Hello everyone, sorry for the long wait, but writing 5 big chapters takes a long time, plus dealing with many things doesn't help with the writing time. Now if you haven't heard, my Trainer Of Vesperia is finished, and I started Violet Iron & Scarlet Beast; The Abyss Riders. My new Tales of the Abyss Story, which had a cameo in chapter 39 of Trainer Of Vesperia.
Now I based Violet Iron & Scarlet Beast off Kamen Riders, and I don't own Kamen Riders/ Pokemon/ Or Tales of The Abyss. This is all for fun, and I couldn't resist a Kamen Rider theme for my Gen 9 OC, and these Abyss Riders are my idea, I didn't base them off any Kamen Rider form the series, if they sound like a Kamen Rider from the series, then I didn't know, I only know W up in terms of Kamen Riders.
Now before this chapter, it is a little long, plus working on finding my new job is taking a bit of my time, so it took some time to write this chapter.
Now let's get to chapter 7.
Chapter 7
Rebellious Spirits
After leaving the church, they were walking through the streets, with their Pokemon in their Pokeballs. "That was some night, though." Rokurou said to everyone. "Stay sharp. Dawn hasn't come yet." Eizen said to everyone. "Then let's head to the inn before that." Zane said to everyone.
But I gotta ask. Stealing a malak from an exorcist… How did you pull that one off, Magilou?" Rokurou asked Magilou. "Bienfu was my malak to begin with. Then he betrayed me and ran away from his rightful home." Magilou said to Rokurou, as she had Bienfu come out.
"Nhgg… Miss Magilou treats malakhim so bad-bad-bad… I couldn't take it anymore!" Bienfu said to everyone, crying his eyes out. "After a little while, I ran into Madam Eleanor. She was sooo much nicer to me!" Bienfu said to everyone, as he stopped crying, and had a very happy look on his face. "I see, I see. Now just how am I going to punish you for THAT little slander on my character?" Magilou asked Bienfu, sticking her left index finger into Bienfu's face.
"Bieeeen! The bad-bad days are here again!" Bienfu said. "Magilou, stop messing with him. He'll get loud and bring the guards to us." Zane said to Magilou. "Fine." Magilou said to Zane, stepping away from Bienfu.
"You're an exorcist, then." Velvet asked Magilou. "Bzzzt! I'm a witch, silly. Bienfu here is the catalyst-thing from my magic!" Magilou said to everyone. "But only exorcists can form a pact with malakhim." Velvet said to Magilou. "Oh yeah? Says who? Someone who likes making dumb rules?" Magilou asked Velvet, making Velvet mad.
"Enough, Velvet. Questioning HER is a good way to go mad." Rokurou said to Velvet. "Yeah, she's crazy. But at least she's somewhat useful. Now let's just get back to Tabatha." Zane said to everyone.
A bit of walking later they reached the inn, and found Tabatha and Naomy waiting at the bar, and let out their POkemon. "You did the job well, it seems." Tabatha said to everyone. "You heard quickly." Velvet said to Tabatha. "That's about all I'm good for. And with these old ears, something it's hard to hear at all." Tabatha said to Velvet.
"And did you learn anything about the "key" for passing through the barrier?" Velvet asked Tabatha. "Yes. Only the high-ranking exorcists can enter through the barrier protecting Artorius and his temple. Exorcists are considered high-ranking if they are accompanied by at least four greater malakhim." Tabatha said to Velvet.
"Hmm. So if we had four powerful malakhim with us, we could slip through." Rokurou said to everyone. "But malakhim outside the Abbey's control are rare. They thought this through." Eizen said to everyone. "Then I'll ask the next question. How many greater malakhim are with us?" Eshu asked everyone.
That's when Bienfu came out of Magilou. "Well, I may not look it, but I'M a greater malak!" Bienfu said to everyone. "Yeah, you don't look like a greater malak, more like a puntable malak." Zane said to Bienfu.
"Eizen, Laphicet, and Bienfu… so we just need one more." Rokurou said to everyone. "We'll have to steal it, then." Velvet said to everyone. "So I have to come too? Sounds like a pain." Magilou said to everyone.
"Then stay. We don't need you. We'll keep Bienfu, though." Velvet said to Magilou. "You have no courtesy. How about "it would be an honor, Madam Magilou." More like that." Magilou said to Velvet. "Because it's not an honor, and you just go useful. So it's not that crazy of an idea to swipe Bienfu and leave you." Zane said to Magilou. "He has a point. Pulse, would you come if we asked? To attack the Shepherd?" Velvet asked Magilou, surprising Bienfu.
"Depends on how you ask. A battle between shepherd and daemon sounds like a real fine spectacle." Magilou said to everyone. "I'm afraid this is just how Miss Magilou is." Bienfu said to everyone, lowering his head. "We already figured that out." Liz said to Bienfu.
"Miss Magilou, um… I… I would like it… if… if you came with us. Pl… Please." Laphicet asked Magilou, walking up to her, surprising everyone. "Laphicet." Velvet said to Laphicet. "Well, what choice does that leave me? I suppose I could tag along a little while longer." Magilou said to everyone.
"You can count on me." Rokurou said to everyone. "I'm interested to see this battle as well." Saber said to everyone. "Melchior will be there. You and I still share the same goal." Eizen said to everyone. "Count me as well." Duncan said to everyone
Velvet then turned to Tabatha. "Our business is done. You can have this back." Velvet said to Tabatha, giving her the paper. "Keep it, dear. As long as you have that, we will count you as an ally worthy of aid." Tabatha said to Velvet.
"Allies of the ones to kill the savior? You might regret that." Velvet said to Tabatha, making Tabatha laugh. "Such a considerate young lady. Listen, dear. All of us live on the fringes of their so-called "reason", do we not?" Tabatha asked Velvet. "Don't say I didn't warn you." Velvet said to Tabatha, before she started to leave.
"Velvet, wait." Ezien said to Velvet. "Yeah. It looks like we need a break." Saara said to Velvet. That's when Velvet noticed Laphicet was asleep. "My, my…" Magilou said to everyone. "I can't blame him. It's been a long night." Rokurou said to everyone.
"Tabatha, mind if we have a room of the night?" Zane asked Tabatha, as he picked up Laphicet. "Of course, right away." Tabatha said to Zane. Zane then took Laphicet to a room, and they all went to sleep.
Next morning, Laphicet woke up in surprise. When he woke up, he noticed Velvet and Zane talking to each other in the corner of the room, and they noticed him. "You're finally up." Velvet said to Laphicet. "I'm sorry." Laphicet said, as he lowered his head. "Don't worry about it. Getting sleepy or hungry is a natural part of life." Velvet said to Laphicet, surprising Laphicet. "I won't eat you." Velvet said to Laphicet.
"What about your wounds? Feeling pain… that's also natural, right?" Laphicet asked Velvet. "I'm fine. It was nothing." Velvet said to Laphicet. "You're really tough, aren't you, Velvet?" Laphicet asked Velvet. "You have to be tough, if what you seek is revenge." Velvet said to Laphicet.
"Revenge?" Laphicet asked. "It's an act of hate. Where we threw away everything to hunt down and make the one that hurt us pay with their lives." Zane said to Laphicet. "We're leaving." Velvet said to everyone, as she started to leave with the others following her. That's when they met everyone in the lobby, returned their Pokemon to their Pokeballs, and started to head for the temple Artorius was in.
"Ah, what joy to face a clear, refreshing morning. Especially after a long night of meting punishment on my heartless betrayer!" Magilou said to everyone, as Bienfu came out. "Bieeeen! My poor, battered body…" Bienfu said to everyone. "You better not kill our key." Velvet said Magilou.
"You're one to talk. Better not ebay the boy, he's your precious key now!" Magilou said to Velvet. "I know." Velvet said to Magilou, making Laphicet feel bad. "Ignore the witch Laphicet. She's just messing with Velvet." Zane said to Laphicet.
"You're facing the Shepherd and an Empyrean. Ol' Shepsie's one thing but Empyreans are, y'know, just… a being who was created to rule the world? You think you can win just by smacking it around a bit?" Magilou asked Velvet. "That's no Empyrean. It's a pony. Artorius is just using a legend to control the people. Wouldn't a true Empyrean be able to do something about the daemonblight?" Velvet asked Magilou.
"You'd be surprised about that." Zane quietly said to himself, as Eizen looked away. "You don't believe in Innominat?" Rokurou asked Velvet. "I believe there exists something people CALL Innominat. But it's just a malak that used a special arte to bring the other malakhim into our world." Velvet said to Rokurou.
"You sound confident." Magilou said to Velvet. "I witnessed it three years ago." Velvet said to Magilou. "Well, if it's not actually an Empyrean we're against, we just might stand a chance." Magilou said to everyone. "Of course we do. And ultimately, our target is Artorius. I don't care about anything else." Velvet said to Magilou.
"But we should be careful. Artorius might have a few tricks up his sleeve in his temple." Zane said to everyone. "Revenge against Artorius… for her brother." Laphicet quietly said.
"All right, Laphicet. Which way is the Empyrean's Throne?" Rokurou asked Laphicet. "Ymm… It was north of Loegres, in the mountains up the Danann Highway." Laphicet said to everyone. "If exorcists are keeping up their inspections, they might provide us a chance to steal another malak." Velvet said to everyone.
"I sent my men a sylphjay with orders to scout the inspectors. With their information, we'll be able to plan the attack." Eizen said to everyone. "Hmm. We can meet up at Port Zekson." Velvet said to Eizen. "That's the plan." Velvet said to Eizen, as they went to the port.
"Question? What is a sylphjay. Never heard of them." Zane asked everyone. "Sylphjays are handy little birds." Magilou said to Zane. "Not only will they always find their destination, they can make for emergency rations in a pinch. I hear grilled sylphjay goes rather well with a nice glass of the hard stuff." Rokurou said to Zane, surprising Laphicet.
"So they're a good meal?" Zane asked everyone. "It's because of the work those birds do for us that we're able to stay one step ahead of the Abbey. Those birds are indispensable to us pirates, and we consider them a part of our crew. Don't even joke about eating them." Eizen said to everyone.
"Ha, ha, all right. Still, I wonder how they actually do their thing. I know that carrier pigeons rely on their homing instincts, but sylphjays can locate a person wherever they are, right?" Rokurou asked Eizen.
"They're really smart birds. I read in a book that rather than memorizing locations they can pick up on people's wavelengths. When you send out a sylphjay, the bird can sense the change in your thoughts, and will seek out the recipient you have in mind." Laphicet said to everyone.
"I hardly ever see them in the wild. Are they a kind of malak or something?" Velvet asked Eizen. "No, they're not malakhim. They're just an incredibly rare species native to an islam in the north. It's a funny story. A chance storm sent us docking at the island, and a mother sylphjay got blown onto our ship: eggs, nest, and all. Sadly, the mother bird died almost immediately… But Benwick stepped in and kept her eggs safe and warm." Eizen said to Velvet.
"So that's why they're so attached to him. Usually, they're really hard to train as messenger birds, too." Laphicet said to Zane. "That's Benwicj for you. He's always had a knack for things that would give other people trouble." Eizen said to everyone. "Maybe when they hatched, they took one look at his wild hair and mistook him for their mother." Magilou said to Eizen.
"You know what, they are comfortable enough with him to use his head for their nest, so you might have a point. Now that you mention it, he did ask me not to hit him on the head because one of the sylphjays just laid her eggs." Eizen said to everyone.
"Well, if more birds are on the way, we could just eat one to see how it tastes." Rokurou said to everyone. "No! Don't even think about it!" Laphicet said to Rokurou. "Whoa. Laphicet shows us his backbone." Zane said to everyone, as Rokurou laughed. "It was worth a try." Rokurou said to everyone.
After getting out of the city, they let their Pokemon out to stretch their legs, with Laphicet looking down. "What's the matter, Laphicet? You look like you're not feeling well." Rokurou said to Laphicet. "Doesn't he always?" Magilou asked everyone. "You can stay out of this." Rokurou said to Magilou.
"You're a daemon swordsman. Eizen is a cursed malak. Magilou is a bizarre witch. But… What am I?" Laphicet asked everyone. "Hmm… Turning existential here." Rokurou said to everyone. "You're Velvet's tool and emergency rations, aren't you?" Magilou said to Laphicet.
"That's what Lady Teresa called me, too. A tool. But… I'm alive." Laphicet said to everyone. "Ahhh, I get it. You're starting to wonder what your place in the world is. In that case, there's only one answer. You have to decide it." Rokurou said to Laphicet. "Huh?" Laphicet asked. "It's all up to you. It depends on what you want." Rokurou said to Laphicet.
"That's what it means to be alive. You control the rudder of your life. Your hands on the wheel." Eizen said to Laphicet. "My life… My rudder…" Laphicet said. "Doubts are okay too. They're just further proof you're alive." Eizen said to Laphicet. "You just have to live your life the way you want to live, and you'll figure out who you are along the way." Zane said to Laphicet, rubbing Laphicet's head.
"I'll protect you until you find your answer. Your artes have helped me often enough." Rokurou said to Laphicet. "All right. I don't really understand… but thank you." Laphicet said to everyone. "Pretty pretty words and all, but take care who you listen to, kid. Daemons and reapers, remember?" Magilou said to Laphicet.
"I hear there's a wicked witch about, too." Eizen said to Laphicet, making Magilou feel insulted. "Get going or get left behind!" Velvet said to everyone. "Eyaaaghh, we risk the wrath of revenging reprobate! For now, let our rudder take us forward!" Magilou said to everyone. "Have you ever thought about writing a book?" Ludo asked Magilou.
They reached the docks, returned their Pokemon to their Pokeballs, and learned from Benwick that they were still waiting for news. So they waited in the docks, with Velvet walking around.
While walking around, she found Zane and Laphicet sitting on crates, and eating apples. "Is it good?" Velvet asked them, as she walked up to them. "It's tart… yet, sweet." Laphicet said to Velvet. "Yeah, I wish I could make a stew with this." Zane said to everyone, as Laphicet handed Velvet an apple.
"No thanks. I wouldn't be able to taste it anyway." Velvet said to Laphicet, making Laphicet lower his head. That's when Velvet took a set and noticed the compass was out. "You sure like the sea." Velvet asked Laphicet. "I-I'm afraid of the sea… The waves. Sharks. All the strange fish." Laphicet said to Velvet.
"That's normal. The sea is a fierce place. Even back home people are scared of going feather then their eyes can see land. I did hear about this one family who's from a long line of people who challenge the sea's ferocity." Zane said to Laphicet. "Really? WHo are they?" Laphicet asked Zane.
"I don't remember. Sho, Rio. Oh wait, it was Shio. That is their family name Shio. and let me tell you they are crazy. Who would want to spend their life on the sea?" Zane asked everyone. "I think I might. It's huge and full of wonder. When I let myself think about what might be over the horizon… It's exciting." Laphicet said to everyone, making Velvet smile.
"My brother… he loved the sea, too." Velvet said to everyone. "You brother? Really?" Laphicet asked Velvet. "He'd sit on the cape, just staring at it. I told him he'd catch cold in that ocean wind, but he never listened to a word I said." Velvet said to everyone, as she got up and walked a little forward. "Your way of looking at the world is so much like his. I wish… I wish I'd bought him that compass. I wish we could've traveled together. Like he wanted." Velvet said to Laphicet.
That's when things went quiet, and Zane walked up to Velvet's right side. "Velvet. I am truly sorry for what happened to your brother. You both deserved so much more than what life has given you. I wish I was there. Maybe I could have changed things." Zane said to Velvet. "It doesn't matter. Soon we'll make Artorius pay." Velvet said to Zane.
"And then what comes after that?" Zane asked Velvet. "I don't care. So long as Artorius is dead, it doesn't matter." Velvet said to Zane. "It does matter. To me at least. I'm worried your taste for revenge is blind you to Artorius real power level. And I'm all for killing him. I just want us to live to tell the tale." Zane said to Velvet, as he held her right hand, and Velvet welcomed his hand.
"Hey! The scouts are back, everyone!" Rokurou yelled throughout the dock. "Let's go." velvet said to everyone, as she let go of Zane's hand and took a few steps away from everyone. "Laphicet. You know you do have to do this if you don't want to." Velvet said to Laphicet, not looking at Laphicet, and surprising Laphicet.
"I… I'm going with you, Velvet." Laphicet said to Velvet, as he stood up. "I see." velvet said to Laphicet, not looking at him, and walking away, with Zane and Laphicet following her.
They found everyone gathered in a corner of the docks, and talking without them. "You say he was using a pendulum?" Eizen asked Benwick. "Aye, sir! And he blasted all the inspectors! I think he'd be a match for even the captain." Benwick said to Eizen. "Thank you. I'll look into this for myself." Eizen said to Benwick, before running off.
"Hold it. What's going on?" Velvet asked everyone. "The exorcist inspection team was attacked by a pendulum-wielding malak." Rokurou said to Velvet. "The same type of weapon was found at the place the captain vanished from." Benwick said to Velvet. "And so you think the attacker's the one who took the captain?" Velvet asked Benwick.
"I don't know, but this can't be a coincidence!" Benwick said to Velvet. "Aifread is in the custody of exorcists. Why would they attack their own?" Velvet asked everyone. "Maybe because he's not one of them. All we know is this malak might have been at the location Aifread was last seen. We don't know his allegiance." Zane said to everyone.
"What will you do? One of your keys is running off?" Magilou asked Zane and Velvet. "I'm going after him. If they're already in disarray, causing more confusion will only benefit us." Velvet said to Magilou, before walking away. "Pandemonium! My favorite!" Magilou said, before everyone went after her.
"Eizen sure picked an inconvenient time to run off, though didn't he?!" Magilou asked everyone, as they walked. "I can't blame him. He's got his own purpose." Velvet said to everyone. "Yeah, this malak might have a clue on his captain's whereabouts." Zane said to Magilou.
After the sun went down, they reached a camp and found Eizen and Duncan fighting a guy and a Pokemon, with unconscious exorcists all around them.
The guy had short white hair with green tips tied into a small ponytail, orange eyes, tan skin with a muscular body with three white lines on his chest, wearing black pants, brown jacket and boots with the inside of the jacket and boots, white leather belts around his hips, and a large metal necklace.
Next to the guy was a small white bug Pokemon, with tiny green wings, long white back legs, black eyes with green circles in them, two long whiskers, and two large grey front legs.
The guy then fired a stone attached to a rope to Eizen. But Eizen dodged the attack, and moved to Kick the man in the chest. "Dragon Breath." Duncan said, as he let out a burst of teal energy, at the bug. The bug jumped back, doing the attack.
"Well! You two are good, whoever you two are." the guy said to Eizen and Duncan, cracking a big cocky smile. "I'm Eizen, the reaper, and Aifread's first mate. This is Duncan, my partner." Eizen said to the guy. "A buddy of Aifread's? Ph, this'll be too good!" The guy said to Eizen.
"So you ARE the one who took Captain Aifread from us!" Eizen said to the guy. "Oh yeah, that's the spirit, pal!" The guy said to Eizen. "Eizen, calm yourself!" Velvet said to Eizen, as they all noticed Velvet and the others walking to them.
"He's a malak AND he's against the Abbey. If we work together, we can pass the barrier." Velvet said to Eizen. "Don't give me your peacemaking crap." the guy said to everyone, as he got ready for a fight. "I'm settling this my way! Right here, right now!" Ezran said to everyone. "You'll find we're not that weak." The bug said to Eizen. "Neither are we." Duncan said to the bug. "Stay out of this!" Eizen, Duncan, the guy, and the bug said to everyone.
"I see. Well, two can play at that game. I'll handle this in my way." Velvet said to everyone, as she got into a fighting stance. "I'll beat you both until you're helpless, then open that barrier!" Velvet said to everyone, as they attacked all four of them.
"Why does it have to be like this?!" Rokurou asked. "Don't act like you don't want to do this." Zane said to Rokurou, as they let out their Pokemon, with Zane letting out Eshu, and Magilou letting out Ludo. "Ha ha ha. Good point." Rokurou said to Zane. "Don't kill them. I need them alive." Velvet said to Rokurou
"Fine, Saber use Metal Sound." Rokurou said to Velvet and Saber. "Eshu help Saber with Snarl." Zane said to Eshu. "Right." Saber and Eshu said, as Saber started to scratch his saber making a nasty metal sound, and Eshu let out a sonic black pusle. The noise caused Ezien, Duncan, the guy, and the bug to cover their ears
"Good. Now Ludo, put those knuckle heads to sleep with Hypnosis." Magilou said to Ludo. "Right." Ludo said, as he let out strange lights coming from his eyes. The light hit Ezien, Duncan, the guy, and the bug, and made all of them but Duncan tired.
"We told you to stay out of this. Bite!' Duncan said, as he charged at Ludo, and bit into Ludo, shaking Ludo, before throwing Ludo into Magilou. "Mud-Slap." The Bug said, as he fired a burst of mud at Saber. The mud covered Saber blade, and nullified his sound, at the same time Eshu finished making his sound.
That's when Ezien, Duncan, the guy, and the bug got back to fighting, and when anyone got in their way, Eizen or the guy sent them lying away. "I'm getting annoyed with this. Liz use Poison Gas." Velvet said to Liz. "Doubt that will help." Liz said to Velvet, before letting out a purple cloud.
But that's when the guys let out a gust of wind, blowing the cloud away. "Saber use Slash." Rokurou said to Saber, as he started to fight the guy. But that's when Eizen grabbed Rokurou's back, and threw him away.
"This is going bad." Saber said, as he came down on the bug. "Harden." The Bug said, as he glowed white. This made Saber attack hit the bug, and do some damage, but the bug was still in one piece. But that's when the guy grabbed Saber and tossed Saber away.
"Ludo try and stop Eizen with Wrap." Magilou said to Ludo, as she threw Ludo at Eizen. "Headbutt." Duncan said, as he headbutted Ludo, sending Ludo flying back into Magilou. I'm not a ball you know." Ludo said to everyone.
"Saara use Dragon Breath." Laphciet said to Saara. "Okay." Saara said to Laphicet. "I'll see your Dragon Breath, with my own Dragon Breath." Duncan said to Saara, as he let out a burst of teal energy at the same time Saara let out a burst of teal energy. The energy hit in the middle, and caused a small explosion.
Laphciet then fired a handful of fireballs at Eizen, causing Eizen to make a rock wall blocking his attacks. "Liz use Dragon Rage." Velvet said to Liz. "Right." Liz said, as she fired a burst of blue fire at the rock, shattering the rock.
"Saara use Water Gun." Laphicet said to Saara. "Right." Saara said, as she fired a stream of water into Eizen's face, distracting Eizen. That's when Velvet ran up and popped out her deamon claw, and grabbed Eizen's chest, forcing Eizen to the ground.
"Eshu use Shadow Sneak." Zane said to Eshu, as he grabbed the bug and teleported. "Right." Eshu said, as he moved through the shadows. Eshu then appeared behind the guy, and rammed into his legs, making him bend back. That's when Zane appeared, put the bug under the guy, and then forced the guy down onto the bug. Not squishing the bug, but not killing him.
"Haha! You're a treat, you know that? So what's your plan after you've punched through this barrier?" The guy asked everyone, as he got up, and tapped the barrier. "Kill the shepherd." Velvet said to the guy. "Daaamn. That's a new one!" The guy said to everyone. "She's dead serious." Eizen said to the guy.
"All right, all right. You won the fight. What do you want me to do?" The guy asked Velvet. That's when Bienfu came out. "Are you ready, my merry little malakhim? Now, line up before the barrier!" Magilou said to Bienfu.
That's when the guy, Eizen, Bienfu, and Laphicet. Laphicet then reached out his hands, and the barrier shattered. This surprised Eizen. "The rest is up to you. I just wanted to see the panic on the exorcist' faces. The guy said to everyone, as he started to leave.
"Hold it. I still have questions for you." Eizen said to the guy, making the guy stop. "That's enough for now, Eizen. If you persist, one of us will end up dead." The guy said to Eizen, as he turned to Eizen. "Who are you? Tell me." Eizen asked the guy.
"Zaveid the Whirlwind. A fighter, nothing more. And this little bug is Fitin, my apprentice. Until next time." The guy said to Eizen, before leaving. "Taking a Nincada as an apprentice. He's interesting. I'll give him that." Zane said to everyone. "A what?" Laphicet asked Zane.
"Nincada, the Trainee Pokemon. A Bug and Ground Type. They spend their lives underground and have bad eyes because of it. So it's a relatively weak Pokemon." Zane said to everyone. "Eizen, the barrier's gone. I won't stop you from going after him." Velvet said to Eizen, crossing her arms.
"No, I walk with you. Besides, Melchior is still my surest link to Aifread's whereabouts." Eizen said to Velvet. "Heh. Could've saved a lot of trouble if you listened to me from the start." Velvet said to Eizen. "If I had good judgment, I wouldn't be where I am in the first place." Eizen said to Velvet. "He's got a point." Zane said to Velvet. "Then he really is a fool." Velvet said to Zane, as they started to walk.
"Eizen, Duncan, I'm sorry… about earlier." Laphicet said to Eizen and Duncan. "The fight, you mean? Don't worry about it." Eizen said to Laphicet. "Yeah it was a fun fight." Duncan said to Laphicet. "But, I'll hate you until I'm in the grave, though." Eizen said to Laphicet, scaring Laphicet.
"A jest." Eizen said to Laphicet. "I just… I didn't know what I should do." Laphicet said to Eizen. "It's fine to take your time to decide, but as with everything, the choice is ultimately your own. And if your choice leads to killing me, I won't complain." Eizen said to Laphicet. "Yeah…" Laphicet said. "But by the same token it might end up with me killing you." Eizen said to Laphicet, scaring Laphicet. "Yeah… I guess so." Laphicet said to Eizen. "Feh! I talk too much. That Zaveid bastard's got me all riled up." Eizen said.
"They're all alive. Just unconscious." Velvet said to everyone, as they looked at the unconscious exorcists. "A fighter, not a killer, huh?" Eizen asked. "Must think killing is a waste of a good opponent." Zane said to everyone.
After a bit, they reached the outside of the temple, and magical creatures guarding a magic sealed gate. "The guards are all malakhim. They really do keep humans away from here." Velvet said to everyone. "But why build a new temple out here? The Shepherd could build in the capital just as easily." Rokurou asked everyone.
"This place…" Laphicet said, as he looked around. "You feel it, too?" Eizen asked Laphicet. "There's… powerful energy flowing underground." Laphicet said to everyone. "Right. This is a focal point of the earthpulse, the natural energy of the land." Eizen said to everyone.
"The perfect spot to worship Innominat." Magilou said to everyone. "We must be on guard. We have places like this back home. They're rare. But we call them the Dragon Vane's head. And places like this are known for large amounts of plant life." Zane said to everyone. "Who cares, we'll just attack him with full force." Velvet said to everyone.
Meanwhile, inside the temple Artorius was sitting in front of an altar with his eyes closed, with Eleanor and Joy walking up to him. "I thought I ordered no one to enter." Artorius said to Eleanor, not moving a muscle.
"F-Forgive me. I would not have intruded, but there was an incident at the villa in Loegres." Eleanor said to Artorius. "Eleanor. Where are you malakhim?" Artorius asked Eleanor. "They… They were eaten… but the left arm of a daemon. And slashed by a crazy daemon with her." Eleanor said to Artorius. "Velvet." Artorius said.
"What? You know of her?! Then do you know of this crazy male deamon with her?" Eleanor asked Artorius. "She was a student of mine. And now she works with a servant of false gods. And So they have bested Oscar, Teresa, and now, you." Artorius said to Eleanor.
"Lord Artorius, I ask that you grant me fresh malakhim. I vow to destroy those deamons!" Eleanor said to Artorius, with a determined tune in her voice. "You are overcome with emotion. Will you fight a daemon with your hatred?" Artorius asked Eleanor. "P-Please… I beg you to forgive my foolishness." Eleanor said to Artorius. "They broke the resolve of even an exemplary disciple like you." Artorius said to Eleanor.
"My lord, if I may, there is but one thing I must ask. Why is there a giant daemon held captive at the villa?" Eleanor asked Artorius. "Entry to that place is forbidden to all but legates, Eleanor." Artorius said to Eleanor. "It was restrained by a malak barrier. How could such a monstrous thing like that be held in the capital?!" Eleanor asked Artorius.
"Eleanor, why is it you think that birds fly?" Artorius asked Eleanor, opening his eyes. "Huh?" Eleanor asked, not understanding. "It's… so they can hunt and catch prey… is it not?" Eleanor asked Artorius. "You are dismissed. That knowledge is not for you." Artorius said to Eleanor.
"But sir, I need something new if I'm going to stop them!" Eleanor. "What you need is to be calm." Artorius said to Eleanor. "Then give me something to help me calm down." Eleanor said to Artorius. "Very well. We recently got a beast with no real fighting power, but it let out a calming sound. So take that one." Artorius said to Eleanor. "Thank you. I'll go retrieve it." Eleanor said to Artorius, before leaving. "So Velvet is coming. The ties that bind us must at last be severed." Artorius said.
Back outside, everyone finished fighting the guards. "That was a fun brawl." Eshu said to everyone. "Hmm… Our fighter doesn't seem to be hiding anywhere nearby." Magilou said to everyone. "Our fighter? You mean Zavied. Why would he be here?" Saara asked Zavied.
"I sensed him rush away with great speed." Bienfu said to everyone. "IN other words he and his Pokemon are long gone." Liz said to everyone. "Zaveid the Whirlwind, huh?" Eizen said, thinking of Zaveid. "He was tough. He seemed to know Aifread, too. What's the story there?" Rokurou asked Eizen. "I don't know. Ask him." Eizen said to Rokurou, before walking away.
"He used a pendulum as a weapon." Laphicet said to everyone. "When we first met Eizen, he said something about a pendulum, didn't he?" Rokurou asked everyone. "It was the only clue he had in his search for AIfread. I;m surprised at how far he's come on something so vague." Velvet said to everyone.
"Does Zaveid have something to do with Aifread's disappearance?" Laphicet said to everyone. "I don't think this Zavied is a killer. I didn't feel it in him at all." Bienfu said to Laphicet. "Well until we find him again, we won't get any answers from him." Zane said to everyone.
"I have a feeling we might cross paths again. He is tangled with the Abbey somehow." Magilou said to everyone. "He… Didn't seem that bad to me." Laphicet said to everyone. "Yeah, he seems like a guy that would be hard to hate." Rokurou said to everyone. "Hate him or not, if he gets in our way, he's in for a beating." Velvet said to everyone, with a serious look on her face. "Now that's what a killer looks like!" Bienfu said to everyone, getting scared. That's when everyone started to move to a platform.
There, Eizen broke a symbol floating above the platform. This made the magic gate disappear. "What was that?" Velvet asked Eizen. "Some sort of contrivance using mala artes. Probably part of their security system. I'd say." Eizen said to Velvet. "Obviously." Velvet. "We should keep our eyes open for any more surprises." Ezine said to everyone, as they started to move through the temple.
After running around, and turning off the security, they ran up the stairs. "Velvet. What is Artorius's method of fighting?" Rokurou asked Velvet, as they reached the top of the steps, and stopped running.
"He wields a long sword in his left hand. And he once had a malak named Seres who used fire. Had… But I killed her." Velvet said to everyone. "Even if she didn't, I broke Sere tethered and she would be on our side." Zane said to everyone. "In any case, he's tethered a new malak called Innominat to use in her place?" Eizen asked Velvet and Zane.
As far as I know, yes. But I can't imagine a new malak will work with him as well as Seres did." Velvet said to everyone. "Must be pleasant to always assume the best." Magilou said to Velvet. "If I'm wrong, that's where all of you come in. The five of you and all our Pokemon will strain his tether to the malak. Then I'll chew through it, at which point Artorius becomes nothing more than a simple human." Velvet said to everyone.
"Love the will. But don't think Innominat will be that easy of a fight." Zane said to Velvet. "Even if it could be easy. How will you get close to him in the first place?" Rokurou asked Velvet. "I'll use Laphicet's artes. He will cut me. He will burn me. And I will keep charging forward." Velvet said to everyone, looking at Laphicet. "Your job is to keep healing me so that I can stay on my feet." Velvet said to Laphicet.
"A sacrificial assault, then. Well, it's not a bad plan. There's a good chance you'll catch him off guard." Rokurou said to everyone. "At the very least, it'll give me a window to shoot a killing arrow into him." Zane said to everyone. "If you don't immediately die." Magilou said to Velvet.
"B-But Velvet, You'll-!" Laphicet said to Velvet, but was interrupted by Velvet. "That's an order." Velvet said to Laphicet. "All right." Laphicet said to Velvet, looking down in defeat. "Do you have to say that to him? He's just looking out for you?" Saara asked Velvet. Velvet said nothing, and left.
"So in the end, you're still just a tool to her. Bet that hurts." Magilou said to Laphicet. That's when Zane hit Magilou in the back of the head. "So does that." Zane said to Magilou. "Look kid, if you're worried about her. Then give it your all to keep her alive." Zane said to Laphicet.
"But I think this is a bad idea." Laphicet said to Zane, lowering his head. "So do I. And I doubt anyone can talk her out of it. So can I count on you to keep her alive?" Zane asked Laphicet, making Laphicet raise his head.
"Miss Magilou, does that daemon Velvet really mean to kill Shepherd Artorius? What is she thinking?" Bienfu asked Magilou. "I can't say. Perhaps she's not thinking at all." Magilou said to Magilou. "No, she said something about him killing someone." Laphicet said to everyone.
"She said it during his speech, right?" Eizen asked everyone. "I heard her, too. She has some feud with Artorius." Rokurou said to everyone. "Her hate for him flows deep. I wonder what her connection to Lord Artorius is." Bienfu asked everyone. "Don't call him "lord". Trust me." Magilou said to Bienfu. "What?" Bienfu asked. "You'll understand when the time comes. If she's still alive to face Artorius, that is." Ezien said to Bienfu.
"Precisely. The fires of her hatred are all-consuming. Who will they burn in the end? Hmm?" Magilou asked everyone, making Laphicet gasp. "But if you're curious about why velvet wants to kill Artorius. Why don't we ask Zane? After all, his first plan involved her doing this crazy stun." Ludo said to everyone. "Sorry, but that's something Velvet would kill me for if I told you." Zane said to everyone, making Laphicet worry.
"It's a dangerous path we walk, but a debt is a debt. Come along, Laphicet." Rokurou said to Laphicet. "Okay." Laphicet said to Rokurou, before they went after Velvet.
They caught up to Velvet, and entered into the massive room with Artorius in the back, sitting down, and back facing them. "Artorius!" Velvet called out, as everyone got ready to fight, with Zane letting out Aguya and turning into his Giratina form, and Magilou letting out Cheche.
"Daemons, beasts, and malakhim. Unlikely companions to say the least." Artorius said to everyone, still not looking at. "Seres is here, too. In my stomach." Velvet said to Artorius. "Did you really need to say that?" Liz asked Velvet.
"So you chose to be a mother bird, Seres." Artorius said, as he stood up. "Things will be different this time! I will have my revenge… Revenge for Laphicet!" Velvet said to Artorius, surprising Laphicet. "And while she's taking her revenge, you'll also pay for all you have done by joining the traitor." Zane said to Artorius. "Very well. It is time!" Artorius said, as he pulled out a long sword with only his left hand and charged at everyone.
"Liz use Ember." Velvet said to Liz, as they charged at Artorius. "Aguya help Liz with your Ember and Eshu help them with Swift." Zane said to Aguya and Eshu, as he fired arrows, at the same time Magilou and Laphciet fired water balls and fireballs at Artorius. "On it." Liz, Aguya, and Eshu said, before Liz and Aguya fired a burst of fire, and Eshu fired some yellow stars.
Artorius dodged all of their attacks, and even blocked a few of their attacks, then with one sword slash, he slashed threw, Liz and Aguya's fire, Eshu's stars, Zane's arrows, Laphciet's fireballs, and Magilou's water balls.
"Okay this is bad. Ludo use Psybeam." Magilou said to Ludo. "Okay." Ludo said, as he fired a wavy purple beam at Artorius. But Artorius angled his blade and caused the beam to go right back at Magilou.
"AH! Cheche, Protect me!" Magilou said, as she moved Cheche in front of herself. "Sure." Cheche said as she formed a green bubble around her and Magilou, blocking the redacted attack.
"We need to try something with a bit more force. Duncan use Dragon Breath." Eizen said to Ducan. "Saara, help Duncan with your Dragon Breath." Laphicet said to Saara. "Right." Duncan and Saara said, as they fired a burst of teal energy. The energy hit the floor right in front of Artorius, making a large explosion. But Artorius walked through the explosion like it was nothing.
"Saber help me with Aerial Ace." Rokurou said, as he charged at Artorius, and started to swing his knives at Artorius. But Artorius easily blocked Rokurou's attacks. "Right." Saber said, as he disappeared and reappeared behind Artorius. Artorius then forced Rokurou away from him, and then held his sword on his black, blocking Saber's attack.
"So this is the Shepherd's style!" Rokurou said to everyone. "Boy howdy, are we dead!" Magilou said to everyone. "But he has no malakhim!" Eizen said to everyone. "Remember the plan!" Velvet said to everyone, as she charged at Artorius. "R-Right!" Laphciet said.
"Liz, cover me with Poison Gas." Velvet said to Liz. "Aguya, help her with Smokescreen." Zane to Aguya. "If you say so." Liz and Aguya, as he let out a purple and black cloud.
From the cloud Velvet burst out and was able to land a few hits on Artorius, with Artorius letting Velvet land the hits. Then Artorius swung his blade, and sent Velvet flying. "Ludo use Wrap." Magilou said to Ludo.
"Right." Ludo said, as he moved up to Artorius, and wrapped himself into Artorius's arm pit, making Artorius hold his sword away from himself. "Perfect Ludo. Now Cheche use Will-O-Wisp." Magilou said to Ludo and Cheche, as she fired some water balls at Artorius. "Right." Cheche said, as it fired purple flames at Artorius.
The flames hit Artorius, leaving some burns on Artorius. But then Artorius used his arm to squish Ludo, getting Ludo off him, and then kicked Ludo into Cheche and Magiou.
"Eshu/Saber use Shadow Sneak." Zane and Rokurou said to Eshu and Saber. "On it." Eshu and Saber said, as they disappeared into the shadows. Eshu and Saber then popped out of the shadow, and Eshu hit the back of Artorius' legs, and Saber attacked Artorius' chest, with Artorius blocking Saber's attack.
But Artorius still fell to the floor. "Duncan use Heabdutt." Eizen said to Duncan, as all of them that could attack at close range, charged at Artorius. "With pleasure." Duncan said, as he charged. But that's when Artorius got up and countered all of their attacks, and sent them flying.
"Protect." Saara said, as she formed a green bubble around her and Laphicet, protecting him from his friends who crashed all around him.
Upest, Velvet then charged at Artorius, and attacked wildly. But was quickly sent flying. "Velvet!" Laphicet said, as he ran to Velvet's side. "Please…" Velvet said to Laphicet. Laphicet healed Velvet. "This isn't over!" Velvet said, before charging at Artorius.
Velvet tried a lunged attack, but Artorius dodge the attack. Then Velvet tried a kick attack, and Artorius dodged that. Then Velvet tried wild attacks, but Artorius dodged the attacks. Then while dodging one of Velvet's attacks, Artorius rammed his sword straight through her, and lifted her up.
"Once more, Laphicet!" Velvet said to Laphicet, as she reimagined her footing. That's when Laphciet ran up and healed Velvet. "The fourth maxim!" Velvet said, as she attacked. This caused Artorius to jump back, as Velvet fell to the floor, dodging the attack.
But the next second, Zane appeared in front of Artorius, with an arrow charged. Zane then fired the arrow into Artorius' chest, making Artorius move back, and black marks formed in Artorius' chest. Zane then grabbed Velvet and teleported back.
That's when Laphicet ran up to Zane and Velvet, and healed Velvet. "Hmph. "Bevet let your guard down, even when victorious"?" Artorius said, as he pulled out the arrow. "I will not let you win so easily. I will use my full strength, as is just and proper. Aid me, Innominat!" Artorius said, raising his sword.
That's when a bright light came out of a symbol from the back of the temple, healing Artorius's wounds, the burns, and even caused the black marks to fade away. "His wounds have vanished!" Rokurou said. "Such Power… is it really…?" Eizen asked. "Yeah, Innominat's awake, and he's giving him a very large amount of energy. My poison is useless" Zane said to everyone. "That is CHEATING!" Magilou said to everyone.
"Wh-Why do… I…?!" Laphicet asked. "I remember you… that night… that terrible night!" Velvet said, looking at the light. That's when the light let out a surge of winds, sending everyone flying. Zane teleported and appeared in front of everyone, as they laid on the floor.
"Ugh… More… More healing…" Velvet said to Laphicet. "This battle is over. We need to fall back." Zane said to Velvet, as Laphicet healed Velvet. "He's right! It's impossible! We have to run!" Laphicet said to Velvet, as everyone got up. "You won't escape this time!" A voice said to everyone.
That's when they noticed, Melchior and his Alakazam, Teresa and Number 3, Eleanor and Joy, and Oscar, with John look change, he was now bigger, and in the shape of a ball, with small arms and legs, two long pointy horns on his head, and a pointy tail.
And next to Eleanor was a yellow belly created with stubby hands and feets, and two ponytails that looked like red and white fabric.
"Well if it isn't the full of themselves fools, that can't beat us. I see you have made new friends. One a Chingling, the Bell Pokemon. A Psychic Type. And John has evolved into a Quilladin, The Spiny Armor Pokemon. A Grass Type." Zane said to everyone.
"I beg your pardon, Lord Artorius. I had assumed Master Shigure was attending you. The failure is mine." Oscar said to Artorius, surprising Rokurou. "Shigure is out training. Besides, that man would like to see my blood spilled more than anyone." Artorius said to Oscar. "Same as ever." Rokurou said.
"Bah. He thinks of himself. Look what happened with Aifread." Melchior said to everyone. "So YOU are Melchior!" Eizen said to Melchior. "No. Artorius… The one who most wants to spill your blood… is me!" Velvet said to Artorius.
"Master Artorius. Allow me to quiet this daemon." Teresa said to Artorius, as she got in the way, that's when she called Number 1. Velvet then tried to charge, but Zane stopped her. "Velvet we have to go!" Zane said to Velvet. "Let go of me!" Velvet said to Zane, trying to break free of Zane. "Learn your place, you abominable daemons!" Teresa said to Zane and Velvet, as she made Number one case an ice spell, at them.
The attacks hit them, and knocked them to the floor. That's when Oscar charged at them. Zane then got up and met Oscar halfway, locking weapons, with Eshu and Aguya distracting John.
"Been a while Oscar, how the eye?" Zane asked Oscar. "Make fun all you want. But I've been training hard for this rematch. I've even forced John through hard training." Oscar said to Zane. "That explains why he's a Quilladin now. But let's see if that training made you any stronger." Zane said to Oscar, as he forced Oscar back.
That's when Laphicet and Saara ran up to Velvet. "I'm not… finished…" Velvet said. "Velvet, we're tired, and out match. We have to go." Saara said to Velvet, as Laphciet healed Velvet. "I can't… stop… now!" Velvet said to everyone. "Why? Doesn't it hurt? Aren't you in pain? Why, Velvet? Why do you go on fighting?" Laphicet asked Velvet.
"Because… Laphicet knew so much more pain than I ever will… and still, I… I couldn't do anything for him…" Velvet said to Laphicet, making him and Saara cry. That's when Velvet held out her hand, and Laphicet took it. "I'm sorry… I'm sorry…" Velvet said to Laphicet. "Velvet…" Laphicet said to Velvet, making Eleanor feel wired.
"Colluding with daemons… Number Two, your punishment must be severe." Teresa said to Laphicet. "He's name is Laphicet." Saara said to Teresa. "Silence slug beast." Teresa said to Saara, before slamming her staff into Saara, squishing her. "Kill the daemon. Then end your own life." Teresa said to Laphciet.
"No." Laphicet said to Teresa. "Have you forgotten our pack?! Your mistress is giving you an order!" Teresa said, as she raised her hand, making a magic symbol appeared around Laphicet, and making Laphciet yell. "I'm… sick of your orders! I…! I…! I don't want Velvet to die!" Laphicet said, as he let out a burst of energy, breaking the magic symbol.
"You heard him! We're not your slaves!" Saara said, as she started to glow light blue, forcing Teresa's weapon off her. Saara doubled in size, and took the form of a large round disc. When the light faded it revealed Saara was a silver shell with a hole in it. Then a slug popped out of the hole, with a lilac and a mauve belly, teal eyes and oval cheeks, four antennae with the font two being small then the very long back two, and two stubby mauve hands.
"Cool. Saara evolved into a Sliggoo, The Soft Tissue Pokemon. A Dragon and Steel Type. They're known for their iron shells." Ludo said to everyone. That's when Saara did a flip and slammed her metal shell into Teresa's jaw, forcing Teresa back
"You think that shell will stop you from receiving punishment. Number Three Attack!" Teresa said to Laphicet, Saara, and Number Three. But Number Three didn't move. "I said ATTACK!" Teresa said to Number Three, holding out a hand letting out more magic came out of Number Three's magic seal, making Number Three growl a little in pain.
But that's when Number Three started to glow blue. Number Three grew and started to stand on his back legs, his front legs got more scaly and gained another claw, the scales on its head and tail grew, and his head became flatter, and a bump appeared over his nose. That's when the light faded, revealing its black arms and legs, yellow claws, grey body and tail, with the large grey scales on his arms with a yellow outline, yellow scales on his throat, and the back of his hands were red scales with a large yellow outline.
"Don't think changing form will impress me. Now attack Number Three!" Teresa said to Number Three. That's when Number Three turned to Teresa, his symbol shattering off him, and his eyes turned white with red iris'. "I'M NOT A NUMBER!" Number Three said, with a very aggressive male voice.
Number Three then jumped onto Teresa's shoulders, her face buried into Number Three's chest. Number Three then started to dig his claws into Teresa's head and started to rip out some of her hair, making Teresa scream a little.
"Well he's a wild one." Magilou said to everyone. "But how did he break free?" Rokurou asked everyone. "Number Three is a Hakamo-o now. The Scaly Pokemon, and a Dragon and Fighting Type. My guess that gaining the Fighting Type broke Teresa's hold on him." Liz said to Rokurou.
"Sister!" Oscar said, as he noticed Teresa's in trouble. That's when Zane slammed his knee into his chest, sending Oscar flying. That's when Laphicet started to glow again. "That Aura?" Artorius said, as Laphicet let out another pulse of energy.
That's when a portal opened. "Rokurou! Into the portal!" Eizen said to Rokurou, as He picked up Velvet, and Rokurou picked up Laphicet. "Right!" Rokurou said to Eizen. "Everyone into the portal, I'll cover you!" Zane said to everyone, as he moved in front of the portal, and fired arrows at Melchior, Teresa, Eleanor, and Oscar.
Then everyone, but Magilou, Ludo, and Cheche ran into the portal, with Number Three jumping off Teresa, and joining them into the portal. "Hey don't forget us!" Magilou said to everyone. "Just get in there." Zane said to Magilou, as she ran past him, and he elbowed her back. "Until next time." Zane said to everyone, before jumping backwards into the portal.
"You cannot escape! Joy, Jingle, with me." Eleanor said, as she ran into the portal, with Joy and Chingling, forced to follow her. As they got close, the portal started to close, and it pulled Eleanor, Joy, and Jingle into it. Then the second before it closed, Melchior threw a purple orb into the portal.
"Innominat's power reacting with the earthpulse. Extraordinary." Melchior said. "I begin to see… Still… giving your brother's name to a malak. You've strayed so far…" Arotius said.
Hello everyone, I hope you like this chapter. Please follow or review if you like this story.