Hello everyone, sorry for the last post. Things have been crazy, my troubles starting my new job, and crazy things in life. Things have been busy, and really rough.
But I hope you all found a little joy in my triple crossover The Last Black and White Dragons, and read the latest chapter of The Legend Of Korra And The Forgotten Trainers(there's a little surprise at the end of the chapter).
Another reason I've been slow to post chapters is because I've been working on a new story on the side. With A Trainer Journeys In Grace only having one chapter left, I thought of posting a new story to replace it in the order.
It's called "Mysticons And The Great Powers of Pokemon". As you can guess, it's the Mysticon and Pokemon crossover from the vote. You see I was hoping Mysticons would win the vote, but it didn't, so I made Violet Iron & Scarlet Beast; The Abyss Riders. But I still wanted to do the Mysticon story, so I changed the original idea and still made the Mysticon story. (And before you ask, no I'm not going to do any of the other stories from the vote, I just really wanted to do Mysticons.)
Now I would explain more about the story, but I want you all to be surprised, but I can say that it will be an interesting one, and play an important part in something I'm planning for much later, so I hope you like it when it comes out, but first let's finish A Trainer Journeys In Grace and announce it on my other stories.
Now let's get to chapter 8.
Chapter 8
Back To A Broken Square One
"Velvet, Wake up." A voice said to Velvet. Velvet opened her eyes to find a woman that looked kinda like her looking at her. "Urgh… Just… Let me sleep a little more, Celica." Velvet said to the woman, not wanting to get out of bed.
"You rascal. Don't you remember the task I entrusted you with?" Celica asked Velvet. "The task…?" Velvet asked Celica. "Yes. I asked you to take care of him." Seres said, as she appeared in the same spot Celica what a moment ago. This roused Velvet from her sleep.
Velvet then started to walk up in reality. Well if you could call a place that was a couple of blue stone paths, with rocks floating around, and a clear dark sky reality. When she woke up, she found herself in Zane's arms, with Zane the only one around, and Zane walking in a random direction.
"Welcome back." Zane said to Velvet, as Velvet looked around. "Where… Am I? Did they… Kill me?" Velvet asked Zane. "They gave it their best shot. But thanks to Laphicet they failed. As for the where, no idea." Zane said to Velvet. "Then put me down." Velvet said to Zane. "All right." Zane said, as he put Velvet down, and they kept walking
After walking for a bit they found Laphicet laying on the ground, outcold, and covered in black particles. Velvet rushed to Laphicet's side, and swiped the black particles away from Laphicet. Velvet then held Laphicet close to her, and touched his head.
"Bad fever." Velvet said, as she touched Laphicet's head, and Zane squatted on the other side of Velvet. Then Velvet groaned. "Please… Don't die… Velvet…" Laphicet said, as he held out his hands like he was casting a healing spell, surprising Velvet. "Even in this state, he worries about you. The kid's got a big heart." Zane said to Velvet, as Velvet hugged Laphicet's head.
"You saved my life. Now it's my turn to save you." Velvet said to Laphicet, before picking him up. "First, we've got to get out of here!" Velvet said to everyone. "Easier said than done. This place is just one long empty path. No telling where an exit is, or if there is even one." Zane said Velvet. "Then start running until you find one." Velvet said to Zane, before she took off running, with Zane quickly following her.
As they ran, Laphicet started to pant quite a bit. "Just hang in there, Laphicet!" Velvet said to Laphicet. "He's used too much energy in the fight. Who knows how much energy he has left." Zane said, as they kept running.
"The exit should be around here somewhere!" Velvet said. "Based on what? Everything looks the same here." Zane said to Velvet. "Just keep running." Velvet said to Zane.
After a bit of running, they ran into a cross road. "Which way do we go now?" Velvet asked Zane. "Trust your feet Velvet. When lost, trust them and hope they know where they're going." Zane said to Velvet, before they ran in a random direction.
But after a bit of running Velvet stopped, making Zane stop. "Where's the exit? What the hell is this place?!" Velvet asked Zane. "It's an earthpulse." A voice said to Velvet. This caused Velvet and Zane to turn to see Eizen standing behind them.
"So you survived." Velvet said to Eizen. "Let's not count our blessings, just yet. It looks like we've been sealed inside. But at least we're still alive. Can't say the same would be true if we'd stayed in that place." Eizen said to Velvet, as he walked up to her and Zane, and Velvet put Laphicet down.
"An earthpulse… so that's what this is." Velvet said to Eizen. "Yeah. It's like a river flowing with nature's life energy. Earthpulse can be found all over the world, but normally you can't see or interact with them." Eizen said to Velvet.
"Oh, we have those back home. But some people call them Dragon Veins. But this isn't something one can just walk into." Zane said to everyone. "Then how'd we wind up inside one?" Velvet asked everyone.
"When Innominat's and Laphicet's powers collided, the shock must have torn it open. If that's the case, it's possible that Laphicet possesses the power. If that's the case, it's possible that Laphicet possesses the power to return us home, but…" Eizen said to everyone, before Zane interrupted him.
"Laphicet isn't in any shape to do anything." Zane said to everyone. "He's liable to turn into a daemon any moment now." Eizen said to everyone, surprising Velvet. "Don't talk like that!" Velvet said to Eizen, before remembering what happened in the prison. "Is this because he overused his powers?" Velvet asked Eizen.
"If a malak occupies a pure vessel, he can be prevented from transforming into a daemon." Eizen said to everyone. "Even you?" Velvet asked Eizen. Eizen then pulled out his coin and flipped it. "This lucky coin is my vessel. There's a catch to this one, though. It can only serve as a vessel for someone with the reaper's powers." Eizen said to everyone.
"Then that's no help at all!" Velvet said to Eizen. "Is there anything else we have that could work?" Zane asked Eizen. "An exorcist would work." A voice said to them. That's when everyone turned to see Eleanor alone behind them, spear in hands.
"Oh, great. You again. How can you work as a vessel?" Zane asked Eleanor. "We offer our own bodies as vessels for Malakhim so that we can use them for the Abbey's purposes. I volunteer to serve as you malak's vessel." Eleanor said to Zane.
"I see. So we just need your body with us… not your legs." Velvet said to Eleanor, as she popped out her blades. Eleanor moved her spear head to her neck. "Not one step closer! I'll kill myself before you lay a hand on me. The malak will become a daemon and you'll be stuck here forever!" Eleanor said to Velvet.
"You don't mince words, do you?" Velvet asked Eleanor. ""Know your foes, and strike where they're weak." The basis of all combat." Eleanor said to Velvet. "As cowardly as I'd expect from a disciple of Artorius." Velvet said to Eleanor.
"No, this is personal! Once I regain my exorcist powers… I vow to challenge you, daemon Velvet and daemon Zane! If I lose, I'll do whatever you wish. If you want me to die or to become a vessel, so be it." Eleanor said to Velvet.
"Okay enough you two! Lower your weapons. We can kill each other later, after we get out of here." Zane said to Velvet and Eleanor. "Velvet… don't die…" Laphicet said, still out cold. "Andour window of escape is closing." Zane said to everyone.
"Fine." Velvet said, as she returned her weapon. Eleanor nodded in agreement, before walking up to everyone. Eleanor kneeled down to Laphicet. "What's the malak's name?" Eleanor asked everyone.
"Why do you ask?" Zane asked Eleanor. "Normally it is decided by their masters, but since I do not own him yet. I need to know." Eleanor said to Zane, making both Zane and Velvet give her mean looks.
"He's not a thing to be owned. He's Laphicet." Velvet said to Eleanor. "And if you treat him like a thing, then I'll make sure the only thing you can do is breathe." Zane said to Eleanor. "Understood." Eleanor said to Zane.
"Laphicet… I see." Eleanor said, as she looked at Laphicet, and grabbed his hand. "O child of the fountain of creation, these vows we exchange. May our purpose, resplendent, help to purify this cursed world. Remember this true name I bestow unto you." Eleanor said to Laphicet, as a magic circle formed over her and Laphicet.
Then the circle lowered and shined. That's when Laphicet turned into a ball of light and entered Eleanor. "Such… Such power!" Eleanor said, as she started to glow white. That's when she let out a pulse of energy and everything went white.
Back in the mortal world, Magilou, Rokurou, and all the Pokemon were waiting around some old ruins at night. "How the hell did we end up here?! What's going on?" Rokurou asked everyone. "That little brat… he actually unsealed the earthpulse?" Magilou quietly said to herself.
"What was that?" Rokurou asked Magilou. "Heh. Guess this is the end of the Velvet and Zane World Tour Revengeathon. What an anticlimax. Not that I really care either way." Magilou said to everyone.
"We don't know that they're dead." Rokurou said to Magilou, crossing his arms. "Dead or alive, they're done. No way they'd keep going after seeing how outmatched they are. Betcha 10 gald that I'm right." Magilou said to Rokurou. "10 gald? You're on." Rokurou said to Magilou, as the two of them smiled.
That's when the flash happened. "What in the-?! Magilou asked, before the flash faded and Velvet, Zane, and Ezien appeared in front of them. But Eleanor and Laphicet were not with them. "Laphicet?! What did that exorcist do?" Velvet asked everyone.
"I'm more interested in what you're doing to Rokurou." Saber said to Velvet, making her notice she was standing on Rokurou's back, with Rokurou on the ground. Velvet then jumped off Rokurou, and Rokurou got up. "What happened to you?" Rokurou asked everyone.
Velvet, Zane, and Eizen explained what happened to them. "I see. So that exorcist woman pledged herself as Laphicet's vessel? Where did she head off to, then?" Rokurou asked everyone. "If you all wound up here, then odds are that exorcist disappeared somewhere nearby." Eizen said to everyone.
"Then we'll find her." Velvet said to Eizen. "Sheesh, are you never not worked up about something?" Magilou asked Velvet. "I said I would save him, so I will, besides… His power is just what I need." Velvet said to everyone, with a big smile on her face.
This made Rokurou smile, and Magilou frowned. "Don't you forget our little wager now, all right?" Rokurou asked Magilou. "My darling Ten-Gald, murdered in his crib by a thug." Magilou, as she bowed. "Always so dramatic." Eshu said to Magilou. "Ignore her. Let's find Eleanor and Laphiecet." Zane said to everyone, as they started to look for Eleanor and Laphicet.
"I won't let her get away from me!" Velvet said, as took the lead of the group. "You got that right. I'm not going to let another exorcist abuse him like Teresa did to us." Number Three said, as they ran through the ruins.
But the ruins turned out to be a little like a mase, with everyone hitting a dead end. "Oh no, a dead end! And so the adventure came to a close in the most sudden and satisfying manner." Magilou said to everyone, as everyone looked at the dead end.
"Look, that wall is cracked, that means…" Velvet said, but was interrupted by Number Three charging and breaking through the wall, leaving a hole large enough for everyone to walk through. "Are you all coming?" Number Three asked everyone, before he started to run. Everyone looked at Number Three with a shocked look on their faces and followed Number Three.
While walking through the ruins, a thought entered Rokurou's mind. "So exorcists are actually the vessels for their malakhim… You can do that, too, can't you, Magilou?" Rokurou asked Magilou, as Bienfu came out of her, and everyone stopped. "Of course! This fair maiden has won Malakhim's Choice Award, "Most Desirable Vessel" three years running!" Magilou said to everyone.
"When was that? Long before we meet you. After all, you didn't have Bienfu for five years." Zane said to Magilou. "But if it's true. Then you wouldn't mind replacing Eleanor as Laphicet's vessel, I hope." Velvet asked Magilou.
"Thanks, but no thanks. I have my hands full dealing with Bienfu as it is." Magilou said to Velvet. "If I ate Bienfu, you'd have room." Velvet said to Magilou, scaring Bienfu. "Bieeeen!?" Bienfu said in a panic.
"Still wouldn't work kiddo. You saw it with your own eyes. Even if only for an instant, that kid actually held his own against the power of Innominat. Not even the resplendent Magilou can handle something of that power." Magilou said to Velvet.
"So you admit Eleanor is better than you." Zane said to Magilou. "How dare you! I, the great Magilou is better than that nobody! I just know it would be bad if I tried to use the kids' power." Magilou said to Zane.
"Indeed. After everything we've seen, it's obvious there's more to Laphicet than meets the eye." Eizen said to everyone. "Yeah but that Eleanor woman was still able to become his vessel." Velvet said to everyone. "So was that Teresa woman." Liz said to everyone.
"Laphicet wasn't that strong when he was Teresa's slave. This power of his must have just been unlocked. It's like one of us little Pokemon learning an attack like Hyper Beam all of a sudden. Who knows if he can handle or use that power again." Eshu said to everyone.
"Eshu, bring up a good point. Giving how they didn't appear in the same spot as us. There's a good chance when Eleanor became Laphicet's vessel, Eleanor exploded, and the blast shot us out of the earthpulse." Zane said to everyone. "I hope not, I need her and Laphicet in one piece." Velvet said to Zane with a flat tune in her voice. "Glade too you know care so much." Saara said to Velvet with an annoyed tune in her voice.
"Anyway, we need to find her and beat her. She'll just bring us more trouble the longer she's out there." Magilou said to everyone. "And if she's dead?" Ludo asked Magilou. "Then we hope Laphicet is next to the body. Otherwise I will have to figure out something else." Magilou said to Ludo.
"Oh, we'll find her. No doubt about it. And they'll both be alive." Velvet said to Magilou. "I can't tell if that's optimism, or daniel." Aguya said to everyone, as they got back to walking.
As everyone walked, Rokurou looked around the place. "This looks like some kind of ruin. Where are we?" Rokurou asked everyone. "Judging from the style of the walls and columns, I'd say the place is an ancient underground temple of Eumacia." Eizen said to everyone. "Who?" Duncan asked Eizen.
"Eumacia, the Empyrean of earth." Magilou said to Duncan. "So it was by no coincidence that the earthpulse led us here." Eizen said to everyone. "How did the temple builders know where to dig to connect to an earthpulse? Did they just get lucky? Just, wham, there it is?" Rokurou asked everyone.
"I don't think they did. Legends back home say that ancient people would build temples or important buildings over pools of Dragon Energy. It's just our nature to build places like this over places like that." Zane said to everyone.
"That's not how it works. It is a flow of natural force ordinary humans can't sense. But in the old days, there were more humans capable of sending that which others couldn't. It was people like that who guided the rest to build their temples closer to the earthpulses- closer to their gods." Eizen said to everyone.
"Uh huh…" Rokurou said to Eizen. "Some gods. They've been forgotten. Must not have been that much of a big deal." Liz said to everyone. "So, since Empyreans control the force of nature, people view the earthpulses as embodiments of the gods themselves, is that it?" Velvet asked Eizen.
"Right. In time when Empyrean worship was at its peak, temples like this were built all over." Eizen said to Velvet. "And I;m guessing they all looked pretty similar, so until we go outside, we're no closer to knowing where we are." Magilou said to everyone. "That sums it up." Eizen said to everyone.
"Hmm… I wonder if they found any high-quality ore when they dug this hole. You know, for making swords." Rokurou said to everyone, making Eizen sigh. "I don't know why I bother explaining anything to you." Eizen said to Rokurou. "You know, I'm starting to think you just enjoy it." Velvet said to Eizen, making Eizen sigh.
A few minutes later, everyone ran outside and found Eleanor waiting for them, with Joy and Jingle standing behind her. "I thought you'd be long gone." Velvet said to Eleanor. "I apologize for disappearing on you. I was there, and then in the next moment, I was gone." Eleanor said to Velvet.
"And Laphicet?" Velvet asked Eleanor. Eleanor placed her hand on her chest. "He's resting inside me. As far as I can tell, he seems healthy again." Eleanor said to Velvet. "Your name's… Eleanor, right? If I defeat you, you'll be his vessel and follow my orders until the day you die." Velvet asked Eleanor.
"I accept. But conversely, should you lose… I will take your life!" Eleanor said to Velvet. "Do you plan on fighting alone?" Eizen asked Velvet. "I can handle myself." Velvet said to Eizen. "Then I'll take care of Joy." Liz said to everyone. "Since she's Laphicet's vessel, I guess I'll take care of Jingle." Number Three said to everyone, as he, Velvet, and Liz stepped forward.
Velvet, Eleanor, Liz, Number Three, Joy, and Jingle got ready to fight. Then Eleanor charged at Velvet, but Velvet blocked the attack, and they locked weapons.
"Sky Uppercut!" Number Three said, as he charged at Eleanor, planning to slam his fist into Eleanor's chin. But then Jingle's eyes started to glow teal, and a teal outline appeared on Number Three, and it caused Number Three to miss Eleanor.
Then Joy jumped over Eleanor, and was about to kick Velvet in the face. "Ember." Liz said, as she fired a burst of fire at Joy. The burst of fire hit Joy, and forced Joy back, and the burst of fire, caused Eleanor to flinch, and gave Velvet the chance to force Eleanor back.
Then Velvet charged at Eleanor. But that's when Jingle fired a pink air bubble at Velvet. "Dragon Tail." Number Three said, as his tail was encased in teal scaly energy, and whipped out some of the ground at Eleanor, Joy, and Jingle, making them cover their eyes and pop the bubble.
That's when Velvet reached Eleanor, and slashed at her with her claw and blade, with Eleanor blocking her attacks. "Headbutt." Number Three said, as he charged at Eleanor, Joy, and Jingle.
But that's when Jingle flew up to Number Three, Wrapping its fabric around Number Three's eyes, making him stop. That's when Joy ran up and rammed her head into Number Three's gut.
"Poison Fang." Liz said, as she jumped onto Number Three's back, and purple fangs appeared in her mouth. Liz then bit into Jingle and ripped Jingle off Number Three's head and tossed Jingle away. That's when Number Three grabbed Joy and tossed her away. At the same time, Velvet was able to land a couple hits on Eleanor, and kicked Eleanor in the gut, forcing Eleanor back again.
Worried about this, Jingle fired a massive yellow star at Velvet, Liz, and Number Three. "Dragon Rage!" Liz said, as she fired a massive burst of blue flames. The flames hit the star, and caused a large explosion, making a large cloud of dust.
"Poison Fang/Dragon Tail!" Liz and Number Three said, as they came bursting out of the dust cloud, with purple fangs in Liz' mouth, and Number Three's tail encased in teal scaly energy. Liz bit down on Joy and shook her a little before tossing Joy at Eleanor, and the same time Number Three swatted Jingle with his tail and Jingle to get sent flying into Eleanor.
The two Pokemon hit Eleanor in the gut and it caused her to fall onto her left knee, with Joy and Jingle knocked out in front of her, and Velvet pointing her blade at her.
"We're done here." Velvet said to Eleanor. "Never let your guard down, even when Victories!" Eleanor said to Velvet, before lunging at Velvet, and moving her spear at Velvet's neck, forcing Velvet to raise her hands. Liz and Eshu were about to attack, but Velt waved her hands making them stay still.
"Why did you stop?" Velvet asked Eleanor. "I know you can't kill me as long as I'm his vessel. I'm just abiding by the same terms." Eleanor said to Velvet. "Had you won, you'd killed me." Velvet said to Eleanor. "True. But a duel is a duel." Eleanor said to Velvet.
"The Abbey's shaped you well…" Velvet said to Eleanor, as she lowered her arms. "However!" Velvet said to Eleanor, before grabbing Eleanor's spear, pulled it forward, forcing Eleanor forward. Velvet then ripped Eleanor's spear out of her hands, and it caused Eleanor to fall to the ground face first
As Eleanor got up, she saw Velvet pointing her spear right at her. "Once your sword is drawn, never waver. Control your feelings to control the tide of battle! Right?" Velvet asked Eleanor. "Lord Artorius's teachings!?" Eleanor asked, before crying a little.
"What a failure I have been. I'll… I'll keep my world. I will follow your orders… To the day I die!" Eleanor said to Velvet, before grabbing her spear, and trying to ram the spear head into her throat, surprising everyone.
"Don't." Laphicet said into Eleanor's mind. That's when Eleanor froze. "My body… I can't move! How…?! Since when can a malak overpower his own vessel?" Eleanor asked, before falling to the ground.
That's when Laphicet came out of Eleanor and everyone walked up to Eleanor. "Laphicet! Are you feeling better now?" Velvet asked Laphicet. "Y-Yeah." Velvet said to Velvet, lowering her head. "Glad to see you're okay. You were in pretty bad shape." Zane said to Laphicet, walking up to him, and rubbing his head.
"Looks like her body is reacting to the bond." Eizen said, as everyone looked at Eleanor. "Yeah, I know the drill. She'll get a high fever and stay zonked out for a bit. No biggie." Magilou said to everyone, walking closer to Eleanor.
"Carrying her will slow us down. We can't afford that risk when we're venturing into parts unknown." Eizen said to everyone. "Let's rest here until she's recovered, then. She's one of us now, isn't she? As long as she's Laphicet's vessel." Rokurou said to everyone. "That's true." Velvet said to everyone.
"But what are we going to do about her Pokemon?" Liz asked everyone. "I have an idea." Laphicet said, before waving his hands. This broke the magic seal on Joy and Jingle. "That's new." Zane said to everyone. "I just learned that. Being Eleanor's malak taught me how to do that." Laphicet said to Zane, as Joy and Jingle got up.
"Uh, it feels good to talk again." Joy said, with a gentle female voice. "Talk again? That's what you feel good about? Not the fact we're free from those scary exorcist people." Jingle said to Joy, with a voice that sounded like a bell.
"She's right. You're free to do what you want. You can run far away from the Abbey." Zane said to Joy. "Being free is nice. But I want to stay with Eleanor." Joy said to Zane, surprising everyone. "Why would you want to stay with that exorcist scum?" Number Three asked Joy.
"I know Teresa wasn't the best of people to be with. But Eleanor is a really good person. She never treated me badly and made sure I was ready for whatever we battled. So I want to stay with Eleanor and help her. She's not that bad of a person." Joy said to Number Three. "Well you can stay. I'm leaving." Jingle said to Joy.
"Don't go yet. We could use your help." Joy said to Jingle. "Why not?" Jingle asked Joy. "Because I could use your help. If we run into wild Pokemon, they might want to hurt Eleanor, so I could use your claiming sound, and ability to put them to sleep." Joy said to Jingle.
"So you want me to risk my safety for someone I barely know. Not really helping your argument." Jingle said to Joy. "Then how about the fact that if you leave now. You'll be alone, in an unknown location, in the middle of the knight." Joy said to Jingle, as they heard a screech in the night sky. "On second thought, maybe I will stay." Jingle said. "That's the spirit." Joy said to Jingle.
"If you two are going to hang around. Then I gotta do this first." Zane said to Joy and Jingle, before taking a Pokeball from Magilou and Rokurou. Zane threw it at Joy and Jingle, hitting them, and catching them.
Zane then moved over to the Pokeballs, and let Joy and Jingle out. "There now you two will be easier to travel with." Zane said to Joy and Jingle, before walking to Laphicet. "Until I can trust Eleanor completely, you'd better hold onto these." Zane said to Laphicet, before handing Laphicet the Pokeballs.
"What about you?" Laphicet asked Number Three. "I'm going to stick around, and make sure this exorcist scum treats you nicely." Number Three said to Laphicet. "Thanks Number Three. Laphicet said to Number Three.
"Don't call me that. Either give me a different name or call me Hakamo-o. I don't want to hear Number Three again." Number Three said to Laphicet, with an angry tune in his voice. "Such rage. Such anger. Such fury. Your name shall be Fury the Raging Dragon." Magilou said to Number Three.
"I'm fine with Fury. not the rest of it. So you can call me that. Now I'm going to rest, and get away from that clown Magilou." Number Three, now Fury, said to everyone, before touching one of Laphicet's Pokeballs, and going in it. Fury was then caught in the Pokeball, and stayed in it. "Ugh. These Pokemon have no respect for people of great power and status." Magilou said to everyone, before they moved back into the temple to rest.
Inside the temple, while most of the Pokemon went to sleep. Bienfu, Joy, and Jingle watch over Eleanor. Velvet and Zane walked up to them. "We'll look after Madam Eleanor." Bienfu said to them. "Given what Magilou said earlier, any idea how long she'll be like this?" Zane asked Bienfu.
"Y'know, I just remembered. After Miss Magilou and I made our pact, she couldn't stop sneezing and sniffing for months. That happened right when spring was starting." Bienfu said to Zane. "Are you sure it wasn't allergies?" Zane said to Bienfu before he and Velvet walked away.
Velvet and Zane ran into Eizen next. "A daemon, a malak, a witch, and now an exorcist. We've turned into a real band of misfits." Eizen said to Velvet. "I didn't have any other choice. We're stuck with her." Velvet said to Eizen. "Yeah. I know. We can't afford to lose Laphicet. Now that we know the full extent of Innominat's strength, we need that boy more than ever." Eizen said to everyone.
"I also thought about us finding more Pokemon to add to our team. Never hurts to have more fire power." Zane said to Eizen. "Do you think a few more hands will be enough to handle an Empyrean?" Eizen asked Zane. "Do you think Innominat really is an Empyrean?" Velvet asked Eizen.
"You got me. But I do know this: whatever he is, he's no ordinary malak. And the Abbey intends on using that power. To what end, I couldn't say." Eizen said to everyone. "If we're going to win this, we need to uncover Innominat's true nature and the Abbey's secret goals." Velvet said to everyone.
"Indeed. At the very least, I think we can safely assume that Aifread's disappearance is part of their schemes. We might be able to extract some information out of that Eleanor woman as well." Eizen said to everyone. "Agree. But no torture. I'm not shattering our only vessel." Velvet said to Eizen.
"Yeah. I get that. Given the pact they share, if Eleanor goes down, Laphicet becomes a daemon, right?" Eizen said to everyone. "What!? No one told me that!" Velvet said ti Eizen. "That's just how it is between malak and vessel. I know she's a threat, but we need to keep her close for the time being." Eizen said to everyone.
"Well, we sure are in it deep now." Velvet said to Eizen. "When aren't we in that deep? That's just who we are." Zane said to everyone, before he and Velvet walked away.
They ran into Rokurou next. "How are you doing Rokurou?" Zane asked Rokurou. "I'm fine. But man, Artorius and Innominat… Either one of them's a force to be reckoned with." Rokurou said to Zane, with a smile on his face. "Then why do you look so happy?" Velvet asked Rokurou.
"Because I'm still alive, And if I'm alive. I can fight." Rokurou said to everyone. "You're certainly… optimistic." Velvet said to Rokurou. "That's just the sort of daemon I am." Rokurou said to everyone. "Or you're so obsessed with fighting that you don't care about anything else." Zane said to Rokurou.
"That too. But what about you two, tough? You gonna call that whole revenge thing off?" Rokurou asked Velvet and Zane. "If only. That's just the sort of daemon I'm not." Velvet said to Rokurou. "Yeah. Innominat being active is just hiccuping in the plan." Zane said to Rokurou.
"Then we need to find a way to beat them. You can mop after you're dead." Rokurou said to everyone. "We? You're still going to help?" Velvet asked Rokurou. "Yeah. After all, I woudln;t be here if Laphicet hadn't saved my life." Rokurou said to Velvet. "Plus your target might show up if we keep fighting the Abbey." Zane said to Rokurou.
"That as well. But surely you know me by now. I might not look it, but duty and honor flow through my veins!" Rokurou said to everyone. "Along with blood that scream must fight with sword." Zane said to Rokurou, making Rokurou laugh. "You know me so well." Rokurou said to Zane, before Zane and Velvet walked away.
Then they walked outside, and they found Laphicet, Saara, and Fury practicing fighting with each other. "Hey. Don't overwork yourself." Velvet said to them, as she and Zane walked up to them. "Yeah, growing boys need their sleep." Zane said to Laphicet.
"I'm sorry." Laphicet said to them, looking away from them, and lowering his head. "Why are you apologizing?" Velvet asked Laphicet. "Isn't it obvious? I… I disobeyed you, Velvet." Laphicet said to Velvet. "Man, you really are a stickler for the rules aren't you?" Zane asked Laphicet, as he and Velvet kneed at Laphicet's sides.
"Don't sweat it Laphicet. I'm still alive thanks to you." Velvet said to Laphicet. "I just… I didn't want to see you die Velvet. That's why I… why I did that. To save you." Laphicet said to Velvet, not looking at everyone's eyes.
"I'm sorry, too. Acting the way I did. Treating you like an object." Velvet said to Laphicet. "When I came with you, that was my own choice. You gave me the freedom to choose." Laphicet said to Velvet. "And what would you choose now? We only have more troubles ahead." Velvet asked Laphicet, before standing up and turning away from everyone.
"You're still going to flight, aren't you?" Laphicet asked Velvet. "Yeah. I can't stop now." Velvet said to Laphicet, taking a couple steps. "Yeah. we're here for one thing and one thing only. To kill him, as long as we're alive, we'll keep fighting." Zane said to Laphicet, as he stood up, and took a couple steps forward.
"Even so… I've made my choice. I'm coming with you both." Laphicet said, as he stepped forward to everyone. "I see." Velvet said to Laphicet, still not looking at Laphicet. "Anyway, it's not like I have any idea where we are now." Laphicet said to Velvet. "That's a good point." Velvet said to Laphicet, finally look at Laphicet.
"Ah-haha… But an object misused is one thing: a person misused is quite another!" A voice said, as everyone turned to see Magilou standing behind them. "What's your point?" Velvet asked Magilou.
"What YOUR point, is what I wanna know. Not only did you blow the whole revenge thing, you didn't even leave a scratch. Do you have any plan on where to go from here?" Magilou asked Velvet, as she walked up to everyone.
"I'll admit it. Innominat's power is far beyond what I could ever have imagined." Velvet said to Magilou. "I'll admit. I didn't think Innominat was this active." Zane said to everyone. "But I'll never give up. No matter how many times I have to try, I'll devour them all." Velvet said to Magilou. "We'll just keep coming up with new plans." Zane said to Magilou.
"Bet you 100 gald you two break first." Magilou said to Velvet and Zane. "Huh?" Velvet asked. "You heard me. 100 glad says that you two give up. lost a bet with Rokurou when you had to go and survive. Cost me 10 gald! I'm just looking to come out on top." Magilou said to Velvet.
"You think we care about your silly bet. Plus it'll be a loss of 200 gald for you." Zane said to Magilou. "Ignore Zane. It's fine." Velvet said to Zane. "Oho, then it looks like we have a bet! There might be some fun in me sticking around after all. Not that I much care how It all turns out. I'm just looking to kill time." Magilou said to everyone.
"We can always count on you to be a clown, even in dire moments." Zane said to Magilou. "I'm not a clown. I'm the great Magilou. If you keep getting it wrong. I'll have to follow you until you understand that fact." Magilou said to Zane.
"So my choice is either acknowledging your ego and you leave, or I ignore you and you follow me. Well considering I want to use you as a meat shield. I guess I'm going with ignoring you." Zane said to Magilou. "You sir are truly wicked. Planning to use a beautiful maiden like me as a meat shield. Have you no shame." Magilou said to Zane.
"The only beautiful maiden here in my eyes is Velvet, never you. To me, you'll just be a pain in the neck." Zane said to Magilou, making Velvet look away. "Huh. They say love is blind. And if you can't see my radiance because of your love for Velvet, well then it's your loss." Magilou said to Zane.
"Can we talk about something else." Velvet said to everyone, getting embarrassed by Zane and Magilou's conversation. "Well, I've got something that might help with Innominat." Laphicet said, getting everyone's attention. Everyone watched as Laphicet pulled out the book he stole from the villa.
"Oh, is this that book you took from the villa?" Velvet asked Laphicet. "It is. Look closely at the crest on the cover…" Laphicet said to Velvet, holding the book closer to Velvet and Zane. "It's the same one from the temple!" Velvet said, as they noticed the crest was the same one they saw in the temple.
"If they have the same crest, then it must be something important." Zane said to everyone. "Does that book say anything about Innominat?!" Velvet asked Laphicet. "Yes, but I can't read it. It's written in the ancient tongue." Laphicet said to Velvet, lowering his head.
"Don't be hard on yourself. That just means we have to find someone who can." Zane said to Laphicet. "Leave it to me! My friend Grimoirh might be able to decipher that for you." Magilou said to everyone. "Really?!" Laphicet asked Magilou.
"Well, maybe, maybe not! She'd have to take a look first." Magilou said to everyone. "Well, where is she? Your friend, I mean." Velvet asked Magilou. "No idea. The last letter I got from her was sent from Yseult down in Southgand." Magilou said to Velvet.
"Not much to work with here." Velvet said to Magilou. "True, but I'll have fun watching you try." Magilou said to Velvet. "Oh, I'll find her. Don't you worry about that." Velvet said to Magilou. "That's the spirit! Don't give up JUST yet." Magilou said to Velvet.
Then Laphicet yawned. "We'll rest inside these ruins. You're still weak." Velvet said to Laphicet. "Come on. I'll carry you." Zane said to Laphicet, as he picked up Laphicet and carried him into the temple, with Velvet right next to her, and Magilou, Saara, and Fury following them.
A few hours later, while everyone was asleep, Eleanor woke up. Eleanor looked at everyone sleeping. 'Of all the things… A damned daemon watching over me?!' Eleanor thought to herself, before covering her mouth and crying. 'How could I have let this happen! I'm such a disgrace!' Eleanor thought of herself, before pulling herself together.
Eleanor then turned her head to look at Velvet and Zane, who were sleeping next to each other. Eleanor stood up, and pulled out her spear. 'To atone for this grace sin…' Eleanor said, before walking up to Velvet and Zane.
Eleanor looked at them, before moving her spear to her neck. 'This is all I can do… Forgive me, Lord Artorious!' Eleanor said, as she got ready to kill herself. But a bright light shined in the back of the room. Eleanor put her spear away and saw a ball of light near the exit. The ball of light left, and Eleanor followed it.
But what Eleanor didn't know. Is that Ezien, Velvet, and Zane weren't asleep, and noticed Eleanor leaving. Soon they quietly followed Eleanor.
The ball of light led Eleanor outside and stopped a little ways from the ruins. "This light… It's Melchior's communication arte!" Eleanor said. "I send Melchior to check out the earthpulse, and what a sight does he find." Artorious said, speaking threw the ball of light.
"My lord! I have failed you…" Eleanor said to Artorious, as she kneeled before the ball of light. "Lift your head, Eleanor. The Shepherd has a special mission for you." Artorious said to Eleanor. "A special mission?!" Eleanor asked Artorious. "You are to protect the malak Laphicet and bring him to the Loegres Abbey headquarters. This mission is highly classified and not to be shared with even the legates." Artorious said to Eleanor.
"Protect the malak and bring him to the capital, then?" Eleanor asked Artorious. "With the utmost secrecy. You becoming his vessel is in fact quite fortunate." Artorious said to Eleanor. "Maybe so, but with me as his vessel, the malak may interfere." Artorious said to Eleanor.
"This malak may have his own will, but he can be manipulated. Do whatever it takes to get the job done, Eleanor. You act under my full authorization." Artorious said to Eleanor. "Even were it to mean obeying the orders of a daemon?! But, my lord, what malak could possibly be that valuable?" Eleanor asked Artorious.
"Are you saying you cannot?" Artorious asked Eleanor. Eleanor clenched her fist. "Shame is only a fleeting emotion. It is will and reason that ultimately prevail in the face of calamity. My lord, I live to serve the principles of your teachings." Eleanor said to Artorious.
"The earthpulse will soon close. From here on, you must use your own discretion to execute your mission." Artorious said to Eleanor. Eleanor stood up and saluted Artorious. And not that she noticed, Velvet, Zane, and Eizen watched the whole thing, and quietly agreed to keep it a secret.
The next morning everyone gathered outside of the temple, with Eleanor being the last one to come out of the temple. "You're up. How are you feeling?" Rokurou asked Eleanor. "I'm fine." Eleanor said to Rokurou. "Don't push yourself too much. You're still recovering from the other night." Joy said to Eleanor. "I'm fine, don't worry." Eleanor said to Joy.
"Listen… Don't try anything like that again. Pain is… Pain is scary, right?" Laphicet asked Eleanor. "I keep telling you all, I'm all right. No more running away." Eleanor said to Laphicet. "I'm Laphicet. It's good to finally meet you properly, Eleanor." Laphicet said to Eleanor.
"Y-Yeah, likewise…" Eleanor said to Laphciet, surprised by his kind words. "Now that you're a part of our group. I hope I can count on you to behave, and not run away when we're not looking." Zane said to Eleanor. "I'm not going to run away." Eleanor said to Zane.
"Don't worry. If you try running, you won't get far… once I've eaten your arms and legs. I merely need you alive to act as his vessel. Nothing more." Velvet said to Eleanor. "That won't be necessary. I swore an oath before our duel. An oath grants power in exchange for a certain constraint. Mine was, "If I lose, I will obey my opponent." Once put in motion, an oath cannot be broken by the one who swore it. I will keep my promise to you because I must." Eleanor said to Velvet.
"Hmm. An oath, is it?" Velvet asked Eleanor. Eleanor just gave Velvet a mean look. "In that case, I have a question for you. What does the Abbey plan to do with Innominat?" Velvet asked Eleanor.
"To wipe out the daemons, of course. We want to end the Era of Disaster once and for all." Eleanor said to Velvet. "So you don't know what their plan is." Zane said to Eleanor. "What makes you say that?" Eleanor asked Zane.
"Simple Innominat doesn't have that kind of power. I'm sure the Abbey is planning world conquest with Innominat power. Not world peace." Zane said to Eleanor, getting a curious look from Velvet and Eizen. "That's a lie." Eleanor said to Zane.
"Then how exactly does the Abbey plan on wiping out the daemons? Is Innominat going to wander the land slaughtering them all?" Eizen asked Eleanor. "They… They never told me." Eleanor said to everyone.
"And why is that?" Eshu asked Eleanor. "Innominat's ritual is kept confidential even within the Abbey. All I know is that it involves Melchior." Eleanor said to Eshu. "Then it looks like the only way we'll figure out Innominat's true nature is by deciphering Laphicet's book. We'll have to track down Magilou's friend, the one who can read the ancient tongue." Velvet said to everyone.
"If we go to Yseult, in Southgand, we ought to find some clues to her whereabouts." Magilou said to everyone. "But first, we have to figure out where we are now. We need to find a settler or a village, something." Eizen said to everyone.
"Hahahah! I'm surprised us chuckleheads even know our own names." Rokurou said to everyone. "Even the greatest scholars don't know everything at first. You can't get answer without asking for them." Laphicet said to everyone. "Hah, fair enough! Hard to argue with that." Rokurou said to Laphicet.
"I've never seen a malak quite like him…" Eleanor said to Velvet and Zane. "He is. And if you do anything to him, I'll make sure you pay dearly for it." Zane said to Eleanor. "Eleanor, your job is going to be to protect Laphicet. Even if it brings you into conflict with other exorcists. Like Zane said, if you turn on us…" Velvet said to Eleanor, but Eleanor interrupted her.
"I know! Like I said, I can't betray you both." Eleanor said to Velvet, before walking away. That's when Zane and Velvet walked up to Laphciet. "Listen, Laphicet. If she makes any strange moves, I want you to stop her immediately, okay?" Velvet asked Laphicet.
"I don't think Eleanor is such a bad person. Besides, she's oath-bound to her promise." Laphicet said to Velvet. "She's lying, obviously. That's only something you do if your life depends on it." Velvet said to Laphicet.
"Yup. An oath is an arte takes complex rituals and lots of hard work and time. Hardly with the trouble, to be honest." Magilou said to everyone. "I told you already, she wants to take you away from us. Women are creatures of deceit, boy." Velvet said to Laphicet.
"I-If you say so…" Laphciet said to Velvet. "She's right. Of course that doubly so for velvet the Vengeful Villainess!" Magilou said to Laphciet. "Well… I won't deny it." Velvet said to everyone.
"Look Laphicet, just keep an eye on Eleanor. And let us know if she's acting weird, or is forcing you to do something you don't want." Zane said to Laphicet. "Okay. I'll keep an eye on her." Laphicet said to Zane. "Goob boy." Zane said to Laphicet, rubbing Laphicet's head.
"Now then let's start wandering around and figuring out where we are, and maybe find some new Pokemon to join us on our mission along the way." Zane said to everyone, as they started to walk in a random direction.
Hello everyone, I hope you like this chapter. Please follow or review if you like this story.