Hidy Ho, everyone and welcome bak to my story. Happy news as I have officially written my longest chapter ever at 5,000 words.

Which is nothing consiudering a bunch of other fics I'm reading right now alone, but hey one day this might be the norm!

Maybe. XD

Anywho, last chapter of Axl's backstory before we get back to our heroes, so let's get to it. Please review/fav/follow if you are enjoying or hating, I'm down to clown with either.

:)

Chapter 23: Disarmed

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Everything was silent.

The wind was blowing away from the four Pokemon to the north where Scourge's camp lay and Axl felt his fur prickle with dread. They had successfully managed to evacuate the small village to the main city and waited outside the north gate.

The village was relatively small, and Axl felt a little grateful that Amethyst City was massive enough to take in the hundreds of Pokemon. Intermediately taking turns in pairs to scout around the small village.

Ahead of them facing away, a large flat-facing cliff met their gaze, with forest that stretched for miles covering it. The cliff itself was a good distance away and had two rather large pathways stretching out in opposite directions in order to lead into the shrubbery.

Suddenly, a ringing screeched into the air and Norton reached into his satchel to grab his cellphone. Both Nikola and Sergei were currently making their way around the small town, leaving Axl alone with his deputy as he answered for the news they needed.

"Hello?" He grunted, and Axl heard the panicked tone on the other end, making his heart race a little bit.

As the talking continued, Axl peered into the gray light and saw two barely visible shadows slowly become darker as they approached the duo. Axl breathed slowly, trying to appear calm and confident, all the while grateful that he got left with his deputy of all Pokemon. He barely had time to think about his next move as Sergei and Nikola emerged from the entities.

Sergei nodded to Axl as they approached. "Do we have an update?" He asked, glancing over towards Norton.

Norton had just hung up. "Scourge is headed our way, prepare for battle." He ordered immediately, causing all three to shoot their eyes open in shock.

Nikola had his claws extended. "What happened?" He asked sharply, sounding a little anxious.

Norton cracked his neck. "Scourge escaped when Guildmaster Finnegan started to gain the upper hand. Erik is dead and Bendy is in critical condition along with Nero." He murmured, making their shock deepen.

Sergei stepped back in disbelief. "No…" He said. "That's not possible, there isn't anyone alive capable of hurting pops like that."

Norton didn't look back. "This world is a massive place, son. There are probably hundreds capable of killing any of us in the blink of an eye." He stated bluntly, but Axl could detect the fury in his voice. "There's no need to make a round around the village again, he's going to come here…. I can feel it."

Nikola looked a little shaken. "Hey, are we going to be capable of taking down this thing? If both Guildmasters and Paulson were there and couldn't do shit, what are we going to do? We're better off calling another guild." He insisted.

Norton's eyes were bleak as they focused on the cliff straight ahead. "The only Guildmaster stronger than Nero and Fillip is Guildmaster Kong and Opal City is on the other side of the ghost territory. Guildmaster Marsh is the only other one on the same level, but even he would take about a day to get here."

His tone was calm, but held a nervous undertone, and Axl admired his deputy's composure in the face of what seemed like an impossible battle. Somehow the knowledge that Norton was perhaps as afraid as Axl only increased the respect Axl had for the older and more experienced deputy. Norton would never show fear in front of his guild. He would put aside his own feelings to do his duty as a deputy; Axl only hoped to not let him down.

Axl peered into the fog towards the cliff, looking for the faintest sign of Scourge's arrival to ensure that he wouldn't be caught off guard. However, in the same heartbeat he heard a deep croaking echo from atop the cliff and there was slight movement in his line of sight. A dark shape slowly appeared from the trees above and not long after a Toxicroak slowly dragged his feet out of the shadows, peering down at the four Pokemon below. Axl's belly clenched in fear as a sadistic grin lit up on the Pokemon's face.

"Quite frankly, I'm quite honored, deputy!" He called; his voice almost seemed gleeful. It was a deep, low rasp that twisted Axl's stomach at its own confidence in spite of the numbers disadvantage. "Your guild was so afraid of me that you called the legendary Fillip Finnegan to put a stop to everything. So let me ask, did you use the time he bought you to come up with a plan…or say your final prayers."

Everyone paused for a moment to give each other glances, almost as if making sure each individual was ready for combat. Axl wouldn't let them see the terror that gnawed at his insides and looked as fiercely determined as his comrades. They were ready for battle.

"Shall we, then?" Nikola asked, his voice one of fear and defiance.

Norton nodded and led the four a little closer to the cliff where Scourge came closer to view. Now that Axl was getting a closer look, Axl saw the bloodstained claws that somehow seemed unsettling with the quite laid-back demeanor of the Toxicroak.

Norton also seemed eerily icy calm. "This is going to end right now, Scourge." He warned.

Scourge seemed to think for a moment before responding. "How about a joke, first?" He asked, croaking in between. "How many guildmembers does it take to put their Guildmaster's spine together?"

The four remained silent.

"Thirty-one." He responded, croaking in a small laugh. "One to pick up each piece I just left it in."

"Axl, get far back!" Norton suddenly ordered. "Sergei! Nikola! Use formation 'Absolute Zero'!"

Nikola glanced at him. "Are you sure? It's not guaranteed and if we miss, it's just going to be you and Axl!"

Norton didn't hesitate. "Son, for a Pokemon that just fought Nero and managed to outrun Fillip Finnegan, do you find it not bizarre that he's not out of breath at all?" He pointed out quickly, making the other three almost shudder in realization. "We need to end this as fast as possible. Attack now!"

Taking his order, Axl jumped far back to the village entrance in order not to get caught up in the brother's deadly attack. Together, both brother's grabbed paws and their bodies became outlined in a light blue aura as they reared back their free paws.

'Absolute Zero' was a combination of the two brothers using Sheer Cold at the same time. From what Sergei had told Axl, Sheer Cold was a move that could only be used by storing up enough energy that both were always able to do. By themselves, the move failed more than it succeeded, but by combining their energies they were able to double the chance of the move hitting.

Although…it was still only a little better chance than a coinflip of the move working even then. Not only that, but the energy of using that much of their power would render them unable to move for a little bit, essentially taking them out of the battle. Axl bit his lip, as the brothers slammed their claws into the ground, praying to Arceus that the powerful move would work, and they would have nothing to fear.

His prayers were almost instantly answered as massive icicle spears emerged from the ground, sprouting as towers that were headed towards Scourge. Norton jumped out of the way, the satchel around his body swaying wildly as he missed the spears of ice that threatened to hurt him.

Scourge's claws grew a light purple and he jumped, heading straight towards the icicles much to Axl's absolute astonishment.

Is he insane?!

However, he managed to collide with the attack and shatter the move that tore apart the mountain beneath him. Giant icicle shards flew everywhere as Scourge used the attack as a skating rink in order to reach them faster. He managed to break two of the blade-like icicles off and hold them as though they were swords.

He croaked in glee. "How sweet! How did you know impalement is my favorite type of killing?" He asked, reaching the bottom faster than any of them were prepared for.

He threw one of his swords with intense speed, nailing Norton through the knee into the ground. Norton hissed in agony as Axl watched with horror blood leak from the spot Scourge impaled him.

The brothers were less prepared, struggling to move from expending all of their energy. Taking advantage, Scourge swung his new weapon and tore Nikola's leg from his body, the appendage falling many ways away. Another swing took out his eye and the bear fell to the ground, almost bowing before Scourge.

Scourge raised the spear high. "Should switch the name to 'Sheer Stupidity', eh?" He laughed at his own joke. "Didn't even have to get my claws bloody, which is pretty nice because I might get a disease from all this blood I'm getting on me."

Before he could take a final swing, Sergei stepped in and parried Scourge's attack. Another swing saw Sergei scream in determination and shatter Scourge's spear with power that took the Toxicroak by surprise.

Axl wanted to jump in but gave it a second in order not to get in Sergei's way. He was shocked the bear could move as well as he could despite expending almost all of his energy as Scourge was blocking all of the powerful attacks with the back of his claws.

Purple veins were spreading across Sergei's body and his attacks slowly started to slow down, letting Scourge get the upper hand with glowing claws attacking the polar bear.

"I wasn't croaking for shits and giggles, you know." He said mid strike. "Every time I do, my poison becomes more potent to the point where even touch is fatal."

Mist sprouted from his mouth and Axl noticed Scourge's face had become a little grayish from the cold of the two brother's attack. Recognizing it as early signs of frostbite, Axl suddenly had an idea come to his mind as he ran in to help.

Scourge was now on top of Sergei, mauling him and leaving deep slashes into the Beartic's body. Sergei's eyes were wide in shock and defeat as he fell to his knees, the purple veins protruding even more powerfully from the gashes in his body.

Again, though, Scourge was interrupted right before the finishing blow.

"Water Gun!"

A jet of water struck Scourge in the face and forced him back a step.

"Water Gun? Didn't you evacuate all of the children-" He cut himself off with a hiss of pain as steam was coming from his face, causing him to stumble back as he grabbed at it.

Axl hopped in with a smirk, unaffected by the cold. "Sorry, I forgot it's called "Scald", now?" He said, his scalchop emitting a purple color. "Night Slash!"

He jumped at Scourge, ready to attack while the Toxicroak was grievously injured, but was caught off guard as Scourge attacked him powerfully with the back of his claw. Backed with the strength of an injured animal, Axl was flung yards back to the gate. His back hit a beam and spit flew out of his mouth as the wind evacuated his body.

Scourge pulled his hands from his face, looking murderous. "You took away my perfect victory. Now I'll have to do this all over again!" He growled, annoyed. Skin was peeled from his face, still producing smoke and his claws emitted a glow again before they stopped, and his eyes widened in surprise.

Axl was on his feet and faced him. Although…something felt severely off. His lungs hurt, sure, and although he didn't feel poisoned, he still felt different somehow. Almost as if he was naked.

Sergei's eyes were also widened in disbelief as they lay on Axl, making Axl's blood grow cold as he realized the issue.

His scarf had fallen off from the attack.

Suddenly, everything fell into a panic for Axl. Nothing mattered to him anymore, not the battle or his comrades or the village behind him. Memories of Hisui Bay, the orphanage, the bullying, the torture and punishment he had to endure being a Hazaranmon pulsated in his head, and he was almost hyperventilating as he couldn't find the one thing that protected his secret.

He turned his back in his blind panic, oblivious to all of his surroundings in a desperate attempt to find his scarf.

Sergei struggled as he was on the ground now. "Axl, you idiot!"

Scourge shook out of his head and charged towards the otter, ready to pierce his heart. Norton, meanwhile, had watched the scene and formed an idea. Reaching into his satchel, he pulled out two light blue stones and threw one right in between his guildmate and Scourge.

A light blue light glowed brightly for a moment.

Axl breathed a sigh of relief as he had found his scarf and wrapped it securely back around his neck. New panic spread towards him as he thought of the battle, and he whipped his head around to a sight that made his body almost lose all of the life in it.

Norton was now in front of him, having used the Teleportation Stone to get in between him and Scourge. The price was steep, though, as Scourge's claw had pierced his chest, the tip of it resting inches from Axl's face. Norton had his paws gripped around Scourge's arm as blood was leaking from his mouth.

Axl's eyes stung with tears as he realized what happened. "No…"

Scourge seemed a lot happier again. "If it helps, kid, you were all going to die anyway. A really sweet memento if nothing else." He told him with a sneer. "Say, you have a future widow I can give your heart to when I rip it out? "

Norton was surprisingly nonchalant, however. "How about you keep it for now. I have the feeling we will be seeing each other in a few seconds anyway." With no explanation, Norton used phenomenal strength to break Scourge's arm that pierced him, making the Toxicroak shriek in pain.

Screaming, Norton's outline exploded into a purple aura that encased his body. "Giga Impact!" He shouted. The energy was strong, and Scourge was flinching from the impact as the round cracked underneath him.

Still, the Toxicroak tried to play it off. "A trump card? Or your dying breath?" He asked, bracing from the power.

However, Norton screamed again, and veins were protruding from his body as every ounce of concentration has focused in on his energy. The purple aura was shrinking and fitted itself into a ball around his closed fist. Orange-yellow streaks started to glide around it and Norton's fist was shaking from the pure energy it was taking to hold the compressed energy. The ground was now falling apart underneath Norton and the other three flinched from the wind that was gusting from the ball of energy in Norton's attack.

Norton met Scourge's eyes. "The last laugh." He replied, sending his fist careening into Scourge's face. The Toxicroak's body was flown from Norton's, pulling out the claw that was keeping the deputy alive, but sending Scourge through the hard as diamond icicle mass and into the cliff, destroying both and leaving the Toxicroak to fall under the debris. The force of the impact made Axl fall and skid many yards away, holding on to his scarf protectively.

Norton breathed heavily, his wound gushing too much blood for him to live much longer. But the damage had been done. For a moment, disbelief hung in the air as one of the rocks from the debris was thrown in the air and Scourge popped up. However, he wasn't the same.

Half of his face was blown off and a chunk of his shoulder was missing, leaving his eye twitching in fury as he shambled out of his hole.

Axl saw his fuse blow as Norton met Scourge in the eyes and gave him a satisfied grin, enraging the Toxicroak to a murderous bloodlust as the Pangoro fell forward. He was dead before he hit the ground, but the proud smile never left his face as he managed to die peacefully.

Axl was on his knees, disbelief and shame washing over him like a wave. Norton was dead. His deputy that had done everything for the guild and the city was dead.

And it was Axl's fault.

His vision went blurry and started to spin out as his overwhelmed state was starting to take over. His last spots of vision were dark figures standing in front of him before every sense fell silent.

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Axl stared in desolate silence at the two guilds all gathered back in the basement of the Peridot City Guild. It had been only hours after the battle with Scourge and Erik and Norton's bodies lay on the ground in the middle of the room, blankets covering both bodies surrounded by all but two of the guild members.

Bendy was stabilized but left permanently disfigured, apparently Scourge had managed to tear out the two protrusions in the Drapion's face. Nikola remained in critical condition and was most likely never going to battle again regardless of if he survived or not.

Nero sat by his deputies' body; a brace wrapped around his own. He had suffered an irreparable back injury that had left him with a permanent limp. While he could still battle per say, he was never going to be the same monster he was beforehand. For an injury that would have permanently crippled anyone else, nay maybe kill them, he was doing okay otherwise.

Scourge had ended up captured by Guildmaster Finnegan, weakened from Norton's final blow; he was no match for the abnormally strong Guildmaster. It bothered Axl to see him get credit despite Norton having landed the powerful blow, but he didn't remember any of what happened when Guildmaster Finnegan got there to really comment on it.

Currently they were waiting for Nero to speak and announce a new deputy. Axl had heard it was custom to name a new deputy before midnight of the day one died or became leader, a rule that also didn't make a lot of sense to the otter.

"I saw everything, you know." A low grumble startled Axl and he recognized Sergei's voice, sitting next to him but facing away from the group towards the far wall. The Beartic had surprisingly healed fairly quickly for the injuries he suffered.

Axl's eyes shifted away in shame. "I didn't mean any of this." He said weakly, clutching his scarf.

"Your secret cost him his life and almost everyone else's as well." He said it quietly, but calm rage was hidden beneath it. Axl was going to say something, but everything that popped to his head sounded pathetic.

Besides, he wasn't prepared for what Sergei had to say next.

"Nero wants to make you the deputy." When Axl blinked stupidly, Sergei continued. "I overheard him tell Fillip. You know, before I saw what I did today, I would have proudly followed you. But now…"

Axl's heart sank at Sergei's words. "Sergei, you don't have to leave the guild."

Sergei didn't take the breath. "I'm not, you are." He said, catching the otter by surprise again. "You showed your true colors today, the guild needs better than someone as selfish as you, Axl."

His words hurt more than Scourge's claws and he flinched at the sharp words.

"Sergei…"

"You will leave this guild when Nero offers you the position, and never show your face around here again. Otherwise, I will spread your secret to every soul in the city. You and your mother will never know peace again and I will make sure of that."

Axl's heart tore open as he couldn't believe what Sergei was threatening him with. He started to shake, and his eyes started to sting as the reality was starting to sink into him.

"Please…"

Nero had already coughed and stood up. "Can I please have everyone's attention?" He called, making Sergei stand up and walk towards the door. Axl felt a ball of anxiety tighten in his chest as he realized what he was about to do.

All eyes were on Nero, who was stuck in a wheelchair, staring dully at the body of his former deputy. "A new deputy must be named." He said. "But not without giving a final thanks to Deputy Norton Black, who served the Amethyst City Justice Guild before some of you were even born. Without him, I'm not sure if Fillip and the others would have caught up to Scourge in time. And while we are at it, let us also remember the life of Erik Liefson, who died defiantly in the face of Scourge."

Silence fell as the Pokemon gave a silent prayer for their fallen comrades.

"I have made my choice for the Pokemon to help lead our guild and for whom I have high hopes to succeed me one day."

Axl looked at Sergei. He glared back at the otter with a look so heated that Axl thought that it would burn a hole into him.

"Axl," Nero continued. "Will you succeed Norton and take his place as deputy of the guild?"

Surprised murmurs spread throughout the room as every eye lay on the bandaged Oshawott. He faintly heard Ceren give a small cheer while others seemed a little apprehensive. Axl would be by far the youngest deputy amongst the guilds, although his strength and bravery were years ahead of him.

Axl stood up, his breath in his throat strangling him as he got ready to reply to his Guildmaster. Pokemon were already starting to congratulate him and it felt as though his heart was being torn from his chest. He just wanted to run away from everything.

He took a giant gulp before he finally spoke. "I…can't." His voice was so tight from anxiety that it was barely a whisper.

"What was that lad, we can't hear you." The pride in Nero's voice made Axl flinch.

He clenched his fist before he found his voice. "I said I can't accept the position as deputy. I am resigning my position as a guild member."

A dead silence fell among everyone at his words that felt like an eternity for Axl.

Nero cleared his throat, releasing him from the tension. "What are you talking about, son?" He sounded hurt and very tired at the moment, making it that much worse.

Axl thought about going back on his word and accepting the position, regardless of what Sergei would do. This was his dream, this guild saved him from the darkness that was his life. The thought of leaving was absolutely unbearable.

…

But so was going back to a life where he was harshly treated for something out of his control. Even worse, he couldn't bear the thought of Frankie having to deal with the same because of him.

Instead, he took a deep breath and swallowed any emotion he had. "What I'm saying, old man, is that I'm out." He went on, erasing any negative emotion and keeping his nonchalant tone. "This battle showed me I'm not cut out for this life. I think I want to pursue other careers, something that won't get me killed."

Shocked gasps echoed in the room and Axl bravely stared back at the glares of contempt he was receiving from his guildmates, with Ceren's eyes wide in disbelief.

Nero seemed too stunned to speak. "Well-"

"THAT'S BULLCRAP!" Axl saw it coming but made no effort to block Ceren's strike as the Sandslash struck Axl in the face and sent him to the ground, having to be restrained by Deputy Paulson from attacking Axl further. "THIS ISN'T THE TIME FOR STUPID JOKES, AXL! OUR DEPUTY IS DEAD AND YOU'RE SPROUTING THIS NONSENSE! ARE YOU STUPID?"

Axl got up and brushed himself off. "This isn't a joke, Ceren. I've been thinking about this for a while. I don't want to risk my life anymore, it's scary." He couldn't meet his best friend's eyes as Ceren was leaking tears of betrayal.

"You son of a-" His cracking voice was cut off by a deeper voice.

"Enough, son." Nero's voice was unreadable, and he stared at Axl, trying to figure him out. "Are you sure about this?"

Axl met his gaze, wanting to scream 'no'. "Yes, pops." He said, his head held defiantly.

Nero nodded, looking away from Axl. "Very well, you are dismissed. Please leave and do not return, Axl Ingrassio." He ordered, staring at the wall in a dazed state.

Axl felt the heat of everyone's stare at him and he stared straight ahead as he headed for the stairs that led out of the guild. On his way out, he passed Sergei and met his gaze once more.

Sergei's nasty glare never faltered. "Do not forget your promise, coward." He said in a voice that was barely a whisper. Axl's eyes stung and he hurried out of the room, starting into a run once he was out of sight from everyone.

He burst out of the guild and ran until his lungs were burning in pain. The stinging in his eyes was becoming unbearable.

Why..

He thought of his life at Hisui Bay, the torture he endured there. He faintly remembered his mother, and her dying breath as the cold took her from him.

Why…

As he ran into an alleyway, he pressed against a wall as his chest heaved, now thinking of his life at the orphanage. The taunts about his mark, the beatings he received from Gretta and the children, waiting every day for him to show up.

Why…

He fell down into a seat, his head falling into his hands. He thought of the wonderful last years he spent with the guild. He thought of the friends he had made, the adventures he had been on, the Pokemon he had saved and how proud he had made both Frankie and Nero.

He raised his head, tears falling like a torrent as they dropped in his lap. "Why is my life so fucking cursed!" He wailed, breaking down into sobs as he screamed at the sky, wondering if anyone was listening…

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Erin had her hands over her mouth in sympathy as tears were falling down her face now, having heard Axl's backstory. She never would have guessed the easygoing otter had such a terrible life.

Axl had his head leaning against the wall, staring aimlessly at the opposite one from them. He was calm and collected but didn't wear his usual cocky grin.

He raised a brow at her in playfulness. "There you go. I was being honest; I am nothing but a coward at the end of the day. I'm sorry to disappoint-" He was cut off as he was suddenly brought into a massive hug from Erin. She felt him freeze and thought she crossed a line for a moment, before Axl very slowly returned her hug as well.

She felt her tears dry as they were absorbed in his fur. "I am so sorry, Axl." She whispered. "I'm sorry this world has been so cruel to you. You did nothing to deserve all the horrible things you did."

Axl scoffed, pulling away. "Hmph, it's what I get for being an afraid-"

"But you are so much more than that!" She shouted, catching him off guard. "You are brave, you are caring, and you are beyond anything then what's been shown to you. Regardless of what you think of yourself, I see someone who deserves to live a happy life just like anyone else."

She grabbed his hands and made sure to not let go of his gaze when their eyes met. "I know I'm weak, and selfish, and maybe a little naive, but one thing I am good at is keeping my promises. And I promise you, Axl, that I will change this world into one where you never have to be afraid of what you are ever again. I promise you that you will never be alone and will learn to truly love yourself for who you are. Right now there's a Pokemon upstairs just like you who needs our help, not just today but everyday until we can make that change. I can't do it alone, not without a partner."

Finally, Erin saw what she was trying to get from him from her first suspicions. The emotion where she knew he was being fully honest and ready to be true to himself again.

He was disarmed.

He seemed to realize this and looked away quickly, standing up in order to face the bars they were facing. He remained silent for a moment, almost as if he was surprised she didn't turn on him as well.

"Heh, you really are naive, huh?" He said, making Erin want to groan at his stubbornness. Suddenly, though, he reared back and struck the bars with his scalchop, grunting as he used every ounce of his raw power to break apart some of the metal pipes. It wasn't a large hole, but lucky for them that they were small Pokemon. The old, rusted out pipes were no match for a Pokemon as powerful as Amethyst City's Phenom.

"Although, I think that's always been one of your more charming qualities. I'd be honored to be partners with Peridot City's Finest." He turned his head and met her with a smile. This was a different smile than Erin was used to, though, there was no cockiness, playfulness, or hint of mischief in it at all.

It was a genuine, happy smile on Axl's face that had been hidden for Arceus only knew how long.

…and dammit, if it wasn't the cutest thing Erin had ever seen.

She blushed and nodded, jumping to her feet. "I'm assuming you have a plan?" She asked, wiping her eyes.

Axl's smile turned to that grin she had been accustomed to. "You know it." He said, and Erin could see the confidence returning to him. He rubbed his arm that had been broken from earlier, but the medicine Max had given him had freed him from any pain from the time being.

She clenched her fists, ready for round two. "Let's go save our friend!"