Hello, everyone! Time for more of our favorite Oshawott's backstory!

..Part two out of three! Man, this one has been fun, yet extremely hard to write as I've been having some personal affairs hindering me from writing for a bit. The next few chapters may be a bit spotty, but hey, I'd rather perfect chapters than rushed ones. XD

That being said, this chapter is going to be short as my next chapter is shaping up to be my longest chapter yet!

Anyways, please review/favorite/follow, it really does make my day and enjoy! :D

Chapter 22: Scourge

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Axl huffed as he was thrown on his back, jumping up and staring intensely at his opponent: a Luxio.

Shooting an Ice Beam at her, she huffed and barely managed to dodge it, trying to retaliate with a Thunderbolt that struck Axl, pushing him back again and hurting him badly.

"Poin's for Liza!" The voice belonged to Guildmaster Finnegan who raised his arm in the air, a bottle of rum in his free hand that he took a swig out of.

They were currently outside the Peridot City Guild with both guilds sitting around relaxing for the most part. They had decided for a day together to relax, although on standby.

Guildmaster Finnegan looked relatively the same, although the nicks in his helmet were not present at the moment. Deputy Paulson gave a nod of approval at his guild mate landing a nice hit on the powerful Axl.

Next to him, a stronger looking Nero grunted in annoyance. "C'mon Axl, I've trained you better than that!" He called, trying to motivate the young otter.

A Pangoro also sat nearby, laughing heartily. "Man, the Guildmaster's apprentices know how to put on a show! The future is bright for all of us!" He said merrily, swigging from his own bottle, albeit one of cola.

Deputy Paulson raised a brow playfully at the Pangoro. "Perhaps we could get our own apprentices to have a battle next, eh Norton? Only fair that the deputies get a moment to show our training prowess." He asked the Pangoro. He nodded to a much younger looking Bendy who wasn't wearing his usual face mask at the moment, his face untouched by any scars.

Bendy looked steadily at Norton but was talking about the young Sandslash hiding behind the bear Pokemon. "I think he's already given up." He said monotonously.

Norton gave a glance to the nervous Sandslash behind him and sighed. "Aye, I'm afraid Ceren might be a little too new for a battle with Felix, why not pit him against Sergei?" He asked, causing Ceren to look away in embarrassment and Sergei, who was standing nearby to shoot a challenging glare towards Bendy, who met it evenly.

Ceren twiddled his claws together shyly. "Why don't you have a battle with Deputy Paulson to see who the strongest deputy is?" He asked Norton.

Norton raised a brow humorously at Deputy Paulson. "What do you say?" He seemed amused by the request, making Deputy Paulson sweatdrop anxiously as he glanced away, seeming almost a little embarrassed.

He scratched the side of his cheek. "How about a battle between our two leaders?" He asked, diverting the subject, causing both Deputy Finnegan and Nero to give each other a competitive stare down, not backing down.

Bendy was the only one who didn't look remotely interested in the idea. "I'd rather not have to fix a hole in the wall if you all wouldn't mind." He muttered, crossing his arms.

Back to the battle, Axl had swung with a Night Slash attack, making Liza duck and roll out of the way, barely avoiding the powerful attack.

Axl's breath was heaving powerfully in his chest and his heart pounded sharply in his ears, but he never felt happier in his life as excitement was glued to his face. In the moment, he realized how far away his life in the orphanage was from now. Not only did he stay true to his word of becoming a member of the Amethyst City Guild, but he was also considered a phenom among the seven guilds, already having completed many three- and four-star missions despite being young.

He even was being mentored by Nero himself, having become stronger much faster with his Guildmasters training. He was even holding his own against Liza, who in her own right was just as fearsome as Guildmaster Finnegan's protege.

Liza lunged forward in order to land a Thunder Fang attack on the otter, who jumped over her and tumbled as he landed awkwardly on his feet.

Better yet were the Pokemon in his life now. Frankie had truly been like another mother to him while Nero had been like another parent as well as his mentor. Deputy Black had been a heroic presence for him as well as a goofball. Axl also admired Sergei's strength as well as his bravery and willingness to do anything for the guild. Ceren, meanwhile, could be a little skittish and annoying sometimes, he was reliable and the best friend and partner a Pokemon could ask for.

That's not to even mention the others back at the Guild who had grown extremely close with one another. He considered himself lucky to be put in the Amethyst City Guild, who along with Peridot City's Justice Guild were considered the most like family.

Axl and Liza tousled for a moment, neither letting the other get the upper hand as they intensely met in the middle briefly before jumping backwards to catch their breaths. As they did, a look of mutual respect passed between them, both grinning slightly.

Guildmaster Finnegan raised his arm. "Poin's for Liza!" He called, looking away mischeifly.

Axl popped a vein in his head. "That's biased!" He shouted comedically at the Bisharp who was whistling innocently. In the middle of this 'tantrum', Axl received a Thunderbolt directly to the face, Liza holding back enough to leave him twitching humorously on the ground.

Guildmaster Finnegan raised his arm. "Axl is unable to battle further, Liza is the victor!" He called, causing Axl's guild to groan and Liza's to cheer. She raised her nose in pride as she stole a glance at Guildmaster Finnegan, almost as for approval.

He instead gave a shake of his head to Axl. "Aye, you lose focus 'oo easily, lad." He said, walking up to the Oshawott that still had swirls in his eyes.

With a shake of his head, Axl sat up quickly to pay attention to the Guildmaster, an annoyed frown on his face. "You were calling unfair points the entire time, that's unfair." He complained, crossing his arms.

Guildmaster Finnegan chuckled. "Life's unfair, lad." He retorted. "How many 'imes have criminals given ye a fair chance in a figh'? Ye can' be losin' focus, ye migh' end up dyin' on us."

Axl rested his hands behind his head. "Hmph, I would've won in a fair fight against her anyway." He muttered, secretly taking the Guildmaster's words to heart. One little mark on Axl's impressive record was his ability to get distracted, the battle was proof enough of that.

Hell, one time Axl thought he had defeated a rogue Salamence, only for it to kidnap Sergei's twin brother Nikola. No one knew what happened or how Nikola escaped, but the bear never told a soul what occurred those three months.

Liza snorted playfully at him. "I think the Guildmaster just wanted to make sure I didn't hurt you too badly. Besides, I assumed from your first attack that we were only going twenty percent on each other anyways." She teased the otter playfully.

Axl scoffed. "I just didn't want to hurt a girl." He replied, a little embarrassed.

Liza grinned. "Neither did I." She retorted, causing everyone to burst into laughter. Axl remained stone faced for a moment before a smile cracked its way onto his face and he joined in on the laughter.

Admittedly, Axl had a rough time at first adjusting to the joking and teasing, not understanding for a while that jabs like that could be used in a funny tone. Slowly, though, he had grown accustomed to both guilds' humor towards one another. Sure, it could be a little rude, but he knew it was their way of love.

In fact, every mission he was constantly reminded of not only the Guild's intense loyalty to the cities they serve but to each other as well. He had no idea that there existed a single Pokemon capable of that understanding and caring for another, let alone the countless guild members he's met.

A small prick of guilt suddenly stabbed in his heart as he thought of the secret he kept from mostly everyone around him. Only Nero knew of his mark and promised to keep it as such for Axl's sake. He even went the extra mile to keep Axl from missions that involved Hazaranmon, not wanting to rush the young otter into such a sensitive subject for him. After all, for all of the love Axl has seen, he also has seen the unfair treatment Hazaranmon received, especially in his city.

Sighing, he shook away the thoughts that clouded his head and focused on the present, letting the atmosphere of the scenery engulf him in enough happiness to last him several lifetimes.

Maybe, one day, though…

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Three Years Later…

The mood in the meeting room in the Peridot City Guild was as far opposite as could be from that day a few years ago.

Somber and fierce faces sat and stood in a circle around Guildmaster Finnegan, Deputy Paulson, Nero and Norton who sat on a middle table that had been pushed together to form a massive square.

Nero was the one speaking. "Everyone, we thank you for your help in finally taking down Scourge. As you know, Rose, Preston, Damon and Pierre were all killed in our last encounter with him. Scouts have spotted him near Scissor Lane Town and believe he might be getting ready to attack at any moment."

A Roserade raised a brow. "Isn't that just a place of barbers, why would Scourge destroy a random village?"

Norton snorted. "Because, and I quote the damn bastard, he's bored." He spat.

Axl was sat next to Ceren, who while wasn't as anxious as when he first joined, still looked anxious. Being Axl's partner for years certainly helped with the confidence boost. Axl, meanwhile, had also changed drastically in his own regard.

He no longer felt wary around his guild, now capable of joking around and teasing almost better than anyone with his quick wit, leaving a lot of annoyed comrades and foes in his wake. However, his maturity had also increased tenfold, with Axl now among one of the most trusted and respected guild members in Amethyst, despite still being the newest member in the last few years.

Nero cleared his throat. "According to the Scouts, he has been consistent in his routine in camping out three kilometers north of his next target for three days. He was spotted at an abandoned campsite just yesterday."

The Roserade cocked his head. "You don't suppose he would just switch his routine up then, do you?" He asked.

Norton shook his head. "Maybe…but he hasn't budged on it even though we've caught up to him twice. Between his campsites and his attacks on the cities, we've encountered him four times thus far."

Nero narrowed his eyes. "And four times thus far, he's managed to overpower us and get away." Axl thought he sounded ashamed and felt a wave of sympathy for his Guildmaster. This situation had been stressful and emotionally taxing on everyone. Axl gripped his scarf tightly; he didn't want to have to bury anymore of his comrades.

Guildmaster Finnegan had lit up a cigarette and took a long drag. "I will be leadin' a group 'o de camp and launch an assault on him." He explained, looking around at the anxious faces that were turned to him. "I will be only bringin' a handful of ye with us. Bjorn, Liza and Erik will be comin'." Deputy Paulson, Liza and the Roserade that had spoken all nodded at the order.

Bendy suddenly shot up. "I'm not staying behind!" He shouted, causing many Pokemon to widen their eyes in shock at him yelling at the Guildmaster. "Not on this one!"

If Guildmaster Finnegan was bothered, he didn't show it. "Lad, we had a 'alk regardin' this." He reminded him, his voice level. "Ye know why I can' brin' ye."

Bendy's eyes flashed wildly. "Enough with the bullcrap, I can't sit idly by while he's out there!" His fangs gnashed and he didn't break the Guildmaster's stare.

Axl watched the scene in disbelief and admiration at Bendy's insistence. The Drapion was usually very silent, only ever talking if he intended to insult someone or complete a mission. He was pretty strong too, not on the level of Liza or Axl, let alone the deputies or Guildmasters, but reliable at the very least.

A small, deep cough caught his attention. "I heard Bendy and Scourge have history going back to before he joined. I don't know the details, but apparently it led to Bendy joining the Justice Guild in the first place." The speaker was a massive Beartic, although the patch over his left eye told Axl that this was Nikola, Sergei's twin brother. His low growl was just quiet enough for Axl to hear. "I'm guessing something terrible must've happened to cause such a respectable Pokemon to lose his cool."

Axl blinked up at him, very curious about what that history could be. Granted, it wasn't his business to ask Bendy let alone he might receive his sharp claws or even sharper tongue.

Deputy Paulson was also staring at Bendy and looked intrigued "I say let him join, Filip. I'll keep him in check and take responsibility for anything happening. We may not get a stronger version of him." He insisted, causing Guildmaster Finnegan to huff in annoyance.

"Pain in my…fine." He said, caving in. "However, ye will lis'en when we give ye an order or I will knock ye ou' meself, clear?"

Bendy met his eyes and bowed his head. "Yes, sir. Thank you." Axl thought he caught relief in his voice, masked in the shaking anger. He sat back down, looking more on edge than the usually dead toned Drapion had ever seemed.

Nero's voice distracted everyone from the situation that had just unfolded. "Norton, Axl, Sergei, and Nikola will wait at Scissor Lane Town and make sure everyone is evacuated, just in case Scourge manages to elude us once more. I will be taking everyone but Ceren with Filip to the camp. I'm sorry son, I need someone to stay here, and you are still the weakest."

Ceren didn't seem embarrassed. "Oh, I mean, hey not everyone can go. I'll try and get over it." He replied sarcastically, Axl wanting to laugh at his anxious friend's relief.

He cracked his neck in anticipation, however. Scourge was a vile murder, torturer and, according to rumors, a possible cannibal. He had ruined three towns already and almost destroyed a fourth if not for the interference of both Nero and Norton. The thought of a single Pokemon being able to go toe to toe against two Pokemon that were much stronger than Axl, all while also killing Pokemon on the same level as him, definitely gave Axl some precaution about jumping into battle.

"(What if I do have to activate my mark to save someone else? I've never faced someone this strong before.)" He thought, giving himself a near panic attack at the thought of exposing his mark to his comrades. "(No, I can't let them know…. even when they kill me, Frankie will be harassed for raising a Hazaranmon.)"

Shaking his head clear of the thoughts that were giving him chills, he gripped his scalchop in order to give himself a boost of much needed confidence. One thing he had managed to do was keep his mark a secret from everyone, avoiding any possible outcome of his secret being exposed.

More so than himself, he couldn't think of how Pokemon would treat Frankie if they knew she was the mother of a Hazaranmon. Pokemon in Amethyst City could be incredibly intolerant to Hazaranmon and those that are associated with them. Even a rumor could see Frankie and him run out of town by Pokemon afraid of Axl suddenly going berserk.

No.

If he was going to help to defeat Scourge, he was going to do it with his own strength. Axl was already as strong as some of the other deputies, and arguably the third or fourth strongest depending on the day in his own guild.

He had worked his hands to the bone becoming the powerful guildmember he was today and trained under one of the strongest Guildmasters in the region.

He looked back up and caught Nero's eye and a look passed between them that didn't need words.

Tomorrow morning, Scourge will be stopped for once and for all….