Oh man…
We are so fucking back. :D
Chapter 1: Plague Rising
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Cold gripped the farmlands, fields and moorland like an icy claw. Frost covered everything, from the grey old building, to the massive grey wall that pressed up against the farmland, and the hundreds of bodies that littered the ground.
Nothing broke the silence of the sad land except for the occasional ominous bell ringing from somewhere beyond the wall and the faint wails of dying Pokémon taking their last breaths. Even the murmur of the river that once rushed the wall was hushed by the scene, accompanied with a thin layer of ice that stretched bank to bank.
There was a flicker of movement on a dirt path that looped around the farm and out into the deep stretch of wilderness. A black cloaked figure, his face covered with a traditional plague doctor mask of the same color, walked slowly through the parted path of corpses. Long, razor-sharp red claws poked out from the baggy sleeves he wore, gently slicing through the soft drifts with every step he took.
The mysterious figure trudged along the path until it brought him to the moor that overlooked the farmland, and he drew level with the top of the grey wall still not far. With a squint, he could see the imposing form of a castle that stood tall on an opposite bluff, built almost over the river that ran through the kingdom.
A narrow roof poked from the top of the ice covered castle, with the building much wider than the triangle shaped roof, almost resembling an old gothic church of sorts. A sea of stunted, colorless houses and other buildings lay in between the cloaked figure and the castle.
Taking another glance of the separate sea of bodies, the figure shook his head. "How tragic…" He murmured to himself, before turning and disappearing behind the snow-covered boughs of the wildlife that lay before him.
Behind him, now exposed from the height of the moor that the figure once stood on was a beautiful village that contrasted greatly with the grave sight outside the walls. Hundreds of buildings stood between the wall and the massive castle, all lightly dusted with a recent snowfall.
A sun that peeked out from the mountain range not too far in the distance, illuminated the white snow on the walls, signaling a new day. Various murmurs welcomed the new day, filled with either the normal bustle of everyday life or doom and gloom depending on the district you found yourself in.
The Kingdom of Storms, as it was known on the island of Kansai, was named for its position inside of a surrounding tundra and known as the heart of the region. Built upon a large bluff, a generous view of snow-covered forest, mountains and icy rivers was an everyday treat for any curious eyes. It also made for a nice, simple and harsh life for its citizens.
On the lower level, many coughing Pokemon littered the street with many wondering if the day was going to be their last on earth. Built along a bridge that overlooked the river that ran alongside the bluff, many merchants and markets got ready to open the day to whoever was well enough to buy.
Further up the bluff on the middle level, many houses and halls decorated the land, with far further sick Pokemon decorating the streets. However, the empty roads were also a product of the strong winds that viciously blew, making even the stones shudder.
Finally, our story takes us to the great castle located atop the bluff that the kingdom was built on, its narrowed rooftop seeming to kiss the clouds as it reached for the sky. Climbing up the stairs from the middle district to reach the beautiful palace that watched over the kingdom, a bridge that resembled the rib cage and bones of an ancient creature gave a pathway for the river that now sat many meters below.
Inside, the interior was just as beautiful as the exterior, with snake-like support beams holding up the massive ceiling and showing a clear path to the throne ahead. Stepping through them soon led to archways covered with ornate carvings, separating the entrance to the throne room where a massive table had been brought in front of the throne. It was built around a roaring fireplace, safely confined in between a deep pit.
Upstairs, on a balcony that overlooked the room, a Tyrogue ran up to the edge excitedly.
"Hurry!" He hissed quietly to another Pokemon, a Marill sneaking ungracefully in behind him.
"Have they started yet?" She asked worriedly, peering down at the table.
Both children were talking about the table built around a massive fireplace that worked with two chandeliers to light up the place. Four Pokemon quietly sat, waiting for their king to make their arrival. The lack of Pokemon made the table seem even bigger.
The Tyrogue shook his head. "Nah, I think King Chibbs is late as usual." He said, crossing his arms grumpily.
The Marill sighed in relief. "Phew, I can't believe we managed to sneak in. I wonder what they're going to talk about."
"Probably how to defend the castle from little troublemakers like yourselves."
Both kids froze at the sound of the amused voice from behind them, very cautiously turning to a Gardevoir in a brown apron stood against the wall. Placing the broom she was holding in her hands against the wall, she shook her head humorously at them.
"Aren't we the naughty ones?" She continued, not sounding accusing or worried whatsoever as she crouched to watch from their eye level. "Are you two from the higher level?"
After a moment of hesitation, they both nodded slowly, expecting her to kick them out for sneaking into the castle. As she made no such move, though, they slowly felt a little more comfortable.
"Well, then, let's keep this our little secret then, shall we?" She said, making them both sigh in relief at the kind maid.
The Tyrogue excitedly gripped the bars. "Is that really Alphonso Danforth, down there?" His voice was hushed, but full of admiration as he pointed to a Scizor that sat towards the end of the table furthest from their vantage point. "He's the greatest soldier of the King's Brigade!"
The Marill poked him good humouredly. "As if! Everyone knows Bailey Lennon is the coolest!" Her eyes drifted to the feminine, yet tough looking Heracross that sat next to the Scizor. "She's the king's head bodyguard, there's no greater honor."
The Tyrogue rolled his eyes. "Yeah, that's only because Alphonso is out doing the important missions." He retorted, irking his friend a little bit. "I couldn't be cooped up in this castle all day like that!"
"Wasn't it your idea to sneak in here?"
Before the young Tyrogue could retort, the Gardevoir interjected while containing a giggle at the two's antics.
Crouched between them with a grin on her face, she pointed out a Gallade on the table closest to them. "What about Adrian down there?" She asked them.
The Tyrogue cocked his head. "Uhh, who's that?" He asked, putting a finger to his chin.
The Gardevoir scooched closer. "Well, Adrian is the king's steward and helps make the king make very important decisions." She explained to the Tyrogue, who wasn't quite getting it. "His council is invaluable."
The Tyrogue sweatdropped. "That sounds pretty boring." He said bluntly, making the Gardevoir giggle at his antics.
The Marill narrowed her eyes at him. "That's because you were born with a Slowpoke brain." She jabbed at him.
"What was that, you endomorph?"
Before another fight could break out between the two, the Gardevoir interjected again. "Adrian is the face of nobility and honor for the Kingdom of Storms. A true gentleman." She said with a slight twinkle in her eyes.
As she was going on about the Gallade, said Pokemon turned to an Eldegoss that was seated next to him. "By the way, Stede, have you seen that gorgeous new maid that's been working here? I hope the King puts her in my quarters, because…"
As the Gallade started shamelessly vocalizing his fantasies to the uninterested grass-type, the Gardevoir could only listen with a face white in shock as she covered both children's ears tightly.
Before her dignity could be lost any further, the sound of what sounded like a stone door opening silenced any noise in the large room.
Heavy footsteps were approaching the table, and the four Pokémon immediately stood up and took a knee towards the back wall where a narrow path in the wall showcased a stairway.
The three Pokémon that hid on the balcony found themselves silenced as well, taking a gulp as the steps only drew closer.
Then, a massive Empoleon squeezed through the doorway, staring all of them down with one piercing, steel-blue eye. His other eye was permanently closed from a scar that ran across his face, accompanied by a few other scars on his face and body.
His body was covered by a tough looking fur coat that clung to his body by a gold chain hanging loosely around his chest, connected by two gold medallions.
His expression was unreadable as he slowly made his way to an intricately carved wooden chair that was noticeably bigger than the others sat on. Resting a flipper on one of the arm rests, he rested his head on the other as he propped his up.
Once he was settled, Alphonso took his seat as well while Bailey and Adrian stood at their respective sides next to the king's chair.
Stede made his in front of the fireplace that the table encircled, directly under the glare of his majesty. "I appreciate you for taking time to hear me out, King Chibbs." He said respectfully.
When the king spoke, it was deep with his own respect for the Eldegoss. "So, I am told you have an update regarding our plague. You wanted a council?" He spoke evenly.
Stede dipped his head. "Yes my lord, as you know the plague has killed around twenty five percent of our population, a number that continues to go up everyday." His voice was young sounding, although strong as he spoke without fear to his king. "I fear our supply of feverfew is running short and if we don't take action quickly, we will have no way of curing anyone."
The Tyrogue turned to the other two. "What's 'feverfew'?" He whispered, cocking his head.
"It's a main ingredient used in treating the plague." The Gardevoir whispered back, looking troubled.
However, her look was nothing compared to King Chibbs who rubbed his head. "Arceus, Adrian was right. We shouldn't have used as much as we had so quickly." He sounded aggravated, although at no one in particular.
Bailey spoke next. "My lord, we need that feverfew if the kingdom is to survive." She persisted, stepping forward. "We had no choice but to use what we had. The was in immediate-"
She was cut off by Adrian, who rolled his eyes. "And yet we've lost thousands regardless." He retorted, crossing his arms. "As far as we are concerned, it has barely reached the second level of the kingdom, we could just let it wipe the lower level and-"
"Enough."
It was one word, but it rang with such power that even the fire behind Stede quivered for half a moment. King Chibbs had spoken before Adrian could continue and say something regrettable.
He glared at the Gallade. "I will not stand idly by as this plague destroys our kingdom and kills my people." He said, clutching his arm rest a bit harder. "Stede, continue now."
The Marill looked terrified as she took a step back. "T-they wouldn't actually consider the lower level being wiper, would they?" She sounded on the verge of tears as fear gripped her voice. "So much of my family lives down there."
The Tyrogue held his hands up. "I'm sure King Chibbs would never let that happen." He reassured his friend, sounding anxious himself.
The Gardevoir looked equally as upset. "The audacity." She said quietly as she gripped the guard rails. "Does he not understand how many Pokémon still live down there? How can anyone be that heartless?"
"No worries, my big bro is too kind hearted to let anything like that happen."
All three whipped their heads to the side and their eyes comically popped out of their eyes as a plump Prinlup stood next to them, eating sardines straight out of a can.
The Gardevoir could barely speak. "P-prince Gordon?" She stuttered before dipping her head respectfully.
The Marill was blushing, holding her cheeks. "I'm actually meeting the prince in person." She gushed, starting to fix her fur.
The Tyrogue crossed his arms in jealousy. "Pft…" He scoffed, earning a hit over his head.
Gordon scratched his behind as he munched messily on his snack. "Kaiser will think of something, I'm sure of it." He reassured them, nonchalantly going back to eating with the same hand.
Back to the meeting beneath, Stede was clearing his throat. "Right, well, feverfew can only grow in direct sunlight where the rays are harshest. The only spot we've been able to pick from is the shoreline where the sun rises." He continued. "I do have one, although marginally small, possibility…"
Alphonso, who had remained still as stone, suddenly spoke. "A patch could be growing on the shore where the sun sets, right?" He asked as Stede was trailing off.
The Eldegoss nodded slowly. "Yes, the trip would require going through the Crying Mountain and deep into the Oni Forest where Oni still roam. It would almost certainly require a team of powerful Pokemon to get through."
The Tyrogue's eyes widened. "Oni?" He yelped, just quiet enough to not be heard from down below. "Those terrible creatures that eat Pokemon?"
The Marill also looked terrified. "My mom says they used to be Pokemon themselves before a powerful curse turned them into evil demons." She said quietly, gripping the Tyrogue's arm in fear.
King Chibbs had his eyes closed, deep in thought. "Even if we were to assemble a team powerful enough to make this journey, how positive are you that feverfew will grow on that side of the shore?''
"...I am unsure, my lord."
Adrian snorted. "Then why did you waste our time with this council to give us this news?"
Stede sighed. "All twenty doctors have contracted the plague." He said, almost as if he was dreading breaking the news. Sure enough, the others immediately straightened with added concern at this bit of news.
Alphonso looked the least surprised, albeit still pretty stunned. "It makes sense, they're in constant contact with the disease more than anyone. It's a miracle we haven't lost any of them thus far." He said, his voice remaining still as he spoke. "If they were to perish though, there wouldn't be saving any of us."
Bailey stepped forward. "Stede, how much longer do they have to live?"
Stede looked even more troubled as he spoke. "We still don't know many of the ins and outs of this disease, Bailey. What we know is that those who die, die an agonizing death from overheating. It's a fever even fire types cannot stand. We still cannot determine the cause, nor the exact range of life expectancy." He told her, before squeezing his eyes shut. "But, I have not seen anyone live past ten days after contracting it."
"How long would this theoretical journey take?"
"Assuming they manage to get through the forest without running into an oni, five days total."
A sudden silence fell over the room, where all Pokemon seemed to be at a loss as to what to do.
Adrian finally had enough of the silence, and stepped forward. "My lord, if you would please hear me out." He said angrily, standing beside Stede. "At this point, we need to consider the possibility of cutting off the lower level to ensure the safety of both the middle and higher levels. Sending troops out into the wild for a cure that may not even be there is just going to put us more at risk. Even if it is, will it last us six to eight weeks for another batch to grow at our own shore?"
Bailey looked irate. "You coward-"
However, Adrian was quick to cut her off again. "Is the gamble of saving a thousand lives worth the risk of the destruction of our entire kingdom? One way or another, we are looking at a massive loss, the question is will this plague be known as a pandemic or an extinction?"
Bailey was going to retort, but bit her tongue as she didn't know how to respond to that.
Seeing he had complete control of the floor, Adrian stepped forward. "My lord, every minute we waste, we put thousands more at risk by leaving the door to the lower level wide open. You claimed you would not sit by and watch your people die, yet that is all we will do while we wait for this suicide mission to be carried out."
Back at the top of the balcony, three sets of eyes in disbelief and one in boredom watched the Gallade speak in horrified silence. Yet, it was the King's silence that remained the loudest in the room as he didn't bother to tell the Gallade off this time.
Gordon looked sadly in his can of sardines before lazily chucking them away. "I don't know why everyone is so worried, it's not like it's going to reach up here or anything." He said, scratching his head. "Besides, if they're dying because of the heat, why don't they just step outside in the wind?"
The other three could only stare at him, mouths agape at his sheer stupidity.
Below, Alphonso once again spoke. "There's one important factor you're missing out on here, Adrian." He said, standing up. "If the twenty doctors die, all it is going to take is one missed Pokemon to start spreading disease to kill us at our most vulnerable. I hold endless respect for Stede's capabilities as a doctor, but he's mortal like us all. We cannot put all of that on him."
Stede dipped his head, acknowledging his friend.
Taking the floor now while Adrian and Stede went back to their previous spots, Alphonso started to speakr. "If this trip were to happen, I would need to go. As it stands, I might be the only available option\, my lord. There isn't anyone else capable of defeating multiple oni in our army. However, there is one issue with me taking a squadron."
King Chibbs looked up at his soldier. "I suppose you mean the ongoing feud between the Rainbow Wing and Silver Wing?" He said.
Alphonso nodded. "We still stand on neutral ground despite being located almost directly in the middle of those two territories, but the Crying Mountain currently is under the control of the Rainbow Wing. Bringing a squadron of soldiers unannounced into another Kingdom's territory may send the wrong message. The Rainbow Wing isn't exactly known for being a 'talk-first' army."
Bailey stared at him. "Surely if you're at the helm, they might be willing to listen?"
Alphonso shrugged. "Would you feel at ease seeing a group of soldiers wandering into your territory regardless of who is at the lead?" He pointed out. "Getting a message to them may take the whole five days alone. As crazy as it might sound, if we were to do this, we might be better off sending citizens to come with me instead, they may be more willing to listen if they see less threatening looking Pokemon."
King Chibbs raised a brow. "Citizens? Surely you cannot be serious." He said, although sounding more interested than dismissive.
Alphonso stared evenly back at his king. "If it means not having to let a thousand innocent lives die just to save our own, it's a risk I recommend we at least discuss. Otherwise, I will personally shut myself off in the lower level and perish with the citizens I swore to protect." As he said this, he held his claw up to his chest in a salute, as though he were reciting his duties to the people.
Everyone's jaws dropped at his words save for King Chibbs, who dipped his head in respect.
"I honor your courage and commitment to the kingdom, Alphonso, and I would like to discuss this idea further."
Adrian, who had a vein popping in his head, stared back. "We surely cannot be seriously sending VILLAGERS into a mission this dangerous? For Arceus sake, my lord, we are risking everything on a theory and fear." He had his arms open wide in disbelief. "The selection process alone could take time, as well as determining compensation. This isn't some sort of game."
Then, from out of nowhere, Gordon jumped up on the ledge of the balcony. "THAT'S IT!" He shouted in his shrill voice, startling everyone in the room.
Without a second thought, he jumped from the balcony to reach the floor, startling the Pokemon even further.
So lost in shock, the Tyrogue didn't even comprehend the fact that Gordon had just gotten them caught. "No way he just jumped off that!" He exclaimed.
Even the Gardevoir was standing up. "He's going to either hurt or kill himself." She said.
The Marill had the dreamy look in her eyes again. "He's like a superhero." She gushed, holding her hands up to her cheeks.
And for a moment, everyone was sure that the chubby Prinplup would land like one with the pure confidence he exuberated in his jump. On their toes as he approached the ground at a high velocity, everyone got ready for his dramatic entrance…
…
Only to watch him land like a flat piece of wood on the floor at mach speed.
Everyone winced, but the Prinplup popped immediately back up like nothing happened. Waddling up to the spot the speakers had spoken, he cleared his throat.
"Brother, I know how we can choose our contestants. A tournament or game of sorts!" When King Chibbs raised a brow in annoyance, Gordon continued. "Well, Stede is always needing minerals at the barrow not far from here? I know it's got oni as well as bandits inside, so will be able to test their real world quicker."
For a moment, disbelief silenced the room before Alphonso scratched his chin. "Intriguing….I suppose that would be an efficient way of testing them." He turned around almost as though gears were turning. "I reckon we should bring only four so as to not attract any attention and avoid as little contact as possible. If multiple pass this test, we could have them duke it out in a tournament."
Bailey suddenly looked interested as well. "I could have a draft finished by nightfall, if we get a crowd by mid afternoon and have an hour time limit, we might just be able to get the patrol out by the end of the day! We'd still have eight days to spare."
Adrian said nothing, but looked mildly disappointed in his acquaintances.
King Chibs, meanwhile, heaved a sigh as he placed his flipper on his head. "I'm not sure if I should be more annoyed that you interrupted our council, or that you were the one with this brilliant idea." His voice was marginally more lighthearted. "Very well, brother, we will try your plan. Tomorrow, we shall hold you little game ...and may Arceus bless our path."
Gordon grinned cockily up at his brother before turning with a weird thumbs up motion with one of his flippers towards the Pokemon on the balcony. All four Pokemon in the council turned their heads in confusion, making the Tyrogue and Marill flee while the Gardevoir froze in fear.
Instead of calling out the weird scene, however, King Chibbs suddenly called for Adrian. "By the way…I want Noah Nightingale to be involved in this game." The sudden good feeling noise turned to a stillness at the name that came out of their King's mouth.
Bailey was the first to speak. "My lord, with all due respect, you cannot be serious. He murdered a fellow soldier in cold blood, he must ever be released." She urged him.
"If anything, we need to speed up his execution." Adrian agreed, nodding his head.
"Ah, but on the contrary, he knows the area better than anyone and has strength comparable to yours." King Chibbs said, looking at Bailey. "He may have a little motivation as well, after his little brother was killed by the plague."
Adrian turned his body. "And that's grand, now if only he had a heart, he would be the best candidate for the job." He retorted. "But who's to say he just won't escape."
King Chibbs wasn't affected by the slight outburst. "He turned himself in knowing better than anyone the consequences of his actions." He replied. "Besides, as a former member of our army, I don't imagine he'll be escaping to enemy territory."
The sound of a chair scuffing suddenly echoed, and the three turned to see that Alphonso had stood up and started walking away from the group to his quarters.
Before he could get too far, King Chibs held a flipper up as if to stop him. "Well…what say you, Alphonso. It's only fair for you to have the call on this… he was your protege." He said.
Alphonso paused for a moment, as though deciding to answer. "Sure….whatever serves best for the kingdom, my lord." He eventually said, before continuing to move on to his quarters.
Satisfied, King Chibbs returned to his previously assumed position. "Good." He said, before sweat dropping suddenly. "And now…the compensation."
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And it is said.
In the coldest month of the year, King Kaiser Chibbs signed a degree or something.
Greetings
At high noon, we will be hosting a tournament to determine four brave warriors to save the kingdom.
The King has found medicine far beyond the Crying Mountain. If you can survive the trials, you will be given the honor of serving the Kingdom of Storms.
Should one be successful in the journey, their bravery will be rewarded handsomely.
Firstly. The King has ordered the structure of four beautiful houses in the Higher Level, one for each hero.
Next, a payout of 100,000,000 poke will be given to each Pokémon.
And, any crime of theft and lower will be forgiven and pardoned.
Lastly, the king is willing to grant one wish within reasonable and moral boundaries.
Any hero shall become an honorary citizen, and will be an individual of both recognition and prestige.
We'll be seeing you.
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No break next week, Chapter 2 will release on Jan.10
Well, there we (finally) are.
I hope everyone enjoyed it. I think I am going to start talking down here more. Easier than reformatting the top. XD
I'll start thinking of quippier things to say, other than I saw a new episode of SpongeBob the other night and sweet Jesus it was terrifying. It's like the creators of Flapjack bought the show. XD
Hope everyone had a safe and Happy New Year!
0Catch you later 0
Scar