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In the beginning, Aurumus was a barren land.
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The threat of hunger loomed as high as the threat of conflict.
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To form a kingdom there was to court disaster.
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But Meloetta would not accept defeat.
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Cheerful laughter echoed through the air as Mienfoo Gregorian and Scraggy Ardi dashed ahead of the group. Cinccino Vii's scolding fell on deaf ears and the rest of the class soon followed suit. Resigned, the older mon let out a sigh. Her expression shifted into a smile as she joined the chase.
Up ahead, the two raced up a winding stairway, darting through a long and narrow alleyway squeezed between two tall buildings. They emerged into the bright morning sunlight, stepping onto a lofty balcony that revealed a breathtaking view below.
Mienfoo felt the breeze rustle through his fur, leaving it damp. His eyes gleamed with excitement as he gazed down at the expansive reservoir below. The vast lake, bright and clear, formed a perfect half-circle.
Surrounding the curved shoreline, thousands of Pokémon had gathered, buzzing with anticipation. Hundreds of rafts were tethered along the edge. Many were already filled with contestants, eager to compete.
"Ah~ the joys of youth…" A voice caught the boy's attention. He turned his head, looking at the old mon that shared the balcony.
It was an elderly Carracosta, hunched forward with both fins grasping the knob of a wooden cane. There were cracks in the turtle's stony chin, from which thin white hairs poked out. The elder smiled down at the pair.
"Oh," Mienfoo said, scratching behind his ear nervously. "Hi there…" He glanced over at Scraggy, who had grasped both hands around the balcony's railing and was roaring with excitement. Then, his attention snapped to the dozen other children that were just now catching up to them. "We -um, didn't mean to intrude…"
The elder beamed down at the growing crowd, chuckling to himself. "Nonsense, boy."
A final pair of footsteps echoed through the conjoining alleyway as their teacher happened upon the scene, smiling like a child. She clapped her hands together, trying to draw the attention of the class away from the scene below and back to her. "Alright everyone," she said in a loud, teacherly tone. "It's time we-" She paused mid-sentence as her gaze fell upon the old turtle. Her jaw dropped. "Holy Arceus! That's-"
Sir Carracosta Petrus
Seated Knight of Her Majesty's Round Table
"I'M SO SORRY!" she roared, running forward to bow before the knight. "KIDS! Show some respect to the Seated Knight!"
The Carracosta smiled, his fins grasped tightly on his cane. "That's quite alright, young miss. I do enjoy seeing the children's passion."
Mienfoo raised a brow at the sight of the old turtle. He didn't know him by name, but even he - a child coming from deep in the countryside - knew about the Queen's Round Table. The Round Table was the highest court in the land, consisting of seven individuals handpicked by Queen Meloetta herself. They were responsible for the well-being of its mun and the rule of law. Even the reputation of regular knights - who were held in great renown themselves - dwarfed in comparison.
Beside Mienfoo, Scraggy tilted his head in confusion – but mirrored Cinccino's action and bowed respectfully. Sir Carracosta looked down at him thoughtfully.
"Hmm," he said, patting the young lizard's head. His eyes drifted from him to Mienfoo, then back to Scraggy. "You are Scraggy Ardi, aren't you? One of Olga's nephews."
Scraggy perked up immediately, shouting happily. "AUNTIE OLGA!"
The elderly mon shook his head. "I heard you and your friend got into a scuffle the other night." His tone was laced with a mixture of disappointment and kindness. "She was very upset, you see."
Mienfoo gulped, lowering his head in shame. He clenched his fists. "I'm sorry," he said sadly. "I didn't mean to make her sad."
"I wouldn't describe it as sad," he said, scratching the thin white hair that poked out of the cracks in his stony chin. "But don't worry, we talked that temper of hers down." He chuckled. "…hmm?"
It was subtle, but Mienfoo thought he'd noticed the turtle's smile waver. A look of… annoyance? It was as if he'd noticed something that no one else had. Something which caused him frustration. His smile returned almost as soon as it had wavered, filled with both warmth and confidence.
"Unfortunately," he continued calmly, "we do have a lot more on our plate than usual these days. What with the tournament and all."
Mienfoo's hair stood on end as he felt a surge of something suddenly emanate from the elder. It wasn't threatening per say - at least not towards him - but whatever it was… it was MASSIVE. Like nothing he'd ever experienced before. He leapt backwards, extending his claws and brandishing his arms in a defensive stance.
Scraggy and the others looked back at Mienfoo in confusion. Sir Carracosta, however, looked down at him with sudden interest.
"Oh?" he said. "You felt that?" He stepped towards the trembling Mienfoo and pat him on the head gently. "I apologize, I didn't mean to frighten you." Mienfoo looked up at him uncertainly. "I was multi-tasking… there was a bit of a disagreement down there I had to quiet down."
He looked Mienfoo in the eye, scratching his chin. "Still… I thought I hid it well. You must be quite perceptive, little one."
The sea of mun below the balcony rippled with tumultuous chaos.
Mienfoo gulped, looking at the confused gazes of Cinccino and his classmates. Then, he looked up at the apologetic expression of the Carracosta. His cheeks flared red and he retracted his claws. "I…" he replied slowly. "I see." He suddenly bowed his head. "I'm sorry to overreact!"
The elderly Carracosta was clearly taken aback by his response. He raised both fins, waving them in the air in front of him. "Overreact!? No, no it's not that at -"
*CLAP*
Cinccino Vii silenced the balcony with a clap of her paws. "Alright children," she said loudly to the class. "Sir Carracosta is a busy mon. We should get down there and get you all checked in right away!"
The crowd of children cheered all at once, following her direction as she ushered them down a nearby stairway. Cinccino set a hand on Mienfoo's shoulder as she passed by him, shooting him a smile.
"R-right…" the mustelid replied with a nod, turning to shoot an apologetic look back at the turtle. The Carracosta chuckled, waving back at him.
Mienfoo hurried to catch up with the others, his mind racing with questions about Sir Carracosta and the strange pressure he had felt eminating from him. The knight's words echoed in his mind: "You must be quite perceptive, little one."
Perceptive? Him?
Scraggy nudged him playfully as they jogged down the stairs. "LESS GO! LESS GO!"
"Yeah…" Mienfoo murmured, his gaze drifting back to the balcony where the Carracosta still stood. The elder watched them descend, his cane resting against the railing. For a moment their eyes met. The turtle gave him a knowing nod. Mienfoo swallowed hard before turning his gaze back towards the path ahead. The roar of the crowd grew deafening as they reached the reservoir. He clenched his fists as he saw the lake ahead of him, his expression flooding with determination. Whatever lay ahead, he would face it head-on with Scraggy at his side.
Children laughed and frolicked about, many sporting bright life vests or inflated armbands. Many adults watched their antics with smiles, though more than a few were working hard to keep some semblance of order amidst the chaos.
Timburr Muffraw watched with his hands behind his head, whistling a tune. His younger brother stewed bitterly in front of him, watching the other children skipping about. The two were stepping down a lengthy line, slowly but steadily making progress.
The young Darumaka glanced up at his brother, whose gaze was elsewhere. The little fuzzball snickered mischievously, then tiptoed a few steps to the side. Finally, he turned and burst into a run.
"Nuh-uh." Timburr whipped his wooden axe off his back, thrusting it forward to hook Darumaka by the armpit and lift him into the air. The little boy's legs flailed uselessly in the air below him. "We need to check in, 'member?"
"But I wanna PLAAAAY!" his brother whined, making a vein bulge on Timburr's forehead. He retracted his axe, setting Darumaka down on the ground before him.
"Listen ya brat," Timburr pointed down at him angrily. "You wanna enter this thing, don't'cha?"
Darumaka crossed his arms, glancing over at a group of kids his age playing tag. He puffed out his cheeks. "Yeah… I guess…"
"Then you'll wait in line, a'ight?" The line moved forward, and he motioned with his hands for Darumaka to follow it. The boy grumbled but turned around and walked.
Timburr sighed, stepping forward as well. Connie had seen them off not long before, leaving the pair to begin their journey through the tournament alone. The elder brother stood tall with confidence, unbothered by neither the playful atmosphere nor the looming competition.
He smirked to himself. This was just like his apprenticeship back home – when he was faced with a challenge, he conquered it.
…
It took them some time, but eventually the pair found themselves at the front. A pair of tailors ushered them forward and immediately began taking measurements.
"The Keldeo path will involve exposure to bodies of water," a Lilligant spoke to them from behind a clipboard while the tailors wrapped measuring tape around various body parts. "For safety reasons, all contestants will be equipped with tools we have dubbed 'Floaties'."
"Floaties?" Timburr tilted his head and scowled. "I can swim just fine, thanks."
The Lilligant did not look up from her clipboard. "These floaties come in a variety of forms. Not all will hinder your ability to swim." The tailors stepped back from Timburr and Darumaka and moved towards a huge basket full of lifejackets, among other forms of safety devices.
"However, they are all infused with psychic energy. While worn, the Observation Committee will be able to track your location and wellbeing." One of the tailors pulled out a life vest and held it up, demonstrating it to the brothers.
"Additionally," the Lilligant continued, "when removed - " The tailor ripped a cord on the life vest and it immediately unbuckled before erupting in a pillar of purplish light. Within the pillar, the vest vanished in the tailor's arms. " – when removed, you will be teleported back to the starting line. This will also disqualify you from the tournament, however, so use this option carefully."
What the heck…? Timburr watched the pillar of light, his mouth agape in awe. Was that… psychic power? He'd heard about the abilities of Psychic types – mind reading, teleportation, telekinesis - but he'd never seen it in person before. It was like magic.
He didn't like magic.
"Yer…" he spoke uneasily, "gonna make us wear this stuff?"
The Lilligant looked up from her clipboard, looking him in the eye. "We take the safety of the participants VERY seriously, boy." Timburr felt a shiver run down his spine as she spoke, her words laced with an unexpected intensity. "The amount of planning that goes into the tournament surpasses your wildest imagination." She bent down, holding her head directly in front of his. "The Committees work hard to ensure your safety, so when we tell you this is for your own good – believe it."
Sweat dribbled down Timburr's forehead. "O… ok…"
She broke into a smile. "I'm glad you understand!"
...
Ultimately, Darumaka was given a bright blue lifejacket which he hopped around in joyfully, mostly happy to be free of the line. Timburr chose a more conspicuous 'floatie' – a simple ring that he looked at suspiciously. It looked and felt completely normal, and yet it held such a mysterious power. If he hadn't been told it was laced with psychic energy, there was no way he would have been able to tell. It was unsettling.
"Hey!"
Well, he thought with a sigh, clenching his hand into a fist, I guess if this is the cost of competing, so be it.
"Hey, friend!"
He smirked in determination. This tournament was just another challenge before him. He would see himself and his brother all the way to the end!
"TIMBURR, MY FRIEND!"
"Hu-" Timburr turned his head in the direction of the voice, only to leap back in surprise as he saw a Pansage grinning right in his face. "GAH!"
The monkey buckled forward in laughter. He cackled for a moment before straightening himself. "Apologies, apologies," he said, wiping tears from his eyes, "I didn't mean to scare you like that." He wore a black and white life vest with a high collar that made it resemble a suit, complete with a little bow tie. It combined with his finely combed grass-like hair to give him a high-class appearance.
"I WASN'T SCARED!" Timburr shot back at the monkey, who replied with a shit-eating grin. He stared him down for a moment, before giving up with an exasperated sigh. "What do you want…"
"Oh, no no no." Pansage wagged his finger in Timburr's face. "The question isn't what I want, friend." He motioned behind him, where a raft half full of Pokémon floated at the edge at the reservoir. "The question is – how can we mutually benefit each other?"
"What!?"
The monkey chuckled. "Clearly, the Keldeo Path involves using these boats in some manner," he explained with a slight gesture. "The way I see it, there is safety in numbers. There are different kinds of boats, but the largest of them seat six. I already have four companions, but I'm sure we can squeeze you and your brother in."
Timburr raised a brow, glancing back and forth between the monkey and the raft he was gesturing towards. He almost couldn't believe what he was hearing – this stuck up rich kid was actually extending him an invitation? The nobles back home would never so much as glance at someone like him!
"You want us…" he said in disbelief, "to join you?"
Pansage nodded. "But of course! We're friends, aren't we?"
There was a moment of silence as Timburr scanned the monkey's expression, looking for signs of mockery. As far as he could tell, Pansage seemed genuine. Timburr broke into a grin, extending his arm for a handshake. "Fine, we're in." He chuckled. "Just don't slow me down."
"I wouldn't dream of it!" The monkey beckoned the pair towards the boat.
Darumaka clambered into the boat with enthusiasm, bouncing around as the other Pokémon steadied themselves. Timburr followed more cautiously, his grip firm on his wooden axe as he eyed the group.
Pansage extended a hand to help Timburr in, flashing him a friendly grin. "Welcome aboard, friend! Stick with us, and we'll conquer this challenge together."
Timburr smirked, gripping the monkey's hand and pulling himself onto the raft. "We'll see about that. Just stay outta my way."
The other Pokémon in the boat – a buff-looking Watchog with a massive grin, a Karrablast that was humming to itself, and a mask-wearing Cinccino - each gave a quick nod or a greeting. It was an odd bunch, but Timburr had to admit that their raft seemed sturdier with a full team aboard.
"Alright, team!" Pansage clapped his hands together and pointed toward the expanse of water ahead. "The Keldeo Path awaits! Let's show everyone how it's done!"
A cheer rippled through the boat, and Timburr felt something unexpected. Excitement. He glanced at his brother, who was already laughing with the others. Then his gaze turned towards the expansive reservoir, and the vast course ahead.
This wasn't just another challenge, was it?
This was going to be fun.
"An atlas, a day's rations, a sleeping bag…"
Pawniard sat in the only seat of a tiny sailboat while Joltik dug through a storage compartment underneath. The steel-type was busy familiarizing herself with the mechanism that controlled the boat's sail – a length of cord attached to a reel hidden inside the boat. She wrapped the end of the cord around her forearm and tugged, watching as the sail in front of her turned accordingly. She relaxed her arm and the cord retracted inside the boat, turning the sail in the opposite direction.
"They're clearly preparing us for a journey," the tiny mite said from between her legs.
Pawniard wasn't paying attention. She was barely focusing on the sail for that matter.
The young mercenary's attention was drawn to the massive crowd of Pokémon that frolicked about the reservoir's shoreline. She scanned the gathering with keen eyes.
Pawniard was investigating her competition.
Most of the other contestants were harmless children, just in it to have fun. They probably weren't a threat, unlikely to even pass the first round.
But there were a few who were taking the competition seriously. One by one, her gaze fell upon these individuals with scrutiny. A Dewott that stood tall with seasoned confidence, likely from the famous Mustela clan. A wealthy-looking Pansage who was speaking with an oafish Timburr. A helmeted Togepi that was bullying the children around it. A Krokorok who… she couldn't quite place that one, but she could tell he was strong from a mere glance. A Frosslass which-
The hell!?
She froze as the ice-type felt her gaze and looked back at her with an expression that bored holes into her composed psyche. The killing intent that radiated from the Frosslass' gaze immediately put her on the defensive. Pawniard stood up and readied her blades, while the Frosslass opened a single hand and conjured a knife of solid ice. Through the crowd of unknowing Pokémon, their cold expressions conflicted like beams of destructive energy. Silently, they sized one another up.
It would be a fight to the death.
Pawniard felt like a cornered savage, prepared to go down swinging. She could cover the distance between them in a second, then feint to the left -
No, the Frosslass would see that coming and counter.
She could use the crowd to block her enemy's line of sight, waiting until-
Pointless, she would just mow straight through them.
Perhaps she could –
No, that wouldn't work either.
Were there any scenarios that didn't end in her death?
DON'T.
Both Pawniard and the Frosslass paused, their waves of killing intent instantly swept away by an ocean of pressure. The strange aura felt like an explosive sunrise, with overwhelming brightness that easily drowned out the killing intent from their diminutive lanterns. They both turned their gazes in the direction the aura had originated from:
An elderly Carracosta stood on a balcony at the edge of the harbor, balancing on a cane and smiling down at a group of children. Through his smile and his lax pose, he released a threatening pressure – targeted specifically at them. It was as if he was saying:
If you start fighting here, I'll drown you.
…
Overwhelmed, the two relented.
Their exchange ended a split second after it had begun. No one among the crowd had even noticed. Not even-
"Are you listening to me Pelagia!?" Joltik snapped up at her.
The sailboat rocked in the gentle waves. Pawniard looked down at Joltik, sweating with unease. "R-right," she replied, slowly sitting back down. "It's nothing. Sorry Jutta."
Joltik looked up at her with a doubtful expression but. After a moment, she rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Fine."
The elderly Carracosta stood atop the balcony, his observant gaze carefully scanning the waterfront below. Hundreds of energetic young Pokémon clambered aboard their rafts with unbridled excitement. The Keldeo Path had yet to begin, and already, the Seated Knight could tell that the crowds below were absolutely brimming with talent.
His eyes lingered on a particular group - watching as Mienfoo and his companions mixed into the sea of challengers below. A kind and reserved, yet determined and righteous young spirit. He carried himself with both uncertainty and purpose all at once. The boy had talent, no doubt – but there was still much growth to be had. Perhaps this tournament could help foster that growth?
He smiled knowingly.
A feminine voice, soft and patient, echoed in his head. Are you about ready, Petrus?
He let out a deep breath, adjusting his grip on his cane. That familiar weight of responsibility - a once in a decade sensation - was settling back into place. The very future of Aurumus rested in his fins.
A few more minutes, my queen.
Author Notes:
This chapter ended up longer than expected, so I split it into two parts.
The Frosslass that appears in this chapter is a cameo from Refrain From a Heathen's Hymn by SmilingPudding7753 - a fic you can find right here on . It's really good - I highly recommend checking it out! The character's name is Frozy, and she is a BEAST.