taunts.

Hiroji saw that taking over the village was a lost cause. So he grabbed Sayako as the hostage and runaway. Edgar tried to go after him but Kellan blocked him. Ray saw Hiroji running away with Sayko and chased after him. Takeshi also followed him.

"Reid and Reina protect the village." Edgar ordered.

The two students nodded. Hiroshi also joined the two.

"Look at you all goody two shoes now." Kellan mocked.

"Tell me, is money really that important to you that you are willing to kill a little Zorua?" Edgar asked.

"Do not lecture me about what to do. I know who you are, Edgar. You also killed many Pokemon and you enjoyed it." Kellan retorted.

"I was in a war. If you think I enjoy killing, then you are wrong. Explaining to you is a waste of time." Edgar said.

Edgar focuses his aura power and fires an Aura Sphere. Kellan does it and answers it by using Aerial Ace. Edgar gets hit by it but recovers and fires an Aura Sphere. Kellan uses Dig to evade. Edgar looked around to where the attack could come from. Kellan's hand popped out of the ground beneath Edgar. Before Edgar could react Kellan grabbed Edgar's leg and pulled him down. Edgar was stuck and couldn't escape. Kellan took this opportunity and attacked with a Crunch. Edgar winced in pain. Kellan didn't let Edgar escape his jaw and bit more into his enemy. Edgar charged his Aura Sphere and slammed it into the ground causing an explosion. Edgar was now free.

"I guess the legend about you is just a legend. You are not very tough." Kellan Scoffed. He then uses dig again.

This time Edgar focused his aura to sense Kellan. He charges his Aura Sphere and waits. As soon as he senses Kellan in his radius He jumps and fires a powerful aura sphere at the ground. The impact sends a shockwave across the village.

Kellan crawls out of one hole he dug before. "That hurts." He groaned.

Kellan summoned a Sandstorm. The whole village was affected by it. Edgar's students, Hiroshi, the villagers and even Kellan's own mercenaries were affected by it. Only rock, steel and ground types were safe from it.

Kellan attacked with an aerial ace using sandstorm cover. Edgar was hit by it. Kellan opens his jaws wide for a crunch attack. This time Edgar was ready. He conjured a bone and placed it between Kellan's jaw. Edgar followed it by double force palm sending Kellan flying. Edgar charged his Aura Sphere and fired it at Kellan knocking him unconscious.

The sandstorm stopped. Kellan's mercenaries say that their leader is down. Some surrendered and the rest fled from the village. Luckily no civilians were harmed. Some of the village guards were wounded.

Yukiyama Village Outskirts, TrallaneaNation, 4 May Year 1468

Hiroji ran away holding Sayako hostage. She struggled to break free.

"Stop resisting or I'll kill you right now." Hiroji threatened.

"How long do you think you can run? Edgar or Takeshi will eventually catch up to you." Sayako smirked.

Takeshi joined Ray. "Ray, I'm glad that you joined."

"We can make small talk later. Tell me how tough Hiroji is?" Edgar asked.

"I honestly don't know much about Hiroji's battle prowess. Don't blame me if he surprises you." Takeshi replied.

Hiroji stops and pants.

"What's the matter? Tired already?" Sayako laughed.

Hiroji gritted his teeth and tried to attack with Night Slash.

"Hey!" Takeshi interrupted. Why don't you let Lady Sayako go? So that I could burn you to a crisp."

Hiroji laughed. "Do you really think-"

Ray jumps in with Force Palm. Hiroji noticed a movement from his peripheral vision and dodged it.

Hiroji chuckled. "You really had me there for a second."

Ray steps back. "We need to be careful with our attacks or we could hurt Sayako."

Takeshi nods. "Let's try to free Lady Sayako from his clutches first. Let's keep it simple with physical attacks." He suggested.

Ray lunged with Quick Attack. Hiroji took a hit but quickly recovered and retaliated with Night Slash. Ray took a direct hit. Takeshi sneaked in with Faint Attack. However, Hiroji didn't lose his grip on Sayako.

Hiroji fired Dark Pulse, sending Takeshi ceasing into a tree. Ray jumps in with Force Palm. Hiroji grabs Ray's hand and slams him to the ground. Hiroji readies his Dark Pulse at point blank. Ray quickly escapes the attack.

Hiroji chuckled. "Look at you two. You can't defeat me together with my one hand tied. And you expect to save Yukiyama village."

"You didn't tell me that he was this skilled." Ray said.

"Hey, I already told you that don't blame me if he surprised you." Takeshi reminded him.

"I'll make an opening for you. You keep your strongest move ready. When Sayako is away from her you attack. Got it?" Ray asked.

Takeshi nodded.

Ray charged at Hiroji again. As he charged he split into multiple copies of himself. He surrounded Hiroji, confusing him. Meanwhile, Takeshi was ready with Fire Blast. While Hiroji was confused. Ray attacked with Force Palm staggering Hiroji. Hiroji was still not letting Sayako escape. Hiroji tried to attack with Fury Swipe but turns out it was just a clone. Ray landed multiple Force Palm making Hiroji lose his grip on Sayako.

"Sayako, you also have to fight him too." Ray encouraged Sayako.

Ray attacked with a powerful Force Palm staggering Hiroji. Sayako took the opportunity and used Bite on Hiroji. Hiroji winced in pain and his grip went loose. Sayako escaped and Ray backed away at a safe distance. Takeshi fires a Fire Blast which engulfed Hiroji in the fire.

Hiroji was inflicted with a burn. He screamed in agony as he burned.

Hiroji was very furious; he charged blindly at Ray. Attacking him with Fury Swipes. Hiroji became predictable and Ray was able to dodge every move.

Takeshi sneaked in with another Feint Attack. He also fired Dark Pulse at point-blank range.

The two ganged up on Hiroji making every attack count. Hiro couldn't help but take hit after hit.

Hiroji got up slowly. "How? How are you able to hit me? When before you were barely able to touch me."

Ray smirked. "You misunderstood us. We only held back because Sayako was a hostage. Once she was safe we went all out on you."

Ray charged with Force Palm. Takeshi followed by a Slash attack. Together they defeated Hiroji once and for all.

Takeshi runs towards Sayako. "Lady Sayako, are you alright? Did he hurt you?"

Sayako shakes her head. "I'm fine all thanks to you." She walks towards Ray. Thank you, Ray." She bowed.

"Don't thank me. You saved yourself today. You are not the same little Zorua I met a few days ago. You are now the clan leader."

Sayako smiled.

Back at the village, Kellan was captured and the rest of the merc were forced to leave. Ray, Sayako and Takeshi returned with Hiroji captured.

Peace was restored to the village. Hiroji and Kellan were sentenced to life improvement. Edgar and his students helped rebuild the damaged parts of the village. They also stayed for Sayako's ceremony. Sayako was named as clan leader. It was time for Edgar and his students to leave. The village was grateful for Edgar and his students. They were always welcomed to the village.

AN: Characters

Edgar, Male Lucario, Ability: ? ?

Move set: Bone Rush, Heal Pulse, Aura Sphere, Force Palm.

Sayako, Female Zorua, Ability: ? ?

Move set: Bite, ? ?, ? ?, ? ?

Takeshi, Male Houndoom, Ability: ? ?

Move set: Fire Blast, Feint Attack, Dark Pulse, Slash

Ray, Male Riolu, Ability: ? ?

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

Reid, Male Machop, Ability: ? ?

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

Reina, Female Medittite, Ability: ? ?

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

Hiroshi, Male Machamp, Ability: ? ?

Move set: ? ?, ? ?, ? ?, ? ?

Hiroji, Male Zoroark, Ability: ? ?

Move set: Night Slash, Dark Pulse, Fury Swipes, ? ?

Kellan, Male Krookodile, Ability: ? ?

Move set: Aerial Ace, Dig, Crunch, Sandstorm

Hana, Female Zorua, Ability: ? ?

Move set: ? ?, ? ?, ? ?, ? ?